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The announcement will be made by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) at a press conference, a senior official said. The Supreme Courts earlier judgement in which it had restricted the use of crackers between 8 PM and 10 PM, had received mixed reviews from residents. While many welcomed the restrictions, others argued that it was too late for children to celebrate the festival. The clarification to change the timings came as a relief to many. In neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the Government has decided on a morning slot from 6 am to 7 am and an evening slot from 7 pm to 8 pm. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) police have busted a drug racket and arrested two Africans nationals and a software engineer. The cops also seized cocaine and ecstasy pills worth over Rs 1.50 crore which were allegedly supplied to parties and pubs by the accused. The accused are Faith Chuks alias Iwa (34) who hails from South Africa and Kante Henry (24) from Guinea, both of whom were residing in Kacharakanahalli. The third person is Pratheek Shetty (29), a resident of New Thippasandra, who hails from Mangaluru. City Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar told media on Friday that the CCB police gathered information about the dealers who were supplying drugs to parties held privately, pubs and discotheques of exclusive hotels. The police teams raided three places and seized 1.5 kgs of cocaine, 1,930 ecstasy tablets, a car, a two-wheeler and cash. The total worth of the seized items is `1.52 crore, he said. The Africans had come to India on student visas several years ago but did not complete their education. They are claiming that they got the drugs from Mumbai from their African friends but we have to investigate their claims, Kumar said, further stating that Faith Chuks was the kingpin of the racket. Pratheek Shetty, a BE graduate, has been working with a software company since the last two months. He knew the other accused for many years and introduced trustworthy customers to them, Kumar said. ACP (Crime) Alok Kumar said that the accused sold one gram of cocaine for Rs 8,000 and one ecstasy pill for Rs 1,500. Police have also come up with an idea of bringing the end users (drug addicts) together and educating them about the ill effects of drugs. We have planned an event on November 14 and will ask their parents to accompany them, Sunil Kumar said. Jayanthi Pawar By Express News Service CHENNAI: A 27-year-old woman allegedly delivered and abandoned a baby in the toilet of a private hospital at Choolaimedu in the wee hours of Friday. After a complaint from the hospital staff, police traced her and handed over the infant to her. Police sources said the woman who complained of stomach pain had visited the hospital along with her mother, brother and sister-in law around 12.40 am on Friday. The hospital staff had given her a pain killer injection after which she went to the rest room in the ground floor. As she failed to return even after 20 minutes, the womans mother went in search of her. After a while, the woman walked out of the toilet and claimed she was fine and the family returned home, said G Sivaramakrishnan, sub -inspector, Choolaimedu police station. It was around 4.30 am when a hospital staff on rounds heard a baby crying in the toilet and alerted seniors who informed police. A team from Choolaimedu police station scanned CCTV footage and traced the woman and conducted inquiries. Later, her family accepted the baby. The woman is an advocate. She was not married. However, the family members claimed they had been consulting various doctors as she missed her periods and on Friday she complained of stomach pain when they took her to hospital. The hospital staff refused to comment on the matter. Sushmitha Ramakrishnan By Express News Service CHENNAI: Even as multiple judgments from various High Courts and Supreme Court have granted aspirants with disabilities, admission in MBBS courses through NEET, and directed the Medical Council of India (MCI) to adopt non-discriminatory regulations in the process, the National Testing Agency has opened registrations for NEET 2019, before the new guidelines are notified. As online application for NEET opened on Thursday, disability rights activists alleged that the process is discriminatory as National Testing Agency (NTA)s online brochure still has old guidelines given by MCI, which prevent many aspirants from pursuing MBBS. A senior MCI official told Express that the new guidelines will be uploaded in a weeks time. While aspirants have started filing their online NEET forms, Satendra Singh, founder, Doctors with Disabilities: Agents of Change, said the new guidelines, that will enable Persons with Disabilities (PwD) to pursue MBBS, have not been notified by MCI. All eligible candidates can apply from Thursday, but candidates with disabilities are at a disadvantage because of the incomplete information given in NEET (UG) 2019 as well as MoHFW, MCI and MCC websites, he said. The brochure states that five per cent of annual sanctioned intake shall be filled by candidates, falling under Persons with Bench Mark disabilities as per MCI Guidelines/ Regulations in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The brochure further adds that candidates should consult the website of MCC (www.mcc.nic.in) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (www.mohfw.nic.in) for latest information. However, the MCC website still shows the old MCI guidelines for candidates with disabilities. The Supreme Court as well as High Courts in Delhi, and Punjab and Haryana allowed many candidates with disabilities to pursue MBBS in 2018 rejecting the old guidelines by MCI. Seven of my clients were allowed to pursue MBBS after I battled it out in court. However, the judgment given by the apex court does not reflect in the brochure for NEET. Although the application process has started, the NTA has not specified the guidelines defining benchmark disability. Students are being forced to agree to the guidelines they are not even aware of, said Jeetendra Gupta, an advocate, adding that the new amended guidelines should have been added to NEET brochure before the application process started. If the government does not take speedy action, more eligible students will lose opportunity to practise medicine, he said. Singh said the online brochure still contains only Disability Assessment Boards, constituted in the four metro cities. Sanjay Shrivastava, Secretary- General of Board of Governors of Medical Education said the board had already prepared the new guidelines and was awaiting approval from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The guidelines will be notified once it is approved, he said. The government had recently dissolved the MCIand replaced it with a Board of governors by bringing in an ordinance. By ANI NEW DELHI: Three days after a 38-year-old teacher in Bawana area of the national capital was shot at in broad daylight, the Delhi Police have arrested three accused, including the husband of the deceased. Following an investigation in the case, Delhi Police on Thursday arrested 38-year-old Manjeet, husband of the deceased and a resident of Bawana village who is accused of hatching the murder plot of his wife. As per initial investigation by the police, the deceased's husband was in an extramarital relationship with a model. The woman named Sunita, who was a teacher by profession, was allegedly killed for opposing her husband's illegitimate relationship. Police have also arrested the 26-year-old model and a man, Rajeev, a co-conspirator in the case, who is reported to be the model's father. A search operation is underway to nab the persons who were hired to kill the teacher. On October 29, Sunita was killed after being shot by unknown assailants while she was on her way to school in the morning. She received three bullet injuries- two in the chest and one in the stomach- and died on the way to the hospital. By PTI NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to former BSP MP's son Ashish Pandey who was arrested for brandishing the gun at a five-star hotel's guests here. Metropolitan Magistrate Dharmender Singh granted relief to Pandey on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and one surety of the like amount. The Delhi police had on Thursday filed a charge sheet against him. Pandey had allegedly brandished a pistol at guests of a five-star hotel threatening them in the foyer, a video of which went viral on the social media. The video of the incident, which occurred early on October 14, resulted in public outrage. It prompted the police to step in and launch a hunt for the accused who had gone missing after the incident. ALSO READ: BSP leader's son, who brandished gun in Delhi hotel, surrenders V Nilesh By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Visualise a college hostel. A group of baddies occupy the room, prevent the students, for whom it is actually allotted, from entering it. And on top of it threaten them of consequences if they disobey their orders. Typical Bollywood stuff. And happens only in movies. Right? No, you are dead wrong. Four students of Post Graduate College of Law, Basheerbagh were forced to endure such harrowing time when they tried to entered the room allotted to them in D Hostel on Osmania University campus. The incident, it seems, is not an isolated one though it as many as 25 students already being harassed in the same D Hostel. In May this year, around 25 students of the college pursuing five-year integrated course were allotted rooms in D Hostel. But due to the prevalent situation, most of them are staying either in rented accommodations or have adjusted in hostel rooms of other students. One of the affected students speaking to Express said: The non-boarders are occupying our rooms. Some of us have found acquaintances in the university who have allowed us to stay with them in their hostel rooms and others are living in far-off areas like LB Nagar and Kukatpally in private hostels. Who are these non-boarders ? The student said: They include all sorts of people, from former students to even cab drivers, truck drivers and even policemen. Due to lack of access to mess facility, the 25 students are forced to cook for themselves. When contacted, Principal of Post Graduate College of Law, Basheerbagh, T Aparna said: Five-year integrated course is a self-financed course. Students pursuing the course do not get hostel or mess facility. This was informed to them before admission but now they are demanding both. There have been proposals to university for changing the self-finance course into a regular course. Aparna further said, Moreover, the money we receive from tuition fees will not prove enough to run the course with moot courts, guest lectures and other activities, as well as provide mess and hostel facility. I am in touch with university administration on the matter. When contacted, OU Registrar, Prof Ch Gopal Reddy said that although students pursuing self-finance courses in OU campus colleges are provided hostels and mess facility, the facilities are not yet provided to Basheerbagh law college students and that the university is working to address the problem. Dileep V Kumar By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A first-of-its-kind study on the nationwide heart failure (HF) pattern carried out by Thiruvananthapuram-based Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) is likely to begin in December. The National HF Registry, a collective effort of nine premier institutes in cardiology treatment and research, will cover 51 hospitals spread across the country. It is understood that along with the preparation of the registry, the socioeconomic impact of HF on people will also be examined for the first time. The plan was to start the work of the registry in November. But now we have decided to postpone the same as we need time to develop a special software for entering data collected from patients, said Dr Harikrishnan S, Professor of Cardiology at SCTIMST. According to him, the other two factors that prompted the SCTIMST to postpone the works of the registry were the delay in clearance from the ethics committees of respective hospitals and modifications that were made to the protocol. The hospitals that expressed its interest in associating with the registry should get the nod of its ethics committee for the same. But till now, only 32 hospitals had received the clearance. Also, as modifications were made to the protocol we have to duly inform the same to the hospitals, said Harikrishnan. Meanwhile, officers privy to the development said that a registry of this kind is the need of the hour as cardiovascular diseases are on the rise in the country. Citing a Lancet report, The changing patterns of cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors in the states of India: the Global Burden of Disease Study 19902016, an officer said: Prevalent cases of cardiovascular diseases increased in India from 25.7 million in 1990 to 54.5 million in 2016. A subsequent spike in deaths has also been found: from 1.3 million in 1990 to 2.8 million in 2016. Thus the said registry could help to map the disease burden. In Kerala, heart attack is the leading cause of HF, followed by rheumatic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. But there have not been any major studies in this regard at the national level. With such a registry in place the authorities concerned could initiate necessary policy changes so as to ensure effective intervention, said Harikrishnan. It is said that along with the preparation of the registry, some 20 sub-studies including the socioeconomic impact of HF, effects of iron supplementation in preventing HF and others will be carried out. The registry, as well as the studies, will be guided by institutes including All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, U N Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre - Ahmadabad, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research - Bangalore, and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research - Chandigarh. It was last month that SCTIMST was selected as a Centre for Advanced Research and Excellence in HF by the Indian Council for Medical Research. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: A day after meeting with AICC president Rahul Gandhi, TDP supremo and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took pains to convince the party cadre about the democratic compulsion of joining hands with the Congress. Though no voice emerged against the decision of the TDP leadership, Naidu explained in detail the circumstances that forced him to take the initiative of uniting all the anti-BJP parties at the national level. ALSO READ | Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu faces flak from opposition for TDP-Congress alliance Of course, history will question us in the coming days. But, we should not create such a situation as history may not judge us kindly if we fail to fight against the BJP now, he told the party cadre and wanted them to create an awareness among people about the stand taken by the TDP leadership out of democratic compulsion to save the nation. We launched the fight against the BJP government for its undemocratic policies. The efforts to unite anti-BJP parties at the national level are meant for the benefit of the State and the country and not for myself, the TDP chief maintained. Holding a teleconference with the TDP cadre on Friday, Naidu claimed that the TDP played a crucial role whenever the nation was in danger. For the past four decades, the TDP stood in the forefront to protect the democratic institutions whenever attempts were made to damage them. Once again, we are doing the same now to protect the State, nation and democracy, he asserted. Stating that TDP founder NT Rama Rao confronted the dictatorship of the Centre for the self-respect of Telugu people, Naidu said the party is still following the same principles. TDP is the party which demanded the resignation of Narendra Modi as Chief Minister of Gujarat after Godhra violence, he said. We joined hands with the BJP in 2014 elections in the interests of the State and nation. But, Prime Minister Modi betrayed us. His policies instigated intolerance in the country, posing a threat to democracy. The Centre is suppressing the voice of those questioning the government and using Income Tax, Enforcement Directorate and other agencies against the political opponents, he said and asserted that against such backdrop the TDP took the initiative to unite all the democratic forces against the dictatorship of the BJP government. All political parties intending to protect the values of democracy should come together. It is a historic movement to save democracy, he said. Later in the day, the Chief Minister, while addressing a public meeting at Marturu in Prakasam district as part of Grama Darshini programme, lashed out at the saffron party and justified the stand taken by the TDP with regard to the alliance with the Congress. Except for former minister Vatti Vasantha Kumar, no other Congress leader came openly against the meeting between Naidu and Rahul Gandhi. Former Union ministers Chinta Mohan and Kotla Suryaprakash Reddy welcomed the meeting between the two leaders and underscored the need for unity of anti-BJP forces to save the country. Opposing the alliance between the Congress and TDP, Vasantha Kumar who quit the party in protest said Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Kurnool district described Naidu as an opportunist. Now, the AICC chief joined hands with the same opportunist, he said. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: Lambasting the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for joining hands with the Congress, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan said it would not be a wonder if Chandrababu Naidu joins hands with even the YSR Congress. Addressing a well-attended public meeting at Tuni of East Godavari district on Friday following his train journey from Vijayawada as part of his public outreach, Pawan Kalyan said he differed with his brother Chiranjeevi for merging Praja Rajyam Party with the Congress and floated Jana Sena with the slogan Congress Hatao Desh Bachao. In 2014, I supported the TDP, thinking that it would be good for Andhra Pradesh, which became a victim of irrational bifurcation of the State by the Congress. Today, that very party joins hands with the Congress, he said, adding he was pained by the development. The actor-turned-politician reiterated that he would never be like TDP and mortgage self-respect of Andhras in Delhi. BJP chief Amit Shah has asked me to merge Jana Sena with his party, but I said I would rather die than merge Jana Sena with any other party. Recalling how Andhra MPs were literally thrashed in the Lok Sabha during the passage of AP Reorganisation Bill, he wondered whether the TDP had no sense of shame. Are you not ashamed? Dont you have any self-respect? Jana Sena chief said alliance between the TDP and the Congress was only for the personal benefit of Chandrababu Naidu and not for the Telugu people. It is not even for the benefit of the TDP or Andhra Pradesh.He recalled that he differed with his own brother (former Union Minister K Chiranjeevi) when the latter joined the Congress only to protect the State interests. We have to safeguard our self-respect. Our stand should, hence, be in a measured manner. Earlier in an informal chat with newsmen on-board the Janmabhoomi Express, he said there was no chance of realignment of political parties in the State in the wake of the TDPs move. There is no chance of a realignment (of parties). What Naidu did was only to protect his (political) existence. If any realignment happens...from our side, it will be for the sake of the people, Pawan asserted. I have watched some old clips. The way he was pouring hatred on the Congress, the way he expressed love for the BJP... People should be convinced and not Chandrababu (on alliances), the Jana Sena president observed. When asked about the general feeling that he might again support the TDP, post-2019 elections, he replied he wouldnt fault people to think on those lines. I cant help it, he said adding he would not indulge in politics of deception. I will officially announce if there is anything. There will be nothing behind the curtains because ultimately you will be deceiving the people. Our party will never do it. Whatever I do, I will be open about it. By PTI SRINAGAR: Security forces Friday arrested a militant belonging to Al-Badr outfit from Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Acting on an intelligence input, security forces set up a checkpoint at Chutipora crossing in the Handwara area of Kupwara in the afternoon, a police spokesman said. He said during checking, the security forces apprehended one suspect and recovered arms and ammunition from his possession. He was identified as Sajad Ahmad Dar, a resident of south Kashmir's Pulwama district, the spokesman said. Dar was reported missing on October 3 from his home, he added. "He had recently joined the Al-Badr terrorist organisation," the spokesman said. IED detected by roadside in Pulwama district in J-K . Security forces on Friday averted a major tragedy by timely detection of an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by militants by roadside in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. A patrol party of security forces detected an IED fitted in a water pipe. It was planted by militants by the roadside at Nikas village in Pulwama district, a police official said. He said the bomb disposal squad was summoned to defuse the IED. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Central government has replaced three members of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) society, accepted the resignation of another, and approved four new members. Journalist Arnab Goswami, who was appointed to the NMML society by the latest order from the Ministry of Culture, replaces Pratap Bhanu Mehta. The order said it accepted Mehta's resignation from the membership of the NMML society. The order, dated October 29, said that economist Nitin Desai would be replaced with former journalist and head of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts board, Ram Bahadur Rai. Academic Udayon Misra will be replaced by BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and former bureaucrat B P Singh by former foreign secretary S Jaishankar. "The sense was that we need people who are grounded in modern Indian political history, political development, how policymaking is done at the top, how Indian democracy works at the top. The people selected, I think, meet the requirements on that," said NMML director Shakti Sinha, commenting on the new appointees. On Goswami's appointment, Sinha said, "Arnab Goswami is an important political commentator." According to the order, which mentions it has the "approval of the Prime Minister", the members would be nominated to the NMML society on April 26, 2020, as per the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations of the NMML society. Congress leader Karan Singh said the upcoming museum should not distort the legacy of Nehru. On October 15, the Centre had laid the foundation stone for the museum for prime ministers in the Teen Murti Bhavan complex. The Congress has repeatedly expressed its displeasure over the new museum to be built inside the premises which they believe would dilute India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's legacy. The recent notification to replace the members was seen as an attempt to muzzle voices who expressed their discontent on the discourse that NMML was taking. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had also written to Modi that the Teen Murti complex should be left "undisturbed as it is" in order to respect "both history and heritage". Singh had also written in that letter that there was "no attempt to change the nature and character of the NMML and the Teen Murti complex in any way" during Vajpayee's tenure. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail for a week to former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zahur Haider Zaidi, an accused in a case relating to the custodial death of a man who was among those arrested on charge of gang-raping a minor school girl in Kotkhai in Shimla district last year. Zaidi had moved the apex court against the Himachal Pradesh High Court order refusing to grant him bail in the case. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi allowed the application of Zaidi for interim bail on the grounds that he has to attend the rituals of Chhehalum to be held from November 6 to 8, 2018 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The counsel appearing for Zaidi said his mother had passed away while he was in jail and he seeks to participate in the post-death rituals. "Taking into account the grounds on which the limited/ interim bail has been prayed for we are of the view that the same should be allowed. We order accordingly. The accused petitioner will be released from Kanda jail, Shimla where he is presently lodged in the morning of November 4, 2018 and will report back to the Jailor/Superintendent concerned on November 11, 2018 in the course of the day," the bench said. The regular bail application of Zaidi is scheduled to come up for hearing on November 13. The apex court had earlier sought response from the CBI on the appeal of Zaidi against the January 19 order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The High Court had dismissed Zaidi's bail plea, saying it would not be appropriate to release him on bail at this stage as the alleged crime was of serious nature and a detailed investigation was required in the case. Zaidi and seven others were arrested in the custodial death case of Suraj, who was found dead in the Kotkhai police station on July 18. The CBI has already filed the charge sheet against the accused. A 16-year-old girl had gone missing in the Kotkhai on July 4, last year and her body was found from the Halaila forests on July 6, last year. The post-mortem report had confirmed rape and murder and a case was registered. Amid huge public outcry in the state, an SIT headed by Zaidi was constituted by the then Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government. The SIT arrested six persons, one of whom died in a police station, following which the High Court handed over the investigations of both cases to the CBI on July 19. The CBI had arrested the then IGP Zahur Haidar Zaidi and DSP (Theog) Manoj Joshi along with six other policemen with regard to the custodial death. By Online Desk LUCKNOW: A day after noted historian and biographer Ramachandra Guha announced that he will not join Ahmedabad University as its faculty member due to 'circumstances beyond his control', the university denied receiving any official communication on Guha's decision. The ABVP on Friday claimed victory after hearing Guha's decision, even as AU asserted that it had no role in Mr Guha's decision. The Ahmedabad University or AU had announced Guha's appointment on October 16 and soon after, on October 19, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) had submitted a memorandum to varsity authorities asking them to reconsider Mr Guha's appointment as his writings were "against Indian culture and traditions". AU Registrar Bhupendra Shah said that the varsity does not act under any pressure: "Students of ABVP had come and given a memorandum to us against his (Guha) appointment as a faculty. AU has not and will not act under any such pressure and neither it has acted in this case, when a few students gave a memorandum." Due to circumstances beyond my control, I shall not be joining Ahmedabad University. I wish AU well; it has fine faculty and an outstanding Vice Chancellor. And may the spirit of Gandhi one day come alive once more in his native Gujarat. Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) November 1, 2018 On Guha's decision, he added: "The decision was announced by a tweet from Guha. From the AU side, we have not told him anything (to quit). He can only say why he declined after accepting the offer. He has made no communication to us regarding the matter." Guha had made the announcement through a tweet Thursday. "Due to circumstances beyond my control, I shall not be joining Ahmedabad University. I wish AU well; it has fine faculty and an outstanding Vice Chancellor. And may the spirit of Gandhi one day come alive once more in his native Gujarat," he said. Guha did not elaborate on the circumstances which led him to take this decision. Or, more precisely, a biographer of Gandhi cannot teach a course on Gandhi in Gandhis own city. https://t.co/5snAdeIXMc Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) November 2, 2018 When a Twitter user named Sushil Aaron took to Twitter to rue that "it's come to a stage that an accomplished historian of modern India can no longer teach where he wants to in the country", Guha said, "Or, more precisely, a biographer of Gandhi cannot teach a course on Gandhi in Gandhi's own city." On October 16, the varsity had announced that Guha will join it as 'Shrenik Lalbhai Chair' Professor of Humanities and director of the Gandhi Winter School. As a biographer of Gandhi, I argue with words, not weapons. I am willing to debate and dialogue with anybody, and fear nobody. It is for the good people of Ahmedabad (the Board of AU among them) to make this possible, and feasible. Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) November 2, 2018 Ahmedabad University is a private, non-profit university that offers under-graduate, graduate and doctoral programmes in areas including engineering, business management, science and the humanities. Guha has penned a number of books, the latest being "Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World, 1914-1948" which have received critical acclaim. (With inputs from PTI) Ramananda Sengupta By Express News Service NEW DELHI: US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday said eight jurisdictions will get temporary waivers from US sanctions on the import of oil from Iran, which kicks from Sunday midnight, with sources saying India was on that list. We expect to issue some temporary allotments to eight jurisdictions, but only because they have demonstrated significant reductions in crude oil and cooperation on many other fronts and have made important moves toward getting to zero crude oil importation, Pompeo told reporters in a conference call early Friday. While he did not name the eight jurisdictions, saying a list would be released on Monday, Bloomberg News quoted a senior administration official as saying it included India, Japan, India and South Korea, and possibly China and Turkey. When asked if the word jurisdiction meant the European Union, Pompeo said it was not. Stock markets around the world climbed on optimism about a potential ceasefire in the trade war between the US and China. Asian bourses led the rally with Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index surging 4 per cent. Chinas Shanghai Composite and Japans Nikkei jumped 2.5 per cent. European and US stocks recorded 1 per cent gains in early trade. Waivers are being granted to countries that have made important moves towards cutting down Iranian oil imports to zero, Pompeo said. Of the eight countries, six will import at greatly reduced levels, while the other two are at or near zero, but were getting a waiver to give them flexibility and time to end their dependence on Iranian oil imports. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned that SWIFT, the international financial transfer system, would be subject to sanctions if it handles transactions with Iranian institutions. While Indian officials were unavailable for formal comment, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said on Thursday, We will continue to engage with the US and other stakeholders to ensure that our energy security is not compromised and also that our national interests are protected. The key phrase is national interest, remarked another official. Any rise in oil prices after sanctions will hurt not just India, but every nation, including the US. India had also explained to at several levels to the US why it needed continued access to help build the Iranian port of Chabahar and its allied infrastructure like roads and rail links through which New Delhi is sending wheat and other goods to Afghanistan. By Online Desk Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday moved the Supreme Court against the illegal removal of CBI director Alok Verma. The act is, completely illegal, arbitrary, punitive, without jurisdiction, Kharge, who is the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, was quoted by news agency ANI as saying. In his petition, Kharge, who is the leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, said only the three-member committee of the leader of the opposition, prime minister and the Chief Justice of India can take a decision on the appointment or removal of the CBI director as per the act. Congress's Mallikarjun Kharge moves an application in the Supreme Court seeking direction against the removal of CBI Director Alok Verma, states the act is, 'completely illegal, arbitrary, punitive, without jurisdiction'. pic.twitter.com/j9yIVhsAIR ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 CBI chief Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana were divested of their duties in an unprecedented shake-up in the CBI's 55-year-history, in a 2.30 am order on October 24 as a culmination of the internal feud in the agency. Nageshwar Rao was appointed the interim chief. ALSO READ: Documents linked to Alok Verma being submitted to CVC: CBI sources Congress chief Rahul Gandhi yesterday alleged that the Centre was trying to cover up corruption in the Rafale deal and reiterated that CBI chief Alok Verma was removed as he was about to start a probe. "Obviously CBI chief was looking at these papers. It is obvious that there is enough material in the public domain to nail PM Modi. So, clearly, it is a cover-up taking place. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman flies to France. After that Dassault CEO said the contract was given to Reliance because it had land . But now the truth has come out," said Rahul. (With inputs from PTI) By Online Desk Tigress Avni, who is believed to be responsible for the deaths of 13 people in the past two years, has been killed in Maharashtra's Yavatmal last night as part of an operation. "Avni was shot dead by sharp-shooter Asgar Ali, son of famous sharp-shooter Nawab Shafat Ali, at compartment no 149 of Borati forest under the jurisdiction of the Ralegaon police station," a police official said. Avni is survived by her two cubs who are 10 months old. In September this year, the Supreme Court had said Avni or T1, as she is called, could be shot at sight, which prompted a flurry of online petitions seeking pardon for the tigress. The Forest Department Friday carried out the operation in Borati with the help of controversial private marksman Asgar Ali. "Urine of another tigress and American perfume was spread in some part of the compartment, following which Avni came by sniffing it," the official said. "The forest officials initially tried to nab her alive. However, due to dense forest and darkness, they were unable to do so and finally a bullet was fired in which the tigress fell on the spot," he said. "After she became motionless, forest officials went closer to her and later rushed her to a hospital in Nagpur, where she was declared dead," the official said. The post-mortem was in progress, he said. For nearly three months, equipped with the latest technology, 150 ground personnel, elephants and so-called expert trackers and shooters were on a quest to find Avni. The man-eater has been a cause of concern with the Maharashtra government and environmentalists for the last few months. Activists across the country have been protesting against the tigress killing with online petitions and rallies, using the hashtag #letAvnilive. #FirstVisuals of 'man-eater' tigress Avni (T1) that was killed in Maharashtra's Yavatmal last night. She had allegedly killed 14 people. Her postmortem will be conducted at Nagpur's Gorewada Rescue Centre. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/eH1jDLf511 ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 Bengaluru-based activist Prerana Chakraborty had earlier told TNIE that the tiger is being wrongly labelled as a man-eater. There is no proof that the tiger has eaten 13 people. Also, the animal had not left the forest, so it is the mans fault for entering their territory, she said. A pack of trained sniffer dogs, trap cameras, drones and a hang-glider along with a team of Forest Department officials were active in the vicinity of the Tippeshwar Tiger Sanctuary, as the hunt for the tigress was on. #Maharashtra: Locals in Yavatmal celebrate after 'man-eater' tigress Avni (T1) was killed in last night. She had allegedly killed 14 people. pic.twitter.com/wxN0yvT0Xw ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 Avni was first spotted in the forests of Yavatmal in 2012. DNA evidence links her to 5 of the 13 bodies found in the thickets she inhabits. Biologists and the Forest Department officials who have surveyed the area over the past few years say that there is only one other tiger there, a male tiger. His DNA was found on one of the bodies. (With agency inputs) Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. By ANI AYODHYA: As the clamour grew for an ordinance to build Ram Temple, the Ram Janambhoomi Nyas president Ram Vilas Vedanti on Saturday claimed that the temple construction will begin next month. Speaking to ANI, Vedanti, who is a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP), said a mosque will be built in Lucknow. ALSO READ: Should follow Supreme Court 's orders, says ex-Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav on Ram Temple "Construction of Ram Temple will begin in December. Without an ordinance and on the basis of mutual agreement, Ram Temple will be constructed in Ayodhya and a masjid will be made in Lucknow," he said. Vedanti's statement comes a day after Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey claimed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has a plan for the Ayodhya issue, which would be revealed around Diwali. Earlier on Friday, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said that his organisation "will not hesitate to launch a 1992-like agitation for Ram Temple, if needed. "We respect the Supreme Court and urge it to take into consideration sentiments of Hindus," Joshi told ANI. A section of the Hindu right wing and even few members of the BJP have demanded an ordinance to permit the construction of the Ram temple before the Supreme Court pronounces the judgement in the Ayodhya title suit. On October 29, the apex court had adjourned the hearing of the case until January 2019. The court was hearing petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict of 2010, which stated that the disputed land in Ayodhya should be divided into three parts for each party - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lala. The Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992, by a group of some Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed by Mughal king Babur after demolishing a Ram Temple that originally stood there. Since then, several hearings have been held in the top court to resolve the issue. By PTI NEW DELHI: A Delhi BJP leader on Saturday filed a criminal defamation 'complaint' against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his alleged "scorpion" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his complaint, BJP leader Rajeev Babbar said that Tharoor with "mala fide intention made the statement which is not only abuse of the Hindu deity but also defamatory." Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had kicked up a storm on Sunday after quoting an RSS source who is believed to have described PM Modi as a scorpion sitting on a Shivling. This analogy immediately drew a sharp reaction from the BJP. Tharoor made this remark while discussing the alleged strife between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS. There is an extraordinarily striking metaphor expressed by an unnamed RSS source with journalist Vinod Jose of (The) Caravan, which I quote here, in which they express their frustration with their inability to curb Mr Modi. Mr Modi, he says, is like a scorpion sitting on a Shivling. You cant remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a chappal either, he had said. Babbar said being a vice president of the Delhi state BJP, he was "identified as a worker/ supporter of Narendra Modi and BJP" and that Tharoor's statement hurt his religious statement. The complaint, filed through advocate Neeraj, termed the statement as "intolerable abuse" and "absolute vilification" of the faith of the people. "The speech of the accused had lowered down the credit and image of the complainant. The complainant was hurt and anguished as the intentional, defamatory and mischievous statement of the accused has lowered the reputation of the complainant in the eyes of others present there," the complaint said. The accused had deliberately made the statement intending to harm, knowing and having reason to believe that such false statement will harm the reputation of the workers/supporters of Narendra Modi and BJP," the complaint said. Babbar said that Tharoor "deliberately did this malicious act, intending to outrage religious feeling of Lord Shiva devotees by insulting their religious believes". The complaint has been filed under sections 499 and 500 of IPC relating to defamation. If convicted, Tharoor may face a maximum punishment of two years in jail. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Saturday took out a protest march to seek justice for the families of those killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The march, led by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, started from Gurudwara Pratapganj and ended outside Parliament Street police station. Our community has been seeking justice since 34 yrs. Thousands of Sikhs were massacred, several women were raped&lost their houses.Such atrocity is a blot in the history of India. No one received justice.Why is judiciary not taking suo-motu action?: Union Min Harsimrat Kaur Badal pic.twitter.com/yYpEh7KiuI ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 The Akali Dal has been seeking justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which a large number of Sikhs were killed in the national capital and in other parts of the country in the aftermath of former prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: The bitter drama unfolding in jailed RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadavs family turned murkier on Saturday as his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav remained firm on his decision to divorce his wife Aishwarya Rai and alleged that the arranged marriage was the result of some people deriving political mileage. I was unwilling to marry at this point, but I was made a pawn. Many people did several things to derive political mileage. They hatched a conspiracy and made me a scapegoat Even my sisters had supported my wish not to marry at this point, but some people forced my parents to get me married, said the 30-year-old first-time RJD legislator and former health and environment minister. READ | Lalu Prasad Yadavs son Tej Pratap files for divorce after six months of marriage Tej Pratap, who had married Aishwarya, daughter of former minister and serving RJD MLA Chandrika Rai in Patna on May 12, said he had nothing in common with her. We were a mismatched couple. She is the South Pole and I am the North Pole. We used to have quarrels often, even in the presence of my parents and other family members, but they had been ignoring it, he told journalists I am a simple man and a very religious type. I visited Varanasi recently. But she is used to high society, has studied at Miranda House College, Amity University and BN College. It (marriage) was a result of some peoples conspiracy to make me a pawn, added Tej Pratap, who studied only up to class XII and ran a bike showroom before joining politics. During our quarrels, she had herself asked me to divorce her... This had also happened in front of my father. Then I had also talked about it with my father over phone. But my own parents refused to consider my situation. I respected my parents wishes, but my own heart was broken, he added. READ | Media spotlight on Tej Pratap's divorce leaves Tejashwi Yadav miffed Dubbing his decision to divorce Aishwarya as irreversible as an arrow that has left the bow, Tej Pratap said: I have taken this step after proper thinking. If the entire world tries, I am not going to reverse my step I will not change my mind even if the prime minister asks me to. After meeting his father in Ranchi, Tej Pratap said: My fathers health is not fine Lalujee said he would come and discuss the matter with the family and relatives. His younger brother and Bihar Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav, 29, remained unmoved by the crisis in the family and addressed a rally of backward and extremely backward castes people in Patna. Hitting hard at CM Nitish Kumar and his ally BJP, Tejashwi said if the RJD-led Grand Alliance comes to power in Bihar, he would implement 69 per cent reservation on the lines of Tamil Nadu. Tejashwi refused to speak on his brothers troubled marriage, saying it was a private matter and there is no public interest in it. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has detained an 18-year-old youth in Jalaun for threatening to attack Miami airport in the United States here on Saturday. Depressed over losing his high-value bitcoins, the youth had registered his complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US probe agency, but failed to get the desired response following which he handed out a threat to blow up the Miami airport, said the ATS sources. While briefing the media persons over the development, UP DGP OP Singh said that the youth had bought bitcoins worth $1,000, which had tripled over a short period of time. "However, someone on the internet duped him on the pretext of helping him to further increase the value of the cryptocurrency," said the DGP. Frustrated over failing to recover his money despite all efforts, the youth submitted a complaint to FBI using a fake name and sought its help. But he did not get a desired response from the US probe agency. Consequently, the youth started calling up Miami Airport authorities using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and claimed that he would attack the airport with AK-47 and grenades, a suicide belt and kill everyone. "He made calls to the airport between October 2 and 31 after which FBI got in touch with National Investigation Agency (NIA), which, in turn, roped in UP ATS to carry out the operation," said OP Singh. He added that the accused was soon tracked down by the UP ATS sleuths and his equipment, including laptop, was seized. The DGP also said that the accused had used a fake Aadhaar card to negotiate with the FBI. UP DGP further said that the youth neither informed his parents about the duping incident nor the police. Meanwhile, IG ATS, Aseem Arun said that the parents of the accused were unaware of his bitcoin deal. However, he was traced on the basis of IP address he was using to contact Miami airport authorities in the US. He confessed his crime during interrogation, IG Arun said. While the legal action was initiated against the youth under Section 41 A of the CrPC which did not require arrest, said the IG ATS. He added that the accused would be chargesheeted in court. However, the incident prompted the officer to request parents to keep an eye on their children, especially, when it pertained to online transactions. By PTI NEW DELHI: A Kolkata-bound A320 neo plane of IndiGo returned to Lucknow on Friday, with initial inspection showing that the aircraft suffered bird strike, according to the airline. An IndiGo spokesperson said the aircraft that was involved in the air turn back to Lucknow airport was powered by PW1100G-JM engines. ALSO READ: Near mid-air collision: IndiGo says separation between both planes was within regulatory requirements "Initial inspection observed evidence of a bird strike and the engine performed as expected in this situation. Further investigation is currently in progress," the spokesperson said. The number of passengers on the flight could not be immediately ascertained. A P&W spokesperson also said that initial inspection observed evidence of a bird strike and the engine performed as expected in this situation. "We continue to work closely with our customer to support their operations and minimise any disruption," he said. According to him, the PW1100G-JM powers a fleet of more than 280 A320neo aircraft worldwide, which have achieved more than 1.3 million engine flight hours of operation. In recent times, there have been engine issues with P&W engines-powered A320 neo planes operated by IndiGo and GoAir. By Express News Service MUMBAI: Man-eater tigress Avni, believed to responsible for the death of 14 over past two years in Pandharkawda jungle of Yavatmal district in Western Vidarbha, was shot dead on Friday night after a massive tiger-hunt going on since September. However, the killing of the tigress has led to a controversy over the genuineness of the killing. Nicknamed T1, the Six-year-old tigress was the mother of two cubs. Asgar, son of controversial Hyderabad based shooter Nawab Shafat Ali Khan, killed the tigress when she attacked the hunters' team. The team had tried to tranquillizing her, but she attacked the team, forest officials have said. "The road adjoining Borati village was the area where Avni was killed. This was the same place where she is believed to have made her first attack on a villager about two years back. Including the encounter last night she is believed to have made three attacks in the area," said senior forest officer Sunil Limaye. The tigress was at around 20 meters of distance when darts were fired in order to tranquilize her. However, after hit by the darts she went violent and attacked the team when one of the team members Asgar shot at her and she was killed, the press note from the forest department said. The carcass of the tigress has been shifted to the rescue centre at the Gorewada zoo in Nagpur where a post-mortem is being done. The post-mortem report is expected to shed more light on the entire even of the tigress being killed, the animal-lovers have said. Forest department had deployed a team of around 150 people along with 100 camera traps, hunter dogs, drones and motorised paragliders to trace the tigress and her cubs. Efforts to trace the tigress were renewed on September 11 after the Supreme Court refused to change or stay the PCCF's (Principal Chief Conserv Forests) order that the tigress can be killed if attempts to tranquilize her fail. After failures in the past two months, the forest official had renewed operation 'T1 Capture' on Friday at Ralegaon jungle, which yielded the result at around midnight. After the death of the tigress, the forest officials are now trying to trace her two 11-month-old cubs. According to some experts, 11 months old cubs can survive in the forest. However, an online petition to 'save tigress Avni' that was signed by over 50,000 people said that her killing "would eventually result in the death of her two cubs too, as they are both too young to hunt and survive on their own". Avni was first spotted in the forests of Yavatmal in 2012 and DNA evidence links her to 5 of the 13 bodies found in the thickets she inhabits. Biologists and the Forest Department officials who have surveyed the area over the past few years say that there is only one other tiger there, a male tiger. His DNA was found on one of the bodies, forest officials have said. Mukesh Ranjan By Express News Service RANCHI: Even RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav could not convince his elder son and former Bihar Minister Tej Pratap Yadav to reconsider his decision to divorce his wife of six months, Aishwarya Rai, daughter of the former minister and serving RJD MLA Chandrika Rai. Tej Pratap, on Saturday, had come to Ranchi to meet his father, who is currently undergoing treatment at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) after being jailed in fodder scam cases. ALSO READ: Can't live with her anymore, says Tej Pratap Tej Pratap had a closed-door meeting with his father for over two and a half hour, during which no one was allowed there. Later, Tej Pratap came out sobbing from the paying ward of RIMS, but cleared that his decision was final. "I stand with my decision, but will definitely wait for my father to come out. He has assured that he will come and talk to both of us on this matter," said Tej Pratap. ALSO READ: Media spotlight on Tej Pratap's divorce leaves Tejashwi Yadav miffed He, however, also cleared that he still stands by his petition and will appear in the Court on November 29. Referring to the harsh step taken against his wife, Tez Pratap said that one cannot live a life in suffocation and has informed his father in this regard. "How long a person could live in suffocation? No one in this world can keep Tej Pratap in bondage," said Prasad's elder son. When asked why he was saying that, he said that he will disclose all those facts in court only. Notably, Tej Pratap has filed a divorce petition barely six months after their marriage with Aishwarya Rai, which took place on May 12. Tej Pratap has alleged his wife Aishwarya of torturing him. By Express News Service MUMBAI: Speculations were on rife about the possible alliance between the Shiv Sena and the BJP on Saturday after Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray said that he should support any government that implements the river-linking project. Thackeray was speaking at a program to inaugurate development works initiated by his party MLA Anil Kadam. Eyebrows were raised when Thackeray reached the venue along with revenue minister and BJP leader Chandrakant Patil. Another BJP leader and guardian minister of Nashik Girish Mahajan too was present at the program. Though Thackeray raised the issue of Ram Mandir and took credit for bringing the forgotten issue to fore, he didn't criticize the BJP governments unlike his speeches earlier this week. While speaking about the drought in the state Thackeray underlined the importance of the river-linking project and said that he is ready to ignore all political issues for the project. "Shiv Sena shall support any government that implements the river-linking project," he said. On the other hand Maharashtra? Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched party's poll campaign in the state at a massive public rally at Nigdi near Pune. Nigdi falls under assembly constituency represented by Shiv Sena MLA. By choosing Shiv Sena's constituency for CM's first rally, the state BJP is believed to have given a signal to the Shiv Sena to fall in line. While addressing the youth at the rally, Fadnavis enumerated various schemes implemented by his government for promoting entrepreneurship and boosting employment apart from a mention of union government schemes like the Mudra loan. By PTI KOLKATA: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Saturday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand". Tharoor had waded into a controversy at the Bangalore Literature Festival Sunday last by claiming that an unnamed RSS leader had compared Modi to "a scorpion sitting on a Shivling" and "you cannot remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a chappal either". A criminal defamation complaint had been filed against him in a Delhi court earlier in the day for his "scorpion" remark. Tharoor again took a swipe at the prime minister, calling him "a hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand saying I know all the answers". "Modi is a one-man government and everybody dancing to what he says," he said at an event organised by an industry body, adding India now has the "most centralised PMO" in history. "Every decision is taken by the PMO (prime minister's office). Every file has to be sent to the PMO for approval," he claimed. On the next parliamentary election, Tharoor said that there will be both pre-poll and post-poll alliances between the Congress and other opposition parties, but Congress president Rahul Gandhi "may not be" the prime ministerial face. The coming Lok Sabha election is important in that it will deny the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a second term in power, the Congress MP said. ALSO READ: Criminal defamation case against me baseless, will be junked: Shashi Tharoor He said the decision on the prime ministerial face of the Congress alliance would be a collective one and "it may not be him (Gandhi). The Congress has a broader notion of a leader unlike the BJP. We had people like Pranab Mukherjee, P Chidambaram and others having tremendous track record". Gandhi is the unquestionable choice of Congress workers as their leader. "If free and fair elections are held among the Congress workers, Rahul Gandhi wins hands down," the Congress MP said. Continuing his criticism of the Modi government, Tharoor said, "We are having a top-down, over-centralised and inefficient government running the country and there is nothing positive in the Indian economy." "Demonetisation was a bad idea implemented badly and GST was a good idea implemented badly," Tharoor said. He said that the Indian stock is down across the globe. "The rupee was heading towards the 'Margdarshak Mandal' (a reference to a BJP panel comprising its elderly leaders)," he quipped and later clarified that the BJP panel had leaders above the age of 75. He said that communalism, cow vigilantism and mob lynching have been so extreme that India had never seen such "bizarre politics in the past". "There are damning statistics to prove that," he added. Tharoor, who was the minister of state for external affairs in the UPA government and is currently chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, said there was "total collapse of relations between India with other countries". "Nobody knows what is the coherent foreign relations policy with Pakistan, similarly with Nepal and Sri Lanka," he said. Tharoor regretted that Gandhi is being dubbed a 'Pappu' by some in the social media. "This is not fair and it is unjustified. Congress workers are really stitched to the Gandhi family and want their leader to be from there," he said. Regarding the Sabarimala temple controversy, Tharoor said, "These issues are being whipped up to distract attention from the real problems like oil price rise, Rafale deal, etc." Speaking at another programme, he alleged that the trend of erecting statues and raising the issue of Ram temple in Ayodhya were attempts to distract the masses from "failures" of the BJP government at the Centre. He said the trend of erecting statues reminded him of the Roman empire when people where distracted from the oppression they faced through 'bread and circuses' (distribution of free food and staging of huge spectacles). "The issues of Statue of Unity, Ram temple, Ram statue at Ayodhya are distractions. I would urge the public of India to move away from these distractions and focus on the realities and lives of the Indians," the Congress MP said. "The reality is the Indian Aam Aadmi (common man) has been suffering for the last four and half years. This suits the agenda of the government that has failed to perform," he said. Tharoor's comment comes in the backdrop of plans to install a statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Sarayu river in Ayodhya. Joining the chorus for the construction of Ram temple in the Uttar Pradesh pilgrim town of Ayodhya, Union minister Vijay Goel had Friday said it should be done at the earliest through any means -- constitutional, legislative, judicial or community dialogue. The VHP and the RSS have demanded an ordinance to acquire land for constructing the temple in Ayodhya. Teachers from Vila North, Seaside and Melemat School after completing a Disaster Training as part of the Pikinini i Redi Project Devaraj B Hirehalli By Express News Service TUMAKURU: An elderly couple, waiting for the allotment of government funds for building a house for over a year, has been forced to live in their neighbours toilet. Lakshminarasamma and Obalappa, who are landless farmhands, were granted an Indira House by the gram panchayat at Kadapalakere village in Pavagada taluk one-and-a-half-years back. They have so far received only `1 from the government for constructing the house. Panchayat Development Officer Kishore Naik says that the requisite amount could not be disbursed due to a technical problem, and that the issue will be addressed soon. The couple, belonging to the backward Kadugolla community, falls in the Below Poverty Line income group. Thrilled with the prospect of constructing a new home under the Ambedkar Awas Yojana, they demolished their dilapidated house and even laid the foundation for the one bedroom-and-kitchen (BHK) unit. Their son Subbaraya, who sells buttermilk at KR Market in Bengaluru, contributed some money to help his parents lay the foundation of the building. They also raised some hand loans, and finished the foundation work at an estimated cost of Rs 45,000 with the hope that the amount would soon be released by the government, Naveen, a relative, said. However, only Rs 1 has reached them so far. PDO Kishore Naik admitted that except the Rs 1, which was released three months ago, no amount has been given to them so far.The house was granted under the Ambedkar Awas Yojna and there was a technical problem. Now we have reported it to the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited (RGRHCL), he said. The housing scheme involves payment of `1.60 lakh for building the house, which is released in a phased manner, starting with Rs 45,000 that is given for laying the foundation during the first phase. The subsequent instalments are released after GPS images are submitted to the authorities to show the extent of work that has been completed. The couple is now living in a toilet in a neighbours house that was constructed under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. They place a wooden slab on the commode to sleep. But now, the neighbours, the Narasamma family, has started asking them to vacate that as well, compounding their crisis-ridden situation. The money lenders have been after us for the repayment of the loans, Lakshminarasamma told TNIE. Recently our second son died and his widow wife returned to her parents. We are even thinking of migrating to Bengaluru to live with our elder son but even that can happen only after we clear the dues. We have been running from pillar to post to get some respite. The Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer (EO), Narasimhamurthy, said that the PDO had reported the issue to the RGRHCL, along with the GPS image of the foundation laid, and that the funds would be released shortly. By PTI PATHANAMTHITTA: The BJP is observing a protest here on Friday after the recovery of the body of an elderly Sabarimala pilgrim, who had trekked hills to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple last month. The BJP alleged that Sivadasan, 60, had died during police action against devotees last month after the landmark verdict by the Supreme Court allowing women entry into the shrine. But police said it was an accident. They said Sivadasan's body was recovered from a forest area on Thursday. Shops and business establishments downed shutters and buses and autorickshaws stayed off the roads in the area. Police said Sivadasan had come to offer prayers at the hill shrine on October 18 and informed his family the following day that he was able to visit the temple. Since he did not reach home, his son had filed a missing complaint on October 21 at police stations in Pamba and Nilakkal and at Pandalam police station on October 24. Sivadasan's family has demanded a probe into his death. Meanwhile, describing the BJP protest as "unnecessary", Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Suredran said it was only to cause difficulties to the people. Even the deceased's family has not alleged there was any foul play, he told reporters. Noting that a "false campaign" was on against the police, a senior official said he had died in an accident. The BJP workers have also decided to take a "re-dedication" pledge in all assembly constituencies to protect the traditions of the temple. They alleged that the state government was trying to "destroy the uniqueness" of the shrine which prevents women in the age group of 10 and 50 from offering prayers. Kerala had witnessed widespread protests by devotees after the state government made it clear that it was bound to implement the top court's verdict on entry of women of all ages into the temple. The 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 pujas between October 17 and 22. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Social activists and religious leaders have urged the state government and the devotees not to transform Sabarimala into a conflict zone during the upcoming pilgrim season. Poet Sugathakumari said all women devotees who wish to see Lord Ayyappa should be allowed to do so. It is utter foolishness to argue that Ayyappas celibacy would be violated by the presence of young women. It is the devotees undertaking the pilgrimage who should maintain self-restraint, she said. That said, Sabarimala should not be transformed into a battle zone. Both the government and the devotees should display restraint, she said. Archbishop M Soosai Pakiam called for restraint on the part of the government and the devotees. He urged them to work out a consensus on the issue. It is true the government is bound to obey the Constitution. At the same time, every religious group considers its beliefs important. They should be protected, he said. Palayam Imam V P Suhaib Maulavi called for a practical solution to the problem. Gender equality is a contemporary reality. Several Muslim jama-aths are now readily allowing women to enter the mosques. At the same time, great care should be taken not to hurt religious sentiments, he said. The Sabarimala issue is pushing Kerala to the brink of a dangerous precipice, Swami Aswathi Thirunal of Ekalavyashram said. Sabarimala Ayyappa does not cease to be celibate even if young women enter the temple, Aswathi Thirunal said. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala can pat itself on the back. For the state has got the recognition of having the lowest infant mortality rate in the country. Union Health Minister J P Nadda made the announcement the other day at the 5th National Summit organised by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Department on Good and replicable practices and innovations in public healthcare systems in India in Assam. ALSO READ | Will bring down infant mortality rate to eight: Minister K K Shylaja As per the statistics released by Health Ministry, Kerala has the lowest infant mortality rate in the country. It is followed by Mizoram and Karnataka in second and third place, respectively. Health and Social Justice minister K K Shylaja said the achievement was a recognition for the various projects being executed by the state government to prevent mortality rates. She said the mortality rates will further reduce in two years. The state government has been implementing various scientific action plans to protect the health of the mother and the child. The flagship projects, including the launch of newborn ICU and special newborn care units in various medical colleges and hospitals in the state reduced mortality rates. Top-notch facilities helped in strengthening the newborn care sector in the state, Shylaja said. Other recognitions Himachal Pradesh stood first in the highest annual decline in Neonatal Mortality Rate (2015 vs 2016), while Tamil Nadu and Delhi were ranked second and third, respectively. West Bengal was declared the best state in the Family Planning category, followed by Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan in the second and third spots, respectively. Himachal Pradesh was also named the best state for the highest annual decline in Under-5 Mortality followed by Assam and Jharkhand in the second position and Gujarat and Kerala in the third position. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh were declared the top three states for the best performance in Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP). Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were ranked as best performers in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to thwart violent protests like the ones which rocked the Sabarimala hill shrine recently, Kerala Police on Friday decided to take control of shrine by deploying a posse of force right from Vadasserikara, situated about 50 km away from Pampa ahead of a day's pooja on November 5. The district administration has also imposed prohibitory orders (Section 144) at Elavungal, Pampa, Nilakkal and Sannidhanam from Saturday night (November 3) to Tuesday night (November 6). The police have also declared Pampa, Nilakkal and Sannidhanam as special security zones and they will be managed by special teams led by senior police officers. ALSO READ | Sabarimala row: Influential Nair caste outfit's office opposing women's entry vandalised This is to ensure when a woman devotee aged between 10 and 50 turns up for darshan on November 5, no protesters will be around to block her entry. To ensure the entire stretch between Vadasserikara and Sannidhanam remained free of protesters, the force will be deployed right from Saturday. The police have also decided to put in place tight restrictions on the movement of pilgrims from Nilakkal to Sannidhanam. HC seeks video footage Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed the government to produce the video footage of the incident that happened at Nilakkal when the Sabarimala temple was opened for poojas on October 17. ALSO READ | BJP protests in Kerala over recovery of Sabarimala pilgrim's body 3,701 arrested so far TPuram: The arrests in connection with Sabarimala violence have touched 3,701. So far 543 cases have been registered across the state for violence related to the entry of women in Sabarimala. As per the directive of State Police Chief Loknath Behera, an ADGP, two IGs, 5 SPs and 10 DySPs will be camping at Nilakkal and Pampa to oversee the security measures in place which will be ensured with the deployment of nearly 1,200 police personnel. Meanwhile, the 12-hour hartal called by the BJP in Pathanamthitta on Friday, demanding a judicial probe into the death of an Ayyappa devotee at Laha, passed off peacefully. The police said the postmortem report of Shivadasan, a resident of Sarath Bhavan at Mulampuzha in Pandalam, who was found dead at Laha on Thursday, stated that an internal bleeding due to a broken femur caused his death and no bruises were found on any other part of the body. ALSO READ | Pinarayi hails Kerala Polices tech-savviness, communication links As per the police complaint lodged by Shivadasans family members, he was reported missing since October 18. Shivadasan had left home on October 18 to visit Sabarimala and he had called his family members on October 19. By Express News Service CHENNAI: In the southern Tamil Nadu town of Kudankulam, which is dotted with Russian built Water-Water Energetic Reactors, has won the hearts of its makers who have named an alley after the small town. The alley is located in city of Volgodonsk in Southern part of Russia. It is located next to Atommash Plant which manufactures the equipment for Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. It is a subsidiary of Atomenegomash, a machine building division of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation. Russia is one of Indias key partners in nuclear energy. It built the single largest nuclear power station at Kudankulam which was first agreed in 1988 with the Soviet leadership. The construction began in 2002, and the NPP was launched in 2013. Since then, the plant has been expanded, and Russia is building units 3 and 4 at the plant with plans to build units 5 and 6 in the next two years. Russia is planting saplings to mark the success of its steam generators being manufactured by Atommash. Altogether 20 Catalpa saplings, an ornamental shade tree that produces dense clusters of white flowers, were planted. Atommash shipped out four steam generators PGV-1000M for Unit-3 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. We started a tradition of planting new trees for each major shipment. Let them grow long at least as long as our equipment works at the plant, said Andrey Nikipelov, chief executive officer of Atomenergomash. Usually, the manufacturing of steam generators takes about two years and at each stage key priority is given to the quality of manufacturing and safety during subsequent operation. The quality check has 104 test points, including those with the participation of customer representatives, says Nikipelov. The steam generators will reach by water to St Peterburg in Russia and from there along with other equipment, it will travel around Europe and through Suez Canal reach Tamil Nadu. The length of the route will be 21,000km.Currently, work is on the next set of equipment for India. The equipment includes four steam generators for Unit 4 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. By AFP KABUL: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will seek re-election in 2019, his office announced Saturday, as potential rivals begin jockeying for the country's top job ahead of the ballot. Ghani, who was elected in a fraud-tainted poll in 2014 that was only resolved in a US-brokered power-sharing deal, is expected to present himself to war-weary voters as the candidate who can end the 17-year conflict. The 69-year-old acerbic academic, who has a reputation for shouting at subordinates and micromanaging the unity government, will try to capitalise on renewed US-led efforts to engage the Taliban in peace talks, which are showing tentative signs of bearing fruit. "I can confirm that President Ghani is seeking re-election next year," presidential palace spokesman Shah Hussain Murtazawi told AFP. Ghani, who chose the widely feared ethnic Uzbek leader Abdul Rashid Dostum as his first running mate in the 2014 election, has not yet announced who he will pick this time round. It also is not certain who will challenge Ghani in the April 20 ballot. Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's equivalent of prime minister, and former national security adviser Mohammad Haneef Atmar, who quit in August, are among potential contenders. Former Balkh provincial governor Atta Mohammad Noor, whose refusal to stand down from his position sparked a months-long political crisis for Ghani, has previously expressed interest in the job. Nominations open on November 10. The embattled Independent Election Commission (IEC) had been scheduled to release the results of last month's shambolic parliamentary poll on the same day, but on Saturday pushed back the date until November 23 for all provinces except Kabul. Kabul province's results would be released on December 1, IEC spokesman Sayed Hafizullah Hashimi told reporters. Tainted presidency Ghani, an ethnic Pashtun, will need more than the support of Afghanistan's largest ethnic group if he is to succeed at the ballot box and he has already started trying to win over rival ethnicities. Vice President Dostum's controversial return from exile in July was interpreted as an attempt by Ghani to secure votes from the minority group. Ghani's presidency has been marred by growing militant violence, record-high civilian casualties, political infighting, deepening ethnic divisions, and fading hopes among Afghans. The results of a Gallup survey released last month showed unprecedented levels of pessimism among people in the war-torn country. Ghani, an American-educated former World Bank official, took office in 2014 as US-led NATO combat troops withdrew from the country, sparking a resurgence in the Taliban which also coincided with the emergence of the Islamic State group in the region. In February, under growing pressure from the international community which provides critical financial and military backing to the government, Ghani made a peace offer to the Taliban. That was followed in June by an unprecedented ceasefire between Afghan troops and Taliban fighters that lasted three days and spurred hopes that peace was possible. Taliban representatives have met with US officials at least twice in Qatar in recent months, most recently on October 12 with newly appointed US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Khalilzad also is in talks with regional countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, to coordinate efforts to get the Taliban to the negotiating table. By Associated Press DONAJI: After three grueling weeks walking along highways and hitching rides in pickups and flatbed trucks, thousands of Central American migrants traveling in a caravan through southern Mexico learned Friday that they would soon be leapfrogging ahead to the nation's capital in buses. As the caravan crossed into the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, Gov. Miguel Angel Yunes announced that authorities there would be providing not only humanitarian assistance but also offering mass transportation for the migrants. "It is very important that they be able to move soon from Veracruz toward another place," Yunes said in a video message released in the evening. "For that reason, we also offered them transportation so that, if possible, tomorrow ... they may be able to go to Mexico City or to the place they wish." During an evening assembly, caravan organizers told the migrants that they would be leaving around 5 a.m. for the capital in dozens of buses, apparently enough to accommodate the several thousand people in the group. "We are all going!" one the coordinators told the group. ALSO READ | Donald Trump suggests firing at migrant caravan if people throw stones Organizers said women and children would be given priority, and the buses would depart in groups of 10 for a trip expected to take 10 to 12 hours. The announcement came after the migrants' request for buses to Mexico City were ignored by the Mexican government days earlier when they were in Juchitan, Oaxaca state. Earlier in the day, a third caravan of migrants this time from El Salvador waded over the Suchiate River into Mexico on Friday, bringing another 1,000 to 1,500 people who want to reach the U.S. border. The third caravan tried to cross the bridge between Guatemala and Mexico, but Mexican authorities told those traveling in it they would have to show passports and visas and enter in groups of 50 for processing. The Salvadorans expressed misgivings that they would be deported, so they turned around and waded across a shallow stretch of the river to enter Mexico. Salvadoran migrants cross the Suchiate river, the border between Guatemala and Mexico, on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (Photo | AP) Although police were present, they did not try to physically stop the migrants, who later walked along a highway toward the nearest large city, Tapachula. Mexico is now faced with the unprecedented situation of having three caravans stretched out over 300 miles (500 kilometers) of highways in the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, with a total of about 6,000 migrants. The first, largest group of mainly Honduran migrants entered Mexico on Oct. 19. Though the first caravan once numbered as many as 7,000, it has shrunk significantly. It has been hard to know their exact numbers as people scatter across highways and in small towns. Mexico's Interior Department estimated that, as of Friday, it numbered only 3,000 people. Other estimates had it around 4,000 or more. The second caravan, also of about 1,000 to 1,500 people, entered Mexico earlier this week and is now in Mapastepec, Chiapas. The second group includes Hondurans, Salvadorans and some Guatemalans. In addition, the government identified a fourth, smaller group of 300 Central American migrants walking further ahead, in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz. It remained unclear how many migrants would make it; 20 days of scorching heat, constant walking, chills, rain and illness had taken their toll. Mexico's Interior Department says nearly 3,000 of the migrants in the first caravan have applied for refuge in Mexico; hundreds more have returned home. Honduran migrant Saul Guzman, 48, spent the night under a tin roof in the Oaxaca state town of Matias Romero with his son Dannys, 12, before setting out for the town of Donaji, 30 miles (47 kilometers) north. Salvadoran migrants cross the Suchiate river, the border between Guatemala and Mexico, on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (Photo | AP) "I have been through a lot," said Guzman. "I want to spend my time differently, not in poverty." In his hometown of Ocotepeque, Honduras, he left behind a coffin, either for his mother, who suffers dementia, "or for me, if I don't make it," Guzman said. The migrants made a grueling 40-mile (65-kilometer) trek from Juchitan, Oaxaca, on Thursday, after they failed to get the bus transportation they had hoped for. Hitching rides on Friday allowed them to arrive early at their destination for the day, Donaji, and some headed to a town even farther north, Sayula. Another large caravan early this year passed through Veracruz but then veered back toward Mexico City and eventually tried to head to Tijuana in the far northwest. Few made it. Immigration agents and police have been nibbling at the edges of the first two caravans. A federal official who was not authorized to be quoted by name said 153 migrants in the second caravan were detained Wednesday during highway inspections in Chiapas, a short distance from the Guatemalan border. There has also been pressure on the first caravan. Federal police began pulling freight trucks over and forcing migrants off, saying their habit of clinging to the tops or sides of the trucks was dangerous. At other points along the route, police have forced overloaded pickups to drop off migrants. On previous days, they have ordered passenger vans to stop helping with transportation. President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. troops to the Mexican border in response to the caravans of migrants. More than 7,000 active duty troops have been told to deploy to Texas, Arizona and California. Trump says has told the U.S. military mobilizing at the southwest border that if U.S. troops face rock-throwing migrants, they should react as though the rocks were "rifles." He also plans to sign an order next week that could lead to the large-scale detention of migrants crossing the southern border and bar anyone caught crossing illegally from claiming asylum. Though some migrants clashed with Mexican police at a bridge on the Guatemala border, they have repeatedly denied coming with any ill intentions, saying they're fleeing poverty and violence. "We aren't killers," said Stephany Lopez, a 21-year-old Salvadoran with the first caravan. Similar caravans have occurred regularly over the years and passed largely unnoticed, but Trump has focused on the latest marchers seeking to make border security a hot-button issue in next week's midterm elections. By PTI BEIJING: China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis, a top official here said Saturday as the two countries signed 16 agreements after Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang to boost their "all-weather" strategic ties. Khan is here on his maiden visit to China as the two countries grapple to iron out differences over the multi-billion-dollar CPEC and Islamabad approaching 'friendly nations' to avoid a tough IMF bailout package. Welcoming Khan, Li said: "you can say that China and Pakistan are all-weather partners. "We have a high-level of political trust and close cooperation in all fields. Pakistan has always been regarded as a foreign policy priority by China. Your visit will further consolidate and develop the firm, enduring ties between our two countries". ALSO READ | China set to give USD 6 billion in aid to Pakistan as PM Imran Khan meets President Xi Jinping Thanking Li, Khan said: "the relationship between the two countries has deepened since then because the CPEC in 2013 was just an idea. Now it is on the ground. And it has caught the imagination of the people of Pakistan". Pakistan sees China as a great opportunity to progress, attract investment, he said. "It gives us an opportunity to raise our standard of living, growth rate. You will see the difference because a lot has happened since 2013. One of the things of course is my party has come into power," Khan said. After talks between Khan and Li, officials of both the sides signed 16 agreement in the presence of the leaders. China will provide "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis but declined to reveal the amount, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou told media after the talks. Khan met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday following which Pakistan media reports said Beijing has agreed to provide USD 6 billion in aid to the cash-strapped country which included a loan of USD 1.5 billion along with an additional package of USD 3 billion for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, right, gestures to Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (Photo | AP) Asked about the USD 6 billion package, Kong said: "during the visit, the two sides made it clear in principle that Chinese government will provide necessary support for Pakistan to tide over the current difficulties. "As for the specific measures to be taken, the competent authorities will have detailed discussion". He also said there will be no changes in the USD 60 billion CPEC projects which came under criticism including by some of the Khan's Cabinet ministers over the increasing debt. Pakistan is currently battling serious economic crisis including balance of payments. To a question whether there will be changes in the CPEC projects, Kong said: "there has been no change in the number of CPEC projects. If there is going to be any, it will be increased going forward". He also said more projects relating to "industrial cooperation" will come up in more areas of Pakistan. "The dimension of the industrial cooperation will be introduced into the CPEC going forward. ALSO READ | Pakistan to seek IMF bailout despite 6 billion USD Saudi rescue "The CPEC will be introduced to more areas of Pakistan and we are also in favour of areas relating to people's lives and hence going forward both the areas and the contents of the CPEC will be enriched," Kong said. Asked about the cooperation on counter-terrorism, Kong said: "all areas of cooperation have been covered and we also expressed positive wish for strengthening cooperation". China has been pressing Pakistan to crackdown on Uygur militants of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) in Xinjiang region from crossing in and out of the province. Khan was given a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of people before he held talks with Li. By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh and condemned the "unprovoked firing" on the Line of Control by Indian troops that killed a woman. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal summoned Singh and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations" by the Indian forces, it said. Faisal said that the firing killed a 22-year old woman, Munazza Bibi, in Bhimbar Sector on Friday. "The deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws," Faisal said. He claimed that the Indian forces along the Line of Control and the Working boundary are continuously targeting civilian populated areas with heavy weapons and carried out more than 2,312 ceasefire violations so far in 2018, resulting in the death of 35 civilians. Faisal said this unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations. "The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation," Faisal said. He urged India to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement, investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations, instruct Indian forces to respect the ceasefire in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC and the international border. He also urged India to permit the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per UN Security Council resolutions. India maintains that the UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control. By IANS SAN FRANSISCO: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed that a second suspicious package addressed to California billionaire Tom Steyer has been intercepted at a post office. The FBI said on Friday that the parcel was discovered at a postal sorting facility in Burlingame city in San Mateo County Thursday night and has been rendered safe, reports Xinhua news agency. "The FBI has confirmed a package was recovered last night in California, similar in appearance to the others, addressed to Tom Steyer," the agency tweeted on Friday. The suspicious package was mailed to Steyer one week after the first similar pipe bomb package was intercepted at the same sorting facility on October 26. ALSO READ | US arrests one suspect over 12 pipe bombs, suspicious packages sent to Donald Trump's critics Steyer, who is a billionaire hedge fund manager, is running two advocacy groups, "NextGen America", an environmental non-profit committed to fights for a clean energy economy, and the political group "Need to Impeach", which focused on collecting signatures for the impeachment of President Donald Trump for being "unfit to be President". The package sent to Steyer was the latest one of more than a dozen such devices mailed out across the US in recent weeks. Federal law-enforcement authorities have arrested Cesar Soyoc who was suspected of a role in a series of mail bomb cases in Florida last week. Those package bombs were sent to top Democrats and President Trump critics. The 56-year-old Sayoc is currently held behind bars and waiting to be transferred to New York for trial. By PTI COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's main Tamil party - Tamil National Alliance - Saturday said it will support a no-trust motion against newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, amid mounting pressure on President Maithripala Sirisena to let the suspended parliament hold a vote to end the political crisis. Rajapaksa claims he has enough numbers to prove his majority and at least six of ousted premier Ranil Wickremasinghe's men have defected to his side. The current suspension of parliament by the president is seen as a key to Rajapaksa negotiating for enough defections. Wickremesinghe was sacked by President Sirisena on October 26. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka political crisis: Sirisena reconvenes Parliament; Wickremesinghe says democracy will prevail His United National Party claims that Wickremesinghe's sacking was "unconstitutional and illegal". The president's move has plunged the country into a constitutional crisis with Wickremesinghe claiming he is still the prime minister. In a statement, the Tamil National Alliance said Rajapaksa's appointment was a violation of the Constitution's 19th amendment. The alliance had "decided to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa," the statement added. S Vilenthiriyan, one of the TNA legislators from the eastern province, has extended his support to Rajapaksa. He was made a deputy minister. At least 4 more of the TNA's 16 MPs are believed to be to joining Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe's United National Party said they have handed over a motion of no-confidence against Rajapaksa. His call for a floor test in parliament has been ignored by Sirisena who has suspended parliament until November 16. Sirisena has been sending conflicting signals about his willingness to end the parliamentary suspension. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has come under pressure from a majority of legislators to reconvene parliament. But Sirisena's suspension order leaves him with no option but to seek the consent of the president to recall the assembly. The suspension is aimed at helping Rajapaksa gain parliamentary majority by engineering defections from Wickremesinghe's party and other allied parties to build the 113 seats required for the majority, experts said. Some of the legislators have claimed that huge amounts are being offered to them to defect. Palitha Range Bandara, a legislator of Wickremesinghe's party, has said he was offered USD 2.8 million to extend support to Rajapaksa's bid to prove his majority. "I was asked to make a step forward to become a cabinet minister," Bandara told reporters as he played a voice recording of a conversation he allegedly had with a Sirisena loyalist, who told him that he would be rewarded with a Cabinet position. Bandara also said that he was possessing a telephone recording of a conversation with "a very powerful person". "I have a recording of a conversation with a VVIP which I will play very soon," Bandara said. So far Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapaksa has 100 in the 225-member assembly. Most of the 22 remaining MPs, including the TNA, are likely to oppose Rajapaksa, experts said. The UNP said that Sirisena's people were "shamelessly trying to buy our MPs over to secure this unconstitutional and illegal seizure of power. The police must take action immediately". Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his dismissal, claiming to be the country's legitimate premier. He argues that he cannot legally be removed until he loses the support of Parliament and called for a floor test to prove his majority. On Tuesday, angry protests rocked Sri Lanka's capital as thousands of demonstrators gathered for a rally organised by Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Sirisena. By PTI WASHINGTON: Illegal immigration costs American taxpayers USD 100 billion a year, President Donald Trump has said as he slammed the opposition Democratic party for advocating an open border policy facilitating an easy entry of illegal immigrants into the US. His comments came amid a row over a caravan of an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 people mostly from three Latin American countries, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, who are currently at the southern US border along Mexico with the intention to enter America. Trump said that soldiers deployed to stop the illegal immigrants from entering the US would not open fire, but would arrest them if they threw stones at the troops. ALSO READ | Donald Trump suggests firing at migrant caravan if people throw stones "Illegal immigration costs American taxpayers more than USD 100 billion every single year, more than three times the entire state budget of Indiana. We need to use our precious resources to help our fellow Americans who respect our laws, not illegal caravans who break into our borders and break our laws," Trump said at an election rally in Indiana. Democrat immigration policies not only drain US treasury, but they threaten communities, he alleged. Nearly 100 per cent of heroin in the US enters through the southern border, along with roughly 90 per cent of the cocaine, the majority of meth and a substantial portion of the ultra-lethal fentanyl, killing youths all over the country, the President claimed. Trump said that the Caravan of people coming from Latin American countries have some criminals in it. In the caravan, more than 300 people have criminal records and have serious problems that US don't want to get involved with. The administration wants people coming in, but they have to come in legally. The November 6 mid-term elections is about security. This election is about prosperity, Trump said. "For years, you watched as we let foreign countries plunder our wealth, shutter our factories, and steal our jobs. But those days, if you haven't noticed, are over. "I recently announced that we are replacing the horrible NAFTA deal, one of the worst trade deals, with an incredible, brand-new US-Mexico-Canada agreement. The USMCA is a giant victory for Indiana farmers, manufacturers and dairy producers," he told his supporters as he listed out his achievements. Trump said that his administration has taken the toughest ever action to crackdown on China's very abusive trade practices. "And I spoke to (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) today. They want to make a deal, but we have to have a fair deal. We have to have a deal that's fair for the United States," he said. And China has to open up their borders for US companies, he demanded. 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. 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). Champaign, IL (61820) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 53F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low 39F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Secretary for Innovation & Technology Nicholas Yang met Japans Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology Takaki Shirasuka in Tokyo today. They discussed the promotion of science as well as innovation and technology. Mr Yang said I&T is high on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's agenda. He noted since the setting up of the Innovation & Technology Bureau in late 2015, the HKSARG has launched initiatives on various fronts with heavy investment to enhance the local I&T ecosystem. Hong Kong is vigorously building up technology clusters on healthcare technologies and artificial intelligence and robotics technologies, he said. Mr Yang said he looks forward to more collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan and learning the good practices and experiences from Japan, particularly in healthy ageing and smart city development. In the afternoon, Mr Yang visited two companies to learn more about their smart city initiatives. He first visited Fujitsu to gain a deeper understanding of how the company integrates information and communications technology to solve challenges, including its elderly care solutions using proprietary sound analysis to support home living. At a meeting with Fujitsu Corporate Vice Chairman Nobuhiko Sasaki, Mr Yang gave an update on the I&T developments in Hong Kong amid the Central Government's support for Hong Kong to develop into an international I&T hub. Mr Yang said the HKSARG is promoting research and development activities by introducing a super tax deduction for R&D expenditure incurred in Hong Kong and encouraged Japanese companies to make good use of the tax deduction. Mr Yang also visited the Toyota Mirai Showroom. There, he learned about Toyota's latest developments in smart mobility and was given a presentation on the Mirai hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle and autonomous driving technology. There should be very good opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan in innovation and technology, Chief Executive Carrie Lam says. Speaking to the media in Tokyo today on the fourth day of her Japan visit, Mrs Lam said the Government wants to diversify Hong Kongs economy by helping young people to develop careers in I&T. She said Japan is a good partner to the city and she is looking forward to more collaboration between the two places. Japan stands out as a very strong partner to work with us because of the significant advances in innovation and technology in Japan by Japanese companies, by Japanese universities, over a very long period. So I told my Japanese counterparts in the technology field that, yes, Hong Kong is a latecomer, but this latecomer is full of energy and very prepared to invest. She added Hong Kong and Japan both face an ageing population, and Hong Kong would love to learn from Japan how to make better use of I&T to tackle the challenge. Following a few trips by my colleagues involved in looking after the elderly, we have allocated a sum of money for our elderly care institutions to actually buy, to import from Japan, some of the technology and some of the inventions they have, so we can catch up faster in applying technology in looking after the elderly. To summarise her Japan tour, Mrs Lam said she has been given an amazing reception and people have been very positive about Hong Kong. Financial Secretary Paul Chan It is anticipated that Hong Kong's population aged over 65 years old will reach 2.37 million, amounting to 31% of our population, by 2036. That represents a doubling of the number of people in this age group compared to 2016. In light of Hong Kong's ageing population, we need to be forward-looking in our approach to make Hong Kong a better city for our senior citizens to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling time in their later years. The Government strives to achieve this objective in different ways. Housing for all The Government first announced the Long Term Housing Strategy back in December 2014, the first long-term strategic document on housing since 1998. It sets out the Government's vision of helping all households in Hong Kong gain access to adequate and affordable housing - in other words, "housing for all". And of course, elderly is included. As reaffirmed in the strategy, the Housing Society has been an important partner of the Government in implementing housing policy and has assumed the very unique role of being a "housing laboratory". As a pioneer in the face of challenges posed by an ageing population, the Housing Society has spared no effort in promoting age-friendly home concepts and providing ageing-in-place support for the elderly. Over the past seven decades, the Housing Society has rolled out several programmes to meet the housing needs of the elderly from different socio-economic backgrounds. For the lower-income elderly, the Housing Society provides around 1,000 elderly person's flats at concessionary rents in its rental estates. Housing, healthcare and social care support are provided under a three-pronged model in 20 rental estates. For middle-income elderly, the Housing Society has implemented the Senior Citizen Residences Scheme (SEN) since 2003. This scheme comprises housing and care services under one roof and is the first of its kind in Hong Kong. It provides elderly residents with holistic care services including medical, professional care and rehabilitation services, as well as catering and recreational facilities. The current projects in Tseung Kwan O and Jordan Valley together with a new project in Hung Hom can provide around 1,000 units for this purpose, but of course we need more. As for elderly people who are more financially capable and may have higher expectations after retirement, the Housing Society has launched the Tanner Hill project, which is another ground-breaking elderly housing initiative. This non-subsidised senior housing project comprises about 590 independent living units affixed with home care support features and comprehensive healthcare and supporting facilities. The project can serve as a model for the private sector to encourage private developers to provide purpose-built elderly housing in order to meet the needs of the ageing community. In addition to the Housing Society, the Hong Kong Housing Authority has also introduced a series of policies and measures in favour of our elderly. The Housing Authority aims to provide an age-friendly and barrier-free access environment in housing estate to address the needs of residents of different ages and physical abilities. For example, the Housing Authority has introduced various Harmonious Families Schemes to encourage the younger generation to live together with their parents and to take good care of them. Elderly people may also need a suitable physical environment to help them carry out basic daily activities safely and independently, including barrier-free access within the estate and well-designed homes and facilities. In view of these special needs, the Housing Authority has since 2002 gradually adopted the concept of "Universal Design" in residential units and common areas of newly built public rental housing estates. For existing public rental housing units, the Housing Authority undertakes works to adapt or modify homes to suit the needs of current or prospective elderly residents, with advice from physiotherapists or medical professionals. Apart from the on-going efforts of both the Housing Society and the Housing Authority, we see value in introducing more elderly-friendly measures while making better use of our existing housing resources. As announced in the Policy Address, the Government has accepted the Housing Society's recommendation of launching a Flat for Flat Pilot Scheme for Elderly Owners on a trial basis for its subsidised sale flats with premium not yet paid. Under the pilot scheme, elderly owners can sell their original flats and then buy a smaller one in the secondary market without having to pay premium. This enables eligible elderly owners to move into flats which better suit their needs, for instance, closer to family members. By trading down, they would have more money to spend. The Policy Address also suggests that the Housing Authority launch a new concessionary initiative allowing elderly tenants to enjoy full rent exemption for the rest of their lives, upon transferring to smaller units. This again aims to provide a rent-free housing option for all-elderly households, to reduce living expenses. For elderly owners with their own residential property, they can opt for taking out a reverse mortgage with the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation. The programme enables the elderly owners to use their residential property and at the same time receive monthly payouts. Active ageing The current generation of elderly people is generally healthier, better connected to society, better educated, and more independent in planning and taking care of their needs. Therefore, in addition to providing elderly housing and services, the Government has implemented a wide range of initiatives to suit their needs and lifestyles. For example, the Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme, which charges just $2 per trip, encourages the elderly to get around and participate in social activities. Under the Scheme, nearly 940,000 trips are made by senior citizens daily. To foster active-ageing and a greater sense of self-worth amongst the elderly, the Elder Academy Scheme was launched back in 2007 to encourage senior citizens to pursue life-long learning in a school setting. The scheme has since been expanded to cover tertiary institutions for various disciplines. About 140 Elder Academies have so far been set up and more than 10,000 learning places are provided each year. Under the policy of promoting "ageing in place as the core, institutional care as back-up", the Government strives to provide quality and cost-effective community support and care services for the elderly, including frail elderly persons. At present, there are 210 subvented elderly centres in Hong Kong providing a series of community support services for the elderly, in particular those with no or only mild impairment, and their carers. The services include counselling, referral, emotional support, arrangement of social and recreational activities, meal services and training for carers of elderly persons. On this front, the Housing Society also assists the elderly in the community at large to achieve ageing-in-place through public education, assessment of physical well-being and home environment, and consultation services are also provided by the Elderly Resources Centre. It features a simulated age-friendly living space, displaying age-friendly home design and products. In November 2017, the Housing Society further launched the MIND-Friendly Home Exploration Centre, the first of its kind in Hong Kong. The centre demonstrates how dementia-friendly housing features can be applied in local flats, so as to help relieve the difficulties faced by the caregivers, while supporting the patients to have an independent and enjoyable lifestyle. At the same time, community care services are specifically provided for frail elderly persons with moderate or severe impairment. These services include centre-based day care services provided by 76 day care centres or units for the elderly and home-based care services provided by 94 home care services teams. To ease the financial burden for elderly citizens, the Government launched the Pilot Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly back in 2013. This flexible "money-following-the-user" approach means that the subsidy is provided directly to the service users in the form of vouchers. In other words, recipients can freely choose the service providers and the service packages that best suit their individual needs. Additional vouchers will be provided in the coming financial year under the second phase of the pilot scheme to support ageing in place for elderly persons with moderate or severe impairment. Nowadays, more elderly people encounter cognitive, mood and psychological problems, while the percentage of elderly people suffering from dementia has been on the rise. Apart from continuously increasing the number of subsidised service places through a multi-pronged approach, we are also implementing a series of measures to enhance dementia care and support at the community level. For instance, the Government will regularise the Dementia Community Support Scheme from February next year onwards. The scheme provides cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary support services for elderly persons with mild or moderate dementia and their carers through a medical-social collaboration model at the district level. We have also allocated more resources to service units providing community care and support services to enhance provision of dementia care service and related staff training. In addition, we have launched a three-year territory-wide public education campaign to enhance public understanding of dementia, thereby promoting a more inclusive society. Elderly services partners I&T Another important strategy for addressing the challenges of an ageing community is gerontechnology, which amalgamates elderly services with innovation and technology. To promote gerontechnology as a way of improving the quality of life for the elderly and reduce the pressure on carers, the Government will set up a new $1 billion Innovation & Technology Fund for Application in Elderly & Rehabilitation Care. The fund will subsidise eligible elderly people and rehabilitation service units to test and procure or rent technology products. Last month, I visited the Hong Kong Society for the Blind Jockey Club Yan Hong Building in Yuen Long. It is the first elderly home for visually impaired elderly. The building is equipped with innovative facilities, including a computerised medication system, a management system that uses radio frequency identification technology and features an anti-wandering function and more. It demonstrates how we can improve the quality of life for the elderly through innovation and technology. When the Government published the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong last December, one of our missions is to provide better care for the elderly and promote healthy ageing in the community. Besides merging technology into elderly services, we also aim for Smart Mobility and Smart Living. The Government will continue to retrofit barrier-free access facilities. The Hospital Authority has also launched the Smart Hospital Programme to strengthen the interconnection and information exchange of service units and will study the provision of remote medical consultation services. We also welcome technology collaboration with other cities and institutions. For example, one of such collaboration involves the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Chinese University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Ageing. The research collaboration has led to the successful introduction and use of a Socially Assistive Pet Robot in Hong Kong. This robotic pet seal is used in the treatment and care of dementia patients and has since been adopted by Sha Tin Hospital and some non-governmental organisations in Hong Kong. Financial Secretary Paul Chan gave these remarks at the Hong Kong Housing Society International Housing Conference 2018: Building a Smart & Liveable City for an Ageing Community on November 2. Everyone eligible should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel or employment. Vaccination should be voluntary but those who don't get vaccinated should be frequently tested for COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel and employment. Both vaccination and testing should be voluntary and not required as a condition of long-distance travel or employment. I defer to the judgment of lawmakers as long as they base their decisions on a consensus of medical professionals. Vote View Results Chief Executive Carrie Lam today expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned film producer Raymond Chow. "Held in high regard in the film sector, Mr Chow founded Golden Harvest in the 1970s. He created a variety of film styles, produced a number of popular movies and groomed many top directors and actors, making enormous contributions to the development of the glory days of the movie industry in Hong Kong in the 1980s," she said. Mr Chow was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 1998 for his contribution to the development of the Hong Kong film industry, she added. "On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family." Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau also expressed sorrow over Mr Chows death. He said: "We are most grateful for his great contribution to the development of the Hong Kong film industry." FINANCE Minister Mthuli Ncube is trying to impose top economist Andrew Bvumbe (pictured) as the new Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor to replace the incumbent John Mangudya following the expiry of his employment contract with the World Bank (WB) where he worked as executive director for the Africa Group 1 Constituency (AFG1). Government sources said although Ncube has had good working relations with Mangudya, he is closer to Bvumbe and likes the fact that he has been working at the WB and is connected to international financial institutions. According to the sources, Bvumbe is supposed to return to his former position as head of the aid and debt management office at the Finance Ministry. The position is currently occupied by an official seconded to the ministry by the RBZ. Sources said Ncube, who began courting Bvumbe soon after his appointment as Finance minister in September, is fighting to assert total control at the central bank by ensuring senior positions are occupied by people he is comfortable working with. Ncube has of late been in talks with Bvumbe and indicated that he would want to work with him once his contract at the WB expires. They first met on the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly meeting in New York in September. They also met in Bali, Indonesia, at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings and held further talks, a Finance Ministry official said. Although there is no bad blood between the two, Ncube appears to be frustrated by Mangudyas cautious approach to the sweeping changes he sought to introduce when he became Finance minister. Senior RBZ officials also told the Zimbabwe Independent that when Ncube arrived at the ministry, he wanted to quickly remove bond notes, but Mangudya, who introduced the surrogate currency in 2016, warned that doing so would be catastrophic. Ncubes idea of introducing a local currency was also deemed too hasty by Mangudya, who subtly warned the ambitious minister in his monetary policy statement on October 1 that doing so would be akin to putting the cart before the horse. Ncube wants to control the RBZ, thats one area where they are having differences. Mangudya is of the idea that Ncubes big bang approach would cause mayhem and he favours gradual change. Sources said Ncube and Mangudya are currently not operating on the same wavelength as the minister was making decisions without consulting the governor. A case in point is that of the controversial communications taskforce which Ncube established. Mangudya knew nothing about the taskforce and, when he found out, he wasnt comfortable with it at all. Actually, some RBZ officials believe that most of the allegations levelled against directors at the bank are either half-truths or total falsehoods, another source said. The short-lived taskforce, chaired by controversial former Zanu PF youth league official William Mutumanje, commonly known as Acie Lumumba, led to the suspension of RBZ directors on corruption allegations: Mirirayi Chiremba, Norman Mataruka, Gresham Muradzikwa and Azvinandawa Saburi. Ncube was however later forced to disband the taskforce following a major outcry in government and in the ruling Zanu PF. George Charamba told the press yesterday Mangudyas term of office would be extended once it expires. The President is very clear on the Reserve Bank Governors tenure and his performance. Not only is he there to stay but the President is about to renew his contract for a second tenure, Charamba said. (Newser) Two Kentucky high school students who dressed as the Columbine High School shooters for Halloween have been suspended. WHAS-TV reports the Adair County High School students went to school Wednesday wearing the costumes. The girls' outfits resembled the clothes 18-year-old Eric Harris and 17-year-old Dylan Klebold wore when they killed 12 classmates and a teacher and wounded 26 others before killing themselves in the Colorado school in 1999, per the AP. Social media posts showed the two girls re-enacting moments from the shooting, with side-by-side images of them next to actual photos of it. A statement from County Schools Superintendent Pamela Stephens says the students are suspended pending an investigation. (Read more Columbine school massacre stories.) (Newser) In what the City of Tallahassee calls "a gut-wrenching act of violence," a gunman killed two people and wounded five others at a yoga studio in Florida's capital before killing himself Friday evening, officials said. Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo told reporters Friday night that the man shot six people and pistol-whipped another after walking into the studio, which is part of a small Tallahassee shopping center, per the AP. The suspect then fatally shot himself, DeLeo said. The gunman has been IDed as Scott Paul Beierle, 40, of Deltona, Fla., per CNN. The two victims who were killed have also been identified, DeLeo said: Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21. DeLeo noted that the shooter acted alone and authorities are investigating possible motives. He declined to say what kind of gun the shooter had. story continues below Melissa Hutchinson said she helped treat a "profusely" bleeding man who rushed into a bar after the incident. She said three people from the studio ran in, and they were told there was an active shooter. "It was a shocking moment something happened like this," Hutchinson said. The people who came in were injured, including the bleeding man who was pistol-whipped while trying to stop the shooter. They told her the shooter kept coming in and out of the studio. When he loaded his gun, people started pounding the windows of the studio to warn people. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who's the Democratic nominee for governor, tweeted he's breaking off the campaign trail to return to Tallahassee. City Commissioner Scott Maddox was on the scene and said on Facebook, "In my public service career I have had to be on some bad scenes. This is the worst. Please pray." (Read more yoga shooting stories.) (Newser) Shooters intent on gang-related retaliation opened fire on the wrong house in suburban Las Vegas, killing an innocent 11-year-old girl in the kitchen, police said Friday. A neighbor on his way to work saw the gunfire late Thursday on a quiet residential street and shot with his legally owned handgun at the car as it pulled away, wounding a 19-year-old passenger, North Las Vegas Assistant Police Chief Pamela Ojeda said. The girl's father and mother, 33 and 30, and two sisters, 14 and 6, escaped physical injury as their house was blasted with gunfire, Ojeda said. "No parent should have to deal with a tragedy like this," the police official said, per the AP. Witnesses reported the vehicle stopped in front of the girl's house before three people stepped from the back seat and opened fire with shotguns and handguns at the two-story stucco home. story continues below The girl was struck by at least one bullet that Leavitt said entered through a window or wall; she died at a local hospital. The neighbor who Leavitt said fired at the car from his garage was interviewed by police. Ojeda said he was a cooperating witness and wasn't charged with a crime. The 17-year-old driver of the getaway car called police when it broke down a few blocks away, saying the car had been hit with random gunfire and he was trying to get his friend to a hospital. The 19-year-old was hospitalized in grave condition with a head wound, police Officer Eric Leavitt said. Cops believe the shooters intended to target another house in the area in retaliation for a gang dispute. Officers didn't immediately find anyone at that house and were seeking the residents for questioning. The driver was being held as a juvenile and is expected to face felony murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy charges, Ojeda said. The wounded suspect will face the same charges if he survives, she said. (Read more gangs stories.) (Newser) Halloween is over, but the controversy in one Idaho town isn't. NBC News reports that the superintendent for Middleton School District has issued an apology after photos were shared on social media of staffers at Heights Elementary School dressed up, as a group, as both stereotypical Mexicanscomplete with maracas, colorful shawls, and sombreros, one of which appeared to have the word "Mexican" scrawled across itand also as a cardboard "border wall," with "Make America Great Again" spelled out across the front of the costume in red, white, and blue lettering (pictures can be seen at KPVI). The images initially popped up on the school district's Facebook page, though they've since been taken down. A petition with more than 4,200 signatures calls the photos "disturbing," with "bigoted messages and racist stereotypes." story continues below "The gross display of dehumanization of Latin children and the outrageous harm caused by trusted adults that they learn from and look up to cannot be ignored," the petition notes. Meanwhile, the Idaho Statesman reports a dozen Idaho advocacy groups, including the ACLU of Idaho, sent a letter to the district noting the impact of such a "hostile environment," saying it can have "lasting effects beyond the school or classroom." In a video posted on the school district's Facebook pagethe page was down at press timeSuperintendent Josh Middleton said he was "deeply troubled by the decision by our staff members to wear those costumes that are clearly insensitive and inappropriate." He apologized, adding he didn't think the costumes were donned out of maliciousness, and that "we are better than this. We embrace all students." (Megyn Kelly's remarks on Halloween costumes got her into trouble.) (Newser) The Trump administration asked, and the Pentagon said noto using troops on the southern border for law-enforcement purposes, CNN reports. Two defense officials say the Department of Homeland Security wanted US troops to provide "crowd and traffic control" and protect Customs and Border Protection officers from the so-called "caravan" of Central American migrants heading for the US border. But on Oct. 26, the Pentagon denied that request, while agreeing to provide engineers, medical personnel, and air and logistics support. Why the refusal? Because the Department of Defense apparently argued that active-duty troops don't have the authority. story continues below Indeed, the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits US troops from enforcing domestic law unless authorized by Congress or the US Constitution. "Limiting military involvement in civilian affairs is basic to our system of government and the protection of individual constitutional rights," the 1878 act reads. A DHS official denied that Trump's request constituted "law enforcement activities," while military analysts said Trump could just use US Marshals, ICE, or the National Guard for such activities. Meanwhile, Trump is easing off his remark that US troops can "consider it a rifle" if migrants throw rocks, per Fox 13 Now. If soldiers or agents "are going to be hit in the face with rocks, we're going to arrest those people," he said Friday. "That doesn't mean shoot them." (Meanwhile, staffers at an Idaho school dressed up for Halloween as "stereotypical" Mexicans with a cardboard border wall.) (Newser) Kids sometimes don't like the food their parents make, but a) this woman's picky-eater daughter is 48 years old, and b) most kids don't threaten to knife their parents over what's cooking. The New York Post reports on a story out of Italy, where local media notes a daughter has been fined more than $1,100 for warning her mother she was in for it if she didn't stop making her Bolognese sauce. The "newly unemployed" daughter had recently moved into her mother's apartment, per the Telegraph, and the daughter told court officials that before she became roommates with her mom, she did whatever she could to stay away from "sensory" and "olfactory contact" with any type of animal product. story continues below Which is why a pot of meat sauce cooking on the stove one day in March 2016 apparently enraged her, to the point that she is said to have threatened her mom, kitchen knife in hand: "If you won't stop on your own, then I'll make you stop. Quit making ragu, or I'll stab you in the stomach." Lawyers tell a local paper that there'd been "an escalation of aggressive episodes, always over food" between the two. A judge in Modena ruled that the daughter must pay a $520 court fine for her threat, as well as $650 to her 69-year-old mother. (A horrific stabbing at a kindergarten in China.) (Newser) "The power shut off. It was just crazy inside. It just sounded like bombs were dropping everywhere." That's how an Amazon employee describes to WBAL what happened Friday night at one of the company's fulfillment centers in southeast Baltimore after the building partially collapsed. A 50-foot-by-50-foot wall was said to have come down, and one person was found unresponsive under the debris after first responders arrived on the scene just before 10:30pm, Baltimore City Fire Department rep Roman Clark tells CNN. That person was taken to a hospital and declared dead, per CBS Baltimore; a second body was found early Saturday, officials say. It's not yet clear if the deceased were Amazon workers. story continues below Worker Brandon McBride further describes the chaos as the building fell apart. "There was stuff falling everywhere, you could see the walls were caving in," he tells WBAL. "Rain was pouring everywhere; all the packages were soaked. It's unreal." Clark notes that bad weather was sweeping through the area around the time of the collapse, and Amazon seems to be pointing the finger at that, noting in a statement to WBAL that "severe weather damaged one of our facilities in Baltimore City." (A just-opened mall collapsed in Mexico over the summer.) (Newser) Mari Hulman George, the "quiet pioneer" of auto racing who ordered drivers to start their engines and was instrumental in the expansion of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, died Saturday. She was 83, the AP reports. Hulman George, the speedway's chairman of the board emeritus, died in Indianapolis with her family at her side, the speedway said in a statement. "Our mother was such a unique, wonderful person. She loved her family, friends, auto racing and animals with equal passion," says Tony George, current chairman of IMS. "She was a quiet pioneer in so many ways, from owning a race team in the 1950s and 1960s to overseeing a period of tremendous growth and evolution while chairman of the board at IMS." story continues below Hulman George was IMS chairman from 1988 through 2016. Her father, Anton "Tony" Hulman Jr., purchased the speedway in 1945 and saved it from demolition after World War II. Racing and the facility became a staple of Mari Hulman George's life. Born Dec. 26, 1934, in Evansville as Mary Antonia Hulman, she never ventured far from Indiana. She attended Purdue University and was an Indianapolis community leader with her stewardship of the speedway. She launched numerous philanthropic efforts, including benefits for Indiana Special Olympics and animal care. "Racing is filled with passionate people, but you'd be hard pressed to find anyone more passionate than Mari Hulman George," says Tony Stewart, an Indiana native who grew up idolizing the Indy 500 and the speedway. (In-N-Out's billionaire president is married to a race-car driver.) (Newser) The man who murdered two women in a Florida yoga studio Friday had been accused of grabbing and slapping women before, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Scott Paul Beierle, 40who also wounded five people in the Friday attack before killing himselfwas arrested in 2012 for reportedly grabbing two women by the buttocks at Florida State University. One of the women said it had happened three times, but Beierle claimed he'd never intentionally touched them and might have bumped into them, per CBS News. In 2016 he was arrested again for apparently grabbing and slapping the buttocks of another woman by the pool of his apartment complex. Prosecutors dropped battery charges after both arrests. story continues below He'd also been arrested in 2014 for allegedly trespassing in an FSU dining hall, which led to a trespass warning against him across the campus. Little more is known about the shooterwho apparently entered the studio pretending to be a customer and opened firebut his LinkedIn page says he graduated from New York's Binghamton University in 2002, studied public administration and urban planning at FSU, and worked as a supply and logistics director with the US Army from 2008 to 2010. His Facebook page's About section says, "As hard as you try, you can not escape your destiny. You can run from it, but you can not hide from it." It also includes this quote from the serial-killer protagonist of American Psycho: "I just want to have a meaningful relationship with someone special." (The Pittsburgh synagogue shooting put the focus on this social media site.) (Newser) Police have arrested a 26-year-old Brooklyn man for scrawling anti-Semitic graffiti throughout a Jewish temple, the AP reports. James Polite was charged Friday with criminal mischief as a hate crime, and making graffiti. Police say he entered the historic Union Temple in the Prospect Heights neighborhood on Thursday evening and used a black marker to deface its walls with racial slurs such as "Kill all Jews" and "Jews better be ready." He also is charged with setting small arson fires in Brooklyn's Williamsburg section, including one at a Jewish banquet hall, per the Daily News. He was arrested wearing the same clothing seen in surveillance video at the temple. story continues below The suspect reportedly was admitted to a hospital psychiatric ward for observation. Temple administrator Ross Brady says the hate crime has spurred the house of worship to move ahead with most of its programs and services. But the graffiti discovery prompted the synagogue to cancel an event by Ilana Glazer, star of the Comedy Central series Broad City. "I got back from Pittsburgh on Wednesday after visiting the community there and seeing really the utter brokenness of that community and what theyre going through," Rabbi Jon Leener tells CBS News. "And then to come back here and to feel unsafe here is really concerning." (Twitter has made a statement about its "Kill all Jews" trending topic.) 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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 Bahrain yesterday strongly condemned the shooting that targeted a passenger bus in Minya in Egypt, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of innocent people. The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the Kingdoms solidarity with the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt in confronting terrorism, vowing full support for all its incessant efforts to reinforce security and peace. The ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the casualties, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured in this terror act, which aimed to intimidate and endanger the lives of the innocent people. It reiterated Bahrains firm rejection and renunciation of violence and terrorism of all forms, which calls for concerted international efforts to curb this phenomenon and dry out its funding sources. More than 2,000 people attended a major cultural festival yesterday, putting a spotlight on Tamil literature and history. The event which highlighted the glory of Tamil language, history and culture was held at the Indian Club yesterday. Organised by Bahrain Tamil Coordination Committee in coordination with the Indian Club, the event saw a huge turnout. Guest of Honour was Prof Dr. P Ramasamy, current Deputy Chief Minister of Penang state in Malaysia. Apart from Dr. Ramasamy, ex-member of Indian Parliament Vaiko, Member of Penang State Legislative Assembly Satees Muniandy and David Marshel, who is a member of Ahli Majlis at Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai (MPSP) in Malaysia were special guests at the event. Officials and Tamil literary enthusiasts from India, Malaysia, and other Gulf Countries attended the event. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ramasamy, said, I am glad such events are being organised. Tamil history is an ancient and rich one. Its something we can we can be proud of. Life is not just about working and earning, its also about having reflections like this. Sharing his views, Mr. Vaiko said, I have made a brief study about Bahrain, about its ancient civilisation and the people. Tamil Nadu is also a land of ancient civilisation. We had a trade relationship with this island thousands of years ago. This is mentioned even in our Sangam literature. In Tamil literature, Bahrain and the people from Bahrain are mentioned prominently in various instances. Bahrain and the Malaysian state of Penang has a strong potential to boost its bilateral trade relations, a senior Malaysian official opined. Speaking to Tribune, Prof Dr. P Ramasamy, Penang Deputy Chief Minister, said there are a number of areas where the Kingdom can Penang where further enhance relations. Dr. Ramasamy was in the Kingdom to attend the Gulf Tamil Literary Festival. He said his state is keen on improving trade ties with countries across the world including Bahrain. Recently, I headed a trade delegation to India and we visited many places including Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Delhi. We are keen to explore opportunities here. Malaysia has strong manufacturing, agriculture and service sectors. The country is rich with many resources. A trade delegation will be able to exactly work on areas where both countries could explore opportunities. And I look forward to this sort of meetings. Volunteers will be putting in their best efforts to preserve the Kingdoms rich heritage as the World Heritage Volunteers 2018 (WHV) Campaign is back in its fifth edition. The campaign is being held in coordination with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage International Volunteers. The campaign titled Discover Bahrain Heritage is hosted by Arab House Foundation and held under the banner Empowering the Commitment to the World Heritage in the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme. Speaking to Tribune, Mohammed Bukamal, Project Manager for WHV-Bahrain, said, The programme will commence on November 10 at Qalat Al Bahrain, popularly known as Bahrain Fort. It comes in line with the UNESCO World Heritage Centres objective of preserving and promoting world heritage sites with an aim to increase awareness and reinforce youths involvement at a local and global level in the implementation of the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The Article 27 of the Convention requests States Parties to endeavor, in particular by educational programmes, to strengthen appreciation and respect of cultural and natural heritage. The WHE Programme is also consistent with UNESCOs Medium-Term Strategy for 2014 2021, which foresees specific targeted action to be implemented in favour of youth. The WHV initiative intends to raise awareness among young people, volunteers, local communities and concerned authorities of the need to protect and promote World Heritage; involve young people in World Heritage preservation through concrete projects at sites and further empowering young people allowing them to learn skills in basic preservation and conservation techniques and raise their capacity as future decision-makers and global active citizens A Bahraini man accused of attempting to travel abroad to join a terrorist organisation has had his three years imprisonment upheld after losing his appeal. The defendant was arrested while trying to travel to Oman using a passport that doesnt belong to him. And later it was learned that he was trying to flee to Turkey in order to join the Islamic State in Syria. The 29-year-old allegedly manipulated his appearance to fit the picture attached with the passport in an effort to mislead the customs officers. A Bahraini woman has been arrested while attempting to smuggle 2,990 narcotic pills from Iran, it is learnt. The 35-year-old woman intended to sell pills in the Kingdom. She was arrested at Bahrain International Airport after she triggered customs officers suspicions. Upon inspection, it was found that narcotic pills were hidden in her bags. Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday met Cubas President Miguel Diaz-Canel who was making his first official visit to long-term ally Moscow. His trip came a day after the United States, which has slapped several rounds of sanctions on Russia, imposed new economic restrictions on Cuba. Diaz-Canel took office in April in a historic transition of power on the Caribbean island, succeeding Raul Castro, who took over from his elder brother Fidel, father of the 1959 revolution. Cold War ally Moscow has affirmed unshakeable solidarity with Communist Cuba and last year criticised US President Donald Trump for reversing his predecessor Barack Obamas deal to restore ties with Havana. In a brief joint statement after their meeting in the Kremlin, Putin praised friendship, mutual support and help which mark the two countries relations through the decades, and said the two leaders had substantive and effective talks. Diaz-Canel invited Putin to visit Cuba in 2019 and said he would assure the continuity of the legacy of the relations between Moscow and Havana. Former Chief of staff to Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, Mr. Uche Nwosu, yesterday said the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomole, cannot stop his 2019 governorship candidature for APC, in the state.Nwosu spoke to newsmen in Owerri, following report that Senator Hope Uzodimma, name has been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as authentic candidate for Imo APC guber.He said he was shocked that Oshiomole, had disregarded court orders stopping APC and INEC, from accepting or submitting any other name other him( Nwosu) adding that at last he would defeat Oshiomole, lawfully.According Nwosu, My mandate is still intact, I still remain the candidate of the APC, I am very much shocked with the National Chairman who is speaking from the both sides of his mouth as a man of that age I thought he would have been upright.I am shocked that a man who has attained that age and who we should look up to as our role model has become somebody who many of us can no longer see as a role model again.I am shocked at the attitude of the National Chairman which does not give hope to young people that mostly look up to him for years.I will not leave APC, I still remain the authentic candidate of that party, I still have a valid Court Oder restraining the party from submitting any other name and also restraining INEC from accepting any other name other than my name and the matter is in Court.So if they go anywhere and got another Court Order without knowing that there is a subsisting Court Order that must have been done that in error.So the fact remains that I am the candidate of APC, it is just for a while and I will take up my mandate, I dont have in mind to leave the mandate I already have for another party.My candidacy is secured and cannot be truncated by the National Chairman or any other person,I will never abandon the mandate given to him by the party members to be their governorship candidate for the 2019 election.We are disappointed over Oshiomoles action, his statements and antics did not give hope to young people who hitherto had always looked up to him.Nwosu argued that, After all Oshiomoles son is a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, who he nominated and he is the Chairman of the party and he is saying that Okorochas Senatorial ambition scuttled my governorship.He is a man that is supposed to speak rightly and not deceive the people on air. I saw him on the Television when he was talking from both sides of his mouth.It is a pity that APC could have such a man as its National Chairman, I condemn his action and it is not acceptable. Marcus Rashford scored a winner deep into stoppage time as Manchester United snatched a victory against Bournemouth at the Vitality.The Cherries were by far the better side in the first half and took the lead on 11 minutes through in-form Callum Wilson. However, despite being on top, they failed to add a second and allowed United to equalise against the run of play.In typical recent fashion, Jose Mourinho's men started slowly; and they were lucky not to go behind inside five minutes when Wilson played in Ryan Fraser, whose tame effort was comfortably saved by David De Gea.But the visitors failed to heed the early warning signs and fell behind six minutes later when Wilson continued his impressive early-season scoring form as he made it 1-0.. United failed to properly clear a corner and left a gaping hole down the left-hand side, which Bournemouth ruthlessly exploited.Junior Stanislas played a perfectly weight ball across the United six-yard box which was begging to be turned home -- and Wilson duly obliged.Bournemouth were all over the visitors following that goal and both Fred and Paul Pogba were guilty of fouls borne purely out of frustration and not being able to get hold of the ball, with Luke Shaw lucky to not concede a penalty.However, against the run of play, United created an opening with their first move of any substance, which was finished off by in-form Anthony Martial. Alexis Sanchez -- who was starting in place of the injured Romelu Lukaku -- worked tirelessly in midfield to win the ball and played it to Young. The stand-in United skipper then fed Sanchez down the right-hand side and the ex-Arsenal man knocked the ball across the box for Martial to fire United level 10 minutes before half-time.The goal seemed to completely galvanise United and they came out for the second half a different side.Mourinho brought on Ander Herrera and Rashford just before the hour mark to great effect, with the Spaniard bringing extra energy in midfield after replacing Fred; and Rashford should have scored when presented with a glorious opportunity on 65 minutes.Young's free-kick cannoned off the post and the United man's goal-bound effort was sensationally blocked on the line by the chest of Nathan Ake.And, deep into added time, Rashford bundled in a winner as Bournemouth failed to deal with Pogba's cross.Credit: ESPN 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 Adams Oshiomhole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman has expressed confidence that crisis in the party will be reso... Adams Oshiomhole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman has expressed confidence that crisis in the party will be resolved. He stated this on Friday in Abuja, while briefing newsmen on the state of affairs of the party in Rivers, Ogun and Imo states following issues arising from the partys congresses and governorship primaries. On Ogun, he said Gov. Ibikunke Amosun, through his consensus arrangement, announced those he wanted to be in elective positions in the state, including the Governorship, Senate, House of Representative and State House of Assembly. This, Oshiomhole said, did not go down well with the people of the state whom he said instantly rejected the governors unilateral imposition of candidates on them. He said that the partys leadership consequently organised fresh primaries in total compliance with its regulations which produced Mr Dapo Abiodun as the partys Ogun governorship candidate for 2019. He also said that whatever court order the Ogun state governor was presently parading, would not change the situation as there was an existing superior court order on the matter. Gov. Amosun had been coming to Abuja to pressure me to reserve what has been properly done and to accept what is clearly unlawful and undemocratic, he said. He added that the governors action amounted to abuse of power, saying that the partys Constitute does not recognise emperors. There are no emperors in APC; if anybody tries to make himself as one, it will be an exercise in futility, he said. On Imo, Oshiomhole maintained that Sen. Hope Uzodinma who emerged from the primaries conducted by the Gulak committee remains the 2019 APC governorship candidate for the state. The APC national chairman, however, debunked insinuations by Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo that he disobeyed court order on the state primaries earlier conducted where his son in-law Uche Nwosu was said to have emerged as the partys 2019 governorship candidate. What I have not been able to do for Gov. Okorocha is to assist him with the instrument of APC, even as that will border on abuse of power on my side. And I do not have such powers to help him to create Rochas Okorocha political dynasty in Imo state in which he will be the APC Senatorial candidate and his son in-law, Uche Nwosu, the governorship candidate. I am convinced that this is where many of my friend governors tend not to understand me. If there is conflict between the known interest of the great people of Imo who have reposed confidence in us by voting us to power as they did in 2015, I will resist. I will resist every unlawful pressure to undermine the wishes of the good people of Imo and at this stage, the wishes of APC members in Imo who do not want a political dynasty, by the way they have voted, Oshiomhole stressed. President Muhammadu Buhari says he felt disappointed in the national assembly for delaying the passage of the 2018 budget by seven mon... President Muhammadu Buhari says he felt disappointed in the national assembly for delaying the passage of the 2018 budget by seven months. Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari to have said this when he received a delegation of citizens of Niger state led by Abubakar Bello, the governor, at the presidential villa in Abuja on Friday. Buhari presented the budget to the national assembly in November 2017 but it was not passed until June 2018. The president blamed the delay in the completion of projects across the country on the deferral of the budget by the lawmakers. If the National Assembly takes seven months to pass a budget, then we should be commended for the much that we have achieved, and can still achieve, Adesina quoted Buhari as saying. I personally feel very disappointed. I spoke with the leaders of the National Assembly on the issue that seven months is a long time to work on a budget. Buhari said ongoing efforts to improve road, and rail networks across the country will be increased as infrastructural development remains paramount for improving the livelihood of Nigerians. He said his administration will pay more attention to the stretch of 2,150 km federal roads in the state. 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. 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. Eyedress is living with a clearer head these days. When the Filipino artist (born Idris Vicuna) became a dad almost three years ago, distancing himself from a super-stoned day-to-day was a logical move. For her, he wanted to be totally present, focused. His third album, Sensitive G, out November 16, exists in his current, generally weedless world of newfound clarity except for one song, "Alone Time," premiering today. Emulating the synthetic drums of a Hall and Oates number, surf-rock inspired guitar, and helium-high vocals recalling the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" could've made for a more buoyant pop song, but Vicuna's approach was more leisurely it's sunny but subtle, with a slow, chill funk current. Lyrically, though, it's about a rockier period, written about his ex-wife and their mutual distrust. Back then, he was smoking every half-hour. So today, when Vicuna performs "Alone Time," he's opening a time capsule. His life is starkly different and happier these days. PAPER caught up with Vicuna to hear more about including "Alone Time," despite its being somewhat of a personal relic. He told us more about the forthcoming Eyedress album too, and how on he channeled his punk roots in venting about the political and social climate of Manila, where he lives with his wife and daughter. Let's talk about "Alone Time" first. Can you tell us about the making of that song? That is the oldest song on the album. I actually made it in I think 2013. I was living in London, and I was with this imprint Abeano and they were under XL [Recordings], so I recorded that song in the XL studios in Notting Hill. At first it was just the guitar with a rough version of the melody, and a little bit of lyrics. I only finished it last year when I was working on the album, like late last year. It's not in relation to my current relationship, because I was married before. [The lyrics are] about her, my ex-wife, and just being paranoid and not trusting each other. It didn't really work out, so that's what the song is about trust issues. Performing "Alone Time" now, does it feel different? You're in a new stage of your life; you're a new dad, for one. She's almost three now. It's definitely so different. Even performing it feels it's just not who I am anymore. But the song is, I Like the song, so it's really tough to revisit those feelings. That was years ago. I think my voice was even higher, too. My voice is still high when I sing but I don't know if it's that good. So it hasn't taken on a new meaning but instead is like revisiting? Yeah, it's kind of just like going back in time. How is everything now? How have you adjusted? I've really adjusted. I've kind of quit all my vices. When I was starting out as a musician, in a lot of interviews I'd kind of glorify my drug use. But now I don't even do that stuff, so it's good, because now I'm just really focused on my family and making music and filming stuff. Before, I was really reckless, and it was just part of my daily routine getting fucked up or being high all the time. Now, I can't really do any of that, because I need to be present, and I need to focus on all the things going on around me. My daughter is just she starts running faster everyday. It's getting full on. She's dangerous. (Laughs) I always have to be aware; I can't be stoned, nothing like that. That's what I came from, and now that I've adjusted to being a dad, I've had a really clear head. There are a lot of benefits to a clearer head for your daughter, but for you personally, too. Yeah. I've really been happy that I quit smoking. I'm not paranoid. I don't get sad. I used to get really emo, but now I don't even feel that way, because I'm always in the present and never feeling too much of anything when you're just sober. When you say you were sad and high all the time, you mean only weed? Yeah, because I would smoke like every 30 minutes. When I stopped, I noticed my anxiety got really bad. You know how everything is heightened when you smoke? I didn't realize all my mental health stuff was also being heightened. The effects are different for everyone, and it depends on what kind of weed you're smoking and how much. Yeah. It definitely does. I mean, it used to be just whatever. But now I have a daughter, so the high is different too. There's more things to worry about: Her falling down the stairs or hitting her head on something. That's more stressful than when you smoke and you don't have a kid. Thinking about the rest of Sensitive G, were the other songs on there also written back then, or are some new? Starting last year, I would make a new song every two to three months. But I only finished everything in May this year. My family went to the States without me, just family stuff, and I couldn't go because I had to do the album. So I only had about a month-and-a-half and I finished everything within that month that they were away. Now that they're back, I don't know, I don't really record too much when they're here, especially lately because I don't want to miss anything with my daughter now. She's becoming less of a baby every day. I finished the album in just a month everything. I guess prior to that I was recording a lot of the music, and in that month is when I did all the vocals and all the finishing touches. Would you say some of these songs reflect this new period of your life? Yes, everything I've written apart from "Alone Time" is all referring to my current life. What made you want to include "Alone Time," then? It's just a good song; it was catchy. I never thought I'd put something out like that, but I don't know, I with songs, I put them through the test of time and this one is still OK to me, so that's why I put it on there. Your press notes mention a return to your punk roots, like when you had a Crass-style band while you were living in California as a teenager. It was called The Liberal Underground. (Laughs) We had songs called "Patriotism is McCarthyism." I didn't know what any of that meant, because I was like 13 or something. But my friends were really cool; they were much older than me. I was only in 7th or 8th grade when I joined, and they already were finishing high school. They had a lot of opinions: They were vegan, they had all these crazy beliefs that, at the time, I didn't understand. I always thought they were cool because they believed in something they wanted to believe in, as to like, when you're in school, everyone has this kind of sheepish mentality. I guess this album I kind of revisit all the music that I grew up loving as a kid. Except there's no rap songs. I guess "PTSD" is kind of on a West Coast, G-funk kind of wave, but I don't know. I just take from everything I like. What made you decide to revisit those influences? It just made sense with my anger. I've been getting really angry lately. (Laughs) I've just been feeling fed up with where I live and the people I'm surrounded with. A lot of people talk shit, tweet me and stuff like that. People in the Manila music scene? Yeah. I'm just trying to be healthy and get my anger out in a positive way, rather than going out and fighting or something. Do you think you've carried on some of that political messaging, too? I guess I've always felt a way about how things go in the government and society. But I'm not, I don't feel like my opinions will make a difference. Really? Here, you can try so hard to make a difference, but it just doesn't maybe it's opening people's minds a bit more, but I just put it out there because that's what I believe and that's how I feel about the way things are here. If it does change anything, that'd be great. The message is there for anyone who can relate to it. I heard bits of that in "No Love in the City," and then there's "Toxic Masculinity." I was so angry in that song. I did it in one take. I just freestyled; a lot of the times I freestyle. Even with "Alone Time," I didn't write any lyrics. I came up with the melody then I was like, alright, what kind of words can I put into this? And usually it's just what I feel at the time. But yeah, "No Love in the City," I was just really mad one day and I was yelling at myself in the studio. That's what that sounds like in reality. Then my family can hear it downstairs, and they're like, "Is he OK?" Then I come down and I'm like, "I was just making a song." What are you referring to in the song? Politics in the Philippines? The Manila music scene? Definitely. I guess I confront a lot of the hatred or misconceptions that people have about me. Poverty is the biggest issue here, and like I was saying how things seem to never change here, that's one thing, ever since I've lived here when I was 15. It's already 2018, so I've been here for eight years, almost 10. I think with any president I've been here for about three different presidents already they never come up with solutions to fix poverty and pollution, and those are the main issues here, apart from people not being educated enough to know that they're stuck in this way of life. Education is really important, which sounds stupid coming from me, because I dropped out. I didn't do the school route; it just wasn't working for me. But as I grew older and now that I have a daughter, it's like, education is one of the most important things. Especially living in the third world where you see a lot of uneducated people having their opinions, and it just doesn't make sense because they're not really clued up on what the facts are. You had access to more education than some, though you moved to the U.S. as a kid, and lived in Arizona and California. I had somewhat of a privileged life. I was born in the slums, but my family moved me to the states so I guess that's where my educational background comes from. That's definitely something that I think I don't know, a lot of my fans who aren't still in the slums, I think their minds are being opened in my lyrics. Because now you can pick a lot of stuff up and find it online; if you do enough research, you can teach yourself. I guess I hope those lyrics will get people in a direction that will be beneficial for them. New Music Friday always promises a plethora of that good-good new-new from some of your favorite artists, maybe some long-awaited, maybe some tired, through, and delayed, and maybe some songs by a treasure trove of #whos you've never heard of before. We know. It's overwhelming! Thank the heavens PAPER is here help sift through the goodness, the garbage, and the noise, and bring you the best every Friday. We gotchu, sis. Let's bop to it! As Mariah Carey gears up to release her new album Caution in a week, she keeps delivering airy, effortless bops. The irresistible "A No No" samples Lil Kim's classic 1997 smash, "Crush On You," which is just perfect. The chorus and overall mood of the song is undeniable, and in our humblest opinion, one of Carey's instantly recognizable songs in recent years. "A yes yes," is more like it! Related | Mariah Carey Gets Revealing King Princess continues to surprise with her refreshing blend of modern pop and no-holds-barred honesty. "Pussy Is God," is no less, smooth, smart, and daring especially given the fact that it's an unapologetically lesbian anthem. "I been prayin' for hours/She's God, I found her/Your pussy is God," King Princess sings about being in sync with her perfect spiritual and sexual match. We love that for her, and for all who find their own higher power through this song. In other queer bops news, Sakima, who is readying the release of debut album Peach, is here with a new song that calls out the toxic facets of queer app/hookup culture. Speak-singing in an intentionally melodic monotone alongside Robokid over a squiggly industrial electronic beat, Sakima spouts out lyrics like "If I'm the only bitch on your map/ You've gotta delete all those other apps." Even though the track is undeniably fierce, it's also an appeal toward greater transparency and honesty within IRL relationships, a value that, as time passes seems to get more lost in the ether of instant gratification that can be found online. It's a needed message: Sakima's "Apps" is smartly, within the pop frame, advocating for us to apply the golden rule to how we behave online and in real life. Migos' Takeoff launches solo full-length debut The Last Rocket today, week's after fellow bandmate Quavo debuted his. (My question is how do they all find the time to be so prolific, not that we're complaining). "Casper" is one spooky-trap standout from Takeoff's record, featuring a moody instrumental with elongated xylophone chimes, and it covers the ghosts of his life, from his mysterious opulence to literal death. But why does it sound like a breeze? I think that's the point. It's the essence of this song that makes it a banger, brought to (after)life by Takeoff's shapeshifting persona. Unparalleled rap legend Slick Rick releases his first single in 10 years today, "Snakes of the World Today." Because his style is so timeless, the track's old-school sound, when blended with Rick's classically witty lyricism and ironic cadence, still sounds new. When you consider what he's addressing: corruption, greed, the constant betrayal of citizens by world leaders, Slick Rick, who has always used his mic for examining what entertains as well as what matters, "Snakes of the World" today becomes that much more relevant. His voice is so needed and we couldn't be happier to welcome him back! Rosalia, the Spanish artist who is bringing flamenco culture and composition to international audiences for this generation, releases her sophomore breakout album El Mal Querer today. It feels unfair to pick one song from the pack a cohesive but fluid concept-driven album render in chapters as they all tell different parts of a complex story. And I don't speak Spanish, admittedly, but I connect to the feeling Rosalia imbues her compositions with. That said, I'm really feeling "Pienso En Tu Mira," ("I Think You Look") which combines the multilayered passion of flamenco (love, loss, death, spirituality); poetic lyrics ("nails, a bullet in your chest"); and a pop-wise melody and structure that will surely translate to wider audiences. In PAPER interview which also went live today, she said: "Si el lugar desde que tu haces las canciones tiene verdad ("If your music comes from a truthful place"), then the people will feel it." Rosalia speaks the truth. We've already heard the Nicki Minaj-assisted "Woman Like Me" from British foursome's forthcoming fifth studio album. "Joan of Arc" continues in a similar, fiercely feminist vein: sassy lyrics comparing women to legendary martyrs (which isn't wrong) are colored with sunny, reggae-tinged beats and bass drops. "Joan of Arc" is a dual-purpose bop that hits every pleasure center in your brain while also empowering listeners to unapologetically embrace their inner warrior. Los Angeles outsider duo, THEY. premiered their new, nostalgia-based performance video for "What I Know Now" with Wiz Khalifa through PAPER earlier this week. Ahead of their upcoming Fireside EP, out November 9, they've released "Broken," a new song with Jessie Reyez, marking their second collaborative effort on an EP full of them. "Broken" takes what's great about both acts Reyez's sharp pen and unique vocal tone and THEY.'s idiosyncratic melodic structure and essentially puts them into an ultimately uplifting song about picking up the pieces of a shattered heart. Here's a delicious surprise: Marina and the Diamonds and "Despacito" creator Luis Fonsi lend their respective talents Marina's soaring voice and Fonsi's ongoing Latin crossover appeal to an upbeat new track by Clean Bandit. Despite the song's infectious energy, Marina adds a melancholy air with lyrics (another trademark of her songwriting process) about being with someone else, despite a suitor's interest. That tug-of-war gives the song, which will undoubtedly thrive in Top 40, its magnetic pull. But it begs the question that if being "someone else's baby" is regretful, if that ship has sailed, what would happens when or if you decide to jump ship? Sabrina Carpenter, who dropped the seductive bop "Paris" last week, hits us with "Bad Time" this week. Both tracks are from her upcoming Singular: Act 1 album. And pardon the cliche, but "Bad Time," is anything but. As a whole, it boast modern, clean production that pulls right from the savvy, electropop playbook of Scandinavia, giving it a decidedly worldly feel. Plus, Carpenter's robotic, addictive "I'm sorry" refrain anchors the song, which is a kiss-off to someone who calls her up for a good time at the wrong time. Judging by what we've heard thus far, is it crazy to say that we are so thrilled for whatever this album will turn out to be? By all appearances, Carpenter's got her game face on, and we're happily along for the ride. What's your favorite track this week? See you next week, lovers! Courtesy of Epic Records Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow's multi-million dollar lifestyle brand, has always been about luxury and prestige. Its blog and e-store showcase the highest quality kitchenware, the softest cashmere, the most unscientifically proven rose quartz vaginal eggs. So it makes sense that Paltrow's wedding to Brad Falchuk, which she richly details on a blog post published today, was shot by a photographer with serious credentials. Like, Pulitzer Prize type credentials. For covering the war in Afghanistan for the New York Times. According to her personal website, Lynsey Addario regularly works with the New York Times, National Geographic, and Time; she has won not only the Pulitzer but also a MacArthur fellowship and numerous other accolades. In 2000, she made her first trip to Afghanistan, "to document life and oppression of women living under the Taliban", and since then has chronicled conflict zones in Iraq, Darfur, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, South Sudan, Somalia, and Congo. She even has a bestselling memoir about her life as a photojournalist. See on Instagram It is unclear how Paltrow came across Addario's work, but the photographer's website does have similar minimalist design values to Goop, which might have made her more certain of the decision. She and Falchuk also employed a second, more conventional, wedding photographer to cover the nuptials alongside Addario. There was plenty to take photos of, after all: a weird amount of pineapples, tasteful table settings, Robert Downey Jr. making a speech. Related | Is Gwyneth Paltrow 'Becky With The Good Hair'? The highly curated ceremony and reception took place on September 29 in upstate New York. Congratulations, GP! Image via Getty Pashinian Says He Made 'Clear' To U.S. That Armenia Will Maintain Ties With Iran 11/02/18 Source: RFE/RL's Armenian Service Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian says he made clear to U.S. national-security adviser John Bolton last week that Armenia will pursue its national interests and maintain "special relations" with its neighbor Iran. Addressing the Armenian parliament on November 1, Pashinian said he told Bolton when he visited Yerevan last week that Armenia is a landlocked nation that does not have diplomatic relations with either neighboring Turkey or Azerbaijan, so it must retain "special relations" with its other two neighbors -- Iran and Georgia -- which he said are Armenia's only "gateways" to the outside world. "I reaffirm the position that we should have special relations with Iran and Georgia that would be as far outside geopolitical influences as possible. This position was very clearly formulated also during my meeting with Mr. Bolton, and I think that the position of Armenia was clear, comprehensible, and even acceptable to representatives of the U.S. delegation," the Armenian leader said. Bolton visited the Caucasus nations of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan last week in part to push for compliance with the sanctions that the United States is reimposing on Iran's oil and financial sectors on November 5 after withdrawing from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in April. In an interview with RFE/RL's Armenian Service on October 25, Bolton said he told Pashinian that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump will enforce sanctions against Iran "very vigorously." For that reason, he said, the Armenian-Iranian border is "going to be a significant issue." "Obviously, we don't want to cause damage to our friends in the process," Bolton added. Pashinian told the parliament that his response to Bolton was: "We respect any country's statement and respect the national interests of any country, but the Republic of Armenia has its own national and state interests, which do not always coincide with the interests and ideas of other countries, any other country. "Let no one doubt that we are fully building our activities on the basis of Armenia's national interest - be it in our relations with the United States, Iran, Russia, all countries." Pashinian made his remarks in response to a lawmaker's question about what effect the U.S. sanctions on Iran would have on Armenia. Zarif thanks #Armenia for friendly stance towards Iran https://t.co/gJsEVir5Mp Tehran is obviously extremely pleased with the friendly stance that Yerevan took towards Iran during U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton's visit to Armenia u ps (@517design) November 2, 2018 '@MFA_Russia - It would be good if John Bolton thinks over the meaning of his own words: 'I think that's really fundamental to @Armenia exercising its full sovereignty and not being dependent on or subject to excessive foreign influence' https://t.co/qLYXnEEzN6 pic.twitter.com/sKpEnLbxv4 Russia in USA (@RusEmbUSA) October 29, 2018 Days after his talks with Pashinian and other foreign leaders, Bolton conceded that the White House is unlikely to achieve its stated goal of reducing Iran's oil exports to "zero" under the sanctions. "We understand, obviously, [that] a number of countries -- some immediately surrounding Iran, some of which I just visited last week, others that have been purchasing oil [from Iran] -- may not be able to go all the way to zero immediately. So, we want to achieve maximum pressure [on Iran], but we don't want to harm friends and allies either, and we are working our way through that," Bolton told the Alexander Hamilton Society in Washington on October 31. A hard-liner who has pushed for the toughest possible sanctions on Iran, Bolton's remarks suggested for the first time that the White House may be preparing to grant waivers from the sanctions to some countries like India, Turkey, and South Korea that have requested them. Still, Bolton insisted that the sanctions already are having a powerful effect on Iran's economy, in particular helping to cause a collapse in Iran's currency, the rial, this year. "Already, you see reduction in purchases in countries like China that you would not have expected -- countries that are still in the nuclear deal [with Iran]. We have also seen Chinese financial institutions withdrawing from engaging in transactions with Iran. European businesses are fleeing the Iranian market. Most of the big ones are already out," he said. CEO of embattled gold dealership firm, Menzgold has served notice he will be addressing customers of the company through a radio interview on Monday 5th November, 2018. The interview among other things is to brief customers on the current status of the company and also give a roadmap as to how customers who have their monies locked up with the firm will be able access their cash. Nana Appiah Mensah in a tweet wrote I would be addressing the public on Menzgold and other related matters on Zylofon fm, 102.1 on Monday, Time with Menzgold between 11am & 12noon. Kindly tune in. Menzgold is here to stay. Menzgold has not been able to fully pay matured returns to its investors since the Security and Exchanges Commission (SEC) ordered it to suspend only its gold vault operations. The company is said to have folded up after relentless pressure was mounted on them by SEC and the Bank of Ghana. Customers of the company have demanded for a full payment of their principal in order to abrogate their contract with the firm. The company came up with a payment schedule to pay its clients, but the said payments have been postponed several times. The delayed payments continue to stir up anger among Menzgold customers, as they have vowed to use every means possible to retrieve their investments. 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 It appears the National Media Commission (NMC) is set on a collision course with some men of God following the former's release of 12 rules to guide all religious broadcasts on television, radio and social media. On Wednesday, the NMC made public a set of rules it says are to ensure sanity within the media space as some religious broadcasters were infringing on the rights of certain groups of people through their broadcasts. The rules, among other instructions, prohibits religious groups from broadcasting materials that cause fear and panic among the citizenry. According to the commission, preachers must refine their messages, devoid of languages which are alien for broadcast purposes. But the founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah has not taken kindly to the NMC guidelines, describing them as bogus. So if God has revealed to us what is about to happen as pastors should we keep mute on that? That guideline should be canceled, this wont work here. Never! The controversial prophet said in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie. The 12 rule document released by the NMC comes at a time when the media space in the country has been taken over by religious bodies and so called men of God who are exploiting the vulnerable through fake prophesies. The NMC in the document insisted that all religious broadcasts must appreciate the multi-cultural and diversity of religions within society, and must protect children and vulnerable persons from exploitation. Per the document, Religious broadcasts that contain manifestations within the healing, deliverance and prophetic ministry should be done with discretion, circumspection and respect for human dignity. This should be especially so in the case of children. Rev Owusu Bempah, nicknamed the Nations Prophet and a close pal of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said he will do whatever it takes to make sure the guidelines by NMC are jettisoned with immediate effect. No pastor should go by these guidelines. If theres some revelation, say it so we all pray to avert that. I [Owusu Bempah] will never aide by these rules. I will personally make sure that these rules are scrapped. NMC has no authority over the Bible, he told host, Mac-Jerry Osei Agyeman. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash 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 Visiting Prince of Wales, Prince Charles today took a tour around the Christiansburg Castle in Osu and Jamestown a suburb of Accra as part of his five day visit to Ghana. The Prince, who arrived in the country on Friday with his wife the Duchess of Cornwall was met at the airport by Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Ocquaye, before being taken to the Ceremonial Room of the Jubilee House to interact with President Akufo-Addo. Accompanied by some government officials and dignitaries, Prince Charles was taken round the once British-owned slave fort, which served as the seat of Ghanas government for decades. He is expected to meet with local policymakers to discuss possible renovation and reuse of the historic landmark. On Sunday, November 4, the Prince of Wales and his wife will join the President for a Thanksgiving Service at Ridge Church in Accra. He will also address a Public Lecture at the Accra International Conference Centre on Monday, November 5, 2018 before attending a State Banquet held in his honour by President Akufo-Addo. The Banquet will be attended by senior dignitaries, British nationals, a cross-section of Ghanaians and prominent figures from the areas of business, arts, culture and the media. The royals will depart Ghana on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Background The visit by Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall forms part of a week tour of three West African countries that has already taken them to Gambia, and will end with a visit to Nigeria. The tour will be used to celebrate some shared values and cultures between the United Kingdom and these countries, as well as throw the searchlight on a number of important commitments made by the Commonwealth Heads of Government during the last Commonwealth summit. Source: Ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Permalink Notice Because of changes created by Blogger, older permalinks to my archived posts no longer work. My apologies for that. The year-and-month in the old permalinks are correct, however, so you may be able to find the post you are looking for with some work. Alternatively, e-mail me for the currently functioning permalink. The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163 in 2013 to proclaim November 2 each year as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI). The day, which honours the memory of two French journalists, Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, who were killed by terrorists in Northern Mali on November 2, 2013, has since been observed worldwide to highlight and condemn all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. The celebration provides a global platform for appeals to governments of Member States of the UN to do their utmost to prevent violence against journalists and to bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers. As the world prepares to mark the day, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), as part of the build-up to the celebration, will be highlighting a series of critical issues that undermine the safety of journalists in the region. The first in the series is the infograph below which spotlights four unresolved killings of journalists which occurred in Nigeria from April 2017 to November 2017. Regrettably, all the four incidents recorded in Nigeria have received no form of redress. The MFWA is, therefore, urging the government of Nigeria to expedite investigations into these killings and ensure justice for the victims families. Say No to Impunity. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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. The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has responded to former President Mahama for claiming that his administration fixed Ghanas power crisis before exiting power. He thus advised former president Mahama to remain mute and concentrate on saving his blemished image rather than trying to take credit for the input President Akufo-Addo and vice President Bawumia have laid down to solve the energy crisis in Ghana. Over the past months, Chairman Wontumi explained that the current NPP administration has brought relative stability to the power sector in place of the erratic power situation it inherited. The NPP scribe also known as Chairman Wontumi stated that the former president deserves no attention since he created dumsor and went as far as blaming the crisis to usage of mobile phones in the country. He added that when Ghanaians begun to question the former president and seek for answers, he told us that we should blame the energy crisis in the country on the increasing mobile phone usage in Ghana. Today Nana Akufo-Addo has solved the issue so he wants to take credit for it. He should stop telling lies for once in his life. It would be recalled that former President Mahama, in an address to a Ghanaian community in Gambia whilst on a state visit, stated that the number of mobile phones in the country supersedes the total population in Ghana, hence taking a huge toll on the meager megawatts of power in the country. According to the former President, Ghanas population is 25 million, but statistics indicates that mobile phone lines in Ghana is over 27 million and these phones are charged every night, and this is one of the causes of the load-shedding, he said. Chairman Wontumi therefore challenged former President Mahama to categorically state the measures he put in place to solve the energy problem which became known as dumsor in Ghana. Former President Mahama must have short memories. He should come out and tell us the measures he put in place to solve energy crisis we experienced under him, Chairman Wontumi said. According to Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, under the leadership of the former president Mahama, killer tarrifs were introduced; stunting the growth of businesses and driving the progress of Ghana backwards. In his view, under the tenure of former President Mahama, paying of electricity bills became more expensive than rent. He noted that the bad measures the erstwhile administration put in place, made life unbearable leading to people describing it as Killer Mahama tariffs. We havent forgotten about the Killer Mahama tariffs it is still fresh in our minds, Chairman Wontumi noted. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Mr Senyo Hosi, has encouraged Africans to focus on demanding for accountability and true service from political leaders. He noted that the biggest hindrance of Africa was its weak policies and institutions superintended by poor leadership. Speaking at the 2018 African Development and Investment Convention (ADIC) on the topic Africa Rising - Lacing Politics, Industry and True Partnership for Sustainable Development, in Zurich, Switzerland, Mr Hosi said the eagerness to flaunt political power was too common a sight in Africa, adding that it was despairing in the quest for an industrialised continent. Mr Hosi said Africa needed strong and effective institutions to attract the needed capital to spur its industrialisation and not the current trend of excessive politicisation and tribalisation of institutions. He also indicated that the desired investment flow to the continent was hindered by the short-term view investors held of Africa due to political risks and the politicisation of institutions such as central banks, regulatory bodies and state-owned enterprises. Arbitrariness of policy These weaknesses translate into the inconsistency and arbitrariness of policy, infringements on the sanctity of contracts and distortion of markets. It is no wonder that only one African country Mauritius has been ranked in the top 50 most competitive countries in the world out of 137 countries, according to the World Economic Forum (2017-2018), Mr Hosi cited. He noted that Africas openness to doing business had also not been any prettier, adding that, Out of 190 countries usually ranked on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Report, Africa performs sub-optimally. In the 2018 report, Africa has only one nation ranking among the top 50 and just seven countries in the top 100, he added. Worshipping politicians Mr Hosi further urged Africans to stop worshipping politicians, saying Politicians must realise that public service is not a chiefdom. Electorates do not queue in the scorching sun to vote them into power to be lorded over. He stressed that the electorate who bore so much risk to cast their ballots needed to be served with their common interests placed above individual, parochial or partisan ones. Source: graphic.com.gh 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 President Akufo-Addo is optimistic that his government will give a good account to Ghanaians at the end of the 4-year term in office. According to him, the good deeds of the government is gradually clearing what he describes as a mess left behind by the Mahama government. Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of some seven Ministers of State approved by Parliament this week, Nana Akufo Addo urged the ministers to work hard to help the government deliver on its mandate. He noted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government during the 2016 electioneering campaign made several promises to Ghanaians and has delivered on some. He told the government officials to remain focused and work to at delivering on all the other promises. We have to work together so that the things that we told the Ghanaian people that got them to give us their confidence and trust we can deliver them. Weve delivered some, there are still others to go. But if we all continue to work hard and keep our eyes on the ball, Im very confident that when the 4 years are over we will be able to give a good account of ourselves to the people of Ghana, he said. The ministers, who were sworn-in include Kojo Oppong Nkrumah as the Information Minister; Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Evans Opoku Bobie; Gender Minister, Cynthia Morrison; Upper East Regional Minister, Paulina Abayage; and two other Deputy Ministers for Eastern Region, Samuel Nuetey Ayertey and for the Brong Ahafo Region, Martin Oti Gyarko. Source: citi 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 We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form During his reception in Hanoi on November 2nd for the French PM, Trong expressed his pleasure at the positive development of bilateral relations between Vietnam and France in recent years, while applauding the two sides efforts to promote and maintain their strategic partnership through various mechanisms and cooperation forms. Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong (R) receives French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (Source: VNA) The host hoped the two sides will actively coordinate to realise the recently signed agreements, make joint efforts to maintain the positive momentum of the bilateral relations, and closely coordinate at multilateral forums, thus contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. He said that political trust and comprehensive cooperation across various fields between the two countries are not only based on objective needs, but also in accordance with the basic interests of the two countries. The Vietnamese Party and State leader suggested the two sides facilitate the development of their community in each country, adding that this will be an important bridge towards bringing bilateral relations closer. For his part, Edouard Philippe expressed his pleasure at meeting with the Vietnamese leader, while congratulating Trong on his election as State President. PM Philippe conveyed that he was glad to be able to visit Vietnam an important partner to his country in Asia especially as the year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and the five years since they signed the strategic partnership. The French PM expressed his impression with Vietnams vigorous and vital development, highlighting the fruitful expansion of their bilateral relations in recent years. He said he hopes the two sides will further promote their cooperation in an effective manner across all fields in the time ahead, especially in the context of complicated global issues./. KAMPALA Telecom giant, MTN Uganda, is headed for yet another bigger trouble as its former senior manager in charge of public access Richard Mwami dragged them to court over malicious prosecution. Mr. Mwami who was in 2013, prosecuted by the company at the anti-corruption court on key among others charges corruption, neglect of duty, conspiracy to defraud MTN of Shs8 billion mobile money wants the Telecom together with government to pay him damages amounting to Shs2.8 billion. Just like many other legal battles where MTN Uganda has lost to a number of its former staff, Justice Lawrence Gidudu, in 2015, dismissed the charges against Mwami saying all charges were brought in bad faith. Justice Gidudu ruled that I have found no evidence to support the allegations, adding that the charges were brought in bad faith. He is in my view a potential prosecution witness who should have bolstered the prosecution case. Also according to the ruling, MTN Uganda failed to adduce enough evidence against Mwami to warrant at least any of charges preferred against him. The Court stated that He was not negligent but diligent. From that background, three years down the road, Mwami has resolved battle MTN Uganda and government seeking damages to his reputation. According to court documents seen by this website, Mwami through his longtime lawyers of AF Mpanga and Company Advocates, he wants to coerce MTN Uganda and government to pay a high price over malice and illegal prosecution. Mwami who claims he was only responsible for executing marketing and sales strategy plan for the Public Access Department, roll out Mobile Money initiatives, and to supervise a number of staff clams, he didnt have access rights on the Fundamo system, from which the money was allegedly stolen from. He also alleges that all charges levelled against him that also included embezzling company funds were in bad faith and therefore MTN Uganda and government should pay him. Court processes background According to court documents, the fracas started in mid-December 2011 when a Patrick Ssentongo, former financial administrator abruptly informed Mwami that he was leaving MTN for a job with the United Nations in Nairobi (Kenya). Mwami regarded Ssentongos resignation as sudden, according to documents. Mwami instructed Barbara Nalukwago, a business analyst at MTN, to run a review of transactions performed by Ssentongo in consideration of Ssentongos seniority together with his high-level access rights to Mobile Money platform. When Nalukwago examined the transaction on the Fundamo account, she, according to documents, discovered a number of significant irregularities and unusual transactions done by Ssentongo in which over Shs1 billion was missing. In 2013, the suit, which is now before Justice Lydia Mugambe, says that Ssentongo was arrested by Violent Crimes Crack Unit (VCCU) and was tortured over a number of days in order to confess to having participated in the theft but also implicates Mwami. It was a result of Ssentongos charge and caution statement, which was retrieved under duress, that Mwami was arraigned before the anti-graft court, the suit goes on. The lawyers claim their client received negative press coverage in several newspapers and online news sites for having defrauded MTN, a prosecution that damaged his reputation and continued to cause him to suffer stigma over negative press exposure. In the recent staff shake-up, the MTN Uganda tapped a seasoned telecom legal mind Enid Edroma to head its legal and regulatory department as court battles with former employees take centre stage. Ms Edroma replaced Anthony Katamba after the company lost several legal battles against staff in the criminal courts and several other legal and regulatory issues. MTN has previous been dragged to court by staff and a number of its clients over cheating them with the recent one being SMS empire Ltd. SMS empire LTD claims that MTN Uganda grabbed the database they had compiled for eight years and also withheld payments of about Shs3 billion that was supposed to be paid to them for the services. MTN also recently was on spotlight after an association of VAS providers had petitioned the President, the parliament and UCC to investigate company on several allegations of violating contracts, anti-competition, under-declaring revenue, and withholding payments to companies. Also, this is not the first time Mwami is suing MTN. In 2015, the Commercial Court ordered MTN to pay Shs2.3 billion in damages to EzeeMoney Limited, a company in which Mwami is the chief executive, for sabotaging its business. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) recently confirmed that cabinet gave them a node to renew MTN license for more 10 years. The company is currently enjoying a one-month contract bonus given to them last month after their operating permit expired on October 20, 2018. Eng Godfrey Mutabazi, the Executive Director of UCC the regulator of the communications sector in Uganda said MTN will get a 10-year licence before the expiry of 30-day provisional licence. Related KAMPALA -Ex-police chief Gen. Kale Kayihuras lawyers have put the Vision Group on notice over defamatory stories linking him to the death of his former ally AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi. Kayihura wants New Vision to immediately cease publication of Kaweesi murder series, issue an apology and pay him at least 300M for each story or they face legal action. Gen Kayihura, in a November 2 letter through his lawyers, Kampala Associated Advocates (KAA), he claims all the published stories by the same paper are aimed at tarnishing his name and that he has taken note of deliberate and sustained campaign that is riddled with publishing false, malicious and defamatory articles against him. This comes hours after another local daily, the Daily Monitor reported that Kayihura could be exonerated of all the charges including arming criminal gangs in the city. Other charges against Kayihura, include failure to supervise and ensure accountability for the arms and ammunition issued to specialized units under his office as the IGP, including the Flying Squad, Special Operations Unit, witness protection unit and the Crime Intelligence Directorate of the police force. Although, the army leadership is yet to confirm the reports carried by Daily Monitor. However, could the reports be true, New Vision will be in a difficult position given the looming legal actions. New Vision in a number of stories claims Kayihura is guilty of a number of heinous crimes including the brutal murder of former Police spokesperson AIGP Felix Kaweesi in March last year. PML Daily understands the case claimed by New Vision is not on Kayihura charge sheet. The legal notice to New Vision also seen by this website indicates, You have published these insinuations with malice and in full knowledge that the allegations are false. The lawyers accuse the New Vision of continuously spreading malice on Kayihura even when he was in army custody in Makindye early this year. The New Vision, the lawyers say, reported that witnesses clearly stated in a lead story on October 9, how they [Witnesses] had been coerced to accuse Gen Kayihura and fabricate evidence against him. In the said story, the New Vision wrote that it had obtained a joint security report entitled, Report into the allegations of involvement of security personnel into the murder of late AIGP Andrew Kaweesi, his driver and bodyguard. Now Kayihura lawyers say that New Vision reported that even the audio recording (used to incriminate Kayihura) was proven to be fabricated. And that the joint team of security agencies that were investigating the case arrived at the conclusion that it was practically impossible for the audio data to be stored on the system for eight months and further that there was evidence that the audio was compromised. The New Vision has in the past days published a number of Kaweesi murder series which lawyers claim is just malice and aimed at discrediting and incriminating Kayihura who as fired and later arrested for misleading the Police force. Lawyers, for example, claim that in the October 9 story titled Did Kayihura Kill Kaweesi? New Vision in the story indicated that there was evidence, including a purported voice recording and the number of witnesses, which indicated that Kayihura was part of the plot to end Kaweesis life. You published allegations that you knew by then to have been false, fabricated and thoroughly discredited including the fake audio, lawyers wrote faulting New Vision for running the story well aware that the allegations were false and malicious Our client has never recorded any statement in respect of the said allegations and that claim was totally created by your newspaper, the legal notice says on another story about Baronza, a former Kayihura aide who is wanted by Uganda police and Interpol on the same. On a number of other stories according to the legal documents, including the one titled Suspected Kaweesi guns traced to senior cop, lawyers claim this insinuated that the murder weapons had been traced to Kayihura. They went ahead to allege in the legal notice that, the above story specifically stated that Kayihura had been subjected to intense grilling by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) [Gen David Muhoozi] who had declined to answer any questions. Quoting from a story by New Vision, the lawyers noted that the story was patently false and part of a deliberate misinformation campaign. You [New Vision] very well know that our client was not subjected to any grilling by the CDF. The lawyers also claim that in the story, New Vision alleged that previous investigations of the case had been stage-managed by Kayihura who was at the helm of the force. With a number of accusations, the lawyers fault New Vision of running an online campaign against Kayihura on its official and verified Twitter and Facebook accounts. The lawyers allege the tweets shared by the same paper re-tweeted, shared and commented on several times over by what they term as many right-thinking members of the society. Your Twitter handle is followed by 462,000 people and this allegation which was put on Twitter was read by hundreds of thousands of people, the lawyers say. Our client has given us express and unequivocal instructions to demand that you unequivocally apologize to him in your newspapers for the deliberate, sustained and malicious campaign that you have engaged in. They also noted that our instructions are to demand as compensatory, aggravated and general damages Shs300 million for every story run in New Vision, Sunday Vision, Bukedde and all corresponding digital platforms, further similar amount paid for the slander on Bukedde FM and New Vision TV. By press time, New Vision legal team was yet to respond to claims by Kayihura. However, PML Daily understands that New Vision was officially served with a copy of the legal notice and acknowledged the receipt of the documents. Related ZOMBO The State Minister for Northern Uganda, Ms Grace Kwiyucwiny, has asked leaders in the region to embrace the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU), a new government programme supported by the European Union (EU) aimed at improving livelihoods of people in the five sub-regions of Acholi, Karamoja, Lango, Teso, and West Nile. She made the remarks during the DINU programme implementation meeting with district leaders from West Nile Sub-region at Zombo District headquarters on October 31. I wish to call upon all key stakeholders to actively play their roles in ensuring that the programme is implemented and managed collectively in order to produce a positive impact on the beneficiaries, Ms Kwiyucwiny said The DINU regional meeting intended to inform key stakeholders about the programme interventions and involvement of key actors such as government, European Union, and implementing partners. DINU is a multi-sectoral integrated programme supporting interventions in three interlinked sectors: (1) Market-oriented agriculture, food security and nutrition, livelihoods; (2) Infrastructures (transport, logistics, water, energy) and (3) Good governance for improved service delivery. Ms Kwiyucwiny said the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is responsible for the overall coordination and supervision of the DINU programme in partnership with the local governments. She urged implementers to exercise transparency saying, EU-OPM has Zero tolerance to corruption and the DINU implementation should be done with the highest expected standards. As such, government expects all DINU implementing partners and stakeholders to adopt and nurture a culture of transparency when dealing with the implementation as a way of encouraging wider participation and ownership of interventions in the Northern Uganda districts. I also call upon all stakeholders to fully support the DINU programme by working together and fully participating in the timely implementation of activities and actions so that we all deliver this large and integrated programme effectively. Government wishes to actively engage with all the funders and partners of DINU to ensure the programme delivers expected results and outcomes and that funding allocated over the next five years is put to good use for the benefit of our people of Northern Uganda, she explained. She revealed that government together with development partners has, over the years, been supporting Northern Uganda to ensure that it is at the same level of development with other parts of the country. In this process, We appreciate the European Union (EU) for standing with us during the emergency, rehabilitation and reconstruction phases of Northern Uganda recovery programme; and now in the same spirit embarking on the development phase of the region. The EU through DINU has continued to render substantial support to boost the development of Northern Uganda. The Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda, Ambassador Attilio Pacifici, said DINU is a mark of a long-standing partnership and commitment of the EU to continue working closely with the people of Uganda and in particular the people of Northern Uganda. It is through these initiatives, that are desired, conceived, planned and implemented together, that we deepen and strengthen our partnership even more, he said. He said the implementation of the programme has already started for many components and the OPM DINU Programme Management Unit composed of 21 staff is now fully on board and present in the region adding that this will allow for better coordination and for additional activities to start immediately. According to the Ambassador, Northern Uganda has been receiving a lot of attention over the past decades, including from the EU, and impressive progress has been made over the past 10 years, since the return of peace and stability in the region. He, however, said new challenges have emerged while in other areas, not all the old challenges have been fully overcome. For instance, the huge influx of South-Sudanese refugees is a new prominent challenge in the North-West while in Karamoja some security challenges and threats still keep coming from across the borders, not mentioning other challenges in particular linked to climate change. Notwithstanding the substantial and sustained progress in human and economic development made in recent times, he said the region still lags behind compared to other parts of Uganda. Further efforts are therefore required to narrow this gap and to respond to the specific challenges faced by the people of Northern Uganda. This is why the EU, through DINU as well as other programmes, continues to invest in Northern Uganda. We are committed to supporting the people, the government of Uganda at central and local levels and other stakeholders to ensure long-lasting peace, security and stability and the development of the region, he explained. Background The DINU programme, which was initiated in 2017 is funded with a 132.8 million Euros grant from the European Union, 11.9 million Euros from the Government of Uganda and 5.9 million Euros from implementing partners. Overall goal: Consolidate stability in Northern Uganda, eradicate poverty, under-nutrition and strengthen the foundations for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development. Coverage: The 33 beneficiary districts of the programme are Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo, Nwoya, Omoro and Pader in Acholi region; Abim, Amudat, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit and Napak in Karamoja region; Alebtong, Amolatar, Apac, Dokolo, Kole, Lira, Otuke and Oyam in Lango region; Amuria and Katakwi in Teso region and Adjumani, Arua, Koboko, Maracha, Moyo, Nebbi, Yumbe and Zombo in West Nile region. Implementation modalities OPM has set up a programme management unit of 21 staff based in Gulu, Kampala and Moroto, responsible for the overall coordination, monitoring and execution of the various components of the programme as well as for the direct implementation of some specific activities. In support of the overall DINU implementation, key implementing partners have undertaken a wide range of activities related to the specific objectives of the programme. They include Department for International Development (DFID)/Trademark East Africa, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). Related While meeting with French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe in Hanoi on November 2nd, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said she was happy to witness the strong development of Vietnam-France ties, especially after the two countries set up their strategic partnership in 2013. Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan highly evaluated the French PMs visit which takes place at a time when Vietnam and France are celebrating the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 5th anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration on the strategic partnership. National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) receives French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (Photo: VNA) Having congratulated the outcomes of PM Philippes meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong, and his talks with PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Chairwoman expressed her belief that the visit and cooperation agreements signed during the trip would contribute to deepening the bilateral relationship and enhancing their political trust. PM Philippe said his ongoing visit, with the participation of French parliamentarians, ministers and Presidents of the France-Vietnam Friendship Associations in the Parliament and the Senate, aims to further promote cooperative and close relations between the two nations. The PM highlighted the importance of cooperative ties between French and Vietnamese provinces and cities, adding that he is scheduled to participate in several activities in Vietnamese localities, including the inauguration of a French international school in Hanoi. At the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on operations of as well as relations between the parliaments and governments in Vietnam and France./. 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: During the visit, Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung had working sessions with Norways Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide, Minister of Trade and Industry Torbjorn Roe Isaksen, and Minister of International Development Nicolas Astrup. He also met with leaders of Norways Government Pension Fund Global and the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise. At the meetings, the Norwegian leaders conveyed their deep sympathies over the death of President Tran Dai Quang and congratulating Vietnam on electing General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong as the new President. At a meeting between Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung and Minister of International Development Nicolas Astrup (Photo: VNA) The two sides lauded the sound friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Norway over the years with the regular exchange of delegations and meetings. They spoke highly of the outcomes of the meeting between Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Norwegian counterpart Erna Solberg on the sidelines of the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in October this year. They agreed that the two countries boast huge potential cooperation, stressing the need for stronger affiliation in the spheres of oil and gas, shipbuilding, maritime transport, culture, education, and tourism. At the meeting with Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide, Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung expressed his hope that Norway will have a stronger voice to support the settlement of disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures in line with international law. The two sides concurred to continue supporting each other at multilateral forums and the United Nations. At the meetings with Minister of Trade and Industry Torbjorn Roe Isaksen and Minister of International Development Nicolas Astrup, both sides recognised the growth in bilateral economic cooperation with two-way trade in recent years reaching over USD350 million per year. Norway currently has 40 projects in Vietnam with a total investment of over USD160 million, ranking 41st out of 129 foreign investors in the Southeast Asian country. Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung suggested Norway help speed up the signing and ratification of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Meeting with leaders of Norways Government Pension Fund Global and the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung underscored that Norway is an important partner of Vietnam. He highlighted many investment opportunities in Vietnam as a result of the equitisation of State-owned enterprises. He pledged that Vietnam will create a favourable investment and business environment for foreign firms, including those from Norway, to invest and do business equally in the country. The Deputy PM proposed that Norways Government Pension Fund Global and the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise send business delegations to Vietnam to further explore the market. Currently, the USD1 trillion fund is investing in a number of big firms in Vietnam, including Vinamilk, MBank, and Hoa Phat Group. Representatives of Norwegian firms showed interest in cooperation and investment opportunities in Vietnam, listing the country as one of the top newly-emerged markets. They expressed hope that the Government of Vietnam will continue reforming the institutional and legal system, while also simplifying procedures for imports, and supporting Norwegian firms to invest particularly in shipbuilding, oil and gas, aquaculture, hydropower, wind power, and pharmaceuticals. During the visit, Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung also had a meeting with officials of the Vietnamese embassy and the Vietnamese community in the country./. Rantoul, IL (61866) Today A mix of clouds and sun. High 52F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain late. Low 37F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. From zeroing in on the best means for stake dilution to moving beyond microfinance, Bandhan navigates a tough path. Namrata Acharya reports. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters Back in 2010, when Bandhan Bank was still a microfinance organisation, it could preempt the first ever crisis in the sector. An ordinance by the Andhra Pradesh government curbed nearly 70 per cent of the microfinance operations, followed by strict limits on lending and collections. The unregulated nature of the sector had led to lending at unreasonably high rates and coercive methods of payment collection, prompting Andhra Pradesh to promulgate the ordinance. Six months before the state had passed the ordinance, however, Bandhan took a step that few had contemplated: it reduced lending rates by about five percentage points the lowest in the sector at 19.1 per cent. Within the next year, Bandhan emerged as the unrivalled leader of microfinance as its competitors struggled for breath under the weight of bad loans. Cut to 2018. Bandhan faces its first big challenge as a bank. The Reserve Bank of India has put curbs on its branch expansion plans, for failing to meet shareholding norms for new private banks. Further, the remuneration of C S Ghosh, its MD and CEO, has also been frozen at the existing level. Ghosh, the face of the bank, has been a conservative and foresighted banker. He has been able to handle difficult situations with remarkable ease. But the next few months, as well as years, could put his leadership skills to the test. It is, however, not the RBI stricture on expansion, but the bank's own business model that would be his biggest challenge. The curb has come at a time when Bandhan Bank has already met most of its initial targets. Over the last three years, the bank has expanded aggressively. On the first day of its operations itself, it rolled out 500 branches. Against the target of 1,000 branches by March 2019, it has already reached 938. Additionally, the bank has a wide network of doorstep banking centres (DSCs) from its microfinance days, which form its foundation. The cost of operations here have remained low. Ghosh has been so frugal in maintaining strict cost-controls at DSCs that as an MFI a branch manager was entitled to a plastic chair with armrests, while credit officers got chairs without armrests. A strict cost control model is still followed. Even now, large number of Bandhan's field staff comprises local class 12 pass-outs, which means low salary expenses. In the six months from March this year, the bank opened 246 DSCs. Its customer base has doubled from 8.4 million at the end of March 2016 to 14.41 million at the end of September 2018, and its microfinance business has grown from about Rs 100 billion to more than Rs 300 billion in the same period. Notably, the RBI curb is on branches and it is not clear if it is applicable for DSCs. All this growth has been achieved with the best asset quality in the industry. It has a nearly 99 per cent repayment rate. Bandhan Bank's net interest margin is about 10.3 per cent, way higher than its peers, like Yes Bank (NIM of 3.3 per cent) and IndusInd Bank (NIM at3.92 per cent). However, Bandhan Bank's growth, although impressive, hasn't been well-rounded. Three years into universal banking, it still relies heavily on microfinance. About 86 per cent of the bank's loan outstanding is in the microfinance segment. Moreover, its operations lean heavily on the eastern and north-eastern regions. About 64 per cent of Bandhan's branches and 80 per cent of its loan book are concentrated in the east and north east. North accounts for a mere 4 per cent, south 2 per cent, central 8 per cent and west just 6 per cent of the bank's loan book. Once eastern India market gets saturated, and Bandhan Bank expands in other regions, it will face a level-playing field in the new terrains as several private banks have now entered its niche of microfinance. Kotak Mahindra Bank has acquired BSS Microfinance, IDFC Bank has acquired Grama Vidyal Microfinance, DCB Bank has acquired a stake in Annapurna Microfinance, and IndusInd Banks is awaiting regulatory clearances for its acquisition of a stake in Bharat Financial Inclusion, formerly SKS. The limited corporate lending by Bandhan Bank has already proven to be a risky bet. Bandhan Bank has about Rs 3.8 million exposure to infrastructure lender IL&FS, which is facing acute liquidity crisis (so far a standard asset). Sunil Samdani, chief financial officer of the bank, told analysts in an investor call that the loan was an "exception". In the days ahead, another challenge for Bandhan would be to find the right way to dilute promoter share. The promoters' shareholding at Bandhan Bank is about 82.28 per cent, which needs to be brought down to 40 per cent. Some of the options listed by the bank to bring it down include acquisition in the microfinance or housing finance space and entering new business at the holding company level. Recently, the Securities and Exchange board of India relaxed the one year post-IPO lock-in period norm for Bandhan, which means the promoters can now directly sell equity shares; an additional option for the bank. Further, at the holding company level, Bandhan Bank can now engage in share transactions to enter mutual fund or insurance business. However, these will be relatively new and riskier ventures for the bank, which has its expertise in microfinance. Any tweak in the shareholding structure of the bank might also go against the holding company structure of banks favoured by the RBI. Secondary sale of shares would mean more capital, which at this point is not needed by the bank. "Any further issuance in the bank will depend on the requirement of capital in the bank to grow the business. Our capital adequacy as on June 2018 was 30 per cent plus, so currently we are adequately capitalised for the growth of our regular business," Samdani said in the analyst call. Bandhan Bank has indicated its willingness to go for inorganic growth to meet the RBI norms. "If there is an opportunity of any inorganic opportunity which makes sense for the bank and its shareholders, we will look at raising capital at the bank level," added Samdani. Experts say an MFI could be an ideal fit for acquisition, given the synergy in operations, need for the bank to expand beyond east and north east and its huge capital base. However, finding the right fit for acquisition in a short time is no easy task. From zeroing in on the best means for stake dilution to moving beyond microfinance, a banking licence for Bandhan has come with many challenges. Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Garg is the finance ministry's primary liaison with the RBI. Arup Roychoudhury reports. Photograph: Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters A top civil servant has made a subtle comeback at Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Viral Acharya's warning that governments that interfere with central banks suffer the 'wrath of the markets'. 'Rupee trading at less than 73 to a dollar, Brent crude below $73 a barrel, markets up by over 4 per cent during the week and bond yields below 7.8 per cent. Wrath of the markets?' Subhash Chandra Garg, secretary in the finance ministry's department of economic affairs, tweeted on Friday, November 2. 'Wrath of the markets?' is a direct reference to Dr Acharya's statement last Friday. Dr Acharya had on October 26 delivered a scathing speech seeking more independence for the RBI. He said governments that did not respect their central bank's independence would sooner or later 'incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined the regulatory institution'. He had said the central bank must have more powers to supervise public sector banks, and keep its balance sheet strong, apart from adequate regulatory scope. This independence, he said, was necessary to secure greater financial and macroeconomic stability. Since then, several reports have said the Centre in three strongly worded letters referred to Section 7 of the RBI Act, which allows the government to issue binding directions to the central bank as it may 'consider necessary in public interest'. The three letters in recent weeks are said to have been drafted by Garg and touched upon contentious topics. These include the government's demand that RBI transfer as much as Rs 3.6 trillion worth of excess capital as surplus to the Centre, that it eases prompt corrective action rules in line with global norms, and that it gives some breathing space to power sector non-performing assets so as to prevent several of them going into bankruptcy proceedings. There were reports that RBI Governor Urjit Patel would resign if the government invoked Section 7. That situation seems to have been avoided for now as Dr Patel has called a board meeting of the RBI on November 19. Garg and Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar are the finance ministry's representatives on the RBI board of directors. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley does not communicate that frequently with Dr Patel and the deputy governors of the RBI. However, he is known to share a cordial relationship will all of them. Informal channels of communication, which have always existed between North Block and Mint Road, are currently handled primarily by Garg and Kumar. The buzz in bureaucratic circles is that whether through written communication or these informal channels, instead of negotiating on contentious issues, North Block tried to force its writ upon the central bank. That may have prompted Dr Acharya to make a fiery speech last Friday. Aveek Sen on how the Lashkar-e-Tayiba looks at the world while focusing on India and Afghanistan. IMAGE: This photograph from April 2015 shows Malaysia's then prime minister Najib Razak speaking on the threat of terrorism during the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Photograph: Olivia Harris/Reuters On Wednesday, October 31, Malaysia arrested its first Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative, pointing to a worrying spread of a terrorist outfit whose main area of operation, at least in public perception, has been India and Afghanistan. Here's a backgrounder on the terror outfit, and how it has spread its tentacles: According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, 'Formed in 1990 in the Kunar province of Afghanistan, the Lashkar-e-Tayiba (also known as Jama'at-ud Da'awa) is based in Muridke near Lahore in Pakistan and is headed by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. Its first presence in Jammu and Kashmir was recorded in 1993 when 12 Pakistani and Afghan mercenaries infiltrated across the Line of Control in tandem with the Islami Inquilabi Mahaz, a terrorist outfit then active in the Poonch district of J&K.' A senior analyst provided a background to the LeT. According to him, Saeed had his orientational training in Saudi Arabia during the US-Saudi sponsored terror campaign against then then Soviet army in Afghanistan. LeT grew out of the Jamaat ul Ahl-e-Hadees. The Markaz-ud Dawa-wal-Irshad (MDI) was formed during that time. The founders of MDI was also involved in the siege of Mecca in 1979. In his book, Call for Transnational Jihad, US-based Pakistani journalist Arif Jamal has correctly linked the leader of the siege, Juhayman al-Otaybi, and his fellow practitioners of Salafism to LeT. According to Jamal, some of the Juhayman's Ikhwan -- Syed Allama Badiuddin Shah Rashdi, Hamid Mohammed Bahaziq, Mahmood Bahaziq, Hassan As-Sareehi, Ahmad Saad al-Ghamdi and their Pakistani followers -- established the Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad in 1987. The MDI was renamed the Jamaat-ud-Dawa in 2001; the LeT is the armed wing of the JuD (external link). Initially, the militant wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, used to be at the forefront of the anti-India terror campaign in Kashmir. But after 1989, with the Afghan theatre dominated almost completely, Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence devoted its almost full attention towards India and the LeT grew into prominence. Today, the LeT receives most of its funds from the ISI and Ahl-e-Hadees oriented groups in Saudi Arabia -- however, these funds come from charities and not the Saudi government. According to Mohammad Omar Rana, the expenditure on the LeT militia alone is around Rs 35 crores (Rs 350 million) per annum. LeT has also been working in Bangladesh with HuJI and is eagerly waiting for a regime change to exploit the situation in its favour. I spoke to Ajai Sahni, counter-terrorism expert and executive director of the Institute for Conflict Management which maintains the South Asia Terrorism Portal focusing on terrorism in South Asia. "From its very origin," Sahni explained, "LeT has had an international agenda. It has an international wing. One of the three founders of LeT was Abdullah Azzam from Palestine, who was also the founder of Al Qaeda. There are very fundamental linkages. LeT has footprints in Spain, other parts of Europe, America, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Myanmar." "It sent FeI (Falah e Insaniyat) for 'relief works' during the Rohingya crisis to try and recruit but wasn't very successful," Sahni added. "It has an outreach to Sri Lanka and many parts of South-East Asia, especially financial activities." "In Bangladesh," Sahni pointed out, "it works with HuJI Bangladesh. All these groups came into existence in Pakistan. Most of them were raised or had origins in groups fighting the so-called jihad in Afghanistan. Their ideology is a supremacist Islamist one." "HuJI is the parent organisation of JeM which split after the Indian Airlines hijacking (in December 1999) and Masood Azhar's return to Pakistan," Sahni said. "Though most of these groups largely restrict their activities to Kashmir, they have a global agenda and future power projection." "The FeI -- the LeT's charity outreach wing -- for example, is active in Syria and Iraq for basic recruitment purposes. They provide food aid and medical support. Financial support is targeted towards widows, children and orphans. This is a basic recruitment tool, especially where orphans are involved," Sahni said, adding. "Once they warm up to them due to the aid, they are brainwashed as part of the radicalisation process." 'If I get posted to a place, if people engage with me just as an Indian diplomat, I have X amount of leverage.' 'But when they look at me as the high commissioner of India and the author of Slumdog Millionaire, many more people are willing to meet me, more quickly than they would as a pure diplomat.' IMAGE: Ambassador Vikas Swarup, standing behind Anil Kapoor, as Slumdog Millionaire, based on his book Q&A, wins the Oscar for Best Picture. Photograph: Gary Hershorn/Reuters He has described himself as a diplomat who writes, and an accidental author. Vikas Swarup, author of the 2005 novel Q&A, which was adapted into the 2008 global hit film Slumdog Millionaire, is a career diplomat who is now India's high commissioner to Canada, having arrived in Ottawa last year after a high-profile stint as the spokesman of the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi. Three years after Q&A, he published Six Suspects, and five years later, The Accidental Apprentice. Is it time for his fourth book? At the annual Toronto International Festival of Authors, where he was a speaker, Vikas Swarup tells Indira Kannan about his writing plans and why most of his books were written during his foreign postings. Your second and third novels were also thrillers. Was that due to the success of Q&A? What I wrote in Q&A was the kind of book I wanted to write, what I call my own genre of social thriller -- that's a peek at Indian society but in a thrilling kind of way . You have described yourself as a diplomat who writes. Do you have a preference between the roles? Primarily I'm a diplomat. I've been a diplomat for 33 years. I became a writer accidentally when I was posted in London and I wrote Q&A in just the last two months of my posting there. I had no idea that it would become a global bestseller. So I utilise the brand visibility of Slumdog Millionaire to open up more doors for me as a diplomat. If I get posted to a place, if people engage with me just as an Indian diplomat, I have X amount of leverage. But when they look at me as the high commissioner of India and the author of Slumdog Millionaire, many more people are willing to meet me, more quickly than they would as a pure diplomat. Photograph: Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Novelist Shobhaa De, Vikas Swarup, novelist, diplomat and then ministry of external affairs spokesperson, director Kabir Khan and Saffron Art CEO Hugo Weihe at the Gateway Dialogue hosted by the think-tank Gateway House and the MEA. How has the ministry of external affairs responded to your success as an author? When Q&A became Slumdog Millionaire and won the Oscars, the very first thing I received was a letter from the then external affairs minister of India, Pranab Mukherjee, complimenting me on the huge success of the film and wishing me more creative endeavours on the writing side. So the ministry has looked at it very positively, they look at it as an expansion of India's soft power in a sense because Indian literature is very much a part of India's soft power. All your books have been written during your foreign postings. Is it easier to write abroad? Look, Delhi is a madhouse. It's 24/7, the government loves to do stuff on weekends as well and don't forget, I was also the official spokesperson, I was travelling constantly with the prime minister and the foreign minister. So I had no time for myself at all, forget about writing something, I couldn't even conceptualise something. But abroad, however busy you are, you still get slightly more time than you would get in Delhi. And the advantage of being an accidental writer is I have no deadline pressure. I choose to write when I have the ability and time to write. Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters You write when you are abroad, but your stories are all set in India. Have you considered including foreign locations, given your access and exposure to them? Not really. I'm asked very often, why don't you write a cross cultural novel, starting in Cairo and ending in New York, with a spy angle and things like that. That would have interested me a few years ago but not now. I think the world is hungry for stories out of India. So when there is such a hunger for information and news about India, then why as an Indian would I want to create something set outside India? Having said that, nothing precludes me from writing such a story tomorrow if I get a very compelling subject in my head, but as of now my focus remains my mother country India. IMAGE: Avni with her cubs. Photograph: Maharashtra Forest Department A man-eater tigress named Avni, allegedly responsible for the death of 13 over the last two years, has been killed in Maharashtra's Yavatmal on Friday night, news agency ANI reported. Avni is survived by her two cubs who are 10 months old. The five-year-old tigress, known officially as T1, was the focus of a hunt for over past two months after she allegedly killed human beings in the Pandharkawada forests in eastern Maharashtra last year. The Maharashtra Forest Department had earlier issued shoot-at-sight orders against the tigress. The Bombay high court had on October 16 sought the forest department's stand on a plea challenging its steps aimed at killing the tigress. Petitioners, wildlife activist Dr Jerryl Banait and Earth Brigade Foundation, had challenged the forest department's order to tranquillise and kill the tigress. During the talks, the two sides informed each other about the situation in each country. The German side spoke highly of Vietnam's achievements in socio-economic development and international integration; as well as the Southeast Asian nations important role and position in ASEAN and in the Asia-Pacific region, saying that this is an important basis for the two sides to enhance cooperation in the coming time. They highlighted the great potential for strengthened bilateral cooperation in the coming time, and agreed to promote exchange of delegations at all levels in the time to come, especially those among sectors, localities and enterprises; and to work closely to build programmes to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam - Germany diplomatic ties in 2020. Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (R) and State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany Andreas Michaelis (Source: VNA) Andreas Michaelis accepted with pleasure Deputy FM Sons invitation to visit Vietnam and promised to arrange a visit to Vietnam for the strategic at a convenient time for a strategic dialogue between the two countries foreign ministries. The German side highly valued its effective cooperation with Vietnam at international and regional forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the ASEAN-EU cooperation mechanism as well as Vietnam's implementation of international commitments. The two sides agreed to support the maintenance of multilateralism and global free trade; coordinate closely and support each other to stand for international organisations, especially those within the UN. They were delighted that the German House project in Ho Chi Minh City is being performed well, saying that the work will provide a gathering place for German businesses in Vietnam, contributing to promoting the bilateral trade and investment ties. Both sides appreciated the importance of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), affirming that Germany will make every effort to promote the signing and approval of the trade pact. The German side expressed its joy at the effective operation of the Germany-Vietnam University in the southern province of Binh Duong - a prominent project for the bilateral cooperation between the two nations; and agreed to continue to support Vietnam in training human resources serving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Germany is willing to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in training and using Vietnamese nurses in Germany, Andreas Michaelis said. The two sides agreed to intensify collaboration in other areas such as justice and participation in UN peacekeeping operations. They also exchanged their views on international and regional issues of common concern, including those related to the East Sea, and the ASEAN - Germany and ASEAN-EU ties./. A senior faculty member of the National Institute of Design at Ahmedabad has been expelled after a group of students accused him of sexual harassment, the institute said on Saturday. Krishnesh Mehta, who had been teaching at the NID since 1995, resigned last month after the institute sought to terminate his services, it said in a statement. The development comes amid the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment which has gained momentum in India in recent weeks. Mehta could not be contacted for his reaction. According to the NID statement, a group of students had alleged that Mehta made undesirable and out-of-syllabus references to sexuality and sexual relations and behaviour, and his conduct amounted to sexual harassment. This was the second time the institute had received a complaint against him, it added. A few years ago his increment was stopped following similar complaints and he had tendered a written apology then, it said. After the latest allegations, the NID set up an internal inquiry committee which found the complaint to be genuine, it said. Mehta apologised and submitted his resignation, and was relieved from services from October 5, the institute added. He has also been barred from entering the NID campus and involvement in any academic or other programs of the institute. The vests gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to South Korean President Moon Jae-in were Modi Jackets and not traditional Nehru jackets as claimed by some, the company which makes them said. IMAGE: South Korea's President Moon Jae-in tweeted the images of the jackets, saying, "During my visit to India, I had told the Prime Minister @narendramodi that he looked great in those vests, and he duly sent them over, all meticulously tailored to my size. I would like to thank him for this kind gesture." Photograph: @TheBlueHouseENG/Twitter A controversy has broken out on Twitter on how the jackets should be described. On October 31, Moon Jae-in tweeted pictures of the sleeveless jackets, to be worn on a kurta. Prime Minister @narendramodi of India sent me some gorgeous garments. These are modernised versions of traditional Indian costume, known as the Modi Vest, that can also be worn easily in Korea. They fit perfectly, Moon Jae-in said in the tweet. During my visit to India, I had told the Prime Minister @narendramodi that he looked great in those vests, and he duly sent them over, all meticulously tailored to my size, said the South Korean leader. The tweets sparked a debate, as some claimed that these were actually Nehru Jackets, popularised by the countrys first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Its really nice of our PM to send these but could he not have sent them without changing the name? All my life Ive known these jackets as Nehru jackets & now I find these ones have been labelled Modi Jacket. Clearly nothing existed in India before 2014, tweeted former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah. Bipin Chauhan, managing director of JadeBlue Lifestyle India which sent the vests to the South Korean president, said they were Modi Jackets. Chauhan said he has been designing and making Modis clothes since 1989. Originally, these were bandhgala (closed neck) jackets. They were worn by Nehru and even Sardar Patel. But the ones we sell are Modi jackets. It is a bit longer and more comfortable in fit than Nehru jackets, said Chauhan. The older version was sold in off-white and black shades but Modi prefers a wider colour palette, he said. Modiji has created a brand. It has become popular after 2014, he said. In the past, these jackets, worn by Nehru and Sardar, were considered premium apparel for the elite. Now Modi-ji has popularised them among the masses, he added. The event was jointly held by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) in Ho Chi Minh City and gathered 400 delegates representing government agencies and localities of the two countries, Japanese trade promotion organisations, economic experts, Vietnamese companies, and 120 CEOs from Japanese firms. Addressing the forum, former State President Truong Tan Sang affirmed the significance of the event in strengthening the economic and trade exchanges between Japan and Vietnams Mekong Delta, while expressing his wish that Japanese investors would pay more attention to this region. Leaders of Mekong Delta localities should create favourable conditions for Japanese investors to implement effective and win-win cooperation in the context that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is going to take effect with 11 member countries, including Japan and Vietnam, Sang emphasised. According to VCCI Chairman, Vu Tien Loc, Japans investment in the Mekong Delta region remains limited despite the huge cooperation potential between the two sides. He mentioned the young and well-trained labourers and a development space for businesses as the biggest advantages offered by the Mekong Delta, stating that cooperation in agriculture, the processing industry, manufacturing, tourism and commercial services are the regions yet-to-be-exploited potentials that Japan would be the best partner to develop. As a leading country in developing adaptive agriculture to climate change, Japans experience will effectively serve the Mekong Delta region which is in need of an agricultural sector with climate-adaptive technologies, he said. Kawaue Junichi, Consul General of Japan in HCM City, stated that, together with the development of the Japan-Vietnam relations over recent years, the ties between Japan and the Mekong Delta have also been increasingly expanded across various spheres, such as transport, trade and especially farm produce. The cooperation areas between the two sides currently include the supply of high-quality farm produce for the Japanese market, new markets for Japanese and Mekong Delta travel agencies, and financial, credit, delivery, medical checkups and treatment, education and vocational training services, among others. As shown in VCCIs statistics, as of October 2018, the Mekong Delta had attracted 169 FDI projects from Japan with a combined registered capital of US$2.21 billion, accounting for 10.5% of the whole regions total FDI inflow. Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Vietnam-Japan friendship industrial zone in Can Tho city. On the same day, the Can Tho municipal Peoples Committee put into operation the Vietnam-Japan friendship industrial zone which covers 30 hectares for the first phase in Tan Phu ward, Cai Rang district. Vo Thanh Thong, Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, said that the industrial zone is situated at a convenient location, 5km away from the citys administrative centre and 15km from Can Tho International Airport. It features two international ports, Cai Cui and Tan Cang, which are capable of handling ships of 20,000 tonnes DWT, while connecting Can Tho and industrial parks in Hau Giang and Soc Trang provinces. (file photo) An 18-year-old youth from Uttar Pradesh's Jalaun district was detained by the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) on Saturday for making calls threatening to blow up the Miami airport in the US, police said. We received an input from a sister agency that someone was making multiple calls to the Miami airport officials, threatening them with an attack with AK-47 guns and grenades. He said he would come up with bullet proof body armour and indulge in mass killings at the airport, Inspector General (IG) ATS Aseem Arun said. The accused was making these calls through VoIP and the IP address was traced by the ATS. During interrogation he confessed to his crime. He said he made the calls to gain the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who can help him in avenging a fraudster who had duped him of Rs 70,000 by luring him into investing in bitcoins. An FIR has been lodged against the accused. His cell phone and laptop have been seized. He will be charge sheeted and produced before a court, an official said. The ATS has also issued an advisory for parents asking them to keep a tab on the internet usage of their children. This is an old story that would just not go away. First published in the Samoa Observer on 8 August 2016, under the headline So sad a story it could make a tyrant break down and cry, it is that kind of story you can neither belittle nor ignore. It was about the closely knit Sogi community - that relatively peaceful seaside village on the Mulinuu Peninsula, where its residents had been living for many years - and yet today they were told by the government, they would be evicted and relocated to an inland community, called Falelauniu. As it turned out though the governments insistence was unwavering. Soon afterwards, the residents of Sogi received a letter from the governments Samoa Land Corporation (S.L.C.), that warned: Today, is the last day of the 30-day notice, that had been given to you to relocate. Asked for a comment at the time, an S.L.C official pointed out: We will abide by the law as stated in the Letter of Eviction. Thats all I can say for now, until further notice. But a Sogi resident, an older man who asked not to be named, was bluntly defiant, as he was saying: Whatever decision the government will come up with we are not going anywhere. This is where we belong and this is where we will stay. He went on to say he had been told about the governments Letter of Eviction, but then evicted or not, it does not matter, it would not change anything. We are aware of the consequences but we will stay here until they come and move us away. And then an elderly mother, Tala Leiataua, who said she had been living in Sogi all her life, made it quite clear she would not move anywhere. Please let us stay on this land, she begged, and it was quite clear that the person she was addressing was none other than Prime Minister, Tuilapea Sailele Malielegaoi. She repeated: Please let us stay on this land. Our ancestors worked hard to level this swamp for us during the German colonial times, so this is where we belong. Please, we want to stay. However, should the government insist on evicting her and her family, Tala said: I will ask the government to dig a hole and throw us all in there. Id rather die and be buried, in the land my ancestors had passed down to us, so were ready to face the consequences, Tuilaepa. She went on to remind: This is where Ive lived all my life, and this is where Ill be buried. This is where we belong. This land is our grave. That was two months ago. Last week, a Samoa Land Corporation (S.L.C.) officer revealed that during discussions with Sogi residents, the majority agreed to relocate, except one family. The officer asked not to be named. But the one family who is not going anywhere is that of Nanai Tokuma, a well-respected Samoan leader whose forebears, were among Sogis original settlers. Asked for a comment, Nanai told the story about how his family got the land the government is now trying to evict them from. He said it was when his father was accused of the death of a businessman, and now he was about to be hanged for murder. I remembered when our father said goodbye to us with his hands already handcuffed, he explained. He was about to be executed. His hands were already tied, there was a rope around his neck, and a piece cloth was covering his face. And then as he was walking towards where he would be hung, two Chinese men ran up and told the Police, they were the ones who had killed the businessman. My fathers life was spared. He walked out a free man while fighting back tears from his eyes, right in front of us children, and our mother. And that was why we were offered this land where were living on now. This land was given to our father, the late Tokuma Torurae, by the late Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu II, the first Prime Minister of this country. And as he did, he said to my father: Now go live on this land with your children; the government cannot afford to pay for what we owe you. Now the land is yours forever. And last week, Nanai Tokuma said: Thats why weve been living here. And now after all these years, the government is telling us to go away, but where to? We have no money to do that. Its a poignant story all right. It is so sad you cant help thinking that just listening to it, would make even a tyrant break down and cry. Now two years later, the Tokuma Family had launched an appeal against that Samoa Land Corporation in connection with the dispute, and on 27 October 2018, the ruling was delivered. It said: The Court of Appeal has upheld Supreme Court Justice, Leiataualesa Daryl Clarkes decision, dismissing the lawsuit against the Samoa Land Corporation, by the Tokuma family. It also said: The appellants are ordered to pay the respondent costs of $5,000 together with reasonable disbursements. And then it added: The Samoa Land Corporations superior rights of legal ownership of the land were always going to prevail. The company had not acted or omitted to act in any unconscionable way, that might have benefitted it unfairly at the Tokumas expenses, or comprised its legal entitlement as registered proprietor. Fine. But what about the late Tokuma, who said: This land was given to our father, the late Tokuma Torurae, by the late Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu II, the first Prime Minister of this country. Indeed, what about Mataafa who told Tokuma Torurae: Now go live on this land with your children; the government cannot afford to pay for what we owe you. Now the land is yours forever. Forever? No wonder this story is so sad it could make a tyrant break down and cry! Have a peaceful Sunday Samoa, God bless. First female Regulator in the Pacific region, Lefaoali'i Unutoa Auelua-Fonoti has been reappointed to another three years in office. Daughter of the Late Lefaoseu Solomona Auelua and Eteva, Lefaoali'i is thankful to the Government for entrusting her with the sole responsibility of regulating the telecommunications sector in Samoa. Lefaoali'i was first appointed as Regulator back in 2015 making her the first Samoan Regulator and first female in the Pacific Region. The Office of the Regulator (O.O.T.R.) is Samoas Regulator for the telecommunications, broadcasting, postal and electricity sectors. Lefaoali'i holds a Masters of Engineering from the University of Southern Queensland Australia; a B.A. also in engineering and advance Diploma of Engineering from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. In response to questions from the Samoa Observer, Lefaoalii believes she is the best person for the job. It took years of trainings, sacrifices, determinations and hardworking to get where I am today. Being a Regulator is quite challenging and I am always up for a challenge. A lot of people dont like me because of my decisions but that is fine with me that is something I cannot control. " That is their prerogative. What I can control is making sure that my decision whatever it is based on the fact of the law and that I can defend. Thats why its important to get the best legal advice. I would like to serve as a regulator as long as the Government requires my services because I love my job. Every day is a learning experience and I wouldnt have come this far with the assistance and strong support from my mom, Eteva who has been the backbone of our family, she told Samoa Observer. In the last three years, Lefaoali'i has updated all the annual reports that were outstanding since 2011, conducted analysis of the telecommunications sector, convened over 300 workshops on top of holding trainings and meetings - which her staff have attended as part of their capacity buildings program. She also acknowledged the various projects conducted by the O.O.T.R. in the last three years including digital TV, multi-year tariffs, upgrading mobile monitoring amongst others. Lefaoalii said for her management team who applied for the regulators position, none of them are ready. Their time will come; I know that for a fact. I have identified one potential person from the management and that is part of my succession plan but she is also not ready yet. I believe they will have their time to serve from God, they just need to be patience. But at the meantime they need to go through a process. Exactly the same process I went through. The Police are investigating the death of a seven-year-old girl after she was declared dead on arrival at the Foalalo District Hospital. The family members of the deceased claimed that the young girl was suffering from prolonged health issue. The deceased was transferred to Malietoa Tanumafili II Tuasivi awaiting doctors findings as to the cause of death. She was taken to the district hospital late last month. The police have also been notified of a traffic incident whereby a person fell from a moving Kino Toyota Truck, registration plate number 4301 at Saasaai. According to the police their preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was riding on the back of a truck carrying a full load of coconuts when he fell. The victim is a male of Satupaitea and he was admitted to the Tuasivi hospital suffering serious body and head injuries. Police are yet to obtain statement from the victim and investigations are continuing. The police were also alerted to a car accident at Lano and spotted a Toyota Hilux pickup with no number plates. The vehicle was left unattended, while the injured driver was transported to Tuasivi hospital for treatment. The victim had injuries sustained on his head and bruises on his arms and was later transferred to Motootua Hospital, Apia for further treatments. Investigations are continuing. There has also been an incident of negligent driving with Lotofaga Police responding to a traffic accident at Vaiee Safata last Sunday at 9.30 pm. A preliminary investigation indicates that a four-year-old girl of Vaiee Safata was hit by a vehicle on the main road at Vaiee Safata. She was taken to Poutasi hospital for treatment. The Faleata Police are also investigating a sexual violation complaint lodged at Tuasivi Police last month. The investigation indicates that a 67-year-old-man lodged a complaint against a suspect from Aele for having sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old-girl of Salailua and Gataivai Savaii. Police investigations are continuing. Photo Caption: FURTHERING RELATIONSHIPS WITH SAMOA: I.L.O. Pacific Director Donglin Li alongside M.N.R.E and M.C.I.L. sign an understanding to run occupation health and safety workshops and trainings for the integrated flood management to enhance climate resilience of the Vaisigano river catchment in Samoa project. The International Labour Organisation (I.L.O.) will be furthering its relationship with Samoa by providing technical help and training with careers in climate change. A memorandum of understanding (M.O.U.) was signed last week between I.L.O. and the Ministries of commerce, immigration and labour (M.C.I.L), and natural resources and environment (M.N.R.E.). The M.O.U. solidified that the three parties would work closely together on health and safety and the development of green jobs across Samoa, through the continued work on the Vaisigano River catchment. Work to reduce runoff during extreme weather events has been ongoing, and I.L.O. will provide occupational health and safety training and create pathways to medium and long-term jobs within the environment sector. I.L.O. Director for the Pacific region, Donglin Li signed the M.O.U. alongside Chief Executive Officer of M.C.I.L., Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling and acting Chief Executive Officer for M.N.R.E, Toleafoa Fetoloai Yandall-Alama. I.L.O. will also work to help Samoa in a just transition towards an environmentally sustainable economy, help design and implement emergency employment programmes, and promote disaster risk reduction through contingency planning. Mr. Li said the decent work agenda stands behind much of the I.L.Os work. I.L.O. is always supporting S.I.D.S. countries to implement the Pathway through promoting the decent work agenda, he said. The organisation has been partnering with S.I.D.S. to develop decent work programmes for each country, Mr. Li explained. You have to also consider local context, consider the local economic development, the national priorities of the country, he said. Samoa was the first country to sign a decent work country programme with I.L.O. in the Pacific sub-region. They signed the programme last year, and Mr. Li said it is already helping change the labour market, through the four priorities that were identified. Among them was the need to recruit locally and provide training, rather than import overseas contractors to do work locals could do instead. Dont bring an overseas labour force, you know? he said. Some complain that oh, they dont have the skills in the local community. But thats why I.L.O. will push to train the local people to have such skills. When it comes to physical infrastructure, Mr. Li said their lifespan of 10 to 20 years means its not sustainable to have international labourers come to maintain them. Thats why you need the local labour force to have the skills to maintain this infrastructure, and to create job opportunities for locals, not for overseas [workers]. New York brought a little extra something to the SAMOA Pathway meetings last week a Small Island Developing States human development statistical update. The United Nations Development Program (U.N.D.P.) Human Development Indices and Indicators are annually released figures which measure how well each country is doing in terms of equality, life expectancy, education and more. For this years SAMOA Pathway meeting, U.N.D.P. Deputy Director for Human Development reporting, Thangavel Palanivel travelled from New York to present the S.I.D.S. edition of these statistics to show delegates and U.N. agency representatives partner nations the state of development across small islands. The statistical update measured 198 countries, said Mr. Palanivel, with Marshall Islands being the most recent addition to the count. Of those, 39 are S.I.D.S, and the reporting calculated the 2017 Human Development Index (H.D.I.) for 36 of them, with some data missing for Nauru and Tuvalu. Singapore, Bahrain, Bahamas and Barbados are the only S.I.D.S. in group of very high human development, while 20 are high, and seven are medium. Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Comoros, Haiti and Guinea-Bissau are considered low in human development. When comparing those very high and low human developments ranked countries, stark differences in sustainable development goals (S.D.Gs) are noticeable. The average life expectancy at birth (S.D.G 3) for the Bahamas is 75.8, while it is only 65.7 in Papua New Guinea (Singapore is not considered developing under U.N.D.P. classifications). In the four very high ranked countries, people will spend an average of 10.6 years in school, while the low countries will only learn for 4.7 years on average. Samoa ranks low in the list of high human development, with an H.D.I. score of 0.713 out of 10. Norway is ranked highest in the world, with 0.953. In his presentation during a SAMOA Pathway side event, Mr. Palanivel made the point of comparing the human development trend of S.I.D.S. to the rest of the world. In the 1990s, small islands were sitting well above East Asia and the Pacific, and Arab States, he said. But by today, they have all caught up, or taken over S.I.D.S., he said. To Mr. Palanivel, this suggests S.I.D.S. have a way to go to continue developing, despite ranking better than least developed countries and even some developed countries. This emphasis the need for accelerated development, said Mr. Palanivel, not only in general but to meet sustainable development goals by 2030. The rest of the report includes an inequality adjusted HDI, a gender development index, a gender inequality index, and a multidimensional poverty index. Training providers should be offering short crash courses and surveying the job market to offer training that graduates actually need, rather than sticking to their existing programmes. This is according to the Pacific region Director of the International Labour Organisation, Donglin Li, who was in Samoa for the multi-regional meeting of the SAMOA Pathway member States. He said the rise in youth unemployment rates risks social instability, and its partly down to training institutions to fix it. Globally, we have 200 million people unemployed, including 80 million youth, and very year 40 million graduates come to the market, he said. There is a vicious cycle where the more graduates from training institutions there are, the higher the unemployment rate. Mr. Li said these institutions need to be going out and surveying the labour market to understand the actual labour needs in order to produce graduates who can find work. Thats why in some countries, you see young people just roaming around, because they dont have jobs, and in some countries they have high rates of street crime because they dont have jobs, he said. But its not just down to the trainers. Government need to rally together to write social and economic policies that can make a difference. First, we need to have collective action, not only from the Ministry of Labour or from one single ministry, but it should be a concerted policy to put job creation at the centre of a national social and economic policy, Mr. Li said. The International Labour Organisation (I.L.O.) works in each country to connect the private sector with the training institutions in productive forums. Mr. Li said when the two have regular interactions; they can more easily match labour demand with useful supply. And government can also join, maybe to provide a subsidy to this kind of linkage, he said. According to the I.L.O, unemployment in Samoa in 2017 was at nearly 18 per cent. Where unemployment is a problem, seasonal jobs abroad can help. Mr Li. said the I.L.O. supports seasonal employment opportunities, providing the countries receiving workers dont abuse them. At I.L.O. we always highlight the social aspects of things and weve heard of labour abuse cases in the receiving countries of seasonal workers, he said. But the benefits are many. Learning new skills, earning a good wage and sending remittances home are all good reasons to support seasonal work. I know some high skilled workers do find work overseas, but I also see some return, to build their own country and also, they send remittances. So we cannot say it is 100 percent wrong, Mr Li said. But as well as providing opportunities to work abroad, countries should invest in creating jobs for their talented young people. We also need countries to provide good policy to attract these talented people to remain in the country, he said. In what way are you trying to attract your talented youth to remain in the country, and even as they move out, how do you attract them to come back? The Vietnamese delegation was led by Tran Cam Tu, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and head of its Inspection Commission, while the Lao delegation was headed by Bounthoong Chithmany, Politburo member, Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, and head of its Inspection Commission. Chithmany, who is also Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, urged the two sides to continue implementing the memorandum of understanding on cooperation for 2016-2021, enhancing the exchange of delegations and experience sharing at all levels, especially those from border localities. He proposed Vietnam continue to help Laos train its officials in the fields of Party inspection, State inspection, and anti-corruption in 2019 and the following years. For his part, Tu affirmed that the CPV Central Committees Inspection Commission will work closely with its Lao counterpart to effectively implement high-level agreements between the two Parties, as well as a cooperation agreement between the two inspection agencies. These efforts will further promote the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, he said. Tu congratulated Laos on the great achievements made by the Lao Party, State, and people during over the past 30 years of renewal as well as the important achievements in domestic and foreign affairs, highlighting their significance in contributing to Laos national protection and development. At the talks, the two sides shared experience and valuable lessons in the fight against corruption, stressing that monitoring, supervision, and corruption prevention is a very important task for both parties. They stressed the need to promote exchanges and experience sharing between the inspection, supervision, and anti-corruption agencies of the CPV and LPRP. The two sides also agreed to continue implementing the current cooperation mechanism under the cooperation plan between the two Parties for the 2016-2021 period. As planned, during their three-day working visit to Laos, the Vietnamese delegation will pay courtesy visits to LPRP General Secretary and President Bounnhang Vorachith and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, as well as working with leaders of Vientiane and Bolikhamsay province. ISLA, Mexico (AP) Patience among 4,000 Central American migrants appeared to be wearing thin on Saturday, as exhausted members of the caravan journeying toward the United States openly disagreed with organizers who are shepherding the group through southern Mexico. Several thousand migrants opted to rest in the towns of Juan Rodriguez Clara, Veracruz and Isla, Veracruz, which are about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from their previous rest stop in Sayula. Another contingent splintered off by hitchhiking rides and walking to Tierra Blanca, Veracruz, which lies about 80 extra miles (128 kilometers) to the north. Many said they no longer had faith in those organizing the large group after confusion broke out regarding buses that would have taken migrants on a route to Mexico City. On Friday, tensions rose after Veracruz Gov. Miguel Angel Yunes reneged on a brief offer to provide transportation, saying that it would not be correct to send the migrants because Mexico City's water system was undergoing maintenance and 7 million of its people would be without water over the weekend. In the lapse between his decisions, organizers told members of the caravan that buses would indeed be available, causing some migrants to go to sleep with the impression that they should wake up early to stake out a place in line. Human rights activist Ernesto Castaneda said there's still a possibility that bulk transportation will be arranged Saturday. But as migrants struggle with exhaustion, blisters, sickness, and swollen feet hundreds of miles from the closest U.S. border, tempers flared within their ranks. "People are mad and confused," said Saira Cabrera, a 36-year-old traveling with her husband and two children aged 7 and 13. Gerardo Perez, a 20-year-old migrant, said he was tired. "They're playing with our dignity. If you could have only seen the people's happiness last night when they told us that we were going by bus and today we're not," he said. It remained to be seen if the group would stick together and continue employing the 'strength in numbers' strategy which has enabled them to mobilize through Mexico and inspire subsequent migrant caravans to try their luck. On Friday, another caravan this time from El Salvador waded over the Suchiate River into Mexico, bringing 1,000 to 1,500 people who want to reach the U.S. border. That caravan initially tried to cross the bridge between Guatemala and Mexico, but Mexican authorities told them they would have to show passports and visas and enter in groups of 50 for processing. The Salvadorans opted instead to wade across a shallow stretch of the river to enter Mexico. Police in the vicinity did not try to stop the migrants, who later walked along a highway toward the nearest large city, Tapachula. Mexico is now faced with the unprecedented situation of having three caravans stretched out over 300 miles (500 kilometers) of highways in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz, with a total of more than 6,000 migrants. The first, largest group of mainly Honduran migrants entered Mexico on Oct. 19. The caravan has shrunk to less than 4,000 migrants, although it has become difficult to give exact numbers as migrants advance toward small towns any way they can. Another caravan, also of about 1,000 to 1,500 people, entered Mexico earlier this week and is now in Mapastepec, Chiapas. That group includes Hondurans, Salvadorans and some Guatemalans. In addition, the government identified a smaller group of 300 Central American migrants walking further ahead, in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz. Mexican officials appeared conflicted over whether to help or hinder their journeys. In the smaller caravans, immigration agents and police have at times detained migrants. There has also been pressure on the main caravan, with federal police pulling over freight trucks and forcing migrants off, saying that clinging to the tops or sides of the trucks was dangerous. But several mayors have rolled out the welcome mat for migrants who reached their towns - arranging for food and camp sites. Mexico's Interior Department says nearly 3,000 of the migrants in the first caravan have applied for refuge in Mexico and hundreds more have returned home. With or without the government's help, uncertainty awaits. President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. troops to the Mexican border in response to the caravans. More than 7,000 active duty troops have been told to deploy to Texas, Arizona and California. Trump has also told the U.S. military mobilizing at the southwest border that if U.S. troops face rock-throwing migrants, they should react as though the rocks were rifles. He plans to sign an order next week that could lead to the large-scale detention of migrants crossing the southern border and bar anyone caught crossing illegally from claiming asylum. Though some migrants clashed with Mexican police at a bridge on the Guatemala border, they have repeatedly denied coming with any ill intentions, saying they're fleeing poverty and violence. "We aren't killers," said Stephany Lopez, a 21-year-old Salvadoran with the first caravan. Q:Our homeowners association hasnt had an annual meeting in years. We receive notice that the annual meeting will be held on a given date to count ballots. For the last 2 years, when we arrived, we were informed it wasnt a meeting but only to count or collect votes for board members. We were invited to attend the board meetings that are held in someones home. I have always thought that HOAs were required by law to have an annual meeting. Is this incorrect? E.Q., Newport Beach A:Most association bylaws require annual membership meetings. A board meeting to count votes is not a membership meeting. Corporations Code 7510(b) requires that associations hold membership meetings as required by its bylaws and when directors are being elected. Civil Code 5000 also confirms that each membership meeting must have an open forum portion, with a reasonable time limit afforded members to speak. Sixty days after the membership meeting is due, the court can be petitioned for an order pursuant to Corporations 7510(c) to compel the meeting to occur. Annual meetings are a great opportunity for members to be connected to their association and each other. Q:We have four candidates for three board openings. Civil 5120(b) states, The tabulated results of the election shall be promptly reported to the board ... Does this mean verbally in the presence of the board and HOA members? Or on a slip of paper to the board? We havent read them out loud to avoid embarrassing the candidates with few votes. Advertisement C.R., San Diego A:Civil Code 5120(b) requires election results be announced by general notice within 15 days of the election. Per Civil Code 4045, general notice authorizes including a notice in the newsletter or billing statement, or posting where the association normally displays notices. The law also allows the announcement to be mailed (or emailed to members who have consented to email notices). Civil Code 5120 is clear that the votes are tabulated and then the tabulated results are announced which means the announcement should include the vote totals. Q:Do you know if the sign-in sheet at an association meeting is private? I requested a copy of the sign in sheet. Management has since responded to my request saying it is private and not a membership list. I cannot find anything in Davis-Stirling or online to confirm which it is. Do you know? D.C., Temecula A:Attendance sign-in sheets at board or membership meetings are not association records required by Civil Code 5200 to be available for inspection. Sign-in sheets are not financial records (which is most of what Civil Code 5200 lists). Civil Code 5200 mentions minutes, but sign-in sheets do not record association actions and so are not minutes. Civil 5200 also mentions membership lists, but sign-in sheets only list the members in attendance. Board meeting sign-in sheets are not important except to help to require attendees confirm they are members. At membership meetings, sign-in sheets help to confirm existence of quorum, but Civil Code 5125 only requires ballots to be kept for member inspection not sign-in sheets. Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. is a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers and Senior Partner of Richardson Ober PC, a California law firm known for community association advice. Submit potential column questions to Kelly@Richardsonober.com. Past columns at www.HOAHomefront.com. A tech startup founded by two ex-Qualcomm engineers has created software to make moving to a new home a little less stressful and hopefully a little cheaper. The company, called Yembo, is tackling one of the most common complaints surrounding moving companies: the price customers pay is rarely the price they were first quoted. Yembos co-founder Zach Rattner said one moving company he studied was charging customers up to 40 or 50 percent more than their initial quotes. While customers feel like moving companies are intentionally pulling bait and switch tactics, Rattner said its more likely a lack of resources for movers. The home services industry is stuck in the 1980s when it comes to technology, Rattner said. It costs time and money to send a human estimator to a home or business to assess a job. Instead, moving companies often give quotes over the phone, which can be wildly inaccurate when the final bill arrives. Advertisement With Yembos software, the quote process is much simpler. Movers send their customers a Yembo link, which opens the startups software in the users browser (no app download required). The customer can then use their phones camera to scan each room of a house its as easy as shooting a video. Yembos software uses artificial intelligence to identify items in the room and creates an inventory of the users belongings (including details like furniture dimensions and estimated weight). That information is sent to the moving company, which can then give customers a much more realistic quote (within 10 percent). The whole house-scanning process takes about 9 minutes on average for a three-bedroom property. Plus, it doesnt require movers to survey properties on nights and weekends, nor does it require customers to rearrange their work schedules to accommodate a visit from the mover. The concept has been popular with moving companies, Rattner said, with about 35 customers on a waitlist to use the software. After doing a soft launch in May, Yembo signed on three paying customers that collectively pushed 2,000 users to the site. For now, moving companies pay a monthly fee to use the software-as-a-service, and rates vary depending on the number of estimates the company conducts. Rattner said the company is using their feedback to polish the software before a wider launch. Before Yembos launch, Rattner and his co-founder Siddharth Mohan were working together in Qualcomms innovation department, specializing in writing code for artificial intelligence. In their world there was lots of sexy technology companies. While entrepreneurship was alluring, Rattner said they had no interest in joining a crowded market of AI startups. We wanted to find an industry that wouldnt fall into the popular and sexy AI realm, Rattner said. No self-driving cars or drones. Instead, we wanted to find a market that would never see this technology coming. And by the time people realize the opportunity... well already be done. Founded in 2016, Yembo has raised $1 million from some high-profile investors, including Steve Altman, the former president of Qualcomm, and Arjun Bansal, the co-founder of Nervana Systems, an AI startup that sold to Intel for $400 million. Just last month, Yembo won $20,000 in San Diegos largest startup competition Quick Pitch for taking second place and winning a bonus check for being the audience favorite. The company employs 28 people worldwide, including eight at its San Diego headquarters at 6540 Lusk Blvd. Yembo co-founders Siddharth Mohan (left) and Zach Rattner, with team. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) Business brittany.meiling@sduniontribune.com 619-293-1286 Twitter: @BrittanyMeiling On Friday, 50 years to the day after 25-year-old Navy pilot Michael C. Emmett died, his two brothers and the nephews he never knew visited the remote desert site where his supersonic fighter jet crashed in 1968. They climbed up a desert wash in the North Pinyon Mountains of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to where the wreckage has sat untouched for decades. At 12:17 p.m., the moment the crash occurred, they held a memorial service, read a poem, hugged and cried, and placed a memory jar in the cockpit. The jar contained an American flag, and details about their brother, the crash and their visit that day. We wanted to honor Mike, but we really wanted to celebrate him, brother John Emmett, 60, said. Advertisement He did what he loved to do. Whatever he set out to do, he did. This was supposed to be just one step in his life. He had big plans to go on and do so many things. On Nov. 2, 1968, Emmett was practicing combat tactics over the desert with an instructor-leader observing from another jet. He was based at Miramar Naval Air Station. The accident report said he was highly rated and highly aggressive, as a fighter pilot should be, said G. Pat Macha, the founder of Project Remembrance, which is a group that finds aircraft wreckage in California and at times helps family members connect to those sites. He was flying a Vought F-8 Crusader, which was the hottest thing the Navy had at the time. The instructor-leader said he observed Michaels airplane in a spin at 10,000 feet and he called out Eject! Eject! Eject! and there was no response. The report speculated the pilot might have been struggling to recover from the spin or he might have been unconscious. When he struck the ground, he was vertical and the wreckage blew down the draw, Macha said. Following the crash, Emmetts body was recovered. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. John Emmett, who was 11 when his brother died, remembers the car pulling up to the familys home in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to deliver the news. He remembers his mothers emotional reaction. He said were she still alive today she wouldnt have come along. It would have been way too difficult for her, he said. As with so many plane crashes from years gone by, before GPS was able to pinpoint every location, the exact spot where Emmetts plane crash was lost over time. In 2015, a hiker came across a strange piece of equipment in an area well off any trail. Macha, who has spent decades collecting information about California crashes, saw the photo of the equipment and recognized it as coming from a jet. He and members of his Project Remembrance team went to the area and found wreckage scattered all across the mountain. When they came to the cockpit, and saw the ejector seat still intact, they knew it was the scene of a fatality. Project Remembrance documents everything and makes videos of their finds. They do not reach out to families, but if they are contacted they will do their very best to help them find closure. John Emmett said he had spent the past three years looking on the Internet for information about his brothers crash and six months ago came upon Machas video. He began to cry, he said. Macha cries as well. What his remembrance group does touches him and the other members deeply. Were all here because we respect those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf, Macha told the nine members of the Emmett family that had flown in from Northern California for the site visit. The key word is respect. When we are asked, we are proud and honored to be with you and to support you. Robert Emmett, 70, who was 19 when his brother died and was away at college, said seeing the wreckage and reviewing photos and documents with his family the night before was emotionally intense. For myself and my brother, it was time to reconnect and talk about those things we havent talked about in a long time, he said. It brought back so many memories that had been suppressed over the last 50 years. The way we remember, Mike was funny, intelligent, a risk-taking guy. Everything we saw today kind of encapsulated that. The Vought F-8 Crusader could fly upwards of 1,000 mph. Macha said roughly 1,000 of the jets were made; half were lost in combat or on training missions. Michael, John and Robert shared the same mother, but not father. Michaels father was Giles G. Casey, who died while flying a transport plane during World War II over Spain or North Africa, depending on differing accounts. He never saw his newborn son. Their mother remarried four years later to a flight surgeon named Robert O. Emmett who adopted Michael. The couple then had the other boys. The family was accompanied up the mountain Friday by nine members of the Remembrance team, all retired gentlemen from different backgrounds -- military, law enforcement, airline pilots, education, park rangers. The most touching aspect that all of us feel is the respect that the Remembrance team places on these events, John Emmett said. Pat and his emotion, his tears showing respect for the pilots, the loss of life, and the feeling for the families. Its closure to us. It really is. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones Conductor David Danzmayr, currently chief conductor of the Zagreb Philharmonic, returned to the San Diego Symphony on Friday night to conduct three large-scale works that demand stylistic versatility. The world premiere of Mexican composer Javier Alvarezs Brazos de niebla (Arms of Mist) commissioned by and dedicated to the San Diego Symphony addresses a current sociopolitical dilemma: immigration. But this is no political screed: its thrumming orchestral texture (augmented by four small Mexican guitars called vihuelas) chugs ahead like a train, with underlying dance rhythms (even a haunting snatch of mariachi) alerting us to the embedded culture that migrants carry in their hearts on the journey toward a new life. And it is searing emotional memory to which boy soprano Gonzalo Ochoa gave voice in the works central section, with a desolate, loss-filled lament based on text by Fresno-based writer and 51st United States Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, the son of migrant farmworkers who found his artistic calling while growing up in San Diego. If appropriately balanced amplification was necessary to buttress Ochoas pure tone against a full orchestra, it did not diminish the impact of his fierce concentration and disciplined musicianship. Make no mistake: This is a commission that has yielded important music that audiences deserve to hear again, even often, in years to come. Advertisement Conrad Tao, 24, is not afraid of displaying his technical brilliance, especially in blazing octaves up and down the keyboard, where his speed and accuracy are astounding. (Courtesy photo) Anglo-American poet T. S. Eliot said that the definition of a classic in any art form is one that does not yield up its secrets easily. Guest pianist Conrad Tao found undiscovered secrets in Tchaikovskys Piano Concerto No. 1 that have been there all along, I suspect, but take a musician with admirable musical scruples to ferret out. I do not know if the mellow, almost contemplative approach to this concerto was Taos conception or Danzmayrs, but I know this: Their collaboration was extraordinary. How? Less volume, more finesse, a sense of restraint, and of examining each phrase as if it were brand-new. Tao is not afraid of displaying his technical brilliance, especially in blazing octaves up and down the keyboard, where his speed and accuracy are astounding. Together, Tao and Danzmayr searched for small things that make a big difference, especially crucial gradations between piano and mezzo-piano, fortissimo and mezzo-forte, to allow us to hear not only the soloist but all the way down through the orchestras texture. Tao is only 24. He has a brilliant career ahead and many more secrets to discover. If I could, Id hear every performance he plays. Sergei Prokofievs Seventh Symphony is anything but the childrens symphony it was purported to be at the time of its composition. It is the last music Prokofiev wrote, completed in October 1952; he would die on the same day as Stalin in March 1953. And it is in this last piece of simple music that he opens his arms to both life and death. Frail as he was and barely able to work, he filled this symphony with light and happiness fragments of Peter and the Wolf, echoes of Tchaikovskys Nutcracker flicker by, and the slow movements yearning is not sad but sublime in its calm acceptance of lifes approaching end. In the last bars of the final movement, mortalitys clock ticks inexorably in the flute and English horn and finally stops. How did the orchestra play it? Brilliantly, simply, led by a conductor who clearly knows this underestimated works great value. San Diego Symphony: Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev With: David Danzmayr, conductor; Conrad Tao, featured pianist When: 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Copley Symphony Hall at Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown Tickets: $20-$100 Phone: (619) 235-0804 Online: sandiegosymphony.org Overton is a freelance writer. Its hard to imagine that a major monthlong battle from World War II one that devastated a large city, caused more than 100,000 civilian deaths and led to both a historic war crimes trial and a Supreme Court decision should have escaped scrutiny until now. But history has somehow overlooked the catastrophic battle for Manila, capital of the Philippines, in the waning months of the war. Like the Rape of Nanking, or the siege of Stalingrad, the tragedy of Manila deserves far greater understanding and reflection today. James M. Scott remedies that gap with Rampage: MacArthur, Yamashita, and the Battle of Manila, the first comprehensive account of one of the darkest chapters of the Pacific War. It is powerful narrative history, one almost too painful to read in places but impossible to put down. It begins as Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the egotistical military commander of the U.S. colony in the Philippines, was caught woefully unprepared when the war began. Japanese bombers destroyed his planes on the ground and American and Philippine forces were soon overwhelmed. MacArthur famously vowed to return as he was evacuated to Australia. Advertisement Three years later, the U.S. Navy had steadily clawed its way back across the Pacific and bombers were already striking Japanese industrial centers. Most commanders saw no need to risk American lives on a costly invasion of the Philippines when the fall of Japan appeared imminent, Scott writes. But MacArthur insisted, and by early 1945 his troops were closing on Manila. Americans knew it then as the Pearl of the Orient for its neoclassical buildings, grand boulevards and cafe society. Convinced the Japanese would abandon Manila, just as he had, MacArthur ordered up a massive victory parade to welcome himself home. General Douglas MacArthur and Philippine president Sergio Osmena in 1945 (Gamma-Keystone France via Getty Images) On Feb. 6, 1945, MacArthur preemptively announced the citys liberation, claiming credit in grandiose terms. Congratulations poured in from Washington, London and elsewhere. But the 29-day battle had only just begun. MacArthurs public relations stunt meant reporters traveling with his forces struggled to get the truth out about the unfolding horror. The Japanese commander, Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, had stunned allies early in the war by seizing Malaya and Singapore, capturing a much larger British force. His orders now were to bog MacArthurs forces down in the Philippines and give Japan time to prepare for the expected U.S. invasion. He ordered subordinates to destroy Manilas bridges and port, and then to follow him to the mountains. Once Yamashita withdrew, however, Rear Adm. Sanji Iwabuchi instead ordered his marines to fight to the last man. They methodically dynamited Manilas business, government and religious landmarks, obliterating the citys cultural heritage, and torched thousands of wooden homes, sparking a deadly firestorm. Worse, they cruelly tortured and killed thousands of men, women and children. Scott, who was a 2016 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Target Tokyo, focuses in part on the 7,500 or so Americans and others held as prisoners of war or civilian internees in squalid conditions, and their dramatic rescue by U.S. troops. Although some of those stories are familiar, he adds a heart-rending portrayal of the brutal life they endured. But Scott breaks new ground by mining war crimes records, after-action military reports and other primary sources for the agonizing testimony of Philippine survivors and witnesses of more than two dozen major Japanese atrocities during the battle and the ferocious American response. The frenzy of Japanese massacres defies imagination. Countless women were raped and tortured, their babies tossed in the air and bayoneted. Patients and doctors were stabbed at hospitals, nuns and priests hanged at churches, children tossed into pits with grenades. Marauding Japanese troops burned people alive in convents, schools and prisons. They simply buried others alive. Rampage: MacArthur, Yamashita, and the Battle of Manila by James M. Scott (W. W. Norton & Company) In one charnel house, they cut a hole in the second floor and then led scores of blindfolded civilians upstairs, made them kneel by the edge and decapitated them with swords. Elsewhere, they crammed hundreds of men into a sweltering stone dungeon, locked the iron door and let them starve to death. A Japanese soldiers diary relayed the horrors at Fort Santiago, an ancient citadel. Burned 1,000 guerrillas to death tonight, the diarist wrote on Feb. 9, one of several such entries. The mass murder was not random. Military orders later found by investigators stated that all people on the battlefield will be put to death. The battlefield was the entire city. Against them was a U.S. force unprepared for urban warfare. They fired 155-millimeter howitzers at point-blank range to dislodge the enemy and used tanks, flamethrowers and bazookas to kill the rest. They fought block by block, house by house, room by room, leveling hundreds of city blocks. U.S. troops rescued, treated and fed tens of thousands of traumatized and wounded survivors. But amid the smoldering ruins, Scott writes, it was hard to tell who had done more damage the Japanese defenders or the American liberators. Estimates of the civilian dead range from 100,000 to 240,000. MacArthur was mostly absent, writing in his diary that he was engaged in routine conferences at a lush hacienda north of the city. Iwabuchi, who had presided over one of the most barbaric massacres of the war, apparently committed suicide rather than surrender, although his body was never found. The terrible battle had a curious afterlife. Yamashita finally surrendered several weeks after the war had formally ended. U.S. prosecutors soon charged him with failing to control his troops in the deaths of 62,278 civilians, 144 slain American officers and enlisted men, and 488 raped women and children. Yet the first war crimes trial in the Pacific proved a rushed, makeshift affair. Yamashita was not charged with participating in the atrocities, or ordering them, or even knowing about them. The rule of evidence, a New York Times reporter wrote at the time, can be boiled down to two words: anything goes. Not surprisingly, he was found guilty and sentenced to hang. His American lawyers filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. It ultimately ruled 6-2 against Yamashita, dooming him to the gallows, but is remembered mostly for the two impassioned dissents. Never before have we tried and convicted an enemy general for action taken during hostilities. Much less have we condemned one for failing to take action, Justice Wiley Rutledge wrote. Justice Frank Murphy was even more blunt. The enemy has lost the battle but has destroyed our ideals, he warned. Those still fascinated by World War II will find much new to ponder in Rampage. Bob Drogin, author of Curveball: Spies, Lies and the Con Man Who Caused a War, was the Los Angeles Times bureau chief in Manila from 1989 to 1993. :: Rampage: MacArthur, Yamashita, and the Battle of Manila James M. Scott W.W. Norton: 640 pp., $32.95 bob.drogin@latimes.com @droginlatimes Islamic militants on Friday ambushed three buses carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery south of the Egyptian capital of Cairo, killing seven and wounding 19, according to the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Interior Ministry. All but one of those killed were from the same family, according to a list of victims names released by the church. The dead included a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, it added. In a statement, the local Islamic State affiliate that spearheads militants fighting security forces in the Sinai Peninsula claimed responsibility for the attack, according to SITE, a U.S.-based group that monitors and translates militants statements. It said the attack was revenge for the imprisonment by Egyptian authorities of our chaste sisters. It did not elaborate. It said the attack left 13 Christians killed and another 18 wounded, but it was not immediately possible to independently verify the claim or reconcile the discrepancy in the number of dead and wounded. Advertisement Islamic State has repeatedly vowed to go after Egypts Christians as punishment for their support of President Abdel Fattah Sisi. As defense minister, Sisi led the militarys 2013 ouster of an Islamist president, whose one-year rule proved divisive. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a string of deadly attacks on Christians dating to December 2016. Sisi, who has made the economy and security his top priorities since taking office in 2014, wrote on his Twitter account that Fridays attack was designed to harm the nations solid fabric and pledged to continue fighting terrorism. He offered his condolences when he spoke by telephone with Pope Tawadros II, spiritual leader of Egypts Orthodox Christians and a close ally. In a somber message of his own, Tawadros said in a video clip released by the church that the latest attack would only make the Christians stronger. We also pray for the assailants, he said. They are misled because all the grief, pain and frustration they cause will achieve absolutely nothing. The attack is likely to cast a shadow on one of Sisis showpieces the World Youth Forum which opens Saturday in the Red Sea resort of Sharm Sheikh and hopes to draw thousands of local and foreign youth to discuss upcoming projects, with Egypts 63-year-old leader taking center stage. They want to embarrass Sisi and show that the state is unable to protect the Copts, said Begemy Naseem Nasr, the priest of the church of Saint Mary in Minya. Egypt is the target here, and we all know that. Fridays attack is the second to target pilgrims heading to the St. Samuel the Confessor monastery in as many years, indicating that security measures in place since then are either inadequate or have become lax. The attack in May 2017 left nearly 30 people dead. It is also the latest by Islamic State to target Christians in churches in Cairo, the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and Tanta in the Nile Delta north of the capital. Those attacks left at least 100 people dead and led to tighter security around Christian places of worship and church-linked facilities. They have also underlined the vulnerability of minority Christians in a country where many Muslims have since the 1970s grown religiously conservative. The Interior Ministry, which oversees the police, said Fridays attackers used secondary dirt roads to reach the buses carrying the pilgrims, who were near the monastery at the time of the attack. Only pilgrims have been allowed on the main road leading to the monastery since last years attack. The Interior Ministry maintained that only one bus was attacked, but the latest statement by the church said three buses were targeted and put the death toll at seven and the wounded at 19, including two in critical condition. The Interior Ministry said police were pursuing the attackers, who fled the scene. Egypts Christians, who account for some 10% of the countrys 100 million people, complain of discrimination in the Muslim majority country. Christian activists say the churchs alliance with Sisi has offered the ancient community a measure of protection but failed to end frequent acts of discrimination that boil over into violence against Christians, especially in rural Egypt. In Minya, Christians constitute the highest percentage of the population about 35% of any Egyptian province. Its also where most acts of violence, like attacks on churches and Christian homes and businesses, take place. Christians there often claim that the local police are soft on Muslims accused of attacking Christians and, in their pursuit of keeping the peace between the two communities, insist on resolving differences through tribal-like reconciliation meetings rather than rule of law. Fridays attack came as the church continues reeling from the July killing inside another desert monastery of its abbot. Two monks, one of whom has been defrocked, are on trial in the killing of Bishop Epiphanius. Life in todays world would improve dramatically if we could all find it in our hearts to be nicer to one another to care enough to accept each others differences and be more willing to help others get through times of difficulty without demanding that they entirely embrace our own beliefs and ideas. Tabitha and Ruth Ochoa, Jessie Knight Jr. and Joye Blount, Kimberly Hunt and Billy Ray Smith (emcees) (Vincent Andrunas) Theres simply not enough of that sort of caring and sharing today, but fortunately there are some people whose continual efforts significantly aid others in need. A dozen compassionate San Diegans got together in 1979 and gathered a few thousand dollars to help a local family temporarily down on their luck. Their generosity gave the family a hand up, not a handout, enabling some good people to get through a difficult period and get back on their feet. It was such a great experience for the generous donors that they soon formed a nonprofit organization dedicated to committing serial acts of philanthropic heroism, helping deserving people regain their independence while retaining their dignity. Advertisement Word about the group (which became known as The Nice Guys) got around, and many more nice people joined. Today, well over 100 prominent community leaders are members and guys really isnt a gender-specific term, so many Nice Guys are actually nice gals. The group has no employees or offices, and members cover all expenses so every cent they raise goes directly to benefit those in need. To date, theyve raised and distributed more than $19 million. Each year, their Nice Guy of the Year fundraising dinner honors an individual for demonstrating outstanding commitment, generosity, and caring. Gale Sostek chaired and Lynne Krepak co-chaired that event again this year, attracting 450 guests to downtowns Manchester Grand Hyatt last Saturday to honor Sempra Energy executive chair Debra Reed for her many contributions to the San Diego community. A cocktail and hors doeuvre reception preceded dinner in the ballroom, where Kimberly Hunt and husband Billy Ray Smith emceed (shes done it 11 years straight; he for the last six). Marine Band San Diego gave a particularly rousing performance, and Nice Guys president Vincent Bartolotta Jr. announced that the event would raise $100,000 to aid San Diego families of deployed Marines. He spoke of the honorees exemplary community service, as did Mayor Kevin Faulconer before proclaiming it Debra Reeds day in our city. Her acceptance speech preceded an enthusiastic standing ovation. Dinner featured braised short ribs and Chilean sea bass both quite excellent and a decadent dessert. The popular Atomic Groove played for dancing. Two years ago, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa kept his seat by 1,621 votes, making the race in his sprawling coastal 49th District in Orange and San Diego counties the closest congressional tally in the nation that year. Now the district, covering 54 miles of coastline and mansion enclaves, that has long been controlled by the GOP looks as if it could flip to Democrats, with scant funds and few ad buys going to support the Republican trying to succeed the retiring Issa. For the record: This story incorrectly refers to the Democratic Campaign Committee of California. The correct name is the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Diane Harkey is polling double digits behind Democrat Mike Levin in a race crucial to which party controls the House and whether President Trump can continue advancing his agenda. Some people dont like his style, which is very New York and in your face, Harkey, State Board of Equalization chairwoman, said of Trump during a recent debate. But on substance, on the economy, which hits peoples pockets, we need to keep that going. Advertisement Democrat Mike Levin, congressional candidate for the 49th District, calls voters in Vista in June. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) Levin, an environmental attorney, said at the debate, I think it is critically important to have a member of Congress who is not just a rubber stamp for the Trump administration. The fortunes of Democrats all over California have gotten a big boost by outrage over the president. But even apart from the Trump factor, Republicans may have a tough time holding on to the 49th seat for a handful of reasons, including financial scandal in their candidates family, Democratic scheming in the primary, and changing demographics. The area once defined by President Nixon, who strolled the beach at his San Clemente estate in black dress shoes, has lured newly affluent college-educated voters, many of whom work in high-tech industries. And the political playing field has tilted slightly leftward. Registered Republicans still outnumber Democrats here, though their hold on the district, like other high-income coastal areas, has weakened. The Orange County portion remains heavily Republican, but the San Diego County part is near parity. About a third of registered voters are independents and will probably decide the outcome of the race. Democratic maneuvering in the primary helped propel Harkey to the general election. The Democratic Campaign Committee of California funded an attack campaign against Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, fearing the Latino retired Marine Corps colonel would be the most likely person to stop a Democratic challenge, according to committee sources. The strategy worked, the Democrats say, and put Harkey on the ticket along with her husbands legal and regulatory baggage. Dan Harkey owned Point Center Financial and related companies, which enticed elderly investors into a multimillion-dollar real estate investment scheme that collapsed starting in 2007. A jury in 2013 found that Point Center had operated as a Ponzi scheme and awarded $14 million to 89 mostly elderly investors; a California appeals court confirmed the verdict three months ago. U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa speaks to constituents during a town hall meeting in Oceanside in March 2017. (Hayne Palmour IV / TNS) Diane Harkey was an officer employee of the company, but not at the time of its failure. Its profits, however, helped fuel her political career. She was not a defendant in the suit but has defended her husbands conduct. Levin has made hay with the Harkey legal issues, putting out an eight-minute documentary that focuses on the elderly investors. The blitz also includes one-to-one digital ads about Dan Harkey that pop up on district voters computer screens, for example when they play online games. And the case remains a raw issue in the district among many elderly retirees. The Harkeys have destroyed my life, my life savings and my faith in government, said Steve Cash, of north San Diego County, who invested his retirement savings in Point Center Financial. It torments my life what the Harkeys have done to me. And now she wants to be my congressperson? Dan Harkey transferred his interest in the couples $6-million Dana Point mansion to his wife during the Point Center meltdown, shielding it from being taken, said David Grant, the Orange County attorney for the plaintiffs. The Harkeys filed for divorce in 2015, but it was never finalized, according to Orange County Superior Court documents. Diane Harkey has sharply disputed attacks by the investors, noting in a recent letter to the editor of the Capistrano Dispatch that numerous hurtful allegations against me were dismissed or ruled in my favor, including false claims about my home. She added, in a swipe at Levin, Understand that wannabe political opponents, with no record of service, regurgitate unfounded smears. Diane Harkey declined to be interviewed. Her campaign staff offered to answer written questions, then declined to answer any of a dozen written questions on a variety of subjects. Levin leads Harkey 55% to 41%, according to a September poll by UC Berkeleys Institute for Government Studies. A New York Times poll released Oct. 24 shows Levin leading 53% to 39%. Levin has raised almost $5.6 million this election cycle to Harkeys roughly $1.5 million. These figures dont take money raised by outside groups into account. Major Republican donors have written off her campaign, according to Democratic and Republican sources. Tony Krvaric, chairman of the San Diego County Republican Party, insisted that Harkeys run is not a lost cause. We should be able to win this race, he said. She is working hard. Harkey, who grew up in Orange County and has an economics degree from UC Irvine, touts her early career as a banker. She began her political run on the Dana Point City Council and has served nearly four years on the state Board of Equalization after six years in the Assembly. Her positions embrace the mainline Republican agenda: She agrees with extending walls along the Mexican border and advocates for tax cuts. She has championed the ballot measure to reverse the gas tax increase. She supports gun ownership and has said that whether she would support arming teachers would depend on the location of the school. Levin, who grew up in Long Beach, graduated from Stanford University and Duke University School of Law. He has largely spent his career since law school in Orange County environmental organizations, including the methane gas recovery company Ener-Core, the environmental paperwork processing company CleanTech OC and the alternative power firm FuelCell Energy. But some environmentalists werent impressed with Levins credentials and in the primary, several groups including San Diego Democrats for Environmental Action endorsed a civil rights attorney and retired Marine colonel who almost knocked off Issa in 2016. Mike is what I call a business Democrat, said Jessica Hayes, chairwoman of the San Diego County Democratic party. Levin supports single-payer healthcare and a pathway to citizenship for participants of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for young people who were brought to the country illegally as children. He supports reversing the Trump tax plan and opposes repealing the increase in the state gas tax to fund road and infrastructure improvements, calling it a safety issue. Levin supports an assault weapon ban and background checks on all gun sales. At a rally with independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in San Diego County last month, Levin warned college students in the audience of a dark future if the House doesnt change hands: You stay home on election day and Republicans stay in charge, and your healthcare gets taken away and your student loans become more impossible to pay off and places like Pulse and Parkland are joined by many more preventable tragedies. Republicans paint a dark vision of their own, saying Levin would be a likely vote to impeach Trump. (Levin would not state whether he would cast such a vote.) But county GOP chairman Krvaric contended independent voters would be turned off at such an extreme possibility; that, he said, could help Republicans keep the district theyve held so long. ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedian Kevin de Leons week before election day has been quiet, largely without public events and instead spent making last-minute fundraising calls. This weekend, hell make a handful of appearances, and that will be it. At a Mexican restaurant near Cypress Park where hes a regular, De Leon reflected on taking on Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Californias senior senator who has substantially more experience, name recognition and money. De Leon pointed to what led him to run a sense of urgency to fight the Trump administration and, as he has done for the last year, focused the conversation on his legislative wins, including the sanctuary state law he sponsored that was the most far-reaching of its kind when passed, and his efforts to push California toward clean energy. Advertisement Im running to win, De Leon said. A lot of folks covet her seat, without question, but for their own reasons, wouldnt challenge her. I think these are very dangerous, consequential times in our nations history, and we are engaged in the battle for the soul of our nation against a president without one. A supporter at the restaurant approached De Leon and told him she has seen him more on television than in person lately. Each time she sees his face on her screen, she cheers. Unfortunately for De Leon, this supporter is in the minority of Californians who know who he is. Where Sen. Dianne Feinstein and state Sen. Kevin de Leon stand on the issues Feinstein has led in the polls by double digits since winning every county in the June primary and 44% of the vote almost 3 million votes versus about 806,000 for De Leon. But De Leons challenge, even if unsuccessful, might have longer-term political influence in other ways, both for the Democrats and for him. De Leon has challenged Feinstein from the left in a deep blue state that has become more hyper-partisan since President Trump took office. Feinsteins reputation as a moderate has always been an advantage in facing Republicans in general elections. But under Californias new top two voting system, she faced a fellow Democrat who attacked her for not doing more to stand up to Trump. Voters may back Feinstein this time, but some experts say De Leons politics might end up better reflecting the future of the Democratic Party in California. He is emblematic of where activists in the Democratic Party are at this moment, and where voters in the Democratic Party are likely to be in the future, said Keith Smith, an associate professor of political science at the University of the Pacific. And that might help De Leon down the road. I dont know how many people know who Xavier Becerra and Alex Padilla is, but I bet an increasing number of them know who is Kevin de Leon is, so even though hes not going to win, I think in a way because the Senate race gets so much more media coverage and is so much more on peoples minds, thats setting him up for the future to be a leading Latino voice in the state, said Melissa Michelson, a professor of political science at Menlo College in the Bay Area. Even after serving 2 years as leader of the California Senate, De Leon still doesnt have the gravitas to take down Feinstein. Many legislative state leaders have failed in their bids for statewide office in California, including David Roberti, a former Senate president pro tem who ran for state treasurer in 1994, and John Perez, a former Assembly speaker who campaigned for state controller in 2014. De Leon has depended largely on retail politics, an impractical strategy in California but especially against Feinstein, who has more than a 10-to-1 cash advantage over him. Longtime Democratic political strategist Garry South said having millions in the bank isnt a guarantee in winning elections, but in California, going door-to-door, holding events and getting media coverage isnt going to cut it. You have to have a significant TV [advertising] presence, both on broadcast and cable, and it also helps to be on radio, South said. Without that money, youre just kind of spitting into the wind. Still, South is among the political scientists and strategists who agree that, although still widely unknown in California, De Leon is the first significant Democratic challenger to Feinstein in more than two decades. I dont think hes going to beat her I think the polls are pretty clear hes not going to win but having a younger, aggressive Latino candidate running against her has clearly moved her to the left, and anyone who argues it hasnt is not paying attention to the facts, South said. I dont think it ever occurred to her she had wandered so far away from her Democratic base of voters on issue after issue after issue, and now shes trying to take corrective action. In past elections, no one with anything close to De Leons resume has run against Feinstein, as most potential challengers recognized the high possibility they would lose. De Leon said he recognizes that most would expect him, especially as the leader of a legislative body, to take a much more calculated approach in his climb upward. You dont usually say, Im going to take on a multibillionaire 26-year incumbent with 95% name recognition, De Leon said. I think a lot of political scientists, a lot of the folks in the political intelligence, underestimated that values were a large part of what drove my decision-making, as opposed to less political calculation but look what happened along the way. A 26-year incumbent was denied the endorsement of the Democratic Party in California. De Leon is the visible representation of the displeasure that activists within the Democratic Party feel toward Feinstein, Smith said. Running against Feinstein isnt wholly without benefit, Smith said, but Feinstein would have had to suddenly become incredibly unpopular among her base for De Leon to win. If it wasnt for them being dissatisfied, we wouldnt even have Kevin de Leon, he said. Times staff writers Melanie Mason and Sarah D. Wire contributed to this report. jaclyn.cosgrove@latimes.com @jaclyncosgrove During the talks, the two sides informed each other about the situation in each country. The German side spoke highly of Vietnam's achievements in socio-economic development and international integration; as well as the Southeast Asian nations important role and position in ASEAN and in the Asia-Pacific region, saying that this is an important basis for the two sides to enhance cooperation in the coming time. They highlighted the great potential for strengthened bilateral cooperation in the coming time, and agreed to promote exchange of delegations at all levels in the time to come, especially those among sectors, localities and enterprises; and to work closely to build programmes to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam - Germany diplomatic ties in 2020. Andreas Michaelis accepted with pleasure Deputy FM Sons invitation to visit Vietnam and promised to arrange a visit to Vietnam for the strategic at a convenient time for a strategic dialogue between the two countries foreign ministries. The German side highly valued its effective cooperation with Vietnam at international and regional forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the ASEAN-EU cooperation mechanism as well as Vietnam's implementation of international commitments. The two sides agreed to support the maintenance of multilateralism and global free trade; coordinate closely and support each other to stand for international organisations, especially those within the UN. They were delighted that the German House project in Ho Chi Minh City is being performed well, saying that the work will provide a gathering place for German businesses in Vietnam, contributing to promoting the bilateral trade and investment ties. Both sides appreciated the importance of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), affirming that Germany will make every effort to promote the signing and approval of the trade pact. The German side expressed its joy at the effective operation of the Germany-Vietnam University in the southern province of Binh Duong - a prominent project for the bilateral cooperation between the two nations; and agreed to continue to support Vietnam in training human resources serving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Germany is willing to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in training and using Vietnamese nurses in Germany, Andreas Michaelis said. The two sides agreed to intensify collaboration in other areas such as justice and participation in UN peacekeeping operations. They also exchanged their views on international and regional issues of common concern, including those related to the East Sea, and the ASEAN - Germany and ASEAN - EU ties. A Long Beach man has pleaded guilty to charges he traveled to Mexico to have sex with a minor, according to court documents. Jonathan Sandoval-Lepe, 31, will serve 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of engaging in illict sex in a foreign place and one count of receiving child pornography, according to court documents made public Friday. He will be formally sentenced in February, a spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office in Los Angeles said. Between the spring of 2015 and June 2017, Sandoval-Lepe admitted, he repeatedly traveled to Mexico to have sex with a girl who was 12 to 16 years old, records show. In August of last year, Sandoval-Lepe also received a laptop containing child pornography, according to documents. A search of Sandoval-Lepes collection of child pornography contained more than 600 images and videos of children under the age of 12 engaged in sexual activity, court records show. Advertisement As part of his plea deal, Sandoval-Lepe must have no contact with minors and pay restitution to his victims. He also must agree to lifetime supervision as a sex offender. Sandoval-Lepe had been under investigation since September 2017, when an undercover detective obtained child pornography from him over an online program he used to exchange porn with other users, Kent Wegener, captain of the L.A. Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, previously told The Times. Sandoval-Lepe was arrested in September of this year and had faced up to 130 years in prison if convicted on the five sex crimes stemming from the original indictment. james.queally@latimes.com Twitter: @JamesQueallyLAT Longtime Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas stood before television cameras last month to announce charges in the sensational case of a Newport Beach doctor and former reality TV star accused of drugging and raping women. But his opponent for reelection wasnt going to let Rackauckas get his photo op without a challenge. So Todd Spitzer held his own news conference outside the D.A.s office, blasting the incumbent for taking nine months to file the charges once a search warrant was served. A week later, when Rackauckas filed more charges in the case, Spitzer appeared outside a courthouse again handing out copies of the warrant. The spat turned into a name-calling legal battle when a judge ordered reporters to give back the search warrant before reversing himself after news organizations protested. Spitzer said he got the warrant before it was sealed. But the district attorney said his challenger was endangering the case by his actions. Advertisement It was just one measure of how ugly and bizarre the race for Orange Countys top prosecutor has become. Rackauckas has called Spitzer a self-promoter without any moral compass. Spitzer, an Orange County supervisor and former assemblyman, accuses Rackauckas of subverting the criminal justice system for political gain by waiting to file a high-profile rape case just before voters go to the polls. Rackauckas has held the job for two decades, enduring several scandals that in a less law-and-order county might threaten him politically. The biggest involves allegations that his office was complicit in the use of jailhouse informants to obtain confessions. There has been a steady stream of headlines about prosecutorial misconduct that affected high-profile murder cases. The state attorney generals office and the U.S. Department of Justice are investigating the matter. An independent panel established by Rackauckas released a highly critical report saying that a failure of leadership in his office led to the scandal. But for all of Rackauckas problems, Spitzer is also a highly polarizing figure. A longtime Republican leader, Spitzer has led the effort to remove homeless people from the Santa Ana River. There was some debate about whether Rackauckas, after two decades in office, would seek reelection. Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, who was also tarnished by the informant scandal, decided against another run. Some political observers believe Rackauckas could not stand the idea of Spitzer succeeding him. Rackauckas, 75, last won reelection with 73.3% of the vote in 2014. But Spitzer, whose campaign has spent more than $2.2 million, emerged from the June primary as a serious threat, garnering 35% of the vote to the incumbents 38%. The bad blood between the men runs deep. Spitzer, 57, an ex-Los Angeles reserve police officer and former assistant district attorney who worked under Rackauckas, at one time seemed his heir apparent. As a rising political star in the Assembly, he first considered running for the seat as early as 2006. But in 2010, Rackauckas accused Spitzer of misconduct and fired him. As Spitzer tells it, he was unceremoniously walked out of the office. Spitzer said he innocently made inquiries about elder abuse to the public guardians office after a complaint. But the public guardian at the time said Spitzer overstepped his authority to get information to which he was not entitled. Two years later, Spitzer was elected to the county Board of Supervisors and began politically stalking his former boss. In announcing his challenge last year, Spitzer said: I refuse to stand by as Tony Rackauckas destroys the district attorneys office and uses it as his personal fiefdom for he and his cronies while the publics safety suffers. The jailhouse snitch scandal has tarnished Rackauckas image. The independent report he commissioned criticized a win-at-all-costs mentality, pursuing convictions even in the face of possible violations of defendants constitutional rights. A judge kicked Rackauckas office off the case of Scott Dekraai, who pleaded guilty to killing eight people at a Seal Beach salon in 2011. The district attorneys office was pursuing the death penalty, but Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals handed the case to the states attorney general. Goethals made the dramatic move after growing increasingly impatient with sheriffs jailers and prosecutors, who resisted repeated orders to fully disclose the role of an informant in the case and to hand over records about the informant program. An appeals court upheld the decision, saying there was ample evidence of wrongdoing. The discoveries in the Dekraai case have upended several other murder cases. In February, a Superior Court judge ordered a new trial for a convicted killer on the grounds that authorities failed to reveal that a key witness was an informant. Not since the fall of former Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona nearly a decade ago has local law enforcement been under such scrutiny. But Spitzer hasnt been without his own problems. Unnerved by a man preaching the word of God to him during a lunch hour and suspiciously eyeing a knife in a Wahoos Fish Taco restaurant in Foothill Ranch in 2015, Spitzer retrieved a handgun and handcuffs he carried in his car and cuffed the man. He would later argue that his decade of LAPD reserve officer experience led to his reaction. A sheriffs deputy described it as a butter knife, but Spitzer said it was a serrated steak knife. Officials found that he acted lawfully based on a perceived threat. But Rackauckas said the incident showed a lack of judgment. Last year, Spitzer settled a lawsuit for $150,000 with a former member of his staff who alleged several labor law violations, including working shifts of up to 24 hours. Rackauckas won his first term as district attorney in 1998, riding a wave of frustration with his predecessor, Mike Capizzi, who found himself in the crosshairs of the countys Republican Party after he began to focus on public corruption cases. He is the son of a Navy man and a Mexican American mother whose first few years were spent in East L.A., where he primarily spoke Spanish. He was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division and also worked as a social worker before turning to a legal career. Rackauckas was appointed to the judiciary in 1990, where he earned some notoriety for showing leniency to nonviolent defendants facing lengthy jail terms under the states three-strikes law. As district attorney, hes been a leader in the use of DNA analysis to apprehend violent criminals. Rackauckas has endorsements from three county supervisors, several Orange County congressional representatives and Hutchens. He has raised more than $1.2 million, while the Assn. of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs has spent about $250,000 on his behalf. As a top prosecutor, Spitzer had more than 100 trials under his belt. As a state lawmaker, he was closely tied to the victims rights movement, and was a supporter proponent of Marsys Law in 2008. Spitzer is courting Democrats with promises of bringing nonprofits such as the American Civil Liberties Union to the table to help reform the district attorneys office. richard.winton@latimes.com Twitter: @lacrimes At 7 a.m. today, a squadron of film aficionados will descend on the sidewalk of Orange Avenue Coronados own Champs Elysees to turn the concrete pavement into a Hollywood-style Walk of Fame. They will be armed with 113 huge black granite lookalike squares centered with terracotta-colored stars. Each bears a single name of a film celebrity who either had a movie connection to the seaside city, lived or vacationed there or made appearances in Coronado over the years. The transformed walkway will run nine blocks, from Orange Avenues 600 block north to its 1500 block in front of the Hotel del Coronado. One of the self-sticking squares, branded with the name of Marilyn Monroe, and including the emblem of the Coronado Island Film Festival, was laid down for an hour for a test walk. Some people didnt notice, says Kris Grant, festival spokeswoman. Some stopped, and others passed by, then went back to look at it. The star became a topic of conversation, she adds, and some people took photos. Advertisement The Walk of Fame will include such cinema stalwarts as Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Walt Disney, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Goldie Hawn, Charlton Heston, Shirley MacLaine, Brad Pitt, Frank Sinatra, Steven Spielberg, Sylvester Stallone, Rudolph Valentino, Oprah Winfrey and John Wayne. Several celebrities lived in Coronado, including Charlie Chaplin, Dick Van Dyke, silent film star Anita Page, commercial-making popcorn king Orville Redenbacher, Nick Reynolds of The Kingston Trio and Daniel Stern. He played a blungling burglar in Home Alone but is also a sculptor whose bronze piece, Handstand, is mounted atop the Coronado Community Center. Actor Daniel Stern, of the film Home Alone, is also a sculptor who made this Handstand sculpture placed atop the Coronado Community Center in 2012. (Courtesy of the City of Coronado) Not every VIP is a household name. Consider, for instance, the late Merian C. Cooper, a Coronado resident who dreamed one night of a giant ape attacking New York City. He wrote it down and produced the first King Kong movie in 1933. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but people might not recognize it. His name is misspelled as Meriam C. Cooper. While growing up, Emma Stone vacationed with her family in Coronado every summer. In fact, her IMDb film biography has an interesting quote: I always think of driving over that bridge from San Diego, and then walking down that little strip on the main street, going cosmic bowling at midnight, eating at this 24-hour diner at 3 a.m. thats summer to me. Wed just hang out on the beach and walk around and go to Hotel del Coronado, and learn about the ghost of the Hotel Del. That diner, the tiny Night & Day Cafe at 847 Orange Ave., is still there (but not open 24 hours a day). Her star will be placed in front of it. Coronado Police Department officials were discussing which stars they wanted placed in front of the police station. I think were going to give them Tom Cruise, says Doug St. Denis. She is executive director and founder of the festival. How fitting that Cruise was actually in town this week working on the Top Gun sequel being filmed, in part, at the North Island Naval Air Station. A trial Hollywood star is laid down on a Coronado sidewalk by Doug St. Denis, left, executive director of the Coronado Island Film Festival, with the help of Kris Grant. (Courtesy photo) Actor Chris Lemmons star will be in front of the Village Theatre, a major film fest venue. The actor son of Jack Lemmon will be in town to join the festivals 60th anniversary celebration of the filming there of Some Like it Hot (1959), co-starring his father, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe. Ronald Reagan, who starred in Hellcats of the Navy (1957) filmed partly on North Island, and Nancy Reagan (then Nancy Davis), who co-starred as a nurse and his love interest, will both have stars, as well. The idea to create the star walk came from Christian Esquevin, Coronados director of library services and a film festival board member. His board colleagues loved the idea, as did city officials. They not only approved it, they offered to wash the sidewalk the day before the stars were laid down and to refrain from washing it again until the festival is over. One caveat, though: The film fest star squadron must remove the stars late on the closing evening of Nov. 12 after the beach screenings of Some Like it Hot and The Favorite, starring Emma Stone. If the stars are still in good shape, well store them and use them again next year, says Grant. The number will expand in 2019 because organizers have identified at least 212 film industry VIPs with local connections. Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, greets fans while holding her baby bump during a Walkabout on Oct. 30 in Auckland, New Zealand. Her father, Thomas Markle, who lives in Rosarito Beach, has indicated he would like to be able to visit his grandchild. (Chris Jackson / Getty Images) Keeping up with the Markles: Can it be? The missteps of Thomas Markle, 74, whose daughter, Meghan, recently married Prince Harry, seem to be continuing since the Baja California expatriate was critical of the monarchy in the British tabloids. With a royal baby on the way, the Daily Mirror got word that he intends to use his status as the babys grandfather to gain visitation privileges. In the United Kingdom, however, grandparents dont have that legal right without a court order. Vanity Fair magazine published a report late last week that Markle has contacted the Archbishop of Canterbury seeking help in healing his rift with his daughter. Markle, who lives a secluded life of retirement in Rosarito Beach, had canceled his trip to London to attend his daughters wedding after reportedly suffering heart palpitations. He has spoken only rarely to the media. diane.bell@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1518 Twitter: @dianebellSD Facebook: dianebell.news Can we talk? And by talk I dont mean chit chat about whether San Diego will ever welcome the Chargers back or what was up with that House of Cards finale. What I mean is, with Election Day looming and Thanksgiving gatherings right around the corner, can we have illuminating discussions about tricky topics without turning friends and family into conversational roadkill? We can if we want to. We can because we need to. Advertisement Our organization was formed in 1983, and back in the day, we were doing our work, but people werent thinking of civility as one of the key issues that impact our country, said Steven P. Dinkin, president of the National Conflict Resolution Center, which is located in San Diego. Now, when Im having a conversation with people, it is one of the first topics that comes up in the course of a dinner. The fact that people are discussing it is a reflection that they are anxious and concerned. And people have good reason to be anxious and concerned. Last week, one man (Cesar Sayoc) transformed his many months of social-media hostility into potentially deadly action by sending pipe bombs to the media and prominent Democrats. Another man Robert Bowers posted what turned out to be his last anti-Semitic online screed before shooting up the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11 people. In just a few days, we saw what can happen when hateful speech mutates into unspeakable acts. And while talking about the importance of civility in the face of pipe bombs and assault rifles may feel like bringing a pen knife to a blowtorch battle, countering hate speech with your own educated activism is a necessary response to evil. Bigotry and hateful violence dont come from nowhere. If people dont feel like they will be accepted for their hateful beliefs, they are dramatically less likely to express those views in in public forums or in violence, said Matt Wagner,associate director of local chapter of the Anti-Defamation League, which covers San Diego and Imperial counties. In the wake of the Tree of Life tragedy, people of all faiths from all over the country gathered for vigils in support of the victims and in unity against violence. In San Diego, an interfaith vigil at Congregation Beth Israel in University City drew an overflow crowd in the thousands. Online, the Muslims Unite for Pittsburgh Synagogue crowdfunding campaign reached its goal of $25,000 in six hours. It has since raised more than $230,000 for the victims families. At the ADL, it is our fundamental belief that no marginalized or targeted community is safe when any marginalized or targeted community is under threat, Wagner said. Perceptions matter. Communication matters. Knowing that a group has the support of the community is an incredibly powerful protecting force for that group. Meanwhile, back at the dinner table, or the coffee room, or the grocery store, how do we talk about the difficult, polarizing issues of the day including the outcomes of Tuesdays midterm elections in a way that has the potential to do more good than harm? You can start with these tips from National Conflict Resolution Center. First, take a breath. When you are angry, you are not rational. And when you are not rational, you are not making the kinds of persuasive arguments that can change hearts and minds the way youd like to. If youre yelling, you are not communicating. Second, focus on the issue and not the individual. Dont let your ego and your need to be right or your need to prove them wrong get in the way of making your points as logically as you can. Third, respond respectfully. Restate the other persons ideas or concerns to show that you have been listening, as opposed to just waiting for them to stop talking so you can start talking. People are more likely to listen to you if they feel that they are being heard. To that, Wagner of the ADL would add that sometimes the answer to discord lies in asking a question. One of the best ways to challenge prejudice is to inquire, What is it that makes you feel that way? Ask them what it is that formed their perspective. As long as people are willing to answer that question with sincerity, I think that is the doorway to a more productive conversation because it focuses on ones own experience, and not on the perceptions that result from that experience. Civility is not for wimps. It takes courage to have the hard conversations and it takes skill, perseverance and self-control to make them pay off. But when issues of democracy, humanity and equality are on the table, passing the buck along with the potatoes is not an option. If people are avoiding talking about politics, that is problematic for our country because it perpetuates the polarization that occurs, Dinkin said. We are not going to create common ground if we stay in our circles and dont have these difficult discussions. That is the essence of democracy. Twitter: @karla_peterson karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com In the summer of 1990, as Saddam Husseins army was invading Kuwait, my wife, 13-year-old son and I attended shabbat services at the Amsterdam synagogue where my wifes parents had married soon after being liberated from Nazi camps. That family rebirth story, infused with heart-warming light, darkened for us as we walked by Dutch walls disfigured by neo-Nazi graffiti. At the temple, my wife went in the womens entrance. My blond son and I were stopped at the doorway by two serious men in kippahs who interrogated and frisked us. Inside, we were greeted with curious, but wary, warmth. That chilling scene, engraved in memory, replayed itself last week as we learned of the horror in Pittsburgh, an anti-Semitic variant on the 2015 Charleston slaughter in a black church. Advertisement Words matter in supremacist terror, were told. Haters go to hate school. But, as we learn in the playground, words dont in themselves hurt us. Deadly actions, sticks and Glocks, stones and AR-15s, hurt more by a factor of infinity. In our southwestern corner of the country, no one knows more about the intersection of hate speech, the symbolic debasement of fellow human beings, and nihilistic violence than Morris Casuto, for 37 years the director of our local Anti-Defamation League office. A Bronx native with a scholarly (and yet comedic) bent, the retired Casuto, 76, charitably invited me into his book-filled University City home for counseling on a subject for which I have few, if any, helpful words. A longtime target of white nationalists who for a tense time wore a bullet-proof vest, Casuto watchdogged hatemongers the likes of Tom Metzger and his protege, Alex Curtis. Casutos conversation is endearingly discursive. Here, much condensed, is what he told me about the state of anti-Semitic hate in America: I used to tell people I was a tactician, not a strategist, he began. If you want to understand this hate, this incredible hatred often called the oldest hatred, I dont know if anyone understands this. They can analyze it, they can talk of moderating it, prepare for the worst, but He paused before saying, Lots of people have said theyre surprised it took so long. In San Diego, he said, Most of the precautions have been focused on the talkers, fringe manipulators who encourage so-called lone wolves to murder but dont practice it themselves. This, he sighed, Pittsburgh, really scares me because it was the reverse of what I had become accustomed to. The killer evidently didnt talk to anyone and yet developed a hatred that enabled him to kill so many people. I wonder, he went on, how this guy is going to be received when he goes into prison. It will take decades before hes executed, if he ever is. I wonder if this guy turns out to be looked upon as a hero by the white supremacists, the neo-Nazis. God help us. When he was on the ADLs front lines, Casuto said, we could depend on their cowardice. I was once told of a meeting and it may be apocryphal between white supremacists and radical Islamic fundamentalists to see if they could do something together. And the terrorist said, When youre ready to strap a bomb on to your chest and you go blow it up in an intersection, come back and well talk. No Aryan takers, I gather. In many cases, the San Diego racists were not a real and present danger, Casuto said with the benefit of hindsight. What kind of bravery did it take to kill one poor Ethiopian, referring to Mulugeta Seraw, murdered in 1988 by skinheads linked to Metzgers White Aryan Resistance. Casuto turned from the unknowable mentality of evil to his strong suit, the tactics of survival. You heard the president say this might have been ameliorated with armed guards inside. Ive always thought armed or unarmed guards are just targets. Guards, they should be unobserved. In other words, you offer trained security the most reaction time as possible from the best vantage point, inside the target. Guards should blend in as much as possible, like armed marshals on planes. These are serious issues, Casuto said. Would it have been different if one or two highly trained individuals were waiting for the shooter inside the synagogue? Different scenario, different reality. There are all sorts of permutations in this, the period of killers. He recalled the wonderful community meeting (at Temple Beth Israel). The politicians were there, sheriff, chief of police, all appropriately. I loved the music, but love doesnt conquer all. (Rabbis) cant hide from a certain reality that you are the shepherd and you must take precautions to protect your congregants. An admonition that resonates through the ages. In Toronto, my wifes mother, 93, lives a quiet life. She doesnt listen to much news anymore, but Pittsburgh gnawed its way into her life, triggering familiar grief for pious souls lost to the oldest hate. At a memorial service, this Holocaust survivor, a great-grandmother to six children, was chosen to light the yahrzeit candle to remember the 11 Jewish dead. It was an honor that re-broke her frail heart. With a fleet of go-fast vessels and a support network stretching from Colombia to Mexico, the drug trafficking leader known as Aquaman coordinated the movement of more than 10,000 kilograms of cocaine along the Eastern Pacific seaboard, bound for the United States and quite possibly, San Diego. The Guatemalan operation run by Luis Carlos Melgar Morales, 28, and his alleged boss, Willian Lemus Lara, represent a key shift in the cocaine trafficking routes, as Colombian cartels have forged relationships with neighboring criminal organizations to move their product north. Decades ago, cocaine flooded the Caribbean and Florida, spurring a wild cocaine cowboy era of violence and excess in Miami. But as Mexican cartels like the Sinaloa grew in power, Colombian cocaine producers decided to leave the trafficking part to others, and the routes moved west. Now, cocaine is often staged in places like Venezuela and Ecuador, then moved by boat along Central America, landing on mainland Mexicos western coastline to be smuggled through the mountains and deserts and ultimately through the U.S. border. Advertisement Today, 85 percent of the documented cocaine departing South America is routed through the Eastern Pacific, according to federal officials. Of the cocaine that reaches the Southwest border, the largest concentration comes up through San Diego. Federal authorities in San Diego are pushing nationally to establish a maritime strike force to be based here, combining the resources of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Coast Guard, U.S. Attorneys Office, Customs and Border Protection and others, U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman said in a recent interview. The times have changed, Braverman said. Now, this is where its at. Right here. Cocaine is rebounding in volume and popularity in the U.S., thanks to significant increases in coca cultivation and cocaine production in Colombia, according to the DEAs 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment, released Friday. The purity is high and the prices are low. There have also been increased reports of a high heat cocaine that is more than 97 percent pure, costing thousands of dollars more per kilogram than other cocaine. In October 2017, DEA agents in San Diego identified a wholesaler operating between Tijuana and San Diego who was seeking to import high heat cocaine into the U.S., supplied by the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, or CJNG, the DEA reported. The Coast Guard has responded to the shift in cocaine routes in recent years by bulking up its presence in the Eastern Pacific and partnering more closely with the Mexican military, leading to record seizures. In fiscal 2018, which ended Wednesday, the Coast Guard seized 192,411 kilograms, or 212 tons, of cocaine at sea most of it in the Eastern Pacific, officials said Friday. When Adm. Paul Zukunft, then-commandant of the Coast Guard, visited what he dubbed the Coast Guard city of San Diego last year to off-load 23,000 kilograms of cocaine, he added: We might want to call it the cocaine city, as well. Last month, the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton docked in San Diego and off-loaded more than 11 tons of cocaine seized on the high seas from late August to mid-September quantities that have become routine. The people caught aboard the drug-laden boats also disembark on these stops to face prosecution in San Diego. But its the high-level leadership of the trafficking cells that authorities in San Diego and agents based abroad are really focused on. On Thursday, Melgar pleaded guilty to an international drug distribution conspiracy, and Lemus, aka Humil, is in custody in Guatemala awaiting extradition to San Diego. In his plea agreement, Melgar admitted overseeing the transportation of bulk-quantities of cocaine in go-fast vessels that ride low to the waterline and are equipped with powerful engines. He coordinated rendezvous with refueling boats at sea and facilitated deliveries in multiple countries up the Latin American coast. Law enforcement seized many of his loads, including 980 kilograms in May 2017 and 1,082 kilograms in December, court records state. He was arrested on January 26 at the Los Angeles International Airport as he was returning to Guatemala. The plea agreement includes the forfeiture of $1 million. His associate, Lemus, was arrested in June in Guatemala on a San Diego warrant. Lemus brother, was arrested two months later in Colombia. Colombian officials say Josue Adan Lemus Lara, or Chema, worked as a link between the Sinaloa cartel and dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, a guerrilla group better known as FARC. A recent Coast Guard interception illustrates just one typical leg of the journey north. The blue go-fast vessel was dead in the water when the cutter Tahoma found it in the Eastern Pacific on Aug. 18, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in San Diego federal court this week. Five Mexicans were on board, along with five outboard engines, 50 cans of fuel, GPS devices, satellite phones and a radio. Hidden under a green tarp were multiple packages of cocaine, marked with the letters KKK 769 kilograms in all, according to the affidavit. At one point, one of the go-fast crewmembers asked to use the restroom, and while relieving himself, tossed something overboard, authorities said. Coast Guard crew retrieved two zipped baggies containing sheets of code words. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis Say so long to the color show in the Eastern Sierra for this year and hello to an autumnal palette in the the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains. Thats the word from CaliforniaFallColor.com, whose motto is, Dude, autumn happens here too. Lower elevations of the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains, around the 5,000-foot mark, are lighting up with yellows, golds and oranges. Lake Arrowhead, Grass Valley Lake, Lake Gregory and Oak Glen will be the hot tickets in the San Bernardinos; look to Idyllwild and Lake Hemet for color thrills in the San Jacintos. Fremont cottonwood in the Sespe Wilderness. (Lance Pifer) Advertisement The Piedra Blanca Trail in the Sespe Wilderness in Los Padres National Forest near Ojai also is nearing peak, the color report said. The leaf spectacular in the Eastern Sierra is over. The splashiest hues can be found now in the Western and Northern Sierra and in the Cascades. Big leaf maples and black oak are showing their best stuff in Yosemite Valley, and the color report predicts, will continue to do so for a couple of weeks, if the weather holds. Info: CaliforniaFallColor.com travel@latimes.com @latimestravel When President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that U.S. service members could open fire at the thousands of migrants currently on their way to the American border, he likely wanted to reach two audiences: voters demanding a hard-line stance on immigration and the migrants making their way through Mexico. But his words were also heard much farther away from Washington: in Nigeria, where Trump has a higher approval rating than anywhere else in Africa. On Friday, the Nigerian army took to Twitter to defend its decision open fire at Shiite protesters in the capital, Abuja - by citing Trump. Please Watch and Make your Deductions, read the tweet, which included a video clip in which Trump says: Anybody throwing stones, rocks ... we will consider that a firearm because there is not much difference. They want to throw rocks at our military, our military fights back, Trump said in his Nov. 1 remarks. Advertisement The Nigerian militarys tweet came the same week its service members opened fire on a march of protesters belonging to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), who were demanding the release of their jailed leader, Ibrahim el-Zakzaky. IMN represents many members of Nigerias Shiite minority and opposes the use of violence. After Zakzakys arrest in 2015, the Nigerian government accused him of an assassination attempt against the countrys army chief of staff. Zakzaky denies those allegations. During Zakzakys 2015 arrest, Nigerian soldiers are believed to have killed hundreds more members of the group. IMN says that at least 42 people were killed by Nigerian forces on Monday and Tuesday. The Nigerian army did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The latest violence is part of a broader crackdown by the Nigerian government on the countrys Shiite minority. The crackdown has triggered international condemnations. Any Shia in Nigeria is under threat and can be gunned down any day, any time, any minute, IMN youth leader Muhammed Ibrahim Gamawa told Reuters. On Thursday, Tibor Nagy Jr., the U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs, took to Twitter to condemn the violence. Very concerned by the deadly clashes between Nigerian security forces and IMN members, Nagy wrote. We call on both sides to exercise restraint, and we urge the Government of Nigeria to conduct a thorough investigation & hold accountable those responsible for violating Nigerian law. But only hours later, the Nigerian army tweeted out Trumps remarks the same day. The U.S. president has never directly addressed the Nigerian sectarian tensions, but the case is yet another example of how Trumps domestic rhetoric is being used abroad to justify violence and has damaged the influence of U.S. diplomats who try to uphold official State Department policies. Trumps repeated attacks on the media have made it harder for diplomats abroad to defend press freedom. On trade, the president has weakened the standing of the World Trade Organization by ignoring its trade war warnings and confronting China. That decision could still have broader implications in the future by preventing other disputes from being solved, with Trump blamed for breaking the international consensus first. Trumps at times friendly treatment of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has also raised questions in other authoritarian nations about whether Trump values personal ties more than actual progress on improving human rights records, previously a cornerstone of U.S. diplomacy. Overall, Trumps America First approach has satisfied the needs of some rulers, but it has left the United States far more isolated than in previous decades. Diplomats working abroad complain that the United States may still be shaping global politics, but its no longer controlling the message. Fridays tweet by the Nigerian army is just the latest example of that. The Washington Posts Max Bearak in Nairobi contributed to this report. First published in The Washington Post Lawyers have battled for close to a year over when, where and how to try drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. But with jury selection set to start in New Yorks Eastern District Court on Monday, theres one point on which everyone seems to agree: There has never been a trial like this one before. Its like the U.S. trying Pablo Escobar, said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute and an expert on the international drug trade and organized crime. The purpose is to show the might of the United States justice system. The defendant alone makes this case historic. Guzman was extradited to the United States last year on charges he spent decades commanding the Sinaloa cartels drug wars, consolidating the market abroad while expanding his empire at home. Chart-topping narcocorridos celebrate his earlier escapes from prison, his lavish local patronage and his defiance of a state widely seen as corrupt. Norteno music superstar Gerardo Ortiz dubbed him the prime minister. Guzmans trial promises to be equally superlative. The federal case against him is so massive, jurors might not deliver a verdict until Valentines Day. Advertisement Theres no comparison this is bigger than anything Ive experienced personally, or ever even heard of, said Jeffrey Lichtman, the newest of Guzmans defense attorneys. The amount of material is beyond overwhelming. The indictment alone spans almost three decades. It paints Guzman by turns as a gifted executive and a ruthless killer who built the Sinaloa cartel into the largest drug trafficking organization in the world using novel trade routes and traditional modes of corruption to conduct billions of dollars in cash transactions and almost incomprehensible volumes of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and synthetic opioids across U.S. borders and around the world. Needless to say, the government has been playing Javert to Mr. Guzmans Jean Valjean for a long time, Guzmans defense team wrote in a motion in July, casting the billionaire as Victor Hugos persecuted hero in Les Miserables. But the hundreds of thousands of pages of documents prosecutors used to bolster their case, by comparison, dwarf Hugos two-volume epic. The months-long trial is also expected to include dozens of witnesses, many of them convicted criminals who will be brought from prisons across the United States. U.S. prosecutors have gone to great lengths to protect their identities, feuding with Guzmans lawyers for months about what they would reveal and when. The defendant blithely dismisses the governments well-documented security concerns for its cooperating witnesses stating that many of them are incarcerated, U.S. attorneys wrote to Judge Brian Cogan just days before jury selection was set to begin. Regardless of where the cooperating witnesses and/or their families are located, the capability of the defendant and his co-conspirators to harm witnesses and their families extends well beyond the reach of Mexico and other Latin American countries. Security measures for Guzman, who twice escaped from prison before he was extradited in January 2017, are even more rigorous. Just getting the defendant to court every day requires closing the Brooklyn Bridge at the height of rush hour so a motorcade of U.S. marshals can transport him from Manhattans Metropolitan Correctional Center to the Eastern District courthouse in Brooklyn. Guzman has complained repeatedly about the special administrative measures he has been held under in New York. He harangued his lawyer for permission to speak to the judge, and in a February letter to the court, described headaches, vomiting, sinus pain and dental trouble he said resulted from inhospitable conditions of his confinement. I have not seen the sun or breathed fresh air for 13 months in your country, he wrote in his letter to Cogan. It is a torture 24 hours a day. That torture is unlikely to end, experts say. Even if he beats his case in New York, Guzman still faces charges in courts across the country, including the Western District of Texas, the Southern District of California, the Northern District of Illinois, the Southern District of New York and the District of New Hampshire. Still, Lichtman said his client is in high spirits as he heads into the trial. Hes hopeful, the attorney said. He doesnt have any human contact for the most part, but hes got a great sense of humor. Every time I see him, were laughing. The situation in Mexico is less optimistic. While experts say its unlikely Guzman will be acquitted, theres a growing consensus that convicting him may matter less than many had hoped. A Congressional Research Service report from earlier this year noted that Sinaloa may operate with a more horizontal leadership structure than previously thought, meaning that even high-level arrests havent unraveled it. Instead, Mexicos murder rate has soared, as the rival Jalisco New Generation gang tries to claw power from the weakened Sinaloa cartel. Thats why Mexico last year has been more violent than any year since numbers have been kept, said Felbab-Brown, the organized crime expert. Chapos genius has lain in the ability to calibrate violence with political capital. In the short term, even just his arrest has greatly exacerbated violence in Mexico. Growing political tension between Mexico and the U.S. could stymie joint anti-drug enforcement efforts and further inflame violent turf wars among cartels, the report warned. Regardless, Felbab-Brown said the trial is a critical step. Its very important that Chapo is successfully prosecuted and punished, the researcher said. The U.S. is very keen to make a demonstration case out of him. Sharp is a special correspondent. Parents held their children, couples clutched each other and bystanders wept as about 100 people gathered in a steady drizzle outside the Tree of Life Synagogue for what a former rabbi there termed a healing service one week after the deadliest attack targeting Jewish people in U.S. history. Rabbi Chuck Diamond led a service of prayers, songs and poetry and reminisced about some of the worshipers killed, as Shabbat services memorializing the 11 dead and six wounded were held Saturday at synagogues across the country. I almost expected Cecil to greet me this morning, Diamond said of Cecil Rosenthal, 59, killed along with his brother, David, 54, in the Oct. 27 shooting inside the synagogue in the citys Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Diamond called the victims angels given to us, full of love and life. Advertisement In the last week, people told him of weddings, bar mitzvahs and other ceremonies theyd held at the synagogue. This is a place, a building that has stood for joy, but now it is forever stained, Diamond said. But the shooting cannot overshadow [that] this building is and will be into the future a place of joy. He said he took great comfort in seeing people of all faiths come together since the shooting and for his prayer vigil Saturday. Its important to come and take care of your community when something like this happens. I want to be in solidarity, said Andrew Allison, who attended Saturdays service. Before coming to the outdoor service, Steve Irwin, 59, and a friend stopped by a Squirrel Hill coffee shop. When we went to pay, we were told all the coffee was paid for by the Sandy Hook community, referring to Newtown, Conn., where a gunman killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. It brought tears to my eyes, Irwin said, standing outside Tree of Life on Saturday with his dog. It shows how incumbent it is upon us to pay it forward to the next community this happens, which we hope never happens, but we know it will happen. The outdoor service gives you a sense of normalcy, which is impossible to find right now, he said. About half a mile away at Congregation Beth Shalom, worshipers, including several members of Tree of Life, gathered for Shabbat. They honored Augie Siriano, 59, the 25-year Tree of Life custodian, who witnessed the shooting. I had tea with Cecil [Rosenthal] 10 minutes before I found him, Siriano said later, wiping away tears. Augie just loved them, said Sirianos girlfriend, Rose Battista. Scott Priester, 48, a Lutheran, came to Beth Shalom on Saturday his first Shabbat service. The shooting rocked me to the core, more than anything in my personal life, he said. Gary Friedman, 65, called the massacre a blow, a stab to the heart. Meanwhile, in New York City, Central Synagogue was packed with Jews and non-Jews alike gathered for a special Shabbat service. Its such a tragedy that happened in Pittsburgh, and I was touched by the calling of the Jewish community to welcome non-Jews into their synagogues today, so I couldnt resist and I came, said Steven Kent, an Episcopalian. It was a wonderful feeling. PM Phuc lauded the tour to Vietnam by PM Edouard Philippe, saying it is the second high-level visit between the two countries in 2018 after the France visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in March. The two sides agreed to increase delegation exchanges at all levels, especially high level, while promoting the role of coordination and direction mechanisms for bilateral cooperation, and forging stronger partnership in politics, economy, defence, science-technology, culture, and education-training. The two leaders underscored that economic collaboration continues to be a priority in bilateral ties, stressing the need to speed up major joint projects and foster the relationship between Vietnam and the European Union. PM Edouard Philippe stated that France supports the early signing and ratification of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EU, underlining Frances commitment to maintaining development cooperation with Vietnam in the future. Both sides concurred to promote collaboration in building e-government and modernising State administrative governance, which is a new and promising cooperation area. They will encourage and create favourable conditions for businesses of both sides to enhance their economic and investment partnership in areas of Frances strength and Vietnams demand such as infrastructure, energy, aviation-aerospace, health care, science-technology, communications, climate change response, and smart city. They highlighted the significance of cooperation in education and training, including the development of the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi to an international-standard facility. The two sides agreed to expand ties in culture, stressing the determination to turn cultural institutions of each country into centres for cultural cooperation and exchange, including the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France and the French Institute in Vietnam. They shared the hope to strengthen partnership in security and defence as well as increase visits of French military ships to Vietnam, and support Vietnam in joining UN peacekeeping operations. The two PMs agreed to enhance coordination in ensuring the success of the 11th conference on cooperation between Vietnamese and French localities scheduled for early April 2019 in Toulouse, France. They pledged to work closely at multilateral forums, especially the UN and the Francophonie, while supporting each other in developing relations between France and Asia Pacific countries as well as between Vietnam and EU members. The two sides will also promote collaboration in coping with global challenges, especially climate change. Both Vietnamese and French PMs stressed the significance of ensure peace, stability and strengthening regional and international cooperation. They affirmed their commitments to maintaining navigation and aviation freedom, and solving disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures in line with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. The French PM showed his hope to enhance the role of France in the Asia-Pacific region. The same day, PM Phuc and PM Edouard Philippe witnessed the signing of a number of agreements of cooperation between the two countries in various areas, including training, e-government development, health care, climate change response, environmental protection, urban management, aviation, and energy. Just days ahead of the election, gubernatorial candidates John Cox and Gavin Newsom stopped in San Diego on Friday as part of their final pitch to voters. For Cox, the Republican candidate and San Diego businessman, the stop came as he and his wife dropped off their early ballots at the Registrar of Voters in Kearny Mesa. As he addressed reporters, his focus remained largely on what he views as the failures of the California political class and the need for new leadership to address problems related to education, homelessness and affordability. I think the voters absolutely are going to vote for change on Tuesday, Cox told reporters before returning to his Help Is On The Way bus tour. They love this state, I love this state and were going to turn it around. Advertisement Were going to have an affordable state again, were going to have a livable state, were going to have the No. 1 school system in the country... We are going to address the quality of life for all Californians, he added. Meanwhile for Newsom, the Democratic candidate and current lieutenant governor, the message he delivered to hundreds of cheering faculty and students during a rally at San Diego State University was one of optimism and empowerment. 1 / 10 John Cox, Republican candidate for California governor arrives at the San Diego County Registrar of Voters office to drop off his mail-in ballot. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego-Union-Tribune) 2 / 10 Debbie Moore, left, of La Mesa, and Christine Moore, right, of the College Area, hang onto Gavin Newsom, Democratic candidate for California governor after each gave him a hug during a campaign stop at San Diego State University where he spoke at a rally sponsored by the The California Faculty Association. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego-Union-Tribune) 3 / 10 John Cox, Republican candidate for California governor, and his wife, Sarah Cox drop off their mail-in ballots at the San Diego County Registrar of Voters office. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego-Union-Tribune) 4 / 10 San Diego resident Brian Miller, left, poses for a photo with Gavin Newsom, Democratic candidate for California governor, during a campaign stop at San Diego State University where he spoke at a rally sponsored by the The California Faculty Association. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego-Union-Tribune) 5 / 10 John Cox, Republican candidate for California governor leaves the San Diego County Registrar of Voters office after dropping off his mail-in ballot. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego-Union-Tribune) 6 / 10 Gavin Newsom, Democratic candidate for California governor makes a campaign stop at San Diego State University and spoke at a rally sponsored by the The California Faculty Association. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego-Union-Tribune) 7 / 10 John Cox, Republican candidate for California governor arrives at the San Diego County Registrar of Voters office to drop off his mail-in ballot. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego-Union-Tribune) 8 / 10 Gavin Newsom, Democratic candidate for California governor makes a campaign stop at San Diego State University and spoke at a rally sponsored by the The California Faculty Association. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego-Union-Tribune) 9 / 10 John Cox, Republican candidate for California governor leaves the San Diego County Registrar of Voters office after dropping off his mail-in ballot. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego-Union-Tribune) 10 / 10 Gavin Newsom, Democratic candidate for California governor makes a campaign stop at San Diego State University and spoke at a rally sponsored by the The California Faculty Association. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego-Union-Tribune) Newsom, whose visit to San Diego also came as part of a bus tour, highlighted the importance of diversity, increasing college affordability and supporting educators while addressing the raucous crowd. He also emphasized the need to address several of the states problems, including homelessness. The former San Francisco mayor used the rally to promote down-ballot candidates and promote voter turnout, something he has frequently done throughout his bus tours. If you turn out and vote in record numbers, if you make sure Ricardo Lara gets in as your insurance commissioner, if you make sure our congressional representatives get what they deserve which is your support were going to turn things around in the next four days and I promise you this, the best is yet to come, Newsom told the crowd. The candidate never mentioned his opponent by name, instead criticizing President Donald Trump and his policies on numerous occasions. The presidents recent attacks on immigrants in particular drew Newsoms ire. What makes this state great is at our best we dont tolerate diversity, at our best we celebrate our diversity, he said. Cox did not mention immigration on his stop, and deferred when questioned by a reporter, saying its a federal issue. The stops by the gubernatorial hopefuls just shy of the election indicate the importance San Diego may play heading into Tuesday. Cox, 63, kicked off this latest bus tour Wednesday morning in Sacramento visiting a school in the Bay area before heading down to Santa Barbara. The tour then picked up again today with stops in Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County, where he campaigned alongside 49th Congressional District candidate Diane Harkey, a Republican. The tour will end Monday night in Sacramento, and similar to the bus tour earlier this month, many of Coxs visits with voters are occurring at retail shops and gas stations. Newsom, 51, kicked off his tour in San Francisco on Tuesday before heading down to Bakersfield and back up to Sacramento. On Thursday he visited downtown Los Angeles and after his visit in San Diego on Friday, Newsom traveled to Palm Springs. Recent polling shows Newsom heavily favored with a double digit lead. A late October poll by the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California Berkeley found Newsom leading Cox 58 percent to 40 percent among likely voters. Getting ready to vote on Tuesday? Heres your guide to the state Senate elections in San Diego County: State Senate 36th District The district represents parts of northern San Diego County and southern Orange County. The area includes more than 900,000 residents, many of whom reside in Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Clemente, Oceanside, Vista and Laguna Hills. Candidates: Marggie Castellano, 63 of Vista, is the Democratic challenger vying for the seat. Castellano, who most recently worked as science documentary producer for clients such as National Geographic Television, has spent more than 25 years working as a businesswoman and said that she prioritizes fighting for social and economic equality. In her campaign, Castellano is highlighting the removal of nuclear waste from San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, increased investment in schools and teachers and improving health-care affordability by lowering prescription drug costs and opposing the health-care age tax. A breast cancer survivor, Castellano has said she knows first hand what its like to struggle with medical bills. Advertisement Patricia Bates, 78 of Laguna Niguel, is the one-term Republican incumbent and a former assemblywoman. First elected to the Senate in 2012, Bates serves as the minority leader and most recently sat on several committees during the past legislative session including appropriations, joint legislative budget and joint legislative on emergency management. In her campaign Bates is highlighting repealing the gas tax, protecting Proposition 13a taxpayer protections, defunding the California High Speed Rail project and reducing administrative costs in education spending. State of the race: The district has a solid conservative bent. Republicans outnumber Democrats in the district by more than 40,000 voters, and Bates is considered the favorite after earning 54 percent of the vote during the June primary. State Senate 38th District The district represents parts of northern and eastern San Diego County and is a rare open seat due to Republican incumbent Joel Anderson being forced out by term limits. The area includes more than 900,000 residents, many of whom reside in El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Ramona, Poway, Escondido, Fallbrook and Carmel Mountain Ranch. Candidates: Brian W. Jones, 50, of Santee, is a former assemblyman and the Republican candidate vying for this open seat. Jones, who also served on the Santee City Council eight years prior to joining the state Assembly in 2010, has prioritized advocating for pro-business policies during his time in government and said that one of his goals while in the Assembly was to bring a more business-friendly approach to state government. In his campaign, Jones has emphasized his prior record, which he says shows hes a strong fiscal conservative and advocate for a smaller, more responsible government. He has also emphasized his support for pro-jobs policies and lower taxes. Jeff Griffith, 50, of Escondido, is a fire captain for Cal Fire in Riverside County and is the Democratic candidate vying for this open seat. A career firefighter and paramedic, Griffith has also spent the past six years serving as a member of the Palomar Health board and said that his philosophy is to demand accountability and transparency of all public agencies. In his campaign, Griffith has highlighted several priorities including encouraging apprenticeships and job creation, affordable health care, mitigating traffic congestion and finding innovative ways to address student debt. Tapping into his experience in public safety, Griffith also highlights ensuring greater fire protection and increasing access to behavioral health services as priorities. State of the race: The district traditionally has a conservative bent. There are nearly 200,000 Republicans in the district compared to just over 152,000 Democrats, and Jones is considered the favorite after earning 57 percent of the vote during the June primary. State Senate 40th District The district represents parts of southwest San Diego County and all of Imperial County. The area includes more than 900,000 residents, many of whom reside in San Diego, Chula Vista, Bonita, Jamul, Imperial Beach, National City and La Presa. Candidates: Ben Hueso, 49, of Logan Heights, is the two-term Democratic incumbent and a former assemblyman. First elected to the state Senate during a special election in 2013, Hueso is chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus and sat on several Senate committees during the most recent legislative session including the committees on Energy, Utilities and Communications, natural resources and water and veterans affairs, among others. In his campaign Hueso has highlighted his experience working on initiatives related to water quality, consumer protection, public safety and job creation. He also has championed himself as an advocate for education and environmental issues. Luis R. Vargas is a retired Superior Court judge and the Republican challenger vying for the seat. Vargas says he is seeking public office to uphold conservative values in Senate District 40, according to his campaign website. State of the race: The district is solidly Democratic. Registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans in the district by 163,730 to 69,722. Hueso is considered the favorite after earning 60 percent of the vote during the June primary. A Fallbrook man wanted in the slaying of his ex-girlfriend was apprehended Friday after being bitten by a sheriffs dog, authorities said Saturday. Homicide detectives and a sheriffs SWAT team had been hunting for Oscar Rodas, 27, since his former girlfriend was found bleeding on a Fallbrook street from a gunshot wound early Thursday. Yesenia Becerril, 20, died after being taken to a hospital. About 4 p.m. on Friday, someone reported spotting a suspicious person, possible Rodas, at the Colorspot Nursery on Olive Hill Road, said sheriffs homicide Lt. Rich Williams. Deputies searched the property and located Rodas. During the arrest, a sheriffs dog bit him on the leg. Rodas was taken to a hospital for treatment. Advertisement He was booked into the downtown San Diego jail at 2 a.m. Saturday on one count of murder. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis A fire at an Oceanside home late Friday displaced four people, but no one was injured, fire officials said. Around 11:30 p.m. Friday, dispatchers received a report of a fire at a home on Marcella Street, which is just west of College Boulevard and south of Oceanside Boulevard, according to the Oceanside Fire Department. Crews arrived and initially believed the fire was contained to a sunroom that had been added onto the home in the backyard, officials said. However, firefighters determined the blaze had actually engulfed the kitchen and spread to the attic. The fire was out about 30 minutes after crews first arrived, officials said. Advertisement A family of four adults was displaced, and the American Red Cross assisted with providing them shelter. A fire department investigator will look into the cause of the blaze, officials said. A man was killed when a fire ravaged his Santee mobile home early Saturday, authorities said. The blaze was reported about 1 a.m. at the Meadowbrook community on Mission Gorge Road near Big Rock Road, said sheriffs investigators. The double-wide mobile home was well involved with flames by the time the first sheriffs deputy arrived on scene, Santee fire Battalion Chief John Sengebusch told OnScene TV. The deputy tried to rescue the homes resident, a man in his 70s, but the smoke was too intense, Sengebusch said. Firefighters then attempted a rescue but were unable to reach him. Advertisement His body was later discovered inside. His name has not been released. Sheriffs arson investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis Cold case investigators on Friday offered a $1,000 reward as they sought public help to solve the murder of a man who was gunned down in 2007 at a Valencia Park gas station. Monday will mark 11 years since Anthony Tony Hawkins was killed at a gas station just south of state Route 94, according to San Diego County Crime Stoppers. Few details of his death have been made publicly available, but investigators said Hawkins, 36, was shot multiple times at the Exxon gas station now a Valero near Euclid and Geneva avenues. The shooting happened a little before 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. Advertisement San Diego County Crime Stoppers, along with investigators from the San Diego Police Departments homicide unit, are asking for the publics help in identifying and locating the suspect(s) responsible for the murder, authorities said in a statement. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000, officials said. Anyone with information on the case was asked to call SDPD homicide detectives at (619) 531-2293, or anonymous tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477, or www.sdcrimestoppers.org. Twitter: @Alex_Riggins (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com The Supreme Court announced Friday it will hear its first religion case with new Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh and decide whether a 40-foot cross that sits at a busy public intersection is a memorial to the war dead or an official endorsement of religion. For decades, the justices have been closely split over the constitutionality of religious symbols on public property. In 2005, for example, they decided two cases involving the Ten Commandments and struck down one and upheld the other. First they said county officials in Kentucky may not put copies of the Ten Commandments on the walls of their courthouses because that would be seen as endorsing religion. But in another case, they said Texas need not remove a long-standing monument on its Capitol grounds which included the commandments. Advertisement Some conservatives said they hoped the court will be more willing now to allow displays of religious symbols on public property. Advocates of church-state separation said they feared the same. The Peace Cross in Bladensburg, Md., just outside Washington, was erected after World War I as a memorial to the war dead. It was built with money from the community and the support of the American Legion. But in 1961, it was taken over by a park and planning commission for the national capital area, and it has been maintained since by public funds. The American Humanist Assn. sued and argued that a 40-foot tall Latin cross the symbol of Christianity towering over a countys busiest intersection is an official endorsement of religion. As such, it violates the 1st Amendments ban on an establishment of religion, the group said. It won a ruling from a divided 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. But the American Legion and the Maryland-National Capital Park Planning Commission appealed and urged the high court to uphold the cross as constitutional. Their lawyers argued that the cross should be seen as a historic war memorial. To rule otherwise, they said, is to call into question the crosses on display at Arlington National Cemetery and elsewhere. The justices will hear the case American Legion vs. American Humanist Assn. early next year and rule by late June. The other justices took no action on several other pending appeals, including appeals from two states that seek to exclude Planned Parenthood from participating in the Medicaid program. The latest from Washington More stories from David G. Savage david.savage@latimes.com Twitter: DavidGSavage The meeting was part of the official visit by French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe to Vietnam from November 2 4. In his welcoming remarks, Chung gave his guests an overview of Hanois advantages and potential as well as promising areas for cooperation between the two sides. He said Hanoi is a fast-growing city and ideal destination for investment, adding the capital city posted an annual economic growth of over 8% and currently leads Vietnam in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow, accounting for 22% of the countrys total FDI. As of October this year, France had operated 102 FDI projects with a total registered capital of US$273.6 million in Hanoi, mostly in manufacturing, construction services, trade, real estate, finance and banking. France has also provided the city with EUR515.39 million (US$586.96 million) in funding for three other projects. Notably, Hanoi has set up close ties with Frances Ile-de-France region and Toulouse city in the fields of culture, tourism, healthcare personnel training and most recently, urban metro rail system. The cooperation has strengthened mutual understanding and expanded trade relations between Hanoi and French cities. The official further said Hanoi expects more French investment in transport infrastructure development, education, healthcare and culture; and hopes to cooperate with French businesses to develop the capital city towards a smart city by 2025, with a vision to 2030. The citys poor infrastructure and noise pollution have challenged the development of local freight transport, so Chung wants the French firms to join the city in addressing these issues. At the same time, the citys treatment of 95% of daily waste with the use of old technology is causing a big risk for the city, he said, calling for French investors to bring advanced technology to this work of the city. Chairman Chung and French representatives later witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on a joint survey and feasibility study for construction of an international wholesale market for agricultural products between the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, Vietnams VinGroup and Frances Semmaris Group. We are experiencing a renaissance of scientific innovation in the U.S. Groundbreaking advances in brain science and translational research that yield life changing discoveries and therapies are making extraordinary strides. One of the epicenters of many of these breakthroughs is the San Diego region, where discoveries that benefit the global scientific and technology communities drive the areas economy and offer promise to patients and families coping with devastating diseases. Robust funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal programs is essential to ensure researchers can continue to make discoveries that improve our nations health, propel the economy, and keep the U.S. at the forefront of innovation. Scientific research and development (R&D) is one of the largest and most impactful industries in and around San Diego. With 700 commercial R&D firms, nonprofit, university and independent research institutes that directly affect more than 100,000 local jobs, the influences of this sector reverberate throughout this regional economy for a total economic impact of $14.4 billion each year a third of which is generated from research institutions. Advances in brain science and more will be discussed Saturday when 30,000 neuroscience researchers and clinicians from around the world will convene in San Diego for Neuroscience 2018 to explore and uncover the vast complexities of the brain generating nearly $90 million for the local economy. Basic science is the foundation on which applied research is built and feeds the pipeline for therapies. It is a journey of often more questions than answers as we pursue new avenues that uncover greater knowledge of the brain and nervous system. Pharmaceutical companies build on basic research to develop translational studies and extensive clinical trials. Public funding and continuous legislative and community support are what fuels these vital innovations. Congress has recognized that scientific research is central to both human health and the economy. Specifically, research funding authorized by Congress has included increases for some of the most challenging problems facing us today in the neuroscience sector including opioid addiction and Alzheimers disease research, as well as the continuation of the BRAIN Initiative, which brings together scientists from many disciplines to develop next-generation tools for exploring and ultimately better understanding the brain. These focused efforts, along with robust support of basic research will lead to the breakthroughs needed to improve disease treatments and discover cures. Advertisement With world-class research being conducted at the University of California San Diego, The Scripps Research Institute, The Salk Institute, San Diego State University, and pharmaceutical, device, and instrumentation companies, a strong, national approach to basic biomedical research funding is important to California and essential to our nation. There is no better time for this discussion to happen, given the stakes we are currently facing and the focus on mid-term elections. Support candidates that are committed to investing in biomedical research. The neuroscience community continues to remain grateful to lawmakers in California and the San Diego region for their support in this important endeavor funding critical research that ultimately will save lives and hope that their support will continue when budgets are considered again in 2019. Huganir, Ph.D., is president of the Society for Neuroscience and the director of the department of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Re Candidates ancestors span years of Mideast crisis (Nov 1): Thank you for providing context for Duncan Hunters security threat warning regarding Ammar Campa-Najjar. I found your reporting on Campa-Najjars family and life interesting and informative. I wonder if many of us would have survived as well in such an alien environment as he did in Gaza. Now, I think, it would be as informative to read about the challenges Hunter experienced in his early life. What influences he had? What experiences got him out of his comfort zone? What caused him to be who he is today? Darlene Rosemary Lakeside Advertisement Nice article regarding candidate Campa-Najjar and Hunter. Seems to me that there is only one person who, if elected, will be able to receive a required government security clearance and its not Hunter. Elisabeth Lenderman San Diego The success of our democracy depends upon the voice of of its citizens. Your vote matters. A vote for Ammar Campa-Najjar in the 50th Congressional District, is a vote for a person of integrity, a new direction, and with government experience in Washington D.C. Unlike his competitor, incumbent Duncan Hunter, there are no federal indictments against Campa-Najjar for campaign finance theft nor questionable financial shenanigans. Make your voice heard. As an informed citizen, vote for Ammar Campa-Najjar, a person of integrity. Your vote matters. More now than ever before. Cheryl Lendvay Mt. Helix --> 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. Visual exhibitions coming to San Diego in November include Deja Vu, Art of the Holiday, Brandon Gallerys 12th annual Small Works Show and Rising Tide. 11.2: Dia de los Muertos: Opening Reception and Talk The museums annual Day of the Dead altar opens with an evening of Mexican hot chocolate and pan de muertos as Jose Guadalupe Flores discusses the traditional altar honoring Sor Juna Inez de la Cruz, a 17th century writer and womens rights activist. (The altar remains on display through Nov. 11.) New Americans Museum, 2825 Dewey Rd., Ste. 102, Liberty Station, 619.756.7707, newamericansmuseum.org Dia de los Muertos: Opening Reception and Talk. (Courtesy photo) 11.2-30: Deja Vu These expressions of feeling like Ive been here before show up in this months Deja Vu exhibition as a mixed media Dia de los Muertos-inspired skull with huge glitter eyes and pieces in other media. June Rubin Studio/Gallery, 2690 Historic Decatur Rd., No. 214, Barracks 19, Liberty Station, 858.229.4571, junerubin.com Sugar Skull with Marigolds. (June Rubin) 11.2-30: Brandon Gallerys 12th annual Small Works Show Get a closer and more intimate look at smaller works, in any medium, because they invite a more intimate conversation and often reward with delightful surprises. Brandon Gallery, 105 N. Main Ave., Fallbrook, 760.723.1330, fallbrookbrandongallery.org No Turn On Red. (Carol Mansfield) 11.2-1.27.2019: Marching Towards Empowerment: Beyond Suffrage A walk through this exhibit is a walk in the footsteps of women throughout history who marched for their own rights and the rights of those who would follow. Womens Museum of California, 2730 Historic Decatur Rd., Ste. 103, Liberty Station, 619.233.7963, womensmuseumca.org Marching Towards Empowerment: Beyond Suffrage. (Courtesy photo) 11.3-12.24: Art of the Holiday Regional artists and crafters have created all sorts of items for the most wonderful time of the year, including mixed media ornaments, hand-blown and fused glass, woodwork, ceramics, jewelry and other items. Fallbrook Art Center, 103 S. Main Ave., Fallbrook, 760.728.1414, fallbrookartcenter.org Art of the Holiday. (Courtesy photo) 11.7-26: Gallery 21 2018 Doggone Art Show The dogs come out in every breed and various forms of media in this juried art show, with prizes and additional awards for fine art and photography (a portion of sales benefits the Helen Woodward Animal Center). Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park, 619.233.9050, spanishvillageart.com Gallery 21 2018 Doggone Art Show. (Courtesy photo) 11.10-1.7.2019: Hunt Slonem Gatekeeper: World of Folly In his fifth solo exhibition, the acclaimed neo-expressionist and celebrated colorist Hunt Slonem presents bold artwork with a focus on his love for animals and compositions that are reminiscent of the work of Andy Warhol. Madison Gallery, 320 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, 858.523.9155, madisongalleries.com Hunt Slonem Gatekeeper: World of Folly. (Courtesy photo) 11.29-12.11: Fall 2018 Student Art Exhibition Students in the San Diego Mesa College art department have created a variety of artwork, covering different topics, in order to engage students from other disciplines and departments. San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery, 7250 Mesa College Dr., D-101, Clairemont Mesa, 619.388.2829, sdmesa.edu Awaken by Albie Cartagenes. (Courtesy photo) 11.24-1.6.2019: Rising Tide This show features solo exhibitions by artists Jana Brike, Francisco Eme and Jacob Sundstrom, with each artist focusing their work on the state of the human soul, using technology to link the electronic elements of the world with human emotion, and creating work that people can listen to, look at and walk into. San Diego Art Institute, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.236.0011, sandiego-art.org Rising Tide. (Courtesy photo) Through Nov. 17: National Show: Blackout Get a good look at the works of art from all across the country pieces that include the color black, communicating power, seduction, prestige and mystery. Ashton Gallery, 4434 30th St., North Park, 619.894.9009, ashtonartgallery.com Crossing the Rubycon (Sheila Daube) Through Nov. 18: DesEscondido/No Longer Hidden: Public Address Art Exhibition Various artists, belonging to a group of public artists called Public Address, present multimedia art exploring the ways things can be both hidden and obvious in a city (Escondido) whose name means the hidden place. California Center for the Arts, Escondido: 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, 760.839.4138, artcenter.org 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. Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 2, 2018. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Beijing Friday. Xi welcomed Khan for paying an official visit to China and attending the first China International Import Expo. He hailed the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership as a special friendship shaped and developed during a long time of mutual support and close cooperation. Xi said the bilateral ties always stay vigorous and continue developing regardless of the changes in international situations or the two countries' domestic affairs. "China-Pakistan cooperation not only benefits both peoples but also contributes to regional and world peace, stability and development," Xi said. Xi appreciated Khan for repeatedly stressing that he would view the relations with China as a political cornerstone in Pakistan's foreign policy and would unswervingly promote the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Xi said China always views relations with Pakistan as a priority of diplomacy and supports Pakistan in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed support for Pakistan's new government in implementing its policies and promoting national development. "We'd like to work with Pakistan to strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future between the two countries." Xi said the two sides should deepen strategic communication, maintain regular visits and meetings between the two countries' leaders and enhance experience-sharing in the governance of a country. Proposing closer pragmatic cooperation and promotion in trade and investment, Xi called for consolidating the early results of CPEC and expanding CPEC to areas such as industrial parks and people's livelihood. He also said the two sides should boost people-to-people exchanges, strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation and increase coordination and communication on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Pakistan admires China's development achievements and hopes to learn from China's experience in development, poverty alleviation and anti-corruption, Khan said. "Pakistan-China friendship is deeply rooted in the mind of Pakistani people," Khan said, noting that Pakistan is devoted to furthering the relations with China and the construction of CPEC, so as to benefit the economic and social development of Pakistan. The Pakistani side is willing to reinforce communication and coordination in multilateral affairs with China, Khan added. Harrisburg, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/03/2018 -- The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the Whiskey market and contains qualitative and quantitative insights, historical and forecasted data, competitor and regional analysis from 2013 to 2025. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications. Request a Free Sample Report before Purchase: https://www.marketinsightsreports.com/reports/0729735208/global-whiskey-market-professional-survey-report-2018/inquiry?source=releasewire&Mode=12 The report covers the profiles of major players in the global Whiskey market such as: Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, Diageo, Gruppo Campari, Heaven Hill, Alexandrion Grup Romania, Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling, Barrel House Distilling, Boone County Distilling, Boundary Oak Distillery, Kirin Brewery, Michter's Distillery, Sazerac, Willett Distillery. Whiskey Market, by Types: Scotch whisky American Whisky Irish Whiskey Canadian Whisky Whiskey Market, by Applications: Bars & Resturant Liquor Stores Supermarkets Mini Markets Online Stores Geographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, covering North America, Europe, China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Other regions. Several important Key questions answer covered in this Whiskey market research report: - What is status of Whiskey Market? -This Overview Includes Analysis of Scope, Prospect, Growth trend, Sales by regions, manufacturers, types and applications. - What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth? - What is Whiskey Market forecasts (2018-2025)? Considering Sales, Revenue, Growth rate, Price and Trends for Regions, Types and Applications? - Who Are Whiskey Market Key Manufacturers? - What will be the market size and the growth rate in 2025? -What are the key factors driving the global Whiskey market? - What are the key outcomes of the distinct analysis of the world Whiskey Market-Analysis done by considering prime elements? Browse Full Report: https://www.marketinsightsreports.com/reports/0729735208/global-whiskey-market-professional-survey-report-2018?source=releasewire&Mode=12 The research includes historic data from 2013 to 2017 and forecasts until 2025 which makes the reports an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, consultants, analysts, and other people looking for key industry data in readily accessible documents with clearly presented tables and graphs. The study comprises a mix of data pertaining to the key restraints, drivers, competitive landscape, regulatory forces, key strategies implemented by the key players, and opportunities, expected to have a profound impact on the scope of growth of the market. A detailed analysis of these factors allows the report to present a reliable forecast regarding the future growth dynamics of the Whiskey market. About MarketInsightsReports MarketInsightsReports provides syndicated Market research reports to industries, organizations or even individuals with an aim of helping them in their decision making process. MarketInsightsReports 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. Contact US: Irfan Tamboli (Head of Sales) Market Insights Reports Phone: + 1704 266 3234 | Mob: +91-750-707-8687 sales@marketinsightsreports.com | irfan@marketinsightsreports.com Connect with us On: https://www.linkedin.com/company/13411016/ https://www.facebook.com/Marketinsightsreports/ https://twitter.com/MIRresearch/ (For the latest China news, Please follow People's Daily on Twitter and Facebook Yasuo Fukuda (Photo/Chinanews.com) I have visited China about 30 times, and I could notice drastic changes and the countrys vitality every time I went there. I have experienced Chinas high-speed trains twice, and noticed that they are not only fast, but also clean, beautiful and comfortable. Starting in 1964, Japans Shinkansen now has a total mileage of 3,000 kilometers, while China has built over 25,000 kilometers of high speed rail in just over 10 years. The total mileage of high speed rail in China is 8 times of that of Japan. In 2000, Chinas GDP was approximately a quarter of that of Japan, but China surpassed the latter and became the worlds second largest economy 10 years later. At present, the Chinese economy is about 2.5 times of the Japanese economy. Such a rapid development is rare even in the entire human history. Under the strong and sound leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese people have found a suitable development path for China based on the countrys national conditions, and worked hard and diligently, which greatly contributes to Chinas remarkable achievements made through reform and opening up. Under the leadership of the CPC, China has realized political stability and well-ordered society, creating a favorable environment for further economic boom. It has been indicated by history that political instability never leads to economic development. Japans rapid economic development is also achieved through the long-term political stability of the country. However, China and Japan have different national conditions. The Japanese political parties govern Japan in a suitable way for Japan itself , and the CPC is also managing state affairs in accordance with the state of China. Chinas development path perfectly suits Chinas conditions. Chinese President Xi Jinping has raised a proposal to build a community of shared future for mankind, and I agree with him very much. People from all countries live on the same planet, and as friends, we share a common destiny. The recent visits paid by Xi to Asian and African countries were a practice of the proposal. Africa is a less developed region where many countries still suffer from poverty and peoples livelihood is not guaranteed. The massive colonies built by many European countries on the continent also caused huge agony to the people there, which turned Africa into a continent with weak economy, insufficient technology and inadequate development experiences. Xis visit to Africa aimed at common development and building a community of shared future with the African people. It is good to see that China has helped Africa build plentiful infrastructure and improve peoples livelihood. If Japan can join China in assisting Africas development, it would greatly benefit the African people. It is beneficial not only to Africas economy, but also the world peace and development. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Chinas reform and opening up, a great journey that continuously marches ahead. It is hoped that China can further deepen reform and expand openness. In addition, this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China. The two contries are close neighbors separated only by a narrow strip of water, and they are also respectively the worlds second and third largest economies. Chinas development means opportunities for Japan. I hope that the two countries can carry out close cooperation, so as to make contribution to the building of a community of shared future for mankind. Yasuo Fukuda is the former Prime Minister of Japan The US has been constantly creating trade frictions since this year by increasing tariffs against its trade partners including China. To justify its move of starting the trade war, the US claims that Chinas socialist economy is not market economy and Chinas is a non-market economy. Such accusation is totally groundless. The socialist market economy is the combination of the basic system of socialism and market economy, while the capitalist market economy is the combination of the basic system of capitalism and market economy. Market plays a decisive role in resource allocation in both forms of economy. Since reform and opening up, China has been accelerating efforts to establish and improve the socialist market economy, striving to push forward reform of state-owned enterprises, and building a modern enterprise system. As a result, state-owned enterprises have become the true major market entities. Meanwhile, the country resolutely encourages, supports, and guides the development of the non-public sector. It has worked to guarantee all forms of mixed-ownership economy to use production factors lawfully and equally, compete fairly in the market and be under equal protection by laws. China has completely met the basic requirements for a market economy after years of efforts. Therefore, criticizing China for being a non-market economy lacks ground. There is not just one model of market economy and the economies of developed countries are not all alike. They present different characteristics in different periods and in different countries. The practice of developed countries has indicated that market economy doesnt mean zero government interference, or private-owned enterprises, instead of state-owned ones, are the only market entities. In the initial stage of industrialization, governments of developed countries played a great role through implementing mercantile trade and industry policies. After World War II, the developed countries widely adopted the Keynesian approach in economic policymaking, such as the state interference policy, the nationalization policy, macro-control, and cultivation of state-owned companies. It was under the influence of neoliberal policies that the number of state-owned enterprises shrank. Using government planning to boost economic development is a common practice of developed countries. After the 2008 global economic crisis broke out, some developed countries rolled out the strategy of reindustrialization and other policies, to upgrade their industries and rejuvenate manufacturing. Policies such as Germanys Industry 4.0 and the USs National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing came out in this period. In recent years, the US, which claims itself as a free market, has intensified state interference. The US government even requires its enterprises to move their overseas operations back home, restricts export of high-tech products, and set barriers for Chinese enterprises to invest in the US. It is unreasonable for the US government, which interferes in its own economy and has state-owned enterprises, to deny Chinas market-economy status simply because the latter is carrying out macro-control and develops state-owned enterprises. The groundless accusations indicate that it is the US, not China that is conducting unfair trade and competition. To eliminate trade deficit and achieve fair trade is exactly the excuse for the US to initiate a trade war against China. However, the real intension is to hinder Chinas development and gain more profits. (Jin Xinhua is a professor at the Center for Economic Development Research of Wuhan University) 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. 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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(0x7f3fde3764f0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde3fd010)', '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(0x7f3fde3764f0)') 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(0x7f3fde3fd010)') 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(0x7f3fde40eb40)') 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(0x7f3fde3fd010)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde3fd010)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdda95e28)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fde3cf420)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fde3cf420)') 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(0x7f3fde2d1f78)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde4482a0)', '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(0x7f3fde2d1f78)') 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(0x7f3fde4482a0)') 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(0x7f3fde3860e0)') 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(0x7f3fde4482a0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde4482a0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdda95420)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fde26ba50)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fde26ba50)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 (Zhang Yuhuan/Chinanews.com) China Craft Week 2018, a themed craft exhibition, kicked off on Nov. 1 in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, chinanews.com reported Thursday. The event aimed to facilitate cultural exchange by gathering design masters and craftsmen from around the world. China Craft Week focused on customized products, with an exhibition area 1,200 square meters' larger than before. Six British brands, 16 Italian brands, 10 Irish artists, 3 independent Thai designers and 15 traditional craft enterprises in Hangzhou attended the exhibition for craftsmanship exchange. Caroline Groves, a maker of personalized womens shoes, showcased her exquisite work at the exhibition, attracting many visitors. Groves explained that although her handmade high-heels are designed based on a traditional style, they are still fashionable and carry cultural connotations. Irish artist Angela Brady displays her work. (Zhang Yuhuan/Chinanews.com) Irish artist Angela Brady also displayed her ethnically inspired glass pieces during the event. She said that she hoped to communicate with Chinese artists about the traditional techniques of Chinese porcelain making. Tommaso De Carlo, a 60-year-old Italian engraver, came to the event as part of his second visit to China. He said that he is glad to share opinions with artists from various countries at the exhibition. A healthy craft climate will nurture craftsmanship, Tommaso said. Through communication, craftsmen from different countries can exchange ideas, which is also a process for self-improvement, Tommaso added. Despite crackdown, 'junk news' still flourishes on social media Washington, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2018 Despite an aggressive crackdown by social media firms, so-called "junk news" is spreading at a greater rate than in 2016 on social media ahead of the US midterm elections, according to researchers. Oxford Internet Institute researchers concluded that Facebook and Twitter remain filled with "extremist, sensationalist, conspiratorial, masked commentary," and other forms of "low-quality" news. In analyzing some 2.5 million tweets and 6,986 Facebook pages over a 30-day period, the study found that less than five percent of the sources referenced on social media were from public agencies, experts or political candidates themselves. "We found that the proportion of junk news circulating over social media has increased in the US since 2016, with users sharing higher proportions of junk news than links to professional content overall," the report released Thursday said. It added that "junk news once concentrated among President (Donald) Trump's support base has now spread to include communities of mainstream political conservatives." Philip Howard, director of the institute and a study author, said the latest research did not seek to analyze how much of the content came from automated accounts or "bots," or whether it was directed from foreign entities. But he noted that "this style of producing junk news probably has a Russian origin," adding, "that's what the Russians used in the 2016 election, and now there are domestic sources copying that style." - Tweaks not enough? - Howard said the efforts by Twitter and Facebook to root out misinformation amounted to "tweaks," and that "the evidence suggests little tweaks don't add up to a big impact." As part of the research, the authors created an online tool to allow anyone to follow and analyze low-quality news and posts. Responding to the study, Twitter and Facebook questioned the conclusions and methods used by the researchers. "We respect and appreciate strong independent research but we challenge some of the findings here," a Twitter spokeswoman said in a statement to AFP. "Many of the links deemed as 'junk' by the researchers are media outlets that reflect views within American society. Banning them from our service would be a knee-jerk reaction and would severely hinder public debate, the potential for counter narratives to take hold, and meaningful discussion of news consumption." Twitter said many of the sources cited in the study were "not foreign, not bots, and for the most part not coordinated. They are real people sharing news that reflects their views." - Opposite conclusions - Facebook pointed to other research suggesting a decline in misinformation. "The conclusions drawn in this research shouldn't be seen as the authority on this topic," Facebook said in a statement. "The central takeaway of this study -- that, 'the proportion of junk news circulating over social media has increased since 2016' -- is actually based on data from Twitter and then applied to 'social media' more broadly." The Oxford researchers said that its definition of "junk" is based on specific criteria, including a lack of professional journalism practices, use of hyperbole or misleading headlines, and relying on untrustworthy sources of information. Jennifer Grygiel, a Syracuse University professor specializing in social media who is not affiliated with the Oxford study, said she was not surprised by the findings because of the design of social networks. "Because clicks lead to revenue, social networks elevate junk news," she said. "If we are starting to feel like this is a world of reality TV, it's by design, That's how the system was built." Grygiel said that Twitter's algorithms give priority to "verified" users, but that those who get the verification badge are more likely to be celebrities than academics or intellectuals, and this can result in proliferation of gossip and "tabloid-style" news. She noted that while social networks have begun to crack down on "coordinated and inauthentic" efforts by foreign entities, this has not impacted what many consider as "low quality" news. "I wouldn't say they're focused on downgrading tabloid content," Grygiel said. US Iran sanctions move hits European companies Paris, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2018 US President Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran and reimpose a raft of sanctions puts European businesses on the spot. While the European Union insists it will stick by the nuclear accord to allow trade to continue with Iran, European companies are wary of being caught out by the US sanctions regime and many have already cut back their presence. Here is an overview of how firms could be affected: - Auto - The sanctions introduced in August spooked the major automakers who were already cautious about their future in Iran and mindful of their much bigger business interests in the United States. Germany's Daimler, which was teaming up with two Iranian firms to assemble Mercedes-Benz trucks, said it had decided against going ahead. Volkswagen had said last year it planned to resume business after a 17-year break but was very guarded in response to the latest US decision. VW "conforms with all the applicable national and international laws and regulations concerning exports," a spokesman said. French automakers Renault and PSA, who make nearly half the cars sold in Iran, were cautious. PSA, behind the Peugeot, Citroen and Opel brands, said in June it was preparing to suspend activities in Iran. Renault says it intends to keep its activities in Iran but stands ready "to reduce the scale very sharply" if need be. - Aviation - Aviation saw large contracts reached following the 2015 nuclear accord as Iran set about modernising an ageing fleet. Airbus booked deals for 100 jets and was looking forward to many more. However, the potential loss of business in Iran would not weigh overly heavily on Airbus given its total outstanding order book of some 7,168 planes at end-June. - Oil - Oil is the key issue with global implications for all concerned as Washington aims to cut off Iran's key source of foreign income. French energy giant Total announced in August it was pulling out of a massive natural gas project. Italian energy giant ENI meanwhile has a contract to take two million barrels of oil per month which it will not renew after it finishes this year. German engineering giant Siemens signed a contract in 2016 to supply gas turbines to Iranian company Mapna. A spokesman told AFP the company "will take the appropriate measures to bring its affairs into conformity with the multilateral framework concerning Iran." - Railways, shipbuilding - Italy stands to lose most in these sectors, national railway operator Ferrovie dello Stato Italiano having signed a deal in 2017 to build a high-speed line linking Qom to Arak in northern Iran. Shipmaker Fincantieri, engineering firm Maire Tecnimont and gas boiler maker Immergas all signed a string of deals with Iran which are also threatened. Italy was Iran's largest European trade partner in 2017, with its exports rising 12.5 percent to 1.7 billion euros. - Tourism - Iran is potentially a major tourist destination but European companies were quick to pull back after the August US announcement. British Airways and Air France halted services in September, saying the flights were not commercially viable. German carrier Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Alitalia for the moment continue flights to Tehran. French hotel chain AccorHotels, which opened an establishment in Iran in 2015, declined to comment on its plans for the future. Spain's Melia Hotels International chain, which signed a 2016 deal to run a five star hotel in Iran, the Gran Melia Ghoo, said in November it was still going ahead. bur-boc/aue/jul/bmm/jj GROUPE PSA AIRBUS GROUP ACCORHOTELS SIEMENS VOLKSWAGEN DEUTSCHE LUFTHANSA AG DAIMLER ENI IAG - INTERNATIONAL CONSOLIDATED AIRLINES GROUP Fincantieri AIR FRANCE-KLM TOTAL Russia turns up uninvited to major NATO wargames On board Navy USS Mount Whitney, Norway, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2018 The whirring of a low-flying Soviet Union-era war plane signalled Russia's uninvited arrival to NATO's biggest military exercise since the end of the Cold War. Marines on board USS Mount Whitney off the Norwegian coast, had gathered for a group photo on deck when the Tupolev TU-142 soared overhead. "It's a long-range maritime patrol reconnaissance plane," said one fascinated marine after casting an expert eye over the visitor. Although he had seen plenty of images of the aircraft, this was the first time he had seen it live, so to speak. Russia has already made clear its displeasure at NATO's Trident Juncture exercises, the largest by the alliance since the end of the Cold War. They warned that the two-week long exercise, which it sees as an anti-Russian show of force, would not go unanswered. Last week, Moscow announced plans to test missiles in the region. 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. Any missile testing "will not change the plan of our exercise," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday. "We have not seen anything resembling a missile test, or even ships or aircraft in the area that would be relevant to documenting or monitoring missile testing," said Robert Aguilar, captain of the USS Mount Whitney. - Cold War leftovers - The Tupolev's passage appeared to be part of Russia's response. But Colonel Garth Manger, a British Royal Marine in charge of operational duties aboard the US ship, took it in his stride. "They're watching us and we're watching them," he said. Like the Tupolev, the USS Mount Whitney is a holdover from the Cold War era. The third oldest vessel in the US Navy and the flagship of the US 6th Fleet, it has seen nearly 50 years' service. Upgraded with the latest telecommunications equipment, it served as the command vessel for Trident Juncture, which is perhaps what provoked the interest of the Tupolev. But if the flyover sparked shouts from marines on board Mount Whitney, senior officers played down any provocation. "We are at sea, everyone's got the right to be here. It's international waters, it's international airspace," said British Admiral Guy Robinson, second-in-command of the maritime task force. "So clearly we monitor closely. But everything we see in this exercise is that they've been safe and professional." Jason Bohm, commanding the US marines taking part in the exercise, was equally phlegmatic: "The largest issue we have had on this exercise has been the weather." A dancing robot shows off its moves during the 20th National Robot and Artificial Intelligence Competition in Guangdong. (People's Daily Online/Hu Weihang) Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has become a buzzword used by what seems like every new startup, surrounding us with claims that they can change the world using robotics and smart technology. The only problem is that many of the solutions currently being sold are not for real or current issues, but for elaborate concepts that the average person wont use. David Li, Executive Director of Shenzhen Open Innovation Lab (SZOIL) says that this narrative has to change, and uses Africa as a prime example. African entrepreneurs have real problems they need to solve, so they dont have time to make their story I invented X and X is going to change the world, even though nobody needs it. On the opposite side, you have people taking existing technology and integrating it into a real solution. Food security is one of the biggest challenges of our time. In 2015, around 800 million people had to endure starvation or malnutrition. Two-thirds of the world's hungry live in Asia, but Sub-Saharan Africa is the continent where that number is the highest, with one in four Africans undernourished. Implementing technology to end malnutrition in Africa, therefore, is a crucial task. Robocop vs. the tractor For the past year, SZOIL, a company based in southern Chinas Shenzhen, has been shifting its focus to work closely with partners in Africa, mainly in Ghana, Ethiopia and Nigeria. The team is focused on robotics and AI in three major areas transportation, agriculture and aquaculture. Li explains that the current conversation encircling innovation leads many entrepreneurs in search of the unicorn; to find or create new technology. However, he says, if we change the narrative surrounding new technology, we can take something existing and find the right use for it. Simply put, entrepreneurs dont have to be unique or special. The way we speak about AI needs to change, too. Li explains, When people speak about robots its always as this new species, a conscious being that can function on its own, but this isnt a reality. Specifically, on the agricultural side, were looking at smart agricultural equipment like tractors. A lot of the time, when people discuss robots, they arent picturing a tractor. A robot is just a piece of machinery. It's no different from any other tool. The first thing we need to do is make sure people are thinking about robots as tools; something they can control and own. By personifying robots, we are excluding that real conversation. A robot is not going to come and take my job. Li explains that its far more likely that individuals will own robots. For example, SZOIL has developed cooperations with organisations such as Open Source Ecology, so that anywhere in the world people can download a blueprint and build their own machinery. The Open Source tractor, which is being developed in Shenzhen, is currently in its early stages, with testing in Ghana set for next March, and the autonomous version going online later in the year. Solving world hunger, one smallholder farm at a time A UN FAO study released at the end of 2014 stated, much to everyones surprise, that in both developed and developing countries, more than 500 million, or nine out of ten, farms are managed by families; making family farms the predominant form of agriculture. They not only produce about 80 percent of the worlds food but also make up about 70 80 percent of farmland. So, small-time farmers can download a blueprint for autonomous farm equipment from China but how will that help a crisis as enormous as world hunger? Li explains that the utilisation of smallholder farms is only at about 70 percent, and the number one reason cited is labour - they just dont have enough people. He explains, This is where autonomous machinery can start changing the picture. With the help of smart technology, smallholder farms can utilise more of their land and produce more food without the need for extra labour. For example, reports from China Daily this year indicated that a subsidiary of Eagle Brother Co Ltd based in Wuhan, Hubei province, have already implemented drones to help fertilize crops. Farmers can now customize services by providing information on crop types, farm sizes and kinds of pesticides they need. Using drones to spread pesticides is believed to be more efficient and safer than the conventional method of crop spraying, cutting down water consumption by 90 percent, pesticide volume by 40 percent and boosting productivity by 50 times. A recent UN report explained that we need to expand our food production by 70 percent by 2050 to support the worlds growing population. However, Li suggests if we look at the food crisis as more of a distribution problem, its more manageable. One-third of the food we produce is wasted in the developed country its wasted on the table, in the developing world it's wasted in storage." SZOIL currently works with teams in Africa who are making internet connected storage sensors so that people can monitor moisture and temperature. Whenever produce starts to go bad, the producer will get a notification. As Li says, "A simple device like that can save grain and food in storage. We already have the technology." Belt and Road as the infrastructural link Although smart technology may provide a link to ending agricultural concerns to those with access, if you are an entrepreneur in Ethiopia, where, according to internetworldstats.com, only 15 percent of the population had access to the internet by the end of 2017, this becomes the next hurdle. However, as China continues to deliver on the Belt and Road, infrastructure is developing, fast. As soon as the primary infrastructure is in place, transportation becomes the only issue left. Li notes, The global supply chain is more function than we think. In the middle of nowhere in Ethiopia, you can still get a can of coke that pretty much shows the reach of the global supply chain. Its there; we just need to put everything together. According to the African Union (AU), internet connectivity in Africa has almost tripled in the past five years, and although the internet rate in Ethiopia is low, its up nearly 10 percent since 2015, which shows the rate of how things in developing countries are changing. China is helping with this change. For example, YOFC, a company based in Wuhan, Hubei province, that specializes in the production and sale of fiber-optics and cables, has already laid fiber-optics for African countries such as Ethiopia, South Africa and Kenya, according to China Daily. With higher connectivity, infrastructure links and AI companies changing tact to apply existing technology to solve problems, we have a genuine possibility of resolving key global issues in the not-too-distant future. US-led coalition strikes kill 14 civilians in east Syria: monitor Beirut, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2018 At least 14 civilians were killed Saturday in US-led coalition air strikes on the Islamic State group's last holdout in eastern Syria, a monitor said. "Fourteen civilians, including five children under the age of 18, were killed in the coalition air raids on the villages of Hajin, Sousa and Al-Shaafa" in eastern Deir Ezzor province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "The death toll is likely to rise due to the number of seriously wounded," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. At least 9 IS jihadists were killed in the raids, he added. The coalition was not immediately available for comment. Strikes on the area intensified following an attempted jihadist attack on a coalition base in the nearby village of Al-Bahra, the Britain-based monitor said. IS overran large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, proclaiming a "caliphate" in land it controlled. But the jihadist group has since lost most of its territory to various offensives in both countries. In Syria, the group has seen its presence reduced to parts of the vast Badia desert and a pocket in Deir Ezzor that contains Hajin, Sousa and Al-Shaafa. A Kurdish-Arab alliance backed by the coalition launched an offensive in September to wrest the Deir Ezzor pocket from IS. But on Wednesday the alliance, the Syrian Democratic Forces, suspended its fight against the jihadists after Turkish forces fired on the group's positions. The coalition estimates that 2,000 IS fighters remain in the Hajin pocket. A total of more than 360,000 people have been killed since Syria's war erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. New York, November 3, 2018 (SPS) - Calls for support for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people were numerous on Wednesday at the United Nations Security Council where the majority of delegations reiterated unequivocally their support for the inalienable right of the Sahrawis to self-determination. The US delegation to the UN, which was the first to speak after the vote on the resolution extending the mandate of MINURSO, referred to "a new approach" by the United States to resolve the conflict, saying that there can no longer be "Business as Usual" with Minurso and Western Sahara. A key element: the American declaration made public just after the adoption of the resolution makes no reference to the Moroccan autonomy plan and is in line with their position expressed in October during the work of the Fourth Committee on Decolonization. namely, "let the colonial peoples freely determine the political status of their territories". In a message to France and Morocco, the United States "warned against any idea (that can make believe) that the finish line was crossed". "The political process is just beginning," said the US diplomat, while the representative of France already mentioned "a positive dynamic that must be built" to justify his request to extend the mandate of the Minurso a year. What is certain, the Geneva process will be under the watchful eye of the US administration that will monitor closely the progress and results. More affirmatively, Jonathan Cohen said that the Geneva meeting will not be "a single event" but the beginning of a process for the settlement of the conflict. The Security Council "will not let Minurso and Western Saraha fall into oblivion," he promised. The request of the Security Council and Washington for the relaunch of the political process is expressly addressed to Morocco, which has so far undermined all initiatives to resume negotiations. The Polisario Front, for its part, has repeatedly reaffirmed its willingness to participate in the settlement process without preconditions. Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Bolivia and many other delegations reaffirmed their support for a solution granting Sahrawis the right to speak about the future of their territory. Sweden, which voted in favor of the resolution, welcomed the resumption of negotiations, which will begin in early December in Geneva. His representative, Irina Schoulgin Nyoni, said her country would like to contribute to ending the status quo in Western Sahara. "Resolution 2414 has paved the way for the resumption of the UN-sponsored political process, while today's 2440 maintains positive momentum with the resumption of direct negotiations," said Irina Schoulgin Nyoni. "The ultimate goal () is to achieve a just, lasting, mutually acceptable political solution that allows the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara," she added, asserting that "this ultimate goal remains as relevant as ever". Before the Security Council, the representative of Sweden recalled that the question of Western Sahara has so far suffered "a lack of attention and political will". "This is no longer the case today, the opportunity is given to resolve one of the most protracted conflicts on the agenda of the United Nations," she said. "The United Kingdom supports the work of Personal Envoy Horst Kohler and focuses on the progress made towards achieving a lasting, mutually acceptable solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara," said its representative to the UN. Speaking at the meeting, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the international community and the Security Council should "contribute to the success of the process launched by Mr. Horst Kohler. This is a unique chance to advance the settlement of the Western Sahara issue, "he insisted. "Ethiopia continues to say that the solution to this dispute must be based on a mutually acceptable political solution, respecting the right to self-determination enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Only the implementation of this right can help get out of the crisis," said its representative, Taye Atske Selassie. However, Ethiopia abstained from voting because the remarks made by its delegation were not taken into account by the United States, he said. (SPS) 062/SPS/TRA WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration announced on Friday that it will snap back sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the historic 2015 Iran nuke deal. However, eight nations will be given temporary waivers in their purchase of Iran's oil. After leaving the Iran nuke deal in May, the U.S. government on Aug. 7 re-imposed sanctions on Iran on non-energy areas, such as the automotive sector, trade in gold, and other key metals. According to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin, the sanctions, the second batch of its kind, will take effect on Monday. RETURN OF SANCTIONS A statement issued by the White House said the sanctions, to fully take effect on Nov. 5, would be "the toughest" and "unprecedented," targeting many of the country's "critical sectors" like its energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and financial sectors. "Over 700 individuals, entities, vessels, and aircraft are going back onto our sanctions list, including major Iranian banks, oil exporters, and shipping companies," it read. "The sanctions also target transactions with the Central Bank of Iran and designated Iranian financial institutions." Earlier on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin told the media that some 700 Iranian companies and people would be sanctioned also. However, sales of food, agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices to Iran "have long been-and remain-exempt from our sanctions," said the White House. The reimposed sanctions would "cut off revenues the regime uses to bankroll terrorist groups, foment global instability, fund nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and enrich its leaders," the White House added. While announcing the sanctions, the White House blasted the Iran nuke deal again, saying it was "disastrous" and "unacceptable." For his part, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier in September blasted the U.S. sanctions as "economic terrorism." "World security is under threat by some states' recklessness and disregard of international values and institutions," Rouhani said at the General Debate of the 73rd UN General Assembly. "Confronting multilateralism is not a sign of strength. Rather, it is a symptom of the weakness of the intellect. It betrays an inability in understanding a complex and interconnected world." 8 NATIONS GIVEN WAIVERS While the White House noted that the sanctions "will target those who attempt to violate or circumvent them" and that the administration "is pressing other importers to reduce to zero as quickly as possible," Washington also said eight nations will be given temporary waivers. The U.S. officials have not revealed the names of eight countries getting waivers. However, Bloomberg had reported earlier on Friday that India, Japan and South Korea would be among the lucky ones. Reuters also quoted Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez as saying on Friday that Turkey has been told it will receive a waiver on U.S. sanctions. It later reported that Iraq was on the list. These nations would be allowed to continue to purchase Iran's oil products temporarily, but they have to cut the imports till they are down to zero, as Pompeo explained that they had made efforts to cut their imports but could not complete the task by Monday's deadline. With all these measures, the White House noted that "the United States is confident that energy markets will remain well supplied despite Iranian oil export reductions." "From August 2017 to August 2018, United States crude oil production increased by 2.1 million barrels per day and exports increased by over 700,000 barrels per day, adding to market liquidity," it said. "Over the next year, United States production will increase by one million barrels per day or more. We are working with oil producers around the world to increase their supply as well." However, Pompeo said that the 28-member European Union as a whole would not receive one waiver. The EU foreign and security policy chief Federica Mogherini said in September that the EU will set up a legal entity to facilitate legitimate financial transactions with Iran in light of the U.S. re-imposition of sanctions. Pompeo later responded that the EU's decision was "one of the most counterproductive measures imaginable" and unacceptable. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi told state TV that the country was not troubled over the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions, noting "America will not be able to carry out any measure against our great and brave nation ... We have the knowledge and the capability to manage the country's economic affairs." David Pollock, a scholar at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told Xinhua that the waivers "will have a small mitigating effect on Iran's economic squeeze." The wavers will allow Iran to continue exporting some oil, but they would hardly be a "major safety valve" for Iran's economy," he said. "Sanctions are not going to reduce Iran's exports to zero, but I think it will cut significantly into the volume, and force Iran to offer pretty deep price discounts in order to attract customers to this risky business." HARDLINE APPROACH ON IRAN The return of sanctions is part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to pressure Iran to curb its nuclear and missile programs as well as its regional influence in the Middle East. U.S.-Iranian relations have been at odds as the Trump administration left the historic Iran nuclear deal, delegitimized the Iranian government and vowed to press other nations to isolate Iran. For its part, Tehran has said that the U.S. side is unreliable, and it will not talk with Washington. Pollock told Xinhua that the sanctions will have a major effect on the Iranian economy by imposing "a pretty dramatic effect in reducing Iran's oil exports and revenues." This will deliver a significant further shock to the Iranian economy, he said. "However, about effecting the country's political stability, I am skeptical that it would have that effect." "The question, therefore, is whether this will put enough pressure on the Iranian government to change some of its policies, and maybe become more careful about challenging American interests or American allies in the region, and maybe even agreeing to eventually some kind of negotiations, maybe backchannel, secret negotiations with the US gov't about these issues," the expert noted. "On that, I think that there's at least a reasonable chance that something like that will happen over the next year or two, but not right away," he said, noting that although the sanctions won't impact Iran directly, the question is "whether Iran will decide, after the sanctions take effect, that it will not observe the deal, because it's not getting the economic benefits that it had hoped for, from the deal." U.S. media and experts noted that Iran would probably want to demonstrate to the European Union that it's still adhering to the deal, so as to convince the EU and other countries like Japan to keep their business ties to it. "Because if Iran decides to break out of the deal, then politically it will be harder, especially for EU countries, to keep trading with Iran," Pollock said. (Matthew Rusling from Washington also contributed to the story) merican boat maker Metal Shark displays its latest police assault boat on Friday at the China International Import Expo. The expo, which will start on Monday, will bring together participants from about 150 countries and regions. Photo: Yang Hui/GT US companies said they have high expectations for the forthcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) and are confident in the Chinese market. "We welcome the positive trend in Sino-US economic relations and expect more cooperation between the two countries," Sherman Ge, president of Metal Shark Asia Pacific Region, told the Global Times at the expo's main venue on Friday. This is the first time for the US boat builder to enter the Chinese mainland market. "The expo gives us a precious opportunity to bring our good products, techniques and design ideas to potential Chinese clients, as well as to make business cooperation with China in boat selling and construction," Ge said. The company accounts for 40 percent of the public service boats market in the US, he explained. "I did once have slight concerns about Sino-US trade relations, but now I believe that disputes won't always exist, and we should take a long view on the market instead of this year's market only," Ge said, adding that it's necessary for US companies to let Chinese markets and consumers know about their good items and skills. Ge said they have talked to a local government fishery department in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang Province, who has showed interest in buying their products. But he didn't disclose the amount. Nearly 180 US companies will attend the first CIIE held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, Gao Feng, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce said at a press conference on October 25. The US companies are from various industries, including high-tech, intelligent equipment, medical equipment, food and consumer goods. The Global Times has talked to the top management of several US companies that will participate in the CIIE. They said they regard the expo as a good platform for them to strengthen further business cooperation with China. "US firms participating in the CIIE implies they are reluctant to see trade frictions between the US and China," Yu Miaojie, deputy dean of National School of Development at Peking University, told the Global Times on Friday. The high tariffs that the US imposed on China's products also hurt many American upstream companies such as vehicle engine makers, which used to sell products to China's auto firms, Yu said, adding that these US companies hope that through this expo, they could minimize the negative impact of the trade friction. Downstream US companies such as those of daily use consumer goods regard CIIE as a sound opportunity to increase exports to China, Yu noted. "By attending the upcoming expo in China, they are sending a signal that they welcome business cooperation but not trade friction between the two countries," Yu explained. In the first three quarters of this year, China's trade volume with the US increased 6.5 percent year-on-year to 3.06 trillion yuan ($ 445.1 billion), accounting for 13.8 percent of its total foreign trade, according to data released by China's General Administration of Customs in October. Little from little by little View(s): At two different forums that I attended recently I had the opportunity to listen to some comments centred on two questions. I write below the comments I was listening to, because the views embodied in the comments are not random, but widely held views. One was about export growth in relation to the current exchange rate problem: How can we say that Sri Lanka does not have sufficient foreign exchange earnings, when we export more than US$11 billion worth goods a year and another $8 billion worth services? On top of all that we even get $7 billion remittance sent by our migrant workers, dont we? The question sounds like that the country is well-off with massive amounts of foreign exchange earnings every year. The other comment was about the negative consequences of foreign direct investment (FDI), When we have our own local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and our own savings for investment, why are we worried so much about FDI? We should be worried about our SMEs. The foreign investors will even take away from the country much more than they bring in. I asked my friend an expert in the area of management studies, who was sitting next to me-: How much is the average profit rate of a company? He said: About 10 20 per cent; why? I replied: Well, according to that comment, foreign investors take back more than they bring in. If you say that the profit rate is that much, I wonder how it is possible. The connection The main question that I am taking today is not whether these two comments are right or wrong. In fact, it is not a question of whether they are right or wrong, but rather when they are translated into economic policies whether such policies would take the country where the nation wants to be. Therefore, the question is rather on the economic outcome that we anticipate in the years to come. The two comments were independent from each other, but by accident they are two important pieces of the same puzzle: In order to achieve rapid economic progress the country needs to increase production on the one hand and that production should be directed at exports on the other hand. The first comment is about foreign exchange earnings through exports and other sources such as remittances. The second comment is on the means of achieving that export growth through SMEs and our own savings for investment. They are connected to one another from another dimension as well: FDI itself is an important source of foreign exchange earnings, but it has been disregarded in both comments. Foreign exchange earnings The problem of exchange rate depreciation can be stopped immediately, irrespective of its secondary effects. You dont need to know economics to do that! The only thing that you must do is start giving strong antibiotics regardless of side effects. Start pumping the foreign exchange reserves to the market so that depreciation will come to a halt. The Central Bank has accumulated about $7.5 billion reserves, while if it is not sufficient we can start foreign borrowing. The chronic problem is not the exchange rate depreciation; rather it is a symptom! The export growth is the main stable sources of foreign exchange earnings so that weak export growth has been the chronic issue. Export performance Lets elaborate the issue a little bit more to understand why it is a chronic issue. About 25 years ago (1992) Sri Lanka and Vietnam, both countries had almost the same level of exports which amounted to about $2.5 billion. Exports from Sri Lanka have grown, as the above discussant also mentioned, up to $11 billion, while exports from Vietnam grew to $214 billion. It is interesting to note the export performance in Bangladesh too, one of our neighbouring countries in the South Asia region. About 20 years ago (1997), Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, both countries, exported less than $5 billion worth exports. By last year, Bangladesh had improved its exports to $36 billion. Is it possible to say that we have a good track record of export performance or we do have a good outcome of our export strategy? What is more interesting is that both Bangladesh and Vietnam are still poorer than Sri Lanka: Per Capital GDP is $1500 in Bangladesh and $2300 in Vietnam, compared to $4000 in Sri Lanka. But the indicators show that these countries have the ability to surpass Sri Lanka sooner than we think. Production and investment Export expansion requires production and, production requires investment. This is where the second comment fits well with our discussion. There is no doubt that in the good old days, countries progressed with much emphasis on their own strength: Savings mobilisation was based on local efforts, collecting and collecting Cent by Cent for investment. They were invested in local SMEs awaiting for 100s of years till they become global business giants and conquer the international markets. While we appreciate that effort and recognise the ability of the local SMEs to become global business, there are alternative paths to be taken easily and quickly: the same progress that we expect in 200 years can be produced within 20 years! Over the past four decades, Sri Lanka has sustained on average 5 per cent annual growth rate while maintaining private investment at about 20 per cent of GDP. If we expect the Sri Lankan economy to grow by on average around 8 per cent per annum, then our private investment should rise to over 30 per cent of GDP; this is about $10 billion to begin with! Foreign investment There is no dispute over the fact that Sri Lanka does not have the capacity to generate that much investment annually. However, in todays context it is also not at all a matter for disappointment because about $1.5 trillion worth FDI flows take place annually. These FDI flows seek better locations all around the world for the location of businesses. If you calculate just one percent of the world FDI outflows to Sri Lanka, it will amount to $15 billion! It has to be a topic for serious policy discussions and policy reforms: why even that 1 per cent does not come to Sri Lanka? The simple answer is that there are many other countries in the neighbourhood which provide better investment locations to FDI flows. While Vietnam has improved its FDI inflows to over $14 billion last year, Bangladesh has surpassed even Sri Lanka by recording over $2 billion last year. Until last year Sri Lankas annual FDI flows were less than $1 billion. Investment versus borrowings Every year Sri Lanka has been borrowing from abroad more than the foreign investment it receives. Sometimes, I wonder why many of us in Sri Lanka favour borrowing more than investment! Some may criticise and even come forward to protest against foreign investment, but they hardly engage in such activities against foreign borrowing. The above comment made by the discussant is appropriately fit into borrowing rather than investment: When we borrow, we pay back more than what we borrowed. But when we receive investments, it generates much more income within the country than its profit rate which is perhaps taken away from the country. It is a more pragmatic approach to replace foreign borrowing with foreign investment. FDI is another stable source of foreign exchange earnings which would accelerate export earnings. Until and unless the country gets these two types of foreign exchange sources right, the chronic illness of the economy would continue to exist. (The writer is a Professor of Economics at the University of Colombo. He can be reached at sirimal@econ.cmb.ac.lk) Political uncertainty growing in Sri Lanka Moodys View(s): The unfolding political crisis is credit negative for Sri Lanka because it heightens policy uncertainty and could weigh on growth if social tensions rise, rating agency Moodys Investors Service warned on Tuesday. It also threatens international investors confidence and the flow of foreign capital, at a time when the government faces large external debt maturities. These developments follow the October 26 sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by President Maithripala Sirisena and appointing former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as his replacement. Wickremesinghe is vigorously disputing the constitutionality of his dismissal. The change of prime minister and cabinet raises uncertainty about the direction of policy. In particular, fiscal consolidation beyond the conclusion of the International Monetary Fund programme in mid-2019 and especially ahead of elections due in 2020 is at risk of delays. Some planned measures, such as electricity price reform, which is already politically contentious, will be even more difficult to implement. If it falls through, this will hurt the financial health of some state-owned enterprises and, as a result, the countrys fiscal position, Moodys said in a statement. Amid a fractious political environment, a higher likelihood that the countrys fiscal and current account deficits will widen again could reduce investor appetite for Sri Lankan debt and spur capital outflows, weigh on the currency and raise financing costs. With a persistently high debt burden and weak debt affordability we expect that debt will remain above 70 per cent of GDP by 2020 and that interest payments will continue to absorb about 40 per cent of revenue in the next couple of years along with sizeable external and foreign currency borrowing needs, lower capital inflows and higher financing costs would hurt Sri Lankas fiscal strength and credit profile, it said. Renewed fiscal pressure would heighten Sri Lankas external vulnerability risks. Foreign exchange reserves fell to $6.4 billion in September 2018, covering about 3.4 months of imports, down from their peak of $9 billion in April 2018, close to five months of imports. With low reserve coverage of external debt repayments, Sri Lanka has smaller buffers to manage repayments and faces greater refinancing risks in an environment of rising political tensions and tightening financing conditions globally. We project our External Vulnerability Indicator, the ratio of external debt due over the next year to foreign exchange reserves, to stand at 160 per cent at the end of 2019, Moodys said. Moreover, simmering civil unrest as reflected in recent protests linked to underlying religious and social tensions poses a threat to economic stability. Already, GDP growth was low at 3.7 per cent in the second quarter of 2018, compared to an average of 5.6 per cent in the 10 years to 2017, the statement added. Trading partners including the US and the European Union have voiced concern, calling on the government to follow the constitutional process for leadership changes. Sri Lankas political standoff lifts refinancing risk : Fitch The Sri Lankan presidents sudden replacement of the prime minister last week highlights tensions within the coalition government and creates uncertainty over further progress on reform and fiscal consolidation, says Fitch Ratings.Prolonged political upheaval accompanied by deterioration of policy continuity could undermine investor confidence and make it more challenging for the government to meet its large external financing needs in 2019-2022, it said in a statement. The outcome of the power struggle and possible implications for the sovereign rating (B+/Stable) remain uncertain. Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was sacked as prime minister, has called for a parliamentary vote to demonstrate his support, while members of his party have said they will consider impeachment proceedings against President Maithripala Sirisena on grounds that he exceeded his constitutional authority in replacing the prime minister. The president has responded by suspending Parliament until November 16 and, in the meantime, has appointed a new cabinet. The ultimate shape of the government and its policy stance may not crystallise until Parliament resumes. We last affirmed Sri Lankas sovereign rating in February 2018. At the time, we noted that potential negative rating sensitivities included deterioration of policy coherence and credibility, a derailment of the IMF support programme or a reversal of fiscal improvements leading to a failure to stabilise government debt ratios, Fitch said. The IMF-led programme might help to anchor policy if there is a change in leadership, while the benefits of some recent structural reforms are likely to persist. For example, a VAT hike has pushed up the revenue-to-GDP ratio and narrowed the fiscal deficit, while the Inland Revenue Act, implemented from April 2018, is likely to increase revenue further. Moreover, there is no indication that the central banks autonomy will be undermined by the political upheaval. The central bank has been key to improved economic management under the IMF programme, with greater currency flexibility supporting foreign-currency reserves. However, the newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who served as president from 2005-2015, oversaw an aggressive Chinese-financed infrastructure drive and sharp increase in public debt during his second term from 2010-2015. His return to prominence could pose risks to fiscal consolidation, although he has yet to state his policy priorities. Wickremesinghe, if he hangs on, might also be tempted to adopt a more populist fiscal stance, given the political pressure he has faced since the ruling coalition suffered heavy losses in local government elections in February. Sri Lankas public debt-to-GDP ratio is already 77.6 per cent, which is well above the 62.9 per cent median for sovereigns rated B or lower, it added. Policy decisions that derail the IMF programme or lead to a loss of investor confidence could increase external financing challenges, Fitch said. Record profitability for Q3 2018, says NDB View(s): Sri Lankas National Development Bank PLC (NDB) said this week it had posted an impressive financial performance for the nine months ending September 2018, with a record post-tax profit of Rs. 4 billion. Profit attributable to shareholders (PAS) showed a growth of 42 per cent compared with the prior period amidst challenging market conditions. Strong growth was recorded in the balance sheet along with improvement in net interest margin (NIM), cost to income ratio (CIR) and returns to shareholders, the bank said in a media release. The bank recorded an operating profit before tax on financial services of Rs. 7.1 billion, up by 25 per cent over the comparative period of 2017. NDB Group CEO Dimantha Seneviratne said that the recorded results are the clear output of the focused strategy the bank embarked in 2017 spanning up to year 2020. The Group CEO stated with confidence that NDB is on a sound footing to achieve the medium term goals of the strategy and bring prosperity to its valued customer base and all stakeholders, the statement added. Net interest income (NII) continued to grow in Q3 amidst marked industry challenges, with a 39 per cent growth in NII up to Rs.10.6 billion. Interest income grew by 17 per cent whereas the interest expenses increased only by 8 per cent directly benefitting from the sound balance sheet management and ALCO strategies. Reflecting the industry-wide trend of rising non-performing loans, the impairment charges for loans and other losses of the bank for Q3 2018 increased to Rs.2.4 billion, compared to Rs. 872 million for the corresponding period of the prior year. Individual impairment of Rs. 1.5 billion for the period represented precautionary provisions made by the bank for selective individually significant facilities, on a prudent basis, given the challenging economic environment. Customer deposits recorded exceptional growth of 20 per cent over 2017 to reach Rs.329 billion, which translated to a quantum increase of Rs. 55 billion whilst the year-on-year growth was Rs. 73 billion. Of this growth, over Rs.12 billion of growth was recorded in the low cost current and savings deposits (CASA). The growth in the loan book which equated the growth in customer deposits helped the bank improve its Loans to Deposits Ratio (LDR) to 102 per cent, the best recorded so far by the bank since converting to a fully-fledged commercial bank from the development banking model. Resolve political issues quickly, leading chambers say View(s): Sri Lankas leading business chambers on Monday jointly appealed to the Government to resolve the political crisis as quickly as possible. In a public statement, the joint chambers of commerce representing diverse business and commerce interests, said they were concerned that the current political uncertainty will result in many adverse consequences to the country, if it remains unresolved. In a stunning move last Friday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sacked by President Maithripala Sirisena and former President and MP Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed in his place. However Wickremesinghe is refusing to step down saying the move was unconstitutional. We request the political authorities to resolve 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, the statement said. It was signed by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the National Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Construction Industry, the National Chamber of Exporters, the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs and Sri Lanka Apparel. So Sri Lanka global launch at WTM tomorrow By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s): The October 26 developments with the entry of a new Prime Minister unnerved the tourism industry, causing political instability and resulting in a few cancellations. The upcoming winter season is also likely to be adversely impacted. The only positive vibe is the launch of Sri Lankas new branding at the global travel fair in London tomorrow. Winter was looking good and we hope it will not stop, one industry leader told the Business Times. However, he noted that except for a few cancellations there were no significant cancellations so far. The winter peak season commencing December is the key period during which Sri Lanka receives the highest number of travellers to the country particularly from the European markets like the UK, France and Germany and now even from India and China. Other industry analysts explained that there is likely to be a slowdown in the numbers travelling to the country should the current political impasse continue. Some 40 global tour operators who met members of the Sri Lanka delegation on Thursday in London prior to the commencement of the World Travel Mart (WTM) have only assumed the current situation to be a political issue. Sri Lankan tour operators believe that should the current situation be brought under control there could be a return to normalcy. In fact they noted that the situation was not likely to bring about any sort of damage control since the current political issues have not hit perceptions of global tour operators. The UK, US and Canada have issued travel warnings to their nationals indicating that there could be demonstrations while Canada has also noted that the Sri Lankan Presidents moves to dismiss the Prime Minister may lead to a period of political instability. Travel agents believe the situation is likely to lead to a number of travellers wanting to postpone their visits to Sri Lanka. On Tuesday, tourism industry officials met the new Tourism Minister Wasantha Senanayake who gave the go-ahead for the brand launch scheduled to take place at the WTM in London starting tomorrow. Officials also sought intervention of the state to issue an assurance that normalcy prevails in the country. The minister had also assured the industry that he would issue a statement from the Tourism Ministry to assure travellers of their safety during their visit to the country. Sugar tax hurts over 90 small and medium fruit drink businesses By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s): Sri Lankas fruit juice and nectar industry is about to be hit badly with the extension of the sugar tax on all sugary drinks on a new directive issued by the Finance Ministry on a Presidential order. President Maithripala Sirisena has directed the ministry to extend the tax on soft drinks to all forms of sweetened beverages recently alleging that Nestle had increased the sugar content in Milo to 16.5 per cent from 15 per cent in 2012. In a special gazette notification issued on July 12, 2018, the ministry has extended the excise duty imposed on sweetened beverages to fruit juices, fruit drinks and nectar at the rate of 50 cents per gram of sugar or Rs. 12 for one litre of drinks, whichever is higher. Budget 2018 has estimated Rs. 5 billion from the imposition of the sugar tax in Sri Lanka to state coffers. As the total expected from the revenue proposal is Rs. 110 billion, the revenue from the sugar tax accounts for 4.5 per cent of the total estimated revenue from this years budget. Unwilling to bear the cost in their profit margins, fruit drink companies have been left with two choices; change their recipes to include less sugar or push prices up and risk losing their consumers, industry sources said. Fruit drinks, juices and nectar produces are feeling the brunt of the sugar tax which came into effect from July 25, a leading member of fruit juice manufacturers association told the Business Times. He noted that the President has given them an assurance, at a meeting held with representatives of their association recently, to appoint a special committee to look into their grievances and find redress by exempting them from paying this tax. But so far no action has been taken to remove this tax resulting in a drastic fall in overall sales in the fruit juice industry since enforcement of the excise tax on sugary drinks three months ago. As a result the price of a bottle of fruit juice or drinks will go up by 30 per cent, he said adding that Sri Lankan consumers will be deprived of more organic and natural fruit juice and beverages due to price increase. In a letter to the President, fruit juice manufacturers noted that leading companies like Country Style Foods Pvt Ltd (SMAK), Lanka Canneries Ltd (MD) and Cargills Agri foods Ltd (KIST) are carrying out this business encouraging local fruit cultivation and a large number of farmers engaged in fruit cultivations. These companies are purchasing over 12 million kilograms of fruits annually from those farmers and this massive stock of fruits is almost 80 per cent of the total production. In addition over 90 family-based small and medium scale fruit drink producers earn a living from this industry. These local manufacturers contribute a massive sum of over Rs. 1.3 billion as annual tax payments to government coffers. They are also pay VAT, NBT and income tax in addition to the new excise duty, he said pointing out that some of the BOI-approved fruit juice production companies have been given tax free benefits to import fruits and they also enjoy the facility to sell the excess production of fruit drinks locally. In the backdrop of distributing the excess production in the local market by those BOI approved foreign companies at low prices, this will create a monopoly hitting the local producers badly, the letter sent to the President emphasised. The introduction of such unilateral tax policies will result in the collapse of local fruit juice and nectar companies as well as the rural community living style based on agriculture economy, it pointed out. Local companies will lose export opportunities and foreign exchange earnings due to high production costs. Special fruit out-growers projects such as the cultivation of passion fruit, pineapple and Aloe Vera have also been affected as the fruit demand for sugary drinks has dropped by a significant margin, an indication that the higher prices have pushed away consumers from high sugar drinks. Although it is premature to predict the public health benefit from the sugar tax, the carbonated beverage industry is already feeling the pinch of the 50 cent tax on each gram of sugar in soft drinks, market analysts disclosed. John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) that has a larger market share in Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSD) market in the country has recorded a drop in volume of 37 per cent due to the implementation of a sugar tax, they said. The imposition of the sugar tax resulted in the prices of the CSD increasing by an average of 33 per cent. Additionally, volumes of the beverage sector declined by 16 per cent, owing to upward price revisions of the carbonated drinks range, they pointed out. Unprecedented budgetary moves provide relief to the people By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s): With the unexpected and sudden political crisis along with the prorogation of Parliament till November 16, Treasury officials were in a quandary in considering the option of preparing a vote on account or interim Budget, instead of the calendar year Budget 2019. Prof G.L .Pieris, Chairman of Sri Lanka Podujana Party of newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa told newsmen that they were planning a vote-on-account after Parliament was suspended until November 16. This was later confirmed by Minister Wijayadasa Rajapaksa but the situation remained unclear as a new date to convene Parliament (November 5) had been announced by the new PM. As at Friday, Finance Ministry officials were waiting for a directive to go ahead with the preparation of a vote on account or full budget 2019, as it will depend on the outcome of the power struggle in Parliament, official sources said. Vote-on-account will have to be submitted in place of an appropriation bill for expenditure for a period of four months commencing from the first day of January 2019 in the event of dissolution of parliament and declaration of general elections or a complete change in the status quo in parliament, a senior Presidential Secretariat official revealed. An economic expert said it would be appropriate to present a mini budget rather than the annual one as the country is facing a political crisis and elections are around the corner. He added that presenting a vote on account in view of an election is not new to Sri Lanka and previous governments have followed this procedure. The proposed expenditure in the vote-on-account for maintaining of public services shall include recurrent expenditure, capital expenditure and the expenditure for advance accounts One third of the funds passed by the parliament as Supplementary Estimates during the current year have been included in a prospective vote-on-account. It should be approved by the cabinet before presenting it in parliament. According to the Appropriation Bill presented to Parliament on October 9l, the governments total expenditure for 2019 is Rs.2.2815 billion or Rs.2.2 trillion while the borrowing limit will be Rs.1,944 billion. A caretaker government typically opts for a vote-on-account, as it is regarded improper for an outgoing government to impose on its successor changes that may or may not be acceptable to the incoming government, he added. In another move, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs under the new PM announced several important economic policy changes and initiatives to provide relief to the masses and revive the economy. Indicating the intension of presenting an interim budget for 2019, the government has reduced the telecommunication levy, special commodity levy for some essential commodities while providing relief for farmers bringing down fertilizer prices for paddy and writing off the interest of loans taken by them from commercial banks. Tax relief has been offered to companies engaged in agricultural businesses individuals engaged agricultural undertakings and agricultural undertakings while simplifying VAT and NBT. Withholding tax will be exempted on interest on any savings and fixed deposits maintained in any financial institution. Comings, goings and other happenings View(s): Ever since President Sirisena used his madu walge (stingray tail) on his prime minister and deposed Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lankans abroad have had their eyes glued on the changing political scene at home. The comings, goings, stayings and the may-be goings, may-be comings, as the wavering politicians rushed to their family astrologers, have provided enough delectation for many of those here shivering from the early onset of what appears will be a really cold winter. As the temperature dropped, tempers rose among many of our brethren who normally treat politicians of most hues with a healthy scepticism. They were watching one of Asias oldest democracies going into what they believed was a political tailspin. Back in what was once their home, the black-coated fraternity has been busy splitting so many legal hairs that even the few still on their heads seem to be in danger of being torn apart as they scratched their pates looking for argumentative defences to protect the barricades behind whichever side they stood. As though many Sri Lankans here had carried some of their hereditary characteristics all the way to their new homes the political turn-around engineered by the President has spread to the diaspora where different groups bashed each other, metaphorically speaking, over the pros and cons of the presidential contortions. Those who are fed up of Sri Lankan politics would say with Shakespeares Mercutio a plague o both your houses and turn away to sort out their own problems as the UKs Brexit endeavour appears to be coming unhinged. Yet one cannot forget the political parallel that comes to mind. Here, in the UK, the Tory party or some prominent members in it has been conspiring to oust Prime Minister Theresa May from the leadership of the party and from her position as prime minister. She continues to battle those who have been plotting to do an Et tu Brute on her. She is not alone in trying to fight against a putsch from within her own ranks. The miasma of political rottenness continues to pollute the atmosphere already contaminated by other toxins. But there are differences between what is happening here in London and in Sri Lanka. Theresa May is struggling to hang on to the premiership. The threat to her position is an intra-party feud. The plans to oust her come from within her own party. Ranil Wickremesinghes official ouster is an inter-party issue, the result of a clash between the President who belongs to one party in the coalition and the prime minister from the largest party in the so-called unity government which was increasingly losing any sense of unity. Although there are rumblings within the UNP with some calling for a change of leadership, it has not gelled into a cohesive force unlike among the Conservatives where the daggers have been drawn for some time now but not plunged in an act of political homicide. The face-off in Colombo is between the two principal parties in the grand coalition which came together holding out a myriad promises to the people who were tired of the same old rulers hogging the political stage and believed in the pledges made by those who promised a new dawn for the Sri Lankan people. There is another noteworthy difference. Unlike in the UK, where political debate has been essentially internal, Sri Lankas political clashes have caused external forces to stick their oars into what is domestic politics. So we have several countries and non-governmental institutions mainly from the West issuing statements and advice on how Sri Lankas rulers and political class should conduct themselves and adhere to values that the west holds sacred. While the debates inside the Conservative Party and between the Conservatives and Labour remain domestic even on the troubling issue of pulling out of the European Union, Sri Lankas politics has an external dimension which cannot be ignored, especially because of our geographical location and geopolitics. The number of countries that have issued statements and advice with regard to constitutional propriety, the rule of law and the suspension of parliament is a sign of the interest they are taking in Sri Lankan affairs, undue interest some might say. At the Commons on October 30, questions were asked of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and his Foreign Office Minister Mark Field who oversees Sri Lanka in a portfolio that covers Asia and the Pacific. Though the questions were rather wide-ranging the core issue concerned the current political developments and the constitutionality of President Sirisenas action. The initial question was posed by Sir Hugo Swire who was once a Foreign Office Minister overseeing Sri Lanka. Let me quote the MP in full and the Foreign Secretarys response. When my Rt Hon friend speaks to the President of Sri Lanka later on this week will he point out that his recent actions are in direct contravention of the 19th Amendment, that the international community continues to recognise PM Ranil Wickremesinghe as the legitimate Prime Minister and that this can only change by a vote in Parliament and that Parliament must be recalled as a matter of urgency in order that such a vote can take place? In reply Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP said: I will be making those points when I speak to President Sirisena; I know that a number of people are concerned about the safety of Mr. Wickremesinghe and we are watching the situation with a great deal of concern. Following up on Hugo Swire, the MP for New Hampshire Ranil Jayawardena who has a Sri Lankan ancestry asked the Foreign Secretary to confirm that Britains position will be to back the rule of law as a guiding principle in Sri Lanka and elsewhere. Said the Foreign Secretary: Absolutely happy to confirm that and upholding the constitution in Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the questions then veered in a different direction. Theresa Villiers MP then chipped in saying In light of the worrying developments in Sri Lanka, will he urge the Government there to make good on their promises to deliver justice for the Tamil people and accountability for the war crimes committed against them? Mark Field FCO Minister for Asia & Pacific: May I thank my Rt Hon Friend for this, I was in Sri Lanka at the beginning of the month and like my Rt Hon Friend the Foreign Secretary Im deeply concerned by the developing political situation in Sri Lanka it is fast developing and not only do we want to stand up for the constitution, but my Rt Hon Friend is right in continuing to urge Sri Lanka to honour the commitments that it has willingly made to the UN Human Rights Council. The last question was asked by Gareth Thomas whose constituency in Harrow has a sizeable Sri Lankan Tamil community and has over the years supported several Tamil/LTTE events. Even in this question Gareth Thomas referred to Mahinda Rajapaksa as a man with a terrible human rights record. It would be funny if it was not so serious that Gareth Thomas should talk of human rights when he comes from a country that supplies arms to a Saudi-led coalition that bombs the daylights out of an impoverished and devastated country called Yemen, killing thousands of innocent men, women and children. Mr Thomas seems to forget that his one-time leader Tony Blair stopped an investigation into alleged corruption in arms deals between a British manufacturer and Saudi Arabia. Now Saudi Arabia has admitted that its agents killed a Saudi journalist who was done to death inside a Saudi diplomatic mission. But Mr Thomas apparently has no interest in such human rights violations. While British violations of human rights and international law go not only unpunished but are also buried by the ruling parties, they are quite prepared to point the finger at poorer countries that faced terrorist threats. Those who have followed British inaction over the years even after the UK introduced a terrorist law and banned the LTTE as a foreign terrorist organisation the LTTE publicly collected funds apparently to finance the terrorist war, the Gareth Thomass of this world seem incapable of seeing their own warts which are big enough for even the blind to see. This constant effort to denigrate other nations while closing the eyes to their own infamy has little to do with a genuine concern for human rights or for the people on whose behalf they say they speak. Like politicians everywhere it is to collect votes and continue to cling on to power never mind all this rubbish about defending human rights. Contradictory and confusing reports as to when Parliament will be reconvened; both sides claim they have majority Speaker Karu Jayasuriya meets party leaders; Kiriella says no-confidence motion will be moved by UNF and other parties President under international pressure to respect democratic values; EU says GSP concessions may be withdrawn For nine long days, Sri Lanka remains plunged in chaos and confusion. Every morning, the nation and its people wake up to see what is in store for them with a new Prime Minister and a government in office. Behind closed doors, the week has seen small groups of Ministers, State Ministers and Deputies being sworn-in by President Sirisena. More are to come. They are tweeted by the Presidential Media Unit the main source of information to anxious Sri Lankans. If that is the only source of information to them, to the world outside it was another story. The well-known NEWSWEEK magazine declared, A political crisis is gripping Sri Lanka as fears deepen over a possible resurgence of violence and even civil war. This is just a day after the Lonely Planet described Sri Lanka as one of the worlds best travel destinations. There indeed is a political crisis, with most of the goings on cloaked in secrecy. As the date for the re-opening of Parliament is held in abeyance, with one date after another being announced, bargaining is under way. Those backing the new government are trying to buy over their rivals and vice versa. Many other news reports on Sri Lanka, particularly in the social media, spoke of bloodshed in the streets, exacerbating violence and even the re-emergence of the white vans the ones used under the pre-2015 regime to abduct detractors and kill or injure them. That Sri Lankas diplomatic missions, headed at the top by President Sirisena appointees, did not do their job at times of crisis is very badly exposed. In Colombo, the Foreign Ministry had turned more ineffective. Last week, it was dishing out news releases on Sri Lankas envoy Azmi Thassim meeting Dr. Abdullah ibn Mohammed ibn Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, President of the Shura Council of Saudi Arabia. This is at a time when the whole world is talking about the brutal murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consultate in Istanbul. That a kingdom which protects Islams holiest places of Mecca and Medina had played a role in this most disgraceful saga, to say the least, is shameful. Another was the case of the High Commissioner designate to South Africa (who had not even presented his credentials) conducting a meeting to promote trade. Diplomatically such a practice is only after he is accredited since he or she is not an envoy until then. Then, according to an e-mail doing the rounds, Sri Lankas Ambassador to Russia and social media columnist, Dayan Jayatilleke, has told Mahinda Rajapaksa that a recent US State Department statement on Sri Lanka is a blatant interference in Sri Lankas sovereignty. Is it the job of all-knowing Jayatilleke as Sri Lankas envoy in Russia? Sri Lankas diplomatic missions did not receive any information on the new set of cabinet ministers sworn in on October 29 for over 24 hours. Since his ouster, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his close backers including former cabinet ministers have remained cloistered at Temple Trees, once the official residence. A key task for them has been to monitor reports as to who and who, in their ranks, were being wooed to cross over. A case in point was how former Minister and businessman Daya Gamage flew out in his private helicopter to locate S.B. Nawinna (former UNP Minister of Internal Affairs and Wayamba Development) in Wariyapola near Kurunegala. His house was closed. He took off to his estate to find Nawinna, but he was not there too. On Friday night, at the Presidential Secretariat, Nawinna took his oaths as the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Internal Affairs and Regional Development. There was the case of Tourism and Wild Life Minister Vasantha Senanayake whose onetime colleagues in the UNP had asked him to resign his new portfolio. An average of more than 200 persons stayed overnight at Temple Trees during the past week. With the Navy cooks being withdrawn, well-wishers brought in packets of food. It took two chairs for one person to eat, one to unfold the packet and spread it out. Empty packets, most partly eaten, overflowed from bins and air conditioners worked throughout day and night. Water from a tank used for washing purposes outside flowed nonstop. A newly built hall that adjoined the older building, given for limited wedding receptions, was crowded with supporters taking selfies or when some made mock speeches. They slept the night there. Security was considerably lax and visitors were not subject to tighter checks. Groups of Buddhist monks took turns chanting pirith from a tent almost at the entrance to the main building. Both Wickremesinghe, who leads the United National Party (UNP) and partners of the Rajapaksa government, insisted that they had more than 113 MPs backing them a majority in the 225 seat Parliament. A wide belief was that both sides had no majority and a secret bidding process unbeknownst to the public was still under way. Giving credence to this belief was the delay, particularly after a move to re-convene Parliament early was pushed back time and again. The mood appears to have changed yesterday. President Maithripala Sirisena told the Sunday Times in brief comments, We have the necessary majority. The Parliament will reconvene soon. The transition will be peaceful and we will further strengthen good governance principles. We have assured the international community that we will stand by our international commitments including those on reconciliation. We will strengthen democracy. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa re-iterated the same sentiments. He told the Sunday Times, We are quite certain that a majority of MPs will support us in Parliament. I am now considering whether or not to present the On Account budget on the same day Parliament reconvenes. My immediate priority will be to alleviate the economic hardships imposed on the people by the UNP government. However, former Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera, now playing the role of a party spokesperson, told the Sunday Times, Never before has there been an illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic transfer of power. For the first time in history, Sri Lanka has an illegal cabal masquerading as a government. He charged that what was happening today was a resort to jungle law and is nothing less than a coup detat. Earlier, after Wickremesinghe had written to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, the Speaker, in turn, wrote to President Sirisena urging him to reconvene Parliament. Thereafter, Jayasuriya sought and obtained an appointment for a meeting with the President. It was held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Jayasuriya told the Sunday Times he appealed to the President to re-convene Parliament on Monday (November 5) or Tuesday (November 6) and that his meeting was was very friendly and cordial. Whilst Jayasuriyas remarks were brief, other sources said, President Sirisena directed strong criticism against ousted Premier Wickremesinghe. They were an elaboration of the accusations Sirisena made during his address to the nation last Sunday. Sirisena had said he would respond to Jayasuriyas request to summon Parliament the same night but did so only the next (Thursday) morning. After the discussion, according to these sources, Sirisena telephoned Premier Rajapaksa who was at a meeting with a group of university students. He said that he was at a meeting with Speaker Jayasuriya who had asked that Parliament be re-summoned on November 5 or 6. On October 26, Sirisena prorogued Parliament and the date of opening was set to November 16. Rajapaksa had responded that he had the majority numbers and there was no problem in re-summoning Parliament on November 5. President Sirisena first broke the news (on Thursday morning) to four envoys who presented credentials to him. They are Alaina Teplitz (United States), Akira Sugiyama (Japan), Eric Lavertu (France) and Ashraf Haidari (Afghanistan). He also directed his officials to prepare a Gazette notification. The fact that he told Ambassador Teplitz was in fact significant. Both the US Department of State and even the United States Embassy in Colombo had called for the early re-convening of Parliament. Both the acting Head of Mission Robert Hilton and Political Officer Anthony Renzuli met Speaker Jayasuriya. A US Embassy spokesman told the Sunday Times the meeting was to underscore US support for democracy in Sri Lanka. 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 fulfil their responsibility to affirm who will lead their government. Later on Thursday morning, President Sirisena informed Speaker Jayasuriya by telephone that Parliament could now meet on November 7 and a Gazette notification was being issued. However, there were still serious doubts over this date. When Speaker Jayasuriya chaired a meeting Friday afternoon to make plans for the reconvening of Parliament on November 7, he received a telephone call from the Presidents Private Secretary. He had told the Speaker that a Gazette notification would be issued on Monday (November 5) by the President giving the date of Parliament sittings. That made clear sittings could not be held on November 7. Parliament Standing Orders require at least three working days for the Parliament staff to make arrangements for the reconvening. Assuming that the Gazette is issued on November 5, the latest would be a date beginning November 12. This is taking into consideration that November 6 is a holiday due to Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights. As the meeting was under way, Speaker Jayasuriya excused himself to move away to speak to President Sirisena. He was, however, unable to reach him on the telephone. The three government ministers who took part in the Speakers meeting, Dinesh Gunawardena, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Mahinda Samarasinghe pushed the government position at the meeting the Speaker cannot reconvene Parliament and only the President was empowered to do so in terms of the Constitution. There were heated exchange of words between JHU leader Patali Champika Ranawaka and the three government representatives. One of them, Mahinda Samarasinghe, was also locked in a heated argument with House Leader Lakshman Kiriella. The latter had asked officials present to ensure Parliament is convened on November 7. Samarasinghe raised objections and argued that it was only the President who had the constitutional authority to do so. A more significant meeting took place Friday evening when the Speaker met eleven Colombo-based envoys, mostly representing western nations. One of the strict understandings they reached ahead of the meeting is that their names should not be divulged. The team collectively urged Speaker Jayasuriya to re-convene Parliament so they could determine which the government in Sri Lanka was. Speaker Jayasuriya replied that it would place him in direct confrontation with the executive. Earlier, a similar request had also been made to the Speaker by two senior UNP stalwarts. He had pointed out that he was powerless to reconvene Parliament on his own and such a move would also place state officials there in a very difficult position. The numbers game appeared to be the delay. It transpired that the new government was also busy to woo United National Party (UNP) members so that their coalition could be even broader. In such an event, they felt that it would enable them to have a cabinet of ministers with 45 MPs a move they claim would further isolate Ranil Wickremesinghe. The subject of a broader coalition had in fact been discussed by UNPs deputy leader Sajith Premadasa when he met Sirisena this week. After a pro-UNP television network reported the meeting, the party said it has been undertaken with the party leaders knowledge. Premadasa avoided the media and his officials did not respond. Despite each sides claim they have the numbers, the move to delay a re-convening of Parliament did raise concern and became the subject of a public debate. Former Minister and Jatihika Hela Urumaya (JHU) National Heritage Party leader Patali Champika Ranawaka told the Sunday Times, We have demonstrated to the Speaker today (Friday) that we have 118 MPs backing us. Therefore, the Mahinda Rajapaksa government is illegal and unconstitutional. We have asked the Speaker to summon Parliament. His remarks came after the MPs met Speaker Jayasuriya. He said the number was without four JVPers and three MPs from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). After visiting Parliament, Ranawaka went to the Megapolis Ministry and was busy in his office. Pouring cold water over the remarks was a United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) senior member who did not wish to be named for obvious reasons. Some went with our permission since they want to go to Parliament, he claimed. He also claimed that the request from the MPs was to re-open Parliament. Whether this is factually correct remains a serious question. Yet, a list containing 118 signatures to reconvene Parliament had been handed over to Speaker an indication that the UNP had the required number of votes. However, that included most members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna. On the date of re-convening Parliament, there are two options for President Sirisena. One is to make a Policy Statement on behalf of his new government. The other is to issue a proclamation that would only re-convene Parliament and allow usual business to be taken up. It is likely he would opt for a policy statement. The numerical strength in the House, other than in an unlikely event, could be tested either through a confidence or no-confidence vote. A notice of a motion would have to be given and a date for a debate, agreed to by party leaders, would have to be held before a vote. The other avenue is to defeat the On Account vote twice which will lead to the dissolution of Parliament and conduct of elections. In what seems a move to cope with this situation, Lakshman Kirielle, the UNP Leader of the House, on Friday gave notice of a motion to Speaker Jayasuriya. He has said that the office of Prime Minister becomes vacant only if he dies, resigns, ceases to be a Member of Parliament (by removal or otherwise), if a Statement of Government Policy or the Appropriation Bill is defeated, or if a no confidence motion is passed against the government. Since the Office of the Prime Minister has not become vacant at any time after the appointment of Ranil Wickremesinghe MP as Prime Minister, and on October 26 the President has purported to appoint Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister, Kiriella has said This House resolves that: = There was no vacancy or occasion for the appointment of a Prime Minister on 26th October 2018, and as such Gazette Extraordinary No 2094/43 dated 26th October 2018 and Gazette Extraordinary No 2094/44 dated 25th October 2018 are null and void and of no force or effect in law; and = In Any event, this House has no-confidence in the purported Prime Minister Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa, or the purported government appointed on or after 26th October 2018. Adding to this is another development. Deposed Premier Wickremesinghe sought a meeting with his successor Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday. Rajapaksa replied that it would be inappropriate for him to have such a meeting. Hence, he suggested, that he would send brother Gotabaya, the former Defence Secretary, so he could discuss whatever matters he wished. Ahead of the meeting on Thursday evening at Temple Trees, Gotabaya Rajapaksa informed President Sirisena and Basil Rajapaksa, the Sri Lanka Podu Jana Party (SLPP) ideologue, about the meeting. When the former Defence Secretary arrived at Temple Trees, he told Wickremesinghe that he would wish to have a one-on-one meeting with him. Yet, there was one other Ishini Wickremesinghe, daughter of Shan Wickremesinghe, the brother of the ousted Premier. He owns the Teleshan television network. The TNA and the JVP are supporting me, said Wickremesinghe to which Gotabaya Rajapaksa replied, Sir, you will have to have 113. The former Defence Secretary had asked how Wickremesinghe could govern under the present scenario. He had conceded it would be difficult and that the people should be allowed to decide for this purpose, Parliament had to be reconvened, he has said. Gotabaya Rajapaksa had assured that Wickremesinghes security would be ensured when he left Temple Trees during a peaceful transition and he would help ensure adequate personal security is provided to him. The meeting lasted less than ten minutes. Though Gotabaya Rajapaksa does not hold any official position in the new government, he has in fact been overseeing security matters related to Premier Rajapaksa. Last week, a front page report in the Sunday Times said he is to be Defence Secretary. He has declared that he would not accept any positions in the government. It was President Sirisena who told Prime Minister Rajapaksa that he could appoint Gotabaya as either Secretary to the Prime Minister or even Defence Secretary. For many months now, he has been engaged in his own political pursuits for the next presidential election. He had scheduled to open a branch of his Viyath Maga (Professionals for a better future) last Sunday. However on the advice of Premier Rajapaksa, it was called off. Ahead of the reconvening of Parliament, both supporters of the SLFP and the Joint Opposition will hold a rally in Colombo tomorrow. The SLFP Central Committee, which met on Thursday night under the chairmanship of President Sirisena decided that all party organisers should muster large crowds for the event. The meeting had to be curtailed since President Sirisena had to be in his office room to receive a telephone call from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The UN Secretary-General said he was following political developments in Sri Lanka and expressed the need to safeguard democratic values, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the safety and security of all Sri Lankans. UN sources said President Sirisena had told Secretary General Guterres that Parliament would be convened before November 14. But more diplomatic displeasure was to come when Ambassadors, High Commissioners, UN Resident Co-ordinator and representatives of the International Monetary fund (IMF), World Bank, ADB and the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) met Sirisena last Monday evening. Sirisena took the opportunity to take a swipe at Wickremesinghe for his remarks that he (Sirisena) did not know what even an infant knew about the Constitution. The President declared that his onetime Premier does everything in English and forgot to fix the equivalent Sinhala version of some provisions in the Constitution that related to removal of a Premier under the 19th amendment. He was alluding to article 48(2) of the Constitution, in the Sinhala text, (the final text for interpretation in the event of a dispute). Sirisena argued that he was empowered to remove the Prime Minister a position which Wickremesinghe disputes. A more significant development came when European Union Ambassador Tung-Lai Margue warned that Sri Lanka faced the threat of losing the GSP plus tariff concessions. Strong statements were also made by envoys of the United States, Germany, Britain, Norway and Canada. In what seems a move to counterbalance, Russias envoy Yuri Materiy declared that Russia would support the new government. He said that in fact on that day (Monday) the Russian national carrier Aeroflot had begun direct flights from Moscow to Colombo. President Sirisena appealed to the western governments not to impose travel advisories on Sri Lanka. Sirisena said that a long prorogation of Parliament has been decided by him to allow officials to prepare the On Account budget. A three page-document prepared by G.L. Peiris, former Professor of Law at the Colombo University, was circulated. He argued in the document that if one party withdraws from the coalition, the Cabinet of Ministers would stand dissolved automatically. The Cabinet has ceased to exist and the President was obliged to appoint a new Prime Minister, he said. President Sirisena confided in a close friend that after the ouster of the Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, he could sleep well now. However, millions of Sri Lankans seem restless with fears of a further worsening of the economy if western nations, disturbed by the ongoing developments, impose curbs on aid and concessionary tariffs. Like Doris Days golden oldie, it would be Que Sera Sera or whatever will be will be. Politically speaking, a plague on both your houses View(s): Continuing his swift disastrous strike last Friday, President Maithripala Sirisena has taken a familiar problem of public fury with an inept and malfunctioning Government to a perilously extra-constitutional trajectory, prompting deep revulsion on the part of even those strongly critical of many follies of the United National Party (UNP). Repercussions of the Presidents actions This step was prompted by fiendish legal advice by whom the President referred to as neethi visharadayo (legal experts). It is safe to presume that this supposed expertise is perchance heavily influenced by pedestrian considerations of power and position rather than with the niceties of constitutional law. Chaos has been unleashed on a bewildered public as global consternation continues to rise. Harsh international repercussions seem certain if Sri Lanka remains suspended in a state of democratic limbo. Regardless of which Prime Minister wins the day when Parliament is finally convened, this will have lasting inimical impact. Within the country, there is only so much abuse that a beaten and battered democratic system can take. Internationally, the extreme fragility of the countrys democratic state is showcased in unflattering international headlines. All that is not to the good. But even as fury is heaped (justifiably) on the Presidents head, the UNPs part in bringing about this veritable constitutional cataclysm must be put on record. As such, it must do far more than merely apologise for putting forward Maithripala Sirisena as the common candidate in 2014/2015. This weeks flippant explanations for the small mistakes it made will not do. Central to this responsibility is its arrogant and secretive decision-making by a few, from unwisely expansive constitutional reform to asinine economic policies, in complete disregard of the public mood whilst increasingly isolating and humiliating the President. Even with all the aggravation, it must not be forgotten that the President who catapulted the country into chaos last Friday was the same President who voluntarily decreased his constitutional powers in 2015. The change between then and now, is only in part due to hardening of party positions on both sides. Factors having a bearing on the crisis First, continuously speaking down to a President and deliberately keeping him out of core decision-making processes, despite the fact that he held the power of prorogation of Parliament in his hands was a monumental miscalculation. Indeed, when satisfying themselves that the 19th Amendment suited its particular political chess games, its scornful assessment would have been that Maithripala Sirisena of Polonnaruwa would not have had the audacity to prorogue the House without the advice of the Prime Minister or the Speaker. But that is precisely what he did, albeit to the great detriment of the country. The second but equally important factor impacting on the crisis is the amateurish revision of the JR Jayewardene Constitution of 1978 by a 19th Amendment full of constitutional holes, so as to speak. While the circumstances of dissolving a Cabinet and dismissing a Prime Minister are unambiguous in the English and Sinhala versions as discussed in these column spaces last week, these provisions are hedged around with clumsily phrased clauses that create unworkable situations. What we see today is a classic illustration of that unworkability, explosively aggravated when two men who remain insecure in different respects occupy diametrically confrontational political spaces and a third man (Rajapaksa) who in all fairness cannot be said to suffer from insecurity in any sense of the word, capitalises on the vacuum with typical political opportunism. Meanwhile President Sirisena has tried to justify his tumultuous actions by recital of a long list of woes against the UNP in an address to the Nation including personal and cultural differences. The address had a contrary effect if the President meant to justify his actions. The alleged assassination plot against the President is one illustration. Common sense dictates that the executive President surely should have led the investigation through his handpicked state officers if he was dissatisfied about the conduct of the police, not sworn in a new Prime Minister whom he had once accused of trying to put him underground. An extraordinary step into an unknown void Other complaints struck a chord of popular empathy such as the sidestepping of the President in the Governments decision making process and referencing of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) bond scam. I have said repeatedly in these column spaces that the UNP stands twice condemned in regard to the CBSL scandal; first by the perpetuation of the actual scam itself and secondly by its determined efforts to cover this up by parliamentarians in the footnote clique who now protest that their constitutional rights have been violated. But these are old complaints. A day later, the yahapalanaya Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe refuted the allegations. But taking the address by itself, was the sum total of these presidential grievances reason enough to propel such an extraordinary step into the unknown darkness of extra-constitutionalism? Surely President Sirisena knew that this would be the result, regardless of what his shadowy experts had to say? Enormously difficult times lie ahead. On the one hand, it is difficult to believe the promises of the Rajapaksa-led SLFP that it will reform, given the resurgence of thuggery and violence since last Friday. On the other hand, the UNP may be advised to refrain from moralistic bombast regarding sacred constitutional and legal obligations, which it has been quick to indulge in when pressed against the wall. This rings hollow in the face of its unscrupulous manipulation of the constitutional document since 2015, its utter failure to bring corruptors of the previous regime to justice when it had the chance and the misdeeds of its own corrupt deal makers. We will not be gullible enough to fall for these wide-eyed protestations twice-over. Core issue of constitutional propriety Even so, the issue before Sri Lanka today is very clear. This is very simply a case of constitutional propriety of the Presidents actions, not sympathy for the UNP struggling in political quicksands of its own making. That is the sole reason why protests must ensue with vim and vigour. We can only look at what is unfolding before us with disgust and proclaim a plague on both your houses with considerable force, even as Shakespeares chagrined Mercutio did against the feuding families of Montague and Capulet. The UNP and the SLFP have held Sri Lanka hostage to their ambitious games for far too long. As differentiated from Indias post-independence leaders of conscience motivated by genuine concern for the country, (despite some exceptions), here we have narrow, parochial and provincial thinking by small men with petty minds. This has degraded the land of our birth and dragged it to the depths of economic, social and political ruin. Enough must surely be enough. Sisi opens conference in 'name of world peace'; Hany Milad Hanna, son of the late Coptic author, calls for respecting religious pluralism; Yazidi activist Nadia Murad decries terrorism Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi gave a short speech at the opening session of the Second World Youth Forum in Sharm El-Sheikh on Saturday to inaugurate the event and welcome the attendees. The president inaugurated the forum "in the name of humanity, and to a world full of hope and peace. El-Sisi applauded comments made earlier in the evening at the opening session by Yazidi human rights activist and Nobel peace prize winner Nadia Murad, where she condemned terrorist organisations and expressed solidarity with Egypt in its war against terrorism. I tell Nadia, that the first recommendation of the forum would be a call on the world to acknowledge the crimes committed by Daesh and terrorist organisations," he said. Some 5,000 young people from 145 countries are expected to attend this year's edition of the forum. The event, which is organised by Egypt, runs from 3 to 6 November, and is held under the auspices of the Egyptian president. Many of the attendees held their country's flag as they waited for the opening ceremony to kick off. This year, the forums events will revolve around a vision inspired by The Seven Pillars of the Egyptian Identity, a book by Milad Hanna written for the purpose of emphasising the unity and harmony of Egyptian society despite divergences and differences, according to the forums official website. Hany Milad Hanna, the son of the late Coptic writer, gave the opening remarks at the forum. Hanna stressed that his father believed in the importance of respecting religious pluralism in society, considering it the foundation of a civil state governed by citizenship rights. He said his fathers message to the youths of today, who are strained by divisions and conflicts, would be one of accepting one another and honouring diversity. Yazidi Murad also spoke at the podium, condemning a Friday terrorist attack which killed seven Copts and injured 10 others in Upper Egypts Minya. Murad was kidnapped by the Islamic State group with around 1,000 other Yazidi women and children from their village of Kojo in the Sinjar district of northern Iraq in 2014. She later escaped. Terrorist attacks cant be justified under any religion or belief, Murad said, also citing Islamic State group terror attacks in Syria and Iraq. She also spoke of sufferings faced by Yazidis under Daesh. El-Sisi had met Murad in 2015, when he said none of the sufferings faced by Murad and her people have a relation to Islam and vowed to support the people of Iraq. Evil never prevails, Murad said, quoting El-Sisis words to her during their meeting. Jayathma Wickramanayake, who currently serves as the United Nations Secretary-Generals Envoy on Youth, was also among the speakers on the forums first day. Wickramanayake thanked El-Sisi for his participation and patronage of the forum, as well as listening to all in regards to different topics. She said that eliminating poverty, climate change, and accomplishing security and societal peace are all important issues set to be discussed as part of the forums agenda. She also pointed to the importance of innovation by young people as a key element to speed development, and voiced her support for empowering women and children and Egypt. We call for the empowerment of youths as an investment in any country is one made through its youths, she concluded. Zondwa Mandela, the grandson of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela, spoke during the forum on his family's legacy of peace. "I am here to encourage you not to limit the scope or scale of your dreams, he said. Mohamed Khairat, the founder and chief editor of the popular Egyptian Streets news website, also spoke during the forum. Khairat, a graduate in journalism from Australia, discussed his experience establishing the website in 2012 at the age of 21. Last year, the forum attracted thousands of participants of different nationalities, with official delegations from several states. The forum identifies itself as one built by promising youth, that sends a message of peace, prosperity, harmony and progress to the entire world. El-Sisi is expected to attend the three days of the forum. Search Keywords: Short link: President refers to the end of an illicit affair View(s): President Maithripala Sirisena had an interesting analogy for naming Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister and forming a new government. In our society, he said, there were accusations of illicit affairs by both wives and husbands. They separate and it was the children who suffered. Let us unite again, we have lived together, he said speaking at the partys Central Committee meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday night. He had to conclude the meeting before 9 p.m. since he was expecting a telephone call from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. He later told Mr. Gutteress that his removal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa was constitutional. Drama behind Viyalendrans crossover The TNAs Batticaloa District Parliamentarian S. Viyalenderan, who was sworn in as Deputy Minister of Regional Development (Eastern Development) on Friday kept his plans a secret from a Parliamentarian colleague though they spent nearly 24 hours on a flight from Canada to Colombo with a transit. Mr Viyalendran and TNA National list MP K. Thurairatnasingham were invited by the Tamil community in Canada. After the event they boarded the flight together and were seated in adjoining seats during the journey. When they landed Mr Thurairatnasingham was informed that Speaker Karu Jayasuriya had summoned a meeting at the Parliament complex and his presence was essential. Attempts by the TNA to convey the message to Mr Viyalenderan were not successful. Instead from the airport he had been driven to a hotel near Katunanayake where he rested awhile and then driven to the newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksas residence. A former UNP Parliamentarian reportedly brokered the deal while the MP was still in Canada. Rajapaksa rejects Sampanthans devolution demand How can I go back to Carlton (his Tangalla residence) if I agree to your demands? asked newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, during an informal chat with Opposition and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader Rajavarothayam Sampanthan. The TNA leader had sounded him on the removal of the Concurrent List from the Constitution. This list, the result of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, is where some subjects are shared between the Central Government and the Provincial Councils. Mr. Rajapaksa had told Mr Sampanthan he could discuss details related to the release of prisoners, police powers or land issues. However, he had said that the demands of Mr Sampanthan amounted to seeking a federal state that could not be granted. Dinesh named as Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena will be the new Leader of the House, the government parliamentary group decided yesterday. Leader of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP), a partner of the Joint Opposition, he has functioned as the de facto leader of JO in Parliament. MR on Police Chiefs FCID proposal The newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had just moved into his new office at Flower Road, adjoining the Russian Embassy, last Wednesday. Police Chief Pujith Jayasundera, who walked in to the office room, stood to attention and saluted Premier Rajapaksa. Then he declared, Sir, I want to disband the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) and move the personnel out. I will send the Senior DIG in charge home. Mr. Rajapaksas response was brief. You dont decide on that. We will take a decision and let you know, he said. Rajagiriya banner gives presidency to Rajapaksa Soon after the swearing-in of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister, there were celebrations in various parts of the country. Posters and banners were put up congratulating him. But, one such banner put up in Rajagiriya raised confusion among those passing by. The banner said Warm Congratulations to President Mahinda Rajapaksa (Mahinda Rajapaksa Janadhipathithumani, obtata apage unsum Subapathum). Hours later the persons who put up the banner had got the message that the banner was creating more damage than good for Premier Rajapaksa. UNP supporters in wrong bus The UNPs protest against the removal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe from his position concluded mid-afternoon, Tuesday, but party supporters were leaving Colombo until late in the evening. Two of the supporters who appeared to be intoxicated got into a passenger bus operating between Maharagama and Colombo Fort. They believed they had got into the bus organised by the party to transport them to Colombo. One of them started delivering a speech in which he was trying to explain as to why they should defend Mr Wickremesinghe. The conductor moved closer to them demanding that they purchase the tickets. One of them shouted out This is our party bus, why should we buy tickets? The conductor responded: This is not the UNP bus, but a public transport bus. One of them then nudged the other and said I think we are in the wrong bus and we better get off. MMC seeks more than half a million rupees to cut down huge cotton tree A Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) member has allegedly pleaded with Mayor Rosy Senanayake to allocate more than half a million rupees to cut down a large tree in the Maligawatte area. Chamila Pathirana, a UNP MMC, says that contractors are demanding more than Rs 650,000 to cut down the large cotton tree towering more than 60 ft and located in the midst of small houses. The question most members were raising as to why the member should be pleading to get a tree cut down at such a cost as the Disaster Management Centre could step in to provide assistance if there was a real threat to the people. Both parties woo Ven. Rathana Thera The Venerable Athureliya Rathana Thera, the Jathika Hela Urumaya Parliamentarian, has returned from China where he represented Sri Lanka at an international Buddhist conference. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksas representative called on him for a two-hour meeting. Hardly had he left, did three UNP parliamentarians turn up. They were former Ministers Rajitha Senaratne, Daya Gamage and Chathura Senaratne, Gampaha District MP. They were seeking the Ven. Rathanas support for the UNP. One of the trio, accused the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of being behind the ouster of Ranil Wickremesinghe. How can that be, asked Ven. Rathana who declared the United States has issued statements in favour of the UNF. Ranils Maithree insists on buth packet equality Thousands of United National Party (UNP) supporters have spent days and nights at Temple Trees since President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26. The UNP high command has been distributing packets of rice or buth packets through this time. On Thursday night, a dinner had been organised for all MPs who were gathered at the official residence of the deposed prime minister. A UNP MP told the Sunday Times that Mr Wickremesinghes wife, Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, however, had intervened and insisted that the dinner should be cancelled, noting that MPs should not have better meals than supporters who had come to protect party leaders. All UNP MPs who were present agreed with her wholeheartedly and the dinner was cancelled, with the MPs deciding to eat the same packets of rice given to supporters, a source disclosed. The day the political plot backfires for Aiyo Sirisena View(s): Aiyo Sirisena, I know you are receiving many letters these days- and writing many too, dismissing Prime Ministers on a whim-but I thought I must write one to you too, just to clarify a few issues. Please pardon me for calling you Aiyo Sirisena, but Im really not sure whether you are the dear Maithri we knew before. Please permit me to explain. The dear Maithri that the majority of people voted for three years ago, promised to abolish the all-powerful Presidency as we know it. Now, Aiyo Sirisena wants to stay in power at whatever cost, even teaming up with Mahinda maama who he said was a ruthless dictator. The dear Maithri who asked for our vote claimed that if Mahinda maama won the last election, he would be six feet under and, fearing for his life, spent the night of the election at a hideaway in Kurunegala. Now, Aiyo Sirisena is inviting the same Mahinda maama to become Prime Minister. In a television advertisement made by Mahinda maamas team during the last big election, a little boy was used to accuse dear Maithri of abducting the boys mother. Such were the dirty tricks used against him. Aiyo Sirisena is now getting together with those who made such accusations against him. At the last election, there wasnt a depth to which Mahinda maamas team wouldnt stoop to, just to prevent dear Maithri from winning. So they got another Sirisena who resembled dear Maithri to run in the race, mocking dear Maithri. Aiyo Sirisena has now joined that same team with no sense of shame. The dear Maithri we knew was too scared to attend his final campaign rally in Colombo until the Green Man picked him up, accompanied him to the venue and walked with him, mingling with the crowd. However, Aiyo Sirisena is trying his best now to get rid of the same Green Man. The dear Maithri of three years ago addressed the nation before the last general election and said that even if the Blues won he would never appoint Mahinda maama as Prime Minister because there are others who deserved the job. Aiyo Sirisena now wants Mahinda mama and no one else to be PM. Dear Maithri promised to close the airport to prevent thieves from Mahinda maamas team fleeing the country. Aiyo Sirisena however complains that the Greens are thieves- and some of them most probably are- but he doesnt mind joining hands with those who he called thieves three years ago. Dear Maithri promised us three years ago that he would restore the rule of law and prevent anyone from behaving as if they were above the law. Yet, within hours of Aiyo Sirisena appointing Mahinda maama as PM, hooligans took over state institutions and the media and mob rule has returned. The dear Maithri who the majority voted for pledged not have any deals with those who are corrupt. Still, Aiyo Sirisena, while accusing the Greens of corruption and saying that was the reason why he sacked the Green Man, is not averse to accepting any Green, so Mahinda maama can have a majority. Dear Maithri said he would follow the ideals of Sobhitha hamuduruwo, retire after one term and use his powers sparingly. Aiyo Sirisena unseats Prime Ministers using powers he doesnt have. Had Sobhitha hamuduruwo been with us, he would have passed away anyway, watching this treachery. So, Aiyo Sirisena, many blame you for plunging our Paradise into this crisis but to give you your due, if there is one thing you do well, that is the element of surprise. You used that to your advantage when you quit Mahinda maamas Cabinet and you have used it now to take him into your cabinet. There is, however, something else to remember, Aiyo Sirisena. You may think you have a deal with Mahinda maama where you agree to make him PM in return for you being able to run again from the Blues party for the next big race. Do you seriously think he will honour that deal, Aiyo Sirisena? If Mahinda maama cannot run the race because the Constitution prevents him from doing so, you need to watch out because that is when Gota will enter the picture. Remember, Aiyo Sirisena, blood is thicker than water and that is the time when you will have to think again! Still, you can rest assured that you have made history, Aiyo Sirisena. Future generations will remember you as the one who was propped up on the shoulders of giants and then betrayed the ideals they stood for. It was former United States President Ronald Reagan who said that politics is the second oldest profession in the world but that it bears a striking resemblance to the first. Aiyo Sirisena, we realise how right Reagan was. As a peasant, you will be more familiar with the phrase galey paharapu balala wagey or like the cat who defaecated on a rock who tries in vain to hide his shameful deed. What can we say, except Aiyo, Sirisena! Yours truly, Punchi Putha PS-We heard you say that if the Green Man returns as Prime Minister, you wont stay in your job for even an hour. That is precisely what you should not have said because even those who do not like Green Man that much will now vote for him, just so they can get rid of you. Aiyo Sirisena! Bigger constitutional crisis to come? View(s): Musical chairs is a party game but what we see today is a cacophony of voices between supporters of competing political parties egging on two leaders trying to sit in one seat to the derision of the world. This is no fun time in Sri Lanka. The country has been turned topsy-turvy by President Maithripala Sirisenas impulsive decision on October 26 through sheer political expediency to sack the Prime Minister and appoint a new one without recourse to Parliament. Many feel he could have done better than to throw the country into a state of limbo and confusion worse confounded. It has split the country and its people whose sovereignty, which includes their franchise, he undertook to protect. This brings to focus the question of the office of the Executive Presidency, an issue that was in the forefront among other issues that brought President Sirisena to where he is with the solemn pledge to abolish the system that breeds autocracy. Now lost in the fog of the ongoing political turmoil, the issue in fact ought to emerge once the perplexity and confusion of the day clears. Very clearly, Sri Lankan politicians have grappled with handling the wide powers vested in an Executive President. In countries that have a Presidential system, most notably the United States, or a hybrid system of government like in France, the separation of powers and the institutions as well as the democratic political culture act as a safety net from a President acting as an autocrat. There is no gainsaying that a parliamentary dictatorship is no different to a presidential dictatorship. A new word in the political lexicon has emerged; Democratorship. When J.R. Jayewardene introduced the Executive Presidential system, he cited the instability that existed in the country in 1960 when two Parliamentary elections had to be held within three months, and in 1964 when a government fell by one vote in Parliament. He argued that a strong Executive President would hold the country together when the vagaries of political winds destabilise Parliament and the country. Such a President was to be not only the Head of State, but also the Head of Government. The October 26 decision of President Sirisena, however, did just the opposite. The Executive President himself destabilised Parliament by sacking the incumbent Prime Minister without notice. Whether Sri Lanka should revert to having a non-political Head of State purely to ensure the country remains stable in the midst of political headwinds and tailwinds has been the subject of public agitation for some time. The then Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and now the de facto leader of the party headed by the newly elected Prime Minister wrote to this newspaper in its issue of November 20, 1994; Today, sixteen years after its introduction, a consensus is emerging across the political spectrum that the parliamentary executive model must be re-introduced. Since 1994, all parties have ridden to office with the solemn pledge to the voters that they would do away with the Executive Presidency because, while in Opposition they have had a taste of its repressive nature only to give that pledge short shrift when ensconced in that same seat. President Sirisena has been no exception. Learned and not-so-learned pundits can argue till the cows come home on the provisions of the Constitution. But there is no better way to interpret the Constitution other than to honour it in spirit rather than in letter. This is the first time in the countrys 70 years since Independence that a new Government has been installed overnight without an election. In 1952 and 1959, when Prime Ministers died in office, the same Government continued under new leaders, but they soon went for elections to get fresh mandates. Governments have been brought down by Parliamentary votes (1964 and 2001) and by premature dissolutions (2004), but never has a Government been replaced overnight invoking questionable provisions of the Constitution and had Opposition party supporters march into state institutions like Adolf Hitlers brown shirts (the Sturmabteilung the Storm Detachment) did in Nazi Germany during the power grab of that era. A dangerous precedent has been set in motion and Sri Lanka is fortunate that the military top brass maintained in this situation that they will follow legal orders and not entertain ideas of exploiting the political situation in the country. Palace coups and the change of guard in a countrys leadership happen in Saudi Arabia, but never before in Sri Lanka. We have said it before (beginning in our issue of November 23, 2014) that given the fickleness of politics and the impatience of Opposition parties to bring down Governments always scheming, bribing and promising that elections should be on fixed dates. This does not leave out the excitement of Democracy and Elections, but it leaves out the uncertainty and the volatility that a country and its economy can ill afford. The United States is a good example to follow. They have given their electoral process some stability. Take this coming Tuesday when they will be having mid-term elections for their Parliament (Congress). All elections are fixed for the first Tuesday of November. Every US citizen knows the exact date of even the next US Presidential election, four years to the date of the previous election. There is no Constitutional punditry involved in trying to interpret the US Constitution on the matter. No throwing the people into a frenzied pastime of guessing when the next election is or what the stars of political leaders portend. The question here is not whether the country is in an economic mess. The country has always been in an economic mess. Or whether the Presidents alleged assassination inquiry was not moving fast enough. Those are shallow arguments to justify the steps that were taken on October 26. The only question is whether the President respected the Sovereignty of the People (Article 3 of the Constitution) which includes the Franchise of the People and which he undertook to protect when he took his oath of office as President on January 9, 2015. As of this day, some may well say that Sri Lanka has a de facto Prime Minister and de jure Prime Minister, yet another world record. Those who say that the new Government is legal can be asked if it is legal but illegitimate until it has proved it commands the majority of Parliament. If the new Prime Minister fails to get the majority support of Parliament, the country goes into bigger turmoil. The President has said he will resign in that case, but taking his word at face value has not been easy. If the new Prime Minister cannot legitimise his appointment through a Parliamentary confidence vote, by hook or by crook, this is only the beginning of a bigger Constitutional crisis to come. Unstable Education System due to Policy changes by new Govts: CTSU View(s): The Education System is unstable due to the change of policies with every new government, said the Ceylon Teachers Service Union (CTSU). CTSU General Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe told the Sunday Times that, when students are introduced to contradicting policies, with every incoming government, they have difficulties in adapting to them. These policies that change every year portra the instability of the Education System. The countrys Education must have set National policies He said the policies presented by the former Education Minister, like reducing the number of Ordinary Level subjects to 6 and not making Scholarship compulsory to all schoolchildren, will most likely not be implemented under the new policies. Sudden changes like this can agitate the children and mentally affect their wellbeing, he said. Education Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told the Sunday Times that the present Education System is in a mess and there is a lot to be corrected. Commenting on the future policies of the Ministry, he said they are still formulating policies to transform the Education System. When queried about the proposed policies of the former Minister he said that, he personally believes that Scholarship exams should not be made compulsory. In fact, he queried whether the Education System needs a Scholarship exam at all. We want to introduce a system where we encourage parents to send their children to the closest school, but first, we have to provide equal infrastructure facilities to all schools According to him, there are around 3,000 schools where the population is less than 100 students, and insufficient teachers in them. Minister Rajapakshe revealed that of the 352 National schools, only 50 schools have Principals who were appointed in line with their qualifications, while the remaining vacancies have not been filled. We intend to take immediate action to appoint Principals for the remaining 302 schools, he said. - Shaadya Ismail Animated Hopes By Susitha R. Fernando Silent and Sigh receives most Online votes at the Focus on Ability film festival in Australia View(s): View(s): While the countrys cinema industry is struggling with numerous problems and setbacks, young aspiring filmmakers seem to be making international recognitions for themselves using alternative platforms. Silent Sigh, the debut film of Thiranjaya Dilhan, a professional graphic and animation artiste, was awarded as the film that received Most Online votes in the International Category at the recently held Focus on Ability Film Festival in Australia. In 2005, Thiranjaya studied at Wijaya Graphics, followed a 3D Modeling and Animation Diploma at Ingrin where he won the Gold Medal. In 2013 he studied HND in 3D Animation and Visual Effects. At present Thiranjaya works at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. The Silent Sigh film team included Hasara Romel, Rasika Randunige and J. C. Nuwan. Thiranjaya thanked Nilan Coorey, Thissa Surendra, Tharindu Jayawickrema and Ayma Jayasinghe for the support given to realise his filmmaking dream. Presented in the International Short Film category, Thiranjayas Silent Sigh narrates about a busker adding colour to his street. The tone is beautiful in terms of colour, sound and content. Its intent is subtle. The ending is profound. The film was selected out of 297 films presented by 28 countries. Having watched Thiranjayas film, the jury comprising filmmakers, producers and scriptwriters from Hollywood and film critics stated, Silent Sigh is a 3-D animation that shows us how face-to-face contact with people is so very important in todays world. The vivid coluor palette and melancholy music create an evocative blend of optimistism and wistfullness,. The recognition is special to Sri Lanka as a country, as this is the first time that a 3D animated film that was completely produced here won an international recognition. Thiranjaya had been in the industry for nearly 12 years and his earlier creations had been nominated in a number of local festivals and awards ceremonies including State Television awards. The other winners at the Focus on Ability Film Festival are; the NOVA Choice Award by Maya Linsky Not In Nature, Judges Choice Short Film Look for Me by Miriam Fox, Judges Choice Documentary by Steven Fraser What It Feels Like. In the open entrant winners; Judges Choice Short Film by Sebastian Chan Bus Trip, Judges Choice Documentary winner Kasimir Burgess -Paul, Best Director Life force Centre For Learning Whycroft Legacy. Held for the 10th consecutive year by NOVA Employment, the festival requested filmmakers to Focus on the Ability of people with a disability and tell a story on film for the world to view. In 2009, CEO of NOVA Employment Martin Wren began the festival with a belief in the ability of people with disability, and the goal of bringing that belief to the world through the medium of film. Martin recognised the power of film to challenge peoples fixed beliefs and perceptions about the lives and abilities of people with disabilities around the world. NOVA, together with Paula Duncan, known for both her success in the Australian film and television industry and passion for supporting people with disability, have worked tirelessly to bring this festival to the world. According to the organisers, the Focus on Ability Film Festival is for people of all talent levels with many first time filmmakers taking out major prizes. In 2017, 210 films were entered from 19 countries. Some of the selected films are to be screened in TVs across Australia and other countries. In 2017, 10 films had been screened across Australias free to air television station SBS and 90 films were aired on Foxtel through Aurora TV, and the festival held additional screenings in New York, Melbourne, Auckland, Zimbabwe and Malawi. High profile bloggers tour Sri Lanka View(s): A group of high profile internationally renowned travel bloggers arrived in Colombo last week for a special ten-day tour in less known destinations throughout the island on the invitation of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB). This was the latest initiative by SLTPB to promote Lanka as the best tourist destination in Asia. The selected bloggers are from Australia, Norway, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Philippines. The focused area of promotion comprises some lesser known spots, nature, adventure, lifestyle and active tourism products. The combined followership of this blogger group comes about 3.3 Million from around world covering above given countries. These internationally renowned travel bloggers and vloggers representing six leading countries will be taken on a ten-day tour to the selected destinations for them to get familiarise with the places and to give due promotion through their social media platforms like the Facebook, Instagram, You Tube etc. SLTPB officials led by its Chairman Dehan Seneviratne welcomed the foreign visitors recently at a special dinner hosted by the Hotel Movenpick at its rooftop bar and restaurant prior to the commencement of the countrywide tour. The SLTPB Chairman addressing the dinner gathering said that they were glad to have welcomed a group of top ranking travel bloggers /vloggers in Sri Lanka to promote its lesser known destinations around the world, which in turn would attract more and more foreign tourists that will ultimately boost the countrys tourism sector as well as the economy. SLTPB Director Public Relations Dushan Wickramasuriya said the 11 travel writers have participated at the programme representing the countries of Australia, Norway, USA, Canada, NZ and Philippines. He said the main focus area of promotion of this programme is lesser known, nature, adventure, lifestyle and active tourism products. He said even Srio Lankans were not familiar with these spots as those were still hardly visited by many. The 10-day programme has been organised from October 18th to 28th to cover the areas of Colombo City, Anuradhapura (via Wilpattu), Dambulla (Habarana), Riverston, Kandy /Hanthana, Ella (via Dahatawanguwa), Wellawaya, Belihuloya and Negombo. SLTPB Assistant Director PR, Chaminda Munasinghe said the combined followership of this blogger group comes about 3.3 million from around the world covering above given countries. We strongly believe that this will benefit the Sri Lankan Tourism industry to gain extended exposure within popular social media platforms as an attractive holiday destination he said. Manager PR and Communications Movenpick Hotel Nadia Issadeen said that they were glad to be part of this event as it will get great exposure on the countrys tourism industry and its lesser known destinations. The 11 bloggers /vloggers are Louie Patrice Averilla Abalon (Philippines), Mark Harrison and Valentyn Syenin (Canada), Jorden Tually and Joshua Lynott (Australia), Karoline Fosse, Kim Soerensen and Martin Solhaugen (Norway), Craig Campbell and Sarah Dartnall (NZ) and Jeanine Amapola (USA). Young flair at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week By Sashini Rodrigo View(s): View(s): Highlighting the innovative design talent of the next generation of local and international fashion designers, who brought fresh and often visually challenging ideas to the runway in the Emerging Talent showcase, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka kicked off in style at the Dimo 800 Mercedes-Benz Centre on Friday, October 26. Getting 34 collections runway-ready proved quite a challenge that meant a delayed start, but the show progressed at a rapid pace to compensate. First up was reputed AOD alumnus Amesh Wijesekera, with a preview of his Spring/Summer 2019 collection which will be featured at London Fashion Weeks International Fashion Showcase next year. This was followed by Future Heritage, a cornerstone project by AOD Fashion where students combined traditional craft materials like beeralu, batik and handloom with international fashion trends in a curated collection that highlighted the potential for the future of Sri Lankas heritage craft. The International Graduate Showcase followed with final graduate collections from international design schools and universities. The runway hosted students from prestigious institutions like Savannah College of Art & Design (Hong Kong), London College of Fashion, Amsterdam Fashion Institute (Netherlands) and Accademia Costume Moda (Italy).The curated collection presented eclectic and cutting-edge work ranging from the ultra-colourful exaggerated shapes of Arean Zhou from Gottelier Studio De Tao Masters Academy and Shanghai Institute of Visual Art (China) to the sleek minimalistic elegance of Peng Pang from Kunsthochschule Berlin-Weiensee (Germany). Next on the ramp were some of Sri Lankas upcoming designers and their brands, in the Emerging Talent segment. The showcase included the vintage chic of Donashi by Menushi Jayathilake, the structured flow of IKIGAI by Sandani Perera, embroidered couture from Natharlea by Natali Yahampath, sultry dark materials with pops of red from ANUM by Anum Dassanayake, bright iridescent shades by Thushie Jayasekera for Tink and the colourful holographic sparkle of Anuththara Rajapakses collection for Hirdaramani. A particularly striking collection was the Victorian-inspired Donakhi by Akhila Liyanage, featuring Victorian-inspired silhouettes in elegantly constructed tulle with fresh roses as embellishments. The final category for the evening was both the longest and most hotly anticipated the AOD Graduate Fashion Showcase. 19 students from AOD Fashions graduating class of 2019 proudly presented their final collections to enthusiastic cheering from their peers, some in collaboration with local companies such as Anim8, Bobbin Group, Coats Thread, Dynawash and MAS Linea Aqua. The overarching theme of Innovation Island was consistently represented by the young designers. A few standouts include: Pabasari Kaluthanthris collection with the Bobbin Group, featuring dramatic flowing capes, jackets and gowns with traditional Sri Lankan bird motifs and striking plague doctor masks and Thamoda Wickramasinghes precisely tailored range that boasted understated glitz and tasteful tassle and embroidery work. Punna Withanaarachchi, who was the judges selection this year to represent AOD at Graduate Fashion Week in London, presented her take on sporty couture with elements like 80s athleisure-inspired jackets and colourful mirror-embellished socks. (Our cover picture shows a creation by Punna Withanaarachchi) Govt. Printer waiting for vital gazette View(s): The Government Printers Office has been put on standby since yesterday morning to print any gazette notification, Government Printer Ganga Liyanage told the Sunday Times. Ms. Liyanage said they were informed both by the Presidential Secretariat and the Speakers office that there could be an important gazette notification issued at any moment and to keep the staff prepared. However, until last evening no gazette notification had reached the Department. The convening of Parliament which is currently prorogued until November 16 should be announced through a gazette notification. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Friday said President Maithripala Sirisena would summon Parliament by Wednesday. He said he was awaiting the issue of the gazette notification, the latest by Saturday evening. Hospital under investigation over ten-year-old boys death View(s): A private hospital is under investigation following the death of a ten-year-old boy, who underwent a bone marrow transplant to overcome Thalassaemia. At a coroners court inquiry, it was claimed that the hospital had made a mistake in identifying the boys blood group and a bone that was removed during surgery had been found inside the body two months later when the boy was readmitted to a state hospital. Praneeth Dinidu Wasala from Galigamuwa underwent surgery at the private hospital on February 2, but two months later, his parents noticed a swelling on the right side of his chest, the court was told. The parents told the coroner they were in financial difficulties as they had spent a large sum on the surgery at the private hospital and therefore, they took the boy to the Government Childrens Hospital. It was here that the doctors discovered that a bone that had been removed during surgery had still been inside the body. In May, the boy underwent another operation to remove the bone. Subsequently, he had to undergo a blood transfusion due to his deteriorating health. The parents said they took their son to the Government Childrens Hospital and here they had discovered that the boys blood group was B+ but it was described as A+ in the records of the private hospital and was later corrected using a correction pen. The parents said they suspected that the boy had been given the wrong blood during the first operation at the private hospital and that this had led to complications and to their sons death. The father said he was suing the hospital for the death of his son. The coroner gave an open verdict, and ordered a full investigation into the death of the boy. I will reconvene Parliament soon, says President By Our Political Editor "We have the required majority," he says View(s): View(s): The nine-day political turmoil after President Maithripala Sirisena ousted Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore-in Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister with a new government showed signs of receding yesterday. In brief remarks made to the Sunday Times, President Maithripala Sirisena said he would reconvene Parliament soon but did not mention a date. We have the required majority for the new government, he said amidst his chores of swearing-in ministers, state ministers and deputies. However, a diplomatic source said Mr Sirisena had assured the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres that Parliament would be reconvened before November 16 the date he set for re-opening when he prorogued the House on October 26. In remarks made to the Sunday Times, his Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa also reiterated that his government had the support of the majority MPs in Parliament. How the United National Front albeit the United National Party (UNP) would react to the move remained unclear yesterday. Ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe still remains in what was his official residence, Temple Trees. Two UNF frontliners, however, charged that the present government was both illegal and undemocratic. Former Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera told the Sunday Times, We will not allow a return to the reign of terror, robbery and fear. Patali Champika Ranawaka, who leads the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU)n a partner of the UNF, declared, We will fight against this unconstitutional and undemocratic move. On Friday, a group of Colombo-based envoys, mostly from Western diplomatic missions, called on Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to summon Parliament. Speaker Jayasuriya explained to them that he was in a helpless situation. Egyptian prosecution opens investigation into the terror attack; Sisi mourns victims and offers condolences to Pope Tawadros II; western and Arab states denounce and express solidarity with Egypt Egypts prosecutor-general Nabil Sadek has dispatched a team of prosecutors to the site of the terrorist attack on a bus which killed at least seven Copts and injured 12 near the Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor in Upper Egypt's Minya on Friday. In an official statement, Sadek ordered members of northern Minya prosecution and members of Supreme State Security prosecution to the site to investigate the attack. He also instructed the team to head to hospitals where the injured are receiving treatment to listen to their testimonies on the circumstances of the attack. Security forces are currently searching for the unknown gunmen who carried out the terror attack on the bus, the sources said. The sources added that the bus was using a back road to reach the monastery, adding that the main road to the monastery had been closed per security instructions due to the danger present in the western part of the governorate, where the monastery is located, and the lack of communication networks in the vicinity. President mourns victims Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi called Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, to express his sincere condolences for the victims of the terrorist attack, according to a statement released by the church. El-Sisi had issued a statement on his official Facebook page shortly after the attack mourning the victims, vowing to continue the war against terrorism. "I mourn with deep sorrow the martyrs who were killed today by treacherous hands which aim to undermine the firm fabric of the nation, and I wish speedy recovery for the injured," El-Sisi said. "I confirm our determination to continue our efforts to combat dark terrorism and apprehend the culprits," the president added. "This attack will not weaken the will of our nation in continuing its battle to prevail and build," El-Sisi said. In the evening, El-Sisi and attendees at the World Youth Forum observed a moment of silence in Sharm El-Sheikh for the victims of the terrorist attack. Azhar and state officials respond Egypt's Azhar, the country's highest Islamic Sunni authority, condemned the terrorist attack, extending its condolences to all Egyptians and to the families of the innocent victims. In an official statement released on Friday evening, Al-Azhar said "the culprits of the cowardly terrorist attack are criminals who were stripped of basic human values and are as far as could be from the teachings of religions, which call for coexistence and peace, the renouncing of violence and hatred, and criminalization of the killing of the innocent." Egypt's Minister of Endowments Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa also condemned the "terrorist, sinful and vile attack," saying "an attack on any person on Egypt's soil is an attack on all Egyptians." Gomaa said that it was a "religious, patriotic, and human duty to report any terrorist." Parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Aal also condemned the attack, saying "it aims to undermine the security and stability of the country." The country's State Information Service (SIS) issued a statement "expressing its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, stressing that the terrible crime will not damage the unity of the Egyptian people." "Such sordid attempts by desperate forces of terrorism will not affect the people of Egypts determination to move forward in their path to achieve security, stability and development throughout the country, and to eradicate terrorism," the statement said. The SIS said the "desperate attempt by terrorist groups is evidence of their weakness", pointing at "Egypt's extensive Comprehensive Sinai 2018 operation in securing Egyptian borders in all four directions and eradicating terrorism in Northern and Central Sinai." "Such despicable crimes will only reinforce the strength and unity of the Egyptian people and their dedication to rooting out terrorism," the SIS said, affirming "the need to respond to Egypt's successive calls for international solidarity in pursuing terrorism and its sponsors and supporters who provide it with funds, offer shelter to its leaders, and dedicate propaganda outlets to justify its crimes under misleading pretexts." Arab and western states condemn The UK, Germany, and Arab States condemned the terrorist attack on Copts today. In a tweet, British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt said he was "appalled at news of the attack", adding that "his thoughts were with the families of the victims." "The UK will continue to support #Egypt and all its people in the fight against terrorism," Burt said. UK's ambassador to Egypt Sir Geoffrey Adams also tweeted to offer his condolences to Egyptians for the attack. "I offer my deepest condolences to all Egyptians as we mourn together the loss of innocent lives today. Britain stands with Egypt against terrorism," the ambassador said. The German Ambassador to Egypt Julius Georg Luy also denounced the attack. "I deeply suffered of this resurgent and vile attack on peaceful Egyptians in Minya," Luy said, adding that "there was no justification to carry out such violent terror attacks." The German envoy affirmed his country's support to Egyptian people. The US Embassy in Cairo said "it condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack on Egyptian pilgrims tofay in Minya and we offer our sincere condolences. We stand with the Egyptian government and people against terrorism." A statement by the European Union's Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations also denounced the attack. "Todays attack on a bus of Coptic Christian pilgrims in Minya, Egypt has again exacted a toll of civilian deaths and injured," the spokesperson said, adding that "the attack was a stark reminder of the security challenges that Egypt is facing." The EU spokesperson expressed "its condolences to the bereaved, and stands side by side with Egypt in its efforts to defeat terrorism in the country." Saudi Arabia also condemned the deadly attack, according to Saudi Press Agency. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the shooting incident that targeted a passenger bus in Minya governorate in the Arab Republic of Egypt and resulted in the death and injury of a number of innocent people," SPA reported quoting an official source at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The source reiterated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's stand with Egypt against these terrorist acts, extending condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Egypt, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery," the SPA said. The UAE also condemned the attack, calling it 'heinous'. ''The UAE stands in solidarity with the government and people of Egypt in confronting extremism and terrorism, which seek to undermine Egypt's stability and its national unity,'' Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said in a statement. King Abdullah II of Jordan extended his condolences to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah-El-Sisi for the victims of the attack, condemning "the coward attack and stressed his country's support to Egypt in its efforts to fight terrorism, and preserving its security and stability." Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah also expressed his condolences to Egypt's El-Sisi, according to the official Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA). Al-Sabah expressed his country's "robust denunciation of this horrific terrorist act that targeted the innocent and aimed at jeopardizing Egypt's security and stability". Attacks and court sentences Coptic Christians make up 10-15 percent of Egypt's 104 million population. In the last several years, Coptic churches have been the target of several deadly terrorist attacks, which left tens dead and injured. In May 2017, a terrorist attack by gunmen on a bus carrying Coptic pilgrims heading to the same monastery left 30 killed and two dozen injured. In August 2017, the interior ministry announced that a man suspected of involvement in the deadly armed attack on the pilgrims was killed during a shootout with police in Qena governorate in Upper Egypt. On 9 April of the same year, as Egyptian Copts celebrated Palm Sunday, a terror bomb attack inside Mar Girgis Church in the Delta city of Tanta killed 29 and injured tens others. On the same day, a few hours later in the city of Alexandria, a suicide bomber killed 17 people, including three policemen, as he blew himself up outside St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral. as the head of the church, Pope Tawadros II, lead the service inside. In April 2018, an Alexandria military court issued preliminary death sentences against 36 people convicted of involvement in the deadly attacks in Alexandria and Tanta. Search Keywords: Short link: Key elephant-train solutions derailed Committees proposals find patchy response View(s): View(s): The government has begun implementing parts of a proposal aimed at preventing elephants from being killed by passing trains, but some key recommendations have been put on hold. Railways Department General Manager Dilantha Fernando said environmental groups claimed they could come up with better solutions at cheaper rates than the proposals set out in a report released last month by a committee of officials from the railways and wildlife departments. Now we have too many experts saying that they will do better research and come up with better solutions, so the Transport Minister decided to withhold the decision to seek Cabinet approval and start installing the sensor system, Mr. Fernando said. A sensor system that would keep elephants away from lines by emitting low-frequency sound waves and also alert oncoming trains to the presence of elephants near tracks is a key part of the recommendations by the committee. Mr. Fernando said the Minister will call for tenders through newspaper advertisements and consider other options as well, and this meant the use of a sensor system would be delayed. He said there was no money to implement the committees recommendation that tunnels and overhead passes be constructed to let elephants cross safely under or over tracks depending on topography. On Friday, I ordered employees to clear a 30-feet stretch alongside the tracks. The area we clear must be maintained to be without any growth of grass that elephants feed on, Mr. Fernando said. He said the railways department was trying to source a locomotive headlight that could illuminate the track at least 300m ahead. We have also advised engine drivers to slow down their trains before they reach crossing places used by elephants over the rail tracks, Mr. Fernando said. Environmentalist Shashikalana Ratwatte believes there are 30 major elephant crossing points on the northern and Batticaloa lines and said he and colleagues Nayanaka Ranwella and Dimuthu Lokuge want to determine why elephants use these particular transit places and where these routes lead. Mr. Rathwaththa complained that although the wildlife department had erected warning signs at well-known elephant transit points on tracks and suggested a 10-mile speed limit at these sites, engine drivers failed to obey the signs. He said that at a recent meeting, train drivers told him they could not deviate from the timetables imposed on them. The railway must oblige the Department of Wildlife Conservations requests and signs. Both trains and elephants are public property and must be preserved, Mr. Ratwatte said. Farmers organisations say poor management of most national parks was causing elephants to travel out of parks and forestry areas. The National Organiser of the All-Island Farmers Federation (AIFF), Namal Karunaratne, said elephants had expanded their home ranges in search of water and food, crossing railway tracks to enter villages and cultivated areas. He said the Department of Wildlife Conservation must create more tanks and maintain grasslands within parks; elephants had insufficient water or beru thana a type of grass that elephants prefer to eat. Mr. Karunaratne also pointed out that there was encroachment by both large and small-scale plantation companies and factories along the northern and Batticaloa railway lines have seen, and these developments had barricaded the paths used by generations of elephants. Elephants have nowhere to go. Inside parks they are starving without food. Outside parks, their lands are encroached and secured with barbed wire and high-powered electric fences. The small thickets of forests are shrinking and they are trapped between villages and railway tracks, he said. He said animals were often hit by passing trains as they crossed tracks in order to reach safety in the forest when they were chased away by villagers and farming companies. DWC Director-General Chandana Sooriyabandara said the wildlife department could play no role other than supporting the railway departments actions since the recommendations involved solutions that were in railways territory. Improvements to locomotives, changing speed limits and constructing elephant passes across tracks could only be implemented by the railways department. The committees report does, however, include recommendations on actions that should be taken by both the forestry and wildlife departments. There were proposals to create water sources and tanks and maintain shrubbery needed by elephants for food within wildlife parks to keep jumbos well fed in their natural habitat so that they would not migrate out of parks. The report also proposed that the DWC remove its own electric fences and those erected by private hands that form barriers across elephant paths that avoid railway tracks. Bees make elephants buzz off Vicky Flynn, Head of Communications for Elephant Family, a non-governmental organisation engaged in conservation of elephants, described projects going on around Asia that use bee sounds to scare elephants away from railway tracks. She said in India, recordings of sounds of bees, bats, lions and tigers are used to scare away elephants when they come too close to tracks. She said it was upsetting to hear the number of mothers and calves killed on railway tracks in Sri Lanka and pointed out that efforts could be made to clean up food garbage tossed out of trains that could be attracting elephants to the tracks. Parliaments new seating arrangements not finalised yet View(s): A final decision on the seating arrangement for the first sitting date of the new session of Parliament is yet to be taken, but Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely to be allocated the seat which was previously occupied by Mahinda Rajapaksa in the opposition benches of the House. Mr. Rajapaksa is to be allocated the seat of Prime Minister in Parliament after Speaker Karu Jayasuirya decided to recognise him on the grounds that a gazette notification has been issued by the President naming him to the post of premier. TNA leader R. Sampanthan will continue in the post of Leader of the Opposition until Parliament decides begins, Parliament sources said. The seating for the newly appointed ministers will be only finalised after a date is set for the next Parliament sitting, they said. Meanwhile, a motion of no-confidence against Mahinda Rajapaksa continuing as the Prime Minister was handed over to the Secretary General of Parliament on Friday. It was signed by UNF Leader of the House, Lakshman Kiriella. The motion states that in the absence of a vacancy in the post of Prime Minister, President Sirisena has appointed another person to the post by way of a gazette notification but these are null and void as this move is unconstitutional. The motion states, The House has no confidence in the purported Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the purported government appointed on or after the 26th of October. According to Parliamentary officials, a debate, followed by a vote on the no-confidence motion, will be given priority in the business of the House. Political turmoil puts mega US grant in balance View(s): A multimillion dollar US grant aid programme which was to be signed in December is hanging in the balance due to the political turmoil in Sri Lanka. Earlier this year, the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) approved a five-year grant of about US$ 460mn for Sri Lankas land and transport sectors. The money was for upgrading road networks and the bus system in the Colombo metropolitan area. Some of it was for rehabilitating more than 300km of urban and inter-provincial roads. The rest was for improving land administration and strengthening land rights and tenure security. The agreement was to have been signed in December this year following months of appraisal and negotiations. But the MCCa bilateral US foreign aid agency established by Congress in 2004indicated this week that the recent political developments in Sri Lanka might have stymied the process. No actions are being taken either to move the compact forward or to suspend it while we assess the situation in the country, MCC said in a statement to the Associated Press. The agency said it expected Sri Lanka to remain committed to democratic governance, which includes respect for fundamental freedoms and rule of law. Sri Lanka had never before qualified for an MCC compactlarge, five-year grants for selected countries that meet eligibility criteria that includes economic freedom, investing in people and ruling justly. The last one contains within its framework political rights, civil liberties, control of corruption, government effectiveness, the rule of law and freedom of information. The MCCs Board of Directors selected Sri Lanka to develop a compact in December 2016. In August this year, MCC delivered to the US Congress a congressional notification of its intent to negotiate a Millennium Challenge Compact with Sri Lanka. Disbursement of the funds was to start next year after protracted discussions and project plans. In its note to Congress, MCC said Sri Lanka was selected first for a threshold programmesmaller grants focused on policy and institutional reformbut that the country failed to pass policy indicators in the 2016 fiscal year (FY). However, its performance on the indicators steadily increased in parallel with the reforms undertaken by the Government since January 2015, MCC said. In FY 2017, Sri Lanka passed more than half of the indicators including both democratic rights indicators: political rights and civil liberties and control of corruption, it pointed out. The US Government has expressed concern at the development in Sri Lanka, urging all sides to refrain from intimidation and violence. The State Department called on the President, in consultation with the Speaker, to immediately reconvene Parliament and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfil their responsibility to affirm who will lead their Government. Meanwhile, State Department Spokesman Robert Palladino told reporters that its up to Sri Lankas Parliament to decide who the Prime Minister is. The Embassy also issued a travel alert stating, Due to the current political situation, US citizens are reminded of an increased likelihood of civil unrest, strikes, and demonstrations. The embassy reminds citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence You should avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations, it said US visitors were also urged to monitor local media for updates, be aware of their surroundings and keep a low profile. Sarath Amunugama, who was appointed as Foreign Minister this week, criticised the travel advisories issued by a few countries, including Britain, saying there was no justification for them as there had been no violence. Meanwhile, the European Union has warned that Sri Lanka could lose the GSP Plus facility which was restored just last year. The Government got GSP Plus on the basis of certain commitments, if these commitments are not met, then we would consider withdrawal, EU Ambassador Tung-Lai Margue is quoted as telling Reuters news agency. Sri Lanka lost the concession in 2010 because the Government, then under President Mahinda Rajapaksa, had failed to adhere to conditions inherently attached to the GSP Plus. This includes the implementation of three key conventions, namely the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention against Torture (CAT) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Mr. Margue is quoted as saying that some progress had been made toward human rights by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghes administration but more needed to be done and there were questions about whether a Government led by Mr. Rajapaksa would pursue justice for victims (of the war) as vigorously. I dont know what his policy on reconciliation would be like. I have fears it wont be the one we agreed on, Mr. Margue said. Range Bandara plays voice clips to prove he was offered inducements View(s): United National Party Minister and Parliamentarian Palitha Range-Bandara, yesterday, provided what he called evidence to prove that he was offered millions of rupees and a cabinet posting if he joined the UPFA government. He told journalists yesterday that he received several calls from former Minister S.B. Dissanayake and other UPFA members, offering him a ministerial post if he joined them. Mr. Range Bandara played ten voice recordings to prove his claim and said the recordings would be handed over to the Bribery Commission for investigation. He said Mr. Dissanayake urged him to cross over to the government as soon as possible and obtain a cabinet portfolio before the Cabinet reached the 30-member limit. He said several UPFA supporters also urged him to meet them in Colombo and told him they would come to Anamaduwa to give the money in US dollars. Mr Range Bandara said Ranjan Ramanayake had already made a complaint to the Bribery Commission in this connection and he would await its summons to provide more information. He claimed he had more voice clips of VVIP politicians and other persons offering bribes. However UPFA Parliamentarian Thilanga Sumathipala dismissed Mr. Range Bandaras allegations as absolutely false. Meanwhile, the UNPs crossover MPs rejected the charge that they were paid bribes to join the Rajapaksa government. Newly appointed Plantation Industries State Minister Vadivel Suresh said, All these allegations are false. Vadivel Suresh isnt a man who would accept bribes. He met Mr. Rajapaksa on October 28 and then visited UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 29 before being sworn in on the same day. Meanwhile, UNPs Dunesh Gankanda, who obtained a state ministers post in the Rajapaksa government, hours after he, in a Facebook post, slammed President Maithripala Sirisena and his Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, has removed the controversial post. The post read: Kalakanni Rajapaksa-Maithri nadaya panna dhameemata peramunata a laksha sankyatha janathaavata mage pranaamaya. (I thank the hundred thousands of people who came to the forefront to wipe out the Rajapaksa-Maithri coalition.) Security breaches at AGs Dept., STF deployed View(s): Security breaches at the Attorney Generals Department had forced it to seek additional security from the Inspector General of Police, a senior AGs Dept. officer said yesterday. He said the security breaches, had taken place over the past few weeks, but did not give details. However, he said there were no incidents of any files going missing. The request from the AGs Department drew prompt response from Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, who directed the Special Task Force (STF) to deploy its personnel to protect the Department. STF Commandant M.R. Latheef told the Sunday Times the STF personnel were deployed within the perimeter of the Department and in the outer area. The Department is located adjoining the Supreme Courts Complex in Hulftsdorp. The area police Keselwatte also stepped up its routine mobile patrols around the court complex area from Friday, an officer said. Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya, who returned from an overseas visit, responded to a query from Speaker Karu Jayasuriya about the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister, saying it was inappropriate to express an opinion. The House of Lankas destiny View(s): The House of Parliament, the supreme legislature of the sovereign people, is closed to MPs following the prorogation. But schoolchildren were allowed to enter the House on Friday, while outside Parliament the political horse trading and other dramas continued. Parliament will be the centre of attraction next week, if it reconvenes, to show which party or coalition has a majority. Pic by Amila Gamage TNA resolves to back no-faith motion against Rajapaksa 118 MPs meet Speaker and urge him again to convene Parliament View(s): View(s): The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has resolved to vote in support of the no-confidence motion against the Government headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa, who, it says, has been unconstitutionally and illegally appointed as Prime Minister. The move came as 118 MPs from all parties opposed to the prorogation of the 225 seat Parliament met Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday and reiterated a call to reconvene Parliament by next Wednesday (November 7). Leaders of the TNAs constituent parties met on Friday night and resolved that the President did not have the authority to remove a Prime Minister who was in office and, hence, the Gazette notifications declaring that the Prime Minister had been removed and another Prime Minister appointed were unconstitutional and illegal.Remaining neutral in such a situation, would pave the way for achieving an undemocratic end by force, the TNA said in a statement issued last evening. The TNA also said it considered the Presidents decision to prorogue Parliament as undemocratic and in violation of Parliaments supremacy. The TNA also strongly condemned and opposed the undemocratic efforts to use such delay to bribe Members of Parliament with both money and ministerial posts to induce them to cross over and fraudulently obtain a majority in Parliament, the statement said We strongly oppose and condemn TNA MP S. Viyalendran being a part of this conspiracy. Necessary action will be taken against him immediately, the statement said.More than 100 MPs gathered at the official residence of Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday and signed a memorandum seeking the reconvening of Parliament by next Wednesday as had been promised by President Maithripala Sirisena. They told the Speaker that he had the power to reconvene Parliament and he should use those powers whether a gazette notification was issued or not. The delegation quoted Article 33A of the Constitution introduced through the 19th Amendment that states that the President is responsible to Parliament in the discharge of his powers and duties. However, the Speaker had been non-committal about their request, but said he would give a decision soon, former Education Minister and UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told the Sunday Times last night. This was the second time in two days MPs opposing the suspension of Parliament met the Speaker to ask him to reconvene Parliament. At yesterdays meeting most of the members insisted that reconvening of the Parliament should take place, irrespective of whether the President issues a Gazette lifting the prorogation. The Speaker is due to issue an official statement outlining his position today. On Friday, all party leaders in the camp opposed to President Sirisenas move also voiced their support to a call to the Speaker to summon Parliament. They put on a show of force when they met in the Committee Room of Parliament and assured him of their support. The Speaker on Friday said he would await the Gazette notification until last night as the President had promised to reconvene Parliament by November 7. Meanwhile, the UNP in a statement condemned the announcement that MP Dinesh Gunawardena would be appointed as the Leader of the House. All such appointments are done with the consensus of all members of Parliament. Making such announcements at a time when the side does not have a majority is against parliamentary democracy as well as convention, the statement said. New look Freddy had its spirited moments By J oshua Surendraraj View(s): View(s): The row behind us at the crowded Lionel Wendt Theatre burst into laughter. In fact the energy that Thursday (Oct. 18) evening was so palpable that youd feel your chair being pushed or the floor thumping every minute. An evening of stand-up comedy Freddy 3 A new hope, looked to delight audiences with its satirical messages. Did it succeed? Well the audience certainly seemed to think so. If you had been to one of the previous Freddy shows, some of the jokes may have sounded a little repetitive. Nevertheless, the social/ political issues that writer/ director Feroze Kamardeen addressed were current and hit home pretty hard. Starting things off was Nisal Katipearachchi who pointed out that his last name was hard to spell (the key to spelling it properly is to stalk his Facebook page). It was Katipearachchis first time on stage having gradually risen from the ranks of backstage crew. His jabs at the media were a definite crowd pleaser, like the launch of the Bye magazine, a parody of the HI! magazine that targeted funerals, divorces and affairs as its core advertising avenues. We have learnt that explosions are like potato crisps. They dont stop at one. You wouldnt find many comedians whod dare mention, let alone joke about growing up in a war zone. But this didnt deter Adin Mathitharan who growing up amidst the shelling and gunshots like the thousands of civilians trapped in a theatre of war, led a different life to the majority of those in the audience that evening. Perhaps, thats why his opening lines did not receive the laughter they deserved (or maybe it was due to a sense of guilt). But as his set picked up, Adin managed to show that living in a war zone had its comic moments. One of the biggest problems they faced was the inability to enjoy an ice cream (because only a certain dictator had access to electricity), he quipped. Deep down, Adins set was entwined with the need for equality in Sri Lankas ever evolving multi- cultural society. Our dream is not about having a part of Sri Lanka, its about having a voice in all of Sri Lanka. Dino Corera who followed with a carefully crafted political roast made a sweeping declaration that a certain f word wouldnt be used in his segment. Instead, he would replace it with the word Faluda. We wont be seeing faluda in quite the same way after this. Perhaps a most common conversation starter in Sri Lanka involves politics. Youd find many quite frustrated with the way the country is being run. Or, as Dino puts it Kathawa Raju, Wade kaju. Yet, despite the criticisms it still remains a mystery as to how youd see the same faces in power after every election (#kajupalanaya). Dinos act was certainly a tough one to follow. But Shannon Misso, Ifaz Bin Jameel and Yasas Rathnayake rose to the occasion (probably quite literally in Yasass case). Despite this being Shannons first time under the Freddy banner (strangely the productions first female comedian) she owned the stage with her confidence. She also proved to be a champion for the Josephians, with her many jabs at the Peterites and their love for all kinds of journeys in the classroom. Although Shannons set touched on some hard hitting topics that revolved around feminism, her role wasnt utilized to the fullest. There was certainly room for more. She ended with a wish for all women to be born into a society with equal opportunities, Where we can buy whatever we want like coconuts or coconut arrack. Ifaz and Yasas proved to be the perfect acts to close the show. Their comedic, yet subtle lines embodied everything Freddy 3 had portrayed that evening in a nutshell. And that was to promote racial harmony and above all a better Sri Lanka. Cherish your Sri Lankan identity, dont leave home without it. This was the parting message that kept ringing in the ears of the slightly tired, yet spirited audience that walked out of the Wendt. Project Leopard hits a milestone with 100th pen donated to farmers By Joshua Surendraraj View(s): View(s): The wilderness, spread out on either side of the road, and the dry branches of scrub jungle kept beating against the shutters as our jeep made its way through the outskirts of the Yala National Park to reach a clearing adjoining the Yodha Ela. A group of nomadic farmers rear their cattle here and aside from the constant mooing of the cows, the silence is surreal. But their lives arent all tranquil as the setting may suggest- faced with the threats to their livestock from leopards that venture out of the boundaries of the park, to find easy prey in the young calves. When leopards attack, this impacts the livelihood of these dairy farmers, since the cows stop producing milk on the death of their calves. But thats far from the end of it. Preferring to return a second time the leopards do not devour the entire carcass of the calf. And the farmers, who are familiar with their behaviour, poison the carcass which results in the death of the leopard when it returns to polish off the rest of its meal. Within a span of three days youd have a dead calf and a dead leopard. Everybody loses. Project Leopard, started around 12 years ago by the late Dr. Ravi Samarasinghe, renowned wildlife researcher and conservationist, to address this growing problem, is continued today by Cinnamon Wild Yala, together with Nature Trails naturalists. Dr. Samarasinghe gave up his medical practice, to study the leopard. He had observed the rising tensions between man and leopard and realized that something had to be done. His solution was simple yet effective: making steel pens to herd in the calves. Dr. Samarasinghe had observed such pens being used in India and had experimented with them in Sri Lanka. At the time he had spent around Rs. 27,000 per pen, but today they cost nearly Rs. 83,000 because of the rising price of steel. Tragically Dr. Samarasinghe was killed in a motor accident in 2007. But his work was continued by his friends Sarinda Unamboowe and Darrel Bartholomeusz, who had personally contributed for a few more pens. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Head of Nature Trails, Chitral Jayathileke took up the idea and expanded it with the support of the John Keells Foundation. Chitral and his team had initially started off with Rs. 500, 000 to set up 15 pens and this was later expanded through generous benefactors. The John Keells Foundation has also contributed approximately Rs. 2.5 million over the years. On September 20, the 100th pen was donated, marking a milestone in the project. Though initiated to protect the leopard, the team soon realized that it also helped the farmers. When they found this coming their way, they told us that this is an effective solution and because of that they have no reason to chase after the leopards, Chitral explains. Story of storing: Finding space to state-of-the-art By Kaveesha Fernando View(s): View(s): Journalists and the public alike rejoiced at the enactment of the 2016 Right to Information Act in Sri Lanka legislation which seemingly heralded a new age of government transparency in the island. However, government departments were less enthusiastic. It is not the access the general public has to government records that has them in a quandary but the actual physical storage of said records. In most government departments the desperate scramble to find the space somewhere to store documents has created a very big dilemma indeed. A two-day conference on Managing Municipal Archives hosted by the Department of National Archives and co-sponsored by the International Council on Archives (ICA) held in August helped throw up possible solutions. This seminar on record management was attended by senior officials from Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas. Conducted by experienced international archivists Dr. Bart Ballaux and Laura Taylor, it focused on what needs to be done. The Municipal Councils, established in the 19th century during British rule, were aimed at efficient local administration and through them the maintenance of roads, public health services, market facilities etc. were provided. Records of these councils are deposited within the Department of National Archives, while the councils themselves also maintain their own records. A situation where these records are maintained in pristine condition and easily accessible is an ideal which most Sri Lankans would know is far from the reality of what actually takes place. There are several reasons why the task of storing documents has become so difficult, we learn. The first is the overall lack of a proper record storing system within government departments and the second is what seems to be a lack within the Right to Information Act itself. Section 7 (3) of the Act states that documents created before the enactment of the statute need to be kept for 10 years and documents created after for 12 a great idea in theory but impractical in execution. Both Dr. Ballaux and Taylor, from the City of Rotterdam and the London Metropolitan Archives respectively, use retention schedules a schedule which helps determine which documents are kept for how long (and if at all) so that only documents of importance are carefully stored away. An update of the Archival Law in Sri Lanka should help in this aspect because it would allow for the Department of National Archives to create retention schedules and thereby ensure that documents of little to no importance are treated accordingly. While emphasising the importance of maintaining a retention schedule, the seminar also stressed on easier means of archival management such as the simple act of effectively storing documents from the time they are made in order for the process of storing records (some of which might even become archives later on) to be more effective. There should be little distinction made between record and archive management, explains Director General of Sri Lankan Archives Dr. Nadeera Rupesinghe. Record management is what takes place at the government department which creates the document while archival management takes place when the records are handed over to a department of archives. One reason for the improper storage of records in government departments could possibly be the lack of staff. Many of the officials in charge of record keeping serve many other roles besides and when record management competes with many other vital tasks that require one individuals attention, the records suffer. Semantics aside, record and archival management is essential for good governance. The important role played by archives in a nation cannot be downplayed. In Sri Lanka, archival storage is an ancient practice as old as the early Anuradhapura Kingdom (with an officer in charge of Royal Archives) and has been carried out throughout the changing times from the ancient kingdoms to the periods of colonization. Large parts of Sri Lankas archival history were lost when the Portuguese destroyed archives before the country was taken over by the Dutch but also when the Kings did the same whenever there was a threat of invasion. Modern day archives serve a rather different purpose to archives at their inception. What used to be a means for governments to keep track of official business through their records has now become a channel of transparency and democracy. Most (if not all) archives around the globe have free entrance, and most now also have digitized part of their collections, with most archivists having to deal with the implications of freedom of information acts which are increasingly being passed in nations. In the UK, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 was dealt with by UK archivists who collectively implemented a methodology to ensure the daily workings of archive and record rooms could facilitate requests for such information. Taylor and Dr. Ballaux feel that the International Council on Archives is a great resource for archivists faced with the problem of Freedom of Information legislation because so many countries have already developed or are in the process of developing ways of coping with the daily demand such legislation creates. Dr. Ballaux feels that this is just the beginning of the revolution of freely available information. Speaking to Dr. Ballaux and Taylor, it is clear that the Right to Information Act and the challenges it has brought Sri Lankan archivists is nothing strange it has happened in every nation where similar legislation was brought about. To put it simply, the best solution for this dilemma is the proper storage and maintenance of records and archives, although a two day glimpse into the world of archivists serves to prove just how complex and vital a task this really is. Explaining that archives have evolved from their early days in around the 19th century B.C. where only rich people had access, Dr. Ballaux highlights a recent proposal by the Dutch government as a possible evolution of archives in future. There was a political proposal to release every document online 14 days after its created, he explains, adding that such legislation would cost billions to implement, although he hopes for a future where even such progressive legislation is possible. He also explains that right now, freedom of information follows an ask and receive policy but hopes that this too will change to a future where everything is readily available for people to see without having to request for it. The digital age has also had its own implications for record and archival management. Where documents were handwritten and simply preserved as they were created, documents soon started being printed and were still preserved as they were found but official documents are often never printed in this modern era where documents can be viewed anywhere via a smart phone or a host of other electronic devices. This creates confusion for archivists should the documents created on a computer be printed and archived or stored digitally? The simple answer for this question is yes they should indeed be stored digitally. But, nothing is ever so simple. Creating digital archives is an entirely new system very different from the task of creating physical documents and it has a new set of problems. One of the biggest problems is creating enough back-up servers to ensure that all of the information is preserved. Another issue is funding creating an entirely new system vastly different from paper records costs. A third issue is constantly updating the format of the documents in a fast evolving digital age. Right now we use PDFs, but what happens a century from now if that format is never used anymore? questions Dr. Rupesinghe, citing the example of floppy disks, CDs etc which are now used less as pen drives and memory chips etc become more commonplace. Funding is an issue even for Ballaux and Taylor, who are continually working with their colleagues back home to improve their archives. Ballaux comments on the drastic difference in the budget allocated in the Netherlands and that of Sri Lanka. The budget that we have in the city of Rotterdam for just the building alone is 6 million euros if they had that budget here the entire building would look like the film archive, he states. Both highly commend the work done by Dr. Rupesinghe and her staff. With the requirements created by Freedom of Information acts to the storage of documents manually or electronically etc., the demand for qualified archivists is increasing. Dr. Ballaux is happy to note that the need for qualified archivists is being recognized more now. Unfortunately, Sri Lankan universities offer no diploma or Masters programmes in Record and Archival Management (the global trend is to offer a Masters rather than a Bachelors degree), although Dr. Rupasinghe hopes that this will change in the future. Dr. Rupesinghe has a great vision on how to improve the services at the Department of National Archives, which she lists out with enthusiasm the improvements which have already been made (getting the staff recruitment schemes completed, approval of almost Rs. 1 billion for the renovation of the main building for creating the optimum environmental conditions for archival storage) a testament to her abilities. Above all, standards of the Department of National Archives should be maintained, she feels. A high level of discipline must be maintained by the Department in order to ensure the integrity and safety of the archives, she states firmly. Is London Bridge safe? Finding answers in past records Most people would be familiar with the popular nursery rhyme London Bridge is falling down, but what happens when it is unclear whether London Bridge is in fact falling down? Should one simply wait and see what happens? Luckily the London Metropolitan Archives provided information which prevented such a dilemma recently. Somebody in our reading rooms asked me for the plans of one of our London Bridges the other day because he needed really specific information about the construction of that bridge to see if it was safe and if that record hadnt been preserved, how do they know its still a safe bridge? Taylor asks. However, not everyone uses the wealth of information provided by their local archives. Its true that not a lot of people are aware of it, admits Ballaux, although Taylor feels an increasing number of people are becoming more aware a positive indication that more people will start using the wealth of information available at their local archives. The Department of National Archives: A treasure trove of information With repositories for documents spanning 22km, a conservation department and a state of the art search room and film repositories, there are many things of interest at the Department of National Archives. A series of paintings of the governors of Ceylon from Dutch times by an unknown artist, line the first floor of the old building, raising more questions than answers -how the artist knew what all of the governors painted actually looked like; the nationality of the artist, his/her reason for painting all of these portraits etc.. The collection of Thombos from Dutch rule in coastal Sri Lanka are also of particular interest. Detailing the land ownership of that time, it also gives out many other interesting historical details which are a valuable glimpse into days long gone. Thombos have also served a very valuable purpose both now and at the time of their creating settling many land disputes and in fact they are still taken to court today. High-tech reel storage The National Film, Television and Sound Archives built in 2014 (housed with the Department of National Archives in the new extension building built in 2012) highly commended by Bart Ballaux and Laura Taylor, is every bit state of the art as one would expect. With mobile racks imported from Germany, the repository has the optimum environmental conditions for storage. There are over 300 feature films from the 1950s onwards stored there. In an ongoing project, 237 feature films have already been digitized. The feature films have been given to the department by the National Film Corporation and requests by producers to loan the films are handled by the National Film Corporation. Selected audiovisual records can be taken and listened to by the general public at the premises, and there are also facilities available for them to be copied. Talking archival management Should anyone unfamiliar with the field of archival management have wondered if the seminar was conducted in English or another language entirely, they could be forgiven. With discussions on niche topics such as metadata classification and appraisal in an electronic environment and paper records management at London Metropolitan Archives and creating retention schedules, the subject matter discussed and the terms used were very specific indeed. While Ballaux focused on the creation and management of an electronic archival system, Taylor spoke about the maintenance and storage of physical archives. Technical terms apart, everything was explained in a very simple and straightforward manner a fact which many participants were happy to note. One of the main suggestions made by both experts was that work should be done very thoroughly at the start electronic files created systematically and named and sorted properly at the time they are made and physical files sorted and stored in properly labelled boxes etc. The need for well trained staff and the proper delegation of tasks etc, was stressed on by Ballaux, while Taylor spoke about the importance of keeping only the records which are necessary etc. Both felt that completing tasks well at the start could prevent much chaos in future. In Minya, hundreds of Coptic Christians gathered for funeral prayers on Saturday at a church in the city of Minya for the seven victims killed in a terrorist attack on a bus carrying Copts near the Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor in Upper Egypt's Minya governorate on Friday. During the funeral prayers, Bishop Maccarius of Minya that the church had already prayed for one of the victims late on Friday, and that they now pray for the six other victims, who hail from one family. At Al-Amir Tadros Church in Minya city, where most of the victims were from, women dressed in black demanded justice for the martyrs. Mourners held pictures of the victims and flowers and the cross, calling on the authorities to act. Their grief quickly turned to anger as funeral prayers at the Church gave way to protest chants as the mourners carried a large wooden cross. With blood and soul, we will defend you, oh cross, they chanted. We want retribution for them or we will die like them. In few words during the funeral prayers, Maccarius attempted to calm grieving mourners with words of faith. "No one accepts injustice, intimidation and blood shedding. I am grieving just like you all and they were our sons too, but I am also proud that Minya is offering more martyrs every year," Maccarius said. The bishop also highlighted that the conditions of those injured in the terror attack were improving. The injured are being treated at Sheikh Zayed hospital in Giza. Security sources say that the bus, which was carrying the victims, was using a back road to reach the monastery, as the main road to the monastery had been closed per security instructions, due to the danger present in the western part of the governorate where the monastery is located, and the lack of communication networks within the vicinity. Security forces are searching for the unknown gunmen who carried out the terror attack on the bus. On Friday, Egypts prosecutor-general Nabil Sadek opened an investigation into the attack. Meanwhile, Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued a statement on his official Facebook page on Friday mourning the victims of the terror attack, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. "I mourn with deep sorrow the martyrs who were killed today by treacherous hands which aim to undermine the solid fabric of the nation, and I wish speedy recovery for the injured," El-Sisi said. "I confirm our determination to continue our efforts to combat dark terrorism and apprehend the culprits," the president added. The President also called Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, to offer his condolences. In May 2017, a terrorist attack by gunmen on a bus carrying Coptic pilgrims heading to the same monastery left 30 killed and two dozen injured. In August 2017, the interior ministry announced that a man suspected of involvement in the deadly armed attack on the pilgrims was killed during a shootout with police in Qena governorate in Upper Egypt. Search Keywords: Short link: Professor Thamilmaran: His legal expertise and academic journey View(s): Having been his student (of MHR & PhD) over nine years (2006-2015), I consider it a great honour and privilege to pen this article to felicitate Professor V.T. Thamilmaran, an eminent scholar and well-known legal expert, who has contributed to inspire and mentor many young and upcoming academics and professionals. He has been promoted to the post of professor by the University of Colombo. V.T. Thamilmaran was born in Pungudutivu in 1955 and had his primary education at Velanai Central College and secondary education at Vaideshwara College, Jaffna. He entered the Law Faculty of the University of Colombo in April 1976 and completed his undergraduate career in 1979 by topping the batch with exceptional merit, a rare feat at that time. In 1980, he started his academic career as an Assistant Lecturer and obtained his LLM and MPhil in Human Rights Law from the University of Colombo. He has been a Fellow of the State University of New York at Buffalo, USA and the University of Alberta, Canada. He is the second Tamil to obtain a professorship at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo after Professor T. Nadaraja, the Founder Dean of the Faculty. Prof. Thamilmaran has shown great interest in International Law. Since 1980, his main research focus was on International Law and Human Rights Law. His research work is aimed at critiquing the understanding of these laws from a Third World perspective. This approach has not only been keenly studied by western scholars but also invoked interesting academic debate. His research has been cited by many western scholars to show the difference in approach with which they either are in agreement or otherwise. In addition, his research interests have been in a number of other areas in Sri Lanka such as Peaceful Coexistence, Rights of Minorities and Sub-Minority Communities, Ethnic Harmony and Domestic Constitutional Law which are of high legal value either on a national scale or in the international arena. Prof. Thamilmarans contribution to the advancement and dissemination of legal knowledge in Sri Lanka is equally praiseworthy as he teaches in both English and Tamil with equal eloquence and competence. He has shared his immense knowledge in International Law and Human Rights Law with a generation of students who now occupy the higher echelons in many fields. Further, he has served in many expert committees locally and abroad. After Prof. G.L. Peiris, Prof. Thamilmaran is the only person from the academic field who has been invited to serve in the Council of Legal Education of Sri Lanka. Prof. Thamilmaran was a pioneer in teaching law in Tamil and helped to coin many glossary terms in Tamil and enrich it with legal terms. During my studentship, I have observed him as a true professional with loaded knowledge and experience. He keeps on emphasising that there should not be any gap between preaching and practising. The way that he treated his students in the class is a classic example of his firm belief in human rights and value based education. There is no doubt that Prof. Thamilmaran is an erudite scholar and an academic of the highest calibre. He is the author of more than 30 research papers published in peer reviewed journals locally and abroad and ten books in English and Tamil. He has also made more than 50 presentations in international forums. Prof. Thamilmarans high calibre of research is also evident from the research collaborations he had with eminent legal experts worldwide. He managed to secure financial assistance for research through international competitive research grants. Prof. Thamilmaran has been a supervisor/co-supervisor for a good number of postgraduate students from both local and foreign universities, besides supervising my own MHR and PhD theses. He is also the in-country advisor for students visiting Sri Lanka on exchange programmes between the University of Colombo and foreign universities. Above all, being the most sought after law teacher, he is regularly invited by several National Law Schools in India. His expert knowledge in International Law, Human Rights Law, Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence has taken him to many law schools across the globe. His philosophical approach to legal issues and the method of demystifying theories by relating them to current issues are excellent and I dont think any law teacher of our times has such exceptional talent and knowledge. Prof. Thamilmaran has served as the Head of Department, Dean of the Law Faculty and carries 38 years of exemplary career record. Great teachers groom their students to become leaders, and inspire them to seek their own path. They encourage the students to discover their own talents. This is what Prof. Thamilmaran has instilled in us. It is interesting to note that many of his students are in the process of becoming professors in the days ahead. He surely possesses the characteristics of a law professor with such clarity of thought, expertise in the field of law, marvellous teaching ability and crosscutting interdisciplinary knowledge. I ever remain grateful to Prof. Thamilmaran for his guidance and encouragement to carry out my research activities leading to my doctoral studies and their successful completion. None of his students would deny that it is a golden opportunity for anyone to sit in his class as a student of law, peace studies, international relations or political theory. The simplicity of this great mind should enlighten the academic path of thousands more in the future as well. Dr. Yousuf K. Marikkar, Ex-Acting Chairman, Export Development Board Stop killing the messenger; the story will not end By Robert Mahoney, exclusive to the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka View(s): View(s): NEW YORK What does it cost to silence a muckraking reporter? In the Philippines, officials needed just $250 in 2011 to buy the services of a journalist-slaying gunman. In Slovakia, Jan Kuciak and his fiancee were killed in February for about $80,000. For corrupt politicians and crime bosses, neither sum is significant. The cost to democracy, however, is immeasurable. Every year, more journalists are murdered because of their reporting than die in war zones. Since 1992, when the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) began compiling data, 1,324 journalists have been killed on the job, and 849 of them were executed for their work. But in nearly 90% of these murders, the people who ordered the attacks escaped justice. On the rare occasion that a full investigation was conducted, only low-level associates were ensnared. The big fish usually got away. The problem is not confined to countries in the Global South. October 16 marked one year since Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist investigating corruption, was killed by a car bomb just minutes after filing a story that seemed to forecast her death. Three men have been charged with her assassination, but the masterminds remain at large. Similarly, Slovakia like Malta a European Union country has failed to deliver justice in the brutal murder of Kuciak and his fiancee, Martina Kusnirova, at their home near Bratislava. Although police have made arrests in the case, not all of the organisers who presumably did not want him digging into allegations of mafia activity in the country have been found. And while Saudi Arabia has now admitted that the journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the Kingdoms consulate in Istanbul, the ongoing investigation of the case is equally unlikely to lead to the prosecution of all those responsible for his disappearance. Impunity in such cases is a cancer on accountability and democracy. Reporters need the rule of law to work effectively. When law enforcement and the judiciary are in thrall to organised crime, journalists know that no one will protect them when they dig up stories threatening the interests of criminals or corrupt officials. The consequences are easy to spot in a country like Mexico, where cartel crime goes unreported in huge swaths of the country. Brave reporters who have refused to be cowed have paid with their lives, and cartel-linked killings have had the intended effect of silencing others. In fact, most Mexican journalists can instinctively identify zones of silence where democracy and transparency perish. In 2013, the United Nations sought to bring global attention to the problem by making November 2 the annual International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. My organisation supports this effort with our yearly Global Impunity Index, which shows that democracies like Mexico, Brazil, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines consistently fail to convict journalists killers. Journalists know that democracy and a free press are mutually dependent, and that when reporters are silenced, embezzlement, extortion, and environmental crimes increase. And while many are fighting back, they could use some help. One of the most promising weapons in the struggle against impunity is sanctions. Since 2016, the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act in the United States has authorised the US president to impose visa bans and freeze the assets of foreign nationals suspected of gross human rights violations. Canada enacted its own Magnitsky law in October 2017, while Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and the United Kingdom have introduced similar measures. But enacting a law is not the same as using it. With the exception of several individuals implicated in the 2004 murder of Forbes editor Paul Klebnikov in Moscow, Magnitsky-type laws have not been widely deployed in the defence of journalists. Governments committed to upholding democracy should not hesitate to use the tools at their disposal to protect those who risk their lives defending free speech. Governments in Europe, in particular, have a responsibility to ensure that national and EU-level commitments are upheld. Press-freedom organisations can also do more to end impunity. In Mexico, for example, CPJ worked with reporters and advocacy groups to lobby the national government to treat attacks on journalists as federal offenses and to bypass state-level law enforcement agencies when corruption is suspected. The federal government responded by creating the Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes Against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE). Still, a lack of funding for the prosecutors office is threatening to reverse its modest gains. The incoming government of President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador can tackle the impunity problem, but only if FEADLE is fully resourced. As governments dither, journalists are defending themselves the best way they know how: with journalism. The collective response to the deaths of Caruana Galizia and Kuciak illustrates this well. Both were members of international investigative networks, and today, those groups are following the leads and finishing the stories that murder interrupted. The message to would-be assassins is simple: killing reporters will not kill the story. Robert Mahoney is Deputy Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2018. www.project-syndicate.org ICS and BIMCO laud IMOs progress on environmental issues Both BIMCO and the ICS has welcomed significant progress made on some key environmental issues at last weeks MEPC meeting. ICS Chairman, Esben Poulsson, commented: While attention was rightly focused on preparations for the 2020 sulfur cap, IMO also made very good progress towards implementing the ambitious GHG reduction strategy agreed in April, adopting an action plan for the development of short term measures that will deliver additional CO 2 reductions before 2023, plus longer term measures that will eventually achieve full de-carbonisation of international shipping. ICS was particularly pleased that IMO member states did not seek to reopen the historic agreement or the CO 2 reduction targets previously agreed and that governments, in partnership with industry, are totally committed to making the GHG strategy a success. We were very pleased by the constructive role taken by China, whose proposals for organising future work formed a key part of the agreed IMO Action Plan,Poulsson said. While no concrete decisions were taken on specific new CO 2 reduction measures, ICS noted broad support for the industrys proposals for mandatory auditing of Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans the Super SEEMP and further improvements to the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for future ships. Both are measures which ICS claimed can be adopted very quickly. ICS said there was growing understanding amongst IMO members about the serious problems associated with ideas, such as publishing mandatory operational efficiency indicators or adopting mandatory speed limits (as opposed to speed optimisation measures), due to the potential for seriously distorting shipping markets and disrupting the efficiency of global trade. However, discussions on these ideas will continue at IMO next year. Poulsson added: With the action plan agreed by IMO last week, the way is now clear to make detailed proposals for specific CO 2 reduction measures at the next MEPC in May. In co-operation with other industry associations ICS intends to come forward with detailed ideas, potentially including new and innovative measures for long term CO 2 reduction and the development of zero CO 2 fuels. ICS also welcomed the adoption by IMO this week of guidelines on implementation of the global 0.5% sulfur in fuel cap, which takes effect on 1st January, 2020, including a template for implementation planning as requested by the industry. Also welcomed was confirmation of the carriage ban of non-compliant fuel, which will take effect on 1st March, 2020, which was also proposed by the industry in order to give governments an additional tool to ensure a level playing field. The commitment of ICS to full implementation in 2020 is demonstrated by the guidance on preparing for compliance which ICS recently distributed to shipowners, which we tabled at the MEPC last week and was well received, said Poulsson. In view of the enormity of this major change its likely therell be some teething problems immediately before and after 1st January, 2020. Many industry associations, including ICS, have raised legitimate concerns about fuel availability, safety and compatibility of new fuels a particular problem for those in the tramp trades. But if shipowners can demonstrate in good faith that theyve done everything possible to follow an implementation plan in line with the template IMO has now adopted we hope that common sense will prevail in the event that safe and compliant fuels are not immediately available everywhere,he said. There were still numerous complex issues that need addressing urgently by IMO, both at the MEPC next May and by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in December to which the industry has already submitted a detailed paper calling on governments to better enforce fuel quality, especially as shipping companies will have to start ordering compliant fuels, including new blends, from the middle of next year. But ICS is confident the sulfur cap will ultimately be a great success bringing real health and environmental benefits to coastal populations, which is what this major regulatory change is all about, Poulsson concluded. BIMCO expressed satisfaction with several developments at MEPC 73. Two key developments were the adoption of the ban from 1st March, 2020 on carriage of non-compliant fuel and the compromise reached on collecting data from the world fleet on fuel oil non-availability and quality without any delay in the implementation of the 2020 sulfur rules. We are overall very satisfied with the outcome of MEPC 73. The industry retains a fixed implementation date, which is important, while we at the same time address the safety concerns, said Lars Robert Pedersen, BIMCO deputy secretary general. IMO asked for proposals to establish necessary additions to the Global Integrated Shipping Information system (GISIS) to incorporate data from the experience ships gain on fuel oil availability and fuel quality. In BIMCO we will work diligently to craft proposals that will enable the shipping industry to harvest experience to reduce the risk of safety issues, Pedersen said. Work is already underway amongst interested parties who met during the MEPC meeting to sketch out the necessary elements that need to be addressed in a new proposal to IMO. BIMCO has also been an advocate of a carriage ban of non-compliant fuel (unless the ship has a scrubber) and was also pleased to see it adopted with a start date of 1st March 2020. A carriage ban on non compliant fuel is critical in order for the member states to be able to enforce the sulfur regulation, Pedersen added. Markets---Owners in the driving seat Strong volumes over time, combined with a typhoon or two, have worked wonders for VLCC market sentiment. MEG/East reached the WS100 mark with WAfrica/East coming just below. This has pushed earnings close to $50,000 per day, levels not seen for a long time, Fearnleys reported. Owners were firmly in the driving seat as volumes for almost all the major VLCC routes continued to be active whilst tonnage availability in the near term appeared to be thinner than seen for a long time. However, risks to the upside for rates prevail. As for Suezmaxes, the upward momentum in the West African market plateaued at the back end of last week as activity tailed off at the end of the 2nd decade. Meanwhile, the Med and Black Sea market sentiment remained firm on the back of inclement weather in the UK/Cont and Med regions, delaying ships and causing replacement business at inflated rates over last fixed. Owners were reluctant to fix ships to the Far East thus potentially missing out on continued market upside with the result that premium rates were insisted upon for east destinations further driving rates upwards. We are entering the period where Black Sea delays tend to increase and that should keep this market moving in the coming weeks. Aframax rates in the North Sea and Baltic saw a small downward correction at the beginning of this week, mainly due to lack of activity. Some owners accepted lower rates to minimise waiting days to their vessels. However, surrounding markets offering an alternative combined with bad weather in the area gave owners sound negotiation power and rates were again firming. In the Med and Black Sea, we have seen a bit of a roller coaster this week. Everyone expected the market to come off, due to more ships available in the area coupled with cargo dates that had been worked quite far forward. We saw WS165 done for both cross-Med and BlackSea/Med. But then the bad weather arrived, resulting in a lot of closed ports and uncertain positions. This pushed the market back up at WS180. Fearnleys believed that the market will remain around the current levels for the rest of the week. In a boost to US crude exports, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority has signed an agreement with the Carlyle Group to develop a crude oil export terminal on Harbor Island. This will be the first onshore location in the US capable of handling fully-laden VLCCs. Under the terms of the agreement, the port will work with Carlyle to bring together oil producers, marketers, pipeline operators and marine terminal operators. Carlyle has agreed to lead the construction and ongoing operations of the terminal on an exclusive basis. The company will arrange for private funding for a dredging project to bring fully-laden VLCCs to Harbor Island, making the main channel at least 75 ft deep. The terminal will include at least two loading berths on Harbor Island, as well as crude oil tank storage inland across Redfish Bay on land secured by Carlyle. The project is still subject to agreement on definitive documentation between the parties, satisfactory completion of due diligence and final approval from Carlyles investment committee. The terminal is expected to be operational by late 2020. In the charter market, brokers reported that Mercuria had fixed the 2018 VLCC Maria P Lemos for 12 months at $31,500 per day, while Solal took the 2010-built LR2 Gstad Grace for 12 months at $15,000 per day and Vitol reportedly fixed the 2009-built LR2 Ohio for 12 months at $14,750 per day. In a finance deal, Shandong Shipping has purchased five 2012-2013-built VLCCs and four 2009-2010-built Aframaxes from Brightoil on a bareboat charter back basis. BP has reportedly sold three 2006-built Aframaxes to Union Maritime for $13.7 mill each, while Transocean Maritime was said to have purchased the 2010-built MR Pacific Vega for $16.35 mill. Eastern Pacific was said to have ordered two Aframaxes at Hanjin Subic for $50 mill each for 2020 deliveries. They will be scrubber fitted to Tier III. In addition the company has declared options for two more MRs at Onomichi for 2020 deliveries, plus 20,000 dwt stainless steel chemical tankers in Japanese yards. Skangas to supply LNG to Gothia Tanker Alliance tankers Skangas is to supply LNG as fuel to companies within the Gothia Tanker Alliance. This new agreement comprises current as well as new vessels with LNG propulsion soon to come. The main Swedish shipping companies that will sign up to the supply agreement with Skangas are Furetank Rederi, Erik Thun and Rederi AB Alvtank. These shipping companies have invested in six new LNG fuelled vessels and together with the existing Fure West they are all jointly operated by the Gothia Tanker Alliance. Investing in LNG fuelled vessels contributes along these lines, explained Lars Hoglund, Furetank managing director. For newbuilds we focus on energy efficiency and innovations. Together with our choice of cleaner fuel we are experiencing a major reduction in our CO2 emissions, not to forget the reductions in particulate matters and NOX. The delivery chain consists of trailer trucks, extensively being used for bunkering operations in ports, bunkering from terminals, as well as Skangass bunker vessel Coralius. Bunkering ship-to-ship by Coralius may take place at an anchorage off Gothenburg in Sweden, off Skaw in Denmark, offshore Norway or in ports during cargo operations. Skangas is very happy with the agreement and to continue our relationship with Furetank and the rest of the Gothia Tanker Alliance, said Tommy Mattila, Director Sales and Marketing, Skangas. Being trusted to supply LNG also for the future vessels is a confirmation that we are delivering as expected. We will continue investing and improving to meet shipowners demands and expectations. Minister of Social Solidarity Ghada Wali ordered on Saturday EGP 100,000 compensation for the families of those killed in the terror attack on a bus carrying Coptic Christians to Saint Samuel the Confessor monastery in Upper Egypt's Minya on Friday. The minister also ordered EGP 50,000 compensation for all victims who were seriously injuried and EGP 2000 for all others injured in the attack. The terror attack killed seven Copts and left 10 injured. Minister Wali and Minister of Health Hala Zayed visited the injured victims at Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Cairo's 6th October district early today. All the injured were first transported to local Minya hospitals before some were transported to Sheikh Zayed hospital. Minister Zayed said in brief statements on Saturday to state TV that all injured victims conditions are stable. She added that some of the injured have undergone surgeries and will be released soon from the hospital. Meanwhile, Wali stressed that her ministry is following up with the victims families to ensure that all their needs are met. Security forces are currently searching for the unknown gunmen who carried out the terror attack. Egypts prosecutor-general Nabil Sadek has opened an investigation into the attack. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's Coptic Pope Tawadros II sent a message of faith and hope and a prayer for peace and unity in a short video following the Minya terror bus attack which left seven dead and ten others injured. "On this day, we are suffering to see a number of our sons killed and wounded on their way to the Saint Samuel the Confessor monastery," he said. On the hope of the resurrection we bid farewell to them and know that God controls all events in all our lives." Tawadros II extended his condolences to the families of the martyrs and also his support to the families of the wounded. He also thanked Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, who earlier conveyed his condolences to the families of all the martyrs. He also thanked all ministers, especially Minister of Health Hala Zayed and Minister of Social Solidarity Ghada Wali, for providing health and social care for the victims. Wali said that the ministry will provide EGP 100,000 to the families of the deceased, along with EGP 50,000 for those with serious injuries and EGP 2,000 for all those injured in the incident. Tawadros II highlighted that he is in constant contact with the Bishops of Minya, Sohag, and the monastery to provide all the needs for the families of the martyrs. "We know that such events do not only affect us as Christians, but they affect the entire Egyptian society and we know that the most precious thing we have is our unity and our cohesion," he said. "We pray for the martyrs and for the injured, and for the safety and peace of our country. We pray for the perpetrators who are used to such incidents that cause grief, pain, and distress," he concluded. Search Keywords: Short link: Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, November 3, 2018 10:00 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a71b8a 4 Entertainment Dara-Puspita,Falcon-Pictures,biopic,film,music,band Free The story of Dara Puspita, an Indonesian all-female band that was famous in the 1960s, is set to be made into a biopic by production house Falcon Pictures. Falcon Pictures producer Frederica said she believed the Surabaya-based band's story deserved to be told on the big screen. We think its important, especially because at that time they were the only Indonesian all-female band that performed in dozens of European cities, Frederica told tempo.co. Expected to be released in 2020, the production house is currently still conducting research. Their story will be very inspiring, said Frederica, who expressed optimism the film would set a new trend in the industry, which she said lacked films about local musicians. Read also: Legendary all-female band Dara Puspita back in recording studio The band has reportedly given consent for the adaptation. Drummer Titiek Hamzah also expressed hope the film would show the band's stories and struggles. "It needs to represent what a musician's journey is like," she said. The journey of Dara Puspita began from the 1960s to the early 1970s. In 1965, they became the opening act for legendary band Koes Bersaudara under the name Irama Puspita. Among their popular tracks were A Go Go, Burung Kakaktua and Tanah Airku. (wir/wng) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bernadette Carreon (Agence France-Presse) Koror, Palau Sat, November 3, 2018 06:06 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a6ee30 2 Environment Palau,sunscreen,coral-reefs,pollution,conservation Free The tiny Pacific island nation of Palau will ban "reef-toxic" sunscreens from 2020 in what it claims is a world-first initiative to stop chemical pollution killing its famed corals. Palau, which lies in the western Pacific about halfway between Australia and Japan, is regarded as one of the world's best diving destinations, but the government is concerned its popularity is coming at a cost. A spokesman for President Tommy Remengesau said there was scientific evidence that the chemicals found in most sunscreens are toxic to corals, even in minute doses. He said Palau's dive sites typically hosted about four boats an hour packed with tourists, leading to concerns a build-up of chemicals could see the reefs reach tipping point. "On any given day that equates to gallons of sunscreen going into the ocean in Palau's famous dive spots and snorkeling places," he told AFP. "We're just looking at what we can do to prevent pollution getting into the environment." The government has passed a law banning "reef-toxic" sunscreen from January 1, 2020. Anyone importing or selling banned sunscreen from that date faces a $1,000 fine, while tourists who bring it into the country will have it confiscated. "The power to confiscate sunscreens should be enough to deter their non-commercial use, and these provisions walk a smart balance between educating tourists and scaring them away," Remengesau told parliament after the bill passed last week. Read also: Attempting to protect sea life, Hawaii bans popular sunscreen brands - Environmental pioneer - The US state of Hawaii announced a ban on reef toxic sunscreens in May this year, but it does not come into force until 2021, a year after Palau's. The Palau ban relates to sunscreens containing chemicals including oxybenzone, octocrylene and parabens, which covers most major brands. Palau has long been a pioneer in marine protection, introducing the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, in a move that has been widely imitated. It has also banned commercial fishing from its waters and last year introduced the "Palau Pledge" requiring international visitors to sign a promise stamped into their passport that they will respect the environment. Craig Downs, executive director at the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory in Hawaii, said other nations would be watching Palau's move closely. "It's the first country to ban these chemicals from tourism. I think it's great, they're being proactive," he said. "They don't want to be like Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, where they've had to shut down beaches. The coral reefs around those beaches have died." Downs said there were numerous scientific papers pointing to a link between sunscreen chemicals and coral reef degradation. "What we're saying is that where there are lots of tourists getting in the water, sunscreen pollution can have a detrimental effect on nearby coral reefs, as far as five kilometers (3.1 miles) away," he said. Downs called on sunscreen manufacturers to "step up and innovate", saying the chemicals used for UV protection had been largely unchanged for 50 years. He said there were some sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that were not reef toxic but added: "The other alternative we've been pushing is sunwear -- cover up, wear a sunshirt." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Aman Rochman (The Jakarta Post) Malang, East Java Sun, November 4, 2018 05:06 1112 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a87709 1 Food Pipiet-Fardiman,Maartje-Hogenes,SMK-2-Malang Free There was a strong aroma of warm cakes coming from a classroom where a brunette woman was teaching a class how to make biscuits and tartlets. The classroom was a kitchen studio at SMK 2 vocational school in Malang, East Java, where Netherlands-based chefs Maartje Hogenes and Pipiet Fardiman were guest teachers. On Oct. 28, the chefs shared insights on how to cook European cuisine according to good standards with five-star presentation. Maartje and Pipiet are teachers from MBO College Centrum ROC in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. They are on a world culinary tour to promote traditional Indonesian food, and they have spent a week teaching at vocational schools in Malang and Sidoarjo, East Java. Pipiet was born in Bandung, West Java, but she and her family moved to the Netherlands in the late 1980s. A graduate of ROC Hotel School in Amsterdam, Pipiet has a culinary career that spans nearly 30 years, according to her website. Chef Pipiet Fardiman from Amsterdam's MBO College Centrum ROC shows a food catalog she created. (JP/Aman Rochman) Pipiet has also toured the globe to cook and conduct classes, including in Wakayama, Japan. Meanwhile, for chef Maartje it was her first visit to vocational schools in East Java, where she taught about good hygiene as a crucial part of producing healthy, delicious and well-presented dishes. Chef Pipiet told The Jakarta Post that apart from Indonesian food being popular in Holland, there had also been a growing demand for halal food. She also highlights that jengkol (dogfruit) was a common item found in restaurants in Holland. Dont get me wrong, but jengkol is a known item in Holland. [Jengkol-based dishes are] presented neatly according to five-star hotel standard, said Pipiet. Read also: Food tourism rises as new trend in travel SMK 2 Malang vocational school welcomes chefs Maartje Hogenes and Pipiet Fardiman as guest lecturers. (JP/Aman Rochman) Lidya Ayu, a sophomore at SMK 2, said attending the class with chefs Maartje and Pipiet was a valuable experience. She said that she had learned a lot about cleanliness and cooking preparations. The most important thing is that weve become more enthusiastic about exploring traditional food and pastries using the [higher] standards that they taught us, said Lidya. (mut) The Sunan Hotel Solo in Surakarta, Central Java, is currently hosting Diffable Painting Exhibition by Ivan Ufuq Isfahan until Nov. 13. The exhibition showcases 30 elephant paintings by Ivan as well as elephant print scarves. The paintings are available for purchase at Rp 1,500,000 (US$99.20), while the scarves are on offer with a starting price of Rp 750,000. The works focus on elephants as some of the proceeds from the paintings and scarves sales will be donated to elephant and rhinoceros conservation programs. Ivan is the son of activist/painter Dewi Candraningrum. At the tender age of 18 months, he was diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability. Dewi then took Ivan to various therapies, including speech and behavioral therapy. Read also: Surakarta's old manuscript exhibition highlights importance of digitization Dewi said Ivan began to draw at the age of 3. At 18 months old, Ivan already knew how to hold a pencil. Before turning 3, he started to draw everything he saw. Anywhere, anytime, said Dewi. Ivan has so far created more than 500 paintings. His paintings feature any objects he has seen directly or via television, varying from scenery, traffic jams, animals to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ivan's paintings are characterized by uneven strokes and pure vivid colors. The latter is known as fauvism style. Previously, Ivan had also exhibited his works in Bentara Budaya Balai Soedjatmoko cultural space in Surakarta, Hotel Majapahit in Surabaya, East Java, and Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) in Central Jakarta. (jes/wng) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Im Eun-byel (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network) Sun, November 4, 2018 01:03 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a86ad8 2 Food grape,shine-muscat,South-Korea,fruit Free A new grape variety called shine muscat is an increasingly popular choice on South Korean dinner tables. Shine muscat is distinguished by its unique taste, which includes mango flavors. The yellow-green berries carry a musky flavor, but without much sourness. The variety is more expensive than others in Korea. E-commerce platform E-mart Mall sells the grapes for 1,890 won ($1.68) per 100 grams, while green grapes imported from the US cost 770 won per 100 grams. Read also: Fruit picking grows in popularity among foreign visitors to Japan According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute, shine muscat was first harvested in Korea in 2014. The acreage dedicated to the variety has been increasing every year, from 2.78 square kilometers in 2016, to 4.84 square kilometers in 2017 and 9.63 square kilometers this year. More than 80 percent of the farms are in North Gyeongsang Province. Shine Muscat has been riding on the social media wave, too. As of Friday, around 14,000 posts, with the hashtag Shine Muscat in Korean, have been uploaded to Instagram. 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 Sat, November 3, 2018 13:09 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a7ceb4 4 Lifestyle architecture,RAW-Architecture,awards,school,building,Alfa-Omega,World-Architecture-Festival Free Indonesian firm RAW Architecture has been nominated for a prize in the school building category of the World Architecture Festival 2018. The nominated work is the Learning and Teaching Center (PKBM) Alfa Omega located in Salembaran, Tangerang, Banten. In the school building category, RAW Architectures building will compete with nine others located in Australia, Iran, Singapore, Morocco, Japan, the United Kingdom and China. RAW Architectures lead architect, Realrich Sjarief, told kompas.com that Alfa Omega stood below the ground level and was susceptible to floods. So, we made some innovations that the World Architecture Festival committee might have found unique, he said. Read also: Meanings behind architecture of traditional Betawi houses Realrich hopes this nomination can help promote Indonesian architects at the international level. Some of the judges are famous architects. It can help boost exposure of Indonesian architects, he said. He added that this event could introduce local bamboo from Bogor and Sumedang as a building material. Bamboos flexibility is said to have the ability to strengthen a buildings structure and requires minimal upkeep. In total, 530 projects from 57 countries were nominated at the festival. Other categories include offices, residential buildings and experimental design. The selection phase will be held in Amsterdam on Nov. 29. (iru/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, November 3, 2018 15:03 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a7fc40 1 Food tea,tea-brewing,Competition,jakarta,Association-of-Indonesian-Specialty-Tea Free Tea lovers, get ready for the very first tea brewing competition in Indonesia. The Indonesia Tea Brewing Competition is slated to be held on Nov. 23-24 at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, by the Association of Indonesia Specialty Tea (AISTea). Tea masters from various tea plantations throughout Indonesia, tea specialists, chefs and culinary experts will act as judges in the competition. AISTeas public relations and tea sommelier, Ratna Somantri, said in a statement that each contestant would receive a set of teas consisting of specialty tea, which is a quality tea with unique characters from assorted plantations in Indonesia. These plantations are located in provinces such as Bengkulu, West Sumatra, Banten, West Java, Central Java and Bali. Read also: Jakpost guide to tea places AISTea is an association in which special tea enthusiasts in Indonesia can exchange information, collaborate, promote and expand the specialty tea market. Ratna said even though Indonesia had various specialty tea plantations with distinct individuality, Indonesian specialty tea was not considered renowned in the publics eyes. Through AISTea, we want to show that tea from tea plantations in our homeland are also of high quality, she said. There are two categories in this competition, namely Classic Hot Tea Brewing and Creative Tea Brewing or Tea Mixologist. Registration is open to the public from Oct. 17 to Nov. 14, with a fee of Rp 100,000 (US$6.5). Winners of each category will receive prize money of Rp 5 million ($328), Rp 2 million, and Rp 1 million for first, second, and third place, respectively. (iru/wng) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Wendell Roelf (Reuters) Cape Town, South Africa Sat, November 3, 2018 18:04 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a82dde 2 Environment urine,South-Africa,environment,eco-friendly,Cape-Town Free South African researchers say they have made bricks using human urine in a natural process involving colonies of bacteria, which could one day help reduce global warming emissions by finding a productive use for the ultimate waste product. The grey bricks are produced in a lab over eight days using urine, calcium, sand and bacteria. Fertilizers are also produced during the processes. And no, the bricks do not smell. The bricks are made using urea a chemical found naturally in urine and also synthesized around the world to make fertilizer. The process of growing bricks from urea has been tested in the United States with synthetic solutions, but the new brick uses real human urine for the first time, the researchers said. We literally pee this away every day and flush it through the sewer networks, said Dyllon Randall, a senior lecturer at the University of Cape Towns civil engineering department who is part of the team that developed the brick. Why not recover this instead and make multiple products? Read also: Japan to trial 'world's first urine test' to spot cancer The bio-bricks are created through a process called microbial induced carbonate precipitation, which is similar to the process that naturally produces coral reefs. Loose sand is colonized with bacteria that produce the enzyme urease. The enzyme breaks down the urea in urine, while producing the rocky substance calcium carbonate through a complex chemical reaction. A brick or column of any shape can be made. The bricks are formed at room temperature, cutting the harmful carbon dioxide emitted when making regular bricks that are kiln-fired. One obstacle preventing mass production: the bricks use huge amounts of pee. To make a single brick requires about 20 liters of urine - a couple of weeks worth of wee for a typical adult. So, I get it from the boys bathroom opposite the laboratory. I put a little sign up and all the university boys contribute to my research, said Suzanne Lambert, who proved the concept for the research by making the first brick. I definitely see commercialization in the next decade or two, but there is still a lot of lab work to be done, she said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Todd Shields and Michelle Fay Cortez (Bloomberg) Sat, November 3, 2018 21:03 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a847bb 2 Health study,mobile-phones,tumor,health,#health,technology Free Researchers found a link between mobile phone radiation and cancerous tumors in rats, adding to the ongoing inquiry into whether the devices pose a risk to users even as officials cautioned against extrapolating the results to humans. There is clear evidence that male rats exposed to high levels of radio frequency radiation used in mobile phones developed cancerous heart tumors, the U.S. National Toxicology Program said in releasing a final report summarizing a 10-year study. Scientists found some evidence of the link when they released a draft report in February. The change followed a peer review. The change from some evidence to clear evidence reflects increased confidence that the cancer observed in male rats was associated with exposure to radio frequency radiation, John Bucher, a senior scientist at the toxicology program, said in an email. NTP considers either category a positive finding of cancer. In studies, rodents received radiation across their whole bodies, and at higher exposures and greater duration than what people experience, he said. The exposures used in the studies cannot be compared directly to the exposure that humans experience when using a cell phone, Bucher said in a news release. The Food and Drug Administration, which monitors radiation-emitting devices, said it agreed the findings shouldnt be applied to human cellphone use. We disagree, however, with the conclusions of their final report regarding clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in rodents, Jeffrey Shuren, director of the FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a news release. The study used extremely high levels throughout the entire body and inexplicably found that exposed rats lived longer than those who didnt experience any radiation, Shuren said. The controversial heart tumors, known as schwannomas, were only seen in male rats, and the risks of harm didnt increase along with the dose of radiation, as experts might have expected, he said. The study was not designed to test the safety of cell phone use in humans, so we cannot draw conclusions about the risks of cell phone use from it, Shuren said. Read also: Chinese woman uses phone for 20 straight hours, suffers stroke Joel Moskowitz, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, said the study should be taken extremely seriously. These results provide conclusive evidence that cell phone radiation can cause cancer, Moskowitz said. We should all be concerned about our exposure to cell phone radiation. It now becomes a question of how much and what types of exposure to cell phone is safe. For the study, male rats were exposed to high levels of radio frequency radiation like that used in 2G and 3G cell service -- technology that hasnt been completely replaced as the industry moves to 4G and beyond. Scientists also studied radiation effects on female rats and mice, and found equivocal evidence as to whether cancers observed were associated with exposure. The studies didnt investigate radiation used for Wi-Fi or the 5G networks that phone companies are racing to develop. The National Toxicology Program is an inter-agency program headquartered at the National Institutes of Health. Asked about his own phone usage, Bucher said, If Im making a short call I have absolutely no hesitation at all in picking up the phone and using it in a traditional manner. But, he said, if on a long call, I tend to just think about using ear buds or some other way of increasing the distance between the cell phone and my body. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission issues radiation exposure guidelines that are based on heat, and the finding that radiation harmed rats means those FCC standards are "obsolete, said Moskowitz, the Berkeley professor. The FDA disagreed. The current safety limits for cell phone radiofrequency energy exposure remain acceptable for protecting the public health, said Shuren, the Food and Drug Administration official. Tina Pelkey, a FCC spokeswoman, said, Scientific evidence always informs FCC rules on these issues, and we will continue to follow all recommendations from federal health and safety experts. CTIA, a trade group for mobile carriers including AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., said in an email that carriers follow the guidance of experts when it comes to cell phones and health effects. We note NTPs own assessment that todays report cannot be extrapolated to human cell phone usage, and the Food and Drug Administrations concurrence, a spokesman for the trade group said. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi affirmed in a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt's firm stance of supporting a two-state solution as part of a just and comrehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement. El-Sisi also stressed the importance of "coordinating with the Palesrtinian brothers in order to push forward Palestinian national reconciliation to reach peace," Rady added. Meanwhile, the Palestinian president expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Egypt's historic, sincere and consistent efforts in supporting the Palestinian cause in order to reach a just and comprehensive solution. President Abbas is leading a high-level delegation for the opening of the 2nd World Youth Forum (WYF) in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. The WYF is set to be held from 3 to 6 November under the auspices of President El-Sisi. Delegations from around the world started arriving Wednesday to Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport ahead of the WYF. Some 5,000 young people, journalists, public figures, and officials from more than 50 countries across the world are set to participate in this year's edition of the forum. The meeting between both presidents was attended by a Palestinain delegation as well as Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Head of General Intelligence Abbas Kamel. El-Sisi and Abbas discussed Palestinian national reconciliation in the light of recent developments in the Palestinian issue, said Rady. The spokesman stated that El-Sisi affirmed the Egyptian stance on the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. El-Sisi stressed to the Palestinian president Egypt's keenness to support the Palestinian efforts to reclaim the rights of the Palestinian people. Rady added that the two presidents agreed during the meeting to continue intensive consultations in exerting efforts to unify the Palestinian fractions, according to the reconciliation agreement concluded in October 2017, which will contribute to achieving an independent and more stable state. Search Keywords: Short link: Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Theresia Sufa (The Jakarta Post) Bogor, West Java Sun, November 4, 2018 06:09 1112 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a87de8 1 Art & Culture Sundanese,theater,bogor,West-Java,art,language Free The Kopi Cucunguk theatrical performance was staged by Sanggar Prabu in Kemuning Gading Building, Bogor on Oct. 20. The show was staged in four one-hour sessions, to an audience of over 2500 middle and high school students from Bogor. Kopi Cucunguk (Sundanese for cockroach coffee) tells of the daily life of Sarkim, an honest but lazy man whose debt was so huge that he couldn't afford to buy a cup of coffee. Wanting to teach him a lesson, his wife Omoh made him a cup of coffee made from cucunguk so he would do some work. Cockroach characters as the ingredient for Sarkim's coffee. (JP/Theresia Sufa) The show was staged in the Sundanese language in the hope of preserving its culture, as Sundanese language teachers in Bogor felt the language was at risk of being lost. Read also: Sundanese artists perform at Idul Fitri celebration in London Dede Muchlis, head of Sanggar Prabu, told The Jakarta Post that the show was created after complaints from teachers. The curriculum required them to give marks on a Sundanese play presented by students, yet both the teachers and students felt they didn't have adequate knowledge on the subject. "We listened to the complaints and finally we created a play as a reference for the teachers and students. We incorporated Sundanese language into the play, to make it easier for the students to learn," he added. The simple narrative and humorous dialogue in the play resulted in resounding laughter from the audience throughout the whole performance. Syahlan Rasidi, head of Bogor's Culture and Tourism Board expressed hope that the students who watched the performance could take home the knowledge and that the traditional theater could broaden their insights. (wng) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, November 3, 2018 09:06 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a71357 1 Business Alibaba,Indonesia-Pavilion,Tmall-Global,11-11-Global-Shopping-Festival Free Alibaba launched on Friday Pavilion Indonesia via the Tmall Global platform to showcase popular Indonesian products ahead of the 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, the world largest shopping festival, on Nov. 11. Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun and TMall public affairs general manager Ryan Wang officially launched Indonesia Pavilion in a ceremony at Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai, while President Joko Jokowi Widodo delivered his message through a video broadcast at the pavilion. Indonesia is not only well-known with its rich and beautiful natural resources, but it is also well- known for being a country that produces high-quality products, Jokowi said in his message as quoted in a press statement. According to the statement, the launch of the pavilion was a result of a discussion between the Indonesian government and Alibaba Group on how Indonesian businesspeople utilize digital technology to penetrate the global market. To start, five products Indomie, Kapal Api, Richeese biscuits, Yan Ty Ty swift nests and Papatonk shrimp crackers are being displayed at the pavilion. The pavilion will remain open after the 11.11 festival and other products will have the opportunity to be displayed there, the statement says, adding that, in addition to displaying Indonesian products, it will also showcase the countrys rich culture and tourist destinations. Ryan Wang said the launch of Pavilion Indonesia was part of Alibabas commitment to provide Indonesia with a platform to showcase their products to Chinese customers. We hope more Indonesian businesspeople will take part in the 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, he added. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Japan News/ANN) Tokyo, Japan Sat, November 3, 2018 20:29 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a83921 2 World #Japan,#AviationSafety,Japan,Japan-Airlines,co-pilot,arrested,alcohol-consumption,drunk Free A Japan Airlines copilot was arrested by British police after he was found to have alcohol levels more than 10 times Britains legal limit immediately before a flight from Londons Heathrow Airport to Tokyos Haneda Airport, the airline announced Thursday. JAL will investigate the case and suspects the male copilot, 42, cheated a pre-flight alcohol test conducted by the company, as it did not detect any abnormalities. According to the the company, the copilot and two captains were supposed to operate JAL Flight 44 scheduled to depart Heathrow at 7 p.m. Sunday local time. However, a bus driver noticed the smell of alcohol while transporting flight crew to airplanes and other destinations and notified a relevant airport official. Police then arrived at the scene, conducted a breath test and arrested the copilot that night when the test revealed a reading of 0.93 milligrams of alcohol per liter of breath about 10 times the limit under British transport safety laws and regulations. Under Japans Road Traffic Law, drivers are considered to be driving under the influence if they have an alcohol-per-liter-of-breath reading of 0.15 milligrams or higher. The copilot was released after taking a blood test at a British police station, but was detained again on Wednesday when the test confirmed his blood alcohol content was 9 times Britains statutory limit. In an interview conducted by JAL just after his release, the copilot said he consumed more than two bottles of wine and more than 1.8 liters of beer by himself at a bar and in a hotel room where he stayed for about six hours until 20 hours before the flight. Under company rules, pilots are prohibited from drinking alcohol within 12 hours before a flight. Drinking is banned more than 12 hours before departure if it could affect ones ability to operate a flight. Before boarding the bus, the copilot and the two captains took a company-administered breath test at JALs Heathrow office. The copilot breathed into a device in front of the two captains but did not test positive for alcohol, according to the airline. When queried about his physical condition, the copilot reportedly said he felt a little sluggish. When asked if he took the breath test properly, he apologized, saying, Im sorry. The device used for the breath test requires users to breathe into its main body. There is no doubt the copilot did not correctly measure his breath, a JAL official said. The two captains said they had not noticed the smell of alcohol or the copilots intoxication, according to the company. The copilot joined JAL in 2000 and has worked as a pilot for about 15 years. Copilots are normally in charge of such tasks as checking meter gauges and conducting external communications, but they sometimes operate aircraft. After the copilots intoxication was detected, Flight 44 was operated by only the two captains and departed at 8:09 p.m. Sunday about an hour behind schedule with 235 passengers onboard. At a press conference Thursday in Tokyo, JAL Director and Senior Management Executive Officer Toshinori Shin said, We feel responsible for failing to detect [the copilots inebriation] through our companys test and that this was reported by a third party. The airline said that within the month, it would start using a new detection device used at Japanese airports at all airports worldwide. Deplorable security issue The incident is deeply deplorable as it may undermine peoples confidence in aviation security, Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Toursim Minister Keiichi Ishii said at a press conference on Friday after a Cabinet meeting. In a separate incident, it was revealed Wednesday that a captain of an ANA Group company was unable to operate a flight due to the influence of alcohol, resulting in delays to five flights. Following these incidents, the transport ministry plans to introduce tougher rules regarding such criteria as alcohol limits for pilot Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gemma Holliani Cahya (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua Sat, November 3, 2018 08:36 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a70e85 4 National palm-oil,farmers,palm-oil-production,commodity-prices,agriculture,sustainability,poverty-alleviation Free Farmers have challenged claims that the palm oil industry has brought prosperity to smallholders and reduced poverty, as millions still struggle to get land ownership documents and earn enough money to meet their basic needs. The chairman of the Bogor-based Oil Palm Smallholders Union, Mansuetus Darto, said the better welfare of farmers and sustainable development goals (SDG) could be achieved when farmers secure their land rights and the government sets a minimum price for fresh fruit bunches (TBS), as well as establishes fairer partnerships with companies. Seventeen million people across Indonesia depended on the palm oil industry, Darto said, while 3 million people were independent farmers that sold their TBS products to middlemen at very low prices, at around Rp 500 (3 US cents) per kilogram, or even less than that. Their lives depend on the TBS price. If [the price] goes down then they would be in poverty, and they will not be able to buy food or meet their basic needs, he said on Friday during a session of the 14th Indonesian Palm Oil Conference. The annual palm oil conference, which was held in Nusa Dua this year, gathered government and palm oil companies to discuss how the industry can contribute to achieving the SDGs and boost prosperity. The government and the Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association claimed that the industry, which is a key feature of the countrys economy, has contributed to the SDGs by reducing the number of people in poverty. According to 2016 data from the Trade Ministry, from 2001 to 2010 the palm oil sector in Indonesia lifted 10 million people out of poverty, of which at least 1.3 million lived in rural areas. It provided an income for 5.3 million workers and supported the livelihood of 21 million people. For the big companies and industries, of course the government has contributed, but for the independent farmers, [the government hasnt done enough]. The farmers are supposed to be the beneficiaries of the SDGs. Industry players and the government must improve the livelihoods of independent farmers, Darto said. This is not the first time that farmers have complained about the lack of effort to improve their welfare. Earlier, farmers in Riau complained that they could not access grants from the Peoples Oil Palm Replanting (PSR) program offered by the Indonesian Oil Palm Estate Fund to renew their aging plants. The Agriculture Ministry has set a target of replanting 185,000 hectares of smallholders oil palm plantations this year. Yet, the realization as of October is less than 5 percent. The Association of Indonesian Oil Palm Farmers secretary for Kuantan Singingi regency, Imrialis, said what the government had done was not enough, as the basic problem for smallholders was that they did not own land. To access the grants, a document on land ownership is required. Imrialis said there were many farmers who planted in areas that were classed as protected forests, industrial forests, customary forests, social forests and peatland. We do want to register with the PSR program, but many of us are not highly educated, so we find it difficult when facing the numerous requirements, especially regarding land verification, he said. In September, President Joko Jokowi Widodo imposed a moratorium on oil palm plantations by signing Presidential Instruction No. 8/2018 that forbids the expansion of oil palm plantations and ordered the Agriculture Ministry to make sure that 20 percent of existing plantations were allocated to smallholders. However, Darto said the figure of 20 percent was very small and not clear enough regarding the farmers welfare. I asked the Agriculture Ministry to give us the exact number of hectares a farmer could get. Because 2 hectares are not enough to support their livelihood. Many farmers dont even have 1 hectare of land. How can they send their children to university if they only have 1 or 2 hectares? he said. Azis Hidayat, the chairman of Secretariat Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO), said what Darto mentioned in the conference was only a small number of cases and does not represent the general condition of smallholders. He has to check whether the factories around the smallholders have already got their ISPO or not. Because if they have got it then Insya Allah [God willing] they will follow our recommendations, and the cases that he mentioned will not happen. We can also trace the supply chains, he said. The ISPO is a policy implemented by the government through the Agriculture Ministry in the palm oil sector that is expected to tackle various problems, such as deforestation, the killing of endangered animals, child labor and pollution. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Sat, November 3 2018 Jakartans have begun to line up to join the administrations latest housing finance scheme, widely dubbed the zero down payment scheme, to buy their first home. They arrived at the citys housing agency on Thursday to apply to buy apartments in Klapa Village in Pondok Kelapa, East Jakarta. A two-bedroom apartment is priced between Rp 180 million (US$12,070) and Rp 310 million, with installment plans of 10, 15 and 20 years. While the financial scheme can work and help many people, Jakartans need a holistic housing policy to have their rights fulfilled. 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 Niken Prathivi (The Jakarta Post) Sepang Sat, November 3, 2018 14:59 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a7ed7f 1 Sports MotoGP,NusantaraJaya,motorcycle,LCRHondaMotorcycle Free Indonesian repair shop Nusantara Motor of Jakarta will have its name on a MotoGP LCR Honda motorcycle after winning the national round of the 2018 Castrol Bikes Super Mechanic Contest. Nusantara Motor will send a mechanic to compete against other mechanics from five other countries in a regional contest in Thailand on Nov. 14 and 15. Castrol Indonesia and the LCR Honda team placed the stickers on the bike on the sidelines of the 2018 Malaysian Grand Prix free practice 3 and qualifying round at the teams paddock in Sepang International Circuit on Saturday. There were three stickers on the 1,000cc Honda motorcycle. Were very happy and proud to have our repair shops name on the bike. Its a privilege that places us on the same level as the teams main sponsors. It really motivates us to do our best in the upcoming [regional] competition, said Nusantara Motor owner Hari Wijaya. Castrol marketing head for Southeast Asia Mark Ng said the stickers placement is in appreciation of the repair shops dedication to its clients. The British oil brand hoped it would motivate other mechanics to up their game. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, November 3, 2018 19:19 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a8311e 4 City rape,rape-culture,Tangerang,police Free A 14-year-old female was reportedly raped by four men in Pangkat village, Jayanti district, Tangerang regency, Banten, a police officer said. She was given wine and when she lost consciousness, they raped her, Cisoka Police chief Adj. Corm. Uka Subakti said as quoted by kompas.comon Saturday. Uka said the incident took place on Wednesday when the girl was supposed to go out for dinner with her friend Andriansyah, 18. However, instead of taking her to dinner, Andriansyah allegedly took the girl to his brothers house in Pangkat village. At the house, three males identified as Amanu, 23, Nahadi, 25 and a 16-year-old boy were waiting for them. The alleged victim was reportedly offered wine, which she declined. However, Uka said the men forced her to drink the offered beverage. When she became drunk, the four males raped her, Uka added. Upon returning home, the alleged victim told her parents about the incident and filed a police report. Police have opened an investigation into the reported rape. The four suspects were arrested at the Pangka village home where the alleged victim said the rape took place. We immediately arrested them, only a few hours after the incident. The suspects are detained at the Cisoka Police station, Uka said. The four suspects said they had watched a pornographic film prior to raping the girl, police claim. (gis) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Sat, November 3 2018 On Oct. 27, 2018, The Jakarta Post published an article (Govt begins to rebuild Central Sulawesi) stating that Australia had pledged A$500,000 to support the humanitarian response in Central Sulawesi. Actually, Australia has pledged a total of A$10.25 million (or approximately Rp 110 billion) to the relief and recovery effort. Australian funding has supported the operations of the Indonesian Red Cross, the supply of tents, tarpaulins, tools to build shelter, water filtration systems and generators, the humanitarian operations of the UN and the Indonesian partners of other NGOs. We have supported the humanitarian operations of Muhammadiyah, Nahdlatul Ulama and the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (PKBI) and, for more than three weeks now, the Australian Air Force has carried relief supplies both from Australia and within Indonesia. Australias assistance will also ensure Indonesia can access the best technical advice on rehabilitating damaged infrastructure and social assistance. As close friends and neighbors, Australia and Indonesia have a long history of helping each other following natural disasters. Australias assistance to the people of Central Sulawesi reflects the great concern and sympathy of Australians toward those affected by this tragedy. 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 Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Surakarta Sat, November 3, 2018 16:09 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a81ffe 1 National surakarta,water-crisis,PDAM,Bengawan-Solo,clean-water Free The city-owned water company of Surakarta (PDAM Surakarta) has struggled to provide clean water for the Central Java city for the past two weeks as rivers are dry and tainted with factory waste. The water company has stopped the operation of its water treatment plants, forcing residents to scramble to buy gallon water jugs as an alternative. As of Saturday, the distribution of water tanks from the water company was still scarce. On Wednesday, we dropped 30 tanks of clean water, today 50 tanks. No permanent solution has been found since the treatment plants ceased production, said PDAM Surakarta spokesperson Bayu Tunggul. He said the company had received complaints from residents because of the stench and yellow-colored water running in their taps. He said it was getting more difficult to treat the river water that had receded due to the dry season. Water sources for Jurug and Jebres water plants are contaminated with textile waste in Samin River in Sukoharjo. Many factories dump their waste into the river. We have reported the issue to the mayor, said Bayu. He said the dry season and pollution had been recurring problems, but this year was the worst, causing water treatment plants to stop producing. Until now, 30 percent out of 59,000 customers are still deprived of clean water supplies, he said. Sayekti, who lives in Jebres district, said his family had started to buy packaged water in gallons and bottles for daily use. More daily expenses [to buy the packaged water]. [PDAM Surakarta] doesnt send water [trucks] every day, while we need it to cook, bathe and drink, he said. Sayekti hoped the water firm could resolve the problem soon, otherwise it was going to be damning for many low-income residents in the area. Aside from Bengawan Solo and Samin, Surakarta also gets water supply from Cokro well in Tulung district, located in the nearby regency of Klaten. We are trying to revive a deep well in the Pedaringan area, in eastern Surakarta, said Bayu. (wit) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riza Roidila Mufti and Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, November 3 2018 An investigation into Lion Air flight JT610, which crashed into the Java Sea earlier this week isprogressing as authorities examine one of two main flight recorders, more commonly known as black boxes, which was retrieved on Thursday morning. The plane, a brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, crashed into the sea off Karawang, West Java, on Monday morning just minutes after taking off from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. Flight JT610, bound for Depati Amir Airport in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands, was carrying 189 people, comprising 181 passengers, two pilots and six crew members. 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 Egypt's army spokesperson Tamer El-Refai said Saturday in a statement on his Facebook page that a fighter jet has crashed during a training sortie in a training area. El-Refai said that the plane crashed due to a technical malfunction in the aircraft's control devices. The spokesperson added that the pilot survived the incident. Search Keywords: Short link: Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Eric Randolph (Agence France-Presse) Tehran, Iran Sat, November 3, 2018 20:48 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a84695 2 World #USA,#Iran,khamenei,Donald-Trump,disgraced,USA,sanctions Free Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that President Donald Trump has "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser from renewing sanctions on the Islamic republic. "This new US president... has disgraced the remnant of America's prestige and that of liberal democracy. America's hard power, that is to say their economic and military power, is declining too," he said on his Persian Twitter account, quoting a speech in Tehran. A defiant Khamenei dismissed the renewed US sanctions -- including an oil embargo -- that take effect on Monday. "The challenge between the US and Iran has lasted for 40 years so far and the US has made various efforts against us: military, economic and media warfare," he said. "There's a key fact here: in this 40-year challenge, the defeated is the US and the victorious is the Islamic republic." Trump announced in May he was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Iran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme. Washington says it wants a new deal with Iran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Tehran. - 'Self-sufficiency' - The renewed sanctions are designed "to paralyse (Iran's) economy and keep it backward. However, it has resulted in encouraging a movement towards self-sufficiency in the country," Khamenei added. "Our youth, across the country, support independence. Some may not be so religious but they are sensitive towards domination by foreigners." On Friday, the US said it would add 700 individuals and entities to its Iran blacklist and push the SWIFT global banking network to cut off Tehran as Washington applies "maximum pressure" to cripple the country's economy. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said eight countries -- believed to include India, Japan and possibly China -- would be given waivers to continue importing Iranian oil in order to avoid upsetting the global crude market, but only on condition they slow their purchases. The reimposition of sanctions "is aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues it uses to spread death and destruction around the world", Pompeo said. "Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran to permanently abandon its well-documented outlaw activities and behave as a normal country." Britain, France, Germany and the European Union strongly condemned the latest actions from Washington in a joint statement, and have vowed to preserve the nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "The JCPOA is a key element of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture and of multilateral diplomacy," they said. "It is crucial for the security of Europe, the region, and the entire world. The JCPOA is working and delivering on its goal." The US wants Iran to withdraw from war-ravaged Syria, where the Shiite clerical regime is a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad, and end longstanding support to regional militant movements Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as Yemen's Huthi rebels. Iran's foreign ministry welcomed the show of support from Europe, saying "the continued life of the JCPOA depends on the success" of their efforts to safeguard trade. The ministry, in a statement, said the US sanctions were a violation of the JCPOA, UN resolutions and "a neglect of humane, moral and ethical values". Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, November 3, 2018 08:06 1113 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877a7077a 4 News drum,drummer,festival,art-and-culture,aceh,percussion Free Two thousand percussionists from local and international groups will perform at the opening of Aceh International Rapai Festival (ACIRAF) 2018, to be held on Nov. 4-7 at Tunas Bangsa Stadium, Lhokseumawe, Aceh. Kompas.com reported that the percussion music festival will be opened by a representative from the Tourism Ministry and acting Aceh governor Nova Iriansyah. Rapa'i is a traditional Aceh percussion instrument, considered to be in the frame drums group. ACIRAF committee head Nazaruddin said the event was among Wonderful Indonesia 2018s 100 events. The festival will carry an Islamic percussion theme with participation from five countries, namely Libya, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Indonesia. Read also: Foreign countries to take part in Aceh's percussion music festival The countries have confirmed their attendance, and currently the preparation is 98 percent complete, he said. We hope this event will be successful and become an annual event in Lhokseumawe, so tourists can include this event in their visiting plan to Aceh. The festival will be held at three locations, which are Tunas Bangsa Stadium, Sudirman Field and Jeuleukat Reservoir. Foreign participants will be treated to a welcoming performance and a tour of the rapai production site in Lhokseumawe. (iru/wng) The first ever real time art exhibition has arrived in Europe, allowing visitors to watch artists create work before their eyes. So far the exhibition has toured Brussels, Berlin and Manchester and is heading to Milan and Paris in November. The exhibition is directed by the world-famous British photographer and director, Rankin, who has organised this global exhibition under the slogan Stir Creativity. In his time, Rankin has photographed the Queen, Madonna, David Bowie, Bjork, to name just a few. Rankin During its time in Berlin, the exhibition was held at a CANVAS Bar, under Potsdamer Platz, in an old underground station. Speaking to dna (Digital News Agency), Rankin said the exhibition was all about encouraging creativity. As well as watching artists create their work, members of the public can also join in, which is what the director wants to encourage. I get very upset when I hear people arent feeling creative because for me Im inspired every single day, and Ive heard this statistic that one in four people feel that theyre not living up to their creative potential, and for me thats really frustrating. The way to actually get creative is to come down to something like this or literally just try and push yourself out there. Paul Schrader, dna Rankin acknowledges that art may not be for everyone, but encourages other forms of creativity such as writing, photography, filming. The CANVAS Bar was supported by Bombay Sapphire Gin and all proceeds went back into the art community, supporting students in the Design Akademie Berlin; a university providing courses for those interested in the creative industry. In the UK, Rankin sees funding for the arts cut everyday, and so wants to do his best to inspire, as well as support those with talent and drive. The Berlin installment featured artists such as Superblast and Olaf Hajek, as well as other new upcoming talent. As well as the blank spaces, members of the public could enjoy workshops with the artists, offering some guidance to inspire their creativity. Where Next? Italy, Milan 14 Nov: Torneria Tortona, iconic design district France, Paris, 15-16 Nov : Rue de Turenne Eve MacDonald, Cardiff University One of the great things about computer games is that anything is possible in the almost endless array of situations on offer, whether they are realistic or fantasy worlds. But it has been reported that gamers are boycotting Total War: Rome II on the grounds of historical accuracy after developers introduced women generals, apparently to please feminists. Zenobia addressing her troops. Giambattista Tiepolo (National Gallery) British Museum , CC BY-NC Cleopatras warlike family Palmyras warrior queen Boudica: Britains greatest warrior queen Thomas Thornycroft , CC BY-SA All this ruin was brought upon the Romans by a woman, the fact which in itself caused them the greatest shame. But while its true that the Romans would not have had female soldiers in their armies, they certainly encountered women in battle and when they did it created quite a stir. The historians of the ancient world recorded tales of impressive female military commanders from across many cultures. In the ancient world, when women did go to war, it was usually reported as a complete reversal of the natural order of things. The ancients believed, as Homers Iliad claimed, that war will be mens business . In the eyes of the (male) contemporary historians, female warriors were aberrations and often remembered as embodiments of the mythical one-breasted Amazons . These legendary warriors were usually portrayed as slightly unhinged women who behaved unnaturally, and symbolised to ancient men at least a world turned on its head.Yet the star-crossed tale of Achilles and the Amazon warrior queen Penthesilea fascinated the ancient chroniclers. Penthesilea, who led her troops to the support of Troy, was the mythical daughter of Ares, the god of war. She was killed in combat by Achilles who then mourned her, falling in love with the warrior queen for her beauty and valour. The moment is captured on a famous 6th-century BC vase now in the British Museum and was represented in text and imagery across classical Greece and Rome. When Artemisia of Caria commanded ships on the side of Persians at the battle of Salamis in 480BC she fought so well that the Persian king Xerxes exclaimed: My men have become women and my women men. It was a world turned upside down according to the Greek historian Herodotus but the soldiers who willingly followed Artemisia into battle could not have thought that way. She must have been skilled and competent and inspired those she commanded.In the Hellenistic period which is generally held to be the period between the death of Alexander the Great in 323BC and the conquest of Egypt by Rome in 31BC women with real power and agency appear in numerous kingdoms across the Eastern Mediterranean. These extraordinary and influential queens often held the keys to power, had personal armies and would not hesitate to go to war. They were the mothers, daughters and sisters of the kings and generals who succeeded Alexander the Great. The fabulous Cleopatra VII best known for her affair with Julius Caesar and marriage to Marc Anthony was the last of a long line of impressive Egyptian queens who went to war. The role of fighting queen had already been well established by her namesakes including Cleopatra Thea and Cleopatra IV . The indomitable Cleopatra Thea held her own in the ruthless world of Hellenistic dynastic chaos as the queen to three Hellenistic kings, while Cleopatra IV, when divorced from one husband, took a personal army with her to her next husband as dowry.Centuries later, Zenobia , queen of Palmyra, took advantage of a period of upheaval in the Near East in the late 3rd century AD to carve a kingdom for herself and her city and it was no coincidence that she connected her ancestry back to the fighting traditions of the Hellenistic Cleopatras. When Zenobia led her armies she did so in the name of her son and took on the Roman emperor Aurelian to protect her city, her region and the interests of her realm. According to the Greek historian Zosimus , Zenobia commanded her troops in battle and people from across the region flocked to her side. Ancient writers were scandalised at the idea of a woman dominating Roman power but she remained a legend across the Middle East in Classical and early Islamic histories.The most iconic of the female warriors from antiquity has to be the Iceni queen Boudica. When Boudica led her rebellion against the Roman occupation of her land in c. AD60, the historian Cassius Dio remembered it thus There is a visceral image that accompanies her name, with long red hair (although Dio says she was blonde) flowing behind as she charges forth in her war chariot. The ancient writers speak of her terrorising the Roman occupants of newly conquered Britannia with her tall stature and fierce eyes. Boudica was viewed by the Roman men who recorded her history as a woman wronged and hell-bent on vengeance. Tacitus, our best source for Boudicas rebellion, claims that the Celtic women of the British Isles and Ireland frequently fought alongside their men. And when wars were about the survival of a kingdom, a family or a home and children, women would fight if they had to, especially when the only other option was slavery or death. So when women took to the field in battle in antiquity it was both astonishing and terrifying for the men who recorded the events and shameful to lose to them. It almost always occurred at times of political chaos and dynastic upheaval, when societys structures loosened and women had to, and could, stand up for themselves. Ancient men did not like to think about having to fight women or having women fight and it still seems to irk some people today. Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. Please check our main navigation pages for other content: Home Page You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Cars pass under toll sensor gantries hanging over the Massachusetts Turnpike, Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, in Newton, Mass. The state Department of Transportation is discussing plans for demolishing the tollbooths as it gets ready to implement an all-electronic tolling system on Interstate 90 which runs the length of the state. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) 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. Although the United States is not officially a nation based primarily on lineage and blood and soil, Germany is. There are apparently more than a few Germans who do not like the idea of sharing their country with non-Germans one bit. At all. The relatively recent influx of mostly non-European immigrants and migrants into Europe has been the single biggest boost to right-wing, reactionary and downright fascist political parties across the continent. As the video below the fold makes clear, as dislike for immigrants becomes more acceptable to vocalize, Nazi sympathizers and actual Nazis successfully shift the Overton window far enough to the right to include some even uglier ideas. Although for obvious historical reasons Europe in general and Germany in particular get most of the media attention for this sort of stuff there are places all over the planet where people make it clear that they aren't overly fond of THOSE people. THOSE people can of course be of any race or ethnicity and could even be (to me) visually indistinguishable from the people yelling for their expulsion. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the idea of Black South Africans chasing down and assaulting Black Nigerian or Black Zimbabwean immigrants or refugees It's important to keep in mind that we're not all the same, we can't all get along, and nations aren't disappearing any time soon. The noxious Steve King had it right when he said that European right-wingers and Nazi sympathizers would be Republicans if they were Americans. I think that most Germans have enough sense not to politically support would-be Nazis. That said though mass immigration from the Third World into Europe will continue to be a politically destabilizing event. LOBAMBA The declaration of a fair and peaceful national elections process is a reality far-removed in some constituencies where corruption is believed to have taken centre-stage. Members of the Ntfonjeni Inkhundla have been relentless in their fight for justice to be served, following, what they deem, the unlawful election of Member of Parliament (MP), Sifiso Somphisi Magagula. A party of disgruntled voters from Ntfonjeni have been strongly contesting Magagulas election. They have boldly stated their disregard for his position as MP, citing that his win was the outcome of corruption which they would neither endorse nor dismiss. One of the Ntfonjeni community members, Simanga Magagula, has been vocal in relaying the sentiments of the people of Ntfonjeni. He said that they would not accept Magagula as their MP. In fact, he stated that they have adopted one MP from one of the nearest constituencies in his place. communicating Magagula, who elected himself into Parliament, should not bother going to our Inkhundla. We have been communicating with another MP because his constituency is close to ours and we liaise with him on matters pertaining to our communities, he said. This faction of voters has vowed to challenge Magagulas seat in Parliament until an order for re-election was issued by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), or until another seat is created in Parliament. Magagula revealed that they had visited the EBC offices four times to lodge their complaints and to request that urgent corrective measures be taken. He said that they had been sent back home on all occasions, on the grounds that they did not have substantial evidence to support these allegations. In a complaint form submitted to EBC, it is alleged that a ballot box was found at Ekujabuleni Primary School Polling Station on the day before the Secondary Elections took place. It states that a group of people, driven by suspicion and shock, then rummaged through it and discovered about 10 ballot papers that had been marked with a cross, per the voting procedure, on Somphisi Magagulas picture. encouraged It is further alleged that the Returning Officer on duty issued ballot papers to voters and encouraged them to vote for the MP in question. Another grievance refers to three buses, two of which are said to belong to MP Magagula, that were used to ferry voters to the polling station. These voters allegedly arrived at 7.45 p.m. 45 minutes after all polling stations were required to be shut down. The aggrieved members said it was alarming that the Returning Officer mandated the voting of these individuals when EBC regulations stipulate that all ballot boxes are to be sealed at 7 p.m. sharp. In response to the complaints form, a response letter from Chief Gija stated that the Commission denied these allegation upon investigating the matter. It was found that the Returning Officer was accompanied by a Royal Eswatini Police Officer and that she had discussed the ballot boxes, which were duly accepted by all, in the presence of the candidates agents and polling staff, including security. ferried The allegations that MP Magagula ferried voters to the polling station were simply referenced Section 77 of the Elections Act 6 of 2013 which provides that a person who directly or indirectly corruptly influences another on their voting decision shall be liable to pay a fine not exceeding E10 000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years in or both. All in all, Chief Gijas response referred the aggrieved Ntfonjeni residents to the Elections Act and, eventually, to the High Court. The closing statement reads: You are advised that the Commission cannot issue such an order because it declamatory in nature, but only the High Court of Eswatini can issue such an order. MBABANE Senator Thulisile Dladla has made history. For the first time in the Kingdom of Eswatini, the minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is a woman. The news were delivered by the Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini yesterday when he revealed the new 20-member Cabinet team. During a press conference held at the Cabinet Offices at exactly 3pm, the premier announced that he would be deputised by Senator Themba Masuku, who also held the same position during the Ninth Parliament. Senator Dladla, when hearing the news from this reporter, was beyond shocked. Stop playing around with me, are you sure, my God! what did the King see in me, said Dladla in her initial reaction. In lists that had been previously circulated on social media, Dladla had been speculated that she would be in charge of the Ministry of Education and Traning. Education Meanwhile, another woman has been appointed Minister of Education and Training and this is Mafutseni MP Lady Howard-Mabuza, a former head teacher. As if the list of Cabinet was being carefully scrutinised, the media was first called to the press conference at noon. However, as the minutes ticked by, Government Spokesperson Percy Simelane advised that the journalists should return to the newsroom and they would be contacted later. In the afternoon, the PM, on who was flanked by Secretary to Cabinet Mbuso Dlamini then announced the 19 members of Cabinet. After the DPMs name was announced, the PM stated that the Finance minister would be appointed MP and businessman Neal Rijkenburg. Rijkenburgs reaction was that he had just received an SMS from an unidentified person informing him of his new position. There is a great task ahead of this administration and I am humbled to do my part, by Gods grace, said Rijkenburg. Meanwhile, all former Cabinet ministers who were members of the 10th Parliament bounced back as ministers although their portfolios were changed. Piggs Peak MP Jabulani Buy Cash Mabuza, who was the minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, is now the minister of Agriculture while former Minister of Agriculture, Moses Vilakati, is now the minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Former minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs David Cruiser Ngcamphalala is now the new minister at the Ministry of Tinkhundla, Administration and Development. Women A total of six women have been appointed Cabinet ministers and the others are Princess Sikhanyiso, who is the minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Princess Lindiwe, who is the Minister of Home Affairs and Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, who is the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The other female is Senator Lizzy Nkosi, who is the Health minister. Appointed MP Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe landed himself the hot seat at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Ndwandwe was previously the under secretary at the Deputy Prime Ministers Office. Meanwhile, former Eswatini Water Services Corporation Managing Director Peter Bhembe is in a field which he is familiar with as he was appointed the new minister of Natural Resources and Energy. Senator Mancoba Khumalo, who was working for Coca-Cola in Ireland, was also appointed into a field which he is familiar with; that is the ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade. Economist Dr Tambo Gina was appointed into the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development while lawyer Makhosi Vilakati, who is LaMgabhi Member of Parliament, has been appointed as the minister of Labour and Social Security. Interestingly too, when Vilakati made his submissions at the Cattle Byre and when the legislators met the King on Wednesday, he spoke about the scholarships which fall under the same ministry which it has been appointed into. Madze Prince Simelane is the new minister of Housing and Urban Development while the Ministry of Public Service will be headed by Shiselweni I MP Christian Ntshangase. Former footbal national team coach and Mbabane East MP Harries Madze Bulunga has been appointed the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs. By Trend The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) received for storage 400.2 kilograms (12,865.2 troy ounces) of gold from Switzerland, the Ministry of Finance of Azerbaijan reported on Nov. 2. As the report noted, the gold mined at the Gadabay deposit, after being refined in Geneva, was handed to the CBA to be deposited by the State Service for Controlling Precious Metals and Precious Stones under the Ministry of Finance. Earlier, the Azerbaijani government received 1,891.7 kilograms of gold bars (60,813.8 troy ounces) of 999.9 fineness. In general, to date 2,291.9 kilograms (73,679 troy ounces) of gold have been transferred to the CBA for storage. The market value of this gold is $91.7 million. Based on a production sharing agreement signed with Azerbaijani government in August 1997, Anglo Asian Mining PLC has the right to develop six fields in Azerbaijan: Gadabay, Ordubad, Gosha Bulag, Gizil Bulag, Vejnali and Soyutlu. The gold produced at the fields is sent to Switzerland for purification. The ingots are delivered to Azerbaijan and are stored in the governments account. By Trend The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group stressed the importance of sustaining a climate of trust for intensive negotiations on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said the statement issued by the co-chairs following their visit to the region. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America), together with the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk, visited the region from 29 October to 2 November. The main purpose of the visit was to discuss the results of the conversation between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan on the margins of the CIS summit in Dushanbe in September, outline next steps in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, and review the overall evolution of the situation on the ground. The Co-Chairs met with Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan on 29 October and with President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on 1 November. In both capitals, they held consultations with the respective foreign ministers and defense ministers. In Baku, the Co-Chairs met with representatives of Azerbaijani communities affected by the conflict. While in the region, the Co-Chairs discussed the situation with representatives from the ICRC and UNHCR. In their meetings with the Co-Chairs, the leaders in both capitals confirmed that the level of violence has fallen significantly since they reaffirmed in Dushanbe their commitment to reduce tensions. In their consultations, the Co-Chairs received additional details about the implementation of the Dushanbe understanding, including with regard to the establishment of direct communication links. The Co-Chairs welcomed these developments, commended the sides for implementing constructive measures in good faith, and expressed support for the leaders readiness to continue their dialogue. The Co-Chairs stressed the importance of sustaining a climate of trust for intensive negotiations on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Foreign Ministers agreed to meet again before the end of the year. The Co-Chairs will soon travel to Vienna to brief the OSCE Permanent Council and the members of the 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. The US Army has punished six people for their roles in a 2017 mission in Niger that resulted in the ambush deaths of four Americans and five allied Nigerien troops, The New York Times reported Saturday. The ambush occurred on October 4, 2017 as a unit of 12 American special forces soldiers and 30 Nigerien troops, returning from a village near the Malian border, were overrun by scores of jihadists. An investigative report released by the Pentagon in May said that while US soldiers had fought bravely and four "died with honor," they had not been properly prepared for the mission. Investigators cited "individual, organizational and institutional failures." Those being disciplined, the Times said Saturday, include Captain Mike Perozeni, the leader of the Green Beret team, as well as his second in command, a master sergeant whose name has been withheld. The paper said a letter of reprimand to Perozeni cited the insufficient training and a lack of mission rehearsals. Two senior officers who approved the mission and oversaw the ill-fated operation were not reprimanded, according to the newspaper. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to an AFP request for confirmation of the report's details. It has been tight-lipped about the nature of the mission in Niger -- the existence of which surprised many Americans. The Times account said Perozeni's Green Beret unit, Team 3212, had headed toward the Niger-Mali border in pursuit of an Islamic State group leader named Doundoun Cheffou. After intelligence located him, an operation was planned against the leader's camp by a helicopter-borne team of American commandos and Nigerien troops, along with Team 3212. But bad weather led to the helicopter mission being canceled. Team 3212 proceeded to the now-empty campsite. It was ambushed by some 50 heavily armed Islamic State fighters while returning to its outpost. The ambush claimed the largest loss of American lives in combat in Africa since the "Black Hawk Down" incident in Somalia in 1993. It also touched off debate about the presence of the 800 American troops in Niger and the larger purpose of the US military in Africa. General Thomas Waldhauser, head of Africa Command, said in May that US forces had since become "far more prudent" in their missions and had beefed up their firepower. Search Keywords: Short link: Greece is one of the top destinations in the world for Israeli tourists Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras referred to the close cooperation between Greece and Israel in his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu here on Friday, on the sidelines of the Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania Summit. According to government sources, in his talks with Netanyahu, Tsipras emphasised the fact that they were able to have constructive discussions both in their meetings in Greece and Israel and in the context of a quadrilateral summit organized in another Balkan country. The Balkans have significant strategic importance and especially the major Eastmed project, on which Greece and Israel are cooperating closely. 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 The US is all set to reinstate sanctions on Iran that removed under the 2015 nuclear deal on November 5. "Sanctions are coming," tweeted US President Donal Trump. It will be the "toughest sanctions regime ever imposed on Iran" and will target Iran's energy, shipping and banking sectors, the White House said. However, eight oil importing states will not be penalised by the US for continuing to import Iranian oil. They include India, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Turkey, A BBC report said. EU states which backed the deal have said they will protect EU firms doing "legitimate" business with Iran, it added. US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in May, describing it as "defective at its core". The US has been gradually re-imposing sanctions since it unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, but analysts say this move is the most important because it targets the core sectors of Iran's economy. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said Iran was unconcerned at the return of sanctions, Reuters reports. The agreement saw Iran limit its controversial nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. | By Mary T. Phelan Patricia Brennan, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI, a pioneer in the development of information systems for patients, was ready to enjoy retirement when she was asked to join the National Library of Medicine (NLM) as its director two years ago, and she has not looked back since. I was well on my way to the lounge chair and the knitting club and then I took this job, Brennan said during her keynote lecture Oct. 11 at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) titled Precision Health and the National Library of Medicine: From Accelerating Discovery to Improving Health and Well-Being. Now, why would someone who was well on her way to nirvana move to Washington? she asked. Well, its a fabulous job. Its an amazing place. But I control the biomedical knowledge of the world. So, by shaping the way we index, curate, distribute research I am able to broaden the conversation from medicine to health. National Library of Medicine Director Patricia Brennan (center, second row) stands with event organizers. The NLM is the worlds largest biomedical library and the producer of digital information services used by scientists, health professionals, and members of the public worldwide. Brennan became its 19th director in August 2016. For more than 35 years, the University of Maryland Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HS/HSL) has been designated as the regional headquarters for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Southeastern/Atlantic region, one of eight regional headquarters in the United States. As a regional headquarters, the HS/HSL serves 1,600 network members throughout the region, working as a field office for the NLM. The lecture centered around the concept of precision medicine, which Brennan described as an approach to patient care that allows providers to pursue treatments most likely to help patients based on the genetic understanding of diseases. I would submit to you that this definition of precision medicine is not complete. It is accurate but not complete, Brennan said. To make precision medicine work, we have to know the person in context. Precision medicine is a new era of health care that will enable treatment to be tailored and prevention to be aligned with people's unique structure, their characteristics, their gene sequence, how they live, where they grew up. Nurses play a critical role in broadening the conversation from precision medicine to precision health, said Brennan, a nurse herself. What is it that nurses know that others might not know? Nurses know about the human response, she said. Nursing is about the diagnosis and treatment of human response to disease, disability, and developmental crisis. We understand pathology. We understand cellular structure. We understand social engagement, but we know about the human response. Nurses also know about the care between the care, what happens between visits. Because people live health every day, and if the NLM is only available at the point of encounter with our health care system, we are failing our patients. To transform precision medicine to precision health, we have to have patients as partners. Were not going make them partners by giving them research papers to read, Brennan added. In introductory remarks, Mary J. Tooey, MLS, AHIP, FMLA, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, executive director of the HS/HSL, and director of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Southeastern/Atlantic Region, was excited about welcoming Brennan, calling her the HS/HSLs unofficial captain. As a health sciences library, and a health sciences librarian, we think of the National Library of Medicine as the mothership, and so I guess that means that Dr. Brennan is our leader, Captain Patty T. Kirk, Tooey quipped. I can't underscore the importance and great fortune of having the National Library of Medicine as the leader and partner of the important work of collecting, organizing, and making biomedical information available in whatever the format, print, digital, and certainly, data. The NLM articulates and sets strategic directions for our profession. Patti Brennan came to the NLM a little more than two years ago, developed a new strategic plan with a cast of thousands, and has health sciences librarians and libraries casting themselves forward into new and exciting places to boldly go where many had never considered going before. So, you can see why our library community is excited to have her here, Tooey said. Joining Tooey in her excitement about Brennans visit to UMSON was Eun-Shin Nahm, PhD'05, RN, FAAN, professor, and director, Nursing Informatics master's speciality, and co-director, Biology and Behavior Across the Lifespan organized research center. She introduced Brennan at the event, calling her a visionary leader in health care informatics and my esteemed mentor. Since assuming her directorship, Brennan has positioned the NLM to be the hub of data science at the National Institutes of Health and a national and international leader in the field, Nahm said. She spearheaded the development of a new strategic plan that envisions NLM as a platform for biomedical discovery and data-powered health," Nahm explained. The NLM is committed to a national network of libraries of medicine made up of 7,000 institutions around the country that extend NLMs reach into everywhere and most importantly into the homes of those who need the health information that we have, Brennan said. And it all began as a small bookshelf in a hospital in the 1830s, she noted. It has grown to touch every corner of the world and has shaped every biomedical discovery that has happened in the last 50 years, Brennan said. You cant innovate, discover or peer [review] without us. The lecture was co-sponsored by the following entities: This is an impressive array of institutions and it symbolizes the power of the many ongoing collaborations not only among entities within the University of Maryland, Baltimore but also with our colleagues across the street at the University of Maryland Medical Center and with our colleagues throughout the entire University of Maryland Medical System, said UMSON Dean Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, who provided welcoming remarks to the estimated 100 attendees. It also reflects our authentic commitment to interprofessional research, education, and practice. Given our commitment to the research enterprise, clinical excellence in public health, and to the education of the next generation of health professionals we are precisely the configuration of institutions that can support the National Library of Medicine in realizing its inspiring mission of advancing human health and discovery," Kirschling said. To view a video of the event, click here. Dhaka, Nov 2 ( UNI) Bangladesh has handed over to the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, a list of the Rohingyas to be sent to Rakhine towards the middle of this month. The list was handed over so that UNHCR can begin preparations accordingly regarding the return of Myanmars Muslim minority community to their ancestral home. The UN secretary generals spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has said that the decision to send the first batch of Rohingyas to Rakhine was taken unilaterally by Bangladesh and Myanmar. Speaking to United News of India on Friday morning, foreign secretary M Shahidul Haque refuted this allegation, saying that Bangladesh had signed an MOU with UNHCR and had accordingly handed over a list to the UN organization. UNHCR could now carry out its preparations regarding the return of these Rohingyas back to their ancestral home in Rakhine. He said that the plan was to send back 485 families back in the first phase and the relevant list had been given to UNHCR. Cambodian delegation visits Raj model village for telecom solutions New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) A Cambodian ministerial delegation has visited the VNL model digital village of Karenda in Alwar district of Rajasthan in order to find telecom solutions to develop Digital Cambodia. Vihaan Networks Limited (VNL), a telecom equipment manufacturer, has announced that it has offered its award-winning, sustainable and wide range of telecom solutions to Ministry of Post & Telecommunication (MPTC), Cambodia for implementation in its rural areas. The delegation led by Tram Iv Tek, Minister of Post and Telecommunication, was in India to explore the latest technologies in telecommunications for enhancing its developing telecom sector, a statement said. The delegation visited VNLs Model Digital Village of Karenda. Mr Tek was impressed with the digital village and said I see many similar areas & requirements to use telecommunication as a platform for digitisation and establishing e-Health, e-Education, e-Governance services in remote areas of Cambodia. Our visit to Karenda defines how we see Digital Cambodia. We are welcoming the Indian Governments assistance to deploy Digital Villages in rural Cambodia using Indian Technological innovation. To begin with, we are seeking 10 million dollars grant from Indian government for a pilot project. We are keen to start immediately, since ICT will be a kick starter towards the socio-economic development of Cambodia. The Cambodian delegations visit to India is consequent to their visit early this year during India Telecom 2018, led by Meas Po, Under Secretary of State, MPTC. UNI SW ADG 1501 Kolkata, Nov 03 (UNI) In less than a month, after Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees visit to Milan, Italy, the states home-grown frozen dessert brand Milkberry from the stable of Rainbow Dairy Food Product has joined hands with Bizdev, Italy, with the long-term goal of setting up an Indo-Italian joint venture in ice cream, frozen dessert and other food products segment. In near future, the plan is to roll out some interesting and innovative flavours and brands specially curated and crafted by Italian chef from Italy under Milkberry brand name. Jean Claude Morel, founder-managing partner, Bizdev, Italy, said: Italian companies are very impressed and excited over the positive developments taking place in Bangla recently. I personally attended Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees business meetings in Milan as part of the Italian business team and our interest in this part of India grew manifold. Managing partner, Rainbow Dairy Food Product, said, We are confident that it will be the first successful test case of how business houses even from the districts and suburbs are coming forward, inspired by the dreams of Bangla Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and taking giant leap forward. The signing of the MoU was attended by Vincenza Bufalo, acting consul general, Consulate General of Italy, the Additional Chief Secretary of the state government (also the CMD of HIDCO), the Chairman of Kolkata, Indo Italian Chamber of Commerce, the Principal Advisor (electronics & IT department), West Bengal government. The Additional Chief Secretary said the mission and prime focus of the state government is on making the makers, that is to create an atmosphere and infrastructure so that world class technologies are made here. UNI SJC KK New Delhi/ Harare, Nov 3 (UNI) Five MoUs were signed between India and Zimbabwe during the visit of Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu to the African nation on Saturday. Mr Naidu met his counterpart in Zimbabwe, Mr Kembo Mohadi and held delegation level talks as he began the second leg of his three-nation Africa visit from Harare. Both the Vice-Presidents witnessed the signing of five MoUs for the cooperation in the areas of Geology, Mining and Mineral Resources; Traditional Medicine and Homeopathy; Art, Culture and Heritate; Collaboration on Broadcasting; Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic Passport holders; and one Action Plan on Information and Communication Technology. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The Vice-President congratulated Zimbabwe for conducting free and fair elections recently. He called on Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa . During his interaction with the President of Zimbabwe, Mr Naidu said, 'India and Zimbabwe enjoy historic ties and we need to strengthen them to a much higher level.' He thanked the Zimbabwe Government for signing the Frame Work Agreement on International Solar Alliance and requested them to ratify it at an early date . The Vice-President said that India will take up the establishment of the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in Zimbabwe, as a grant assistance, keeping with our celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year. Mr Naidu said that India is offering 8 slots for Zimbabwe defence personnel for training under ITEC for this year which is doubled the training slots from 4 last year to 8 this year. 'We should look at greater engagement particularly in the context of sourcing defence equipment from India,' he said. The Vice-President said that India has consistently voiced the need to have a strong resolute response to terrorism and its manifestations and India is committed to working towards fighting and elimination of this menace. 'We need to work together, particularly at the United Nations and other multilateral fora to fight it,' he added. The Vice-President said that India is extending another Lines of Credit (LOC) of 310 million dollars for extension of life of Hwange Thermal Plant, which is of priority to Zimbabwe. 'We also enhance the funds for two LOC projects pertaining to Thermal Plant Project at Bulawayo and Deka Pipe laying project for USD23 million and USD19 million, respectively to complete them on time ,' he said. The Vice-President said that three grants projects namely, Vocational Training Centre (VTC), up-gradation of Indo-Zim Technology Centre (2.92 million dollars), and supply of ten ambulances and life-saving drugs are in progress. India may also support Zimbabwe in development of Micro & Mini Grid, Smart Grids and Hybrid Renewable Energy Technologies, he said. Later in the evening, the Vice-President addressed the India Zimbabwe Business Forum meet and narrated the India's growth story and the reforms that taking place. 'There are natural synergies between the two economies and we need to tap them for our mutual benefit,' he said. Urged the business community to consider investing in India, he said Zimbabwean companies can take advantage of the high growth trajectory of the Indian economy, according to an official statement. The Vice-President is on a three-nation visit to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi and accompanied by a high-level delegation for the six-day visit to Africa. UNI RSA SB 2221 The order to kill journalist Jamal Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said in the Washington Post on Friday and he called for the puppetmasters to be unmasked. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist critical of the Saudi government, disappeared after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul exactly one month ago on Oct. 2. Erdogan, in an op-ed piece in the newspaper, said he did not believe for a second that King Salman had ordered the hit on Khashoggi and he also refrained from directly accusing the crown prince. The Saudi government initially insisted Khashoggi had left the consulate, later saying he died in an unplanned rogue operation. Last week, the kingdoms public prosecutor Saud Al Mojeb said the attack was premeditated. No one should dare to commit such acts on the soil of a NATO ally again. If anyone chooses to ignore that warning, they will face severe consequences, Erdogan warned in the op-ed piece. Puppetmasters Erdogan accused the Saudi consul in Istanbul of lying through his teeth and the Saudi chief prosecutor of refusing to cooperate, stalling the process and not answering simple questions. Erdogan said there was more to Khashoggis death than just action by a group of security officials, he said. As responsible members of the international community, we must reveal the identities of the puppetmasters behind Khashoggis killing and discover those in whom Saudi officials still trying to cover up the murder have placed their trust. Earlier on Friday, another Erdogan adviser said the team that killed Khashoggi in Istanbul cut up his body in order to dissolve it for easier disposal, the newspaper Hurriyet reported. Yasin Aktay, who advises Erdogan and was a friend of Khashoggis, told Hurriyet that the body was disposed of by dismembering and dissolving. According to the latest information we have, the reason they dismembered his body is to dissolve it easier. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that President Donald Trump has "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser from renewing sanctions on the Islamic republic. "This new US president... has disgraced the remnant of America's prestige and that of liberal democracy. America's hard power, that is to say their economic and military power, is declining too," he said on his Persian Twitter account, quoting a speech in Tehran. A defiant Khamenei dismissed the renewed US sanctions -- including an oil embargo -- that take effect on Monday. "The challenge between the US and Iran has lasted for 40 years so far and the US has made various efforts against us: military, economic and media warfare," he said. "There's a key fact here: in this 40-year challenge, the defeated is the US and the victorious is the Islamic republic." Trump announced in May he was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Iran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme. Washington says it wants a new deal with Iran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Tehran. "America's goal in taking all these measures has been to regain the domination it had" prior to Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution that overthrew the pro-Western shah, Khamenei said. - 'Self-sufficiency' - The renewed sanctions are designed "to paralyse the (Iran's) economy and keep it backward. However, it has resulted in encouraging a movement towards self-sufficiency in the country," Khamenei added. "Our youth, across the country, support independence. Some may not be so religious but they are sensitive towards domination by foreigners." On Friday, the US said it would add 700 individuals and entities to its Iran blacklist and push the SWIFT global banking network to cut off Tehran as Washington applies "maximum pressure" to cripple the country's economy. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said eight countries -- believed to include India, Japan and possibly China -- would be given waivers to continue importing Iranian oil in order to avoid upsetting the global crude market, but only on condition they slow their purchases. The reimposition of sanctions "is aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues it uses to spread death and destruction around the world", Pompeo said. "Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran to permanently abandon its well-documented outlaw activities and behave as a normal country." Britain, France, Germany and the European Union strongly condemned the latest actions from Washington in a joint statement, and have vowed to preserve the nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "The JCPOA is a key element of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture and of multilateral diplomacy," they said. "It is crucial for the security of Europe, the region, and the entire world. The JCPOA is working and delivering on its goal." The US wants Iran to withdraw from war-ravaged Syria, where the Shia clerical regime is a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad, and end longstanding support to regional militant movements Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as Yemen's Houthi rebels. Search Keywords: Short link: The region of Calabria is located in southern Italy at the tip of the boot. Our Italian Food, Wine & Travel group (#ItalianFWT) is here this month to feature Calabria and its native grapes. It's not a highly regarded region for winemaking and doesn't get much attention for the wines that it does produce. It's most popular wine hails from the Ciro DOC, which is required to be made of at least 95% of the gaglioppo grape with up to 5% of greco bianco and trebbiano. Copyright of Federdoc The Winery Today I'm featuring Azienda Agricola Scala that has been around since 1949 and is operated by its 3rd generation family. The winery is located in Ciro Marina along the Ionian Sea. Their focus is on producing native grapes such as gaglioppo, nerello, magliocco, greco and mantonico. A couple of these grapes, magliocco and mantonico, are grapes that have been revived in recent times. The goal is to refocus the quality of wines produced in Calabria and reestablish the indigenous grapes of the region. Left to right: Luigi Scala and Francesco Scala The Land Calabria's geography is mostly mountainous with some plains along the Ionian Sea. It was a region heavily populated by Greeks that contributed greatly to the culture and winemaking within the region. There is plenty of sunshine and warm weather, but the breezes coming off the sea help contribute to making prime grapes. The Grapes Calabria is mostly known for producing red wines and majority are made from the gaglioppo grape. Unfortunately a lot of the grapes of the region are shipped north and is probably part of the reason that this region hasn't gotten the attention it deserves with its native grapes as it should. There are 12 DOC's of the region with the leader being Ciro DOC. Its been said that the wines of Ciro were served to winners of the Olympic games in ancient times. The Wine Yes that is snow already in northern NH I tried the 2015 Azienda Agricola Scala Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore made from 100% of the gaglioppo grape. It's fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in concrete. More garnet in color with tinges of orange on the rim. Medium-bodied with red dried fruits, mostly cherry, and toasty notes with baking spices. Low to moderate tannin with a lengthy finish. I found this to be quite an interesting wine with lots of complexities. At this price point it's well worth trying. The Calabrians food fare tends to be on the spicier side so grape a bottle and seek out some nduja, a spicy sausage spread. ABV 13.5% SRP $14-16 Join us this Saturday November 3rd on Twitter at 11am EST at #ItalianFWT as we chat about the wines of Calabria. Join the rest of my fellow bloggers as they share some great Calabrian wines and foods to be enjoyed. Camilla at Culinary Adventures with Cam will share Braised Beef Cheeks over Garlic Gnocchi + Statti Calabria Gaglioppo 2015 Lauren at The Swirling Dervish will share Exploring Calabrian Wine: The Du Cropio Estate in Ciro Jeff at Food Wine Click will share Exploring the Toe of Italys Boot with Ciro Rosso Katarina at Grapevine Adventures will share A New Golden Age for the Gaglioppo in Calabria Don't miss an Italian wine blog ~ Subscribe Flash drought is a rapidly intensifying water deficit process accompanied by high temperatures over a short period of time. Recently, heat extremes have become more frequent in a warming climate, and have substantially increased the occurrence of flash drought, which threatens crop yields and water supply. Dr. Linying Wang and Professor Xing Yuan, from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, used in-situ observations and reanalysis datasets to explore the long-term variability and trends of two types of flash drought. Their findings are published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences. Type I flash drought is high-temperature driven, combined with increased evapotranspiration (ET) and decreased soil moisture, while type II flash drought is initialized by a lack of rainfall and combined with decreased ET and warmer temperatures. They found that both types of flash drought have increased significantly in the past 30 years, but with a two-fold greater increase for Type I compared with Type II. They further examined the spatial distribution characteristics of flash drought under two different physical mechanisms and the connection with seasonal drought, and uncovered some interesting findings. Dr. Linying Wang explains: The anticyclonic circulation patterns can provide favorable conditions for both types of flash drought. But as the local climate, vegetation, and soil moisture conditions are quite different, the spatial distributions of the two types of flash drought are different as well. In humid and semi-humid regions, where the moisture supply is sufficient, ET is mainly restricted by available energy, so high temperatures can elevate the ET quickly, which explains why Type I flash drought occurs preferentially over humid and semi-humid regions, such as southern China. Composite analysis showed that anomalously high temperatures one pentad before the onset of flash drought leads to a rapid increase in ET and reduced soil moisture. For flash drought associated with seasonal drought, there is a greater likelihood of occurrence during the onset phase of seasonal drought over southern China. In northern China, meanwhile, due to the limited terrestrial moisture supply, ET decreases with the decrease in soil moisture, resulting in Type II flash drought. Also, they are more common in both the onset and recovery phases of seasonal drought. Professor Xing Yuan further explains that the perfect conditions for flash drought are during dry/wet transition periods, which may provide a basis for the early warning of flash drought by connecting multiscale drought phenomena. Provided by: Chinese Academy of Sciences [Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.] Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly email for more! STEPHEN HADLEY: Good evening, everyone. Mr. Secretary, thank you so much for being with us. What we thought we would do is that the secretary and I will have a conversation on some of the issues of the day. Well probably go about 35 minutes or so, and then probably the last 20 minutes or so, well have questions from the audience. The way wed like to do that is there are three-by-five cards in the audience; please write your questions on those cards well also take some from the media theyll be passed up here and well offer them up up to you. So well try to start on time and end on time. So let me begin with the National Defense Strategy which, if people have not read, they ought to. It is an extraordinary document. It describes the present time as one of global disorder. It talks about the decline of the rules-based international order established at the end of the World War II. And we see that disorder today in the headlines, whether its about Russia, North Korea, Iran, and in a different way China, all of which has contributed to what the National Defense Strategy characterizes as the most complex and volatile security environment we have experienced in recent memory. Mr. Secretary, as you survey this landscape how do you prioritize the challenges to American and global security? And youve talked about alliances as our partner in dealing with those challenges, how do you assess this the health of our alliance relations today, in order to serve that role? SECRETARY OF DEFENSE JAMES N. MATTIS: The first of all, thanks for doing this, Steve and President Nancy. Its good to be here. You know the regard that the Department of Defense has for this organization. You have time to reflect and think which is unusual in this town. So we really appreciate that. How did we look at the threats in the world? We looked at them really from three different angles, one was power, one was urgency and one was will, because were in a competition of sorts to maintain this world and turn it over, hopefully, in slightly better condition than we received it. In terms of raw power right now, I look at Russia and the nuclear arsenal they have. I look at their activities over the last 10 years, from Georgia and Crimea, to the Donets Basin, to Syria I can go on, and on and on their violations of INF, for example. But in terms of just power, I think its clearly Russia that we have to look at and address. In terms of urgency, theres two, one is the current fight against the violent extremists. For example, the Defeat ISIS coalition is 70 nations plus four international organizations working on that fight that is ongoing. We must continue that that character of warfare that is very unusual. We call it irregular, but at the same time in terms of urgency, is the DPRK, the North Korea nuclear and missile programs that are clearly a violation of international sanctions, they are clearly a threat to peace and stability. In terms of will, clearly its China. Now in Chinas case, we look at it as different than Russia. Russia wants security around its periphery by having insecurity with other nations. They want to veto authority over the economic, the diplomatic and the security decisions of the nations around them. China on the other hand, seems to want some sort of tribute states around them. We are looking for how do we work with China. I think that 15 years from now we will be remembered most for how did we set the conditions for a positive relationship with China. And in that regard, we look for where we can cooperate. We will cooperate where we can, you see that in unanimous Security Council resolution on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and will confront them where we must. For example, freedom of navigation in international waters and that sort of thing. Ive met with my counterpart both in Beijing [in June] and in Singapore 10 days ago and he will be here a week from now to continue that dialogue as we sort it out. So how do we look at our real strengths here? Our real strengths are the network of alliances and partnerships around the world, and in that regard, quietly below the radar, below the radar of what is often in the public domain, Ill just run through what I have done in the last 30 days. In the first week of October, I was at NATO, our most important alliance, 29 nations that work together. Every one of them has its own interests, its own perspective, but at the end of the day, NATO was stronger than ever and in terms of 27 nations clearly raising their other defense expenditures, nations that were aligned with us, when I rolled off the nuclear posture review. I can go on. Its a strong alliance and its getting stronger. My next trip was down to Cancun, where I met with the Latin American and South America, Central America, Mexico, ministers of defense. I I looked back on 2017, I thought that was a pretty crummy year for democracy around the world. Not so in South America, not so in Central America, not so in Mexico. Imperfect it may be, full of economics headwinds. Clearly the American appetite for drugs and European is dumping a lot of money in that corrodes their institutions, but democracy is alive and well. Theyre holding elections. They dont know whos going to win. Thats the way it should be in a democracy, and its going well down there. First time I heard my position described as being minister youll love this, President Nancy minister of Peace not minister of Defense. (Laughter.) But and then I just got back from you know went out to Singapore, met with ASEAN, two weeks ago, where we are welcome, where many nations, in private, will tell us why they need us engaged out there because theyre concerned about what China is doing and the piling of massive debt, to quote Prime Minister Modi, on nations that they know China knows cannot repay it. And then you see what happened in Sri Lanka, where they lost sovereignty over their own harbor. And one of those issues, Ill be talking about, obviously, with my counterpart about here in Washington, shortly. And then two days ago, I got back from the Manama Dialogue in the Middle East, where we were talking about how we move forward on a security architecture that maintains peace or what passes for peace right now, in the Middle East, and restores peace in several key areas, Yemen being foremost, obviously, Syria moving toward the Geneva process against Russias example, frankly. But were were at least all on the same sheet of music about it. So theres a quick rundown on how I see the threats and what were doing with the alliances and partnerships. MR. HADLEY: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Let me shift to another problem, which is, I know, on your agenda. Congress charged the USIP to convene a task force on extremism in fragile states to try to address the root causes of violent extremism, a big task, needless to say. In its recently republished interim report, the task force noted that the time is right to adopt what the 2004 9/11 commission called "a preventive strategy that is as much or more political as it is military." How do you see the militarys role in a strategy for dealing with violent extremist, where non-kinetic measures focused on strengthening fragile and building resilience are the priority? SEC. MATTIS: As we look back over these difficult years, we just recognize the anniversary - the 35th anniversary of the attack on the French paratrooper barracks and the U.S. Marine peace keeper barracks there in Beirut, 35 years ago, last week. And you look at what has happened since that time, you recognize that, in most cases, the breeding ground for this is not something that can be addressed by the military. Our general view is that the State Department has to lead with AID, and we lead with ideas, we lead with the example of our country, and we work with like-minded nations, in this regard. My personal view, when I during the three years I was out of the Marines and I was on a university campus, I got time to think about what had happened, I believe that the U.S. foreign policy had become militarized. And so, I come back into this job, and my view was that we had to have State Department in the lead and the military had to be an enabling, supporting element to this, because you you simply couldnt shoot your way out of this problem. At one point, I was frustrated enough with some aspects of State Departments budget that, in my testimony, I said if you dont fully fund up on Capitol Hill, my testimony, if you dont fully fund the State Department, please buy a little more ammunition for me because Im going to need it, as a rather blunt way of saying why we needed to keep Americas foreign policy and our diplomats, foremost, in this effort. But at the same time, I have also dealt with this adversary that were up against in the Middle East, since 1979, in one form or another. And Ive watched it morph since that rather eventful year in the Middle East. It is very clear we are going to have to get better with our allies on the military side, feeding information to police off the battlefields and collaborating together so that we buy the time for diplomats to amass the larger effort, and its going to take a big effort to blunt this hate-filled enemy. Because Im under no illusions about what theyre like. They did not arrive where theyre at through a rational process, and in some cases to many cases, perhaps, were going to have to deal with that in a military and police manner. But the next generation were not going to address in a military manner, we have to address that one with education and economic opportunity. We have to give people hope, and hope cannot be unilateral anywhere in the world. If it is unilateral, youre simply breeding the antibodies to what youre trying to do. Its going to have to be multi-lateral, its going to have to be inclusive and the militarys got to remain steadfast while supporting in every sense of the word, not just with its military alone activity, but with its enabling military activities, its going to have to be supporting State Department. MR. HADLEY: Lets follow up if we can with a specific example in Afghanistan the U.S.-South Asia strategy called for a political settlement to the war in Afghanistan that protects the U.S.s friends and allies from transnational terrorist threats. Key to this strategy was increased support for the Afghan National Security Forces, including more robust U.S. counter-terrorism operations. More recently Ambassador Khalilzad was appointed to lead a diplomatic effort to initiate talks between the Taliban, the Afghans, and the United States. So how can our military strategy and operations in Afghanistan support, and not undermine the peace effort? And do U.S. and NATO military forces have a role in Afghanistan after a peace agreement is reached? SEC. MATTIS: Well, any U.S. military coalition role after the peace is reached, would be conditions-based, worked out with the Afghan government and depend on the threat. But when we put the strategy together, ladies and gentlemen, what we did was we put something together we called the Four Rs Plus S S being "sustain it". First R was to regionalize the approach. You did not start with Afghanistan, come up with a strategy, say, "well I guess now wed better look at the countries around it and see what do we do as far as their inclusion?" We started outside and worked our way inside. Next, we recognized we had to put more troops in. But the reason we had to put more reinforce it, the second R, was for the third reason, realign those troops to supporting the Afghan security forces, directly by training, advising and assisting. What we had done was is created an army, and then we pulled the training wheels off too early, and in that I mean that the only the Afghan special forces had mentors from NATO nations with them. And every time they went against the enemy, the Taliban, they won against the enemy. But spread out in penny packets around the country, were Afghan security forces that we had pulled all mentoring away from. So we were going to look at this as a regional problem, reinforce the troops and realign them so that more Afghan forces had our mentors with them, with NATO air support. As you know, for those of you whove been there, when you fight in mountainous country, the high ground is very tough ground to take if the enemys got it. With NATO air forces overhead, no longer prohibited from supporting the Afghan army and I did say prohibited from supporting them, we would be able to always own the high ground. And that changes the tactical situation. It is protection of the people is what we are trying to do there so in some cases, we surrendered ground where few if any people lived since its not a matter of militaries holding ground. The Afghan lads are doing the fighting, just look at the casualties, over 1,000 dead in August and September 1,000 dead and wounded in August and September, and they stayed in the field fighting. And the Taliban has been prevented from doing what they said they were going to do, which was to take and hold district and provincial centers, also disrupt an election that they were unable to disrupt. But the most important R was the fourth R, reconciliation. And on that, you saw Ambassador Khalilzad has been presented with the portfolio. Hes working it, he those of you who know him, know him as a force of nature. And he is hard at work on this, on an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation effort. So this is the approach were trying to sustain right now. It is working from our perspective, but it is heartbreakingly difficult to accept is the progress and violence can be going on at the same time. And I understand those who are disheartened by this, but we never thought in the military this was going to be an easy job. But we are there because if we want to protect ourselves from what happened on 9/11 and so many other countries, this is worthwhile. So thats where were at right now. The president, when he put this forward, I can guarantee you that he challenged every assumption, he challenged every sentence, he challenged every aspect of what we were going to commit to. And it was a very robust discussion in every sense of the word. As allies realized we were going to stay, what had dropped from 50 nations in the fight to 39 has now reversed, were back to 41. By the way, the two nations that rejoined are both Muslim Arab Muslim nations. And we also have over 1,000 more troops coming from our partner nations and NATO allied nations that have been added in addition to the 3,000 that we added when we when we reinforced the force there. So right now thats the way were going forward, but the goal is reconciliation and Ambassador Khalilzad has been a very welcome addition to the campaign. MR. HADLEY: I want to switch to Syria, if we can. USIP has advised had been advising the 10th Mountain Division during its missions in Iraq and Syria over the past year as the United States and its coalition partners seek to decisively defeat ISIS and prevent its reemergence. We also see in Syria a despotic regime, sectarian strife, humanitarian disaster and great power competition in terms of Russia and of course Iran as well. In February of this year, U.S. forces found themselves in a fire fight with Russian contractors that left as many as 300 Russians killed and wounded. How do we sort out and how do we think about complexity of this sort, and what are the lessons learned from how to confront challenges in non-state actors like ISIS in fragile states while meeting the threat from great power competition at the same time? And how do we operationalize deeper cooperation as you talked about, among our diplomatic defense and development establishments to respond to these complex conflict situations? SEC. MATTIS: Well, no one said this was going to be an easy evening, you know. (Laughter.) But this is a tragedy that has grown beyond my ability to articulate it. Ive seen the refugees and the refugee camps and Ive seen refugees in Bosnia, Ive seen them in Southeast Asia, Ive seen them in Africa. I have never seen refugees as traumatized as coming out of Syria, not even close. If it were not for Russias regrettable vetoes in the United Nations that marginalized the U.N., I think we would never have gotten to this point. And certainly if it wasnt for the Iranian regime, not the Iranian people, the Iranian regime giving full support to Assad, he would have been long gone. And when that support was not even sufficient and Mr. Putin came in, we see the reason that I think eventually Assad will have to be managed out of power. I dont think any election run under the auspices of the of the Syrian regime is going to have any credibility with either the Syrian people or with the international community. But what have we learned along the way? One point I would make is it has been a partner, a non-state partner, the Syrian Democratic Forces, about 50/50 now between Kurd and Arab that has done the bulk of the fighting in Syria. Remember that at the same time, the Iraqi Security Forces and popular militias were fighting in Iraq. When we came into office with the administration, we reviewed the situation and determined that we would have to change what was going on. I had gone early to NATO and sat down there in Brussels with my counterparts talking about a host of issues in Syria, Iraq and ISIS loomed large. And it was clear the foreign fighters returning home with the veneer of civilization long rubbed off them were going to be a strategic assault basically on our European partners and other parts of the world, Africa, Southeast Asia, that sort of thing. So we changed the tactics from what I would call attrition warfare where you push them out of one place and they fall back then you push them out of that place. We took the time to surround West Mosul, Tabqah, Tal Afar, Raqqa, surround it first and then move against it. And trying to get the civilians out of the way, the non-combatants, the innocent out of the way because every battlefield were in over there is also a humanitarian field. We were not always successful at that, remember were up against an enemy that is merciless and used in many cases the the locals, the innocents as shields. And we did our best to avoid those deaths, but some of them as a consequence of war were more than we ever wanted to see happen, but it was part of the fight. As we moved against them and theyre now down to less than two percent of the ground they own, we can see that the most important effort is the sustaining. In other words, after we go through and we push them out of the area, you must immediately create local security forces in order to hold the ground and then get locals back into positions, community councils, so that locals feel like theyre now in control. The international community has actually been very helpful. We do have the money to help the people who are trying to recover, but its just emergency services inside Syria. Inside Iraq, where we have a government and they did go through an election, as youre aware theyre putting a government together there, we have a government that we can support. In Syria, we have to support the locals and then were going to have to work through the Geneva process to to make a way forward for Syria. We are committed to it. Russias best efforts to divert it into Astana Process or Sochi have not produced anything worthwhile. And so were calling on Russia to support the U.N. Geneva process and Staffan de Misturas efforts there. Will they do it? I think eventually, its in Russias best interests that Syria not be the cauldron of violence that it is now. So were going to keep pressing on it, supporting the U.N. in their effort. MR. HADLEY: Let me ask you a related question. Theres been a lot of discussion about Iran wanting to create an arc of influence, if you will, from Tehran all the way to Beirut. And the possibilities that that could be disrupted in Iraq, and particularly Syria. Could you say a little bit about what were doing to counter Iranian influence in Syria, and to frustrate their ability to establish this kind of strategic arc? SEC. MATTIS: Our authority to be in Syria right now is clearly on the Defeat ISIS Campaign. That is the authority I have from the president, thats the authority of the Congress under the Authorization for the Use of Military Force. And that is the only specific military purpose that were undertaking there. Now at the same time, Secretary of State Pompeo taking the lead, as he should, in something like this had doubled the number of diplomats in the liberated parts of Syria. Brett McGurk has been magnificent at orchestrating the international coalition, including the funding for the emergency services. And that is continues to go on. Now, will that in itself, by getting the locals empowered to represent their own communities, to defend their own communities against a return of ISIS, in itself stop the Iranian influence? No, it will not. But that is where the Geneva process comes in, to say, "Iran, you have no business in Syria. Youve not been helpful there. Your militia that is destabilizing in Lebanon against the government, the Lebanese Hezbollah and their fighters inside Syria, and ones like that, need to get out of Syria if were going to have peace." Inside Iraq, I think its a matter of of United States and NATO Training Mission-Iraq, a NATO element thats going to make Iraqi military something that stands up for Iraq and is not reliant on the on the goodwill of the of the Tehran regime. Again, this is not a contest with the Iranian people. This is a senseless war for the Iranian people, to be in Syria or to be trying to make Iraq into a rump state of Tehran. Its not going to work, and its just wasting a lot of the resources that would help the people in in Iran, if that was not a revolutionary regime, if it was really a government that cared about its people. So its its more about the long-term view than anything were going to do with the U.S. military, to rebuff the the Iranian influence in those places. That is best led by diplomats and political leaders who represent their own people, and our diplomats and the international community supporting them. MR. HADLEY: Let me ask you one other regional issue, and then well move to a couple other questions that come from the audience. One area where we see increased challenges in managing partnerships is in the Red Sea. For example, in Djibouti and along the coast of Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan, theres a proliferation of military bases and deployments, sponsored by the Gulf States, Turkey, China and other external actors. How do you see this region? What priority does it have for you and what is the administrations approach? SEC. MATTIS: Yemen has had more problems than any people deserve to carry, and were calling on all the parties, specifically the Houthis and the Arab Coalition, to meet in Sweden in November, and come to a solution. Not talk about subordinate issues, about what town theyre going to meet in or what size table is they meet around, but talk about demilitarizing the border so that the Saudis and the Emirates do not have to worry about missiles coming into their their their homes, and cities, and airports. And ensure that all the missiles that Iran has provided to the Houthis are put under international watch and and and parked somewhere where they can be accounted for, that sort of thing, as we set the conditions for a return to traditional areas inside Yemen and a government that allows for this amount of local autonomy that Houthis or that southerners want. This this has got to end, weve got to replace combat with compromise, and we are working as we speak with Mr. Martin Griffiths, the U.N. Special Envoy. To Ive met with him myself; Secretary Pompeo is talking to him frequently as we try to amass the international support. We just met in in Manama, in the Manama dialogues, and this was brought up forcefully, not just by myself, but by others as well that its time to stop this. And right now what the Iranians have done by bringing in any ship, missiles and this sort of thing has interrupted freedom of navigation. They are the ones who keep fueling this conflict and they need to knock it off. They may do it through proxies as they do so often in the Middle East, but they do not escape accountability for what theyre doing through proxies and surrogate forces. We still will hold them accountable. MR. HADLEY: Thank you. The president has said the U.S. is leaving the INF Treaty. How does this decision affect the militarys readiness plans? How does it affect the role of nuclear weapons in our strategy? And how will it affect U.S. posture in Europe and the Pacific Rim? SEC. MATTIS: You know, I was going back through some papers when I came into office. And I noticed that Rose Gottemoeller who was then the under secretary of State for Arms Control in 2008 2008, 10 years ago, called out the Russians for violations of the INF. I can go through matter of fact, I can take 10 minutes going through year by year the efforts of our diplomats to try to get Russia to come back into compliance. Through denial and deceit, Russia has continued, not just to do research and development, and fielding, but now standing up multiple units that are armed with a weapon that is clearly a violation. And eventually, Russia, I believe, through a slip, revealed that the missile they said did not exist, it did exist. And once they realized that it was revealed, they then said, "But it doesnt violate the treaty. And by the way, youre violating the treaty over some things that we cannot make sense out of." We have done everything we can, I think, diplomatically. The diplomats are still trying, by the way, as we speak. We have made it very clear that, when two nations sign a treaty and one violates it and even denies the violation and then continues violating, as they field the weapon, that is an untenable situation. It also jeopardizes the trust you need for any other treaty. So right now, where are we? We came out with our Nuclear Posture Review. We went around and talked to all the nations in the NATO Alliance, plus other partner nations, about what was in it, took their ideas on board. And when we rolled it out, it was received, generally, across the board and in the U.S. Congress, with support. As far as the INF, as a follow-on issue, we have briefed the NATO Council and the Nuclear Council in NATO more than once. We have had detailed briefs by our technical experts. And my last time there, a few weeks ago, I said if any of you have any advice, please send it to me. I want to know what options you can find, because the only ones I see are highly unpalatable. So where are we right now? The National Security Advisor carried the concern directly into Moscow. Secretary Pompeo is engaged with his foreign minister counterparts, and NATO, the foreign minister meeting goes I think its December 4. And this will be, Im sure, a front and center topic. I was just in Prague, the day before yesterday, and I met with two of our NATO nations ministers there. I met with two other NATO nations when I was in Manama last Saturday, and we are doing everything we can to try to find any option. And if any of you have any good ideas, please send me an e-mail. It seems like every nut in America has my e-mail address, so Im sure you can find it. (Laughter.) And and and send it to me. I dont think this is the military, this is the U.S. military. We belong to you. Were accountable to you. If you have any ideas, please send them, and that goes for our allied officers in this room as well. I dont think all the great ideas come from the country with the most aircraft carriers. If you have ideas, please tell me what you recommend, but we will continue to collaborate very, very closely with our allies and consult with them. And thats both through the ministers of defense and the ministers of foreign affairs. What does it do to us in terms of military terms? I dont want to go into too much detail, but there are options, both symmetric and asymmetric, that are available. So I am not committing to anything right now. Thats a grave decision that the president will take counsel from all of us, and it will be up to President Trump. His views on nuclear weapons, I think, are pretty well known, that he hates him, and well be working this issue with him. MR. HADLEY: Thank you. This is a question from our audience. Currently, I see competitors and adversaries relying on illicit trade, influence and messaging to win their national goals without military conflict. How do you see DOD and the U.S. government competing and winning in this very different age? SEC. MATTIS: Illicit trade... MR. HADLEY: Illicit trade, influence and messaging. SEC. MATTIS: Yes. First of all, my I have an organization thats probably got 95 percent of our cyber capability in the U.S. government, called U.S. Cyber Command, obviously. And the number one mission that U.S. Cyber Command has right now, is the protection of our election infrastructure and blocking, or aiding the blocking and identification of blocking of the influence campaign. So we reveal, obviously, a lot of this information. We keep track of it, we work with private internet providers content providers. You know their names, and we alert them via the FBI, the police, the law enforcement effort. But right now it is an all hands on deck at Cyber Command effort to keep our democratic processes free and unencumbered. Its very difficult because we have freedom of speech in this country, and how do you ferret out from foreign countries that are actually using basically biased information, or false information to incite cleavages inside our own society. Its going to take an informed electorate in order to maintain this, this is not something that military does alone. But certainly the military has an obligation to protect the country from that sort of thing, and to alert the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security when we see it coming. So were working hard at it but its an area that we have got to balance our constitutional freedoms and not inhibit those even as we try to maintain the integrity of the election and of the campaigners messages so theyre not having their message misconstrued by others. Tough issue, but were up for it and were looking forward to it. Because when it comes to protecting the country in this day and age, its not just about guns and ships and that sort of thing. This is a very powerful weapon in the hands of people who know what theyre doing, and our adversaries do. MR. HADLEY: Mr. Secretary, I want to move to space for a moment. And this is a question from the audience, with space now being considered a war fighting domain, what do you think our objectives should be? And from a planning perspective, what are some new factors planners should think about when considering space, time and force? SEC. MATTIS: Space has definitely become competitive. We watched the when the Chinese shot their obsolete satellite out of the air or blew it to pieces and weve watched other nations putting capabilities in to space. And I would just tell you that its basically two-pronged. One its defend, we have to defend what we have in outer space that is used for navigation, communication, peaceful purposes, commerce, banking all these kind of things. And military intelligence, surveillance satellites were going to have to put satellites up that can be defended or can be resilient against attack, resistant to attack or can be replaced swiftly that sort of thing. So were going to have to defend what we have. But also, were going to have to be prepared to use offensive weapons in space, should someone decide to militarize it and go on the offensive. You cannot simply play defense. No no sport in the world competitive sport in the world can just play defense and win. And this is not an area that we want to be second place in. So the points I would make that first, that were going to need some sort of, I would call it, concept of how were going to conduct ourselves in space. Thats all of us internationally, what are we going to do. Then were going to have to recognize if nations are not willing to live by those rules since as weve seen on this planet down here below, were going to have to have the ability to defend and the ability to do offense. In that regard, the president has been very clear that he wants to organize accordingly. So what we will do is put together a command that can compete in space on whatever level an adversary wants to compete, chooses to compete. And then were going to ensure that we go to Congress with how we believe we can best organize not for a bureaucracy, but for the capabilities the president, the vice president rightly directed that we have so we dont surrender what we do in space using space for commerce or navigation or anything else. Its critical to our economy, its critical to our way of life now. Weve grown reliant on it. So were organizing appropriately and well go forward with obviously with Congress right alongside us since they have to enable it with legislation and carry out the presidents direction. MR. HADLEY: If you did not see it, the secretary had some very interesting remarks at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain about Yemen, about the killing of Khashoggi, and I want to pick up on that thread and one of the questions has come from the media. In the wake of the death of Jamal Khashoggi and a continued uptick civilian casualties in Yemen, do you believe that Saudi Arabias made a good-faith effort to reduce harm in this conflict? And what do you hope to see Saudi and the UAE do to improve as the State Department looks toward another certification of U.S. refueling support to those two allies? SEC. MATTIS: Yes. Well, what was referred to the killing of Khashoggi, Id say the murder of Khashoggi is I would separate it out from the Yemen situation. That stands unique by itself. The president said we want to get to the bottom; we will get to the bottom of it. And as you know, Turkey has, so far, provided evidence for every allegation that they have made about what happened. And so no one nation controls all the information. And I spoke to the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia two days ago in Manama and he said there would be a full investigation. And let me swing over to Yemen, separate issue. What we have been providing since the last administration or in the last administration we reviewed it when we came in very carefully. In regards to this war thats going on there between the Arab coalition and the and the Houthis. The last administration agreed to provide certain information, refueling support so the pilots didnt feel they had to make a hasty decision about the drop or not to drop, that sort of thing. We refuel probably less than 20 I think less than 20 percent of their aircraft. They have their own refuelers, by the way. But what is it that we are pushing for at this point? For months, we have been holding classes on how do you actually establish no fire areas? What do you do for restricted fire areas? How do you calculate the effects of bombs? The how do you then investigate what happened? Some people have a very high expectation, as demonstrated by the U.S. of the NATO air forces of what can be accomplished, and we have achieved through enormous effort, training, technology and putting it all together. Even then, weve had mistakes, but in our forces, we have set a standard that is very high. The commander of the royal Saudi air force had been going from base to base as we continued the training and the conferences for them, and hes looking his pilots in the eye, explaining that there is never a reason to drop if they dont think they can hit the right target. Now, war, I will just tell you, Ive got little experience in it, is basically one tragedy piled upon another tragedy. Welcome to war. But our goal right now is to achieve a level of capability by those forces fighting against the Houthis, that they are not killing innocent people. The longer term solution and by longer term, I mean 30 days from now, we want to see everybody around a peace table based on a ceasefire, based on a pull back from the border, and then based on ceasing, dropping of bombs, that will permit the special envoy, Martin Griffiths, hes very good, he know what hes doing to get them together in Sweden, and end this war. That is the only way were going to really solve this. Improved accuracy of bombs is still a war, so weve got to move towards a peace effort here, and we cant say were going to do it sometime in the future. We need to be doing this in the next 30 days. Weve admired this problem for long enough down there and I believe that the Saudis and the emirates are ready and in fact, had the Houthis not walked out of the last effort that Martin Griffiths had going, we would probably be on our way there right now. MR. HADLEY: Secretary, this is a question from Peter Nielsen of the embassy of Denmark. Youve spent a lot of time and energy in strengthening cooperation with allies and partners. What do you see as the major accomplishments in this area, and what are the challenges and opportunities looking forward? SEC. MATTIS: You know, its been eye-opening. As I came into this job that I never aspired to, I never met President Trump before he called me back to Bedminster as president-elect and me with him. I had my views, I was out at Stanford University and I was had time to study. I did not realize just how much other nations I mean, I had read about it I did not realize how many other nations looked to us as a calming or a confidence building partner for them. And wherever I go, I find from South America to the Middle East, certainly to the Pacific, certainly in Brussels at the NATO meetings, that they all want us to stay. They all want us to keep at it. So where are we right now? I went to NATO, my first my first meeting there, I had been a supreme allied commander before in uniform, I knew many of the people that are on the staff, I knew many of the principals sitting around the table from my previous days. And I assumed when I went there I was going to lose some some rapport with nations representatives who represented their own nations their own nations interests. So when I said there was no way I could go back to America and ask American parents to care more about the freedoms that European children enjoyed than European parents did, that they were going to have to pay a modicum for the best defense in the world. And what is that modicum? Two percent, I recognize that only leaves 98 percent for everything else. But I think we can afford two percent for what grew out of the Renaissance and the enlightenment to survive in this world. And I think we have to recognize that, after 2014 especially, that things began changing that it was no longer the same Europe that it was before Putin began his adventures and terrorists shooting up the streets of Paris, Brussels and elsewhere. I expected to lose rapport, I did not. Now, ladies and gentlemen, I heard this first when I sat behind Secretary Perry when I was his executive secretary in 1990 Rudy, what was it? Back in the last millennium, 1997 I think, Id first heard him say that you have got to be paying more. We cannot continue to carry this. So I heard it also from Secretary Cohen. I heard it from Secretary Rumsfeld. I heard it from Secretary Gates as a four-star when I was a NATO supreme commander. This was not a new message. The difference was the extremely strong statement of the president that it had gone on long enough. And I was trying to think of how to put it to our allies where it was not adversarial. Its not about being adversarial or antagonistic. And I was coming out of Denver on my way east to go through Senate confirmation, and youve all heard it 100 times, you know what Im going to say. The stewardess got up and she said, in the event we lose cabin pressure, the masks will drop. Put your own mask on first and then help those around you. What I would call this is we are, when we talk about America first, its not America alone. We are trying to get our own economic house in order, our own fiscal house in order. Were putting own mask on first so we can help those around us. We are not a worthy ally we are not a worthy partner for you allies in the audience if we are not on a fiscally sustainable, economically vibrant path because no nation has maintained its military wherewithal that didnt keep its economic and fiscal house in order. So thats the approach were taking. It has not cost me the rapport I anticipated. In fact, in the alliance today, like I said early on, 27 of 29 nations are raising their their funding. And in fact all 29 if you look at the overall what they account for in terms of defense spending, all 29 today are raising the amount of money they spend, they commit to defense. So Im Im relatively optimistic about where were at right now with allies, with NATO being, I think, a very representative example of where were at. Hasnt been easy, been a lot of strong words, but thats what democracies do with each other. They stand up and say where they stand. At the end of the day though, we are together 100 percent when it comes to putting German battalion into the the Lithuanian forest and a dozen another NATO nations are there under the German lieutenant colonels command, who is serving under the Lithuanian brigade commanders command. You can see NATO working from the front edge of the Baltics, all the way back to Brussels, and in the nations capitals. I went on a little bit of length, but you can see I only have three lines of effort. Make the U.S. military more lethal, build stronger partnerships with our partners and allies and reform how the Defense Department does business, so I can look you all in the eye and say were spending your money properly, and were getting a more lethal force out of it. And I would just tell you in that regard, for the first time in 70 years, were having an audit done of the U.S. Department of Defense, so I can look you in the eye and say, in the midst of all this, were not taking your money and flushing it down the drain. Were going to find a lot of problems in that audit. Were going to fix every were going to tell you about them. Were going to fix everyone. MR. HADLEY: Mr. Secretary, I want to ask a last question and... SEC. MATTIS: Oh, thank God. (Laughter.) MR. HADLEY: Its been quite a tour of the world, and we thank you for the time. And I want to suggest maybe a fourth line of effort. Because when youve talked about Syria, and Iraq, and Afghanistan, Yemen and the issue of fragile states we talked about earlier. There are a lot of people who say that if youre going to deal with those types of problems, you need yes, defense. But you need development, you need diplomacy, some would say you need democracy. But in any venture, need some kind of good governance. So are we adequately resourcing all elements of that Pentateuch, if you will, and how are we doing within the government about coordinating all of these so that we can apply them against the challenges that we see in fragile states that are so often source of conflict? SEC. MATTIS: Well, we can always coordinate inside the government better as we look back in history from that nasty argument with King George III, we decided to set up a government that could never be a king over us, who would not be efficient. And we set it up intentionally, that three different branches of government would be co-equal and compete. And one of them had a bicameral legislature just to add a little more fuel to the fire. So for those of you who are allies, partners in the room who we frustrate often I would just tell you we are accomplishing the very purpose of our founding fathers because we frustrate ourselves even more. So we can always collaborate better. One thing that Bob Gates, when he was Secretary of Defense Dr. Gates used to say to us, the only that allows government to work at the top levels is the is the trusted, personal relations between those at the top. And for all you young people in the audience who wonder sometimes about going to work in the government if you put others first, if you decide to go in to government dont forget what Dr. Gates said, a longtime civil servant. Because we can make this experiment in democracy work, but were going to have to work together on it and we need young people to come in to do it. We can always collaborate better, and a spirit of collaboration has always got to be there if were going to make it work. But I dont I dont know, when you said, "are we providing enough in development funds," you know, in Germany they have to provide for every dollar that goes in to national defense, they have to provide a dollar to development funds. In Norway they have very robust efforts to teach good governance and reward it with development money. They actually its a very disciplined process. My point is one of the reasons we need allies in this world, its very simple, in history nations with allies thrive, nations without them die. Our allies have many of these issues worked out in a much more coherent manner, because their programs are developed from the ground up, in a in a much more, I would call it less complex government than we have and a smaller government. So its easier for them to apply their resources in areas that we can come in and reinforce what theyre doing. We can work together with them and get a much better return on the effort but were going to have to work with allies. No one nation on its own can defend itself, no one nation on its own can deal with bad governance or criminal transnational criminals or something like that. Were going to have to work together. So are doing enough? I think, together, we probably are, but we could be a lot more coherent on the national and international level. But and were going have to stay committed to it. But thanks very much, Steve. MR. HADLEY: It was a tour de force. Please join me in thanking Secretary Mattis for his time tonight. Thank you, sir. (Applause.) President Donald Trump has canceled a visit to Colombia that he had planned for early December, the White House said on Friday. Trump had planned the visit to take place after his attendance late this month at a G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where his stay is to include a meeting over dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Trumps schedule will not allow him to travel to Colombia later this month, the White House said in a statement. It is the second time this year that Trump has skipped a planned trip to Bogota. He had been scheduled to visit the Colombian capital in April after attending the Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru, but stayed in Washington to focus on responding to a chemical weapons attack in Syria. Trump met with Colombian President Ivan Duque on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 25, the White House said. Search Keywords: Short link: Calvert City Jingle All the Way 5k and Fun Run set for December 4 By Gil Arterburn, Paducah Citizen Oct. 30, 2018 | 12:48 PM | PADUCAH Interstate 24 opened in 1977 and Bob Green was beginning construction on the Executive Inn at the time of this interview; Paducah was growing. Jack spoke passionately about how Paducahns felt about that growth. There are good ways you can change and bad ways...I think we can have some of the good things of a larger city and avoid the bad things, he exclaimed. He believed that changing too quickly would inevitably bring in some bad things and so growth, he stated, ought to be brought in slowly and carefully. We need the right kind of progress. Jack died an untimely death from an airplane crash in 1985. If he were alive today, I wonder what he would think of the changes that our "bold, visionary leaders" have planned for Paducah? If they have their way, will Paducah remain the kind of place that people like Jack would want to bring their family back to? Or, will it become the kind of place he feared when he remarked in this interview , If Paducah changes the way you're talking, I'll have to leave Paducah just like I left New York! We can certainly VOTE not. In 1980, Bill Bartleman interviewed then Paducah Sun editor Jack Paxton after Jack had returned to Paducah from ten years traveling the world with NBC News. He spoke candidly about his return to Paducah and his vision for its future growth, musing that the more he saw of the world and it's big cities, the more he realized the value of a place like Paducah. You had to put up with a lot of things a person shouldn't have to put up with, he said. According to Jack, Paducah's uniqueness was found in the fact that the town and the people had remained much the same even as the world around it was rapidly changing for the worse. He observed that, Paducah has character and characters..." 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 The Associated Press Nov. 02, 2018 | LOUISVILLE By The Associated Press Nov. 02, 2018 | 05:21 PM | LOUISVILLE A white man charged with killing two black shoppers at a Kentucky grocery store pleaded not guilty on Friday the victims' relatives looked on. Gregory Bush was indicted this week on two counts of murder, wanton endangerment and one count of attempted murder. He denied all charges during the brief court hearing Friday morning. Several police officers surrounded Bush in the courtroom, and he did not speak. Federal officials are investigating whether to pursue a hate-crimes prosecution. Bush, 51, stopped at a historically black church nearby before heading with his handgun to the busy Kroger store in suburban Louisville. His bond was kept at $5 million cash on Friday. The families of victims Maurice Stallard, 69, and Vicki Lee Jones, 67, declined to speak to reporters after the hearing. The brief, two-minute appearance was tense. Someone cursed at Bush when he entered the courtroom, wearing an orange jumpsuit and surrounded by a half-dozen officers. Bush's public defender, Angela Elleman, expressed condolences to the victims' families and said the "community has suffered a great tragedy and loss." "It's particularly in times of loss and tragedy that our constitution and our laws can be particularly tested, so Mr. Bush of course has rights to due process and a fair trial." Prosecutors said this week that they had not made a decision on seeking the death penalty. The attempted murder charge is based on a shootout Bush had in the parking lot with an armed shopper, Dominic Rozier. Rozier told media outlets this week that he and his wife saw Jones get shot in the parking lot, and he drew his gun after Bush pointed a gun at him. The two exchanged gunfire but neither were hit, and Bush fled the parking lot. "I was doing it to protect me and my wife," Rozier said. A key Pakistani cleric with close ties to the Afghan Taliban who was killed in the garrison city of Rawalpindi was buried Saturday as Prime Minister Imran Khan called for an investigation into the murder. Maulana Sami Ul-Haq, dubbed the "Father of the Taliban", was stabbed to death by unknown intruders at his residence Friday night. The cleric, who is in his 80s was buried in his hometown Akoda Khattak, around 115 kilometres (70 miles) northwest of Islamabad. Thousands of people gathered for the funeral prayers guarded by dozens of police personnel while a bomb disposal squad cleared the graveyard before the cleric's body was brought for burial, an AFP reporter at the site said. His seminary had produced some of the key leaders of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, something that the cleric and his associates would proudly tell visiting journalists. The list of graduates written on the walls of the seminary includes the names of leaders of the Pakistani Taliban. An investigation into the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007 revealed that the assassins had stayed at his seminary before travelling to Rawalpindi where Bhutto was killed. The Afghan Taliban issued a statement terming his death "a great loss for the entire Islamic Ummah" (nation). "He rendered unforgettable services and assistance to the oppressed Afghan nation against the Soviet and American invasions," the statement said. Afghan envoys in Pakistan had reached out to him seeking his help in starting negotiations with the Afghan Taliban. But analysts doubted if he had any sway with them. "He did not had any influence on the Afghan Taliban but he supported their cause," analyst Rahimullah Yusufzai told AFP. "Many of the leaders and fighters of the Afghan Taliban had studied at his madrassa," he said. Pakistani media termed his death a blow to the Afghan peace process but Yusufzai doubted it, saying his death would have no impact on the talks as he was never part of any negotiations. Social media users in Afghanistan termed him a "troublemaker". "The Taliban have lost their father, now they are orphan," Bilal Noori, an Afghan, posted on Facebook. His death was widely condemned in Pakistan by politicians and religious leaders, with the prime minister calling for an investigation into the murder. In 2014, the cleric was a member of the negotiating committee from the homegrown Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) -- who brokered a ceasefire with the government, although the talks later failed. He twice held roles as a member of Pakistan's Senate. His JUI-S party was an ally of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party headed by Prime Minister Khan. Search Keywords: Short link: 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 The husband of a Pakistani Christian woman at the centre of a divisive blasphemy case on Saturday criticised a government deal with Islamists that left her in legal limbo, and called on authorities to protect her. Asia Bibi, on death row since 2010 on blasphemy charges, was acquitted by the Supreme Court Wednesday and ordered set free, triggering protests by ultra-conservative Islamists who paralysed Pakistan for three days. The government reached a deal Friday to end the protests by agreeing to a travel ban preventing Bibi from leaving the country, and saying it would not object to hardline movements appealing the verdict. An appeal has been filed with the court. "It is wrong to set a precedent in which you pile pressure onto the judiciary," Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih told German Deutsche Welle radio. He said the government should never have yielded to pressure from protesters. Blasphemy is a hugely inflammatory charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations of insulting Islam and its Prophet Mohammed can spark attacks and killings at the hands of vigilante mobs. Masih said the court had been "very courageous" to acquit his wife, an illiterate mother in her 50s whose case started in 2009 while she was working in the fields. Citing religious reasons, two Muslim women at the time refused to share a glass of water with her and a fight erupted. Several days later, the pair reported the incident to a local imam, who said Bibi insulted the prophet, a charge she denies. "The current situation is very dangerous for us. We have no security and are hiding here and there, frequently changing our location," Masih said. Bibi's lawyer fled Pakistan on Saturday, fearing for his life. Masih demanded the government reinforce Bibi's protection in prison, worrying that she may be attacked. He cited the case of two Christian men who were shot dead after a court acquitted them in another blasphemy case. "The situation is dangerous for Asia. I feel that her life is not secure," he said. "So I appeal to government to enhance Asia's security in jail". Search Keywords: Short link: Members of Wrexhams Armed Forces group meets to mark WWI centenary This article is old - Published: Saturday, Nov 3rd, 2018 Members of Wrexhams Armed Forces Group recently met up to mark the start of the series of centenary events taking place across the county over the next week. The group, which represents and supports serving forces members and veterans alike, also met to promote the associated booklet promoting local Remembrance events. Cllr David Griffiths, Armed Forces Champion for Wrexham Council, said: It is right and proper that we commemorate all those from Wrexham who served during the First World War, and all members of the Armed Forces group felt it was only right that we meet as part of the centenary commemorations. And, of course, members of the group each represent associations and organisations which will have an interest in taking part in the upcoming events to mark the end of the First World War, and they will be able to spread the word of the events available among their respective organisations. The booklet and a number of events were funded by the Covenant Trust Fund. The group also met to promote the Royal British Legions Thank You campaign, which encourages member of the public to express their thanks to those who fought in the War by learning about the generation which lived through it. A copy of the booklet and list of local events can be viewed in full here. Secondary schools fundraising efforts generates 2000 for Hope House This article is old - Published: Saturday, Nov 3rd, 2018 Secondary school students in Wrexham have raised thousands of pounds of charity after organising and participating in a series of fundraising activities. Over the past 12 months Ysgol Rhiwabon students have used their creativity and entrepreneurial skills from the Skills Challenge Certificate as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification to raise funds for Hope House Hospice. Last year students ran the annual Christmas Fair offering presents decorations and treats to students, staff and visitors from the local community. Highlights included homemade cakes, original games and knitted products all created by the students themselves. Younger students also participated in fundraising efforts using their musical talents to entertain local residents in a carol concert held at the local chapel. Throughout the year non uniform days, cake sales and other events were held to swell the charity fund. On Tuesday October 23rd Cat Dowdeswell, area fundraiser for Hope House Hospice, visited the school to introduce the challenge to the current Year 10 students in preparation for their fair to be held this coming December. After highlighting the great work done for local families in the community, Cat was presented with a cheque for 2000 by Joe Richards and Laigha Parry, members of two of the most successful stalls at the fair. Miss S Bourhill, Welsh Baccalaureate Co-ordinator, said: I was delighted for our students to be able raise such a sum for Hope House. It is a tremendous effort and all credit should be given to the students for the dedication they have shown for this worthy cause. Asia India: Historic strike by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) workers On Monday, Delhi Transport Corporation workers launched their first major strike in 30 years. Over 12,000 contract workers and more than 2,000 permanent employees took part in the stoppage. Several union leaders were reportedly detained or arrested after the Delhi government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act to ban the action. The immediate trigger for the strike was a circular released on August 21 by DTC management reducing the wages of contractual employees by almost 25 percent. Delhis High Court had previously blocked a minor increase to the workers minimum wage by the state government. Workers have demanded the immediate restoration of wages, wage parity for all employees and an increase in the number of DTC buses from 3,500 to 11,000. Some 98.2 percent of DTCs 10,200 workers voted in favour of Mondays strike last September. India: Haryana government employees join transport workers strike Most Haryana government employees took part in a two-day stoppage on October 30 and 31, in support of the states roadways employees who began indefinite strike action on October 16. They are opposing the state governments decision to hire the services of 720 private buses. The workers have condemned it as an attempt to privatise public transport. Haryana Roadways employs roughly 19,000 workers and has a fleet of 4,100 buses transporting around 1.2 million passengers every day. The entitys buses also travel to other states including Jammu, Kashmir, Delhi, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab. Indian Uber and Ola drivers continue Mumbai strike Drivers for the ride-sharing service Uber and Ola continued a strike in the Indian capital of Mumbai that began the previous week. Meetings between union officials and representatives of the companies failed to end the dispute. Union spokespeople claimed that the corporations had accepted 80 percent of their demands, but had not agreed to a standard fee for drivers waiting for passengers. India: Madurai meal workers protest in front of district collectors office Over 300 cooks continued a protest last week by blocking traffic in front of the district collectors office in Madurai on Monday. The midday meal program supplies free lunches for children in primary and upper primary classes in government-funded schools. The workers are demanding improved wages. The employees have also stated that they are overworked as a result of understaffing. Their main demands are to be treated on par with other government employees, with retirement benefits for meal organisers to be increased to 500,000 rupees ($US6,850) and for the cooks to 300,000 rupees. They held a sit-in protest. Pakistan media workers continue campaign over unpaid entitlements, job cuts and censorship Journalists and other media workers rallied in Lahore and Peshawar outside the press clubs of both cities last Monday. The protests were part of a nationwide campaign against the major media companies over their failure to pay owed wages, in some cases for the past three months, and a series of recent job cuts. Media employees have also denounced the frequent imposition of censorship by the corporations, acting in league with government authorities, across newspaper, television and online reportage. A previous series of demonstrations was held on October 9 in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta. They were called by the All-Pakistan News Employees Confederation, along with local organisations including the Karachi Union of Journalists, the Punjab Union of Journalists, the Khyber Union of Journalists and the Balochistan Union of Journalists. The Pakistani military-intelligence establishment is widely accused of imposing a regime of censorship, especially targeting any criticism of state forces. Journalists have reported receiving threats. Some reporters have also been abducted, or have disappeared in unexplained circumstances. Pakistan: Retail workers call off protests The union covering workers at Utility Stores Corporation (USC), Pakistans largest state-run retail chain, called off a sit-in demonstration in Islamabad on October 25. The action was scuttled by the All Pakistan Utility Stores Corporation Union after it carried out negotiations with the government. The workers had demanded permanent jobs for all contract employees and an increase in wages. They also opposed government plans to privatise the chain, which currently employs 14,000 workers. The union claimed the government agreed to all of the demands and called on workers to reopen the stores the following day. It threatened to resume protests if the government reneged on its promises. Over the past seven years, successive governments have failed to release funds for the subsidised goods sold by the USC, resulting in the corporation accumulating a debt of 27.6 billion rupees ($206.58 million). The USCs financial crisis is being used as the pretext to push for its privatisation as the government prepares for negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The privatisation of state-run enterprises has been a key feature of IMF loans throughout the region. The IMF has demanded that Pakistan rein in subsidy programs and slash all public expenditure. Bangladesh: Transport workers protest against new legislation Transport employees in the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation staged a 48-hour strike on October 28 and 29 to demand that an eight-point charter they have proposed be adopted by the government, including an amendment to the Road Transport Act 2018. The strike began when the governments Road, Transport and Bridges minister stated that it would not be possible to meet the workers demands before upcoming general elections. The federation had earlier postponed the strike after the Home Minister assured them their demands would be considered. Transport workers belonging to various sectors staged an eight-hour strike on October 19 and a three-day strike between October 1 and 3. Under the new laws, truck drivers can be sentenced to five years jail and fined 500,000 takas ($US5,913) for traffic offenses. The law also states that if a driver kills anyone in an accident, they can be charged with murder or culpable homicide. Bangladesh: Garment workers strike over death of a worker Garment workers at Fame Apparels Limiteds factory staged a demonstration on October 24 over the death of a worker. They demanded compensation for the family of the deceased. The worker, a supervisor, was electrocuted. He was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital. The factory is in the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation industrial area in Narayanganj. Workers at other enterprises joined the demonstrators. The strike was ended after the factory owners assured workers that compensation would be forthcoming. Migrant workers in Taiwan protest unsafe dormitories On Sunday, around 100 migrant workers and supporters protested in front of Taiwans Ministry of Labor in Taipei, demanding legislation to separate workers dormitories from unsafe factories. Factory fires are a major issue in East Asia, where high rents and low wages compel migrant workers to live in cramped conditions attached to their workplaces, which often have poor safety standards and limited, if any, fire exits. Between December last year and April, factory fires have killed eight migrant workers who were living in dorms connected to factory buildings, as well as six firefighters who entered burning buildings trying to save them. According to protest organisers, a survey conducted among Taiwan labor groups found that one in six migrant workers live in dorms connected to factories. Burmese garment workers end strike Workers at the Fu Yuen Garment Factory in Yangon, Burmas largest city, ended a 72-day strike and protests outside the plant last Wednesday. The Yangon Region Chief Minister negotiated an agreement that allows 30 workers leaders who were sacked on August 20 and the 300 others who have been supporting them with strike action since to return to work on November 6. The agreement came a few days after 100 workers demonstrated in Yangon demanding the regional government intervene on their behalf. Under the agreement, the workers will have to sign employment contracts with the employer and will be paid from when they resume. The 30 workers were originally sacked for demanding better working conditions and an end to the mistreatment by management. On October 15, the picket supporting them was set upon by thugs wielding iron bars. One young female striker is still recovering from multiple fractures. Two days later, police arrested two student union leaders who were among local residents involved in an incident with people still working at the plant. Australia and the Pacific Support staff at Airservices Australia walk out Critical support and administration staff at Airservices Australia walked off the job for 24 hours on Wednesday as negotiations over a new Enterprise Agreement (EA) between the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and the government-operated company stalled. Professionals Australia and Electrical Trade Union members working at Airservices said they would be taking industrial action the next day. The vast majority of Airservices workers voted in favour of taking industrial action in August. This follows a year without a pay rise and unsatisfactory offers from Airservices Australia which seek to limit any wage increase to 2 percent per annum, in line with the federal Liberal-National governments cap on wage increases. The company is demanding a number of cuts to staff and reductions in working conditions in return for the limited pay increase. The CPSU has held 24 meetings with Airservices Australia. It blames the hard-line stance of the federal government and its ideological attack on workers. In reality, the union has maintained limited action to sporadic stoppages and has made no clear wage claim in opposition to Airservices demands, calling only for a fair agreement. Workers have demanded pay and conditions on par with airport traffic controllers and firefighters. University of Canberra staff strike Members of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union at the University of Canberra (UC) stopped work for 24 hours on Thursday in a dispute over a proposed Enterprise Agreement (EA). The strike follows a half-day stoppage in October over what the unions claimed was an inadequate offer. In response to the strike action, UC management announced that they would proceed to an all-staff ballot to seek endorsement of its proposed EA. The NETU has directed its members to reject managements offer. The NTEU claimed that key issues which remain unresolved include professional staff and academic workloads, job security, the Assistant Professor scheme, rights for casually employed staff, and improvements in salary. Queensland: Department of Education workers protest Around one hundred non-teaching workers from nine different work categories in the Department of Education demonstrated outside State Parliament in Brisbane on Tuesday afternoon in a dispute over the Queensland Labor governments proposed enterprise agreement. Workers held placards saying 0% pay increase-No way and Respect school support staff among others. The action followed similar rallies a week earlier in Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville over the issue. As well as a pay increase, members of the Together union are demanding equal pay for equal work no matter which agency they work in, safe workloads, workplaces and real job security. The current enterprise agreement expired in May. The Labor government has refused to offer a pay increase to these workers, most of whom are on the lowest public service pay scales. In response to the workers anger, the union has begun to survey members asking if they would be willing to participate in a half-day strike. However, in a tactic to wear down their resolve, the union is forcing the dispute into the industrial court. The Together union will meet with the government in the Industrial Relations Commission to discuss preliminary matters before going to the Commissioner, a process that could take weeks or months. New Zealand ambulance workers vote for partial strike About 900 ambulance workers employed by St John have voted to take industrial action this month to protest against low pay. Workers are calling for penalty rates for unsocial shifts on weekends and nights. The workers are members of FIRST Union. From November 14, workers will refuse to cover any additional events, such as concerts. FIRST Union will enter mediation with St John on November 9 in an attempt to avert the action. Since the 1990s, ambulance services have been outsourced by District Health Boards to private charities, including St John, which employs around 2,000 people and has 7,500 unpaid volunteers. Successive governments, led by the Labour and National parties, have severely underfunded this vital service. The starting rate for paid ambulance workers is just $19.10 an hour, not much more than the $16.50 minimum wage. They work gruelling hours and are frequently responsible for saving lives. Many of them have degrees and large student loans. The ambulance workers strike vote follows a nationwide strike in July by 30,000 nurses and healthcare assistants against low wages and dangerously understaffed hospitals. Anaesthetic technicians have also held strikes throughout the country. New Zealand court workers strike On November 1, members of the Public Service Association (PSA) voted to strike at the Auckland District Court and High Court. The District Court was closed from 3pm after workers walked off the job. A simultaneous strike was held by court workers in Rotorua. These were the latest in a series of small strikes after nearly 2,000 PSA members, including court registry officers, victim advisers and others voted for industrial action in September. Part-day strikes were held on October 30 in Napier and Hastings, and on October 26 courts across the South Island were closed after 300 workers walked out from 3pm. The Ministry of Justice is offering a pay increase of just 5 percent over two years, essentially a pay freeze. The PSA initially claimed a 13 percent increase but a ministry spokesperson told the media the union had reduced its claim to 11 percent. The ministry will apply for an injunction at a hearing on Monday to ban further strikes. New Caledonia: Firefighter strike called off An indefinite strike that had been scheduled for firefighters at New Caledonia's airports on October 31 was called off four days earlier. Firefighters have held several strikes and protests in recent months demanding a restructure of their profession to integrate it into the territory's civil service, in order to recruit and train staff locally. Under the current system, firefighters must be trained and brought to New Caledonia from France. President Philippe Germain had ruled out any restructure to meet the firefighters' demands. This week's strike was suspended in light of New Caledonia's referendum on independence from France, on November 4. Nothing has been resolved and the government has said discussions on the dispute will be postponed until later this month. The WSWS is publishing a selection of the letters that were sent in response the open letter written by Niles Niemuth, the Socialist Equality Party candidate for Congress in Michigans 12th District, protesting WDIVs censorship of his campaign. As of publication Voet has not replied to the open letter. We encourage supporters of the SEP to write letters to Kim Voet at kimv@wdiv.com demanding WDIV reverse their decision to censor Niles campaign and to send copies to niles2018@socialistequality.com *** Dear Ms. Voet, I urge you to list Niles Niemuth as a candidate for Michigans 12th congressional district. If I were in Detroit and we were fortunate enough to discuss the election, Id even try to convince you to endorse his candidacy. Ive known Niles a long time, and can speak to his honesty, noble character and optimism: qualities in short supply in the political sphere. But more importantly, in this election and in American politics more generally, voters understand that the major obstacle to improved living conditions in the United States is the stranglehold of money on democracy and society. According to a 2016 PRRI study, 57 percent of Americans believe that because elections are largely controlled by the wealthy and big corporations, it does not matter if they vote. That belief is higher among black Americans (59%), Hispanics (61%), and white working class voters (64%). Ms. Voet, what part does the media play in the problem of wealth and big corporations dominating official political life? Is your decision not to cover Niemuths campaign related, directly or indirectly, to the family fortune of the Graham family that owns WDIV, as Niemuth alleges? For most Americans, the fight for justice, for democracy, for equality, is linked to the tragedy of everyday life in a polarized and unforgiving society. Perhaps I cannot convince you to take up this fight or to endorse Niles. But can I convince you as a journalist to do your job, that is, to cover his campaign? I hope you will do what is right. Sincerely, Daniel Boston, Massachusetts *** Kim Voet, I am writing you in protest of your news stations anti-democratic and pro-corporate, pro-militarist refusal to provide coverage of the congressional campaign of Niles Niemuth. I am a resident of Ypsilanti, which lies within Michigans 12th congressional district. For over eight decades, the 12th districts congressional seat has been held by members of the Dingell family, a political dynasty which has remained thoroughly loyal to the pro-war, pro-business policies of the Democratic Party. As a member of the Socialist Equality Party, Niles Niemuth is running a campaign against these reactionary forces that have gripped the 12th district for nearly a century. I am a supporter of the SEP because it is the only political organization that offers working people a genuine alternative to the two-party dictatorship of Capital. Your refusal to cover his campaign lays bare the lie of a fair and balanced news media. Your news station has shown itself by its actions to be yet another corporate mouthpiece. Opinion polls indicate that distrust for news media is extremely high among Americans. Your organizations behavior is a perfect example of the cause of this distrust. I demand that you immediately reverse your policy and offer equal coverage to all candidates on the 12th district congressional ballot. If you believe at all in democratic ideals, this is the only way forward. Keep voters informed, not in the dark. Ted Curran Ypsilanti, Michigan *** Ms. Voet, I strongly protest WDIVs anti-democratic decision to, on its own prioritizing, decide which of those candidates on the ballots within its broadcast area are to receive coverageand those which are not. In an earlier era, this would have been an outrageous and flagrant violation of the fairness doctrine. I demand that your station practice the most elementary task of journalism: that to cover the news fairly and without favora doctrine of central importance when coverage of elections is conducted. Don Barry, Ph.D. Rochester, New York Astronomer, Cornell University (retired) Director, Spitzer Space Telescope Infrared Spectrograph Science Archive *** Ms. Voet, I was a reporter for 18 years with Gannetts the Tennessean newspaper in Nashville, Tennessee. Having read Mr. Niemuths open letter to your television station, I cant say that I am surprised. I have seen the media, including my former employer, treat third-party candidates in the same fashion. The argument is that any candidates other than Republicans and Democrats are not viable, which is all quite true. But to reach that conclusion you must use Catch-22 logic: There is no interest in your socialism But how do we develop interest? By getting press coverage, of course. But you wont give us press coverage! Thats because there is no interest in your socialism. But Pew research indicates a majority of young people are interested in socialism. Silly, If they were we would see press coverage. There is, indeed, growing interest in socialism, ergo there will be growing attempts to stifle it as your station has done. Be a real journalist in the best sense of the word and not a hack and include Mr. Niemuth in your coverage and on your webpage. Respectfully, Warren Duzak *** To Kim Voet: Eight years ago this month, Bill Keller of the New York Times defended the papers decision to refuse to publish information released to it about the war on terror. Freedom of the press includes freedom not to publish, and that is a freedom we exercise with some regularity, he wrote. That is not freedom of the pressthat is lying by omission, or censorship. I read a disturbing letter this morning from a candidate for congress in Michigans 12th district, Niles Niemuth, explaining that he and another third-party representative have been omitted from your news stations coverage on the upcoming midterm elections. It is apparent that this is not a mistake on your part but rather a deliberate and conscious effort to exclude him from your platform. Allow me to voice my disappointment, concern and opposition to your news stations censorship of these candidates. It is the responsibility and obligation of news outlets to tell the truth to the public. In this case, it includes providing information on candidates you yourself may not agree with. Presenting the election as if there are only two candidates by refusing to give a platform to the others is indeed lying. Not only are you blocking the electorate from accessing critical information on all candidates, youre directly contributing to the fake news campaign spearheaded by some of the most right-wing and reactionary figures in government. Through acts of self-censorship and lying, it is outlets like yours which ultimately hold responsibility for the rightful discrediting of the news in this country. Why should anyone trust the media when the media feels at liberty to publish only half the facts? NBC released results from a poll a few days ago which shows 63 percent of voters in my age bracket (millennials) do not feel that congress represents them. Only a third are actually planning to vote this Tuesday. Why should people cast a vote for a party they dont agree with? There are other options and, whether you like it or not, its not your job to decide which candidates voters are allowed to choose from. Its your job to inform your audience honestly and intelligently about all options. Im sure youre under pressure from the rich people who own and run your news station, who prefer to confine voters to the two parties that correlate most with their own interests. However, I would like to remind you that rich people arent the only ones who get to vote, and your news station serves a much larger audience than that. We only have a few days until the election. Do your job. Cover the elections the way youre supposed to. Allow all candidates a platform. Thank you, K. C. *** Good Day, I am Christopher Drye a resident of Maryland and am following the coverage of the upcoming midterm elections. We have a strong interest in the state of Michigans upcoming future and the concerns of its elected officials. I have not seen your station showing any interviews with the other third party candidates who are running for offices. There is a large interest in the independent and Socialist Equality Party candidates and I feel you should be giving them equal time as well. I would appreciate your attention in this matter. Respectfully, Chris Drye *** Dear Ms. Voet, I write to ask you to change your decision to censor Michigan 12th District candidates Niles Niemuth (Socialist Equality Party) and Gary Walkowicz (Working Class Party) by leaving them off your stations voter guide and by denying them the opportunity to record a brief video statement about their candidacies, opportunities you granted to the Republican and Democratic candidates for that same office. In the letter he sent you, Mr. Niemuth made a clear case to be included in your stations pre-election coverage; there is no need for me to repeat his arguments here. Equally clear is his argument why you and your station chose to exclude him. You can do better than this. You must! While I dont reside in Michigans 12th Congressional District, I am a Michigan resident, a contributor to Mr. Niemuths campaign, and I support the platform of the Socialist Equality Party. Sincerely, (The Rev.) Daniel S. Scheid Michigan The Tramways Union, which covers bus drivers in the Wellington region, called off a strike on October 30, ending four days of industrial action that caused minimal disruption to commuter services in the New Zealand capital. In September, more than 230 bus drivers in Wellington and nearby Porirua and the Hutt Valley voted to strike over low wages and attacks on working conditions by the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and its new private bus operator Tranzurban, owned by Tranzit. The strike was set to run until November 30. Union leaders, however, called off the action without a resolution, calling the move an act of good faith, and resumed talks with Tranzurban, facilitated by the Employment Relations Authority. The Wellington action followed a 24-hour strike in Auckland on October 23, involving 100 bus drivers employed by Pavlovich and Ritchies Murphy Transport. Another 100 drivers at Go Bus held a four-hour strike in the city of Hamilton, their fifth industrial action this year. The strikes are part of a growing movement, involving thousands of workers who are seeking to fight back against a wage freeze and attacks on conditions since the global financial crisis of 2008. About 30,000 primary teachers and 30,000 nurses and hospital workers have held nationwide strikes this year to demand better wages and staffing levels. There have been significant strikes also by rail workers, public servants, fast food workers, and at Bluescope Steel and Auckland University of Technology. The strikes are part of an international upsurge of the working class, including strikes by teachers and delivery workers in the United States, Latin America, India and Europe. Bus drivers are paid only a few dollars above the minimum wage of $16.50 an hour. Tranzurban took over 60 percent of the GWRCs bus routes in July, promising to reduce costs by introducing larger buses, reducing services and cutting wages. The sweeping changes to Wellington timetables caused chaos, with many commuters angry about unreliable and less frequent services. Tranzurban pays drivers $22 an hour, up from between $18.65 and $19.35 under their previous employer NZ Bus. However, Tranzurban eliminated penalty rates of time-and-a-half on Saturday, double time on Sunday, and extra pay for overtime, resulting in a pay cut for many drivers, in some cases by hundreds of dollars. The cost of living, meanwhile, has soared. The price of a modest house is now around $600,000 in Wellington and up to $1 million in Auckland, far beyond the reach of most working class families. Nationwide, rents increased 25 percent between 2012 and 2017, while wages only rose 14 percent. Drivers in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington are also angry about unsocial, gruelling and potentially dangerous working conditions. In many cases, drivers work split shifts, with long unpaid breaks in the middle of the day, leading to high levels of fatigue. At every turn, the trade unions have sought to divide workers, delay and limit industrial action as much as possible, and drag out disputes in order to demoralise workers and impose sellout agreements. They have also sought to subordinate workers to the Labour Party, which now has been in office nationally for more than a year. In June 2017, the Tramways Union promoted a Facebook video message by then-Labour Party leader Andrew Little saying the GWRC was trying to drive down the wages and conditions of these workers Its not right. Labour MPs were invited repeatedly to speak to union meetings, where union leaders welcomed them. The Labour Party-led government, formed following the September 2017 election, shamelessly continues to pose as a supporter of bus workers. In parliament on October 23, Transport Minister Phil Twyford declared the coalition parties believe in raising incomes. He ruled out any intervention in the present disputes, however, saying the government was still looking at fixing the problems that we inherited from [the previous National Party governments] competitive tendering framework. This is a fraud. For the past year the government has done nothing to stop cost cutting at the expense of workers. It has refused to prevent councils from outsourcing transport and other services to the lowest bidder. Moreover, the GWRC and Auckland Council are both controlled by former Labour Party MPs, who have behaved just as ruthlessly as their National Party counterparts. Auckland mayor and former Labour Party leader Phil Goff has also overseen major cuts to the arts and library services. In the months leading up to Tranzurbans takeover, the Tramways Union refused to strike, instead encouraging illusions in the government and negotiating behind the scenes with the GWRC and the company. This allowed Tranzurban to take over the council contracts in July without any serious obstacles. Almost 300 NZ Bus workers were made redundant. Roughly half were re-hired by the new company. Others reportedly retired, moved to other areas of the country, or were simply left without a job. Like other unions, the Tramways Union has suppressed strike action for decades. Union secretary Kevin OSullivan told Fairfax Media on September 26: 1996 was the last time we did anything, and even that wasnt on this scale. In fact, Octobers strike action caused only minor disruption in Wellington. Most bus drivers continued working, although some apparently refused to accept fares. The councils transport agency said 96.7 percent of commuter services operated on schedule. Fairfax Media said the union warned up to 130 Tranzurban drivers could take part in the strike, but as of 4.30 p.m. on [October 26], only 25 of the companys 290 drivers had not turned up for work. No attempt was made to involve non-union members, or to broaden the struggle by including rail workers in the capital, who face similar attacks. The Rail and Maritime Transport Union is currently seeking to push through yet another sellout agreement for the commuter rail network, which is run by private company Transdev on a GWRC contract. FIRST Union and the Tramways Union are now urging the Labour government to facilitate an industry-wide employment agreement for bus drivers using proposed fair pay agreements legislation, which would outlaw strikes during the negotiations. Transport workers can fight against the sellouts being prepared behind their backs only by rebelling against the pro-capitalist unions. Bus and rail workers need to organise independently by forming rank-and-file committees, controlled by workers themselves. These organisations should forge links with workers in different parts of the country and different industries, and workers in Australia, the US and internationally. The broadest possible campaign must be launched against the Labour Party-led government, which is continuing the policies of austerity demanded by big business. This agenda can be defeated only by uniting the working class on the basis of a socialist political strategy to reorganise society on the basis of human need, not corporate profit. The author also recommends: Wellington bus drivers vote for indefinite strike [4 October 2018] New Zealand rail union promotes sellout at Wellington meeting [19 October 2018] New Zealand teachers union moves to call off strikes [31 October 2018] This past week, in the run-up to Tuesdays midterm elections, has exposed a political establishment that is rotting on its feet. In the US and around the world, political events more and more resemble the 1930s. The era of smart phones and social media is becoming the era of concentration camps, right-wing street violence and xenophobic, racist reaction. In America, there is a growing sense within the population that the Trump administration is taking the country into uncharted territory, with deadly implications. Each day delivers a new blow to basic democratic principles. Last Friday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Florida native Cesar Sayoc, Jr., a Trump supporter who mailed improvised pipe bombs to more than a dozen Democratic politicians and prominent figures who have been targeted by Trump. The next day, a gunman driven by hatred of immigrants and Jews, Robert Bowers, opened fire in the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11 people. He selected that particular synagogue because of its support for Central American immigrants. On Monday, Trump echoed Bowers language when he announced the deployment of 5,200 soldiers to block what he called an immigrant invasion at the US-Mexico border. On Tuesday, Trump told HBO that the White House was preparing to issue an executive order repealing the 14th Amendments birthright citizenship provision, enacted after the Civil War to guarantee citizenship to freed slaves and all people born on US soil. The following day, Wednesday, Trump tweeted a racist campaign video portraying immigrants as killers and blaming Democrats for letting them in. Trump also announced he might triple the total number of troops deployed to the border to 15,000. On Thursday, Trump announced that he had ordered the indefinite detention of immigrants, an end to the right to asylum for immigrants crossing the border without papers between ports of entry, and the construction of massive cities of tents to hold detained immigrants. Trump also said the military would be free to fire on immigrants: They want to throw rocks at our military, our military fights back. I told them to consider it a rifle. No previous president has ever said words like these. On Friday, the Brownsville Herald reported that a man had opened fire on undocumented immigrants at a refugee center in Texas near the border with Mexico. Local Texas journalists also report that armed and uniformed fascist border militias are arriving in droves and are being welcomed by immigration officials. All the while, Trump has been barnstorming throughout the country, holding rallies where he tells voters he is building a movement that can bypass the traditional political establishment. He has repeated threats of violence against protesters and immigrants, making volkish-style nationalist appeals to Americans as one family and one glorious American destiny. The vast majority of people are sickened by Trumps actions, his language and the violence they have provoked. Tens of millions of Americans are asking themselves, How can these dangerous developments be stopped? Not through the Democratic Party and its allies in the press, who have adopted cooperation with Trump as their unofficial campaign slogan. The Democrats and allied media have dispensed billions of dollars, thousands of hours of cable news programming and untold inches of column space to downplay or rationalize Trumps moves. Massive troop deployments, the specter of martial law and the erection of internment camps are treated by the Democrats as reasonable proposals, total nonissues or mere distractions. I support the president 100 percent doing what he needs to do to secure the border, said Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill, one of several Democratic senators up for reelection who have praised Trumps anti-immigrant moves. On Wednesday, the New York Times cited House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosis pledge that if the Democrats win control of Congress, they will show voters that Democrats are a governing party, not the leftist mob that Mr. Trump describesand to extend an arm of cooperation to the president after an electoral rebuke. Senator Bernie Sanders, who has abandoned even the pretense of independence from the Democratic Party and is traveling the country campaigning for right-wing Democrats, defended Trump against those who blame his rhetoric for the massacre in Pittsburgh: Im not going to sit here and blame the president, he said. The Democratic Partys feckless response is guided by its all-consuming fear of the growth of social opposition from below. The Democrats, who have dedicated themselves over the past two years to witch-hunting Russia and censoring left-wing media and social media platforms, have no fundamental disagreements with Trumps right-wing measures and are equally complicit in the evisceration of basic democratic rights. They speak for a section of the ruling class that fears Trump is lighting the fuse to a powder keg of pent-up social anger that could provoke mass strikes and demonstrations. The Democrats chief goal is to anesthetize the population and prevent social tensions from spill[ing] over into the streets, as former CIA Director John Brennan said in August. The growth of right-wing violence and the descent into dictatorial forms of rule are not inevitable and they can be stopped. But this requires a break with the Democratic Party and a mobilization of the immense potential power of the American and international working class, the billions-strong social force that occupies the revolutionary position of producing all of the worlds wealth under capitalism. American workers must recognize that immigrants escaping poverty and violence from countries devastated by US wars and US-backed dictators are their allies. In their home countries, these workers left jobs as bus drivers, machinists, agricultural workers, warehouse workers, textile workers and teachers to travel to the US in the hope of securing a better life. Native-born workers should recognize in this sacrifice the stories of their own ancestors, who came from all over the world to escape famine, war and autocracy in the old country, only to be denounced by the American oligarchs of an earlier era as racially inferior foreigners. Very few Americans, with the exception of Native Americans, can establish their familys citizenship five generations back. Trump and his big-business allies take workers for fools! Fanning racism and national hatred is the oldest trick in the capitalists book, used to divide and conquer and crush the class struggle. The military deployments and other authoritarian measures being employed against illegal immigrants will soon be used against all workers who engage in strikes and protests for higher pay, better living and working conditions, health care, education and other basic needs. US citizen workers take heed: You, as well as your immigrant brothers and sisters, are the ultimate target of Trumps dictatorial measures! The Socialist Equality Party warns that in the absence of a mass movement of the working class, the attacks on immigrants and democratic rights will only grow more serious and deadly. The Democratic Party will collaborate with Trump and his fascist aides all the way down the road to dictatorship. The alternative is socialist revolution. The ruling class cannot be entrusted with control of society. Its plans, now on public display in the US and internationally, are to repeat the worst crimes of the 1930s and 1940s, including dictatorship, war and mass exterminationexcept on an even more vast and destructive, nuclear, scale. The political and military power of the ruling elite derives from its control of the commanding heights of the capitalist economy, which workers must pry from its grasp through social and political struggle. The banks and corporations must be expropriated, the trillions in wealth put to use to provide all people with secure and fulfilling lives, so their decisions to travel or stay put are made entirely by choice and not dire necessity. The ruling class will not give up its wealth without a fight. This is a struggle to put an end to the rule of the capitalists and establish workers political power. It requires the coordinated action of billions of workers internationally in a revolutionary struggle to transform society on an egalitarian basis. Incidences of police brutality have risen rapidly in the UK in the last year. According to the statistics supplied by the police themselves, violence and deaths at the hands of police officers have both seen a marked increase. Figures from a Metropolitan Police online database show that just in London, the Met used violence against individuals a staggering 41,477 times in the five month period between April and August this year. The data reveal that methods of force, including handcuffs, batons and tear gas, as well as attack dogs, Tasers and guns, were used an average of 270 times a day just in the capital. This compares to an already appallingly high 151 times a day in the corresponding period last yeara 79 percent increase in incidents of police brutality. Episodes of police violence from just these five months are almost on a par with the total number of incidents from the whole of last year (April 2017-April 2018), when there were 62,153 occasions of force being used by the London police. Many of the incidents relate violent police methods such as using pressure points to restrain and handcuff individuals. However, in the same period, police officers also fired or aimed Tasers at suspects 2,663 times and trained real firearms on suspects 591 times in Londonan average of nearly four times a day. Since last year, police firearms operations have risen by nearly 20 percent nationally, with some areas seeing an increase of 53 percent. There were around 18,700 police firearms operations across the UK in 2017-18. The London boroughs in which police violence has been most widespread are Westminster, which saw 2,837 incidences of police violence between April and August, then Lambeth (2,571), Brent (2,489), Southwark (2,000) and Hackney (1,739). With the exception of Westminster, which is the location of important landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and the Queens residence at Buckingham Palace, these boroughs are predominantly working-class areas with high levels of poverty, deprivation and unemployment. In these boroughs, police harassment, assault and abuse are daily facts of life, often with terrible and tragic consequences for the working-class inhabitants. The case of Julian Cole, a young black man who was violently restrained and arrested by police outside a nightclub in Bedford is a prime example. During the arrest in 2013, in which he was forcefully restrained and dragged unconscious to a police van, Cole suffered a broken neck and serious injuries to his spine at the hands of three police officers. The serious injuries he suffered during the police assault left him in a permanent vegetative state, requiring 24-hour care. An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) disciplinary panel, which was set up to investigate the circumstances of Coles arrest, found that the three officers who restrained him, Hannah Ross, Nicholas Oates and Sanjeev Kalyan, had committed gross misconduct and lied about the events of the night. They had falsely claimed that Cole had walked to the police van and been chatty during their journey to the police station, when in fact his neck had been broken and he had gone into cardiac arrest long before that. The officers were also found to have committed misconduct by not carrying out any of the basic welfare checks on Cole after he had been restrained. Rather than being prosecuted for the violent assault, which left the young man permanently and seriously disabled, the three officers were merely dismissed from their posts in the police service last week, with the Crown Prosecution Service finding that no criminal action had occurred. For others, encounters with police end even more tragically than did that of Julian Cole. According to the annual statistics compiled by IOPC, in the 2017-2018 financial year 283 people lost their lives following contact with police. Of these deaths, 23 occurred in or following police custody, 57 were apparent suicides following custody and 29 related to road traffic incidents. There were also four police shootings (three of which were related to terrorism) and 170 unspecified other deaths at the hands of the police. The IOPC figures show that more people were killed after contact with police in the 2017-2018 period than in any other year in the last decade. This escalation of police violence has come amidst calls from senior police officials to ramp up the militarisation of the police. Citing the threat of terrorism, Simon Chesterman, the armed policing lead for the National Police Chiefs Council, called in March for the routine arming of all frontline police officers with Tasers, declaring, if an officer wants to carry it and they can meet the standard, they should be allowed to carry it. Chesterman went further still in May, advocating the rolling out of real firearms among police officers, supposedly to counter the terrorism threat. In a paper prepared by Chesterman for a meeting of police chiefs, he called for the routine arming of frontline constables with guns, stating his apparent concern that it could take too long for fully trained armed officers to respond to a terrorist attack in rural areas. Much of the coverage of this increase in police violence in the bourgeois media has focused on the fact that police brutality disproportionately targets black people and other ethnic minorities. Black people in London were involved in 39 percent of incidents of police violence since April 2018, despite making up only 13 percent of the capitals population. While racism plays a role in police violence, the medias focus on race obscures the fundamental class character of police brutality. The militarisation of the police and the proliferation of police violence is not the result of a few bad apples within the police force, but flows necessarily from the nature of the capitalist state as an instrument of class repression. The police exist to defend the political and economic system of capitalism, a system of immense inequality and brutality. This turn to increased violence and repression must be seen in the context of rising class antagonisms worldwide and the global crisis of capitalist rule. To combat the growing unrest of the working class, governments across the world are increasingly acquiring an authoritarian character and strengthening the repressive powers of the intelligence agencies and an increasingly militarised police force. This repressive apparatus, which is justified as a proportionate response to terrorist attacks, is primarily aimed at combating the political mobilisation of the working class, through violence, intimidation and censorship. The last few years have seen the massive growth of censorship measures across Europe and the United States. In the name of combating disinformation and fake news, governments across the world are introducing legislation seriously curtailing freedom of speech. In addition to targeting left-wing, antiwar and socialist websites, the World Socialist Web Site among the most affected, internet censorship measures have also been taken against popular social media accounts exposing and denouncing police violence. Facebook recently deleted numerous pages by groups opposing and publicising incidents of police violence such as Police the Police, Cop Block and Filming Cops. The author also recommends: Facebooks purge of left-wing media: A frontal assault on freedom of speech [15 October 2018] Directed by Bjorn Runge, written by Jane Anderson, based on the novel by Meg Wolitzer. All you are going for is what feels human, and it transcends a political moment, it predates a political moment, its like what happens between people, in this case between women, Meg Woltzier, author of The Wife. The Wife, directed by Swedish filmmaker Bjorn Runge, has generally been met with accolades. Virtually every film critic has given Glenn Closeplaying the part of Joan Castleman, the Wife in questionrave reviews and many have predicted she might win an Oscar. The new film is adapted from American writer Meg Wolitzers 2003 novel of the same title. The Wife At a time when blockbuster horror, comic book-fantasy and juvenile animation are the rage, it would be a welcome relief if a serious and intimate film about the dissolution of a marriage could make it to the screen. However, there is much that is not credible or convincing about this film. The plot of The Wife is fairly straightforward. In the early hours of the morning, a man of 70 or so is waiting restlessly in bed and devouring food. He seems a bit of a glutton. He is impatiently waiting for a phone call from the Nobel Prize committee in Sweden. He is a prominent writer by the name of Joe Castleman (Jonathan Pryce). Joan (Close), his wife, is much more reserved and introspective. She follows his words and movements as though carefully studying him. She exudes an unspoken tension. Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce The phone call finally arrives, and Joe is informed that he has indeed been honored with the Nobel Prize in Literature. With sheer joy and disbelief, the couple bounce on their bed, while Joe in a sing-song manner barks out, I won the Nobel, I won the Nobel. That morning, friends and family gather at the pairs quaint country cottage by the edge of a lake in Connecticut to toast and celebrate. Mention of Bill Clinton sets the period of the film. We begin to understand that Joe is pompous, arrogant and reservedly narcissistic. His son David (Max Irons), who aspires to write, can barely get his fathers attention when he asks the older man if he has read his recent short story and if he has an opinion of the piece. Joe is rudely dismissive and evasive, while Joan is always conciliatory and thoughtful. These preliminary scenes and conversations are only a prelude to what amounts to a journey toward the collapse of their marriage, and more. During the couples trip to Stockholm and rehearsals for the award presentation, we are given glimpses into their past in flashbacks. As a younger man, Joe (Harry Lloyd) is a handsome, well-spoken but married professor at a women-only college in the mid-1950s. Joan (Annie Starke), apparently a gifted writer herself, falls for the brash professor. They begin having an affair after he makes a pass at her. Then follows a scene at a faculty party where a published female author and graduate of the college (Elizabeth McGovern), who hears of Joans talents, attempts to dissuade the latter from writing by asserting that women authors are never read. Disheartened, Joan responds she is only interested in being a wife. We then encounter the couple in Greenwich Village where Joe sets out to write his first novel, The Walnut. It is impossible to discuss the film seriously without treating the mystery that lies at its heart, so the reader should beware. Joes first attempt at writing his book is an abject failure. Joan tries to give him constructive feedback, but he rebuffs her and threatens to end their relationship. To save their marriage, Joan tells him she can fix the work and sits down to rewrite the manuscript. We have been privileged to learn their secretJoan has been writing the books published under Joes name while he has been cooking, cleaning and caring for the children. A perfidious biographer, Nathaniel Bone (Christian Slater), accompanies the couple and their son to Stockholm. He functions as a catalyst in this drama, having long speculated that Joan is the ghostwriter of Joes acclaimed novels. He attempts to seduce a confession out of her after inviting her for drinks at a bar near the hotel. Though she parries his attack, the encounter sets in motion a final, decisive crisis. The Wife is being celebrated, in the context of the #MeToo movement, as further proof that brutish, overbearing men largely exist to crush deserving, talented womens hopes and dreams. These snippets from a few reviews provide a taste of it: Glenn Close is female resentment personified in The Wife; this is a marriage corroded by male vanity and female complicity; the film is a devastating dissection of a woman sidelined for male glory, in what proves an all-too-recognisable situation; and Behind every great man theres a great woman? In this case, it would be more apt to say, Behind every great man theres a far greater woman who has given up who she was and what she did to ensure his greatness. Runges film plays up disgracefully to sentiments of upper middle class female resentment and self-pity. How hard done by such people feel! Much greater sufferingthe suffering of the working class, the suffering of populations around the globedoes not arouse or agitate them. Many contemporary artists, damaged by postmodernism in one form or another and various strands of identity politics, have a skeptical attitude toward and disparage rational, comprehensive explanations of social and historical processes. Far too often they care little for conscientiously working through objective facts and their implications, including what they would mean for their own artistic attitudes. Their conclusions tend to be fixed a priori, and the drama, as in The Wife, is reverse-engineered to force a supposed congruity. Such limited artists also often employ extreme situations to give these conclusions an almost absolute character making it apparently impossible to criticize them. Neither the author nor his or her art can be hermetically sealed off. Artists are not immune from the influence of the world and events, nor are their ideas capable, for better or worse, of escaping the impact of objective reality. The basis of their stories, constructed in whatever form they employ, is rooted in the material, class-divided social order to which they indelibly belong. Along these lines, one wants to ask: Concretely, who are these characters in The Wife? On what basis did they begin and carry on a relationship? To what extent do the circumstances of the period in which they met and their social standing affect them or motivate them in their choices? What of their politics and their intellectual influences? Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce in The Wife Joe and Joan met during the period of McCarthyism and the emerging Civil Rights movement. But any references to events in The Wife are simply ahistorical cliches lacking purpose. An intimate story does not absolve the filmmaker from understanding the characters social situation. It is precisely through illuminating this larger situation that the selected intimate and personal details can take on real meaning and help reveal the underlying motives and forces at work in a couples (in this case) eroding relationship. Moreover, the film essentially makes a serious, if perhaps metaphorical charge. Are Wolitzer and Runge suggesting that there is a major American literary figure, or that there are figures, to whom the situation in the film corresponds? If so, they should speak up. If not ? By and large, The Wife offers only shallow impulses moving the characters, which are false and devoid of any compelling logic. The script rings hollow because the words are stuck into the mouths of the protagonists to force the obvious conclusionswomen have always been subservient and self-effacing while men have always been indulgent and self-consumed. Inevitably, the performances become stifled and stilted, the story one-dimensional and ultimately insufferable to watch. Given the current political climate, it was predictable that The Wife would garner such praise. Nonetheless, the false plaudits of the critics are not convincing either. Egypt is just months away from eliminating import tariffs on European cars, though this will not necessarily mean cheaper cars for Egyptian consumers The final phase of the EU-Egypt Association Agreement that promises the total exemption of customs on imported European cars should be implemented early next year, seeing customs duties on cars imported from Europe fall to zero per cent. This should be good news for Egyptian customers as it should mean they can buy European cars at cheaper prices. It seems, however, that this will not necessarily be the case. All customs duties on cars with engines of 1,300 cc imported from Europe were eliminated in 2016. For cars with engines of 1,600 cc and above, customs reductions take place annually at a rate of four per cent and will reach zero per cent in 2019. However, thus far no drop in prices has been seen on the Egyptian market. Hamdi Abdel-Aziz, former head of the Federation of Egyptian Industries Engineering Industries Chamber, said this was because European cars were being sold according to their global position and not necessarily their cost. If a European cars cost after tariff reductions becomes equivalent to that of a Chinese car, for example, the European company will hike the price, Abdel-Aziz told Al-Ahram Weekly. He said that tariff reductions mainly benefited exporters. They also led to reductions of customs revenue for the state. They could harm local car manufacturers, he said, since these pay custom duties on production inputs, making it hard for them to compete with customs-free imported cars. Noureddin Darwish, deputy head of the Cars Division at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, agreed, saying that the reduction in tariffs on cars imported from Europe had largely gone unnoticed because the prices of these cars increased annually by roughly the same percentage as the tariff reductions. Consumers would only feel a difference if the government did not introduce any new tariffs, Darwish said. Egypt has postponed the tariff reductions twice, and reports surfaced last week that it had requested delaying the zero per cent customs duties on car imports for one or two years. However, the Trade Ministry did not confirm the news, and sources who spoke to the Weekly denied the reports. The request could have been aimed at giving the local car industry a competitive edge. When tariffs fall to zero, imports are likely to be more cost competitive than cars assembled in Egypt. A directive that targets boosting the local industry by instituting specific local input requirements for domestic automotive assemblers has been in the works, but has yet to be presented to parliament. The directive aims to encourage local assemblers to move up the value chain into manufacturing in return for incentives that would not be enjoyed by cheaper imports from the EU, Morocco and Turkey. However, it has been stalled for months. The EU-Egypt Association Agreement governs trade relations between Egypt and the EU and is modelled on the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership Agreements between the EU and its partners on the southern flank of the Mediterranean, according to the EU website. It incorporates free-trade arrangements for industrial goods, concessionary arrangements for trade in agricultural products, and the prospect of a greater liberalisation of trade in services and farm goods. The agreement was signed in Luxembourg in June 2001 and entered into force in June 2004, following ratification by EU member states and Egypt. It applies to industrial, agricultural and processed agricultural products and stipulates that Egyptian imports of products originating in EU member states shall be free of customs duties, or any other charges having equivalent effect, and free of quantitative restrictions, or any other restrictions having equivalent effect, in accordance with a specific timeline. For vehicles, all customs duties should be eliminated by 2019, according to the agreement. * A version of this article appears in print in the 1 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: No cheaper cars Search Keywords: Short link: MITCHELL COUNTY, Ga. (WTXL) - FEMA now has three new disaster recovery centers open to help Hurricane survivors and one of those is in Mitchell County, Georgia. It's located at the Mitchell County Medical Emergency Services building, located at 4767 U.S. Highway 37 in Camilla. Homeowners and business owners will be able to meet face-to-face with representatives from the State of Georgia, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other federal partners. Those affected by the storm, who are uninsured or under insured are encouraged to visit the Disaster Recovery Center. There, you are able to fill out applications for loans and find out how you can repair your properties. Officials are encouraging you to register with FEMA before visiting the disaster relief center. The center will remain open until Tuesday. The hours will run from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - Amendment One on the Florida ballot will create a bigger property-tax break for homeowners by increasing the homestead exemption by $25,000. Right now homeowners get a tax exemption on the first $25,000 dollars in property values, then they pay taxes on the next $25,000, and get another exemption on the portion between $50,000 and $75,000. This will add an additional exemption between $100,000 and $125,000. Critics said this proposal will raise taxes for Floridians because local governments will have to make up for the lost revenue. "Cities and counties have already said that they're planning on passing that tax shift on to everybody else," said Dominic Colabro, President of Florida TaxWatch. "So, it's only a small percentage of homesteaded property owners who get it, and those who don't will pay the price." Supporters said expanding the exemption could help first time buyers afford homes and boost such things as documentary stamp taxes, which stem from real estate transactions. "When the Homestead Exemption was first enacted, it practically exempted most homes," said Carey Baker, Lake County Property Appraiser. "So, as values go up, to slowly and incrementally increase the exemptions, it's really about fairness to just make sure we're not taxing people out of their homes." The proposal is estimated to cut local government revenue statewide by about $645 million per year. To pass, Amendment One needs the support of 60 percent of Florida voters. BAINBRIDGE, GA (WTXL) --Friday, workers were given the green light to once again start collecting the debris that's been piling up in some south Georgia communities since Hurricane Michael. This, after several days of frustration as trucks, workers, residents, and city officials were forced to wait to get the job started. WTXL went to Bainbridge to find out why the removal process took so long. The power has been restored to Bainbridge, and most residents throughout the county have moved their yard debris to the road for pick up, but it's still there, and has been for many weeks. "We were able, within a week, to get curbside garbage service back up and running," said Chris Hobby, Bainbridge City Manager. "The lingering issue is the debris piles that remain and are so voluminous, it's going to be quite a while before all that is gone." For residents in southwest Georgia, the yard debris piled high along the streets are a constant reminder of what Hurricane Michael left behind three weeks ago. But removing the piles of storm debris is more complicated than just loading up trucks. FEMA and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency entered into a contract to remove the debris. FEMA then contracted the work to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who hired a company to remove the debris. "As we've gotten our contractor moving, a competitor files a protest with the Government Accountability Office, the GAO," said Billy Birdwell, a Spokesman for the Savannah District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "Whenever there is a protest filed, we immediately have to stop work. That's required by law, that is, until the GAO finds a way to resolve the issues." The city is doing everything it can, but doesn't have the equipment to clear the piles. "We just don't have the number of trucks sufficient to handle the project," said Hobby. "Second thing is our trucks are not heavy duty enough to handle the size and the weight. We can do a little. We can try to eliminate the hazards where they exist, but as far as tackling the entire project, it's just simply beyond our ability." As hard as it is, leaders are asking residents to be patient until the official complaints are investigated and resolved. Both Hobby and Birdwell are doing everything possible to expedite the process. According to a press release sent Friday morning, the Government Accountability Office is still assessing the official complaints, though it has cleared the "U-S Army Corps of Engineers" to resume debris removal in Decatur, Dougherty, Seminole, Miller and Mitchell counties. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL/AP) - The Tallahassee Police Department have released the names of the two people killed and the suspect in the Hot Yoga Tallahassee shooting on Friday evening. The two people who were killed were 21-year-old Florida State University student Maura Binkley and 61-year-old Dr. Nancy Van Vessem. Binkley was a student enrolled at Florida State University and a member of the Tri Delta Sorority.On the chapter's website, she's listed as the vice president of chapter development. She was also a standards chair and a rush counselor. In a statement the sorority said: "The Alpha Eta Chapter of Tri Delta at Florida State is devastated by the passing of our beloved sister, Maura Binkley. As a leader in the chapter, Maura embodied the Tri Delta woman brave, bold and kind. Our hearts are with her family, our sisters and the FSU community during this difficult time." Dr. Van Vessem was a member of the Tallahassee Memorial medical staff and had a clerkship faculty appointment at the Tallahassee Regional Campus of the Florida State University College of Medicine. In a statement released early Saturday morning by FSU President John Thrasher, he said: "To lose one of our students and one of our faculty members in this tragic and violent way is just devastating to the Florida State University family. We feel this loss profoundly and we send our deepest sympathies to Maura's and Nancy's loved ones while we pray for the recovery of those who were injured." According to the Associated Press, Van Vessem was an internist who served as Chief Medical Director for Capital Health Plan. In a statement released on Saturday about the death of Dr. Van Vessem, Capital Health Plan said: "Our Capital Health Plan family is deeply shocked and saddened about the tragic loss of our beloved friend and colleague, Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, among the other victims of this terrible incident. As CHP's longtime chief medical director, Nancy has been a guiding, visionary force in our daily work to serve the wellness and health care needs of thousands of families in this community. Her dedication, caring, leadership, humanity, and experience made her one of the most respected, accomplished medical professionals in the state and country. Our hearts are filled with sorrow and prayers for her family. We all have been so blessed to have Nancy in our lives." The shooter has been identified as 40-year-old Scott Beierle. Court documents show he had prior arrest for grabbing women. Beierle was arrested in 2012 and charged with battery for "grabbing girls butts" near FSU campus and he was also arrested for another battery related incident in 2016 that occurred at University Trails apartments. TPD said at about 5:37 p.m. Friday, officers were called to the 1900 block of Thomasville Road to Hot Yoga Tallahassee. When officers arrived on scene, they found multiple people suffering from gunshots wounds. TPD and emergency responders immediately provided medical attention to the victims, who were later taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening, and life threatening injuries. TPD said Binkley and Dr. Van Vessem have died as a result of the shooting and one additional victim was hospitalized after being pistol whipped. According to TPD, Beierle is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A total of six victims were shot. A total of seven victims have been identified: six gunshot victims, and one pistol whipped victim. A Tallahassee Memorial Hospital spokesperson said seven people have come to TMH related to the incident. TPD stated two victims are in stable condition, and three have been released from a local hospital. TPD said this is still an active investigation and could not release any more information at this time. They are asking people to please avoid the area. TPD is working an incident at Thomasville Road and Bradford. Please avoid the area. Tallahassee Police (@TallyPD) November 2, 2018 Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum posted on Twitter about the shooting thanking law enforcement for their quick response. Im deeply appreciative of law enforcement's quick response to the shooting at the yoga facility in Tallahassee today. No act of gun violence is acceptable. I'm in close communication with law enforcement officials and will be returning to Tallahassee tonight. Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) November 2, 2018 Florida Governor Rick Scott has been briefed by FDLE and local law enforcement on the shooting. I have been briefed by FDLE and local law enforcement regarding the shooting in Tallahassee. FDLE is on the scene and assisting local police. I will remain in constant communication with law enforcement. We have offered state assistance. Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) November 2, 2018 The video below is a 1:00 a.m. update from TPD's Chief Michael DeLeo. TPD said they will be on scene for hours collecting evidence and investigating. At this time TPD has interviewed over 40 witnesses, and asked Victim Advocates to assist those dealing with this senseless act of violence. The motive of the shooting is still unknown. TPD is asking if you were near the incident between 5:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. and have any information about the shooting to please call them at 850-891-4200 or Crime Stoppers at 850-574-8477. We will update this story as soon as we learn more details. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-02 20:06:56|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Photo taken on Nov. 3, 2018 shows the site of the fire in Kabul, Afghanistan. Hundreds of shops have been burnt down as a massive fire engulfed a market in a main business hub in central Kabul, local police said Friday. (Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah) KABUL, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of shops have been burnt down as a massive fire engulfed a market in a main business hub in central Kabul, local police said Friday. "The fire started roughly at 6:00 p.m. local time Thursday and continued to early Friday in Khair Khwa market in Pashtonistan Watt street, the main electronic business center in the city, causing serious damage to the shops but leaving no casualties," a police officer told Xinhua near the site. A thick smoke was seen early Friday at the site. Situated near the Finance Ministry, the market houses shops selling electronics and household appliances, as well as building electronic materials. "Dozens of shops and storehouses were destroyed and turned to ashes following the huge fire in the multiple-story building. The damages could be millions of U.S. dollars," shop owner Ahmad Jawad told Xinhua. The authorities have launched an investigation into the incident while shop owners said that it was apparently caused by carelessness. The blaze has affected more than 1,000 businesses in the market and surrounding shops, Jawad noted. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-02 23:07:51|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close ANKARA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkey has lifted sanctions on U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and Attorney General in response to the same move from the United States, Turkish Foreign Ministry announced on Friday. The sanctions on Kirstjen Nielsen and Jeff Sessions, which include a travel ban into the country and freezing of assets in Turkey, have been lifted, the ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said in a statement. The decision came minutes after the U.S. Treasury Department removed two Turkish ministers from a sanctions list. Washington imposed sanctions on Turkey's Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu in August over the arrest of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who was released last month. Turkey had retaliated by imposing similar sanctions against two U.S. officials. Ties between Turkey and the United States were strained over the past few months by the trial of Brunson in Turkey on terrorism charges. Brunson was accused of helping supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based cleric who Ankara says masterminded the 2016 coup attempt. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-02 23:27:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close CAPE TOWN, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) convened its ministerial meeting in Durban, eastern South Africa, on Friday with a call for multilateralism. The IORA Council of Ministers Meeting, currently chaired by South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe Sisulu, took place under the theme: "IORA - Uniting the Peoples of Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East through Enhanced Cooperation for Peace, Stability and Sustainable Development." The meeting was held at a time when the coherence and stability of the global multilateral system is being tested severely, Sisulu said in her opening remarks. "IORA provides us with a unique opportunity to enhance the spirit of multilateralism within one of the most diverse regions of the world, comprising a heterogeneous mix of developed countries, developing countries, small island states, and least developed countries," Sisulu said. IORA was established through the vision of late South African President Nelson Mandela in March 1997. The association has experienced growth in membership, from 14 to 21 countries, and organizational stature over recent years. The association is an economic cooperative community of littoral and island states whose shores are washed by the Indian Ocean. As a dynamic inter-governmental organization, IORA is designed to strengthen regional cooperation and sustainable development through its member states and seven Dialogue Partners. IORA has observer status at the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and the African Union. Sisulu said IORA can become a beacon of hope for multilateralism and regional cooperation in the world. "As a collective, we are taking this opportunity to build and expand our understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation through IORA's consensus-based evolutionary and non-intrusive approach," she said. Sisulu urged IORA members to use this approach to promote cohesiveness and unity among themselves, while resisting the emerging and very real threat of geopolitical rivalry taking root in the Indian Ocean region. At Friday's meeting, IORA ministers would focus on consolidating IORA's membership and consider the applications of countries wishing to join the association as full member states, along with an increasing interest among countries outside of the region to join IORA as Dialogue Partners, according to Sisulu. "This is testament to the growing importance and relevance of this organization globally, and we are developing mechanisms and criteria to deepen and broaden our engagement with, and support from, our Dialogue Partners," the minister said. IORA ministers would also launch the "Be the Legacy" internship program as a contribution to empowering and capacitating the youth of the Indian Ocean region, she said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 01:13:31|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close KIEV, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian Economic Development and Trade Ministry has set up a new body to support small and medium-sized businesses in the country, the government press service said on Friday. The Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Development Office (SMEDO) would provide consultation services to entrepreneurs on doing business and would help them in obtaining loans, said a statement on the government's website. In particular, the SMEDO will launch a network of business support centers in various regions, introduce a mechanism to provide credit guarantees to entrepreneurs and create a business guide for newcomers, which will include detailed instructions on how to start and run businesses in Ukraine. The SMEDO project will be supported by the European Union (EU) within the framework of EU4Business initiative. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 01:43:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MADRID, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Public Prosecutor at the Spanish Supreme Court on Friday charged with rebellion former Catalan deputy leader Oriol Junqueras, other senior officials and eight former members of the Catalan regional parliament, local media confirmed. The charges are related to the Catalan independence referendum of Oct. 1, 2017, which the Spanish Constitutional Court judged to be illegal, and the subsequent unilateral declaration of independence for Spain's northeastern region on Oct. 27. The prosecutor has asked for a 25-year prison sentence for Junqueras and, 17 years for Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, the leaders of civil organizations which have campaigned for Catalan independence. Former speaker of the Catalan parliament Carme Forcadell is another who faces a 17-year prison term. Josep Lluis Trapero, former head of the Catalan regional police, has also been charged with rebellion, with the prosecutor asking for an 11-year sentence. In total, 18 people have been charged in relation to the events of October 2017, with nine other former Catalan officials facing jail terms of up to seven years in prison and fines for offences including disobedience and the misuse of public funds. Friday's decision comes a day after the State Attorney, who represents the Ministry of Justice and thus the Spanish government, decided against pressing charges of rebellion, preferring to focus on a reduced charge of sedition. The decision of the State Attorney was viewed by commentators as an attempt by the Socialist government of Pedro Sanchez to show a more conciliatory stance towards Catalonia in the hope of promoting negotiations to end the ongoing crisis and also to maintain the support of Catalan separatist parties in the Spanish Congress. Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and five other former Catalan officials currently in exile in Belgium, Switzerland and Scotland have not had any charges filed against them. Although there is no date for the trial, it is expected to begin in the New Year, by which time, Junqueras, Sanchez and Cruixart will have spent 15 months in prison. Almost 50 per cent of the worlds languages are now threatened by extinction, necessitating the introduction of urgent measures to protect them, writes When a language dies, its death is final. The rapid extinction of languages has serious repercussions for human history. It results in the impoverishment of our cultural heritage and the loss of a large amount of information that represents an essential part of humanitys unwritten archives. Any language in its grammar and vocabulary contains traces of its origins, cultural history and relations with other languages. Unfortunately, the development that humanity has achieved in the social and cultural fields has been accompanied by a decrease in the number of languages spoken by people in different areas of the world. There are now between 5,000 and 6,700 languages in the world, according to linguists. Fewer than half this number will survive the current century. Many languages spoken by small groups living in social environments not capable of surviving the challenges of the age are likely to disappear. It is known that a language becomes extinct when the new generations stop learning it, as has happened with some French dialects and several of the minority languages of the former Soviet Union. Similar phenomena have also been observed in China, Taiwan and Australia. This extinction will be more dangerous if a dominant language has an advanced literary and civilisational heritage or if it is associated with a major religion. Missionary campaigns carried out by different Christian organisations in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Americas in the past destroyed traditional cultures and religions and had a destructive effect on local languages even though the missionaries intended to translate the Christian Gospels into them. However, in discussing languages threatened with extinction, we should differentiate between languages capable of resisting devastation, which include those spoken by large numbers of speakers, and those which are less able to do so as they are spoken by between a few hundred and a few thousand speakers. Fifty two per cent of the worlds languages are spoken by fewer than 10,000 people. Written languages and those that have cultural and literary traditions and are taught in schools are less likely to disappear. The same thing is true for languages used in the state bureaucracy, the judiciary and the army, where language can be a strong symbol of patriotism. Endangered languages also differ from one region to another. In Africa, for example, there are some 150 to 220 languages out of a total of 700 to 2,000 which are under threat. Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania head the list of countries having one or more endangered languages in Africa. In Latin America, of the continents 470 to 500 languages, between 30 and 50 per cent are thought to be under threat of extinction. Brazil probably has the most endangered languages. In Central America, the local languages of Mexico are also under threat. In China, India and Southeast Asia, where local populations speak more than 1,000 languages, deterioration in language use has been observed. In Northeast Asia, of the regions 47 languages, only four, including Mongolian, may be able to survive. In Europe, linguists say some 72 out of 123 languages may disappear, including Gaelic, Breton, Basque, Croatian and some dialects of Greek. In the US and Canada, there are about 200 endangered languages. The Eskimo and Navajo languages may survive until the end of the century. In the Pacific, many languages are in a state of crisis. A century and a half ago, the region had some 1,830 languages, but today 150 Australian languages have vanished. However, the region is still considered to be one of the most diverse in the world in terms of language use. In New Guinea, for example, a small population speaks 960 languages, some one-seventh of the worlds linguistic diversity. Cases of language extinction usually take place at a gradual rate. Bilingualism is also spreading as more and more societies speak English in addition to their own languages. Yet, this can be a double-edged sword as in order to gain benefits such as higher salaries, many people neglect their original tongues and start learning a language which is economically more advantageous to them. They may also encourage their children to learn it to the detriment of their own native tongue, a phenomenon familiar from some Gulf and Arab Maghreb countries. The extinction of any language may be intentional, and in the past some languages were wiped out for imperialistic reasons. Today, language extinction is more likely to be the result of globalisation and the spread of the Internet across the globe. In some areas, it should be possible to save languages from extinction, although the tools are limited. Some achievements have already been made in North and South America, Europe and the Pacific. Linguists estimate that some 3,000 languages are likely to survive until the end of the present century, constituting some 50 per cent of the total. In other words, nearly half of the worlds languages will become extinct. As a result, there is an urgent need for the international community and national governments to introduce policies to help protect such languages. This could be done through officially registering languages in Africa, Asia, South America, especially Brazil and New Guinea. The rate of language extinction today has become so rapid that linguists in some cases have not had time to prepare detailed descriptions of them. It has therefore been suggested that national programmes should be put in place to train linguists and to record language data in their original audio form. This should help future linguists to understand more about what the world is losing or may soon have lost if nothing to save these languages is done. * The writer is a veteran professor of journalism. * A version of this article appears in print in the 1 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Saving the worlds languages Search Keywords: Short link: Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 03:04:01|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close Photo taken on Nov. 2, 2018 shows the remains of a car, reportedly used by the gunmen who attacked a minibus, on the side of a road in Minya province, Egypt. At least seven people were killed and 12 others wounded in an attack on Coptic Christians near a monastery in the province of Minya on Friday, an archbishop told Xinhua. (Xinhua/STR) CAIRO, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and 12 others wounded in an attack on Coptic Christians near a monastery in the southern province of Minya on Friday, an archbishop told Xinhua. The injured have been taken to nearby Maghagha public hospital in Minya, where dozens of Copts protested against the attack. Eyewitnesses said a bus coming from Upper Egypt's Sohag Province managed to escape from the militants, who then attacked a minibus on its way back from St. Samuel monastery, killing all men aboard. Aida Shehata, a woman in her late 30s who was among the wounded in Maghagha hospital, told Xinhua that at least four masked men in two four-by-four vehicles attacked the minibus she was in after the bus fled the gunshots and ran away. "The masked gunmen killed all men inside our minibus," she said. Mina Bassem, a 9-year-old child among the passengers in the attacked minibus, was seen in a video narrating to a bishop in Minya some details of the tragedy. "After we left St. Samuel monastery and on our way back, I saw two vehicles with gunmen attacking a bus but when it fled they turned to our vehicle, killing the driver first," the little boy said, noting that his mother and grandmother were wounded. Last year, about in the same place, at least 28 Copts were killed in a similar attack. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi later mourned the victims of the attack and vowed to continue the country's anti-terror war and bring the perpetrators to justice. "I assert our determination to continue our efforts to combat dark terrorism and pursue the perpetrators," the Egyptian president wrote on his official Facebook page, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. Bishops from Minya declined to comment on the incident. But Bishop of St. Macarius Monastery told Xinhua that such "very painful and sorrowful" terrorist attacks will not affect the national unity. "There is no religion that urges killing, so such attacks are committed by conspirators who plot to ruin the country. Egyptians, Copts and Muslims are and will always be united with love and solidarity," the bishop said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 03:09:03|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- German, Chinese and Danish scientists developed a nanometer-sized robot that can, for the first time, drill through eyeballs without damaging them, with a potential to be used as a minimally-invasive tool for precisely delivering drugs. The study, published on Friday in the journal Science Advances, described the propeller-shaped vehicle, 200 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair and even smaller than a bacterium's width. With a slippery coating, the robot can move unhindered through the dense tissue in the eye, according to the study. "We applied a liquid layer found on the carnivorous pitcher plant, which has a slippery surface on the peristome to catch insects," said the study's first author Wu Zhiguang at the Germany-based Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. "It is like the Teflon coating of a frying pan. This slippery coating is crucial for the efficient propulsion of our robots inside the eye, as it minimizes the adhesion between the biological protein network in the vitreous and the surface of our nano-robots," said Wu. The researchers tested their nano-propellers in a dissected pig's eye. They injected tens of thousands of their bacteria-sized helical robots into the vitreous humor of the eye. With the help of a surrounding magnetic field that rotates the nano-propellers, they then swim toward the retina. "We want to be able to use our nano-propellers as tools in the minimally-invasive treatment of all kinds of diseases, where the problematic area is hard to reach and surrounded by dense tissue," Max Planck researcher Qiu Tian, one of the corresponding authors of the study, told Xinhua. The University of Stuttgart, the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg, the Harbin Institute of Technology in China, Aarhus University in Denmark and the Eye Hospital of the University of Tubingen contributed to this work. File Photo: A malnourished child is seen at a hospital in Hajjah province, Yemen, Oct. 1, 2018. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that half of Yemenis could face famine, and urged immediate action to prevent the already dire famine situation from getting worse. "Without urgent action, up to 14 million people -- fully half the population -- could be at risk in the coming months," the UN chief told reporters. Noting that "Yemen today stands on a precipice" and its humanitarian situation is "desperate," the secretary-general said that "we must do all we can to prevent the already dire conditions from deteriorating into the worst famine we have seen in decades." Last week, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock warned the Security Council that Yemen is "closer to famine than ever." The UN chief called for action steps including immediately ceasing violence, ensuring unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance, supporting Yemeni economy and increasing international funding, to help revert the situation in Yemen. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 04:39:25|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WARSAW, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- It is highly probable that Poland will not be part of a global pact on migration, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Friday. "Our principles regarding border protection and migration control are our priority," Morawiecki said during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Warsaw. "It is very likely that, like Austria, the Czech Republic and the United States, we will not be part of the UN Global Compact, as we believe that our rules, our sovereign rules and border protection and migration control are an absolute priority for us," said Morawiecki. Merkel, on the other hand, expressed her support for the UN pact, which is the subject of an adoption meeting set for Dec. 11-12 in Marrakech, Morocco. Germany worked intensively on the text and it ensures the sovereignty of individual nations, she said. Besides the topic of immigration, Merkel and Morawiecki also exchanged views on a series of issues of mutual concern including Brexit, Ukraine and EU unity. Morawiecki admitted that the Brexit talks were not easy, but said he was sure they were "on the right path". Merkel said there was still much work ahead before an agreement between the EU and Britain is reached. Asked about their countries' priorities with regard to the Brexit issue, Mroawiecki and Merkel said Polish and German interests in this respect were convergent and that both Poland and Germany wanted to see the matter resolved as soon as possible. Morawiecki also said that Germany and Poland were aware of the challenges facing Europe, and know they have to pool forces in pursuing measures to strengthen the EU internally and against outside threats. He added that both countries were increasingly convergent in their positions on EU affairs. "We underscore the importance of maintaining a stable situation in Ukraine, and this is also important in the context of Nord Stream 2," Morawiecki said. Asked about the directions in which the EU should develop in the future, Merkel said relations with the community's neighbors were important, but observed that the EU should also "speak out truthfully" on violations of international law, as in the case of the Ukraine conflict. Answering the same question, Morawiecki underscored the importance of European defense policy and the redirection of the EU's financing towards innovation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 04:44:26|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close LONDON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- As two British government ministers travelled to Ireland for key talks Friday, media in London said European Union (EU) Brexit negotiators are said to be preparing a compromise on the Northern Ireland border issue. With weeks to go before the EU and Britain need to agree a draft deal for their post-Brexit relationship, the border between Northern Ireland and the neighboring Irish Republic remains the biggest hurdle to cross. The Independent in London said negotiators in Brussels hope a compromise will break the deadlock in the floundering talks. The Financial Times in its report Friday said EU negotiators are eyeing a customs union arrangement that would not remove all checks on the Irish sea, such as those on certain animal products. British government officials have indicated, says the FT, that they are willing to accept such regulatory checks and do not see them as a red-line in the same way as customs checks. Brussels is said to be willing to include plans for a "bare-bones" customs union as part of a Brexit withdrawal agreement. It would ease the need for checks at Irish sea ports, according to media reports. Prime Minister Theresa May has rejected any arrangement that imposes different rules within the UK, insisting no British prime minister would tolerate any deal that creates a divide. Any eventual deal would have to navigate its way through a House of Commons where a large contingent of pro-Brexit Conservative MPs say they will oppose any deal that keeps Britain tied to EU trade and customs rules. The 10-strong group of Democratic Unionist Party MPs, the Northern Ireland party that has an arrangement to support May's minority government, also say they will resist customs checks in the Island of Ireland. Britain's Brexit secretary Dominic Raab travelled to the border area at Warrenpoint Port in Northern Ireland to meet local business people before heading for talks in Belfast. Meanwhile Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley and Britain's Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington were in Dublin at a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC). Raab faced criticism for failing to meet local politicians in Northern Ireland at Warrenpoint, with some accusing the minister of "running away". Westminster MP Chris Hazzard who represents the Northern Ireland constituency of South Down, said he was not given the opportunity to engage with Raab. Hazzard accused Raab of acting like a "thief in the night". Political commentators say negotiators from both London and Brussels have held several meetings this week to discuss issues to be resolved ahead of Britain's planned exit from the EU next March. Two days ago Raab said he expects a deal on the UK's exit from the EU to be agreed within three weeks. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 07:05:03|Editor: Liu Video Player Close HELSINKI, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- A pilot of the airline Norwegian was removed from the aircraft by the police at the Helsinki airport on Friday for alleged intoxication. The police later said the alcometer result was between zero and 0.5, the Finnish news agency STT reported. The police said there is zero tolerance of alcohol for airline piloting. Police inspector Mika Laine told local media the removal of the pilot went peacefully and there was "nothing exotic". Norwegian spokesperson Astrid Mannian-Gibson confirmed to Finnish media the person was the pilot and that police later released him. The Norwegian flight D8772 from Helsinki to Dubai was delayed by four and half hours and took off at 22:30 local time. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 07:15:05|Editor: mym Video Player Close Musicians from the China National Opera House take a curtain call after the concert "China meets West" in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 2, 2018. A gala concert titled "China meets West" was held Friday evening at the Palais des Nations, the headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, attracting more than 1,000 diplomats, international organization officials and local audience. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan) GENEVA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- A gala concert titled "China meets West" was held Friday evening at the Palais des Nations, the headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, attracting more than 1,000 diplomats, international organization officials and local audience. The concert, jointly sponsored by the Permanent Mission of China to the UN in Geneva and the UN headquarters in Geneva, was performed by some 60 artists from the China National Opera House, together with a few local European artists. The nearly 20 music works being performed during the concert include arias from famous operas, Chinese and western piano and violin pieces, and famous folk songs from China, Italy, Russia and some other countries. Yu Jianhua, the Permanent Representative of China to the UN Office at Geneva, said after the concert that Chinese and Western musicians have teamed up to perform Chinese and Western classics, reflecting the openness and tolerance of Chinese culture and the mutual understanding of civilizations of all countries. "This concert also shows the excellent situation of the harmonious development of China's socialist spiritual civilization and material civilization since the reform and opening up, the blending and cultural prosperity of all ethnic groups," he noted. The year 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the China's reform and opening-up. Zhao Yuan, the general art director and conductor of the concert, said that in this concert, such famous Chinese songs like "My Motherland" "On the Field of Hope" were warmly received by the audience, showing that culture is the best messenger, and music is the bridge among hearts from different nations. "I believe this concert will definitely leave an important page in the hearts of many audience," Zhao said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 07:25:08|Editor: Liu Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. top electric carmaker Tesla Inc. said Friday it is planning to produce 3,000 Model 3 sedans per week in China in the near future. In a regulatory filing released Friday, Tesla said it is going to invest up to 6 billion U.S. dollars on factories and equipment over the next two years, while it is also developing plans to start producing approximately 3,000 Model 3 vehicles per week in Shanghai, China. The Palo Alto, California-based electric car giant said China is the largest market for electric vehicles in the world and its local market in there is at the initial phase of Gigafactory 3, which will have increased levels of localization through local sourcing and manufacturing. Tesla's Gigafactory 1 is a plant near Clark, Nevada state, which produces batteries and parts of the Model 3 drive train, while Gigafactory 2 is its solar power plant in Buffalo, New York. Tesla admitted there is no timeframce for Gigafactory 3 in China due to a number of uncertainties, including regulatory approval, supply chain constraints, and the pace of bringing the factory online. However, Tesla said it is trying to accelerate its manufacturing timeline in China to significantly increase the affordability of Model 3 for customers in the world's most populous country. "Local manufacturing may be critical to our expansion and sales in China," said the U.S. e-vehicle maker. Tesla CEO Elon Musk signed a 2-billion-dollar agreement with China's Shanghai government in July this year to build a new auto plant in Shanghai, the financial and economic hub in eastern China. It is the company's first factory outside the United States, which was believed to be able to double the size of the electric car maker's global manufacturing. Tesla planned to produce the first cars about two years after construction began in the Shanghai plant, which will be ramped up to an annual output of 500,000 vehicles in about two to three years. As the largest market for electric cars, China has been pushing for achieving a goal of 100-percent electric vehicles by 2030 as set in government documents. More than 28 million vehicles were sold in China in 2017, and the figure could top 35 million annually by 2025. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 07:30:09|Editor: Liu Video Player Close HELSINKI, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Risto Siilasmaa, the chairman of the telecommunication company Nokia, said here Friday that Europe should fight for the continued existence of the rule-based global system. Siilasmaa gave his comments as the Confederation of Finnish Industries published a survey predicting that the rate of globalization will accelerate, but instead of growth in trade in goods, focus of growth will be in services, data and digitalization. Siilasmaa said that while globalization in traditional trade is challenged currently, digitalization takes globalization forward at high speed, but remains somewhat unnoticed due to the modest inclusion of the ICT sector in statistics that measure economic development. He meanwhile warned against backtracking in globalization. "Globalization has raised huge numbers of people from poverty. If we take steps back, the standard of living of billions of people will decline." Siilasmaa also noted globalization has been criticized, for example, on account of the poor conditions in production plants in developing countries. "But people got the work first. Now the pressure groups working for improved conditions should be seen as part of globalization," he formulated. A survey carried out by Boston Consulting Group indicated that small and medium sized companies in Finland were most concerned about the hazards of protectionism as they cannot relocate production for different markets in the way major companies can. Three thirds of them believed though that digital services and technologies help them grow internationally. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 08:25:57|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close Photo taken on Oct. 24, 2018 shows several hay houses in a Mursi village in Southern Regional State, Ethiopia. Mursi people, with a population of around 10,000 in total, mainly lived in the Southern Regional State of Ethiopia, close to the border with South Sudan. According to a local resident, a Mursi girl's lower lip is cut when she is young and the wound is then stretched over time to accomodate lip plate as a decoration. (Xinhua/Lyu Shuai) Mohamed Salmawy reflects on Mohamed bin Salmans vision for the Arab world and what made possible the Arab victory in 1973 I recorded some thoughts about recent events in my diary, among which were the two following observations: - The crown prince and the Piercing Star. A nightmarish black cloud still hovers over Saudi Arabia because of the fallout from the brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It will probably be some time before that cloud either passes or unleashes a torrential deluge that will alter everything. While Khashoggi, himself, is not above suspicion due to his Muslim Brotherhood affiliations and his CIA relations, the crime is unmatched in its atrociousness except by the crimes that Israel perpetuates systematically against the Palestinian people. But these abuses go unnoticed in the Western press which is always so vigilant in its defence of human rights! Still, what particularly impressed me this week was how Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman has managed to rise above the turmoil and impose his presence and strength of character during the Davos in the Desert conference in Riyadh. For a while, at least, he helped dispel the pall as he unveiled his vision for a bright future for the Arab region. His explanation was anchored in facts and figures, as opposed to the perceptions and suspicions that manufactured the cloud. As he spoke, the crown prince projected his self-assurance and his confidence in the information he was imparting, and the force of his arguments swayed the audience towards conviction in his forecast. He sees opportunities that will make this region surpass Europe as a centre of the next renaissance because of the progress that is being made, right now, in many Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and even Qatar in spite of our differences with it. Also, among these countries, was Egypt with regard to which he said that he, himself, had seen the mega projects that will change the face of life there. The Saudi crown prince presented a vision that we had long been lacking in the Arab region. With the exception of President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisis vision for a thriving and prosperous Egypt, the Arab discourse we hear only speaks of the daily destruction we see in the countries around us. But Crown Prince bin Salman proved not only able to rise above the Khashoggi incident, but also to rise above the prevalent rhetoric of destruction and gloom as he heralded a future in reach for the Arab region. It was like the distant Piercing Star which emits a light bright enough to penetrate the murky gloom. - It is not Nasser versus Sadat Our celebrations of the 45th anniversary of the victory of the October 1973 War was an opportunity for me to give pause to contemplate the ability of the Egyptian people to persevere through so many different transitions from one ruling regime to the next. The October War is the best example of this type of continuity. Frequently, we only see that war in the context of the Sadat era since it occurred under his rule. However, that war did not happen out of the blue. Preparations for that war began many years earlier under Nasser. Despite the differences between the political leaderships from the period of preparation to the period of execution of the October War, the Egyptian people remained active and effective in propelling the political leaderships in both the Nasserist and Sadat eras to take the necessary actions. In the aftermath of the defeat in June 1967, the people in Egypt and, indeed, the entire Arab world poured into central squares and streets in millions. For two days, on 9 and 10 June, they called on Nasser to retract his resignation and remain president. In his speech afterwards, he said that he had received the message the people had conveyed to him during that two-day long demonstration and that the message was to turn defeat into victory. Accordingly, Nasser immediately set to work on rebuilding the army at three levels. The first was to change the nature of the Egyptian soldier. Previously, the army had been made up primarily of conscripts from the agrarian and urban working classes. After June 1967, it would also be made up of university graduates. I recall how easily I had obtained an exemption from the draft simply because I wore glasses. That would not work for my younger brother who became eligible for the draft after the war, even though his eyesight was weaker than mine. Secondly, it was necessary to compensate for all the military hardware that was lost during the war and that Nasser acknowledged had accounted for 80 per cent of our military strength. Towards this end, he concluded major arms deals with the Soviet Union. Later, Sadat would repeatedly stress that he had not received a single weapon from Moscow since coming to power. The third level was training. This would be provided in the War of Attrition, which began almost immediately after the June defeat with the battle of Ras Al-Eish followed by the sinking of the Israeli destroyer Eilat. Israel sustained heavy military losses during the three-year long War of Attrition. Had it not been for the work to change the quality of the Egyptian combatant, to rearm and to provide training, it would not have been possible to wage the October War and achieve victory. As was the case when the people pushed Nasser to prepare for this war and the troops would press him with the question, when are we going to cross the canal? whenever he visited the front, it was the people who compelled Sadat to take the decision to launch the war. In the early 1970s, there were increasing and widespread demonstrations demanding an end to the state of no war, no peace that prevailed after Nassers death. This popular adamance and unrest ultimately made Sadat take the crucial decision that would lead to victory for the Arabs. In light of the above, it seems very superficial to divide our history on the basis of different periods of rule and, accordingly, associate the defeat with Nasser and the victory with Sadat. A river of continuity flows between the two eras as powerful and constant as the eternal Nile. That river is this ancient people who link the successive historical eras together and who drive great events into a single cohesive flow. * A version of this article appears in print in the 1 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Two notes from my diary Search Keywords: Short link: Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 09:05:20|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A senior religious leader Maulana Sami-ul-Haq has been assassinated at his home in Pakistan's northern Rawalpindi district, local media reported. Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq, son of the religious scholar, confirmed that his father was attacked and stabbed at his residence by some unknown assailants on Friday. "Unidentified men attacked my father at the Bahria Town area of Rawalpindi when he was taking rest," he told local media, adding that his father was alone in the house when he was killed as his guard and driver were out of the house that time. Haq was shifted to a hospital in Rawalpindi, where he succumbed to his injuries. The slain leader was head of Jamiat ulema-e-Islam (Assembly of Islamic Clerics) and served as chief of a prominent Islamic seminary, located in the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He was regarded as "Father of the Taliban" and allegedly had close ties with former Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar, according to local media reports. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet and police said they were investigating the motive behind the high profile killing. Prime Minister Imran Khan has strongly condemned the attack on the religious leader. He also directed the authorities to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 09:35:26|Editor: mym Video Player Close PARIS, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- A high-reel semifinal encounter awaits Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer after they conquered respective opponents at the ATP Paris Masters here on Friday. Djokovic, set to become world No. 1 at the upcoming ATP rankings, came back from one set down to see off fifth-seeded Marin Cilic 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, extending his winning streak to 21 matches. Despite leading 15-2 in previous head-to-heads, Djokovic lost two of their last three encounters, including one at the same stage of the Paris Masters two years ago resulting in his slump from the world's top position. Both players maintained their serves eight games into the match. Cilic took the initiative in the ninth game through his first break after Djokovic's backhand went long. Cilic bagged the first set win in his pocket later on, seeing Djokovic's personal-best 30 consecutive sets victory snapped. Djokovic put up his strong comeback early in the second set by breaking his Croatian rival's serve in the fourth game. After establishing a 4-1 lead, Djokovic went on to force a decider. Djokovic's precise cross-court smash earned him a break in the eighth game to move in front 5-3 in the decider. The Serbian didn't waste his first match point following Cilic's poor backhand. "It was a very close match. It went all the way to the last shot basically," admitted Djokovic. "I was kind of going up and down. I thought I could have maybe served better, especially second serve." "But at the end of the day it's a win, and I'm really pleased to overcome this kind of challenge," he added. In his first appearance at the Paris Masters since 2015, Federer improved his momentum as matches went underway as he shrugged off Japan's Kei Nishikori in straight sets, and the latter failed to qualify for the ATP Finals later this month. Federer registered a crucial break in the ninth game at 4-4 before triumphing the opening set 6-4. With a 5-4 advantage in the following set, the Swiss veteran served out his match with four points in a row. Unseeded Karen Khachanov powered past No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev hampered by shoulder pains 6-1, 6-2, and is set to make his second career ATP Masters 1000 semifinal appearance following that in Toronto in August. "I had pain the whole week. After yesterday's match, I had a lot of pain in the evening and during the night as well. Then today during the warmup, especially on my second serve where I was doing the kick motion, I had a lot of pain, and just kind of stretching, and it was tough," said Zverev. The Russian established his semifinal duel against Austria's Dominic Thiem, as the No. 6 seed rallied past the defending champion Jack Sock 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Nishikori's loss means that Cilic and Thiem have clinched the remaining two Finals spots. Other contenders at the year-end tournament will be Rafael Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, Juan Martin del Potro, Zverev and Kevin Anderson. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 09:45:27|Editor: Liu Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- A man killed himself after shooting at least five people at a yoga studio in Tallahassee, U.S. state of Florida, on Friday and one of the victims has died, city officials said. Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo told reporters that four people are in critical condition following the shooting, which took place in a small Tallahassee shopping center. City officials said the suspect fatally shot himself and the shooting appeared to be related to a domestic dispute. The suspect hasn't been identified yet. An eyewitness said a tall bearded man acted strangely in the yoga class before opening fire. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, the Democratic nominee for governor, tweeted that he will return to Tallahassee later Friday. "No act of gun violence is acceptable," he said. "I'm in close communication with law enforcement officials and will be returning to Tallahassee tonight." Members of the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) collect debris of the crashed Lion Air JT 610 at Tanjung Priok port, Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 2, 2018. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) JAKARTA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Divers on Friday discovered a turbine, or turbo jet engine, and the tail of the Lion Air plane that crashed into the sea off western Indonesia while a landing gear was lifted from the seabed. Metro TV footage showed an Indonesian Navy diver was retrieving an engine of the almost new Boeing 737 Max 8 jet plane at the sea floor of Tanjung Pakis waters in Karawang district. However, the turbine has not been salvaged from the sea off West Java province. The TV footage also displayed that another diver was removing the tail of the plane with a logo of "Lion" on it, while a landing gear, which was found a day earlier, was also winched by a crane to the surface. President Joko Widodo visited the joint command post, giving support to a total of 859 personnel engaging in the search mission. "For those at the crash site, keep working hard to find what have not been discovered. For the transport safety committee I ask for working quickly to investigate the cause of the incident," said Widodo. The Boeing 737 jet enroute to the city of Pangkal Pinang with 189 people aboard was reported missing Monday morning, and was believed to have crashed 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta international airport. It is believed that all 189 people on board the plane have been killed. The search operation for another black box and fuselage of the flight JT 610 was being carried out about 500 meters northwest of the location where the pilot of the aircraft last communicated with the air traffic control. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 11:15:41|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close by Stefania Fumo ROME, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Italian companies are heading to Shanghai for the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) trade fair with high expectations, trade representatives have said. The CIIE, which will run from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10, was first announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in May 2017 in a bid to give firm support to trade liberalization and economic globalization and actively open the Chinese market to the world. "Our expectations are to develop relationships with Chinese importers and distributors, while service companies aim to meet Chinese operators and develop joint projects," Marco Bettin, the director of operations of the Italy-China Foundation and secretary-general of the Italy-China Chamber of Commerce, told Xinhua. Along with the Italian Association of Foreign Trade (AICE), these two bodies are acting upon request from China's Ministry of Commerce as the main intermediary agents for Italian small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) and the CIIE. "There will be hundreds of thousands of Chinese importers from all over China," Bettin added, describing the CIIE as "a huge opportunity" and "an absolutely privileged point of departure" for Italian SMEs. This is important because China's growing middle class is spread across thousands of urban centers: while multinationals concentrate their business in China's 40 largest cities (so-called first- and second-tier cities), the country has over 600 third- and fourth-tier cities and thousands of fifth- and sixth-tier cities, according to the 2018 report on China by CeSIF, a think tank of the Italy-China Foundation. For example, China has more than 140 cities with over one million inhabitants, compared to 17 such cities in the European Union (EU), 15 in Russia, and 9 in the United States. This makes China an ideal destination with "enormous potential of a market that is still to be engaged" for foreign companies, according to the CeSIF report. From a marketing standpoint, in 2005, a company had to be present in 60 Chinese cities to reach 80 percent of the Chinese middle class. This number grew to 160 cities by 2014 and is projected to increase to more than 200 cities by 2020, the report said. "This extends the potential market for consumer goods by an enormous amount," said the CeSIF report. By the same token, this also means that exporters face new challenges "in terms of knowledge of the market, the products they offer, distribution, and competition." According to Bettin, about 18 Italian SMEs from three main sectors including fashion, food and wine, and services will participate in the CIIE, which represents "an extremely important opportunity for them to do market research." "It will be a chance for our SMEs to experience direct contact with China and to identify the market potential there," said Bettin, adding that "if this first edition goes well, we expect to bring many more Italian companies to the next edition, and we hope that the CIIE will become a reference point for our SMEs in years to come." "The Chinese market is essential for Italy's companies, no matter how big or small they are," Bettin said. Based on final 2017 data from China's General Administration of Customs cited by the CeSIF report, Chinese exports to the EU totalled 372.04 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 9.7-percent increase over the previous year, while EU exports to China increased 17.7 percent, reaching 244.87 billion U.S. dollars. In the same year, Italy imported Chinese goods worth 29.17 billion U.S. dollars, increasing 10.5 percent over 2016, and exported goods worth 20.42 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 22.2 percent, a record high since 2014. This was also the best growth rate among all the EU countries and the ninth highest on a global level, outstripping France, Britain, the Netherlands and Germany, according to CeSIF. The CIIE is hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai municipal government, in partnership with the World Trade Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 12:00:49|Editor: Liu Video Player Close KATHMANDU, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Nepali government officials and business people believed that the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) would open a window for Nepali businesses to explore the vast Chinese market. The expo was scheduled to be held on Nov. 5-10 in Shanghai, as part of China's efforts to open wider its market by importing products and services worth 10 trillion U.S. dollars in the next five years. Nepali Minister for Industry Commerce and Supply Matrika Yadav will lead a government delegation to participate in the event. Government agencies including Investment Board Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board and Trade and Export Promotion Center (TEPC) will also participate in the expo. From the private sector, 14 representative organizations of various enterprises and individual enterprises will participate, according to the TEPC. Nepal will display its carpet, garment, handmade papers, metal crafts, Thanka, local arts, pashmina, ceramics, silver jewelries, tea and coffee as well as various products produced by Nepali women entrepreneurs and disabled people. Sarad Bickram Rana, executive director of TEPC, a trade promotion body under Nepal's Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply, told Xinhua on Friday that they expected the expo would help boost Nepal's goods and service exports to China as well as help attract more Chinese investment to Nepal. "As Nepal has a huge trade deficit with China, this expo may help boost Nepal's export and reduce the trade gap," he said. Increasing tourist arrivals and investment from China to Nepal is already helping bridge the gap. China is the second largest source market of Nepal's tourism with arrival of 104,664 Chinese visitors in 2017. China pledged the highest foreign direct investment to Nepal three years in a row as the Himalayan country received China's pledge of over 400 million U.S. dollars in last fiscal year 2017-18 that concluded in mid-July, according to Nepal's Department of Industry. Representatives of the business bodies participating in the import expo said they expect more order for Nepali goods from China during and after the event. Surendra Bhai Shakya, vice-president of Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN), the representative body of the handicraft manufacturers in the Himalayan country, told Xinhua Friday that he expected the expo would open the door for many types of Nepali handicraft products in the Chinese market. "Currently, various statutes of metal crafts and thanka paintings are being largely exported to China. But, we have several types of handicraft products and we can market them in China through this expo," he said. Nepal exported handicraft products including metal and woolen products, pashmina and silver jewelries worth 4.6 million U.S. dollars to China in the last fiscal, representing 22 percent of the country's total export to China, according to Nepal's central bank data. According to Nepali handicraft exporters, traditionally Nepal exports most of its handicrafts to Western countries, but China has emerged as a good alternative market. The import expo in Shanghai will help promote Nepali goods not only to the Chinese market but also to global markets as there will be participations from around the world, said Chandra Prasad Kachhipati, former president of Fair Trade Group Nepal, a consortium of companies and organizations involved in social entrepreneurship. The Fair Trade Group Nepal will display selected products such as artistic bed cover, Mithila art (an art representing South Eastern Nepal), pashmina and ceramics during the expo. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 12:25:52|Editor: Liu Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Dartmouth College in the U.S. state of New Hampshire on Friday evening told students to take shelter after a campus shooting was reported. "According to the Hanover Police, at 9:50 p.m. (0150 GMT) tonight a non-Dartmouth student was shot at the Christian Science Reading Room at 1 School Street. The gunman is at large and additional shots are being reported from various campus locations," the Ivy League university said in an alert posted on its website earlier. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 12:40:53|Editor: zh Video Player Close Rwandan student Efienne Niyigabas (L) receives assignment from Hai Jiangbo, an associate professor with Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, at a laborotary of the College of Agronomy in the university in Yangling, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) XI'AN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- More than 2,000 years ago, 25-year-old Zhang Qian set off from what is now the city of Xi'an as an imperial envoy. He opened up a route which later became the Silk Road, and brought back the seeds of grapes, alfalfa, pomegranate and flax from Central Asia to sow in Chinese soil. Today, about 80 km from the starting point of ancient Silk Road, in Yangling Agriculture Hi-Tech Industrial Zone, a national-level high-tech development zone in Shaanxi Province, 26-year-old Marat Muratkhan from Kazakhstan has started the new semester in Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NWAFU). He may not be an expert in ancient Chinese history. Muratkhan knows little about Zhang, or his feat, or that he had been to today's Kazakhstan. But with his expertise, he is continuing the work that Zhang dedicated himself to -- bringing ideas and technologies across cultures. The NWAFU has recruited 232 students from 11 Belt and Road countries and regions. Through them and many Chinese and foreign researchers in this small town of Yangling, the seeds of agricultural cooperation have been sowed under the Belt and Road Initiative, which was proposed by China five years ago. AGRICULTURAL AMBASSADORS This is the second year of Muratkhan's doctoral study. Before coming to China, he worked as a researcher in agricultural institutes in Kazakhstan. Last year, Muratkhan applied for the "Silk Road" scholarship set up by Chinese government and was admitted to the NWAFU. Muratkhan's research requires patience. He and his Chinese team have to select nine kinds of probiotics from the 250 kinds in horse milk. To capture these microorganisms, the "hunters" must work out the timetable of these little tiny beings, that often hide by day and come out by night. They also need a bit of luck. "It's like winning the lottery. It seems I wasn't very lucky. It took us eight months," said Muratkhan. But Muratkhan learned Chinese fast. Within a year he has become fluent in Chinese. So he sometimes acts as an interpreter for meetings with officials and scholars from Kazakhstan and China. "In the past I thought translation for this kind of meetings would be very simple, greetings and hand shaking. But, in fact, these days a broader range of topics are discussed. China and Kazakhstan have deepened agricultural cooperation in research," he said. "I was at most of the meetings between the Kazakhstanis and the people in Shaanxi, so I know this very well." The 24th China Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Fair held in 2017 attracted exhibitors from 35 Belt and Road countries and regions. More are expected at this year's fair, which is scheduled for Nov. 5-9. A Belt and Road agricultural cooperation roundtable meeting will also be high on the agenda at the fair. Back in the lab, Muratkhan's research spares him the toil of working on the test field. But Sajjad Raza, a doctoral student from Pakistan, has been busy harvesting wheat under the scorching sun. Raza became famous last year as photos of him reaping wheat like a Chinese farmer went viral online. He has been in Yangling for four years. To study the efficiency of nitrogenous fertilizer he and his Chinese research team have grown two batches of corn and three batches of wheat since 2015. Raza hopes his study can help address the problem of over-fertilizing in both Pakistan and China. Chinese authorities describe the Belt and Road not as a solo performance by China, but a chorus for all. "I hope I can join the chorus," said Raza. "By maximizing the effect of fertilizers, we can reduce their use. I hope I can help the farmers of China and Pakistan live better lives." MORE FIELDS TO SOW Muratkhan didn't sow a single seed during his study in Yangling. But he has witnessed the germination of seeds sowed both in China and in his country. In 2015, a 200-hectare China-Kazakhstan agricultural innovation park was set up in Yangling, where experts from both sides work closely together to study breeding, water-saving irrigation, agricultural machines, and more. Five months ago, 57 Kazakhstani crop varieties were planted in Yangling. Around the same time, 57 varieties of crops from China took root in a test field belonging to North Kazakhstan State University (NKSU). This autumn, they reaped what they sowed. In Yangling they have bred wheat with a 82.3 percent higher yield, and a soy bean with a yield 32.7 percent higher than those in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is one of the world's top wheat producers and flour exporter. Wheat accounts for 85 percent of the country's grain crops. "Introducing the varieties bred here can help improve the production and disease resistance in wheat in Kazakhstan," said Muratkhan. "Cooperation like this is just what we need." "We plan to expand the three-hectare wheat test field to 20 hectares next year," said Altyn Shayakhmetova, dean of department of agriculture, NKSU. "We hope the high-quality wheat from Kazakhstan can also be introduced to and consumed in China." Muratkhan is also working with his Chinese supervisor and S.Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University to modify wheat processing technology in China. The hope is that Kazakhstan's wheat can be more efficiently processed and sold across a wider, global market. Grapes, and the alcohol made from the fermented fruit, were brought to China by Zhang Qian many centuries ago. Today, wine has become another area of agricultural cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. A Silk Road wine technology innovation alliance was established in Yangling in September by some 30 institutes and wine makers from across the world. Fang Yulin, head of the College of Enology, NWAFU, says that alliances, experiences and technologies being shared there mean that people all over the world will be able to taste better and better wine. NWAFU has joined 36 colleges and universities and 23 institutes from 11 countries to establish an alliance on Silk Road agricultural education and technology innovation. Yangling has signed agreements with over 20 Belt and Road countries and regions to deepen agricultural cooperation. "There's are no boundaries in science. We must be open and help each other," said Shayakhmetova. "The Belt and Road Initiative has given us a chance to work together to to the benefit of humankind. Cooperation and exchanges in agricultural research and technology mean we can embrace a better world." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 13:05:57|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close by Habtamu Worku, Wang Shoubao ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- As Ethiopians envisage in finding better destinations for the country's agricultural products, an import expo to be held in China has presented a good opportunity to explore the market in the most populous country in the world. The first China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held in Shanghai on Nov. 5-10. Ethiopian exporters have expressed hope that they will be able to boost their presence in the Chinese market. Ethiopia's delegation, comprising of representatives from various government agencies, would primarily showcase the country's potential in agriculture, agribusiness, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism as well as trade, the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade said recently. Among agricultural commodities that the Ethiopian government and private sectors aspire to further promote in the Chinese market include pulses, oilseeds, spices and coffee, which are considered as the backbone of the country's economy. Haile Berhe, president of Ethiopian Pulses, Oilseeds and Spices Processors-Exporters Association (EPOSPEA), told Xinhua that he hoped the CIIE would further foster Ethiopia's share in the Chinese market. "The Chinese market is very important for Ethiopia's major export commodities such as sesame," Berhe said. It's very difficult to imagine a scenario where the Chinese market is not among the destinations of Ethiopian products, Berhe added. Sesame, one of Ethiopia's top export commodities after coffee, has in recent years attracted the attention of Chinese businessmen. The Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources recently announced that the sesame production during the current 2018-2019 fiscal year will reach 350,000 tonnes, which will bring some 500 million U.S. dollars for the East African country. According to EPOSPEA's statistics, China bought about 70 percent of Ethiopia's sesame export in the past decade. Established in 1998, the EPOSPEA has pledged to maintain and further strengthen the relationship between its members and their Chinese counterparts. "The Chinese market is already very important for our major export commodities, yet we also believe that there is still room for further strengthening our presence there," Berhe said. "Our association, with more than 130 active members, have encouraged our members to participate in the CIIE as well as other trade fairs and expos so as to assess opportunities that are available in linking with our Chinese counterparts," he added. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian delegation is expected to heavily market coffee at the upcoming CIIE. The country, which earned a record 866 million dollars from the export of coffee during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, expects to increase the revenue by increasing its share in the Chinese market. Alfoz Plc, one of the leading Ethiopian agro-processing company engaged in coffee harvest, processing and export, is one of the high-profile private firms to take part in the expo. "We have conducted studies recently and we have found out that there is a vast coffee market in China," Yohanis Addis, Alfoz Plc's sales and marketing manager, told Xinhua. "We believe that the CIIE is an ideal opportunity for us to meet with potential Chinese counterparts who would collaborate with us in order to effectively explore in the Chinese market," he added. As Ethiopia currently aspires to further strengthen its exports, China has already proven to be one of the major export destinations for Ethiopian goods. Ethiopia, during the 2017-2018 fiscal year that ended on July 8, has already exported goods worth about 245 million dollars to China, according to the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade. Wondimu Filate, head of Public Relations and Communication Affairs Office of the ministry, told Xinhua that Ethiopia's exports to China has steadily increased with the help of bilateral and multilateral events such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Filate said that besides agricultural goods, Ethiopia's export of industrial and mineral products is also on the rise. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 13:12:50|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close Colorful lanterns are displayed for sale ahead of the Diwali festival on Mira Road in Mumbai of India Nov. 2, 2018. Diwali, the festival of lights symbolizing the victory of good over evil, commemorates Lord Ram's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. (Xinhua/Stringer) Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 13:41:01|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close CHANGSHA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The World Food Programme (WFP) will "collaborate [with China] to take advantage of Chinese experience and expertise, and then model that in the countries that need help," said David Beasley, head of the food aid arm of the United Nations. "I think we need to get beyond the rhetoric and get very practical like China did," Beasley said in an interview with Xinhua Thursday in Changsha, capita central China's Hunan Province. Beasley was appointed the executive director of the WFP, the leading humanitarian agency addressing global hunger and promoting food security, in April 2017. He was at his third trip to China this time in his current capacity as the head of the UN agency. "China has proven that they are not talkers. They are doers and get it done." Beasley was in Changsha to attend the Ministerial Forum on Global South-South Cooperation in Agriculture Friday. During China's reform and opening-up in the past 40 years, the country has helped more than 700 million people escape absolute poverty. "It's astonishing what China has done," Beasley said. "There is not a nation on the face of the planet that has done that before." "The numbers speak for themselves. It is clear and convincing," Beasley said, adding that this "remarkable success" gives credit to the Chinese government and people. "The Chinese leadership know exactly who they are, where they are, and what they are going to do," Beasley said. "Their goal of no absolute poverty by 2020 will be achieved." According to UN reports, the number of people facing hunger worldwide is increasing. Beasley said that South-South cooperation is going to be critical for tackling this issue, and that China's expertise and success are highly relevant to the world. From a beneficiary to a donor of WFP, China has been helping regions suffering from poverty and hunger in recent years with aid including technology and advice. WFP established a Center of Excellence in China in 2016 to enhance South-South and triangular cooperation, and share China's rich experience in food security, nutrition improvement and poverty alleviation with other developing countries. Since 2016, WFP China has successfully organized 13 South-South cooperation activities on policy dialogue, capacity building, and technical exchange for over 200 participants from more than 20 countries. "Because we believe that China is one of the world's greatest opportunities to learn from," Beasley said. "Techniques have been a driving force of Chinese experiential management and approach," he said, while speaking highly of agriculture technologies and e-commerce practices in rural China. "We will work with China to utilize these technologies to help smallholder farmers in other developing countries make a better planting plan and connect the farmers to the market," Beasley said. WFP also partners with China to provide nutritious lunches to more than 1,500 preschool children in two poverty-stricken counties in Hunan. "If this project is as successful as we believe it will be, then we can help China to decide when, where and how to scale it up," he said. "With all that wealth and all the experience and expertise, not a single child in the world should be left behind, not one." "Taking advantage of China's experience and success is not what we are talking about for the future, we are talking about the present," Beasley said. "We are building the teams necessary to take it forward." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 13:41:02|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close by Raimundo Urrechaga HAVANA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Cuban companies set to participate in the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) said the event is a unique opportunity to boost Cuban goods and services in the Chinese market. Executives in sectors like agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical services, IT, telecommunications and education told Xinhua that they hope to meet potential business partners at the CIIE to expand exports to the Asian country. China is the fastest growing market for Habanos S.A., a 50-50 joint venture between the Cuban government and a British tobacco company that markets Cuban tobacco products around the world, said Ernesto Gonzalez, director of operational marketing, adding that sales of Cuban premium cigars in China jumped 33 percent year-on-year in 2017. The sales surge is largely due to an agreement signed in July 2017 between Habanos S.A. and the China National Tobacco Corporation to increase sales and work together to inform consumers about the world-famous cigars. In 2019, Habanos S.A. plans to export a premium cigar made specially for the Chinese market, a high priority for the company, said Gonzalez. Cuba's premium hand-rolled cigars were introduced to the Chinese market a decade ago and their sales still have much room to grow today. At the CIIE, "we are going to try to forge new partnerships to expand our sales," said Gonzalez. "We still have a lot of potential in the Chinese market, and we must continue to strive so consumers know about our brands and cigar culture." Rums are also among major Cuban exports. Cuba Ron S.A., a rum producer in Cuba, began selling its main brands in Beijing and Shanghai two years ago. Cuba Ron S.A. annually exports around 144,000 bottles of eight different brands to China, and the potential for the figure to increase is "immense," said Jorge Cardoso, export director. Medical services and biotechnology are another two strong exports. "We want to hold a series of meetings ... to have the opportunity to share and expand our current (trade) cooperation with China," said Ismary Nunez, director of communications at BioCubaFarma, a Cuban state company for pharmaceutical and biotechnology products. BioCubaFarma wants to further consolidate ties with China, where it has three joint ventures. At the CIIE, the company will present important research and development in therapies to treat ailments with high incidence rates in China, such as certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Health and medical fields too boast "a lot of potential" for cooperation, said Victor Tamayo, vice president of business operations at Cuban Medical Services Distributor. "We are going to Shanghai with the hopes of continuing to deepen our ties with the Chinese market," said Tamayo. "Not just to offer patient care in Cuba, but our highly-skilled doctors and professionals can also provide medical attention to Chinese people in their places of origin." Representatives from 34 companies will participate in a China-Cuba Business Forum on Nov. 8 to discuss topics like foreign investment, tourism, culture and health, and promote bilateral cooperation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 14:01:06|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A man-eater tigress which is alleged to have killed 14 people over the last one and a half years was shot dead in India's western state of Maharashtra, officials said Saturday. The tigress was killed Friday night after three months of massive search in forest area of Yavatmal district, about 678 km east of Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra. The six-year-old tigress given the name Avni had two cubs. Forest officials had pressed in ground personnel, drones, elephants and expert shooters to hunt down the tigress, after getting the orders of shoot at sight for the wild animal on Sept. 4. "The man-eater animal has been killed," a senior forest official posted in Nagpur said. "The details of the operation to hunt her will be shared during a media briefing later in the day." Reports said so far there is no information about her two cubs. Forest officials said the tigress, along with two of her cubs, had consumed 60 percent of a human corpse, which ultimately led to the decision of declaring her as a "man-eater" and passing of orders to kill her at sight. However, the government order to kill tigress generated a flurry of online petitions. The decision was challenged by animal rights activists in the Bombay high court, which disposed of the application seeking stay against orders to shoot the tigress. The activists challenged the Bombay high court order in the Supreme Court of India. However, the top court refused to interfere in the Bombay high court order. Officials said the post-mortem of the tigress would be conducted at Nagpur's Gorewada rescue center. Wildlife officials said wild animals stray into residential areas usually in search of food. However, the human presence makes them insecure, following which they resort to attacking people. At times these creatures are attacked by scared villagers in retaliation which also proves fatal for them. There are strict laws in force in India against the killing of wild animals. Wildlife experts say mass urbanization, denudation of forests, encroachment of forestland, vanishing of buffer zones in the forests, among others, are responsible for increasing conflicts between humans and animals. Every year many people get killed or injured in the growing man-animal conflict across India. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 14:16:08|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close CANBERRA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The number of Chinese visitors to Australia has grown 13 percent in a single year, latest data showed. The latest International Visitor Survey (IVS), released by Tourism Research Australia (TRA) on Friday evening, revealed that a record-high 1.3 million Chinese people visited Australia in the 12 months to June 2018. The 1.3 million visitors spent 11.3 billion Australian dollars (8.1 billion U.S. dollars) in the country, up 15 percent from the previous year. According to the IVS, Chinese visitors accounted for 81 percent of the growth in tourism spending for the year. The total number of international visitors was 8.4 million, up 5 percent, and the total spending was 42.5 billion Australian dollars (30.6 billion U.S. dollars), up 6 percent. Chinese visitors spent an average of 8,692 Australian dollars (6,262 U.S. dollars) during their visit to Australia, doubling the 4,394 Australian dollars (3,166 U.S. dollars) spent by other foreign visitors on average. New South Wales, Australia's most populous state and home of Sydney, was the most popular destination with 4.3 million international visitors spending 10.5 billion Australian dollars (7.58 billion U.S. dollars) in the state. The island state of Tasmania experienced the biggest growth in both visitors and visitor spending, both figures rising 21 percent from the previous year. Concerning for the Northern Territory (NT), which has actively tried to attract more Chinese visitors, was that the number of visitors fell 7 percent and the visitor spending dropped 15 percent. The NT government in April launched direct flights from the territory to China for the first time in the form of a Donghai Airlines flight from Shenzhen to Darwin. But the tourism gains derived from the new flight corridor have been offset by Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia Indonesia and Philippine Airlines abandoning the NT. "While we understand why the numbers are down, we think the future is much brighter than what the current numbers reveal," NT Airports chief executive Ian Kew told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, referring to opportunities brought by growing Chinese tourists. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 14:21:11|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire on Friday evening called off a shooting alert after police found no traces of shooting in all reported locations. "The Hanover Police have responded to all related reports in the area and found nothing to indicate shots occurred in those locations," the university said on its website, adding that the school is "lifting the shelter in place." In an earlier alert, the school cited police as saying a non-Dartmouth student was shot at a building on campus, telling students to stay in shelter as the shooter was believed to be at large. Lax gun control has been threatening social security in the United States. A series of shootings occurred in past several days. On Friday, a man killed himself after shooting at least five people at a yoga studio in Tallahassee, Florida. On Monday morning, a student died after being shot at a high school in North Carolina. On Sunday, a gunman opened fire inside a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, killing at least 11 people and injuring six others. The gunman was charged with dozens of counts, including hate crimes. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 14:56:17|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Nineteen Naxals surrendered to police in central Indian state of Chattisgarh, officials said Saturday. The Naxals including eight women cadres surrendered in Sukma district, about 500 km south of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. "Yesterday 19 Naxals have surrendered here," a police official said. "They turned up before police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials at Tongpal police station." Reports said the surrendered rebels were the lower rung cadres of Naxal outfits. According to police the surrendered Naxals would be provided necessary assistance as per the rehabilitation policy of the local government. The insurgency has its genesis in the violent left-wing rebellion that began in 1967 at village Naxalbari in Indian state of West Bengal. Currently they are active in central and eastern India. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 16:01:30|Editor: zh Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. recent announcement of slapping back sanctions on Iran has triggered widespread defiance from the Islamic republic as well as Europe. The Trump administration announced on Friday that it will re-impose sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the historic 2015 Iran nuke deal, also known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The European Union (EU) and Iran are working out ways to avoid the impact of sanctions on their economic and trade relationship. RETURN OF SANCTIONS A statement issued by the White House said the sanctions, to fully take effect on Nov. 5, would be "the toughest" and "unprecedented," targeting many of the country's "critical sectors" like its energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and financial sectors. "Over 700 individuals, entities, vessels, and aircraft are going back onto our sanctions list, including major Iranian banks, oil exporters, and shipping companies," it reads. "The sanctions also target transactions with the Central Bank of Iran and designated Iranian financial institutions." Washington also blasted the Iran nuke deal as "disastrous" and "unacceptable." The sanctions "will target those who attempt to violate or circumvent them" and that the administration "is pressing other importers to reduce to zero as quickly as possible," according to the White House. The return of sanctions is part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to pressure Iran to curb its nuclear and missile programs as well as its regional influence in the Middle East. Washington said eight nations will be given temporary waivers in their purchase of Iran's oil but gave no further details. Bloomberg had reported earlier on Friday that India, Japan and South Korea would be among those exempt. Reuters also quoted Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez as saying on Friday that Turkey has been told it will receive a waiver on U.S. sanctions. It later reported that Iraq was on the list. These nations would be allowed to continue to purchase Iran's oil products temporarily, but they have to cut the imports until they reach zero. However, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the 28-member EU as a whole would not receive one waiver. EU REACTION The EU and its troika (France, Germany and Britain) on Friday jointly expressed their deep regret at Washington's re-imposition of sanctions, vowing to protect European economic operators engaged in legitimate business with Tehran. In May, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Washington's withdrawal from the landmark JCPOA. Since then, the Trump administration has slapped a number of sanctions on Iran. For the EU, the JCPOA is a key element of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture and of multilateral diplomacy. "It is crucial for the security of Europe, the region, and the entire world," said a joint statement co-signed by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini as well as foreign ministers of France, Germany and Britain. The statement defended its aim to "protect European economic operators engaged in legitimate business with Iran, in accordance with EU law and with UN Security Council resolution 2231." "As parties to the JCPOA, we have committed to work on, inter alia, the preservation and maintenance of effective financial channels with Iran, and the continuation of Iran's export of oil and gas," said the statement. "We remain committed to implementing the JCPOA as a matter of respecting international agreements and of our shared international security, and expect Iran to play a constructive role in this regard," it added. IRAN DEFIANT Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi told state IRIB TV that his country has "no concerns" over the fresh U.S. sanctions on its crude sales and banking sector. The Iranians will prove that they are not intimidated by the U.S. sanctions which are in effect "psychological warfare," Qasemi said. On Wednesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani shrugged off at the U.S. sanction threats, expressing confidence that the Iranian government is not intimidated by the United States. The Iranian president assured Iranians that his administration is resolved to alleviate the country's economic hardship. Iranian experts have also played down the adverse impacts of the renewed sanctions, saying they are prepared for the "worst scenario" as the United States is globally isolated in its move against the Iranian nuclear deal. Abdolnaser Hemmati, governor of the Central Bank of Iran, announced last week that Iran and the EU are working to finalize a monetary transaction mechanism soon to avoid U.S. banking sanctions. The legal entity will allow European companies to continue to trade with Iran in accordance with EU law and could be open to other partners around the world, Federica Mogherini, the EU foreign and security policy chief, said in September. On Oct. 11, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iranian officials to join efforts to counter the negative impacts of "brutal American sanctions" against the Iranian nation. The top Iranian leader also ruled out all possibilities of re-negotiating with a "cheating" Washington over the Iranian 2015 nuclear deal and Tehran's missile program. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 16:11:31|Editor: zh Video Player Close YANGON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President U Win Myint cast his votes in Yangon's Tarmwe township constituency on Saturday, hours after the country's parliamentary by-elections kicked off in the morning. Tarmwe constituency is the place where U Win Myint won as a representative to the House of Representatives in the 2015 general election, representing the National League for Democracy (NLD). The parliamentary seat was left open at the Tarmwe constituency due to U Win Myint's presidency appointment. Over 900,000 eligible voters across the country are expected to cast their ballots for open seats in the parliament. A total of 69 candidates, including 62 from 24 political parties and seven individual candidates, are competing for 13 parliamentary seats in nine regions and states, where 1,383 polling stations were set up. Of the 13 open parliamentary seats, four are available with the House of Representative (Lower House), one with the House of Nationalities (Upper House) and eight with the state or region parliaments. Of the 62 political party candidates, 13 were nominated by the ruling NLD to compete in all seats, while 10 by the former ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the rest were sent by other parties. In Yangon region, a total of 100,553 eligible voters are expected to vote in two township constituencies, namely Tarmwe and Seikkan, open for each seat of the House of Representatives and region parliament respectively. With 123 polling stations set up in Yangon's Tarmwe township constituency, NLD candidate U Toe Win competes against USDP's U Myo Win Kyaw, while with two polling stations erected in Seikkan township constituency, NLD's U Than Htaik Aung runs against USDP's U Nay Myo Aung. Three other open seats for the House of Representatives are each available in Chin state's Kanpetlet, Shan state's Laikha, Mandalay region's Mingyan township constituencies, while the single seat for the House of Nationalities is vacant in Kachin state's Myitgyina township constituency. Open seats for state or region parliaments are scattered in six other regions and states' township constituencies, including Rakhine state's Yathedaung in addition to Yangon's Seikkan as well as ethnic Shan constituency for Mandalay region. It is the second by-elections taking place during the tenure of the incumbent government led by NLD. The polling booths will close on the day at 4:00 p.m. local time (0930 GMT) and will be followed by open counting of votes. Election result or names of winning parliamentarians-elect will be announced by the Union Election Commission Election Result Center in parts starting on Saturday evening through the following days. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 16:16:32|Editor: zh Video Player Close TEHRAN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Saturday launched the mass production line of a homegrown fighter jet, official IRNA news agency reported. The production line of the fighter jet, called Kowsar, was launched at Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Company in Iran's central city of Isfahan, attended by senior Iranian military officials. The jet, unveiled on National Defense Day in August, is equipped with "advanced avionics and fire control systems" and capable of carrying various weapons, which can be used for short aerial support missions. It also uses digital military data networks, multi-purpose digital monitors, ballistic calculation computers and smart mobile mapping systems. The jet has an advanced radar system, enabling it to detect enemy targets. It is also equipped with a head-up display, which promotes precision targeting. According to Press TV, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on Saturday that "soon, the needed number of this plane will be produced and put at the service of the Air Force." Hatami said that the project has satisfied one of the most vital needs of the country's military aviation industry. Kowsar is "the very symbol of fighting the (global) arrogance and standing against the excessive demands of ... the United States," he was quoted as saying. "The enemies' psychological warfare, propagandist blackmail, and economic sanctions" had no effect on the lively trend of advancing the country's deterrent capabilities, he stressed. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 16:16:32|Editor: zh Video Player Close SYDNEY, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Marine rescuers freed a humpback whale calf caught in a shark net off Australia's Gold Coast early Saturday, the second such incident in a month, fueling debates about the use of the nets, local media reported. The whale calf was spotted in Queensland state's Burleigh Heads coastal area and suffered "some superficial damage to its head but would recover in the wild," the ABC news channel quoted marine park Sea World's marine sciences director Trevor Long as saying. The calf's distressed mother was nearby throughout the rescue, he said. In a separate incident, a whale calf was freed from a shark net earlier last month off the popular tourist region's Greenmount beach, with Long calling it a "distressing" rescue, reported the channel. The latest whale rescues "highlighted the need to update beach protection measures to minimize the harm to wildlife," said Long. The shark nets, used to keep the top marine predators away from people, may not work as well as "smart" drumlines that can detect when an animal is caught, he said. State marine authorities have been rolling out measures to catch and kill sharks after a 46-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl were severely bitten while swimming in the same northeastern harbor area late September, but animal welfare groups also condemned their use of baited drumlines to net the predators. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 16:51:38|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BAKU, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed in a fire that broke out Saturday morning in a cafe here, the country's Ministry of Emergency said. Emergency and firefighting crews found three bodies at the scene, two of whom were young men and one still unidentified, the ministry said in a statement. The three are believed to have died of smoke inhalation when the cafe, situated in the basement of a four-storey residential building, was engulfed in flames. The fire has already been put out and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which damaged part of the cafe. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 18:26:54|Editor: zh Video Player Close Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd R), Dominican President Danilo Medina (2nd L) and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas (1st L) attend the opening ceremony of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the inauguration ceremony of the Dominican Republic embassy in Beijing with visiting Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina and Foreign Minister Miguel Vargason Saturday. Hailing the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Dominican Republic on May 1, Wang said there has been new progress every day since then. He said China is ready to work with the Dominican Republic to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields following the political guidance of the two countries' leaders, so as to make greater contributions to the common development and shared prosperity of the nations and their two peoples. Within one and a half months, China and the Dominican Republic have opened an embassy in the other's country, Wang said, adding that the move will build a bridge of friendship linking the political center of the two countries, and open a new window of mutual understanding between the two peoples. Vargason said the decision to establish diplomatic ties with China is a wise choice and a historical moment in the Dominican Republic's foreign relations. The Dominican Republic regards China as a reliable partner and would like to take the opportunity of President Medina's visit to jointly establish mutually beneficial relations with China, he said. Medina and Wang jointly unveiled the nameplate of the embassy. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 18:36:59|Editor: zh Video Player Close by Abdul Haleem KABUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's participation in the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) will further enhance Sino-Afghan relations, especially in the field of trade and economic cooperation, Afghan senior officials have said. Musafer Qoqandi, the Afghan Commerce Ministry's spokesman, told Xinhua that Afghanistan attaches great importance to its participation in the expo, adding that a high ranking delegation would represent his country at the event. Over 2,800 companies from around 130 countries and regions have confirmed their attendance at the CIIE slated for Nov. 5-10 in Shanghai. The spokesman added that Afghanistan has secured a 136-square-meter area at the CIIE to display its products in search of markets. "Afghan products including carpet, saffron, handicrafts, fresh and dry fruits, precious and semi-precious stones will be put on display at the CIIE," he said. Describing China as a lucrative market for Afghan products, the official added that Afghanistan, besides exporting saffron and pine nut, will export millions of cubic meters of marble to China annually, saying an agreement of the sort is soon expected to be finalized. "Afghanistan and China are two good neighbors enjoying friendly relations," Qoqandi said, adding that participation at such an international exhibition would further enhance relations between the two sides. Pasarlay Ahmadzai, a senior official of Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, agreed that Afghanistan's participation in the CIIE would bolster Sino-Afghan trade relations. Afghan participants, especially businesspersons, could learn from China's national and economic development, said Ahmadzai. Ahmadzai also expressed gratitude to China for extending an invitation to Afghanistan, expressing hope that Afghan companies could win trade contracts with companies from China and around the globe. The official described China as a friend of Afghanistan, saying China's efforts in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan are clear to every Afghan. The bilateral trade volume between Afghanistan and China in 2017 amounted to 544 million U.S. dollars, up 24.9 percent year-on-year, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moreover, the total value of China-contracted projects in Afghanistan by the end of 2017 stood at 1.28 billion dollars. The contracts mainly focus on infrastructure, including telecommunications, transmission and distribution lines, as well as road and housing construction, according to the ministry. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 19:02:03|Editor: zh Video Player Close KABUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. soldier of the NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission was killed and another was wounded after an Afghan soldier turned his weapon against them here on Saturday, sources from the mission confirmed. "Initial reports indicate the attacker was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. Initial reports also indicate the attacker was immediately killed by other Afghan Forces," the military said in a statement. The statement added that the wounded service member was undergoing medical treatment and was in stable condition. "The incident is under investigation. The name of the deceased service member will be released 24 hours after next of kin notification," it said. Additional information will be released as appropriate, the statement noted. On Sept. 3, one U.S. service member was killed in a suspected insider attack in eastern Logar province. NATO and U.S. forces completed their combat mission in Afghanistan by the end of 2014 after 13 years of military presence in the country. However, around 16,000 foreign forces remained in Afghanistan to help Afghan forces in the fields of training, advising and backing them in the war against insurgents. Photo of the TO.MO.CA coffee house in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. (Xinhua/Wang Shoubao) ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian coffee producers and exporters have expressed keen interest to penetrate the vast Chinese coffee market as the demand for coffee increased in China. Amid the increasing demand for coffee among China's young population, the interest to penetrate the emerging Chinese coffee market has also become a major priority among Ethiopian coffee producers and exporters. Alfoz Plc - one of the leading Ethiopian companies engaged in specialty coffee harvesting, processing and export - is one among the many aspiring Ethiopian companies who are vying to boost their presence in China. "Presently, middle eastern countries are the prime export destinations for our coffee market," Yohanis Addis, Alfoz Plc. Sales and Marketing Manager, told Xinhua in a recent interview. "As the interest from China for coffee in general and Ethiopian produced coffee in particular increased over the past few years, we are also looking for opportunities on how to better penetrate the market there in China," he said. A coffee house staff is preparing coffee. (Xinhua/Wang Shoubao) The company, which recently conducted a study concerning the potential of China's coffee market, stressed that "there is a vast coffee market and we are currently looking for opportunities on how best we would enter into this huge market," Addis added. According to Addis, the increase in the demand for coffee is attributed to the younger population's shift from the traditional tea consumption trend to coffee, in which he said "Ethiopian coffee would be a major contender in the market if provided in good quality." Addis also stressed that the timing of the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is scheduled to be held from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai, China, is "the perfect event for us to successfully interact with our Chinese counterparts as well as potential retailers." "We believe the CIIE is an ideal opportunity for us to meet with potential Chinese counterparts who would collaborate with us in order to effectively penetrate in the vast Chinese market," he added. A customer is drinking coffee at the coffee house. (Xinhua) Alfoz, which is set to dispatch a strong team headed by the company's owner and manager, also revealed that it has finalized its preparations in order to make its CIIE participation a success. China is already the east African country's major export destination. Ethiopia, during the previous Ethiopian 2017-2018 fiscal year that ended on July 8, had exported 245 million U.S. dollars of goods to China, according to the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade. Wondimu Filate, Head of Public Relations and Communication Affairs Office at the ministry, told Xinhua recently that Ethiopia's exports to China have steadily increased with the help of bilateral and multi-lateral ties as well as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Delegates watch a congratulatory video from the President of Guinea Alpha Conde at the Forum on African Energy Interconnection Development in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2018. The forum was a side event of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) YAOUNDE, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China is a "credible and serious" partner of African countries as they endeavor to overcome an electricity deficit and boost economic development, said Guinea's minister of energy and water Cheick Taliby Sylla. In an exclusive interview with Xinhua during his recent stay in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon, the minister said the China-proposed Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) initiative can help overcome Africa's electricity deficit and boost development in the continent as one. Proposed by China in 2015, GEI is a globally interconnected strong and smart grid with ultra-high voltage (UHV) grid as the backbone, which will serve as a platform for extensive development, deployment and utilization of clean energy worldwide. "When we talk about electricity, we are talking about development, improvement of people's living conditions," said Sylla. Sylla noted that "many Africans do not have access to electricity, especially those living in rural areas." Africa needs to "electrify to its last part to have emancipation," Sylla said, hailing China as a "great nation" that is assisting Africa with durable solutions in development. "China is now teaching Africa how to develop, how to enhance growth... and giving its financial support," Sylla said. "Some believe China is putting Africa into debt which is prejudicial for Africa. I think all our African authorities are unanimous that China on the contrary is helping African countries to build infrastructures that are indispensable to their economic take-off, creating better lives for African people," Sylla said. In September, the Guinean government signed a partnership agreement with China's Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) to jointly implement the GEI initiative in Africa. "It's a futuristic vision, very ambitious, that must be taken very seriously if we want energy to be for everyone," Sylla said. According to Sylla, the China-Guinea deal is a first step in Africa to a "monumental" project that is undergoing scrutiny by other African countries. "It is important to think about this so that in the long-run, Africa as one can be interconnected in terms of energy and other infrastructures," Sylla said, adding that African countries could then accelerate industrialization and "exploit their resources domestically to keep the added value staying in the country." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 20:12:11|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TEHRAN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said here Saturday that the United States has failed to cripple Iran's economy by imposing sanctions, official IRNA news agency reported. The United States has sought "to cripple and hold back Iran's economy" by resorting to sanctions, "but the outcome is that the country moves broadly towards self-sufficiency," he said. "In the past, the Iranians had become accustomed to importing everything, but now, they are used to producing those things," he said. The remarks by Iran's top leader come a day after Washington announced the return of its full-scale sanctions against Tehran on Friday. A statement issued by the White House on Friday said the sanctions against Iran, to fully take effect on Nov. 5, would be "the toughest" and "unprecedented," targeting many of the country's "critical sectors" like energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and finance. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 20:12:12|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- As Turkey vows to crush the U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish militia along its border soon, analysts remain skeptical that Ankara would launch an all-out offensive to eliminate the fighters as such a move would also mean confrontation with Washington. "I don't think it's much likely that Turkey would start an offensive on the Kurdish militia," Yasar Yakis, former foreign minister of Turkey, told Xinhua. He noted that the United States had signaled it would protect the militia if it was attacked. U.S. GREATLY CONCERNED Ankara sees the Kurdish militia, known as the People's Protection Units (YPG), as a terrorist organization posing a major national security threat. On Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan once again expressed Ankara's determination to eliminate the Kurdish fighters, saying "we will soon crush the terrorist organization in more extensive and effective operations." The president also stated that preparations for such a military operation were already completed. The Turkish military shelled twice several YPG positions near the border during the past week, leaving some Kurdish fighters dead or injured, according to local media reports. The United States voiced concern about Turkey's strikes, saying "unilateral military strikes ... by any party, particularly as American personnel may be present or in the vicinity, are of great concern to us." Washington is in touch with both Ankara and the YPG to de-escalate the situation, a U.S. State Department spokesman said on Wednesday. "A full-scale military operation on the Kurdish militia does not look possible in the near future under the current circumstances," Cahit Armagan Dilek, head of the Ankara-based 21st Century Turkey Institute, told Xinhua. Ankara is already part of a fragile Idlib deal and grappling with problems in foreign policy and with a shaky economy at home, said Dilek, a former staff officer in the Turkish military. Based on a deal with Russia, Turkey has set up 12 military observation posts in Syria's Idlib province. Ankara is now tasked with convincing some unwilling radical rebels there to withdraw from some of the territory and leave their heavy weapons behind so that a political settlement could be achieved. Referring to statements by U.S. officials about Washington seeing the YPG-held territory as an area under its hegemony, Dilek said, "a Turkish military operation would mean a war against the United States." The United States is estimated to have over 20 military bases and several thousand troops in the YPG-held territory in the eastern part of the Euphrates River in northeastern Syria. Turkey should carry out surgical strikes against the YPG without losing any time instead of preparing for a sweeping ground operation, Dilek argued. "INCALCULABLE CONSEQUENCES" Despite Erdogan's threat, Dilek feels that remarks by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar indicated that Turkey will unwillingly go on cooperating with the United States, as it does in the YPG-held Manbij on the western part of the Euphrates. In a speech delivered on the same day after Erdogan threatened a military intervention, Akar said that work on the YPG area on the eastern part of the Euphrates would begin after progress is achieved on the Manbij deal with the United States. Ankara and Washington agreed in June on a roadmap for the YPG's withdrawal from Manbij, which Ankara expected to begin in early July and be completed before December. However, the Kurdish militia still remains in control of the town with U.S. troops, without giving any sign of exit so far. Despite Turkey's strong criticism, Washington has supplied a huge amount of weapons in recent years to the Kurdish militia. The YPG, having been militarily equipped and trained by the United States, could put up a stiffer resistance against a military operation, cautioned Yakis. The United States has used the YPG, now estimated to have 60,000 to 70,000 armed members, as a ground force against the Islamic State in Syria. Earlier this year, the Turkish army, backed by the Free Syrian Army rebels, drove the YPG out of the Afrin region in northwestern Syria in around two months. The Kurdish fighters in Afrin, where there were no U.S. troops, were not backed militarily by the United States during the Turkish offensive. A confrontation with U.S. troops poses a significant risk and could lead to "incalculable consequences," cautioned Yakis. Both Yakis and Dilek believe that a military operation against the YPG would have been much easier and less costly a few years ago when the United States had not provided it with much assistance. According to local media reports, the U.S. military set up radars and air defense systems in YPG-held areas in August. In Dilek's view, Turkey should have targeted the eastern part of the Euphrates before moving against Afrin, as the former forms the backbone of the militia. Thanks to U.S. military support, the YPG established during the war in Syria two self-declared autonomous cantons in the eastern part of the Euphrates along the Turkish border. Turkey is concerned that an autonomous Kurdish entity in Syria would set an example for its own Kurdish population. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 20:22:14|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KABUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A total of 34 Taliban militants were killed in fresh military operations across Afghanistan, said the country's Ministry of Defense on Saturday. "Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) carried out eight military and cleanup operations and 99 special operations across Afghanistan. As a result 34 armed militants members were killed and 15 other militants wounded," the ministry said in a statement. The security forces also destroyed four enemies' defensive fighting positions, an improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines factory, the statement said, adding the Afghan Air Force also conducted eight airstrikes against militants within the period. The Taliban insurgent group has yet to make comments. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 20:27:14|Editor: zh Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The first Chinese-French Art Academies Forum themed "Limitless Art, Borderless Education" was held Friday night in Beijing. Some 130 professors and administrators from Chinese and French art academies and institutes attended the event hosted by the Association of China-France Cultural and Artistic Exchanges, a non-profit organization consisting of artists, scholars and businessmen from both countries. In the keynote speech at the opening ceremony, Li Beihai, former deputy head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that both countries enjoy a brilliant culture, while the forum provides a solid platform for art professionals to strengthen cultural exchanges. Claude Brendel, rector of Conservatory of Rouen, said that France is a country home to rich and various art resources, and public art education academies like the Conservatory of Rouen and Conservatory of Greater Avignon are "a vivid symbol of France's 'universal arts education.'" "Avignon is famous for the Avignon Festival, which is today one of the most important contemporary performing arts events in the world, and our academy is working just inside that kind of strong artistic atmosphere, and we are looking forward to more exchange and cooperation with Chinese art academies at different levels and in an all-round way," said Jerme Chretien, rector of Conservatory of Greater Avignon. The forum also featured an introduction to Chinese history and traditional arts such as folk dancing. The two French rectors expressed their admiration for the traditional art and highlighted the significance of "learning from each other." Ninety-one-year-old Guo Shuzhen, professor at China's Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM) as well as a renowned Chinese soprano, also attended the forum. She said that CCOM attaches great importance to the appreciation and learning of French musical works and welcomed the two French rectors to teach at CCOM. "The exchange between both countries' artists and art works will certainly elevate our art to a higher level, a higher aesthetic level, which is the pursuit of all artists," said Guo. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 20:32:15|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and three others injured on Saturday at dawn when two Tanzanian government vehicles collided in the country's central district of Kongwa in Dodoma region, said police. Gilles Murotto, the Dodoma regional police commander, said the accident occurred at 3:30 a.m. when one belonging to the office of the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) and another belonging to the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) collided head-on. Murotto said the vehicle from the CAG's office was heading to Dar es Salaam from Dodoma with seven people on board while the PSSSF's vehicle was heading to Dodoma from Dar es Salaam with three people on board. Murotto said it was not immediately established whether the victims were government employees. He said the two vehicles collided head-on when one of the drivers tried to avoid a stationary vehicle along the road. The police official said the three survivors were admitted to the Dodoma regional referral hospital. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 20:52:18|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BANGKOK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A haul of methamphetamine tablets, wrapped up inside what may look like gift parcels, was seized from a sedan near Hua Hin beach resort on Saturday, Thai police said. A total of 90,011 speed pills, contained in the bogus gift parcels, were seized and two suspected drug traffickers were arrested at a road checkpoint in Cha-am district of Phetchaburi province, about 175 kilometers south of Bangkok, according to acting provincial police commander Thianchai Khamapaso. The police unwrapped the suspicious-looking parcels and found packs of methamphetamine tablets inside. The drug suspects told the police that they had been hired 10,000 baht each (about 303 U.S. dollars) to transport the speed pills from Bangkok to Hua Hin where they had been ordered to deliver them to an unnamed customer. The police commander commented that drug traffickers might probably hide drugs in what looks like gift parcels on the occasions of New Year or other festive seasons. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 21:32:23|Editor: ZX Video Player Close Members of Search and Rescue (SAR) team carry body parts of victims of the crashed Lion Air JT 610 at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Nov. 3, 2018. The Rescue team on Saturday detected again the sound of a ping locator installed at the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) of the air plane that went down Monday into waters off western Indonesia, officials said. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) JAKARTA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Rescue team on Saturday detected again the sound of a ping locator installed at the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) of the air plane that went down Monday into waters off western Indonesia, officials said. In the meantime, all turbines and two landing gears have been discovered, head of the National Search and Rescue Office Muhammad Syaugi said. Syaugi said he was certain that the position of the CVR is not far from the coordinate of the main ship dragging anchors on waters of Tanjung Pakis of Karawang district of West Java province. The signal of the ping locator was first detected on Wednesday along with the signal of the flight data recorder, but since Thursday the signal of the CVR had disappeared, Syaugi said. "We have heard the sound sent by the ping locator of the CVR," he said, adding that the position might be close to the sea floor under the main ship. Two turbines or turbo jet engines of the almost new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft had been recovered, one of them had been lifted to the surface and another would be lifted on Sunday, said Syaugi. However, one of the two landing gears already found had not been lifted to the surface. He added that both the divers and remotely operated vehicle had not recovered the fuselage of the ill-fated plane. The search and rescue operation has retrieved more body parts of the victims of Lion Air plane incident which killed all the 189 people aboard. The Indonesian transport ministry will embrace the world aviation authorities to audit the safety of Lion Air company. Boeing will also send investigators to assist the investigation on the cause of the disaster. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 21:52:26|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close The press conference of the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) is held at the press center of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 3, 2018. As of Friday, more than 4,100 journalists from 630 news organizations at home and abroad had registered to report on the event, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) SHANGHAI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,000 firms from 58 countries along the Belt and Road will attend the inaugural China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held in Shanghai, the Ministry of Commerce said Saturday. The ministry said at a CIIE press conference that the number of companies from Belt and Road countries accounts for nearly one third of all firms attending the expo. They are expected to display a variety of products from agricultural products to consumer goods and garments in a booth area of 45,000 square meters, it said. Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Bingnan said the expo will become another important prop for the joint construction of the Belt the Road Initiative, offering new opportunities for foreign countries to expand exports to China. The expo will also feature products from over 30 least developed countries (LDCs), including Ethiopia's coffee, handicrafts from South Sudan and Tanzanite from Tanzania, said Sun Chenghai, deputy director of the CIIE Bureau. Sun said they will offer two free exhibition booths to each participating LDC to support their entry into the Chinese market. The CIIE is scheduled to start in Shanghai Monday. More than 3,000 companies from over 130 countries and regions have so far confirmed their attendance in the event. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 21:57:28|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close by Han Qian PARIS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of 16 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the French Mediterranean region of Corsica have embarked on their journey to Shanghai to participate in the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE). It will be the companies' first appearance in the Chinese market. They will try to attract the attention of more than 150,000 buyers from countries and regions that are expected to attend the CIIE, China's first-ever expo of this kind, scheduled for Nov. 5-10 in Shanghai. Paul Pierinelli, who organized the Corsican enterprises to go to Shanghai, told Xinhua that all his fellow entrepreneurs were motivated to knock the door of the Chinese market. Although being SMEs, Pierinelli said, " We are positive about entering into China". Jointly set up an exhibition hall is the way they chose to promote their products and the region as a whole. Pierre Orsini, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haute-Corse (CCI of Haute-Corse), said, "We're not going just as one brand, but as a group of companies." He added that this Mediterranean manner of presence will allow them to well showcase the region's products as well as its cultural uniqueness. The joint exhibition hall for the Corsican SMEs at the CIIE measures 500 square meters. Direct communications with Chinese and international buyers during the event will facilitate export from Corsica to not only China but also the international market. The Corsican companies will bring many types of products, ranging from local biscuits and chocolate to processed meats, wine and beer. Using natural resources and respecting traditional know-how, they're confident that the Mediterranean touch of their products will win hearts in the Chinese market. Hugo Sialelli, director of development of Corsica's biggest beer brand Pietra, said local and quality beers are in Pietra's DNA, "It is important to showcase our land and our expertise." He noted that the CIIE would be the first step for his company to enter the Chinese market. According to the CCI of Haute-Corse, Corsican exports have doubled in the past year, reaching a total of 137 million euros (156 million U.S. dollars). However, compared to the rest of France's southeastern regions, Corsica's export is lagging. The chef and general manager of O Ma Gourmandises, Jean-Michel Querci, said before the trip to Shanghai, his company only does trades in local and regional markets. Going to the CIIE will be his first experience to step into the international market. To further reach out to international markets, it would also be critical for Corsica to get involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, said Orsini, "Today, participating in the Belt and Road Initiative is very important for a small region like ours. The Belt and Road Initiative will allow foreign exporters to find new markets, to invent and to create new ties among regions and countries." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 22:47:38|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) on Saturday said it will make greater efforts to boost development of private businesses. Xu Lejiang, secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group of the ACFIC, called the latest symposium on private enterprises a "milestone" and "compass," which he said affirmed the private sector's important contribution to China's economic and social development and pointed out the direction for the sector's future development. Xu made the remarks as the country vowed in a symposium Thursday to unswervingly encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector and support private enterprises to develop toward a broader stage. The ACFIC will continue to play its role in connecting the government with enterprises, communicate with the government on difficulties plaguing the companies and push for implementation of the government's supportive policies, Xu said. Xu said the organization will use innovative methods to better serve the private companies, providing consultancy service in policies, talents, laws and regulations. The ACFIC is conducting a third-party evaluation on the implementation of government policies to make financing more accessible and affordable for micro and small companies, Xu said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 22:47:38|Editor: ZX Video Player Close ANKARA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Turkey and the United States mutually removed sanctions on each other's ministers on Friday, a move toward normalization of bilateral relations, yet there is a rocky path ahead for full recovery of a deeply soured ties. Turkey lifted travel ban, freezing of assets, ban on financial and trade transactions on U.S. ministers Jeff Sessions and Kirsjten Nielsen, while the U.S. Treasury removed sanctions on Turkish ministers, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement on Friday. The decision of the two NATO allies came one day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump talked over the phone on Thursday. Ankara and Washington simultaneously announced the decision two weeks after release of the pastor Andrew Brunson who was detained in Turkey on terrorism charges and espionage. The case casted shadow on the bilateral ties of the two countries in the past few years, but the crisis hit peak in August when Washington sanctioned Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu and Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul for their alleged role in the detention of Brunson. The United States declared to ban the access of two Turkish ministers to U.S. assets and Turkey swiftly responded by slapping the same sanctions on the two U.S. ministers, Jeff Sessions and Kirsjten Nielsen. Trump also declared doubling of duties on aluminum and steel imported from Turkey. Turkey hit back by raising tariffs on U.S. cars, alcohol and tobacco imports. Local media reported that Ankara has not released Brunson in the court hearing in August, because Ankara urged Washington to spare Turkey's state-owned Halkbank from a threatened fine for allegedly helping Iran evade U.S. sanctions in return for release of Brunson, yet the negotiations failed. The bilateral tension hit the Turkish lira which has lost nearly 40 percent of its value against U.S. dollar since the start of 2018. Brunson was sentenced on Oct. 12 by a court to jail for three years and 45 days over terror charges, but was then set free last month and returned home due to the time he had served. Trump has said "no deal" was made with Turkish officials to secure Brunson's release, but U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said they could remove these sanctions after release of the pastor. Even though Washington lifted sanctions on Turkish ministers, the United States still keeps its decision of doubling tariffs on Turkey. Brunson's detention was not the only source of tension in U.S.-Turkish relations. Ankara and Washington are also at odds over diverging interests in Syria, where Washington supports Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey regards as Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Both Turkey and the United States have decided to overcome their long lasting bilateral problems, and this is a sign of easing relations, Burak Kuntay, international relations expert from Bahcesehir University said. The release of Brunson paved the way to overcome the deadlock in the relations between the two countries, Kuntay noted. The expert said there are also other major issues such as conflicting interests in Syria, but the two countries are also in progress on implementation of a deal for withdrawal of Syrian Kurds from northwestern Syria. After a delay in implementation of a Manbij deal which envisages retreat of the YPG members from northwestern Manbij town of Syria, Turkish and U.S. soldiers launched joint patrols around the town as of Nov. 1 as part of the road map. Ankara and Washington have been conducting independent patrols on the border of Manbij since the two countries agreed a roadmap in June, under which both would jointly maintain security and stability there. Kuntay drew attention to the new U.S. sanctions on Iran that will go into effect on Monday, and said the issue would be a serious source of tension between Ankara and Washington if the latter does not qualify Turkey with exemption to these measures taking account that Ankara relies on Iranian oil resources. For fully normalization of ties between the two nations, he stressed that it is worth noting the results of the U.S. Congress midterm elections to have a clear sight on Trump's perspective in ties with Turkey. U.S. President DonaldTrump delivers a speech at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on May 8, 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump said here on Tuesday that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, a landmark agreement signed in 2015. (Xinhua/Ting Shen) BRUSSELS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and it's troika (France, Germany and Britain) on Friday jointly showed their deep regret on Washington's further re-imposition of sanctions against Iran, vowing to protect European economic operators engaged in legitimate business with Tehran. The U.S. administration announced Friday it will snap back sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the historic 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). While announcing the sanctions, the White House blasted the Iran nuke deal again, saying it was "disastrous" and "unacceptable". But for the Union, the JCPoA is a key element of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture and of multilateral diplomacy. "It is crucial for the security of Europe, the region, and the entire world," said the four parts in a joint statement co-signed by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and financial as well as foreign ministers of France, Germany and Britain. In May, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Washington's withdrawal from the landmark Iran nuclear deal. Since then, the Trump administration has slapped a number of sanctions on Iran. "The JCPoA is working and delivering on its goal. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed in 12 consecutive reports that Iran is abiding by its commitments under the Agreement. We expect Iran to continue implementing all its nuclear commitments in full, as set out by the JCPoA," said the joint statement. Hours earlier, the White House said the sanctions, to fully take effect on Nov. 5, would be "the toughest" and "unprecedented", targeting many of Iran's "critical sectors" including energy, shipping, shipbuilding and finance. By contrast, the EU and its troika in the statement defended its aim to "protect European economic operators engaged in legitimate business with Iran, in accordance with EU law and with UN Security Council resolution 2231". "As parties to the JCPoA, we have committed to work on, inter alia, the preservation and maintenance of effective financial channels with Iran, and the continuation of Iran's export of oil and gas. On these, as on other topics, our work continues, including with Russia and China as participants to the JCPoA and with third countries interested in supporting the JCPoA," said the statement. "These efforts have been intensified in recent weeks, particularly those underpinning the European initiative to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle on which we are proceeding with work to set up. This will enable continued sanctions lifting to reach Iran and allow for European exporters and importers to pursue legitimate trade," said the statement. As a legal entity, the Special Purpose Vehicle is a payment system to bypass US sanctions against Iran. The move is likely to deepen the rift between the U.S. and Europe. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier that he was "disturbed and indeed deeply disappointed" at the planned special payment system. "This is one of the most counterproductive measures imaginable for regional global peace and security," he told a conference. Despite Pompeo's opposition, Europe vowed to do more to "assist and reassure economic operators pursuing legitimate business under EU law." "Our collective resolve to complete this work is unwavering," read the statement. "We remain committed to implementing the JCPoA as a matter of respecting international agreements and of our shared international security, and expect Iran to play a constructive role in this regard," said the statement. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 23:07:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- One of four Beijing 2022 licensed products stores was officially opened in Beijing's Happy Valley on Saturday as part of the marketing program including opening 18 stores this November and selling those products on China's high-speed railways. The one opened in Beijing's amusement park Happy Valley is 60 square meters, selling hundreds of licensed products from seven categories of non-precious metal products, precious metal products, clothing and apparel, stationery, silk products, ceramics and souvenir postage products, including 13 types of new products. The Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee announced that from this October, the first Saturday of every month will be the "New Product Day". The 13 types of new products unveiled on Saturday consist of silk scarves with snow mountain pattern, gold or silver products demonstrating the scenery of ancient capital Beijing and its traditional skating skills. Another three stores opened Saturday at China Central Television Tower, Radio Beijing Corporation and the Olympic Park. Another 14 will open to the customers in late November in the domestic departure area of Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3 and cities around Beijing like Tianjin, Shenyang, Shijiazhuang and Baotou. Starting from the mid-month, authorized carts will be launched on China's high-speed railway network, the passengers on the train will be able to buy the products mentioned above on their way home. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 23:22:49|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's steel industry saw profits surge in the January-September period, alongside progress in environmental protection and deleveraging, data from an industry association shows. The industry's total profit soared 86 percent year on year in the period, reaching around 230 billion yuan (about 33 billion U.S. dollars), according to the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA). Profit rates of steel companies have reached the average of China's major industrial firms, reversing the situation where low profit and deficit plagued the country's steel companies, the association said. Liu Zhenjiang, secretary-general of the CISA, attributed the industry's growth to rising demand for steel and the steady price of ironstone. Output of crude steel and steel rose by 6.07 percent and 7.21 percent in the past three quarters, respectively, while the steel inventory remained at a low level, showing both strong supply and demand, said Liu. Data from the association shows the price of ironstone, a raw material for steelmaking, edged down over the past nine months, contributing to the profits of steel companies. Chinese steel makers attached more importance to pollution control and deleveraging after they gained more profits, Liu said. CISA data demonstrates the efforts of steel companies in reducing pollution emissions, with the emission volume of waste water down 1.13 percent year on year. The industry's asset-liability ratio continued to drop amid steel companies' efforts to pay back debts, which came in at 66.11 percent at the end of September, down 3.91 percent year on year, said the CISA. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 23:22:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SANAA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels said they launched a drone air attack on a royal Saudi air force base in the Saudi southern border province on Saturday, rebel-run Al-Masirah TV reported. The attack targeted King Khalid air base in Khamis Mushait city in southwest the kingdom, said the rebel channel, adding the attack was "in retaliation for the Friday's Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport in the (rebel-held) capital Sanaa." The rebels did not provide further details, while there was no comment yet from the Saudi government on the alleged attack. On Friday, the coalition warplanes launched more than 30 airstrikes on the rebel military sites in and around Sanaa airport and adjoining al-Daylami air base, according to both the coalition and the rebels' statements. Hours later, the rebels fired a short-range ballistic missile on Boku military camp in the Saudi southern border province of Najran. The fresh military escalation came ahead of a new UN-brokered round of peace talks proposed to be held within a month as Yemeni rival forces also clashed in the country's western main port city of Hodeidah. The Yemeni government forces backed by the coalition warplanes advanced into near the center of Hodeidah city, recapturing the Hodeidah University and adjoining military air defense camp in the southern edge of the port city after fierce clashes overnight against the Houthis who are still controlling the city, the government-run Saba news website reported on Saturday. The city's port is the main entry point of the country's 70 percent of imports and aid. Saudi Arabia is leading an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after the Houthi rebels forced him into exile. The war has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced 3 million others, according to UN aid agencies. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 23:27:53|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HARBIN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A large number of birds are flocking to northeast China for a stop-over before heading further south for winter migration. More than 20,000 migratory birds are stopping at the Xingkai Lake National Nature Reserve every day for temporary stays, according to Liu Huajin from the reserve. "Every year, from mid-September to mid-November, migratory birds from Russia make stop-overs at the reserve," said Liu. The lake is located in Jixi, Heilongjiang Province and is the biggest border lake on the China-Russia border. The wetland in the reserve is connected to Russia. "Each autumn, we can monitor up to 400,000 birds flying here, but the actual number might be bigger," Liu said, adding that the birds include red-crowned cranes, oriental white storks and grey sea eagles. The nature reserve is an important national station for examining wildlife diseases, and staff there often collect bird waste for testing. This year, staff will collect more than 2,000 such samples for testing purposes. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 23:32:53|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close by Zenzile Khoisan CAPE TOWN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The China International Import Expo, scheduled be held in Shanghai from November 5-10, will greatly open trade opportunities for South Africa and the African continent as a whole. This is the view expressed by top South African business people, commercial institutions and development analysts in interviews with Xinhua. South African development analyst Ruben Richards said the Expo will offer an opportunity to cope with the current turbulent economic climate. "This global platform will force us to be competitive and shed some of our entitlement and preferential mentality," said Richards, head of the Ruben Richards Foundation and former executive secretary of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. "This is a unique opportunity for proudly South African products to be tested in a robust market and difficult economic climate." Janine Myburgh, President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said she "would advise all exporters or potential exporters to become involved in trade shows like this, as they offer good opportunities to meet likely customers and to spot opportunities or gaps in the market." Myburgh said she expected South African business entities to engage with China that has the world's largest population, the second largest economy and is the second largest importer and consumer in the world with great potential for the growth of consumption and import. Given that this is the first import expo in China, Myburgh believes the South African business delegates would respond positively. "I'm sure many businesses will find the Expo an exciting challenge. Most businesses look for export opportunities, especially when the rand is so week. It is an opportunity to build new markets and develop trade relations," she said. She said South African delegates would also bring important offerings to the Expo, including tourism, where South Africa has a lot to offer, and places like the Western Cape Province which will also have a lot to gain. "We now have an opportunity to 'sell' South Africa as a tourist destination and undo some of the (past) damage," Myburgh added. In terms of expectations, she explained that South African business people will be looking for opportunities to increase trade and to tell the Chinese more about South Africa and its potential as a trading partner. "South Africa already exports iron ore, manganese etc to China but there are opportunities to develop other mineral exports and the export of manufactured goods, especially agricultural products," she said. She noted that there are big opportunities for agricultural products, processed food and wine. "This is particularly important for the Western Cape which has a well-established and efficient fruit growing sector. It is also an area which creates many jobs," she said. The CCCI president also said there is huge demand from China for nuts, especially pecan nuts, and more recently avocados. She said new pecan nut farms along the Orange River in the Western Cape are extremely modern and productive, with drip irrigation systems and sensors to monitor the moisture in the soil. Some of these new orchards, she said, can be monitored on cell phones and instructions can be fed by cell phone to increase or decrease the water supply. "I would imagine that there are big opportunities for minerals and gemstones as well as products like sugar, maize, coffee and even rooibos tea," she said. Enrico Marinus, Executive Director of MaxEnergy, who has experience in trading with Chinese entities and works extensively with business entities on the continent, noted that the Shanghai import expo "would probably be good for creating awareness of the respective country offerings." He believes that there needs to be acute interventions that address the long term development needs in order to create stability and prosperity. "We need to encourage more innovation on the African continent and less restrictive travel and market access," Marinus said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 23:37:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-led coalition on Saturday heavily struck areas controlled by the Islamic State (IS) in Syria's eastern province of Deir al-Zour, a war monitor reported. The airstrikes are coupled with the amassing of forces by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) around the IS-held pocket on the eastern side of Euphrates River in the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 100 special SDF forces arrived at the frontline with IS around its last pocket, and with the latest arrivals, the SDF would have amassed 1,100 fighters so far. The reinforcement and heavy airstrikes came days after the SDF lost its first wave of attack against the IS pocket as the terror-designated group managed to foil the months-long attack and retake all fallen areas. Now, the SDF is bringing in special forces of its fighters, who had fought IS in the Raqqa province, which was the de facto capital of the terror-labeled group before losing it in 2017 to the Kurdish-led SDF and the U.S. coalition. Since the start of first wave of attack on Sept. 10, 516 IS militants as well as 315 SDF fighters have been killed, said the Observatory. The fresh heavy strikes by the U.S. coalition Saturday comes as the SDF has recently been subject to Turkish shelling, as Ankara seemed determined to launch an offensive against the Kurds in the eastern Euphrates. A day earlier, the Observatory said the U.S. has deployed forces along the line separating the eastern part of the Euphrates, where the SDF is located, from the Turkish-backed rebels on the western bank of the river to avert any confrontation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 23:53:02|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The al-Qaida-linked Hurras al-Deen rebel group on Saturday targeted positions of the Syrian government forces as well as areas where Russian positions are located in northern Syria in the demilitarized zone, a war monitor reported. The group targeted the positions of the Syrian forces and its Russian allies in the countryside of Latakia province and the al-Ghab plains in the northwestern countryside of Hama province in central Syria with no reports on losses, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Britain-based watchdog group said the Syrian forces also targeted rebel positions in the rebel-held part of al-Ghab plains on Saturday with no reports on casualties. The planned demilitarized zone stretches from the northeastern countryside of Latakia province to the northern countryside of the province of Hama and western countryside of Latakia as well as areas in the countryside of Idlib province in northwestern Syria. Those areas ring Idlib, which is the last major rebel bastion in Syria. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, also known as al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, which is considered as the most powerful among the rebel groups in Idlib province, rejected to withdraw from the demilitarized zone. The deal for imposing a demilitarized zone was reached in September between the leaders of Turkey and Russia, aiming at averting Idlib province from a wide-scale offensive by the Syrian army. The Syrian government has welcomed the deal but noted that it was only temporary. Turkey's task in the deal is to persuade the rebel groups in Idlib to abide by the plan as Ankara enjoys sway over the militants there. The Observatory said Saturday that the rebels are still in the zone and didn't withdraw as planned. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 00:08:08|Editor: ZX Video Player Close JUBA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's education minister on Saturday applauded China's support to the country's education sector after Beijing facilitated the printing of over 700,000 textbooks for the war-torn east African nation. Deng Deng Hoc Yai, minister of general education, said the Chinese support would help expedite the process of rolling out a new education curriculum early next year. Hoc said that China has helped South Sudan print at least 750,000 textbooks and built the capacity of dozens of South Sudanese education experts. "The support given to us by China is printing of almost 3 million text books, training of curriculum experts, education managers and our ICT staff. It is a big investment from their side and we are getting it free," Hoc said. Hoc added that the world's youngest nation has signed cooperation agreements China, Egypt and Turkey in a bid to improve its education sector. "We are grateful to the government and people of the People's Republic of China for that enormous support," he added. Hoc spoke to journalists in Juba while announcing the start of primary school leaving examinations where some 48,000 pupils across the conflict-torn country are expected to write their secondary school entry exams from Nov. 26 to 30. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 00:08:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The recent phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump was constructive, sending a signal that the two countries are making headway on their trade issue, according to leading global media outlets. Xi and Trump talked over phone at the request of the U.S. side on Thursday, during which they spoke of bilateral trade and the Korean Peninsula issue and agreed to meet bilaterally during the upcoming G20 summit in Argentina. Trump said on Twitter that he had a "long and very good conversation" with Xi and they "talked about many subjects, with a heavy emphasis on trade." "Those discussions are moving along nicely with meetings being scheduled at the G20 in Argentina," he said, adding that they also "had good discussion" on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). In an article published on Friday, Bloomberg said that Thursday's phone conversation was the first "publicly disclosed call" between the two leaders in six months, with both sides reporting "constructive discussions" on bilateral trade and the Korean Peninsula issue. Citing U.S. National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow, the Wall Street Journal said that the call represented "a thaw" in relations. "At the presidential level, relations and communications are resuming," Kudlow, Trump's top economic adviser, was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Reuters said in a report on Friday that the Xi-Trump conversation raises hope of easing trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, and that investors are glad to see them taking steps to resolve their ongoing trade disputes. In a report published on its website on Friday, the Financial Times said that Trump's comment on his phone conversation with Xi helps assuage "concerns over the rumbling trade dispute between the two countries." Another leading British media outlet BBC said the news of Xi-Trump meeting in Argentina shows that the two countries have maintained communication on various levels and Thursday's phone conversation was a positive signal for improving bilateral relations. The ABC News said in a report published Friday on its website that the Xi-Trump conversation revives hopes that the two countries can resolve their trade disputes amicably. The Australian ran reports over the Xi-Trump conversation on both Friday and Saturday, saying that it cheered up investors and Trump's comment marked a positive signal ahead of the G20 summit. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 00:18:11|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) holds talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is paying an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday pledged to strengthen the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future between the two countries. Li made the remarks in Beijing when holding talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is paying an official visit to China and will attend the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai. China and Pakistan are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, Li said, adding that the traditional friendship between the two countries is deep-rooted. He stressed that China and Pakistan, as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, have a high level of political mutual trust and close cooperation in various fields, firmly supporting each other on matters that concern their core interests. "China always regards Pakistan as a diplomatic priority," Li said. During Khan's visit to China, the two sides will issue a joint statement to send an important signal to the world that China and Pakistan are committed to promoting a better and faster development of bilateral ties, according to Li. On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Li said that CPEC projects have been meticulously examined, conform to commercial principles and are economically feasible. "China is willing to continue working with Pakistan to accelerate the construction of the CPEC in accordance with the principle of openness and transparency, in order to benefit both peoples," he said. China appreciates Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding CPEC construction as well as the personal safety of Chinese institutions, and hopes that Pakistan will continue to make greater efforts, Li said. Li also promised to expand the imports of and market access for quality products from Pakistan, and strengthen bilateral cooperation in fields including finance, agriculture and fisheries. "We hope to see a stable and developing Pakistan. We are willing to provide assistance to Pakistan within our capability and work together to achieve regional peace, stability and prosperity," Li said. For his part, Khan said with the continuous deepening of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, the relations between the two countries at all levels are becoming stronger. He said the CPEC has become a reality and is being fully implemented. Pakistan views the CPEC as a great opportunity for development, benefiting the Pakistani people and promoting Pakistan's economic and social advancements. Pakistan will continue to promote CPEC construction and protect the safety of CPEC projects and Chinese staff, said Khan. Khan thanked China for its strong support when Pakistan was in a difficult time, adding that Pakistan will always be a trustworthy friend of China. Hailing China's remarkable achievements during the past 40 years, Imran Khan said Pakistan also strives to push the domestic reforms process. "We are willing to learn from China's development experience, deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and strengthen high-level visits and exchanges at all levels, so as to push the bilateral relations to a higher level," Khan said. After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of more than 10 documents on cooperation in areas including science research, justice, poverty reduction, health and customs. Prior to the talks, Li held a red carpet ceremony to welcome Khan. China's top legislator Li Zhanshu also met with Khan on Saturday. A staff members poses with a dog during a 'Wuffstock' Halloween event, at the Morristown Animal Inn in Morristown, New Jersey, U.S., October 26, 2018. Picture taken October 26, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS) CHICAGO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A study from Northwestern University (NU) has found some of the clearest evidence that animals can judge time. By examining the brain's medial entorhinal cortex, the researchers discovered a previously unknown set of neurons that turn on like a clock when an animal is waiting. NU researchers set up an experiment called the virtual "door stop" task. In the experiment, a mouse runs on a physical treadmill in a virtual reality environment. The mouse learns to run down a hallway to a door that is located about halfway down the track. After six seconds, the door opens, allowing the mouse to continue down the hallway to receive its reward. After running several training sessions, researchers made the door invisible in the virtual reality scene. In the new scenario, the mouse still knew where the now-invisible "door" was located based on the floor's changing textures. And it still waited six seconds at the "door" before abruptly racing down the track to collect its reward. "The important point here is that the mouse doesn't know when the door is open or closed because it's invisible," said James Heys, a postdoctoral fellow at NU and the study's first author. "The only way he can solve this task efficiently is by using his brain's internal sense of time." NU researchers took the experiment one step further by imaging the mice's brain activity. Using two-photon microscopy, which allows advanced, high-resolution imaging of the brain, they watched the mice's neurons fire. "As the animals run along the track and get to the invisible door, we see the cells firing that control spatial encoding," said Daniel Dombeck, an associate professor of neurobiology in NU's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. "Then, when the animal stops at the door, we see those cells turned off and a new set of cells turn on. This was a big surprise and a new discovery." "Not only are the cells active during rest," he said, "but they actually encode how much time the animal has been resting." The researchers have found these new time-encoding neurons, now they can study how neurodegenerative diseases might affect this set of cells. "Patients with Alzheimer's disease notably forget when things happened in time," Heys said. "Perhaps this is because they are losing some of the basic functions of the entorhinal cortex, which is one of the first brain regions affected by the disease." "So this could lead to new early-detection tests for Alzheimer's," Dombeck added. "We could start asking people to judge how much time has elapsed or ask them to navigate a virtual reality environment - essentially having a human do a 'door stop' task." The study has been published online in the journal Nature Neuroscience. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 00:33:14|Editor: ZX Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- For the first time in a long time, an aid convoy reached the Rukban refugee camp on the Syrian-Jordanian border on Saturday, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) said in a statement. The aid, which was delivered by both the SARC and the UN, reached the camp where 50,000 Syrians live in "tough humanitarian conditions," said the SARC statement. Humanitarian workers took one month to prepare the shipment, which constitutes of 78 truckloads of aid including wheat bags, children clothes, medical supplements for women and children as well as cleaning kits. The aid, which was delayed from last week, was accompanied by 107 humanitarian workers from SARC and a team specialized in vaccinations. Chief of SARC Khaled Hboubati said that delivery of the aid came after obtaining assurances and guarantees from all sides as well as the Syrian government offered facilitations. He said that the step is positive toward delivering more food parcels and nonfood items to the camp to alleviate the suffering of the Syrians and meet their humanitarian needs. UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator Ali Al-Za'tari said on Saturday that aid delivery is emergent, which includes food and water. He said that a vaccination campaign will target 10,000 children to shield them from life-threatening diseases as well as measles and polio. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the aid shipment is the first to reach the camp since April 2017 as afterward roads were cut off to the camp. The aid convoy reached the camp under the protection of Russia, according to the Britain-based watchdog. The Observatory added that floods washed away a lot of tents in the camp amidst the tragic situation suffered by the camp residents. The camp is largely inhabited by Syrians who fled their areas in the eastern countryside of Homs province in central Syria as it is located in the remote southeastern countryside of Homs province near Jordan. The Observatory placed the number of refugees in the camp at 60,000 civilians and rebel fighters. The fighters belong to six rebel factions of those who rejected to reconcile with the government and sought refuge in this area in September 2015 when the Syrian government forces advanced to their original location in the eastern countryside of Homs. The Observatory accused the Syrian government of cutting the supply route to the camp, which is run by the rebels. But the state news agency SANA charged that the U.S. forces in the Tanf area where the camp is located hindered the delivery of aid in the past. SANA said that the U.S. forces recruited young men in the camp in exchange for money. The state news agency stressed that the Syrian government is working to provide necessary facilitations for the delivery of aid item to all Syrian areas without exceptions. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 01:03:19|Editor: ZX Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's army said Saturday that Indian forces have killed a woman along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kashmir region, the second incident of cross-border firing in three days. "Indian troops carried out unprovoked deliberate firing on civilian population in Bhimber Sector. Resultantly lady Munazza Bibi embraced Shahdat (martyrdom)," an army statement said. "Pakistani troops engaged Indian posts," the statement from the army's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations, said. It is the second incident of the cross-border firing in three days. Pakistan said Thursday that Indian forces killed an 18-year old innocent civilian in Bijildar village along the LoC. Pakistan and India had declared ceasefire along the LoC and the Working Boundary in 2003. Both, however, routinely accuse each other of violating the ceasefire. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is seen during a meeting with students at the Hussayniyeh of Imam Khomeini in Tehran, Iran, November 3, 2018. (Official Khamenei website) TEHRAN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed on Saturday the U.S. fresh sanctions on Iran as the failed experience, official IRNA news agency reported. The U.S. has sought "to cripple and hold back Iran's economy" by resorting to sanctions, "but the outcome is that the country moves broadly towards self-sufficiency," Khamenei was quoted as saying. "In the past, Iranians had become accustomed to importing everything, but now, they are used to producing those things," he said. The U.S. has always been the "loser" in confrontation with Iran over the past four decades, he added. Over the past 40 years, the U.S. has resorted to a variety of means, including the military and economic warfare, to challenge Iran's independence, Khamenei was quoted as saying. "The enemy (the U.S.) sought to restore its dominance (over Iran) but it failed," he added. The remarks by Iran's top leader came a day after Washington announced the return of its full-scale sanctions against Tehran. A statement issued by the White House on Friday said that the sanctions against Iran, which will fully take effect on Nov. 5, would be "the toughest" and "unprecedented," targeting many of the country's "critical sectors" like energy, shipping, shipbuilding and finance. On Saturday, Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement, reacting strongly against the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions against the Islamic republic. "Although the (U.S.) move will, objectively and practically, have few negative consequences for Iran's economy compared with the past six months, it is regarded as a major political and moral scandal for the ruling U.S. regime," according to the statement posted on the ministry's website. "The U.S. move alone amounts to a violation of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), breach of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, violation of the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICC), direct opposite to the clear will of an overwhelming majority of the world's countries and disregard for human, legal and moral principles," it added. The Islamic republic of Iran condemns the imposition of "illegal" sanctions by the U.S., the statement stressed. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held telephone conversations with the EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini and his counterparts from Germany, Sweden and Denmark to discuss Iran and Europe's efforts to counter such U.S. moves, the ministry website reported. On Friday, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi told state IRIB TV that his country has "no concerns" over the fresh U.S. sanctions on its crude sales and banking sector. The Iranians will prove that they are not intimidated by the U.S. sanctions which are in effect "psychological warfare," Qasemi said. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani (R) shakes hands with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, in Tehran, Iran, Sept. 7, 2018. (AP Photo) MOSCOW, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Russia will "do everything necessary" to preserve and expand international trade, economic and financial cooperation with Iran despite the sanctions imposed on the latter by the United States, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday. The U.S. administration announced Friday that it will snap back sanctions on Tehran that had been lifted under the historic 2015 Iran nuclear deal signed between Iran and Russia, China, France, Britain, the United States, as well as Germany. The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the new wave of anti-Iran sanctions is aimed at undermining the ongoing efforts of the signatories to preserve the nuclear deal. "We reject any unilateral sanctions bypassing the decisions of the UN Security Council, especially when they have extraterritorial application and affect the interests of third countries, as is the case with the U.S. restrictions against Iran," it said. The International Atomic Energy Agency regularly confirms that Iran strictly adheres to its obligations and Russia supports the organization's consistent and professional efforts in this direction, it said. "The international community must not allow such an important achievement of multilateral diplomacy to collapse at the whim of a single country that openly violates international law," the ministry said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 03:23:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Saturday began a large-scale security operation to clear areas in western Iraq from Islamic State (IS) militants, the Iraqi military said. The operation is designed to hunt down the remnants of the extremist militants in the vast desert area between the provinces of Salahudin, Nineveh and Anbar, Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasoul, spokesman of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, said in a brief statement. The security forces will advance westward to the Iraqi-Syrian border, the statement said. Late last month, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, also commander-in-chief of the Iraqi forces, emphasized in a statement "the importance of continuing precautionary efforts and keeping track of terrorist groups to secure the border with Syria." Meanwhile, a leader of the paramilitary Hashd Shaabi said in a statement that reinforcements had been dispatched to the border with Syria after the IS militant group seized positions of Syrian Democratic Forces on the Syrian side near the border. The Iraqi forces, backed by Hashd Shaabi forces, have been deployed in the desert area for months to secure the Iraqi side of the border and prevent infiltration of IS militants from Syria to Iraq. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 03:28:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The chief executive of Italy's oil and gas giant ENI Claudio Descalzi confirmed on Saturday that the company had reached an agreement with the Libyan authorities to support power projects. Descalzi made his remarks during a meeting with Libyan UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj in the Libyan capital Tripoli. According to a statement issued by the prime minister's information office, the meeting discussed the company's projects in Libya and the possibility of staring new development projects in the country. "Descalzi confirmed that the company reached an agreement with the National Oil Corporation and the General Electricity Company to support power projects and improve the efficiency of the public power network," the statement said. The Libyan state-owned National Oil Corporation announced early in October that it reached an agreement with ENI and British Petroleum to resume exploration in Libya. ENI is one of Libya's largest foreign partners, managing a number of oil and gas fields. Ofir Akunis, minister of Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology, speaks with Xinhua in an interview in Tel Aviv, central Israel, on Nov. 1, 2018. (Xinhua/Guo Yu) JERUSALEM, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) will create "good opportunity" for the whole world to cooperate with each other, said Israeli Scientific Minister Ofir Akunis. "We are in global markets, we are all together and we want to cooperate," said Akunis in an interview with Xinhua. This is a "very good idea" and the "right way" that China hosts the CIIE where people from all over the world will meet there and cooperate in the future, noted the minister. Over 3,000 companies from 130 countries and regions, including Israel, have confirmed to participate in the event. "The Chinese market is huge," said Akunis, adding that the opportunities for the cooperation, especially in the high tech sector between Israel and China are also big. Akunis believed that more Israeli companies would participate in the CIIE held in Shanghai next time or other events held in other places of China. The Israeli government will have a country exhibition pavilion in the CIIE, which will mainly present Israeli innovation and good bilateral relations. In addition, a group of Israeli companies will also exhibit their products in the CIIE. Akunis will fly to Shanghai to open the Israeli pavilion in the CIIE. It will be his third visit to China after previous visits to China respectively in 1998 and 2017. Israel and China have a "really tight relationship" and Israeli participation in the CIIE event reflects the "very good connections" between the two countries and the two markets, said Akunis. Since China and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992, mutual visits and political exchanges at all levels of governments have been conducted frequently. Particularly, after the "Innovative Comprehensive Partnership" was established when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited China in March 2017, bilateral cooperation has been turning increasingly robust. When talking about the underway negotiations of China-Israel Free Trade Agreement, Akunis said more cooperation between Chinese and Israeli companies would be seen if the two sides sign the new agreement. "I am for free markets and it is the right way to lead the modern economy in the world," noted Akunis. In 1992, the bilateral trade value stood at only 50 U.S. million dollars; in 2017, it soared to over 13 billion dollars. China is now Israel's largest trading partner in Asia and the third largest across the world. With regard to the cooperation between China and Israel in the hi-tech sector, the scientific minister said it is high priority in Israeli policy to push forward the collaboration almost in every field of science and technology. Chinese and Israeli scientists must work together on joint researches, including brain research, nano technology as well as other fields of science and technology, said Akunis. Akunis said the Israeli side would sign a new memorandum of understanding with Shanghai Municipality to enhance mutual cooperation including joint research and students exchange. In 2014, China and Israel established the mechanism of the China-Israel Joint Committee on Innovation Cooperation (JCIC), with the aim of better enhancing and coordinating innovation cooperation in various fields. The fourth meeting of the JCIC was just concluded in Israel in October this year. Israel is attracting more investment from China with many Chinese companies building research and development centers in Israel. The total amount of investment from China in Israel has exceeded 7 billion dollars. "We already see a lot of Chinese companies work very successfully in Israel in a lot of fields," said Akunis, adding that this is good for both sides and the next generation of Israelis will also be familiar to the Chinese market and the Chinese industry. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 04:33:45|Editor: ZX Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Deputy Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya Maria Ribeiro stressed on Saturday support of the UN to national and international efforts to establish stability in Libya. Ribeiro made her remarks during a visit to the new headquarter of the Libyan Higher Commission of Elections in the capital Tripoli. Ribeiro told the Commission's Board of Directors Member Abdulhakim Belkher that supporting the efforts to organize and conduct future elections of Libya is a key goal of the UN. Earlier in May, the Islamic State (IS) carried out a deadly suicide attack on the headquarters of the commission, killing at least 14 people and injuring more than 10 others. It was the most violent IS attack in Tripoli for years. Libya has remained in chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country is struggling to make a democratic transition amid political division and unrest as well as dominance of armed groups and militias with shifting loyalties. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 04:33:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RABAT, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan navy rescued Saturday 136 migrants off Morocco's northern coasts, the Moroccan army said on Saturday. The navy assisted the migrants who were on board of two boats while facing difficulties off the northern cities of Tangier and Hoceima, the same source pointed out. The migrants, who are Moroccans and from subsaharan African nations, were brought safe to the ports of the northern cities of Lksar Kbir and Nador. In recent months, Morocco has been witnessing a significant hike in illegal immigration attempts. The Moroccan government said its security services have thwarted at least 54,000 attempts to smuggle illegal immigrants into Europe in the first eight months of 2018, compared with 39,000 attempts a year earlier. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 05:18:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KHARTOUM, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Saturday condemned a U.S. decision to extend the "national emergency with respect to Sudan," describing Washington's stance as "contradicting." U.S. President Donald Trump last Thursday issued an Executive Order extending the national emergency with respect to Sudan, which the U.S. administration imposed on Sudan in 1997. The executive order claimed that Sudan was still posing an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. "The move is not consistent with the spirit of the standing constructive cooperation between the two countries," Sudan's foreign ministry said in a statement Saturday. "It is regrettable that the state of emergency has been extended at a time when the cooperation efforts between the two countries continue and the dialogue between them progresses to advanced stages," the statement added. The ministry further reiterated Sudan's commitment to live up to its responsibilities towards regional and international peace. The ministry urged U.S. to fulfil the cooperation commitments agreed on by the two countries and respect the principles of the international law. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 05:38:53|Editor: ZX Video Player Close An artist works during the eighth annual Tunis Pottery and Handcrafts Festival in Tunis village, Fayoum province, south of Cairo, capital of Egypt, on Nov. 1, 2018. Crowds of local and foreign visitors have been walking around the little pottery and art shops of Tunis village during the eighth annual Tunis Pottery and Handcrafts Festival. The three-day festival, which kicked off on Nov. 1, showcases unique artworks of pottery and several other handcrafts including wood and granite carving, basket making, handmade carpets, needlework, clay objects and hammered copper. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) by Mahmoud Fouly FAYOUM, Egypt, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Crowds of local and foreign visitors have been walking around the little pottery and art shops of Tunis village in Fayoum province, south of the Egyptian capital Cairo, during the eighth annual Tunis Pottery and Handcrafts Festival. The three-day festival, which kicked off on Nov. 1, showcases unique artworks of pottery and several other handcrafts including wood and granite carving, basket making, handmade carpets, needleworks, clay objects and hammered copper. "I have been working in pottery for about 27 years and our festival now attracts visitors from different nationalities including France, Switzerland, Britain, Austria, Italy and many others," said Rawya Abdel-Kader, a pottery workshop owner in her 40s. The owner hoped the festival will help promote her products for exportation. Held in the famous pottery-making village of Tunis, with Alexbank as a main sponsor in cooperation with Fayoum province and the Tourism Promotion Authority, the festival exhibits works of 78 exhibitors in the festival from Tunis village and other provinces nationwide. Christian, a British visitor, was touring the pottery shops around the festival along with his two teenage daughters. "It's my first time to come here but everything is really friendly and pretty. I like these little pottery shops. It's being fun to walk around here this morning," the British man told Xinhua. "I like the pottery school over there as I could see potters while making pots. It's really a nice bit of Egypt which we haven't visited before," he added. His 16-year-old daughter Cherry said that it was interesting to see creative people making things like baskets and pottery that she didn't see back home in England. "It's my first trip outside Europe, so it's just nice to see a different culture," Cherry added. Alexbank has been the festival's main sponsor since 2015. "We cooperate with the Potters Association of Tunis Village, financing the stands and stalls for exhibitors, providing accommodation for those coming from all over the country and making business cards and fliers for them to market their products," Laila Hosny, head of CSR and sustainable development office of Alexbank, told Xinhua. "We have 14 pottery workshops with some of them exporting pottery to foreign countries including Australia, Austria and the United States. One of them has one of his pieces displayed in the British Museum," she added. Among the shops that attracted many visitors is a small one displaying wooden models of dinosaurs, crocodiles, elephants, Cairo Tower, Eiffel Tower and other artworks. "It's our first year to join the festival and we feel that our artistic works will get the admiration of the visitors. The festival is a big chance for any artist who wants more popularity for their works," said Elia al-Nari, an exhibitor in his late 30s. Al-Nari added that most of his wooden works are made of olive and ficus trees. The authorities of Fayoum province have been developing Tunis village year after year to make it suitable for the growing popularity and fame of the festival, building a special gate with entrance for the village and paving its alleys with interlock tiles. Fayoum Governor Essam Saad said that his governorate provides all necessary support for the village and its festival. "Tunis village is a model to be followed worldwide. All villagers here work hard in beautiful handcrafts, impressing foreigners and exporting their works abroad," Saad added. "We're here to support these handcrafts and we hope this festival will be as impressive as ever and will be fruitful for Egypt," the governor told Xinhua. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 05:53:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close CHICAGO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural commodities closed higher over the trading week which ended Nov. 2, as investors turned to short-covering amid expectations for U.S.-China trade talks. The most active corn contract for December delivery rose 3.5 cents weekly, or 0.95 percent, to 3.7125 dollars per bushel. December wheat delivery was up 3.5 cents, or 0.69 percent, to 5.0875 dollars per bushel. 2019 January soybean was 30 cents higher, or 3.5 percent, to 8.8775 dollars. CBOT corn futures shrugged off early weakness to end the week higher. Trade relations are front and center, and though planting decisions have largely been made any fringe acres will hinge upon the soybean's premium to corn. Exporters in South America and Ukraine are aggressive with Free on Board (FOB) offers in November and December. Gulf corn's competition is sizable. U.S. corn export sales over the last three weeks were disappointing. Record world corn trade suggests the U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA)'s export forecast is valid, but the pace of U.S. sales will ebb and flow. The U.S. and European wheat ended the week slightly higher. Important wheat news was absent, but contracts in the U.S. continue to flirt with oversold levels and funds maintain a decent net short position in Chicago. World prices are holding stout with U.S. wheat export sales being better than expected. Russian wheat is no longer the world's cheapest and post the General Authority For Supply Commodities tender, Russian wheat was the most expensive high-protein origin. Data still suggest a major shift in demand from the Black Sea to the United States and European Union is underway. Last week the U.S. sold wheat to Bangladesh, and U.S. wheat will now compete for Egyptian demand moving forward. Soybeans marked an outside week of trading, with prices grinding lower in the first half of the week and marking strong gains in the last half. The late week rally unfolded on news that U.S. President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping agreed to meet bilaterally during the upcoming G20 summit in Argentina. The USDA report showed that as of Tuesday, funds held the largest net short soybean position since January, and news of the upcoming meeting triggered massive short covering. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-04 06:29:02|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BERLIN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU/CSU conservative alliance is seeking someone with mainstream appeal to be the leader of the country's largest party, the Christian Democrats (CDU), the German Press Agency (DPA) reported on Saturday. Merkel said earlier this week that she would not seek re-election as CDU leader at a party conference in December, triggering a race to be her successor. "We are looking for someone with considerable power to bring people together," said CDU lawmaker Christian Haase, who represents the coalition of the CDU and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), at local level. "The young and the old, women and men, all groups of society have to be able to find their political home with us," Haase said. "Our values must be clearly found in our day-to-day politics." The CDU is holding a party conference on Sunday to discuss the leadership question, DPA said. According to a poll published Saturday, Merkel's announcement that she was stepping down as party head had no effect on respondents' preferences for chancellor, with Merkel far ahead in direct comparison with two potential Social Democratic candidates. Merkel, who has been chancellor for 13 years and party leader for 18 years, said on Monday that she planned to step down as chancellor when her current term expires in 2021. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-03 04:09:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration announced on Friday that it will snap back sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the historic 2015 Iran nuke deal. However, eight nations will be given temporary waivers in their purchase of Iran's oil. After leaving the Iran nuke deal in May, the U.S. government on Aug. 7 re-imposed sanctions on Iran on non-energy areas, such as the automotive sector, trade in gold, and other key metals. According to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin, the sanctions, the second batch of its kind, will take effect on Monday. RETURN OF SANCTIONS A statement issued by the White House said the sanctions, to fully take effect on Nov. 5, would be "the toughest" and "unprecedented," targeting many of the country's "critical sectors" like its energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and financial sectors. "Over 700 individuals, entities, vessels, and aircraft are going back onto our sanctions list, including major Iranian banks, oil exporters, and shipping companies," it read. "The sanctions also target transactions with the Central Bank of Iran and designated Iranian financial institutions." Earlier on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin told the media that some 700 Iranian companies and people would be sanctioned also. However, sales of food, agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices to Iran "have long been-and remain-exempt from our sanctions," said the White House. The reimposed sanctions would "cut off revenues the regime uses to bankroll terrorist groups, foment global instability, fund nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and enrich its leaders," the White House added. While announcing the sanctions, the White House blasted the Iran nuke deal again, saying it was "disastrous" and "unacceptable." For his part, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier in September blasted the U.S. sanctions as "economic terrorism." "World security is under threat by some states' recklessness and disregard of international values and institutions," Rouhani said at the General Debate of the 73rd UN General Assembly. "Confronting multilateralism is not a sign of strength. Rather, it is a symptom of the weakness of the intellect. It betrays an inability in understanding a complex and interconnected world." 8 NATIONS GIVEN WAIVERS While the White House noted that the sanctions "will target those who attempt to violate or circumvent them" and that the administration "is pressing other importers to reduce to zero as quickly as possible," Washington also said eight nations will be given temporary waivers. The U.S. officials have not revealed the names of eight countries getting waivers. However, Bloomberg had reported earlier on Friday that India, Japan and South Korea would be among the lucky ones. Reuters also quoted Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez as saying on Friday that Turkey has been told it will receive a waiver on U.S. sanctions. It later reported that Iraq was on the list. These nations would be allowed to continue to purchase Iran's oil products temporarily, but they have to cut the imports till they are down to zero, as Pompeo explained that they had made efforts to cut their imports but could not complete the task by Monday's deadline. With all these measures, the White House noted that "the United States is confident that energy markets will remain well supplied despite Iranian oil export reductions." "From August 2017 to August 2018, United States crude oil production increased by 2.1 million barrels per day and exports increased by over 700,000 barrels per day, adding to market liquidity," it said. "Over the next year, United States production will increase by one million barrels per day or more. We are working with oil producers around the world to increase their supply as well." However, Pompeo said that the 28-member European Union as a whole would not receive one waiver. The EU foreign and security policy chief Federica Mogherini said in September that the EU will set up a legal entity to facilitate legitimate financial transactions with Iran in light of the U.S. re-imposition of sanctions. Pompeo later responded that the EU's decision was "one of the most counterproductive measures imaginable" and unacceptable. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi told state TV that the country was not troubled over the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions, noting "America will not be able to carry out any measure against our great and brave nation ... We have the knowledge and the capability to manage the country's economic affairs." David Pollock, a scholar at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told Xinhua that the waivers "will have a small mitigating effect on Iran's economic squeeze." The wavers will allow Iran to continue exporting some oil, but they would hardly be a "major safety valve" for Iran's economy," he said. "Sanctions are not going to reduce Iran's exports to zero, but I think it will cut significantly into the volume, and force Iran to offer pretty deep price discounts in order to attract customers to this risky business." HARDLINE APPROACH ON IRAN The return of sanctions is part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to pressure Iran to curb its nuclear and missile programs as well as its regional influence in the Middle East. U.S.-Iranian relations have been at odds as the Trump administration left the historic Iran nuclear deal, delegitimized the Iranian government and vowed to press other nations to isolate Iran. For its part, Tehran has said that the U.S. side is unreliable, and it will not talk with Washington. Pollock told Xinhua that the sanctions will have a major effect on the Iranian economy by imposing "a pretty dramatic effect in reducing Iran's oil exports and revenues." This will deliver a significant further shock to the Iranian economy, he said. "However, about effecting the country's political stability, I am skeptical that it would have that effect." "The question, therefore, is whether this will put enough pressure on the Iranian government to change some of its policies, and maybe become more careful about challenging American interests or American allies in the region, and maybe even agreeing to eventually some kind of negotiations, maybe backchannel, secret negotiations with the US gov't about these issues," the expert noted. "On that, I think that there's at least a reasonable chance that something like that will happen over the next year or two, but not right away," he said, noting that although the sanctions won't impact Iran directly, the question is "whether Iran will decide, after the sanctions take effect, that it will not observe the deal, because it's not getting the economic benefits that it had hoped for, from the deal." U.S. media and experts noted that Iran would probably want to demonstrate to the European Union that it's still adhering to the deal, so as to convince the EU and other countries like Japan to keep their business ties to it. "Because if Iran decides to break out of the deal, then politically it will be harder, especially for EU countries, to keep trading with Iran," Pollock said. (Matthew Rusling from Washington also contributed to the story) Coun Perez reiterates warning to barangay leaders involved in drugs 07 Aug 2017 Hits:37 Comments(0) Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jerry Perez yesterday reiterated his warning to all barangay officials from using or selling drugs. Perez said he is closely monitoring the activities of all the barangay officials and vowed sanctions against erring leaders. Aqui gane na mio barangay ya quita ya iyo na puesto cunel dos barangay leaders quien mas temprano ya sale positivo na... S-AU RAZGANDIT Alesii locali au dat bani pentru Minaur, dar si pentru concertul de 1 Decembrie Consilierii locali s-au razgandit si au decis ca poate totusi e mai bine sa dea bani la Minaur, dar si pentru concertul de 1 Decembrie. In cazul evenimentului de 1 Decembrie nu au fost 350.000 lei, [citeste mai departe] It's more than sour grapes. A company that lost its bid to operate medical marijuana dispensaries in Pennsylvania may get a second chance. That's after a state-appointed attorney investigated the application process and found "significant errors," "several irregularities," and outright violations in the way the company's applications for permits in Lehigh and Northampton Counties were scored. Keystone ReLeaf filed a lawsuit last year after it narrowly failed to secure two of the state's 27 potentially lucrative permits to run cannabis shops. The Bethlehem-based company claimed that the Department of Health, which governs the medical marijuana program, failed to provide adequate training to its anonymous application scorers; to provide adequate time for the scorers to review the 457 applications; and to establish scoring standards. This week, a court hearing examiner agreed with Keystone ReLeaf and ordered the re-scoring of the company's applications. The opinion only pertains to Keystone Releaf. But the document written by chief hearing examiner Jackie Wiest Lutz may open the door to additional challenges and appeals by denied applicants. Its release may also explain why dispensary permits for Phase 2 of the marijuana program have been delayed for weeks. The opinion identifies two of the secret scorers, and it excoriates them by name. Art McNulty, a policy specialist for the state Department of Community and Economic Development, was one of a handful of panelists who scored the Community Impact section of the application. That section was worth 100 points, or 10 percent of the total. The examiner found that McNulty used arbitrary standards and criteria not found in the regulations. For instance, applicants were required to state whether they had at least $150,000 in capital. But if the applicant listed only that amount, McNulty issued a failing score. Keystone ReLeaf had $6.9 million on deposit, 46 times the requirement, but McNulty gave the company a low score because the money was "not as 'liquid' as McNulty would like to see." DeShawn Lewis, the state director for diversity and inclusion and small business opportunities, was the only person who was supposed to score the Diversity portion of the application. That section was also worth 100 points. (Pennsylvania is the only state that has a medical marijuana program that gives such weight to community impact and diversity.) The Department of Health required that the applications be kept confidential. But Lewis made copies for her staff to review, in violation of the regulations, and then discussed them with her underlings. In addition, the examiner found that Lewis "did not use the standardized scoring rubric," and made up her own criteria as she went along. Lewis reportedly told the examiner that even if a marijuana company was 100 percent minority-owned, it would not garner a perfect score for diversity. The examiner, who interviewed Lewis and other scoring panelists, said Lewis' testimony was "not particularly trustworthy" because she ignored the training she received, used the opinions of untrained employees to score the applications, and disregarded the confidentiality requirement. The opinion also asked whether panelists had adequate time to review the applications. "The sheer volume was extremely massive," the opinion states. The Department of Health received more than 450 applications. Each application had about 1,000 pages. Each panelist was required to review up to 25 applications a week. "People are human, and people become fatigued," Lutz wrote. "Given the vast number of pages scoring errors were likely made." The opinion will be reviewed by the Department of Health's deputy secretary, Ray Barishansky, who will decide whether they will act on it. "We have the option to demonstrate why we think the report was wrong and the conclusions not based in law," said department spokesperson April Hutcheson. "While the department continues to evaluate its options, it's important for patients to know that our medical marijuana program will continue to provide them with safe and effective medication." For more news about medical marijuana and recreational cannabis, visit Philly.com/cannabis " format="normal" /] A state official has ordered the rescoring of a rejected applicant for a marijuana business With the help of her father, Nicole Buell built a secret door that opens to a bathroom in her condo. Read more Washington and secrets go together hand in glove. Or maybe it's more like cloak and dagger. It should be no surprise then that the D.C. area is one of the hot spots energizing the nation's growing demand for secret doors panels, bookcases, mirrors, or artwork that swing open to reveal a passage to another room. The obvious purpose of a hidden door is security to conceal a safe room or valuables. But as pre-built, ready-to-install doors become more widely available, people are adding them for aesthetics, for fun, or maybe because they watched too much Scooby-Doo. For D.C. resident Nicole Buell, a bookcase that concealed a doorway solved a design problem. In her 540-square-foot condo, the doors to the only bathroom were in her bedroom and the living area. The living-area door left too little room for pictures or bookcases. "It just wasn't a good use of space," Buell said. Walling over the door was an option, "but," she said, "I didn't want guests to have to go through the bedroom to get to the bathroom." The solution began with door hinges bought from Secret Doorways, a company in Sunbury, Ohio, owned by a cousin. With the help of her father, she constructed shelves and mounted them on the ball-bearing hinges to create a bookcase that swings open to reveal the loo. "It's fun to surprise my guests when they visit," she said. Now secret doors are going mainstream. "It has become more of a trend than we expected," said Jeff Watchko, the interior door buyer for Home Depot. Three years ago, Home Depot began to offer, online, pre-hung bookcase doors from Murphy Door in Ogden, Utah. "The overall draw to the site was more than we expected," Watchko said. "It's very popular on the East Coast and anywhere there is a large metropolitan area." The Murphy doors can come pre-hung already mounted in a frame in standard door sizes, so it's a simple matter to install one in a doorway. Watchko said the popularity of the secret doors, which range from $850 to $1,750, depending on size and finish, has prompted Home Depot to introduce displays in several cities. "We are looking at rolling out a pilot program in select stores," he said. "It will be the first time people can walk into a store and touch and feel a Murphy door." Leigha Basini of Lorton, Va., decided to save on a Murphy door by purchasing it in a kit, which arrived ready for her contractor to construct. Kit doors save $200 on assembly and $125 on shipping, said Jeremy Barker, chief executive of Murphy Door. "We were redoing our master bathroom and closet, and I don't know where I saw hidden doors, but I was a big mystery reader as a child, and when I saw we could have a hidden door, I wanted one," Basini said. "It was probably three-quarters fun, one-quarter storage." Manufacturers say hidden doors increase market value of a home. But Victor Brown, a real estate agent and a home appraiser with Capital Market Appraisal in the District of Columbia, said that's unlikely. "It isn't a big-enough item," he said. Location, size, condition, and exterior amenities are far more important, he said. But Brown said that mentioning a hidden door in ads might attract more traffic to an open house. "Indirectly, it might help you get a higher value because you are getting more people interested, which might drive the price up," he said. "The key word there is might." Some people want something more elaborate than a swinging bookcase. For them, there are companies such as Creative Home Engineering in Gilbert, Ariz. Founded by Steven Humble, who said he began his career as a machine engineer at Boeing, Creative Home often designs doors of unusual size and complexity. The options include a mirror that hides a safe room and an entry large enough to drive a vehicle through. Because the doors are on the pricier side a mirror panel starts at $1,500 a smaller proportion of Humble's customers are buying for aesthetics alone. "I'm going to say 75 to 80 percent have a security purpose in mind," he said. Michael W. Trott, a security consultant for high-net-worth clients, and a repeat client of Humble's, said there are two parts to panic-room security: the "hardening" of the room to withstand an assault and to secure food, water, and air long enough for help to arrive and the camouflage factor. "If they don't even know you are hidden somewhere," Trott said, "you reduce your chances of getting caught." A man on a scooter along the 1900 block of Crystal Drive in Arlington, Virginia, on Oct. 19. Read more Amazon has held advanced discussions about the possibility of opening its highly sought-after second headquarters in the Crystal City area of Arlington, Virginia, including how quickly it would move employees there, which buildings it would occupy and how an announcement about the move would be made to the public, according to people close to the process. The discussions were more detailed than those the company has had regarding other locations in northern Virginia and some other cities nationally, adding to speculation that the site in Arlington County is a front-runner to land the online retail giant's second North American headquarters and its 50,000 jobs. The company is so close to making its choice that Crystal City's top real estate developer, JBG Smith, has pulled some of its buildings off the leasing market and officials in the area have discussed how to make an announcement to the public this month, following the midterm elections, according to public and private-sector officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because Amazon has asked that the selection process remain confidential. The company may be having similar discussions with other finalists. Northern Virginia, along cities like Philadelphia, Boston and Chicago, were included in a list of 20 finalists to be considered for Amazon's HQ2, the company announced this past January. Two people close to the process said that if Crystal City was selected, Amazon was likely to move an initial group of several hundred employees into 1851 S. Bell Street or 1770 Crystal Drive, two dated office buildings that have been targeted for redevelopment but could be readied for occupancy by their owner, JBG Smith, in nine months or less. The bid also includes sites in Potomac Yard, in Alexandria. "There's a lot of activity," one individual close to the process said. The person added that people "seem really positive, and they seem pretty confident. . . . What we don't know, maybe there are two or three other sites, and they're doing the same thing. That's what's scary to people around here." At a conference in New York on Thursday, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos told the crowd: "Ultimately the decision will be made with intuition after gathering and studying a lot of data for a decision like that, as far as I know, the best way to make it is you collect as much data as you can, you immerse yourself in that data but then you make the decision with your heart." (Bezos also owns The Washington Post) Spokesmen for Amazon and JBG Smith declined to comment, as did Arlington County Board ChairKatie Cristol. Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg declined to discuss whether advanced talks were taking place but said, "We think we've put forward a very competitive option, and we're certainly honored to be considered." Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, asked on WTOP Radio on Wednesday about speculation that Crystal City was the front-runner said, "A lot of us are anxiously awaiting a decision, an announcement from Amazon. . . . A lot of [Virginia government] resources are being expended right now, and I think for good reason." A spokesman for Northam declined to comment further on Friday. Excitement and anxiety After launching a reality show-like sweepstakes for a second home in late 2017, Amazon has effectively shut down disclosures about the search in the past nine months. Twenty finalist cities many of which have spent considerable time and money pursuing the company have little information about where they stand, according to officials in four other finalist jurisdictions. But stock market investors, online betting sites and corporate relocation experts have all declared northern Virginia the favorite to land the so-called HQ2. Washington-area leaders believe the project is theirs to lose, and that Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia would all benefit economically. Crystal City, with easy transit access, proximity to Reagan National Airport, and ready-to-occupy office buildings, has long been considered a strong contender. The District and Montgomery County, Maryland, also are among the 20 finalists. Betting sites give northern Virginia the most likely odds of landing the project, and stock analysts have sweetened their view of JBG Smith owner of most of Crystal City as Amazon's announcement has approached. Analysts at Stifel Nicolaus recently upgraded the company from "Sell" to "Hold" and say just the possibility that Amazon chooses Crystal City has added four or five dollars to the company's stock price. In the Washington area, the anticipation is growing as hints filter out that Amazon is in the final stages of making a decision. The company tentatively considered making an announcement by the end of October, but has now put it off until November, according to individuals close to the process. "They have said publicly they want HQ2 operating in 2019," one person said. "Starting to work on that level of detail with the finalists is something they absolutely are doing. . . . I think it's a very small number of finalists. . . . [The announcement] requires some level of coordination and advance notice." Sharon Bulova, chair of the board of supervisors in Fairfax County, Virginia, where one of the sites is located, has felt the vibe. "What I pick up from residents is enthusiasm," she said. "They're excited about the jobs that Amazon would bring." It's also anxiety. Months of waiting have not quelled concerns about the potential pressure Amazon could place on the region's already steep housing prices, congested roads and yawning divide between its wealthy and low-income residents. When Bezos spoke at an Economic Club of Washington event in September, more than a dozen protesters occupied the sidewalk outside and civic groups sometimes joined by union activists have raised concerns about what the addition of such a fast-growing company would mean for the region's schools, roads and housing prices. Even without Amazon, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has estimated that the region needs to add 235,000 housing units by 2025 to keep pace with expected job growth. Amazon's arrival could push the goal to around 267,000 by 2026, according to a recent analysis by the Urban Institute. Right now the region is only on pace to add about 170,000 new units by then, and the shortage threatens to exacerbate inequality." "Whether Amazon comes or not we have a challenge there," said Peter Tatian, of the Urban Institute. "The economic growth that has been going on has been benefiting some people and causing problems for others." Amazon says it plans to make $5 billion in capital investments alone in the city it chooses, and that its headquarters injected an additional $38 billion into the local economy in Seattle, generating an additional $1.40 for every dollar the company spent. But its growth has led to fissures between the company and Seattle. Homelessness in the city has escalated and Amazon vowed to cancel some of its expansion plans if the city passed a new tax on big businesses to raise money to address the problem. Little transparency from jurisdictions Bezos and the company have made several recent announcements that could soften Amazon's public image as it moves to open H2Q. Now the world's wealthiest person, Bezos announced in September that he would donate $2 billion of his own money to support groups battling homelessness in the United States and create a network of preschools in underserved communities. "I don't think it's a coincidence that one of those issue was homelessness," said Joe Parilla, a Brookings Institution fellow. "I think you can draw a pretty clear link between the debate that is unfolding in a lot of these tech hubs and how this gives a little bit of cover to Amazon as it is investing in these hot markets." In October after bearing months of criticism from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., over its treatment of workers Amazon announced it would raise its minimum wage for all employees to $15 per hour. But the company's request for secrecy has kept a potentially thorny discussion, about how much states and cities should be willing to offer the company for its jobs, in the background. Few of the public subsidies being offered to Amazon from states, cities and counties for the project have been made public, which some analysts say could result in blowback from taxpayers if they are announced as fait accompli. Maryland has offered an incentive package worth an estimated $8.5 billion while the Newark, New Jersey, subsidies are estimated at $7 billion. On Wednesday, a judge in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, ordered the release of Pittsburgh's proposal after a legal fight with a local television station. The decision is expected to be appealed. "I would question why cities weren't more forthcoming [with their proposals], and I suspect it's because there would have been some push back to what the cities were offering," said Heidi Learner, chief economist for the advisory firm Savills Studley. "From the public's perspective the question is what is the city hiding or why shouldn't they share how [those proposals] would actually lead to more tax revenue down the line?" After Amazon initially pressed for more information, some leaders were expecting to hear the list of finalists narrowed down publicly, to give economic development teams from the eliminated cities a chance to move on. "I think the process got away from them a little bit. They probably were planning for some kind of down-selection and changed their position on that," said Jason Miller, chief executive of the Greater Washington Partnership, a business group. In addition to tax breaks, some cities have offered to build or expand roads, transit, data networks or airports if Amazon arrives. Parilla, of Brookings, said it's preferable to "maximize the broader benefit of these investments as much as possible." He also doesn't think it makes sense for Amazon, a $816-billion company, to press a city or state for an enormous subsidy package that could cut into money for other services. "My sense is that Amazon doesn't want to repeat some of the antagonism in Seattle," Parilla said. "It's not great for the brand to be viewed as oblivious to the existing economic and racial inequities in the city where it's going to invest." The ultimate decision is likely to rest with Bezos. He has a history of showing independence in such matters, such as when he needed a headquarters for The Washington Post shortly after he purchased it. The preferred choice among Post executives and consultants was a planned office building near Union Station, which they touted to Bezos during a tour of potential locations. That site was the favorite until Bezos weighed in, and chose a downtown building. Now that Bezos is nearing a decision on the far more consequential HQ2 search, Washington area leaders are hoping he does not throw another curveball. Inquirer and Daily News staff contributed reporting to this article. A suspected burglar attempted to elude police Saturday by jumping into the Delaware River. He had to be rescued. Read more One ran through a storm drain. Another took a plunge into the Delaware River. But in separate incidents Friday and Saturday mornings, two men attempting to flee authorities did not succeed. In the Friday incident, Pennsylvania State Police said patrol officers at 11:08 a.m. attempted to stop a 2010 Chevrolet HHR driven by Clint Lee Rarick, 26, of Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, east on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Plymouth Meeting, for a number of alleged traffic violations and suspected impaired driving. Rarick failed to stop and, during a police pursuit, began driving against traffic on the right shoulder of the highway, ultimately ending up down a 15-foot embankment and coming to rest against a tree, police said. Rarick then ran from the vehicle through thick underbrush on the side of the highway, using a storm drain to travel underneath the turnpike to get to the westbound side, according to police. Rarick was taken into custody by state police and Whitemarsh Township police. Suspected heroin and related paraphernalia were found in his vehicle, police said. He was charged with fleeing and eluding, driving under the influence, and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. In the Saturday chase, Philadelphia police said a 27-year-old man suspected of involvement in a burglary jumped into the Delaware River near Unruh Avenue at 3:12 a.m. A Coast Guard crew rescued him from the water at 4:12 a.m., police said, and transported him to the Frankford boat ramp, where police took him into custody and drove him to Jefferson Frankford Hospital, where he was in stable condition. No other details were available. The Tree of Life Congregation where a deadly shooting took place on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh. Read more "Normally," said Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, he would ask those in mourning to stand and pray the mourner's prayer, known in Hebrew as the Kaddish. But, he added, these are not normal times. So as members of Tree of Life/Or L'Simcha gathered at sundown Friday for their first Shabbat service since last Saturday's deadly invasion by a gunman, the entire congregation stood to pray the mourner's affirmation of faith amid grief. It had been nearly a full week since a gunman killed seven at Tree of Life's Shabbat morning service at its Squirrel Hill synagogue and four more from two other congregations that shared the building who were worshipping at the same time. With Tree of Life's building still sealed off as a crime scene, the members gathered in a chapel in Congregation Rodef Shalom in Shadyside that will be their temporary home for now. More than 200 attended the service, a much larger gathering than on a typical Friday night. Rabbi Myers, a survivor of the assault on Tree of Life who ushered those he could to safety and witnessed the sound of the gunfire that killed others, offered condolences to the surviving loved ones in attendance. "There's no handbook on this," he said. "There's no one particular place to turn to say this is what you do after this happened. I probably have the same questions you have, and we'll all struggle together for answers." The key word, he said, is "together, because that's what community does." Even so, Rabbi Myers drew on a wry sense of humor amid the gloom. He quipped that people would need to share prayer books because so many were attending not a common problem. And at the end of services, he put aside his prayer shawl and suit jacket and put on a black T-shirt with the now ubiquitous slogan, "Stronger than hate," with the gold Star of David amid the familiar U.S. Steel and Pittsburgh Steelers logo. Although he is a native of New Jersey who only moved here recently, he said, he was now a Pittsburgher. Member Kris Kepler, who missed last Saturday's service because he was sick at home, said afterward it was poignant to voice the mourner's prayer together for the first Shabbat since the massacre. "It felt really good to be with my Tree of Life family and be able to sing," he said. The past several days, he said, had "been nothing but funerals and sadness and pain and anguish. It's nice to just for a little bit have a little bit of happiness." Friday, he said, he was able to notice and appreciate the brilliant fall colors around him. "It's the first day I've been able to see anything outside all of this pain and suffering," he said. During the service, the worshipers joined in set prayers for late afternoon and evening, offered praise, affirming the oneness of God and praying for protection. "Shield us from enemies and pestilence, from starvation, sword and sorrow," they said. "Remove the evil forces that surround us." Alongside the ancient texts, Rabbi Myers offered a message in which he drew on more modern ones. One was the recent movie, "A Wrinkle in Time," in which the character Mrs. Which, played by Oprah Winfrey, issues a call to stand against a malevolent force known as the IT. "This is what the IT does," he said, overtaking "one person at a time until fear takes over. Fear turns to rage. Rage turns to violence. And then there's a tipping point. If we do not act soon, darkness will fall across the universe." But he vowed to fight the IT, paraphrasing another 20th century fictional character, the Cowardly Lion of "The Wizard of Oz." "Not now, not no how, not never," he said. "They ain't chasing us out of our house!" Rabbi Myers read a few of the many emails he has received from as near as New Jersey and as far as Guam, Australia, the Philippines and Israel. In Uganda, he said, a group planning to build a synagogue in its capital has decided on a name: Tree of Life. "We are not alone," he said. And they were not alone Friday night. Several hundred more people of various religions attended Congregation Rodef Shalom's own Shabbat service held in another sanctuary in the complex located along Fifth Avenue. "We're not going to allow the Jewish community to respond alone," said Imam Hamza Perez of Light of the Age Mosque on the North Side. "We're going to respond as one people. And that's the beauty of it, that the city can set and example nationwide how we can come together against terrorism." Ambassador Dani Dayan, consul general of Israel in New York City, noted that people from many different walks of life with different political views had come to the synagogue to stand together. "What makes us one family is that we are all decent people that in here demonstrate our position toward hatred," he said. Not far away, worshipers at Temple Sinai's Friday service were greeted by a uniformed police officer who said "Shabbat Shalom" to all as they entered. Those in the standing-room-only crowd already mobbed by 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. service included two dressed in the garb of the observant Muslim woman. The Stronger than Hate logo was projected onto the synagogue's walk. Mayor Bill Peduto received a standing ovation. Back at Rodef Shalom, a single security guard stood watch at the doors along Fifth Avenue. Two Pittsburgh police vehicles were stationed in the parking lot behind the synagogue. Tina Sevin, of Swisshelm Park, who isn't Jewish and had never attended a Shabbat service, decided to bring her sons, 9-year-old Logan and 5-year-old Ryan. "It was really important to me to support the Jewish community," she said. "I wanted to them to know that they weren't alone, and I thought it was also important for our children to come out and to recognize that we're very similar. That even though we might have some different beliefs, that we are all the same people." Weaved in between the usual songs and prayers at Rodef Shalom's service were poems written by Rabbi Danny Schiff, Chana Brody, a child of Holocaust survivors, and Point Breeze resident Valerie Bacharach. Ms. Bacharach read her poem to the packed sanctuary and received a standing ovation from the worshipers after she finished. "I will go to services, wear my necklace with its Jewish star, mourn with others, cry with others, and yes, hopefully, laugh with others," Ms. Bacharach wrote. "Because Pittsburgh has strong arms, wide enough to embrace us all, and we will provide solace and love for each other. "We will not be afraid." Peter Smith: petersmith@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1416; Twitter @PG_PeterSmith. Andrew Goldstein: agoldstein@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1352. Post-Gazette Executive Editor David Shribman contributed. Sebastian Avila, center, encourages students to pledge to vote on Election Day next Tuesday at Temple University on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. The goal was to ensure a massive young voter turnout next week. Read more The numbers don't lie: Young voters make up a major bloc of the electorate. In fact, for the first time, there are more registered Pennsylvania voters ages 34 or younger (25.7 percent) than 65 and up (24 percent). If young people turn out to vote, they'll flex major muscle enough to swing elections, shift policy, and change the nation's representation. Young voters can oust incumbents, flip seats from one party to another, make or break President Trump's agenda. If they vote. If. Because the thing is, young voters are always a major potential voting bloc. But every election, it seems, they choose to sit home instead especially the midterms. Young people register to vote at lower rates than older citizens, and even among registered voters, the young are less likely than any other age group to show up. "I didn't vote in the presidential election," said Gianna Pirritano, 20, a psychology student at Temple University who was in Florida at the time. Pirritano knew she could have voted absentee, she said, but chose not to: "I was lazy. I was one of the lazy people who didn't vote last time and is now adamant to vote this time." She was far from alone: In the 2016 presidential election, 55.4 percent of citizens aged 18 to 24 were registered to vote. Of those who were registered, 77.6 percent voted, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. And that's a presidential election. Turnout drops in midterms. In 2014, the most recent midterm, 42.2 percent of citizens 18 to 24 were registered to vote nationwide, and of those, 40.7 percent voted, meaning fewer than 1 in 5 young adults voted. (Turnout was even lower in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.) That means young people don't have their voices heard. When youth turnout is low and uneven, policies they may favor don't get supported, and candidates they support don't win. If young people care about one issue and older voters care about another, guess which side wins? No politician can focus on a group that doesn't actually vote. Is it the year young people flock to the polls in a groundswell of enthusiasm that shapes the national agenda for years, if not decades, to come? Democrats especially hope it is. Young voters tend to register as Democrats more than as Republicans and to self-identify as supporting progressive causes. In Pennsylvania, for example, 47.6 percent of current voters ages 18 to 24 are registered Democrats, while 31.2 percent are registered Republicans. Why dont young people vote? "They haven't formed the habits to do it," said Laura C. Bucci, a political science professor at St. Joseph's University. For example, they may not know where their polling places are, because they haven't voted before. And young voters move more often than older voters and are more likely to register at home but live elsewhere, such as a college campus. Research suggests young voters also hold themselves to a higher standard when it comes to voting, Bucci said: Compared with other groups, young voters say they need significantly more research to feel they can or should vote. >> VOTERS GUIDE: Look up the races and candidates on your ballot in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware Natalie Brango, 21, knows the feeling. "I've never voted before. I just felt that I wasn't really informed enough to make a decision," said Brango, a marketing student at Temple. "I didn't really do the research. I didn't really look very much into it." Signs of youth voter interest (Really! Well, maybe) This time, Brango said, she's making sure to vote. "I still think I'm not as knowledgeable, but I'm more motivated to become knowledgeable," she said. There are some signs of increased interest from young people like Brango this election. For one, registrations from young people appear to be up, though it's hard to disentangle enthusiasm from broader demographic trends millennials are projected to overtake baby boomers as the largest generation next year and from massive efforts to mobilize young voters. Another potential sign of enthusiasm: 40 percent of voters ages 18 to 29 say they are likely to vote, according to a national youth poll by Harvard University's Institute of Politics. If 40 percent of young people actually cast a ballot, that would be historic. Midterm turnout rarely cracks 20 percent for young Americans, according to Census Bureau data, and has only done so twice in the last three decades, when it reached 21 percent in 1986 and 1994. Bucci expressed skepticism that the midterm turnout could move so quickly. Increasing turnout a few percentage points is a big deal, she said, and five points "would be massive." Puppies and pizza: How to turn out young voters About that massive effort to mobilize young voters: NextGen America, founded by the billionaire hedge fund manager and liberal megadonor Tom Steyer, has spent money on an effort to boost youth turnout and, ultimately, elect liberal candidates up and down the ballot. The group says it is putting $33 million into 11 states, with $3.6 million going to Pennsylvania. That money goes to direct mailers, digital ads, and digital and print voter guides meant to steer young voters toward Democrats, and a boots-on-the-ground campaign that aims to have hundreds of volunteers knock on 70,000 doors and send 250,000 text messages in the campaign's last five days. "We really want to create historic turnout," said Jarrett Smith, 27, state director for NextGen Pennsylvania. Last Tuesday, a week before Election Day, Smith and other staffers and volunteers milled around a table in the center of Temple's campus, calling out to passing students: "Pledge to vote! Free pizza!" In previous months, the group's focus was on registering young voters, signing up 41,160. Now its focus is on turning registrations into votes. Research shows asking registrants to pledge to vote and make concrete plans has the potential to increase turnout. The NextGen Pennsylvania workers were all over the Temple students, trading pizza for pledge cards. On Election Day, the group plans to make a scene on campuses. First, they'll attract attention using puppies, costumes, food, and more, then will urge the audience to get to the polls. Volunteers will provide rides, knock on doors, and try to get groups of students to vote together. "We really want to make voting as fun as possible," Smith said. Will it work, puppies and pledges to vote? Will 40 percent of young people vote, nearly doubling the highest peak in decades? If they do, young people could become a political force to be reckoned with. They could reshape the electoral landscape. If they vote. If. Staff writer Michele Tranquilli contributed to this article. Tio, the Pekingese puppy, situates himself between Elivira Pruiti, left and John Pruiti, as his masters vote in South Philadelphia in the primary election. Read more A church, a cafe, and a hair salon are just a few of the establishments along the 4800 block of Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia's Cedar Park neighborhood. Most days, it's business as usual. Churchgoers and community members file in and out of Calvary United Methodist Church, while some fuel up on caffeine at Gold Standard Cafe. Others check into their appointments at Hair Vyce Studio. But come Election Day, it'll be voters marching in and out of the Cedar Park spots sporting "I Voted" stickers instead. All three, while close in proximity, are polling locations, serving Divisions 1, 17, and 9 in Philly's 46th Ward. They're just three of many locations. Philadelphia has 1,692 divisions in 66 wards, with voters heading to 829 polling places around the city (some polling locations serve multiple divisions), said City Commissioner Al Schmidt. That might sound like a lot, but it's no mistake. It's the city's mission to make polling locations easy to get to. "I think it's more than average just because we value accessibility and keeping polling places as close to people's homes as possible," Schmidt said, adding, "We want to avoid lines as much as possible." While it may not be true for every neighborhood such as some in the Northeast those without physical disabilities are usually able to walk to their polling place. For those who can't, there are options. Uber and Lyft will offer free or discounted rides to polling locations on Election Day. Indego is also offering free day passes for its bicycles on Election Day to help voters get to the polls. It's the desire for polling locations to be close to home, coupled with the city's age and the need for polling spots to be handicapped-accessible, that makes some of the locations a bit unconventional. Churches and community centers are common but places like Gold Standard and Vyce may give some voters pause. The city's list of polling locations for the 2018 general election also lists Lee's Hoagie House, the Mummers Museum, the Painted Bride, auto-repair garages, people's home garages, barber shops and salons, restaurants and cafes, a yoga studio, and offices. If the city can't modify a more traditional polling location to make it wheelchair-accessible like by adding a ramp it can either move the polling place into a neighboring division or move it "to a location that might seem a little odd," Schmidt said. Private businesses or residences get compensated $110 per division. "One way or another, we go from our most desired location down until we find one that's both wheelchair-accessible and in or next to the home division," Schmidt said. But that's not something limited to Philly. It comes as part of being in a city, particularly an old city, he said. "I'm sure New England is the same way, but certainly in the mid-Atlantic, with older cities that are largely built before there was any consideration toward wheelchair accessibility, and in some neighborhoods, especially densely populated neighborhoods, it's very difficult for us to find places that are wheelchair-accessible," Schmidt said. Local news outlets have highlighted Philly's oddest polling locations, and polling places in Philadelphia are often included in national roundups of the "weirdest" or most "unusual." But a tractor barn in Iowa, a barber school in Chicago, and the Brooklyn Museum in New York also appear on those lists. Even some United Kingdom voters have found themselves at a pub or cafe in the past, according to the Mirror newspaper in London. "We have a polling place department, and we have more precincts in Chicago than they do in all of Iowa," Jim Allen, spokesman for the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, told the Chicago Tribune in 2015. "So this is a big job." For Joseph Oh, the owner of Gold Standard Cafe, who inherited the tradition from the restaurant's previous owners about three years ago, it's no trouble. He said he's forced to close Gold Standard's dining area, the main part of the business, while a front cafe is still open for coffee and food. It's a hit, but one he doesn't mind taking. "One of the things we liked about taking over was that we can somehow give a little back to the community," he said. "And obviously we don't do as much sales, but I think for one day, for us, it's a pleasure to do that." >> READ MORE: Anxious, angry, divided, voters go to the polls for a midterm of rare intensity >> READ MORE: Is this the year young people make history by actually voting? They will if just 1 in 4 cast ballots. >> READ MORE: La Colombe and other companies want to help their employees vote on Election Day President Trump (center) at a rally in West Virginia Nov. 2. Protesters at the Women's March in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21, 2017 (top left). Former President Barack Obama (top right) at a Democratic rally Nov. 2 in Florida. Trump supporters at rallies in Missouri (bottom right) and West Virginia (bottom left). Read more WASHINGTON Divided, impassioned, and roiling with a mix of determination and anxiety, voters go to the polls Tuesday to decide one of the most anticipated midterm elections in recent memory. It arrives amid a final run-up rocked by a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, an attempted bomber who targeted President Trump's perceived enemies, and the president's vilification of a caravan of migrants in Central America, all stirring a country already heaving with unrest. "There is no question that this is the most toxic climate in my lifetime," Rep. Brendan Boyle (D., Pa.), 41, said at a forum Monday. In many ways, the 2018 campaigns have only amplified the tension that never seems to have abated after Trump's election. "We've had elections where there have been high levels of voter interest and deep partisanship. We've also had elections where external events have propelled people to the polls," said Brigid Harrison, a political science professor at Montclair State University in New Jersey. "But I think that what is unique about this election is that you have both." You'd have to look back to the 1960s for an era when political conflict mixed with violence on the recent scale, said Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton University. "It feels like the divisions of the country now are running deep and in dangerous places," he said. After the synagogue shooting, former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, a Republican, released a statement calling the murders "a tragic manifestation of divisive, mean and intolerant civic leadership," and worrying "about the direction our leaders are taking us." In that atmosphere, Tuesday's election will first and foremost decide control of the U.S. House and Senate, with the outcomes determining the limits or possibilities of the next two years of Trump's presidency. At the same time, it represents a test of the stunning results of 2016. Did Trump's victory mark a definitive turning point in the country's attitudes and expectations of the presidency? Or an aberration brought on by a rare confluence of factors? >> READ MORE: How President Trump is shaping the 2018 midterms The midterm won't provide a definitive answer Trump isn't on the ballot and many presidents have suffered midterm rebukes only to win reelection but it will provide clues. If Republicans keep control of Congress and minimize losses, it could affirm Trump's approach, embolden him, and again show his power to defy the conventional political wisdom with his nationalist "America First" message. The shock of it, however, has stirred a wave of Democrats who have tried to channel their dejection into a proactive response. "I can't fix Donald Trump. There's nothing I can do about that," said Andrea Barton Gurney, a Burlington County Democrat. "But [Rep.] Tom MacArthur, my congressional district and my local politics, they're all my responsibility." >> VOTERS GUIDE: See the candidates and races on your ballot in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware Barton Gurney, 57, had always voted but became a committed activist after the 2016 election, and now is working to help Democrat Andy Kim defeat MacArthur, her Republican congressman. She is emblematic of a surge of newly energized suburban women who have sparked Democratic hopes of taking the U.S. House majority. Another, Chester County's Chrissy Houlahan, decided to run for the House after experiencing the dismay of her 26-year-old daughter, who is gay, and her father, a Holocaust survivor, following Trump's victory. "Thousands of people that I met share that sort of anxiety, still," Houlahan said that "the values that we have are not necessarily being represented by our leadership right now." Houlahan, like other Democrats, stressed that she is not running only to oppose Trump she pointed to issues such as health care, jobs, and education but said "decency" had emerged as the "fourth issue" in her campaign. She said the bombing attempts and shooting underscored that imperative. "There's a sense of positive resolve right now," she said in a phone interview as she counted down to the final 100 hours of the campaign. "We have been collectively energized to realize how important it is to vote, frankly." One of many first-time candidates at the forefront of the Democratic push, Houlahan, 51, is strongly favored over Republican Greg McCauley to win a GOP-held seat nearly two years after she organized a bus ride stocked with doughnuts, fried chicken, and red wine to join thousands of other women who marched through Washington in response to Trump's inauguration. The fight for the House now hinges heavily on suburban races like hers, especially in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Democrats need a 23-seat gain to build a House majority, and see hope for gaining from four to 10 seats in the two states. The Senate is a different picture: Most of the key races there are in more rural states where Trump has strong support, giving Republicans hope of holding or expanding their 51-49 majority. In many ways, Zelizer said, the country is still fighting the cultural battles that erupted in the 1960s. "One big difference is the president has totally fueled the animosity and anger in a way that presidents usually don't do," he said. "He wants to stoke the anger, and he's not doing it in subtle ways." >> READ MORE: Is this the year young people make history by actually voting? They will if just 1 in 4 cast ballots. Trump, who has blitzed conservative areas with rallies, encapsulated his final pitch by tweeting a video that equates Hispanic migrants to one criminal's raving about killing police, and saying Democrats support such criminals. It was widely condemned, including by some Republicans, as both untrue and one of the most openly racial political appeals in recent history. But Trump's uncompromising approach on immigration and trade has often galvanized his base and drawn many working-class whites to his side. Jeff McGeary, a Trump supporter from Bucks County who has volunteered for other Republicans this year, said border security resonates with independents and blue-collar Democrats. The only shock, he said, is "that we have a president that's actually addressing the issue head-on and folks are not used to hearing that," said McGeary, 41, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve who owns a digital marketing agency. "We have to take care of our national American family first." Trump supporters believe the president has been unfairly maligned, especially by the media, and many see this election as a chance to defend him. Though the migrant caravan was more than 800 miles from the U.S. border late last week (farther than a walk from New York to Chicago), Trump has framed it as an existential threat in an attempt to rally his supporters. "I'm worried about these people coming to invade. I call them the horde," Christy Vorob, 54, said recently in Scranton, where she attended a campaign stop by Trump's son Eric. Scott Wagner, the Republican running against Gov. Wolf, is closing with an ad warning that "a dangerous caravan of illegals careens to the border." Other GOP ads have cast Democrats as terrorist sympathizers, allies of "mobs" of black-clad protesters, or as puppets of George Soros, the liberal mega-donor, bogeyman of conspiracy theories many of them anti-Semitic and target of one of the pipe bombs sent last month. Such dark warnings seem aimed at again rousing voters in conservative states, but the approach has again raised concern that it could damage Republicans in suburban areas. Some have tried to distance themselves from Trump's message. "Will you stand up to President Trump? The answer is yes," Bob Hugin, the Republican Senate candidate in New Jersey, said in a late television ad. His opponent, Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.), has reminded voters that Hugin backed Trump as a delegate at the GOP national convention and gave $200,000 to Trump-related political committees. A new ad for Rep. Keith Rothfus, a Republican running in a difficult race against Democratic Rep. Conor Lamb just outside Pittsburgh, shows a diverse collection of people flashing across the screen, including one man in a yarmulke, and the message "we are one nation, indivisible." Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, of Bucks County, and South Jersey's MacArthur have cast themselves as independents focused on local issues. They have tried in particular to draw attention to a surging economy a pitch that got a last-minute boost Friday with another encouraging report on jobs and wages though Trump's relentless push on immigration has overshadowed that topic. >> READ MORE: Why Philly has more than 800 polling places and why some are just, well, strange Polls have shown historic levels of interest in the election. At the same time, the aftershocks of the 2016 election, when so many forecasts were proven wrong, have shrouded this election in uncertainty. Knowing how slim margins might make a lasting impact, Barton Gurney has scheduled time off work to canvass all weekend, Monday, and Tuesday in South Jersey. She hopes to mark election night with a goofy dance she made up she calls it "the blue wave." Staff writers Chris Brennan, Angela Couloumbis, Holly Otterbein, Amy S. Rosenberg, and Andrew Seidman contributed to this report. New Delhi: The Congress has on Saturday released its first list of 155 candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh. Polls to the 230-member MP Assembly will be held on November 28 while the results will be announced on December 11. INC COMMUNIQUE Announcement regarding party candidates for the ensuing elections to Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh. @INCMP pic.twitter.com/MvUdnVc8vT INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) November 3, 2018 The nominees included Ajay Singh, the leader of opposition in the state, and former Union minister Suresh Pachouri. The party has also fielded former chief minister Digvijay Singh's son Jaivardhan Singh and brother Lakshman Singh from Raghogarh and Chachoura seats respectively. Ajay Singh, son of former chief minister late Arjun Singh, will fight from Chruhat. The list, however, does not include either of the party's two chief ministerial probable - Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath and Guna lawmaker Jyotiraditya Scindia. The BJP, which is in power in the state since 2003, had released its first list of 177 candidates Friday. (With inputs from agencies) New Delhi: Bollywood's glamour siren Disha Patani's latest Grazia India photoshoot has taken the internet by storm. The actress looks incredibly gorgeous donning different outfits and the flaunts her perfectly toned body in the shoot. Disha is quite active on social media and often shares details from her life. The 'Baaghi' actress has an ocean of fans who eagerly await her uploads and flood the comments section with compliments. Check out pics from the shoot, as shared by the actress on Instagram: Disha will soon light up the silver screen with her presence in 'Bharat'. The film is being helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar and has an ensemble star cast including Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Tabu, Sunil Grover to name a few. 'Bharat' will release in 2019 on the occasion of Eid and is high on the buzzword ever since it was announced. As per reports, Disha will play a trapeze artist in the film. Not much has been revealed about her role in the film as the makers remain tight-lipped about the whole affair. The gorgeous actress is rumoured to be dating her 'Baaghi 2' co-star Tiger Shroff and is often clicked by the paps with him. Neither Disha nor Tiger, however, have confirmed their relationship. In protest against the killing of five persons allegedly by United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) terrorists in Assam's Tinsukia district, more than 100 organisations have called for a 12-hour statewide bandh on Saturday, according to media reports. However, the ULFA has refuted all allegations of its involvement in the killing. According to state media newspaper, Assam Tribune, the organisations of Barak Valley under Rastrabadi Joutha Mancha have called for the bandh. We thoroughly condemn the killing of innocent citizens and place our demand before the Government to arrest Mrinal Hazarika, leader of the pro-talk faction of ULFA and also KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi at the earliest, suspected to be involved in the incident, the newspaper quoted the supporters of the bandh, as saying. The incident has also been condemned by the Silchar District Congress Committee and called for a 12-hour bandh, according to the reports. The Congress leaders alleged that the BJP-led Government has not been able to ensure the safety and security of the people, said the reports. People from several organisations and associations also asked for providing safety and security. Earlier on Thursday, the five people were killed in Bishnoimukh village. The incident took place near Dhola-Sadiya bridge in Tinsukia district. Three members of a family were among five persons shot dead while two others were injured at Kheroni on Thursday night. A group of assailants with sophisticated weapons came to this village near Dhola-Sadiya bridge and called out five-six persons from their house around 8 pm. They then opened indiscriminate fire upon those people before fleeing under the cover of darkness, a police officer said. Police suspected the gunmen belonged to the ULFA (Independent) faction as they were in battle fatigue. However, the ULFA issued a press statement on Friday morning refuting all allegations of its involvement the killing. The press statement read, "We the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) would like to make it clear to all concerned authorities that our organisation does not have any involvement in the firing incident that occurred on November 1, 2018, at Sadiya Saikhowaghat in Tinsukia district." Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemned "the killing of innocent people" and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families. "Strong action will be taken against the perpetrators of this dastardly violence. We will not tolerate such cowardly act," he told PTI. Sonowal said he has directed state ministers Keshav Mahanta and Tapan Gogoi along with DGP Kuladhar Saikia to rush to the spot. "We will not spare the culprits of the killings and will be brought to book," he said. The chief minister appealed to the people of Assam to maintain peace and harmony. He also directed all deputy commissioners and SPs to remain alert. New Delhi: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will celebrate Diwali with the jawans of the Indian Army posted along the China border, a defence official said on Saturday. The Defence Minister will spend November 6 and November 7 with the jawans at a post in the Upper Dibang Valley district of the Arunachal Pradesh. There are military posts separated from the nearest road-head by at least 30 km. The sparsely populated area has an average density of about one man per km. "Infrastructure has been a major challenge in the area. Several steps have been taken to improve roads in the forward areas," said an official, adding the Defence Minister would be reviewing the progress of the ongoing infrastructure projects and also defence preparedness. Last year, Sitharaman celebrated the festival of lights with military personnel at tri-services command on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In her first visit to the strategically important command after assuming charge as the Defence Minister, Sitharaman had also reviewed its security preparedness and other operational matters. (With inputs from agencies) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal were on Saturday detained by police during a protest march demanding justice for the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The march, led by the Badals, began from Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib and the protesters were stopped near Parliament Street police station in central Delhi. Before being detained by the police, Harsimrat Kaur questioned the judiciary for not taking suo moto cognisance of the death of members of the Sikh community. Our community has been seeking justice for 34 years. Thousands of Sikhs were massacred, several women were raped and several people lost their homes. Such atrocity is a blot on the history of India. No one received justice. Why is judiciary not taking suo-motu action? she said. The Union minister further said, The Congress government not only discriminated against the Sikh community but also gave them the most horrible scar that still bleeds. To further intensify the struggle to secure justice for the 1984 Sikh Genocide victims we started a peaceful protest here in Delhi. There were reports of the protest march turning violent, following which the top leaders of the party were detained. Taking to microblogging site Twitter, the Shiromani Akali Dal said, Shiromoni Akali Dal has always fought for safeguarding Sikh rights & has raised voice against transgression. We are fighting for the 1984 victims & we will not stop the struggle till the perpetrators of the 1984 Sikh genocide are brought to justice. Members of the Shiromani Akali Dal clashed with the police personnel, compelling them to detain Harsimrat and Sukhbir Badal. Amid loud sloganeering, the SAD members also burnt effigies. Traffic movement in central Delhi area was also affected due to the protest march. Hours after former editor-turned-politician MJ Akbar refuted a journalist's allegations of rape and claimed that they were consensual", the journalist hit back at him saying that a relationship based on "coercion, and abuse of power is not consensual". Taking to social media platform, Twitter, the US-based journalist of Indian origin said, "Rather than taking responsibility for his abuse of me and his serial predation of other young women who have courageously come forward, Akbar has insisted -- just like other infamous serial sexual abuser of women -- that the relationship was consensual. It was not. A relationship that is based on coercion, and abuse of power, is not consensual. I stand by every word in my published account." Read: MJ Akbar refutes rape allegations, claims it was 'consensual' She added that she will continue to speak her truth. The journalist added, "I will continue to speak my truth so that other women who have been sexually assaulted by him know it is okay for them to come forward and speak their truth too." Earlier on Friday, the journalist recently wrote in a blog piece on Washington Post that she had been raped by Akbar more than two decades ago when he was the Editor-in-Chief at Asian Age. Akbar's lawyer has reportedly dismissed the accusation as 'false'. Akbar's wife Mallika has also come out in his defence. I don't know her reasons for telling this lie, but a lie it is, she said. Mallika added that the woman had reportedly caused unhappiness and discord in our home. I learned of her and my husbands involvement through her calls and her public display of affection in my presence. In her flaunting the relationship, she caused anguish and hurt to my entire family, she added. Read: US-based journalist accuses MJ Akbar of rape Akbar said that the relationship gave rise to talk and would later cause strife in my home life as well. This consensual relationship ended, perhaps not on the best note. The former minister resigned from the Union Council of Ministers on October 17 after his name cropped up on the social media in the #MeToo campaign. Multiple women accused him of alleged sexual harassment when he was the editor. Akbar had termed the allegations "false, fabricated and deeply distressing". In her opinion piece for the American news outlet, she wrote that the recent accusations levelled against Akbar by other women 'made my head spin.' She further wrote that she was 22 when she began working for the Asian Age in a newsroom where a majority of the employees were women. "Working in New Delhi under Akbar, we were star-struck. He was famous, an author of two well-regarded political books and a leading editor. Akbar, who was in his 40s, always made sure we were aware of his superior journalistic skills. He marked our copy with his red-ink-filled Mont Blanc pen, crumpled our printouts and often threw them in the garbage bin, as we shuddered. There was never a day when he didnt shout at one of us at the top of his voice. We rarely measured up to his standards." She then states that Akbar had even threatened to sack her if she resisted him again. The third incident, according to her, is when Akbar raped her. Recounting that she had gone to Jaipur for a news report, she writes she was called to Akbar's hotel room to discuss work. "In his hotel room, even though I fought him, he was physically more powerful. He ripped off my clothes and raped me. Instead of reporting him to the police, I was filled with shame. I didnt tell anyone about this then. Would anyone have believed me? I blamed myself. Why did I go to the hotel room?" The woman remembers that the incidents took a massive toll on her. "I was in shreds emotionally, physically, mentally," she writes about a certain incident in London when Akbar had allegedly hit her and hurled office stationaries towards her. It is after this that, she writes, she quit the job and re-started her career in the US. While she reflects back on the time spent in the Asian Age with horror, she writes that she is now a US citizen who has re-discovered her love for journalism. The woman's re-telling of what reportedly happened with her is likely to come as yet another blow to Akbar who is already facing allegations of harassment from several women who were his juniors at Asian Age. Akbar - who resigned as minister of state for external affairs - has maintained he is innocent and is confident the truth will come to the fore. According to Washington Post, his lawyer has expressly denied charges made against Akbar by the woman. The Kerala unit chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), PS Sreedharan Pillai, on Saturday received a death threat through a letter from Mumbai. According to news agency ANI, the BJP has already registered a complaint in this regard with the police in Thiruvananthapuram. The threat letter has allegedly been sent by a 66-year-old man from Kerala, who lives in Kerala. In the letter, he has threatened that he would join the BJP rath yatra in Kerala and give a news similar to Rajiv Gandhis death. The letter, dated October 29, was sent to the party's headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram and carries the name of Mohan K Nair. The letter reads, I'm a 66-year-old Malayalee from Mumbai. I will come to Kerala, join BJP's Rath Yatra and give a news similar to Rajiv Gandhi's death. The letter refers to the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed in a suicide bombing during a public rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. At least 14 others got killed in the assassination bid. As Rajiv Gandhi arrived for the public meeting near Chennai, several supporters garlanded and greeted him. One of them approached him and bent down to touch his feet. She detonated an RDX explosive-laden belt tucked below her dress. The incident was even caught on camera. New Delhi: Amid an ongoing row involving the top bosses of the Central Bureau of Investigation, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday moved the Supreme Court against the Centre's decision of sending CBI director Alok Verma on leave. He said the order was 'illegal' and was in violation of the CBI Act. In his petition, Kharge, who is the leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, said only the three-member committee of leader of opposition, prime minister and the Chief Justice of India can take a decision on the appointment or removal of the CBI director as per the act. He also said that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has no power to act against the CBI director. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suo moto action of sending CBI director Alok Verma on leave is illegal and is in violation of the CBI Act," Kharge told PTI while confirming that he had moved a petition in the Supreme Court in this regard. Party sources said the Congress had asked Kharge, who is a member of the committee, to file a petition in this regard. In an unprecedented development, the Prime Minister-led Appointments Committee appointed M Nageshwar Rao as the interim head of the investigative agency and sent the top three agency bosses - CBI Director Alok Verma, Special Director Rakesh Asthana and Additional Director AK Sharma - on leave. Several top CBI officers investigating sensitive cases were also transferred. Earlier this month, an FIR against Asthana and Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, who is in the CBI custody in an alleged bribery case, was registered. The FIR was lodged on a written complaint of Satish Babu Sana on October 15. It alleged that Kumar, the 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. Asthana and Kumar both challenged the FIR in the Delhi High Court, which later ordered CBI to maintain status quo on the criminal proceedings against Asthana. (With inputs from PTI) Lucknow: An 18-year-old man was detained by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) on Saturday for making several calls to US' Miami airport, threatening to blow it up, an official said. Legal action has been initiated against him, senior ATS officer Asim Arun said. "The accused had purchased Bitcoins worth USD 1,000 but someone cheated him in the process, following which he lodged a complaint with the FBI in the United States, but did not get a desired response," he said. Frustrated, the accused made several calls to the Miami airport and threatened to attack it. "I will come with AK-47, grenade, suicide belt and kill everyone," the man said in his calls. The FBI responded to the man's complaint and spoke with him, but he continued making threat calls to the Miami Airport using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Repeated calls were made between October 2 and October 31, the senior police officer said. The accused was then traced by the UP police on the basis of his IP address. During interrogation, the man confessed to his crime, the senior ATS official said, adding that the man will now be charged in court. The senior cop clarified that Section 41A of the CrPC or Code of Criminal Procedure does not require arrest. The UP Anti-Terror Squad, addressed a press conference confirming the incident, but did not disclose the identity of the accused. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has expressed concerns over a Kashmiri student reportedly taking up arms. According to reports, the Kashmiri student, Ehtesham Bilal Sofi, went missing from Sharda University in Greater Noida, following which his photograph emerged along with a flag of a dreaded terror outfit. Referring to reports that Sofi was roughed up during a scuffle at Sharda University, Omar said that its even more tragic if the incident at the varsity made him take up arms. Sharing a report on the Kashmiri student joining terrorism, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister wrote on microblogging site Twitter, If this is genuine its hugely worrying. Sometimes seemingly small actions have huge consequences. If what happened to him at #ShardaUniversity has lead him to choose such a destructive path its even more tragic. One more life on the path to ruin & one more family in turmoil. The pictures on social media showed Sofi dressed in a black outfit and claimed he had joined militant group ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. Ehtesham Bilal Sofi (17), a resident of downtown Srinagar, was a first-year graduate student at Greater Noida's Sharda University. He went missing on October 28 after he left the varsity with official permission to go to Delhi, days after he was mistakenly roughed up during a scuffle between Indian and Afghan students in the campus. A missing complaint was registered in the case at the Knowledge Park police station in Greater Noida as well as at Khanyar police station in Srinagar. The UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) said it has been tracking the case since October 28 and has taken cognisance of the photos. "We are in touch with Jammu and Kashmir police. We are tracking the footprints of the boy from Greater Noida to Kashmir," Inspector General, ATS, Asim Arun told PTI. As the call for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been intensifying, former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and Ram Janambhoomi Nyas president Ram Vilas Vedanti on Saturday announced the construction of the temple. Speaking to news agency ANI, Vedanti announced that the construction of the temple in Ayodhya will start in December and added that the construction of a mosque will start in Lucknow. Vedanti reiterated that both the temple and the masjid will be constructed without an ordinance and on the basis of a mutual agreement. READ: Ram Temple matter is sub-judice, we can't do anything: UP deputy CM KP Maurya "Construction of Ram Temple will begin in December. Without an ordinance and on the basis of mutual agreement, Ram temple will be constructed in Ayodhya and a masjid will be constructed in Lucknow," said Vedanti. Earlier in September, Vedanti had claimed that the construction of Ram temple will begin before the 2019 general elections. "BJP has resolved to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The construction of Ram Mandir will begin before the election of 2019 takes place," Vedanti had told reporters. As per reports, BJP president Amit Shah while addressing a rally in Hyderabad in July, apparently said that the Ram temple would be built before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The party later, however, denied of Shah having said so. On June 25, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said that the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya would be done "when Lord Ram will shower his blessings on Ayodhya". The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528, was, on December 6, 1992, razed to the ground allegedly by Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that originally stood there. The case is in the Supreme Court now. New Delhi: A protest march taken out by Shiromani Akali Dal members demanding justice for victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots turned violent on Saturday with police even detaining union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal. The protesters demanded that the victims and their families of 1984 anti-Sikh riots should be given justice and that culprits for the incident three decades ago are punished. "Shiromani Akali Dal has always fought for safeguarding Sikh rights & has raised voice against transgression," the party tweeted through its official handle. "We are fighting for the 1984 victims & we will not stop the struggle till the perpetrators of the 1984 Sikh genocide are brought to justice." Shiromoni Akali Dal has always fought for safeguarding Sikh rights & has raised voice against transgression. We are fighting for the 1984 victims & we will not stop the struggle till the perpetrators of the 1984 Sikh genocide are brought to justice. pic.twitter.com/6831Tz6BsI Shiromani Akali Dal (@Akali_Dal_) November 3, 2018 The protest, however, soon degenerated into an all-out scuffle with SAD members clashing with police personnel deputed to ensure law and order. Effigies were burnt and loud sloganeering was witnessed. There were also some reports of traffic movement in central Delhi getting affected momentarily. To re-establish order, cops detained Badal who has accused the Congress government of the time of discrimination. "The Congress government not only discriminated against the Sikh community but also gave them the most horrible scar that still bleeds," she said. "To further intensify the struggle to secure justice for the 1984 Sikh Genocide victims we started a peaceful protest here in Delhi." New Delhi: In a veiled attack on Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that whenever some leaders open their mouths, 'they speak lies like AK 47'. He asked his party workers to expose the lies of the opposition to the common people. "Kuch neta to jhoot ki machine ki tarah hain. Jab bhi munh kholte hain, dhar dhar AK 47 ki tarah jhoot hi nikalna shuru ho jaata hai. Aise mein, aapko vipaksh ke jhoot ko bhi janta ke saamne benaqab karna hai (Some leaders speak lies like machines. Whenever they open their mouths, they speak lies like AK 47. In such cases, you will have to expose their lies in front of the people)", PM Modi said. The Prime Minister's statement came while he was while addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cadre ahead of the state assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana. Rahul Gandhi had on Friday made fresh allegations, accusing Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation of paying "first tranche of kickbacks" of Rs 284 crore to businessman Anil Ambani, citing investments made by the French firm in a "loss-making" Reliance group company. Addressing a press conference, the Gandhi scion had repeated his allegations of "huge" corruption in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal and said "if an inquiry starts on this, Narendra Modi is not going to survive that inquiry, guaranteed". The Reliance Group, however, rejected charges and said Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited (RADL) has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, and accused the Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains. As many as 25 women home guards in the Surat city of Gujarat have accused two senior officials of harassment and seeking sexual favours, prompting an inquiry. The women approached city police commissioner Satish Sharma Friday with a written complaint. Sharma said a 'local complaints committee' set up under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act was looking into it. The complaint named two senior home guard officials, alleging that the duo subjected women to "mental, physical, sexual emotional and financial harassment", and even asked sexual favours from some of them. The four-page complaint has also been sent to Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, official sources said. The two senior officers asked for money for transfer to desired places, the women alleged. If the money was not paid, the women were transferred to far-off places and harassed, the complaint said. One of the senior officers often touched women home guards inappropriately on the pretext of adjusting their uniform, the complaint alleged. Some of the women were forced to work as domestic help for seniors, it added. "We have referred the matter to the district local complaints committee headed by a deputy commissioner of police," commissioner Sharma told reporters Saturday. "Home guards have nothing to do with the police department, so we cannot take their complaints before the police's internal committee. The local complaints committee has started inquiry into it," he said. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar health minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday confirmed reports of his divorce from Aishwarya Rai, in less than 6 months after tying the knot. Tej Pratap asserted to the report saying it is better to part ways than to live a constrained and stifled life, as reported by news agency ANI. Speaking to ANI, Tej Pratap said, "It is true that I have filed a petition. Ghut-ghut ke jeene se toh koi fayeda hai nahi (There is no point in living a stifled life)." The son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and former chief minister Rabri Devi, Tej Pratap had married senior RJD leader Chandrika Rais daughter Aishwarya Rai in a grand ceremony in Patna on May 12 this year. The former Bihar health minister had filed for divorce in a Patna court on Friday. Speaking to news agency ANI, his lawyer Yashwant Kumar Sharma said, "They couldn't get along. An application under Hindu Marriage Act was filed through me on behalf of Tej Pratap Yadav. I can't say anything else at this moment." The sudden development comes months after reports said that Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar chief minister Daroga Prasad Rai, might contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on an RJD ticket from Chhapra in Bihar. Even before an official confirmation about the same, the Janata Dal-United (JDU) had taken a dig at the RJD, saying workers in the party were there merely to play drums and party tickets for elections would be given only to members of Lalus family. Aishwarya Rai was also in the news when a poster of the foundation day of the RJD had carried her pictures, triggering speculations of her making a debut in politics. Despite Tej Pratap claiming that his wife would not join politics, the posters featuring her were installed by an RJD worker, Wasim Akram, ahead of the foundation day of the party. From Mehendi ceremony to the lavish wedding, several photographs and videos of the high-profile wedding had gone viral on social media in May. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav was also granted parole to attend the wedding ceremony in Patna. Taking to Twitter, Tej Prataps brother and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav had thanked people for coming in huge numbers to bless the couple. He had shared photographs showing huge crowd trying to click photographs of the couple. Tejashwi had thanked people for showering blessings on the couple, attributing the huge turnout to the presence of Lalu Prasad Yadav. He had tweeted, Had we expected that lakhs of people would come to shower their blessings on the couple in the presence of Lalu Prasad Yadav, we would have organised the wedding at a bigger venue like Gandhi Maidan. Forgive us for whatever trouble you faced. Thank you again. Srinagar: Two terrorists have been gunned down on Saturday in an ongoing encounter with the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian. The gunfight is underway in the district's Khudpora village. Security personnel launched a cordon and search operation in the Khudpora area of Shopian following information about the presence of terrorists there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter as terrorists opened fire upon the personnel who then retaliated. One terrorist was killed, the official said, adding that incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, were recovered from the scene of the encounter. Meanwhile, Advisor to Governor, K Vijay Kumar, visited Kishtwar earlier in the day and convened a joint meeting with top-level officers Civil Administration, Police, Army and CRPF to review the present Law and Order situation in the district. Bengaluru: The pre-wedding celebrations of Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone and actor Ranveer Singh kickstarted recently with a traditional puja at her hometown in Bengaluru. In a photo shared by her stylist, Deepika was seen dressed up in a beautiful Sabyasachi Mukherjee outfit. And now, the leggy lass is back in Mumbai. Yes, you heard it right. After participating in the Puja, the actress spent a few days with her family members before flying back to Mumbai. On Saturaday, she was captured by the paparazzi as she arrived at the Mumbai airport in a red and white stripped shirt and denim and black shades. We can't stop gushing over how happy and endearing the bride-to-be looks in the pics! (Photo courtesy: Yogen Shah) Ranveer and Deepika announced that their wedding ceremony will take place over two days on November 14-15. It was announced via social media after months of speculation about the nuptials of the couple who have starred in films like "Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela", "Bajirao Mastani" and "Padmaavat". Rumours suggest that 'Deep-Veer' will tie the knot in Italy but we will have to wait for an official confirmation of the same. Deepika and Ranveer took social media by storm when they announced their wedding dates on Twitter. As soon as both of them formally announced their wedding, congratulations started pouring in! The two were rumoured to be dating for the longest time but never really admitted to being in a relationship. However, their social media PDA and time to time public appearances showed us that something was brewing between the two. With the wedding date approaching soon, we couldn't be more thrilled for these two. New Delhi: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who turned 53 on Saturday, celebrated the day with his close friends and family as he hosted a star-studded bash at Mumbai's plush nightclub 'Arth' in Bandra. The star kick started his day with a small celebration at home where he was seen feeding cake to his wife Gauri Khan and later greeted his fans who had come to wish at outside his residence 'Mannat'. Later in the day, the actor hosted a bash for his industry friends at the popular hangout zone. Swara Bhasker, Nikhil Dwivedi, Aanand L Rai, Bosco Caeser from B-town graced his party. SRK's one of the most popular dance number 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' from 'Dil Se' was played at the bash among various other songs. Take a look at his photos outside the famous hangout zone in Mumbai: (Photo courtesy: Yogen Shah) Reports stated that SRK's bash was interrupted and cut-short after the Mumbai police reached at the venue and asked the music to be stopped. Thereafter Khan was seen coming out of the restaurants with his friends. With restaurants usually not staying open till wee hours on a Friday in Mumbai, SRK's party in 'Arth' was very much on till at least 3 am with unstoppable loud music. Most of the celebs had left the place much before the cops arrived. The restaurant was open for general public till 1 am, who were then asked to leave, stating that it's time to call it day but soon the area was cleared for SRK's private party. Interestingly, Shah Rukh, who is immensely popular among his fans, had given a return gift to them on his birthday by unveiling the trailer of his film Zero at an IMAX theatre in Mumbai. The 3-minute long trailer has already been viewed 20 million times and has garnered over 1 lakh comments in leass than 24 hours of it being dropped on the YouTube. Tigress Avni (T1) had reportedly killed 14 persons in and around the Yavatmal area of Maharashtra. She was eventually shot dead here late on Friday night. The tigress had created a state of panic among locals in Yavatmal and was trapped using bait and killed. Several previous attempts in past months to trap or kill her had come to a naught. This after Supreme Court on September 11 had dismissed a petition filed by animal activists, paving the way for action against Avni. A day later, shooter Nawab Shafat Ali was called in to participate in search operations which was protested by animal activists. In subsequent days, protests were organised in Nagpur but on ground action to locate the animal continued. Last month, Nawab went on leave but soon re-joined the opeations even as state Congress party began demanding for Indian Army's intervention. Subsequently, dog squads and power para gliders joined the mission. The search finally bore results on October 30 when the tigress appeared in front of the of the teams and although she killed a woman just a day later, she was shot dead by Nawab's son Asgar Ali. #Maharashtra: Locals in Yavatmal celebrate after 'man-eater' tigress Avni (T1) was killed in last night. She had allegedly killed 14 people. pic.twitter.com/wxN0yvT0Xw ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 News agency ANI reported that the postmortem of the tigress would be conducted at Nagpur's Gorewada Rescue Centre and that it could reveal further details. In yet another incident of gun-related violence in the United States, a gunman opened fire on people inside a yoga studio in California on Friday - killing three and injuring many others. He then shot himself dead. According to reports in the US media, the incident took place at a yoga studio inside a shopping centre in Tallahassee. It is being reported that the man entered the studio and immediately opened fire. People outside called emergency services but before the first batch of cops and ambulance vehicles had even reached, the suspect had fatally shot himself. Initial investigations suggest at a possibility of a domestic dispute, as per local cops. The city administrative officials however say their priority is to ensure the injured receive proper medical care. CAIRO: Gunmen killed at least seven Christians in an attack on a bus near a Coptic monastery in Egypt on Friday, authorities said - the most serious assault on the minority in more than a year. No group immediately claimed responsibility, but militants linked to Islamic State have regularly targeted Christians. The attackers struck close to Saint Samuel the Confessor monastery in Minya, 260 km (160 miles) up the River Nile from Cairo, the Archbishop of Minya, Anba Makarious, told Reuters. The attack took place very close to the spot where gunmen killed 28 Christians in a similar assault in May 2017. "Terrorists opened fire on a tour bus from Sohag province, heading back from the ... monastery," the archbishop said. He had earlier said the bus was approaching the monastery. He said seven people were killed and 14 were wounded. State news agency MENA, citing a security source, put the number of injured at seven and said the bus was transporting Christians. Local residents said the bus was part of a convoy. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said he mourned the victims as martyrs and vowed to push ahead with a campaign against militants. "I assert our determination to fight dark terrorism and to pursue the perpetrators," he said on Twitter. Egypt has been waging a major military and security campaign, mainly in Sinai, but also on the border with Libya to crush militants behind a wave of attacks on security forces and civilians, including Christians. Egypt says fighting Islamist militants is a priority to restore security after the years of turmoil that followed the "Arab Spring" protests in 2011. Egypt`s public prosecutor ordered an investigation and said her had sent a team of investigators to the location and to nearby hospitals. A mastermind behind numerous attacks which have claimed countless innocent lives, Hafeez Saeed has issued a strong condemnation against the murder of Maulana Sami ul Haq. Haq was widely regarded as the godfather of Taliban and his role in possible peace talks with the organisation was sought by Afghan officials recently. He was the head of the Haqqani madrasa where numerous Taliban members - including terrorist Mullah Omar - had received training. On Friday, Sami ul Haq - believed to be in his 80s - was found dead with stab wounds at his residence in Rawalpindi. While Pakistani authorities - including Prime Minister Imran Khan - were quick to condemn the murder, Hafeez Saeed - main man behind the Mumbai attacks - too said that he hoped the people responsible for the killing would be brought to justice. "Maulana Sami ul Haq served Islam and he served Pakistan. His role in the country has been significant and always raised his voice for the right," he said in a video message. "There were always conspiracies being hatched against him because he was always targeted by enemies of Islam and Pakistan. His death raises a lot of questions." Saeed goes on to say that Muslims across Pakistan, Afghanistan and even India are people of Sami ul Haq. "Whenever he heard of any atrocities being committed against Muslims anywhere, he was always hurt. May God deal with the killers and grant peace to Sami ul Haq." While there is no denying that Sami ul Haq, a former senator in Pakistan, was a prominent figure in the country, Saeed's condemnation of a dastardly attack has been widely regarded as rather ironic. A designated terrorist, Saeed has been accused of staging attacks that have cost many innocent lives. He even said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be killed and that India would eventually disintegrate. Recently, Pakistan was blasted by the US administration for shielding him and taking his name off its terror list. In recent times, he has also expressed a strong desire to gain political legitimacy and even participated in the elections earlier this year through his representatives. The two countries have traditionally been considered nations where religious factors play a significant role not only in the spiritual life, but also in economics and politics. For more than 300 years the Russian Orthodox Church has subordinated the Kyiv Metropolia, previously subordinate to Constantinople. For about 100 years, Ukrainians have fought for religious independence from Moscow While Ukraine was part of Soviet Russia, this independence seemed like nothing more than a 'utopia for day-dreamers'. However, after the collapse of the USSR, this dream became closer to reality. The first attempt to get an autocephaly from Russian Church was made by Ukrainian clergy in 1991, but it ended up in collapse, removal of its leader Metropolitan Filaret from the leadership of Ukrainian Church, and the subsequent church schism. The Russians were simply psychologically unprepared to accept the independence of Ukraine as a state, and the independence of the church would be a psychological shock for many of them, as long as Ukraine has always been considered part of Russia, and Ukrainians were regarded as part of 'the Russian people'. But it's not just psychology that matters. Russian church was rightly considered (and still is considered) as an institution that is capable of keeping Ukrainians in the zone of influence of the Kremlin. For this reason, the ideology of the 'Russian world' was developed political in essence, religious in terms of vocabulary. For example, the 'Russian world' ideology was presented for Orthodox believers as prophecies of the Russian elders (startsy)'. Many church books and brochures were sold, describing the great future for Russia and perdition to those who reject the possibility of such future. Largely it was due to this propaganda, that the war began in Donbas in 2014. Many Russian Church priests (including members of Ukrainian Orthodox Church) became chaplains in detachments of the pro-Russian separatists. Here is what priest Andrei Semenov (Lugansk) said at the ceremony of consecrating the battle banner of the regiment of the 'people's militia of the LPR': Russian soldiers and military leaders have always been strong in faith. It is the faith that will lead you to triumph over the enemy.' Another priest in Chuginka town, Luhansk region, harboured subversive groups of pro-Russian militants in his church, which was also used as an arsenal for their weapons and ammunition. Moreover Russian priests continuously blessed volunteers to go to the Donbas 'to beat the fascist scum.' Since the 2014 events in Ukraine were represented by Russian propaganda as a coup d'etat which brought to power 'junta' and nationalists, some church leaders blessed both Russians and Donbas residents to fight 'the hated junta and Bandera nationalists'. Moscow Patriarchate priests are still taking oaths from pro-Russian militants in their temples in the occupied Donbas, organising church services with the militants, assuring their believers that their enemies in Donbas are 'waging war against God, and helping Satan rush to power'. Russian priests openly supported the annexation of the Crimea. There was a detective story at all about Russian church involvement into the annexation. At the beginning of 2014 (during the active phase of the Maidan) a shrine - 'The Gifts of the Magi' was brought from Greece to Russia for believers to worship. Suddenly, the church authorities of the Russian Church changed the route of this shrine and brought it to the Crimea. Igor Strelkov (Girkin) arrived among the guards of the relic. A few months later he led a militant detachment that captured the city of Slavyansk, Donetsk Region. In his interviews, Strelkov repeatedly told that he was strongly supported by the monks of Svyatogorsk Lavra (Donetsk region). During the arrival of the relics in Sevastopol, negotiations were held between a major Russian businessman and church patron Konstantin Malofeev, Russian State Duma deputy Dmitry Sablin and the pro-Russian [but for that moment still] Ukrainian leadership of the Crimea to support Russia in annexing the peninsula. Moreover, one of the Russian churches in Kerch served as a transit point for the Russian occupation forces. One can still find a lot of such information available in open interviews, articles, videos on YouTube, etc. Ukrainian church journalist, co-founder of the Cerkvarium Internet project, Tatiana Derkach wrote a book 'Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine: the anatomy of betrayal' based on such information. In her book she mentions: 'Ukraine had to pass the most unexpected test. When the priests, whom the people trusted their souls, rushed to consecrate the checkpoints of the separatists, became confessors of terrorist battalions, took oaths from the invaders "to loyalty to the Fatherland'. Hiding behind the freedom of religion, Russian Church has for many years contributed to the shaking of the constitutional order in Ukraine. Of course, Russian Church publicly denies its support to hybrid war waged by Russia against Ukraine. In Russian churches priests and believers pray for peace, for an "end to the fratricidal war." However, this war is still called civil, the occupation by Russia is not recognized, and the priests in the occupied territories continue their close cooperation with puppet pro-Russian government. In the west of Ukraine there have been cases of agitation of the priests of the Moscow Patriarchate against military drafts to the Ukrainian army - 'for religious reasons'. And recently the Church of Constantinople announced its decision to support the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church. Of course, Russia could not accept this loss. As a result, a large-scale hysteria rolled through the Russian media, controlled by the Kremlin, threatening 'that blood will begin to flow in Ukraine because of the division of church property'. Ukrainian believers in the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate began to prepare for desperate resistance to such imaginary attempts 'for the true faith and shrines.' The propagandists promised 'the first bloodshed' already on October 14, but the Ukrainian authorities managed to prevent all possible provocations in the streets. The last open question remains: what will happen to church property belonging to religious communities? Indeed, according to preliminary statistics, more than half of such communities volunteered to transfer into the recently announced autocephalous Ukrainian church. But conflicts over temples are possible. This means that Moscow will in every possible way provoke its supporters to the most radical actions. Moreover, believers of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine are convinced that the authorities will force them to push into the autocephalous Church. The goal of Russia is the same: to prove that the new Ukrainian Church 'is built on blood', meanwhile spreading accusations of violating the rights of believers and persecutions on the basis of religion, though the religion is one Orthodox Christianity. However, this kind of confrontation is pretty much undesirable to Ukraine. Due to this, the Ukrainian authorities made a promise that there would be no pressure on believers concerning the choice of church jurisdiction. For instance, Rostislav Pavlenko, former deputy head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine, announced that the right of believers to remain in the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate will be protected by the state: 'No one will prevent them from freely practicing their faith, freely expressing their views, as well as others, and provocations against them will be stopped just as resolutely as any actions to confront the autocephaly'. Moreover President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko assured that the state will not interfere in church affairs, but will protect the rights of all believers, those who want to go to the autocephalous church and those who want to stay with Moscow. Read the original text at EU today. Related video: From the beginning of the day, November 3, two Ukrainian military were wounded in Donbas conflict zone. This was reported by the press center of the Joint Forces Operation on Facebook. 'During the current day, the Russian occupant forces fired at defensive fortifications of the Joint Forces 11 times. Once, the use of weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements was noticed,' the report said. The drone of OSCE SMM was attacked in in the occupied territories of Donbas again, reads the report of the mission. According to the mission, an attack from small arms was performed again in the direction of the SMMs unmanned aerial vehicle. The mini-UAV was flying in the vicinity of Zhovte settlement (uncontrolled by the government, 17 km north-west of Lugansk); the monitors heard 40 shots from small arms at the distance of two kilometers to the north-west from their positions in the area where the UAV was flying, reads the message. The mission of the International Monetary Fund will arrive in Ukraine to make sure that the main financial document includes the gas price increase for the citizens Open source A group of experts from IMF will visit Kyiv to consult on the draft state budget 2019 in the view of a recent agreement. Goesta Ljungman, Permanent Representative of the International Monetary Fund in Ukraine reported this. According to him, the advisors from the IMF will work in Ukraine from November 5 to November 9. Related: Germany insists on maintenance of gas transit through Ukraine, - Merkel about Nord Stream 2 As we reported earlier, on October 19, the Government adopted the decision on the gas price increase by 23.5 percent from November 1. Within one hour after the relevant decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, a statement appeared on the website of IMF that Ukraine and the Fund reached an agreement on a new 14-months-long support program of economic policy Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), which is supposed to replace the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which is adopted in March 2015 and expires in March 2019. Related: Gas prices hike in Ukraine from November 1 The Monetary Fund expects thatthe IMF Council will adopt the program by the end of 2018 under the condition that Ukraine fulfills all agreements. That includes the adoption of the state budget by the Ukrainian Parliament, which corresponds to the recommendations of the Fund. Russia-controlled Crimean 'court' refused to release Yevhen Karakashev, the citizen of the annexed peninsula and the representative of the left-wing anarchist flow, accused of the extremism in the social networks, as Human Rights in Ukraine reported. It is stated that Karakashev is held in prison for 10 months, being added to Russia's official 'List of Extremist and Terrorists' without any decision of the court. However, earlier, the defenders of the activist filed the appeals against his arrest. Moreover, Karakashev complained about his state of health, but the requests on the detailed and proper examination and treatment of the detainee were also ignored. The doctor finally examined him and noted that the detainee should get the proper treatment but this statement was ignored as well. Karakashev was detained on February 1, 2018, in Yevpatoria, Crimea after the search at his house. He attracted the attention of Russia's FSB two years earlier, by the decision to hold a picket near the FSB building to support fellow anarchist Oleksandr Kolchenko and other Ukrainian political prisoners. Officially, Karakashev is not recognized as a political prisoner but considered a victim of the oppression, as he added to the list of terrorists and extremists, along with other five Crimeans. As we reported Kyiv District Court of Simferopol in the Russian-annexed Crimea arrested Crimean Tatar Dilaver Gafarov. Gafarov was detained on October 30, after the search at his home in Perlyna Krymu village. Crimea was annexed by Russia by way of the illegal referendum that was held on the peninsula in March 2014. Earlier, the Russian military captured all strategic military objects and buildings of the key authoritative bodies. Neither Ukraine nor the rest of the civilized countries recognized the results of the referendum. A number of the European and the world countries, including Ukraine, imposed the economic sanctions against Russia. Related video: The wanted ex-head of the Appeal Court of Crimea Valeriy Chornobuk was detained in Kyiv. Spokesperson of the Security Service of Ukraine Olena Hitlyanska reported this in the commentary to Hromadske. According to the information of Slidstvo.Info, the Security Service of Ukraine undertook the operation, specifically, the detention on Vitryani Hory street. Related: Crimean Tatar arrested for participating in volunteer detachment in Crimea Chornobuk chaired the Appeal Court in Crimea from December 2011 until April 2014. The Ukrainian law enforcement bodies put Chornobuk on the wanted list in July 2018. Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko claimed that the former head of the Appeal Court of Crimea is suspected of having committed an offense under the Art 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (state treason). According to the Prosecutor General, Chornobuk carried out subversive activities, in particular, he helped Crimean courts to administer justice on the basis of Russian legislation. Related: ECHR should establish when Russia took control over Crimea, - judge According to the investigation, Valeriy Chornobuk cooperated with the occupation authorities during the annexation of Crimea by Russia. In particular, on March 24, 2014, at the court session, he urged judges to learn the Russian legislation and receive Russian passports. Chornobuk himself denies the accusation of separatism. The meeting will be held within the framework of the Congress of the European People's Party President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of the European Council Donald Tusk will hold a meeting in Helsinki on November 8. Interfax reported that, with a reference to the schedule of Tusk published on the website of the European Commission. According to the schedule, the meeting with Poroshenko will be held in terms of the Congress of the European People's Party. Sources of Interfax-Ukraine in the Presidential Administration of Ukraine confirmed the scheduled meeting of Poroshenko and Tusk, reads the message. Earlier, it was reported that Poroshenko would pay an official visit to Turkey on November 3. The Ukrainian leader will stay there for two days. Ukraine has signed an intergovernmental agreement on development cooperation with Turkey. This was stated by Ukrainian head of state Petro Poroshenko during a joint briefing with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 'I am glad that cooperation with the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination has got a new legal framework. We have signed an Agreement on Development Cooperation. It would be good if this cooperation, in particular in infrastructure development sphere, also concerned Ukrainian Donbas,' he said. In addition, Poroshenko and Erdogan signed a joint statement on the results of the 7th Ukrainian-Turkish Strategic Council meeting, which was held on the eve of the briefing. Ukraine and Turkey agreed to continue working on the release of Ukrainian political prisoners. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said this at a joint briefing with the President of Turkey. The briefing was broadcasted by 112 Ukraine. 'We highly appreciate the assistance of Turkey and Mr. President personally in the release of political prisoners. We are very grateful for the release of Ahtem Chiygoz and Ilmi Umerov. We agreed regarding those prisoners who are illegally detained in the occupied Crimea and on the territory of the Russian Federation... we will continue to coordinate the process of release of political prisoners', noted Poroshenko. 'Not only me and President Erdogan, but the whole world is taking care of the release of Ukrainian hostages. We talked about this issue the day before yesterday with German Chancellor Merkel; I will raise this question during my visit to Helsinki and Paris in November. We will do everything possible so that Sentsov, Sushchenko, Balukh and other political prisoners are at home as soon as possible. And the international support plays a crucial role in resolving this problem,' Poroshenko added. Ukraine also provided Turkey with the complete list of all political prisoners held in Russian prisons. It was not reported when exactly Erdogan planned to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the release of Ukrainian political prisoners. Earlier, the President of Ukraine invited the Turkish peacekeepers as part of the UN mission 'to take part in the making peace in Donbas'. Petro Poroshenko said this during a joint briefing with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which was broadcasted by 112 Ukraine. 'I offered the President to intensify our dialogue, including supporting the decision regarding the deployment of peacekeepers in accordance with the UN Security Council mandate. We trust Turkey and we would be glad if Turkey took part in establishing peace in Donbas by deploying its peacekeeping mission as part of the UN', said Poroshenko. Ukraine and Turkey are planning to complete the work on the creation of a free trade zone between the countries by the end of the year. This was stated by Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a joint briefing with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, broadcasted by 112 Ukraine. 'At today's meeting, we made a decision to complete the work on signing the free trade zone agreement by the end of the year. We believe that with this deal we will be able to achieve our goal regarding the trade balance of $ 10 billion,' he said. As previously reported, Ukraine has signed an intergovernmental agreement on development cooperation with Turkey. 'I am glad that cooperation with the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination has got a new legal framework. We have signed an Agreement on Development Cooperation. It would be good if this cooperation, in particular that in the infrastructure development sphere also concerned Ukrainian Donbas,' he said. In addition, Poroshenko and Erdogan signed a joint statement on the results of the 7th Ukrainian-Turkish Strategic Council meeting, which was held on the eve of the briefing. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the state-run company Ukroboronprom and the board of the military-industrial complex of Turkey. Uzbekistan claimed that Ukraine squeezes out Uzbek car manufacturers from its market, and threatens to impose duties on the number of Ukrainian goods The Parliament of Uzbekistan decided to take countermeasures against Ukraine, which initiated an investigation into the import of Uzbek cars. In particular, this practice aims to reduce the import of Ukrainian goods by replacing them with Uzbek or Russian goods, Fergana News reported. Uzbek legislators described the actions of Ukraine as 'unfriendly protectionist positions of national producers.' Related: U.S., Turkey state mutual lift of sanctions If the objective is to limit the import of cars from Uzbekistan, then why wouldnt Uzbekistan do the same thing about the goods imported from Ukraine? Why dont we think about it?, MP Rasul Kusherbaev posted on Facebook. He added that the Uzbek government has to be ready to introduce similar measures against Ukraine. Member of the Legislative Chamber Abdulrashid Abdukodirov made a similar statement on Facebook. He claimed that Uzbekistan is capable to reply to such gross measures. The MP said that one of the measures is the reduction of imports from Ukraine by replacing them with the domestic manufactured goods or the import of similar goods from Russia. Related: EU considers Russias sanctions against Ukraine unfounded Confectionery and oil and fat products, medicines and sugar may be affected. The MPs urged the government to consider the question regarding the import of these goods to the Uzbek market. Member of the Committee for Budget and Economic Reforms of the Parliament of Uzbekistan Abdulrashid Tukhtabaev claimed that there are cases of the violation of the national legislation during the delivery of pharmaceutical products to Uzbek market. Related: Poroshenko comments on Russian sanctions, - video In October 2018, Ukraine initiated the investigation of the import of cars from Uzbekistan on the request by Ukraine's association of vehicle manufacturers UkrAutoProm. According to the version of the Ukrainian side, the Uzbek manufacturers could have received grants from the state bodies of Uzbekistan and use individual benefits from such grants. The car import from Uzbekistan has increased by 760 percent over the last several years, which, according to the UkrAutoProm may cause substantial harm to the national manufacturer. Over the last three years, Uzbekistan imported Ukrainian goods for the total amount of $642 million, Ukraine imported Uzbek goods for $169 million. Military expert Vladimir Neelov who investigated Wagner Group activities is arrested in Russia on the suspicion of state treason, Meduza reported. According to the report, the man was detained on October 25 and taken to the FSB office (FSB is the Russian federal security service, - 112 International). Then, he was placed in the Lefortovo detention center. The investigation believes that Neelov transferred some information abroad, which is a state secret. Answering the question about the amount of Ukrainians who served in Wagner (percentage-wise, - 112 International), Huskov said: 'Its around 10 percent. But the thing is that Wagner doesnt have a constant staff, its a contract basis, and rotation takes place once in three months or less frequently. There are people who have served in Donbas, then went to Syria three or four times,' he noted. Open source The Russia-made MiG-29M fighter aircraft crashed during a training flight in Egypt, Interfax reported, citing the United Aircraft Building Corporation in Russia. 'We have information about the MiG-29M crash from the Egyptian Air Force. In the near future, our technical specialists will go to Egypt to assist in the investigation of the accident,' the corporation spokesman said. At the moment, there is no information about the crew of the aircraft. Earlier, some Bulgarian military pilots refused to perform flights using Russian MiG-29 fighters; they reported safety issues in the obsolete aircraft. Atanas Zapryanov, the countrys deputy defense minister said this as quoted by Radio Liberty. The defense ministry accused the boycotting pilots of conducting a motivated campaign. The authority insisted that Bulgaria will be restoring all domestically-made MiG-29s and Russian-made Su-25s (Soviet-era ground attack aircraft, - 112 International). From the beginning of 2018, the police have detained two dozen admirers of extreme tourism from abroad The police arrested three Finnish citizens near Bychky settlement in the Chornobyl exclusion zone. Men aged 22, 23 and 24 have illegally entered the territory on Toyota car, reports the police of Kyiv region. The stalkers were charged with breaching the violation requirements of the regime of the radiation safety in locations affected by the radioactive contamination. They face the penalty of 20 to 30 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens. The materials were sent to Ivankiv District Court of Kyiv region for further consideration. Related: 20 detained in Bulgaria for selling Polish passports to Ukrainians Their car was sent to the penalty area. The police appealed to the State Migration Service in order to reduce the period of stay of the Finns on the territory of Ukraine. The police of Chornobyl exclusion zone calculated that they have detained 16 foreign citizens from the beginning of the year; the number includes six Belarusians, four Russians, three Poles and three Lithuanians. The Ukrainian leader negotiates with the Ecumenical Patriarch in Turkey President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew signed an agreement on cooperation between Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey. Related: Russian Orthodox Church launches attack on Ukraine The agreement we signed today completes this process (creation of Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church), creates all condition, in order the process of granting, or rather preparing for the Cathedral, the process of providing Tomos, was carried out in absolutely strict accordance with the canons of the Orthodox Church, Poroshenko claimed. Poroshenko added that the November 3 becomes a historic day. I am sure that the decision of the Autocephalous Church will lead to the unity and the union of all Orthodox in Ukraine, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew claimed after signing the agreement. Related: Ukraine's Orthodox Church to change name after provision of Tomos, - Constantinople On October 11, the Synod lifted the anathema from Filaret, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate, and Makariy, the Primate of Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. Filaret stated that the united Jubilee Bishops' Council would take place soon to seal the creation of a unified Ukrainian local church. In addition, the Ecumenical Patriarchate recognized the annexation of Kyiv metropole by Russias Orthodox Church in 1686. Related: No more Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate, - Constantinople Related video: Britain and Ireland will seek to hold regular summits between leaders and ministers after Brexit to maintain ties strained by Britain's decision to leave the EU, senior ministers from both governments said on Friday. Relations between the two have improved markedly since Ireland gained independence from Britain following a bloody struggle almost a century ago. But ties have been tested over the last two years with Ireland a key player on the opposite side of the Brexit negotiating table to Britain. Arguments over how to manage the border between EU-member state Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland have threatened the talks. "What we've agreed is that we should aim for a model which is based upon a pattern of top level summits involving heads of government and senior ministers, probably alternating between the United Kingdom and Ireland year-by-year, and backed up by close bilateral work between ministers," Britain's Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington told a news conference. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani troops violated the ceasefire regime over 100 times on Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line in the period of October 28-November 3, during which over 800 bullets were fired in the direction of Armenian border guards from different caliber weapons. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Defense Ministry of Artsakh, the front line units of the Defense Army of Artsakh keep full control of the situation and continue to confidently carry out their military duty. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan Sign our letter asking the RPNGC to investigate this matter to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support a prosecution under the Criminal Code 1974. PNGi has presented significant evidence demonstrating that the land was acquired through fraud. PNGi has also collated evidence that strongly indicates Jimmy Maladina was controlling PNG Deep Sea Fishing at the time this fraud took place. We are asking all people concerned by this illicit economy to sign a letter demanding a police investigation be conducted into the 15 year saga which saw PNG Deep Sea Fishing Limited acquire a 99-year state lease over land at Alotau. For too long in Papua New Guinea the police have turned a blind eye to the illicit trade in land. It is time for them to take action and demonstrate they hear the publics cry for justice. PORT MORESBY - Real property is no different from personal property. If it is acquired by a third party through deceit or fraud it is a criminal offence. The open letter Mr Matthew Damaru Director, National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Dear Mr Damaru, We the undersigned request that the National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate investigate Mr Jimmy Maladina in order to determine whether his acquisition of a state lease over Allotment 5, Section 59, Town of Alotau breaches the Criminal Code 1974. Investigative platform PNGi, has presented primary documentation supported by information set out in two Commissions of Inquiry and a Public Accounts Committee report, which demonstrate that this State lease was illegally awarded to a company, PNG Deep Sea Fishing, in March 2000. The Land Board Meeting which allegedly awarded this state lease to PNG Deep Sea Fishing never happened. Subsequent minutes were forged and an illegal gazettal notice produced by Sir Ralph Guise, the then Land Board Chairman. While the latter was not published, it was used by senior Lands Department officials to facilitate the illicit award to PNG Deep Sea Fishing. It appears to conceal his involvement in this land transaction, Jimmy Maladina was not a shareholder in PNG Deep Sea Fishing at the time the state lease was awarded. The company was owned by two shareholders which all evidence to date suggests were clearly acting as proxies for a third party which PNGi suggests is Jimmy Maladina. The companys Directors included Mr Maladinas wife, and his business frontman, Philip Eludeme. The companys registered office was a Maladina family home. When attempts were made by the Milne Bay Provincial Government to rescind the state lease, Mr Maladina initiated litigation that lasted for seven years, concluding in 2014. His legal action was severely rebuked by the National Court. The people of this country see real property as being no different to any other property. If it is wrong to fraudulently acquire a cheque, or personal property, why is real property any different? If anything this is a much more serious matter, given the value of this item is high and it prevents the land from being used by legitimate developers seeking to acquire the property through legal means. Evidence relating to this matter can be obtained from: PNGi (admin@pngiportal.org); The Investment Promotion Authority; The report, transcripts, and exhibits used in the Commission of Inquiry into the Department of Finance; The report, transcripts, and exhibits used in the Commission of Inquiry into the National Provident Fund; The report, transcripts, and exhibits used in the Public Accounts Committee inquiry into the Lands Department. These sources provide access to key documents and leads. We anticipate and hope that you will give this matter the serious consideration it deserves. Link to the website to sign the open letter here This watchdog blog, by journalist Norman Oder, concerns the $6B project to build the Barclays Center arena & 15-16 towers at a crucial site in Brooklyn. Dubbed Atlantic Yards by developer Forest City Ratner in 2003, it was rebranded Pacific Park Brooklyn in 2014 after the Chinese government-owned Greenland USA bought a 70% stake going forward. In 2018, once the arena & four towers were built, Greenland bought out most of Forest City's stake, then sold three leases to other companies. Democrats have gone from being optimistic to confident that they will take back the House of Representatives following the midterm elections. They plan to launch an investigative blitz against the White House and Russian interests if they regain control of the House. They also plan to focus significant resources on examining the administration's healthcare and economic agenda. As Democrats gear up to potentially regain control of the House of Representatives, it has stirred speculation about whether the party will move to impeach President Donald Trump. But few Democrats want to actively talk about impeaching Trump, whether it's on Capitol Hill or on the campaign trail. For many,the issue is a nuisance and a distraction from more serious matters. Senior leadership has also repeatedly cautioned against impeachment, warning that it would only deepen partisan squabbling in Congress. Instead of impeachment, Democrats plan to tighten the screws by mounting an investigative blitz against the White House and Russian interests. "I am not looking for headlines," Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told The New York Times. "I am going to be defending the truth. We want to look at what is happening under this administration because all of us can agree this is not normal." Adam schiff According to two sources close to the House Intelligence Committee, who requested anonymity to speak freely about post-election plans, Democrats plan to focus a significant amount of energy on reopening the panel's now-shuttered investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, and whether members of the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow to tilt the race in his favour. "On a whole host of investigative threads, our work is fundamentally incomplete, some issues partially investigated, others, like that involving credible allegations of Russian money laundering, remain barely touched," Rep. Adam Schiff, the panel's ranking member, said after chairman Devin Nunes, a Republican, shut down the investigation earlier this year. Story continues "If the Russians do have leverage over the president of the United States, the majority has simply decided it would rather not know," Schiff said. Democrats also plan to reintroduce legislation safeguarding the integrity of the FBI's ongoing Russia investigation by protecting key figures like special counsel Robert Mueller and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Moreover, they want to bring legislation protecting future elections from foreign influence by countering nation-state sponsored cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. Read more: A string of recent revelations paints a stark picture of Russia's ongoing campaign to meddle in the 2018 midterms Where the White House is concerned, one source close to the House Oversight Committee said Democrats want to pressure the president to beef up surveillance bodies that are tasked with overseeing the intelligence community, like the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. The source said Democrats also plan to scrutinize the White House's process of granting security clearances. The issue took center stage this year after the White House raised red flags by granting high level clearances to White House staffers like former staff secretary Rob Porter. In February, the White House downgraded the clearances of more than 30 aides, revoking their top-secret level access. The president also attracted sharp criticism when he revoked former CIA Director John Brennan's security clearance in August and announced he would be revoking the clearance of several other current and former law enforcement and intelligence officials. All the names on the list were people who have been critical of the president in the past and were involved in the Russia investigation. Reviewing Trump's process in granting and revoking clearances will be a "top priority" for Democrats, the source close to the House Oversight Committee said, adding that lawmakers would also subpoena documents related to the revocation of Brennan's clearance. Trump could face dozens of nightmare scenarios Steny Hoyer House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer outlined several other areas Democrats will prioritise if they take back the House, most of which involved the administration's economic and health care agendas. The committees on the budget, ways and means, and financial services would probe Trump's handling of the US economy and budgetary process, while others would look into botched natural disaster responses. Among the highest priorities for Democrats would be the Trump administration's dismantling of former President Barack Obama's signature policy, the Affordable Care Act. "In terms of oversight, we'll be looking at what they're doing administratively to undermine the operations of the Affordable Care Act and what consequences they may have caused to literally millions of people," Hoyer said in a meeting with reporters in September. An area that could be particularly stressful for Trump is the probing of his personal finances and benefits his properties and companies may or may not be receiving during his presidency. "I think we'll try to focus on issues which undermine the American people," Hoyer added. "Also I think we want to focus on the integrity of the interests of the president in terms of what interests he has and is he pursuing policies that are in the public's interest or in the Trump investment interest." The pledge by Democrats to pursue countless investigations into the Trump administration could put a serious hindrance on Republicans' agenda - and create dozens of nightmare scenarios for the president. The United States says it plans to issue temporary waivers to several countries, allowing them to continue purchasing Iranian oil without being subject to forthcoming U.S. sanctions. Sanctions on Iran are expected to be reinstated Monday, the result of U.S. President Donald Trump's withdrawal earlier this year from the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers. Any country importing Iranian oil that does not receive a waiver will be subject to U.S. financial penalties. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the waiver decision in a conference call Friday, but did not specify which countries will be exempted or how long they would last. He said only that the European Union will not be granted an exemption. "We expect to issue some temporary allotments to eight jurisdictions, but only because they have demonstrated significant reductions in their crude oil and cooperation on many other fronts and have made important moves toward getting to zero crude oil importation," Pompeo said. Earlier, Bloomberg reported that South Korea, India and Japan are among the exempted countries. All three countries are among Iran's biggest oil customers, and have argued that if they stop their purchases immediately, it would cause a worldwide spike in oil prices. Turkey's Energy Ministry announced Friday that Turkey is among the countries that will be given an exemption, but said the government does not yet know all the details. Two of the countries receiving a U.S. waiver will completely cut off imports of Iranian oil, while the other six will "greatly" reduce their imports, Pompeo said. Staff at Idaho's Middleton Heights Elementary School are under investigation by their district. Photos showed several teachers dressed as the "wall," posing behind cardboard panels painted like bricks with the words "Make American Great Again" spelled out in red, white, and blue letters. Others were pictured wearing brightly coloured ponchos, fake mustaches, and sombreros, with one hat spelling "Mexican" on the brim. Staff at an Idaho elementary school are under investigation by their school district after dressing as a "Make American Great Again" border wall and Mexican stereotypes in sombreros for Halloween. Photos of the staff's costumes were posted by the Middleton School District on Facebook but later deleted, according to the Idaho Statesman. The photos, which were screenshotted and shared elsewhere, showed several teachers at Middleton Heights Elementary School dressed as the "wall," posing behind cardboard panels painted like bricks with the words "Make American Great Again" spelled out in red, white, and blue letters. Others were pictured wearing brightly coloured ponchos, fake mustaches, and sombreros, with one hat spelling "Mexican" on the brim. The costumes were worn during the school day on Halloween. View this content at Business Insider Middleton Superintendent Josh Middleton posted a video on the district's Facebook page on Friday denouncing the staff costumes and apologised to families in the district. "We are better than this," he said in the Facebook Live video. "We embrace all students. We have a responsibility to teach and reach all students - period." Read more: A Texas House candidate is calling out a toxic political culture after claiming that her family was harassed while trick-or-treating Middleton said he was shown the photos by a parent who was upset by the images. "Do I think there was a malicious intent with this decision? No, I don't," he added. "Was there a poor judgment involved? Absolutely. And we now have to own those decisions." Story continues https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php Middleton said that district administrators are actively investigating the incident. "I was shown those photos and was deeply troubled by our staff members (who chose to) wear those costumes that were clearly insensitive and inappropriate," Middleton said. "...Our time right now is going to be devoted to investigating those events and those poor decisions that were made." According to 2017 census data, 9.5% of Middleton's population of about 7,400 are Hispanic or Latino. "This is my second time seeing snow, so it's a rather new experience," said a tank operative, a Florida native more accustomed to ice boxes than ice floes. Like thousands of fellow US marines, Corporal Josye Martinez has been flown for military exercises to Norway, a country which pokes its head into the Arctic circle. It's not just the conditions that are frosty. These are NATO's biggest military exercises since the end of the Cold War, a fact which has upset Russia. "When I first landed in Norway, I was really cold, my body went into shock.... But as the time has gone by I've actually adapted to it" said Martinez, perched in the turret of an Abrams tank. The military exercises are taking place from October 24-November 7. The manoeuvres are aimed at training the Atlantic Alliance to defend a member state after an aggression by a third party. Worried about the "unpredictable" behaviour of neighbouring Russia, especially since the Ukrainian crisis in 2014, Oslo had insisted on hosting Exercise Trident Juncture. Some 50,000 troops, 65 ships and 250 aircraft from 31 countries are being deployed several hundred kilometres (miles) from Norway's border with Russia in the Arctic, leaving Russia vowing to "retaliate". Moscow has now announced plans to test fire missiles in international waters off Norway in its own show of strength, and proximity. - 'We cant' always stop' - Meanwhile the fictional "Battle of Oppdal" is underway, with US Marines pitted against Spanish and Italian troops over control of an airfield, very few of them accustomed to the biting cold. For the Abrams tanks teams, based in North Carolina and more used to deseret manoeuvres, operating their 60-tonne behemoth in the snow and ice is a challenge. "The driver has to be very careful because we can't always stop when we need to" explains Lance Corporal Joaquin Medina, an ammunition loader aboard one the tanks, its colour and camouflage patterns standing out starkly in Norway's icy north. "Like two days ago, when it was very snowy and very icy, our tracks would just pedal. When we tried to stop, the tank would keep moving," he added. On the "battlefield" the thermometer shows relatively mild conditions for the time of year, six degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit), minus one degree with the windchill factor. Certainly cold enough for some of the US troops to stand behind their tanks to warm themselves from the engines air outlet. "A lot of people are from the southern states and in california where the coldest is usually around 70 degrees (Fahrenheit)," said Janar Ploompuu, of the second armoured reconnaissance battalion, surrounded by colleagues bundled up against the cold and wearing thick white boots. - Far from the Cordoba sun - The army mechanics face another stern test -- making sure that the tanks hydraulics system don't freeze up. The Lepanto mechanised battalion of the La Reina regiment, usually stationed in Cordoba, in sunny southern Spain, has been preparing in temperatures of minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus four degrees Fahrenheit) for the NATO exercises. "We have been training in the Pyrenees," said their commander, Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Villalonga. "We have been taking driving lessons on snow, we have been in contact with our mountain school and have received lessons on how to move and live in such weather conditions," he added. Already the US Marines have decided to deploy around 700 troops on rotation in Norway, independent of the current NATO exercises, to acclimatise its forces to operating in freezing conditions. Several European armies are following suit. "We are ready to defend any NATO country or whatever country that needs our help," stressed Villalonga, braving the cold while his men enjoyed the relative warmth of their vehicles. Spanish soldiers in an Pizarro tank take part in the Trident Juncture exercise NATO's biggest military exercises since the end of the Cold War have upset Russia Worried about the "unpredictable" behaviour of neighbouring Russia, especially since the Ukrainian crisis in 2014, Oslo had insisted on hosting Exercise Trident Juncture US Marines taking part in LAV-25s, eight-wheeled amphibious armored reconnaissance vehicles Lewis Bennett has insisted he never knew what happened to his wife who disappeared at sea last year during their sailing honeymoon. That is apparently about to change. Court documents filed Friday in Miami federal court indicate Bennett, 41, has accepted a plea deal in the May 2017 disappearance of Isabella Hellmann, 41, who vanished as the Florida couple sailed off the Bahamas. The US Attorneys Office filed a new affidavit charging Bennett with involuntary manslaughter, saying he killed Hellmann without malice, and dropped second-degree murder charges. In turn, Bennett is now scheduled to change his not guilty plea at a Monday hearing. Such activity typically occurs when a plea deal has been reached. Prosecutors declined to comment Friday and Bennetts public defender, Vanessa Chen, did not immediately return a call and email seeking comment. Hellmanns sister also declined to give an immediate comment. Lewis Bennett pictured with his wife Isabella Hellmann. Pic: Facebook Bennett, a mining engineer with dual British and Australian citizenship, had told the FBI and British journalists that he and Hellmann, a real estate agent, took their 37-foot catamaran, Surf Into Summer, for a belated honeymoon Caribbean cruise after they had been married three months. They left their infant daughter, Emelia, with her family. As the catamaran passed the Bahamas on the return to Florida, Bennett sent out an emergency radio signal. When the Coast Guard found him on a life raft three hours later, he told rescuers he had left Hellmann on deck as he retired for the night to their cabin. He said he was jolted awake when their craft hit something. He said Hellmann was gone when he went outside and his attempts to find her failed. He said the catamaran was sinking, so he abandoned it. I have got nothing to hide, he later told The Daily Mail, a British newspaper, adding Hellmann was my soulmate. The Coast Guard spent seven days searching and found the catamaran, though it sank before it could be recovered. They did not find Hellmann. Story continues Lewis Bennett was accused of killing his wife on a cruise and sinking the catamaran near the Bahamas. Source: AAP Sixteen days after the disappearance, Bennett went to the home of Hellmanns parents to get his daughter, a heated meeting that ended with her sister accusing him of killing Hellmann, according to a Boca Raton police report. He took Emelia to Great Britain, where she was last reported living with his relatives. Bennett visited Cuba, saying he hoped maybe Hellmann had been rescued and taken there. He soon filed a motion with the Florida courts asking that his wife be declared dead. That would have given him possession of the condominium and other items that belonged solely to her. A judge rejected it. Lewis Bennett and Isabella Hellman sailed off the Bahamas last year. Source: WPTV Investigators long doubted Bennetts story. The FBI says an inspection of the catamaran before it sank showed portholes below the waterline had been opened and damage to the twin hulls appeared to have been caused from the inside. Also investigators found Bennett on the life raft with $138,000 worth of coins stolen from a yacht he had worked aboard in 2016. Bennett was arrested last year on that charge and pleaded guilty, getting a seven-month sentence. While serving that sentence, he was charged in February with Hellmanns death and has remained jailed. He faces a possible eight-year sentence on the involuntary manslaughter charge and deportation. The Palm Beach Post first reported the filing of the new information. Islanders on the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia on Sunday rejected independence in a referendum that revealed weaker-than-expected support for Paris in the resource-rich and strategic outpost. On the final count, 56.4 percent of people rejected the proposition that New Caledonia -- some 18,000 kilometres (11,000 miles) from the French mainland -- become independent. Turnout was high at 80.63 percent. President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "immense pride that we have taken this historic step together" in an address to the nation, adding it was "a sign of confidence in the French republic, in its future and its values." The island is home to a quarter of the world's known supplies of nickel -- a vital electronics component -- and is a foothold for France in the Pacific where China is gaining influence. But the winning margin in New Caledonia, sometimes referred to in France as "the pebble", might cause some concern in Paris, as well as in Australia which has been alarmed by Beijing's designs in the Pacific and its investment in island nations. Polls beforehand had forecast an emphatic 63-75 percent of New Caledonians would vote "no" when asked if the archipelago should "attain full sovereignty and become independent". Under a 1998 deal called the Noumea Accord to devolve powers to the territory, two further votes on independence can be held by 2022 -- a right independence leaders look set to invoke. "We're a short step away from victory and there are still two votes to come," Alosio Sako, head of the separatist movement FLNKS, said after the results were announced. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe arrived on the island Monday where he will meet political forces on both sides of the independence vote to discuss the future of the territory. - Balancing China in the Pacific? - As well as being home to French troops and being a source of nickel, the territory gives France a large, exclusive economic zone in the Pacific and rich fishing resources. Macron visited island in May but largely stayed clear of the campaign. However, he has raised concerns over increasing Chinese influence in the Pacific, where Beijing has invested heavily in Vanuatu, a territory which broke from France and Britain in 1980. Accusing the US of "turning its back on the region in recent months", Macron said China was "building its hegemony step by step" -- suggesting an independent New Caledonia could be Beijing's next target. During visits to New Delhi and Canberra since taking power last year, Macron has talked up France's Pacific presence to propose an axis of democratic Asian maritime powers that would include India and Australia. - Ethnic tensions - There were fears that the referendum in New Caledonia could inflame tensions between indigenous Kanak people, who tend to favour independence, and the white population which has settled since France annexed the islands in 1853. Several cars were burned and a couple of incidents of stone-throwing were reported late Sunday, local authorities said, but the vote was otherwise peaceful. Tensions in New Caledonia boiled over into ethnic strife in the 1980s which claimed more than 70 lives. That led to the 1998 Noumea Accord which paved the way for a steady devolution of powers, as well as Sunday's referendum and possibly two others before 2022. In recent years, France has faced protests and calls for independence in several of its overseas territories, which are a legacy of the country's colonial history and are sometimes dubbed "the confetti of the French empire". French Guiana in South America and the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte have been rocked by major protests over living standards and perceived neglect. Closer to home, the Paris government also faces renewed calls for independence from nationalists on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, which have been rebuffed by Macron. Separatists had urged Kanak voters to choose self-determination for Kanaky, their name for New Caledonia, and throw off the shackles of the "colonial" authorities in Paris. The Kanak community is economically disadvantaged compared with the white population and plagued by high school dropout rates, chronic unemployment and poor housing conditions. But indigenous people make up less than 50 percent of the electorate and some Kanaks back staying part of France, not least due to the 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) the French state hands to the islands every year. Going it alone, "I'm not sure we have all the assets we'd need to succeed," said Marc Gnipate, a 62-year-old pensioner. burs-adp/ecl/amu Indigenous people make up less than 50 percent of the electorate and some Kanaks back staying part of France Voters queue outside a polling station, with the participation rate at 73.68 percent an hour before polls closed, much higher than in local elections in 2014 New Caledonia, where a referendum on independence will be held on Sunday Polls suggest pro-independence activists will be disappointed by the results of Sunday's referendum Bored of your nine to five and got a penchant for pet pooches? Well its time to get your CV together after the ideal position for dog lovers became vacant earlier this week. Mutts Canine Cantina, in Fort Worth, Texas, which doubles up as a dog park, are offering one lucky person the opportunity to pet dogs all day long. Dog-friendly restaurant Mutts has the perfect position for you. Source: Instagram/ Muttscantina And if that doesnt sound good enough, theyre willing to pay the successful applicant US$100 ($138) an hour to do so. Do you have what it takes to be the first-ever MUTTS Puptern at our brand new location in Fort Worth? the company asked potential suitors on Instagram on Tuesday. One lucky applicant will be able to pet dogs like these all day long. Source: Instagram/ Muttscantina The restaurant, which invites customers to bring their dogs along to dine with them, has asked applicants to share a short clip on the social media site of their best dog petting skills. Creativity is encouraged tell us why youre the best fit for the position in your caption! they wrote. For anyone whose dedication to dogs is worth uprooting and moving across the globe, applications close on November 12. World number eight Karolina Pliskova has pulled out of the Fed Cup final against the United States over a torn calf muscle, the Czech Republic team spokesman said Saturday. The team physiotherapist "has diagnosed a torn calf and renewed chronic problems with the wrist," spokesman Karel Tejkal said in a statement. He added the 26-year-old Pliskova had picked up the injury at the recent WTA Finals in Singapore, and that she would be replaced by world doubles number one Barbora Krejcikova on the team. The Czechs have also called up seventh-ranked Petra Kvitova, 33rd-ranked Barbora Strycova and 31st-ranked Katerina Siniakova, Krejcikova's doubles partner and fellow doubles world number one. Pliskova said she was "terribly sorry" to miss the final. "Already in Singapore I had days when even walking hurt and I felt terrible, but I didn't think it was important," she said in a tweet. "Our team is so strong that the girls will replace me," she added as the Czechs are looking to improve their 2-10 head-to-head Fed Cup score against the defending champions. The United States will in turn miss Serena and Venus Williams and WTA Finals runner-up Sloane Stephens. Captain Kathy Rinaldi has called on world number 35 Danielle Collins and 48th-ranked Sofia Kenin and 15th-ranked doubles player Nicole Melichar -- each making her Fed Cup debut. Alison Riske, ranked 63rd in the world, will also make the trip to Prague for the November 10-11 final. The final pitting the two most successful nations in Fed Cup history -- the USA with 18 trophies and the Czech Republic with 10 including five as the former Czechoslovakia -- will be played on the hardcourt of the sold-out 15,000-capacity O2 Arena. The United States beat Belarus in Minsk last year with a team including Riske and after seeing off the Czechs in the semi-final. Led by Kvitova and Pliskova, the Czechs have won five of the last seven editions including all three finals they have played on Prague's hardcourt. "We still have a strong team and we are still the favourites of the final," said Czech team captain Petr Pala. Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova, pictured October 2017, was diagnosed with a torn calf and renewed chronic wrist problems, forcing her to pull out of the Fed Cup final A death row inmates final words were lets rock moments before he was executed by electric chair in Tennessee in the US. Edmund Zagorkski, 63, was pronounced dead at 7.26pm local time on Thursday at a Nashville maximum-security prison, officials said. Asked if he had any last words in the death chamber, the inmate said, lets rock shortly before the execution was carried out. Zagorksi, convicted of robbing and murdering two men in 1983, was the first man to be executed by electric chair in Tennessee since 2007. Before the execution, he reportedly alternated between grimacing and smiling as he lay strapped down and that a sponge was placed on his head and then a shroud over his face. In opting for the electric chair over a lethal injection as Tennessee allowed him, Zagorski had argued it would be a quicker and less painful way to die. He became only the second person to die in the electric chair in Tennessee since 1960. Nationwide, only 14 other people have been put to death in the electric chair since 2000, including a Virginia inmate in 2013. The execution was carried out shortly after the US Supreme Court on Thursday evening denied the inmates request for a stay. Edmund Zagorski was the first death row inmate to be executed by electric chair in Tennessee since 2007. (AP) Zagorskis lawyer had argued that it was unconstitutional to force him to choose between the electric chair and lethal injection. The state came close to administering a chemical injection to the 63-year-old inmate three weeks ago, a plan halted by Tennessees governor when Zagorski exercised his right to request the electric chair. The Supreme Courts statement said Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the dissenting voice, noting Zagorskis decision to opt for the electric chair. He did so not because he thought that it was a humane way to die, but because he thought that the three-drug cocktail that Tennessee had planned to use was even worse, Ms Sotomayor said in the statement. Given what most people think of the electric chair, its hard to imagine a more striking testament from a person with more at stake to the legitimate fears raised by the lethal-injection drugs that Tennessee uses. Story continues Zagorski was convicted of the April 1983 killings of two men during a drug deal. Prosecutors said Zagorski shot John Dotson and Jimmy Porter and then slit their throats after robbing the two men after they came to him to buy marijuana. In Tennessee, condemned inmates whose crimes occurred before 1999 can choose the electric chair one of six states that allow such a choice. The US Supreme Court has never ruled on whether use of the electric chair violates the 8th Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment, but it came close about 20 years ago after a series of botched electrocutions in Florida. A scuffle between a driver and a passenger caused a bus to plunge from a bridge into a river in southwest China, killing at least 13 people, police have revealed. Dramatic video footage of Sundays crash shows a woman striking the driver over the head with an object, prompting him to hit back with one hand. The woman then lashes out once more. The driver then suddenly yanks the wheel hard to the left and the bus veers onto incoming traffic, striking a car before breaking through the rails of the bridge crossing the Yangtze River in the southwest city of Chongqing. The driver can be seen trying to fend off the violent passenger. Source: AP Thirteen bodies have been pulled out of the river, but two remain missing. A total of 15 people were on board the bus. Local police say the female passenger involved in the fight, a 48-year-old local, went up to the driver and asked to be let out after missing her stop. When the driver refused, the two began shouting and using aggressive language, police said on their Weibo account Chinas equivalent of Twitter. As the fight ensues, the bus veers across the bridges lanes and through the pedestrian railings. Source: Newsflare Search and rescue teams dispatched more than 70 boats, as well as a team of scuba divers and underwater robots, to find the wreckage and retrieve bodies from the water. The lessons from this are very painful, police said. Deadly road accidents are common in China, where traffic regulations are often flouted or go unenforced. The bus has since been pulled from the river. Thirteen bodies have so far been retrieved from the water. Source: CCTV According to authorities 58,000 people were killed in accidents across the country in 2015 alone. Violations of traffic laws were blamed for nearly 90 per cent of accidents that caused deaths or injuries that year. Thirteen bodies have been pulled out of the river, but two remain missing. WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: A mum who claims her uterus was pierced by her contraceptive implant has slammed the device for allegedly ruining her life and even claims it may have given her breast cancer. After looking for a reliable method of permanent birth control, Julie Watts, 50, decided to have the controversial sterilisation device Essure implanted into her fallopian tubes back in 2009. The mum-of-one claims since the procedure, her life has become a living hell with the device making her feel poisoned every day due to debilitating side effects such as severe haemorrhaging, chronic pelvic and back pain, excruciating cramps, fatigue, depression and anxiety none of which she experienced before. The Essure implant is a permanent contraceptive device comprised of a metal nickel coil which is inserted into the fallopian tubes in order to generate scar tissue, which blocks sperm from reaching the egg. The project manager from Canberra now even believes the implant could be to blame for her devastating breast cancer diagnosis in 2011, which resulted in her undergoing a mastectomy on her left breast. Julie Watts blames the Essure contraceptive device for ongoing health problems. Source: Caters News On October 24 Ms Watts fears were confirmed after she claims medics told her the implant had migrated from her fallopian tubes and pierced through both sides of her uterus something her doctor said he had never seen before. I wanted a permanent birth control solution, and the Essure implant sounded perfect to me at the time, as the recovery period was far shorter than a tubal ligation, Ms Watts said. I kept asking whether it was safe, but my doctor at the time assured me it was FDA and TGA approved. I had faith that everything would be fine, otherwise why would they use it. My jaw dropped to the floor It was not until watching the 2018 documentary The Bleeding Edge which explores the hazardous implications of the Essure contraceptive implant that Ms Watts said she realised the device could be to blame for her near decade-long health battle. Story continues I totally forgot I even had it until a month ago, when I saw this documentary that details all the horrific side effects of Essure, she said. I recognised the name straight away, and my jaw dropped to the floor. I went to my gynaecologist with this new information. He performed a laparoscopy and discovered that the device had actually migrated from my tubes into my uterus and was piercing both sides of the uterus from the inside. We were both horrified. He explained that my uterus would have been trying to expel the toxic implant by contracting, which explains my cramps. Ms Watts said she was lucky the issue was discovered before it perforated her bowel. That could have been disastrous, she said. Looking back, it explains so many things. Id always been healthy as a horse, but after getting the Essure implant, my health rapidly declined. I felt sick all the time and it was like I had been poisoned. I couldnt understand it. Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It didnt make sense to me, because nobody on either side of my family had ever had it. There was absolutely no history and my genes tested negative for the breast cancer gene. Then I discovered that there are PET fibres in the implant that cause inflammation in the body and raise oestrogen levels. My breast cancer was oestrogen-positive, meaning high levels likely caused it. Although no doctors can confirm it, I look at the timeline and my lack of family history and I can see a link. The contraceptive device had pierced the walls of the womans uterus. Source: Dr Stephen Robson/Caters News The implant destroyed my health and my marriage Ms Watts alleges that the debilitating health problems caused by the Essure implant caused her to fall behind at work and ultimately damaged her career and also claims it was the catalyst for the breakdown of her marriage. But since having the device removed last week after undergoing a total hysterectomy, Ms Watts said she feels healthier and more alive than she has in over a decade and is looking forward to a brighter future. The Essure implant has stolen my career, it destroyed my health and my marriage and ruined my life, she said. I felt so hopeless and had no joy. I was fatigued all the time and was just always sick. But I felt a difference straight away after it was removed from my body. I feel like a new woman. Im rejuvenated and have my mojo back. This never should have happened with a device that was given to women everywhere under the pretence that is safe and wont do any harm. Gynaecologist concerned about contraceptive device Ms Watts gynecologist Dr Stephen Robson said he had never seen a contraceptive device pierce through the uterus before and added that he has increasing concerns about the long-term effects of the Essure implant. When I was training as a specialist back in the 1990s in Adelaide, I worked with the inventor of the Essure device, Professor John Kerin, Dr Robson said. I was his assistant when he was developing the devices. However, I never really used them because of concerns that I had. I placed a few sets of Essures back in the very early 2000s but have not used them since. I have to say that now I have increasing concerns about longer-term adverse effects of the devices, including pain. As we saw with transvaginal mesh, there is no central register of women who have had Essure devices, so it is very hard to provide an exact estimate of the number of women who might have had a long-term adverse outcome. I now have seen a number of women with possible adverse outcomes, so I certainly believe more detailed research needs to be undertaken as a priority. Julie Watts claims the device ruined her life. Source: Caters News Onslaught of Australian women complaining about device The Essure implant has come under fire in recent months after law firm Slater and Gordon announced a proposed class action against the devices manufacturer Bayer in August which would follow similar lawsuits in the US, Canada and Scotland. Slater and Gordon have claimed the action comes following an onslaught of complaints from hundreds of Australian women who claim to have experienced adverse side effects from the implant. At Bayer we take our social and corporate responsibilities very seriously and we make the health and wellbeing of our patients, and the integrity of all of our products, an absolute priority, a Bayer spokesperson said. Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Bayer, and we are always saddened to hear of anyone experiencing an adverse event with any medical device. Essure was developed by Conceptus Inc. and placed on the Australian market in compliance with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements. While it was on the market Essure was maintained and updated in accordance with all Health Authority requirements to ensure the label reflected all current safety information and that information was distributed to healthcare professionals in a timely manner. Essure is supported by an extensive body of research, including more than 40 published studies involving more than 200,000 patients worldwide over the past 20 years. Women who currently have Essure in place may continue to use the device, and Bayer will continue to support healthcare providers in their management of these patients. #USFK U.S. service member detained for refusing sobriety test after car accident A U.S. service member stationed in South Korea was detained by local police after refusing to take a field sobriety test following a minor car accident, authorities said Saturday. ... #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... Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will seek re-election in 2019, his office announced Saturday, as potential rivals begin jockeying for the country's top job ahead of the ballot. Ghani, who was elected in a fraud-tainted poll in 2014 that was only resolved in a US-brokered power-sharing deal, is expected to present himself to war-weary voters as the candidate who can end the 17-year conflict. The 69-year-old acerbic academic, who has a reputation for shouting at subordinates and micromanaging the unity government, will try to capitalise on renewed US-led efforts to engage the Taliban in peace talks, which are showing tentative signs of bearing fruit. "I can confirm that President Ghani is seeking re-election next year," presidential palace spokesman Shah Hussain Murtazawi told AFP. Ghani, who chose the widely feared ethnic Uzbek leader Abdul Rashid Dostum as his first running mate in the 2014 election, has not yet announced who he will pick this time round. It also is not certain who will challenge Ghani in the April 20 ballot. Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's equivalent of prime minister, and former national security adviser Mohammad Haneef Atmar, who quit in August, are among potential contenders. Former Balkh provincial governor Atta Mohammad Noor, whose refusal to stand down from his position sparked a months-long political crisis for Ghani, has previously expressed interest in the job. Nominations open on November 10. The embattled Independent Election Commission (IEC) had been scheduled to release the results of last month's shambolic parliamentary poll on the same day, but on Saturday pushed back the date until November 23 for all provinces except Kabul. Kabul province's results would be released on December 1, IEC spokesman Sayed Hafizullah Hashimi told reporters. - Tainted presidency - Ghani, an ethnic Pashtun, will need more than the support of Afghanistan's largest ethnic group if he is to succeed at the ballot box and he has already started trying to win over rival ethnicities. Vice President Dostum's controversial return from exile in July was interpreted as an attempt by Ghani to secure votes from the minority group. Ghani's presidency has been marred by growing militant violence, record-high civilian casualties, political infighting, deepening ethnic divisions, and fading hopes among Afghans. The results of a Gallup survey released last month showed unprecedented levels of pessimism among people in the war-torn country. Ghani, an American-educated former World Bank official, took office in 2014 as US-led NATO combat troops withdrew from the country, sparking a resurgence in the Taliban which also coincided with the emergence of the Islamic State group in the region. In February, under growing pressure from the international community which provides critical financial and military backing to the government, Ghani made a peace offer to the Taliban. That was followed in June by an unprecedented ceasefire between Afghan troops and Taliban fighters that lasted three days and spurred hopes that peace was possible. Taliban representatives have met with US officials at least twice in Qatar in recent months, most recently on October 12 with newly appointed US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Khalilzad also is in talks with regional countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, to coordinate efforts to get the Taliban to the negotiating table. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is expected to present himself to war-weary voters as the candidate who can end the 17-year conflict Antoine Griezmann scored a brilliant free-kick but Atletico Madrid missed the chance to go top of La Liga on Saturday after drawing 1-1 at struggling Leganes. Griezmann's bending effort in the second half looked likely to prove the difference in a contest short on chances at Butarque but Guido Carrillo's 82nd-minute equaliser earned Leganes a deserved point. Atletico would have moved above Barcelona, for a few hours at least, with a victory but instead Diego Simeone's side sit a point behind the league leaders, who face Rayo Vallecano later on Saturday. Leganes remain 18th and without a win in five matches. Diego Costa, Diego Godin and Koke were all struggling with injury and absent from Atleti's starting line-up, perhaps not deemed worth the risk, with a crunch Champions League clash at home to Borussia Dortmund to come on Tuesday. Atletico sit second in Group A, three points behind the German side. But a stuttering run of form will be a concern too for Simeone, whose team were thrashed by Dortmund 4-0 only nine days ago and have now failed to beat Leganes, who are fighting relegation. Neither side managed a shot on target in the first half and both goals came from set-pieces in the second. Griezmann's strike in the 69th-minute would have been a worthy winner, the Frenchman curling a left-footed effort away from the rooted Pichu Cuellar and into the corner. But Atletico never looked like putting Leganes away and instead the hosts equalised as Rodri Tarin's deep cross to the back post found Youssef En-Nesyri, whose finish cannoned down off the crossbar before Carrillo bundled it in. Griezmann might still have won it for Atletico in injury-time but sent Filipe Luis' cut-back flying over the crossbar from eight yards out. Simeone twisted on his heels, with his head in his hands. Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann scores the opening goal during the Spanish league match against Leganes at the Estadio Municipal Butarque in Leganes, on November 3, 2018 Prosecutors in France on Friday said they had dropped legal proceedings against a man who rescued a Nigerian migrant about to give birth on the Franco-Italian border in freezing weather, citing "humanitarian immunity". Benoit Ducos, a volunteer helping migrants coming across the border, found the Nigerian family -- a couple and their two children -- and two others who had carried the woman, who was eight-and-a-half months pregnant, during their trek through the snowy terrain. Ducos and another volunteer decided to drive the woman to hospital in the nearby town of Briancon, with her contractions beginning during the journey. The baby was born by caesarean section later that night. The authorities opened an investigation into whether Ducos had assisted the entry and movement of an illegal alien. After inquiries into the "circumstances in which the help was given", however, the public prosecutor's office decided to take no further action. In a statement released on Friday, local public prosecutor Raphael Balland explained that for the offence of assisting entry the charge had been insufficiently specific as the investigation failed to determine if Ducos took part "directly or indirectly in organising the illegal journey from the border of these people in particularly perilous conditions". For the offence of helping them on their journey, the magistrate had invoked "humanitarian immunity" given the absence of any payment and the dangerous weather conditions, in particular for the pregnancy woman", the statement added. A volunteer helping migrants cross the French border has been granted "humanitarian immunity" after he drove an eight-and-a-half months pregnant woman to the hospital, where her baby was born that same night A jockey in New Zealand is facing a long battle to walk unaided again after breaking her spine in a horrific fall from her horse mid race. Maija Vance, 26, from Cambridge, suffered life-changing injuries when she was thrown from her horse during a race at Rotorua on September 16 and landed on her neck. She suffered two punctured lungs, damage to five vertebrae and her spinal cord, broken ribs, six broken teeth and a severed tongue. While she was left with no feeling from her waist down, she is making slow but steady progress and is determined to walk again. The 26-year-old broke her spine and nearly bit off her tongue in the horrific fall. Source: Facebook/ Maija Vance After undergoing surgery on her spine the day after the horrifying accident, she has since moved to Aucklands Spinal Rehab Unit where she undergoes daily physiotherapy. Ive decided Im not going to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and Im determined to do what I can to walk again, she told the New Zealand Herald. A huge milestone for the jockey has been being able to move herself from her bed to her wheelchair without assistance. Desperate to move back home with her parents, the young jockey will be forced to cover the costs of her rehabilitation once she leaves hospital. With the best physiotherapy needed, Ms Vance will undoubtedly struggle to deal with the financial strain premium care will put on her and her family. Yet her friends and family, as well as the racing world, have banded together and are adamant theyll be able to provide her with the best treatment available. The jockey is determined to walk again after being left wheelchair bound. Source: Facebook/ Maija Vance A GoFundMe page has been set up in order to raise much needed funds for Ms Vance and has so far raised more than $27,000. Many people are saying they would like to help, but are unsure how and we thought the fund would be a simple way for people willing to contribute to help Maija, the page reads. Ms Vance took to Facebook weeks after the accident to reveal the extent of her injuries and thanked those whove shown their support. The love and support Ive received in the last month has completely overwhelmed me, she wrote. Thank you to all the jockeys that contributed riding fees, the racecourses and organisations that have offered help and to everyone that has been donating to the fund my best friend Grace has made for me. I appreciate every single bit and I cant thank you all enough. Arsenal manager Unai Emery is happy with his side's progress, but admits there is still work to do to match Liverpool's title challenge after a thrilling 1-1 draw between the sides on Saturday. Alexandre Lacazette extended the Gunners unbeaten run to 14 games with an equaliser eight minutes from time to cancel out James Milner's opener as Liverpool edged a point clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. Arsenal remain four points behind the leaders. However, it is the first time Emery has avoided defeat against a Premier League top six opponent having been handed a baptism of fire in losing to Manchester City and Chelsea in his first two matches in charge. "Against Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool - these are three teams in front of us (in the table) and you can see how three different matches we played," said Emery. Today is a more complete game for us." Emery's Sevilla beat Liverpool in the final of the Europa League in their first season under Jurgen Klopp in 2016. But the Spaniard believes Liverpool's progress since is an example for Arsenal to follow. "They can win the Premier League this season. They play the final of the Europa League three years ago and last season they were in the final of the Champions League," added Emery. "They are a very good example for us. "For the supporters it is a great match and a good spectacle, but I am only 50 percent happy because we wanted to win." In contrast to their last visit to the Emirates when they conceded three times in five minutes nearly a year ago, Liverpool needed to show their new-found defensive resolve as a confident Arsenal started and finished the brighter. - 'Too easy' - "It was very intense. It was clear Arsenal was in a very good moment," said Klopp. "We made life too easy for them." Alisson Becker spread himself well to block from Lacazette before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's deflected effort from the edge of the area flew just wide early on. Granit Xhaka fired too close to Alisson from a well-worked corner, but the Brazilian international was fortunate when he rushed from his goal and was beaten to a floated cross by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose header drifted inches wide. However, Liverpool also had plenty of chances in a thrilling first-half that somehow lacked only goals. A dubious offside decision denied Sadio Mane the opening goal and Virgil van Dijk twice should have scored when he was first repelled by Bernd Leno and then flicked a header against the post with the German 'keeper caught flapping. Leno didn't get so lucky with his next mistake as he palmed Mane's dangerous cross back into the heart of the box and Milner drilled into the unguarded net. However, Leno made amends with a fingertip stop to again deny Van Dijk and Liverpool a crucial second following a towering header from a corner. "Virgil said to me afterwards: 'I should have scored a hat-trick' and he didn't even score one," said Klopp. Emery's decision to sacrifice Aubameyang rather than Lacazette with his substitutions was vindicated when the French international kept his composure to brilliantly curl into the far corner after being forced wide by Alisson. A return of five points from a possible nine from visits to Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal is already a drastic improvement on Liverpool's record of a single point from away games against top six opposition last season. Yet, even that upturn may not be enough to keep pace with a City side showing no let-up after romping to the title with 100 points. "It's not nice of course, but a point at Arsenal will always be a good result," surmised Klopp. Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette (centre) celebrates his equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool that stretched the Gunners' unbeaten run to 14 matches Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk missed a hat-trick of chances A harrowing emergency call reveals the moment a desperate mother tried to save her baby girl from a fatal pit bull mauling, while begging for someone to help. According the news station WRAL, Miranda Harrell called emergency services on October 22 as the familys dog mauled her one-year-old daughter Triniti outside their home in North Carolina, US. In the haunting phone call the emotional mother pleads with the dispatcher for help to save her childs life. Miranda Harrell called emergency services as the familys dog fatally mauled her one-year-old daughter Triniti outside their home in North Carolina, US. Source: WRAL I need some help. My dog is attacking my daughter, Ms Harrell told a 911 dispatcher. The dispatcher can be heard instructing the woman to hit the dog on the head with a heavy object like a shovel. When that failed, he told her to find a knife to cut the dogs throat so it would release its jaw. Im hitting as hard as I can, she said. Help me! The pit bull turned on the little girl in the family yard, and could not stop attacking one-year-old girl Triniti. Source: CBS 17 The frantic mother then told him nothing was working, and the knife wasnt sharp enough to stab the animal. Help me, shes dying. Please help, Ms Harrell begged. The dispatcher assured her everyone was on their way there as quick as they can. An officer eventually arrived at the home and shot the dog dead, but it was too late to save the little girl. Triniti was transported to hospital where but sadly died a few days later, WRAL reports. Myanmar voters cast their ballots in a small but key by-election Saturday, a rare local test of support for embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party more than halfway through her time in office. Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) swept to power in 2015 in a landslide victory ending decades of military rule. But her tenure has been marred by a failure to speak up for Rohingya Muslims driven out of the country by the army and stumbling peace talks with insurgent groups in lawless border areas. A mere 13 positions are in play in the country's second by-election since the national poll three years ago, but they are spread out across the country and include parliamentary and regional assembly seats. Some two-dozen parties are in the mix and 69 candidates are taking part. At one polling station in Yangon's Tamwe township residents showed support for Suu Kyi while acknowleding some of the criticism. "I voted NLD this morning," Maung Maung, 34, a software engineer who lives in Tamwe, told AFP. "I was a strong supporter of the NLD for years but during the years when NLD took power, there were some failures that they are working on," he added, without going into detail. Aye Soe, a 52-year-old street vendor, expressed full-throated backing. "I will support her until I die," she said. Initial results are expected to be announced on Sunday. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi's reputation at home is more secure than it is abroad, where her image as a rights icon has been shattered by the Rohingya crisis. More than 720,000 from the stateless Muslim minority have fled to Bangladesh since a military crackdown in August 2017. Huddled in crowded camps, they have recounted stories of murder, rape and villages burned to the ground. Myanmar has denied almost all of the allegations, saying soldiers were defending themselves against Rohingya militants. UN investigators have called for the situation to be referred to the International Criminal Court and for senior members of the Tatmadaw, as the armed forces are known, to be investigated on genocide charges. Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi swept to power in 2015 in a landslide victory ending decades of military rule Standing at the site of the epic battle of Dien Bien Phu in northern Vietnam, French colonel Jacques Allaire wept at the memory of his 4,000 fellow fighters who died in the bloody fight that would spell the end of France's colonial rule in Indochina. The 94-year-old former POW accompanied French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Saturday to the remote valley where the bloody battle raged for 56 days before Vietnam's shock victory that would pave the way for the communist nation's independence. "This is like being in a dream, I'm thinking of my comrades, of all my men," said Allaire, who was captured by communist soldiers in 1954 and held for more than seven months, including a 90-day "death march" to a prison near the Chinese border. As the fate of the French became clear in March 1954, he received a written order from his commander: "Cease combat and destroy your weapons". He kept the note throughout his captivity and carried a copy of it in his jacket pocket to the battle site Saturday, an area he called "unrecognisable". "It was a small village, far from everything (in 1954). Today it's a city, which proves that Viet Minh fighters didn't fight for nothing," he said. The ferocious battle in the rugged, remote valley killed 13,000 people on both sides in under two months, as Vietnamese fighters hemmed in French forces -- equipped with superior weapons -- and bombarded them with heavy artillery. Vietnam's win over the French led to the country's division into the communist-ruled north, headed by revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, and a pro-US southern regime. That set the stage for two decades of war which would end with unification and America's defeat in the Vietnam War in 1975. Today France is one of Vietnam's most important allies, with soaring trade worth $7.6 billion and cosying military alliances. Philippe, who is in Vietnam for a three-day visit until Sunday, is the second senior French leader to visit Dien Bien Phu after President Francois Mitterrand in 1993. "It is difficult to imagine that for several months this was the site of intense fighting rarely seen," Philippe said, after touring France's former underground command centre and lighting incense at a memorial plaque. "For those who lived through those moments, I know the emotion is very intense and once again the message that I want to convey here, is a message of admiration, of respect and of pride," he said. - 'No more hatred' - Ahead of the visit, several Vietnamese veterans recalled the fight-to-the-death spirit that carried them to victory, despite the odds the faced. Hoang Bao was barely 20 years old when he trekked hundreds of kilometres (miles) to the site, facing off with the French full of hate and ready to die for his country's independence. But today, retired colonel Bao is happy to call his former foe a friend. "We have no hatred toward the French any more," the 85-year-old told AFP in Hanoi, wearing his dark green military uniform decorated with medals. But he said there are important lessons to be learned to avoid the mistakes of the past. "The French didn't learn our history well, so they lost... Vietnam is different from other countries, we are not willing to surrender," he said. Facing the French in battle was complicated for some fighters like Bao, whose lives were closely intertwined with their colonial rulers, sometimes going to school or working alongside them. But driven by patriotism and a fierce thirst for independence, many Vietnamese took up the struggle fortified by bitter memories of invasion by the Chinese, Japanese and French. They were also buoyed by Communist slogans that urged everyone to pitch into the war effort. "One slogan was: We would rather die than be slaves again and (we will) sacrifice everything for independence and freedom," said Tran Quoc Hanh, an 83-year-old former colonel. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (L) lays a wreath at the French memorial in Dien Bien Phu, the battle that spelled the end of France's colonial rule in Indochina Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (C) shakes hands with war veterans in Dien Bien Phu, where 13,000 people were killed in the 1954 battle Prime Minister Edouard Philippe tours the former French military command bunker in Dien Bien Phu Vietnamese Dien Bien Phu veteran Nguyen Tran Viet, 87, shows a portrait of when he was a soldier Retired Vietnamese colonel Hoang Bao, 85, says he has no hatred towards the French any more 'One slogan was: We would rather die than be slaves again,' says former colonel Tran Quoc Hanh, 84 A plan to create the world's largest marine sanctuary in Antarctic waters was shot down when a key conservation summit failed to reach a consensus, with environmentalists on Saturday decrying a lack of scientific foresight. Member states of the organisation tasked with overseeing the sustainable exploitation of the Southern Ocean failed at an annual meeting Friday to agree over the a 1.8 million square kilometre (1.1 million square miles) maritime protection zone. The proposed sanctuary -- some five times the size of Germany -- would ban fishing in a vast area in the Weddell sea, protecting key species including seals, penguins and whales. Consensus is needed from all 24 members of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and the European Union. But environmental groups say Russia and China -- whose concerns over compliance issues and fishing rights have proved key stumbling blocks in the past -- along with Norway, played a part in rejecting the plan. "This was an historic opportunity to create the largest protected area on Earth in the Antarctic: safeguarding wildlife, tackling climate change and improving the health of our global oceans," Greenpeace's Frida Bengtsson said in a statement on Saturday. "Twenty-two delegations came here to negotiate in good faith but, instead, serious scientific proposals for urgent marine protection were derailed by interventions which barely engaged with the science and made a mockery of any pretence of real deliberation." Antarctica is home to penguins, seals, toothfish, whales and huge numbers of krill, a staple food for many species. They are considered critical for scientists to study how marine ecosystems function and to understand the impacts of climate change on the ocean. Plans were set out in 2009 to establish a series of marine protected area (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean allowing marine life to migrate between areas for breeding and foraging, but it has been slow going. The CCAMLR summit, held in each year in Hobart, Australia, was able in 2016 to establish a massive US and New Zealand-backed MPA around the Ross Sea covering an area roughly the size of Britain, Germany and France combined. As well as the huge Weddell Sea sanctuary, proposals to estbalish two further MPAs in East Antarctica and the Western Antarctic Peninsula were also dashed this year. Together, the three zones would cover close to three million square kilometres. Andrea Kavanagh, head of The Pew Charitable Trusts' Antarctic and Southern Ocean work, described the failure to achieve an MPA designation as "discouraging". "Without an East Antarctic MPA, critical foraging grounds for emperor and Adelie penguins, toothfish, and many other species will not be safeguarded," she said in a statement. The CCAMLR released a statement saying the new MPAs were the "subject of much discussion" and would be considered again at next year's meeting. The proposed sanctuary would ban fishing in a vast area in the Weddell sea, protecting key species including Adelie penguins Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko and the Istanbul-based Orthodox patriarch on Saturday signed an accord that paves the way for the recognition of an independent Ukrainian church, provoking new fury in Moscow. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I had on October 11 agreed to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the Moscow Patriarchate, a move that was welcomed with jubilation by Kiev but condemned as "catastrophic" in Moscow. On a visit to Istanbul that will see him hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Poroshenko signed an agreement setting out the steps needed to formalise the recognition of the independence of the Ukrainian Church, known as Tomos. "On behalf of the Ukrainian people, I am very grateful to His Holiness and to all the bishops of the Ecumenical Patriarchy for the extremely important and wise decision to open the road to God for the Ukrainian nation and its church," Poroshenko said. "The agreement that we signed today sets the conditions so that the preparation to grant the Tomos will be done in absolute correspondence with the canonical rules of the Orthodox Church." Poroshenko also tweeted: "Today is a historic day. We have reached an agreement on the cooperation between Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which we just signed with His Holiness." The issue is set to play a key role in Ukraine's March 2019 presidential elections with Poroshenko making Tomos a key issue as he plans a re-election bid. The Patriarchate is based in its historic home of Istanbul, the former Constantinople and once the capital of the Byzantine Empire before the Ottoman Muslim conquest of 1453. Batholomew is considered the "first among equals" of Orthodox patriarchs. The Patriarchate of Moscow, which is strongly backed by the Kremlin, argues it technically oversees most of Ukraine's Orthodox parishes and has warned that independence would provoke a rift in global Orthodoxy. Metropolitan Hilarion, who oversees the external relations of the Russian church, said the new accord was one of several recent decisions by Bartholomew "which lie outside the canonical domain and are exclusively political." According to Russia's TASS news agency, he accused Bartholomew of "carrying out an order from overseas aiming to weaken and divide the unified Russian church". The Ukrainian Church is split into three bodies -- one technically overseen by the Patriarch of Moscow, a fact the Kiev government considers unacceptable given its ongoing war with Russia-backed rebels in the east. Ukraine and Russia have been at loggerheads since 2014 when Kiev street protests urging Ukrainian integration with Europe prompted the ousting of pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych. Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea later that year and backed rebels who carved out two unrecognised breakaway regions in Ukraine's mineral-rich east in a conflict that continues to this day. Ukraine's president Petro Poroshenko (L) leaves the Fener Greek Patriarchate after meet Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew (R) The whirring of a low-flying Soviet Union-era war plane signalled Russia's uninvited arrival to NATO's biggest military exercise since the end of the Cold War. Marines on board USS Mount Whitney off the Norwegian coast, had gathered for a group photo on deck when the Tupolev TU-142 soared overhead. "It's a long-range maritime patrol reconnaissance plane," said one fascinated marine after casting an expert eye over the visitor. Although he had seen plenty of images of the aircraft, this was the first time he had seen it live, so to speak. Russia has already made clear its displeasure at NATO's Trident Juncture exercises, the largest by the alliance since the end of the Cold War. They warned that the two-week long exercise, which it sees as an anti-Russian show of force, would not go unanswered. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, two Tupolev TU-142 carried out a "planned flight" of more than 12 hours. "All flights by the Russian fleet's maritime planes are carried out strictly in accordance with international airspace regulations," the ministry said on Saturday, according to state news agency RIA Novosti. Several states, including Sweden, Turkey and Baltic nations, have complained about Russian airspace violations in recent years. Last week, Moscow also announced plans to test missiles in the region. 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. Any missile testing "will not change the plan of our exercise," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday. "We have not seen anything resembling a missile test, or even ships or aircraft in the area that would be relevant to documenting or monitoring missile testing," said Robert Aguilar, captain of the USS Mount Whitney. - Cold War leftovers - The Tupolev's passage appeared to be part of Russia's response. But Colonel Garth Manger, a British Royal Marine in charge of operational duties aboard the US ship, took it in his stride. "They're watching us and we're watching them," he said. Like the Tupolev, the USS Mount Whitney is a holdover from the Cold War era. The third oldest vessel in the US Navy and the flagship of the US 6th Fleet, it has seen nearly 50 years' service. Upgraded with the latest telecommunications equipment, it served as the command vessel for Trident Juncture, which is perhaps what provoked the interest of the Tupolev. But if the flyover sparked shouts from marines on board Mount Whitney, senior officers played down any provocation. "We are at sea, everyone's got the right to be here. It's international waters, it's international airspace," said British Admiral Guy Robinson, second-in-command of the maritime task force. "So clearly we monitor closely. But everything we see in this exercise is that they've been safe and professional." Jason Bohm, commanding the US marines taking part in the exercise, was equally phlegmatic: "The largest issue we have had on this exercise has been the weather." NATO forces on the USS Moutn Whitnes watch a Russian Tupolev TU-142 fly past The TU)142, like the USS Mount Whitney, dates back to the Cold War era The Tupolev's passage appears to be part of Russia's response to the NATO exercises The USS Mount Whitney is the flagship of the US 6th Fleet AFP PHOTO / US NAVY / Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Viramontes Attempts to win over MP defectors intensified in Sri Lanka's constitutional crisis Saturday amid growing pressure to let the suspended parliament hold a vote on the two rivals who each claim to be prime minister. Ousted premier Ranil Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his sacking by President Maithripala Sirisena, who named former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse in his place. Rajapakse has eaten into Wickremesinghe's majority amid warnings from pro-democracy and anti-corruption groups about the tactics being used. A member of Wickremesinghe's United National Party, S.B. Nawinna, became the latest to defect and was rewarded with the cultural affairs portfolio in Rajapakse's government. A deputy from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) party also switched sides and was made a deputy minister. "We are expecting a few more defections on Saturday," a source close to President Sirisena said. At least three more deputies from the TNA, which has 16 in the 225-member parliament, are expected to go over to the Rajapakse. - Decisive support - The TNA has still said it will back a motion against Rajapakse that the UNP has submitted to be taken up when parliament does reconvene. The TNA called Rajapakse's appointment on October 26 "unconstitutional and illegal." A statement from the party added that the alliance had "decided to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion against Rajapakse." Tamil support is decisive for Wickremesinghe -- who has remained bunkered in the official prime minister's residence since his sacking, seeking to bolster his numbers in the assembly. According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 100. Most of the 22 remaining MPs, including the TNA, are likely to oppose Rajapakse, observers said. Huge amounts are reportedly being offered to defectors. A UNP stalwart, Range Bandara, said this week he was offered $2.8 million to cross over and support Rajapakse. The minority Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) party, which has seven lawmakers, said its members had also rejected offers to join the Sirisena-Rajapakse camp. A pro-democracy movement urged MPs not to sell their votes and undermine the will of the people. "We appeal to you not to allow parliament to be put up for sale. You have a responsibility to prevent Sri Lanka from being plunged further into a moral and ethical political abyss," the Movement for Democracy said. It expressed alarm at ministerial positions being given for changing political loyalties. "We demand a stop to this culture of buying and selling votes," the group said. The Transparency International anti-graft watchdog highlighted the country's Bribery Act which made accepting and offering inducements a jailable offence. The president suspended parliament for 20 days until November 16 after sacking Wickremesinghe, in a move to put off a parliamentary vote that would have gone against his choice for prime minister. - Parliament opening doubtful - Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has called a meeting for next Wednesday. But the president's spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said he did still does not expect parliament to open before November 16. Rajapakse loyalists are arranging a mass rally on Monday near the parliament complex to support to what the local media has dubbed a "constitutional coup." Rights groups as well as Western nations have urged Sirisena to summon parliament to end the crisis. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has joined the international calls for Sirisena to reinstate parliament. Guterres told Sirisena he was following the Sri Lanka crisis "with concern," and "urged the president to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow the parliament to vote as soon as possible," a UN statement said. Ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his surprise sacking by President Maithripala Sirisena Graphic on the political crisis in Sri Lanka. Wickremesinghe has remained bunkered in the official prime minister's residence since his sacking Supporters of Mahinda Rajapakse are arranging a mass rally on Monday to support his controversial appointment as PM Sri Lanka's sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned time is running out to avert a "bloodbath" while voicing hope that parliament will resolve a damaging constitutional crisis in the coming days. Wickremesinghe, who has been holed up at the prime minister's official residence for more than a week as thousands of supporters gather outside, told AFP in an interview that "desperate people" could cause chaos on the Indian Ocean island. The 69-year-old was sacked out-of-the-blue on October 26 by President Maithripala Sirisena, with domineering former president Mahinda Rajapakse named in his place. However Wickremesinghe refused to accept his dismissal and has not left the sprawling colonial-era Temple Trees residence -- where Buddhist monks now chant prayers outside -- since. Sirisena also suspended parliament in an apparent bid to prevent opposition to his move, deepening the turmoil that has seen at least one man killed in a shooting last weekend linked to the power struggle. "We will be calling on our people not to resort to violence," Wickremesinghe said late Friday. "But you don't know what arises in a situation like this. "A few desperate people can start off a bloodbath." His comments echoed the fears of parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya who warned of bloodshed on the streets if a vote is not held by lawmakers to decide between the two leaders. Wickremesinghe, head of the United National Party, already the biggest group in parliament, has also called for such a vote and is trying to rally allies to the cause. But stopping parliament from meeting has given Rajapakse -- still popular despite his strongarm tactics to end the country's Tamil civil war and corruption allegations -- more time to try to win support. Wickremesinghe said he hoped the showdown could be ended peacefully and expressed optimism that a solution to the crisis would soon be found. "I feel parliament is going to prevail finally. This can't take too long. I would say in a week to 10 days at the most," he said, adding the priority was to establish parliament's "supremacy". Wickremesinghe said two smaller parties -- the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Tamil National Alliance -- were backing his call for the legislature to meet despite obstacles placed by Sirisena. The two parties signed a petition to the parliament speaker on Friday demanding the reconvening of the 225-member assembly on November 7. "A majority of parliament has said all these actions (of the president) are not legitimate and not in accordance with the constitution," said Wickremesinghe. According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 100. Most of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said. - Street battles feared - A majority of legislators want Sirisena to end the suspension of parliament by Wednesday and any delay is "against the wishes of all the parties", according to the embattled Wickremesinghe. Apart from political pressure on Sirisena, civil society groups are also stepping up agitation to ensure the constitution is respected, Wickremesinghe said. After sacking his prime minister, Sirisena addressed the nation and lambasted Wickremesinghe, saying they could not work together because of serious personal and cultural differences. A divorce of their coalition was inevitable after just over three years, Sirisena said. Wickremesinghe had expected a confrontation but not the sack. "We knew there would be problems by somewhere in November, but it came a bit sooner than I thought," he added. Sirisena accused Wickremesinghe, a trained lawyer who favours a liberal economy, of being dictatorial and ignoring the president in cabinet. Wickremesinghe hit back saying their personal rivalry was not an excuse for a constitutional war. "The constitution doesn't make provisions for personality clashes," he said. "In cabinet there are people you like and you may not like." Wickremesinghe is from an elitist family with an urban upbringing, poles apart from Sirisena who is from a modest rural farming family. They made common cause to end Rajapakse's decade in power in a 2015 presidential election but have drifted apart since over economic policy and day-to-day decisions. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe of being an autocratic leader of the UNP. "He is not a member of the UNP," Wickremesinghe hit back. "He can say whatever he wants." Ranil Wickremesinghe has been holed up at the prime minister's official residence since his sudden dismissal more than a week ago Thousands of supporters have gathered outside the prime minister's official residence in Colombo Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe out-of-the-blue on October 26 Domineering former president Mahinda Rajapakse was named in Wickremesinghe's place Wickremesinghe has not left the sprawling colonial-era Temple Trees residence, where Buddhist monks now chant prayers outside Sri Lanka's newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse (R) is still popular despite his strongarm tactics to end the country's Tamil civil war and corruption allegations Tunisia kicked off a major film festival Saturday under tight security, just days after a suicide blast rocked the centre of the capital. Events at the Carthage Film Festival are being held a stone's throw away from where a female suicide bomber wounded 20 people in central Tunis on Monday. "We wanted to show that Tunisia continues to live," Prime Minister Youssef Chahed told AFP at the opening ceremony. "Tunisia combats terrorism through security measures... and also through culture." The festival, now in its 29th year, celebrates the best of Arab and African cinema and is set to run for one week. Monday's attack was the first in the Tunisian capital since November 24, 2015 when a suicide bombing killed 12 security agents on a bus for presidential guards. That attack was claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. Since the 2011 uprising that toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, jihadist attacks in Tunisia have killed dozens of foreign tourists and members of the security forces. In June 2015, 38 people were killed in a shooting rampage at the coastal resort of Sousse which targeted tourists, while an attack in March that year on the National Bardo Museum in Tunis left 22 people dead, most of them tourists. Those attacks, also claimed by IS, devastated Tunisia's crucial tourism sector. Carthage Film Festival's Jury President Deborah Young (C) arrives with members of the jury on November 3, 2018, for the opening of the 29th edition of the Carthage Film Festival in Tunis One US soldier was killed and another wounded in an "apparent insider attack" in Kabul on Saturday, NATO said, in the latest such assault on international forces in Afghanistan. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the third so-called "green-on-blue" attack in less than three weeks that have rattled foreign troops tasked with training and assisting the war-torn country's military. The Taliban claimed two similar attacks in the western province of Herat on October 22 and the southern province of Kandahar on October 18. General Scott Miller, the top NATO and US commander in Afghanistan, narrowly escaped the latter attack that killed a powerful police chief. "Initial reports indicate the attacker was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces," NATO's Resolute Support mission said in a statement. The attacker was killed by "other Afghan forces", it added. The latest "green-on-blue" attack -- in which Afghan forces turn their weapons on international soldiers with whom they are working -- takes the number of US soldiers to die in Afghanistan this year to eight. The wounded American soldier was flown to Bagram Airfield north of the Afghan capital where he was receiving medical treatment. He was in a "stable condition". An investigation into the incident was under way, the statement said. The identity of the dead soldier was not immediately released. Currently, there are about 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, providing the main component of the Resolute Support mission to support and train local forces. More than 2,000 American soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the start of the war in 2001. While casualties have fallen dramatically since the withdrawal of NATO combat troops at the end of 2014, the deadly burden has shifted to Afghanistan's security forces, which are suffering record-level casualties. But the insider attack on a high-level security meeting in Kandahar that was attended by Miller shocked the US military, whose generals seldom face attack and are rarely wounded. The attacker killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq, who was seen as a bulwark against the Taliban insurgency in the south. Another 13 people were wounded, including US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley. That incident was followed four days later by an attack in Herat province that killed one NATO soldier and wounded two others. All the victims were Czech. After the Herat attack the Resolute Support mission scaled back its operations in Afghanistan for several days, avoiding face-to-face contact with Afghan counterparts. There are about 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, providing the main component of the Resolute Support mission to support and train local forces Hoang Bao was barely 20 years old when he trekked to Dien Bien Phu in northern Vietnam to fight the French, facing his enemy full of hatred and ready to die for his country's independence. More than 60 years after the communists' shock victory in the epic battle, the site of which French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe will visit Saturday, retired colonel Bao is happy to call his former foe a friend. "We have no hatred toward the French any more," 85-year-old Bao told AFP in Hanoi, wearing his dark green military uniform decorated with medals. But he said there are important lessons to be learned from the bloody 56-day fight that sparked the collapse of France's colonial Indochina empire and paved the way for northern Vietnam's independence. "The French didn't learn our history well, so they lost... Vietnam is different from other countries, we are not willing to surrender," he said. Vietnam's win over the French led to the country's division into the communist-ruled north, headed by revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, and a pro-US southern regime. That set the stage for two decades of war which would end with unification and America's defeat in the Vietnam War in 1975. Today France is one of Vietnam's most important allies, with soaring trade worth $7.6 billion and cosying military alliances. Philippe is the second senior French leader to visit the site after President Francois Mitterrand in 1993. The French premier, who will travel to Dien Bien Phu with several French vets, said the trip is a chance to pay respect to the thousands who fought in the war. "I want to pay tribute to the dedication, the self-sacrifice, the immense courage of the fighters on both sides," Philippe said in an interview with Tuoi Tre newspaper this week. The ferocious battle in the rugged, remote valley killed 13,000 people on both sides in under two months, as Vietnamese fighters hemmed in French forces -- equipped with superior weapons -- and bombarded them with heavy artillery. Facing the French in battle was complicated for some fighters, whose lives were closely intertwined with their colonial rulers, sometimes going to school or working alongside them. But driven by patriotism and a fierce thirst for independence, many Vietnamese took up the struggle fortified by bitter memories of invasion by the Chinese, Japanese and French. They were also buoyed by Communist slogans that urged everyone to pitch into the war effort. "One slogan was: We would rather die than be slaves again and (we will) sacrifice everything for independence and freedom," said Tran Quoc Hanh, an 83-year-old former colonel who trekked thousands of kilometres to the battle site in 1953. The battle for Dien Bien Phu is still bittersweet for many who wear the victory as a badge of honour, but lament the steep death toll. "We lost so many comrades," said Nguyen Tran Viet, an 87-year-old former army medic. "We should live peacefully now, never let war happen again," he said. France is one of Vietnam's most important allies, with soaring trade worth $7.6 billion and cosying military alliances Children entering a hut in a suburb of Zimbabwe's capital gaze in wonder at objects foreign to them -- ancient farm tools, pottery, even the grass roof and reed mats on which they are asked to sit. A bespectacled elderly woman claps her hands to get their attention and tells them gripping tales with words and songs about animals, folklore and supernatural beings. Hatifari Munongi, a poet, storyteller and retired schoolteacher, has built a replica traditional homestead at her property in the suburb of Marlborough in Harare. She was inspired to set up the miniature village after chatting with local children. "I would ask a child about 'nhodo' and they would stare at me with a blank face," she told AFP, referring to a game of counting pebbles in and out of a small pit in the ground, which was beloved by generations of Zimbabweans. "It was all foreign to them. For me that was not a good sign," she said, explaining how it spurred her "to do something to rescue our disappearing culture and traditions". So Munongi, 80, used savings from her teaching career to build the homestead as a repository for indigenous knowledge and the country's rich cultural heritage. - Teaching about a lost lifestyle - Finished last year, its circular walls and grass roof stick out among the surrounding modern brick and tile-roofed houses. Inside she teaches children about a lifestyle that is either already lost or increasingly under threat due to rapid urbanisation that has seen Harare's population boom from 615,000 in 1980 to well over two million today. "The idea was to give urban children an idea of how African people lived before and now," Munongi told AFP. "Children in urban areas did not know a lot of things. This place is open for early childhood classes, primary school, secondary school, college and university students. There is a lot for them to learn." Adults pay $3 and children $1 to visit the homestead, which consists of the round hut, a cattle pen and a rabbit run. There is also a simple replica of a traditional men's court -- stools and logs arranged in a circle for men to discuss village business around a fire. On a clay platform inside the hut are artefacts including a hatchet, a club, a spear, a sword, a bow and arrows next to a cowhide drum, shakers, the marimba and other traditional music instruments. Shelves along the walls display plates and other kitchen utensils neatly arranged above a set of pots. Munongi, known as "gogo" (grandmother) by visitors, is something of a celebrity in Zimbabwe after she gained a degree in sociology, gender and development studies in 2016 at the age of 78. Next she hopes to host cultural events such as traditional marriage ceremonies where the groom's representatives negotiate the bride price with her family. "I would like to urge all young children to visit," said Tafadzwa Mawire, 10. "They have an opportunity to eat roasted maize, they will play traditional games and listen to folk stories told by a grandmother." Hundreds of children have already visited Munongi's project and she hopes that it will become part of every young Harare resident's education. Her granddaughter Vimbai Gudza, a 23-year-old with a biochemistry degree, helps out at the project as she searches for a job in Zimbabwe, where the economy has been in the doldrums for 20 years. - 'So nostalgic' - "There are things I couldn't do before that I now can do, for example pounding grain into flour with a pestle and mortar," she said, demonstrating her new skills. "As someone who grew up in town, participating in the activities at the village is a learning experience as well for me." Project assistant Chipo Mautsire, who grew up in the rural district of Masvingo, uses her experience to winnow grain. "Having grown up in a village myself I know what village life is like," Mautsire said. "There are many things children of today don't know about like the fact that a child should kneel when greeting elders." Munongi's niece Viola Rupiza was awestruck when she arrived home from a 14-year stint in Britain and visited her aunt's village-in-the-city. "I was so impressed. The village is so real. It reminded me of our visits to the rural home. It was so nostalgic," she said. Zimbabwe poet, storyteller and retired schoolteacher, Hatifari Munongi has created a replica traditional homestead in her backyard in a Harare suburb as a way to help preserve local culture Munongi, 80, used savings from her teaching career to build the homestead as a repository for indigenous knowledge and the country's rich cultural heritage Inside the homestead, there is also a simple replica of a traditional men's court -- stools and logs arranged in a circle for men to discuss village business around a fire Hundreds of children have already visited Munongi's project and she hopes that it will become part of every young Harare resident's education We will be celebrating Veterans Day next week, and I have a poignant Civil War family story to share with you. The picture with this column shows Helen Eberhardt Cuddeback reviewing one of the 19 Civil War letters written by her husband Howard's ancestor John Cuddeback. John wrote his wife, Eliza, from 1861 to his death in a Pennsylvania hospital in 1862. The last two letters were written for him by a nurse, as he was too sick to write. Credit goes to her sister Bertha Eberhardt Rowe for encouraging her to contact me to write his story. Bertha felt it was time to share this family history. The letters were in Howard's possession for years, never shown to anyone but family. Helen tried to abstract them, even following the misspelling and punctuation, but the writing was too faded. The pages, however, are in exceptional shape and cherished by family members. They will remain in the family. John Cuddeback's letters were full of his longing for home and family. In all his letters, he repeatedly encouraged his five children. For his daughter Dianna, it was to help her mother. For his boys, Clark, Chancy, Watson and William, it was to do well in school, even to inquire about the molly cow": "How much milk and butter? Did they sell the slay (sic), kill the hog?" It was evident to me as I read them that his heart was at home and weighed down with total concern for their welfare. Toward the end, his letters spoke of his earnest desire to get well so he could be discharged (as promised by his doctor) and come home. It was not to be. Pvt. John Cuddeback of the New York Company M died on Dec. 9, 1862, at age 43 in St. Josephs Hospital in Pennsylvania. He was a patient there from July 1862 until his demise. When I interviewed Helen for this article, she told me with regret how she and Howard over the years had walked and searched endlessly all the local cemeteries trying to find John and Eliza Cuddeback's graves. Today, their health and ages of 94 and 98 prevent these excursions. Two days after our visit, I called Helen to tell her with excitement, "I found him Helen! He is buried at the Philadelphia National Cemetery in Pennsylvania! Thanks to todays computer technology and the web site findagrave.com, years of searching was solved in minutes. Pvt. John Cuddeback never made it home. This is our "then" veterans story. For our "now" veterans story, we are pleased to report that the last 100 memorial pavers for the Owasco Veterans Park on Owasco Road are engraved and ready for placement. Please go to the town of Owasco website, owascony.gov, to see the list of the 755 names. You can imagine my total embarrassment for the oversight at the dedication of the Veterans Park when classmate retired Gen. John Herrling came and was our keynote speaker. I did not know that the names of his two brothers (Owasco veterans) were not included in the memorial pavers. Assemblyman Gary Finch was also in attendance. He came on crutches. And Gary and his wife Marcias fathers names, also Owasco veterans, were not there either. John Leonard and I have tried not to leave anyone out. All their names, ranks and service are now included in the last 100 pavers. Soon, service flags representing the branches of our nations military will be on additional flagpoles, all donated by Woodmen of the World. Gary Finch, in appreciation and as a memorial tribute, will replace the prisoner of war flag and the American flag. Thus Owasco does honor our veterans then and now. Laurel Auchampaugh is the Owasco historian and can be reached at the Owasco Town Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoons or at historian@owascony.gov. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Moravia will host its annual Fall Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. The church, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, will showcase its wood-carved interior on tours during the festival. It features work by Hans Meyer, of the Oberammergau school in Bavaria, Germany. The festival will also include a bazaar with crafts by local artisans, a demonstration and display of heirloom bobbin lace making by Bonnie Breed, baked goods, free face painting, Lady of 1,000 Pockets for children, "Angel of Ice" counted cross-stitched by Marge Newhart, and a raffle of an oak pie safe with copper-punched doors by Country Wood Specialties. A lunch of homemade soup, sandwiches, pie and beverage will be $6.50, and a half sandwich, soup, pie and beverage will be $4.50. The church is located at 14 Church St., Moravia. Tours take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and raffle drawings at 3 p.m. For more information, call (315) 497-1171. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy A "career con artist" was convicted Friday of stealing a tractor trailer in Cayuga County by giving the owner two checks that he knew were worthless. Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said in a news release that Heath Edmead, 44, was convicted by a jury of third-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree grand larceny for pulling off the scam in the town of Locke on June 20, 2014. Edmead is a career con artist who has purchased several vehicles using worthless checks in New York and elsewhere by setting up shell companies to make the checks look legitimate, Budelmann said. In Locke, Edmead "purchased" a truck for $11,500. When the checks bounced, the victim reported the fraud to police. After he was tracked down, Edmead was arrested at Riker's Island jail in New York City on Nov. 20, 2015. Because of Edmead's charges in other states, the matter proceeded to trial this week in Cayuga County Court, where a jury found Edmead guilty of both counts. Although the district attorney's office requested remand, the court set bail at $5,000 cash or $10,000 secured bond. Edmead did not meet the bail immediately and was being held in the Cayuga County Jail Friday. On top of the evidence of the crime in Locke, Budelmann said, testimony from a victim of a similar scam in Connecticut was presented. The NYPD officer who stopped that victim's stolen vehicle in the Bronx also testified. When Edmead arrived at a Connecticut victim's house to "buy" his car with a worthless check, "America's Most Wanted Transport" was seen scribbled on the side of the tractor-trailer he was operating. Edmead will be sentenced Jan. 8. The defendant, a previously convicted felon, faces 2 to 7 years in prison. Budelmann said that he would ask the court to impose the maximum sentence and restitution for the victim. Love 0 Funny 7 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 As a New York state senator for 32 years, Jim Seward believes the continued support he's received from voters is proof he's done right by the 51st District. Seward, a Republican from the village of Milford, right in the center of the district that includes parts of Cayuga County like Locke, Moravia and Owasco, is running for re-election against Democrat Joyce St. George. Starting as a staffer for state Sen. Steve Riford before being elected himself in 1986, Seward said he chosen a career in politics because he's always been a people person, and considers it a great calling to help people by moving the area and the state forward. To continue moving forward, Seward said, the state needs to take a closer look at the connected issues of economic development, taxes and corruption in government. "I'm very concerned about our upstate region," Seward said. "We need to tackle the issue of affordability and creating opportunities for people right here in upstate New York." Seward noted his support of the New York State Procurement Integrity Act, which would give the state comptroller independent oversight of state contracts so they could be fully audited and more accountable. Combined with a proposed database to monitor state subsidy projects for points like how much state money or tax credits went to a project, how many jobs were promised and how many are actually created. Such measures would make it harder for corrupt politicians to abuse the system, Seward said, citing high-profile convictions of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. "I certainly want people to have full confidence in their state officials. We are working for them, the people, and not ourselves," Seward said, adding that there has not been "a hint of scandal" around his long career. Reducing regulatory fines for small business, something Seward said he's heard as a priority in discussions with business owners, would also help the economy, as well as his idea to place liaisons for small businesses in state agencies, he said. "Let's give our small businesses a break and help them to comply rather than being punitive," he said. Seward also called for in infrastructure investments for water, sewers, roads and bridges but particularly broadband internet. While work like the ongoing installation of broadband in southern Cayuga County was a good start, the state needs to do more, according to Seward. Another avenue to promote growth, he said, could come from a bill he sponsored that would create a $100 million private investment fund to provide a source of financing for new or expanded business ventures in rural counties like Cayuga or Cortland counties, with an emphasis on agriculture. Part of why Seward thinks he should be re-elected, he said, is to serve as part of checks and balances against a completely Democratic state government, which he said would heavily favor New York City and downstate. "I want to continue to be a backstop to protect our upstate region, to make sure we keep the attention focused on our part of the state," Seward said. "Obviously we work with colleagues from all over the state, but the Republican conference has really been a protector of upstate." Seward cited the Republican-controlled Senate's vote this year that countered the Democrat-controlled Assembly's proposed budget that included billions in new taxes as an example of those checks and balances. "We in the Senate said 'no, we're already a high-taxed state. We can't add to the burden,'" Seward said. Making the property tax cap permanent, as well as prohibiting unfunded state mandates that local governments must pay for, were other priorities Seward listed to help improve the state's affordability. Seward also places an emphasis on continuing and increasing the state's efforts on opioid addiction by furthering prevention and treatment measures and coming down tougher on dealers. Despite the size of the district, Seward said he's been proud to maintain a good relationship with the various communities within it. "I make a point to immerse myself in the need and concerns of all the communities in the district," Seward said. Seward will appear on the Republican, Conservative and Independence ballot lines. Staff writer Ryan Franklin can be reached at (315) 282-2252 or ryan.franklin@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @RyanNYFranklin Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 For more than 40 years, Joyce St. George has dedicated her career to public service. Whether it was as a corruption investigator, the co-founder of a food pantry, a hospital chair or as consultant to law enforcement agencies, she has tried to help people. Now, as a candidate for the New York State Senate's 51st District, a sprawling district that reaches south of the Catskills, east of Utica and much of Cayuga County including parts of Owasco, Moravia, Locke and more, St. George hopes she can help the entire state. A Democrat from Margaretville, St. George is running against 32-year incumbent state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, with the hopes of addressing what she describes as a culture of corruption in Albany and a need to reform health care. According to St. George, she is well-equipped to deal with corruption in the state government thanks to her work as an investigator at the state Office of the Special Prosecutor, formed by the attorney general to root out corruption in the New York City criminal justice system in the 1970s. In the wake of the Supreme Court's controversial Citizens United decision, St. George said she's seen as legalized corruption in Albany where elected officials are unduly influenced by campaign contributions. If elected, campaign finance reform, as well as changing the "archaic" voting system to allow better representation, would be at the top of her list. One of the reasons I'm running is, given the background I have, I think I can do something about that corruption, she said. St. George used her opponent Seward as an example of that normalized culture. As chair of the senate's Insurance Committee and a member of the Health Committee, St. George said Seward has received significant contributions from insurance, pharmaceutical and medical companies the committees are meant to oversee. At the very least, it's a conflict of interest. He should not have an appearance of conflict in interest, St. George said. You cannot take [large contributions] and not feel that you're being influenced, it just doesn't work that way. Seward has consistently denied, including at a recent debate at Cayuga Community College, that contributions have influenced his work, saying he bases his opinions on listening to relevant business and constituent groups as well as research. On the topic of health care, St. George speaks passionately and at length. St. George believes the New York Health Act, which would create a state-run universal health insurance system, could save lives and money. Citing a report from the RAND Corporation, St. George said, despite the more than doubling of taxes collected by the state noted by critics, the plan would reduce costs for individuals, employers and the state itself by eliminating copays, deductibles, premiums and administrative costs. The report, which notes several required caveats for the plan to succeed, says the Health Act could save the state $80 billion by 2031. St. George also disputed concerns from critics that the higher taxes would cause businesses and high-earners to flee the state by saying reducing health insurance costs for employers would instead encourage investment in the state. More importantly, according to St. George, the change would save lives. As the chair and trustee of the rural Margaretville hospital, St. George said she's heard too many stories of patients pushing off vital procedures because they couldn't afford them. "I'm looking at this as how do I save the lives of the people in my community. That's really what it comes down to," St. George said. Infrastructure, especially broadband, is also vital to help businesses and workers stay in the state and expand opportunity in the largely rural district. Modern technology would also lay the foundation for renewable energy to combat climate change, which she described as the underlying cause of harmful algal blooms plaguing lakes throughout Cayuga County and the district. In a final pitch, St. George encouraged voters to vote not just for her but anyone running against an incumbent. "You can't just vote for one person to change a system. You've got to vote for a group of people you believe in," she said. St. George will also appear on the Working Families Party ballot line. Staff writer Ryan Franklin can be reached at (315) 282-2252 or ryan.franklin@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @RyanNYFranklin Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Liz Goldwyn is the granddaughter of legendary Hollywood mogul Samuel Goldwyn, one of the men who built the Hollywood studio system. But the 41-year-old has become a respected writer and filmmaker in her own right, and as she discussed in an interview with Vogue magazine this week, she is now pursuing a longtime ambition: bringing sex education into the digital age. In fact, she says, she was pushed to achieve that goal somewhat earlier in her life than she had planned by the threat posed to womens health and sexual health in general by the Donald Trump adminisitration. I knew at an early age Id eventually want to leave behind some sort of comprehensive sex education database, Goldwyn told the fashion magazine. I thought it would be later in my life, perhaps in my 60s or once I officially got a PhD. But the past couple of years, and the current administration, pushed me to look at my life and decide if Im really living my truth and fulfilling what my mission is. What is success to me? When I answered that question it was having an impact on furthering the discussion around sex and sexuality. More specifically, her answer consists of her recently launched website TheSexEd.com, as well as an accompanying podcast, also titled The Sex Ed. She has now produced and hosted three episodes, which will soon be available for download via iTunes. Goldwyn is perhaps best-known for her 2006 book Pretty Things: the Last Generation of American Burlesque Queens and an accompanying HBO documentary film, also titled Pretty Things. She told Vogue that she had the idea for her site around the same time as she was exploring the burlesque scene. I bought the domain name for the site in 2008, but its been an uphill battle my entire career, with people saying, Why do you care? Women have been sidelined throughout history, she said. Whenever sex is added to the mix, people become even more culturally uncomfortable with it. She describes the site in her online biography as dedicated to sex, health, and consciousness in the digital age. The Sex Ed is here to educate, inform and inspire new discussions around sexual wellness. As might be expected, porn plays a significant role in Goldwyns vision of sex education for the digital age. Her site features a video sex positive discussion with industry legend Nina Hartley, and on November 8, according to the site, Goldwyn will host a public forum on Pleasure, Power and Porn with feminist porn director Erika Lust. As digital platforms have made the nature of sex more transactional, it hasnt done anything to foster intimacy and communication between partners, Goldwyn told Vogue. To have really great sexual experiences, you have to feel liberated. The more you discuss these things, the freer you can be in the moment. Photo by GoldwynFilms / Wikimedia Commons These collegiate administrators - those who work in areas such as student affairs, diversity and inclusion, and residential life - far outnumber faculty and are gaining significant power on campus in terms of setting the overall tone of the school and in terms of how material is taught. The scary part is this group has amassed more power and influence than professors, the ones who are actually trained to teach. Further, college administrators are overwhelmingly politically progressive - to the tune of 13:1. The data also show how far administrators are willing to go when spreading their ideology. A whopping 71 percent of student administrators are far more concerned with teaching current events, multiculturalism, and highlighting social justice questions instead of math, science, and technical knowledge. Can you provide me with evidence that shows what learning takes place at this institution? Can you offer evidence that you have intellectual diversity on your faculty and in the administration? What are your policies with regard to free speech? Have any conservative speakers been invited to speak on campus in the past year? It is an honor to be here this evening with friends and supporters of the Martin Center, an organization on the front lines of the battle for education reform.Speaking of battles, we are in the midst of one right now. What we see taking place in higher education is part of a larger battle for the soul of America and the soul of the rising generation of Americans.Nearly 30 years ago, those of us who are classical liberals-believers in limited government and free market capitalism-thought we had won the battle of ideas. In 1992, we declared "the end of history." Democracy and capitalism were transcendent and not to be challenged. Communism and its system of economic organization-socialism-were destined for the ash heap of history, as we were reminded often by President Ronald Reagan.But, as Thomas Jefferson observed two centuries ago," The end of history had not arrived in 1992, despite widespread acknowledgment at the time of the superiority of democratic government and market-oriented economic systems. The desire for power and the perks that come with it is so overwhelming that a clash of competing ideas will always be with us, both in the global arena and here in the U.S.The battle-lines may not be drawn as clearly as they once were, but the contending sides are fighting just as fiercely as ever. Identify politics and an anti-capitalist mindset seek to overturn our commitment to the time-tested values of limited government and free markets.Today, the American experiment in liberty is threatened, perhaps as never before, because the dangers lie within our once-respected institutions. Furthermore, an ever-growing, powerful state with unsustainable financial obligations, called "entitlements," coupled with a dangerous and widening cultural divide, has put the future of our Republic at risk. The ideas and institutions that provided Americans with the space to invent, innovate, invest, create, and build the most prosperous nation in human history are in serious danger.Our challenge today, if our Republic is to survive, is to renew the unifying principles that define us as Americans-that have made us exceptional. We need to rediscover and re-embrace the principles that hold our nation together.Americans can disagree about any number of issues and we can divide ourselves down the middle when it comes to election preferences. But if we don't accept basic, fundamental rules of conduct in the public square and agree on the basic institutional framework of civil society, our nation is sure to decline.These basic concepts must be taught-inculcated into each generation-and understood, so they serve as a guide for conduct in the public square.What are some of those fundamental ideas? The dignity of the individual, personal responsibility and self-reliance, and, perhaps the most fundamental of all: that we are endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.These are the "cohesive ideas" upon which a free society is built. On these bedrock principles rest such concepts as a free press, free speech, and religious liberty. They are the source of legal concepts such as due process and innocent until proven guilty. And they form the bedrock of our free enterprise system.How do we reclaim these ideas that hold our society together? That role falls to each of us in our families, our churches, and in our communities. But an equally large burden rests with our schools, both K-12 and our colleges and universities.Reform and renewal of our universities is vital. When those who despise America and disparage our nation's founders and founding ideas control our schools, we have little hope of preserving our fragile experiment of liberty.A nation cannot survive if a generation of its citizens are brought up to think that their country is corrupt at its core, operates on the principles of white privilege, or exists only to further enhance the wealth of the rich and powerful.Yet, as those of you who read the outstanding analysis of the Martin Center scholars are aware, we have a serious lack of intellectual diversity on the faculties of our colleges and universities. In a recent study, Professor Samuel J. Abrams offers a new warning, not about college professors but about the professional administrators of the campus. He writes a warning to incoming college students:He continues:Such a worldview will only turn those of you in the classroom into ignorant, ahistorical activists with few analytical, empirical, and reasoning skills that are hallmarks of a true liberal education.Evidence such as this reinforces the point of Jonathan Haidt, New York University psychology professor and founder of the Heterodox Academy. He argues that the lack of intellectual diversity in colleges and universities has led to a shift in the purpose of many institutions of higher education from the search for truth and the transmittal of the best values of civilization to the promotion of social justice. We have arrived at what he and Gregg Lukianoff suggest is the "coddling of the American mind."The consequences are many.One result is a generation or more with abysmal civic and economic literacy. Public opinion polls show robust support for socialism, particularly among young people. We see regular evidence of ignorance of historical events and the Constitution.But I don't want to just offer a litany of complaints tonight. So let me suggest a few things that we can do to improve the situation and where I see bright spots on the horizon.First and foremost, we need to be more informed and careful donors to our alma mater and higher education more generally.Before giving, ask simple questions such as:If you get satisfactory answers and decide you want to support your school, please, please put restrictions on your giving to ensure that your philanthropic vision is met.Better yet, seek alternatives that can accomplish your vision. The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal is one such alternative you should support. And while this is self-serving advice, consider it good advice nonetheless: support your university through an independent organization like mine, The Fund for American Studies, or the many others out there.There is a strong network of organizations that are part of the "alternative university" today. These include the Institute for Humane Studies, the Leadership Institute, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, Young Americans for Freedom, Young Americans for Liberty, Students for Liberty, FEE, the Network of Enlightened Women, the Federalist Society, the American Enterprise Institute's Values and Capitalism project, the Clara Booth Luce Institute, and many more. Support these organizations that give college students exposure to America's founding ideas and free market economics they often won't be taught in their universities.I also challenge us all to follow the advice we got after 9/11 in this country:I would add,By that I mean, speak up when you hear opinions or comments that you disagree with or think are ill-informed.Don't let economic nonsense and calls for more government go unanswered. If we are going to reverse present trends in our culture, we must present a compelling case for a free society and present it often.I suggest many of us need to change our approach in order to get people to listen to our case for a free society.If we believe that free men and women can accomplish remarkable things when left free, we must be more persuasive in making our case. Those of us who favor the use of "persuasion over force in human relationships" (Ben Rogge) must present our case in such a way that we will attract others.One of the primary aims of the Fund for American Studies and our high school affiliate, the Foundation for Teaching Economics, is just that-to teach free market economics-the economic way of thinking-in a compelling way.First, let me note that the students who come to our university-level programs are a cross-section of students who have an interest in politics, public policy, journalism, international affairs, and related fields. They come from colleges both large and small. They come from across the political spectrum as well, left, right, center, libertarian, undecided, and confused.Our students arrive at our programs with a sincere desire to change the world. They see poverty and injustice and want to take action. Many look at the government as the vehicle to solve the very real problems they see around them.We have a multi-step process to address this in our programs.Step 1 is to start right at orientation with a heavy focus on the importance of free speech, intellectual diversity, and the value of confronting new and challenging ideas. We let students know clearly that they need to be open to new ideas and be willing to defend in a civil manner those they possess.We found this approach became necessary a few years ago, as students were arriving at our programs uncomfortable with hearing ideas that challenged what they were being taught at their home university.Step 2 comes with our requirement that all students take a course in economics. For many, especially the journalism students, but many others as well, this will be their first course in econ-and quite possibly their last. That is why we adopt the Paul Heyne approach of teaching introductory economics. We teach it as if it is the one and only economics course they will take. It is the only opportunity for a student to gain an appreciation for the tremendous power of markets to transform life on our planet.Step 3 is to disabuse students of the idea that they have all the answers and are already equipped with what is needed to improve the world. One of our faculty members accomplishes this by giving students a quiz that is aimed at showing students how little they know or at least how much of what they know that is simply not true. We need them to understand they have a great deal to learn.I also like to tell stories to convey the power of free markets. For example, to convey how free markets have made us richer, healthier, and better off, I tell the story of John Thoreau, beloved brother of Henry David. John and Henry were as close as two brothers could be, spending their childhoods exploring the woods and rivers of New England together. Then, while still a relatively young man of 27, in 1841, John cut a finger with a razor blade while shaving and died not long after of lock jaw.Today, very few people die in the prime of their lives of lock jaw and staph infections. Thanks to the accomplishments of free people and free markets.The personal story I share is that of my niece, Megan, on July 20, 1995. I returned home late that night from my organization's 25th anniversary black-tie gala, held at the beautiful Library of Congress Jefferson Building across from our nation's Capitol. Just as I nodded off to sleep, I was jolted awake by the ring of the telephone beside my bed. The voice on the other line was my father trying to get out the words that my then 16-year-old niece Megan Browne-my parent's first grandchild-had suffered a heart attack and passed away. She had cardiomyopathy, a congenital defect also present in her younger sister.I often think about the medical breakthroughs that may have been delayed or denied because government absorbs and wastes so many of our resources and regulates our entrepreneurs and innovators. Would the implanted defibrillator that Megan's sister has implanted in her chest have saved Megan's life if it had been available 10 years earlier? I don't know. Perhaps.But let us not burden free enterprise and hold back the entrepreneurial discovery process.I recall many years ago hearing Amway co-founder Richard DeVos observe that free enterprise has made it possible for the deaf to hear, the blind to see, and the lame to walk. This is literally true, even though I questioned his comment at the time. I know people today who have cochlear implants that have restored their hearing, cataract and other surgeries that have cleared up vision and ended blindness, and artificial replacements of knees and hips, as well as bionic limbs that have restored the ability to walk. And Richard DeVos lived a much longer life thanks to a heart transplant.There is so much more that we can accomplish when free to invest, invent, innovate, and pursue happiness unburdened by costly government interference. There are so many wonderful things yet to be discovered, so many diseases yet to be cured. We have more frontiers to conquer.Free people exercising free choice in free markets-that is the genius of America. That is what makes America exceptional.The exceptional student of liberty Leonard Read taught me many years ago that those who love liberty must focus on education. Our politics is a reflection of the ideas in the minds of the people. That is why, despite dabbling in politics in my career, I now devote my energies to education.I am confident that, together, our work with students and in pursuit of truth will change the world in ways both big and small. Thank you for your support of the James G. Martin Center and your concern about education and the future of the U.S.A. Louis Pate, Republican (four-term Senate incumbent, four-term House member). Occupation: Retired businessman. Education: Golden Gate University, bachelor's degree, Master's of Business Administration. Career highlights: Senate Deputy President Pro Tempore. Co-Chairman of Senate committees on Appropriations on Health and Human Services, Health Care, and Rules and Operations of the Senate. Twenty-year Air Force veteran, navigated B-52 bombers in Vietnam, retired as a major. Former Mount Olive mayor and City Council member. David Brantley, Democrat. Occupation: Retired chief judge of District Court. Education: Wake Forest University School of Law, juris doctorate, and bachelor's degree in history. Career highlights: Clerk of Superior Court. Attorney in private practice. "We want to address some terribly mean-spirited rumors my political opponents are spreading about my health and my campaign. First, I am not dead - not even close. As many of us know, getting old isn't always easy or fun. I have recently been diagnosed with a condition that has kept me from getting out on the campaign trail as much as I usually do. I'm currently recovering and we hope you - unlike my political opponents - understand and respect our desire to keep some of the specifics of my health private. Senate District 7 (Lenoir and Wayne counties).Democrat David Brantley wants to unseat longtime incumbent Republican Sen. Louis Pate, and flip Senate District 7 from red to blue in a contentious race.The nonpartisan North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation, which closely tracks state elections and voter behavior patterns, rates the district competitive.Nov. 6 will be the first general election with a redesigned district. Formerly it incorporated most of Lenoir and Wayne counties, and a substantial portion of Pitt County. It now covers all of Wayne and Lenoir counties, but no longer includes Pitt County precincts. The shape was changed in 2017 to comply with a federal court order that said 28 House and Senate districts were unconstitutional because they relied too heavily on race when drawing them.Pate, 82, is a Mount Olive native. He has not been visible on the campaign trail, and his campaign websites have not been updated.Attempts to schedule an interview with Pate were not successful. In a recent letter to his constituents he wrote:he stated.Pate, co-chairman of the Senate Health Care Committee, was instrumental in state Medicaid reform, helping to steer changes that led to four straight years of budget surpluses after four years of cost overruns totaling $2 billion."We needed to do something to rein in the out-of-control costs that were eating into other critical programs," Pate said in a Sept. 25 press release.Pate, a veteran, has been an advocate for military and health care issues in the Senate. In the current two-year session he sponsored bills to increase health care access, including one to expand nurses' medical scope of practice, and another to set standards for greater use of telemedicine.Born in Pine Level in Johnston County, Brantley, 66, stepped into the race after Wayne County Democratic Party Chairwoman Barbara Dantonio withdrew her candidacy in mid-July.The former District Court judge addressed Pate's campaign absence on Facebook, sayingAfter canceling an interview with Carolina Journal, Brantley answered some questions via his campaign's Facebook messenger page.Brantley said.Brantley said he opposes all six proposed constitutional amendments that are on the ballot becauseHe has been quoted elsewhere as supporting a nonpartisan, independent redistricting commission to end gerrymandered legislative and congressional districts. He said he wants to increase access to health care by expanding Medicaid. The Swedish ISP Bahnhof has a strong historic commitment to free speech, so when the notoriously corrupt science publishing giant Elsevier (previously) sought to force the ISP to censor connections to the open access site Sci-Hub (previously), the ISP went to court to resist the order. Unfortunately for Swedes and for science, the Swedish Patent and Market Court (which never met a copyright overreach it didn't love) upheld the order, and Bahnhof, a small ISP with limited resources, decided not to appeal (a bigger, richer ISP had just lost a similar appeal). Instead, Bahnhof now blocks attempts to visit Sci-Hub domains, and Elsevier.com, redirecting attempts to visit Elsevier to a page explaining how Elsevier's sleaze and bullying have allowed it to monopolize scientific publishing, paywalling publicly funded science that is selected, reviewed and edited by volunteers who mostly work for publicly funded institutions. To as icing on this revenge-flavored cake, Bahnhof also detects attempts to visit its own site from the Patent and Market Court and redirects them to a page explaining that since the Patent and Market Court believes that parts of the web should be blocked, Bahnhof is blocking the court's access to its part of the web. This is the worst possible outcome for Bahnhof. TorrentFreak spoke to CEO Jon Karlung who describes it as a "horrifying" decision that "goes against the soul of the Internet." The result, starting today, is that sci-hub.tw, sci-hub.mu, sci-hub.se, libgen.io, and several other domains are being blocked by the ISP. But Bahnhof wouldn't be Bahnhof if it went down without a fight. The company has no faith in an expensive appeal, which another ISP lost last year in a similar blocking case. However, it does have another ace up its sleeve. Now that they are blocking anyway, they can easily an extra domain name to make a point. So, in addition, Bahnhof has gone ahead and banned its visitors from accessing the official Elsevier.com website as well. Elsevier wanted a site blockade it now has one. Swedish ISP Protests 'Site Blocking' by Blocking Rightsholders Website Too [Ernesto/Torrentfreak] In the Siggraph 2018 paper Learning to Dress: Synthesizing Human Dressing Motion via Deep Reinforcement Learning, a Georgia Institute of Technology/Google Brain research team describe how they taught body-shame to an AI, leaving it with an unstoppable compulsion to clothe itself before the frowning mien of God. The AI uses machine learning tools to "automatically discover robust dressing techniques," and manages to train a robust get-dressed model despite the high computational expense of simulating cloth. The paper's fascinating: the secret to getting an AI to get dressed is haptics a sense of touch that is used to dynamically retune the AI's coordination to adjust to the rippling, slithering, treacherous textiles the model incorporates the ripping point of the cloth and penalizes AIs that rent their garments asunder while clothing themselves. In this task, a t-shirt is initialized on the character's shoulders with the character's neck contained within the collar. To randomize the initial garment state, we apply a random impulse force with fixed magnitude to all the garment vertices at the beginning of the simu- lation. We allow the garment to settle for 1s before the character begins to move. The first control policy completes the task of moving the right end effector into gripping range of the specified grip feature. The policy attempts to match a given position and orientation target in the garment feature space. Once the error threshold is reached, control transitions to an alignment policy designed to "tuck" the left end effector and forearm under the waist feature of the garment in preparation for dressing the arm. This policy attempts to contain the arm within the triangle formed by the gripping hand and the shoulders. This heuristic approximates the opening of the garment waist feature. In addition, this policy is rewarded for contact with the garment interior and penalized for geodesic distance from a selected point on the interior of the garment. Once interior contact is detected, and the arm is within the heuristic triangle, control is transitioned to the left sleeve dressing controller which attempts to minimize the end effector contact geodesic distance from the end feature of the sleeve and maximize the containment depth of the arm within the sleeve entrance feature. A task vector is provided which indicates the direction the end effector should move to decrease its contact geodesic distance (or points to the garment feature if not in contact). Once the limb has passed a threshold distance through the sleeve, the re-grip controller directs the hands together into position to exchange grip from right hand to left. Once the left hand is within a threshold distance of its gripping target, the grip exchange is triggered and control is transitioned to the second "tuck" control policy with the same purpose and transition criteria as the first. The second sleeve policy is then run to pass the right arm through the right sleeve. At this point, the seventh and final policy is used to guide the character back to its start pose while avoiding garment tearing. Learning to Dress: Synthesizing Human Dressing Motion via Deep Reinforcement Learning [Alexander Clegg, Wenhao Yu, Jie Tan, C. Karen Liu And Greg Turk/ACM Transactions on Graphics, Vol. 37, No. 6] (via JWZ) A year ago, Facebook apologized for allowing advertisers to target its users based on their status as "Jew haters" and blamed an algorithmic system that automatically picked up on the most popular discussions on the platform and turned them into ad-targeting segments. At the time, Facebook promised that they would put humans in the loop, creating human-AI centaurs that would subject the AI's lightning-speed assessments and vast capacity to read and analyze the conversations of billions of people to oversight by sensitive, sensible human beings who would not allow outright fascism and fascist-adjacent categories to surface as ad categories to be targeted for recruitment by violent extremists. They kept their promise: now humans have to sign off on every ad category that Facebook generates. So when the ad category AI looked at the myriad of Facebook groups devoted to "white genocide" (the conspiracy theory that holds that non-white people are "outbreeding" white people, through a mix of unchecked fertility and "interbreeding") such as "Stop White South African Genocide," "White Genocide Watch" and "The last days of the white man" it automatically created the "white genocide" ad targeting niche. And then a human Facebook worker approved this category and made it available for use by anyone with an ad purchasing account on the platform. What's more, Facebook's algorithm was smart enough to suggest some related keywords that someone who wants to reach "white genocide" fans could use: "RedState," "Daily Caller," and a thoroughly debunked conspiracy theory about the plight of white South African farmers that was greatly favored by Robert Bowers, the man who opened fire in Pittsburgh a synagogue last week. After The Intercept bought some ads targeted at "white genocide" users, Facebook finally suspended the category, confirming that "marketers" had used the category to target the group with "news coverage," and also that a human being had signed off on the category's creation to begin with. There are lots of conclusions to draw from this. Here are a few: 1. Facebook is undertraining and underresourcing the human people who are supposed to serve as "guard-rails" on the algorithmic creation of ad categories. They need to spend more money on this. Possibly a lot more. 2. Facebook's affinity-tracing algorithm is smart enough to identify the places where fascists and white supremacists lurk on its platform: the fact that it knew that Tucker Carlson's Daily Caller was also a haven for white supremacy tells us that Facebook could, if it wanted to, closely target the human beings whose job it is to monitor discussions for terms-of-service violations. Facebook draws a distinction between the hate-based categories ProPublica discovered, which were based on terms users entered into their own profiles, versus the "white genocide conspiracy theory" category, which Facebook itself created via algorithm. The company says that it's taken steps to make sure the former is no longer possible, although this clearly did nothing to deter the latter. Interestingly, Facebook said that technically the white genocide ad buy didn't violate its ad policies, because it was based on a category Facebook itself created. However, this doesn't square with the automated email The Intercept received a day after the ad buy was approved, informing us that "We have reviewed some of your ads more closely and have determined they don't comply with our Advertising Policies." Still, the company conceded that such ad buys should have never been possible in the first place. Vice News and Business Insider also bought Facebook ads this week to make a different point about a related problem: that Facebook does not properly verify the identities of people who take out political ads. It's unclear whether the "guardrails" Leathern spoke of a year ago will simply take more time to construct, or whether Facebook's heavy reliance on algorithmic judgment simply careened through them. Facebook Allowed Advertisers to Target Users Interested in "White Genocide" Even in Wake of Pittsburgh Massacre [Sam Biddle/The Intercept] (via /.) - AfriForum will be laying criminal charges against SA's Health Departments - According to the activist group, the departments are guilty of wasteful expenditure - They estimate that the Health Departments wasted about R10 billion during 2016 and 2017 PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! The activist group, AfriForum, is planning to open criminal cases against all of South Africa's Health Departments. The cases will be based on the allegations that the Health Departments wasted more than R10 billion between 2016 and 2017. AfriForum believes that the Health Departments must be held accountable for the huge amount of money that was wasted, according to a report by EWN. They say it was irregular and wasteful expenditure - something that is all too common in South Africa's government. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app The group plans to visit police stations in all the provinces to officially lay complaints. Wico Swanepoel of AfriForum said they will be laying criminal charges against the head of every health department. READ ALSO: ORPHANED BOY OVERCOMES ADVERSITY, WINS 9 SCHOOL AWARDS AND BURSARY Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has not commented on AfriForum's plans yet. Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news! Source: Briefly.co.za Reports from the Dutch media claim that Formula One Management has made an offer to Zandvoort to put the Netherlands back on the F1 calendar as soon as 2020. According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Liberty Media has chosen the historic circuit along the North sea over a potential deal with Assen whose owners have also done a feasibility study on bring Grand Prix racing back to the country. "If we sign now, the Netherlands will have a grand prix again in 2020," said Zandvoort owner Prince Bernhard van Oranje said. "With Max Verstappen, everyone is well aware that this is a unique opportunity." It was believed that Zandvoort's chances of hosting an F1 event had faded in the past months, with promoters reluctant to commit to a 20 million-euro franchise fee, with overall costs estimated at over 30 million euros. Liberty Media is apparently favoring Zandvoort over Assen on the basis of the track's history, intimately linked to F1. Zandvoort, which hosted its first F1 race in 1952, last welcomed the Dutch Grand Prix in 1985, a race won by McLaren's Niki Lauda. Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers The widow of HHP has been officially and legally acknowledge as his wife. Judge Mokhoatlheng stated that the handing over of women does not have any impact on whether or not they are legally married to a man. PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! Lerato Sengadi could walk away victoriously as she was legally recognised as the wife of late musician HHP. She had to turn to the law after HHP's family rejected her as his wife, saying she was never handed over. The family also said the proper rituals were not followed and lobola was not paid for Lerato. However, Lerato said she had prove that lobola was paid for as per tradition. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app News24 reported that Judge Mokhoatlheng said the law does not require for Lerato to be handed over for her to be HHP's legal wife. The judge also said she had the right to stop the funeral, but because HHP was a famous musician, it would be best for the arranged event to happen as planned. READ ALSO: Thulisa Keyi to show off Xhosa-inspired dress at Miss World pageant The funeral went on to take place on Saturday, 3 November. Apparently, Lerato had now problem with the funeral itself, she was only upset because she was not involved in the arrangements. Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news! Source: Briefly.co.za News / National by Staff reporter THE Mr Nelson Chamisa-led MDC has ordered Bulawayo Deputy Mayor councillor Tinashe Kambarami to step down from his post or risk being expelled from the party and recalled from council.Ward 3 Clr Kambarami was elected as the city's Deputy Mayor against the party's directive to impose Ward 1 Clr Mlandu Ncube in that position.MDC Bulawayo province deputy spokesperson Mr Edwin Ndlovu yesterday said the party has written to Clr Kambarami ordering him to step down."We confirm a correspondence from the party's national secretary for local governance directing us to inform Clr Kambarami to resign from the post of Bulawayo Deputy Mayor. Yesterday (Monday) we gave him the letter directing him to step down within seven days or risk being expelled from the party," said Mr Ndlovu.This media house is in possession of a letter written to Bulawayo province by MDC secretary for local governance Mr Sesel Zvidzai ordering the province to act on Clr Kambarami.The Deputy Mayor is accused of defying party orders by contesting an imposed position that was supposed to be taken by Clr Ncube."Following the election of Clr Tinashe Kambarami as the Deputy Mayor of Bulawayo against the party's recommended candidate Clr Mlandu. Subsequently, Clr Kambarami was summoned to Head Office and he failed to avail himself. A decision was made for him to withdraw from the position of Deputy Mayor and remain an ordinary councillor failure to which the party was to expel him and recall him from council," reads Mr Zvidzai's letter."Similar cases of defiance elsewhere were dealt with by the party in the same way. You are aware that the member concerned falls within your area of control, thus we kindly invite you to put due process in motion."In response, the province wrote to Clr Kambarami ordering him to step down."In pursuant to the letter addressed to us by the National Secretary for Local Government we hereby inform you that you are instructed to step down from the position of Deputy Mayor Bulawayo Municipality within seven days of receipt of this letter. Failure to comply within the stipulated period shall result in your expulsion from the party and also recall from the council," reads the letter from MDC Bulawayo.Contacted for comment, Clr Kambarami requested to be phoned in 30 minutes but he was later not answering his cellphone.MDC has so far fired Victoria Falls Mayor Clr Somvelo Dlamini as well as Chegutu Mayor and six other councillors.Constitutional lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku said MDC was within its rights to fire councillors as the principle is similar to that used for firing Members of Parliament and Senators."Under the Parliamentary processes a party can expel someone from the party and write to the Speaker leading to the individual's expulsion from Parliament. In local authorities the party first expels the individual before writing to the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing who will then notify the councillor of expulsion. The rule is the same," said Prof Madhuku."Our laws allows a party to act in such an undemocratic manner where people vote but the party decides who then remains in Parliament. So Chamisa (Nelson) has been silly enough to expose the undemocratic nature of our constitution."However, a well placed source said it would be difficult for the MDC to expel some of the councillors as they were elected under the MDC Alliance banner."These councillors were elected under MDC Alliance which is not a political party but a coalition. But now a political party wants to recall them which can create a legal hurdle. The councillors can easily be defiant using that legal technicality and retain their positions. So the best thing is to watch the space," said the official. News / National by Staff reporter The government has warned Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) ministries founder Walter Magaya that he risks being arrested if he goes ahead and starts selling his controversial HIV/Aids herbal medicine without regulatory approval.This comes after the popular preacher told multitudes at his Waterfalls church on Sunday that he had found a cure for HIV/Aids and cancer adding that his controversial herbs, named Aguma, would go on sale this coming Saturday.At the same time, authorities and medical experts have robustly pooh-poohed Magaya's claim, saying this had the potential to destabilise the government's fight against HIV/Aids.Yesterday, Health and Child Care deputy minister John Mangwiro warned that the charismatic preacher risked facing the full wrath of the law if he goes ahead and sells Aguma this weekend."If he goes ahead and sells the drug ... we will stick to the Constitution of the country and the law in terms of drugs and sales."The law will definitely take its course if he breaches it," he said, adding that as Magaya's herbal medicine was not registered, people should not buy it."I don't think people are going to be foolish enough to buy the drug on Saturday. From our research, we gather that the medicine costs $1 000," Mangwiro told the Daily News.On its part, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) said it was investigating Magaya's herb, warning that any sales and advertisements of medicines needed to receive prior approval from authorities."We need to make sure whatever is going to be sold and distributed to the public is safe, effective and of good quality."We are still gathering all the facts on this issue to ensure that the public is provided with accurate information and that all rules and regulations with respect to medicines are satisfied," MCAZ spokesperson Shingai Gwatidzo said.According to the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, Medicines and allied substances control Act Chapter 15.03 under the advertisement of medicines subsection (1) no persons shall publish, distribute or in any other manner whatsoever bring to the notice of the public or cause or permit to be published or distributed or to be brought to the notice of the public any false or misleading advertisement concerning a medicine.Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level twelve or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.On Sunday, Magaya told thousands of his congregants that his herb Aguma could cure both HIV/Aids and cancer adding that the government was ready to support him."When I approached the government, their response made me feel that they were ready to support us."Government will carry out its own research and is summoning a local research board to bring in people who are HIV positive and take statistics on people taking Aguma."They will test it for any threats to health, its efficacy and side effects among many other things and have the final say," he said at his Waterfalls church in Harare.He added that the government was set to announce the first public results on Aguma after 14 days, saying further that the herb had undergone the appropriate registration as a supplement in Zimbabwe and that he had also approached the World Health Organisation."We wrote to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and they said they would work hand-in-hand with government rather than individual-to-individual," Magaya said.The claims set off a wave of criticism as health professionals and rights groups said his revelations had the potential of destabilising the anti-retroviral treatment (ART) programme, which currently has millions of patients on treatment.The government is currently on an ambitious $103 million, five-year HIV-testing strategy to raise the number of people who know their status, as the country bids to build on the progress which has been made in the last seven years, which saw new HIV infections falling by 50 percent.The testing strategy is part of the government's efforts to achieve the 90-90-90 target which seeks to have 90 percent of all people with HIV know their status, 90 percent of diagnosed people being on treatment, and 90 percent of those on treatment having suppressed levels of the virus in their bodies by 2020.Zimbabwe has an HIV prevalence rate of 13,7 percent according to 2016 national estimates.The country has been making strides in its fight against HIV/Aids despite the current economic turmoil which health experts say has hit the operations of most of the country's major hospitals, including the procurement of essential drugs for people living with the pandemic. News / National by Staff reporter A HARARE man is accused of abandoning his girlfriend of three years after she fell pregnant.This came to light at the Harare civil court where Anesu Gororo was claiming $100 as maintenance from Ishmael Usai.Anesu told the court that Ishmael only saw their child once and he was denying paternity."What this man is doing is so cruel, he thinks he is fixing me but what he is doing is affecting the child."We dated for three years and when he impregnated me he started distancing himself from me."The baby is now two years old and in all that period he only came to see the child once, his mother was the one who used to come and see the child but lately she hasn't been coming," he said.On the $100 that she was claiming as maintenance, Anesu said the money was supposed to carter for the child's upkeep and to pay for her rentals."I am currently unemployed and my parents are staying in the rural areas so the $100 is supposed to pay for rentals and buy food and medication for the child," she said.Ishmael told the court that he was disputing paternity and he was planning on having the tests."In the meantime I am offering to pay $30 maintenance prior to the paternity tests," he saidThe presiding magistrate ordered Ishmael to pay $50 per month. News / National by Staff reporter A Harare woman has dragged her ex-husband to court accusing him of disturbing her peace.Sarah Takadini, 24, hauled Paradzia Makore, 33, to Harare civil court seeking a protection order.Sarah told the court that Paradzai was in the habit of hurling insults towards her in the public.She said he once insulted her revealing her HIV status at a shopping centre."On the second week of October we met at the shopping centre and he told me that he gave me AIDS and I was going to die no matter what."He threatened me saying that if I won't return home by 26th of December my father was going to die."I once reported him to the police at Southley Park but they did not do anything because they are his friends that is why I have raised the issue with this court."All I want is my space and a peace order," she said.In his defence, Paradzai insisted that Sarah was still his wife and they were just on separation.He also denied that he insults Sarah."She is my wife and we are not divorced; we are just on separation for now because her parents took her because I did not complete paying the lobola""For now she is staying at her parent s' house. I did not insult her and I still love her as my wife," he said.Magistrate Noah Gwatidzo, who presided over the case, granted the protection order in Sarah's favour. News / National by Staff reporter A Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) worker has been fined $600 for illegally connecting electricity to 11 households in Chitungwiza while pretending to be on official duty.Notion Charakupa (49), who is employed as a revenue assurance assistant, pleaded not guilty to abuse of office charges, but was convicted after a full trial by Chitungwiza resident magistrate Mrs Yeukai Chigodora. Charakupa was ordered to pay the fine or risk spending six months in prison.His two accomplices Maxwell Chadambura and Alfred Zakaria, who were responsible for connecting electricity to the 11 homes will be sentenced tomorrow.Prosecutor Mr Norman Koropi proved that from January to April this year, Charakupa together with Chadambura and Zakaria bought electrical cables, a ladder, electricity meters and boxes and proceeded to Garikai houses in Unit L, Seke, where they illegally connected electricity to 11 houses.Mr Koropi said the three lied that they were ZETDC employees and were on official duty since they were all wearing the company's overalls and using the company's vehicle, which was being driven by Charakupa.The matter came to light when another ZETDC worker Shepherd Marunga received an anonymous tip off that the trio was connecting electricity to houses using the old fixed system instead of the prepaid system leading to their arrest.The illegal connection prejudiced ZETDC of a lot of revenue as the connections bypassed the charging meters. News / National by Staff reporter TEN lawyers will today battle it out in public interviews to select the country's new substantive Prosecutor-General in Harare.The interviews, to be conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), recommend the best performer to replace Advocate Ray Goba, who stepped down while awaiting a disciplinary tribunal.JSC initially published 11 nominees, but Mr Tavengwa Hara's name did not appear on the interview programme posted at the venue. Sources said he has since withdrawn from the race.The candidates on the interview programme are: Mrs Noria Mashumba, Mrs Florence Ziyambi, Ms Jessie Majome, Mrs Wendy Chingeya, Justice Maphios Cheda, Mr Kumbirai Hodzi, Mr Misheck Hogwe, Mr Tinomudaishe Chinyoka, Mr Edmund Marondedza and Mr Tichaona Mantsebo.JSC acting secretary, Mr Walter Chikwana said all was now set for the interviews."We are now ready for the interviews. They start tomorrow (today) at 9am at Rainbow Towers Hotel and ends until all the candidates get a chance to respond to the interview questions."As usual a panel comprising JSC commissioners will put questions to the candidates while members of the public with an interest in the interviews listening."Everything will be done in terms of the Constitution and in the spirit of fairness and transparency," said Mr Chikwana.JSC advertised the post in the Press following the resignation of Adv Goba in September this year.The office of the PG has become a hot seat, with two previous Prosecutors-General fired for misconduct. Adv Goba, who chose to resign pending an investigation into his conduct, becomes the third PG to leave office in recent times.The first to be removed from office was former Attorney-General Mr Sobusa Gula-Ndebele in May 2008, who doubled as head of criminal prosecution and civil litigation. He was fired for conducting himself in a manner inconsistent with public office.The dismissal followed recommendations by a tribunal which investigated him.Mr Gula-Ndebele was succeeded by Mr Johannes Tomana, who was also removed from office last year after a tribunal found him to be grossly incompetent in the execution of his duties. Mr Kumbirai Hodzi is acting PG with effect from July 24 this year. He was appointed when Adv Goba was suspended from office on a raft of misconduct allegations.Adv Goba was suspended on allegations of failing to prosecute high-profile cases, travelling without Cabinet authority and use of abusive language, among other charges. Mr Hodzi had been Deputy Attorney-General in charge of the Legal Advice Section since 2012. News / National by Staff reporter Westlake International Finance Limited has petitioned the High Court seeking an order to compel former Information and Communication Technology minister, Supa Mandiwanzira, to settle a $317 166 debt in high interest loans to a company owned by the MP for Nyanga South over six years ago.The micro finance institution filed summons at the High Court on October 29 through its lawyers, Gill, Godlonton and Gerrans, citing Mandiwanzira and Florence Erina Ziumbe a lawyer and businesswoman - as respondents."During the period stretching from January 2012 to February 2013, plaintiff (Westlake International) concluded three separate loan agreements with Tarcon (Private) Limited ("Tarcon") in terms of which the plaintiff lent and advanced the following sums of money to Tarcon, that is $700 000 on or around January 2012; $615 960 on or around August 1, 2012 and $416 100 on or around February 4, 2013," the firm said.According to the court papers, Mandiwanzira and Ziumbe bound themselves as sureties and co-principal debtors to the loan."In terms of all the three loan agreements, the aforesaid Tarcon was obliged to repay the advanced sums of money, together with interest thereon within a period of 180 days from the date of each advance. Despite signing several acknowledgments of its indebtedness, Tarcon has failed and/or neglected to repay the full amount and has to date, accumulated arrears in the total sum of $317 166, 33."In the same litigation, the financial company said it was also demanding interest at the rate of 8% calculated from the loan payment due date to the date of payment in full.However, Mandiwanzira and Ziumbe are yet to respond to the lawsuit and the pair has 10 working days to file an appearance to defend. News / National by Staff reporter Over $30 million was collected in the first nine months of the year under the Health levy, which is funded through a 10% charge on airtime.Secretary in the Ministry of Health Gerald Gwinji on Tuesday told Parliament that the levy last year had raised $11,4 million."Of the $11,4 million collected in 2017, a total of $10 625 093 went towards pharmaceuticals and $876 254 towards vaccines," Gwinji said."The cash releases from Treasury from January to September 2018 stand at $30 618 686, and the payments to date from that amount were $21 790 480, with the expenditure going towards blood and blood products ($4 765 135), dialysis ($4 291 106), medical equipment ($4 352 700), medical gas ($1 644 555), and pharmaceuticals (6 736 982)."But Gwinji said from the 10 cents per dollar collected towards the Health Levy, the Health Ministry only got 50% of the amount while the rest went to Treasury.He projected that the levy will collect around $49 million next year.This comes at a time when the Community Working Group on Health's executive director, Itai Rusike, said health funding showed an over-reliance on donors who accounted for a quarter of the health spend.He said relying on donors was not good as funding was unreliable, unpredictable, unsustainable, and highly dependent on the political environment.Rusike said the other main sources of health financing in the country were employers (28,4%) and households (25%)."The Free User fee Policy for pregnant women, under-fives and those aged 65 years and above, has not been backed by resources, resulting in over-crowding at the referral centres. Moreover, the blanket cover does not look at the ability to pay," he said. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Prophet Healing and Deliverance Leader Walter Magaya has apologised to the Ministry of Health and Child Care for by passing procedure in announcing his cure for cancer and HIV through the Aguma herb.Magaya on Thursday held a joint press conference with the Ministry of Health and Child Care focusing on his Aids cure claim. Health minister Dr Obadiah Moyo, his deputy Dr John Mangwiro and several senior government officials were in attendance.Prophet Magaya said, "We have engaged the Ministry. I carry an apology to them and the public. Having carried the research from outside the country, I went on to announce the results unprocedurally. I apologize once again."I took heed of what government and relevant boards have asked me to do to retract my earlier claim, which I am now doing. Together we are going to work towards running intensive clinical trials for Aguma."Health minister Dr Moyo accepted Mayas apology and announced that they are now working together with the Prophet to test the herb."Magaya rushed without realizing the impact of his message and his popularity and disregarded the facts in the regulation of medicines in the country. He now appreciates that there are regulations."I want to reiterate that please carry on with your medicines, Magaya's medicine has not yet been approved. It's unfortunate that Magaya did not have all regulations in place."Zimbabwe appreciate new discoveries but we want them to go through scientifically proven processes and these processes are what we are following now. He has assured us that he will not dispense that medication."And now following the regulations, he is now back in the fold. It is not our duty to thwart anyone's ideas of discoveries. We have been using herbal concoctions from other countries."Yesterday members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police accompanied by the dreaded Central Intelligence agents raided Magaya's Offices in search of his HIV and Cancer cure.The raid came after the government and health practitioners strongly condemned the public declaration by the self styled Prophet that he has found a cure to the two of the world's most incurable diseases. McLaren's Fernando Alonso and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series star Jimmie Johnson will be trading places at the end of the month in Bahrain. The two-time F1 world champion and the Hendrick Motorsports driver will meet up in Bahrain on November 26 for the mother of all car swaps! The pair teased their upcoming switch in a short video released on social media, in which Johnson calls Alonso to tell him that he's "been thinking about some things". "I have this feeling too.." responds the Spaniard before the pair ask in unison "Will you let me drive your car?" Johnson won't be stepping into Alonso's Grand Prix car unprepared however. After this year's Nascar Cup finale at Homestead on November 18, the American will head for Woking where he will spend the necessary hours in McLaren's simulator before joining the team at Abu Dhabi. Everyone will then meet up in Bahrain for an exciting day of 'trading places'! Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers News / National by Staff reporter ZANU-PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Michael Madiro has dismissed as baseless reports that money, which was sourced for Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri's celebrations for her elevation to the position of national chairman for the ruling party was stolen.Briefing the provincial executive committee members during a meeting held in Mutare last week, Madiro said all the money was accounted for and the celebrations were held.The allegations came after Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed disappointment at people who were said to have stolen the money during the celebrations held at Mutasa RDC premises."The truth of the matter is that there are two sides of the story. We agreed here that were going to have a rally for President's campaign in Hauna. We then assigned the leadership including our political commissar (Gift Kagweda) to go and set up a fundraising team in Mutasa. We set up a resource mobilisation team. We were told that $97 000 in cash or kind was raised for the event and we thanked the team," he said.Madiro said he later learnt from the provincial administrator, Mr Edgars Seenza that part of the money was stolen while in a safe in Mutasa.He said he demanded a report on how the money was stolen."I said give us a proper report because the money was in the custody of a Government official. I asked if the money was not in a temporal deposit account because Government financial systems say no money will be kept physically in cash if it will be used at a later date. It is expected to be deposited into a temporary deposit account where it will be withdrawn when necessary. We took a resolution that the matter be taken to police. As we speak there is no official position regarding the money and there is no report on what happened. I was told $65 000, which was in safe disappeared with one Sithole. We condemn theft and the bosses have a right to complain about the stolen money," he said.Madiro said the $32 000, which was raised towards Muchinguri-Kashiri's celebrations was split between four districts where President Mnangagwa was set to visit.He said as the leadership they agreed to hold the celebrations after the President had addressed people."The money was not stolen. We decided that we celebrate her elevation since Manicaland was also elevated. We resolved to thank President for appointing one of our own and representatives that included Chinamasa, Mutsvangwa, Mushohwe and myself were tasked to meet President. We approached the President and asked if he could be the guest at the celebrations. Unfortunately, we were not given the opportunity but we did not stop organising the event and we decided to take the celebrations to Hauna. We agreed that President would address people and after his departure we would celebrate Muchinguri-Kashiri's elevation. We also agreed that no beer was to be served to people and they would only drink after President had left," he said.Madiro said a fundraising team led by William Mutomba raised $32 000 and since the President was visiting four places, they decided to divide it among the four districts."From the $32 000 raised each centre was allocated $8 000 and we did that exactly. The money was meant for celebrations. People from Buhera can confirm and they hired a band from Harare and people spend a night celebrating while in Mutare people did the same. People who claim and allege that the money was stolen are ill-informed. For the remaining $16 000 for Chipinge and Hauna, management and the fundraising committee concurred that it would be embarrassing for President ED to come to Aerodrome and find a few people gathered for the celebrations. The remaining money was used to resource the Aerodrome event and mobilising people. Everything is in black and white," he said. News / National by Staff reporter Government is considering giving the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) absolute powers to descend heavily on tax dodging companies so as to recover the outstanding $4,5 billion.Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, said this on Wednesday night in Harare during the Zimra Appreciation Awards Dinner.President Emmerson Mnangagwa was guest of honour during the awards dinner.Prof Ncube said tax avoidance by companies has compelled Government to issue Treasury Bills and borrowing to finance budget deficit. He said Government was alive to the challenges faced by companies due to the depressed environment they are operating under, but called on them to honour their tax obligations." . . . those businesses and taxpayers who know they have a share of the $4,5 billion tax debt owed to Zimra, I wish to make this unequivocally clear that you need to own up, come forward and pay your tax debt," said Prof Ncube."Collecting PAYE (pay as you earn), VAT (value added tax) and other withholding taxes on behalf of Government and converting it to your own use breaks the law and sabotages our desire to achieve fiscal equilibrium. I will ask Zimra to adopt more aggressive measures to recover the debts."Recently, Zimra Commissioner General Ms Faith Mazani, said the national tax collector was unable to meaningfully collect revenue due to the absence of instruments that compel taxpayers to honour their obligations.Zimra has only resorted to garnishing accounts of defaulting taxpayers and imposing hefty penalties, but cannot do anything if the defaulters close their accounts.Statutory Instrument 97 of 2013 on Revenue Authority (Civil Penalty for Late Submission of Returns) Regulations, 2013, provides for penalties to be charged on defaulting taxpayers.Currently, Zimra is inviting companies that are not tax compliant to take advantage of the "voluntary disclosure" window and regularise their operations on a "no questions asked" basis.Companies and individuals that continue to operate outside the tax net by December 31 will be dealt with. Prof Ncube said as the country has been opened for business, success depends "on a unified and patriotic" approach to challenges."Together we are the success we wish to see and attain," said Prof Ncube, adding that Government was thankful for companies' resilience y with their tax obligations."As our Government remains committed to creating an environment conducive for business, we expect you as business to continue to work closely with Government to help recover the economy and create a mutually beneficial and sustainable economy."Please refrain from complaining behind closed doors about policies in your 'own circles', come forward with suggestions that we can explore for the benefit of our great nation. Our doors are open," said Prof Ncube.Timeous payment of duty is seen as a key imperator in the economy's growth trajectory and the realisation of an upper middle income economy by 2030.Finance and Economic Development Ministry Permanent Secretary Mr George Guvamatanga, who also attended the Zimra Appreciation Awards Dinner challenged businesspeople to honour their tax dues. Mr Guvamatanga added that given the pressure being piled on the tax collector by Government, Zimra shall soon crack whip on defiant companies."Let me also take this opportunity to emphasise on the need for one of us here, the businesses represented here and those that are not represented here, to self-introspect and check whether we have our names written in the books of Zimra." . . . in my first month in office, I have actually discovered that my colleagues in industry don't pay their taxes, some of them. When I meet my colleagues from industry, the first question you ask me is 'why are you borrowing'? 'Why are you issuing Treasury Bills'?" . . . we are borrowing and issuing Treasury Bills to fund the $4,5 billion that some of your colleagues have not remitted to Zimra," said Mr Guvamatanga.He said he has held "very serious" conversations with Ms Mazani concerning how much of the debt she collects daily, to the extent that "sooner than later, she will get tired of being asked that question and she would be asking you (companies) that question".Mr Guvamatanga said there was no greater level of accountability and commitment to building the country than by paying taxes. In June, Ms Mazani told our sister paper The Sunday Mail that the bulk of the $4,5 billion debt emanates from penalties charged on defaulting taxpayers.As at May 31, 2018, Zimra was owed just over $4,3 billion; with the principal being $2,2 billion; penalties were just over $981 million while interest was $1,18 billion. News / National by Staff reporter The longest-serving chief in the Midlands Province, Chief Gambiza of Chiwundura, has died.He was 60.Provincial Administrator Mr Abiot Maronge confirmed the passing on of the chief, born Fred Bidi Samai. Chief Gambiza was admitted to Gweru Provincial Hospital on Wednesday night.Mr Maronge said Chief Gambiza was installed on February 18, 2002. "Yes it is with deepest sadness that I confirm the passing on of one of the longest serving chiefs from this province Chief Gambiza.He died after being admitted to Gweru Provincial Hospital on Wednesday night."He was installed as a substantive chief for Chiwundura area in 2002," he said.Mr Maronge said Government was going to assist the family with burial arrangements. "The date for his burial is still to be announced and we are in touch with his family.Government as usual is offering maximum support to the family of the late chief and burial arrangements are underway," he said. Senator Ngungumbane, a member of the Chiefs Council said they were still in shock over the passing on of Chief Gambiza."As chiefs in the Midlands Province, we have lost a dedicated cadre who was humble and served his people and the institution with great distinction, dedication and loyalty."Chief Gambiza possessed great leadership qualities, which resulted in him being elected as Senator Chief for the Midlands Province from 2006 to 2008."In 2008 to 2013, he was elected into the National Chiefs Council. He also served as a board member for Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation from 2008-2013."He was the Chiefs focal person in the Provincial National Aids Council Action Committee up to his untimely death," he said. News / National by Staff reporter PROPHETIC Healing and Deliverance leader (PHD) Prophet Walter Magaya yesterday retracted his claims that he had found a cure for HIV and Aids and apologised for making the announcement. He blamed himself for being excitable."I carry a very important apology to the Ministry, to the public at large and all organisations. I, after discovering what I discovered, which was tested, and holding a report which was overwhelming to myself, I went on and announced what I was carrying in my hands without taking note of the authorities of Zimbabwe," said Prophet Magaya. Prophet Magaya said he learnt a lesson."We rushed with the results of what we were carrying without the authorities scrutinising it. At the same time I would like to acknowledge the Ministry, which has held me like a child and showed me the way," he said.Prophet Magaya said his apology followed calls by Government and other stakeholders to publicly retract the claim until a proper clinical trial on the efficacy and safety of the Aguma herb has been done."I appreciate what other boards are writing that I must retract, which is what I am doing right now," he said. He said he had since engaged Government to embark on local clinical trials for the herb."According to what the Ministry has assured us, we are going to run very intense trials until they have come up with a position on the plant," said Prophet Magaya.He also clarified the lipstick video circulating on social media as his third innovation saying he was just giving an example to his congregants that other countries like India had progressed with medical technology and already have treatments for diseases like anaemia in the form of a lipstick.Speaking at the same occasion, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo applauded Prophet Magaya's decision to retract his claims.He urged people living with HIV and Aids to continue taking their antiretroviral drugs.Dr Moyo said Prophet Magaya made his claims without realising the impact of it considering his huge following. "We want to continue emphasising to the population that whatever ARVs that you are on, please carry on taking them. Prophet Magaya's medications are not yet approved," said Dr Moyo.He said although Prophet Magaya said he carried out his research in India, Zimbabwe had its own regulations for medicines. He said Prophet Magaya holds a licence but it only gives him an opportunity to register his complementary medicine either as an allopathic, which requires clinical trials or alternatively, just as a complementary medicine.Dr Moyo said while Government appreciated research, everything must be proven scientifically. He revealed that Prophet Magaya assured Government that he will not dispense any of his products.In relation to the scheduled clinical trials, Dr Moyo said the process will start with Prophet Magaya availing his documentation of efficacy trials he said were conducted in India. Dr Moyo said Prophet Magaya will bankroll the clinical trials."It is not our responsibility to thwart anyone's ideas or discoveries. We want discoveries in Zimbabwe. We have been using herbal concoctions from other countries," he said. News / National by Staff reporter THE MDC Alliance national leadership has reversed a decision by its provincial committee in Matabeleland North to fire Victoria Falls Mayor, Councillor Somvelo Dlamini.The party's provincial secretary, Mr Mxolisi Ndlovu, advised Clr Dlamini of his expulsion in a letter dated October 20, 2018, accusing him of bringing the party into disrepute by defying directives and undermining protocol among other charges.Clr Dlamini's charges were premised on the fact that he allegedly defied the party's decree where he was supposed to stand as deputy mayor and leave the mayorship for preferred candidate, Clr Margaret Varley of Ward 1.The party's national secretary, Mr Douglas Mwonzora, wrote to the provincial committee on Wednesday accusing them of not following procedure."I am in receipt of your letter purporting to expel the said member from the party. I also refer to the minutes of the provincial executive committee meeting, it's clear that no charges were laid and no disciplinary hearing was conducted in relation to the member."Please note that in terms of Clause 6.1.9 of the Real Change Code of ethics Annexure B of the constitution, a member can only be dismissed after due process has been followed. It's clear that this has not been the case and your purported expulsion is therefore null and void," said Mr Mwonzora in a letter dated October 29.He said the provincial executive committee does not have the power to expel any member from the party. "Your purported expulsion of the member is null and void for want of compliance with the party constitution as that is the duty of the national disciplinary committee headed by the national chairperson or the national council," Mr Mwonzora said.In an interview, Mr Mwonzora confirmed writing the letter and said the provincial leadership acted without the knowledge of the party leadership."Every decision we make we must follow the constitution. Regarding Victoria Falls, the constitution is very clear that there ought to be a process where the person is given the right to be heard."What it means is that he hasn't been removed and if the province wishes to remove him they will have to call him for a hearing. I have not said they should not discipline him, they have that right but they should follow the procedure," he said.Mr Mwonzora said the national leadership only learnt about the issue after the province had already fired Cllr Dlamini. Meanwhile, Mr Mwonzora has urged members who disagree with the party leadership to follow internal appeal procedure. Yesterday, Clr Dlamini chaired the full council meeting which was attended by scores of residents.Residents had earlier threatened to demonstrate if the party had not allowed Clr Dlamini to chair. The meeting almost turned chaotic as residents booed finance committee chairperson Clr Ephias Mambume after he reported that $29 000 had been used for travelling expenses by council staff in one month. Clr Mambume and Clr Varley left in a huff before the meeting ended as the gallery became chaotic. The meeting continued in their absence. News / National by Staff reporter BINGA Rural District Council chief executive officer, Joshua Muzamba, and two senior council officials have been arrested on charges of criminal abuse of office and fraud.Muzamba (53), who resides at number 176 Lakeview in Binga, allegedly promoted an employee without following procedure in terms of the Urban Councils Act which requires that there must be a council resolution before a job is advertised.The RDC boss allegedly promoted Lovemore Siamunya who was a revenue officer in 2014 to a higher position without seeking the consent of councillors. Muzamba was not asked to plead to criminal abuse of office when he appeared before Binga magistrate, Mr Talent Phiri, on Monday.He was remanded out of custody to next week Monday on $200 bail and ordered to surrender his travel documents, report once on Fridays at Binga Police Station and not interfere with witnesses. Prosecuting, Mr Bruce Maphosa said Muzamba favoured Siamunya."On November 3, 2014, Muzamba promoted Siamunya without advertising or carrying out interviews while there was also no council resolution to employ a public officer," he said. Siamunya also appeared before the same court to answer to a charge of fraud for allegedly forging a receipt of $600 paid by a client for lease renewal.The prosecutor said on January 12 last year, Siamunya received $600 from Mr Edmore Siabechu to renew a shop lease for Mr Peter Mudenda. Instead of receipting the money, Siamunya allegedly issued the customer with an old counterfeit receipt which was used in 2015. It was not mentioned how the offence came to light.Siamunya was remanded to today when he is expected to bring a lawyer. He was released on $100 bail and ordered to report at Binga police station daily. The third official, Naison Siamuloba (46), who was employed as a revenue officer, appeared in court last Friday when he was jailed for an effective three months on a count of fraud and fined $100 on the second one.Siamuloba received $600 from Mrs Mary Magdalene Esterhuizen of Mlibizi Resort for renewal of a lease. Siamuloba under receipted the money and pocketed $500, after giving the client a fake receipt with the correct figure while council master copy had $100.On the second count, Siamuloba received $270 from the same client and converted $100 to his own use. He had repaid all the money when he appeared in court.The magistrate sentenced Siamuloba to six months in jail for the first count and fined him $100 or alternatively two months in jail for the second count. He will serve an effective three months after half of the sentence was suspended on condition of good behaviour within five years. News / National by Staff reporter BULAWAYO is set to celebrate its Annual Civic Service to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its declaration as a city on Sunday, November 4 at the Celebration Church at 1000hrs.City Council Senior Public Relations Officer, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, said this year's Annual Civic Service coincidentally falls on the exact day when Bulawayo was declared a city.Bulawayo was declared a city on November 4, 1943 and every year, a Civic Service to commemorate and celebrate the declaration of Bulawayo as a city is held on a Sunday near 4 November."Annually, a divine church service is held at the incumbent Mayor's Church and in this particular case it is going to be conducted by the Celebration Church Bulawayo located at 76 Josiah Tongogara Street and Leopold Takawira Avenue," she said.Mrs Mpofu said the church service will be conducted by the Mayor's Chaplain, with councillors, council staff and members of the public in attendance. She invited members of the public to celebrate their city together with the city fathers."It is a Civic function which is open to all News / National by Staff reporter THE Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) will next week host a meeting in Bulawayo to discuss the major drivers of cash shortages in the economy and proffer sustainable solutions, with Finance minister Mthuli Ncube the star attraction at the event.According to a concept paper seen by NewsDay, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs minister Judith Ncube, Industry and Commerce deputy minister Raji Modi, are among the speakers."Aims and objectives (of the event are) to come up with a common position on the best currency framework to adopt as a nation; to deliberate on what are the best conditions for reintroduction of local currency as well as the timing," reads the paper in part.The event also aimed at interrogating the foreign currency allocation framework with a special focus on the existing import priority list. It also aims to come up with a white policy paper position chronicling how we intend to save the local industry in the face of acute foreign currency shortages.Zimbabwe is grappling with acute foreign currency shortages exacerbated by the domestic cash crisis. This has left a number of stakeholders either blaming the use of foreign currency, introduction of the bond notes as a medium of exchange or sabotage by speculators who trade in currency."The million dollar question is: how do we get out of this fix? Are we not running out of the road? Should we continue kicking the can down the road?"The event seeks to identify areas of improvement in relation to currency issues as we approach 2019 and will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the following among others: maintaining parity of the US Dollar, RTGS and its sustainability; domestic financing of the fiscal deficit; re-engagement with multilateral institutions is it yielding results? is joining the Rand Monetary Union and option?" said the paper. News / National by Staf reporter A 37-YEAR-OLD pirate taxi driver was arraigned before Guruve magistrate on charges of kidnapping two Zimbabwe Republic Police officers who were enforcing traffic laws at the growth point.Christopher Honye (37) appeared before Guruve resident magistrate Shingirai Mutiro. He was granted $50 bail and remanded to November 15.Public prosecutor Albert Mazhindu alleges that on October 11, two female cops, Eneres Tandi (40) and Lucia Mhungu (38) were arresting motorists picking or dropping passengers at undesignated points.Chihonye picked passengers at a prohibited place with his Toyota Noah and was warned and advised to use the bus terminus by the cops but allegedly refused.Upon his refusal, the cops arrested the pirate taxi driver and ordered him to drive to the police station to pay a fine.The cops boarded his vehicle which had four passengers on board, but he drove to Kachuta which was in the opposite direction to the police station.When questioned on his actions by the cops, the accused allegedly told them he was taking them to his own place of interest since they were in his car.He drove for 16km and finally dumped them at Conland bus stop near Madyasarira area.The cops had to board another commuter omnibus back to the police station where they filed a report. News / National by Staff reporter ZAOGA leader Ezekiel Guti's son-in-law has appeared before a Harare magistrate facing charges of pointing a firearm at his wife and threatening to shoot her on suspicion that she was having an extra-marital affair with a fellow pastor.Lindsay Nyajeka, who appeared on summons before magistrate Obedience Matare, is represented by Jonathan Samukange.The State asked for a postponement, saying the complainant Ethanim Perfect Munamato Guti is admitted to Mbuya Dorcas Hospital after falling ill. But Samukange warned the court that it was a ploy by the complainant to manufacture evidence as records with the police investigation officer revealed that Nyajeka surrendered the gun to the church before the case was reported.Magistrate Matare postponed the matter to November 30 for trial.The State alleged that sometime in December last year, Nyajeka and his wife had a misunderstanding over extra marital affairs. Nyajeka was accusing his wife of having an extra marital affair with Gilbert Chadyemhunga, a pastor in the church.The State alleges Ethanim tried to explain that nothing was going on, but Nyajeka charged towards her and took a gun from a drawer, cocked it before pointing it towards her.It is alleged the complainant messed her pants, but Nyajeka fired two shots into the ceiling before storming out of the house, threatening to commit suicide, and drove away.The State alleges on October 17 this year, Nyajeka assaulted his wife.Devoted Nyagano appeared for the State. News / National by Staff reporter IT never rains but pours for Aqcuilinia Kayidza Pamberi, the woman who made headlines in 2011 for being involved in an alleged sexual relationship with the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.Barely a week after she was issued with a warrant of arrest for defaulting on appearing in court to answer to fraud charges involving $5 000, she is set to have her car, a Mercedes Benz (ADR 2673) auctioned over a debt she owes Rio Tinto Africa Pension Fund.An advertisement advising of the sale was placed in the Press on Wednesday indicating that Pamberi's Mercedes Benz will go under the hammer.The auction is to be conducted by Messenger of Court on Friday (26 October 2018).Last week Bulawayo magistrate Tinashe Tashaya issued the warrant when Pamberi did not appear in court for trial.Pamberi initially appeared in court on 13 September, with the matter being remanded to 15 October this year for trial.The allegations that the court are yet to prove are that Pamberi conned her friend Irene Chinyanda after she misrepresented to her that she knew someone who could assist her with her case which was before the High Court in Bulawayo.Allegations are that some time in January this year, Pamberi met Chinyanda in the CBD, where she told her that she was seeking to raise $575 to pay the Deputy Sheriff for a writ of execution for a case that was ruled in her favour at the High Court. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa's staunchest backers - the war veterans - are now divided over State capture allegations that have sucked in oil tycoon, Kudakwashe Tagwirei.While the chairperson of the ZNLWVA Christopher Mutsvangwa has been stinging in his criticism of the businessman whom he accused of capturing the top echelons of government, he now faces rare opposition from some of his lieutenants.Tagwirei, has triggered off fresh fissures within Zanu-PF and government, with the Sakunda Holdings founder wittingly or unwittingly driving a wedge between President Mnangagwa and some of his allies over the tycoon's unsettling influence.The meltdown has led to finger-pointing, with Tagwirei coming under scrutiny for his octopus-like grip on the fuel industry, hit by serious shortages of petrol and diesel.One of Zimbabwe's richest men, Tagwirei is accused of monopolising fuel infrastructure, and flaunting his wealth to influence government to make decisions in his favour.He is reported to have amassed excessive influence over the three arms of the State, with critics claiming his actions real or perceived amounted to State capture.Tagwirei has openly financed Command Agriculture ahead of the July 30 elections, a programme the opposition alleges was designed to pursue a narrow electoral agenda, specifically securing a Zanu-PF victory in the harmonised elections.The Sakunda boss was lynched by Mnangagwa's special advisor Christopher Mutsvangwa, who brazenly accused him of "dividing the presidium".Mutsvangwa alleged there was a powerful political hand helping Tagwirei to jump the foreign currency allocation queue at the RBZ and called for his monopoly in the fuel industry to be crushed.The former War Veterans minister seemed to suggest that Mnangagwa and his powerful deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga were not seeing eye-to-eye on the Tagwirei issue. News / National by newzimbabwe FORMER First Lady Grace Mugabe's sister Shuvai Gumbochuma on Thursday successfully applied for provisional release of her passport indicating she planned to travel abroad for treatment.Gumbochuma's lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku, told court that she had health problems adding that it was her wish to be treated outside the country."The accused intends to travel outside the country for treatment," Madhuku said.Madhuku did not disclose the country Gumbochuma intended to visit or the nature of her ailment.Harare magistrate, Rumbidzayi Mugwagwa agreed to the release of the passport before remanding her case to November 27 pending trial.Gumbochuma is facing three counts of fraudulently acquiring a vast piece of State land worth more than $2 million during the time of former President Robert Mugabe's rule.Meanwhile, the trial of Gumbochuma's son, Moses, who is accused of obstructing the course of justice during his mother's arrest in September, was yesterday deferred to November 8.Moses Gumbochuma, 36, appeared before Harare magistrate Nyasha Vhitorini who deferred proceedings to November 8.It is the State's case that on September 14, a team of detectives wanted to arrest Shuvai Gumbochuma at her Kachere Farm in Concession but found her in the company of her son and other relatives.The detectives informed Mrs Gumbochuma of the charges she was facing informing her of her arrest but she refused and instead drove off in her son's car.The police gave a chase and called for reinforcement to only intercept Moses' vehicle at the 24km peg tollgate along the Harare-Masvingo highway.Upon arrival, the police again introduced themselves to Mrs Gumbochuma and the accused who was driving, they advised them to disembark from the vehicle and they both refused.Further allegations are that the detectives ordered the accused to switch off his engine to facilitate his mother's arrest to which he also refused threatening to drive off.He was later restrained by the detectives.The State further alleges that the accused caused a scene and further shouted that his mother was not going anywhere challenging the detectives telling them to back off.The detectives then arrested Moses for obstructing them from effecting a lawful arrest. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu A storm is brewing in ZANU PF as two factions in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and General Constantino Chiwenga are set for a major showdown at the ZANU PF Headquaters in Harare.A ZANU Youth League source who spoke to us on condition of anonymity said, "Its all systems go. The Youth League is organising a Presidential solidarity march which will also denounce elements who wants to divide the Party. The march will start from the HQ and end at the Munhumutapa offices where the President will address us.You must know that people like Chiwenga, Matemadanda and Mutsvangwa think they made the President and hence want to grab power from him."Chris has his own ambitions supported by Warvets aligned to Matemadanda and Chiwenga is supported by his crew from the army. Chiwenga is behind all the suffering that is happening in the country, he is working in cohorts with Tagwirei to siphon money from the country."We have also been alerted through our intelligence that a person called Commandant is organising a pro-Chiwenga rally on the same day and at the same time. We hear that Commandant is working with Pamona barracks in organising their demo. We have push measures in place to counter them and we are taking their plans as a provocation to our peaceful march."Exiled Political analyst Professor Jonathan Moyo was the first to insinuate that another coup is coming in November."And on the first day of the month of November, whose Mbudzi Curse was inscribed by Rhodesia's UDI on the month's 11th day in 1965 & by the coup that was not a coup on the month's 15th day in 2017, it bears repeating once again that coups beget one another. Camera rolling!" Moyo said. News / National by Staff reporter Controversial activist Acie Lumumba is threatening to spill more beans on Sunday, barely a week after his expose ruffled feathers in the corridors of power.The self-proclaimed corruption buster said he will on Sunday expose the powerful people behind "Queen Bee", whom many suspect to be oil mogul Kuda Tagwirei of Sakunda Holdings."On Sunday, I will expose those behind Queen Bee, but I don't believe that I name and shame I only raise issues."The reason why I (will) leave (out) names is because I don't want people to focus on personalities; this country is made of lies, the lies begin at the party level and migrate to government where they are no longer simple lies," said Lumumba.Last week, Lumumba made serious allegations that some in the high corridors of power have been captured by Queen Bee.He alleged that Queen Bee, leads a corrupt cartel that has captured some senior politicians, and named certain directors at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), claiming they were part of a syndicate causing untold suffering in the country.Consequently, and because of Lumumba's revelations four directors at the central bank were suspended pending investigations.Lumumba made the accusations after he was appointed chair of a communications taskforce in the ministry of Finance.His appointment triggered sharp criticism from inside and outside government, with many questioning Finance minister Mthuli Ncube's judgment in appointing a person with a chequered history littered with scandals that range from graft to leaked sex tapes.Three days after he assumed the position, Ncube was pressured into withdrawing Lumumba's appointment letter.Asked whether Tagwirei was the real Queen Bee, Lumumba, was non-committal yesterday.He said: "Kudakwashe is one of the sharpest businessmen I have come across in this country, his business model has outlived most locals, he is a rock star in the business sector but in due course I will expose the real Queen Bee".Pressed further to clarify if he was exonerating Tagwirei, he quipped: "I can neither confirm now nor deny it but the public seems to be on the right track".Lumumba denied speculation that he was working with war veterans leader and special advisor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Chris Mutsvangwa, saying he was his own man."I am not sure why that would be an allegation; I don't see why it can only be Chris who can talk about corruption, of course Chris is a person I respect very much but I am doing this for my country," said Lumumba."The only person I voted for in the presidium is president Mnangagwa and he will have my full support, I will not take instructions from anyone but the man I voted for and what he stands for," he said, adding that the president was compromised by people around him. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Prophet Walter Magaya has been given $300 bail and told to submit title deeds to his Waterfalls house and to reside at the same address given to the court. He was further asked not to interfere with state witnesses.His arrest comes after members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police accompanied by the dreaded Central Intelligence agents raided Magaya s Offices in search of his HIV and Cancer cure on wednseday evening.The raid came after the government and health practitioners strongly condemned the public declaration by the self styled Prophet that he has found a cure to the two of the world s most incurable diseases.Magaya on Thursday held a joint press conference with the Ministry of Health and Child Care focusing on his Aids cure claim. Health minister Dr Obadiah Moyo, his deputy Dr John Mangwiro and several senior government officials were in attendance.Prophet Magaya said, "We have engaged the Ministry. I carry an apology to them and the public. Having carried the research from outside the country, I went on to announce the results unprocedurally. I apologize once again."I took heed of what government and relevant boards have asked me to do to retract my earlier claim, which I am now doing. Together we are going to work towards running intensive clinical trials for Aguma."Health minister Dr Moyo accepted Magaya's apology and announced that they are now working together with the Prophet to test the herb."Magaya rushed without realizing the impact of his message and his popularity and disregarded the facts in the regulation of medicines in the country. He now appreciates that there are regulations."I want to reiterate that please carry on with your medicines, Magaya's medicine has not yet been approved. It s unfortunate that Magaya did not have all regulations in place."Zimbabwe appreciate new discoveries but we want them to go through scientifically proven processes and these processes are what we are following now. He has assured us that he will not dispense that medication."And now following the regulations, he is now back in the fold. It is not our duty to thwart anyone s ideas of discoveries. We have been using herbal concoctions from other countries." News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Voice of America journalist Blessing Zulu has came out guns blazing accusing Strive Masiyiwa of re-writing history by saying no one stood for him when he was allegedly persecuted for seeking a Telecommunications licence.Posting on Facebook Zulu said, "Strive Masiyiwa says no one stood with him when he was being persecuted by Mugabe. That is re-writing history, I remember as students protesting in support of him with the likes of Learnmore Jongwe, Hon Fortune Daniel Molokele and Job Wiwa Sikhala."We were beaten so badly by the riot police and faced expulsion from university."Joshua Nkomo put his reputation on the line for him. Most Zimbabweans who he now says must move on lost everything and some lost their lives. We do not need lecturers from anyone. Reality is not his friend."Earlier this week, Masiyiwa had posted a lengthy emotional statement on Facebook saying , "My executives [in Zimbabwe] were arrested and held in leg irons for 16 days. I endured all the persecutions, including the bombing and shutting down of my newspaper business."No one stood in our corner, or expressed indignation, perhaps because there was no Twitter."Political commentator Ndaba Nhuku accused Strive of having a short memory, "Joshua Nkomo was called a senile old man suffering from dementia in court because of standing by Masiyiwa. How so forgetful the wealthy are." News / National by Staff reporter INDIA's Vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu flew into Zimbabwe yesterday and immediately pledged to strengthen relations between the two countries. He said India was keen on sharing expertise with African countries.VP Naidu landed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport at 1920hrs. He was welcomed by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, acting Foreign Affairs Minister Cain Mathema and Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Rungsung Masakui, among other dignitaries.His visit is the first by a high-ranking Indian Government official in 21 years.The last was in 1996 by then Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda. From the airport, VP Naidu proceeded to a reception organised by the local Indian community in Zimbabwe. VP Naidu briefed the community on developments back home, including the construction of airports and upgrading of roads.He spoke of India's desire to work with Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa."India is keen to strengthen relations with Africa. Africa is at the top priority of India. We also want to work with Zimbabwe. I will hold discussions with the President, His Excellency Mnangagwa tomorrow (today) and Vice Presidents to look at improving our bilateral relations," said VP Naidu.He said India was developing fast and would soon become the largest economy in the world. VP Naidu said India had embarked on reforms, which were painful but bearing fruits. He urged the Indian community in Zimbabwe not to forget home."Everyone should remember their mother, father, culture, language and tradition. You can go abroad and work and learn but you should return. Do not forget your native place where you were born.He also urged the Indians to respect the laws of countries in which they live."I advise you to follow the laws, regulations and customs of Zimbabwe. "You should work hard, share with others, take care of the family and society," he said. News / National by STaff reporter EVERY great idea starts as a dream and as Gloria Steinem, an American journalist and social political activist - reckoned 'Dreaming after all is a form of planning'. But what separates an achiever from a procrastinator - that person who delays or puts things off instead of working on them - is the fervour to turn a dream into reality through hard work, sweat, sleepless nights and perseverance. What started as a dream for former Mpopoma High School pupil Malvin Maduna Nkomo, three years ago, is turning into a revolutionary concept in the transport industry, particularly in the unchartered territory of cab e-hailing services in Zimbabwe. Today that dream is known as Hailer.Hailer is a mobile application for on-demand cab (metered taxi) e-hailing service that allows an individual to request a cab using his cell phone. The passenger is able to request the nearest driver/cab in his vicinity using the GPS (global positioning system) on his smart phone."I founded Hailer in October, 2016 as a response to the growth of digital services permeating every industry and space. It comes in as a means to have all your day to day lifestyle services at the palm of your hand via a mobile phone. "Hailer has since evolved to be an astounding team effort of 11 people ranging from software engineers, business and operations specialists with each person contributing their human resources into building the application and becoming stakeholders into the business," Nkomo said."Hailer takes away the traditional way of requesting cabs via a call centre number or merely phoning a cab service that you know. It enables ease of payment because you don't have to pay cash, but you can use mobile money services or your bank card."It also keeps a record of all your trips that you have done for future reference," Nkomo told Saturday Leisure from his base in Kimberley, South Africa.In turning a dream into reality, a good educational background does, of course, play an important role. After completing his A- Level studies at Mpopoma High School where he majored in Maths, Chemistry and Physics, Nkomo studied Electronic Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) and graduated in 2009.From there he pursued a Masters in Information and Communication Engineering degree with a specialisation in Embedded Systems Applications in Robotics at Shandong University of Science and Technology in Qingdao, China. He graduated in 2012 and is currently finalising a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.It's often said that money never starts an idea; it is the idea that starts the money."We had no funds of building the application so we had to start from the bottom by building it ourselves using the technical experiences we have from our various fields of study and previous work engagements."Hailer has taken an initiative to build a proudly Pan African brand to service the African continent and contribute directly to the economic growth of the continent, job creation and skills retention," said Nkomo.Hailer is a direct competitor to established cab e-hailing services provider Uber which offers its services in countries such as USA, the UK and South Africa. Uber faced a lot of challenges setting shop in South Africa chief among them sustained attacks on its drivers and passengers by meter taxi operators who deemed it as a direct threat to their business.In a horrifying incident in August 2017, an Uber driver was left with serious chemical burns after he was attacked in Johannesburg by an unknown assailant. So what measures is Hailer taking to safeguard its drivers and passengers from such attacks?"Our cars have an SOS reaction button that connects to third party emergency services, security companies and the police. We're also working on other safety features to augment the existing ones to further reinforce the fact that the security of the passengers and drivers is our primary concern."Currently Hailer operates in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Kimberley and seeks to grow to the rest of South Africa over the next year. Its company does not have its own fleet of cars, but is a 'platform that connects a driver and a car to passengers thus creating business opportunities to those with vehicles to connect to passengers in a way that has never been done before'. For locals, Hailer plans to set up shop in Bulawayo and Harare next year."As a preliminary, we intend to launch Hailer as a proof of concept to the Harare and Bulawayo communities and then with time, roll out value added services such as food and parcel deliveries."This will enable college students and youths alike to generate a little bit of income to assist them in such tough economic times. The idea is to have people with bicycles/scooters and motorbikes to leverage on such services," he said.Nkomo is a lecturer at the Sol Plaatjie University, formerly referred to as the University of the Northern Cape where he teaches Data Science modules Microprocessors, Operating Systems and Electronics. News / National by Staff reporter THE Lands and Agriculture ministry has submitted a $40 million bid in the 2019 National Budget to compensate white former commercial farmers, with the government promising to pay half of the amount, Parliament heard yesterday.Finance ministry director Peter Mudzamiri revealed this when he and acting secretary Joseph Gondo appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands chaired by Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena to speak on the ministry's 2019 budget bid."We only got $20 million, but the $40 million that we bid for was just an estimate looking at how many farmers we are going to pay. Our focus here is that we are looking at paying 50 former farmers in 2019," Mudzamiri said."Our valuation team is looking at the average total value of the farms, but the total debt will be worked out after completion of the valuation programme by December."Mudzamiri said since the adoption of the multi-currency system, a total of 95 former farm owners were compensated."In 2018, we compensated 25 former farmers and paid $1,2 million and the value paid depended from farm to farm," he said.Gondo told the committee that Lands and Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri asked for a $1,2 billion allocation for 2019, but government only promised them $1 billion.Wadyajena then queried the ministry's required allocation of $180 million for command agriculture, arguing that since the programme was being bankrolled by a private financier (Sakunda Holdings), then the ministry could be double dipping.But Gondo said the financier only supported supply of inputs, while the ministry needed the $180 million to support operational costs for the programme.The ministry was also grilled on the $285 million it requested for the strategic grain reserves. Wadyajena pointed out that if they kept 500 000 tonnes every year for the strategic grain reserves, then they did not need to have a budget for it each year."We need to keep replenishing it because some maize may perish and some of it might be needed for the Social Welfare Department," Gondo said.But MPs said the Social Welfare Department had its budget for food mitigation.Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) managing director Pious Manamike said the 2% tax on electronic transactions would hit hard cotton farmers and derail the industry."What it means is that the cotton farmers will fork out around $1,3 million in taxes if the 2% tax is maintained, but most cotton farmers are poor," Manamike said. News / National by Staff reporter SUSPENDED University of Zimbabwe (UZ) vice-chancellor Levi Nyagura yesterday appeared at the Harare Magistrates' Courts facing 27 fresh counts of criminal abuse of office for allegedly awarding a tree-cutting tender to three different companies owned by one person.Nyagura (72), who is being charged along with UZ director of works Lazarus Mabvura (42) and James Chipendo (36), appeared before magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa, who granted them $500 bail each.The complainant is the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, represented by chief executive officer Nyasha Chizu.Allegations are that UZ, through Mabvura, requested for quotations for procuring the services of cutting down five trees in front of the northern wing of Manfred Hodson compound.It is alleged on August 23, 2015, three companies, namely Frenzy Investments, Tynwald Sawmills and Bright Tree Cutters, responded by submitting quotations to Mabvura.The State, represented by Sebastian Mutizirwa, alleges Frenzy Investments and Tynwald Sawmills are owned by the same directors, namely Morgan Manyemba, Ruzisai Nechipani and Florence Mukundu, while Bright Tree Cutter is not registered.The prosecution said on November 6, 2015, Mabvura connived with Nyagura and awarded the services to Tynwald Sawmills without soliciting for quotations from at least three competitive bidders.The court heard that five days later, the company was paid $9 950 for cutting down the five trees.Mutizirwa said on August 27, 2015, Tynwald Sawmills was awarded another contract to cut down five trees worth $18 000, which is above the competitive bidding threshold.The same companies were awarded more than 27 contracts from 2015 to 2018 which were worth thousands of dollars.The State alleged the trio allegedly acted contrary to their duties as public officers by inviting quotations from either unregistered companies or those owned by the same directors. News / National by Staff reporter Samahuru High School in Tsholotsho District has received aid to make learning Combined Science a bit easier, paChikoro reported.On Thursday 25 October 2018, Rising Hope Foundation and St George's College (Harare) donated learning materials with the hope that it would inspire learners to develop an interest in science. It has enabled the exam candidates to be equipped to take their Combined Science practical exam scheduled for October 30, 2018, as well as allow the science department to be equipped for science classes of learners.The handover celebration was addressed by the school's Head Mr Muziwandile Dube, Rising Hope Foundation representative Mr Thulani Dube, Combined Science teachers at the school Mr Busani Karambo and Mr Tatenda Pangeti. Brian Msipa and Grace Moyo, learners at Samahuru High School, showcased a few science experiments they had prepared for the day with enthusiasm.Grace Moyo (left) and Brian Msipa (right) showcased a few science experimentsDespite the lack of physical and educational resources, the school is run by an excellent management team and enthusiastic and passionate teachers."We [Rising Hope Foundation] are very proud to support this school because of its talented learners and the school's dedicated teachers and management. You deserve all the support you can get from our organisation" said Mr Thulani Dube.Mr Thulani Dube articulated Miss Ntandose Hlabangana's vision-the Founder of Rising Hope Foundation, which is to "Raise a hope for tomorrow's future, today" through assisting in improving and producing more conducive learning environments at schools in lack of resources, providing necessary education assistance and alleviating poverty by assisting orphans, widows, women, youth and vulnerable groups acquire knowledge and skills to empower themselves in the Matabeleland Province, in Zimbabwe, but not limited to it. He said the donation is meant to help learners prepare for their exams and he stressed that when they are doing experiments they should find solutions for the exercise at hand and even after school, they should be able to come up with solutions which trouble the communities, the country and contribute towards making the world a better place. He encouraged them to study hard and work hard so they can have a better life.Mr Muziwandile Dube Samahuru Headmaster (left) receives donation from Mr Thulani Dube of Rising Hope FoundationMr Muziwandile Dube, Samahuru High School Head, said as a school, 'We are grateful to Rising Hope Foundation and St George's College for this donation. It is uplifting to find people who have a passion for learners. Our school mission statements says: To develop learners spiritually, mentally, physically and socially for productive service in this world and in the world to come. "Mr M Dube challenged learners to work hard, pass and be productive in life. News / National by Staff reporter Star Africa has been locked in a legal battle with its tenant Christ Embassy after the church allegedly breached a lease agreement compelling it to pay rentals worth $1 495 before the first of every month.Star Africa operates as a holding company with interest in providing food, beverages and logistics services but its main line of business is sugar refining. Its products include icing sugar, honey, maple, and toffee syrup.The company was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Harare, where it is leasing out one of its properties to the church.The court heard that on November 10, 2017, Star Africa issued summons against Christ Embassy for the payment of $37 470,76 being outstanding rentals, utility and electricity bills.Representing Christ Embassy, Tom Marongwe told the court the church entered an appearance to defend and the matter was set down for pre-trial conference on September 26, 2018 before Justice Hungwe."The pre-trial conference was postponed to allow the parties to find common ground and perhaps settle the matter," Marongwe said."On the pre-trial conference continuation held October 17 the parties advised the honourable judge that they found common ground and were settling the matter. The matter was then postponed to October 24 2018 at 1200 hours for parties to submit signed copies of the deed of settlement."However, the court heard that the church's lawyers prepared the draft deed of settlement, but mis-diarised the matter for 1230 hours instead of 1200 hours.The applicant's legal practitioners missed the court session and afterwards made a phone call to Star Africa Corporation's lawyers who advised that a default judgment had been obtained.The applicant then wrote a letter to the respondent's lawyers justifying why the court session had been missed."Applicant has a plausible explanation for its default. I am satisfied by the explanation given by the applicant's legal practitioners which I believe is a genuine mistake."Applicant has immediately proceeded to make this application for rescission of default judgment," Marongwe said.The Christ Embassy Church Zimbabwe has applied for a rescission of a default judgment obtained by its landlord Star Africa Corporation over $37 000 rental arrears. News / National by Staff reporter A man was arrested recently for assaulting a colleague who had refused to receive payment in bond notes and demanded rands.Johan Mugwari (49), of Bukuvani village under Chief Neshuro, appeared before magistrate Mandlenkosi Ndlovu and pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting fellow villager Kaurai Chauke.Ndlovu sentenced Mugwari to three months behind bars but suspended two months on condition that he will not commit a similar offense over the next five years.The remaining one month was suspended on condition that he performed 105 hours of community service at Chikadzi Primary School.Asked why he committed the offence, Mugwari said he was angry with the complainant who was refusing payment in bond notes and demanding South African rands."After we had finished a brick moulding piece job together, Chauke refused to be paid in bond notes. He was insisting that the bond notes are useless papers, hence he began to demand payment in rands," Mugwari told the court.The State, through prosecutor Caroline Pasipanodya, convinced the court that on October 10, Mugwari received payment of the job he had done with Chauke.He then went to his workmate's place to give him his share, but a dispute arose after Chauke demanded that he be paid in rands.Mugwari then assaulted Chauke with fists all over his body. Immediately after the assault, Chauke rushed to the police where he filed a report leading to Mugwari's arrest. News / National by Staff reporter MDC Alliance Nelson Chamisa has fired another salvo at Masvingo mayor Collen Maboke, saying the beleaguered city father was a product of some Zanu-PF arrangement and not the party's choice for the coveted position.Chamisa told TellZim News over the phone on Tuesday that Maboke was digging for himself a hole in which he would suffocate should he continue on his chosen path of defiance of the opposition alliance's call to step down immediately.Chamisa said the party had made itself clear on the kind of arrangement it wanted to see in Masvingo City Council, and would therefore not accept to continue being held to ransom by one man."This is a very straightforward one. The party through internal democratic processes, arrived at the candidate who should be mayor, and Maboke is not that candidate. Maboke is a product of some arrangement with Zanu, and we said look, we will not have arrangements that are made without the knowledge of the party. So he has to step aside, if he doesn't, he faces the risk of being fired if he does not act to the dictates of the party."It is a simple one, he has to step aside and give way for a proper arrangement as required by the party. He will be expelled for sure. We can't allow indiscipline that undermines the strength of the party. He has to step down right away or be expelled," Chamisa said.He drew comparisons with what happened in Chegutu and Victoria Falls where mayors were made to step down after landing the positions by contradicting the party's preferred arrangements."It would be good if people are to pull together in one direction rather than remain stubborn while getting lost. We have serious work to do and we can't be seen to be talking about the same issues every day. This has to come to an end sooner than later," he said.Maboke controversially landed the position of mayor at the expense of the party's then preferred candidate Godfrey Kurauone after striking a secret trade off deal for the position of deputy mayor with Zanu-PF councillors in exchange for their votes for the mayoral position.With three councillors out of 10, Zanu-PF stood no chance of taking the deputy mayoral position had it not been for the bargain.In Chegutu, Hillary Muchatibaya was fired last week for defying party orders to step down, with six councillors suspended for voting for him against official orders to vote for Maphios Shumba.In Victoria Falls, Somvelo Dhlamini was also forced to step down and pave way for Margaret Varley, the party's chosen candidate. News / National by Staff reporter Goddard Dunira, a land developer and a nephew of former Minister of State for Masvingo, Josiah Hungwe frothed, spluttered and contradicted himself as he tried to explain how his lifestyle dramatically changed four years after leaving teaching to become one of Masvingo's wealthiest residents.Dunira was giving evidence to the Commission of Enquiry into the matter of the sale of State land in and around urban areas since 2005."How did your lifestyle change from being an ordinary school teacher just four years ago to becoming one of the flashiest people in Masvingo? You own four state of the art cars; all fuel guzzlers and you buy a new car almost every year. Where are you getting the money from?"You have also built a chain of commercial properties that include schools, beerhalls, business shops, lodges and several houses? Can you tell me where you are getting that money from," asked Commissioner Chingono.Dunira confirmed that he has a Mercedes Benz S300, a BMW 7 series, a Landcruiser and a commuter bus.Dunira initially said that the cars were not his. He then said they were not in his name and later said he was still buying them. He changed yet again and said that he had bought them from a returning citizen.Commissioner Chingono then asked him to provide the name of the returning citizien and for a while Dunira seemed to find it difficult to remember the person who sold him four cars. He then uttered a name but could not remember his first name. Commissioner then asked for the country in which the seller of the cars was domiciled and what year he came back.Dunira got further lost and said he returned in 2015 and yet some of the cars were sold to him before that. He also said the person was domiciled in Japan but when Dr Chingono queried the country, Dunira again changed his statement and said it was the cars that came from Japan.Commissioner Chingono then declared that Dunira had a worthy criminal case that the Police should look into. She immediately ordered the Commission's Chief Investigator, Superintendent Godfrey Muza to take him and verify the case of the four cars."Mr Dunira, you are not telling the truth and the import of your four vehicles raises a lot of questions. This is something serious and we need the Police to look into this. Sup Muza can take up this case," said Dr Chingono as she handed over the matter to the Police.A stunned Dunira walked out of the court room almost lost. He probably did not imagine that the matter could come to this. Opinion / Columnist ZAPU's Dr Dumiso Dabengwa has missed out on sharing the stage with the vibrant and eloquent Mzila at a grand event scheduled for 3 November 2018 in Luton, UK (Post Code LU3 1BS). This follows denial of a visa for the Zapu leader by the UK government working hand in glove with the Mnangwagwa administration. The Zapu leader was due to fly to the UK about six months ago with his compatriot Moses Mzila but both were not issued visas on time. They ended up missing their flights and lost ticket fares in the process. Fortunately for Mzila his visa was issued hence his arrival in the UK this week, courtesy of the 1893 Human Rights Movement (HRM) which has had to meet a huge proportion of the travel and living expenses of the speaker while in the UK. Thembani Dube, Edfil Mdluli and colleagues should be applauded for their perseverance in making this event happen.Zapu wishes the organisers and all those who will attend a successful event. In the same vein, Zapu is calling for all its UK based members and supporters to attend the event en masse. Zapu is also encouraging all other regional and national groupings to remind their members to attend this historic event to be held in the UK in the post-Mugabe era. Zapu would have liked to send a representative from the homeland to replace Dabengwa after his visa was denied but the organisers were faced with other challenges and could not accommodate the request to find a replacement for Dabengwa in time for this trip. It is hoped that a UK based Zapu cadre will be able to fill the big shoes and take to the podium to deliver Dabengwa's speech which should reiterate Zapu's position on this thorny issue that cannot be wished away.The question is why the UK government has sided with the Mnangagwa junta in denying Dabengwa the opportunity to honour the invitation to address this issue and lay bare the shenanigans and inhuman torture and mass murder of the innocent people of Matabeleland and Midlands mainly and other Zapu strongholds in the 1980s. Zapu and the people still bear those scars to this day. There is none more qualified than Dr Dabengwa and Moses Mzila to speak on this topic as they have first-hand experiences of the genocide committed in the attempt to create a de facto one party state in Zimbabwe. What does the British hold against Zapu and its leaders? Could it be that they have never forgiven Zapu and its military wing , Zpra, for bringing down the British Viscount resulting in the loss of the 'more valued innocent few British lives' as opposed to the thousands of innocent black lives lost in those years of protracted combat in the then Rhodesian pariah state? While the loss of a single innocent life or limb is regrettable, it should be acknowledged that this is a recognised by-product of war. It is Zapu's wish that the British government embraces a more grown up attitude and maturity in the way it views Zapu and its leaders. Zapu's perceived sinning against the British establishment pales into insignificance compared to Zanu's gross failure to govern and its atrocious human rights record. Yet surprisingly the British government is quick to embrace Zanu and its leaders including the current highly militarised state in Zimbabwe."Zapu has been consistent in fighting for true democracy before and after Zimbabwe's independence" to quote one unnamed veteran politician from Matabeleland.The spotlight rightfully falls on the legendary Moses MzIla, political activist, former minister in the slightly more progressive but shortlived GNU and now president of his own political outfit, ANSA. Moses Mzila is the right man to shoulder the heavy lifting in further exposing the role of the ruling cabal in Zimbabwe. More so as a former minister of the so called national healing portfolio, he should be able to shed more light on why peace and reconciliation remain elusive in Zimbabwe considering several initiatives to try and reverse Mugabe and Mnangagwa's legacy of divide and rule.For those residing in the UK, all roads lead to Luton. This is a call to all those peace loving people from the Motherland who wish for a meaningful closure of the sad and tragic chapter that took place during the Gukurahundi era in Zimbabwe. This is the time to share some of the painful truths about Gukurahundi as told from the victims' perspective. The other truth from the perpetrators' perspective is long overdue as the perpetrators remain stubborn and protected by the silent international community. The truth shall come out one day to free both victim and perpetrator from this mental and emotional bondage. It starts with Moses Mzila today. Nampa abantwabakho and as one of the more consistent leaders from Matabeleland region, a lot is expected from Mzila today.Over to you Honourable Moses Mzila.The writer is a Zapu cadre writing in her personal capacity and she can be contacted at ntsikane@yahoo.com Opinion / Columnist The lifting of SI 122 made this writer to revisit a debate that made headlines in the post- election period in Zimbabwe. This was premised on whether Zimbabwe should join the Rand monetary community or not, or just to declare the rand as the main currency with US dollar as the reserve currency.From my point of view, adopting the rand as the main currency is now paramount more than before because of several reasons. Chief among the reasons being the fact that those who would have imported the basic commodities into the country will never sell them back home at the bond note value but at rand value. This phenomenon will see the perpetuation of the parallel market in the country hence the lifting of the SI 122 would fail to bear the desired fruits.South Africa remains one of the most important trading partners for Zimbabwe. A snapshot of statistics obtained shows that Zimbabwe imports about 40% of its total imports and exports about 75% of its total exports to South Africa. In 2017, South Africa's exports to Zimbabwe were almost US$ 3 billion.In the month of February 2018 alone, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) reported that Zimbabwe exported goods worth $216,9 million to South Africa and imported goods worth $261,2 million.These statistics are just but one of the many reasons adopting the rand would be good for the country whilst we will be working towards bringing back our own Zimbabwean dollar.Using the US dollar as our main trading currency will remain a challenge since it is in meagre supply and beyond the reach of many ordinary citizens, let alone the amount of trade between Zimbabwe and Washington as compared to Zim-SA trade. Zimbabwe needs to look beyond the United States dollar if ever we are going to bring back our own currency.South Africa has proved to be our real brother and our all- weather friend. It is our leading trading partner and statistics are there for everyone to see. As if that is not enough, most Zimbabweans who live outside the country are residents in South Africa. In short, without much economics background, even a layman would see the necessity of Zimbabwe formally joining the Rand community.So there we are, Zimbabwe needs to rise up from the economic doldrums that it has been languishing in for close to two decades. The country has been without its own currency for long now which should also mark the thrust while the Rand helps us to reach that milestone.We need to exploit the advantages inherent in the adoption of the South African rand. These are, but not limited to, favourable transaction cost, Investment promotion, and exchange rate stability due to common currency.Since South Africa is our major trading partner, adopting the rand would guarantee exchange rate stability. This can also double as the panacea to the challenges exerted on the economy by money changers who are a common sight in most of our towns and cities.The welcome consequences can be witnessed in price stability which can help the ordinary Zimbabwean to project life and budget. Our market has of late been a subject of a distorted pricing system where, for example, in the pharmaceuticals, the critical drugs are priced in US dollar. Most people cannot afford this because they can't access the hard currency.The market has proved that even if we may try to hold on to the narrative that there is exchange rate parity in the country, the truth is that notion is hard to adhere to. We need to adopt the rand and stabilise our economy as efforts are under way to rediscover the lost mojo of our local currency. By Eric M. Johnson and Joey Roulette SEATTLE/ORLANDO, Fla. (Reuters) - SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk flew to the Seattle area in June for meetings with engineers leading a satellite launch project crucial to his space company's growth. Within hours of landing, Musk had fired at least seven people on the program's senior management team at the Redmond, Washington, office, the culmination of disagreements over the pace at which the team was developing and testing its Starlink satellites, according to two SpaceX employees with direct knowledge of the situation. Known for pushing aggressive deadlines, Musk quickly brought in new managers from SpaceX headquarters in California to replace a number of the managers he fired. Their mandate: Launch SpaceX's first batch of U.S.-made satellites by the middle of next year, the sources said. The management shakeup and the launch timeline, previously unreported, illustrate how quickly Musk wants to bring online SpaceX's Starlink program, which is competing with OneWeb and Canada's Telesat to be first to market with a new satellite-based Internet service. Those services - essentially a constellation of satellites that will bring high-speed Internet to rural and suburban locations globally - are key to generating the cash that privately-held SpaceX needs to fund Musk's real dream of developing a new rocket capable of flying paying customers to the moon and eventually trying to colonize Mars. "It would be like rebuilding the Internet in space," Musk told an audience in 2015 when he unveiled Starlink. "The goal would be to have a majority of long-distance Internet traffic go over this network." But the program is struggling to hire and retain staff, the employees said. Currently, about 300 SpaceX employees work on Starlink in Redmond, the sources said. According to GeekWire, Musk said in 2015 the Redmond operation would have "probably several hundred people, maybe a thousand people" after 3-4 years in operation. So far this year, about 50 employees left the company "on their own accord," one of the SpaceX employees said, though the reason for those departures was unclear. Overall, SpaceX employs more than 6,000 staff. As of Tuesday, there were 22 job openings - including a job making espresso drinks - for the Redmond office, according to SpaceX's website. SpaceX spokeswoman Eva Behrend told Reuters the Redmond office remains an essential part of the company's efforts to build a next-generation satellite network. "Given the success of our recent Starlink demonstration satellites, we have incorporated lessons learned and re-organized to allow for the next design iteration to be flown in short order," Behrend said. She noted the strategy was similar to the rapid iteration in design and testing which led to the success of its rockets. After this story was published, a second SpaceX spokesperson said two of the managers left the company on their own accord as part of the re-organization within two weeks of the Musk visit in June. The spokesman did not provide additional details about their exit. Among the managers fired from the Redmond office was SpaceX Vice President of Satellites Rajeev Badyal, an engineering and hardware veteran of Microsoft Corp and Hewlett-Packard, and top designer Mark Krebs, who worked in Google's satellite and aircraft division, the employees said. Krebs declined to comment, and Badyal did not respond to requests for comment. The management shakeup followed in-fighting over pressure from Musk to speed up satellite testing schedules, one of the sources said. SpaceX's Behrend offered no comment on the matter. Culture was also a challenge for recent hires, a second source said. A number of the managers had been hired from nearby technology giant Microsoft, where workers were more accustomed to longer development schedules than Musk's famously short deadlines. "Rajeev wanted three more iterations of test satellites," one of the sources said. "Elon thinks we can do the job with cheaper and simpler satellites, sooner." A billionaire and Chief Executive Officer of Tesla Inc, Musk is known for ambitious projects ranging from auto electrification and rocket-building to high-speed transit tunnels. A Musk trust owns 54 percent of the outstanding stock of SpaceX, according to a 2016 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing, SpaceX's most recent. JUNE 2019 LAUNCH GOAL SpaceX has said it would launch its satellites in phases through 2024. It goal of having Internet service available in 2020 is "pretty much on target" with an initial satellite launch by mid-2019, one of the sources said. OneWeb aims for a first launch between December and February 2019, while Telesat was targeting 2022 for broadband services. SpaceX employees told Reuters that two Starlink test satellites launched in February, dubbed Tintin A and B, were functioning as intended. The company is refining the orbital path of the satellites after the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, which oversees satellites in orbit, approved a request from SpaceX to expand Tintins' altitude range, one of the sources said. The FCC confirmed SpaceX's modifications, which have not been reported previously, but declined further comment. "We're using the Tintins to explore that modification," one of the SpaceX employee sources said. "They're happy and healthy and we're talking with them every time they pass a ground station, dozens of times a day." SpaceX engineers have used the two test satellites to play online video games at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California and the Redmond office, the source said. "We were streaming 4k YouTube and playing 'Counter-Strike: Global Offensive' from Hawthorne to Redmond in the first week," the person added. MORE SATELLITES In March, the FCC approved Musk's plan to beam down Internet signals from 4,425 small satellites launched into standard low-Earth orbit - more than two times the total number of active satellites there presently. One SpaceX engineer told Reuters the company has studied plans to add roughly 10,000 additional satellites after its first array is live to meet bandwidth demand in the coming 20 years. Behrend declined to comment on the plans and referred to a previous FCC filing, which states an additional 7,518 satellites are under consideration. Such a move would keep it in the race to expand affordable high-speed Internet access to billions of people in rural or suburban areas globally. The Satellite Industry Association, a lobby group, estimates the global market for satellite-based broadband and television services is worth $127.7 billion, dwarfing the roughly $5.5 billion satellite launch services market. McLean, Virginia-based OneWeb is working to provide internet service from roughly 900 satellites after raising more than $2 billion from SoftBank, the Coca-Cola Company and others. Telesat, backed by Loral Space & Communications Inc, said on Oct. 23 it conducted the first-ever live test of in-flight broadband via a satellite in low-Earth orbit, and was targeting 2022 for broadband services from a constellation of some 300 satellites. SpaceX aims to provide Internet service by linking its satellites to ground stations and mountable terminals about the size of a pizza box at homes or businesses, according to the FCC filing. The U.S. market for broadband is already dominated by several incumbent communications companies, including Comcast Corporation. Comcast declined to comment on the potential new competition. While SpaceX's model of reusing rockets has generated cash, it is not enough to cover the roughly $5 billion cost to develop its Big Falcon Rocket that Musk wants one day to fly to Mars. "There had to be a much bigger idea for generating cash to basically realize the Mars plans," said one of the SpaceX employees. "What better idea than to put Comcast out of business?" (Reporting by Eric M. Johnson in Seattle and Joey Roulette in Orlando, Florida; editing by Greg Mitchell and Edward Tobin) Federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen took aim at the Ontario government on Thursday, saying Doug Ford's government is stoking fears around asylum seekers and is not offering solutions to the issue of illegal border crossers. "They are not engaged. Instead they have unfortunately decided to engage in fear mongering and demonizing of asylum seekers, which is not what Canada is all about," said Hussen in an interview with CBC News Network's Power & Politics. The minister was responding to a news release from the Ontario government that said the federal government does not have a "credible" plan to deal with asylum seekers crossing into Canada. The press release also quoted Ontario's minister responsible for immigration, Lisa MacLeod, as saying "In Toronto, approximately 40 per cent of shelter occupants are refugees." Hussen dismissed that number saying, "The figures that are being thrown around are not based on facts. They are based on speculation," He went on to criticise MacLeod directly saying she has called asylum seekers names. "She has labelled all of them as economic immigrants. She's said that none of them are genuine refugees," said Hussen. MacLeod responded to a clip from the interview on twitter calling Hussen a bully. "Fix your border issues and pay Ontario the $200 [million] you owe us," she tweeted. The Interview: Kapelos: On the issue of refugees, I mean, we have Lisa MacLeod saying that 40 per cent of Toronto shelter occupants are refugees. They are saying there is a crisis there. We have numbers that show in 2017 25% of those occupants were refugees and in 2016 it was just 11%. Hussen: Lisa MacLeod is engaged in fear mongering and using this issue to demonize people. Kapelos: What evidence do you have for that? Hussen: I'll tell you, the Toronto shelter system does not ask questions on the status of those who are seeking shelter in their system. Story continues Kapelos: So her department is lying when they say that they are 40 per cent of the people? Hussen: How would Lisa MacLeod know who is accessing the system if the temporary housing shelter system in Toronto does not collect stats based on status? Number one. Kapelos: Wasn't [Toronto Mayor] John Tory also saying that though as well? Is he lying too? Hussen: No I'm saying that the figures that are being thrown around are not based on facts. They are based on speculation...the status of people seeking access to the shelter system in Toronto is unknown, therefore to put a number on that, is simply not factual. Kapelos: So you're saying that her department is not factual when they say that 46% of those occupants Hussen: I'm saying that it doesn't withstand scrutiny and the record of Lisa MacLeod speaks for itself. She has not engaged in our plan to engage with the city of Toronto to triage asylum seekers away from Toronto by regionalizing the issue so that we can have other cities step in to work together. Kapelos: Explain what you mean by that? Hussen: What I mean by that is Canadians expect all orders of government to work together when we have challenges. On the issue of asylum seekers, the federal government has stepped up. We have provided not only funding through the Canada social transfer; we've provided additional funding of $50 million dollars, $11 million of which will go to Toronto and Ontario to deal with this issue. Now we had a plan in place to work through Ontario and Toronto to conduct a triage system that will relieve pressure from the city of Toronto. The province of Ontario chose to walk away from that system. We're still at the table. We're working with the city of Toronto to triage people away and we have successfully done that to the city of Chatham, Ontario, and others, to relieve pressure from Toronto. So, we're there. We're providing not only funding, but we're actually bringing solutions to the table. The government of Ontario is not doing that. They are not engaged. Instead they have unfortunately decided to engage in fear mongering and demonizing of asylum seekers, which is not what Canada is all about. Kapelos: Do you feel that John Tory also demonized asylum seekers, because he raised the exact same concerns, to be fair? Hussen: No. I engaged John Tory on that and I told him we will always be there for the city of Toronto. The difference between John Tory and Lisa MacLeod is that minister MacLeod has called asylum seekers names. Kapelos: What has she called them? Hussen: She has labelled all of them as economic immigrants. She's said that none of them are genuine refugees. Which is something that we trust our immigration refugee board to do. And so, we have to respect the system that we have. We have mechanisms in place. Kapelos: You're saying that Lisa MacLeod said not a single asylum seeker is a genuine refugee. When did she say that? Hussen: She said on her twitter that these are economic migrants, that they are not genuine refugees. So this is factual. It's on the record. But the fact of the matter is, the IRB [Immigration and Refugee Board] is in charge of determining who is a genuine refugee and who is not and we have to respect the independence of the immigration refugee board. Those who are determined to be refugees will stay in Canada. Those who are not will be asked to leave our country. That is part of our law. Kapelos: Critics are saying that your government's plan is not adequately working, that this is not a sustainable way to manage this issue. Hussen: It's fair to have concerns about asylum seekers, but the fact of the matter is, the numbers have gone down 75 per cent, so if our plan was not working, why have the numbers gone down Kapelos: Actually the numbers are up. Hussen: I'm talking about the numbers compared to last year. Kapelos: You're talking month to month. If you're talking year-over-year there's actually more asylum seekers that have crossed into Canada this time this year compared to this time last year, overall. Hussen: What Canadians expect us to do is to work with all orders of government to make sure that when challenges present themselves, we come up with solutions that each level of government is able to implement. The federal government is there. We've worked very closely with the city of Toronto. We were willing to engage the province of Ontario, they decided not to be part of the solution. We haven't left the city of Toronto on its own. We've provided not only money but a triage system to triage people away from the city of Toronto while they wait for the hearings. We have to let the system take its course we've signed international agreements that are part of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to allow asylum seekers at least to get a fair hearing, so that those who are deemed to be genuine refugees can be determined to be so, and those who are not can be determined by the same independent system. That is the system that we have and that is the system that we remain committed to. This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. A big mistake made in the description of a product listed on Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) website is the latest hiccup for the only legal retailer of weed in the province. Peter Lyon, a 27-year-old sales rep for a Toronto company, logged on to the OCS website hours after it went live to make a purchase. "I searched for a high THC cannabis product, which was called Radiate it was the highest one they had available," said Lyon. "I haven't received my order yet, but I looked at my receipt and the THC content listed is very different from what I had originally ordered." The product description on the OCS website indicated that the THC content for Radiate, which sells on the site for $9.45 a gram, as 24 per cent. But Lyon said his receipt lists the content as 13 per cent. Health Canada requires the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) level to be listed on the label as a key indicator of the potency of a cannabis product. "I mean, I compare it to going to a liquor store and if you ordered 40 per cent alcohol, but ended up with 20 per cent or something else. That could cause some problems for sure," said Lyon. Jeremy Potvin, CEO and co-founder at Weedbox, which markets the Radiate product, initially blamed what's "clearly a mistake" on the OCS, suggesting the province's distributor may have posted incorrect information about the product. However, on Friday, TerrAscend Canada, which actually produces Radiate, said it made the mistake, not the OCS. "An incorrect description for one product was provided by TerrAscend Canada for the Ontario Cannabis Store website," said Ari Unterman, a vice president with the company. Unterman said TerrAscend immediately alerted the OCS and is taking steps to stop this from happening again. Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press In an emailed statement to CBC Toronto, OCS communications manager Amanda Winton said "as a natural product, THC and CBD content in cannabis may vary among lots of the same strain. Story continues "THC and CBD ranges shown on the product pages of OCS.ca are provided to OCS by federally-licensed cannabis producers and may differ from ranges specified on product packaging from these same producers," Winton wrote. Weedbox is still offering to compensate consumers with online vouchers for accessories on the company's website. 'It's a little silly,' customer says "You know the consumers did nothing wrong. They went online and found the product that they want to buy that they were looking for," Potvin said. Lyon said the mix-up is concerning, no matter how it happened. "It's strange for a brand new website to make a mistake in something important as THC content. You don't want to be taking something when you don't really know what it is," he said, adding that he still hasn't received his order. "It's been over two weeks. It's a little silly at this point." CBC Bright Lights Windsor is back at Jackson Park this year after being cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Drew Dilkend said there will be thousands of lights and stunning displays from Dec. 2 to Jan. 9. "After 20 months of what we've all gone through together we need a little bit of cheer and it's great to have the lights on, to be together and celebrate," Dilkens said. "This has not been an easy time for anyone in this community. We acknowledge that and we know that this eve Thalidomide survivors have won the go-ahead in Canada to challenge a compensation program. The Federal Court of Appeal ruled Thursday that a lower court judge was wrong to deny class-action certification, and appointed Bruce Wenham as representative plaintiff. Toronto-born Wenham, 60, says he was born with deformed arms because his mother took thalidomide during pregnancy. However, the government turned him and 167 others down for compensation because they had no proof of the link between the medical issues they suffered and the now-defunct drug. Wenham argued the documentary proof requirements were unreasonable, and the Federal Court said the Appeal Court erred by citing a specific section of the Federal Courts Act to reject Wenham's position. The Federal Court of Appeal said Wenham's case meets the criteria for a class action to proceed, though it stressed it was not an assessment of how likely it is that the plaintiffs' claims would ultimately be successful. In the 1990s, the federal government distributed lump-sum payments of between $52,000 and $82,000 to 109 people affected by thalidomide. In 2014, finding that compensation insufficient to cover their medical needs, the Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada, then representing about 120 survivors, requested that the federal government provide an additional lump sum of $250,000 person and annual payments of $75,000 to $150,000 each. In 2015, the federal government announced a $125,000 lump-sum payment to each thalidomide survivor and an annual pension from the government of up to $100,000. To qualify, one had to have received payments under the 1990 plan or apply before the end of May 2016, provided they satisfied a number of documentary proof requirements that they had been affected. This is a note to the youth of the nation. A warning, of sorts, of the evils that lurk a few months yonder. When the winter turns to spring when the snow melts and the trees bud and the birds renew their songs a menacing refrain will once again fill the air. It will invite you to follow the path of hatred and division all the way to the fall. Resist, my children. There is another way. Our devoted prime minister gingerly broached the subject recently with a group of students in the hallowed halls of Parliament. "We try and stay, you know, serious and respectful," he said of his government's conduct in the House of Commons. "They like to shout," he said, referring to the men and women across the aisle. "That's something that happens naturally in opposition." Watch: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tells students that opposition members "like to shout." You see, children, the anger and aggression typically comes from those other pieces of sh er from those other people. The government this government especially makes proper decorum a priority. Indeed, the prime minister himself is present in question period every Wednesday so that he may directly offer the vacuous platitudes prepared in response to important questions. It is with reverence to the institution that he deflects questions about Statistics Canada trying to collect Canadians' private banking data without their consent, or about his government's role in the breach of trust case involving Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, or about his own ethical lapses. This is the mark of a "serious and respectful" government, one that knows where the buck ultimately stops: with the previous government. While the opposition shouts from across the aisle, the government is working hard to make Canada better. Sometimes that requires standing up and charging against regressive forces even literally. Or raising a middle finger to those stoking divisions again, even literally. It's not that they want to resort to obscene gestures or name-calling, of course, but sometimes there is simply no other option. Even David had to use his slingshot once in a while, and in Canada, negative politics is a Goliath. Story continues You might be a bit young to remember, but let me tell you: we do not want to go back to the Harper days of government opaqueness and secrecy when it would take months, even years, to see Access to Information requests fulfilled; when millions of dollars of taxpayer funds were doled out with little oversight or official record; when major policy decisions were buried in dense government documents for journalists to discover, rather than simply disclosed publicly. But thankfully, those days are gone. Sure, under the Trudeau government, we still wait months, even years, for Access to Information requests to be fulfilled; and millions of dollars of taxpayer funds are still occasionally unaccounted for; and major policy decisions are buried rather than explained to the public, despite what the Liberals promised during their bid for government. But now, that opaqueness and secrecy comes with a smile. That's the salient point in all of this: the government means well. Indeed, that is the difference between this government and the last, and it's one we should be mindful of as the next election draws ever nearer: the Liberals don't want to be mean. They still believe in positive politics. It's just that those petty and childish guys across the aisle led by "Stephen Harper with a smile," which some person once coined I can't recall who make the execution of sunny ways more difficult than anticipated. 'Getting a lot done for middle-class Canadians' So you see, the Liberal government has to do things like table 850-page omnibus budget bills even though they lambasted the previous government for doing so and promised they would abandon the "undemocratic" practice because they aren't getting any help from the people occupying the other seats. The Harper omnibus bills were sinister and sneaky and tried to ram through changes without debate. This, on the other hand, is about "getting a lot done for middle-class Canadians." See the difference? The Trudeau government does not operate out of naked self-interest. Deep down, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer knows that. And NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will come to know that when the Trudeau government finally decides to call the byelection that will get him a shot at a seat in Parliament. The government is just very busy, as we all know, and probably hasn't gotten around to it yet. It's just a workflow thing. So remember, children: there are forces of darkness and light, of division and unity, of hatred and of love. Only one party embodies those positive energies, not like those other pieces of shguys. This column is part of CBC's Opinion section. For more information about this section, please read this editor's blog and our FAQ. If you thought you saw someone in a very convincing pig costume trick-or-treating in the Nelson area of Miramichi Wednesday chances are it was actually Wilbur, a very real, and very wily pig, who happens to have a taste for Sour Cherry Blasters candies. Halloween was nerve-wracking for Ashton Corcoran and family, who had been looking for the pet pig for days. "We were concerned someone might try to do something malicious," Corcoran said during an interview with CBC's Shift NB. "But he was seen all out and around, and nobody hurt him and he was fine today." Escaped a while ago The 50-pound male Guinea hog had been on the lam from Corcoran's in-laws' home for a few weeks before he was finally captured Friday afternoon. "We just caught him. Trying to get him loaded on the back of a truck to get him home," Corcoran said in a text message shortly after 1 p.m. It must have been quite a relief, after hours of "driving and running through the woods trying to grab him." Wilbur's big adventure started when it was time to move back home to Sunny Corner from his temporary residence in Nelson. "We caught our female no problem, took her home, she's happy," Corcoran said. But when they tried to round up Wilbur, he was having none of it. He took off around the neighbourhood, said Corcoran, and managed to evade capture numerous times. "About a week ago or so, I got close enough to him that I had one of his legs in my hand," she said. "And then we had six dogs and they all came running over, kind of screeching, and they wanted to see what the deal was and he managed to get away." Tried everything They tried luring the pig with food, but Wilbur would just eat the food around the trap and skedaddle. They tried drugging the food with tranquillizers from a veterinarian. "We got a Valium for animals and sleeping pills. We gave both of those to him on a couple of different occasions. That didn't seem to faze him any." Story continues Plenty of people offered suggestions, but Corcoran said there was little they hadn't already tried. Wilbur dined out on all of the attempts to lure him in. Might not have survived "Anybody around the area who's seen him has fed him trying to get him close enough to grab him," said Corcoran. "And he eats anything that he finds on the side of the road. He digs for bugs. He's a little bit less domesticated than he used to be." Wilbur's species is also known as the pineywoods Guinea, Guinea forest hog, and acorn eater, which may explain why he seemed to be so in his element in the wild. But Corcoran worried the elements would soon be too much for him. "It's getting real cold out and there's bears and coyotes in the area, so it's time for him to come home," she said. Also waiting for him at home is a new litter of piglets. It's anyone's guess whether that will be a consolation as Wilbur makes his homecoming, or whether it may be one of the reasons he ran hog wild. "We even brought a little blanket with us that has the smell of the piglets to see if he'd come," Corcoran said. "He sniffed it and was like, 'Nah, I know what you're up to and took off again." India and Japan signed Loan Agreement worth Rs. 1817 crore for construction of Turga Pumped Storage (I) Hydel Project. On completion, this project will contribute to Industrial Development and Living Standard Improvement in the West Bengal. Key Facts This loan agreement was signed between Union Ministry of Finance, Government of India and Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The objective of project is to strengthen capability to respond to fluctuation in supply and demand of power. It also seeks to improve stability of power supply by constructing pumped storage facilities, thereby contributing to industrial development and improvement of Living Standard of people in West Bengal. Background India and Japan have long and fruitful history of bilateral development cooperation since 1958. In the last few years, the economic cooperation between India and Japan has steadily progressed, which has further consolidated and strengthened Strategic and Global Partnership between them. The chances of surviving a mid-air plane explosion are so small that it is almost beyond comprehension.But for a 17-year-old girl named Juliane Koepcke, a 3km plunge to the ground was just the beginning of an incredible survival story.It was Christmas Eve, 1971, and Juliane and her mother were passengers onboard a flight from the Peruvian capital of Lima to the inland city of Pucallpa.Her mother wanted the two of them to fly to meet their father in Pucallpa a few days earlier, but the then teenager begged to stay longer so she could attend a school dance and graduation ceremony.Flying over the Amazon rainforest about midday, the Lockheed L-188A flew into a dark cloud and was struck by lightning.While lightning strikes on passenger planes are common and usually harmless, this strike caused the plane's engine caught fire.'The plane jumped down and went into a nose-dive. It was pitch black and people were screaming, then the deep roaring of the engines filled my head completely,' Juliane told the BBC in 2012.'Suddenly the noise stopped and I was outside the plane. I was in a freefall, strapped to my seat bench and hanging head-over-heels.'The whispering of the wind was the only noise I could hear.'Juliane recalled her mother and the passenger on the other side being thrown from their seats, and she was falling in a tailspin, strapped in to the window seat of a row of three.Surviving a 30m fall is an iffy proposition, but Juliane was in a freefall from a hundred times that height, without a parachute, nothing but the seat she was strapped into to break her fall.And remarkably, it did.The landingThe teen blacked out as she was spinning uncontrollably to the ground, so it is not certain how she survived the landing.But ploughing through more than 30m of the thick leaves and branches of the Amazon rainforest canopy had slowed her down enough that the final impact did not kill her.Instead she survived with no injuries but a broken collarbone, a swollen eye, a torn ACL, a partially fractured shin and cuts on her arms and legs.Juliane spent a day slipping in and out of consciousness, and hours more unable to stand because she was so dizzy.When she regained her bearings, the brutal reality of her situation set in. She was in the middle of the jungle, with no one to rescue her.She had lost her glasses and one of her sandals. She was wearing a sleeveless minidress.But Juliane was perhaps the only 17-year-old German girl in the world uniquely qualified to survive in the jungle.The crash siteJulieanne was born in Peru but was a German national, her father Hans-Wilhelm a famed biologist and her mother Maria a barrier-breaking ornithologist.'Before the crash, I had spent a year and a half with my parents on their research station only 30 miles away,' Juliane said.'I learned a lot about life in the rainforest, that it wasn't too dangerous. It's not the green hell that the world always thinks.'Her attitude seems remarkably blase. The Peruvian Amazon is home to countless venomous snakes, poisonous frogs, crocodiles, anacondas and electric eels.And without her glasses, the very short-sighted teen had to step very carefully. She would throw her sandal at the ground in front of her every few steps to frighten off any snakes, making her movements arduous and slow.She spent a day searching in vain for her mother, before concluding that she had to find help for herself.She found a bag of lollies, the only food she would eat for the next ten days.The trekJuliane followed the advice she had been told by her father advice that viewers of Bear Grylls' Man Vs Wild should be able to recite.'He said if you find a creek, follow it because that will lead to a stream and a stream will lead to a bigger river and that's where you'll find help,' Juliane told CNN in 2009.She found a creek and began following the current, eventually coming to a larger river.Walking in the water allowed her to avoid the difficult terrain of the rainforest, but it came with its own challenges.'Sometimes I would see a crocodile on the bank and it would start into the water towards me, but I was not afraid,' she said.'I knew crocodiles don't tend to attack humans.'For the first few days she could hear the drone of search planes flying above her, but because of the thick jungle canopy she could not see them.A few days later, she stopped hearing the planes.Along the way, one of her cuts became infected. A fly had laid its eggs in a gash on Juliane's arm, and maggots were starting to eat at her flesh.Try as she did, she could not get them out, and she began to fear the infection would cost her arm.Juliane was struck by how tame the animals around her were. Monkeys and deer would normally steer clear of humans.But she had a creeping thought the animals were unfazed because they didn't know what humans looked like.'That made me think, but then I blocked those thoughts outof there possibly not being any help out there,' she told Vice.The boatAfter ten days without food the teen was extraordinarily weak. Exhausted, she fell asleep on a riverbank.When she woke up, she saw an empty boat.'I thought that I was hallucinating at first, that I was starting to lose my mind. I stared at the boat and moved toward it slowly,' she said.'I couldn't move fast because I was so weak.'From the boat, Juliane found a pathway up a hill. She crawled up to find an empty hut and a barrel of diesel.Following the example of her father treating her dog's infection, she siphoned the fuel from the barrel and poured it over her wound.The pain from the diesel was excruciating but it brought the maggots to the surface, and she was able to pick them off.Aware she was on the verge of starving to death, she tried to catch frogs to eat.Juliane did not know they were poisonous dart frogs, but she was too slow to catch them anyway.She considered taking the boat to find help, but she did not want to steal it.Instead she decided to rest at the hut for another night.The water spiritIn that part of Peru, locals believed in water spirits called Yemanja.According to the folklore, the Yemanja are pale and blonde, unlike almost anybody else in that part of the country.So when their lumber workers came through the clearing to see Juliane, they thought they were seeing a water spirit.But the trio cared for Juliane, giving her the first food she had eaten for ten days, and looking after her wounds.The next day they took the boat to a nearby village, where she was flown to Pucallpa to be reunited with her father.The aftermathJuliane's directions were enough to lead authorities to the crash site, where they were able to identify the victims, including her mother.Of the 91 people on board, Juliane was the only survivor.A shy teen, Juliane was overwhelmed by the public interest in her story. She was bombarded with letters from all over the world. Some addressed simply 'Juliane Peru' made it to her.Juliane said she had nightmares about the crash for a long time, and was troubled that she survived when others didn't.But one particular revelation would go on to haunt her.'Later I found out that (my mother) also survived the crash but was badly injured and she couldn't move. She died several days later,' she said.'I dread to think what her last days were like.'Juliane is now living a world away from the Amazonian jungle, working as a librarian in Munich after gaining her doctorate in mammalogy.She would return to Peru after her PhD to study bats, publishing her thesis in 1987.A fictionalised movie named Miracles Still Happen about her survival was made by Italian director Giuseppe Maria Scotese.In 1998, Juliane returned to the crash site with famed documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog, who had intended to fly on the doomed flight 27 years earlier, but had a change of schedule. US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence he can reach a deal to end a burgeoning trade war with China, saying he will meet his Chinese counterpart at the Group of 20 meetings in Argentina in about a month.'I think we'll make a deal with China, and I think it will be a very fair deal for everybody,' Trump said at the White House on Friday, before leaving for political rallies in West Virginia and Indiana.Trump said he will have dinner with President Xi Jinping of China at the November 30-December 1 G20 summit of industrial and emerging market nations.The Trump-Xi meeting would be the first since the two countries began hitting each other with import taxes earlier this year.The United States has targeted $US250 billion ($A348 billion) in Chinese products, and Beijing has lashed back by slapping tariffs on $US110 million ($A153 million) worth of US goods.Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on another $US267 billion ($A371 billion) in Chinese imports - a move that would cover virtually everything China ships to the United States.The world's two biggest economies are locked in a dispute over US complaints that China is using predatory tactics in a drive to supplant American technological dominance.These include outright cybertheft and forcing US companies to hand over trade secrets as the price of admission to the Chinese market.Earlier Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry said Trump and Xi had an 'extremely positive' phone conversation Thursday.The two leaders agreed to 'strengthen economic exchanges,' said a ministry spokesman, Lu Kang.He gave no indication whether they made progress on settling the escalating tariff war over Beijing's technology policy.Trump told reporters in Washington that 'I know they want to make a deal'.He added that any deal reached must be 'fair.'But Larry Kudlow, Trump's top economic adviser, sounded a more cautious note on CNBC Friday.'We are not on the cusp of a deal,' Kudlow said.'As the president said, we would like to talk to them about it, but they may not be ready.'Trump has railed against the US trade imbalance with China since his presidential campaign, and his administration has grown increasingly vocal about calling out alleged corporate espionage and intellectual property theft by Chinese entities.'Both leaders attach great importance to China-US ties and economic ties,' Lu said.'President Xi Jinping also stressed that China-US trade has long been serving as ballast and a stabiliser for China-US relations.'Lu said the two leaders agreed the trade dispute 'should be handled properly through substantial consultation'. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, center left, and China's Premier Li Keqiang, center right, attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Saturday, November 3, 2018. (Photo: AP) Beijing: China will provide Pakistan with economic aid but more talks will take place to fix the details, a senior Chinese diplomat said, after new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday. Pakistan's foreign reserves have plunged 42 percent since the start of the year and now stand at about USD 8 billion, or less than two months of import cover. Last month, Pakistan received a USD 6 billion rescue package from Saudi Arabia, but officials say it is not enough and the country still plans to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avert a balance of payments crisis. It would be Pakistan's 13th rescue package from the multilateral lender since the late 1980s. Speaking to reporters in Beijing's Great Hall of the People following Imran Khan's talks with Li Keqiang, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said his country would help. "During the visit the two sides have made it clear in principle that the Chinese government will provide necessary support and assistance to Pakistan in tiding over the current economic difficulties," Kong said. "As for specific measures to be taken, the relevant authorities of the two sides will have detailed discussions," he added, without giving details. Imran Khan told Chinese President Xi Jinping the previous day that he had inherited "a very difficult economic situation" at home. Though China is Pakistan's closest ally, Imran Khan's newly elected government has sought to re-think the two countries' signature project, the $60 billion so-called 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor' or 'CPEC', which Beijing touts as the flagship infrastructure programme in its vast Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan has looked to amend the so-called 'CPEC' to put greater emphasis on projects that focus on social development, rather than purely on infrastructure. Kong said there would be no change in the number of projects under the so-called 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor'. "There is no change at all. If there were, it would only be to increase, not decrease" the number of projects, he added. However the scope of the project would increase and will tilt in favour of people's livelihoods, Kong claimed, also without elaborating. After visiting Beijing, Imran Khan is set to be a key note speaker at a major import fair in Shanghai, an event that China hopes will show the world the country welcomes foreign companies and their products. 69-year-old Wickremesinghe was sacked out-of-the-blue on October 26 by President Maithripala Sirisena, with domineering former president Mahinda Rajapakse named in his place. (Photo: AFP) Colombo: Sri Lanka's sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned time is running out to avert a "bloodbath" while voicing hope that parliament will resolve a damaging constitutional crisis in the coming days. Wickremesinghe, who has been holed up at the Prime Minister's official residence for more than a week as thousands of supporters gather outside, told AFP in an interview that "desperate people" could cause chaos on the Indian Ocean island. The 69-year-old was sacked out-of-the-blue on October 26 by President Maithripala Sirisena, with domineering former president Mahinda Rajapakse named in his place. However Wickremesinghe refused to accept his dismissal and has not left the sprawling colonial-era Temple Trees residence -- where Buddhist monks now chant prayers outside -- since. Sirisena also suspended parliament in an apparent bid to prevent opposition to his move, deepening the turmoil that has seen at least one man killed in a shooting last weekend linked to the power struggle. "We will be calling on our people not to resort to violence," Wickremesinghe said late Friday. "But you don't know what arises in a situation like this. "A few desperate people can start off a bloodbath." His comments echoed the fears of parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya who warned of bloodshed on the streets if a vote is not held by lawmakers to decide between the two leaders. Thousands of supporters have gathered outside the prime minister's official residence in Colombo. (Photo: AFP) Wickremesinghe, head of the United National Party, already the biggest group in parliament, has also called for such a vote and is trying to rally allies to the cause. But stopping parliament from meeting has given Rajapakse -- still popular despite his strongarm tactics to end the country's Tamil civil war and corruption allegations -- more time to try to win support. Wickremesinghe said he hoped the showdown could be ended peacefully and expressed optimism that a solution to the crisis would soon be found. "I feel parliament is going to prevail finally. This can't take too long. I would say in a week to 10 days at the most," he said, adding the priority was to establish parliament's "supremacy". Wickremesinghe said two smaller parties -- the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Tamil National Alliance -- were backing his call for the legislature to meet despite obstacles placed by Sirisena. The two parties signed a petition to the parliament speaker on Friday demanding the reconvening of the 225-member assembly on November 7. "A majority of parliament has said all these actions (of the president) are not legitimate and not in accordance with the constitution," said Wickremesinghe. According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 100. Most of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said. Street battles feared A majority of legislators want Sirisena to end the suspension of parliament by Wednesday and any delay is "against the wishes of all the parties", according to the embattled Wickremesinghe. Apart from political pressure on Sirisena, civil society groups are also stepping up agitation to ensure the constitution is respected, Wickremesinghe said. After sacking his Prime Minister, Sirisena addressed the nation and lambasted Wickremesinghe, saying they could not work together because of serious personal and cultural differences. A divorce of their coalition was inevitable after just over three years, Sirisena said. Wickremesinghe had expected a confrontation but not the sack. "We knew there would be problems by somewhere in November, but it came a bit sooner than I thought," he added. Sirisena accused Wickremesinghe, a trained lawyer who favours a liberal economy, of being dictatorial and ignoring the president in cabinet. Wickremesinghe hit back saying their personal rivalry was not an excuse for a constitutional war. "The constitution doesn't make provisions for personality clashes," he said. "In cabinet there are people you like and you may not like." Wickremesinghe is from an elitist family with an urban upbringing, poles apart from Sirisena who is from a modest rural farming family. They made common cause to end Rajapakse's decade in power in a 2015 presidential election but have drifted apart since over economic policy and day-to-day decisions. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe of being an autocratic leader of the UNP. "He is not a member of the UNP," Wickremesinghe hit back. "He can say whatever he wants." PM Phuc said France is a priority partner in Vietnam's foreign policy. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News Agency The French Prime Minister's visit to Vietnam has been marked by 18 business deals and bilateral cooperation agreements. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his French counterpart Edouard Philippe witnessed the signing of business deals worth $10 billion in Hanoi on Friday. The deals included Vietnamese budget carrier Vietjet's purchase of 50 Airbus A321neo planes as well as CFM Leap engines for the aircraft. The two prime ministers also witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between the two countries in e-government training, development and co-operation in health, climate change, environment and space protection, urban management and energy. Speaking at a joint press conference with Phuc, Philippe affirmed that his official visit is to confirm France's strategic partnership with Vietnam, which has been playing a key role in the Asia-Pacific region. The visit also aims to reinforce the partnership between the two countries, with the French businesses accompanying the PM a demonstration of France's confidence in Vietnam's development, he said. Philippe is set to discuss infrastructure development projects with Hanoi leaders and hi-tech development with leaders of HCMC to reinforce economic cooperation. He said his visit also aimed to develop specific projects including the inauguration of a new campus of the Lycee Francais Alexandre Yersin, a French international school in Hanoi. On Saturday, Philippe and a group of French veterans visit Dien Bien Phu, the site of Vietnam's decisive victory over the French army in 1954, to pay respect to the soldiers that died fighting for their countries. Speaking at the joint press conference, PM Phuc said France is a priority partner in Vietnam's foreign policy. He welcomed his French counterpart's visit to Dien Bien Phu, saying while the two countries share historical memories, both are always looking to the future. The two countries are looking forward to an early signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and have confirmed their common commitment to free trade, he added. Phuc also spoke of growing military ties between the two countries. "Vietnam welcomes French military ships' visits to Vietnam, and more recently military aircraft visits," he said. The Vietnamese PM highly appreciated France's position on maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, internationally known as the South China Sea. He expressed hope that France would continue supporting the settlement of South China Sea disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and an early establishment of the Code of Conduct of parties in the South China Sea (COC). Philippe is currently on a three-day (from Friday to Sunday) official visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations. This is the second high-level visit between the two countries this year, following Vietnamese Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong's visit to France in March. The French president is set to visit Vietnam next year, Phuc said. Vietnams garment exports are set to rise by 14.8 percent this year to $35 billion, an industry official said on Friday. The expected growth is attributed to the fact that U.S. retailers diversify their product sourcing to keep costs under control amid an escalating trade dispute with China. The U.S. has already imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, and China has responded with retaliatory duties on $110 billion worth of U.S. goods. Garments, Vietnams second largest export-earner after smartphones, are not yet subject to U.S. tariffs, although some manufacturers have sought to move at least some production to the Southeast Asian country, anticipating potential penalties. We are seeing more and more orders coming in, especially from the United States, Vu Duc Giang, chairman of Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association, told Reuters. Garment exports to the U.S. rose 12 percent in the January-October period to $10.5 billion, while exports to China surged 40 percent to $1.1 billion, according to a government statement released on Thursday. Ngo Quang Thoa, chairman of Swimax International Joint Stock Co, a contractor which produces swimwear and underwear products for U.S. companies such as Target and Express, said he had received a large increase in orders from the U.S. since January. This is because of the trade war between the U.S. and China, said Thoa, who added that he expected to see his exports to the U.S. increase by up to 20 percent by the end of the year. Some U.S. clients are already making strategic adjustments to their business plans to diversify their supplies, even though Trump hasnt targeted Chinese garments in the tariff war yet, he said. Vietnam is home to over 6,000 textile and garment factories which employ around three million people, Thursdays government statement said. Giang, chairman of Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association, told Reuters those figures were likely to grow, thanks to a plethora of Vietnamese free-trade agreements, and not just because of the U.S.-China trade spat. Vietnam has signed around a dozen free-trade agreements that will remove or reduce taxes on several imports and exports. Foreign investors poured in $2 billion in Vietnams garment and textile production in the first eight months of this year, Giang said. Most investors were from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China, he added. They have been upping their investment in Vietnam for years, said Giang. An aerial view shows the Pagasa (Hope) Island, part of the Spratly group of islands. Photo by Reuters/Rolex Dela Pena China has opened three weather observation stations on Spratly Islands in the East Sea, continuing its violation of Vietnams sovereignty. The stations have been placed on Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief reefs of the Spratly (Truong Sa) Islands. A South China Morning Post said the new stations could also be used for military purposes, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a press briefing on Thursday that they would mainly be used to ensure navigational safety in the South China Sea, as the waterway is known internationally. The stations include equipment for basic ground and atmospheric observation as well as weather radars, which can be used together for constant monitoring of meteorological indicators, according to Chinas state broadcaster CCTV. Data collected by the stations will be used to provide more precise weather forecasts for the crews on fishing vessels and other ships in the region, it said. Vietnam has repeatedly declared it has full legal basis and historical evidence to assert its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel (Hoang Sa) Islands. In May, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry denounced China's installation of missiles on outposts in the Spratly Islands as a serious violation of its sovereignty in the waters. A ministry spokesperson said the move increased tension and caused destabilization in the region, violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and was not beneficial to the negotiation of a Code of Conduct in the waters. The ministry also voiced its objection after a CNBC report said that China had installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef. The act has been interpreted by experts as China pushing militarization in the waterway, which they said could invite counteractions from regional players, including the U.S. and Japan. China seized the Paracels from South Vietnam by force in 1974 and has been illegally occupying a number of reefs in the Spratlys since 1988. In recent years, China has illegally converted seven reefs in the Spratly Islands into artificial islands with runways capable of receiving military aircraft. A Quang Nam court has sentenced a teacher to 24 years in jail for sexually assaulting three third grade students. The provincial court Friday judged Nguyen Quang Chung, 49, guilty of raping and molesting the girls for over a year. According to the indictment, Chung had many times asked the third-grade students to come into his office during break time at school, and raped them between 2015 and March 2016. After the girls told their parents, a complaint was filed with the school board and a criminal probe launched by the police. Chung taught ethics and was in charge of the school's Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization, a youth organization which is a part of all public primary and junior high schools in Vietnam. Le Thi Thanh Thao, who was the schools principal, told VnExpress that she had talked to the students and heard details of the abuse. One student said she was asked to clean his office room, another was asked to see him in the computer classroom... According to them, the abuse happened many times, and for a long time, Thao said. In Vietnam, more than 8,200 cases of child abuse came to light between 2011 and 2015, including 5,300 cases of sexual abuse, according to official figures. In most cases the perpetrators were people having authority over the children, like teachers, school security guards and family members. Vietnam to tighten up conditions on Facebook and Google A man uses his smartphone to surf Facebook in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Nga A draft decree on implementing the Cybersecurity Law will enforce tougher conditions on tech businesses like Facebook and Google. The Ministry of Public Security has publicized the draft decree to collect feedback for a month starting Friday. The law says local and foreign digital and tech businesses will have to open a representative office in Vietnam and store users data. Companies providing services on telecom networks, internet, additional services on cyberspace with business activities in Vietnam like telecom services, hosting and sharing data on cyberspace, ecommerce, online payment, social networking and social media and email services will fall under the gambit of the new law. These companies will have to submit users data to the ministry upon receipt of requests in writing, in cases where any infringement of the Cybersecurity Law is being investigated. Up to 19 types of personal information of users must be stored, including full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, career, position, place of residence, address, email address, phone number, ID number, passport number, social security number, credit card number, health status, biometry. They also have to store the data created by users in Vietnam, including information they upload, data on the relationship of service users in Vietnam, including friends and groups they connect or interact. The ministry will decide the duration for which such businesses must store users data in Vietnamese territory, but it must be at least 12 months for personal information of users and at least 36 months for information that users create on the platforms. If passed, the decree will take effect on January 1 next year. Vietnams main legislative body, the National Assembly, passed the Cybersecurity Law in June. Aside from regulations on opening representative offices and storing users data for business, the law bans internet users from organizing, encouraging or training other people for anti-state purposes. Users are not allowed to distort history, negate the nations revolutionary achievements, undermine national solidarity, offend religions and discriminate on the basis of gender and race. The law also prohibits the spreading of incorrect information which causes confusion among people, damages socio-economic activities, creates difficulties for authorities and those performing their duty, violates the legal rights and benefits of other organizations and individuals. The Cybersecurity Law, which was approved by the National Assembly in June this year, had raised concerns among several parliament members and experts that the country could end up violating its commitments as a member of the World Trade Organization, and as a signatory to the E.U.-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The law will come into force on January 1, 2019. Standing at the site of the epic battle of Dien Bien Phu, Jacques Allaire wept at the memory of his 4,000 fellow fighters. The 94-year-old colonel and former POW accompanied French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Saturday to the remote valley where the bloody battle raged for 56 days before Vietnam's shock victory that would spell the end of France's colonial rule in Indochina and pave the way for Vietnam's independence. "This is like being in a dream, I'm thinking of my comrades, of all my men," said Allaire, who was captured by soldiers in 1954 and held for more than seven months. As the fate of the French became clear in March 1954, he received a written order from his commander: "Cease combat and destroy your weapons." He kept the note throughout his captivity and carried a copy of it in his jacket pocket to the battle site Saturday, an area he called "unrecognizable." "It was a small village, far from everything (in 1954). Today it's a city, which proves that Viet Minh fighters didn't fight for nothing," he said. The ferocious battle in the rugged, remote valley killed 13,000 people on both sides in under two months, as Vietnamese fighters hemmed in French forces -- equipped with superior weapons -- and bombarded them with heavy artillery. Vietnam's win over the French led to the country's division into the north, headed by revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, and a pro-U.S. southern regime. That set the stage for two decades of war which would end with unification and America's defeat in the Vietnam War in 1975. Today France is one of Vietnam's most important allies, with soaring trade worth $7.6 billion and cosying military alliances. Philippe, who is in Vietnam for a three-day visit until Sunday, is the second senior French leader to visit Dien Bien Phu after President Francois Mitterrand in 1993. "It is difficult to imagine that for several months this was the site of intense fighting rarely seen," Philippe said, after touring France's former underground command center and lighting incense at a memorial plaque. "For those who lived through those moments, I know the emotion is very intense and once again the message that I want to convey here, is a message of admiration, of respect and of pride," he said. 'No more hatred' Former Vietnamese soldiers Nguyen Tran Viet (L), Tran Quoc Hanh (C), and Hoang Bao, war veterans of Dien Bien Phu campaign, look at Viet's old photograph at his house in Hanoi during an interview with AFP on November 1, 2018. Photo by AFP/Nhac Nguyen Ahead of the visit, several Vietnamese veterans recalled the fight-to-the-death spirit that carried them to victory, despite the odds they faced. Hoang Bao was barely 20 years old when he trekked hundreds of kilometers (miles) to the site, facing off with the French full of hate and ready to die for his country's independence. But today, retired colonel Bao is happy to call his former foe a friend. "We have no hatred toward the French any more," the 85-year-old told AFP in Hanoi, wearing his dark green military uniform decorated with medals. But he said there are important lessons to be learned to avoid the mistakes of the past. "The French didn't learn our history well, so they lost... Vietnam is different from other countries, we are not willing to surrender," he said. Facing the French in battle was complicated for some fighters like Bao, whose lives were closely intertwined with their colonial rulers, sometimes going to school or working alongside them. But driven by patriotism and a fierce thirst for independence, many Vietnamese took up the struggle fortified by bitter memories of invasion by the Chinese, Japanese and French. They were also buoyed by slogans that urged everyone to pitch into the war effort. "One slogan was: We would rather die than be slaves again and (we will) sacrifice everything for independence and freedom," said Tran Quoc Hanh, an 83-year-old former colonel. The battle for Dien Bien Phu is still bittersweet for many who wear the victory as a badge of honor, but lament the steep death toll. "We lost so many comrades," said Nguyen Tran Viet, an 87-year-old former army medic. "We should live peacefully now, never let war happen again," he said. "Lane 160" invites customers to leave their worries behind and step back into Hanoi in the last century. In an alleyway off Bui Dinh Tuy Street in Saigon's Binh Thanh District, a coffee shop transports customers back to the 1980s in Hanoi with remarkable authenticity. "Eighty percent of the cafes interiors reflect the architectural characteristics of my family in Hanoi in the 1980s. We collected some more antique items to bring the nostalgia and calmness of Hanoi to parkling Sai Gon," said Huong Ly, one of the founders of Lane 160. The cafe is designed to resemble an alley with several houses and yards, and it does it with a great degree of success. "When we opened the cafe, we decided to do it for passion, just to create a place for everyone to rest and recharge their energies for the day," Ly said. The handwritten signboard hung in front of the gate says: Please leave your worries outside the threshold, we only have peace inside. The cafe has a green space, and the owners say they are growing typical northern plants there. The traditional Hanoi house facade with yellow-painted walls, wooden door, and fish scales roof tiles have been reproduced authentically. Owners say designing and constructing the cafe to look like Hanoi in the eighties, complete with narrow staircases, loudspeakers and other features took six months. Old photos of Hanoi, harking back to the time of tramcars are hung on the walls and the loudspeaker plays famous songs about Hanoi. Egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty, is listed on the menu at VND30,000 ($1.28). Green tea and sunflower seeds are also served. The jars of dracontomelons and apricots soaked in sugar are placed on a shelf in the cafe. The fruit has been brought from northern provinces; the apricot, in particular, has been soaked for 7-8 years. In a small corner, old printed newspapers and food stamps under the subsidy period in Hanoi in the 1980s are displayed. "This is my third visit to this cafe. I have not been to Hanoi yet, but I feel that the city is very pretty and peaceful, judging by the ambience presented in this cafe," said Nguyen Duc Tin (R), a university student in HCMC A room in the cafe is decorated with artificial peach blossoms, a flower that denotes the arrival of spring and the advent of Tet, the Lunar New Year, in the capital city. The tablecloth patterns also go back to in time. Succumb to An Giangs weekend charms Its scenic and cultural diversity makes the Mekong Delta province of An Giang great for a weekend break About 240km from Ho Chi Minh City, An Giang Province is a land of beautiful landscapes mountains, forests, meadows and waterways. Its proximity to the Cambodian border adds a distinct cultural flavor to the province, including its cuisine. It is home to several ethnic minority communities including the Khmer Krom, Cham and ethnic Chinese. The best time to visit An Giang is from September to November since thats the peak of flooding season. A 48-hour itinerary suggestion Tri Ton District Given the two-day limit, this itinerary focuses only on Tri Ton District and Chau Doc City. Day 1 The best way to get to An Giang from Saigon is on motorbike, but buses are also available. If you start your journey on a Friday afternoon to Tri Ton District, about 220km from Ho Chi Minh City, you should get there in six hours. Check in to your homestay or hotel room and rest for the night. For the best local experience, a homestay is recommended. Day 2 O Thum Lake Saturday morning, rent a motorbike for VND100,000 to VND150,000 ($4.3 - 6.4) per day and begin a sightseeing tour of Tri Ton District. A few suggestions here are the Krang Kroc Pagoda, the Ta Pa Mountain, the heart shaped toddy palm and the O Thum Lake. Have lunch at the O Thum Lake. The special dish here is the Roasted Chicken (Vietnamese call it ga dot), an example of Cambodian culinary influence. Cambodia's roasted chicken (Vietnamese call it "ga dot") Ga dot is a traditional dish of the Khmer people in An Giang. Only free range chickens are used for the dish, which made on order, so the meat is fresh and firm. The chicken is cooked to a perfect golden colour and served with raw vegetables, cucumber and variety of fish sauce dips. Try the kaffir lime leaf dipping sauce, which offers a more salty flavor and citrusy fragrance to the meat. Afternoon: Check out of your homestay and head for Chau Doc City from Tri Ton (about 45 km and an hour away). Rest there for the night. Day 3 Tra Su Mangrove Forest Sunday Morning: Visit the Tra Su Mangrove Forest. Since the journey can take about 4 hours, best to start early, spend an hour getting there, at least 2 hours in the forest, and an hour getting back to Chau Doc City. Lunch: Eat either at the Tra Su Mangrove Forest or travel to Sam Mountain in Chau Doc City area and have lunch there. The restaurant at Tra Su can get quite crowded, so make sure you call and book a table beforehand. After lunch, visit the Sam Mountain. At 230m above sea level, its a hot spot for pilgrims, Buddhists mostly, drawn by dozens of pagodas and temples. Temples in the area show influences of Indian and Khmer culture. The panoramic view from top of the mountain, green fields stretching out into the blue horizon, is magnificent. View from Sam Mountain top. Photo by Shutterstock/Thoai The attractions 1. Krang Kroc Temple (or Hang Cong Temple) Located in Chau Lang Commune, about 5km from downtown Tri Ton District, this temple is lovingly called the Gate to Heaven. Its not too hard to get here; visitors can follow the direction of Google maps. The Khmer pagoda features ancient writings and sculptures including two Nagas, divine half human half serpent creatures, on the sides. In Cambodians tradition, the seven-headed nagas, which are associated with representing the seven colors of the rainbow, are often depicted as guardian statues and carved as balustrades on causeways leading to the main temple. 2. Ta Pa Mountain The Ta Pa Mountain is one of a collection of seven peaks in An Giang called That Son (translated to Seven famous mountains). This mountain range and lush green fields are located around 2km from Tri Ton District. Getting to the top of the Ta Pa Mountain range also offers panoramic views of vast paddy fields swaying in different shades of green and yellow, as rice ripens at different time in each patch. On the top of a mountain is a deep, clear emerald lake, called Ta Pa. The lake is manmade, left behind by former mining operation. When the sky is clear, the lake becomes a giant emerald mirror that reflects pastoral nature. Ta Pa Lake on the top of Ta Pa Mountain. A Theravada Buddhist temple also stands on the mountaintop, peaceful and serene. 3. Heart-shaped palms The doub palm ("thot not" in Vietnamese) that is found aplenty in An Giang is difficult to find elsewhere in Vietnam. They stand amidst rice fields like sentinels, provide shade and a resting space for farmers. Sap from their flowers is used to make palm sugar and liquor, and its fruit is a great thirst-quencher. But apart from being a general attraction, there is one particular group of trees that are shaped like a heart, in An Tuc Commune, Tri Ton District, about 18 minutes drive from Ta Pa Mountain. Apart from taking photographs, it can also be a great location to profess ones love for another. On hot days, dont forget to enjoy a glass of cool drink made with the palms fruit. 4. Tra Su Mangrove Forest Located in Van Giao Commune, Tinh Bien District, 30km southwest of Chau Doc is an 850-hectare ecosystem of cajuput trees on land and mangrove forests on the water. The forest is the home to 140 plant species, 70 species of birds, 25 species of reptiles, 23 kinds of fish and 11 mammal species. An entrance ticket to this forest can vary, depending on how many people are there in the group - VND 130,000 ($5.6)/person for a solo traveller, to VND 45,000 ($2)/person in a group of 10 or more. The fare includes fees for paddle-boat, motor-boat, and ticket to the watch tower Tra Su is at its most beautiful during the flooding season, September to November. A boat tour here is like floating on a green, living carpet of water lettuce with their pretty rose-like petals. Water birds in the reeds and lotus blossoms are also part of the tour. 5. Ba Chua Su Temple Ba Chua Su, or Chua Xu Thanh Mau (Holy Mother of the Realm) is a goddess of prosperity in Vietnams Thanism tradition. People pray to her for success in business, good health and protection. The temple is located in Vinh Te Village, at the foot of Sam Mountain. Built in the early 1800s, it has four levels and a green-tiled roof that curves upward at four corners. Every year, a three day festival is held in honour of the goddess on the 23rd day of the fourth lunar month. Thousands of Vietnamese of different ethnicities gather here on these holy days. IMF team to visit Ukraine to discuss draft budget for 2019 The experts will stay in Ukraine on November 4-9. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter In 2017, 95% of Kharkiv's total sales in IT services were exported, of which the main beneficiaries were the U.S. with 65% of total exports and Europe with 25%. Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, is home to over 450 active tech companies employing more than 25,000 IT specialists, says a recent large-scale study by PwC and IRS Group. "Kharkiv is the cradle of three Nobel laureates in economics, physics and medicine, the country's strongest academic school of science and a number of other prestigious universities, which every year make it into the international rankings," says Victor Shalnyev, CEO of NIX Solutions, a leading custom software development company based in Kharkiv, according to Emerging Europe. In 2017, 95% of Kharkiv's total sales in IT services were exported, of which the main beneficiaries were the U.S. with 65% of total exports and Europe with 25%. Why is there such a huge difference between the export to the U.S. vs Europe? Read alsoUkraine tech goes global - media "In the case of NIX Solutions, it is situation-dependent. Having started working with a large U.S. corporation back in the 2000s, we earned a rock-solid reputation there and focused on the U.S. market for some time. For the last few years however, we have been exploring the European market closely and we now are expecting the European and U.S. parts of our turnover to become equal in the near future," Mr. Shalnyev tells Emerging Europe. In comparison to other emerging Europe markets, Mr. Shalnyev is adamant that Kharkiv, as well as Ukraine, wins the day in terms of the cost of living, even if other European cities lead with respect to what he calls comfort of living, such as the number and quality of services and sustainable urban environment. On the other hand, the gap in the comfort of living has been narrowing in the last decade. In many respects, Kharkiv can be compared with many other European cities. However, even though PwC has deemed Kharkiv to be a "massive outsourcing hub in Ukraine," some of the reports findings are less encouraging, and could hurt the IT sector in Kharkiv and Ukraine as a whole. Read alsoUkrainian IT sector: cheap man-hours for sale First of all, when it comes to IT services the entire industry in Kharkiv relies on exports, according to many of the CEOs interviewed for the report, and the lack of a domestic market could be a constraining factor. Another issue is remuneration. With increased demand for IT specialists, salaries offered in Kharkiv can be similar to those offered in the U.S., which according to some could push international clients to look at their domestic markets rather than outsourcing. Also, the increased demand for higher remuneration can also affect the start-up eco-system, especially for those in the early stages of development. "The level of remuneration is increasing in Kharkiv and can reach up to 3,000-4,000 U.S. dollars per month," explains Pavlo Obod, founder of Sloboda Studios. "This could convince clients that it would be easier to hire domestic specialists, since they speak the same language, reside in the same time zone and have a better insight of the local market." Another issue causing problems for Kharkiv is the lack of decent infrastructure and communications (transport). According to the report, only 37% of air travel was made by direct flight, which means that two-thirds of those visiting the city have to do so via connecting flights. In recent years, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Kharkiv and Ukraine in the IT sector has remained stable, and is not really growing. According to Mr. Shalnyev, the reason for low FDI growth lies in a lack of trust. "I think it is related to the low trust of investors (foreign as well as Ukrainian) to governmental guarantees which we inherited from the previous regime. However, the situation is changing for the better, but this process is still pretty slow. I am sure that we're already standing on the edge of significant investment growth. A second factor is an uncertainty in needs and growth perspectives of the field," explains Mr. Shalnyev. Despite the challenges, the report shows that Kharkiv is a good destination with room for improvement and perhaps opportunities for large corporations to help develop the city and its infrastructure. The macroeconomic model developed by PwC forecasts that by 2025, the IT industry of Kharkiv will double in size and be worth approximately 1.85 billion U.S. dollars. "The presentation of this research will definitely boost activity in economical segments close to IT. It can already be used as a great base for creating business-plans," concludes Mr. Shalnyev. The Free Trade Agreement will be signed by the end of the year, Erdogan said. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that during the Seventh Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council between Ukraine and Turkey "absolutely clear instructions were given to accelerate the completion of negotiations on reaching agreements and preparation for signing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Ukraine and Turkey." Read alsoUkraine, Turkey sign bilateral cooperation documents "We are confident that these figures of twenty - 20% increase in trade turnover, 20% increase in investment, 20% increase in the number of tourists visiting Turkey, including using ID-cards - it is today an important and great achievement. But we set even more ambitious goals with Mr. President," Poroshenko noted during the joint press conference with the President of Turkey, according to the Ukrainian president's press service. "We have decided to sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. We believe that due to this, we will achieve the goal - the trade turnover in the amount of $10 billion," Erdogan said. Mr. Ciruli is the Director of the Crossley Center for Public Opinion Research at the University of Denvers Josef Korbel School of International Studies. He is an adjunct professor teaching public opinion and foreign policy. The Crossley Center conducts research and presents live and virtual programs on foreign policy, politics, public policy and public opinion. Mr. Ciruli holds a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and a bachelors degree cum laude in political science from UCLA. He is a member of the American Association of Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), and is the past-president of the Pacific Chapter of AAPOR (PAPOR). Mr. Ciruli is a board member of the Social Science Foundation of the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies and past-president of the Georgetown Law Alumni Board and the Denver Athletic Club. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a meeting in Kyiv have agreed to provide German expert assistance to Ukraine in the privatization process of state enterprises, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Oleksandr Sayenko has said. "We have agreed that there will be a separate expert from Germany who will work with the working group on privatization," Sayenko said on the air of Novoye Vremia (New Time) Radio station, the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers said on Saturday. According to the minister, not many state-owned objects fall under the criteria of "large-scale privatization," and each of them has significant problems (either toxic shareholders, or large debts, or the production process is made dependent on a particular intermediary, etc.). "Considering this, the term of preparing the objects of the "large-scale" privatization for sale will take a long time - from six months and more," Sayenko said. The minister recalled that today Centrenergo is the closest to the sale - the auction for the sale of the state package will be held on December 13 of the current year. "And the next year we will advance in sale of the following objects from this list," he added. As reported, on October 29, the State Property Fund of Ukraine (SPF) announced a tender to sell 78.289% of shares in PJSC Centrenergo. A tender to sell a 78.289% stake in power generating enterprise PJSC Centrenergo is to begin at 11:00 a.m. Kyiv time on December 13, 2018. The tender will take place, if at least two bidders register for the tender. The SPF also selected investment advisors to prepare 11 out of 23 objects for the sale from the list of "large-scale" privatization for 2018. In particular, the state has hired advisors with the highest reputation, including White & Case, E & Y, KPMG, BDO, Baker McKenzie. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv has met with his colleague from Turkey Ruhsar Pekcan in Istanbul, where they discussed issues of enhancing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. "Within the framework of Petro Poroshenko's visit to Turkey, I've met with my Turkish counterpart, the Minister of Trade for Turkey. We are talking about strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey, especially when bilateral trade volumes are constantly growing," Kubiv wrote on his Facebook page. "There are also good prospects for cooperation in the digital economy, industry, energy, IT, aviation and many other spheres," the Ukrainian official added. The Armenian Investigative Committee has declared Ara Minasyan, a former director of one of the largest medical centers in Yerevan called Surb Grigor Lusavorich and the father of ex-President Serzh Sargsyan's son-in-law, wanted on suspicion of major fraud. Minasyan is suspected of embezzling funds allocated by the Health Ministry for providing free medical services to government officials in collusion with a group of the medical center's employees from 2016 to 2017, the Investigative Committee said. "At the present time, the investigation estimates the damage caused by the crime at 426,343,650 drams," it said. Minasyan has been charged in absentia with major fraud (Armenian Criminal Code Article 178, Part 3, Clause 1, punishable by imprisonment of four to eight years) and forgery, sale, or illegal use of documents, seals, stamps, or forms committed by a group of individuals acting in collusion (Article 325 Part 2, punishable by community work of up to two years or imprisonment of up to four years). "Considering that Ara Minasyan is hiding from the investigation and his whereabouts is unknown, he has been declared wanted. A request on issuing an arrest warrant for him has been forwarded to a court," the Armenian Investigative Committee said. Meanwhile, the press service of Armenian President Armen Sarkissian said on Friday the president relieved Mikael Minasyan, who is Ara Minasyan's son and ex-President Sargsyan's son-in-law, of his duties as Armenian ambassador to the Vatican, Portugal, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Mikael Minasyan, 39, was appointed ambassador in 2013. Before this, he had served as first deputy chief of the presidential secretariat and a senior aide to the prime minister. Six vehicles carrying humanitarian cargo from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have passed through the Novotroitske entry and exit checkpoint in Donetsk region to the occupied territory of Donbas, the State Border Service has reported. "Six vehicles carrying humanitarian aid from the International Committee Red Cross (ICRC) crossed the Novotroyitske checkpoint in the direction of the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. The vehicles transported 120 tonnes of building materials," the State Border Service said on Saturday morning. Russian-led forces have mounted 22 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas, with no casualties reported, in the past 24 hours, the press service of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) has reported. "Invaders opened fire on the positions of our troops 22 times. One attack was recorded with the use of weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements. During the hostilities there were no casualties among the personnel of Ukrainian troops," the JFO staff said on Facebook on Saturday morning. Russian occupation forces opened aimed fire to attack the defenders of Stanytsia Luhanska, Avdiyivka, Pisky, Maryinka, Krasnohorivka, Bohdanivka, Starohnativka, Pavlopil, Hnutove, Vodiane, Lebedynske, and Shyrokyne. According to Ukrainian intelligence, one militant was injured. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov has congratulated the Ukrainian military on the engineering forces day and the day of the rocket troops and artillery, the press service of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has reported. "Dear missileers and artillerists, designers, workers and veterans of missile troops and artillery! I sincerely congratulate you on the professional holiday! Missile troops and artillery are one of the most important branches of troops that provide firepower directly influencing the success of the battlefield, without which victory in modern warfare is impossible," the NSDC said on its website on Saturday morning. He congratulated missileers and artillerists on their professional holiday and highly praised their professional features. "You, the successors of renowned combat traditions, are an example of courage, heroism, loyalty to the oath, dedication, and determination in defending the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine. In cooperation with other branches of troops, you were the first to face the attack of an insidious enemy; you stopped it in 2014, and today you give a worthy rebuff to the Russian aggressor in the East of Ukraine," Turchynov said. Separately, the head of the National Security Council noted the work of Ukrainian weapons designers. "Particular gratitude should be expressed to domestic designers and entrepreneurs, thanks to whom the Ukrainian people have proudly watched the latest missile and artillery samples on Khreschatyk, which will soon become the basis of the military power of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and our State," the secretary said. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, following the meeting in Istanbul, have signed an agreement on cooperation and interaction between Ukraine and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Ukrainian president's press service told Interfax-Ukraine on Saturday. The agreement forms conditions for "the granting of the [autocephaly] tomos to proceed absolutely in strict accordance with the canons of the Orthodox church," Poroshenko told reporters after the meeting in Istanbul. He called the day historical and thanked the patriarch for the warm "meeting filled with wisdom." "I am sure the autocephaly decision will lead to the unity and unification of all Orthodox believers in Ukraine," Patriarch Bartholomew said after signing the document. "I pray to God so that I visit your wonderful country again in the very near future," he said. The agreement stipulates cooperation in creating an independent Orthodox Church in Ukraine, the president's press service told Interfax-Ukraine. Under the document, the Ecumenical Patriarch shall grant a tomos recognizing the independence of the Ukrainian church and hands it over to the leader elected at Sobor (assembly); the Ukrainian state will provide assistance with these processes. The Ecumenical Patriarchate will set up a mission (effectively an embassy) in Kyiv to represent its interests and foster relations between the Ukrainian Church and the Orthodox world. These decisions are another step to receiving the tomos whose grant is explicitly stipulated in the agreement, the press service said. Now Ukrainian bishops are to gather for the assembly and elect the leader. Russia again and again resorts to aggression and cruelty Poroshenko on anniversary of Baturyn tragedy President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has compared the Baturyn tragedy (Sack of Baturyn) with the current actions of Russia against the Ukrainian state. "Today, like centuries ago, Russia continues to use its "proven methods" - insidious aggression and cruelty. And Ukraine remains a shield that protects the borders of Europe from the Kremlin's painful plans," the president wrote on Facebook on Friday in connection with 310th anniversary of the Baturyn tragedy. He stressed that in 1708 Moscow troops "massacred the inhabitants of Baturyn, ransacked and burned the capital of Hetman Mazepa only for the desire to be free from the Moscow tsar," and this shocked the whole of Europe. "About 15,000 people became victims of the massacre in Baturyn - the Moscow horde did not take pity on the elderly, women or children. Memories of thousands of innocently torn lives will forever remain in our memory, in the memory of the whole people," Poroshenko noted. On November 2, 1708, Moscow troops captured and destroyed the capital of Hetman Ivan Mazepa, Baturyn, and all local residents were massacred (according to various estimates, between 11,000 and 15,000 people were killed). Relations between Ukraine and Turkey are now friendly, partnership and strategic - Poroshenko before meeting with Erdogan Before meeting with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said that at present relations between Ukraine and Turkey are friendly, partnership and strategic. In Istanbul, President Petro Poroshenko, together with representatives of the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar community in Turkey, opened a memorial plaque on the building of the former UPR diplomatic mission in 1919-1922, the presidential press service said on Saturday. The president stressed that relations between Ukraine and Turkey are now friendly, partnership and strategic. He also thanked Turkey for its absolutely firm support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine. "We are pleased that Turkey will never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea," the president said. He also noted that he had the honor to begin an official visit to the Republic of Turkey from this symbolic place, where the Embassy of the Ukrainian People's Republic was opened 100 years ago. "It is very important that the Embassy in Istanbul was opened by one of the first diplomatic missions of the Ukrainian People's Republic. It is very important that the Ottoman Empire at that time had an absolutely firm position in recognition of the UPR, the empire was one of the first to recognize it," Poroshenko said during an official ceremony. The president thanked the Ukrainian Embassy and Consulate, who carried out a lot of research work, expressed gratitude to the Turkish partners who helped open the plaque and the Spanish partners in cooperation with which all the necessary permissions were received in order to be able to honor the memory of the Ukrainian Embassy. On February 9, 1918, the Ottoman Empire signed the Brest Peace Treaty, recognizing the Ukrainian People's Republic as an independent and sovereign state. This treaty was ratified on August 22, 1918. The Ukrainian state and the Ottoman Empire opened diplomatic missions on a mutual basis. Turkey's support for Ukrainian sovereignty and the protection of Crimean Tatars are important for Ukraine, Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has said. "That is why it is very important for us to have a solid and principled position of Turkey in support of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of our state, a clear position on the non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, support for our Crimean Tatar brothers, on their protection and clear coordination of actions, including joint positions in the international organizations," Poroshenko said when speaking at the Istanbul University on Saturday, which was aired on the president's Facebook page. Rector of the Istanbul University Mahmut Ak said Poroshenko had been awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of the Istanbul University. The head of the Ukrainian state was given the appropriate certificate and a doctoral gown. The rector of the University of Istanbul said that this degree is awarded for the establishment of democratic values in the world and efforts to strengthen the Ukrainian-Turkish relations. "Throughout your political activity, you strengthen the Ukrainian-Turkish relations," he said. As reported, Poroshenko is paying an official visit to Turkey on November 2-4. During the meeting in Istanbul, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak has discussed with Minister of National Defense of Turkey Hulusi Akar issues of enhancing security in the Black Sea region and prospects for further development of military cooperation between the two countries. The meeting with Akar was held within the framework of the official visit of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to the Republic of Turkey and the 7th meeting of the high-level strategic council, Poltorak reported on his Facebook page on Saturday. "During the meeting, we discussed the issues of enhancing security in the Black Sea region and the current state and prospects for the further development of military cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey, as well as military-technical cooperation between both countries," the head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine said. The Iranian authorities have waged a sweeping crackdown against the Ahvazi Arab ethnic minority in recent weeks, arresting hundreds of people in Khuzestan province, Amnesty International (AI) said, on Friday, November 2. Amnesty International has described the scale of arrests in recent weeks as "deeply alarming". According to AI, foreign based Iranian human rights activists believe that up to 600 have been arrested in Khuzestan, but AI can confirm 178 of them, so far. The wave of recent detentions follows a deadly armed attack on a military parade in the city of Ahvaz, the capital of oil rich Khuzestan province, southwest Iran. The attack, Saturday, September 22, left at least 24 people dead, including spectators and more than sixty injured. Although a day layer, the so-called Islamic State (IS) took responsibility for the attack, an Arab-Iranian separatist group had already claimed responsibility. On behalf of The Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Al-Ahwaz, Yacoub Hor Al-Tustari said his group was behind the attack in interviews with foreign-based Persian-language media, including Radio Farda, immediately after the attack. But it remained unclear who was exactly responsible, as claims and denials followed. Several Iranian officials vowed a strong response to those responsible and claimed foreign countries were behind the terror plot. AI notes that the Islamic Republic has used the deadly attack on the military parade as an excuse to go after Arab ethnic rights activists across Khuzestan. "The Iranian authorities are using the attack in Ahvaz as an excuse to lash out against members of the Ahvazi Arab ethnic minority, including civil society and political activists, in order to crush dissent in Khuzestan province, said Philip Luther, Amnesty Internationals Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa. All those suspected of criminal responsibility for the horrific attack in Ahvaz must be brought to justice", Luther asserted. Those arrested include political and minority rights activists, AI said, adding, "The arrests have taken place in towns, cities and villages across Khuzestan province including Ahvaz, Hamidiyeh, Khorramshahr and Shush. The mass arrests have created a climate of fear among the Ahvazi Arab community, which already faces persecution and discrimination in Iran." Responding to the Governor of Khuzestan province, Gholamreza Shariati's recent comments that there are no civil society activists, women and children among those detained, Amnesty International says it has received credible information that students, writers, civil society, minority rights and political activists have been arrested at their homes, places of work or in the streets. "Among those detained is Sahba(Lamya) Hammadi, a civil society activist who is pregnant. She was arrested on 6 October at her home in the city of Susangerd in Khuzestan province. She contacted her family the day she was arrested but her family have not heard from her since", AI reported. Moreover, according to AI "Zoudieh Afrawi and Gheysieh Afrawi, two women from Susangerd, were arrested separately in their homes on October 22. Their children had been arrested earlier in the day. They both telephoned relatives a week after their arrests and told them they were being held by the Ministry of Intelligence. Their relatives have not heard from them since." In its latest statement, Amnesty International has called on the Iranian authorities to release immediately and unconditionally anyone being held solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly or solely on account of their ethnic identity. Amnesty International's statement is published at a time when on October 30, Finn Borch Andersen, head of Denmark's intelligence service Politiets Efterretningstjeneste (PET), said the agency believed the Islamic Republic "was planning an attack in Denmark" against three Iranian minority Arab activists. The trio, who live in the city of Ringsted, south-west of Copenhagen, are reportedly part of the separatist Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of al-Ahwaz (ASMLA). Tehran has categorically denied the allegation, dismissing it as "cooked up" by Israel. However, the Islamic Republic has a long record of assassinating Iranian dissidents in exile, including the last Prime Minister of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Shapour Bakhtiar and his close associates, AbdolRahman Boroumand and Soroush Katibeh, as well as the younger son of the late Shah's twin sister, Shahriar Shafiq, all in Paris, as well as the popular crooner and political activist, Fereydoun Farrokhzad in Bonne, Germany. Western news agencies have been expressing doubts over the effectiveness of the second round of U.S. sanctions against Iran three days before they go into effect on November 5. "As U.S. President Donald Trump resumes sanctions on Iran, the success of his push to curb its nuclear, missile, and regional activities may hinge on how flexible he is willing to be on his extensive demands to coax Tehran into talks," Reuters wrote in a November 2 analysis. French news agency AFP's analyst maintained that "Iran can take comfort in how much stronger its diplomatic position looks compared to the past." This comes a day after an article published in the Financial Times by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on Europe, China, and Russia -- the remaining parties in the nuclear deal that the United States left in May -- to "present and implement their final proposed package of measures to compensate for and mitigate the effects of Americas newest unilateral and extraterritorial sanctions before they are imposed. This historic agreement can only survive if the Iranian people can witness and enjoy the benefits it promised, he added. The AFP analysis elaborated on the changes in the international scene since the U.S. sanctions first hit Iran between 2010 and 2015, when the nuclear deal was made with Iran. At the time, AFP wrote, the world was pursuing Iran to come to terms with international players' demands, while "today, to many observers, it is Iran that looks like the responsible actor." Referring to Europe's measures to save the nuclear deal and help Tehran to cope with the impact of U.S. sanctions, AFP quoted Clement Therme, Iran research fellow for the International Institute for Strategic Studies, as saying, "Even if the Europeans are showing goodwill and inventing these bureaucratic mechanisms, the private sector is not interested in using them." Therme also said of the impact of sanctions that "Iran's sense of dignity makes it very difficult to stay in the deal if all the major buyers stop buying oil or reduce their purchases." The agency further argued that the problem for Iran is whether this diplomatic goodwill can translate into tangible benefits. This is probably a reference to Rouhani's statement about the nuclear deal being the outcome of two years of intensive negotiations between Iran and six other countries, including three from Europe. In his article, Rouhani sounded desperate, but he still wanted to hope in the effectiveness of Europe's measures to save the nuclear agreement, which is largely considered his only achievement as Iran's president since 2013. Rouhani's words must be viewed against a backdrop of serious economic crisis and a population whose patience for hardships has been dwindling since December 2017, when anti-government demonstrations annoyed the government in one form or another, culminating in major unrests at least twice in January and June, when the markets were affected. On the other hand, the Reuters analysis observed, by pulling out of the international Iran nuclear deal, "Trump and his top aides have touted the re-imposition of economic penalties on Iran as part of a 'maximum pressure' campaign to force a change in a wide range of Iranian behavior." However, U.S. officials have indicated that a measure of flexibility is needed to ensure global markets are well supplied to keep prices from surging as the new round of sanctions hits Iran's oil exports. The analysis summed up U.S. demands from Tehran by noting that on May 21, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo listed 12 demands that also covered Iran ending its development of nuclear-capable missiles, withdrawing forces under its command in Syria, and ceasing threatening acts toward its neighbors. "What Trump wants from Tehran, though, is seen by former officials as a maximalist position that includes ending uranium enrichment, giving UN inspectors access to all sites across Iran, and ceasing support for Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and the Hamas Palestinian militant group," Reuters added. Reuters quoted Robert Einhorn, a former U.S. official now at the Brookings Institution, as saying, "They are maximalist demands, and no Iranian government would be willing or able to accept them." Trump wants Iran's government to capitulate or collapse, according to Einhorn. "They are not going to knuckle under," he said. "But if the administration began to signal some flexibility ... it's possible the Iranian regime would agree to enter into talks." with reporting from AFP and Reuters Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov 4 Trend: President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed to take steps to establish an intergovernmental Turkmen-Azerbaijani commission to discuss issues of cooperation in the field of transport, detailed study and timely solution of all relevant tasks, Turkmen media reports. The instruction was given during the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. The head of the Turkmen state emphasized the importance of creating an international transport corridor Lazurit, which, while passing through the territory of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, will strengthen productive cooperation in a wide geo-economic area, including the regions of Central and South Asia, the Caspian and Black Sea basins, the Mediterranean. He also noted that Turkmenistan is ready to act as an active partner and participant in the Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) program, since the formation of a western transport corridor from Central Asia plays a huge role in the context of the realization of the goals of the revival of the Great Silk Road Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 Trend: A security dialogue meeting was held in Baku between the EU and Azerbaijan, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said in a message Nov. 3. The delegation of the EU was headed by Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs of the European External Action Service Jean-Christophe Belliard. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the EU delegation met with Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov. The EU Delegation also met Deputy Head of Foreign Policy Affairs of Azerbaijans Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev and other officials. The decision on establishing a bilateral dialogue mechanism on security and transport issues was made as a result of the EU-Azerbaijan Cooperation Council meeting of February 15, 2018. At the meeting the issues of regional and international agenda, including fighting terrorism, separatism and violent extremism and all their forms and manifestations, transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, cybercrime and other translational security threats were thoroughly discussed. The successful cooperation of the EU and Azerbaijan in the field of energy and Azerbaijans contribution to the energy security of Europe was emphasized. The sides reiterated their commitment to support sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of international borders of each other. It was mentioned that the new partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on which the negotiations are continuing will create favorable opportunities for comprehensive development of cooperation between the sides. The EU side was informed about the current situation of the negotiation process on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and it was emphasized that only the liberation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and return of the forcefully expelled people to their homelands will bring durable peace and sustainable development to the region. The sides valued the first dialogue meeting as a new momentum in their relations and agreed to continue the dialogue in the upcoming year. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Over the past three months, 916 tons of grape concentrate have been exported from Irans Tohid-e-Shahrood Fruit Juice & Concentrate plant to Russia, managing director of Union Rural Cooperative of Irans Semnan province Jafar Jorablou said. He said that 3,664 tons of grapes purchased from Irans Shahrood, Fars and North Khorasan provinces ensured the condensate to be exported to Russia, IRNA reported. In 2007, when Tohid-e-Shahrood Fruit Juice & Concentrate plant started operating, it processed 5,000 tons of grapes and 3,000 tons of apples. In 2007-2013, the plant produced an average of 3,000 tons of fruit juice per year. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: The delegation of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), headed by Chairman Vladimir Zhirinovsky, visited Bukhara (Uzbekistan), where the chairman and members of the party met with representatives of the Uzbek parliament, local residents, and visited the historical sights of the ancient city, Uzbek media reported. We are pleased that the head of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is such an energetic and competent leader. His work on this high position deserves respect, Zhirinovsky said. He noted that in order to improve the well-being of the citizens of Uzbekistan, it is necessary to develop the private sector and create conditions for people to choose a trade they love. According to him, it is also necessary to restore the state industry, to re-launch the stopped plants. The Russian politician assigns the key role to the Russian language for all of the aforementioned. We all grew up in this common culture, we remember the films that were shot at the Tashkent film studio, we were happy to watch them in Russia. You need to keep your historical names.Why take the western word governor, if you can say amir, for example. The streets in the cities of Uzbekistan should be called by the names of the people who lived here and glorified the country. This is necessary in order not to forget the history. We also support this direction in Russia, Zhirinovsky said. He also added that Russia needs to strengthen cooperation with Central Asia in the field of tourism, since such cooperation will be beneficial for all. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: Hyundai Motor Company Korea will enter the market of Uzbekistan from 2019, Kazakh media outlet kursiv.kz reported citing Director of Hyundai Auto Kazakhstan Denis Kolomatsky. According to him, the company has already received the distribution rights and is currently carrying out organizational work. "We are completing the internal certification now. We are delivering cars, completing the work on opening the first dealership center and are planning to start full-scale work from the beginning of 2019. Since we will be represented there as distributors, not manufacturers, at the initial stage we will not sell vehicles of Kazakhstan assembly, although negotiations are underway," Kolomatsky noted. According to him, the decision to enter the market of Uzbekistan is tied with the beginning of political and economic changes in the country. "...The largest world companies rushed there. Hyundai Motor Company also expressed willingness to enter this new and promising market and offered Astana Motors to become a regional distributor. We also see potential in the region and are pleased to accept the offer of the Hyundai Motor Company," Kolomatsky said. He noted that the company is planning to begin with selling about 1,000 cars. Astana Motors has been waiting for Uzbekistan to open its borders for car import for several years. The assembly plant in Kazakhstan was originally built keeping in mind the markets of neighboring countries. Uzbekistan commenced on liberalizing the market in back in autumn. In particular, the excise tax rate dropped to 2 percent of the customs value for new cars produced in Kazakhstan. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: Increasing trade with Iran to $1 billion is one of the top priorities for the government of Uzbekistan, Mehr News reported citing Bahodir Abdullayev, the Uzbek ambassador to Iran, as saying at a meeting with representatives of Iranian private companies in Arak, in the Markazi province. Talking about the determination of the presidents of the two countries to increase the volume of trade from $400 million to $1 billion at their last years meeting in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, the ambassador stressed that achieving this goal is one of the priorities of Uzbekistan. The ambassador noted that there are good opportunities in the Markazi province in the sphere of building materials, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and added that Uzbekistan is ready to cooperate and increase trade with this province. During his two-day visit to the Markazi province, Abdullayev met with officials and visited various companies. Earlier First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways Fazliddin Sagdullayev said that connection of Uzbekistan to Chabahar sea port through Iran's railway system will give impetus to the development of trade and economic relations and will contribute to the expansion of products transit between the two countries. According to him, the Uzbekistan-Chabahar railway may play crucial role in high volume transit between Iran and Uzbekistan and satisfaction of the countries' demand in products. In January-September 2018, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Iran reached $228.5 million, of which $135.8 million accounted for exports from Uzbekistan, $92.7 million for imports from Iran. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: The 234th meeting of representatives of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member countries will be held in Irans Mazandaran Province on Nov. 5-6, said Hasan Heyranpour, deputy head of Irans Mazandaran Province for economic issues coordination and human resources development, ILNA reported. He said that representatives of the ECO member states, secretary general and 45 people from foreign delegations will attend the two-day meeting. The ECO is a Eurasian political and economic intergovernmental organization which was founded in 1984 in Tehran by the leaders of Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. It provides a platform to discuss ways to improve development and promote trade and investment opportunities. The ECO is an ad hoc organization under the United Nations Charter. The objective is to establish a single market for goods and services, much like the European Union. The ECOs secretariat and cultural department are located in Iran, its economic bureau is in Turkey and its scientific bureau is in Pakistan. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.3 By Rashid Shirinov Trend: Financial sectors of the countries in Central Asia are vulnerable to external shocks, the World Bank told Trend. "These include commodity price volatility, decline in remittances inflows and exchange rate fluctuations that have negative consequences on the health of the financial sector and of the economy in general," the message said. The WB noted that in Kazakhstan, for example, the banking sector has experienced two systemic crises in the last decade, with substantial fiscal costs. Financial sector weaknesses undermine Kazakhstans further development and constraints credit to productive sectors. "As financial sector conditions in Kazakhstan curtail healthy market-based credit growth, the public sector increasingly plays a major role in financial intermediation, funding special lending programs and supporting weak banks," the WB said. Among the ways of strengthening financial sector resilience in Central Asia, the WB mentioned strengthening Central Bank independence, improving financial oversight, putting in place an effective bank resolution system in line with international standards and addressing non-performing loans, as well as enhancing corporate governance and financial disclosure practices in private banks. Tehran, Iran, Nov.3 Trend: The volume of Iran-Ukraine trade is moderate, which can be increased by targeting and planning, the Chairman of Iran-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce, Ali Jafari-Roudsari told Trend. In the past, there were a lot of meetings between businessmen from both countries. As a manufacturer, I try to identify the needs, strengths and weaknesses of Iran and Ukraine and introduce them to the producers, he said. "The Chamber of Commerce`s best assistance is to provide transparency, introducing threats and opportunities, and banking and financial solutions to provide a platform for negotiation or Business to Business (B2B) meetings." We will continue these actions until the conclusion, so that we can avoid the possibility of misuse due to unfamiliarity, said Jafari. Pointing to the volume of trade between two countries and the impact of US sanctions, Jafari said he does not have exact figures of the volume of exchanges between Iran and Ukraine, but this volume is not that much huge to be affected by US sanctions. This volume can be increased with planning and targeting for the future. Most of the commodities exchanged are seed oils, corn, wheat, animal feed and poultry, which is mainly imported to Iran. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Matanat Nasibova - Trend: In 2019, a new project on youth employment will be launched in Azerbaijan at the initiative of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan (AEC) and with the support of the International Labor Organization (ILO), the AEC Vice President Vugar Zeynalov told Trend. He noted that currently the project is at the stage of formation and development. "We are planning to launch this project early next year. It is still difficult to name the final cost of the project, but we believe the volume of investments in this project will be known in January. At the moment, negotiations are underway, all issues related directly to the project are being discussed," Zeynalov said. The vice president of the Confederation noted that the project, implemented with the support of the ILO, aims to assist young people in employment issues in small and medium-sized businesses. The Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan was established on March 5, 1999 in Baku and passed the official state registration. The AEC unites over 1,000 business entities, including 35 associations and unions of socio-economic profile. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.3 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: The intergovernmental agreement on Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria is expected to be adopted in the first half of 2019, Teodora Georgieva, Executive Officer of ICGB AD (project company) on the Bulgarian side, told Trend. She noted that the intergovernmental agreement that shall be signed between Greece and Bulgaria will establish the applicable tax framework for the project. "For the purposes of facilitation of the negotiation process with the Bulgarian and Greece Tax Authorities the project company has elaborated a Head of Terms Document on the fiscal matters, comprising in details the clauses to be included in the intergovernmental agreement," said the executive officer. She pointed out that the Head of Terms has passed several rounds of revision and discussion with experts from the Bulgarian and Greek tax administrations and incorporates all the relevant comments received. The Head of Terms was also submitted for a review to the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission. "The aligned version of the Head of Terms was submitted for approval to the Council of Ministers in Bulgaria. The meeting of the Council of Ministers in Bulgaria was held on Sept.12, and the term sheet was accepted. Similar actions are expected to be carried out also in Greece," said Georgieva. Once the formal approval is completed and the European Commission conclusion on the compatibility of state aid is obtained the following step is the ratification of the agreement by the parliaments in both countries, she noted. The executive officer added that the ratification of the document is the final step for the adoption of the agreement by both countries and is expected to happen in H1 of 2019. IGB is a gas pipeline, which will allow Bulgaria to receive Azerbaijani gas, in particular, the gas produced from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz 2 gas and condensate field. IGB is expected to be connected to TAP via which gas from the Shah Deniz field will be delivered to the European markets. The initial capacity of IGB will be 3 billion cubic meters of gas. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.3 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Main reaction in the oil market to Nov.4 sanctions of the US on Iran is to be expected 2-3 weeks after the sanctions in place, as OPEC needs to have a strategy in place for 2019, Cyril Widdershoven, a Middle East geopolitical specialist and energy analyst, a partner at Dutch risk consultancy VEROCY and SVP MEA-Risk, told Trend. He believes that the main discussion will be if there will be a new production cut agreement, lowering overall production to quell a new possible oil glut (short term). "This is also needed to keep prices high enough to reach enough investment levels to have production in coming years to increase to 110-120 million bpd. If not high oil prices, no investments, and this will result in a supply crunch not seen yet," said the expert. The immediate reaction could be still one showing fear of a real Iranian oil export at zero, he said. The expert pointed out that even though markets have been taking into account the possible price increases due to the lack of Iranian oil on the market, some upward pressure still could exist. "At this time, it is rather unclear what the real situation will be on November 4 or lets say the 2-4 weeks after. Iran has been pushing its production capacity to the limits, pushing as much oil and petrochemical products as it can into the market the last weeks. The latter is part of the price decrease we seen in the market at present. However, if US will not put all sanctions in place, but also has the power to take SWIFT (international financial transactions) to a zero level for Iran, we will see a spike for sure," Widdershoven noted. Sanctions are due to be re-imposed on Iran's oil industry on November 4. The move comes after US President Donald Trump decided to withdraw his country from the 2015 nuclear deal in May. The US has said that countries or companies that conduct transactions with Iran are liable to face secondary sanctions. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Developing the liquefied natural gas (LNG) import infrastructure is a good option for Germany, Emma Richards, oil and gas analyst with BMI Research told Trend, commenting on the decision made by Chancellor Merkel to open Germany up to US liquefied natural gas. "It increases the security of their supply and puts them in a stronger position in negotiations with their pipeline suppliers. The US is providing most of the LNG export growth over the next five years, so theres certainly opportunities for some of that gas to come into Germany but, as with anywhere in Europe, it will have to compete with other supplies," said Richards. As for the impact of this decision on the overall European gas market, the expert said she thinks this gets a little overblown. "US LNG will play a role in Europe, but its by no means reshaping the market and I dont see it as any real threat to Russia, at least not in the foreseeable future," added Richards. Earlier, German chancellor Merkel offered government support to efforts to open up Germany to US natural gas. Merkel reportedly told a group of lawmakers earlier this month that her government would co-finance a 500 million euros ($576 million) liquefied natural gas shipping terminal in northern Germany, giving a vital boost to a project that has been stalled for years. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: The near $10 per barrel drop in Brent crude seen over October is a spillover from the global sell-off in equities and broader risk-off sentiment in the market, according to the report of Fitch Solutions Macro Research (a unit of Fitch Group). "Sentiment has been damaged by concerns over rising risks to global economic growth, including rising protectionism, global quantitative tapering, rate-hiking in the US, a stronger US dollar and higher oil prices," said the report obtained by Trend. The company believes that a significant slowdown in global trade and economic growth would undermine demand for oil, particularly when compounded by the rising price of Brent. However, the physical threat to demand is not immediate, unlike the acute risks on the supply side that are unfolding around Iran, according to Fitch Solutions. The company analysts believe that from a short-term and technical perspective oil looks vulnerable. "Downside momentum is building and the front-month contract has broken back below its 50-day moving average. Time spreads have collapsed, with the front-to-second month spread flipping into contango. As of yet, the sell-off does not look overdone. Options pricing signals that buyers are seeking greater downs ide protection, while bullish positioning in Brent has partly reversed over recent weeks. The ratio of long positions to short held by money managers in Brent has fallen to 15.3, down from a peak of 23.4 in late September," said the report. Bearish market sentiment and general risk aversion could force a retest of support in the low $70 /bbl range, according to the Fitch Solutions forecasts. "The focus on the broader macro environment is taking focus away from the fundamentals in oil, which remain broadly bullish. Most importantly, market participants seem to have lost sight of November 5 and the re-imposition of nuclear-related sanctions on Iranian oil. Tanker tracking data for the first two weeks of October put crude and condensates exports somewhere in the region of 2 million barrels per day. Under our base case scenario, exports will fall to 1.2 million barrels per day," said the report. However, this scenario requires that US extend (limited) sanctions waivers, according to the company. "Given the hardline position of the US and lack of visible progress on waivers negotiations to-date, there are very substantial risks to this view. The market is ill-prepared for the los s of these barrels and is at growing risk of an upwards spike in prices, when supply-side drivers once again take the market's focus ahead of demand," said the report. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.3 Trend: Retaining its leading position in the telecom market in Azerbaijan and making all modern services available for its subscribers, Azercell Telecom LLC has launched its next Exclusive Shop distinguished for its convenience and innovative style. The new shop of the company which is always focused on an assurance of customer convenience is located at 1A Firuddin Shamoyev Street in Gazakh. The store is provided with all the necessary facilities and equipment and organized in a new concept. Here, the customers can execute most of the operations provided by customer service centers of the company, make payments for phone calls and purchase mobile phones for cash or on credit. Deputy Head of Gazakh district Executive Tahir Musayev also attended the opening ceremony, he sincerely congratulated residents and shop staff on the occasion of the launch of the new store. As in other exclusive shops, Azercell has announced a special campaign on the occasion of the opening of the new shop in Gazakh. Thus, any customer who purchases a new smartphone from the new Exclusive Shop within a week starting from November 2nd will get a bonus of AZN 150 as call minutes and internet data on his/her Azercell number. Currently, Azercells Exclusive Shops serve customers in Baku (at 44C Tbilisi Ave., at 5 Bulbul Ave., Apt. 52, building 30/42, Gara Garayev Ave. and at 556/57 Bakhtiyar Vahabzade Str., 3005 Javadkhan Str.), Khirdalan (at 54 Mehdi Huseyn Str., H. Aliyev Ave.), Mardakan (at 92/2 Apt. 30, Sergey Yesenin Str.), Khachmaz (at 40 Nariman Narimanov Str.), Guba (at 194 Haydar Aliyev Ave. and 12 Gabala Str.), Sumgayit (mc/d 11, junction of Koroglu and U.Hajibeyov streets), Shamakhi (at 1 Aghamirzali Ahmadov Str.), Barda (at 8 Ismat Gayibov Str.), Ganja (at 149 Haydar Aliyev Ave.), Beylagan (at 265 Sardar Imraliyev Str.) and Agjabadi (at 68 U. Hajibeyli Ave.). For more information, please contact [email protected] The leader of the mobile communication industry, the largest taxpayer and the biggest investor of the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan Azercell Telecom LLC was founded in 1996. With 48% share of Azerbaijans mobile telecom market Azercells network covers 80% of the territory (excluding 20% of the occupied territories) and 99,8% of population of the country. Currently, 4,5 million subscribers choose Azercell services. Azercell has pioneered an important number of innovations in Azerbaijan, including GSM technology, advance payment system, mobile internet services, Metro coverage, 24/7 call centre service, 7 day/week Front Office service, M2M services, one-stop-shopping approach Azercell Express offices, mobile customer services, Online Customer Care and Social Media Customer Care services, mobile e-signature service ASAN Imza etc. Azercell deployed first 4G LTE services in Azerbaijan in 2012. According to the results of mobile network quality and wireless coverage mapping surveys by international systems, Azercells network demonstrated the best results among the mobile operators of Azerbaijan. Azercell is the only company in Azerbaijan and CIS region which has been awarded Gold Certificate of International Investors in People Standard. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 Trend: As part of the plenipotentiary conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Azerbaijans Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade, who is on an official visit in Dubai, met with Irans Minister of Information and Communication Technology Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi, Azerbaijans Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies said in a message Nov. 3. At the meeting, the sides discussed expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran in the telecommunications and postal areas, joint participation in regional projects with other neighboring countries (Turkey and Russia). In particular, issues of intensification of exchange of experience, regulation of radio frequencies in border areas, cyber security, development of the space industry, Irans use of satellite resources of Azerbaijan, as well as prospects for cooperation in the fields of mobile communications and internet services were considered. It was also noted at the meeting that the Bakutel 2018, 24th Azerbaijan International Telecommunications, Innovations and High Technologies Exhibition and Conference to be held Dec. 4-7, is a favorable platform for attracting ICT companies of Iran to the Azerbaijans ICT sector. The Iranian side noted that at this exhibition the Islamic Republic will be represented by a national pavilion. The need for increased cooperation in ensuring cyber security was stressed. There was also an exchange of views on the joint exchange of experience in the development of the ecosystem of startups. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: In September 2018, 34,812 Belarusian tourists visited Turkey, which is 8.4 percent more compared to September 2017, the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry told Trend. Belarusian citizens accounted for 0.73 percent of the total number of foreigners who visited Turkey in September 2018 compared to 0.79 percent in September 2017. Some 220,191 tourists from Belarus visited Turkey in January-September 2018, which is 5.61 percent more than in the same period of 2017. The ministry stressed that the share of Belarus citizens in the total number of foreigners who visited Turkey in January-September 2018 accounted for 0.69 percent. The ministry noted that 5,425,845 tourists visited Turkey in September 2018, which is 15.64 percent more than in the same period of 2017. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 Trend: Uzbekistan National Revival Democratic Party (Milliy tiklanish, proposed to create a carpet weaving museum in the country, Uzbek media reported. Creating a separate museum, where samples of carpet weaving schools of Xiva, Andijan, Urgut, Nurabad, Kushrabat, Karsha and other regions will be collected, will undoubtedly contribute to preserving and widely promoting the national cultural heritage and tourism development. There are similar museums in many other countries. For example, in Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. In Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, a museum of carpet and applied arts has been created; there is a similar museum in Mashhad. "Carpet weaving has been developed in our country since ancient times. Currently, this kind of handicraft is widespread in Uzbekistan. Some 30,000 household manufactures are operating in the country on top of enterprises. Carpet weaving schools have been preserved in the Fergana Valley, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Bukhara and Khorezm regions and the Republic Karakalpakstan", the party noted in its statement. A classic Uzbek carpet is a carpet woven on a narrow-lawn machine, in separate strips, which are then sewn together into a single cloth, decorated by signs and symbols associated with the worldview of the inhabitants of the Central Asian steppes. The most archaic type of Uzbek carpet is julkhirs, a carpet with a long lint. But the best and most elegant products in color and decor are lint-free. These are kokhma, terme, gajari, takir, sumakh, besh-kashta, embroidered with enli-gilam and kiz-gilam. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Rashid Shirinov Trend: Russian airline Azimuth intends to launch flights from Rostov-on-Don (Russia) to Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Kaliningrad (Russia), Director General of the airline Pavel Ekzhanov told reporters, according to Kazakh media. He said that the launch of the flight from Rostov-on-Don to Almaty is scheduled for the end of this year, and to Kaliningrad for summer 2019. Ekzhanov also noted that Azimuth plans to open flights to Kaliningrad from Kaluga (Russia) and other cities. However, he did not specify plans for the timing of these flights. Azimuth is a Russian air carrier based at the Platov airport in Rostov-on-Don. To date, the company's fleet consists of eight SSJ-100 aircraft. The air carrier's route network includes 25 destinations in the regions of Russia, as well as in the cities of the EAEU countries. Tehran, Iran, Nov.3 Trend: Iran and the European Union are seeking to formulate an economic package, so enemies are seeking to strain these relations, the former member of Iranian parliament, Hassan Ebrahimi told Trend. Pointing to the impact of Denmark`s accusation against Iran in bilateral economic and political relations, he said that such allegations cannot create a gap in the relationship between two sides. According to the reports, the European Union and Iran are considering to create a package of economic measures to reduce the effects of the US sanctions. So Iran's enemies are seeking to undermine this process, said Ebrahimi. Plan to re-impose sanctions on Iran will fail, he said. "It should not be forgotten that the United States is isolated in the area of sanctions and cannot achieve the desired results. Now, with these failures, US seeks to strain Iran's relation with the EU," Ebrahimi said. Iran's foreign ministry should be vigilant in giving a convincing response to these attempts, he pointed out. Iran`s Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi previously said the Danish ambassador to Iran was warned against "hasty and controversial actions" during the October 31 meeting, which was the day after the Danish security service accused Iran for planning to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition leader. Danish intelligence officials said on October 30 that a man with a Norwegian passport and Iranian background was being held after he was arrested in neighboring Sweden. They said the individual was apprehended on October 21 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), which is seeking a separate state for ethnic Arabs in the southwestern Iranian province of Khuzestan. Iranian Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that US' decline is a definite and inevitable fact consistent with the divine tradition that the human community will eventually understand', IRNA reported. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the statement issued by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, which was released on Saturday on November 4, said, November 4 in the culture and history of the Islamic Revolution and the continuous and relentless struggle of the Iranian nation with the United States and the system of domination and arrogance contains meaningful and inspiring messages which its repetition and reminding in each year, especially for the new and younger generations of the country, which is very promising and can guarantee the fluidity of national intelligence and vigilance towards the Great Devil's plots and tricks in the community and makes it permanent. The statement adds that 'On November 4th, beyond to the important three historical events that followed the exile of Imam Khomeini to Turkey in 1964, the brutal killing of students by the Shah's torturers in 1978 and the capture of the American Spy Den by Muslim students following the path of late Imam Khomeini in 1979, symbolizes combating arrogance and invincibility of the Iranian people in the face of America and the arrogance venture in contemporary history. Baku, Azerbaijan, November 3 By Azer Ahmadbayli Trend: Will the US be able to coerce Iran into changing its overall policy through sanctions, given its forty-year acquired immunity to them? Will the country and the ruling Iranian authority be able to withstand the new wave of pressure? These questions are of great concern to many. On Nov.4, the US is going to impose sanctions on Irans oil, its gas industry and the banking sector. Irans President Hassan Rouhani has said Iranians may face more difficulties in the months ahead, and that the government will utilize its entire capabilities to alleviate the problems, world media outlets reported Wednesday referring to Irans state TV. Limiting oil exports Based on data from the International energy Agency (IEA) and other trustful sources, in September the volume of exports of Iranian oil and condensate ranged from 1.7 to 1.9 million b/d compared to a peak of 2.7 million b/d in June, CNBC wrote. According to Reuters, citing data from Refinitiv Eikon, in the first week of October, deliveries from Iran decreased to 1.1 million b/d compared to the second and third quarter, when Iran on average shipped 2.5 million b/d. China and India are the main buyers of Iran's oil. The import of Iranian oil to China in September fell by 34 percent (year on year) to 2.13 million tons (or 518,3 thousand barrels per day) on the background of U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported referring to data from the General customs Bureau of the PRC. Prior to that, the Wall Street Journal reported that China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) and China Petrochemical Corp. refused to import Iranian oil in November. India is the second largest buyer of Iranian oil. In November New Delhi plans to obtain 300 thousand b/d, which is more than twice below the average level of purchases from April to August. The US has agreed to withdraw India from oil sanctions against Iran, so that the country will be able to continue its imports of about 1.25 million tons of Iranian oil per month until March 2019. A statement on this can be made in the coming days, according to the Economic Times. India and the United States agreed in general on exemption from sanctions. India will reduce oil imports by a third, which alone is a big reduction, the newspaper wrote. European companies are likely to completely abandon the purchase of Iranian oil. According to sources of Reuters, Total, ENI, Saras, Repsol, Cepsa, and Hellenic Petroleum stopped buying Iranian oil. Measures to secure survival Iran is making efforts to put in practice fresh measures which will help it resist the US sanctions. Recent statements of the Iranian officials, their lately visits and practical actions give a common picture of developments in the eve of imposition of the next package of sanctions. On Wednesday and Friday Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif made one-day visits accordingly to Islamabad and Ankara to meet with top officials of the two countries. Though the official agenda suggested issues other than sanctions, it seems that Tehran wants to make certain that its surroundings are safe and ties between the neighboring states are kept intact in the run-up to the forthcoming US sanctions. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said during the trilateral meeting of Iran, Turkey and Azerbaijan foreign ministers in Istanbul last week that the three countries have agreed to use local currencies in commercial transactions, Middle East Monitor reported on October 31. Iran began selling crude oil to private companies for export on Sunday, part of a strategy to counter US sanctions which come into effect on Nov. 4 and aim to stop the country's key crude exports. Out of 1 million barrels offered on the energy bourse, 280,000 barrels were sold at $74.85 per barrel. The launch of oil bourse can somehow overcome the limitations, former Iranian MP Gholam Ali Meygoli-Nezhad told Trend. Some Iranian officials including three newly appointed ministers have called for more freedom of exporters and support for the private sector. The new ministers promised to remove barriers from the countrys exports and production. Iran has to use the bilateral monetary treaties as they can facilitate money transfers and exports for Iran, but infrastructure should be provided for implementation, Chairman of Investment and Capital Committee of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Abbas Argon told Trend. Any form of agreement which facilitates monetary transfers can reduce the impact of US sanctions. In this regard, we need to increase our engagement with other countries and expand trade relations, said Argon. Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has approved 11 directives of the Supreme Economic Coordination Council`s 4th meeting for Forex market control, according to the Iran president's official website. The directives say that all non-oil exporters are obliged to deliver their export currency to the NIMA System within a maximum of 3 months, or transfer the export earnings to the country by any other ways which are determined by CBI. Due to the special economic conditions of the country, failure to comply with this order is considered as currency smuggling. Any natural or legal person is able to bring any amount of currency to the country in accordance with the regulations specified by Iran's Central Bank, and none of the security and customs authorities have the right to prevent it. Buying and selling currency is permitted only in authorized banks and exchanges, trader offices in accordance with the regulations of Iran's Central Bank. The creation of a psychological fluctuation and inflammation is considered as a disruption of the economy and the authorities and the judicial authorities are authorized to deal with it legally. In order to further increase trade turnover between Iran and Iraq, an Iranian products trade center will be set up in Sulaymaniyah city of Iraq, Deputy Governor of Irans East Azarbaijan province Ali Jahangiri said, according to IRNA. Jahangiri said that the center will be set up by the private sector and will export Iranian products to Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah and other cities of Iraq and Syria. A few days ago former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami warned that popular protests will erupt in the country if the regime makes the same mistakes. If the regime insists on its mistakes, criticism will turn into protests, and it is not clear what will happen to the country after that, Khatami said on his Telegram account. He stressed that the reformists demands are limited to reforms within the system and they dont call for changing it. If the public is convinced that the reformists can't do anything, the street will stand behind those who want to change the regime, he said. Irans oil export is gradually getting down, and with it, currency flow into the country is also shrinking. Tehran will have to decide whether to direct its diminishing financial resources for the development of its missile program and support its military in the region or for urgent implementation of socio-economic reforms and lifting social tension in the Iranian society. There seems to be not enough money to do both. Thats probably what Mohammad Khatami meant. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: On November 3, Turkeys Antalya province hosted the 18th meeting of leaders of the eight Islamic developing countries (D8). The idea of creating the D8, of which Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey are members, was put forward by former prime minister of Turkey Necmettin Erbakan. The D8 is mainly engaged in promoting the economic interests of Muslim countries. Presently, the Muslim countries are also united in another structure - the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). However, when carefully reviewing the activities of the OIC, it is safe to say that this structure has not only failed to solve problems in Muslim countries, but even the agreements already adopted within the OIC mostly remain on paper. It would be appropriate to give a small example: it is known that the sanctions lifted from Iran as part of the 2015 nuclear deal will be restored again from November 5 this year. The US sanctions will affect Irans financial and energy sectors. The restrictions will hit the countries that continue to import Iranian oil or work with Iranian companies under sanctions. Despite that Iran is a member of the OIC, this structure hasnt made any statements about the US sanctions. This shows that, unfortunately, the OIC leadership is monopolized by certain countries that intend to get their own benefits from the sanctions adopted against Iran. The D8, in contrast to the OIC, is a relatively new structure, and, as is known, is engaged in promoting the economic interests of Muslim countries. UNESCO Cultural Diplomacy, Governance and Education Chair Holder, Director of Diplomatic and Strategic Studies Center in Paris, Turkish expert Naciye Selin Senocak believes that if the D8 is paid close attention, it can become as strong as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and play the role of a market alternative to the EU. In fact, if the D8 can increase the number of member countries, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for, it may become an alternative to the OIC. --- Rufiz Hafizoglu, deputy editor-in-chief of Trend Follow him on Twitter: @rhafizoglu The Moroccan navy rescued Saturday 136 migrants off Morocco's northern coasts, the Moroccan army said on Saturday, according to Xinhua. The navy assisted the migrants who were on board of two boats while facing difficulties off the northern cities of Tangier and Hoceima, the same source pointed out. The migrants, who are Moroccans and from subsaharan African nations, were brought safe to the ports of the northern cities of Lksar Kbir and Nador. In recent months, Morocco has been witnessing a significant hike in illegal immigration attempts. The Moroccan government said its security services have thwarted at least 54,000 attempts to smuggle illegal immigrants into Europe in the first eight months of 2018, compared with 39,000 attempts a year earlier. A total of 66.2 million foreign tourists visited Spain during the first nine months of 2018, the Spanish government confirmed, Xinhua reported. The government published a communique containing data from two studies elaborated by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE) into the arrival of foreign tourists and their spending. Although the number of tourists visiting Spain between January and September is unchanged from 2017, tourist spending increased by 2.5 percent over the first nine months of the year. Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism Isabel Oliver gave a positive valuation of the data, saying it showed the "stabilization of the number of visitors and is accompanied by an important growth in tourist spending. "That is the way to continue," she said, adding that the numbers "motivate us to continue working even harder to maintain our country's position as a world tourism leader." Of the 66.2 million visitors to Spain, almost 15 million came from the United Kingdom, with 9.43 million from France and 9.1 million from Germany. Meanwhile there was an 8.7 percent growth in the number of visitors from the United States and a 5.3 percent increase in the number of Russians. The Catalan region continues to be the most important tourist destination, with 15.4 million visitors in the first nine months of the year, followed by the Balearic Islands with 12.2 million tourists and the Canary Islands with 10.05 million visitors. A total of 8.9 million tourists visited Spain during September, which is 0.5 percent more than September 2017. They spent a total of 9.543 million euros (10.86 million U.S. dollars), 0.7 percent higher than in 2017, with the average visitor spending 147 euros (167.3 U.S. dollars) per person per day. The year 2017 saw 82 million tourists spend holidays in Spain, making the country the second most important destination in the world, beaten only by France. Muslim cleric Sami ul-Haq, known as the Father of the Taliban for having taught some of the Afghan Islamist movements leaders, was found killed on Friday in Pakistan, a relative and his deputy said, Reuters reported. Unknown attackers killed the cleric, who ran an Islamic seminary in northwestern Pakistan and was seen as a possible intermediary in talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, his deputy Yousaf Shah said. There were conflicting reports of exactly how he was killed and why his bodyguard and driver were apparently not there to defend him at the time of the attack. Shah initially said that Haq had been shot dead. Haqs nephew Mohammad Bilal told Reuters that his uncle was found with stabbing and gunshot wounds in a house he owns in an upscale area on Islamabads outskirts. When the assailants entered his house ... They first started hitting Mullah Sami ul-Haq with knives and daggers and then shot him dead, he said. Further details remained unclear. Haq has run the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Pakistans Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghanistan border, for decades. One of his students from the 1980s, known later as Mullah Mohammad Omar, went along with classmates to Afghanistan to join mujahideen groups fighting against the Soviet occupation of the country. Mullah Omar went on to found the Taliban, which seized power in Afghanistan in 1996 after years of chaos and civil war following the Soviet militarys withdrawal. Recently, when the Afghan government sent him a delegation and sought his help in bringing the Afghan Taliban to the negotiation table, he offered them ... his madrassa (seminary) to sit with each other and build trust, a member of Haqs family told Reuters. The ultra-conservative Taliban imposed an extreme version of Islamic sharia law on Afghanistan that included forbidding women to leave home without a male relative, imposing minimum lengths on mens beards and banning sports, radio and television. Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the people of Afghanistan will never forget (Haqs) services for them and his killers were the enemies of Islam. Haqs seminary has continued to thrive in Pakistan, including being allocated funding in the budgets of the provincial government, which is headed by Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Haq had emerged as one of Khans allies since the PTI came to power in the province after elections in 2013. Pakistans Interior Ministry confirmed Haqs death in a statement on Friday evening and expressed its condolences. A spokesman for the military condemned the assassination and expressed grief and condolences to his family. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets near the northwestern town of Mardan near Haqs seminary, setting a highway toll station on fire. A total of 34 Taliban militants were killed in fresh military operations across Afghanistan, said the country's Ministry of Defense on Saturday, Xinhua reported. "Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) carried out eight military and cleanup operations and 99 special operations across Afghanistan. As a result 34 armed militants members were killed and 15 other militants wounded," the ministry said in a statement. The security forces also destroyed four enemies' defensive fighting positions, an improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines factory, the statement said, adding the Afghan Air Force also conducted eight airstrikes against militants within the period. The Taliban insurgent group has yet to make comments. At least three Somali soldiers and a civilian were killed when a landmine hit a military vehicle outside Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday, police and residents said. A police officer, who declined to be named, told Xinhua that the blast occurred at Weydow area outskirt of Mogadishu. "We learnt that three soldiers and a civilian died in the blast. We believe that the enemies were behind the attack," he said. Residents said that they heard huge blast at the area. "We heard huge blast followed by gunfire, there were casualties but I can't give a figure," Mumin Ahmed, a resident, told Xinhua. No one has claimed responsibility for the latest attack. Turkey has been told that it will receive a waiver from the U.S. oil sanctions against Iran, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez said Friday, Xinhua reported. "According to information we received, Turkey will be among the eight countries allowed by the U.S. to continue importing Iranian oil, but we have no further details yet," Donmez told reporters at parliament. "I think this outcome will contribute to peace and stability in the region," he said. Earlier in the day, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said eight countries will be exempted temporarily if they continue importing Iranian oil after the penalties take effect. Turkey depends heavily on oil imports and almost nearly half of its oil needs are imported from Iran. U.S. sanctions on Iran's oil sector are set to come into effect on Nov. 5, after U.S. President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal in May. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Turkey condemns the attack on Coptic Christians in Egypt, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a message on Nov. 3. The message notes that Turkey also condoles with the families of innocent victims. A bus with Coptic Christians, heading to the Monastery of St. Samuel in Egypt's Minya Governorate, was shot on Friday. According to the Egyptian Interior Ministry, as a result of the attack, seven people were killed and another 12 were injured. The terrorist group Islamic State (IS) claimed the responsibility for the attack. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Rauf Guliyev Trend: Turkey will continue to strengthen relations with Ukraine, said Turkish president Receb Tayyip Erdogan Nov.3, following a meeting with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. Turkish President said that the work on maintaining relations with Ukraine, which since 2011 has reached the level of strategic partnership, continues regularly. Year by year we are increasingly strengthening our relations and will continue to strengthen them. Turkey supports reforms underway in Ukraine. The entire region will benefit from successful implementation of the reforms, Turkish leader said. Erdogan also recalled the visa-free regime between the countries. Our citizens are free to visit countries with internal documents. The number of Ukrainian tourists visiting Turkey in 2018 exceeded one million, he added. Turkish president said that the parties intend to complete work on the preparation of the Free Trade Agreement between the countries by the end of the year. "I believe that with this document the volume of bilateral trade will reach 10 billion dollars," said Erdogan. Twitter Inc deleted more than 10,000 automated accounts posting messages that discouraged people from voting in Tuesdays U.S. election and wrongly appeared to be from Democrats, after the party flagged the misleading tweets to the social media company, Reuters reported. We took action on relevant accounts and activity on Twitter, a Twitter spokesman said in an email. The removals took place in late September and early October. Twitter removed more than 10,000 accounts, according to three sources familiar with the Democrats effort. The number is modest, considering that Twitter has previously deleted millions of accounts it determined were responsible for spreading misinformation in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Yet the removals represent an early win for a fledgling effort by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, or DCCC, a party group that supports Democrats running for the U.S. House of Representatives. The DCCC launched the effort this year in response to the partys inability to respond to millions of accounts on Twitter and other social media platforms that spread negative and false information about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and other party candidates in 2016, three people familiar with the operation told Reuters. While the prevalence of misinformation campaigns have so far been modest in the run-up to the Congressional elections on Nov. 6, Democrats are hoping the flagging operation will help them react quickly if there is a flurry of such messages in the coming days. The Tweets included ones that discouraged Democratic men from voting, saying that would drown out the voice of women, according to two of the sources familiar with the flagging operation. The DCCC developed its own system for identifying and reporting malicious automated accounts on social media, according to the three party sources. The system was built in part from publicly available tools known as Hoaxley and Botometer developed by University of Indiana computer researchers. They allow a user to identify automated accounts, also known as bots, and analyze how they spread information on specific topics. We made Hoaxley and Botometer free for anyone to use because people deserve to know whats a bot and whats not, said Filippo Menczer, professor of informatics and computer science at the University of Indiana. The Democratic National Committee works with a group of contractors and partners to rapidly identify misinformation campaigns. They include RoBhat Labs, a firm whose website says it has developed technology capable of detecting bots and identifying political-bias in messages. The collaboration with RoBhat has already led to the discovery of malicious accounts and posts, which were referred to social media companies and other campaign officials, DNC Chief Technology Officer Raffi Krikorian said in email. Krikorian did not say whether the flagged posts were ultimately removed by Twitter. We provide the DNC with reports about what were seeing in terms of bot activity and where its being amplified, said Ash Bhat, co-founder of RoBhat Labs. We cant tell you whos behind these different operations, Twitter hides that from us, but with the technology you known when and how its happening, Bhat said. The US sanctions re-imposed on Tehran in the wake of Washingtons withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal will remain in place until a new "more comprehensive" accord, preventing the Middle Eastern nation from developing nuclear weapons, is reached, US President Donald Trump said, Sputnik reported. On November 5, the second round of US restrictions against Iran, re-introduced after the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), will come into effect. "The United States remains open to reaching a new, more comprehensive deal with Iran that forever blocks its path to a nuclear weapon, addresses the entire range of its malign actions, and is worthy of the Iranian people. Until then, our historic sanctions will remain in full force," Trump said in a statement issued by the White House late on Friday. Trump noted that the re-introduction of sanctions against Iran was aimed at blocking the revenues Tehran used for funding its nuclear program and at making Iran "either abandon its destructive behavior or continue down the path toward economic disaster." Tehran should abandon its nuclear ambitions and sit at the negotiating table for talks on the new deal, the US president suggested. Trump called the Iran nuclear deal "disastrous" and "terrible" and noted that the restrictions that will be reimposed, including those targeting shipping, energy and financial transactions, would be "the toughest sanctions the United States has ever levied against Iran." The US president, who has repeatedly criticized the JCPOA, negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, announced the US withdrawal from the accord in May. Since then, one portion of sanctions against Tehran has already been re-introduced. Other parties of the deal China, France, Germany, Iran, Russia, the United Kingdom and the European Union have, however, expressed their commitment to the accord and are working on instruments to bypass the US restrictions. By Noriyuki Suzuki, KYODO NEWS - Nov 3, 2018 - 14:25 | All, Japan The envisaged creation of a new visa program to accept foreign workers may help ease Japan's serious labor crunch that looks set to get worse in coming years amid the rapid aging of its society. For a country known for keeping a firm grip on immigration, however, the challenges are manifold, ranging from social security to education, to prevent incoming foreign workers from being left out. (A Taiwanese clerk attending to a guest at a hotel in Tokyo in 2017) The program, a major shift from Japan's traditional policy of accepting highly skilled professionals in principle, comes in response to growing calls from companies and industries facing acute labor shortages on the government to address the situation. As the new scheme, which still needs parliamentary approval, is designed for foreigners wishing to work in limited sectors facing severe labor shortages, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe maintains it would not herald a full-fledged opening of the country to immigrants. But experts on labor and immigration argue that foreign labor should not simply be treated as a quick fix, calling for a fundamental and longer-term approach to encouraging people of different nationalities to assimilate into society. "Accepting foreign workers (in new fields) requires Japan to shoulder a heavy responsibility to make the social system accommodating. This may necessitate changes to its system along the way," said Eriko Suzuki, a professor well-versed in immigration policy at Kokushikan University in Tokyo. "Japan has maintained a position of not accepting blue-collar workers, but people from different countries are already in Japan through various channels such as the government-sponsored technical training program. So officially accepting them as 'workers' is an important step," Suzuki added. The number of foreign nationals stood at around 2.5 million as of January, up some 174,000 from the previous year, lifted by demand for foreign labor, government data show. Japan's total population, including foreign residents, fell around 200,000 from a year earlier to about 128 million due largely to aging. Japan's labor market remains tight, with the availability of jobs at a four-decade high while the world's third-largest economy enjoys modest growth. The Cabinet approved legislation Friday to create new types of visa for foreign nationals with Japanese language skills wishing to work in Japan, with an eye to launching them in April. The first type, valid for up to five years, will be given to those who have adequate knowledge and experience in a specific field. They cannot bring their family members to Japan. The second type will be for those with higher-level work and Japanese-language skills, with no limit on its renewal. Those applying for this visa category can bring in family members and stay in the country permanently. The government is expected to pick 14 sectors that are in urgent need of labor such as construction, farming, elderly care and airport services, with no cap planned at present on the number of foreign workers accepted into the country. But details of the targeted sectors are still sketchy and it remains unknown how the government will confirm labor shortages have been resolved, a criteria that enables it to suspend the acceptance of foreign labor. To accommodate newcomers, improving social security is seen as a priority. Even now, residents in Japan, regardless of nationality, need to be enrolled in the national pension and health insurance systems. But some people have been calling for measures against possible abuse of the systems following the revelation of cases in which foreign nationals who do not reside in Japan received healthcare coverage as dependents of their family members living in the country. Concerned about the impact on such social security systems of the envisaged visa scheme, some lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are now urging the government to make sure incoming workers also fulfill their obligations such as payment of taxes and health insurance premiums. For the benefit of incoming workers, experts also say the number of social security agreements between Japan and other countries -- which allow workers to become eligible for pension benefits at home even if they live abroad for a certain period of time -- needs to increase. Takuya Hoshino, an economist at the Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, said improving social security for foreign workers is a must. "We cannot be complacent because people come to Japan for jobs now as such a situation will not continue forever," Hoshino said. He pointed to other countries that may become more appealing to foreign workers or economic growth in their own countries that would improve the job market and discourage them from going abroad. Still, Japan's regional economies can benefit from the envisaged program as labor shortages there are more severe compared with major cities, according to Hoshino. The airline industry, whose airport services are expected to be among the 14 sectors targeted under the new visa program, welcomed the move as it faces the prospect of a labor crunch amid an increase in the number of foreign visitors to Japan. "In particular, labor shortage will likely get severe at regional airports," said a Japan Airlines Co. official. Companies hiring foreign workers under the new program are required to provide assistance not only in the workplace but in everyday life. Kokushikan University professor Suzuki says educational reform is one of the top priorities if Japan continues to accept foreign laborers as the country's compulsory education system only targets Japanese nationals. "It comes down to whether people from abroad can have hopes for their future in Japan," Suzuki said. "Education for children and their career options over the long term matter." Apart from businesses craving for foreign laborers, the general public in Japan is divided about the envisioned growth of overseas workers. A recent online survey on migrant workers responded to by 2,000 people showed 56.3 percent said they are fine with the status quo, while 23.9 percent hoped for more laborers from abroad and 19.8 percent preferred to see fewer foreign nationals than now, according to the Research Institute for Advancement of Living Standards. (Su Xincheng contributed to this story) KYODO NEWS - Nov 3, 2018 - 02:21 | All, World A Canadian also held captive in Syria said Thursday freed Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda should not be criticized for doing his job. Yasuda, 44, who returned to Japan late last month after 40 months of captivity, has been criticized for putting himself in harm's way by entering Syria alone. He was almost immediately taken hostage by a warring faction that then demanded a ransom for his release. "I think it is very important for journalists and humanitarians to go to areas where a lot of people don't or can't get to," Sean Moore told Kyodo News in a telephone interview. "The truth has to be told somehow, and that is a journalist's job." "He (Yasuda) wasn't carrying a handgun or an AK47. He was there with a pen, and his punishment for carrying a pen was absolutely brutal and unnecessary," Moore said. "Anybody that criticizes him truly doesn't understand the situation," said Moore, 48, a resident of Ontario, Canada, who was freed in February after being held captive for about a month. Moore also faced criticism when he returned home. "Many said, 'Sean Moore deserved it and should have been left to rot in hell.' I was told I took the risk and now I should pay the price," he said. "It is difficult to read and hear these comments." Moore was taken hostage while trying to help a Canadian woman bring her two sons home from her ex-husband in Lebanon by spiriting them through Syria and to Turkey. "He (Yasuda) has been through literal hell. It is easy to put blinders on and walk away," Moore said. Yasuda has said he and Moore were held at the same location, and Moore said Yasuda may have remembered his name because he said it every time guards threw food into his cell. The captivity was "a living hell" with torture, including beatings by fists and paddles, Moore said. He was confined in a 3x5 foot cell which was sometimes flooded, and fed rotting food. Moore said he did not see Yasuda at the facility since he was blindfolded and handcuffed any time his captors took him out of the cell. He also said his captors told him on the day of his release that they were Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, formed through a merger of several groups including the Nusra Front. The baby is presumed to be that of former student activist Anupama S Chandran, who has alleged her child was taken away by her father late last year without her consent. Apple didnt sell as many iPhones during its most recent quarter as Wall Street had hoped, and investors responded by sending the companys stock down 7% in after-hours trading. The Cupertino, Calif., company sold close to 47 million iPhones during the quarter ending on Sept. 30, which is about the same amount it sold a year ago. iPad sales were down 6% year-over year, totaling 9.7 million for the quarter. Mac sales were down 2%, totaling 5.3 million. Apples CFO Luca Maestri said Thursday that the company would stop reporting these kinds of unit sales in the future. A unit of sale is less relevant to us today than it was in the past, Maestri said. The timing for that announcement was curious, but there may have been a grain of truth in Maestris reasoning: While unit sales were flat for the quarter, the average sale price of an iPhone rose to $793, signaling that consumers are getting more comfortable with spending money for the companys high-end phones. This resulted in iPhone revenue growing 29% year-over-year. These higher average sales numbers were a key contributor to Apples earnings. The company generated $62.9 billion in revenue, compared to $52.6 billion during the same quarter last year. The companys net income for the quarter was $14.13 billion compared to $10.71 billion a year ago. This translated to diluted earnings per share of $2.91, compared to $2.07 during the same quarter in 2017. Analysts had expected earnings per share of $2.78 on revenue of $61.5 billion. But more than the results for its most recent quarter, analysts were looking for guidance for the current holiday quarter. Not only do consumer electronics companies sell most of their products during the holiday season, the companys guidance is also seen as a key indicator of how well the new iPhone models have been performing. Apple introduced a second-generation iPhone X, dubbed the iPhone XS, in September, and began shipping it to consumers at the end of that month. A second model, the iPhone XR, didnt actually make its way onto store shelves until late last month. Story continues The company forecast revenue between $89 billion and $93 billion for the current holiday quarter, which was also less than Wall Street had hoped for, further raising doubts about the companys iPhone sales. Maestri attributed the more cautious forecast to currency issues, as well as depressed consumer demand in some emerging markets. A bright spot for Apple was the companys services business, which includes revenue from the App Store, Apple Music, as well as iCloud subscriptions. Services revenue for the quarter surpassed $10 billion for the first time, growing 27% year-over-year. Related stories 'NBA 2K19' on New iPad Pro is Bringing 'Console Realism to iOS' Apple Unveils New iPad Pro Tablets, MacBook Air Notebook Billy Crudup, Gugu Mbatha-Raw Join Aniston-Witherspoon Morning News Series at Apple Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! (Adds details of release, background) OTTAWA, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Canada's trade deficit in September shrank to C$416 million ($318 million) as imports fell at a faster pace than exports, Statistics Canada said on Friday, adding that August imports had been almost C$1 billion higher than initially reported. Analysts in a Reuters poll had expected a surplus of C$150 million in September after the initial C$526 million surplus recorded in August. Statscan, citing the late arrival of import data regarding three Swedish icebreakers, said Canada had in fact posted a trade deficit of C$551 million in August. Statscan analysts said that while data is often reported late, it is unusual for such large amounts to be involved. The revision means Canada has now posted 21 consecutive monthly trade deficits. September exports fell by 0.2 percent on lower shipments of consumer goods. This was largely due to lower exports of lentils and peas to India, which is focusing on boosting domestic production of the foodstuffs. Imports dropped by 0.4 percent as the import of aircraft, ships and other transportation equipment plunged by 28.3 percent from August, when the icebreakers arrived. Exports to the United States rose by 0.4 percent while imports climbed by 1.2 percent. As a result, the trade surplus with the United States - which took 75.1 percent of Canada's goods exports in September - slipped to C$4.79 billion from C$5.03 billion. ($1=$1.31 Canadian) (Reporting by David Ljunggren Editing by Susan Thomas) SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese chipmaker Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co Ltd said on Saturday it has not stolen any technology, after the U.S. Justice Department indicted the state-back firm for stealing trade secrets. The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday indicted Fujian Jinhua, Taiwan's United Microelectronics Corp and three individuals for conspiring to steal trade secrets from U.S. semiconductor company Micron Technology Inc relating to its research and development of memory storage devices. Earlier in the week, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration took action to cut Fujian Jinhua off from U.S. suppliers. "Behaviour to steal another firm's technology does not exist," Fujian Jinhua said in a statement posted on its official website. "Micron regards the development of Fujian Jinhua as a threat and adopts various means to hamper and destroy the development of Fujian Jinhua," the statement said. The company "always attaches great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights," Fujian Jinhua added. The move to block Fujian Jinhua escalated what until now had been a business dispute into the realm of an international trade conflict between the United States and China. The world's top two economies are already waging a 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. The U.S. moves could seriously damage the ambitions of Fujian Jinhua, a firm of strategic importance to China. (Reporting by Adam Jourdan; Writing by Engen Tham; Editing by Jacqueline Wong) Fatima Cody Stanford is a physician and researcher working at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard who is in demand around the country for her expertise in obesity medicinebut on a Delta connection flight this week, she faced questioning of her credentials by airline flight attendants. No matter how many degrees I haveI have four; no matter how many residencies Ive doneIve done two; no matter how many fellowshipsIve done two of those; no matter how many years of training youve done as a woman of color, as someone who doesnt fit the mold, [you face this], Stanford told Fortune. Stanford, a black woman and a specialist in obesity medicine, was flying from a business meeting in Indianapolis back to her home base in Boston when the passenger seated next to her on Republic Flight 5935, operated by Republic as a Delta connection flight, started to shake and hyperventilate. Stanford attempted to help her seatmate. When the passengers in the surrounding rows started to notice the womans distress, a flight attendant came over and asked if Stanford was a doctor, Stanford says. Stanford showed the flight attendant her Massachusetts medical license. The flight attendant walked away, and a few minutes later a second flight attendant arrived and also asked to see the license. As the patient, suffering from claustrophobia on the small plane, began to calm down, Stanford says two flight attendants returned and continued to question her, with one asking, Are you really an MD? After landing, Stanford posted about the incident on Twitter. @DeltaAirlineUS I am very disappointed that your policies on #Diversity have not lead to any change. As a #blackwoman #doctor who showed my #medical license to help a passenger on DL5935 your #flightattendant still did not believe I was a #Physician. @DrSinhaEsq @DrKathyHughes Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA, FAAP, FACP (@fstanfordmd) October 31, 2018 She says she was then contacted by a Delta employee who said she worked in the office Deltas CEO and was looking into the situation. Story continues A Delta spokesperson told Fortune that the airline thanked Dr. Stanford for her assistance and apologized for any misunderstanding that may have occurred during her exchange with the in-flight crew. The incident resembles one Delta faced in 2016, when the airline questioned the credentials of Tamika Cross, an OB/GYN. Oh no, sweetie put your hand down; we are looking for actual physicians or nurses or some type of medical personnel. We dont have time to talk to you, a Delta flight attendant told Cross in 2016. The incident prompted Delta to change its policies to not require medical credential verification and to rely on a passengers statement that they are a physician, physician assistant, nurse, paramedic, or EMTa policy that wasnt followed on Stanfords flight. The policy is supposed to be the same on flights operated by Delta connection carriers, including Republic. About two weeks before this flight, Stanford had actually interviewed Cross at an event about gender bias in medicine among physicians and patients. Bias in medicine is also a topic Stanford knows well through her work specializing in patients with obesity. This incident shows that Deltas changes to its policy in 2016 werent enough, Stanford says. The airline needs more training around implicit biases, she says. After sharing what happened, Stanford heard from many people of color in medicine who have faced questioning of their medical credentials. White colleagues at Massachusetts General reached out to share their frustration that theyve never faced similar doubts. Stanford says she has assisted passengers on flights two or three times before and has never had a problem. In this case, the medical issue wasnt life-threatening, but in a more urgent situation, responses like those of the Delta flight attendants could be dangerous, Stanford says. If it were a situation where this patient ended up needing more significant intervention, Id be concerned about the ability to deliver timely care, Stanford said. We thank Dr. Stanford for her medical assistance onboard Republic flight 5935 IND-BOS, and are sorry for any misunderstanding that may have occurred during her exchange with the in-flight crew. Moving forward, we are following up with our connection carrier partner to ensure their employees understand and consistently apply the policy, Delta spokesman Trebor Banstetter said in an emailed statement to Fortune. Regardless of aircraft, all customers are Delta customers and we are committed to ensuring they enjoy a similar experience on every flight. Delta changed its policy for providing medical credentials in 2016, and we are working with all of our connection partners to ensure their changes and actions align with ours. Were grateful to Dr. Stanford for her medical assistance onboard our flight 5935 and are sorry for any misunderstanding that may have occurred during her exchange with our in-flight crew. Moving forward, we are working with Delta to ensure our employees understand and consistently apply all applicable policies, Republic spokesman Jon Austin added, also in an emailed statement. Dr. Stanfords care for the passenger remained uninterrupted throughout the duration of the medical issue. Photo credit: Cyndi Monaghan - Getty Images From Popular Mechanics With all the futuristic methods and complicated machines in neuroscience, its easy to forget that our understanding of the brain rests in the same logical category as sciences of centuries ago, when seemingly regular people had flashes of insight regarding frogs legs, apples, and clock towers. That is, until you hear a story like this: How Bartul Mimica found specific groups of neurons that are tuned to the postures of our bodies, a new research advancement published this week in Science. Mimica, a PhD candidate at the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, was working in the lab one day with his supervisor, who was showing him how to use a technique called single-unit recording to measure how rat neurons respond to motion. A rat with a silicon probe implanted in its brain was sitting on a towel in a flowerpot munching on a cookie. Suddenly, the screen in front of the two men showed one of the rat's neurons firing. Mimicas supervisor told him: Look, this cell responds to low velocity. Mimica wasnt so sure. When the rat was eating, he noticed, it was hunched over the cookie, pushing it into his mouth-youve seen how rats eat. When the rat stopped eating and relaxed its back, the neuron stopped firing, but the rat still hadnt changed speed. It was a simple observation, but it was quite clear even then that there was more to it than saying the cell fires at low velocity, Mimica says. So Mimica designed an experiment to determine what the cells were actually responding to. He set up a six-camera system similar to those used in in motion capture for Hollywood animation, tracking the body position of rats in six degrees of freedom-three translations and three rotations around three perpendicular axes. At the same time, he recorded from two different brain areas, the frontal motor cortex and the posterior parietal cortex. The results showed that the cells were not tuned to motion after all. They were tuned to posture. In particular, specific cells tended to respond to postures that deviated from standard rat position (on four legs, roaming around). For example: If a rat twists his head to the side, hunches his back, or stands on his hind legs, theres probably a neuron in his brain somewhere going nuts. Story continues Photo credit: Goran Radosezvic This is not such a crazy idea. While you probably dont consciously think about your posture, your brain needs a constant record of where you are in space. Just consider what happens when something goes wrong in this part of the brain. A long time ago-maybe 100 years ago, people who suffered strokes in this region would have symptoms that are neither sensory nor motor, Mimica says. Patients diagnosed with what was then called optic ataxia could look at an object, identify it, and describe it, but they couldnt reach out and grab it. Their movement was normal, they just couldnt get their hand to go in the right direction. One hundred years ago, people were perplexed by this phenomenon, Mimica says. I think we may have found the answer. While this is the first study to find cells that respond to different postures, its not the first to find that some cells in the brain respond to extremely specific things. Scientists have known since the 1960s that cells in the visual cortex respond to lines in particular orientations-which is how that area of the brain eventually processes edges and shapes. There is also a set of cells in the temporal lobe that respond only to individual celebrities or people you know very well. Theyre called Jennifer Aniston cells and, perhaps surprisingly, were not discovered after a chance run-in with Jennifer Aniston. ('You Might Also Like',) . , , . . , , , , ... Government Properties Income Trust (GOV) came out with quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of $0.53 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.49 per share. This compares to FFO of $0.42 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an FFO surprise of 8.16%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this real estate investment trust would post FFO of $0.51 per share when it actually produced FFO of $0.52, delivering a surprise of 1.96%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus FFO estimates three times. Government Properties Income Trust, which belongs to the Zacks REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry, posted revenues of $106.10 million for the quarter ended September 2018, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.62%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $70.18 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future FFO expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. Government Properties Income Trust shares have lost about 52.4% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 1.4%. What's Next for Government Properties Income Trust? While Government Properties Income Trust has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's FFO outlook. Not only does this include current consensus FFO expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of estimate revisions. Story continues Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Government Properties Income Trust was unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus FFO estimate is $0.45 on $94.01 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $1.99 on $410.34 million in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, REIT and Equity Trust - Other is currently in the bottom 33% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Government Properties Income Trust (GOV) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Andrea Shalal BERLIN, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Europe's Airbus said on Friday it had delivered the "powerhouse" for NASA's new Orion Spaceship that will take astronauts to the Moon and beyond in coming years, hitting a key milestone that should lead to hundreds of millions of euros in future orders. Engineers at the Airbus plant in Bremen, Germany on Thursday carefully packed the spacecraft into a special container that will fly aboard a huge Antonov cargo plane to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a first step on its way to deep space. In Florida, the module will be joined with the Orion crew module built by Lockheed Martin, followed by over a year of intensive testing before the first three-week mission orbiting the Moon is launched in 2020, albeit without people. Current plans call for a first crewed mission in 2022, but NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) then plan to launch a manned mission every year, making the Orion project both politically and economically important at a time when China and other countries are racing to gain a foothold in space. Airbus's European Service Module will provide propulsion, power, thermal control and consumables to the Orion crew module, marking the first time that NASA will use a European-built system as a critical element to power an American spacecraft. "This is a very big step. The delivery and the flight to America are just the beginning of a journey that will ultimately take us to 60,000 miles beyond the moon, further than any human has ever flown before," Oliver Juckenhoefel, vice president of on-orbit services and exploration for Airbus, told Reuters. Orion is part of a growing push to put humans back on the Moon, where the unexpected discovery of water has energised scientists, with rapid technological developments such as 3D printing paving the way for lunar-based infrastructure, such as data server relay stations, in coming years. "It sounds like science fiction, but I'm convinced it's coming, and the only question for us in Europe is whether we want to be part of it or not," Juckenhoefel said. "In industry, we have to be careful that we don't miss the boat." Story continues Airbus won a 390 million euro ($446.12 million) contract to build the first ESM module in 2014, and is already working on a second order valued at 200 million euros. Now it is negotiating with ESA for further orders that could add up to a billion euros, he said. Mike Hawes, who runs the $11 billion Orion programme for Lockheed, said it would play a pivotal role in exploration of deep space, with NASA already looking to land people back on the Moon, and many talking about potential missions to Mars. He said Lockheed was negotiating with NASA for up to 12 follow-on missions that could result in billions of dollars of new orders, while working to halve the cost of future spacecraft. ($1 = 0.8742 euros) (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) By Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - Europe's Airbus (AIR.PA) on Friday delivered the "powerhouse" for NASA's new Orion Spaceship that will take astronauts to the Moon and beyond in coming years, hitting a key milestone that should lead to hundreds of millions of euros in future orders. Engineers at the Airbus plant in Bremen, Germany on Thursday carefully packed the spacecraft into a special container that will fly aboard a huge Antonov cargo plane to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a first step on its way to deep space. In Florida, the module will be joined with the Orion crew module built by Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), followed by over a year of intensive testing before the first three-week mission orbiting the Moon is launched in 2020, albeit without people. Future production of Orion and the European module could result in billions of dollars of new orders for the companies involved in coming years, said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for human exploration and operations for NASA. "This is the system that will enable humans to move sustainably into deep space ... and leave the Earth-Moon system for the first time ever," he said. Current plans are for a first crewed mission in 2022, but NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) then plan to launch a manned mission every year, making the Orion project both politically and economically important at a time when China and other countries are racing to gain a foothold in space. Airbus's European Service Module will provide propulsion, power, thermal control and consumables to the Orion crew module, marking the first time that NASA will use a European-built system as a critical element to power an American spacecraft. "This is a very big step. The delivery and the flight to America are just the beginning of a journey that will ultimately take us to 60,000 miles beyond the moon, further than any human has ever flown before," Oliver Juckenhoefel, vice president of on-orbit services and exploration for Airbus, told Reuters. Story continues Orion is part of a growing push to put humans back on the Moon, where the unexpected discovery of water has energised scientists, with rapid technological developments such as 3D printing paving the way for lunar-based infrastructure, such as data server relay stations, in coming years. "It sounds like science fiction, but I'm convinced it's coming, and the only question for us in Europe is whether we want to be part of it or not," Juckenhoefel said. "In industry, we have to be careful that we don't miss the boat." NASA's Gerstenmaier said ESA was interested in participating in a so-called "lunar gateway" with an eye to landing humans on the Moon again around 2028, and providing a base for travel to Mars and beyond. Airbus won a 390 million euro ($446.12 million) contract to build the first ESM module in 2014, and is working on a second order valued at 200 million euros. Now it is negotiating with ESA for further orders that could add up to a billion euros, Juckenhoefel said. Mike Hawes, who runs the $11 billion Orion programme for Lockheed, underscored the importance of the programme for future exploration of deep space. He said Lockheed was negotiating with NASA for up to 12 follow-on missions that could result in billions of dollars of new orders, while working to halve the cost of future spacecraft. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Photo credit: Airbus From Popular Mechanics It's been fourteen years since President George W. Bush announced what would eventually be named Orion, the spacecraft that will take humans beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo missions. Fourteen years of stops and starts, changes and delays. Now, at long last, the spacecraft that will take humans beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since the Apollo missions has one of its most critical pieces in place. Airbus delivered the European Service Module (ESM), a component of NASA's Orion craft. The ESM, which fits underneath the crew module, will provide propulsion, power, and thermal control. It will also supply astronauts with water and oxygen on extended missions. Left unpressurized, the ESM will be able to hold additional payloads. Photo credit: Airbus More than 20,000 individual parts make up the ESM. These include electrical equipment, solar panels, fuel tanks, and kilometers worth of cables and tubing. The module is a cylinder measuring about 13 feet in height and diameter, and can unfurl an enormous four-wing, 62-foot solar array that generates enough energy to power two midsize houses. Its 8.6 tons of fuel will be used to power a main engine and 32 smaller thrusters. While there is a long history of the European and American space industries working together, the ESM marks the first time NASA will be using a European-built system to power an American spacecraft. Oliver Juckenhofel, head of on-orbit services and exploration at Airbus, says in a press statement: The delivery of the first European Service Module for NASAs Orion spacecraft is a hugely significant moment, and NASAs ground-breaking deep-space mission is continuing to pick up speed. Very soon, the crew module and the service module will come together for the first time at Kennedy Space Center, and integration and testing can then begin. The ESM will power Orion's vast ambitions, including the creation of lunar-based infrastructure that will one day be used to guide humans on the way to Mars. The spacecraft's first mission is planned for 2020, when an unmanned mission known as Exploration Mission-1 will travel beyond the moon to test the technology. If all goes according to plan, manned missions will start in 2022 with Exploration Mission-2. Story continues It sounds like science fiction, but Im convinced its coming, and the only question for us in Europe is whether we want to be part of it or not, Juckenhoefel tells Reuters. In industry, we have to be careful that we dont miss the boat. Source: Reuters ('You Might Also Like',) WASHINGTON (AP) Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has left no doubt that his top priority as leader of the military is making it more "lethal" better at war and more prepared for it and yet nothing about the military's new mission at the U.S.-Mexico border advances that goal. Some argue it detracts from it. The troops going to the border areas of Texas, Arizona and California are a small fraction of the military's roughly 1.3 million active-duty members, and the mission is set to last only 45 days. But many question the wisdom of drawing even several thousand away from training for their key purpose: to win wars. James Stavridis, a retired Navy admiral and former head of the U.S. Southern Command, said the troops should be preparing for combat and other missions, "not monitoring a peaceful border" for the arrival of a migrant caravan of several thousand people on foot, still about 900 miles (1,450 kilometers) away. "It sends a terrible signal to Latin America and the Caribbean as we unnecessarily militarize our border," Stavridis, who also served as the top NATO commander, said Thursday. "It places U.S. troops who are fundamentally untrained for the mission of border security and border enforcement into an area of operations, which could cause incidents of a negative character. If we need more border patrol agents, hire them." The first 100 or so active duty troops arrived at the border on Thursday, making initial assessment at the McAllen, Texas, crossing. Overall, there are about 2,600 troops at staging bases in the region. David Lapan, a retired Marine colonel who is a former spokesman for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Department of Homeland Security, said that taking troops away from training and from their families to play a supporting role in border security is unwise. "It just doesn't make any sense," said Lapan, now a vice president of communications at the Bipartisan Policy Center. "This caravan, this group of poor people, including a lot of women and children, doesn't pose a threat not a national security threat." Story continues In line with the Pentagon's national security strategy, Mattis has been focused on improving the combat readiness of a military worn down by the recent years of congressionally imposed budget cuts and the grind of 17 years of war in Afghanistan. This includes reorienting training from that required for the smaller wars the U.S. has fought since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to a "great power" struggle with Russia and China. That context may explain why the Pentagon itself seemed caught off-guard by President Donald Trump's abrupt order to dispatch active-duty troops; the Customs and Border Protection, which requested Pentagon help, has struggled to define details of the mission and explain its scope. "That this is a security threat is preposterous and not supported by the evidence," said Derek Chollet, former senior policy adviser at the Pentagon. "If you're sitting in the Pentagon and worried about implementation of the national defense strategy and worried about the threats from China and Russia, this is not at the top of your list." "This is another version of the parade," Chollet said, referring to Trump's demand earlier this year eventually withdrawn that the military spend millions to stage a parade in Washington D.C. "This is not a good use of U.S. military resources at this moment. Trump was frustrated in his effort to build a physical wall on the border, now he's trying to build a human wall by using the U.S. military." Mattis has rejected assertions that the military is being leveraged by the White House as a political stunt in advance of the midterm elections. "We don't do stunts," he said Wednesday, but neither has he argued that sending thousands of active-duty soldiers to help secure the border is his preference. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, who as head of U.S. Northern Command is commanding the military operation, dubbed "Operation Faithful Patriot," has argued that the caravan is a potential threat, although he has not fully defined that. "I think what we have seen is we've seen clearly an organization at a higher level than we've seen before," O'Shaughnessy said. "We've seen violence coming out of the caravan and we've seen as they've passed other international borders, we've seen them behave in a nature that has not been what we've seen in the past." One concern raised by other defense officials is that the caravans are largely male-dominated, and that one of them used violence when crossing the border into Mexico. But Associated Press journalists traveling with the largest group say it includes many families, including hundreds of children, and it has been orderly and peaceful, with no sign of any danger. The military says it is deploying 7,000 troops to Texas, Arizona and California, and while it has left open the possibility that the number could grow by another thousand under current plans, the scope of the mission has grown in recent days. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump said he would send as many as 15,000 troops. Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a letter to Trump on Thursday that his administration has given the committee no evidence that migrant caravans pose a direct security threat to the U.S. "This is not a military problem; it does not warrant a military solution," Reed wrote. He said the administration should disclose the cost of the military's border mission "and what impacts it will have on military readiness and the overall budget." With his eyes squarely on Tuesday's election contests, Trump has rushed a series of immigration declarations, promises and actions as he tries to mobilize supporters to retain Republican control of Congress. His own campaign in 2016 concentrated on border fears, and that's his focus in the final days of the midterm fight. Trump has railed against illegal immigration, focusing on the migrant caravans that have been going on for several years but received little attention until now. The largest at the moment consists of about 4,000, down from a high of about 7,000, and is still in southern Mexico. Several smaller groups, estimated at a combined 1,200 people, are farther away. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the agency name in 9th paragraph is Customs and Border Protection, not Border Patrol. WASHINGTON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that a lot of progress had been made with China on trade, and he predicted the world's two largest economies would reach a very good deal. Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for a campaign event, Trump confirmed that he would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they are in Argentina for a summit of the Group of 20 nations. Earlier, the White House's top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, said the United States and China were not close to a deal to resolve their trade differences, and he was less optimistic than previously that such an agreement would come together. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by David Gregorio) Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is unhappy about software piracy in China, accusing businesses in the country of ripping off his former firm. However, the issue is not so simple as it may appear. Ballmer told Fox Business on Thursday that, when he left Microsoft a few years ago, 90% of Chinese companies were using Windows, but only 1% were paying for it. This piracy, he said, was costing Microsoft $10 billion or more in profit. However, when asked what the U.S. government should be doing about itand bear in mind that the Trump administration is using Chinese intellectual property theft as a key reason for its tariffs on ChinaBallmer responded cautiously. Im a free trader, by nature. I went to the school of economicsits the best thing for the world, he said. This ones a tricky issue because its absolutely clear that the rules dont apply in China, and the U.S. government needs to do something. Whether tariffs are right or wrongIm silent on that point. The issue is indeed tricky, and not just because of the difficulty in figuring out an appropriate response. In 2015, the year after Ballmer stepped down as CEO, it was indeed the case that more than 97% of PCs in China were running Windows. However, Microsofts operating system achieved that position of extreme dominance through piracy. That proved lucrative for the company, because it meant Microsoft could fend off the threat of the free alternative to Windows, the Linux operating system, by slashing its prices in China in order to get people there to convert to paid Windows users. Note that the Linux threat has always been particularly prevalent in China, as the government has enthusiastically backed local versions of the open-source OS. Back in 2007, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates described the strategy clearly, telling Fortune: Its easier for our software to compete with Linux when theres piracy than when theres not. Are you kidding? You can get the real thing, and you get the same price. Story continues However, even with those low priceswere talking $3 for a bundle of Windows and OfficeMicrosoft still faced a serious piracy problem in China. So, after Ballmer left, the company essentially capitulated, offering Windows users in the country a free upgrade to the genuine (and new at the time) Windows 10, even if they had been running a bootleg copy of the OS. Those who have not taken Microsoft up on that offer have perhaps had cause to regret their decision. When a ransomware attack swept the world last year, it proved particularly destructive in China because of the number of pirated copies of Windows that were not fully benefiting from Microsofts security updates. While Ballmer is correct to say Windows piracy remains a big deal in China, and that this denies Microsoft some enterprise revenue, it is also worth noting that Microsoft has moved much more to a services model where it charges for cloud offerings such as storage and email, using Windows to draw people in. These days it even provides regular, free updates for Windows 10, rather than moving to new versions of the OS and charging for them. Times have changed, and piracy doesnt have quite the same effect on the operating system market that it once did. And in Microsofts case, that effect was never entirely negative anyway. Will a blue wave wash over Colorado? Here's what to watch on election night | Cronin and Loevy At an election forum over at Pikes Peak Community College on Thursday, we panelists asked the students attending what their biggest concern was this year. To our surprise, it wasnt health care, or the economy, bad roads, immigration, clean energy, #MeToo or even education funding. Students said the coarsening of our civic dialogue and the scorched-earth divisiveness of our politics was their biggest concern. Interestingly, an article published in last Sundays New York Times wondered aloud if Colorado, and the way we practice our politics out here, might hold the answer to ending that divisiveness and serve as a model for the way out of our uncivil state. The headline asked: Can Colorado Save America? Whats different about the way we go about politics here? For one thing, were the purplest state in the country, evenly divided into political thirds. On the eve of critical midterm elections, wrote columnist Roger Cohen, Colorado presents an American microcosm, its population of 5.6 million split more or less evenly among Republicans, Democrats and independents. But Colorado has not split into the irreconcilable political tribes that have turned Washington into a symbol of polarization. Division is not the whole American story. In Colorado, immense space still equals possibility, an old American promise. Crisscrossing the state, I found more people interested in problem-solving than point-scoring. RELATED - Colorado Democrats take lead in returned ballots, women's vote strong. - Last-minute tips about voting in Tuesday's election. - 2018 Voters Guide: Review of the issues and candidates. - Free beer, other perks for Colorado Springs voters on Election Day. - Will there be a youth wave in the elections? Early voting points to yes. On his travels through our state, Cohen kept running into people like Richard Craig, a pro-mining, gun-loving registered Democrat in camo shorts and Birkenstocks who refuses to join the National Rifle Association. An ornery nonideological American, as Cohen put it. In Grand Junction, Cohen asked Pastor Robert Babcox, an ardent Trump supporter, if Democrats were the enemy. Babcox reflected a bit before answering, then recalled his Navy days when, he said, he learned the blood of all Americans runs red. You know, were all too wrapped up in our differences to see our similarities. I say to liberals, lets try to find things we can agree on. When youre juxtaposed with a lot of other folks who dont share your political orientation, you have to focus on finding not necessarily a Democratic answer, or a Republican answer, but the right answer. Cohen interviewed Gov. John Hickenlooper in his travels, who told him that when he goes to the East Coast, I do feel like an outsider. The way we approach things here, its almost like were speaking a different language. In the West, I think there is an inclination, almost an instinct, to sit down with people you disagree with and sort of sort through. Thats what Hickenlooper, a former geologist, did with environmentalists and the oil and gas industry to produce the countrys first regulatory framework limiting future methane emissions. Cohen asked whether Hickenlooper might even run for the Democratic Party nomination for president on this can-do, bridge-building platform. We are certainly looking at it, Hickenlooper said. We dont have the luxury to kind of wallow in the partisan mud pit, right? Ronald Reagan used to say that a lot of the trouble in the world would disappear if we were talking to each other instead of about each other. But Washington, right now, has lost much of its ability to find solutions to big problems through negotiated agreement. As Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet told Cohen: We cant get anything of importance done. When was the last time you heard a politician say I only got 65 percent of what I wanted but here is why I think we should do it? But Colorado has done better. We have one of the best economies in the country right now, in one of the best-preserved, most beautiful states. Cohen found inspiration in that beauty. The grandeur of Colorados beauty and space seem to stir some nobler instinct in the name of preserving nature and advancing the common good. Its impossible to drive across the state and not be reminded of the first boundlessness of American potential. After reading the article, I called an old Washington source of mine, political operative Bob Shrum, who also has come West looking for a better way of doing politics. Hes started an institute at the University of Southern California dedicated to just that. We have to get away from the politics where we think our opponents are our enemies, and we burn down the stadium if we lose, said Shrum, whose Center for the Political Future funds research projects, fellowships, public policy polling and civic engagement to try to address the countrys polarized state. Theyre assembling Democrats, Republicans, academics, politicians and students in conferences to try to teach them all how to disagree agreeably. Weve brought together people from different viewpoints, and we model respectful dialogue. Its interesting to me that the institute is in the West as well, far from the paralyzing partisan warfare of Washington. In fact, I find it exhilarating that the road out of our divisive state might start here in the West, and that maybe its our unique calling as Coloradans to help pave the way. The West is the most collaborative place, Hickenlooper told Cohen. Its still the place where people can come and be defined by how big their dream is and how hard they are willing to work. A year ago, Democrats were talking about the trajectory of Michael Hancocks political bottle rocket, and whether it made sense for him to seek a third term as Denvers mayor or move on to a higher office. Hancock was talked about as a potential gubernatorial candidate, potentially the states first black governor. Instead, Jared Polis is on the doorstep of becoming the states first Jewish and first openly gay governor. Others who know these things said then that no one should be surprised if the mayor waits until 2020 to take on Republican incumbent Cory Gardner to return the U.S. Senate seat to Democrats, after Gardner took it from Mark Udall in 2014. The two-term mayor, instead, might be in for the fight of his political life to stay relevant between now and next Mays city elections. Hancock has a resume he can run on, but he will also have quality opponents with the money and manpower to pick his record apart. This is new. John Hickenlooper served two terms as mayor before he ran and won the governors office in 2010. When Wellington Webb sought a third term in 1999, the economic landscape was much the same one Hancock enjoys today. Webb collected 81 percent of the vote in the four-way race. Hancock will face politically amplified charges that he hasnt managed the citys growth well, preferring developers over neighborhoods. His opponents will say he doesnt respect women or the dignity of his office. They will say he operates the city within a bubble of close advisers. I know that because his opponents and anti-Hancock operatives are saying that to me. Four years ago when he ran for re-election, Hancock faced underfunded candidates who didnt pose much of a threat. In 2011 he beat Chris Romer, the son of former Democratic Gov. Roy Romer, by an easy margin. Hancock called himself a poor kid from northeast Denver. This time around, there are at least two candidates and another well-known name I hear could be announcing, once this Novembers election has passed who are anything but palookas in this prizefight. One is Penfield Tate III, a political household name in this city. Hes the former state legislator and high-profile aide to former Denver Mayor Federico Pena. Tates father was the first black City Council member and mayor in Boulder. The younger Tate ran for mayor in Denver in 2003, one of seven candidates in a field that included Hickenlooper. Then there is Lisa Calderon, who is lightning in a bottle. A criminal justice activist, Calderon concedes she wont have big dollars to take down the incumbent. However, she commands an army of alliances from her life in community activism. She is known for her work with the Colorado Latino Forum. Well have to do with people what they do with money, Calderon told me. The race also includes lesser-known, likely lesser-financed candidates Marcus Giavanni, Kalyn Heffernan and Stephan Evans, who goes by Chairman Seku. I wanted to talk to Hancock about all this. He wasnt available all week. His campaign spokesman said the mayor was traveling and busy, but we could connect later. Hancock has reminded voters where the city was when he took office. The recession blew a $100 million hole in the citys 2012 budget, forcing the elimination of about 100 jobs and furloughs for other city workers. In his State of the City address in July, he spoke of the thousands of affordable housing units and rent assistance his administration had championed. But more than anything, when Hancock hits the campaign trail, expect him to talk about equity, as a counter to the citys gentrification. He will talk about giving more people who live here an equal shot at better housing, education, transportation and the spoils of growth. Its about time, Tate told me soon after he got in the race. Weve grown and developed so much, but weve ignored what I call the human infrastructure of the city, Tate said. That is how people live, and thats how theyre impacted. For instance, weve been in such a rush to bring jobs to town, but we havent been talking about workforce development or job training to help the people who are already here. Hancock also will face his #MeToo moment. In February, he admitted sending inappropriate texts to a female subordinate, Detective Leslie Branch-Wise, six years earlier when she was assigned to his security detail. Hancock apologized profusely to the detective, his family and the city. Calderon said her reasons for running were a culmination of concerns, but the first thing she listed was the lack of accountability for the sexual harassment from Hancock. Just talking to a lot of women who were just feeling left unprotected as city workers if they are sexually harassed by elected officials, Calderon explained about ranking the issue so high. She and Tate agreed that the public has been left out of the decisions that feed the development of their neighborhoods. We talk a lot about PPPs, public-private partnerships, she said. I want to add a fourth P people. Such campaign rhetoric could spell trouble for the incumbent. Every Sept. 11 for the past 17 years, Christopher Seal could be seen hoisting the American flag at Galley Road and Academy Boulevard. The annual tradition was his way to Never Forget the 9/11 attacks in 2001 that destroyed New Yorks twin towers, damaged the Pentagon and brought down a hijacked plane in Pennsylvania. September 2018 was Seals final remembrance for the thousands of victims of 9/11. On Wednesday, the 44-year-old was killed by a hit-and-run driver as he crossed North Academy at Austin Bluffs Parkway. Seal was one of a record number of drivers, passengers and pedestrians killed this year on Colorado Springs roads. While others were mourned by their families and friends, Seal held a special place in the heart of the city because of his annual 9/11 commemoration. On Friday night, several of his children were joined by more than 100 friends and community members at a candlelight vigil to honor his memory at the corner where he waved his flag for so many hours over the years. His eldest daughter, Kyla Gonzales, said shell most remember his laugh, the crazy creations the chef would cook up and the text messages he would send to let each of his 10 children know he was thinking about them. That man had a wonderful laugh, a very very genuine, very full of humility, straight forward and just wonderful laugh, Gonzalez said. Im sad Ill never hear it again. Others might not have known about his aspirations. He wanted to open a restaurant, he wanted to be a rapper, said Ray Shanks, his best friend of decades. He could have been a comedian. Many arrived at the vigil carrying flags. Passing cars honked their support. The crowd shared fond memories and their shock that Seal is gone. They also acknowledged that while their friend, father, co-worker was imperfect, he lived to make others happy. We ran in the streets a little bit, but we found our way, Shanks said. I want him to show up right now and say Ha ha, its just a joke. Seal would joke and laugh with anybody, Gonzales said. He was a stranger to no one. Whether you rode the same bus, went to the same church or worked in the same kitchen. Even if it was the most B.S. thing you just made up and it made no sense, he still genuinely took it on. He still loved you, she said. That attitude carried into the workplace. In his decadeslong career in kitchens, Gonzales said Seal worked for Famous Daves Bar-B-Que, HuHot Mongolian Grill, Crave Real Burgers and Black Angus Steakhouse. More often than not, Shanks said he was right beside his friend. You pick a restaurant in this city, we probably worked there, he said. It was in a restaurant after the 9/11 attacks where Seal decided to hoist the flag in remembrance, said Shanks, who accompanied him for the first two years. Everybody wants to do something for their country and this was his thing, said Robert Abeyta, uncle to some of Seals children. I kind of wish I would have come out and did it with him. Behind the scenes, Seal had struggled with alcohol and other personal issues, Abeyta said. Others acknowledged their relationship with Seal was strained. But thats OK, thats just where life takes us, Gonzales said. But more often than not, Rebecca Seal, Seals ex-wife, said those troubles wouldnt show to the outside world. Life gets real sometimes, but whenever you were around him you wouldnt know it, Rebecca Seal said. The last time Gonzales and Shanks said they saw Seal was this Sept. 11 at the intersection where they stood. Shanks said he drove by and honked, knowing hed see his friend another time. But that time never came and Shanks still in disbelief over the crash said he regrets not stopping. He swayed and threw an arm around one friend, fist bumped another and said he would have done anything for Seal. We talked, but we didnt have to talk. We just knew what each other was thinking, he said. But the vigil was about fond memories, and the crowd laughed together and whistled and cheered in Seals honor. Many said theyll return to that very corner next September to hoist the American flag and carry on their friends work. Robert M. Valencia, 26, of Colorado Springs was arrested Friday in the hit-and-run death and faces a felony charge. A man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder in a fatal shooting early Thursday morning in a downtown Colorado Springs parking garage. Timothy Key, 27, turned himself in to authorities Friday in the shooting death of Jaylon Morgan, 26, according to Colorado Springs police. Key was not being held in the El Paso County jail Friday night. His bail had been set at $50,000. The shooting was reported about 2:15 a.m. in the UMB parking lot near Cascade Avenue and Kiowa Street. Security camera footage showed two cars and several people around them when some some sort of commotion took place, and four people jumped into one vehicle and fled, according to a nearby business owner who viewed the footage, but didnt want their name printed for fear of reprisals. As the others fled, one person is seen lying on their back, with another person standing over them and making a call. The shooting left Morgans family in shock on Friday. When you were around him, it was never a dull moment, said Morgans cousin, Vincent Archuleta, of Pueblo. He had the biggest heart out of anybody I could meet just liked to live life in the moment, and make sure he lived it to the fullest. He was born in Pueblo and attended Pueblo South High School, where he was more intellectual than sporty, said his grandmother, Joanne Morgan. He had recently started an apprenticeship to become an electrician and visited his grandmother a couple of weeks ago. He was all excited, making plans about once he finishes this part of his apprenticeship, he was going to be a journeyman lineman and travel all over the country to help when they have disasters, Joanne Morgan said. Thats what he wanted to do. Key was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2013 after pleading guilty to second-degree assault with a deadly weapon, court records show. It came as part of an apparent plea deal that involved the dismissal of several other charges, including attempted first-degree murder with extreme indifference. Key did not appear in the Colorado Department of Corrections database, however, and the status of his sentence was not clear Friday evening. He also received a three-year prison sentence in 2013 for apparently breaking the terms of a plea deal three years earlier, when he pleaded guilty to possessing burglary tools. Jared Polis is far from the only candidate running in Americas midterm elections who wants to transition the U.S. electricity system away fro The executive director, chief financial officer and founding principal have left their posts at Colorado Military Academy, which opened in August 2017 as the states first military-style school for young students, in what a new school official calls a churning of leadership. This is very normal in startup charter schools, said Mark Hyatt, a familiar charter school leader in Colorado, who took over last week as a consultant for the school. Top-brass turnover happens often at fledgling charter schools, he said, because members of the founding group, usually made up of parents, teachers and community members seeking a different style of education, bow out after a school gets up and running. Were into the growth phase now, Hyatt said, and the growth team has just arrived. When its time to level off, theyll probably need a new team. Still, parents said they were surprised by all the changes. There have been significant changes since the beginning of the school year, and were waiting to see where its going, said Dave Sanders, who has a freshman at the school. Terry Croy Lewis, executive director of the Colorado Charter School Institute, which oversees 41 charter schools statewide including Colorado Military Academy, agrees that such a development is not uncommon. A transition from a founding leadership team to a more mature, institutional leadership team that is focused on the schools continued development in line with strategic priorities usually occurs, she said. Schools that most effectively navigate these transitions acknowledge the bumps along the way and work collaboratively with the school community to address them, Croy Lewis said, adding that shes optimistic Colorado Military Academys transition can lead to positive outcomes especially since the school has brought on administrators who have deep experience in both CSI and leading charter schools. Retired Lt. Col. Reggie Ash submitted his resignation as executive director to the board in the first half of October, two months after the second year of operations started. Ash isnt the first executive to leave. One of the founders, John Evans, was ousted as the school commandant and executive director in the spring of 2017, after being blamed for a mix-up in protocol in obtaining charter authorization. School founders initially sought authorization to operate from Colorado Springs School District 11, in whose boundaries their building near Peterson Air Force Base lies. D-11 denied the request to bring the proposed school under its wing, citing costs, and released the group to seek approval through the Colorado Charter School Institute, a state authorizing body. Instead, organizers approached School District 49 for authorization, jeopardizing its fate. But the school did obtain approval from the state and was cleared to open. Hyatt, who retired in 2002 as a vice commandant at the Air Force Academy, led The Classical Academy in Academy School District 20 through its growth spurt from 2002 to 2010, increasing enrollment from 1,000 students to 3,500, he said, and then revamped policies and procedures at the Colorado Charter School Institute to position it for growth. Reggie (Ash) got the school started and worked with the initial group that formed it and got it going, Hyatt said. He had deferred his second career to get the school open and has moved on to other challenges. Kin Griffith, who had been Colorado Military Academys director of finance and operations, left in late September, he said. Hyatt has brought on the former chief financial officer at TCA, Doug Herring, to revise the budget, which is projected to post a deficit of $160,000 per month from January through June. Hyatt said he is being paid a nominal amount, and Herring is working part time, which he expects to produce a cost savings of more than $200,000 from not paying salaries for an executive director and CFO, while a financial reorganization occurs. Our goal is to make sure we dont run a deficit, he said. Before opening last school year, a $3.4 million renovation on the former Leidos Building, at 360 Command View Drive, outside the north gate of Peterson Air Force Base, was completed. Founding principal, Air Force veteran Toni Schone, was replaced shortly after school started this academic year by Rob Stannard, a graduate of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, who has worked as an engineer and was one of the founders of the Colorado Digital BOCES. Several teachers also have left. The fall semester began with 570 students, which was defined as significantly below expectations, according to board meeting minutes. Enrollment has since fallen to 540 students. Its my job to grow it, Hyatt said. He anticipates slow, steady increases. Ninth grade has been added this year, so the school now serves kindergarten through ninth-grade students. The plan is to continue to add one grade per year until it reaches 12th grade, Hyatt said. Colorado Military Academys curriculum focuses on project-based learning and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Middle school and high school students are encouraged to join the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, as the schools military model. Sanders said that while his kid loves the school, it has seemed disorganized, lacking in leadership and providing poor communication. Im still on the fence, he said. I am willing to give them time. Sanders said he was encouraged that school officials responded to bullying concerns of parents and have kicked out some troublemakers. They addressed it right away, he said. Plans include using the two most successful military public schools in the nation, Hyatt said, the New Mexico Military Institute and the Utah Military Academy, as benchmarks. Those are our role models that well tailor to fit Colorado, he said. What will make Colorado Military Academy successful is focusing on academic rigor and character. He mentions discipline, integrity, showing respect to others regardless of differences and having the courage to make good decisions when popular culture might suggest you make a different decision. The first year was embryonic. Now, its time to make it really robust and integrated across the curriculum. Jared Polis is far from the only candidate running in Americas midterm elections who wants to transition the U.S. electricity system away from fossil fuels. More than 1,400 candidates running for every level of government office this November have committed to some form of transition to 100 percent clean, zero-emissions electricity in their state by 2050, according to the environmental group League of Conservation Voters. The list includes Democratic gubernatorial candidates such as Colorados Polis as well as J.B. Pritzker in Illinois, Tony Evers in Wisconsin, Marylands Ben Jealous, Californias Gavin Newsom, and Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan. It also includes first-time federal office-seekers in the U.S. House, including progressive sensation Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in New York and Ilhan Omar in Minnesota. State legislative candidates from Idaho to North Carolina are running on 100 percent platforms. Candidates recognize voters want someone with a vision, said J.R. Tolbert, vice president of state policy at Advanced Energy Economy, a trade group representing clean energy technologies. They want something they can respond to. In Polis case, he said last month at his debate with Republican gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton that he wants Colorado to get all its energy from renewable sources by 2040, partly by encouraging investment in renewable energy. He recent references to his stance on renewables, he calls the transition a goal, not a mandate. Stapleton, on the other hand, says he favors an all of the above approach to energy production, and has opposed government subsidies for alternative energy. A 100 percent carbon-free or renewable energy target has long been a slogan more than an achievable policy goal for Democrats who want to transition the power grid faster to nonemitting sources to combat climate change and diminish the harmful health effects of dirty air. The nations electricity system is moving from coal to natural gas, which emits half the carbon, and to a lesser extent renewables such as wind and solar that have come down in cost. But a recent United Nations report said emissions should be net-zero by midcentury to avoid the worst outcomes of climate change, heightening the urgency. Elections or no elections, I want folks to know we are trying to do our part to stop climate change, said Mary Cheh, a Democrat on the D.C. Council running for re-election, who has introduced a bill that would move the district to 100 percent renewable energy by 2032. Its not pie in the sky, Cheh said in an interview. We are not doing something thats wholly impossible. 100 percent renewables is quite possible. Some clean-energy advocates welcome the lofty goals, but they worry that candidates in campaign settings are oversimplifying their solutions, and potentially deterring moderate Republicans who want to act on climate change, but may prefer a market solution to an aggressive mandate. The 100 percent platform distracts from more serious efforts to make progress on tangible policy outcomes, said Shane Skelton, a former energy policy staffer for House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin. Tolbert says he worries Democrats embracing 100 percent renewable targets could be vulnerable to criticism from Republican opponents. For example, Stapleton has repeatedly attacked Polis goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2040 as extreme and costly. The last thing I want is someone staking out a strong position on advanced energy being seen as something that costs them [politically], Tolbert said. The other obstacle the 100 percent renewable campaign faces is is proving they know what they are talking about. Most of those running on 100 percent platforms dont say what generating sources would qualify as renewable, or make a distinction of whether they would permit non-carbon clean energy sources that arent renewable. These include advanced nuclear reactors, or carbon, capture, and storage technologies that can collect carbon emissions from coal or natural gas plants and store it underground. There is a massive difference between 100 percent renewables and 100 percent clean energy, said Noah Kaufman, an energy economist at Columbia University. Im not sure a lot of politicians fully grasp this distinction. Last year, renewable energy accounted for about 11 percent of U.S. energy consumption, and 17 percent of electricity generation, according to the Energy Information Administration. The Energy Information Administration defines renewable energy broadly to include hydropower, which is the most used zero-carbon electricity generating resource; biomass; and geothermal, along with wind and solar. But some environmentalists have come to associate renewable energy narrowly to be wind and solar, and are pressuring politicians to agree. Deb Haaland, a Democrat running for New Mexicos 1st Congressional District, is drawing attention for potentially being the first Native American in Congress. She also has an aggressive energy platform, calling for 100 percent renewable energy powered completely by wind, water and sunlight. Haaland mostly emphasizes solar power. Here in New Mexico, we are already experiencing increasingly severe droughts from climate change, and we have an incredible amount of sun ready to be harnessed by solar farms, Haaland said. Its time to move towards 100 percent renewable energy so that New Mexico, and America, can benefit from the coming wave of clean energy jobs. Some clean-energy supporters say the intermittency of wind and solar resources make it unrealistic and expensive to depend only on them for electricity until energy storage technologies are more widely adopted which would enable their use when the sun sets and wind is not blowing. Limiting the toolbox of low carbon technologies makes climate action more difficult and expensive, Kaufman said. Lawmakers in California recently recognized the limitations of a wind and solar-only approach, passing a bill this summer to require that 100 percent of the states electricity come from carbon-free sources by 2045 allowing nonrenewable sources to qualify. California joined Hawaii to be the only U.S. states with 100 percent carbon-free electricity mandates required by law. The grown-ups in the room, the serious actors are moving to the more inclusive, broader clean energy framing, said Rich Powell, executive director at ClearPath, a conservative clean energy group. Its pretty fair to say the 100 percent renewables vision is at best very challenged, and economically unfeasible. James Smith, the Democratic nominee for governor in South Carolina, has made clean energy a core part of his campaign, and is deliberate in using that framing. On his campaign site, he highlights his work in the state legislature where he sponsored a bipartisan bill that would lift a cap on solar power. Because of the failures of the past in South Carolina, we are so far behind neighboring states with renewable energy, Smith said in an interview. I certainly believe in 100 percent renewables as a goal. But we need to make critical changes to make that a realistic goal. Its not like a light switch. : 700 000 , . - , , , , 300 000 - 400 000 . . , - . , , 1 , . : - , , 700 . , ? : - . 1 . 700 , . . ? 6,8 , 5,8 , 5,7 . . , , . , . - . : ? ? : , . . . , , , . : ? : - . : . , 300 - 400 , , ? : , . , , - - 700 . . `90- . , . , , , , . - , - , - - . . . , . , . . : ? : , , . , - , , , . - , - . . 50 %- 3,4 , 3 . . . - 6 , . 6 . , , . . : , , . , ? : , . . . . , . . - , . , . , , , . , ? , . . , . West Palm Beach, Nov. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Palm Beach, FL October 31, 2018 Gran Cine, Olympusats commercial-free contemporary Spanish-language network announced the addition of two comedic movie premieres from Argentina and Chile. On Nov. 4 at 10 p.m. EST, fans from all over the country will have the opportunity to tune into El Muerto Cuenta su Historia, a sensual comedy that blends suspense, horror and action. This Argentinian film follows a sisterhood of Celtic goddesses keen on world domination and establishing a universal matriarchy. Using their mind-control powers and posing as mortal women, these goddesses are turning every sexist man they encounter into a mindless slave. Directed by Fabian Forte, El Muerto Cuenta su Historia features a talented cast led by Diego Gentile, Damian Dreizik and Moro Anghileri. Then on Nov. 25 at 10 p.m. EST, Gran Cine will feature the network premiere of El Derechazo, a political comedy that portrays a satirical interpretation of the 2013 Chilean presidential elections, the year in which the two major candidates were women. Directed by Lalo Prieto, El Derechazo features acclaimed performances by renowned Chilean actors Diego Munoz, Isidora Urrejola and Marcial Tagle. We are excited to add such fast-paced and entertaining comedies to our powerful lineup of Spanish and Latin American movies, stated Jesus Pinango, Director of TV Content Strategy at Olympusat. This month, we are celebrating empowered women, showcasing two films featuring strong female leads, including a Chilean comedy based on the year two women vied to become president of one of the healthiest economies in Latin America. Gran Cine is owned and operated by Olympusat, Inc., and its currently available on Liberty, RCN, Verizon FiOS and VEMOX. For more information on Gran Cines programming, including tune in dates and times, please visit grancine.tv and vemox.com. About Olympusat, Inc. (www.olympusat.com) Based in West Palm Beach, FL, Olympusat, Inc. is one of the largest independent media corporations specializing in ownership, distribution, production and technical services. The company has established itself as a leader in the Hispanic television and media space through its 60+ HD Spanish and English-language television networks, among them the top-rated Spanish-language movie channel Cine Mexicano, the popular Ultra HD Plex, and a distinctive religious channels and Specialty Suite representing some of the biggest networks in the industry. Recently Olympusat has launched VEMOX, the white label OTT TV Everywhere B2B solution, available for download in Apple Store (iOS), Google Play Store (Android), Apple TV, Xbox One, and Samsung Smart TVs. Attachments VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wealth Minerals Ltd. (the Company or Wealth) - (TSXV: WML; OTCQB: WMLLF; SSE: WMLCL; Frankfurt: EJZN) announces a conference call to discuss the Companys current operations and future development plans. Wealth Minerals CEO, Henk Van Alphen, will host the call on Wednesday, November 7th, 2018 at 1:15 pm Pacific Standard Time (4:15 pm Eastern Standard time). Dial-in numbers are as follows: Dial-In (Toll-Free US & Canada): 866-373-3402 Dial-In (International): 201-689-7825 There is no access code. Live Event Call me Link (for participant entry): https://78449.themediaframe.com/dataconf/productusers/wml/mediaframe/27380/indexl.html Participants can use Guest dial-in telephone numbers above and be answered by an operator OR click the Call me link for instant telephone access to the event. About Wealth Minerals Ltd. Wealth is a mineral resource company with interests in Canada, Mexico, Peru and Chile. The Companys main focus is the acquisition of lithium projects in South America. To date, the Company has positioned itself to develop the Aguas Calientes Norte and Quisquiro Salars in Chile (the Trinity Project), as well as to work alongside existing producers in the prolific Atacama Salar, in addition to the Laguna Verde lithium project acquisition. The Company has also positioned itself to play a role in asset consolidation in Chile with the Five Salars Project. The Company is transitioning from an asset acquisition phase to developing its current high potential portfolio. Lithium market dynamics and a rapidly increasing metal price are the result of profound structural issues with the industry meeting anticipated future demand. Wealth is positioning itself to be a major beneficiary of this future mismatch of supply and demand. The Company also maintains and continues to evaluate a portfolio of precious and base metal exploration-stage projects. For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's website (www.wealthminerals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of WEALTH MINERALS LTD. "Hendrik van Alphen" Hendrik van Alphen Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Marla Ritchie Phone: 604-331-0096 Ext. 3886 or 604-638-3886 E-mail: info@wealthminerals.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 news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, the Companys expectation that it will be able to enter into agreements to acquire interests in additional mineral properties, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, the closing and amount of the Placement, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities, actual results of exploration activities, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, future prices of lithium, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in the Placement, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, including acceptance by the TSX-V, required for the Placement, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Companys latest interim Management Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Companys Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Companys mineral properties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. Stress test confirms ABN AMRO's resilient capital position The EBA has performed an EU-wide stress test which resulted in a decline of the CET1 capital ratio of 2.68% to 14.85% at year-end 2020 under the adverse scenario The stress test does not contain a pass or fail threshold The regulator will use the result of the stress test in the upcoming SREP process Today, the European Banking Authority (EBA) published the results of the 2018 EU-wide stress test for European banks, including ABN AMRO. The starting point for the stress test was a 17.53% CET1 ratio, adjusted for IFRS9, at year-end 2017. The stress test resulted in a CET1 capital ratio of 19.70% under the baseline scenario and a CET1 capital ratio of 14.85% under the adverse scenario, both at year-end 2020. The stress test is designed by regulators and is used in determining capital requirements as part of the upcoming Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP). It allows the regulator to assess the ability to meet prudential requirements under stressed scenarios. It supports the regulator in discussing risk mitigating actions. The stress test also aims to enhance transparency among banks. This stress test does not contain a pass or fail threshold. Scenarios and assumptions The adverse stress test scenario was set by the European Central Bank and the European Systemic Risk Board and covers a three-year time horizon (2018-2020). The stress test has been carried out applying a static balance sheet assumption and therefore does not take into account future management actions. It is not a forecast of ABN AMRO profits. The baseline scenario, mainly impacting net interest income, resulted in a fully loaded CET1 ratio of 19.70% and a leverage ratio of 4.58%, both at year-end 2020. The adverse scenario, also impacting loan impairments, operating costs and risk-weighted assets, resulted in a decline of the CET1 ratio to 14.85% and a leverage ratio of 4.03%. Key capital ratios Starting point EBA EU-wide stress test results Reported YE2017 Restated for IFRS9 YE2017 Baseline scenario YE2020 Adverse scenario YE2020 CET1 ratio, fully loaded 17.65% 17.53% 19.70% 14.85% Leverage ratio 4.04% 4.02% 4.58% 4.03% The CET1 ratio in both scenarios was well above the SREP requirement for 2018 of 10.425%. The outcome of this stress test will be taken in consideration by the regulator when determining the SREP requirements for 2019. ABN AMRO continues to aim for strong capital ratios, even under stress, as part of its moderate risk profile. The outcome of this stress test reflects upgrades of our stress testing models since 2016 to better accommodate specific assumptions and methodological requirements prescribed in the stress test. Templates with detailed results of the EBA EU-wide stress test are available on www.abnamro.com/financials and www.eba.europa.eu. ABN AMRO Press Office pressrelations@nl.abnamro.com +31 20 6288900 ABN AMRO Investor Relations investorrelations@nl.abnamro.com +31 20 6282282 jigglypuff wrote: i've never had a call like that, probably because i live in toronto and just went into the office. but i've had a pre-application meeting in person, and if the call is anything like it, you can expect it to be laid-back and very informal. essentially, you're right, it's for them to know more about you, why you want to do an MBA, and why you want to do it at rotman. you might have to prepare a resume or something. did she ask for one? there's also a lot of time for you to ask them questions about the school so good on you to have questions up front. but I think you could still just email admissions about those questions or just air them out here. Michael Moses from the admissions team is on here frequently. Hi Jiggly,Thanks for the quick response!Yes she did ask for my resume, which is what I am worried about as its not MBA application ready (if that makes sense), definitely not Rotman resume template. So I have asked for a day before I submit it.So you would suggest me not bombarding Lynda with questions now?Maybe I can limit them for a few, I was actually hoping for the applications to open, filling that in would reveal/expose many doubts in general. And yes, maybe I can wait for mr Moses here in these forums before asking her the queries. Re: Requesting Guidance in Building Application for B-Schools [ #permalink Jon, Thank you for your response! My academic performance my freshman year is really a composite of circumstances. Looking back, I was most likely depressedI stayed in bed all day, and avoided people as well as class. However, I do feel that beyond depression I am very much to blame. I feel pretty confident that the only thing that allowed me to get into college in the first place was my SAT score. Up until my sophomore year of college I had never really applied myself; and so there was a very real learning curve when it came to how to being a successful student. I think it took receiving a semester of all Fs to realize just how negative the path I was heading toward was. Of course, after that semester I never received anything less than a 3.4, and as I mentioned I received nothing less than a 3.7 my last three years of college. I sometimes wish I could just go back to my first year of university and be the student that I am now, but I realize that I needed that failure to set me straight and motivate me. My post-mba goals would align more with the traditional student entering b-school. The projects Ive worked on that allowed me to use information to solve problems (i.e maximizing profits through realigning territories) are the aspects of my career that I take the most pride in, but also enjoyed the most. I have lived the 3 weeks of the month in a hotel life, and do not feel that it is all that bad, and so I feel confident that I would really enjoy consulting. I would also be happy working in strategy. It is my understanding that consulting requires the ability to sell not only your solutions, but also your services to potential clients. I have done some research into the b-schools out there, and I keep coming back to Tuck. I knowespecially based on your school suggestionsthat this would be a reach. However, the student bonds and strong alumni networks they espouse seem like they could really benefit someone who comes from sales and a lesser known school. I have also looked at UW-Seattle, as it is my understanding that they have a strong healthcare focus: with my background in pharmaceuticals I would think that my pre-mba experience might tie in more naturally. Thank you again for your time and help. Its greatly appreciated! Posted from my mobile device idinuv wrote: Source : GMATPrep Default Exam Pack This passage was excerpted from material published in 1996. When a large body strikes a planet or moon, material is ejected, thereby creating a hole in the planet and a local deficit of mass. This deficit shows up as a gravity anomaly: the removal of material that has been ejected to make the hole results in an area in slightly lower gravity than surrounding areas. One would therefore expect that all of the large multi-ring impact basins on the surface of earth's moon would show such negative gravity anomalies, since they are, essentially, large holes in lunar surface. Yet data collected in 1994 by the Clementine spacecraft show that many of these Clementine basins have no anomalously low gravity and some even have anomalously high gravity. Scientists speculate that early in lunar history, when large impactors struck the moon's surface, causing millions of cubic kilometers of crustal debris to be ejected, denser material from the moon's mantle rose up beneath the impactors almost immediately, compensating for the ejected material and thus leaving no gravity anomaly in the resulting basin. Later, however, as moon grew cooler and less elastic, rebound from large impactors would have been only partial and incomplete. Thus today such gravitational compensation probably would not occur: the outer layer of moon is too cold and stiff. gravitational compensation referred to in the highlighted text is caused by which of the following? (A) A deficit of mass resulting from the creation of hole in lunar surface (B) The presence of material from the impactor in the debris created by its impact (C) The gradual cooling and stiffening of the Moon's outer surface (D) The ejection of massive amounts of debris from the moon's crust (E) The rapid upwelling of material from the lunar mantle Show Spoiler E 2. The passage suggests that if the scientists mentioned in the highlighted text are correct in their speculations, the large multi-ring impact basins on the Moon with the most significant negative gravity anomalies probably (A) were not formed early in the Moon's history (B) were not formed by the massive ejection of crustal debris (C) are closely surrounded by other impact basins with anomalously low gravity (D) were created by the impact of multiple large impactors (E) were formed when the moon was relatively elastic Show Spoiler A 3. The passage is primarily concerned with (A) analyzing data from a 1994 exploration of lunar surface (B) reconciling two opposing theories about the origin of lunar impact basins (C) presenting a possible explanation of a puzzling finding about lunar impact basins (D) discussing how impact basins on the Moon's surface are formed (E) examining the claim that the moon's impact basins show negative gravity anomalies Show Spoiler C 1. According to the passage, thereferred to in the highlighted text is caused by which of the following?(A) A deficit of mass resulting from the creation of hole in lunar surface(B) The presence of material from the impactor in the debris created by its impact(C) The gradual cooling and stiffening of the Moon's outer surface(D) The ejection of massive amounts of debris from the moon's crust(E) The rapid upwelling of material from the lunar mantle2. The passage suggests that if thementioned in the highlighted text are correct in their speculations, the large multi-ring impact basins on the Moon with the most significant negative gravity anomalies probably(A) were not formed early in the Moon's history(B) were not formed by the massive ejection of crustal debris(C) are closely surrounded by other impact basins with anomalously low gravity(D) were created by the impact of multiple large impactors(E) were formed when the moon was relatively elastic3. The passage is primarily concerned with(A) analyzing data from a 1994 exploration of lunar surface(B) reconciling two opposing theories about the origin of lunar impact basins(C) presenting a possible explanation of a puzzling finding about lunar impact basins(D) discussing how impact basins on the Moon's surface are formed(E) examining the claim that the moon's impact basins show negative gravity anomalies Show Spoiler Kindly provide explanations for 3rd Question. I selected E. 4 mins 46 seconds : including 2 min 10 sec reading Divide passage in 2 paras (summary - An expected consequence of a phenomenon is challenged by recent findings.... prethinking - author may try to explain why such data was otained or he may try to put another thesis to explain the data obtained ...) Scientists gravitational compensation (summary - an explanation to the unexpected findings... ) TOPIC - Lunar deficit. PURPOSE- to explain the unexpected finding about a phenomenon... Main idea - There is a possibilty that the unexpected finding may be the result of upwelling of mass from moon. gravitational compensation gravitational compensation gravitational compensation - When there is a hole ( deficit) , mantle rises up , and fills the void ..this phenomenon is COMPENSATION... What causes the compensation?? - the rising of mantle... MAY not (E) The rapid upwelling of material from the lunar mantle - CORRECT ANSWER - rapid ( almost immediately - from passage) upwelling - see explanation... scientists scientists Scientists gravitational compensation speculation - impact >> deficit (void) >> mantle rises up >> NO GRAVITATIONAL ANAMOLY ... so if this process is true what will be true?? (A) were not formed early in the Moon's history- CORRECT Look carefully at the end of 2nd passage ( Later, however, as moon grew cooler and less elastic, rebound from large impactors would have been only partial and incomplete. Thus today such gravitational compensation probably would not occur: the outer layer of moon is too cold and stiff.) .. so this means[color=#ff0000] NOW When a large body strikes a planet or moon, material is ejected, thereby creating a hole in the planet and a local deficit of mass. This deficit shows up as a gravity anomaly: the removal of material that has been ejected to make the hole results in an area in slightly lower gravity than surrounding areas. One would therefore expect that all of the large multi-ring impact basins on the surface of earth's moon would show such negative gravity anomalies, since they are, essentially, large holes in lunar surface. Yet data collected in 1994 by the Clementine spacecraft show that many of these Clementine basins have no anomalously low gravity and some even have anomalously high gravity.speculate that early in lunar history, when large impactors struck the moon's surface, causing millions of cubic kilometers of crustal debris to be ejected, denser material from the moon's mantle rose up beneath the impactors almost immediately, compensating for the ejected material and thus leaving no gravity anomaly in the resulting basin. Later, however, as moon grew cooler and less elastic, rebound from large impactors would have been only partial and incomplete. Thus today suchprobably would not occur: the outer layer of moon is too cold and stiff.1. According to the passage, thereferred to in the highlighted text is caused by which of the following?According to the passage, thereferred to in the highlighted text is caused by which of the following?Relevant text - when large impactors struck the moon's surface, causing millions of cubic kilometers of crustal debris to be ejected, denser material from the moon's mantle rose up beneath the impactors almost immediately, compensating for the ejected material and thus leaving no gravity anomaly in the resulting basin. Later, however, as moon grew cooler and less elastic, rebound from large impactors would have been only partial and incomplete. Thus today suchprobably would not occur(A) A deficit of mass resulting from the creation of hole in lunar surface- this does not cause anything. This AC is telling about what happen when IMPACTORS collide...(B) The presence of material from the impactor in the debris created by its impact- The presence of material does not cause anything.. infact when the impactor makes an impact and the released debris has this material ...OOS(C) The gradual cooling and stiffening of the Moon's outer surface-This explains why compensationhappen now(D) The ejection of massive amounts of debris from the moon's crust-ejection will result in debris in space... nothing else2. The passage suggests that if thementioned in the highlighted text are correct in their speculations, the large multi-ringmpact basins on the Moon with the most significant negative gravity anomalies probablyThe passage suggests that if thementioned in the highlighted text are correct in their speculations, the large multi-ring impact basins on the Moon with the most significant negative gravity anomalies probably-relevant text -speculate that early in lunar history, when large impactors struck the moon's surface, causing millions of cubic kilometers of crustal debris to be ejected, denser material from the moon's mantle rose up beneath the impactors almost immediately, compensating for the ejected material and thus leaving no gravity anomaly in the resulting basin. Later, however, as moon grew cooler and less elastic, rebound from large impactors would have been only partial and incomplete. Thus today suchprobably would not occur: the outer layer of moon is too cold and stiff.MOON IS TOO STIFF AND COLD and hence gravitational compensation would not have happened .. if it would have happened it would be comoensated with mantle.. LOOK AT THE TIME PERIODS ... NOW - no compensation .. Earlier time - compensation possible... now the Q says there IS A LARGE DEFICIT ... so if there is a large deficit NOW then it wldnt have formed earlier , because if it did there would be compensation.. but now the moon is stiff and hence no compensation..[/color](B) were not formed by the massive ejection of crustal debris-- There are many ways to form a deficit ... passage never says "only" impactors create(C) are closely surrounded by other impact basins with anomalously low gravity- OOS- NO IDEA(D) were created by the impact of multiple large impactors- There are many ways to form a deficit ... passage never says "only" impactors create(E) were formed when the moon was relatively elastic- MOST COMMON WRONG AC - why we fall for this AC?? because we read only the last part and think that now the moon is stiff and cold so deficits would not have formed but earlier, the moon was elastic so deficit was possible ... SO basically we just messed up the entire para .. the elasticity explanation is for GRAVITATIONAL COMPENSATION and not possible deficit.... the deficits can form all the time .. it is the compensation that cannot Next Match: Wake Forest 11/4/2018 | 1 PM ACC Network Extra With each set decided by the minimum, two points, Carolina narrowly dropped a three-set match to Duke on Friday night at Carmichael Arena. The Tobacco Road rivals battled through 26 tie scores with neither team taking more than a five-point lead. However, the Blue Devils (14-8, 8-5 ACC) came out on top over North Carolina (5-17, 1-11 ACC), 3-0 in the weekend opener.andboth hit .566 to pace UNC's offense with six and five kills each whiletacked on nine.led all passers with a match-best 12 digs whilelogged her fourth consecutive double-digit dig match while recording a career-best, three aces. The Blue Devils balanced their attack between Leah Meyer, Ade Owokoniran and Payton Schwantz each with double-figure kills with Meyer hitting a team-best .450 en route to Duke's fifth consecutive win this season.Wine swatted the first kill of the match and a block by the junior andgave UNC an early 3-1 edge over the Blue Devils. North Carolina and Duke traded points early until the Blue Devils took a 14-12 to force a UNC timeout. An ace by Fradenburg brought the Tar Heels within one, 17-18, before a Duke miscue knotted the match at 20-20. UNC fought off set-point with Wine's second kill. However, the Blue Devils' Owokoniran closed out the frame for the 25-23 decision.Mirroring the first set, neither team took more than a two-point lead. Jacobs swatted Carolina's second ace to bring the Tar Heels within two at the 13-15 mark. Esterley and Bell slugged kills late in the frame to keep UNC within striking distance.tallied a trio of kills late in set two before a solo block from Esterley and Jacobs' second ace cut Duke's lead to two. Another Wine kill fought off the Blue Devils' set point, but they fought back for the 25-23 decision.The battle continued into the third set as a kill from Wine knotted the frame up at 5-5. Fradenburg slugged a pair of aces for the 11-9 UNC lead. A 7-1 Carolina run gave the tar Heels a 14-10 edge. However, the Blue Devils responded with a run of their own to knot the frame at 17-17. The rivals battled through seven tie scores late in the match as North Carolina picked up a crucial block from Cox and Esterley coming out of the timeout to even up the score at 23-all. However, Schwantz sealed the 26-24 decisions with her 12th kill.Carolina returns to action Sunday vs. Wake Forest at 1 p.m. in Carmichael Arena.Stay up to date with Carolina Volleyball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram Thanks for visiting ! The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Thank you for your support! Lancet Study: These findings firmly counter those of a Cochrane review of direct-acting antiviral treatment trials that could neither confirm nor reject if direct-acting antivirals had an effect on long-term HCV-related morbidity and mortality. They also provide the best evidence to date to support guidance documents that recommend direct-acting antiviral treatment for all patients with chronic HCV infection. Latest Update Feb 12, 2019A systematic review published by the Cochrane Collaboration suggested achieving SVR (cure) for patients using hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) doesn't correlate with any long term benefits. View each rebuttal and all ongoing media coverage. 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 Initially, Iran remained largely silent on the killing, but officials have publicly condemned the incident in recent days, thereby opening themselves up to well-substantiated allegations of hypocrisy. These responses in international media have also been accompanied by speculation as to the consequences that Iran might face as it attempts to direct more focus toward its main regional adversary while also carrying on with familiar repressive measures both at home and abroad. Eurasia Review published a relevant piece of commentary on Thursday, which put the Khashoggi killing and Irans response in the context of aggressive policies toward both exiled dissidents and ethnic minorities from both countries. The headline described Irans condemnation of the Saudis as an example of the pot calling the kettle black. It went on to highlight three incidents from the past year in which Iran apparently plotted to kill opposition figures on foreign territory. Whereas Khashoggis assassination was carried out at the Saudi embassy in Istanbul, the specified Iranian plots took place in the Netherlands, France, and Denmark, and critics of the Iranian regime have identified other plots aside from these ones. The first of the three plots was successful in killing Ahmad Mola Nissi in November 2017. The other two were thwarted by European authorities, leading to the arrest of a high-ranking Iranian diplomat and five co-conspirators over the summer, followed by at least one arrest of an Iranian-Norwegian operative in October. The first round of arrests were related to the attempted bombing of the summer rally organized outside Paris by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, and the Eurasia Review article specifies that this coalitions main constituent group, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran, was also targeted on Albanian soil in March. Details of the most recent plot were revealed only this week when Danish authorities held a press conference about the arrest. The press conference in question made explicit reference to the previous plots, thereby underscoring the continuity of Iranian threats against targets in the West. The Danish government expressed concern over those threats by summoning the Iranian ambassador to the foreign ministry, as the Associated Press reported on Tuesday. The following day, Agence France Presse noted that Danish officials were speaking to their counterparts elsewhere in Europe as part of an effort to impose sanctions and otherwise exert pressure on the Iranian regime over the latest incident and the previous plots. These efforts are well in line with the prediction put forward by Eurasia Review on Thursday. If Saudi Arabia has suffered severe reputational damage and could face sanctioning for the first time in its history, the article observed, Iran, long struggling to polish its tarnished image, could face sanctioning by Europe at a moment that it needs the Europeans the most. It appears as though Tehran recognizes this danger and is taking measures to counteract the trend toward more coordinated European pressure, albeit not by disavowing the prior terrorist plots or changing the course of its foreign policy. Instead, regime officials continue to advance unsubstantiated conspiracy theories in the interest of denying responsibility for the plots and portraying them as part of a coordinated effort to damage relations between Europe and Iran at a time when the European Union is tentatively committed to defiance of the US sanctions that come back into force on November 5. Irans Fars News Agency gave voice to these conspiracy theories on Thursday, alleging that the information leading to last months arrest originated with an intelligence service outside Europe. The article did not elaborate, but it did attribute the overall conspiracy to the US, Zionist regime, and another notorious center which is exposed to heavy accusations. The latter comment may have been a reference to Saudi Arabia in light of looming sanctions associated with the Khashoggi killing. In any event, Arab nations are generally lumped in with the US and Israel and collectively described in Iranian propaganda as a triangle of enemies. Although Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi publicly called for an independent and impartial investigation into the alleged Danish assassination plot, he cited no evidence to suggest that the existing narrative is in error. The Fars report credited him with criticizing the Danish authorities failure to identity the arrestee by name, but this is fairly typical of ongoing investigations, and the criticism is easily parroted back at Tehran in the context of its own arrests and unsubstantiated allegations of espionage by Western nationals. At least half a dozen American citizens and permanent residents are currently in detention in the Islamic Republic, alongside other Westerners, condemned to multi-year sentences on national security crimes. Some have been in prison for upwards of two years, and yet the Iranian judiciary has never revealed any evidence that was used to secure their convictions. In some cases, the allegations are transparently absurd, as in the case of the Princeton graduate student Xiyue Wang, whose conviction stemmed from his copying documents from Iranian libraries which dated to a period of Iranian history several decades before the advent of the Islamic Republic. By contrast, Western authorities and Iranian dissidents have reportedly been able to rigorously verify accounts of Iranian terror plots meant to be carried out in Europe or the United States. In September, French officials announced that an elaborate investigation into the June 30 Paris terror plot left no doubt that Tehran was responsible. In this way, French intelligence confirmed the detailed accounts that had previously been provided by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which identified the arrested diplomat, Assadollah Assadi, by name and reported that he had personally provided the would-be bombers with 500 grams of TATP explosive. Those explosives were found in the operatives possession when they were stopped at the border by Belgian security forces. In light of that evidence, one might easily argue that the burden of proof is on Iran to prove that the official narrative of the Danish plot are not accurate. But even in cases where Iran has a valid basis for criticism of its foreign adversaries, this criticism can usually be expected to invite the regimes detractors to call attention to extremely similar misdeeds committed by the clerical regime. This is true of the Khashoggi killing and it would be true of other incidents that have recently opened Saudi Arabia to international condemnation, as well. As one example, the UKs Mirror newspaper reported on Thursday that widespread outrage had erupted over the Saudi execution of an Indonesian maid who claims she killed her employer in self-defense as he was trying to rape her. In 2014, the same outlet reported upon the Iranian judiciarys hanging of Reyhaneh Jabbari, which was subject to nearly identical international appeals after Tehran disregarded her claim that the former Revolutionary Guard officer whom she stabbed had been attempting to rape her at the time. As such, its important to examine what life will look like in Iran after theyre gone, when Maryam Rajavi and the National Council of Resistance of Iran who form the Provisional Government of the Democratic Islamic Republic of Iran -are in charge. In this article, we will look at religion in Iran; specifically how Maryam Rajavi will remove compulsory (i.e. forced) religion in favour of allowing the Iranian people to choose their own faith without fear of retaliation from the government. Maryam Rajavi and Freedom of religion Maryam Rajavi supports the rights of all people to enjoy religious and denominational freedom as prescribed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She would therefore end the compulsory religion of the mullahs and the Sharia law that goes alongside it, ban discrimination against followers of any religion, and separate religion from state. Ending discrimination against religious minorities Maryam Rajavi would ban any form of discrimination against people on the basis of religion or denomination as the new Iranian government would respect all religions, with no special privileges or rights afforded to followers of any religion. This would also mean that no citizens are deprived of any individual and social rights because of their religion (i.e. Bahai students being prevented from entering university or Jewish people being prevented from running in elections). The NCRI wrote on the subject: No citizens shall enjoy any privileges or be subject to any deprivations in respect of nomination for election, suffrage, employment, education, becoming a judge of any other individual or social rights, for reason of belief or non-belief in a particular religion or denomination. Maryam Rajavi would also ban the Iranian government from ever forming an inquisition over the religious beliefs of Iranian citizens and residents, which will help to preserve and protect the dignity of the people. Maryam Rajavi and the end of compulsory religion in Iran The mullahs currently impose a bastardised version of Islam on the Iranian people, despite the fact that the true message of Islam requires voluntary faith. The mullahs heavily restrict the religious rights of anyone who does not follow the corrupted version of Shiite Islam that the Iranian Regime prescribes. This means that Sunnis, Jews, Christians, smaller minorities, and even Shiites who read the true word of the Quran rather than the Regimes malign teaching are subject to abuse, imprisonment, or execution. This is especially true for those who convert from Shiite Islam. Maryam Rajavi would end compulsory religion and remove any bans on people practising their faith. She and the NCRI believe that all religions and denominations should have the freedom to teach, proselytize, and perform their rituals and traditions in safety. Maryam Rajavi wants the end of Sharia law and the separation of religion and state Maryam Rajavi would immediately overturn Sharia law and remove the inhumane punishments associated with it, including amputation, stoning, executions, chastisements. She would also dissolve the sharia courts, revolutionary courts, and prosecutors offices that penalise people on religious grounds, before ordering re-trials for those imprisoned, and building a legal system based on international law. A declaration on freedom of religion, which encompasses all of the points listed here, was unanimously approved by the NCRI in 1985, shortly before Maryam Rajavi was elected president. This attempt at anti-MEK propaganda has no place in journalism, but more importantly its setting the stage for yet more of the Regimes terror attacks against the MEK. In 2018 alone, terrorist plots against the MEK have been uncovered in Albania, France, the United States and Denmark. Shahin Gobadi, Press Spokesman of the MEK, begins his letter, dated November 1, by explaining that the article about the MEK currently being written by Arron Reza Merat would, based on all the facts and evidence, be nothing but lies and slander, something that would be the basis of legal action against the paper. As it turns out, Merat has a long history of hostility towards the MEK, which makes him at the very least subject to bias, something that has no place in a news report. Gobadi explains in the letter, point by point, why Merats article will be filled with lies, citing that Merat is getting all of his information from the Iranian regimes Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) and their various offshoots. He also notes that the timing of the piece, just days before the US reimposes sanctions of Iran and days after Iran was caught plotting a terror attack in Denmark, is telling. This defamatory article will serve as a distraction from the real criminals: the mullahs. To reiterate, the Iranian Regime has plotted several terror attacks against the MEK this year in the West; with one plot nearly resulting in a gathering of 100,000 people being blown up in Paris. Gobadi then explains that the MOIS has indeed used newspapers to defame the MEK before, something admitted by former Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahian. In fact, for nearly 40 years, the Regime has been set on destroying the MEKs reputation by accusing them of them of immoral and illegal behaviour, with no evidence to support this. He advises: If The Guardian is in search of reality and does not intend to be a platform for the Iranian regime, it can find out that Mr. Merat is only parroting the MOIS. In a further letter, dated October 3, Gobadi advises that Merat has consistently harassed Farid Totounchi, Legal Advisor of the MEK, while also discussing several other reporters for The Guardian who have shown bias towards the MEK. He said: We are not opposed to the Guardian reporting on the PMOI, but the primary journalistic principles require that the Guardian first apologize for the lies that its reporters have written and then assign actual journalists to subsequent reporting, instead of anti-PMOI militants and those who defend the Iranian regime. The full text of the letters is available here. Chinese citizens will have to register for online services that utilise blockchain technology using their real names, with the government publishing draft regulations to this effect for public consultation. The South China Morning Post reported that the draft rules were open for comment until 2 November, but there was no indication of when they would take effect. Beijing has not hesitated to impose restrictions on technologies that it feels will lead to events that could affect society in an adverse way as it sees them. A ban on cryptocurrency exchanges was put in place last year and the government also prohibited any initial coin offerings. Chinese businesses have got around this ban by shifting their servers to foreign countries. But thatfrom the jurisdiction of Chinese laws if they are citizens of China. Chinese investors who have invested in ICOs taking place abroad or have traded cryptocurrencies on overseas exchanges will also be trapped by these laws. Cryptocurrencies can be held in China, and bought and sold, but the government has said clearly that any use of blockchain technology must benefit the real economy. In August, China's Internet watchdog shut down several accounts on WeChat which were focused on blockchain and cryptocurrency news. The SCMP report said the latest rules were published in the wake of an open letter being published on the ethereum blockchain by an activist, about the alleged cover-up of sexual harassment at a well-known university more than 20 years ago. The letter was attached to an ethereum transfer to the poster and was visible to all users of the blockchain. The report said the rules had not addressed the fact that data on a blockchain is not changeable and therefore runs counter to Chinese laws about user data. It quoted Beijing-based lawyer Xu Kai as saying the new rules did not enforce the rights of users on blockchain platforms. Actress-Writer Lena Waithe: Films Fall Short of Ethnic Equality Hollywood is falling short of ethnic equality despite Black-led films including Black Panther, actress and award-winning writer Lena Waithe said. There are a million La La Lands every year. How often do we get aMoonlight? How often do we get Black Panther? she said. What to me will be true equality is when Black Panther comes out and its just like Captain America. Waithe, an actress and Emmy-winning screenwriter with the streaming comedy Master of None who was in the film Ready Player One, joined in conversation with comedian Hannah Gadsby at an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences lunch. ADVERTISEMENT The event marked the launch of an academy initiative aimed at creating opportunities for female filmmakers to network and celebrate inclusiveness. It included presentation of a newly established Academy Gold Fellowship to young filmmaker Geeta Malik, writer-director of the award-winning online short Aunty Gs and films including Beast and Troublemaker. Music legend and activist Annie Lennox also spoke at the event, making a case for global feminism to support women and girls in crisis worldwide. Gadsby, the Australian comic who made a splash with her standup special Nanette, said her autism has made her acutely aware of screen characters who are relegated to the periphery of the action. She said television has become a Trojan horse that brings such sidelined characters into the forefront of stories. Fired Catholic School Teacher Awarded $3.57 Million A former Leimert Park Catholic school teacher who sued the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, alleging she was fired for being pregnant and unwed, was awarded $3.57 million by a jury today. The Los Angeles Superior Court panel deliberated for less than a day before finding in favor of Kourtney Liggins, who was a science teacher at Transfiguration School, in her lawsuit that alleged wrongful termination in violation of public policy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The jury found both the archdiocese and the Rev. Michael Tang, the former pastor of Church of the Transfiguration, liable for Liggins damages. ADVERTISEMENT The panel additionally found that Tang acted with malice, oppression or fraud, setting up a second phase of trial to begin Thursday on whether he should be ordered to pay Liggins any punitive damages. Tang testified that he and the current Transfiguration School principal, Evelyn Rickenbacker, jointly decided in June 2013 not to renew Liggins contract for the coming school year based in part on complaints by parents about her tardiness and phone calls. Liggins testified her tardiness was due in part to the nursing of her newborn daughter and that any phone conversations she had in the classroom were directly related to inquiries by parents about their students. Liggins sued the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Transfiguration School and Tang in September 2013. She says she was seven months pregnant in the summer of 2012 when Tang told her that her pregnancy would morally corrupt impressionable teens at the school. When Liggins, now 48, complained to a bishop and a school official, they did little, according to the plaintiff. Liggins testified her firing had an immediate emotional impact on her. ADVERTISEMENT It was devastating, Liggins said. I had no employment and I still had to take care of things that still needed being taken care of. Liggins, who has older children from another relationship, said she could only afford to have one of them continue in Catholic school and the rest had to attend public schools. She also said she struggled to find work, doing some substitute teaching and taking other jobs outside the teaching field. Liggins said that before she was fired, she wrote Transfigurations human resources department to voice her complaints about Tang. But the bishop told Liggins, It is very difficult to get rid of pastors and I should pray on it, she said. Liggins said she notified her sister, Michele Yerima who was the Transfiguration School principal until her March 2013 resignation that nursing her daughter was the reason being her being late to class. Liggins also said that while her phone calls were work-related, she believed it would be proper to take a personal call if it was an emergency. Liggins said she continued to attend Mass at Transfiguration Church for a time after she was fired because the church had been a part of her life for so long. But she said the stress and memories ultimately forced her to start going to another parish. Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA celebrates 50 years Pan-African Studies commemorated 50 years at Cal State LA with a ceremony honoring Black leaders and community members. More than 200 faculty, staff, students and supporters gathered in the Golden Eagle Ballroom on Oct. 29 for the Department of Pan-African Studies 5th Annual Black Community Honors Dinner, an evening that looked back on the departments history and recognized the contributions of individuals who have committed their lives to the liberation and empowerment of the Black community. This moment affords us an opportunity to vision the world we want to live innot simply reform what is, but vision and build what we want it to be, said Melina Abdullah, professor and chair of the Department of Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA. Think about what were celebrating tonight50 years of Pan-African Studies. ADVERTISEMENT The event marked the launch of a yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary. Pan-African Studies is the second Black Studies department in the nation, founded amid the social and political turmoil of the late 1960s. The Cal State LA Black Student Union, which was pushing for more Black students and faculty members, helped lead the effort to establish a Black Studies program in 1967. It became a department in 1969. Two of the Black Student Unions earliest members attended the nights event: Hiram Channell, who now works in admissions at Cal State LA, and Ayuko Babu, who is executive director and a founder of the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. As a student, Babu helped found the Department of Pan-African Studies. Pan-African Studies is part of the Black Studies discipline, which includes academic programs that examine the history, culture, politics, economics and worldviews of people of African descent. The first Black Studies department and first and only College of Ethnic Studies were founded at San Francisco State University in 1968. The establishment followed a five-month student strike, the longest campus strike in United States history, and was led by the Black Student Union and a coalition of student groups. Representatives from across the California State University system came together prior to the dinner at Cal State LAs Downtown facility for a daylong conference marking 50 years of ethnic studies at the CSU and looking ahead to the future of the field. ADVERTISEMENT The nights honorees were U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, who represents the 13th Congressional District in the Bay Area; Cal State LA Pan-African Studies alumnus Akinyele Umoja, chair of African American Studies at Georgia State University; Teri Williams, president and chief operating officer of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the nation; and Nana Lawson Bush V, professor of education and Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA and a traditional African priest. I visit many, many colleges and universities around the country and I get a chance to meet professors and heads of departments and students, and I just have to say that this is number one if you ask of me, said Lee, who received the Black Community Honors 2018 Peace and Justice Award. What a moment this isin the middle of all that I am doingto be here with you to be revived and rejuvenated and inspired and motivated to keep fighting the good fight. With a week until the Nov. 6 midterm election, Lee emphasized the importance of voter participation. Voting is but one vehicle to our liberation, one path to it, but its an important one, Lee said. Pan-African Studies is housed in the College of Natural and Social Sciences, which is headed by Dean Pamela Scott-Johnson. Cal State LA Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Lynn Mahoney delivered the university welcome, reflecting on the history of the late 1960s and similarities with the present day. As we navigate whats left of 2018, I am blessed to work at a place where its almost an antidote to the national news, Mahoney said. As the national news is unrelentingly negative, here every day I see signs of that hope, I see signs of solidarity, and I see signs of resistance. Our commitment to and our legacy of educational equity is still very much alive. Abdullah, who introduced the nights honorees, also recounted her experience taking Black Studies courses while attending Berkeley High School in the Bay Area and the profound impact it had on her life. It planted seeds in me, Abdullah said. So for me, the work that we do in Pan-African Studies is definitely about the subject matter, but more than that its about the pedagogy and the epistemologyits about the way that we teach and the way that we do our work in communities. Public Banking is on the Ballot. Vote Yes on B. On Tuesday, voters will decide the fate of Charter Amendment B, ballot measure unanimously approved by city council which would open the door to a public bank of Los Angeles. It costs us nothing, and it doesnt start a bank. It just removes one statutory hurdle, amending Section 104(g) of the City Charter which prohibits commercial investment by the city. With authority provided by the voters, the City will be able to pursue changes in City and State law needed to achieve the creation of a municipal bank. Its a first, critical step for common sense financial independence for Los Angeles. Los Angeles manages more than nine billion dollars in annual revenue collected from tax, fee and fine payers, more than the country of Iceland. The city maintains bank accounts with $11B in cash and short-term investments, and manages up to $45B in investments for pensions and other funds. That money is currently held in accounts at commercial banks, where it earns next to zero interest. The city paid over $394 million in transactional and management fees to these commercial banks in 2012 2013. Some of these banks have been downgraded by authorities for their risky or fraudulent practices. Many of the citys investments finance direct harm to the public, including over $70M invested in tobacco companies alone. The firms who help manage these funds seek the highest possible fees for themselves, extracting the financial power of taxpayers to perpetuate bubbles in housing and capital markets, instead of economic development here at home. Los Angeles recently disqualified Wells Fargo from providing banking services to the city, due to their non-admission-settlement of fraud charges from state and federal authorities. We should applaud the city councils efforts to better discriminate between the financial institutions to which we entrust public funds, and to disqualify those banks which have shown themselves to be unworthy of the public trust. And we should support responsible investment ordinances to prevent public funds from financing harm to the people of the city and the world. ADVERTISEMENT But in an era of consolidation, where banks have grown too-big-to-fail, any discerning city will soon run out of options for where to put its money. We can and must go a step further. We should learn from the example of municipalities and states which have founded their own public banks. North Dakota, a dyed-in-the-wool red state, has operated the countrys only public bank for nearly a century, and it is a great success. The German people operate a network of county-level public banks which provide unique regional benefits to their constituents, while out-performing their commercial competitors in reliability, security, growth and transparency. Now, we can proudly say that Los Angeles will be the first American city to vote directly on the founding of a public bank. But what would a public bank look like, and why would we want to start one? The Bank of Los Angeles would accept and insure city deposits, ensure liquidity, and provide all the banking and purchasing services the city requires. It would make prudent, targeted loans to the city itself, as well as to responsible parties in sectors of the local economy where capital would make a measurable difference in the lives of Angelenos. By recirculating our own money into local loans and investments, a public bank would grow the economy faster than if that same money were invested on Wall Street and paid in fees to brokers. No longer would new bridges, schools and power plants be subject to exorbitant interest paid to bondholders, which currently makes up about 50% of all spending on infrastructure. A public bank would finance public works at a fraction of the price of private capital. The public bank would be answerable to an independent board of governors made up of residents of Los Angeles including civil servants, and experts in public finance, banking, affordable housing and climate change mitigation. It would follow a strict mandate to safeguard and grow the citys assets through loans to local businesses and municipal entities. It would operate according to a mandate to act in the interest of the city and its people, and not for individual shareholders or executives. A bank whose employees are public servants, and whose mission is to measurably improve the lives of regular Angelenos. Such an institution will require meticulous planning and strong leadership, as well as appropriate action from the City Council and Mayors office, in coordination with the state and its regulatory authorities. The challenges such an effort would face are justified by the benefits it would provide: to grow revenues and cut costs for city government, to safeguard LAs assets in the event of another financial collapse, and to enable investment in Los Angeles by Los Angeles. We can and must take back this money power for the people of the city. Los Angeles should vote Yes on Charter Amendment B to pave the way for the countrys first municipal public bank and declare independence from Wall Street. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more about the movement to found a public bank at: http://publicbankla.org and http://californiapublicbankingalliance.org and also http://publicbanking.org Colleges and universities in the United States have received more than $350 million from the government of Saudi Arabia over the past 10 years. Yet some of these schools are reconsidering their ties with the government following the killing of Saudi journalist and writer Jamal Khashoggi. His death has led to international criticism of the oil-rich nation. The Associated Press, or AP, examined U.S. federal records for information about the flow of Saudi money to American higher education. The news agency found that at least $354 million from the Saudi government or organizations it controls has gone to 37 American schools since 2011. Much of the money was provided through a special scholarship program. It paid tuition for Saudis studying in the United States. But AP researchers found that at least $62 million came through deals with or gifts from Saudi Arabias nationally owned companies and research centers. Two of the U.S. schools that received the most money did so through contracts with a top Saudi research center. It is called the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. It has provided $14 million to Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois, since 2011. The University of California, Los Angeles accepted $6 million from the center. In addition, Saudi Arabias national oil company, Saudi Aramco, has given $20 million to U.S. colleges and universities. This amount includes $9 million to Texas A&M University, in College Station, Texas, and $4 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, in Boston. A national chemical company known as SABIC sent another $8 million to American schools. Some of the contracts ended before 2017. But questions about Khashoggis death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul have led some schools to reconsider current or future deals. On October 22, MIT announced plans to launch a swift, thorough examination of its partnerships with Saudi Arabia. The institute called Khashoggis disappearance a serious concern. Richard Lester is a member of the schools administration. He said professors who work with Saudi Arabia can make their own decisions as to the best path forward. MIT works with Saudi universities on research projects and has a long history of working with Saudi Aramco. In March, the company promised to give $25 million to the school for research in areas such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence. The AP attempted to speak by telephone with officials at the Saudi Embassy in Washington earlier this week. It said they could not be reached for comment. Babson College, near Boston, has received $2.5 million through a contract with the Saudi company SABIC. College officials told the AP they are watching events closely and gathering opinions from their community about how to move forward. Babsons deal provides training to Saudi business leaders. And it also includes several other research and training partnerships between Babson and Saudi universities. However, many other U.S. schools have shown no signs that they are reconsidering ties. Officials at the University of California, Berkeley, said they are not examining their financial support from Saudi Arabia. The money includes a $6 million contract to develop special technology that can be used to support renewable energy. A university spokesman said the Saudi support represents only a small part of the contracts and grants that go to the schools researchers. Northwestern University refused to say whether any of its money from Saudi Arabia is under review. A spokesman said only that the majority of the $14 million is for science grants, but he did not answer other questions. Others schools, including the University of Michigan, did not provide details about Saudi Arabias financial support. Researchers looked at records from the U.S. Department of Educations Foreign Gift and Contracts Report. It lists any U.S. university that received $250,000 or more in foreign money in a given year. The self-reported information lists money provided from 2011 through 2017. The largest amounts of money came through a Saudi scholarship program that sends thousands of students to U.S. schools every year. The program provided $73 million to The George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. George Mason University, in nearby Fairfax, Virginia, received $63 million. The two schools said they will not refuse the scholarship money because it would cause them to reject the students it covers. George Mason admits about 250 Saudi students through the program each spring and autumn term. Americas ties with Saudi Arabia have come under intense review since Khashoggi disappeared on October 2. President Donald Trump called it the worst cover-up ever. Activists and some U.S. politicians have called on the United States and its industries to break with the nation, and some have. Three Washington-based businesses recently canceled business deals to represent Saudi interests in the United States. Several other companies have suspended work in Saudi Arabia. One of them is owned by businessman Richard Branson. More recently, the pressure to break ties has expanded to colleges and universities. For example, at Columbia University in New York, officials recently canceled a planned event with Saudi artist Ahmed Mater. Records show Columbia separately received a $1.1 million grant from the Saudi agriculture ministry in 2016. But officials said the school is not planning on receiving any other money from the country. In some ways, the ties between American colleges and Saudi Arabia were set up to ease tensions between the two nations. The scholarship program was created in 2005 after leaders of both countries met to improve relations after the September 11, 2001 attacks against the United States. 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 attended U.S colleges and universities. But numbers have fallen severely since 2016, when Saudi Arabia cut back on the program because of budget cuts tied to falling oil prices. Im Dorothy Gundy. And Im Pete Musto. Collin Binkley and Chad Day reported this story for the AP. Pete Musto adapted their report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. What kind of relationships do you think colleges and universities in your country should have with Saudi Arabia? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Quiz - US Universities Reconsider Ties with Saudi Arabia Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story journalist n. a person whose job is collecting, writing, and editing news stories for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio scholarship n. an amount of money that is given by a school or an organization to a student to help pay for the student's education tuition n. money that is paid to a school for the right to study there contract(s) n. a legal agreement between people or companies swift adj. happening or done quickly or immediately thorough adj. including every possible part or detail renewable adj. restored or replaced by natural processes artificial intelligence n. an area of computer science that deals with giving machines the ability to seem like they have human intelligence grant(s) n. an amount of money that is given to someone by a government, or a company to be used for a particular purpose, such as scientific research review n. an act of carefully looking at or examining the quality or condition of something or someone cover-up n. a planned effort to hide a dishonest, immoral, or illegal act or situation tension(s) n. a state in which people, groups, or countries disagree with and feel anger toward each other For a long time, the city of Venice, Italy, has suffered from the combined problems of flooding and sinking. On Monday, heavy winds pushed tides over the citys sea walls, flooding most areas. The population of Venice also has been falling for years. At the same time, the number of visitors to the city continues to rise. Many Venetians are not happy about that. They do not want the city to become what some are calling a Disneyland on water. Their biggest objection is to the huge cruise ships that stop at Saint Mark's Square. For a long time, Venetians have called the cruise ships monsters. They say the ships are ugly and that they block local sights. The ships also damage the bases of the city's historic buildings. Last year, the interest group No Big Ships organized a vote on the cruise ships issue. 18,000 Venetians took part in the June vote. Almost 99 percent of them voted to bar cruise ships from the area. Later that year, the Italian government announced it would ban huge ships from Saint Marks Square, Grand Canal and other historic areas. The order is to take effect over several years. The cruise industry is protesting the plan. It says it will hurt Venice, and Italys, economy. Cruise companies say they want to protect the places their ships visit. They say the business brings economic benefits to port cities. Roberto Martinoli is the president of Cruise Lines International Association. He spoke to VOA News in Rome. He said the cruise industry represents nearly three percent of Venices economy. He said cruise ships are responsible for less than 10 percent of Venices water traffic and less than five percent of visitors to the city. The cruise industry has spent billions of dollars on environmental research and development projects, Martinoli added. But, many in the city argue that the damage from cruise ships outweighs the economic benefit from tourist dollars. At a demonstration earlier this year, Stefano Micheletti of the No Big Ships campaign shared opinions common to many Venetians. Micheletti said large ships must stay out of the area to protect the ecosystem. He said they cause pollution that is ruining the historic city. Im Alice Bryant. Sabina Castelfranco reported this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Word in This Story tide n. the regular upward and downward movement of the level of the ocean cruise n. a journey on a boat or ship to many places as a vacation monster n. a strange or horrible imaginary creature benefit n. a good or helpful effect tourist n. a person who travels to a place for pleasure The Security Council has unanimously extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Sahara MINURSO by six months, while expressing its full support for the decision of the Secretary General and his Personal Envoy, Horst Kohler, to initiate a new negotiation process before the end of this year. Kohler has invited the foreign ministers of Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania and a representative of the Polisario Front to a round-table meeting in Geneva, on December 5 and 6, the first such direct engagement since 2012. In resolution 2440, adopted on Wednesday by a large majority of its members, the Security Council hailed Kohlers decision to hold this initial round-table meeting, without preconditions and in good faith, in order to make an assessment of the latest developments, examine regional issues, and discuss the next steps in the political process relating to the Sahara issue. The resolution said, for the first time ever, that Algeria is a main party to the process seeking to find a realistic, practical and durable political solution to the Sahara issue. In its second paragraph, the resolution urged Algeria to take part in the Geneva round-table talks and to work constructively with the personal envoy (of the UN Secretary General for the Sahara) in a spirit of compromise during the whole process to ensure its success. The resolution called on the parties to show political will and work in an atmosphere conducive to dialogue with a view to making headway in negotiations, thus ensuring the implementation of UNSC resolutions since 2007 and the success of talks. The resolution also reaffirmed, again, the pre-eminence of the Moroccan autonomy initiative to solve the artificial conflict over the Moroccan Sahara. The resolution on the other hand swept aside the false allegations concerning the existence of so-called liberated territory, maintained by Algeria and the separatist movement. Actually, the Resolution slams the Polisarios destabilizing actions in the region and urges the separatists to adhere fully to its commitments to the Personal Envoy not to return to Bir Lahlou, Tifariti and the buffer strip at Guerguerat and not to transfer any civilian or military structure east of the defense berm. This paragraph clearly shows that there are no liberated territory by the Polisario. Moroccos envoy to UN, Omar Hilale, said in a press briefing in New York following the vote, that Resolution 2440 consecrates, for the first time, Algeria as the main party in the political process. The adoption of this resolution after resolution 2414 of last April, constitutes a major development in the management of the Moroccan Sahara issue by the Security Council, he pointed out. He insisted that the peacekeeping missions mandate and the peace process needed to be de-linked. The political process is something, the MINURSO mandate is something else, he said, explaining that the missions mandate deals with supervising and monitoring the ceasefire, helping in confidence building measures, and de-mining. The political process doesnt depend on MINURSO, doesnt depend on whats going on on the field. It depends on the political will of all the parties, he said, insisting that what is most important is to give a chance to the personal envoy to work quietly, in serenity and to give him time. Resolution 2440 welcomed the initiatives taken by Morocco and the role played by the National Council on Human Rights Commissions operating in Dakhla and Laayoune as well as Moroccos interaction with Special Procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council. It also reiterated the Security Councils request for consideration of a refugee registration in the Tindouf refugee camps and emphasizing efforts be made in this regard. The board of directors of Bahraini national carrier, Gulf Air, have cast aside previous plans to lay off Bahraini staff as the airline edges towards profitability following few years of losses. At an important meeting held Thursday, the carrier decided to reinstate Bahraini staff at the airline, which is going through a restructuring program. The chairman of the airline, Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani, according to reports, said the state-owned airline will continue to embrace national efficiencies and invest in the development of Bahraini staff capabilities. Gulf Air posted losses over the past few years and has begun implementation of a new business strategy. After appointing a new board of directors for a three-year term to support the management team last year, the airline has targeted 5.5 million passengers this year, up from 5.3 million in 2017 and is looking to increase its fleet from 28 to 35 aircraft. Also, this year, the carrier expects to add eight new destinations to its routes and reach the target of over 60 destinations by 2023. North American cities are among those being courted. RAK Gas of Ras Al Khaimah emirate will take part in the production of oil and gas for the government of the Tanzanian semi-autonomous territory of Zanzibar. A sharing agreement to this effect, according to Ras Al Khaimah government, has been signed between RAK Gas and the Zanzibar government. RAK Gas was represented by its subsidiary, RAK Gas Zanzibar located on the semi-autonomous territory of the African country. The agreement covers production of oil and gas at Pemba Zanzibar Block that stretches over 11,868 square km. The project is first ever for the Zanzibar government. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 22, 2018 Attorneys general in three states -- Texas, Nebraska and Arkansas -- are supporting the Federal Communications Commission's decision to roll back the Obama-era net neutrality rules. They argue in a friend-of-the-court brief filed late last week that federal agencies are entitled to change their policies after a presidential election results in an administration change, as happened when President Obama left office in January of 2017 and Trump was sworn in. So long as an agency acts within its realm of authority, its decision to alter a policy decision or even reverse course is not subject to a special, enhanced standard of review, the state attorneys general write in papers filed with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. A federal agency is not obligated to engage additional processes when reversing course from a previous administration. Decision makers can reconsider the same data and come to a different conclusion resulting in another interpretation and decision. advertisement advertisement Texas, Nebraska and Arkansas are asking the appellate court to reject attempts to reinstate the 2015 net neutrality rules, which prohibited broadband carriers from blocking or throttling online traffic and from charging companies higher fees for prioritized delivery. Last December, the Republican-led FCC voted 3-2 to revoke those rules, and to prohibit states from passing or enforcing their own net neutrality laws. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said the prior regulations were "heavy handed" and depressed investment. But net neutrality proponents counter that the rules are necessary to prevent broadband providers from engaging in censorship, and from harming competitors. In August, a host of organizations and tech companies asked the D.C. appellate court to invalidate the FCC's repeal, effectively restoring the Obama-era rules. Attorneys general from 22 other states -- including New York and California -- and the District of Columbia made a similar request. Among other arguments, they say the agency lacked a good reason to repeal the 2015 rules, and that the repeal runs counter to directives that date to 2005, when the FCC first issued open internet policy principles. Earlier this month, the FCC defended its repeal, arguing that Supreme Court precedent allows agencies to revise their approach. An agency is free to change its interpretation of an ambiguous statute so long as it 'adequately explains the reasons for a reversal of policy,' the FCC wrote in its legal papers, quoting from a 2005 Supreme Court case about broadband. The Supreme Court said in that case that the Communications Act was ambiguous about whether cable broadband is a telecommunications service. Charlie Swanson The Wolverines won eight of 11 events on the first night of a double dual meet with Iowa and Denver on Friday (Nov. 2) in Iowa City. Moving up the NCAA Top 10 rankings included event-winners Ricardo Vargas (No. 1, 1000-yard freestyle), Miles Smachlo (No. 5 in the 200-yard butterfly) and Patrick Callan (No. 6 in the 200-yard freestyle). Ross Todd (one-meter) and Chris Canning (three-meter) each took second place in the diving events. Site: Iowa City, Iowa (Campus Recreation and Wellness Center) Scores: #6 Michigan 135, Iowa 70; #6 Michigan 162, Denver 41 -- After Day 1 Next U-M Event: Saturday, Nov. 3 -- at Iowa, vs. Denver (Iowa City, Iowa) - Day 2, 10 a.m. (CT) Complete Results (PDF) IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The No. 6-ranked University of Michigan men's swimming and diving team won eight of 11 events to lead Iowa (135-70) and Denver (162-41) after the first day of a double dual meet on Friday (Nov. 2) at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. The Wolverines showcased their freestyle prowess, going 1-2-3 in the early distance events. Sophomore Ricardo Vargas posted the nation's No. 1 time with the win (8:56.41), and was followed by classmate Will Roberts and freshman Bora Unalmis . Freshman Patrick Callan won the 200-yard freestyle with the sixth-fastest time in the NCAA (1:36.66), with senior Mokhtar Al-Yamani and junior Felix Aubock following behind. Senior Kai Williams got his hand on the wall in the 100-yard backstroke (49.52), beating Iowa's Kenneth Mende by .03 seconds, while juniors Charlie Swanson (55.42) and Jacob Montague (55.67) had a close 1-2 finish in the 100-yard breaststroke. Swanson also won the 200-yard IM (1:48.44) later in the meet, with classmate Tommy Cope less than a second behind in second. Junior Miles Smachlo made his dual-meet debut on Friday and had a great swim, winning the 200-yard butterfly by nearly two seconds (1:45.98). His time ranks fifth in the nation and is an NCAA "B" cut. The other victory on the night came in the 200-yard medley relay at the beginning of the session, as freshman Eric Storms , Montague, senior Jon Burkett and freshman Will Chan finished at 1:29.36, less than a half-second ahead of Michigan's "B" team. In the diving well, sophomore Ross Todd took second on one-meter (345.85), while sophomore Chris Canning was second on three-meter (357.85). The Wolverines went 2-3-4 on each springboard. The three teams will conclude their double dual meet Saturday (Nov. 3) at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. The meet will begin at 10 a.m. CDT. The state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issued a statement Friday night after an anonymous complaint alleged a top state official misused state resources after Hurricane Michael. The page-long complaint says Kelley Scott, the departments $120,000-a-year director of administrative service, ordered three department employees to drive a disaster recovery trailer to her Georgia home nearly an hour away from state offices in Tallahassee. The trailer was loaded with chainsaws, tarps and generators, and Scott wanted the state workers to clear trees and connect a generator to her well pump, according to the complaint. Despite denying a request for an interview from the Miami Herald, Terry Rhodes, executive director of the DHSMV, sent out a mass statement calling the internal investigation a "top priority." "I saw the destruction after the storm firsthand, and understand completely that these allegations are incredibly serious and troubling," she wrote. "A thorough investigation allows all facts to be presented and I will ensure complete accountability upon the conclusion of the investigation." As director of the DHSMV, Rhodes reports directly to the governor and cabinet. Jimmy Patronis, the state's chief financial officer and cabinet member, said his focus is always to ensure the DHSMV serves taxpayers well. "Any allegation that resources were diverted from those who needed it, must be taken seriously," Patronis' spokeswoman, Anna Alexopoulos Farrar, wrote in a statement. "We look forward to Director Rhodes detailed explanation, and the CFO is confident that the director will take swift action on this issue." The DHSMV is refusing to release public records that could confirm or refute the allegations citing the active investigation. It also declined to make Scott available for an interview. The Miami Herald requested emails and text messages from Scotts work accounts, but was told they could not be released. The department also declined to say if Scott a high-ranking official who reports to Rhodes remains actively employed during the investigation. Scott was at work Wednesday morning, Herald reporters confirmed. Former president Barack Obama worked up an appetite during his get-out-the-vote rally in Miami Friday afternoon for Andrew Gillum and Bill Nelson, so he went to Coyo Taco. And Wynwood lost its mind. Women screamed as Obama stepped out of a silver Chevy Suburban onto Northwest Second Avenue around 3:45 p.m. They grabbed their cellphones to snap photos and call their friends. He shook a few hands. I want everybody to vote! he shouted. Inside the venue, stunned diners gaped as Obama entered, surrounded by an entourage of Secret Service agents, reporters and camera crews. Evan Schlecker, a Morgan Group employee who stopped at Coyo for lunch, shared a tortilla chip with him and let him dip it in the guac. They posed for a selfie, guacamole still firmly on the chip before Obama downed it. Announcing it was his treat, Obama ordered: Cochinita Pibil, Pollo al Carbon, Camaron, Guacamole and Esquite. He bought a bottle of Coca-Cola for Gillum. Kali Hughes took their order, and told Gillum, the Democratic nominee for governor, that hed voted early and cast his ballot for him. Read the rest here. (Picture courtesy of Evan Schlecker) Via @DavidOvalle305 A Sweewater City Commission candidate who has bemoaned the towns long history of political corruption was arrested Friday on allegations that he was dealing cocaine. Jose Mejia, 29, was arrested at his Sweetwater home and charged with three counts of cocaine trafficking. Two other men, Christopher Laboy, 24, and Angel Bedecia Campo, 63, were also arrested and charged. The arrest was made by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which had help from Sweetwater police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Miami-Dade prosecutors. FDLE did not release details of the investigation, saying only that it began after agents got information from a confidential source. Mejia was booked into a Miami-Dade jail late Friday. It was unclear if he had a defense lawyer. The candidate maintained an active campaign website and Twitter page, but is not on Tuesdays general election ballot. Sweetwater is not scheduled for an election until 2019. He is challenging Sweetwater Commissioner Manuel Duasso. On his website, Mejia said Sweetwater was plagued by political corruption and the fact that we keep voting for the same old individuals with a bunch of empty promises and no ambition. Click here to read the rest. NEW YORK, Nov. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Tribune Media Company (Tribune or the Company) (NYSE: TRCO). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980. The investigation concerns whether Tribune and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here to join a class action] In May 2017, Tribune and Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Inc. (Sinclair) announced a prospective merger of the two companies (the Merger). On July 16, 2018, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai issued a statement expressing serious concerns about the Merger. In particular, Chairman Pai stated that certain station divestitures that have been proposed to the FCC would allow Sinclair to control those stations in practice, even if not in name, in violation of the law. Chairman Pais statement signaled that Sinclair was not agreeing to the regulatory requirements necessary to complete the Merger, although Tribune had discussed these station divestitures repeatedly in its public filings since the May 2017 announcement of the Merger. On this news, Tribunes stock price fell $6.44, or 16.7%, to close at $32.12 on July 16, 2018. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP rswilloughby@pomlaw.com 888-476-6529 ext. 9980 Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life! South African cryptocurrency exchange Luno has outlined its expectations for the regulation of cryptocurrency locally. Speaking in an interview with MyBroadband at a media event in Sandton, Johannesburg, Luno South Africa country manager Marius Reitz said that he does not expect the government to inhibit the pace of innovation with its regulation. He said he imagines the cryptocurrency regulation which will be implemented in South Africa will not be too intrusive. I think the regulation will be relatively open, Reitz said. I dont see regulators trying to stifle innovation. I think they will focus on the consumer protection side, making it mandatory for exchanges to register as reporting entities, meaning they will have to report suspicious transactions to regulators. He could not be sure the direction the government would take when defining regulation, but described these measures as low-hanging fruit for regulators. Additionally, Reitz expects that regulation will require exchanges to implement Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) systems in order to operate legally. He expects that exchanges will have to register with the Financial Intelligence Centre, too, and there may be minimum requirements surrounding the storage of user funds. Industry expectations Earlier this year, the Intergovernmental Fintech Working Group (IFWG) released a report on the results of its engagement with South African regulators. This report raised concerns around the risk of criminal activity being enabled by cryptocurrencies, with the currencies being used as instruments for illegal practices. Regulators stated that the inability to control these transfers or make them subject to know-your-customer requirements was concerning. Speaking to regulators at this event, Luno said that regulation was necessary to allow for improved security standards. The report found that AML and other security regulations would be necessary to prevent the use of cryptocurrency as a criminal instrument. A study commissioned by Luno which investigated South African sentiment towards cryptocurrencies found that regulation played a significant role in adoption. 18% of respondents in the survey stated that the official position of the government and financial institutions are a great factor which could influence their adoption of the technology. Luno notes that while cryptocurrency is not currently regulated in South Africa, this does not make it illegal. As a self-regulating entity, Luno complies with KYC and AML processes despite not being obligated to do so. While cryptocurrency companies are not required by law to do so, credible industry players do self-regulate, which means behaving as if they were fully regulated. Google Chrome is comfortably the most popular browser in use today. Over 60% of desktop users choose Chrome over other browsers. This dominance over the browser market means that many new users also default to Chrome when deciding which web browser to use. However, there are alternatives to Chrome that are worth your consideration. Many of these browsers offer unique benefits that will suit certain users. Some prioritise online security and anonymity, while others offer unique usability features to their users. Here are four diverse alternatives to Google Chrome which offer a wide array of features. Firefox Perhaps Chromes most famous rival, Firefox is an open-source browser that prioritises performance alongside a clean, simple look. Firefox claims to be 30% lighter on memory than Chrome, potentially making it a fantastic choice for users looking for a less-intensive option. Firefox also serves as an alternative browser for those who dont enjoy the look and feel of Chrome, or are worried about Googles information collecting or user monitoring practices. Opera is a high-performing browser that is based on the same baseline technology as Chrome Chromium. As a result, it can run many Chrome extensions giving it an edge over most other Chrome alternatives. Opera offers nifty features of its own, too, including a social sidebar that integrates apps such as WhatsApp Web and Facebook Messenger into the browser. When you click on the relevant apps icon, the app pops out from the sidebar meaning you dont need to run these apps in separate tabs. Opera also offers a Turbo feature, which compresses webpages to save bandwidth. This can be helpful for South African users who have slow or unstable internet connections. Other features Opera offers include a built-in basic VPN and native ad-blocker. Brave Thebrowser is a new entrant into the market. Brave is, like Opera, built on Chromium. However, it doesnt offer nearly as many Chrome extensions as Opera. Instead, it has carved out a unique niche for itself by removing all ads from every website you visit, before replacing these ads with its own. Brave also removes ad tracking software, which allows advertisers to know which other sites youve visited. Googles search ads remain present on Brave. Tor Tor has become famous for being the browser of choice for dark web users. However, it is built upon a modified iteration of Firefox, and can be used as a general Internet browser. If youre concerned about your privacy, Tor is the go-to browser. However, it comes with the disadvantage of being slower than the other browsers on this list due to the extra measures taken to secure and anonymise your connection. The September update renders Tor a surprisingly intuitive browser for the every-day user. For the most part, you use Tor just as you would any other browser, making it a fantastic choice for users who want to maintain their security without compromising on ease-of-use. Now read: YouTube rolls out mini player for desktop browsers Uber drivers in South Africa have asked that the company help fight crime in the country using the various safety systems it has rolled out in its app. The head of safety products at Uber, Sachin Kansal, told MyBroadband that he recently met with drivers to introduce a new suite of safety tools in the Uber app. This included an emergency button which connects Uber users directly to private emergency services and security response when needed through a third-party private security supplier. In South Africa, Uber had already partnered with Aura to provide emergency services for drivers. The new emergency button expands the safety feature to riders through a partnership with ICEplus. ICEplus, in turn, has partnered with Vodacom and MTN, private security firms like Excellerate and Securitas, as well as other companies operating within the public safety community such as SA Community Watch. Along with the emergency button, Uber has launched trusted contacts to allow drivers and riders to send the details of their trip to several people at once, and speed alerts to warn drivers when they exceed the speed limit. Kansal said that drivers were very appreciative of these new features. They also provided feedback about what safety features have worked for them, and what else they would like to see in the Uber app. Drivers reported that rider verification for cash fares was very helpful as they were anxious about taking on cash riders in certain locations, at certain times. Im not saying we are done there, we can certainly continue to do more, but the fact that we now require rider verification has made a lot of difference for them, said Kansal. Emergency number They also said that having an emergency number to call has made a big difference in protecting drivers from violence. Giving Uber drivers access to a dedicated emergency number helped reduce incidents of intimidation and crimes against them not only because they can get help when they need it, but also because its a deterrence factor, said Kansal. What I heard from them which is unique, as compared to other locations, is that there is a lot of crime in South Africa, Kansal said. While all of that may not be directly related to Uber, they would like us to continue to do more in terms of how we can help them in those situations. The communications manager for Uber Africa, Samantha Fuller, related a story where one of their driver partners witnessed a courier being mugged. The driver called the emergency line, and security were able to get to the scene and help the courier. What I just thought was so amazing was that you can look after yourself in those situations, but you also become part of a broader community looking after each other, Fuller said. Now read: Uber launches new subscription service for cheaper rides E-levy is not the best of ... When Erick Hernandez was 4, he watched two men with guns shatter a window and burst in the room, threatening to kill everyone inside. Hernandez and his sister huddled under a table in a safe house, miles away from the U.S.-Mexico border and far from their hometown in Guatemala. He felt the pulse of her heart against his chest. Were thinking, OK, were done. Were going to die, he said. Now Hernandez is an inspector for the Napa Fire Departments prevention crew, acting as the first line of defense against fires by ensuring buildings are carefully constructed and equipped with functioning safety equipment. Hes also head of Preparados, Napas Spanish language preparedness program that offers free training or inspections for natural disasters and fire safety. He feels a lot of pressure. Theres pressure to keep people safe and be a role model for the Hispanic kids who approach him while hes on the job, he said. And theres the pressure to be a good son to the parents who risked so much to give him a better future, and pressure to be a good husband and dad. He wakes up at 3:30 a.m. to go to the gym, just to make sure he can spend all his free time with his kids. But Hernandez thinks the pressure is a good thing. It reminds him of where he came from. Im a survivor, Im a Mayan warrior. Thats my background, Hernandez said. Im going to do whatever I have to do to provide for my family. Saying goodbyes to Guatemala Hernandez was born in 1985 in the coastal Guatemalan city of Retalhuleu. There was no hospital, so he was born in a house made from palm trees, twigs and bushes, he said. Hernandez could pick fruit from the wall if he was hungry, though Retalhuleus tropical climate meant mango, coconut and plantain trees were never far. His mom made tortillas and sold them by the ocean. His dad had served in the military, and picked cotton and grew corn. When his dad finished a stint serving in the Guatemalan Civil War in 1989, his parents decided to make the trek to America. As a veteran, Hernandezs father was a target. His family wanted more for their kids and they wanted protection from guerrillas who may have gone after them. Hernandezs parents settled on Los Angeles, where one of Hernandezs uncles already lived. We werent born into a rich family, Hernandez said. My parents did what they had to do to give us a future, which they have. First came the trip to Mexico, about an hour or two away from Retalhuleu. Hernandez, his parents and his sister obtained permission to visit Mexico for three days, telling officials that they were visiting a family member, he said. Three days came and went. They surreptitiously traveled through Mexico, eventually making it to Tijuana, a city located on the U.S.-Mexico border, he said. A coyote, or smuggler, led them for long hours through the mountains and desert, and across Interstate 5 in the early morning hours. Hernandez remembers the trek in vivid detail, though he didnt understand the magnitude of his parents decision at the time. It felt like their first family trip, he said. It was a huge impact on my life, he said. I just knew that we were going somewhere far and we were on an adventure. At one point, a group of law enforcement officers equipped with guns, SUVs and helicopters lined up facing the travelers, who did the same. Law enforcement backed off. The travelers kept going. It felt like they were destined to get to America, he said. The travelers made their way to San Ysidro, California, where they stayed in a small safe house for a day and a half. Thats when two men with guns broke a glass window and threatened to kill anyone who moved, he said. Hernandez and his sister took off to the kitchen and hid under a small round table. His mother was almost shot because she tried to run after them, but another traveler on the ground grabbed her ankle and she fell face down on the floor, he said. The travelers thought the men may have been with immigration or law enforcement, but learned they were coyotes who came to steal business from the smugglers who brought them across the border and did the hardest part of the job. The next thing Hernandez remembers is sitting in the back of a Nissan, he said. His family hid underneath the seats to get past a checkpoint and made it to Los Angeles, surprising his uncles family. A second adventure Three families shared a three bedroom house there, he said. His parents wanted to afford their own place and started leaving to take the bus to work at 6 a.m., but never forgot to leave a dollar for Hernandez and his sister each morning. Hernandez excelled in middle school. He was placed in a program for gifted students and became close with his classmates over the three years they were together, he said. But then came the summer before high school. His parents heard from old neighbors that St. Helena was safer, and had better-paying jobs and less traffic. Hernandezs parents visited for a week, came home and told Hernandez and his sister to pack their bags, he said. They left for St. Helena the next day. It was a different world for me, he said. I guess, a second adventure. Hernandez said he was immediately struck by the privileges that St. Helena High students had an open campus, no unannounced searches for drugs, no metal detectors to enter the campus. Students showed up in BMWs and Mercedes-Benzs, he said. Their parents owned wineries and restaurants, he said. His parents worked for a cleaning company, scrubbing wineries into the early hours of the morning. His mom would work a full shift there and leave for another cleaning job. The change was hard on him. Hernandez said he sometimes drank to cope because he felt unwanted there. He wasnt sleeping much either. Hernandez wanted to afford things like a cell phone and Nikes, so he helped his parents clean wineries late at night. Hernandez was always working from then on. He washed dishes, delivered party rental equipment, and cooked in restaurants, hotels and a hospital. He still drank. That changed when he was out with his family and embarrassed them by getting into an altercation. I went from this selfish, drinking-his-sorrows-away person to, Alright, Im here to do something in life, he said. And little by little, I started moving up. Giving back to Napa His family started the process of becoming permanent residents in 2003, Hernandez said. They were granted such status a year or two later, after explaining that they came to America seeking asylum. He met his wife Mariana in 2007. They married in 2010 and moved to Napa soon after. Thats when things began to change in his professional life. His half-brother, who moved to America years before, dealt with a discriminatory landlord. His wife suggested that Hernandez talk to Fair Housing Napa Valley, a nonprofit that offers free help to victims of housing discrimination. Hernandez acted as a translator for his brother. Fair Housing ultimately sued the city of St. Helena, arguing its failure to build affordable housing led to bad living conditions for poorer renters. Then came an unexpected job offer. Fair Housing wanted a passionate, bilingual employee. He worked there from 2011 to 2014. Thats how Hernandez met Greg Fortune, his current supervisor at the fire department. Fortune worked for the city as a code enforcer back then, in part working to ensure buildings were safe. Fortune was leaving his job to become a fire inspector and encouraged Hernandez to apply for his spot. Stopped at church before my interview, Im not going to lie, he said. He got the gig and became a code enforcement officer on Cinco de Mayo of 2015. Around that same time, Hernandez became an American citizen. Fortune later encouraged Hernandez to follow him to the fire prevention crew. He started on the first day of 2016. Later that year, Chief Steve Brassfield approached Hernandez and said there was a need to reach out more to Spanish-speakers. Preparados, the Spanish language disaster preparedness program, was born. Hernandez volunteers for Preparados on his own time. The program doesnt receive a single dollar, but educates residents on fire extinguishers, preparing for emergencies and caring for mental health after a disaster. Bringing more Spanish language programs to Napa means getting more people at the top to care, he said. Brassfield, for example, comes with him to meetings. It lends credibility to the assertion that the fire department cares about Spanish-speakers. The fire department only had a couple of Spanish-speakers when Hernandez first came on, but now there is a handful, he said. Helping residents who speak Spanish is important, but Hernandez said he likes helping everyone. He takes great pride in his personal and work life, but there are tough times. Hernandez tries to ignore the negative things people say about immigrants who illegally came to America. You dont understand unless youve been through it, he said. And some people dont like seeing a person of color in uniform telling them what to do, he said. People wont approach him with questions, but they will ask a white colleague that Hernandez is training. Does it bother me? Yeah it does, Hernandez said. But my goal is to bring hope to anybody regardless of your color, regardless of where youre born, here or not. Courtney can be reached at 707-256-2221. You can send her an anonymous tip, and follow her reporting on Twitter and Facebook. 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. A federal bill to speed the addition of cellular transmitters will not have the support of city leaders in Napa. The City Council voted Tuesday to formally oppose Senate Bill 3157, which would limit the time period for local governments to review applications to install so-called small-cell transmitters used for wireless internet and voice services. The unanimous vote clears Napa to send a letter of opposition to Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, Californias two members in the U.S. Senate. Opponents in state and city governments argue S. 3157 will strip local leaders of their ability to govern the placement and number of cell transmitters, or recover their full costs. Introduced in June by Sens. John Thune, R-South Dakota, and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, S. 3157 aims to set a shot clock for states and cities to approve or deny cell transmitter applications. The maximum review period could be as short as 60 to 90 days, extending as far as 150 days when reviewed by cities of fewer than 50,000 people. If no decision is made by the deadline, a wireless permit would be deemed granted and allowed to be built. In addition, local regulators could only set fees that recover the actual and direct costs of reviewing and processing inquiries, as well as cost of inspections, maintenance, and repairs or replacement required to install a cell transmitter. With its letter, Napa will join the League of California Cities in opposing the Senate bill as allowing the federal government to usurp local control. On the opposite side of the debate are two dozen organizations who in early October issued a letter supporting the Senate bill, saying the legislation would remove unnecessary roadblocks and expense to future fifth-generation wireless networks promising higher capacity and speeds. The letters signers included the Internet Association and Information Tech Industry Council both of which count major tech firms as members as well as the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Farms Union, Politico reported. Napas stance against the Senates permit streamlining bill follows resistance by some residents against Verizon Wireless planned rollout of small-cell transmitters, which are a fraction of the size of full-strength wireless towers and typically mounted onto utility poles, stoplights and other city-owned fixtures. Verizon this spring disclosed plans to install 24 of the transmitters on various streets around the city. At various council meetings, small-cell foes have argued the equipment creates eyesores, depresses home resale values and increases the risk of cancer for those living close by. No clear consensus has emerged from published research on the connection between wireless signals and health effects. While a 2011 research paper by the United Nations World Health Organization described electromagnetic fields as a possible carcinogen, the American Cancer Society has said radio frequency waves from cell antennas are not powerful enough to break the chemical bonds in DNA molecules, as gamma rays and ultraviolet light do. 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. A driver was arrested for driving under the influence once every 12 hours this summer, according to local law enforcement agencies. A total of 184 DUI arrests were performed from June to August by the California Highway Patrol, the Napa Police Department and the Napa County Sheriffs Office, according to statistics provided by those agencies. Napa police arrested 40 people on suspicion of DUI during those months, while the Sheriff and affiliated agencies American Canyon Police and Yountville Police made 36 DUI arrests. The CHPs Napa branch arrested 108 people on suspicion of DUI, though a spokesperson cautioned its jurisdiction includes part of Sonoma County. A total of 184 arrests might not seem like a lot of DUIs for a county of 140,000 people, especially during a peak tourist season in a region that draws thousands of wine-drinkers from around the world each year. But Napa Valley grapples with a more substantial drunk driving problem than most parts of the state, according to rankings published by the California Office of Traffic Safety. The city of Napa had the second-highest rate of DUI arrests, or 433 arrests, compared to 105 similar-sized cities in 2015, the most recent year for which statistics are available. I dont think (the number of DUI arrests is) as high as it would have been without the convenience of Uber or Lyft, said Napa Police Traffic Sgt. Kristofer Jenny. You no longer have to have a bartender call a cab for you. A leader in DUIs In 2015, an average of one person per week was hurt or killed in a Napa County traffic collision that involved a driver, aged 21 to 34, who had been drinking, according to state statistics. Napa County ranked fourth-highest in that category, among all 58 California counties. Such collisions hurt or killed 51 people, according to state statistics. The city of Napa also ranked fourth-highest in that same category, state statistics show. Those collisions left 20 people hurt or dead. The city ranked 11th-highest among 105 similar-sized cities when it came to the number of collisions that involved drunk driving. There were 20 such crashes in 2015. Sgt., Jenny is tasked with coordinating campaigns to crack down on intoxicated drivers, which includes checkpoints. Officers tend to see the best results while patrolling the streets for drunk drivers because they can look for specific driving patterns, he said. Hundreds of drivers may be screened at checkpoints, but only a few are arrested on suspicion of DUI, he said. That could be because police departments are required to publicize when they will occur, Jenny said. Checkpoints can be an effective deterrent for drunk drivers, even though the location is not publicized. If theyre just taking side streets and trying to dodge the checkpoint, well then, we arent doing a whole lot, he said. Locals drive drunk the most Napa residents have long joked about visitors who come on vacation and leave on probation, but locals were the culprit in a majority of DUI arrests performed this June to July by Napa Police, American Canyon Police, the Sheriffs Office and Yountville police. Napa police officers arrested a county resident on suspicion of DUI once every few days on average, while a visitor was arrested every other week, statistics show. Napa police arrested a total of 40 people during that time period. Seven lived outside of Napa County. I think the common answer (when Napa residents explain why they drove drunk) is the bar or restaurant is close, its in town, they only had a couple drinks, they didnt think they were impaired, Jenny said. Though Jenny said hotel shuttles, Uber and Lyft have helped curb drunk driving, DUI enforcement hasnt necessarily gotten easier over the years. Napa police had a DUI patrol car dedicated to finding intoxicated drivers when Jenny began in 2003, he said. Thats no longer the case, though the department did receive a grant in 2015 and 2016 that allowed them to fund a DUI officer position. And Napa Police arent working with quite the same resources that other areas have, despite the high number of DUI arrests in the area. The department had 72 non-civilian officers last year, serving a population of nearly 81,000 according to FBI statistics. Thats the lowest number compared to six similar-sized cities in California, Jenny said. While Napa police arrested more locals than visitors, the opposite was true when it came to DUI arrests performed by American Canyon Police, the Sheriffs Office and Yountville police from June to August. More than two-thirds of the 36 DUI arrestees lived outside Napa County, though most visitors lived in nearby cities such as Vallejo or Fairfield. American Canyon Police handled most of those arrests. A county resident was arrested for DUI by those agencies roughly once per week on average, while visitors were arrested once every three or four days, statistics show. The high number of non-resident arrests could be because of American Canyons location along Highway 29, and proximity to Solano County and more urban parts of the Bay Area, said American Canyon Police Chief Oscar Ortiz. Were also kind of a pass-through city, he said. People going to and from Napa pretty much got to cross American Canyon. Courtney can be reached at 707-256-2221. You can send her an anonymous tip, and follow her reporting on Twitter and Facebook. 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. Gavin Newsom loves high-concept, almost edgy, approaches to governance not unlike a younger Jerry Brown during his first governorship four decades ago. However, as Brown eventually learned and Newsom will discover if, as expected, he follows Brown into the Capitols corner office, much of governing is not pro-active and creative, but rather reactive, mediating complex, high-dollar conflicts. One of those perpetual conflicts, virtually a cottage industry, is certain to land on Newsoms doorstep. Its the $20-plus billion a year system of compensating workers for job-related injuries and illnesses, financed by employers through insurance policies or self-managed funds. Five major interest groups constantly joust over the systems costs and benefits, both cash and medical treatment employers, insurers, unions, medical care and rehabilitation providers, and lawyers who handle disability claims. The systems recent history has been that about once a decade, several of the five form a semi-secret coalition for changes that benefit them and penalize the others. The coalition then prevails upon politicians to ratify their agreement, which is dubbed reform. Brown was a party to one such sneak attack in the final days of his first governorship in 1982 that preyed upon employers, raising their costs by $3 billion a year. Exactly 30 years later, he presided over another. In 2012, employers and unions, with insurers neutrality, agreed to raise cash payments to workers with permanent partial disabilities, the most expensive payouts, and offset the cost by squeezing medical care and eligibility for benefits. The deal was opposed by medical groups and lawyers, but was pushed through the Capitol in the dying days of the 2012 legislative session and signed by Brown. From an employer standpoint, it was a roaring success. At the time, it was supposed to raise benefits by $740 million a year and reduce costs by a like amount. However, the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau, which monitors the system, reported last year that the reform reduced annual employer costs by $1.3 billion, more than offsetting the cash benefit boost. Nevertheless, those costs remain very high relative to payrolls, and fuel the perennial search for a new coalition meaning that if elected, Newsom will also face the issue. Oregons workers compensation system is the go-to oracle on how costs vary from state to state. Its latest national survey, released this month, found that California, which long had the nations highest costs as a percentage of payroll, had dropped to No. 2 behind New York. Californias current rate in the survey, 2.87 percent, is down from 3.24 percent in the 2016 survey, but still two-thirds higher than the national median of 1.7 percent. That differential translates into about $7 billion a year in higher California employer costs. Obviously, working in California is not inherently more dangerous than in other states and employer groups, such as the Workers Compensation Action Network, partially attribute higher costs to fraud by greedy lawyers and doctors who recruit workers to file spurious claims, especially for cumulative trauma, disabilities supposedly caused by years of work, not a single incident. Data from the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau show that Los Angeles is the epicenter of such claims and while some fraudsters have been prosecuted, authorities believe that the practice is still widespread in the region. Its likely, therefore, that the next round of workers compensation politicking will focus on battling fraud and using savings to increase benefits, with employers, insurers and unions perhaps forming another powerful coalition and Newsom forced to referee. CALmatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how Californias state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to calmatters.org/commentary. In the two years that have passed since the 2016 election, we have learned a lot about malignant disinformation campaigns in Western democracies. Special counsel Robert Mueller has indicted the Russian operatives who created fake identities and ran targeted advertising on Facebook. The ads themselves - supporting extreme anti-immigration groups and the phony "Army of Jesus" on the one hand, and fake "black lives matter" slogans on the other - have been made public. Reams of words have been written, studies have been made. We know how social media increases polarization, how fact-checking reaches only a narrow audience, how the lack of regulation enables false and opaque political advertisements, how algorithms favor angry and extreme views. Congress, Britain's Parliament and the European Union have all held hearings to discuss the problem. Facebook and Twitter have taken down some Russian-origin accounts. We have learned a lot - and yet we have learned nothing. For these same distorting techniques are still in operation. They will affect the midterm elections. They continue to shape political debate in many countries around the world. They are being used by not just Russians, but people in the countries they seek to influence. These campaigners, often hiding behind fake accounts, continue to act with impunity, promoting false narratives and relying on the main platforms - Facebook, Twitter, Google, and especially YouTube - to amplify their messages. What's worse, their messages are getting louder. After analyzing 2.5 million tweets and 6,986 Facebook pages, the Oxford Internet Institute has just found that the amount of biased, hyperbolic and conspiratorial "junk news" in circulation is actually greater than it was in 2016. More importantly, the messages are no longer seen just by a small fringe but are much more likely to be consumed by mainstream users of social media. At the same time, only a tiny percentage of political information available on social media actually comes from political candidates. People are now more likely to see a targeted ad from an unidentified political group with an opaque agenda, in other words, than something written by the people actually vying for their vote. Those who follow the news online are also very likely to see information not created by humans at all. A new tool created by a start-up called Robhat Labs found that as of late last week, about 60 percent of the conversation on Twitter is still driven by accounts that are probably bots (bits of code that can be programmed to mimic humans). Another survey, conducted by the Anti-Defamation League, has found that nearly a third of the anti-Semitic propaganda pumped out online also comes from bots, and there seems to be no way to tell who is behind it. Even after being told many times about the problem, YouTube - which is owned by Google - still allows its algorithms to be manipulated by Russia Today, the Russian state broadcasting company. The network's ongoing smear campaign against the White Helmets, a Syrian humanitarian group, still features high in search results. Meanwhile, in Brazil, junk news was spread during the last election campaign on not only Facebook but WhatsApp, where it cannot be corrected, let alone traced. We have learned nothing and we are doing nothing. The stopgap measures taken, voluntarily, by the social media companies are like Band-Aids on a gaping wound. Facebook and Twitter have both hired people to monitor their sites for "hate speech" - a term with an extremely wide range of definitions - to dubious effect. But other, more obvious steps have not been taken. Social-media bots could be banned altogether. More rigorous procedures could prevent the creation of anonymous accounts. YouTube, and others, could change their algorithms so that known sources of disinformation don't keep floating to the top. Lawmakers could force online political advertising to meet higher standards of transparency. But I am repeating myself and, more to the point, I am repeating many others. Calls for regulation without censorship have been made by many people and many groups - it's just that there is simply no political will to make an real change. Heavily televised hearings with a CEO celebrity such as Mark Zuckerberg are not a solution - they're a stunt. After the midterm elections are over, we need an informed national debate, a Congressional investigation that looks into all of the possible options, as well as a commitment by political leaders to take control of the information anarchy that will eventually consume them all. Anne Applebaum is a Washington Post columnist, covering national politics and foreign policy, with a special focus on Europe and Russia. She is also a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and a professor of practice at the London School of Economics. She is a former member of The Washington Post's editorial board. Editor's note: The following letter was submitted well before our election letter deadline, but was lost in a production error. It should have been included in an edition in early October. I have known Xulio Soriano since I moved to Napa in 2009. When we met I was immediately impressed with his eloquent and creative use of language in his poetry, as well as his ability to cultivate change in our community. We became friends as we both attended Napa Valley College. As a quadrilingual student, Xulio always excelled in language classes while also being a driving presence in many extra curricular organizations within Napa Valley College and out in the community at large. During the Occupy Napa Valley College movement in 2011, Xulio was part of the negotiation team between Campus Police, the then president Edna Baehre-Kolovani, other high ranking administrators, and student government. While some college constituents did not want students to set up tents for Occupy, students wanted full rights to set up protest tents and camp overnight. Thanks in part to Xulios inquisitive communication skills, a compromise was reached that limited the duration of our stay, and the number of tents used, but that nevertheless allowed the students to exercise their first amendment rights. The Occupy Napa movement became part of a valley-wide non-partisan discussion about the state of democracy and education. Other community stakeholders such as the Central Labor Council, SEIU, local elected officials, and teachers unions also joined the public dialogue and visited the protest site. In fact, even the Napa Valley Register editorial board wrote about it, commending Xulio and the student organizers for their leadership. Furthermore, Xulio has worked side by side with me on many LGBTQ-oriented projects, events, community trainings, and inclusivity workshops. He openly identifies as two-spirit, which is a specific LGBTQ Native American identity. I strongly feel his compassion towards marginalized communities as he identifies with so many different walks of life. As a result of his experience, he brings a very open-minded and conscientious point of view to his work especially when connecting to others. Xulio has also worked beyond Napa Valley. He co-founded Tonaltecos Unidos with local farmworkers, which is a binational intergenerational committee of farmworker families that helped successfully build a health clinic for a rural community in Oaxaca in need of vital care. As a result of always being involved in grassroots organizing and being an international indigenous delegate and translator for cultural exchanges between Native Americans in the United States and Mexico, Xulio was recently invited as a delegate to the United Nations in New York City on behalf of the Womens Intercultural Network and Suscol Intertribal Council. At this prestigious international summit Xulio co-presented on the status of farmworker women and the effects that climate change has had on their lives, such as the dangers they face with increased heat waves and forest fires. If our community is looking for a school board member that is passionate about the lives of students, is intersectional in their experience, and is dedicated to honesty and authenticity in their work, I could not recommend a better candidate than Xulio Soriano for College Board District 4. Ezjra Sander-Hewitt Napa The two suspected militants, who were arrested by Cachar Police, after being nabbed and beaten up by locals at Harinagar under Cachar district of Assam, succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital. In the morning on Saturday when the whole of Barak Valley had come to a standstill due to a bandh call by more than 100 organizations of the region, two suspected militants were nabbed by locals along with a huge cache of arms and ammunition in Harinagar under Cachar district. According to information, the two suspected militants, probably not being aware of the bandh call, entered Harinagar market under Joypur Police Station of Lakhipur Sub-division in Cachar district, in the morning on Saturday. The local residents finding them to be from some other place questioned about their whereabouts. Not finding any convincing replies from the two unknown youths, their suspicion grew. The locals doubts compounded further when one of the nozzle of the ammunition protruded out of the sacks that the duo was carrying, informed a resident of Harinagar on condition of anonymity. He further added, A hue and cry that ensued post our suspicion, all the villagers rounded the two unknown youths and started beating them black and blue. The police patrol party and other security personnel on duty deputed for maintaining law and order during Barak bandh, rushed to the spot and arrested both of them. Cachar Superintendent of Police (SP) Rakesh Roshan and Udharbond MLA Mihir Kanti Shome reached the spot to pacify the crowd and bring the situation under control. However, the two suspected militants, who were severely injured, died on the way to the Silchar Medical College & Hospital. Unfortunately both the people succumbed to the injuries. After inquest, post-mortem examination will be done tomorrow. However, their identity is not confirmed yet, informed Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, Dr S Lakhsmanan. Earlier, talking to media persons, Cachar SP Roshan said: The two persons were badly beaten by the local public of Harinagar after being caught. He also said that they were sent to Joypur Primary Health Centre for medical assistance. The district police chief also informed that one 12 bore single barrel rifle, three AK 56 rifles, one Chinese LMG rifle, two 56 mm rifles, one .22 mm pistol and live cartridges numbering more than 700 along with one Chinese hand grenade were seized from their possession. Meanwhile, search operation has been intensified in the area for further trace of the routes used by the militants or more such conduits waiting in arms to cross over. Man, 29, jumps from Yerevan bridge Armenia MFA confirms PM Pashinyan's readiness to meet with Azerbaijans Aliyev on December 15 Quake shakes coast of Vanuatu State minister: Nationwide quarantine, specific restrictions planned to be imposed in Karabakh Artsakh President convenes National Security Service consultation Opposition MP: Armenia FM stated that Turkey has proposed new precondition: corridor Armenia military expert: US Embassy warns its citizens to avoid Karahunj-Davit Bek, Kapan-Chakaten road sections Armenia opposition MP: Air carrier operating flights from Syunik Province cannot have any security guarantees Singapore is good example for Armenia, says President Sarkissian Iran seizes foreign ship in Persian Gulf 2 Azerbaijanis injured in anti-tank mine explosion at Karabakh conflict zone US, Turkey presidential advisors discuss situation in South Caucasus Synopsys boss pays tribute to Armenian Genocide victims Russia peacekeepers escort 15 convoys to, from Artsakh in one week Catholicos Karekin II to Patriarch Kirill: We appreciate your warm attitude towards Armenian Church, people China fines Alibaba for violating antitrust law 36 new cases of coronavirus reported in Karabakh UK Premier Johnson considering boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics Artsakh President visits Askeran city, meets with regional capitals youth President to Russia Patriarch: Armenian people highly value your efforts aimed at achieving peace in our region 870 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia 8 injured in tragic accident on Yerevan-Gyumri motorway are discharged from hospital China, Russia, US agree to promote political dialogue on Iran Azerbaijan mother, son commit suicide on same day One pedestrian dies on the spot, other hospitalized after hit by car in Armenia village area US beauty consultant is accused of killing woman by injecting silicone into her butt Brazil Amazon deforestation reaches highest level in 15 years Newspaper: Armenia soldiers are prohibited from filming episodes from their service, posting them on internet Newspaper: Armenia opposition is forming large-scale resistance network 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 A decision by a New Zealand government agency to award a grant to a bitcoin startup has been met with condemnation. The criticism over the decision by Callaghan Innovation to award Vimba a NZ$315,000 grant has largely come from tech executives. Some have questioned the priorities of the innovation agency saying that there were more deserving startups. Speaking to the New Zealand Herald the chief digital officer of cybersecurity firm Kordia, Aaron Olphert, alleged that the grant would not have a significant impact on the domestic economy as the startup only has a minimal presence. Besides, Olphert argued, Vimba was looking to expand abroad meaning it would be contributing taxes and jobs to other countries. Priority Mismatch There were also those in the New Zealand tech community who felt there were more pressing technological challenges and the taxpayer-funded innovation agency should have instead rewarded startups looking to solve those problems. We have real and hard data which shows the direct and tangible benefit that is achieved through communications enhancement, closing the digital divide which is so prevalent and yet they throw cash at these sorts of things like its Monopoly money! said the business development manager of McKay Boats, John Gell. Amidst the attacks, Vimba, which until recently was known as MyCryptoSaver, has come out fighting. In a statement, Vimba said it deserved the grant as it met the criteria that Callaghan Innovation had set. Vimba now attributes the controversy generated to the impression created in the media that the government of New Zealand was investing in the firm as a venture capitalist when it was actually a rebate. NZ$126,156 not NZ$315,000 The cryptocurrency trading platform has also pointed that it will only get 40% of their projects estimated cost: As we met the above criteria, Callaghan approved our project grant indicating they will supply 40% of the total estimated cost of our project which was $315,000, this amounts to $126,156 NZD, said Vimba in a press release. It is important to note that this money is not just given to us, it is essentially a rebate, we have to spend our own money on the above R&D to receive any money back from Callaghan. Story continues As recently reported by CCN the crypto trading platform intends to use the grant to improve its software to enable it scale from serving thousands to hundreds of thousands. New Zealand Government Issues $330,000 Grant to Local Bitcoin Startup https://t.co/cwtfxKYfed CCN (@CryptoCoinsNews) November 1, 2018 This is in anticipation of explosive growth in the cryptocurrency space. In the words of the firms CEO, Sam Blackmore, Bitcoin will at least reach the market cap of gold as it is more efficient, more accessible, more secure version of that rare asset. To get to that point, the price of bitcoin would have to rise to US$600,000. Featured image from Shutterstock. The post New Zealand Governments $315,000 Grant to Bitcoin Startup Sees Criticism appeared first on CCN. Hulk Hogan is inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during ceremonies at Universal Amphitheatre. (Photo by Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images) The WWE (WWE) is doubling down on Saudi Arabia: Not only are they going ahead with its November 2nd Crown Jewel pay-per-view event in Riyadh, but the wrestling empire is also bringing back disgraced WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan to host the event. The WWE has received pushback from fans and others over its refusal to cancel the event in the wake of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Arabian embassy in Turkey. Some of this pushback has even come from within the WWEs locker room: Superstars John Cena and Daniel Bryan refused to participate at Crown Jewel, despite both having a prominent role in the event. John Cena (C) celebrates defeating Triple H (R) during the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Greatest Royal Rumble event in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah on April 27, 2018. (Photo: STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images) Hogan is not without his own controversy. Friday will be the first time that the Hulkster will be a part of the company since his exile in 2015 for making racially insensitive remarks on tape which were posted on now-defunct celebrity website Gawker. WWE in Saudi Arabia is about business The WWE recently signed a 10-year business contract with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since signing the deal in March, the American organization has been criticized for omitting female wrestlers from all its Saudi Arabian events, in accordance with the countrys strict laws, in addition to following through with the Crown Jewel event after Khashoggis death. At the same time, WWE stock is up more than 130% this year. (Photo: Yahoo Finance) Many companies and high profile CEOs and business leaders have such as Bill and Melinda Gates, and Virgin founder Richard Branson suspended business ties with the country until further notice. The Trump Administration recently took heat for allowing U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to meet with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in early October. Trump and the WWE also have some history. Trump participated in Wrestlemania 23 in 2007 (and other publicity stunts). And his current Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Linda McMahon, is the former CEO of WWE and the wife of WWEs current chairman Vince McMahon. Story continues GREEN BAY, WI JUNE 22: Vince McMahon (L) and Donald Trump attend a press conference about the WWE at the Austin Straubel International Airport on June 22, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo: Mark A. Wallenfang/Getty Images) Hogan will undoubtedly be tasked to use his astounding charisma to make sure that the evenings focus is on the events in the ring and not the geopolitical events happening outside of it. READ MORE: WWE gets slammed for its upcoming Saudi Arabia event Auckland-based cryptocurrency savings and trading platform Vimba has gotten a $330,000 grant from a government entity Callaghan Innovation. Lauding the largesse of the grantor, Vimba CEO Sam Blackmore commended Callaghan Innovation for its belief in the startup. This is a truly significant investment from Callaghan Innovation and a real show of faith in the future of this very exciting asset class, he remarked in a press release. Founded in 2014 by a duo of kiwi bitcoin enthusiasts and formerly known as MyCryptoSaver, the rebranding reflected the broad range of services offered by the Auckland-based platform. The platform currently enables users to use the New Zealand dollars in purchasing bitcoin or Ethereum. While giving an insight into plans of expanding the range of services being offered, Blackmore noted that the company was considering the prospects of expanding the range of cryptocurrencies. There was a sense of disillusionment among many traders following Bitcoins significant depreciation from almost US$20,000 in mid-December to an amount below US$5,000. There was an air of uncertainty about the prospects of the most popular digital asset, and this ultimately led to pessimism about other digital assets as well. Amidst the gloom that doused the enthusiasm of many investors, Blackmore urged people not to feel discouraged by the recent volatility but rather endeavor to latch onto the digital assets positive trend at the long-term. We believe Bitcoin will at least reach the market cap of gold as it is more efficient, more accessible, more secure version of that rare asset. For it to reach the market cap of gold, one Bitcoin would be worth around $600,000 more than 60 times what its worth today, Blackmore enthused. In his view, its never too late to start investing in cryptocurrencies as its long-term prospects provide leverage for anyone to join the crypto ship while it is still sailing. Vimba Chief Operating Officer Matt Gibson disclosed plans to use the grant obtained from Callaghan to promote technological innovation that will make it possible to transfer little amounts of bitcoins to hundreds of thousands of customers in one fell swoop. This according to him will give the company a mark of distinction from its competitors. Story continues The company also contemplates on penetrating the UK market where Blackmore has been able to obtain a temporary residence. He intends to launch into the market within the next couple of weeks. Featured image from Shutterstock. The post New Zealand Government Issues $330,000 Grant to Local Bitcoin Startup appeared first on CCN. I had my mouth covered with my hands the entire time (edit-lmao I was thinking of a different scene...) [ Spoiler (click to open) ] What was the significance of the teacher staring at the girl who was good at doing jumps and then right after she foamed at the mouth when leaving the studio? I thought that girl was going to die tbh but she seemed to live. I'm guessing the point was the teacher took some of the jumping girls talent and gave it to Susie, but I also felt like I missed something Edited at 2018-11-03 05:40 pm (UTC) That scene was amazing, the total stand out of the film for meI had my mouth covered with my hands the entire time (edit-lmao I was thinking of a different scene...) Reply Thread Link i figured it was just that, susie getting her talent Reply Parent Thread Link no i think you're exactly right. it was just the like the sudden spell that made her ill Reply Parent Thread Link I just watched it tonight...i was shook but had no idea what was going on Reply Parent Thread Link Dakota is a lot of things, but incredible she is not. Reply Thread Link I-- this is the scene we're choosing to analyze?! I mean, it's a good one, but there are a few others in this movie that are, uh, more memorable. I guess those are spoilery/need to be seen on a big screen without conversation interrupting, but still. I'm still very torn on this movie. On the one hand I think the narrative was a confusing mess a lot of the time and it tried to do WAY too much with the added backstories and political context, but also I respect that it was more grounded and weirdly 'believable' (in a sense) than the original. And during that entire climactic sequence I was noped out so hard that I actually kind of hurt my neck by, like, smashing myself as far back into the seat as I could. So that's kind of a compliment. I think I respect it, but I'm not sure I like it. But also I'm gonna be mad when it gets a low ~Cinemascore because dumb people went in expecting a regular-degular slasher flick and aren't interested in weird new arty shit. So idk. Reply Thread Link I agree with pretty much everything you said. I liked it but I was also sort of underwhelmed by it. I think I was expecting much more from the horror elements based on the descriptions Id read before seeing it - I didnt find them that affective. I did appreciate the actual historical/political elements that were included in the film but, at the same time, I think they were kind of muddled. Reply Parent Thread Link Basically all of this. Reply Parent Thread Link some parts of this film i loved but some were weird and susie would have been way less annoying if she was played by someone else Reply Thread Link As a whole, I liked it, bordering on loving it - there were def individual scenes that I absolutely loved. The Olga scene was in-fucking-tense, the main dance sequence was incredible, the music was great, and the cinematography was fantastic (though I've seen people who like the movie say they hated the cinematography and I'm genuinely interested in why). I said last night in the FFAF that Tilda as the old man was kinda distracting, like it literally looked like someone with a ton of prosthetics and I wished they had just hired an old dude. Mia Goth randomly became a good actress? I haven't a clue where this Mia has been, cause when I've seen her previously she's just kinda there and provides nothing, but in this she was good. Dakota is the epitome of boring hot, she seems so meh but I find her hot, which is probably why I didn't mind her in this. I actually liked Chloe in the Miseducation of Cameron Post (though she didn't have much to do in it) but in this she's back to being noticeably bad [ Spoiler (click to open) ] thank god she's barely in it My audience HATED this. There were so many walkouts, so much laughter, and so much huffing and puffing. My screening of Hereditary (which is still one of my favorites this year) also had laughter, but no walkouts, so this is for sure gonna get dragged to the pits of hell by audiences.As a whole, I liked it, bordering on loving it - there were def individual scenes that I absolutely loved. The Olga scene was in-fucking-tense, the main dance sequence was incredible, the music was great, and the cinematography was fantastic (though I've seen people who like the movie say they hated the cinematography and I'm genuinely interested in why). I said last night in the FFAF that Tilda as the old man was kinda distracting, like it literally looked like someone with a ton of prosthetics and I wished they had just hired an old dude. Mia Goth randomly became a good actress? I haven't a clue where this Mia has been, cause when I've seen her previously she's just kinda there and provides nothing, but in this she was good. Dakota is the epitome of boring hot, she seems so meh but I find her hot, which is probably why I didn't mind her in this. I actually liked Chloe in the Miseducation of Cameron Post (though she didn't have much to do in it) but in this she's back to being noticeably bad Reply Thread Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] climactic ritual scene where she was lying on the ground. She looked v rubbery and odd The only time I thought today as Josef crossed over into the uncanny valley was during the. And ita, I thought Chloe was pretty good in Cameron Post but I did not buy her at all in this. Reply Parent Thread Link i've never seen Mia in anything before, but I really liked her in this. Reply Parent Thread Link Dakota in this movie is body #goals tbh Reply Parent Thread Link MTE about Mia suddenly becoming good, lol -- I've honestly been kinda wondering how she got famous-ish, but I genuinely liked her in this. Reply Parent Thread Link yeah it's probably going to get mother'd in terms of reaction but i enjoyed it as well Reply Parent Thread Link i saw it at an arthouse theater which i think is a much more accepting place for this sort of film. you go expecting it to be weird anyway Reply Parent Thread Link I live in nyc so like..yah ::flips hair:: Reply Parent Thread Link I don't think the old man plot should've been included at all. It's all witches, dancing, witches, old man talking about his dead wife. So many weird ass decisions in this film. Personally, I didn't care for the cinematography because it was SO muted and dark there were times I felt like I couldn't even see faces. And I'm not talking about night scenes. I'm talking total daylight scenes that just felt like they had a grimy filter over everything. I actually had the thought that hiding Tilda's make-up may have been part of the reasoning for why they lit everything so dull. Which is another reason they should've rethought it. Reply Parent Thread Link So glad there's a post to discuss this movie! I saw it last night and I wasn't sure how I felt about it walking out of the theater but I can't stop thinking about it which is usually a good sign. Loved the cinematography & production design & costume design, loved the dance sequences, loved loved loved Tilda (she deserves a Best Supporting Actress nom that she probs won't get lol), even surprisingly loved Dakota Johnson? Usually I find her blank but here it reads as "inscrutable" in a way that really works for the movie, and if that's her doing her own dancing then she gave it her all. BUT the movie also reallyyy treads the line between "mysterious" and "incomprehensible" a little more closely than optimal. And I definitely felt the runtime at points - mostly during the old doctor plot line. BUT ALSO the more I read up on the historical context the more I think this movie is trying to do some really interesting things thematically. I want to see it again at some point, but I also will probably only recommend it to very few people lol. Clearly I got a lot of feelings tho haha Reply Thread Link I thought I hated it, but like you said I can't stop thinking about it Reply Parent Thread Link I looooooooved this movie yall. Like I saw it last night and I cant stop thinking about the climactic scene. I was so scared but I thought it was so beautiful Luca truly Did That Reply Thread Link I will be glad when we can come together as a nation, a world, and heal by admitting a plank of wood is more full of life than Dakota Johnsons acting. Reply Thread Link Yeah that was the only time I thought the music didn't fit at all! Reply Parent Thread Link I didn't really understand the extensive slo-mo in that scene, but it didn't bother me either. Reply Parent Thread Link I wish I had stayed for the credits, I didn't know there would be a song and a scene, apparently. Also, obviously this article will spoil the movie lol, but, for those who watched it: Let's talk about that crazy ending to Luca Guadagnino's remake of #Suspiria. https://t.co/c4CNMq1xgr Collider (@Collider) November 2, 2018 i loved the movie, i'm so glad he was the one to do the remake. so good.I wish I had stayed for the credits, I didn't know there would be a song and a scene, apparently.Also, obviously this article will spoil the movie lol, but, for those who watched it: Reply Thread Link [ Spoiler (click to open) ] for example, I thought the Mother was that black death creature and she was just speaking through Susie, but now I see it that Susie was the Mother and that she summoned death to do her bidding a couple other things like that I read that yesterday and it was helpful, it cleared up a couple of things that I was wrong about or confused about Reply Parent Thread Link i fucking LOVED this movie, some people clapped at the end of my showing but not everyone, probs cause it was like midnight lmao i never seen the main actress in anything before but i enjoyed her face in this, it just fit with it all i also never really understood was body horror was but now i think that i just favour the body horror that was depicted in this film cause it truly fucked meeee uppp oh man i really loved it, i think the only critique i have is the song they played during the sabbath scene, it felt wayyyy too modern for my liking and was ruining the whole aesthetic for me lolol but i ended up tuning it out Reply Thread Link Mother markos' look was so gross..i loved it. Esp her random extra hand Reply Parent Thread Link wait what? she had an extra hand?!? lmao i didn't even notice :O Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I saw one Dakota Johnson film and that was enough. Reply Thread Link I love Dakota Johnson and hope she gets some acclaim for this! Reply Thread Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link omg I want her hair color Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The decision facing President Donald Trump is not an easy one, a problem not of his own choosing and one that the politically charged president would rather not have to deal with. To sanction or not sanction Saudi Arabia over the alleged killing last month of prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi (that often criticized in his Washington Post columns the royal family and Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman) will dictate U.S.-Saudi relations more than any other development since the 1973 Arab oil embargo that sought to punish Washington and its western allies over its support of Israel in the Yom-Kippur War. The fallout and disapproval has taken on a life of its own in both diplomatic circles and among global media outlets after news initially broke that Jamal Khashoggi had been killed in the Saudi consultant in Istanbul in early October. Not that politically charged killings are anything new, unfortunately, but the problem in this instance was the inconsistencies in the Saudi narrative from the onset. Changing narrative Saudi officials initially rejected assertions that Khashoggi had even been killed. On October 15, Trump said Saudi Arabia's King Salman denied any involvement, and the president suggested that "rogue killers" could be responsible for the killing. The next day, Trump said criticism of Saudi Arabia was another case of "guilty until proven innocent." And the following day, he said he'd contacted Turkish officials and requested audio and video related to the case, "if it exists." However, amid all of the uncertainty and political posturing, Turkey pushed its investigation. The Associated Press on October 16 quoted a high-level Turkish official as saying police who entered the consulate found "certain evidence" that Khashoggi was killed there. The same day, The Wall Street Journal reported that Turkish officials had shared with the U.S. and Saudis details of an audio recording said to prove that Khashoggi was beaten, drugged, and then killed minutes after entering the consulate. On the 16th, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to Saudi Arabia to discuss the case with the Saudis, who (according to Pompeo) pledged to conduct "a thorough, transparent, and timely investigation." By the 18th, and under even more pressure both at home and abroad, Trump said that he believed that Khashoggi was dead. "It certainly looks that way to me," he told reporters, and added that there would be "very severe" consequences if investigations into Khashoggi's disappearance conclude the Saudis are responsible. Related: Worlds Cheapest Natural Gas Market Could Be Facing A Shortage On October 19, after more than two weeks of denials, Riyadh released a statement acknowledging Khashoggi's death, stating that had he died in a fistfight in the consulate, adding that 18 people in connection with the killing had been arrested. Two days later, on FOX news, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said that Khashoggi was killed as a result of a "rogue operation," adding that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had no prior knowledge of the incident. He also described the killing as a murder. Trump, for his part, amid the best bilateral relations between Washington and Riyadh in decades, still stood by his Saudi allies, all the while pledging to safe guard the countless number of American jobs that would be lost if the U.S. canceled arms sales with the Saudis. Trump also said that he wasnt satisfied with the Saudi account over Khashoggis death. One of worst cover-ups in history However, the next day, Trump described the killings as one of the worst cover-ups in history and said he'd leave any ramifications against the Saudis up to Congress. Pompeo said the U.S. would take appropriate actions against people it could identify that took part in Khashoggis murder, including revoking visas and economic reprisals. However, the narrative kept changing as more dismal reports came from Turkish investigators came out, including a report that Khashoggi had been strangled shortly after entering the consulate and that his body had been dismembered. Diplomatic row continues Turkey is now demanding that the Saudis disclose the location of Khashoggis body after the Saudis admitted that the journalist had been murdered. This case cannot be covered up, and we are expecting close cooperation from Saudi authorities on the investigation we are conducting transparently and meticulously, Turkeys Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul told reporters on Thursday. There have numerous other developments over Khashoggis murder, including (not surprisingly) squabbling among EU members, some who want to stop arms sales to the Saudis while others push for their continuance, as well as Canada's statement that their arms sales to the kingdom would continue. Noted diplomatic and corporate leaders also pulled out of the much-heralded Future Investment Initiative (FII), which began in the Saudi capital on October 23. However, the impact over the incident that will have the greatest impact both geopolitically and in global oil markets, is how the U.S. will ultimately respond. Trump, for his part, now has little choice but play along with Congressional critics that are calling for a tougher line as well as possible economic reprisals. The Saudis, who have learned the fine art of public relations and media management since their ill orchestrated and poorly managed oil embargo against the West some four plus decades ago, have maintained that politics and economics will remain separate, in essence that even if sanctions are taken against them over the killings of Khashoggi it would not impact their oil production. Related: Energy Earnings Pull Trinidad And Tobago From Recession Yet, if economic sanctions hit and hit hard and if they are protracted, the official Saudi line will likely change and see Riyadh and their closest Arab allies push back. And, the greatest weapon they still have is the so-called oil weapon. Though global oil markets are now shifting once again from concern about a supply crunch as new U.S. sanctions hit Iran's energy sector in a few days, worries are now growing that amid soft demand from global economic woes will continue to exert downward pressure on prices and an ensuing oil supply overhang could develop. However just the prospect of the Saudis withholding oil production as a backlash for possible sanctions would be enough to roil global oil markets who act and over react on geopolitical developments, particularly coming from Riyadh. Moreover, if Saudi Arabia did indeed withhold barrels from global oil markets in retaliation against sanctions from the U.S. and its allies, global oil markets would be impacted even more, playing into the hands of Tehran, who all along has maintained that the world could not do without Iranian oil production at full throttle. The decision facing President Trump as more developments come forth over Khashoggis killing has no easy answer for neither him, the U.S., the Saudis or global oil markets. By Tim Daiss for Oilprice.com More Top Reads FromOilprice.com: Mexico is already one of the biggest clients of U.S. natural gas producers, and it will likely gain further prominence in the export destination mix in the future as government agencies discuss a change in project financing rules that could see an LNG export terminal on the West Coast finally get built. In a recent story, S&P Global Platts cited Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Dan Brouilette as saying the department was in discussions with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation on the options for financing the West Coast LNG project, among other energy export projects, after the enactment of the BUILD Act. The new law allows the OPIC to fund projects not just with debt but also with equity, which should open up more funding opportunities. The West Coast LNG project that could benefit from the legislative change is in fact an expansion project of a Sempra Energy regasification and storage terminal in Western Mexico. The plan is to add LNG export capacity to the tune of 11-12 million tons annually, but there is also a more moderate capacity version being discussed, for 2.5 million tons in LNG annually. The project, Costa Azul LNG, is led by Sempra Energys Mexican subsidiary IEnova, in which the U.S. company holds 66.43 percent. The final investment decision should be taken in the second half of 2019, IEnovas chairman, Carlos Ruiz Sacristan, said during the companys third-quarter financial results conference call. The project would likely need the help of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation if IEnova and its parent decide on the larger-scale version. In that case, they will need another project partner and additionally financing, the chairman said. S&P Global Platts quoted DOEs Brouilette as saying, "We're going to be putting together a list of potential projects that we would like to see OPIC consider. The notion of allowing this new organization to take an equity position as well as a debt position I think fundamentally changes the types of projects that we might be able to encourage. With liquefied natural gas becoming an increasingly important part of the U.S. international expansion as an exporter, chances are LNG projects will make the list, and Sempra Energys will be among them. Related: Goldman Sachs: Brent To Hit $80 Before Year-End Mexico currently receives 20 percent of U.S. LNG exports, all of them currently coming from Cheniere Energys Sabine Pass LNG facility. At the same time, LNG accounts for just 10 percent of the countrys natural gas intake, with the rest coming via pipelines from the United States. Yet the partners behind the Costa Azul expansion project are not just looking at the growing Mexican gas market. They are looking to Asia, which is the top demand growth area in LNG. If the negotiations between the DOE and the OPIC end favorably, this project could become one more way for American LNG to reach Asian customers. There are many more LNG export projects being considered in the United States, but they are unlikely to experience smooth sailing. Two of these are on the West Coast: the Oregon LNG project was suspended due to a dispute regarding land ownership, and the Jordan Cove LNG project was rejected by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Pembina, the company behind the project, is now working on a revised application. It seems like Sempra Energys Mexican project has the best chances for now. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The fate of a Pakistani Christian woman accused of blasphemy was in limbo Saturday after the government allowed Islamist hardliners to appeal against her acquittal and put her on a no fly list. Asia Bibi's lawyer who saved her from the gallows left the country early Saturday after threats to his life. Bibi, who had been on death row since 2010, was acquitted of all charges by Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday, triggering protests by Islamist hardliners who paralysed the country for three days blocking roads and disrupting traffic in major cities. The protesters, however, ended their action Friday night after the government reached a controversial deal to put Bibi on the no-fly list and saying it would not object to an appeal against the verdict, which was filed earlier in the Supreme Court. "We have requested the Supreme Court to put Asia Bibi on the Exit Control List as soon as possible so that she could not fly out of the country," Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry, the lawyer of Qari Salam who filed the case against Bibi, told AFP. "We fear that she would be flown out of the country so we have requested the court for an early hearing of the case," he said, adding that he would "exploit all legal remedies to make sure Asia Bibi is hanged according to the law". Bibi's lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook and Pakistani media criticised the government for caving in to the Islamist hardliners after Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier appeared to stand up to them following the court verdict. Mulook said the Islamist outcry was "unfortunate but not unexpected". "What's painful is the response of the government. They cannot even implement an order of the country's highest court," he said, adding that "the struggle for justice must continue". - 'Another surrender' - Dawn, the country's oldest newspaper, blasted the deal as "another surrender" in an editorial on Saturday. "Yet another government has capitulated to violent religious extremists who neither believe in democracy, nor the constitution," it read. According to the agreement, which came after a failed first round of talks, legal proceedings will follow to impose a travel ban on Bibi and stop her leaving the country. "Her life would be more or less the same, either inside a prison or in solitary confinement for security fears" until a decision on the appeal, said Mulook. Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih called on authorities to protect her, saying he worried she may be attacked. "The situation is dangerous for Asia. I feel that her life is not secure," he told German Deutsche Welle radio. "So I appeal to government to enhance Asia's security in jail". Blasphemy is a massively inflammatory charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations of insulting Islam and its Prophet Mohammed can provoke death at the hands of vigilantes. Mulook himself left Pakistan early Saturday, citing threats to his life from Islamist hardliners and other lawyers. "In the current scenario, it's not possible for me to live in Pakistan," the 62-year-old lawyer told AFP before boarding a plane to Europe. "I need to stay alive as I still have to fight the legal battle for Asia Bibi," he said. Life in the major cities of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad returned to normalcy as shops opened and traffic resumed after the protesters dispersed Friday night. The Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan party (TLP), which has largely led the demonstrations, announced an end to the mass protests after reaching a deal with the government. A five-point agreement seen by AFP, signed by both parties, said the government would not object to an appeal of the verdict, filed earlier in the Supreme Court. The TLP, founded in 2015, blockaded the capital Islamabad for several weeks last year calling for stricter enforcement of Pakistan's blasphemy laws. That protest forced the resignation of the federal law minister and paved the way for the group to win more than two million votes in the July 25 general election, in what analysts called a "surprisingly" rapid rise. The Dominican Republic opened its new embassy in China Saturday, months after switching its allegiance to the Asian giant from the self-ruled island of Taiwan. Dominican President Danilo Medina and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion in central Beijing. Speaking at the ceremony, Wang praised the Dominican Republic's decision to sever ties with Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province, saying China and the Caribbean island nation were "writing new history." "This is due to the wise decision of establishing diplomatic relations between China and the Dominican Republic." Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas said that by opening the new embassy, the two countries were "opening a very relevant chapter in the international relations of the Dominican Republic." The ceremony followed meetings between Medina and Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday, where the leaders celebrated their new ties and oversaw the signing of 18 agreements to cooperate in a variety of areas from finance to civil aviation. The Dominican Republic abandoned Taiwan in May, as part of a campaign by Beijing to split the self-governed democratic island from its few remaining diplomatic allies. The country was joined in its decision by Panama and El Salvador, defections that have irked the United States, which maintains strong support for Taipei despite its own recognition of Beijing. Beijing has tried to paint the moves as economic and not motivated by any desire to undermine Taiwan. Only 17 countries remain in Taiwan's diplomatic circle as the island struggles to fend off Beijing's growing influence around the globe. China and Taiwan have been governed separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949, but Beijing sees the island as part of its territory to be brought back into the fold. Taiwan and China have been engaged for years in a diplomatic tug-of-war in developing countries, with economic support and other aid often used as bargaining chips for diplomatic recognition. Central America has been a key bastion for Taiwan, with Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua still recognising Taipei rather than Beijing, which has used its economic muscle and promises of investment to entice governments. The United States recognises Beijing but is congressionally bound to ensure Taiwan's defence, with President Donald Trump's administration especially vocal on defending Taipei diplomatically. COMPARING President Rodrigo Duterte to Brazil's President-elect Jair Messias Bolsonaro was "understandable," given that both "are populist leaders who came to power because of their COMPARING President Rodrigo Duterte to Brazil's President-elect Jair Messias Bolsonaro was "understandable," given that both "are populist leaders who came to power because of their respective peoples desire for formidable and decisive leadership," Malacanang said on Friday, November 2. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the statement, taking note of foreign commentators who have been drawing similarities between Duterte and Brazil. Panelo, however, stressed that Duterte already has a track record as chief executive since 2016, while Bolsonaro has yet to assume post. Panelo also noted that the comparison was no different from Duterte being likened to US President Donald Trump and other "strong and tough heads of state who implement gallant measures against lawlessness." "The comparison, however, ends there since Bolsonaro has yet to assume the presidency and will only do so come January 1, 2019. Everything is merely speculative at this point," Panelo said. Bolsonaro is a former officer from the far-right Social Liberal Party who has been accused of misogyny and of being homophobe. Bolsonaro won the second round of the South American country's presidential election, winning 55.1 percent or around 58 million of the total votes. Bolsonaros support for torture and threats to jail political dissidents have prompted political analysts to brand him as Brazil's first authoritarian leader. Duterte, on the other hand, has been criticized for his harsh and insensitive remarks against women, church leaders, and human rights advocates. Panelo said Duterte's first two-and-a-half years in office has demonstrated that the chief executive has his own unique but effective style of managing the affairs of the bureaucracy and the country similar to none. Panelo added that Duterte's tapang at malasakit (courage and compassion)" brand of leadership has the overwhelming support of majority of Filipinos. Story continues "Duterte's record as the Philippines chief executive speaks for itself. The President has done many firsts in his administration," Panelo said. Panelo then bragged that Duterte has signed several measures that are beneficial to the people. These are increased Social Security System (SSS) pensions for senior citizens, improved government employees salaries, doubled the take home pay of state forces, and distributed Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to thousands of agrarian reform beneficiaries. Panelo also said that Duterte has similarly intensified revenue collections of the government to new record-highs, and made the Philippines one of the strongest economies and growth leaders in the region. Panelo also noted that Duterte has reduced criminality rate, waged a war on illegal drugs, fired corrupt government officials, thwarted the spread of terrorism in the country, and promoted and protected the countrys environment. "Indeed, we have accomplished much under the leadership of the current administration and public confidence remains high as seen in the satisfaction, approval, performance, and trust ratings of the Chief Executive," the Palace official said. "We, however, expect to do more in the remainder of the Presidents term to continue fulfilling his vow of, as well as satisfying the clamor of the Filipinos for, genuine and meaningful change," he added. (SunStar Philippines) Opinion Destination UAE It is heartening to see the UAE getting lots of praise from every corner of the world. The UAE, which is all set complete 50 years on Dec.2, has worked very hard to be where it is today. It is a very young nation. The leadership of the UAE has been working very hard for the country and its people. FM of New Zealand all praise for UAE, Nov.18, Gulf Today) The husband of a Pakistani Christian woman at the centre of a divisive blasphemy case on Saturday criticised a government deal with Islamists that left her in legal limbo, and called on authorities to protect her. Asia Bibi, on death row since 2010 on blasphemy charges, was acquitted by the Supreme Court Wednesday and ordered set free, triggering protests by ultra-conservative Islamists who paralysed Pakistan for three days. The government reached a deal Friday to end the protests by agreeing to a travel ban preventing Bibi from leaving the country, and saying it would not object to hardline movements appealing the verdict. An appeal has been filed with the court. "It is wrong to set a precedent in which you pile pressure onto the judiciary," Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih told German Deutsche Welle radio. He said the government should never have yielded to pressure from protesters. Blasphemy is a hugely inflammatory charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations of insulting Islam and its Prophet Mohammed can spark attacks and killings at the hands of vigilante mobs. Masih said the court had been "very courageous" to acquit his wife, an illiterate mother in her 50s whose case started in 2009 while she was working in the fields. Citing religious reasons, two Muslim women at the time refused to share a glass of water with her and a fight erupted. Several days later, the pair reported the incident to a local imam, who said Bibi insulted the prophet, a charge she denies. "The current situation is very dangerous for us. We have no security and are hiding here and there, frequently changing our location," Masih said. Bibi's lawyer fled Pakistan on Saturday, fearing for his life. Masih demanded the government reinforce Bibi's protection in prison, worrying that she may be attacked. He cited the case of two Christian men who were shot dead after a court acquitted them in another blasphemy case. "The situation is dangerous for Asia. I feel that her life is not secure," he said. "So I appeal to government to enhance Asia's security in jail". A disputed atoll in the South China Sea could become a focal point for the rising military tensions between China and the United States in the region, observers have said. Mischief Reef, in the Spratly Islands, is claimed by Beijing, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, although in recent years, Beijing has reinforced its grip on the territory by building a large man-made island, complete with an airfield and landing strip, around it. Located to the west of the Philippine island of Palawan, the reef lies within the Southeast Asian nations exclusive economic zone, but is geographically important to Beijing as it provides a vantage point from which to monitor US military activity in and around the Philippine archipelago. Its likely that the US will increase the frequency of its patrols [by both ships and aircraft] near Mischief Reef under the code of conduct for the South China Sea, which upholds freedom of navigation rights, a source close to the Chinese military said. Beijing is aware of the controversy surrounding Mischief Reef, but as it claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, its military response to US naval activity there will be much stronger in the future. The Peoples Liberation Army was also keeping a close watch for any signs of US military activity at the Antonio Bautista Air Base on Palawan, which is close to the disputed reef, he said. While the US has been keen to build up its military ties with the Philippines the two nations signed the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement in 2014 under former leaders Barack Obama and Benigno Aquino moves by incumbent President Duterte Rodrigo to boost ties with Beijing have raised questions about the strength of their alliance. Tensions between China and the US in the region have been rising in recent months. In September, a Chinese destroyer almost collided with a US warship near the Beijing-controlled Gaven Reef after performing what the Pentagon described as an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre. Story continues The US said later it would remain engaged in the Pacific, and would next year conduct a maritime exercise with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In March, a US navy guided missile destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef, triggering condemnation from Beijing. The incident came just two months after two Xian Y-7 military transport planes from the PLA Air Force were seen on the atoll. Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said the location of the disputed reef was highly significant to Beijing. From there, PLA bombers and strike aircraft armed with long-range missiles or precision guided munitions would pose a threat not only to Philippine military bases, but also the US military in the region, especially around Palawan, he said. Mischief Reef is also close to Thitu Island, where the Philippines has an airstrip, Second Thomas Shoal, which is home to a small Philippine garrison, and Reed Bank, which has not been militarised but is home to huge gas and oil reserves. Mischief Reef could serve as a staging area to prevent Philippine military movements from Palawan reaching Thitu Island or Second Thomas Shoal, and also be used to launch offensive operations against Philippine outposts, Koh said. On the other hand, the Chinese facilities on Mischief Reef could easily be neutralised [by enemy forces] because they are close to the Philippines and far from the PLAs military hubs in the Paracel Islands and Hainan province. Despite the military tensions surrounding Mischief Reef, lawyers from around the world have yet to agree on a precise definition for the land mass. The legal status of Mischief Reef falls into a grey area, said Ding Duo, a specialist in maritime law at the National Institute of South China Sea Studies in Beijing. Scholars around the world cant decide if it should be defined as a low-tide elevation or an island. This article South China Sea rivalries may be played out at disputed Mischief Reef, observers say first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. 11 hours ago Vietnamese workers at Chinese factory in Serbia cry for help ZRENJANIN, Serbia (AP) They are shivering in barracks without heat, going hungry and have no money. They say their passports have been taken by their Chinese employer and that they are now stuck in a grim plainland in Serbia with no help from local authorities. Read Article Opinion Malcolm X assassination: Convicts exonerated It is miscarriage of justice at one level, and a gross injustice at that. And it is justice in a contorted sense. Two of the three persons Muhammad Aziz, 83, and Khalil Islam who died in 2009 and the two were on parole since 1980 Peter Tchir started his career at Bankers Trust and later at Deutsche Bank, running high-yield derivatives. He has traded all manner of fixed-income products, both on the sell side as a market maker and as a portfolio manager at a fixed-income hedge fund. During the financial crisis he ran the U.S. CDS-index business (made famous by The Big Short) for RBS. Peter received B.S. in mathematics and computer sciences from the University of Waterloo and an MBA with distinction from Vanderbilt University, where he also won the Matt Wiggington Leadership Award for outstanding performance in finance. Education Reporter Mathew Burciaga is a Santa Maria Times reporter who covers education, agriculture and public safety. Prior to joining the Times, Mathew ran a 114-year-old community newspaper in Wyoming. He owns more than 40 pairs of crazy socks from across the globe. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. SCOTUS grants cert on another supervised release issue (and a Batson issue in a capital case) | Main | Buckeyes take the field to make forceful case for criminal justice reform through support for Issue 1 The title of this post is the title of this interesting investigation by Rory Fleming published at Filter, which is a relatively new resource seeking "to advocate through journalism for rational and compassionate approaches to drug use, drug policy and human rights." I recommend the piece in full, as well as these associated "Interactive Graphics," and here is how it gets started: Public opinion is souring on the criminalization of drug use. But what prevents this from translating into practice? While politicians makes laws and police officers can arrest whoever they find in possession of drugs, its prosecutors who turn arrests into criminal charges. Prosecutors have the final say in who to charge with a crime, which charge to use, and what punishment will be sought. In short, theyre in a position to inflict great harm. Amy Weirich, district attorney for Shelby County, Tennessee (which includes Memphis), charged women with child abuse for being dependent on drugs while pregnant. She justified this by stating that she uses the velvet hammer of drug court to force them into treatment. In Tucson, Arizona, Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall sent the ACLU a cease-and-desist letter to try to stop the organization from talking about her support of mandatory minimum prison sentences for drugs. Commonwealths Attorney Raymond Morrogh of Fairfax, Virginia went to Washington, DC to accuse former US Attorney General Eric Holder of trying to reward drug prisoners with lighter sentences because America cant balance its budget. There are over 2,000 elected local head prosecutors, most commonly known as district attorneys, in the United States. And overall, these powerful individuals do not care what people think about the War on Drugs. They are going to fight it anyway, and hope that the voting public doesnt notice. That is the conclusion of an exclusive investigation from Filter, which surveyed the top prosecutors of the nations 50 most populous counties. (We included incumbents, outgoing incumbents, incoming DAs and challengers, making 61 individuals in total.) ... After collecting public statements and reviewing cases, we emailed each prosecutor a short questionnaire about their positions on four key issues: marijuana legalization, drug-induced homicide prosecutions, mandatory minimum sentences for drugs, and the criminalization of relapse. Around half of their offices never responded, even after a round of reminders. We telephoned 10 offices, which listed no email address for a media representative on their government websites. One of them that of Wake County, NC District Attorney Lorrin Freemanhung up immediately on hearing the word reporter. Many of the prosecutors surveyed have stated publicly that we must treat drug use as a public health issue, rather than a criminal justice one. But our findings show that the vast majority nonetheless support or implement practices that drive criminalization, inequality and large-scale human suffering. When looking for a dream job, getting a high salary figure remains as one of the top priorities for people these days. With the rise in the cost of living, people all over the world want to make enough money so that they can live a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle. And, the same trend follows in Singapore as well. Even here, everyone is constantly in search of opportunities that pay them a handsome salary each month so that they can catch up with the ever-growing cost of living. Nevertheless, the country offers some great opportunities to qualified foreigners seeking to start a career in their relevant field. If you are also a foreigner planning to relocate to Singapore in 2018, here, we have a wealth of information for you about the highest paying jobs in Singapore that you may want to pursue. Best Careers in Singapore 2018 Singapore is, literally, the hub of finance in South East Asia. It is where most of the best paying jobs reside, as the work industry continues to grow and progress. Since there is a huge influx of multinationals on the island, the cost of living has risen exponentially. That being the reason, employers are willing to pay high salaries and keep the best employees working for them. Still, there are some jobs that pay higher than the others and heres a list of these highest paying jobs in Singapore 2018. 1. Quality Control Heads Quality control in manufacturing and engineering is one department that will always be needed by companies. They are the people who ensure that products are top class and never get rejected, keeping a firms credibility intact. So long as you have the right skillset along with decent exposure and experience, you will be able to earn $315,000 annually by securing this job in any reputed organization. 2. Engineering Director People who have graduated as engineers and have experience in the field as managers are well-respected and in demand in Singapore. They earn well because of their experience and the technical matters they are proficient in. Those who have more than 15 years of experience can earn more than $275,000 a year. People who have less experience are not far behind and can make around $200,000 a year so long as they have the right knowledge and expertise. Story continues 3. Financial Officer/Advisor Some of the best and most highly paid people in Singapore are those working in the finance department. These can be financial officers, finance directors, finance controllers or even financial advisors. With ample work experience, finance professionals can easily earn anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 a month. Keep in mind, however, that having relevant experience is like gold for getting paid higher in these positions. The more of it you have, the better offer you will get. Also, Banking is not the only option when it comes to finance-related jobs. Many firms that deal with brokerage and other industries are now hiring finance people for a variety of positions in their offices. So, you do have quite a few options if banking is not your area of expertise. 4. Managing Director in Health Sector Have you been in the healthcare sector and have enough experience to manage critical affairs? Well then, there are a lot of opportunities for you in Singapore, and they pay handsomely too. Singapore is believed to be one of the fastest expanding bio-medical countries that require skilled employees constantly. Good news is that people who arent very experienced are also likely to find good jobs in this field as companies are willing to groom talent and encourage advancement in careers. But if you have enough experience, then you can earn as much as $390,000 a year. Believe it or not, its a great figure for General Manager positions in the healthcare sector. 5. Head of Human Resources No matter which industry you take, companies are emphasizing more on developing their human capital and have the right person for every job. So, they also want the best to head their human resources departments as well. Talking about the reimbursements theyll get, a couple of factors that may contribute are their work experience and whether theyve worked as an HR Business Partner in the past or not. So, if you have what these companies are looking for, you can expect to be paid very handsomely in Singapore in 2018. If you have been in the field for the last 15 years, you can easily make $325,000. But if you are a bit less experienced, then you can expect $250,000 to $270,000 being credited to your account every year. 6. Legal Counsel Legal Counsel, or in-house legal aid, is also a high paying job in Singapore and you can easily make around $300,000 in a year if you take this career path. This is because MNCs prefer to have legal representatives in-house to manage all their routine legal affairs. The more experienced a legal counselor is, the better they will be paid. Of course, you will need to have a track record of getting the rulings in your favor too. You can also expect around 30% annual increments if you stay with the company for more than a year. 7. Marketing Director There is no company in the world that can see the desired growth without a dedicated marketing department. Similarly, MNCs in Singapore also have expansive marketing teams working for them constantly, looking to expand the companys outreach and get to the targeted customers efficiently and quickly. They also need the most experienced and efficient personnel leading these teams as Marketing Directors. So, if you have the guts, land yourself a job as Marketing Director of a renowned company, and you can earn somewhere around $300,000 a year. Final Bottom Line Does any of these career paths suit you? Pick your destiny and land yourself a perfect job in Singapore 2018. There are already many foreigners working for some of the leading employers in Singapore, and you can be one of them too. Land yourself one of these high paying jobs listed above and make a fortune! Here are some other interesting articles you should check out: (By Taha Khan) Related Articles - How to Ace a Job Interview - These Are The Highest Paying Jobs In Singapore. #1 Are Surgeons. #2 Will Surprise You - Is the Singapore job market as bleak as it feels? "This is my second time seeing snow, so it's a rather new experience," said a tank operative, a Florida native more accustomed to ice boxes than ice floes. Like thousands of fellow US marines, Corporal Josye Martinez has been flown for military exercises to Norway, a country which pokes its head into the Arctic circle. It's not just the conditions that are frosty. These are NATO's biggest military exercises since the end of the Cold War, a fact which has upset Russia. "When I first landed in Norway, I was really cold, my body went into shock.... But as the time has gone by I've actually adapted to it" said Martinez, perched in the turret of an Abrams tank. The military exercises are taking place from October 24-November 7. The manoeuvres are aimed at training the Atlantic Alliance to defend a member state after an aggression by a third party. Worried about the "unpredictable" behaviour of neighbouring Russia, especially since the Ukrainian crisis in 2014, Oslo had insisted on hosting Exercise Trident Juncture. Some 50,000 troops, 65 ships and 250 aircraft from 31 countries are being deployed several hundred kilometres (miles) from Norway's border with Russia in the Arctic, leaving Russia vowing to "retaliate". Moscow has now announced plans to test fire missiles in international waters off Norway in its own show of strength, and proximity. - 'We cant' always stop' - Meanwhile the fictional "Battle of Oppdal" is underway, with US Marines pitted against Spanish and Italian troops over control of an airfield, very few of them accustomed to the biting cold. For the Abrams tanks teams, based in North Carolina and more used to deseret manoeuvres, operating their 60-tonne behemoth in the snow and ice is a challenge. "The driver has to be very careful because we can't always stop when we need to" explains Lance Corporal Joaquin Medina, an ammunition loader aboard one the tanks, its colour and camouflage patterns standing out starkly in Norway's icy north. "Like two days ago, when it was very snowy and very icy, our tracks would just pedal. When we tried to stop, the tank would keep moving," he added. On the "battlefield" the thermometer shows relatively mild conditions for the time of year, six degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit), minus one degree with the windchill factor. Certainly cold enough for some of the US troops to stand behind their tanks to warm themselves from the engines air outlet. "A lot of people are from the southern states and in california where the coldest is usually around 70 degrees (Fahrenheit)," said Janar Ploompuu, of the second armoured reconnaissance battalion, surrounded by colleagues bundled up against the cold and wearing thick white boots. - Far from the Cordoba sun - The army mechanics face another stern test -- making sure that the tanks hydraulics system don't freeze up. The Lepanto mechanised battalion of the La Reina regiment, usually stationed in Cordoba, in sunny southern Spain, has been preparing in temperatures of minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus four degrees Fahrenheit) for the NATO exercises. "We have been training in the Pyrenees," said their commander, Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Villalonga. "We have been taking driving lessons on snow, we have been in contact with our mountain school and have received lessons on how to move and live in such weather conditions," he added. Already the US Marines have decided to deploy around 700 troops on rotation in Norway, independent of the current NATO exercises, to acclimatise its forces to operating in freezing conditions. Several European armies are following suit. "We are ready to defend any NATO country or whatever country that needs our help," stressed Villalonga, braving the cold while his men enjoyed the relative warmth of their vehicles. Beijings efforts to allow Taiwanese greater access to opportunities on mainland China are in danger of backfiring, according to Taiwans former envoy to Hong Kong. Susie Chiang Su-hui, honorary chairwoman of the Taiwan Business Association in Hong Kong, said that if Beijing continued to pick and choose applicants based on their political affiliations and squeezed out those who do not suit Beijing, the measures would be self-defeating. The government has spent lots of money, which in Taiwanese eyes is of no use and may even backfire, Chiang said. In February, Beijing introduced measures it said were designed to give Taiwanese companies and individuals more and easier access to the mainland. A package of 31 items relating to business matters, social and employment issues was introduced. Item 24 said: Taiwan organisations that work for cross-strait exchanges can apply to set up foundations. Chiang applied to set up a foundation on the mainland in September, but the application did not succeed because there was no guidance on how the measures should work, she said. How can Beijing release policies that are actually not ready? I am not optimistic that the details would come out in a short time, Chiang said. Beijing, which regards self-governing Taiwan as a breakaway province to be taken back by force, if necessary, has taken a series of tough moves aimed at the administration of the islands pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen, including military drills and courting the islands diplomatic allies. Measures such as giving Taiwanese on the mainland some benefits are part of this effort. In Hong Kong, Chiang set up the CS Culture Foundation in 2002, which organised more than 40 forums and 10 lectures on cross-strait topics with speakers from the mainland, the islands pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), with its strong ties to Beijing. Story continues Chiang said the forum was forced to close because speakers from Taiwan found it hard to get a visa for Hong Kong, where, she said, there is greater freedom of speech than the mainland. Almost all the DPP officials were not allowed to come to Hong Kong since Tsai Ing-wen became Taiwanese president in May 2016, Chiang said. At the end of that year, even people with no political affiliations but who hold moderate views regarding the DPP were refused permission to come. Most recently, Sean Chen, a former premier of Taiwan and a member of the KMT, was only permitted a visa to enter Hong Kong at the last minute at Hong Kongs airport, according to Chiang. Chen was invited to address the China-US trade war and its effects on Taiwan at the forum last Friday. My forum was intended to freely discuss topics relating to Taiwan, but whats the use of it if only pro-Beijing speakers can be heard? said Chiang, who pointed out that DPP party members could enter Hong Kong, even during Chen Shui-bians troubled administration. Chen Shui-bian was Taiwanese president from 2000 to 2008 and an advocate of Taiwanese independence. The free discussion of Taiwanese politics could let pro-independence forces know that even under the Communist Partys rule, Hong Kong had not been changed, said Chiang. But restricting the visas based on peoples political views can just make things worse. It would let Taiwanese fear Beijing more, Chiang said. In August 2016, the visas of three Taiwanese political figures who were invited to attend a CS forum were denied at the last minute because of their links to the DPP. One of the scheduled speakers was former KMT spokesman Yang Wei-chung, who said he was denied a visa although it had been approved. This article Beijings Taiwan initiative in danger of backfiring, says former envoy first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. China promises more economic aid for Pakistan, but wont yet commit to specific pledges China pledged further economic aid for Pakistan on Saturday, but has yet to provide details of how it will help the countrys troubled economy. Chinas Premier Li Keqiang and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan signed 15 agreements and memorandums of understanding in the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital, pledging stronger cooperation in fields such as poverty alleviation, agriculture, industry and science. But although Pakistan is keen to negotiate a bailout to tackle its economic problems, China insists that more talks are needed to finalise the details. Pakistans foreign exchange reserves have fallen to a near five-year low of US$7.8 billion, the State Bank of Pakistan said on Thursday, while the net foreign reserves held by commercial banks have dropped to US$6.4 billion. During the visit, the two sides have made it clear in principle that the Chinese government will provide necessary support and assistance to Pakistan in tiding over its current economic difficulties, Chinese foreign vice-minister Kong Xuanyou told reporters after Li and Khans meeting. As for specific measures to be taken, the relevant authorities of the two sides will have detailed discussions, he said. He did not elaborate further. Li also stressed that China still viewed Pakistan as an all-weather partner, adding that the country was seen as one of Beijings foreign policy priorities. Cheng Xiaohe, deputy director of the centre for international strategic studies at Renmin University, said China would offer economic assistance, but it was the Pakistan governments responsibility to tackle its economic problems. China cant replace the Pakistani government in taking care of its people, he said. While China continues to be Pakistans biggest foreign investor and aid donor, it is also working to increase liquidity amid its trade war against the US. As a result, Pakistan must seek all kinds of assistance, Cheng said. Story continues Beijing also took a firm line on the various infrastructure agreements between the two sides under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) part of the wider Belt and Road Initiative. China has pledged more than US$60 billion to Pakistan in the form of loans and investments for roads, ports, power plants and industrial estates under the scheme. But Pakistans ability to meet the repayments has long been a matter of some concern and Khan had signalled before his election victory that he was keen to renegotiate some of the deals. But on Saturday Kong said there would be no change in the number of projects under CPEC. There is no change at all. If there were, it would only be to increase [them], not decrease he said. In his meeting with Li, Khan invited the Chinese premier to visit Pakistan and see for himself the difference the mega-project has made in the country. In 2013 CPEC was just an idea. Now it is on the ground and it has caught the imagination of the people of Pakistan, he said. We feel that this a great opportunity for our country to progress, to attract investment. It gives us an opportunity to raise our standard of living and growth rate. The shift in tone on the CPEC projects may indicate that they are a precondition of further Chinese economic aid. China strongly believes that CPEC projects bring greater stability to both Pakistan and China. The economic corridor project will certainly boost the local economy of Pakistan as it will create new jobs and inject cash into local communities, Cheng said. Simultaneously, CPEC projects will also bring stability to Chinas southwestern region, he said, adding that China would push for their implementation despite Pakistans debt concerns. Additional reporting by Reuters and Agence France-Presse This article China promises more economic aid for Pakistan, but wont yet commit to specific pledges first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Cuba's Foreign Ministrys director of U.S. affairs Carlos Fernandez de Cossio speaks during a news conference in Havana Cuba's Foreign Ministrys director of U.S. affairs Carlos Fernandez de Cossio speaks during a news conference in Havana, Cuba, November 2, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini By Marc Frank HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba on Friday said new sanctions planned by the United States were a futile attempt to change its policies and would only further isolate Washington internationally. U.S. President Donald Trumps national security adviser, John Bolton, announced on Thursday that more than two dozen Cuban companies associated with the Communist-run island's military or intelligence would be added to the more than 100 that Americans are already banned from doing business with or patronizing. The announcement came just an hour after 189 member countries of the United Nations called in a resolution for an end to the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. Washington tried without success to amend the text to push Cuba to improve its human rights record. The U.N. vote can carry political weight, but only the U.S. Congress can lift the more than 50-year-old embargo, which Cuba calls a blockade. The United States and Israel voted against the resolution. Bolton outlined the Trump administration's plans to get tougher on Cuba and its allies Venezuela and Nicaragua in Miami, the heart of the three countries' exile communities, just days before the midterm U.S. congressional elections. We energetically reject these measures which will impact the economy and countrys development on top of the impact of the economic blockade, the director of U.S. affairs at the foreign ministry, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, said at a Havana press conference. They will fail. They will not break the will of Cubans, he said. Trump has taken a harder line on Cuba after former President Barack Obama sought to set aside decades of hostility between Washington and Havana. He has rolled back parts of Obamas 2014 detente by tightening rules on Americans travelling to the island and restricting U.S. companies from doing business there. Bolton also said the administration would review whether to allow U.S. citizens whose property was seized by the Cuban government to sue foreign companies that have invested in the properties on the island, a longstanding demand of hard line exiles. Story continues The measure is part of the Helms-Burton Act, which codified all U.S. sanctions against Cuba into law in 1996. It has been waived by various presidents ever since due to opposition from the international community. Fernandez de Cossio said such a measure would be unprecedented and violate international law, further isolating the United States. There is no possibility whatsoever for people who abandoned Cuba and abandoned property in Cuba to come back and claim them, he said. (Reporting by Marc Frank; Editing by Tom Brown) World number eight Karolina Pliskova has pulled out of the Fed Cup final against the United States over a torn calf muscle, the Czech Republic team spokesman said Saturday. The team physiotherapist "has diagnosed a torn calf and renewed chronic problems with the wrist," spokesman Karel Tejkal said in a statement. He added the 26-year-old Pliskova had picked up the injury at the recent WTA Finals in Singapore, and that she would be replaced by world doubles number one Barbora Krejcikova on the team. The Czechs have also called up seventh-ranked Petra Kvitova, 33rd-ranked Barbora Strycova and 31st-ranked Katerina Siniakova, Krejcikova's doubles partner and fellow doubles world number one. Pliskova said she was "terribly sorry" to miss the final. "Already in Singapore I had days when even walking hurt and I felt terrible, but I didn't think it was important," she said in a tweet. "Our team is so strong that the girls will replace me," she added as the Czechs are looking to improve their 2-10 head-to-head Fed Cup score against the defending champions. The United States will in turn miss Serena and Venus Williams and WTA Finals runner-up Sloane Stephens. Captain Kathy Rinaldi has called on world number 35 Danielle Collins and 48th-ranked Sofia Kenin and 15th-ranked doubles player Nicole Melichar -- each making her Fed Cup debut. Alison Riske, ranked 63rd in the world, will also make the trip to Prague for the November 10-11 final. The final pitting the two most successful nations in Fed Cup history -- the USA with 18 trophies and the Czech Republic with 10 including five as the former Czechoslovakia -- will be played on the hardcourt of the sold-out 15,000-capacity O2 Arena. The United States beat Belarus in Minsk last year with a team including Riske and after seeing off the Czechs in the semi-final. Led by Kvitova and Pliskova, the Czechs have won five of the last seven editions including all three finals they have played on Prague's hardcourt. "We still have a strong team and we are still the favourites of the final," said Czech team captain Petr Pala. Lithuania's capital Vilnius on Friday installed new traffic lights featuring female symbols to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women getting the vote in the Baltic state. The right for women to vote was written into the Lithuanian Constitution on November 2, 1918, putting it among the first countries to grant women suffrage, ahead of France or the United States. President Dalia Grybauskaite, who chairs Council of Women World Leaders, hailed the date as "a win for democracy that put the country (Lithuania) among the leaders of modern states". City officials said the lights along a busy downtown street right next to Vilnius' largest business centre also serve as a reminder that European countries need to keep pushing to close the gender gap. Vilnius University professor Dovile Jakniunaite said authorities must put more effort into tackling the gender pay gap and domestic violence against women. "This joyful date could encourage authorities to show more initiative in these areas," she told AFP. In Lithuania, women's gross hourly earnings are on average 14.4 percent below those of men, compared to the EU average of 16.2 percent, according to official statistics. "Modern society does not exist without fully empowered women, yet globally all of us are still halfway on this journey," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius tweeted. By Peter Eisler, Ned Parker and Julia Harte SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Reuters) - In rally after rally, President Donald Trump exhorts throngs of red-hatted supporters to treat next weeks congressional elections as a referendum on Trumpism and the grass-roots movement that swept him to power. Youre voting for me in 2018, Trump told a raucous crowd in a late September appearance for Republican candidates in Missouri. Youre voting for me. The plea speaks to the challenge facing the president and his supporters: With Democrats threatening to take over the House of Representatives and key governors offices, the success of his legislative agenda over the next two years hinges on whether he can energize his backers around candidates who are not named Trump. This years election is the first real test of whether the coalition behind Trumps Make America Great Again slogan can evolve from a diffuse, personality-driven following to an organised political force able to boost candidates outside his electoral strongholds. Reuters surveyed officials from 18 Republican campaigns, analysed data from polling partner Ipsos and interviewed dozens of candidates, strategists and Trump supporters to assess the reach and influence of the presidents self-styled MAGA Movement ahead of the elections. United behind Trumps America First agenda of tighter borders, protectionist economic policies and unilateralist diplomacy, the MAGA coalition swept up 2016 voters who felt ignored by Washington and welcomed Trumps vows to upend its institutions. Today, it attracts Tea Party conservatives, evangelical Christians, gun rights advocates, and working-class voters drawn to Trumps outsider persona. Trumps populist base is firmly established in the mostly southern and western parts of the country where hes most popular. MAGA supporters turn out in force for Trump-backed candidates in those areas, boosting them in opinion polls and volunteering for their campaigns. In some cases, they have taken control of state party machines, harnessing their infrastructure and money for candidates in Trumps mould. Story continues But outside of Trumps strongholds, the influence of MAGA supporters is more pocketed, especially in Rust Belt states, such as Pennsylvania and Ohio, and the upper Midwest. So, while Trump loyalists can tip the scales in specific U.S. House districts in those areas, they have done less to boost Trump-backed candidates in statewide contests for governor and U.S. Senate. With no central organization and little regard for Republican hierarchies, MAGA enthusiasts agitate largely through social media and Internet forums, such as Facebook and Reddit, the social networking site. In dozens of interviews, Reuters found their willingness to back local campaigns often has less to do with party loyalty than with helping Trump. The 2018 elections will be a test of how popular Trump is, how popular his policies are, did we organise well or do we need to do better and improve things for 2020, said Scott Presler, a MAGA activist in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Among the 18 Trump-endorsed Republicans running for Senate or governor in states where Trump won the presidential race by more than 10 percentage points in 2016, more than 80 percent are ahead in opinion polls, based on data aggregated by RealClearPolitics and 538.com, non-partisan websites that gather polling from multiple sources. Yet among the 16 Trump-backed candidates for Senate or governor in states where he won by fewer than 10 points, just four a quarter are polling ahead. `LEANING ON THEIR SHOVELS' The challenge is starkest where Trump-backed candidates are trying to flip governors offices and Senate seats held by Democrats, Reuters found. In states where Trump won by double digits in 2016, two of the five candidates he has endorsed in races for Democrat-held Senate and governors seats are leading in the polls, and two others are within a few points. But in states where Trump won by less than 10 points, all six candidates he has endorsed in races for Democratic seats are behind in recent polls, five of them by at least 10 points. Through much of the campaign season, Trump supporters in many places were leaning on their shovels, because they were over-confident of victory, Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser and campaign strategist, told Reuters. MAGA loyalists have grown more energized in recent weeks, realizing Trumps agenda would come grinding to a halt if Democrats capture the U.S. House, Bannon added. You've seen the establishment and the hardcore anti-establishment in the Trump base all come together. The president remains enormously popular with that base - Reuters/Ipsos polling gives him an 84 percent approval rate among Republicans - and more than two-thirds of those who voted for him in 2016 say they identify with MAGA ideals. Yet their views diverge on what MAGA means: while more than half equate it with strengthening the economy and tightening borders, upwards of a quarter say MAGA simply means Donald Trump. (Graphic: https://tmsnrt.rs/2RuhKTv) That raises questions about the future of MAGA once Trump leaves office. A TEST IN TENNESSEE On Oct. 1, Trump whipped up a crowd of nearly 10,000 at a rally supporting Marsha Blackburns U.S. Senate campaign in Tennessee, where Trump won in 2016 by 26 points. A vote for Marsha is really a vote for me and everything that we stand for, he told the audience. Soon after, opinion polls showed Blackburn, a U.S. House member, pulling ahead of her Democratic opponent, former two-term governor Phil Bredesen. We knew President Trump would be an extraordinary surrogate in East Tennessee," Republican Party spokesman Garren Shipley told Reuters. Bredesens campaign dismissed the polls: The only poll that matters is on election day, said spokeswoman Alyssa Hansen. On Oct. 10, the president held another rally 500 miles (800 km) away with a similar message for Lou Barlettas U.S. Senate campaign in Pennsylvania, where Trump eked out a one-point victory in 2016. I need you, Trump told the crowd. Vote for Lou! It was Trumps second rally with Barletta since August. But Barletta, also a U.S. House member, trails incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey, and has remained behind by more than 10 points in polls. The divergent fortunes of Blackburn and Barletta reflect the challenge in harnessing Trumps MAGA coalition. Following Trumps victory in 2016, Tennessees Republican establishment embraced his agenda and welcomed his supporters. Many are volunteering now for Blackburn and other Trump-backed candidates, helping with phone banks, neighbourhood canvassing and other get-out-the-vote efforts. The state party leaders who didnt support Trump initially have figured out they have to help him, says Todd Fowler, who heads the local party in Johnson City, Tennessee, and serves on the state partys executive committee. Tennessee likes what hes doing. In Pennsylvania, where Trumps 2016 win was razor-thin, his support is mostly concentrated in rural and working-class areas. Polls show Trumps pick for governor, Scott Wagner, running well behind incumbent Democratic Governor Tom Wolf. Trump is drawing people to congressional campaigns in Pennsylvania, but they are coming very tentatively, says Eugene Sorrentino, 76, a retired power company technician and member of the local Republican committee in Erie, Pennsylvania. Sorrentino recently staffed a welcome tent set up by the party at a county fair and all I heard was requests for Trump paraphernalia, he said. The congressional races werent on their agenda, he added. 'TRUMP BUMP' In Trumps strongholds, his ability to help candidates goes beyond a bounce in the polls. Nearly all the Trump-backed campaigns contacted by Reuters reported a surge of volunteer activism a Trump bump after the presidents endorsement. In Western Pennsylvania, a corner where Trump is enormously popular, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly says his campaign relies heavily on MAGA volunteers. Kellys district, redrawn this year, includes counties where Trump won by as much as 20 points in 2016, according to PlanScore.org, a nonpartisan group. Trump provides that shot of adrenaline you need from time to time, Kelly told Reuters as he prepared to join the president for an Oct. 10 rally in Erie. One engine for turning out Trumps base in his stronghold regions is America First Action, a Super PAC allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections. The group has spent more than $26 million on phone messaging and advertising in five battleground Senate races Arizona, Montana, Indiana, Missouri and North Dakota and across 11 congressional districts in Texas, Minnesota, Maine, Michigan, West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, Nevada and North Carolina. It is run by Trump loyalists and relies on big donations from Republican Party stalwarts, including casino magnates Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn and mining engineer and businessman Robert Murray. In an Oct. 1 memo, White House political director Bill Stepian advised congressional campaigns that the best way to capture MAGA support is to align closely, clearly and boldly with Trump. The president, he wrote, is ready, willing and able to put the power and force of his coalition to work for the candidates with whom he stands, and who stand with him. At the national level, Republican Party officials have fallen in line and embraced the president, routinely echoing Trumps nationalist campaign themes. But for candidates in areas where the president doesn't dominate the electorate, embracing Trump has mixed success. In Florida, where Trump prevailed by one point in 2016, he endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate and die-hard supporter Ron DeSantis before the party primary. But now, in a state that hasnt elected a Democratic governor in 20 years, DeSantis is polling slightly behind in the general election contest against Andrew Gillum, the Democratic mayor of Tallahassee. Some Republican candidates in areas with moderate voters who view Trump less favourably have steered clear of the president, a Reuters analysis found last month. PARTY TAKEOVER MAGA supporters have become a force in many state party offices, including some states outside the presidents established southern and western strongholds. In Ohio, a swing state where Trump won by eight points in 2016, the state Republican Party selected Jane Timken, a Trump friend and loyalist, to take over as chairwoman in the wake of the election. In Nevada, where Democrat Hillary Clinton won the 2016 presidential vote, the state Republican Party has launched weekly events, such as MAGA Mondays and Trump Tuesdays, to attract the presidents supporters. Rochelle Swanson, 30, a MAGA activist in Reno who began posting pro-Trump articles and interviewing local Republican candidates on social media, was asked by a party official in July to help with voter outreach. She now aligns her social media and canvassing with the partys messaging, she says, and there is good unity happening. Yet even as MAGA supporters have become woven into the fabric of the Republican Party, many acknowledge it will be a challenge to preserve their coalition and continue shaping U.S. politics once Trump leaves office. In a Reuters/Ipsos poll earlier this month, more than a quarter of Trump voters said they did not know who would carry Trumps vision if he leaves politics. I dont think anybody could take Trumps spot, said Jeremy Messina, a MAGA activist in upstate New York who runs a political advertising media company. I dont see it. (Reporting by Julia Harte, Ned Parker and Peter Eisler; Additional reporting by Chris Kahn, Jason Lange and Nathan Layne; Editing by Ross Colvin) Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves his hand to thousands of Basij members at Azadi stadium in Tehran, Iran October 4, 2018. Khamenei.ir/ Handout via REUTERS By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's top leader said on Saturday U.S. President Donald Trump's policies face opposition across the world as Washington prepared to reimpose sanctions on Iran's vital oil-exporting and financial sectors, state television reported. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also said Iran's arch-adversary the United States had failed to reassert its domination over Iran since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the U.S.-backed Shah. "The world opposes every decision made by Trump," Iranian state television quoted Khamenei, a Shi'ite cleric with ultimate authority in Iran, as saying during a meeting with thousands of students. "America's goal has been to re-establish the domination it had (before 1979) but it has failed. America has been defeated by the Islamic Republic over the past 40 years." Washington will on Monday reintroduce far-reaching sanctions on Iran's vital oil sales and banking sectors to try to force the Islamic Republic into negotiations to scrap its nuclear energy and ballistic missile programmes and end its support for proxies in conflicts across the Middle East. However, the Trump administration said on Friday that eight importing countries would temporarily be allowed to keep buying Iranian oil when sanctions come back into effect. Iran is the world's No. 3 oil exporter. Turkey said on Saturday that Ankara had received initial indications from Washington that it would be granted a waiver, but is awaiting clarification on Monday. Indian Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday that his country and other leading oil importers would benefit from the U.S. waivers. Most international sanctions on Iran were lifted in early 2016 under a deal Iran signed with world powers the year before under which it curbed its uranium enrichment programme, widely seen abroad as a disguised effort to develop an atomic bomb. Story continues But Trump denounced the nuclear deal, approved by his predecessor Barack Obama, as flawed in Iran's favour and withdrew Washington from the pact in May. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif spoke by telephone with the European Union's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, and his counterparts from Germany, Sweden and Denmark about pending European measures to counter the U.S. sanctions, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported. GAME OF THRONES General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the elite Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force that oversees its operations abroad, responded to Trump's Game of Thrones-inspired tweet on Friday that warned, "Sanctions are Coming." "I will stand against you," Soleimani said on Instagram, posting a similarly themed photo and repeating remarks made in July. The EU, France, Germany and Britain - all co-signatories, along with Russia and China, to the nuclear deal with Iran - said in a joint statement on Friday they regretted Trump's decision to restore sanctions on Iran. Diplomats told Reuters last week that the new EU mechanism to facilitate payments for Iranian exports should be legally in place by Nov. 4 but not operational until early next year. They cautioned, however, that no country had volunteered to host the entity, which was delaying the process. A senior French diplomat said on Saturday there was no way any trade with this mechanism could be conducted before the end of 2018. For now no other countries, including China, would be part of it although that could change over time. The other parties to the nuclear deal see it as an important bulwark against the risk of wider war in the Middle East and have reaffirmed their commitment to it. Iran has said it could leave the pact if the EU cannot protect its economic benefits. With the sanctions clampdown, Trump is seeking to push Iran to end uranium enrichment outright, and halt its ballistic missile development and support for proxy forces in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East. "Iran ... will not permit the Trump regime, which has made American foreign policy devoid of any principles, to reach its illegitimate goals," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by IRNA. (Additional reporting by Dubai newsroom, John Irish in Paris, Nevzat Devranoglu in Ankara and Nidhi Verma in New Delhi; Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Mark Heinrich) CAIRO (Reuters) - The Gulf state of Oman on Thursday welcomed calls by the United States and Britain for a ceasefire in Yemen's war, Oman's state news agency reported on Thursday. Oman said dialogue was the best way to solve the conflict and bring security and stability to Yemen, and expressed its support for U.N. efforts to bring about a peaceful settlement. Oman is a Gulf ally of Saudi Arabia, but not a member of the Saudi-led military coalition trying to oust the Houthi militia that has seized the northern part of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. It maintains good relations with the Houthis, who, like the Saudi-backed government, have expressed a readiness to return to the negotiating table. (Reporting by Nayera Abdallah; Editing by Kevin Liffey) An Irish-born schoolboy who is facing deportation to China has won a partial victory in his battle to stay in the land of his birth. Nine-year-old Eric Zhi Ying Xue who has been described as being as Irish as a glass of Guinness was told there was no imminent threat of deportation as justice officials in Ireland carried out a review of his case and that of his mother, Leena Mei Mei Xue, who arrived in Ireland illegally 12 years ago. The boys primary school principal, Maeve Tierney, who spearheaded a vociferous campaign to block the forced return, described the move as an important first step. News of the partial reprieve came from Simon Harris, a member of parliament for the constituency of Wicklow, where Eric lives. Harris, who is also the Irish governments health minister, told Dublin media this week that he had made representations to the Department of Justice and Equality on behalf of Eric and his mother, who arrived in the country from Fujian province in 2006. Ive just got some good news, very recently from the Department of Justice, which Ive conveyed to Erics family, that there is no imminent threat of deportation, Harris said. Thats all I ever called for. All Erics family ever asked for was an opportunity for a humanitarian review of the case to take place. The idea that a nine-year-old boy who is as much from Wicklow as I am, as much from Ireland as I am, would be told that he is going back to China a country he has never been to was simply ludicrous. Tierney said in an interview with the Post: As a politician who has taken a certain risk in supporting this case, Simon Harris has to be seen to have achieved something. Theres a very lengthy process of reviewing the case with no guarantee of success; nonetheless, its an important first step. She also expressed surprise the boys case has sparked so much interest in Hong Kong and China. Story continues I have seen the initial article you published and its interesting to learn that its had such a response. I would never have thought that a case like this on the [other] side of the world would generate any real interest, so Id love to know what is the general consensus there on this. Eric is a pupil in the fourth class at St Cronans Boys National School in Bray, County Wicklow, and, although born in Ireland, is not a citizen. Due to its sizeable Chinese population, the town of Bray has earned the nickname Bray-jing. A petition signed by more than 50,000 people was started by St Cronans pupils last month asking Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan to revoke the deportation order and allow the Dublin-born boy to stay in Ireland. Several previous attempts by Erics mother to regularise her residency failed and a deportation order was served against her in 2015. A last appeal was rejected in June. Eric was not entitled to Irish citizenship because of a 2004 change in the law which ended the automatic right of babies born in the country to claim citizenship unless one of the parents was a citizen. At that time, the government said the law had to be tightened to stop women travelling to Ireland to exploit a legal loophole which entitled their Irish-born children to a European Union passport. This article Partial victory for Irish schoolboy Eric Zhi with no imminent threat of deportation to China first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. The whirring of a low-flying Soviet Union-era war plane signalled Russia's uninvited arrival to NATO's biggest military exercise since the end of the Cold War. Marines on board USS Mount Whitney off the Norwegian coast, had gathered for a group photo on deck when the Tupolev TU-142 soared overhead. "It's a long-range maritime patrol reconnaissance plane," said one fascinated marine after casting an expert eye over the visitor. Although he had seen plenty of images of the aircraft, this was the first time he had seen it live, so to speak. Russia has already made clear its displeasure at NATO's Trident Juncture exercises, the largest by the alliance since the end of the Cold War. They warned that the two-week long exercise, which it sees as an anti-Russian show of force, would not go unanswered. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, two Tupolev TU-142 carried out a "planned flight" of more than 12 hours. "All flights by the Russian fleet's maritime planes are carried out strictly in accordance with international airspace regulations," the ministry said on Saturday, according to state news agency RIA Novosti. Several states, including Sweden, Turkey and Baltic nations, have complained about Russian airspace violations in recent years. Last week, Moscow also announced plans to test missiles in the region. 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. Any missile testing "will not change the plan of our exercise," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday. "We have not seen anything resembling a missile test, or even ships or aircraft in the area that would be relevant to documenting or monitoring missile testing," said Robert Aguilar, captain of the USS Mount Whitney. - Cold War leftovers - The Tupolev's passage appeared to be part of Russia's response. But Colonel Garth Manger, a British Royal Marine in charge of operational duties aboard the US ship, took it in his stride. "They're watching us and we're watching them," he said. Like the Tupolev, the USS Mount Whitney is a holdover from the Cold War era. The third oldest vessel in the US Navy and the flagship of the US 6th Fleet, it has seen nearly 50 years' service. Upgraded with the latest telecommunications equipment, it served as the command vessel for Trident Juncture, which is perhaps what provoked the interest of the Tupolev. But if the flyover sparked shouts from marines on board Mount Whitney, senior officers played down any provocation. "We are at sea, everyone's got the right to be here. It's international waters, it's international airspace," said British Admiral Guy Robinson, second-in-command of the maritime task force. "So clearly we monitor closely. But everything we see in this exercise is that they've been safe and professional." Jason Bohm, commanding the US marines taking part in the exercise, was equally phlegmatic: "The largest issue we have had on this exercise has been the weather." Back in April, the first time President Trump tried to spark a race panic about a caravan of migrants heading to the southern border, the White House announced it would contemplate mobilizing the National Guard. To which Oregon Gov. Kate Brown responded that if asked, she would say: No. I have no intention of allowing Oregons guard troops to be used to distract from [Trumps] troubles in Washington, Brown wrote on Twitter. It was one in a series of moves that would earn her praise as the nations most progressive governor. Advertisement Now, once again, a caravan of migrants has made its way from Central America to Mexico. And once again, Trump cannot stop talking about it. But Oregons governor is focused on something else: her own re-election campaign, which is closer than you would think for a Democratic incumbent, in a state that hasnt elected a GOP governor in more than 30 years, in a year in which Republicans trail Democrats on a generic congressional ballot by 10 points. Has the blue wave left Oregon dry? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the math Democrats need to take control of Congress commands the most attention in the final stretch of the 2018 election season, the party appears poised to take its best position in governors races in a decade. As my colleague Josh Voorhees wrote last month, Democrats have a credible chance of taking 12 states from the GOP, including the sweet prospect of a Midwestern romp across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. Only in Connecticut and Oregon are Democrats on the defensive, and only in Oregon do they have an incumbent, Brown, in a race that RealClearPolitics and the Cook Political Report are both calling a toss-up. Advertisement It may not, in fact, be that close. Brown has maintained a consistent if narrow lead in polls all fall, and FiveThirtyEight has Oregon as a likely win for Democrats. But her race does illustrate, for Democrats, the limits of the all-encompassing political foil that is Donald Trump. Thats because in Oregon, where there is no Senate campaign, Trump appears to be an afterthought. And with culture-war issues he arouses out of play, it turns out that middle-class white Democrats are a fickle lot. In Massachusetts and Maryland, they are certain to send a pair of Republican governorsCharlie Baker and Larry Hogan, respectivelycruising to second terms. In Morning Consults summer poll, Baker, Hogan, and New Hampshires Chris Sununu were the first-, second-, and fourth-most popular governors in the country.* Their moderate, brass-tacks shtick is the model that Browns opponent, Oregon state Rep. Knute Buehler, is aiming for. Advertisement Advertisement Things arent going badly in Oregon, either. Brown, who took office in 2015 after the resignation of Gov. John Kitzhaber, just won a statewide special election in 2016, outperforming Hillary Clinton among Oregonians and becoming the nations first elected LGBTQ governor. My friend Kate Brown is getting things done, President Obama said in a video endorsement before the race. Under Brown, the state has realized progressive priorities by passing a minimum wage hike, a paid-leave law, and a tax to fund transportation improvements. The unemployment rate is 4 percent. The challenge, Brown told me this week, as if to explain why the good times werent reflected in her approval ratings, is that prosperity is not inclusive. It hasnt included our rural communities, our minority communities, and our low-income communities, so theres a lot of families out there who are struggling. Advertisement Advertisement If Brown loses, it wont be because she lost Oregons eastern hinterland (which is as reliably conservative as anyplace in the United States). Itll be because she lost the suburbs. If Brown loses, though, it wont be because she lost Oregons eastern hinterland (which is as reliably conservative as anyplace in the United States) or the states Latino population, which is solidly Democratic. Itll be because she lost the suburbs. In some ways, the states success and struggle are two sides of the same coin. In the Portland metro area, where nearly half of Oregons population lives, housing prices have skyrocketed. The median home price jumped from $250,000 in 2013 to more than $400,000 this year. Wages havent kept pace. One of the consequences is a very visible rise in homelessness in the city. Across the state, housing affordability remains a prime concernas does the disorder it causes. A GOP PAC funded a Buehler ad in which a mother reads her children a book about starving children, homelessness, and drug-dealing day care workers. (Selling weed is legal in Oregon, and until recently, it was also legal to sell weed while running a day care facility.) Advertisement Advertisement The affordability crisis owes much to decades of cuts in Washington, which has left the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development unable to help more than three-quarters of families who qualify for housing assistance. But its been an easy point to score for Buehler, a mild-mannered doctor who represents Bend in the Oregon legislature. Just as Brown has to own the intractable problems that a low-tax federal government has bequeathed to statesthe housing crisis, declining social mobility, underfunded pensionsBuehler gets to claim he has the solutions. He has said, for example, that he will end homelessness in Portland in five years, though his plan only calls for a commitment of $10 million. (His plan is a joke, Brown told me. An embarrassment.) Advertisement Advertisement Buehler, whose staff declined a request for an interview, has run on traditionally Democratic concerns like homelessness and education, where Oregon has long lagged behind national standards. For the most part, Buehlers ads paint him as either a compassionate problem-solver or a moderate popular with liberals. His ads Different and Still Different feature a cast of female Democrats and boast of his liberal bona fides: on birth control, the right to choose, the environment, gay rights, and schools. For an October cover story in Portland alt-weekly Willamette Week, reporter Nigel Jaquiss found Democrats like that in real lifemargin voters who were moving from Brown to Buehler, motivated by concerns about street safety, schools, and pensions. Advertisement But it may also just be that Buehler is offering something different. Its more that hes the alternative, observes Chris Shortell, the chair of the Political Science Department at Portland State University. Im not sure hes articulated a particular vision of Oh, we can do this thats persuaded voters. But he has highlighted those quality-of-life problems, and that has resonated. Advertisement Oregon is one of just a handful of U.S. states where Democrats control both the executive and the legislature. All but one member of the congressional delegation is a Democrat, and both senators are Democrats. The state has always had a deep-red hinterlandthe Bundy occupation was in Oregonbut Buehler isnt from there. Registered Democrats and Republicans are neck and neck in his district. In the past, primary elections have produced GOP candidates too radical to effectively compete in the general. This time around, Buehler edged out rivals to his right. Buehler is what Oregon politico Jim Moore called the anti-Trump Republican. In a state where the president remains very unpopular, that the challenger has a fighting chance at all is proof that Republicansat least at the state levelcan slip the chains of Donald Trump. A Brown ad tries to remind you that Buehlers party is Trumps, with a snippet of the Kavanaugh hearings and images of the president across the screen from the candidate. Basically, it hasnt worked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown isnt just bringing up Trump. She also makes the case that Buehler is not the centrist in the mode of legendary Oregon Gov. Tom McCall that he portrays himself as. I feel like Im running against two opponents, she says. Rep. Buehler and candidate Buehler. Buehler may believe in climate change, but the Oregon League of Conservation Voters isnt convinced. He may want to alleviate the housing crunch in Portland, but hes against the affordable housing bond measure that would dedicate more money to the cause. He has wavered on vaccines and the states long-standing sanctuary law. If Buehler unseats Brown on Nov. 6, it will be because he managed to win over former Brown voters while carrying the states very conservative rural GOP base. In 2016, Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson became the first Republican to win a statewide office in years. People in Oregon on both sides of the aisle will say it is a purple state, however blue it looks on paper. The wild card here: The number of unaffiliated voters has spiked since Brown passed a motor-voter law, which (together with the states postal voting) may counteract the low turnout of a midterm with no Senate race. Thanks in part to Kate Brown, it has never been easier to vote in Oregon. Her odds for a second term will depend on who does. After summer 2018, otherwise known as the span of Pete Davidson and Ariana Grandes very Insta-public relationship and tailspin engagement, Saturday Night Lives first episode back in September did not shy away from addressing the elephant in the room that was the nations obsession with the love life of one of their cast members. So maybe its not surprising that the show is already making fodder out of the couples recent break up. After all SNL is about two things: humor born from uncomfortable situations and reliably providing a take on what everyone is thinking about. Advertisement Not even waiting until the first show since the news came out, Davidson joked about getting dumped in a promo for the forthcoming episode, which will be hosted by Jonah Hill with musical guest Maggie Rogers. In the bit, upon meeting Rogers, Davidson immediately says to her: Im Pete. Do you want to get married? When she declines his proposal, he looks at the camera and says, 0 for 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grande, it turns out, wasnt too into that joke. She called Davidson a hypocrite with these since-deleted tweets: for somebody who claims to hate relevancy u sure love clinging to it huh thank u, next She then retweeted this post calling out SNL with the caption hell naw tho: Advertisement SNL is about to milk their breakup just like they did with the engagement pic.twitter.com/vWy9cbHKrv (@knnewagb) November 1, 2018 Finally, she turned to her famously loyal fans, tweeting, love u finishing my album. Advertisement Grande later deleted all of this from Twitter, but she left us with what appear to be some passive-aggressive song lyrics: cause look what i found .... aint no need for searching and for that i say.... thank u, next Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 2, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement got so much love..... got so much patience..... ive learnt from the pain .... and turnt out amazin.... say ive loved and ive lost..... but thats not what i see cause look what i got.... look what u taught me Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 2, 2018 With just a few days left before the midterm elections, Trumps most recent White House address focused on fear-mongering rhetoric about immigrants. The Late Shows Stephen Colbert did a close reading in an attempt to decipher what exactly the President was saying. He opened the address by emphasizing the welcoming nature of America, especially under his administration. Good plan, Mr. President, said Colbert, warm up the crowd with a joke. Trump then moved on to congratulate himself on the good work that his administration does on immigration, even when the laws are so bad, though he clarifies that, its not that theyre old, theyre just bad. Colbert jokes that it is the President who is both old and bad. Trump dismissed the idea that the migrants in the caravan are asylum seekers, claiming that they just memorize a statement they dont actually believe in. My god, could you believe someone telling a federal official a phrase they didnt believe in? asked Colbert, before showing footage of the President swearing to protect the U.S. Constitution during his inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the caravan had a confrontation with police as they crossed the Mexican border. Around 6 police officers were wounded, as the migrants threw shoes and rocks at them. Trump said he is telling troops to consider rocks as firearms (never mind that this violates the standard rules of engagement). What do you think AR-15 stands for? asks Colbert. A Rock 15 And Im being told NRA now stands for The National Rock Association. Since the President is an expert on the subject, he assures his follower that women dont want them in our country, women want security. Colbert helpfully spells out the subtext: Believe me, because I am the embodiment of what women do not want. The first teaser for Season 3 of True Detective involved a lot of shots of Mahershala Ali staring intenselyinto the distance, at other people, even directly into the camera. Now we have a little plot to go along with those long gazes, as a new trailer reveals a horrific crime involving two children that haunts Alis character. As we learned earlier this year, the new season, which also stars Stephen Dorff and Carmen Ejogo, will span three different timelines and take place in the Ozarks. (Will Jason Bateman show up? What is this, a crossover episode?) The first two episodes of the new season were directed by Jeremy Saulnier, with Daniel Sackheim and True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto taking over for the remaining episodes. The trailer looks and feels a lot more like the critically acclaimed first season of the show starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, which is probably no accident, since Season 2 didnt get such favorable reviews. Time may be a flat circle, but Season 3 premieres on HBO on Jan 13. Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk consciously coupled before God and their loved ones in a ceremony in the Hamptons five weeks ago, and blessed the rest of us with a photo slideshow on Friday morning. #TheFaltrows celebrated their nuptials in what might as well have been a Goop pop-up shop: swaths of textiles in tasteful neutrals, meticulously mussed arrangements of flowers and food, elements of outrageous luxury packaged to look homespun and carefree. Here are the eight Goopiest facts about the Faltrow wedding, as chronicled on Goop.com: Advertisement 1. Seventy guests descended on Amagansett, Goop declared. When the Faltrow family (both biological and chosen!) visits a town, they dont arrive; they descend, as if from a balcony overlooking an ancestral estate, or maybe a cloud. An even number of guests was imperative for the Faltrow nuptials, both for the seating arrangement (two long communal tables) and the dessert situation (45 personalized carrot cakes, Paltrows favorite, and 45 little chocolate and vanilla cakes, Falchuks choice). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. The tablescapes at the rehearsal dinner were collections of what looked like wildflowers and weeds, plus some artfully placed blackberries and halved figs. The figs were perfectly ripe and unbruised. I like to imagine one of the gaucher guests, maybe someones plus-one, munching on the fruits after their third gin-and-thyme cocktail. Otherwise, what a waste of good figs! Advertisement 3. You know what wasnt wasted? The floral arrangements at the main event, described on Goop as a riot of flowersotherwise known as a black bloc of dahliaswhich were later donated to local hospitals and medical centers. This strikes me as something that feels better to do than the good it actually does, but you know what, I bet those dahlias smelled incredible. The flowers and greenery at the Faltrow wedding almost certainly cost several thousand dollars, if they werent donated by the vendors in exchange for shoutouts on the Goop site. Donating pricey flower arrangements to sick people, some of whom are probably going broke with medical expenses, is a little let them eat cake for my taste. Anyway, a nice gesture! Advertisement 4. In addition to a nice bottle of Belvedere vodka on the martini cart (courtesy of Restoration Hardware), there was a big handle of down-home Titos. Why? Its gluten-free! No grain brain here! Advertisement 5. Guests might not have noticed, but every damn thing at #TheFaltrows party was a little ad for Goop. The throws and pillows in the rehearsal-dinner lounge area? Sold by Goop. The cast-iron oval cocottes keeping the ash-cooked butternut squash warm? Find them at Goop! The linen aprons worn by catering staff? Not sold on Goop, but other home textiles by the same company are sold on Goop! The site even published the recipe for the scampi tortellini served at dinner as special post-wedding content. The entire event was planned as an affiliate showroom designed to bring in money when the photos went up. And a bunch of the stuff Goop doesnt selllike the ring-bearer pillows, which get their own line in the creditsstill gets called out with a brand name. Late Capitalism x Love. Advertisement Advertisement 6. Three separate party companies had to team up for the dinner tent. 7. The Goop slideshow describes Paltrows Valentino Haute Couture gown as a dress that defies adjectives. Really? Not a single adjective applies? The English language has not yet matured to the level of this white lace gown? The more likely explanation: Paltrow, who very plausibly got veto power on every word in the post, shot down five or more descriptors that just didnt seem superlative enough. 8. A chef from Santiago, Chile, was flown in to absolutely ruin the lawn of the Amagansett, New York, venue with a gigantic fire pit, over which he grilled and smoked shorn pineapples for 12 hours apiece. The Goop post says a 12-hour grilled pineapple gets so tender you can eat it down to the core. Im not even mad about the carbon footprint of flying a Chilean chef to the Hamptons for a single mealthat pineapple sounds so dope. Slates expanded voting rights coverage is made possible by the support of Slate Plus members and readers like you. The 2018 election is more than just a battle for Congress: Its an opportunity for millions of voters to directly change the laws that govern their lives. On Tuesday, residents of 37 states will decide on ballot measures that would expand voting rights and enact major criminal justice reforms. Theyll decide whether to protect access to the ballot, curb partisan gerrymandering, legalize marijuana, and reduce mass incarceration. Many of these initiatives present bold reforms that lawmakers are too timid to implement themselves; a few conceal terrible policy under the guise of hazy abstractions. Below is a list of the most interesting, important, and dangerous ballot measures that voters will mull in the upcoming election. Voting Rights Amendment 4, Florida: This is, without a doubt, the most important ballot measure in 2018. Amendment 4 would automatically restore voting rights to offenders who have completed their sentences, unless they committed murder or sex crimes. If it passes, Amendment 4 will enfranchise about 1.5 million people. Currently, rehabilitated felons can only regain their right to vote by pleading for clemency from the governor. This rule is a relic of Jim Crow that disproportionately disenfranchises minorities and permits the governor to discriminate against blacks and Democrats. Rehabilitated offenders shouldnt have to grovel for an outside chance at regaining their civil rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Question 5, Nevada: Why should citizens have to jump through hoops to register to vote? Why doesnt the government just do it for them? Thats the premise behind automatic voter registration, or AVR: When you interact with a government agency, the state will register you to vote, unless you opt out. Its a simple system that 14 states and the District of Columbia have already adopted. The Nevada legislature tried too, but GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval vetoed the proposal. That sent it to Nevada voters, who will have an opportunity to approve AVR in November. Question 5 isnt perfect: It only enrolls citizens who interact with the DMV, rather than any state agency. But its an excellent start that will increase voter participation as well as voter diversity. Advertisement Many of these initiatives present bold reforms that lawmakers are too timid to implement themselves. Proposal 3, Michigan: Republicans have made it very difficult to vote in Michigan. But in November, Michigan residents will be able to make their state a leader in ballot access. Proposal 3 would establish automatic and same-day voter registration, as well as excuse-free absentee voting. It would also introduce early voting and restore straight-ticket voting. These reforms would increase the number of registered voters in the state, boost turnout, and make voting faster and easier for everyone. Advertisement Redistricting reform, multiple states: Voters will have a chance to curb partisan gerrymandering this year in Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, and Utah. Colorados Amendments Y and Z and Michigans Proposal 2 would create an independent redistricting commission to draw districts for both congressional representatives and state legislators. Utahs Proposition 4 would do the same, though the commission would have to submit its maps to the legislature for approval. Missouris Amendment 1 would allow a non-partisan state demographer to draw state legislative districts, though legislators could alter its map. Advertisement Advertisement Each of these measures would help to combat partisan redistricting, a scourge of American democracy that the Supreme Court refuses to address. They would help to ensure that politicians do not dilute the power of an individuals vote on the basis of her political association. And they would prevent a single party from entrenching its own power by manipulating district lines. Colorado and Michigans proposals go the farthest in eradicating gerrymandering, but Missouri and Utahs more modest measures would also be a major improvement. Voter ID, Arkansas and North Carolina: Arkansas Issue 2 and North Carolinas Voter ID Amendment would amend each states constitution to compel voters to present a photo ID at the polls. Arkansas already requires voter ID by statute, so Issue 2 is merely an attempt to protect this law from state courts. North Carolina used to require voter ID, but a federal court struck down the statute, ruling that it target[ed] African Americans with almost surgical precision. So Republicans pushed the requirement as a constitutional amendmentthough the proposal doesnt even say which IDs would be acceptable. Since voter fraud is essentially nonexistent in the United States, and voter ID laws mostly impact poor and minority voters, theres no good reason to support these proposalsunless youre a fan of voter suppression. Criminal Justice Marsys Law, multiple states: Residents of six statesFlorida, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina, and Oklahomawill vote on Marsys Law in November, a measure designed to protect victims rights. Each version of Marsys Law is different, but they all guarantee a few basic safeguards for the victims of a criminal offense: the right to be notified about legal proceedingsincluding bond, sentencing, and parole hearingsand to speak at them; the right to be notified about the release of the accused; and the right to suppress information about the crime from the public, as well as defense attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These measures, all funded by Henry Nicholas III, are advertised as a humane, common-sense effort to preserve the dignity and privacy of victims and their families. But five states that have already passed some version of Marsys LawCalifornia, Illinois, Ohio, South Dakota, and North Dakotaquickly discovered that its rules can infringe on due process and undermine law enforcements ability to prosecute crimes. (A sixth state, Montana, also passed a version of Marsys Law, but the measure was invalidated by the state Supreme Court.) After the law passed in South Dakota, victims were held in jail for longer periods as prosecutors struggled to locate victims in advance of bond hearings. Victim advocates were barred from communicating directly with the police; victim witness assistants had less time to work with high-risk victims. Motorists could not obtain car crash reports for insurance claims due to stringent privacy rules. Police officers used the law to hide their identities after shooting civilians. The problems grew so dire that advocates of Marsys Law supported an amendment that limited the measures scope, which easily passed. Advertisement But it isnt yet clear whether any tweaks can resolve the fundamental flaw in Marsys Law: It threatens to elevate the rights of victims (and their families) over those of the accused. The measure keeps legally innocent defendants behind bars for longer and restricts the amount of information that can be shared with defense attorneysmaterial that might prove vital at trial. It exacerbates mass incarceration by granting victims undue influence over judges, juries, and parole boards. And it makes no distinction between violent and nonviolent crimes, compelling prosecutors to comply with its onerous requirements for victims of minor misdemeanors. Advertisement Marsys Law remains popular throughout the country. Its legal abstractions sound appealing on paper. But the American Civil Liberties Union has vigorously opposed the measure in each state where it is introduced, and for good reason: The measure undermines the constitutional presumption of innocence and does nothing to advance the cause of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Marijuana reform, multiple states: Ballot initiatives in Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, and Utah will give residents an opportunity to loosen their states marijuana laws. Michigans Proposal 1 would legalize marijuana for adults. North Dakotas Measure 3 would tooand it would automatically expunge convictions for marijuana-related offenses that are no longer criminal. Utahs Proposition 2 would create a legal medical marijuana program; so would Missouris Proposition C. Confusingly, Missourians will also vote on two other medical marijuana initiatives, Amendment 2 and Amendment 3. The former would tax marijuana sales at a lower rate than the latter. Whichever amendment receives more votes will become law. Cannabis reform is a key part of criminal justice reform. There are astonishing racial disparities in Americas war on pot: While blacks and whites use marijuana at about the same rate, blacks are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for pot possession than whites. In some states, theyre seven to eight times more likely to be arrested. Extreme racial disparities exist even in relatively progressive jurisdictions. Enforcing marijuana prohibition costs billions of dollars each year, yet the substance remains widely available, and a supermajority of Americans now favor its legalization. Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, and Utah have a chance in the coming days to embrace the inevitable. Amendment 11, Florida: Florida is the only state whose constitution flatly bars the retroactive application of criminal justice reforms. This prohibition prevents the legislature from reducing mandatory minimum sentences for those already in prison. In recent years, Florida has rolled back some draconian mandatory minimumsbut the state constitution prevents the legislature from releasing offenders who wouldve completed their sentences under the new laws. This rule, which keeps thousands languishing in prison, makes no sense, and Amendment 11 would abolish it. For Floridians eager to enact real criminal justice reform, supporting Amendment 11 is a no-brainer. To listen to this episode of Amicus, use the player below: Get More Amicus Slate Plus members get extended, ad-free versions of our podcastsand much more. Sign up today. Join Slate Plus Subscribe to Amicus Copy this link and add it in your podcast app. copy link copied! For detailed instructions, see our Slate Plus podcasts page. Listen to Amicus via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts. Dahlia Lithwick and her son Coby talk to Rabbi Chuck Diamond about the deadly shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Diamond was the rabbi at Tree of Life for seven years and originally met Dahlia when she was 10 years old. The three of them discuss the generosity of the Squirrel Hill community, the healing process over the past week, and how to talk to kids about the tragedy. Please let us know what you think of Amicus. Join the discussion of this episode on Facebook. Our email is amicus@slate.com. Podcast production by Cameron Drews and Shirley Chan. There are a million reasons to vote on Tuesday, and many of us are intensely focused on the high-profile races for the Senate, the House, and the governors mansions. But theres a lot happening farther down the ballot that will prove incredibly important. One set of races that will potentially have an immediate and direct impact on millions of Americans: races for state attorney general. If you have a job, or someone you love has a job, this is one more reason to show up and vote. Progressive state attorneys general are increasingly standing up for peoples rights at work. With contests for these posts in more than 30 states, the results of these elections will determine where there are law enforcement offices that will actually step into the breach created by a Trump administration that has been actively antagonistic to workers rights. Just on Thursday, for instance, Trumps top economic adviser channeled that annoying libertarian kid in 10th-grade history and argued that the federal minimum wage is terrible. The Republican tax cuts, meanwhile, have generally put nickels or nothing in workers pockets. The Trump Labor Departments approach to workers rights enforcement can best be described as flaccid: Their most original idea to date is an amnesty program that allows wage violators to avoid damages and penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State AGs, meanwhile, are stepping into the fray, standing up for workers again and again. A report I co-authored last spring for the Economic Policy Institute highlights some of the actions taken by the handful of state AGs who have emerged as leaders on workers rights. The list of their bold strokes is long and has only grown since the report came out: Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan sued Jimmy Johns sandwich shops over its outrageous noncompete agreements; Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey imposed record-level child labor penalties against one of Burger Kings largest franchisees; D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine filed a lawsuit against a national construction contractor for misclassifying workers. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has obtained settlements with 15 fast food and restaurant companies to stop using no-poach agreements, which prevent workers from moving among locations in the same chain. Then, just a couple of weeks ago, he announced a $525,000 settlement for female farmworkers who have faced sexual harassment. Advertisement Some offices have also brought criminal charges in egregious cases. For example, New Yorks team (my former office) has obtained more than 40 convictions of employers in a multitude of industries, ranging from government contractors that demanded kickbacks from workers, to a Papa Johns franchisee that created fake records to avoid paying overtime, to a construction company that misclassified employees as independent contractors, to an upstate farm owner whose child labor violations likely played a role in the death of a 14-year-old on the job. State AGs have also been helping beat back the Trump administrations attacks on working people, fighting a proposal to let bosses keep workers tips; pressing for an overtime threshold that would cover more people; opposing a proposed rollback of workplace injury reporting rules; and suing the federal Labor Department for refusing to disclose information about its new wage thief amnesty program. Theyve also stood up for workers at the Supreme Court by filing amicus briefs in key cases on labor issues. Advertisement Advertisement If you have a job, or someone you love has a job, this is one more reason to show up and vote. The aftermath of two such cases, Janus and Epic Systems, further demonstrates why state AGs matter. Because employers can force workers to waive their class-action rights as result of Epic Systems, government enforcementby officials like state AGsmay currently be our best bet if we want to address wage theft or discrimination not just one person at a time, but throughout an entire workplace. As for Janus, more than a dozen state AGs issued advisories within their states, providing state and municipal agencies with clarity and legal guidance about the meaning of the courts decision, which by a 54 ruling overturned decades of precedent to allow free riding in public sector unions. These advisories helped mitigate the potential harm of the decision, by making clear that it only affected non-union members, and not members themselves. Advertisement Advertisement In the past three years, several officesincluding the District of Columbia, Illinois, and Pennsylvaniahave created new divisions devoted specifically to protecting workers rights. The New Jersey AGs office, meanwhile, is currently in the process of setting up a new labor and civil rights unit. If more progressive AGs are elected on Tuesday, that number is likely to grow. What can new progressive state AGs do to help workers once theyre elected? They can explicitly devote staff time to workplace rights, ideally creating a dedicated unit which will focus on protecting workers. State AG offices have widely varying jurisdiction and resources, but they can all take action of some kind. They might investigate minimum wage and overtime violations, take part in criminal prosecutions of extreme or repeat violators, launch antitrust probes against colluding businesses that create a non-competitive labor market, or file lawsuits against companies that misclassify their workers as independent contractors instead of employees. State AGs also have the ability to take on new and emerging workplace issues, like noncompete agreements that cover an increasing number of low- and mid-level workers, unfairly preventing them from moving on to better jobs. And there will surely be plenty to do in opposing the Trump administrations aggressive rollbacks of workers rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While progressive attorneys general have been standing up for workers, what have their less progressive counterparts been up to? This week, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a brief in the state Supreme Court seeking to prevent Miami Beach from proceeding with a local minimum wage increase. Shes on the same page as Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, who was issued an ultimatum by her states Supreme Court after she tried to block a proposed a ballot initiative to increase the minimum wage. Meanwhile, in Texas, Ken Paxton intervened to join a lawsuit opposing Austins paid sick leave law. In 2016, 21 states, led by Paxton and by Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, filed suit, ultimately blocking an Obama-era rule that would have extended overtime protections and directly benefited an estimated 12.5 million people. (Some of the AGs who brought that lawsuit are currently running for governor or the U.S. Senate in their states.) Ultimately, state AGs are rightly billed as the peoples lawyers. A big question of the 2018 election will come down to this: Who do you want your lawyer working to protect? You, or your employer? A Friday night at a small, upscale shopping center in Tallahassee took a tragic turn when a gunman opened fire at a yoga studio, killing two people and wounding five others before killing himself. The gunman, identified as 40-year-old Scott Paul Beierle, shot a total of six people and pistol-whipped another. The two fatal victims were identified as Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21. Both Binkley and Van Vessem had ties to Florida State University, reports the Tallahassee Democrat. To lose one of our students and one of our faculty members in this tragic and violent way is just devastating to the Florida State University family, the universitys president, John Thrasher, said. We feel this loss profoundly and we send our deepest sympathies to Mauras and Nancys loved ones while we pray for the recovery of those who were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although some outlets have reported that the shooting was part of a domestic dispute that has yet to be officially confirmed. In my public service career I have had to be on some bad scenes. This is the worst, City Commissioner Scott Maddox wrote on Facebook. Please pray. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is the Democratic nominee for governor, left the campaign trail to return to Tallahassee Friday night. Im deeply appreciative of law enforcements quick response to the shooting at the yoga facility in Tallahassee today, Gillum said. No act of gun violence is acceptable. The shooting comes four days before Floridas gubernatorial election. Polls show Gillum with a slight lead although the race has been characterized as too close to call. The final quarter of 2021 is on its way and theres so much positivity about the rapid growth of the... Vietnam drops one rank in the latest World Bank report that evaluates the ease of doing business in economies worldwide. The Doing Business 2019: Training for Reform report, released by World Bank on Wednesday, investigated regulations that affect business activities in eleven areas. According to the result, Vietnam descended from the 68th to the 69th spot among 190 economies measured in the report, despite the score increase from 66.77 points to 68.36 points. The Southeast Asian country posted improvements in four out of eleven areas, including Getting Electricity jumping from 66th to 27th, Starting a Business up 19 places from 123rd to 104th, Registering Property up three notches, Enforcing Contract up one ranks. This is the fifth consecutive year Vietnam saw a promotion in the Getting Electricity, being the economy making the best progress in this indicator in Southeast Asia. The country came second in the region, fourth among eleven CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) countries in term of procedures and time to get connected to the electrical grid, and at the same level as developed countries like Singapore, Switzerland, and Denmark. However, Vietnams rankings fell in six other indicators, including Paying Taxes down 45 ranks, Trading across Borders down six grades, Resolving Insolvency down four places, Dealing with Construction Permits down one spot. In a discussion with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Nguyen Dai Tri, deputy general director of the General Department of Taxation under the Ministry of Finance, said that some of the departments reforms were not recognized by the World Bank. Particularly, the time for a firm to comply with all tax regulations was cut down to 17 hours a year, notably shorter than other countries in the region, he elaborated. The report also acknowledged that Vietnam simplified preregistration and registration formalities, and published online incorporation procedures to make it easier to start a business. In addition, Vietnam reduced the employers contribution to the labor fund from one percent to 0.5 percent. The country also made decisions rendered in commercial cases publicly available to make it easier to enforce contracts. In the ranking, New Zealand, Singapore and Denmark retain their first, second and third spots in terms of the ease of doing business, respectively, for a second consecutive year. Hong Kong, South Korea, Georgia, Norway, the United States, the United Kingdom and Macedonia followed behind in the top ten economies. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! HANOI, Nov 2 - Vietnams garment exports are set to rise by 14.8 percent this year to $35 billion, an industry official said on Friday, as U.S. retailers diversify their product sourcing to keep costs under control amid an escalating trade dispute with China. The U.S. has already imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, and China has responded with retaliatory duties on $110 billion worth of U.S. goods. Garments, Vietnams second largest export-earner after smartphones, are not yet subject to U.S. tariffs, although some manufacturers have sought to move at least some production to the Southeast Asian country, anticipating potential penalties. We are seeing more and more orders coming in, especially from the United States, Vu Duc Giang, chairman of Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association, told Reuters. Garment exports to the United States rose 12 percent in the January-October period to $10.5 billion, while exports to China surged 40 percent to $1.1 billion, according to a government statement released on Thursday. Ngo Quang Thoa, chairman of Swimax International Joint Stock Co, a contractor which produces swimwear and underwear products for U.S. companies such as Target and Express, said he had received a large increase in orders from the United States since January. This is because of the trade war between the U.S. and China, said Thoa, who added that he expected to see his exports to the United States increase by up to 20 percent by the end of the year. As coffee has become not just a commercially viable product but also a way of life in Vietnam, producers should make sure they focus on customer experience no less than the drink purity and quality, industry insiders said at an expo in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday. The Coffee Expo Vietnam 2018 is ongoing at the Saigon Exhibition Convention Center (SECC) in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City from November 1 to 3. At the event, Nguyen Phi Van, a local franchise expert, assessed that the business model of coffee is having a large-scale change in the Southeast Asian country. According to Van, Asian consumers are expecting more from coffee, which was previously regarded as fast drink that can be served quickly to customers. The dynamics of the experience economy has made coffee business models change in a way that incorporate lifestyle elements into brands, said Van. The experience economy is a term arguing that businesses must orchestrate memorable events for their customers, and that memory itself becomes the product - the experience. More experienced businesses can begin charging for the value of the transformation that an experience offers. There have been as many as international and regional brands from South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore arriving in Vietnam, mostly competing based on this concept. They build spaces that serve food in combination with coffee. In this way, coffee sale currently makes up 50-60 percent of their total revenue while it previously accounted for 60-70 percent. Meanwhile, food takes a large proportion in the coffee sector, corresponding to 25-40 percent of total revenue. Convenience store chains also catch up with this experience concept as they focus on selling coffee, marking retail participation in the industry. Another remarkable experience move is that coffee is becoming a popular commodity for families as home use that ensures the same quality of coffee as served at stores has also been widely promoted. At the same time, Vietnamese coffee franchise brands have also set their names in the market with the presence of a number of chains in Vietnam, including Napoli with nearly 3,000 stores, Viva Star with about 160 stores, not to mention The Coffee House, Z! Cafe. According to the expert, the strength of coffee must be accompanied by food, a model that has succeeded in many Asian countries. Van also suggests that Vietnamese startups assert differentiation in design and model, settle in niche market, or enhance added values such as combining coffee retail systems into automated kiosks at offices, convenience stores. Only delicious, pure coffee is not good enough for competition, the expert concluded. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A young Vietnamese girl has defied her visual impairment to win a valuable scholarship to one of Ho Chi Minh Citys top international universities. Nguyen Thanh Vinh received a scholarship worth nearly VND1 billion (US$43,000) for a three-year bachelors degree at District 7-based RMIT University Vietnam, where all subjects are taught in English with no assistants or translations. Vinh was born without sight in Ninh Thuan Province in south-central Vietnam, a mountainous area with no schools or opportunities for the disabled. Even though she has never seen her surroundings, Vinhs love for life is infectious. Her passion, desire, and determination have allowed her to overcome everything the world has thrown her way in order to earn this years only scholarship awarded by the Australian university. Inspiring others Vinhs mother passed away when she was still a child. Her father, who is also visually impaired, works as farmer to make ends meet for her and her two siblings. Vinh had long desired to attend school like her peers, but that notion seemed pretty farfetched in the rural area she grew up in. To help Vinh realize her dream, her father spent six years visiting school after school asking to have her admitted, only to have his requests rejected, with many school admitting that they lacked the resources, knowledge, and equipment to teach a visually impaired student. The constant rejection didnt discourage Vinh. Instead, she learned Braille a tactile alphabet for the hearing impaired with the help of her siblings and radio lessons. By 2009, her fathers efforts finally paid off when she was put in contact with Thien An, a charity organization that teaches and provides for the visually impaired in Ho Chi Minh City. In just two years she was able to complete her entire primary education, three years faster than the standard curricula designed by the education ministry. Shortly after, she was admitted to Center for Continuing Education of Tan Phu District where she finished high school with ordinary students. Instead of focusing on her inability to see, Vinh takes advantage of other skills to teach herself and lead her life. Photo: Tuoi Tre High school was a real challenge for Vinh, as most science-based subjects were taught with graphs and drawings on the board. As Vinh could only listen to the teachers voice and lectures, she was often unable to follow the lessons. Despite this, Vinh won the excellent student title annually during her seven years spent at the center. I can feel infinite positive energy from Vinh, Bao Ngoc, one of Vinhs classmates, shared. When she faces difficulties, she never takes a step back or allows herself to become discouraged. Her attitude has greatly affected me and helped me become more keen on my studies and determined in life. Not only does she hold an extremely positive attitude towards life, Vinh also faces all problems head-on, an attitude she says she inherited from her father. Speaking of difficulties, I am sure that my father has had many more to face than I did, but he still lives happily and encourages us to maintain a positive attitude towards life, Vinh said. I believe that if we are not born in the best circumstances, the only way out is to face our difficulties. Interested in education for the visually impaired Inspired by her own difficulties in learning with ordinary children during secondary school, Vinh, along with three other friends, developed a project on teaching methods for teachers working with classes of visually impaired students. In 2017, Vinh and her friends attended a UNICEF program which sponsors and supports social projects designed by youth. Beating 60 other competitors, Vinhs team became one of the five winners to receive UNICEF sponsorship. This achievement was among Vinhs main advantages in landing her full scholarship to RMIT. While working on the project, Vinh realized there are many English documents regarding teaching methods for visually impaired children, so she was determined to study translation at the university. With this job, at first, I will be able to find myself a job which can allow me to support myself and my family, she shared. When I am experienced enough, I am going to work on a website about teaching methods for instructors and parents with blind students or children. Through this website, I hope that people would better understand the visually impaired, and develop suitable approached to education so that we can become useful members of society. With her desire to major in English translation, Vinh spent her last high school year going from college to college to apply for admission. However, just like when she still lived in her hometown, Vinh was declined by all universities she visited as they all claimed they do not know how to teach a visually impaired student and couldnt provide the necessary support. Even though Vinh received advice from others to think about a less challenging area of study, she was still determined to learn what she loved. After learning that RMIT Vietnam admits visually impaired students for all majors, she was determined to seek admission. Even though I knew that the chances were small, I still tried. If I had not been admitted, I would have found other English language courses to attain my goal, she said. I hope that in the future, other universities will have better policies so that students like me can study what they truly like. Nguyen Thanh Vinh always has a positive attitude towards life despite her physical challenges. Photo: Tuoi Tre Even though it was risky to only apply to one college, those who know her were not too worried as Vinh had always been an outstanding student. When Vinh said she only applied to attend RMIT that year, I was a bit nervous, Nguyen Quoc Phong, director of Thien An charity organization where Vinh lives, said. However, being someone who has been with her since she was a child, I know that she always puts forth her best effort. She always has one particular goal and knows each step she needs to take to reach that goal. Nguyen Thanh Vinh is not the first visually impaired student to attend RMIT University. In 2014, a male student Nguyen Thanh Vinh became the first blind student at RMIT and was also awarded a full scholarship worth VND1 billion ($40,000). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The 2018 Japanese Film Festival (JFF) is taking place sequentially in four of Vietnams big cities Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue, and Da Nang starting from Friday to December 23. This is the first time JFF, one of the most anticipated annual events by the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, came to the central city of Hue. Sixteen films of various genres including drama, comedy, romance, horror, cartoon, and documentary will be featured at the festival, marking the largest number of entrants screened at the event over the past few years. All the films will be screened with both English and Vietnamese subtitles, with admission fee in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang set at VND30,000-40,000 (US$1.29-1.72) per screening. Audience in Hue can obtain free tickets at certain venues from November 10 to watch the free screening sections from November 17 to December 9, while tickets for later showing in December will be put on sale at the same price as the other three cities. This year, JFF opened its curtain in Ho Chi Minh on Friday and runs till November 18 at the CineStar Hai Ba Trung at 135 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1. The festival will then move it way to Da Nang for screenings from November 16 to 25 at the Le Do Cinema at 46 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau District, before taking to Hue City on November 17 till December 23, at the BHD Star Cineplex, at 50A Hung Vuong Road. In Hanoi, the screenings will take place from November 30 to December 16, at the National Cinema Center at 87 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District. The films and screening schedule can be accessed at http://vn.japanesefilmfest.org/screening-schedule/ Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! As Hoi An handles a massive influx of tourists hoping to experience one of Vietnams most well-known destinations, many complain that the ancient town in central Vietnam is at risk of losing its charm and original tranquility, particularly in light of recent incidents including scams targeting foreigners, noisy honking on streets, and the aggressive attitude of many residents. Hoping to solve the problem, the Hoi An administration implemented a new project called Hoi An pure love for people, encouraging locals to be appreciative, sympathetic, and helpful while also following regulations and protecting the environment. This message also serves as a reminder to locals that Hoi An, recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1985, has taken a negative turn and should be preserved in order to maintain its original tranquility. Deformed Hoi An Hoi An is most well-known for its well-preserved ancient town, cut through with canals and its reflection on a past consisting of a fusion developed from the 15th-19th centuries when it was one of Southeast Asias busiest port towns. The city has long been one of a favorite destination for many tourists, both Vietnamese and foreigners, thanks to its tranquility, originality, and tradition. It is common for tourists to revisit the town many times over. However, recently many tourists visiting Hoi An have complained that the city is becoming increasingly stuffy and cramped. Moreover, many things that were previously perceived as impossible in Hoi An are quickly penetrating the society and seemingly becoming a norm, including taxi and xe om (motorbike taxi) drivers robbing visitors by charging unreasonable ride fares. Hoi An welcomes around 3.2 million visitors accounting for nearly VND3,000 billion (US$129 million) in annual tourism revenues. The explosion in visitors has thus resulted in chaos and created huge interruptions in daily life for both local residents and visiting tourists. For instance, a transport company in Hoi An was forced to refund tickets to many visitors after being accused of over-charging customers. Some bus routes connecting Hoi An with the neighboring city of Da Nang have also been the brunt of countless complaints about service-providers taking advantage of visitors lack of fluency in Vietnamese by charging them unreasonable prices and confusing them with banknotes of different values, as Vietnamese banknotes with big numbers can easily confuse non-natives. Reports of a foreign tourist being beaten up by a xe om in Hoi An after a disagreement over prices have recently surfaced on the Internet, sparking a wave of criticism from across the nation. Many were shocked that such a tranquil place would be a home to such a violent incident. In other places, stealing, over-charging, and beating foreign visitors to the point where they need to be hospitalized can happen, but in Hoi An it is unacceptable, journalist Le Duc Hung from Da Nang said when he learned of the assault in Hoi An. Such things not only make Hoi An an unappealing touristic destination, but also offends locals because Hoi An people are not supposed to act aggressively. Praise the beautiful values Hoi An currently has 1,107 traditional houses protected by preservation efforts. A fourth of these houses are currently being rented or have been bought by non-locals for business purposes. However, according to Nguyen Chi Trung, director of the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation, this is not the main reason for the recent spate of bad behavior. It is also important to note that Hoi An has long been a harmony of cultures, an idea that local citizens consider the essence of their local culture. Nguyen Van Son, the citys deputy chairman, claimed that the main reason for the controversy is the citys lack of preparedness for the sudden increase in tourists. To be more specific, recently, Hoi An has seen an explosion in the number of annual visitors but the number of city and law enforcement officials did not increase, resulting in a lack of resources to maintain order. In order to preserve the citys friendliness and purity, the Hoi An administration was determined to establish a city that truly has the pure love for people which tourists expect. We believe that once we remind people of the nice gestures and the sacred traditional values of the city, the standard behavior such as not honking on the streets, avoiding spitting in public places, and dressing appropriately will be return and once again become a daily practice, Nguyen Van Son, a Hoi An resident, said. Ethics and awareness will have a more long-term effect than laws. In addition to preservation, there are still three main challenges that Hoi An currently faces -- internal immigrants from other areas, an overloaded tourism industry, and unpredictable side effects from the citys development, according to Professor Hoang Dao Kinh. The professor also went on to praise the citys new project, stating that thanks to Hoi Ans nature, it is possible to implement such regulations. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! On November 1, the Southern Womens Museum in Ho Chi Minh City launched a new exhibition room that utilizes a smart museum mobile application to enhance experience for visitors. Guests of the new exhibition, themed Portrait of Vietnamese Heroic Mothers of southern Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City, are encouraged to install the Bao Tang PNNB app on their iOS or Android devices, to be able to better explore the photos on display. When a photo or an object is within a radius of one meter from the visitors, the app will show images and information regarding the exhibit, allowing the museum to provide more in-depth information, rather than just general introduction, to its guests. The app also provides information regarding well-known historical figures, historical background, as well as video clips related to the photos being displayed, giving visitors better understanding of the works and the history behind them. Visitors are seen at the museum. Photo: Tuoi Tre The museum also has further plans to add an audio function to the smart museum app to better instruct the visitors around the museum. The ongoing exhibition features 70 portraits and 60 artifacts of the Vietnamese heroic mothers, with an aim to depict the American war in Vietnam through the characters perspective. Heroic mothers are women whose children sacrificed their lives fighting for the country. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese Nguyen Phuong Khanh beat 86 other contestants to win Miss Earth 2018 on the final night on Saturday, becoming the first beauty of her country to take the crown at one of the Big Four international pageants. The show in the Philippines began with the beauties from 87 countries and territories touring the stage to greet the audience, before the hosts announced the Top 18, where the Vietnamese representative shone in a golden gown and made it to the next round. Khanh, born in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre in 1994, was the second runner-up at the Miss Ocean Vietnam Global in April. She is 1.7 meters tall, weighs 51kg, with body measurements of 90-58-94 cm. Before the decisive Saturday evening, the 24-year-old woman was already predicted to make it to the Top 10. The Vietnamese lady was able to show her best in the bikini round. With a good command of English, Khanh gave a convincing short speech in the presentation segment to have her name called for the last four finalists. In the judges' question round for the Top 4, Khanh was confident to express her opinion about what she thought was the greatest pressure on her generation. The beauty answered it was ignorance, reasoning that people of her generation tend to use too much technology and social media and "we just care about ourselves." The young Vietnamese suggested that people "should spend our time thinking about what's happening with the earth right now." The hosts then announced the Miss Water title, equivalent to second runner-up, which went to Valeria Ayos of Colombia and Miss Air, or first runner-up, to Melanie Mader from Austria. Instead of naming the third runner-up for Miss Fire, the hosts directly revealed Khanh as the winner of Miss Earth 2018. The remaining title, Miss Fire, went to Melissa Flores from Mexico. Nguyen Phuong Khanh answers her question. This is Vietnam's highest achievement in one of the four major international beauty pageants, with the other contests being Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss International. Miss Earth is an annual international environmental-themed beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness, which was initiated by Philippine conglomerate Carousel Productions in 2001. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Seventeen agreements worth nearly US$12 billion were signed between Vietnam and France in Hanoi on Friday during a visit by the French premier to the fast-growing Southeast Asian nation. French Prime Edouard Philippe arrived in Hanoi on Friday to kick off his official visit to Vietnam from November 2-4, largely aimed at drumming up business deals with one of Asia's fastest growing economies, which clocked 6.8 percent GDP growth last year. Upon arrival, the French premier held talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc and met with Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong. The French and Vietnamese heads of government then witnessed the signing of deals worth a total of nearly $12 billion, including in the aviation, energy and IT sectors. "France is one of Vietnam's top partners, and is always a priority in Vietnam's foreign policy, we have close and binding exchanges," Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told reporters after the signing. Trade between the countries has boomed in recent years, with France being Vietnam's third leading European trading partner after Germany and Italy, with two-way trade hitting $7.6 billion last year, according to the French Prime Minister's office. Vietnam, an export-driven manufacturing hub with a population of over 95 million people, has eagerly courted trading partners in Europe after the United States pulled out of the sprawling Trans-Pacific trade pact that Hanoi stood to gain enormously from. Philippe was set to visit Dien Bien Phu, the site of the epic battle between France and Vietnam in 1954 that would spell the end of France's colonial empire in Indochina and pave the way for Vietnamese independence, on Saturday. The French premier's trip also includes a stopover in the bustling economic hub Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday where he will inaugurate a French medical centre and host a business forum with French tech entrepreneurs before heading to New Caledonia. This year marks the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties and the fifth anniversary of bilateral strategic partnership. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (L) witness the signing of a deal between Airbus and Vietjet in Hanoi on November 2, 2018. Photo: Vietjet Among the deals signed on Friday was one between Frances plane manufacturer Airbus and Vietnamese budget airline Vietjet for 50 new A321neo planes worth $6.5 billion. Vietnamese airlines have been eagerly growing fleets to serve burgeoning passenger numbers, where domestic travel has soared in recent years and international air travel is one the rise. Vietjet also inked a Memorandum of Understanding worth $5 billion with France's Safran group for 100 engines and equipment maintenance, the document said. "These contracts reflect the growing intensity of economic ties between the two countries," French Prime Minister Philippe said after the signing. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Politics: -- Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong received French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Friday during the latters ongoing visit to Vietnam. -- Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his French counterpart Edouard Philippe affirmed their determination to deepen the Vietnam-France strategic partnership for shared benefit during their talks in Hanoi on Friday as part of the French premiers ongoing visit to Vietnam. -- Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong presented a report asking for ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) during a sitting of the legislature in Hanoi on Friday. Society: -- A female college student in the north-central province of Nghe An was hospitalized for burn treatment after her Halloween costume caught fire on Wednesday. -- Ho Chi Minh City police prosecuted a 15-year-old primary suspect in the death of a student Grab driver in the southern metropolis last month, a source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Friday. -- Bilateral agreements for a new generation of social insurance policy have been negotiated to support foreign workers engaging in Vietnams social insurance scheme, said Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Social Security (VSS) Dao Viet Anh on Friday. -- The government has approved Hanois proposal to charge private vehicles that enter congested areas across the city as part of its efforts to reduce traffic jams and environmental pollution. Business: -- Thua Thien-Hue has pushed investors to consider six solar power projects, a sector for which the central province is offering special investment incentives with a view to boosting green growth. -- The agro-fishery-forestry sector earned US$32.6 billion from exports during the January-October period, up 8.1 percent year-on-year, according to the Agro Processing Market Development Authority (AgroTrade) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. -- The first direct flight connecting Phu Quoc Island off the coast of Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam and Malaysia, flight AK545 by AirAsia, arrived at the Phu Quoc International Airport from Kuala Lumpur on 1:35 pm on Friday. Lifestyle: -- The best 107 entries in the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards competition are on display in Hanoi from November 2-11, as part of celebrations of the seventh Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day on November 23. -- Actor Lien Binh Phat, who got to fame through his debut in the movie Song Lang, has become the first Vietnamese artist to receive the Tokyo Gemstone award at the Tokyo International Film Festival 2018 on Friday. A raging fire was seen at a hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday afternoon as guests, most of whom foreigners, ran for their lives. Witnesses reported seeing fire and thick black smoke rising from the A&EM Hotel on Thu Khoa Huan Street in District 1, only a four-minute walk from Ben Thanh market, from 1:00 pm on Saturday. Xuan, a construction worker on a building opposite the hotel, said he was the first one to discover smoke coming from the hotel and alerted others. The fire consumed top floors of the building minutes later, as foreigners could be seen dashing out of the hotel carrying their luggage. Fire and smoke rise from a hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on November 3, 2018. Video: Tuoi Tre Dozens of firefighters and many fire trucks responded to the scene shortly after. According to a leader of District 1, at the time of the fire three welders were hired by the hotel to make iron doors on one of the top floors. It is suspected that these workers had caused the fire from welding sparks generated during the job. The trio has been summoned by police in Ben Thanh Ward in District 1 for questioning, as no casualties have been reported by authorities. A firefighter sprays water at a fire at a hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on November 3, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre The top floors of a hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City is burnt down after a fire on November 3, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A vice director of Vietnams Cienco 6, a company belonging to a consortium responsible for developing Ho Chi Minh Citys first metro line, was Saturday morning found dead hanged at his office in the citys Thu Duc District. The mans body was found hanged from a staircase by a security guard, said Duong Huu Hoa, director of the metro line project. Line 1 of Ho Chi Minh Citys planned metro system will run nearly 20 kilometers from Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to the Suoi Tien Theme Park in District 9. Cienco 6, fully known as Civil Engineering Construction Corporation No. 6, is one of the two companies in a consortium thats responsible for developing the projects second tender package, which involves building above-ground sections of the metro line and associated depots. The deceased, who is Cienco 6s vice director, is identified only by his initials V.P.A. The scene of death was the office of the executive board of the second tender package in Thu Duc District. Thu Duc police arrived at the scene shortly after for autopsy and scene investigation. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A college student in Vietnam who participated in a Halloween costume party at her junior college has suffered first-degree burns after she was set alit in a horrifying wardrobe malfunction during the event. The Halloween party was held on Wednesday evening at the campus of the Junior College for Pedagogy in Nghe An Province in north-central Vietnam. Nearly 400 students participated in the event organized by the schools students union, according to union president Le Van Luu. The accident had been kept undisclosed by the students union until Friday. Junior-year student L.T.T., 20, arrived at the party at around 7:10 pm, wearing a costume made out of painted papers. As T. made her way into the gymnasium where the main event was happening, her costume caught on fire from a nearby candle-lit gourd, Luu said. The fire consumed the entire flammable costume that T. was wearing in seconds, as nearby students and professors used water to put out the flame and brought the girl to a nearby hospital. Footage of the moment a student's costume catches fire during a Halloween costume party at a junior college in Nghe An Province in northern Vietnam. Video: Tuoi Tre As her wounds were severe, T. was transferred to the National Burns Hospital in Hanoi for further treatment the same night, where doctors said she suffers from first-degree burns covering over 30 percent of her body. It is an unfortunate incident, and were putting top priority into helping T. recover, Luu said, adding that the school board had held a meeting to review the responsibility of those involved. Halloween is a celebration observed in several countries on October 31, which begins the three-day observance of the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead. In Vietnam, a country that does not traditionally observe Halloween, celebrations are mostly limited to costume parties without its cultural implications. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Two recent cases of xe om (motorbike taxi) drivers working for Grab in Vietnam being attacked, with one ending in murder, have sent a shockwave through the local ride-hailing community as drivers scramble to find ways to protect themselves on the job. When technology-based ride hailing was first introduced to Vietnam in 2014, drivers rarely gave a second thought to the idea of getting robbed or assaulted during a pick-up. Now, the industry is seeing the dark side of a massive boom more drivers means more opportunities for criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting drivers, particularly during trips to secluded areas late at night. The October 19 murder of Le Nhat Hao, a student and GrabBike driver, was a wakeup call for local drivers: times are changing and caution can no longer be thrown to the wind. From all walks of life It was only recently that xe om driving made the leap from lower-class employment to side-hustle for university students, manual workers, and white collar professionals looking to make an extra buck. This transformation has led to a complex assortment of issues and complications the industry will have to clear up if it hopes to continue its boom. Undergraduate students in metropolises such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have taken a shine to moonlighting as motorbike taxi drivers as it offers decent income and flexible schedule. Very few of their young go-getters realize that their eagerness to earn comes at cost. Sophomore Pham Minh Thien, like many of his peers, begins his driving shift late at night after his finishing his studies. He says that while xe om driving has helped him earn enough to cover his tuition fees, a recent spate of dangerous situations is making him think twice about continuing his work. Once I accepted a booking at 11:00 pm, but it turned out to be a scam, Thien recalled. My customer led me to a dead-end, took out a knife, and tried to rob me. Luckily, I practice martial arts so I got out unscathed, he said. Another time, Thien drove a seemingly nice woman back to her neighborhood after midnight. It was only after dropping her off that he realized shed stanched his wallet. Tech-based taxi drivers band together at night out of precaution. Photo: Tuoi Tre Nguyen Thanh Trung, 21, is studying in an apprenticeship to become a full-fledged barber. To make ends meet, he spends his nights working as a GrabBike driver. Though a veteran in the trade, there have been several times Trung has been forced to make tough decisions in order to ensure his own safety. On October 18, Trung agreed drive ride a passenger in the middle of the night. While on the trip, the suspicious customer ordered him to another direction. Luckily, I refused to continue ferrying him, Trung said. The man was angry, but I know it was because I had spoiled his plans. Precaution takes precedence Tackled with such a fierce rise in violent incidents, ride-hailing service providers have come up with ideas to keep themselves safe while on the job. Aber Vietnam takes up measures by assigning paid dispatchers to take responsibility for the safety and welfare of drivers. It also puts out safety notices for its drivers who work night shifts. For Grab, after the unfortunate incident involving Hao, the company has provided detailed guideline for its drivers. Most notably, the Grab app prioritizes bookings within a close proximity of its student workforce, so as to safeguard them against similar situations. Tech-based taxi drivers band together at night out of precaution. Photo: Tuoi Tre Truong Van Vy, a university professor who specializes in criminal psychology, also shared some insight into the current safety climate for rideshare drivers. Typically, tech-based xe om drivers are happy after receiving an order because it means an opportunity for them to earn money. However, the pick-up and drop-off location of each driver should be taken into consideration as dangerous situations can be dependent on those factors. As criminals prefer to operate at night, it is imperative for drivers to keep their guard up after dark. Officer Nguyen Sy Quang from the Ho Chi Minh City police department said more patrols will be conducted in rural and suburban areas for safety measures. Officers will also check on suspicious figures roaming about during late night hours, Quang added. Each and every driver has to watch out for themselves. Nothing can be fully guaranteed. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Alec Baldwin was yesterday arrested and taken into custody in New Yorks Greenwich Village neighbourhood for allegedly punching a man during a dispute over a parking spot. The Associated Press reports he has been charged with misdemeanour assault and harassment, and has been ordered to appear in court on November 26. According to witnesses Baldwin and another man argued over a parking spot near 10th Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattans West Village when Baldwin allegedly took a swing. The alleged victim was said to have been taken to a hospital. On Twitter, Baldwin stated, Normally, I would not comment on something as egregiously misstated as todays story. However, the assertion that I punched anyone over a parking spot is false. I wanted to go on the record stating as such. The arrest comes the day before this weeks Saturday Night Live, where Baldwin is a frequent guest playing President Donald Trump. WATCH: Alec Baldwin leaves a police precinct after getting arrested for assaulting someone he got in a fight with over a parking spot. https://t.co/POsObIUeT6 pic.twitter.com/CBSCNI1OVK CBS News (@CBSNews) November 2, 2018 Source: Deadline If Eurovision Asia ever gets off the ground, the Gold Coast is hoping to become the first host city. A Gold Coast City Council report suggests the event to take place from November 30 to December 7, 2019 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Eurovision Asia is huge, Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate told Nine News. (It reaches) over 200 million people. Well, at the moment it doesnt reach anybody, it has never been staged, but the potential footprint would be huge, yes. A report indicates that a full line-up of countries will be announced in May next year. A City of Gold Coast report says the events long term strategy is to hold Eurovision Asia there every four years for the next 12 years. But Blink TVs Paul Clarke, has shut down the rumours saying that there is nothing to say at this stage. Last month outgoing SBS managing director Michael Ebeid told TV Tonight, Its probably been my one disappointment. I would have liked to have made more progress on that. Its just proven too geo-politically difficult. We are still talking to a few of the countries but we have put all our energy into this other idea were planning to announce soon. Its more in our control and continent, whereas trying to get 10 Asian countries to agree has proven really difficult. Today is the closing day for compositions to be considered to represent Australia at Eurovision next May. The Gold Coast will host Eurovision: Australia Decides over two nights in February. Source: Nine News, Wiwibloggs The US president promoted the reimposition of Iranian sanctions on Twitter on Friday with this image. US sanctions against Iran are officially snapping back into place on Monday, erasing Americas 2015 agreement to ease harsh restrictions on the oil-rich country in exchange for limits to its nuclear ambitions. Donald Trump reminded the world about the sanctions on Friday with a tweeted image showing a photo of him overlaid with text saying Sanctions are Coming. The text and typeface riffed off the popular fantasy HBO show, Game of Thrones. Trumps decision in May to reimpose the sanctions has forced companies around the world to scale back their business dealings with Iran for fear of facing harsh punishments from the US, including the threat of being cut off from the American financial system. Companies have cancelled planned projects and stopped buying Iranian oil. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Friday that eight countries would get waivers to keep buying Iranian oil, but did not give specifics, only noting that countries in the European Union would not get waivers. China, the top importer of Iranian crude, is reportedly in discussions to secure a waiver. Turkeys energy minister Fatih Donmez said his country would get a waiver. Why is this happening? Trump called the Obama-era deal to ease sanctions on Iran defective at its core when he pulled out of the agreement in May. The deal had been signed alongside the UK, France, Germany, China and Russia, and was endorsed by the UN Security Council. It is clear to me that we cannot prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb under the decaying and rotten structure of the current agreement, Trump had said. The decision was met with international resistance and condemnation. Iran said it was not bothered by the sanctions, which target not only its vital oil and gas sector but also shipping, ship-building and banking industries. Story continues America will not be able to carry out any measure against our great and brave nation We have the knowledge and the capability to manage the countrys economic affairs, Irans foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on state TV. US sanctions against Iran are being reimposed by the Trump administration on Monday. Photo: Atta Kenare/Getty Images What does this mean for oil prices? Iran is a crucial oil producer for the world market, exporting about 2.7 million barrels per day in 2018, according to data from the Federal Reserves Bank of St. Louis. Iranian exports have nearly doubled since 2015, but theyre expected to plunge back down as sanctions force international buyers to look elsewhere for supplies. Oil prices initially spiked in the wake of Trumps announcement as traders worried that a cut to Iranian supplies could lead to global shortfalls. However, the oil-rich nation Saudi Arabia provided assurances that it could fill the supply gaps and many countries have pumped more oil into the markets. The International Energy Agency reported that global oil supplies in September surged to roughly 100 million barrels per day, up about 3% from last year. Production from OPECs 15 member countries hit a one-year high in September. The increased production, along with slipping demand from emerging markets, has dragged down prices in recent weeks. Oil prices have sold off sharply on growing demand concerns and diminishing fears over Iran supply losses, noted energy experts at Goldman Sachs. Still, experts expect prices could easily rise again, which could hurt drivers, airlines and a range of energy-dependent businesses. Crispin Hawes, a director at Idrisi Advisors and an expert in Middle Eastern economics, warned that oil markets will be in a more fragile place in the coming months. If you take 60% to 70% of Iranian supplies out of the market, prices wont spike, but it means the balance between supply and demand is thinner, he told Yahoo Finance UK. What does it mean for Europe? European companies had been keen to sign deals with Iran and export their products to Iranian consumers. The 28 countries in the European Union exported nearly 11 billion ($12.5 billion) in goods to Iran in 2017, roughly 100 times larger than US exports to the country. But big European businesses have now pulled back from their plans. The sanctions dash the hope that exports to Iran could otherwise have risen substantially, so it is a lost opportunity, said Holger Schmieding, a leading economist at Berenberg. Indirectly, Europe is being hurt by high oil prices to which US sanctions against Iran have contributed. With files from Reuters By Josh Horwitz and Cate Cadell HONG KONG/BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese state-backed semiconductor maker Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co Ltd billed itself as a national leader in the tech industry. It planned to drive a shift toward locally made chips and end a heavy reliance on imports, especially from the United States. "The era of Chinese chips has arrived," it said in a recent promotional online pamphlet to attract chip industry talent. Underneath was a picture of a circuit board emblazoned with the Chinese flag. "China once relied on chip imports, but the tireless work of untold numbers of chip experts has meant that from 90 percent imports we have been able to attain localized production," it said, highlighting a high-skilled global workforce harking from the United States, Japan and South Korea. "Jump with us into an chip era that belongs to China." That bold ambition now faces major hurdles. The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday indicted Fujian Jinhua and Taiwan-based United Microelectronics Corp (UMC) for industrial espionage. The indictment said the companies conspired to steal trade secrets from U.S. semiconductor company Micron Technology Inc relating to its research and development of memory storage devices. Under a technology cooperation agreement signed in 2016, UMC develops memory-related technologies for the Chinese firm. The charges came after the U.S. Commerce Department banned U.S. companies from selling hardware and software components to the Chinese firm and UMC. The Taiwan firm said shortly afterwards that it will temporarily halt its research and development activities with Fujian. The Commerce Department action could deal a significant blow to the Chinese semiconductor maker, given its reliance on U.S. supplies, and China's technology ambitions. Fujian Jinhua declined to comment and its website appeared to have been taken down on Friday. Chinese government officials have said privately that Fujian is of high strategic importance to China, which is looking to boost home-grown technology under its "Made in China 2025" plan, a bid to catch up technologically in key areas such as semiconductors, where it has long been reliant on imports - notably from America. Story continues "You can't build a fab (fabrication plant) without U.S. equipment companies. You just cannot do it," said Risto Puhakka, a semiconductor industry expert at VLSI Research. The world's most important suppliers of the tools needed to make memory chips - Applied Materials Inc, KLA-Tencor Corp, and Lam Research Corp - all hail from the United States. TOP THREE CHIP MAKER China imported $270 billion in semiconductors in 2017, more than its total imports of crude oil, highlighting the country's lack of a true rival to U.S. chip making giants like Micron, Intel Corp or Qualcomm Inc. To close the gap, analysts said earlier this year money was "raining down" from Beijing and state-backed funds, like the country's state chip "Big Fund", to support firms such as Fujian Jinhua. The Chinese firm has been working to open a giant $5.7 billion chip factory in October to produce 60,000 semiconductor wafers per month in its first stage of production, and 120,000 in its second stage, according to domestic media. Fujian is just one of a handful of Chinese semiconductor firms that have in recent years looked to crack the global chip industry. They are working on chips that can be used in smartphones to missile guidance systems. Two officials at a state-linked semiconductor fund said Fujian Jinhua was working with highly specialized semiconductor materials to make circuits, a high priority for Beijing and the country's chip fund. "You could consider Fujian Jinhua a top three China chip company in terms of their research and development," one of the people said. Both asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. STATE TIES Fujian Jinhua was established in 2016 with funding from state-owned Fujian Electronics & Information Co and Jinjiang Energy Investment Co.. Other backers include municipal governments from the southern cities of Quanzhou and Jinjiang. Fujian Jinhua's former board chairman served as a provincial-level party secretary. The firm's focus was to become a manufacturing leader in DRAM, or dynamic random access memory, a chip commonly used in personal computers, workstations and servers. The sector has been long dominated by U.S. firm Micron and South Korea's SK Hynix Inc and Samsung Electronics. "Once completed, the project will fill the gap in the field of DRAM memory in China," the company said in a news post last year. It added the factory had been included in a list of the country's top engineering projects supported by the state. "In the information age, integrated circuits have been a strategic basic industry for China," it wrote. "Future prospects are bright." (Reporting by Josh Horwitz and Cate Cadell; additional reporting by Shanghai newsroom; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Neil Fullick) See Also: The Duchess of Cornwall may have stepped into the Duchess of Sussex's shoes by embarking on her own whirlwind royal tour with her husband Prince Charles, but it seems she's been taking style notes from the Duchess of Cambridge if one of her latest outfits is anything to go by. On Thursday, Camilla chose to wear a very special edition of the poppy pin which pays tribute to the women who served in the First World War just as Kate did on Wednesday for a visit to the Imperial War Museum. kate-camilla-poppy Both Kate and Camilla chose to where the memorial pin Clarence House wrote on Twitter: "The Duchess of Cornwall is wearing a special poppy to thank the women who served and supported the war movement during the First World War. In this important centenary year, 100 years since the end of WWI, The @PoppyLegion are leading the nation in a #ThankYou100 #Armistice100." MORE: Duchess Camilla just floored us with this stunning chiffon gown and her most incredible diamond earrings Loading the player... The brooch sells for 29.99, designed exclusively for the Centenery anniversary of the conflict and also comes with a certificate commemorating the life of a woman who lost her life as a direct result of the First World War. It's plated with a gold tone and hand finished with baguette crystals, too, so makes a gorgeous sparkling accessory to any Duchess-worthy winter coat. MORE: ROYAL STYLE WATCH: THIS WEEK'S MOST STUNNING OUTFITS While Kate teamed hers with her royal blue Jenny Packham pencil dress, Camilla chose a light and flowing dress coat as the backdrop to her poppy, made in a summery teal shade that was perfect for a hot day two in The Gambia. She also tied-in the red shade with an adorable cherry-print clutch bag. Love. On Friday, Charles and Camilla will arrive in Ghana for the next stop on their tour of West Africa. More outfits to come! Theresa May will join Emmanuel Macron in France on Friday to commemorate the fallen from the First World War ahead of the centenary of its end. Downing Street said the Prime Minister would meet the French president for a ceremony on the Somme, where tens of thousands of British and French soldiers were killed in the bloody conflict. They will have a working lunch in Albert before laying a wreath at the imposing Thiepval Memorial, which is inscribed with the names of some 72,000 war dead who have no known graves. The Thiepval Memorial (Gareth Fuller/PA) The Prime Minister will arrive in France via Belgium, where she will lay wreaths in a military cemetery in Mons on the graves of John Parr, the first British soldier to be killed in 1914, and George Ellison, who was killed just 90 minutes before the Armistice came into effect at 11am on November 11 1918. Mrs May said: Next week will mark one of the most significant moments in our nations history. One hundred years after the guns fell silent on the Western Front, each and every one of us can pause to reflect on the immense sacrifices that were made by so many. The killing fields of France and Belgium are scarred by the horrors of war, but the strength and closeness of our relationship today is a testament to the journey our countries have travelled together. Im proud to represent the immense gratitude of our nation at these commemorations and share these moments of reflection with our friends and partners in Europe. The wreath she and Mr Macron shall lay will comprise poppies, the British remembrance symbol, and their French equivalent le bleuet. The Cenotaph (Anthony Delvin/PA) Downing Street said the Prime Minister would also join senior royals at The Royal British Legion (RBL) Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday. The following day she will also join them at the Cenotaph, where federal president Frank-Walter Steinmeier will become the first German leader to lay a wreath at the monument to the dead. Microsofts chief executive has urged tech companies and world leaders to use technology to protect the most vulnerable in society. Speaking in London on Thursday, Satya Nadella stressed the importance of privacy, security and ethics in protecting the public and improving trust, in the face of increased concern about how tech companies use peoples data. We need to use our collective prowess and power to protect the most vulnerable of the population and it requires not just our industry, it also requires nation states to be part of that, Mr Nadella said. In a world where everyone is a software company and everyone is a digital company, we have to mature to confront some of the unintended consequences of some of all this advancement and all this diffusion and spread of digital technology. (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Nadella reminded IT experts that privacy is a human right a major issue in the tech world following the Facebook/ Cambridge Analytica scandal earlier this year. He also spoke about rolling out the principles of GDPR, the EU-wide data privacy regulation introduced in May, worldwide. GDPR as a piece of legislation, a piece of regulation, is a great start, and weve done a lot of hard work to become compliant with GDPR but more importantly weve taken the subject rights and made it available all over the world, so we dont just think of it as a European regulation, but we think of something that sets the standard for how people need to think about privacy worldwide, Mr Nadella explained. With an explosion in artificial intelligence, the Microsoft chief executive said ethics are an important part of gaining trust, urging organisations to use technology fairly and in a transparent way. Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey also took to the stage at Microsofts Future Decoded event in east London, speaking about progress in assistive technology in helping more disabled people into employment. Story continues Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey (Aaron Chown/PA) In the UK we are technology leaders, the MP said. There are 1,700 AT (assistive technology) products currently available in the UK, with 1,150 businesses involved in AT, and that contributes 85 million to our economy. Weve seen, since 2013, 600,000 more disabled people into work. Weve now got about 3.5 million disabled people in the UK into work, but you know theres still an employment gap between that number and we know that we want more disabled people into work disabled people know they want to be in work and so through your support, through your technological advances we can narrow that gap between disabled people and non-disabled people in work. Among the announcements at the event, Microsoft and NHS Scotland signed an agreement to merge more than 100 separate computer systems in a move that it is hoped will cut waiting times and improve patient care. Exercise Trident Juncture involves more than 50,000 troops, 65 ships, 10,000 vehicles and 250 aircraft from all 29 member states of the alliance. Norway will require the help of Nato and is dependent on its assistance if the country is ever invaded, members of the Norwegian Army have said. Exercise Trident Juncture involves more than 50,000 troops, 65 ships, 10,000 vehicles and 250 aircraft from all 29 member states of the alliance, as well as Finland and Sweden. Beginning last week, it is taking place in Norway a country which shares a border with Russia and comes amid rising tensions between the Kremlin and the alliance. A French landing craft from @MarineNationale amphibious assault ship DIXMUDE carrying British Royal Marines from 45 Commando to land on a Norwegian beach for @NATO exercise #TridentJuncture @RoyalNavy @LtColForbes #WEARENATO pic.twitter.com/icLKNW7KDb Defence Operations (@DefenceOps) November 1, 2018 Based around a fictitious attack on Norways sovereignty resulting in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty being triggered it is testing Natos collective capacity and capability to respond. Captain Kim Kaspersen, a company commander from the 1st Armoured Infantry Battalion of the Norwegian Army, said if Norway was ever invaded his country would need help from the alliance. We are a long country, we have a long coastline and we actually need to help each other, he said when asked if Norways forces could protect their own country. Story continues A lot of Nato countries have to rely on each other and that is why the exercise is such a good idea it improves our skills to actually receive foreign help. It is a sentiment echoed by Sergeant Tor Olsen, a tank commander who is also with the Norwegian Armys 1st Armoured Battalion, that is currently positioned near the town of Tynset. #NATO strongly supports efforts to build confidence and transparency on military activities and exercises. @OSCE countries, including #Russia, sent observers to monitor #TridentJuncture 18. pic.twitter.com/dqW1OPRYIW NATO (@NATO) November 2, 2018 He said Norway is dependent on Nato for help if the country was invaded, and that their armed forces are too small to tackle a potential issue such as that alone. With a population of five million, according to the Forsvaret the Norwegian military the number of personnel was more than 11,500 in 2017. Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of Nato, had previously said Trident Juncture is a defensive exercise taking place in central Norway, the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea and is not directed against any country. But Russia, which thinks Nato is acting provocatively, said its navy plans to test missiles between November 1-3 in the international waters off western Norway but is yet to do so. The pair were speaking as they carried out manoeuvres, and expected to come into mock contact with Danish, and eventually British forces as they took part in what is Natos biggest war games since the end of the Cold War. Asked whether he thinks the Norwegians are worried about Russia potentially testing missiles, Capt Kaspersen said the Norwegians are used to this sort of aggression. I dont feel threatened, he said. If you look at it from the other side, maybe they feel threatened about this exercise, so maybe they just want to show some muscles as well. Quizzed on whether people are concerned about the Russian threat in general, he said it varies in different places in the country. People living close to the border are really good friends with the Russians, he said. We have a really good history of sharing experiences, shopping in each others shops, but further away from the border where people are not used to having the Russian population so close I think they are more frightened. U.S. ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman looks on during a news conference of U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton in Moscow, Russia June 27, 2018. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin Thomson Reuters WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman has early-stage cancer and is being treated, according to comments he gave to a Utah-based newspaper in an interview published on Thursday. Huntsman, who spoke in Moscow with Deseret News in a series of conversations in August, said at the time he planned to return for treatment to Utah, where he served twice as governor. "Its just stage 1," he told the paper. "So well probably get it taken care of, and well be fine." Representatives for the U.S. Department of State and for Huntsman could not immediately be reached for comment. Huntsman was diagnosed over the summer when he was in the United States, after noticing two small black spots behind his ear and on his thigh, he told the paper. He has appeared in Moscow for recent events, attending national security adviser John Bolton's Oct. 23 news conference in the city. Huntsman previously served as U.S. ambassador to China and had sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 before dropping his bid. His late father, billionaire Jon Huntsman Sr, died in February of cancer, and Huntsman Sr's parents also died of cancer, according to his father's obituary. (Writing by Susan Heavey; Additional reporting by Andrew Osborn in Moscow; Editing by Bernadette Baum) See Also: Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondross powerful photographs played an important role in moving the world to action and ultimately bringing the Second Liberian Civil War (1999-2003) to an end. Trapped with Liberian dictator Charles Taylors forces in besieged Monrovia in the summer of 2003, Chris braved artillery and rocket fire to send frontline pictures of women and children being killed by the hundreds. His photos ran on front pages around the world and provoked outrage over a brutal war whose victims were almost entirely noncombatants. Tim Hetherington, embedded with the LURD rebels in the same period, provided documentation of the rebels shelling civilians. Even the ruthless Charles Taylor considered him a threat and sent assassination squads to kill the British photojournalist. Tim barely escaped, only to return and live in Liberia following the conflict. His haunting book, Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold, has become a standard text of the Liberian wars. Together, these two photographers alerted the world to Liberias humanitarian disaster and helped to build the international momentum that resulted in the deployment of a U.N. peacekeeping mission that brought the war to a close, helped set the stage for democratic elections and created a lasting success story for the West African nation and the subregion. The U.N. closed its Liberia mission last year, leaving a country still fragile but with a fighting chance for peace and development. The photos in this exhibition, some never before shown, are a tribute to these journalists and to the Liberian civilians who protested so powerfully and demanded an end to the violence. In 2011, Tim and Chris, friends and colleagues committed to documenting the truth, were killed by artillery in Misurata, Libya. War and Peace in Liberia slideshow and discussion with Michael Kamber, Nov. 10, 2018, at the Bronx Documentary Center. Exhibition on view through Dec. 16, 2018. See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr. Hawaii Five-O has built its reputation and loyal following on the emotional connections and ohana between the characters, its unique storytelling, and fast-paced adrenaline-filled action. All of those were in play in this week's November 2 Episode 6 of Season 9, Aia i Hi'ikua; i Hi'ialo" (Is Borne on the Back; Is Borne in the Arms). From the opening minutes, featuring an unknown civilian aircraft making a landing on the carrier USS Nimitz, to the final minutes of revelation, the power of this story hits like a salvo, and entertains all the way. All of the Hawaii Five-O team and HPD assemble to welcome back Sgt. Duke Lukela (Dennis Chun) to his rightful position after his reinstatement hearing and Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) offers the first salute but is soon called away for some distressing news. Carson Rodes (Eddie Cahill), a Navy Seal brother-in-arms of Steve, has died while making that emergency landing, and the sole survivor is an infant baby boy. Nazeen Contractor is a presence on screen as Agent Emma Warren and her interplay with O'Loughlin's passionate and never by the books McGarrett is a TV screen treat. There are a lot of other sweet scenes to savor in this Hawaii Five-O installment. Never turn on a buddy Warren tells Steve that she will keep him informed on the case so long as he lets her do her job, and that inherently means not crossing procedural lines, which is one of the commanders favorite things to do. She insinuates that Rodes dangerous and unsavory line of work led to his demise, and Steve immediately jumps to his defense, insisting that the friend he knows has far more on honor than she judges, despite his professional choices. Steve and Carson had reunited over drinks just days before, and Steve asks at one pointed moment, Are you living right? The question leads to a discussion of why Carson turned down his friend's offer to become part of Hawaii Five-O, but nothing erases the bond between the two, as they embrace before parting. Discuss this news on Eunomia One of the things the pair discussed was the tape trick, a tactic for survival, in which a clue is left on a piece of tape hidden deep somewhere in a dangerous site. Steve goes to Carson's hotel room, and sure enough, in a nightstand, finds a piece of tape with a license plate number left by Rodes. Just as he is about to leave, Agent Warren accosts him. Predictably, he tells her he found nothing missed at the scene. Who takes this baby? Meanwhile, the whole team is trying to unravel the origin of the plane and the identity of the precious infant. In one particularly humorous exchange, Jerry (Jorge Garcia) turns up at the storage hangar as Chuck, a new employee, who of course, left his credentials behind in a locker. He's scolded by none other than Captain Grover (Chi McBride), perfectly playing an NTSB official, who in turn scolds Agent Warren for allowing such riffraff on her site. He still gets the tail number of the plane, too. While Steve is paying last respects to Carson, Noelani (Kimee Balmilero) conveniently takes a personal call, which allows Steve and Danny (Scott Caan) to go through the Navy man's final personal effects, which include a receipt for baby essentials, ensuring that this infant airlift was well-planned. Unfortunately, Agent Warren shows up at Hawaii Five-O headquarters at exactly the moment that the recently discovered tape is up on a screen, trapping McGarrett red-handed, so to speak, and she places him under arrest, handcuffing him in front of his team. Danny has his dream moments for ribbing his partner, who is confined to a conference room as a cell, which makes for great conversation in itself. While Danny tells Steve that the moment is so good that it is worthy of Danny's effort to open an Instagram account, Danny is the first one racing to the governor's office to obtain his partners letter of release. Agent Warren gives a final warning, noting that the next problem that arises may be one that the governor can't fix for McGarrett. No worries, Steve ends up getting a drink from Emma Warren by the end of the episode. Investigation reveals that the baby belongs to Julia and Lee Berg (Sarah Dumont and Gabriel Mann). Dad is pretending to be a devoted parent at the hospital, while the team has to go searching for mom. Airport surveillance footage shows her greeting someone in a welcoming manner, but when Hawaii Five-O tracks the residence, they find evidence of a brutal bloodbath. The trail of evidence soon takes the team to a compound housing a sleazy security outfit, and a gun battle ensues, with the owner already shot. They locate Julia Berg, shot in the arm. Mrs. Berg reveals that her husband is a chronic abuser, and she was hoping to flee his grasp, thanks to Carson Rodes efforts. When the conflict between her husbands side and her salvation seemed to be a matter of life and death, she gave her son, Brandon, to Rodes in order to spare the child. The ex-Navy Seal did his mission, at his own expense. Hawaii Five-O intercede, Lee Berg, as he tries to make a getaway on a private plane with his son. They convince him to surrender the child and take him to his mother in the hospital. Tani (Meaghan Rath) is still in a quandary over what to do about Adam and the weapon identified as his. Junior (Beulah Koale) suggests the route of making an anonymous tip. She does, but in the meantime, she returns to Adam's house, planning to return the gun, and finds Adam there, in a complete, drunken stupor. Adam (Ian Anthony Dale) is like fans have never seen him before, despondent, and describing how he was changed after his confidential informant, Jessie, died, and then, Kono left him. Grace Park is doing just fine on ABC's A Million Little Things. Tani tells Steve about the situation, and Steve dispatches Danny for a brotherly talk with Adam, which is very tender and truthful. Danny tells Adam he is welcomed on the Hawaii Five-O team, but he has to take a shower first since he smells so bad. This new direction for Adam could lay the groundwork for a new kind of solid relationship with Danny. It's quite a shock to see the man who handled Japanese gang lords with such steel courage succumb to the throes of heartache. In the final minutes, Adam visits Tanis office, telling her that an HPD search of his home prompted by the anonymous tip turned up nothing. He vows that he had nothing to do with the gun, or planting it. She assures him that his act of saving her brother's life supersedes anything he has done. Seconds before the credits roll, he asks Who did? Peter Weller deserves director honors, doing another outstanding job of bringing out the best in this cliffhanger. Sarah's lifetime -- the span of Sarah's life -- came to one hundred and twenty-seven years. That's the first line of this week's Torah portion, Chayyei Sarah, which means The Life of Sarah, or perhaps The Lives of Sarah. It's a poignant name for the Torah portion, because the portion begins not with Sarah's life but with her death. This week we read how Avraham purchased a burial place for his wife, and buried her. There is no way to read those lines today without thinking of the eleven who were killed during Shabbat morning services last week at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. The days of their lives were cut short by hatred and by the ready availability of guns. They were killed in a house of prayer because they were Jews. We are not the only community to be targeted in these ways. I think immediately of the massacre in Mother Emanuel African Methodist Church in 2015, and the massacre in the Sikh gurdwara in Wisconsin in 2012. And we are not the only community that now feels afraid. The fear we feel now as Jews in America is connected with the fear felt by our Muslim neighbors, and our queer and transgender neighbors, and our immigrant neighbors, and our neighbors who are people of color. The cancer of bigotry and white nationalism that has infected our nation damages all of us. And at the same time, this shooting is scary in specific ways for us as Jews. We carry the trauma of the Holocaust. We carry the trauma of centuries of dispossession. Our fear is linked with the fear that so many others feel -- and it is also our own, unique to the story of our people. And yet here we are in synagogue. Here we are, coming together in song and prayer, searching for meaning, striving for the taste of the World to Come that Shabbat offers us each week. Here we are in Jewish community. Because no amount of hatred or vitriol will make us stop being Jews. No amount of hatred or vitriol will make us stop singing and praying, learning and studying, standing up for the immigrant and the refugee, loving the stranger for we were strangers in the land of Egypt. If I have to die for those values, I will die for them. But far more important to me is my willingness to live for those values, and for those values to live in me. The best way I can honor the lives of the eleven who were killed last Shabbat is by living my Jewish values with all my heart and with all my might all the days of my life. And that means speaking up for the disempowered, and welcoming the refugee, and "walking my talk." Halakha, the term usually translated as "Jewish law," can also be translated as "our way of walking." To be a Jew is to aim to walk a path of righteousness. "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm," says the Song of Songs (8:6), "for love is strong as death." Granted, love can't make death disappear. No matter how much the Pittsburgh shooting victims were and are loved, we can't bring them back to life. But love persists beyond death. Even when someone has died, we can continue to love them -- our love persists as long as we draw breath. And Jewish tradition teaches that when we die, our souls return to their Source, to the wellspring of hope and love that we feebly name as God. We come from Love, and when we die we return to Love. And while we live, it is our job to love. It is our job to love one another -- in Auden's words, "We must love one another or die." How do we love one another? One answer comes from Cornel West, "Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public." Because I love, I demand justice not only for myself but for all. Because I love, I will work toward liberty and justice for all. Because I love, I will work toward a world where we have banished hatred and bigotry, slander and cruelty, xenophobia and white nationalism, racism and prejudice. We may not get there in my lifetime, but we have to keep trying. That's the best response I can offer to the tragedy of the Tree of Life shooting last Shabbat. We honor their memories by being who we are, being Jews walking a Jewish path, all the days of our lives. And we honor their memories by working tirelessly -- once Shabbes is over -- toward building a world redeemed. Let us seal God's presence into our hearts so that we are not afraid. Let us seal God's presence into our arms, to strengthen us for the work of bringing justice to this battered world. Let us take comfort in our togetherness. And tonight when we make havdalah, let us rededicate ourselves to being a light in the darkness and building a world of greater justice and love. This is the d'var Torah I offered at my shul this morning. (Cross-posted to my From the Rabbi blog.) Party and State leader receives French PM VNA/VNP Vietnam has always considered France a leading partner in Europe and the world, Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong told French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.During his reception in Hanoi on November 2 for the French PM, Trong expressed his pleasure at the positive development of bilateral relations between Vietnam and France in recent years, while applauding the two sides efforts to promote and maintain their strategic partnership through various mechanisms and cooperation forms.The host hoped the two sides will actively coordinate to realise the recently signed agreements, make joint efforts to maintain the positive momentum of the bilateral relations, and closely coordinate at multilateral forums, thus contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.He said that political trust and comprehensive cooperation across various fields between the two countries are not only based on objective needs, but also in accordance with the basic interests of the two countries.The Vietnamese Party and State leader suggested the two sides facilitate the development of their community in each country, adding that this will be an important bridge towards bringing bilateral relations closer.For his part, Edouard Philippe expressed his pleasure at meeting with the Vietnamese leader, while congratulating Trong on his election as State President.PM Philippe conveyed that he was glad to be able to visit Vietnam an important partner to his country in Asia especially as the year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and the five years since they signed the strategic partnership.The French PM expressed his impression with Vietnams vigorous and vital development, highlighting the fruitful expansion of their bilateral relations in recent years.He said he hopes the two sides will further promote their cooperation in an effective manner across all fields in the time ahead, especially in the context of complicated global issues. Tommy Orange in The New York Times: This year has been exhausting in so many ways, asking us to accept more than it seems we can, more than it seems should be possible. But really, in the end, todays harsh realities are not all that surprising for some of us for people of color, or for people from marginalized communities who have long since given up on being shocked or dismayed by the news, by what this or that administration will allow, what this or that police department will excuse, who will be exonerated, what this or that fellow American is willing to let be, either by contribution or complicity. All this is done in the name of white supremacy under the guise of patriotism and conservatism, to keep things as they are, favoring white people over every other citizen, because wheres the incentive to give up privilege if you have it? Now more than ever I believe fiction can change minds, build empathy by asking readers to walk in others shoes, and thereby contribute to real change. In Friday Black, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah has written a powerful and important and strange and beautiful collection of stories meant to be read right now, at the end of this year, as we inch ever closer to what feels like an inevitable phenomenal catastrophe or some other kind of radical change, for better or for worse. And when you cant believe whats happening in reality, there is no better time to suspend your disbelief and read and trust in a work of fiction in what it can do. Adjei-Brenyah grew up in a suburb of New York and graduated with his M.F.A. from Syracuse University, where he was taught by the short story master George Saunders. Friday Black is an unbelievable debut, one that announces a new and necessary American voice. This is a dystopian story collection as full of violence as it is of heart. To achieve such an honest pairing of gore with tenderness is no small feat. The two stories that bookend the collection are the most gruesome, and maybe my favorites. Where they could be seen as gratuitous (at least to those readers who are not paying close attention to the news, or to those who intentionally avert their eyes), I find them perfectly paced narratives filled with crackling dialogue and a rewarding balance of tension and release. Violence is only gratuitous when it serves no purpose, and throughout Friday Black we are aware that the violence is crucially related to both what is happening in America now, and what happened in its bloody and brutal history. More here. Cody Fenwick in AlterNet: Linguist and long-time political gadfly Noam Chomsky argued in an interview Friday that President Donald Trumps poisonous and violent rhetoric fueling hatred in the United States has a deep lineage in the country and also accentuates the countrys role in an alliance of reactionary and repressive states worldwide. Asked by Democracy Nows Amy Goodman to reflect on the recent anti-Semitic massacre in Pittsburgh at which 11 Jewish people were killed by a gunman, Chomsky, who was born in Philadelphia, noted that the hatred reflected what he saw in his youth though it is less severe now. When I was a child, the threat that fascism might take over much of the world was not remote, he said. Thats much worse than what were facing now. My own locality happened to be very anti-Semitic. He continued: What were now seeing is a revival of hate, anger, fear, much of it encouraged by the rhetorical excesses of the leadership, which are stirring up passions and terror, even the ludicrous claims about the Nicaraguan army ready to invade usRonald Reaganthe caravan of miserable people planning to kill us all. All of these things, plus, you know, praising somebody who body-slammed a reporter, one thing after another all of this raises the level of anger and fear, which has roots. The roots of this distress, he argued, dates back 40 years in the United States as the American government has abandoned any role in supporting workers and families. In response to the fact that Israel has defended the president and argued that theres anti-Semitism on both sides of the political spectrum, Chomsky was unsurprised. Israel, too, had been engaged in its own campaign of suppression and fearmongering of the Palestinians, and it finds an ideological partner in a far-right United States. More here. Warner rebounds to set up Class B title match against Colman-Egan Perennial power Warner didn't start well but ended up in a familiar position Friday night in the Class B division of the state high school volleyball tournament. A couple accused of killing an acquaintance and leaving him face down in a South Valley drainage ditch last week had reportedly planned to flee to Mexico. Instead, they were arrested in Belen on Thursday. Tommy Rodriguez, 39, and Rose Montano, 41, were booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center and are charged with murder, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and other charges in the death of 54-year-old Mark Pena. Around 10:30 a.m. Oct. 25, deputies called to the area near the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge found Pena dead in the Barr Interior Drain. It appeared he had been dragged there, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. A break in the case came a couple of days later when Albuquerque police found Penas car abandoned in a neighborhood near Broadway south of Avenida Cesar Chavez. It still had traces of blood in it, although it appeared to have been scrubbed and cleared of all belongings. However, deputies did find a receipt for Walmart purchases in the car. When they reviewed the footage from Walmart they saw a woman, later identified as Montano, making the purchase, according to the complaint. Deputies tracked down Penas friend who told them that two days before he was killed the two of them went to a house on Gibson SE to do drugs. She said a man with a mustache tattooed on his upper lip, later identified as Rodriguez, kept asking Pena to provide his girl (Montano) with drugs, saying it was for her birthday. Its unclear exactly what deputies believe caused Montano and Rodriguez to kill Pena, but Rodriguez told Montanos cousin he murdered the man because he had threatened to rape a friend, according to the complaint. Its unclear whether deputies found this friend or if the threat was substantiated. Deputy Felicia Maggard, a Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman, did not answer questions about the motive. Montanos aunt said the couple showed her an article about Penas death in the Journal and told her thats why the cops are going to be looking for us, according to the complaint. Montanos cousin told deputies she had helped Montano ditch the car and Montano and Rodriguez had been staying with her in Belen for the past three days. She said her cousin told her she and Tommy were fleeing to Mexico because they were wanted. The District Attorneys Office has filed a motion to keep both Montano and Rodriguez in jail until their trials. That motion will be heard by a judge. LAS CRUCES, N.M. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission has rejected a proposal to build a community solar project in Dona Ana County. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports the commission voted Wednesday to ax the El Paso Electric proposal. The commission approved a motion from Santa Fe-based renewable energy advocacy group New Energy Economy, an intervener in the case, to reject the proposal. El Paso Electric spokesman George De La Torre says the company has no definite plans to submit a new proposal to the commission. Opponents of the project claim that solar energy produced by El Paso Electrics proposed project would have been too costly, while supporters argued that the project would have provided low-income county residents access to community solar. The city of Las Cruces opposed the project. ___ Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com BRATISLAVA, Slovakia An international press freedom group held a memorial Friday for slain Slovakian reporter Jan Kuciak to keep pressure on local authorities to solve his killing and to draw attention to crimes against journalists worldwide. The Vienna-based International Press Institute said nearly 75 journalists have been killed around the world in 2018, including Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova , who were found shot dead in their home on Feb. 21. More recently, Jamal Khashoggi, a contributor to The Washington Post, was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, according to Turkish officials. This is, lets say, a major concern also here in Europe, said IPI chairman Markus Spillmann, the former editor-in-chief of Switzerlands Neue Zuercher Zeitung. Even in democracies you see this kind of harassment, this kind of threatening and this kind of violence against journalism. So I would say the line, the red line, has been moved and not in a good direction. He spoke in Bratislava at a memorial to Kuciak. Participants held signs with pictures of Khashoggi, Kuciak and other slain journalists reading No Impunity! In Berlin, the German governments human rights envoy, Baerbel Kofler, marked the day with a call for all crimes against journalists to be properly investigated so that those responsible can be held accountable and journalists can work without fear. We are convinced that attacks against journalists are not only directed against individuals, but are also attacks on freedom of opinion and freedom of information, she said. Kuciak had been investigating possible widespread government corruption and ties between Slovak politicians and Italian mobsters when he was killed. Slovak authorities have said they believe it was a contract killing linked to his work. The killings of Kuciak and his fiancee triggered a political crisis in Slovakia that resulted in major protests, the dismissal of the national police chief and the collapse of the government. Four suspects have been charged in the case but the mastermind is believed to be still at large, IPI said. Earlier this week, Spillmann led a journalism delegation that held talks with Slovakian President Andrej Kiska, who expressed optimism that the person behind the killings would be found, IPI said. John Daniszewski, IPIs special representative for journalists safety and Vice President and Editor-at-Large for Standards of The Associated Press, cautioned in Bratislava that beyond the better known cases like Kuciak and Khashoggi, journalism was under attack around the world often by criminals, sometimes by governments. When journalism is suppressed, the public loses their right to know and democracy is harmed, he said. ___ David Rising in Berlin and Pablo Gorondi in Budapest contributed to this report. What a difference a year makes. The independent monitor overseeing the Albuquerque Police Department reform effort gave the current administration positive remarks in his latest report on the departments compliance with a settlement agreement between the city and the U.S. Department of Justice. James Ginger said in his report that the city is in a far different position in the reform project than it was a year ago, when a different police administration and mayor were in control and the city secretly was recording contentious meetings between police officials and Ginger in an effort to have him removed from case. Given the scope and nature of issues confronted by APD at this time last year, these results are exceptional, Ginger wrote in a summary of the court filing. A public hearing on the latest report is scheduled for next month in front of U.S. District Judge Robert Brack, who is presiding over the reform project, which was launched in November 2014. The compliance efforts we have observed during this reporting period differ substantively from those we had observed earlier in the monitoring process, Ginger wrote in his eighth report on the departments progress, which was filed in federal court Friday afternoon. In the report, Ginger said police are in Operational Compliance with the settlement agreement 59.2 percent of the time. That means officers follow policies outlined in the settlement agreement and, when they dont, supervisors identify and correct that behavior. Mayor Tim Keller said he was pleased with how Ginger described the attitude of police administration. I think all parties have a different approach since we came into office, Keller said in an interview. We started really in a hole. We came from a place of mistrust and frustration among all parties. Thats not really measurable, but the fact that were not in that place now was one of the goals we wanted to accomplish. Keller said a significant part of the most recent report is that Ginger acknowledged the city, DOJ, police union and monitoring team have agreed to a new use-of-force policy. One of the biggest issues and toughest nuts to crack in any compliance effort in any city is always around use of force, Keller said. I think the biggest victory for Albuquerque has been that weve able to come together on a use-of-force policy. Albuquerque is one of about two dozen law enforcement agencies throughout the country operating under a consent decree brought on by DOJ investigations that found systemic problems with law enforcement agencies. In Albuquerques case, the reforms aim to correct a pattern of excessive force and a culture of aggression. Ginger did note in the report filed Friday that there are several persistent or evolving problem areas. He said there are still issues with identifying, assessing and taking action on officers who violate policies within the 90-day time frame created in the contract between the police union and the city, and there has been an uptick in prohibited practice complaints filed by the police union. Ginger also said APD still needs to create a strong self-auditing system, and he raised concerns about police using Additional Concern Memos to resolve policy violation issues. Shaun Willoughby, the president of the police union, said he was surprised to find that Ginger was critical of the officers union. He said the complaints mentioned in Gingers report are standard when the union believes the police administration violated either the contract between the police union and the city or the citys own labor rules. There is no relevance in the (settlement agreement) as it relates to our prohibited practice complaints, Willoughby said. Its pretty shocking to us that he has identified the union as a target to talk negatively about. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Former New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Secretary Demesia Padilla will likely face trial on allegations she embezzled money from a former client and abused her Cabinet post, after a judge ruled Friday there was enough evidence to move forward with most of the charges in the case. The ruling by Santa Fe Magistrate Court Judge Donna Bevacqua-Young to bind over seven of the eight charges against Padilla two felonies and five misdemeanors to state District Court came after a week-long preliminary hearing. Several current and former Taxation and Revenue Department employees testified during the hearing, as did the owners of a Bernalillo trucking company that Padilla used to work for as a certified public accountant. Padilla, who was one of Gov. Susana Martinezs first Cabinet appointees after Martinez was elected in 2010, was charged in June by Attorney General Hector Balderas office with embezzling more than $25,000 from the company, Harolds Grading & Trucking, and using her appointed position to push for favorable tax treatment. The charges were filed nearly three years after the AGs Office received a referral about possible criminal activity on the part of Padilla from then-state Auditor Tim Keller, who is now Albuquerques mayor. We appreciate the careful consideration Judge Bevacqua-Young gave this matter, and we now look forward to presenting evidence to a jury at trial, Balderas, a Democrat, said in a Friday statement. Padilla initially denied allegations that she pressured department employees to give preferential treatment to a former client of hers, telling the Journal in July 2015 that the allegations were just a bump in the road. However, she abruptly resigned from her post in December 2016, shortly after state investigators raided the Taxation and Revenue Departments office in Santa Fe in search of tax documents connected to Padilla and her husband. The weeklong preliminary hearing was held to determine whether enough evidence existed in the case in order for it to proceed to trial. In her Friday ruling, the judge dismissed one felony embezzlement count against Padilla but bound over a similar charge. Other charges against her include violating the ethical principles of public service and engaging in an official act for personal financial gain. Padilla could face up to 16 years in prison and as much as $20,000 in fines if convicted of all seven remaining charges. She is expected to be arraigned in the coming weeks and procedural motions could be filed before a District Court judge sets a trial date. Padillas attorney, Paul Kennedy of Albuquerque, declined to comment Friday on the Magistrate Court judges ruling. But during the preliminary hearing, Kennedy suggested that Padilla was owed money by the trucking company for her accounting services and was authorized to pay bills for the firm. That suggestion contradicted testimony from the companys co-owner, Harold Dominguez, who said 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. Dominguez also testified his family had trusted Padilla, saying at one point, We treated her like family. Meanwhile, the allegations against Padilla mark the latest New Mexico public corruption scandal. Several elected officials have also faced criminal charges in recent years, and statewide voters will decide in next weeks general election whether to approve creation of an independent ethics commission. New Mexico is currently one of six states without such a commission. Consider the fates of two prominent Americans, comedian Louis C.K. and former President Bill Clinton. Both have been accused of serious sexual misconduct. But unlike the comedian, whose recent tip-toe back into show business has been met with howls of protest, Clinton continues to enjoy public adulation In this #MeToo era of enlightenment how is it that one man, C.K., who has admitted to exposing himself to women without their consent, can be treated so differently from another man, Clinton, who has been accused of multiple acts of hands-on sexual assault and even rape? A recent thought-provoking article in The Weekly Standard put the contrast between the public treatment of these two under the microscope. It got me thinking. Louis C.K. was shamed into staying off television and stage to perform an open-ended silent penitence for his sins. Last November, he released what many thought was a sincere apology titled These Stories Are True. He promised to step back to examine his behavior and take a long time to listen. After staying out of the spotlight for the better part of a year, the comedian has quietly returned to his livelihood, making just a few appearances at a New York comedy club. Audience members walk out, protestors gather outside. Bill Clinton, on the other hand, recently enjoyed a very public tour with co-author James Patterson as they touted their book, The President is Missing. There were a few pithy questions for Clinton about his Monica Lewinsky sex scandal, but there was no hue and cry for the former president to disappear from public view. In fact, Clinton, along with his wife Hillary, will soon set out on an extended and much-publicized speaking tour of North America appearing in more than a dozen U.S. cities. Ticket prices range from $70 to VIP meet-and-greet tickets at $2,000. Where is the fairness when a man accused of the most serious sex crimes a man who first lied about sexual relations with a White House intern and then offered up only a tepid apology can enjoy a higher standard of public acceptance than a man who admitted to his bad behavior and expressed remorse for masturbating in front of unsuspecting women? Do the #MeToo women of the Clinton era deserve less attention than the more recent victims of Louis C.K.? That surely cannot be the case. The nation hung on every word of a 35-year-old sex allegation from Christine Blasey Ford, who told the Senate about her encounter with a teenaged Brett Kavanaugh. That alleged incident with our newest U.S. Supreme Court justice reportedly took place in the early 80s. I say alleged because Kavanaugh has vehemently denied the charges, Ford offered scant corroboration and under questioning some of her assertions were dubious. You know what else happened around the early 80s? Juanita Broaddrick, a volunteer in Clintons 1978 gubernatorial campaign, alleges he raped her at a hotel in Little Rock where he had summoned her for a meeting. She says she sustained a serious bite on her lip during the attack. The last thing he said to me was, You better get some ice for that, Broaddrick said. And he put on his sunglasses and walked out the door. In 1979, Carolyn Moffet, a legal secretary, claims Clinton exposed himself and demanded she perform a sex act on him. When she refused, she says, he tried to force her. In 1980, then-Gov. Clinton visited the KLMN-TV station. Former anchorwoman Leslie Millwee alleges Clinton repeatedly made sexually suggestive comments and groped her from behind while pleasuring himself by rubbing against her. Several of her co-workers confirmed Millwees claim. There have been many detailed complaints about Clintons sexual misconduct over the years. In 1991, Arkansas state troopers escorted Paula Jones to a hotel room to meet with Clinton. She would later charge him with exposing himself, propositioning her for sex and harassment. In 1993, White House aide Kathleen Willey alleges then-President Clinton sexually assaulted her in a private study off the Oval Office. Today she calls Clinton a serial sexual predator. In fact, there are claims of Bill Clintons criminal sexual behavior going back to 1969 when a British woman, Eileen Wellstone, reported that Clinton, then attending Oxford University on a Rhodes scholarship, sexually assaulted her. To some this may seem as a rehash. But Im hoping it serves as a clarion call to hypocrites everywhere who would demand permanent banishment for some while allowing others to skate. Lets judge all people by the same standard no matter what their political party or station in life. An allegation is not always the truth. And, certainly, there have been women who have made false claims of victimhood. But when multiple women come forward, all describing the same behavior, they deserve a fair hearing. So does the accused. I, for one, will not be attending any of the upcoming Conversations with the Clintons. Id be too tempted to rise and holler, J accuse! www.DianeDimond.com; e-mail to Diane@DianeDimond.com. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal COLUMBUS, N.M. When the two men with a self-described militia showed up last week offering Columbus Mayor Esequiel Salas help protecting the border, the conversation was brief and polite. I told them, We have a good relationship with Mexico, with our little sister village Palomas, said Salas, referring to the community just across the border. A lot of people who never come here, they have a misunderstanding. They hear things that are not true. While rumors and heated rhetoric about a crisis on the border contribute to rising tensions, border communities are caught in the middle. In Columbus, home to about 1,600 residents, the mayor and other villagers were perplexed by the arrival of a small band of men with the Patriots of the Constitution militia. The men said they were there scouting locations to prepare for the migrant caravan from Central America slowly making its way through Mexico toward the southwest border. The number of those in the caravan has dwindled from about 7,000 to 3,500 people. President Donald Trump announced this week that he planned to deploy 15,000 troops to the border to meet the caravan he referred to as an invasion and he vowed to set up tents to hold Central Americans who he said will likely be denied asylum and be deported. Troops could arrive this weekend to support U.S. Border Patrol agents. The caravan appears headed for Texas. A previous caravans final destination was California. Along this quiet stretch of New Mexico borderland, some residents expressed concern about armed militias headed for the border. They should not be patrolling the border if they were not sent by the federal government, said Martin Garcia, a Columbus resident, as he watched over farmworkers picking red chile in a field that borders Mexico. If the U.S. wants to send soldiers, thats fine. On another farm along the border, two men in their 20s in a pickup truck said the only militia members they had seen were two old men with guns. Richard Puntasecca, the driver, said the militiamen asked if they could set up tents for volunteers, but the farmer who owned the property said no. Stop the bad guys At a hotel in town Wednesday, a few members of the militia rested and waited for nightfall to patrol the border. One of their trucks in the parking lot had an ISIS hunting decal on the bottom of the windshield. As one of the militiamen paced in front of the hotel, smoking and talking on his phone, another sat in a chair on the second-floor balcony holding binoculars. They were spurred to action by news of thousands of Central American migrants in a caravan headed for the border, said Jim Peyton, a 71-year-old retired Detroit police officer. Peyton drove 1,355 miles from Jasper, Ala., where he now lives, to Columbus. Were only armed for self-defense, he said. The goal of the militia is to stop the bad guys. He declined the Journals request to photograph him. Peyton said he and his second in command checked in with U.S. Customs and Border Protection as soon as they arrived in Columbus, as well as with the mayor. Were here to assist when possible, he said. We dont have the authority to touch, corral, interfere. That would be illegal because we are not authorized to do so. Peyton said Border Patrol asked that the group stay north of Highway 9 to avoid confusion when agents are tracking footprints and other traffic from illegal border crossers. We are aware a group of people have arrived in New Mexico with the goal of patrolling the border but they are not working in conjunction with the Border Patrol, according to a statement from the El Paso Border Patrol sector, which includes all of New Mexico. For any individuals coming to observe the border, we ask the public to report any illegal activity they witness to the appropriate law enforcement agency and allow those enforcement professionals to perform those duties without interfering, the U.S. Border Patrol advises. Extra eyes, ears The militia will serve as extra eyes and ears near the border and notify Border Patrol dispatch if they spot illegal crossings or smuggling, according to Peyton. Peyton said he is spending a lot of his time on the phone calming fears about the caravan. A woman from Florida was in tears calling me, thought she was going to die, he said. Theyre taking this as theyre going to knock on their door and blow their brains out. Thats not going to happen. Social media call Patriots of the Constitution put out a call via social media Oct. 23 for A FULL DEPLOYMENT OF EVERY ABLE BODY U.S. CITIZEN to Head to the U.S. Southern Border and Link up with other U.S. Citizen Groups whom are making a Stand to Secure our Border from a Mob of Migrating Immigrants. The organization is among patriot militia groups committed to defending the Constitution and, in some cases, the border. There are volunteers ready to help in Arizona, California and Texas, according to Peyton. It was reported to us this was a soft spot, but so far we have not seen much of anything. But, then again, the caravan hasnt really arrived and theres a second one coming up, he said. The U.N. Refugee Agency providing assistance in Mexico said many of those traveling in the caravan are families with babies and toddlers. Peyton believes the caravan is a Trojan horse hiding ISIS, MS-13 and cartel gang members, as well as Nigerians and Venezuelans. He would not say how many militia members were in Columbus, but several people in the village said it was less than a handful of volunteers. Caravan a decoy? David Miller, 59, drove from Alamogordo with his dog Snow after hearing a call for volunteers to patrol the border at a biker rally. He got down here, his truck broke down, Peyton said. We had to go find him, tow his truck in. Its my country, Miller said. If were getting invaded, shouldnt we help? Miller called the migrant families in the caravan a decoy for gang members trying to sneak into the country. Theyre not coming for ice cream and cake, he said. Miller is doing odd jobs in Columbus to earn money to get his truck repaired. But for now, he and his lab mix are stranded near Pancho Villa State Park. The parks museum includes a remembrance for the Americans who gave their lives defending the village when the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa crossed the border with a band of his men and raided Columbus in 1916. David Ferguson, 79, and his wife parked their RV in Pancho Villa State Park. The snowbirds escaped winter in Michigan for sunny southern New Mexico. Ferguson said he is not worried about the caravan or staying so close to the border. Albuquerque is a lot more dangerous than this place ever thought of being, said Ferguson, though he acknowledged that he had never visited. As tensions rise over the arrival of the migrant caravan, which is not expected to cross the border at Columbus, Mayor Salas tried to dispel misperceptions about his hometown. Dont be fearful, he said. Weve lived here for years. We have good relations (with Mexico). We work together. FARMINGTON During a community meeting this week about a proposed aerial adventure park in Farmington, Mayor Nate Duckett asked the consultants to expand the feasibility study to consider ziplines along the Animas River as well as at Lake Farmington. The city is contracting with Groundwork Studio out of Albuquerque for a feasibility study that will examine the creation of a $750,000 or $1.5 million aerial adventure park. In addition to Wednesdays meeting at City Hall, city officials operated an informational booth to gather more community input during the downtown trick-or-treating event. Another meeting designed to solicit public input was held Thursday at City Hall. The study will look at how much the city would have to charge for admission to the park and how long it would take for the city to recoup the money it would spend on building the park. The study also will examine whether the city should build the park or if a private company should be the owner of the park. Outdoor Recreation Industry Initiative director Cory Styron said the study could entice private entrepreneurs to pursue the endeavor. A survey launched last week to gather community input already has received more than 630 responses. The online survey, at fmtn.org, will remain open through Nov. 12. Im really happy with that response, said Amy Bell, the principal landscape architect for Groundwork Studio. Community members are asked for input on six basic categories of aerial adventure parks, including ziplines, challenge courses, bridges and outdoor classrooms. There are already several aerial adventure parks in New Mexico and Colorado, including ziplines in Durango, Colo. There is also an aerial adventure park being built near Taos, as well as one at the Red River Ski Area. San Juan College also has a challenge course. Bell said the study will include a competitive analysis to determine whats going to make this park at Lake Farmington the one to go to. Bell said it is unlikely that a zipline would be built crossing the lake because it would require a 250-foot tower, which would use up most of the money the city is considering spending for the project. However, Bell said the zipline can still go across water. The people who attended the meeting favored combining ziplines with other features, such as challenge courses. The aerial adventure park is intended to expand the activities available at the lake and to draw visitors to Farmington. Ideally, this is an economic development tool, Bell said. This will make money for the city. SANTA FE Activist groups in three states including New Mexico are demanding an environmental review before the federal government ramps up production of the plutonium cores of nuclear weapons called pits. The groups letter to the head of the National Nuclear Security Administration the semi-autonomous wing of the Department of Energy that runs the nations weapons labs says NNSA has made no visible effort to begin the legally required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for expanding pit production at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. NNSA earlier this year revealed plans to make up to 80 pits a year, as mandated by Congress, by dividing the job between LANL and Savannah River, as part of a massive modernization plan for the nations nuclear arsenal. Pits already can be made at Los Alamos. A recent court decision cleared the way for repurposing part of the Savannah River Site for pit production over objections from South Carolina elected officials who wanted to retain a more lucrative but long-troubled nuclear fuel fabrication mission. Nuclear Watch New Mexico, SRS Watch in South Carolina and Tri-Valley CAREs Livermore, Calif. home of another weapons lab say an environmental impact statement is required before pit production is increased above a currently sanctioned 20 per year cap. The U.S. hasnt made any new pits since 2011, when LANL completed the last of 29 plutonium cores for Navy submarine missiles. The most ever made at Los Alamos in a year is 11. Under NNSAs plan, at least 30 pits a year would be made at LANL and 50 at Savannah River by about 2030. An NNSA spokeswoman, asked to respond to activist groups assertions, said via email this week, The pit production mission will be carried out in accordance with all applicable environmental and regulatory requirements. The three groups also say that before it finishes a NEPA process, NNSA cant take actions that would limit alternatives before irreversible resources are dedicated to a project. Los Alamos is already making plans, including adding work shifts, for increased work in its plutonium facility. Critics of increased pit production say there is no need to make more because thousands that will remain in good shape for decades remain in storage after industrial-scale production during the Cold War. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE The race to serve as New Mexicos next land commissioner remains incredibly close as the campaign heads into its final days with just 3 percentage points separating the top two candidates, according to a Journal Poll. Republican Pat Lyons led the three-way race with support from 45 percent of likely voters, according to the scientific telephone survey, conducted over the last week by Research & Polling Inc. Democrat Stephanie Garcia Richard, however, is earning strong support in her own right, polling at 42 percent. Libertarian Michael Lucero was third at 6 percent. In other races, the Journal Poll showed Democrats with healthy leads in the campaigns for state auditor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer. The close race for the State Land Office comes as oil and gas companies, conservationists and others pour money into the campaign which will determine who oversees 14,000 square miles of state trust land throughout New Mexico. Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc., said the combination of Lyons long record in public office and the outside spending to support his candidacy has helped him this year, even as the national mood favors Democrats. The party in control of the White House Republicans this year tends to lose ground at midterm elections. Lyons is a former land commissioner and ex-legislator who now serves on the Public Regulation Commission. Garcia Richard, an educator from White Rock, is a member of the state House. The land commission race is obviously very close, Sanderoff said in an interview. Theres some momentum with Democratic candidates this election cycle. Despite that, we see Republican Pat Lyons in a very competitive race, if not even up a few points. Lyons has a lead overall in the poll, Sanderoff said, but Garcia Richard is ahead among people who told pollsters that they have already cast their ballots either at early voting locations or by absentee. Its money in the bank, Sanderoff said of those votes, and they could prove decisive if Lyons supporters dont turn out on Election Day. Nonetheless, he said, Lyons is showing political strength on the states conservative east side, where hes a rancher, and in the northwest. Hes running roughly even with Garcia Richard in the Albuquerque area, which tends to favor Democrats. Incumbent Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn is stepping down rather than seek re-election. He won election in 2014 as a Republican but later switched his affiliation to Libertarian. The race has attracted national attention and substantial spending by political action committees. Chevron Corp., one of the worlds largest oil companies, donated $2 million to a political committee that has launched ads attacking Garcia Richard. And Lyons has faced negative ads launched by the Verde Voters Fund, a PAC affiliated with Conservation Voters New Mexico. Both candidates have proven to be adept fundraisers with Lyons raising about $138,000 over the past month and Garcia Richard taking in about $129,000. Lucero, a rancher, hasnt reported any recent financial activity. In other statewide races, the Journal Poll showed Democrats in good position to claim several New Mexicos executive offices. Attorney general Attorney General Hector Balderas, the Democratic incumbent, had support from 58 percent of likely voters. Republican Michael Hendricks was favored by 32 percent, and Libertarian Blair Dunn was at 5 percent. Sanderoff noted that Balderas won attention throughout New Mexico for the successful corruption prosecution of an ex-state senator, among other high-profile cases involving government officials. Balderas is also showing some strength among Republicans, winning support from 21 percent of Republicans a high figure for a Democrat, Sanderoff said. Secretary of state Incumbent Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat, led a three-way race for the office that oversees elections, with support from 51 percent of likely voters. Republican Gavin Clarkson had 32 percent, and Libertarian Ginger Grider drew support from 5 percent of likely voters. State treasurer Incumbent State Treasurer Tim Eichenberg had support from 52 percent of voters, followed by Republican Arthur Castillo at 39 percent. State auditor Former state Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colon was ahead in the race for state auditor, with support from 53 percent of likely voters. Republican Wayne Johnson, who was appointed to the office last year, had support from 40 percent. The auditors race is a rematch of sorts, after both candidates ran for Albuquerque mayor last year, losing out to Democrat Tim Keller. Keller was state auditor at the time, but stepped down to become mayor in December. Colon is a lawyer, Johnson a business owner. Methodology The Journal Poll is based on a scientific, statewide sample of 438 likely general election voters, including newly registered voters who said they were very likely to vote in this years election. The poll was conducted from Oct. 26 through Nov. 1. The voter sample has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.7 percentage points. The margin of error grows for subsamples. All interviews were conducted by live, professional interviewers, with multiple callbacks to households that did not initially answer the phone. Both cellphone numbers (72 percent) and landlines (28 percent) of likely general election voters were used. Q-and-As online: To find out the candidates positions on key issues, go to ABQJournal.com/election2018. The site also includes links to Journal stories on statewide, legislative and county-level races, district maps, key election dates and other voter resources. It will be updated regularly with new candidate profile stories and other information. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE After a rare Republican breakthrough two years ago in a New Mexico Supreme Court race, a Democratic candidate is on track to defeat his GOP rival in this years race for the states highest court, a new Journal Poll found. Democrat Michael Vigil held a comfortable lead over Republican Gary Clingman, as 53 percent of likely general election voters surveyed this week said they would vote for Vigil or had already voted for him while 37 percent said they favored Clingman. The remaining voters surveyed were either undecided or would not say which candidate they supported. Vigil, a Santa Fe native who has been a state Court of Appeals judge since 2003, is making his second bid for a seat on the state Supreme Court. He lost in 2016 to Republican Judith Nakamura by a roughly 30,000-vote margin in a race in which more than 762,000 New Mexicans voted. With her 2016 electoral victory, Nakamura became the first Republican elected to the Supreme Court in New Mexico since 1980. She was also the first female Republican to win election as a Supreme Court justice. However, Nakamuras victory was likely due at least in part to her background as both a longtime Metro Court judge and a District Court judge in Albuquerque, said Brian Sanderoff, the president of Albuquerque-based Research & Polling Inc., which conducted the poll. In contrast, Clingman had been a state District Court judge in Hobbs for more than 20 years before being appointed to the Supreme Court in April by outgoing Gov. Susana Martinez. Sanderoff said Vigils advantage this year is likely due to his greater name recognition combined with a national and state political climate that favors Democrats. If Gary Clingman had been running four years ago, we might be seeing a different outcome here, he told the Journal. Michael Vigil has more name recognition due to the cumulative effect of him running for statewide before when compared to Clingman. The Journal Poll found Hispanic voters favored Vigil over Clingman by a more than three-to-one margin. Anglo voters were more closely split, but were slightly more likely to support Clingman than Vigil. The sample sizes for other racial groups werent large enough to provide statistically meaningful numbers. Meanwhile, Vigil had overwhelming support among Democratic voters, who have a decisive statewide voter registration over Republicans and have been casting ballots at a higher clip than Republicans thus far in early and absentee voting. In New Mexico, judicial races are run as partisan elections. Under the current system, which was approved by voters in 1988, judges appointed by governors have to run in a partisan election in the next general election after their appointment and, then, if successful, later run periodically in nonpartisan retention elections. Job termination and DWI arrests In this years race, both Supreme Court candidates have launched television ads in attempts to win over voters. Vigil has received more than $180,000 in public funding for his campaign, under a system that allocates funding for judicial candidates based on the voter registration figures in each major political party. Clingman opted not to participate in public financing, and has reported raising more than $198,000 in private contributions and spending $148,453 on his campaign. He has argued he would bring geographic diversity to the Supreme Court, as the courts four other justices all hail from Santa Fe and Albuquerque. However, Clingman has also faced scrutiny over reports from nearly 40 years ago that he was fired from his job as a police officer in Odessa, Texas, over the arrest and handling of a black man. Clingman has acknowledged the firing, which he unsuccessfully appealed, and said he jumped in when his partner got into two fights with the suspect. He has also said he went on to have an unblemished career after the incident. For his part, Vigil acknowledged in a Journal questionnaire he was arrested twice for DWI in the 1980s, but both cases were dismissed. The New Mexico Supreme Court is set for an additional shake-up at years end, when Justices Charles Daniels and Petra Maes will retire. Whoever wins this years race for governor Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham or Republican Steve Pearce will appoint their successors. Poll methods The Journal Poll is based on a scientific, statewide sample of 438 likely general election voters, including new registered voters who said they were very likely to vote in this years election. The poll was conducted from Oct. 26 through Nov. 1. The voter sample has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.7 percentage points. The margin of error grows for subsamples. All interviews were conducted by live, professional interviewers, with multiple callbacks to households that did not initially answer the phone. Both cellphone numbers (72 percent) and landlines (28 percent) of likely general election voters were used. Q-and-As online: To find out the candidates positions on key issues, go to ABQJournal.com/election2018. The site also includes links to Journal stories on statewide, legislative and county-level races, district maps, key election dates and other voter resources. It will be updated regularly with new candidate profile stories and other information. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal The presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, who gained worldwide attention earlier this year when he delivered a sermon at the royal wedding of Britains Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle, is in Albuquerque this weekend to ordain the new Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande. The Most Rev. Michael Curry will lead the 30 bishops who are here to witness the ordination and consecration of Michael Hunn. In the Episcopal and Anglican traditions, three bishops are required to consecrate one new bishop. The presence of 30 bishops is a statement of the importance of Hunn and the Diocese of the Rio Grande, Curry said. Curry, who is based in New York City, is the author of the just released book, The Power of Love, a compilation of his most notable sermons, including the one he delivered at the royal wedding. He called it a mystery how he wound up being selected but believes the invitation, extended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, was made in consultation with the royal couple, their advisers and the dean of St. Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle. In this case, since the Duchess is an American, it made some sense to select an American, and the Episcopal Church is the daughter of the Church of England, he said. The wedding, though far bigger than those he has addressed in the past, was at its core the same. It was two people before a gathered company of people, who vow their love for each other and take vows to help that love get lived out practically, he said. I have no idea of what we all look like to God, but when he looks at any of us, I dont think he sees your job, I dont think he sees your degree, I dont think he sees your bank account. I think he sees the you that he created. And thats the same whether youre a prince or a pauper. You are a child of God. Meanwhile, Hunn replaces retiring Bishop Michael Vono, who has headed the diocese of the Rio Grande for last eight years. Hunn grew up in Los Alamos, where he was an altar boy and was confirmed in the Episcopal Church. His family moved to Austin when he was 13. In 1996, he was ordained and has since served as a parish priest, a college chaplain and canon to Bishop Curry. Among his challenges, he said, are meeting the financial obligations of the church in a state that is poor, as well as changing attitudes about church attendance and what people think the church stands for. Many avoid church because they have a sense of religion as something that is about judgment and division. Rather, Hunn said, the practice of the faith is about liberating us from all of the fear and worries and concerns that plague us in our lives. The Episcopal Church welcomes everyone, he said. Roman Catholics would feel right at home in terms of the liturgy we have the Mass, bishops, priests, deacons, monks and nuns. But our tradition recognizes that priests can marry. We have women priests, and we have gay and lesbian priests and bishops as well. We are an open-hearted and loving church, and part of the challenge is to let people know that in a world where thats not what they hear. Hunn also weighed in on the situation now playing itself out along the U.S./Mexico border, as the caravan of migrants works its way up from Central America through Mexico, hoping to get asylum in the United States. We have a very active borderland ministry that ministers to asylum seekers and immigrants in the southern part of this diocese, Hunn said, noting that the Diocese of the Rio Grande includes the entire state of New Mexico and the far west part of Texas, as well as 40 percent of the United States southern border with Mexico. I believe we need a safe and secure border, and Im grateful for our Border Patrol and the folks who make sure our country is safe from drug trafficking and human trafficking. And I believe that the values that are written on the Statue of Liberty matter to us send us your tired, send us your poor. Asylum seekers have come to this country literally for centuries, and this country has welcomed them and we have become a nation of immigrants because of that. America is part of the problem, Hunn said. The weapons being sold into Central America and fueling the drug war are produced here, and the drugs that are being purchased are being consumed here, Hunn said. Curry added: Its important for us to debate but never to hate. While border security is necessary, he said, so is humanity and decency. They are not mutually exclusive, he said. If you go The ordination and consecration of Bishop Michael Hunn will be today at the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust NE, starting at 11 a.m. The Seating of the Bishop ceremony will be Sunday, with people gathering at the Alvarado Transportation Center, 100 First Street SW, at 9:30 a.m., for the pilgrimage to the Cathedral Church of St. John, 318 Silver SW. The church service starts at 10:30 a.m. Embers falling on their heads, Venesa Rhodes and her husband had seconds to rush their two beloved cats into their SUV before a wildfire last summer would overtake them all. One cat got in. But the other, named Bella, bolted and disappeared as the blaze bore down. The couple had no choice but to flee, and their home and much of the neighborhood in Redding, California, soon was reduced to ash. Rhodes and her husband, Stephen Cobb, presumed Bella was dead. Devastated by their losses, they moved 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) to Rhodes hometown of Anchorage, Alaska, to start over. Nearly six weeks later, they got a call that left them gobsmacked: Bella was alive. Volunteers had put out a feeding station at Rhodes burned-out property, staked it out after spotting the cat, and then trapped her. I started bawling, Rhodes said from Anchorage, where Bella was curled up in a corner sleeping. We were shocked. We were just so overjoyed and just hoping she was OK. Rhodes and Cobb are among dozens of people who lost their homes in the deadly Carr Fire but had their lives brightened weeks or months later when their pets were found. A network of about 35 volunteers called Carr Fire Pet Rescue and Reunification is responsible for many of the happy endings, which continue more than two months after firefighters extinguished the blaze, which destroyed more than 1,000 homes and killed six people. The group formed with the help of another volunteer animal group born out of the devastating Tubbs Fire, which killed at least 22 people and destroyed thousands of homes last year in wine country north of San Francisco. Robin Bray, a field coordinator for the Carr Fire group, said about 80 pets have been reunited with their families using social media and specially made kiosks in Redding where images of found pets are posted. Most are cats that have been through hell, she said. Bray said each new reunion fuels her and the other volunteers, many of whom use their own money to trap and treat the animals. Weve seen amazing things, Bray said. Were finding cats that were in a house and the owners presumed they had passed. The heat of fire breaks windows in houses and cats jump out and run and hide. Theyre survivalists. The volunteers go to elaborate lengths to catch the animals, which often are traumatized and injured. Equipped with night-vision cameras, traps and lots of food for bait, the volunteers stake out an area where a missing pet has been spotted, waiting for the right moment to drop a trap. They won a hard-fought rescue of a dog nicknamed Buddy on Oct. 27 after he had eluded capture for weeks. They tried luring him with steak and french fries, another dog and a pickup truck like the one his owner drove before finally nabbing him. It was a two-woman, two-hour operation. One woman crawled on the ground and placed food under a trap and the other waited in a truck and pulled a rope to complete the capture. Bray, a private pilot by day, once spent nearly seven hours trapping a cat. The wait was worth it, she said. So many of these people have lost everything, Bray said. The only thing they care about is finding their pet that they love. They want that hope back in their lives and were trying to provide that. Jessica Pierce, a Lyons, Colorado-based bioethicist who studies end-of-life issues involving humans and their pets, said losing a beloved animal and a home is a double whammy of grief. To then be reunited with a pet you thought was gone, that would be like getting a piece of your home back, she said. For many people, pets are a sense of home, and they identify home with a sense of comfort and peace. Steve and Susan Cortopassi were reunited with their cat, Big Ernie, on Oct. 3, more than two months after the fire started. Their other cat, Elsa, was found about three weeks after the fire, which destroyed their home of 30 years. The Cortopassis had to evacuate in the middle of the night. They grabbed their two dogs but werent able to track down the cats. A friend showed Cortopassi cellphone video of her destroyed home a couple days after the fire and she figured the cats were gone forever. It was just complete and utter devastation, she said. Its just a miracle theyre alive. Its like, life finds a way. Rhodes got her call on Sept. 2, 41 days after the fire began. Bella, who is 2, had some burns on her belly, her long black hair was singed to medium length and she was underweight. Her formerly gray paws are now permanently pink. When she was found, Rhodes and Cobb drove to Redding over five days with their other cat, Mama, so the whole family could be reunited. After staying in a hotel for another five days to make sure Bella was OK, the whole family returned to Alaska. We have friends that dont even like cats thinking how crazy we were and we just said, Theyre part of our family,' Rhodes said. I lost a lot. Thank goodness we did get Bella back because our hearts were just sunken. ___ Follow Amanda Lee Myers on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaLeeAP (CNN) -- Actor Alec Baldwin was arrested and charged for assault and harassment Friday following a dispute over a parking spot, according to New York police. NYPD Lieutenant John Grimpel told CNN the incident occurred on 10th Street in Manhattan. A 49-year-old man sustained an injury to the left jaw after being punched and was taken to a local area hospital to be treated, according to police. He's in stable condition, police added. Baldwin was charged with assault and harassment and given a desk appearance ticket, the NYPD said. In addition to portraying president Donald Trump on "Saturday Night Live," Baldwin currently hosts a Sunday talk show on ABC, called "The Alec Baldwin Show." A representative for Baldwin had no comment when reached by CNN. As he was heading to a campaign event on Friday, President Trump was asked about Baldwin's arrest. In response, Trump shrugged his shoulders and said, "I wish him luck." Baldwin will appear in court at a later date, according to the NYPD. SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - A new program called Cal Hope Shasta provides emotional support for Carr Fire victims. The team's goal is to meet with survivors to listen, discuss coping tools and connect them with recovery resources. They hope to go out into the community and seek out those living in areas impacted by the fire, who may need help or emotional support. The program is funded by FEMA and is staffed by Northern Valley Catholic Social Services. "A lot of people are able to find their own resources whether it be FEMA or insurance or whatever it is that their support systems are," said Amy Diamantine, regional assistant director for NVCSS. "But there are people out there who are very confused by the process, and that's what we're here to do. We provide emotional support and also link them to services if there is an unmet need." Their services are free, anonymous and available for anyone to use. CHICO, Calif. -- The dispute between Enloe Medical Center and Anthem Blue Cross is impacting thousands of people this week, leaving many asking what is next. Action News Now has the answer to that question and spoke with people who have Anthem Blue Cross. We learned today the battle between Enloe and Anthem Blue Cross impacts at least 10,000 people. On November 1st, Enloe canceled its contract with Anthem Blue Cross to renegotiate the terms of the deal. "We should have been talking about this a while ago," said Mike Wiltermood, CEO of Enloe Medical Center. This hits close to home for thousands of people in the north state, including Butte County Deputy District Attorney Joshua Owen. "Me and my wife are concerned. Having to drive to Feather River as the closest hospital would be quite an inconvenience," said Owen. "People need to know we definitely accept all emergency services and people that are in the middle of care we need to maintain that continuity of care so that shouldn't be a problem," said Wiltermood. What is Enloe's policy for anyone who comes in for treatment, but has Anthem Blue Cross? "If the financial responsibility is too much, we'll do everything we can to get them to a spot where, you know, whether it's Sacramento, the Bay Area, or somewhere local, where they can get their services," said Wiltermood. "Where people might get in trouble, is where they have a scheduled surgery, say an elected surgery that's not necessarily life-threatening, that could be put off a couple months. In those cases they may be asked to pay an additional out of pocket expense. Or in some cases their plan may not cover it at all," said Wiltermood. "But I do want to reassure everybody that if you have an accident, if you have a medical emergency, we're gonna take care of you," said Wiltermood. A spokesman from Anthem Blue Cross issued this statement - "We do believe hospitals and doctors should be compensated fairly, and that has been reflected in our offers to Enloe. However, we cannot agree to rates that are not in line with what similar providers in the area receive," said Wiltermood. "I hoped they would have reached a resolution before the November 1st deadline so we wouldn't have to deal with this," said Owen. Action News Now asked the same questions of Anthem Blue Cross they said - "Emergency care is always covered regardless of where you go and there are other hospitals in their network that will work with local doctors and patients." 94.3 Radio One (Next Radio Ltd), Indias only international and upscale format FM radio network, has reported a 17 per cent (sequential) growth in its revenue to Rs 19.56 crore in Q2 FY2019, from Rs 16.73 crore in Q1 FY2019. In a Q2 to Q2 comparison, revenue was up 3 per cent in Q2 FY2019 as compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. EBIDTA was up 32 per cent from Rs 2.54 crore in Q1 FY2019 to Rs 3.37 crore in Q2 FY2019. In a Q2 to Q2 comparison, EBIDTA was at Rs 3.37 crore in Q2 FY2019, an increase of 13.4 per cent over Rs 2.97 crore in Q2 FY2018. The half year performance of the company (April-September 2018) saw a revenue growth of 4.8 per cent from Rs 34.46 crore in Apr-Sept 17-18 to Rs 36.29 crore in Apr-Sept 2018-19 and an EBIDTA growth of 54.7 per cent from Rs 3.27 crore in Apr-Sept 17-18 to Rs 5.91 crore in Apr-Sept 18-19. Commenting on the performance, Vineet Singh Hukmani, MD & CEO Next Radio Ltd, said, Despite an overall commoditised and, therefore, difficult media market in the first half of the year, that continues to witness single digit topline growth, we were able to maximise efficiencies across functions resulting in substantial EBIDTA growth in our radio business. In our 11th year, we continue to be Indias No. 1 international radio network in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, and the only premium Hindi network in Pune, Kolkata, Chennai and Ahmedabad. We have not only strengthened our position with unique engaging content designed for our 5.94 million upscale listener tribe (IRS 2017), but we now have a means to measure brand consumption and preferences of our high value audience using our innovative audience tracker called the International Indian Monitor. This pioneering effort offers unique value to our advertisers in creating powerful and engaging conversations with our unique tribe on air and online. Radio One simulcasts its international format FM stations online at www.1cast.in for its premium mobile audience all over India, as compared to the super mass audiences served by other radio players only on FM radio. Radio One also runs Indias only online audio business channel Business One, aimed at the young upscale professional, which is also broadcast from www.1cast.in. A melting pot of ideas, imagination and innovation TEDxGateway is back with its 10th edition on 2nd December 2018 in Mumbai. Bringing to the fore some path-breaking ideas that have the power to change the world, TEDxGateway is one platform that promises to leave you spellbound. Growing in leaps and bounds, this year, TEDxGateway Dec 2018 will witness 20+ powerhouse speakers from all corners of the world as they take centre stage to a crowd of over 5500 attendees at the Dome at NSCI Mumbai. Carrying forward TEDS legacy and theme of Ideas Worth Spreading, TEDxGateway Dec 2018 promises an eclectic mix of achievers, thought leaders, visionaries and disruptors from diverse areas of expertise like education, science, technology, art and culture. Additionally, the main event will also be webcasted across 200 campuses in India and multiple cities hosting TEDxs across the world, targeting over 150,000+ viewers. To further bolster the TEDx platform and partake in the phenomenal journey together, Genesis Burson-Marsteller is collaborating with TEDxGateway as its official communications partner. This partnership marks Genesis Burson-Marstellers sixth year of association with TEDxGateway, consistently playing a pivotal role in sharing the same vision and amplifying it over the years. On partnering with TEDxGateway 2016, Prema Sagar, Vice Chair, Burson-Marsteller, Asia-Pacific and Principle Founder, Genesis Burson-Marsteller, said: TED is a universally recognized platform that has carved a niche for itself by creating a community of intellectually stimulated individuals from across the world. As Indias largest platform for ideas, TEDxGateway truly replicates the same in our homeland. Like every year, Genesis Burson-Marsteller is proud to be associated with TEDxGateway in transforming the world one idea at a time. Yashraj S. Akashi, Curator of TEDxGateway and Senior Ambassador of TEDx in India said, We at TEDxGateway are extremely delighted to continue in our strategic partnership with Genesis Burson-Marsteller for the sixth consecutive year. This year, we are set to take it up a notch with a robust communication driven approach. Coupled with expertise and the creativity that Genesis Burson-Marsteller brings to the table, we are certain that this time TEDxGateway Dec 2018 is set to scale newer heights. This years TEDxGateway will host achievers including Seema Bansal, an education innovator; Haaziq Kazi and Gitanjali Rao, child prodigies; Mihir Shah, an innovator and entrepreneur; Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Oncologist, Professor & Healthcare Expert; Shri. Raghu Rai, Padmashri Awardee & Acclaimed Photographer; Levon Biss, Photographer; Parag Khanna, Global Strategy Advisor & Geopolitical Futurist; Tom Wujec, technologist and design thinker; Harssh A. Poddar, IPS Officer; Parvati (Paro) Anand, author, storyteller & children's literature advocate; Shabana Basij-Rasikh, educator & humanitarian; Megha Rajagopalan, Investigative Journalist; Rives, host, poet & storyteller; Madhumita Murgia, European Technology Correspondent; Dr Binish Desai, social entrepreneur & innovator; Shantha Barriga, Director of the Disability Division at Human Rights Watch to name a few. Moreover, the spectacular line-up also includes Storror, Parkour Collective; Maati Baani, World Music Collaborators and Curators; Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Biodiversity Scientist & Former President of Mauritius; Ananda Shankar Jayant, classical dancer & choreographer; Ashwin Ram, Computer Scientist & AI Expert; Tao Issaro, Freelance Musician, Producer, Programmer, multi-instrumentalist and Eldar Blau aka. The Legendary Strawberry Man, Street Artist. The event will also see grand performances by Storror, Maati Baani & Shankarananda Kalakshetra followed by multiple sponsored initiatives at the venue. Additionally, the main event will be telecast live on the website TEDxGateway.com/live. Before the big day, this year, TEDxGateway has introduced UnPlugged the first ever idea camp and open mic which allows you to immerse yourselves in a day full of disruptive ideas. A freestyle attendee driven idea camp, UnPlugged serves as a platform for anyone who has an extraordinary story to tell and for people who thrive on ideas and innovation. Slated to be held on 3rd November 2018, at ISDI Tower, One Indiabulls Center, Lower Parel; the event opens the doors for one and all to get a glimpse of the TEDxGateway experience before the main event! The One Club for Creativity, the worlds foremost non-profit organisation recognising creative excellence in advertising and design, has announced the winners of the global Young Guns 16, the industrys only international, cross-disciplinary, portfolio-based awards competition that identifies and celebrates todays vanguard of young creative professionals age 30 or younger. Entries were received from 38 countries and judged by 61 top creatives from around the world, about half of whom are past Young Guns winners. This years winners will be celebrated at the Young Guns 16 awards ceremony and party on November 15, 2018 at the Highline Ballroom in New York. The Young Guns 16 winners are: Sasha Arutyunova, photographer, Brooklyn, NY, USA (originally from Moscow, Russia) CALMATIC, filmmaker, Los Angeles, CA, USA Neels Castillon, film director, Paris, France Nadia Lee Cohen, photographer, director, Los Angeles, CA, USA Tyler Comrie, graphic designer, Brooklyn, NY, USA Mary Dauterman, multidisciplinary artist, director, Brooklyn, NY, USA Sally Deng, illustrator, Los Angeles, CA, USA Ben Denzer, artist, designer, publisher, New York, NY, USA Michael Fohring, architectural designer, Toronto, ON, Canada Sophie Koko Gate, animation director, London, UK Max Guther, illustrator, Berlin, Germany Satoshi Kohno, art director, Tokyo, Japan Brook Linder, director, Los Angeles, CA, USA Jonas Lindstroem, photographer, director, Berlin, Germany Nick Little, illustrator, Brooklyn, NY, USA Mathery, directors, photographers, spatial designers, Brooklyn, NY, USA (originally from Italy) Kelsey McClellan, photographer, San Francisco, CA, USA Tal Midyan, art director designer, Brooklyn, NY, USA (originally from Tel Aviv, Israel) Ilya Milstein, illustrator, New York, NY, USA (originally from Melbourne, Australia) Mau Morgo, director, artist, Barcelona, Spain Thomas Harnett OMeara, filmmaker, London, UK Victo Ngai, illustrator, Los Angeles, CA, USA (originally from Hong Kong) Zebedee Pedersen, creative technologist, London, UK Joel Plosz, illustrator, Brooklyn, NY, USA (originally from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada) Marco Prestini, music video and commercial director, Milan, Italy and Los Angeles, CA, USA Noa Raviv, fashion designer, artist, Queens, NY, USA (originally from Tel Aviv, Israel) Charlotte Regan, film director, London, UK A.V. Rockwell, filmmaker, New York, NY, USA Jiaxi Yand and Zhe Zhu, photography, New York, NY, USA (originally from Shanghai, China) Egle Zvirblyte, illustrator, London, UK All Young Guns 16 winners receive a unique version of the iconic Young Guns Cube, designed exclusively for this years incoming class, and have their permanent profile page added to the Young Guns website. Winners also receive a complimentary one-year membership to The One Club for Creativity, permanent membership in Young Guns network, a chance to be featured in Young Guns events and an assortment of career-boosting opportunities from Young Guns sponsors. The Young Guns 16 Awards ceremony will be held on November 15, 2018 and will be hosted by Gemma OBrien, acclaimed Australian artist and designer specialising in lettering, typography and illustration and Young Guns 13 winner. This years event includes announcement of the inaugural Diageo-Young Guns Diversity & Inclusion Award winner, recognising an outstanding body of work from a Young Guns 16 finalist who is a woman and/or person of colour. The winner, as judged by teams at Diageo North America and The One Club, will have the opportunity to collaborate on a creative project for Diageo on one of the companys global brands, which include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. For the second year, The One Club will hold the Young Guns Creative Choice Award, where the global creative community at large can explore the work of Young Guns 16 winners and select which one they believe stands above all others. Voting is open through Wednesday, November 14, 2018, with the winner announced at the Young Guns 16 awards ceremony in New York the following evening. And for the fifth consecutive year, international artists management agency and Young Guns sponsor Levine/Leavitt will announce their Artist In Residence winner at the November 15 event. The honour is presented each year to the newly crowned Young Gun whose body of work stands out from even their fellow winners. Selected by a special advisory board of industry professionals across a range of disciplines, recipients of the Artist-In-Residence Award receive a full year of professional management, guidance and mentorship to help take their young careers to new heights. From contract negotiations and client fees to portfolio management, the Levine/Leavitt team will help navigate winners through the business side of creativity. Young Guns 16 has on board Diageo as presenting sponsor, while official sponsors are Crealev, Levine/Leavitt, Shutterstock and Sunday Afternoon, and supporting partners are BBDO, Facebook and MediaMonks and Nickelodeon Velocity. Young Guns branding is developed each year by a past winner. Branding for Young Guns 16 was designed by New York-based creative studio and artist representation agency Sunday Afternoon, led by Young Guns 11 winner Juan Carlos Pagan, co-founder and executive creative director. Past Young Guns include rising stars who went on to become leaders in their chosen fields, including advertising creatives Rei Inamoto (YG4) and Menno Kluin (YG6); graphic designers James Victore (YG1), Stefan Sagmeister (YG1) and Jessica Walsh (YG8); illustrators Christoph Niemann (YG2) and Deanne Cheuk (YG4); photographers Ryan McGuinness (YG2) and Jeremy Floto/Cassandra Warner (aka floto+warner, YG5); typographers Alex Trochut (YG6); film and video director Mike Mills (YG1), animation artist Todd St. John (YG1) and others. By John Stone I am publishing this brief correspondence to highlight how our higher educational institutions are becoming the enemies of freedom of speech and intellectual curiosity, not to mention purveyors of falsehood. I am not suggesting that Exeter University is particularly unusual: there are lots of publications of this kind from many academic sources, arguing how to limit and close down debate while using ad hominem tactics posing as hard science. It is interesting to note how the university dealt with this matter. The vice-chancellor and CEO, Sir Steve Smith - who is an expert in the politics of globalisation - handed the matter on to the provost, Prof Janice Kay, a cognitive neuropsychologist, who does not really tell us what she thinks, but passes the buck to the politics department, the publishers and the peer reviewers. She must however know that our schools are by now drowning in unprecedented and unexplained neurological impairment. It seems that the university's coat of arms with the motto lucem sequimur 'we follow the light' has fallen into disuse, and frankly the spirit of enlightenment is dead as GSK and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation take over the world. From: John Stone ..... Sent: 24 October 2018 16:20 To: Vice Chancellor..... Subject: Harassment and silencing of vaccine and GM critics To Prof Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor and CEO University of Exeter Dear Sir Steve, I would like to express grave disquiet regarding the paper by Lyons et al and the additional publicity given to it by your university. It really will do no good to target people while not addressing their arguments - it is to say the least an open question who is indulging in "innuendo" as your publicity department put it. A case in point would be the paper's attack on the competence and integrity of Robert F Kennedy Jnr. The article does not address any specifics of Kennedy's argument in his article while labelling him as "a conspiracy theorist". In this regard it is worth noting that by 2004 the British government, without of course admitting any error, had removed mercury from vaccines - the subject of Kennedy's article - and it was only to make a return to doing so in the highly unfortunate and still unaccounted Pandemrix episode. The safety of using the mercury salt preservative thimerosal/thiomersal has been criticised in many scientific publications. A further problem is that if people are not allowed to express their concerns - or even their unpleasant experiences - a class of product becomes protected and the hazards to the public increase. There can be no automatic assumption that products are safe, and what is proposed is the intellectual and social suppression of views, experience and knowledge inconvenient to global interests and governments. This does not mean that all opinions are equally valid but it does mean that public debate should be tolerated. The very failure to tolerate debate places a question mark of the motives of the people trying to deny it, and it leaves the public in a dangerous position. It is always possible that this or that product has been slandered, but it does not mean that all products or all public bodies meet the standard, and we cannot proceed on this basis. I believe by promoting "research" of this kind the University of Exeter is placing itself in an invidious historical position, and I look forward to your views. Yours sincerely, John Stone, UK and European Editor, AgeofAutism.com ### On 26 Oct 2018, at 15:18, Dear Mr Stone, (if I may?) Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News N Augusta Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. +2 North Augusta Forward looking to bring downtown development program to city North Augusta Forwards new executive director, Avery Spears-Mahoney, has been in the job for about two months and said the organization wants NORTH AUGUSTA Downtown North Augusta is going to boot camp at the start of the new year. North Augusta Forward, a local development organization, announced this week the city has been accepted into the Main Street South Carolina program, which offers a bootcamp and support for downtown development in cities and towns across the state. The program uses a four-point strategy in that downtown development: organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring. Eighteen South Carolina communities are listed as members of Main Street South Carolina on its website, including Aiken. Its a four-point approach to how to make the plans and initiatives work with the city, and the Chamber [of Commerce], and North Augusta Forward all working together with the community. Its a very community engaged process so its locally driven and implemented, said North Augusta Forwards executive director Avery Spears-Mahoney in July. Spears-Mahoney said the first three years of the program are called the boot camp phase to indicate the intensity of hard work that will take place. The boot camp phase in North Augusta will begin in early 2019. Main Street South Carolina was established in 1984, a release from North Augusta Forward says. It said member communities have brought "significant number" of new businesses and jobs to their downtowns. "Main Street will be the catalyst to bring collaboration between downtown businesses, citizens, the city, the Chamber and North Augusta Forward as we roll up our sleeves to work on making downtown the heartbeat of our community," said Briton Williams, downtown committee co-chair said in the release. Spears-Mahoney said the program is built on partnerships between local government, businesses, organizations and residents. With the positive growth North Augusta is experiencing, the timing could not be more appropriate for redevelopment in our downtown area, Spears-Mahoney said about the acceptance. Downtowns are the cornerstone of any community; this revitalization will help to create a sense of place, a unique hub of activity in downtown North Augusta. Just one day after the man accused of killing 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue shooting spree pleaded not guilty, Aiken-area residents gathered to memorialize those who died and to display strength willful solidarity in and for the Jewish community. On Friday night, dozens of people congregated at Adath Yeshurun, a nearly century-old synagogue along Greenville Street in downtown Aiken. A single police officer, in uniform, stood by the door. On Oct. 27, Robert Bowers drove to and entered the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh with "multiple firearms," according to indictment documents. Bowers then allegedly opened fire. While on his rampage, Bowers made clear his "desire to 'kill Jews,'" according to the same documents, which were filed Oct. 31 in a Pennsylvania district court. Bowers ended up killing 11 and injuring a handful of first responders, officials said. Over the course of Friday night a blustery one those at the Aiken synagogue openly acknowledged what happened last week. A candle was lit at the beginning of the night for each person authorities say Bowers killed. Judith Evans, a Holocaust survivor, later spoke to the congregation, which had filled the synagogue to standing-room-only levels. "Let's talk. People let's talk," Evans said, preaching in the abstract. "Let's have a civil conversation." "Don't get all worked up when you hear something that you don't believe in," Evans elaborated. "'Oh, I don't believe in Jesus, come on, don't tell me.' He believes in Jesus, respect him for what he is. He is a muslim, he is a Hinduism, he is whatever he is. He is a human being. Learn what he believes, learn what he feels. Respect him for what he is." Evans said she received calls from the media following the Pittsburgh massacre. Sharon Preston, who officiated Friday night, said she was overwhelmed "We have been and still are deeply touched" by the recent outpouring of support. Evans shared the same sentiment. At least seven faith leaders were scheduled to attend the memorial service and sabbath Friday night, according to planning emails. The Rev. Debra Guthrie of the Aiken Unitarian Universalist Church was the first to address the gathering. "We are all in this together," Guthrie said, later adding: "When violence and hatred hurts one of us, it hurts us all. Distinctions between us are illusions." "If we love love brings us together," Evans said. The 44-count indictment levied against Bowers includes hate crimes as well as discharging a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence. During his life, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was an outspoken critic of Irans regional role. Indeed, Khashoggi used every occasion to criticize Tehrans growing footprint in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, whether on television, in articles, and sometimes in front of Iranian academics and political analysts at conferences around the world. Since his murder in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul Oct. 2, Iranian media have treated the case as a top story. Newspapers from different sides of the internal political game, as well as the state broadcaster, have dedicated their front pages to the case on several occasions. The interest shown prompted one Iranian journalist to tweet, If only Jamal Khashoggi knew the amount of coverage the state media gave him, he might have changed his view on Iran a bit, but unfortunately we cant know what he thinks since hes not with us right now to tweet. The attention given to Khashoggi's case by the media wasn't reciprocated on the official political front. Only on Oct. 24 did the Iranian government adopt a clear stance. President Hassan Rouhani told his Cabinet that he didn't believe any country would dare commit such a crime without the support of the US. Rouhanis stance was followed by another, from Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who tweeted the same day: To deflect from headlines on Saudi brutality in Istanbul and across Yemen, US Treasury while in Saudi Arabia, no less sanctions Iran for 'supporting' anti-Iran Taliban. Conveniently omitting that US is negotiating with the very same Taliban now & its clients have long backed it. It was clear the Iranians were touching on the issue from afar, but for a calculated reason. The Iranians knew if they made any major statements they would have distracted attention from the nature and cruelty of the murder, said Mohammad Marandi, a Tehran University professor. Marandi knew Khashoggi and took part in several debates with him. Over the past several weeks, Marandi has appeared on Iranian state TV and wrote several articles on the case. He said the murder of Khashoggi was something different in the eyes of the Western media and Western think tanks because of Jamals status, and Iranians knew if they made any specific statement itd just make Iran the issue, because Western governments, and mainly in the US, will try to exploit this and help the Saudis escape their predicament. For the past few years, Iran has been under a media spotlight when it comes to news coming out of the Middle East. This is mainly related to the countrys role in the region and its many intersections and contradictions with the United States. What happened rid Iran of the media attention for some time, in a very important timing, Tehran-based Arab journalist Farah al-Zaman Shawki told Al-Monitor. Shawki added that the media blackout in Iran came as the new batch of sanctions approached. The Islamic Republic was already negotiating with the Europeans on financial measures to save the ailing nuclear deal, she added. This doesnt mean Iran will stay away from [the medias] attention for long, yet Tehran is going to make use of the political implications of the Khashoggi case, alongside other developments, to counter Washingtons anti-Iran policies, she said. Its not only about Iran and the United States, Marandi said, its also about Iran and Saudi Arabia. I think its a very important turning point. It shows that after all the deeds of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the arrests of the princes, the abduction and beating of the Lebanese prime minister, the holocaust in Yemen, the siege of Qatar, the reaction to the Canadian official and now the cruel and brutal murder of Jamal all of this shows that Saudi Arabia is going downhill, and this enhances Irans position across the globe. Its obvious that the regional standoff between Riyadh and Tehran temporarily stopped because of the Khashoggi case, yet Tehran will still need to anticipate the implications of the situation, not only for Saudi Arabia, but for Turkey's shift toward a more Saudi-like role in the region, which is what Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems to be after. According to Marandi, the crisis is going to reflect positively on Iranian-Turkish relations, bringing the countries much closer, especially since both are against Wahabbism. Marandi said, This is going to strengthen Irans allies hands. The Syrians, the Yemenis, the Iraqis, the Lebanese and the people of Bahrain all those who are subjugated by the Saudis, all of them are going to gain. Another point of view sees the pressure Erdogan is exerting on Saudi as a clear tendency to go to the end with the case. Erdogans objective might not be to reach a deal with his Sunni rival in the region, but rather, to strip the Saudi crown prince of his influence and credibility as a pretext for Turkey to take over Sunni leadership in the region. This could have a direct implication on Iranian-Turkish relations, with Ankara likely adopting a harder position on conflicts in Syria and Iraq and on the Iranian role in Yemen. The leadership of Hamas and Islamic Jihad announced Nov. 1 that they accept the understandings reached with Israel through Egyptian mediation: transitioning to nonviolent demonstrations along the fence while the siege of Gaza is eased. The joint announcement was made at the end of a meeting between the heads of the organizations (including Hamas' military arm) at Hamas political bureau chief Ismael Haniyeh's office in Gaza. The groups decided to give the plan a trial period of six months. The meeting took place to officially announce the organizations acceptance of the arrangement, a decision that was made before they arrived. The goal was to show, at least for the sake of appearances, that the Hamas military arm agreed to the request of the political wing and is prepared to give the Egyptian initiative a chance. The mini arrangement was initiated by Egypt after the chances of a broader arrangement were deemed to be nil. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas categorically refuses to enter Gaza and take part in an arrangement despite the enormous efforts expended on it. Another of the obstacles to the arrangement is Hamas' unwillingness to give up its demonstrations at the border, out of concern that if the arrangement doesnt work they would be hard to restart. Thus it was agreed (and Israel seems inclined to accept) that the demonstrations near the fence will continue, though nonviolently. An additional obstacle to an arrangement that seems to have been solved is Israels refusal to allow the monthly transfer of $15 million in Qatari funding for the salaries of Hamas administration personnel. Egypt promises that the money will be transferred to the civil administration of Hamas and not its military arm, though its unclear how it could be overseen, so Israel seems to be leaning toward withdrawing its objection. Here arises an interesting point. A political source in Hamas claimed in conversation with Al-Monitor that the Oct. 27 report by the News Corporation on Hamas' ultimatum to Israel regarding the funding for salaries came from a partisan leak on the part of opponents of the arrangement in Israel and was not true. We only said that the agreement could not happen if Qatars funding is not transferred to pay salaries, he explained on condition of anonymity. In response to the question of who he thinks tried to damage the arrangement in progress, the source argued that there are many parties in Israel who have explicitly said that they oppose a deal with Hamas and prefer war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who supports the arrangement with Gaza, and its opponents are fighting an open media war. Minister of Defense Avigdor Liberman presents his position at any opportunity, for instance at the Knesset Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, where he told committee members explicitly Oct. 22, I dont believe in reaching an arrangement with Hamas. It hasnt worked, doesnt work and wont work in the future. On the other hand, a senior political source explained to journalists that the other options are no good, and added that Netanyahu is willing to pay a political price and to wait for the Israel Defense Forces to be asked to enter Gaza and hit Hamas. That was the time Hamas ultimatum to Israel was leaked to the News Corporation. It seems this report was meant to push Netanyahu into a corner. Netanyahu, for his part, seems determined to advance the arrangement, even at the price of accusations of bowing to terrorism. Netanyahu capitulated and was defeated, we won, said the Hamas political source. He understood that its not worth it for him to start another military operation. Hamas sees Israeli willingness to give the arrangement a chance as an act of weakness and a public relations victory for the movement, which is in crisis in the Gaza Strip. Following the announcement from the leadership of Hamas and Islamic Jihad that they are ready to reduce the violence at the border, the two groups started calling on Gaza residents to come to the border with Israel not to clash with the IDF and break through the fence, but to celebrate the victory that they say they achieved thanks to the demonstrators and with the encouragement of Hamas and other organizations. The big if is whether the arrangement, which is limited at this stage to six months until the situation in the Palestinian Authority (and Abbas position) become clearer, will bring about a renewal of the talks between Israel and Hamas with Egyptian mediation regarding the return of the bodies of soldiers Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin and the two Israeli civilians held in Gaza. The negotiations are not expected to be easy. Hamas is satisfied in its achievement in breaking the siege and it will not be in a hurry to compromise. One way or another, the fragile arrangement has many enemies and opponents in Hamas as well. If it fails, it will boomerang back to Netanyahu. Liberman and HaBayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett will certainly be happy to say we told you so while Netanyahus image as Mr. Security cracks. Another weekend of rocket fire on Israel or violent demonstrations at the fence, or the breakdown of the arrangement for any reason, will force him to prove to his political rivals who are ready to pounce that he still stands strong against Hamas. The question now is whether Hamas and the other Palestinian factions celebrating their achievement understand that it is likely Netanyahus final act of defensive restraint, after which could come war in Gaza. The election of a woman as mayor of Beit Shemesh is much more than a personal victory or the lifting of some gender barrier. It is an important indicator of deep-rooted trends in ultra-Orthodox society, which bubbled to the surface on one dramatic election night. Of all the municipal election victories, including victories by women, the turnover in Beit Shemesh is the most potent and symbolic. It has the potential to shine a light on the deep changes taking place in ultra-Orthodox society. There were quite a few dramas in the Oct. 30 municipal election. Among these, what happened in Beit Shemesh is certainly the most prominent. Beit Shemesh, a city with an ultra-Orthodox majority, has long been a stronghold of the Mizrahi ultra-Orthodox Shas Party. This Thursday, however, after the soldiers votes were counted, it turned out that the election was won by a bold, determined woman named Aliza Bloch. By defeating an incumbent ultra-Orthodox mayor, she overcame the whole political system. The ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly the Shas Party, invested enormous sums in the Beit Shemesh election so that they could maintain control of a town that had become a bastion of the ultra-Orthodox community. But they failed in the end and in a big way. Apart from votes by non-Orthodox voters, Bloch won the support of some ultra-Orthodox voters, and particularly of ultra-Orthodox women voters who supported her in secret. All it takes is a look at the photos and video clips of Blochs victory speech near the municipal building early in the morning on Nov. 1 to appreciate the enormity of the change. Thousands of people, including ultra-Orthodox men, came to cheer Bloch, who ran a campaign based on unity and without the slightest hint of mudslinging or vilification. This all happened in a city that had its fair share of wars between its secular and religious communities. An emotional Bloch was not exaggerating when she said in her victory speech, This morning, the people of Israel are watching Beit Shemesh and wake up to a new hope. Beit Shemesh has decided to reject the walls and barriers. Her victory shows that the political and religious leadership of the ultra-Orthodox community is losing control of their constituents, particularly the younger generation, which wants a different life for themselves. She had an enormous staff of women working for her. Most of them do not want to be identified because they have no interest in conflict, Knesset member Meirav Michaeli of the Zionist Camp told Al-Monitor. Michaeli is one of the women most identified with feminist struggles in Israel. She says that Blochs victory represents two things: The first is that it points to a movement of ultra-Orthodox feminist women who are struggling for representation and rights. The second is that her victory shows how much ultra-Orthodox society is changing. That may be the greatest drama of all. According to Michaeli, Ultra-Orthodox society is so enormous that it can no longer remain as insular as it once was, even if this inconveniences rabbis and ultra-Orthodox politicians. The people cannot be forced to adhere to 15th-century standards. This is a society that wants to mingle with the overall society. Knesset member Aliza Lavie of the Yesh Atid party has been tracking these changes for a very long time. She is a former chair of the Committee on the Status of Women and one of the most prominent women to represent the religious Zionist community. Speaking to Al-Monitor, Lavie described Blochs victory as expediting the integration of religious and ultra-Orthodox women in public life. She ran alone, without a political home, and everyone is [now] embracing her. If Aliza Bloch could succeed in a town like Beit Shemesh, women will start to believe that there is another way, says Lavie. Lavie has no doubt that Blochs victory has set new agendas while posing a threat to the political leadership of the ultra-Orthodox community. According to her, There is serious tension between the political leadership, which wants to perpetuate and intensify differences so that it can trade in them, and the day-to-day life of the ultra-Orthodox community, which wants to acquire an education and ensure that their children are knowledgeable. She adds that she has seen evidence of this change even when it comes to the Conscription Law, which enables ultra-Orthodox youth to avoid the draft. Quite a few mothers have approached her to say, We consider this [drafting to the Israel Defense Forces] an obligation. Not all children have an aptitude for studying Torah. That was never the case among the Jewish people. The younger generation of the ultra-Orthodox community strives to be equal citizens. Bloch, a 51-year-old mother of four, arrived in Beit Shemesh 27 years ago. She was looking for a place with a young, diverse community, where she could raise her family. Over the years, she had an impressive career, managing the Branco Weiss network of high schools and completing a doctorate in education. Bloch first ran for mayor of Beit Shemesh back in 2013. At the time, she ran for national-religious HaBayit HaYehudi, but they eventually abandoned her, leaving her all alone with electoral defeat and an enormous debt. And yet she refused to give up on her dream, with its vision of Beit Shemesh as a city with a diverse population. At the same time, she also wanted to rescue ultra-Orthodox children from a life of ignorance and poverty and grant them a brighter future. Like all other residents of Beit Shemesh, Bloch watched as her city underwent a process that left it increasingly ultra-Orthodox. This included expedited construction for the ultra-Orthodox community, the segregation and exclusion of women from the public sphere, and a series of horrific incidents such as an ultra-Orthodox man spitting at an 8-year-old girl simply because her clothing did not meet his standards of modesty. Bloch watched as Beit Shemesh was transformed from a city with enormous potential for growth into a city plagued by religious wars and a secular community that was fleeing in droves. It seemed like a lost cause until early Thursday morning, when the votes of soldiers, prisoners and the disabled were counted. Suddenly, it became clear that they had handed Bloch a victory. She may only have won by just 500 votes, but it was a significant victory nonetheless. Bloch acted wisely by focusing her campaign on civil and municipal issues like housing, education and sanitation. She didnt come to protest current norms or wage any other battles. She even made the conscious decision not to hang photos of herself in neighborhoods with a majority ultra-Orthodox population so as not to antagonize ultra-Orthodox leadership. What could have been seen as weakness was actually a show of self-confidence and strength. I think that well soon see more ultra-Orthodox women in politics because this change is sprouting from the bottom up, says Lavie. Michaeli also believes that this change will continue and that there will even be women serving in the ultra-Orthodox parties, a notion that is currently taboo. At least 11 women were elected to head local authorities in this weeks election, with six more waiting for a runoff election. Each of them shattered an ominous glass ceiling by helping to double the number of women serving as heads of municipal authorities. In the 2013 election, only six women won their races. Now, Blochs victory adds a certain commanding presence to the change that is well underway. Forbes magazine this week took a look at Alabamas ascension to an automotive force in little more than two decades. Over the last 20 years, Alabamas auto sector has risen from a smudge to the fifth-largest state for auto manufacturing, now employing more than 40,000 residents, and its expected to continue to rise, the piece stated. "And it isnt just the big boys of automotive assembly that are choosing Alabama; theres a burgeoning supplier community there, too. " How Huntsville fits into Mazdas global strategy The story talks not only about Alabamas heavy hitters - Hyundai, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and the announced Mazda Toyota plant in Huntsville - but Birminghams Autocar, which opened earlier this year. It also spotlights the states massive training infrastructure which seals the deal by providing skilled workers. Andrew Taitz, chairman of the GVW Group which owns Autocar brand, lauds Alabama for its support and its existing auto infrastructure. Republicans havent fielded a candidate in Alabamas House 97 district in as long as anyone can remember. Democratic incumbents, if they were challenged at all during the general election, faced off against random independents. And this year, in an election being termed as a blue wave, the chances of a Republican flipping an urban Democratic seat might seem even more unlikely than before. But dont tell Stephen McNair the odds. The 37-year-old consultant whose focus is on developing historic properties is hoping to pull off an upset in a district that includes the heart of Mobile and portions of its surrounding Midtown neighborhoods. Stephen McNair is working very hard, said Republican Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, referring to McNairs recent push to get his name out on local airwaves. Hes very conscientious about the issues in that district and I think it will be a fight to the finish to see who wins that race. Said McNair: We are running a positive campaign based on a bipartisan and proactive agenda. I wanted to run because I believe I can do a good job of representing all neighborhoods in District 97, while standing up for public education and (addressing) crumbling infrastructure and provide a strong voice for the south Alabama community. McNairs opponent is state Rep. Adline Clark, D-Mobile, who has held onto the seat for the past five years after winning a special election in 2013 to take over from Rep. Yvonne Kennedy, who died at age 67 in 2012. Kennedy, the former president at Bishop State Community College, represented District 97 for 33 years prior to her death. My opponent is the first Republican to run for the seat in decades, said Clarke, whos confident she will win on Tuesday and enjoys key endorsements from groups like the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Association of Realtors. She is also the only known Alabama representative to get a personal nod from Lilly Ledbetter, an advocate for equal pay. This year, Clarke sponsored a gender pay gap bill during the Legislatures spring session. I believe a majority of the voters in House District 97 will re-elect me based on my record and service to the community, said Clarke, 61, who notes that she has served in several capacities over the years, including a stint as a journalist at the Mobile Press-Register. She said, Our purpose in life is to serve others ,especially those who are less fortunate than ourselves. I am running to represent working families that are struggling to make ends meet. Education focused McNair and Clarke have kept their campaigns on the high ground, avoiding any negative jabs. But they have distinctive views on issues. For McNair, the focus is on bolstering education and on improving infrastructure. He said that education can be a silver bullet toward solving the citys problems, and believes that he can be a more aggressive advocate in securing more education funding for the region in Montgomery. He said he supports an education lottery, which has been backed by Democratic candidates running for statewide office. But his support is contingent on existing education revenues not being diverted elsewhere in the state budget. McNair said he hopes to introduce a new tax credit for public school teachers in Alabama, which he said would go toward paying off student debt and continuing-education expenses. The credits would be financed through the new lottery, which would first have to win approval of the states voters. The stipulation is that they would be only for teachers who are graduates of a public university or college in Alabama, and they would need to work for a public school for a minimum of five years, said McNair, noting that surrounding states offer educational scholarship programs. The state of Mississippi has a tax credit program to pay down student debt. Being second to Mississippi is not a good look for Alabama. Clarkes educational aims emphasize the community college side and workforce development, though she said she supports raising teacher pay. Clarke said that improvements to Mobiles community college are imperative and forthcoming, referring to Bishop State. She acknowledged the work of state and local officials to develop an advanced manufacturing facility on the main campus in downtown Mobile. I support this effort and pledge to continue to do all I can to ensure that facility becomes a reality, said Clarke. Also, other facilities and equipment on Bishop States three campuses must be upgraded so that students and workers can receive the best education and training possible there. Health care and infrastructure Clarke and McNair are both supportive of expanding Medicaid, with Clarke saying she would back a tobacco tax increase to raise dollars to sustain the expansion. Whether we go with that proposal or another, it is important to note that expanding the program will have a positive economic impact by creating a healthier workforce and more jobs and, thereby, more income tax and sales tax revenue for the state, Clarke said. Said McNair: Im open to the idea and studying the data to make sure the state can afford it or find solutions so we can afford expanding it. Im troubled over the rural hospitals being in jeopardy or closing or closing because of inadequate funding. Clarke said that 11 rural hospitals have closed since 2011, and called the issue a crisis that needs immediate addressing. Other hospitals are overburdened and dont receive additional financial resources for taking up the slack of the hospitals that have closed, she said. Its past time for Alabama to expand its Medicaid program. Both Clarke and McNair agree that the Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge is a critical infrastructure need for the region. The project is currently labeled a high priority by the Alabama Department of Transportation, as public officials scour public and private resources to move forward with what could be a four-year construction project. McNair said he believes Mobile is owed restitution from the state over a 2016 legislative decision to divert a chunk of BP oil spill settlement money away from the Gulf Coast and into the states budget. As part of that, I believe they should pay their fair share to offset the extreme costs to construct a new I-10 bridge, said McNair. Im fully aware that most of the funding comes from the federal government, but there is a match from the state and I believe the Legislature owes the citizens from the coast that revenue. McNair said that if Montgomery is able to support the project with more revenue, it will drive down the toll costs assessed to users. We should not be penalized to pay for a high toll simply because Montgomery couldnt balance their budgets, said McNair. Clarke said that planning is already under way for the I-10 Mobile River Bridge project, with construction beginning sometime next year or in 2020. She is a member of the Build the I-10 Bridge coalition, which meets periodically at the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. McNair, meanwhile, said despite his concerns about Mobiles treatment by other regions in the state in Montgomery, hes willing to build coalitions to help the region. No city can exist in a vacuum, said McNair, who is endorsed by the Coastal Alabama Partnership. What it comes down to is educating legislators that the expansion of I-10 over the Mobile River and the Port of Mobile and how other assets can impact the economic stability of the state. Ethical issues McNair said if he wins Tuesday, hell close my business in Alabama and only service out-of-state clients. McNair, whose projects include several historic revitalizations, is an advocate for the states historic tax credit that has been extended to 2022. I will be sacrificing my company in the name of public service, he said. Clarke is retired, and cites her integrity as a key issue in the race. She denies any improper behavior over allegations that surfaced several years ago that tied her past affiliation as a representative with the non-profit arm of the Mobile Housing Authority to a lucrative contract that a family member was able to secure. These allegations have long been proven to be patently false, she said. I know the community and am honored and passionate about serving and representing the people who live in it. I simply want to use my experience, my knowledge and my passion to help improve the quality of life for those in our district and all Alabamians. The broad wording of Alabamas proposed Amendment 2 could affect women who miscarry and those seeking in vitro fertilization. Dr. Yashica Robinson, an obstetrician-gynecologist and one of few abortion providers left practicing in Alabama, said she is concerned the new amendment will pave the way for women who miscarry to be scrutinized under the law. Robinson said one in five pregnancies end in miscarriage by no fault of the mother. They may have to defend what happened to that pregnancy, Robinson said. They may have to prove to someone that didnt do anything to cause that pregnancy harm. Robinson said these restrictions would disproportionately affect low-income women and women of color who statistically have less access to affordable healthcare. Mothers without access to prenatal care could be at risk of prosecution if their pregnancy did not make it to birth. Women who go through in vitro fertilization could also be affected by the wording in the amendment. Robinson said not all embryos harvested during in vitro are viable or used and could be at risk of government intervention. Alabama has one of the highest maternal mortality rate in the country. It also has some of the nations most restrictive abortion laws, including the 48 hour rule where women must wait 48 hours between receiving counseling on abortion services and receiving abortion care. Over the last six month some groups in Alabama have put overturning Roe v. Wade at the forefront of their agenda, including Matt Fridy, R-Montevallo, author of Amendment 2 and Alabama Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker. Parker called for the U.S. Supreme Court to review its ruling on Roe v. Wade after Alabama upheld its fetal homicide law. Earlier this month, Jessie Livell Phillips was convicted of both killing his wife and their eight-week-old fetus and sentenced to death. Parker called Alabamas laws a logical fallacy, considering a fetus a life for a murder case, but not when it comes to a womens right to an abortion. In 2016, Alabama lawmakers voted to ban an abortion procedure, dilation and curettage. A federal judge blocked the law, but now, under the direction of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, will ask the Supreme Court to review the states effort to ban the most common second trimester abortion procedure. Rick Renshaw with Alabama for a Pro Life Alliance said the fears associated with the passing of Amendment 2 affecting miscarriages and in vitro fertilization are lies and scare tactics put forth by Planned Parenthood. The fact of the matter is this, Amendment 2 is a declaration of public policy for the state of Alabama. Any specific statutes that are related to the limits of abortion would be conducted through our duly elected officials. That would only come as a result of reversal of Roe V Wade. We have so many laws that have been taken out of context for what they were in place for, Robinson said. Even if you have no passion for abortion, like I do, I have a passion for everything regarding womens healthcare. We cant separate them, its all on a spectrum. If we dont vote no on this amendment you could compromise things on that amendment that are important to you. The Hoover City Council plans to present a proclamation in support of naming the new Highway 150 bridge for Mike Gilotti, who was slain at his Hoover home in 2016. The proclamation will be presented at Mondays city council meeting, then sent to the state legislature to ask the Alabama Department of Transportation to name the bridge for Gilotti, said Hoover city councilman Casey Middlebrooks. Middlebrooks said naming the bridge for Gilotti is an opportunity for the community to honor Gilotti, especially since the bridge is near the Lake Cyrus neighborhood, where he lived. That death really brought Hoover together. But we want to not focus on the death, but on Mikes life, Middlebrooks said. He served his country, he was an outstanding citizen, a pillar of the community and a loving husband and father. Alabama legislature will see the proclamation in the next legislative session, which is in March 2019. Gilotti was fatally shot in his driveway as he was leaving for the gym before 5 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2016. Two teenagers, Charleston Wells and Ahmad Johnson, but both were acquitted on the murder charges. Instead, Wells was found guilty of nine counts of breaking and entering a vehicle. Johnson was found guilty of two counts of receiving stolen property. No other charges have been filed in the Gilotti case. Read the city councils proclamation below: A north Alabama couple is facing multiple charges in what officials are calling a title-washing scam, according to the Limestone County Sheriffs Office. The suspects, 42-year-old Andrey Shvets and 35-year-old Iryna Shvets, of Harvest, are each charged with one count of first-degree theft by deception, possession of a forged instrument or altered title and deceptive business practices, Sheriff Mike Blakely said in a statement. On Oct. 1, a family told an investigator they believed they had been scammed into buying a car with a forged Alabama title. In late 2017, the victims met the Shvets at the Shvets residence to look at a 2016 Nissan Altima advertised online for $25,999, Blakely said. When asked if the car had ever been damaged, Iryna told the victims a rock had cracked the windshield, which had been replaced, but otherwise the car had never been damage and had a clean title, Blakely said. Iryna claimed she had just had a baby and the Altima was too small for their growing family, which included four children. The victims received a clean Alabama title when they purchased the car. The victims decided to sell the car in June. After listing the car for sale on line, the victim learned the car had a salvage title history and had been totaled in an accident in Mississippi before the Shvets bought it. Investigators then discovered the vehicle the victims purchased was still listed for sale by the Shvets, even though it was sold in 2017. Investigators searched the Shvets residence and collected a large amount of evidence, Blakely said. Warrants against the Shvets were obtained and they were arrested without incident Thursday night. Investigators believe there are other victims who may be unknowingly driving a total loss vehicle they bought from the Shvets. If you think you may be a victim of a title-washing scam, search your vehicles VIN number for its history. If you find you have a clean title but a salvage or rebuilt history attached to the vehicles VIN number, contact law enforcement. In the runup to Election Day, Homewood residents have known a local amendment that would give the city the option to raise property taxes as Amendment 1. But the proposal appears on ballots in Homewood as Amendment 2, even though there is only one local amendment on the ballot and Jefferson County election officials say the different numbering is not an error, although they could not explain why. The amendment to lift Homewood's property tax cap is listed on Homewood ballots as Amendment 2, despite being known as Amendment 1 leading up to Election Day. The constitutional amendment, which will be decided on by all of Jefferson County even though the measure will only affect Homewood, is printed as Amendment 1 on ballots outside of Homewood. There is only one local amendment on the Jefferson County ballot and that is for Homewood, to release us from the lid bill, said Homewood City Councilwoman Jennifer Andress, referring to the state law that caps the amount that cities can hike property taxes. Listing the measure as Amendment 2 may cause confusion among Homewood residents. A publicity campaign to pass the amendment is named YOLO!, or Yes on Local Amendment One. A woman who answered the phone at the Jefferson County Probate Court which oversees ballots said the Alabama secretary of states office instructed the ballot to read Amendment 2 in Homewood even though there is only one local amendment to be voted on. Neither the secretary of states office nor Jefferson County Probate Judge Alan King could be reached to explain the numbering change. A crowd of more than 300 people filled the street in front of Huntsvilles downtown Temple Bnai Sholom Friday night for a prayer service in remembrance of the 11 people killed at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Oct. 27. Police had to close a block of Lincoln Street in front of the temple to accommodate the crowd. One officer was overheard saying it exceeded temple expectations. Temple Rabbi Eric M. Berk opened the service reading the poem Each of Us Has A Name by the Israeli poet Zelda followed by the names of the 11 people fatally shot at the Tree of Life synagogue. Candles were lit for each of the victims. Berk told the story of the brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal who sat in the last row of the temple, not to be the first to leave, but to greet arrivals and hand each one a prayer book. They were the first shot by the anti-Semitic killer who burst into the building. Imagine you live your whole life into your 60s, 70s, 80s and even your late 90s, and you decide to go to your local house of worship to pray, Berk said. And just because of who you are, just because you are there, because of what you believe, just because you breathe and believe, youre murdered. If you breathe, make sure your candle is lit, Berk said to the crowd in the street holding candles. If you believe, make sure your candle is lit. Our candles are lit for our right to worship free from fear. Our candles are candles are lit for the 11 holy souls who have ascended into the firmament. Berk explained the significance of the temples name, saying the Tree of Life is another name for the Torah, the Five Books of Moses and first books of the Bible. So what do we do? he asked. What do we do in the face of such unmistakable hatred, such absolute anti-Semitism, such total evil, such pure hate? What do we do? We do this, Berk said, gesturing to the gathered crowd. And why? Because the Tree of Life is all of ours. It doesnt just belong to the Jewish people. It belongs to humanity, and here we are. We are humans of different faiths, Berk said. Indeed, we are, and we are right here, right now, together, all of us, embracing a Tree of Life, affirming life by gathering together and honoring those whose lives were so brutally taken from their loved ones, stolen from their families, from their community, taken from us, the Jewish people, stolen from humanity. Hundreds of people, from students on school field trips to veterans and families of Vietnam War casualties are expected to visit The Wall That Heals a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that stopped in Huntsville this weekend. Visitors left flowers and mementos as they visited 'The Wall That Heals' replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Huntsville, Alabama, Nov. 1-4 2018. The Wall That Heals, which has stopped in more than 600 communities across the country, is a three-quarter scale replica of the memorial in Washington. It will be Huntsville from through Sunday. A chaplain from Redstone Arsenal will conduct a tradition Field Service" at 2 p.m. Sunday. Following the service a team from Intuitive Research and Technology Corp. will dismantle the exhibit before it moves to its next destination. Flags surround the area at John Hunt Park where 'The Wall That Heals' a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, set up in Huntsville Nov. 1-4. Veterans in wheelchairs and families taking rubbings of their loved ones names from the wall were part of the contingent viewing the wall, and schoolchildren were given tours and learned the history of the wall and the Vietnam War. For more information, visit The Wall That Heals - Huntsville website. Historian and author Wayne Flynt was scheduled to deliver a message about violence against Jews in Pittsburgh at Beth Shalom Synagogue in Auburn Friday. This is his message. J. K. Rowling has Prof. Dumbledore say in one of the Harry Potter novels: Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. I believe that statement to be true but incomplete. Words also are our most inexhaustible source of anger, division, bitterness, bigotry, and hate. The Greek word for WORD is LOGOS which has a wide range of meanings: speech; discourse; language; thought; reason; message; account; document; book. In Jewish thought, WORD is associated with the creative wisdom of Yahweh (GOD). In the Book of Genesis, God speaks the universe into existence: And God said, let there be light, and there was light and God called the light day and the darkness night. Speaking of the ephemeral nature of life, the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes deals with both the fragility of life and the eternal wisdom of God: The grass withereth, the flower fadith, but the WORD OF GOD shall stand forever. In Christian thought, the apostle, JOHN, used WORD as divine reason permeating the universe and revealing itself to us: In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. . . . And the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us. That alone should make us humble in the presence of WORDS which convey such power, intent wisdom, meaning and purpose. Every WORD counts. Every WORD has meaning. WORDS should not be wasted or used in harmful ways. WORDS can hurt. WORDS can kill. Nearly half a century ago I wrote about one specific place and time when WORDS of hope, liberation, justice, and love confronted WORDS of tradition, bigotry, apartheid, and hate.: BIRMINGHAM during the two weeks leading up to Sunday, September 15, when white nationalist terrorists who belonged to the KKK bombed 16th Street Baptist Church, murdering four young girls. During those two weeks, Alabama political leaders spoke at rallies almost every day in the run-up to school integration. Here are some of the WORDS they spoke: Former AL. Attorney General MacDonald Gallion told 400 members of United Protestants Inc., in a speech entitled The Fight for Christian Survival that massive encroachment of crime and corruption and Communism are assaulting the Souths segregated social order and should be resisted by Christians. Police chief Bull Conner spoke to 4,000 whites on Labor Day a week before the bombing, haranguing that I would tell that U.S. Supreme Court you passed the law putting these niggers in the public schools . . . now you enforce it. Governor George Wallace told the same crowd: They may push us to the wall. But well climb up on the wall and jump down in the midst of our adversaries. You and I should decide what is best for white and Negroes. . . not let that crowd in Washington tell us what is best for us. In the aftermath of all these hateful WORDS, terrorists murdered the four little girls on the morning of Sept. 15. That afternoon, 2,000 whites met in Midfield, a western Birmingham suburb, to hear many of the same speakers, plus Rev. Ferrell Griswold, a Presbyterian preacher and lecturer for the John Birch Society, harangue the crowd, after which a teenager hanged an effigy of Pres. John F. Kennedy. Two 16 year old white teenagers, Michael Lee Farley and Larry Joe Sims, described as model students, listened to the speeches with growing rage. When the rally ended, they got in their car and cruised west Birmingham until they saw a 13-year old African American boy riding his bicycle. They stopped, pulled out a pistol, and murdered the boy not much younger than they were whom they had never seen before and who had done them no harm. At their murder trial, they based their defense on WORDS spoken at the rally which had outraged them and required that they do something to preserve their way of life. In a way, their way of life died in prison that day just as surely as the life of the boy they murdered. What happened last week in Pittsburgh could happen in Alabama. What happened in Pittsburgh DID happen in Alabama half a century ago. Which is the reason we must learn to use WORDS carefully, lovingly, precisely, and with concern for how they will be understood and repeated. The Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, warned to never esteem anything of advantage to you that will make you break your WORD or lose your self-respect. A more contemporary source created a new Beatitude: Blessed is the man who having nothing to say, abstains from giving in words evidence of the fact. Those whose lives we memorialize in Pittsburgh will not have died in vain if they do nothing more than remind us how ephemeral and sacred life is, how the guns that kill are fired by the people who hate, who listen to words of bigotry and misrepresentation spoken by people we elect to office, who are often unworthy of our respect. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has resulted in the most serious international crisis Saudi Arabia has faced since the 9/11 attacks. This political assassination has been particularly damaging not only because of the dreadful way in which it was carried out, but also because it happened at a time when the idea of a reforming Saudi Arabia was gaining traction around the world. Far from being invincible, as he appeared to be in the past three years or so, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) is now facing pressure on several fronts and by some accounts fighting for his political survival. Internationally, the reputation of the crown prince has taken a hammering with many questioning whether he is the right person to lead the promised transformation of the country. The return to Saudi Arabia this week of Prince Ahmad bin Abdelaziz, the last surviving full brother of King Salman, following six year of self-imposed exile, confirms the seriousness of the situation in the kingdom. As Prince Ahmed never publicly accepted MBSs appointment as crown prince, speculation is rife that he has come to replace or challenge him. However, it is much more likely that his return is part of the House of Saud trying to demonstrate unity in the face of the increasingly difficult predicament it faces. With the latest statement from the Turkish prosecutor that Khashoggi was strangled soon after entering the Saudi consulate, the Saudi royal family rightly fear these damaging accusations dragging on for many more weeks and months, particularly as the US Congress mounts pressure on President Donald Trump to take action. The Saudis have not helped themselves in this situation by admitting to a murder but not informing the Turkish authorities of the whereabouts of Khashoggis body. Coming clean on this issue could have brought some closure and ended the swirling speculations. In the middle of all of this, it is easy to forget the real virtue of King Salman, who himself is a man of renewal and reform. While holding the position of governor of Riyadh (1963-2011), he boosted the business environment of the city, growing and expanding its economy, and undertook massive infrastructural projects. He also played a key role in keeping the royal court together at very critical junctures in the kingdoms history. But despite being judicious and reasonable throughout his political career, vesting his ambitious but inexperienced young son with such broad powers was a big mistake which he probably has realised by now. The combination of overconfidence, overambition and lack of diplomatic experience, which came to characterise MBS and his circle of advisers, is what led to the murder of Khashoggi whether he was involved in it directly or not. Assuming King Salmans health does not deteriorate, he is more than capable of salvaging the situation, but to do so, he will have to balance between the national interests of his kingdom and the political survival of his son. There are ultimately three possible approaches the king could take to resolve the situation. First scenario: The status-quo King Salman could allow MBS to continue business-as-usual and try to convince the public at home and abroad that the Khashoggi affair was a minor issue which will be resolved with the trial of the 18 suspects. However, the current situation is not like the blockade of Qatar, which MBS tried to downplay as a very, very, very small issue. An attempt to dismiss Khashoggis assassination would indicate that the crown prince does not grasp the gravity of the situation. If he insists on such a course, a minority of states like the US and the UK may back him, but the international community would not. Countries like Canada, Germany, and Sweden may even attempt to boycott Saudi Arabia and impose sanctions on Saudi oil, which could deepen rifts and lead to further instability. Moreover, this scenario would provide further leverage to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has long been locked in a struggle with Saudi Arabia for the leadership of the Muslim world. If MBS attempts to act as if nothing has happened, the Turkish president would continue heaping pressure on him through the media. This scenario would not lead to a long-term solution and instead if pursued, would almost certainly turn out to be a major strategic miscalculation for Riyadh. Saudi Arabia would end up with a crown prince compromised by Turkey, which would expose the House of Saud as fragile and susceptible to pressure. Second scenario: Demoting MBS King Salman could order MBSs demotion from the position of crown prince on the basis that even if the murder of Khashoggi was the result of a rogue operation, it occurred on his watch. The powers MBS had acquired over the past three years would then have to be redistributed within the ruling family. This could allow for older and wiser heads to prevail at the top of the state apparatus, which would ensure a return to the traditional ways of doing domestic and foreign politics. But such a move could also be highly destabilising, as it will not be easy to move older, more qualified and experienced cousins of the crown prince into positions of authority and it could plunge the royal court into another power struggle. King Salman could also appoint his brother Prince Ahmad as crown prince, but this would put power back in the hands of the older generation, ending hopes for the long-awaited transition of power from the sons of King Abdulaziz (1932-1953), to his grandchildren. Any of these moves could prove incredibly difficult, if MBS decides to resist and he has the tools to do so. He is popular with a sizeable part of the Saudi population and has managed to build over the past three years his own deep state, which could sabotage efforts for a transfer of power. Scenario three: Limiting MBSs powers The most reasonable move for King Salman would be to keep the crown prince in his position, but to curtail his powers. This would teach MBS that there are limits to political ambition within the Saudi court and there is decorum and order that cannot be overlooked. Even if he is not found responsible for ordering the killing of Khashoggi, MBS should admit some degree of culpability and step aside from the security and defence agencies and focus on domestic social and economic reform. By limiting MBSs political reach and introducing checks and balances on all fronts, the king could signal to the world that he would oversee the transformation of Saudi Arabia personally and rebuild international confidence in his rule. It would also help immensely if Riyadh demonstrates transparency on the Khashoggi case and hands in the 18 suspects to the Turkish authorities. If that is deemed unacceptable, Turkish investigators should be invited to Saudi Arabia to take part in the prosecution of the suspects. MBS would also benefit from acting as a peacemaker on the international arena. Nothing could help his case more than him ending the war in Yemen, which has pushed its population to the brink of the worlds worst famine in 100 years. Rather than waiting to be pushed by the US to end the war, he can take the initiative and unilaterally start a peace process. Furthermore, he should immediately resolve outstanding issues with Qatar and Canada and accept that other states have a right to an opinion. Clearly, for this all to happen, the urgency and gravity of the situation have to be appreciated by the king directly. However, from what we hear this is not happening, and even his closest advisers, including his foreign minister, reportedly cannot get to him. It is not in anyones interest for Saudi Arabia to suffer instability and be under threat of internal collapse. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that the king and the royal court take urgent action to resolve the situation. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Policies the Trump administration has pursued have made it difficult for many disable people to lead independent lives. Three Novembers ago, then-candidate Donald Trump came under fire for mocking a reporter living with arthrogryposis, a condition that limits joint function. It was a harbinger of what was to come for Americas disabled in the Trump era. His administration and representatives of his party in Congress have been dead-set on destroying the lives of disabled Americans for the last two years. Upon taking office, Trump made repealing and replacing Obamacare, the healthcare insurance law passed under former President Barack Obama, his first congressional priority. This insistence to do away with a law that significantly expanded national healthcare coverage almost left millions of disabled Americans in the dust. As part of ongoing efforts to repeal Obamacare and cut Americas safety-net, Trump and congressional Republicans wish to undermine Medicaid, the federal health programme for the poor, elderly, disabled and children. The neediest Americans, including many members of the disabled community, use 80 percent of Medicaids budgeted services. To this day, Republicans advocate limiting federal per-capita Medicaid spending. Such cuts would cause states to raise taxes, pay doctors less, limit coverage eligibility and cut back on services. Cuts would bring an end to programmes such as Medicaid-funded personal care attendants. Almost three million disabled Americans use this programme to live, get out of bed, bathe, eat, drive to work and go to sleep. Medicaid pays for more than half of in-home services in the US. Its the engine that allows many disabled Americans to live independently. Previous Obamacare repeal attempts could have lead to the unnecessary institutionalisation of millions, condemning them to a life of limited freedom and autonomy. Trump and congressional Republicans could care less, as they clearly demonstrated with multiple attempts to destroy Medicaid and gut civil rights laws. Last winter, 253 congressional Republicans voted to pass HR 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017, a bill that would alter the enforcement provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA grants civil rights to people with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to public places and businesses, requiring owners to supply reasonable accommodations. This bill would undermine the ADA, making it more challenging and time intensive to force businesses to accommodate people with disabilities. The bill would force a disabled person to first file a notice that usually requires counsel, wait 60 days for a response and wait 120 more days to see if progress is made on remedying a violation of the law before the issue can be brought to the courts. Its intended to prevent frivolous lawsuits against retailers. However, the Center for American Progress found that a recent uptick in ADA lawsuits is not widespread and it stems from a single law firm. Republicans can easily patch up the law to deter profiteering lawyers while maintaining civil rights protections. But they have chosen to take a drastic measure that would make it even harder for disabled Americans to stand up for their rights. Members of the Trump administration have also been punishing disabled Americans. Last year, Trumps Education Secretary Betsy DeVos rescinded 72 guidance documents that detailed the rights of special needs students. The rescinded documents were created to clarify how federal disability rights law should apply to the nations school districts. Last December, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded two dozen guidance documents including several clarifying the implications of the ADA. By doing so, Sessions undermined an Obama-era guidance preventing unnecessary segregation of settings in workplaces as well as vocation and day programmes. The guidance warned states that they needed to modify their policies to ensure employment programmes offer people with disabilities opportunities to work in fully integrated settings. Rescinding this guidance does not change the ADAs mandates, but it can create uncertainty about how the law should be interpreted. All is not lost in the fight to protect people with disabilities in the United States. Americans have risen up to resist Trump and bring about change. ADAPT activists, for example, played a critical role in the failure of Republicans to repeal Obamacare by staging die-ins in US congressional offices. As the 2018 US congressional midterm elections approach, momentum is with the Democrats to take control of the US House. Democratic chairpersons in critical US House congressional committees are poised to hold President Trump accountable, investigating and deflecting Republican attempts to weaken safety-net programmes like Medicaid. Undoubtedly, some damage has already been done and we have a very long way to go to create an America that caters to all Americans. Contesting conservative attacks on safety-net programmes and public accommodations will not be enough on their own to achieve this. National and state leaders will also need to take steps to make sure all feel welcome in our countrys department stores, restaurants, schools, bus terminals, subways and workplaces. The president claims the US is now stronger than ever before, and everybody is doing better. However, this is not the case for millions of vulnerable Americans and low-income families. Trumps America denies its people healthcare, evicts poor parents and hobbles the disabled. Hard fought protections and investments are being scaled back and many Americans are feeling that they are being abandoned by their country. Republicans say they celebrate self-sufficiency. However, now that they are in power, rather than help more Americans get back on their feet and live independent and productive lives, they are gutting consumer safeguards, civil rights regulations and social services. If Republicans really want more Americans to be truly independent, they should question their ruthless adherence to tax cuts for the super-rich, small government and deregulation. Disabled Americans want to lead independent lives. They want to work, raise a family, and contribute to society like all able-bodied adults. Its time America gives them the tools and resources to do so. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Hundreds of African American women are running for local and national office in the upcoming midterms. Donald Trumps rise to power outraged Alabama resident Suzanna Coleman. When the Republican businessman and former reality television star won the November 2016 presidential elections, Coleman decided to take action. Like many other African American women in the historically conservative state, Coleman, a lawyer and social worker, arrived at an epiphany: Why not run for office? With Alabamas political representatives overwhelmingly white and male, the barriers were plenty. Women hold a mere 15 percent of the seats in the state House of Representatives, and African American women hold around half of those seats. For some reason, we dont feel we should hold positions of power, Coleman told Al Jazeera. A lot of that changed. We had the same epiphany: Well, why not? Joining the ranks of African American women building momentum increasing their activism across Alabama for the last two years, Coleman became the Democratic candidate for the states district 15 in the upcoming midterm elections. We put ourselves out there, it was not an easy thing to do, she said. We just want to be looked at as citizens. We want a fair representation. Within days of Trumps victory, nine African American women won judicial seats in Jefferson County, the southern states most populous county and home to Birmingham. Still, Coleman expected to be one of the few black women vying for office. {articleGUID} But outraged by Trump and inspired by the newly elected judges, more than 70 women of colour, most of them African American, launched their bids for local and federal office this year in Alabama. That number is far higher than in other states. We didnt know back then what we were going to be facing, Coleman said. But this set the ground for other people that other women can do it as well. Nationally, more than 400 African American women ran in the primaries this year, according to an online crowdsourcing database. Preserving civil rights gains For many of those still in their respective races, the election is as much about preserving the legacy of the civil rights movement as it is about securing a seat at the table. And in the age of Trump, Black Lives Matter, the #MeToo movement and a rightward shifting Supreme Court, African American women are also playing a crucial role in getting out to vote. In December 2017, black women rallied behind Doug Jones, the Democrat who faced off against disgraced Republican candidate Roy Moore, who was accused by several women of sexual assault and harassment. When Jones won and became the states first Democratic senator in 25 years, NBC exit polls found that 98 percent of female African American voters cast their ballot for him. {articleGUID} Woman are stronger and bolder, now, to shed light on the hurt, this is the effect the Me Too movement had, said Rhonda Briggins, an Alabama native and cofounder of VoteRunLead, an organisation dedicated to training women to run for office. With Brett Kavanaugh, his ruling opinions will set us back, not forward, she told Al Jazeera. Women have fought too hard. We are nowhere where we want to be on inequality, but now [this] is setting us back. As change touches her home state, Briggins is most excited about the judicial changes, describing the ascendancy of several black women to the judiciary as a game changer for the country that could lead to the reform we need on the judicial side. But with a decline in the black voter turnout nationwide, activists have taken it up with themselves to encourage people to vote. Democracy under attack Growing frustration has stemmed from a lack of representation, voter suppression and low enthusiasm for candidates, said LaTosha Brown, cofounder of the Black Voters Matter Fund. What we [were] hearing is that candidates dont connect to people in everyday life, they do not engage with voters, she said of previous years. This years candidacy pool, however, has changed much of that. [These] are not your traditional candidates, but southern candidates, Brown told Al Jazeera. One of those, she said, was Georgias Stacey Abrams, who could become the first black American female governor in the US. She has been openly progressive, not staying in the middle, Brown said, celebrating Abramss outreach efforts in often overlooked parts of the state and alliance building with other minority groups. She is a black American woman, wearing natural hair. [Shes] not a traditional candidate. Hoping to drum up excitement, the Black Voters Matter Fund has sent its tour bus across the southern states, where activists hear voters complaints. Chief among them were fears that voter suppression could compromise the integrity of the elections. {articleGUID} People are feeling democracy is under attack, Brown concluded. Folks talking that American democracy is just a given, it never has been, and what youre seeing now is the volatility of democracy. People are rising up to demand more of the system. For her part, Alabama state House hopeful Suzanne Coleman says every vote counts on November 6. A lot of people think their vote doesnt matter, when it absolutely does matter, she said. However the elections turn out, Coleman said, this year has reminded Americans they have the power to shape politics in the country. Regardless of how it turns out people have taken notice that this doesnt have to be the way it is, she concluded. Thats what matters the most. A convoy carrying much-needed assistance for thousands of refugees arrived at a camp near Jordan border. A United Nations aid convoy has reached Rukban refugee camp in Syria, next to the border with Jordan, where thousands of people are stranded, a member of the camps local council has said. The first convoys have entered the camp, said Abu Abdullah, a member of the civilian council that runs the camp and coordinates with the UN on humanitarian aid, on Saturday. UN humanitarian coordinator in Syria, Ali Al-Zatari, said in a statement the situation in the camp is critical. It is the first time since January that the displaced Syrians have received aid. We are delivering food, sanitation and hygiene supplies, nutrition and health assistance in addition to other core relief items in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Al-Zatari said. We are also conducting an emergency vaccination campaign to protect some 10,000 children against measles, polio and other deadly diseases. {articleGUID} He added that although Saturdays arrival of help was a good first step, a long-term solution is needed for the refugees in Rukban. We must do everything we can to continue helping civilians living in the harshest conditions in there, he said. Rukban, located close to the Tanf US military base in the desert near where the borders of Syria, Jordan and Iraq converge, is home to more than 50,000 people. Last month, the camp was besieged on the Syrian side of the border by its army, preventing smugglers and traders from delivering food. A US-backed rebel group controls the area, but it abuts Jordans border and is encircled by the Syrian army. An aid convoy entered #AlTanif US military base today. The convoy is expected to enter #Alrukban camp later today. pic.twitter.com/8b4fZl0Xog Asaad Hanna (@AsaadHannaa) November 3, 2018 According to Madeline Edwards, associate editor with the news website Syria Direct, conditions in the camp have become worse over the last month. Conditions have gotten worse after a major smuggling route that used to bring in basic medical supplies and food into the camp was cut off, Edwards told Al Jazeera. Were seeing a huge shortage of food, medicine and basic items like baby formula. she said, adding that prices had increased signigicantly for items still available in the camp. Slow death Last month, residents of the camp sent a letter to the UN and the Jordanian government, appealing for their help in lifting the blockade which they described as a slow death. Children and babies are dying because of the siege enforced by the Syrian regime and her allies 10 days ago, the letter stated. If this situation continues, the camp will become a cemetery for its people, it said. Jordan has put a block on aid crossing the frontier after allowing the January delivery through its territory, and says it should not be held responsible for conditions in the camp. {articleGUID} Edwards said Jordan is claiming the camp is a Syrian problem, whereas those involved in the Syrian crisis are putting the blame on each other. UN relief trucks had planned to deliver aid to Rukban a week ago after gaining clearance from Damascus, but were delayed for logistical and security reasons, the UN said. Shortages of food and medicine at the camp have caused at least a dozen deaths in recent weeks. The UN described the conditions as concerning and said thousands of lives were at risk. Syrias civil war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011. Pakistans foreign reserves have dwindled, causing PM Khan to decry the financial situation he inherited. China is willing to provide Pakistan with economic aid to help it deal with its deteriorating finances but more discussions are needed on the details, according to a top Chinese diplomat. The comments on Saturday by Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou came after a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistans foreign reserves have plunged 42 percent since the start of the year and now stand at about eight billion dollars, or less than two months of import cover. Late last month, Saudi Arabia pledged to give Pakistan a six billion dollars rescue package, but officials say it is not enough and the country still plans to seek a bailout from the IMF to avert a balance of payments crisis. It would be Pakistans 13th rescue package from the multilateral lender since the late 1980s. Speaking to reporters in Beijings Great Hall of the People following Khans talks with Li, Kong said his country would help. During the visit, the two sides have made it clear in principle that the Chinese government will provide necessary support and assistance to Pakistan in tiding over the current economic difficulties, Kong said. As for specific measures to be taken, the relevant authorities of the two sides will have detailed discussions, he added, without giving details. Pakistans fiscal crisis partly comes from limited restraints on spending and a failure to institute genuine tax reform [Akhtar Soomro/Reuters] Khan, whose party swept Pakistans July elections, told Chinese President Xi Jinping the previous day that he had inherited a very difficult economic situation at home. Though China is Pakistans closest ally, Khans newly elected government has sought to re-think the two countries signature project, the $60bn China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which Beijing touts as the flagship infrastructure programme in its vast Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan has looked to amend CPEC to put greater emphasis on projects that focus on social development, rather than purely on infrastructure. In his meeting with Li, Khan invited the Chinese premier to visit Pakistan and see for himself the difference the megaproject has made in the country. CPEC in 2013 was just an idea. Now, it is on the ground. And it has caught the imagination of the people of Pakistan, he said. We feel that this a great opportunity for our country to progress, to attract investment. It gives us an opportunity to raise our standard of living, growth rate. For his part, Li praised the relationship, saying China and Pakistan are all-weather partners. Commenting on CPEC, Kong said there were no plans to scale back the economic corridor, but he added that it would be altered somewhat to tilt in favour of areas relating to peoples lives. Meanwhile, Khans office said in a statement that the two governments had signed a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding in the fields of agriculture, poverty reduction, forestry, law enforcement and socioeconomic development. Turkish president says Riyadh has many questions to answer over the assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order to kill journalist Jamal Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government, but that he does not believe King Salman was to blame. In an opinion piece published by US newspaper The Washington Post on Friday, Erdogan called on Saudi Arabia to answer outstanding questions concerning the 59-year-olds assassination last month. We must reveal the identities of the puppet masters behind Khashoggis killing, Erdogan said, adding that Ankara had moved heaven and earth to shed light on all aspects of this case. We are shocked and saddened by the efforts of certain Saudi officials to cover up Khashoggis premeditated murder, rather than serve the cause of justice, as our friendship would require, he said. Khashoggi, a former Washington Post columnist and critic of the powerful Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, was killed in the kingdoms consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul on October 2. His body remains missing. On Wednesday, a Turkish prosecutor said Khashoggi was strangled and dismembered soon after entering the building. Turkish media outlets have named 15 Saudi suspects who flew into Istanbul and left on the same day the journalist was last seen. Faltering probe {articleGUID} Khashoggis murder has provoked international condemnation and sparked intense media scrutiny. A joint Turkish and Saudi probe into his fate has made little progress to date, however. The Saudis have also launched their own investigation, vowing to uncover every stone and punish those who are responsible. On Friday, Erdogan expressed dismay that Khashoggis body has not been found and urged Saudi officials to explain who ordered the killing and identify the local collaborator to whom Saudi officials said they handed over his remains. Unfortunately, the Saudi authorities have refused to answer those questions, Erdogan said. In an apparent sign of cooperation, a top Saudi prosecutor flew to Turkey on Sunday and met Istanbuls chief prosecutor a day later. Turkeys justice minister has since accused the Saudis of failing to answer questions regarding the case, however. Though Riyadh has detained 18 suspects, it is deeply concerning that no action has been taken against the Saudi consul general, who lied through his teeth to the media and fled Turkey shortly afterwards, Erdogan said. Likewise, the refusal of the Saudi public prosecutor who recently visited his counterpart in Istanbul to cooperate with the investigation and answer even simple questions is very frustrating. His invitation of Turkish investigators to Saudi Arabia for more talks about the case felt like a desperate and deliberate stalling tactic, he added. This is foreign policy Etyen Mahcupyan, a Turkish political analyst and former adviser to ex-Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, said Erdogan tried to take an aggressive stance in his op-ed while keeping one eye on maintaining good relations with Riyadh. He doesnt want to disrupt everything and lose Saudi Arabia, Mahcupyan said. Hes kind of threatening Saudi Arabia, maybe blackmailing a bit in a soft way, but hes giving the message that Turkey wants to go on with having good relations with Saudi Arabia, he added. It gives leverage to Turkey to be used by Erdogan, but its not something very ideological or something that will cost him his principles. This is foreign policy. At points, Erdogan also displayed more conciliatory language in the op-ed, stressing the friendly relations between Ankara and Riyadh and stating that he had no reason to believe that this murder reflected Saudi Arabias official policy. He previously accused Saudi officials of pre-planning Khashoggis murder days in advance of October 2 and said Turkish authorities had more evidence, which would be made public when the time comes. Keeping Khashoggi in the headlines Hilal Kaplan, a columnist at pro-government Turkish newspaper Daily Sabah, said that Erdogans piece was part of his attempt to keep the Khashoggi case in the international spotlight. She noted that Turkey has consistently shed light on many details in the case by ensuring information was steadily leaked to the media over the past month. With this communications strategy, Turkey was able to control the narrative and keep the Khashoggi murder in the headlines while the public debate continued as the investigation moved along, Kaplan said. This pressured the Saudis to accept the fact that this was a premeditated murder, she added. They were in flat denial at first, but then after changing their story several times, they had to accept [this fact]. Kaplan added that although Erdogan didnt mention the crown princes name, the Turkish president implied in the op-ed that MBS was responsible for ordering Khashoggis killing. The crown prince most probably knew about this, he ordered this. At least five of the 15 members of the death squad are in the royal guard. And the head of the death squad, [reportedly] made four calls to MBS office on the day of the murder, she said. All evidence points to him, not anyone else. US media reported on Thursday that MBS described Khashoggi as a dangerous Islamist in a phone call with Jared Kushner and John Bolton, US President Donald Trumps son-in-law and national security adviser respectively, days after Khashoggis disappearance and before Saudi Arabia publicly acknowledged his killing. Kaplan said that the call, which was reported by the New York Times and The Washington Post, was an attempt by MBS to justify Khashoggis killing. Saudi Arabia has denied the veracity of the reports. Trump, who has described the Saudi handling of Khashoggis killing as the worst cover-up ever suggested last week that MBS bears ultimate responsibility for the operation that led to the murder of the journalist. When questioned about the crown princes possible involvement during an interview with US newspaper The Wall Street Journal, Trump said: the prince is running things over there more so at this stage. Hes running things and so if anybody were going to be, it would be him, he said. Saudi officials have denied MBS had any knowledge of Khashoggis killing or its subsequent cover-up. With reporting from Mersiha Gadzo in Istanbul Khamenei says Iran has defeated the US in what he called its 40-year challenge against the Islamic republic. Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that US President Donald Trump has disgraced US prestige and would be the ultimate loser from re-imposing sanctions on Tehran. The United States restored sanctions on the Islamic Republics shipping, energy and financial sectors on Friday. The measures will come into effect on Monday. This new US president has disgraced the remnant of Americas prestige and that of liberal democracy. Americas hard power, that is to say, their economic and military power, is declining, too, Khamenei said on Twitter on Saturday, quoting a speech he gave earlier in Tehran. Khamenei was speaking on the eve of the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the US embassy in Tehran. The challenge between the US and Iran has lasted for 40 years so far and the US has made various efforts against us: military, economic and media warfare, he said. Theres a key fact here: in this 40-year challenge, the defeated is the US and the victorious is the Islamic Republic. The US said that eight countries would receive a temporary waiver from the sanctions, meaning they will be allowed to keep buying Iranian oil without being penalised. Turkey said on Saturday that it had received initial indications from Washington that it would be granted a waiver, but is awaiting clarification. The sanctions are the second set to be re-imposed by the Trump administration since the US withdrew unilaterally from the 2015 nuclear deal in May. The challenge between the U.S. and Iran has lasted for 40 years so far and the U.S. has made various efforts against us: military, economic and media warfare. Theres a key fact here: in this 40-year challenge, the defeated is the U.S. and the victorious is the Islamic Republic. Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) November 3, 2018 Trump has said he wants to negotiate a new deal with Iran to replace the multilateral agreement, with Tehran making a number of new concessions in return for sanctions relief and the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between Washington and Tehran. Hossein Askari, professor of international business and international affairs at George Washington University, told Al Jazeera it was extremely unlikely Iran would agree to Trumps demands. {articleGUID} The United States has 12 demands, exactly what Saudi Arabia did to Qatar, said Askari. One is to say Iran has to end its support for terrorism. Well, Iran has not supported terrorism for many, many years. That is off the table. It says Iran has to end its missile programme. Well, Iran is not going to stop that. Iran faces Israel, with nuclear warheads, the United States is surrounding Iran on all sides and you want Iran to just say, OK, were not going to do anything. That is not going to happen. And then, the third thing thats very important, is that they want Iran to stop its operations in Syria. And the Iranian view on that is very simple. Syria was the only country that supported Iran during the Iran-Iraq war, when the United States and the Europeans gave outlawed chemical weapons to Iraq to use on the Iranians. It has no choice but to support Syria. Kowsar jet features advanced avionics, multipurpose radar, and for the first time is 100-percent indigenously made. Iran has started mass-producing its locally designed Kowsar fighter plane, state television reported. Soon the needed number of this plane will be produced and put at the service of the Air Force, Defence Minister Amir Hatami said on Saturday at a ceremony launching the planes production, which was shown on television. Iran unveiled the Kowsar domestic fighter jet in August with President Hassan Rouhani saying Tehrans military strength was only designed to deter enemies and aimed at creating lasting peace. State media said the new jet had advanced avionics and multipurpose radar, and it was 100-percent indigenously made for the first time. Footage of the Kowsars test flights was circulated by various official media. But live footage of the plane taxiing along a runway at the defence show was cut before it took off. Iran unveiled the jet at a defence show in the capital Tehran in August [Iranian Presidency/AFP] At its inauguration in August, Hatami said the aircraft programme was motivated by memories of air raids Iran suffered during its eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s, and by repeated threats from Israel and the United States that all options are on the table in dealing with Iran. {articleGUID} We have learned in the [Iran-Iraq] war that we cannot rely on anyone but ourselves. Our resources are limited and we are committed to establishing security at a minimum cost, he said in a televised interview. The US has sold hundreds of millions of dollars of weapons to Irans regional rivals, but has demanded that Tehran curb its defence programmes, and is in the process of reimposing crippling sanctions in a bid to force its capitulation. Rouhani said Iran must show restraint as well as deterrence, in an apparent swipe at his hardline opponents who seek to provoke the US with aggressive slogans. With a couple of sentences, one can start a fight. With a couple of military moves, one can enter a confrontation. But then it will be costly, he said. The skill is to protect the country with minimum cost. Following the withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal in May, Iran has avoided an aggressive response and sought to maintain its goodwill with other international partners who oppose Washingtons move. Rouhani said US pressure was also a spur to action. Why does America impose economic sanctions on us? Why does it drag China into an economic war? Because it feels each one of them has a weak point. We must fix our weak points. Uncertainty about the status of the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland is a major obstacle in Brexit talks. Brexit has undermined the landmark Good Friday Agreement, which in 1998 ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said. Speaking to Irish broadcaster RTE on Saturday, the prime minister known as the Taoiseach also said the United Kingdoms split from the European Union was fraying the relationship between Britain and Ireland and risked dividing communities in Northern Ireland. The border between Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and Ireland has been one of the major sticking points in the UKs negotiations to leave the EU in March next year. Preserving the Irish border in its current form is considered essential by all sides in the Brexit negotiations because it is a key part of the Good Friday Agreement. The historic deal, signed 20 years ago as part of the Northern Ireland peace process, resulted in a dramatic reduction in sectarian violence known as the Troubles that plagued the region for three decades and resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 people. {articleGUID} The agreement, which was reached after two years of US-facilitated talks, set out plans for a devolved, power-sharing government in Northern Ireland and outlined how the relationship between the region and the rest of the UK would work on a number of issues, including trade. Varadkar has been among those who have raised concerns that alterations to trade relations between the two regions risk the validity of the whole agreement, which is also under threat by prolonged feuding between the pro-union DUP and nationalist Sinn Fein parties, which has prevented Northern Irelands government from functioning for more than a year. Speaking at an event in Belfast in April to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, former Unionist leader David Trimble had rejected that Brexit was a threat to the deal. Brexit is one thing, the agreement is completely different, he told reporters at the time. There is no interaction between them at all. But what is happening at the moment is that some people are trying to use Brexit to undermine the agreement. Then-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, US Senator George Mitchell and Irish Bertie Ahern pose together after signing the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 [File: The Associated Press] The border issue All sides in the Brexit negotiations are committed to avoiding a so-called hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which could include checks and constructing a physical barrier. However, an agreement on how to prevent this has yet to be reached. Currently, goods and services are traded between Ireland and Northern Ireland with few restrictions as both are part of the single market and customs union. {articleGUID} However, the uncertainty around what the final Brexit deal if UK Prime Minister Theresa May is able to secure one before the March 29, 2019, deadline will entail has raised concerns. If [the UK is] not part of the single market or the customs union, then the EU is obliged under World Trade Organization rules to police its external borders, for want of a better way of putting it, and its external border then becomes the border in Northern Ireland, Nigel Driffield, a professor of international business at Warwick University, told Al Jazeera. In December 2017, the UK and EU signed the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, signing up to the idea of creating a backstop or safety net for the border issue a measure intended to ensure that the current frictionless border will remain open regardless of what happened in subsequent Brexit negotiations. However, this will only take effect if the talks between the UK and the EU fail to produce a deal on trade. Meanwhile, there have already been several obstacles to reaching an agreement on exactly how the backstop will work and for how long it will be required. The blocs position is that the backstop should affect only Northern Ireland, and not the UK as a whole, as this would allow the country to enjoy the benefits of EU membership without the accompanying commitments. The UK does not want separate status for Northern Ireland as this risks undermining its integrity. Mays ruling Conservative party is currently dependent on a coalition with the DUP party, who would be likely to vote against such an agreement. Additional reporting by Charlotte Mitchell: @charbrowmitch 71-year-old witch doctor held on rape charge A 71-year-old man who claims himself as a shaman has been accused of raping a woman suffering from cancer under the pretext of healing her. Alleged head of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel is charged with 17 counts, including murder conspiracy, drug-trafficking and money-laundering. More video clips from the story Abbas and President el-Sisi expected to hold talks on the Palestinian reconciliation process and the situation in Gaza. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is due to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Sharm el-Sheikh where they are expected to discuss Palestinian reconciliation and the situation in Gaza. Abbas had arrived in the Red Sea resort city on Friday to participate in the World Youth Forum at the invitation of el-Sisi. The forum, running for the second year, is a four-day event beginning from November 3 and will focus on themes of peace, development and creativity. According to a statement posted on the embassys Facebook profile on the same day, the Palestinian Ambassador to Cairo, Diab al-Louh, said the meeting will discuss the latest Palestinian political developments, as well as issues of mutual interest. He also stressed the long and deep cooperation between the two leaders. Egypt has recently been involved in efforts to revive the reconciliation process that was signed last October between the two main Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah. However, the deal has been stalled for months over a deadlock that has shown no sign of progress for the 11-year political division. The Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA) wants complete control over the Gaza Strip, including its security, which means the disarmament of Hamas armed wing the al-Qassam Brigades a point that the Hamas movement has made clear it will not concede on. On Thursday, The Jerusalem Post reported that Egypt has put forward a three-year agreement to bring the Hamas and Fatah reconciliation into fruition over two phases. The first includes the PA taking over civil services and government ministries in Gaza, which are currently under the control of Hamas. The second phase would see the PA in control of the police and border crossings in the coastal strip. If this succeeds after three years, the Qassam Brigades would be placed under PA control as well. Elections would also be drawn held for a new Palestinian government. According to Ramallah-based political analyst Khalil Shaheen, Egypt eyes the Gaza Strips dependency on it as crucial, by holding the keys to the southern border and safeguarding Israels interests. Egypt backs the return of the PA to the Gaza Strip in a way that will envelop Hamas into its fold but prevent it from having a political decision-making role, Shaheen previously told Al Jazeera. Mexico City waterworks: System upgrade likely to affect millions An estimated 40 percent of the citys potable water is believed to be lost through leaky pipes. Parents of six minors travelling through Mexico are plaintiffs in a case filed against Trump and other officials. Mexico City Parents travelling in a US-bound caravan of thousands of Central American migrants and refugees are taking legal action on behalf of their children against US President Donald Trumps border detention plans. The parents of six minors, all currently travelling north through southern Mexico, are the plaintiffs in a civil action filed Thursday in a District of Columbia court against Trump and nine top Trump administration officials. The suit claims Trump continues to abuse the law, including constitutional rights, to deter Central Americans from exercising their lawful right to seek asylum in the United States. Thousands of Central American migrants and refugees are collectively fleeing north. The Mexican government is processing more than 2,000 requests for asylum. Thousands more are expected to continue to travel north to request asylum in the United States. {articleGUID} Troop deployment An initial caravan departed from Honduras last month and is now making its way through the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. Other large groups from Honduras and El Salvador are following behind them up through Guatemala and Mexico. At a press conference Thursday, Trump reiterated his administrations intentions to take drastic measures in response to the caravans. Trump suggested that any rocks thrown at US troops will be considered equivalent to rifles, allowing troops to engage with live ammunition. More than 5,000 members of the US military have already been deployed to the border, and their total number could surpass 15,000, according to Trump. In the same press conference, Trump also made said his administration is finalising plans that would include potentially denying asylum claims if migrants and refugees cross in between ports of entry. He said the government is also working to build massive tent facilities to hold members of the caravan and no one will be released while their asylum cases are being processed. Trumps professed and enacted policy towards thousands of caravanners seeking asylum in the United States is shockingly unconstitutional, according to the class complaint, Pineda v Trump, filed Thursday in the District Court of the District of Columbia. The civil action on behalf of children in the caravan was filed against Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), top officials for all of those agencies, and US Attorney General Jeff Sessions. A terrible and arduous journey The civil action is based on the Flores Agreement, a 1997 court settlement agreement that mandated certain conditions for the detention of minors by immigration authorities and their treatment in custody. The legally binding agreement requires facilities housing detained minors to be run by licensed programmes and provide toilets, drinking water, contact with family, and adequate temperature control and ventilation, among other conditions. The impossibility of adequate temperature control and ventilation in tent camp facilities and their potential administration as unlicensed programmes in the desert southwest are just two of the issues raised in the Thursdays complaint, which seeks an immediate injunction and class certification. Trumps announcements of extreme measures planned in response to the thousands of migrants and refugees fleeing north has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups. {articleGUID} Right now, mothers, fathers, and children are enduring a terrible and arduous journey because they urgently need to find safe haven from violence and persecution, Amnesty International Secretary-General Kumi Naidoo said in a statement Friday. Seeking asylum is a fundamental human right. I would like to remind President Trump that US law states very clearly that it does not matter where or how people seeking safe haven enter the country they are allowed to apply for asylum. His intentions to limit the rights of those seeking asylum are against those laws and the USAs international obligations, said Naidoo. Seven people were killed and at least 18 others wounded in Fridays attack, the latest to target Coptic Christians. Coptic Christians in Egypt have buried the victims of an attack on buses carrying visitors to a monastery in a northeastern province. Seven people were killed on Friday and at least 18 others wounded when attackers opened fire on the vehicles near the Monastery of St Samuel in Minya, which was the target of a similar attack in 2017. On Saturday, hundreds gathered at the Prince Tadros church in Minya, a city some 260km south of the capital, Cairo, to bury six members of the same family who were shot dead in the attack. Among them were a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl. The seventh victim, an Anglican bus driver, was buried on Friday evening in a village outside Minya. There is a mix of sadness and pain, Bishop Anba Makarios, head of Minyas Coptic diocese, told mourners on Saturday, tears streaming down his face. Sadness as these painful events are being repeated, and pain because Copts are part of this homeland and part of its fabric. {articleGUID} The Copts are an Orthodox denomination who estimates say make up about 10 to 15 percent of Egypts more than 90 million people, although there is no formal religious census to determine an exact number. They are the Middle Easts largest Christian community and have long complained of persecution and insufficient protection. After prayers, the bodies were carried out of the heavily-guarded ceremony in white coffins bearing wreaths of white flowers. Family members reportedly waited outside Minyas main hospital, where victims were being treated, on Friday night to receive the bodies for burial. There was also a heavy security presence outside the facility, while roads close to the scene of the shooting remained blocked. Some have accused officials of not doing enough to protect the Copts [Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters] String of attacks The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) armed group quickly claimed responsibility for Fridays deadly attack, which is the latest in a string of assaults against the minority community. In December 2017, a gunman killed 11 people at a church and a Christian-owned shop near Cairo. More than 100 Copts have been killed in such attacks since 2011, according to The Associated Press news agency. {articleGUID} We will not forget the promises of officials, including the president of the republic, that the criminals will be punished, Makarios told mourners, who booed when he thanked security officials. Egypts President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said on Friday he mourned the victims as martyrs and vowed to push ahead with a major army and police crackdown launched in February to target armed groups. El-Sisi also reportedly called Coptic Pope Tawadros II to offer his condolences and led a moment of silence at a youth forum. The government pledged 100,000 Egyptian pounds ($5,600) in compensation to the families of the dead, as well as a monthly stipend of 1,500 pounds ($84). {articleGUID} Fifty thousand pounds ($2,800) will be given to those among the wounded who require extended medical treatment, the state news agency MENA said. Some Christians in Minya said Saturdays attack proves not enough is being done to protect Egypts Christians. It is the second attack around the same monastery in as many years and, despite the main road only being open to pilgrims, the attackers were able to use secondary dirt roads to intercept the buses, Egypts interior ministry said. The ministry said police were pursuing the attackers, who fled the scene. Lawyer for Aasia Bibi leaves Pakistan following days of protests over her acquittal by the Supreme Court. The lawyer for a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy charges in Pakistan has fled the South Asian country, citing threats to his life following days of protests over the issue. Saiful Malook, the representative for Aasia Bibi in the landmark Supreme Court hearing, told Al Jazeera on Saturday that he was no longer in Pakistan. Earlier this week, Malook said he would have to leave the country because the followers of far-right cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi had threatened to kill him as well as the judges who acquitted Bibi. In the current scenario, its not possible for me to live in Pakistan, the lawyer told AFP news agency on Saturday morning before boarding a plane to a European country. I need to stay alive as I still have to fight the legal battle for Aasia Bibi, he said. Blasphemy is a sensitive subject in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where the countrys strict laws prescribe a mandatory death penalty for some forms of the crime. {articleGUID} Increasingly, blasphemy allegations have led to murders and mob lynchings, with at least 74 people killed in such violence since 1990, according to an Al Jazeera tally. Malooks departure came a day after Pakistans far-right Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party called off nationwide protests over the case, announcing it had struck a deal with the government to end the demonstrations sparked by the courts judgment on Wednesday. Under the agreement, TLP protesters were granted legal amnesty, while Bibi was placed on Pakistans Exit Control List, which effectively bars her from leaving the country while the court reviews its verdict. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Pakistans Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the government acted in line with the countrys constitution while brokering the deal. We have been able to defuse the tension and the protests without hurting anyone and thats a success, Chaudhry said from the capital, Islamabad, on Saturday. Extremism is a reality and previous governments have not done enough [on this], now this government will start a process to take this issue seriously and we have to bring certain reforms in education and elsewhere, he added. Court to review In its ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court said there were glaring and stark contradictions in the blasphemy case against 53-year-old Bibi, who had been on death row for eight years prior to its verdict. {articleGUID} She was originally arrested in 2009 in the central Pakistani village of Ithan Wali over an argument with two Muslim women, who refused to drink water from the same vessel as her due to her religion. The women accused her of having insulted Islams Prophet Muhammad during the altercation, a charge Bibi has consistently denied. The original complainant in the case, Muhammad Salim, has filed a review petition against the top courts verdict, TLP spokesperson Zubair Kasuri told Al Jazeera on Friday. But according to Pakistani laws, the grounds for review petitions are extremely narrow and such appeals are seldom upheld, meaning the courts acquittal of Bibi is likely to stand. Additional reporting by Asad Hashim, Al Jazeeras digital correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim Representatives from the Afghan government and the Talibans political office in Doha will attend talks on November 9. Russias foreign ministry says Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has agreed to send a group of senior politicians to peace talks in Moscow, at which a delegation representing the Taliban will be present. In a statement on Saturday, Russias foreign ministry said the talks were confirmed to be held on November 9, after proposed multilateral talks scheduled for August were rejected by the Ghani government. {articleGUID} It will be the first time that a delegation from the Talibans political office in Doha will attend such a high-level international meeting, the foreign ministry said. The ministry added that it had invited several other countries to send representatives, including India, Iran, Pakistan, China and the United States. Back-channel diplomacy between the Taliban and a range of countries including the US has taken place over the years to end the latest phase of Afghanistans decades of war, which began with a US invasion in 2001. Hundreds of people, including scores of civilians, have been killed in Taliban attacks in recent weeks. The group said last month that it would press on with its war despite the Kabul governments offer of a ceasefire. Reports by international aid organisations have suggested the group controls or contests around 40 percent of the countrys districts. Russian energy minister tells FT that Moscow will continue developing its trade of Iranian oil after Monday deadline. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has said Moscow will support Iran to counter US oil sanctions. Washington on Friday restored sanctions on Tehran, which had previously been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. The measures are due to come into effect on Monday. In an interview with the British Financial Times newspaper, Novak said that Russia is looking to continue trading Iranian crude oil beyond the Monday cut-off. We believe we should look for mechanisms that would allow us to continue developing cooperation with our partners, with Iran, Novak told the FT. Under a 2014 oil-for-goods deal, Moscow sells Iranian oil to third parties while Tehran uses the revenues from those sales to pay for Russian goods and services. The Russian energy ministry told the FT that the trade would continue next week, while Novak said that Moscow considered the US sanctions to be illegal. We already live in the condition of sanctions, he said. We do not recognise the sanctions introduced unilaterally without the United Nations, we consider those methods illegal per se. Covering Irans shipping, financial and energy sectors, the sanctions are the second set to be re-imposed by the Trump administration since it unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal in May. The 2015 deal, which also included Britain, China, France, Russia, Germany and the European Union as signatories, gave Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear programme. While Trump has taken the US out of the deal, the other parties have strongly defended it and pledged to try and protect the agreement. {articleGUID} Britain, Germany, France and the EU have announced plans to establish a special purpose financial vehicle that would allow trade between Europe and Iran to continue, although it will not be ready by Monday. The Europeans said on Friday they deeply regret the re-imposition of sanctions and would work to ensure legitimate trade with Iran could continue. Our collective resolve to complete this work is unwavering, they said in a joint statement. The US on Friday said that eight countries would receive temporary waivers that would allow them to continue to import Iranian petroleum products for a limited time. The waivers, which are valid for six months, were for countries that could not fully end their imports of Iranian oil before Mondays deadline, the US said. Russia says US sanctions illegal, will help Iran trade oil Russian energy minister tells FT that Moscow will continue developing its trade of Iranian oil after Monday deadline. Colombo, Sri Lanka Sri Lankas newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has suffered a setback in his power struggle with a deposed rival after a coalition representing the countrys Tamil minority pledged to back a motion of no-confidence against him. In a statement on Saturday, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) called Rajapaksas shock appointment by the president last week unconstitutional and illegal and said its members would back a bid by sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to remove him. The minority coalition has the backing of 15 legislators in the 225-member parliament and could play a key role in swaying a no-confidence vote as Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe now command the support of about a 100 politicians each. But analysts said the TNAs decision did not spell defeat for Rajapaksa because the former president has managed to whittle away at Wickremesinghes initial majority by getting at least six members from his United National Party (UNP) to switch camps. A majority of 113 is required to vote a prime minister out. Everyone is scared Sri Lanka was plunged into a constitutional crisis on October 26 when President Maithripala Sirisena fired his former ally Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa, an ex-president he defeated in a 2015 presidential election. {articleGUID} The turmoil was exacerbated by Sirisenas subsequent decision to also suspend parliament until November 16. Wickremesinghe, who insists he remains prime minister, has demanded a parliamentary vote to prove his majority. The United Nations backed that call on Friday, just as the UNP submitted a no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa and said the vote will be put on the agenda as soon as parliament reconvenes. But observers believe the longer parliament remains suspended, the more likely the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) a coalition mainly comprised of Sirisena and Rajapaksas political parties will be able to tempt defections. The TNA said Sirisenas suspension of parliament was undemocratic and in violation of parliamentary supremacy. Explaining its decision to vote against Rajapaksa, the TNA said: Remaining neutral in such a situation would pave the way for achieving an undemocratic end by force. The alliance has long opposed Rajapaksa, who ruled the country from 2005 to 2015, over alleged atrocities against the ethnic minority at the close of a decades-long civil war in 2009. The 26-year conflict left at least 100,000 people dead. According to the UN, about 40,000 people mostly Tamil civilians were killed in the final five months alone. In recent days, human rights groups have warned Rajapaksas return might jeopardise the countrys incremental progress on transitional justice and put war victims who have spoken of human rights abuses at risk. {articleGUID} Thevanayagam Premananth, editor at the Jaffna-based Uthayan daily in the countrys mainly Tamil north, said the TNAs support for the no-confidence motion puts Rajapaksas victory in doubt. We do not accept Rajapaksas appointment. We suffered a lot under him. But at the same time, people here do not support Wickremesinghe, he added, referring to the sacked leaders failure to deliver on promises of economic reform and accountability for war atrocities. Premananth acknowledged that Wickremesinghes government had lifted curbs on political and civil liberties for the Tamil minority, which makes up about 15 percent of the countrys population, but said: Its not enough. He said Tamil votes were crucial in Sirisena defeating Rajapaksa three years ago. And when he brought back Mahinda Rajapaksa [on October 26], people were totally shocked. Everyone is scared and thinking about the past. Tamil divide? Still, in a surprising move, TNA legislator S Viyalendran defected on Friday and was later named Rajapaksas deputy minister of regional development. Rajitha Keerthi Tennakoon, a Colombo-based analyst, said the move showed a divide within the TNA and blamed it on Tamil frustration with the Wickremesinghe governments failure to improve the economy. {articleGUID} In its statement, the TNA strongly condemned S Viyalendran for taking part in the conspiracy of Sirisena and Rajapaksa, whom it accused of using the suspension to bribe members of parliament with both money and ministerial posts to obtain a fraudulent majority. Palitha Range Bandara, a UNP member who alleged he was offered $2.8m and a ministerial post to switch support, on Saturday aired an audio clip at a news conference in which a purported senior official from Sirisena and Rajapaksas United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) could be heard offering him a cabinet post. We have 113 MPs, but we would really like to have you, the man was heard saying. If you come now you can get a cabinet position dont wait. The UPFA has previously dismissed allegations of bribery. No reason to fear Rajapaksa, in a statement soon after his appointment, pledged to eschew politics of hate and said he will hold long-delayed provincial elections and call a general election as soon as possible. Dayasiri Jayasekara, a UPFA member, said the Tamils have no reason to fear the newly appointed prime minister. His administration ended the war, he said on Saturday. His government developed so much infrastructure in the north and there was law and order. But Wickremesinghe has given them nothing. No jobs, no development and there is only crime. So I urge our Tamil friends not to worry, he said. Namal Rajapaksa, the newly appointed prime ministers son and a member of parliament, condemned TNAs decision in a Twitter post and said Sirisena and Rajapaksa will continue to address the needs of the North/East, including rehabilitating former Tamil fighters. The UNP, meanwhile, thanked the TNA for joining our struggle, saying its fight was not for a single political party, but for the future of our nation. 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. Turkey begins drilling in search of oil, gas in Mediterranean Turkish ship Fatih begins the first oil and gas exploration exercise around 110km off the Mediterranean coastline. Saudi-backed Yemeni forces claim to have captured two areas on the outskirts of the port city of Hodeidah. The Saudi-UAE military alliance at war with Yemens Houthi rebels says it has advanced towards the western city of Hodeidah, hours after residents reported a barrage of air raids targeting the strategic port city. Residents in Hodeidah told Al Jazeera on Saturday that the United States-backed alliance launched more than 25 air raids, targeting rebel-held locations on the citys edges. Yemeni journalist Manal Qaed said the sound of fighter jets dropping bombs pierced through the sky late into the afternoon, with civilians fearing to venture out of their homes. The Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah news outlet said more than 60 raids targeted Kilo-16 and its surrounding areas, wounding four civilians. Kilo-16 is the main highway linking Hodeidah city with the rebel-held capital, Sanaa. Aid agencies have long warned that fighting in Hodeidah risks escalating the dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where about half the population some 14 million people could soon be on the verge of famine. This is not the first time the city has been attacked and sadly residents have grown accustomed to the sounds of air strikes and shelling, Qaed said. Throughout the day, weve heard the sound of jets in the sky, intense shelling and air strikes, she added. As for me, I will only leave once clashes flare in the city. Meanwhile, the dpa news agency reported that Yemeni forces, backed by the Saudi-UAE alliance, gained territory on the eastern and southern outskirts of Hodeidah. A military source told dpa on condition of anonymity: The forces will not stop until they take control of the strategic Hodeidah port. On Tuesday, the alliance sent more than 10,000 troops to Hodeidah in a new offensive aimed at securing the so-called liberated areas. So far, the Yemeni forces and the alliance had held Kilo 7 and Kilo 10, areas which sit less than five kilometres from the citys busy fish market. Violence must stop everywhere with an immediate halt around critical infrastructure and densely populated areas Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general Losing Hodeidah will be a big blow Adam Baron, a Yemen analyst and visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, called the port city a key prize, adding it would be a big blow if the Houthis lose control of the installation just weeks before peace talks demanded by the United Nations and the US are to be held. Hodeidah is arguably Yemens most important port and is one of the Houthis main sources of revenue, Baron said. In any conflict [control of a port is] a key prize. It would be a big blow [if the Houthis lost the port to the alliance], but not a killer blow, he added. Analysts expect the rebels to use Hodeidah as a bargaining chip when they enter into UN-brokered talks scheduled in Sweden later this month. The UN has repeatedly warned a military campaign on Hodeidah would have devastating consequences for the countrys residents. Addressing reporters at the world bodys headquarters in New York on Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the warring parties must seize on this opportunity for peace. {articleGUID} To avert imminent catastrophe, several steps are required. First, violence must stop everywhere with an immediate halt around critical infrastructure and densely populated areas, he said. We must do all we can now to end human suffering and avoid the worst humanitarian crisis in the world from getting even worse, he added. According to the Yemen Data Project, the Saudi-UAE alliance carried out at least 335 air raids on Hodeidah between June 1 and September 30, with civilians frequently bearing the brunt. At least 15 people were killed in September when raids hit a road linking Hodeidah with Sanaa. The Saudi-UAE military alliance acknowledged mistakes in its air operations, but has mostly defended its record. It has denied deliberately targeting civilians, but Riyadhs narrative over its actions in Yemen has faced mounting criticism following the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a dissident Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist. The conflict in Yemen, the Arab worlds poorest country, began with the 2014 takeover of by the Houthi rebels, who toppled the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Concerned by the rise of the Houthis, believed to be backed by Iran, the Saudi-UAE military-led coalition launched an intervention in 2015 in the form of a massive air campaign aimed at reinstalling Hadis government. Earlier this week, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), an independent watchdog, said around 56,000 Yemenis had been killed in the violence. The UN says the conflict has killed at least 10,000 people, but has not updated its death toll in years. Dr Marc Lamont Hill is an award-winning journalist and author and is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. Hill is known for his work addressing the intersections of race, justice, politics and culture. His latest best-selling book is We Still Here: Pandemics, Policing, Protest and Possibility which follows on the success of Nobody: Casualties of Americas War on the Vulnerable from Flint to Ferguson. Hill has received numerous prestigious awards from the US National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. In New York City, where I live, the "If you see something, say something" signs are ubiquitous. Certainly sound advice, at least in the abstract, as regards the war on terror and criminality. Unfortunately, in settings obsessing over the feelings of certain minority groups, alerting the authorities about apparent suspicious behavior can be personally risky. Indeed, save in extreme situations, it's best to keep quiet or quickly flee the scene. To understand this troubling situation, consider that to the trained eye (particularly police officers' eyes), suspicious behavior is nearly everywhere. An especially common example is people who appear out of place or at least cannot offer credible explanations for their presence. How should the police react when encountering at 5:00 A.M. a well dressed German tourist in a black neighborhood notorious for drug-dealers and hookers? One can only reasonably surmise that absent any compelling explanation, these out-of-place folks are up to no good, an assessment that would justify asking them perhaps forcefully to move on lest bad things happen. Likewise, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers are trained to see suspicious behavior for example, young men traveling from the Middle East without luggage. Retail stores on the lookout for shoplifters will closely monitor patrons dressed in heavy, bulky clothing during summer or handling expensive designer garments not in their size. Israeli airport security scrutinizes people before they enter the terminal for anxious, nervous behavior repeated looking around, being fidgety, and other tell-tale signs that make them stand out from other travelers. Particularly valuable for picking out troublemakers early is "odd" behavior, behavior that somehow intuitively does not fit. It is difficult to define "odd" behavior legally, but it is not all that hard to sense it. Remember the Philadelphia blacks in Starbucks? Retail clerks cannot help but notice a customer who meanders about the store just prior to closing he's probably waiting until all the customers leave and the clerks will be busy counting the day's cash. So far, everything is simple. What complicates this "if you see something..." message is when race and ethnicity enter the picture, plus the existence of organizations that thrive on turning molehills into lucrative mountains thanks to false accusations. It is one thing to call security when a slovenly dressed white male repeatedly visits Tiffany's asking to handle expensive diamond rings without buying anything, but the same behavior from a poorly dressed black man is not comparable. Putting "a tail" on the white customer is just prudent security; doing the same for the black "customer" is easily construed as racial profiling, an invitation to public outrage and possible lawsuits. Exacerbating this situation is that even when the suspicion appears totally justifiable, the odds of something bad happening are likely to be low. But, given the huge downside if something bad does occur, a willingness to tolerate false positives is essential. Better to ruffle a few feathers than risk hundreds (or thousands) dying from terrorism or being a crime victim. In the final analysis, if you see something and say something about the "wrong" people, you risk charges of racism or Islamophobia, a particularly unfortunate situation, given that when it comes to crime and terrorism, members of these two groups are disproportionate perpetrators. Put it this way: if you are inclined to call 911 to report suspicious activity, better to watch for elderly white males, no matter how flimsy the threat. By contrast, if you are sitting in an airport lounge, and you see a group of agitated young Arabic-looking, Arabic-speaking men, hold your tongue, given the minuscule odds of them hijacking a plane. If the odds are one in five hundred that they will commit a crime, dialing 911 may get you vilified as Islamophobic. A recent incident at Smith College, an upscale women's school, perfectly illustrates what happens when calling security about possible suspicious behavior gone terribly wrong if a black is involved. The facts are simple: a school custodian alerted campus police when he saw a black student, Oumou Kanoute, eating lunch in a residence hall living room, not the nearby air-conditioned dining room. To the custodian, this seemed out of place. Nothing was found out of the ordinary, but the act of "doing something" at the progressive-infused Smith involving a black student set off a lengthy chain of events. Two lawyers specializing in discrimination and civil rights law were hired to investigate, eleven people were interviewed, pictures were taken of the living room, and social media reports of the incident were examined along with various media accounts. The charge: this "see something..." call might have violated the school's affirmative action policies, and, as an indication of the charge's seriousness, the custodian was put on administrative leave. Predictably, an outpouring of outrage from students occurred. Ms. Kanoute told of her trauma, and some alums expressed horror that a hateful, discriminatory incident could possibly occur on the Smith campus. The school's president, Kathleen McCartney, acknowledged the student's pain and added that the custodian's call demonstrated that Smith College still has work to do in combatting campus bias. Fortunately, the extensive investigation showed that the custodian's actions were not motivated by racial discrimination on the day of the incident (he had never previously called about a person of color). This incident is hardly unique, and several other colleges have recently seen accusations of comparable racial profiling namely, Yale University , Colorado State University, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst . Thankfully, the aggrieved student did not sue Smith for damages, but such financial settlements are just a matter of time. More important, the outcomes of these false positive "say something" incidents will gain wider circulation, given their potential career-ending impact, and thus few will risk saying anything, save, perhaps, calling about an ongoing shooting. Why risk your job if the odds of identifying a troublemaking are 500 to 1? And, conceivably, the word may get out to black criminals that Smith College offers easy pickin's, from shoplifting to sexual assault, since everybody is terrified about reporting anything that might alarm security. It remains to be seen just how far this trend of selective "say something" will go, but it's unlikely that it will reverse course until it results in a major catastrophe. (Recall that all the 9/11 hijackers passed airport security.) We may have to wait until some future Smith co-ed sues her school (and its president, personally) after a brutal rape for failing to supply the most minimal protection when the circumstances clearly required it. In the meantime, political correctness slowly moves beyond just debating "offensive" language to threatening public safety. Ask Democrats why they support open borders, and they will invariably respond: "Because we need immigrants to pay for our pensions." This argument is a sham. The data are conclusive: immigration will not save America's welfare system. It will bleed it dry. John Cassidy sums up the sham argument in his piece for the New Yorker: Demographers and economists have been warning that the aging baby-boomer population presents a serious challenge to the nation's finances, as the ratio of seniors to working-age adults the age-dependency ratio rises. The reason is straightforward: Social Security and Medicare are largely financed on a pay-as-you-go basis, which means that some of the taxes paid by current workers are transferred to current retirees. If the dependency ratio rises, the financial burden on the working-age population also increases. Cassidy's diagnosis of the problem is correct. America's population is aging, and this is a problem because America's welfare state is structured like a giant Ponzi scheme. Although taxpayers contribute to the system throughout their lives, they never see this money. Instead, they pay for the previous generation's retirement with assurances that the next generation will pay for theirs. Welfare is a vampire that requires fresh blood to survive. This is the root of Cassidy's error. Cassidy proposes three possible solutions. First, America could "reduce the level of retirement benefits significantly but that would be very unpopular and difficult to achieve politically." Second, Cassidy suggests raising the workforce participation rate, which he notes has fallen from 64.6 to 60.4 percent since 2000. He says this could work temporarily, but it is just a bandage solution eventually, people will retire. True. After dismissing the above options, Cassidy settles upon increasing immigration as the best way forward: The final option is to welcome more immigrants, particularly younger immigrants, so that, in the coming decades, they and their descendants will find work and contribute to the tax base. Almost all economists agree that immigration raises G.D.P. and stimulates business development by increasing the supply of workers and entrepreneurs. Basically, immigrants will replace the sons and daughters Americans never had, thus perpetuating the current system indefinitely. This is a bizarre conclusion to draw for the simple fact that immigrants are a net burden on the welfare state. CBS screen grab via YouTube. The preponderance of data shows that immigration and socialism are incompatible. A 2017 study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that although America's immigrant population is (theoretically) revenue-neutral, most immigrants are actually a drain on the system. The economic impact of immigrants follows a Pareto distribution. Commonly known as the 80:20 Rule, this just means that a hyper-productive few immigrants provide most of the economic gains, while the majority of immigrants contribute (less than) nothing. Specifically, half of all immigrants actually receive more in government handouts than they pay in taxes, while another third contribute roughly as much as they receive. Only ~15 percent of immigrants contribute to the economy in a meaningful way. Cassidy overlooks the significance of this non-linear data: if immigration as a whole is revenue-neutral, then increasing the immigration rate will do nothing to save the welfare system. When it comes to immigration, less is more. Other major studies reach similar conclusions. For example, a study conducted by Denmark's Ministry of Finance found that immigrants are a net drain on the nation's welfare state. In fact, non-E.U. immigrants, and their descendants, consumed 59 percent of the tax surplus collected from native Danes. This is not surprising, since some 84 percent of all welfare recipients in Denmark are immigrants, or their descendants. Another major study from the University College of London found that immigrants in the U.K. consumed far more in welfare than they paid in taxes. The study looked at the Labor government's mass immigration push between 1995 and 2011. The researchers found that immigrants from the European Economic Area made a small but positive net contribution to the British economy of 4.4 billion during the period. However, non-European immigrants (primarily from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa) cost the British economy a net 120 billion. Together, these studies show that mass immigration undermines domestic welfare systems for the simple fact that most immigrants take more than they give. Cassidy is clearly wrong. Finding Narnia Cassidy's argument is also based on a false dilemma: his three solutions are not the only options. In fact, none of them is even the best option. To "pay for our pensions" Americans do not need entitlement reform, a higher workforce participation rate, nor immigration. America needs economic growth real, sustained economic growth, the sort driven by the invention and adoption of better technology. Unlike immigration, which grows the economy in a linear way, technology can cause exponential growth. Consider the Industrial Revolution: Edmund Cartwright's power loom increased the productivity of British textile weavers by a multiple of 40. To grow the economy an equal amount via immigration, Britain would have needed to import 39 additional weavers for every British weaver. Clearly, technology is the better option yet Cassidy argues in favor of immigration. If Americans want to save the welfare state, then they need to restrict immigration and grow the economy. Period. Spencer P Morrison, J.D., B.A. is a writer and independent intellectual with a focus on applied philosophy, empirical history, and practical economics. He is the author of Bobbins, Not Gold and the editor-in-chief of the National Economics Editorial. Doctors push Nardevi as the main centre for Ayurveda The Ayurveda Doctors Association of Nepal has urged the government to develop countrys Nardevi Ayurveda Campus as the Central Specialist Campus of Ayurveda. The Nardevi-based Ayurveda institute established in 1917 AD with four beds has now 118 beds with multiple services in the field of Ayurveda treatment. One wonders what Arizona Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Jeff Flake, thinks of the news that the five members of the Taliban, dubbed their Dream Team, that President Barack Hussein Obama traded for the traitor and deserter Bowe Bergdahl, have officially returned to the Taliban, their mission once again to kill Americans and, presumably, Arizonans. Let me take a wild guess and suggest that it is doubtful Sinema will express condemnation of and regret for Obamas move to excuse a traitor and reward an enemy of the United States, an enemy that tried to kill and are still trying to kill the likes of her Senate opponent, GOP representative and former A-10 Warthog pilot Martha McSally. In their only debate, it was revealed that in a 2003 radio interview longtime antiwar activist Sinema said that it was okay with her if you wanted to join those trying to kill the sons and daughters of America in the country that Osama bin Laden used as a base camp to train for and launch the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks: Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, the Democratic Senate candidate in Arizona, said in a resurfaced radio interview from 2003 that she does not care if people fight for the Taliban against the United States During a February 2003 interview on a radio show hosted by libertarian activist Ernest Hancock, Sinema said she did not object to individuals going abroad to fight for groups hostile to the U.S., Fox News reports. "As an individual, if I want to go fight in the Taliban army, I go over there, and I'm fighting for the Taliban, I'm saying that's a personal decision," Hancock said. "Fine. I don't care if you go and do that, go ahead," Sinema replied. In essence, thats exactly what deserter and traitor Bowe Bergdahl did, seemingly taking Sinemas advice, when he left his post and his comrades to seek fellowship and communion with our Taliban enemy. Sinemas radical leftism does not end there as she joined those conspiracy theorists who claim September 11 was an inside job: Two months after the interview, Sinema told the Arizona Republic that "we should feel compassion" for enemy combatants killed in Iraq. In 2005, the Arizona Democrat became friends with a conspiracy theorist who claims the U.S. government carried out the 9/11 attacks. Between 2006 and 2007, she co-hosted a radio show with conspiracy theorist Jeff Farias, who signed a 2008 petition alleging the U.S. government planted explosives in the World Trade Center In 2006, Sinema and Farias spoke at an anti-war rally called "End the US Occupation of Iraq." One of the sponsors of the event was 911 Truth of Arizona. The group's stated mission is "to expose the official lies and cover-up surrounding the events of September 11th, 2001 in a way that inspires the people to overcome denial and understand the truth; namely, that elements within the US government and covert policy apparatus must have orchestrated or participated in the execution of the attacks for these to have happened in the way that they did." Sinema has tried to tiptoe around her remarks supporting your right to join the Taliban to kill Americans and oppress Afghan women through one of the more severe versions of Sharia law. Nor has she condemned the Bergdahl trade and the return of the Taliban 5 to the jihad against America and the West. Obama prefers deserters like Bowe Bergdahl to heroes like Pat Tillman, trading terrorist Taliban leaders who slaughter Americans for traitors, and welcoming and consoling Bergdahls parents at the White House while he ignored Bergdahls desertion in the heat of battle in Afghanistan. Sinema, from all the evidence, shares his views. That Bergdahl was a deserter and a traitor should never have been in doubt, yet it was, partially due to President Obama sending National Security Adviser Susan Rice, who spread the Benghazi video lies on the Sunday talk show circuit, to appear on the June 1, 2014 broadcast of ABCs This Week to tell two more lies, that Bergdahl was a good soldier and that trading five top Taliban commanders would not endanger U.S. security. As Breitbart reported: Regarding the desertion allegations, she said Bergdahl, served the United States with honor and distinction. And well have the opportunity eventually to learn what has transpired in the past years. Rice also said that assurances relating to the movement, the activities, the monitoring of those detainees [released in exchange for Bergdahl] give us confidence that they cannot and, in all likelihood, will not pose a significant risk to the United States. And that it is in our national interests that this transfer had been made. In fact, the Taliban trade of the terrorist equivalent of four-star generals does and has jeopardized U.S. security and was done to exploit Bergdahls captivity to help Obama to get the worst of the worst out of Guantanamo to facilitate his campaign pledge of closing the facility. That Bergdahl was a deserter should never have been in doubt, judging by the universal condemnation of those who served with him. Investors Business Daily (IBD) noted that fact and editorialized that Obama feared a court-martial because it could lead to him being charged with providing material assistance to a terrorist enemy: Every one of the men who served with Bergdahl or tried to find him and who have spoken out publicly has said he was clearly a deserter. Indeed, the uncontestable fact is that Bergdahl walked away from his post in a time of war, leaving his weapon and gear behind. He was not out for a walk to relieve stress or clear his head. "Bowe Bergdahl deserted during a time of war, and his fellow Americans lost their lives searching for him," former Sgt. Matt Vierkant told CNN. At least six soldiers died in operations looking for Bergdahl. The Taliban general staff has been replenished, and according to Kyrsten Sinema, Americans are free to join them in their war on human freedom, Western democracy and the real war on women being waged by those who support Sharia law and the expansion of its tyranny. Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications. You can smell the hypocrisy over at the United Auto Workers. Whatever idealism and legitimacy may have adhered to that union in its early days, seeking better wages and safer working conditions in the face of outright thuggery, has been lost. Unions now exist primarily to provide for their own staff, siphoning off the wages of their members and grabbing as a much as they can for themselves, and (especially in the case of government worker unions) laundering dues into political contributions to provide for the coffers of the Democratic Party. The basic argument that unions make on their own behalf has just been blatantly contradicted by the actions of the United Auto Workers, who chose a non-union contractor to save money! (Boy, wouldnt Ford, GM, Chrysler-Fiat, and all the foreign manufacturers building cars in unionized plants here love to get away with that rationale!) All of this in the interest of building a rent-free vacation home for their president just eased into retirement in the face of a financial scandal. Sean Higgins reports in the Washington Examiner: The United Auto Workers has contracted with a nonunion builder to make the foundation for a Michigan retirement home for its former president, Dennis Williams. The home will be owned by the union, but provided free of charge to Williams, who stepped down in June amid a widening scandal regarding misuse of union funds. The union, through its nonprofit education center, hired Robiadek & Sons Excavating in Cheboygan, Mich., to lay the foundation and install the septic system for a three-bedroom, 1,885-square-foot home for Williams. Providing a lifetime rent-free vacation home to a retired boss using non-union labor does have a certain educational value, but I doubt that this is the rationale behind grabbing funds form the nonprofit affiliate. But the rationale offered saving money could be used by all the employers of UAW members: The UAW claims they just couldn't find a good union contractor in the area who could submit a reasonable bid for the project. So they were obliged to use a nonunion one. A union spokesman told the Examiner: "None of those bids all of which were from union contractors were accepted as the UAW believed those bids were too high for the cabin construction. Instead, the UAW is using members of the United Steelworkers, who work full-time at Black Lake, as the general contractor and builders of the new cabin, along with their work on other projects at Black Lake." All of this comes as a federal probe of UAW corruption is underway, with seven convictions so far: Federal prosecutors have been probing for over a year whether officials at UAW and Fiat-Chrysler America siphoned off funds from a jointly-run worker training center for their own use. The U.S. attorney's office has obtained seven convictions, including that of Nancy Johnson, a former top UAW contract negotiator. Johnson reportedly told prosecutors in July that Williams was involved in siphoning off the funds. Williams has not been charged in relation to the probe. In a statement at the UAW's June constitutional convention, Williams said he and other union leaders were unaware of any wrongdoing. The Sergeant Schultz defense. I actually have a lot of sympathy for the men and women who build automobiles. It is a tough, repetitive job. I have worked on an assembly line for products considerably smaller and lighter, and it was soul-crushing. But the UAW has a sorry track record of pushing wages and benefits so high during the years of shared oligopoly of the (former) Big Three that they undermined the viability of their employers and opened the door for foreign manufacturers to grab a huge share of the US market. With U.S. troops manning the U.S. border, caravan migrants rolling up from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, hoping to use legal loopholes to gain entry to the U.S., seem to have switched tactics. They're now using lawfare against the Trump administration instead of muscle. Which from their point of view, makes sense. According to Fox News: A dozen migrants traveling by foot from Honduras to the U.S. to seek asylum filed a class-action lawsuit Thursday against President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security and others, claiming a violation of their due process under the Fifth Amendment. Lawfare tactics have served illegal immigrants quite well with leftist judges over the past two years as a means of countering President Trump. Leftist judges are a handy thing for any leftist. Which is why guys like Michael Avenatti come onto the scene and prosper. Tucker Carlson of Fox News did a yeoman's job of trying to parse out the legal reasoning from the lawyers who are leading this effort here: According to Fox News, Nexus Services Inc. is funding the lawsuits through a civil rights law firm called Nexus Derechos Humanos (Human Rights) Attorneys Inc. Now, without getting into the legal reasoning of the case, which is aptly exposed by Carlson as well as John Hinderaker of Power Line here, what's vivid about the whole thing is how troubled the firm itself seems to be. Last April, the Washington Post did a long investigative piece on this same group, because their bail bond agency branch, called 'Libre,' was accused in three states of "preying" on illegal immigrants. According to the Post: Investigations into a Virginia-based company accused of preying on detained undocumented immigrants have expanded. Libre by Nexus, an immigration bond services company, is the subject of probes by the attorneys general of Virginia, New York and Washington state, according to state and federal court records. The previously unreported investigations come on top of a federal probe by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), made public in October. In a statement, Libres parent company, Nexus Services, acknowledged two of the state investigations and did not deny the third. Nexus . . . continues to cooperate with responsible inquiries into our business model and the life-affirming work we do every day to support immigrants, CEO Mike Donovan said. Wow. Just wow. Another negative story from Buzzfeed a year earlier, which claimed Libre charged too much for migrant services and was under investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, resulted in Buzzfeed being sued by the firm. The disposition of the case as of this date suggests that Buzzfeed is close to defeating the defamation suit. Here's another issue: The Better Business Bureau gives the firm, Nexus Services, Inc., an 'F' rating for among other things, failure to respond to complaints. Three complaints are listed. Then there are other things that suggest problems at the firm: Indeed.com which is an evaluator of places of employment, has several negative reviews from people who have come into contact with the group from a hiring perspective, with phrases such as "unprofessional" and "their focus is on money and only money" seen. The rating average is 2.6 stars out of a possible 5. GlassDoor, which does the same thing, reports a rating average of 2.4 stars out of a possible 5. With that many indicators from around the web, one can only wonder how the whole thing will turn out for the migrants who have signed on to have the group represent them. Breitbart News' senior legal editor said he thought the firm's reasoning in the case was weak: This complaint is poorly written and looks more like a press release than a lawsuit, using politically charged terms and hyperbole instead of carefully reasoned legal claims, says Breitbart News Senior Legal Editor Ken Klukowski. Which raises parallels to other comparable anti-Trump cases. The Stormy Daniels case springs to mind, which in no small part was due to the grandstanding of her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, whose own legal career was, to say the least, checkered. Are the caravan illegals getting their own Michael Avenatti in this current lawsuit filed over illegal immigrants not even in the U.S. and their supposed constitutional rights? Time will tell, but the information out there so far does suggest the same kind of people. Image credit: Fox News screengrab Donald Trump said on Thursday that Anybody throwing stones, rocks, like they did to Mexico and the Mexican military, Mexican police, where they badly hurt police and soldiers of Mexico, we will consider that a firearm." Well, Trump can say it, but that doesn't mean the military would actually shoot migrants armed with rocks. FWIW, there is no leader in the military - Officer or NCO - who would allow a soldier to shoot at an individual throwing a rock. They know that violates the rules of engagement, the law of land warfare & the values those in the military believe. It would be an unlawful order. Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) November 1, 2018 It was just another off the top of his head comment - maybe thoughtless, maybe by design - that generates hysteria in the media. It didn't help that the Nigerian military used a video of the quote to justify shooting unarmed human rights demonstrators in the streets, which the New York Times and several other media outlets used to blame Trump for the Nigerian military's crimes. "Nigerian Army Uses Trump's Words to Justify Fatal Shooting of Rock-Throwing Protesters" Nigeria's Army Used A Trump Speech To Justify Shooting Protesters Nigerian army uses Trump rhetoric to justify shooting at rock-throwing activists BuzzFeed: On Friday, the official Twitter account of the Nigerian army tweeted a video of the comments, along with the words please watch and make your deductions. Earlier this week, Nigerian soldiers and police fired live bullets at Shiite Muslim protesters in the capital, Abuja. Amnesty International said at least 45 members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) organization were killed while holding what the human rights group described as peaceful demonstrations. The Nigerian military has said the protesters were armed and disputes the death toll, saying instead that just six people died. First, the Nigerian military doesn't need Trump's words, or speeches, or rhetoric to justify their brutality. They've proved it many times in the past, long before Trump even became president. Second, the attack on the demonstrators occurred 3 days before Trump spoke those words. It's ludicrous for the Nigerian military to justify actions after the fact just as it's ludicrous for the American media to pretend that the Nigerian military has any credibility at all. For most of the last century, Communists have justified their oppression and brutality by quoting Thomas Jefferson: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Violent leftists in this country have used Jefferson's words to justify all sorts of mayhem. Meanwhile, Twitter lit up with tweets ridiculing the media's hysteria: I guess when it happened in 2015 it was Trump's fault as well? Paragraph 5: pic.twitter.com/5yph2RWQfo Andrew Amarone (@andrew_amarone) November 2, 2018 So they knew what hed say 3 days in advance? Taro Tsujimoto (@RCannon74) November 2, 2018 The soldiers did the shooting 3 days before Trump's comments... They weren't exactly waiting for permission. https://t.co/CE6CCYPVPf (((AG))) (@AG_Conservative) November 2, 2018 Tyrants and oppressors have justified their actions by claiming kinship with men of note for hundreds of years. Nobody believes them. Certainly no one expects the media to even cover a story like this. What's truly extraordinary is that the American media would use this absurd "justification" by the Nigerian military and expect people - voters - to swallow the bait whole. Trump didn't know what he was talking about when he made the comment, and walked it back the next day. But the media knew full well what it was doing when they ran with this ludicrous story in the first place. Life imitates art? I browsed a stack of unwatched DVDs that I had bought over the past few years. For no particular reason, I decided to screen one called Jack Reacher. It seemed as though I was watching last month's mail bomber news: video images of a white van, multiple human targets, an incriminating fingerprint, incriminating DNA, and a dimwitted suspect who probably was incapable of committing the crimes without accomplices. Furthermore, the obvious suspect seemingly wanted to get caught...and immediately did get caught. In the recent real-world imitation of this movie, the only things missing (so far) are dirty cops and corrupt politicians. After being arrested, the movie suspect writes three words on a sheet of paper: "Get Jack Reacher." That seems odd, because Mr. Reacher is his former nemesis. After seeing news reports on TV, Reacher arrives, hoping to help convict the accused, but he gradually realizes that the whole thing is a frame-up and switches sides to help the defense lawyer instead. In the real world, the timing of the bizarre mail bomb events seemed mighty convenient for the Democrats. Although none of them ever was in any danger, the Democrats exploited the fake bomb mailings to make themselves appear to be sympathetic victims just days before an important election. Until the dimwitted mail bomb suspect was arrested, intelligent observers wondered cui bono and concluded that this must be a Democrat false flag operation. Democrat politicians and their leftwing media allies ridiculed those who suggested a false flag operation, blathering the usual faux outrage lines about victim-blaming. Perhaps the false flag suggestions are indeed just conspiracy theories. But is the suspect's former lawyer also a crackpot? As if he were channeling Jack Reacher, the lawyer said, "This [alleged crime] appears to be more sophisticated than he would have the means or competency to carry out. It truly makes us wonder if all the facts are correct. Maybe he was someone's pawn, or acting on someone's behalf." Unless the FBI still is infested with dirty cops left over from the 2016 election, it seems likely that it is investigating the lawyer's serious concern: is the dimwitted mail bomber a Democrat pawn? Meanwhile, the left-wing news media are not investigating that claim and desperately hope there is no "Jack Reacher" at the FBI at least until after the midterm elections. A few years ago, the left-wing news media were equally disinterested when corrupt Democrat politicians obviously did frame an innocent man. Just before the 2012 election, Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama deliberately or foolishly let Muslim terrorists attack the U.S. embassy in Benghazi. Then they blamed it on an obscure internet video that virtually no one had seen. A quick arrest was made. In that case, as in the recent mail bomb case, the left-wing news media showed no interest in investigating whether the charges might be a frame-up. Let's assume that the mail bomber really is a lone wolf version of Bill Ayers, the Democrat bomber who bragged about being "guilty as hell." Even in that case, we still have a frame-up conspiracy: the dishonest left-wing propagandists in the news media are blaming everyone from the president to Sunday school teachers in Oklahoma. Politicians never should be trusted, but, ideally, journalists should be. In that regard, this left-wing news conspiracy is worse than the 2012 Democrat political conspiracy to frame the innocent video-poster. Now, in the final days before Tuesday's election, the hysterical left-wing propagandists seem to be bordering insanity. First, they tried to blame the Republican president for the fake mail bombs, and now they are accusing other innocent ideological adversaries. For instance, The Washington Post recently wrote, "Trump isn't to blame. His entire party is." Near the end of the movie Jack Reacher, the suspect wakes up from his police-caused coma with a foggy memory. After watching TV news reports of the charges, even he becomes convinced that he committed the crimes. Fortunately, Mr. Reacher already had proved by then that the suspect was framed. Do left-wing propagandists believe that falsely accusing all Republicans of heinous crimes somehow convinces Republicans to vote for Democrats? Fortunately, voters did not just awaken from a memory-erasing coma, and they refuse to be punished for crimes they did not commit. More than 60 million Trump voters, plus a few million former NeverTrumps, now are eager to vote Republican, if only to mete out justice against the corrupt left-wing news media. In that sense, we don't need to get Jack Reacher. Together, we are Jack Reacher. See you Tuesday. Image: Jack Reacher via Wikimedia Commons. Almost in complete unison, the press immediately compared that to another ad it didn't like, an incidentally truthful ad, about Willie Horton, a convicted murder who got weekend passes from prison and murdered again. Somehow, to the sycophant journalists, that is unfair. If journalists actually cared about despicable ads that gin up racial hate and division, they would go after non-fact based ads that Democrats have run, showing a black man dragging behind a truck, and ads talking about churches exploding if Republicans are elected. But they dont talk about those ads even though such ads were more recent than the Horton ad. They don't because those ads just dont fit their agenda. This is the 30-year-old Willie Horton ad everybody is talking about: There are attack ads, and then there are Willie Horton-type attack ads. It's a name given to political advertisements that blatantly stoke racial fears and stereotypes. They're a tried-and-true way to paint a political opponent as being soft on crime. And a lot of time they work. President Trump is hoping that he gets similar results for a web video, produced for his campaign, that he tweeted out Wednesday. Many are already calling it the most racist national political ad to come out in 30 years -- since Willie Horton. Here's another: And another: DEMOCRATS' BAG OF TRICKS TOWARD BLACK VOTERS At some point, black voters are going to rebel against racist ploys to keep them in their place--safe in the clutches of the Democratic Party. But Al Gore and Joe Lieberman are hoping that it won't be this year--which is why they aren't saying much about the despicable NAACP ads running against George W. Bush. The ads, in grainy black and white, show a pickup truck with a chain dragging across a dirt road. The voice-over is by Renee Mullins, the daughter of James Byrd, a black man dragged to his death two years ago chained to a pickup in Jasper, Texas. But as loathsome as the lynching ad is, it's nothing new. For the last two national elections, Democrats and their allies have successfully increased black voter participation in key races through fear and deception. As the Weekly Standard reported after the 1998 campaign, ads aimed at blacks warned "When you don't vote, you let another church explode. When you don't vote, you allow another cross to burn. . Isn't that something? Look at how the media tries to gin up hate against Trump by claiming the president is anti-Semitic. A man who hates Trump goes in and shoots up a synagogue and the media along with other Democrats blame Trump. Trump kept his promise to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Congress, almost in unison -- Clinton, Bush and Obama -- also made this same promise and didnt do it, but somehow Trump is anti-Jew. Trump is trying to rein in Iran, which pledges death to Israel and America, yet Trump is anti-Semitic. Obama did not keep his promise to the Jewish people to move the embassy and did whatever he could to build up Iran (which is tremendously dangerous to Israel) and not once did I see the media call Obama anti-Jew. Obama and several other Democrats hang around with Lou Farrakhan and do not denounce his anti-Semitic speech and hate for Jews yet the media doesnt call the Democrats anti-Jew. But somehow Trump is? Obama even misused taxpayer money to spy on and try to influence the election in Israel, and the media and other Democrats didnt care. Remember this? The ACLJ has just obtained new documents showing the Obama State Department misled Members of Congress about taxpayer funding going to an organization that was attempting to unseat the government of our ally Israel. I can see why the media and other Democrats always play the race card to gin up racial division and hate. Democrats have run essentially the same campaign for decades to divide the country as they and the supposed journalists pretend they want to unite us. They certainly do not want to talk about their sanctuary city and state policies, which arent popular. They also do not want to talk about the success of Trumps economic policies and how disastrous the socialist economic policies they are proposing will be. Almost all supposed news reporting today is slanted towards helping Democrats and destroying Republicans, especially Trump. I am one hundred percent sure that this is not what the Founding Fathers envisioned when the press got so much special recognition in the First Amendment. Turn on CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, or any of the other alphabet mainstream networks on any given day, and you'll start to wonder what the point is of being a legal citizen in the U.S. anymore. Mainstream media have been clamoring for open borders ever since Trump entered the White House. Now places like San Francisco want to give illegal aliens the right to vote in our elections. What's the point of citizenship if your vote is canceled out by the vote of an illegal alien? And that's only part of the bigger immigration picture we're facing in our nation right now. Seriously, when did things go wrong? How did we get here? Let's take a look. Times Sure Have Changed Being a legal citizen in the U.S. used to come with special permissions not granted to illegals. Now, instead of being deported, it seems that all an illegal needs to do is shout "racist!," and we'll give him sanctuary and whatever he wants. The truth is, there's nothing racist about expecting a foreigner to go through the legal immigration process in order to attain citizenship. Try moving to another country illegally, and see how that works out for you. The U.S. still has one of the simplest legal citizenship processes anywhere in the world. Is it too much to ask a foreigner to do here what he would need to do in most other developed countries in the world? Illegal Aliens and Taxes There has been a recent push by the mainstream media claiming that illegal aliens pay around $10-12 billion a year in U.S. federal taxes. While some certainly do find a way to pay their fair share, this statistic is misleading. The truth is that illegal workers displace legal American workers (all of whom would be paying taxes), and overall, this imposes a $30-billion annual cost in lost tax revenues. But we shouldn't let the facts get in the way of the mainstream narrative, right? So what's the point of citizenship when we are all required to pay taxes and illegal aliens can pick and choose if they want to pay or not? Do we really trust people who snuck into our country illegally to now "do the right thing"? Sanctuary Cities You've probably heard of sanctuary cities. But you may not know how much power their laws and ordinances give to illegals who live in them. Simply put, they are given rights that most legal U.S. citizens could never dream of having, like protection from the law and hiding their criminal backgrounds. To learn how these sanctuary cities work out for legal citizens in the long run, we need to look no farther than Europe or Canada. Giving illegals more rights and protections than legal citizens is a recipe for disaster in any civilized nation. Globalism Is the Goal and Must Be Stopped Far-left-wing socialists like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Andrew Gillum dream of a world with completely open borders. Nationalism is evil, and globalism is the future, they believe. What's scary is that a lot of Millennials are buying into this ideology without realizing the depths we'll sink to as a society if all borders are torn down. In this world, whoever wants in gets in. Such people won't need to be documented, there will be no criminal background checks, and we'll just all hope for the best. The truth is, strong borders are needed for national security and the safety of us all. Not every illegal alien is bad, but making it easy for the bad ones to come in will not end well. Where Do We Go From Here? In recent days, President Trump has doubled down on immigration laws. Simultaneously, the left has doubled down on open borders. With the midterms only days away, make sure you cast your vote for candidates that believe in strong borders and promote legal immigration. Without enforcing our immigration laws, there will be no point of citizenship anymore. The future of our nation depends on what we do right now. According to news accounts, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters on a Friday conference call that: The U.S. will add 700 individuals and companies to a list of blocked entities, 400 of which were not originally sanctioned before the Iran nuclear deal. The main targets include individuals, aircraft, vessels, and organizations tied to the energy sector. And with Iranian leaders continuing their malign behavior, huge Iranian treasure is being directed away from the Iranian people and towards fueling Irans regional ambitions, as well as its human rights abuses, and destabilizing activity in Syria. This week, Danish authorities accused Iran of trying to assassinate an opponent to the regime living in Denmark. But inside Iran, there's a different picture. Reports from inside Iran show that Irans economy is unraveling at great speed ahead of the expected U.S. sanctions in November. According to state-run media, companies are going bankrupt one after another while their workers are not being paid or are being laid off as a result of fluctuations in the foreign exchange market. More than 500 factories face crises. In the meantime, the growing general strike continues inside the country. On the morning of Thursday, Nov. 1, the fourth round of the strike of heavy truck drivers started, and it covered vast sections of the country. The exaggerated deference and respect afforded to Professor Christine Blasey-Ford when testifying to her completely uncorroborated charge that Bret Kavanaugh attempted to rape her during high school was mostly based on the contention that women dont lie about such matters. The notion that political opposition could motivate a bogus charge of sexual assault was dismissed as so offensive as to brand the person raising the possibility as nearly as bad a s a rapist. Except that another accuser of Justice Kavanaugh has admitted to making up a bogus charge out of political motives. Thats news that Trump-haters want to ignore, but fortunately Senator Chuck Grassley has just referred that accuser to the Justice Department for prosecution for lying, so the story wont die. Given the fact that the perp has confessed, a plea deal is likely, assuming the DoJ decides to prosecute (as it should but is not guaranteed to do). Matt Richardson reports for Fox News: Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley on Friday referred a woman who'd accused Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of raping her several times in the backseat of a car to the Justice Department for materially false statements and obstruction. Kavanaugh, confirmed to the high court on Oct. 6, was infamously accused by multiple women of sexual assault and misconduct before the confirmation. Judy Munro-Leighton, according to Grassleys office, alleged that Justice Kavanaugh and a friend had raped her several times each in the backseat of a car. Those accusations were made via a "Jane Doe" letter provided to Sen. Kamala Harris, a California Democrat and committee member, Grassleys office wrote. Upon further investigation, however, inconsistencies in the story emerged. Hmm I recall some inconsistencies in Professor Blasey-Fords testimony, too. Given her relatively unique name, Committee investigators were able to use open-source research to locate Ms. Munro-Leighton and determine that she: (1) is a left-wing activist; (2) is decades older than Judge Kavanaugh; and (3) lives in neither the Washington DC area nor California, but in Kentucky, Grassleys office wrote. Under questioning by Committee investigators, Ms. Munro-Leighton admitted, contrary to her prior claims, that she had not been sexually assaulted by ... Kavanaugh and was not the author of the original 'Jane Doe letter, Grassleys office wrote in a Friday referral to the DOJ. When directly asked by Committee investigators if she was, as she had claimed, the Jane Doe from Oceanside California who had sent the letter to Senator Harris, she admitted: No, no, no. I did that as a way to grab attention. I am not Jane Doe . . . but I did read Jane Does letter. I read the transcript of the call to your Committee. . . . I saw it online. It was news. In short, during the Committees time-sensitive investigation of allegations against Judge Kavanaugh, Ms. Munro-Leighton submitted a fabricated allegation, which diverted Committee resources. Justice Kavanaugh is owed a vigorous prosecution of this false accusation, and an investigation into the genesis of the Blasey-Ford accusations as well. (Thatll never happen, I realize.) In the Dutch city of Utrecht, a poem is growingone letter at a time, every week, for the past six years. Every Saturday, at around one in the afternoon, members of Utrecht's guild of poets gather at the center of Utrecht, where the end of a long string of letters has currently reached, to carve the next letter in stone and install it in the cobblestone pavement. As new letters are added words begin to form, then sentences and finally verses. It takes about three years to publish an average sentence, and the poem grows by about five meters every year. The idea of the endless poem was developed by the Million Generations Foundation, a Dutch think tank devoted to developing knowledge for the good of the future, in collaboration with a local poets guild. The project was inspired by the 10,000 Year Clock thats currently being built in London that is expected to keep time for 10,000 years. Originally, the foundation wanted to build a stone clock, something like a calendar that would be written in verse, but later settled on a poem instead. The project officially began on June 2, 2012, but they retroactively added 648 letters so that the poem could have a start date of January 1, 2000. The foundation reasoned that seeing a fair chunk of the poem already in place would make the project more intriguing and appealing, attracting more sponsors to the project. Sponsorship is important because the project is entirely funded by the public. It cost 100 Euros to purchase one letter, of which 10 Euros goes towards charity and the rest goes towards the cost of installing the stone. So as long as there are sponsors willing to donate, Letters of Utrecht will continue to inch its way through the citys streets. The poem, as it currently stands, read as follows. (The poem is machine translated using the service of Google Translate, so probably its bad translation. But to be honest, its a mess.) You have to start somewhere to give the past a place, the present is getting less and less. The further you are, the better. Go ahead now, Leave your tracks. Forget the flash where you can exist, the world is your itinerary. Was there a time that you had another, which passed. You're the other one already. You are, as you know, the center of this story. This is eternity. That lasts. Who has the time. Go therefore and revel in your story. Tell. Tell us who you are with each step. In our story we disappear eventually, and only you remain over time. You and these letters, which are cut out of stone. Like the letters on our grave. The cracks in the cathedral. Raised to the sky like an index finger, to indicate the guilty and demand more time. So we can go up straight, like people along the canal. They stare at their feet. Look up! See Utrechts churches protruding above ground level. Raise your hands, beg with the towers to be this privileged. To be, to be now. The weather is nice. Stare further. Life is witness to your gaze on the horizon. Your footsteps connect the past with written letters. All seasons recognize themselves So far seven poets have contributed to different sections of the poem. Once a section ends, another poet picks it up from where it left and continues. The part that is not yet published is kept a secret. Photo credit: Peter Nederlof/Flickr Photo credit: Dick Sijtsma/Flickr Photo credit: Peter Nederlof/Flickr Pranaya SJB Rana is Features Editor for The Kathmandu Post. He was formerly Op-Ed Editor at the Post from 2012-2015. Rana is the author of a collection of short stories, City of Dreams: Stories, from Rupa Publications India. How Dating Apps Are Becoming A Political Tool Trending News: People Are Using Dating Apps To Campaign For The Midterms You've met a cute match and wow she said 'Hi." To kick off the conversation, you ask her about something she mentioned in her profile and she responds with, 'Who are you going to vote for?' People across the country are using dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and Grindr to convince others to vote in the midterms. They're also using it to campaign for specific candidates, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. Hey, Go Vote Some are using Tinder's paid function to find matches in certain swing states. Others are bringing politics into the conversation by limiting their matches only to people who vote. One female Tinder user from Los Angeles put only voters get access in her bio. Im really not interested in spending time with people that are not willing to show up [to vote], she told WSJ. A new app called Donald Daters was actually created because some Trump supporters don't feel comfortable using more popular dating apps. Related: Five Tinder-Like Dating Apps That Are Way Better Than The Original Swipe Left On Politics? Tinder isn't backing away from this. Well, not entirely. When asked by the WSJ, a spokesperson for Tinder's parent company Match Group Inc said political conversations are fine. After all, Tinder had a 'swipe the vote' feature to match you with a presidential candidate during the general election. However, political solicitation or advertising is not permitted. If you find someone doing either of those things, you could report them for violating the terms of service. Some Bernie Sanders advocates were actually banned from Tinder for campaigning on the app in 2016. Should we take politics out of dating? I mean, that's pretty impossible, especially in the divisive political climate America is entrenched in right now. People have their political opinions, and chances are they're looking for someone with similar opinions. That said, should dating apps be used for political campaigning? Considering how much of a difference young people could make in this election, I think reminding them to at least have their voice heard isn't a bad idea at all. Even if it's a pretty awkward way to open a conversation. You Might Also Dig Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Girl, 13, raped in Kapilvastu Police arrested a man on charge of raping a teenage girl in Kapilvastu district on Wednesday. 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. The environmental platform put forward by Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's right-wing president-elect, could cause a rise in greenhouse gas emissions and a 268% spike in deforestation, according to a simulation from the National Institute of Space Studies in Brazil. Why it matters: The simulation took into account policies like increased deforestation in Amazonian territory, non-protection of indigenous territory and an eventual exit from the Paris Climate Agreement, among others. Those scenarios worry environmental groups, with Greenpeace Brazil saying Bolsonaro could be "one of the last presidents of Brazil who can act in time to avoid irreversible damage to the planet." Brazil has made some progress in recent years in reducing deforestation, according to Prodes, a government environmental institution. But that progress is now at risk. A recent report from Global Forest Watch (GFW) finds that Brazil experienced its second-highest rate of tree cover loss in 2017, a phenomenon related to fires in the region. Although the fires can be related to natural climate factors such as El Nino, research also shows a direct link between them and agricultural expansion. Christian Poirier, program director of Amazon Watch, told Axios he believes Bolsonaro's controversial rhetoric about minority groups is actually tied to his interest in removing environmental protections He attacks indigenous groups, or traditional communities such as 'Quilombolas' because they represent one of the main obstacles to execute his industrial expansionist plan," he says. Why it matters: Brazil has the world's largest rainforest, and a weakening of environmental protections there can have irreversible consequences that affect people's lives a recent severe drought in Sao Paulo, for example and reach well beyond Brazil. Bolsonaro's policies could exacerbate those troubles. The Supreme Court late Friday denied the Trump administration's attempt to halt a novel climate change lawsuit brought by 21 young Americans against the federal government. The suit alleges the government, through its longstanding energy policies, deprived the plaintiffs of the right to "a climate system capable of sustaining human life," among other harms. Why it matters: The case, which has been winding its way through the federal court system for 3 years and has survived multiple attempts by the Justice Department to squash it, was due to go to trial on October 29 before the Supreme Court declared a temporary stay. The plaintiffs have filed a motion in U.S. District Court to call for an immediate start to the delayed trial. The plaintiffs in the case are seeking for the courts to order the federal government to swiftly enact policies to cut human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main driver of global warming, and to take other actions to reduce climate change. The legal advocacy organization Our Children's Trust brought the case on behalf of the plaintiffs. The Trump administration has objected to the sweeping and "unprecedented legal theories" claimed in the case. The government contends that a court ruling in this case could usurp the role of Congress and federal agencies in setting national energy and environmental policies. Between the lines: In deciding to let the case proceed, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court that the government can seek to have the case halted through the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. That court has denied previous attempts to stop the case before trial. The details: The case, known as Juliana v United States, has galvanized the climate movement around the country, particularly given the underdog aspect of having 21 young people, who were all under the age of 19 when the case began, take on the government. If the case reaches trial, the plaintiffs plan to call multiple climate scientists to the stand to detail the causes and consequences of climate change, illustrating the effects of the government's energy policies on current and future generations. The young plaintiffs assert the government's energy policies established and perpetuated a fossil fuel-centric energy system that has caused and worsened climate change, despite abundant scientific evidence showing the risks of such policies. What they're saying: Kelsey Juliana, a 22-year-old plaintiff from Eugene, Oregon said in a statement: Today we move forward. I want to trust that we are truly on track for trial without having further delays, but these defendants are treating this case, our democracy, and the security of mine and future generations like its a game." Kelsey Juliana, plaintiff in Juliana v United States The stakes in this case are high, as the Columbia University Center for Climate Change Law makes clear in its summary of the case. "The plaintiffs alleged that the nations climate system was critical to their rights to life, liberty, and property, and that the defendants had violated their substantive due process rights by allowing fossil fuel production, consumption, and combustion at 'dangerous levels.'" Columbia University Center for Climate Change Law President Trump and President Obama have gleefully turned Tuesday's midterms into a proxy fight over their legacies, while President Clinton is sidelined during a season when he had dreamed of being back in the spotlight. Both presidents are on sprints: Trump is hitting 11 rallies in eight states in six days. Obama will hit Illinois and Indiana tomorrow, after stops yesterday in Florida and Georgia. Trump and Obama, each a human turnout machine for their parties, have poured on the multi-stop days, and clearly relish trolling each other across the battlegrounds: Trump: "I heard President Obama speak today. I had to listen. I was in the plane. I had nothing else to do." "I heard President Obama speak today. I had to listen. I was in the plane. I had nothing else to do." Obama: "Everything I say, you can look up on the internet. ... Here's your chance to vote for people who actually know what the internet is." "Everything I say, you can look up on the internet. ... Here's your chance to vote for people who actually know what the internet is." Trump: "I listened to President Obama today. He had a very small crowd, I have to be honest. They dont tell you that. Y'know, they don't tell you that." "I listened to President Obama today. He had a very small crowd, I have to be honest. They dont tell you that. Y'know, they don't tell you that." Obama: "Right now, Republicans are all: 'Look, the economy is so good.' Where do you think that started? When did that start? The N.Y. Times' Peter Baker writes that Obama looks energized as he violates the tradition of his predecessors, who have rarely directly attacked their predecessors: "Obamas voice has a way of lifting into a high-pitched tone of astonishment when he talks about his successor, almost as if he still cannot believe that the Executive Mansion he occupied for eight years is now the home of President Trump." Trump has stuck to the friendly contours of Trump country, mostly traveling to "counties that are whiter, less educated and have lower incomes than the rest of the United States, according to Census Bureau data," per AP's Josh Boak: "[H]es primarily been jet-setting to smaller places such as Elko, Nevada (population 20,078). Or, Mosinee, Wisconsin (population 4,023). Or, Belgrade, Montana (population 7,874)." jet-setting to smaller places such as Elko, Nevada (population 20,078). Or, Mosinee, Wisconsin (population 4,023). Or, Belgrade, Montana (population 7,874)." "Since March, Trump has crisscrossed the country like a salesman with a set territory. The majority of his trips have been to just nine states. They are Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Indiana, West Virginia and Nevada. Trump won eight of those states in 2016, but not Nevada." And then there's President Clinton. "No One Wants to Campaign With Bill Clinton Anymore," the N.Y. Times' Lisa Lerer writes under a nostalgic Little Rock dateline: "There are no plans for him ... to appear publicly with any Democrat running in the midterm elections." ... to appear publicly with any Democrat running in the midterm elections." "Younger and more liberal voters find little appeal in Mr. Clintons reputation for ideological centrism on issues like financial regulation and crime." Be smart: Guess who's enjoying the show. Rhymes with George W. Bush. Today marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the first professional Call Center in Azerbaijan, which is associated with Azercell Telecom. Thus, Azercell Telecom LLC launched first Call Center operating on a 24/7 basis for the first time in Azerbaijan on November 1st, 1998. Later in 2008, the mobile operator established the first Regional Call Center in Ganja. In the modern business world, one can hardly imagine a large company without a call center. It has been 20 years that subscribers contact the company any time during a day and carry out various operations, get relevant information and receive technical support through Azercells Call Center. However, the group, which celebrates its 20th anniversary today, has expanded and provides a number of different services to the customers through Customer Support Line, Online Chat, Social Media and Premium Support Line. Notably, Call Center has received more than 50 million customer inquiries during past 20 years. Retaining its leading position in the telecom market in the country, introducing technological innovations and making all modern services available for its subscribers, Azercell Telecom LLC intends to further upgrade and expand service channels and types of Customer Support Line. As a result, customer service center will actively communicate with subscribers as a virtual secretary, leading to the solution of inquiries more promptly and easily. Azercell Call Center which serves the customers on a 24/7 basis is comprised of professional staff. It is proven by the surveys among customers and research organizations. Thus, according to the results of the first half of 2018, 93 percent of the respondents expressed their satisfaction with the services provided by Call Center. The assessment took into account the time taken to reply to the inquiry, manner of interaction with the customer, receipt of the information and immediate solution of the problem. Azercell adheres to the principles of confidentiality, integrity, impartiality, promptness, and convenience when dealing with the inquiries of its 4, 5 million subscribers. Focused on raising customer satisfaction from the first day of its activity, the company thoroughly studies the proposals and comments of the customers. The performance and quality of services provided by Azercell Customer Services and Call Center are regularly reviewed and certified by international audit companies. Notably, Azercell Call Center was awarded international quality certificates EN 15838:2009 in 2011 and ISO18295 in 2018. The services provided by the company representatives through social media were also highly evaluated at an international level. Over the past 4 years, the company received international 100% Socially Devoted certificate many times for the quality of service on Facebook. It is a clear indicator of application of quality management system and organization of customer service at a high level. The leader of the mobile communication industry, the largest taxpayer and the biggest investor of the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan Azercell Telecom LLC was founded in 1996. With 48 percent share of Azerbaijans mobile telecom market Azercells network covers 80 percent of the territory (excluding 20 percent of the occupied territories) and 99,8 percent of population of the country. Currently, 4,5 million subscribers choose Azercell services. Azercell has pioneered an important number of innovations in Azerbaijan, including GSM technology, advance payment system, mobile internet services, Metro coverage, 24/7 call centre service, 7 day/week Front Office service, M2M services, one-stop-shopping approach Azercell Express offices, mobile customer services, Online Customer Care and Social Media Customer Care services, mobile e-signature service ASAN Imza etc. Azercell deployed first 4G LTE services in Azerbaijan in 2012. According to the results of mobile network quality and wireless coverage mapping surveys by international systems, Azercells network demonstrated the best results among the mobile operators of Azerbaijan. Azercell is the only company in Azerbaijan and CIS region which has been awarded Gold Certificate of International Investors in People Standard. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Gundu flourishes with flower farming Its 4:30 am, and Meena Thapa is ready to begin her day. As soon as she wakes up, Thapa freshens up and then dutifully prepares breakfast for her two children, before heading out to work in a relatives field, where she picks Makhamali flowers all day. By Trend Amendments to Azerbaijans tax legislation, which should come into force in 2019, are aimed at ensuring transparency in the work of each of the taxpayers, as well as at creating optimal conditions for the development of business climate, Deputy Minister for Taxes Sahib Alakbarov told Trend Nov. 2. The amendments envisaged in the tax sphere are of a multi-vector nature, he said. They are primarily aimed at ensuring transparency and accounting for taxpayers. The deputy minister noted that among the Azerbaijani taxpayers there are a lot of those who completely evade paying taxes. Most entrepreneurs try to hide their incomes, capital turnover, and this mainly concerns people who manage trade and service facilities, he said. There are a lot of entrepreneurs who completely hide their capital turnover and refuse to pay taxes, and there is a category of people who partially pay taxes. Therefore, to solve this problem, we are reviewing our tax policy, and we intend to tighten measures against delinquent taxpayers. He noted that such measures are necessary because those regularly fulfill their tax obligations suffer due to delinquent businessmen. He noted that the planned changes in the tax sphere, along with toughening measures against taxpayers who evade paying taxes, also provide for a number of positive aspects. First, we propose to reduce the number of inspections in business objects, he noted. It is also proposed to amend the terms of tax payment for entrepreneurs engaged in business in Baku. In accordance with the tax rules, fiscal payments under the simplified tax system are 4 percent in Baku and only 2 percent in Azerbaijani districts. There are proposals to equalize these conditions, so that businessmen would pay taxes at a rate of 2 percent both in Baku and in the districts. The deputy minister noted that this proposal will be considered in the Azerbaijani parliament in the near future. We envisage a number of other benefits aimed at improving business and business climate in Azerbaijan, and we expect that the implementation of these measures will provide a positive result both for the state and for taxpayers themselves, the deputy minister said. The package of amendments to the tax legislation, which, together with the budget package, has been submitted to Azerbaijans parliament, provides for a number of benefits for taxpayers. One of the most significant changes will be related to the income tax payment system - the government plans to exempt from this tax employees in the private sector who are not involved in the oil and gas sector. Thus, starting from January 1, 2019, for a period of seven years, it is planned to provide 100 percent benefits (in other words, to exempt from paying tax) regarding income tax from an employees salary. This applies to salaries worth up to 8,000 manats. If the salary exceeds 8,000 manats, the income tax exemption will be 44 percent. Other changes include an increase in non-taxable income from 173 manats to 200 manats, differentiation of social insurance rates, various benefits for stimulating non-cash income, unification of simplified tax, extension of benefits for farmers etc.. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Agency for Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) at Azerbaijans Economy Ministry and the Azerbaijan National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation, the ministry said in a message Nov. 2. The memorandum was signed as part of the international business forum in Baku dedicated to the development of SMEs in the Black Sea region. The document was signed by Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijans Agency for Development of SMEs Orkhan Mammadov and President of the Azerbaijan National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations Mammad Musayev. According to the memorandum, the agency and the confederation will cooperate in such areas as the expansion of practical ties between government bodies and the private sector, the organization of joint programs in this direction, the formation of entrepreneurial ideas among young people, the implementation of initiatives, the study of potential trends in the development of entrepreneurs, etc. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend A delegation headed by Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Co-Chairman of the Azerbaijan-China Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation Shahin Mustafayev will visit China on Nov. 4-8, the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan said in a message on Nov. 2. The delegation will include officials and businessmen. The Azerbaijani delegation will take part in the first China International Import Exhibition in Shanghai, where Azerbaijan's stand will be shown, as well as at forums held as part of the exhibition on such topics as "Trade and Investment", "One Belt - One Road. Ecological Agriculture and Food Security, Global Trade and International Logistics". An Azerbaijani wine house will also open during the delegation's visit to Shanghai. Bilateral meetings of Shahin Mustafayev with Chinese officials will also be held as part of the visit. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend As part of the plenipotentiary conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Azerbaijans Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade, who is on an official visit in Dubai, met with Irans Minister of Information and Communication Technology Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi, Azerbaijans Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies said in a message Nov. 3. At the meeting, the sides discussed expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran in the telecommunications and postal areas, joint participation in regional projects with other neighboring countries (Turkey and Russia). In particular, issues of intensification of exchange of experience, regulation of radio frequencies in border areas, cyber security, development of the space industry, Irans use of satellite resources of Azerbaijan, as well as prospects for cooperation in the fields of mobile communications and internet services were considered. It was also noted at the meeting that the Bakutel 2018, 24th Azerbaijan International Telecommunications, Innovations and High Technologies Exhibition and Conference to be held Dec. 4-7, is a favorable platform for attracting ICT companies of Iran to the Azerbaijans ICT sector. The Iranian side noted that at this exhibition the Islamic Republic will be represented by a national pavilion. The need for increased cooperation in ensuring cyber security was stressed. There was also an exchange of views on the joint exchange of experience in the development of the ecosystem of startups. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Ongoing political turbulence in Armenia is hindering progress in the negotiation process on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said Nov. 2 in an interview with Bulgarias Focus News Agency. Mammadyarov noted that the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is one of the important issues for the sustainable development and prosperity of the region. Azerbaijan, which from the first days of its independence faced occupation policy of Armenia, with one fifth of its territory occupied by the Armenian armed forces, and which has more than one million refugees and internally displaced persons, is well aware of the price of peace, security and stability, he said. Namely for this reason our country has been participating in negotiations that last for more than 20 years." "Azerbaijan has always declared that it is ready for substantive and result-oriented negotiations. The conversation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan during the recent summit of CIS countries is a clear indicator of our countrys readiness to substantive negotiations on the settlement of the conflict. The Azerbaijani minister also noted that the position of the international community, including the four resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council, as well as resolutions of other international organizations related to the settlement of the conflict are unequivocal: Armenia must withdraw its troops from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, and the people expelled from these territories must return to their homes. Only after that it will be possible to establish peace in the region, to ensure stability and progress, he added. But, unfortunately, the current situation in Armenia and the ongoing political turbulence there are hindering progress in the negotiation process. Mammadyarov said that in a short time Armenia should demonstrate political will in preparing for substantive dialogue within the existing format and, finally, should understand that the formula of peace that will lead to security in the region, as well as to the economic development of Armenia itself, is in the withdrawal from occupied Azerbaijani territories and the return of local Azerbaijanis to these territories. 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 Paraguayan television channel SNT, which has a wide audience, aired a program about Azerbaijan. The program provided its Spanish speaking viewers with detailed information about Azerbaijan. The author of the report, Carlos Troche, first shared his impressions of the trip to Azerbaijan. He noted that Azerbaijan, located on the shore of the Caspian Sea and at the junction of Europe and Asia, is a country with rich energy resources. Despite the long distance, Azerbaijan is interested in expanding ties with Latin America, in particular with Paraguay. An Azerbaijani embassy functions in Argentina, and in the future it is planned to open a consulate in Paraguay. Recently, relations between Azerbaijan and Paraguay have been developing intensively. There are a number of topics that attract the attention of both countries. Carlos Troche said the purpose of his visit to Azerbaijan and the report is to acquaint the peoples of Latin America with Azerbaijan. He pointed to positive aspects of the expansion of relations between Azerbaijan and Latin America. The author made a brief insight into the history of Azerbaijan, provided information about its favorable geographical location, culture, customs and traditions. It was also noted that at the beginning of the last century, Azerbaijan provided half of all oil supplies in the world market. The report also provides the opinion of Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani presidents assistant for public and political affairs, about the development of Azerbaijans relations with the countries of Latin America, in particular with Paraguay. If you visit Azerbaijani restaurants, I am sure you will see that meat imported from Paraguay is used there, Hasanov said. The agency that controls food security also controls the import of meat. I think we will continue to cooperate in this area. The author notes that the Azerbaijani side, in turn, creates an opportunity for Paraguayan youth to receive scholarships in the undergraduate and graduate programs in Azerbaijan. One of the main reasons for the rapid development of Azerbaijan is the investment of part of the profits from the export of oil and gas in the development of education, according to the report. The countrys poverty rate dropped to 5 percent, and the unemployment rate dropped to almost zero, the author said. In the report, Hasanov notes that Azerbaijan is the leading country in the South Caucasus in the political, economic and energy fields. We are committed to the development of our relations, Hasanov said. The deepening of Azerbaijan-Paraguay relations will serve as an impetus for cooperation not only in investments, but also in technology and education. In response to the show hosts question How can we come to Azerbaijan and resolve visa issues? Carlos Troche said: As I have already noted, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Argentina is operating. In order to come from Paraguay to Azerbaijan, there is no need to go to Argentina. The ASAN Viza system operates in Azerbaijan. Thus, it is enough to follow the link posted on the website of the embassy, and it is very easy and convenient to get a visa online within three hours. This is incredible, the show host noted with admiration. Azerbaijani folk songs sound in the background of the report, which features video footage about the sights of Baku. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend An international conference titled The Role of Modern Technologies in Election: Improving Standards, Public Confidence ended in Astana Nov. 2, Azerbaijans Central Election Commission (CEC) said in a message. CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov, who participated in the conference, met not only with his Kazakh counterpart, but also with heads of electoral structures and other officials to discuss prospects for developing cooperation in various fields related to election, as well as other issues of mutual interest. A memorandum of understanding between the CECs of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan was also signed Nov. 2 in Astana. The memorandum was signed by Chairman of Azerbaijans CEC Mazahir Panahov and Chairman of Kazakhstans CEC Berik Imashev. The memorandum of understanding is aimed at intensifying relations between the highest electoral structures of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan and further deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in the exchange of experience. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The intergovernmental agreement on Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria is expected to be adopted in the first half of 2019, Teodora Georgieva, Executive Officer of ICGB AD (project company) on the Bulgarian side, told Trend. She noted that the intergovernmental agreement that shall be signed between Greece and Bulgaria will establish the applicable tax framework for the project. "For the purposes of facilitation of the negotiation process with the Bulgarian and Greece Tax Authorities the project company has elaborated a Head of Terms Document on the fiscal matters, comprising in details the clauses to be included in the intergovernmental agreement," said the executive officer. She pointed out that the Head of Terms has passed several rounds of revision and discussion with experts from the Bulgarian and Greek tax administrations and incorporates all the relevant comments received. The Head of Terms was also submitted for a review to the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission. "The aligned version of the Head of Terms was submitted for approval to the Council of Ministers in Bulgaria. The meeting of the Council of Ministers in Bulgaria was held on Sept.12, and the term sheet was accepted. Similar actions are expected to be carried out also in Greece," said Georgieva. Once the formal approval is completed and the European Commission conclusion on the compatibility of state aid is obtained the following step is the ratification of the agreement by the parliaments in both countries, she noted. The executive officer added that the ratification of the document is the final step for the adoption of the agreement by both countries and is expected to happen in H1 of 2019. IGB is a gas pipeline, which will allow Bulgaria to receive Azerbaijani gas, in particular, the gas produced from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz 2 gas and condensate field. IGB is expected to be connected to TAP via which gas from the Shah Deniz field will be delivered to the European markets. The initial capacity of IGB will be 3 billion cubic meters of gas. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijan hopes that Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) will be implemented soon, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said Nov. 2 in an interview with Bulgarias Focus News Agency. The minister said that the energy sector is the economic foundation of relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria and it is important for the further development of cooperation between the two countries. We hope that the IGB will be implemented soon, and thus, from 2020, it will be possible to transport Azerbaijani gas to Bulgaria. This will create new and additional opportunities for cooperation in both energy and other fields, Mammadyarov noted. He added that one billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani natural gas to be transported via the IGB, which is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), is one fifth of Bulgarias current demand for natural gas. Participation of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR in the supply of gas to Bulgaria is on the agenda, the minister said. He said that on Nov. 6-8, Sofia will host the fifth meeting of the Azerbaijan-Bulgaria joint commission for trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation, as well as an export mission and a business forum are planned to be held as part of the meeting with participation of about 30 food companies and wine producers. The minister added that Azerbaijan intends to deepen and expand cooperation with Bulgaria in many areas, and expressed satisfaction that this desire is mutual. IGB is a gas pipeline which will allow Bulgaria to receive Azerbaijani gas, in particular, the gas produced from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz 2 gas and condensate field. IGB is expected to be connected to TAP via which gas from the Shah Deniz field will be delivered to the European markets. The initial capacity of IGB will be 3 billion cubic meters of gas. The Southern Gas Corridor provides for the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe. On May 29, Baku hosted the launch ceremony of the first phase of the Southern Gas Corridor, and on June 12, the opening ceremony of TANAP was held in the Turkish province of Eskisehir. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: After the military coup attempt in Turkey, tensions arose in its relations with the US. The Turkish authorities repeatedly stated that the US stands behind the coup attempt, since Fethullah Gulen, the ideological leader of the FETO terrorist group, is hiding in the US. Despite all the demands of Turkey to extradite Gulen, the US hasnt yet extradited the organizer of the coup attempt, which killed more than 250 Turkish citizens and injured over 2,000 people. The arrest of US pastor Andrew Brunson, who was accused of complicity with the attempted coup in Turkey in 2016, was the peak of tensions in relations between Turkey and the US. President Donald Trump promised to impose large sanctions on Turkey for detaining the pastor. The United States will impose large sanctions on Turkey for their long time detainment of Pastor Andrew Brunson, a great Christian, family man and wonderful human being, Trump tweeted. He is suffering greatly. This innocent man of faith should be released immediately! The sanctions were imposed, and Turkey suffered great economic and financial losses. Sanctions were also imposed on two Turkish ministers. On October 12, 2018, Turkey released the American pastor, despite all previous strong statements about his proven guilt. The release of the pastor at the request of the US led to Washington's lifting the sanctions on only two Turkish ministers, leaving all the rest. But it did not prevent the Turkish media from interpreting this step of the US as the beginning of a new era in relations between the two countries. At the same time, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's statement was forgotten. Cavusoglu, in his statement on October 23, said that relations between Turkey and the US have not deteriorated because of pastor Brunson's arrest. As the foreign minister noted, there are disagreements between the US and Turkey over the US support for the PYD/YPG terrorists. "The US must stop supporting the PYD/YPG terrorists in Syria's north," Cavusoglu said. Cavusoglu's words once again prove that the American "rehabilitation" of the two ministers is just a gesture that does not remove the fundamental contradictions and cannot be considered the beginning of a new era in the US-Turkey relations. Until the US keeps its promise that the PYD/YPG militants leave Syrian Manbij, full normalization of relations between the US and Turkey is out of the question. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Hunt starts for firm to lay underground lines The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is redoing the public procurement process to appoint contractors to install underground power cables in Kathmandu after previous bidders quoted a much higher price than the estimate. By Trend Iran and the European Union are seeking to formulate an economic package, so enemies are seeking to strain these relations, the former member of Iranian parliament, Hassan Ebrahimi told Trend. Pointing to the impact of Denmark`s accusation against Iran in bilateral economic and political relations, he said that such allegations cannot create a gap in the relationship between two sides. According to the reports, the European Union and Iran are considering to create a package of economic measures to reduce the effects of the US sanctions. So Iran's enemies are seeking to undermine this process, said Ebrahimi. Plan to re-impose sanctions on Iran will fail, he said. "It should not be forgotten that the United States is isolated in the area of sanctions and cannot achieve the desired results. Now, with these failures, US seeks to strain Iran's relation with the EU," Ebrahimi said. Iran's foreign ministry should be vigilant in giving a convincing response to these attempts, he pointed out. Iran`s Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi previously said the Danish ambassador to Iran was warned against "hasty and controversial actions" during the October 31 meeting, which was the day after the Danish security service accused Iran for planning to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition leader. Danish intelligence officials said on October 30 that a man with a Norwegian passport and Iranian background was being held after he was arrested in neighboring Sweden. They said the individual was apprehended on October 21 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), which is seeking a separate state for ethnic Arabs in the southwestern Iranian province of Khuzestan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend In September 2018, 34,812 Belarusian tourists visited Turkey, which is 8.4 percent more compared to September 2017, the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry told Trend. Belarusian citizens accounted for 0.73 percent of the total number of foreigners who visited Turkey in September 2018 compared to 0.79 percent in September 2017. Some 220,191 tourists from Belarus visited Turkey in January-September 2018, which is 5.61 percent more than in the same period of 2017. The ministry stressed that the share of Belarus citizens in the total number of foreigners who visited Turkey in January-September 2018 accounted for 0.69 percent. The ministry noted that 5,425,845 tourists visited Turkey in September 2018, which is 15.64 percent more than in the same period of 2017. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The delegation of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), headed by Chairman Vladimir Zhirinovsky, visited Bukhara (Uzbekistan), where the chairman and members of the party met with representatives of the Uzbek parliament, local residents, and visited the historical sights of the ancient city, Uzbek media reported. We are pleased that the head of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is such an energetic and competent leader. His work on this high position deserves respect, Zhirinovsky said. He noted that in order to improve the well-being of the citizens of Uzbekistan, it is necessary to develop the private sector and create conditions for people to choose a trade they love. According to him, it is also necessary to restore the state industry, to re-launch the stopped plants. The Russian politician assigns the key role to the Russian language for all of the aforementioned. We all grew up in this common culture, we remember the films that were shot at the Tashkent film studio, we were happy to watch them in Russia. You need to keep your historical names.Why take the western word governor, if you can say amir, for example. The streets in the cities of Uzbekistan should be called by the names of the people who lived here and glorified the country. This is necessary in order not to forget the history. We also support this direction in Russia, Zhirinovsky said. He also added that Russia needs to strengthen cooperation with Central Asia in the field of tourism, since such cooperation will be beneficial for all. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Increasing trade with Iran to $1 billion is one of the top priorities for the government of Uzbekistan, Mehr News reported citing Bahodir Abdullayev, the Uzbek ambassador to Iran, as saying at a meeting with representatives of Iranian private companies in Arak, in the Markazi province. Talking about the determination of the presidents of the two countries to increase the volume of trade from $400 million to $1 billion at their last years meeting in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, the ambassador stressed that achieving this goal is one of the priorities of Uzbekistan. The ambassador noted that there are good opportunities in the Markazi province in the sphere of building materials, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and added that Uzbekistan is ready to cooperate and increase trade with this province. During his two-day visit to the Markazi province, Abdullayev met with officials and visited various companies. Earlier First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways Fazliddin Sagdullayev said that connection of Uzbekistan to Chabahar sea port through Iran's railway system will give impetus to the development of trade and economic relations and will contribute to the expansion of products transit between the two countries. According to him, the Uzbekistan-Chabahar railway may play crucial role in high volume transit between Iran and Uzbekistan and satisfaction of the countries' demand in products. In January-September 2018, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Iran reached $228.5 million, of which $135.8 million accounted for exports from Uzbekistan, $92.7 million for imports from Iran. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Uzbekistan National Revival Democratic Party (Milliy tiklanish, proposed to create a carpet weaving museum in the country, Uzbek media reported. Creating a separate museum, where samples of carpet weaving schools of Xiva, Andijan, Urgut, Nurabad, Kushrabat, Karsha and other regions will be collected, will undoubtedly contribute to preserving and widely promoting the national cultural heritage and tourism development. There are similar museums in many other countries. For example, in Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. In Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, a museum of carpet and applied arts has been created; there is a similar museum in Mashhad. "Carpet weaving has been developed in our country since ancient times. Currently, this kind of handicraft is widespread in Uzbekistan. Some 30,000 household manufactures are operating in the country on top of enterprises. Carpet weaving schools have been preserved in the Fergana Valley, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Bukhara and Khorezm regions and the Republic Karakalpakstan", the party noted in its statement. A classic Uzbek carpet is a carpet woven on a narrow-lawn machine, in separate strips, which are then sewn together into a single cloth, decorated by signs and symbols associated with the worldview of the inhabitants of the Central Asian steppes. The most archaic type of Uzbek carpet is julkhirs, a carpet with a long lint. But the best and most elegant products in color and decor are lint-free. These are kokhma, terme, gajari, takir, sumakh, besh-kashta, embroidered with enli-gilam and kiz-gilam. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Financial sectors of the countries in Central Asia are vulnerable to external shocks, the World Bank told Trend. "These include commodity price volatility, decline in remittances inflows and exchange rate fluctuations that have negative consequences on the health of the financial sector and of the economy in general," the message said. The WB noted that in Kazakhstan, for example, the banking sector has experienced two systemic crises in the last decade, with substantial fiscal costs. Financial sector weaknesses undermine Kazakhstans further development and constraints credit to productive sectors. "As financial sector conditions in Kazakhstan curtail healthy market-based credit growth, the public sector increasingly plays a major role in financial intermediation, funding special lending programs and supporting weak banks," the WB said. Among the ways of strengthening financial sector resilience in Central Asia, the WB mentioned strengthening Central Bank independence, improving financial oversight, putting in place an effective bank resolution system in line with international standards and addressing non-performing loans, as well as enhancing corporate governance and financial disclosure practices in private banks. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Leaders stress unity at NC tea reception The Nepali Congress hosted a tea reception on the occasion of Bijaya Dashami, Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals at its central office in Sanepa, Lalitpur, on Friday. Minister Yadav seeks international support to combat climate challenges Minister for Health and Population Upendra Yadav has called for a technical and financial support from developed countries to address the health concerns faced by least developed countries due to climate change. Contact The Californians Robert Price at 661-395-7399, rprice@bakersfield.com or on Twitter: @stubblebuzz. His column appears on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; the views expressed are his own. The Californian's Robert Price answers your questions and takes your complaints about our news coverage in this weekly feedback forum. Questions may be edited for space and clarity. To offer your input by phone, call 395-7649 and leave your comments in a voicemail message or email us at soundoff@bakersfield.com. Include your name and phone number; they wont be published. Teacher shortages continues to be an issue across the state and beyond, but that may not be visibly apparent on school campuses across Kern County. Ministry issues stern social media use policy In yet another act of curbing individual freedom, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has endorsed a policy barring all staff and teachers from criticising the government and political parties or posting comments to that effect on social media. On this date in ... 1918: Olivia Slocum Sage widow of financier, railroad executive and politician Russell Sage, who settled in Troy as a young man and lived there for more than 25 years before relocating to New York City and making his fortune died in her Fifth Avenue home in Manhattan at the age of 90. She inherited her husband's $70 million estate (nearly $2 billion in today's dollars) 12 years previously when he died, also at the age of 90. Mrs. Sage used the money to found Russell Sage College in 1916, and gave extensively to the Emma Willard School and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, all three in Troy. 1968: Thomas J. McGrath, Democratic candidate for assemblyman in the 101st District, Rensselaer County, outlined and defended his plan for Troy to sell its water facilities to the county and thereby lessen its debt. It specified Rensselaer County buy Troy's water facilities at a price determined by a firm of professional water consultants. A water agency would be set up by the county and administered by a professional water expert. McGrath said the purchase would be amortized over an extended period at no cost to county taxpayers. Communities that would buy water from Troy would remit payments to the county water agency. "With the liquidation of Troy's indebtedness, the city would save millions of dollars on interest payments," he said. 1993: Senior White House officials said that Clifton R. Wharton Jr., the deputy secretary of state, was expected to resign within six months amid criticism over his management. The officials said Wharton, the former chancellor of the State University of New York system, would leave amid White House and State Department dissatisfaction over his day-to-day handling of the nation's diplomacy. The officials stressed that Wharton was not being fired, nor was there any timetable for his departure. White House officials traditionally leaked such stories to signal displeasure with top administration appointees in hopes that they would step down. Wharton declined to comment. See http://blog.timesunion.com/history/ American Revolution Round Table Nov. 13 ALBANY Hudson/Mohawk Valley and Siena College's McCormick Center for the Study of the American Revolution are hosting "Benedict Arnold at Saratoga: How a Newly Discovered Letter Changed History" by historian Eric Schnitzer, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, in the Roger Bacon Building, Room 202. During the presentation, Schnitzer will discuss the understanding of Benedict Arnold, Horatio Gates, and the Second Battle of Saratoga and answer questions. Light refreshments and a book sale will follow the presentation. To register, email your name and phone number to arrthudsonmohawkvalleys@gmail.com or by phone at 518-774-5669. NYCLU annual awards Wednesday ALBANY The Capital Region Chapter of New York Civil Liberties Union is holding its annual awards ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road. The event will honor several members and feature an hor d'oeurves reception with live acoustic music from Kyle Esposito. Tickets are $50. To register, visit http://action.aclu.org/event/nyclu-capital-region-chapter-annual-awards-2018. Registration open for Veterans 5k VALATIE The 13th annual Valatie Veterans 5k run begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Glynn Square. Early registration is $20 and ends Tuesday; early packet pickup from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Valatie. Race day registration is $25, beginning at 9 a.m. Early registrants will also receive a technical long sleeve shirt. The race, sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 2114 of Valatie, will be followed by a Veterans Ceremony, raffle and presentation of race awards. To register, visit http://active.com. Spaghetti dinner to aid rescue dogs COHOES - Peppertree Rescue is holding its 12th annual spaghetti dinner at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza. The sit-down dinner is from 5 to 7:30 p.m., take-out from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and will feature a homemade food from Perreca's, raffles, silent auctions and Peppertree merchandise available for purchase. Vegetarian and vegan options will also be offered. Guests can choose to sponsor a table to help cover the expenses of the dinner, by displaying a picture of their dog at their table. Sponsor fees start at $10. If interested in being a sponsor, contact Alissa at 518-598-6797 or peppertreealissa@yahoo.com. Pictures must be in by Nov. 10 to be displayed. Adult dinner tickets are $12, children $5 and the event is open to the public. For details, call Peppertree at 518-435-7425 or visit http://peppertree.org. Dare to Climb registration opens QUEENSBURY Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York is hosting Dare to Climb Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Great Escape Lodge, 89 Six Flags Drive. This full-day enrichment program is open to both Girl Scouts and non-members, grades 8 and up, and gives them the opportunity to ask questions and hear the experiences and advice of some of the region's most successful women in health care, arts and business. The day will also include presentations and a speed networking workshop. Registration is $45 and includes breakfast, lunch, and admission to the Indoor Water Park for the day of the event. For details, or to register, visit http://girlscoutsneny.org/daretoclimb or call 518-489-8110, Ext. 112. AKORA KHATTAK, Pakistan - Several thousand people gathered Saturday near the Afghan border to mourn the death of Maulana Sami ul-Haq, 82, a leading Sunni cleric and "father of the Taliban" who was stabbed to death by unknown assailants. Officials and religious leaders from across the ideological spectrum in Pakistan and Afghanistan joined students from the renowned seminary in Akora Khattak where Haq taught and mentored two generations of Afghan Islamist fighters. A delegation of Afghan leaders came to pay their respects to Haq, whom the Kabul government had recently asked to help persuade Taliban insurgent leaders to begin negotiations for an end to the 17-year war. Some Pakistani attendees from banned religious groups hid their faces behind turbans. Haq's mysterious slaying Friday was a shock to the nation, coming amid several days of nationwide violent protests by traditionally moderate Sunni groups in Pakistan enraged by the Supreme Court's acquittal of a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy. The packed funeral was a momentary pause in the nation's divisive turmoil as well as a tribute to Haq's multifaceted influence on the country. He was a radical Islamist scholar - often called by the title of respect, maulana. But he was also a respected political leader and legislator, and a humanitarian who famously issued a religious fatwa condemning Islamist militants for attacking health workers distributing the polio vaccine. "We are all shocked, but also happy, because our respected maulana has become a martyr at this late stage of life," said one teenage seminary student named Ikram Abbasi, who traveled hours on a bus with a group of classmates to attend the service. "He is a great leader, and he is a martyr for Islam." In the capital, Islamabad, and other cities, calm returned Saturday after anti-blasphemy groups called off four days of massive street protests. Their leaders professed to be nonviolent lovers of the prophet Muhammad, but they exhorted angry crowds to block highways, set fires and throw stones. Some called for a military mutiny and the deaths of the justices who on Wednesday overturned the blasphemy conviction of Asia Bibi after she spent nine years in prison. The Pakistani government paid a high price for achieving that calm, by conceding to most of the protesters' demands after hours of negotiations Friday night. The signed deal, made public immediately, allowed the anti-blasphemy groups to appeal the Supreme Court ruling. It also agreed that Bibi, whom the protesters want dead, will not be allowed to leave the country. While many Pakistanis expressed relief that relative calm had returned after days of unrest, the stunning capitulation drew widespread condemnation Saturday. Many critics called it a dangerous surrender to the forces of religious extremism and hatred against minorities, who are often targeted on trumped-up charges of blasphemy against Islam. Bibi, 47, a peasant worker, was convicted after an argument with Muslim co-workers in a field. The high court ruled that the evidence against her was flimsy and contradictory, but it did not criticize or question the strict blasphemy laws or the mandatory death sentence for those convicted. Faisal Siddiqi, a lawyer writing in Dawn newspaper, said the court ruling had set the tone "for a much larger, existential issue facing the country: whether Pakistan is actually becoming a theocratic state in which vigilantism prevails," or whether the ruling is a "watershed moment" that will allow the Muslim-majority country to move ahead as a "modern constitutional state." Many people had praised Pakistan's new Prime Minister Imran Khan after he gave a stern warning to the protesters in a televised speech Wednesday night. Khan called their aggressive behavior and threats "deplorable," said they were not acting "in service to Islam," and asked them not to clash with the laws of a democratic state. But by Saturday, with Khan away on a visit to China, critics expressed disappointment that his resolve had crumbled, and said this would further embolden a radical religious movement that has drawn support from millions of mainstream Sunni Muslims. Some warned that Bibi's life is not safe in Pakistan, where people accused of blasphemy are often lynched. Her lawyer fled the country Saturday, saying he had received death threats. The justices who freed Bibi have had their lives threatened, so another high court panel that hears the protesters' appeal may also feel in danger. "The boundaries of hate have continued to expand in Pakistan without any pushback from the state or society," Babar Sattar, a lawyer in Islamabad, wrote in the News International newspaper Saturday. "Clerics see this verdict as the state interfering in their exclusive domain." - - - Constable reported from Islamabad. Dozens of Jefferson County mail-in ballots were slated for rejection on Friday, a move that Democrats denounced as voter suppression and Republicans defended as voter validation. Many of the 86 flagged ballots were cited for possible discrepancies in signatures between the application form and the returned ballot. In one case, for example, a voter wrote their name in block letters on one form and used a cursive signature on the other. The high number of ballots set aside as of Friday morning, coupled with a spike in mail-in ballots, is unusual for midterm elections, County Clerk Carolyn Guidry said. Mail-in ballots are not a partisan issue, as party affiliations and voter picks remain under wraps, Guidry said. Still, Jefferson County Democratic Party Chair Cade Bernsen called the nearly 100 rejected ballots a huge red flag. Jefferson County distributed 6,000 mail-in ballots to applicants this cyle. About 4,700 had been returned as of Friday afternoon, elections manager Naomi Doyle said. Guidry said that is higher than usual for a midterm election. Ballots can be set aside for possible rejection if there is suspicion of such things as invalid signatures or addresses, or a lack of identification, voter registration or statement of residence. The number of rejected ballots in the two previous election cycles was not immediately available Friday. Mail-in ballots are reviewed by members of the early voting ballot board to verify applications and signatures and set aside doubtful ballots for further review, Doyle said. The bipartisan group is appointed by the county clerk, voter registrar, Democratic and Republican party chairs, sheriff and county judge. Two judges, representing both parties, lead the board. On Friday morning, members of the board were called to review rejected ballots for a second time with the opportunity to overturn the boards previous calls, Doyle said in an email sent to the presiding judges that was obtained by the Enterprise. She did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment Friday evening. Judy Nichols, Republican Party chairwoman, tried to stop the meeting, saying that it was inappropriate that an appointed board of people are going to be excluded from the decision-making process. She said most of the ballots set aside raised questions about signature validity. Bernsen said he believed trying to cancel the meeting was completely irresponsible. Nichols said she was advised by an attorney from the Republican Party of Texas that another review was not required by law. She said she believed the entire board was to convene on Tuesday to accept or reject the flagged ballots. There is no evidence of voter suppression, she said. Guidry, county clerk since 2004, said there is no steadfast law requiring a second review. But it has been just past precedent to give voters the benefit of the doubt, she said. Guidry, a Democrat, is up for re-election on Tuesday. Nobody (on the board) is a handwriting expert, Guidry said. Thats why the presiding judge and alternate judge would take a second look to see if there were any variations in signature. Guidry said the county might look to implement a signature verification committee to mitigate future discrepancies. All you want to do is make every vote count for every voter that has made an effort for their voice to be heard, Guidry said. Bernsen and attorney Jane Leger, a poll watcher on duty Friday, said voters should be given more leeway for not having exactly the same signatures on different forms. By rejecting a ballot, youre stealing someones right to vote, Bernsen said. And not just anyone, an elderly or disabled person. Bernsen said a secondary review was necessary for board members to sleep on the rejected ballots and revisit them later. He said the Democratic Party will continue to investigate voter suppression in Jefferson County. The presiding judge must deliver written notices to voters outlining why their ballot was rejected no later than 10 days after Election Day, according to a Secretary of State handbook. Guidry said she had seriously doubt(ed) the letter would reach voters before the final election day. Theyve already lost their ballot, she said. phoebe.suy@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/phoebesuy Missing man found dead A missing man from Gaurigunj Municipality-2, Jhapa, was found dead in Luhagara of Kisangunj district of India on Friday. A Las Vegas jury awarded James Flavy Coy Brown $250,000 as part of a class-action lawsuit against a state-run psychiatric hospital in Nevada that bused mental health patients out of state without providing proper care or discharge planning, reports The Sacramento Bee. The class-action lawsuit identified 371 patients, including 11 who testified during the trial, according to Mark Merin, a civil rights attorney based in Sacramento, Calif., who filed the lawsuit. A previous investigation by The Sacramento Bee found Las Vegas-based Rawson-Neal Psychiatric Hospital bused about 1,500 patients out of Nevada between 2008-13. One-third of these patients were sent to California, including Mr. Brown. The hospital failed to organize any type of follow-up care or housing for these individuals once they got off the buses, causing many to become homeless, arrested or rehospitalized. The jury determined each patient involved in the class-action suit should receive the same amount as Mr. Brown, which could equate to a multimillion-dollar penalty for the state. The jury is also requiring Rawson-Neal Psychiatric Hospital to update its discharge policies to ensure patient safety. Martha Framsted, a spokesperson for Nevada's Department of Health and Human Services, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal the department plans to appeal the decision with the attorney general's office. "Rawson Neal hospital continues to be committed to providing safe and appropriate discharges," she told the publication. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: Judge halts Maine hospital merger Iowa hospital sues Medicaid insurers over ED reimbursement Aetna's $50M overbilling case against medical group moves forward A nasal gene spray created from llama antibodies demonstrated nearly universal flu protection in mice trials, according to a study published Nov. 2 in Science. Past research shows some individuals carry rare antibodies that protect against multiple flu strains. For the current study, researchers sought to unite these broadly neutralizing antibodies into a "mega-antibody," according to The New York Times. Researchers took four flu antibodies from llamas and created a single artificial antibody using a combination of immunotherapy and gene therapy. Llamas create smaller antibodies than humans, which are easier to combine into one antibody, according to NYT. Researchers injected the gene for the mega-antibody into a harmless virus and sprayed it into mice's noses, spurring them to produce the antibodies. The mice demonstrated protection against 59 out of 60 flu strains tested. The one strain the mega-antibody did not protect against was a form of bird flu that has never infected humans. "That's something that made this quite a unique antibody," study co-author Joost A. Kolkman, an antibody engineer at Janssen Pharmaceutical Co., told NYT. "We saw a coverage that has never been seen before." At present, vaccine-makers must guess which flu strain will dominate the upcoming flu season and create a vaccine with the appropriate corresponding antibodies. While researchers note further research is needed, these findings could open the door for a vaccine to protect people from many different flu strains at once, or even other viruses. New home for Central Jail inmates The authorities will transfer 1,500 inmates to the new Central Jail in Chandipokhari, Bidur Municipality-6, Nuwakot district by the end of this fiscal year. ORTHOReBIRTH USA signed a letter of intent to develop new biologic products with Loubert Suddaby, MD. Here are three things to know: 1. Buffalo, N.Y.-based Dr. Suddaby is a board-certified neurosurgeon. He received his medical degree from Edmonton, Canada-based University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. 2. ORTHOReBIRTH USA produces orthopedic biologic products such as ReBOSSIS, a biosynthetic scaffold with electrospun microfiber construction. 3. Dr. Suddaby holds more than 60 patents. Business lobby groups have said their concerns over Brexit need to be heard "now" as they complained that Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab failed to meet them yesterday. Newry Chamber of Commerce, which hosted Mr Raab's Warrenpoint visit, said he had met a "cross-section of businesses" in Warrenpoint. In the Co Down town he met businesses who had been invited by the Chamber, including fit-out firm Mac Interiors, veterinary pharmaceutical company Norbrook, beef processor ABP and marine fit-out specialist MJM Group. Newry Chamber chief executive Colm Shannon said the visit had been a "welcome opportunity" for firms to highlight their concerns over the border, and future trading relationships with the EU. He said: "Key concerns included supply and access to labour and raw materials, regulation of products, no delays at borders or ports and the maintenance of existing trade North-South and East-West." But Aodhan Connolly, director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, said that it was "disappointing" that Mr Raab had not met the bodies representing retail, manufacturing, hospitality, food and drink, which he called "the industries that will be affected most by Brexit". He said consumers here would be hardest hit if prices go up as a result of increased tariffs on ordinary goods in the aftermath of Brexit. "Raab must understand that Northern Ireland families are already at a disadvantage, with half the discretionary spending power of those in the rest of the UK," he said. "The result is any rises, from tariffs to red tape, will be felt exponentially more by the people of Northern Ireland. "Raab's visit continues the cycle of ministers arriving or flying visits when what we need is meaningful engagement and understanding of how Brexit could affects our livelihoods and lives. "Our door remains open and just as we heard the ideas of the EU Brexit task-force a few weeks ago, NIRC would welcome similar engagement from the Westminster Government. "But it needs to happen now. Our businesses and our consumers need certainty and to be heard." Mr Raab's Department for Exiting the EU was asked why he did not meet business groups from manufacturing, retail, food and drink and freight as part of his visit. The department did not respond directly, but Mr Raab said: "I valued the opportunity to see the border first-hand, and hear from local businesses and the port authorities at Larne. "We will not accept any Brexit proposals that threaten the economic or constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom. "The deal we strike with the EU must avoid a hard border and work for all parts of the community in Northern Ireland." Meanwhile, International Trade Minister Baroness Fairhead yesterday met members of the Federation of Small Businesses in Belfast. The Department for International Trade said the purpose of the visit was to "understand their concerns and help encourage SMEs to make the most of ever-increasing global opportunities and demand for their high-quality goods and services". According to the Department of International Trade, 99% of businesses with a turnover of more than 500,000 a year and a product considered exportable in Northern Ireland are already selling into overseas markets - one of the highest proportion of exporters in the UK. The announcement by the Executive Office that, due to 'unforeseen personal circumstances', Martin would not be joining First Minister Arlene Foster on a planned ministerial visit to China (scheduled to begin on Monday 5 December 2016) was a bit of a surprise. It wasn't Martin's form to miss such an important trip but I didn't read too much into it. A few days later, a group of 30 ministers and pastors from around Northern Ireland and from different parts of America paid a visit to First Derry to see the refurbished church and to hear first-hand about my friendship with Martin. After a cup of tea in the hall we moved to the church where the group sat listening to the - at times bumpy - journey Martin and I had been making together. At the end of the talk and after a stimulating Q&A session, I invited the group to pray for Martin, whom I knew wasn't well. What followed was both emotional and heart-warming. The prayers were filled with admiration and appreciation for the role Martin had played as peacemaker. The next morning, to encourage Martin, I texted him: 'Martin, a group of 30 clergy from NI & USA asked to meet with me yesterday@ 1stDerry. They wanted to hear about our friendship. At the end of my talk, 7 of the group prayed aloud for you, for me, for our city and for a new shared future. It was a heavenly moment. It's lovely to know people care enough to pray. God bless you Martin and keep you strong. Best to you, Bernie and family. David.' A short time later, I received the following reply from Martin: 'Many thanks my friend, much appreciated, especially the prayers. Haven't been well recently and have undergone some tests to establish the problem. Nice to hear of the visitors to 1stDerry, so kind of them and you to pray for us there. Bernie and I send all our best wishes and love to you Margaret and family. God bless. M.' My contact continued with Martin via text messaging. In the interim, the political situation in Northern Ireland had taken a turn for the worse after Sinn Fein and the DUP became embroiled in a bitter row over an energy incentive scheme championed by Arlene Foster. Sinn Fein called for the First Minister to step aside to allow for independent inquiries, but she refused. The dispute deepened when Arlene Foster made a statement before the Assembly on December 19 without Martin's approval (as required under the power-sharing agreement), resulting in Sinn Fein and the opposition parties all walking out of the Assembly. Things were not looking so good. On Tuesday, December 20, I sent a text which read: 'Martin, wanted to let you know in the course of my work today, I've been asked by many to let you know they are praying for you... So many are appreciating your leadership ... Let all of this encourage you. The peace of the Lord be with you. David.' It wasn't long until I received a reply: 'Hi David, difficult times, grateful for all prayers. Politically important to make a bit of space to find a way forward out of this sorry mess. I'm in hospital at the moment but anxious to come up with a solution. Happy Christmas to you and Margaret. Warmest best wishes. God Bless my friend. M' The next time I contacted Martin was on Monday, January 9 - the day he announced his resignation as deputy First Minister. 'Martin, it can't have been easy for you stepping down as DFM earlier today. You have played such a pivotal role in bringing us to where we currently are. Moving into partnership with Ian at Stormont was a divinely guided decision. Many from our two traditions are truly grateful for your peace-building leadership. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD. Very best wishes, my true friend. David.' The following day, I received a short text from Martin, which simply said: 'David, many thanks my dear friend. Love to Margaret. M.' Since 2010, a fixed date in my diary has been the annual service at the Bloody Sunday monument, to remember the loved ones who were so cruelly torn away from their families in January 1972. As I weaved through the crowd in the Bogside on my way to the service in 2017, I suddenly saw a tall figure in a long black overcoat. It was Martin. Approaching him from behind, I tapped him on the shoulder. Glancing around and seeing who it was, his face lit up. "David, how are you, my friend?" he said, and we hugged. Martin looked healthy and sounded happy. I was pleased and relieved to see him this way. Time marched on and I heard that the treatment Martin was receiving was working and everyone, including me, remained hopeful. At the start of March, I was introduced to Baroness Paisley, and enjoyed a conversation with her, which focused especially on the remarkable friendship between Martin and her late husband. She spoke very highly of Martin, and I wanted to update Martin about this visit so I sent him a text message: Martin, on Saturday morning I spent over two hours with Eileen Paisley. You were frequently brought into the conversation. What a difference both Ian and you made and what an example your friendship and partnership continues to be. It was lovely meeting you at the Bloody Sunday service. You continue to be in my prayers and in the thoughts of so many... Maybe sometime soon well get a few minutes together. May Gods blessing descend upon you, Bernie and your family and never leave you. David. The next day, I received the following text: Bernie here. I have Martins phone at the minute. Hes in ICU. A lot of things are going on. God love him. Keep praying for him. Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated. I had known Martin was in hospital but I was shocked that he was in intensive care it was clear that the situation was graver than I had realised. I had deliberately stayed away from the hospital until then, because I felt that Martin would want most to be with his family, but the day after I received Bernies text I made my way to Altnagelvin Hospital and to the ICU. My idea was to connect with some of the McGuinness family to assure them of my thoughts and prayers for Martin. I asked a nurse who had just emerged from ICU if she would ask a member of Martins family to meet me in the corridor. A few moments later the door into a private room opened and a man approached me and said: Im Martins brother, Declan. He warmly shook my hand. I told him that Id come simply to offer my support to the family. Declan replied: Martin knows you are here and he wants to see you. You and him must have something special. Im not sure Gerry Adams got in to see him! Entering the room, I could see Martin sitting up in the bed. A table had been drawn up in front of him and on it was his laptop. Seeing me, his face came alive with a broad happy smile. I went over to the bed and we firmly shook hands. In fact, for the duration of my visit we held each others hand. I began by telling him: I was with Eileen Paisley last Saturday. She sends her best wishes and is praying for you. We talked a lot about Ian and you. Martin interjected: Theyre good people, David. I replied: And youre a good person, too. Ian and you did great things together. The two of you showed the rest of us what we should be doing. Our conversation continued with Martin sharing some information with me about his illness and the treatment he was receiving. He was full of admiration for the hospital staff. For the duration of my visit, Declan stood silently watching from a corner of the room. When wed finished talking, I said to Martin: Im going to pray. As we held hands, I leaned in towards him to pray. There was an atmosphere and an energy in the room, which I have rarely ever experienced in all my years as a parish minister. At the end of my prayer he said: David, theres still more work to do. When I came to leave it was hard to let go of his hand. Before leaving, I stood for a moment or two at the foot of Martins bed. His face was rapt with brightness. I was transfixed. A divine presence was in the room. He was peaceful and perfectly serene. It was the last time I was to see my dear friend alive. Declan accompanied me into the corridor. Noticing tears in my eyes, he said: David, Martin might look ill to you but all the stats are good; hes going to be ok. Then he said something quite beautiful. David, that was a very precious moment you shared. He was right; it was precious. Clearly Martins body was weak but his spirit was strong. For the next 10 days, I kept in touch with Declan, who had kindly given me his mobile number. I had, for my own part, received many enquiries from both Catholics and Protestants, about Martins health. Among these was a telephone call from former Ulster Unionist leader Lord Trimble. Ringing from London, he wanted to know how Martin was. On Sunday, March 19, I sent a text message to Declan: Continuing to think of you all. Many people are remembering Martin from my community and tradition. Assure him of many prayers. Kind regards. David. Declan replied: David the fight goes on the medics are happy with his daily stats hopefully theyll keep going in the right direction. Thanks for your kind thoughts. To everyones surprise, his condition changed and, early on Tuesday, March 21, he slipped away from Bernie and family into the peace of eternity. I sent a text message to Declan saying: So, so sad. Hearts are heavy this morning across Ireland as the news of Martins death breaks. You are all in my prayers. Speak later. David. The speed with which Martins life ended was not what those closest to him expected. Up until a few hours before he closed his eyes for the last time, everyone had remained hopeful. As soon as I had finished my commitments at church, I rushed down to the Bogside, just in time to join a large crowd accompanying Martins coffin back to his home. I was touched by the exceptional welcome I received a great many hands reached out to shake mine. I was astonished by the sheer volume of people it was on a scale that I had never before witnessed. The next evening, I returned to Martins home to meet with his family and offer them my condolences. Parking my car at a distance from the family home, I began walking up towards the house. The footpath was filled with people of all ages making their way to Martins wake. Rounding the corner into his street, I could not believe the number of people converging on the family home. People were spilling off the footpath onto the road. Stewards wearing fluorescent vests were shepherding everyone into a long queue so as to file in by the front door in an orderly fashion, past Martins coffin, and out into the street by a side door. I was about to make my way to the end of the queue when someone said to me: Reverend, you dont need to join the queue, come with me. I was taken straight into the sitting room where Martins coffin was on display and his family were gathered. I have never seen a house so thronged with people; a river of mourners flowing through the McGuinness home to pay their respects. This was a massive outpouring of grief by a shocked community. I recall being introduced to Martins sister Geraldine who was standing beside her brothers coffin. Geraldine, I said, Im for giving you a hug because your brother often gave me a hug. After hugging, she pointed to a family photograph hanging on the wall that included her late mother, Peggy, and said: Thats who he got it from; our mother was a hugger! While I was at the house, Declan asked me if I would participate in Martins Requiem Mass the following day in the Long Tower Catholic church. I was honoured but I realised that I would need to reflect very carefully on what I was going to say. Most of all, I wanted to provide peace, comfort and hope to the family. At the same time, a number of journalists had been in touch with me, keen to interview me about Martin and our friendship. I accepted. While the media tended to focus on Martins past, I wanted to draw attention to the person I knew he had become, while neither skirting around his role in the Troubles nor minimising the hurt of victims and survivors. A Leap of Faith: How Martin McGuinness and I Worked Together for Peace, by David Latimer (with a foreword by Bernie McGuinness), is published by Blackstaff Press, 12.99 In 2003, Heather Morris was asked to meet a man with a story to tell. A social worker, Morris' day job was in a large, acute Melbourne hospital but for years, she had been writing screenplays on the side, going to workshops and seminars, studying the craft. She agreed to meet the man - her friend's friend's father - whose wife had recently died. Lale Sokolov answered the door with his two dogs, brought Morris coffee and began to speak. Not everything he said made immediate sense but as she listened, she knew she wanted to hear more. Over the course of three years, as she and Sokolov became friends, she heard much more. A Slovakian Jew, Sokolov had been the tattooist of Auschwitz, scratching numbers on to the arms of new prisoners - those not immediately sent to the concentration camp's gas chambers. Morris's first novel - called The Tattooist of Auschwitz - is the result of her conversations with Sokolov who died in 2006, days after turning 90. "It might be my book but it's Lale's story," Morris says on the phone from the London offices of her publishers. "I wanted the reader to have no idea who had written it. They were not to hear my voice; they were to hear Lale's only. When I was writing it I could hear him over my shoulder, growling at me: 'Not like that, I don't want you to write that.' He'd been very clear on how the different vignettes or stories had played out." Sokolov was 26 when he was transported to Auschwitz. Streetwise and a risk-taker, he spoke several languages and had more than one brush with death. As 'Tatowierer' he had certain privileges - extra freedom and food, his own bedroom. One day in July 1942, he tattooed and fell in love with Gita, who he eventually married. As well as telling Morris about life in the camp, he was telling her a love story. He hadn't wanted to speak publicly about the war while Gita was alive, in case he'd be labelled a collaborator and she would suffer by association. He was clear he was not a collaborator; he did what he had to do to survive and would do it again. Since Morris' background was in screenwriting, she distilled his story into a screenplay, but despite a series of promising starts, it didn't get made. When her sister-in-law suggested she turn it into a book, it was a "light-bulb" moment. She wrote the novel and the Kickstarter campaign she launched to fund it caught the attention of a local publishing house in Melbourne. Commercial rather than literary fiction, the novel is told in the present tense, in short, sometimes flat, sentences, but though the writing might lack finesse and subtlety, hundreds of thousands of readers have embraced the story. Since it was published in January this year, The Tattooist of Auschwitz has sold more than three quarter of a million copies and has been a fixture on bestseller lists. The novel's success is difficult to process, Morris says. "It's a massive surprise but it enables me to be sitting here in London and talking to you. That's pretty incredible. The fact that I get to talk to people in so many different walks of life, from school children to Jewish communities in synagogues, and do you know where I was this morning? I was in a men's prison in south London talking to a group of prisoners there. They invited me; they'd been reading my book in their book club." Originally from New Zealand, Morris is a straight-talker. Her conversation displays the same mixture of enthusiasm and openness that led her to Sokolov in the first place. She's also extremely tenacious ("stubborn", she says). Her determination to let the world know about Sokolov's wartime experiences never wavered. "The last thing I said to Lale, two hours before he died, when I kissed him goodbye for the last time, was that I would never ever stop trying to tell his story," she says. By that stage they were part of each other's lives - he knew her husband and three adult children; she knew his son and many of those in his social circle in Melbourne, including other Holocaust survivors. The two of them would go to the cinema together - he had strong opinions about who'd play him in the movie of his life - and to other events and celebrations but, at first, it wasn't always easy to deal with what he had to say. "I was hearing the trauma and the pain, and seeing it, on his body and his face," Morris says. "Many times he would weep and his hands would shake, and I was going home from being with him and clearly not being the person my family knew me to be, and it's only when I was talking to a colleague at work and she just said, 'Oh for goodness sake, Heather, it's a classic case of transference. Get over it.' "I had to shake my head and go, yeah, this is not my pain. This is not my trauma. I don't get to own it, how dare I even think I can?" Other difficulties involved choosing what to include in the screenplay and then the novel. "If I never got a second piece of evidence or proof that what he had told me, had happened, it didn't make it in," she says. She was also careful about how she wrote certain Nazi figures, especially Mengele who performed sadistic experiments on prisoners and who appears in the book. "I didn't want to give oxygen to the horrors that they had been responsible for... I sure as heck wasn't going to make it about them." Morris is currently at work on her next novel - based on a real woman who saved Sokolov's life in Auschwitz and was charged as a Nazi collaborator after the war. And while there are no plans afoot for a movie, a UK production company is making The Tattooist of Auschwitz into a miniseries. "They've gone and got themselves a proper screenwriter," Morris says. "I'm fine with it." And she does sound absolutely fine. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. Zaffre, 8.99 Dean Stephen Forde (56) was born in Rathfriland, Co Down, and later graduated in Architecture from Edinburgh University before entering the Church of Ireland ministry. He served in Belfast and Dublin and his charges included the Church of Ireland chaplaincies at Queen's University, Belfast and University College Dublin. He was Rector of Larne, Glynn and Raloo prior to his installation earlier this year as the 14th Dean of Belfast. Dean Forde is married to Fiona and the couple has three grown-up children, Rachel, Amy and Michael, and a baby grand-daughter, Eloise. Q. How and when did you come to faith? A. Around the age of 14, I realised that either the resurrection of Jesus was a fact of history, the only explanation for the existence of Christianity 2,000 years after his crucifixion, or it was a fabrication. History demonstrated to me that the resurrection could not have been fabricated and had, therefore, to be taken as historical fact. Q. Does this faith play a real part in your daily life, or is it just for Sundays? A. My personal faith is the ground of who I try to be, as well as what I try to do as a minister. Q. Have you ever had a crisis of faith, or a gnawing doubt about your faith? A. There are things which allow me to doubt God's power, or presence, or victory: the cruel devastation of a tsunami, or a chemical weapons attack on a school, or a child killed in a car crash, or a young mother with cancer. But faith is believing that God is not absent from the places of greatest human suffering. That is what the Cross is all about. One of my most challenging times was when my father, the Rev Bernard Forde, died suddenly from a heart attack when I was 16. I was doing A-levels and it was a very, very difficult time for the whole family. I asked myself: "Is God part of this?" The answer came to me that God would carry me and my family through. So, I wasn't going to give up on God, because we had to depend on him to bring us through those difficult days. Q. Have you ever been angry with God and, if so, why? A. Sometimes, I'm puzzled by God's silence, when the answer to prayer is not "Yes", but "No", and when good people suffer and cruel people prosper. But while our perspective is limited by time and human death, God's perspective is eternal. What angers me more is when Churches and Christian people deny the reality of God's mercy, or forgiveness, to ourselves by rejecting the humanity of those who are different from us and by holding unforgiving grievance, whether personal, or as a community. Q. Do you ever get criticised for your faith and are you able to live with that criticism? A. Whatever validity is given to Christianity has to be earned through lives and a Church which is authentic to the person and teachings of Jesus. Q. Are you ever ashamed of your own Church or denomination? A. While the Church and the Church of Ireland often falls short of the ideals we proclaim, nevertheless our Church, at its best, can combine both a thoughtful Christianity and a passionate faith in Jesus; both a respect for Christian tradition and an excitement at the relevance of Christianity for today's world and lives. Q. Are you afraid to die, or can you look beyond death? A. The unknown aspect of death - and any physical pain that dying might involve - are things that could make you worried and no one wants to die too soon. However, the promise of Christianity is that physical death is our gateway into Jesus' risen presence and God's eternal mercy and love. Q. Are you worried about hell-fire? A. If Hell is the absence of God and good and the absence of all love and mercy, this is not a place I would want to spend eternity for myself, or anyone else. We have enough evidence of what such a place looks like on earth to avoid its reality beyond the boundaries of time and space. Q. Do you believe in a resurrection and, if so, what will it be like? A. I do believe in the resurrection of Jesus, as the one who has defeated death and opened the gift of resurrection life for all of humanity. What is it like? It is what is good, caring, honest and loving in us that survives death and lives eternally in God's near presence. Q. What do you think about people of other denominations and other faiths? A. Those of other Christian denominations are our sisters and brothers. Different denominations emphasise different aspects of Christian faith and practice and all have something to teach about a God who is greater than all our human understandings. There are many other faiths which can be a mirror to help us explore our own Christian understandings. Every human is created in God's image and that must be the starting point of our encounter with those who are different to us. Q. Would you be comfortable in stepping out from your own faith and trying to learn something from other people? A. With a confidence in our own Christianity, it is good to explore and listen and learn from those people whose faiths are different. Q. Do you think that the Churches here are fulfilling their mission? A. It is easy for Church people and the Churches as institutions to be self-absorbed, or to focus only on survival. When we live by a faith that reflects the teaching and person of Jesus into our world, and we share that person by who we are and how we live, then we are beginning to fulfil Jesus' mission for his Church. Q. Why are many people turning their back on organised religion? A. For some, the Churches have no relevance to everyday lives. We can fill our lives with so much else that we think we have no need for God, faith, or eternity - until we find ourselves facing them. For others, the failures of the Church, particularly abuse in the Church, or religion as a justification for violence, is reason enough to reject traditional religion. At the same time, there is a huge hunger to explore 'the spiritual' and dissatisfaction that material consumption of the world's finite resources is the way to personal satisfaction, or happiness. Q. Has religion helped, or hindered, the people of Northern Ireland? A. The best of religion in godly people of faith have shown this society the very best that we can be, that is made in God's image. The worst of religion in this land is a stain on the history of Christianity and the cause for many to reject God altogether. Q. Some personal tastes: what is your favourite music, book and film? A. Bach's St Matthew Passion, which I sang with the Edinburgh University Choir; Philip Yancey's book What Is So Amazing About Grace, because Grace is what it is all about; the film ET, because that's the first movie I ever took my wife, Fiona, to. Q. Any regrets? A. There are things I wish I had done better and there are things I could do better, but I take a positive view of life. I embrace life and I don't want to be weighed down by regrets. At the 12th annual Silent Walk for The Disappeared at Stormont, where Mary McVeigh, Dympna Kerr, Anne Morgan, and Oliver McVeigh laid a wreath in remembrance of the missing Archbishop Eamon Martin (second right) and Monsignor Joseph McGuinness (far left) join relatives to say prayers for the recovery of the body of Columba McVeigh at the dig site in Emyvale The family of a teenager murdered by the IRA have spoken about the painstaking search for his remains, as the first half of a dig draws to an end. Relatives of Columba McVeigh, who is one of 16 murder victims known as the Disappeared, travelled to Co Monaghan where investigators and searchers have suspended the excavation because of bad weather. They were joined by families of the other victims hours after they took part in a silent walk on All Souls' Day at Stormont. The 19-year-old from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, was abducted, shot and secretly buried in November 1975. Republicans with knowledge of the crime have told the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR), in confidence, that he was buried across the border in Bragan bog near Emyvale. Four previous searches in the bog have not uncovered his remains. His older sister Dympna Kerr (65) said "hope is the last thing we'll ever give up", adding that "faith, hope and love" keep her going. The mother-of-three children - Joanne (39), Jonathon (37) and Amanda (32) - told how her husband Malcolm died very suddenly in 2005 aged 51. "He was young. You grieve, you bury and you move on, but with Columba we've never had a chance," she said. Mrs Kerr said Columba went missing on Halloween night in 1975 although the family "didn't know anything about it for a long time". "We knew he was missing but it was 1991 before we knew what had actually happened to him - and that was only because my brother Oliver read about it in a book called The Dirty War," she said. She appealed to anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward, adding: "All we want to do is bring him home and put him in a grave beside my mum and dad." At the site of the dig, the McVeigh family met Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland Eamon Martin, and Clogher diocese Administrator Monsignor Joseph McGuinness. Columba's brother Oliver said: "It was a great comfort to us that religious men of such stature have shown their support to us today. I believe 100% that drive, anger and determination will help get us answers and I won't stop until I get them." Jon Hill the ICLVR's senior investigator who is leading the search, said it was always going to be the case that they would pause for winter. "We have made the progress we expected in terms of the search area that we planned to cover by this stage but unfortunately we have not yet found Columba. We will return to complete the search just as soon as conditions allow in 2019". At Stormont, members of the group, Families of the Disappeared, walked from Carson's Statue to the steps of Parliament Buildings where they laid a black wreath with three white lilies representing those who have yet to be found. Prayers were led by Father Paul Turley from Clonard Monastery. Philomena McKee, the sister of student Kevin Mckee (17) who was abducted in Belfast in 1972 on the same day as labourer Seamus Wright, was there with four-year-old grandson Kevin. More than four decades later, their remains were found lying together in reclaimed bogland in the Republic in June 2015. Mrs McKee (55) said that until her dying day her mother Mary lived in hope Kevin would walk through the door and called finding his remains "a miracle". She said: "I never felt such happiness in my life - not even as a child. I couldn't talk; I couldn't even cry. It was total shock. I never thought it would happen." At the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference were Karen Bradley MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; David Lidington MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office; Tanaiste & Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney TD and Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan TD Karen Bradley has challenged the political parties to chart a path back to Stormont. Writing in the Belfast Telegraph, the Secretary of State rejects criticism of Thursday's round-table talks which some parties slammed as a waste of time - and calls for the politicians to get back around the table. She says: "I was keen to hear the views of all the parties on a route back to a talks process, before deciding on the best way forward. "I look forward to receiving their feedback on the suggestions shared during the meeting. "Thursday was never going to be about finding immediate solutions. "I have been clear that we need to focus on rebuilding dialogue, trust and consensus, supported by a clear way forward. "I understand the deep frustrations of the political parties, but even more so, I understand the frustration of the people of Northern Ireland." Speaking in Dublin yesterday, Mrs Bradley told the parties to "stop grandstanding" and take ownership of seeing devolved government return to Stormont. She said: "We need to have dialogue, we need constructive engagement, we need, as I say, parties to stop grandstanding and actually do the right thing." Mrs Bradley made the comments following talks between senior Irish and UK government ministers at a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC). She said: "Let's stop the grandstanding, let's stop the soundbites, now is the time we get back in the room and we get talking. "I want to see those parties taking an ownership, taking a responsibility and working with me, so we can get a process that people can have confidence in and see that they will have devolved government in Stormont again in the near future." Brexit negotiations and the absence of powersharing in Northern Ireland topped the agenda of the conference. Ireland's deputy premier Simon Coveney said the most challenging item on the agenda was the political stability in Northern Ireland. He said that both the UK and Irish government ministers had engaged in "substantial and serious discussions", in particular about how the institutions in Northern Ireland could be re-established. "We're going to keep talking regularly to see how we can put a structure in place that can actually work, that can engage all of the parties and that ensures that in the not-too-distant future we have a structure people can believe in," he added. North/south security co-operation and bilateral co-operation between the British and Irish governments was also discussed. Wreaths left on the grave of mother-of-four Carolyn Hicks have repeatedly been removed Wreaths left on the grave of mother-of-four Carolyn Hicks have repeatedly been removed A Co Fermanagh woman has appealed for her niece to be allowed to rest in peace after wreaths were removed from her grave in recent weeks. Carolyn Hicks (36) died suddenly in her flat at Breandrum Court in Enniskillen just before Christmas last year. She was later buried in Cross Cemetery after Mass in St Michael's Church. However, over the past six weeks wreaths and other tributes left on the grave by her family have been stolen. Her aunt Catherine Adamson-Mercer said the family are dismayed and very upset by what has been happening. She made the discovery while visiting the grave with her mother and Carolyn's three-year-old daughter. She said it was not the first time this had happened and branded it "an awful thing for someone to do". She said: "We just don't understand why this is happening but I think it's just so sad. "You have to ask: do those who did this have nothing better to do? "We don't know if we are being targeted or if it's just kids going up to the cemetery and doing this. For me Carolyn is in Heaven but her grave is a place that her four children and my mother visit, so for it to be desecrated like this is very hard. "They are all really hurting and my mother in particular is devastated." "They would have seen her grave full of wreaths left by the family but when we went up to visit the next time we noticed the majority of them were gone." Catherine said this has been happening more often since the Blessing of the Graves on September 9, which took place on what would have been Carolyn's 37th birthday. "If this was a one-off, that would be one thing, but clearly this isn't," she added. Carolyn died on Saturday, December 23, 2017. She had enjoyed a Christmas party with her children just two days before her death. She was one of three sudden deaths in the Enniskillen area over the Christmas period last year. Catherine said other people had experienced similar distressing thefts from graves. "We are not the only family that this has happened to because a lot of people have been contacting me to say it has been happening on their graves," she said. "Apparently there have been quite a few incidents going on." She issued a direct appeal to whoever is taking the items to stop. "I hope the idiots who did this will one day feel the same hurt as they have caused by their pathetic actions," she added. "It's a very sad day and age we live in if the dead can't even be left to rest in peace." Police at the scene near Burnside Park, in the Four Winds area of Belfast, after the body of a young woman was found in woodland Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a young woman in the Four Winds area of Belfast yesterday. It is understood that her body was found in a wooded area between Burnside Park and Colby Park in the south-east of the city. A post mortem examination is due to be carried out and the PSNI has issued no further details at this stage. Shocked residents in the quiet residential area said they were horrified by the young woman's death. James Wilson, who lives opposite the wooded glen where the grim discovery was made, told the Belfast Telegraph: "I've lived here for 35 years, and there has never been anything like this happened here. "This is a quiet mixed area. "To see so many police, ambulances and people in forensic suits in our street has been a shock to us all. "This is a dreadful thing to have happened. "It really is just awful." A few doors away, an elderly resident who did not wish to be named, said the street had been seething with activity after the young woman's body was discovered, as the police began their follow-up enquiries. She said: "We're all stunned at the news. "I can't stop thinking about the poor girl and her family." Police have not yet indicated whether they are treating the death as suspicious. A resident also said that the wooded glen had at one time been the focus of anti-social behaviour. However, this had been brought to an end after a gate was erected to which only residents had keys. Local independent councillor Geraldine Rice told the Belfast Telegraph she could hardly believe the news when she was told. "There's never been anything like that in Burnside," she said. "I can't believe it. "It's such a quiet area. The residents are mostly elderly. "It's a cul-de-sac and in 30 years as a councillor there's never been any trouble there." Last night a PSNI spokesman said: "Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a female in the Four Winds area of Belfast this afternoon. "A post mortem examination is due to be carried out and there are no further details at this stage." Tea party If you want to know how a political party would run this country were they to come to power, attend one of their tea parties. Dont fall for their hawatari speeches because our netas have promised us thousands of MW of electricity in the past decade and we have not even managed to add a hundred. This has been an important week for Northern Ireland. The Budget at the start of week delivered for Northern Ireland. New investment includes 350 million for the Belfast Region City Deal, 2m for Belfast city centre after the Bank Buildings fire and 320m of Fresh Start money for integrated education. The Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions Bill received Royal Assent on Thursday. This is an important step forward to help restore a devolved government. These are positive developments but the people of Northern Ireland deserve a locally elected, accountable and devolved government. This is my absolute priority as Secretary of State and I appreciate fully how the current impasse is unacceptable. That is why on Thursday I wanted to bring the parties together before we publish the legislation next week. This was the first time in eight months that all of the parties were in the same room, since the last talks process failed in February. The meeting had a clear focus - to provide the opportunity to discuss the new legislation in person. It is a really important piece of legislation for the people of Northern Ireland, for it allows the time and space to establish a talks process without the need to call an election. It also ensures continued good governance and the delivery of public services. There were strong views shared following the meeting but I believe equally strongly that we must discuss these important matters. I was keen to hear the views of all the parties on a route back to a talks process, before deciding on the best way forward. I look forward to receiving their feedback on the suggestions shared during the meeting. Expand Close Yesterday's coverage of Karen Bradley's meetings in Belfast / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Yesterday's coverage of Karen Bradley's meetings in Belfast Thursday was never going to be about finding immediate solutions. I have been clear that we need to focus on rebuilding dialogue, trust and consensus, supported by a clear way forward. I understand the deep frustrations of the political parties, but even more so, I understand the frustration of the people of Northern Ireland. There is an obligation on all of us to work together and get back to local politicians making local decisions in the interests of the people who elect them. Northern Ireland has made huge progress in recent years but we can achieve even more with a devolved government that unlocks all the potential it has to offer. The people here have overcome many huge challenges over the years. I believe we can overcome the current impasse. But megaphone politics will not succeed. We need to be honest and open, but it is just as important to listen as well as talk. I will continue to make this my priority and look forward to continuing my engagement with all parties and making progress in coming weeks. Karen Bradley is Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 'The court heard the stolen van struck a police vehicle on the Letterkenny Road causing some 2,600 worth of damage' (stock photo) A man who was the passenger in a stolen bread van that struck a police vehicle has been jailed for six months. Shaun Coyle (31) of Cashel Hill Park in Londonderry admitted aggravated vehicle-taking leading to dangerous driving on November 1 last year. The court heard the stolen van struck a police vehicle on the Letterkenny Road causing some 2,600 worth of damage. It then mounted the footpath and undertook two cars, before turning into Quarry Street, and two males were seen getting out and running away. After he was arrested, Coyle claimed he had merely thumbed a lift in the van. Defence counsel Stephen Mooney said it was accepted that Coyle was a passenger in the van. He accepted that Coyle had been "unhelpful" in not naming the driver but he had concerns about doing so. District Judge Barney McElholm sentenced Coyle to six months in prison. The mother of a Co Tyrone boy with epilepsy who needs cannabis-based medicine to control his seizures says she is disappointed new rules on prescribing such drugs will still not let her son have the medicine he needs. Castlederg boy Billy Caldwell (13) was at the forefront of a high-profile campaign for the relaxation of regulations around cannabis-based products for medicinal use. Patients can be prescribed these products through specialist hospital doctors if they are determined to have an "unmet clinical need". The new guidance, drawn up by the British Paediatric Neurology Association, says the only cannabis-based medicine recommended for epileptic children is Epidiolex, a liquid which contains cannabidiol (CBD). The guidance said "CBD is a chemical substance found in cannabis that has medical benefits. It won't get you high, because it doesn't contain THC (tetrahydracannabinol) - the chemical in cannabis that gets you high." But the medicine that has reduced Billy's seizures from up to 100 a day to almost zero contains a small amount of THC. Mum Charlotte said: "I feel deeply disappointed and let down. Based on the guidelines, it is unlikely that the medicine Billy needs will be available. "As it stands, my wee lad Billy would not be able to get a repeat prescription for his medicine in the UK, and it would be very likely if we left the country and came back with a repeat prescription then it would be confiscated at Heathrow again. "As a mummy who has seen her wee boy go through hell and back, a great deal of hope and belief has gone out the window. "There's lots of patients will be extremely disappointed this morning and for a good few weeks or months ahead. "But promises were made by politicians this summer, and we have to make sure the policymakers keep those promises." Charlotte said it was necessary for politicians to realise there are certain conditions which can only be treated with medicinal cannabis. Blair Gibbs, the policy head for the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis, which campaigned for the return of Billy's medicine during the summer, said the process had "moved incredibly fast", but that there was still progress which needed to be made. Charlotte is now planning a trip to Canada where Billy will be able to get the cannabis-based medicine which has had such a transformative effect on his condition. Writing on her Facebook page, she asked: "How long are we going to have to keep leaving the country to get the best consultations and medications?" The new rules do allow neurologist to prescribe other cannabis-based drugs containing THC, but to do so the medics would have to go against the advice of their professional body. Police believe a series of burglaries which took place in south Armagh on Friday are linked. Three houses in Crossmaglen, two in Chapel View and one on Newry Road and one on the Camlough Road in Newry were targeted. Three men were also disturbed at a house in St Patrick's Park in Camlough at around 8pm by a member of the public. The men fled the house and made off from the area in a black coloured Audi A6 car. Police said a similar black coloured car had been observed in the vicinity of other burglaries. Detective Inspector Trevor Stevenson said: "In the Newry Road incident a male knocked at the front door of the house at around 7pm while a number of other males entered the rear of the property and attempted to steal a handbag. "They were disturbed by the owner of the property and made off empty handed in a black coloured car. Cash and 2 TVs were reported stolen in the other burglaries. I would ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity at any of the locations mentioned or who has any information which could assist us with our enquiries to contact detectives in Newry on 101 quoting reference number 1181 02/11/18. "Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime. Police are investigating links between loyalist paramilitaries and a gang of men who gathered outside a Co Down mosque dressed in Ku Klux Klan-style outfits. The Belfast Telegraph understands that police are close to identifying a number of the men involved in the incident in Newtownards on Saturday night which is being treated as a hate crime. This newspaper has also learned that an active line of enquiry is a link to "organised crime", a phrase commonly associated with paramilitary activity. The picture of the men posing outside the Bangladesh Islamic Prayer Centre on Greenwell Street sparked global outrage after making headlines on CNN, Washington Post, Al Jazeera and many other international news outlets. Earlier this week politicians and church leaders condemned the actions of the group of at least nine hooded individuals who were filmed doing fascist salutes while draped in the sinister garbs splashed with fake blood. The Rev Norman McAuley of Greenwell Street Presbyterian Church, which is located next door to the centre, appealed to the men to identify themselves. "If it was just a Halloween prank then come forward and explain it, hold your hands up and say so," he urged them. "Just admit it was a joke that, in hindsight, was in very poor taste." A statement was also issued on behalf of Ards Churches Together, a group of leaders from various denominations calling on those responsible to come forward to police. But so far they have remained hidden and silent. The Belfast Telegraph previously revealed that one of the men in the outfits was pictured embracing Sharon Mellor, the girlfriend of National Front leader Tony Martin, in a Newtownards pub on the same night. The Gillingham native, who now lives in Newtownards, once "joked" about torching the same mosque which once had a pig's head placed outside it. Mellor insisted the encounter was a coincidence. "I wasn't with them, I merely posed for a picture," she said. The prayer centre's chairman Shibaji Miah has praised the positive response from the local community and the police on behalf of the small number of worshippers who have lived in the town since 1980. "We appreciate it as it allows us to go about our business," he added. However not everyone was sympathetic to the faith community. "From what I've seen Newtownards has rallied round the KKK," one resident wrote on social media. Another local resident wrote: "What about seeking out those clowns dressed as terrorist IRA members and that's not even a Halloween stunt?" The Presbyterian Church has advertised for an official to help represent its position to policy makers and the media - but denies it is a response to recent controversies. The public affairs officer role, which has a salary of between 31,892 and 38,870, features essential criteria including a "good knowledge of the political structures and processes in the NI Assembly and how they interact with those in the UK Parliament". Applicants will also be responsible for "keeping up to date with political issues in NI and the Republic, analysing public policy and legislation from a Christian perspective, and assisting in representing the Church's position to policy makers and the media". Other criteria includes a "basic grasp of the major public policy issues in the UK and Republic of Ireland and an understanding of biblical teaching on at least some of these issues". It follows a series of controversies affecting the Presbyterian Church in recent months. In June the Presbyterian Church's General Assembly decided that same-sex partners could not receive communion, and their children could not be baptised in the Church. More than 230 influential members of the Church later put their names to a letter criticising the ruling, which was headlined 'A Cry From The Heart' The Presbyterian Church in Ireland also voted to sever its ties with the Church of Scotland because of the latter's more liberal attitude to same-sex relationships. It means the Moderator of the Church of Scotland's General Assembly would no longer be invited to the annual meeting of the Presbyterian General Assembly in Belfast. Meanwhile, Queen's University revealed that it is reviewing "the nature of its relationship" with the Presbyterian-run Union Theological College, which teaches its degree courses in theology. It is understood that a factor in the decision is the suspension of Professor of Church History Laurence Kirkpatrick. He was believed to have been suspended from his college role due to comments he made in the media. However, the Presbyterian Church said the job advert requirements are "not a response to anything recent" and the wording of the advert was "exactly the same as an advert for the same post which appeared four years ago". It added: "The person who held this post has moved on and created a vacancy. The Church is advertising for someone to fill that vacancy in a routine manner. It is not a new post." The Chief Constable has been asked to explain why a senior PSNI officer is to appear on a panel to discuss combating paramilitary activity alongside a Sinn Fein member who is under investigation for gunrunning. Doug Beattie MLA yesterday voiced serious concerns over the presence of Sean 'Spike' Murray at the Tackling Paramilitarism event, which is supported by the Executive Office, next Tuesday in north Belfast. An ex-IRA member, Mr Murray is being probed over claims he was involved in arms smuggling after the 1997 ceasefire. He is to share the panel with Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton. Other panellists contributing to the discussion, which is being chaired by the Community Relations Council at the 174 Trust/Duncairn Centre, include the PUP's John Kyle and Monica McWilliams of the Independent Reporting Commission. It has been convened to consider the commission's first report since it was established in 2015 under the Fresh Start Agreement as a mechanism to monitor progress on ending paramilitary activity. Allegations about the Sinn Fein strategist initially emerged in a 2014 BBC Spotlight programme in which it was claimed he conspired with Florida businessman Mike Logan to bring a large consignment of Glock handguns into the province. The claims, which have been strongly denied by Mr Murray, were made directly by Mr Logan, who has since died, in an interview. He disclosed that among the weapons he sent the Provos were around 200 handguns that were used in several murders, including the killing of two police officers in Lurgan in 1997. It was reported last month that the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) had received a file in June from the PSNI in relation to an allegation of "possession of firearms with intent against a 65-year-old man". The PPS confirmed yesterday that its consideration of the file had reached an "advanced stage", adding a decision will be issued in due course. In response Mr Beattie has demanded answers from Chief Constable George Hamilton and the Executive Office as to why the senior republican is included on the panel to discuss ending paramilitary activity when he himself was possibly at the centre of a live criminal investigation. He said: "The Chief Constable needs to explain why his force is represented on a panel with such an individual." In August the PSNI was also forced to publicly defend Mr Hamilton after the News Letter reported that he had shared a platform with Mr Murray at a West Belfast Festival debate. The event, at St Mary's University College, was also attended by loyalist and PUP member Winston Irvine. Mr Murray's participation at the event had been criticised by a victims' group. The PSNI said at the time that the Chief Constable was "willing to have uncomfortable conversations around the past". In relation to next week's event, the PSNI defended the force's participation at events with external contributors such as Mr Murray. "The PSNI have and will continue to engage with a broad range of individuals who want to make a contribution towards tackling paramilitarism and delivering safer communities," police said. The PSNI added that "prosecutorial decisions are a matter for the PPS". Sinn Fein did not respond to a request for comment, while the Executive Office told the Belfast Telegraph that it has played no decision-making role in the event. "This event and panel discussion has been arranged by Falls Community Council and has not been organised by the Executive Office," it said. Mr Kyle said he had "no comment" to make. Jean O'Connor at the grave of her son The mother of a Catholic soldier who was killed by the IRA has accepted an invitation from former republican prisoners to visit the scene where her son died. Teach na Failte, which represents ex-INLA prisoners, said it reached out to the mother of Private Iain O'Connor in an attempt to heal the hurt caused by the removal of a poppy wreath in west Belfast. It offered to pay for her and a friend's travel and accommodation expenses in and effort to promote mutual understanding. Ms O'Connor told this newspaper last night that she would accept the invitation. "That would mean a lot to me because I've never visited the place where Iain died that day," she said. "I couldn't bear to hear an Irish voice for so long after it." The 23-year-old was killed on March 30, 1987 after two blast bombs were dropped from Divis Flats on Cullingtree Road just three days after he began his tour of duty. One of the bombs entered the open hatch of the Army Land Rover he was in. After welcoming the invite to visit the place where he died, the 80-year-old grandmother, who lives in Preston, Lancashire, recalled the heartache of being told she couldn't attend the murder trial. It ended with a Sinn Fein worker who acted as a lookout and made his flat available to the IRA being sentenced to life behind bars. He was released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. "Not long after it happened I heard they found the person responsible and rather naively I wanted to attend the court case, but was advised it wasn't safe for me," she said. "The Army also believed I would be putting other soldiers' lives at risk, so I didn't go." The Catholic, who stopped attending Mass for a long time after her son's death, has wanted for a long time to pray in the church where the clergyman who read Iain the last rites served. "I always think about that priest and what he did for my dying son," she said. "It would mean an awful lot for me to be able to go and light a candle there." The pensioner, who only retired from work a year ago, has often thought about coming to the city, but could not afford to travel. Ms O' Connor, who subsequently divorced Iain's father Jim (he died in 1998), previously recalled how she had no money and was forced to get a bank loan to buy a black dress for her son's funeral. Gerry Foster of Teach na Failte said many members were extremely moved after reading her story. He reached out to her through the Belfast Telegraph yesterday. He said: "We believe it was insensitive to leave the wreath in the circumstances in which it was done. "But no one wanted to retraumatise this soldier's mum. Her story is heartbreaking - we don't have hearts of stone. "This is someone who lost her son in a conflict she probably knew little about. "We can never take her pain away. "But if we can bring her one step towards closure and heal the additional hurt she has endured, then we want to do that." The former INLA prisoner, who was sentenced to eight years for his role in planting a no-warning bomb at the Ulster Unionist Party headquarters in 1982, said many local residents in the Falls area were also moved by the story. But he he pointed out that not every local will be sympathetic. He said: "This is about Irish republicans trying to understand the pain we have inflicted on families. "Not everyone in our community will welcome this, but we are willing take the flak. "It's easy to see the hurt in your own community, but you have to see it on the other side. "That is our challenge to everyone - including republicans - who have had their lives torn apart by the Troubles. "If they disagree then my question is simple: 'What is the alternative?'" For more than 10 years Teach na Failte has been reaching out to victims of violence and has brought former soldiers and the families of slain servicemen face-to-face with ex-prisoners. It has also facilitated other encounters between ex-combatants and grieving relatives of murdered RUC and UDR members. "We as Irish republicans are very mindful of the hurt that has been caused, but we also understand the pain inflicted on the people of Divis by British forces," Mr Foster added. 'In the first set of charges he is accused of 17 counts of both making and possessing indecent images of children on various dates between January 2015 and August 2016' (stock photo) A police officer is to stand trial on charges of misconduct in public office and allegations related to indecent images of children. Appearing for a committal hearing at Craigavon Magistrates Court was Robert Jason Ainscough (33) whose address was given as PSNI Lurgan. In the first set of charges he is accused of 17 counts of both making and possessing indecent images of children on various dates between January 2015 and August 2016. The second case relates to 13 counts of misconduct in which it is alleged Ainscough, as a PSNI constable, wilfully abused his position on various dates between January 2015 and June 2016. Two counts relate to accessing the personal details of a person on police computer systems, while he is also accused of accessing and sharing a confidential incident log and details on a named individual. Other charges involve Ainscough allegedly exchanging sexually explicit messages with three persons while on duty. Ainscough was remanded on 500 bail with conditions including surrender of passport, a ban on leaving Northern Ireland and twice weekly signing in with police. In addition, he must not be in possession of any device capable of accessing the internet nor have any access to the internet whatsoever, including mobile phones or a SIM card or an electronic device. The case will next appear at Craigavon Crown Court in December. A leading Irish politician has blasted Brexiteer claims that a Northern Ireland border backstop is unnecessary as completely unfeasible, warning that the peace process would be under threat without a deal. Senator Neale Richmond, who chairs the Seanads Brexit committee clashed with Tory MP Owen Paterson after the latter said that the border issue could be solved using existing practical systems. It came after reports from Dublin suggested that a deal involving an all-UK customs union in the Withdrawal Agreement, plus a separate backstop for Northern Ireland, was close to being agreed. On Friday, Irelands deputy premier Simon Coveney said he believes a Brexit deal could be reached by the end of November, with his Westminster counterpart, Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington, saying negotiators were very close, after the pair held talks in Dublin. We must work to ensure that there is no hard border ... on the island of Ireland, as that is a threat to that Good Friday AgreementSenator Neale Richmond Mr Paterson, a former Northern Secretary, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that any such deal would be a total betrayal of millions of Leave voters and the 85% of voters at the last General Election who backed Tory and Labour manifestos which committed to leaving. He repeated a warning that Northern Ireland may become an EU protectorate and said that experts backed the European Research Groups claim that the border can be kept open and managed using current systems. He said: They are convinced that the current proposals, the Chequers proposals, the facilitated customs regime, is completely unworkable in practical terms for five to ten years. They have looked at this, they are completely abreast of World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, World Customs Organisation rules, and they have assured us that we can continue using many of these administrative systems if there is political goodwill. We are addressing a very small amount of trade which is very very regular and already very very clearly administered and regulated. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) In some ways it suits that it is agriculture and food mainly because it is such a highly regulated part of our economy. However, Senator Richmond said that what was described as a very small amount of trade was actually 14,000 commercial vehicles every day and 30,000 people crossing the Irish border to and from what would become a third party country after Brexit. Some 85% of the trade was carried out by small businesses who did not need added bureaucracy, he added. He told Today: The advice he (Mr Paterson) has got from one Dutch academic doesnt stack up to the expert advice of HM Revenue and Customs, the European Commission, the Irish government, the WTO itself and thousands more legal minds. When we talk about political goodwill I think its very important why the Irish government and why the European Commission is so firm on an Irish-specific backstop is the preservation of peace. Its the 20-year-old fragile Good Friday Agreement peace, something that the Irish government and indeed the British government is a co-guarantor of, and we must work to ensure that there is no hard border, customs or otherwise, on the island of Ireland, as that is a threat to that Good Friday Agreement. Lets focus on that first and foremost. Looking forward to welcoming @DLidington + Karen Bradley to Dublin for British Irish Intergovernmental Conf. with me + @CharlieFlanagan. Strong UK/Irish friendship, trust+cooperation more NB than ever. Legacy, Security Coop, East-West relations + NI Pol stability all on Agenda pic.twitter.com/H5fHCpqWCP Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) November 2, 2018 On Friday Mr Lidington and Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab visited Ireland and Northern Ireland respectively for talks with senior political figures as the deadline for securing a Brexit deal gets ever closer. Speaking at a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin, Mr Coveney said he believed it is possible to get a deal in November, adding: This border issue is complicated to resolve but I think were very close to resolving it. I certainly hope we are. Mr Lidington replied by saying: Were certainly, as Simon said, very close to resolving it. Mr Raab was tight lipped about how negotiations were going when he was questioned by the media during a visit to Belfast. After meeting politicians from across the spectrum he pledged that his Government will not sign up to any deal which could threaten the constitutional integrity of the UK. The birds and the bees Going to school in Nepal, there is a certain section of a certain subject that many teachers and even students shy away from. At the secondary level, under health and population studies, is a chapter about sexual and reproductive health. An Irish woman who killed her fiance in Sydney has told a judge of his repeated violence, including punching strangers and biting her all over her body, and how he accused her of sleeping with other men. Cathrina Cahill said she could not look at other men when she was out with David Walsh, nor could she look in the mirror when driving as there might be a male driver behind. If she did, she said Mr Walsh would say: "I hope you got a good look, slut." The 27-year-old was giving evidence in the New South Wales Supreme Court yesterday at her sentencing hearing for the manslaughter of Mr Walsh (29), who was stabbed once in the neck in the early hours of February 18, 2017 at their home. The couple shared the property in Padstow, south west of Sydney, with two other Irish nationals. Cahill, from Wexford, was originally charged with murder but the Crown accepted her plea to the less serious charge on the basis of substantial impairment due to an abnormality of the mind at the time. When asked about the death by her barrister James Trevallion, she said: "There is not a day that goes by when I don't think about David's family. "I loved him so much. He told me no matter what I did I would never get away from him and if I ever got with anybody else he would make my life hell." She testified that Mr Walsh blocked people from her Facebook account, deleted texts and numbers from her phone and was convinced she was having an affair with her boss. He would come to her work to wait for her and make a gesture of running a finger across his throat, she said. Cahill told the judge of a string of incidents when Mr Walsh punched men - including his friend, Paul Mulligan, who had just arrived to stay at their house. A former housemate testified that she saw Cahill stab Mr Walsh in the back of his head on October 3, 2015. But Cahill said they had argued in their bedroom and she went to the door, but he blocked it and had a knife in his hand. She went to grab it, he ran out and she cut the back of his head with the knife, the court heard. Prosecutor Nanette Williams suggested Cahill was lying because she knew the housemate's evidence was very "damning" about her purposefully going downstairs to get the knife and attack her partner in the head. "That isn't true," Cahill said. The hearing will continue next Friday before Justice Peter Johnson, who said he expected to sentence Cahill before December 14. Vicky Phelan said she would keep fighting for accountability and more answer (Brian Lawless/PA) Irish cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has said medical professionals who fail to disclose information to patients should face sanctions. The mother of two, who is one of more than 220 women affected by the countrys cervical cancer screening scandal, said she would keep fighting for accountability and more answers. People cannot be sacked and I think that is something I certainly will be striving for, she said. Expand Close Vicky Phelan and Stephen Teap were honoured for their bravery in speaking out on behalf of the women and families affected by the controversy (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vicky Phelan and Stephen Teap were honoured for their bravery in speaking out on behalf of the women and families affected by the controversy (Brian Lawless/PA) Scandals like this will happen again and again until we actually have proper accountability in this country. Ms Phelan made the comments at the countrys Labour party national conference in Dublin on Saturday, as she and Stephen Teap, whose wife Irene died last year, were honoured for their bravery in speaking out on behalf of the women and families affected by the controversy. They received a standing ovation as they were presented with the Jo Cox Award, named after the UK MP who was killed. It emerged earlier this year that 221 women and families were not told about misreported smear tests. Ms Phelan, 43, from Co Limerick, was instrumental in bringing the scandal to light when she took legal proceedings after a 2011 smear test, which returned no abnormalities, was found three years later to be incorrect. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 but she was only told of the false negative result last year. She settled the High Court action for 2.5 million euro (2.2 million). Ms Phelan said sanctions were necessary, not because she wanted to see people being punished, but because otherwise doctors and consultants do not disclose their mistakes. Unfortunately you need to put sanctions in place in order for people to toe the line and actually do what theyre supposed to do, she said. Mr Teap, a father of two young boys, told delegates at the conference that his late wife had been disrespected by healthcare professionals when they failed to disclose the test results to them. We were in awe of them, he said. We thought that they were the greatest people that there was. Then for them to turn around and disrespect my wife in the way that they did is one of the things that makes me most angry. Mr Teaps late wife had cervical cancer, which was missed by two smear tests. If her illness had been detected earlier, her life may have been saved. Both Ms Phelan and Mr Teap said they would keep pushing and fighting until all 50 recommendations made in a recent scoping inquiry by Dr Gabriel Scally, were implemented, in particular the introduction of mandatory open disclosure of patients information. UK health expert Dr Scally was commissioned by the Irish Government to lead an inquiry into the misinterpretation of the cancer tests. He found there were serious gaps in the governance structures of the Cervical Check screening services. The Irish Labour party held detailed policy discussions on the future of womens health at the conference. A debate on housing and health and Labours approach to any future government formation talks are also set to be discussed during the three-day event. The party wants to see the all-party Slaintecare plan implemented swiftly. It aims to provide care based on need and not on a persons ability to pay. The party is putting out its stall ahead of the next general election, which it believes is likely to be held in the first half of next year. One lucky UK ticket-holder has beaten the odds of one in nearly 140 million to bag Friday nights EuroMillions jackpot. The player had a 0.00000072% chance of winning the 76.3 million jackpot but matched all five numbers and two Lucky Stars. The win is more than the total gross domestic product of Tuvalu and British Overseas Territory Montserrat. Expand Close The jackpot is higher than the GDP of Montserrat (Lewis Whyld/PA Archive) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The jackpot is higher than the GDP of Montserrat (Lewis Whyld/PA Archive) And if islands are to the taste of the winner, they could pick up Pumpkin Key in Florida, Apo Island in the Philippines, the Nengo Nengo Atoll in French Polynesia or hundreds of idyllic islands for sale on PrivateIslandsOnline.com. An Englishmans home might be his castle, and the ticket-holder could splash a proportion of their winnings on any number of properties including the Edwardian mansion house with 16 en-suite bedrooms at Kildrummy in Aberdeenshire, on the market for 9.5 million. One of the more expensive and rare cars in the world is within the reach of the jackpot winner. Expand Close Floyd Mayweather Jr owns one of the cars (Steven Paston/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Floyd Mayweather Jr owns one of the cars (Steven Paston/PA) Only two Koenigsegg CCXR Trevitas were made, with boxer Floyd Money Mayweather splashing out 4.8 million dollars (3.7 million) on his vehicle, described as a diamond on wheels. The car, which has a 4.8 lire V8, can go from 0 to 60mph in 2.9 seconds and tops out at 255mph. And should the winners sweet tooth match their newly found deep pockets, they could purchase more than 250 million Freddos at 30p each, nearly four for every person in the UK. Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has won a payout from prosecutors over an unfounded case regarding historical sex allegations. The former BBC Radio One presenter had his life turned upside down when he was arrested in October 2013 over a claim he sexually assaulted two teenage boys. The man on the street is known to the people he has met in his life. The celebrity is known to the people he has met in his life, plus millions of othersPaul Gambaccini The American-born DJ spent a year on bail before the case against him was dropped in what he labelled a completely fictitious affair. Confidentiality clauses in the agreement mean the amount paid cannot be disclosed, sources said. Gambaccini, 69, was arrested under Operation Yewtree, set up in the wake of the revelations about paedophile Jimmy Savile. He has described the episode as a celebrity witch hunt, and has previously called for rape suspects to be given anonymity until charged. He said in 2015: The man on the street is known to the people he has met in his life. The celebrity is known to the people he has met in his life, plus millions of others. So when you invite the public to accuse a celebrity, you have a pool of people who include not only possibly people who have been abused, but many people to whom a celebrity may have satisfied an emotional need throughout the years even without knowing it. And this is precisely what has happened. He said he wasnt surprised to be accused, as he had previously spoken publicly about Jimmy Saviles crimes and was once pictured alongside him on a newspaper front page, creating an association in the publics mind. Gambaccini had been a fixture on UK radio for decades before the allegations were made. A CPS spokeswoman said: We have reached an agreement without admission of liability. A voter prepares to cast his ballot at a polling station in Rangoon, Burma (Thein Zaw/AP) Voters in several parts of Burma went to the polls on Saturday in 13 by-elections seen as a test of support for leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling party. The National League for Democracy won a landslide victory in the 2015 general election, putting an end to decades of rule by the military and its proxies, though the army retains considerable power under a constitution it implemented. Ms Suu Kyis appeal with the countrys Buddhist majority has not suffered much from a crisis involving 700,000 members of the Muslim Rohingya minority who fled a brutal army counter-insurgency campaign in the countrys west. However, economic development has been lagging. Expand Close A voter registers at a polling station in Rangoon, Burma (Thein Zaw/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A voter registers at a polling station in Rangoon, Burma (Thein Zaw/AP) The 13 parliamentary seats at stake represent a tiny fraction of the 1,171 national, regional and state assembly seats nationwide, and by-elections rarely drum up the same level of enthusiasm as a general election. The next general election is in 2020. The seats became vacant through death or resignation. The two seats at stake in Rangoon, the countrys biggest city, are all but certain to stay in the NLDs hands. Turnout in Rangoon appeared to be low, but several voters there said they are keeping the faith in Ms Suu Kyi. We dont see we are going to get immediate change. Its impossible to make things right that have already been wrong for many years, said voter Htun Thein. We have to give them time and have understanding. Because of that, he said, voters have to encourage and support the NLD. Expand Close The by-elections are seen as a test of Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling National League for Democracy party (Chris Ison/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The by-elections are seen as a test of Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling National League for Democracy party (Chris Ison/PA) Myo Pa Pa Htun had a simpler explanation for supporting the NLD candidate: Because we like and love Mother Su very much, thats the thing. Other contests are taking place in ethnic minority regions where 2015 votes for installing Ms Suu Kyi and slapping down the militarys favoured candidates may give way to more traditional loyalties to local ethnic parties. That possible political realignment could come at the ruling NLDs disadvantage. Areas involved include Chin, Shan and Rakhine states. Low voter turnout may be the main hallmark of Saturdays polls, though more so in Rangoon than in ethnic minority regions. In Rangoons Tamwe township, more than 70,000 voters cast ballots in 2015s general election, according to Toe Win, the NLDs candidate for the constituency. He estimated that Saturdays turnout will reach around 20,000. Expand Close Burma President Win Myint casts his ballot at a polling station in Rangoon (Thein Zaw/AP)) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Burma President Win Myint casts his ballot at a polling station in Rangoon (Thein Zaw/AP)) Toe Win is running to fill the seat of President Win Myint, who by law had to step down from his legislative post when he was appointed the countrys chief executive earlier this year. Businessman Maung Maung said he had to queue with hundreds of voters to vote in 2015. This morning I saw about 20 voters. In 2015, more than 200 people were ahead of me. The ruling party should take it as a lesson for 2020, he said. Falling voter turnout in the by-elections raises big questions about the NLDs popularity midway through its five-year term, said Yan Myo Thein, a political commentator in Rangoon. People particularly in ethnic areas have been disappointed about the NLDs election promises, the performance of the government and MPs and economic burdens. Investigators remove parts from Lion Air Flight 610 that crashed into the Java Sea, for further investigation at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta (Binsar Bakkara/AP) Divers have reported seeing the fuselage and engines of a crashed Lion Air plane on the seabed, and a ping locator has detected a signal which may be from the cockpit voice recorder, Indonesias search and rescue chief has said. The brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet plunged into the Java Sea early on Monday, just minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital. Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Expand Close Search and rescue chief Muhammad Syaugi speaks to the media at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia (Binsar Bakkara/A)) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Search and rescue chief Muhammad Syaugi speaks to the media at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia (Binsar Bakkara/A)) Speaking on Saturday, the sixth day of the search, Muhammad Syaugi said two engines and more landing gear have been found. I havent seen it myself but I got information from some divers that they have seen the fuselage, he said at a news conference at a Jakarta port where body bags, debris and passenger belongings are first taken. Expand Close Rescuers remove parts of the Lion Air jet that crashed into the Java Sea (Binsar Bakkara/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rescuers remove parts of the Lion Air jet that crashed into the Java Sea (Binsar Bakkara/AP) The flight data recorder was recovered on Thursday and Mr Syuagi said a low ping signal was detected by a sonar locator that could be the black box voice recorder. Divers and a remotely operated vehicle have been searching the suspected location since Saturday morning. Maulana Fazalur Rehman, leader of religious party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam addresses a rally to condemn a Supreme Court decision that acquitted Asia Bibi (Muhammad Sajjad/AP) The lawyer for a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy charges after spending eight years on death row in Pakistan has fled the country, fearing for his safety. Asia Bibis brother, James Masih, said on Saturday that her lawyer, Saiful Malook, had left Pakistan. Pakistans top court acquitted Asia Bibi on Wednesday and ordered her release in a move that infuriated the countrys hard-line Islamists, who have held nationwide protests demanding her death. Expand Close Protesters rally to condemn the Supreme Court decision (K.M. Chaudary/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Protesters rally to condemn the Supreme Court decision (K.M. Chaudary/AP) The government reached an agreement with the Islamists overnight in which it agreed to impose a travel ban on her while the case is reviewed. Mr Malook told The Associated Press earlier this week that he would have to leave Pakistan because the followers of hardline cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi had threatened to kill him, as well as the judges who acquitted Ms Bibi. Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, and the mere rumour of insulting Islam has caused lynchings. Ms Bibi was arrested in 2009 on allegations that she insulted Islams Prophet Muhammad. Her family and lawyers deny she ever insulted Islam. Human rights groups have called for Ms Bibis release and criticised the blasphemy law, saying it has been used to settle scores or abuse religious minorities. The court upheld the blasphemy law, but said there was not enough evidence to convict Ms Bibi. Pakistans Supreme Court has not been known to reverse its decisions, but court reviews typically take years. Ms Bibis family had expected her release by Thursday night. Her husband, Ashiq Masih, returned from Britain with their children in mid-October and was waiting for her release so that they could fly out of Pakistan. Though the family has not disclosed her destination, France and Spain have offered asylum. The order to kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi came from the highest level of the Saudi government, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said. Mr Erdogan said the international community had the responsibility to reveal the puppet masters behind the death. In an op-ed in The Washington Post, Mr Erdogan said he did not believe that Saudi King Salman had ordered the killing of Mr Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate on October 2. As responsible members of the international community, we must reveal the identities of the puppet masters behind Khashoggi's killing and discover those in whom Saudi officials, still trying to cover up the murder, have placed their trustTurkey's president He said Turkeys close ties to Saudi Arabia did not mean that Turkey could turn a blind eye to the killing of the journalist. We know that the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government, Mr Erdogan said. Mr Erdogan wrote: As responsible members of the international community, we must reveal the identities of the puppet masters behind Khashoggis killing and discover those in whom Saudi officials, still trying to cover up the murder, have placed their trust. Istanbuls chief prosecutor announced on Wednesday that Mr Khashoggi, who lived in exile in the United States, was strangled immediately after he entered and that his body was dismembered and removed from the consulate. Turkey is seeking the extradition of 18 suspects who were detained in Saudi Arabia so they can be put on trial in Turkey. Expand Close Saudi Arabias crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (Victoria Jones/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Saudi Arabias crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (Victoria Jones/PA) They include 15 members of an alleged Saudi hit squad that Turkey says was sent to Istanbul to kill The Washington Post columnist who had written critically of Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Some of those implicated in the killing are close to the prince. Meanwhile, a Turkish official said he believes Khashoggis body was dissolved in acid or other chemicals after it was mutilated. Yasin Aktay, a ruling party adviser to Mr Erdogan, said there can be no other formula to explain why Mr Khashoggis remains have not been found a month after he was killed. Mr Aktay, who was friend of Mr Khashoggi, said he believes that the body was cut into pieces so that it could be dissolved in chemicals. He said: All the findings point to his body parts being melted. Expand Close Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi (John Stillwell/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi (John Stillwell/PA) Mr Khashoggi had entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to collect a document he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. In Bulgaria on Friday, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Mr Khashoggis killing a horrendous act that should be duly dealt with in a way that does not undermine Saudi Arabias stability. Mr Netanyahu said at a news conference that Iran is a bigger threat than Saudi Arabia and those who want to punish the Middle East kingdom need to bear that in mind. A way must be found to achieve both goals, because I think that the larger problem is Iran, said the Israeli leader, who attended a meeting of the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania and the president of Serbia at a Black Sea resort. The visit of Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab to Northern Ireland for the first time since his appointment in July was followed by the ritual tiresome finger-pointing by local politicians. He was accused by some of avoiding them when he went to Larne and Warrenpoint ports; by others of presiding over negotiations which negate the Good Friday Agreement and warned by others not to do anything to undermine the economic or constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom. Along with the usual predictions that Brexit will be either great for the UK and Northern Ireland or that it will be a disaster for all these islands, these are based on nothing more than political ideology. The only thing that anyone seems certain about is that negotiations between the UK and the European Union are 95% complete, which sounds great, except that the Irish border question remains the stumbling block. It has assumed an importance which overshadows all the other work being done on the UK's exit strategy. For the people of Northern Ireland, who are becoming increasingly tired of the Brexit debate, the real problems in their daily lives come from local politicians, who show no inclination to return to the devolved administration at Stormont. Indeed, they are unlikely to begin any serious discussions on the issue until after Brexit is signed off. In the meantime, the problems continue to mount up here. This week we saw the dastardly work of the paramilitaries again, which led to a desperate teenage girl offering the thugs her moneybox to spare her dad being shot. Her plea was dismissed. We also heard that parents at one cash-strapped primary school are donating toilet rolls to the headmaster. This is a shocking indictment of a society falling apart at the seams. The would-be ministers who could make a difference meanwhile continue to sit on their hands, impervious to the pleas of the public to carry out their duties. Rights activists carry signs including one that says Khashoggi was mutilated, Tuti was executed, Saudi Arabia is inhuman, during a rally outside the Saudi embassy in Jakarta, Nov. 2, 2018. Indonesias government announced Friday that it would send 30,000 workers to Saudi Arabia under an agreement signed in October, despite the kingdoms recent execution of an Indonesian woman convicted of killing her Saudi employer. Indonesia imposed a moratorium on sending workers to Saudi Arabia in 2011 following reports of mistreatment of domestic laborers by their employers. On Oct. 29 Saudi authorities put to death Tuti Tursilawati for killing her employer in 2010, prompting a protest by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi who said her government was not notified in advance. Tuti said she killed her Saudi employer in self-defense because he sexually assaulted her. She then fled but was allegedly raped by nine men in Mecca. Putri Kanesia, an activist with the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), a local right group, urged the government to cancel the agreement with Saudi Arabia, saying the Saudi government had not shown willingness to uphold universal human rights principles. We have the rights to be angry with the Saudis, because Tuti had been victimized, she said. Tuti was the sixth Indonesian worker to be executed for murder in Saudi Arabia since 2008 while another 21 are to be executed, according to Migrant Care, an Indonesian labor protection group. About 700 Indonesians are employed in Saudi Arabia mostly as domestic helpers, according to officials. Indonesian rights and labor activists have urged the government to scrap the Oct. 11 agreement to send up to 30,000 workers to Saudi Arabia during a six-month trial period, provided their rights are protected in accordance with laws and regulations of both countries. A time frame for the trial period has not been established. On Friday, dozens of rights activists rallied outside the Saudi embassy in Jakarta to protest the execution. Meanwhile, the leader of an agency protecting workers, said the Indonesian government must keep workers safe. Those are two different things, Nusron Wahid, head of the National Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Workers, told BenarNews, referring to the execution and the labor agreement. The law in Saudi is like that. If someone kills, they will be killed, Nusron said. Earlier this week, Indonesian Manpower Minister Hanif Dhakiri told local news website KBR that the government was drafting a plan to better protect overseas workers. Basically, it provides for workers to work for a company instead of individual employers, he said. No obligation Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, the Foreign Ministrys director for protection of Indonesian citizens, said the Saudis did not have an obligation to notify Indonesia prior to the execution. Only the convicts heir, the prosecutor and the prisons chief warder are notified prior to an execution, he said. In addition, we have not signed a notification agreement with Saudi Arabia, he said. A former banker who allegedly conspired with fugitive financier Jho Low to embezzle billions from state development fund 1MDB was arrested in Malaysia and is to be extradited to the United States to face trial, a senior police official said Friday. Ng Chong Hwa (also known as Roger Ng), who has been identified as a former Goldman Sachs banker, was captured during a covert police operation on Thursday, a day after an arrest warrant was issued against him. I can confirm that we have arrested the man [Ng] yesterday. He will be extradited, but there is no exact date. The process is ongoing, said Amar Singh Ishar Singh, director of the Malaysian federal polices Commercial Crime Investigation Department. On Thursday in New York, the U.S. government unsealed a three-count indictment against Ng and Jho Low (also known as Low Taek Jho), and announced that former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner had pleaded guilty to two counts related to laundering money from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund. A spokesman for Jho Low, who remains in hiding and is wanted by Malaysian authorities, posted a statement on the financiers website maintaining his innocence. A source who asked to remain anonymous told BenarNews that Ng was being held at the Jinjang central police lockup on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur and was expected to be questioned before being extradited to face American charges. The Commercial Crime unit will record his statement first then the Anti-Money Laundering unit regarding the 1MDB probe, the source said. The statement issued on Jho Lows behalf pointed out that he held no formal position at 1MDB and was never employed by Goldman Sachs. Furthermore, the bond offerings detailed in the indictment were undertaken openly and lawfully between experienced, well-regulated financial institutions and government entities, the statement said. The site was launched in September by Wells Haslem Mayhew Strategic Public Affairs, an Australian PR consultancy firm representing Jho Low, to provide information through his lawyers, a top executive from the company told Reuters at the time. In charging documents, the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) did not name Goldman Sachs but alleged that Ng and Leissner had hidden their partnership with Jho Low from the financial institution because compliance and intelligence officers refused to approve the business relationship over concerns about the source of his wealth. The statement from Jho Lows spokesman went on to say the indictment contained allegations only and he should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Mr. Low simply asks that the public keep an open mind regarding this case until all of the evidence comes to light, which he believes will vindicate him. The U.S. indictments alleged that Jho Low, Ng, Leissner and others conspired to misappropriate more than $2.7 billion (11.28 billion ringgit) from 1MBD, which was established in 2009 to fund Malaysian development programs. The suspects conspired to launder this money through the U.S. financial system to pay bribes to foreign officials and for the personal benefit of themselves and their relatives, DOJ said in a news release announcing the indictments. In recent months former Prime Minister Najb Razak, who started the fund in 2009, and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, have been arrested by authorities in their home country and charged with a raft of graft-related offenses linked with 1MDB. In addition, the U.S. indictments refer to Malaysian Official No. 1 (MO1) and his wife the Madam, as having accepted payouts. MO1, who has been listed in previous U.S. documents, has been identified by sources as Najib. Voters in May rejected Najibs Barisan Nasional coalition, forcing him from the prime ministers office. On Friday, the new government led by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad released its first federal budget a 314.5 billion ringgit (U.S. $75.5 billion) spending plan for 2019, up from this years 290.4 billion ringgit ($69.7 billion) budget. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said one of the reasons for the increase was to pay off the major shortfall created by Najibs government. The minister noted that the previous government had been paying off a portion of the 1MDB debt in the days leading up to the election. We have also confirmed that we may be liable to pay up to 43.9 billion ringgit ($10.5 billion) more, to settle all of 1MDBs debts, Lim said. Mahathir said both countries wanted the fugitive to be captured. They would like to get Jho Low and put him on trial and of course Jho Low is nowhere to be seen. We do not know where he is, Mahathir said. We also would like to have him because we have several charges against him. Updated at 4:05 p.m. ET on 2018-11-03 A 71-year-old Australian nun who had angered President Rodrigo Duterte for protesting his deadly war on drugs left the Philippines on Saturday after the government rejected her appeals to stay. Sister Patricia Fox was sent off by throngs of supporters, including leaders of the Catholic church and at least one former official in Dutertes cabinet. At times emotional, the soft-spoken nun nonetheless appealed for the president to have a change of heart and allow legal dissent. I wish for him to listen to the plight of the small people, not just the military and the business people, Fox said when asked what she wished for Duterte, who ordered her deportation more than six months ago, signaling what observers say is a crackdown on legal dissent. The nun had been staying in the Philippines for 27 years, and over the years had taken up the cause of those in the margins of society. But the president had ordered her visa revoked, as he bristled at a foreigner questioning his governments policies. Fox said she felt saddened, but insisted she was leaving under duress, not being deported. You cant force a government to give you a visa, she said, vowing to take her advocacy back to Melbourne, where she was expected to land Sunday morning. After ordering her arrest and deportation Duterte had said that while freedom of expression was unlimited, it only applied to Filipinos and not to foreigners. Fox did not have the right to insult us every time you open your mouth, Duterte told reporters in May. In a statement Saturday, Duterte's spokesman said that Fox's departure was "a timely reminder to all foreigners who stay or sojourn in this country that they are not entitled to all the rights and privileges granted to the citizens of the Philippines." Undeniable is the fact that Sister Fox joined protest rallies ... Her participation therefore violated the conditions of her stay, thereby mocking our laws, and abusing the hospitality extended to her by the host country," Salvador Panelo said. "We thank her for whatever good deeds she has performed during her stay in the country. Such acts however cannot exempt her from the punishment imposed by law as a consequence of her wrongdoing, he added. Rights defenders had protested Dutertes order to deport Fox, calling it a clear sign that the strongman president does not tolerate legal dissent. The government, through its immigration bureau and the foreign office, insisted that it had the right to kick out deemed undesirable. In August, the immigration bureau detained an 84-year-old Australian professor and barred him entry into the country. The government had also recently deported an American and two African missionaries who had travelled to the south to check on alleged rights violations by the army against a local indigenous group. Cristina Palabay, head of the local rights group Karapatan, said Foxs departure underscored government contempt for human rights activism in the Philippines, which has a seen a rise in deaths attributed to the drug war since Duterte came to power two years ago. About 5,000 alleged drug addicts and pushers have been killed since Duterte launched his anti-drug war two years ago, a spokesman for the governments drug enforcement agency said last month. Only those who detest the poor would want a Sr. Patricia Fox out of the Philippines, Palabay said. They thought that without her, the struggle for human rights and peoples rights will stop gaining allies in the international community. They are sorely mistaken. Wake up and smell the jamun Kathmandu sets numerous national records in Nepal. It is the biggest city of the country, most populated and most polluted. As the countrys largest metropolis, its population composition is also hugely diverse. Furthermore, as the Valley holds much of the countrys wealth, it is Nepals biggest market. Will retire only after keeping party intact: Deuba Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that NCs principle has prevailed following the elections to the three-layer of elections after the enforcement of new constitution. PR Newswire NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2018 NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP ("BLB&G") today announced that it has filed a securities class action lawsuit on behalf of Retail Wholesale Department Store Union Local 338 Retirement Fund against Synchrony Financial ("Synchrony" or the "Company") (NYSE: SYF) and certain of its senior executives. The action, which is captioned Retail Wholesale Department Store Union Local 338 Retirement Fund v. Synchrony Financial, No. 3:18-cv-01818 (D. Conn.), asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Synchrony stock during the time period of October 21, 2016 and November 1, 2018 (the "Class Period"). The Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Synchrony falsely represented that its consistent and disciplined underwriting practices had led to a higher quality loan portfolio than those of its competitors. In truth, Synchrony relaxed its underwriting standards and increasingly offered private-label credit cards to riskier borrowers to sustain growth. The truth about Synchrony's credit standards began to be revealed on April 28, 2017, when the Company announced disappointing first quarter 2017 earnings driven by poor loan performance. This news caused Synchrony's shares to decline by $5.25 per share, or nearly 16%. Following this disclosure, the Company represented that it had tightened credit standards, but falsely characterized those underwriting changes as modest. In fact, the Company had made significant modifications to its underwriting policies, but concealed that these modifications were damaging its relationships with its retail partners, including Walmart. On July 26, 2018, multiple news outlets reported that Walmart had chosen a competitor to replace Synchrony. Together, these two disclosures caused Synchrony's shares to decline nearly 14%. Then, on November 1, 2018, Walmart sued Synchrony accusing the Company of improper underwriting in connection with the Walmart/Synchrony credit card program. As a result of this disclosure, Synchrony shares declined by over 10%. If you wish to serve as Lead Plaintiff for the Class, you must file a motion with the Court no later than January 2, 2019, which is the first business day on which the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut is open that is 60 days after the publication date of November 2, 2018. Accordingly, the deadline for filing a motion for appointment as Lead Plaintiff is. Any member of the proposed Class may move the Court to serve as Lead Plaintiff through counsel of their choice. Members may also choose to do nothing and remain part of the proposed Class. If you wish to discuss this Action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact Avi Josefson of BLB&G at 212-554-1493, or via e-mail at [email protected] Information about BLB&G can be found online at www.blbglaw.com. CONTACT:Avi JosefsonBernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP1251 Avenue of AmericasNew York, New York 10020Telephone: (212) 554-1493 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bernstein-litowitz-berger--grossmann-llp-announces-securities-class-action-suit-filed-against-synchrony-financial-and-certain-of-its-senior-executives-300743409.html SOURCE Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP PR Newswire BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 2, 2018 BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Bob Rappaport, MD, has worked on advancing anesthesia, analgesia, and addiction drug-treatment research, discovery, and evaluation, in the private sector through his consulting firm Analgesic Concepts LLC. Dr. Rappaport also has an impressive resume in the public sector through his work at the FDA and has published extensively on addiction, pain clinical trial design, sleep disorders, and opioids for acute and chronic pain. "I'm glad to become a Scientific Advisor for Bridge Therapeutics," said Dr. Rappaport, "since Bridge hits the sweet spot of my professional focus, namely improving the treatment of pain and addiction disorders." Dr. Rappaport spent 20 years at the Food and Drug Administration, with the last 12 years as Director of the Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Addiction Products Division at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. There he oversaw the approvals of drug products for that sector. He worked within the FDA to build the public-private partnership ACTTION (Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations, Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks) which has been highly successful in improving the study and development of treatments in these areas. Prior to his retirement, Dr. Rappaport received the FDA Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Rappaport has long been an active member of IMMPACT or Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials. Since 2002, IMMPACT meetings have brought together top researchers, stakeholders, and experts in the chronic pain and acute pain fields. During these meetings, experts come to consensus on the development and interpretations of clinical trials for acute and chronic pain in adults and children. Speaking of Bridge's newest Scientific Advisory Board member, President Tim Peara remarked, "We value the regulatory and clinical insights that Dr. Rappaport can provide and look forward to a long and productive association with him." About Bridge Therapeutics Bridge Therapeutics is an innovative, late development-stage specialty pharmaceutical company pursuing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) approvals of a patented (U.S. Patent #8410092) drug combination, BT-205, for the treatment of chronic pain in opioid-experienced patients. Its investigational drug BT-205 is a unique combination of two chronic pain drugs the partial-agonist opioid buprenorphine and the NSAID meloxicam delivered in a state-of-the-art sublingual formulation. Bridge Therapeutics' goal is to make the BT-205 compound and other investigational new drug candidates available to millions of patients experiencing chronic pain. Media Contact: Alton Kelley Phone: 877-223-6949 Email: [email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bridge-therapeutics-announces-the-addition-of-dr-bob-rappaport-to-its-scientific-advisory-board-300743364.html SOURCE Bridge Therapeutics 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 PR Newswire WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 3, 2018 WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Founder and CEO of Haven Health, Vince Albanese an innovator and successful serial entrepreneur will serve as the Distinguished Speaker at the upcoming HIPAA Privacy and Security Summit. His current role focuses exclusively on delivering enterprise-grade, healthcare blockchain solutions. With a background fielded in software engineering, mastering the art and talent of designing and building innovative and cutting-edge platforms his past experiences include CIO, ISFA/INVEST where he created and deployed a public stock and insurance brokerage network with the Resolution Trust Company. He was Global Director, Technology for R.P. Scherer, an architecting pharmaceutical manufacturing IT company representing 21 plants in 13 countries. He co-founded, oversaw, and subsequently sold a national consulting company focused on process manufacturing ERP solutions servicing a dozen Fortune 50 process manufacturing firms. Additionally, he co-founded the Oracle Process Manufacturing User Group, the i2 Technologies User Group and was Chief Architect and CIO for Gratis Card Technologies. The philanthropic Co-Founder and CEO of The Green Armada Foundation states, "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Summit and look forward to meeting others interested in moving healthcare forward with innovative technology." Albanese secured the prestigious Heroes of the Year Award by People Magazine and was featured in Reader's Digest, CNN, NBC, and Fox News. He also assisted in the formation of the Blue Community Consortium, which was the first UN World Tourist Observatory in North America. Its reach today extends across Central Florida and into the Caribbean. The Blue Community Consortium is deploying Haven Health's blockchain technology to improve transparency, verification of results, and sharing of data related to sustainable tourism. The HIPAA Privacy and Security Summit is a joint effort of Delaware Law School and First Healthcare Compliance to provide resources for professionals facing the challenges of HIPAA compliance. The full-day event will be held on November 8, 2018, in Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom at the Delaware Law School and will include continental breakfast, lunch, and multiple opportunities for continuing education credits. Attendees are eligible to receive 7.5 CLE credits (6.5 substantive, 1 ethics) in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This program has been approved for 7.5 continuing education unit(s) by Practice Management Institute and PAHCOM. The Compliance Certification Board (CCB) has approved this event for up to 9.0 CCB CEUs. Continuing Education Units are awarded based on individual attendance record. Granting of prior approval in no way constitutes endorsement by CCB of this event content or of the event sponsor. Registration will be available to the public until November 6, 2018. About Delaware Law School: Widener University is a metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, applied leadership, and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. Delaware Law School is the First State's only law school, providing a Juris doctor, legal graduate and paralegal degree programs with an emphasis on developing legal professionals who reflect the Delaware Way and its traditions of civility, integrity and mutual respect. The school offers signature programs in corporate and business law, environmental law, family health law and policy, trial advocacy, and dignity rights. About First Healthcare Compliance: Founded in 2012 by a nurse attorney, the First Healthcare Compliance software solution creates confidence among compliance professionals through education, resources, and support in the areas of HIPAA, OSHA, human resources compliance, and fraud waste and abuse laws. Serving clients across the United States, the company's evolving platform provides real-time insight for board reporting and across multiple locations. For more information please visit https://1sthcc.com/ SOURCE First Healthcare Compliance PR Newswire LYNCHBURG, Va., Nov. 2, 2018 LYNCHBURG, Va., Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Best-selling author Karen Kingsbury will visit Liberty University next weekend, Nov. 8-10, as the guest speaker at Convocation on Friday, Nov. 9, at 10:30 a.m. She will also be welcoming College For A Weekend (CFAW) participants at a rally on Thursday and speaking at a CFAW parents breakfast on Friday, as well as addressing Liberty University School of Law students at their Convocation on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 10:30 a.m. CFAW is a chance for potential students to explore Liberty, attend classes, stay overnight in a dorm, and participate in on-campus activities. Register at Liberty.edu/CFAW. Kingsbury is a popular guest at Liberty and regularly shares her own experience of being a Liberty parent. Currently, she has two sons and a nephew attending Liberty. "I especially love visiting Liberty during CFAW weekend," Kingsbury said. "Years ago, I was a parent just discovering this incredible university. Now I have the chance to help other parents make the best decision ever the decision to send their sons and daughters to Liberty." Kingsbury has spoken to Liberty's student body at several past Convocations and said it is one of her favorite events. "I love speaking at Liberty's Convocation," Kingsbury said. "It's a very great honor to share with thousands of the best and brightest young people on the planet. Liberty students are world-changers and evangelists. This time around, I will encourage them to write a best-seller with the days of their lives. That's a story we have just one chance to write!" Kingsbury also shares her expertise in writing and publishing through the university's Karen Kingsbury Center for Creative Writing, which launched last fall. The center offers a Minor in Creative Writing and several online courses in the Master of Arts in Professional Writing program. While in Lynchburg, Kingsbury will speak at a citywide annual prayer breakfast on Nov. 10, and later that day she will be at the Liberty University Barnes & Noble Bookstore at 2 p.m. to meet with students and parents and sign copies of her new book, "When We Were Young." SOURCE Liberty University 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 Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us By Erin DeBooy Closing arguments were delivered in court Friday morning, ending the three-day trial for Rae Elene Deutscher, who is accused of neglecting her elderly mother while she was in her care to the point it endangered her life. The Crown argued Deutscher failed her mother by not seeking medical attention as soon as she knew her mother was injured, and that this failure was a criminal act. Defence countered that while Deutschers care of her mother was controversial it was not criminal, as there was no evidence her actions or lack thereof actually endangered her mothers life. Deutscher pleaded not guilty in Brandon Court of Queens Bench to failing to provide the necessaries of life to her mother, Elene Collins, thereby endangering her life. Collins had been living with Deutscher for a little more than a year when family members started growing concerned about her quality of care. On Nov. 26, 2014, Deutschers daughter Collinss granddaughter called police to perform a wellness check on Collins when she learned Collins had been living on the floor of the basement bathroom. Officers found her lying on the bathroom floor unresponsive, bruised and swollen. In addition to bruises and abrasions, Collins was also found to have two brain bleeds, one of which had been there for a while, as well as a number of rib fractures that were at different stages of healing. Collins, 96, died in Brandon Regional Health Centre approximately a month later on Christmas Eve. Collins was not someone who had been in declining health for years, Crown attorney Deidre Badcock said, but was rather someone in good health who went into a rapid decline after being left untreated following multiple falls. We have objective members of the community we have doctors, police, family members; theyre all horrified at the condition of Elene Collins when she attends at the hospital. She should have been taken to a doctor, the hospital or any medical professional after her first fall, Badcock said. The lack of care that was given to her when she had these falls the fact that she was left to languish for a period of time on a bathroom floor suggests that this is an endangerment to her life because otherwise, she is healthy. Deutscher acknowledged numerous times in her statement that not only was she advised to take her mother to a doctor, but she knew her mother was going downhill and needed to be taken to the hospital, Badcock said. When police did check on Collins, their first instinct was to call paramedics because it was an urgent situation, Badcock added. She knew her mother was hurt and took no steps to see a qualified medical professional, Badcock said. Deutscher wanted to do her own treatment on Collins, Badcock said, believing she could provide better treatment than a doctor could with holistic medicine and all-natural methods. She is not a medical professional she was not equipped to make the decision as to what is going to assist (someones) health, Badcock said. This is why we have this section of the criminal code. Badcock argued Deutschers defence was taking a much too literal approach to the alleged endangerment, adding the Crown is not required to prove what caused Collinss death, but that Deutschers actions are what endangered her life. Its an objective test here Its a community standard. (Deutscher) doesnt have to believe that what shes doing is going to lead to (Collinss) death but its something that has to be ought to have foreseen. When someone is lying on the bathroom floor for a week at a time, not moving, in a fetal position, not speaking the only common inference here is that their life is in danger. Theyre not functioning as any regular human being would do, Badcock said. This is a marked departure from any standard of care Elene Collins life was in danger those last few weeks. The law says that when you have a person in your charge under your care, and that person cannot remove themselves from that charge, you must be held to that community standard. You must be the one to have to act, and your failure to do so is a criminal act. Defence lawyer Andrew Synyshyn argued that criminal liability would only comes into play if Deutschers actions actually endangered Collinss life or caused permanent injuries, adding there was no evidence this was the case. This is an emotional case, at times the evidence was gut-wrenching, and its difficult to hear sometimes about what Ms. Collins looked like. We are all sons and daughters, we all have grandmothers and elderly relatives for whom we all want the best, Synyshyn said. But the courts job is to separate the emotion from the evidence the Crown has not proved beyond a reasonable doubt that (Deutschers) actions or lack of actions endangered (Collinss) health. None of the doctors who testified described Collins injuries as life threatening, Synyshyn said, but did acknowledge she was in relatively good health for a 96-year-old woman. When Collins was brought to the hospital, she did not need to be resuscitated or intubated, Synyshyn added, and police didnt find her in unsanitary conditions. We submit it is not enough based on supposition or inference to say, well, she was 96. She laying on a floor. She must have been in dangerwheres the evidence to that? Synyshyn said. While Collins brain bleeds could be dangerous, Synyshyn said, they also could have been healing, like her bruises were during her hospital stay. There was never a second CT scan done to check on how the brain bleeds were doing weeks later, Synyshyn added. The court also didnt have the privilege of hearing from the neurosurgeon involved in treating Collins, the paramedics involved, nor was there an autopsy done to better determine how those injuries could have contributed if at all to her death, Synyshyn said. If we dont know something, theres doubt, and if theres doubt, there cannot be a conviction, Synyshyn said. While this court might find concern with Ms. Deutschers actions or her lack of actions, it cannot find that ultimately Ms. Collins life was in danger. Justice Scott Abel reserved his decision to a later date. edebooy@brandonsun.com Twitter: @erindebooy In his speech to a room packed with 300 party loyalists, Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Premier Brian Pallister celebrated the Tory's success and commitment to the future of Manitobans. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Premier Brian Pallister calls for the continued support of Manitoban families at the 2018 Northern Lights Fall Mixer at the Keystone Centre Friday. (Chelsea Kemp/The Brandon Sun) In his speech to a room packed with 300 party loyalists, Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Premier Brian Pallister celebrated the Tory's success and commitment to the future of Manitobans. "This is a political party that rests on the foundation of family, and families are the university of caring," Pallister told the room during the 2018 Northern Lights Fall Mixer. "We are the party for the future of families in Manitoba." Progressive Conservatives have descended on Brandon this weekend for their Annual General Meeting, and Pallister speech on Friday night kicked off the weekend at the Manitoba Keystone Centre. "There is no better team in Manitoba politics than the PC Party of Manitoba," Pallister said. Stressing what he considered to be the worse "mess in Manitoban history" inherited by the PCs from the NDP, Pallister reiterated the responsibility of the party to the provinces families and their prosperity. Having the opportunity to make a difference, albeit with challenges to overcome, Pallister commended those in attendance for the commitment to the party and the province. Riding a record wave of support in Manitoba, Pallister said he wants to see the province thrive. Making a pledge of support to help all Manitobans find success Pallister is ready for the province to reinvigorate family futures. A shared goal among party members, he said, is to put a plan in motion to make Manitoba the most improved province in the country. "This is a province thats loaded with potential," Pallister said. ckemp@brandonsun.com Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp By Eamon Quinn AIB fared relatively better than its main rival Bank of Ireland in so-called stress tests conducted on large European banks by regulators, but the outlook for their shares will likely remain clouded for some time. Irish banks had decried the results of similar stress tests last run two years ago when they were rated as the most exposed in Europe. They said at the time that they were unfairly penalised under the methodology used by the European regulators. Under the latest stress tests, both Irish banks performed much better than two years ago, while British lenders Barclays and Lloyds, along with Italys UBI, performed relatively poorly in the tests of 48 EU banks. The European Banking Authority (EBA) said AIB would have a capital ratio of 11.83% at the end of 2020 under a scenario of a severe downturn. Under the same stress conditions, Bank of Irelands ratio would fall to 8.93%, the EBA calculated. Elisabeth Rudman, managing director at rating firm DBRS, said: Two years on from the 2016 stress test, we believe the Irish banks 2018 results show the reinforced financial and capital position of the banks. Owen Callan, financials analyst at Investec Ireland, said the share prices of Irish banks next week will continue to look more to how well the Italian banks fared under the stress tests than their own performances. The tests are designed to simulate the stresses loan and balance sheets of key European banks would face under various outcomes, including a recession. Irish bank shares, along with most other European lenders, have been under selling pressure since the summer when the concerns about the new Italian government and its clash with the EU over its budget plans first loomed, said Mr Callan. Ahead of the results of the stress tests, which were released after the close of trading, AIB shares had fallen sharply, by almost 3%, to 4.03. That means the shares have lost almost 19% in the past year. At 6.24, Bank of Ireland shares were down 1.25%, to bring their losses in the past year to almost 8%. By Devika Krishna Kumar Oil prices fell about 1%, heading for a weekly loss of over 6%, with investors worried about oversupply as the US said it will temporarily spare eight jurisdictions from Iran-related sanctions. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced the decision in a conference call. The waivers could allow top buyers to keep importing Iranian oil after economic penalties come back into effect on Monday. Brent futures for January delivery fell 26c to $72.63 a barrel, a 0.4% loss. US crude fell 61c to $63.08 per barrel, a 1% loss. Both contracts have fallen more than 15% from the near four-year highs touched in early October on worries the looming Iran sanctions could drain supply from global markets. Mr Pompeo did not name the jurisdictions, but said the EU as a whole would not receive one. Bloomberg reported that Washington has agreed to let eight countries, including South Korea, Japan, and India, continue buying Iranian oil, citing a US official. China, the top importer of Iranian crude, is still in discussions with the US on terms, but is among the eight countries, it is believed. Iran said it had no concerns over the reimposition of sanctions. It seems as though all the worries about tightening supplies due to the loss of Iranian barrels in the market have dried up, said Gene McGillian, director of market research at Tradition Energy in the US. On top of that, concerns regarding reduced global demand has also helped... the market continues to search for a bottom. Crude drew some support as world equity markets rallied on hopes the US and China were mending trade relations. Worries about a US-China trade war had rattled stock markets, weighing on oil prices. Prices have also been under pressure as world oil production has been rising significantly in the past two months. Russian Energy Ministry data showed yesterday that the country pumped 11.41m barrels per day of crude in October, a 30-year high. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) boosted oil production in October to 33.31m barrels per day, up 390,000 barrels per day and the highest by Opec since 2016. The US is challenging Russia for title of top producer, with US crude production now above 11m barrels per day. Reuters There could be shortages of Guinness in the UK after Brexit. Liberal Democrats leader, Vince Cable, believes Guinness and Baileys could dry up in UK pubs if they leave without a deal. A former priest from the Diocese of Cloyne whose peers defrocked him for the crime of abusing minors has written a book setting out his own defence in full. The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) has called on Amazon to remove the book by Daniel Duane from sale immediately. Mr Duane, who spent 42 years in active ministry, self-published In the Shelter of the Most High through publishing company AuthorHouse, and says in the book that his chief reason for doing is to redress the injustice that I was denied by the Cloyne Report and the Cloyne Church Tribunal. Yesterday Teresa Devlin, CEO of the NBSCCCI, told the Irish Examiner they are very concerned about the self-publication of this book as it has already caused enormous distress to the women involved. Ms Devlin said the NBSCCCI has been in direct contact with some of the women in question and have offered any support we can provide to them. As the NBSCCCI is not a statutory agency, it has no control over the decision by Amazon to sell the book but we would call on the company to remove it immediately, she said. A spokesperson for the Diocese of Cloyne said: The diocese is concerned about this [book] because of the power of the impact on victims. The spokesperson said its designated liaison person, Fr Patrick Winkle, had been liaising with the statutory authorities to see what could be done, and that survivors and gardai have been made aware. The spokesperson said the diocese has not been in contact with Mr Duane as he was dismissed from the clerical state and is no longer Fr Duane. He is a private citizen now and hes Mr Duane to us. Our contacts are with survivors, the spokesperson said. One of Mr Duanes alleged victims said none of them are shocked or surprised by his decision to write a book, but that they are disgusted. He is deliberately setting out to hurt us again, she said. This paper also asked gardai if the Diocese of Cloyne had alerted them to Mr Duanes book and if so, whether they had taken any action. In response, a spokesperson said: It is Garda policy not to comment on individual cases and therefore An Garda Siochana is not in a position to comment further. Mr Duane was acquitted in a criminal court on two occasions; the first occasion in May 2011 on the direction of the trial judge, and in November 2011, when he was acquitted by a jury. However a canonical court hearing found him guilty of complaints by five women. A judging panel of three priests said they were satisfied to a standard of moral certainty. Mr Duane lost two appeals against the decision by the canonical court to dismiss him from the priesthood, as well as losing a personal appeal to Pope Francis, made after the Pope declared 2016 to be A Holy Year of Mercy. The Pope confirmed to the Bishop of Cloyne, William Crean, that he agreed with the earlier decision to reject Mr Duanes appeal against dismissal. The Cloyne Report looked at the Churchs handling of clerical sex abuse allegations, including 11 complaints against Mr Duane, referred to in the Cloyne Report as Fr Ronat. In his foreword to the book, Mr Duane writes he had much agonising before penning his memoirs as he was conscious of the collateral hurt that will arise from the publication. However, he said: I will strive to seek justice until I die. He refers to each of the allegations made against him in the book and uses the same pseudonyms for the alleged victims as are used in the Cloyne Report. He also outlines details of his own childhood, including how he toyed with the idea of being a vet or a doctor which would be a fulfilling vocation and more importantly, I could have a wife and family. I loved the fairer sex and the hormones in my youthful body were impatient for fulfilment, he writes. The book has an almost identical title to The Shelter of the Most High by Francis Frangipane. The firm that runs Irish Water should take control of the National Broadband Plan, according to Fianna Fail. The party wants Ervia to be put in charge of the rollout of high-speed broadband across the country. By Caroline ODoherty and Elaine Loughlin Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has ordered a review of the forces handling of rapist Eoin Berkeley after it emerged he should have been in custody for breaching bail conditions at the time he assaulted a teenage girl. Mr Harris has assigned Assistant Commissioner Pat Leahy to carry out the review, which will look at Garda failures to monitor Berkeley, who had been arrested for a series of disturbing incidents prior to his attack on an 18-year-old Spanish student last year. A Garda statement said: The assistant commissioner will examine issues such as communications between divisions in Dublin city centre and Garda monitoring of bail conditions of the convicted individual. The review will establish the lessons to be learnt and whether changes to processes are needed. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan welcomed the review and said that if legislative changes were found to be needed, he would consider them. I am very concerned at reports regarding the bail situation, he said. If there are issues pertaining to the practice and procedures of An Garda Siochana, they need to be dealt with, and I look forward to seeing the findings of the review. Fianna Fail justice spokesman Jim OCallaghan said the case highlights the need for bail laws to be strengthened. He criticised the Government for opposing a Fianna Fail bill on the issue last year. If the State itself does not take bail terms seriously, then it is difficult to expect those on bail to treat them seriously or abide by the conditions set out. The State needs to be far more intolerant of violations of bail terms than they are at present. Mr Flanagan said bail laws had been tightened up under the Criminal Justice Act 2017 which post-dated Berkeleys attack. He said that if further legislative change was needed, I would be happy to have a look at it. The house where a pipe bomb was found in Belfast last night is owned by a brother of the RUC chief constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan. The house was unoccupied at the time. Limerick GAA legend Leonard Enright has passed away. He was 65. All involved with Limerick GAA are saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Leonard Enright. One of the finest full backs to grace the Limerick jersey. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Enright Family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/Wm479nzBPQ Limerick GAA (@LimerickCLG) November 3, 2018 Enright played for his local club Patrickswell and with the Limerick senior inter-county hurling team from 1971 until 1988. He was inducted into the GAA Hall of Fame at the All Star awards last night. Limerick GAA player Cian Lynch, who picked up the Hurler of the Year award last night, paid tribute to Enright. "For me to have the opportunity to stand up here, it goes back to the small things, back to the family," he said afterwards. Leonard Enright went in the Hall of Fame [tonight]. Heroes like him, legends like him, it's what makes it extra special. Enright won All-Stars in 1980, 1981 and 1983. He was a Councillor in Limerick with Fianna Fail from 1999 to 2014. The former full-back has been remembered as "a true gentleman". "So sad to hear of the untimely passing of Leonard Enright a legend of Patrickswell and Limerick. A true gentleman in every way," said Niall Collins TD. Leonard Enright pictured in 1983. Digital Desk An actor of piercing emotion and cool sensuality, Jeanne Moreau expanded the cinema's perception of femininity. The subject of this year's retrospective program at the Classic French Film Festival the half dozen features include five in black and white she is remarkable in 1962's Eva (, M, 107 minutes). Moreau plays the title character, a Roman escort who systematically ensnares, fleeces and then rejects a Welsh novelist, Tyvian Jones (Stanley Baker), enjoying the first flush of success at the Venice film festival ("the book made me famous, the film made me rich," he observes). With her striking profile, and a gaze as austerely cold as the modernist Italian decor, Eva seduces Tyvian, who is engaged to the trusting Francesca (Verna Lisi), with her mere presence. As she retreats, he follows; as she says nothing, he confesses his many failings. Director Joseph Losey shoots their first kiss from above an awkward angle that reveals Tyvian's latent appetite for self-destruction and Eva as the fuse. melbournecinematheque.org Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Wednesdays, November 7, 14, and 21. It's hard not to wonder what Edward Yang would have created had he not died in 2007, after a long struggle with colon cancer, at the comparatively young filmmaking age of 60. The writer and director was a key figure in the New Taiwanese Cinema that emerged in the 1980s, depicting a jarring society where the modern and traditional modes of life are forever at odds. This diverse program includes his final work, the gently compelling Yi Yi (, M, 173 minutes). The story of an extended family that unfolds over a year it begins with a wedding and ends with a funeral, a classical structure it both inhabits and usurps the film is equally at ease with the happenstance of children and the struggles of adults, revealing a humanism that is its defining trait. There is no shortage of plot, with a love triangle involving the family's daughter and middle-age rapprochement between former lovers, but it is the opposite of diagrammatic: individual scenes are tender and self-contained, full of cultural insight and personal longing. RUSSIAN RESURRECTION FILM FESTIVAL russianresurrection.com Australian Centre of the Moving Image and Classic Cinemas, Friday, November 9, to Sunday, November 18. Amid a program of fantasy adventures, populist dramas and deft comedies, European festival circuit favourite Pagans (, 15+, 92 minutes) offers an incisive view of modern-day Russia through the fractious interaction of a traditional grandmother and her forward-looking granddaughter. Lera Surkova's debut feature is an adaptation of the play by the Ukrainian writer Anna Yablonskaya, and is immediately alert to the looming symbols of religious history and the pressure points within a family that has seemingly put aside such concerns. When the ageing, pious Natalya (Tatyana Vladimorova) unexpectedly returns to the son she abandoned as a child, struggling classical musician Oleg (Valentin Samokhin), she sets out to have her grandchild, former university student Kristina (Vitaliya Enshina), baptised in the Russian Orthodox Church. With scabrous family dinners and moments of almost farcical regret, the film is initially a deceptively brisk look at how the past looms over the next generation of Russians. Kristina's no to Natalya becomes an act of rebellion with an ever heavier burden as the wily matriarch wins the support of the other family members. Well, it was the opposite of disastrous, and I wanted to stay forever. It was our first trip to Vietnam that's me and the twins and my ex-husband, who still holidays with us (whole other story) but we settled in pretty quick. Before I left Australia, I visited my usual nail salon, where the technicians all hail from Vietnam. When I told the women at my station that I planned to spend a month in Hoi An they all screwed up their faces. Then they told the women who'd had their heads down in the pedicure sinks and hadn't heard me. They all screwed up their faces, too. I was starting to feel like I'd booked four weeks in the Vietnamese equivalent of Wagga. Was it going to be disastrous? Have you ever stayed a really long time in a place meant for short visits? I sat in a toilet cubicle scrolling through my phone for 2 hours once rather than mingle with drunk strangers at a dinner dance. (I couldn't go home because they were relying on me to draw the raffle at the end of the night, in case you're wondering.)' Working quietly on my laptop for a few hours a day kept me happy and sane, and the kids were the superstars of the pool because we packed our own pool noodles, which for some bizarre reason you can't get anywhere in Asia. It's a trick we learnt from another Australian family in Bali, who leave them behind when they go home and use the space in their suitcase for their holiday purchases. You're welcome. My ex-husband found the local pharmacies, where we could stock up on medications no longer available over the counter in Australia, and drank a drink in the hotel bar with ice in it to see if it would make him sick so that the rest of us would know if we could or not. It didn't, and we could. Those were his two holiday jobs, bless him, and with that, we were settled. Having never stayed in a hotel for that long before, we found ourselves living through lots of rather intense holiday relationships, where we sat still but the cast of characters changed around us. I felt like Oprah, welcoming guests onto my set, aka the pool area, learning all about their lives, then waving them off. We had an intense couple of days of intellectual conversations with two brilliant women, one from Melbourne, the other from the Gold Coast, and then when they left, three crazy drunken nights with two retired marines from Christchurch. An elderly German lady told me the story of how she came to adopt out her son during a wild electrical storm, and we spent a great afternoon with four families from a remote Vietnamese village who spoke no English and took photos of our white skin to show their friends back home while their kids swam naked in the pool. Germaine Greer has criticised the definition of rape, arguing that women are confused about consent. If we agree that non-consensual sex is rape, then I can tell you its happening in every street, every night in every suburb, she said. Its not rare, its not shocking and it is done with complete impunity because people dont understand about the autonomy of people in a relationship. They dont understand what it means to say no. Greer also told an audience at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney on Saturday that women are not sure about consent. Fire crews worked overnight to try to bring the Pierces Creek bush fire under control. At 9am, the multiple fire hot-spots were not yet fully contained but the Emergency Services were confident that the 10 crews involved had made substantial progress. Containment lines were in place but crews were working to make sure embers didn't jump them. ACT rural firefighters at the fire containment line at Pierces Creek. Credit:Elesa Kurtz According to a statement from the ACT Emergency Services Agency, fire fighters had mopped up hot spots identified by on-the-ground patrols, helicopter surveillance and thermal imaging equipment in aircraft. Fire breaks had been strengthened and areas cleared of trees and other potential fuel. Emergency Services Agency incident controller Rohan Scott said firefighters had been experiencing milder weather conditions on the fireground than in Canberra on Saturday. "The weather conditions were experiencing in town, were not actually getting out at the fireground, which has been fantastic for us," Mr Scott said. "Temperatures have been lower, the relative humidity has been slightly higher and the winds weve been experiencing in town havent been as strong on the fireground. "Its in a bit of a valley there, protected by a lot of the winds." "Im not confident to say its under control, having said that we have got containment lines around the majority of the fire," Mr Scott said. "By [Sunday] morning Id say we will have a pretty good containment line around the fire. "The conditions overnight are going to be very advantageous for us." Ten crews remained at the site on Saturday night along with heavy plant machinery. The six aircraft which had been operating on Saturday will take to the air at first light on Sunday. The fire at Pierces Creek. Credit:Elesa Kurtz In addition to water bombing the aircraft completed infrared and FLIR filming, which is a type of heat-seeking photography. Mr Scott said there would be smoke rising from the fire over the coming days which could be blown into Canberra. "At no point at the moment do we see that any houses will come under threat or the need to evacuate or up the rating of the fire," he said. "I dont want to put a timeframe on it but we will have crews there for many days to come, because of the terrain and the type of fuel burning there. Loading "Once we declare it contained there will be a lot of rehabilitation, mopping up and blacking out to be done until we are 100 per cent comfortable to say it is extinguished." The temperature on Sunday is forecast to reach 29 degrees with west to northwesterly winds expected to reach 20 to 30 kilometres per hour. Bureau of Meterology forecaster Gabrielle Woodhouse said winds in Canberra would pick up slightly on Sunday morning after easing off on Saturday night. A front moving through from NSW could prove helpful to firefighters on Monday and Tuesday, she said. She said while the front would bring the chance of thunderstorm activity, Canberra was unlikely to see the damaging winds and rain that came through on Friday afternoon. Showers are expected to develop late on Monday with Tuesday expected to be relatively wet and possibly seeing up to 15 millimetres of rain. Canberrans can stay up to date on the latest weather forecasts at the Bureau of Meterology website and the ESA website has updates on the Pierces Creek fire. An ACT Emergency Services Agency spokesperson said there had been no evacuations and there was "no immediate danger to the community". Loading Smoke is expected to affect Canberra over the coming days. People with asthma, other chronic respiratory or chronic cardiac diseases are warned not to perform vigorous exercise and if they experience difficulty with the situation, consult their GP. On Friday, more than 1440 homes were door knocked in suburbs from Kambah to Gordon. They were reminded to be prepared for the upcoming bushfire season. The following road closures remain in place until advised otherwise: Paddys River Road remains closed from the Cotter Road picnic area (near Brindabella Road) and Tidbinbilla Road remains closed to Corin Dam Road. Kambah Pool Road, from Kambah Pool to Mount Vernon Drive, remains closed. The following areas will remain closed and inaccessible until advised otherwise: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Kambah Pool Camp Cottermouth Bullen Range Nature Reserve Pierces Creek forest Ruth Landau can still remember walking the streets of Berlin, glass crunching underfoot, the morning after Kristallnacht. She was nine years old and her father wanted to show her what had taken place on the "night of broken glass", despite being a Jewish man and in serious danger of being captured by the Gestapo. Ruth Landau lived through Kristallnacht. Credit:Lawrence Atkin Kristallnacht was a series of attacks by the Nazis on Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues. More than 7000 Jewish businesses were destroyed and more than 90 Jews were murdered. Heading west to work on major engineering projects no longer means what it once did - with the NSW unemployment rate recently dropping to a decade low, Badgerys Creek has replaced Bunbury, and Kingsgrove has replaced Kalgoorlie in the sights of young engineers. Record spending on roads and motorways in Sydney has prompted a surge in opportunities for employees, but also a need for businesses in the field to find novel ways to recruit staff. The engineering firm John Holland, for instance, is building two metro rail projects in Sydney the Northwest rail line, and the City and Southwest line under the central business district and has also completed the M4 East section of the WestConnex motorway. To manage the program it has hired almost 2000 new employees within the past year, with 948 of those in NSW. Young engineers Scott Wake and Eliza Mooring at the Marrickville tunnel boring machine dive site Credit:Christopher Pearce There is a lot going on on the east coast, and it is unprecedented in terms of its scale, said Joe Barr, the chief executive officer of John Holland. More than one in three requests for CCTV footage on the NSW rail network are for non-criminal matters, including accidents, general searches, injuries and station management. Police requests account 6324 of the 10,793 requests - nearly three out of five - for rail network footage in 2014. A recent report from the Australian Institute of Criminology revealed the reasons given for CCTV requests by police. Police made an average of 17 requests a day, including 14 a day for criminal investigations. The reason most commonly given by police was "police search / inquiry", which accounted for more than 900 requests, and there were also more than 500 police requests categorised as "other". Seven years after the final chapter in the Harry Potter franchise was released, Bonnie Wright, who brought Ginny Weasley to life on the big screen, has forged her own path through various directorial and writing successes, as well as campaigning against single-use plastic. But the 27-year-old English actress is always more than happy to re-immerse herself in everything that is J.K. Rowling's creative masterpiece and will visit Brisbane for the first time as part of her guest appearance at Supanova later this month. Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter ended up getting married and having children at the end of the franchise. Ms Wright is no stranger to Australian shores through her previous trips to visit her mother's family and has been involved in several previous Supanova events across the country, including one on the Gold Coast. In the years since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Ms Wright has graduated from film school, started her own production company, made her directorial debut premiering at the Cannes Film Festival and waged war against plastic through her involvement with Greenpeace. The idea to build a 17,000-seat entertainment precinct over Roma Street station began in 2007, but the project's proponents needed a major piece of good fortune to get it off the ground. AEG Ogden manages Suncorp Stadium, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and is the driving force behind the entertainment precinct called Brisbane Live which is now part of Cross River Rail. A six-month business case will evaluate a 17,000 seat venue over the top of Roma Street Station as part of the Brisbane Live proposal. This week, AEG Ogden chairman and chief executive Harvey Lister told a Property Council of Australia lunch audience the arena would not have got off the ground if it wasnt for the $5.4 billion underground rail initiative. We started the journey thats become Brisbane Live in 2007 ... we found a difficulty, we had to find a way into government, Mr Lister said. A worst-case oil spill in the Great Australian Bight would be twice the scale of the Gulf of Mexico disaster, and rough seas and a lack of suitable equipment risk delaying the response effort, confidential plans show. Documents released under freedom of information laws reveal the potential dangers involved in drilling for oil in the wild, isolated seas off the South Australian coast a move Resources Minister Matt Canavan last week said was a national priority that would secure Australias fuel supplies. Plans to drill for oil in the Great Australian Bight show a worst-case spill would be twice as big as the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, pictured. Credit:Reuters Norwegian energy giant Equinor plans to explore for oil in the Great Australian Bight and insists it can be done safely. Critics say the venture is too risky and an oil spill in the pristine region would damage coastal communities and devastate marine life, including endangered southern right whales. Equinor last year acquired two exploration permits from BP, and plans to drill an exploratory well by October next year. Istanbul: The body of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was allegedly cut to pieces and then dissolved using a chemical substance, a Turkish official source says. After Khashoggi was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, the killers had to dismember his body before dissolving it, Turkish presidential adviser Yasin Aktay told the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet on Friday. "We have information that Khashoggi's body was dismembered," Aktay said. Dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose killng has sparked an international backlash against Saudi Arabia. Credit:AP "But now we see that there is nothing remaining from the dismemberment. They dissolved the body," said Aktay, who said he was a friend of Khashoggi. 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 worlds biggest asset manager earlier this year sent letters to companies in the Russell 1000 index with fewer than two women on their boards, asking them to explain their lack of progress. Some of the responses were surprising, said Michelle Edkins, the firms global head of stewardship. On board diversity, frankly some of the answers we got were from the 1880s, Edkins said Friday in an interview at the SRI Conference in ... 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 expert panel that reviewed the compensation to be paid by Johnson and Johnson (J&J) to patients impacted by faulty ASR hip implants has submitted its report to the Centre. A senior government official said the formula to be used to calculate compensation has been submitted to the health ministry for its approval. While the government official declined to share the details of the formula for compensation, he said the process of compensation to patients would be completed in a speedy manner after the health ministrys nod to the formula proposed. This comes at a time ... 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The company, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Thailand-based Siam Makro PCL, opened its second cash and carry outlet in the National Capital Region (NCR). With an aim to be profitable in the next five years, the company would be opening as many as 13 stores by 2021. Store-level profitability will happen in the third year of each stores existence. Right now, we are looking at expanding ... The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) will conduct an inquiry into the Amritsar train tragedy in which at least 60 people were killed earlier this month. The matter has become a matter of great public discourse, especially raising concerns regarding the safety of people trespassing on railway tracks. Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla held a meeting with Union Minister of Railways and Coal, Piyush Goyal and handed over a letter, requesting an inquiry by the CRS in the incident. The Ministry of Railways has considered the request and other facts, circumstances and legal provisions. As per the law, it is not mandatory, in such cases, for an inquiry to be conducted by the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), but it is not impermissible either. In the past, CRS inquiries have been conducted in incidents where people have been run over by trains on railway tracks. Although the Railways does not appear to be responsible in this incident, the issue of inquiry conducted by an independent and technically competent authority, not reporting to Ministry of Railways, was considered and a request was made to the CCRS to conduct an inquiry in this matter. Considering this, the CCRS has ordered a statutory inquiry into the incident. On October 20, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had ordered a magisterial inquiry under the Divisional Commissioner of Jalandhar to ascertain the cause of the accident. The accident took place at the Dhobi Ghat ground in Choura Bazar near Jhoda Phatak area in Amritsar on October 19 after a speeding train ran over a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto the railway tracks while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy. An Indian-origin man has been charged in the US with H-1B visa and mail fraud, officials said. Kishore Kumar Kavuru, 46, was arrested on Friday and was presented before US Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen, the said in a press release. He was charged with 10 counts of visa fraud and 10 counts of mail fraud in connection with a scheme to maintain a pool of foreign workers for the clients of Kavuru's consulting companies. If convicted, Kavuru faces the sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 for each count of visa fraud. The defendant also faces up to 20 years in jail and $250,000 for each count of mail fraud, federal prosecutors said. According to the indictment, Kavuru, a resident of Sunnyvale, California, held himself out as a staffing specialist for technology firms based in Santa Clara County and elsewhere seeking to fill temporary positions with foreign workers. Since at least as early as 2007, Kavuru was the owner and Chief Executive Officer of four consulting companies -- Scopus Consulting Group, Inc.; ITECH Analyst Corp; Infinity Methods Corp; and Orian Engineers Incorporated. The indictment described how Kavuru used the consulting companies to process and submit fraudulent applications for foreign workers to obtain permission to work in the US under the H-1B visa programme. He was accused of submitting fraudulent documents to both the Department of Labour and the Department of Homeland Security, containing details of bogus work projects awaiting the foreign workers. Because many of the applications were ultimately approved, Kavuru had a pool of unemployed H-1B beneficiaries that were immediately available for legitimate work projects, giving him a competitive advantage over other law-abiding staffing companies that followed the sometimes lengthy visa application process for petitioning foreign workers, according to federal prosecutors. As part of the scheme, Kavuru required some prospective workers to pay thousands of dollars in cash before he would prepare and submit the visa applications. Kavuru also required some workers to wait unpaid, sometimes for months, to be placed at an end-client's workplace. Through his consulting companies, Kavuru submitted and mailed approximately 43 petitions for H-1B software engineers, the statement said. "In fact, there were no software engineer positions available at the benefits company," federal prosecutors said. US-based journalist Pallavi Gogoi, who has accused M J Akbar of raping her while working under him in India, has dismissed his claims that it was a "consensual relationship", saying a relationship based on "coercion and abuse of power" is not consensual. Gogoi, the chief business editor of Public Radio (NPR), a Washington-based American media organisation, took to Twitter and said she stands by every word in her published account in The Washington Post. She said that she would continue to speak her truth so that other women, who have been sexually assaulted by him, know it is okay for them to come forward and speak their truth too. Akbar, 67, who recently resigned as junior foreign minister following a spate of #MeToo allegations, on Friday denied accusations of rape by Gogoi who, in her article, recounted the "most painful memories" of her life and said she was in "shreds -- emotionally, physically, mentally". In a statement, he said: "Somewhere around 1994, Ms Pallavi Gogoi and I entered into a consensual relationship that spanned several months". "This relationship (with Gogoi) gave rise to talk and would later cause significant strife in my home life as well. This consensual relationship ended, perhaps not on the best note," Akbar said. In a separate statement, his wife Mallika Akbar also dismissed Gogoi's accusations, made in a Washington Post article Friday, as a "lie". Mallika admitted she knew about the relationship between Akbar and Pallavi and the relationship caused unhappiness and discord in her family. Responding to Akbar's claims, Gogoi said: "yesterday, The Washington Post published my first-hand account of being physically, verbally and sexually assaulted by M J Akbar. I was in my early 20s, an aspiring journalist, and an employee at the newspaper he led". She said that rather than taking responsibility, "Akbar has insisted just like other infamous serial sexual abusers of women that the relationship was consensual. It was not". "A relationship that is based on coercion, and abuse of power, is not consensual. I stand by every word in my published account. I will continue to speak my truth so that other women who have been sexually assaulted by him know it is okay for them to come forward and speak their truth too," Gogoi said in the statement. Have we received any response for the invitation extended to the US President, and if we have received a response, who is going to be the Chief Guest on the coming 26th January celebrations? Official Spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar: See, right now I am not in a position to tell you who will be the Chief Guest on January 26 next year. As far as invitation to President is concerned, we have noted the reply received from the White House and we do believe the high level exchanges are an integral part of our strategic partnership. We both, US and India, together are still is discussion to ... Being in shape may be as important to a long life as not smoking, according to a new study of the links between fitness and mortality. The study also explores whether there is any ceiling to the benefits of fitness whether, in essence, you can exercise too much. The answer, it found, is a reassuring no. At this point, we should not be surprised to hear that people who exercise and have high aerobic endurance tend to live longer than those who are sedentary and out of shape. A large body of past research has linked exercise with longevity and indicated that people who work ... If there are glitches or some races are too close to call -- or evidence emerges of more meddling attempts by Russia -- voters may wake up on Wednesday and wonder: Can we trust the outcome? Meet, then, the gatekeepers of American democracy: Three obscure, private equity-backed companies control an estimated $300 million US voting-machine industry. Though most of their revenue comes from taxpayers, and they play an ... 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 U S President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will likely make a deal with China on trade, adding that a lot of progress had been made to resolve the two countries' differences but warning that he still may impose more tariffs on Chinese goods. "China very much wants to make a deal," Trump told reporters in Washington just hours after his top economic adviser expressed caution about talk of a possible U.S.-China trade agreement. "We've had a very good discussions with China, we're getting much closer to doing something," Trump said ... The order to kill Saudi journalist came from the highest level of the Saudi government, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, adding that the community had the responsibility to "reveal the puppet masters" behind the slaying. In an op-ed in The Washington Post, Erdogan said he did not believe that Saudi King Salman had ordered the killing of Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate on October 2. He said Turkey's close ties to did not mean that Turkey could turn a blind eye to the killing of the journalist. "We know that the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government," Erdogan said. Erdogan wrote: "As responsible members of the community, we must reveal the identities of the puppet masters behind Khashoggi's killing and discover those in whom Saudi officials still trying to cover up the murder have placed their trust." Istanbul's chief prosecutor announced Wednesday that Khashoggi, who lived in exile in the United States, was strangled immediately after he entered the consulate as part of a premeditated killing and that his body was dismembered before being removed. Turkey is seeking the extradition of 18 suspects who were detained in so they can be put on trial in Turkey. They include 15 members of an alleged Saudi "hit squad" that Turkey says was sent to to kill The Washington Post columnist who had written critically of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Some of those implicated in the killing are members of the crown prince's entourage. In the opinion piece, Erdogan did not mention the prince. But few in Turkey and elsewhere believe that the crime could have been carried out without the knowledge of the kingdom's powerful heir apparent. Meanwhile, a Turkish official said he believes Khashoggi's body was dissolved in acid or other chemicals after it was mutilated. Yasin Aktay, a ruling party adviser to Erdogan, told The Associated Press on Friday that "there can be no other formula" to explain why Khashoggi's remains have not been found a month after he was killed. Aktay, who was a friend of Khashoggi's, said he believes that the body was cut into pieces so that it could be dissolved in chemicals. He said: "all the findings point to his body parts being melted." But the official did not offer any proof for his comments. Khashoggi had entered the Saudi Consulate in to collect a document he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. In Bulgaria on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Khashoggi's slaying a horrendous act that "should be duly dealt with" in a way that doesn't undermine Saudi Arabia's stability. Netanyahu said at a news conference that Iran is a bigger threat than and those who want to punish the Middle East kingdom need to bear that in mind. "A way must be found to achieve both goals because I think that the larger problem is Iran," said the Israeli leader, who attended a meeting of the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania and the president of Serbia at a Black Sea resort. The Trump administration announced on Friday that it was exempting eight countries from bruising sanctions that the United States was reimposing against Iran, undercutting its pledge to economically punish Tehrans regional aggressions while widening a profound rift with European allies. Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, did not identify the eight countries that were being granted six-month waivers, but a senior official confirmed that they include India, South Korea, Japan and China among the worlds largest importers of Iranian oil. Pompeo said the ... We are living in an age of insecurity, with the values of the global liberal order under fire despite the progress theyve delivered for the vast majority of people. The rise of populism in politics, fears over slowing economic progress in advanced economies, and worsening prospects for future generations, as well as mounting evidence of declining subjective well-being and trust in many countries, are all expressions of this. 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 President Donald Trump said the US remains open to reaching a comprehensive deal with Iran that blocks its nuclear-weapons programme, just days before sanctions on the countrys energy and shipping sectors kick back in. Our objective is to force the regime into a clear choice, Trump said in a statement released by the White House on Friday evening, referencing the resumption of sanctions on Monday. Either abandon its destructive behaviour or continue down the path toward economic disaster. He added that the penalties were aimed at the Tehran ... 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 Amal Hussein, a 7-year-old Yemeni girl, whose photograph in the New York Times last week became a symbol of Yemen's humanitarian conflict has passed away. Her family said that she died due to acute malnutrition. The image, taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Tyler Hicks, showed the undernourished girl lying on a bed at a mobile UNICEF clinic in Yemen's Aslam town on October 18, CNN reported. The snap gave goosebumps to crores of people across the and also brought attention to lakhs of children suffering from malnutrition owing to the aftermath of Yemen's devastating civil war. Hussein's mother, Mariam Ali, told the New York Times in a telephonic conversation that "her heart was broken". "Amal was always smiling. Now I'm worried for my other children," she said. The strife-torn Middle East country has been engulfed in a conflict since 2015, with regular clashes between US-backed Saudi-led coalition and the Iranian-aligned Houthis that has reportedly claimed around 10,000 lives and displaced a thousand others. The United Nations experts from the Food Programme have expressed grave concerns over the coalition's bombing of civilian areas and the partial blocking of food supplies and relief aids to Yemen which has put 12 million men, women and children at a serious risk of starvation, leading to a famine-like situation in the war-torn nation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra on Saturday deposed before the House Committee of Odisha assembly and submitted an affidavit over his alleged derogatory remarks against state legislators. "Yes, in pursuance to the direction of the House Committee, Abhijit Iyer Mitra submitted his affidavit today. Committee will take the affidavit, his statement and the charge against him into consideration and submit its report to the House," Leader of Opposition and House Committee chairman Narasingha Mishra told ANI. On October 23, Mitra was arrested by the Bhubaneswar Police in connection with the case filed at Saheed Nagar police station over his derogatory remarks against Odisha and Konark Sun Temple. He was taken into custody by Odisha police after he appeared before the House Committee of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Mitra is facing the allegation of making derogatory remarks on the Konark Sun Temple and Odisha. He was slated to appear before the House panel again on November 2. Though the journalist appeared before the committee yesterday, he could not submit the affidavit and sought time till today. Earlier, the columnist had been summoned by the House Committee to appear before it on October 11, which he skipped. The House Committee then issued another summon to the scribe to appear on October 23 at 11 am while directing the Director General of Police to issue the notice in the matter. During a visit to the Konark Sun Temple on September 16, Mitra had posted a satirical video on Twitter, where he made derogatory remarks insulting Odisha, its culture, tradition and the lawmakers. Mitra was arrested by the Odisha Police on September 20 from Delhi on charges of hurting religious sentiments. A Delhi court later granted him bail against a bond of Rs 1 lakh and directed him to join the investigation at the Konark police station. He then moved the Supreme Court for bail, where his plea was quashed. On October 11, Mitra wrote an apology letter to the House Committee and the Speaker of the Odisha assembly over his derogatory remarks and other offences he is accused of. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday reiterated that Aadhaar data cannot be breached, as it is stored in a safe and secure encrypted manner. "Biometric data on Aadhaar is kept in safe and secure conditions in an encrypted form, and so strong that even for the billionth of a second it cannot be breached. The unique initiative of Aadhaar is that we do three crore authentications every three seconds. Aaadhar Data is kept in secure conditions duly backed by a parliamentary law, so strong that if anyone tries to disclose the biometric details, he can be prosecuted and it can only happen in the case of compelling security that too after the affirmation of a committee headed by the cabinet secretary," he said while speaking at a financial inclusion conference here. Talking about the Centre's vision of complete digitisation, Prasad acknowledged that while financial inclusion is the goal, digitalisation is the medium. "We created ecosystems, relaxed the laws, created incentives, removed the barriers for development. The philosophy of the Narendra Modi government is to create the enabling atmosphere so that people can do their business and pay taxes and with that our government would help the poor. Banking the unbanked, funding the unfunded and securing the unsecured is yet another philosophy of our government. India has opened 55 per cent global bank accounts since the Narendra Modi government came to power," he added. Talking about the Centre's vision in the field of artificial intelligence, Prasad opined that India should become the centre of data analytics. "According to a London-based think tank, India is among the top 20 global leaders in the digitalisation and e-governance sector. India should become the centre of the data analysis. Data analytics is the future." Prasad added. Speaking about the digitalisation of the judiciary and courts, Prasad said that around 17,000 district courts and all the high courts have become digital. "Our data, IT and digital profile and services will become a benchmark on how IT can be used for transformation in a democracy," he added. Prasad also said that through the Digital India programme, the Centre aims to empower ordinary citizens with the power of technology, a technology that is low-cost, developmental and inclusive. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Alec Baldwin, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting a rival at a parking spot in New York City, was released from custody. The alleged altercation took place on Friday at W 10th Street between University and Broadway, after which the 49-year-old victim, who complained of pain, was taken to a nearby hospital. Baldwin came out of the police station and didn't utter a word to the barrage of questions hurled at him by the journalists. Page Six reported that he avoided questions when he was asked about the example he is setting for his children to follow because of his alleged temper. Ten minutes after meeting his family nanny, he got into his car and left. After he was arrested, 'The Alec Baldwin Show' star took to Twitter to 'clarify' that the "assertion that I punched anyone over a parking spot is false." "Normally, I would not comment on something as egregiously misstated as today's story. However, the assertion that I punched anyone over a parking spot is false," Baldwin tweeted The actor will now have to appear in the court because of the alleged charges of misdemeanour assault and harassment against him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday hailed the contribution of the Indian community in Zimbabwe, adding that as entrepreneurs, the diaspora served as a living bridge between the two countries. Addressing the Indian community here, Vice President Naidu said, "I strongly believe because of our innate nature of being very hard working, peace loving and spirit to integrate with the larger community that you have flourished in this country and have earned deep respect for yourselves and for India." "I am pleased to learn that the Indian community in Zimbabwe, though small in number, is making a significant contribution to the progress of this country in diverse areas and as entrepreneurs, you also serve as a living bridge between the two countries," he added. Underscoring the close and friendly ties between the two nations, the Vice President said that the two countries inherited a rich cultural heritage which has gained vibrancy over the years. Urging the Indian diaspora to contribute towards growth and prosperity of the country, Vice President Naidu said, "The 21st century is being called the century of Asia and Africa. And India will have an important role in it. Wherever you may be living, you will feel the impact of this role, you will feel the impact of rising India." He informed the community on the recent developments in the country such as proactive socio-economic policies by the government, rise in 'Ease of Doing Business' rankings and stable business environment. Terming India as a 'bright star in the international arena', in terms of economic growth, Vice President Naidu said, "India is the fastest growing major economy in the world, with a current growth rate of 8.2 per cent. I would urge you to look at the transformation that India is undergoing. India is changing rapidly. The archaic regulations are being dismantled. Seamless processes are being introduced." The Vice President extended an invitation to the community to visit India and witness the "fast positive changes taking place in the country." Earlier, Vice President Naidu, who is on a six-day visit to the African continent, wrapped up his bilateral engagements in Botswana and arrived in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe for a two-day visit. He was received by his Zimbabwean counterpart Constantino Chiwenga and Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, R. Masakui. On Saturday, The Vice President is scheduled to have meetings with Sibusiso Busi Moyo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, Vice President of Zimbabwe, followed by delegation-level talks and exchange of agreements and press statements. A banquet lunch will be hosted by the Vice President of Zimbabwe in honour of Vice President Naidu. The Vice President is also slated to participate in the India-Zimbabwe Business Forum. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Rizvi and senior party leader Afzal Qadri were among the 500 people booked on Saturday for rioting and disrupting normal life in various parts of Lahore. The police said that 11 cases were registered against Rizvi, Qadri and others for blocking arterial routes and disrupting peace, Geo News reported. Two cases were also booked against protestors in the nation's capital Islamabad on charges of vandalising public property. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Interior Ministry, in a statement, said that it would take strict action against the demonstrators involved in rioting and disrupting normal life in various parts of the country. On October 31, mass protests began after the Pakistan Supreme Court announced its verdict acquitting Asiya Bibi, a Christian woman in a blasphemy case. The demonstrations, led by TLP and other religious parties, blocked roads and vandalised public property in various parts of the country. A three-judge special bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel heard Asiya's 2014 appeal against her conviction and death sentence and overturned the ruling in favour of her on October 31. After few days of rejecting reports of not putting Asiya on the Exit Control List (ECL), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government succumbed to pressure and reached an agreement with the TLP on Friday for taking legal actions to not allow Asiya and her family to leave the country. Moreover, the government assured the people that a probe will be initiated to redress any deaths that may have occurred during the protests against the verdict. The TLP also apologised to the people for hurting their sentiments or causing inconvenience to the citizens. Asiya was convicted and sentenced to death in 2010 for allegedly insulting Islam during an argument with three Muslim women. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, while terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the "most globally toured head of India", asked why the Prime Minister was unable to bring back any of the fugitive offenders to India despite his multiple overseas trips. "The Prime Minister's international travel should ideally focus on security, economic stability and enhancing the global stature of India. But we want to ask what is the use of his global tours if he cannot even bring back at least one of the economic offenders who have absconded from India," Azad said at a press conference here on Saturday. He further claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had made false promises before 2014 elections, as a result of which people have lost faith in his government. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes a lot of false promises before elections. He had promised to bring back black money but instead, a lot of white money has gone out of India. A number of economic offenders have fled the country with thousands of crores of money. So he (Prime Minister Modi) not only failed to bring back black money, many have fled away with white money from Indian banks." Criticising the union government for failing to provide jobs as promised to the youth, Azad said, "Prime Minister had promised jobs to 10 crore people. In four-and-half years he should have provided jobs to nine crore people but only 20 lakh people have got jobs so far. I am sure the Prime Minister understands the vast difference between 20 lakh and 10 crore. Educated people, degree holders, technical students and others have lost faith in the government," he said. In similar breath, Azad also criticised Vasundhara Raje led Rajasthan government for failing to fulfill promises made to the citizens of the state. Rajasthan is scheduled to go for polls on December 7, 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.) The Bhartiya Janata Party General Secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday said that the killings of his party leaders in Jammu and Kashmir were carried out to perturb peace in the Kashmir Valley. The BJP State Secretary Anil Parihar and his brother Ajit Parihar were shot dead by terrorists in Kishtwar on Thursday. Following the incident, a curfew has been imposed in Kishtwar even as police probe the matter. "There was pressure on terrorists in the Jammu and Kashmir Valley. In order to rake up trouble, they (terrorists) aimed at peaceful areas. It is shocking. The perpetrators of this attack should not be spared and the authorities should catch hold of the culprits," Ram Madhav told ANI. In June, the BJP pulled out of a coalition with People's Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the three-year alliance had become "untenable" in the wake of increasing violence. Governor rule was imposed in the state thereafter. "The government was not doing their bit. That is why we withdrew from it. The governor rule will continue till the middle of December," said Ram Madhav. Over the last one month, there is a spike in violence against political workers in the state. Two Conference workers and a PDP leader were killed in Srinagar last month. The killing of BJP state secretary and his brother Ajit was the third such attack in a month. A Special Investigation Team has been set up to probe the murders. Calling the killing a 'cowardly' act, BJP president Amit Shah tweeted: "Just got the tragic news of killing of Shri Anil Parihar, Secretary @BJP4JnK, and his brother by terrorists in Kishtwar. This is a cowardly act that shames humanity. I grieve the death of my valued colleague and pray that God gives his family strength to bear this untimely loss." Expressing grief, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, "Shocked & pained by the killing of J&K State BJP leader Anil Parihar & his brother. My heart goes out to the bereaved family. Spoke to Advisor to J&K Governor, Vijay Kumar regarding the incident. The police will leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice." Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also expressed sadness over the incident and wrote, "Killing of BJP state secretary Anil Parihar and his brother in J&K's Kishtwar is an act of cowardice. It is an extremely deplorable act. This is an attempt to derail the peace process in the region. My thoughts & prayers are with the family of Parihar." Curfew continued for the third day in Kishtwar district on Saturday and the Army carried out a flag march in the curfew-bound areas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi's Patiala House Court on Saturday reserved its order on a bail plea filed by alleged middleman Manoj Prasad who was arrested in the bribery case against Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Prasad was arrested on October 17 by the CBI for allegedly seeking Rs 5 crore from a Hyderabad businessman Sathish Sana for getting relief from the CBI's summons, and is in the middleman in the Alok Verma-Rakesh Asthana spat. His custody was later extended by five days on October 25 by a Delhi court. On October 29, Kumar had moved a bail application before the special court following his arrest by the CBI last week. In his application, Kumar mentioned that the agency did not have valid search warrants when his office and residence were raided by the agency's anti-corruption unit. During the raid, Kumar's personal computers were also seized by the officials. However, on October 30, a Delhi Court had remanded Prasad to judicial custody for 14 days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking direction against the sending CBI Director Alok Verma on a forced leave, calling it 'completely illegal, arbitrary, punitive, without jurisdiction.' Speaking to ANI, Kharge said, "I have filed a petition before the Supreme Court, requesting them to quash the order of Centre because it is illegal. They should have called a meeting of the three-member committee of the leader of the opposition, Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India. Without a meeting, without committee's consent, they overnight asked him (CBI Director) to go on leave indefinitely." He further added, "This a violation of Central Bureau of Investigation Act. Central Vigilance Commission also violated rules by asking him to go on leave. Therefore we thought when violation is there it is clear-cut Prime Minister's Office's direct involvement in autonomous bodies. So I have challenged that have filed the petition. Let's see what happens." Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi on October 24 said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government had asked Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma to go on leave fearing he would expose the alleged corruption in the multi-billion dollar Rafale jet deal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Protesting against the alleged denigration of Guru Sahiban in the history books of the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday sought an apology from Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. Speaking to ANI, SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal said, "The committee they have formed is not doing its job. The text the students are being taught is hideous, it insults our gurus. Because of this, the Sikhs across the state are angry. We demand that the government take stern action against the people who have meddled with the history of Sikhs." "The Chief Minister of Punjab should apologise to the entire Sikh community. This also reflects that the Education Minister has no knowledge of the great history of Sikhs and Captain Sahab should remove him from his cabinet," he added. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had earlier announced to launch "a massive struggle" to force the state government to "apologise to the Khalsa Panth for deliberate and persistent insults of the great Guru Sahibaan in 10+2 history books of PSEB." Consequently, the Chief Minister had on October 29 directed the PSEB to continue with the existing history textbooks until the expert group completes the reviewing process. According to an official spokesperson, the Chief Minister asked the Education Minister to ensure a comprehensive review by the expert group, taking into consideration all the complaints and suggestions received earlier. The Chief Minister directed that the history taught to the children should be "factually correct and backed by evidence, without any dilution in the coverage of Punjab and Sikh history. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) While internet services have been suspended and curfew has been imposed in Kishtwar in Jammu region, situation is a "little fragile, but alright" in Kashmir, said Lieutenant General AK Bhatt, General Officer Commanding of Indian Army's 15 corps. "Overall situation is a little fragile, but alright. I wouldn't like to talk about Kishtwar, but in Kashmir, the overall situation is under control. We are neutralising terrorists which is our main aim," Bhatt told media here. "Matter of recruitment (in terror outfits) of local youth has been persistent since the last one-two years, but in the last two months, we have seen a slight drop in it. We believe that youth of Kashmir will follow the right path and there will be even lesser recruitment," he added. Bharatiya Janata Party state secretary Anil Parihar and his brother were killed by terrorists in Kishtwar on Thursday. Thereafter, curfew was imposed in the region. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath likely to announce a 151-metre tall Lord Ram statue in Ayodhya, Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan on Saturday welcomed the idea. Talking to ANI, Khan asserted that Lord Ram's statue, which is likely to be built near the Sarayu river in the temple town should be constructed taller than the recently-inaugurated 182-meter Sardar Vallabhai Patel's statue. He said, "Why did this thought not occur at the time of building the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel? Why would anybody oppose (the building of Lord Ram's statue)? I would want an even taller statue of Lord Ram in Rampur." The announcement in this regard will be made during the Deepawali festivities to be organised the next week when Adityanath will be in Ayodhya. Reportedly, saints in Ayodhya have been pressing for construction of a statue of Lord Ram similar to that of Statue of Unity. Located on Sadhu-Bet Island, Gujarat, the 182-metre tall statue of Unity occupies over 20,000 square metres and is surrounded by a 12 square km artificial lake. The Statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man-eater tigress named Avni, who was allegedly responsible for the death of 14 people in the Pandharkawda forest in Maharashtra, was on Friday night killed in Yavatmal. The Maharashtra Forest Department had earlier issued shoot-at-sight orders against the tigress. On October 16, the Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench had sought reply about the change in the sequence of steps to be taken to address the issue as mentioned in the PCCF's (Principal Chief Conservator of Forests) order as opposed to the CCF's (Chief Conservator of Forests) order. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Voice of Karachi chairman Nadeem Nusrat on Saturday said that Pakistan's control is fast slipping into the hands of religious extremist groups, adding that mob violence witnessed after the Supreme Court's acquittal of Asiya Bibi has further tarnished Pakistan's "already-maligned image" globally. Nusrat also commended the decision of the Pakistani Supreme Court to revoke the death sentence awarded to Asiya Bibi and termed it courageous. He also stated that blasphemy law in the region has been widely abused and is consistently used against the country's poor religious minorities, Asiya Bibi being one of the victims of the same. He also asserted that the events following the Supreme Court's verdict posed serious questions about Pakistani military establishment's desire to combat extremist forces. Highlighting the details of the violence that ensued in the wake of the top court verdict, Nusrat said, "mobs of violent vigilantes came on the streets soon after the news broke out and set off hundreds of vehicles, shops and other private and government properties on fire. Open death threats to judges were issued publicly and soldiers of Pakistan army were asked to take up arms and kill their officers. Despite this open display of lawlessness and calls for more violence, the Pakistani military, which spares no effort in crushing peaceful protests by ethnic Mohajirs, Balochs and Pashtuns, failed to take any action against these militants." He also claimed that the clerics who previously staged an illegal sit-in in Islamabad were responsible for the current wave of violence and asserted that not only was the lawless crowd allowed to continue the sit-in for weeks, but Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials handed out cash to participants to go back after their demands were met. Nusrat asserted that Pakistan's military agencies supporting religious proxies is a matter of public knowledge and similarly the groups involved in the latest spate of violence have also enjoyed full support from the same agencies. He blamed the establishment's overt and covert support for not pressing charges against 'foul-mouthed, venom spewing clerics'. He went on to caution that Pakistan's control is fast slipping into the hands of religious extremists who, he claimed, enjoy support from powerful elements within Pakistan's military establishment. "This is a dangerous situation for peace in general and peace in South Asia in particular, as Pakistan is a nuclear-armed country. The must pay attention to this growing threat before it gets completely out of hand." Echoing the stance of the United States Commission for International Religious Freedoms, Nusrat demanded Pakistani authorities to repeal the current controversial blasphemy laws. "No one should be allowed to abuse any religious personality or religious sentiments and beliefs of any group of people, but blasphemy laws in Pakistan have been widely abused and have been used to unfairly target the country's poor religious minorities. This abhorrent practice must come to an end now," he said in a written statement. Nusrat also raised a demand for fool-proof protection to the Supreme Court judges who revoked the death sentence of Asiya Bibi. Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered for Bibi's immediate release after acquitting her of blasphemy charges. The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar, read out the verdict and reversed the trial court's order which sentenced her to death. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shahzad Rana, a Muslim man in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli city has, along with his family, converted to Hinduism, claiming that Lord Ram has been appearing in his dreams, asking him to return to Hinduism. Following his conversion, Shahzad, who has adopted the Hindu name of Sanju Rana, approached the office of the district magistrate to make his conversion official. Rana claims that his ancestors were Hindus, who were forced to convert to Islam. "For the past 15-20 days, Lord Ram has been appearing in my dreams, asking me to come back (to Hinduism). We were Hindus earlier; invaders had come to our lands centuries ago and forced my ancestors to convert to Islam. I am just returning to my roots," Rana told ANI. He further clarified that he is under no pressure from any person or group for the conversion and that his family is also happy with the conversion. Rana said that after seeing Lord Ram in his dreams, he was nervous about his community's reaction to his decision. The situation was worse than he feared initially, as, after his conversion, he claims to have received threats to his life from a number of people from his neighbourhood, including his uncle, who did not wanted him to convert. Rana approached a police station for protection. "I saved my life and fled to the police station this morning. I just want to protect my children," he said. Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar said, "We haven't received any concrete evidence regarding the threat to his life. The conversion is his (Rana's) personal matter. Constitutional proceedings will be undertaken in this matter. Also, we haven't found any evidence that Rana has been forced to convert by any religious group. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Mumbai court on Saturday granted a 30-day extension to the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for filing of the chargesheet against all accused in connection with Nalasopara arms haul case. On Friday, the ATS had filed an application in the court seeking more time to file the chargesheet in the case. ATS lawyer, PP Raja Thackeray, had asked for 90-day extension arguing that a lot of aspects in the investigation are to be covered for which the probe agency needs time. The ATS had termed the case as a "deep-rooted conspiracy". In August, the Maharashtra ATS had carried out raids in Nalasopara and Pune and arrested Vaibhav Raut, who ran a pro-cow protection outfit--the Hindu Govansh Raksha Samiti, his associate Sharad Kalaskar, Sudhanwa Gondhalekar, Avinash Pawar and Pangalkar for allegedly stockpiling explosives and arms. All the five people were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for allegedly plotting blasts to disturb the communal harmony and having links with terrorist organisations. The ATS had claimed that the five accused had planned to trigger blasts at various places in Mumbai, Nalasopara, Pune, Satara and Solapur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It all started with a few students from Nanjing University who decided to break away from the monotony of being single for one day. They chose 11.11 or Nov. 11 because of the solitary implications of the number 1 which symbolize being single. However, this simple celebration turned into one of the largest shopping days in the world, according to global discount provider Picodi.com. The event also gained great interest in Southeast Asia. According to Google, the popularity of Singles Day in the Philippines has increased more than four times in the last five years. A survey by Picodi.com suggests that more than half of the participants are women57 percent. In accordance with the events name, three out of four consumers are single. Not only singles went on a shopping spree though. An increase in interest was also noted in the group of people in relationships. The interest in Singles Day is especially apparent among young Filipinos. Compared to a regular day, the number of transactions on Singles Day among people aged 18 to 24 grew by 1,022 percent. However, getting great discounts is not restricted to younger peoplethere was a noticeable interest in this shopping festival among all age groups. The results of the survey show that while more than half of Filipinos do not prepare for the Singles Day shopping craze, they buy impulsively on that day. About 43 percent compare the prices in different stores and only 11 percent declare that they make lists before shopping. It looks like most people treat 11.11 as an occasion to meet their desires rather than an opportunity to execute a well-thought-out shopping plan.On top of that, most of the consumersmore than 60 percentdeclare that they buy things just for themselves. Only a third of the respondents also buy gifts for other people on that day. It appears thatas the name of the event suggestsSingles Day is a perfect day for getting a present for yourself. An average man buys less than an average woman2.4 and 4 products respectively. The most desirable items among men are clothes, delivery food, and electronics. Similarly, women buy mostly clothes, delivery food, and cosmetics. Its not surprising that Filipinos buy more than usual on Singles Day. According to Picodi.com platforms statistics, the number of online transactions increased significantlythere were 970 percent more purchases compared to a regular day. A survey indicates that an average Filipino is willing to spend P3,050 on a Singles Day shopping spree. The sales reached a peak right in the middle of the day, at 1 p.m. Majority of the consumers70 percentuse desktops when doing their shopping on Singles Day. Only 26 percent of Filipinos make their purchases on mobile phones. Most of the transactions are made on Apple devices, followed by Samsung, Oppo, Asus, and Huawei appliances. The report was created based on internal data provided by Picodi.com. About 600 participants from the Philippines took part in the survey. Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya on Saturday claimed that nobody can stop the state government from erecting a statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. He further added that the city belongs to Lord Ram and nothing in the name of Babar will be built there. Maurya's comments have come amidst some reports that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to announce a 151-metre tall statue of Lord Ram on the banks of Sarayu in Ayodhya. Speaking to ANI the minister said, "Since the Ram Mandir matter is sub judice before the apex court, we cannot do anything there. But there is nobody who can stop us from erecting a statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. If at all someone tries to stop us then we will see. Ayodhya belongs to Shri Ram. Nobody can stop us from developing Ayodhya." Substantiating his argument, Maurya said, "The Ram Temple will be constructed in Ayodhya. Right now we cannot tell the date, as the matter is before the court. But, what we can assure now is that nobody will be able to make anything in Ayodhya in the name of Babar." Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is currently in Varanasi, told reporters, "It is natural that all of us will be happy if the Ram Temple is constructed." On Friday, Uttar Pradesh's Bharatiya Janata Party chief Mahendra Nath Pandey claimed that the state's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has a plan for the Ayodhya issue and the same would be revealed around Diwali. On October 29, the Supreme Court adjourned the Ayodhya title suit till next year to fix a date for the hearing. The court was hearing the matter which challenged the 2010 ruling of the Allahabad High Court which divided the disputed land into three parts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad's elder son Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday said that he was unhappy after his marriage with Aishwarya Rai and hence filed divorce petition. Speaking to the media, he said, "Yes, I have filed a petition in the court. I will be fighting the case. There is no point in leading an unhappy life." Tej married Aishwarya, daughter of senior party leader Chandrika Rai, on May 12 this year. The lavish wedding, which took place in Patna, witnessed around 10,000 guests including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other politicians. Tej's counsel Yashwant Kumar Sharma, who filed the petition in Patna court, on Friday told ANI: "I filed the petition. He got married recently but they could not get along very well after marriage. The matter has been filed under Section 13 (1) (1A) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan and China on Saturday signed 15 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for cooperation in various. Imran Khan is on a maiden to China after taking over as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The agreements between Khan and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang were signed at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during delegation levels talks, reported Geo News. Amongst the various instruments signed, major agreements and MoUs were on poverty alleviation in Pakistan, strengthening cooperation in agriculture and industrial sectors and technical training. MoUs for cooperation in forestry, earth sciences and transfer of electronics, were also signed by the leaders of the two countries. An agreement, pertaining to Higher Education of Pakistan and Science Academy of China, and between the Chinese Academy of Science and Pakistan Metrological Department, was also signed. The two sides also inked a document on strategic-level talks between foreign ministers of two countries. Quoting sources, Geo News, reported, "China will be supporting Pakistan in setting up special economic zones and the Prime Minister of China will also be visiting Pakistan soon. The dates, however, will be finalised through diplomatic channels." Khan lauded Chinese government's inclination towards China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and economic reforms and requirements. Chinese Prime Minister assured that "China stands with Pakistan." Pakistani side also included Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Finance Minister Asad Umar among others. Imran Khan had arrived in China on Thursday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday inaugurated the first Gyan Kumbh in Uttarakhand, which is being jointly organised by the Higher Department of the Uttarakhand Government and the University of Patanjali in Haridwar. While addressing the gathering, President Kovind said that the objective of the Gyan Kumbh is to enhance the quality of in India. "The elixir that will come from Gyan Kumbh will help not only Uttarakhand but will also help in improving the quality of in the whole country," he added. President Kovind also conveyed the need to educate the weaker section of the society. He also appreciated the efforts of Yoga Guru Ramdev, who was also present at the event, in spreading awareness about Yoga in the country. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the event marked a "historic" day in the field of education. "In comparison to our country, some small nations are far ahead of us (in terms of education), we have to develop better education in our rural areas, only three per cent of the colleges offer PhD. Even after having many world-class offices, we cannot provide better education to our students," Rawat said. Meanwhile, Ramdev said, "Through this Gyan Kumbh, today, we have to build India by incorporating knowledge in every field of the society. We will be successful in this and through this knowledge Kumbh, the entire country will be appreciated, just as we have the yoga revolution in the same way as the knowledge of all the world." President Kovind also addressed the first convocation ceremony at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind will on Saturday depart for a day' visit to the state of Uttarakhand. On Saturday, the President will inaugurate the first Gyan Kumbh, which is being jointly organised by the Higher Education Department of the government of Uttarakhand and the University of Patanjali in Haridwar. He will also address the first convocation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh on the same day. The President will return to New Delhi the next day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the clamour grew for an ordinance to build Ram Temple, the Ram Janambhoomi Nyas president Ram Vilas Vedanti on Saturday claimed that the temple construction will begin next month. Speaking to ANI, Vedanti, who is a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP), said a mosque will be built in Lucknow. "Construction of Ram Temple will begin in December. Without an ordinance and on the basis of mutual agreement, Ram Temple will be constructed in Ayodhya and a masjid will be made in Lucknow," he said. Vedanti's statement comes a day after Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey claimed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has a plan for the Ayodhya issue, which would be revealed around Diwali. Earlier on Friday, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said that his organisation "will not hesitate to launch a 1992-like agitation for Ram Temple, if needed. "We respect the Supreme Court and urge it to take into consideration sentiments of Hindus," Joshi told ANI. A section of the Hindu right wing and even few members of the BJP have demanded an ordinance to permit the construction of the Ram temple before the Supreme Court pronounces the judgement in the Ayodhya title suit. On October 29, the apex court had adjourned the hearing of the case until January 2019. The court was hearing petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict of 2010, which stated that the disputed land in Ayodhya should be divided into three parts for each party - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lala. The Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992, by a group of some Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed by Mughal king Babur after demolishing a Ram Temple that originally stood there. Since then, several hearings have been held in the top court to resolve the issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Rebel Wilson is facing flak on social media after claiming to be the first ever plus-sized female star of a romantic comedy film. The 'Pitch Perfect' star, who recently discussed her upcoming film "Isn't It Romantic" on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' said "I'm kind of proud to be the first-ever plus-sized girl to be the star of a romantic comedy," reported E! Online. In the interview, Wilson also talked about her role and how it has shattered Hollywood stereotypes, according to Fox News. However, Wilson's claim has sparked a debate on social media, with people pointing out that stars such as Queen Latifah, Mo'Nique and Ricki Lake were some of the first few to appear as plus-size female movie leads. Movie buffs even took to Twitter to cite several examples to prove their point. One user, who tagged Wilson in a tweet, said "You're not the first though, @RebelWilson. Mo'nique, Queen Latifah, Melissa McCarthy, Kathy Bates, Gabby Sidibe, Octavia Spencer, and so many more have done it way before any of us knew who you were," he wrote. Another user tweeted, "Rebel Wilson saying she's the first plus sized girl in a rom-com like this iconic gem doesn't exist," referencing Queen Latifah's The Last Holiday alongside the film poster. "I love @RebelWilson as much as the next girl, but she isn't the first plus sized woman to play the lead in a romantic comedy. Queen Latifah and Mo'Nique have both played romcom leads," said another user. The 'Bridesmaids' actor, in turn, clarified her comment while responding to a user. "Hey girl! Yeah I of course know of these movies but it was questionable as to whether: 1. Technically those actresses were plus size when filming those movies or 2. Technically those films are catorgorized/billed as a studio rom-com with a sole lead. So there's a slight grey area," she said. "I fully take all the comments onboard though so thank you," she added. Wilson plays the female lead in the film, where she is caught in a love triangle with Liam Hemsworth and Adam DeVine. 'Isn't It Romantic' also stars Priyanka Chopra and Betty Gilpin. The film reunites DeVine and Wilson, who played Bumper and Fat Amy in the 'Pitch Perfect' movies. Directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, the film will hit the big screens on Valentine's Day in 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A review petition was filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday against a decision to reject Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif's bail plea. The former Punjab chief minister was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) last month for his alleged involvement in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme case. The PML-N chief had denied any wrongdoings and called the allegations as "baseless". Scores of party leaders staged a protest across the country, calling for Sharif's release. According to the petition, the LHC's decision to declare an appeal against Sharif's arrest as non-maintainable is "unlawful", Geo News reported. "If an investigation is ongoing against someone, they cannot be arrested," the petition said. It added, "The arrest of the suspect by the NAB before the inquiry was completed and any crime was proven is against the Constitution. Thus, the court should review its decision, approve the plea and grant bail." Advocate AK Dogar filed the review petition in which the Pakistan government, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Sharif himself have been made respondents. Most recently, Sharif's transit remand was extended by the Accountability Court till November 6. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Saturday led to the cancellation of several flights at Srinagar Airport. The snowfall and the bad weather in the Valley also caused disruptions to the citizens, leading to severe traffic jam, water-logging and power cut in maximum areas of the city. Srinagar Airport officials announced a list of the cancelled flights and the flights that were diverted to Jammu Airport on their official Twitter handle. Flights of all major airlines have been cancelled. The cancelled flights include Vistara flights-- UK 611 (Departure) and UK 612, Jet Airways flights-- 9W 638 (Departure), SpiceJet flights-- SG 939 (Departure), SG 130 (Departure), SG 964/253. One GoAir flight G8 213 was diverted to Jammu but eventually got cancelled. Apart from that, four other GoAir flights- G8 912, G8 287, G8 224, and G8 697 have also been cancelled. Four IndiGo flights 6E 478, 6E 2694, 6E 559, and 6E 2197 were also cancelled. An Air India flight, AI 826 is on standby at the Srinagar Airport as per the information tweeted by the airport authorities, while two others AI 821 and AI 822 have been cancelled. Himachal Pradesh received fresh snowfall in several districts including Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Kinnaur and several others, today. The severe weather damaged Apple crops in several parts of Kinnaur district. On Friday, around 70 people were rescued in Lahaul-Spiti district after they struck because of closedown of vehicular movement at the Manali-Leh Highway due to the snowfall. Officials at the India Meteorological Department had said that the temperature is expected to drop as the weather conditions are likely to prevail for the next 12-24 hours. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will celebrate this year's Diwali with the Indian Army jawans posted on the China border. The Defence Minister will celebrate the festival with the Army jawans posted at the Upper Dibang Valley district of the Arunachal Pradesh on November 6 and November 7. The nearest road head to the post is almost 30 km away. Last year, Sitharaman celebrated the festival of lights with military personnel at tri-services command on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In her first visit to the strategically important command after assuming charge as the Defence Minister, Sitharaman had also reviewed its security preparedness and other operational matters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After a successful launch among nursing home facilities in New York City in 2017, SLF Management Systems Inc., together with Advanced World Solutions Inc., launched its first mobile app in the Philippines, BackAppan around-the-clock staffing solution that connects healthcare facilities and professionals, home-based patients, and staffing agencies that need top-notch nurses and caregivers. BackApp comes in three types. These include Long-Term Care, a staffing solution used by affiliated staffing agencies; Acute Care, a staffing solution for hospital-based nurse managers who are looking for last-minute staff replacements; and Homecare, an easy access to private nurses and caregivers for home-based patients. The all-mobile service does not only provide a hassle-free access to nurses and caregivers at the comfort of home or healthcare establishment, but it also promotes job opportunities and further develops the healthcare standards in the country. Every health professional hired via the mobile app is carefully matched by a case manager and under close clinical monitoring by the patients attending physician. With at least 23,800 health care workers deployed across the Philippines, of which 17,538 are nurses, the developers behind BackApp, a group of seasoned healthcare practitioners and IT experts, are seeing an unprecedented increase in demand for both nurses and caregivers in various settings. Edwine Joseph, assistant director of nursing at Mary Manning Walsh, a 362-bed skilled nursing facility in New York City, says, Before BackApp, for us to find staffing when we are short on a shift, what we would do was to pick up the phone and start calling people. The process used to be lengthy because you had to call around 15 people just to get one nurse. BackApp makes our lives easier, he says. Joseph says with BackApp, Finding manpower now is prompt: we put the request on the app, we get a notification saying, this is what you need, then all the nurses get the notification, too. After a few minutes, youll get a notification, again, saying this person has accepted your request. Gertrudes de Guzman, director of nursing at Amsterdam Nursing Home, shares the same positive experience. We find the mobile app very easy to use, at the same time, we get prompt responses. It facilitates our staffing needs very well. Plus, the fact that we get to know who are the nurses we are deploying is really a good thingthey are reliable, competent, and dedicated workers, he says.For home-based patients, BackApp ensures reliable and safe health care services, in coordination with the attending physician. It limits the cost of hospital admission through home-based monitoring and family health training. For staffing agencies, it develops a talent pool of top-quality healthcare professionals. It creates additional revenues for urgent requirements. Specifically, the Homecare BackApp aims to keep the Filipino family together by eliminating the need to send your sick family member to the hospital or nursing home. This ultimately reduces hospitalization costs, thus lessening the financial burden on the family, says SLF Management System Inc. president and chief executive Sally Nunez. Advanced World Solutions Software developer Bryan Bautista says: We are striving towards continuity of care, and in few years time, we aspire to bring the Next Generation Electronic Health Record platforms that will cater to all types of healthcare facilities by linking fragmented systems of different health care providers and the families and communities they serve, he says. We will leverage our U.S. presence, know-how, and experience to bring an outstanding level of quality healthcare and innovation in the Philippines, he says. The entire suite of BackApp products runs on Android version 4.4 (KitKat) and up and on iOS version 10 and up. It also has a back-office system that let case managers and administrative staff to closely monitor each nurse or caregiver on duty. Fixing December 1 as the next date of hearing in Sunanda Pushkar death case, Delhi's Patiala House Court on Saturday directed Delhi Police to hand over certain documents to Congress leader and Pushkar's husband Shashi Tharoor. Counsel for the Congress leader had informed the court that some files, relating to Pushkar's death, were in a hard disk, which Tharoor didn't have an access to. The Delhi Police had earlier handed over the copies of documents, including electronic evidence, to Tharoor on a plea moved by him in the court. Pushkar was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a suite of a Delhi hotel on the night of January 17, 2014. The couple were staying in the hotel as their house was undergoing renovation. The court, in June this year, summoned Tharoor, observing there was sufficient ground to proceed against him. He was charged under sections 306 (abetment of suicide) and 498A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He was, however, not arrested in the case and dismissed the charge sheet terming it "preposterous". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a bold move ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has placed newcomer Shehzadi as its Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) candidate from the Chandrayangutta constituency in the state against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi's brother Akbaruddin Owaisi. Shehzadi, who is only a month old into politics, seemed unafraid of the Akbaruddin as she claims that all the Muslims in the region are against him. "My strategy for the elections is educational growth and unity. In Hyderabad, since Independence, there has been no development happened in the Muslim community. No proper education system is there. 80 percent people used to ride Rikshaw before Independence and they are doing the same today also. To bring the change, I have joined BJP," Shehzadi told ANI. "Everything can be changed only through proper education. I have done double post-graduation. One month back, I entered politics. Few people think that the BJP is against Muslims, but BJP has proved that they are not against Muslims. As I am a student leader, I don't have any money with me," she added. Shehzadi comes from a normal family. "I joined ABVP in 10th standard. We used to solve different types of problems of the students through a students' organisation. I have heard a lot that many people believe that it's difficult to beat Akbaruddin Owaisi. The Muslim society in Chandrayangutta is against the AIMIM party since there has been no development in the area," she said. Shehzadi further expressed hope of receiving support from the Muslims. "It's not like that Muslims will not support the BJP. If that was the case, then the BJP could not have formed the government in Uttar Pradesh. BJP won't treat Hindus and Muslims differently. Many people have tried for the ticket for Chandrayangutta constituency, but the BJP has given importance to Muslims and they have given me a chance to prove myself. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Making India proud, a 22-year-old girl, Pari, hailing from a Naxal-affected village in Jamshedpur, took charge of the Australian High Commission for a day. Pari, who advocates for child rights and their development in remote rural areas, got selected by Plan India, a child rights organisation providing children, especially girls, with access to education, healthcare, protection, and livelihood opportunities. The 22-year-old emerged victorious in a programme held every year to celebrate the United Nation's International Day of the Girl Child, after which she was presented with the opportunity to head the Australian High Commission. Coming from the region where people live in fear due to Naxal activity, Pari believes there is an urgent need of spreading in remote rural areas if one wants to get rid of Naxals. "With proper education, one can fight against Naxalism and their beliefs. We should provide to every child so that they can decide what's right or wrong. With education, people would get to know out their rights," she told ANI. Expressing delight over the achievement Pari said, "I am very happy after serving as the Australian High Commissioner for a day. I hope I can inspire other children in my village to do the same and show their interest in " Upon returning, Pari was garlanded by villagers and welcomed to the village with great pomp and show. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An 18-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh's Jalaun district has been arrested by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) for allegedly threatening to attack Miami International Airport. After a tip-off from the Investigation Agency (NIA), the ATS detained the man after tracking him with the help of an IP address. Giving out more details, Uttar Pradesh's Director General of Police (DGP), OP Singh, said that the accused made five calls from October 5 to October 31 and threatened the airport authority of attacking and killing everyone at the terminal. He also asserted that he had an AK-47 gun, grenades and a suicide belt. During the interrogation, the teen allegedly admitted to making threats calls to the aerodrome. In his confession, the accused added that he made such move as the Federal Bureau of Investigation was not entertaining his complaint of money extortion. The accused claimed that he was conned by an unknown man on the pretext of doubling his profit that he made after investing in Bitcoins. The ATS confiscated all the technical tools like a computer and mobile phone from the premises of the accused. Further investigation in the matter is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking forward bilateral relations between India and Zimbabwe, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday called Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Office of the President here. "Had fruitful discussions with President of Zimbabwe during my call on with him," read a post on official Twitter handle of Vice President of India. Vice President Naidu recalled India's support to Zimbabwe even during the period of isolation. President Mnangagwa expressed his happiness over Naidu's visit soon after elections in the country. Meanwhile, India and Zimbabwe signed an agreement on the Reciprocal Exemption of Visa Requirements for holders of Diplomatic Passports. MoU between India and Zimbabwe were signed on Concerning Cooperation in the fields of Geology, Mining and Mineral Resources; Co-operation in the field of Arts, Culture and Heritage; and Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy. An Action Plan between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services of Zimbabwe on Cooperation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was also signed. A MoU between Prasar Bharati (India) and Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation concerning Cooperation and Collaboration on Broadcasting has also been done. Vice President Naidu also held delegation-level talks with his Zimbabwean counterpart Kembo Mohadi where cooperation in diamond trade, investment, defence, development partnership, renewable energy, agriculture, traditional medicine and capacity building were discussed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday met Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and congratulated him for taking over as the fifth president of the country. Vice President Naidu even recalled commonalities of strong parliamentary democracy traditions in India and Botswana, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Earlier in the day, the Vice-President visited at the Diamond Trading Centre here. Naidu went around the facility which undertakes the valuation and sorting of rough diamonds. "VP @MVenkaiahNaidu received a diamond-studded welcome at Diamond Trading Centre #Botswana. He went around the facility which undertakes valuation & sorting of rough diamonds. Botswana supplies India's substantial requirement of rough diamonds," the MEA spokesperson wrote on Twitter. After concluding his visit to Botswana, the Vice-President, who is on a seven-day visit to three South African countries, has left for Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, the Vice-President will meet 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. Naidu will then travel to Malawi, where he 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. Several MoUs and agreements will be signed and announcements including LoC projects are also expected to be made. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has revealed that 486 million people remain undernourished in Asia-Pacific, and little had changed from the past two years. According to a report released here on Friday, more than half of the world's malnourished children live in Asia-Pacific, reports Xinhua news agency. The region is also home to the fastest growing prevalence of childhood obesity in the world. This paradox is attributed to a nutrition transition with children increasingly exposed to cheap and convenient unhealthy processed food rich in salt, sugar and fat but poor in essential nutrients. This double burden of malnutrition sees undernourished and overweight children living in the same communities and households and it can even occur in the same child. The report said that there were multiple causes of child malnutrition, including poverty, poor access to food markets and health services, as well as poor knowledge and practices for nutrition. This complexity means that eradicating child malnutrition cannot be addressed through one sector alone and requires shared actions implements through multi-sector approaches that cut across food systems, health, sanitation, social protection and education. The UN urges local city governments and urban planners to become the new nutrition partners and nutrition policy advocators in tackling these challenges. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the two "non-electables", to use Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's term, are among the Hindutva groups which are pushing for immediately starting the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. While the RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat, has called upon the government to bring an ordinance to facilitate the work, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP is introducing a private member's bill in the Rajya Sabha on the subject, presumably to test the faith of all the Hindus, especially those who claim to be secular -- such as those in the Congress. The test will probably encompass the "nationalists" as well, including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and other minorities, in the House. Since the Narendra Modi government itself has not been noticeably proactive on the matter, the efforts of the RSS and others are apparently intended to create an atmosphere about the inevitability of the temple being built, which is expected to be electorally helpful to the BJP. However, the government's reticence does not mean that the RSS and the others do not enjoy the ruling party's tacit support. But the government cannot but lie low because the matter is sub judice. If it joins the clamour for the temple, it may fall foul of the law. At the same time, the government probably secretly welcomes the upping of the ante on the temple because it will divert attention from its inadequacies on the economic front, especially where the availability of jobs is concerned. The government will also hope that if the cry for the temple becomes louder, it will push the controversies relating to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Reserve Bank of India, which haven't shown the government in a favourable light, out of the front pages of newspapers. But it also cannot be unaware that it is playing a dangerous game, for any raising of the communal temperature carries the possibility of riots or create a tension-ridden atmosphere which will deter investors despite the improvement in the ease of doing business index from 100 to 77. What is more, the risks of raising the temple pitch may not be as electorally effective as the Sangh parivar believes because it is now widely recognised that religiosity does not have as much to do with the issue as It is for this reason that the temple did not figure in the BJP's electoral campaign in 2014. Moreover, the party's success was based on the secular plank of development for all enunciated by the "sabka saath, sabka vikas" slogan. A return to the temple, therefore, is a virtual admission that the "sabka saath" endeavours have not worked. However, for the RSS and the VHP, who do not have to contest elections, and have a single-minded focus on ushering in a Hindu rashtra -- a nation of, by and for Hindus -- it is apparently now or never. They appear to have realised that this will be their last chance in a long while of building a temple of their dreams because the BJP may not secure a majority of its own in the Lok Sabha in 2019 although the alliance led by it may do so. If that happens, as seems likely, it will be extremely difficult to enact a law for constructing the temple because not all of the BJP's allies -- the Janata Dal-United, for instance -- will not be eager to support it for fear of alienating the Muslims. The BJP's weakened position will also prevent it from asserting itself. It has been argued that the BJP raises the temple issue -- or allows it to be raised -- before every major election to consolidate the Hindu vote. Since the party has never been as politically strong as at present, the belief in the saffron brotherhood apparently was that all that was needed was one final concerted effort. The party also expected a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court, enabling it to "sweep" the elections, as BJP MP Subramanian Swamy said. However, the court's decision to defer the hearings till next year has disappointed the Hindutva camp. It was already unhappy with the apex court on several counts, including the verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple in Kerala when "tradition" prohibits the women of a reproductive age from being in the temple precincts. On the Ayodhya temple, too, the saffron lobby used to say during the Ramjanmabhoomi movement in the 1990s that the courts can have no say in a matter of faith. After its ascent to power, the BJP has softened its stance on Ayodhya (though not on Sabarimala), but the RSS and VHP are not willing to wait for a judicial pronouncement. It is obviously a tightrope walk for the BJP between constitutionalism represented by the judiciary and its belief that the Ram temple is the "soul" of India. Since the BJP has been engaged in this balancing act ever since the temple issue was raised in the party's Palanpur resolution in Gujarat in 1989, the latest initiatives are probably no more than a new chapter in an ongoing saga. (Amulya Ganguli is a political analyst. The views expressed are personal. He can be reached at amulyaganguli@gmail.com) --IANS amulya/vm/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi-based journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra on Saturday submitted an affidavit to a committee of the Odisha Assembly over breach of privilege of the legislators. Abhijit deposed before the panel for the third time for a probe into his alleged derogatory remarks against the lawmakers of the state. "Abhijit Iyer Mitra appeared before the committee today after he failed to submit his affidavit yesterday. We will scrutinize the affidavit along with his recorded statements," said Narasingh Mishra, chairman of the house committee and leader of opposition. "If required, he will be asked to depose again," said Mishra. He said a detailed report will be submitted to the Speaker in the winter session of Odisha Assembly. The committee has asked Abhijit to file a detailed affidavit during his first appearance last month. Iyer Mitra was arrested on October 23 for his alleged derogatory remarks on Sun Temple, Odisha and its culture. He is currently in judicial custody. Two FIRs have been filed against Abhijit for his derogatory remarks. --IANS cd/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Avni, a five-year-old alleged man-eater tigress, who had created terror in Maharashtra's Vidarbha forests, was shot dead early on Saturday near Borati village in Yavatmal district, drawing flak from activists and Shiv Sena, the ruling BJP ally in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena's Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray attacked the government for shooting the tigress, terming it as "poaching and trophy hunting." The operation came after nearly three months of a massive hunt for the tigress undertaken with the help of trap cameras, drones, trained sniffer dogs and a hang-glider along with a team of forest department officials and spotters. Avni, identified as T1, was considered responsible for the killing of at least 13 humans, though all deaths could not be linked to her after tests, according to experts. A fertile and healthy tigress, she was protecting her two 10-month-old cubs in the vicinity of the Tippeshwar Tiger Sanctuary for several weeks till she was shot down by a marksman, Nawab Asghar Ali Khan. Her carcass was shifted to Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur for an autopsy and last rites. As per the Supreme Court directives, the forest department and officials were required to first tranquilize and trap her, but in Saturday's operation, she allegedly attacked the stalking team which shot her. Wildlife activist and medico Jerryl A. Banait, who has filed a public interest litigation jointly with NGO Earth Brigade Foundation (EBF), said the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)'s rules have been grossly violated in the killing of Avni. "Such an operation can be carried out only between sunrise and sunset. There were no vets present during the killing early today. Nor were there any police, as per the NTCA's guidelines. In the night, it is almost impossible to even identify the gender of any tiger, let alone a specific target like Avni," said Banait. Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Preeti Sharma-Menon accused Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar of "murdering Avni in cold blood." "Who cares about a tigress when industrialists are on the prowl for forest lands," she remarked sarcastically. In a strong statement, Thackeray Jr. said that instead of protecting the animals and forests from the poachers/trophy hunters, the government has got inspired by them. Questioning the operation, he asked the Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar whether the tigress was shot from a 'machaan.' "If the expert hunter could get a perfect shot to kill a moving animal, then why did he choose not to tranquilise her?". He also demanded to know whether the shooter was practising killing animals and whether he can be prosecuted under the Wildlife Protection Act. "As a family of wildlife lovers and conservationists, we were coordinating to stop this hunt, but did not speak publicly to avoid making it a political issue. The tigress could have been easily tranquilised and relocated. Today, it is Avni, tomorrow it will be her cubs and other tigers," Thackeray said. On the debate of man-versus-animals conflict, he said it was the duty of the government to end this conflict rather than kill the animals, hacking forest trees, even in Mumbai, in the name of improving infrastructure, and giving away 88 hectares of forest land for industrial use. PETA India coordinator Meet Ashar termed Avni's killing as "illegally satisfying a hunter's lust for blood." "This matter must be investigated and treated as a wildlife crime. Whether sanctioned by the state or not, nobody can be above law. This is a dark day for our nation," Ashar said. Besides PILs in the Supreme Court and Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench), several wildlife groups and activists had strongly opposed plans to eliminate Avni. The activists point out that it would also mean near-certain death for her two dependent young ones. They took to online petitions and social media campaigns for several months in a bid to save the tigress and her cubs. --IANS qn/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The night market features a hundred stalls, offering food finds and locally made products. The Wall Intramuros Night Market combines food and shopping. Students, professionals, and foreign tourists in Manila have a new place to enjoy good food and discover great finds at the new night market in the historic walled city, Intramuros.The Wall Intramuros Night Market has recently opened its gate to the public with a free concert featuring pop rock bands. The night market features more than a hundred stalls, from a wide selection of food concepts to businesses offering locally made products, such as gift items, souvenir items, accessories, apparel, and other bazaar finds. The concept of combining food stalls and shopping were inspired by the Mongkok Night Market in Hong Kong, the Myeongdong Night Market in Korea, and the Shilin Night Market in Taiwan. We are different from the other food parks because The Wall is a combination of good food and a great shopping experience. Foreign tourists, students, and professionals will definitely find a new reason to visit Intramuros. This is also perfect for the whole family! enthused Denver Chua, owner of The Wall Intramuros Night Market.Located in the heart of Manila, the historic Intramuros, also called the Walled City, was the seat of government and the center of power during the Spanish era. It was also the center of religion and education, which is why at present, the countrys top educational institutions are still inside Intramuros such as Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, to name a few. Aside from the universities, other attractions inside Intramuros are the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Churcha UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Wall Intramuros Night Market is located at Gen. Luna corner Victoria Street, Intramuros Manila. It is open everyday from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. South Korean brands like Samsung, Hyundai and LG are already household names in India, but cars and electronics are not all what the technologically advanced economy is about. Over the past few years, Korean pop stars and films have taken the world by a storm, and the latest addition to the globally trending K-Pop and K-Drama is K-Beauty. The popularity of K-Beauty is a reflection of the effectiveness of Korean skin care products, or "functional" cosmetics, used to keep the skin healthy and beautiful. From hydrating snail slime face masks to anti-ageing green tea serums -- the range of products is immense. The industry grew largely due to the demand of the local market. Korean women and men are said to take their skin care very seriously and that involves spending time, energy and money on various treatments and products. According to hospitality sector employee Soi-Le, her make-up routine is more than just that. It is a lifestyle. "I spend at least an hour every day on my make-up. It is a skincare regime that many of us follow in Korea, some more than others. There is a pressure to look good but; we don't just go for celebrity endorsed cosmetics. We choose what is good for us," said the 27-year-old. The growing demand came with a rise in demand for not just variety, but also quality and functionality, pushing Korean companies like Beauty Cosmetic Co to focus on research and development for new and innovative products and treatments. According to Beauty Cosmetic Co President Oh Han Sun, "Customers don't want cosmetics just to look good temporarily. They want to have healthy, beautiful skin and they want it to be natural as well. So we are focusing more on organic and natural products to meet the increasing demand." The success of the "functional" cosmetics sector has widely spread from Korea to the other countries like China and Thailand and then on to Western shores, reaching all the way to Europe and North America and competing with traditional leaders in the cosmetics industry like France and the US. Korean companies are also eyeing the Indian market, but their entry has, as of now, been a bit limited. "We have several products in place ready for the Indian market, but the problem is extensive paperwork and finding the right distributors. But we see our products doing very well in India in the future," Oh said. The situation is slated to change as Indian organisations and individuals take note of this growth opportunity. Member of Parliament Udit Raj just last year was given the honorary title of Ambassador for Health and Cosmetics by the governor of South Korea's Chungbuk province, a region known for its cosmetics industry. Raj is aiming to make things easier for Korean companies which want to come to India, through his newly-founded trade promotion organisation CPTI. "India has vast scope for a trading and joint ventures in this sector. I want to encourage it. But the main problem of high pricing of the products and red-tapism need to be addressed. I believe that the South Koreans are one of the best in this sector. Towards this end, I have helped set up a platform to help companies to gain entry into the Indian market," Raj said. You can already see that 'K-Beauty', with the "Ten-step Korean skin care routine", is beginning to trend online and offline. With new avenues opening up for Korean companies, Indian customers might just have a lot coming at them and it will not be at snail's pace. (Parvati Tampi is a journalist and alternative therapist.She can be contacted at parvati72000@gmail.com) --IANS parvati/rb/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Akshay Kumar on Saturday said that his role in forthcoming multilingual science-fiction action drama "2.0" demanded him to wear more make-up than what he had worn in his entire career. Akshay plays the antagonist in superstar Rajinikanth's "2.0", which marks his southern debut. Speaking at the trailer launch event here, Akshay said working on the project has been both challenging and fun. Akshay began his speech in Tamil amid a loud cheer from the audiences. He said he practiced for two hours to speak in Tamil. Quickly switching to English, Akshay said: "I can't express my feelings in words. I'm really thankful to Shankar sir and Lyca Productions for this opportunity." Talking about his role, he said: "It was a very challenging role and it took a toll on my body. But the pain and sacrifice was worth it. My character required around 4 hours of prosthetic make-up and another hour and a half to remove it. In my whole career, I've never put so much of make-up." The film, slated to release on November 29, in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, also stars Amy Jackson, Adil Hussain and Sudhanshu Pandey in key roles. --IANS hp/nv/hs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Angelina Jolie's oldest child Maddox is getting ready to leave the house as the actress took the 17-year-old on a university tour, here. The mother of six, 43, travelled to South Korea on an official visit as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) Special Envoy and she made sure to set aside time for her 17-year-old son Maddox to visit university campuses, reports people.com. The teenager has spent time studying the Korean language and is interested in studying in the country. This is his first visit to a campus. While there, Jolie stepped out alongside her 14-year-old son Pax while Maddox rested before embarking on his tour. Jolie shares her six children, including Shiloh, 12; Zahara, 13; and 10-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox with ex Brad Pitt. --IANS nv/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The lawyer of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who was acquitted of blasphemy charges after eight years on death row, left the country on Saturday, saying his life was under threat. Following the Supreme Court's decision last week, religious parties staged protests in major cities across the country and incited violence against lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook as well as the judges. Mulook claimed he was facing threats from sections of lawyers and it was difficult for him to practise in the prevailing situation, the Express Tribune reported. The apex court on October 31 ordered Bibi's immediate release stating that blasphemy charges could not be proven against her. She was accused by two women of insulting Prophet Muhammad in 2009 and a court sentenced her to death in 2010. The protests were called off after radical Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and the government reached an agreement, with the government promising to immediately initiate a legal process to place Bibi's name on the Exit Control List. As party of its deal with the TLP, the government said it would not oppose petitions filed against the top court's verdict. According to the agreement, all protesters arrested since Bibi's acquittal will be released and any violence towards them will be investigated. Campaigners blasted the deal as akin to signing her "death warrant". Talking to the Express Tribune, Malook said that he would return to Pakistan to represent Asia at hearing of the review petition if the Army provided him security. "My family is also facing immense security threat and the federal government should provide security to them," he said. The lawyer earlier this week said that Bibi would need to move to a Western country for her own safety. A number of attempts have previously been made on her life. Several countries have offered her asylum. Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry defended the government against allegations that the deal reached with the Islamist party was capitulating to extremists. He said the government would "take all steps necessary" to ensure Bibi's safety. Mulook, however, called the agreement "painful". Earlier Prime Minister Imran Khan had defended the top court's judgment in a televised address, saying it was in accordance with the Constitution and appealed to the protesters not to challenge the state. At least two public figures -- former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer and minority minister Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian -- were assassinated in 2011 for supporting Bibi and opposing the blasphemy law. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Assam continued to be tense on Saturday over the killing of five persons by unidentified gunmen at Tinsukia district even as the 12-hour Assam bandh call by some organisations over the killing evoked a mixed response across the state on Saturday. Although police are yet to identify the outfit responsible for the killings, a linkman of the anti-talk faction of ULFA, Jintu Gogoi was picked up by the Police on Saturday in connection with the killing. Gogoi was picked up from Tinsukia district, police said. The Assam police have already launched a massive combing operation against the suspected militants in and around the Sadiya area in the district. Meanwhile the bandh call evoked a total response in Bengali Hindu dominated Barak Valley districts of Assam while the bandh supporters tried to enforce the bandh in some areas of Brahmaputra Valley as well. Vehicular traffic was, however, normal in most of the places in Brahmaputra Valley. In Guwahati, the bandh hardly had any impact. In Upper Assam, Lower Assam and hill districts bandh has its impact in several pockets. Police arrested Congress and BJP leaders in Barak valley for supporting the bandh. Two extremists were nabbed in Harinagar Bazaar in Cachar district during the 12-hour Barak Valley Bandh. According to Cachar SP Rakesh Roushan, the ultras were arrested around 11.30 am and seven AK-47 rifles, around 500 bullets and one 9mm pistol have been recovered from their possession. During the bandh there sporadic incidents of violence were reported. In Barpeta in Lower Assam, bandh supporters pelted stones on the police. --IANS ah/ahm/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Australian tourist was found hanging from a tree at an orchard near Bihar's Bodh Gaya on Saturday. Gaya city Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar said the deceased was identified as Heath Allan, 33, a resident of Westmead, a suburb of Sydney in Australia. "Some local residents spotted body of a foreigner hanging from a tree and informed the police. We have recovered body and sent it for post-mortem examination," Kumar said. Anil said a suicide note was also found near the site, besides his bag and a diary. Bodh Gaya, about 110 km from Patna, is considered holiest Buddhist shrine where Buddha was enlightened over 2,500 years ago. It is one of the most sought-after international tourist destinations globally. --IANS ik/ahm/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Ravi Kishan, who will be seen working with actor John Abraham in "Batla House", says the upcoming film is one of the finest breaks of his career. "I am playing a very strong role in this movie 'Batla House' and it is one of the finest break for me in my career and I feel very fortunate for this opportunity. The story is very intense... I'm playing a cop in the movie," Ravi said in a statement. Ravi said it was a "lovely experience" working with John in the film. The Bhojpuri star will also be seen in "Mohalla Assi", starring Sunny Deol and Sakshi Tanwar. "This film is very beneficial for me in terms of performance and the character is very much realistic and heartfelt," he added. "Mohalla Assi", which received a censor certificate after a battle that lasted almost two years, will finally hit the screens on November 16. The Chandraprakash Dwivedi directorial, based on Kashi Nath Singh's book "Kashi Ka Assi" that dissects the politically-charged events of 1990 and 1998 -- including the Ram Janmabhoomi issue and the implementation of the Mandal Commission -- was cleared with an 'A' certificate earlier in September. --IANS dc/nv/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Divers searching for wreckage belonging to Lion Air flight have found the fuselage of the crashed airliner and said they heard a signal from its missing cockpit voice recorder, the head of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency said on Saturday. Muhammad Syaugi, head of the agency which is also known as Basarnas, told reporters at the port of Jakarta that divers had detected a characteristic "ping" sound from the second black box, Efe news reported. "Although the sound is quite weak, it came from a spot not far from the ship 'Victory,'" he said, referring to a rescue vessel deployed to the area. The brand new Boeing 737's other black box, or flight data recorder, had been found on Thursday, but so far investigators have not been able to recover any information from it, officials said. Syaugi spoke at the dockside where Indonesian Navy officers could be seen lifting some heavy parts of the aircraft, such as its undercarriage. "I haven't seen it myself but I got information from some divers that they have seen the fuselage," Syaugi said. Flight JT-610 crashed into the Java Sea 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta to fly to a neighbouring island on Monday. All 189 people on board were killed. Meanwhile, Indonesian authorities also said one of the divers searching for the wreckage of plane died on Friday evening. The victim was identified as Syachrul Anto, a member of the Indonesian Diving Rescue Team. National Search and Rescue Agency director Muhammad Syaugi said that the diver lost consciousness during the dive and died later at the Koja Regional Hospital in Jakarta. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Dakota Fanning is featuring in the immigrant drama titled "Sweetness in the Belly", which has begun shooting in Ireland and will continue in Ethiopia. Zeresenay Berhane Mehari is directing from a script by Laura Phillips, adapted from Camilla Gibb's bestselling novel that explores an immigrant's life from the unique perspective of being orphaned in Africa as a child, escaping to England as a refugee, embracing the immigrant community in London, and attempting to reunite people with their scattered families, while dealing with a passionate lost love affair with a doctor, reports variety.com. Other cast members include Wunmi Mosaku and "The Big Bang Theory" star Kunal Nayyar. The project was unveiled at the 2017 Berlin Film Festival with Saoirse Ronan initially attached. Fanning appeared in "Ocean's 8" and in "The Alienist". She will portray Charles Manson follower Squeaky Fromme in the Quentin Tarantino movie "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." --IANS dc/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Terming the Election Commission as the "B team of BJP", the Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday attacked the poll body for misusing its power under BJP's pressure. Party leader and Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told media that voting is a fundamental right and the citizens are being deprived of it. "The voting rights of about 10 lakh people were snatched due to EC's conspiracy. It looks like the EC is working as B team of the BJP," he said. AAP convener and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had met Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat on Friday and had alleged that names of party supporters had been deleted from the voters' list. --IANS nks/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Makati City government officials on Monday will hold an emergency meeting with operators and owners of all gasoline stations in the city to prevent a repeat of the potentially disastrous gas leak in Barangay Bangkal. Mayor Abigail Binay tapped acting city administrator Michael Camina to call for an urgent meeting scheduled at 1 pm Monday in City Hall to discuss preemptive measures and security matters to ensure public safety. Camina said Binay wants the gasoline station owners to ensure regular inspections of their fuel line and tanks, and to promptly notify City Hall should there be any problem. We need to reiterate safety guidelines for gasoline stations to prevent any more gas leaks in the future. Business owners should see to it that their fuel line and tanks are regularly and thoroughly inspected. Their managers must also keep track of daily sales volume versus inventory to detect any large discrepancy that may indicate a leak, Camina said. Binay, meanwhile, commended the Makati Fire Department and city officials comprising the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for their immediate response to contain the leak from Phoenix Gasoline Station located at the corner of Estrella and Evangelista Streets that flowed into the drainage system in the barangay. The gas leak was verified Wednesday evening by an investigation team from the fire bureau and was subsequently traced to the Phoenix Gasoline Station. Binay said within 24 hours after Makati Fire Marshal Roy Quisto first notified MDRRMC members about the gas leak, it was effectively resolved without causing any damage to lives and properties. A potentially disastrous incident has been averted, thanks to the fast action and effective collaboration among key officials of the local DRRM Council from the protective and administrative sectors, said Binay. The mayor attributed the successful resolution of the incident to the close coordination between key officials of City Hall and the fire bureau, who maintained constant communication and exchanged real-time and accurate information on the ongoing operations at the site of the gas leak. From the wee hours of Nov. 1 until daybreak of Nov. 2, they closely monitored the status of operations and gas levels at the affected area. Key decision-makers were able to issue appropriate directives with dispatch, resulting in the timely implementation of precautionary measures to ensure public safety, Binay said. The city government also formed a task force on the incident and a command center was immediately set up at the site last Thursday.Ambulance teams were deployed there to be on standby for any emergency and the city-run Ospital ng Makati was also alerted for possible emergency cases arising from the gas leak. The affected area was cordoned off and the perimeter was secured by auxiliary personnel of the Public Safety Department. Traffic enforcers were also deployed to manage traffic rerouting. Meanwhile, a team of firefighters went around the surrounding streets with megaphones to alert residents about the gas leak and warn them against smoking and other precautionary measures while the problem was being resolved. Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo said a third party contracted by Phoenix was scheduled to conduct another hydrotesting and the results of both tests will be compared to pinpoint which tank and product the leak came from. In 2010, a gas leak also happened in the same barangay. Then Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay hired a team of experts to find the source of the fuel leak and those responsible. The team found out later that leak came from the 117-kilometer long pipeline owned by the First Philippine Industrial Corp. Because of the leak and health concerns, occupants of the nearby 22-story West Tower Condominium were evacuated. The pipeline was built in 1969 and provides around 60 percent of Metro Manilas fuel supply through the Pandacan depot, the countrys largest oil depot. FPIC officials issued an apology to those affected by the incident. Dubbing the Election Commission (EC) as the "B team of BJP", the Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday alleged the poll body was misusing its powers under Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s influence. Party leader and Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told the media that voting is a fundamental right but the citizens are being deprived of it. "Voting rights of about 10 lakh people were lost due to EC's conspiracy. It looks like the EC is working as the B team of BJP," he said. AAP Convener and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had met Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat on Friday and alleged that the names of a large number of supporters had been deleted from the voter list. --IANS nks/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said that India's dynamism and economic growth made the country a bright star in the international arena. "The dynamism our country and our economic growth have made India a bright star in the international arena. India is the fastest growing major economy in the world, with a current growth rate of 8.2 per cent. "We have undertaken ambitious plans to build next-generation infrastructure, including smart cities, airports, high-speed train corridors, highways and cyber connectivity," he said. He was addressing the Indian Community Reception organized by the Indian Ambassador. "I am pleased to learn that the Indian community in Zimbabwe, though small in number, is making significant contribution to the progress of this country. As professionals in diverse areas and as entrepreneurs, you also serve as a living bridge between the two countries." He further said India was keen to strengthen and diversify relations with Zimbabwe. "There are numerous opportunities for businesses to grow both ways -- be it trade, technology or investment," he said. --IANS mg/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Family members of a Kashmiri youth, who has purportedly joined terror outfit Islamic State, on Saturday urged him to abjure violence and return home. Bilal Ahmad, in a video message to his son Ehtesham Bilal, who on Friday appeared on social media wielding a rifle and claiming allegiance to the Islamic State, appealed to him to return home. "Islam does not allow anybody to disobey his parents. I appeal and order you to return home. Seeing you on the social media wherein you have claimed allegiance to the Islamic State has disturbed me. Your ailing mother cannot live without you". Ehtesham's sister, Sadiqa, told her brother in the message, "I cannot live without you. For Allah's sake come back." A student at Sharda University, a private university in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida, Ehtesham Bilal disappeared on October 28, days after allegedly being beaten by a group of students on the campus. --IANS sq/shs/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed that a second suspicious package addressed to California billionaire Tom Steyer has been intercepted at a post office. The FBI said on Friday that the parcel was discovered at a postal sorting facility in Burlingame city in San Mateo County Thursday night and has been rendered safe, reports Xinhua news agency. "The FBI has confirmed a package was recovered last night in California, similar in appearance to the others, addressed to Tom Steyer," the agency tweeted on Friday. The suspicious package was mailed to Steyer one week after the first similar pipe bomb package was intercepted at the same sorting facility on October 26. Steyer, who is a billionaire hedge fund manager, is running two advocacy groups, "NextGen America", an environmental non-profit committed to fights for a clean energy economy, and the political group "Need to Impeach", which focused on collecting signatures for the impeachment of President Donald Trump for being "unfit to be President". The package sent to Steyer was the latest one of more than a dozen such devices mailed out across the US in recent weeks. Federal law-enforcement authorities have arrested Cesar Soyoc who was suspected of a role in a series of mail bomb cases in Florida last week. Those package bombs were sent to top Democrats and President Trump critics. The 56-year-old Sayoc is currently held behind bars and waiting to be transferred to New York for trial. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran has beaten the US throughout 40 years of confrontation, the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday. Khamenei's comments came at a meeting with students a day before the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran, Efe news reported. He said that the US power continued to decline and that it had failed in its objectives despite years of military and economic pressure against Iran. "The truth is that, throughout the 40-year challenge, the defeated party has been the US, and the victorious party has been the Islamic Republic of Iran. The US is defeated because it has started the attacks without ever achieving the goals it pursued," Khamenei told the gathered students, as quoted on his official website. On November 4, 1979, Iranian students who supported their country's revolution took control of the US Embassy in Tehran and held 52 American citizens hostage for more than a year. "The US is today much weaker than it was 40 years ago," Khamenei said, adding that "the world opposes every decision the US President makes, not only the people but also the governments oppose him". US President Donald Trump's administration is set to impose further harsh sanctions on Iranian oil exports on Monday, while granting waivers to allow eight countries to temporarily import Iranian oil without facing US punishment. Khamenei called the US sanctions futile and said they made Iran more economically and politically self-sufficient. European governments and others have sought to preserve ties with Iran, partly to ensure it stays in the 2015 nuclear accord, from which Trump withdrew in May. Many of Europe's largest companies have already pulled out of Iran, but despite the corporate exodus, the European Union wants to shield trade and finance with Iran from US sanctions. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday exhorted people from all streams of the society to ensure their participation and contribution to Speaking at an event at the Patanjali University after inaugurating the two-day 'Gyan Kumbh' here, the President urged the participants to find solutions to the challenges to quality Lauding the efforts of Patanajali for organising the event in which higher ministers of 18 states, higher education secretaries and vice-chancellors of 131 universities are taking part, Kovind said coming together of such a wide galaxy of people involved in education augured well for the education sector. He said it is the responsibility of all to ensure that every child is educated and that the teachers inculcate in students not only the basics of education but also our rich heritage and culture. He also remembered Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar, former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and educationist and politician Madan Mohan Malaviya for their contribution to education. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat stressed on the need for more research and rued that only 39 per cent of the 903 varsities conducted research. He said of the 39,000 degree colleges, only 40 per cent had higher education facilities. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev said through education India has to be transformed into a 'Vishwa Guru' (world leader). --IANS md/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the TDP joining hands with Congress, the party founder N.T. Rama Rao's widow Lakshmi Parvathi has "requested" her deceased husband to "take rebirth to save the self-respect of Telugu people." In a unique protest over Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu going against the party ideology to befriend Congress, Parvathi on Saturday placed a four-page letter at the NTR's 'samadhi' in Hyderabad. In the letter addressed to NTR, she pleaded with him to take rebirth to cleanse the and restore the self-respect of Telugus. The legendary actor-turned-politician had formed TDP in 1982 on the plank of Telugu self-respect. Within nine months, he stormed to power ending the virtual monopoly of the Congress in Andhra Pradesh Parvathi was second wife of NTR. He married her in 1993, a few months before he returned to power with a landslide victory. However, NTR's son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu led a revolt and became chief minister in August 1995, citing Parvathi's growing interference in administration and party affairs. NTR died in January 1996 and since then Parvathi had been living in political oblivion. Parvathi, who joined the YSR Congress in 2014, alleged that by placing TDP at the feet of Congress, Naidu has given up the very ideology with which NTR floated the party. She wrote that this action of Naidu for personal gains caused pain to crores of followers and admirers of NTR. "I am waiting for the day when people of Andhra Pradesh will get back their self-respect, said Parvathi, who sat in silence for a few minutes at the NTR memorial. Chandrababu Naidu had met Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Thursday. They agreed to bury the past and work together to defeat the Modi government in 2019 elections. --IANS ms/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The new Telugu release "Savyasachi" has surprised Andhra and Telanganas audiences with the strong presence of Tamil cinemas iconic actor R Madhavan. Madhavan has so far done only Tamil and Hindi film so what prompted him to do a Telugu film and that too in a negative role? "The role, what else? It was a fabulous role. Though my character enters the picture mid-way, my introduction into the plot had me hooked. And the enthusiasm that I felt in Andhra Pradesh when I went there to finalise the Telugu version of my biopic on the space scientist Nambi Naraynan, clinched the matter. I was told I had no idea about my fan-following in Andhra. Now I do," laughs Madhavan. His entry into the film is greeted with a loud applause in Andhra. Madhavan is pleasantly surprised, "I had no idea I'd be received so well in my first Telugu film. Now of course there is 'Rocketry The Nambi' Effect where I will be speaking my own lines in Telugu for the first time. I learnt the language for my character in 'Savyasachi' . But they had to dub my voice finally. But for the Nambi bio-pic I will be speaking Telugu in my own voice." Madhavan says he enjoyed his first stint in Telugu cinema. "I had never spoken in Telugu and I had never played a negative character. It was a new experience for me. I am certainly open to doing more Telugu films." --IANS skj/nv/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Modi on Saturday termed opposition efforts to forge a 'grand alliance' as a "manifestation of dynasty politics," saying the fake unity was nothing but an election gimmick. Interacting with BJP booth workers from Bulandshahr, Kota, Korba, Sikar and Tikamgarh Lok Sabha constituencies through video conferencing, the Prime Minister took a dig at Congress President Rahul Gandhi, saying he was like a "lie machine" whom people donot trust. Responding to a question on 'Mahagathbadhan', Prime Minister said: "There is no need to panic or worry about their false propaganda. Mahagathbadhan is a manifestation of dynasty This fake unity is an election gimmick and opposition parties do not have any agenda to match the aspirations of the 21st century India." He said the people who lie are not accepted by the society. "People hate those who talk about negative politics, those who see bad things in goodness of the country, those who abuse and insult the Army. We have to move forward on the belief of our deeds," he said. The Prime Minister said the BJP was worried about country's destiny while the opposition parties were worried to save their dynasty. "The public has to be reminded about the situation in the past. There was dynasty and family rule. We are the people who have come to change the future of the country, but they are concerned about dynasty. Their concern is for their children. They think that if the BJP ruled the country for five or ten more years, what would happen to some 200 and 500 families, who had been at the centre of power for 70 years. They have gathered to save the dynasty. They do not care for the poor," Modi said. In an apparent dig at Rahul Gandhi, the Prime Minister said that there are some people who make speeches and give eight kinds of data from the morning to the evening. "No one trusts them. They think that by telling lies, they can succeed. That time is gone. They do not know that people have found various ways to get information," he said. "Some leaders are like a lie machine. Whenever they open their mouth, it starts lying like AK 47 shots," he added exhorting the party workers to expose the lies of the opposition. Rahul Gandhi has been continuously attacking the Modi government over the Rafale fighter jet deal and has been alleging corruption. The BJP has been countering him by branding his accusations as lies. The Prime Minister asked the party functionaries to believe in the wisdom of people and said people can see the difference between development ushered in by BJP governments and the sensationalist agenda of the opposition. While interacting with workers of Chhattisgarh, Modi appreciated the achievements of Chief Minister Raman Singh calling him an excellent leader and silent performer. Calling booth-level workers as the foundation of the party, he urged them to provide correct information to the people about government initiatives and achievements. Highlighting the achievements of his government in the last four years, the Prime Minister spoke about the latest improvement in 'Ease of Doing Business', quality infrastructure built throughout the country and educational reforms. He also mentioned about the historic decisions undertaken by the government to support the micro and small scale sector. --IANS bns/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Zambo cops arrest two fugitives posted November 03, 2018 at 10:40 pm by PNA November 03, 2018 at 10:40 pm Zamboanga CityAn escapee and a most wanted person were arrested in separate operations in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a police official said Saturday. Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, information officer of Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), identified the two as Bernabe Lumawas, who escaped from prison more than five years ago; and Edwin Ongub, 45, listed as most wanted person. Lumawas was arrested in Purok 3, Barangay Macasing, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur at about 5 a.m. Friday. He is facing an additional charge of illegal possession of firearms after a caliber .38 revolver with six ammunitions was seized from him during his arrest, Galvez said. Lumawas was serving prison time for double homicide when he escaped from the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Barangay Talisayan, this city on May 12, 2013.Meanwhile, Ongub was arrested in Purok Matamad, Barangay Tabon, Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur at about 3:30 am Friday. He yielded two fragmentation grenades. Galvez said Ongub is listed as the No. 1 most wanted person in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur. He has two standing warrants of arrest for the crime of murder with no recommended bail and qualified theft with P24,000 recommended bail. PNA 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. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government's crop insurance schemes for farmers is a bigger scam than even the Rafale scam, said renowned journalist and farmers issue activist P. Sainath here on Friday evening. "The present government's policies are anti-farmer. The Pradhanmantri Bima Fasal Yojana is a bigger racket than even the Rafale scam. Selected corporates like Reliance, Essar have been given the task of providing crop insurance," said Sainath. Sainath was in the city to address the Kisan Swaraj Sammelan, a three-day event going on since Friday, on issues and solutions related to the farming sector in the country. Citing an example of Maharashtra, Sainath said: "Some 2.80 lakh farmers sowed soya in their farms. In a district, the farmers paid a premium of Rs 19.2 crore, the state government and the central governments paid Rs 77 crore each, amounting to a total of Rs 173 crore, which was paid to Reliance insurance. "The entire crop failed and the insurance company paid out the claims. Reliance paid Rs 30 crore in one district, giving it a total net profit of Rs 143 crore without investing a single rupee. Now multiply ttis amount to each of the districts it has been entrusted," he said. On the other hand, there are also concerns about the farmers, especially the tenant farmers. "For the last 20 years, everyday 2,000 farmers are leaving farming. There is a steep decline in the farmers owning land and rise in farmers becoming tenants. About 86 per cent land owning farmers and 80 per cent tenant farmers are in debt," added the senior journalist. "Gradually we are farmers are losing farming to corporates. Even though there is more than 55 per cent population that is rural in Maharashtra, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)'s distribution of cash flow was to Mumbai, where there is no agriculture," said Sainath. Commenting on the issue of farmers' suicide in the country, he said: "The present government does not want those figures to get published. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau from 1995 to 2015 shows that during these 20 years, 3.10 lakh farmers committed suicide. Last two years' data is being withheld." Sainath also spoke about how these issues and other can be tackled. He talked about a march in the national capital by the farmers similar to the one in Mumbai in March. "This time we will be marching towards the Parliament on November 29-30 this year. Our demands are to have a minimum three-day discussion on the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations implementation. If Parliament can be called for GST at midnight, why not discuss farmers issues in the house?" he asked The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee has given this march call for all the farmers organisations. --IANS amit-desai/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over alleged ceasefire violations by Indian forces across the Line of Control (LoC) which it said killed three civilians. Mohammad Faisal, Director General at the South Asian desk of the Foreign Office, said that apart from the deaths, two civilians were also injured on May 2 and 5 along the LoC. "On May 2, 15-year old boy Tahir Hafeez was martyred, while his nine-year-old sister Tahira sustained serious injuries in the Rakhchikri Sector along the LoC," said a statement by the Foreign Office. "Three days later on May 5, two innocent civilians, including a woman Nasreen Bibi and 12-year old Muhammad Zahid were martyred, while a woman Sonia Bibi sustained injuries." It said that "the ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation". Faisal urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement and investigate the incidents of truce violations, the statement added. He said the Indian side should permit the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions. --IANS soni/bg (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.) As the #MeToo movement is gaining momentum in India, Ukrainian filmmaker Dar Gai came out in support of it and revealed that she too had been a victim of it. "People have tried to molest me couple of times. Once I managed to escape from almost getting raped and I have often dealt with weird guys from the industry who does not know how to speak to women," Gai told IANS here on the sidelines of the ongoing Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF). But for Gai, it took her years to realise that whatever she had gone through was "not normal". "Last year I was at a film festival in India and we had a panel of female filmmakers. We were discussing about the issues of women directors and all of them were sharing their terrible experiences of dishonesty and disrespect, which they have faced from their fellow filmmakers. "At that time, when I looked at my past and recalled the incidents which I used to find normal till then, I realised there was something wrong with me and something wrong with the entire industry," the director said. Gai blamed the industry for "making her get used to the idea that it was fine to be mistreated and disrespected". While talking further about sexual harassment cases, she compared the #MeToo movement with wars and revolutions. "The movement is no less than a war. No doubt, there will be debates, there will be misusage but during a war, a lot of innocent people also get killed. So now, it is a stage one, people have to sacrifice to achieve the next stage of life, " she added. Gai was at DIFF for the screening of her feature titled "Namdev Bhau: In Search Of Silence". (Simran Sethi is in Dharamsala on an invitation by the Dharamshala International Film Festival. She can be contacted at simran.s@ians.in) --IANS sim/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Election Commission has removed the Mizoram Principal Secretary (Home) from his post for "dereliction of duty and interference in election process", an official said on Saturday. Soon after the order, an umbrella organisation of civil societies and student bodies of the state -- Mizoram's NGO Coordination Committee -- has demanded removal of Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S. B. Shashank, alleging he has lost the trust of the people. "The Election Commission in an order on Friday has asked the Mizoram government to remove Lalnunmawia Chuaungo as the Principal Secretary (Home). If he continues to hold his post, it would have an adverse effect on conduct of smooth, free and fair election process in the state," a Mizoram Election Department official said, quoting the poll panel direction. The official said the commission also asked the state government and the state election authorities not to assign Chuaungo any election-related works in Mizoram till the poll process is over. The EC order came after reports appeared in the media that Chuaungo was "interfering with the election process and not following commission's all directions". The ruling and opposition parties, however, remained non-committal on the EC's order. The Mizoram's NGO Coordination Committee issued a statement asking the CEO to leave the state by Monday afternoon. Shashank was not immediately available for his comment. The Election Commission on Friday issued the statutory notification for November 28 Assembly elections in Mizoram. According to the notification, the last date for submitting candidature is November 9, the scrutiny of nominations will take place on November 12 and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is November 14. The five-year term of the 40-member Mizoram Assembly expires on December 15. In all 768,181 voters, including 393,685 women, are eligible to votes in 1,164 polling stations across the mountainous state, which shares borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. All political parties, including the ruling Congress, opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), besides other smaller parties, have already declared their candidates for the polls. --IANS sc/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hackers have gained access to private messages of nearly 120 million accounts and already published such messages from 81,000 accounts for generating money, the BBC reported. Several users whose details have been compromised were based in Ukraine and Russia but some were also from the UK, US, Brazil and elsewhere, thereport said on Friday. "The hackers offered to sell access for 10 cents per account. However, their advert has since been taken offline," it added. The breach was first discovered in September and the messages were reportedly obtained through unnamed rogue browser extensions. Facebook, however, said its systems were not breached as part of the hack. "We have contacted browser-makers to ensure that known malicious extensions are no longer available to download in their stores," Guy Rose, Vice President of Product Management at Facebook, was quoted as saying. "We have also contacted law enforcement and have worked with local authorities to remove the website that displayed information from accounts." The BBC Russian Service contacted five Russian users whose private messages had been uploaded and confirmed the posts were theirs. "One example included photographs of a recent holiday, another was a chat about a recent Depeche Mode (British rock band) concert and a third included complaints about a son-in-law," the report said. In the biggest-ever security breach after Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook in October admitted that hackers broke into nearly 50 million users' accounts by stealing their "access tokens" or digital keys. Rosen had said that Facebook fixed the vulnerability and reset the access tokens for a total of 90 million accounts -- 50 million that had access tokens stolen and 40 million that were subject to a "View As" look-up in 2017. Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is Facebook's lead privacy regulator in Europe, has opened a formal investigation into this data breach that could result in a fine of $1.63 billion. According to Digital Trends, the latest hack involves the use of browser extensions. "It is always best to check which source an extension is coming from, and which permissions it is being granted access to," it said. Amid speculation that the government may have invoked a hitherto unused section to overrule the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the pretext of "public interest", the central bank has shot back with its own definition of "public interest". Reserve Bank Deputy Governor N.S. Vishwanathan, in a recent speech, said when a bank is trying to recover loans from borrowers, it is actually trying to get back depositors' money and it is not a case of "ruthless big bank" versus "hapless borrower". "A correct portrayal of the situation would be: public interest (i.e. depositors and taxpayers) versus borrowers' interest," Vishwanathan said at XLRI Jamshedpur in a speech on October 29 that was posted on the bank's website late on Friday. It is speculated that the government, in certain cases where it differed with the bank, has invoked Section 7 of the RBI Act that empowers the government to consult the RBI Governor and direct the RBI to act on issues that it considers necessary in public interest. One of the vexed issues between the two is related to RBI's February 12 circular on stressed assets wherein the RBI has ordered banks to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against all large accounts above Rs 2,000 crore if a resolution plan was not met in 180 days. Here, the government wants some relief for the stressed assets in the power sector, saying it is different from the other sectors as there are several external factors beyond the promoter's control that turned it into a defaulter and should be given a special consideration. However, the RBI maintains that the recognition of default or accounting for deterioration in the quality of asset should be independent of the reasons for such default or deterioration. "The proponents of this line of thought argue that where the borrowers are affected by external factors beyond their control, they should be treated as 'genuine' defaulters and some leniency in prudential norms is warranted. This is a fallacy," Vishwanathan said. "Another fallacy is the claim by the management of defaulting borrowers that the restructuring plan proposed by them will result in 'zero haircut' for banks; whereas, if banks file insolvency application, new investor would be willing to take over the defaulting entities only with 'huge haircuts' on debt," he said. He explained that while payment offered by the existing management is usually spread over a long period, the new investors mostly come up with upfront cash payments and the choice before the banks is: 'illusory future payments' versus 'upfront real cash'. Renegotiation of terms of a loan should be an exception rather than a rule, as resorting to it often would endanger the safety of deposits, dent a bank's ability to lend further and imperil its existence, he said. He said the enactment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is a watershed event that enabled RBI to come out with a revised framework for resolution of stressed assets. "Banks are not supposed to be shock-absorbers of first resort of the difficulties faced by their borrowers as banks do not have the luxury of delaying payments to their depositors," he said. Banks need to be exacting in their role as monitors of loans as it will force the borrowers to take up their case with their clients for timely realisation of their claims, he said. "Thus, the next time we hear about a bank making efforts to recover loans from borrowers, we should all note to remember that it is essentially trying to get back the depositors' money. Vishwanathan's speech on RBI's understanding of "public interest" came soon after another RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned the government of market's wrath if it undermined the central bank's autonomy in a speech in Mumbai on October 26. On October 31, the government came out with a statement saying it respects the autonomy for the central bank within the framework of the RBI Act. But it went on to say that "both the government and the central bank, in their functioning, have to be guided by public interest and the requirements of the Indian economy". --IANS mgu/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A radical Islamist group on Saturday called off protests in Pakistan against the acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, who had been charged with blasphemy. The Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has the end to the protests which brought the country to a standstill since October 30, reports Dawn news. The announcement comes after the TLP and the government reached an agreement to conclude the latter's nationwide protests, with the government promising to immediately initiate a legal process to place Asia Bibi's name on the Exit Control List (ECL). The government has also said that it would not oppose the complainants from seeking a review of the Supreme Court's judgment in the Asia Bibi blasphemy case. The TLP has in turn apologised if it "hurt the sentiments or inconvenienced anyone without reason". Meanwhile, motorways and highways were open for traffic, the Motorway Police announced on Saturday. However, they cautioned commuters to refrain from unnecessary travel on these routes due to the "volatile and unpredictable" situation in the country. The Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday set off violent protests and sit-ins by hardliners. Asia Bibi, a mother of five, was accused by two women of insulting Prophet Muhammad in 2009 and a court sentenced her to death in 2010, with the verdict being upheld four years later by the Lahore High Court. The anti-blasphemy law was introduced in British colonial times to avoid religious clashes, but in the 1980s several reforms promoted by the dictator Zia-ul-Haq led to the abuse of the law. Since then, there have been around 1,000 accusations of blasphemy, a crime that in Pakistan can lead to capital punishment, although nobody has ever been executed for it. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Real Sociedad midfielder Luca Sangalli has been released from hospital after suffering a minor stroke on Wednesday, the La Liga club has confirmed. 23-year-old Sangalli was rushed to hospital in San Sebastian after feeling ill while studying at university, but according to the official Real Sociedad website, he was able to go home on Friday. "The prognosis is good and he currently feels well, without any symptoms of being affected neurologically," commented the club. The club explained that Sangalli, who was Real Sociedad's player of the month for October, was "waiting for the results of the tests which were carried out and this could take 2-3 weeks." "Depending on these results more tests could be required and we will be able to make therapeutic decisions over the treatment." The club added that for the moment the midfielder can "carry out a normal lifestyle, but without carrying out physical effort," and that for the moment "there is no date for him to return to his usual activity." --IANS kk/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after filing for divorce, Tej Pratap Yadav met his jailed father and RJD chief Lalu Yadav in the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here on Saturady. The father and son had a closed-door discussion over the matter at the hospital, where Lalu, who is convicted in the fodder scam, is undergoing treatment for various ailments. "I will stick to my decision. Will wait for the arrival of my father home. Will also discuss in our family," said Tej Pratap after meeting Lalu Yadav. Tej Pratap filed for divorce in a Patna civil court five months after his marriage to Aishwarya Rai. Aishwarya is the daughter of senior RJD leader Chandrika Rai and a granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai. Sources said that Lalu Yadav has been tense since the news of his son's divorce petition reached him. His blood pressure and sugar levels are fluctuating. The sources at RIMS said that Lalu's sugar level was 180 and blood pressure was 140/90 on Friday. Tej Pratap, a former Bihar Health Minister, reached Ranchi on Saturday afternoon. He had spent Friday night in Gaya district of Bihar. Talking to reporters there, Tej Pratap said: "There is no reason to live in suffocation." In the divorce petition, he has said that the two were not compatible. --IANS ns/shs/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of supporters and followers of Maulana Sami ul-Haq, an Islamic cleric and former senator who was more widely known as the "Father of Taliban", flocked to attend his funeral in Pakistan on Saturday. Sami ul-Haq, a leader of the political party Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam, was killed in the northern city of Rawalpindi on Friday, although there were conflicting versions of how and where he died. "He was resting in his room during Asr (prayer) time when his driver-cum-bodyguard went out for 15 minutes," his son Maulana Hamid ul-Haq told Pakistan's Geo TV. "When he returned, he found Maulana Sami ul-Haq dead in his bed and his body covered in blood," the son said, adding his father had been stabbed multiple times. Sami ul-Haq was also the head of the Haqqania madrassa, an Islamic school in the north of Pakistan where many Taliban members including the radical group's founder, Mullah Omar, had studied. Sami ul-Haq had close ties to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's PTI party. Mohammad Bilal, one of Sami ul-Haq's nephews, told reporters that his body had been found with gunshot and stabbing wounds at his house near Islamabad, 25 km south of Rawalpindi. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BLACKLISTED. Australian nun Patricia Fox waves as she leaves her house on Nov. 3, 2018. The Australian nun, who battled a government bid to expel her from the Philippines after she angered President Rodrigo Duterte, said she will leave rather than face certain arrest and deportation. AFP Australian missionary sister Patricia Fox is banned from returning to the Philippines after the Bureau of Immigration included her name in the list of blacklist order and ordered her to leave after the bureau denied the nuns petition to extend her Temporary Visitors Visa.BI Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval said the BI has denied with finality Foxs request to extend her stay in the country in an order dated Oct. 31. The 72-year-old missionary was to leave the country before her visa expired on Nov. 3 or she will be declared overstaying and undocumented alien, according to her lawyers. It is not mandatory for the BI to extend an aliens visa, especially a foreigner who has been proven to have violated immigration laws, Sandoval said. The law is clear, the entry and admission of an alien is a matter of privilege and not a right, she added. Fox had been the subject of a deportation order last July for violating the conditions of her stay and for undesirability, due to her participation in partisan political activities, which she has not denied. These activities do not fall within the ambit of the religious missionary visa given to her, said Sandoval. She never represented her congregation in these events, but instead represented different cause-oriented groups. The denial of her plea for an extension, Sandoval said, is without prejudice to her appeal to the Justice Department on her deportation. For now, she is required to exit the country before the expiry of her visa. She is also currently in the blacklist, but added that they have to wait for the decision of the Department of Justice on her deportation to know if she can still return to the Philippines.Fox on Saturday joined a thanksgiving Mass in Quezon City, hours before her Australian nun to leave, visa extension denied READ: Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in a statement on Saturday said that the expulsion of Sr. Fox is a great injustice. Her being forced to leave the Philippines is a great injustice. The Duterte regime has treated her solidarity with the poor as something undesirable and criminal, Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said in a statement. Immigration denied the nuns application for the extension of her temporary visitors visa and ordered her to leave the country on Nov. 3, said the National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL), which is representing her. Fox was accused of joining political activities prohibited among foreigners. While she admitted to participating in fact-finding missions andcauses, she maintains her activities are within the scope of her missionary work and are protected by guarantees to free speech and assembly. She was first arrested then released pending a further probe by Philippine authorities in April. READ: Aussie nun slams reign of tyranny in Philippines The Turkish and Ukrainian presidents on Saturday pledged to boost the strategic cooperation between their countries in a wide range of areas, with focus on trade and defence industry. Speaking at a joint press conference following talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the two countries are determined to carry their strategic relations to a higher level, Xinhua reported. Erdogan noted that he and Poroshenko agreed to map out the details of a treaty on free trade by the end of this year. "With this agreement, I believed that our trade volume would reach $10 billion," said the Turkish leader. He also highlighted fruitful cooperation with Ukraine in the field of defence industry as companies from the two countries are increasingly expanding joint projects. Erdogan stated that Turkey has been backing Ukraine in international and has "never recognised the illegal annexation of Crimea and would never do". "We strongly reiterated our stance on the preservation of Ukrainian sovereignty, territorial integrity and political unity," he added. Crimea was incorporated into Russia in March 2014 following a referendum. Ukraine says the peninsula was annexed. Speaking alongside Erdogan, Poroshenko said Ukraine and Turkey are aiming at expanding not only trade volume but also mutual investments. "We have urged our sides to sign the free trade agreement as soon as possible," he said. The Ukrainian leader came to Istanbul for the seventh high-level strategic cooperation council meeting with Turkey. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two militants were killed on Friday in a gunfight with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore town. Police said one of the militants, whose identity is yet to be established, was killed in Warpora locality. "The operation against the militants is still going on," a police source said. Clashes broke out between civilians and security forces near the gunfight site as protesters tried to disrupt the operation against the militants. Security forces used pellet gunshots and tear smoke to quell the protests, injuring some of the protesters. On a tip off, the security forces started a cordon and search operation in Warpora. "As the cordon around the hiding militants was tightened, they fired at the security forces triggering an encounter," a police officer said. Authorities have suspended mobile Internet services in Sopore and adjoining areas. --IANS sq/mr (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.) An 18-year-old youth from Uttar Pradesh's Jalaun district was detained by the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) on Saturday for making calls threatening to blow up the Miami airport in the US, police said. We received an input from a sister agency that someone was making multiple calls to the Miami airport officials, threatening them with an attack with AK-47 guns and grenades. He said he would come up with bullet proof body armour and indulge in mass killings at the airport, Inspector General (IG) ATS Aseem Arun said. The accused was making these calls through VoIP and the IP address was traced by the ATS. During interrogation he confessed to his crime. He said he made the calls to gain the attention of the who can help him in avenging a fraudster who had duped him of Rs 70,000 by luring him into investing in bitcoins. An FIR has been lodged against the accused. His cell phone and laptop have been seized. He will be charge sheeted and produced before a court, an official said. The ATS has also issued an advisory for parents asking them to keep a tab on the internet usage of their children. A US journalist, who has accused former Union Minister M.J. Akbar of raping her 23 years ago, on Saturday slammed his statement where he said that they had a "consensual relationship", saying that it wasn't. In a first person account in The Washington Post published on Friday, Pallavi Gogoi, now the Chief Business Editor at National Public Radio, gave a detailed account of how she was allegedly raped by Akbar and narrated her ordeal of working under him when he was the Editor of The Asian Age newspaper years ago. Akbar on Friday said they had a "consensual relationship" even as his wife accused Gogoi of lying. Dismissing Akbar's statement, Gogoi tweeted: "Rather than take responsibility for his abuse of me and his serial predation of other young women who have courageously come forward, Akbar has insisted- just like other infamous serial sexual abusers of women--that the relationship was consensual. It was not," She attacked the former Minister by saying that "a relationship that is based on coercion, and abuse of power, is not consensual." "I stand by every word in my published account. I will continue to speak my truth so that other women who have been sexually assaulted by him know it is okay for them to come forward and speak their truth too," Gogoi said. With over a dozen journalists accusing him of sexual harassment and assault, Akbar quit as Minister of State for External Affairs on October 17. Denying the charges, he filed a criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani who was the first to accuse him. --IANS akk/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Voting was underway on Saturday for the by-election to three Lok Sabha and two Assembly seats in Karnataka, an Election Commission official said. "Voting began at 7 a.m. on a moderate pace amid tight security," the official told IANS here. By-election is being held in Bellary (reserved), Mandya and Shimoga parliamentary constituencies and Ramanagara and Jamkhandi Assembly segments. Voting will take place till 6 p.m. in the 6,543 polling booths across the five constituencies. A total of 54.5 lakh electorate, comprising 27.2 lakh men and 27.3 lakh women, are registered to vote for the by-election. As 51,131 voters were physically challenged, the poll panel has arranged vehicles to ferry them for voting from their homes and drop them back. In all, 31 candidates are in the fray, including five from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), three from the Congress and two from the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) and 21 others as Independents or from regional outfits. BJP's state unit President B.S. Yeddyurappa's son B.Y. Raghavendra, who is contesting from Shimoga Lok Sabha seat, was among the early voters in the constituency. Vote counting in all the five constituencies will take place on November 6. --IANS bha/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the mid-1980s the Army evaluated four 155 mm guns, of which it preferred two French and Swedish (Bofors). In January 1986, the new Army Chief expressed his preference for Bofors on the basis that it could shoot and scoot, meaning it could move away easily. Both parties were asked to quote final costs, and when their bids were opened, the Swedish one was lower; the French then reduced their prices. This offer should have been rejected out of hand, but the then minister of state for defence asked the defence secretary to negotiate with Bofors, which then ... Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday conducted groundbreaking ceremony for 15 industrial units that would collectively invest Rs 1,807.92 crore in the state, besides creating employment for 8,883 people. The projects are being developed by companies like Ultratech Cement, Welspun Ltd, Chettinad Cement, Surya Foods, P&A Bottlers, CRPL Infra, Vijaynagar Bio-tech, Coastal Corporation, Truism Resources, Wild Lotus Fashions, Flaminquo Sharimpex, Amasagar Sea Food, Jharana Steel Industries and Sabri Food Products. Patnaik, who conducted the groundbreaking ceremony via video conferencing, said he is happy with the fast-paced progress of the investment plans. "I am particularly happy to note that the private industrial park policy of my government has seen good response from the investor community and we have performed groundbreaking of the industrial park at Dhamra, which will promote port-led manufacturing in the state," Patnaik said. The chief minister said that in less than one year, the state has done groundbreaking or inauguration of 64 projects which created employment opportunities for more than 30,000 youths. "This has only reaffirmed our position as the number one state in implementation of live manufacturing investments," Patnaik claimed. The chief minister said that the state's focus is also to diversify the industrial growth across Odisha. In this regard, the maize processing plant at Nabarangpur will contribute significantly in creating new job opportunities for the people in this industrially backward district, he said. The food processing industry, including seafood processing, is a strategic priority of the state government's industrialisation plan that contributed over half of the projects (8 of the 15 projects). This further strengthens Odishas position as the food processing hub of eastern India, Patnaik said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 24th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) beginning November 10 will showcase 171 feature films and 150 shorts and docus from 70 countries, organisers said Saturday. 'Antony Firingee', the 1967 Bengali classic, will be the inaugural movie of the eight-day extravaganza that has Australia as the 'focus country'. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will inaugurate the festival and celebrated Iranian director Majid Majidi and Australian film makers Philip Noyce, Jill Bilcock and Simon Baker will be the guests of honour. Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Jaya Bachchan, Wahida Rehman, Nandita Das and others would form the Bollywood star brigade at the inaugural programme at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, state minister and KIFF Chief Advisor Arup Biswas told a press meet here. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would preside over the programme. Giving special accent on the 100 years of Bengali cinema in this edition of the KIFF, Sunil Banerjee directed 'Antony Firingee', starring Uttam Kumar and Tanuja, will be the inaugural film. The films of the festival would be screened in 16 theatres across the city and Howrah, Information and Cultural Affairs department Principal Secretary Vivek Kumar said. He said the best film will get Rs 51 lakh and the best director Rs 21 lakh, both will be receiving a golden 'Royal Bengal Tiger' trophy. The cash rewards are one of the highest in the world, Kumar said. In the Competition Category, there will be sections such as International Competition, Innovation in Moving Images, Competition on Indian Language's Films, Asian Select (NETPAC Award), Competition on Indian Documentary Films, and Competition on Indian Short Films. Cinema International, Children's Screening, Bengali Premiere, Documentary Films and Short Films and the like would form the Non-Competition Category. The 321 feature, short and documentary films were selected 1500 entries from all over the world, the highest among all the 23 previous editions of the KIFF, Kumar said. He said 26 films from Australia, the focus country, would be screened and there will be a retrospective section of 68-year-old director Philip Noyce. Four acclaimed works of Iranian film maker Majidi will also be on the platter. In the Cinema International 38 films from 32 countries will be screened. As part of the tribute to 100 years of Bengali cinema, the Hiralal Sen Memorial Award will be conferred on the best film in the 'Competition on Indian Language's Films' (Rs 7 lakh) and the best director (Rs 5 lakh), Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs Indranil Sen said. On the 100 years of Bengali cinema, 14 timeless Bengali classics will be screened. Besides, there would be a special tribute section to veteran Bengali actor Supriya Devi where the Ritwik Ghatak directed 'Meghe Dhaka Tara' will be screened, the minister said. A Bengali film directory chronicling the major films made during the period of 1917-2017 will be published during the festival and an exhibition on the 100th year of Bengali cinema to be organised, Sen said. Eight films from Tunisia, the Special Focus country, will be screened in the festival. This year the Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture will be given by actor-director Nandita Das. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal were detained by police Saturday when they were participating in a protest march in Delhi to seek justice for the families of those killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The march, led by the Badals, began from Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib and the protesters were stopped near Parliament Street police station in central Delhi. "Our community has been seeking justice for 34 years. Thousands of Sikhs were massacred, several women were raped and several people lost their homes. Such atrocity is a blot on the history of India. No one received justice. Why is judiciary not taking suo-motu action?" Harsimrat Kaur Badal told reporters before she was detained by police. The Akali Dal has been seeking justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which a large number of Sikhs were killed in the national capital and in other parts of the country in the aftermath of former prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RED-HOT SEARCH. This handout from the Department of Public Works and Highways, taken and released on Oct. 31, shows rescuers looking for survivors after a landslide in Natonin, Mountain Province where they used hand tools in a desperate search for some 20 people buried after Typhoon 'Rosita' whacked the northern Philippines. AFP Powerful Typhoon ''Rosita'' has left a heart-rending trace of destruction in lives and the agriculture sector, with more than 90,000 hectares of land smashed in the Cordilleras, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol said Saturday the agriculture sector damage had reached, as of weekend, P1.82 billion although the figure had yet to be validated. In the meanwhile, the number of bodies retrieved from the landslide area in Natonin, Mountain Province in the Cordilleras had climbed to 14, according to local officials. In a report by James Agustin on GMA News Balitanghali on Saturday which was heard nationwide, Natonin Mayor Mateo Chiyawan said of the 14 bodies recovered, 11 had been identified while three remained without identities. The incident command post data still lists 12 bodies as having been recovered from ground zero as of Oct. 31, excluding the body parts, while 16 are still missing. READ: Rositas death toll climbs to 22, government relief efforts satisfactory But two bodies have since been found after search and retrieval operations in the area, which is near a creek, were extended up to seven kilometers from ground zero on Friday. Some 300 rescuers have been deployed for the operations. Thirty percent of the operation remains at ground zero while 70 percent is focused on the creek itself and its nearby areas, according to witnesses. Pinol said rice was the mos t affected commodity by the typhoon, the 18th to hit the country since January, as it recorded damage and losses worth P1.39 billion, affecting 4,921 farmers in Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales. This commodity also contributes mainly to the overall damage and losses at 76.67 percent, Pinol said.The affected area is now at 76,696 hectares out of the total rice standing crop of 543,993 hectares, while the volume of production loss is at 73,337 metric tons, Pinol added. Region II is the most affected region in terms of damages and losses in rice amounting to P 1.20 billion (86.47 percent) with Isabela as the most affected province with an amount of P 745.15 million (61.84 percent), he said. For corn, the damage incurred was worth P47.02 million affecting 6,824 farmers in the provinces of Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya. The affected area is 6,317 hectares out of the total corn standing crop of 96,030 hectares. The estimated volume of production loss is at 519 metric tons. Most of the affected corn crops are on their seedling stage, Pinol said. Region II is also the most affected region in terms of damage and losses in corn amounting to P45.11 million (95.90 percent) with Isabela as the most affected province with an amount of P 37.61 million [61.84 percent], he added. As far as high-value crops were concerned, Pinol said the damage and losses reached P373.86 million affecting 7,375 farmers with 7,040 hectares of area and an estimated production loss volume of 24,203 metric tons. Affected crops included coffee; fruit trees such as banana, mango, and rambutan; and assorted vegetables in Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino. For the livestock sector, the damage totaled P2.51 million affecting 20,408 headcomprising 20,334 poultry, 55 swine, 15 goats and 4 sheepand 81 farmers in Isabela in Cagayan Valley. READ: Thousands flee as Rosita batters Northern Luzon Two suspected extremists carrying a huge cache of arms and ammunition were beaten up by people and later arrested in South Assam's Cachar district on Saturday, police said. Three AK-56 rifles, one Chinese made Light Machine Gun, one 12 bore single barrel rifle and a 5.56 mm rifle, besides a huge quantity of assorted ammunition were seized from the two, Superintendent of Police Rakesh Roshan told PTI. They were waiting for a bus at Harinagar in Lakhipur sub-division when local people noticed rifles in their bag and beat them up. Police said they rescued the two and admitted them to Silchar Medical College and Hospital. Deputy Commissioner S Lakshman said the two suspected extremists could not be questioned as they were seriously injured. Investigations are on, the SP said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three employees of Forest and departments were arrested by Crime Branch police on Saturday in connection with the electrocution of seven elephants in Odisha's Dhenkanal district recently. The jumbos had died after coming in contact with a live high voltage wire near Kamalanga village under the Sadar Forest Range on October 27. Those arrested are Junior Engineer of Central Electricity Supply Utility (CESU), Sanjay Mohanty, forester of Meramandali section Pravakar Rana and forest guard of Meramandali forest beat house Girish Chandra Dehury, a senior police official said. While Mohanty had earlier been dismissed from service, Rana and Dehury were placed under suspension in connection with the incident. The Crime Branch of police has been investigating into the incident after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on October 28 issued an order in this regard. The chief minister has also ordered for appropriate action in case of any criminal negligence, As the tragedy evoked sharp criticism from various quarters, both energy and forest departments took action against seven officials in connection with the incident. A general manager, one sub-divisional Officer (SDO) and a lineman of CESU were placed under suspension, while JE Sanjay Mohanty was sacked, an official said. Similarly, a forest range officer, a forester and a forest guard were suspended over the incident, he said. Additional Conservator of Forest (ACF) Jitendranath Das had lodged a complaint at Kantabania police station in connection with the incident. The Wildlife Cell of Crime Branch also registered a case. The mishap happened apparently because of sagging electric wire. As per guidelines, the 11 KV electric line wire must be pulled at a height of 17-18 feet above the ground, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 300 passengers, including dozens of security personnel, were rescued Saturday night after they were caught in heavy snowfall near the Jawahar tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, police said. Senior Superintendent of Police (Ramban) Anita Sharma said the 270-km highway, connecting Kashmir with rest of the country, was closed for traffic tonight after heavy snowfall and multiple landslides rendered it unsafe. "A rescue operation was launched after information was received that a large number of passenger vehicles were stranded in avalanche prone areas on the other side of the Jawahar tunnel," Sharma told PTI. She said so far about 300 Jammu-bound passengers have been rescued from the Kashmir side of the Jawahar tunnel and the Verinag Zing area, where more than one feet of snow had accumulated on the ground. All the rescued passengers were brought to Banihal and provided accommodation inside shelter sheds, hotels, sarais and religious places, she said. Four buses, a tempo traveller and a number of private vehicles were pressed into service to evacuate the stranded passengers to safety, Sharma said. The SSP said food was provided to all of them. She said fresh landslides had occurred at multiple places between Ramban and Banihal sector and it was not possible to allow stranded passengers to move towards Jammu. Officials said dozens of soldiers were among those rescued during the operation. The soldiers were heading for Jammu and their convoy got struck on the highway, they said, adding they were shifted to an Army camp in Banihal town. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) About 6 per cent of the electorate cast their votes Saturday in the first two hours of polling for the by-elections to three Lok Sabha and two assembly constituencies in Karnataka. While the Lok Sabha constituencies of Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya recorded 7.16 per cent, 4.4 per cent and 4.18 per cent voting respectively till 9 am, Ramanagara and Jamkhandi assembly constituencies have recorded 7.34 and 9 per cent polling. Voting began at 7 am and will go on till 6 pm. A total of 54,54,275 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in about 6,450 polling stations. There are a total 31 candidates in the fray in all the five constituencies, though the contest is mainly between the Congress-JD(S) combine and the BJP. Counting of votes will be on November 6. The Congress and the JD(S), which have come together in a post-poll alliance after the assembly elections in May this year threw up a hung House, are facing the polls unitedly against the BJP, which they perceive as their common enemy. While the Congress has fielded its candidates in Jamkhandi and Ballari, the JD(S) is contesting in Shivamogga, Ramanagara and Mandya under an electoral understanding. A total of 1,502 polling stations have been declared as sensitive, election officials said. A total of 35,495 polling personnel are on duty for the bypolls in which 8,922 voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) will be used, they said. The outcome of the bypolls is expected to have a bearing on the alliance between the Congress and the JD(S) for the 2019 polls. The BJP, which has been questioning the longevity of the coalition government, has predicted its fall once the bypoll results are out. Among the prominent candidates in the fray is Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anita Kumaraswamy, who is expected to have a smooth sailing. She is facing a virtual no-contest in Ramanagara after BJP nominee L Chandrashekhar withdrew from the contest and rejoined the Congress, in a jolt days before the polls. The BJP had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission about the developments in Ramanagara and requested it to "annul" the elections immediately. In Jamkhandi, Congress candidate Anand Nyamagowda, the son of former MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, is pitted against Srikant Kulkarni of the BJP. In Shivamogga, state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra is testing his fortunes against another former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of the JD(S). In Ballari, senior BJP leader Sriramulu's sister J Shantha is fighting against V S Ugrappa of the Congress, considered an outsider. In the Vokkaliga bastion of Mandya, JD(S)'s Shivarame Gowda, is pitted against a fresh face in Dr Siddaramaiah, a retired commercial tax officer from the BJP. The by-elections have been necessitated after Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga) and Sriramalu (Ballari), and C S Puttaraju of JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May this year. Bypolls to Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, while Ramanagara fell vacant after Kumaraswamy gave up the seat preferring to retain Chennapatna, the other constituency from where he had won. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Aam Aadmi Party Saturday suspended rebel leaders Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Kanwar Sandhu from the party for allegedly indulging in "anti-party" activities, it said. The decision was taken by the core committee of AAP Punjab unit, chaired by MLA Budh Ram in Chandigarh. "Both Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Kanwar Sandhu have been suspended for indulging in anti-party activities," AAP legislator and leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly Harpal Singh Cheema said. He said the core committee has taken the consent of the Political Affairs Committee for the suspension of Bholath and Kharar legislators Khaira and Sandhu respectively. Later the party in a statement said Khaira and Sandhu had been indulging in "anti-party" activities and continuously attacked the central and state party leadership. It said it has decided to suspend the two leaders with immediate effect after exhausting all avenues. Reacting to his suspension from AAP, Khaira described the decision as "dictatorial" and said he will hold a meeting with legislators and party activists to decide his next action. "We will go to the people's court. Unity talks were torpedoed under a conspiracy after announcing five Lok Sabha candidates. It seems it is a planned strategy and conspiracy," Khaira said. The suspension came nearly three months after Khaira was removed from the post of Leader of Opposition and two days after AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal's visit to Chandigarh on November 3. During his visit, Kejriwal had virtually snubbed Khaira by saying, "My is not Sukhpal Khaira". "My is towards the people of this country. My is for a corruption-free India. My politics is for providing good education, setting up hospitals," Kejriwal had said. Khaira is leading a group of eight dissident legislators who had revolted against the party after he was removed from the post of the Leader of Opposition in July. Thereafter, they set up a parallel adhoc political affairs committee. The rebel group has been seeking autonomy for the state unit, which they say was being controlled by the Delhi leadership. Talks between the rebel group and other AAP leaders of Punjab unit were held this month in an attempt to iron out the differences ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls. But the talks "failed" to end infighting after rebel group charged the party for unilaterally announcing five candidates for Lok Sabha polls and appointing some district presidents. Khaira had accused the AAP leadership of not being serious about the differences. He had given the party an ultimatum till November 8 to withdraw new appointments or he and other rebel leadrs would start setting up parallel organisational structure of the party in Punjab. His group had blamed the defunct organisational structure for the party's defeat in Gurdaspur Lok Sabha byeletion, Shahkot assembly byelection and zila parishad polls. Out of the total 20 MLAs, Khaira group has eight legislators on its side. They are Kanwar Sandhu (Kharar), Primal Singh (Bhadaur), Jagdev Singh Kamalu (Maur), Nazar Singh Manshahia (Mansa), Master Baldev (Jaitu), Jai Krishan Singh Rori (Garhshankar) and Jagtar Sibgh Jagga (Raikot). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A city-based advocate filed a complaint Saturday against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, saying he has hurt Hindu sentiments with his alleged "scorpion" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, the police said. Legal opinion would be sought as Tharoor's speech was made in Bengaluru, they said. According to the complainant, Tharoor's "comments hurt Hindu sentiments," police said. Tharoor stoked a controversy Sunday while speaking at the Bangalore Literature Festival, claiming that an unnamed RSS leader had compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "a scorpion sitting on a Shivling" and terming it as an extraordinarily striking metaphor. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who condemned the remark, has alleged that Tharoor had disrespected Lord Shiva and sought an apology from Congress president Rahul Gandhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National carrier Air India cancelled a Jeddah-bound flight from the city via Hyderabad late Friday night, eight hours after its scheduled departure time and without offering any reason to around 300 harried passengers. Flight AI 965 was scheduled to take off at 1500 hrs but the airline informed the passengers only at around 2300 hrs that it was being pulled out of operations. A harried passenger, VKS Menon, who was flying with his wife and his elderly mother-in-law to Hyderabad, told PTI that the airline staff were not forthcoming in offering any explanation for the inordinate delay. The staff finally announced that they were cancelling the flight around 2300 hrs, he said. Though the airline offered hotel accommodation or taxi fares to the stranded passengers, it did not confirm the next flight details or details about refunds. The AI spokesperson was not available for comments about the cancellation. The double-decker Boeing 747 aircraft was scheduled to depart for Jeddah from the city airport at 1500 hrs but remained grounded for over 8 hrs as the aircraft first suffered a technical glitch and then, there was slot availability issue at the Hyderabad airport, a source told PTI earlier in the day. An Air India official had confirmed the delay earlier and said the airline was awaiting landing permission from the Hyderabad airport. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) :The ruling AIADMK held a brainstorming session here Saturday on how best it could take on the main opposition DMK and rival leader T T V Dhinakaran led-AMMK in the by-elections expected for 20 constituencies in Tamil Nadu. Chaired by party presidium chairman E Madusudanan, the meeting was steered by the AIADMK coordinator -the numero uno party slot- held by Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and party co-coordinator and Chief Minister K Palaniswami. The meet took stock of the current political situation in the 20 constituencies, AIADMK's previous performances and the dire need to win the 20 seats, vis-a-vis the challenge posed by DMK, especially in segments like Tiruvarur, represented by the late DMK patriarch, M Karunanidhi. Also, local level issues and challenges, including the one posed by rival Dhinakaran led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam in certain pockets were considered, sources said. Asked about the poll strategy evolved at the meet, party organising secretary and Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar told reporters, "we cannot disclose secrets to you...we cannot reveal the strategy that was discussed." The Minister, part of the 10-member party poll team for Perambur constituency here, said a strategy was however in place to win all 20 constituencies and "there is no necessity to disclose it." To another question, he said the invite to return to AIADMK was valid for those who had left the party due to differences, but not for Dhinakaran or his extended family, including V K Sasikala (former aide of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa). Jayakumar said the party was ready to face the bypolls whenever it was held, be it immediately or along with the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The candidates for the bypolls would be decided by the high command after the Election Commission announces the schedule, he said. "The party is united and will trounce rivals," he said. State Ministers, MLAs and MPs, who also formed part of 20 teams (each comprising four to 10 members and all designated as by-election in charges) constituted to take care of poll preparations, took part in the brainstorming session. The by-elections - the schedule for which is yet to be announced by the Election Commission- are perceived to be an acid test for the Palaniswami-led government since the outcome will have a bearing on its survival. The DMK and its allies together have 97 MLAs (DMK 88 Congress 8 and IUML 1) in the assembly as against the ruling AIADMK's 116 (excluding Speaker P Dhanapal) in the 234-member House. AMMK deputy general secretary T T V Dhinakaran is an independent MLA from RK Nagar constituency. There are 20 vacancies, including those caused by the disqualification of 18 ruling party MLAs, who have backed Dhinakaran and two others caused by the deaths of two sitting legislators. Karunanidhi, who represented Tiruvarur and AIADMK's A K Bose (Tiruparankundram) passed away recently. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pulitzer winner for Fiction 2018 Andrew Sean Greer, mythology expert and author Devdutt Pattanaik, historian Ramchandra Guha, actor Naseeruddin Shah will be among the personalities addressing the 10th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival to be held from January 18 to 20. The list of 16 speakers would also include historian and biographer Rajmohan Gandhi, writer and parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor, columnist and novelist Shobhaa De and journalist Seema Goswami, the AKLF said in a statement Saturday. The festival will have sections like New Writers - Competition to identify and promote budding writers, Womens Writing, Childrens Lit Fest featuring leading children writers, literary quizzes, interactive sessions and storytelling and Poetry Caf to showcase classic and new poetry collections, poets and prose writers. The AKLF 2019 will focus on health, current affairs, womens issues and childrens literature among other themes, Director of Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF), Maina Bhagat said in the release. Since 2010, the festival has presented live theatre performances, heritage walks, street theatre, eclectic live musical performances, film screenings and literary sessions, she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Manipur government is taking the help of the Army and Assam Rifles to eliminate poppy cultivation in border areas as part of its war on drugs that also includes projects to wean away drug users, the chief minister has said. "Thousands of hectares of land are used for poppy cultivation in areas near the international border with Myanmar," Chief Minister N Biren Singh told a group of visiting journalists recently. The northeastern state, which is close to the infamous Golden Triangle in Southeast Asia known for drug trafficking, has been hit by drugs and a large number of HIV cases owing to intravenous drug usage. Singh said poppy is exported to other countries via the Golden Triangle. "We are taking help of the Army and Assam Rifles to root out the cultivation of poppy in Manipur," the chief minister said, adding that the poppy growers are being rehabilitated with lemon grass cultivation. Lalboi, a poppy cultivator from Joupi village in the southern part of the state, said during an interaction with PTI at Kakchin town, that he along with many others in and around his village were engaged in poppy cultivation for livelihood. Noting that there are around 150 poppy cultivators in his area, he said, "Assam Rifles is helping us with seeds and know-how in cultivating lemon grass so that we give up cultivation of poppy." "It will take three to four years before we reap benefits from the cultivation of lemon grass," said Lalboi, 32, who has a family of five. Lemon grass is a fragrant tropical grass which yields an oil that smells of lemon and is widely used in Asian cooking and in perfumery and medicine. Singh, the chief minister, said the administration is also fighting the drug menace through other means, including a crackdown on drug peddlers. He said 600 drug dealers have been arrested this year and fast track courts set up to try the accused. The state government and the security forces have also initiated projects to wean away drug users from the addiction, he said. "The happy is people are getting involved in countering drug peddling," Singh said. He said that at Lilong in Thoubal district drug peddlers were captured and the seized drugs were burnt. The All Lilong Anti-Drug Association (ALADA) has helped in seizing drugs worth over Rs 6 crore since it was set up in July 2017, its tribe secretary Abid Hussain claimed. He said while drugs like spasmoproxival, N10 come from within the country, heroin and World is Yours (WY) are brought in from Myanmar by the peddlers. "These drugs are widely used in Manipur and other states in the north-east," Hussain said. Very poor economic condition, lack of job opportunities and easy availability of drugs lead to the high number of drug addicts, he said. At Lilong, which has a one-lakh population, the ALADA has identified 2,000 users though the actual number may be higher, he said. Sister Veronica, who runs rehabilitation centre 'Sneha' for women drug addicts, said there are 11 women at present at its residential facility. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Communist Party of the Philippines has described the anti-NPA Task Force of the Duterte administration will fail in weakening the NPA [New Peoples Army]a description that immediately was critized by Malacanang. Dutertes anti-NPA Task Force will...fail in weakening the NPA. On the contrary, with his strongman tactics, [President Rodrigo] Duterte is succeeding only in pushing more and more people to join and support the New Peoples Army, the CPP said in a statement released on Friday. READ: Task force to crush insurgency mulled The day earlier, Duterte announced the creation of a national task force to address the armed conflict occasioned by the local communists. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said: The President was unwavering with regard to the issue as a result of the communist groups efforts in infiltrating and overthrowing the government . But the CPP said such a move was merely a rehash of the whole-of-government approach of the Aquino administration in line with the US counter-insurgency doctrine.The CPP said in its statement: It aims to mobilize and train efforts of all state agencies to deceive the people by pretending to address poverty with superficial programs. This will be combined with so-called localized peace talks combined with corruption-laden integration programs. Malacanang said: Sisons statement is self-serving, obviously he cannot say that the creation of the Task Force will weaken the NPA.The Armed Forces of the Philippines proposed to Duterte the creation of a national task force to end insurgency, an apparent bid to counter communist rebels broad coalition to oust Duterte. In the proposal, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said the primary aim of such task force was to cut off recruitment by the CPP and the NPA, its armed component. We have to stop the recruitment and the recruitment is coming from the schools, from the student activism, the AFP said, adding that the most vulnerable sectors for the CPP-NPA brainwashing were the schools, the labor sector and the indigenous people. The primary aspect of the strategy was to cut off recruitment by the CPP-NPA. However, the CPP claimed that such plan would eventually fail, saying, Duterte is succeeding only in pushing more and more people to join and support the New Peoples Army. Panelo, however, said it is the communist rebels who have failed in their struggle to overthrow the government. The fact of the matter is that it has not succeeded in 50 years overthrowing the government, the Presidential Spokesperson said. It has only succeeded in alienating itself from the masses of our people by their atrocious assaults on hapless victims by their ambushes of soldiers, policemen and civilians alike, by their unlawful and forcible collection of revolutionary taxes and their destruction of the properties who fail to fail or refuse to give in, he added. The Congress on Friday observed 'black day' across West Bengal in protest against the killings of five Bengali-speaking people in Assam's Tinsukia district on Thursday. Several top state Congress leaders took out protest rallies in the city and accussed the BJP-led government in Assam of purusing divisive politics. "Both the Assam government and the central government should take steps to enusre safety and security of Bengalis living in Assam," state Congress president Somen Mitra demanded. Wearing black badges, Congress activists shouted slogans against the BJP and demanded that a proper inquiry be conducted into the killings. Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five individuals, including three members of a family, near Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district on Thursday night. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Attempts are being made through "external linkages" to "revive insurgency" in and if early action is not taken, it will be too late, Army Chief Gen. Saturday said. He was addressing a gathering of senior Army officers, defence experts and former senior officials of government and police at a seminar here on 'Changing Contours of Internal Security in India: Trends and Responses'. Rawat also said that attempts were being made again through "external linkages" and "external abetment" to revive insurgency in " has been peaceful but because of these external linkages, attempts again are being made to revive insurgency in the state," he said, adding, "we have to be very careful." "Let us not think that (situation) is over. We cannot close our eyes to what is happening in Punjab. And, if we do not take early action now, it will be too late," he said. Punjab saw one of the worst phases of insurgencies in the 1980s during the pro-Khalistan movement which was eventually quelled by the government. Former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prakash Singh in a panel discussion also highlighted the issue and said "attempts were being to revive insurgency" in Punjab. He referred to a pro-Khalistan rally organised recently in the UK aiming for a 'Referendum 2020'. Hundreds of people had turned out at Trafalgar Square in London on August 12 in support of a pro-Khalistan rally as well as to counter the event with an Independence Day celebrations. Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had said its rally was intended to raise awareness for a non-binding referendum in 2020, calling for Punjab to be granted independence. The "We Stand With India" and "Love My India" events were organised by Indian diaspora groups as a reaction to the pro-Khalistan "London Declaration for a Referendum 2020". Internal security is one of the biggest problems in the country, but question is "why we have not been able to find a solution, because it has external linkages," Gen Rawat said. The event was organised by defence think-tank CLAWS (Centre for Land and Warfare Studies). Rawat is its patron. Asserting that insurgency cannot be dealt with military force, he pitched for adopting an approach in which all agencies, the government, civil administration, military and police work in an "integrated manner". "The resolution of Naga insurgency can be forerunner to the Manipur insurgency situation. There are some linkages between the two. But, if that resolution does not satisfy Manipuris then the insurgency in that state will take a different turn, Rawat said. As far as is concerned, attempts are again being made, through "external linkages" to revive insurgency in the state, he said. And, also through external abetment, and acknowledged once even by the "northern neighbour". So, there is no denying the fact that there are these factors, Rawat added. BJP has fielded Syed Shahezadi, a young Muslim woman, as its candidate from Chandrayangutta constituency in Hyderabad, to take on AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi in the December 7 state assembly election. A novice in electoral politics, Shahezadi, who was a leader of ABVP, student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, hails from Adilabad in Telangana. Shahezadi, who completed post-graduation in political science from Osmania University in Hyderabad, alleged there has been no improvement in the condition of common people in Chandrayangutta and other parts of old city of Hyderabad though All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has been elected for the past two decades. She said she can work for people's welfare by implementing central government schemes. "I am asking what did he (Owaisi) do for you (people)? What change has come in your lives? What about your children's education and how many of them are employed? How many have become engineers and doctors," she told PTI. A communal atmosphere prevailed in the old city of Hyderabad, AIMIM's stronghold, and there has been no change in the lives of common people, including ordinary Muslims, with AIMIM at the helm, she alleged. Owaisi has been elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014. Dismissing allegations that BJP is a communal party, she said such a mindset has been established that the organisation was opposed to Muslims. It is the BJP which made the late A P J Abdul Kalam President of India and BJP's Muslim leaders like Sikandar Bhakt, Najma Heptulla and M J Akbar held important positions, she said. Budget has been increased for Maulana Azad Urdu University in Hyderabad and for madrassas in Uttar Pradesh under a BJP government, she claimed. Having studied in government schools and colleges, Shahezadi said, she understands poverty, public issues and the issues concerning Muslim women. She thanked BJP's leadership for making her the candidate though she does not have money power. "If there is any party which encourages youth, it is BJP. It is BJP which encourages Muslims also. Because, I am the example," she said. BJP's Telangana unit president K Laxman said Shahezadi can expose the "misdeeds of AIMIM and how they are exploiting poor Muslims." Shahezadi hailed Modi government's decision on triple talaq issue and she wants to work for empowerment of the Muslim women, he said. Laxman said she was keen on contesting from Chandrayangutta which the party considered and decided to field her from the segment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Saturday said the BJP would back candidates of allies who support Prime Minister Narendra Modi but added that his party had capable candidates to field if this was not the case. Without naming bickering ally Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said only candidates who support Modi would go to Parliament in next year's general polls. The Sena, a constituent of BJP-led governments here and at the Centre, has often attacked Modi over various issues. Fadnavis, who was addressing a rally in Pimpri Chinchwad, said some people had questioned whether this rally was a preparation for next year's Lok Sabha polls for Maval and Shirur seats and if it signalled the end of the alliance with the Sena. Maval and Shirur Lok Sabha seats are currently held by the Sena's Shrirang Barne and Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil respectively. "I want to make it clear that this rally is not against any particular party. However our stand is clear that only those candidates who will support Modi ji will go to Parliament. If out allies show support for Modi ji, we have no problem supporting their candidates," Fadnavis told the gathering. In a message to the Sena about the BJP's readiness to go it alone in the two seats, Fadnavis, pointing to posters of party MLAs Laxman Jagtap and Mahesh Landage at the rally venue, said, "If you are not ready to support Modi ji, we have capable candidates who can represent these seats in Parliament." "To make Modi ji the prime minister in 2019 is the need of the entire country as we require a strong leadership," he added. Fadnavis also challenged the opposition Congress and NCP to have a public debate on the development work done during their tenure and that of his government. "I am sure our work will be better than yours. If we are not better, we will not contest elections again," Fadnavis claimed. He accused the Congress-NCP of "making a fortune" under the name of irrigation schemes while his government had implemented Jalyukt Shivar and taken irrigation facilities to the farms. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Goa Congress Saturday accused the ruling BJP of "taking advantage" of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's health to get people's "sympathy" with an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Parrikar (62) is currently undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment at his residence here since October 14 after being discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. "It is very unfortunate that BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi are taking undue advantage of the Chief Ministers health to get public sympathy, which they presume will be converted into votes during the Lok Sabha polls (slated for 2019)," the Congress' Goa spokesperson Jitendra Deshprabhu said here. He said that the BJP should have asked Parrikar to step down on health grounds. The BJP refused to comment with Goa unit chief Vinay Tendulkar saying that Deshprabhu's statements were not worthy of a reaction. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The body of an Australian citizen was found hanging from a tree in Bodh Gaya town of Bihar's Gaya district on Saturday, a senior police official said. City Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar said the body has been identified as that of Heath Allan (33), a resident of Westmead, a suburb of Sydney in Australia. The incident came to light when some local residents noticed it while passing through Rajapur area on Saturday morning. They immediately informed the local police. The police claimed that a suicide note was found. The note mentions a phone number and a request that Heath's sister be informed about the death. The body has been sent to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya for post-mortem, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan said Saturday that the Rafale fighter jet deal involves both financial corruption and compromise with national security, unlike the Bofors scam. Addressing a press conference here, Bhushan said, "Not only corruption was committed but national security has also been compromised (with the Rafale deal)...Bofors scandal was a Rs 64-crore commission scam, but there was no issue of compromise with national security. In Rafale scam, there is commission scam of Rs 20,000 crore in which national security has (also) been compromised." He was asked whether the Rafale issue is comparable to the alleged scam in the purchase of Bofors howitzers during the Rajiv Gandhi government's tenure in 1980s. Bhushan, along with former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, has moved the Supreme Court seeking a CBI probe into the Rafale deal. The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the Centre for pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets India is buying from France in a sealed cover within 10 days in response to PILs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hollywood bigwigs Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt have urged people to register their vote in the upcoming US midterm polls. In a video message released on Friday by NowThis News, the two actors, who will be seen together for the first time in director Quentin Tarantino's next "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", talked about the importance of voting in November 6 elections. "The future of our country will be decided this week. Elections don't just matter when voting for president," said 43-year-old DiCaprio. He said issues like gun safety laws, clean water and air, immigration policy and health care are at stake. Pitt, 54, said, "Statehouse elections will determine the future of climate change, criminal justice reform, education funding, LGBT equality and even your ability to vote." "All of these races and ballot measures are chances to decide on the direction of our country. We, the voters, have the power to decide all of this," DiCaprio added. The two stars then told viewers to visit TheLastWeekend.org to see how they can get involved and help. "There's no denying the importance of this election, please make your voice heard," Pitt concluded. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two identical 22-tonne British era cannons found on the premises of Raj Bhavan here were lifted by a crane Saturday. Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao witnessed the cannon lifting operation and ordered that the historical relics be restored and preserved, a Raj Bhavan official said. While the cannons were placed on the front lawns of Raj Bhavan for the time being, Rao has asked officials to install them in front of Jal Vihar banquet hall in the Raj Bhavan complex later. The governor also asked officials to seek the assistance of Indian Navy to obtain technical details of the cannons and find out archival records, if any. The cannons, covered in mud, were found on the foothill below the Raj Bhavan during a tree plantation drive a few months ago. Each of them weighs 22 tonnes, measures 4.7 meters in length and has a diameter of 1.15 meters. In 2016, a 13-room, 15,000 sq ft British-era underground bunker was found below the lawns of Raj Bhavan. It is now being restored. The governor has asked for creation of a museum inside the bunker. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar Saturday hit out at Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, a doctor by qualification, for pushing the state's "health" into "critical condition". Babbar said that Chhattisgarh ranked 20th in the list of 21 states for providing health services, and posts of doctors and nurses were lying vacant, the Congress leader added. "The chief minister has dashed the hopes of people who were thinking that health facilities would improve after a doctor became CM. Health facilities are pathetic in Chhattisgarh," Babbar said in a press conference here. "A doctor CM has pushed the state's health services into the ICU during his 15-year rule," Babbar alleged. He said the Raman Singh government had failed to build a single hospital in Bastar region for security forces getting injured in anti-Naxal operations. These injured jawans have to be airlifted to Raipur or require admission in private medical facilities, he added. Babbar also attacked former chief minister Ajit Jogi who quit the Congress to set up the Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and is fighting the forthcoming Assembly polls in alliance with the BSP and CPI. Without naming Jogi, Babbar said that the "collector", referring to Jogi's past as an IAS official, and CM Raman Singh had entered into a "tie up" for the forthcoming polls. Chhattisgarh goes to polls in two phases on November 12 and November 20 and counting of votes will be taken up on December 11. He said that the state had got a collector and doctor as CMs, and the people had "transferred" the collector, a reference to Jogi's stint as Congress CM between 2000 and 2003. He also said that the Naxal issue in Chhattisgarh will not be resolved by bullets but through talks. He said that grievances of Naxals should be addressed as the "movement" started for the rights of people. Those have diverted from the mainstream should be brought back, Babbar said, adding that picking up a gun was not a solution. Queried about whether he was claiming that Naxals were revolutionaries, Babbar said, "I want to clarify that I said the issue can be solved through talks with those (Naxals) who call themselves revolutionaries by indulging in acts of terrorism." He refuted BJP allegations, made on several occasions, that the Congress was "backing" Naxals. "The Congress party had lost its state leadership (in Naxal attack in May 2013). BJP keeps on accusing the Congress of directly or indirectly backing Naxals which reflects BJPs mental sickness. How can the Congress party which lost its senior (state) leadership in a Naxal attack take their side," Babbar asked. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) YangonMyanmar voters cast their ballots in a small but key by-election Saturday, a rare local test of support for embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyis party more than halfway through her time in office. Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) swept to power in 2015 in a landslide victory ending decades of military rule. But her tenure has been marred by a failure to speak up for Rohingya Muslims driven out of the country by the army and stumbling peace talks with insurgent groups in lawless border areas. A mere 13 positions are in play in the countrys second by-election since the national poll three years ago, but they are spread out across the country and include parliamentary and regional assembly seats. Some two-dozen parties are in the mix and 69 candidates are taking part. At one polling station in Yangons Tamwe township residents showed support for Suu Kyi while acknowledging some of the criticism.I voted NLD this morning, Maung Maung, 34, a software engineer who lives in Tamwe, told AFP. I was a strong supporter of the NLD for years but during the years when NLD took power, there were some failures that they are working on, he added, without going into detail. Aye Soe, a 52-year-old street vendor, expressed full-throated backing. I will support her until I die, she said. Initial results are expected to be announced on Sunday. Nobel laureate Suu Kyis reputation at home is more secure than it is abroad, where her image as a rights icon has been shattered by the Rohingya crisis. Union Law and IT Minister Saturday cited a Supreme Court ruling to stress that of data should not kill innovation and shield corrupt, terrorists and criminals. Also, there is a need to strike a healthy balance between data availability, utilisation, innovation and of data, he said. "The Supreme Court has said can't kill innovation. Innovation must be allowed to grow. Secondly, privacy can't shield the corrupt, the terrorist and the criminals," Prasad said at the Financial Inclusion Summit 2018 organised by the CII here. He, however, said that due respect must be given to sensitive data. Innovation in the country has increased and Indians are adopting technology very fast, the union minister said. "FinTech (financial technology) has done a great job in empowering digital profile of India. Payments through BHIM app has crossed Rs 57,000 crore in September," Prasad said. On the occasion, NITI Ayog CEO said that privacy law is required in the country for use of data by private sector players. "Unlike America where data is owned by Google and Facebook and unlike China where it is owned by Tencent and Alibaba, data is owned by public entities here in India. It's owned by Aadhaar, GST and Ayushman Bharat... if you want very innovation (then) lots of these data need to be put out in public domain," Kant said. He added that there is need to bring industry, academia and others to do research on data available with public departments to push innovation in the country and make processes paperless. Kant said there are challenges around and a privacy law is required to address issues around data usage. "Aadhaar act does not recognise the power of paper. The paper that is used is of no use. The act recognises only biometrics. The paper will again take us to stone age. My strong belief is that India must come up with a privacy law and India must allow private sector to innovate. That is the only way India will move forward," he said. However, a recent judgement by the Supreme Court restricted use of Aadhaar based online verification of customers by private entities by striking down section 57 of the Aadhaar Act. Last week, the Department of Telecom (DoT) allowed use of paper copy of Aadhaar for telecom verification. "If there was a privacy law in India where individual data is secure, SC would not have struck down Section 57. In financial inclusion, mobile telephony will play a key role to reach the last mile and make it paperless. Innovation will happen through private sector," Kant said. He said India's future lies in paperless access to all financial products on mobile phones because India is a country with billion plus mobile connections. "I use my mobile phone to make digital payment. All my digital payments are made by my mobile phone... I repeatedly say this, physical banks will die, physical managers will die. Data analytics will hold the key," Kant said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The central government will look into the allegation of low quality being pushed into the market, Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh said. Singh, however, rejected reports that the entire lot of 26 TMT bar brands had failed in quality parameters. "The ministry will examine the matter. While inspecting, we find the products are meeting the (BIS) norms. Therefore, the entire lot should be of that quality," Singh told reporters on the sideline of a seminar here Friday. "I have already taken up the matter with the secretary and talked to him. BIS is not under our ministry, but they abide by the standard given by us," he said. Singh said this while reacting to the claim of the First Construction Council (FCC) that 26 TMT bar brands in the country had failed in quality parameters in sample tests. The minister, however, trashed reports that the entire lot of 26 TMT bar brands is of low quality. "I dont believe such reports. I understand the media report is sweeping. I also do not admit that the entire lot has failed to meet the (BIS) norms," he said. Stating that the National Steel Policy 2017 is aimed at achieving 300 million tonnes steel production by 2030-31, Singh asked the industry to stress on research and innovation. to become world leader in steel sector. He said the government had taken a major step by forming the Steel Research and Technology Mission of India (SRTMI), an apex body to facilitate joint collaborative research projects in the Iron and Steel sector of the country. "There are examples when one company takes advantage of an innovation. Now that there is an apex body, the entire industry will be in a position to use it," Singh said. The INLD stared at a possible split a day after its president Om Prakash Chautala expelled grandsons Dushyant Chautala and Digvijay Chautala from the party, triggering resignations by activists in their support. Several party leaders in Haryana districts announced Saturday their resignations from the Indian National Lok Dal over the expulsion of the two leaders, both children of Om Prakash Chautala's elder son Ajay Chautala. Some of them made the announcement on social media, expressing solidarity with the grandsons who were charged with indiscipline' and then sacked on Friday. The two are seen as opponents of their uncle and Chautala's younger son, MLA Abhay Singh Chautala. There is speculation that Ajay Chautala and his two sons may float another party or join the Bharatiya Janata Party which is in power in Haryana, after the jolt months ahead of Assembly polls in the state. Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala met his supporters in Sirsa. He said the next course will be decided when his father Ajay Chautala steps out of prison. He and Om Prakash Chautala are undergoing a 10-year jail term since 2013 in a teacher recruitment scandal. His 14-day parole begins on November 5, sources said. INLD MLA Abhay Singh Chautala hit out at those resigning from the party, saying they had no future in the organisation. "Those who are deserting the INLD now are people who have allegiance to the Congress. Some Congressmen wanted to weaken the INLD," he said. But he refused to comment directly on the expulsion of MP Dushyant Chautala and youth leader Digvijay Chautala. He said those who are with the INLD wanted to see his father Om Prakash Chautala as the next chief minister of Haryana. The simmering family feud came to a head Friday when an INLD press statement announced the expulsions, quoting the party's jailed national president. The two had earlier been placed under suspension after a ruckus at a party rally in Gohana on October 7 to mark former deputy prime minister Devi Lal's birth anniversary. Their supporters had allegedly disrupted speeches of Abhay Chautala and Om Prakash Chautala, who was then out on parole. Om Prakash Chautala dissolved the party's student and youth wings, headed by the now sacked grandsons as a party disciplinary committee began looking into the charges of indiscipline. Abhay Chautala, meanwhile, asserted that the INLD will form the next government in Haryana. He also predicted that in the Lok Sabha elections next year neither the Congress, nor the BJP will get the majority to form a government. "The situation will be such that Mayawati will become the next PM," Abhay Chautala said. The INLD has an alliance with her Bahujan Samaj Party in Haryana. With his elder brother and father in prison, Abhay Chautala has been running the Haryana-based party for the last few years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) will provide the "necessary support" to to tide over the present financial crisis, a top official here said Saturday as the two countries signed 16 agreements after Prime Minister held talks with his Chinese counterpart to boost their "all-weather" strategic ties. Khan is here on his maiden visit to as the two countries grapple to iron out differences over the multi-billion-dollar and Islamabad approaching 'friendly nations' to avoid a tough IMF bailout package. Welcoming Khan, Li said: "you can say that and are all-weather partners. "We have a high-level of political trust and close cooperation in all fields. has always been regarded as a foreign policy priority by China. Your visit will further consolidate and develop the firm, enduring ties between our two countries". Thanking Li, Khan said: "the relationship between the two countries has deepened since then because the in 2013 was just an idea. Now it is on the ground. And it has caught the imagination of the people of Pakistan". Pakistan sees China as a great opportunity to progress, attract investment, he said. "It gives us an opportunity to raise our standard of living, growth rate. You will see the difference because a lot has happened since 2013. One of the things of course is my party has come into power," Khan said. After talks between Khan and Li, officials of both the sides signed 16 agreement in the presence of the leaders. China will provide "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis but declined to reveal the amount, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou told media after the talks. Khan met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday following which Pakistan media reports said Beijing has agreed to provide $6 billion in aid to the cash-strapped country which included a loan of $1.5 billion along with an additional package of $3 billion for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Asked about the $6 billion package, Kong said: "during the visit, the two sides made it clear in principle that Chinese government will provide necessary support for Pakistan to tide over the current difficulties. "As for the specific measures to be taken, the competent authorities will have detailed discussion". He also said there will be no changes in the USD 60 billion projects which came under criticism including by some of the Khan's Cabinet ministers over the increasing debt. Pakistan is currently battling serious economic crisis including balance of payments. To a question whether there will be changes in the CPEC projects, Kong said: "there has been no change in the number of If there is going to be any, it will be increased going forward". He also said more projects relating to "industrial cooperation" will come up in more areas of Pakistan. "The dimension of the industrial cooperation will be introduced into the CPEC going forward. "The CPEC will be introduced to more areas of Pakistan and we are also in favour of areas relating to people's lives and hence going forward both the areas and the contents of the CPEC will be enriched," Kong said. Asked about the cooperation on counter-terrorism, Kong said: "all areas of cooperation have been covered and we also expressed positive wish for strengthening cooperation". China has been pressing Pakistan to crackdown on Uygur militants of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) in Xinjiang region from crossing in and out of the province. Khan was given a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of people before he held talks with Li. China said it will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis, expand CPEC projects as the two countries signed 16 agreements on Saturday after talks between Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang to boost their "all-weather" strategic ties. Khan is here on his maiden visit to China as the two countries grapple to iron out differences over the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Islamabad approaching 'friendly nations' to avoid a tough IMF bailout package. In his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, Khan in a candid admission said "unfortunately, our country is going through a low point at the moment with two very big deficits, a fiscal deficit and a current account deficit". Li, who held a ceremonial welcome for Khan, said "we have a high-level of political trust and close cooperation in all fields. Pakistan has always been regarded as a foreign policy priority by China". Thanking Li, Khan said: "the relationship between the two countries has deepened since then because the CPEC in 2013 was just an idea. Now it is on the ground. And it has caught the imagination of the people of Pakistan". Pakistan sees China as a great opportunity to progress, attract investment, he said. Once a CPEC critic during the previous Nawaz Sharif government, Khan said: the CPEC "gives us an opportunity to raise our standard of living, growth rate. You will see the difference because a lot has happened since 2013". After he became Prime Minister, China had agreed to address his concerns to build more projects with focus on the western region of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The CPEC has also become a major irritant in India-China relations with New Delhi voicing its opposition to the infrastructure project as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. After talks between Khan and Li, officials of both the sides signed 16 agreements mainly relating to poverty alleviation in Pakistan, strengthening cooperation in agriculture and industrial sectors and technical training. China has not confirmed reports that it would provide USD 6 billion to Pakistan. Pakistan has already approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package. But Khan wants to minimise IMF loans fearing stringent conditions and scrutiny of the CPEC projects. Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, who briefed the media after Li-Khan talks, said China will provide "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis but declined to reveal the amount. Pakistan media reports said Friday that Beijing will provide USD 6 billion in aid to Islamabad which included a loan of USD 1.5 billion along with an additional package of USD 3 billion for the CPEC. Asked about the USD 6 billion package, Kong said: "during the visit, the two sides made it clear in principle that the Chinese government will provide necessary support for Pakistan to tide over the current difficulties with in its capacity". "As for the specific measures to be taken, the competent authorities will have detailed discussion", he said, hinting that more talks will follow. He also said there will be no changes in the USD 60 billion CPEC projects which came under criticism including by some of the Khan's Cabinet ministers over the increasing debt. Pakistan is currently battling serious economic crisis including balance of payments. China also wants to promote more special economic zones, he said. "There has been no change in the number of CPEC projects. If there is going to be any, it will be increased going forward," Kong said replying to a question. He also said more projects relating to "industrial cooperation" will come up in more areas of Pakistan. "The dimension of the industrial cooperation will be introduced into the CPEC going forward. The CPEC will be introduced to more areas of Pakistan and we are also in favour of areas relating to people's lives and hence going forward both the areas and the contents of the CPEC will be enriched," Kong said. The two sides firmly move forward the CPEC, while ensuring the smooth operations of the completed projects and advancing the ongoing projects, he said. Both the countries will gradually bring the industrial cooperation for the CPEC, extend it to other parts of Pakistan and make it appropriate for people's lives, Kong said. "Both sides have agreed to establish a foreign-ministerial dialogue mechanism to make overall planning and coordinate in various fields," Kong said besides establishing a working group on social and livelihood affairs under the the CPEC joint cooperation. Asked about the cooperation on counter-terrorism, Kong said: "all areas of cooperation have been covered and we also expressed positive wish for strengthening cooperation". China has been pressing Pakistan to crackdown on Uygur militants of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) in Xinjiang region from crossing in and out of the province. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to continue with its measures to prevent the menace of elephants in several villages of Dindigul district. A division bench, comprising Justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad, gave the directive while disposing of a public interest litigation petition of A R Gokulakrishnan, who alleged that the government has not taken adequate steps to prevent the menace. The bench noted that the authorities have submitted that steps had been taken and that the elephant menace had been reduced. The petitioner submitted that during the 2006-15 period, the elephants had moved from Parappalar towards Kannivadi and even to Athoor Dam. A year later, the herds began entering coffee growing areas of lower Palani Hills and villages in the upper Palani Hills. The animals, the petitioner, were starving at Annamalai Tiger Reserve above Amaravathi Dam owing to the invasive thorny species of trees, all imported from Africa and U.S.A. These species were not food for the elephants and the herds moved towards Kudhirayar, where there were good crops, abundant water resources, and human habitats, resulting in man-animal conflict, he said. To this, the Bench said,"It is true that due to increase in pollution, there is pressure on the forest and this pressure has resulted in reduction of forest cover which has resulted in the increase of man, animal conflict." The Bench said the counter to the PIL indicated that the government was taking steps to solve the problem caused by the wild animals and disposed of the petition with the directive to continue with the measures against the menace. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several measures imposed in the national capital to check pollution have led to a slight improvement in air quality, according to a report by government-run agency SAFAR. However, the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) has predicted deterioration of air quality from Monday. The air quality index (AQI) has "improved to the lower range of 'very poor' category despite adverse weather conditions, reflecting the impact of reduced base emission", the report said. The overall AQI in Delhi on Saturday was recorded at 340, which falls in the 'very poor' category, Central Pollution Control Board data said. On Friday, an AQI of 370 was recorded. "The improvement is suggestive of the effect of control measures," the report said. The AQI has improved in the last two days and the SAFAR report has attributed it to measures such as halt on all construction activities involving excavation, checking of polluting vehicles and sprinkling of water on roads imposed by authorities. The report said at this persistence stage of westerly disturbances, some instability is good for dispersion of pollutants. But, it warned that moisture in Delhi's atmosphere, fall in temperature and upper winds from stubble burning sites will "adversely impact air quality and as per the SAFAR-forecasting model the AQI will touch upper level of very poor from November 5 afternoon onwards". Delhi's air quality severely deteriorated in the last two weeks. On Tuesday, the air quality reached the 'severe' level, prompting authorities to adopt a slew of measures. There is a halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also directed the Transport Department and the Traffic Police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10. Around 43 teams have been formed by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation for night patrolling to check incidents of burning of garbage. Twelve mechanical dust sweeping machines and around 110 vehicles for sprinkling water on roads have also been deployed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's birthday bash at a restaurant in suburban Mumbai was stopped by police in the early hours of Saturday for allegedly breaching the time limit. A police official said that restaurants in the city can not operate beyond 1 am, but the party was continuing well after that. Khan had reportedly called his close friends in the tinsel town for his53rd birthday celebrations at the swanky restaurant in Bandra. Loud music was playing when police came visiting, the official claimed. No case has been registered in this regard, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court has discharged two people in a case of rape and recording a video of the incident, noting that documentary and scientific evidence ruled out the allegations. Additional Sessions Judge Anu Grover Baliga granted relief to a Haryana resident, accused of rape, and his cousin, who had allegedly recorded video of the act, after their counsel pointed out the call detail records of the accused and other evidence in the case. Advocate Amit Sahni, appearing for the accused, had submitted before the court that scientific evidence proved the allegations wrong and that no purpose would be served by continuing the proceedings any further in the case. He added that the main accused was not even present in the national capital on the date of incident as he was attending physical examination for the post of constable in Haryana. The counsel also pointed out that the FIR in the case was lodged after a long delay and the complainant has refused to undergo medical examination. The court was also told by police that after inquiries it had emerged that the complainant and her husband "were in the habit of filing false complaints". The court discharged the accused, saying that in view of the evidence in the case, "there is no grave suspicion arising against the accused persons to frame charge against them". The police had not arrested the accused during the probe. The complainant had claimed that the accused had raped her after giving her an intoxicant in July, 2016 in Dhaula Kuan area and his cousin had a made video of the act when her husband was lodged in Tihar central jail in a theft case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Among the many novelties that crossed the Atlantic when the United States entered World War I in 1917, jazz was arguably the most upbeatand infectious. Then known as ragtime, the new syncopated sound emanating from American military bands had an irresistible energy and newness that turned the European music scene upside down. It was really striking, said musicologist Laurent Cugny. They performed at every railway station they passed through, something most French people had never heard before. The genre was also set apart by the performers, who were all black, Cugny told AFP. Beyond any racism, it was an extreme oddity for the time. Historians pinpoint the jazzs arrival in France to December 1917, with the 369th infantrys Harlem Hellfighters under the baton of Lieutenant James Reese Europe. While the Harlem Hellfighters gave their first official jazz concert in Europe in the western French city of Nantes on February 12, 1918, the music had already begun making inroads on the Old Continent. Sheet music from London started crossing the Channel in 1912, with British and French editors striking copyright agreements, according to popular music expert Bertrand Dicale. Piano sales boomed between 1900 and 1914, when some four million were sold in France alone, Dicale said. Inevitably, the new sound infiltrated classical music, influencing composers including Erik Satie, Igor Stravinsky, Maurice Ravel and Darius Milhaud. Satie, for example, brought the curtain down on his ballet Parade with a ragtime number in the hope of drawing more punters, according to Russian choreographer Leonide Massine. Cugny said these avant-garde musicians were reacting to Wagners sublime, grandiloquent side as well as Debussys impressionist, too ethereal music. What they liked was (jazzs) rhythm, its vigor, even if they lost interest in it in the end. On the other hand, Frances burgeoning music hall stars truly caught the bug. The emblematic Maurice Chevalier first came across ragtime sheet music in 1914. Chevaliers 1920 Les Jazz Bands, among his first recordings, was the first French song to mention jazz.During this time, American brass bands were improvising with Parisian orchestra and bistro musicians, Dicale told AFP. The influence of jazz was growing, but there was an exchange. For example, the 1920 song Mon Homme by Chevaliers composer Maurice Yvain later turned up in the United States, sung by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, Dicale noted. Jazz bands ruled Paris cabarets, clustered in the shadow of Sacre Coeur in the district dubbed Black Montmartre at the time. Black American jazz chanteuse Josephine Baker burst onto the scene in 1925 with her sensational, risque performances at La Revue Negre. Duke Ellingtons first recordings began taking Europe by storm at the same time. The perception of black people changed, Cugny said. Jazz became the stuff of dreams. It was associated with insouciance, life, dynamism. It was linked to the modernism of the time. Most important, Cugny said, Europe was recovering from World War I. After four years of slaughter, people wanted to open the windows, to have fun. Many of the American military performers who initially came over to entertain the troops lingered on, eager to discover Europe rather than return home. Pushing east, some came across the Ashkenazi Jewish genre klezmer, which has had a lasting influence on jazzand vice versa. Jazz and Dixieland saxophonist Sidney Bechet, who performed across Europe including with Baker in Paris, made it as far as Moscow in 1926. Jazz was also popular in postwar Germany, where Charles Trenet, who would go on to become one of Frances most prolific songwriters, discovered the genre as a teenager, living in Berlin with his artiste mother, Dicale said. It was the beginning of talking movies, and studios were starting to use these musicians. [Trenet] watched them work. Mumbai Police's Crime Branch has arrested four members of a gang allegedly involved in stealing mobile phones in the metropolis and neighbouring Gujarat, an official said Saturday. The four were arrested from P D'Mello Road near Carnac Bunder in south Mumbai by the Crime Branch's Anti-Extortion Cell and 35 high-end phones were recovered from them, the official informed. The accused hail from Jharkhand and were involved in mobile thefts in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Vapi in Gujarat, he said. He said that the accused had robbed a mobile phone shop in Vapi two days ago and the phones confiscated from them were part of this loot. The accused used to rent a flat near the shop they intended to rob, the official said, adding that further probe into their modus operandi was underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Dakota Fanning has been cast as the lead in immigrant drama "Sweetness in the Belly". The feature, being directed by Zeresenay Berhane Mehari from a script by Laura Phillips, is an adaptation of Camilla Gibb's bestselling novel. The story follows the life of an immigrant from the unique perspective of being orphaned in Africa as a child, escaping to England as a refugee, embracing the immigrant community in London, and attempting to reunite people with their scattered families while dealing with a passionate lost love affair with a doctor. Actor Saoirse Ronan was earlier attached to the project but after her departure, Fanning was roped in. The 24-year-old actor will be joined by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Wunmi Mosaku and Kunal Nayyar in the cast, reported Deadline. The project was developed by Sienna Films, and is being produced by Jennifer Kawaja and Julia Sereny along with Alan Moloney and Susan Mullen. Shooting for the film has started in Ireland and will later shift to Ethiopia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Manipur government has declared a war on drugs affecting a significant number of people in the state, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said. The state government and the security forces have initiated projects to wean away drug users from the addiction, while initiating strict action against drug peddlers, he said. The chief minister said 600 peddlers were arrested this year and fast track courts have been set up to try the accused persons. The Northeastern state, which is close to the Golden Triangle in Southeast Asia -- infamous for drug trafficking, has been affected by drug usage and a large number of HIV cases owing to intravenous drug usage. "Thousands of hectares of land are used for poppy cultivation in areas near the international border with Myanmar," Singh told a group of visiting newspersons. He said the poppy is exported to other countries via the Golden Triangle. "We are taking help of the Army and Assam Rifles to root out the cultivation of poppy in Manipur," the chief minister said adding that the poppy growers are being rehabilitated with lemongrass cultivation. "The happy is people are getting involved in countering drug peddling," Singh said. He said at Lilong in Thoubal district, drug peddlars were captured and the seized drugs were burnt. The All Lilong Anti-Drug Association (ALADA) has helped in recovering drugs worth over Rs 6 crore since it was set up in July 2017, its tribe secretary Abid Hussain claimed. He said while drugs like spasmoproxival, N10 come from within the country, heroin and World is Yours (WY) are brought in from Myanmar by the peddlers. "These drugs are widely used in Manipur and other states in the north-east," Hussain said. Very poor economic condition, lack of job opportunities and easy availability of drugs lead to the high number of drug addicts, he said. At Lilong, which has a one-lakh population, the ALADA has identified 2,000 users though the actual number may be higher, he said. Sister Veronica, who runs rehabilitation centre 'Sneha' for women drug addicts, said there are 11 women at present at its residential facility. Lalboi, a poppy cultivator from Joupi village in the southern part of the state, said during an interaction with PTI at Kakchin town that he alongwith many others in and around his village were engaged in this for sustenance. Stating that there are around 150 poppy cultivators in his area, he said "Assam Rifles is helping us with seeds and knowhow in cultivating lemongrass so that we give up cultivation of poppy." "It will take three to four years before we reap benefits from cultivation of lemongrass," the 32-year-old man with a family of five, said. Lemongrass is a fragrant tropical grass which yields an oil that smells of lemon and is widely used in Asian cooking and in perfumery and medicine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A criminal defamation complaint has been filed against Congress leader before a court here for his alleged "scorpion" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his complaint, Delhi BJP leader Rajeev Babbar alleged that Tharoor with "mala fide intention made the statement which is not only abuse of the Hindu deity but also defamatory". He said being a vice president of the Delhi state BJP, he was "identified as a worker/ supporter of Narendra Modi and BJP" and that Tharoor's statement hurt his religious statement. The complaint, filed through advocate Neeraj, termed the statement as "intolerable abuse" and "absolute vilification" of the faith of the people. "The speech of the accused had lowered down the credit and image of the complainant. The complainant was hurt and anguished as the intentional, defamatory and mischievous statement of the accused has lowered the reputation of the complainant in the eyes of others present there," the complaint said. Tharoor stoked a controversy Sunday while speaking at the Bangalore Literature Festival, claiming that an unnamed RSS leader had compared Modi to "a scorpion sitting on a Shivling". "The said unknown remarks which were allegedly made in 2012 were of no consequence at that time but today with growing worldwide popularity of Modi and BJP, the accused has deliberately dug out that buried statement to quote and make it relevant in the present context," the complaint said. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal Saturday listed the matter for consideration on November 16. "Accused's statement is not only false, rather an insult to all workers, supporters, the leaders... The accused had deliberately made the statement intending to harm, knowing and having reason to believe that such false statement will harm the reputation of the workers/supporters of NarendraModi and BJP," the complaint said. Babbar said that Tharoor "deliberately did this malicious act, intending to outrage religious feeling of Lord Shiva devotees by insulting their religious believes". The complaint has been filed under sections 499 and 500 of IPC relating to defamation. If convicted, Tharoor may face a maximum punishment of two years in jail. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday told the Supreme Court that divesting CBI director Alok Verma of his statutory powers and functions is "completely illegal and arbitrary". In an interlocutory application filed in the pending petition, Kharge, who is also a member of the three-member selection committee which appoints the CBI director, said, "As a concerned stakeholder he brings to the attention of the court the brazen and illegal actions" of the political executive in interfering with the independent functioning of the CBI director. The selection committee comprises the prime minister, the Chief Justice of India, and the leader of the opposition party / the single largest opposition party. "The entire action of the central vigilance commission (CVC) vide its order October 23 and the DOPT vide order October 23 seeking to divest CBI director Alok Verma of his statutory powers and functions is completely illegal, arbitrary, punitive and without jurisdiction...," Kharge said. Kharge, who is the leader of single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, said the provisions of Delhi Special Police Establishment Act (DSPE Act) clearly say that the tenure and terms of CBI director is protected and even the transfer cannot be effected without the consent of the committee. He said the orders of the CVC and the DOPT divesting Verma of his powers, functions and duties is a "direct and concerted attempt" to impede the independent functioning of the CBI director. Kharge, who claimed to have written a letter on October 25 to place on record that no meeting of the selection committee was convened to deliberate the issue, said, "It was also pointed out that the de facto transfer/divesting of the authority of the CBI director is illegal and mala fide." In his petition settled by senior advocate Kapil Sibal and filed through advocate Devadatt Kamat, Kharge said CVC's order of October 23 is "completely without jurisdiction" as neither the DSPE Act nor the CVC Act, 2003 confers and empowers to divest the CBI director of his powers and duties. Similarly, the central government cannot exercise any power under the DSPE Act which is in the derogation of the powers of the selection committee, Kharge said. "It is submitted that the political executive vide order dated October 23 has completely negated the role of the statutory committee constituted under Section 4A of the DSPE Act which is entrusted with protecting the integrity of terms and tenure of the CBI director," Kharge said. The veteran Congress leader said that he was neither consulted despite being a member of the selection committee nor was he part of any meeting or privy to any decision to divest Verma of his powers as the CBI director. He sought quashing of CVC's and DOPT's October 23 orders. Observing that the crisis in the CBI sparked by the internal feud should not linger on in national interest, the Supreme Court had on October 26 set a two-week deadline for the CVC to complete its ongoing inquiry against CBI chief Verma and said a retired apex court judge will monitor the probe. Both Verma and the CBI's number two Rakesh Asthana, a Special Director, were divested of their duties and sent on leave by the Centre on the intervening night of October 23 and October 24 in the wake of their bitter feud that triggered an unprecedented crisis in the 55-year history of the country's premier probe agency. The court also made it clear that M Nageswara Rao, who is a Joint Director of the CBI, would only perform the routine tasks that are essential to keep the CBI functional. Rao was given interim charge of looking after the duties of the CBI director after the top-level shake up. It said that all decisions taken by Rao be placed before it in a sealed cover on November 12, the next date of hearing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in a thrilling semi-final at the Paris Masters on Saturday to extend his winning run to 22 matches ahead of his return to world number one next week. The Serb outlasted Federer in just over three hours to prevail 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 7-6 (7/3). He will meet Russia's Karen Khachanov in Sunday's final as he looks to pull level with Rafael Nadal on 33 career Masters titles. Djokovic, who will replace an injury-plagued Nadal at the top of the rankings on Monday, now leads Federer 25-22 overall and has not lost to the Swiss since 2015. "Novak is obviously on a roll. You can feel it. At the end it came down to a few things here and there," said Federer, who returned to play in Paris this week for the first time in three years. "But overall I'm happy with my game. It's better than last week in Basel. There I won the tournament and here I played in the semis and it needed somebody of Novak's calibre to beat me. "So that's all right. And I'm looking forward to a rest now and a good preparation for London (ATP Finals)." Djokovic will go in search of a fifth Paris trophy after denying Federer a shot at a historic 100th title, although the Wimbledon and US Open champion was pushed all the way by his 37-year-old rival. Djokovic watched four break points, one of which Federer saved with a magnificent reflex volley, go by as he led 4-3 in the opening set, before saving a set point on his serve in the tie-break. A Federer backhand drifted wide to hand Djokovic the lead, although two more break points passed the Serb by in the first game of the second set with the Swiss on the ropes. The missed opportunity proved costly when Federer conjured up just a second break point of the contest at 6-5, converting in style as he gambled on Djokovic going cross-court before batting a winner down the line to force a decider. Federer fended off two more break points to open the third set as Djokovic hit the deck when his ankle appeared to catch in the surface. The Serb threw his racket down in frustration as Federer again escaped from 15-40 down to move 5-4 ahead, but the 20-time Grand Slam champion's magic fizzled out as the final set headed to a tie-break. Djokovic reeled off six successive points to bring up five match points, clinching victory at the third attempt when Federer picked out the net to end a tense concluding rally. Earlier, the 22-year-old Khachanov advanced to his first Masters final after beating Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-1. "I'm really happy to achieve this, to make it to the finals. But the tournament is not over. I mean, I'm looking forward to play finals tomorrow," said the 18th-ranked Khachanov. Going into the Paris Masters, Khachanov had won just three of his 19 matches against players in the Top 10 but it took him just 71 minutes to add the scalp of world number eight Thiem to those of John Isner (9) and Alexander Zverev (5) whom he beat earlier in the week. The 1.98m Khachanov dominated from the baseline and attacked the Thiem service, breaking the Austrian in his final five service games of the match. The Russian number two now has 15 match wins at this level this year, including a trip to the semi-finals of the Rogers Cup in Toronto. Khachanov has also won two ATP World Tour titles in 2018 with triumphs in Marseille and at the Kremlin Cup. "I am very happy with the way I have been playing," said the Russian who is assured of climbing at least to 12th in the ATP rankings when they are published on Monday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Dominican Republic has opened its embassy in Beijing, months after cutting ties with Taiwan amid a Chinese diplomatic offensive that aims to politically isolate the island it claims as its own territory. Speaking at a ceremony Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says the Caribbean island nation's decision to switch diplomatic relations to Beijing "serves the fundamental interests of the Dominican people and completely conforms to the trend of the times." Also present was Dominican President Danilo Medina, who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. Both the Dominican Republic and El Salvador broke diplomatic ties with Taiwan earlier this year as Beijing steps-up up diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who has refused to endorse its stand that Taiwan is a part of China. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An aid convoy on Saturday reached a camp for displaced Syrians near the Jordanian border, the United Nations and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent said, in the first such delivery since January. "The UN and SARC are delivering humanitarian assistance to 50,000 people in need at Rukban camp in southeast Syria," the UN said in a statement, adding the delivery was expected to take three to four days. The convoy included much-needed food, as well as health assistance, the UN and SARC said. "We are delivering food, sanitation and hygiene supplies, nutrition and health assistance in addition to other core relief items," the UN's humanitarian coordinator in Syria Ali Al-Zaatari said in a statement. "We are also conducting an emergency vaccination campaign to protect some 10,000 children against measles, polio and other deadly diseases." More than 70 trucks would ferry in more than 10,000 food parcels and bags of flour, as well as clothes for 18,000 children, the Red Crescent said. The aid would also include newborn baby kits for 1,200 children, medicines, medical supplies and nutritional supplements for children and women, it said. It was the first aid convoy to arrive in Rukban from Damascus, after the last delivery from Jordan in January. "This is SARC's first convoy to Rukban camp after guarantees from all parties have been obtained," SARC president Khaled Hboubati also said in a statement. Conditions since the last aid arrived have deteriorated, with most inhabitants unable to afford what little food is smuggled across the Jordanian border, and no health facilities in the camp. Abu Karim, a camp resident, welcomed the fresh assistance but insisted it should be regular to have a lasting effect. "The aid arriving has provided some relief to the displaced, but if it then stops and does not continue on a regular basis, the camp will return to its bad state," he said. He pointed to the lack of healthcare for the displaced as winter draws close. "The aid entering will solve the food crisis in the camp, but there's still the health issue," he told AFP via a messaging app. "There's great suffering as we have no doctors, hospitals or even field hospitals or a place for first aid." To access a basic clinic, residents have to cross into Jordan -- through a border that has been largely closed since 2016. Last month, a girl of four months died of blood poisoning and dehydration, and a five-day-old boy lost his life to blood poisoning and severe malnutrition, according to the UN's children agency UNICEF. A suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group in June 2016 killed seven Jordanian soldiers in no-man's-land close to the nearby Rukban crossing. Soon afterwards, the army declared Jordan's desert regions that stretch northeast to Syria and east to Iraq "closed military zones". The kingdom, part of the US-led coalition fighting IS, has allowed several humanitarian aid deliveries to the area following UN requests, but the borders remain largely closed. The camp, home to displaced people from across Syria, also lies close to the Al-Tanf base used by the US-led coalition fighting IS. Syria's civil war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four MBBS students of the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital here were rusticated Saturday and an FIR was lodged for allegedly ragging a first-year student hours before the freshers' party, officials said. The four second-year students were suspended on the basis of the report of preliminary inquiry conducted by the anti-ragging committee of the college, IGMC principal Dr Ravi Sharma said. The parents of the four students were also informed about the suspension from the college and the hostel, he added. The first-year MBBS student had sent an anonymous complaint through an email to the anti-ragging cell of the Medical Council of India (MCI) Monday in which it was alleged that the 0four seniors ragged him a few hours before the freshers' party on October 29, an IGMC official said, adding that the MCI forwarded the complaint to the IGMC authorities. Subsequently, the IGMC anti-ragging committee headed by its principal Dr Sharma held a series of meetings, he said, adding that no complainant came forward. However, the IGMC authorities got an audio clip which prima facie established the allegation of ragging, the principal said. A complaint was sent along with the audio clip to Shimla police for taking appropriate legal action in this regard, he said. Shimla Superintendent of Police Omapati Jamwal told PTI that a first information report (FIR) was being registered against the four students on the basis of the complaint received from the IGMC principal. The matter will be thoroughly investigated after registering the FIR at concerned Sadar police station under relevant sections, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Filmmaker Aijaz Khan, whose next feature "Hamid" is about an eight-year-old boy and his desire to speak to God, says fundamentalists not the believers are the reason for the communal conflict in the world. Set in Kashmir, "Hamid" revolves around the little boy, Hamid, whose father has gone missing and according to his mother he has gone to Allah. When his teacher tells him that 786 is God's number, he decides to call God with his father's old mobile phone. He gets in touch with Abhay, a CRPF officer, and the two unknowingly change each other's lives. Aijaz says while he has full faith in the religion, the way fundamentalists hijack the God bothers him. "I have full faith in religion. I practise my religion and I am proud of it. I wish I could speak to the God. Communal conflict doesn't happen because of the belief in the God. It happens because of the fundamentalists and they are in every religion and they cause problem. "I wish there were a few people who had called me and had said 'How can you let a man say he is God? That's blasphemy.' I would have said there is nothing like that," the director told PTI on the sidelines of the ongoing Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF). "Hamid", which received rave reviews at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, is the closing film at DIFF. Aijaz says the idea of the film came to him after he was introduced to a play titled '786' and the initial plot was to connect the boy with a Kashmiri Pandit, but considering the current scenario in the Valley, they decided to keep CRPF officer. "The idea had Kashmiri Pandit because that was an issue which has been going on in Kashmir since '90s. I wanted to get that Hindu-Muslim angle. We build that up but then realised it was an older issue. Today the issue is CRPF. If you speak to any Kashmiri they say they want freedom. It is a very intimidating atmosphere to be in," he adds. While the film touches upon two sensitive topics God and Kashmir Aijaz says there was no other place he could have based the story in as the location plays a significant role in the movie. "God and Kashmir both are very sensitive issues. Especially when you are talking about the Islamic way. As far as Kashmir is concerned, it is such a beautiful place. There was no other way I could have made this film. I couldn't think of building it anywhere else. "It is a story idea set in Kashmir and it has to be there. It was the only way I could have pulled it off. I don't know if some controversy will happen." The crew, however, faced some troubles while filming in the valley, which Aijaz says is full of beautiful locations and gentle people. "Kashmiris are such nice human beings they are very sweet and welcoming. But nevertheless there are people who want to create problems. So there were days where we were pelted stones. The entire unit would run away as soon as we would hear the noise of stones falling on our roofs." Following the screening at DIFF, the director says they are planning to screen the film in various parts of Kashmir. "I would prefer a digital release over theatrical because the film will have a long run on digital platform. In theatres it will not stay more than a week," he adds. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- Godrej Locking Solutions and Systems (GLSS), a brand synonymous with trust and quality, will dedicate 15th November to home safety by celebrating the 'National Home Safety Day'. This initiative in its second year will take the message of home safety to masses across India through various platforms and will commit for a yearlong nationwide movement to promote and inculcate the habit of home safety amongst citizens of India. The company initiated a series of online and offline activities to drive home safety awareness and to promote the 'National Home Safety Day'. Throughout the year, Godrej Locking Solutions and Systems created conversations about home safety and the need for superior safety solutions. The company has been successful in reaching out to 100 million people across all platforms and has generated 1 million engagements on home safety. Commenting on the initiative of National Home Safety Day, Shyam Motwani, Executive VP & Head of Business, Godrej Locking Solutions and Systems, said, "As a responsible and trusted corporate brand, Godrej Locking Solutions & Systems established 'National Home Safety Day' with an intent to make people aware of proactive safety measures at home. This November 15th, in the 2nd year of National Home Safety Day, we would like all citizens to take a pledge towards the proactive adoption of home safety in the digital age. Our endeavour is to create a substantial impact on the behavioural change of consumers across the country." Towards this vision, the company unveiled the initiative called #HowSafeAreYou in 2017, where it launched a series of interviews on digital mediums that captured three reformed robbers speaking on the modus operandi of a robber. These videos go beyond giving consumers insights into what deters a robber from attacking a home and breaks a few myths too. These videos were leveraged in the form of digital content across platforms and #HowSafeAreYou witnessed over 2.7 million plus impressions online and became a trending topic on Twitter with over 6.91 lakh plus reach. GLSS also introduced a brand film that showcased the company's commitment to creating awareness about home safety. During the first year, the company was successful in not only creating awareness but actually driving behavioural change in consumers. This can be seen through the study conducted by the brand that points out a decline in keys being handed over to the maids by 8%, consumers reduced making duplicate keys locally by 25%, handing over keys to neighbours reduced by 13%, keeping keys near windows/doors reduced by 15% and putting location specific posts on social platforms was down by 4%. About Godrej Locking Solutions and Systems Godrej Locking Solutions and Systems is a 120-year-old leading manufacturer of innovative locking devices. Since its inception in 1897 by Ardeshir Godrej, the name 'Godrej' has become synonymous with trust, protection and integrity. From the first Anchor branded lock in 1897 to the first ever spring less lock in 1907, to the iconic 'Navtal' in 1954, and to the postmodern biometric locks, Godrej has set every benchmark in the locks industry. Over the years, Godrej Locks have changed in form, function and scope of application. But one thing still remains the same - the solid stamp of trust and reliability. Godrej Locking Solutions & Systems adhere to global quality norms and hold ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications. With their locks reaching several countries around the world over a period of time, the brand has come a long way in delivering world-class smart locking solutions, therefore revolutionizing the very perception of a locking device from a mere functionality at an entry and exit point, to a proud pause at the door step, a moment to take in the significance of how far they have come. For more information, please log on to http://www.godrejlocks.com. Godrej Locking Solutions & Systems is a business unit of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Gold worth Rs 46 lakh was seized by the Customs authorities in two incidents at the airport here recently. In the first incident, officials of the air intelligence wing, acting on a tip-off that the yellow metal was being smuggled in from South Asian countries, recovered one kg of the gold worth Rs 33 lakh concealed below a seat of an aircraft which had arrived from Singapore, a press release said. In the second incident, the officials intercepted a 34-year-old passenger Syed Abuthahir, upon his arrival from Kuala Lumpur on October 31, and recovered two long gold strips worth Rs 13 lakh in his baggage, the release said. Abuthahir, who was arrested, was a repeat offender, it said. On October 30, the officials recovered undeclared 15,000 Singapore dollars equivalent to Rs 7.9 lakh in the hand baggage of a passenger, the release said. The currencies were seized under the Customs Act 1962, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Spiritualist and BJP leader Swami Paripoorananda Saturday alleged that the TRS and Congress-led 'grand alliance' was acting against the interests of the majority community. BJP is the only party which protects the rights of the majority as well as the minority, he told reporters here. The 'grand alliance' for the December 7 Assembly polls, comprising the Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS, had also run governments by allying with the AMIM, he said. The TRS and the 'grand alliance' are indulging in votebank and appeasement politics, he said. Those belonging to the majority community have to vote responsibly by choosing a party of their choice which protects them, he said, adding that seeking protection for majority community does not mean hurting the interests of minorities. Paripoornananda, blaming the state administration for the death of a 68-year-old priest in Warangal, said a number of restrictions were imposed on him while he was proceeding to attend the funeral of the priest. "Another main reason for his (priest) death was negligence. The government did not bother neither did the official machinery. Police did not respond either. All have failed," he said. The priest died days after he was allegedly attacked by a neighbour following a quarrel over the use of a loudspeaker at a shrine. The death triggered protests by the BJP and VHP. Though doctors had suggested that the priest be shifted to Hyderabad for better medical care, the official machinery failed to help, Paripoornananda said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three lakh first-year college students in Gujarat will get tablet computers worth Rs 11,000 for a token sum of Rs 1,000, said Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Saturday. It is the second year that the students in the state are getting such tablets, christened "Namo E-Tab", with Rupani stating that his government wanted to make this distribution an annual event. Rupani said Rs 30 crore that will be collected from students, in the form of a token fee of Rs 1,000, will be used to provide internet and Wi-Fi connectivity to college campuses and libraries to benefit students. Rupani was speaking Saturday after an event to distribute tablets to Gujarat University and Gujarat Technological University students. "Three lakh first-year college students will get tablets for a token sum of Rs 1,000. The distribution programme is being held in college campuses across the state. The objective is that in this age of technology, students will be able to enhance their knowledge and connect to the world using tablets with internet connectivity," Rupani said. The state government has made a provision of Rs 300 crore to provide tablets to students against a sum of Rs 250 crore earmarked for the purpose last year. Anju Sharma, Principal Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, informed that the tablets would have 450 lecture videos in-built into them, 46 course material videos and 110 virtual learning course material as per the syllabus. Sharma said the tablets offered this year are of better quality with enhanced features and specifications than the ones provided last year. This year, the tablets have 4G technology as against 3G offered last year, and a 2GB RAM as against 1GB RAM last year, Sharma said. They will also have 16 GB memory as against 8 GB memory in the ones provided to students last year, the official added. The tablets come with dual SIM and have 5 MP back and 2 MP front cameras, Sharma further said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A high level meeting Saturday reviewed the law and order situation in curfew-bound Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, with K Vijay Kumar advisor to the Governor directing the SIT to complete the investigation into the killing of senior BJP leader and his brother as early as possible, officials said. An indefinite curfew was imposed in parts of Kishtwar and Doda districts on Thursday night following the killing of BJP state secretary Anil Parihar, 52, and his brother, Ajeet Parihar, 55, by suspected militants. Accompanied by Principal Secretary, home, R K Goyal, Director General of state police Dilbagh Singh and Divisional commissioner Jammu Sanjeev Verma, Kumar reached Kishtwar Saturday afternoon and convened a meeting of top level officers of Army, CRPF, Police and civil administration to review the prevailing law and order situation, the officials said. The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Police, Jammu, S D Singh Jamwal , Deputy inspector general of police (Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban) Rafiq-ul- Hassan, Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Angrez Singh Rana, SSP Kishtwar Rajinder Kumar Gupta, the officials said. Rana briefed the meeting about the gruesome incident and post law and order situation after the assassination of Parihar brothers, the officials said. Kumar directed Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Additional Superintendent of police, Kishtwar, Prabeet Singh Parihar to expedite the investigation process and complete it as early as possible, they said. The advisor also took a brief separate meeting with senior Army officers including General officer Commanding of Delta Force Major General Rajeev Nanda and reviewed the security scenario in the district. The advisor also directed for checking the antecedents of all outsiders, including businessmen, vendors and labourers who are staying in the district town, the officials said. He instructed the top brass of security agencies to ensure the sufficient deployment of security personnel at all sensitive and hyper sensitive places in the district. "The bad elements who try to create any kind of hurdle during the smooth conduct of Panchayat elections, scheduled to start on November 17 under phase one, need to be dealt with sternly and booked under law, Kumar added. Later, MLA Kishtwar Sunil Sharma, MLA Raipur-Domana Bali Bhagat (both BJP), MLA Inderwal G M Saroori (Congress), MLC Firdous Ahmed Tak (PDP) also met the advisor and demanded early investigation in the killing, the officials said. They said representatives of Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Shoura Majlis Committee also apprised advisor about the incident and assured him for maintaining communal harmony, peace and brotherhood under all circumstances. Besides Kishtwar town, the curfew is in force in several sensitive areas, including Paddar in Kishtwar and Bhadarwah and Doda townships in Doda district, as the killing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state secretary and his elder brother triggered massive protests across Jammu region. The authorities have already suspended internet services in the curfew-bound areas, while the internet speed was slowed down in the rest of the division, including winter capital Jammu. The Army also staged a flag march in the sensitive areas to help the district administration in Kishtwar to maintain law and order. On Thursday, the Parihar brothers were walking towards their home in Parihar mohalla through a dark lane in Tapal Mohalla when they were fired upon from a close range by suspected militants around 8.40 pm, officials said. The assailants were apparently waiting for the brothers to return home, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minister of State Hardeep Singh Puri Saturday spoke on the importance of sustainable development goals (SDGs) to combat the perils of climate change. "The situation in our cities is getting worse day by day. We have to ensure we have a carbon neutral footprint to combat the perils of climate change," Puri was quoted as saying at the 'Climate Jamboree', a youth mobilisation campaign for achieving a climate neutral lifestyle and showcasing sustainability, according to a statement. SDGs, otherwise known as global goals, are an universal call of action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity. "It is time for a global accelerator movement towards a de-carbonised world, and youth are going to be the agents of change to drive and mitigate climate change," he said. Participating at the event, writer and lyricist Prasoon Joshi said, "The modern development that we see especially in western countries has led to many distortions and therefore we need a holistic development model which is sustainable and can cater to the future generations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The family of Ahtesham Bilal Sofi, the 17-year-old Sharda University student who reportedly has joined the Islamic State Jammu Kashmir (ISJK), Saturday appealed to militants to have "mercy on us" and let him return home. Ahtesham's father Bilal Ahmad Sofi made the appeal in a video message that is being shared widely on social media. Bilal said his son was the "only male heir of an extended family" and asked the militant to allow him return home. "Have mercy on us and let him return. Allah will have mercy on you," he said. Ahtesham, a resident of Khanyar locality in downtown Srinagar, was a first-year graduation student at the university at Greater Noida. He went missing on October 28 after he left the varsity with official permission to go to Delhi, days after he was mistakenly roughed up during a scuffle between Indian and Afghan students in the campus. Later, pictures on social media showed Ahtesham dressed in a black outfit and claimed he had joined the ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. "Your paradise is your parents, you are the only hope of 12 family members. Did you forget that this house has seen four deaths in the last two years," said Bilal in the fervent appeal with tears streaming down his face. The mother of the teenager also pleaded and begged her only son to return home as she wept inconsolably next to her husband. Following Ahtesham's disappearance, a missing complaint was registered at the Knowledge Park police station in Greater Noida as well as at Khanyar police station in Srinagar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) HBO has expressed its displeasure over US President Donald Trump's usage of the slogan for its hit show "Game of Thrones". Trump on Friday tweeted a meme with the words, "Sanctions are coming - November 5", written in text reminiscent of the "Game of Thrones" title font. The meme's slogan apparently resembled to "Game of Thrones" original catchphrase "Winter is Coming". Trump posted it to indicate that his administration will be reinstating all US sanctions on Iran which were removed under the 2015 nuclear deal. In a brief statement, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, HBO said it wants political parties to refrain from "misappropriating" the show's slogan ahead of US midterm polls, to be held on November 6. "We were not aware of this messaging and would prefer our trademark not be misappropriated for political purposes," it said. The studio had earlier responded to the meme with a tweet, saying, "How do you say trademark misuse in Dothraki?" referencing one of the languages in the show. Several stars of "Game of Thrones", like Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner, also responded to the meme. Williams, who plays Arya Stark, tweeted, "Not today", while Turner, who portrays Sansa Stark, wrote, "Ew". The eighth and final season of "Game of Thrones" will air next year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Illegal immigration costs American taxpayers $100 billion a year, President has said as he slammed the opposition Democratic party for advocating an open border policy facilitating an easy entry of illegal immigrants into the US. His comments came amid a row over a caravan of an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 people mostly from three Latin American countries El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala who are currently at the southern US border along with the intention to enter America. said that soldiers deployed to stop the illegal immigrants from entering the US would not open fire, but would arrest them if they threw stones at the troops. "Illegal immigration costs American taxpayers more than $100 billion every single year, more than three times the entire state budget of Indiana. We need to use our precious resources to help our fellow Americans who respect our laws, not illegal caravans who break into our borders and break our laws," said at an election rally in Indiana. Democrat immigration policies not only drain US treasury, but they threaten communities, he alleged. Nearly 100 per cent of heroin in the US enters through the southern border, along with roughly 90 per cent of the cocaine, the majority of meth and a substantial portion of the ultra-lethal fentanyl, killing youths all over the country, the President claimed. Trump said that the Caravan of people coming from Latin American countries have some criminals in it. In the caravan, more than 300 people have criminal records and have serious problems that US don't want to get involved with. The administration wants people coming in, but they have to come in legally. The November 6 mid-term elections is about security. This election is about prosperity, Trump said. "For years, you watched as we let foreign countries plunder our wealth, shutter our factories, and steal our jobs. But those days, if you haven't noticed, are over. "I recently announced that we are replacing the horrible NAFTA deal, one of the worst trade deals, with an incredible, brand-new US-Mexico-Canada agreement. The USMCA is a giant victory for Indiana farmers, manufacturers and dairy producers," he told his supporters as he listed out his achievements. Trump said that his administration has taken the toughest ever action to crackdown on China's very abusive trade practices. "And I spoke to (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) today. They want to make a deal, but we have to have a fair deal. We have to have a deal that's fair for the United States," he said. And has to open up their borders for US companies, he demanded. Trump said he withdrew the US from the horrible, one-sided Iran nuclear deal. "And just today, we announced that we are re-imposing all sanctions lifted under that ridiculous deal that should have never been signed in the first place," he said. "We will have in place the toughest ever sanctions on this brutal Iranian regime. And at some point, they're going to get very smart and they're going to come back and negotiate a real deal, a fair deal, and a deal that lets them thrive. We want them to thrive," Trump said. The US has recognised the capital of Israel and opened the American embassy in Jerusalem, he said. "Together, we have made extraordinary progress, and we are just getting started. But the Democrats want to turn back the clock, put America in reverse, and give power back to a corrupt, selfish ruling class that only looks out for themselves. I know them well," Trump added. Noting that China has got the major portion of rare earths deposits in the world while India is scanted, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval Saturday said the country could counter that by converting its demographic dividend -- young population -- into an asset. Speaking at an event here, he said India envisions to be a major power and needs to utilise its "rare human wealth" (130 crore population with 50 per cent of the population below 25 years of age as other major powers, including China, are ageing. He was addressing students at a convocation event of Amity University here. Doval and former Group General Manager and Country Head of HSBC India Naina Lal Kidwai were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees in philosophy by the varsity. "These days we are wondering what is going to happen to the world that it comes in the change of technology, weapons, industry, business and we find that the one thing which is going to make the most difference is what you call as the 'rare earth' which includes radioactive materials, uranium and other high potential materials," he said, pointing out that China has got the major portion of the rare earths deposits while India is scanted. Rare earths, an important, non-renewable natural resource, and alloys that contain them are used in many devices of everyday use such as computer memory, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, catalytic converters, magnets, fluorescent lighting, among others. "How will India, which envisions to be a major power of the world, compete in the world where properties like natural resources may not compete with the powers with whom we would like to be competing, not necessarily in a conflicting way? "We have got one resource and that is the 'rare human wealth' of 130 crore people and 50 per cent of them below the age group of 25 years. Just imagine, if this 'rare earth' could be converted into those high-technology items, if this 'human wealth' could convert itself into what is the real value," he said. Having a huge, young manpower in itself cannot be an asset unless properly channelised, he said, adding that the present is the youngest generation in the thousands of years of the country's history to have a wide spectrum of opportunities. "If the youth is not channelised by making them profitably employed, then that can be a source of great problems. They can be channelised if one possess right capabilities and intentions," he said, calling on the youth to develop the knowledge, skills and right attitude to serve the nation. He advised the students that the entire progress of life can be directed and evaluated by noting three important points -- right assessment in knowledge of where one stand currently, focus on where you want to be and which path one must follow. "The problem with Indian youth is that they spend proportionately much higher time by dreaming on where they ought to be in future, which is important but it is also necessary to focus on the route," Doval said. More than 7,700 successful graduates received their degrees and diplomas at the university campus in Sector-125 here, Amity Education Group's founder president Ashok K Chauhan said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Saturday announced that it would extend a USD 310 million loan to Zimbabwe to finance a rehabilitation project for a thermal power plant that would entail upgrading the station and extending its lifespan. The decision was taken during a meeting between Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa and delegation-level talks between senior officials of the two countries here, T S Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said while briefing media on the deliberations. Hwange is Zimbabwe's second biggest power plant with an installed capacity of 920 MW. India will also extend additional funds of USD 23 million for the Bulawayo thermal power power plant and USD 19.5 million for the Deka pumping and water intake system in Zimbabwe, Tirumurti said. A fund of USD 2.9 million will also be extended to upgrade the Indo-Zim Technology Centre, which India had gifted to the African country, he said. Naidu arrived here Friday night on the second leg of his six-day three-nation tour to Africa, which aims at deepening India's strategic cooperation with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Zimbabwe on Saturday signed six signed agreements, including on mining, Information and communications technology (ICT), visa waiver and traditional medicine as Vice President Venkaiah Naidu met Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Kembo Mohadi and held wide-ranging talks here. Naidu arrived here Friday night on the second leg of his six-day three-nation tour to Africa, which aims at deepening India's strategic cooperation with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi. During a delegation-level talks held between Naidu and his Zimbabwean counterpart, the two sides discussed on a wide range of areas, including defence, security, mining, capacity building, health and agriculture, the Vice President's office tweeted. "5 MoUs & one Action Plan on ICT were signed in areas ranging from Mining, Visa Waiver, Broadcasting & Culture etc," it further tweeted. Earlier in the day, Naidu also met Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa and recalled India's support to the African nation "even during period of isolation". The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation on all fronts. Mnangagwa expressed his happiness at Naidu visit soon after the general elections in Zimbabwe. Naidu also met Zimbabwe's Acting Foreign Minister S B Moyo. "A hectic day of bilateral meetings begins! VP @MVenkaiahNaidu received Acting Foreign Minister of #Zimbabwe, S.B Moyo. Both reiterated the strong political engagement and reaffirmed their desire to further strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted. Naidu is the the first high-ranking Indian Government official to visit Zimbabwe in 21 years. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had visited the African country in 1996. According to Indian Embassy in Harare, there are about 9,000 Zimbabweans of Indian origin, who are predominantly from the province of Gujarat. The expatriate Indian community in Zimbabwe is very small numbering around 500 members. Some of them are on long term business or work permits, while most are professionals engaged in IT, accountancy and banking sector. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 46-year-old Indian-American has been arrested and charged in California on charges of H-1B visa fraud. Kishore Kumar Kavuru was arrested Friday morning and produced before the US Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen. He was later released on bond. Kavuru has been charged with 10 counts of visa fraud and as many counts of mail fraud in connection with a scheme to maintain a pool of foreign workers for the clients of his consulting companies. The accused faces 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of USD 250,000 for each count of visa fraud and up to 20 years of imprisonment for each count of mail fraud. Since 2007, Kavuru was the owner and chief executive officer of four consulting companies. He is accused of submitting fraudulent documents to both the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security, containing details of bogus work projects awaiting the foreign workers. Because many of the applications were ultimately approved, the Indian-American had a pool of unemployed H-1B beneficiaries that were immediately available for legitimate work projects, giving him a competitive advantage over other staffing companies that followed the sometimes-lengthy visa-application process, federal prosecutors said. As part of the scheme, Kavuru required some prospective workers to pay thousands of dollars in cash before he would prepare and submit the visa applications. He also required some workers to wait unpaid, sometimes for months, to be placed at an end-client's workplace, the Department of Justice said in a statement. Through his consulting companies, Kavuru submitted and mailed approximately 43 petitions for H-1B software engineers. "In fact, there were no software engineer positions available at the benefits company," federal prosecutors added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 12 formal agreements worth 200 million euros have been signed between Indian and French companies, including Thales Group, in Nagpur. These agreements were signed at the first edition of Indo-French Investment Conclave in Nagpur organised by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI), in association with the Embassy of France on November 2. "Twelve formal exchanges of collaboration agreements worth 200 million euros (about Rs 1,660 crore) were signed between French and Indian companies leading to creation of 3,000 jobs," IFCCI said in a statement. "The French giant Thales Group set the stage for long-standing partnerships with seven Indian companies, namely Godrej Precision Engineering, Bharat Forge, Amphenol Interconnect India P Ltd, Larsen & Toubro, Solar Explosives, Mahindra Defence Systems and Coriollis," the statement said. The event also witnessed agreement signing between French firm Technique Solaire with Maharashtra Energy Development Agency, Turgis & Gaillard with Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC). "POMA presented a Letter of Intent for two projects in Nagpur and Tadoba. Accor Hotels and Interglobe Hotels Limited also exchanged a Letter of Intent," the statement said. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the event, as per the statement. "The arrival of the French delegation to Nagpur and the signing of the twelve agreements today marks France's strong commitment to doing business in India," Payal S Kanwar, Secretary General, IFCCI, said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Kolkata-bound A320 neo plane of IndiGo returned to Lucknow on Friday, with initial inspection showing that the aircraft suffered bird strike, according to the airline. An IndiGo spokesperson said the aircraft that was involved in the air turn back to Lucknow airport was powered by PW1100G-JM engines. "Initial inspection observed evidence of a bird strike and the engine performed as expected in this situation. Further investigation is currently in progress," the spokesperson said. The number of passengers in the flight could not be immediately ascertained. A P&W spokesperson also said that initial inspection observed evidence of a bird strike and the engine performed as expected in this situation. "We continue to work closely with our customer to support their operations and minimise any disruption," he said. According to him, the PW1100G-JM powers a fleet of more than 280 A320neo aircraft worldwide, which have achieved more than 1.3 million engine flight hours of operation. In recent times, there have been engine issues with P&W engines-powered A320 neo planes operated by IndiGo and GoAir. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Industry-friendly policies and amendments to various laws for industrial development have fetched foreign investment in Maharashtra, ensuring that it attracted 49 per cent of all such investment in the country, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Saturday. He was speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Midea Technology Park at Supa industrial area in Ahmednagar district's Parner, over 100 kilometres from here. Fadnavis said the technology park, set up by a Chinese home appliances manufacturer, would generate jobs for people in Supa and Parner regions. He added that the state would provide space for Chinese firms to set up industrial clusters, adding that foreign investors would be given all cooperation in order to attract more investment in Maharashtra. He said Maharashtra had a considerable role to play in India jumping 23 places to 77th spot on World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' ranking. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Days after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue, the tallest in the world, was unveiled in Gujarat, the AAP Saturday said instead of installing such statues, the government should focus on key issues like poverty alleviation, improving education and health care. Talking to PTI, national spokesman of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also wondered why there was a race among different states in the country to install giant statues of leaders and gods. "After the installation of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has proposed to build a 151-metre tall statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. A sudden competition is taking place in the country on the issue," he said. "Instead of installing such tall statues, the tax-payers' hard-earned money should be spent on ending poverty and unemployment, improving education and health care, which are major problems faced by the nation," he added. The AAP leader cited an example of the 210-metre statue of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji's proposed to be built in the Arabian sea off Mumbai, and asked whether spending huge money on such projects was necessary when the country was grappling with several serious issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently unveiled the 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Kevadiya in Narmada district of Gujarat. "The country will achieve nothing from this kind of competition as tomorrow someone else may construct a 250-metre statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar or 300-metre statue of Maharana Pratap," Singh said. When asked about the sexual harassment charges levelled against former Union minister M J Akbar's by some women journalists, the AAP leader said the BJP leader should be put behind bars. "On the one hand BJP coined the slogan 'Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao', while on the other its leader is accused of sexually exploiting women. I am surprised how he is still in the party. It exposes the BJP's hollow claims. Though he has resigned from the cabinet, he should also quit his Rajya Sabha seat," Singh said. When asked about AAP's poll prospects in Madhya Pradesh, he said his party has bright chances as the Congress was "not an alternative" to the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh. "If AAP is voted to power, we will implement the Delhi government model in MP in sectors like power, water, health and education," he said. "Due to the efficient management, the AAP government has brought down distribution losses in Delhi from nearly 43 per cent to nine per cent. It has successfully proved that it can provide electricity to people at cheap rates," he said. The reforms introduced in the fields of education and health care were before the people to judge, he said adding, "Who could have though that government schools will have swimming pools, but we have done that in Delhi." On the reports that the Centre was considering to invoking section 7 of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, Singh alleged, "The government is destroying various institutions." He said by invoking section 7 of the RBI Act, the government wanted to "pressurise" the apex bank in its bid to benefit some businessmen "close to the Modi government". "Invoking section 7 of RBI Act would end the 83-year-old autonomy of the RBI. Through this step, the Centre will direct the RBI to release funds to the banks so that they could compensate the deficit created due to huge loans given to big businessmen who are close to Modi government. This will push the country towards recession and bankruptcy," Singh alleged. "Those who take small loans of Rs 2-5 lakh from banks have to mortgage their entire assets. But as the government fails to recover big loans from industrialists, such bad loans are recovered from people. The NPAs of big industrialists have gone up to Rs 10.25 lakh crore and section 7 has been invoked to compensate this," he said. The AAP leader also termed the Rafale jet deal as a Rs 36,000-crore "scam". "The government has not been disclosing the price of Rafale fighter jet because they have purchased a plane costing Rs 526 crore at an inflated price of Rs 1,670 crore each," he alleged. He also demanded a Supreme Court-monitored SIT to probe into the Rafale deal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), including India, has established an internship programme in honour of former South African president Nelson Mandela, who is widely recognised as the initiator of IORA. The IORA Nelson Mandela 'Be the Legacy' internship programme was announced at the close of the 18th IORA meeting in Durban on Friday. The programme is aimed at empowering young people under the age of 30 years from IORA member states with work experience in their chosen fields of study. The IORA was established through the vision of Mandela, when 14 member states launched the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) in March 1997. Currently, the IORA has 21 member states -- Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. The programme will be launched on July 18, 2019, the day Mandela would have turned 101 years old. South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe Sisulu told the gathering that the country would submit a request for the first intake of interns from member countries. Urging IORA member states to invest in young people, Sisulu said, "Madiba (clan name by which Mandela is fondly known) is loved young people and he strongly believed that education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world." During the opening session of the meeting, Sisulu also acknowledged Mahatma Gandhi for his activism in both South Africa and India. "We remember the role that Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi played in leading India to independence from British rule," Sisulu said. "He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world, including in South Africa, where we acknowledge and celebrate his contribution to our struggle through his Satyagraha movement. "He came to South Africa in 1893 and stayed here until 1914, while continuously opposing discrimination in South Africa's four British colonies at the time," Sisulu added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State TV says Iran has inaugurated the production line of its domestically produced fighter jet a day after the Trump administration announced the reimposition of remaining US sanctions on Tehran to ramp up economic pressure on the Islamic Republic. Defence Minister Gen Amir Hatami said the production line highlights the capabilities of Iranian experts despite "sanctions by enemies." On Friday, the US announced the re-imposition of all sanctions on Iran starting Monday, covering Iran's shipping, financial and energy sectors. This is the second batch of sanctions the US has applied against Iran since the US withdrew from a landmark nuclear accord in May. Iran unveiled its Kowsar aircraft in August. Iran already has both US-made jet fighters and Russian-made Sukhoi aircraft in service. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's and infrastructure sectors will be central to its journey of becoming a $10-trillion economy by 2030, according to a new report released in London. The Indo-European Business Forum (IBEF), which works as a facilitator of business ties between India and Europe, highlighted that the sustained reforms by the Indian government have opened up the prospect of growth in these particular sectors as well as renewable energy, defence and logistics. According to its analysis, (IT) services exports are projected to add $10 billion during this fiscal year, to touch $126 billion. In the field of infrastructure, India will become the third-largest construction market globally by 2022 and the is estimated to grow to $650 billion by 2025 and surpass $850 billion by 2028, to touch $1 trillion by 2030. "Today India represents a land of infinite opportunities. Its young demographic profile combined with its strong industrial base, rapid digitisation, growing infrastructure, resilient start-up ecosystem and clear growth vision from the government, offers India a significant competitive advantage vis-a-vis other developing economies," said Sunil Kumar Gupta, India Leader of IEBF, at the 'Global Investment Conclave on Investment Opportunities in New India' in the House of Lords complex on Friday. The annual IEBF investors' summit which began Friday ran for two days, with Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat among the special guests alongside some of the prominent IEBF Advisory Committee members such as Baroness Sandip Verma, Member of the House of Lords and Chair of the European External Affairs Committee, and leading Indian-origin businessman GP Hinduja. A delegation of Indian companies with investment experience and future expansion plans for Europe were also among the participants. "IEBF was started 11 years ago to promote business ties between India and Europe and today, notwithstanding the Brexit uncertainties, it is playing an active role to facilitate trade and investment flows both ways," said Vijay Goel, founder-chair of IEBF. As an economic consultant to the government of Malta, Goel also revealed plans by Indian companies to invest around $100 million in the (EU) country in 2019. These investments include plans to set up a bank, a university and a floating hotel in the region. "India sees Malta as one of the most trusted partners within the EU, being one of the first countries to recognise its independence. We have had friendly relations ever since and now it is time to transform this into a strategic economic partnership," he said. King Mohammed VI, the Commander of the Faithful, on Friday launched a religious talk show to be broadcast by the Mohammed VI Radio of the Holy Quran and Assadissa TV channel. The initiative is meant to counter attempts to distort the Hadith, Prophet Mohammeds sayings, at a time false Hadiths are circulated by some media, especially via the Internet, for ideological reasons. From the headquarters of the National Broadcasting Corporation (SNRT) in Rabat, the King oversaw the launch of the new religious talk show, Addourous Al Hadithia. This new royal initiative is meant to disseminate the authentic sayings of the Prophet and their meanings and to educate people about the Prophets Tradition, which are the second source of Islam. The new program also aims to highlight the unity of the Moroccan Nation when it comes to the religious rite and to counter attempts to distort the Islamic religion. The Sovereign, who was accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan gave the signal for the recording and the airing of the first talk show, anchored by the Secretary General of the Higher Council of Ulemas, Professor Mohamed Yssef. The weekly Addourous Alhadithia program will include introductory lectures on the Prophets recommendations concerning the transmission of his sayings, on his companions and their ethics, and the method of Imam Malik in the authentication, collection and codification of the Hadith. The program is supervised by the Higher Council of Ulemas and Al-Quaraouyine University. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das Saturday announced to provide mobile phones to 28 lakh farmers of the state. He said the decision was in support of realising Prime Minister's efforts on the idea of the Digital India. The Prime Minister is working on the idea of Digital India,so we should also work on the idea of digital Jharkhand. The state government will provide mobile phones to 28 lakh farmers in the coming budget to get rid of corruption and provide transparency, an official release said quoting Das. Attending Krishi Samagam programme as the chief guest, Das invited farmers to be brand ambassadors in the two-day Agriculture and Food Summit to be organized on November 29 and 30 in Ranchi. The purpose of this summit is over all development of farmers through exchange of technology, farming techniques etc., he said. On farming, Das said, Farmers will have to move towards organic farming. The Prime Minister increased minimum support price to fulfill the demand of farmers, so that the goal of doubling their income by 2022 can be achieved. He said, Earlier farmers did not know about condition of soil, but when the Prime Minister was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he started Soil Health Card scheme in Gujarat. Now farmers can assess the condition of their soil and can treat and produce according to that. So far, three lakh soil cards have been distributed in Jharkhand. (A total) 22 lakh farmers are required to get this card, which the officials of the department should ensure and make this card available to the remaining farmers. Chief Secretary Sudhir Tripathi, Development Commissioner D K Tiwari, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Agriculture Secretary Puja Singhal, Industry Secretary K. Ravikumar and farmers of the state were present on the occasion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar, expressing his wish to inspect some state-run dispensaries of Haryana on November 12. In his letter written on Friday, Kejriwal also invited Khattar to visit the 'mohalla clinics' set up by the AAP dispensation to check the "ground reality" of the health institutions in Delhi. The development comes two days after the AAP supremo challenged the Haryana chief minister to visit any Delhi government-run mohalla clinics after the latter dubbed them "halla" (chaos) clinics. "I will inspect some dispensaries of Haryana on November 12. If this date is not suitable to you (Khattar), give me a suitable date, I will come on that date," Kejriwal said in the letter. "I am happy that you are coming to Delhi to inspect the mohalla clinics. Please tell me about the date when you would like to come to inspect (the mohalla clinics). I will also accompany you," he said. The AAP government has set a target of setting up 1,000 mohalla clinics in the city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP's Kerala unit president P S Sreedharan Pillai has received a death threat, the party said Saturday. The threat was received through a letter, sent by speed post from Maharashtra, a BJP release said. The letter, dated October 29, was sent to the party's headquarters here and carries the name of a Keralite, Mohan K Nair. He has said he would be reaching Kerala on November 1 and will be joining Pillai during the 'Sabarimala protection rathyatra' from Kasaragod, according to the release. BJP leader K Surendran said DGP Loknath Behara has been informed of the threat. The rathyatra from November 8-13 to save the temple's traditions and customs is led by Pillai and Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) leader Thushar Vellappally, according to BJP sources. BJP and various Hindu outfits are on the warpath against the left government over its decision to implement the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of menstrual age to enter the shrine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday moved the Supreme Court against the Centre's decision of sending CBI director Alok Verma on leave, saying it was "illegal" and was in violation of the CBI Act. In his petition, Kharge, who is the leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, said only the three-member committee of leader of opposition, prime minister and the Chief Justice of India can take a decision on the appointment or removal of the CBI director as per the act. He also said that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has no power to act against the CBI director. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suo moto action of sending CBI director Alok Verma on leave is illegal and is in violation of the CBI Act," Kharge told PTI while confirming that he had moved a petition in the Supreme Court in this regard. Party sources said the Congress had asked Kharge, who is a member of the committee, to file a petition in this regard. BJP national vice president Avinash Rai Khanna Saturday termed the killing of a senior Jammu and Kashmir party leader and his brother in Kishtwar district a "cowardly act". He asked the state administration to view the incident seriously as it might be an attempt to revive militancy in the Jammu region. BJP state secretary Anil Parihar(52) and his brother, Ajeet Parihar(55) were killed while they were walking towards their home in Parihar mohalla through a dark lane in Tapal Mohalla. They were fired upon from a close range by suspected militants around 8.40 pm on Thursday. "The Governor administration should take these killings as a serious development in Kishtwar as the militancy related acts were brought to almost zero in Jammu province in last few years and this may be an attempt towards revival of the militancy, which needs to be curbed at the very onset," Khanna said in a statement here. The Jammu and Kashmir in-charge of the BJP demanded adequate compensation for the bereaved family besides employment to the next of kin the deceased persons. "The killing of the Parihar brothers by unknown gunmen in Kishtwar town is a cowardly act and cannot silent the voice of nationalist forces in the erstwhile Doda district and other parts of Jammu province,"Khanna said. Doda district was bifurcated into Doda and Kishtwar districts in 2007. The BJP leader said Anil was one of the senior leaders of the BJP in Kishtwar, who always remained in the forefront in the fight against anti-India forces, elements who posed a threat to the unity and integrity of the country. "The cold blooded murder of the two brothers is a sign of frustration and also an attempt to demonstrate that anyone who stands to strengthen social fabric, promote brotherhood and cannot be tolerated and that such person be eliminated,Khanna said. He said right from the days of outbreak of militancy in the Kashmir valley, which spread its tentacles in erstwhile Doda district, prominent Hindu leaders associated with the BJP and other social organizations were targeted and killed. Properties were also damaged in the erstwhile district to spread terror to force migration like the exodus that happened in Kashmir, but, during these years such attempts were defeated by great nationalists like Parihar, who laid down their lives for the cause of the nation, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Animal rights body PETA India Saturday said the killing of a tiger as part of an operation in Maharashtra should be investigated and treated as a wildlife crime and termed it a "dark day" for the nation. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India said the tiger Avni was killed "illegally to satisfy a hunter's lust for blood", in contempt of court and in apparent violation of the Wildlife Protection Act. Tigress Avni, believed to have been responsible for the deaths of 13 people in Maharashtra in the past two years, was shot dead in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra on Friday night as part of an operation, police said Saturday. "Avni was killed illegally satisfying a hunter's lust for blood, plain and simple, in possible contempt of court and in apparent violation of the Wildlife Protection Act and the guidelines of National Tiger Conservation Authority. "She may not have died instantly but slowly, through pain and blood loss, and likely in front of her now orphaned and vulnerable cubs," said Meet Ashar, Lead Emergency Response Coordinator, PETA India. Ashar said "this matter must be investigated and treated as a wildlife crime". "Whether sanctioned by the state or not, nobody can be above the law. This is a dark day for our nation and we must hang out heads in shame now, and again if this killing goes unpunished," Ashar added. In September this year, the Supreme Court had said Avni could be shot at sight, which prompted a flurry of online petitions seeking pardon for the tigress. For more than three months, Forest Department officials were planning to catch her with the help of latest technology. Trained sniffer dogs, trap cameras, drones and a hang-glider, expert trackers, sharp-shooters and around 200 ground personnel were roped in for the task, officials said. The Forest Department Friday carried out the operation in Borati with the help of sharp-shooter Asgar Ali, they said. "Urine of another tigress and American perfume was spread in some part of the compartment, following which Avni came by sniffing it," one of the officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's main Tamil party - Tamil National Alliance - Saturday said it will support a no-trust motion against newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, amid mounting pressure on President Maithripala Sirisena to let the suspended parliament hold a vote to end the political crisis. Rajapaksa claims he has enough numbers to prove his majority and at least six of ousted premier Ranil Wickremasinghe's men have defected to his side. The current suspension of parliament by the president is seen as a key to Rajapaksa negotiating for enough defections. Wickremesinghe was sacked by President Sirisena on October 26. His United National Party claims that Wickremesinghe's sacking was "unconstitutional and illegal". The president's move has plunged the country into a constitutional crisis with Wickremesinghe claiming he is still the prime minister. In a statement, the Tamil National Alliance said Rajapaksa's appointment was a violation of the Constitution's 19th amendment. The alliance had "decided to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa," the statement added. S Vilenthiriyan, one of the TNA legislators from the eastern province, has extended his support to Rajapaksa. He was made a deputy minister. At least 4 more of the TNA's 16 MPs are believed to be to joining Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe's United National Party said they have handed over a motion of no-confidence against Rajapaksa. His call for a floor test in parliament has been ignored by Sirisena who has suspended parliament until November 16. Sirisena has been sending conflicting signals about his willingness to end the parliamentary suspension. Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has come under pressure from a majority of legislators to reconvene parliament. But Sirisena's suspension order leaves him with no option but to seek the consent of the president to recall the assembly. The suspension is aimed at helping Rajapaksa gain parliamentary majority by engineering defections from Wickremesinghe's party and other allied parties to build the 113 seats required for the majority, experts said. Some of the legislators have claimed that huge amounts are being offered to them to defect. Palitha Range Bandara, a legislator of Wickremesinghe's party, has said he was offered USD 2.8 million to extend support to Rajapaksa's bid to prove his majority. "I was asked to make a step forward to become a cabinet minister," Bandara told reporters as he played a voice recording of a conversation he allegedly had with a Sirisena loyalist, who told him that he would be rewarded with a Cabinet position. Bandara also said that he was possessing a telephone recording of a conversation with "a very powerful person". "I have a recording of a conversation with a VVIP which I will play very soon," Bandara said. So far Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapaksa has 100 in the 225-member assembly. Most of the 22 remaining MPs, including the TNA, are likely to oppose Rajapaksa, experts said. The UNP said that Sirisena's people were "shamelessly trying to buy our MPs over to secure this unconstitutional and illegal seizure of power. The police must take action immediately". Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his dismissal, claiming to be the country's legitimate premier. He argues that he cannot legally be removed until he loses the support of Parliament and called for a floor test to prove his majority. On Tuesday, angry protests rocked Sri Lanka's capital as thousands of demonstrators gathered for a rally organised by Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Sirisena. Chinese star Li Haotong produced a spectacular eight-under 63 that gave him a three-shot lead after the third round of the Turkish Airlines Open here Saturday. Haotong, starting the moving day at nine-under and Tied-fifth, zoomed to 17-under 196 and sole lead with overnight leader Justin Rose going into the water three times during his two-under 69 that pegged him at 14-under alongside Frenchman Alexander Levy (66). Thorbjorn Olesen (68) was sole fourth at 13-under, while rookie Sam Horsfield (68) and 2016 Masters champion, Danny Willet (69) showing a welcome return to form, were Tied-fifth at 12-under. Asian Tour's best positioned player was Kiradech Aphibarnrat (67) at 10-under and was Tied-ninth. India's Shubhankar Sharma finally seemed to have warmed up to the course, as he was bogey free two-under through 17 holes, before a trip into the water cost him a bogey and finished one-under 70 and one-under 212 in T-53rd place, exactly where he was a day earlier. Li had both luck and form going for him. Coming on the top of fifth, ninth and 11th place finishes, he had a chip-in for birdie on ninth and then holed a 173-yard shot with eight-iron for an eagle on Par-4 10th. "That was quite a special moment for myself, and second shot was like 173 something and 8-iron, tried to hit a high fade, which I did, but little bit flyer high and finished pin-high, which is a little long, and lucky from the top and rolls in. "Nine was chip-in. Yesterday I did the same thing but I hit the flag, kicked out and today was just lucky, went in. It was the fourth time he had holed out from off the green this week," said Li. By the 12th hole, Li had gone from three behind to three in front at which he point he was on a tear. Despite his troubles on Saturday, Rose kept his humour intact, when asked if he remembered the last time he went into the water three times in a round. He shot back, "No, I can't. I'm pretty good at forgetting things. Made a career of that. I can't remember yesterday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 50-year-old man was killed and two others were injured when they were struck by lightning in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said Saturday. Farooq Ahmad Bakarwal, his daughter Rafia and uncle Abdullah were hit by the lightning inside their house at Kun Darorian village in the Katra area around midnight, a police official said. He said Bakarwal died on the spot, while his daughter and uncle were injured and shifted to a hospital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Police on Saturday recovered a banner allegedly written by Maoists, threatening to kill two MLAs and several police informers in two districts of the state. The handwritten banner did not mention names of the two MLAs but said they are from Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, police said. The unnamed police informers on the hit list also belong to these two districts. "The Maoist banner was found in Darpanga area (in Ganjam district). We are verifying its genuineness," Ganjam Superintendent of Police Brijesh Kumar Rai said. The banner written in white paint on a red cloth in Odia was found near Darpanga on Bhanjanagara-Phulbani road in Ganjam district. Local people found the banner in the morning and informed the police. The SP said security personnel have been rushed to the place from where the hand written banner was recovered. Since the banner did not mention any specific Maoist unit or division, the police suspected it could be fake. "It might be the handiwork of some anti-social elements who have taken in the name of the Maoists," said a senior police officer requesting anonymity. The recovery of the "Maoist" banner followed the killing of two political leaders - a sitting and a former MLA of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) - near Araku in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh by the red rebels on September 23. "We have already provided security to some of the MLAs in the district after the incident in Andhra Pradesh," police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Armed Maoists set ablaze five earthmovers engaged in road construction in Hazaribagh district Saturday, a senior police officer said. The extremists raided the camp office of a construction company engaged in the construction of roads in Ekilsara village in Hazaribagh district and set the earthmovers ablaze at around 7 pm, Deputy Inspector General of Police (North Chhota Nagpur Range) Pankaj Kamboj said. The DIG said that the NTPCs coal mining project authorities of Barkagaon provided the vehicles and equipment to the construction company to lift soil and level the roads. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav said on Saturday that he was a simpleton who was forced to marry the "urbane" Aishwarya Rai against his wishes and had been living a "stifled life" since then. His reaction comes a day after he filed a divorce petition at the Patna civil court. Rai could not be immediately reached for comment. Yadav, the elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, said he was not willing to withdraw his petition, which is expected to come up for hearing on November 29. Speaking to reporters in the pilgrim town of Bodh Gaya, where he made a brief stopover on his way to Ranchi to meet his ailing and incarcerated father Lalu Prasad, Tej said, "I had told my parents that I did not wish to marry at this moment of time. But nobody listened to me. Ours was a mismatch. I am a simple man with simple habits while she is a modern woman, educated in Delhi and used to life in a metropolis." Rai is the daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai. Her grandfather Daroga Rai was the chief minister of Bihar in the 1960s. The couple had tied the knot here on May 12 this year. The RJD chief had acquired bail to attend the wedding in Patna. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan were among others who attended the grand wedding. Asked about his decision at a time when his father is in poor health, Tej said, "I have been living a stifled (ghut ghut ke) life. How long can one go on like this?" He also said he has not been on talking terms with his wife for the past couple of months. Asked whether his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav said anything to him on the issue, he said they talk about politics, not about such matters. In his petition, he has stated cruelty as the reason for seeking divorce. His lawyer Yashwant Kumar Sharma said Friday that the former Bihar minister had sought divorce on compatibility issues. He said the separation has been sought invoking Section 13 A of the Hindu Marriage Act under which either spouse can unilaterally seek divorce. Tej Pratap took the step barely a couple of days after his return from a pilgrimage to Vrindavan, from where he had shared on social media photographs of himself posing like Lord Krishna playing a flute surrounded by a herd of cattle. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An unidentified militant was killed in a brief gun battle with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Saturday, police said. Security personnel launched a cordon and search operation in the Khudpora area of Shopian following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter as militants opened fire upon the personnel who then retaliated. One militant was killed, the official said, adding that incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, were recovered from the scene of the encounter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Saturday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand". Tharoor had waded into a controversy at the Bangalore Literature Festival Sunday last by claiming that an unnamed RSS leader had compared Modi to "a scorpion sitting on a Shivling" and "you cannot remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a chappal either". A criminal defamation complaint had been filed against him in a Delhi court earlier in the day for his "scorpion" remark. Tharoor again took a swipe at the prime minister, calling him "a hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand saying I know all the answers". "Modi is a one-man government and everybody dancing to what he says," he said at an event organised by an industry body, adding India now has the "most centralised PMO" in history. "Every decision is taken by the PMO (prime minister's office). Every file has to be sent to the PMO for approval," he claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign trips had failed to create an environment that would help bring back black money stashed abroad or fugitives from the law. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Modi government had failed to extradite those who allegedly committed scams and fled with public money. A prime minister does not travel abroad on a fun trip but he represents his country, and creates influence which should benefit his country in times of disputes or need, he told reporters here. But in the last four and a half years, the PM could not create enough influence to bring back those like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and others, he added. During the last Lok Sabha elections, Modi had promised to bring back black money, which did not happen, the MP said. Instead, the tax payer's money was taken away and he could not stop it from happening, he said. Azad said CBI director Alok Verma was recently sent on leave as the agency was about to begin investigations into the Rafale fighter deal with France, a charge already denied by the government. He alleged the BJP government was involved in corruption running in thousands of crores, and BJP-ruled states like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were also suffering from graft. He claimed the BJP government had failed in keeping promises. It gave slogans like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao', which did not amount to anything and the government just focused on publicity, he charged. The Pradesh Congress committee also released a Rajasthan report card, alleging that the state's Bharatiya Janata Party government is a failure. The Rajasthan Assembly elections, likely to be a mostly straight contest between the ruling BJP and the Congress, will be held on December 7. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A senior faculty member of the National Institute of Design (NID) here has been expelled after a group of students accused him of sexual harassment, the institute said Saturday. Krishnesh Mehta, who had been teaching at the NID since 1995, resigned last month after the institute sought to terminate his services, it said in a statement. The development comes amid the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment which has gained momentum in India in recent weeks. Mehta could not be contacted for his reaction. According to the NID statement, a group of students had alleged that Mehta made "undesirable and out-of-syllabus references to sexuality and sexual relations and behaviour," and his conduct amounted to "sexual harassment". This was the second time the institute had received a complaint against him, it added. A few years ago his increment was stopped following similar complaints and he had tendered a written apology then, it said. After the latest allegations, the NID set up an internal inquiry committee which found the complaint to be genuine, it said. Mehta apologised and submitted his resignation, and was relieved from services from October 5, the institute added. He has also been barred from entering the NID campus and involvement in any academic or other programs of the institute. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bihar cabinet on Saturday gave its nod for redevelopment of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) into a world's largest 5462 bed hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 5540.07 crore. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Altogether 34 decisions were taken at the meeting. "The cabinet gave its administrative nod for redeveloping PMCH into a world's largest 5462 bed hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 5540.07 crore. The hospital would be redeveloped by Bihar Medical Services & Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (BMSICL)on a turn key basis," cabinet secretariat department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar told reporters here. The PMCH was established in 1925. The move would help in tiding over the shortage of doctors in the state besides making patients available best medical services, he said. At present, the hospital has the capacity of 1754 bed, he said adding the number of MBBS seats would be increased to 250 against the existing 150. It would be world's largest hospital having 5462 bed with 36 super speciality departments against the present eight super speciality department, Kumar said adding that the world's largest hospital currently is in Belgrade with 3500 bed. The hospital would be redeveloped in three phases in seven years, Kumar said while making it clear that the department would expedite the work to complete the project before the scheduled timeframe. It would be a "green building" which will have its connectivity with "Loknayak Ganga Path" commonly known as marine drive currently being built along Ganga river apart from double decker flyover connecting it with Kargil Chowk at Gandhi Maidan in the state capital. In another important decisions, the state cabinet gave its nod to home department's proposal to increase daily/training allowance for home guard jawans to Rs 774 per working day from existing Rs 400 per working day, the Principal Secretary said. He added that the cabinet has increased the home guard jawan's allowance on par with one day salary of state government's constable. A total of 25913 home guard jawans would be benefited from the decision which would incur an additional annual burden of Rs 353 crore on state's exchequer, he said. It also sanctioned Rs 3031.03 crore for carrying out maintenance of 5331.65 km of roads in south Bihar while Rs 3623.27 crore sanctioned for maintenance of 7731.61 km roads in north Bihar, Kumar said while adding that the maintenance would be carried out under "Long Term Output and Performance Based Road Asset Maintenance Contract". The cabinet also sanctioned Rs 1450 crore from Bihar Contingency Fund (BCF) for providing assistance to the drought hit 275 blocks of 23 districts in the state, he said. It may be noted that the state government had on October 15, 2018 declared 206 blocks of 23 districts as drought hit due to irregular and deficient rainfall in these districts. The cabinet meeting held on October 23, 2018, took a decision that more blocks would added as drought hit on the basis of report furnished by the agriculture department after reviewing those blocks which have not been declared as drought hit. It also sanctioned Rs 392 crore for disbursement of loans in 2018-19 under Student Credit Card scheme to be given by Bihar State Educational Finance Corporation Ltd, Kumar said. The meeting okayed Rs 3000 per month for usingt elephone and internet for official purpose for chairman, vice chairman and other persons of various commissions, boards, corporation, committees etc having the status of minister, minister of state and deputy minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Situation in Pakistan returned to normalcy Saturday as the massive countrywide protests led by hundreds of radical Islamist hardliners against the acquittal of a Christian woman in a blasphemy case came to a halt following a deal with the government. Asia Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. Extremists chiefly belonging to Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and other factions took to streets against the verdict and blocked main roads in all major cities as well as several highways and motorways, seriously hampering the movements of goods, services and people. "I am thankful to all Muslims who have played their part to ensure respect for Prophet Muhammad," TLP chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi told his followers before calling off protests. "You have made an example and lesson for our generations to come about what it means to respect the Holy Prophet," he said. Earlier, footage shared on social media showed that they wreaked vengeance on common people and burnt cars, bike and buses, torched properties and attacked police. The chaos that reigned in cities like Lahore finally came to halt after government agreed to stop Asia from going abroad, promised not to stand against the review petition against her acquittal in the Supreme Court and withdraw of all the cases against hooligans and release those arrested. Police announced on twitter after the agreement that Motorways and National Highways are open for all types of traffic. However, they urged public to refrain from unwanted travel keeping in view the "volatile and unpredictable" situation. There are reports that Maulana Ashraf Jalali of Tehreek-i-Labail Ya Rasool Allah faction was till protesting but was not a big force to enforce big blockades. So, schools have been opened in Punjab and elsewhere and mobile and internet services restored, police said. The only saving grace for the government is that the TLP in the signed agreement "apologised if it had hurt the sentiments of someone or caused inconvenience" to them during the protests. So far there is no proof that the protestors were also paid money to go back. Last year, a video went viral showing an ISI army officer in uniform distributing money among the protestors after negotiating a deal with them the end the protests in Islamabad. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Odisha government Saturday approved investment proposals worth Rs 25,845 crore for setting up six mega manufacturing facilities by Nalco, Hindalco, Vedanta and Chiripal Poly Films Limited. A High Level Clearance Authority (HLCA), headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, gave its nod to the investment proposals of the large scale manufacturing units, which have the potential to create 13,700 jobs in the state, an official said. Of the total 25,845 crore investment proposals, Vedanta Limited alone has proposed to invest Rs 14,223 crore and create employment for 10,694 people in three separate units. The aluminium major has proposed to expand the capacity of its refinery unit at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district at an investment of Rs 6,483 crore, which would provide employment to 9,494 people. Vedanta Limited also proposed to invest Rs 1,240 crore for expansion of its aluminium smelter plant at Bhurkhamunda, in Jharsuguda. The project will create employment for 800 people, the company said. The company's proposal for setting up a caustic soda and chemical by-product plant at an investment of Rs 6,500 crore also got approval of the HLCA. The company said the unit will provide jobs to 400 people. Nalco's proposal for production of aluminium alloy wheel, aluminium foil, aluminium rolled products and extrusions, also got the green signal from the HLCA. The Navratna PSU has proposed to invest Rs 5,522 crore and create employment for 1761 people at Kamakshyanagar in Dhenkanal district. Hindalco's proposal for setting up aluminium flat rolled products unit at Lapang in Sambalpur district at an investment of Rs 5,000 crore too got the HLCA nod. The company will provide employment for 550 people. Chiripal Poly Films Limited has proposed to produce flexible packaging unit under plastic and polymer sector at Paradip. The company plans to invest Rs 1,100 crore and generate employment for 700 people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sitting on his haunches, 64-year-old Satya Prakash Shukla carefully waits for the sound of a potential customer amidst the droning hubbub of Delhi's posh Khan Market. With a colourful spread of packed diyas in front of him, he moves his fingers deftly from one stack to another to pick out the products his visitors ask for, offering them the same with a smile. "It doesn't matter how many customers I get. God has provided for me and my wife all these years. Why should I worry about sales now?" the blind hawker said. While Shukla might be indifferent to the profits he makes this Dhanteras, retailers across the city have a different story to tell. "Online market has entirely killed our sales," Suraj Singh of Aastha Steel Centre in east Delhi's Mayur Vihar said. Singh, whose modest shop is lined with a wide array of kitchen utensils, hasn't had a very festive in the last few years. "Earlier we would get large pre- orders of 500-700 items like cookers, tiffin sets, but now nobody is looking for such big orders. They only buy one or two items like spoons, steel plates, or bowls," he said. On the other hand, leading e-commerce websites are looking forward to Their market share has only strengthened over the years, they said. With a focus on the next "100 million buyers", Snapdeal, an India-based e-commerce website, told PTI that it has seen a 2.5-times increase in orders this year and 75 per cent of all orders were received from non-metro cities. "Till now e-commerce has been about relatively homogenous metro buyers, relatively high-income and voracious internet users. Now the market is rapidly expanding beyond the first 100 million e-commerce buyers. The socio-economic demographics are now spread over a wider spectrum," a spokesperson said. The most popular items purchased on the online shopping website during the 2018 sale were sarees, bedsheets, utensils, among other products. Besides the competition from online market, Mukesh Goyal of Kriti Creations blames the increasing prices of decorative and festive essentials for a dampened sale year after year. "The common man is troubled with increasing prices. Essential items like statues of deities are taxable, camphor, which is important for Diwali rituals, is selling with 18 per cent Earlier we had to pay only 5 per cent VAT on it," he said. Goyal, who is the third generation owner of the year-round festival shopping store in Khan Market, added that owing to such increasing prices "people choose online retailers, who get foreign funding and can afford bigger discounts and offers". Despite a seemingly excited crowd thronging Goyal's shop, he said that the sales this year have not improved as the people "who used to buy statues worth Rs 21,000, are going away with those of Rs 1,100". "Nobody is placing large gift orders anymore" is a common sentiment resonating among local sellers like Singh and Goyal. "Earlier customers used to send orders for gift hampers, today nobody is interested in them. They are more into small decorative items only," Goyal said. However, major e-commerce website, India shared data indicating that the market wasn't as bad for the local sellers as it seemed. A large part of the inventories of the online shopping portals was being provided by offline retailers, it said. In its "Great Indian Festival" held between October 10-15, the e-commerce giant saw "new sellers growing by 300 per cent in sales over an average business day with 7,000 sellers crossing the millionaire mark". too believed in providing offline sellers with a "platform to start and grow their digital enterprises, even as they nurture their traditional, offline businesses. A Christian missionary from Indiana was killed in Cameroon while traveling in a region where the military and separatists have been fighting. According to the U.S. State Department, Charles Wesco, a 44-year-old Baptist missionary, had been in Cameroon for less than two weeks when he was killed. He was shot in a region of northwest Cameroon where the military has been fighting English-speaking separatists. Brutal attacks on civilians and security forces in Anglophone regions of Cameroon have escalated in recent weeks and could rise even further, rights groups have warned. Schools are central to the conflict, which erupted after security forces responded violently to protests in October 2017 calling for English to be used in classrooms and courtrooms in Cameroons Anglophone regions. Peaceful protesters were shot at and some were killed by security forces, some allegedly using attack helicopters. Hundreds of people were jailed. Amnesty International estimates 400 ordinary citizens have been killed in the past year, and 160 members of the security forces have died since late 2016. According to the UN, the fighting has forced an estimated 20,000 Cameroonians to flee to Nigeria Cameroons octogenarian president, Paul Biya, who has held power for 36 years, has won another term last week after an election marred by allegations of fraud and in which many people were too scared to vote. President has suggested he was open to a new comprehensive deal with Iran, saying that till then the toughest-ever sanctions on the Middle-East country that kicks off on Monday would continue. "The United States remains open to reaching a new, more comprehensive deal with that forever blocks its path to a nuclear weapon, addresses the entire range of its malign actions, and is worthy of the Iranian people," said in a presidential statement late Friday night. "Until then, our historic sanctions will remain in full force," he said, hours after his two Cabinet members, Secretary of State and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, announced that the would reimpose a series of crippling sanctions on beginning Monday. In his presidential statement, called on the regime to abandon its nuclear ambitions, change its "destructive behaviour", respect the rights of its people, and return in good faith to the negotiating table. It was in May, Trump had announced that the had withdraw from what he described as "the horrible, one-sided" nuclear deal. "On Monday, November 5, the termination of United States participation in the Iran nuclear deal will be complete. The last set of sanctions lifted under the terrible nuclear deal will come back into force, including powerful sanctions on Iran's energy, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors, and sanctions targeting transactions with the Central Bank of Iran and sanctioned Iranian banks," the president said. "Our objective is to force the regime into a clear choice: either abandon its destructive behaviour or continue down the path toward economic disaster," he added. Later a senior State Department official told reporters that the US was ready for talks with Iran. "Secretary Pompeo has been very clear that we have an ear open to what is possible. We very much want to begin work on a new and better deal to replace the insufficient Iran nuclear deal that the president left in May, and our campaign of maximum economic pressure is a critical tactic to achieve that goal," Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said. The Opposition Congress in Kerala Saturday demanded a probe into the nepotism charge against Minister for Local Administration, K T Jaleel. The Muslim Youth League alleged Friday that Adeeb K T, a cousin of Jaleel, was appointed general manager in Kerala State Minorities Development Finance Corporation, flouting rules. Adeeb was serving as manager of a private bank when the appointment was made. "The allegation that the minister's cousin was appointed in the corporation after making changes in the education qualification required for the post, is serious. "Jaleel's Facebook post saying his cousin was forced to take up the post as no one with the requisite qualification turned up creates doubts," Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala said Saturday. He said the Facebook post of Jaleel, justifying the appointment, amounts to confession. However, Jaleel dismissed the charge as baseless. "It was to appoint a person from a reputed financial institution. The corporation advertised for the post with MBA or B.Tech with PGDBA/CS/CA/ICWAI and three years' experience as the criteria. Seven people had applied for the post out of which three appeared for interview. "And those three did not have the requisite qualification," Jaleel said clarifying his stand in a Facebook post. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Mullappally Ramachandran warned the government of legal consequences if a probe was not initiated into the matter. "The eligibility criteria was changed without even intimating the board of directors of the corporation in order to recruit his relative," Ramachandran alleged. He also alleged that relatives of any CPI(M) leader can get plum posts in this government. Jaleel is the second minister of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government being caught in the nepotism row. In October 2016, just five months after coming to power, then Industries minister E P Jayarajan had to resign on a similar charge. However, Jayarajan was reinstated as a minister in August this year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's top pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Samiul Haq was laid to rest on Saturday afternoon in the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak town in the north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Haq, the 82-year-old cleric who was also known as the 'godfather of Taliban', was stabbed to death by unidentified attackers at his residence in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Friday. Thousands of people, including National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Governor Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman, Chief Minister Mehmood Khan, attended Haq's funeral prayers which were led by his son Maulana Hamidul Haq. After the prayers, Haq was buried close to his father's grave in the Darul Uloom Haqqania. The provincial government has declared a day of mourning. The funeral was also attended by members of political parties, religious scholars and lawmakers. A 65-member Afghan delegation also attended the funeral prayers. Elaborate security measures were adopted with police deployed at different points in and around the Darul Uloom Haqqania. Haq was the head of the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary, which is dubbed in the western media as "University of Jihad" as several top Afghan and Pakistani Taliban leaders studied there, including Mullah Omar who had received an honorary doctorate from the seminary. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- Launches its fully integrated hospital capable of handling advanced treatments and surgeries for orthopedics, neurology, accident and emergency medicine Parvathy Hospitals expands into Mahindra World City by announcing the launch of Parvathy Jeevan Hospital, a fully functional 24x7 multispecialty tertiary healthcare hospital. The new hospital envisioned with new generation of 'superlative health caring' with state-of-the-art infrastructure that includes ICU, inside Mahindra World City, Chengalpattu. This facility was inaugurated by Dr. S. Muthukumar, Chairman, Parvathy Hospital, Dr. O.V. Jayakumar, Medical Director, Parvathy Jeevan Hospital and Mr. Sujay Sambamoorthy, CEO, Parvathy Hospital presided on the occasion. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/779159/Parvathy_Hospital_Launch.jpg ) The hospital is spread over 6,000 sq. ft. that enables a 40-bedded high-end state-of-the-art hospital in Mahindra World City. Designed to hold the distinction of being with International standards, the hospital boasts of various facilities including ICU care, 24x7 accident and emergency care, 2 Operating theatres and other corporate healthcare services. The quaternary hospital will have center of excellence in the field of Accident &Emergency Care, Critical care, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, General Medicine & Surgery, Neuro Sciences, Orthopedics, Pediatric& Gynecology, Plastic Surgeries, Urology and Vascular surgery, Diagnosis and Investigation. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. S. Muthukumar, Chairman, Parvathy Hospital said, "Parvathy Hospitals has emerged as the most trusted healthcare hospital in Chennai and we are happy to foray in Mahindra World City, Chengalpattu with our vast experience in the field of healthcare. Our long-term visioning has helped us to identify areas where we can serve patients better. We identified Mahindra World City, Chengalpattu as center where explicit healthcare was the need of the hour." Dr. O V Jayakumar, Medical Director, Parvathy Jeevan Hospital, said, "The Hospital is designed to diagnose and treat illness before they develop into health issues. Here we have adopted a fully integrated healthcare system for treatment and hence achieving patient satisfaction. This will be the only 24x7 hospital in Mahindra World City that will be capable of doing advanced treatment and surgeries for Orthopedics and trauma cases." Mr. Sujay Sambamoorthy, CEO, Parvathy Hospital, said, "Parvathy Jeevan Hospital is first of our expansion plan. We have planned to open new hospitals in Alwarpet, Koyambedu, Valsarawakkam and Oragadam. In addition, we are signing up with the Government of Bahamas and its operations will roll up by first week of December, 2018. With these thoughts in place, we have drawn up plans to spread our wings across India and other countries to add 500 beds by 2020. About Parvathy Hospital: Almost three decades ago, Parvathy Hospital was only a fledgling of an idea. Born of a necessity to offer better healthcare to Indians,it has since become a name to reckon with as one of Chennai's leading healthcare service providers. Parvathy Hospital has consistently envisioned patients' needs and introduced game changing innovations. In the years gone by, we have broken new grounds - from providing Level 1 Trauma care to bringing Asia's first of it's kind Joint Replacement Surgeries. As we forge ahead, healthcare will become even more inclusive. Our Centre of Excellence is to build on our core philosophy of high quality of care in key areas of Orthopaedics, Emergency & Critical Care, Cardiac Sciences, Neuro Sciences, Urology, Vascular sciences and Gastro Entereology. For more information, please visit http://parvathyhospital.com/ . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Havildar, Constable and Sepoy Confederation, which had threatened to go on strike from Sunday, has decided to put on hold its state-wide stir saying the state government has yielded to its demands in the two-month-long lawyer-police spat. Out of our three demands, the state government has already taken care of one, and has initiated appropriate measures to fulfil the remaining two, said confederation president Santosh Satapathy on Saturday. He said the confederation is grateful to the state government and the DGP for being considerate. On Thursday, the confederation had given a 48-hour deadline to the state government to revoke the suspension imposed on three policemen and a home guard, who had allegedly assaulted advocate Devi Prasanna Patnaik on August 28 after the advocate was thrashed by the public over a series of accidents he committed in a drunken state. The police body had also demanded action against the IIC of Chauliaganj police station, who had let up Patnaik on the night of August 28 without initiating criminal proceedings against him after he was brought in an inebriated condition to the police station. Further, it had demanded action against those advocates, who had assaulted constables on duty inside the High Court premises on September 28. The government has revoked the suspension of policemen and sought an explanation from the IIC of Chauliaganj police station for his August 28 action, Satapathy said adding the DGP has also assured of appropriate action against the culprits of the September 28 incident that took place inside the premises of the High Court. Reacting to the state governments action vis--vis the demands of the police body, the High Court Bar Association Secretary Satyabrat Mohanty said: It was very unfortunate that the State Government revoked the suspension orders on those policemen, for whose arrest, the lawyers are agitating for over two months now. He said these developments will be discussed by the general body of the bar on Monday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala set to open for monthly poojas on November 5, the police is on high alert and tight security arrangements are in place in the backdrop of violent protests over entry of women of menstrual age last month. According to a Kerala police release, 1,500 personnel, 100 of them women, are keeping vigil at Sabarimala and nearby areas. A 20-member commando team has been deployed at Sannidhanam, Nilackal and Pamba, the release said. Meanwhile, the BJP's state unit said its president P S Sreedharan Pillai has received a death threat. Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and chief priest Unnikrishnan Namboodiri will open the temple doors and light the lamp at the 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum) on November 5 at 5 pm. Besides the usual poojas, "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" special pooja, will be held on November 6 and the shrine will be closed at 10 pm. Prohibitory order under section 144 CrPc banning assembly of four or more people will come into force at Pamba, Nilackal, Elavungal, and Sannidhanam from midnight Saturday till November 6 midnight. Barricades have been erected at many places en route to Nilackal and police personnel are allowing vehicles only after checking. The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed violent protests by Ayyappa devotees against the entry of young women when it was opened for last month's poojas from October 17-22. At least 12 women had made a vain attempt to trek the hills soon after the Supreme Court verdict permitting women in the 10-50 age group to offer prayers at the shrine. They had to retreat following the protests and demonstrations by devotees. Comprehensive traffic arrangements have been made by police in Pathnamthitta district where the shrine is located. Private vehicles carrying pilgrims would be allowed to proceed only up to Nilackal, a base camp, police said. The Keralapolice has introduced online booking for pilgrims, which would enable them to conveniently choose the day and time of darshan. According to officials, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation tickets are compulsory for all pilgrims, whoreach Nilackal, except those who go by foot. The devotees can avail the ticket booking facility and choose the darshan time also. The KSRTC has also made arrangements for the pilgrims who reach for darshan on foot, to avail online tickets from Pamba at the foothills. Meanwhile, the state government said it was prepared to hold talks with the Nair Service Society (NSS), an outfit of the influential Nair community, which is against entry of young women into the hill shrine. "The government is prepared to remove misunderstandings with NSS and has an open mind for talks with the outfit," Devaswom (temple administration) minister Kadakkampally Surendran told reporters. The attack against the NSS office here Friday was "well-planned," he said. BJP leader K Surendran alleged that government had some "hidden agenda" on Sabarimala temple. He said the party's state president, P S Sreedharan Pillai, has received a "death threat" Saturday through speed post and the DGP has been informed. BJP and various Hindu outfits are on the warpath against the left government over its decision to implement the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of menstrual age to enter the shrine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has said people in the Valley are losing their appetite for the mainstream parties whose political space has "shrunk" due to the worsening of the situation in the state. Speaking at a book-launch event here last night, Omar said Jammu and Kashmir needed more than just the words repeated from the ramparts of the Red Fort, in an apparent reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Mainstream political space in the Valley has shrunk, but that is something that ebbs and flows. It's not constant. The space between separatists and mainstream comes and goes," he said. "The mood on the streets is very raw.. It is as if the govt is unwilling and unable to accept that the state needs more than just the words from the ramparts of the Red Fort," Omar said. He said people of the Valley had seen a "glimmer of hope" last year when the Prime Minister on the Independence Day talked about the need to embrace the people of Kashmir rather than use abuse and bullets. "There was actually a glimmer of hope that finally the realisation has dawned, that a hard line policy of seeing Kashmir purely through the prism of security problem is not going to work. But from that August 15 to the next August 15 nothing changed. The same words were repeated this year," he said. Omar said the situation in the Valley was becoming worse with militancy re-emerging in areas that were earlier free from it. He was in conversation with Centre's former interlocutor to Jammu and Kashmir Radha Kumar whose book 'Paradise At War' - a political history of Kashmir published by Aleph Book Company was launched here. "I don't think in recent years more damage has been done to the idea of mainstream polity than when (former Chief Minister) Mufti Sayeed was publically humiliated at a really in Srinagar," Omar said. He was referring to a 2015 rally in Srinagar where Modi snubbed Mufti when he offered some advice to the Prime Minister on starting a dialogue with Pakistan. "Mufti Sayeed had not said anything which was objectionable or anti-national, but the response he got was no body can teach me about Kashmir. I don't need anyone's advice. I know what exactly has to be done. I have been an RSS karikarta (worker) and have made more trips to Kashmir than any of you have done. And please don't teach me what to do. I know exactly what to do. "All this has an impact. You want mainstream politicians to have space. How about respecting them first? Space will come automatically," the National Conference leader said. Omar said there can be no mainstream if autonomy was linked to cessation as both the main regional parties (NC and PDP) in the Valley talk about one or the other element of autonomy. "If both are cessationist, then there is no mainstream," he said. "If we can talk about autonomy of Sri Lankan Tamils, the Tibet as an autonomous region in China, why do we shy away from talking about the autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir? We are not asking for it. It was granted to us," Omar said. He also said although Pakistan was a part of the problem, what is stopping the government from engaging with people of Kashmir. "The fact that highest number of youth are willing to join militant ranks is not down to Pakistan. Although Pakistan is fishing in the troubled waters, the sentiment you see on the ground cannot be linked to Pakistan. "Pakistan cannot be blamed for it...You can say Pakistan is part of the problem, but what is stopping you from engaging with the people of the state," he asked. Omar also said he "truly believes" that the future of Jammu and Kashmir lies with the Union of India and that the state could not survive on its own if given independence. "I truly believe that the future of Jammu and Kashmir lies within the Indian Union... "I don't believe that an independent Jammu and Kashmir can survive in this environment of Pakistan on one side, China on the other and then India here (on one side). Mine is a practical realisation. It is based on analysing and understanding the realities of Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Omar said the Centre had appointed interlocutors and the report they came up with should have been discussed in Parliament, but was never acted upon. Kumar in her remarks said people in the Valley "detested" the Indian State, to which Omar said "I find it difficult to disagree with". "I have never seen a government in my life which is so impervious to the concerns of Kashmiris," Kumar said. "It feels that you deliberately want to drive this place away or you are callous to the point that you don't care...We won't find any Kashmiri willing to make peace in the next five years and I am being optimistic," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Small and medium-sized fertiliser industries are facing shortage of sulphuric acid especially after the closure of Sterlite Copper Smelter Plant in Tuticorin that was the main producer, managing director of Coimbatore Pioneer Fertiliser D Vidyaprakash said Saturday. The Tamil Nadu government had in May ordered permanent closure of the Sterlite unit of Vedanta group after 13 people, who demanded the closure citing environmental concerns, were killed in a police firing. Owing to the shortage of the single super phosphate, a fertiliser, arising out of low supply of sulphuric acid, many fertiliser units were affected, Vidyaprakash told reporters. He said short supply of good quality acid has caused a rise in its cost by 300 per cent hitting production of the single super phosphate. The managing director said the existing stock in Coimbatore Pioneer Fertiliser may meet the demand for 20 days. He said sourcing the acid from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh or northern States would double the cost because of freight charge. Vidyaprakash said the government should intervene in the crisis and ensure viable source of sulphuric acid. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi lashed out Saturday at the Uttar Pradesh government over the caning of aspiring teachers protesting over the court rulings that quashed the results of two recruitment exams, saying those responsible for shaping the future of children are being beaten up. The police used canes Friday to disperse people protesting in Lucknow against two court rulings that quashed the selection of over 12,000 government teachers and also ordered a CBI probe into the process to appoint 68,500 more. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had struck down Thursday the selection of 12,460 assistant teachers through an exam advertised in 2016, during the term of the Akhilesh Yadav government. The other order came as a major embarrassment for the Yogi Adityanath government. The bench directed the CBI to investigate a recruitment exercise begun earlier this year to fill 68,500 posts. Reacting to the protests, Gandhi posted pictures of the injured protesters, saying people who are responsible for making the future of the children are being beaten up. Two crore jobs were promised, but look at the response of the Yogi government in UP over demands by youth for recruitment of 68,500 assistant teachers.Those who are responsible for the future of children, their own future being hurt? Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi Congress is with the assistant teachers in the state. The youth will soon respond to this, he said in the same tweet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tanzanias government has established a committee to investigate and deal with people who are involved in homosexual activities. According to local media, the 17-member committee was announced on Wednesday by the Dar es Salaam regional commissioner, Paul Makonda. The committee includes police officers, psychologists, and members of the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Makonda called on all Tanzanians to delete any pornographic material from their phones within this week. Earlier this year, authorities banned many private health clinics from providing HIV/Aids services, saying they encouraged same-sex sexual intercourse. In July 2016, the government banned the import and sale of sexual lubricants, with Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu saying it encouraged homosexuality which led to the spread of HIV/Aids. Despite the ban on homosexuality, Tanzania was until recently somewhat more tolerant towards LGBT people than many other African countries, but a rise in anti-gay rhetoric by the government has led to a spike in discrimination, according to the BBC. LGBT people face a 30-year jail sentence under Tanzanian law, mirroring severe penalties for same-sex relationships across many African countries. Last year the minister threatened to publish the names of gay people selling their bodies. BJP MP Anurag Thakur Saturday alleged Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was "pretending to be a religious person to deceive voters", adding that the Congress' "pretence" for "Hindu interests" made it clear that only those who talked of Hindus would rule the country. The ongoing campaign for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, slated for November 28, has seen the Congress projecting Gandhi as a 'Shiv bhakt' with the party chief offering prayers at several temples, including the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. "Rahul is pretending to be a religious person. The Congress did not remember 'janeu' (sacred thread worn by Hindus) in the last 70 years. But the Congress chief is now showing his thread to deceive voters," the Himachal MP, also the BJP's chief whip in Lok Sabha, said. "Congress used to talk about Hindu terrorism and saffron terrorism earlier. But Rahul is repeatedly visiting temples now. This has made one thing clear that those who talk about interests of Hindus would rule the country. But the Congress is only pretending to be bothered about Hindu interests," Thakur said. In reply to a question, the BJP MP from Hamirpur said, "Rahul alleges (liquor baron) Vijay Mallya, (diamantaires) Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi fled the country after taking loans worth thousands of crore rupees from Indian banks. But these businessmen were close to the Congress during the UPA regime". Speaking about alleged differences between senior Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia on ticket distribution, Thakur said the "battle" within the opposition party had led to its failure in projecting a CM face for the state. "The state Congress has been engaged in the battle of raja (Digvijaya) and maharaja (Scindia). It has even failed to decide about a chief ministerial face," the BJP leader said. The counting of votes for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls will be held on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Yoga guru Ramdev made a strong pitch for constructing a Ram temple in Ayodhya Saturday, saying a legislation should be brought in Parliament if the Supreme Court does not deliver a verdict on the matter soon. On October 29, the Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing of the Ayodhya land dispute case. It said an "appropriate bench" will decide in January when to hear the politically-sensitive case, sparking demands for a law to begin construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site. The Congress and Muslim groups have said they would want all stakeholders to wait for the apex court verdict, and not rush to resolve the issue through a legislation. Ramdev said there could be sections averse to bringing a legislation for the construction of a temple in Ayodhya but there was no opposition to Ram in India. "If the apex court does not take a decision on the matter soon, then Parliament is the highest institution in a democracy and there is nothing wrong in bringing a legislation," Ramdev told reporters on the sidelines of a two-day conference at Patanjali Yogpeeth. "Ayodhya mein Ram Mandir nahin banega toh aur kya banega (What else will be built in Ayodhya if not a Ram temple)," he said. Fourteen appeals have been filed against a 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement that said the 2.77 acres of disputed land in Ayodhya be partitioned equally among three 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.) Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said on Saturday that reports claiming a Kashmiri student of a private university joined militant ranks in the Valley were "hugely worrying". Bilal Sofi (17), a resident of Khanyar locality in downtown Srinagar, was was pursuing graduation from Greater Noida's Sharda University. "If this is genuine (social media post about Sofi joining militant ranks), it's hugely worrying. Sometimes seemingly small actions have huge consequences (sic)," Abdullah wrote on Twitter. Sofi went missing on October 28 after he left the varsity with official permission to go to Delhi, days after he was mistakenly roughed up during a scuffle between Indian and Afghan students in the campus. A missing complaint was registered in the case at the Knowledge Park police station in Greater Noida as well as at the Khanyar police station in Srinagar, officials said. The pictures on social media showed Sofi dressed in a black outfit and claimed he had joined militant group ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. "If what happened to him at #ShardaUniversity has lead him to choose such a destructive path it's even more tragic. One more life on the path to ruin & one more family in turmoil (sic)," Abdullah tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A total penalty of Rs 80 lakh was imposed on violators in the last two days by the teams deployed to monitor implementation of measures to combat pollution in the Delhi NCR under the Clean Air Campaign, the CPCB said Saturday. An aggressive ten-day-long 'Clean Air Campaign' from November 1 to 10 has been launched by Union Minister Harsh Vardhan to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action. These teams are visiting different parts of Delhi and adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida. Based on 465 complaints, a total fine of Rs 41,82,500 was imposed on Saturday itself by 52 teams in the national capital which has witnessed deteriorating air quality in the past two weeks, said the Central Pollution Control Board. The highest number of complaints on Saturday were related to illegal construction and demolition activities, the CPCB said. A total of 167 complaints of construction and demolition activities were received. Other complaints included that of vehicular emission, traffic congestion, industrial emission, open or garbage burning, leaf burning, road dust, unpaved road, fire in landfill sites, air pollution from generators among others, it said. A total of 89 complaints were received through social media and e-mail while 376 complaints were received through the 'Sameer app' that has been developed by the CPCB. About 42 teams visited sites of 312 complaints in Delhi while one team attended to 21 complaints in Gurgaon, two teams to 17 complaints in Faridabad, three teams to ten complaints in Noida and Greater Noida and four teams for 16 complaints in Ghaziabad. Delhi's air pollution level dipped slightly Saturday but remained in the "very poor" category due to control measures by authorities and stagnant meteorological conditions but officials warned of deterioration in air quality to "severe" levels from Monday. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 336, which falls in the "very poor" category, according to data of the CPCB. On Friday, a total of 576 complaints were received and a fine of Rs 38,68,500 was imposed, the CPCB said, adding 251 complaints were related to construction and demolition activities. While other complaints included vehicular emission, traffic congestion, industrial emission, open or garbage burning, leaf burning, road dust, unpaved road, fire in landfill sites, air pollution from generators among others. A total of 62 complaints were received through social media and email while 474 complaints were recieved through the Sameer app. About 45 teams visited sites of 418 complaints in Delhi while two teams attended to two complaints in Gurgaon, two teams to 30 complaints in Faridabad, two teams to 18 complaints in Noida and Greater Noida and one team for six complaints in Ghaziabad. The teams comprise the local Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) as the team leader, senior official from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and representatives from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The deployment of teams come ahead of the festival season when the air quality is expected to deteriorate to severe levels due to local factors as well as regional factors like the stubble burning. The measures imposed in the national capital to check pollution have led to a slight improvement in air quality which continued to remain in the lower limit of "very poor" category. Earlier, the air quality was on the brink of slipping into severe category. Other measures include halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also directed the Transport Department and the Traffic Police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Saturday took out a protest march to seek justice for the families of those killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The march, led by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, started from Gurudwara Pratapganj and ended outside Parliament Street police station. The Akali Dal has been seeking justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which a large number of Sikhs were killed in the national capital and in other parts of the country in the aftermath of former prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday while were joining hands to protect their ruling dynasties, the worked to change the country's destiny, as he dubbed some rivals as "lying machines who fire off lies like AK-47". Modi asked workers not to be concerned with the alliance of opposition parties, saying people do not accept them and even "hate" them for their negative works, refusal to recognise the country's good works and "abuses and insults" for the Army. His comments targeting the alliance of came after a worker sought his response during a video interaction on the coming together of "anti-national" forces like the communists and whenever he takes a step to "protect" Indian values. Responding to another question in the interaction with party workers of five Lok Sabha constituencies, he accused the opposition of telling lies against his government and said people now had many means to find correct information. "Some leaders are like lying machines. Whenever they open their mouths, they fire off lies like AK 47," he said, asking (BJP) workers to unmask their lies by taking correct information to the masses. Modi made a reference to a WhatsApp post in which, he said, media persons found that people attending a recent opposition's protests had little idea about the reasons for which they were raising slogans against him. They became a laughing stock, he said. Some opposition leaders give many different figures in a day, Modi said. However, he said, people know the truth and if a party worker speaks to 100 persons his confidence will grow many times. ALSO READ: Modi announces online loans of up to Rs 10 mn for MSME sector in 59 minutes Though the prime minister did not name any rival, the BJP has been taking on president for allegedly citing different figures related to the Rafale deal, described as a scam by him. In a reference to his and the BJP-led state governments, Modi said while they were working to change the country's destiny, the opposition was concerned about its ruling dynasties. are coming together as their leaders wanted to leave behind something for their sons, he said. They fear what will happen to 200-500 dynasties if the BJP remains in power for five to 10 more years, Modi said, adding that these families have had a tight hold over the country since its independence. "Due to this concern and to protect their dynasties, they have come together. They are concerned that they should leave something behind for their progenies," Modi said. He was apparently referring to growing attempts among opposition parties like the Congress, the Left and many regional outfits to put up a united fight against the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Modi also asked party workers to stay updated with latest information about his government's works through his app and publicise it among the masses. They should also compare the his government's works with the previous dispensations as people tend to forget about the past, he said. Referring to the big jump India saw in its ease of doing business ranking and a slew of measures announced by him for the micro, small and medium enterprises, Modi said a "virtuous cycle" had begun and that India's potential was now leading to performance and progress. It will then lead to higher potential, better performance and more progress, he said. India's rankling in the ease of doing business had jumped to 77 from 142, and it was a recognition the country's development and reforms, the prime minister said. Measures were initiated immediately to contain the spread of Zika virus infection within a three km radius of areas where three cases were detected in Madhya Pradesh, a senior state medical official said Saturday. Cases of Zika infection were found in Bhopal city and Sehore and Sironj districts in MP, said Dr B N Chouhan, Director, State Health Information, Education Communication Bureau. Alert was sounded in these areas after the National Institute of Virology (NIV) at Pune confirmed these cases, he said. "Teams are being deployed to contain the spread of the disease. These teams would search for larva of the mosquito and destroy it. Besides, ten teams have been constituted to collect samples of suspected Zika patients," he said. The three patients diagnosed with Zika infection are minors and they are being treated, he said, without giving more details. The Union Health Ministry had sent a team of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Emergency Medical Response (EMR) after suspected Zika cases were reported in the state, Dr Chouhan said. Zika virus, which spreads through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is also considered harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly in newborn children, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected. Zika virus disease is an emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January-February 2017 and second outbreak in July, 2017 from Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Zimbabwean companies can take advantage of the current high growth trajectory of the Indian economy, Vice President M said here Saturday. He said India and Zimbabwe have shared very cordial relationship that dates back to the 17th century when they were trading in metals, minerals and textiles, however, the economic ties between the two nations have not fully reflected their immense potential. The bilateral trade between the two nations stands at just over $230 million and investment at $500 million, which is "far below the potential". "There are natural synergies and complementarities between the two economies and we need to tap them for our mutual benefit. Zimbabwean companies can take advantage of the current high growth trajectory of the Indian economy," he said while addressing the India-Zimbabwe Business Forum here. India, one of the fastest growing major economies in the world, with a current growth rate of 8.2% is on course to become a 5 trillion economy by 2025. The country has recently become the 6th largest economy in the world with a GDP of $2.6 trillion. "Indian companies could form partnerships in Zimbabwe both for the domestic economy and for the wider Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa(COMESA)," Naidu said. The Vice President said the key areas with potential for two-way trade and investment engagement include mining, equipment manufacture, information and communication technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing, auto components, medical devices, defence production, infrastructure and tourism sectors. Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector is key to India's economy. As Zimbabwe's economy is also largely based on SME sector, it can benefit from India's experience, he said. Inviting Zimbabwe companies to set up their business in India, Naidu quoted the World Bank's 'Doing Business 2019' report which said that India, which advanced to 77th place in the global ranking, is now the region's top-ranked economy. "Starting a business was made easier through consolidation of multiple application forms and introduction of a Goods and Services Tax (GST)," the report stated. "India is changing rapidly. The business environment is changing for the better. The archaic regulations are being dismantled. Seamless processes are being introduced," Naidu said. Later in the evening, Naidu laid a wreath at the Heroes Acre, a memorial housing the remains of those people who sacrificed their lives in Zimbabwe's struggle for independence. He will leave for Malawi on Sunday on the last leg of his six-day three-nation tour to Africa, which aims at deepening India's strategic cooperation with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Tariq Anwar, who made a comeback to the Congress after nearly two decades, Saturday urged those who had left the party to return and fight in ousting the BJP from the Centre and Nitish Kumar government in Bihar. Anwar joined the Congress last week in Delhi after quitting the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in which he was a national general secretary. In a press conference at the Congress's Bihar headquarters here, he said his decision to part ways with the NCP was "painful" and made it clear that he had joined the Congress without any conditions. "The Congress has given me a lot and I have served in probably all crucial capacities except that of national president," Anwar said in his first visit to his home state after rejoining the party. He quit the party on September 28 following differences with Pawar's stand on the Rafale issue. The NCP chief, speaking to a television channel in September had said people "do not have doubts" over Prime Minister Narendra Modi intentions (in the Rafale deal). However, he retracted from his remark. Asked if he saw his move a result of misunderstanding, even as Pawar retracted, Anwar defended his resignation and said now there is no point in pondering over it. "The fact is, Congress is my old home. And I urge all others who have left the party over the years because of various reasons to return and join us in our fight against Modi and Nitish Kumar," he said. Though he did not take names of Congressmen, who are now in other parties, leaders like former chief minister Jagannath Mishra, Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Rajya Sabha MP C P Thakur, LJP MP Mahmood Ali Kaisar and JD(U) legislator Ashok Choudhary have roots in the grand old party. Besides resigning from the NCP, Anwar had also tendered his resignation from his Lok Sabha membership from the Pawar-led party from Katihar in Bihar. He also strongly criticised the Bihar government's handling of the situation here on Friday when police personnel went on a rampage over the death of a female constable who was allegedly denied sick leave. "It was utter lawlessness. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's image of a good administrator is in tatters," Anwar alleged. Dismissing speculation about the Congress demanding a greater share of seats in Bihar for the Lok Sabha polls, he said it is too early and also rubbished suggestions that the Congress had been relegated to the position of a B-Team of Lalu Prasad's RJD. To a query about the RJD supremo serving sentences in fodder scam cases, Anwar said it was a political conspiracy. "Central agencies like the CBI are being blatantly misused to settle scores. Lalu is one such victim.We are confident he will get justice once he appeals against his convictions in the higher courts," he said. Anwar also dismissed reports of discord within the Congress's state unit and said the absence of working president Kaukab Qadri, who had headed the BPCC till a few months ago, was on account of ill health. On what role the veteran leader could be assigned in the party, in recognition of his decision to return to the Congress, BPCC president Madan Mohan Jha interjected with the remark "a man as renowned as Tariq saab is in no need of recognition." "We dearly value his presence and shall be guided by his experience," he said. Both Anwar and Jha refuted reports that a "coordination committee" has been set up to decide the number of seats to be fought by each constituent of the Grand Alliance which at presents includes Congress, RJD and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav met father Lalu Prasad at a hospital in Ranchi Saturday and affirmed that he stands by his decision to end his six-month-old marriage with Aishwarya Rai as he cannot live a "stifled life". Yadav, Prasad's elder son, Friday filed a divorce petition at a court in Patna citing incompatibility with Rai, daughter of RJD leader Chandrika Rai, whom he married on May 12. Rai's grandfather Daroga Rai was the chief minister of Bihar for a brief period in the early 70s. On Saturday, Yadav met his father for over two hours at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, where the RJD chief is lodged in custody in connection with fodder scam cases. The former health minister had rushed to Patna airport on Friday after filing the divorce petition but had returned to the residence of his mother Rabri Devi after being persuaded by family members. This morning, he left for Ranchi to meet Prasad by road. After meeting his father, Yadav told reporters, "I stand by my decision. A person can't live a stifled life (ghut ghut kar)." He did not say what he discussed with Prasad, saying only that his father would come home and "I will wait for him". "We will discuss with our family members about it. But I remain firm on my decision." He said he will disclose "whatever I have to say" to the court when the hearing in the divorce case will begin on November 29. Asked about the effect of his decision on Bihar politics, Yadav only said it "will continue". Earlier Saturday, a team of doctors checked Prasad and told reporters that everything was normal. A diabetic, Prasad is suffering from various ailments and is in a private ward at RIMS. Justifying his move for separation, Yadav, during a brief stopover at Bodh Gaya enroute to Ranchi, said he was a "simple man" who was forced to marry the "urbane" Rai against his wishes and had been living a "stifled life" since then. There is no word from either Rai or her family since Friday, when the divorce petition was made public. In Bodh Gaya, Yadav said, "I had told my parents that I did not wish to marry at this moment. But nobody listened to me. Ours was a mismatch. I am a simple man with simple habits while she is a modern woman, educated in Delhi and used to life in a metropolis." He said he has not been on talking terms with Rai for the past couple of months. Asked whether his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav has spoken to him on the issue, he said they talk about politics, not about private matters. In his petition, Yadav has stated cruelty as the reason for seeking divorce. With the issue creating fresh trouble for the RJD's first family, whose members are embroiled in cases of corruption, Tejashwi Yadav expressed strong displeasure over the media spotlight on family matters. "Yesterday, things began on a stormy note with thousands of police personnel going on the rampage following the death of a female constable. It was a serious issue, concerning law and order, and was being rightly highlighted by the media," he said. But by evening, the divorce issue became the centre of attention, the former Bihar deputy chief minister said. "Domestic affairs do affect people but only those who are members of a family. These are not public issues," he said. RJD national vice-president and associate of Prasad, Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, said discords do crop up in families but they also get resolved. He said the episode will have no bearing on the political prospects of Yadav, a sitting MLA, or on the RJD. "Why would Tej Pratap's divorce petition affect anybody politically? Did not the BJP win elections and Narendra Modi become the prime minister despite his separation from his wife?" Singh quipped in response to queries from journalists. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The World Bank has approved $1.2 billion in grants and loans to Ethiopia, the Washington-based lender said in a statement. According to the bank, the $600 million grant and $600 million loan will finance reforms in the financial sector and improve investment climate. The financial boost will also help promote public-private partnerships to improve efficiency in telecoms, power and trade logistics. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in June said Ethiopia would open its state-run telecoms monopoly and state-owned Ethiopian Airlines to private domestic and foreign investment. The ruling EPRDF coalition, in power since 1991, said it had taken the decision because economic reforms were needed to sustain rapid growth and boost exports. According to the World Bank, the new support will help the East African nation to attract more foreign direct investments and raise export revenues. Investors hope the economic reforms announced in June could significantly loosen the states grip on the economy. Prime Minister Abiy has been applauded for reestablishing diplomatic ties with neighboring Eritrea in July, ending two decades of conflict between the two nations. He agreed to give up disputed border territory, and, by September, had reopened the land border. Namrata Biji Ahuja, a senior journalist at The Week has been chosen for the International Press Institute-India award this year for her story on "Naga underground camps" that explored the "parallel and secret" functioning of a 'state within a state', the forum said Saturday. The IPI-India Award for Excellence in Journalism which carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a trophy and a citation, will be given to Ahuja at a function later in Delhi, it said. "The award is for her exclusive story on Naga underground camps, providing the parallel and secret Naga State functioning with all ministries inside Nagaland, interviews and first personal accounts of Naga 'ministers' and officials," the IPI-India said in a statement. She has been chosen for the "fact-based approach" she adopted to gather information about the "state within the state" functioning in the border state, and its implications for the state of Nagaland and for the country, it said. The first-hand account reporting has contributed for a "better understanding of the long pending Naga issue", the forum said. After considering the entries received for the Award, the jury of editors and publishers headed by former Attorney-General of India Soli Sorabjee, unanimously selected Ahuja for the award. The other members of the jury were -- N Ravi, Chairman, IPI -India & Director, The Hindu; M K Razdan, former Editor-in-Chief, Press Trust of India; Riyad Mathew, Chief Associate Editor, Malayala Manorama; and Sanjaya Baru, former Chief Editor, Financial Express and Business Standard, the statement said. IPI-India had instituted the annual award in 2003 to recognise and honour the best work done by an Indian media organisation or journalist working in print, radio, television and internet medium, in furtherance of public interest, including safeguarding of freedom of the press and other freedoms such as human rights. The first Award for Excellence in Journalism, 2003 was given to The Indian Express for its reporting of the Gujarat riots and its aftermath. NDTV won the award in 2004 for its expose of the baby-swapping racket in Hyderabad, and the corruption trail of the Telgi stamp scam. The jury did not find any entry eligible for the award in 2005 and 2008. In 2006, the Award was given to The Indian Express for its investigations into the Bihar flood scam and vanishing tigers. In 2007, the Outlook magazine was selected for the investigation into two defence scams relating to purchase of Scorpene submarines and the leaks from the Navy war room. The Award in 2009 was jointly given to Bidisha Goshal of The Week for her investigation into the sexual victimisation of the widows of farmers who committed suicide in Vidarbha, and to The Indian Express for its investigation into the Hindu terror links in the Malegaon and Modasa blasts. Tehelka was the recipient of the Award in 2010 for its graphic expose of the cold-blooded execution of an innocent bystander by the security forces in Manipur. Previous recipients of the award include Karan Thapar, M Shajil Kumar of Malayala Manorama and Ritu Sarin of Indian Express. Founded 69 years ago in New York by a group of editors from 15 countries, International Press Institute has grown into a truly global organisation committed to the furtherance of the freedom of press. "Vienna-based IPI is committed to promotion of free exchange of accurate and balanced among nations. It has also been in the forefront of safeguarding the freedom of the press through protests to governments and organisations against any violation of press freedom and restrictions imposed on the free flow of information," the statement said. The Indian Chapter of the IPI is an active forum of editors, publishers and senior executives of newspapers, magazines and agencies, all of whom are members of the International Press Institute. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of mourners Saturday participated in the funeral prayers of Pakistan's top pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Samiul Haq at his native Akora Khattak town in the north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Haq, the 82-year-old cleric who was also known as the 'godfather of Taliban', was stabbed to death by unidentified attackers at his residence in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Friday. According to an FIR lodged at a police station in Rawalpindi, the octogenarian leader was stabbed 12 times in stomach, chest, forehead and ears. Prayers for the slain leader were offered at the Khushal Khan Degree College ground after the body was shifted to his hometown overnight. A 65-member Afghan delegation also paid their last respects. Thousands of mourners participated in the funeral prayers. Elaborate security measures were made for the last rites of the cleric. Haq was the head of the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak. The seminary is dubbed in the western media as "University of Jihad" as several top Afghan and Pakistani Taliban leaders studied there, including Mullah Omar who had received an honorary doctorate from the seminary. He was also chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-S) religo-political party and was elected twice as a member of parliament. So far, no outfit has claimed the responsibility of the killing. A probe has been launched to nab the assailants who apparently escaped on a motorbike, police said. A spokesman for the Rawalpindi Police said the police had obtained CCTV footage and Haq's family refrained doctors from conducting a postmortem. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A delegation of Trinamool Congress leaders will visit Assam's Tinsukia district on Sunday to meet the family members of those who were killed by suspected militants, party sources said. Led by Derek O' Brien, the TMC parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha, the team will comprise the party's Lok Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haq and MLA Mahua Moitra. "The delegation will directly go to Dibrugarh and from there they will go to Tinsukia," a senior TMC leader said. Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five individuals, including three members of a family, near Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district on Thursday night. On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed anguish over the killings and said an "environment of violence" was prevailing in the country. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee demanded a court-monitored inquiry and called for the resignation of Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal over the incident. A TMC delegation of six MPs had gone to Silchar on August 2 to assess the situation in Assam in the wake of the publication of the complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) on July 30 but was stopped at the airport. They were not allowed to leave the airport and were sent back the next day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistani Police on Saturday booked over 2,000 people, including the chief of a radical Islamist party, under terrorism and other charges of rioting, attempting murder and hurling threats in different parts of Punjab province during the three-day protests following the acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi. "Eleven FIRs have been registered in Lahore alone against more than 1,500 people including Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi and patron-in-chief Pir Afzal Qadri under terrorism, attempted murder and other charges," Lahore police spokesperson Hammad Ahmad told PTI. Ahmad said 40 of them are nominated suspects. In all cases, police officials have become complainants, he added. Asia Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. In a landmark judgement Wednesday, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar overturned the conviction of Aasia Bibi facing execution for blasphemy, sparking protests led by the TLP and other groups across Pakistan. The spokesperson said the suspects attacked the policemen, torched dozens of public and private vehicles and damaged the public and private property. "A number of police men have been injured as the protesters had blocked the city on at least 46 points during Wednesday to Friday," Ahmad said, adding police have detained around 20 nominated suspects. A source in the police department said there has been an instruction from the "top" not to arrest the TLP leadership with whom the government reached an agreement on Friday to end country-wide protests on the acquittal of Aasia Bibi. According to police, Sheikhupra and Faisalabad districts police have registered FIRs against 300 and 200 people, including the local leadership of TLP, respectively for causing injuries to policemen and torching vehicles and damaging public private properties. Hours after the killing of Godfather of Taliban Maulana Samiul Haq, the TLP Friday announced ending sit-ins across the country following reaching a deal with the government on the issue of acquittal of Aasia Bibi. As per the agreement, the government will immediately initiate a process to place the name of Asia Bibi on the no-fly list (exit control list). The government has also promised to take appropriate legal action to redress any deaths that may have occurred during the protests against the verdict and to release all people picked up in connection with the agitation starting October 30. According to a source in the government, the military establishment played its role in persuading the TLP to end the protest. In TLP's November 2017 Faizabad Islamabad sit-in on the issue of finality of Prophet Muhammad, a top officer of the spy agency ISI brokered a deal between the TLP and the then PML-N government. The TLP leadership during the protests had declared the Supreme Court bench judges liable for death for acquitting Aasia Bibi and Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa 'non-Muslim'. They also instigated the Muslim generals to revolt against the army chief. The Imran Khan government has not yet confirmed about the status of Aasia Bibi whether she is released from the Multan jail or still languishing there or left the country. However, TLP leader Pir Afzal Qadri has claimed that Aasia Bibi has been sent back to jail again on "our demand. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The funeral prayers of top Pakistani cleric Maulana Samiul Haq, also known as the 'godfather of Taliban', will be held Saturday at his native Akora Khattak town in the north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Haq, 82, was stabbed to death by unidentified attackers at his residence in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Friday. According to an FIR lodged at a police station in Rawalpindi, the attacked took placed at 6.45 pm (local time) and the octogenarian leader was stabbed 12 times in stomach, chest, forehead and ears. The funeral prayer will be held at Akora Khattak in Nowshehra district of Kyber-Pakhtunkhwa where the provincial government has declared a day of mourning, officials said. Elaborate security measures have been taken for the last rites of the cleric as several high-profile leaders are expected to attend it. There are reports that envoys of Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar will also attend the funeral prayer. Haq was the head of the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak. The seminary is dubbed in the western media as "University of Jihad" as several top Afghan and Pakistani Taliban leaders studied there, including Mullah Omar who had received an honorary doctorate from the seminary. He was also chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) religo-political party and was elected twice as a member of parliament. So far, no outfit has claimed the responsibility of the killing. A probe has been launched to nab the assailants who apparently escaped on a motorbike, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : The trailer of the much-awaited Rajinikanth-starrer '2.0' was released here Saturday. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar plays the 'supervillain' in the film directed by Shankar. Touted to be one of costliest Indian films ever made, '2.0' is a sequel to 'Enthiran' released in 2010. Rajinikanth will reprise the role of Dr Vaseegaran/Chitti he had essayed in 'Enthiran.' Akshay Kumar is the new addition to the franchise and plays the antagonist (Dr Richard). Tamil superstar Rajini and Akshay share screen space for the first time. At an event held here, the movie's Tamil, Telugu and Hindi trailers which run for about two minutes were released by Lyca Productions, the producers. The teaser of the movie was released on September 13 coinciding with the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Actress Amy Jackson plays the female lead and music has been scored by double Oscar winner A R Rahman. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar tweeted: "The D-Day is here...Its #2Point0TrailerDay! Wait no more, watch the #2Point0Trailer now..." After facing several delays, the movie is scheduled to hit screens on November 29. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has clarified that soldiers deployed to stop illegal immigrants from entering the country would not open fire, but would arrest them if they throw stones at his troops. Trumps comments on Friday come a day after he had suggested that the military deployed at the southwestern border with Mexico could fire on the caravan if people throw stones at the soldiers. His remarks was criticised by his political opponents and rights bodies. Currently, an estimated 5,000-7,000 people from three Latin American countries --El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala -- are marching towards the US through Mexico. Trump has deployed more than 5,000 military personnel on the border to stop them from entering. "No, they won't have to fire. What I don't want is: I don't want these people throwing rocks...," Trump told reporters at the White House when asked whether he was okay with the military firing on the caravan. "What they did to the Mexican military is a disgrace. They hit them with rocks -- some were very seriously injured. And they were throwing rocks in their face. "They do that with us, they're going to be arrested... That doesn't mean shoot them. But, we're going to arrest those people quickly and for a long period of time," Trump said. The president insisted the changes he was making on asylum seekers through executive orders was legal. "It is the most ridiculous system in the world. It's obsolete, but that's not the problem. The problem is it's a stupid system. It doesn't work, and the Democrats and the Republicans should change it immediately. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has exuded confidence of having a fair trade deal with China, warning further tariffs might follow it did not materialise. Trump is scheduled to meet the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit on November 30 and December 1. "We've had very good discussions with China. We're getting much closer to doing something. They very much want to make a deal. As you know, their economy went way down since we've been doing this skirmish," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday, a day after he spoke over phone with Xi. "I think we'll make a deal with China. And I think it'll be a very fair deal for everybody, but it will a good deal for the United States," he said. The president added that he would have a dinner with Xi at the G20 summit, wherein they would be discussing the issue. Trump sounded very optimistic about reaching a trade deal with China, or else, he warned, he was ready to impose a trade tariff of 25 per cent on another USD 267 billion worth of Chinese products. "They've been hit very hard. Their economy has been very, very bad." Meanwhile in an interview, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China was the most important long-term strategic challenge for the US. "We've talked about trade. We need that to be fair and reciprocal with them. But just this week, we indicted 10 Chinese for stealing intellectual property. It's been going on in previous administrations for decades. This is really important to American business and protecting the human capital, the talented work of American people, and national security," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fed up of summoning doctors to decipher medico legal reports, the Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court has ordered that computer printed reports be provided along with the original handwritten reports. Making the observation on Friday, a division bench of justice Ajai Lamba and justice D K Singh said the unreadable hand written reports, produced before the courts in every other case, act as a hindrance in effective adjudication. However, the printed report will have to be signed by the author as true copy of the original or by some other authorised signatory, after its comparison with the original, the court said. It would also form part of police report at the time of conclusion of the investigation, the court added. Despite imposing costs to be recovered from the salary of a number of doctors, they have not been recording medico legal reports/injury reports and post-mortem reports in readable and clear handwriting, the bench said. Hence in every other case the court has to summon the doctor for reading out the medico legal reports for the benefit of effective adjudication, it added. "Summoning a doctor simply for reading the report authored by him for bad handwriting does not make administrative sense," the court said while disposing of a writ petition challenging a First Information Report. "We hereby take judicial notice of the fact that a doctor in a government medical facility is required to examine a large number of patients in a day." "If for every hearing in revision jurisdiction, bail jurisdiction before the Court of Magistrate, Court of Sessions or the High Court or in appellate jurisdiction, government medical practitioner is required to appear, the work of the doctor in the hospital shall suffer and a large number of patients would be deprived of the services of such medical specialist," the court said. Reiterating that the relevance of medico legal reports in cases of injury, homicide or suicide is enormous, the bench said, "The medical reports, however, are written in such shabby handwriting that they are not readable and decipherable by advocates or Judges." The bench had earlier directed the medical department that the doctors must prepare legible medical reports with clear depictions and on HC's directions the DG (Medical and Health Services) had also issued a circular on November 8, 2012 but to no avail. In recent days, the bench summoned many doctors for reading the illegible reports and later imposed cost upon them also so that the doctors should mend their ways but the situation did not improve. Hearing the petition moved by one Arjun Singh, the court had to yet again summon a doctor from Amethi Community Health Centre (CHC) for reading the injury report. Coaxed with the exercise to summon the doctor, the bench directed the concerned state authorities to avail computers and printers for preparing typed copy of every original report. The bench has also summoned the compliance report. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) American trumpet player Roy Hargrove, a precocious talent and a frequent performer at European jazz festivals, died Friday at age 49, his Facebook page announced Saturday. The page quoted his longtime manager Larry Clothier as saying Hargrove died in New York from cardiac arrest following complications from a battle with kidney disease. "One of the most respected and loved musicians in our New York City community and the world at large, the trailblazing multiple Grammy Award-winning trumpeter was known just as intensely for his brimming fire and fury as he was for his gorgeous, signature balladry," the post read. "Over and over, his sound attested to and sanctified his deep love for music. His unselfish timbre covered the waterfront of every musical landscape. Owning his music, his sound, Roy inspired generations of musicians." The Texas-born musician, discovered at his Dallas performing arts high school during a visit by legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, developed his talents quickly. Under Marsalis's tutelage and encouragement, he traveled to Europe to play at festivals the summer after his high school graduation. By age 25, his star was already on the rise in the contemporary jazz world. Hargrove went on to play or record with Marsalis and other jazz greats, including Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Stanley Turrentine and Joshua Redman. He won Grammy awards in two different categories: in 1998 as Best Latin Jazz Performance for "Habana," and in 2003 for Best Jazz Instrumental with "Directions in Music," recorded with what was called a post-bop supergroup. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ongoing tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the countrys state authorities were center stage, as the United Nations top envoy for Somalia visited the countrys South West State on Wednesday. Nicholas Haysom, UN Special Representative for Somalia and head of the Assistance Mission UNSOM, called for better collaboration: What were facing is a quite serious political issue the stand-off between the Federal Member States and the Federal Government may well paralyze our efforts to help Somalia get back on its feet. Were exploring ways of bringing them together in the hope that Somalis can face down their problems together rather than going separately, said Haysom at a joint press conference, alongside Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, President of South West State, and Francisco Madeira, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission. Haysom also flagged the need for credible and acceptable presidential elections next month and renewed his call for collaboration to solve the ongoing tensions. Were asking all of the relevant role-players to get together to find a solution and to make the necessary compromises so that they can work collaboratively rather than against each other, he said. Haysom told reporters they also discussed development, security and political matters, assuring Somalis that the international community does not have a candidate and is not backing any specific candidate in the race. The UN and AU officials also met with Abdulkadir Shariif Shekhuna, Speaker of South West States Parliament, who briefed them on preparations for the 17 November presidential poll, expected to be hotly contested. At least 14 civilians were killed Saturday in US-led coalition air strikes on the Islamic State group's last holdout in eastern Syria, a monitor said. "Fourteen civilians, including five children under the age of 18, were killed in the coalition air raids on the villages of Hajin, Sousa and Al-Shaafa" in eastern Deir Ezzor province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "The death toll is likely to rise due to the number of seriously wounded," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. At least nine IS jihadists were killed in the raids, he added. The coalition was not immediately available for comment. Strikes on the area intensified following an attempted jihadist attack on a coalition base in the nearby village of Al-Bahra, the Britain-based monitor said. IS overran large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, proclaiming a "caliphate" in land it controlled. But the jihadist group has since lost most of its territory to various offensives in both countries. In Syria, the group has seen its presence reduced to parts of the vast Badia desert and a pocket in Deir Ezzor that contains Hajin, Sousa and Al-Shaafa. A Kurdish-Arab alliance backed by the coalition launched an offensive in September to wrest the Deir Ezzor pocket from IS. But on Wednesday the alliance, the Syrian Democratic Forces, suspended its fight against the jihadists after Turkish forces fired on the group's positions. The coalition estimates that 2,000 IS fighters remain in the Hajin pocket. A total of more than 360,000 people have been killed since Syria's war erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One US soldier was killed and another wounded in an "apparent insider attack" in Kabul on Saturday, NATO said, in the latest such assault on international forces in Afghanistan. "Initial reports indicate the attacker was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces," NATO's Resolute Support mission said in a statement. The attacker was killed by "other Afghan forces", it added. The wounded soldier was flown to Bagram Airfield north of the Afghan capital where he was receiving medical treatment. He was in a "stable condition". An investigation into the incident was under way, the statement said. The identity of the dead soldier was not immediately released. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said Saturday India was keen to strengthen its relations with Zimbabwe and sharing expertise with African countries as he began the second leg of his three-nation Africa visit from here. The special Air India flight carrying Naidu landed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport Friday night. Naidu arrived here from Botswana. Naidu, the first high-ranking Indian Government official to visit Zimbabwe in 21 years, was welcomed by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, acting Foreign Affairs Minister Cain Mathema and Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Rungsung Masakui. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had visited the African country in 1996. From the airport, Naidu proceeded to a reception organised by the local Indian community in Zimbabwe. Addressing the community members, Naidu said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government had embarked on an ambitious programme to develop India and cited projects like construction of airports and upgrading of roads. India is developing fast and would soon become the largest economy in the world, Naidu said, adding that the country had embarked on reforms, which were painful but bearing fruits. Naidu said India was keen to work with Zimbabwe and the rest of African countries. "India is keen to strengthen relations with Africa. Africa is at the top priority of India. We also want to work with Zimbabwe. I will hold discussions with the President Mnangagwa for improving our bilateral relations," he said. Naidu asked the Indian community in Zimbabwe not to forget their motherland. "Everyone should remember their mother, father, culture, language and tradition. You can go abroad and work and learn but you should return. Do not forget your native place where you were born," he said. Overseas Indians should respect the laws of the countries where they live, he said, adding "I advise you to follow the laws, regulations and customs of Zimbabwe". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Protests marred voting at Haraginadoni village in Ballari as women staged a demonstration holding empty pots and boycotted the Lok Sabha by-elections Saturday. The villagers were protesting the lack of water supply in their village. The district administration had arranged water supply through tankers but that was not sufficient to meet the day-to-day requirements, they said. "Most borewells in our village have gone dry. Those which are functional have high fluoride content, which is not potable," an agitating villager told reporters. The villagers had been cautioning the district authorities for the past three-four days that unless their water requirements were met, they would not vote. However, their warnings were not taken seriously and Saturday morning, hundreds of women holding empty pitchers staged a demonstration. The bypolls in Ballari is taking place following the resignation of sitting BJP MP B Sriramulu afterhe won the assembly election from Monakalmuru. Sriramulu's sister J Shantha got the BJP ticket while V SUgrappa is contesting as a Congress candidate backed by JD(S). According to information received, there are 17.13 lakh voters in the Lok Sabha constituency while Haraginadoni village has about 2,000 voters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) He may be a superstar for his fans and critics alike but as per actor Shah Rukh Khan, there are moments in his life when he feels like a "loser", something that only pushes him to work harder. "I feel like a loser over everything. I was with Aamir Khan the other day. And he asked me 'Why are you like this, Shah? Why do you think this way?' I got to know after talking that he was also thinking the same way. He wasn't asking me out of surprise, he wanted to know the answers for himself," Shah Rukh said on Friday at the trailer launch of his upcoming film "Zero". The 53-year-old superstar believes it is "always important to have lack of over confidence". "Over confidence is worse than feeling like a loser. I feel I work harder when I think I am not good enough. I always feel I'm not good enough. I sometimes joke that I don't know how to dance, I've five expressions but I genuinely believe them, that I'm not good at everything, so I've to work harder," he said. Shah Rukh plays the role of a vertically-challenged person in Aanand L Rai's film, which is set to be released on December 21. He said when he was shooting for the film there were moments of doubts which he believes every creative person experiences. "All of us had moments where we used to wonder if this is right, should we do this or not? There are so many issues actors and stars have, me the most. I'm insecure at times, overconfident at times, happy and extremely sad at times. "I'm happy with what I've done and I am happier and even sadder what I shouldn't have done and what has gone out of my hands, what is coming to my hands and all these things come together and make you feel loved when you do the right film." When asked how he deals with stress in his life, Shah Rukh said stress and anxiety will always be there at every stage in one's life. "There will be stress in life. I am 53 today and half my life is over, I am in a profession where every Friday life changes. Some of my films have done well, some have tanked. Some things have went well, some haven't. It does feel bad. Maybe out of 70 films of mine only 30 have worked. It is not that there is success rate. But at the end, everything goes well," he said. The "Jab Harry Met Sejal" actor said he usually spends his birthday meeting friends and fans. "One should not own anything. I don't own my birthday also. I don't get to be with family much. I usually have bath, meet friends, media and fans. It feels good that everyone loves me so much. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Lidia KellyMELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia's trade minister will travel to China on Sunday, in a sign that political tensions between the two countries may be easing. Simon Birmingham, the first senior Australian government official to visit China in a year, will attend the China International Import Expo, or CIEE, seen as an attempt by Beijing to allay foreign concern about its trade practices.Relations between Australia and the world's no.2 economy have been at low ebb over accusations of China's influence in Australia's media, universities and politics and its use of loans to build ... NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India and other leading oil buyers will benefit from the waiver the United States has granted them from Iran sanctions, the South Asian nation's oil minister said on Saturday.The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil when it re-imposes sanctions on Monday to try to force Iran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities. It did not name the countries which would benefit.India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said it won the waiver largely due to a forceful campaign by Indian Prime Minister Narendra ... French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler Friday said that 12 agreements worth 200 million euro have been signed between French and Indian firms and these had the potential to create 3,000 jobs in Maharashtra. Addressing business delegates at the Indo-French Conclave here, Ziegler said economic partnership between the two nations has been dynamic in the past few years. "Our trade relations have grown by 20 per cent from last year and has doubled since 2009," he said, adding that his country saw India not as "revenue" or "market" but as a "true and precious" partner. The French Ambassador informed that 600 companies from his country have operations in India, employing 4 lakh people and investing around one billion euro annually. "The Indo-French relationship goes beyond these figures, and the potential is huge. We collectively need to work towards increasing the investment of French companies in India," said Ziegler. He expressed happiness at India achieving the 77th position, a jump of 23 places, on World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' ranking. The 12 agreements signed include French multinational Thales Group signing pacts with seven Indian firms, namely Godrej Precision Engineering, Bharat Forge, Amphenol Interconnect India, Larsen & Toubro, Solar Explosives, Mahindra Defence Systems and Coriolis. Other agreements included one between energy firm Technique Solaire and the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency as well as between aeronautical firm Turgis & Gaillard and the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC). French ropeway firm Poma presented letters of intent for two projects in Nagpur and Tadoba, both in the state's Vidarbha region. French hospitality major Accor Hotels also exchanged a letter of intent with Gurugram-headquartered Interglobe Hotels Limited. Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretary-general Payal Kanwar expressed delight at being able to organise an Indo-French business event of this size in Nagpur. New Delhi, Nov 2 (PTI) Airtel Africa, a subsidiary of telecom major Bharti Airtel, Friday announced the appointment of its new board of directors, close on the heels of the USD 1.25 billion primary equity issuance to prominent global investors and ahead of an intended public offering."The constitution of the company board follows recent successful primary equity issuance of USD 1.25 billion to six leading global investors comprising of Warburg Pincus, Temasek, Singtel, SoftBank Group International and others," the company said in a statement.The board of Airtel Africa -- which is the holding company of over a dozen African operating companies -- has representatives from Airtel and the investors, it said. It includes Sunil Bharti Mittal, his son Shravin Bharti Mittal, Raghunath Mandava, Akhil Gupta, Vishal Mahadevia, Alok Sama, Arthur Lang, and Richard Gubbins.Airtel Africa's operations span Nigeria, Chad, Congo B, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, Kenya, Malawi, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Rwanda. The Tanzanian government has reportedly raised objection to the ensuing IPO, asserting its rights with regard to company's unit in Tanzania, where it holds 40 per cent stake. When contacted, an Airtel spokesperson said, "It is to be noted, the shareholding of Airtel Tanzania is and will continue to be held between Government of Tanzania (40 per cent) and Bharti Airtel Tanzania BV (60 per cent). There has been no change in the shareholding of either Airtel Tanzania or Bharti Airtel Tanzania BV and the control of Airtel Tanzania will continue to be exercised by Airtel as earlier."The company is in a dialogue with the Government of Tanzania for clarifications, the spokesperson added."Airtel has communicated to the Tanzania Regulator on 24 October, the intent to undertake an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on an International Stock Exchange for Airtel Africa Ltd...This includes as an intermediate step, the completion of a pre-IPO primary equity round with six major global investors," the spokesperson said, responding to an e-mail questionnaire. Airtel has not sold any of its existing shares and will continue to control the operations in Africa, the spokesperson said, adding that funding by investors will be used to pay off Airtel Africa debt, enable expansion of network coverage, and expansion of mobile money operations across 14 countries including Tanzania.Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the company said the equity allotment to the global investors by Airtel Africa Limited (a UK incorporated company) has now been completed, following the receipt of full issue proceeds. Airtel Africa has been experiencing healthy revenue growth in voice and data services and had posted strong performance in its Airtel Money business. The financial showing continues to improve, having turned positive in terms of net profit and operating free cash flow."The newly constituted Board together brings extensive experience across industry verticals including Telecom and ICT (information and communication technologies), financial markets as well as in technology, software development and consultancy. "Additionally, the combined strength of the Board of Directors also brings wealth of industry and governance experience to further drive Airtel Africa business," the company said.During the just ended quarter, Africa revenues grew by 10.8 per cent year on year in constant currency terms, led by strong growth in data and Airtel money transaction value. The revenue from Africa business rose to Rs 5,647.2 crore during September quarter from Rs 5,203 crore in the same period of the previous year. PTI MBI ABM New Delhi, Nov 2 (PTI) ArcelorMittal said Friday it has reached an agreement with Liberty House for the sale of its assets in Luxembourg and Belgium. The assets are the final part of a divestment package the Luxembourg-headquartered company agreed with the European Commission (EC) during its merger control investigation into ArcelorMittal's acquisition of Ilva SpA."ArcelorMittal... has received a binding offer from Liberty House Group for the acquisition of ArcelorMittal Dudelange (Luxembourg) and the following finishing lines at ArcelorMittal Lige (Belgium): hot dipped galvanising lines 4 and 5 in Flemalle; and hot-rolled pickling, cold rolling and tin packaging lines in Tilleur," the company said in a statement.It said closing of the transaction is subject to the completion of the companys acquisition of Ilva, corporate approvals and is conditional on EC approval and the conclusion of consultations with local and European Works Councils."The Company has now received binding offers for the complete divestment package in keeping with its commitments to the EC. Furthermore, by agreeing to binding offers from Liberty House for the full divestment package, the Company has met the ECs preference of finding a single suitable buyer," it said.The package of assets comprises ArcelorMittal Ostrava (Czech Republic), ArcelorMittal Galati (Romania), ArcelorMittal Skopje (Macedonia) and ArcelorMittal Piombino (Italy) (as announced on 12 October); ArcelorMittal Dudelange (Luxembourg) and the above-mentioned finishing lines at ArcelorMittal Lige (Belgium), it added.The company Thursday said it will be successful in integrating and delivering rapid improvement at Ilva, Europe's single largest integrated steel-making facility.ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and an industrial footprint in 18 countries. Last month, the steel and mining major announced that it had entered into a pact to sell four of its European steel plants to Sanjeev Gupta-led Liberty House as part of a divestment package related to its acquisition of Ilva SpA (Ilva). PTI NAM MRMR King Mohammed VI chaired, on Thursday in Rabat, over a working session on the implementation of the renewable energy strategy, said a statement by the royal office. This working session is part of the regular follow-up by the monarch regarding the effective and operational implementation of the renewable energy strategy. The objectives set for the year 2018 were reached within the deadlines defined at the working session the Sovereign had presided last April, the statement said. Part of these objectives, the entire Noor Ouarzazate solar complex (580 MW) became operational, reinforcing, with the successful synchronization of the Noor Ouarzazate III tower, its position as the largest operational solar multi-technology complex in the world. The Noor Laayoune I and Noor Boujdour I solar power plants were also completed for a combined capacity of 100 MW. These two power plants were built under an innovative financing plan that used the first green bond issue in the Kingdom. These plants are part of the first projects launched under the new development model of the southern provinces, to which over 77 billion dirhams have been dedicated to improve infrastructure, investment climate and the inhabitants living conditions. During the working session, president of the Moroccan renewable energy agency MASEN, Mustapha Bakoury, presented to the Sovereign the timetable for the implementation of the Noor PV II program and the construction works of the solar complex Noor Midelt, which bring, thanks to the hybridization of solar, thermal and photovoltaic technologies, an optimized response to the needs of the national network. Regarding wind projects, the King was informed of the overall progress of the integrated wind program. The launch of the construction works of the Midelt wind farm (180 MW) and the Taza wind farm (100 MW) is scheduled for the first half of 2019. The year 2019 will be also marked by increasing the capacity of the Koudia El-Baida wind farm, the first wind project developed in Morocco and operated in 2000 by the ONEE, from 50 to 120 MW. This upgrading will use the latest technological advances in this area and improve the development of the wind energy resources in the northern provinces of the Kingdom. This is a first in Africa and the MENA region. During the working session, King Mohammed VI gave his instructions to up the initial ambitions related to renewable energy to exceed the current goal of 52% of the national electric mix by 2030. The Sovereign instructed in this connection the Head of Government to promote the use of renewable energy in public administrations and buildings to maximize energy efficiency and achieve significant savings. Similarly, the Sovereign stressed the need to adopt an additional integrated program to back all the scheduled water desalination plants with renewable energy production units to ensure their autonomy and save energy. These plants should rely primarily on the energy sources available nearby, like the wind power plant in Dakhla, or even the exploration of new sources of energy such as the waste energy transformation (Biomass) in big cities like Casablanca, the King explained. Wayanad, Nov 2 (PTI) A 49-year-old man presumed dead by his family showed up near here much to the shock and delight of his kin, a fortnight after they performed his 'funeral' mistakingly identifying a decomposed body as that of his. Saji, who used to be away from home for days in search of odd jobs, was not in touch for the last few months and the family had recently 'wrongly' identified the unclaimed body found in Karnataka to be that of his going by a similar scar, police said Friday. The body was then brought home and the final rites were performed at a cemetery here on October 16, they said. However, Saji returned home two days ago and was shocked to learn that he was believed dead and his funeral was held. Meanwhile, Karnataka Police had been informed and a probe was underway find out the relatives of the man, whose funeral was held in Kerala. PTI UD NVG ROH SNESNE By Yoshita Singh(Eds: Rephrasing intro) United Nations, Nov 2 (PTI) India was among the 189 nations that voted overwhelmingly in favour of lifting the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed five decades ago by the United States against Cuba. A total of 189 UN Member States voted in favour, with Israel and the US voting against the resolution, urging all States to "refrain from promulgating and applying laws and measures" which among other things, in the case of the embargo, interfere with the freedom of trade and navigation.There were no abstentions.The Assembly called upon States "that have and continue to apply such laws and measures to take the steps necessary to repeal or invalidate them as soon as possible."Through the resolution, the General Assembly also decided to include the agenda item entitled "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba," in the provisional agenda of next year's session.The vote on the resolution is unenforceable, but the Cuban-sponsored resolution shines a spotlight on the relative isolation of the US regarding the embargo, which was first imposed in 1960, when former leader Fidel Castro came to power, following the revolution.Speaking ahead of the vote, Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla outlined the impact of the embargo on Cubans, especially due to restrictions on lifesaving medicines. "Incalculable human damage has been caused by the blockade, which is qualified as an act of genocide" he said, referring to the convention on the prevention of genocide. "It is also a violation of International Humanitarian Law, if it were a conflict," he said.Before the resolution was adopted, eight amendments, relating to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), human rights and rule of law, proposed by the US, failed to pass.Introducing the amendments, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said that the draft resolution "changes nothing" in terms of addressing the problems faced by Cuban citizens. "The United States will continue to stand with the Cuban people, until their rights and freedoms are restored. We won't back down," she said.India reiterated its support for the lifting of economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed five decades ago by the United States against Cuba, saying the continued existence of the embargo undermines multilateralism and the credibility of the United Nations itself."People to people contact holds immense possibilities for fostering better understanding between nations. The international community needs to intensify its efforts to promote an environment free from sanctions and embargoes. India hopes that the embargo will be withdrawn at the earliest," India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tanmaya Lal said here Wednesday.Lal said every year the General Assembly rejected the imposition of laws and regulations with extra-territorial impact and all other forms of coercive economic measures that hurt the progress and prosperity of the people the world over. Last year, 191 member states voted in favour of the resolution, expressing their strong support to lifting of the embargo.He said the General Assembly has also called upon all States to refrain from promulgating and applying and to repeal and invalidate laws and measures that have extra-territorial effects affecting the sovereignty of other States, in conformity with their obligations under the UN Charter and international law. "There can be little doubt that the continued existence of this embargo, in contravention of the overwhelming world opinion as expressed by this Assembly, undermines multilateralism and the credibility of the United Nations itself," he said.Member States who spoke on the resolution over two days, overwhelmingly called on the US to end the embargo and other punitive measures against Cuba.National representatives said that the nearly six-decades-long blockade imposed on the Caribbean island by Washington impeded its right to development and its ability to participate fully in the global economy. They also urged the US to heed the Assembly's repeated calls to lift its restrictive policies. PTI YAS RUP RUP By Vilas Tokale Gaborone (Botswana), Nov 2 (PTI) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has hailed demonetisation saying the move has led to money stashed in "the bedroom, bathroom and under the pillows" coming into the banks. Naidu, who is in Botswana on an official visit, said the southern African country is also following India's efforts to curb black money. He said reformative measures like demonetisation "may be painful but are meant for public good". "Paisa joh bedroom, bathroom aur pillow ke neeche tha, woh bank mein pahunch gaya. Pata ke saath, pita ke saath aur pati ke saath (The money that was in the bedroom, bathroom and under the pillows reached banks due to demonetisation)," the vice president said. Interacting with the Indian community in Botswana here on Thursday night, he said measures like demonetisation were "temporary pain for long term gain". "Now how much (of this money) is white, how much is tax-paid money that will be known. It is the duty of the Reserve Bank of India and income tax people to verify and see to it that everybody falls in line," the vice president said. "You are aware that Government of India has launched several flagship schemes for making India a skilled and knowledge society and manufacturing hub. Measures like the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) have also been taken to make it a transparent and integrated market with greater ease of doing business," he said. India has taken a major leap towards financial inclusion by encouraging 330 million people to open bank accounts, Naidu said. The tax base has widened by 26 per cent in the last one year with nearly 68 million tax payers paying taxes, he said. Naidu termed Botswana as a land of god-gifted serenity and natural beauty. He asked Indians everywhere not to forget their mother tongue and motherland. "I am not against other languages. One must learn as many languages as possible, but should not forget the mother tongue," he said. "I know that many of you have been living here for several decades and have made Botswana your second home. The Indian diaspora in Botswana has not only well-integrated into its pluralistic, free and democratic society, but, also have immensely contributed to the economy of Botswana," he said. "I am glad that you have contributed hugely to the successful story of Botswana's economic growth," he said. He thanked the Indian community here for contributing to flood relief in Kerala. Naidu, who is on an official trip to the African nations of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi, said India is changing rapidly. "The business environment is changing for the better. The archaic regulations are being dismantled. Seamless processes are being introduced," he added. If the talented enterprising Indian diaspora can lend its active support, the pace and quality of transformation in India can be considerably enhanced, he said. Naidu hoped that Indians abroad will continue to cherish their Indian roots and nourish the socio-economic and cultural life of Botswana and other countries with which they are connected. "You are India's cultural ambassadors and the world sees you as the representatives of Indian values and way of life," he said. Naidu also expressed satisfaction that the Swachh Bharat initiative, launched when he was Union urban development minister, has become a people's movement. Four crore toilets have been built under the scheme, he said. PTI VT KUN AKJ KUNKUN Jammu, Nov 2 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Commercial Taxes Department Friday set up a GST facilitation desk at Excise and Taxation Complex here for food processing MSMEs of district Jammu.The creation of the desk envisages hand-holding of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly with regard to GST related issues, an official spokesman said. The help desk was made operational by Additional Commissioner, Commercial Taxes, S K Gupta along with nodal team of officers after the launch of 'Support and Outreach' initiative for MSMEs by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Also present were the representatives of major food processing units of the district. The desk shall remain functional for the next 100 days to redress the GST related issues faced by food processing MSMEs of district Jammu, he said. The participants present on the occasion were also made aware about the procedures of GST registration, return filling, refund claims and e-way registrations, among others.Jammu has been selected among 80 other districts of the country where this outreach and support programme will run for the next 100 days. Department of Financial Services, Government of India, is the nodal agency to monitor the overall progress of the programme. PTI AB ABMABM By Vilas Tokale Gaborone (Botswana), Nov 2 (PTI) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday met CEOs of Indian companies in Botswana and visited the world's largest rough diamond sorting and valuing operation.The Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Botswana is a 50-50 joint venture partnership between the government of Botswana and the De Beers Group. It sorts and values the Debswana mining company's rough diamond production. It is the second largest diamond trading company in the world. The company has made invaluable contribution to country's economy and employment creation, Naidu said. Earlier, addressing a roundtable of India and Botswana CEOs, Naidu said he was happy to know that companies operating in Botswana have very few problems. He said he will take up the issues raised by them with the president of Botswana when he meets him later on Friday, before leaving for Zimbabwe on the second leg of his three-nation Africa visit, which also includes Malawi."We have a whole new set of opportunities that are opening up in India. There can't be a better time than now to invest in India. I invite you all to utilise this and invest in your motherland," he said. "I would urge you to look at the transformation that India is undergoing. The results from the World Bank's 'Doing Business 2019' report published recently have a powerful message that all Indians should feel very happy about," he said. "You are a living bridge connecting our two countries. The transformation in the India-Botswana relationship was largely led by the Indian community and the private sector, the two governments have only tried to keep the pace, reflecting your aspiration," he said. Naidu said Indian pharmaceutical companies can come to Botswana and explore investment opportunities in the southern African country. He said he has spoken to Botswana's vice president to involve RITES in the expansion of railway network in that country. RITES Limited is an engineering consultancy company, specialising in the field of transport infrastructure. Established in 1974 by the Indian government, the company's initial charter was to provide consultancy services in rail transport management to operators in India and abroad. PTI VT KUNKUNKUN New Delhi, Nov 2 (PTI) Slapped with a fresh Rs 14,000 crore refund order from Sebi, embattled Sahara group on Friday said it would amount to "double payment" as investors have already been paid all their dues except about Rs 17 crore. In a detailed reaction to the capital markets regulator's order against group firm Sahara India Commercial Corporation Ltd (SICCL) and others including Subrata Roy, Sahara said the directive was against the "spirit of natural law" and it would raise the matter at the appropriate platform. Sahara is already engaged in a long-running legal dispute with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) with regard to an earlier order passed in 2011 for refund of over Rs 24,000 crore by two other firms -- Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd (SHICL). While Sahara has already deposited a significant portion in a Sebi-Sahara account for refund to investors under a Supreme Court-monitored mechanism, the group has maintained it had refunded more than 98 per cent of the investors' dues directly to them. As per the last update, Sebi had refunded about Rs 100 crore to the investors after verifying their details. Now in the SICCL case, which involves collection of over Rs 14,000 crore from nearly 2 crore investors through certain bonds between 1998 and 2009, Sahara has again said the refund ordered by the regulator would be a case of double payment. " SICCL has already discharged all its OFCD (optionally fully convertible debentures) liabilities except for Rs 17 crore as outstanding OFCD liability towards 54,804 members. The TDS deducted on interest paid has been deposited with Income Tax Department. Hence the order makes it a case of double payment for the liability, which SICCL has already discharged," the group said.Sebi said SICCL engaged in fund mobilising activity from the public, through the offer of OFCDs and has contravened the provisions of the Companies Act. However, the group said that in 1998, SICCL had taken the written permission from ROC, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, for the first time, for issuing OFCDs."On our part, everything was done as per law and with all the necessary permissions from the government authorities," Sahara group said.According to the group, its OFCD "issue opened on July 6, 1998 while first proviso to section 67(3) (where there was no restriction of 50 and above issue) of the Companies Act, 1956 was inserted through amendment with effect from December 13, 2000 with prospective effect". "In view of this position of law, the Supreme Court in its order dated August 31, 2012 observed that OFCD issue by SICCL was made in 1998 and it was before the amendment of section 67(3) by Companies Amendment Act, 2000, hence, ROC and not Sebi had jurisdiction in respect of the said OFCDs. That was the valid reason that the Supreme Court did not act anyway against SICCL," the embattled group said. "So this order of Sebi is against the observation and conclusion drawn by the Supreme Court," it added. Countering the regulator's objection that all payments are to be done through banking channel, Sahara Group said it must be recalled here that, till 4 years back, as per the statement of World Bank and Reserve Bank, 50-60 per cent of Indians did not have bank accounts. "In Sahara, we have all very small depositors who have never gone to banks and banks have never come to them. They deposit small small amounts in cash and take the repayments in cash. After all, as per the law of the Government of India, then anybody and everybody were allowed to deposit or take repayment in cash up to Rs 20,000 and our all payments were strictly as per law. Now the limit is of Rs 10,000," the group noted. Sebi, in an order dated October 31, found SICCL to have raised over Rs 14,000 crore in violation of rules and has ordered the company and its then directors including Subrata Roy to refund the money with 15 per cent annual interest. Also, it barred SICCL as well as its then directors and associated entities from the markets and from associating with any public entity. PTI SP BJ ANUANU Kenya is looking forward to raise $2.8 billion from Eurobonds in the coming months. This will be Kenyas third Eurobond quest since 2014. The country plans to raise $2.8 billion despite the International Monetary Funds concerns that the country is at risk of over-indebtedness. The Washington-based lender urged the state to refinance debt using concessional loans to lengthen maturities in the coming year and limit commercial credit for projects with high social and economic returns. Treasury principal secretary Kamau Thugge told Bloomberg earlier this week that the external financing bit of the budget deficit will comprise up to Sh250 billion worth of Eurobonds, and Sh37 billion in syndicated loans. Kenyas economy is projected to grow by 5.8 per cent next year supported by strong remittance inflows and rising household income from agriculture harvests and lower food prices. The agricultural sector has bounced back after it suffered from a prolonged drought that affected food security and increased food importation. Tourism also has shown signs of revival and is expected to bring in higher revenues. According to the World Banks biannual report, gross domestic product growth in Kenya will increase to 5.8 per cent in 2019 and could rise to six per cent by 2020. news, latest-news Politics is a numbers game. Not the size of the GDP, or the unemployment rate or who the polls say is winning (though those are all political). In a democracy, politics is ultimately about securing a majority of votes, for preselection, on election day and on the floor of Parliament. In politics, losing by one vote is basically the same as losing by 1000. The ironclad rule of numbers in politics was particularly brutal for the Liberal Party recently. If the Liberals had managed to hold the blue-ribbon seat of Wentworth by even one vote, they would have held their one-seat majority in the House of Representatives. Instead, the Liberals came a gutser (independent candidate Kerryn Phelps was about 1700 votes ahead of the Liberals in Wentworth at last count, an almost 20 per cent swing away from the Liberals). Prime Minister Scott Morrison will now need to convince one of six crossbenchers each and every time he wishes to pass legislation through the lower house. Ironically, this could be the best thing to happen to the Morrison government. Majority government is more orderly, certainly, but democracy requires a certain relish for the unpredictable. Being forced to negotiate with other political parties and the crossbench can force commonsense amendments that blunt the sharp edges of hardline policies. It can force governments to pay attention to issues they might prefer to ignore. Governments generally prefer to have a majority in both houses of Parliament, so they can pass laws without needing to negotiate with other political parties. But having absolute power like this can often prove a curse, as John Howard discovered when he used his majority in both houses to pass the Work Choices laws and a host of other measures that were massively unpopular with the electorate. Needing to negotiate outcomes can save governments from their own worst instincts. And let's face it, the Liberal Party's recent instincts have proven about as popular as a fart under the doona. The good burghers of Wentworth (once a blue-ribbon Liberal seat, now dismissed by some commentators as not comprising "typical" voters representative of the Liberal base, which must be a shock to the residents of not only Wentworth but Warringah, Kooyong, Higgins and North Sydney, too) sent a clear message to the Morrison government that they want action on climate change, refugees and integrity. These happen to be issues that several crossbenchers and their electorates care about. Whether he likes it or not, climate change, refugees and integrity are about to become big issues for the Prime Minister. Let's take integrity first. Integrity is not a word associated often with politics, and our trust in federal politicians is at an all-time low. That's not good for democracy. In January, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten announced that Labor would legislate for a national integrity commission within 12 months of winning office and offered to work with the Coalition government to implement a watchdog with teeth. The government did not take up the offer. After the Wentworth by-election, several members of the crossbench, including Greens, announced their intention to pursue a federal anti-corruption watchdog. Attorney-General Christian Porter indicated he's willing to talk about options. It's amazing how needing one extra vote can make a difference, isn't it? When Shorten announced his policy, he acknowledged voters were disaffected with politics and wanted to clean up the system: "The most corrosive sentiment in democracies around the world is the idea that politicians are only in it for themselves. This is not about partisanship, this is about trust." That disaffection is no doubt part of what's driving voters away from major parties and towards minor parties and independents, such as Kerryn Phelps, Rebekha Sharkie and Andrew Wilkie. Australia Institute polling shows 63 per cent of voters say a national independent commission against corruption would increase public trust in Parliament, which is an important reason why our politicians should back a watchdog with teeth it's in their own long-term interests. The Australia Institute's national integrity committee, made up of corruption fighters and former judges, have designed a benchmark for a national body, based on best practices from effective state anti-corruption bodies. The design principles include the need for an independent and well-resourced agency, with a broad jurisdiction and the strong investigative powers of a royal commission. The ability to hold public hearings is particularly important because corruption flourishes amid secrecy. The only outcome worse than failing to establish a national anti-corruption body would be to create a poorly designed body with insufficient powers and no ability to hold public hearings. Though the rule of numbers is ironclad for politics, it nothing compared to the numbers for climate change, which was the No.1 issue for Wentworth voters. It's pretty straightforward. The mining and burning of coal, oil and gas produces greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere, slowly cooking the planet. This isn't a matter of belief but the rule of thermodynamics. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report recently that said the world must stop burning coal by 2050, sooner if possible, if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change. The Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, dismissed the dire warning as merely "some sort of report". The fact is that Australia must phase out the mining and burning of coal, oil and gas as soon as possible. Unless we plan the transition away from coal, as the CFMEU recently noted, "workers who depend on the coal-fired power industry face a bleak and uncertain future" including the miners. The Adani coal mine is a perfect example of this lack of planning. Jonathan van Rooyen, the co-owner of the Port of Newcastle one of the world's largest coal terminals said recently: "There is no avoiding the simple mathematics that if [the Coalition] succeeds in pushing between 25 million and 60 million tonnes of subsidised new coal into a flat world market, the volume of coal mined and exported from the Hunter and Illawarra will decline. As will royalties collected by the NSW government and the number of coal jobs in the Hunter and Illawarra." We can't stop global warming by mining and burning coal. It's science. Building new "clean" coal-fired power is the most expensive form of new energy on the market. The Morrison government says it cares about reducing electricity prices but, publicly, many Coalition members are backing the most expensive solution while ignoring far cheaper solutions such as demand response where energy consumers are paid to reduce or delay their electricity use and sell that conservation into the market. Luckily, the numbers for renewable energy and storage are getting better by the day. Renewable energy is cheaper to build than ever, and prices have dropped further and faster than most people anticipated, putting downwards pressure on prices. Politics is a numbers game. But in refusing to learn the lessons from its brutal loss in Wentworth, the government is failing to read both the numbers and the writing on the wall. No political party has a monopoly on good ideas. The government would be wise to heed that lesson as it deals with the crossbench in coming months. Ebony Bennett is deputy director of The Australia Institute. Twitter: @ebony_bennett /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/38649d38-61b4-4c3b-9c4c-2a047693c3f3/r0_935_2000_2065_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Britains Prince Charles has begun a nine-day Africa tour aimed at strengthening ties with Commonwealth nations. The Prince of Wales took over as head of the 53-member Commonwealth of Nations in April, succeeding his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The Prince, who landed in Gambia on Thursday, congratulated the country for turning its back on autocratic rule at home and returning to the Commonwealth. The Prince and his spouse Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, were received by Gambian President Adama Barrow and his wife, Fatou Bah-Barrow. We are friends and partners, and once again we are both members of the Commonwealth family of nations, the prince said in Banjul. The West African nation returned to the Commonwealth in February, five years after ex-authoritarian leader Yahya Jammeh pulled Gambia out of the organization. Prince Charles and his wife visited a medical research facility run by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and an armed forces training center, where Gambian troops are preparing for a peacekeeping mission in Sudan. The royal couple is expected to visit Ghana before ending their trip in Nigeria on November 6 8. As Britain prepares to leave the European Union in 2019, the prince aims to celebrate the UKs dynamic, forward-looking partnerships with Commonwealth nations, a statement announcing the African tour had said. Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has released an employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the post of Executive Director. Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government job here. Selected candidates can earn up to INR 1 lakh per month. The last date to apply for the government job is Nov 30, 2018. IOCL Recruitment 2018: Assistant Officers In Finance Function To Be Hired IOCL Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Executive Director Organisation Indian Oil Corporation Limited Educational Qualification BTech or MSc in chemistry Experience 20 years Skills Required Managerial skills Job Location Faridabad Salary Scale INR 1 lakh per month Industry Oil Application Start Date October 31, 2018 Application End Date November 30, 2018 Age Limit 50 to 62 years Also Read: Engineer Jobs 2018 At OHPCL How To Apply For The IOCL Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for the IOCL Recruitment 2018, follow the steps given here: Step 1 Log on to the IOCL official website. Step 2 Scroll down to find the Careers window. Step 3 Click on Latest Job Openings link. Step 4 The list of recent jobs will open. Step 5 Under the relevant job, click on the application form link. Step 6 The application form will open. Step 7 Take a printout of the application form. Step 8: Enter your details in the fields provided. Step 9: Send the applications to IOCL. IOCL Recruitment 2018 Application Format And Mailing Address Superscribe on the envelope, "Application for the post of Executive Director" and send it to: Secretary, Society for Petroleum Laboratory, C/o Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Research & Development Centre, Sector-13, Faridabad - 121007. Follow the link - https://www.iocl.com/download/Advartisement-SFPL.pdf to read the detailed official notification. Zurich Canada announced a new organizational structure and team designed to simplify and strengthen the insurers go-to-market approach. We now have the structure in place to ramp up our support for our customers and brokers in Canada, strengthening our presence in the Canadian market, said Saad Mered, who was named CEO of Zurich Canada in August. Weve also deepened our bench strength in Canada with proven leaders from Zurich and the industry. The Zurich Canada executive team, effective immediately, under the leadership of Mered includes the following members: Jean Roy, head of Underwriting. Roy has more than 20 years of insurance industry experience and will lead this new role responsible for underwriting, risk selection, pricing, proposition development and new opportunity incubation, as well the management of the product suite offered by Zurich in Canada. He most recently held the position of chief actuary for Zurich Canada. Greg Irvine, head of Specialties. Irvine will continue to lead the specialty insurance lines of businesses for Canada. He leads a team focused on delivering innovative solutions to address the challenging risks facing businesses in Canada. Prior to joining Zurich in 2012, he held various management positions within AIGs Executive Liability division. Scott Thomas, head of Risk Services. Thomas will continue in this leadership role. He leads Zurich Canadas nationwide team, supporting their key goals to identify, assess and improve the risks Zurich customers face every day. Alban Laloum, head of Marketing. Laloum has worked in the insurance industry for nearly 30 years. Prior to this new role, Laloum served as global broker relationship leader for Zurich, responsible for developing and nurturing relationships with brokers around the world. In addition to these roles, the leadership team in Canada will also include a head of Property, head of Liability and head of Claims, to be announced at a later date. All team members are based in Toronto. This new structure creates agility and positions these proven leaders to meet the changing needs of our customers in Canada, said Mered. Source: Zurich Insurance Group *This story appeared previously in our sister publication Insurance Journal. Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, meets with Vancouver mayor-elect Kennedy Stewart in Vancouver, on Thursday. Vancouver's incoming mayor says a revamped National Energy Board review of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is likely doomed to fail and will land the federal government back in a courtroom. The energy board is reviewing the project's impacts on the marine environment and Kennedy Stewart says it's too rushed, including a week-long window for Indigenous groups and others to apply to participate. "I do think the revamped NEB process we're going through probably is going to fail again. I don't think giving First Nations a week to submit to a brand new reconciliation process is enough time and that'll be challenged in court again and rightly so," he said in an interview. "I could see this being deadlocked like the Mackenzie Valley pipeline for many, many, many years," he added, referring to a proposed natural gas line through the Northwest Territories that was stalled for decades. Stewart, formerly the New Democrat MP for Burnaby South, was among a group of protesters who were arrested in March while blocking Trans Mountain's main gate, violating a court order to stay five metres from company work sites. He pleaded guilty to contempt of court and paid a $500 fine. After winning Vancouver's mayoral race by fewer than 1,000 votes, he will be sworn in on Monday. His opinion on the pipeline expansion hasn't changed, he said, and he will continue to back the city's practice of supporting local Indigenous groups in their court challenges by applying to be an intervener. The Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations have traditional territories in the Vancouver area and both have said the new process is repeating the same mistakes and laying the groundwork for a new court challenge. The Federal Court of Appeal struck down the federal government's approval of the project in August due to inadequate Indigenous consultation and the energy board's failure to review impacts on the marine environment. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government, which has purchased the existing Trans Mountain line and expansion project for $4.5 billion, tasked the energy board with reviewing marine environment impacts and submitting a report by Feb. 22. Energy board spokesman James Stevenson declined comment on Stewart's remarks but has said previously that the revamped review will be a comprehensive scientific and technical examination of project-related marine shipping. Stewart said Trudeau was the one who brought up Trans Mountain during their first meeting Thursday since Stewart's election win. "I said, 'First of all, it's been a weird year. I was arrested, then I resigned as MP and now I'm mayor, within a period of about six months.' But my position on that was clear. I'm still very much opposed to this pipeline," he said. "However, I understand my role has changed. Perhaps where my mandate as MP in Burnaby was to stop the pipeline as a top priority, the voters of this city have said your priority is to fix our housing problem." Photo: The Canadian Press A Canadian light armoured vehicle similar to those Canada is exporting to Saudi Arabia. The Crown corporation that arranges Canadian arms sales abroad has to be stopped from making deals with human-rights violators that become practically impossible for the government to cancel, say two international arms-trade watchdogs. Project Ploughshares and Amnesty International say the upcoming ratification of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty gives the governing Liberals a chance to prevent a repeat of the controversial deal the Canadian Commercial Corporation signed with Saudi Arabia in 2014 to sell $15 billion worth of Ontario-made light armoured vehicles. The unassumingly named Canadian Commercial Corporation is a federal agency that helps Canadian companies sell all sorts of goods, including weapons, to foreign governments. The Trudeau Liberals say they are bound by a contract it arranged to sell the armoured vehicles under the previous Conservative government and have cited undisclosed penalties that would cost Canada billions of dollars if the federal cabinet blocks the deal. The government is reviewing all future export permits for sales to Saudi Arabia in response to the October murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Saudi Arabia is also one of the countries fighting in a civil war in Yemen, which has ground to a stalemate with rebel forces in control of much of the country. International Trade Minister Jim Carr directed the Canadian Commercial Corporation in a September letter to consider the human-rights provisions of the UN treaty on international arms deals before approving all future arms deals. Canada has signed the agreement but Parliament hasn't yet passed Bill C-47 to ratify it formally. But Project Ploughshares and Amnesty say the government needs to put the requirement to consider customers' human-rights records into law, and they plan to tell the Senate foreign-affairs committee so during its hearings on the bill that are expected this week. It is unacceptable that the corporation inked the deal with Saudi Arabia in early 2014, more than two years before the newly elected Liberal government approved the export permits, said Kenneth Epps, Ploughshares' policy adviser on the treaty. "In our view, that's exactly the wrong way around. The Canadian Commercial Corporation should not be in a position to sign any contracts involving export permits until those exports permits are authorized," Epps said in an interview. In a Sept. 24 letter to the chair of the corporation, Carr directed Douglas Harrison to "closely study" Bill C-47 and "take all necessary steps to ensure that CCC's due-diligence assessments seek to ensure that all transactions meet this threshold going forward." Carr told the corporation it has a deadline at the end of this month to come up with a plan for how Canada's international human-rights obligations would "be explicitly and transparently incorporated into its corporate social-responsibility objectives and procedures." Les lunettes de marque ne sont pas ce qui manque dans les commerces. Il y en a de toutes les sortes dont les lunettes de [] 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 [] I cannot wait until all of the political attack ads are off of T.V. Thank God for the mute button. I have gone through countless numbers of elections throughout my life and since Mr. Trump is now occupying the Oval Office, I cannot remember any sitting president spewing the vile and hateful rhetoric from his mouth and those who have consumed his kool-aid formula of how to treat others in this great nation. The Tennessee senator race boils down to one that is based on honesty and one based on lies. Mr. Bredesen has a positive record of having served our great state as governor. His opponent, on the contrary, is leading the swamp team in D.C. She keeps saying that she represents Tennessee values. If taking bribes, not adequately doing her job (see the vote smart website), helping to hogtie the hands of the FDA in their pursuit of opioid distributions (see the Tennessean October, 2017 story), just to mention a few of the scandals on her back, if those are your Tennessee values, then by all means, vote for her. Those are not my Tennessee values. Her entire campaign is based on lying to her constituents, fear mongering, and trying to debase an honest man. Mr. Bredesen has a reputation of honesty and working across the aisle. I believe him because of his past history. I do not believe that he owes any loyalty to some of the current Democratic leadership. His is his own person. For the sake of sanity and honesty in DC, please cast your ballot for Mr. Bredesen. He represents my Tennessee values. Gary Wilkes * * * To some extent, I agree with Mr. Wilkes in his plea to vote for sanity. However, I think that we might have a different definition of what sanity is. If you think sanity is reflected in the behavior of the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee as they shamelessly tried to smear a very good person, Justice Kavanaugh, then vote for Mr. Bredesen. If you see sanity in identity politics, political correctness, open borders, hateful rhetoric, calls for violence, and high taxes, then vote for Mr. Bredesen. If you see the current major upswing in America's economic health as insane and wish to bring back the malaise that existed just two years ago, then vote for Mr. Bredesen. I could go on, but you get my drift. The Democrat Party has been sliding to the left for some time, but lately, the slide has turned into mad long dash. Socialism, if polls are to be believed, is becoming very popular for many Democrats. This is party which Mr. Bredesen identifies with and, regardless of any past accomplishments as governor, the one he will be voting to support should he become a senator. Somehow, "Tennessee values" don't seem to line up with that scenario. As such, I voted for Marsha, because whatever her shortcomings might be, she will support the Trump agenda which, thus far, has been quite positive for America. Jim Nelson Dekalb MD, a growing regional network of primary care clinics, has opened a second clinic in Chattanooga. After opening its first Chattanooga location on the North Shore in June, the second clinic on Shallowford Road aims to provide a convenient location for residents of East Brainerd, Brainerd, East Ridge and Hixson. to 1 p.m. at 6150 Shallowford Road, Suite 104, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Dekalb MD Shallowford will celebrate its official grand opening on Tuesday, from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. at 6150 Shallowford Road, Suite 104, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Dr. Chad Williamson, a north Alabama native, opened his first clinic in Fort Payne two years ago. Since then, the Dekalb MD network has grown to include three affiliated clinics in Dekalb County, as well as two clinics in Chattanooga. In the direct primary care model, individuals or employers pay a monthly fee for unlimited and near-immediate access to their provider. Each clinic has its own pharmacy onsite, and prescription drugs and lab tests are done at pass-through costs, meaning they are a fraction of normal costs. They can even make house calls. Our model focuses first and foremost on the doctor-patient relationship, said Dr. Williamson. With Dekalb MD, people can call and see their doctor the same day. Our clients have our cell phone numbers and email addresses, and we are available any time they need us, day or night. Healthcare in America has gotten to the point that people are more afraid of going to the doctor because of the bill theyll get instead of the shot theyll get, said Dr. Williamson. With our model, the monthly fee covers as many visits, phone calls and texts as you need, so our clients dont need to worry about the bill. It never shows up. But the model extends beyond just the doctor-patient relationship, according to Austin Jett, an Employee Benefits advisor with Russ Blakely and Associates in Chattanooga. Employers have a lot to gain as well. Forward-thinking employers are always searching for ways to bend the cost curve while providing better benefits for their employees, said Mr. Jett. Many large employers provide onsite clinical care for employees and their families because it improves the quality of care and helps to control costs over time. This type of approach brings the upside of an onsite clinic to small and midsize employers, but in an affordable near-site model. According to Mr. Jett, these models of care do not replace insurance, but instead work to address the issues that drive up insurance and healthcare costs over time. Show booths from the March 2018 Girls' Marketplace, most of whom are confirmed to return to the Holiday Marketplace Show booths from the March 2018 Girls' Marketplace, most of whom are confirmed to return to the Holiday Marketplace Show booths from the March 2018 Girls' Marketplace, most of whom are confirmed to return to the Holiday Marketplace Show booths from the March 2018 Girls' Marketplace, most of whom are confirmed to return to the Holiday Marketplace Girls Preparatory School will once again host its entrepreneurial event for area girls, MBD: Girl Edition. Mighty, Brilliant, and Determined girls, ages 7-17, are invited to sell their products and services at this years Holiday Marketplace, Saturday, Dec. 8, from noon until 5 p.m., at GPS in the main gym. There are no booth fees charged to any participant, thanks to the support of generous sponsors and in-kind donations. Girls are responsible for creating and selling their merchandise; booth essentials such as a table, chairs, and drapes are provided. Our previous MBD: Girls Marketplace was held in March, said Lauren Hayes, event coordinator, but we want to give girls every opportunity for success, so we moved the event to align with the holiday shopping season. Presented by GPS, Public Education Foundation, and The Company Lab, the girls Holiday Marketplace also provides mentors to help the girls prepare their booths at the event. Again this year, the Chattanooga Public Library will offer three free Saturday workshops prior to the marketplace for participants: Branding Basics & Targeting Your Audience | Nov. 10, 1-3 p.m. Booth Display & Seller Psychology | Nov. 17, 1-3 p.m. Finishing Details | Dec. 1, 1-3 p.m. Workshop attendance is not required for marketplace participation but is highly encouraged. Girls can attend any or all of the workshops for helpful guidance on having a successful booth. More than 60 girls have already signed up to participate as vendors, but applications are still being accepted. To register, sign up online at MBDGirl.com. We believe in fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in every girl and offer MBD: Girl Edition events to encourage girls across our community to get creative and learn what it takes to run their own business, said Ms. Hayes. More than 200 promotional packets were distributed to area public, private, and home schools to seek #girlpreneurs to participate. The community is invited to shop, and area businesses and organizations are welcome to sponsor the event. For more information on donating products for participants or shopper giveaways, sponsoring a booth for a girl or two, being a food truck vendor, or aligning as a major sponsor, please contact Ms. Hayes, director of Community Engagement at GPS, LHayes@GPS.edu or 634-7679. Current key sponsors include SunTrust Bank and RJ Young. Federal Judge Curtis Collier has denied a request by former Pilot Travel Centers president Mark Hazelwood to be allowed to remain home for the Christmas holidays before starting his prison sentence. Judge Collier said he is sticking with the original reporting date just after Thanksgiving. Hazelwood was sentenced to serve 12 and one-half years in prison for his leading part in a widespread fraud against multiple trucking companies. Attorneys for Hazelwood had cited his Christian beliefs as well as the fact that co-defendants Scott Wombold and Heather Jones get to stay out until Jan. 7. The judge said, "Upon Defendants conviction, the Court found he was a flight risk, but that there were conditions that would reasonably assure his future appearance. "Neither Defendants continued compliance with those conditions, nor his timely payment of his fine, is grounds for an extension of his self-surrender deadline. "Nor has Defendant shown he has any religiousas opposed to familyneeds regarding Christmas that the Bureau of Prisons would not be able to accommodate. If the Court attempted to set self-report dates that did not conflict with any religious holidays, it would be unable to set any dates at all. "As to Defendants desire to have the same self-report date as Wombold and Jones, the Court rejects this argument. Different self-surrender deadlines do not create sentencing disparities, and even if they did, the sentencing disparities a court must consider are nationwide, not those among co-defendants. In addition, there are differences between Defendants situation and those of Wombold and Jones, respectively, that caused the Court to exercise its discretion in the manner in which it did, including their conditions of release, the fact that their sentencing hearings came after Defendants, the degrees to which they pose a risk of flight, and more individualized considerations regarding their circumstances. "Considering Defendants motion as a whole, the Court is not persuaded it should alter its previous rejection of Defendants request to delay his self-surrender deadline to early January 2019." The Diocese of Nashville, "as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and pastoral care," has published the names of the 13 former priests who served in the diocese who have been accused of sexually abusing a minor. Some served in Chattanooga and in Cleveland.Of the 13, nine are dead and two are in prison. None are in active ministry.The names are being released after consultation with the Presbyteral Council and Diocesan Review Board, which is made up almost entirely of lay people not employed by the diocese.Files on abuse cases were shared with the Davidson County District Attorney Generals office nearly 20 years ago.The names are those of priests against whom an allegation of abuse was made either while an active priest or following his death. Following the report, an investigation was commenced, after which a review of the facts and information obtained took place. Following this review, a recommendation was made to the bishop at the time and the bishop decided whether or not an individual priest should be dismissed from the priesthood of the Diocese of Nashville if in active ministry.Dismissal from the priesthood is a canonical process under Church law that is completely separate from matters under civil or criminal law. In 1985 Tennessee state law began requiring that anyone who reasonably expects that abuse of a minor is taking place must make a report to civil authorities. The dioceses policies and practices have supported and followed that law since it took effect.The priests, who were ordained between 1940 and 1973, served as priests between the 1940s and 1990s. At the time most were ordained, the Diocese of Nashville covered the entire state of Tennessee. The Dioceses of Memphis and Knoxville were established in 1971 and 1988, respectively, and some of the 13 were incardinated in those dioceses. One of the men was a Benedictine priest from Cullman, Alabama, who was serving in the diocese at the time the abuse occurred.Their names and assignments in the Diocese of Nashville, according to official records of the Diocese of Nashville, are listed below. While diocesan priests have formal assignments, they often have duties in other parishes of the diocese so any of the men could have potentially worked in other parishes or locations. Father Edward James Cleary. Born April 18, 1914; ordained May 18, 1940; died Nov. 10, 1997.His assignments included: Assistant Pastor of the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville; Assistant Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Memphis; Assistant Pastor of St. Marys Church in Nashville; Professor at Father Ryan High School in Nashville; Administrator Pro Tem at Resurrection Church in Cleveland, Tennessee; Chaplain, U.S. Army Air Corps; Pastor, St. Paul Church in Whitehaven. Father James William Murphy Jr. Born Sept. 12, 1922; ordained April 3, 1948 incardinated into Diocese of Memphis 1971; died Oct. 11, 2016.His assignments included: Assistant Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Memphis; Assistant Pastor of St. Thomas Church in Memphis; Director of the Ladies of Charity for the West Tennessee Deanery; Blessed Sacrament Church in Harriman; St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Cookeville; Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Union City; Administrator of St. John Vianney Church in Gallatin; Pastor of St. Anthony Church in Memphis; Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa and attached mission; Pastor of St. James Church in Memphis. Father James Arthur Rudisill. Born May 16, 1926; ordained May 19, 1951; retired Feb. 10, 1995; died Feb. 8, 2008.His assignments included: Assistant Pastor of St. Ann Church in Nashville; Assistant Pastor of Christ the King Church in Nashville; Assistant Pastor of Holy Name Church in Nashville; Chaplain of Scouting for Middle Tennessee; Chaplain of the Catholic Business Womens League in Nashville; Assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Memphis; Youth Director for the West Tennessee Deanery; Pastor of Holy Angels Church in Dyersburg; Pastor at St. Rose of Lima Church in Murfreesboro; Pastor at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville and its mission in Rogersville; Moderator of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for the Chattanooga Deanery; Associate Pastor and Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Chattanooga; Chaplain Knights of Columbus Council 610 in Chattanooga; Pastor at St. Catherine Church in Columbia; Dean of the Southwest Deanery; Pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Hohenwald, Christ the Redeemer Church in Centerville and St. Cecilia Church in Waynesboro. Father Edward Albert Walenga. Born Nov. 2, 1926; ordained May 30, 1953; died Nov. 27, 1983.His assignments included: Assistant Pastor of Little Flower Church in Memphis; Assistant Pastor at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville and Professor at Knoxville Catholic High School; Assistant Pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga and Chaplain to Newman Clubs; Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Humboldt; Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Council in Jackson; Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Cookeville; Pastor of St. Patrick Church in McEwen and Dickson mission; pastor of Notre Dame Church in Greeneville and St. Henry Mission in Rogersville; Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Springfield and the St. Michael Mission in Cedar Hill; Pastor of St. John Vianney Church in Gallatin. Father Roger R. Lott, a Benedictine Monk/Priest in Cullman Alabama; ordained in 1954; removed from duty and placed in a restricted setting by his order in 1996; died May 22, 2011.In the 1950s, Father Lott was in residence at the Cathedral serving in the Diocese of Nashville while pursuing a degree at Peabody College in Nashville. Msgr. William Floyd Davis. Born Aug. 17, 1929; ordained May 26, 1956; incardinated in the Diocese of Memphis 1972; died Oct. 26, 2011.His assignments included: Assistant Pastor of Christ the King Church in Nashville; Administrator of the Church of the Assumption in Nashville; Pastor of the Church of the Assumption; Administrator of St. William Church in Millington; Assistant Pastor of St. Louis Church in Memphis and teacher at Catholic High School for Boys in Memphis; Pastor of Notre Dame Church in Greeneville and its Rogersville mission; Pastor of St. Patrick Church in McEwen and St. Christopher Church in Dickson. Joseph L. Reilly Born Dec. 16, 1928; ordained May 26, 1956; dismissed from the priesthood of the Diocese of Nashville 1965; died March 9, 1981.His assignments included: the Cathedral of the Incarnation; Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Chattanooga, St. Michael Church in Memphis and St. Henry Church in Nashville. Paul Frederick Haas. Born Dec. 14, 1933; ordained May 23, 1959; dismissed from the priesthood of the Diocese of Nashville May 24, 1977; died June 7, 1979.His assignments included: Assistant Pastor of the Cathedral of the Incarnation; Assistant Pastor of St. Ann Church in Nashville and teaching at Father Ryan High School; Assistant Pastor of St. John Church in Memphis and teacher at Memphis Catholic High School for Boys; Assistant Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Memphis. In addition to assignments in diocesan records, he is also known to have served at St. Jude Church and Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga and in the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, and the Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky. Paul Wiley St. Charles. Born June 23, 1939; ordained May 21, 1966; Incardinated into the Diocese of Memphis; dismissed from the priesthood of the Diocese of Memphis 2004; died Dec. 27, 2009.His assignments included: Assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Knoxville; Assistant Pastor of St. John Church in Memphis; Chaplain for Scouting in the Memphis area; Moderator for the Ladies of Charity; Director of the Catholic Youth Office for the Memphis area and part-time professor of Catholic High School for Boys in Memphis. William Claude Casey. Born Jan. 4, 1934; ordained May 2, 1969; incardinated in the Diocese of Knoxville Sept. 8, 1988; dismissed from the priesthood of the Diocese of Knoxville 2010; currently incarcerated.His assignments included: Associate Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Chattanooga; Pastor of Notre Dame Church in Greeneville; Diocesan Director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference; Pastor of St. Dominic Church in Kingsport; Dean and Episcopal Vicar of the Kingsport Deanery; Director of Vocations for the Kingsport Deanery; Pastor of St. John Neumann Church in Knoxville. Edward Joseph McKeown. Born March 18, 1944; ordained Jan. 31, 1970; dismissed from the priesthood of the Diocese of Nashville March 1, 1989; currently incarcerated.His assignments included: Associate Pastor of St. Edward Church in Nashville and part-time professor at Father Ryan High School; Associate Pastor at Holy Rosary Church; Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Church in Madison; Administrator of Blessed Sacrament Church in Harriman, St. Ann Church in Deer Lodge and St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City; academic duties at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga; Administrator of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in South Pittsburg, in residence at St. Augustine Church in Signal Mountain; Associate Pastor at St. Augustine Church in Signal Mountain; Administrator at St. Bridget Church in Dayton; Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Harriman and its mission; Pastor of St. Thomas Church in Lenoir City and St. Ann Church in Deer Lodge. Ronald W. Dickman. Born July 13, 1944; ordained June 5, 1971; dismissed from the priesthood of the Diocese of Nashville 1991.His assignments included: Director of Camp Marymount; Associate Pastor of St. Edward Church and full-time professor and later principal at Father Ryan High School; Associate Director of Vocations for the Nashville Deanery; Diocesan Director of Vocations; Associate Pastor of St. Henry Church in Nashville; Associate Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Church; Catholic Charities of Tennessee; St. Mary Villa in Nashville. Franklin T. Richards. Born March 18, 1947; ordained Jan. 26, 1973; dismissed from the priesthood of the Diocese of Nashville March 1, 1989.His assignments included: Associate Pastor of Christ the King Church; Associate Pastor of St. Henry Church; Pastor of St. Patrick Church in Nashville; Principal of Knoxville Catholic High School; Pastor of the Seymour Catholic Community; Associate Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksville.The Tennessee Register does not include the title father with the names of priests who have been dismissed from active ministry.The diocese instituted its safe environment program and began conducting background checks in 1986. In the late 1980s, the diocese began to conduct a series of seminars and informational sessions as well as developing educational programs for students, teachers, and parents on the issue and prevention of child sexual abuse.Over the years, the diocese has worked in cooperation with Our Kids, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Center, Catholic Charities, and the victims advocacy group You Have the Power, to enhance a broad safe environment program.In 1992, 10 years before the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was adopted in response to the clergy sex abuse crisis in Boston, the diocese adopted a safe environment program that included a process to review individuals regarding their fitness for ministry and investigating allegations of abuse.Those procedures had been used on a trial basis in the late 1980s, and Bishop Edward Kmiec promulgated them for the entire diocese in early 1992.The Diocese of Nashville is one of several dioceses across the country that have decided to release the names of priests credibly accused of sexually abusing minors in the wake of the Pennsylvania grand jury report last summer that outlined allegations from six dioceses in that state.The Pennsylvania allegations, some of which go back as far as 70 years, involved 301 priests and more than 1,000 victims.The report also included efforts by Church leaders to cover up the abuse.In 2002, when the clergy abuse scandal erupted in the Archdiocese of Boston and other dioceses around the country, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.The Charter, which was revised in 2005, 2011 and 2018, was adopted to provide a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy, stipulating zero tolerance for anyone credibly accused of even a single incident of abuse of a minor, permanently removing them from ministry.It also established: lay Review Boards to investigate allegations against priests, deacons, lay employees and volunteers of the Church and to recommend policies to prevent further abuse; education programs to detect and prevent abuse; background checks for anyone who works with minors; and guidelines for reconciliation, healing and accountability.Since 2002, the diocese and its insurance company have spent approximately $6.5 million on counseling and pastoral assistance to victims of abuse. The total includes a $1.1 million settlement in lawsuits related to Edward McKeown.The diocese has been audited several times since the adoption of the Charter and has been found to be in full compliance with the Charter every time.Weve grown better because of the Charter, Bishop J. Mark Spalding told the Tennessee Register in August after the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report. So many more people are open to speaking up, open to reporting and open to holding people accountable. That doesnt mean were perfect.One slip is one slip too many, he added. One failure to implement the Charter undercuts the whole thing.In the wake of the Pennsylvania grand jury report and the revelations of credible allegations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick of abuse of minors and sexual misconduct with seminarians, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released a plan to address the new abuse scandal that will be considered at the conferences meeting in Baltimore Nov. 12-14.The plan calls for a full investigation of the questions surrounding Archbishop McCarrick by a group of laypeople identified for their expertise, a procedure to make it easier to report abuse and misconduct by a bishop, and efforts to develop better procedures to resolve complaints against bishops.Pope Francis is calling the presidents of every Catholic bishops conference in the world to Rome in February to discuss the prevention of the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.Tennessee law requires and the diocese for many years has urged anyone who reasonably suspects that abuse is taking place to report it to the civil authorities.For more information about reporting abuse and the dioceses Safe Environment policies for the protection of children and youth, visit www.dioceseofnashville.com/child-safety. If you want someone who is more interested in touting that she is the most Republican, then please vote for Esther Helton. However, if you want someone who will bring common sense to the legislature in Nashville, vote for Joda. At least he is confident enough to talk issues with the constituents of this district instead of shouting Im a Republican and support Trump well, Ms. Helton, the President has nothing to do with the Tennessee State Legislature and it is high time that you figured that out. Wayne Cook * * * My name is Dr. Ken Pittman and I am a local physician trained in both Pediatrics and Child Psychiatry (currently practicing the latter). I'm generally very independent in politics and have supported candidates from several different parties including Libertarians, Republicans, and Democrats. Most recently I have leaned towards the Libertarian Party, but I voted in the Republican Primary this year and support Bill Lee in his campaign for governor. I hold both conservative values and a desire to help others who are struggling to make ends meet - two things that should not be considered mutually exclusive. For the Republican nomination for the Tennessee House District 30 seat, I was unable to support either candidate due to what I considered to be campaigns worthy of a middle school election (She voted for Obama! Did Not! Did Too!). I attempted to reach out to both Republican candidates about this and copied Joda Thongnopnua, the Democratic candidate, in the process. I was disappointed when neither Republican candidate responded. However, Joda responded and then took the time to meet with me. He wanted to discuss issues. I did not agree with him on everything, but it is clear to me that he knows the issues and he is fighting for what he believes the people of District 30 want and need. He is approachable and reasonable. He is willing to fight for issues I care about like better public schools and improved mental health care for children. Joda expressed a willingness to consider aspects of the Individualized Education Act that have had great benefit to some local students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. He also demonstrated an understanding of some of the cons of his plan to raise the minimum wage and had ideas about how to address these while maintaining the benefits of increased minimum wage. His planned increase is to $10/hour and not the local economy-wrecking $15+ an hour that some push for. We were able to respectfully discuss and fully understand both sides of issues where we disagree. Joda has been persistent in his reaching out to the community for discussion and ideas. Meanwhile, his opponent has not been available for any debates and seems to primarily focus on the fact that she follows along with Republican views. In my opinion, she acts like she is afraid to be exposed for not knowing important issues as well as Joda does. Which is better for District 30? Someone who actively seeks to engage our community in decision making or someone who pledges allegiance to supporting all things defined by the letter R? That question is the core of why I made my decision to ignore party affiliations and endorse the best candidate - Joda Thongnopnua. Ken Pittman, MD * * * While I align myself with the Republican party, I will be supporting Joda Thongnopnua instead of Esther Helton in the race for State Rep, District 30. His willingness to communicate with his constituents is what our district needs, considering the diversified socioeconomic make up in our district. I am confident, if elected, Joda will continue to make himself available without requiring us to pay to be heard. His opponent refused the opportunities to debate, even labeling it "ambush style politics that Democrats now use". Joda is not an extreme Socialist Democrat. At a recent community event (at which his opponent did not show) he had a very open (and unscripted) discussion about his goals and philosophies for District 30. He will not support a state income tax. His intention is not to change our right to bear arms. He does seek a more equitable distribution of school funds, which will encourage better opportunities for jobs. I refuse to vote for someone simply riding the red wave without qualifications. Jody Grant Most of us are aware that Queen Elizabeth II is Englands longest-reigning monarch, but not many of us know who ruled the longest before her. The current queen has been Britains head of state long enough that a good number of people either dont remember or havent been around long enough to witness anyone else on the throne other than her. So we thought we take a look at just how long Queen Elizabeths reign has been and who falls behind her as the United Kingdoms second longest-serving monarch. When she became Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne upon the death of her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952, and has been in power ever since. At the time of her dads passing, the then-25-year-old was in Kenya with her husband, Prince Philip. Although King George VI died in 1952, Elizabeth II wasnt crowned until the following year on June 2, 1953. The reason is due to the tradition of allowing an appropriate length of time between a monarchs passing and holding a celebration for their heirs coronation. In 2015, the queen became the U.K.s longest-serving monarch and in 2016, after the death of Thailands King Bhumibol Adulyadej, she became the longest-reigning monarch in the world. Her eldest son, Prince Charles, is the longest-serving heir apparent in the British royal familys history. Longest-serving monarch before her The person Queen Elizabeth II surpassed for the longest reign was her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. She was the queen of the United Kingdom for a total of 63 years and 216 days from June 1837 to January 1901. Victoria inherited the throne when she was just 18 and also held the title of Empress of India, which she adopted in 1876. The late queen married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, in 1840 and was the first monarch to live in Buckingham Palace. However, she passed away at the former royal residence of Osborne House, which was used as her and Prince Alberts summer home and rural retreat. One of the things Victoria is remembered for was her attempts to improve relations between England and France. After Victoria, her grandfather, King George III, had the third longest reign which lasted 59 years and 96 days. Other kings and queens with impressive reigns While Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria, and King George III have had the longest reigns, there are many other monarchs who also spent several decades on the throne. Those other kings and queens are King James IV of Scotland, who ruled for 57 years and 246 days; King Henry III of England and Lord of Ireland, who was in power for 56 years and 29 days; King Edward III of England and Lord of Ireland, who spent 50 years and 147 days on the throne; King William I of Scotland had a reign of 48 years and 360 days; Queen Llywelyn of Gwynedd ruled for 44 to 46 years; and Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland whose reign lasted for 44 years and 127 days. Read more: How Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Are Already Preparing to Say Goodbye to Each Other Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! 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. 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. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment "Blow up every church" and "kill every Christian" in Nigeria. That was the directive of Abu Musab al-Barnawi to his fellow Islamic militants when he became the new leader of Boko Haram in 2016. Since 2000, the terrorist group has killed more than 11,500 Christians. As you prepare for International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Nov. 4, pray for the comfort and safety of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria. Ask God to convict the hearts of the Boko Haram militants, and pray that He will use this difficult time to change lives as He did with 20-year-old Emmanuel. Emmanuel, whose name I've changed to protect him, was raised in a strict Muslim household. When Boko Haram arrived to kill the Christians living in his village, they never dreamed their actions would lead to this young man's salvation. The terrorists burned houses and killed anyone in their way, including Emmanuel's father. Emmanuel and his mother barely escaped, aided by the help of their Christian neighbors. Touched by their kindness, Emmanuel listened carefully as these men told him about Jesus Christ. He was struck by the drastic difference between the love and forgiveness Jesus offered and the hate and violence preached by extremists. When Emmanuel told his mother he wanted to convert to Christianity, she told him he was making a mistake. But Emmanuel had made up his mind. After all that Jesus had suffered to give him salvation, Emmanuel considered it a small sacrifice to risk being estranged from his mother. Even when Boko Haram singled him out for persecution, Emmanuel stood strong in his faith. "Boko Haram attacked that village where I was staying with their plan to kill me, but God helped me for that not to happen," he said. Emmanuel was finally able to escape farther south, where God led him to a pastor who offered him shelter, education, and discipleship. Through all of his suffering, Emmanuel trusted God, and he is now using his testimony to share the Gospel with others. When asked about his experiences, he answers with four simple words: "Glory be to God." Remember Emmanuel on Nov. 4. Pray that God will raise up more godly men and women like him in Nigeria and give them the strength to share the Gospel despite increasing persecution. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Church is strident when it comes to protecting the life of the unborn. So, why do Christian women opt for an abortion despite the official policy of the Church opposing abortion in the strongest terms? According to Abortion Statistics compiled by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, '"Women identifying themselves as Protestants obtain 37.4% of all abortions in the U.S.; Catholic women account for 31.3%, Jewish women account for 1.3%, and women with no religious affiliation obtain 23.7% of all abortions. 18% of all abortions are performed on women who identify themselves as "Born-again/Evangelical."' It is significant to note that only 23.7% of women obtaining abortions are not religious. That means 76.3% of all abortions are obtained by "God-fearing" women with 68.7% identified as Christian women; and 18% of all abortions are obtained by "born-again/evangelical" women. The official stated position of the Church does not seem to translate to requisite practice by church-going Christians. That fact was recently borne out in a study Commissioned by Care Net showing that 4 in 10 women having an abortion are churchgoers. In that study it is shown that in a survey of 1,038 women having an abortion, "70 percent claim a Christian religious preference, and 43 percent report attending church monthly or more at the time of an abortion." The following is the opening paragraph of a July 27, 2018 op-ed in The News & Observer, by Rebecca Todd Peters: "There is a dominant belief that Christianity and Christians are against abortion. In fact, many Christian communities accept abortion in certain circumstances. That abortion is acceptable in some cases means that the real social question is not whether women can have abortions, but which women and for what reasons?" She pointed out that a Pew Research Center study in 2013 found that except for Roman Catholics, all other denominations, including "the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), the Southern Baptist Convention, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), and the Missouri Synod Lutherans concede that abortion is justifiable when a woman's life is in danger. The LDS, the NAE, and the Episcopalians also specifically mention that rape and incest are considered justifiable reasons to terminate a pregnancy." There are other reasons that I will discuss in a moment, but Christian women continue to have abortions because they do not see the Church speaking to their situation with its overarching Pro-Life platform. There is a tension between policy and practice which goes to the need for the Church address the issue more convincingly. The Care Net study found that "Many women with unplanned pregnancies go silently from the church pew to the abortion clinic, convinced the church would gossip rather than help." (Emphasis, mine) A mere 7% "discussed their abortion decision with anyone at church," and the church had no influence on 76% in making their decision. McConnell said "The results point to a church culture that often lacks grace." This seems to be supported by the impression of the women who had an abortion as indicated by the study: Two-thirds (65 percent) say church members judge single women who are pregnant. A majority (54 percent) thinks churches oversimplify decisions about pregnancy options. Fewer than half (41 percent) believe churches are prepared to help with decisions about unwanted pregnancies. Only 3 in 10 think churches give accurate advice about pregnancy options. (Emphasis, mine) In response to the Care Net study, Scott McConnell, vice president of LifeWay Research, said: "That's a huge opportunity for the church to have an impact on those decisions." This is not an issues of conservative versus liberal views on abortion. Christian women continue to have abortions because they do not trust the Pro-Life arguments of the church. They think the church oversimplifies decisions about abortion options, is not prepared to help with decisions about unwanted pregnancies, and gives inaccurate advice about pregnancy options. Those are not the views of ungodly liberals. Those are the views of Christian women! As promised above, there are other situations that would lead Christian women to choose an abortion. The medical reasons for abortion in the United States have increased from 17% in 2008 to 23% in 2011. For early abortions up to nine weeks it increased from 26% in 2008 to 36% in 2011. Removed from the emotions of politics and religion, medically, there are more reasons than we might have thought that would make a clinician recommend an abortion, and that faithful, rational, pragmatic Christian women will consider. A clinician may recommend an abortion in abnormal pregnancies in cases of ectopic pregnancies, a non-viable intrauterine fetus caused by "abnormal implantation or chromosomal defects," premature rupture of fetal membranes of "bag of water" before the fetus becomes viable to survive outside the uterus," and placental separation which will cause heavy bleeding. Medically necessary abortions are considered in fetal abnormalities such as fetal congenital birth defects which are incompatible with life, often ending in death shortly after birth. These include, spina bifida and other spinal abnormalities such as meningocele, myelomeningocele. There is anencephaly where the brain doesn't grow, conjoined twins, severe heart or kidney abnormalities not compatible with life, maternal infections and toxins passing from mother to fetus, and genetic disorders. There are also considerations for the medical condition of the mother such as cardiovascular diseases, renal disease, preeclampsia, cancer, and intrauterine infection. With Christian women continuing to have abortions in spite of their Pro-Life faith, McConnell went on to note. "...if they don't start experiencing something different than what they've seen in the past, these numbers aren't going to change." My view is that the church is missing the human and compassion factors, and perhaps, most importantly, it is speaking more for an institution of letters rather than a church of people. Marvin G. Thompson has, over the past 38 years, served as youth leader, church officer, assistant Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, and presently as a deacon and preacher, serve men's and small group ministry leadership and. Started the Berean Fundamentals blog on Christian Post to challenge Christians to live consistently with the teachings of Scripture. Asia Bibi blocked from leaving Pakistan after government makes deal with protesting hardliners A Christian woman whose death penalty for blasphemy was overturned this week still cannot leave Pakistan because of a government deal to appease radical Islamists. Hardliners have been staging widespread protests since Wednesday when the courts acquitted Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges going back a decade. However, Pakistan's government has reportedly reached a deal with the Tehreek-i-Labaik (TLP) party, which orchestrated the protests, that prevents the mother of five from leaving the country for now. According to the BBC, a court will decide on whether Bibi should be added to the country's no-fly list. If such a travel ban is implemented, it is not certain how long it would be in effect. Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry told the BBC, 'We had two options: either to use force, and when you use force people can be killed. That is not something a state should do... We tried negotiations and (in) negotiations you take something and you leave something.' He added that the deal was not a permanent solution to the problem of extremists in Pakistan. 'We need to take steps against extremism, we need to take steps against such kind of violent protesters and we need to come up with a permanent solution,' he said. 'Right now this is not a cure. This is firefighting, what we are doing. The cure is the real thing and our government is committed to the cure.' Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, a majority-Muslim country where Christians suffer severe persecution for their faith. Two politicians who had spoken in Bibi's defence - minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti and Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer - were both assassinated in 2011. Bibi was sentenced to death in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam by her Muslim coworkers when she offered to share a cup of water. Although she was acquitted this week, human rights groups have warned that she is not safe in Pakistan. Chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association, Wilson Chowdhry, said it was 'incredulous' that no country had stepped forward to offer Bibi asylum. He said her continued presence in Pakistan was only putting her life and that of others at risk. 'Asia Bibi is currently in a secure location awaiting release, but the ongoing violence makes it impossible to do so with any measure of safety,' he said. 'Asia Bibi and her entire family are in need of immediate asylum. She and her family have suffered enough, she just needs a country willing to cut through the bureaucracy, 'It would not do for her, after escaping hanging to die because of the tangle of red-tape.' Open Doors UK is asking Christians around the world to pray for believers in Pakistan who fear reprisal attacks after the acquittal. 'This is a highly tense and threatening situation for the religious minorities, especially for Pakistani Christians, and there is fear of persecution of Christians and attack on their churches and other properties,' Open Doors partners shared. Funerals held for Christian victims of militant attack in Egypt Egyptian Christians buried six members of the same family on Saturday who were shot dead while returning from a baptism at a Coptic monastery in Egypt's Minya province. Two buses were attacked on Friday near the Monastery of St. Samuel the Confessor in Minya, 260 km (160 miles) up the Nile from Cairo. Seven people were killed and 18 wounded, including children. The attack was claimed by Islamic State which, along with affiliated groups, has said it was responsible for several attacks on Egypt's Christian minority, including one that killed 28 people in almost the same spot in May 2017. There had, however, been a lull in attacks on Christians since December, when a gunman killed 11 people at a church and Christian-owned shop near Cairo. Although Egypt's army and police launched a crackdown on the militant groups in February, some of the Christian mourners said security should be tighter. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said he mourned the victims as martyrs and vowed to push ahead with the campaign. "There is a mix of sadness and pain," Bishop Macarius, head of the Coptic diocese in Minya, told mourners at Prince Tadros Church, tears streaming down his face. "Sadness as these painful events are being repeated, and pain because Copts are part of this homeland and part of its fabric." Mourners spilled out of the pews screaming, sobbing and praying over six white coffins, and rejecting the condolences of members of the security services. The Copts, an Orthodox denomination who make up about 10 percent of Egypt's more than 90 million inhabitants, are the Middle East's largest Christian community. They have long complained of persecution and insufficient protection. At Saturday's funeral, the congregation shouted out when Macarius thanked police and soldiers for their support, chanting: "No, no ... with blood and soul, we will defend you, oh cross!" The government pledged 100,000 Egyptian pounds ($5,600) in compensation to the families of the dead, and 50,000 to those who needed extended medical treatment, the state news agency MENA said. Reporting by Sayed Sheasha, Writing by Amina Ismail; editing by Sami Aboudi and Kevin Liffey Mark Wahlberg reveals what he is praying over his children Mark Wahlberg has encouraged the next generation of believers to stand firm in their faith and surround themselves with positive influences in today's social media-driven world. "If you're paying attention to the negative stuff, that's going to be what influences you," Wahlberg told The Christian Post. "It's about where you're existing on a daily basis. I don't surround myself with negative people; I'm around a lot of really positive people who strive to be their best and are quick to lend a hand to help somebody and have encouraging words for people." "You need to constantly be putting yourself in positive places and around positive people," he added. "If you're watching people partying, dancing, and doing all that stuff, that's what you're going to gravitate toward." The 47-year-old actor, who previously revealed he begins his day with 30 minutes of prayer and attends church every day, said he continually prays his five children will make the right choices and be "positive impacts" on the world around them. "I pray that they're going to do the right thing, that they're going to help people and make a positive impact on the community and on everyone they interact with," he shared. "I pray that they'll be good people, that they'll be loving and compassionate, whether they want to be doctors, lawyers whatever they want to be, that's all that really matters." The actor, who stars in comedy film "Instant Family," said that while he takes his career very seriously, his faith and family take precedence now that he's older. "I've had the ability to focus on me and my career for quite some time, and of course, I want to be successful," he said. "But the biggest challenge is to be the most successful husband and father I can be and use the talents and gifts that God's given me to help others and do with it what He's chosen." "These are the things I need to keep focused on," he continued. "My kids will be like, 'Dad, you don't need to go to church all the time; you're praying every day.' And I do, and hopefully, that will rub off on them." As a parent, Wahlberg says he's still "figuring it out," and relies on the grace of God when it comes to being a good example for his children. "Sometimes, I'll think back over things that happened over the course of the last few months, and I'll pray, 'God, I wish I would've done that differently,'" he admitted. "But you're kind of going through it for the first time. I've got a 15-year-old. I've never had a 15-year-old. She's throwing me every monkey wrench possible. But as long as you're trying to improve and get better and your intentions are good, it's very normal to make mistakes." In a 2016 interview with People magazine, Wahlberg reflected on his troubled younger years growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, in the '70s and '80s and shared how he became a Christian after meeting a priest in jail. "I think the fact that I've been able to turn my life around and really make my mom proud and become a better person through focusing on my faith, it always gives me a great sense of pride to come home," Wahlberg said. "I know I've made a lot of mistakes, but I've done a lot to turn my life around," he continued. "And I encourage and challenge people like myself to do the same. But more importantly, I want to encourage young people growing up in that situation first and foremost to avoid the mistakes that I made. There isn't anything you can't accomplish by hard work." Liberal activists and scientists condemn Trump proposals to erase Obama-era's redefinition of gender Over 1,600 scientists have signed a letter condemning the Trump administration's plans to roll back Obama-era regulations that redefined and broadened the definition of gender beyond male and female. The letter accuses the US government of relying on 'pseudoscience' to justify reversing changes to Title IX gender discrimination law brought in under the Obama administration. The Trump administration wants to re-install the traditional definition of gender as being determined by biology via a person's genitalia at birth. However, the group of scientists claim that the proposals are 'in no way "grounded in science" as the administration claims'. The government's plans were reportedly detailed in a draft memo by the Department of Health and Human Services that was leaked to the New York Times last week. Despite the report and subsequent backlash in the transgender community, the US government has not yet made any official announcement or comment. The letter, whose signatories include nine Nobel laureates, states: 'This proposal is fundamentally inconsistent not only with science, but also with ethical practices, human rights, and basic dignity.' They go on to claim: 'The relationship between sex chromosomes, genitalia, and gender identity is complex, and not fully understood. 'Though scientists are just beginning to understand the biological basis of gender identity, it is clear that many factors, known and unknown, mediate the complex links between identity, genes, and anatomy.' Liberal activists are also protesting the changes, accusing the Trump administration of trying to 'erase' the transgender community. Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook and more than 50 other companies issued a joint statement this week voicing their opposition to 'any administrative and legislative efforts to erase transgender protections through reinterpretation of existing laws and regulations'. However, many Christian groups are among those voicing support for Trump's proposals to bring back the original definition of gender. The James Dobson Family Institute said it was 'good for America' and that the faith community should 'be encouraged'. 'This is in keeping with the traditional definition of gender the Christian community has always held, and that we as a nation have maintained with uniformity until only recently,' it said in a statement. 'In fact, by taking this courageous and common sense action, the Department of Health and Human Services is simply going back to pre-Obama era regulations and policies.' It continued: 'We urge Congress to follow the president's lead by providing a legal definition of sex in federal law so that the Title IX legislation is abundantly and legally certain in all instances. 'This is vital not only for the HHS, which must deal with these regulations frequently, but also for all government, including the courts, which requires a clear understanding of what Congress meant by the word 'sex' when they originally established Title IX.' Denny Burk, theology professor at Boyce College, also defended the Trump administration's position on Twitter. 'Actually, this is simply returning things to where they were before President Obama unilaterally changed the meaning of the word 'sex' in federal statutes like Title IX. He never should have done that and had no right to do that,' he wrote. He added: 'It's not inhumane or discriminatory to recognize the biological difference between male and female, which is what 'sex' refers to in those statutes. This is not radical. What President Obama did was radical and wrong.' Understanding The Role of Music in Different Religions * Partner Post Music plays a very important role in our lives. It's everywhere around us. You can hear the winds chime, the birds sing, and the leaves buzz. If you listen to it carefully, you'd find music in all this as well. It's hard to think of a world with no music. The good thing, however, is that we have a huge variety when it comes to music. Some of us listen to music in order to feel better and some of us listen to it for other purposes. But do you know that music has an important role in religion, too? 'From ancient times, music is something that has put people in touch with their innermost feelings. Different kinds of music work upon different emotions of an individual and releases the various incomplete emotions leading towards a total healing of body and mind' Bhakthi Sankeertan: 'Healing through Music' (The Holistic Health Dictionary on Music Therapy) Christianity Look at Christianity, the hymns are musical. Hundreds and thousands of people can sing it together only due to the universal tone. If these religious songs did not follow a specific tune then so many people would never be able to sing the same song like this. It actually ensures that the congregation is united so that there's just one voice used to praise God. It's also an important part of worship and celebrations including Christmas and Thanksgiving. Worshippers use music to show what they feel. Judaism "Music is the pulse of Jewish spirituality song charts the biorhythms of the Jewish Soul.' Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks Judaism has a wide range of music. It's religious and secular at the same time. The sound and rhythm vary depending on several factors including the composer's background. The music heart in Synagogues in the bygone era was based on Jerusalem temples. Even today, music is an integral part of Judaism and Jewish worship habits. A large part of the service and Torah is sung or chanted in Synagogues. Islam The opinion of Islamic scholars on music is controversial. Some scholars believe music is a part of the religion while some believe it isn't. However, music has been there for centuries even in Islam. During the time of Prophet Mohammad, there were classical instruments used to celebrate events or welcome guests. Some reports indicate that even elaborate dances were performed in groups. However, Islam differs from other religions because the holy book, the Quran, is recited and not chanted. There is no tune or music when you recite the Quran. The interesting bit is that there's nothing in the Holy Book concerning music, i.e: the Quran does not specifically ban music. In fact, some reports indicate that The Prophet enjoyed his wives singing. However, some reports also highlight how he rebuked father--in-law's reaction to music on certain occasions. However, Islam is said to ban a few things including clapping publicly, singing in a sensual way, and selling singing services by girls. Hinduism This is one of the most religion when it comes to music. According to the Hindu religion, the planed was created by Lord Shiva, who is said to be a fan of music and dance, therefore music and dance quite often form part of Hindu worship along with religious songs called kirtan and bhajans. Music does a lot for you. It can help you feel better, bring you closer to god, and cheer you up. So know the role of music in your religion and enjoy it even more. 5 minutes with... A monumental imperial Russian vase Why would this prodigious vase, made made in St Petersburg by Russias Imperial Porcelain Factory, be adorned with a portrait of Emperor Franz I of Austria? Specialist Margo Oganesian reveals how she got to the bottom of a mystery with Napoleonic roots It took my breath away, says Russian Works of Art specialist Margo Oganesian of the moment she first saw this campana-shapedgilt vase. I had never seen anything of that size or quality outside of a museum before. Standing 1.5 metres high and decorated with fine cisele gilding, the vase, which will be offered for auction on 26 November in the Important Russian Art sale at Christies in London, is quite a showstopper. But the most striking thing, explains Oganesian, is the portrait painted on the body of the vase, which depicts the Austrian Emperor Franz I (1768-1835). To try to find out why, our intrigued specialist looked at other known imperial porcelain vases in museum collections around the world. The State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg has a vase of a similar size and style, but painted with a portrait of the King of Prussia, Friedrich Wilhelm III (1770-1840). It led the specialist to suspect that both vases were connected, in some way, to one of the most dramatic episodes in European history the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleons catastrophic and bloody campaign against the Russian Empire was an event so seismic that it continues to pervade Russian lore, and has been immortalised most memorably in Tolstoys War and Peace. As Oganesian explains, Austria and Prussia became Tsar Alexanders allies in order to suppress the French. We think the vases were possibly commissioned as gifts for the royal heads of state. On the reverse of the vase is the Austrian Imperial crest, a double-headed eagle above a ribbon-tied wreath of oak and laurel Except that the vases date to 1836, by which time both Tsar Alexander I and Franz I were dead. We were a little confused by that, but then following the war Russia, Austria and Prussia formed the Holy Alliance in order to guard the post-war borders of Europe. We think it is possible that the new Tsar, Nicholas I, commissioned the vases to send to Prussia and the new head of state in Austria, Ferdinand I (1793-1875), to commemorate the war and ensure the continuation of good relations. Sign up today The Online Magazine delivers the best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe For Alexander I (1777-1825), who believed that empire was divinely ordained, the upstart French general turned Emperor Napoleon had shaken this holy order. The alliance between the Prussian, Russian and Austrian empires was formed to collectively suppress any future revolutionary ferment in Europe. The portrait on the vase of Emperor Franz I of Austria was executed by Alexander Nesterov, the Imperial Porcelain Factorys finest painter WASHINGTON - On Dec. 3, the National Air and Space Museum will close two galleries - "Apollo to the Moon" and "Looking at Earth" - as it begins a seven-year renovation project. Seven more galleries shutter in early January. Most of the museum's major attractions, such as the Spirit of St. Louis and the moon rock, will still be on display, but hundreds of other artifacts will disappear from view. These five are worth making a trip to see over the next month. - Eyes on the Earth This interactive 3-D globe, designed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology, is one of the most fun "toys" at the Air and Space Museum. Visitors can use a trackball to whirl around a map of the world, using data from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellites to look at water levels, temperatures and storms. In a gallery that feels a little dusty, this is one of the few exhibits that has both kids and grandparents lining up for a closer look. - Lockheed U-2 Beyond satellites, this gallery focuses on what it calls "The Sky Spies" and how intelligence attained through aviation was used from the Civil War through the Cold War. The aircraft overhead is a Lockheed U-2, one of the spy planes that flew high-altitude missions over the Soviet Union, Cuba and other hot spots. (This one was the first to fly over the U.S.S.R. in 1956.) The gallery also includes objects belonging to pilot Francis Gary Powers, whose plane was shot down over Russia in 1960, including his prison diary and a rug he cross-stitched while imprisoned - and later used to smuggle out his diary. - F-1 engine from a Saturn V rocket To power the Apollo program to the moon, NASA used the largest and most powerful rocket ever built: the Saturn V. There were five F-1 engines at its base, each 12 feet in diameter, generating 1.5 million pounds of thrust. The Air and Space Museum has one of these enormous engines on display, and a system of mirrors is used to show what a full array of five would have looked like. - Footage from the Apollo 17 moon landing Do you like looking out of the window as your plane is landing? This remarkably unassuming installation is similar and a million times cooler. A reproduction of Apollo 17's lunar module gives visitors an astronaut's-eye-view of the final descent from 11,000 feet to the moon's surface through "windows," and actual radio recordings of commander Eugene Cernan and pilot Harrison Schmitt describe the footage in what feels like real time. - Lunar Roving Vehicle The Lunar Roving Vehicle, or "moon buggy," displayed never went to the moon: The LRVs used on the last three Apollo missions are still sitting on its surface. This one is the final test unit and is, the museum says, "a very close replica of the units that flew." It's amazing to think of this flimsy-looking, battery-powered contraption, steered by an astronaut using a joystick, tooling around and leaving tracks in the lunar dust. --- IF YOU GO: LOOKING AT EARTH AND APOLLO TO THE MOON Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Sixth Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 202-633-1000. airandspace.si.edu. Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 3. Admission: Free. A man was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years in prison for raping a young girl 29 years ago to the day. Gregory Montgomery, 59, was identified by DNA for raping then-11-year-old Pamela King in 1989, according to a press release from the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Montgomery broke into the family's home early on Halloween. King awoke to him covering her mouth and nose with his hand, and her head with a pillow, she told police, threatening to kill her if she made noise. "A sexual assault examination was performed that day, but it was not until 2013 that the results were matched to a DNA profile in law-enforcement database, identifying Montgomery as the girl's attacker," the press release stated. King, now 40, went on to become an advocate for victims of sexual assault, and is an Air Force veteran. Montgomery had already been incarcerated since 1992 for other crimes, including raping two other women. He pled guilty to raping King on Wednesday. "There's no sentence for the lifelong sentence that will forever be a part of my story. You are the reason we are here today," King told her attacker at his sentencing. "For 29 years, I have waited for this day ... October 31, 1989 is when this journey started and to you, Gregory Montgomery October 31, 2018 is where it will end." On this date in ... 1918: Mary Owens, a 93-year-old resident of Watervliet, planned to duplicate the five-block walk from her home to the polling place on Election Day that she traveled when she registered to vote after New York women gained the ability to vote in state elections for the first time in 1918. The native of Ireland announced then and every day since that she would be casting her ballot for Alfred E. Smith for governor, as well as along a straight Democratic ticket, like her family always had. Her efforts were rewarded when Smith was elected. Owens died two-and-a-half months after his inauguration. 1968: Co-pilot Boyd Connally of Lansingburgh averted the hijacking of a Chicago-bound flight when he noticed the would-be hijacker's shotgun was uncocked and knocked it from the hands of the 17-year-old high school senior. FBI agents identified the youth as Roger Pastorich of Alabama, who was aiming to hijack Eastern Air Lines flight 244 with a shotgun smuggled aboard in an attache case. He followed the pilot to the cockpit with his shotgun asking him to take the plane to Saigon, where he planned to avenge a friend's death in the Vietnam War. Pastorich was apparently angry over not being given a day off from his part-time job to attend a Boy Scout camp. 1993: That ripping and tearing you heard in Colonie town political circles was the sound of the fabric of the Democratic Party being torn asunder. With the political corpses of party candidates not even cold following another Republican electoral blitzkrieg, top party members began a new round of infighting that could culminate in a bloodbath later this month. The Republican victories across the board and the ascension of Tony Catalfamo to the rank of party chairman, replacing longtime leader Betty Momrow, who resigned Tuesday night, appeared to be the catalysts of the discontent. Want to read more about the Capital Region's past? Have any memories or thoughts about how our history relates to today's events? See http://blog.timesunion.com/history/ A northwest Houston synagogue was filled wall-to-wall with people of multiple religious backgrounds on Nov. 2, less than a week after a deadly shooting claimed 11 Jewish lives at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Houston area residents gathered at Congregation Jewish Community North to show solidarity and support for the Jewish community. Community members, regardless of religious preference, were invited to attend a traditional Shabbat service. Most of the synagogue was full of non-members of various denominations, almost tripling the usual service attendance. Rabbi Jonathan Siger said the goal of the event was to host a traditional Shabbat to express strength and mourning within the community. Were carrying on, he said. The community wanted to be with us. Many of them wanted to express their condolences. Across the country, American Jewish communities are going to show up for Shabbat. Thats what were going to do. The congregation has been saddened and shocked by the shooting, Siger said. The congregation has increased security, staff checked bags before the service and Harris County Precinct 4 officers were present for security reasons. Siger said the small Jewish population across the nation has been affected by the mass shooting. I think people are shocked and saddened and on edge, which is not an unusual state for the Jewish community to be in, Siger said. It is definitely heightened for those of us that have personal connections to Pittsburgh. It`s been that much more difficult of a week. Siger said the congregation received positive feedback from the community when it announced the intention of the Shabbat, although some members were worried about security precautions. He also said the community is worried this violence is only the beginning. In terms of our institutional security, we are going to increase our footing and make the adjustments that we can make, and need to make, faced with a new reality that things are not getting better, Siger said. During the service, Siger made references and allusions to how United States citizens, from all sides of the political spectrum, should take responsibility for their use of language and rhetoric. Siger said the Jewish community has been punished for millennia, and that the intentional use of hateful language is responsible. Everybody has to sit down and watch what theyre saying, he said. Its not about governmental officials, but about the power of speech and the responsibility we have to speak with intention and treating our words as though they are weapons. People are responsible for their own actions. Attendee Pete Zagone said he came to the event as a way to stand with the Jewish community. I have a friend thats Jewish who attends this and I wanted to show my support for her and the Jewish community, he said. Its the least that I could do. I feel like its necessary. Attendee Maisie Moses said her church organized a group to attend the event along with their pastor. Love has to always trump hate, she said. We need to come together and show everyone that we have the same blood running through us. chevall.pryce@chron.com After moving to the Cy-Fair area, Misha Chakraborty could not find a STEM educational program in Cy-Fair that she felt was appropriate for her daughters, Arja Chakraborty and Aadya Chakraborty. After searching, she brought a program to Houston and decided to head the operation herself while making education more accessible. STEM for Kids launched in the Cy-Fair community in September. The educational program focuses on teaching science, technology, engineering and math to children from an early age with a focus on applicable projects. Chakraborty said she decided to bring the franchise started by Moni Singh to the Cy-Fair area after observing how the program introduces STEM concepts to children in a more intuitive way. In this area all I could find was Lego-based robotics and computer coding, she said. If you know computer coding it can be really monotonous and if you think from a kids perspective. I know if Arja goes there and she knows that thats supposed to be STEM, she will want to stay away from STEM. Chakraborty herself earned a masters degree from the University of Houston and a PhD from Texas A&M, both in human resource development, and she assisted in writing a book on technology integration in higher education. Chakraborty said she determined STEM education to be important for children to learn at an early age. Chakraborty said she wants the programs shes teaching, along with five other instructors, to show children there is more to STEM than mathematics. As an example, Chakraborty said students will build machines, like a candy grabber, while learning about the concept of a lever and applying the knowledge. Students will also practice fine arts to apply to projects like designing, she said. [Math] is a portion of STEM, but STEM is not just about computational skills, Chakraborty said. Its about developing the overall cognitive skills. Thats what were trying to do, not just calculation. STEM for Kids has a broad range of programs for students of all ages, including in-school and after school programs teaching STEM entrepreneurship, invention, biomedical engineering and more. Students are given hands-on projects rather than worksheets or tests, Chakraborty said. We try to provide very personalized, individualized, customized learning to each and every kid., she said. For example, we may have one hour of game-making. So, they try to create their own virtual world then they make their own game. Their parents or their grandparents can access it at home and they can play what they made. Accessibility to the program was a major priority for Chakraborty. The program is not only accessible on weekends and after school, but also affordable, she said. Classes range from $30 per class to $120 for a month of classes, according to the STEM for Kids website. I want to make STEM available, accessible and affordable to the masses, Chakraborty said. We are working in this area to close the gap in early childhood. We are trying to introduce proper STEM to the kids, not just for the sake of saying it but actually doing something to their mind, developing their cognitive skills. Along with the Cy-Fair classes, Chakraborty also started STEM for Kids courses in Katy, Richmond and Sugar Land. She said her end goal is to create an environment where children can gain knowledge to better their world. My goal is to build something where they can be safe, they can have the basic necessities and theyll get education, Chakraborty said. I can see the appreciation when they get to know about the classes, the courses and they way were are offering them If you give them education, knowledge, skills and good behavior, you make them employable. Thats my goal. chevall.pryce@chron.com Stephen Brady of Katy came home from the Vietnam War in June 1973. He got welcomed home 45 years later. I had memories. Now I have better memories of being honored as a Vietnam veteran by my fellow Americans, said Brady who participated in Honor Flight Houstons first All Vietnam Veteran Honor Flight on Oct. 19-20. That flight included Sonja Edgington of Katy who served as a nurse in the Vietnam War. Like Brady she talked about the sights they saw, the people they met and the experiences they shared on their trip. One of those shared moments includes a mail call on the return flight from Washington, D.C. to Houstons Hobby Airport. Schoolchildren and friends and relatives had written notes and letters, said Edgington. It was really emotional. Even men were all crying. Brady said Honor Flight Houston had contacted family members and asked them to write a letter or send a card. I got cards from Utah, Montana, California, Georgia as well as from people from schools around here. My wife, son-in-law and daughter. Jamie and her kids. (Jamie Wilson, Seven Lakes High School history teacher). Friends and neighbors. It was a moving experience. It was great. Brady served in the U.S. Air Force from 1970-77 and in Vietnam from 1972-73. Edgington served 15 years in the U.S. Army, including one year, 1968, in Vietnam. Edgington and Brady talked about a pilot on the flight home who read the 2012 President Barack Obamas Presidential Proclamation Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Obama proclaimed May 28, 2012 through Nov. 11, 2025 as the commemoration of that anniversary and called upon people to honor Vietnam veterans and their families. That was kind of emotional, too, said Edgington. One of the stewardesses sang God Bless America and had everyone in tears. It gave me a sense of pride. It really increased my patriotism . . . not that I lost it. It raised it to another level. It made everyone proud they had served in Vietnam, which wasnt the case in years past. Both Edgington and Brady called the trip incredible and expressed surprise at how much they were able to do during their two days in Washington, D.C. A police escort cleared their way when they traveled from site to site. They singled out the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery as special. Brady noted more than 400,000 men and women are buried there. It was very impressive. They did their jobs to perfection. They had to be the cream of the crop, said Edgington, who also singled out the Vietnam Women's Memorial, which commemorates the 265,000 women that served in the Vietnam War, many of them who were nurses like Edgington. As a nurse, we were all grouped kind of together at each hospital. We did not see what the guys went through except when they came in wounded. We didnt get too much fire. Some mortars. No one was hurt. Brady called the memorials heart-rendering. Visiting the memorials was an emotional experience, agreed Edgington, especially at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. I didnt realize how many young men had been killed . . . 58,272. I knew the wall was big. Its much bigger in person than I had imagined in pictures, she said. Brady brought a picture of his best friend Joseph Kiwi A. Matejov and placed it on the wall. People visiting the wall asked about the picture. It was just a tremendous time, he said. Brady dedicated his flight to Matejov who was shot down over Laos on Feb. 5, 1973. Though Brady had visited the wall on an earlier trip to the capital, he said, This was more personal and much more touching with brothers and sisters who served together. I wanted to recognize Kiwi and honor his ultimate sacrifice. I had not done it before in such a visible way. I think about him all the time. It doesnt bring closure. It meant a lot to me. He observed that the bus of Vietnam veterans upon leaving the wall was very quiet. Everyone was back in their memories. Hopefully, memories are better because theyve been there (The Wall). Its quite moving. What also meant a lot was the welcome home that Houston gave the veterans when they returned. Said Edgington, When we got home we had the biggest crowd there to greet us that they had ever had. Schoolchildren come up and shake your hand. You dont think kids do that anymore. It was really nice. Brady describes firetrucks streaming water over the aircraft as it approached the gate at Hobby Airport. Once inside, hundreds of people greeted the veterans, he said, calling it a tearful event. All and all it was just unbelievable, he said. It was great. I do not think they (Honor Flight Houston) could do it any better. Visit http://www.honorflighthouston.org/ for information. We need to be more patriotic, Edgington said. We need to support our troops and our president . . . try to get peace throughout the world if possible. I do not know that it will be. It would be wonderful thing if they could. karen.zurawski@chron.com On Friday, a video accusing Beto O'Rourke's campaign of funding the migrant caravan traveling to the U.S. sparked major uproar in conservative circles. The claim, pushed out by a right-wing activist investigative group known as Project Veritas, eventually made its way to Sen. Ted Cruz who blasted O'Rourke on Twitter and accused him of using campaign dollars to illegally fund the caravan's entrance into Texas. Aside from the fact that the group of several thousand migrants remains some 900 miles from the Texas border, the O'Rourke's campaign says the complaints levied against it are false. In the Project Veritas video, campaign staffers are secretly recorded making plans to drop off aid at a nonprofit charity in El Paso that helps migrants and refugees. The staffers tell the undercover Project Veritas reporter that they plan on using prepaid cards provided by the campaign to buy food and water for the migrants. Staffers appear concerned about the optics and legality of the move, with one field manager remarking, "I just hope nobody that's the wrong person finds out about this," and another expressing fear of a fine from the Federal Election Commission. RELATED: Where Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke will be this weekend At the end of the video, Project Veritas concludes that the campaign's donation to the charity is illegal and a potential violation of federal campaign finance law. In reality, according to the Federal Election Commission, donations to charities by campaigns are completely legal, so long as they are reported as such and do not constitute a quid-pro-quo situation. In fact, a page on the FEC website shows campaigns how to properly fill out forms when donating to charity something the O'Rourke campaign says it plans on doing: "Staff members took it upon themselves to use prepaid cards from one of our more than 700 field offices to buy baby wipes, diapers, water, fruit and granola bars, and donate them to a local humanitarian nonprofit (Annunciation House) that helps mothers and children in the community," O'Rourke spokesman Chris Evans told the Texas Tribune. "The value was under $300 and it will be appropriately reported to the FEC." It's also worth noting the O'Rourke campaign was not donating to help undocumented migrants cross the border, like Cruz suggested. Instead, staffers were trying to help migrants recently released from the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement who dropped off the migrants at a Greyhound bus station in downtown El Paso last week. LATEST: Democrat Lupe Valdez banks on voter enthusiasm to counter Gov. Abbott's cash 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. A mailer sent by a non-profit group focusing on increasing voter registration is using an interesting tactic to get Texans to the polls. "Public records indicate that you are eligible to vote in 2018," begins The Voter Participation Center mailer. "Who you vote for is private, but whether or not you vote is public record." The letter goes on to list the names of the recipient's neighbors and whether or not they voted during the past four general elections. "We will be reviewing these records after the election to determine whether or not you joined your neighbors in voting," the mailer continues. "... If you do not vote this year, while we will be disappointed, we'll be interested to hear why not." READ MORE: While U.S. troops deploy to Mexico border, photos show it's not a war zone In another mailer received by a Texan voter, conservative non-profit political group Club for Growth uses a similar method to get voters to the polls. "Your neighbors are excellent voters!" reads the mailer, which awards a letter grade based off the homeowner's voting record. Bettie While there's no doubting the mailers could feel intrusive to some, the information used to personalize them is gathered from publicly available federal data. Hopefully, given this year's stunning voter turnout which has already surpassed 2014 levels, few Texans will have to worry about their civic engagement being graded poorly during the next general election. What do you think about the mailers? Tell us in the comments below. 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. More than 45 years after George Mitchell founded The Woodlands, the amount of undeveloped land remaining for future residential and commercial growth in the community is nearly gone. Of the 28,000 acres in The Woodlands owned and operated by the Howard Hughes Corp., only about 275 acres of residential single-family lots remain and 792 acres of commercial property remain undeveloped. According to Howard Hughes officials, full build-out of the community was expected by 1994. However, there is no timeline of when the remaining land would be completely developed. Compared to what the overall build-out of what The Woodlands is, its a small percentage, Carman said, of the remaining undeveloped land. Its taken quite a bit longer to reach that. Carman added the company has built along with the market, maintaining the original master plan that dictated residential and commercial lots. The companys last expansion in The Woodlands was the acquisition of what is now the Village of Creekside Park in 2007, which took the township from 17,000 acres to its current size. Howard Hughes still owns the majority of undeveloped land in The Woodlands and many of the townships commercial assets, but fluctuating market conditions since the founding of the community in 1974 have contributed to the slowed pace. As we run out of lots, were more patient and more demanding in what were looking for from those home builders, Carman said. The dwindling number of lots has driven Howard Hughes to create new master-planned communities, in the same style as The Woodlands, elsewhere. In 2017, Howard Hughes announced the development of The Woodlands Hills, a 2,000-acre development west of Interstate 45 between Conroe and Willis and opened the 11,000-acre Bridgeland Community in northwest Houston in late 2013. Commercial development is more tightly controlled. Carman said Howard Hughes prefers to develop, build and operate its own commercial properties and considers sales to third-party developers on a case-by-case basis. Those third-party developers serve as a kind of intermediary between Howard Hughes and tenants who are drawn to the township for its well-rounded facilities. The Woodlands is an established planned community with retail, medical and hospitality, said Jeff Beard, with The Woodlands-J. Beard Company. (Companies) want to be around those places that have amenities. When youre out of land there are no choices. The township is nearing 45 years since its founding, and many of the first buildings in the older villages are in need of repairs, Beard said. "You have to find things to redevelop controlled by covenants. mrincon@chron.com NORWALK Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at a dozen locations throughout Norwalk for registered voters to cast ballots in state and federal elected offices. Voters will cast ballots for governor, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives as well as for local men and women to represent them in the General Assembly in Hartford. At the top of the ticket, Democrat Ned Lamont, Republican Bob Stefanowski and Independent Oz Griebel are vying for governors seat being vacated by Democrat Dannel P. Malloy, who isnt seeking re-election. With intense interest in that and other races, Norwalks registrars of voters expect turnout to run as high as two-thirds of the citys registered voters. It will be fairly heavy, said Democratic Registrar Stuart W. Wells. I go along with the consensus, which is somewhere between what we get for presidential and what we normally get for governors races, so maybe 30,000 instead of 23,000 or 24,000 about 60 percent maybe but who knows? Historically, voter turnout in Norwalk has ranged from 37 percent in mayoral elections to as high as 83 percent in the 1992 presidential race between Independent Ross Perot, Democrat Bill Clinton and Republican George H.W. Bush, who grew up in Greenwich. Republican Registrar Karen Doyle Lyons said she expects turnout this year will be very heavy, based upon absentee ballot activity thus far. Its very heavy with the absentee ballots, Doyle Lyons said. I would say were going to have between 60 and 63 percent (turnout). This election is very, very hot, very contentious. As of Thursday, the Norwalk Town Clerks Office had issued 1,928 absentee ballots. The office held special Saturday hours to issue additional ballots to registered voters who wont be able to making it to the polls Tuesday. In 2014 a gubernatorial election year 921 absentee ballots were returned to the office. As of Nov. 1, Norwalk had 52,949 registered voters of whom 21,972 were unaffiliated, 20,094 were Democrats, 9,768 were Republicans, 1,024 were Independents and 91 belonged to smaller political parties, according to the Registrar of Voters Office. Norwalkers who are unsure if theyre registered can call the Registrar of Voters Office at 203-854-7996, or check online at my.norwalkct.org/evoterreg/. They may find their polling location by entering their house number and street name at my.norwalkct.org/evoterpoll. Registered voters should bring a valid form of identification to their polling place. That may be a drivers license, Social Security card or a form with their pre-printed name and address such as a utility bill, according to Doyle Lyons. Tuesday was the deadline for unregistered voters to get their names on the voter rolls. Those who didnt may avail themselves of Election Day Registration and voting, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the Community Room of Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave. If you have not registered and youre not yet a voter, thats when you can come to the voter registration at City Hall and vote there, Doyle Lyons said. But its not like if youre in line at 8 oclock (you can vote). You have to be processed at 8 oclock. Expect to see police at additional polling locations. In an Oct. 15 letter to the Norwalk Police Department, Doyle Lyons and Wells requested police at nine polling stations as opposed to two normally. The officers are there to provide security, assist the moderator if needed and assist with traffic, said police spokesman Lt. Terry Blake. The state Republican Party has apologized for what it says was a vendor error that resulted in a recent piece of inaccurate campaign mail that supports Republican candidate Annette Glenn. The mailer said Glenn, a candidate for the 98th State House District has been endorsed by the Police Association of Michigan. In reality, the PAOM has endorsed Democrat Sarah Schulz, Glenn's opponent for the seat. Georgia must change its procedures to make it easier for some people flagged under the state's restrictive "exact match" law to vote, a federal judge ruled on Friday, dealing a blow to Republican gubernatorial candidate and Secretary of State Brian Kemp. The "exact match" law flags voter registrations that are found to have discrepancies, such as a dropped hyphen, with other official identifications. Potential voters are allowed to settle the discrepancy by providing proof of identity. But the state's procedures under Kemp, whose office oversees elections, stipulated that those who had been flagged as potential non-citizens be cleared first by a deputy registrar when seeking to vote. In October, a coalition of civil rights groups sued him. U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross ruled Friday that the procedures were likely to result in the violation of voting rights for a large group of people and needed to be halted immediately. She said Kemp's restrictions raised "grave concerns for the Court about the differential treatment inflicted on a group of individuals who are predominantly minorities." The preliminary injunction she issued required the state to change its procedures immediately to allow those flagged, some 3,100 individuals, to prove their citizenship more easily, with a U.S. passport or similar documentation and only to a poll manager. It also signaled that the coalition of civil rights groups that brought the case against Kemp would likely succeed should the lawsuit continue. "With respect to Tuesday's election, we deem this a total victory in our fight against Secretary of State Brian Kemp's exact match scheme," said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. "Our goal in filing this lawsuit was to ensure that no eligible voter was unfairly denied the right to vote because of this discriminatory voter suppression effort." Kemp was also ordered to issue a news release explaining how those flagged for potential citizenship issues could still vote by proving their citizenship, as well as offering a phone number for them to call with any questions. The race between Kemp and Democrat Stacey Abrams has drawn wide national attention. Kemp's actions as secretary of state have been scrutinized in the wake of a report from the Associated Press that he had stalled more than 50,000 voter registrations by disproportionately black voters under the state's exact-match requirements. The action raised fears of voter suppression, accusations that were made more incendiary by the implications in a state that, like many others in the South, bears a painful legacy of anti-voting tactics aimed at the black population. Kemp's involvement in election procedures while a candidate has also drawn criticism. During a debate with Abrams, Kemp said that he would not recuse himself in other election-related issues either, such as if the race were close enough to trigger a recount. The ACLU announced on Friday that another court had sided against Kemp in a different voting rights case. It said that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit had denied his request to block a court order that required him to exercise due process before rejecting ballots for handwriting issues. Kemp's campaign did not respond to a request for comment. The state attorney general's office did not say whether it planned to appeal the ruling, with spokeswoman Katie Byrd declining to comment. A man who had been repeatedly accused of groping women and linked to misogynistic YouTube rants walked into a yoga class and opened fire on Friday evening, according to Tallahassee police, shooting six people and killing two of them. Police said the shooting suspect, Scott Paul Beierle, 40, killed himself minutes before they arrived at the Hot Yoga studio, which sits above a row of restaurants at a northern Tallahassee, Florida, shopping center. "In my public service career, I have had to be on some bad scenes. This is the worst," City Commissioner Scott Maddox wrote after seeing the attack's aftermath. "Please pray." About a dozen people were inside Hot Yoga when a man with a black bag walked in around 5:30 p.m., the Tallahassee Democrat reported. The studio had advertised a Pilates certification class for the weekend. Among the yoga students were Florida State University student Maura Binkley, 21, and 61-year-old Nancy Van Vessem, a local physician and a faculty member at Florida State. Both women were killed in the gunfire. Police were still investigating a motive behind the shooting. Beierle had been arrested twice in the past six years by the university's police, according to criminal records. The first time was in 2012, when two women accused him of grabbing their buttocks on campus, the Democrat reported. He was detained again two years later for trespassing in a dining hall. About a month after the 2014 arrest, BuzzFeed News reported, Beierle posted a series of YouTube videos about his hatred of women under the name "Scott Carnifex." In a video titled "The Rebirth of my Misogynism," he angrily recalled an incident in his eighth-grade home economics class, describing "the will that a group of females can generate when they target anyone, be it an adult male or a classmate." Other outrages in his life included women who gave him their phone numbers and later told him they had boyfriends. In one video he identified with Elliott Rodger, an avowed misogynist who killed six people at the University of California at Santa Barbara earlier that year. In other videos Beierle spewed racism, according to the Associated Press. He denigrated black women as "disgusting" and suggested planting land mines to stop people trying to cross the U.S.-Mexican border, AP said. Charges were dismissed for both of Beierle's university arrests, but he agreed to a plea deal after a final arrest by Tallahassee police in 2016. According to a police report, he was living in an off-campus apartment in his late 30s - noticeably older than the other residents - and one day offered to put lotion on a 19-year-old sunbathing by the pool. When the woman declined, she told police, Beierle "slapped her butt, and grabbed it and then shook it." On Friday evening, survivors said Beierle kept walking in and out of the yoga studio as class began, according to Melissa Hutchinson, who works at a restaurant below Hot Yoga and later cleaned a survivor's blood off the kitchen floor. "They said he just kept coming in and out the doors and was a little sketchy," Hutchinson told the Democrat. "But nobody said anything." The man eventually stopped in the studio's doorway, pulled a gun from the bag and loaded it in front of the students. Only then did people try to flee or fight. "Everyone started pounding on the windows and the walls," Hutchinson said. "I heard a couple people at Riccardo's heard the pounding. They weren't sure what it was. They said it sounds like someone was hitting sheet metal." Then the sound of gunshots filtered through the ceiling of Riccardo's pizzeria, Food Glorious Food and the other establishments on the shopping center's lower level. Shanta Combs told the Democrat she was drinking with friends at Bar on Betton when they heard the bartender yell: "'Active shooter, get down, get away from the window!" Panicked and wounded people fled down a staircase from the studio and ran inside for shelter. Combs said she embraced a woman who couldn't stop hyperventilating. Then "I see this kid in a white T-shirt with blood coming out of his forehead," Combs said. The person in the T-shirt had been pistol-whipped while trying to fight off the gunman, police later said. Another customer at the bar, Kristin Jacobs, was among several who praised the survivor's actions. "I am alive because one guy in a yoga class in his bare feet ran at a shooter," she told the Democrat. Police said the first officers arrived about three minutes after the 911 call, at 5:40 p.m. Seven people had been shot inside the studio, including Beierle, who appeared to have killed himself, police said. Four of the wounded were expected to survive, including one whom the Democrat reported had been shot nine times. Binkley and Van Vessem died of their wounds. A doctor of internal medicine and director for Capital Health Plan, Van Vessem also worked at Florida State. The suspected gunman had been barred from that campus after his first groping arrest. "To lose one of our students and one of our faculty members in this tragic and violent way is just devastating to the Florida State University family," school president John Thrasher said in a statement to the Associated Press. As officers shuffled in and out of the shopping center behind him in the early morning, Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo told reporters he did not yet know what connection, if any, Beierle had to the victims. The suspect had been living in Deltona, on the other side of the state, DeLeo said. Investigators were trying to figure out "what made him come to our community and commit this heinous act." Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is the Democratic nominee for governor in Tuesday's election, left the campaign trail and returned to his city overnight to see survivors in the hospital. "No act of gun violence is acceptable," he wrote on Twitter. His Republican opponent, Ron DeSantis, called the shooting "heartbreaking." The Tallahassee Democrat reported that a crowd stood outside the barricaded shopping center late into the night, some in tears. "It's awful that this is a thing," Hutchinson told the newspaper, and laughed nervously. "It's very terrible that this is a thing." When it comes to the future of its oil industry, Nigeria is looking miles out to sea. By early next year, the largest offshore production vessel ever delivered to Nigeria will start pumping crude from a deposit deep beneath the seabed, boosting the West African country's oil output by about 10 percent. The project, viewed as the most ambitious in Nigeria's history, could help to push production to a record by 2022. The project will help to boost the share of the nation's production from offshore fields, part of a strategic shift that began at the start of the decade when companies including Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell started looking at higher-cost offshore fields to minimize risks from sabotage, kidnapping and crude theft. Two-thirds of the nation's production will stem from deep-water deposits by 2022, up from half today, according to Nigeria's state oil company. "Deep-water drilling will replace onshore as the bulk of Nigeria's oil production and revenue," said Cheta Nwanze, head of research at Lagos-based risk advisory SBM Intelligence. "The fiscal terms are much better than onshore as of today and this implies that, in addition to less concern about security, international producers get a bigger share of the pie." The asset that's due to start later this year is Egina, Total's $4 billion floating production, storage and offloading vessel. At 1,080 feet (330 meters) long, it's the largest FPSO ever built by the French major and it will operate further offshore and in deeper waters than anyone else has tried so far in Nigeria -- a sign of growing confidence in the technology required to operate such assets. Egina is the first offshore field to start production in Nigeria since ExxonMobil's Usan in 2012. The Total project's output is expected to reach 200,000 barrels a day by the first quarter of next year. With no big developments lined up on land, the share of output stemming from offshore is only going to rise -- but it will take time. After Egina, the projects at the most advanced stage are Shell's $10 billion expansion of its Bonga field and Eni's Zabazaba-Etan project, which are still years away from production. Formal decisions on investment are still pending in both cases and neither company responded to emails seeking an update. "We are shooting for later this year" on a final investment decision at the Zabazaba development, as some contractual details are being fine-tuned, Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu said Monday during an interview in London. The nation doesn't plan to issue any new offshore licenses before elections due in February, he said. Nigeria is currently pumping just over 2 million barrels of oil a day and it plans to roughly double that by 2020, a target that could prove difficult to achieve given delays that often occur in developments. Ecobank Energy Research expects the nation's total output to rise to a record by 2022. International oil companies "absolutely love Nigeria's deep water and they will be delighted to develop it," Gail Anderson, research director at Wood Mackenzie, said by phone from Edinburgh. "You're somewhat removed from all of the risks of being in the onshore." Nigeria's success in boosting offshore developments will, however, also depend on its efforts to make the regulatory and legislative backdrop more certain for investors. Over the past 15 years, since around the time that Egina was discovered, a raft of other fields has been added to Nigeria's potential project lineup. They include the Bosi field, as well as the massive billion-barrel Owowo field, both discovered by Exxon, but still awaiting development. Chevron is working on Nsiko, part of a block that's over 2,400 meters deep, much deeper than Bonga. Kachikwu has been looking at how much the nation earns from offshore developments for years as the government seeks funds to modernize its infrastructure. Nigeria has also started expanding contracts on field development to include other investments, such as a refinery that's to be built as part of Eni's Zabazaba-Etan project. The nation is looking for the "best value for the country," Kachikwu said on Oct. 15, adding it plans to hold talks with majors on reviewing offshore contract terms. That's in addition to four other planned pieces of legislation, replacing more than a dozen existing regulations on the industry and how it is funded. With general elections scheduled for February, the legislative overhaul may not happen immediately. "The long term growth of deep-water fields depends on the terms that are contained in the petroleum fiscal bill still in the National Assembly," said Nwanze. "If the terms are right, deep-water will thrive." - - - Bloomberg's Joe Carroll contributed. President Donald Trump wants to reach an agreement on trade with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 nations summit in Argentina later this month and has asked key U.S. officials to begin drafting potential terms, according to four people familiar with the matter. The push for a possible deal with China was prompted by the president's telephone call with Xi on Thursday, the people said, requesting anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Afterward, Trump described the conversation as "long and very good" and said in a tweet that their discussions on trade were "moving along nicely." Trump asked key Cabinet secretaries to have their staff draw up a potential deal to signal a ceasefire in an escalating trade conflict, the people said, adding that multiple agencies are involved in the drafting of the plan. The news prompted stocks to surge in Hong Kong and China, while the offshore yuan jumped as much as 0.31 percent before paring gains to trade 0.26 percent higher. The Hang Seng Index rose as much as 4 percent, headed for its biggest gain since 2015, and the Shanghai Composite Index climbed more than 2 percent, on track for a fourth day of gains for its longest winning streak since February. The telephone conversation on Thursday was Trump and Xi's first publicly disclosed call in six months. Both sides reported that they had constructive discussions on North Korea and trade, with Chinese state media saying that Trump supported "frequent, direct communication" between the presidents and "joint efforts to prepare for" the planned meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit, which is scheduled to take place from from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1. "Those discussions are moving along nicely," Trump wrote on Twitter Thursday. At a campaign rally in Columbia, Missouri, on Thursday night he said, "they want to make a deal." "He wants to do it," Trump said of Xi. "They all want to do it." It was unclear if Trump was easing up on U.S. demands that China has resisted. Reaction to the news was mixed, with some analysts viewing it as a positive sign of a breakthrough and others seeing it as a ploy by the Trump administration to boost market sentiment ahead of midterm elections next week. "I don't buy the story for a second," said Michael Every, head of Asia financial markets research at Rabobank in Hong Kong. "This seems a perfect way to ensure equities rally into election day, put Xi into a box in terms of what is expected of him and then have someone to blame when the deal then falls through." Tuuli McCully, head of Asia-Pacific economics at Scotiabank in Singapore, called the news "encouraging." It "likely reflects the fact that businesses in the U.S. are starting to feel the impact of the trade conflict through higher prices and squeezed margins," she said. The possible warming of relations comes after months of escalating tensions over trade that are threatening to spill into other areas of disagreement, including freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The Trump administration this year has already imposed tariffs on $250 billion in trade with China and is threatening to impose tariffs on all remaining imports from China, which last year were worth $505 billion. U.S.-China talks have made little progress since May, when Trump put a stop to a deal that would see China buy more energy and agricultural goods to narrow the trade deficit. In Beijing that was seen as an insult to Xi, who sent a personal emissary to Washington for the negotiations, and cemented a view that Trump's real goal was to thwart China's rise. In recent months China has repeatedly questioned the U.S.'s sincerity in trade talks, wary of agreeing to something only to have Trump change his mind. While Beijing is open to striking a deal that narrows the trade deficit, officials have resisted Trump's other demands -- including an end to subsidies for strategic industries, a stop to forced technology transfer and more competition for state-owned enterprises. One person said a sticking point in any potential deal is intellectual property theft, where the Trump administration has sought to take a hard line. On Thursday, the U.S. accused a Chinese state-owned company of conspiring to steal trade secrets of U.S. chipmaker Micron Technology as part of a Justice Department crackdown against China in cases of suspected economic espionage. Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co. and Taiwan's United Microelectronics Corp. were indicted along with three individuals, the Justice Department said. The U.S. also sued to stop the companies from exporting to America any products that were created using the trade secrets. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said at an event in Washington that Trump and Xi might be able to break the logjam on issues during the summit. But Kudlow cautioned that Trump would "aggressively" pursue his agenda against China, if no deals were reached on intellectual property theft, cybersecurity and tariffs on commodities, among other issues. Trump's posture toward China has been closely watched by investors, who are looking for the possibility of tensions cooling. Xinhua, China's state news agency, reported on Friday that Trump had told the Chinese leader that "he looks forward to meeting Xi during the G20 summit so they can have an in-depth discussion about some major issues." "If a Trump-Xi deal at the G-20 Summit can set the broad framework for renewed bilateral trade negotiations it may help the global trading system avert the abyss of an escalating US-China trade war in 2019," said Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit in Singapore. --Bloomberg's Tian Chen, Andrew Davis, Kevin Hamlin and Matthew Boesler contributed. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's decision to send as many as 15,000 troops to the southern border has drawn sharp and unusual criticism from former military leaders, who have called the deployment "wasteful" and raised worries that the president might be using the military as a political tool to influence the midterm elections just days away. "The military has all of a sudden been placed in a highly politicized environment regarding immigration," retired Lt. Gen. David Barno, who commanded U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said of the surge of troops to the border. The blunt criticism of the mission to block what Trump contends is a threatening caravan of migrants encouraged by Democrats reflects the strain that his unusual presidency has put on one of America's most important norms: the tradition of an apolitical military. Other presidents have deployed forces to the border. But the timing of this deployment and the questionable need for it, with the caravan at least a month away from the border with Mexico and diminishing in size, have led many former military officers to deliver their harshest criticisms yet of Trump. It has also put Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, who has worked to keep the military out of politics, in a tough spot. Asked this week if the deployment was a "political stunt," the former Marine general bristled, "We don't do political stunts." The president has cast the caravan as containing potential terrorists and other "tough" men who would particularly pose a threat to women - who are among the most sought-after voters in Tuesday's election. In fact, women and children are commonplace among the caravaners, who have said they intend to seek legal asylum in the United States. In a tweet Thursday, retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called the border operation a "wasteful deployment of over-stretched Soldiers and Marines." Dempsey's tweet echoed the opinion of several other senior military officers who weighed in on social media or in interviews. "I see no threat requiring this kind of deployment," retired Gen. Colin Powell, also a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs, told The Washington Post. Retired Lt. Gen. Jim Dubik, who oversaw the effort to build the Iraqi army and police, said that Trump's description of the migrant caravan as an "invasion" was wrong. "A sizable portion of those coming are women and children," he said. The public criticism from former military officials raised questions about why the president had decided to dispatch such a large force on such short notice days before a critical election. "The real issue is whether the military is being used for partisan political purposes," said Dubik, a senior fellow with the Institute for the Study of War. "If that's the case, then I think such a use represents not just a wasteful deployment but a dangerous one. It's dangerous because it will politicize the use of force in ways a democracy should avoid." Retired Col. Paul Yingling, who commanded U.S. troops in Iraq, was blunter. "This operation is a political stunt," he wrote for the military publication Task & Purpose. More than any other president in recent decades, Trump has spoken of the military as if it were part of his political base, rather than an apolitical defender of the nation. He placed several retired generals in his cabinet. In speeches before military audiences, at which presidents usually steer clear of politics and focus on foreign policy or praise troops for their sacrifice, Trump has bragged to the troops about the size of his electoral win. "We had a wonderful election, didn't we?" he said in a speech at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa a few months after his inauguration. "And I saw those numbers, and you liked me, and I liked you." Trump hit that same theme Thursday night at a rally in Missouri. "The military is for us," he said. "The vets are for us. The veterans are all for us." The deployment of the troops to the border, however, pushed Trump and the White House into new territory and prompted an almost unprecedented response from former officers such as Dempsey who had vowed to play an apolitical role. Two years ago, in the midst of one of the most contentious presidential campaigns in U.S. history, Dempsey criticized some of his fellow retired generals for picking a side in the bitter political fight. "The military is not a political prize," the retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs wrote in a letter to The Post. Service personnel, and the public, "should not wonder about the political leanings and motivations of their [military] leaders," he said His description Thursday of the border mission as "wasteful" drew approval from many of his fellow generals, even as it prompted others to wonder if he and others had gone too far. "While it is certainly fair to criticize the policy decision to send more troops to the border, I worry about characterizing the mission the way that some have," said retired Gen. Carter Ham, head of the Association of the United States Army, which advocates for the service's mission. "The troops need to know that they have our support, whether we agree with the deployment or not. . . . I think this is one of the important lessons of Vietnam." In the recent past, the Pentagon has seemed to go out of its way to ensure that U.S. military operations did not bleed into domestic politics. U.S. soldiers and Marines were in place for an offensive against insurgents in the Iraqi city of Fallujah several weeks before the 2004 U.S. presidential election, but the assault was delayed until days later, on Nov. 7. Top Marine officers, including Mattis, who was then a major general, worried that launching a massive assault on the city could be viewed by partisans on both sides as an attempt to influence the electoral outcome. As defense secretary, Mattis has worked to insulate the military from the country's increasingly toxic political battles. Unlike other secretaries, he refused early in the administration to lavish Trump with praise at a cabinet meeting. Last spring, in remarks that went viral, he advised U.S. troops in Jordan to "hold the line until our country gets back to understanding and respecting each other and showing it." Mattis' political independence has raised questions in the president's mind about his loyalty. "I think he's sort of a Democrat, if you want to know the truth," Trump told CBS' "60 Minutes" recently. It's not clear whether Mattis advised Trump to delay the border deployment or whether he was consulted about the president's decision. "The president thinks out loud and will make statements about things he wants to do that haven't emerged out" of discussion with his national security team, said Peter Feaver, a top official in George W. Bush's White House. Feaver speculated that Mattis likely would have advised Trump to delay the deployment until after the election to "take politicization out of the equation." "But that ship has sailed," Feaver said. "Given where we are, it's a little late for that." Instead, he said, he would advise Mattis to make the best of a bad situation. Trump made Mattis's job more difficult Thursday when, after a White House speech on immigration, he said that U.S. troops should be authorized to open fire on unarmed migrants if they appear to pose a threat. "When they throw rocks like they did at the Mexico military and police, I say consider it a rifle," Trump said. His remarks drew a torrent of criticism from former military officials. Dempsey said the troops would ignore the order. In a tweet, retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, who commanded the 1st Armored Division in Iraq, called it "unlawful." "There is no leader in the military . . . who would allow a solder to shoot at an individual throwing a rock," he wrote. On Friday, Trump backed away from that heated rhetoric. "They won't have to fire," he said. "What I don't want is . . . these people throwing rocks." In fact, the military's rules of engagement make it highly unlikely that U.S. troops could find themselves standing toe-to-toe with rock-throwing migrants. A spokesman for U.S. Northern Command, Mike Kucharek, said that while in the United States, troops can deploy with their weapons stored, but Mattis and Air Force Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, who oversees the command, must authorize them to be armed. An internal Pentagon document obtained by The Post said that lethal force was authorized in the operation only in situations "where lesser means have failed or cannot be reasonably employed." Active-duty troops, which are functioning only in a support role, are also not permitted to arrest the migrants. In any case, the migrants are still about 40 days from coming anywhere close to the U.S. border. --- Video Embed Code Video: President Trump has said that his administration will have to be 'tough' on the migrant caravan headed towards the U.S.-Mexico border. The move comes days before crucial midterm elections.(Luis Velarde/The Washington Post) Embed code: NORWALK On the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, the Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee will honor veterans with music, a moment of silence and inspirational words from a hometown man. This year, the celebration is 100 years, said Dan Caporale, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and NVMC chairman. If you think about, World War I ended in 1918 a hundred years ago. This is sort of a milestone. World War I, a four-year global conflict that claimed more than 16 million lives in Europe and beyond, ended at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918. The NVMC 2018 Veterans Day Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 11, at Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Ave. The event will begin with music by the American Festival Band at 9:30 a.m. followed by the ceremony at 10:30 a.m. and the moment of silence at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Jeffrey R. DeWitt, a retired U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant, will be the guest speaker. I got to talk to him and found out about him how many years he was in the Air Force, Caporale said. If you read his bio, its impressive. Born and raised in Norwalk, DeWitt joined the Air Force in 1982 after graduating Norwalk High School. After training as a telecommunications operations specialist at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, he was assigned to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium, where he was promoted to airman first class, according to his biography. In July 1984, he reported for duty at the 1883rd Communications Squadron at Beale Air Force Base in California, where he worked in the communications center in support of SR-71 and U-2 reconnaissance plane missions. He was promoted to senior airman. In August 1986, DeWitt was reassigned to the 438th Airlift Wing, 438th Communications Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, where he remained until July 1994, working as a shift supervisor and non-commissioned officer in the computer operations center. There, he was promoted to staff sergeant. In July 1994, he was accepted for special duty assignment as an active-duty Air Force adviser to the New York Air National Guard. He remained there for four years and was promoted to master sergeant. In July 1998, DeWitt was reassigned to Osan Air Base in South Korean before returning to McGuire Air Force Base the next year to work as superintendent of the network control center and eventually flight superintendent. He was promoted to senior master sergeant three weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and later to chief master sergeant, the Air Forces highest enlisted rank, according to his biography. DeWitt now serves as secretary for the NVMC and finance officer for the Frank C. Godfrey American Legion Post 12, according to Caporale. Hes done wonders, Caporale said. When you ask him to do something, you dont have to ask twice. Post 12 will hold a Veterans Recognition Dinner Sunday, Nov. 18, starting at 5 p.m., at its headquarters at 60 County St. Lt. Col. Mike Zacchea, director and founder of the University of Connecticuts Entrepreneur Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities, will be the guest speaker. For reservations, call Pete Torrano at 203-223-4631 or email ptorrano@optonline.net no later than Nov. 11. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt on Friday asked Secretary of State Rolando Pablos to investigate with the help of the Texas Attorney General whether the Harris County voter registrar is ensuring residents properly list their physical address on voter registrations, as required by law. Bettencourt said at a news conference Tuesday if counties lack the authority to properly vet registrations, he would file a bill in Austin to strengthen state laws. This office believes that there is reasonable cause to suspect that alleged criminal conduct has occurred, the letter states. Over the summer, a Harris County Republican Party official challenged 4,000 voter registrations that he said listed commercial addresses such as post offices or parcel stores. Harris County declared the challenges to be invalid, but the secretary of states office said in October that they are lawful and should be processed. At the news conference, Bettencourt stood outside a UPS Store in Montrose and noted that 84 Harris County voters have listed the brick-and-glass storefront as their address. There are no apartments associated with this. Theres nothing but private P.O. boxes, Bettencourt said. So why do we have voter registration at a commercial address? However, Texas law requires counties to take voters at their word that their voter registration applications are truthful. According to the secretary of state, Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar Ann Harris Bennett can ask a voter in a letter to confirm his or her address if the registrars office suspects it is invalid. If the voter lists the same address, the registrar must process the application. The only other recourse the registrar has is to refer the case to the district attorney, who can prosecute voters for lying on a government document. Bettencourt said he disagrees with that interpretation of state law. He urged Bennett to audit Harris Countys voter roll, which contains 2.3 million voters, and asked the attorney generals office to provide an opinion. Bettencourt was joined at the news conference by Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart, District Clerk Chris Daniel and Treasurer Orlando Sanchez. The quartet are all Republicans up for re-election on Tuesday. Bennett, the voter registrar, is a Democrat; she will not face re-election until 2020. Stanart said local elections, such as for state representative or city council, can be manipulated if a voter register at a business rather than a residential address. None of the officials offered evidence that any political party or faction had conspired a district-packing scheme to sway an election. The 4,000 voter registrations challenged by the Republican Party official list addresses throughout Harris County and are not concentrated in any particular neighborhood or legislative district. Stanart urged voters who have registered at commercial addresses to correct their address when they show up to vote, which voters can do without penalty. Bennett has not responded to requests for comment about the registrations. Any action her office took would not affect the voter roll for the midterm election, as federal law requires registrars to complete any voter roll maintenance 90 days before an election. zach.despart@chron.com www.twitter.com/zachdespart Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly, a retired astronaut, stopped at the University of Houston to try to get voters out in a state whose gun laws earned an F rating from Giffords organization. Kelly and Giffords, who survived a 2011 shooting, have been active on the campaign trail for months in areas with contested midterm elections. She endorsed a bevy of candidates, including Lizzie Pannill Fletcher, the Democrat vying to unseat Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, in a race viewed as key to Democrats chances of gaining control of the House. The pair is stumping for Fletcher Saturday and, through Giffords political action committee, funded a TV ad that is critical of Culbersons stances on gun control. They were joined Friday night by survivors of school shootings in Santa Fe and Parkland, Fl., who spoke with Vox senior media correspondent Liz Plank for about 45 minutes before a crowd of more than 200 at UHs Hilton Hotel. The panel included Megan McGuire, a student at Santa Fe High School, where eight students and two teachers were shot and killed in May. Though McGuire, 17, is not old enough to vote, she joined her fellow students to urge support for candidates who support stricter gun control. Im here because I realize that if we dont do something about it now, its not going to happen, McGuire said. We have to change this epidemic and nip it in the bud immediately. Though Texas Democrats are targeting a handful of Republican-held House seats, much of the national attention has centered on the Senate race between incumbent Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat Beto ORourke. Hogg was critical of Cruz in a brief interview before the event, taking issue with his opposition to universal background checks and funding for gun control research. Hogg, asked about advocating gun control in a state that has been hostile to statewide candidates who support tighter firearm restrictions, said he has sought to reframe the conversation. Is Texas pro-safety? Thats the question that you need to ask, he said. The way that we advocate for what we talk about is in the same way that people that advocated for safer cars and roads werent anti-car or pro-car. Were not anti-gun and pro-gun, were pro people not dying. Kelly said he talks to people who are critical of gun-control measures by first gathering what they do and dont know about gun restrictions. Its rare that people understand our gun laws, whether theyre federal or state, he said. So you often find people who feel that they are pro-gun rights and supportive of the ease of getting firearms, without realizing how easy it actually is for people who are criminals or domestic abusers or suspected terrorists. The former astronaut said he had not seen a recent TV ad that criticized Culberson for backing projects that would explore Europa, a Jupiter moon that scientists say could have the ingredients needed for life. Fletcher has tied Culbersons interest in space exploration to flood control, suggesting that he cares more about life away from Earth. Culberson has pushed back, citing his work on flood control, and shared a story on social media Friday that was critical of Fletchers statements about NASA. Meanwhile, several local officials attended the event, including state Sen. Sylvia Garcia, a Democrat who is widely expected to win her open race Tuesday for Texas deep-blue 29th Congressional District. Moms are tired of it. Responsible gun owners are tired of it, Garcia said of gun violence. Most Texans just want to be able to do their hunting, which is the way I grew up in South Texas (on a farm). I still own a shot gun. I have one at my house right now. jasper.scherer@chron.com | Twitter: @jaspscherer Mayor Sylvester Turner will ask the city council next week to approve a $1.3 million contract with a law firm to represent the city in anticipation of possible litigation over Proposition B, a measure that would grant firefighters the same pay as police of corresponding rank and seniority. The contract with Norton Rose Fulbright which could be approved the day after Tuesdays general election would set aside $250,000 for the firm to handle litigation over real estate purchases in connection with infrastructure projects; the rest would be set aside for a court fight over pay parity. Turner has said the unaffordable proposal would add more than $100 million a year to the citys budget and force layoffs. Firefighters say they deserve fair compensation and that Turner is employing scare tactics. The mayor is simply preparing to continue his vindictive war on firefighter families, Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, said of the proposed legal contract. His apparent message to Houston voters is that he only likes democracy when it benefits him and his cronies. The mayors office cast the decision as a simple act of preparing for the election. The city is seeking outside counsel to review and assess all options in case Proposition B should pass, mayoral spokesman Alan Bernstein said. It is a prudent course of action. Firefighters have received raises of just 3 percent since 2011, though they rejected a 4 percent raise from former Mayor Annise Parker and a 9.5 percent offer from Turner. Firefighters say the former deal came with too many concessions and the latter was presented after talks had already broken down. The multimillion-dollar campaign over the issue has been bitter, pitting the city against its firefighters union in court several times since firefighters gathered tens of thousands of voter signatures and submitted a petition more than a year ago to put the parity question to voters. The union successfully sued to force the city to count the petition, then sued again in July, arguing a hearing at which the proposal was discussed constituted illegal electioneering. A lawsuit the fire union filed against the city last year after collective bargaining talks broke down is still pending. Turner has repeatedly said litigation could follow the Tuesday vote, but has spoken in broad terms. One hint of a legal strategy came at a council hearing on the measure last summer, when some city council members discussed a section of state law that says police and fire departments can collectively bargain together only if both sides consent. Houston police vehemently oppose the measure, which effectively would link firefighter salaries to whatever salaries the police union negotiates. City Attorney Ron Lewis at the time called the point a meaningful issue. Councilman Dwight Boykins, who often speaks in defense of firefighters at the council table, said the agenda item sounded premature. If its a large margin Id think no appeals court would overrule the will of the voters, he said. So lets wait and see. Councilman Mike Knox agreed, adding that Turner appeared to be assuming the measure will pass. It seems unusual to me that wed make plans to do that before we even know the outcome of the election, he said. mike.morris@chron.com Its a bright, crisp morning and Antonio and Jackie Hughes are packing up all of their belongings clothing, bedding and collected knick-knacks from a life together as a couple and getting to ready move. But their mood does not match the sunny weather. They are two of the approximately 35-40 people forcibly evicted by the city of Houston Friday morning from the homeless encampment that sprouted in 2016 under a Southwest Freeway overpass near the intersection of Wheeler Avenue and Caroline Street in Midtown. Representatives from the city, along with organizations that work with the homeless, were helping transport them to alternative housing. Antonio, 44, is not too sure about the specifics but he knows he has to go. They said something about (taking us) where they are letting people sleep until they get housing, he said. I was on a housing list but I went to jail and they took me off. I got out and its just another hassle trying to get back on. Antonio went back to cleaning out his tent, along with dozens of people doing the same while some others simply relocated to private property across the street. If they had thoughts of moving back in, theyre going to have to reconsider. By the end of the day, Texas Department of Transportation was due to erect temporary fencing that will be replaced by a more permanent barrier in the next four to five days. While many of those being rousted out may not be happy with having their lives upended, it had to be done, according to Marc Eichenbaum, special assistant to the mayor for homeless initiatives. We have a severe public health and public safety issue here, he said at the site Friday where approximately 50 workers were cleaning up the area. We cant let the neighborhood, especially the homeless individuals living here, continue to suffer under these conditions. Four homicides in a year The intersection has made headlines over the last year as four people have been murdered there since mid-2017. Last month, the Houston Health Department declared the encampment a public health nuisance as defined by the state safety code. According to the department, garbage and sewage as well as human and other organic waste form a public-health nuisance. This is a matter of safety, echoed Tomaro Bell, president of the MacGregor Super Neighborhood Alliance, who says she is glad the city is taking action. It became an issue of safety for the homeless because there are truly people who have nowhere to go and then there are the hustlers I believe (the city) didnt have a choice. You cant have a murder rate that high with that little population. But she is concerned that some of the homeless may just move to another part of town. I hope its a solution, she said. I hate to see a band-aid on a gunshot wound. At its height, the encampment housed as many as 100 residents. Eva Thibaudeau, vice-president of the Coalition for the Homeless, said the organization has been working for the last six months on getting housing for those staying there, helping to lower its population to below 50. Weve secured interim beds where folks can stay and get meals and continue to work with a (counselor) toward permanent housing, she said. Weve been able to house over 45 people directly from the encampment into their own housing. Theres a lot fewer people, said Eichenbaum. Weve done family reunification out here. For four months, we offered housing to every single person and, if you are still here today, we will work on permanent housing. While one of the residents, Derrick Brown, said that he only heard about the relocation this week and that the only notices he saw were in Spanish, Eichenbaum said that news of this move has been repeatedly relayed to those who reside there. This block alone, we had five notices in English, four in Spanish, he said. This block alone, there were two written notices handed out. If the people were not there, (the notices) were taped to their property. Additionally, outreach was here every day telling everybody. He said they are being offered temporary housing, supportive services for substance abuse and mental health along with free storage for their belongings. Some individuals have been less than enthusiastic but, however were doing it for their benefit, their health, their well-being and safety. Declining population Eichenbaum estimates that the number of homeless in the Houston area is around 3,800, a reduction of 55 percent since 2011. Weve housed over 15,000 homeless individuals since 2012 The encampment population represents less than seven percent of the overall homeless population. But it still causes severe public health issues. But Douglas Hinton, who works with the homeless and was on hand Friday, says its understandable why many would be reluctant. Most of them have been here for a long time and you mess with their routine and they get real upset, he said. I can talk to them. If they want the help, its there for them (But) you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink. Such moves are hardly new. Two years ago, the city put up a fence around an encampment in the same area, near Wheeler Avenue and Fannin Street. As for Antonio Hughes, hes not exactly sure what the future holds. When asked if he trusts the city will do all that its promising, he responds matter-of-factly, Nope, not at all. cary.darling@chron.com Lost amid a bitter campaign over whether to grant Houston firefighters the same pay as police of corresponding rank Proposition B on Tuesdays ballot is Proposition A, a do-over on the citys street and drainage repair program. ReBuild Houston only narrowly passed eight years ago, but the two-decade program appears before voters this fall without its most controversial component and without a clear sense of whether the measures passage will produce a much different result than its failure. The item is on the ballot again because conservative foes who opposed a new drainage fee that was part of the program convinced the Texas Supreme Court that the citys 2010 ballot language did not make clear the initiative would include this new rain tax, as they call it. The court voided the election and ordered the vote to be held again. Both sides agree, however, that the roughly $5 monthly drainage fee citizens began paying in July 2011 is not at issue this fall that fee was implemented in an ordinance approved by the city council, not by the 2010 charter change itself. And Mayor Sylvester Turner says he will implement the program as it is being run today even if voters repeal the legal language that would force him to do so. Voters, the mayor says, are simply being asked to reaffirm what already is. And so Proposition A is chiefly about financing. The charter change barred the issuance of new debt for street and drainage repairs, switching instead to a pay-as-you-go model to be paid for in part by the new fee. It committed a portion of the citys annual property tax revenue to streets and drainage so that, as old road bonds were paid off, more cash would become available for projects. Grant funds from other governments also were added to the pot. And it capped maintenance and operations spending from the new fund at 25 percent. Since its launch, about $1.9 billion has flowed into the ReBuild program for reconstruction or repair work including an estimated $780 million in drainage fees and more than $620 million in principal has been paid down on city debt. Yet Houston Public Works now projects that far fewer dollars will flow through the program than was envisioned in 2010, despite repeated storms having made concerns about drainage and flooding even more pronounced. The city data show the program beat its original revenue projections by an average of about $30 million each year from 2011 to 2015, then missed its original targets by roughly that amount in each of the last two years. Over the next seven years, ReBuild is projected to generate a cumulative $900 million less than originally envisioned about $125 million per year. There are two key reasons for that. First, a math error proponents said the fee would average $5 per house but that turned out to be an understatement, so former Mayor Annise Parker granted all property owners a discount. That change has limited the citys repair funds by a total of about $100 million over the last seven years. Second, there is Houstons voter-approved property tax revenue cap. Since 2014, the city typically has had to cut its tax rate each year to avoid taking in more revenue than the cap allowed, since property values have been rising. So where does ReBuild come in? The program was designed to capture 11.8 cents of the citys tax rate, generating more money for projects as debts were paid off. Over time, this will be the funds largest source of revenue. As the citys tax rate has shrunk, however, the city has interpreted the 2010 charter language in a way that has let mayors reduce the share of the rate devoted to ReBuild, instead leaving that cash in the general fund. These adjustments reduced ReBuilds funding by $10 million under Parker in 2016 and by almost $50 million in each of the last two years under Turner, Public Works data show, as compared to the full 11.8 cents worth of property taxes being transferred to the fund. In the citys current budget, this figure is about $40 million. These changes have contributed to an uncomfortable statistic for City Hall: Residents are paying a new fee, but city spending on street and drainage projects has barely risen. Houston averaged $176 million a year on capital street and drainage projects from 2007 to 2011, and $180 million from 2012 through 2018. These figures include some projects that were only street paving, without accompanying underground drainage pipes, and the numbers for the 2018 fiscal year are preliminary. Turner acknowledged the program, as designed, would generate more cash than it is today, but said the ReBuild model is still the right approach. The citys strategy, he said, should be to avoid new debt and leverage its funds with Harris Countys $2.5 billion flood control bond and coming federal recovery funds tied to Hurricane Harvey. Bob Jones, the owner of Jones Engineering Solutions and a key ReBuild proponent in 2010, said his figures show the program is close to its organizers original models. If spending appears not to have risen under ReBuild, he added, its in part because large projects the city did in partnership with the state in the years before 2010 skew the figures. Jones said his view is that the city should not have been able to budge from devoting the full 11.8 cents of its property tax rate to the program. Im hoping that, going forward, well get to the full 11.8 cents and well juice the program up and well exceed the projections, Jones said. Councilman Mike Knox said he has been telling voters inquiring about Proposition A to flip a coin, as neither outcome will change what taxes or fees citizens pay. As for whether the vote will put a lockbox around the funding for streets and drainage a word Turner uses often Knox said muddy accounting empowers the programs skeptics and leaves him unsure of what to tell constituents. ReBuild is comprised of drainage fees, property taxes, grants and a tiny fee on developers, but when the city spends money from the ReBuild fund it rarely specifies which funding source is being used. This has long let critics incorrectly accuse the city of, for instance, using the drainage fee to pay hundreds of Public Works employees salaries. I cant in good conscience say we even have a lockbox because the four funding sources are commingled theres nothing where I can go to see that the money from the drainage fee went into this account and the money is going to this activity, Knox said. When I call and ask the question, they say, No, its being used for appropriate purposes, and I have no recourse. The Nov. 6 election could have a tangible impact on the citys finances, but it will depend in part on the outcome of several pending lawsuits that rely on court action voiding the 2010 election. It also will depend on the accompanying charter language exempting the drainage fees from the citys revenue cap and adding streets and curbs to the definition of drainage infrastructure words that are not in the state law that lets cities charge drainage fees. In one case, plaintiffs argue the drainage fees should be repaid to taxpayers, or that the portion spent on street surfaces should be refunded. In another, they argue the fees have exceeded the revenue cap. mike.morris@chron.com Two-year-old Hazana Anderson's mother and her boyfriend allegedly beat the toddler to death and kept her corpse in their car for days before dumping it in a Galveston County lake, according to media reports. Anderson was the center of a massive counties-wide search this week after her mother, Tiaundra Kae Christon, 21, reported her missing Oct. 28 in College Station. According to court documents obtained by The Eagle newspaper in Bryan/College Station and KBTX-TV, Christon and her boyfriend, Kenny Hewett, 32, became angry at the girl for crying and allegedly began spanking her with a belt during their stay at a Houston hotel on Oct. 19. The two allegedly beat the girl until she was dead. They then allegedly wrapped her body in a garbage bag and put it on the floorboard of their car for three days, according to the reports. Four days later, the couple allegedly tied the girl's body to a heavy rock and threw it into the lake off State Highway 146. Authorities pulled the body of a toddler out of the lake Wednesday, although that body has yet to be identified. Christon and Hewett were both charged in Galveston County. Christon was already in custody in Brazos County Jail charged with child endangerment and filing a false report to police. She is being held in the Brazos County Jail on $750,000 bond and he is being held in Galveston County on $500,000 bond. Both are facing fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse charges. 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 AUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott is paying for $282,000 worth of political internet ads to benefit Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has found himself in a closer-than-expected race against Democratic newcomer Justin Nelson. Abbott reported the contribution to Paxtons campaign on Wednesday, less than a week before Election Day, in a late move to help the Republican incumbent fend off Nelson, an Austin attorney making his first bid for public office. Both Paxton and Nelson have accepted thousands of dollars in donations and in-kind contributions in the past few days as voter turnout has skyrocketed across the state, particularly in urban areas. Both candidates are running statewide television ads, although the two campaigns are accusing the opposition of running attack ads with distortions and inaccuracies in them. Abbotts contribution makes Paxton the No. 1 recipient of the governors funds this election season. Abbott began with donations to vulnerable Republicans in the Texas House. But his contribution to Paxton is much bigger, signaling an alarm in a race in which polls found Paxton to be a shoo-in two months ago. Abbott covered $70,000 worth of Paxtons campaign research in late October, bringing the governors total investment in the attorney general to more than $350,000. The latest influx of support comes as Abbott pumps more campaign cash to Republican state senators and house members locked in close races. Within the past month, Abbott's campaign spent more than $1 million total on political advertising and research for three state senate candidates, Paxton and more than a dozen candidates for state House, according to campaign finance reports. The last-minute money doesnt mean Paxton is expected to lose, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston. Abbott may be trying to make sure Paxton doesnt fall behind other prominent Republicans in state government, Rottinghaus said. Both Abbott and Patrick are favored by 18 points in polls. A recent poll has Nelson within nine points of Paxton. It makes tactical sense for Paxton to take this shot at Nelson because the race will likely be among the closest statewide, said Rottinghaus. Paxton, for political purposes, is wise to spend a little bit of money to make sure its not an embarrassing difference between him and the statewide officeholders from his own party, Rottinghaus said. Paxtons campaign was thankful for the governors contribution, said Jordan Berry, the attorney generals campaign spokesman. General Paxton is honored to have Gov. Abbotts support. Candidates spar over attack ads In one television ad, Nelson claims Paxtons office failed to prosecute a single case of abuse in nursing homes while accepting some $100,000 in political contributions from companies or executives who run the facilities. The attorney generals office counters that it has been involved with 17 prosecutions, resolved at least 67 civil cases and investigated at least 496 allegations of criminal abuse. Nelsons campaign stands by its ad, noting Texas nursing homes are poorly rated for quality of care. See that ad here. Nelson says that ad is no longer running. Paxtons campaign is catching heat for an ad claiming he shut down the worlds largest human trafficking marketplace. That statement is mostly false, according to Politifact Texas, a fact-checking organization owned by the Poynter Institute for Media Studies. Paxtons campaign stands by the statement. Paxton has championed his agencys work to combat human trafficking as his major accomplishment. That included the closure of Backpage.com, a website hosting classified ads, including those advertising youth being trafficked for sex. Politifact found Paxtons claim that he was responsible for shutting the website down mostly false because other agencies were involved. Experts consulted by Politifact cast doubt on the claim that Backpage was the worlds largest human trafficking marketplace. Paxtons campaign said the Politifact report is full of holes and bias. See the ad in question here. In another ad, Paxtons campaign claims Nelson supports a dangerous open borders policy and is even against deporting members of violent gangs who break our immigration laws. Paxtons campaign said it is referencing Nelsons support for so-called sanctuary cities which Texas outlawed in 2017 by punishing law enforcement officials who refuse to hold jail inmates when requested by federal immigration authorities. The law also allows law enforcement to inquire about an individuals immigration status at routine traffic stops or detentions. See that ad here. Nelsons campaign accuses Paxton of bald-face lying. Nelsons campaign said he has never supported an open border and his website reads that he plans to aggressively investigate, apprehend and prosecute dangerous criminals who would pass through our border. Asked whether Nelson would defend the legislatures sanctuary cities law, which is now under a court challenge, Nelson hedged. As I have stated, the standard that I will use is the same used by the Reagan, Bush, and Obama Justice Departments, which considers whether a law in good faith is Constitutional, Nelson said in an emailed statement. Election day is Nov. 6. Vancouvers Derek Pouliot scored at 4:38 of overtime as the host Canucks beat Colorado 7-6 on Friday night for their third consecutive victory. Vancouver rookie Elias Pettersson had two goals and three assists including one of Pouliots winner and Brock Boeser also scored twice for the Canucks. Saskatchewan invites 926 Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry candidates in largest EOI draw yet In-Demand Occupation invitations reach new high, minimum score dips to record low Saskatchewan invites 926 Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry candidates in largest EOI draw yet In-Demand Occupation invitations reach new high, minimum score dips to record low Saskatchewan invites 926 Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry candidates in largest EOI draw yet In-Demand Occupation invitations reach new high, minimum score dips to record low Stephen Smith Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A New draws through Saskatchewans Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand immigration sub-categories on November 1 resulted in 926 invitations to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. The combined invitations are the most issued yet in a selection round through Saskatchewans International Skilled Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) system, which was introduced in July to manage the pool of candidates for the Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand sub-categories. The invitations included a record high 671 to Occupation In-Demand candidates, of whom the lowest-ranked had a score 61 points. This was the highest number of invitations and the lowest score yet selected for In-Demand Occupation candidates in the four draws that have been held since the sub-category moved to an EOI system. Express Entry candidates invited in this latest draw totaled 255 and the lowest-ranked candidate invited had a score of 60, which ties the lowest score selected in the four Express Entry EOI draws that have been held to date. The Express Entry sub-category is linked to the federal Express Entry system, which manages the pool of candidates for Canadas three main economic immigration categories the Federal Skilled Worker Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Class and the Canadian Experience Class. To find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, fill out a free assessment. Express Entry candidates must score at least 60 on Saskatchewans point assessment grid and have work experience in a high-skilled occupation found on the provinces In-Demand Occupations List, among other criteria. A job offer in Saskatchewan is not required. Express Entry candidates who receive a provincial nomination from Saskatchewan are awarded an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines their position in the Express Entry pool. The Occupation In-Demand sub-category is for eligible candidates outside the Express Entry system who score at least 60 points on Saskatchewans point assessment grid and have at least one year of work experience in the past 10 years one of the provinces in-demand occupations, among other criteria. Looking for more information on Canadas Provincial Nominee Programs? Use the interactive Canada PNP Finder to explore programs, filter your search, and keep up to date on all PNP-related news. How the EOI system works In order to be considered for immigration to Saskatchewan through either the Occupation In-Demand or Express Entry sub-category, the first step is to create an EOI profile. An EOI profile requires potential candidates to provide details about their education, work experience, language abilities and other factors in order to establish their eligibility. Eligible candidates are then issued a ranking score based on Saskatchewans points assessment grid. The highest-ranked candidates in both sub-categories are invited to apply for a provincial nomination through regular draws from the EOI pool. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) says a connection to the province can prove decisive in cases where too many candidates have the same score. A connection to the province includes a close family relative or past work or education in Saskatchewan. Candidates who receive an invitation to apply have 60 days to submit their application and all required documents. Discover your Canadian immigration options by completing a free assessment form. 2018 CICNews All Rights Reserved AKRON, Ohio -- Akron Zoo is inviting people to audition for roles in a television commercial celebrating the zoo's 65th anniversary. A panel of judges and the public will select three winners through a video-submission contest. Those interested in entering must record an original video that explains why they love Akron Zoo. The deadline to submit a video is Friday, Nov. 16 at noon. Contestants must upload their videos to YouTube or Vimeo and fill out a form on the Akron Zoo's website. The length of each video must be 65 seconds or less. Judges will choose eight finalists based on creativity and messaging, and voting will be open to the public to select the three winners. The zoo will make the final eight videos available for public viewing, and online voting will take place Nov. 25 to Dec. 1. The commercial will appear on television and the zoo's social media accounts in spring 2019 as part of its "Why I Love the Akron Zoo" campaign. Winners will arrange a visit to the zoo in December to film the commercial. Visit akronzoo.org/akron-zoo-contest for full contest rules and to watch sample video submissions. 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. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cleveland police officer is headed into surgery Saturday after he responded to an early morning call for shots fired in the citys Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood and was shot multiple times, police say. The 4th District officers received a call about 4:20 a.m. Saturday on the 2600 block of East 121st Street about shots fired, Chief Calvin Williams said. That assignment quickly turned into a call for a male shot, Williams said. As the officers approached the location here, rounds were fired at our officers. One round went through the door of the police cruiser and struck an officer in the leg, Williams said. The officer, who has yet to be identified, was removed from the scene and brought by EMS to University Hospitals. As other officers arrived to contain the scene, we approached the residents and discovered there was another victim of a shooting who was also taken to the hospital by EMS, Williams said. Police have not released the condition of the other victim. The officers family members, along with other police officers, are with him at the hospital, said Commander Brandon Kutz. Ive already talked with him this morning, Kutz said. He was alert and talking to people prior to going into surgery, so were very hopeful. We just ask the community to keep him in your thoughts and prayers and we appreciate that." Police are searching for the person or people responsible and asking for the communitys help. If anybody has any information, call our communications center and give us that information, Williams said. As you can see, we have a ton of resources here and we are going to find this person eventually. Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland police at 216-623-5000. Williams also asked the shooter or shooters to turn themselves in. Itll be easier on yourself and this community, he said. Were not going to tolerate this and were going to find this person. To comment on this story, visit Saturdays crime and courts comment section. CLEVELAND, Ohio - How do you review "Les Miserables" in 2018? How do you weigh in on the "world's most beloved musical" on its umpteenth tour? Last seen at Playhouse Square in 2013 (and 2011 before that), the musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel is the fifth-longest-running show on Broadway, and has toured 44 countries. Add in the 2012 movie, and it's a safe bet most of the world has met Jean Valjean. Fortunately, Hugo's tale of love, loss and redemption is timeless. And, perhaps, the rebellious story of small people fighting big powers is more timely than ever. The current tour directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell doesn't mess with, well, almost perfection. There's a reason Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil's 1987 Tony winner, with English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, is so beloved. Make that many reasons: the transcendent songs; the epic, heartbreaking yet inspiring story; and, always, a top-notch cast. Set designer Matt Kinley has come up with a particularly powerful, yet simple staging: a looming three-story tenement, the facade of Valjean's elegant Parisian house, the Thenardiers' divey inn and other locations are represented against shadowy projections of ominous skylines and muted paintings inspired by Victor Hugo. Tony Award-winning Paul Constable's lighting is exceptionally dark throughout, literally, one of the darkest shows I've ever seen at Playhouse Square. The low light sets the perfect mood for the bleak tale that begins with Jean Valjean's release from the chain gang in 1815. Finding it impossible to be accepted in society, he steals silver from the one man to treat him kindly, the Bishop of Digne. When confronted with the theft, the bishop lies to the police to save him -- a moment of mercy that transforms his life. He is never, however, able to escape the shadow of his past -- or Inspector Javert. Even when living as the upright factory owner and mayor Monsieur Madeleine, when raising young Cossette, whom he rescued from the terrible Thenardiers after her poor mother, Fantine, perished; even when living in Paris during the rebellion of 1832, Jean Valjean cannot escape his truth. "Les Miserables" is an unrelenting tale. Still, even in the dark, there is light. In the case of "Les Miserables," that light is the divine music -- performed exceptionally by this touring cast. Allison Guinn and J. Anthony Crane provide several moments of levity as the outrageously evil Thenardier and wife. Their poppy, stomping "Master of the House" and "Beggars at the Feast" are delightfully entertaining. Nick Cartell is everything a Jean Valjean should be: beaten-down, tender, loving, strong and Christlike. His soaring "Bring Him Home" and tragically beautiful "Who am I?" are among the show's high points. Also exceptional is Mary Kate Moore on Fantine's bittersweet lament to a lost life, "I Dreamed a Dream." "The People's Song," performed by the students and citizens, is as rousing as ever. Eponine's (Paige Smallwood) "On My Own" is lovely. And Josh Davis' Javert is a knockout, especially his final, dramatic "Soliloquy" before he commits suicide. His plunge from the bridge is one of the show's most dramatic moments, as the bridge falls away and he seems to plunge into the darkness. Just as powerful -- and more inspiring -- is the anthemic flag-waving, full-cast finale march. It's hard not to jump to your feet to join them. REVIEW Les Miserables What: Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg. Lyrics by James Fenton. Book by Alain Boublil and Schonberg. Directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell. When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Through November 18. Where: Connor Palace, Playhouse Square, Cleveland. Tickets: $39 - $140. Tickets for all performances are currently on sale, and may be purchased at the Playhouse Square Ticket Office (1519 Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland), online at playhousesquare.org or by calling 216-241-6000. Group orders of 15 or more may be placed by calling 216-640-8600. COLUMBUS, Ohio--Even though Republicans are all but guaranteed to keep a solid grip on the Ohio House and Senate, next weeks legislative elections are likely to be the most interesting in years. For one thing, Democrats are likely to gain seats in the Ohio House (and possibly the Senate) for the first time in a decade. It wont be nearly enough for them to gain control of either chamber, but if Democrats win at least seven House seats, theyll erase the House GOPs 60-vote supermajority that allows the GOP to override gubernatorial vetoes and put measures on the statewide ballot without Democratic votes. And perhaps even more importantly, the results on Tuesday will show whether, after a months-long civil war among House Republicans, enough GOP allies of state Rep. Larry Householder will be elected to give him a shot at wresting the House speakers gavel next session from current Speaker Ryan Smith. All 99 Ohio House seats are up for a vote Tuesday, as are 17 of 33 Ohio Senate seats. But, thanks to gerrymandering, only a fraction of those districts are truly competitive. And almost all of them fit a pattern: theyre suburban seats held by term-limited Republicans even though Hillary Clinton won them in 2016. Heres a closer look at the top 12 Ohio General Assembly races to keep an eye on. Senate District 3 Where it is: Eastern Franklin County, including parts of southwest and central Columbus Whos running: Republican Anne Gonzales, a four-term state representative and realtor from Westerville Democrat Tina Maharath, a financial analyst from Canal Winchester Percentage of the district that voted for Donald Trump in 2016: 41.8 percent What to know about the race: This may be the most oddly competitive legislative race in Ohio. Maharath, who by her own admission has a troubled past, wasnt endorsed by the Ohio Democratic party nor the Franklin County Democrats (she won the Democratic nomination by default after the partys favored candidate didnt submit the 50 valid petition signatures he needed to run). But the district itself is filled with Democrats, leading Republicans to buy at least $800,000 in ads trashing Maharath. Gonzales is seen as the slight favorite here, but it could end up being one of the tightest Ohio Senate races on Election Night. What to watch on Election Night: How high Democratic turnout is around the district. Senate District 5 Where it is: Miami and Preble counties, southern Darke County, most of Dayton Whos running: Democrat Paul Bradley, an Antioch College administrator from Dayton who served as U.S. Sen. Sherrod Browns Southwest Ohio representative Republican Stephen Huffman, a Tipp City physician who has served two terms in the Ohio House. Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 50.9 percent What to know about the race: In 2014, Republican Bill Beagle (whos term-limited this year) won re-election here in one of the most expensive and hard-fought legislative races of the campaign. In 2018, its become another tough fight. The district is Democratic-friendly on paper, as it covers most of Dayton. But its balanced out by Republican votes in the rural parts of the district President Donald Trump won the district by more than 5 percentage points in 2016. Like most Ohio legislative races this year, Republicans have sunk far more money into this race than Democrats: nearly $1 million as of Oct. 25, compared to the Democrats $231,000 or so. Thats far less than what was spent on behalf of Democratic nominee Dee Gillis against Beagle in 2014. What to watch on Election Night: Whether Democratic turnout on Daytons West Side and in Trotwood is high enough to overcome Republican support in the rural counties. Senate District 13 Where it is: Huron and Lorain counties Whos running: Republican Nathan Manning, a North Ridgeville attorney and two-term state representative Democrat Sharon Sweda, a title company owner and former real estate broker from Amherst Libertarian Homer S. Taft, a Vermilion attorney Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 50.3 percent What to know about the race: Manning is trying to swap seats this year with his mother, Republican Sen. Gayle Manning. The Manning name gives Nathan a leg up, but the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent by the Senate GOPs campaign arm show that Republicans are worried about him. Democrats, meanwhile, have highlighted that Manning accompanied then-Speaker Cliff Rosenberger on a trip to Europe with payday-lending lobbyists a trip the FBI has focused on in its investigation of Rosenberger, though Manning has said he hasnt been investigated. What to watch on Election Night: Turnout and election results from historically Democratic Lorain -- especially how much of the union vote there backs Sweda. Senate District 19 Where it is: Delaware and Knox counties, part of northern Franklin County Whos running: Republican Andrew Brenner, a four-term state representative from Powell Green Gary Cox, a Columbus attorney Democrat Louise Valentine, a consumer analyst from Westerville Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 48.7 percent What to know about the race: In 2014, Republican Kris Jordan won here with more than 60 percent of the vote. This year, its become perhaps the most competitive state Senate race in Ohio. Valentines viability here was shown (and bolstered) by Democrat Danny OConnors run in the August special election for Ohios 12th Congressional District. (OConnor lost the race but won a majority in SD-19.) Brenner, who chairs the House Education Committee, has been a polarizing figure whos raised less than a third of the money Valentine has. What to watch on Election Night: Whether Republicans in northern Delaware and Knox counties will turn out for Brenner as much as Democrats in Franklin County and (increasingly blue) southern Delaware County are expected to. Senate District 33 Where it is: Mahoning and Columbiana counties Whos running: Democrat John Boccieri, a state representative, former congressman and airline pilot from Poland, Ohio Republican Michael Rulli, director of operations for Rulli Bros. grocery stores and a Leetonia school board member. Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 53 percent What to know about the race: In a year where Democrats are threatening to flip legislative seats around the state, this is a surprise pickup possibility for Republicans. Its a historically Democratic district, but Trump won here in 2016 with the support of many blue-collar Democrats. Both candidates have decent name recognition Boccieri from his past campaigns, Rulli from his grocery stores. Boccieri is spending far more money than Rulli, and he still has a reliable Democratic base in Youngstown, but both sides plan to keep a close eye on this race on Tuesday night. What to watch on Election Night: How many Democrats in the district who supported Trump in 2016 become down-ballot Republican voters in 2018. House District 6 Where it is: Cleveland suburbs in southern and eastern Cuyahoga County Who's running: Democrat Phil Robinson, senior vice president for City Year, an education non-profit Republican Jim Trakas, a Independence City Council member, former state representative, and ex-Cuyahoga County GOP chair Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 47.1 percent What to know about the race: Robinson was soundly defeated when he ran in this district two years ago against Republican incumbent Marlene Anielski. But Anielski is term-limited this time around, and Democrats are optimistic Robinson can win a district that Hillary Clinton won by 2 points. But Republicans are confident that Trakas, a Householder ally, will win, arguing that he has better name ID and has more money to spend than Robinson. What to watch on Election Night: Turnout. The higher it is, the better Robinsons chances are. House District 19 Where it is: Northeast Franklin County, including the Columbus suburbs of Gahanna and New Albany Who's running: Republican Tim Barhorst, a Westerville insurance agent Democrat Mary Lightbody, a K-12 science teacher and a lecturer at Ohio State Universitys Newark campus Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 42.6 percent What to know about the race: This is one of three House districts in Franklin County held by term-limited Republicans that Democrats hope to flip this year. Lightbody has run a good campaign, and at least one campaign poll shows her ahead. But its not an easy win for Democrats, especially as an outside group allied with Householder has bought ads on Barhorsts behalf. What to watch on Election Night: How far college-educated womens animosity toward Trump extends down to a state legislative race. House District 21 Where it is: Northwest Franklin County, including the Columbus suburbs of Dublin and Worthington Whos running: Republican Stu Harris, a Dublin Board of Education member and an attorney for Nationwide Insurance Democrat Beth Liston, an internal medicine and pediatrics doctor from Dublin Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 40.7 percent What to know about the race: Both sides consider this to be a neck-and-neck race, and it might be the toughest GOP-held House seat in Franklin County for Republicans to keep, thanks to the districts sizable number of college-educated women and independent voters. Harris, a Householder supporter, is relatively well-known as a longtime school board member, and hes preached a message of civility in politics. But Danny OConnor won 62 percent of the vote here in August, and a lot of OConnor volunteers touted Listons candidacy as well during the special-election campaign. Republican incumbent Mike Duffey is term-limited. What to watch on Election Night: How well Liston does is seen as an indication of how much the Columbus suburbs are trending toward Democrats. House District 24 Where it is: Western Franklin County, including the Columbus suburbs of Hilliard and Upper Arlington Whos running: Democrat Allison Russo, a health-policy researcher from Upper Arlington Republican Erik Yassenoff, a former Upper Arlington City Council member Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 42.5 percent What to know about the race: While the race is considered to be pretty close, Yassenoff, considered a Householder ally, is seen as the slight favorite. In a district where most Republicans tend to back Gov. John Kasich more than Trump, Yassenoff (a former Kasich policy adviser) has worked to distance himself from the president. But in a district Clinton won by 10 points, it remains to be seen how many voters disgruntled with Trump will be turned off just by the (R) next to Yassenoffs name. The GOP incumbent, Jim Hughes, is term-limited. What to watch on Election Night: Upper Arlington, which historically has higher voter turnout than other parts of the district. House District 28 Where it is: Northeastern Hamilton County, including the Cincinnati suburbs of Blue Ash and Montgomery Whos running: Republican Jonathan Dever, a two-term state representative and attorney from Madeira Democrat Jessica Miranda, an insurance broker from Cincinnati Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 45.5 percent What to know about the race: This is another GOP-held suburban district (this time, in the Cincinnati area) that Democrats are looking to flip. In 2016, Dever beat Miranda with 57 percent of the vote, but both parties see their rematch as a top-tier race this year. Miranda doesnt have the money Dever has, but the district is trending blue it voted for Mitt Romney in 2012 but Clinton in 2016. What to watch on Election Night: Whether the sizable population of black and women voters in the district turn out for Miranda. House District 37 Where it is: Northeastern Summit County, including the cities of Hudson, Twinsburg, and Stow Whos running: Republican Mike Rasor, a Stow City Council member and attorney Democrat Casey Weinstein, a Hudson City Council member and a managing client director for research and advisory firm Gartner, Inc. Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 47.6 percent What to know about the race: This is shaping up to be a highly competitive race. Both candidates have raised the money they need to compete. Clinton won here by less than 1 percentage point, so Rasor (another candidate aligned with Householder) has the job of separating himself from the president in the minds of voters. What to watch on Election Night: How much support Weinstein gets from suburban women voters fed up with Trump. House District 43 Where it is: Preble County and western/central Montgomery County Whos running: Democrat Dan Foley, a Montgomery County commissioner Republican J. Todd Smith, a pastor and incumbent state representative Percentage of the district that voted for Trump in 2016: 51.4 percent What to know about the race: This race makes our list because its expected to be the Democrats most likely chance to pick up an Ohio House seat this year. While Smith is technically the incumbent, he was only appointed a few months ago, and hes only raised about $18,000 as of late last month (though hes gotten some help from outside groups). Foley, meanwhile, is relatively well-known as a county commissioner. What to watch on Election Night: Democratic turnout in Trotwood, Dayton, and Harrison Township. SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Felonious assault, Southington Road: At 3:50 p.m. Oct. 26, police detained a Cleveland woman, 18, who had stabbed another 18-year-old woman outside the PEP Greenview School, 14201 Southington Road, where both are students. The stabbing was the result of an argument between the women. The victim, of Euclid, was stabbed in the chest and was taken to the hospital for a non-life threatening injury. The suspect was charged with felonious assault. Theft, Chagrin Boulevard: Just before 8 p.m. Oct. 28, police were called to the Rite Aid store, 20405 Chagrin Blvd., where officers learned that a male suspect had stolen deodorant and sunscreen. The suspect was not apprehended. Theft, Fairmount Boulevard: At 10 p.m. Oct. 28, a resident living in the 20000 block of Fairmount Boulevard reported that someone had stolen a package that had been delivered to their home. Theft from auto, Holbrook Road: At 8:35 a.m. Oct. 29, a resident living in the 16000 block of Holbrook Road reported that someone had stolen personal property from their unlocked cars that were parked in the resident's unlocked garage. Theft, Van Aken Boulevard: At 4:45 p.m. Oct. 29, a program administrator at Heights Christian Church, 17300 Van Aken Blvd., reported that someone had stolen an electronic game system from the building. The theft took place during a Shaker Heights Recreation Department after-school program. Police are investigating. Breaking and Entering, Hildana Road: At 9:15 a.m. Oct. 30, it was reported that someone stole copper pipes from a vacant home located in the 3000 block of Hildana Road. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. The S&P 500 Index may be coming off its best week since March 9, but long-time bull Art Hogan doesn't believe the market's wild swings are safely in the past. B. Riley FBR's chief market strategist predicts stocks will retest to their October 29 correction lows, he recently told CNBC. "We are going to see one more test before we escape back up into bullish territory probably the middle of November and into December," he said Friday on CNBC's "Trading Nation." He expected U.S.-China trade tensions, which whipsawed stocks on Friday, will be the overwhelming factor in the next leg down. President Donald Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jingping at the G20 Summit in Argentina next month, amid conflicting statements from the administration on whether progress had been made between the world's two largest economies. "The most difficult headwind for this market to get over is China," Hogan said, making clear that his case is contingent on how long the trade war lasts and whether it intensifies. "The most important thing is to get some clear and concise constructive news on China," Hogan added. Hogan had expected that a deal would be reached around the midterms. But with the key elections set for this Tuesday, Nov. 6, he acknowledges the probability is extremely low. Few companies have the capacity to take on Foursquare, a location discovery platform that leverages its massive database to provide users with personalized recommendations, Foursquare CEO Jeff Glueck said Friday. "Other than Google and Facebook, we are the Switzerland," Glueck said in an exclusive "Mad Money" interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer. "We are the sort of platform that everyone who's not Google or Facebook want to use because we understand the whole world's places and we understand different floors of buildings, where you go in malls," he continued. "It's very hard technology, and so really only Google, Facebook and Foursquare have this precision globally." Since Foursquare broke into the big data space, the company has used its deep data to help other companies enhance their location-based technology. Its latest ventures include partnerships with Liberty Media's TripAdvisor and dating app Tinder. "The business is 99 percent about helping other brands reach their audiences at scale," Glueck told Cramer. "People think, maybe, 'I don't use Foursquare anymore,' ... but if you tag a tweet on Twitter, if you get a geofilter on Snapchat, if you participate in Tinder Places, these are all services that we are helping create with our technology." With Tinder Places, which is being piloted in three cities, Foursquare suggests matching with people who frequent similar locales, like dog parks and coffee shops. Glueck said early results are already showing "better matches," because "people have something in common and so they're more reciprocal." Without naming names, the CEO also took a stance on data protection and the importance of keeping users in control when it comes to using Foursquare's location services. "For different people, opting into location sharing or sharing your payments, like Venmo Friends allows, that's something that's very personal," he said. "For us, it's always been the user has to be in control. The user has to have adequate chance to opt in and know how it's going to benefit them, and that's how we work with companies. And so what we see is about 50 to 70 percent of people opt in to these enhanced location alerts." Foursquare is a privately-traded company with over 100 million logged locations in 200 countries. The company was No. 46 on CNBC's Disruptor 50 list in 2017. U.S. voters who rent instead of own property represent a potentially potent voting block, a recent study suggests, and in theory could swing election results if they turned out en masse at the polls. With pivotal Congressional races set to be decided on Tuesday, Apartment List released new data last week showing renters as an underrepresented voting block that's less likely than homeowners to be a force at the ballot box. Only 49 percent of eligible renters cast a vote in the 2016 election, compared to 67 percent of property owners, the firm said, and renters with active registrations are less likely to vote. Renters are not conventionally considered a distinct voting coalition, yet they represent almost one in three voters, or 30.2 percent of the eligible voting population, and they face a distinct set of economic challenges," Apartment List's chief economist, Chris Salviati, said this week. "Small changes in turnout amongst renters can have a profound impact on national politics," he added. At the polls, homeowners who show up to vote outweigh renters at the ballot box, with some 74 percent registered when compared to 61 percent of renters, according to statistic cited by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. But given key characteristics of renters many households include children under 18 and non-citizen immigrants, the firm found Apartment List suggested that they could sway the results of elections. "If renter voter turnout had matched homeowner turnout in the 2016 presidential election, Hilary Clinton would have won four key swing states - Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - which would have secured her the presidency," Salviati wrote. Amazon is in the advanced stages of placing its second headquarters in Northern Virginia, sources close to the matter told The Washington Post, as the retail giant zeroes in on a self-imposed deadline to make the closely watched decision. The Post reported on Saturday that Amazon has held detailed discussions about the possibility of opening its second outpost in Crystal City, a residential and business area strategically positioned south of the nation's capital. Amazon is said to be mulling how quickly it could move employees, its physical plant and how it could make the decision public, people close to the process told the publication. Amazon's planning was more in-depth than it has had with other potential locations in Northern Virginia, and other cities across the U.S., The Post stated. Yet on Sunday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the tech giant's list of potential finalists included Dallas and New York City. In fact, the retail behemoth is said to be so serious about Crystal City that the area's premier developer, JBG Smith, has pulled some of its buildings off the leasing market to make way for Amazon, The Post reported, citing unnamed public and private officials close to the process. It's possible that Amazon may also be in similar talks with other cities considered finalists, the report cautioned. Separately, sources told CNBC that Amazon and local officials had a "very productive" and "very long" conference call on Friday. A potential incentive package may include a "very generous" transportation incentive to alleviate traffic fears, as well as educational aspects to ensure Amazon has a pipeline to a skilled workforce. Lively's lingerie niche is focusing on garments that fit women of all shapes and sizes. LIVELY As Michelle Cordeiro Grant grew up, she thought she had to be a doctor or a lawyer. As a daughter of Indian immigrants, it seemed like the right path to success. But a job at Victoria's Secret changed not only her career path, but also her idea of what it means to be a woman. Now, she's the founder and CEO of a fast-rising lingerie brand that's taking on her former employer. "I started to ponder on the idea of, what if you took the power of brand and leverage that to build a community - a community of women," Grant said, "where now we're actually talking about the things we want to do, and we're supporting each other to go after those ideas and those crazy things that we call dreams. What could happen with the world if women actually lived to their full potential versus living in the safe zone? And that's kind of where Lively came from." Lively was founded by Grant in April 2016, and has been growing ever since with its latest move its partnership with Nordstrom this year. The brand hones in on female positivity, using comfortable bras and activewear to get there combining lingerie and leisure to pen the term "leisuree." Every bra from the brand is $35 and includes items such as t-shirt bras, bralettes, push-ups and strapless styles. Seventy percent of their pieces are wire-free, and sizes range from 32A to 40DD. But Cordeiro knows not all women fall within this range and says more sizes will come as the company perfects more products. Lively's success comes as companies, once seen as leaders in lingerie, begin to fall in popularity. In August, shares of L Brands, which owns lingerie giant Victoria's Secret, were down more than 10 percent to $28.66 a share, trading at lows not seen since 2011. To date, the company is down 33 percent for the year, largely due to a spike in inclusivity and an appeal to all sizes, which L Brands has failed to keep up with. In contrast, Lively has found its niche and is booming growing by 300 percent in 2017 and expecting to see triple-digit gains again for 2018. And while the company does not publicly disclose its earnings, Forbes estimates that Lively has netted more than $10 million within the last year. Lively is making its name known in the lingerie space a $7 billion market by not only selling products catered to bodies of all shapes and sizes, but also creating events and experiences for its consumers to participate in. The brand's partnership with Nordstrom this year helped solidify that approach and further establish the company's footing in the market. The brand announced its partnership with Nordstrom in September, where its products are available on the retail giant's website and in 11 of its locations, including stores in San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Seattle. Grant said the partnership is helping Lively "understand which markets to go towards" by feeling out a department store space. "Two years ago they [Nordstrom] asked us to partner with them, and we said no, because we really wanted to make sure our brand was cohesive and that the experience was always consistent," Grant said. "So we knew that it was too soon to partner with anyone in a wholesale environment," she added. "But they spent the last year and a half getting to know us and understanding what's important to us and our core values, and so they partnered and designed and helped build with us Lively experiences right near the escalators that really show the identity of who we are." This comes as companies, once seen as leaders in lingerie, begin to fall in popularity. In August, shares of L Brands, which owns Victoria's Secret, were down more than 10 percent to $28.66 a share, trading at lows not seen since 2011, CNBC reported. The decline is largely due to a spike in inclusivity and an appeal to all sizes, which L Brands has failed to keep up with. In contrast, Lively grew by 300 percent in 2017 and expects to see triple-digit gains again for 2018. And while the company does not publicly disclose its earnings, Forbes estimates that Lively has netted more than $10 million within the last year. The making of an entrepreneur But Grant wasn't always interested in retail, and pursued internships in finance before wanting something more from the field. Michelle Cordeiro Grant, the founder and CEO of Lively, is building a coveted brand. LIVELY "I started to realize that working on something intangible wasn't giving me the drive and the passion I wanted from a career, and I ended up meeting someone at Federated [Merchandising Group] who hired me into their training program," she said. "We created products and labels for Macy's and Bloomingdale's for their in-house brands, and I was immediately fascinated by the idea of being involved in something that started with concept and ended up on a customer." After a stint as a product assistant, she then made her way to VF Corporation and launched brands like Nautica and Kipling in the United States until she was recruited by Victoria's Secret and worked on the digital side of a brand as a director and senior merchant. "I instantly realized this is where I belong, where I can control and be a part of the storytelling and how the brand is portrayed," Grant said. "And Les Wexner, the CEO of Limited Brands, was probably one of the most amazing teachers I could've had. He shared with me the power of brand - more importantly the power of brand cohesiveness." But after five years, Grant felt separated from the billion-dollar company and could no longer connect to its products. Sales of women's bras in the U.S. held steady at nearly $7 billion last year, according to NPD Group, but Grant felt the industry wasn't doing enough to cater to customers of different sizes. "I realized that I was no longer a customer for that brand," she said. "So while I loved it from a professional point-of-view, as a consumer I didn't relate. I didn't like the product, and I started to realize that I was marketing something where it's like 'everyone aspire to be Candice Swanepoel,' and I wasn't comfortable with the fact that I would never be Candice Swanepoel and I couldn't relate to that." Using what Wexner taught her, Grant left the company and created Lively in 2016, aiming to create a new culture around lingerie. She started from the ground up and called on skills from her previous positions to guide her. But finding startup capital was difficult. More from The Business of Design: Zero-waste stores pop up in the U.S. Jimmy Choo co-founder reimagines the shoe industry "The scarier part was the funding," she said, "but I was very focused on the fact that I needed my first investor to be a supplier, because if the supplier is invested in my idea, they're going to help me fund a factory, perhaps, and be a foundation I need to launch this company the way that I see it is necessary." By luck, Grant encountered the CEO of Gelmart International, the largest privately held intimate apparel maker in the world, and began the collaboration necessary to launch her business. Gelmart became Lively's founding investor and manufacturing partner, giving it the means to go to market. Since then, the brand has raised $15 million in three rounds of funding from three main investors: Gelmart, GGV Capital, which has also backed Airbnb and Slack, and former CEO and Chairman of Nautica Harvey Sanders. Grant met Sanders during her time at VF Corporation. Watching him create Nautica and serve on the board of UnderArmour pre-IPO, she was able to learn how to build a brand from the ground up and calls him a "mentor and partner as to seeing the different types of ways a company can grow." Within 45 days of its launch, Lively shipped to every state in the country, selling its products exclusively online. In July, it opened its flagship store in New York City and is continuing to see a positive ROI. The game plan But even with L Brands' downward trend, how does Lively plan to compete against the well-established giant, which owns Victoria's Secret and PINK, or other direct-to-consumer brands like ThirdLove and AdoreMe? The answer is letting her customers create the brand. "We're focused on not building our brands ourselves," Grant said. "We build the brand with the community. We leverage the relevance of social media and the impact that consumers want to have on the things that they buy. And now you're flipping the conversation so that it's not us telling consumers what they should buy, but consumers are telling us what we should make for them to buy." A view inside one of Lively's 11 store locations in the U.S. LIVELY Google employees arriving after bicycling to work at the Googleplex in Mountain View, CA. Brooks Kraft | Getty Images With many tech companies enjoying worldwide prominence, and with fodders to match, some headquarters have now become architectural wonders in their own right. Even company offices that aren't architecturally gifted have drawn wide interest for not only their high tech products and services but also their employee perks, such as massages, volleyball courts, cafeterias stocked with free gourmet food, dry-cleaning and doctors on site. Both the state-of-the-art buildings and lifestyle are fascinating to outsiders. "Silicon Valley is the birthplace of these things. A lot of visitors from around the world want to feel closer to that and experience it firsthand," said James March of Silicon Valley Innovation Center, which organizes tours, education programs and conferences about technology. The billion-dollar headquarters of some iconic U.S. tech companies have become so over the top that tourists from around the world are flocking to see them and maybe catch sight of a self-driving vehicle. When Amazon offered to invest $5 billion in the construction of its second headquarters, finalist cities proposed some fantastical designs, including public plazas, mixed-use spaces, dedicated traffic lanes for autonomous vehicles and even a bullet train in Dallas. Last month it confirmed its plans to split its new headquarters, dubbed HQ2, between New York City and Northern Virginia. Microsoft recently unveiled plans to overhaul its 500-acre campus in Redmond, Washington. Here is a look at some of the most popular tech headquarters that are attracting visitors. Google's Googleplex More of a campus than an office building, Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California, is spread out over 12 acres. To get from one part of the campus to another, Google offers its employees free colorful "G Bikes." There are also organic gardens, tennis courts, sports fields and beach volleyball courts. The main building, Googleplex, is fronted by a T-Rex skeleton with twirling flamingos, a reminder to Googlers, as they are called, to stay relevant and not become dinosaurs. Inside, employees have access to fitness classes, massages, a 24/7 gym, on-site doctor, dry-cleaning facilities, plus cafeterias and micro kitchens, some with outdoor seating and the signature umbrellas in primary colors. Google employees play some early morning beach volleyball on the Googleplex campus in Mountain View, California. Brooks Kraft | Getty Images While visitors can visit the grounds, they are not permitted inside the buildings unless they are escorted by a Google employee. The company doesn't run tours. Google also has a visitors center at 1981 Landings Drive in Mountain View, but it's not accessible to the public without a Google escort. Next to the visitors center is one of the most popular spots: a sculpture garden featuring various Android statues, one for each version of Android. The versions are all named after sweets, so there's a cupcake, donut, ice-cream sandwich, KitKat, gingerbread and honeycomb. Though the Google campus is pretty cool already, things are about to be upgraded. The company is working on two new buildings that will be built from the ground up: Charleston East, which would be located near the current campus in Mountain View on an 18-acre lot that's been leased by Google for years. The new building would have 595,00 square feet of office space, plus more than 10,000 square feet of publicly accessible areas, such as retail space, cafes or other amenities located in the middle of the building. The roof of the building would be designed to be lightweight with specially designed solar panels that would be lighter in color and safe for birds, covering the entire roof. The other building, Bay View, is a 1.1-million-square-foot facility on a 42-acre site. The design would be similar to Charleston East only over three structures containing office and conference space. The buildings would have two floors of workspace centered around interior courtyards. Any exterior glass will have a pattern so birds won't fly into the clear glass, plus shade systems and lighting controls to minimize light pollution at night. Apple Park More than 12,000 Apple employees moved onto the 175-acre Apple Park in Cupertino, California, starting in April of last year. The ring-shaped building, which resembles a spaceship, is 2.8 million square feet and clad entirely by panels of curved glass. The building, which was designed by famed architectural firm Foster + Partners, is surrounded by parklands that Apple created by taking down 5 million square feet of asphalt and concrete and replacing it with 9,000 drought-resistant native trees and grassy fields. There's an orchard, meadow and pond on the grounds. Employees who get tired of the 100,000-square-foot fitness center can also use 2 miles of walking and running paths on the campus. Apple Park Visitors Center in Cupertino, Calif. Source: Apple The dramatic-looking building is powered by renewable energy and, according to Apple, has one of the largest on-site solar energy installations in the world. There's also a 1,000-seat auditorium, named after founder Steve Jobs, which features a dramatic 20-foot-tall glass cylinder with a metallic carbon fiber roof at its entrance. Alas, all of this is closed to the public, but Apple did open a visitors center a few months after opening Apple Park. Though the visitors center is separate from the main building, Apple said it was designed with similar aesthetics, featuring stone walls and terrazzo floors. It also has a cantilevered carbon fiber roof that is supported by stone clad cores, giving it the illusion that it's floating. Visitors at the center can check out 3-D models of the actual campus, go to the roof terrace or at the cafe for a coffee, or hang out at the store, which of course is stocked with Apple products. Salesforce Tower At 1,070 feet tall, Salesforce Tower in San Francisco is the tallest office building west of Chicago. Opened in 2016, the $1.1 billion skyscraper rises 61 stories over the Transbay District downtown. It quickly has become a landmark not only because of its height but also because of the ever-changing light display at the top of the building. The top nine floors of the building have 11,000 LED lights on the exterior, which feature work by artist Jim Campbell. Inside, the 10-foot-tall windows maximize natural light. Employees sit at desks that can be adjusted for height and can choose from three different ergonomic chairs and have clear sight lines to the windows. Green and brownish carpeting throughout the floors are designed to resemble pebbled paths and grassy areas. There are flexible seating areas on every floor, located in places where the view is the best, to encourage impromptu meetings. Marc Benioff, chairman and chief executive officer of Salesforce.com Inc., speaks during the grand opening ceremonies for the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, California, U.S., on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Every employee floor has a meditation room with floor pillows and books about mindfulness. There are also parents' rooms on every third floor, which can be used for pumping. Notably, there's no dining hall, as Salesforce encourages its employees to go out and buy lunch, but there is a social lounge on every floor with big comfy seating. There are also social lounges featuring mural designs by artist Shinji Murakami and a large kitchen island stocked with snacks and drinks. Many lounges have views of the nearby Salesforce Transit Center and Park, which has a 5.4-acre rooftop with botanical gardens, a jogging path, open grass areas, children's playground, outdoor amphitheater and cafe and restaurant. The Ohana floor in Salesforce Tower. Source: Salesforce Of course, with a building this size, the best view is a few blocks away. Starting sometime early next year, Salesforce is set to open the top floor of the building, the 61st floor, to the public during limited hours. On nights and weekends the "Ohana Floor" will be open to select nonprofit and foundations. For now, curious visitors can check out the Salesforce lobby, which is open to the public. Facing Fremont Street, the lobby is decorated with company mascots and a natural park scene. There's also currently a Ducati motorcycle "experience," which lets visitors don a leather jacket and pose on a Ducati bike. Facebook Facebook moved into its new 430,000-square-foot Menlo Park, California, headquarters, designed by Frank Gehry, in 2015. LEED-certified, MPK 20, as it's called, has a 9-acre green roof with a half-mile loop that weaves among trees and antive plants, cafes, gathering spaces and work cabanas. Inside, the building has an open floor plan and features large murals and art installations from local artists. The new building is connected to the company's old headquarters, located on the other side of the highway, with a tunnel. Employees can walk, bicycle or take a tram from one side to the other. Facebook's Menlo Park headquarters. Source: Facebook Most of the company's 2,800 employees sit in spacious bullpens lacking dividers or walls, designed to evoke the company's ethos of openess. The space also includes some cafes and micro kitchens so employees can grab a coffee or snack, as well as spaces with couches and whiteboards for casual meetings. Though it's only been a few years, Facebook is expanding again and last year unveiled plans to build a new campus, right next to its existing headquarters. The new "Willow Campus" will have 125,000 square feet of retail space, including a grocery store and pharmacy, plus 1,500 housing units, 15 percent of which will be offered at below-market prices. The first phase, including a grocery store, housing and offices, is expected to be completed in 2021. Microsoft Microsoft just recently unveiled its plan to overhaul its 500-acre campus in Redmond, Washington 16 miles east of Seattle. The renovation, which just started, will take five to seven years to complete. Old buildings will be taken down and new ones added. As part of the project, Microsoft will add 18 new buildings, ranging from 180,000 to 220,00 square feet, for a total of 131 buildings when completed. Microsoft Headquarters Source: Microsoft Here's how you could be paid to drink beer Church & State is a timely play about one conservative senators unease with his former political views on guns. It opens Friday at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. Samsung is rumored to be working on a folding-screen phone, code-named Winner. Unfortunately, the phone will be a loser. Its one of many products weve been hearing about lately that either use folding, flexible-screen technology or add a second screen to the case or the back of an otherwise normal smartphone. Enthusiasm for folding-screen phones has been building for a decade. The tech press has been hyping flexible-screen technologies based on lab reports and futurist predictions. Only just now are companies preparing to ship actual products that use this technology. The dual-screen idea has also been gaining purchase lately. This is driven mostly by the social media selfie craze, as well as the desperation of smartphone companies to differentiate their products in a sea of boring glass rectangles. These ideas for increasing screen real estate appear to solve a longstanding challenge, which is that smartphone buyers want maximum screen sizes but minimum phone sizes. As we approach zero bezel and peak notch, the industry is wondering where to go next. Unfortunately, the folding-screen and dual-screen ideas while amazing in theory are likely to disappoint enterprises, businesses and even consumer buyers. Ill tell you exactly why these phones wont live up to the hype. But first, lets take a look at whats being announced, leaked or rumored. Flexible-screen phones Samsungs Winner might eventually be branded as the Galaxy X or Galaxy F and may cost $2,000, according to rumors. The company has reportedly been rushing this device to market, but Winner probably wont ship until next summer or later. (Google is reportedly working with Samsung on a special or custom version of Android to support foldable-screen Samsung phones.) Samsung may have wanted to be first to market with a folding-screen phone. But its probably too late. A California startup called Rouyu Technology (a.k.a. Royole) is now taking preorders for a $1,300 folding-screen phone called the FlexPai, which should ship in December. When the FlexPai unfolds, it provides the equivalent of a 7.8-inch tablet the size of an iPad mini. When the device is folded, the screen wraps around the outside of the closed device, front and back. When opened, theres another screen inside. The FlexPai is too large for most pockets. Evan Blass, who has a long track record of accurately leaking future product news, said on Twitter this week that LG also plans to unveil a flexible-screen phone, at CES in January. Theres no question that folding-screen phones are coming soon. And these early devices may have many imitators. But bendy screens arent the only way to increase screen real estate on a smartphone. Dual-screen phones Its clear that Microsoft is keen on dual-screen devices. The canceled Courier project from 10 years ago demonstrated the companys interest. Andromeda, which is rumored to be a dual-screen Windows 10 semi-phone, was probably postponed but may actually ship in the next year or two. And last month Microsoft Research published a paper describing its idea for a smartphone cover with a secondary display. The company built a prototype for a Lumia 640 that came with a low-power, low-resolution eInk screen connected via Bluetooth that could provide additional information for Windows Phone apps. (Microsoft has apparently been working on this for a while.) The project also flirted with the idea of an eInk touch smartphone cover that functions as a keyboard. In the paper, Microsoft researchers wrote something telling: One limitation raised by users was the monochrome nature of the Display Cover; todays consumers expect full color displays. We believe this could be addressed in future with the use of color bi-stable displays. A Chinese company called Nubia (a former subsidiary of ZTE) is set to release a phone called the Nubia X. The phone has a second, color display on the back, mainly for taking selfies with the better, rear camera. The implementation appears relatively elegant, with the screen more or less blending into the case. The Nubia X is planned for China only. The Nubia X is similar in concept to an Australian product called the DigiCase, from a startup of the same name. The DigiCase is an app-controlled case that gives you a rear screen for taking selfies with your phones good camera. (It also contains a battery for extending the phones battery life.) Other smartphone makers and case makers have announced or shipped options for adding another screen to the back of a smartphone. More screen? Whats not to love? Why folding-screen and dual-screen phones wont thrill In theory, folding-screen and dual-screen phones should be amazing. However, the technology isnt ready to meet user expectations in enterprises, or even in the consumer marketplace. Here are the seven reasons why folding-screen and dual-screen phones wont appeal to the overwhelming majority of smartphone buyers: Cost. The rumored $2,000 starting price for the Samsung folding-screen phone says a lot. The FlexPai isnt cheap either. Extra screens add a monstrous additional cost to the phone. Ordinary phones are already pushing the upper boundaries of what buyers will pay. Folding screens push well past the boundaries. Even rear screens add an additional cost that most buyers dont want to pay. Battery life. A smartphones screen is one of the biggest drains on a phones battery, if not the biggest of all. All that extra screen real estate will add thickness to the phones, and the batteries needed to power all those screens will make them thicker still. While extra screen space helps with the screen problem, it exacerbates the battery problem. Screen damage. With todays technology, folding screens get creases and bends at the point of bending. And every time the screen is bent, it weakens, shortening the functional life of a very expensive device. And if the screen is on the outside, as with the screen on the FlexPai, the fragile screen is exposed to damage with no obvious way to add a protective case. With screens on both sides of the phone, just putting your phone down will accelerate damage. Inelegant design. Folding screens, and all known dual-screen solutions with the exception of the Nubia X, are ugly, inelegant and clunky looking. But even the Nubia phone uses a low-resolution screen on the back, which isnt great. Size and bulk. Apple keeps making phones thinner, lighter and with smaller bezel sizes. The flexible-screen and dual-screen phones go in the opposite direction. Flexible screens dont fold with a crease, but with a rounded gap. Inevitably, when closed, they will be several times thicker than standard modern smartphones. The FlexPai cant even fit in a pocket. The whole point of the smartphone is that it fits in pockets. Lack of apps. Android has always suffered from a fragmentation problem. Flexible-screen phones apparently require a custom OS and almost certainly will demand custom apps to take full advantage of the screens. A tiny percentage of buyers is likely to get them, so the app ecosystem for supporting apps will probably be tiny as well. Better alternatives. There are multiple alternatives for adding mobile screen real estate. Tablets are cheap. Phones plug into TVs and monitors. And giant-screen phablets are available. For the selfie crowd, it makes far more sense to optimize the front-facing camera or cameras than it does to add a second screen for self-viewing while taking selfies with the rear camera. Googles new Pixel 3 line shows the utility of having a wide-angle second lens for selfies, plus AI to create portrait-mode bokeh effects for selfies taken with the front-facing camera. Better front-facing cameras are far more cost-effective, battery-saving and size-and-weight-reducing than second rear screens. So get ready for the hype. Over the next couple of years at least, well see numerous new smartphone products that use flexible screens or offer a second screen. Despite years of anticipation and buildup, the practical reality of these phones will prove unappealing. The same tech journalists who hyped the concepts will pan the products. The dual-screen devices will die and the folding-screen phones will fold. Top image: The FlexPai will likely be the first flexible-screen phone to market. Churchill: Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts We think we know Winston Churchill, yet are constantly surprised by him. He possessed an insatiable craving to place himself at the centre of events, and from the end of the Victorian era until the early years of the present Queens reign, succeeded triumphantly in doing so, often by embracing dangers which sober, prudent, cautious members of the British Establishment thought were better avoided. To them, he often seemed like an irresponsible and disreputable adventurer. The condemnations of Churchill uttered at every stage of his career would alone be enough to make a book, and can be found scattered through this one. Lord Crawford, who sat in the same Cabinet as him from 1916-22, regarded him, Roberts tells us, as a born cad of Indo-Mexican blood who was prone to lunacy. The materials on Churchill are so abundant, vivid and significant that to keep this volume to just under a thousand pages of text, while avoiding any impression of offering a mere digest, is a considerable achievement. Such a feast of materials makes the book difficult not only to write but to review. My usual method, when reading a work of history, is to mark whatever strikes me as particularly good, and make a note of the page number inside the back cover. This has the advantage that if one takes the book down 15 years later, one can immediately find whatever seemed best in it, including, perhaps, the half-remembered quotation one wants to verify. And it also shows, if one is writing a review, the passages to which one should at least try to allude when indicating the volumes virtues. After marking a few dozen pages of Roberts book, I gave up. There is too much to mark. Wherever one opens the volume, one finds fascinating things, which is partly thanks to Churchill for living a life so crowded with astonishing incidents and brilliant phrases, and partly thanks to Roberts for possessing the gifts of selection, verification and presentation needed to bring this life convincingly before us. Roberts begins by observing that his subject was a profoundly unusual person, and later on remarks, while discussing how he seized the premiership in May 1940, that Churchill throughout his career had been thrusting in a way that was considered almost unBritish, and was deeply at odds with the cult of the inspired amateur that had been inculcated into so many of his contemporaries by which the prizes of life were meant to drop into ones lap unbidden. In February 1940, when Churchill was First Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Crawford, who had held such a low opinion of him, and had spread every vicious rumour about him, wrote in his diary: People say Churchill is tactless, that his judgments are erratic, that he flies off at a tangent, that he has a burning desire to trespass upon the domain of the naval strategist all this may be more or less true but he remains the only figure in the Cabinet with the virtue of constant uncompromising aggressive quest of victory. He delivers the massive killing blow, encourages the country, inspires the fleet the more I see and hear of him the more confident I am that he represents the party of completevictory! So attitudes to Churchill were starting to change, though Conservative MPs were still, for the most part, loyal to Neville Chamberlain. And above all, the needs of the country changed, and were seen to change, when Hitler invaded Luxembourg, Holland and Belgium on the morning of Friday 10th May 1940. As Roberts says, Hitlers attack turned Churchills perceived weaknesses into priceless assets almost overnight. His obvious interest in warfare was no longer warmongering, it was invaluable. His oratorical style, which many had derided as ham-acting, was sublime now that the situation matched his rhetoric. His obsession with the Empire would help to bind its peoples together as it came under unimaginable stress, and his chauvinism left him certain that, if they could get through the present crisis, they would prevail over the Germans. Even his inability to fit into any political party was invaluable in the leader of a government of national unity. One of Churchills many remarkable characteristics was his informality. No one was ever less inclined to follow a rule just because it was the rule. And his language too though we think of him as a stately orator could be wonderfully informal. In the passage in his memoirs where he says, having become Prime Minister on the evening of 10th May 1940, I felt as if I were walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been a preparation for this hour and for this trial, he goes on, a few lines later, I thought I knew a good deal about it all, and I was sure I should not fail. Roberts quotes those words in his introduction, and again on pages 514 and 517, and essentially he agrees with them. Churchill had expected since an early age that he would one day be called on save his country, and by now he knew a good deal about it all. Nor are most of the accusations made against him by ignorant and malevolent people confirmed by the historical record a point which Roberts takes the trouble to make on Twitter as well as in these pages. He finds, for example, only one occasion, in July 1944, during the 2,194 days of the Second World War, when Churchill abused his colleagues while actually drunk, during a really ghastly Defence Committee meeting, as Anthony Eden called it. The unimaginable pressures of his job had clearly got to Churchill, Roberts remarks. But generally speaking, the greater the pressures, the more in his element Churchill was, the more inclined to be magnanimous to those who in his opinion had fallen below the level of events, and the more inclined to relieve the tension for himself and his colleagues by cracking jokes. Roberts ought not, however, to have written that Churchill persistently deflected serious criticism by eliciting the laughter of the Commons, on both sides of the aisle. We are not in Washington. There was a liberality about this Liberal statesman, as he was for 20 years, and in some ways remained until the end of his life, for the Conservative Party was by no means dear to him, and it is odd to hear so many modern Conservatives holding him up as the greatest Conservative, when one considers that he was not really a party man at all. The 78 illustrations in this book are admirably chosen, avoiding as they do those which have grown stale from overuse. The maps too are excellent, and remind one of Churchills amazingly energetic and perilous journeyings during the Second World War. The paper, however, is too thin, or at least too transparent, no doubt in an attempt to keep the volume within manageable proportions. But Roberts could not have done this account better. His bumptiousness makes him appreciative of Churchills bumptiousness, and without getting maudlin or unhistorical, he realises, indeed feels, how appallingly neglected by his parents, Lord Randolph Churchill and Jennie Jerome, the young Winston felt. After his fathers death, Churchill became closer to his mother, who did much to launch his career, which included an ardent desire, regardless of previous commitments, to head at a moments notice for the latest war and put himself in harms way: In my interest she left no wire unpulled, no stone unturned, no cutlet uncooked. The same might be said of Roberts. He too has left no stone unturned. My one major reservation about this book has nothing to do with Roberts. Some of the reviewers who have praised it have implied that it is the only book about Churchill which one needs to get. That would be ridiculous. It would rule out his own works, including Great Contemporaries, a wonderful series of short essays on the statesmen he himself had known, and My Early Life: A Roving Commission, one of the most enjoyable autobiographies in the English language. It would also exclude Winston Churchill as I knew him, by Violet Bonham Carter, of which Roberts makes good use, and Sebastian Haffners brilliantly penetrating and admirably brief biography, Churchill, for which Roberts has no time. Churchill was protean, he cannot be contained within the bounds of one book, however good, and our thinking about him will continue to develop. One of the regrettable things about Churchill is that he takes so much of the light which should shine on other great figures in our history such as Pitt the Elder. Nor can one pretend that any final view has been, or perhaps ever will be, reached about the British Empire, which meant so much to Churchill, and over the liquidation of which he did not intend to preside. He proceeded to make a fight of it, but he failed. That story too could be written, and is contained within these pages. It would be possible to argue that as well as being profoundly unusual, Churchill had the kind of magnified ordinariness which as Bagehot observed in his essay on Sir Robert Peel, a constitutional statesman requires. Churchill wept more easily than most Englishmen are inclined to do, but his tears were shed at the same things as the man in the street, which was why, in 1940, the grand seigneur could also become the democratic everyman. Daniel Kawczynki is MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham. Thirteen years ago, I was elected to the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for Shrewsbury and Atcham. This happened 27 years after I first arrived on these shores from my native Poland, and I am incredibly proud to be the first Polish-born British Member of Parliament. There are of course many reasons why the UK is one of the best countries in the world to come and live, including our thriving democracy, strong and resilient economy, and open and compassionate society. It is exactly because of these national strengths that the UK must have a fair but robust immigration system. The UKs withdrawal from the European Union is a seminal moment at a pivotal point in our nations history, and leaving the EU will allow the British Government to build a fair and controlled migration system once EU free movement has come to an end. I am clear that when people voted to leave the EU, they did so in the knowledge that free movement would end. This means bringing net migration down to sustainable levels while continuing to attract and retain those who come to the UK to work and bring significant benefits. I am glad ministers now share my view that this should not include an open door to those who do not. It has always angered me that any view expressed calling for strong national borders and controls is met with accusations of bigotry. I accept that for many across Europe, walls and fences are signs of oppression and occupation, but for the British our natural border represents self-determination, safety, and a safeguard of the peace. I am therefore incredibly frustrated by the apology made in the House of Commons by Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, relating to DNA testing and immigration. I am unashamedly in favour of providing our hard-working border and immigration officials with all the tools available to deliver a fair and robust immigration system. My support for the use of DNA testing in immigration cases stems from a desire to see a reduction in the time it takes for immigration cases to be dealt with. Indeed, the use of DNA testing would only provide a more reliable way to keep our borders secure, it would also provide greater certainty to the applicant and ensure they are not left in limbo. Had I been asked to provide DNA when I came to this country in 1978, I would have happily done so. The use of DNA for immigration cases is obvious in some cases involving paperwork, a determination cannot be made until the paperwork has been back and forth between the Home Office and the applicant. With DNA, a straightforward analysis can be undertaken, which in turn speeds up the process. This is good for secure borders and good for the applicant. The use of biometrics is not repressive. On the contrary, it is an efficient and effective use of technology. In Canada, for example, it is now a requirement if you are from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to provide your fingerprints and photo when applying for a visitor visa, study or work permit, or permanent residence. This information is encrypted and sent to a secure Government database, illustrating how a secure use of personal information can be effectively used to determine the outcome of an immigration-related application. Removing the use of DNA evidence and biometrics from visa applications would be a backwards step for national security, depriving our border officials of important information. I urge the Home Secretary to give serious consideration to mandatory DNA testing in all visa applications and to ignore criticism from the Labour Party, who are simply trying to capitalise on the very legitimate immigration issues experienced by people of the Windrush Generation. This might not quite be the highest-ever level of support weve recorded from party members for the idea of Theresa May stepping aside immediately, but these figures still make grim reading for Number Ten. Fully four in five now want the Prime Minister to step aside before the next general election. Worse, 42 per cent want her to stand down immediately, even at the cost of triggering a leadership contest at a less-than-ideal moment. For comparison, just last month that latter figure stood at just 35 per cent, against 45 per cent for before the next election. What this represents then is not a net shift in the share of the membership which wants her to go those who wish her to remain in post have held steady at somewhere shy of 20 per cent but a substantial hardening of attitudes within the majority which views her leadership as, at best, a short-term proposition. There will likely be several factors behind this, but perhaps the most plausible is that many members no longer believe that May is willing or able to deliver the clean, decisive Brexit they want, and which she appeared to promise earlier in her premiership. That promise has helped to delay the reckoning with the Party which in normal circumstances would have followed the self-inflicted disaster of the 2017 election campaign. Without it, almost half the membership dont think her leadership worth prolonging even until our formal departure from the EU in the spring. That Tory MPs, once famed for their ruthlessness, are themselves unwilling or unable to act in such circumstances is testament that these are strange times. 60% Website overnightink.net uses latest and advanced technologies. It supports HTTPS. The main html page has a size of 10780 bytes (10.53 kb uncompressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-01-20, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds.. 100% Website setipe.com uses latest and advanced technologies like: Boostrap. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 36647 bytes (35.79 kb uncompressed) and 10511 bytes (10.26 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-02-19, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. Royal Caribbean Cruises officially opened its new Terminal A at PortMiami today. The terminal will serve as homeport to Royal Caribbean International ships such as the Symphony and Allure of the Seas. Terminal A is an important milestone in the growth of the cruise industry in South Florida and underscores our commitment to Miami, where our company was founded almost 50 years ago, said Richard D. Fain, CEO and chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises, in a prepared statement. We are thrilled to announce the opening of Terminal A at the largest cruise port in the U.S. and would like to thank Royal Caribbean for their continued support of the Miami community, said Carlos A. Gimenez, mayor of Miami-Dade County. With the opening of Terminal A, we are excited to welcome even more visitors to Miami. PortMiami currently serves 750,000 Royal Caribbean passengers annually, representing roughly 15 percent of the ports overall passenger traffic. Because of the new terminal, Royal Caribbean expects to increase its Miami passenger intake to nearly 2 million annually. This promises to make PortMiami Royal Caribbeans largest cruise port in the U.S. We look forward to all the new and exciting developments the opening of Terminal A will bring to our cruise lines, our guests, and the Miami community. We are proud that our Oasis class vessels, each hosting more than 5,000 guests, will now be able to call on Miami, said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of the Royal Caribbean brand. The new LEED certified facility has leveraged new technologies to enhance the waiting areas and boarding experience of guests. Overall, Royal Caribbean stated, the design evokes the points in the brands crown and anchor logo when viewed from the water; the M of Miami when viewed from the east or western approaches; and a sense of waves rising or ships passing when viewed from the terminal side. By the end of many close elections, the Democrat and Republican have slinked toward the middle. Their bases secure, they hope to capture a majority in the moderate turf where most people live. Thats how it works in Politics 101, especially in this state, with 41 percent unaffiliated but not in Connecticut 2018. Liberal Democrat Ned Lamont and conservative Republican Bob Stefanowski have mostly hewed to their ends of the political spectrum, leaving the moderate voters wondering which one, if either, is their man. The reasons are slightly different for each, although one reason theyve stuck to their base messaging is the same for both: Its who they are. Lamont, 64, is more moderate in style and background, as a wealthy business entrepreneur and civic volunteer from Greenwich. His supporters say that alone will help him pick up moderate voters, and they remind us hed be the first business founder and CEO to occupy the governors mansion (yeah, I know, the Executive Residence) in generations. Stefanowski, 56, has a personal brand built on anti-government anger as an outsider not only to elected office but to civic activity as a whole. Thats a naturally less moderate stance. When the Madison executive and consultant votes for himself Tuesday, hell cast only his second ballot in 18 years, in any election. Both have part of the recipe that would have allowed them to sneak into the middle, and both lack a key ingredient. Lamont has the broad policy positions to pull off a centrist raid. For example, he has said everyone must step up to the table to solve Connecticuts $2 billion budget gap. (Its not $4.5 billion over two years, folks; thats double-counting.) Stefanowski seized on that remark as proof Lamont will raise taxes, when in fact its basically a moderate, politically obvious position to hold. But Lamont never locked down the base of low-income minority voters, labor unionists and suburban progressives. That has kept him from straying to the middle. Thats why on Friday he was out there at a labor rally in New Britain, promising, as CT Mirror said in a headline, Were going to be fighting for you. Some of that is the traditional get-out-the-vote push on the weekend before Election Day, of course. And some is him showing he still needs to win the unvarnished support of his core groups. For example, Lamont has not loudly and clearly said hed seek concessions from state employee unions and teachers by working with them, as a friend. Hes hinted at it at times, said it outright a few times and denied some aspects of it at other times as when I asked him during a luncheon for retired teachers whether hed try to reopen the health and pension deal. He said no, a deal is a deal. The reason: He cant waver toward the middle because he really, really needs that base to support him. Oh, and theres the Malloy factor. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy campaigned in the arms of public employee unions, only to cut 4,000 jobs, demand five years of pay freezes, launch two new, lower tiers of employees with lower benefits and add mandatory health payments. Naturally, some in the labor movement feel burned. Some are less than eager to do it all again for Lamont, even though they know theyd be far worse off under Stefanowski who has said he wants to break the unions outright. Anyway, Lamont doesnt seem to want to back away from his undiluted support for unions and cities. He and Stefanowski seem less willing to bend their ideologies than, say, Republican Tom Foley and Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in the last go-around. Stefanowski has his anti-government base safe and sound in the back of his campaign bus. He could say or do anything he wanted and theyd still vote for him, as his model, President Donald Trump, correctly said during his own campaign. But he never had a road map to the center, having staked his journey on a singular, far-right vow: ending the state income tax and other levies without adding revenues elsewhere. By refusing to discuss details, take reporters questions for more than five minutes or present an economic plan beyond Malloy has killed Connecticut which is not borne out by the facts hes boxed himself into the lane on the far right side of the road. And, like Lamont, Stefanowski seems satisfied with that although it makes us all wonder why he was a registered Democrat from October 2016 until July 2017, right before he declared as a Republican. And so we have a vast, vacant middle, with dissatisfied voters giving each candidate a negative rating around 40 percent. They are both transactional candidates at a time when our state needed transformation, one observer said a reminder that true change means more than just promising to stick to an ideology. But the middle will vote, and Stefanowski makes up ground among older, whiter, largely male voters. Lamont, younger, women, people of color. Dont believe the Gravis Marketing poll that came out Friday, giving Lamont 46 percent, Stefanowski 37 percent and petitioning unaffiliated candidate Oz Griebel 9 percent, with Lamont leading even among men. That polls 681 respondents were 40 percent Democrat leaning, far more than the 36 percent Democrat registration. Its a dead heat, people. Your vote counts. Circumstances appear to favor Stefanowski although Lamont could change that with a big turnout. The forecast for rain Tuesday helps Republicans. Lamont had hoped the voter registration numbers and Stefanowskis ludicrous refusal to engage in issues would put him over the top. Instead, we have an angrier state than most of us had imagined. Stefanowski feeds off that anger. In a videotape released Friday by Democrats, he tells a gathering of Republicans during the primary that he would file Hartford for bankruptcy and shut down New Haven for being a so-called sanctuary city. And, crucially, Lamonts aw shucks personality has failed to ignite people in great enough numbers to give him breathing room. On Saturday afternoon, Lamont and other Democrats filled the basement of the Bethel AME Church in New Haven. Margie Ford, an insurance agent who was in the church for a choir practice, said Lamont has the charisma to deliver big crowds to the polls Tuesday. Others in New Haven are more skeptical including a woman named Patricia, who said she liked the other guy more, but couldnt say why. Griebel is taking a share of the center, but his voters are policy watchers, not the ones who would have voted for Stefanowski whose ignorance of the specifics on the issues tends to attract lower-information feelers rather than thinkers. That does not mean all Stefanowski voters are low-information, just that hes a more natural magnet for them than Lamont. The bottom line: Lamont will lose on Tuesday unless his campaign excites 20-somethings, urban African Americans and suburban women fed up with Trumpism. The first two of those are the flightiest groups in all electiondom. Any Democrat needs those groups, of course, but more so for Lamont because hes left the middle up for grabs. They gathered in a thought-provoking, civilized setting, perhaps too much so: Oz Griebel, Monte Frank and a crowd of women supporting their campaign for the states top two spots. They came to Hartford from all over: Maryfrances Metrick in from Ridgefield, Kirsten Fulda from New Haven, Cathy Stewart, a New Yorker whos vice president of the national advocacy group, Independent Voting. I arrived with trepidation toward the end of the women for Oz event at the EBK Gallery, in view of the state Capitol where Griebel and Frank, their sincerest efforts notwithstanding, will not be sworn in as governor and lieutenant governor on Jan. 9. That bald fact was the source of dramatic tension in the storefront gallery on Wednesday, amid drawings and paintings inspired by one word at the call of owner and curator Eric Ben-Kiki: Vote. Oh, theyre voting all right, and talking it up. Is their man Griebel a spoiler, specifically for Democrat Ned Lamont? To a woman they dont think so, but its looking like he could play exactly that role, as Lamont struggles for momentum, especially with moderate women, against Republican Bob Stefanowski. They hold two beliefs that are in some ways admirable, but which could end up swinging a close election to Stefanowski if the crucial segment of suburban and professional women follows suit. First, that Griebel can win. And second, that breaking apart the two major parties hold on American politics is bigger than this election. I think hes going to become governor, said Metrick, from Ridgefield, a financial industry consultant. And if he becomes governor, the whole system changes. Miracles can happen, right? Well, no, not this one. Griebel has gained a few percentage points in the polls and joined in three of the six debates, two of them with both Lamont and Stefanowski. Likable and logical as he is, occupying the political center, hes three months and $3 million short of mounting a potentially winning upset on Tuesday. As for the larger picture, Metrick and others in this group are no less ardent. She lives in a house built in 1783 and thinks of all that happened there. Generations of people sat in my dining room and sent loved ones off to war and they sacrificed, Metrick said. Our values have been a beacon to the world. Our country matters, and for what? For the principles that have held us togetherand those ideas have been imperiled by the duopoly of the two-party system. And in order to change, we need people like Oz and Monte. Strong stuff, echoed by others, including Fulda, of New Haven, who works with nonprofit agencies and sees solutions to intractable poverty not bubbling up. That has been going on whether the Democrats or the Republicans are in power, she said, declaring she would vote for neither of the two major-party candidates even if Griebel were not on the ballot. Now the kicker: It doesnt make any difference whether you vote for Lamont or Stefanowski, Metrick said. Nothing is going to change. Whoa, there. Whoa. The 13-point, women for Oz manifesto presented by Marian Hanson and signed by a few dozen women extols support for the arts, support for alternative energy, equal pay for equal work, paid family and medical leave, mandated background checks for all firearms purchases, the ban on military-style weapons, and, yes, spending cuts leading to tax cuts. Helloooooo, the candidates matter here way more than Bush v. Gore and Malloy v. Foley. Griebel, for his part, sounds like a confident winner, as any candidate should. Dont underestimate the passion, he said. People are really tired of the garbage were hearing from the other two people. Griebel said hes getting regular calls from operatives in both the major-party campaigns, asking him to drop out. What would it take? You want to be a commissioner? he quotes them asking. Griebel declined to identify the callers but said they are not Lamont and Stefanowski directly. He should not drop out, the unprincipled path that petitioning Republican Joe Visconti took in 2014 on the weekend before the election. And his supporters should vote their passions, their ideals. But no one should think the outcome doesnt matter and that their votes cant swing the election. It matters. And it can. Just ask former state Comptroller Bill Curry, the Democratic nominee in 1994 and 2002, whos still writing that a third-party candidate took votes from him, and changed Connecticut history. dhaar@hearstmediact.com BRIDGEPORT It was an overall positive rating for a freshman superintendent who oversees what arguably is the toughest school district in the state. Still, Bridgeport Schools Superintendent Aresta Johnson had things to say about the school boards 70-page assessment that gave her a grade of 2.98 out of a possible 4. During a special meeting of the school board this week, Johnson took strong exception to Board Chair John Weldon suggesting in the document that it was borderline insubordination for her to seek funding for a district after-school program without his knowledge. She also said she has been led to believe that the evaluation was purposely stalled so as to occur after Mayor Joseph Ganims gubernatorial primary bid, that input from a former board chair was improperly included in the document and that some board members confused some of the areas they were grading. From the initial time of my appointment as superintendent in spring of 2017, I have made concerted effort to improve outcomes for all children, Johnson said, reading from prepared remarks. I am asking for a level of fairness and respect. I did not see that over (the) 2017-18 (school year). The candid exchange which qualified for executive session was conducted in public at Johnsons request, as was the bulk of her late August evaluation process. The session ended with three goals set for Johnson in the current school year: better her relationship with the board, increase parent engagement and focus more on bully prevention and record keeping. The board has faulted the districts low verified bullying tally. After the session, Weldon said it was unfortunate the superintendent had been made to feel that her evaluation was politicized, or that it was negatively influenced by anyone. For her own peace of mind, I hope she can find a way to re-adjust her views of the process and come to see that it was followed with integrity and with the best intentions of simply providing her with constructive information that she could use to refine herself as the professional public schools executive that she is, Weldon said. The evaluation included input from eight of nine school board members, with board member Chris Taylor choosing not to participate. Board members individually rated her in eight separate areas on a scoring scale of 1 beginning to 4 exemplary. Following the evaluation process, Johnson met with eight of nine board members. Her efforts to have a one-on-one with Dennis Bradley failed. On Monday, Johnson was given the chance to respond to the evaluation to the full board, although only six members attended the session. What I need is trust, respect and to make sure everyone is keeping our kids front and center, Johnson told them. There are times I have turned around and have not felt the board is behind me. They have been behind others. Her evaluation called Johnson a strong academic leader, but she was given low marks by several members in the area of board relations and communications. Weldon even lowered his score in that area from 2 to 1, he said, based on remarks made by other board members during the one executive session held on the document. At the same time, he said he raised her score in another area for the same reason. Weldon said the mayors office did not ask for any slowdown in the superintendents evaluation process. Instead, he said, the delay was linked to board members who turned in their evaluations late. The mayors office, through spokesman Av Harris, denied any involvement whatsoever in the superintendents evaluation or the timing of it. Weldon said he did ask former board chair Joe Larcheveque about his communication with Johnson to see if his experience was similar. I didn't want to rank the Superintendent poorly for something that really had nothing to do with her, he said. Johnson said her office keeps a log of correspondence. She said she sometimes gets three or four calls a day from the chair. I respectfully request that this is considered when seeking a returned phone call, email or text request. I currently have 450 emails in my inbox, Johnson said, adding to have in her evaluation that she is not responsive is offensive. As for stating her actions with respect to the Lighthouse program were "borderline insubordinate," Weldon said he has no regrets. He said they needlessly jeopardized the continuation of a valuable and long-standing citywide program. Johnson said her efforts to start a new after-school program was shared with city officials and that board policy does not call for her to gain board permission to apply for grants. She said she co-signed the citys grant application even though she said it contained inaccuracies at the direction of the board. Yet the board chair chose to include my attempts to provide our children with high quality programing as being borderline insubordination, Johnson said. If I want to introduce a new after-school program, maybe the board should say, You know what? Our kids deserve it. Johnson said given the districts financial situation and having cut staff and programs to keep within budgeted dollars, she is being asked to do more than any other superintendent. There is only so much push, push, push, she said. At some point, things will break. Amazon has held advanced discussions about the possibility of opening its highly sought-after second headquarters in the Crystal City area of Arlington, Virginia, including how quickly it would move employees there, which buildings it would occupy and how an announcement about the move would be made to the public, according to people close to the process. The discussions were more detailed than those the company has had regarding other locations in northern Virginia and some other cities nationally, adding to speculation that the site in Arlington County is a front-runner to land the online retail giant's second North American headquarters and its 50,000 jobs. The company is so close to making its choice that Crystal City's top real estate developer, JBG Smith, has pulled some of its buildings off the leasing market and officials in the area have discussed how to make an announcement to the public this month, following the midterm elections, according to public and private-sector officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because Amazon has asked that the selection process remain confidential. The company may be having similar discussions with other finalists. Two people close to the process said that if Crystal City was selected, Amazon was likely to move an initial group of several hundred employees into 1851 S. Bell Street or 1770 Crystal Drive, two dated office buildings that have been targeted for redevelopment but could be readied for occupancy by their owner, JBG Smith, in nine months or less. The bid also includes sites in Potomac Yard, in Alexandria. "There's a lot of activity," one individual close to the process said. The person added that people "seem really positive, and they seem pretty confident. . . . What we don't know, maybe there are two or three other sites, and they're doing the same thing. That's what's scary to people around here." At a conference in New York on Thursday, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos told the crowd: "Ultimately the decision will be made with intuition after gathering and studying a lot of data - for a decision like that, as far as I know, the best way to make it is you collect as much data as you can, you immerse yourself in that data but then you make the decision with your heart." (Bezos also owns The Washington Post) Spokesmen for Amazon and JBG Smith declined to comment, as did Arlington County Board ChairKatie Cristol. Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg declined to discuss whether advanced talks were taking place but said, "We think we've put forward a very competitive option, and we're certainly honored to be considered." Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, asked on WTOP Radio on Wednesday about speculation that Crystal City was the front-runner said, "A lot of us are anxiously awaiting a decision, an announcement from Amazon. . . . A lot of [Virginia government] resources are being expended right now, and I think for good reason." A spokesman for Northam declined to comment further on Friday. - - - After launching a reality show-like sweepstakes for a second home in late 2017, Amazon has effectively shut down disclosures about the search in the past nine months. Twenty finalist cities - many of which have spent considerable time and money pursuing the company - have little information about where they stand, according to officials in four other finalist jurisdictions. But stock market investors, online betting sites and corporate relocation experts have all declared northern Virginia the favorite to land the so-called HQ2. Washington-area leaders believe the project is theirs to lose, and that Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia would all benefit economically. Crystal City, with easy transit access, proximity to Reagan National Airport, and ready-to-occupy office buildings, has long been considered a strong contender. The District and Montgomery County, Maryland, also are among the 20 finalists. Betting sites give northern Virginia the most likely odds of landing the project, and stock analysts have sweetened their view of JBG Smith - owner of most of Crystal City - as Amazon's announcement has approached. Analysts at Stifel Nicolaus recently upgraded the company from "Sell" to "Hold" and say just the possibility that Amazon chooses Crystal City has added four or five dollars to the company's stock price. In the Washington area, the anticipation is growing as hints filter out that Amazon is in the final stages of making a decision. The company tentatively considered making an announcement by the end of October, but has now put it off until November, according to individuals close to the process. "They have said publicly they want HQ2 operating in 2019," one person said. "Starting to work on that level of detail with the finalists is something they absolutely are doing. . . . I think it's a very small number of finalists. . . . [The announcement] requires some level of coordination and advance notice." Sharon Bulova, chair of the board of supervisors in Fairfax County, Virginia, where one of the sites is located, has felt the vibe. "What I pick up from residents is enthusiasm," she said. "They're excited about the jobs that Amazon would bring." It's also anxiety. Months of waiting have not quelled concerns about the potential pressure Amazon could place on the region's already steep housing prices, congested roads and yawning divide between its wealthy and low-income residents. When Bezos spoke at an Economic Club of Washington event in September, more than a dozen protesters occupied the sidewalk outside and civic groups - sometimes joined by union activists - have raised concerns about what the addition of such a fast-growing company would mean for the region's schools, roads and housing prices. Even without Amazon, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has estimated that the region needs to add 235,000 housing units by 2025 to keep pace with expected job growth. Amazon's arrival could push the goal to around 267,000 by 2026, according to a recent analysis by the Urban Institute. Right now the region is only on pace to add about 170,000 new units by then, and the shortage threatens to exacerbate inequality." "Whether Amazon comes or not we have a challenge there," said Peter Tatian, of the Urban Institute. "The economic growth that has been going on has been benefiting some people and causing problems for others." Amazon says it plans to make $5 billion in capital investments alone in the city it chooses, and that its headquarters injected an additional $38 billion into the local economy in Seattle, generating an additional $1.40 for every dollar the company spent. But its growth has led to fissures between the company and Seattle. Homelessness in the city has escalated and Amazon vowed to cancel some of its expansion plans if the city passed a new tax on big businesses to raise money to address the problem. - - - Bezos and the company have made several recent announcements that could soften Amazon's public image as it moves to open H2Q. Now the world's wealthiest person, Bezos announced in September that he would donate $2 billion of his own money to support groups battling homelessness in the United States and create a network of preschools in underserved communities. "I don't think it's a coincidence that one of those issue was homelessness," said Joe Parilla, a Brookings Institution fellow. "I think you can draw a pretty clear link between the debate that is unfolding in a lot of these tech hubs and how this gives a little bit of cover to Amazon as it is investing in these hot markets." In October - after bearing months of criticism from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., over its treatment of workers - Amazon announced it would raise its minimum wage for all employees to $15 per hour. But the company's request for secrecy has kept a potentially thorny discussion, about how much states and cities should be willing to offer the company for its jobs, in the background. Few of the public subsidies being offered to Amazon from states, cities and counties for the project have been made public, which some analysts say could result in blowback from taxpayers if they are announced as fait accompli. Maryland has offered an incentive package worth an estimated $8.5 billion while the Newark, New Jersey, subsidies are estimated at $7 billion. On Wednesday, a judge in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, ordered the release of Pittsburgh's proposal after a legal fight with a local television station. The decision is expected to be appealed. "I would question why cities weren't more forthcoming [with their proposals], and I suspect it's because there would have been some push back to what the cities were offering," said Heidi Learner, chief economist for the advisory firm Savills Studley. "From the public's perspective the question is what is the city hiding or why shouldn't they share how [those proposals] would actually lead to more tax revenue down the line?" After Amazon initially pressed for more information, some leaders were expecting to hear the list of finalists narrowed down publicly, to give economic development teams from the eliminated cities a chance to move on. "I think the process got away from them a little bit. They probably were planning for some kind of down-selection and changed their position on that," said Jason Miller, chief executive of the Greater Washington Partnership, a business group. In addition to tax breaks, some cities have offered to build or expand roads, transit, data networks or airports if Amazon arrives. Parilla, of Brookings, said it's preferable to "maximize the broader benefit of these investments as much as possible." He also doesn't think it makes sense for Amazon, a $816-billion company, to press a city or state for an enormous subsidy package that could cut into money for other services. "My sense is that Amazon doesn't want to repeat some of the antagonism in Seattle," Parilla said. "It's not great for the brand to be viewed as oblivious to the existing economic and racial inequities in the city where it's going to invest." The ultimate decision is likely to rest with Bezos. He has a history of showing independence in such matters, such as when he needed a headquarters for The Washington Post shortly after he purchased it. The preferred choice among Post executives and consultants was a planned office building near Union Station, which they touted to Bezos during a tour of potential locations. That site was the favorite - until Bezos weighed in, and chose a downtown building. Now that Bezos is nearing a decision on the far more consequential HQ2 search, Washington area leaders are hoping he does not throw another curveball. --- Video Embed Code Video: Amazon is reportedly in the advanced stages of placing its second headquarters in the Northern Virginia suburb of Crystal City. If the city is ultimately the location that is chosen --- 50,000 jobs are expected to come to the area.(Amber Ferguson/The Washington Post) Embed code: "There are hardly any children in Nauru and in New Guinea, and we expect that by the end of this year there'll be none", Brandis told British radio station LBC on Tuesday. In many cases, it has been the courts - not the government - that have been helping children out of detention. Under a deal with former American president Barack Obama, 439 people of a potential 1,250 have so far been resettled from Manus and Nauru to the United States. "The government is going to the court tomorrow in an attempt to block some children that really do need to be removed today", he said. Australia aims to remove all asylum seeker children from Nauru within two months as concerns escalate about their deteriorating health. "That's been happening for some time", Prime Minister Scott Morrison told 2GB radio on Thursday. Shayne Neumann, the ALP's immigration spokesperson, welcomed the news but said it was "up to Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton to ensure children are actually removed from Nauru". Activists said there were now 38 children on the island. The government fears that refugees could use New Zealand as a backdoor to Australia, since New Zealand citizens are free to live and work in Australia for as long as they like. "It's been done in accordance with our policies, our existing policies". Even though Morrison has stated that no children who come to Australia for medical care will stay here there will likely be legal challenges by refugee advocates. Repeatedly asked whether children would be sent to Nauru in the future, Mr Neumann would only restate Labor's support for offshore processing and third-country resettlement. What is seen to have changed the Government's hardline position is the result of the Wentworth by-election with newly elected independent Kerryn Phelps listing as among her first priorities as a member of parliament was to get kids off Nauru. On Monday, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said there were 50 children left on the island and that his intention was to get that to zero, with 200 children having already been transferred to Australia. A poll conducted over the weekend showed that 79 percent of respondents want the government to move children and their families from Nauru. Nearly 6,000 Australian doctors signed an open letter to the prime minister last month urging the government to transfer children from Nauru to Australia for medical and psychological treatment. "All doctors are really concerned that that level will get to the stage where suicidal ideation will become real, that we will either lose children through suicide or lose children through the Resignation Syndrome, where they become so profoundly depressed that they would rather be dead than continue the mental pain that they have at the moment". So we've been getting about this quietly. , . 2007 - 2021 Copyright. . Connecticuts election for governor, General Assembly and top-of-the-ticket races is refracted through a prism of aggressive national politics in which a United States president stokes his base into a frenzy, in many cases by appealing to its fears. Meanwhile, a challenge has risen, particularly from minorities and women among Democrats who sense that this year they can regain at least one chamber of Congress. While Connecticuts reputation as a blue state may be at-stake Tuesday, in fact, the state had 16 years of Republican governors prior to Gov. Dannel P. Malloys election in 2010, in the depths of the international Great Recession. With the Connecticut Senate now tied at 18 Republicans and 18 Democrats, both parties are hoping that President Donald Trumps national momentum, or opposition, will translate Tuesday among the states 857,056 unaffiliated voters, as well as the 451,869 registered Republicans and 769,414 Democrats. The state House of Representatives narrow Democratic majority is also at stake, at a time when Republicans have been making steady gains every two years. In 2012, Democrats held a 98-53 majority, which has now dwindled to 79-72. While national political observers predict re-election victories for U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, the four incumbent Democratic congressmen, as well as 5th District Democratic candidate Jahana Hayes over Republican Manny Santos, control of the House, Senate and governors office are highly competitive. In the governors race, the campaign between Republican Bob Stefanowski and Democrat Ned Lamont can be seen as a proxy fight in the national political uproar. Stefanowski has praised Trump, who has endorsed the former corporate executives first run for elective office, providing campaign talking points for Lamont and state Democrats banking on the presidents unpopularity. Stefanowski, in turn, has tried to tie Lamont to Malloy, despite the little contact they have had since the 2010 Democratic primary for governor that Malloy won. Indeed, Stefanowskis favorite label for Lamont is Ned Malloy, who if elected would keep raising taxes. Lamont calls his Republican opponent Trumpanowski. Lamont charges that Stefanowskis centerpiece a tax-cutting plan would fail to generate economic activity and lead to huge local property tax increases, while giving massive tax breaks to Connecticuts wealthiest. Nationally, Trump is spending this weekend finishing up a 44-city midterm blitz, but The Associated Press reported Saturday that the America hes seen at airport arrivals and from his armored limousine is not representative of the nation. The AP reported that Trump mostly traveled to counties that have lower incomes, less education and are whiter that the rest of the country, according to Census Bureau data that indicates he is trying to galvanize the base he rode to victory in 2016. The U.S. population is 73.3 percent white, but almost three-fourths of the places where the president has stumped for midterms are above that average. In the county surrounding Council Bluffs, Iowa, 88.7 percent of the population is non-Hispanic whites. Trump told the crowd at his rally that Democrats would allow Central American gangs such as MS-13 to immigrate freely into the United States, a claim disputed by Democratic lawmakers. They want to turn America, these Democrats and thats what they want into a giant sanctuary for criminal aliens and the MS-13 killers, Trump said. Nearly three-quarters of Trumps rallies are in counties with median incomes below the national average. While avoiding the big cities, the president has visited Tampa, Nashville, Cleveland and Houston, but also smaller spots like Elko, Nev. (population 20,078), in a county where just 18.1 percent of the adults hold a college degree, compared to 30.3 percent nationwide. Of the 43 places Trump is visiting, 28 have a below-average share of college graduates. Hes also made stops in Mosinee, Wis. (population 4,023), and Belgrade, Mont. (population 7,874), where in 2009, Barack Obama held a town hall event to promote the Affordable Care Act, which has been in jeopardy ever since Trump took office in January 2018. While Stefanowski has declined to say whether he would disrupt Connecticuts version of the ACA, Connecticut Democrats have warned that a Republican takeover of the governor and General Assembly could likely result in the dismantling of Access Health CT, which has 114,000 beneficiaries. White supremacists indicted for brawls at California rallies The Associated Press/November 1, 2018 Los Angeles -- Four alleged members of a white supremacist group were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of inciting violence at California political rallies last year, officials said. The defendants planned and carried out assaults at gatherings in Huntington Beach, Berkeley and San Bernardino, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles said in a statement. The four participated in hand-to-hand combat training and then traveled to rallies to attack demonstrators and others, prosecutors said. Afterward they disseminated photographs and videos of the violent acts to recruit other members for future events, according to prosecutors. Attorney information couldn't immediately be found for Aaron Eason, Robert Rundo, Robert Boman and Tyler Laube. All were arrested last week and charged with one count each of conspiracy. Rundo, Boman and Eason were additionally charged with one count of rioting. Arraignments were scheduled beginning next week. Prosecutors said the four are members of the militant Rise Above Movement, a group described in the indictment as "a combat-ready, militant group of a new nationalist white supremacy and identity movement." The indictments come weeks after four other California members of the group were indicted for allegedly inciting last year's deadly riot in Charlottesville, Virginia. To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived The Gambia on Wednesday which is the first stop of their tour of West Africa and since their arrival, the royal couple has gotten up to quite a number of things. So we are very happy to have you here. Mike Ocquaye and other top Ghanaian government officials. "I remember quite clearly The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh returning from their own visit to The Gambia in 1961, when I was just 13, and telling me how much they had enjoyed their time here", he explained. Charles said both he and Camilla had the pleasure of celebrating the strength of the ties between the two countries and have met many people who are making a profound difference to the partnership between the two nations. Prince Charles of Wales first visited Ghana since 1977. Some of them were happy, some of them not so happy. Addressing Prince Charles and his wife at the ceremonial room of the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo said his administration will do all within its power to make sure that their four to five days in Ghana are well spent. The British Royals were met at the Kotoka International Airport by the Speaker of Parliament Prof. Where On Saturday, the Prince and Dutchess will visit Kumasi to meet His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II the Ashantehene at the Manhyia Palace and will attend a traditional procession with the Ashantehene and local chiefs. On Thursday, Prince Charles is to visit the Medical Research Council, a faculty of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, during what is his first visit to the country. The waterfront was conceived by David Adjaye, the principal architect who crafted the design for Ghana's future national cathedral. Prince Charles and Camilla are visiting The Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria through 8 November at the request of the United Kingdom government to "celebrate the UK's dynamic, forward-looking partnerships with these Commonwealth Nations on a range of shared priorities". , . 2007 - 2021 Copyright. . Patriot Park memorial receives crucial 6-acre donation David Schmucker donated nearly 7 acres to the park for the centerpiece Gold Star Memorial Plaza. Indonesian investigators searching for the flight recorders of crashed Lion Air flight 610 have heard transponder "pings" that could lead them to the devices, and answer questions as to why the new Boeing 737 MAX 8 went down, killing 189 people. But he said an "orange object" had been found. Lion Air flight JT610 lost contact 13 minutes after take-off from the nation's capital and crashed moments later in the nation's worst air disaster in two decades. 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, and also raised doubts about the safety of Boeing's new generation 737 MAX 8 plane. Hadi Tjahjanto said, "This morning I've been briefed by the head of Search and Rescue Agency about the strong possibility of the location coordinates" of Flight 610. 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. "I expect many bodies are still trapped inside the hull of the aircraft, so we have to find it soon". Personnel from Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Board examining debris from the downed Lion Air flight in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Thursday. The smashed fuselage of a crashed Indonesian jetliner may have been found, the country's military chief said Wednesday, two days after the deadly accident feared to have killed 189 people. Speaking to CNN by phone Tuesday, transportation ministry official Captain Avirianto said Lion Air now has 11 of the models in its fleet while national carrier Garuda Indonesia has one. Indonesian Navy divers have retrieved the black box from the Lion Air plane that crashed into the Java Sea early this week. Data from flight-tracking sites show the plane had erratic speed and altitude in the early minutes of a flight on Sunday and on its fatal flight Monday. So far 56 body bags containing body parts of victims have been taken to the Kramat Jati Police Hospital in East Jakarta, for identification. All people on board are presumed to be dead. Police officer Hudi Suryanto said forensic doctors had identified only one victim, Jannatun Cintya Dewi, 24, based on her fingerprints. Authorities are trying to pinpoint the smashed jet's location and flight data recorders expected to be crucial to the crash investigation. Lion Air confirmed the plane suffered a technical issue on Sunday, but stated the problems had been "resolved according to procedure". It has had issues of safety and poor management in the past and was banned from flying into European airspace until 2016. State news agency Antara also added that several of the technicians were also relieved of their duties. The ban was completely lifted in June this year. , . 2007 - 2021 Copyright. . Among other countries, Paraguay briefly moved its embassy to Jerusalem as well, only to move it back to Tel Aviv after the election of Mario Abdo Benitez as the president in August. Brazilian far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro said there was no point maintaining diplomatic relations with Cuba because it trampled on human rights and there was no business to be done with the communist-run island. A polarising judge who jailed former President Luiz Inacio de Silva - knocking "Lula" out of this year's election - has been named Brazil's new justice minister. It was the first time since his election victory on Sunday that Bolsonaro referred to his plan to move the embassy. Only the United States and Guatemala now have their embassies in Jerusalem, while other countries have theirs in Tel Aviv. "I congratulate my friend Brazilian president-elect Jair Bolsonaro for his intention to move the Brazilian embassy to Jerusalem, a historic, correct and exciting step!" he said in a statement. Ewan McGregor to play Batman villain in Birds of Prey : Angered by Trump's move, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas boycotted his administration, saying Washington is no longer qualified to serve as the sole mediator in the decades-long conflict with Israel, and that an worldwide mechanism should be devised to replace the United States in the so-called peace process. Palestinian leaders cut off contact with Trump's White House following the declaration. But Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi condemned Mr Bolsonaro's plans to move the embassy as "provocative" and "will only destabilise security and stability in the region". Israel captured Arab East Jerusalem in the 1967 Six Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the worldwide community. Israel claims all of the city, including the eastern sector, home to Jerusalem's most important religious sites, as its eternal capital. Palestinians say that moving the embassy would prejudge one of the most sensitive issues in the conflict - the status of Jerusalem - and undermine the US' status as an honest mediator. We agreed that Brazil and the United States will work closely together on Trade, Military and everything else! His homophobic and racist rhetoric has angered many people inside and outside Brazil. , . 2007 - 2021 Copyright. . Today I am asking readers to indulge me in a mental experiment. Lets imagine that Jeremy Corbyn won last years General Election and became prime minister. And lets also imagine that soon afterwards rumours emerged that Labours biggest political donor was not what he seemed. And that the real source of the money was none other than Vladimir Putins Kremlin. Lets further suppose that investigators establish close links between the Russian Ambassador in London and Mr Corbyns donor. Finally, lets imagine that last week the police made the bombshell announcement they were investigating the funding of the Labour election campaign amidst growing fears that Russian money had influenced the result. And lets also imagine that soon afterwards rumours emerged that Labours biggest political donor was not what he seemed. And that the real source of the money was none other than Vladimir Putins Kremlin There would be a national outcry, and outraged claims that Mr Corbyn was an instrument of the Russian regime who had stolen victory from the Tories. No doubt some prominent Labour MPs would add their voices to the clamour. As for Corbyn himself, the PM would face being called to the floor of the House of Commons and accused of high treason. If the claims were proven, he would be forced to resign and a General Election would follow, uncontaminated this time by alleged dirty Russian money. Pure fantasy? Not quite. The events of the past 48 hours have, for millions of people around the country, understandably raised burning questions about the result of the 2016 EU Referendum. On Thursday, the National Crime Agency announced that it had launched a criminal probe into Arron Banks, the insurance tycoon, amid questions over whether Russian money was used to influence the Referendum campaign. On Thursday, the National Crime Agency announced that it had launched a criminal probe into Arron Banks Mr Banks put a staggering 8 million into funding the Leave Campaign, making him the largest individual political donor in British political history. Many speculate that his contribution could have swayed the result. And now, after months of painstaking inquiries by the Electoral Commission, he is the subject of a full-scale criminal probe. Mr Banks has always denied any claims of Russian influence or wrongdoing, and of course all of us are innocent until proven guilty. But I believe that this investigation into Mr Banks is the most significant political event since the Referendum itself. This is because our system of representative democracy is built around fairness. Funding for elections should be open for all to see. The laws are there to stop big money, or secret interests, from winning power. Now, shockingly, there is a suspicion that a foreign power may have been a source of funding for the Brexit campaign. We know that Arron Banks has enjoyed many meetings with the Russian Ambassador, Alexander Yakovenko, who allegedly sent a number of business opportunities Banks way. And we also have reason to believe thanks to an exemplary investigation by the website openDemocracy that Arron Banks personal fortune may not be as substantial as he and supporters would have us believe. So where did the money that Banks donated come from? We need to know. I repeat that Arron Banks must be seen as completely innocent until, and unless, he is proven guilty. That is why, from the very start, Russia was on the side of the Brexiteers just as Putin appears to have supported Donald Trumps campaign in the United States He may yet provide a convincing and entirely innocent explanation. I really hope he does I voted for Brexit in the referendum. But I am sure I am not alone among Brexiteers in finding allegations of Russian involvement extremely troubling. Russia is no friend of Britain. It recently sent agents from the GRU, its military intelligence unit, to carry out a murder on British soil. Above all, Russia has a vital national interest in sowing dissension between Britain and our allies on the continent of Europe. That is why, from the very start, Russia was on the side of the Brexiteers just as Putin appears to have supported Donald Trumps campaign in the United States. To be fair, Mr Banks was involved with Leave.EU, which was only one side of the Brexiteers campaign machine. It was the provisional wing if you like, with Boris Johnson and Michael Goves more respectable Vote Leave campaign viewed as the mainstream. But Leave EU was arguably more effective because it spoke more viscerally to some of the electorate, by stirring up fears over issues such as immigration, EU bureaucracy, its influence on our justice system and lack of accountability. Organisers, who originally expected around 100,000 expected to attend, said 670,000 demonstrators marched the streets Over the coming weeks, the Brexit negotiations will come to a head, so the big question this weekend is whether the new questions over the funding of the Brexit campaign will change the mood of voters. An estimated 700,000 people marched through London two weeks ago demanding a second vote on the referendum, united in their belief that voters were told lies by Brexiteer Tories such as Johnson and Gove. Now they have a second, and potentially far more toxic cause for concern. Was the Brexit campaign itself part bought and paid for by the Kremlin? And if so, what does that mean for British democracy? I am cheered by reports that David Cameron, a fundamentally decent man, wants to return to British public life. Former prime ministers have a great deal to offer. Sir Alex Douglas-Home, for example, who succeeded Harold Macmillan as PM in the early 1960s, was a great asset to Sir Edward Heath when he returned as Foreign Secretary after the 1970 general election. I am cheered by reports that David Cameron, a fundamentally decent man, wants to return to British public life So I hope Cameron will return to the Commons and in due course play a role in Theresa Mays Cabinet but not as Foreign Secretary, as has been mooted. His intervention in Libya was a disaster, leading to seven years of bloodshed. Far better that he should concentrate on domestic politics. He would make an admirable Education Secretary or Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mandelsons China tea leaves a nasty taste in the mouth When a senior Labour figure boasts about having a tea party with a communist dictator, one naturally tends to assume that its a Corbynista talking. Wrong! Blairites are far worse. Peter Mandelson has just returned from meeting Chinas ruler, Xi Jinping, and a report of their encounter on the peers blog is a ghastly mixture of conceit and crawling. He praises Xis composure and his long-term vision for China. Its easy to be composed and have a long-term vision when you have no opposition and can order the torture of dissidents. Lord Mandelson makes no mention of Chinas abuse of human rights a new crackdown in Tibet; more than a million Muslim Uighur people in concentration camps or the macabre harvesting of body parts from political prisoners. Mandelson is president of the taxpayer-funded Great Britain China Centre, which promotes mutual trust and understanding between our two nations. Is this really the sort of cringeing obsequiousness we want from our representative? On Monday the United States will slap aggressive new sanctions on Iran, with the intention of driving oil exports down to zero, paralysing the Iranian economy and bringing about the collapse of the government. I predict that this demented policy will fail. Iran will continue to trade with other countries, above all China and India. To her great credit, Theresa May wants Britain to keep on trading with Iran. In the long run it is the United States, not Iran, that will lose most from this latest stand-off. Advertisement Kidnapping, poisoning, murder a groundbreaking new BBC series was there to capture the heart-stopping moments when the futures of five animal dynasties hung in the balance. Here, narrator Sir David Attenborough reveals how risky it was bringing these tales to the screen Families have quarrels. Sometimes, they even have bust-ups and, as a consequence, split forever. Sociologists, had they been observing them at the time, might well have foreseen such ructions, long before the family itself realised what was happening. Animal sociologists ethologists to give them their proper name can often do exactly the same thing. Those studying animals that live in families, troops or herds, spend years observing such communities, trying to understand the rules that govern them, and they can, as a consequence, sometimes predict that animals are about to do the same sort of thing. Sir David Attenborough shares memorable moments from the production of BBC's ground-breaking new documentary Dynasties What happens next can be not only dramatic but also very revealing of the nature of the animals themselves. But recording such events would be difficult. Individual animals are often not as easy for us to identify as individuals of our own species. Sometimes ethologists have to attach radio-tags to the animals they are studying so that they are able to be absolutely certain of their identities. They also give them names so that they can easily describe what is happening or is about to happen. Usually the names they choose have no similarity to the names we use for our children and friends. They do that in order to avoid being accused of one of the cardinal sins of ethology anthropomorphism, that is to say, attributing human characteristics and emotions to an animal without adequate justification. Some degree of anthropomorphism, of course, is justifiable and inevitable. If an elephant, on seeing you, lifts its trunk, flaps its ears and then charges, you are justified, at the very least, in saying that it is angry. Sir David Attenborough (pictured on the new series Dynasties) says the series is about portraying that animals have families just as we do That, certainly, is attributing a human emotion to an animal. What other word in our everyday vocabulary do we have to describe its feelings? But suppose you watched an elephant coming across a pile of elephant bones, picking them up with its trunk, one by one, as if caressing them. It would be tempting to say that the animal was mourning the death of a relative tempting, but unjustified. Even if you know that the bones had belonged to a member of that elephant family, you could not be sure of what was in its mind. The drama is told exactly as it happened Calling this book, and the television series on which it is based, Dynasties might in itself seem to be sinfully anthropomorphic. It will, after all, remind many of the famous American television series, Dynasty, which ran for so many years about a human oil-rich family in the United States whose interpersonal relationships were so sensational and so fractious. Happily, however, the dictionary legitimises such use for it and says no more than that the word refers to a succession of rulers of the same line or family. Animals have families just as we do and that is exactly what the new series, which starts on 11 November, is about. To choose their subjects, the producers consulted ethologists all round the world asking whether the particular animal group they were studying was itself approaching one of the crises which inevitably overtake even the most amiable and well-established families. From the answers, they selected five, as varied as possible both in the nature of the animals themselves and the sort of dramas that were likely to overtake them. Camera teams then joined the scientists and followed the fortunes of each of those families for up to two and a half years. It was a risky plan. It could be that in spite of the ethologists predictions, nothing dramatic would happen, that the animals concerned, day after day, month after month, would continue doing exactly the same sort of thing, without any radical change. In such a case, even though they were filmed over such a long time, there would be scarcely enough incidents to justify an hour-long programme. It might also be that a crisis would lead not to happier times with a new generation, but a failure of the animals concerned to meet the demands of their new situation. But the producers determined before the series went into production that, once a community had been chosen, the drama would be told exactly as it happened. You must now be the judge as to whether these varied and extraordinary histories are tragedies or triumphs Best in show! Stephen Moss, author of Dynasties, the book accompanying the BBC series, picks his highlights from the show LIONS: There are few more touching moments than when Sienna the lioness overcomes horrific injuries and manages to return to her pride, where she is reunited with her cousin Charm. PENGUINS: Emperor penguins live in the harshest environment on the planet. Yet as we see, they are still able to raise their tiny, helpless chicks in the bone-chilling cold. CHIMPANZEES: As the alpha male in a group of chimpanzees, Davids position is always under threat. When hes attacked by rivals and left for dead, will he manage to regain his position at the top? TIGERS: When tigress Raj Bhera comes across her mature daughter Solo, only one animal can win. Can Raj Bhera show Solo whos boss, and successfully defend her territory? PAINTED WOLVES: The scene when one of the pack is snatched by a crocodile is one of the most dramatic ever filmed. The reaction of the other animals to the loss of one of their own is incredibly poignant. A single mother's pride: Abandoned by her males, its up to Charm to feed her cubs and defend them from the dangers of the plains, as this heart-rending tale from Dynasties shows Life for any single mother is tough. Its harder still when youre a lioness. Charm has four cubs, as does her cousin Sienna. The oldest of their offspring is three years old the equivalent of a lion teenager. The youngsters are boisterous, vulnerable and always hungry. Its up to Charm, as pride leader, to find food while protecting her dynasty from Africas many threats. Most lionesses can rely on male mates for help. With their shaggy manes and barrel-chested bodies, male lions are hopeless at hunting theyre too conspicuous and slow so the females do it. But they are superb protectors. No hyenas or marauding leopard would dare approach a pride with an alpha male lion. Charm and the Marsh Pride, named after the Musiara Marsh in Kenyas Masai Mara that is their home, dont have that protection. Charm (pictured with her eldest son Tatu, who lies beneath her chin) is pride leader, to find food while protecting her dynasty from Africas many threats David revealed a single lioness is forced to avoid other lions as a way of protecting her cubs (Pictured: A cub takes shade under a tree) Her familys males abandoned her: they fathered her cubs, and Siennas, then moved on to find future mates. So the Marsh lionesses live a precarious existence forced to avoid other lions, which could kill their cubs, they have to stay away from the best hunting territories. Sir David says... 'In many parts of Africa, there is a desperate need for land just to grow food. Animals such as lions require a lot of space if they are to survive, so how do you deal with that? Its a political point' Advertisement They live on the open plains where most lions roar at night, but Charm and her family keep silent, fearful of attracting attention. Scavenging is also difficult. Most lions watch the skies for vultures, to see where hyenas and wild dogs have made a kill then move in to steal the meat. But without their big male escorts, this is risky. Instead, it is up to Charm to make the most difficult and dangerous kills alone. During the 18 months the Dynasties team were filming the Marsh Pride, they captured footage of her stalking a healthy adult wildebeest bull weighing at least 650lb double the lionesss weight. She risked serious injury, but her family needed meat, and this wildebeest had become separated from its herd. She edged closer patiently, using the long grass as cover, until she was close enough for a surprise attack. Grabbing her prey by the loose skin of its throat, she used her hind legs to knock it off balance as it fought to escape. Her long years of experience paid off: despite the bulls huge strength and weight, she tightened her grip until it fell to the ground, unable to breathe. One swift bite to the windpipe brought its life to an abrupt end. David revealed the team spent 18 months documenting the Marsh Pride (Pictured: Charms greedy young son Alan) The meat was vital as the pride were hungry because Charm had been left to hunt alone when Sienna disappeared during the filming. The crew managed to locate her again on the other side of the plain but she was in a very bad way with deep gashes on both her flanks, most likely inflicted in an encounter with another pride. It would be six weeks before Sienna had healed sufficiently to seek out and rejoin the Marsh Pride. The two lionesses oldest cubs, three-year-old males Tatu and Red, werent much help either: cocky and over-confident, on their first attempt at a hunt they took on a fully-grown hippo and were lucky to escape without being crushed. The roar of two males echoed over the marshes Charms best hope for her dynastys survival was her daughter Yaya, who had put on a growth spurt as she approached three years old and was now bigger than her mother. She was clumsy and gangling, but she was strong. Cameraman John Aitchison watched her gaining in skill. Yaya had a real urge to hunt. Even when the rest of the pride were lying asleep under a tree, she would go off to try to catch a warthog on her own. 'She became really good quite quickly, and a useful hunting partner to Charm. 'A really strong mother-daughter bond was developing between the two of them. But with the rains long over, the land began to turn very dry and dusty. Food was getting ever harder to find. Tatu, along with Red, ambitiously chose an angry male hippo (pictured here) for his first independent hunt, but they were lucky to escape without being crushed by it In desperation, Charm led her pride to the edge of the Mara Reserve and a much easier source of prey cattle. It would prove a fatal decision. For several nights there were rich pickings. Farmers cannot guard all their cattle by night. Killing lions is illegal, but to the Masai there is nothing more precious than their cows and they will do anything to protect them. So it was that a few nights later, Charm and her pride came across a freshly dead animal and took advantage of the free meal. But it had been laced with poison, probably a pesticide called Carbofuran. When the camera team caught up with the Marsh Pride, one of the young lions Charms son Alan, who had always been greedy and had eaten his fill of the carcass was staggering around and foaming at the mouth. Others were lying limply under a tree. Charm was desperate to move her family to safety but she too had been poisoned. The old lioness was barely able to walk. Park authorities immediately summoned vets from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, who tried to save the stricken cub, but it proved impossible. Worse was to come. David recalls how Red and Tatu one day left and didn't come back to the Pride (Pictured: Two of Charms cubs, including her son Alan at the front) Sienna, too, had feasted on the poisoned carcass authorities found the remains of her body, mauled by scavenging hyenas and vultures. But there was some good news. Charms daughter Yaya had survived, along with the two young males Red and Tatu. Then the dynamic of the pride changed yet again. For several weeks Red and Tatu wandered further away each day. They were now nearly four years old, almost fully grown, and if they were ever to father cubs and continue Charm and Siennas dynasty, they had to leave. One day they headed away and didnt come back. One morning, a sound echoed over the marshes that had not been heard in well over a year. Loud, deep and penetrating as if the whole landscape was shuddering, it was the roar of two adult male lions. But it wasnt Red and Tatu returning, it was two young lions unknown to the Marsh Pride. The males were welcomed, not only by Charm but also by Yaya, who was now old enough to mate. They would give Charm the chance to tap into a new bloodline, and also provide the protection the pride desperately needed. Camerawoman Sophie Darlington saw a change in Charms behaviour. David says Charm's dynasty are welcoming two young lions who were unknown to the Marsh Pride (Pictured: Siennas son Red ,left, and Charms son Tatu form a strong partnership) WHO'S THE DADDY? The leadership of a lion pride passes down the female line, from mother to daughter. A pride of lions is essentially a matriarchal society. Young males are usually encouraged to leave when they reach the age of two or three, before they can threaten older males. Once forced out, a young male will, if lucky, join up with his male relatives, leading a nomadic existence, until they are ready to take over a pride elsewhere. Male lions are noticeably larger and heavier than females: a typical mature male weighs in at between 150-225kg (330-495lb), while an adult female is roughly 20 per cent smaller. David says male lions are noticeably heavier than females. Picutred:A male and female lion fight briefly after mating The largest male lions ever recorded tipped the scales at over 270kg (595lb) three to four times the weight of an adult human. When hunting, lions can run at more than 35mph, but only for a maximum of 100m. Most chases happen over a far shorter distance usually less than 50m because if a lion has to run any further it will usually overheat. Lions are built for short distances, not stamina. Mating in lions is a complex and sometimes bizarre process. When a lioness is in season, she emits tell-tale scents, and a male will stick to her like glue for up to six days to ensure no one else gets a look-in. The act itself wins no prizes for tenderness: the male often grabs the female by the scruff of her neck, provoking an aggressive reaction. Lion cubs are born about 16 weeks after conception and are much smaller than you might expect Charms cubs weighed just 1.5kg (3.3lb) each and are unable to see, with their eyes not opening until theyre a week to ten days old. They are incredibly vulnerable, and any predator that finds them will attack and eat them, from eagles and pythons to leopards and hyenas. When a new male takes over a pride, he usually kills the offspring of predecessors, to ensure all future members are related to him. He may even kill his own offspring if he cant be sure he is the real father. Advertisement She went from being old and tired to young and vivacious. Yet she remained the boss she welcomed those males into her territory on her own terms. After four months, Charm slipped away from her pride with a growl. She had gone into labour, and took herself deep into the long marsh grasses to hide while she gave birth. Sir David says... 'This series is novel because its not in the hands of the producer and director to mould it into a shape that he or she thinks is going to hold the viewers attention' Advertisement When she returned she had two tiny cubs, a male and a female. The babies were so small that their eyes were not yet open. They suckled hungrily, not venturing from their mothers side for weeks. And soon afterwards another remarkable surprise occurred: Yaya had produced three cubs herself. A pride of lions that had seemed on the verge of extinction was suddenly bringing up two new generations. Charm was simultaneously a new mother, and a new grandmother and her lion dynasty was secured. STALKING US? SHE WAS LIKE A BIG KITTEN! The Marsh Lions have been television stars for more than 20 years, ever since they were featured in the BBC series Big Cat Diary in 1996. Camerawoman Sophie Darlington, who has spent more time watching and filming lions than most, points out, We know the Marsh Lions we care about them and we know they are used to people and vehicles, so they dont change their behaviour when theyre being filmed. Sometimes, that could cause problems. Yaya in particular was very curious about the world around her. She would poke her nose into absolutely everything, and was so inquisitive nothing was safe. Including, by the way, us! says Sophie. Charm (pictured) watches with the father of her new cubs as one takes a walk through the long grass of the savannah To film the lions at their own level, right down in the grass, Sophie used a special platform built on the side of her vehicle. This led to a couple of close encounters with Yaya. One day I was filming the pride as they walked past, a little distance away, when my guide and driver, Sammy Munene, suddenly started driving off. 'When I asked why, he pointed down into the grass and, sure enough, there was Yaya. She wasnt exactly stalking me but, like all cats, she was very curious she was just like a big kitten! Sammy didnt just get Sophie out of trouble a few times; he also gave her an incredible insight into the lives of the lions he has been watching for so many years. Sammy sat with me all day, and we spent hundreds of days in the field, 16 hours a day. 'He was so calm and patient, and gave me so many quiet words of wisdom about lions and their lives. 'We simply couldnt have made this film without him. Sammy, along with brother-and-sister team Dave and Tash Breed, has spent decades following the lions of the Masai Mara, and the Marsh Pride in particular. Cameraman John Aitchison and Sophie hope their work will alert people to the dangers facing lions (pictured: Sophie, driven by Sammy, uses a low-angle camera rig to film Charm as she carries one of her new-born cubs) Not only did they spot and identify the lions more often than anyone else on the team (often relying on Tashs drawings of the spots where their whiskers grow, which are in patterns that can be nearly as distinctive as our fingerprints), but they drove the filming cars too. For the team filming the lions, who had inevitably developed a deep affection for their subjects, the deaths from poisoning came as a real blow. Cameraman John Aitchison draws a grim lesson from this awful event. If one animal represents the African wilderness, it is lions and if this is happening to lions in the most protected place in the world, where they are watched by more people than anywhere else, then they are simply doomed. Its a bleak prediction, born of the frustration of watching helplessly as animals the team had followed for months were callously killed. But John and Sophie have the consolation that their work is alerting millions of people to the grave dangers facing lions and, hopefully, helping to save these breathtaking animals. A coup at the court of King David: The alpha male in a troop of chimpanzees must never drop his guard, if he does, as we see in one of the most intense stories, the resulting plots and back-stabbing could prove fatal... Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. When William Shakespeare wrote that he was talking about Englands medieval kings, not West Africas chimpanzees but then the Bard never met David, king of the Senegal apes. When the camera crew arrived for their 26-month filming stint, David was the alpha male of his troop. He had complete dominance over the other 30 chimps, which gave him first access to the three most important elements in a male apes life: food, water and females. Chimpanzee David (pictured) is the alpha male in his group of 30 chimps, but his power was constantly threatened by other males in the group But his power was constantly threatened by the other males. They all wanted to be boss. And if they brought him down, David could suffer exile or death. The stakes were high. David had ousted the previous leader with the help of his brother Mamadou three years previously. They made an unstoppable team, thanks in large part to the support of their mother an ape with only one eye. But she stepped back from the fray to have a new baby and then Mamadou disappeared, never to be seen again. That left David vulnerable, as his rivals experienced Jumkin and sly Luthor coveted his position. If he was defeated, he faced exile or death The challenge for David was to stay as alpha male long enough to ensure that his dynastic line would continue down the generations by siring a future leader of the group. The alpha male is not necessarily the strongest, however. Intelligence plays a vital part. David would use aggressive body language to induce submission from the others, but he would be making alliances too. Like humans, some chimps are smarter than others. Lex, a brawny youngster, was definitely not one of the chimp worlds intellectuals. David claims tensions were high between the chimps at the start of the dry season (Pictured: Chimps use all four of their limbs to travel) The northern border of the troops territory which at 35 square miles is about three times larger than usual because of the relative scarcity of food and water is marked by the banks of the Gambia River, where sounds echo off the far bank several hundred yards away. When the chimps went to the river, Lex got agitated by the echo convinced there was another family of apes on the far bank. He started shouting back... and had a screaming match with his own echo. At the start of the dry season, David faced more problems than just an echo. Food and water were getting scarce and tensions between males increasing. When the females started coming into heat the tension mounted as the males grew more aggressive. Sir David says... 'When executive producer Mike Gunton said to me, Were going to show only what happens, I thought he was crazy! Because very often in the animal world nothing happens. Advertisement David was feeling the pressure, says cameraman Mark MacEwen. He had a subtle tell-tale indicator that he was becoming stressed: flicking his toes. When he did that, Id often see Luthor sizing him up and picking those moments to rush through the group and throw large boulders around. 'David would frequently respond to this by standing up on two legs, shaking large trees and throwing boulders himself. But it was the older, less show-offish Jumkin who posed the greatest threat. He was strong, wily and biding his time, waiting to stage his coup. Chimps groom themselves regularly to keep their fur free from parasites, and David used this social tradition to build an alliance with another older male, called KL. Combing through his allys fur was a clear overture of friendship, an invitation to take Mamadous place now his brother was gone. KL had more to gain than a makeover. Being Davids loyal supporter meant access to the females, and the chance to mate. Davids friendship had special significance because the king of the apes was a solitary animal who generally preferred his own company. Cameraman John believes David often took time alone as a meditative behaviour (Pictured: A female carries her baby on her back) He needed time alone to decompress from the pressures of life, observes cameraman John Brown. Wed often find him alone, fishing for termites. It seemed almost a meditative behaviour. 'He seemed to get almost as much nourishment out of the solitude as he did from the termites themselves. The crisis point came when three of the troops adult females came into season at the same time. When females become sexually active they always leave their troop and join another to mate. David was solitary a lot, almost meditating But because Davids troop was so isolated on the far western edge of the species range, it was very hard for females from other groups to find and join them. This led to a significant imbalance, with 12 males to just seven females the exact opposite of the usual ratio. When three females came into season simultaneously, frustrations among the males became frenzied and David and KL were seriously outnumbered. Darkness fell and the males turned on David, beating and biting him mercilessly. Given his strength and authority, joining forces was the only way they could overcome him. Then they retreated, leaving him for dead. David was left with serious injuries: a missing thumb, a gash on his leg and lacerations on his rear end, arms and head. That day, however, the advantages of being the alpha male emerged. Davids females tended his wounds, licking and cleaning them to enable them to heal more quickly. WHEN A CHIMP GRINS... ITS TERRIFIED! Chimpanzee society is patriarchal. Male chimpanzees are dominant over the smaller, less aggressive females. But females have their own hierarchy, and in exceptional circumstances they may join forces to get rid of an alpha male. The hierarchy decides which females feed first, and who gets preferential access to the alpha male when they come into season and are ready to breed. David revealed chimps display a relaxed 'play face' with their top lip concealing their upper teeth during conflicts with a rival Lower-ranking animals both males and females display submissive behaviour, such as offering their hands in supplication, or turning around and showing their rear end. Facial expressions are very important in chimp society, as they are for humans too. The commonest ones include a hostile expression, with the hairs raised, which is used during conflicts with a rival; a relaxed play face, in which the top lip conceals the chimps upper teeth, used when two young chimps are indulging in play fights; and a series of what look like pouting faces, mostly used when one chimp is begging for food from another. The well-known grin, in which a chimp opens its mouth and bares its teeth (inset), is not, as sometimes thought, a sign of pleasure or happiness, but indicates fear. Chimpanzees display several key traits that we once considered unique to humans, including the use of tools such as a stick to fish termites out of their mounds and rudimentary forms of sign and verbal language. They also have a highly developed social structure, which includes the ability to hunt cooperatively. Also like us, they are very dextrous, and well able to delicately manipulate objects with their hands, fingers and thumbs and, unlike us, with their feet and toes as well. They also have relatively big brains with a volume of roughly 300-400 cubic cm. This is roughly one-third to one-quarter the size of our brains, which means theyre able to solve quite complex problems. Advertisement This was a remarkable display of tenderness, as they expertly worked on his injuries. It was also a touching display of loyalty. David had to lie low. With his injuries, even if he could keep up with the rest of the group, he knew his weakness would be fatal. When they saw him, they would attack and kill him. So he stayed behind, totally alone. Mark MacEwen was convinced that Davids dominance over the group was finally over. I genuinely didnt know if hed survive his injuries, they were so severe, and he looked like hed given up when the group left him behind. Now Luthor moved to climb up the ranks, and perhaps even become the alpha male. He intimidated his rival males with a show of force. With David around, this would have been controlled. But Luthor terrorised the whole group females and infants, too with his violent, unpredictable behaviour. David who was injured by Luthor in efforts to climb the ranks put on a show until the rains arrived (pictured: A group of chimps all huddle together in the open forest) Several days after the attack that left him so badly hurt, David headed back to the group. The moment of his meeting with Luthor was crucial. He had to look as if he was back to full health, even though his wounds were still healing. This was an all-or-nothing encounter. David terrified Luthor into submission by his sheer force of personality. His injuries were severe and he was left behind As chimps do to assert dominance, he made himself look bigger by raising the hair on his body, and standing up on his hind legs. Cowed, Luthor had no choice but to fall back in line. In constant pain and far weaker than he used to be, David had to put on a show until the rains arrived. Wet weather would mean more food, which would help him to recover fully. Until then, he spent as much time as possible away from the main group so they wouldnt see how badly hurt he was. Then came the acid test. Another female came into season. Had he done enough to reassert his dominance and earn the right to mate with her? He had and he did. Nine months after their mating, David was confirmed once more as King of the Apes and head of his dynasty. A male baby was born Davids son and possible heir. ON THE MOVE FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET When producer Rosie Thomas arrived on location in Senegal, West Africa, she was really surprised by how dry the habitat was. I knew these chimps didnt live in the usual kind of dense jungle where Id filmed them before, but I wasnt expecting it to be anything like as dry as this every step we took, we kicked up clouds of dust. It was also very hot in the jungle, so the chimps would spend hours in the middle of the day asleep in a thick cluster of vines, often taking the only piece of shade available it was not uncommon for us to have to wait several hours for them to emerge once again. Producer Rosie Thomas was surprised by the dry habitat chimps in Senegal live in. Pictured: A chimp uses a stick to probe into a termites Rosie believes David tried to remind the crew he's in charge each day by walking really close to them (Pictured: one of Davids rivals prepares to attack him) But while the crew werent used to coping with the intense heat, with temperatures often above 40C, the apes were. And they often left their human followers straggling far behind. Chimps are one of the toughest subjects in the natural world to film, wildlife cameraman Mark MacEwen explains, because, despite the intense heat, theyd often walk many kilometres in a day, starting at 4am and finishing at nightfall, when they finally go to rest. 'It became a battle of our physical and mental resources just to keep up with them. Filming chimps, as with any wild animal, requires a healthy dose of respect for the creatures power, strength and intellect. The crew knew they must always keep at a safe distance, never make sudden movements or loud noises and if it became clear the chimps didnt want people around, to beat a retreat. Once the chimps had sized up the situation, they made sure they were dominant. The camera crew were tolerated, but never allowed to forget their place. On the first day of every trip, David would come and walk really close by us just letting us know that he knew we were there, says Rosie Thomas. It was almost as if he was reminding us he was the one in charge which of course he was. 'After that, hed let us follow him, most of the time, for the rest of every trip. 'But when he didnt want us around, there was no chance of keeping up with him. We had to accept that some days he wanted to be alone. David was the character who inspired the whole Dynasties series, reveals executive producer Mike Gunton. David's group of chimps are pushed to the limits of endurance as they live right at the edge of the chimps range I had covered the same troop for the BBC series Life Story, which aired in 2014, so I knew the characters, he says. Id seen some interesting power plays and that gave me the confidence to go ahead and pitch the idea of Dynasties to BBC commissioners. 'These chimps live right at the edge of the chimps range, and they were stressed. Most chimps live in equatorial rainforests in Central and Eastern Africa, where the climate remains more or less the same all year, providing a reliable supply of food. But there in the far west, David and his group face huge seasonal changes, which pushes them to the limits of endurance. I knew wed definitely see things happen, says Mike, but the drama that played out was amazing. Its a better story than you could ever have written. Advertisement Survival of the coldest: Emperor penguins lay just one precious egg a year in temperatures below -40C, and they must go to astonishing lengths to keep their chick alive Every year, at the beginning of breeding season in the Antarctic, each emperor penguin must make a difficult decision: who to choose for a mate. Although these remarkable birds, the biggest of all penguins, are faithful to their chosen partners for the whole season, they do change mates from year to year rather than pairing for life. Scientists call this behaviour serial monogamy. The reason is simple. Any bird may arrive at the vast breeding colony earlier or later than their ex and time is of the essence. Penguins cant afford to wait around for former partners to arrive: they must choose from whichever potential mates are available. Having spent the summer months out at sea, hunting for food in the incredibly productive seas, by the end of April, three weeks or so after the first emperors begin to arrive at the colony (which will eventually number some 10,000 birds), temperatures have dropped as low as -35C, which means the sea ice on which they choose to breed is freezing solid. It is time for the next stage in the breeding cycle courtship and pairing to begin so that the chicks will have grown sufficiently before the sea ice begins to thaw in the Antarctic summer. Camera assistant Stefan Christmann, compares penguins mating as similar to watching a surfing lesson (Pictured: A dramatic aurora fills the sky above a huddle of penguins) The male makes the first move. He stands stock still and lowers his head to his chest. Then he begins to call, the sound lasting just a few seconds. He repeats it while walking slowly around the colony, until he manages at last to stir the interest of a female. Male and female then stand face to face, and go through a series of co-ordinated movements, as if each is looking at the other in a mirror. When the male lifts his head up, so does the female; when he lowers it, so does she. Each pose is held for a minute or two, before they change position. Sir David says... 'Its becoming more urgent that people realise what humans are doing to the planet. An increasing population and demand on space is one of the most important things we have to deal with. Advertisement This goes on for several hours over a number of days, until the pair are fully bonded. They will be jointly responsible for raising a single, precious chick, a process that will take another six months or more if the baby doesnt get stolen by another penguin (see panel, right). For a long time after pairing up they will still engage in these bonding rituals, often uttering loud calls, to reinforce the link between them. One thing that struck me was how often an individual was rejected, says camera assistant Stefan Christmann. The initial call and mirroring display would start, but quite often, after 30 seconds or so, one or other bird would simply walk off. 'The individual I was watching must have endured this rejection at least four times before I finally lost sight of her in the melee of penguins. Once courtship was over, it was time to mate. And that is not easy on the ice. It was like watching a surfing lesson, Stefan laughs. After two weeks, the chicks can be exposed a little and they begin to get to know each other CHICK-NAPPED! The penguins episode was the most challenging of all the long and difficult film shoots for Dynasties. The crew were there filming for nearly 11 months. Executive producer Mike Gunton explains, If somebody had fallen ill, we wouldve been undone, as we couldnt have got anybody in or out for eight months, such is the Antarctic weather. The crews could only film for, say, 40 minutes before the camera shut down because of the cold. 'The film crew recorded a video diary, but people could barely speak for the cold. Their eyelashes were covered in ice. But despite the terrible conditions, the team became attached to the place. 'Our cameraman, Lindsay McCrae, cried when he left, even though he had a six-and-a-half-month-old baby waiting for him at home. The breeding season proves to be a brutal one in the Antarctic as seen in this dramatic moment when a childless bird tries to steal the chick of its neighbour 'He said, Im desperate to get home but I dont want to leave. After 11 months, the Antarctic just gets under your skin. The penguins appreciated their human visitors too. Emperor penguins are inquisitive birds, without much visual variety in their habitat, so anything different including the teams skidoos would draw their attention. Camera assistant Stefan Christmann, a young German naturalist and photographer, recalls the first time the team caught sight of the birds. When we arrived at the edge of the ice shelf, we could hear the calls of the emperor penguins. 'Not just a single call but hundreds in unison, mixed into what many people might describe as a cacophony. For Stefan, the sound was both haunting and beautiful. The trumpet-like sounds are like music. A euphony of unique melodies! On 21 May, the polar night began. For the next eight weeks, the sun would not rise at all, with just a couple of hours of twilight each day to film in, using special light-sensitive cameras. The lack of light along with wind-chill bringing the temperature to below -50C made it nearly impossible. Thanks to patience and tenacity, the team were able to film extraordinary scenes. They watched as one penguin pair with a healthy chick began passing their baby from the male to female, so she could feed it with regurgitated fish and squid. As they began, a group of unpaired birds, desperate for a chick of their own, descended on them and tried to grab the helpless chick. The chick was scrambling to find safety, with the kidnappers beaks coming down like spears. It was harrowing, director Will Lawson recalls. Only a few days old, this chick was fighting for its life. A few moments later, this scrum of birds separated to reveal the parents facing one another, pouches empty. A few feet away, the kidnapper unfurled its pouch to reveal the rattled chick and shuffled away. It revealed a very different, almost sinister, side to colony life. Advertisement The male would try to clamber onto her back, like a human being standing on a surfboard for the first time; but then he would lose his balance and fall off. Once aboard, there would be a few brief rocking movements and the whole process was over, almost as quickly as it had begun. Emperor penguins are different from all other penguins and most birds in that they do not build a nest. For a start, there are no materials with which to do so; even if there were, an egg exposed to the outside air would freeze within minutes. Once the egg is laid, both male and female inspect it carefully, duetting together as if to celebrate. Then, in a tricky and potentially fatal manoeuvre, the female passes the precious egg over to the male. The male uses his beak to pull the egg between his feet and into his brood pouch as she backs away. Having successfully transferred the egg, the pair reaffirm their bonds by calling to one another before the female turns around and heads back towards the ocean, some 15 miles away, for the rest of the winter. In a huddle the birds get all comfy and relaxed The female will have lost about a quarter of her bodyweight producing an egg, and she desperately needs to feed. As she finally walked away, observed cameraman Lindsay McCrae, after a few minutes she would turn back and glance back at the male for a brief moment, as if saying farewell. The male will now have to take care of the egg for the next two months without being able to feed. As well as keeping the egg warm and safe, the males must maintain their own body warmth. The only way to do this is to form a huddle or rough circle, all facing inwards towards the middle. As new birds arrive behind them, they gradually end up towards the centre, as the individuals there move out when they become too warm. The concentration of birds is truly extraordinary: they squeeze in at densities of about ten birds per square yard, leaving little or no room for manoeuvre. This way, instead of losing their body heat to the freezing air, heat stays within the huddle, so they keep warm. Astonishingly, in the very centre of the huddle temperatures can reach more than 30C. In this incredible moment a male shows off his chick as another waits for his to hatch Thats vastly higher than the external air temperature of less than -40C. Eventually, temperatures will rise beyond what the penguins can bear, and the huddle will break open, explains camera assistant Stefan Christmann. Its a remarkable sight, because all of a sudden there is a lot of movement, the noise picks up, and a giant cloud of steam emerges from amidst the birds, while they start to spread out flapping their wings. Sir David says... The number of people fascinated with the natural world has been increasing in my lifetime. One reason is that television has enabled people to see the huge variety of wildlife there is. Advertisement 'You can tell that they are nicely warmed up, feeling all comfy and relaxed. Meanwhile the female, having laid her egg and passed it over to the male, urgently needs to get back to the sea. This is a very long walk which she has to undertake when she is at her lightest and weakest. At last, reaching the ocean, she dives into the water. This is a dangerous moment. Two predators dominate these cold oceans: the leopard seal and the orca, or killer whale. But she has some advantages, in terms of speed, and also camouflage: penguins are white beneath for a good reason, as it makes them harder to spot against the light coming through the water from above. Emperor penguins feed mainly on fish, squid and krill but she is not just feeding for herself. Having eaten her fill, she then needs to fill her stomach with as much food as possible to bring back for her chick. By the beginning of August, the females begin to return to the colony. As the characteristic contact calls of the returning partners echo over the ice, the male listens out until he hears his mate. Then he shuffles forth and engages in a repeat of their courtship bonding display. He has been guarding the egg for almost two months, and it is about to hatch. The female has timed her return to perfection. The chick spends much of its first month on its mothers feet. Its weight almost doubles every two weeks. Its not the only hungry member of the family, though: the male has not fed at all for almost four months. During the next seven weeks, male and female take turns to return to the ocean to catch food for the growing chick. By December, the pack ice breaks up enough for the sea to be very close to the breeding colony. With open water nearby, its time for the chicks to leave their parents and become independent. It is now a time of plenty with food in abundance and for the emperor penguins, another long and arduous breeding season is finally over. Dynasties: The Rise And Fall Of Animal Families by Stephen Moss, published by BBC Books, 25. Adapted for these extracts by Christopher Stevens. Offer price 20 until 24/11/2018. Order at mailshop.co.uk/books or call 0844 571 0640, p&p free on orders over 15. Dynasties begins on Sunday 11 November at 8:30pm on BBC1 Kaia Wright juggles work at an advertising agency with caring for her 18-foot pet crocodile Tripod. The wife of Matt Wright - who is the star of international adventure television series Outback Wrangler - doesn't live a conventional life, but she does subscribe to a traditional outlook on beauty products: the more SPF in them, the better. Working as an ambassador for Golden 8 - a skincare company that uses crocodile oil as its star ingredient - the 28-year-old based near Darwin spoke to FEMAIL about some of her favourite sun-reflecting brands. Kaia Wright (pictured) juggles work at an advertising agency with caring for her 18-foot pet crocodile Tripod 'I use Kiehl's ultra-facial cleanser to wash my face morning and night with warm water, it's nice and gentle and doesn't strip my skin,' she said of her first step. 'Then Golden 8 serum goes straight on, at night time I tend to apply it twice - as soon as I get out of the shower and before bed that way my skin is extra hydrated when I get up in the morning. 'For the daytime, after applying serum, I apply sunscreen, Golden 8 balm on my lips, mascara and a tiny dab of Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer under my eyes.' If she has a little more time up her sleeve, Kaia opts for Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, Nation Bronzer, Mecca tinted lip gloss and volume mascara by Kevyn Aucoin. But her biggest advice for those hoping to replicate her sunkissed look is to focus on the base, rather than what goes over the top of it. 'Invest in one or two amazing skincare products. I've got so many friends who spend their money on the latest and greatest in makeup and fail to put on moisturiser or serum first,' she explained. 'I use Kiehl's ultra-facial cleanser to wash my face morning and night with warm water, it's nice and gentle and doesn't strip my skin,' she said of her first step Working as an ambassador for Golden 8 (right) - a skincare company that uses crocodile oil as its star ingredient - the 28-year-old based near Darwin spoke to FEMAIL about some of her favourite sun-reflecting brands 'If your base isn't hydrated then no matter what you put on top of your skin makeup wise, you'll always look tired and drawn out.' While the harsh natural environment she's surrounded by calls for a deep, hydrating lotion every day, Kaia also works on her skin from the inside out. 'Every morning I have an elixir to boost my immune system and aid digestion,' she said, outlining the ingredients. She simply takes one knob of ginger, one teaspoon of organic turmeric powder, the juice of half a lemon, one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of cracked pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Also on the breakfast menu is a glass of celery juice. 'After my morning elixir, I have a glass of straight celery juice - this is a game changer! If you haven't heard about its benefits look it up or check out Medical Medium,' she said. 'After my morning elixir, I have a glass of straight celery juice - this is a game changer! If you haven't heard about its benefits look it up or check out Medical Medium,' she said (pictured with her husband Matt) 'I also eat a heap of dark leafy greens, fish and jars of almond butter.' Her favourite all-natural beauty fix is using coconut oil instead of shaving cream for her legs. 'The oil moisturises your skin, helping the razor to glide over your legs avoiding razor burn and leaving your legs velvety smooth,' she said. The Wrights, who met in Western Australia and married after a whirlwind courtship, live on a big block of land in the Northern Territory with their three pigs Pepsi, Truffle and Cola, two dingoes Ernie and Albie, seven snakes and a menagerie of green tree frogs. Matt's work relocating animals, as a crocodile egg collector and helicopter pilot on his Nat Geo television show takes the couple to some of the most remote landscapes in the world. For Kaia, who grew up in Broome and Derby in Western Australia's Kimberley country, the lifestyle she shares with Matt couldn't be any more perfect. The lives of thousands of men could be prolonged with a new treatment that uses radiotherapy to mount a twin attack on prostate cancer. It simultaneously blasts the prostate with radiation from outside the body while using tumour-seeking radioactive drugs internally. A trial led by Queens University Belfast has already been tested on 28 men with advanced prostate cancer. A trial led by Queens University Belfast has already been tested on 28 men with advanced prostate cancer Early results show the approach is safe and in some cases has led to remarkable improvements, paving the way for a larger trial of 1,500 men next year. Lead researcher Professor Joe OSullivan said: This is the first trial of its kind anywhere in the world. 'It is hoped that combining the two forms of radiotherapy will be more effective than existing hormone treatment and extend the life expectancy of men whose treatment options are otherwise limited. Its a radical approach to treating advanced prostate cancer. We get the cancer under control with hormone therapy and chemotherapy, then kick the tumour when its down. Prostate cancer is the most common form of the disease in men. Some 47,000 are diagnosed with it in the UK each year and this year it became a bigger killer than breast cancer for the first time, with 11,800 men dying from it compared with 11,400 women dying from breast cancer. The Daily Mail is campaigning to end needless prostate deaths through earlier diagnosis, better awareness and improved treatments. The new technique is aimed at attacking prostate cancer that has spread to the bones about 10 per cent of all prostate cancer cases, affecting roughly 5,000 men a year. In the past radiotherapy was usually used only for localised prostate cancer which is at an early stage and has not spread beyond the prostate. But doctors are increasingly using the treatment for advanced cases, which seems to prolong survival. While it is not a cure, it can even eradicate some tumours. The new approach combines two existing forms of radiotherapy volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to target prostate cancer cells in the pelvis, along with a type of internal radiotherapy drug called radium 223 that targets the disease in the bones. VMAT is delivered externally with a machine called a linear accelerator, in daily hospital visits over two months. Radium 223, also known as Xofigo, is a relatively new drug given intravenously in a course of six monthly injections. Because both techniques are already used on the NHS, Professor OSullivan, clinical director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, believes the new approach could be rapidly adopted if trials are successful. There are 60 centres in the UK which are probably equipped to do this now, he said. The results of the initial study will be published in February, but Professor OSullivan said they had so far been positive. Owen Sharp, of the Movember Foundation, which helped fund the trial, said: This is an exciting development. For men with advanced disease, these types of programmes might enable them to live longer. CHRISTMAS AT THE BEACH HUT by Veronica Henry (Orion 7.99, 384 pp) CHRISTMAS AT THE BEACH HUT by Veronica Henry (Orion 7.99, 384 pp) Already frazzled by the demands of single-handedly sorting out the perfect family Christmas, Lizzy is tipped over the edge when her husbands glamorous ex-wife informs her she can no longer host her mother-in-law, so Lizzy will have to do it. Its bad enough that her teenagers have skipped off with their friends, rather than help decorate the tree, but, when her husband says hes going out drinking with his colleagues, she makes a snap decision. Shes had enough the feeling of running in circles, while everyone else does exactly what they please, is overwhelming and unbearable. Leaving a note in the Christmas pages of a Delia cookery book, she heads to her friends beach hut, leaving her selfish, ungrateful family to fend for themselves. I so enjoyed this warm and compelling read about love, expectations and family. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING AISLING THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING AISLING by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen (Michael Joseph 12.99, 384 pp) by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen (Michael Joseph 12.99, 384 pp) This is the follow-up to last years Oh My God, What A Complete Aisling and fans will be thrilled to be reunited with country girl Aisling as she navigates yet more life changes. Hailed as the Irish answer to Bridget Jones, our likeable and entertaining protagonist is living in Dublin, getting used to glamorous city notions such as brunch and vegan canapes at a lesbian hen do. These things provide a useful distraction, because her boyfriend, John, still hasnt proposed. Uber-organised, shes always planning things for other people but, when she loses her job at PensionsPlus, she has to move back home to Ballygobbard (or, as some call it, Ballygobackwards) to live with her recently widowed mother. Its stuffed with laughs, but the bits about missing her dad made me cry. A YEAR AT HOTEL GONDOLA A YEAR AT HOTEL GONDOLA by Nicky Pellegrino (Orion 8.99, 320 pp) by Nicky Pellegrino (Orion 8.99, 320 pp) Food and travel writer Kat thrives on adventure and not knowing where shes going next. However, when she hits 50, Kat starts to worry how much longer she can sustain this frenetic lifestyle. Shes never been in what she sees as a proper, grown-up relationship and wants to experience true love in a live-in context, rather than rushing from one short-term liaison to the next. Enter Massimo, Italian proprietor of the Venetian guesthouse Hotel Gondola, who asks Kat to move in with him. After an initial heady few weeks, it becomes apparent the reality doesnt quite live up to the fantasy. Its contemplative and compelling, and the travel bits made me want to book a trip to Venice ASAP. MIDDLE ENGLAND by Jonathan Coe (Viking 16.99, 432 pp) MIDDLE ENGLAND by Jonathan Coe (Viking 16.99, 432 pp) Few novelists have yet dared take on Brexit and its causes. Into this yawning gap in the market Jonathan Coe has now stepped, with a benign comedy whose title makes blatant his state-of-the-nation intent. Yet Englands traditional, conservative middle is, ironically, not at all where Coes Remainer sympathies lie. Resurrecting characters from his classic satire The Rotters Club, Middle England conspicuously marshals a bunch of opposing voices from a lefty Westminster journalist to a slippery Conservative comms director, and a right-on academic to her bigoted mother-in-law whose political opinions are exactly as you would expect. The only man in the ideological middle (at least for a while and, perhaps because of it, the most appealing character) is Benjamin Trotter, who has found late, unexpected fame as a novelist. The novel slips down easily enough as a superficial primer to the uglier events of the past seven years but, if literature is meant to make you empathise with people who think differently to you, this doesnt do the job at all. LAND OF THE LIVING by Georgina Harding (Bloomsbury 16.99, 240 pp) LAND OF THE LIVING by Georgina Harding (Bloomsbury 16.99, 240 pp) Charlie has returned home from the war barely able to tell his new wife, Claire, about the dreadful things he has witnessed in India and Burma, during which time he spent months recovering from a fever in the care of the head-hunting Naga tribes. The reader can barely discern them, either the truth of his experiences, including the loss of Charlies comrades in a Japanese ambush, is revealed only very slowly, via a series of flashbacks and through Charlies own accounts to Claire, which have the hallucinatory, unstable quality of a memory that resists being fully retrieved. Claire, meanwhile, cooks in their Norfolk farmhouse and waits patiently for her husband to come home properly. It is a pity that Charlie and Claire never really emerge as fully fleshed characters from beneath Hardings lyricism, which has something of the oppressive stillness and humidity of the jungle itself. But there is a dignity to the story she tells that feels both remarkable and rare. SILENCE IS MY MOTHER TONGUE by Sulaiman Addonia (Indigo 12.99, 288 pp) SILENCE IS MY MOTHER TONGUE by Sulaiman Addonia (Indigo 12.99, 288 pp) Addonia spent several years as a child in a Sudanese refugee camp and you can sense the impact of that period on his richly written second novel, which brims with the sensory flavours of remembered experience. Saba, newly arrived at an East African refugee camp with her mother and mute brother, has had her dreams of university cut short. Instead, she can only look at the patch of grass earmarked for a new school and pester aid workers about when it might be built. Meanwhile, a local businessman in the camp has struck up a possibly exploitative relationship with Sabas brother. Written in a fragmented style, this novel is very much concerned with female sexual desire and the male gaze and the way the gap between the two is made particularly dangerous in a refugee camp. I found Addonias more poetic stylings too artful, but this is a sobering reminder of the way war brutally circumscribes the shape of womens lives. Savers have withdrawn more than 21.7billion from their private pensions in the three years since dramatic rule changes, latest figures from the taxman show. In the three month period between July and September 2018, 258,000 people made 585,000 withdrawals, now meaning more than 1.3million Britons have taken advantage of pension freedoms. Then Chancellor George Osborne announced the reforms in the April 2015 Budget, which allows those aged 55 and over the freedom to access as much of their pension savings as they wished, rather than having to buy a lifetime annuity or put the money into a drawdown. A quarter of this is 'uncrystallised funds pension lump sum' that can be taken tax-free. Lot of Lambos: Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb famously said that those taken advantage of the new rules could spend their savings on Lamborghinis if they wanted to It led former Pensions Minister - and now This is Money pensions agony uncle - Steve Webb to comment that pensioners could spend their savings on a Lamborghini if they wanted to, stating it was 'their choice'. However, while the total value of withdrawals since the April 2015 changes has now topped 21billion, savers don't appear to have been splashing the cash recently. The average withdrawal per person in the last quarter was 7,597, the lowest level since HMRC began recording them - just about enough for a brand new Dacia Sandero, the cheapest car available to buy. One analyst commented that it suggested most people were 'taking a pragmatic and controlled approach to how they manage their pension savings', with the withdrawal per person trending downward from 18,500 just after the changes came into play. Pension reforms: Around 200,000 people have made withdrawals each quarter for the last year and a half Separate HMRC data also revealed that it had repaid a record 38million in overpaid emergency tax to 18,000 people in the third quarter of this year, with the average refund 2,000. This means more than 372million has been repaid by the taxman since the pension changes three years ago. Tom Selby, senior analyst at AJ Bell, says: 'One of the real thorns in the new rules is the tax treatment applied to people making their first pension freedoms withdrawal. 'In most cases an emergency tax rate will be applied to these withdrawals meaning people pay more tax than they should do. 'This can be reclaimed but it is a hassle and doesnt help the fact that the withdrawal will be lower than the individual expected. 'Earlier this week HMRC reported that a record 38million of this overpaid tax was reclaimed by investors in quarter three, yet it seems to have no intention of changing the rules.' There were fears when the reforms were announced that savers would spend all their money at once. However, the average amount withdrawn per person has steadily decreased since 2015 The pensions freedom statistics show that the number of people making withdrawals has shot up from 84,000 in the second quarter of 2015, to now exceed 200,000 people in each of the first three quarters of 2018. The second quarter of this year saw both the highest number of people making withdrawals, 264,000, and the highest total value of payments since the 2015 freedoms were introduced. Over 2.2billion was withdrawn by savers between April and June this year, while 1.96billion was taken out in the three months afterwards. The value of payments in each year follows a consistent trend, of increased withdrawals towards the start of the year and lower withdrawals in the remaining three quarters of the year. The number of people making withdrawals has also been consistent, around 200,000 have done so every three month period since April 2017. Tom Selby adds: 'The Government recently upgraded its estimate for the tax take from pension freedoms withdrawal this year by a whopping 400million and now we can see why. 'The public has latched on to the flexibility the new rules gives them and as more people hit age 55 we can expect these figures to keep rising.' Canada Life's pensions technical director Andrew Tully told Financial Planning Today: 'Typically smaller pensions are being fully withdrawn, while people with larger pensions are making multiple withdrawals in a tax year, suggesting they are treating their pension more like a bank account. 'The Treasury is enjoying a tax bonanza, as predictions that paying income tax will be a natural brake on withdrawals hasn't stopped people simply taking the money.' However, one expert warned that danger looms. Ian Browne of Quilter said: 'These figures may start to tell a different story soon, as freedoms are in for a whole new set of challenges given increased investor jitteriness during market volatility. 'Now, the last number of months have seen dramatic swings in the market and it's understandable that people are nervous about their future retirement, particularly if it's only around the corner, or in fact here. 'However, its important investors don't panic and do something rash, either by pulling money out of their pension or shifting their investment strategy without careful thought. 'Getting financial advice, particularly for those invested and within five years of retirement, is crucial.' US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino on Thursday called for Khashoggi's remains to be located and returned to his family for burial as soon as possible. Fidan, the Istanbul prosecutor, on Wednesday said that Khashoggi was strangled shortly after entering the consulate and that his body was dismembered afterward. "The tragic and unjustified" slaying of Khashoggi "is the theme of today's onslaught and demonization of Saudi Arabia in the same fashion as the previous crises". They staged the Friday lunchtime stunt to coincide with the time that he was last seen alive entering the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Cengiz urged Trump to support Turkey's request for Saudi Arabia to extradite those it has detained in connection with the killing of the 59-year-old columnist for The Washington Post. Unnamed Turkish official who listened to an audio tape that apparently recorded the torture had revelled that Kasogi's body was cut into pieces after he was killed on October 2. Amnesty International activists will rename the street outside the Saudi Arabian embassy in central London as "Khashoggi Street" on Friday to mark a month since Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate building in Turkey. Stephanie McMahon defends WWE Saudi Arabia event Crown Jewel : Writing that the murder had involved a "lot more than a group of security officials", President Erdogan called for "the puppet masters behind Khashoggi's killing" to be exposed. Writing in The Washington Post on Friday, Cengiz said the United States should be leading the worldwide community in seeking justice for Khashoggi. "Of all nations, the United States should be leading the way", Cengiz said in opinion article published in the Washington Post, The Guardian and other media outlets on Friday. Worldwide pressure is mounting on the kingdom - with the U.S. saying sanctions are on the way. A Thursday report in The Washington Post said Netanyahu told Trump administration officials that bin Salman was a key strategic partner and a linchpin of the alliance against Iranian encroachment in the region. The murder, initially covered up by Saudi officials, caused a diplomatic crisis between Saudi Arabia and its allies. The Saudis have since arrested 18 suspects who, they say, will be prosecuted in Saudi Arabia. Abdulhamit Gul added that Saudi Arabia must co-operate in the investigation into the murder of Mr Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and there must be no further cover-up. , . 2007 - 2021 Copyright. . A former Bandidos bikie boss was accused of faking his social media posts to give the impression to his followers and ex girlfriend that he lives a life of luxury. Brett 'Kaos' Pechey was once so cash-strapped and desperate for funds while on the run from police that he begged his granny for $25,000, but recent Instagram posts suggest he came into money. The 33-year-old often shares photos to Instagram flashing a lavish lifestyle, and on Wednesday he posted an image of five Louis Vuitton shopping bags implying he had gone on a spending spree. But according to ex-bikie Matthew Watson, who was once regularly seen in Brothers 4 Life clothing and had an affiliation with the gang, the image Pechey posted was one he had found on Google search. Mr Watson performed a reverse image search on the platform and adamantly told his followers Pechey's life of luxury isn't all that it seems. Scroll down for video Pechey - a former Bandidos Motorcycle Club president - split with fiancee and Instagram model Rikki Louise Jones earlier this year (pictured together) Matty Watson pointed out the image was taken from Google after performing a reverse image search Watson shared Pechey's post and the subsequent Google search to his own Instagram account Mr Watson shared Pechey's post and the subsequent Google search to his own Instagram account. Pechey - a former Bandidos Motorcycle Club president - split with fiancee and Instagram model Rikki Louise Jones earlier this year, and has been showing off his new assets on social media. A separate source told Daily Mail Australia Pechey's newfound obsession with sharing 'untrue posts' online boiled down to his determination to make his ex jealous, and to sustain his growing follower count. He recently uploaded an image showing a receipt for the apparent purchase of a $160,000 Range Rover Sport, but the source said the likelihood of the car actually being Pechey's was slim. 'The cars he posts aren't his either, it's all for his followers and to make his ex jealous... to show her that he's 'doing well',' the source said. 'He hasn't worked in years.' Pechey captioned the post 'New Car feels' and accompanied it with the middle-finger emoji as well as a winky-face. The ex-bikie boss then appeared to continue his shopping spree with a trip to Gucci and Louis Vuitton. A further Instagram story showed a white box emblazoned with the word 'Gucci' and a bigger, upright brown box bearing the words 'Louis Vuitton'. 'Got to spoil yourself from time to time,' he wrote. Pechey broke up with his fiancee after just a few months of engagement and it was shortly after this that he was accused of assaulting a police officer. He was granted bail by Southport Magistrates Court after facing charges of assaulting police, willful damage and public nuisance and will appear again later. In 2015, Pechey was forced to return to Australia from Thailand, where he had fled to escape a slew of charges. But while he was on the run, he ran out of money and was forced to turn to his grandmother, who decided against providing him the $25,000 he desperately needed to continue evading police. Detective Inspector Brendan Smith said police had been pursuing extradition options when negotiations with Pechey led to him boarding a plane and handing himself in at Brisbane airport. He was charged with 10 counts of extortion, two counts of threatening violence, stalking and assault. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Pechey for comment. Pechey broke up with his fiancee after just a few months of engagement and it was shortly after this that he was accused of assaulting a police officer Nobel Prize winners from across the globe are calling for the immediate release of a jailed photojournalist who has been 'abducted, abused' and jailed in Bangladesh. Visiting professor at Sunderland University Shahidul Alam is being held in the country, accused of 'spreading false information' after he reported on a protest. Richard Branson, Desmond Tutu and Sharon Stone are among the luminaries lining up to demand the release of the renowned photographer, who told a court he has been 'tortured'. Mr Alam's family in London told MailOnline after being snatched from his home in Dhaka, Mr Alam, 63, is sick and suffering from Post Traumatic Stress symptoms, as well as vertigo and chronic pain. After he was refused the chance to apply for bail on Thursday, his family also revealed he has been refused medical attention and legal representation as they fear they will 'never see him again'. Shahidul Alam, 63, has been 'tortured' in custody and threatened with waterboarding according to his statements Renowned photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam embracing a Rohingya child during an assignment Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Wales, Alfonso Cuaron, Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein and Arundhati Roy, are among 12 Nobel laureates attempting to stop him being sentenced to 14 years behind bars. 'We the undersigned raise our joint voice against arbitrary police remand under the draconian ICT Act against Dr Shahidul Alam,' they said in a statement. The Government of Bangladesh claims Mr Alam spread 'false information' contrary to Section 57 of Bangladesh's Information and Communication Technology Act (ICT). Mr Alam was arrested hours after he documented a protest held by Bangladeshi students over the state of the roads in the country, on August 5, after two children were killed by a speeding bus. As well as taking photos of the protesters, the award winning photographer spoke on Facebook Live and was interviewed about the angry uprising at which his equipment was 'smashed by government heavies'. Despite the threats he criticised the government's handling of the demonstrations. He said the actions stemmed from anger about widespread government corruption in an interview with Al Jazeera. Hours later, he was abducted from his home, handcuffed and gagged by 30 officers and charged, his family revealed. If convicted, he could serve up to 14 years in prison. Mr Alam has been held since August 5 and is not being given the chance to fight his case due to delays and deferrals His niece Sofia Karim from Ealing, London, said she feels 'justice has collapsed'. She said: 'He was in his flat when he was taken by more than 30 plain clothes men. They presented a girl to the flat to pose as a student so that he opened the door. 'They restrained the security guard and masked the CCTV. 'My aunt was in a friend's flat and she heard him scream. She said it sounded like somebody was being murdered. She knew it was him and that something was terribly wrong. 'When they got to the flat he was gone. He was taken into the detective branch. My aunt and family and friends waited all night and were not told a thing.' Mr Alam told relatives and the court he was tortured in custody. He said he had been made to walk up and down flights of stairs while blindfolded with his hands handcuffed behind his back and a heavy object placed on his head. He was repeatedly punched on the face, threatened with water boarding, and with his partner being picked up for questioning, and with 'pins being used the next time, relatives claimed. 'When he got to court he shouted out to the press 'I've been hit. My bloodstained panjabi [tunic] was washed and I was made to wear it again'. He also said he had been denied legal representation,' Ms Karim added. 'We know only what he was able to tell the court I am sure there is much more.' Last month, Mr Alam was awarded the prize known as the 'Oscar of photography' the Lucie Humanintarian Award, yet he had to be informed of his win as he sits in jail. Mr Alam is visited for just thirty minutes, once a week, by his wife Rahnuma Ahmed. He is still unable to eat bread without softening it in dhal because of the chronic pain. Who has joined the calls for the release of Shahidul Alam? Nobel laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu Sharon Stone Sir Richard Branson Jimmy Wales Alfonso Cuaron Noam Chomsky Naomi Klein Arundhati Roy Patrick Farrell Graciela Iturbide UK arts & culture open letter signed by: Anish Kapoor (Artist) Akram Khan (Choreographer and Dancer) Antony Gormley (Artist) Ben Okri (Poet and Novelist) Brett Rogers (Director, The Photographers' Gallery) Bob and Roberta Smith - RA, OBE (Artist) Charlie Brooker (Writer and Producer) David (Lord) Puttnam (Educationalist and Filmmaker) Dame Emma Thompson (Actor) Frances Morris (Director, Tate) Hans Ulrich Obrist (Artistic Director, Serpentine Gallery) Sir John Leighton (Director, National Galleries of Scotland) Lubaina Himid (Artist) Maria Balshaw CBE (Director, Tate) Mark Wallinger (Artist) Martin Parr (Photographer and Photojournalist) Nicholas Cullinan (Director, National Portrait Gallery) Nicholas Serota (Chair of Arts Council England) Steve McQueen (Artist and film director) Sir Terence Conran (Designer, restaurateur and retailer) Advertisement Mr Alam is being put under huge mental stress as his hearings are 'delayed and deferred' his family told MailOnline. Mr Alam started his career in London after studying for a PHD. He spent his university years in Liverpool where he also passed five A-Levels in five months. Now, he frequently returns as a visiting professor. His family in the UK fear they may never see him again. 'I really feel bad for my mum she is 72 and he is her only living sibling,' Ms Karim added. 'He is her little brother. He came to London all the time and she was always driving him to the airport 'I think she is secretly afraid she will never see him again. She's not sleeping now. 'They are both very strong people. 'I also worry about the safety of my family in Bangladesh. The government is picking everyone up now. It is draconian. 'Journalists are being persecuted more and more.' The campaign for his release has gone global with protests being held in the US, Peru, Australia, Nepal and Mexico. In the US a plane was flown over the Statue of Liberty with the banner: 'Free Shahidul'. Last month, images from Alam's Crossfire series (2010), portraying extrajudicial killings committed by the Bangladeshi state were displayed in the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in a show of solidarity by Tania Bruguera herself once detained by the Cuban government. Alam's bail petition has been pending with the High Court since 27 August, and was again dropped from the High Court list on Thursday. His lawyers argue the Bangladeshi government regularly monitors all broadcasts and keeps all the transcripts. Lawyer Sara Hossain also arguing that a decision on Alam's fate should be made as soon as possible. Another member of his legal team, Jyotirmoy Barua told AFP that Alam's continued detention was illegal. He said: 'We are very unhappy. There is no justification for detaining a person without trial for three months.' Richard Branson (left) and Sharon Stone (right) are among the celebrities who have demanded the release of the 63-year-old journalist Laureates and dignitaries from around the world have called for the release of the photojournalist (pictured) who began his career in London Barua said the actions of the government were 'a clear violation' of Alam's rights under the Bangladeshi constitution. He was arrested after he appeared on Al Jazeera describing the regime as an 'unelected government... hanging on by brute force'. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, used her first statement to raise the attacks and arrests of journalists in Bangladesh. In recent weeks, the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been accused of stifling dissent further by ratifying a controversial new digital security law. A prominent critic of the government was arrested for defamation last month days after he helped form an opposition coalition. Thomas Hughes, executive director of Article 19 which campaigns for freedom of expression said: 'Journalists around the world are assaulted and killed for exposing corruption, holding governments to account or simply expressing their opinions or beliefs. The perpetrators of these crimes largely go unpunished, whether they are state-sponsored actors, organised criminals or religious extremists. 'Today, we call for an end to violence against journalists but also an end to political rhetoric that denigrates the media, dehumanises journalists and makes the environment they work in more dangerous.' Labour MP Tulip Siddiq is the niece of current Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina. She told MailOnline: 'I have raised the concerning case of Shahidul Alam with Foreign Office (FCO) Ministers and have addressed the case publicly. 'I have been clear in my remarks - saying that I find the case deeply distressing and that I believe Mr. Alams detention should end immediately. 'I have also been clear that I believe Bangladesh must uphold international standards of justice in treating its own citizens. 'I make regular representations to the FCO on behalf of my constituents, raising issues concerning a wide range of international affairs. 'This includes Bangladesh, which remains a human rights priority country for British Foreign Office Ministers.' Bangladeshi police deny ever assaulting Mr Alam. Electronic music fans were left devastated after the cancellation of the country's biggest rolling rave. Wild half-naked dancing, screaming women being led away in handcuffs and the overwhelming smell of smoke - common traits of Australia's Stereosonic festival. The cancellation of the popular music festival in 2016 left Stereo-heads having to make do with the range of dance-themed raves on offer. But another music festival is coming to town in 2019, promising hard-style music fans something bigger and better than any other festival. Scroll down for video Dozens were arrested by police in a drugs blitz at Stereosonic in Brisbane, pictured is one young reveller being led away by police A girl in a bikini was seen being wrestled to the floor by another reveller at Stereosonic in Brisbane Two young women were seen lying up against a wall at the festival after taking a break from dancing Worldwide music festival Ultra will debut the full-blown EDM multi-day production in February with 'Ultra: Australia'. But with the implementation of the electronic music festival, experts are warning party goers to be safe when it comes to drugs. President and Co-Founder of Harm Reduction Australia Gino Vumbaca said it's almost impossible to stop the use of drugs at festivals, so it's best to promote safety. 'Ideally people don't use drugs, but Harm Reduction Australia operates in what happens in the real world, not what people want to happen in the world,' Mr Vumbaca told Daily Mail Australia. 'The reality is that people attending music festivals, there'll be a proportion who will take drugs and consume drugs at that festival and there's an inherent risk in that because there's no quality control or information available on what they're going to ingest.' Thousands gathered for the last Stereosonic event in Brisbane in December 2015, amid tight security and a warning from organisers who told festival-goers: 'Do not gamble with your life today'. But these grave warnings did nothing to deter wild behaviour at the event as a spokesman for Queensland Police said there had been 14 people charged with drugs offences when stopped inside the festival. In a statement released following the festival, Queensland Police said: Police operations for the event included patrols external to the venue by officers from local Criminal Investigation branches and Tactical Crime squads, with police arresting 116 people on 144 charges... Of these, 125 were drug related charges, with five offenders charged with the supply of dangerous drugs.' The woman was seen being led away by police near the main stage at the Brisbane Showgrounds site at around 4pm Two men were seen rolling around on the floor at the Brisbane Showgrounds site at the end of the festival The organisers of the festival posted a stern warning on Facebook about the dangers of drug use The statement also said officers found up to 100 MDMA pills. Video footage obtained by Daily Mail Australia even captured a woman with purple hair yelling 'I don't have drugs' as she was carted away by police. Paramedics from St Johns Ambulance Service were pictured helping crumpled and emotional young men and women who had either taken or drank too much. And armed police wearing bullet proof vests were also seen patrolling the grounds, often in groups of two or three. But despite the heavy police presence and security, a number of punters joked about how their substance of choice had been smuggled inside in bags, pockets and elsewhere. Revellers were seen writhing around on the ground together in front of other festival-goers at the Brisbane Showgrounds site A spokesman for Queensland Police said there had been 17 drugs arrests in the surrounding area One woman was photographed by Daily Mail Australia fumbling with a small, plastic packet containing an unknown substance near the main stage. It was the same year the festival was marred with tragedy, as the deaths of 19-year-old Stefan Woodward and 25-year-old Sylvia Choi sparked calls for safety improvements. Mr Woodward died of a suspected drugs overdose at the Adelaide festival at Bonython Park on Saturday just one a week after Sylvia Choi from Sydney passed away after allegedly taking ecstasy. The following year, the festival was 'put on hold' with the promise of returning a year later, but it never happened. Now a new festival, Ultra Australia, run by different organisers are planning to set the bar high. 'Over the past few years, Ultra Worldwide has ventured to many locations across the globe,' organisers said online. 'We are thrilled to announce that Ultra Worldwide will now be expanding to Ibiza, China, India, and Australia!' It came as the organisers of the dance festival posted a stern warning on Facebook about the dangers of drug use, saying: 'Do not gamble with your life today' Pictured: a girl is carried out of the Melbourne Stereosonic festival by paramedics SA police released this image of two pills, saying they may be related to the death of a man at the Adelaide Stereosonic music festival on Saturday afternoon Following the deaths of two revellers at Sydney's Defqon. 1 festival earlier this year, the government is pushing for a stop for festivals altogether. With festival season creeping up, Mr Vumbaca says there's definitely concern related to drug use. 'People who do consume drugs at festivals are unable to actually discover what it is they've purchased and what the ingredients are, the contents are of the substances they've purchased and what they're about to consume,' he said. 'So people need to be careful, some of the advice we give people is to try a bit first, make sure what you've got is what you think it is and it doesn't have contaminants in it that can cause problems or the potency can't cause problems.' Mr Vumbaca says that if drug taking can't be stopped, they urge people to use them safely: try a bit first, don't use it alone, and seek help immediately if something goes wrong. 'There's no repercussions from people seeking help from paramedics at festivals. Every festival has paramedics or a first aid tent or medical staff available and not to delay if there's an adversary action,' he said. 'We deal with people that have managed to get drugs into the festival, what we say is pause, come see us and find out what it is you're about to take. Be careful about what you take and come and see us first.' He said that Harm Reduction Australia does not condone the use of drugs, but he understands people go to festivals wanting to have a good time. Partygoers are wanting to have a pleasurable experience, and Mr Vumbaca said they aren't there to have an adverse reaction to drugs. After conducting the first ever pill testing service at Groovin the Moo in Canberra, he found hundreds of patrons were more than happy to come forward for advice. 'There were a few instances that there were toxic substances they were about to consume and our experience is that people disgard those drugs that aren't what they want,' Mr Vumbaca said. 'We're very careful about what information we give people and we don't want to see people get hurt. We don't cross boundaries and tell people it's okay to use drugs and it's safe to use drugs. We don't do that.' A new inquiry into bullying and sexual harassment meted out by MPs and peers is expected to be 'bigger and more explosive' than the landmark Cox report. Ministers believe hundreds of researchers and aides who worked for politicians in Parliament over the years could come forward to expose abuse. The inquiry is being launched as the second part of a major investigation exposing bullying and sexual predators in the corridors of power. It comes after Dame Laura Cox QC published the results of her probe into the abuse suffered by staff employed directly by the House of Commons, such as clerks. A new inquiry into bullying and sexual harassment meted out by MPs and peers is expected to be 'bigger and more explosive' than the landmark Cox report Commons Speaker John Bercow has been accused of bullying and come under acute pressure since the first inquiry into harassment The damning report heard from 200 staff members past and present and exposed a 'toxic' culture of bullying and sexual harassment which had festered for years. She lashed the 'institutional failings' in the Commons and warned a culture of 'deference, subservience, acquiescence and silence' has helped to cover up abuse The second investigation, which will also be led by a QC, will look at the sexual harassment and bullying suffered by aides working directly for MPs and peers. Sources close to the investigation - set up in the wake of the sexminster scandal which rocked Parliament - said they expect the number coming forward to tell their stories of abuse will top 200. What are the claims of bullying and bad behaviour made against John Bercow? John Bercow has been hit by a number of bullying claims, all of which he denies. Here are the allegations: Andrew Sinclair, the former Speaker's Secretary: Said he left his post in 2010 after he was subjected to angry outbursts, foul- mouthed tirades and mimicry by John Bercow. He said was 'gagged' and stopped from speaking out about his time in the role as part of an 86,000 early retirement payoff. David Leakey, former Black Rod: Mr Leakey, who retired last year, said staff were terrified of the Speaker. Kate Emms, John Bercow's former private secretary: She took a job as Mr Bercow's private secretary in May 2010 but left her role less than a year later in February 2011 amid claims she was bullied by the Speaker. Her colleagues alleged that this was because of the behaviour of Mr Bercow after she told staff that she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Colleagues told Newsnight that she was undermined by Mr Bercow in a range of ways and he seemed to shout at her a lot. Advertisement One source close to the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) - set up investigate abuse - told the MailOnline: 'We expect it to be bigger and more explosive than the Cox report.' They added: 'Laura Cox revealed the shocking shortcomings in support for House staff, but we know there had been a similar problem for MP's staff too, who have an entirely different employment arrangement. 'The new independent inquiry will provide us with a fuller picture of historical cases and contribute to the ongoing culture change we need to see in Parliament.' Officials are set to launch an appeal shortly for anyone who has suffered harassment while working for a politician to come forward. Andrea Leadsom, Cabinet minister and leader of the Commons, is set to unveil details of the inquiry to MPs in the Commons on Monday. Parliament has been left reeling from a flood of allegations of sex attacks, harassment and abuse exposed in the past 12 months. Women have told how they were groped by MPs who called them names and repeatedly propositioned them for sex. Tory Cabinet ministers and Labour MPs have all been caught up in the scandal. Sir Micheal Fallon quit as defence secretary after he was accused of making inappropriate sexual passes at women during his parliamentary career. Damian Green was ousted as the PM's deputy after he was found to have made misleading statements about allegations that he looked at porn on his office computers. He was also accused of making a sexual pass at Tory activist and classicist Kate Maltby, who is 30 years his junior. In her excoriating report published last month, Dame Laura Cox (pictured) said male MPs past and present have allegedly lunged, groped and propositioned women in Westminster Several Labour MPs were also accused of inappropriate sexual conduct, including Kelvin Hopkins who was suspended from the party over claims he sexually harassed a young party activist. While Commons Speaker John Bercow has been hit by a string of bullying claims - which he strongly denies. In a damning indictment of the culture at the heart of Westminster, Dame Laura said there is a 'palpable lack of protection' for those who dare to report sexual harassment or bullying. The next inquiry is expected to last many months and shine a spotlight on how politicians sitting in the Commons and the Lords have treated their staff. A British sailor accused of killing his wife on their honeymoon to the Caribbean will reportedly admit to her manslaughter. Lewis Bennett has reached a deal with U.S. prosecutors to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter in exchange for murder charges being dropped. His new wife Isabella Hellmann, 41, vanished as the couple sailed off the Bahamas in May 2017 and Bennett has always insisted he didn't know what happened to her. Lewis Bennett, 41, has reached a deal with U.S. prosecutors to plead guilty to the involuntary manslaughter of Isabella Hellmann, 41, in exchange for murder charges being dropped The U.S. Attorney's Office on Monday filed a new affidavit charging Bennett with involuntary manslaughter, saying he killed Hellmann 'without malice,' and dropped second-degree murder charges. In turn, Bennett is now scheduled to change his not-guilty plea at a Monday hearing. This typically occurs when a plea deal has been reached. Prosecutors declined to comment on Friday and Bennett's public defender Vanessa Chen did not immediately return a call and email seeking comment. Hellmann's sister also declined to comment. Bennett faces up to eight years jail on the involuntary manslaughter charge and deportation from the U.S. Bennett faces up to eight years jail on the involuntary manslaughter charge and deportation from the U.S. Bennett said the couple took their 11-metre catamaran Surf Into Summer for a belated honeymoon Caribbean cruise after they had been married three months Bennett, a mining engineer with dual British and Australian citizenship, previously told the FBI and journalists his version of events on the trip. He said the couple took their 11-metre catamaran Surf Into Summer for a belated honeymoon Caribbean cruise after they had been married three months. They left their infant daughter, Emelia, with her family. As the catamaran passed the Bahamas on the return to Florida, Bennett sent out an emergency radio signal. When the U.S. Coast Guard found him on a life raft three hours later, he told rescuers he left Hellmann on deck as he retired for the night to their cabin, and was jolted awake when their craft hit something. The couple left their infant daughter, Emelia, (pictured with them) with her family when they went on the honeymoon When the U.S. Coast Guard found him on a life raft three hours later, he told rescuers he left Hellmann on deck as he retired for the night to their cabin, and was jolted awake when their craft hit something He said Hellmann was gone when he went outside and his attempts to find her failed. He said the catamaran was sinking, so he abandoned it. 'I have got nothing to hide,' he later told the Daily Mail, adding Hellmann was 'my soulmate'. The Coast Guard spent seven days searching and found the catamaran, though it sank before it could be recovered. They did not find Hellmann. Sixteen days after her disappearance, Bennett went to the home of Hellmann's parents to get his daughter, a heated meeting that ended with her sister accusing him of killing Hellmann, according to a police report. He took Emelia to Britain, where she was last reported living with his relatives. Bennett visited Cuba, saying he hoped Hellmann had been rescued and taken there. He soon filed a motion with the Florida courts asking that his wife be declared dead. That would have given him possession of the apartment and other items that belonged solely to her, but a judge rejected it. Ms Hellmann vanished as the couple sailed off the Bahamas in May 2017 and Bennett has always insisted he didn't know what happened to her The Coast Guard spent seven days searching and found the catamaran (pictured), though it sank before it could be recovered. They did not find Hellmann Investigators long doubted Bennett's story. The FBI says an inspection of the catamaran before it sank showed portholes below the waterline had been opened and damage to the twin hulls appeared to have been caused from the inside. Investigators also found Bennett on the life raft with US$100,000 worth of coins stolen from a yacht he worked aboard in 2016. Bennett was arrested last year on that charge and pleaded guilty, getting a seven-month sentence. While serving that sentence, he was charged in February with Hellmann's death and has remained jailed. U.S. District Court Judge Eleanor L. Ross said Friday Georgia must make it easier for voters flagged as potential noncitizens to prove their U.S. citizenship at the polls Georgia must make it easier for voters flagged as potential noncitizens to prove their U.S. citizenship at the polls, a federal judge ruled Friday in an injunction ordering the state to change its procedure just four days before Election Day. A spokeswoman for state Attorney General Chris Carr did not immediately say whether the state would appeal. Spokeswoman Katie Byrd said state attorneys were reviewing the order. The injunction by U.S. District Court Judge Eleanor L. Ross addresses a specific issue that arose from a broader lawsuit by civil rights groups who in October filed a broader challenge to Georgia's 'exact match' verification process. The state requires identification information on voter registration applications to precisely match information already on file with the Georgia Department of Driver Services or the Social Security Administration. Some mismatches are triggered by variations in a name, like a dropped hyphen, or because of data entry errors. Other people are flagged as potential noncitizens, often because the state driver's license database hasn't been updated to reflect their naturalization. Roughly 51,100 Georgians have been flagged as ineligible to vote because of such registration problems. The judge ruled the state unfairly burdens about 3,100 possible voters whose registration was flagged for citizenship issues, because only a deputy registrar is allowed to clear them to vote a regular ballot when the voters show proof of citizenship at the polls. She ruled that Georgia must immediately start allowing poll managers, in addition to deputy registrars, to clear flagged voters who show proof of citizenship. Voters wait in line to early vote at C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center on October 18, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, Georgia's top elections official and the Republican nominee for governor, issued a statement saying advocates filing a last-minute lawsuit had forced the state 'to waste time and taxpayer dollars for the judge to tell us to do something that we already do.' But the judge said Georgia's process for clearing voters with flagged registration didn't treat those with citizenship issues equally. She noted those flagged for issues other than citizenship could be cleared by any poll worker - not just a deputy registrar - after showing a photo ID. 'This raises grave concerns for the Court about the differential treatment inflicted on a group of individuals who are predominantly minorities,' Ross' order said. '... The election scheme here places a severe burden on these individuals.' The lawsuit says the 'exact-match' policy disproportionately affects black, Latino and Asian-American applicants trying to register. It was filed against Kemp as he's locked in a tight, nationally watched race against Democrat Stacey Abrams, who is trying to become the nation's first black female governor. Kemp's office has been allowing voters flagged over citizenship issues to cast ballots after showing proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, at the polls. In cases where a deputy registrar isn't available to clear the voter in person and can't be reached by phone, flagged voters were to be given provisional ballots marked with a poll worker's note that the voter showed proof of citizenship. Cristina Correia, a lawyer for the state, said at a hearing on the issue Monday that those provisional ballots would be counted with no further action required by the voter. Julie Houk, a lawyer for the civil rights groups, said that's not what's happening. She told the story of a recently naturalized citizen who went to a Fulton County early voting location where there was no deputy registrar present. The poll manager didn't send the man's citizenship proof to a deputy registrar to clear the flag, Houk said, and he wasn't offered a chance to vote on a provisional ballot to be counted as a regular ballot. The judge said in her order that the man's troubles voting came 'after he had already submitted proof of citizenship with his voter registration application. This is beyond the merely inconvenient.' A Florida State University student was arrested and charged with battery Friday after she threw chocolate milk on a Republican volunteer Tuesday and told a group she didn't care about the fact she was being recorded. Shelby Shoup, 19, was filmed in a now-viral video that shows her dash her drink at student Kathryn Judge in the Campus Republican booth and kick a Ron DeSantis for Governor campaign sign after shouting: 'Nazis are f**king killing my people.' The on-camera portion of the exchange began with Shoup telling students: 'You are supporting Nazis.' Scroll down for video Shelby Shoup, 19, was filmed throwing milk in a video at Florida State University on Tuesday She was caught on video during the incident that she has since been arrested for and charged with battery When one asked if she was supporting communism she replied: 'Yeah I f**king am.' One male then hit back by saying, 'They've killed way more people, dude.' It's not clear whether she then started unscrewing her bottle to drink, was simply fiddling around with the top or intended to douse someone with the liquid but when one student told her 'Don't pour your coffee on me,' Shoup tossed the remainder of her beverage at someone off camera. 'F**k you, I will,' she said as she began to walk off, but turned around to add: 'Do you understand that fascism is here?' The male she was arguing went on to repeatedly ask, 'What is wrong with you, woman? You're pouring coffee on strangers.' After clarifying that it was actually chocolate milk she said: 'Nazis are f**king shooting my people!' Her message referred to Robert Bowers slaying 11 Jewish people at a synagogue in Pittsburg. At the same time the woman grabbed a flyer a student passing by had just picked up. The shocked man simply smiled in return. The men and Shoup continued to debate about whether Nazis are 'national socialists' with the Republicans claiming they are and Shoup insisting they are not. Shoup told students at a Campus Republicans booth: 'You are supporting Nazis' She said 'Nazis' shot dead 11 of her people in reference to the slaying of Jewish people at a Pittsburgh synagogue The woman debated with a group who asked if she was supporting communism and when she said 'yes' they said communists had killed more people When she left the Campus Republican booth, she kicked a Ron DeSantis for Governor campaign sign. Denzel Pierre followed her When a female student asked her to leave she said should would because she had studying to do but didn't leave without adding more on the Pittsburgh shooting. 'Eleven of my people are f**king dead this weekend. Two black people are dead in Kentucky. These are f**king nationalist murderers that this normalizes,' she said. As she walked away from the group she kicked a Ron DeSantis for Governor campaign sign. DeSantis is supported by President Donald Trump and is competing with Andrew Gillum who wants Trump impeached - in Tuesday's midterm elections in order to possibly become Florida's first African-American governor. Shoup's LinkedIn page states she's an intern for Gillum's gubernatorial campaign but spokesman Geoff Burgan said Friday he 'can't comment' on whether she's an official volunteer or intern, reports Tallahassee.com. A male with a 'Black Lives' T-shirt, later identified as Denzel Pierre, was seen walking behind her after the incident. Aaron Grubbs served as a witness to the incident when Shoup was charged with battery. She was later arrested and charged with battery Hunter Pollack, a Campus Republican, said Shoup doesn't know what she's talking about Hunter is the brother of Meadow Pollack who died in the Parkland shooting The university later tweeted: 'FSU is a diverse community that values and respects each person. FSU expects each member of the community to embrace the values of civility and ethical conduct and obey the law. Regarding Tuesdays incident, the individual was identified, arrested and charged with battery.' Hunter Pollack, a Campus Republican who is half Jewish, said: 'She doesnt even know what fascism and Nazis are.' Hi sister Meadow died in the Parkland shooting and helped the video go viral with his large following, reports WCTV. 'No one in College Republicans would be able to get the story out the way I would. So I figured I would share it and I'm going to stick up for my fellow members of my club,' he said. An army veteran who underwent a double arm transplant after an explosion has regained movement in his hands. Eric Lund, an Army National Guard Sargent, was injured in a roadside bomb explosion in May 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. He lost both arms from the elbow down and suffered a brain injury that affected how he processed new information. Veteran Eric Lund underwent a double arm transplant after receiving an injury in Afghanistan Lund (pictured) lost both his arms in a roadside bomb explosion in May 2012 and has undergone countless surgeries and prosthetic fittings to help him function normally In November 2017, he became the first US patient to undergo a double above-the-elbow arm transplant in Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore He woke up in a hospital in San Antonio, Texas, thirty days after the incident and was devastated to discover the extent of his injuries. In November 2017, the 35-year-old became the first patient in the US to undergo a double above-the-elbow arm transplant. Now almost one year later, he has regained movement in his fingers and his left hand can pick up foam blocks. His progress is featured in the latest episode of The Innovators. He told the show: Growing up in a little tourist town in lake Michigan I spent my summers handing around the beach around the water and I had normal childhood. Growing up I looked up to people in the military And I had a certain respect for them and their commitment 'In 2012 we were in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan doing surveillance when our vehicle hit an IED. I was told I lost both my arms below the elbow. His life is slowly getting back to normal as he has regained some movement in his hands In November 2017, doctors at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore told him he would receive a double arm transplant. Within hours, he was on a plane and preparing for surgery. Erics extensive bilateral surgery took more than twelve hours. He is the second person to receive a double arm transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr WP Andrew Lee, Lunds lead surgeon, told Fox News: 'Eric lost both arms at a very high level, which means its closer to the shoulders than the wrist. Dr WP Andrew Lee said it will take three years for Lund to regain total arm movement The level of transplantation influences the timing of recovery because every time we do a transplantation. 'The nerves need to regrow from where the nerves are reconnected all the way down to the fingertips and thats a process that takes time. Lee said it is estimated that nerves regrow at one inch per month, meaning that Lund is not expected to fully regain sensation in his arms for up to three years. Lee added that while it may seem like a longer period than for a hand transplant, his patients recovery is 'well on course' to restore motor and sensory function. Lund enlisted in the military at age 19 after the September 11 terror attacks. He told Fox News: 'I do a lot of exercises and various strengthening. The biggest thing Im working toward is getting used to the hands'. 'When I woke up in the hospital after the injury felt hopeless, depressed I couldnt think of a reason to go on anymore. Lund (second from front right) received two purple hearts during his time in the military 'Now I feel more hope than I felt in a long time in the figure and something to shoot for, close direct doors and life feels fulfilling'. Lund received two Purple Hearts and is now running for local office in his hometown of Ludington, Michigan. He wants to return to school and eventually own a business, said that before the surgery he was trying to make life as normal as he could. His aunt mentioned the potential for a double arm transplant, and she eventually connected him with Dr Lee, a member and past board member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Alavia Khawaja is sharing her story of being stalked by a Airbnb guest who checked into her apartment in Richardson, Texas, and immediately began ransacking the place A terrified Texas woman who is being stalked by a former Airbnb guest is sharing her story as a warning to others. Alavia Khawaja began renting out an empty room in the apartment she shares with her sister in September to supplement her income as a freelance photographer after one of her housemates moved out. On October 11, she locked the door to her own bedroom and asked a male friend to come over as a precaution before welcoming an Airbnb guest into her home. Khawaja said nothing about Leonard Jackson seemed out of the ordinary as she handed him her apartment keys and left to carry on with her day. When she returned home four hours later, Khawaja's apartment had been ransacked. She said she found Jackson had broken into her bedroom and torn it apart, throwing away her photos of male friends and stealing $500. 'I saw my door was cracked open, the lights were on, my closet had been gone through,' Khawaja told the Fort Worth Star Telegram. 'The cosmetic case where my sister keeps her cash was empty.' After coming home to find Leonard Jackson, 31, trashing her apartment, Khawaja threw him out and reported him to police and Airbnb. Jackson is pictured in an undated mugshot After throwing Jackson out of her apartment, Khawaja immediately contacted Richardson police, who took her statement but told her they likely wouldn't be able to arrest him unless he admitted to the theft. She then turned to Airbnb for help, and was instructed by a representative to fill out a conflict resolution form. The rep said that if the conflict hadn't been independently resolved in three days, Airbnb would intervene. However, the situation would only get worse from there. Over the next several days Jackson bombarded Khawaja with texts and messages through the Airbnb site, asking to meet up with him and saying he needed a place to stay, even trying to re-book her room. One text said: 'I need you to be my wife one day.' As Jackson continued to contact Khawaja, she went to Richardson detectives again and learned that he had recently been arrested for harming a child. Still, though, they said there was nothing they could do unless Jackson confessed. When Airbnb finally responded to Khawaja's conflict resolution request, the company said it did not cover cash losses and said if she wanted further action from the company she needed to fill out the form again and wait another three days. Desperate for some kind of solution, Khawaja decided to text Jackson back on October 20, in hopes of getting him to admit to stealing from her. 'I didn't want to, but I wasn't getting help,' she said. 'I texted Leonard and said I would have considered letting him stay if he hadn't stolen from me. He said: "I just got out of jail and want to see you."' According to jail records, Jackson had been arrested on October 17 in Dallas on a weapons and drug possession charge and he bonded out soon after. In screenshots of the text conversation provided by Khawaja, Jackson tells her he is on his way to her apartment to 'clear up this big misunderstanding'. He also says: 'Will you be my wife, Ima show you how much I appreciate you, Ima show you love,' and 'do you got any condoms I can use.' Desperate for some kind of solution, Khawaja decided to text Jackson back on October 20, in hopes of getting him to admit to stealing from her. Screenshots of a text message exchange between Jackson and Khawaja are pictured above Khawaja called police to report that Jackson was coming over, but 911 dispatchers said they couldn't send officers unless he actually showed up at her apartment. Sgt Kevin Perlich explained to the Star Telegram that the department doesn't have the resources to send an officer 'to everybody's doorstep on the premise someone might show up'. Perlich said: 'Had [Jackson] been a threat to her before, certainly we would have sent someone there. But he left peacefully before and there was no indication he was a physical threat to her.' Not wanting to face Jackson on her own, Khawaja parked her car across the complex from her apartment as she waited for his arrival. As soon as she saw him approach her door she called 911 again, and officers arrived to arrest him for trespassing. Jackson called Khawaja four different times from the jail, but she took comfort in the fact that police had assured her he would be held behind bars for awhile. She was shocked when just 24 hours later she received another Airbnb message from Jackson, who had been released on bond. 'I asked why someone didn't let me know, and [a detective] said: "If we called someone every time someone was released, we'd always be on the phone,"' Khawaja said. Perlich said Jackson had been able to post bond so quickly because he'd been arrested on a Class B misdemeanor trespassing charge. Jackson's Airbnb profile photo is shown above. At least two other women have come forward with stories about the 31-year-old since Khawaja shared her experience In the wake of what she viewed as a weak response by law enforcement and Airbnb, Khawaja shared her experience in a Twitter thread on October 27. Within less than a week it had received more than 50,000 favorites and two other women came forward with their own horror stories about Jackson. One woman said she was stalked by Jackson after he stayed with her, and that she reported him to Airbnb but the company didn't appear to do anything about it. Another woman said she received a message from Jackson but ultimately decided not to let him stay with her after seeing a negative review the first woman had posted. Khawaja said she was shocked by the overwhelming number of responses to her Twitter thread. 'I'm seeing all these other women comment and say: "I had a similar experience, but someone died." 'I realized how lucky I am to be alive,' she said. 'I was really scared while it was happening, but I am so used to being harassed, like most women are, that it didn't hit me that I could die this time.' Khawaja posted the thread above on Twitter earlier this week because she felt her complaints hadn't been adequately addressed by law enforcement or Airbnb Jackson's profile was finally removed from the Airbnb site two weeks after Khawaja's initial complaint. As her story began to be picked up by news outlets in the Dallas area and across the nation, Airbnb public affairs spokesman Ben Breit said that the rental company's response to her complaint was 'simply too slow and we are working to fully support our host'. In a statement to the Star Telegram on Wednesday, Breit wrote: 'This reported behavior is abhorrent and unacceptable, and has no place on Airbnb. 'We have removed this guest from our platform and are in contact with local law enforcement to offer our assistance. 'There have been over 400 million guest arrivals to date and negative incidents are extremely rare.' Meanwhile, Perlich appeared to place part of the blame on Khawaja for choosing to list her apartment on Airbnb in the first place. 'You've got two young ladies renting out a room, it's not the best situation,' he said. 'Usually when you're renting out a room that way, you're not there, but they were. It's not the best idea or the safest thing to be in the apartment with someone you don't know.' Khawaja emphasized that she was not trying to blame Richardson police for the situation, saying: 'They were all very kind to me, they were just not very efficient.' According to Dallas County Jail records, Jackson was not in custody as of Friday evening, but Perlich said a warrant has been issued for his arrest on theft charges. The Pentagon rejected a request from the Trump administration for troops to help counter a group of Central American migrants walking to the US border to request asylum. The Department of Homeland Security asked that the Pentagon provide a reserve force that could be called upon to provide 'crowd and traffic control' and safeguard Customs and Border Protection personnel at the US-Mexico border. However the Pentagon rejected the request on October 26 even as it signed off on providing DHS with air and logistics support, medical personnel and engineers, CNN reported. Officials for Donald Trump (pictured) requested that US troops perform crowd control duties at the US-Mexico border where thousands of migrants are trying to seek asylum US Secretary of Defence James Mattis (pictured) previously approved other DHS requests for air, engineering, logistics and planning support in the area Two defense official familiar with the request told CNN that the Department of Homeland Security asked that the Pentagon provide a reserve force that could be called upon to provide 'crowd and traffic control' to deal with the migrant caravan. It is understood that the request was turned down because the Department of Defense felt that active duty troops do not have the authority to conduct that type of mission unless they are granted additional authorities by the President. Defense officials have emphasized the troops at the border are there to support civil authorities and that they are not expected to come into any contact with migrants. The US military is forbidden by law from making arrests or otherwise performing domestic law enforcement functions. But military analysts claimed that Trump can easily use the National Guard, US Marshals or personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to back up border officers if he needs to. The president announced Thursday that he would send up to 15,000 troops, many of them armed, to repel what he has termed an 'invasion' of thousands of migrants who aim to take up US residence by making asylum claims. During a fiery speech delivered from the Roosevelt Room, he said that 'anybody throwing stones, rocks, like they did to Mexico and the Mexican military, Mexican police where they badly hurt police and soldiers of Mexico we will consider that a firearm. Because there's not much difference.' Defense Secretary James Mattis listens as Donald Trump addresses the news media on the migrant caravan travelling towards the US-Mexico border On Friday, Trump appeared to backtrack on those comments, telling reporters that if our soldiers, or Border Patrol or Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are going to be hit in the face with rocks, we're going to arrest those people. That doesn't mean shoot them. But we're going to arrest those people quickly and for a long time. The defense officials described the force DHS requested as something that would only be used if CPB personnel were overwhelmed by the situation on the border. Migrants, part of a caravan travelling to the US, walk together after crossing the Suchiate river Salvadoran migrants cross the the border between Guatemala and Mexico on Friday US Army soldiers install protective wire along the Rio Grande at the US - Mexico border However the Pentagon rejected the request for the reserve 'protection' force, while it simultaneously approved all of DHS' other requests for support with Secretary of Defense James Mattis' approval. It is uncertain if Mattis weighed in on the decision to reject the request for troops to perform law enforcement functions. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, speaking to Fox News last week, said DHS had asked for air, engineering, logistics and planning support. Retired General Martin Dempsey claimed a wasteful deployment of over-stretched soldiers and Marines would be made much worse if they use disproportional force at the border She said they asked for vehicle barriers and 'ways in which we can protect my officers and agents, as well as the ports of entry themselves'. More than 8,000 active duty troops could be deployed to the southwest border, more than he has serving in some of the world's most contentious combat zones. However they will be there solely to support Homeland Security officials as they prepare for the migrants' arrival. The troops will join over 2,000 National Guardsmen who are already at the border. Kirstjen Nielsen, US secretary of Homeland Security, said DHS had asked for air, engineering, logistics and planning support This means that more than 10,000 American forces will be mobilized to stop Central American migrants that are still some hundreds of miles away from the border and weeks away from arriving in the US. Senior military officers have defended the deployment on national security grounds, but the mission - called Operation Faithful Patriot - has been met with scathing criticism from many former military officials. Retired General Martin Dempsey, who served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2011 to 2015, tweeted Friday that 'our men and women in uniform are better trained, better equipped, and better led so they meet any threat with confidence. A wasteful deployment of over-stretched soldiers and Marines would be made much worse if they use force disproportional to the threat they face. They won't.' The EU is spending nearly 4 million on the IBORDERCTRL project, which involves a total seven member states, including the United Kingdom, where scientists from Manchester Metropolitan University are developing the actual lie detector test. Then, the virtual border guard starts to ask questions. "Artificial intelligence" lie detector programs will be tested on people arriving at airports in Hungary, Greece and Latvia, under a new, EU-funded pilot scheme created to partially automate the bloc's border control. The first part of the two-step system happens before travelers arrive at the border. The IBORDERCTRL system will require travellers will use an online application to upload pictures of their passport, visa and proof of funds, then use a webcam to answer questions from a computer-animated border guard, personalised to the traveller's gender, ethnicity and language. If successful, the system iBorderCtrl will be implemented in all the border of the European Union. "According to the European Commission, the "'deception detection' analyses the micro-expressions of travellers to figure out if the interviewee is lying". When iBorderCtrl determines the traveller is being truthful, they receive a QR code that will let them pass the border. If they are lying, their biometric information will be taken, including fingerprints, palm-vein reading and face-match, before being taken to a human agent who would review their information. During the pilot, system judgements will not be used to deny border crossings, according to the report. Of course, there's the question of how accurate a system like this could be. iBorderCtrl is still in its early stages, and a team member told New Scientist that early testing provided a 76 percent success rate, but believe this could be raised to 85 percent. The European Commission's website claims the program is created to alleviate the "huge volume of travelers and vehicles", which makes it hard for agents to "uphold strict security protocols - checking the travel documents and biometrics of every passenger". Its goal is to detect illegal crossings, criminals and terrorists. , . 2007 - 2021 Copyright. . This is the amazing moment a baby humpback whale was rescued from a shark net off the Gold Coast. Beachgoers made the call to Sea World's rescue team about six o'clock this morning after spotting the baby humpback struggling in the water off Burleigh Heads. Beachgoers along the Gold Coast made the call to Sea World's rescue team about six o'clock this morning after spotting the baby humpback struggling in the water off Burleigh Heads Rescuers sailed out to the distressed calf and managed to cut the whale free after it tangled its head in the shark net. 'The team managed to successfully remove the netting and disentangle the calf using specialised cutting equipment,' Sea World Rescue said in a statement. After a tense half-an-hour, the freed calf swam off with its happy mother as the pair continued its southern migration. Rescuers sailed out to the distressed calf and managed to cut the whale free after it tangled its head in the shark net A police manhunt has been launched after a 20-year-old woman was attacked and gang raped by three men while on an early morning walk. The shocking attack took place near the town of Elland in West Yorkshire on October 19 between 6.30am and 7.49am. The woman was left needing hospital treatment and West Yorkshire Police are now appealing for help identifying the three men responsible. The woman, 20, was walking near Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve (pictured) when she was attacked and then raped Originally, the crime was reported as an assault but the victim has recently had the courage to reveal the full details of the attack to officers. According to the Huddersfield Examiner, detectives say the 20-year-old was assaulted on a canal towpath while on a walk. The men reportedly approached the victim while she was walking on the towpath between the Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve and the Colliers Arms pub. The men reportedly approached the victim while she was walking near the Colliers Arms pub (pictured) The men then assaulted the woman before raping her and fleeing the scene. She was left with injuries which required her to get hospital treatment. Det Chief Insp Sue Jenkinson of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team said: 'We are investigating what is clearly a very serious offence which has come to light as the victim has gained in confidence and now fully disclosed what took place. 'She continues to be supported by officers and we are carrying out a number of enquiries into what took place. 'I would like to speak with anyone who can assist the investigation or who may have seen or have information about three men who we believe were on the towpath at around the time of the attack.' Anyone who has information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101 referencing crime number 13180545115. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. Britain donated more than 1billion to India in the years when it was lavishing a fortune on building the worlds tallest statue, figures show Britain donated more than 1billion to India in the years when it was lavishing a fortune on building the worlds tallest statue, figures show. The colossal bronze memorial almost twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in New York was immediately condemned as an expensive vanity project when it was unveiled on Wednesday. In the 56 months it took to construct the 330million Statue of Unity, UK taxpayers gave India 1.17billion in foreign aid, according to official figures. Indias prime minister Narendra Modi attended the statues opening ceremony amid great fanfare. It stands on a bend of the Narmada river in Gujarat, Mr Modis home state. He was chief minister of Gujarat when the vast statue was commissioned. The engineering project started in 2012, when British taxpayers donated almost 300million to India. In 2013 a further 268million was given, in 2014 the figure was 278million and in 2015 it was 185million, followed by smaller amounts after that. As the cash rolled in from Britain, the Indian authorities poured billions of rupees into building the 597ft tall bronze likeness of Sardar Patel, one of the heroes of Indias independence movement. Last night Tory MP Peter Bone said: To take 1.1billion in aid from us and then at the same time spend 330million on a statue is a total nonsense and it is the sort of thing that drives people mad. What it proves is that we should not be giving money to India. It is up to them how they spend their money but if they can afford this statue, then it is clearly a country we should not need to be giving aid to. The British aid money was spent on projects ranging from improving womens rights to funding solar panels and investment in low-carbon transport. Some 14,000 of the cash was spent in Gujarat in 2014, when the statues foundations were being laid, to increase religious tolerance among young people. The colossal bronze memorial almost twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in New York was immediately condemned as an expensive vanity project when it was unveiled Indias prime minister Narendra Modi (pictured) attended the statues opening ceremony amid great fanfare. It stands on a bend of the Narmada river in Gujarat, Mr Modis home state India is the worlds fastest-growing economy, has sent a mission to Mars, boasts more billionaires than the UK and itself hands out millions to needy nations. It currently gives more foreign aid than it receives despite its problems with disease and healthcare. The British aid money did not go directly to building the statue but was spent funding projects that India could have afforded had it not been pouring cash into the 2,000-tonne memorial. The Statue of Unity took 3,500 workers four years to construct and the project involved a land-grab affecting 72 nearby villages, forcing thousands out of their homes, according to tribal chiefs. Indian air force jets flew over the giant figure on Wednesday and clouds of rose petals were dropped from helicopters as Mr Modi officially opened what he described as a symbol of our engineering and technical prowess. Helicopters release flowers during the inauguration of the Statue of Unity portraying Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the founding fathers of India His address was widely seen as the unofficial launch of his re-election campaign. In 2012, Britains then aid minister Andrew Mitchell announced the main aid programme to India would end after 2015. Yet last year 92.6million was spent by Whitehall officials on projects there. UK-funded schemes included 86,616 on testing whether yoga helps people who have had heart attacks and 100,000 on bringing women scientists from India to visit Cambridge University. The Department for International Development said it ended traditional aid to India in 2015 but is still funding projects that boost the countrys economy and help tackle climate change. A spokesman added: The UK now provides world-leading expertise and private investment while generating a return for the UK to boost prosperity, create jobs and open up markets, which is firmly in our interests. An African gang attacked a group of chefs outside an exclusive restaurant, who fought their way to safety with a shovel. The group of up to 15 men used iron bars and knuckledusters and launched the unprovoked attack outside Donovans in St Kilda, Melbourne on Thursday night. Business owners on St Kilda's foreshore are now forming 'action plans' in an attempt to protect staff and customers from violence. Following his shift at the popular restaurant, Daniel Maetzing, 24, was waiting for a friend when the group approached him and demanded he hand over his belongings. Daniel Maetzing (pictured), 24, was waiting for a friend when the group approached him and demanded he hand over his belongings An African gang (pictured) that allegedly attacked a group of chefs outside an exclusive restaurant have been captured on CCTV When he refused to do so, the gang began to violently attack him. 'All of sudden it escalated, the first hit I got was to the back of the head, from there it carried on,' Mr Maetzing told 9NEWS. One of the attackers snapped the chef's glasses while another lunged at him with a champagne bottle. The 24-year-old suffered serious bruising and a laceration to his head, having to spend the night in hospital to monitor the injuries. 'They don't value other peoples' lives. Will it take someone to die before we start focusing on our safety?' Mr Maetzing told The Herald Sun. The wife of a Donovan's worker told the publication six of the African youths attacked chefs who had just finished their shifts with metal poles they had hidden inside their clothing. She added the shovel was used by other chefs to fight the gang off and drag their colleagues to safety. Thirty minutes prior to the vicious brawl, a 23-year-old was punched to the head and robbed by the same group of youths nearby. Pictured: Injuries suffered by one of the chefs at Donovans after he was attacked by the gang When he refused to hand over his phone, he got hit several times in the head before they forcefully stole it. The Herald Sun reported multiple restaurants long the St Kilda beach strip are implementing security plans to defend staff and patrons. One worker said the continuous violence has warned locals that youth gangs are 'back' and for businesses to be prepared. There are also plans to turn the St Kilda Life Saving Club into a remote police station for the summer. The Victorian government is also installing CCTV cameras across the foreshore. The incident occurred outside Donovans restaurant in St Kilda about 10pm on Thursday night A Donovans worker said the tensions began after a group of girls allegedly refused to move from a seating area reserved for customers A witness said he saw the brawl scenes spill out onto the road as he drove past the Donovans restaurant at about 10pm. Speaking to 3AW Mornings on Friday, the witness called John said he thought he was watching a Halloween stunt and was forced to swerve to avoid hitting those involved. He said: 'I saw a man wearing chef's gear and he was swinging this shovel around trying to protect himself from around 10 to 15 black Africans.' John added he saw another group of about 10 Africans standing in the car park as he looked back, half of which were girls. Donovans declined to comment on the incident when approached by Daily Mail Australia. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Firefighters worked into the night on Friday to contain a bushfire outside Canberra in treacherous conditions. The hot, dry and windy weather which fuelled the blaze was compared by authorities to the 2003 fires that killed four people and destroyed almost 500 homes. A watch-and-act alert was issued for the Pierces Creek blaze southwest of Canberra but later downgraded. A water bombing plane (pictured) was used to drop fire retardant as firefighters worked into the night on Friday to contain a bushfire outside Canberra in treacherous conditions The fire had burnt through 147 hectares (fire pictured) and was seven kilometers away from Kambah on Canberra's western outskirts by Saturday morning but no homes were threatened The fire had burnt through 147 hectares and was seven kilometers away from Kambah on Canberra's western outskirts by Saturday morning but no homes were threatened. ACT emergency services commissioner Dominic Lane said authorities remained concerned as firefighters dealt with heavy winds and dry terrain. He confirmed the fire started from a burning car. ACT emergency services commissioner Dominic Lane said authorities remained concerned as firefighters dealt with heavy winds and dry terrain 'Due to the extremely dry conditions we are facing, we are seeing similar conditions to what we saw in 2003,' Mr Lane told reporters. 'Now is not the time to be lighting fires in this dry environment; you will be doing significant damage to your community and if you are caught you will have to suffer the consequences.' The ESA doorknocked up to 700 homes from Kambah to Gordon but said it was an 'education activity' to inform people of the threat and what materials they may need. In New South Wales, meanwhile, a raging fire that broke out at the edge of a major highway caused disruption for commuters traveling home Friday afternoon. The bushfire came dangerously close to the Pacific Highway in Freemans Waterhole, a small town west of Lake Macquarie, about 3pm. Fire warnings are also in place in Swanston in eastern Tasmania where a 600 hectare blaze has been exacerbated by strong winds. A boy of 15 was stabbed to death by a machete gang 100 yards from his home. Four men jumped from a car and attacked Jai Sewell, slashing at his body. He stumbled into a fried chicken shop, where he had been heading for a meal, and collapsed with appalling stomach injuries. He died in a London hospital three hours later. His killing sparked the 116th murder investigation in the capital this year. It came just 24 hours after Rocky Djelal, 38, was stabbed to death near a childrens playground in Southwark Park. Friends and family have paid tribute to 15-year-old Jai Sewell after he was stabbed to death in south London yesterday afternoon And yesterday afternoon a boy of 17 died in another stabbing, this time outside Clapham South underground station. Police and paramedics raced to the scene at around 4.35pm, but were unable to save him. The boy was pronounced dead in hospital less than an hour later. A friend of Jai said Thursday afternoons attack in Bellingham, south-east London, was a case of mistaken identity linked to tit-for-tat gang violence. He said Jais cousin was a drill rapper music linked to criminal behaviour. This situation is going to spiral there will be reprisals, said the friend. Friends and family members brought floral tributes to the scene of the attack this morning Thomas Coffie, an IT worker at Kings College Hospital, tried to save Jais life. I was coming home from work and pulled up to get some food, said the 23-year-old. I heard a bang and looked up. I could see he had been stabbed through his jacket. He fell on the floor, I couldnt stop him falling. I started to help him and then took off my shirt to stop the bleeding from the left side. I tried to put some pressure on the wounds just to keep him alive until the ambulance arrived. I was just holding him, I couldnt see because of all the blood. He had been cut in his stomach and his chest. Scotland Yard is bracing itself for further violence over bonfire night weekend and has imposed a Section 60 order across the borough of Lewisham. The floor of the takeaway was littered with paramedics equipment after they tried to save him Police at the scene where a 15-year-old schoolboy was stabbed to death yesterday afternoo This allows officers to stop and search without suspicion. Jais murder took place hours after a police chief compared some of Britains streets to the Wild West. Jacqueline Sebire, of the National Police Chiefs Council, said 69,000 children aged between ten and 15 suffered stab wounds or other major injuries in the year to June, an increase of 4,000 on the previous year. She said the constant torrent of murders and knife attacks suggested young offenders had total disregard for the consequences of their actions. Police forensics experts were scouring the scene this morning after yesterday's stabbing The boy was rushed to hospital at around 5.30pm but was later declared dead at 8.15pm Jai lived with his grandmother Sophie Sewell in a three-bedroom house in Bellingham. His aunt, Rochelle, 32, said: He said he was going out to get some food and he never came back. He was a young boy who played on his bike and met up with friends. We are heartbroken. He was very bright and brilliant at art. He wanted to be a cartoonist. London police commissioner Cressida Dick said police should focus on violent crime today Deanne Wright, a 36-year-old neighbour, said: I often saw him out and about or on the bus he was a sweet and caring boy. A man who lives opposite the crime scene said gangs of kids hang around on street corners in an intimidating fashion. Kids are killing kids, it has to stop, he said. Their parents need to do more and check them before they leave the house. Scotland Yard has appealed for information over the murder of Jai. No arrests have been made. A second package addressed to Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer resembling those allegedly sent by MAGAbomber Cesar Sayoc was recovered Thursday. The item, which the FBI described Friday as being 'similar in appearance to the others,' is the latest parcel recovered after more than a dozen others were mailed to prominent Democrats and CNN's offices. The package was rendered safe by bomb technicians, the FBI told CNN. The FBI recovered a second package that was addressed to Democratic Billionaire Tom Steyer (left)., It was similar to ones allegedly sent by 'MAGAbomber' Cesar Sayoc (right) last week The FBI confirmed that it recovered the latest package in California on Friday evening A spokesperson for Steyer confirmed to Fox News that the United States Postal Service (USPS) intercepted a suspicious package addressed to Tom'. He and all of our staff are safe and thankful to law enforcement and the USPS for their diligence, the spokesperson said. It is understood that the latest package discovered is a pipe bomb. The California facility where Thursdays package was discovered is the same as the one from last week and the only packages found at this location were both addressed to Steyer. A mail bomb was allegedly sent by Sayoc to Steyer last week and Steyer subsequently called for Donald Trump to be impeached for acts of lawlessness and attacks on democracy. On Friday, Steyer thanked law enforcement and the US Postal Service for their support in a statement Friday, stressing that his organization would not be intimidated by the packages. The package sent to Tom Steyer was similar to packages sent last week to prominent Democrats and CNN offices in New York and Atlanta (pictured) Tom Steyer called for Donald Trump to be impeached to end a 'culture of lawlessness and attacks on our democracy' after the first suspicious package was sent to him last week These threats are not isolated but are a part of a larger assault on the norms that uphold our democracy,' Steyer said in the statement. We will not relent as we push for the broadest possible democracy and a life of dignity and respect for every American. We are more motivated than ever this Election Day to secure victories for representatives who will uphold the values of democracy rather than assault them for political convenience. Sayoc is accused in New York of sending 15 improvised explosive devices to numerous Democrats, Trump critics and media outlets. Steyer (pictured) has financed a high-profile campaign for the President's impeachment. Police and bomb squad agents confer outside of a postal facility in California next week He was arrested a week ago outside a south Florida car parts store in a white van in which he had been living, which was covered with stickers of Trump and images of some of the president's opponents with red crosshairs over their faces. No bombs exploded and no one was injured, but Sayoc faces nearly 50 years in prison if convicted on five federal charges that were filed in New York because some of the devices were recovered there. Evidence includes online searches Sayoc did on his laptop and mobile phone for addresses and photos of some of his intended targets, which included former president Barack Obama, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, former vice president Joe Biden, California senator Kamala Harris and New Jersey senator Cory Booker. Packages were also mailed to CNN in New York and Atlanta. Sayoc is depicted in courtroom sketch this week. No cameras have been allowed in the courtroom Cesar Sayoc is seen driving the van in which he was residing in Boca Raton on October 18 Steyer, a billionaire philanthropist who has increased his political spending in the wake of Trump's election, has financed a high-profile campaign aimed at impeaching the President. Steyer has used a series of national ad campaigns and town halls through his 'Need to Impeach' organization to push his message. He had also pledged to spend up to $120 million in the 2018 midterms. Steyer responded to the first suspicious package by calling for Trump's impeachment, his long-standing rallying cry, to counter 'a systematic attack on our democracy'. 'We're thankful that everyone we work with is safe,' he tweeted last Friday after the first bomb was discovered. Donald Trump accused Tom Steyer of being 'whacky' after he called for his impeachment 'We are seeing a systematic attack on our democracy that extends much further than just one isolated terrorist in Florida. That's why we are running an impeachment petition to end the culture of lawlessness in our country'. Steyer claimed on CNN's Erin Burnett OutFront that he does not 'think there's any direct link' between Trump and the bombs. However he added that the President's rhetoric 'incites people's most emotional and violent feelings'. What Mr. Trump has done is create an atmosphere that condones violence, that actually incites people's most emotional and violent feelings and creates an atmosphere where people feel free to live out, that kind of behavior and those kinds of feelings, he told CNN's Kate Bolduan. Kiwi child sex offender Gary Nancarrow was close friends with the notorious double murderer David Tamihere whilst he committed the offences, it has emerged. The pair were so close that Tamihere was appointed best man at Nancarrow's wedding in the 70s. Nancarrow had already committed child sexual abuse offenses at the time of his marriage, NZ Herald reported. David Tamihere (pictured) was convicted of murdering the tourists in 1990 and sentenced to life imprisonment David Tamihere, 65, notoriously killed two Swedish tourists Urban Hoglin and Heidi Paakkonen, while they were camping on the Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand in 1989. Tamihere was convicted of murdering the tourists in 1990 and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was released on parole in November 2010 after serving 20 years. Tamihere was close friends with Gary Nancarrow, a child sex offender found guilty of crimes committed between 1972 and 1986 in September, this year. David Tamihere, 65, notoriously killed two Swedish tourists Urban Hoglin and Heidi Paakkonen (pictured) in 1989 The peadophile has since been extradited from Australia to his home country of New Zealand. He received a sentence of four years and six months at Auckland District Court on Wednesday. His three victims were aged between six and 11. They were regularly placed in Nancarrow's care and the court heard how the harm that he caused them is 'profound and still ongoing.' Nancarrow exposed his victims to porn, plied them with alcohol and threatened to kill their family if they ever told anyone. One of his victims reportedly slept in a crawl space under his house to escape Nancarrow. Detective Steve Norris said authorities have recently been made aware of other potential victims. Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick, who said the epidemic has 'grown hugely' Everyone knows a paedophile who views indecent images of children, Britains top police officer claimed yesterday. Cressida Dick said the epidemic has grown hugely as perverts use the internet to access vile images at the click of a button. The Scotland Yard Commissioner said it was inevitable that someone in every social circle is breaking the law. People think that is horrendous, it is, but Im afraid we probably all know somebody who does that, she said, speaking to the BBC. So we must think more about the people who are making the images, live streaming and that kind of thing. Her comments come as Home Secretary Sajid Javid prepares to meet social media firms in the US to press for swifter and more effective action. In September he warned them that he would not be afraid to take action if they do not help to tackle child sexual abuse online. Global tech companies are under pressure to be more proactive in ridding their platforms of child abuse imagery. Experts believe they could use automated programmes to block and take down images and videos before reporting details of those responsible to law enforcement. The UK authorities were alerted to child abuse images more than 82,100 times last year, an eight-fold increase since 2012. Astonishingly, police in England and Wales record around 23 child sexual offences involving the internet every day. Earlier this year more than 130 online child sex suspects were arrested in just one week in a nationwide crackdown. Among them were a former police officer, two volunteer police officers, five teachers, a childrens entertainer and 13 registered sex offenders. Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who is preparing to meet social media firms in the US to press for swifter and more effective action The tidal wave of crime has led some police leaders to question whether they are able to arrest every potential suspect. They have been forced to prioritise the most prolific offenders as well as those in positions of trust which could give them access to child victims. Investigators have warned that they are seeing a dramatic increase in offenders using hidden or encrypted software in order to commit crimes. Officials said companies that provide online access, store data and design platforms could all do more to block access. They are also concerned at the number of paedophiles involved in the live streaming of abuse, often by pay-to-view in South-East Asian countries. Last month a civilian police employee was convicted of offering to allow other paedophiles to watch him abuse his fictional eight-year-old nephew. Norfolk Chief Constable Simon Bailey, who leads the police response, said suspects are using sophisticated technology to evade the authorities. He said: Only by working collaboratively with technology companies and law enforcement partners will we be able to minimise the risk posed to children online by predatory offenders. An NSPCC spokesman said the sheer scale and complexity of online child abuse is placing huge pressure on police. It added: Dealing with abuse only after its taken place just isnt good enough. The Home Secretary must now deliver tough legislation to regulate social networks and help keep children safe online. Elaine McConnell of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which works with offenders, said it would welcome more collaborative working with tech companies to spread deterrence messages. Not all offenders want to stop but we know many do, she added. We know that with our help they can change their behaviour the challenge for us is reaching them. Need to spend a penny? Shoppers wanting to use the toilets in one town will now have to swipe their contactless bank cards instead. Three lavatory blocks in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, no longer accept cash, only taking cards for the 20p fee. The council said the switch was necessary following thefts and vandalism. Bridgnorth Town Council said the toilet blocks (pictured) now had to only accept card following thefts and vandalism But visitor Godfrey Burley, 75, of North Ferriby, near Hull, said: I find it absolutely incredible that Bridgnorth council expects the public, often tourists bringing money into town, to use a contactless payment card to make the miniscule payment of 20p. Mr Burley added that he regularly used his contactless card but other elderly people might not be able to do so. Bridgnorth mayor Ron Whittle said: Unfortunately, we have had a lot of vandalism and the cash is usually the target. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and its time to plan your charcuterie board. You maybe thought people still arranged bite sized carrots and pieces of celery in a relish tray with some onion dip and they were set for hors doeuvres. Theyre not. In 2021, when turkey may be in short s A woman who accused Judge Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault has confessed to federal authorities that she made up the claims because she was 'angry' and she wanted to hurt his political career. Senator Chuck Grassley referred the false accuser, Judy Munro-Leighton, to the Justice Department for investigation on Friday, after she admitted she 'just wanted to get attention' on Thursday. Now it's in the hands of the Department of Justice to investigate her for potentially making 'materially false statements' and for 'obstruction'. On September 19 Senator Kamala Harris received a letter signed Jane Doe, describing with graphic detail how Kavanaugh and a friend had supposedly raped her several times in the backseat of a car, but did not mention when or where. On Friday Senator Chuck Grassley referred false Kavanaugh accuser Judy Munro-Leighton to the Department of Justice for investigation after she said she wrote a letter to the Committee claiming she was raped by Judge Kavanaugh then on Thursday recanted and said she wasn't Judge Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed onto the Supreme Court on October 6 despite multiple allegations of sexual assault, including by Christine Blasey Ford who spoke before the Committee Judge Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed onto the Supreme Court on October 6 after undergoing public scrutiny as multiple women came forward to accuse him of sexual assault. Christine Blasey Ford led the forefront and testified before Senate Judiciary Committee to detail how she was raped back in the summer of 1982. Senator Harris forwarded the Jane Doe letter to Committee investigators. On September 26 the Committee questioned Kavanaugh and read out the letter to him. He responded saying: 'The whole thing is ridiculous. Nothing ever -- anything like that...The whole thing is just a crock, farce, wrong, didn't happen, not anything close.' Later that day the Committee publicly released the transcript of the interview as well as the full Jane Doe letter. Then Munro-Leighton emailed the Committee staff days later on October 3 with the subject line: 'I am Jane Doe from Oceanside CA -- Kavanaugh raped me', identifying herself as the letter's author. 'I refuse to allow Donald J. Trump to use me or my story as an ugly chant at one of his Republican rallies. I know that Jane Doe will get no media attention, but I am deathly afraid of revealing any information about myself of my family,' she said in the e-mail. 'I watched in horror as Trump vilified Dr. Blasey-Ford. I will not allow this abuse to be directed toward me,' she added. In her e-mail she referred to her earlier letter sent to Senator Harris and even included a typed version. Senate investigators tracked her down and interviewed her. Although she signed her letter as 'Jane Doe of Oceanside, California' she was found in Kentucky. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT The letter: Munro-Leighton claimed to be the 'Jane Doe' who wrote to Senator Kamala Harris on September 19, describing with graphic detail how Kavanaugh and a friend had supposedly raped her several times in the backseat of a car, but did not mention when or where Then Munro-Leighton emailed the Committee staff on October 3 with the subject line: 'I am Jane Doe from Oceanside CA -- Kavanaugh raped me', identifying herself as the letter's author The letter was signed Jane Doe from Oceanside California. Senator Grassley said she claimed she didn't write the letter on Thursday, recanting her earlier claims that she did. She was decades older than Kavanaugh and was found in Kentucky and could have been taking credit for the letter while the real Jane Doe remains unidentified The letter was sent to Senator Harris labeled as 'urgent' and with no return address Investigators finally got a hold of her on November 1 by phone and spoke with her about the allegations. Under questioning however she admitted she was never sexually assaulted by Kavanaugh and said she was not the author of the original 'Jane Doe' letter. When investigators asked if she was the 'Jane Doe' from Oceanside, California who wrote to Senator Harris she said: 'No, no, no. I did that as a way to grab attention. I am not Jane Doe...but I did read Jane Doe's letter. I read the transcript of the call to your Committee...I saw it online. It was news.' She fessed that she 'just wanted to get attention' and that it was a 'tactic' and ploy'. When asked about the e-mail she said: 'I was angry, and I sent it out'. Investigators asked her if she ever met Judge Kavanaugh to which she replied 'Oh Lord, no'. In a phone conversation with the committee she said she 'just wanted attention' adding that she called the Congress multiple times to oppose Kavanaugh's nomination during his hearing process Grassley described Munro-Leighton as a left-wing activist who was 'decades older than Judge Kavanaugh' and referred her to be investigated by the DOJ and FBI. While there is a chance Munro-Leighton could have been the original Jane Doe author, it is also possibly she saw the letter's transcript online then took credit for it and e-mailed the Committee claiming to be the author. 'The Committee is grateful to citizens who come forward with relevant information in good faith, even if they are not one hundred percent sure about what they know. But when individuals intentionally mislead the Committee, they divert Committee resources during time-sensitive investigations and materially impede our work,' Grassley said. 'Such acts are not only unfair; they are potentially illegal. It is illegal to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements to Congressional investigators. It is illegal to obstruct Committee investigations,' he added. Donald Trump may return to the UK for a state visit as soon as next summer. Although no dates have been set, sources said high-level discussions are taking place about the US President coming next year. Officials are working on a bells and whistles state visit lasting up to a week following Mr Trumps short working trip this summer. Donald Trump may return to the UK for a state visit as soon as next summer It is being lined up to coincide with the start of negotiations over a post-Brexit trade deal. Discussions could start within weeks of Britain leaving the EU, sources said. A second trip within 12 months would boost US/UK relations. Mr Trump and First Lady Melania would be expected to receive the full red carpet treatment, and likely stay with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. When Mr Trump came in July, more than 100,000 took to the streets to protest. A Downing Street source said: An invitation has been extended and accepted, but there are no dates in play. Mr Trump and First Lady Melania would be expected to receive the full red carpet treatment, and likely stay with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh Consumers are determined to keep holidaying abroad despite growing concern over the economy, a new survey suggests. The number of people planning a foreign trip in the next 12 months has risen by one percentage point year on year to 55 per cent, the Holiday Confidence Index report from First Rate Exchange Services found. This is despite fewer than one in five (19 per cent) respondents believing economic improvement is in sight. The number of people planning a foreign trip (pictured stock image) in the next 12 months has risen by one percentage point year on year to 55 per cent Liam Hodge (pictured), head of insight at First Rate Exchange Services, said that the figures were a good reason for the travel industry to feel optimistic A higher proportion of those planning trips have already booked their first holiday, some 46 per cent compared with 44 per cent a year ago. Liam Hodge, head of insight at First Rate Exchange Services, said: 'The latest Holiday Confidence Index results provide good reason for the travel industry to feel optimistic that consumer demand will remain buoyant in challenging times ahead. 'The number of people who have already booked trips abroad is a reassuring confirmation that this type of holiday is a part of their lifestyle they are not willing to forgo.' Europe remains the most popular destination with 71 per cent of holidaymakers planning to visit the continent on their first trip in the next year. The survey of 5,114 UK consumers also suggests travellers intend to curb their spending over the next 12 months, with a fall in the amount expected to be spent on travel and accommodation. The world's former fattest man is set to appear in court following being accused of theft, after he was caught hiding goods in his mobility scooter. Paul Mason had planned to return to the UK for NHS treatment, but this could now be pushed back due to his court dates. The 57-year-old has reportedly 'gone into freefall' after piling on 16 stone after splitting with the fiance who turned his life around in the US. Paul Mason underwent surgery to have excess fold of skin removed following his extreme weight loss Police in the US said that Paul was found with 175 worth of aftershave, perfume, phone charges and earphones in his cart's trolley in May. According to Walmart security staff, Paul had tried to pull the stunt before. A police officer's report, seen by The Sun, says: 'Store security advised the male party, later identified as Paul Mason, failed to pay for the items he had in his basket totalling approximately $225. 'I was further informed that they having (sic) been watching Paul as he has done this in past, as he fills up a basket and then leaves the store utilising a motorized cart. 'Paul stated that he forgot to pay as he was leaving the store.' He faces court on November 15, charged with grand larceny of items under $1,200 (917), which carries a maximum penalty of a year's jail and 1,150 fine. Paul will represent himself due to a lack of funds to pay a lawyer. Paul has now been accused of shoplifting and is set to represent himself in the upcoming court case due to a lack of funds David Pounds, who is producing a TV documentary on Paul's plight, revealed: 'It has been a rocky few years for Paul. 'He has put back on weight as he copes with his relationship break down and depression. His food addiction has really got hold of him. 'Now he has been accused of shoplifting.' In recent months he has piled on weight, gorging on pizza and crisps all night after splitting from fiancee Rebecca Mountain for the last time earlier this year. He now gets around on sticks and is desperate for a double knee replacement and an op to fix a herniated stomach staple which he damaged by over-eating. David added: 'Paul has had safety nets in the past but now there is nothing to catch him. He is hoping he can have these ops done on the NHS. He doesn't know where else to turn. The cost is just too high in the US. He doesn't have a date in mind on coming back. It depends how the court case goes.' Paul (right) has now split from his fiancee Rebecca Mountain and said the split was down to his struggle to get motivated in a relationship Residents in his hometown Ipswich slammed his plan yesterday and a former neighbour said that the reality TV star is still allowing his circumstances in life to affect his weight. 'To leave the country and come back just because we have a free NHS is wrong although it's completely understandable why you would do it. 'He should be looking not just at the weight but at how he thinks and feels so he can cope better when he's in a bad way.' Residents in Paul's home town of Ipswich have criticised his decision to come back to the UK to receive treatment Before moving to join Rebecca, an 8st vegetarian, in Orange, Massachusetts, in 2014, Paul's care was costing UK taxpayers 100,000-a-year and an estimated 1.5million in total. In a 2002 medical emergency, fire crews had to take out a window and brickwork so a forklift could take him out of the house and to hospital in a five-ton ambulance specially built for obese people. By 2009 Paul needed a life-saving operation after putting away 20,000 calories a day, including three family-sized takeaway meals an evening. Paul had embarked on a strict exercise regime when he starred in a television documentary about his extreme obesity Then in 2010 he had gastric bypass surgery that shrunk his stomach to the size of an egg. In 2013 Rebecca contacted Paul after seeing a documentary about his plight. The pair got engaged and in May 2015 he had four stone of excess skin cut from his body in a nine-hour procedure in New York. The NHS had refused to do the 30,000 op until his weight had been stable for two years. Despite getting down to 19stone, Paul and Rebecca called off their engagement in September 2015. Producer David said: 'Rebecca was helped him to lose weight, get exercise and eat well. 'But she realised they had slightly different goals. Paul is not an easy man to live with. He always needs encouragement and support. Paul (left) had gotten emotional when discusses his weight. Rebecca (left) contacted him online after she had seen a documentary about his obesity 'I think she felt that the relationship lost balance really. 'He stopped doing things around the house and she's quite a focused woman and those sorts of things would irritate her. 'He would say she wouldn't give him the emotional support he needed. They grew apart.' David said Paul now barely gets out of bed and has a fridge and cooker in his room which he uses to make snacks at night. David said: 'The pain from his knees means he does not sleep well. 'He pretty much eats through the night. He's not hungry. He is eating because he is depressed and addicted. It is a vicious circle.' Paul can now barely get out of bed due to his recent weight gain Paul had two toes removed over the summer due to arthritis. He is reportedly on painkillers and medication for disorders including diabetes, cellulitis and anaemia. His story will be told in The World's Fattest Man, The Big American Adventure. Made by Nevison it is due to wrap up this year. David added: 'Our film shows how dramatic it is for Paul to just get around. It is really not easy. 'His biggest fear is that he will end up back in a wheelchair. 'But Paul is a survivor. When he wants to he can lose weight dramatically. He just needs the right focus and right people around him.' The show at Blackpools Grand Theatre was a sell-out on Halloween night this week. There was not a spare seat in the house as 1,000 people were entertained by pop stars, now of an uncertain age, who made Britains biggest seaside resort swing in the Sixties. Those were Blackpools heydays before cheap flights to package spots in the Spanish sun took their toll on the once-booming holiday market here. Today the Lancashire town is renowned mostly for rowdy stag nights, drunken day trippers and its status as one of the most deprived areas in England. Opposition: Campaigners warn of dire consequences of fracking at Cuadrilla's Preston New Road site near Blackpool One in three adults here hold no decent academic qualifications. Men born in Blackpool have one of the lowest life expectancy rates in England and Wales and one in five of Blackpools population say they smoke. Obesity is among the worst in Lancashire and about a third of children currently live in poverty. In the worst areas, that rises to half of children. Its not the famous lights that strike you most when walking through the town, but a lack of opportunity and aspiration. Not far from the Grand Theatre on Wednesday night, I watched as beggars pushed out their hands for money or wobbled off the Golden Mile before collapsing on the pavement from overdoses of drugs or drink as they waited for the homeless refuge to open for the night at the local St Johns church. There have been hopes that such sights in Blackpool would soon become a thing of the past. Today the Lancashire town is renowned mostly for rowdy stag nights, drunken day trippers and its status as one of the most deprived areas in England, writes Sue Reid Fracking, the controversial process of extracting gas from underground rocks using high-pressure chemicals, is being hailed as a salvation for the resort and a good deal of Lancashire, too. In glossy literature, the North West Energy Task Force has boasted how the entire region will benefit from the new source of gas with the creation of much-needed new jobs, a housing boom and more money for everyone. In November last year, the Government confirmed up to 10 million would be awarded to each community where there is fracking, giving residents the chance to decide how to spend the money. They could potentially receive direct payments to themselves and pay for facilities such as play parks and libraries. Youd be forgiven for thinking people in this part of Lancashire would be euphoric at the prospect of being thrown a vital lifeline. But the testing, which began earlier this month on farming land in sight of Blackpools famous tower and which extracted its first gas on Friday, has left the town divided. The reason? A series of 32 mini-quakes, all so slight that the tremors are virtually undetectable, have left the locals, if not shaking from reverberations, shaking with anger and fear. As Tina Rothery, a 56-year-old grandmother and former copywriter running a 24-hour a day protest to halt fracking at the site, said this week: On this coast, people are going to bed scared. They are afraid of living in a manmade earthquake zone. At first, some thought we were wrong. Now, after the quakes, they realise we are right. Beside her, Anne Powers, an 86-year-old former teacher from Manchester, is waving her walking stick ferociously at the security staff guarding the sites gates. This is about doing something right for the next generation, she says, adding, I wont be alive to see them. Fracking may have had triumphant claims of success in the States, particularly by Trump supporters, but the people of Blackpool are not convinced. Politics aside, however, the facts are impressive. The U.S. has unlocked underground reserves of oil and gas across 20 or more of its states. Oil production is increasing faster than at any time in the countrys history, even shaming the output of Saudi Arabia. Three quarters of Americas gas is now produced by fracking, with the result that domestic energy bills are being slashed. In fact, America has so much oil and gas to spare that it is exporting the stuff. Dr Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, told the Guardian newspaper recently: The U.S. is on course to be the worlds undisputed oil and gas growth story and its because of fracking. Then theres the work boom, even in states that dont have fracking. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says that the fracking industry has created 1.7 million new jobs already and there will be twice as many as that by 2035. What, you might ask, is there not to like? Quite a lot, insist the anti-fracking campaigners. They tell hideous, unprovable, tales of inflammable water coming out of taps because the liquid is contaminated by methane gas, a by-product of fracking. They also say mini-earthquakes have increased near fracking sites, which the U.S. Government does not deny. Most of all, the anti-fracking brigade argue that solar, wind and wave energy is better for our health and the environment than either dirty coal or risky fracking. So why dont we go down this route instead? They are the same arguments used by Tina Rothery and the rest of the mainly middle-aged band of female activists at the fracking site on Preston New Road near Blackpool. They are gaining support here and the driver of every fourth or fifth car driving by hoots their horn in solidarity since the earthquake scares. Yesterdays timely discovery of gas on the site could not have come at a better time. For Cuadrilla, the energy company running the drilling operation which also helps fund the research of North West Energy Task Force, has been under increasing pressure from campaigners. Francis Egan, chief executive of Cuadrilla, said: This is a good early indication of the gas potential that we have long talked about. He added: It provides early encouragement... of a significant source of natural gas to heat Lancashire and the UKs homes and offices, while reducing our ever-growing reliance on expensive foreign imports. We have the potential to make a major difference to the UK energy supply and economic prosperity. And not a moment too soon. For so keen was Cuadrilla to get the go-ahead to test fracking on Lancashire soil, that it signed up to stringent Government rules which mean that if there is a tremor deep underground of more than 0.5ml, akin to the vibrations of a passing car, a red light is triggered and drilling has to stop for 18 hours. This has happened four times. The ground near Blackpool was responding well to the injection of water and chemicals which open up pores to release the gas. However, the injection of sand, to hold the cracks open and let the gas flow out, was difficult without triggering the red signal that stops drilling. But the problem is that the threshold of 0.5ml (local magnitude) is far lower than that used in other countries, such as Canada. Mr Egan points out that if any other industry had to halt work when it triggered the same level of vibration, then you would never get a wind farm or Crossrail built and many HGVs would be off the road. Indeed, the vibrations at Blackpool were smaller than those that can be caused by quarrying, artillery training, mining, tunnelling, underground trains, and pile-driving. There was a 3.1-magnitude natural earthquake on September 15 at 6.39pm near Newton Aycliffe in County Durham. That was several thousand times more powerful than the fracking tremors at Blackpool. Yet, according to British Geological Survey experts, nobody in Durham reported feeling it. This week Mr Egan was quoted in the Financial Times saying he wanted a rethink. We are at the point now where we are saying that noose is so tight were just about to choke, he added. A warning also came from Dr Brian Baptie, a scientist at the British Geological Survey which helped draw up the red-light rules. He says the low threshold could make fracking economically unviable and halt the scientific tests at the site. And with every day that drilling is stopped, the cost to Cuadrilla is 94,000. 'Fracking toxins cause cancer and birth defects': An anti-fracking campaigner blocks the road in Lancashire Hovering in the wings is the new fracking tsar Natascha Engel appointed by the Prime Minister only weeks ago who has backed the red-light system. However, she used her first interview in her new post to accuse anti-frackers of stifling debate, acting irrationally and trying to scare the daylights out of ordinary people. She believes fracking will create tens of thousands of jobs, provide Britains energy needs for 50 years and generate enough cash to solve the social care crisis and save the NHS on its own. Miss Engel first investigated fracking when drilling was proposed in her former North East Derbyshire constituency where she was the Labour MP. Mothers who had heard scare stories would be in my office weeping saying their children were going to die, she said. They had been told that flames would leap from kitchen taps and their houses would collapse in earthquakes. Alarmed at this, she set off to find out for herself, heading for a fracking site in Yorkshire. When I drove there I could see a huge steel rig and garish piping in the distance. I thought Blimey. Its massive. It turned out to be the theme park, Flamingo Land, one of the biggest rides in Europe. The frack site was so small that I drove past it. Indeed, fracking has left local politicians of all persuasions scratching their heads. Lancashire County Council turned it down and Labour-run Blackpool Council doesnt want it either. Even the Tories here are cautious. The resorts Conservative leader Tony Williams, said this week: We know that people around here are worried. We are also doubtful the promised jobs from fracking will ever materialise or help locals. Everyone wants Britain to be self-reliant on energy, but we question the dangers. In the face of this impasse, the Government jumped in two years ago. Home Secretary Sajid Javid, then Communities Minister, approved plans for testing fracking in this country. He said the industry would support 64,000 new jobs and provide a new source of domestic energy. Cuadrilla, in a recent report, revealed that during the last quarter of 2017, spending in the Lancashire economy from its gas exploration operations has increased by more than 2 million to a total of 6.8 million. The total full-time and contract jobs which have been created now stands at 55. Cuadrilla also made 161,000 in community payments last year, some to people who live near the drilling site. In Blackpool they still get 18 million visitors a year, 99 per cent from Britain, who come for short stays or a night out. Yet fracking enthusiast and local hotelier Claire Smith says Blackpool needs more than just tourism. We have a lot of unemployment in this area. Tourism is what we do and we do it really, really well, she says. But the upshot of that is a lot of employment is seasonal and involves only mid to low-end jobs. Fracking, she believes, could change all that. In the streets near the Grand Theatre where visitors were piling in on Wednesday night to see jazz icon Georgie Fame and some original band members of Sixties rock group, Manfred Mann, few agreed with her. A woman in her fifties was sitting on a bench smoking and had just finished work at a stall selling T-shirts. What do you think of fracking? I asked her. She got up and started shouting. F*** fracking. Then she pointed to the empty shops which lined the pavement. We need tourists here, she said. They are not going to come when they have to drive in past a gas drilling site. In the coffee bar opposite the Grand Theatre, three young men working behind the counter echoed her sentiments. Weve had earthquakes here, just the other week. Jobs? You need to go to uni to do geography for the fracking work. The only ones hired from Blackpool will be cleaners and security staff. The rest will be brought in from abroad. It wont change things for us. Tomorrow the Blackpool Illuminations, a fantastic array of 3D and tableaux lighting along the promenade, closes for the winter. It is the moment that the jobless figures in the resort go up. Even when the summer season is in full swing, one in ten are without work here. Surely, new industry on the doorstep would help cure this resorts troubles, whatever Tina and her anti-fracking activists have to say. The largest earthquake since Cuadrilla started fracking was 1.1ml. The British Geological Survey said this tremor was felt by just one person locally. And that person was living in a caravan at a camp close to the drill site, which is the stronghold of the activists themselves. This curious fact was reported in the local newspaper without a hint of suspicion. Its enough to make you wonder if Blackpool is burying its head in its own Pleasure Beach sands. Novichok victims Sergei and Yulia Skripal were offered new identities in Australia following the attempted assassination, a new book has revealed. The former Russian spy and his daughter were found collapsed on March 4 in the British town of Salisbury and a police officer fell ill after trying to help them. Russian military intelligence agents Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov have since been charged with conspiracy to murder the Skripals and Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey. Novichok victims Sergei and Yulia Skripal (right and left) were offered new identities in Australia following the attempted assassination, a new book has revealed And in a new book by journalist Mark Urban, which tells the story of Mr Skripal's life, it is detailed how British government officials were considering moving the pair to a 'Five Eyes' country. The Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance comprised of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the United States. Mr Urban wrote the Skripals were recovering in hospital after the attempts on their life when the discussions were happening. He said: 'There had been suggestions from Downing Street they might well end up in America or another English-speaking country, and be given new identities.' But the author revealed the two were not eager to leave the protection of British police. He added: 'Neither of them I hear particularly liked this idea.' But the author revealed the two were not eager to leave the protection of British police 'But even if the arrangement of safe house and police protection could go on for months it could not go on for ever.' The explosive account of the months leading up to the assassination attempt also explained how Mr Skripal's code name was Forthwith and had been recruited to Britain at the end of a three-year role in Spain. The British writer said Ms Skripal also struggled to adjust to her new life under protection, who had only intended to be away from Moscow for two weeks. He also had a dog back in Russia. According to The Australian, Mr Urban said the reason the pair was targeted was potentially to warn other Russian agents from defecting. New higher education reforms could see university tuition fees in the UK cut from 9,250 to 6,500. The proposal comes from a commission that was established by Prime Minister Theresa May after she came under pressure when Jeremy Corbyn pledged to abolish tuition fees entirely. With at least three UK universities already reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy, the new plans are sure to draw the anger of vice-chancellors and higher education experts. The move could leave universities with a third less income from fees and is also expected to cost the Treasury around 3 billion a year. The proposal to cut fees comes from a commission that was established by Prime Minister Theresa May (file photo) It could even lead to a cap on student numbers - an issue that is already affecting institutions in the UK. Earlier this week, experts warned that at least three universities are on the brink of going bust with growing numbers dependent on short-term loans 'just to survive'. They said falling numbers of 18-year-olds, increased competition for students and tighter immigration controls on foreign students are pushing universities closer to collapse. The cut to tuition fees is expected to be slammed by universities who, according to the Times, will argue that it would threaten social mobility and force struggling institutions to close. The proposal is believed to have been inspired by Theresa May's drive to appeal to younger voters. Many in Whitehall believe that the Prime Minister is aiming for the youth vote and has even been encouraged by some senior MPs to limit the numbers of students going to university. Philip Augar, a former equities broker, led the review, which is due to report to the Department for Education in January. The proposal comes after the PM came under pressure when Jeremy Corbyn pledged to abolish tuition fees entirely (file photo) It was first commissioned in January this year. The first draft, which calls on tuition fees being cut to between 6,500 and 7,500, have been blasted as naive by one senior figure. The commission intends for the loss of funds for universities to be made up by the Treasury. Vice-chancellors think that universities then will face even more cuts as they fight for funding alongside schools, defence, health and crime. According to the Times, one said that universities feared the worst 'if it became a choice between dying babies and medieval French'. However, University vice-chancellors have hit out at the plans and say that it could cause universities to close (file photo) Some also believe the cuts would be a backward step and force universities to rely on government funds. They also claim that the decision would hit poorer students hardest as many disadvantaged students do not currently pay back their full debt. Currently, universities also spend tuition-fee income on bursaries. The present tuition fee income of 9.5 billion is forecast to rise to 14 billion by 2024 because of high student numbers. A senior figure in the university sector reportedly said that the Augar review was testing ideas and that informal conversations were being held to gauge reaction in the government before views were sought at universities. Earlier this week, experts warned that at least three struggling UK universities were on the verge of bankruptcy (file photo) The source said: 'I'd be really surprised if what we're seeing is the final recommendation. The thing about tuition fees is that all the alternatives are worse.' According to the government, Tony Blair's 1999 promise that almost half of young people should go to university by the age of 30 was fulfilled earlier this year. Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group of leading universities, said: 'Reducing funding for teaching would impact directly on the student experience, leading to higher student-to-staff ratios, less hands-on lab and practical work and student services stretched past breaking point. He also said that the government would need to introduce new teaching grants to meet future demand. Alistair Jarvis, the chief executive of Universities UK, which represents vice-chancellors, said that the cuts would leave a 'serious funding gap'. He also says the government must find funding alternatives or face returning to a time where university places were capped and many courses were underfunded. According to the government, Tony Blair's 1999 promise that almost half of young people should go to university by the age of 30 was fulfilled earlier this year (file photo) Despite the proposal of funding cuts, most experts believe that the review will recommend that fees vary depending on courses. The Department for Education said that it would not be drawn on speculation about the Augar review. A spokesman said: 'People are rightly concerned about value for money, that's why we're reforming the system to make it fairer. We have already increased the repayment threshold for graduates and are open-minded in our approach.' Meanwhile, students from the EU, who pay the same 9,250-a-year fees as those in England or 9,000 in Wales, could face higher fees under a new system if they were charged the same as international undergraduates. These fees could range from 9,000 to more than 35,000 a year, depending on the course and the university. Troops who fail drugs tests will be kicked out of the Army immediately and banned from rejoining, it was reported last night. The tough new rules were ordered by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, after recent revelations about troops taking illegal substances. It marks a significant shift from the previous policy, which allowed commanders to let soldiers stay in their posts despite a failed drugs test if they proved themselves or were engaged in training. Gavin Williamson has ordered strict new against army troops who fail drugs tests Troops who say they have accidentally taken drugs can now only continue if granted permission to do so by the Chief of the General Staff, the head of the army. It was previously reported that Army recruits caught taking drugs during basic training were allowed to stay in their jobs. Army chiefs had reportedly relaxed the rules because drug use was so rife in the regiments and the force was low on numbers. Many Army personnel were reportedly in favour of the previous stance because it gave a second chance to those from deprived backgrounds, where drug use might be more commonplace. Recruits removed for failing drug tests could join again after two years, so long as they agreed to rules such as regular testing. However, both loopholes have been dropped under the new zero tolerance policy, which was sent to commanders on Wednesday. But the new strict rules will reportedly prevent those who fail drug tests from even enlisting with the reserves. A defence source told The Sun: This is good for the Army. The grey areas are gone. Now if you do drugs youre out no ifs, no buts. If you fail a test you can never come back. It was previously reported that for the first time, Army recruits caught taking drugs during basic training were allowed to stay in the military. Troops who say they have accidentally taken drugs can now only continue service if granted permission to do so by the Chief of the General Staff, the head of the army The move was criticised as a weak and dangerous surrender and raised concerns about drug users having access to firearms. General Lord Dannatt, former head of the Army, said at the time: This is a rather sad reflection of our society today. Last month, a Sikh who became the first Coldstream Guard to wear a turban during Trooping the Colour was kicked out of the Army after he failed a drugs test. Charanpreet Singh Lall, 22, from Leicester, was dismissed after he tested positive for cocaine. A forces spokesman said at the time: The Army does not tolerate drug abuse within its ranks. Soldiers caught taking drugs will be discharged. Former head of the army General Lord Dannatt (pictured) had previously said that rules on drugs were a 'sad reflection on society' Earlier this year, four soldiers were under investigation after being barred from Windsors King and Castle pub over suspected drug taking. Last November, three soldiers from the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment were arrested over fears they were dealing ketamine. More than 6,000 Army personnel have been kicked out over drugs offences in the past eight years, while hundreds of soldiers tested positive for substances including cocaine and ecstasy from just July to October last year. Officials carried out 22,910 tests during the four-month period, according to a freedom of information request. Of those, 220 produced positive results less than 1 per cent of those tested. A Canadian crowd laughed derisively at former White House strategist Steve Bannon on Friday and police made 12 arrests as protesters delayed the start of a controversial debate featuring Bannon and conservative commentator David Frum. Toronto Police tweeted 12 people face various charges and two officers suffered minor injuries, one was hit with a stick and another was punched in the face. The debate was delayed for about a half hour and Bannon was interrupted by a protester during his opening statement. Many in the crowd of 2,700 at the Munk debate groaned and laughed at Bannon when he said he hasn't seen a bad decision by President Donald Trump yet. When Bannon earlier called it a very tough crowd, one audience member responded 'No, smart.' 'Trump's economic nationalism doesn't care about your race, your ethnicity or color,' Bannon said to a jeering crowd at another point. The protester that interrupted the debate unfurled a banner that read 'No Hate. No Bigoty. No Place for Bannon's White Supremacy.' Protesters are treated for pepper spray outside a Toronto Munk debate featuring former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and conservative commentator David Frum in Toronto on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 The debate played out just ahead of the fiercely contested midterm congressional elections in the United States on Nov. 6 Protesters demonstrate outside a Toronto Munk debate featuring former White House chief strategist, Steve Bannon, and conservative commentator David Frum in Toronto on Friday Toronto Police tweeted 12 people face various charges and two officers suffered minor injuries, one was hit with a stick and another was punched in the face The debate was delayed for about a half hour and Bannon was interrupted by a protester during his opening statement Guests of a Toronto Munk debate featuring former White House chief strategist Bannon and conservative commentator Frum When one audience member loudly clapped for Bannon, he quipped 'Thanks Mom.' Last month New Yorker Editor David Remnick withdrew an invitation for Bannon to speak at the magazine's festival this month after facing widespread criticism. That set off a fierce debate about whether it was better to challenge or to shun Bannon. Bannon thanked the people of Toronto and the organizers for having him and the protesters outside for exercising their freedom of speech rights to protest. Frum and Bannon debated whether 'The future of Western politics is populist, not liberal.' Frum argued populism offers nothing but anger and fear and said he had faith in voters. In this Oct. 24, 2018, file photo, former White House strategist Steve Bannon speaks during the Red Tide Rising Rally supporting Republican candidates, in Elma, N.Y. 'I know the fear that many feel,' Frum said. 'This is not the first time that democracy has faced thugs, and crooks and bullies and would be dictators and those who would seek to build themselves up by tearing others down. This is not the first time that people have puffed themselves as the wave of the future. They were wrong then and they are wrong now.' Frum called the rise in populism the most dangerous challenge that liberal democratic institutions have faced since the end of communism. 'It's not a question of whether populism is on the rise and whether populism is going to be the political future,' Bannon said. 'The only question before us: Is it going to be populist nationalism or populist socialism?' Bannon played a central role in the 2016 campaign of Trump. Bannon said next week's midterms are critical test of the populist movement but said they are just in the first inning of it. He believes the Republicans will hold the Senate but it will be a dogfight for the House. Protesters demonstrate outside a Toronto Munk debate on Friday in Toronto Protesters demonstrate outside a Toronto Munk debate featuring Steve Bannon and conservative commentator David Frum in Toronto on Friday Protesters demonstrate outside a Toronto Munk debate featuring former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and conservative commentator David Frum in Toronto on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. The debate played out just ahead of the fiercely contested midterm congressional elections in the United States on Nov. 6. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP) Police protect a line-up of guests to a Toronto Munk debate Friday in Toronto The debate played out just ahead of the fiercely contested midterm congressional elections in the United States on Nov. 6 A protester is seen getting in an altercation with police Friday in Toronto Protesters demonstrate prior to the Friday Munk debate in Toronto One sign says 'Fascists are not welcome! End of debate' Mounted police form outside a Toronto Munk debate featuring former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and conservative commentator David Frum in Toronto on Friday Protesters and ticket holders in the intersection of King and Simcoe street outside of Roy Thompson Hall to protest the Steve Bannon debate on populism against David Frum as part of the Munk Debates in Toronto on Friday A gay couple with an adopted black son said they never quite fit in with their wealthy and conservative neighbors in Tierra Verde, Florida. Judson Kidd and James Donovan, both in their 40s, reached a tipping point this Halloween when one of their neighbors set up over-the-top Republican decorations with fake tombstones inscribed with the names of Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi on their front lawn. The neighbor went all out creating a liberal graveyard burying CNN, 'Fake News', socialism, billionaire George Soros, New York Senator Chuck Schumer, and Pocahontas - Trump's nickname for Senator Elizabeth Warren, all alongside MAGA signs. Judson Kidd (left) and James Donovan (right) said they never fit into their Tierra Verde, Florida neighborhood and on Halloween they reached a tipping point when their neighbors put up anti-liberal decorations and they complained. The couple pictured with their adopted two-year-old son Van The couple complained about this house's anti-liberal decorations with white crosses, tiki torches, and tombstones for Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren and Nancy Pelosi A zoomed in look at the signs reveals a tombstone that says 'Hillary Clinton RIP 1947 - 2016', and crosses for CNN, Hollywood, Fake News, and a signs saying 'Draining the swamp' and 'Make America Great Again' Kidd complained on Nextdoor, a social networking service for neighborhoods, sparking fury in his neighborhood The lawn was also covered with white crosses and signs that said 'Stay away' and dotted with tiki torches, which were held by white nationalists during last year's rally in Charlottesville. Kidd was so shocked by the aggressive decorations he posted a picture of the home on Nextdoor, a social network organized by neighborhood where residents can communicate with one another. He slammed his hawkish neighbors as 'pathetic'. 'So, what's with the extremely political Halloween decorations in the neighborhood Tombstones with Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi's names on them? I thought Halloween was for kids? Is this what our neighborhood has come to,' he wrote. 'I know I don't feel comfortable taking my kids trick-or-treating around here anymore. Will be heading back to Old Northeast this year. Pathetic!!!' he added. And his post quickly sparked fury in the neighborhood. One user replied writing: 'You're disgusting. If you don't like it why don't you move.' 'Oh, dear. Whatever happened to having a sense of humor. No, Halloween isnt just for kids and God Bless the First Amendment. If a sign intimidates you, go to your safe place,' another commenter wrote. 'Im guessing that it wasnt your neighbors intent for you to feel uncomfortable and if it was, who cares. Be grateful you can afford your home. The are plenty of people who cant afford a home at all,' another added. 'Just remember, you moved here and those tiki torches probably were here before you,' one user said. But Sharon Rhoads, the owner of the home with the controversial graveyard, defended her decorations in the Nextdoor thread saying: 'My husband and I hate NO ONE.' 'We teach our children that we are all ALL Gods people and we love them all men, women, LGBT, black, white, Hispanic, Christian, Jew. Our graveyard was simply political satire designed to target that with which we do disagree, WHICH IS SOCIALISM,' she added. She also mentioned her charity work and that she adopted two orphans fom Guatemala. Rhoads invited Kidd to have coffee but he declined. He said: 'With that stuff in her yard, I'm not setting foot on her property.' According to her social media her family are strong Trump supporters and even attended his inauguration. The replies on the post ended up being so offensive the post was taken down. Kidd also called the Tierra Verde Community Association and sent photographs of the offensive signs but never heard anything back. Sharon Rhoads (pictured left), the owner of the home with the controversial graveyard, defended her decorations in the Nextdoor thread saying: 'My husband and I hate NO ONE' She and her family are loud Trump supporters and let their political stance be well known with their makeshift liberal graveyard on their front lawn. Rhoads pictured above with husband She defended her actions saying: 'Our graveyard was simply political satire designed to target that with which we do disagree, WHICH IS SOCIALISM'. She also mentioned her charity work and that her family adopted two daughters from Guatemala, Rhoades pictured above in pink with her adopted daughters far left and far right Kidd and Donovan said they never felt welcome in the affluent waterfront neighborhood. They moved in last July and on move-in day they spotted two children under the age of eight holding up Make America Great Again signs. Neighbors didn't introduce themselves and parents didn't seem to want to let their kids play with their two-year-old son Van. On one occasion a mother yanked her daughter away from Van as they started playing. 'People hear things from the president and think, "If the leader of the free world says it, it's OK." Even my rhetoric has amped up, not that Im proud of it. But this is the world we live in today,' Kidd said to the Tampa Bay Times. The couple, that have been together for 15 years, say they're worried about raising their son in such an environment. Before moving to Tierra Verde, they lived in the Tampa Bay area and had a vacation cottage on Anna Maria Island where they said 'everybody there loved having gay friends' and neighbors would coo over their baby and bring over gifts. 'This is the most unwelcome I've ever felt. We've lived in all kinds of Deep South states and in all those situations, I was surprised at how considerate people were. In Little Rock, Arkansas it was pure Southern hospitality,' Kidd said. While the couple said on Nextdoor that they were ready to move out, they've decided to stay after some kindhearted neighbors reached out to them following their post and invited them to Halloween parties and thanked them for speaking out. A 45-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a missing woman who disappeared nearly two decades ago. Rebecca Delalande attended a dentist appointment on November 5, 2001, before she was last seen at a home on Fortunella Grove in Seville Grove, a Perth suburb. Suspicion escaped the family, which believed the then-23-year-old mother had simply moved. Rebecca Delalande (pictured) attended a dentist appointment on November 5, 2001, before she was last seen at a home on Fortunella Grove in Seville Grove, a Perth suburb They thought she had gone to make a new life for herself and left an adoptive family to raise her six-year-old son. Ms Delalande's mother Doreena Kunoth told reporters on Wednesday her daughter had a rebellious streak as a teenager. 'I always had a feeling Rebecca was alive or is alive,' she said. 'I just assumed that my daughter got mixed up with some bad people, a bad crowd and she decided she didnt want to be involved in the family anymore.' Police only learned Ms Delalande had disappeared in late 2017, when detectives were investigating an unrelated case in which she could have been a witness. Police only appealed for public assistance this week to help locate the missing woman. 'We would like to thank community members for coming forward and assisting with this investigation,' Cold Case Homicide Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Stephen said. Today detectives said a 45-year-old man from Rockingham had been charged with murder. Police only appealed for public assistance this week to help locate the missing woman They said a search would be carried out at an industrial property in Bayswater. Police did not reveal the link between the man and the property and are going off 'sufficient information'. The property will be cleared of shipping containers and other materials this weekend before detectives carry out forensic works on Monday. In the meantime, police have urged anyone with information that could assist their investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Ms Delalande has been described as 161cm tall and of a slim build. She had brown hair and eyes. The US Supreme Court rejected a request by Donald Trump's administration to halt a trial that challenges the inclusion of a question concerning citizenship in the 2020 census. The lawsuit - filed by New York, other states and advocacy groups - will test the legality of the government's contentious decision to ask people taking part in the 2020 national census whether they are citizens. The Supreme Court judges announced the action in a one-sentence order. The trial is scheduled to begin Monday in New York and will go ahead as planned. The nine-member US Supreme Court (pictured) have allowed a trial that challenges the inclusion of a question concerning citizenship in the 2020 census to proceed on Monday Donald Trump's administration had argued that there should be no trial until the justices rule on a fight over evidence Three conservative justices - Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch - said they would have granted the request for an indefinite postponement of the trial. Trump's new appointee to the nine-member court, Brett Kavanaugh, did not state publicly how he voted on the matter. Kavanaugh was previously accused by sexual harassment by University lecturer Dr Christine Blasey Ford, but he was cleared of any wrongdoing in an FBI investigation. The decision benefits the 18 states challenging the census citizenship question in part because such a postponement would have made it impossible to resolve the dispute before census forms are printed starting next year. The Trump administration had argued that there should be no trial until the justices rule on a fight over evidence. That dispute includes whether Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, whose department oversees the US Census Bureau, should be forced to answer questions under oath about his motivations for the politically charged decision. Opponents of the citizenship question have said it would deter people in immigrant communities from participating in the census. Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch (left), Samuel Alito (middle) and Clarence Thomas (right) said they would have granted the request for an indefinite postponement of the trial This would disproportionately affecting Democratic-leaning states' electoral representation and federal funding by under-counting the number of residents. Amy Spitalnick, a spokeswoman for New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood, who is among the state officials suing the administration, said the Trump administration has tried every trick in the book to block the case. You really have to wonder what they're trying to hide. We welcome the Supreme Court's decision and look forward to making our case in court as we fight for a full and fair census, Spitalnick said. Amy Spitalnick, a spokeswoman for New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood, said the Trump administration has tried every trick in the book to block the case The US Justice Department, which is defending the administration, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The trial, in federal court in New York City, was scheduled in a pair of lawsuits. The first, spearheaded by Democratic officials, was brought by 18 states as well as a number of cities and counties. The other was filed by several immigrant rights groups that accused the administration of discrimination against non-white immigrants. The administration, in explaining the citizenship question, has said more precise citizenship data is needed to better enforce a voting rights law in order to protect minorities. There has not been a census question about citizenship status since 1950. The plaintiffs have said that in recent decades Census Bureau officials have opposed adding a citizenship question because of the risk of driving down response rates and under-counting the US population. Manhattan U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled in July that the plaintiffs 'plausibly allege' that Ross's decision was motivated by discrimination. Trump's new appointee to the nine-member court, Brett Kavanaugh, did not state publicly how he voted on the matter. Furman ruled in September that Ross must face a deposition by lawyers for the states because his intent and credibility are directly at issue in the lawsuit. The Supreme Court later blocked that order. The US Constitution mandates a census every ten years. It is used in the allocation of seats in Congress and the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funds. Two Indiana police officers caught on video brutally punching a handcuffed man more than 10 times have been charged with battery nearly a year after the incident. Surveillance footage from the Elkhart Police Department shows officers Cory Newland and Joshua Titus standing in the station's detention area by Mario Guerrero Ledesma following the suspect's January 12 arrest. In the video, Ledesma can be seen with his hands cuffed behind his back as he prepares to spit at the officers before Newland warns him not to. When Ledesma ignores the warning and projects saliva anyway, the officers immediately tackle him to the ground, slamming his head into the concrete floor. They then proceed to beat into Ledesma for several seconds while hurling expletives at him. Three other officers who were watching the beating from the sidelines eventually tell Newland and Titus to stop. CCTV footage shows Indiana police officers Cory Newland and Joshua Titus beating Mario Guerrero Ledesma after he spat at them in the Elkhart Police station on January 12. In the screengrab above Newland is seen right, Ledesma second from the right and Titus center Newland warned Ledesma not to spit but the suspect didn't listen, so Titus struck him in the face. Ledesma's head slams into the concrete floor following Titus's powerful punch The officers proceed to beat into Ledesma for several seconds while hurling expletives at him Video of the incident was released 11 months after the fact following a request by the South Bend Tribune, which has been conducting an ongoing investigation into the department with nonprofit news organization ProPublica. Newland and Titus will be charged with misdemeanor counts of battery, department officials announced Friday. They've both been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. The Tribune reported that the two officers were reprimanded for the incident five months ago, around the time that Ledesma pleaded guilty to charges of domestic battery and resisting arrest in June. The outlet requested the surveillance video in mid-October after a reporter noticed a disparity between the description police Chief Ed Windbigler gave to city officials and what was written in personnel records. In a June 12 letter of reprimand to Newland, obtained by the Tribune, Windbigler wrote: 'I completely understand defending yourself during an altercation. However, striking a handcuffed subject in the face is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. 'We cannot let our emotions direct our reactions or over-reactions to situations such as this.' The following week at a Police Merit Commission meeting, chairman James Rieckhoff asked Windbigler if anyone had been injured during the incident in question, to which the chief replied: 'No.' Pope Francis apparently told US filmmaker Michael Moore that capitalism is a sin and that the poor must always come first when they met recently in the Vatican City. Michael Moore, 64, told Late Night with Seth Meyers that he met the Pope two weeks ago and he made the comments when Moore asked him about income inequality. I went to the weekly audience, and then he asked to speak to me privately. It was an amazing moment, and I asked him if I could ask him a question,' Moore said. Pope Francis talks with director Michael Moore during his weekly general audience in St Peter's Square at the Vatican City on October 17, 2018 Moore can be seen speaking and whispering into the Pontiff's ear during their meeting 'And he said, "Yes,"' Moore said, recounting his visit with the pope last month. 'And I said, "Do you believe that an economic system that benefits the few, the wealthy at the expense of the many is a sin?" He said to me, "Si" in Italian. And I said, "So you believe capitalism, the capitalism we have now is a sin?" He goes, "Yes, it is." He said, "The poor must always come first."' The Bowling for Columbine documentary maker described Pope Francis as a humorous figure and claimed that the Argentinian-born Pontiff asked if Moore would pray for him. He added: He grabbed my hand and he said, "Please, pray for me." And I said, "I will, and please pray for me." And he said, "No, you have to make more movies." And I'm like, "I just wanted a prayer." He's like, "No, you go back to, you go back work." He has a sense of humor.' Moore, who is a left-wing activist, met the Pontiff two weeks ago at St Peters Basilica and tweeted a picture of the two of them together. At one point Moore can be seen whispering into his ear while Papal bodyguards look on. On Late Night, Moore also discussed Fahrenheit 11/9, his new American political documentary about the 2016 United States presidential election and the subsequent presidency of Donald Trump In a caption he wrote: 'Today I met Pope Francis for the first time at the weekly general audience he holds at the Vatican. We spoke for a number of minutes. I had a question I wanted to ask him and he gave me his answer. I will write about this tomorrow. For tonight, I remain deeply moved and grateful'. Pope Francis, 81, is known for his work with disadvantaged people and has at times denounced Church doctrine in favor of social change. He recently welcomed the homeless and unemployed as guests of honor for a Mass and gourmet meal in the Vatican, saying that helping the needy was one way of obtaining a 'passport to paradise'. Moore also discussed Fahrenheit 11/9, his new American political documentary about the 2016 United States presidential election and the subsequent presidency of Donald Trump on Late Night. Pope Francis, who is known for his work with the disadvantaged, is pictured visiting the Capuchin Centre for the Homeless in Dublin on a recent trip to Ireland Pope Francis greets worshipers during an audience for the people In precarious situations at the Paul VI Hall in 2016 and regularly opens up the Vatican to the poor and marginalized He also opened up about being a prospective target of the alleged Florida mail bomber Cesar Syaoc on Thursday's episode of Late Night. The man accused of sending multiple explosive devices to media outlets and Democratic politicians had images of a number of people with crosshairs on them, including the documentary filmmaker. I was watching CNN live and all of a sudden there was my picture on his van. Honestly, I have to say my first thought was, "That's a really good picture,"' he said. My second thought was the bull's-eye, the target he put on me, wasn't over my face. It was just down here, like on my neck and shoulder. So I gave him a little bit of credit, but not really. Moore added that law enforcement officials also contacted him about the suspected bomber. Extra Brut has won the 2018 AAMI Victoria Derby in spectacular fashion, upsetting Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's favourite to win Thinkin' Big. Darren Weir's thoroughbred, ridden by John Allen, was chased home by Stars of Carrum which was closely followed by Chapada. The $2 million, 2000 metre race had fans and celebrities alike roaring from the stands for their pick at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon. Extra Brut (pictured) has won the 2018 AAMI Victoria Derby in spectacular fashion, upsetting Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's favourite to win Thinkin' Big Allen credited the firm track for being able to get the best out of the three-year-old, saying 'everything played into our hands beautiful and I let the horse do the rest'. Weir said he was 'very happy' with the result of his first ever Derby Day, while Allen described his biggest moment as 'unbelievable'. 'Obviously a big thank you to Darren Weir and his team and (part-owner) Brad Spicer and his team for giving me an opportunity,' he told Herald Sun. The champion horse performed its biggest career triumph before a packed-out crowd of fans, models, reality TV stars and famous sportsmen including Usain Bolt. Weir said he was 'very happy' with the result of his first ever Derby Day, while Allen described his biggest moment as 'unbelievable' Elle Macpherson, Elyse Knowles, Rebecca Judd and Jennifer Hawkins were among stylish women to attend dressed in this year's black and white theme. Keeping Up With The Kardashians star Scott Disick, 35, also made an appearance, accompanied by his girlfriend Sofia Richie, 20, the daughter of Lionel Richie. Stars from The Bachelor fanchise including Matthew Johnson and his girlfriend Laura Byrne, as well as Georgia Love and her boyfriend Lee Elliot, were in attendance. Dumpees from Nick Cummins' recent season Sophie Tieman, Cassandra Wood and Brittany Hockley also stepped out in stunning monochrome attire for the race. A homeowner was looking forward to a well-earned drink after a hard day's labour - but they didn't expect to find it in their own wall. The Melbourne woman was shocked to find this half-century-old can of beer hiding inside the wall while renovating her unit last week. Covered in decades of dust and grime, the iconic white Carlton Draught tin dates from at least 1970 when the block in Werribee was built. Covered in decades of dust and grime, the iconic white Carlton Draught tin dates from at least 1970 when the block in Werribee was built A friend helping the owner build the new kitchen said they found the relic while taking to the wall with a sledgehammer. 'They pulled down a couple of walls and found it placed behind one. It's the coolest thing in the world,' he told Daily Mail Australia. The friend said the can was likely put there by German bricklayers who around that era would always put on in the footings for good luck. 'We are a few weeks away from putting the wall back up, but I'll likely put it back in the wall and add an extra updated can of beer so the next person to renovate in 50 years time can go through the same thing,' he said. But they had no plans to try the ancient beverage, which probably wouldn't go down as well as it did back in the day. 'I'd likely die,' he said. Various versions of the white Carlton cans were ubiquitous from the late 1960s through the 1980s when the brand was at the height of its popularity. They were given a revival, with updated opener technology, in 2014 as Carlton celebrated its 150th anniversary, along with a series of classic ads. Cereal company Kelloggs has committed to changing its packaging after they were challenged by a very unimpressed eight-year-old girl. Daliah Lee, from Canberra, wrote a letter to Kelloggs after she realised girls were never pictured on the back of Nutri-Grain boxes when she ate from them. In the letter, Daliah said she noticed 'there are only pictures of boys on the back doing awesome stuff.' 'Why can't girls be on the back? Girls can do something awesome too,' she wrote. Daliah Lee, from Canberra, took on the cereal giant after she realised girls were never pictured on the back of Nutri-Grain boxes The grade-two student vowed to stop eating Nutri-Grain, which was previously one of her favourites, until girls began getting featured on the boxes. 'I thought, 'Why aren't there girls on there?'. Girls can do amazing stuff too. We don't have to think one is better than the other. We're all humans.' Australian cereal brand Kelloggs have committed to changing its packaging Kelloggs initially provided Daliah with a generic response thanking her for her feedback. But she wasn't ready to bow down, and instead she created an online petition, with the help of her mother. 'Kelloggs should change their boxes because we are equal and they need to see that,' she wrote. 'They can change it by taking pictures of amazing things that women and men are both doing for the world.' Kelloggs later changed their stance, saying they would now consider changing their packaging. 'Hearing Daliah's passion and, as a company that values diversity and inclusion, we've decided that we will update the back-of-pack imagery with images of both females and males. This will be rolled out in 2019, so that we can continue to inspire all Aussies no matter their gender,' the company said in a statement. The grade two student vowed to stop eating Nutri-Grain, which was up until that moment one of her favourites, until girls began getting featured on the boxes They also added that females had been featured on boxes in the past, but admitted there had since become a quite telling discrepancy. The little girl, who has ambitions of becoming prime minister, is satisfied with the outcome of her letter and petition. Her mother, Annabelle Lee told Daily Mail Australia when Daliah was pulled from class briefly to hear the news, she jumped up and down and screamed out loud. 'She, in true eight-year-old style, screamed and jumped around like it was the best day of her life! She was almost in shock that her concerns had been heard and addressed. Ever since then she has been doing a little dance of excitement whenever she remembers,' she said. She initially received a generic response from Kelloggs thanking her for her advice 'But she's also really happy that she was heard and recognised.' 'Daliah can be really passionate when she believes in something and she really didn't want it to end [with Kellogg's initial response].' Daliah wrote the letter and the change.org petition all on her own, and was committed to seeing her inquiry through to the very end. She recruited male and female school friends, had teachers and her school principle supporting her and ready to back her up. Daliah, who is a huge fan of the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls and the ABC podcasts Fierce Girls, isn't taking any chances with Kellogg's. She has decided to boycott the sugary breakfast treat until she sees girls on the boxes herself. 'Listening to these messages that the world can be imperfect and (especially girls) can face oppression but that you can choose to be better and demand better have really sunk in for her. She believes she can change the world, and this is her first step,' Mrs Lee said. An unpaid intern has criticised her former boss who labelled her as a lazy millennial who 'would rather work at Bunnings' than advance her career. Anastasiya Tsymay, 19, is one of twenty-six young people who took part in a three-month placement at DFSM Consulting, who believe they were being exploited. The 19-year-old said what was meant to be a learning experience was more like a regular job and should have come with a salary, news.com.au reported. Anastasiya Tsymay (pictured), 19, is one of twenty-six young people who took part in a three-month placement at DFSM Consulting, who believe they were being exploited DFSM Consulting founder Samran Habib (pictured) has denied any wrongdoing, saying he is 'disappointed' with the accusation and has since cancelled the intern program. Ms Tsymay said the group of interns were tasked with building websites and overseeing projects that required them to work upwards of 25 hours a week. She described how in her role as a team leader responsible for building a comparison website, she was tasked with organising everything. 'What we're doing should be paid. We're not really assisting an employee, we're doing an entire project, pretty much starting a new business,' Ms Tsymay said. She said there's so much work expected to be done by interns, including designing the entire website and doing all of the market research. But the company's founder Samran Habib has denied any wrongdoing, saying he is 'disappointed' with the accusation and has since cancelled the intern program. 'These Aussies would rather work in a warehouse, a bar, a restaurant, or a Bunnings than do hard work, learn some skills and do some unpaid internships to advance their career,' Mr Habib said. He said the interns were never exploited, but rather given the opportunity to learn and develop valuable workplace skills. The quality of the work was also 'sub-optimal, very basic' and interns were never obligated to work a set number of hours per week, he said. Ms Tsymay said her concerns about being exploited were the general feeling of other interns who had undertaken the three-month internship program. She explained how Mr Habib promised a job to 'only the best candidates' at the end of the program, but the stress of the job meant she just 'wasn't interested' anymore. Ms Tsymay (pictured) said what was meant to be a learning experience was more like a regular job and should have come with a salary The 19-year-old marketing communications student described the work as 'demotivating', saying there was so much expected of unpaid interns. 'We've done so much work for [Mr Habib]`,' she said. 'Just the fact he's put so much pressure on us and made us feel like we're not doing a good job,' she said. Poll Should interns be paid for their work? Yes No Should interns be paid for their work? Yes 329 votes No 144 votes Now share your opinion Mr Habib, who came to Australia from Pakistan in 2014, said he started the program as a way to give back to the community and help young people enter the workforce. He explained how he didn't receive any commercial benefit from the internship program - it was simply for the intern's own good. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, the person who's doing the work should be the main person to benefit from the working arrangement. 'If a business or organisation is getting the main benefit from engaging the person and their work, it's more likely the person is an employee,' the watchdog states. Despite the IT boss cancelling the internship program, he allegedly offered to provide references for all those who participated in the program. While Mr Habib said he never expected the interns to be grateful, he did expect them to have been fair. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Ms Tsymay and Mr Habib for comment. Brexit financier Arron Banks has flown into Gatwick Airport from Bermuda just days after the National Crime Agency announced he was at the centre of a criminal investigation. Banks, one of the founders of the Leave.EU organisation, returned to the UK this morning amid claims that he broke electoral law over his 8million donation during the Brexit referendum. The National Crime Agency launched the investigation after the Electoral Commission said there were reasonable grounds to suspect that Banks was not the 'true source' of the 8million donation. Arron Banks arrived back into Gatwick Airport this morning, pictured, less than 48 hours after it emerged the National Crime Agency - Britain's FBI - has launched a criminal investigations into donations he made to the Leave.EU campaign ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum. Banks was questioned by journalists after he arrived at Gatwick's South Terminal this morning Banks, pictured this morning, was in Bermuda when the NCA announced the investigation Central to the investigation is a claim that the money used by pro-Brexit campaigners had been donated by Russian interests looking to undermine the European Union. Responding to the claims, Banks said he was confident the criminal investigation would 'put an end to the ludicrous allegations' against him. Yesterday, the self-confessed 'Bad Boy of Brexit' tweeted a photograph of him in Bermuda under the title 'Gone Fishing'. The Electoral Commission also referred Leave.EU, its chief executive, Elizabeth Bilney, and the organisation that ran it, Better for the Country, to the NCA after carrying out a review. Bob Posner, the Commission's director of political finance, said: 'We have reasonable grounds to suspect money given to Better for the Country came from impermissible sources and that Mr Banks and Ms Bilney, the responsible person for Leave.EU, knowingly concealed the true circumstances under which this money was provided. 'This is significant because at least 2.9 million of this money was used to fund referendum spending and donations during the regulated period of the EU referendum.' Mr Banks said the Commission had referred him to the NCA under 'intense political pressure' from anti-Brexit supporters. He said: 'I am confident that a full and frank investigation will finally put an end to the ludicrous allegations levelled against me and my colleagues. 'There is no evidence of any wrongdoing from the companies I own. I am a UK taxpayer and I have never received any foreign donations. The Electoral Commission has produced no evidence to the contrary.' Yesterday, Banks tweeted a photograph from Bermuda claiming he had 'gone fishing' The National Crime Agency are investigating the source of an 8m donation by Banks to the Leave.EU campaign ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum amid allegations the cash may have come from some of his contacts in Russia Yesterday, it was alleged Theresa May as Home Secretary blocked an investigation by the security services in 2016 into Banks over his links to prominent Russians Ms Bilney also accused the Commission of having a 'biased approach' in its investigations and said she was confident she would be 'exonerated'. She told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme: 'I hope that the matter will be shortly concluded to demonstrate that no crimes have been committed.' 'They are looking at it how they want to through their own biased lens,' she added. Mr Banks was criticised by the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee earlier this year for seeming to 'want to hide the extent of his contacts with Russia'. But Ms Bilney dismissed suggestions that some of the money may have come from the Federation. 'I run the group of companies where the money was from and we don't have any transactions that are from Russia,' she said. 'I completely comfortable that we have done everything above board.' The Electoral Commission's review of referendum finances focused on 2 million reported to have been loaned to Better for the Country by Mr Banks and his insurance companies and a 6 million donation he made alone. It said that, as well as having reasonable grounds to suspect he was not the true source of the cash, loans involved a company, Rock Holdings, based on the Isle of Man, which was impermissible under the rules. The watchdog said it suspected Mr Banks, Ms Bilney and others involved in Better for the Country and Leave.EU concealed the true details of the financial transactions. It believes a number of criminal offences may have been committed. The NCA said its investigation relates to suspected electoral law offences. A spokesman added: 'While electoral law offences would not routinely fall within the NCA's remit, the nature of the necessary inquiries and the potential for offences to have been committed other than under electoral law lead us to consider an NCA investigation appropriate in this instance.' The criminal investigation has also placed a focus on Theresa May, who as Home Secretary in the lead up to the 2016 Brexit vote allegedly blocked the security services investigating Banks over 'political sensitivities'. Earlier, a Number 10 spokeswoman refused to comment on the NCA probe. She said: 'I can't comment on an ongoing investigation,' the spokeswoman said. When asked about allegations of possible Russian influence on the vote, she said: 'There is no evidence to suggest that is the case.' Question Time panellist Nazir Afzal today backed Fiona Bruce, saying he had 'no criticism' of the host after accusing her during the show of asking him first about the cricket racism row because he is a 'brown person'. The BBC programme has become embroiled in an 'unconscious racism' row after Bruce asked Mr Afzal, the only non-white member of the panel, to be the first person to answer an audience member's query about racism. During the show, Mr Afzal agreed with Bruce that he thought she was 'wrong' to go to him first. But reacting this morning after the incident prompted huge debate online, Mr Afzal tweeted: 'I have no criticism of Fiona Bruce. I made point that racism is something which everyone should have a view on, not just minorities. If the subject was say child or domestic abuse, you wouldn't just ask the victim. It's everybody's business.' The question, which was partly about recent allegations of racist abuse made by cricketer Azeem Rafiq, was asked last night to a panel made up of former crown prosecutor Mr Afzal; white psychologist Jordan Peterson; and three white MPs - Mims Davies from the Conservatives, Stella Creasy of Labour and Stephen Flynn from the SNP. Bruce then immediately turned to Mr Afzal and asked him to answer, prompting him to say: 'The brown person will answer first'. As he made the comment he turned to the audience and laughed, which saw some chuckle with him. The presenter then asked him: 'Nazir, so do you think that was wrong of me to come to you first?' Mr Afzal replied: 'I think so' and attempted to continue answering the question while pointing towards the audience. But Bruce then added: 'Well let's not do it. I'm not being sarcastic at all. I mean if that's how you feel, I respect that.' Mr Afzal then stopped speaking and sat silently, while Bruce went to Mr Peterson to hear from him instead. Advertisement Britain's bitter Brexit divide is starkly revealed in two maps which show how Leave and Remain nations would look if the country were sliced apart along the lines of the referendum. More than two years after the 2016 ballot the country remains at odds over Europe, with heated political battles over the shape of a Brexit deal as the March 29 exit day draws nearer. In recent months the campaign for a second referendum or 'People's Vote' has gathered momentum with half a million people marching through central London to demand one last month. The maps, created by mapping and analytics company Esri UK, reveal exactly how the two Britains would look if Remain and Leave were left unable to talk to each other. A nation made up of Leave-voting areas is a robust nation retaining most of the English mainland, especially in the Midlands, the North and the South West. However it is eroded by huge lakes reflecting stronger support for Remain in cities Leave-land is a robust nation made up of most of the English mainland, with a solid trunk in the Midlands, the former industrial heartlands of the North and large parts of Wales. The North East is preserved in the new Brexit nation, including Sunderland whose huge vote for Leave was the defining moment of election night, although a large lake lies where Newcastle, with its narrow vote for Remain, once stood. The South West and East Anglia have also been left largely intact, reflecting large votes for Brexit in places such as Castle Point, Essex, which with 75.6 per cent had the third-highest Leave vote of any local authority. However the south of Leave nation has been eroded by huge new waterways reflecting stronger support for Remain in cities, carving most of London and much of the Home Counties out of the country. Ships arriving at Brighton could enter the 'Middlesex Sea' and navigate all the way to Swindon in the west before hitting dry land. The layout reflects the feelings of many Brexit voters that London and the politicians based there represented an out-of-touch elite. The capital itself had some of the highest Remain votes in the country, including 78.6 per cent in Lambeth and 78.5 per cent in Hackney. Meanwhile the Remainers' new nation is anchored by Scotland, where all 32 council areas voted to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum. It also includes the greater part of Northern Ireland, where a fairly comfortable vote for Remain has been followed by months of messy negotiations over the future of the border with the Republic. Remain-land is anchored by Scotland, where every local authority supported EU membership, and large chunks of Northern Ireland. The rest of the country is a series of islands with London and surrounding areas making up the largest one Beyond that Remain-land is a sprawling island nation, with its largest English landmass made up of London - where 27 out of 32 boroughs voted to Remain. The largest London-based island parts of nearby counties such as Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, which also backed continued EU membership. However it does not include Watford, which was the narrowest victory for Leave at 23,419 votes (50.3 per cent) for Brexit compared to 23,167 (49.7 per cent) to stay. Further north Remain hangs on to densely populated islands in the North West, including central Manchester and much of the county of Merseyside. Liverpool, Wirral and Sefton voted to stay in, making Merseyside the only modern English county outside the south to vote Remain. However not all urban areas were pro-Remain, with Birmingham and Sheffield the most prominent cities to vote Leave, albeit narrowly. The 'Great Britain Ocean' in the West Midlands, the Yorkshire Shallows, the Sea of Humber and the North Sea Gulf mark out the huge chunks of land where Remain could not persuade voters to back the status quo. And Remain would hang on to Gibraltar too, as 96 per cent of voters in the territory near Spain voted to stay in the EU. In all Leave-land has a population of 41 million people spanning 51,223 square miles, while 'Remain Land' is much more sparsely populated with only 21 million people living in 45,982 square miles, taking into account the vast size of Scotland. On the day of the referendum Leave won with 17.4million votes, or 51.9 per cent, compared to Remain's total of 16.1million, or 48.1 per cent. The 10 most Leave-supporting areas 1. Boston, Lincolnshire - 75.6% 2. South Holland, Lincolnshire - 73.6% 3. Castle Point, Essex - 72.7% 4. Thurrock, Essex - 72.3% 5. Great Yarmouth, Norfolk - 71.5% 6. Fenland, Cambridgeshire - 71.4% 7. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire - 70.9% 8. Bolsover, Derbyshire - 70.8% 9. East Lindsey, Lincolnshire, 70.7% 10. North East Lincolnshire - 69.9% Advertisement Advertisement Princess Eugenie appears for the first time since tying the knot to Jack Brooksbank in St Georges Chapel, Windsor on October 12. The royal was spotted at Casamigos for Day of the Dead at Isabel in Mayfair with her sister Princess Beatrice. She joined Beatrice at the restaurant who attended the ninth annual Global Gift Gala held at the Rosewood Hotel in London last night. Princess Eugenie has appeared for the first time since tying the knot to Jack Brooksbank in St Georges Chapel, Windsor on October 12 The 28-year-old royal was spotted at Casamigos for Day of the Dead at Isabel in Mayfair with her sister Princess Beatrice The newlywed donned a black lace dress with tuxedo jacket and navy blue velvet boots with her sparkling jewellery Princess Beatrice, who shone at her sister Eugenie's wedding last month, read a moving excerpt from The Great Gatsby in front of 850 guests, looked regal as she attended the event. Beatrice dazzled in the gown, which featured a embellished silver rhinestone neckline, glittering gold bow and puffed sleeves. Beatrice dazzled in the gown, which featured a embellished silver rhinestone neckline, glittering gold bow and puffed sleeves Demure: Princess Beatrice, who shone at her sister Eugenie's wedding last month, reading a moving excerpt from The Great Gatsby in front of 850 guests, looked regal as she attended the event in a monochrome gown Sarah Ferguson, 59, paid a visit to the Julia's House Children's Hospice in Devizes, Wiltshire, on Tuesday, and took to Instagram to share details of her experience Sarah Ferguson, 59, paid a visit to the Julia's House Children's Hospice in Devizes, Wiltshire, last Tuesday, and took to Instagram to share details of her experience. It was the Duchess of York's first public appearance since her daughter's wedding. Jack Brooksbank's bio was recently added to his new father-in-law Prince Andrew's official royal website. The potted history of Eugenie's new husband, 32, makes reference to the annual family holidays in France he's enjoyed since he was a child, his accomplishments at Stowe School, where he was a prefect, his charity efforts, and his passion for Chelsea FC. The family of a mother who is accused of abusing her five-month-old son to the point he was nearly dead have leapt to her defence, saying she is not a violent person. 'I've never known her to be violent towards any children at all,' Ebanee Gayl Coad's sister Tori told 7 News. She claimed the mother from Port Pirie, in South Australia 'loves her kids more than anything.' The sister of Ebanee Coad, Tori Coad (pictured) has leapt to the mother's defence, saying she's 'never known her to be violent towards any children at all' Tori Coad told that her sister fed her kids regularly and bathed them, calling her a loving and caring mother. Her comments come after Ebanee Coad, 30, and her husband Jeremy Neil Capper, 31, faced court on Friday on charges of criminal neglect. Their son was found suffering from severe dehydration, kidney failure, broken bones and a fractured skull, it has been alleged. The parents were charged following an investigation by South Australia Police and the Department for Child Protection. The court heard on Friday how the couple took their baby to the Port Pirie Hospital on September 13 where doctors found him 'very close to death'. The prosecutor said the baby had sustained multiple injuries over a number of weeks which included a fracture on the left side of his skull and broken ribs. He was also suffering from nappy rash and dermatitis. After intensive medical treatment, the boy is recovering well. Ebanee Gayl Coad (pictured) has two other children which have been removed from her care by the Department for Child Protection Jeremy Neil Capper (pictured) has been charged with criminal neglect after an investigation by South Australia Police and Department for Child Protection The couple have two other children who have since been removed from their care by the Department for Child Protection. The court heard how the baby had sustained injuries between May and September this year. They were refused police bail and will appear before Port Pirie Magistrates Court again next week. The couple's lawyers say they will deny all charges. Travelling Brits who want to bring their beloved pets to Europe after Brexit will have to fork out 90 by the end of this month. It is the first No Deal charge from the EU that will see pet owners have to dig into their pockets because of Brexit for the first time. If Britain leaves the EU in March without an agreement, the pet passport scheme could be voided, leaving the 90 cost redundant. A dog wears a banner during the 'Wooferendum march' in central London in October A no deal scenario would mean that pets would only be allowed to enter Europe if they'd been vaccinated against rabies and had their blood tested three months prior, i.e now. The Sun reported that advice published by the Brexit Department next week will warn: 'Those wishing to travel to the EU on March 30 2019, for example, should discuss requirements with their vet as soon as possible and before the end of November 2018 at the latest.' The order adds that 'The requirements include making sure that pets are effectively vaccinated against rabies before they travel. A dog poses with a protest placard, as Anti-Brexit dog owners and their pets take part in a march in London 'This involves having an up-to-date rabies vaccination and a blood test to demonstrate sufficient levels of rabies antibody. 'The blood test would need to be carried out a minimum of 30 days after any initial rabies vaccination and a minimum of three months before their travel date.' A senior Government source told The Sun: 'No Deal is ugly and anyone that says otherwise is being dishonest. But it is vital the public are told the facts in good time. 'Obviously a deal is still the most likely and most desirable outcome, but preparing for the worst is going to cost money.' Theresa May will meet Emmanuel Macron on the battlefields of the Somme next week where the French president's great-grandfather fought for Britain. The two leaders will meet in the town of Albert close to where George Robertson, Mr Macron's Bristol-born ancestor, was in the trenches. They will lay flowers at the Thiepval Memorial, which commemorates the thousands killed at the Somme, in the week leading up to the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. Butcher George Robertson was just 19 during the Somme campaign, and won medals for his service before staying on in France after the war. Theresa May will meet Emmanuel Macron (pictured) on the battlefields of the Somme next week where the French president's great-grandfather fought for Britain He married Frenchwoman Suzanne Leblond in Abbeville in 1919, and the couple had three daughters, including Jacqueline, who was born in 1922. Jacqueline went on to marry Andre Macron, and their son, Jean-Michel, is the father of Emmanuel Macron. The current French leader was born in 1977 in Amiens, the capital of the Somme department and the site of its own battle in 1918. Mr Macron, whose wife Brigitte also comes from Amiens, said earlier this year that he was 'delighted' by the connection with Britain. Government sources in Paris confirmed that Mrs May will link up with Mr Macron in northern France on Friday, November 9. 'There will be a working lunch during which the topic of Brexit will of course be on the agenda,' said one of the French governmental sources. 'Mr Macron is a confirmed Anglophile and will also be very proud to discuss his family heritage with Mrs May.' Mr Robertson cut all ties with his family in France and Macron only learned of his British bloodline when the Daily Mirror revealed it last year. The clearing in France where the Compiegne Wagon - in which the Armistice was signed in 1918 - once stood. This Sunday marks 100 years since the end of WOrld War I He had moved to Paris to work for American perfume brand Elizabeth Arden, but was unable to settle down in the French capital. He then returned to Britain, this time east London, where he met widow Elizabeth Luckin and married in 1936, aged 48. The Prime Minister will return to the UK in time to appear at London's Cenotaph for the anniversary itself on Sunday, November 11. The pair held private talks about Brexit at Mr Macron's holiday home in the South of France over the summer, and the ones in Albert will 'be very similar,' said the source. Lasting 141 days, the Battle of the Somme - which began on July 1, 2016 - was the bloodiest battle of the First World War. The plan was for a 'Big Push' to relieve the French forces, who were besieged further south at Verdun, and break through German lines. The British managed to advance seven miles but failed to break the German defence by the time the battle ended on November 19. Around 420,000 British soldiers, 200,000 Frenchmen and 500,000 Germans were killed in the battle. On the first day alone, 19,240 British soldiers were killed after 'going over the top' and more than 38,000 were wounded. A rescue diver attempting to recover bodies from an Indonesian jet which crashed on Monday has died. The man, Syachrul Anto, 48, collapsed after returning to the surface having dived on the wreckage of a doomed Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX which was lying in almost 100ft of water. The jet, which was almost new, plunged into the ocean just 13 minutes after it took off from Jakarta killing all 189 people on board. Lyan Kruniawati, wife of Syachrul Anto, the rescue diver who died during the mission to recover bodies from the doomed Lion Air jet shows photographs of her late husband at his funeral earlier today in Surabaya, East Java Syachrul Anto, pictured, collapsed and died after diving on the wreckage of the Lion Air jet which is lying in almost 100 feet of water Indonesia's search and rescue agency Basarnas has released footage of the debris field on the bottom of the ocean where Lion Air flight JT610 crashed on Monday killing all 189 on board Divers have so far recovered more than 70 bodies from the wreckage which is lying in almost 100ft of water. Head of the Indonesian search and rescue team Basarnas, Muhammad Syaugi said: 'Deepest condolences for the passing of a humanitarian hero from the Indonesian Diving Rescue Team.' The 48-year-old rescue diver had previously worked on the search for bodies after an Air Asia jet crashed off the Borneo coast in late 2014. It is understood he may have collapsed from decompression sickness, although the exact cause is unlikely to ever be discovered after his family decided against a post-mortem. As of Saturday a total of 73 body bags, few containing intact remains, had been recovered, but only four of the victims had been identified. The Boeing 737 MAX which crashed on Monday is lying in almost 100ft of water. One diver has died attempting to recover debris and bodies from the sea floor, pictured The Lion Air jet, pictured, was one of Boeing's new 737-MAX aircraft, pictured The pilot of the doomed Lion Air jet had requested an immediate return to Jakarta before the Boeing 737 MAX plunged into the ocean killing all 189 people on board Some debris from the jet has floated to the surface following Monday's crash Officials are trying to recover as much as the wreckage as possible to determine what caused the disaster which involved a brand new state-of-the-art passenger jet Divers have been searching through debris on the muddy sea bed for a second black box from the jet, as investigators try to get data from a partly damaged recorder recovered on Thursday. The pilot of flight JT610 had asked for, and received, permission to turn back to Jakarta, but what went wrong remains a mystery. Rescue divers are also trying to locate the aircraft's second black box which has been 'pinging' for the past two days. While victims' relatives are desperate to know what happened, the investigation of the first crash of a Boeing 737 MAX is also the focus of scrutiny by the global aviation industry. Preliminary investigation findings are expected to be made public after 30 days. The aircraft's pilot had requested permission to return to Jakarta before the jet crashed Some of the aircraft's victims such as Candra Kirana have already been positively identified Relatives of victim Hizkia Jorry Saruinsong sit by his coffin at the hospital's morgue Indonesia is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets but its safety record has been patchy. Its transport safety panel investigated 137 serious aviation incidents from 2012 to 2017. Divers have also located the aircraft's engines and landing gear. The aircraft's flight data recorder was retrieved on Thursday. Flight tracking websites show the plane had erratic speed and altitude during its 13 minute flight Monday and a previous flight on Sunday from Bali to Jakarta. Passengers on Sunday's flight reported terrifying descents and in both cases the different cockpit crews requested to return to their departure airport shortly after takeoff. All 189 passengers and crew died with the almost-new jet plunged into the sea just 13 minutes after the Lion Air jet departed Jakarta airport Lion has claimed a technical problem was fixed after Sunday's fight. Investigators are still attempting to retrieve information from the flight data recorder's "crash surviveable memory unit" that will help determine the cause of the disaster. It has been damaged and requires special handling, they say. The Lion Air crash is the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since 1997, when 234 people died on a Garuda flight near Medan. In December 2014, an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea, 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 is one of Indonesia's youngest airlines but has grown rapidly, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. It has been expanding aggressively in Southeast Asia, a fast-growing region of more than 600 million people. Ellie-May Minshull-Coyle was found dead in a flat she shared with her mother Lauren Coyle and Reece Hitchcott last March A mother admitted she 'smacked' her infant daughter in text messages sent to her partner just days before the toddler died in her 'monstrous cage' bed. Ellie-May Minshull-Coyle was found dead in a flat she shared with Lauren Coyle and Reece Hitchcott in Preston, Lancashire, last March. The 19-month-old's Frozen bed was 'turned into a cage', with its open sides enclosed by the slatted sides of a cot lashed together with ligatures and electrical flex. The young couple were cleared of Ellie-May's manslaughter at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday - and their trial revealed a series of texts about the infant's behaviour. The messages included threats to punish the toddler, the Liverpool Echo reported. In one chilling text, Coyle said to Hitchcott: 'Stressed with Ellie. She was biting me so I put her in her room. She is banging her head off the walls. I have smacked her loads too.' Hitchcott replied: 'I will sort her out when I come home. I will put her in her room.' Another was sent on March 20, just three days before Ellie-May was found tied to her mattress with tight ligatures across her chest and legs. Coyle said: 'Ellie playing up again, shoved her in her room.' Hitchcott replied: 'She will behave when I am home ha ha.' Other messages from Coyle detailed how she was 'so stressed' that she wanted to 'jump in front of a train.' Coyle (left), 19, and Hitchcott (right), 20, were found not guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday of the manslaughter of Coyle's 19-month-old daughter Another series of messages complained that the one-year-old was keeping the teenage mother up at night. The jury found the pair guilty of causing or allowing her death, one count of child cruelty by 'caging' the child in her bed, and another count of child cruelty by restraining her in the bed on Friday. Their lodger, Connor Kirby, 20, of Huyton, Liverpool, was cleared of all of the charges. Ellie-May was alleged to have been bound to the bed face-down. There were also marks on the child's wrists and ankles, suggesting she had been tied to the 'monstrous cage', the jury heard. A post-mortem examination concluded the youngster's death was caused by 'forcible restraint by ligatures in a face down position complicated by hyperthermia'. Coyle, of Collins Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston, said the bed had been converted by Hitchcott, of The Fieldings, Fulwood, Preston, with the aim of getting the toddler into a routine of sleeping through the night. Ellie-May was alleged to have been bound to the bed face-down, with marks found on the child's wrists and ankles She told the court that Ellie-May, her daughter by ex-boyfriend John Minshull, was her 'world'. The case was adjourned for sentencing at a later date. Granting Coyle and Hitchcott bail, judge Mr Justice Dove said: 'That is no indication whatsoever as to what the likely sentence might be.' Ellie-May's father John Minshull said: 'Ellie-May was a wonderful little girl, she was so special to everyone around her. She was always happy and the best daughter anyone could ask for. 'The fact that she was taken away from us broke our hearts because she was loved and she will be missed deeply.' Brett Gerrity, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'This is a tragic case in which a young and innocent child was treated in the worst possible way by those who should have kept her safe from harm. 'During the trial the prosecution proved that, by restraining Ellie-May in her bed, or knowing that she had been restrained in such a way, Lauren Coyle and Reece Hitchcott wilfully contributed to or directly caused her untimely death. 'Throughout the case the defendants denied responsibility for causing her death and blamed each other, but today the jury have found the child's mother and her partner guilty of causing her death and neglecting her. 'I would like to express my sympathy to Ellie-May's family and loved ones.' The leader of Germany's main far-Right party has cancelled her speaking engagement at Oxford Union next week due to security concerns and protests from students and professors. Alice Weidel, 39, who stormed to victory last September with anti-immigration party Alternative for Germany (AfD), had been invited to talk at the debating society on Wednesday. However, around 30 societies from the University of Oxford signed a letter asking the union to withdraw the invitation - with one professor saying AfD's 'anti-Muslim race-baiting politics has no place in a city that prides itself on tolerance'. Scroll down for video Alice Weidel (pictured), 39, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has pulled out of a talk at the Oxford Union next week amid security concerns and a student backlash The debating society yesterday defended its decision to invite Weidel, citing her 'outspoken views on issues such as the refugee crisis and traditional social values,' according to The Times. An Oxford Union spokeswoman added that the society was 'committed to the principles of political neutrality and free speech'. Weidel's party entered the German parliament for the first time last year, drawing support from a broad array of voters angry with Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision in 2015 to welcome almost a million, mainly Muslim asylum seekers. Regarding Weidel's invitation, the Oxford Labour Muslim Network stated in a letter that the Oxford Union had 'frequently been on the wrong side of history by platforming far-right extremists'. In 2007, students demonstrated outside the Oxford Union after then BNP leader Nick Griffin and controversial historian David Irving, a Holocaust denier, were allowed to address students. More than 300 protesters gathered at the gates of the union chanting slogans and waving banners. Up to 30 societies at the University of Oxford signed a letter calling on the Oxford Union, which is independent to the university, to withdraw the invitation (stock image) During the debate, anti-fascist campaigners successfully disrupted the proceedings by crashing into the meeting hall and staging a sit-in. The breach delayed the speeches and split the meeting into two. But the speakers were each allowed to address separate audiences after the hall was cleared by police. Speaking in 2017, Weidel, who is openly lesbian, said the arrival of more than a million migrants over the last two years had made Germany 'a safe haven for criminals and terrorists'. Paul Betts, a history professor at St Antony's College, told the Times: '[Weidel's] party's anti-Muslim race-baiting politics has no place in a city that prides itself on tolerance, diversity and aversion to extremisms of all kinds.' Dr Weidel was due to talk on Wednesday at the Oxford Union, which described her as 'outspoken on issues such as the refugee crisis and traditional social values' In last year's election, AfD came third, with almost 13 per cent of the vote. It is now the country's second most popular party after overtaking Merkel's coalition partners, a poll has shown. AfD are now more popular than the Social Democrats (SPD), who co-rule the country with Merkel's Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union alliance. The anti-immigration party are now on 18 per cent, having moved up two percentage points since a survey on September 9,according to DW. Arron Banks's Russian mother-in-law has denied the tycoon has any financial dealings with Moscow, as the Brexit backer faces a criminal investigation over his donations to the Leave campaign. The 52-year-old is married to Russian wife Ekaterina, also known as Katya, who drives a Range Rover with the British number plate MI5 SPY. Her mother Olga Paderina, 68, said neither Katya nor Arron Banks had any business in Russia, dismissing claims her own husband Yevgeny had brokered a deal to plough money into the Brexit campaign. The National Crime Agency launched a probe this week saying there were 'reasonable grounds to suspect' Mr Banks was not the true source of 8million of campaign funding. Arron Banks with his wife Katya (centre) and mother-in-law Olga Paderina (right), on Olga's 65th birthday celebration in Yekaterinburg, Russia, 2015 Olga Paderina said her daughter 'flies the Russian flag high' and revealed Banks's children have Russian as well as British passports. She said: 'It only amuses us and all our acquaintances. 'My daughter purposefully attached a SPY plate to her car. Just let them be afraid!' 'I know that neither Katya (Ekaterina), nor her husband have business here,' Olga - the 'babushka' or grandmother of Banks's children - said in another interview. Referring to the Russian money rumours that have hit Banks, she said: 'How should you take it that somebody is building a sensation or a political campaign at your expense? 'I don't even defend my daughter - why should I if she is innocent? 'This Russian trace story comes from the West where it's pulled by the head and ears in any direction at all.' Her husband Yevgeny has been described previously on a certificate for Ekaterina's earlier marriage in Britain as 'head of government property' in industrial Yekaterinburg, the family's home city. But in fact he did not occupy such an elevated role before his retirement around a decade ago, the family said. 'My husband worked in the Property Fund 20 years ago,' former school director Olga told Ural news outlet ura.ru. 'He is an elderly man, he retired ages ago. Of course he doesn't have such power.' Olga Paderina said her daughter Katya (pictured together) 'flies the Russian flag high' and revealed Banks's children have Russian as well as British passports The 52-year-old tycoon Banks is married to Russian wife Ekaterina (pictured), also known as Katya, who drives a Range Rover with the British number plate MI5 SPY Later he worked as head of an organisation training oil inspectors, say the family. 'He was not into financial wheeling and dealing,' insisted a source in the city. She also revealed that the Banks' children speak 'perfect Russian' - and have Russian passports. 'My daughter has even been over to see us recently,' she said. 'This time she came over by herself, but before she was often here with children. All our grandchildren have Russian passports. They don't forget Russia. 'And my daughter proudly flies the Russian flag high. She is not embarrassed by her citizenship, her education or her roots.' She has marched with her mother on a Victory Day parade in Russia held each May commemorating those who fell in the Second World War. Meanwhile, mystery has emerged over Banks' suspected Kremlin links amid claims he made a previously unknown visit to Russia in February 2016 during the run-up to the Brexit referendum. He was quoted as saying: 'My wife is Russian and we went on a family trip to Moscow, no meetings were had with anyone, we visited the Hermitage Museum and went on a river cruise.' As the first picture emerged of the insurance tycoon in Russia - with his wife Ekaterina and mother in law Olga Paderina - there are questions over this 'family trip' claim. First, the world famous Hermitage Museum is in St Petersburg not Moscow. Banks's wife has marched with her mother on a Victory Day parade in Russia (pictured) held each May commemorating those who fell in the Second World War In 1998 Ekaterina Paderina wed her first husband Eric Butler (pictured together), a retired merchant seaman, with whom she had one son Second, river cruises do not run in February in either city due to winter ice. They usually in April. The alleged trip emerged in leaked emails in June that Banks has hidden links to the Kremlin and its high profile ambassador in London, Alexander Yakovenko. It is also believed Banks had travelled with his wife to Ekaterinburg - her home city - some months earlier in 2015 to mark his mother-in-law Olga 65th birthday. This is when the picture with Ekaterina and Olga was taken, it is understood. A family source indicated this was his most recent trip to see them in Ekaterinburg, although he had been a number of times previously. Banks and his wife are believed to have met at a Britney Spears concert in London around 18 years ago. A Russian school friend said she had long wanted to move abroad. 'She was considered attractive at school, and knew English really well,' he said. In Britain she was a marketing student at Portsmouth University when in November 1998 she wed her first husband Eric Butler, a retired merchant seaman, with whom she had one son. Arron Banks arrived back into Gatwick Airport this morning less than 48 hours after it emerged the National Crime Agency had launched a criminal investigations into donations he made Banks and his wife (pictured) are believed to have met at a Britney Spears concert in London around 18 years ago. A Russian school friend said she had long wanted to move abroad. Ekaterina Paderina at her wedding to Butler who was quoted last year by The Sunday Times saying he was quizzed by Special Branch over his bride At the time he was 54 and she was 25. Butler was quoted last year by The Sunday Times saying he was quizzed by Special Branch over his bride. 'They contacted me about two days after we got married,' he said. 'I was told to go to immigration to be interviewed for sham marriage. 'I said, 'It's not sham on my part'. The officer said, 'Don't you think the honey jar was presented to you because you are not the brightest bloke?' The marriage ended the following year in acrimony and Ekaterina turned to controversial MP Mike Hancock who helped her remain in Britain and get a council flat. At the time the Liberal Democrat was chairman of the all-party Russia group and a member of the Commons select committee on defence. MI5 was later reported to be worried the Kremlin was interested in the MP's access to documents and Westminster contacts. Ekaterina married Banks in 2001 and the couple have a daughter and a son. Last year it was reported her email address included the numbers 007 and that she drove a Range Rover with the number plate MI5 SPY. Richard Banks had just turned 30 when his wife Shirley Banks was abducted in Bristol The husband of murdered Shirley Banks has accused police of covering up their failings in the John Cannan case. Richard Banks was just 30 years old when his wife Shirley was abducted during an evening shopping trip to Bristol. She was held captive at Cannan's flat and forced to phone in sick to the factory where she worked as a textiles manager. Cannan then murdered the 29-year-old by hitting her head with a rock before he dumped her naked body at Dead Women's Ditch in the Quantock Hills in 1987. Speaking on Friday, Mr Banks said it was the police's fault that Cannan had not been convicted of Suzy Lamplugh's murder as there had been cover ups from the beginning. He said officers at the time were more interested in covering up for one another than supporting the victims of Cannan's heinous crimes. Ms Banks' murder came just a year after 25-year-old estate agent Suzy Lamplugh went missing after showing a man around a flat in Fulham, West London. Ms Banks' (right) murder came just a year after 25-year-old estate agent Suzy Lamplugh (left) went missing after showing a man around a flat in Fulham, West London Police did not investigate Cannan at the time despite evidence linking him to her disappearance. This left the killer free to prey on his next victim. Mr Banks said: 'I met with Suzy's mother in the days after Shirley first went missing as it was so painfully obvious what had gone on and who was behind it but police were clueless.' 'The way Suzy's mother was treated by police was atrocious. She was called interfering and a busybody.' Mr Banks said the police were more concerned with 'covering up for one another' than supporting any of the relatives of Cannan's victims. Police forensics at work on Saturday to dig in the garden of a house once owned by the mother of John Cannon in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, in the search for Suzy Lamplugh The body of Ms Lamplugh, who went missing July 1986 aged 25, was never found and she was declared dead presumed murder He said: 'They were very good at supporting one another in covering up for each other than they were interested in helping us. 'There were countless mistakes and errors at the start of the investigation. It's entirely the police's fault that Cannan wasn't convicted of Suzy's murder before.' Cannan (pictured) then hit her head with a rock before he dumped her naked body at Dead Women's Ditch in the Quantock Hills Mr Banks said he did not know what was going on in terms of the renewed search for Ms Lamplugh. He said: 'I have no idea what's going on. The police haven't been in touch. Experience tells me that this will come and disappear again as it has done for the last thirty years and nothing further will happen.' But Mr Banks said he thought it would mean a lot for Ms Lamplugh's loved ones if Cannan was one day convicted of Suzy's murder. He said: 'I think it would be very important to her family.' Mr Banks now would like to see officers brought to justice for their significant failings in properly convicting Cannan. He said: 'It would be very rewarding to see some of those police officers in the dock charged with criminal conspiracy at some stage.' Mr Banks, now 61, said he had managed to move on with his life in the three decades since Shirley's murder but didn't wish to comment further. He has since remarried and is a company director of a successful recruitment firm in Berkshire. A British family have been conned out of 80,000 for their American dream holiday home after it was stolen by a paedophile hedge fund manager jailed by the FBI. Hayley and Simon Kirby remortgaged their Southampton house and were fooled into giving 66,000 to businessman Roy Phillips, 48, who promised to secure their home. But the hedge fund manager was also paying people in the Philippines to abuse sexually abuse children via webcam, and was under the watch of the FBI. Hayley, 35, and Simon Kirby, 36, (pictured with their four children) remortgaged their Southampton house to afford a holiday home in Orlando, Florida Hayley, 35, and Simon, 36, a finance manager, only found out when they saw a news story about the monster being arrested for his sick crimes. They spent another 14,000 trying to get their money back, as Phillips was jailed for 60 years. But they were forced to give up when lawyers discovered he was penniless - and had transferred $7million to 'untraceable' off shore accounts before he was caged. The distraught pair, who have four children, have no prospect of getting their money back and are warning others. 'It's amazing how we have managed to stay married. It has been a horrible emotional rollercoaster', said NHS support worker, Hayley. 'The stress of it has been unreal. The hardest thing was that we had stayed in the property we were supposed to buy. The family-of-six took out a high-risk hedge fund investment with businessman Roy Phillips, 48 and gave him 66,000 in the promise that he would secure their home 'Our children believed it would be our American home. 'It's gone on for so long that we've just came to terms with the fact we weren't getting the money back. 'It was like being on a big merry go round. You get your hopes up and it all turns out to be false hope. 'We felt like we had to sue to try to get our money back. 'But the whole thing has just been devastating. It has been the most stressful time of my life.' The Kirbys, from Southampton, had their hearts set on buying a dreamy 250,000 villa in Orlando. Noah, 11, Isla, nine, Ciara, eight, and Isabella, seven, outside the 250,000 holiday home The family were planning on enjoying years of 'magical' trips to Florida staying the new home (pictured) with their four children who had visited the state three times before Hayley said they has always dreamed of being able to own a home near 'the happiest place in the world' which featured a huge swimming pool (pictured) They were planning on enjoying years of 'magical' trips to Florida with their four children, Noah, 11, Isla, nine, Ciara, eight, and Isabella, seven. Hayley, says her family adored Florida having holidayed there three times before deciding to buy a holiday home. She says they has always dreamed of being able to own a home near 'the happiest place in the world'. The family had fallen in love with a luxury US home, in Davenport, Orlando. They had spent time there as a family during their property hunt, in April 2015, and became hooked on the idea of owning it for themselves. In August this year, after a two year civil court battle to get their money back, the couple's solicitors were forced to concede defeat It had a huge swimming pool, five bedrooms and even a games room, and was 'perfect' for a family with four children. After failing to qualify for a U.S. mortgage, the Kirbys began to look into investing in the high-risk hedge fund investment process. The family were made aware of 'reputable' hedge fund businessman, Roy Phillip's hedge fund business by their U.S.-based estate agent adviser, Carol Dudley. He was the manager of hedge fund business, Global Select advisors, and the Kirbys began the process of investing with the company. They remortgaged the remaining 113,000 mortgage on the family home they built for themselves in Shirrell Heath, Hampshire. Hayley and Simon invested 125,000 into building their four-bed detached house in the rural Hampshire countryside in 2006. They bravely decided to refinance and add ten years onto their mortgage in order to pursue their American dream. Their home is worth around 500,000 and their new mortgage sees them pay 700 a month. After failing to qualify for a US mortgage, the Kirbys began to look into investing in the high-risk hedge fund investment process for the five-bedroom house The family had fallen in love with a luxury U.S. home, in Davenport, Orlando and have been fighting to get their money back for the past two years Hayley recalls how Mrs Dudley told the couple how Phillips had a 'track record' of helping people in a similar position to their own. Hayley, said: 'We thought that was a safe referral and at that point we had no reason to be concerned. 'There were no alarm bells at all.' Before agreeing on any deal, Hayley and Simon conducted their own research into Phillips' hedge fund, and even drove past his offices while on a trip to the states. Confident that this was the right thing to do, they placed all their hopes in the hands of Phillips. According to legal documents, the Kirby's agreed to invest 66,000 ($100,000) in his company, in return for him buying the property, in September 2015. Phillips (pictured) had a 'track record' of helping people in a similar position to their own as lawyers discovered he was penniless after he transferred 5.4million ($7million) into off-shore accounts He or his company would then 'hold' the home and he 'guaranteed that, under no circumstances, would the principal amount depreciate in value'. It would be invested in 'market securities' and the 'guaranteed monthly appreciation' of the Kirby's investment would be used to make their monthly payments towards the house. The family believed it was all genuine and above board, and entered into a contract to buy their holiday home on the same day. Hayley says she had 'no reason' not to trust Phillips. He seemed 'trustworthy' and the family had no concerns over his offer to her and Simon. She said: 'We looked his company up and we had no reason not to believe him. It seemed completely legitimate. 'He was really nice but he was clearly very clever and well practised. Hayley, who has been off work for four months due to the stress caused by the ordeal, said: 'It put a massive strain on our family' 'He was so convincing. He told us we wouldn't lose our original investment so we had no reason to be concerned.' They were due to do the deal in January 2016, but Phillips made believable excuses over why he couldn't complete until September 2016. The seller inevitably pulled out when the Kirby's failed to provide the money required to follow through with the deal. In September 2016 he was arrested by FBI agents swooped on his home over allegations he paid money to direct adults to abuse children in the Philippines via web cameras and Skype. According to reports the sick monster paid people in the Philippines to livestream the abuse of children between the ages of three and 12 from 2013 to 2016. The home, which Phillips promised to secure for them, featured a games room making it 'perfect' place to entertain the four children The Department of Justice said Phillips directed the live sexual abuse 9,000 miles away and recorded screen shots from his office in Orlando. They claim during a one-year period, Phillips wire transferred a total of $16,700 to one of the individuals in the Philippines to pay for the live sex acts perpetrated on children. The first the Kirbys heard about Phillips' wrongdoings was when their estate agent, Mrs Dudley, forwarded them a U.S. news clip all about his arrest in August 2016. It was at this point that Hayley and Simon began to worry they may never see their 70,000 investment again, or in fact ever fulfil their American dream. The Kirby's opened legal proceedings to sue Phillips in January 2017, after contacting the FBI explaining their situation. Phillips pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting children in February 2017 and was jailed for 60 years in July 2017. The Kirby's were due to complete the deal in January 2016, but Phillips made believable excuses over why he couldn't complete until September 2016 And when Hayley and Simon tried to get their hard-earned cash back, they were 'devastated' to find out it was almost certainly gone forever. Investigators found Phillips had diverted 'significant funds' to offshore accounts, according to U.S. court documents from the Kirby's lawsuit. The FBI froze and seized 16 bank accounts, but discovered they have already seen $7 million (5.4million) come and go in eight years, moved to 'untraceable' off shore accounts. In August this year, after a two year civil court battle to get their money back, the couple's solicitors were forced to concede defeat. They were told that getting their 66,000 back 'will not be economically sustainable for a prolonged period of time', if not impossible. Hayley, who has been off work for four months due to the stress caused by the ordeal, said: 'It put a massive strain on our family. 'We just felt really stupid. Were we naive or just stupid to do it? 'When we first saw that he had been arrested we were so shocked and just though, why us? 'How could we possibly get caught up in an FBI investigation. It's unbelievable that it happened to us. 'It's like being in your own episode of CSI. 'It has been really traumatic. You just couldn't make it up. It has been a complete nightmare.' Hayley added: 'We just absolutely love it there. It's hard not to have negative thoughts about Florida now though. 'We had fallen in love with the place. It was awful having to explain to the children that a nasty man had taken our money. 'We never thought we would be able to own a home of that size and it would have been a dream come true for us. 'It was close to the parks and the location of it drew us to it. It was everything we wanted. 'We would have loved to have lived out there one day and maybe we could have. 'At least we have come through it all as a strong family.' Two IT consultants who carried scales inside a Louis Vuitton box and sold drugs from their office have been sentenced to four years in jail. Computer workers Ashkan Rafiq, 41, and Alli Amtar, 28, were found guilty of inviting clients to their office building in Sydney, after police uncovered up to 10g of cocaine during a search. In addition to their actions, the pair boasted of their potential earnings, with Rafiq telling Amtar 'dude, you'll be getting a Rolex every week!,' the Daily Telegraph reported. Two IT consultants who carried scales inside a Louis Vuitton box and sold drugs from their exclusive inner city work buildings were sentenced to four years in jail (pictured: Ashkan Rafiq) They carried cocaine scales in Louis Vuitton boxes and sold drugs from their work building Police were able to intercept a series of text messages between the two men discussing their strategy to sell the drugs It is alleged the pair often ducked away from their desks to deal anywhere between one to three bags of cocaine. A 7pm policy was in place during their highly sophisticated stint as drug dealers, intercepted text messages reveal. Rafiq told Amtar of a policy prohibiting the sale of drugs after 7pm, saying that after that time 'people are too p***ed and they become a punish'. The pair intended to focus on selling the drugs for upcoming Christmas parties. 'We will be f**king busy,' Rafiq said. The pair had a policy prohibiting the sale of drugs after 7pm, saying that after that time 'people are too pissed and they become a punish' Police were able to intercept a series of text messages between the two men discussing their strategy to sell the drugs 'Please do not give any free s**t to anyone including your other mate.' Rafiq and Atmar were arrested by Redfern Region Enforcement Squad officers in December of 2017 along with a string of other suspected drug offenders. Bankers, stockbrokers and an Uber driver were all arrested along with Rafiq and Atmar in what police believed to be a group of accused cocaine dealers across Sydney. As part of Strike Force Northop, which was established in September of 2017 to target the ongoing supply of the drugs, police charged around 40 people with offences. Rafiq and Atmar were both sentenced to four years in jail. A woman wore a huge dog head paired with wings as she led police on a chase through Houston on Thursday morning. Police responded to a call from the Stripes Gas Station in Southmore at 9.30am and was told that 30-year-old Colleen Dickens had allegedly stolen $10, cigarettes and a lighter. The woman reportedly jumped in her black sedan when police arrived, fleeing the scene. Colleen Dickens, 30, (mugshot left) robbed a Houston, Texas, gas station of $10 and cigarettes while wearing a giant dog's head costume (right) Police responded to a call from the Stripes Gas Station on the 2300 block of Southmore at 9.30am and was told that she had allegedly stolen $10, cigarettes and a lighter Harris County Precinct 7 officers threw spikes at the corner of Parkwood and Scott and Dickens. The woman was forced to pull over once riding over them, KHOU reports. Dickens was detained and charged with robbery and felony evading. Police say the woman was belligerent as she was being arrested. She was said to have spat on the officers. 'The suspect was extremely combative and spit on several Sheriff deputies during the booking process therefore, a spit guard had to be placed over her mouth in order to get her mugshot taken,' Pamela Greenwood, public information officer for the Harris County Precint, said to KPRC. Harris County Precinct 7 officers threw spikes at the corner of Parkwood and Scott and Dickens. The woman was forced to pull over once riding over them Video shows the moment Dickens exited her vehicle and she can still be seen wearing her dog head. But her mother asserts that that isn't the type of person her daughter is. 'She's not a criminal. She's just going through some stuff,' Carmella Walker explained to KTRK. ' Walker claimed that her daughter was suffering from a mental breakdown. Police say the woman was belligerent as she was being arrested. She was said to have spat on the officers The mother added: 'She was just getting back to herself. It's just like all of sudden, things started spinning out of control.' According to the woman's uncle, Dickens is a mother of two and has been working to get her life back together. 'She's a very good person. She loves her kids very much. She takes care of her kids,' said Elridge Walker. Dickens remains in Harris County Jail. Her bond is set at $10,000. Disturbing body camera video shows the horrific moments a mother of two, 21-year-old Genevive Dawes was shot and killed at the hands of a Dallas police officer. Dawes and her boyfriend, Virgilio Rosales, were sleeping inside a stolen car in January of 2017 when police blocked their exit with police cruisers and surrounded the car. In the video, obtained by Fox4News, police shout at the car 'Hands up, let me see your hands!' When Dawes and Rosales do not follow commands, Dawes begins to drive backwards. Hess claims she hit a squad car although it is not clear in the video if she actually did. She then drives forward again and hits the fence, before slowly driving backwards again, when Dallas Officer Christopher Hess opens fire. Police surround the vehicle which they believe is stolen, and tell the occupants inside to put their hands up Office Christopher Hess fired 13 rounds into the car, killing Genevive Dawes Genevive Dawes leaves behind two daughters, Krystinah Rosales, 2 (left) and Cerenity after being shot several times by Officer Christopher Hess Hess pumps 13 shots into the car. Afterwards he radios in and says 'They rammed our squad car twice.' Officer Jason Kimpels body camera shows he fired once. Dawes died at the scene. Her boyfriend manages to get out alive. In the video, you can see him struggle to follow officers' commands to open the car door from the outside of the window, which is covered in broken glass after being blown out in the gunfire. Rosales, was injure and was later arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Hess was arrested and ultimately indicted on aggravated assault by a peace officer. He was fired from the Dallas Police force. Kimpel was suspended, but is still on the force. 'To see the loss of life that I didn't think had to happen was something that did upset me, ' said Former DPD Assistant Chief Randy Blankenbaker. Former Special Investigative Unit, Chief Blankenbaker, was overseeing the investigation into the shooting. Blankenbaker says the video shows officers used excessive force. 'You are responsible for every round that leaves your weapon. You are told that every time you go to the pistol range,' says Blankenbaker. Additionally, he says, the fact that the officers' could not see into the car, that they had no idea who the occupants were was a problem as well. 'You don't know what is in that vehicle there could have been children in the back seat that could have been shot and killed,' he said. Officer Christopher Hess (left) was arrested and indicted on charges of assault by a police officer. Dawes' boyfriend, Virgilio Rosales (right) was not shot and was arrested on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon Dawes mother, Mary Dawes (pictured), is now raising her two young granddaughters and is distraught after seeing the video 'I certainly made the argument at the time that Kimpel should have been terminated and should have been held accountable to that level at least,' said Blankenbaker. The family is suing the city for wrongful death. The federal wrongful-death lawsuit filed against the city says Dawes bought the car a month before the shooting, unaware that it had been stolen. The suit alleges that the shooting was an unconstitutional use of excessive force. Ultimately, the Dallas Police Department did find a weapon in the car, but they didn't know it was there before opening fire on the couple. 'She was a good person. She was not a violent person at all,' said Mary Dawes. Dawes' family members, who gathered to make a statement about Hess' indictment said the mother was a goofy and loving woman who would make everyone laugh, once adopted a stray duck and was devoted to her two daughters, Krystinah Rosales, 2, and Cerenity Rosales, 1. 'I feel like they tried to make my sister look like a criminal, to sweep it under the table to not even try to get justice for her,' said Alisha Garcia, Dawes' 26-year-old sister. 'She was my only sister. They took her life.' One US soldier was killed and another wounded in an 'apparent insider attack' in Kabul on Saturday in the latest such assault on international forces in Afghanistan. 'Initial reports indicate the attacker was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces,' NATO's Resolute Support mission said in a statement. The attacker was 'immediately killed by other Afghan Forces', it added. One US soldier was killed and another wounded in an 'insider attack' in Kabul on Saturday. The attacker was said to be a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (stock) NATO officials said Saturday's attacker was then 'immediately killed by other Afghan Forces.' Members of the Afghan Forces are seen here in Kabul on October 31 (file image) Both American soldiers were said to have been medically evacuated to Bagram Airfield north of the Afghan capital. The wounded soldier is receiving medical treatment and in a 'stable condition'. An investigation into the incident was under way, the statement said. Neither identity of the killed or wounded soldiers were released. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the third so-called 'green-on-blue' attack in which Afghan forces turn their weapons on international soldiers with whom they are working in less than three weeks. The Taliban previously claimed two similar attacks in the western province of Herat on October 22 and the southern province of Kandahar on October 18. General Scott Miller, the top NATO and US commander in Afghanistan, narrowly escaped the October 18 attack, which occurred during a high level security meeting in the Kandahar province. This is the third 'green-on-blue' attack in less than three weeks. On October 18, an attack in Kandahar left local police chief Gen. Abdul Raziq (center) and two others dead Top NATO and US commander in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller (left), was at the same high-level security meeting in which Raziq (right) was killed. Miller narrowly escaped the attack US Army Brigadier General Jeffrey D. Smiley (center) was wounded during the October 18 attack, which was said to have been carried out by a bodyguard Thirteen people were injured in that attack, including US Army Brigadier General Jeffrey D. Smiley, who was wounded when a bodyguard opened fire inside the heavily fortified Kandahar Palace, a government compound. Kandahar's powerful police chief Gen. Abdul Raziq who was seen as a bulwark against the Taliban insurgency in the south as well as top intelligence official Gen. Abdul Mohmin and an Afghan journalist were killed in the attack. Miller was not injured during the incident, but he was forced to draw his handgun during it. The shooter himself was fatally shot by a US serviceman, CNN reported at the time. The insider attack on the high-level security meeting was said to have shocked the US military, whose generals seldom face attack and are rarely wounded. The October 18 incident was followed four days later by an attack in Herat province that killed one NATO soldier and wounded two others on October 22. All of the victims were Czech. After the Herat attack, the Resolute Support mission scaled back its operations in Afghanistan for several days, avoiding face-to-face contact with Afghan counterparts. Saturday's insider attack fatality takes the number of US soldiers to die in Afghanistan this year to eight. The rash of 'green-on'blue' attacks have rattled foreign troops tasked with training and assisting the war-torn country's military. Currently, there are about 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, providing the main component of the Resolute Support mission to support and train local forces. More than 2,000 American soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the start of the war in 2001. While casualties have fallen dramatically since the withdrawal of NATO combat troops at the end of 2014, the deadly burden has shifted to Afghanistan's security forces, which are suffering record-level casualties. A schoolboy forgot who his mother was and thought he lived in California after being hit by an out-of-control car when an egg was hurled at its windscreen. Brendan Logan, 14, was hospitalised with bleeding to his brain after being hit by a black Jaguar E-Pace while out trick or treating with friends on Halloween. Brendan's aunt Sarah Brett revealed the boy was suffering serious memory loss. She said: 'I asked who he was with and he said he didn't know. He didn't recognise his mum and thought he lived in California.' Brendan Logan, 14, suffered a bleed to his brain and was hospitalised after being hit by a car He was crossing the road at the time of the crash in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, at around 8pm on Wednesday. Ms Brett said the family wanted justice: 'He's still very confused. He's got to go in for a brain scan this afternoon,' she said. 'He's being aggressive but he's normally such a gentle boy.' The 36-year-old from Leigh-on-Sea claimed that, on the night of the crash, Brendan had been out with a group of friends, while another group was on the other side of the road. The sales assistant said: 'A boy on the other side of the road threw an egg at the car. 'Brendan was crossing the road and he got hit. He doesn't remember anything of it.' The aunt claimed the police had a name for a possible suspect who threw the egg, but declined to say who it is was. The Essex teen was struck by a black Jaguar while out trick or treating with friends on Halloween She added: 'We just want whoever it was to be brought to justice. He didn't deserve that.' Previously, Ms Brett told how she ran to the scene of the crash after Brendan's friends arrived to his mother's house to tell the family what happened. 'Brendan was unresponsive at first. Then about half an hour later, he was coming around slightly, but was groaning and in-and-out of consciousness,' the aunt said. 'He's really not himself and his mum is devastated.' The driver and her young child who was in the back avoided serious injury. After being rushed to hospital, A CT scan found Brendan was suffering from a bleed on the brain, as well as notable swelling. His condition is being monitored while medics decide whether he needs to be transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London for specialist care. Nicky Hayes, who lives close to where the crash happened, said: 'My daughter heard a massive bang. 'She looked out and there were loads of kids, all in hoods. She then heard one of the kids screaming, 'Bloody hell, I'm going to get him'.' Brendan Logan worked as a paper boy at the Londis on Rayleigh Road, a few minutes down the road from the crash site. The driver lost control when eggs were launched at the car's windscreen in Leigh-on-Sea on Wednesday A member of staff at the Londis, who did not want to be named, said: 'He [Brendan] has been a paper boy here for about a month. 'He's a good lad. He works hard.' A spokesman for Essex police said: 'We are appealing for information after a teenage boy suffered a serious head injury following a crash in Eastwood. 'The boy was in collision with a black Jaguar E-Pace in Rayleigh Road at around 7.55pm. 'If you saw or heard anything or were driving in the area and have dash cam footage, please call on 101 quoting incident 1268 of October 31 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.' Daniel Stip, 22, pictured, dragged the pensioner into her home in Paignton, Devon and raped her before stealing her late husband's ashes, just days after trying to attack a 25-year-old woman who managed to fight him off A man who raped a pensioner he grabbed while she was putting her bins out before laughing and running off with her husband's ashes has been detained in hospital. Daniel Stip, 22, dragged the pensioner into her home in Paignton, Devon as she put her bins out on to the street ready for collection in January this year, a court heard. After raping her he laughed and stole a precious piece of jewellery containing her late husband's ashes, it was said. Just three days earlier he grabbed and attempted to rape a 25-year-old but she had fought him off, the court heard. At that time he was wanted by police in connection with another attempted rape of a Cambridge University student in September 2017. After his arrest Stip told police: 'I've killed, I've raped, I've stolen, everything.' Stip, a paranoid schizophrenic originally from South Africa, was given a hospital order by a judge at Exeter Crown Court who described him as a danger to the public. He said: 'It's clear on any view you're presently dangerous and present a significant risk of causing further sexual offences against women. 'You conducted these actions against women who were strangers and while you were suffering from a serious mental disorder.' DNA evidence identified the 22-year-old and he was later arrested in Bristol. While under section in hospital he phoned police to confess his crimes. He told police: 'I've killed, I've raped, I've stolen, everything. 'I only raped that lady so I could be an angel to the victims. 'If I raped her then by karma I have to be the one that gets raped tenfold.' Stipp, appearing by video link at Exeter Crown Court, pictured, was handed an indefinite hospital order after he pleaded guilty to rape, two attempted rapes, burglary and robbery The defendant appeared via video link for sentence at Exeter Crown Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to rape, two attempted rapes, burglary and robbery. Stip was sentenced under Section 37 order of the Mental Health Act 1983 and given an indefinite hospital order. Devon and Cornwall police detective sergeant Simon Lee, from the Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse investigation Team, said: 'I welcome the sentencing of Daniel Stip today following a lengthy and complex investigation by South Devon Detectives. 'He targeted lone women in attempts to fulfil his sexual desires and caused them to fear for their lives through violent and violating attacks. '[The] sentence reflects justice for his victims and the need for appropriate treatment to ensure he cannot prey on others.' A drug dealer who sold 'party platters' of cocaine, ketamine, LSD, and methadone and was arrested after a Geordie Shore model fell from the window of his seaside house has been spared jail. Aimee Spencer, known by her stage name Carla Mai, suffered critical injuries after falling from a first-floor window in Brighton, on July 11, 2016. Police searched Daniel Lewis's house and found drugs worth up to 15,000 at the home. But he escaped a prison sentence because Judge Christine Laing QC ruled he had 'turned his life around', the Mirror reported. Daniel Lewis (left) sold 'party platters' of cocaine, ketamine, LSD, and methadone and was arrested after Geordie Shore model Aimee Spencer (right) fell from the window of his home Lewis, 30, is said to have admitted seven counts of possessing class A, B and C drugs with intent to supply, and one count of possessing ketamine. He initially faced a murder investigation but police said five months later he would not be charged. The judge reportedly handed Lewis a two-year suspended sentence and ordered him to complete 300 hours of unpaid work. Cocaine and the ketamine were found by pathologists following Miss Spencer's death a week after she fell on Chichester Terrace in the seaside town. Cocaine and the ketamine were found by pathologists following Miss Spencer's death a week after she fell on Chichester Terrace (pictured) in the seaside town Cocaine and the ketamine were found by pathologists following Ms Spencer's death a week after she fell on Chichester Terrace in the seaside town A toxicologist said the cocktail of drugs could have put her in a dream-like state, which might explain why she was in such dangerous position on a window ledge. The 27-year-old died from her injuries at the city's Royal Sussex County Hospital on Monday, a week after the fall. Her inquest last year was told that it remains unclear what happened in the moments leading up to the reality star's fall during the party on July 11 last year. Miss Spencer starred in adult films and briefly appeared on the MTV reality show Geordie Shore with regular cast member Vicky Pattison, 29. She also featured in BBC Three's 2014 documentary The Truth About Webcam Girls, which followed three women who performed online for paying customers. A self-confessed fitness fanatic, she had a black belt in martial arts, but was also planning to release a cookbook with health conscious recipes. Delivering a narrative conclusion, the coroner said: 'Aimee Spencer died as a result of injuries sustained in a fall from height. 'The fall occurred when she was under the influence of cocaine and ketamine. The exact circumstances of her fall remain uncertain.' Crown Prince Albert of Monaco has slapped down Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio for saying the Great Barrier Reef is a 'dead zone'. The 60-year-old monarch, who is also a global figurehead in marine conservation, spoke about DiCaprio's controversial comments about the reef. Prince Albert referred to the 2014 Our Ocean conference, where DiCaprio told audiences he had witnessed the 'devastation' first hand after he dived the Reef near Yeppoon. 'What once had looked like an endless underwater utopia is now riddled with bleached coral reefs and massive dead zones,' DiCaprio said at the time. 'You've got to be very careful about making those sorts of statements,' Prince Albert told The Sunday Mail. 'Particularly if it is not scientifically or factually backed. 'And I'm sorry he (DiCaprio) said that, because it has had a negative impact.' Crown Prince Albert of Monaco (right) has slammed Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio (left) for saying the Great Barrier Reef is a 'dead zone'. The prince referred to the 2014 Our Ocean conference, where DiCaprio told audiences he had witnessed the 'devastation' first hand after he dived the Reef near Yeppoon. DiCaprio told the conference in Washington that the reef near Yeppoon in Queesnland was dead. 'What once had looked like an endless underwater utopia is now riddled with bleached coral reefs and massive dead zones,' he told the shocked audience in a speech that sent ripples around the world. Prince Albert said the comments, while extremely controversial at the time, continued to damage tourism to the reef to this day. The prince continued to say that while large parts of the reef were disappearing, there were still some parts that are thriving and well. Prince Albert said as a result of the negative publicity caused by comments about that the reef dying, the tourism industry was waning. While DiCaprio's (pictured) comments caused plenty of negative publicity at the time, Prince Albert said they have continued to damage tourism to the reef to this day Despite his firm words about DiCaprio (left), Prince Albert (centre) has teamed up with the Titanic star's own foundation to focus on improving the ocean According to a new Deloitte Access Economics report, the Great Barrier reef is worth a staggering $56billion - and at $29billion, tourism is the biggest contributor to that overall value. Great Barrier Reef Foundation director Steve Sargent told The Sydney Morning Herald no other iconic asset contributed more to the Australian brand than the reef. 'At $56 billion, the reef is valued at more than 12 Sydney Opera Houses,' Mr Sargent said. 'This report sends a clear message that the Great Barrier Reef as an ecosystem, as an economic driver, as a global treasure is too big to fail.' Despite his firm words about DiCaprio, Prince Albert has teamed up with the Titanic star's own foundation to focus on improving the ocean. According to a new Deloitte Access Economics report, the Great Barrier reef is worth a staggering $56billion - and at $29billion, tourism is the biggest contributor to that overall value Together, they have already raised $28million for ocean research at the 2018 Monaco Boat Show. Prince Albert is visiting Australia as part of his continuing contribution to marine conservation. On Saturday, the Crown Prince saw the reef up close when he snorkelled off Badu Island in the Torres Strait. During his trip, he will also meet with top coral experts at the Australian Institute for Marine Science to tour the facility. 'I hope to get a better understanding of what is actually happening,' he said. A 15-year-old Florida boy has been charged with murdering his mother, burying her body under a church fire pit and then trying to stage his home to look like there was a break in. Gregory Logan Ramos, 15, confessed to strangling his architect mom Gail Cleavenger, 46, at their home in DeBary after they argued about him getting a 'D' grade at school, police say. The boy then teamed up with his close friends from University High School, Dylan Ceglarek and Brian Porras, both 17, to make it look as though Cleavenger was killed during a break-in. Scroll down for video Gregory Logan Ramos, 15, (left) argued with his mother, Gail Cleavenger, 46, (right) at their home in DeBary, Florida after he got a D grade at school. He strangled her to death later and buried her body on the grounds of a nearby church, police say The son buried the body in a fire pit at River City Church (pictured) 1.5 miles away Friday morning Ramos was held at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Daytona after he confessed Dylan Ceglarek (left) and Brian Porras (right) were detained because they helped Ramos pretend a burglary had occurred Ramos and his mother exchanged words about his D grade at around 11pm Thursday night then he woke her up at around 12.30am in the early hours of Friday morning and cut off her air supply. 'He went into her room and woke her up and began strangling her and strangled her till he killed her,' Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said, added that the motive was 'rage'. In between the argument the mother had called father Danny Cleavenger - who was away on a business trip in Seattle - to tell him about the grade. He found out about her death when he returned home Friday night. During his confession he said he used a wheelbarrow to move her body into the family van and then he drove to River City Church 1.5 miles away where he buried her in a fire pit. At first he drove to Daytona's Holly Hill area to dump her corpses but headed back him to find a shovel before he went to his alternative plan. Gail (center) had called the boy's father to tell him about their son's D grade at school. After that Ramos (right) was motivated by 'rage' to kill his mother Ramos (pictured with grandma Cathy Williams Goretsky) then enlisted friends to help him cover up the murder Architect Gail had been reported as absent from work on the morning she died Meanwhile his friends kicked the door in, took items from the house and left the van's engine running in an effort to make it appear as though there had been a break-in. 'Then got home and made in his words a "Grammy-winning phone' call to 911 to talk about this horrible incident that did not really occur,' Chitwood said at a news conference. Chitwood said Ramos told them what really happened after he initially tried to say his mother dropped him off to school Friday morning. However the details did not add up after Cleavenger's architect firm said she didn't show up to work that morning. Law enforcement were suspicious of the boy who returned home from school early on the day of the crime and made the call at 3.52pm - almost immediately. He reported his mother missing and noted the van left running in the driveway. Nevertheless law enforcement put out a notice for anyone who knew of her whereabouts. Ramos reported his mother missing after school and said her van was left running outside their DeBary, Florida home Gail Cleavenge with husband Danny Cleavenger. He found out about her death when he returned from a business trip in Seattle Friday night Dylan Ceglarek and Brian Porras, both 17, and Ramos went to University High School (pictured) They later found items including a PlayStation 4, computer, shovel, rifle and a broom used to tidy the area where the mother was buried, to corroborate the story. 'Just the whole scenario, the whole thing, the crime scene, when you start interviewing the kid - things were just not adding up. Things were amiss from the very beginning,' Chitwood said. Saturday authorities exhumed the mother's body from the fire pit. He added that this was 'one of the most disturbing and saddest I've seen in my career'. 'I have a feeling this is a case we'll be hearing about for years to come. All our hearts break for this family,' he added on Twitter. Ramos was being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Daytona. Luke Bond, 38, played the organ at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle The Royal organist who played at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was hauled before magistrates accused of travelling on a train without a ticket just a few weeks later. Luke Bond was challenged for allegedly not having a valid ticket as he waited on a platform at Windsor and Eton Station, just a stone's throw from Windsor Castle where he lives in The Cloisters. The 38-year-old who is the Assistant Director of Music and St George's Chapel, was summonsed at Reading Magistrates' Court on October 18 after being prosecuted by bosses at Greater Western Railway (GWR) based in Swindon. Court documents show that Mr Bond faced an allegation that: 'On 1/6/2018 at Windsor and Eton Central Station, not being in a designated compulsory ticket area, you entered a train for the purpose of travelling without having with you a valid ticket entitling you to travel'. The organist was understood to have been tackled by a ticket inspector on the station just 13 days after playing the organ at Prince Harry and Meghan wedding in St. George's Chapel. Court documents show that Bond tried to ride a train at Windsor and Eton Central without paying for his ticket on June 1 - just two weeks after the royal wedding The case was called before a magistrate and legal advisor sitting in open court at Reading Magistrates' Court on October 18 where the prosecution officially withdrew the summons against Mr Bond. No reason was given by the court for the dropping of the charge. Today a spokesman for Greater Western Railway, said they couldn't comment on individual cases. Attempts were made to contact Mr Bond through Windsor Castle. However, he has so far declined to talk about the incident and why the summons was withdrawn. On the same day in court other people who were proved to have tried to travel without a valid ticket were handed fines of 220 pounds and ordered to pay 140 pounds costs as well as the original cost of their train fare. The St George's Chapel website discloses that Mr Bond is the Assistant Director of Music working alongside the Director of Music James Vivian who is also Organist and Master of the Choristers. With his job he has a grace and favour house at The Cloisters within the walls of Windsor Castle. The website for St George's Chapel (where Harry and Meghan tied the knot, pictured) discloses that Mr Bond is the Assistant Director of Music Before arriving at St George's Chapel, Mr Bond served appointments at Clifton College, Bristol, The Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick and eight years as Assistant Director of Music at Truro Cathedral. During the Royal wedding in May, his music was heard by an estimated television audience of 57 million in the UK and USA alone. His knowledge of organ music is renowned and only a month ago he headed for the Gothic splendour of Lancing College Chapel, where he was due to give an organ recital. He was said to have played both of the fine organs in Chapel and to have spoken about the music he was playing. Anjem Choudary, 51, has applied for benefits he once called the Jihad Seeker's Allowance' An Islamic hate preacher has applied for 73-a-week benefits that he once called the 'Jihad Seeker's Allowance'. Anjem Choudary, 51, wants to pocket tax-payers' cash just days after he was released from Belmarsh Prison. However, to qualify for the benefit from government hand-outs he has to apply for a string of jobs to qualify. He was recently spotted enjoying a coffee and cake in a branch of Costa in Camden, North London earlier this week. He then went on to walk through the streets of Camden with his wife among members of public who claims to despise. Under the Fresh Start scheme available to freed inmates, he must visit his local JobCentre Plus office and show he is willing to work. He'll be offered a range of positions available to newly-freed offenders that often include working in takeaways, supermarket stock rooms and working for firms that employ ex-cons like Timpson's. A source told The Sun: 'As part of his release terms he will be required to look for work and the first stage of that will be to sign on for Jobseeker's Allowance which can be paid as quickly as two weeks after someone has first applied for it. 'If he refuses to look for work it could be deemed that he is in breach of the terms of his release and he risks being returned to jail.' Before he was sent to prison for supporting Islamic State, he and his wife were raking in 25,000-a-year in benefits for them and their four children. He was recently spotted walking the streets of Camden with his wife among members of public who claims to despise All the while, the ISIS-loving preacher continually poured out his hatred for the UK but loved the benefits he was handed from the Treasury. He was secretly filmed in 2013 mocking non-Muslims for working in nine to five jobs their whole lives. He went on to tell followers that some revered Islamic figures had only ever worked one or two days a year. Ridiculing the daily lives of British workers, Choudary has said before that people are busy working the whole of their life and compared that to being a slave for 40 years. He was freed last week and is now living just yards from a Jewish centre in London despite his deep-seated hatred of Israel and its people. The cleric has often called for the Jewish citizens to leave Palestine before they are wiped out by a united Muslim force like Islamic State. The ISIS-loving preacher was spotted making a quick phone call while walking around While his wife was once probed by cops about alleged anti-Semitic comments she made on TV. Now Choudary, who was released from Belmarsh prison on Friday, is staying in a 31-bed bail hostel. Less than three years ago the hate preacher appeared on US TV and said in a Skype interview that the Jewish people should leave Palestine. He also said elections in the country just angered groups like ISIS. The radical cleric's wife Rubana Akhtar was probed by police after featuring in a documentary also broadcast in 2015. Choudary, who was released from Belmarsh prison on Friday, is staying in a 31-bed bail hostel The programme, aired in November 2015, featured her, referred to as Umm L, ranting about plots against Muslims and referring to 'filthy Jews'. The documentary showed footage obtained by an undercover reporter of her addressing a group of women and teenagers, telling them of 'plots' against Muslims and describing the 'audacity and the arrogance of these Jews' over the Palestine conflict. She also hailed the establishment of a caliphate a symbolic Muslim state by ISIS, saying: 'The good days have already begun, nobody ever have thought in our lifetime we would see the establishment of the Khilafah [Islamic State].' And she claimed that more people were becoming radicalised as a result of government moves to stop extremism. 'If they thought it was a plan to deradicalise people, God they got it so wrong, because if anything more and more people are becoming what they call radicalised,' she said. Corinna Slusser's mother is begging for her return after she's been missing for over a year, as the FBI says she was sex trafficked by Ishi Woney in the New York City area in September of 2017. This week investigators made a break in the case of the college student from Pennsylvania who went missing in New York City a year ago, arresting, Woney, 23, who they say sex trafficked her. Corinna's mother Sabina Tuorto has not given up on finding her daughter.'I hope this [arrest] leads to other things,' Tuorto, told the New York Post. 'I want my daughter found.' Woney was arrested on Wednesday in New Jersey on federal sex trafficking charges, which relate to the September 2017 disappearance of Corinna in Queens. Corinna, a marketing student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, left her small hometown of Bloomsburg in August of 2017 and traveled to New York, where she was last seen a month later. Corrina Slusser disappeared a year ago and was last seen at a hotel in Queens. This week the FBI said they believe she was sex trafficked and have made an arrest Sabina Tuorto (left) Corinna's mother, is begging for her return. She says she hopes the arrest of Ishi Woney, 23 (right) on federal sex trafficking charges will help bring about some answers Now the FBI says that Corinna, then just 19 years old, was staying at a seedy motel in the Bronx that is known for prostitution, where Woney met her soon after she arrived. Woney, an aspiring rapper, was already sex trafficking another female victim when he met Corinna, according to the FBI. The other female victim called Woney 'daddy' in social media messages. Until her disappearance, former cheerleader Corinna had been very active on multiple social media platforms. On September 7, she posted photos of a tidy one-bedroom, one-bath apartment on Grand Concourse in the Jerome Park section of The Bronx, tweeting: 'My first apartment all to myself in NYC!!! Never been more happier in my life. Forver [sic] dream accomplished.' Her final Facebook post from September 8 consisted of a selfie showing the blonde, blue-eyed college student dressed in a lacy white top with a red rose applique. Her last Instagram post, dated September 10, was a photo tagged in The Bronx. It shows a woman smoking what appears to be marijuana with the caption: 'cyphin mid day mid road is always good for the soul.' Corinna Slusser (left and right), has been missing in New York City for over a year. A new arrest in the case seems to confirm she was a victim of sex trafficking Her last Instagram post, dated September 10, was a photo tagged in The Bronx. It shows a woman smoking what appears to be marijuana with the caption: 'cyphin mid day mid road is always good for the soul.' The seedy Haven Motel was the last place Corinna was seen. It was believed she was living there after she had a falling out with Woney who feds say was her pimp 'Cyphin' is New York City slang for passing a marijuana blunt around a circle. The woman in the picture is not Corinna, and the image appears unlike the others she has posted before. That Instagram post, and others in the weeks before she went missing, were unlike the mostly clean cut images of the former cheerleader, which appeared on her page before she arrived in New York. Investigators say that Corinna met Woney sometime in September, and records show a flurry of text messages between the two beginning on September 10. Investigators say that Woney posted an online advertisement offering 'two girl special nunu enterprises' along with a photo of Corinna and the other female victim. 'Always ready for fun! Please Be RESPECTFUL & Discreet the TOTAL package SKILLS That will make you melt,' the ad read, according to the indictment. But things became tense when the other female victim became jealous of Woney's relationship with Corinna, investigators say. Woney and Corinna had a falling out, and on September 20 he took her to a hotel in Queens, where another man paid for the room where she was planning to stay that night, the indictment says. That hotel, though not named in the indictment, is believed to be the Haven Motel on Woodhaven Boulevard in the Rego Park section of Queens, where Corinna was last seen in the early morning hours of September 20. Woney quickly came to the attention of investigators when they found 806 text messages between his phone and Corinna's between September 10 and her disappearance. Undercover NYPD officers posed as johns to track down Woney, busting him at a motel in East Orange, New Jersey on November 3. The cops interviewed Woney and the woman about Corinna's whereabouts, but the pair were released for a lack of solid evidence. Then in February of this year, Woney was arrested at a Jersey City hotel for simple assault and drug possession, after the female victim said he punched her in the face and demanded her money and possessions. Cops observed the woman with a swollen lip, but she refused to press charges after they arrived. Last month, NYPD undercover officers conducted a second sting, using a law enforcement database to track down an ad for sex services that featured the female victim. Corrina is seen here in a photo posted on Facebook in February 2015 Corinna lived in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and had been studying marketing at Indiana University of Pennsylvania She was a cheerleader at Bloomsburg Area High School in Pennsylvania An undercover officer met the female victim at a hotel in the Bronx, and agreed to pay her $200 for an hour of sex services, the indictment says. As soon as the agreement was made, officers swooped in. The woman was arrested, and in a police interview she finally cracked, admitting that Woney was her 'pimp' and that she gave him all of the money from her sexual encounters, according to the indictment. The information allowed the feds to move in on Woney. He is charged with use of an interstate facility to promote prostitution, transporting a person between states for an illegal sex act, and sex trafficking by means of force, threats, fraud, and coercion. If convicted Woney faces up to life in prison. He was due to appear in a Manhattan court on Thursday afternoon. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said that Woney 'engaged in a vile form of exploitation, using force and other coercion to compel young women to engage in paid sex for his enrichment.' Corrina is described as 5-foot-6, weighing 140lbs, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She has a large black tattoo of a flower in the middle of her chest (right) 'We will continue to work with the FBI and NYPD to protect prospective victims of human trafficking and arrest and prosecute their predators,' Berman said. Meanwhile, Corinna's mother continues to pray for her safe return. 'Missing my beautiful girl so much...the sadness in my heart is beyond words,' Sabina Tuorto wrote on Facebook in August. 'I wish I could be where she is, that's where I want to be. She is my reason to breathe.. I inhale and exhale trying to keep the faith as I wish for her to be found safely and alive,' the heartbroker mother wrote. 'It's been a year almost and ppl seem to forget about her but I think about her nonstop and I will never let this to rest until her and I are reunited again! My heart aches everyday!' According to the New York Daily News, weeks before Corinna disappeared, a copy of an order of protection she had sought against a man was sent to her mother's home. It ordered the man to stay away from her after he was arrested for allegedly beating her at a hotel in Harlem on August 25. Corinna is described as 5-foot-6, weighing 140lbs, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She has a large black tattoo of a flower in the middle of her chest. Anyone with information on Corinna Slusser's whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. A woman who was slammed by hundreds of people after she shared a photo of herself in blackface for Halloween claims she wasn't aware her costume would cause offence. Stacey Barned, from Townsville in north Queensland, shared a photo of herself dressed as Bob Marley to her Facebook profile before heading off to a party on Saturday night. Ms Barned, 21, painted her body from head to toe in brown paint and wore a dreadlocked wig to imitate the iconic star. She was called a racist after sharing a photo of herself in blackface. Stacey Barned, from Townsville in North Queensland, shared a photo to her Facebook profile of herself dressed as Bob Marley Ms Barned (pictured), 21, painted her body from head to toe in brown paint and wore a dreadlocked wig to imitate the iconic star Ms Barned told Daily Mail Australia she now understands why people were so angered by the post. She said she had no prior knowledge of the history of blackface before the abusive comments began flowing in. Her post received hundreds comments, with people calling her a 'racist', 'white trash' and 'a giant sh*t covered in tie die.' Others took the time to investigate Ms Barned's personal life, and found out that she only recently started a new job. She said multiple people had called the employer demanding she was fired from her job. Ms Barned insists she had no prior knowledge of the history of blackface before the abusive comments began flowing in 'I haven't been fired, but at the end of the day I think it's pretty low for people to try to get me fired for a Halloween costume.' 'You are disgusting, get in the bin,' another offended viewer wrote. Ms Barned said she regrets posting the photo, and if she knew the implications or the history of blackface she never would have attempted the costume. 'I was dressing as an iconic figure to me, who I love. I'm not in any way a racist,' she said. Hundreds of comments and shares began dominating her social media within minutes, with people abusing her on the post, calling her a 'racist', 'white trash' and 'a giant sh*t covered in tie die' 'I'm deeply sorry to anyone I have offended. I never thought it would offend so many people. I've had people message me privately.' 'It's made me quite upset. I was having a good night and now I'm not having a good night. Now that I know I do understand why people are so offended and I'm really apologetic that I did it.' She has since removed the image and offered a public apology on her Facebook page. Tristan de Cunha is a cluster of five extinct and active volcano islands located in the south Atlantic Ocean Advertisement More than a thousand miles from its nearest neighbour and accessible only by a six-day boat trip, Tristan de Cunha is considered the most isolated populated archipelago in the world. The stunning island group, settled an equal distance from Argentina and South Africa, is a cluster of extinct and active volcanoes in the south Atlantic Ocean. It features five islands: Tristan, the main island and the only populated one; Nightingale and its two small surrounding islands; and Inaccessible Island. Tristan de Cunha, settled an equal distance from Argentina and South Africa, is a cluster of extinct and active volcanoes in the south Atlantic Ocean It features five islands: Tristan, the main island and the only populated one (pictured); Nightingale and its two tiny surrounding islands; and Inaccessible Island Left undisturbed in the south Atlantic Ocean for almost 400 years, Inaccessible Island is somewhat of a mystery to most explorers. The extinct volcano is fringed with steep cliffs and only a few scatterings of boulder beaches. Its inhospitable landscape has warned sailors off landing there since 1873, before which, two German brothers made a livelihood there for two years. 'It's like a giant wedding cake, with very very steep cliffs, just dropping off straight into the sea,' Brian Gratwicke, a biologist with Smithsonian who has visited Inaccessible Island told Atlas Obscura. The remote island features one narrow beach where boats can land, but because the sea is so rough, there are only certain times of year when visiting is even possible. The island group was first sighted by Portuguese explorer Tristao da Cunha, but he allegedly failed to make a landing intially It takes a six-day boat trip to reach the island group, which stands 1,243 miles from Saint Helena, its closest neighbour with residents, 1,491 miles from South Africa and 2,088 miles from South America The island falls in the United Kingdom's overseas territory of Saint Helens, Ascension and Tristan de Cunha. It takes a six-day boat trip to reach the island group, which stands 1,243 miles from Saint Helena, its closest neighbour with residents, 1,491 miles from South Africa and 2,088 miles from South America. It's just seven miles long and 37.8 square miles in area, and has but one settlement officially known as Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, referred to by locals as The Settlement, located at the foot of the 6,765-foot Queen Mary's Peak. But despite its unimposing size and formidable remoteness, Tristan da Cunha has a rich history and a plethora of native wildlife that is truly unique. The island group was first sighted by Portuguese explorer Tristao da Cunha, but he allegedly failed to make a landing, though reports differ. The first undisputed landing was in February 1673, when the Dutch East India Company made a stop. The Dutch stopped at the island four more times in the next 25 years, and in 1656 created the first rough charts of the archipelago. It was left uninhabited until the early 20th-century, when they were claimed by Jonathan Lambert from Salem Massachusetts alongside three other men. The island group has only one settlement officially known as Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, referred to by locals as The Settlement, located at the foot of the 6,765-foot Queen Mary's Peak The Settlement was named in honour of the 1867 visit of Queen Victoria's son Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh A range of accommodation is now available in the form of home stays with locals - descendants of one of seven families originating from Scotland, England, The Netherlands, the United States and Italy - who also serve as guides and sell craft and souvenirs. All residents are farmers too, and the entire area is communally owned. Historically, the island has proven an important stop for sailing ships needing a stopover in the Atlantic, and was annexed by the UK in 1816 to ensure the French couldn't use it as a base to attempt a rescue of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was imprisoned at Saint Helena. The Settlement was named in honour of the 1867 visit of Queen Victoria's son Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh, when the islands served as a Royal Navy outpost called HMS Atlantic Isle, also said to have been used to monitor shipping movements in the ocean and the radio communications of Nazi U-boats. Prince Phillip, the second Duke of Edinburgh, also visited there on board the royal yacht Britannia in 1957. Just four years later, the entire population was forced to evacuate to England via Cape Town when Queen Mary's Peak erupted. Fortunately, the damage to The Settlement was found to be minimal and most residents returned in 1963. A South Carolina homeowner shot a man trying to break into her home on Thursday morning, according to local authorities. Ashley Jones was with her three children at her home in Anderson County when she heard someone banging on her door at 6am. Jones peeked out her window and asked who was there, not getting any responses. She could hear a man and a woman talking, however, and went to go call police. 'He was like, 'this is my house, let me in. I'm not going to hurt you' kind of thing, and I was like 'What do you want?''' Jones explained to WSPA. 'After I called the police, I grabbed a gun and went to the top of the steps and was like, 'I have a gun. I will shoot you. Do not come in my house.'' Ashley Jones was with her three children at her home in Anderson County when she heard someone banging on her door at 6am Surveillance video shows the man - who was later identified as 43-year-old Cecil Charles Parnell - banging on the woman's door as someone walks behind him in the background. As her three young children slept in their rooms, Jones said she watched the man wander to her back door to try to open the sliding screen but it was locked. Parnell then made his way back to the front door and that's when he decided to kick the door in, which can be seen in the video. Surveillance video shows the man - who was later identified as 43-year-old Cecil Charles Parnell - banging on the woman's door as someone walks behind him 'Something just came over me, and I got calm. My heart slowed down and I got focused. I told myself if he comes in here, you can't let him get past your doorstep. You have three young children to protect,' Jones said. 'I would've killed him if I had to' Jones shot him in the shoulder and he is seen running off after flinching. 'Something just came over me, and I got calm. My heart slowed down and I got focused. I told myself if he comes in here, you can't let him get past your doorstep. You have three young children to protect,' Jones said to WHNS. 'I would've killed him if I had to.' Parnell's shoulder injury is not considered life threatening. He was charged with first degree burglary Parnell's shoulder injury is not considered life threatening. 'Any mother is going to protect her kid any way she can. And that's what I did,' Jones added. Jones shared that she was unfamiliar with the man and woman that tried to break into her home. Parnell was charged with first degree burglary and is being held at the Anderson County Center. At this moment, his bond has not been set. The woman with him has not been charged, Detective Nikki Carson told the Independent Mail. A neighbor did tell authorities that the pair had tried to break into her home earlier Thursday morning. An MP has asked for the 'potential merits' of the death penalty to be reconsidered by UK Parliament as he calls for it to be reintroduced. Former minister John Hayes used written parliamentary questions to say capital punishment 'should be available to the courts' - despite it being outlawed in 1965. Mr Hayes, who represents South Holland and Deepings in Lincolnshire, used the case of Westminster killer Khalid Masood to illustrate his point. Mr Hayes, former Tory, represents South Holland and Deepings in Lincolnshire The 53-year-old terrorist killed five people and wounded 50 more in a terror attack outside the Palace of Westminster in March 2017. He wrote to Lord Chancellor David Gauke to 'make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to reintroduce the death penalty to tackle violent crime'. Justice Minister Edward Argar said the government 'opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances and has no plans to reintroduce it'. Mr Hayes asked Britain's Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice David Gauke to reconsider the 'merits' of capital punishment This was in response to Mr Hayes suggesting hanging would have been an appropriate punishment for Khalid Masood had he survived after his attack. The Briton was shot dead by a police officer after he mowed down pedestrians in his car before crashing it outside the palace grounds and going on to fatally stab an unarmed police officer. Pointing out that the UK is campaigning for the abolition of the death penalty globally, he added: 'There is no evidence that capital punishment acts as a deterrent to violent crime. Furthermore, the reintroduction of the death penalty would bring with it the very real risk that some innocent people would die.' Mr Haye's comments are no doubt spurred on by the recent wave of violent crime sweeping over the UK which has led to it being dubbed Wild West Britain. He used the case of Westminster killer Khalid Masood to illustrate his point on death penalty In London alone, rife with stabbings, shootings and gangland culture there has been 115 homicides investigations launched this year. Mr Hayes, formerly an aide to David Cameron, told Lincolnshire Live: 'We have got an issue in Britain with very serious crime. 'We have had a number of serious crimes, the murder rates increases and barely a week goes by without hearing about some horrific child murder or old people being attacked and killed. 'Many of my constituents say that's partly because we don't respond appropriately.'It seems to me there really needs to be a fitting punishment.' The last people to be sentenced to death in Britain were Peter Anthony Allen and Gwynne Owen Evans real name John Robson Walby in 1964 for the murder of a van driver. The death sentence was abolished in the UK 15 months later after a swathe of public unrest. Only 52 countries still execute their criminals, those countries are mainly in the Middle East and Africa. The US is one of a very few western democracies that still use the death penalty. A huge collection of memorabilia including items from Batman and Star Trek television shows is set to go under the hammer. More than 400 collectibles will be sold at the first ever all-television all-eras live auction event at Prop Store in Valencia, California next month. The event will feature original costumes, props and set decorations from popular television shows from the 1960s to 2010s. Scroll down for video The Prop Store auction will feature The Riddler's jacket the classic 1960s television series Batman (left and worn right by Frank Gorshin) Also for sale is Adam West's Batman bat shield from the Batman television show (pictured left and right with West) The TV Treasures live auction, on December 1, will offer popular culture fanatics to own Adam West's signed Batman bat shield from the cult Batman television show. It is, however, likely to set you back an estimated 308,000 to 462,000 ($400,000 to $600,000.) Also for sale is The Riddler's green jacket from the classic 1960s television series Batman, estimated between 77,000 to 115,000 ($100,000 and $150,000.) There's also a chance for Star Trek fanatics to get their hands on William Shatner's Captain T Kirk costume - worn while kissing Lieutenant Uhura in one of the very first interracial kisses on television on Star Trek: The Original Series. A pig mask from Twilight Zone episode 'The Eye of the Beholder' will also go under the hammer in Valencia, Calfornia Robin William's egg spaceship (pictured in episode Escape from New York) from 1970s and 80s sitcome Mork and Mindy is also on the market Pictured left, the egg spaceship from the 1970s and 80s show and right, Robin Williams on the prop This is the standout piece of more than 50 costumes, sketches, jewellery and correspondence lots from Star Trek acquired from series costume designer William Ware Theiss. Robin William's egg spaceship from 1970s and 80s sitcom Mork and Mindy is also on the market for a hefty 15,400 and 23,000 ($20,000 to $30,000.) There's also a chance for fans to get their hands on Laura Palmer's red casket from the 1990s show Twin Peaks for between 1560 and 2350 ($2,000 and $3,000.) The auction are even featuring the Geoffrey the Giraffe character costume from Toys R Us promotions in the 1970s and 80s. There's also a chance for Star Trek fanatics to get their hands on William Shatner's Captain T Kirk costume (left) The costume was worn when the character kissed Lieutenant Uhura (pictured) in one of the very first interracial kisses on television on Star Trek: The Original Series. Will Vinton Claymation puppets including The California Raisins are also for sale alongside their tiny instruments For followers of recent popular culture, Prop Store are offering a five pound bag of Walter White's 'blue sky' meth from Breaking Bad, estimated between 1560 and 2350 ($2,000 and $3,000.) A selection of highlights will be on display in an auction preview exhibition at Prop Store from Monday, November 26 to Saturday, December 1. The exhibition is open to the public and free-to-enter. Brandon Alinger, Prop Store Chief Operating Officer, said: 'Our TV Treasures auction curated by James Comisar includes rare pieces that have never been out in the market before. For followers of recent popular culture, Prop Store are offering a five pound bag of Walter White's 'blue sky' meth from Breaking Bad (pictured, Bryan Cranston) It is expected to fetch between 1560 and 2350 when it goes up for auction in California next month 'Prop Store is proud to present this collection from Comisar's archive, which has previously been referred to as: "The World's Greatest Collection of Television Memorabilia." 'We expect this to be a landmark sale for collectors.' James Comisar, Comisar Collection owner and curator, said: 'I have spent 30 years trying to create a museum that honors television's rich history, and until that can be realized, I want to share with collectors-turned-caretakers, who have always celebrated these shows and valued their materials. 'These days, few would argue TV's enduring nature or its emotional hold, and my hope is the objects can live on as long as the shows are streaming through our lives.' The auction are even featuring the Geoffrey the Giraffe character costume (right) from Toys R Us promotions in the 1970s and 80s Litter wardens on The Wirral have been sharing Whatsapp messages joking about 'kicking kids in the head' according a former company worker. The whistleblower released copies of the shocking messages to local media to expose some of the attitudes of the litter wardens. Wirral council has outsourced its litter warden service to private company Kingdom. Litter wardens on The Wirral have been accused of sharing abusive messages on Whatsapp Litter wardens in The Wirral have allegedly been sharing messages on Whatsapp joking about 'kicking kids in the head' or following women back to their homes to hand over fines The whistleblower also alleged that managers at the company put litter wardens under pressure to hand out more fines - despite claims to the contrary that fines are only used as a deterrent, rather than a revenue stream. Copies of the messages which were shared over the summer were sent to the Liverpool Echo. During the correspondence, a league table of litter fines is referenced and members are frequently talking about how many they have handed out and congratulating each other. One message from the Wirral team joked: 'What's the official line on kicking little s*** kids in the head? Is it a proper no, or just frowned upon...?! To this a fellow team member responded: 'On a none professional point just boot them but on a professional point just ignore them and move on haha.' The messages also allege that litter wardens Throughout the lengthy conversation, one member - who appears to be in a senior position - consistently and repeatedly asks questions like 'What is everyone on please?', 'What are the scores shift?' and 'final scores today?' Amongst a range of accusations levelled at Kingdom since they started working on Merseyside is that officers have stalked or followed people in an intimidating manner. One of the leaked messages - again from a seemingly senior team member, states: 'Just so everyone is aware. 'If an offender litters from a window of their car whilst driving, you cannot follow them to their houses as we have had a complaint that 2 male officers followed a lady in the car. This has kicked off big time with councillors - you cannot follow in this manner anymore.' The same staff member also appears to offer some concerning instructions to the team, advising them to stop offering advice for how to appeal a litter fine. The message reads: 'Please stop telling people that if they appeal it will be successful. Have been through footage today and a few are doing it.' One of the staff members complained that too many local residents were disposing of their rubbish in a responsible manner. They messaged the group, moaning: 'Everyone going bin today, not looking good still on 1 and been walking all round Liscard, Poulton, Seacombe and now b Birkenhead..give up today sorry guys.' According to the Liverpool Echo, a spokesman for Kingdom said: 'Kingdom do not recognise that form of communication. 'Having seen some of the language used an investigation will be carried out and if necessary disciplinary procedures may follow. 'Kingdom expects more from its staff.' MailOnline has approached Kingdom for a comment. Two people are dead following a wall collapse at a Maryland Amazon distribution warehouse, which was caused by an intense storm. Strong storms and intense winds passed through Maryland Friday evening, apparently contributing to the collapse of a 50-foot wall at the Amazon Fullfillment Center in Southeast Baltimore at about 10.30pm. Baltimore firefighters pulled one man out from under the wall debris Friday. He was taken to the hospital, where he was then declared dead. Two men died after high winds during a storm caused a 50-foot wall to collapse at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Maryland on Friday night Debris from the wall collapse was scattered around the Amazon warehouse's grounds Firefighters then worked through the night to try to locate a second person who was reported missing. They used heavy equipment to shift debris including concrete and eventually found the second victim on Saturday morning at about 7.30am, according to the Baltimore Sun. Neither of the two men's names have been released yet and it is unclear if they were Amazon employees or third-party contractors. Officials are still considering the Amazon warehouse an 'active scene' and said that firefighters would keep sifting through debris to ensure that there were no other victims buried beneath. Amazon employee Brandon McBride, who was at the warehouse at the time of the wall collapse, told 11 News that 'It just sounded like bombs were dropping everywhere' and said that 'There was stuff falling everywhere, you could see the walls were caving in.' Amazon closed the entire building following the wall collapse. In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson told the Sun that, 'First responders remain onsite assessing the damage. The safety of our employees and contractors is our top priority and at this time the building remains closed.' Firefighters found the first victim on Friday night, but he was declared dead at the hospital. They had to use heavy equipment to move debris before locating the second victim Saturday The heavy winds knocked down fences and light poles, as well as scattering debris An overturned truck and fallen corrugated steel sheets are seen at the warehouse Saturday The Amazon Fulfillment Center as it looked prior to Friday night's storm damage 'We are incredibly thankful for the quick response from emergency services. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families impacted by last nights tragic event,' the spokesperson added. Footage taken by WJZ at the Amazon Fulfillment Center revealed overturned, large delivery trucks, as well as knocked down light polls, fallen corrugated metal sheets and other damage. Meanwhile, roads leading to the warehouse were littered with debris and a tractor trailer truck was reported as having been overturned on a nearby highway. The Amazon Fulfillment Center was one of several buildings to suffer from storm-related damage. Roofs were reported to have been blown off apartment buildings in Dundalk, Maryland, while sections of ceilings were said to have fallen in at the Twin Arch Shopping Center's TJ Maxx and HomeGoods store. The National Weather Service is determining whether the storm's strong winds can be classified as a tornado. If it turns out that it was, in fact, a tornado that touched down, the two Amazon Fulfillment Center deaths would be the first tornado-related deaths to be experienced in Maryland since 2002, according to the Sun. "The Canadian summer swim trials were not well attended." Jason Walton was this week's winner. The winner's name will be put into a drawing for a free month subscription or extension. Look for a new photo Monday. A notorious German daredevil claims he has been banned from Australia after a death-defying stunt drew the ire of the authorities. Andrej Ciesielski, 21, illegally scaled a crane perched atop a 240 metre (777 ft) skyscraper in Melbourne during a holiday last month. Stomach-churning footage shows the free-climber, from Munich, teetering on the precipices of the building and peering into the abyss. Andrej Ciesielski, 21, illegally scaled a crane perched atop a 240 metre (777 ft) skyscraper But Andrej claims he has paid a hefty price for the stunt, with Australia now joining a list of countries including Japan and Egypt who refuse Andrej entry due to his shenanigans. Andrej said: 'I'm sad that I got banned, but it's the consequence when you play with the law. 'The problem is that I would never get a permission to climb any buildings that's why I have to do it illegal, but it's worth it for the videos. But Andrej claims he has paid a hefty price for the stunt, with Australia now joining a list of countries to ban the young German Stomach-churning footage shows the free-climber, from Munich, teetering on the precipices of the building 'The view from the crane way more stunning that what most people will ever experience.' Andrej, who grabbed headlines in 2016 for illegally climbing Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza, said he had long wanted to travel to Australia. He spotted the building, on the corner of Elizabeth and Franklin Streets, while visiting Melbourne's CBD and knew at once the risk of losing his life and being slapped with severe penalties by police. Andrej, who grabbed headlines in 2016 for illegally climbing Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza, said he had long wanted to travel to Australia He spotted the building while visiting the CBD and knew at once the risk of losing his life But Andrej said the stunning footage of the climb made it all worthwhile. Andrej said: 'I always wanted to visit Australia. 'As soon as I saw this crane I knew it would be a perfect spot for a climb, but my biggest fear was getting caught by the cops. Trespassing fines are huge in Australia. 'The climb was dangerous because the crane was almost vertical and oil was also on the crane which makes it risky. 'I'm free when I'm climbing buildings, away from normal everyday life. 'I'm happy that I had the chance to see beautiful places in Australia. Maybe I'm able to come back one day.' A spokesperson for Australia's Department of Home Affairs said they do not comment on individual cases. This is the shocking moment an angry father batters a man in the street while children sitting in a car cheer him on. Rush-hour traffic was disrupted for several minutes as the two men got out of their cars and began exchanging punches outside a police station in Galway, Ireland, on Friday afternoon. Several young children witnessed the fight from the back seat of their father's car and could be heard egging him on as he grappled with his rival on the floor. His partner accused the man of insulting one of the children and screamed 'leave him for dead' as the pair fought, inches away from passing cars. Rush-hour traffic was disrupted for several minutes as the two men got out of their cars and began exchanging punches outside a police station in Galway, Ireland One of the boys who witnessed the fight can be heard shouting: 'My father will never give in for nobody. Never in his life will he give in.' Police attended the scene shortly after 4pm and an investigation is underway. Disturbing video of the brawl - filmed just yards away from the new divisional Garda headquarters in Dublin Road, Renmore - was widely shared on social media, quickly racking up more than 100,000 views. It shows the father pulling up in front of a parked car in a bus lane before the driver gets out and starts trading vicious blows with a man seen exiting the other vehicle. The raging dad knocks down his rival and an older boy shouts: 'Yes, daddy. Go on, dad. Come on, my father.' He lifts him up and puts him in a headlock as the other man desperately punches him in the ribs in a bid to get free. Footage shows the father pulling up in front of a parked car in a bus lane before the driver gets out and starts trading vicious blows with a man seen exiting the other vehicle The fight then spills into the street, forcing cars to stop as the dad pins his rival to the tarmac and punches him repeatedly in the face. The man's partner rushes into the road, storming towards the other vehicle and screams 'come out' at a woman sat inside with the door locked. She turns back towards her partner - now fighting topless in the street - and tells him to leave his rival 'for dead' before the footage cuts out. A Garda spokesman said: 'Police in Galway are investigating an altercation that occurred at Dublin road, Galway, on November 2 at approximately 2.10pm. 'Garda are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them at Galway Garda station on 091 388030.' Vice President Mike Pence didn't appear to be on the same page as Donald Trump Friday as he said he believed Republicans would retain control of the House in Tuesday's midterm elections. During an interview with Hill.TV, the politician who has held a seat for six terms, said they'd not only keep their position but could increase their numbers in the Senate too. 'I think we're going to expand our majority in the United States Senate, and I think we're going to hold our Republican majority in the House of Representatives,' Pence told Buck Sexton. Scroll down for videos Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday he believed Republicans would retain control of the House after Tuesday's midterm elections President Donald Trump said loss of the House 'could happen' on Friday in West Virginia but he told a crowd of supporters 'Don't worry about it' 'But that being said, there is certainly common ground in areas that we can work that the president has laid out.' However when asked how Republicans could work with Democrats on trade and infrastructure if the liberal party did take over, Pence added that Trump was well qualified for the job. 'I think there's a broad range of areas that we'll be able to work with that Democrat minority in the House and the Senate, and we'll continue to reach out to do that,' he said. 'More fair and reciprocal trade agreements, the approval of US-Mexico-Canada agreement will come before the Congress and we've already been having conversations with leaders in both parties... 'There's an infrastructure bill, this builder that became president would like to rebuild the infrastructure of America... we think there's an opportunity to work in a bipartisan way' His initial response was a contrast to Trump's sentiment on the same day when he appeared at a rally in West Virginia. Trump seemed prepared to deal with the consequences if the Democrats did gain the majority. 'It could happen. Could happen. We're doing very well, and we're doing really well in the Senate, but could happen,' Trump said about the possibility of Democrats taking over the House come November 6. 'And you know what you do? My whole life, you know what I say? "Don't worry about it, I'll just figure it out"' he continued. 'Does that make sense? I'll figure it out.' Trump made the surprising revelation when his main course of business was trying to take down Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, who leads in the polls and gave Trump a critical vote for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. In the midst of a discourse on the race, Trump, who usually speaks only of 'winning,' raised the possibility of losing the House, where polls and many pundits are favoring Democrats to take over. If Democrats do take the House by picking up 23 seats, they will gain control of powerful committees, and can begin probing cabinet secretaries, ethics issues, and other policies like the administration's hurricane response strategies. Trump said Barack Obama had no business lecturing him on truth-telling at a Florida campaign event after all the 'lies' he told about health care reform when he was president 'I heard President Obama speak today. I had to listen. I was in the plane. I had nothing else to do,' he began as he spoke from an airport hanger in Huntington Later, at an Indiana rally, Trump stopped short of predicting victory. 'Tuesday is going to be a very interesting day,' he said. He said it wouldn't compare to his own election two years ago, 'but it's going to be interesting nevertheless'. Trump continued to talk up his party's chances in the Senate, and later Friday traveled to Indiana in a plan to boost Mike Braun over incumbent Democrat Sen. Mike Donnelly. Trump insulted Donnelly, calling him 'Sleepin' Joe.' 'And a vote for Mike's opponent Joe Donnely is a vote to make Cryin' Chuck Schumer the Sen Majority Leader, we can't do that,' he said. 'A vote for any Democrat this November is a vote to put the radical Democrats in charge of the House, the Senate and every congressional committee. That's not good for Indiana that's not good for our country,' Trump said. Trump also went head-to-head with Barack Obama at rallies on Friday evening. In Indiana, he called him 'Barack H. Obama' alluding to his middle name, Hussein, during a campaign where he has inveighed against immigration and the caravan. In West Virginia he had another dig. 'I heard President Obama speak today. I had to listen, I was in the plane. I had nothing else to do,' Trump said as he spoke from an airport hanger. Obama accused Trump of telling 'lies' about health care as he spoke at a Florida campaign event. Trump threw the remark back in his face in Huntington, telling the former president had no business lecturing him on truth-telling after all the 'lies' he told about health care reform when he was in office. Trump also said Obama doesn't have any credibility when it comes to promoting a free press. 'Nobody was worse to the press than Obama, nobody,' he told his West Virginia audience. Heartbreaking tributes have been left outside a shopping centre in Spain to the British boy who died after leaping from the top floor of a department store in a suspected suicide pact, that he had earlier announced with his girlfriend on social media. Family, friends and well-wishers had penned heartfelt messages of condolence and flowers had been left outside. Candles were also left for the private school-educated teenager at the spot just outside El Corte Ingles department store, in the upmarket resort of Puerto Banus near Marbella, where he plunged to his death just before midday on Friday 2 November. Well-wishers left flowers and handwritten notes outside the shopping centre where the boy plunged to his death Candles were also left for the teenager who reportedly attended one of the most exclusive schools in Marbella One, signed Giulia and Deborah, said: 'You will always be in our hearts, forever love you and we hope you find peace now. Love and kisses.' Another, written on a piece of brown paper left under a lit candle, added: 'Rest in paradise. I hope you're not struggling wherever you are now. You will forever be missed.' Police confirmed this morning, Saturday 3 November, that the teenager was 16 and not 14 as they initially indicated. The El Corte Ingles department store where the 16-year-old died His British girlfriend, saved by hero security guards at the department store after experiencing a 'moment's doubt' seconds before she leapt into the abyss, was 14. The pair both attended the exclusive fee-paying school in Marbella, the Aloha College, which takes in pupils aged three to 14, however the school was unavailable for comment. Police have already said that although the incident is still under investigation, they are treating the unnamed British boy's death as a suicide. His girlfriend was taken to a health centre after suffering a panic attack. Her whereabouts are still not known. Earlier today it emerged the boy had hit a tree and street sign on his 65ft plunge to the ground and narrowly missed a pedestrian who was walking near the spot where he fell. Friends have described him as the son of a British father and Brazilian mother. Sources at the department store he plunged to his death from confirmed they had received calls from the couple's friends after they announced their intention to throw themselves off the roof of the shopping centre on social media. The 14-year-old died after falling 65 feet from the top of the shopping centre in Puerto Banus (scene pictured) The source said: 'We received a call just before midday. The call came through to reception and security guards were alerted immediately. 'They went straight up to the roof when they were told the couple would be and although they sadly got there too late to save the boy, were able to reach the girl in time. 'It would appear she hesitated after experiencing a split-second of doubt and that gave the security guards time to grab hold of her and save her life. Police cars outside the shopping centre in Marbella. It is understood that the boy had reached the top of the building via the emergency staircase 'Everyone's in a state of shock. It's horrific what's happened. 'They went to the same school as far as I understand.' The teenager landed on the street by a zebra crossing near to a busy roundabout close to the main entrance of El Corte Ingles, which is popular with holidaymakers and expats. One onlooker who arrived soon after the tragedy said: 'A white sheet was still on the ground when I arrived. Sources at the department store he plunged to his death from confirmed they had received calls from the couple's friends after they announced their intention to throw themselves off the roof 'There were a couple of youngsters on a bench nearby who were beside them with grief. They looked to me like they might have been friends. 'In the summer that area is packed with people including many tourists and expats who could easily have been walking right at the spot where he fell.' The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have been contacted by MailOnline for comment. For confidential support in the UK, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See samaritans.org for details. The gunman who posed a customer at a Tallahassee yoga studio before he killed two women and wounded five others said he wanted to 'blow off' a woman's head and expressed other disturbing and misogynistic views four years ago on his YouTube channel. Scott Beierle created clips in 2014 that labeled females 'sluts' and 'whores'. He even spoke about the 'treachery' of young girls who attended his high school some as far back as the eight grade. In one video he says: 'There are whores in not only every city, not only every town, but every village.' Scott Beierle created YouTube clips in 2014 that labeled females 'sluts' and 'whores' The killer also mentioned his opposition to interracial relationships when he said women had betrayed 'their blood' The killer also mentioned his opposition to interracial relationships when he said women had betrayed 'their blood'. The Rebirth of my Misogynism clip, features him naming females from early on in his life right up until was in the Army which he served in from 2008 until 2010, according to Buzzfeed News. He claims those 'lying' women inspired his 'rebirth'. Beierle speaks to camera about women who he claims gave him their phone number despite them having a boyfriend and how angry it made him. After revealing how angry he was he added about a girl who canceled a date with him: 'I could have ripped her head off.' He criticized Barack Obama's healthcare subsidies and said he didn't want to pay for the 'casual sex lives of slutty girls' who used affordable contraception. He said he wanted to 'blow off' a woman's head and expressed other disturbing misogynistic views four years ago The man also posed songs on Soundcloud within the last few months with one boasting the alarming title F**k 'Em All. Lyrics include: 'To hell with the boss that won't get off my back / To hell with the girl I can't get in the sack.' He complained that women didn't admire him in a tune named Nobody's Type. Singing: 'I'm no athletic shark. I'm not a physical specimen. I don't win the trophies and medals. Nobody stands in awe of me.' Beierle showed how capable he was of being aggressive toward females in a track named 'American Wigger', casually saying he would 'blow off' the head of a 'c***'. Paul Beierle, 40, opened fire at a hot yoga studio in Tallahassee, Florida, killing two and injuring five others He told raping a woman bound by chains in 'Locked in my Basement'. Representatives for YouTube and Soundcloud didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. It's unclear whether he specifically targeted the women who died Friday when he opened fire. Beierle had a history of arrests for grabbing women. Witnesses told police that Beierle, 40, walked into T and tried to blend in with the class before he started firing. He killed Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21. Cops now believe the shooting could have been random, and have dug up a history of his arrests for inappropriate behavior. He was arrested in 2012 for misdemeanor battery for grabbing two women's butt on Florida State University's campus, according to Leon County court records. The incident occurred at the Suwanee Room, which is a popular dining hall on the campus. One of the victim's claimed that he had touched her on three separate occasions in a 30 day period In 2016, Beierle was arrested for a batter charge after he allegedly slapped and grabbed a woman's rear end and at a nearby swimming pool. Prosecutors dropped both charges in those cases, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Beierle was arrested in 2012 and in 2016 for two separate incidences of touching women on their buttocks. The 2012 incident took place in a popular Florida State University dining hall. The two victims who were shot dead on Friday have been named as Maura Binkley, 21, (left) and Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, 61 (right) Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo said Friday night that the gunman shot six people and pistol-whipped one other before fatally shooting himself. The conditions of the other victims are unclear. Jeff Binkley, Maura's father, said that police told him that the act appeared random. The shooter was living in Deltona at the time of the shooting. His hotel room and home in Volusia County were being searched on Saturday, Officer Miller added. His motive has not been determined at the moment Dr Van Vessem was an internist and chief medical director for Capital Health Plan the Tallahassee Democrat confirmed. Capital Health Plan said in a statement: 'Our Capital Health Plan family is deeply shocked and saddened about the tragic loss of our beloved friend and colleague, Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, among the other victims of this terrible incident. 'As CHP's longtime chief medical director, Nancy has been a guiding, visionary force in our daily work to serve the wellness and health care needs of thousands of families in this community. 'Her dedication, caring, leadership, humanity, and experience made her one of the most respected, inspiring, and accomplished medical professionals in the state and country. Our hearts are filled with sorrow and prayers for her family. We all have been so blessed to have Nancy in our lives.' Binkley was a student at Florida State University and Dr Van Vessem was a faculty member. Binkley was a student at Florida State University while Vessem worked at the school as a faculty member University President John Thrasher said in a statement: 'There are no words to express the shock and grief we feel after learning of the deaths of Maura Binkley and Dr. Nancy Van Vessem. 'To lose one of our students and one of our faculty members in this tragic and violent way is just devastating to the Florida State University family. We feel this loss profoundly and we send our deepest sympathies to Maura's and Nancy's loved ones while we pray for the recovery of those who were injured.' Witness Alex Redding told the Tallahassee Democrat a woman ran into the bar downstairs, followed by a man with blood on his head. He said two to three other people sought help in Bar at Betton, and they told him a tall man with a beard was acting strangely in the studio and then began shooting. A person is seen being transported from scene of a shooting in Tallahassee, Florida on Friday The shooter killed two people and wounded at five others before killing himself (the scene is seen above) Emergency personnel are seen stationed outside the yoga studio after a gunman opened fire The shooting in Tallahassee on Friday appeared to be a part of a domestic dispute Video courtesy of Michael Hudak The man with blood on his head told Redding he tried to stop the shooter but was pistol-whipped before the gunman killed himself. State Rep. Kristin Jacobs was also in the bar and witnessed the aftermath of the shooting. '... a girl ran into the bar,' she said. 'She could hardly talk. She was hyperventilating. I heard her say shooter. Two other women came in, and I kept hearing the word 'Shooter'.' Jacobs said of the man who was pistol-whipped: 'Many people are alive because this guy rushed the shooter.' Megan Nixon told the Tallahassee Democrat she was eating at Riccardo's Restaurant downstairs when the gunman opened fire. She said: 'We heard pop, pop, pop. It sounded intense. It didn't sound like gunshots.' Melissa Hutchinson said she helped treat a 'profusely' bleeding man who rushed into a bar after the incident. She said three people from the studio ran in, and they were told there was an active shooter. Matthew Rodin, left and Susan Turner comfort Melissa Hutchinson who rendered aid to some of the victims of a mass shooting The shooting happened at a small Tallahassee shopping center on Friday afternoon 'It was a shocking moment something happened like this,' Hutchinson said. The people who came in were injured, including the bleeding man who was pistol-whipped while trying to stop the shooter. They told her the shooter kept coming in and out of the studio. When he loaded his gun, people started pounding the windows of the studio to warn people. Erskin Wesson, 64, said he was eating dinner with his family at a restaurant below the yoga studio when they heard the gunshots above them. 'We just heard 'pow, pow, pow, pow,'' Wesson said. 'It sounded like a limb falling on a tin roof and rolling.' The restaurant's owner came by a short time later, asking if anyone was a doctor, Wesson said. His step-daughter is an emergency room nurse and helped paramedics for about an hour, he said. There were 11 people signed up for the 5.30pm class, local media reports. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is the Democratic nominee for governor, tweeted that he's breaking off the campaign trail to return to Tallahassee. Tallahassee police chief Michael DeLeo speaks to the press at the scene of a shooting Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum said he's breaking off the campaign trail to return to Tallahassee He wrote: 'I'm deeply appreciative of law enforcement's quick response to the shooting at the yoga facility in Tallahassee today. 'No act of gun violence is acceptable. I'm in close communication with law enforcement officials and will be returning to Tallahassee tonight.' Late Friday night, after earlier appeared at a campaign event with former President Barack Obama, Gillum spoke to reporters near the scene of the shooting to say that he had visited in the hospital two people who were shot at the studio. The mayor said they were in good spirits despite their injuries. Gillum asked residents to pray for those who survived and those who were killed in the shooting. 'We all feel a sense of added vulnerability' because of the shooting, the mayor said. City Commissioner Scott Maddox wrote on Facebook: 'In my public service career I have had to be on some bad scenes. This is the worst. Please pray.' Republican Gov. Rick Scott, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, called DeLeo and the head of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to get details of the shooting. 'I will remain in constant communication with law enforcement. We have offered state assistance,' Scott tweeted. The plaza where the shooting took place is home to popular restaurants, a jewelry store, a framing shop, a hair salon and other businesses. City spokeswoman Alison Faris told news outlets that the suspect fatally shot himself. Emergency services are seen at the scene of the shooting Police officers are seen at the scene of the shooting in Tallahassee, Florida on Friday night Every year, one ITV news reader is subjected to a torrent of racial abuse about her decision not to wear a poppy live on air. Charlene White, 38, has for a long time not worn a poppy on screen, an item used to commemorate those who lost their lives during warfare. But it is not because she doesn't support the British Legion, which sells the poppy to raise money for those currently serving in the armed forces and their families. Scroll down for video Charlene White (pictured), 38, does not wear the poppy while live on air and reading the news for ITV. She has time and time again had to clarify her position after receiving racist and sexist abuse The news reader took to Twitter yesterday to share an article written in 2014 which clarified her position on the poppy and why she doesn't wear it live on air It is instead for another reason, one which she has time and time again had to clarify with her tormentors online. In 2014, she clarified her position in an article on the ITV news website. But she has once again had to share the story, after receiving a flurry of racial abuse this year. Tweeting a link to the original article, she wrote: 'For those asking tonight - some nicely, others not - heres an article explaining why I dont wear a poppy on air. 'I wear a poppy off screen - I donate to the British Legion - I come from a forces family - Im really not a b***h, c**t or p***k.' Ms White (who he seen here outside the Royal Festival Hall in London) is patron of a number of charities. She claims that due to impartiality rules, it means she is not allowed to visually support them all while presenting news programmes In the article, she claims that her decision not to wear the poppy on screen is due to her being a patron of a number of charities. She said: 'I support and am patron of a number of charities, and due to impartiality rules, I am not allowed to visually support them all whilst presenting news programmes. 'That includes things like a red ribbon for World Aids Day, or a purple band for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. 'Both these and many more charities do great things in the UK, but I'm not allowed to give them exposure on screen.' Due to her decision not to wear the poppy on screen, she claims to have received both racist and sexist abuse. But it is not that she never wears the poppy, far from it. She says: 'In my private life, it's very different. I wear a poppy on Armistice Day - in fact I wear one that my friend Jen's mum knitted for me a few years ago. 'And I proudly have one of the ceramic poppies from the Tower Of London on my mantelpiece. 'And every year I donate to the British Legion.' Tom Bradby (left) who presents the News at Ten for ITV wears a poppy while live on air. As does Susanna Reid (right), who is co-anchor of Good Morning Britain alongside Piers Morgan and Ben Shephard The red poppy is every year sold by the British Legion to raise money for those currently serving in the armed forces and their families Ms White goes on to say that she strongly supports the work of British service personnel and is aware of the sacrifices made by servicemen 100 years ago. She says: 'I come from a Forces family. My Dad served in the RAF, and my uncle served in the Army. 'When I first decided not to wear the poppy on screen, I spoke to both of them to make sure they were okay with it. And they both support my decision.' This year's poppy appeal will continue up until Remembrance Sunday which this year takes place on November 11. It will also mark the 100 year anniversary since the end of the war in 1918. A British soldier is attempting to be the first man in history to cross Antarctica solo - unsupported, unassisted and using muscle power alone. Captain Louis Rudd's ambitious journey will involve carrying 150kg of essential food and kit across 1,500km of Antarctic ice in 75 days with no help. The 47-year-old will battle temperatures as low as -50C in the Spirit of Endurance expedition which he is embarking on to honour his late friend Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley and as a tribute to explorer Ernest Shackleton's legacy. Scroll down for video British Army Captain Louis Rudd is attempting to cross 1,500km of Antarctic ice in 75 days The 47-year-old will embark on the mission alone and carry all his supplies with him Lieutenant Colonel Worsley mentored Rudd on his first polar expedition in 2011 and lost his life trying to complete a solo trans-Antarctic mission of his own in 2016. The name of Rudd's expedition harks back to the expedition ship of the original Ernest Shackleton Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-17. Now the stuff of legend, Shackleton's ship Endurance became trapped and was then crushed in the polar pack ice in 1915, leaving 28 men stranded in horrific conditions with no hope of rescue for more than a year. With courage and leadership Shackleton eventually saved all the men in perhaps the most extraordinary survival story of all time. The name of Rudd's expedition harks back to the expedition ship of the original Ernest Shackleton (right) Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-17. The ship (left) became trapped in 1915, leaving 28 men stranded with no hope of rescue for more than a year Shackleton and five others left the Endurance (pictured leaning in the ice) and made an 800-mile open-boat journey to organise the rescue of the other stranded crew After months spent in makeshift camps as the ice drifted northwards, the party took to lifeboats to reach the inhospitable, uninhabited Elephant Island. Shackleton and five others made an epic 800-mile open-boat journey to reach South Georgia and organise the rescue of the stranded crew. Captain Rudd hopes to complete the mission that Shackleton couldn't complete over 100 years ago and his trek is being facilitated and supplied by a men's performance clothing brand named after the legendary explorer. He said: 'Within the polar community, Antarctica is called 'The Great White Queen', and like a siren song she draws you back. The crew of the Endurance spent months in makeshift camps after becoming stranded Shackleton's crew became trapped in ice in the Weddell Sea and the boat sank. They then traveled to Elephant Island before Shackleton and five others went in search of help 'I absolutely love the sheer vastness of Antarctica. It blows me away every time, and without even knowing it, I've probably been preparing for Spirit of Endurance for well over 10 years now. It has always felt like my destiny.' His family - wife Lucy in Hereford and children Luke, Amy and Sophie - will be following the journey back home. Captain Rudd will also have daily check-in calls via Sat phone that will provide a brief chance to interact with those keeping tabs on his progress. Captain Rudd's expedition timeline 25th October 2018: Louis Rudd Depart For South America. 26-31th October 2018: Final prep in Punta Arenas. 1st November 2018: Fly to Union Glacier with Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions 1-7th November 2018: Expedition start date, weather conditions permitting. 22-30th December: Expected to reach South Pole. 7th-25th January: Expected to complete Expedition. 27th January: Latest completion date. Advertisement Hell also have some super-lightweight presents to open on Christmas Day as well as his iPod - stocked with Bruce Springsteen and U2 songs - to keep him company. Spirit of Endurance will begin from Hercules Inlet on the Ronne Ice Shelf in the Weddell Sea, (near where Shackleton had planned his start 104 years go) and will conclude on the Ross Ice Shelf around 75 days later. The journey will take over two months and Captain Rudd is fully aware of the danger of the grueling mission. He said: 'It's right at the limits of what is possible and being out there really puts this expedition into perspective; you are this tiny little black dot in this huge white expanse, working your way across the continent. 'It's a place that can kill you in minutes if you get things wrong. It could be as simple as pitching your tent, if the wind catches it it's gone, it floats like a parachute and blows away. Rudd is suitably qualified for this expedition having trained in arctic warfare for over 30 years during his time with the Army. Rudd led a team of Army Reservists on the Trans-Antarctic SPEAR17 expedition last year and has trained in arctic warfare for over 30 years during his time with the Army He also raced to the South Pole in 2011 with his very close friend, the late Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley, and hopes this Spirit of Endurance expedition will honour his pal He also has extensive specialised polar experience having led a team of Army Reservists on the Trans-Antarctic SPEAR17 expedition last year. For his 'outstanding leadership and determination' during this expedition he has been awarded an MBE, collecting it at Buckingham Palace, on 17th October, 2018. He also raced to the South Pole in 2011 with his very close friend, the late Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley, in a re-enactment of the Scott-Amundsen race that took place a century earlier. Rudd says: 'Henry completely inspired me from that very first journey and gave me that real deep appreciation for the polar pioneers and for polar history in general. 'I knew absolutely nothing about polar travel; the dark arts, the routines, the kit, he taught me everything.' Rudd's Spirit of Endurance will raise money for The Royal Foundation's Heads Together mental health charity, and for ABF The Soldiers' Charity. ABF offer lifetime support to soldiers and veterans from the British Army, and their immediate families. The ambitious journey, which will last more than two months, will involve carrying 150kg of essential food and kit across 1,500km of Antarctic ice Rudd was awarded an MBE for his 'outstanding leadership and determination' in the Trans-Antarctic SPEAR17 expedition last year The co-founder of the high-performance British clothing brand, Martin Brooks, says: 'Shackleton is built in The Boss' image and we are incredibly proud to be the official expedition partner and clothing supplier to the historic Spirit of Endurance expedition. 'Louis Rudd epitomises Sir Ernest Shackleton's powerful values; optimism, patience, physical endurance, idealism and courage. 'Our brand's purpose is to inspire and equip the modern pioneer and we're proud to support and cheer Lou all the way.' More than 70 senior UK business leaders have signed a letter to be published in The Sunday Times newspaper that will say there should be a new public vote on the final terms of Britain's exit from the European Union. The letter would not directly refer to another referendum but it would say the 'ultimate choice' should go back to the electorate. The letter argues that both the Government's current plans for Brexit, and a no-deal Brexit, would leave the country worse off than they were being in the EU if the country left in March. The letter will also warn that Brexit proposals being discussed by Britain and the European Union will not deliver frictionless trade for Britain after it exits the bloc in March, a source told Sky News. Waterstones boss James Daunt (left) and former Sainsbury's boss Justin King (right) have both signed the letter This comes as over 500,000 people took to the streets of London last month on the People's Vote march, calling for a fresh referendum. Campaigners on both sides of the argument have stepped up their efforts in recent months as London and Brussels hope to agree a Brexit deal by the end of the year. Signatories include the chief executive of bookstore chain Waterstones James Daunt and the former boss of supermarket Sainsbury's Justin King. Other signatories are said to be founders and bosses of privately owned businesses, with public company chiefs reluctant to speak openly about the politics of Brexit for fear of a backlash from employees, customers and other stakeholders. The letter states: 'The business community was promised that, if the country voted to leave, there would continue to be frictionless trade with the EU and the certainty about future relations that we need to invest for the long term. Despite the Prime Minister's best efforts, the proposals being discussed by the Government and the European Commission fall far short of this, and they are not nearly as good as the current deal we have inside the EU. More than 50 senior British business leaders have signed the document 'The uncertainty over the past two years has already led to a slump in investment, which will make our country poorer. 'We are now facing either a blindfold or a destructive hard Brexit. Both these options will further depress investment. They will be bad for business and bad for working people. 'Given that neither was on the ballot in 2016, we believe the ultimate choice should be handed back to the public with a People's Vote.' Baroness Lane-Fox (left) and Mike Rake (right) have also signed the letter and have previously been outspoken on Brexit Lord Myners, who was appointed as city minister by Gordon Brown in 2008 but now sits as a crossbencher, added: 'Any deal will be made from a position of weakness where we have surrendered our principal negotiating cards. 'It will be half-formed, casting a long shadow over business confidence, damaging investment and hurting both enterprises and their employees for years to come.' Back in 2016, following the UK's decision to leave the European Union, Mr Daunt sent a letter to employees warning that id the UK left the EU, that jobs could be axed. Lord Myners (pictured) said that any deal will be made from a position of weakness In the letter he warned if a Leave vote was returned, there would be a 'significant retail downturn' which would 'reverse much of the hard-won gain of the last few years' for the company. This is while Justin King has previously warned that UK consumers were 'completely in the dark', when it came to the negotiations. Speaking to BBC's Panorama programme last year he said: 'One can say very clearly what the direction will be: higher prices, less choice, and poorer quality, because all of those dimensions have been improved by these open trading relationships that we've had over the last 40 years. 'Brexit, almost in whatever version it is, will introduce friction, it will introduce barriers. That makes it less efficient, which means all three of those benefits price, quality, and choice go backwards.' Other confirmed signatories include Baroness Lane-Fox, the co-founder of Lastminute.com and board member at Marks & Spencer. she had previously taken part in the 'Brexit: Is it worth it?' campaign which saw a bus with the words 'Brexit to cost 2,000 million a week says government's own report' emblazoned on the side, park up outside parliament. Sir Mike Rake, former chairman of BT Group has also signed the letter and has previously highlighted that the decision to exit the EU would be irreversible. This is while Richard Reed, co-founder of Innocent Drinks has branded Brexit unhelpful: 'Brexit is unhelpful, no-one I know is saying it's a good thing.' Other people who put their name to the letter include Cobra Beer founder Lord Bilimoria, former Marks and Spencer chairman and ex-Labour peer Lord Myners, Alex Chesterman, founder of the Zoopla property website, and Sir Simon Robertson, the ex-chairman of Rolls-Royce. Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio believes he's being unfairly blamed for the releasing a Mexican illegal immigrant 13 years before he would go on to shoot dead Sacramento County sheriff's Deputy Danny Oliver and Placer County sheriff's Detective Michael Davis Jr. in California. The former six-term sheriff of metro Phoenix - who was the first person to receive a pardon from Trump in a contempt of court conviction for disobeying an order in an immigration case - spoke out after a controversial political ad from President Donald Trump used to support his views on immigration. Repeatedly-deported Luis Bracamontes - who was convicted of murder in the 2014 police deaths - appears in the ad as the president blames Democrats for weak laws that allowed him to keep coming across the border. Scroll down for videos Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he's being unfairly blamed for releasing from custody a Mexican immigrant featured in a political ad bragging about killing police officers Luis Bracamontes - who was convicted of murder in the 2014 police deaths - appears in the ad as the president blames Democrats for weak laws that allowed him to keep crossing the border Democrats and Republicans have denounced the ad, which links Bracamontes' crimes to a caravan of Central American migrants moving through Mexico, as a racist campaign tactic However he was deported under noted immigration hard-liner Arpaio as Maricopa County Sheriff. Critics were quick to point out in the days leading up to the November 6 midterm elections that Bracamontes was incarcerated four times in jails run by Arpaio. 'I would never release an illegal,' Arpaio said Friday adding that he hasn't seen the ad and didn't remember the details of the cases. 'I think my reputation has shown that for many, many, many years.' He said his jail officers likely acted properly by contacting federal immigration authorities to pick up Bracamontes when thousands of immigrants were being released from jails, because that was the procedure in the jails at the time when inmates completed their sentences. Bracamontes was deported at least once after doing time in Arpaio's jails in drug cases from 1996 through 2001, according to court records in Arizona. Sacramento County sheriff's Deputy Danny Oliver (left) and Placer County sheriff's Detective Michael Davis Jr. (right) were shot and killed by Bracamontes Arpaio said at that time, his office had a system of notifying federal authorities about immigrants in the jail through a teletype system. He pinned the blame on federal immigration authorities for dropping the ball and said he's a convenient target for people looking to criticize the president. Arpaio added: 'Why am I the bad guy? You know why? My name.' Arpaio campaigned for Trump on several occasions during the presidential campaign but lost his bid for a seventh term in 2016 amid a swirl of legal troubles. Both Democrats and Republicans have denounced the ad, which links Bracamontes' crimes to a caravan of Central American migrants moving through Mexico, as a racist campaign tactic. Bracamontes used several aliases, making it hard to pinpoint his immigration record. California authorities say Bracamontes was deported four times before Bracamontes was deported in 1997, when Bill Clinton (left) was in office. He was arrested for marijuana possession March 2001 during George W. Bush's administration Comparisons have been drawn between the ad and the infamous 'Willie Horton' commercial in the 1988 presidential race It was about a black man who raped a woman while out of prison on a weekend furlough Bracamontes was deported in 1997, when Bill Clinton was in office, according to court records in Arizona. He was arrested for marijuana possession in March 2001 during George W. Bush's administration. It's unclear when he returned to the United States illegally before that arrest. Comparisons have been drawn between the ad and the infamous 'Willie Horton' commercial in the 1988 presidential race about a black man who raped a woman while out of prison on a weekend furlough. A news release issued by Arpaio's office in the days after the attack on the California officers is murky on saying whether his office or federal immigration authorities had released Bracamontes onto the streets. Dundee has one of the highest proportions of smokers in Britain Dundee City Council will ban its employees from smoking or vaping anywhere during working hours in the first move of its kind. The Scottish city has one of the highest proportions of smokers in Britain and male life expectancy rates are among the lowest. Now the council wants to crack down on the number of 'adult role models' seen lighting up in public. Workers will face disciplinary action if they do not comply with the tough new policy, which includes smoking anywhere away from the office between 8.30am and 5pm. Dundee will be the first UK council to introduce such a ban, which aims to 'promote positive health messages' and 'protect the health of employees'. But the move has been slammed as 'bullying' by campaign group Forest, which describes itself as the 'voice and friend of the smoker'. Director Simon Clark said: 'Threatening employees with disciplinary action if they smoke during work breaks or while they're working out of doors, out of uniform and between locations is tantamount to bullying. 'Smoking is not illegal. If it doesn't interfere with their work or inconvenience colleagues, employees who wish to smoke outside during work breaks should be allowed to do so.' He said banning vaping made 'even less sense' because e-cigarettes have helped lots of smokers quit. Dundee City Council (pictured) will be the first UK council to introduce such a ban A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: 'The council has revised its smoking policy as we are working to protect the health of employees and also promote positive health messages across the wider community, in line with the agreed Our People Strategy and health and wellbeing framework. 'A key part of that approach involves discouraging children and young people from taking up smoking. 'One way to assist that is to reduce the number of adult "role models" who can be seen smoking in public. 'Across Dundee, there has been the introduction of voluntary no-smoking areas at children's play parks and we will be looking to extend this to more open spaces in the future.' Advertisement Vietnamese model Phuong Khanh Nguyen, 23, has been crowned this year's Miss Earth, beating 86 other glamorous women to the title. Contestants from all over the world competed for the title of Miss Earth, with each one declaring how they'd 'protect the Earth'. The student impressed judges with her answer to the question: 'Being a millennial, what is the most pressing issue of your generation?' She replied: 'The most pressure for our generation, my generation, is our ignorance. Phuong Khanh Nguyen, 23 (centre) of Vietnam, is crowned Miss Earth 2018 by last year's winner, Karen Ibasco (left) of the Philippines in Pasay City, south of Manila, Philippines 'We have so much technology, and we just use it for social media and we just care for ourselves. 'We should spend our time to think and feel what's happening with the Earth right now and when small actions multiplied by million people can transform the world.' Miss Earth 2017, Karen Ibasco, crowned the 23-year-old winner from Vietnam at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines. From left to right: Miss Earth 2018 pageant winners Melissa Flores of Mexico (Miss Earth-Fire), Valeria Ayos of Colombia (Miss Earth-Water), Phuong Khanh Nguyen of Vietnam (Miss Earth 2018) and Melanie Mader of Austria (Miss Earth-Air) pose Phuong Khanh Nguyen, a marketing student fluent in both Vietnamese and English, looked delighted after her win (pictured) Khanh is a marketing student fluent in both Vietnamese and English and her win is the first time Vietnam have won the crown. The beauty pageant was beamed live to several countries all over the world by broadcasters in South America, Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East. The pageant, an annual international beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness, also crowned 'elemental queens'. The student impressed judges with her answer to the question: 'Being a millennial, what is the most pressing issue of your generation?' She replied: 'The most pressure for our generation, my generation, is our ignorance' She added: 'We have so much technology, and we just use it for social media and we just care for ourselves. 'We should spend our time to think and feel what's happening with the earth right now and when small actions multiplied by million people can transform the world' Miss Earth-Air was announced as Melaniec Mader from Austria, Miss Earth-Water went to Valeria Ayos from Colombia, and Miss Earth-Fire was given to Melissa Flores from Mexico. Overall winner Khanh will now travel the world to promote the pageant's advocacy of spreading environmental awareness. Her predecessor Ibasco went to 10 countries during her reign to participate in projects and help save the environment. In her biography on the Miss Earth website, she revealed her love of cats and said: 'Why do I like them? Because they are intelligent animals that and has the ability to adapt to its environment and situations. 'Cats are very sociable and just like humans observes its surroundings.' The pageant, an annual international beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness, also crowned 'elemental queens' Phuong Khanh Nguyen (right) of Vietnam reacts after being announced the winner of Miss Earth 2018 while Miss Earth-Air, Melanie Mader (left) of Austria looks on Advertisement Last week Katina Beale put the finishing touches to a bespoke kitchen in her Alpine ski lodge. Then she agonised over whether to decorate her 17-room Georgian mansion or the Art Deco townhouse. The solution? To splash out on a completely new residence instead her ninth in total. Yet, for all her many properties, Katina is neither aristocrat nor billionaire. The 64-year-old from Northamptonshire is one of a growing number of women shutting out the stress of real life by devoting themselves to dolls houses and the kind of exquisitely detailed contents all one-twelfth of their real size pictured here. There are already some 1,000 craftsmen in Britain creating furniture for dolls houses, some with waiting lists of more than two years, and the market is growing rapidly. The leading magazine in the field, Dolls House World, reports that its subscriptions have risen by a fifth in the past year alone, despite the eye-watering cost of the hobby. GEORGIAN GEM: The townhouse with 17 rooms that cost Katina 1,000 each to furnish Katina Beale is neither aristocrat nor billionaire. The 64-year-old from Northamptonshire is one of a growing number of women shutting out the stress of real life by devoting themselves to dolls houses Katina reckons to have spent at least 1,000 furnishing each room in her 5ft-tall Georgian townhouse, bringing her total spending on the hobby so far to 50,000. Its not a childs-play thing its an adult pursuit, she insists when we meet at her entirely life-sized three-bedroom home near Kettering. The houses are not the only thing in my world, she says. I have a very busy social life, I love eating at nice restaurants and going to the theatre. But this is a calming hobby. Sometimes life comes along and sinks you. Theres Mr Trump with his hand on the nuclear button, for example. You cant control things like that, but you can control your miniature houses. I can just sit and stare at them thinking, What do I need? I do play with them. I rearrange furniture and create Christmas displays. I also make things for them such as books and luggage. Like many people, Katina had a Tri-ang dolls house as a child. But the former librarian had reached the age of 52 before she decided to take dolls houses seriously and promptly spent 1,500 on an Art Deco residence, plus a great deal more to fill it with period furniture and fittings. The hand-painted tiles above the roll-top bath cost an eye-watering 500, for example, while the table and chairs in the style of architect and designer Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe set her back 350. Pictured: The dining salon with a 110 table centrepiece, Wedgwood-style tea set, far right, and mini Renoir, top right EASTERN PROMISE: Bedroom with Chinese-style wallpaper and a 130 four-poster. Katina made the bedding herself Two pairs of tiny silver and gold candlesticks cost 300. The bedroom houses a number of solid silver picture frames containing tiny photographs of Katina and her late husband, John. These cost up to 50. Even the blue and white Cornishware-style pots in the kitchen cost 18 each. No wonder the house is insured for 15,000. As impressive as the Art Deco house might be, Katinas pride and joy is her Georgian mansion, bought for 1,800 in 2009, and now insured for 25,000. Pieces inside include at least 5,000 worth of highly prized Japanese-style furniture by the miniature specialist Judith Dunger, 150-worth of bespoke wallpaper and a 120 mohair poodle. As to her latest acquisition, her ninth, this will be a modern creation because she wants to accommodate a 500 giraffe-print leather sofa by Desiree Lafuente, another leading designer in the field. You can never just stop at one house, Katina continues. Ive known people with 13. You get hooked, its like a syndrome. GRAND ENTRANCE: The cat on the stair is modelled on one of Katinas own. She said: I have a very busy social life, I love eating at nice restaurants and going to the theatre. But this is a calming hobby' PICTURE PERFECT: Artworks cost 22 each, painted just for this room. Katina said: Sometimes life comes along and sinks you. Theres Mr Trump with his hand on the nuclear button, for example. You cant control things like that, but you can control your miniature houses' Indeed, for her, it was something of a lifesaver following a brain haemorrhage in 2006. I couldnt cook, I couldnt work, I couldnt do anything, Katina explains. But I could just sit quietly and make things for my dolls house. It helped me get back to normal. If Katinas commitment to the world in miniature seems excessive, this is nothing compared to some of her fellow collectors. At fairs, grown women arrive early and race each other to certain makers stalls to buy their one-of-a-kind pieces, she reveals. Ive never seen any punch-ups but there have been arguments. I met one woman who had created a student house and one of the students was having an affair with the landlord. Some people really get into the fantasy of it all. Traditionalists who specialise in antique houses are said to be sniffy about modern collectibles, but there is no doubting where the more vibrant market lies. VINTAGE STYLE: The exterior of Katinas chic Art Deco-era house. This was her first dolls house and cost 1,500. Its insured for 15,000 ON TREND: The Art Deco sitting room, complete with 40 handmade fake palm. Katina made the books on the shelf, right, herself HAND-BUILT: The 400 kitchen was made by Elf Kitchens, specialists in miniature interiors. Katina made the sundaes on the worktop, right Kathy Holden, of Delph Miniatures, which specialises in modern furniture, says that some enthusiasts even create replicas of their own houses and those in which they grew up. She deals with a wide range of colourful requests including, recently, the fittings and equipment needed for a miniature tattoo parlour. Kathy says: One client, a microbiologist, had made a series of labs and wanted an autopsy suite so we now make morgues. We also sell a condom in a packet for 7.60. They go like a storm. You cant make this stuff fast enough. We have an eight-week waiting list. Richard Jennings, publisher of Dolls House World, says collectors can and do buy anything they want. Once people discover dolls houses they do get addicted. People want to get away from their tablets and phones and get hands-on, he says. The very pricey decor: 450 Japanese desk (left) and 200 22-carat tea set (right). Richard Jennings, publisher of Dolls House World, says collectors can and do buy anything they want Once people discover dolls houses they do get addicted. People want to get away from their tablets and phones and get hands-on, he says. Pictured: 120 mohair poodle (left) and 500 leather sofa (right) Hand-painted tiles worth 500 (left) and a 547 crystal chandelier. 'You can get anything made in miniature, Mr Jennings said Ive seen a reproduction of the red room from 50 Shades Of Grey. You can get anything made in miniature. According to Charlotte Stokoe, who organises the thrice-yearly Kensington Dolls House Festival, there has been a surge of younger women taking up the hobby for therapeutic reasons. Its a way of stepping out of their stressful lives, she says. They might have muddy footprints running through their own house, but they dont have to put up with it in their dolls house. Louise Jones, 49, is a case in point. A mother of three and a primary school teacher in Pontypridd, she looks upon her four dolls houses as islands of tranquillity. One of them is a 6ft by 5ft Georgian property with 28 rooms. I open the door and a calm comes over me, she admits. Doing the dolls house is extremely relaxing. Her latest task is to apply 8,000 brick slivers just a millimetre apart to one of the exteriors. Like Katina, she has spent around 50,000 on her hobby, with many of the pieces appreciating in value. A Victorian meat-mincer by [leading designer] Barry Harris would have cost 65 a few years ago, she says. One sold on eBay last week for 238. Ive got a lot of Barrys stuff. Id never sell my dolls house but perhaps if my children arent interested they can and it will be an investment. According to Charlotte Stokoe, who organises the thrice-yearly Kensington Dolls House Festival, there has been a surge of younger women taking up the hobby for therapeutic reasons. Its a way of stepping out of their stressful lives, she says (pictured: 350 table and chairs) DESIGNER TOUCHES: A bedroom includes 45 red leather boots, right. Katina Beale has spent 50,000 on her doll house hobby so far Not that her three children, now aged 27, 21, and 16, have ever been allowed anywhere near it. In fact, it was only in the mid-1800s that dolls houses came to be seen as toys. Before that, traditional baby houses dating from the 1600s and popularised in the Netherlands and Germany had been used to teach women how to manage a household. Emma Chepaldin, 52, an IT project manager who lives with her partner and 16-year-old son in Cambridgeshire, has splashed out 15,000 furnishing her 8,000 4ft-high 13-bedroom Georgian house. She had spent two years on a waiting list to buy it. I no longer have a mortgage and Ive finished our own house. I wanted another project so I thought, Right, Im getting a dolls house. She has forked out 1,350 on a grandfather clock, one of only five in the world made by specialists Halls, and a tiny 200 reproduction of a Stubbs equestrian painting. A solid silver chatelaine a decorative belt with a series of useful household items suspended from it by Jens Torp, the Bulgari of the miniature world, set her back 720. Emma is currently on a three-year waiting list for a piano with movable keys and a ladys desk, together costing 1,700. I dont see it as a dolls house. Its more of a piece of art and a recreation of something historical, she says. To begin with my partner didnt understand why I was doing it. But I earn the money so he cant really say anything. London Hughes, 29, (pictured) said a makeup artist dabbed hot chocolate powder on her face as she didn't have the right products to match her black skin tone A BBC presenter has told of the shocking moment that a TV make-up artist dabbed hot chocolate on her face because she didnt have the right products to match her black skin tone. London Hughes, a former childrens TV host and regular on Blue Peter, used the almost farcical scene to demonstrate how broadcasters are falling behind on diversity and illustrate the well-intentioned racism that she regularly encounters. Speaking on a BBC podcast, she also told how she was encouraged to write a Radio 4 sitcom based on her parents coming over from Africa on the boat even though that was not their background. Ms Hughes, also a comedian who has appeared on Mock The Week, told Fortunately podcast: I used to present on CBBC and one of the make-up artists there put hot chocolate on my face because she didnt have any make-up for black people. That was in 2012. She didnt realise I was black [in advance] so she panicked. She had Waitrose organic hot chocolate. She didnt tell me that she was putting it on my face, I found it in her make-up kit. Ms Hughes, a former childrens TV host and regular on Blue Peter, spoke about the incident on a podcast and said she wants to llustrate well-intentioned racism she regularly encounters I asked my producer to ask her what she put on my face and she confessed that it was hot chocolate. In her defence, she didnt put Tescos own brand on there, it was Waitrose organic at least. Ms Hughes, 29, said she had also experienced stereotyping during a BBC residential writers course in Kent where she had been asked to develop a sitcom for Radio 4. One day a woman came in to help with our writing and she was so lovely, but I was talking about one of my characters and she said, Oh, maybe you should write about your characters parents, and I said, Yeah OK, maybe I can include my parents? The comedian (pictured) also said she was once told to write about her parents' coming over from Africa on the boat even though that was not their background And she was like, Yeah, maybe include their history or how they felt when they came here on the boat from Africa. So I said, Erm, my dad was born in Crawley and my mum was born in Jamaica, but she definitely came here by plane. And she was like, Oh, Im so sorry. 'She wasnt being horrible, but thats just what she thought. Ms Hughes also told podcast hosts Jane Garvey and Fi Glover that she suffers awkward moments when BBC colleagues are unsure how to greet a young, black woman. When they meet me at meetings, [I say], dont greet me with a fist bump, greet me with a handshake... Thats happened a few times. Dont fist-bump me at all. Ms Hughes further joked: Radio 4 love me. Im the diversity for Radio 4. Rocking up on The News Quiz, being the only person of colour, they are really excited because they expect another white dude. A BBC spokesman said: We are unable to verify what London has said as we dont appear to have any record of this. But everyone in the broadcasting industry knows how seriously we take diversity and reflecting modern Britain, as evidenced by our output and representation targets. The Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy (pictured) has been off sick for a fortnight after the 'bullying campaign' to oust him as dean of Christ Church college started It has all the intrigue of an episode of Inspector Morse, but The Mail on Sunday can reveal a real-life drama involving feuding dons and an attempted coup at Oxford University. The bitter row centres on The Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy, who has taken sick leave and is facing financial ruin after a hellish bullying campaign to oust him as Dean of Christ Church college. It is claimed the colleges rebellious academics have been combing the statutes of Christ Church founded by Henry VIII in 1546 to find legal justification to get rid of Prof Percy, who has been tipped as a future Archbishop of Canterbury. Prof Percy, 56, is also said to have received a stream of legal letters that an insider said risked financially breaking him after he was forced to hire his own lawyers. The insider added: So consumed are the dons that the everyday governance of the College has all but ground to a stop. Its a tragedy, embarrassing and a disgrace. Rebellious academics at Christ Church college (pictured) are said to be trying to force him out The dean has done nothing wrong apart from upset a number of academics close to retirement. Sources close to the dean, a moderniser who has spoken in support of gay rights and backs women bishops, believe the animosity has been fuelled by an anti-clerical feeling among some dons who want to reduce the influence of the Church over the college. It is the only academic institution in the world that has a cathedral. The insider said: The dean is a reformer but the idea of change has long been a joke at Christ Church and Oxford. He started to make life uncomfortable and now a group of fellows has been plotting to remove him and will stop at nothing to succeed in their aims. Prof Percy, who was elected in 2014 and whose wife is the chaplain of Trinity College, has been off work for the past fortnight and was last week at a remote farmhouse in Wales. He declined to comment last night. The Bishop of Oxford, the Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft, and Christ Church college expressed concern at the crisis. A spokesman for the bishop said: Any allegation of bullying is extremely concerning and would need to be followed up by appropriate authorities. The bishop is praying for all those involved. A spokesman for Christ Church said: The Governing Body and Chapter of Christ Church have agreed to set up an internal tribunal with an independent chair in accordance with the colleges statutes. The tribunal will review a formal complaint made against the dean. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time. A 13-year-old girl in India was beheaded with farm hook 'for refusing to have sex with a neighbour', police say. The teenager was brutally attacked with a piece of farm equipment after refusing the sexual advances of the older man, it was said. According to local media, the accused named as Dinesh Kumar, beheaded the young girl with a sickle in a small village near Attur in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. Police were said to have dismissed suggestions he was suffering from mental health problems when he slaughtered the youngster. The girl was studying at a nearby school and had reportedly told her mum about the man's continuous sexual advances, which she repeatedly turned down. Her parents who were labourers, are thought to be a lower caste than the accused, which local reports suggest caused his violet reaction. Indian Police said the teenager was brutally attacked with a piece of farm equipment in a small village near Attur in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu (file photo) According to News18 Kumar was arrested and charged under an act criminalising caste-based violence, which was passed in India in 1989. Ponkarthik Kumar, a senior police official in the district, told CNN: 'The girl was brutally murdered. The investigation is ongoing and the accused has been arrested.' In India, Hindus are separated into four main categories, called the Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (merchants) and Shudras (workers). These are then divided further into around 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes, each based on their specific occupation. But the lower castes, known as Dalits, are often denied the right to education and employment and are not even included in the four-tier Varna class system. Dalits were once called the 'untouchables'and were outside the class system and despite new laws against discriminating against lower casts, bias still remains. The National Crime Records Bureau said the total number of crimes against people of lower castes was more than 47,000 in 2016. Ponkarthik Kumar, a senior police official in the district, told CNN : 'The girl was brutally murdered. The investigation is ongoing and the accused has been arrested' (file photo) Radhika Ganesh, a political activist who has been campaigning for Dalit rights told CNN: 'Why does the establishment not show that strength? 'Such incidents are constantly happening. When we are pushing for advocacy, the political will must be questioned, or the lack of political will must be questioned. 'The reason behind the violence is the high level of politicisation of caste-based politics. Because of that there is extensive abuse of political power. 'Caste is an open sort of practice accepted in Tamil Nadu. Everyone is silent about it and the silence is tantamount to creating the violence around it.' Jayna Kothari, executive director at the Centre of Law and Policy Research, added that crimes against women under the act are under-reported in official Tamil Nadu statistics, which account for only five to eight per cent of total crimes against members of lower castes. In a revealing new memoir, Nettie Baker says George Harrison made her the prize in a game of pool when she was 15 Even by the hedonistic rock and roll standards of the 1970s, it was an outrageous proposition. As an intimate group attending a party at Eric Clapton's Surrey mansion prepared to play a game of pool, George Harrison made his wishes clear the prize should be the 15-year-old daughter of legendary Cream drummer Ginger Baker. In a revealing new memoir, Nettie Baker says she 'nearly choked' at the suggestion, but was further shocked when Harrison then tried to 'buy' her for 2,000 later the same evening. The episode took place in 1976 at Clapton's Hurtwood Edge home and more than 40 years later, Nettie recalls it vividly. 'People were laughing and taking it in good part when George said it and I was thrilled to be the centre of attention but that was because I was young.' I am not going to condone the behaviour of men in their 30s to teenage girls because it's wrong. George's remarks definitely crossed the line in a way that people would be more careful about now. 'Nothing terrible happened, but I realise now that was exactly how guys got away with it: because a lot of girls were too young to deal with it.' Nettie, now 57, recalls: 'After asking my age, George Harrison decided I should be the first prize in a game of pool. Later that evening, he offered to pay my dad 2,000 for me and I nearly choked.' The deal was never struck, of course. The party, which had a Twelfth Night theme, was attended by Clapton's then-girlfriend, Pattie Boyd, her ex-husband Beatle Harrison and his new girlfriend, and Nettie's parents Ginger and his first wife Liz, who brought her along. Could Harrison have been joking? Nettie with Ginger and his late ex-wife Liz on holiday in Acapulco in 1967. Nettie says her upbringing included fending off the bailiffs and phoning 999 during her parents' fights Nettie will never know. But her life had certainly become far from predictable. She had to grow up quickly around the heroin-addicted Ginger and a volatile mother with an undiagnosed personality disorder, who fought like cat and dog. 'It was never consistent parenting you never knew whether they were going to be OK or go mental,' says Nettie, whose upbringing included fending off the bailiffs and phoning 999 during her parents' fights. When Nettie was asked to leave the private school Heathfield at 15 because of newspaper headlines about Ginger's drug taking, her polo-mad father asked her to groom his horses full-time. Nettie, now 57, recalls: 'After asking my age, George Harrison (pictured) decided I should be the first prize in a game of pool. Later that evening, he offered to pay my dad 2,000 for me and I nearly choked.' The polo field was where rock's top echelon mingled with real royalty. As she recalls in her book, Nettie would find herself dancing at the same ball as Prince Charles and his then girlfriend Lady Sarah Spencer Diana's sister and making friends with Sarah Ferguson, the future Duchess of York, through her father 'Ronnie' Ferguson. 'Sarah and I got on well she always wanted to know what was happening at my house, while I dreamed of meeting a rich and handsome polo player to look after me. I was always looking for an escape.' Yet alongside the showbusiness glamour was the crazy stuff, such as fair-skinned Nettie getting badly sunburnt with big blisters at six years old while her oblivious parents were high on Acapulco Gold cannabis bought on the beach. The party, which had a Twelfth Night theme, was attended by Clapton's (pictured right) then-girlfriend, Pattie Boyd (pictured left), her ex-husband Beatle Harrison and his new girlfriend, and Nettie's parents Ginger and his first wife Liz, who brought her along And then there was the most ominous member of Ginger's in-crowd: the late John Bindon, the charismatic gangster and occasional actor in such films as Get Carter who provided security for Led Zeppelin, was the lover of Jemma and Jodie Kidd's aristocratic aunt Vicki Hodge, Prince Andrew's one-time squeeze, and even boasted of having slept with Princess Margaret (who denied it) in Mustique. After a fall-out with Ginger, Bindon threatened to kill his horses and even his family, as Nettie belatedly found out when Ginger asked her to ghost his book Hellraiser. 'Bindon and his friends really scared me,' shudders Nettie, who was introduced to him at 16 in a Worlds End pub in London's Chelsea. 'My parents were obsessed by gangsters I don't know why.' Ginger with his wife Liz Baker. Nettie had to grow up quickly around the heroin-addicted Ginger and a volatile mother with an undiagnosed personality disorder, who fought like cat and dog. The first time I met Nettie was through a mutual friend in 2013 at the small terraced house in downtown Harrow, North London, where she was living with, and caring for, her mother until Liz's death from recurring cancer of the colon in March 2014. It was a far cry from Camelot, the name of the detached mansion with a swimming pool in upmarket Harrow-on-the-Hill, that Ginger had bought for the family when he first became famous. With Liz battling in vain to get maintenance for the two younger children, the family ended up with none of the multi-million pound fortune that Ginger lost through hard drugs, naivety and disastrous business ventures, including an ill-fated music studio in Nigeria and polo farms in America and South Africa. The flashy cars such as the two Jensen FFs and other rock-star trappings had long gone. Even Eric Clapton, who had conquered his own heroin and alcohol habit that he describes in his 2007 autobiography, had to bail Ginger's family out at one stage, only for Ginger according to Nettie - to spend it on the horses. 'It was no fun being married to a womanising junkie,' Liz once memorably told me. When Nettie was asked to leave the private school Heathfield at 15 because of newspaper headlines about Ginger's (pictured) drug taking, her polo-mad father asked her to groom his horses full-time Musicians Kenny Jones, Ginger Baker and Brian Morrison at Ham polo club. The polo field was where rock's top echelon mingled with real royalty 'I always liked Eric, who was more sensible than Ginger, and I got on with Jack [Bruce] too. But Ginger was so wilful that he used to say to me, 'If you don't do what I want, I'm going to overdose'.' Nettie herself never took heroin, having been warned off it by Ginger himself in one of his more responsible moments and also seeing for herself a 'horrifying' junkies' den to which a tearaway friend once took her. 'I had only seen rich people taking drugs, I hadn't seen the dark side of it, the other world - and the squat was a shock, full of pathetic monsters,' she tells me. She has had her own share of wild times, as her book acknowledges, but these days she says she hardly drinks and never takes drugs. After Liz died, Nettie and her sister and brother Amsterdam-based IT specialist Leda, now 50, and US-based drummer Kofi, 49 sold the house and contents, including the table at which the 'very quiet and respectful' rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix once joined the family for dinner. Ginger on the drums: 'I don't have to worry about her,' she says of Zara, who is Ginger's only grandchild; he has had no children by his three other wives. For a while Nettie owned a houseboat on the Thames but now lives in a small flat five minutes away from her beloved aunt, Ginger's sister Pat, as she works on writing projects, including a second volume of her memoir out next spring, while running Ginger's website www.gingerbaker.com - as the keeper of his flame. 'It's really important to me to preserve the cultural legacy of Cream and his other bands,' she explains. Though Nettie never managed to land the wealthy polo player of her youthful dreams, she was married for a while to the late musician Michael Lewis and is still close to her in-laws. Their daughter, Zara, was born in 1992 and now also lives in Normal Land as the campaigns manager for the Leonard Cheshire disability charity, recently singing in their choir in front of Chancellor Philip Hammond at the Royal Academy as her mother tells me with delighted pride. 'I don't have to worry about her,' she says of Zara, who is Ginger's only grandchild; he has had no children by his three other wives. 'I have loved Dad at times in my life but I feel incredibly angry with him in a lot of ways,' admits Nettie. Eric Clapton with wife Patti. Even Eric Clapton, who had conquered his own heroin and alcohol habit that he describes in his 2007 autobiography, had to bail Ginger's family out at one stage, only for Ginger according to Nettie - to spend it on the horses 'He's a parent who always chooses his partner over his children, whereas although she was difficult to live with, my mother never did that. He's done kind things for us at times and hasn't been completely bad, but all three of us would have liked a closer, better relationship with him. 'I think Dad should have been more supportive to my brother Kofi when he followed him into drumming, but he's like that Fast Show sketch character, Competitive Dad. 'Yet I suppose that's what made him famous, that competitive edge' she shrugs philosophically. In her book, she writes about how she was 'lured by the false promise of fun, fame and glory, discarding my education and career, only to end up in mouldy bedsit land. 'Dad told us twice that there would be loads of money waiting for us and of course it wasn't true.' George Harrison and Eric Clapton perform at the Prince's Trust Rock Concert with Elton John The expectation of an inheritance can act as a serious brake on ambition, of course, and Nettie is the first to admit that for years she just lived for the day, never thinking about providing for her future unlike her best friend Janet 'from Normal Land', as Nettie puts it, in whose beautiful South-East London house Nettie prefers to meet me for this interview rather than her own much more modest home. 'If you decide you're just going to have a laugh and no one tells you how to make money, you can end up like me. You don't live in fairyland, although I've tried! And I was lazy, really, I can't blame other people for me not having been particularly ambitious,' she says. 'But I think you get traumatised without realising it, what with the chaotic family life with Ginger so often away touring and then the split between my parents. So I can see why I went in the wrong direction.' To her credit, she went back to full-time education in her 30s, gaining a first-class English degree from Queen Mary College, London, followed by an MA, and now hopes to develop a writing career that will end the cycle of dead-end jobs and the dole which Ginger first urged her to go on in order, so he cynically explained, to get back some of the supertax he'd paid during the good times. Nettie said: 'Mum told me that when I was very small, Dad would say to me, 'Take a puff of this it's much better than cigarettes' 'I'm very bad at earning money,' confesses Nettie, who wishes now that she had gone to university much earlier and embarked on a proper career. Yet although Nettie's story is in many ways a cautionary tale of how rock and roll excesses can impact on the family, it's also a story of survival. (Quite literally in her case, since she has not only overcome cervical cancer in her 20s but also survived her mother's attempt to abort her with pills back in pre-fame 1960 when Liz and Ginger were desperately short of money). Not that Nettie does self-pity. 'I don't see the point of it a lot of people have had to learn that hard lesson. And I have been very lucky,' she says. 'As a young person, I wanted to enjoy myself and I have.' 'We were poor/rich/poor/rich/poor it was like a light switch flicking every day, so you had to be adaptable,' she recalls. 'It's taught me to get on with everyone from a council estate to a private estate, so being poor has been good for me in a way. Being too sheltered from reality with too much money and fame is bad for you. ' These days Nettie says drinking doesn't agree with her any more and she never takes drugs. Nettie said: 'And he made the mistake of thinking heroin would be the same as cannabis. I've had a lot of experience with drug addicts and they're not my favourite people; let's say I'm not very sympathetic' 'My parents' generation was very naive about drugs,' she says. 'Mum told me that when I was very small, Dad would say to me, 'Take a puff of this it's much better than cigarettes'. 'And he made the mistake of thinking heroin would be the same as cannabis. I've had a lot of experience with drug addicts and they're not my favourite people; let's say I'm not very sympathetic,' she adds. 'You have to have had a really hard time like having to fly Spitfires in the war at 19 years old or seeing your child die for me to feel sorry for you. ' Meanwhile the resourceful Nettie is planning to turn the short life of the 18th-century poet Thomas Chatterton, subject of her MA dissertation, into another book that has already attracted a publisher's interest. Chatterton, immortalised in death by Henry Wallis's famous pre-Raphaelite painting, died at 17 from a drug addiction - a subject on which this rock-star's daughter can claim to be something of an expert. Tales of A Rock Stars Daughter is available now (Wymer Publishing, 14.99) Ginger Bakers website is: www.gingerbaker.com Sainsbury's customers have been left outraged after poppy sellers were allegedly forced to move from the store's entrance. Royal British Legion collectors at the Chiswick superstore were ousted from their spot of 10 years, it is claimed. The charity's usual takings of up to 9,000 fell by 75 per cent after volunteers were reportedly relegated to the Essex Place branch's rear car park entrance. A picture from the store shows a 'Photo Me' machine in the same place the sellers' stall has been set up in previous years. A 'Photo Me' machine at the Sainsbury's superstore in Chiswick in the same spot the poppy sellers usually set up their stall Poppy Appeal collection volunteers at the entrance last year with MP Rupa Huq (second from right). They have now allegedly been relegated to the store's rear car park entrance Founded in 1921, the Poppy Appeal raises funds for World War One servicemen and women and their families. Sainsbury's have denied the sellers were ordered to move to the back of the store and said this was offered as a temporary solution while refurbishment took place. But customer Stuart Kerr was furious when he saw the sellers were not in their usual spot when he visited the store on Thursday. He wrote on an online forum: 'Instead of the smiling Poppy Selling team doing a roaring trade inside the main entrance I was greeted by an inanimate ugly, grossly inappropriate s***screamingly nasty, p***-ugly photo booth.' Jim Adams, organiser of the local Poppy Appeal and chairman of Chiswick Royal British Legion, claims the volunteers were ousted on October 31. Mr Adams told ChiswickW4.com: 'This is particularly disappointing in what is supposed to be a pretty special year for the appeal with the centenary of the Armistice. 'We now face a year in which takings will be massively down. I have gained the impression that Sainsbury's just don't want us on the site.' Sainsbury's superstore in Chiswick, where poppy sellers have been setting up their stall for the last 10 years A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: 'We're proud to continue our support for The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal this year and we've welcomed volunteers into our Chiswick superstore for many years. 'The store is currently being refurbished and has more limited space at the volunteers' usual entrance. 'We have explained they can continue to collect in this area but if they would be more comfortable sitting down they can use the alternative space we have provided.' The Royal British Legion said: 'We are extremely grateful to Sainsbury's for their ongoing support for The Royal British Legion and Poppy Appeal, and for once again hosting a collection in their Chiswick store, as well as in hundreds of other stores around the UK. Sainsbury's has been a much valued partner for the last 20 years, raising 3.4 million last year in support of the Armed Forces community.' 'They help collect and bank millions of pounds for the Poppy Appeal, and operate a recycling service for paper poppies to lessen the environmental impact. Sainsbury's also generously supports the Legion through the sale of promotional merchandise and supplier campaigns'. President Donald Trump once again focused on illegal immigration during a Saturday afternoon rally in Belgrade, Montana, as he makes his final push to get supporters out to the polls in the midterm elections, which are now just three days away. Dipping into familiar rhetoric from previous rallies, Trump boasted about the military presence that's been ordered to meet the migrant caravan currently en route to the US-Mexico border from Central America. As some 7,000 troops make their way to Texas, Arizona and California through this weekend, Trump praised the barricades that are being erected along the border, remarking: 'Barbed wire used properly can be a beautiful sight.' Donald Trump praised the barricades being erected along America's southern border during a rally at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport in Belgrade, Montana, on Saturday afternoon The president remarked: 'Barbed wire used properly can be a beautiful sight.' Pictured: Troops put razor wire atop a fence near the US-Mexico International bridge in Donna, Texas Trump went on to make the false claim that 'the Democrats want to invite caravan after caravan' into the US. The phrase repeated word-for-word from his Indiana rally appearance Friday night reflects Trump's effort to stoke anxiety about the group of migrants who are weeks away from arriving at the border. Speaking to the crowd at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Trump also made the baseless accusation that undocumented immigrants have been undertaking 'the worst human trafficking campaign in history'. 'You'd think it would have died out 300 years ago,' the president said. 'It's the worst it's ever been because of computers and the internet.' During the final days of the midterm election season Trump has been focusing heavily on the migrant caravan on its way to the US-Mexico border from Central America (pictured on Friday) The president hopes that stoking anxiety about the caravan and the general issue of illegal immigration will increase Republican voter turnout at the polls on Tuesday Meanwhile some 7,000 active duty troops are deploying to Texas, Arizona and California over the weekend to meet the caravan, which is still weeks away from reaching the border Pushing back on recent criticism that he's focusing too much on immigration issues during the final days before the election season, Trump said: 'The networks may criticize me. "Why doesn't he talk about the great economy?" Well I just did. But we have to talk about the problems.' He added that he could 'only go four or five minutes' talking about the economy. 'When we're fixing a problem or fixed a problem there's no reason to go on about it for 45 minutes,' he said. Trump was in Montana on Saturday to campaign for GOP Senate nominee Matt Rosendale Trump warned that if Republicans lose the House in Tuesday's election, 'radical Democrats' will undo his efforts over the past year, including employment growth and massive tax cuts Trump spoke at the rally at the Bozeman airport to renew his support for GOP Senate nominee Matt Rosendale, who is trying to unseat the Democratic incumbent, Jon Tester. It was Trump's fourth visit to Montana as he works to stave off Democratic enthusiasm on Tuesday's midterm elections. He told the crowd that if Republicans lose the House in Tuesday's election, 'radical Democrats' will undo his efforts over the past year. Repeating a claim that has been debunked several times over, Trump said Democrats 'want to impose socialism on the United States' and turn it into Venezuela, a reference to 'Medicare for all' proposals. After Montana, Trump is headed to another rally in Pensacola, Florida, where both the gubernatorial and senatorial debates remain in a dead heat. Saturday's rally at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport on Saturday afternoon was Trump's fourth visit to Montana as he works to bolster his party ahead of the midterms CNN and Donald Trump Jr are once again at loggerheads - this time over the cable networks refusal to run a pro-Republican campaign ad that it considers racist. I guess they only run fake news and wont talk about real threats that dont suit their agenda, President Donald Trumps eldest son tweeted on Saturday. The tweet included a video of the ad put out by the Trump campaign in an effort to boost the Republican Party just three days away from Tuesdays key Congressional midterm elections. The ad was first unveiled on Wednesday by the Trump campaign. It shows the migrant caravan currently making its way through Central America and into Mexico. Donald Trump Jr tweeted on Saturday, denouncing CNN for refusing to run an ad unveiled by his father's campaign The network responded to Don Jr on Saturday. CNN has made it abundantly clear in its editorial coverage that this ad is racist, the network tweeted The ad links the migrant caravan in Central America to convicted cop killer Luis Bracamontes, an undocumented migrant who was sent to death row after he had been deported and then returned to the United States How he tweeted it: Trump's message has been called racist and accused of being worse than the notorious Willie Horton advertisement used against Michael Dukakis The ad links the caravan to convicted cop killer Luis Bracamontes, an undocumented migrant who was sent to death row after he had been deported and then returned to the United States. In the ad, Bracamontes is shown laughing and expressing regret that he didnt kill more police officers. Trumps ad suggests Democratic policies are to blame for allowing Bracamontes into the country. In reality, however, the convicted Mexican cop killer featured in the attack ad was actually let back into the country under President George W Bush's administration. CNN has refused to run the ad because of its racial overtones. It has compared the ad to the infamous Willie Horton commercial used by the Republicans against Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis in 1988. The network responded to Don Jr on Saturday. CNN has made it abundantly clear in its editorial coverage that this ad is racist, the network tweeted. When presented with an opportunity to be paid to take a version of this ad, we declined. Those are the facts. Network host Don Lemon, under fire for declaring that 'white men' are the greatest threat to the United States, complained Wednesday night during his show about 'how the ad depicts Latinos and immigrants generally. Why is this blatantly racist ad his closing argument before the midterms?' This was the second time in 24 hours that Don Jr (seen above at a campaign rally in Nevada on Friday) has taken a swipe at CNN April Ryan, a CNN contributor who doubles as a White House correspondent for a network of black radio stations, claimed Trump was playing to a 'base that he understands has a certain kind of feeling or misconception or perception, whatever, about minorities particularly right now Mexicans or those who are coming from the southern border.' This was the second time in 24 hours that Don Jr has taken a swipe at CNN. After news broke about Alec Baldwins arrest for allegedly punching a man after arguing over a parking spot, Don Jr tweeted: I guess Don Lemon was referring to Alec Baldwin when he said white men are the biggest terror threat. On Monday, while discussing a white man who killed two black people at a supermarket in Kentucky last week, Lemon said on CNN: 'We have to stop demonizing people and realize the biggest terror threat in this country is white men, most of them radicalized to the right, and we have to start doing something about them.' After news broke about Alec Baldwins arrest for allegedly punching a man after arguing over a parking spot, Don Jr tweeted: I guess Don Lemon (seen above in April 2018) was referring to Alec Baldwin when he said white men are the biggest terror threat. Don Jr. used Baldwin's arrest to make fun of both Baldwin and Don Lemon who was commenting on a white man killing two black people at a Kentucky supermarket Baldwin has been a staunch critic of Trump. He has also won an Emmy for his less-than-favorable impersonation of the president on Saturday Night Live. When the actor was first arrested, Trump's son ran to his dad's defense taking to Twitter to call Baldwin a 'piece of garbage.' 'Is anyone shocked at this piece of garbage anymore? As if the phone calls to his daughter werent bad enough. Hes a lib so he gets chance after chance to be decent but always fails!' Don Jr. tweeted. Baldwin has been a staunch critic of Trump. He has also won an Emmy for his less-than-favorable impersonation of the president on Saturday Night Live. The son of famous Australian rock star Angry Anderson was killed after a violent assault at a popular Sydney beach on Sunday. Emergency crews found Liam Anderson unconscious in a park after they were called to Queenscliff in Sydney's northern beaches just after 6am. The 26-year-old has been identified as the youngest of Angry Anderson's three sons. The lead singer has fronted rock band Rose Tattoo since 1976. Residents on Pavilion Street and Bridge Road said they heard sounds of moaning coming from the park, located next to busy Freshwater Beach. Liam Anderson was found unconscious by emergency crews after they were called to Queenscliff in Sydney's northern beaches (pictured) The son of famous Australian rock star Angry Anderson (pictured: Liam Anderson) was killed after a violent assault at a popular Sydney beach on Sunday The 26-year-old is believed to be one of Angry Anderson's three sons (pictured Angry Anderson and his family) Mr Anderson was unconscious and suffering from severe head wounds when emergency crews arrived. Police said when they arrived they found a 20-year-old man beating Mr Anderson. Officers confirmed the two men knew each other. A written note was taped to a bin outside the rock star's Beacon Hill home, asking for their privacy to be respected during the time. Mr Anderson's manager, Scot Crawford, released a statement on Sunday, explaining the family asked their privacy be respected. 'Following the death of Angry Andersons son Liam in Sydney in the early hours of Sunday morning November 4, 2018, the family has asked that media and the general public respect their privacy,' the statement read. 'With the matter in the hands of NSW Police, the family will not be making any comment at this stage, nor are we as Andersons management in a position to offer any comment on their behalf.' Detective Inspector Michael Boutouridis said the 20-year-old man was violent and resisted officers when they tried to arrest him. 'Capsicum spray was used, OC spray, and significant force was used to arrest him,' Inspector Boutouridis said. 'I want to deliver a strong message that this was not a random attack, we have one offender in custody and there are none outstanding.' Mr Anderson was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital. He sadly died en route as a result of his injuries. A crime scene has been set up in the area and residents have been interviewed by police. Mr Anderson (pictured, left) was unconscious and suffering from severe head wounds when emergency crews arrived The young man was suffering severe head wounds and was unconscious when emergency crews arrived Residents along Pavilion Street and Bridge Road heard sounds of moaning coming from a small park Inspector Boutouridis said the 20-year-old is expected to be charged with murder later today. He has been taken into custody and is currently being questioned at Manly police station. 'The 26-year-old died at the scene and he is a local and the 20-year-old offender was arrested and taken to Manly Police Station,' Inspector Boutouridis told media. He is urging witnesses to come forward and inform police of any information they may have. Mr Anderson was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital but sadly died en route as a result of his injuries Mr Anderson's family have attached a note to their bin outside their home asking for their privacy to be respected during this time 'I am confident at this stage this is not a random attack,' he said. 'In fact I am certain the two fellows knew each other, both young men, I don't know the circumstances that lead to them being at the reserve this morning at Queenscliff, that's why I am appealing to the community to assist us.' Residents told 9News they heard moaning sounds coming from Pavilion reserve about 5.30am. 'We started to hear aggressive moaning and it just kept getting louder and louder,' Kim Luker said. 'Then at 6.10am it was really loud and then all of a sudden it just stopped.' Detective Inspector Michael Boutouridis said the 20-year-old is expected to be charged with murder later today Theresa May has gone to war with the BBC, with the Tory Party publicly attacking the Corporation for frankly astounding political bias in its Budget coverage. Downing Street has made a furious complaint to the broadcaster after it led its Radio 4 bulletins with claims from a Left-leaning think-tank that the measures unveiled by Chancellor Philip Hammond would mainly benefit the rich. One aide described the report on Tuesdays Today programme as the most biased bulletin in history. The row erupted after the flagship news show highlighted research by the Resolution Foundation without revealing that its director, Torsten Bell, was head of policy for former Labour leader Ed Miliband. The Conservative Party has issued a damning rebuke to the BBCs coverage of the 55 billion spending boost The 7am bulletin declared that an independent analysis of the Budget has said that despite moves to end austerity, low and middle income families face a continued squeeze. It repeated the claim in its 8am bulletin but minus the word independent. Last night, the Conservative Party issued a damning rebuke to the BBCs coverage of the 55 billion spending boost, which was largely welcomed by the rest of the media. A spokesman said: It is frankly astounding that on the morning after the Government cut taxes for 32 million people, increased the national living wage to help 2.4 million low-income earners, and invested 1.7 billion more in Universal Credit, the BBC chose to lead its coverage on a report from a Left-wing think-tank that claimed only rich people would benefit. The 7am bulletin declared that an independent analysis of the Budget has said that despite moves to end austerity, low and middle income families face a continued squeeze The Resolution Foundation report only looked at income tax measures if you look at the whole package of measures in the Budget, you will see it is those on the lowest incomes who benefit proportionately the most. Even the Shadow Chancellor [John McDonnell] agreed this was a good Budget for low- and middle- income earners but not, it seems, the BBC, which gave top billing to some half-baked Left-wing spin. Last night the BBC refused to apologise for its coverage, describing the research as the first detailed analysis of the Budget, which was clearly attributed to the Resolution Foundation. The contentious bulletins included an analysis by Economics Editor Kamal Ahmed, who this week takes up a promotion to become editorial director of BBC News. According to the Treasury, the extra 6.6 billion announced by Mr Hammond to plug gaps in the Universal Credit social security system will hand an extra 630 a year to 2.4 million working families. In addition, the threshold at which people will start paying tax will increase from 11,850 to 12,500, while the national living wage will go up by 4.9 per cent to 8.21 an hour. There were also big spending commitments on defence and roads, in addition to the extra 20 billion a year for the NHS announced by Mrs May earlier this year. The package was so generous that some Tory MPs think it could pave the way for a snap General Election. However, Radio 4 used research by the Resolution Foundation without revealing that its director, Torsten Bell, was head of policy for former Labour leader Ed Miliband On air, Mr Ahmed disputed that it was an end of austerity Budget, quoting the Resolution Foundations claim that the top ten per cent of households would gain most around 410 a year from tax changes, with poorer households gaining around 30 a year. Mr Ahmed added: Many of the cuts to welfare announced in 2015 are still to be rolled out which the Foundation said would see a low-income couple with children up to 200 a year worse-off. Torsten Bell has been blamed by former Labour colleagues for the grandiose Edstone, the 8ft 6in tombstone engraved with six pledges for the 2015 Election. Last night, Tory MPs lined up to criticise the BBC over its Budget coverage. Former Cabinet Minister Priti Patel said: The BBCs news editors need to take a hard look at themselves. The BBC let their coverage be led by these claims from a Left-wing think-tank without employing an ounce of critical analysis. Daniel Kawczynski said: Its time the BBC rebalanced their political bias and remembered that theyre paid for by all British taxpayers. And Andrew Percy added: Its time the BBC acted as our national broadcaster rather than an echo chamber for the Left. In 2013, a report by the Right-leaning Centre for Policy Studies concluded that the BBC was more likely to cover Left-wing think-tank reports and to hail them as independent, while giving Right-wing research a health warning. On Wednesday, BBC executives told news staff that the Resolution Foundation should be described as a think-tank which aims to improve the standard of living of low and middle-income families. The Resolution Foundation said it was an independent, non-partisan think-tank, pointing out that its executive chairman is Conservative peer Lord Willetts. A spokesman added: Our analysis of the Budget, as well as that of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, highlighted that higher-income households would benefit most from the income tax cuts, while lower-income families would see incomes increased by the decision to reverse cuts to Universal Credit, but would lose from other ongoing reductions in social security generosity. The Prime Minister today signals her determination to stay in Downing Street for the long haul with the audacious declaration that the Conservatives are the natural party of the NHS. Writing in todays Mail on Sunday, Theresa May makes a direct challenge to the political orthodoxy that Labour will always be more trusted with the Health Service by stressing her personal debt to the NHS as a diabetes sufferer. It comes as No 10 strategists are plotting a path for Mrs May to stay in Downing Street until at least 2021, a year before the expected date of the next General Election, by boosting her domestic policy credentials. If Mrs May secures Cabinet and parliamentary approval for a Brexit deal by December, she is being urged to carry out a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle before Christmas to try to reassert her authority. Theresa May (pictured at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday) could carry out a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle before Christmas to try and reassert her authority Could Esther McVey (left) and Andrea Leadsom (right) both be in for the chop? Downing Street has been angered by the way Mrs Leadsom and Ms McVey both strong Brexiteers have make repeated threats to resign over Mrs Mays attempts to secure a deal with the EU by offering concessions to Brussels over membership of a customs union Those who would be in line for the chop include Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom, Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling; those tipped for promotion include Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox. Well-placed sources also tip Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab to replace Philip Hammond as Chancellor. The plan will be greeted with dismay by the noose and knife cabal of Brexiteers, who tried to force a leadership contest last month to avert what they fear will be a sell-out on Brexit. Their metaphorical claims that she should bring a noose to a meeting and that she would be stabbed by a knife led to a backlash ensuring another stay of execution for Mrs May. Todays bold claim on the NHS is designed to build on Mondays tax-cutting Budget, in which Mr Hammond announced the biggest public-spending splurge since 2010 including the 20 billion a year extra for the NHS announced by Mrs May earlier this year. Victoria Atkins: Home Office star tipped to go all the way to Downing Street Ambitious Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins is tipped by many to break into the Cabinet at the next reshuffle and by some to go all the way to No10. The Louth and Horncastle MP, 42, is the daughter of former Tory MP Sir Robert Atkins. After private school in Blackpool, she read law at Cambridge before training as a barrister and entering the Commons at the 2015 General Election. A rising star? Ambitious Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins (pictured) is tipped to break into the Cabinet at the next reshuffle It is a seat for life. She won with a majority of nearly 20,000 at last years Election, despite backing Remain while 69 per cent of her constituency backed Brexit. She has impressed the PM as a Minister: her responsibilities include counter-extremism and drugs. She was accused of hypocrisy for opposing the liberalisation of drugs laws while being married to the boss of British Sugar, which is licensed to grow non-psychoactive cannabis. Advertisement Despite the resignation of Culture Minister Tracey Crouch over delays to reforms to fixed-odds betting terminals, the Budget has still been seen in No 10 as a success and a chance to give Mrs Mays leadership a fresh lease of life. In her Mail on Sunday article, Mrs May promises a brighter and more prosperous future for everyone in the United Kingdom, arguing that at the heart of the Budget was our absolute commitment to the public service that the British people value the most: our NHS. She writes: This is personal for me. Just like millions of people across our country, I rely on the NHS every day. The wonderful staff of my local NHS trust in Berkshire help me manage my diabetes so I can live a normal life and get on with doing my job. As Prime Minister, I am determined to do what it takes to secure our NHS for the future so it is there for all of us. Mrs May adds: It is clear that in British politics today, the Conservatives are now the natural party of the NHS. The Conservatives have traditionally trailed well behind Labour when voters are asked who they most trust to protect the Health Service: Jeremy Corbyns pledge to plough billions more into it and other public services contributed to the wipeout of Mrs Mays Commons majority at last years Election. Critics of the NHS splurge, including allies of Mr Hammond, argue that the perception that the Tories are not to be trusted on the NHS is so ingrained that it is pointless yet ruinously expensive to try to shift it. Downing Street has been angered by the way Mrs Leadsom and Ms McVey both strong Brexiteers have make repeated threats to resign over Mrs Mays attempts to secure a deal with the EU by offering concessions to Brussels over membership of a customs union. It also regards Ms McVey as lacking a grip on her department. Mr Grayling has faced a torrent of criticism over his handling of the rail network following months of timetabling chaos. It has been widely rumoured that after clashes between the Treasury and No 10 over the end of austerity this would be Mr Hammonds last Budget. A senior Government source said: The Budget was all about trying to set May up for the long haul. She doesnt want to go anywhere and more importantly, nor do the people around her. This wasnt Philips Budget, it was hers. Geoffrey Cox: Shakespearean orator who stole the show at conference Attorney General Geoffrey Cox is being hailed as a hot new political talent at the age of 58, following his show-stealing, Shakespearean turn as Mrs Mays warm-up act at last months Tory conference. Before accepting his Cabinet job, the privately-educated Cambridge graduate declared up to 670,000 a year in additional earnings from his work as a QC. Political talent: Attorney General Geoffrey Cox (pictured) is considered a hot new talent at the age of 58 His advocacy skills were displayed when the Leave supporter implored activists to unite behind Mrs May and seize the precious prize of Brexit. His legal expertise means he is usually among the first Cabinet Ministers consulted by No 10 over proposals to break the deadlock in negotiations with the EU. Mr Cox, who lives in Devon with wife Jeanie, has three children. His conference speech led to him being tipped as an outsider bet for the next leader. Advertisement The Tories are now the natural party of the NHS, writes PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY as she says she relies on it every day to manage her diabetes Last week we presented a Budget for Britains future. It marked a major turning point in our politics. Since the financial crisis, the British people have worked hard to fix the damage caused by Labours great recession. That hard work is now paying off. This Budget sets a clear course towards a brighter and more prosperous future for everyone in the United Kingdom. It shows that responsible Conservative management of the economy allows us to invest more in our vital public services while also cutting taxes a win-win for working people. Getting here has not been easy. The whole world faced a financial shock in 2007/2008. But the UK suffered more than most countries because of Labours economic mismanagement. Labour arrogantly claimed to have abolished boom and bust just as their failed regulation of the banks set us on the road to ruin. Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Prime Minister Theresa May says that the NHS is 'personal' for her and she uses it everyday As a result, our deficit soared to a post-war record, nearly three quarters of a million jobs were lost and Britain was on the brink. In eight years, that situation has been transformed and we are now at a turning point. Our debt has begun its first sustained fall for a generation and the difficult years of austerity are now coming to an end. In the Budget we saw what that means for the British people. At its heart was our absolute commitment to the public service that the British people value the most: our NHS. This is personal for me. Just like millions of people across our country, I rely on the NHS every day. The wonderful staff of my local NHS trust in Berkshire help me manage my diabetes so I can live a normal life and get on with doing my job. As Prime Minister, I am determined to do what it takes to secure our NHS for the future so it is there for all of us. She also said that, as Prime Minister, she is determined to do what it takes to secure the NHS for the future so it is there for everyone That is why we made the largest- ever cash commitment to our public services by a peacetime government: an extra 394 million every single week. The NHS is the publics priority and it is my priority too. However, simply increasing budgets without a proper plan to improve outcomes is not enough. That was Labours mistake. So, in return for our investment, the NHS is working on a new long-term plan to make sure that every penny makes a difference for patients. That plan will be published shortly, but we can already see its first fruits. A new Cancer Strategy will save thousands of lives by prioritising early diagnosis. A new mental-health crisis service will provide expert support in schools and hospitals, so help is on hand when people need it. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement on the Brexit negotiations following a European Union summit in Salzburg, at no 10 Downing Street, central London on September 21 Today, in the year of the NHSs 70th birthday, we are securing its future with our record cash investment and a long-term plan to drive up outcomes for patients. Labour went into the last Election offering to spend less on the NHS than the Government is investing now. In its 2017 manifesto, Labour offered 2.2 per cent more every year of this Parliament. Our new settlement provides substantially more an average of 3.4 per cent over the next five years. Conservatives have cared for the NHS for most of its life and we are setting out a path for it to prosper for another 70 years and more. She also said that Jeremy Corbyn and his party do not understand that the way to build a stronger economy that works for working people is by backing businesses to create more jobs It is clear that in British politics today, the Conservatives are now the natural party of the NHS. And our Conservative commitment to the NHS means this extra funding is being met not by putting up taxes, but by managing our economy responsibly. Thanks to the hard work of the British people, the deficit is now a fraction of what it was under Labour and we are no longer borrowing anything at all to fund day-to-day spending. In time, as our debt continues to fall, that will mean we pay less and less on debt interest, saving taxpayers money. Employment is at a near-record high and unemployment is at its lowest rate since the 1970s and that means we are spending less on benefits. Instead, as more people earn a wage, more businesses make a profit and more foreign investment comes into the UK, our tax receipts are higher, giving us more money to spend. That means alongside more investment for our public services, we can also cut taxes for working people. At the Budget, alongside freezes in fuel, beer and spirit duties, we also brought forward an income tax cut for 32 million people, putting more money in the pockets of working families. Astonishingly, Jeremy Corbyn refused to support these tax cuts. He and his party simply do not understand that the way to build a stronger economy that works for working people is by backing businesses to create more jobs, taking a responsible approach to public spending and keeping taxes low. Proof of this is his plan for a 1,000 billion spending spree funded by higher taxes on working people and more borrowing. This would devastate our economy. Jobs would be lost, taxes and borrowing would rise, and public services would end up having to face new Labour cuts. After ten years of hard work, Britain would be back at square one. Over the past decade, our focus was on dealing with the aftermath of the financial crisis. Over the next decade, our challenge must be to seize the opportunities of the future and ensure that everyone benefits. Because the Conservatives are not just a party to fix a mess, we are also a party to steer a course to a better future. Leaving the European Union with a good deal, creating new jobs and getting the most out of new technology through our Modern Industrial Strategy, taking a responsible and balanced approach to our economy that keeps our national debt falling, our public services improving, peoples wages rising and their taxes low. That is the brighter future Conservatives offer the British people: a country that truly works for everyone. John Bercow has been accused of trying to introduce a Prohibition-style drink ban at Westminster to curb the Commons booze culture. Sources say the Speaker demanded a ban on all alcohol sales throughout the Commons during the day. Mr Bercow is said to have faced fierce protests from MPs over the impact on Westminsters lucrative hospitality business and on staff jobs. The row comes a year on from the so-called Pestminster scandal, which led to the resignation of Defence Secretary Michael Fallon over historic accusations of lunging at a journalist. Speaker of the House John Bercow faced fierce protests from MPs over the impact of a booze clampdown on Westminsters lucrative hospitality business and on staff jobs MPs will today debate a damning report by Dame Laura Cox into bullying and harassment at Westminster. Misbehaviour at Parliament has long been linked to the Commons booze culture. Mr Bercow, who has denied allegations of bullying against him, is understood to have proposed a daytime drink ban at a meeting of the Commons Commission. But a source said: Other MPs opposed it as itd take us back to the 1920s-style Prohibition in America, at least before the sun went down. The commission is understood to be looking at compromise plans to ban alcohol in Commons cafeterias and to stop contractors working on the parliamentary estate from drinking. A source close to Mr Bercow denied he had called for a total ban on drink sales. But she added: He does think we need to make the Commons more like a modern workplace and I think most people would agree that drinking during the daytime is not a good idea. School pupils raised concerns about the age of an asylum-seeker classmate after he bombarded a teenage girl with text messages, it was claimed yesterday. The 15-year-old girl was said to be worried by the messages because she was convinced the boy, who claimed to be the same age, was far older. The male pupil said to be as old as 30 is believed to be an asylum seeker from Iran who joined Stoke High School in Ipswich, Suffolk, this term. This Snapchat post has led to the school referring the 15-year-old boy (pictured) to the Home Office to check his age after students claimed he had said he was 30 Stoke High School on Friday pulled the boy out of class as they try to determine his age Staff told the year 11 pupil that the girl did not welcome his attention. It is thought the 6ft 1in Iranian claimed to be 15 years old when he arrived in the UK via Germany. UK authorities accepted his claims and allowed him to stay and get an education. Caroline Wilson is the executive principal of Stoke High School Ormiston Academy, which has 668 students But classmates found a Facebook profile in the boys name, showing him with a full beard, a hairy chest and swigging a bottle of beer. The profile described him as a former architecture student at the Islamic Azad University in Abadan, Iran, who had lived in Erfurt, Germany. A girl at the school said: Everyone was making jokes as we went into registration, saying, What is a man doing at our school? He started FaceTiming my friend, sending her messages, asking how close she lived to the school. She was a bit concerned because he seemed so old. He kept messaging her during the night, and in the morning he texted her saying, Hello, how are you? She told the maths teacher and was taken to the safeguarding teacher who looked at the messages and said there was nothing sinister about them. Last week a pupil posted a Snapchat picture of the boy at school with a caption, saying: Hows there a 30-year-old man in our maths class? The picture circulated on social media, leading to other parents demanding the pupil be kicked out. The Home Office is investigating. A Scots Guard who was unveiled by the British Army as its first female on the front line after changing sex is having an 'affair' with another soldier's wife, it was claimed last night. The Mail on Sunday understands Guardsman Chloe Allen, 26, is living with married teaching assistant Sophie Gray, who helped the soldier to apply her make-up soon after telling military chiefs that she wanted to live as a woman. The rifleman, who has guarded the Queen and marched at Trooping the Colour, made headlines in 2016 when the Ministry of Defence proudly announced she would continue in a combat role as a female, having served as a man for four years. In a series of TV interviews, Chloe, from Penrith, Cumbria, said she was honoured to become the first woman in Army history to be allowed to fight on the front line. Guardsman Chloe Allen(pictured left), 26, is living with married teaching assistant Sophie Gray(pictured right), who helped the soldier to apply her make-up soon after telling military chiefs that she wanted to live as a woman But now The Mail on Sunday has been told Sophie's devastated husband intends to name Chloe in divorce papers citing his wife's infidelity as the reason for the breakdown of their marriage. The legal move will embarrass top brass, who in 2016 used Chloe's decision to transition from male to female to showcase the Army's commitment to diversity and equality. At the time, Commander of the Field Army, General Sir James Everard, applauded her courage and wished the 'trendsetter' every success. The MoS understands Sergeant Mark Gray, 37, who was with Sophie for ten years, spoke about Chloe's relationship with his wife to his superiors, as under military law soldiers are not supposed to have affairs with other troops' partners. But according to sources, senior officers declined to take action against Chloe. Top brass were apparently more concerned about protecting her from a possible backlash from guardsmen angry about her affair with their comrade's wife. Sgt Gray, from Reading, previously served in the Scots Guards and has friends in Chloe's battalion. Colleagues were concerned about the impact of his wife's new relationship on his emotional welfare. A Guards source said: 'Mark is distressed and feels Chloe played him for a fool by having an affair with Sophie while maintaining that Sophie was only helping her learn how to present herself as a woman and wear make-up. The Army championed Chloe (pictured) as its first transgender frontline soldier in September 2016, two months after a historic rule change which allowed women to serve in combat units for the first time 'Had Mark shacked up with another guardsman's wife, he'd have been charged with breaching disciplinary rules and been in deep trouble, whereas nothing appears to have happened to Chloe despite her affair with Mark's wife.' The Army championed Chloe as its first transgender frontline soldier in September 2016, two months after a historic rule change which allowed women to serve in combat units for the first time. At the same time she also began hormone therapy, the first stage of the sex-change process. Chloe, who joined the Scots Guards as Ben Allen in 2012, decided to transition after being caught cross-dressing before she guarded a Royal palace. In an interview arranged by the MoS she said the incident had been a 'blessing in disguise' because it prompted her to 'get on and deal with it'. Chloe is now living with Sophie in Swindon, after Sophie moved out of the married Army quarters she previously shared with Sgt Gray in Aldershot. The MoS understands they began a relationship two years ago after being introduced by mutual friends. Chloe, whose Army job is to drive a 26-ton Mastiff armoured vehicle, would visit the Grays' family home and sit in the kitchen as Sophie applied her lipstick and eyeliner. According to sources, Sgt Gray began to fear there might be more to his wife's friendship with Chloe. But when he confronted her, Sophie denied they were involved in a physical relationship. Chloe (pictured), who joined the Scots Guards as Ben Allen in 2012, decided to transition after being caught cross-dressing before she guarded a Royal palace Sgt Gray was apparently unconvinced and raised the situation with a welfare officer. Sources say Sgt Gray felt Chloe's conduct breached the Army's strict code, known as the 'service test', which forbids extramarital affairs. Troops found guilty of such misconduct can be kicked out of their regiments. The MoS understands the issue was subsequently brought to the attention of Chloe's then commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Rupert Kitching. An Army source explained: 'Scots Guards commanders gave Chloe their full support and stressed they wanted her to remain in the regiment whatever was happening in her private life and with her transition from man to woman. 'They favoured handling the matter informally, a decision made easier because Sgt Gray was no longer in the Scots Guards. 'On that basis they decided a relationship between Chloe and Sgt Gray's wife would not cause a significant fallout between Scots Guards soldiers or potentially undermine the regiment's operational effectiveness.' Sgt Gray is said to have returned from a four-month deployment to the Falklands to find Sophie had left their family home and taken all her belongings with her. MoD sources said Chloe had recently transferred from the Scots Guards to the Military Provost Guards Service, which is responsible for security at military bases. Last night, Chloe issued a statement through the MoD saying: 'This story is untrue. 'I am not in a relationship, nor am I living with anyone.' However, in recent weeks Chloe has spent several nights at Sophie's two-bedroom flat which she shares with her two children. Chloe has also taken Sophie's children to and from school on multiple occasions. Chloe took delivery of a king-size bed and mattress at the property last month, and on the same day bought fresh bedding from a local shop. Selene Nelson (pictured) showed she has an appetite for morbid humour She was shocked when Waitrose Food editor William Sitwell joked about killing vegans in a private email that swiftly led to his resignation. Yet food writer Selene Nelson showed she has an appetite for morbid humour when she celebrated the deaths of seven people at a bull-running festival. In a tasteless tweet, Ms Nelson wrote Good!! after the seven were gored to death by bulls running through city streets. She added the hashtag Animal Rights to the tweet after the tragedy in 2015, where victims included an 18-year-old gored in the stomach. Ms Nelsons tweet after the festival deaths included anti-bullfighting images, even though the deaths were all outside of a bullring. A year later, in July 2016, she made a joke about the death of bullfighter Victor Barrio, 29, at a ring in the Spanish province of Aragon, tweeting: So a bullfighter has been killed. Boo hoo. Live by the sword, die by the sword. Next to her name on Twitter is a V in a circle, proudly denoting her vegan credentials. Ms Nelsons response to the bull-running deaths is at odds with the shock she said she felt at Mr Sitwells reaction when she contacted him with a pitch about vegan food. The BBC MasterChef star jokingly suggested instead: How about a series on killing vegans, one by one? Ways to trap them? He added: Expose their hypocrisy? Forcefeed them meat? Make them eat steak and drink red wine? The tweet that Selene Nelson sent in 2015 condoning the killing of seven people Amid howls of protest from offended vegans after Ms Nelson, 30, chose to make Mr Sitwells email public, the Old Etonian was forced to resign from his post, even though he had apologised to anyone genuinely offended by what he called his ill-judged comments. William Sitwell (pictured) was slammed for his joke about 'killing vegans' He insisted: I love and respect people of all appetites be they vegan, vegetarian or meat eaters, which I show week in, week out through my writing, editing and broadcasting. But afterwards Ms Nelson wrote: The response to my pitch shocked me. She added: If this disappointing exchange exposes anything, its the belligerent attitude that, sadly, many vegans experience every day, simply for trying to make a positive lifestyle change. But many defended Mr Sitwell. Restaurant critic Giles Coren wrote: It was a stupid email but should not be a career-ender. Vegans are not a race or a gender or a sexual orientation or a differently abled group. Mr Sitwell had been editor of Waitrose Food magazine since 2002. Waitrose welcomed his departure, saying it was the right and proper move. Ms Nelson writes for a variety of publications, as well as maintaining her own blog where she covers vegan food and luxury resorts. Last night, both Ms Nelson and Mr Sitwell declined to comment. Twitter deleted more than 10,000 automated accounts posting messages that discouraged people from voting in Tuesday's U.S. election and wrongly appeared to be from Democrats. The social media giant scrubbed the accounts after the Democratic party flagged the misleading tweets to the firm. It marks Twitter's latest effort to crack down on fake accounts. Twitter said it's in the 'early stages' of considering whether or not to remove the like button, which appears as a heart icon, as part of an overall design of the social media site 'We took action on relevant accounts and activity on Twitter,' a Twitter spokesman said in an email. The removals took place in late September and early October. The number of accounts removed is modest, considering that Twitter has previously deleted millions of accounts it determined were responsible for spreading misinformation in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Yet the removals represent an early win for a fledgling effort by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, or DCCC, a party group that supports Democrats running for the U.S. House of Representatives. The DCCC launched the effort this year in response to the party's inability to respond to millions of accounts on Twitter and other social media platforms that spread negative and false information about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and other party candidates in 2016, three people familiar with the operation told Reuters. The firm has ramped up its focus on election security and fake accounts on its platform in recent months. Twitter has ramped up its focus on election security and fake accounts on its platform in recent months. Pictured are examples of potentially state-backed content 'Over the last several months, weve taken significant steps to safeguard the integrity of conversations surrounding the US elections by reducing the spread of disinformation, strengthening outreach to government stakeholders, and streamlining our enforcement processes,' Bridget Coyne, Twitter's Senior Public Policy Manager, wrote in a blog post. 'We are committed to serving the public conversation about elections on our platform.' Earlier this month, Twitter released some 10 million tweets from Russia and Iran-backed troll accounts, with some dating back as far as 2009 The social media giant said it was releasing the data tied to 'potential information operations' in an effort to give researchers more insight into the campaigns. It was largely believed that the disinformation campaigns mostly occurred around the 2016 presidential election, but the new data shows that some originated far in advance. The pilot has an important announcement as we circle Kauai, part of Hawaiis eight- island chain. Hang tight folks, ground staff are just clearing a chicken off the runway. Of course, they are. Because this is a place of pristine natural beauty, complete with cloud capped rainforests, raging waterfalls, mystical sea cliffs and feral chickens. People come to embrace the elements, feel spiritual at sunset and shoot movies (Johnny Depp swaggered along the beaches of the Napali coast in Pirates Of The Caribbean), but as a family, we are keen to pack in some adventure before kicking back on Waikiki Beach on the neighbouring isle of Oahu. Mystical: The rugged Napali coast on the North Shore in Kauai Thankfully, its 200 miles out of the firing range of the erupting Kilauea volcano on the Big Island. Out on a limb in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii is the most isolated, inhabited landmass in the world. Sitting close to the dateline in its own time zone (three hours behind West Coast U.S.), its the last stop before tomorrow. With a population of just 65,000, there are more pigs than people on Kauai. Things move soulfully slow. Dont expect to rush the girl at Banana Joes grocery store in Kilauea whizzing up your green juice in the morning. Although there is a distinctly funky vibe in Hanalei Town surf boards, food trucks and possibly the best bakery in the Pacific its so relaxed youll find yourself turning in for the night with your children about 10pm. The indigenous people, the Kanaka Maoli, are an unfathomably soulful lot, with wise, wide foreheads, disarming smiles and kind eyes. Sadly, they are few and far between thanks to Hawaiis first tourist, Captain Cook, who dropped anchor at Waimea Bay in 1778 bringing with him Western diseases that destroyed the population, estimated then at about half a million people, though it now stands at 8,000 descendants today. Whats evolved since is a cultural mash-up fourth generation Japanese, Chinese and Filipinos (brought over in the 19th century to work the sugar plantations) are juxtaposed with the Haole white people mainly U.S. creatives: writers, poets, surfers, hippies and dreamers. Theoretically this is America Hawaii was annexed as the 50th state in 1959. But there is not a mall or freeway in sight, 70 per cent of the island is inaccessible by foot and there is only one coastal ring road, currently cut off on the westernmost stretch by mudslides. The sign to Wal'ale'ale, the island's second highest point and one of the world's wettest spots If you want to explore the interior, a lethal slippery dew which locals call Hawaiian ice, means a guide is advisable. We make arrangements with Purekauai.com, a concierge service founded by local Mr Fix-it, Phil Jones, who oversees a team of guides while offering access to the islands most exclusive rental homes. We choose Sea Song, a sprawling Asian-style estate on a secluded bluff on the North Shore (actor Pierce Brosnan lives a few bays away). I cant stop gawping at the knockout views while the children Grace, seven,and Georgia-Mae, six enjoy the swing rope over the Kilauea river that runs into the Pacific below. Our host Aaron, a Bear Grylls type with a backpack and six-pack, arrives with an itinerary that would leave a Hollywood action star out of puff. We get our bearings on a Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tour with Brian, one of the islands most experienced pilots, a fact I repeat as we bob through the mists of Mount Waialeale, an extinct volcano crater, which is said to be the wettest place on earth. Further out across the Martian red rocks of the Waimea canyon, we spy a group of hikers taking selfies on a precariously high lookout point. Taste of the tropics: A hula girl pictured above (stock image) Back on terra firma, we watch Grace and Georgies confidence grow, as we hike, kayak and zipline through the valleys of the Princeville Ranch. We also kick back on the beach, chasing waves and wild chicken, If you can catch em you can eat em, says Troy, a surfer dude. Getting the girls to experience some culture is made easy by Captain Andys sunset cruise up the Napali coast. We ride the swells and get sandblasted with salty brine below extraordinary 3,000ft tall sea cliffs, but its worth it to see the Honopu Valley, an ancient burial site of Hawaiian Kings. Their bones were hidden in the crevices of the cliffs by the tribes bravest warriors who were lowered down on vines and fell to their deaths after the burial to protect the secret location. The valley is so sacred no one is allowed to land on the beach without a permit. We take a 20-minute flight to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Hawaiis international hub and surf hotspot. This is a city that bridges beach culture and urban buzz. You can eat sushi at Nobu, shop in Chinatowns vintage stores and join a sunset yoga class. We check into the Halekulani Hotel, which has morphed over 100 years from humble bungalow guesthouse into a two-towered sanctum of chic. We join a crowd around the 100-year-old Kiawe tree for the hotels nightly Hula show, performed by a former Miss Hawaii. My girls are enthralled. Better than Strictly. Next morning their excitement goes off the scale with the arrival of Gone Surfings Caz and Trevor, Zac Efron lookalikes, who paddle them out to a surf break and have them gliding through the waves within the hour. Hawaii is hard to wash off. As a family we bonded over the joys of nature and a simple life. People say Hawaii calls them and for me its true. I cant get its siren song out of my head. Unlikely pairings of people have always been crucial to soaps success; but the incongruity of people and places is just as relevant. Who would have thought Corries Sally would ever end up in prison, but there she is the woman with the most hilarious social-climbing pretensions known to mankind, reduced to the bottom rankings. But even inside shes unable to let go of her aspirations, and its about to get a whole lot funnier. Mind you, Corrie doesnt always get its place and people pairings right think Toyah and Peter running the Rovers: possibly the worst decision ever in the shows 58-year history. EastEnders has always managed to get its landlords and ladies spot on. Peggy, Kat, Alfie, Linda, Mick despite the latter being the most expressionless landlord who looks in permanent need of jump leads to spur him into life. Hayley begins to bond with her newborn (pictured) in this week's EastEnders Albert Squares launderette has had a successful stream of residents. Never mind that Walford has fewer washing machines per square foot than anywhere else (none, to be precise); the setting is merely a stage for character development. Still no family planning clinics, though.Ill keep up my campaign. EASTENDERS: BIRTH CONTROLLING Wheres the bair-bee? The poor child hasnt had much of a start in life, although in Walford it can only get worse. As the Slaters search for mother and daughter, Hayleys mum Bev is helping her through this difficult time, even though the bair-bees been dropped with Mariam and Arshad. When something seems wrong, the Ahmeds go to the hospital and call Hayley, who bonds with the newborn. But then Bev takes the bair-bee home. The poor kids going to have travel sickness before its first feed; itll be hitting the bottle sooner than expected and Im not talking milk. Im not optimistic about Bevs suggestion that the child could fix the past. Only hiring a Tardis to go back in time will do that where any Slater is concerned. Its a bair-bee heavy week, with Cora struggling to look after Abi (as if she doesnt have enough problems keeping her hair in check). But Maxs new solicitor is positive about his chances of winning custody. Im not. Walfords solicitors are as useful as a chocolate teapot. Micks lawyer Ritchie gives Linda an update but is in for a shock when told her services are no longer required. Whats Linda up to, and why is she warmly greeting Stuart? Mariam and Arshad (pictured) go to the hospital and call Hayley when they suspect something's wrong in EastEnders CORONATION STREET: GIRLS WILL BE ER, MEN So, it looks as if were all set for Weatherfields first lesbian wedding, when Kate and Rana discover they were both planning surprise proposals. Now, the marriage bit doesnt bother me, but Rana asking Johnny for Kates hand really does, as it harks back to a time when women were treated like chattel. If any man had ever asked my dad for my hand in marriage, hed be missing both his own hands long before we made it up the aisle. So, far from being progressive, Ranas action smacks of chauvinism and sexism the very opposite effect of what the show is trying to say. Hmph. So there. Its not long before it all starts to go south, anyway, when Kate announces that one of the reasons she chose Rana was that shed make a great mother. Kate and Rana (pictured) discover they were both planning proposal's in Coronation Street Goodness me: now were talking a double whammy of sexism. Sensing its not what Rana wants, Imran suggests she warn Kate before its too late. Personally, Id get the engagement ring valued first; if its under 10K, all bets are off. Tim has been oblivious to Ginas growing feelings for him, but the factory girls have sussed her. So has Geoff, who warns his son. But Tim is thrown off the scent when Gina informs him shes joined a dating site. It doesnt take much to throw Tim nice but dim off any scent; hes like a dog with sinusitis. Carla, on the other hand, is like a sniffer dog at Bogota international airport, and shes onto Nick and his secret life in Nottingham. Charity (pictured with Debbie) attempts to provide comfort after Debbie receives a text from Joe in Emmerdale EMMERDALE: SWEET CHARITY As mother-daughter relationships go, Charity and Debbies hasnt been the smoothest, but Charity always steps up to the mark when it matters (unless Debbie is in reach of a coffee mug, her first port of call). This week, as Debs receives news of her trial date (not that every day isnt a trial), she receives a text from Joe, and its up to Charity to provide comfort once more. Lets hope she also provides assistance in buying her at least one sweater that isnt two sizes too big. And the weeks least shocking news: tension between Robert and Aaron when the latter announces surrogacy plans. Please dont let them breed. An army of angels will descend upon New York City for the 2018 Victorias Secret Fashion Show. The show will take place live on November 8, but will be filmed and shown to the public at a later date. Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid will return to the runway, according to show designer Brian Atwood. He said in an Instagram post that both models would walk this year after missing the 2017 show for different reasons. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will take place in New York City on November 8, airing on television on December 2 Cant wait to see this beauty @KendallJenner strutting in my shoes for the @VictoriasSecret fashion showless than a month away!!!!, he captioned his social media post. Bella Hadid could appear again, too, but hasnt been confirmed. A portion of the models will be wearing a capsule collection designed as part of a collaboration between Victorias Secret and Mary Katrantzou. Last year they collaborated with Balmain. Want to know more about the Victorias Secret Fashion Show? Heres the scoop. When is the Victorias Secret Fashion Show 2018? The Victorias Secret Fashion Show will be taped live on November 8. Itll air on television December 2 at 10pm ET. Where is the Victorias Secret Fashion Show? This year, the Victorias Secret Fashion Show is returning to the United States. Itll be taped from New York City. Last years show was in Shanghai, China. In 2016, the Victorias Secret Fashion Show was held in Paris, France. Victorias Secret Fashion Show performers For the 2018 Victorias Secret Fashion Show the brand has pulled together eight performers for what could be their most epic line-up to date. Martha Hunt revealed on Instagram that Shawn Mendes, Halsey, The Chainsmokers, Kelsea Ballerini, Bebe Rexha, Rita Ora and The Struts will have sets during the show. Which models will walk in the Victorias Secret Fashion Show? Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have been confirmed as part of this years Victorias Secret Fashion Show. Theyll be joined by Devon Windsor, Ming Xi, Grace Elizabeth, Georgia Fowler, Cindy Bruna, Stella Maxwell, Leomi Anderson, Martha Hunt and Lais Ribeiro to name a few. Behati Prinsloo is making her return to the Victorias Secret runway this year as well. Fresh faced on the catwalk will be Winnie Harlow, Kelsey Merritt, Duckie Thot, Sadie Newman, Lorena Rae, Melie Tiaco, Willow Hand and Yasmin Wijnaldum. How to watch the Victorias Secret Fashion Show 2018 The Victorias Secret Fashion Show will air on ABC at 10pm ET on December 2. You can also stream it here. ORourke campaigning in San Antonio on Wednesday. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images On Halloween afternoon, somewhere on the highways of San Antonio, Beto ORourkes road-trip campaign for the Senate hit a very Texan obstacle: a traffic jam. ORourke, the Democrat running against Ted Cruz, was late for a rally on the historically Hispanic west side of town, and he was facing several urgent deadlines. The trick-or-treating hour was looming, as were a bunch of big bruise-colored thunderheads. And it was already the tenth day of early voting in Texas, which meant that even as he sat and sat behind the bug-splattered windshield of a Dodge minivan, Texans were deciding the fate of his campaign. Effectively, it was already Election Day. As usual, ORourke was broadcasting live to Facebook as he drove, so he used a few of his last, precious moments to talk about a topical issue: Halloween. He discussed his positions on candy. (Yes to Twix and candy corn; no to Butterfinger, because it sticks to his teeth.) He called his wife Amy, back in El Paso, for an update on their three kids costumes. He had a campaign aide retrieve a photo from a few years ago. Im trying to be John Travolta in Pulp Fiction, ORourke said. But I just look like me in a white shirt. Whatever the outcome this election, he wont be able to complain like many long-shot challengers that the people of Texas never had the chance to get to know him. Perversely, that may prove to be a mixed blessing. Midterm elections are typically a referendum on the incumbent party, but this years race in Texas has a different dynamic. By mounting a spirited, wish-fulfilling challenge to Senator Ted Cruz, ORourke has become a progressive political star, raising nearly $70 million, largely in small online donations. The stunning fundraising numbers have created a media feedback loop: rapturous national coverage spurs more donations, inspiring even more coverage. For ORourke, though, this Beto-mania has come with a strategic drawback. Somehow, an election involving one of the most famous and among Democrats, despised Republicans in the country has become all about Beto. One Texan political commentator joked to me earlier this year, when I was writing my own feature, that it ought to be reported as in-kind donations to the Cruz campaign. And Cruz has gratefully accepted, attacking his opponent as a self-absorbed hipster liberal too reckless for Texas. Over the summer, as some polls showed ORourke running nearly neck-and-neck with Cruz, the New York Times reported that White House officials were warning donors that they were in real trouble in Texas. But then Cruz savaged ORourke in their first debate. (In response to a softball question about a quality he admired in his opponent, Cruz replied that he seemed genuinely committed to his socialist beliefs.) A second debate was canceled, and the final one featuring an uncharacteristically combative ORourke felt like a draw. Cruz called on his once-bitter rival for the 2016 presidential nomination, Donald Trump, for more help. The president attacked ORourke as a flake on Twitter and headlined a recent Cruz rally that drew a capacity crowd to an arena in Houston. The Republican message STOP THE RADICAL LEFT, warns a commercial currently running on the San Antonio airwaves appeared to have worked as intended. In a recent poll by the University of Texas and the Texas Tribune, which showed ORourke trailing by five points, nearly half of all likely voters expressed a negative view of him. ORourkes hopes have always hinged on the definition of likely. He believes that his campaign is mobilizing a legion of previously disengaged voters, who dont show up in the polls. That theory has been buoyed by reports of heavy turnout for early voting, particularly in the large urban counties ORourke will need to dominate in order to have any shot at becoming the first Democrat elected in Texas in a generation. In Bexar County, where San Antonio sits, more than 30 percent of the registered electorate had already voted by Halloween, double the percentage for the same period before the last midterm election, and comparable to that of the 2016 presidential election. When ORourke finally reached his rally, he was greeted by a hundred or so supporters, diehards who had waited in the nearly treeless park despite a severe thunderstorm warning. A mariachi band played a play a jaunty tune as ORourke jumped out of the minivan. Ole! the crowd shouted, and then a lone voice added, Beto for President! Someone in the crowd handed ORourke a Spurs cap, which he jammed on, and then he climbed up onto the bed of a pickup truck. You name the challenge, we are up to it at this moment, he shouted through a bullhorn. We will ensure this great country, greatest that the world has ever known, fully lives up to its promise and to its potential. That we are defined not by our fears, not by who youre supposed to be scared of, but by our ambitions. The sky flashed as ORourke, already the tallest thing around, waved the bullhorn over his head. It seemed for moment as if lightning might strike in Texas in a non-metaphorical way. I retreated to my car just as the skies opened up in a deluge. I pulled up Facebook on my phone, and to my mild surprise, discovered the live video stream was still going. ORourke was standing by the van, rain dripping off the brim of his cap, taking selfies with a line of supporters waiting an ankle-deep puddle, some of them in drenched costumes. Looking ecstatic, ORourke did a little shoulder-rolling dance for the camera. A little rain doesnt stop us! he shouted. Someones umbrella blew away. *** The latest FiveThirtyEight.com forecast says that ORourke has around a 20 percent chance of winning on Tuesday, which is around 20 percent more than most of the smart people in politics give him. After the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, Cruz opened a large lead in the polls, and some Democratic leaders went so far as to suggest that ORourke who has received little institutional support from the party should start redistributing his huge fundraising haul to endangered Democratic incumbents in other states. But in the closing days of the campaign, after a pugnacious final debate performance and a series of polarizing moves by Trump on immigration, ORourkes has been closing the gap. He will likely outperform any Texas Democrat in a generation. But that may not be enough. You know what you call a Republican that only wins by single digits in Texas? Evan Smith, the veteran journalist who co-founded the Tribune, joked to me a few months ago. Senator. I know all this, and yet, historic political waves the kind the Democrats would need if they were to win in Texas rarely show themselves far in advance. In his recent book The Red and the Blue, the political analyst Steve Kornacki recounts the 1994 midterm elections. Going in, Bill Clintons Gallup approval rating was around 40 percent, but he felt confident beforehand, coming off a series of invigorating campaign appearances that brought back memories of his insurgent election two years before. (Every word in that sentence could also apply to Trump.) Instead, Democrats received a historic drubbing as even candidates that Clinton had championed, like Governor Mario Cuomo, were upset. There is a revolution in the air, the veteran newsman David Brinkley declared on ABC on Election Night. But that was only after the results were in. When theres a real wave, everything starts to go, and even the wildest reaches suddenly become competitive, Kornacki told me recently via email. If you are a Democrat, hoping to retake the Senate in 2018, thats where the case for irrational optimism begins. For ORourke, an irrationally optimistic path to victory starts in the urban counties of Texas, like Bexar, which have large populations of blacks, Latinos, and other working-class voters that, in theory, are inclined to vote Democratic. It continues through the suburbs of Dallas and Houston, which have been traditionally been solidly Republican, but are filled with middle-class women who, in theory, may have been turned off by Trump. And it also depends on holding down Cruzs margins in the Friday Night Lights section of the state, the vast, conservative hinterland, where ORourke, defying conventional wisdom, has spent a great deal of his campaign. (Even in the final stretch of late October, he took time out for appearances Lubbock, Amarillo, and Wichita Falls.) The good news, ORourke said at a get-out-the-vote rally in Austin on Wednesday, is that all the hope has been turned into action, and into votes. In a state with a weak Democratic Party organization, he has had to devote a substantial portion of the money he has raised to building a new kind of political machine. Now its time to see if it really works. It looks like Jackie 'O' Henderson won't stay single for long. The newly-single KIIS FM star, 43, was asked on a date during a live interview with The Bachelorette's Paddy Colliar on Friday. The Englishman jokingly suggested: 'We should go for a cheeky little red wine!' 'We should go for a cheeky red wine!' Jackie 'O' Henderson (right) blushed when The Bachelorette's Paddy Colliar (left) asked her on a DATE during a live interview on Friday Paddy was being interviewed by Kyle and Jackie O the morning after his elimination episode aired. At one point, he said: 'I'm single. Jackie, we should go for a cheeky little red wine!' The mother-of-one laughed awkwardly and responded: 'Oh yeah, no... I'm not ready for that!' Awkward! After Englishman Paddy asked Jackie out on a date, the newly-single radio star responded, 'Oh yeah, no... I'm not ready for that!' 'The guy's been rejected twice in 24 hours!' After Jackie tried to move the conversation along, Kyle Sandilands (pictured) expressed his sympathy for Paddy After she tried to move the conversation along, co-host Kyle Sandilands expressed his sympathy for Paddy. 'The guy's been rejected twice in 24 hours!' he said, referring to the fact Ali Oetjen dumped him on Thursday's episode of The Bachelorette. The interview comes a week after Jackie confirmed she had separated from her husband-of-15-years Lee Henderson. Media rounds: Paddy was being interviewed by Kyle and Jackie O the morning after his elimination episode aired. Pictured: Paddy saying goodbye to Ali Oetjen on The Bachelorette 'After 18 years together, we have made the decision to separate. We do so amicably, sharing many incredible memories and remaining best friends,' the couple said in a statement. 'Our focus for this next chapter is of course our wonderful daughter and continuing to provide her love and happiness, together.' According to The Daily Telegraph, the pair split 'some time ago'. Charlie Newling is reportedly in hot water with Channel 10 after debuting his romance with Dasha Gaivoronski despite still being a contestant on The Bachelorette. And on Friday, his newly-eliminated co-star Paddy Colliar confirmed the relationship while speaking to radio stations Nova 96.9 and KIIS 106.5. The 28-year-old, who talks to Charlie on a daily basis, said he once confronted him about the relationship, asking: 'What are you doing?' 'Mate, what are you doing?' The Bachelorette's Paddy Colliar (left) said he confronted co-star Charlie Newling (right) about dating Dasha Gaivoronski Paddy confirmed to Nova's Fitzy & Wippa the couple are officially dating, saying: 'It is what it is, to be honest'. 'It's obviously their life. It was a bit of a spoiler but they look good together. I FaceTimed them the other day,' he added. Paddy made similar comments on Kyle and Jackie O that same morning. 'It was a bit of a spoiler but they look good together': Over the past two weeks, Charlie has been pictured on several dates with Dasha, who is from this year's season of The Bachelor. Pictured in Sydney on Wednesday 'I talk to Charlie every day. I don't really know what his tactic was there. I said [to him], "What are you doing?" basically,' Paddy explained. 'I don't know what's going to happen between the guys, but yeah he's on the show [The Bachelorette]. He should have kind of thought about it. Yeah, it is what it is.' Over the past two weeks, Charlie, 31, has been pictured on several dates with single mother Dasha, 32, who is from this year's season of The Bachelor. Confrontation: 'I talk to Charlie every day. I don't really know what his tactic was there. I said [to him], "What are you doing?" basically,' Paddy told The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Friday It is understood Charlie has broken his contract with Network Ten and producers Warner Bros. Australia by flaunting his relationship with Dasha so publicly. In past seasons of The Bachelor and Bachelorette, contestants are banned from entering relationships while they are still being featured on the show to avoid spoiling the outcome. Last week, an industry insider told Daily Mail Australia that Charlie's behaviour will no doubt be causing serious drama behind the scenes. '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.' The Bachelorette continues Wednesday at 7.30pm on Network Ten Tayla Damir and Sophie Tieman were among the best dressed at Thurley's flagship store opening in Sydney on Thursday night. The VIP event, held in The Strand Arcade, saw the reality TV stars show off the brand's latest collection during an exclusive fashion preview. Love Island Australia winner Tayla, 21, stunned in a quirky yellow dress which she paired with nude strappy stilettos. Dressed to impress! The Bachelor's Sophie Tieman and Love Island star Tayla Damir (pictured) dazzled in colourful frocks at Thurley's flagship store opening in Sydney on Thursday night She kept her makeup fresh and dewy, displaying her flawless complexion, and swept her hair back in a side plait. Meanwhile, former Bachelor star Sophie Tieman put on a leggy display in a feminine, pink mini dress. The 25-year-old paired her frock with matching heels and a brown messenger bag. Hot to trot! The VIP event, held in The Strand Arcade, saw the reality TV stars show off the brand's latest collection during an exclusive fashion preview. Pictured: Sophie Tieman Effortlessly chic: Sophie put on a leggy display in a feminine, pink mini dress Sophie's makeup look consisted of a smokey eye and pink lipstick, and she pulled her blonde hair back in a sophisticated updo. Another notable guest was Love Island's Amelia Marni, 22, who showed off her lithe frame in a strapless LBD and beige heels. She finished off her look with a black handbag and a statement gold necklace. Friends: Love Island's Amelia Marni (left) and Tayla Damir (right) posed for a photo at the event The celebrity guests were treated to a night of champagne and canapes and also previewed Thurley's newest Resort Collection 'Fable'. It comes after a busy few months for Sophie and Tayla, who both left their respective dating shows empty-handed. Sophie was dumped by Nick Cummins on The Bachelor, while Tayla broke up with fellow Love Island winner Grant Crapp after discovering he had another girlfriend. Stacey Dooley has revealed that pain was so bad from her recent injury that she felt like throwing up. Making an appearance on It Takes Two on Friday night with her dance partner Kevin Clifton, the journalist, 31, admitted that she's 'not holding back' on Saturday night's live show. She explained: 'So, last week it was niggling me, it was the lean in the tango I think. The repetition and the impact of it. But I thought fine, fine, fine and I just kept carrying on. Painful: Strictly's Stacey Dooley revealed on Wednesday that the pain from her injury was so severe that she felt like THROWING UP... but said that she's 'not holding back' on show 'Then on the Monday we were training and I thought my muscle is going. Then bang. I hit Kev and I felt a tear. I was like, "Im going to throw up."' She added: 'Do you know when you hit your head and it's so painful you think you are going to throw up everywhere? 'We had choreographers there and I felt embarrassed so I swallowed my sick- sorry, sorry TMI.' Sudden: She explained, 'On the Monday we were training and I thought my muscle is going. Then bang. I hit Kev and I felt a tear. I was like, "Im going to throw up"' Honest: Stacey continued, 'We had choreographers there and I felt embarrassed so I swallowed my sick- sorry, sorry TMI' Explaining what happened to her, she said: 'Ive torn my intercostal muscle, Im trying not to make a fuss of it. 'This week I thought Id be OK because its street dance, its a bit closer to how I would dance in the club, but were so uncool.' But Stacey reassured her fans, as she said: 'Im not holding back. I feel like no-one wants a sob story or moany Margaret. Im just going to go there and do my best, what will be will be.' Stacey returned to rehearsals on Wednesday, training from 8am to 10pm to make up for lost time. Going with it: Explaining what happened to her, she said: 'Ive torn my intercostal muscle, Im trying not to make a fuss of it' Determined: But Stacey reassured her fans, as she said: 'Im not holding back. I feel like no-one wants a sob story or moany Margaret. Im just going to go there and do my best' However, the journalist proved her injury was still playing on her mind as she alluded to it in an Instagram post. Posing outside the studios, she wrote: 'Sick note returns'. Earlier this week, fans were left in a state of panic, when Stacey shared a photograph of a cast, leaving many of her followers to believe she may have broken a bone. But the amateur dancer soon quashed growing worries about her health as she revealed she has not broken a bone despite being admitted to hospital. After worrying her followers the evening before, she posted a caption reading: 'Nothings broke! All the drugs and all the cuppas gonna hook us up! See you Sat! THANK YOU SO SO MUCH TO ALL THE STAFF. You are all bloody amazing'. Success: Last week the pair were second with a score of 35, with the judges praising Stacey for taking the man's hold during their innovative Tango to the Doctor Who theme tune Back to work: Stacey returned to rehearsals on Wednesday, training from 8am to 10pm to make up for lost time A spokesperson for Strictly said: 'Stacey has a bruised rib and needs to rest it for a day. She will be back in training.' Stacey's spokesperson for the star added: 'It's very painful. She is strapped up and the doctor has said she should be able to move in a couple of days.' Stacey and Kevin have been practising their street and commercial style dance to Empire State Of Mind (Part II) by Alicia Keys. Last week the pair were second on the leaderboard with a score of 35, with the judges praising Stacey for taking the man's hold during their innovative Tango to the Doctor Who theme tune. It's one of the biggest and most fashionable events on the social calendar. And on Derby Day on Saturday, stars including WAG Rebecca Judd and Rachael Finch, 30, certainly bought the glamour to the track. Mother-of-four Rebecca, 35, looked stunning as she revealed to fans her hair and makeup look, wearing a gorgeous embellished head piece. Bringing the glamour to the track! WAG Rebecca Judd (pictured) stuns wearing a jewelled head piece while Rachael Finch turns heads wearing a white floral crown as the stars prepare for Derby Day Taking to Instagram to share a smouldering selfie ahead of the event, the brunette beauty had her long locks out and to one side, in loose tousled curls. Her head piece - by Lisa Leverington - was worn to one side of her head, rather than a crown. Her makeup meanwhile featured dewy foundation and a bronzed eye, which she teamed with a soft pink lip. Gorgeous: Her makeup meanwhile featured dewy foundation and a bronzed eye, which she teamed with a soft pink lip Hot to trot! She later revealed her outfit, flaunting her incredible figure in a black Toni Maticevski dress Blooming lovely! Model and TV presenter Rachael Finch (pictured) meanwhile, opted for a white floral crown 'Derby Day beauty look,' Bec captioned the snap, which garnered more than 6,000 likes. She also completed the look with small diamond earrings from Paul Bram. She later revealed her outfit, flaunting her incredible figure in a black Toni Maticevski dress. The frock featured a high neck and long and layered sleeves, with a layered mermaid skirt. She wore black and clear heels and carried a black jewelled clutch. Model and TV presenter Rachael Finch meanwhile, opted for a white floral crown by Ford Millinery. Before and after: The stunner shared with fans the process of getting ready for the day She took to Instagram to share a shot of herself getting dolled up with the help of an assistant. The mother-of-two showed off a golden glow in the snap and had her dark locks tied up off her face. Her makeup included flawless foundation and a bronzed eye, with an eye-popping red lip. In the post, she thanked her team for the 'express glam.' 'I'm out at Flemington until late each race day this week so I aim to be as quick as I can getting ready in hair and makeup so I have more time to wake up slowly and cruise into the day,' Rachael said. Gorgeous! The former pageant queen later showed off her outfit on the day, wearing a white one-shoulder frock by Toni Maticevski, in keeping with the day's strict black and white theme She added that she got ready in under an hour. 'We got ready in 50 mins (sic) today with coffee in between.' She also shared a video of herself getting ready and said she was forced to eat her nutritious breakfast of egg and avocado on toast in tiny squares, as her makeup was done before she ate. The former pageant queen later showed off her outfit on the day, wearing a white one-shoulder frock by Toni Maticevski, in keeping with the day's strict black and white theme. 'Not getting married just the flower girl today,' she hilariously captioned the snap. The things we do for beauty! She also shared a video of herself getting ready and said she was forced to eat her nutritious breakfast of egg and avocado on toast in tiny squares, as her makeup was done before she ate Also sharing their beauty preparations with fans was former The Block winner Elyse Knowles. The blonde model shared a video of herself getting her makeup done, which included a deep nude lip and a bronzed eye. She also strolled down the street in her over-sized black lace hat. The blonde later wore a black figure-hugging dress, which featured an off-the-shoulder design, with a Moschino clutch. All ready to go! Also sharing their beauty preparations with fans was former The Block winner Elyse Knowles (pictured). After getting her makeup done, she strolled down the street in her black lace hat she will later be wearing with the rest of her ensemble Looking good! The blonde later wore a black figure-hugging dress, which featured an off-the-shoulder design, with a Moschino clutch She's glowing: Rebecca Harding (pictured), who is TV and radio star Andy Lee's girlfriend, also took to social media to share her preparations for Derby Day sharing a candid makeup free selfie (L, pictured R after getting her hair and makeup done) Rebecca Harding, who is TV and radio star Andy Lee's girlfriend, also took to social media to share her preparations for Derby Day. In a gorgeous selfie, the brunette went makeup free as she showed off her flawless complexion. 'Appreciation post: This is my skin without makeup or editing. This would NOT be my skin if it wasn't for my wonderful skin therapist,' model and yoga teacher Rebecca wrote in part of the caption. But first, a selfie! She soon took to Instagram to show her fans her hair and makeup look. The brunette wore dewy foundation with a bright bronzed eye, and a nude lip. Her hair was out in loose tousled curls She joked that she was 'bragging' about her 'clear and bright' complexion. Rebecca soon took to Instagram to show her fans her hair and makeup look. The brunette wore dewy foundation with a bright bronzed eye, and a nude lip. Her hair was out in loose tousled curls. Racing royalty and writer Kate Waterhouse, who is the daughter of Australian horse trainer Gai Waterhouse, 64, also took to Instagram to share her before and after hair and makeup looks. White hot! Rebecca stunned in a white jumpsuit on the day (pictured with boyfriend Andy Lee) Hitting the track: Racing royalty and writer Kate Waterhouse (pictured), who is the daughter of Australian horse trainer Gai Waterhouse, 64, also took to Instagram to share her before and after (pictured) hair and makeup looks Kate shared a shot of herself with her hair slicked back into a ponytail as she got her makeup done. Her makeup included immaculate foundation with layers of bronzer, with a smokey bronze eye. Her look was finished with a nude glossy lip. After getting her hair done, she wore her short locks out in loose tousled curls, complete with a delicate jewelled crown. Preparations: Kate shared a shot of herself with her hair slicked back into a ponytail as she got her makeup done A beauty in black! Kate flaunted her trim pins in a short blazer-look frock and towering studded heels In the beauty seat: Meanwhile fashion blogger Rozalia Russian (pictured) kept her fans up-to-date with her preparations, taking to Instagram to share a video of herself getting her hair done ahead of the event Meanwhile fashion blogger Rozalia Russian kept her fans up-to-date with her preparations, taking to Instagram to share a video of herself getting her hair done ahead of the event. The 30-year-old, who is married to Melbourne nightclub owner Nick Russian, could be seen sitting down at a salon with a hair stylist doing her hair. Instead of an ornate head piece, Rozalia wore two subtle hair clips, which pulled back her locks on one side. Her hair was out in loose tousled curls to one side, and she wore makeup including a winged eye and a glossy lip. The brunette also showed off her outfit, opting for a chic black and white striped power suit. Dolled up: Instead of an ornate head piece, Rozalia wore two subtle hair clips, which pulled back her locks on one side. Her hair was out in loose tousled curls to one side, and she wore makeup including a winged eye and a glossy lip Chic! The brunette also showed off her outfit, opting for a chic black and white striped power suit Justin Hemmes has denied rumours he's romancing model Kate Fowler. The Merivale CEO, who has a reported net worth of $951 million, told Private Sydney this week that he and the brunette beauty are 'just friends'. It comes three months after the pub king announced his split from his long-term partner and the mother of his two children, Kate Fowler. 'Just friends': Pub king Justin Hemmes, 45, has denied rumours he's dating model Montana Cox, 25, just three months after his split from partner Kate Fowler Despite the denial, Private Sydney claimed that Justin 'turned a deep shade of crimson' when asked about his rumoured relationship with Montana. Meanwhile, Montana, 25, last month denied widespread whispers that she and Justin, 45, were an item. Speaking with The Sun-Herald's The Goss, the stunner stated: 'We are just friends, we have always just been friends, I think people just like to talk about things'. Not dating: Model Montana, 25, has also shut down speculation that she is dating the wealthy pub baron In July, Justin shocked Sydney's social scene by publicly announcing that he and partner Kate had split after nearly five years together. The couple share two daughters - Alexa, two, and 16-month-old Saachi. 'Kate and I have the utmost love and respect for each other,' he told The Sydney Morning Herald when he revealed their separation. Split: Kate and Justin are pictured with their young daughter Alexa prior to their separation 'At the beginning of 2018, Kate and I decided our friendship and respect for family life would become the focus of our relationship. We love our children dearly and for now continue to live together happily in our family home.' He added: 'Kate is a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful woman. As for what the future holds I am not sure.' After the split, the former couple have continued to live together in their $60 million mansion located on Sydney Harbour. Pete Davidson, 24, isn't letting heartbreak hold him back from joking about his failed relationship with Ariana Grande, 25. 'Pete has always talked about his life on the show, and Ariana knows that. That's where she met him in the first place,' an source close to the comic told People. This comes after the No Tears Left to Cry songstress was reportedly angered after having seen Pete make light of their split in Thursday's promotional advert for an upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live. Not so fast: Pete Davidson will not stop talking about his former love life with Ariana Grande, a source reveals after the comedian made light of their failed engagement in a recent SNL ad But despite reports that Pete asked SNL to pull an Ariana-adjacent sketch from this weekend's, the jokes will continue. 'It's completely untrue that Pete got a skit about Ariana pulled from this weekend's show,' an insider told PEOPLE. 'Anyone who knows SNL knows it's still in the writing process even today, and no one knows what's going on until dress rehearsal. 'Pete has always talked about his life on the show, and Ariana knows that. That's where she met him in the first place.' A skit about their love life didn't sit too well with Ariana, who went on to make her opinion heard when she took to her Twitter account to vent about the SNL promo. Controversy: Ariana clearly didn't like remark in which her ex-fiance jokes about being turned down following a brief engagement proposal during the 45-second TV promo Pete introduces himself to Maggie Rogers in the 45-second clip while being joined by fellow actor Jonah Hill. 'Hey Maggie, I'm Pete. You wanna get married?' asks the American musician. After declining his offer, Jonah awkwardly appears to cringe as Pete mocks himself yet again, saying: '0-3,' in reference to the number of relationships that haven't worked out for him. It appears that Ariana was very much under the impression that her ex-fiance would make light of their time as an engaged couple, but according to sources, that couldn't have been further from the truth. Breaking point: In the midst of answering questions from fans, Ariana felt the need to address Pete's SNL pomo As news publication mentions, Pete doesn't want any ill feelings from Ariana's side. If the Trainwreck star does end up bringing up Ariana during Saturday's episode, it wouldn't be anything different to the previous times he's mentioned the Focus hitmaker on the show. Of course, the only difference now is that the twosome is no longer together. 'for somebody wo claims to hate relevancy u sure love clinging to it huh,' Ariana tweeted on Thursday, after the release of the SNL promo. In happier times: Though the twosome seemed to be doing well, their sudden split last month is ending rather nasty; photographed at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York, 2018 'thank u, next,' she concluded. But it seemed as if Ariana wasn't quite done then and there as she took it upon herself to keep the conversation going with a number of tweets that were subliminally aimed at her ex. 'cause look what i found.... ain't no need for searching and for that i say.... thank u, next,' she tweeted to her 58.6 million followers. 'got so much love..... got so much patience..... i've learnt from the pain .... and turnt out amazin.... say i've loved and i've lost,' she continued. 'but that's not what i see cause look what i got.... look what u taught me.' Pete has yet to publicly address matters regarding Ariana's concerns. It's been one year since Bruce Forsyth passed away at the age of 89. And his wife Lady Wilnelia Forsyth, 61, feels she is now ready to return to work, as she modelled in the new range from JD Williams Christmas collection designed for women aged over 45 on Friday. In the glamorous snaps, the Puerto Rican model oozes confidence as she beams for the camera. Ready: Lady Wilnelia Forsyth returned to work by appearing in a modelling campaign on Friday, one year after husband Bruce's tragic death Dressed to impress, Wilnelia strikes an elegant tone as she sports multiple outfits including a regal blue gown and a shimmering velvet frock with barely there heels. Showing off her wild side in one of the many professional shots, the mother-of-one poses in a leopard print cami top which displays her toned physique. Looking effortlessly ageless, Wilnelia also opts for a winter range of clothing as she models a stylish cream trench coat and a long checkered jacket. Fierce: Showing off her wild side in one of the many professional shots, the mother-of-one poses in a leopard print cami top which displays her toned physique All smiles: In the glamorous snaps, the Puerto Rican model looks sensational as she beams for the camera Glam: Dressed to impress, Wilnelia strikes an elegant tone as she sports multiple outfits including a pink floral gown Speaking to the Daily Express recently, the model gushed about her late husband: 'Because of Miss World, I met my husband Bruce, and had the most amazing 35 years of my life. This is something I will treasure forever.' But she added that she is keen to try new things, as she admitted: 'Ive had the same attitude and approach to my midster years as I had when I entered my 20s. 'Stay positive, be kind, work hard and remember what your goals are, even when things arent going so well.' Strike a pose: With luscious red lipstick, the 61-year-old dazzled in this regal floral gown Keeping warm: Looking effortlessly ageless, Wilnelia also opts for a winter range of clothing as she models a stylish long checkered coat Radiant: Adding some glitz to her catalogue of outfits, the model opted for a shimmering velvet dress Winter ready: Showing she's just as stylish when going low-key, Wilnelia piled on the layers for this stunning outfit Wilnelia added: 'I have been fortunate enough to live through some very exciting times already, but theres so much more to come. 'There may be grandchildren to look forward to and so many more firsts that havent happened yet. Thats exciting to me. I feel like I have entered into a new chapter of my life.' Bruce sadly passed away in August 2017 at his home, while surrounded by his family, after a battle with bronchial pneumonia. Marital bliss: Gushing about her marriage to Bruce, she said: 'I had the most amazing 35 years of my life. This is something I will treasure forever' Wilnelia spoke candidly about her husband's death a year on in a candid interview with The Mail On Sunday in August, where she revealed she still talks to him everyday. She said: 'Sometimes it feels like yesterday. I can't believe it's been a year. I was in London the other day and rushing, thinking I had to get home. But then I realised, what's the point?' She continued: 'I try to be strong for the family, but if I told you it's been easy I'd be lying. I miss Bruce every single day. He was my mentor in a way. Looking forward: Explaining that she is keen to focus on the future, she added 'I feel like I have entered into a new chapter of my life' 'He had so much knowledge about everything and was such an easy person to talk to. I could speak to him about absolutely everything. 'I talk to him all the time anyway, but I miss sharing all the good news in the world, and the bad.' Bruce had kids Debbie, Julie and Laura from his 20-year marriage to first wife Penny Calvert; Charlotte and Louisa from his second marriage to Anthea Redfern, and Jonathan Joseph 'JJ' Forsyth-Johnson from his third marriage to Wilnelia. They're the newly-engaged couple who recently made an appearance at the Caulfield Cup. And it seems AFLW star Moana Hope and her fiancee Isabella Carlstorm are fast becoming race day regulars. On Saturday, the twosome turned out for Derby Day in Melbourne, looking loved-up as they posed for the cameras. Loved up! AFLW star Moana Hope (right) and her model fiancee Isabella Carlstrom (left) stepped out in style at Saturday's Derby Day in Melbourne Simple chic: Footy star Moana (right) opted for a smart-casual ensemble, teaming a patterned blazer with simple black pants and plain white shirt Footy star Moana opted for a smart-casual ensemble, teaming a patterned blazer with simple black pants and plain white shirt. Meanwhile, fiancee Isabella donned a black wide-brimmed hat and a suit jacket worn over a floral jumpsuit. She completed her look with a pair black pointed boots and some stylish shades. Truly stylish! The couple held hands as they arrived at Melbourne's Flemington racecourse In October the couple spoke to Seven about their approach to personal style. While attending The Everest at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney the pair were asked how they coordinate outfits. 'It's always a team effort - I've done her hair and makeup today and Mo has been on the styling front,' Isabella said. Race day regulars! Two weeks ago, Moana (left) and fiancee Isabella (right) attended the Caulfield Cup The couple announced their engagement on October 4, with Moana taking to Instagram to share a picture of the moment her stunning Swedish partner got down on one knee. In an emotional caption, the Collingwood player wrote: I told her (Isabella) that if she ever wanted to Marry me she had to ask my dad... So she asked me to marry her at my Dads tombstone, so he was there when she asked me.... It could never, ever get anymore perfect then this.... I said yes.' Moana, now aged 30, tragically lost her father to cancer when she was just 13 years old. She spent two years proving she was drug free in order to regain joint custody of her two young kids with ex Thomas Ravenel. Now Southern Charm's Kathryn Dennis has filed documents to modify their child custody agreement in the wake of Ravenel's arrest for assault and battery. Dennis filed the paperwork on Friday, October 26, according to Us Weekly. Serious accusations: Southern Charm's Kathryn Dennis has filed documents to modify her child custody agreement with ex Thomas Ravenel following his arrest for assault and battery The legal move comes five months after Ravenel was accused of sexual assault by two women, although his September 25th arrest in Charleston, South Carolina stems from another alleged incident back in 2015. In that case Ravenel was accused of attacking the former couple's nanny. 'While inside the location, the defendant undressed and made sexual advances on the victim,' an affidavit claimed. 'The defendant grabbed the victims hand and placed it on his penis before attempting to removed the victims clothing. While attempting to remove the victims clothing, the victims underwire bra cut into her skin and her shirt wrapped around her neck, which caused the victim to struggle to breathe.' Legal drama: Ravenel was charged with second degree assault and battery September 25 Where it stands: Dennis and Ravenel currently have 50/50 shared custody of their two children: Kensington, four, and Saint Julien, two According to the report, Thomas grabbed his victims vagina before she 'crouched down to the ground to try and prevent further assault.' The victim also claimed the former couple's kids - Kensington, four, and Saint Julien, two - as well as her own children were exposed to constant alcohol and drugs. Dennis has not yet commented on Ravenel's arrest, but she did address the sexual assault accusations against him during a Southern Charm season five reunion months ago. Reality show stardom: Ravenel (second from left) and Dennis (second from right) have appeared on Southern Charm since 2014 'I'm not going to comment until, I guess, its resolved, I think,' she said at the time. 'What Im going to focus on is the children and staying out of it.' Dennis is currently filming the sixth season of the Bravo reality show. The network announced that Ravenel would no longer appear on the show following his arrest. A preliminary hearing on the charges is scheduled for November 5, during which time the judge will decide whether there's enough probable cause to move the case to trial. Former Clinton campaign manager Mark Penn. Photo: Robert Daemmrich Photography Inc/Corbis via Getty Images One of Donald Trumps many idiosyncratic effects on American politics and culture has been to divide Americans not only on the familiar partisan and ideological lines, but to some degree on personal character as well. His entire life, Trump has drawn toward him a wide array of gross, unethical characters, Democratic and Republican alike, while repelling the ethical and upstanding. Since he ran for president, the larger overarching trend toward polarization has masked this smaller effect. But there are plenty of individual instances where Trumps characterological appeal has come through. One of them is Mark Penn. Penn, the former adviser to President Clinton and campaign manager for Hillary Clinton in 2008, has very few philosophical reasons to admire Trump. Penn has spent his career urging Democrats to endorse the socially liberal, pro-free trade, pro-immigration, fiscally conservative policy mix favored by upscale, college-educated elites. Trumps political brand is the precise opposite. But Penn has careerist and personal reasons, having been denied a similar appointment with Clinton after his disastrous 2008 performance. Whats more, Penn is also overtly unethical, and this seems to have overridden any ideological qualms he may be harboring. In Trump he recognizes a kindred soul, or lack of soul, and has churned out a series of relentless propaganda on his behalf. Penns latest paean to the greatness of Trump offers a disturbing window into the vacuous mind of one of the worst people to work in Democratic politics in the last generation. (The only political advisers worse than Penn are Penns former partners, Dick Morris and Doug Schoen.) Penns thesis is that, despite the predicted wave election he faces Tuesday, Trump has brilliantly outmaneuvered all his enemies. His political survival after two years in office, gushes Penn, is a modern-day miracle. Right at the outset, Penn has set the bar so low survival that anything short of death or impeachment and removal qualifies as a triumph. In fact, Trumps approval ratings have never sniffed 50 percent, and he is in danger of losing the House majority despite benefiting from a map so ruthlessly gerrymandered in his partys favor that Democrats need to win the national vote by at least 5 percentage points just to break even. Penn goes on to credit Trump not only as a political wizard, but as a policy savant who has elevated the level of thought in American politics. Penns Trump is a Man of Ideas. Penn notes that while he does not personally agree with Trumps idea for ending birthright citizenship, he praises its substance: Its not an insult, a racial epithet, or an off-color joke. Its an idea that focuses on how an open-borders policy reverberates. Note again where Penn has set the bar: Trump has said something that is not a racial epithet, and is instead a proposal. As impressive an achievement as this might sound, Penn neglects to assess anything about this idea. Trump is claiming he will accomplish this idea by negating the plain text of the Constitution with an executive order. Even right-wing legal theorists consider this absurd. He has no other means at his disposal. If a Democratic president claimed they planned to ban all privately owned firearms with an executive order, nobody would be praising them for having at least avoided saying something racist. Penn proceeds to argue that Trump has formulated a clever synthesis of left and right on immigration policy: Another Trump idea on immigration is his support for creating a path to citizenship for young people brought to the U.S. illegally as children under the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program, in return for three things: a wall on our border with Mexico; an end to the immigration lottery; and a curtailing of chain migration (also known as family reunification) that enables immigrants to bring family members to the U.S. He does not mention that Democrats endorsed exactly this compromise early this year, and Trump agreed to it before changing his mind and tanking the deal. As a result, Trump is reduced to complaining about how terrible immigration policy is, a suboptimal message for a sitting president. Penn asserts that Americans mostly approve of Trumps immigration policy, except for the ghastliest parts that everybody hates: While Americans strongly oppose splitting up families at the border, in polls they have consistently given majority support to the presidents overall position to restore border security. In fact, polls have shown plurality disapproval for Trumps immigration policy, ranging from deficits over 20 points earlier this summer to relatively narrow deficits more recently (a good poll for Trump showed him losing by only a 44 to 47 percent margin, thought the margin between strong disapproval and strong approval was higher.) Penn lambastes Democrats for lacking any of the intellectual energy Trump has displayed for the country: Other than investigations and impeachment, what are the Democrats running on? They have made an issue of health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions. Trump has said he too would cover them. The Democratic idea is not a health-care plan, but an attack. Democrats designed and enacted into law a comprehensive health-care reform that has reduced the uninsured by 20 million. Trump promised to replace it with a better plan that would cover everybody and cost less. He produced a plan not remotely like this, which failed to pass Congress, leaving his partys actions on health care wildly unpopular. Trumps work on health care is both a political and a substantive catastrophe. Penns attempt to portray it as a success is to complain that Democrats are attacking Trumps failed and wildly unpopular attempt to repeal their health-care law. Penn likewise accuses Democrats of lacking a plan to deal with jobs migrating to China and Mexico. One might note that Trumps plan is to rebrand NAFTA and launch an unsuccessful trade war with China. But the real point here is that Penn spent the influential portion of his career relentlessly advocating the very trade deals with Mexico and China he now seems to believe cost American workers millions of jobs. Does he have any actual beliefs about trade policy, or does he merely admire the brutal simplicity of Trumps sloganeering? Penn concludes by applauding Trump for probably losing just one chamber of Congress in the midterm elections: It looks like the Democrats will likely win majority control of the House in the midterm elections. So the battle of insults vs. issues may be moot in todays rough-and-tumble politics. But if the Republicans win more seats in the Senate, that will be a victory compared to what happened in 1994 or 2010. Well, its a victory in the sense that Republicans had an overwhelmingly favorable Senate map, forcing Democrats to defend two dozen seats, including ten in states Trump won. Republicans have to defend only one Senate seat in a state Trump lost. In a neutral political environment, Republicans would be poised for massive gains. Penn concludes by attributing Trumps alleged triumph to him being only one candidate really running on detailed issue positions, which apparently means his wild attack on the media as enemies of the people and attempt to whip his supporters into a panic over a small group of refugees hundreds of miles from the border. Whether Penn is trying to get himself a job in the Trump administration or merely to curry favor with clients who have business with Trump, is not clear. Either way, the changes Trump has wrought on American politics have favored a certain kind of amoral hack. Mark Penn has never been more at home. A number of celebrity couples enjoyed a date day at the Derby on Saturday. Heading down to Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne were the likes of Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding, who put on an affectionate display by the race track. The pair - who rekindled their romance in December 2016 - looked stylish as they joined couples including Lindy Klim and new husband Adam Ellis and AFL's golden couple, Bec and Chris Judd at the event. Romance at the races! Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding (pictured) join the likes of Lindy Klim and Adam Ellis and Bec and Chris Judd enjoying a date day at the Derby On the day, Rebecca, 26, stunned in a white jumpsuit as she stuck close to comedian Andy. The brunette beauty teamed the look with a white handbag, heels and a feather headpiece. She wore makeup including a smokey bronze eye and a deep nude lip, while Andy, 37, looked sharp in a grey checkered suit. Back on and going strong! The pair dated for 18 months and then split, before rekindling their romance in December 2016 The pair dated for 18 months and then split, before rekindling their romance in December 2016. In September, the pair sparked engagement rumours when they enjoyed a trip to New Zealand, but Andy shot down the speculation when appearing on the Today show last month. However, the TV star and media personality hinted a proposal is not far off. 'It could happen in the future. [I'm] very, very happy with Bec,' he said. Meanwhile on Saturday, married couple Rebecca and Chris Judd cosied up together as they enjoyed time in the Bumble marquee. Sweet! Meanwhile on Saturday, married couple Rebecca and Chris Judd (pictured) cosied up together as they enjoyed time in the Bumble marquee Rebecca, 35, looked chic and stylish in her black and white Toni Maticevski dress, which she teamed with a jewelled Lisa Leverington headpiece. Former AFL star Chris, 35, looked dapper in a black suit. The pair share four children together and have been married since 2010. Turning heads! Rebecca, 35, looked chic and stylish in her black and white Toni Maticevski dress, which she teamed with a jewelled Lisa Leverington headpiece Stepping out: Meanwhile, newlyweds Lindy Klim and Adam Ellis (pictured) enjoyed a date day at the races Meanwhile, newlyweds Lindy Klim and Adam Ellis enjoyed a date day at the races. Balinese Princess Lindy - who has now taken on her husband's surname - wore a black and grey Toni Maticevski outfit. Gorgeous: Ahead of their big day, Snezana Markovski and Sam Wood put on a glamorous display Monochrome: Snezana stunned in a black halter neck and lace fascinator across her face while Sam was dashing in a white jacket and black pants She wore her long locks back and out of her face into a low ponytail, and wore a black headpiece and heels. Ahead of their big day, Snezana Markovski and Sam Wood put on a glamorous display. Snezana stunned in a black halter neck and lace fascinator across her face while Sam was dashing in a white jacket and black pants. Also enjoying a day out at the event was Terry Biviano and NRL star husband Anthony Minichiello. The shoe designer delivered a busty display in a retro white gown while Anthony cut a dapper figure in a black jacket and grey trousers by Aquila. Power couple! Also enjoying a day out at the event was Terry Biviano and NRL star husband Anthony Minichiello. The shoe designer delivered a busty display in a retro white gown while Anthony cut a dapper figure in a black jacket and grey trousers Gorgeous! Pregnant model Nikki Phillips glowed on the day alongside husband Dane Rumble Fancy seeing you here! The Bachelor and Bachelorette couples were also out in force, with Georgia Love and Lee Elliott (L) and Matty J and Laura Byrne (R) seen walking around the birdcage Lucky you! Former Bachelor stars and newlyweds Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich (pictured) also attended, with the pair arriving by helicopter The Bachelor and Bachelorette couples were also out in force, with Georgia Love and Lee Elliott and Matty J and Laura Byrne seen walking around the birdcage. Former Bachelor stars and newlyweds Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich also attended, with the pair arriving by helicopter. Another couple who rose to fame on TV were Love Island's Tayla Damir and Dom Thomas. Meanwhile AFL star Moana Hope was seen arriving with model fiancee, Isabella Carlstrom. Other couples at the event were Julie Bishop and David Panton, Ian Thorpe and Ryan Channing and Christian Wilkins and Andrew Kelly. Love is in the air! Another couple who rose to fame on TV were Love Island's Tayla Damir and Dom Thomas Cosying up: Meanwhile AFL star Moana Hope was seen arriving with model fiancee, Isabella Carlstrom (pictured) Going swimmingly! Ian Thorpe (R) and Ryan Channing (L) looked incredibly stylish in black suits She's making sure her children are getting the best in education. And Angelina Jolie proved on trend as she was spotted taking her eldest son Maddox, 17, on a university tour during a visit to Seoul on Friday, according to People. The mother of six, 43, traveled to South Korea on an official visit as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee Special Envoy and set aside time to explore the country's institutions of higher learning. Doting mom: Angelina Jolie, 43, was spotted taking her eldest son Maddox, 17, on a university tour during a visit to Seoul on Friday; (pictured January with Pax) Soon after, Angelina stopped to eat at a local restaurant with son Pax, 14, as fans shared photos and videos on social media. In one shot shared on Twitter, the pair could be seen being helped by the restaurant staff as they sat around a barbecue table. The Malificent star also has close ties with Cambodia. The actress history with the Camobodia - where Maddox was born - began in 2000 when she filmed the hit Tomb Raider on location. Quick stop: Soon after, Angelina and Pax, 14, stopped to eat at a local restaurant as fans shared photos and videos on social media She returned two years later to adopt Maddox. The following year, she opened a foundation in Cambodia, now called the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation). The ex of Brad Pitt was also inspired by the country to make her Golden Globe nominated movie, First They Killed My Father. Based on Cambodia human rights activist Luong Ungs memoir, First They Killed My Father documents her experience as a young girl under the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge. Chow time: Angelina and Pax could be seen being helped by the restaurant staff as they sat around a barbecue table She spoke to Vanity Fair in 2017 about her first visit to Cambodia. 'I found a people who were so kind and warm and open, and, yes, very complex. You go there, and you see the families come out with their blanket and their picnic to watch a sunset,' she explained. Angelina has five other children she shares with ex Brad Pitt as well - son Pax, 14, daughters Zahara, 13, and Shiloh, 12, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 10. President Donald Trump on Friday announced the reimposition of all U.S. sanctions on Iran that the Obama administration lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal delivering the message by tweeting a Game of Thrones meme, on Friday. Trump tweeted: 'Sanctions are coming November 5' imposed on a stylized picture of him, with the words in the same typeface the HBO series uses in its promotional materials and on-screen titles. And now HBO and some of the stars of the Emmy Award winning show are hitting back at the President, seemingly less than impressed with the image. Slide me Not impressed: Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams slammed President Donald Trump over his Game Of Thrones 'Winter Is Coming' meme on Friday 'How do you say trademark misuse in Dothraki?' Tweeted out HBO on Friday. Speaking to CNN, the TV giants said they didn't want anything to do with the political message that was attached to their misused trademark. 'We were not aware of this messaging and would prefer our trademark not be misappropriated for political purposes,' they said in a statement. HBO: 'We were not aware of this messaging and would prefer our trademark not be misappropriated for political purposes,' they said in a statement Don't want to be involved in politics: And it wasn't just the premium cable network to speak out, with stars Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner also taking to social media And it wasn't just the premium cable network to speak out, with stars Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner also taking to social media. Maisie shared the post and added the caption: 'Not today.' The fiancee of Joe Jonas replied with a simple: 'Ew'. Vote! George RR Martin, 70, the author behind the entire Game Of Thrones franchise used the post as a way to encourage citizens to vote George RR Martin, 70, the author behind the entire Game Of Thrones franchise used the post as a way to encourage citizens to vote. 'Fear cuts deeper than swords. Vote. Tuesday The 6th,' he tweeted - using the GOT font. Many fans of the show also seemingly disaproved of the President's actions. 'The fact that HE actually tweeted it out is mind blowing,' wrote one. He GOT it right! Under the Obama government in 2014, they hilariously posted a shot sitting in the West(eros) Wing However, Trump isn't the first President of the United States to share a Game Of Thrones reference on social media. Under the Obama government in 2014, they hilariously posted a shot sitting in the West(eros) Wing. At the time, the President was sitting in the throne as he conducted a meeting with the White House Correspondents' Association. Love Island's Dom Thomas is appearing to take his new found boyfriend duties seriously. He and former co-star and girlfriend Tayla Damir arrived at Derby Day in Melbourne on Saturday. Tayla, 21, took a moment to pose in front of some flowers at the event. Boyfriends of Instagram! Love Island winner Tayla Damir posed at Derby Day while new boyfriend Dom Thomas snapped the perfect picture Project manager Dom didn't hesitate, snapping pictures of his Instagram Influencer girlfriend in front of several backgrounds in order to get the perfect shot. Tayla looked stunning in a matching white two-piece, which featured a netted overlay. She had her brunette hair slicked back into a ponytail, with a simple headband. Style queen: Tayla looked stunning in a matching white two-piece, which featured a netted overlay She completed the look with black sandal heels and a shoulder bag. For his part, Dom wore white chinos and button-up shirt with a black velvet jacket. Photographers snapped the reality star playing the role of 'the boyfriend of Instagram'. Social media sensations: Following Love Island, the pair launched a successful joint YouTube channel The couple have teased their new relationship online for two months. Last month, they confirmed speculation they were dating, with Tayla announcing 'Cat's out of the bag' in a sponsored post on her Instagram page and referring to Dom as her 'boyfriend'. The 21-year-old has also previously explained to The Daily Telegraph their connection developed at a 'normal speed' after the Channel Nine reality show. Moving on: The pair starred on Love Island together but didn't make a connection until after Tayla split with Grant Crapp Normal speed: '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,' Tayla previously said of her relationship with Dom '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. 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. She gave birth to her first child in September. And on Saturday, Cheyenne Tozzi showcased her phenomenal post-baby body and eye-popping assets in a sweeping black gown at Melbourne's Derby Day. Channelling her inner Morticia Adams in the dramatic number, the model mum, 29, turned heads with a very busty display thanks to a plunging neckline. Busting out! New mum Cheyenne Tozzi flaunts her VERY ample assets and incredible post baby figure in dramatic black gown while attending Melbourne's Derby Day The figure-hugging gown emphasized Cheyenne's toned waistline weeks after welcoming baby daughter, Dahlia. Boasting flowing sleeves and an eye-catching nude illusion panel, the statuesque beauty paired the glamourous look with black strappy sandals. Allowing her sandy locks to cascade past her shoulders, Cheyenne accessorised with a dainty floral headband with retro heart-shaped sunnies. Winning look! Channelling her inner Morticia Adams in the dramatic number, the model mum turned heads with a very busty display thanks to a plunging neckline Black to basics: The figure-hugging gown emphasized Cheyenne's toned waistline weeks after welcoming baby daughter, Dahlia And showcasing her flawless complexion, Cheynne rocked a make-up palette consisting of dark brows and a nude lip. The stunning display comes after Cheyenne claimed motherhood has made her more confident. Welcomed her first child with partner Marlon Teixeira, 26, two months ago, she told Who magazine on Thursday that having her daughter has stopped her from comparing herself to younger models. Boasting flowing sleeves and an eye-catching nude illusion panel, the statuesque beauty paired the glamorous look with black strappy sandals 'There are always going to be more beautiful, younger models out there- but I've learned just to be happy with my success and happy with the way that my life is going,' she said. While the catwalker maintained motherhood has left her feeling more confident, her self-esteem still shifts from day to day. 'I think it comes and goes. You can always have a sh**y day, but you have to work on yourself, you have to be the best version of you in order to prevail in life,' she said. Bella Heathcote sported a racy look at Melbourne's Derby Day on Saturday. The 31-year-old actress revealed her ample cleavage in a very low-cut black lace frock. Elongating her frame with black open-toe heels, the former Neighbours star accessorised further with a black round-rimmed hat. Racy in lace! Former Neighbours star Bella Heathcote, 31, flaunted her ample cleavage in a very low-cut black frock, at Melbourne's Derby Day on Saturday Bella's cropped blonde locks were tucked behind her ears, drawing attention to her striking facial features. The Melbourne-born entertainer opted for a porcelain complexion, defined brows and a slick of red lipstick on her pout. Coordinating her beauty look, Bella added red polish to her talons. Leggy lady: Bella elongated her frame with black open-toe heels and accessorised further with a black-rimmed hat On Thursday, Bella told ELLE magazine she was excited for the race day. '[I'll be] Celebrating with friends and bumping into mates I haven't seen in ages,' she told the publication. 'Plus, I love dressing up because I dress so casually in day-to-day life that it's fun to do something different,' Bella added. Pop of colour: The actress added a slick of red polish to her talons The Fifty Shades Darker star recently returned to Australia to shoot her upcoming project Relic. Bella went on to tell Elle that she's excited to be working with a predominantly female cast. 'It's so good to be home in Australia working, and it's awesome because the director is a young woman and the cast is predominantly female,' she said. It was a family affair at Melbourne's Derby Day for Today Show host Richard Wilkins. Accompanied by glamorous girlfriend Virginia Burmeister, the TV personality was also joined by socialite son Christian and boyfriend Andrew Kelly for the A-list event held at Flemington Racecourse's famed 'Birdcage'. Richard, 63 cut a dashing figure in a tailored suit jacket and trousers. Family Affair! Richard Wilkins and girlfriend Virginia Burmeister put on a glamorous display while son Christian and boyfriend Andrew Kelly flaunt their eye-catching sartorial style at Melbourne's Derby Day His blonde partner flaunted her endless legs in a white blazer dress and black open-toe heels. Boasting matching coiffed hairdos, the power couple shielded their gaze with matching designer tinted shades. Meanwhile Christian, 23 and beau Andrew showcased their unique sartorial style in eye-catching ensembles. Power couple! Richard, 63 cut a dashing figure a tailored suit jacket and trousers while his blonde partner flaunted her endless legs in a white blazer dress and black open-toe heels Styling it out! Boasting matching coiffed hairdos, the power couple shielded their gaze with matching designer tinted shades Dashing pair: The couple turned heads as they strode into the A-list soiree at Flemington Racecourse's fame Birdcage Christian captured attention in a slim-fitting off-the-shoulder tailored suit with a white lace insert. And Andrew rocked an unusual patchwork belted jacket and topped off the look with a black bowler hat. The flamboyant duo's appearance at Derby follows reports last week Christian 'had to enlist the help of his manager' to procure an invite to 'Flemington's famed Birdcage'. Eye catching: Christian, 23 and beau Andrew showcased their unique sartorial style in eye-catching ensembles With three marquees less this year than usual, Sydney Morning Herald compared the race between celebrities to land prestigious invites to the science fiction drama The Hunger Games, which sees people competing for food in a dystopian universe. When Daily Mail Australia reached out to Christian for comment, he quipped: 'Happy to give my comment in the Mumm marquee on Derby Day'. Fashion forward: Christian captured attention in a slim-fitting off-the-shoulder tailored suit while Andrew rocked an unusual patchwork belted jacket and topped off the look with a black bowler hat Meanwhile, Richard and Virginia appear to be going strong after going public with their relationship last October. Since then, the couple have flaunted their romance at a slew of movie premieres, fashion events and award shows together. She's the stunning blonde DJ who is not shy of taking risks when it comes to fashion. And Derby Day was no different for Havana Brown, who pushed boundaries when she stepped out at Melbourne's Flemington racecourse. The 33-year-old put her incredible figure on display in a black latex jumpsuit with wide flared pants. Woman in black! DJ Havana Brown flaunts her trim figure as she squeezes into skin-tight latex bodysuit with matching flared pants for Derby Day She showcased a golden tan and under a broad-rimed black hat wore her long blonde locks out over her shoulders. The pantsuit was off-the-shoulder in design, with with the latex at her arms and legs flaring at the ends. The LA-based musician completed her look on the day with natural-looking makeup and a nude lipstick. Fantastic flares! Havana's black latex jumpsuit flared out in the arms and legs It was the second time within in 24-hours that Havana, who is engaged to manager Vince Deltito, had donned a latex bodysuit. On Friday evening she attended Kyle Sandilands and Imogen Anthony's infamous Halloween party in Kings Cross. The DJ, who went along with her beau, joined a guest list that included Love Island Australia's Edyn 'Mac' Macknezie and Erin Barnett and Married at First Sight's Dean Wells and Ryan Gallagher. Spooky! DJ Havana Brown is pictured here attending a Sydney Halloween party in a sexy latex costume the evening before Derby Day Havana went all-out Gothic, donning a black latex bodysuit which hugged her slender figure. She teamed the look with wings and a spiky halo and opted for a fierce and vampy makeup. Vince, who also attended the party, proposed to Havana in 2015 but the pair have yet to to tie the knot. On Monday, she looked pretty in pink wearing a two-piece suit at the launch of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. But on Saturday, Francesca Cumani stepped out in a rather bizarre outfit as she attended Derby Day at Melbourne's Flemington. The 35-year-old Seven presenter wore an interesting black horned headpiece, which she teamed with a corseted leather-look skirt. What the devil? Seven presenter Francesca Cumani wears a bizarre horned headpiece and a corseted leather-look skirt to Derby Day The brunette teamed the look with a white high-neck shirt and black heels. She had her hair tied back and off her face, drawing attention to her quirky headpiece. Her makeup was completed with matte foundation and a bright red lip. That's different! She had her hair tied back and off her face, drawing attention to her quirky headpiece Drawing attention! Her makeup was completed with matte foundation and a bright red lip Gorgeous! On Monday, she looked pretty in pink wearing a two-piece suit (pictured) at the launch of the Melbourne Cup Carnival Francesca has recently made headlines, after her split from husband Rob Archibald was announced last month. The longtime face of the spring carnival coverage has moved on with fellow ITV racing commentary team member Oli Bell, Daily Mail Australia revealed. Francesca, the daughter of acclaimed Italian-born trainer Luca Cumani, married Rob in 2014 and their son Harry was born two years later. The couple attempted to juggle their lives on either side of the planet - a challenge which intensified after Francesca was hired by Britain's ITV two years ago. Over: Francesca has recently made headlines, after her split from husband Rob Archibald (pictured) was announced last month That meant her spending eight months in Britain during the racing season and four months in Australia, where she had been a commentator for Channel 7. But the strain was too much, as Francesca, who first got to know Australia after transporting one of her father's horses Down Under, explained. 'From the beginning we knew that living between the UK and Australia would be a challenge but we believed we could make it work,' she said. 'Sadly we were wrong. The most important thing now is to make sure we look after our son so he isn't affected by what has happened.' She's the Hollywood It girl cementing her crown as a style icon. And Chloe Grace Moretz proved worthy of the title as she commanded attention on the red carpet of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival on Friday. The 21-year-old star of Let Me In radiated movie star glamour in a stylish geometric print dress as she stole the spotlight once again. Stunner: Chloe Grace Moretz, 21, commanded attention on the red carpet of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival on Friday Daring to impress, the fabulous ingenue swathed her enviable figure in the fashion forward number. Her gorgeous gams were thrust on center stage as the couture number cut high above her knees. She kept her trademark golden tresses long with tight prom curls as they cascaded down and over her shoulders. Allowing her natural good looks to shine, the thespian went with a complimentary color makeup palette of pinks and greens. Star power: The star of Let Me In radiated movie star glamour in a stylish geometric print dress as she stole the spotlight once again Impressive: Daring to impress, the fabulous ingenue swathed her enviable figure in the fashion forward number Chloe received the prestigious Lumiere Award during the fabulous fete as she gave an acceptance speech. The Savannah College of Art and Design presents the annual festival to honor cinematic creativity from both professionals and student filmmakers. It has been a busy few months for Chloe, who was promoting The Miseducation of Cameron Post over the summer. The film saw Chloe play a lesbian teenager whose guardians place her into gay conversion therapy during the 1990s. Leggy lady: Her gorgeous gams were thrust on center stage as the couture number cut high above her knees Winner: Chloe received the prestigious Lumiere Award during the fabulous fete as she gave an acceptance speech Talking to Gay Times, the actress, revealed: 'The healthiest relationship that I've ever seen and grew up with was not that of my parents, it was that of my brother and his boyfriend who have been together still to this day for 11 years. 'That has been my most healthy parental relationship that I've ever seen. It gave me faith and hope that you can find someone to be with for a long period of time who you truly love. 'But for me, it's interesting that it wasn't your typical nuclear family unit it's my gay brother and his boyfriend.' Natural: Allowing her natural good looks to shine, the thespian went with a complimentary color makeup palette of pinks and greens She also spoke with BBC about her upbringing. 'I have two gay brothers. We were raised in small town in northwest Georgia [in a] very Christian baptist town,' Moretz said. 'So when my brothers came out, it was fairly jarring to the community.' She continued, reflecting on her family's spirit of acceptance: 'We were very blessed to have my mother who was very progressive, but nonetheless, they dealt with a lot of self-hate when they came out.' Next up, Chloe will next be seen on the big screen in the horror film Suspiria with Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton. The movie - about a nightmarish secret hidden within the walls of a famous German dance academy - opens in theaters on November 16. Photo: Susana Gonzalez/Bloomberg via Getty Images The trial of El Chapo, which has been decades in the making, is set to begin in Brooklyn on Monday. Hes effectively charged with being El Chapo as we know him (as opposed to a humble farmer, as hes insisted, or a mere lieutenant in the Sinaloa cartel). The 17 counts against him include murder conspiracy, drug-trafficking, and money-laundering. The world will be watching, but proceedings will happen in as much secrecy as the authorities can muster: Such secrecy, in fact, that even at this late stage, no one will say how El Chapo will get to court and back, or whether it will require closing the Brooklyn Bridge during every rush hour for months. The accused drug lord, whose given name is Joaquin Guzman, was brought to New York in early 2017. Hes escaped from prisons twice in the past once by hiding in a cart of dirty laundry (or at least thats the lore), and the other time by tunneling out of a cell and has both a vast network of business associates and an uncanny way of charming prison guards. In sum, federal prosecutors wrote in a memo when he was brought over, it is difficult to imagine another person with a greater risk of fleeing prosecution. It was clear that no ordinary clink would do. So Guzman was put in the Metropolitan Correctional Center, around the corner from City Hall in Manhattan. Its one of the most secure jails in the nation, also known as Little Gitmo. Others previously held there include the mobster John Gotti Sr. and an aide of Osama bin Laden. One side effect is that for the last 19 months, each of his court appearances has required closing the Brooklyn Bridge to civilians so that scores of police and emergency cars can shuttle him to Brooklyn Heights and back. His attorneys have argued that the spectacle, and the traffic delays it causes, are likely to poison potential jurors against him. In August, the judge, Brian Cogan, refused to move the trial to Manhattan but he added cryptically that bridge-closings shouldnt be a problem, for reasons that Im not going to state at this time. He then asked the attorneys to sign nondisclosure agreements with the U.S. Marshals Service, which handles Guzmans transportation. Since then, theres been no announcement about months worth of bridge closures, so in all likelihood, its been taken care of. But no one will say a word about it. The Department of Transportation, when asked for comment, deferred to the NYPD and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, both of which ignored New Yorks queries. The Marshals Service also declined to comment. Anything thats been resolved with that is all under court order, explained Jeffrey Lichtman, one of Guzmans attorneys, on the phone this week. He added that hed just been through a hassle trying to explain this to a German reporter. The guy could not understand that I was not going to violate a court order to help his readers understand exactly what was going on. One possibility is that El Chapo will be brought over by helicopter, as the New York Times has also suggested. The nearest helipad is a mile from the courthouse, and the trip over the East River only takes a few minutes. On the other hand, criminal masterminds have been known to hijack helicopters in the past and once a helicopters gone, its gone; theres no way to set up a roadblock. (Not to mention that any guard whos seen Scarface might be reluctant to get onboard.) Another intriguing prospect is that hell be transported by boat. The water taxis that leave from South Street Seaport drop passengers off in Dumbo, blocks away from the courthouse, and they look pretty secure. Of course, its most likely that hell be held somewhere in Brooklyn instead. This was what William Purpura, another of Guzmans attorneys, predicted to reporters in August. Theyve done that before in other proceedings, Purpura said at the time. Whether hell return back to Manhattan for the weekends, were not sure. Among the other security measures, jurors will be kept anonymous and will be escorted home by the U.S. Marshals every day, and some witnesses may testify under an alias. And Guzman has been kept in solitary confinement, where Lichtman says his mental state has been deteriorating. Hes under a lot of stress, the attorney said. But every time I see him, we have at least one point in the meeting where were laughing hysterically. I personally like him. We have a lot in common, believe it or not. Its likely to be the most complicated trial the city has seen in many years. Prosecutors have reportedly shared more than 300,000 pages of documents with the defense, including some 14,000 pages of witness statements. Guzmans lawyers have repeatedly asked for more time, but the judge hasnt given in. Ive never seen anything like this its like six trials in one, Lichtman said. Its probably 20 times bigger than Gotti that is, the 2005 racketeering trial of John Gotti Jr., the famous mob bosss son, who Lichtman also defended and Gotti was huge. Huge. Lichtman signed on late because of financial complications, namely the threat of the government confiscating the money Guzman would otherwise use to pay him, and as a result hes had only six weeks to prepare. Ill learn a lot about myself as a defense lawyer, 28 years into this, he said. Because its almost cross-examining in the dark. Chloe Sims rang in her 36th birthday in style as she gathered her TOWIE castmates for a lavish dinner in London. The reality star, who dazzled in a low-cut scarlet dress, seemed to be in great spirits as she celebrated the big day at Kiru restaurant in Chelsea on Friday night. The mother-of-one appeared to be having a whale of a time as she marked the night out with co-stars Georgia Kousoulou, Danielle Armstrong and Gemma Collins. Birthday girl: Chloe Sims rang in her 36th birthday in style as she gathered her TOWIE castmates for an upmarket dinner in London Chloe certainly took centre-stage as the birthday girl in her skintight dress, which featured delicate spaghetti straps and drew attention to her ample cleavage. Styling her golden tresses in polished waves, she framed her features with plenty of mascara and a slick of taupe lipstick. The blonde bombshell laughed and chatted away happily with her pals at the dinner, where she was also joined by her Celebs Go Dating co-star, Love Island's Eyal Booker. Girl gang: The mother-of-one appeared to be having a whale of a time as she marked the night out with co-stars Georgia Kousoulou and Danielle Armstrong (pictured) Loving life: The reality star, who dazzled in a low-cut scarlet dress, seemed to be in great spirits as she celebrated the big day at Kiru restaurant in Chelsea on Friday night Turning heads: Chloe certainly took centre-stage as the birthday girl in her skintight dress, which featured delicate spaghetti straps and drew attention to her ample cleavage Chloe's outing comes after she broke down in tears on Celebs Go Dating as she opened up about the pain of her mother and boyfriend of 10 years leaving her. The reality star sobbed as she discussed her mother walking out when she was just three-years-old, saying she believed this is why she comes across as guarded. The star also spoke about her heartbreaking split from her boyfriend of 10 years, admitting she had 'never been able to get over him' in raw scenes from the E4 dating show. Glam: Styling her golden tresses in polished waves, she framed her features with plenty of mascara and a slick of taupe lipstick There she goes! Chloe flashed a smile as she got a taxi home with pal Danielle at the end of the night Lovebirds: Gemma Collins couldn't keep her eyes off boyfriend James 'Arg' Argent Packing on the PDA: The Celebrity Big Brother star looked smitten as she planted a kiss on his cheek She was dubbed the 'ice queen' by dating gurus Paul C Brunson and Lady Nadia Essex after failing to speak about her personal life on her dates. The mother-of-one said: 'My mum left when was young, so I didn't know her. 'I did have a little bit of therapy and they said: 'Every time someone leaves you, you'll go back to being that child again. Can't stay away: The meme sensation later wrapped an arm around James' back as they chatted away to their pals Having fun? Gemma, who has shed a whopping stone already during training for Dancing On Ice, looked glam on the night Reality stars galore: TOWIE stars Dan Edgar and James 'Diags' Bennewith were also in attendance at the dinner party There he is! Pete Wicks made a low-key appearance at the reality star-studded bash 'I met somebody who I really loved and I was on and off with him for 10 years, and he left. I literally tried everything, I changed, I did everything to fit around him and it didn't work out. 'I don't even know why I'm getting upset, it's because I've not ever been able to get over him and between that there's been lot of s**t, loads. But it is what it is, isn't it.' When she was asked about how she will find the one, she said: 'I had it and I lost it and now no-one's going to live up to him. I had it, I just don't know if you meet someone twice in a lifetime.' Come here, you! Gemma couldn't resist throwing her arms around James' neck Cheeky night out: The gang were joined by Chloe's Celebs Go Dating co-star, Love Island's Eyal Booker. Wild thing! Gemma ensured she stood out in red leopard print co-ords and caged boots When two become one: She appeared to be in great spirits as she left the venue in a taxi with boyfriend James Chloe gave birth to Madison in 2005. Her daughter is now 12 years old and at secondary school. The star has never revealed who the father of her daughter is but has said she was in a relationship with him for seven years. Her previous high profile romances include Elliot Wright and Mario Falcone. Fun times: Chloe and Danielle were in high spirits as they left the restaurant Home time: At the end of the evening, Gemma could be seen carrying plenty of bags home It was recently reported that Netflix acquired the world rights to BBC One's smash hit series, Bodyguard. But despite being the streaming site's new star, Richard Madden wasn't given any preferential treatment as he relayed his complete bewilderment after being refused a bottle of water at the company's headquarters. Speaking to Sam Rubin on KTLA Morning News earlier this week, the Scottish actor, 32, admitted he picked up a bottle of Netflix branded water, but was asked to put it back down as it was for 'employees only.' Shock: Richard Madden, 32, relayed his complete bewilderment after being refused a bottle of water at Netflix - despite the streaming site having acquired the world rights to Bodyguard Proving he was a good sport about the situation, Richard hilariously relayed the story: 'I walked in and I was told I was in the wrong building. They told me I had to go around the corner. 'There was fridge of Netflix branded water, and I said, "Cool, I'll just grab a bottle of water" - which I was told, "No you're not allowed to, it's for Netflix-employees only. Sam further pressed him on the outcome, and Richard responded: 'I told them I am a Netflix employee. I am on a show. But they were like "Sir, I'm going to ask you to leave "'Sir you have to put that water back now. You have to leave now, sir," he recalled. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Netflix for further comment. 'Employees only': Speaking to Sam Rubin on KTLA Morning News, the Scottish actor admitted he picked up a bottle of Netflix branded water, but was asked to put it back down 'No you're not allowed to': Proving he was a good sport about the situation, Richard hilariously relayed the story No benefits: Sam further pressed him on the outcome, and Richard responded: ' I told them I am a Netflix employee. I am on a show' Awkward: Despite standing his ground for the bottle of water, Richard was asked to leave His shock admission comes after The The Sun reported that Netflix have acquired the world rights to Bodyguard, and began streaming the first season in all countries other than the UK, Ireland and China on the service since October 24 Meanwhile, Richard also broke his silence on the swirling speculation that he is set to be the next James Bond. The star who has been hotly tipped for the role following Daniel Craig's departure, appeared on a pre-recorded segment on Friday's episode of This Morning, where he admitted it was 'flattering to be involved in the conversation.' Richard, who was interviewed on an American morning talk show, appeared red-faced over the complimentary casting rumours, but remained coy about his involvement - instead stating that 'people make up things.' 'Flattering': During the same interview, Richard broke his silence on the swirling speculation that he is set to be the next James Bond Richard's portrayal of a steely diplomatic protection officer in BBC drama Bodyguard and his bedroom antics with Home Secretary Julia Montague, played by Keeley Hawes, have made him the bookies' favourite. However, Richard was reluctant to confirm or deny that he was 'in talks' for the popular 007 role. He admitted: 'It's really flattering. Although people make things up - but it is lovely to be involved in the conversation.' The interviewer cheekily attempted to pull the truth for him, and asked what was discussed when he sat down with executive producer Barbara Broccoli. Breaking silence: The star, who has been hotly tipped for the role following Daniel Craig's departure, appeared on a pre-recorded segment on Friday's episode of This Morning, where he admitted it was 'flattering to be involved in the conversation' Remaining coy: Richard was reluctant to confirm or deny that he was 'in talks' for the popular 007 role The question left Richard in hysterics as he proclaimed: 'I'm not sitting down talking about it with Barbara Broccoli!' This comes after heightened reports that he is set to be approached about the role by Barbara, who has the final say on all Bond characters. A source said: 'It's seriously looking like he [Madden] is going to get the job. Not only is he on top of Barbara's list, but she is preparing to offer the role.' If confirmed, Richard's selection would end a year of speculation as to who will succeed screen star Daniel, 50. There was talk Idris Elba, 46, was the frontrunner after his impressive performance in the TV series Luther, as well a speculation that a female could take over the iconic role. 'I didn't discuss it': The interviewer cheekily attempted to pull the truth for him, and asked what was discussed when he sat down with executive producer Barbara Broccoli While Madden is considered the bookies favourite, others touted to take over as the eighth Bond include Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hardy and Henry Cavil, with Emily Blunt and Gillian Anderson believed to be the women who are being considered for the role. Richard has seen immeasurable success with The Bodyguard and the BBC One's explosive season finale was the most-watched drama since records began in 2002. The popular political thriller, which also stars Keeley Hawes, was watched by an audience of 17.1 million across 28 days, according to the BBC The gripping series followed troubled bodyguard and police officer David Budd, played by Richard Madden and his relationship with controversial Home Secretary Julia Montague, played by Keeley Hawes, who was killed halfway through the series. Star: Richard has seen immeasurable success with The Bodyguard and the BBC One's explosive season finale was the most-watched drama since records began in 2002 And a captivating finale tied up the loose ends in the TV whodunit, revealing that thwarted terrorist Nadia Ali was the person behind the fatal bomb. The show's writer Jed Mercurio has hinted the series could have up to four instalments. He told The Sun: 'If the ratings hadn't been quite so high, then possibly everybody involved, including the BBC, would have said, "Well that was a nice little series but we're just going to leave it at that and there won't be any more". 'We do feel very privileged and fortunate that there's been such a response that it gives us that opportunity to at least think about doing more. 'We would probably approach any thoughts of a second series with the idea that it would create the opportunity for a third or fourth.' She revealed the pain was so bad from her recent injury that she felt like throwing up. But Strictly's Stacey Dooley looked back to her composed-self as she left the London studio following her appearance on It Takes Two on Friday night with her dance partner Kevin Clifton. Putting on a stylish display, the journalist, 31, looked chic in a black and white striped top for her outing in the capital. Back on form: Strictly's Stacey Dooley looked back to her composed-self as she left the London studio following her appearance on It Takes Two on Friday night She showcased her enviably-lean legs with tight-fitted leather trousers, teamed with barely there heels. Her flame-red tresses were styled in a straight 'do while her pretty features were accentuated with metallic shadow, liner and a slick of rose gloss. The broadcaster commanded attention with her accessories as she opted for a statement gold necklace. Stunner: Putting on a stylish display, the journalist, 31, looked chic in a black and white striped top for her outing in the capital Statuesque: She showcased her enviably-lean legs with tight-fitted leather trousers, teamed with barely there heels Kevin, 35, looked dapper in a bright red jumper and raven jeans as he strolled with his dance partner. Wearing white converse, the professional dancer carried a funky Stormtrooper helmet suitcase. Speaking on the companion show, the Strictly star admitted that she's 'not holding back' on Saturday night's live show. She explained: 'So, last week it was niggling me, it was the lean in the tango I think. The repetition and the impact of it. But I thought fine, fine, fine and I just kept carrying on. Partners: Kevin, 35, looked dapper in a bright red jumper and raven jeans as he strolled with his dance partner Star-studded: Former Strictly contestant Frankie Bridge was also seen leaving the show 'Then on the Monday we were training and I thought my muscle is going. Then bang. I hit Kev and I felt a tear. I was like, "Im going to throw up."' Explaining what happened to her, she said: 'Ive torn my intercostal muscle, Im trying not to make a fuss of it. 'This week I thought Id be OK because its street dance, its a bit closer to how I would dance in the club, but were so uncool.' Painful: Strictly's Stacey Dooley revealed on Wednesday that the pain from her injury was so severe that she felt like THROWING UP... but said that she's 'not holding back' on show But Stacey reassured her fans, as she said: 'Im not holding back. I feel like no-one wants a sob story or moany Margaret. Im just going to go there and do my best, what will be will be.' Stacey returned to rehearsals on Wednesday, training from 8am to 10pm to make up for lost time. Last week the pair were second on the leaderboard with a score of 35, with the judges praising Stacey for taking the man's hold during their innovative Tango to the Doctor Who theme tune. They've been plagued with rumours about getting close off the dancefloor. Yet Joe Sugg, 27, and professional dancer Dianne Buswell, 29, did little to dispel the rumours as they beamed alongside one another when leading the long list of Strictly Come Dancing stars in London, on Saturday. Leading the way, the YouTuber looked winter ready as he opted for a bright orange beanie and a padded jacket with an inner lining of fur. Together: Joe Sugg, 27, and professional dancer Dianne Buswell, 29, beamed alongside one another when leading the long list of Strictly Come Dancing stars in London , on Saturday He made sure all eyes were on him as he donned a bright pink T-shirt and black skinny jeans. Dianne went for an equally low-key look and sported a crochet jumper and tight-fitted denim trousers with matching ankle boots. The pair appeared in high spirits - despite the current rumours questioning the nature of their relationship, following Dianne's split from ex Anthony Quinlan. Style: Leading the way, the YouTuber looked winter ready as he opted for a bright orange beanie and a padded jacket with an inner lining of fur Casual: Dianne went for an equally low-key look and sported a crochet jumper and tight-fitted denim trousers with matching ankle boots Romance? The pair appeared in high spirits - despite the current rumours questioning the nature of their relationship, following Dianne's split from ex Anthony Quinlan It's been reported by The Sun that the pair often spent time at Joe's home together, with Dianne 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. '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.' Cosy: Faye Tozer was prepared against the chilly autumn climes in a long black coat Fierce: Ashley Roberts oozed glamour as she exited the hotel in a long leopard print coat Giddy: Graeme Swann opted for a cool cap to combat the freezing November winds 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.' Where to next? Dancing queen Janette Manrara wrapped up against the Autumnal chill Beaming: Janette and celebrity Dr Ranj Singh looked in high spirits as they joined their fellow cast members Two thumbs up for me! Aljaz Skorjanec looked ready ahead of his arrival on the floor with Kate Silverton Cheeky: Kate Silverton looked to be in extremely high spirits as she left the hotel 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'. Low key: Lauren Steadman went casual in a pink hoodie and matching bright leggings Ready to perform? Giovanni Pernice will be taking to the floor with Faye Tozer again for the show Always the performer: Giovanni showed he was full of energy as he posed for the cameras Vibrant: Adding a dash of colour to her all black ensemble, Faye donned bright pink trainers 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.' 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.' Get dancing: AJ Pritchard wrapped up in a beanie leaving his hotel Comfortable: Amy Dowden was the epitome of comfort as she rocked a pair of brown UGG boots Shocked? Oti Mabuse showcased her dance-toned figure in a salmon pink hoodie Katie Price has revealed the enormous cost involved in maintaining her mansion as she claims the Sussex estate has bled her dry for years, ahead of her bankruptcy battle. The former glamour model, 40, insists she lost thousands of pounds to the renovation of her property, with building work often continuing past arranged deadlines. The mother-of-five, who was once thought to be worth 45million, has opened about her spiralling money problems in her latest tell-all book, Reborn. Candid: Katie Price has revealed the enormous cost involved in maintaining her mansion as she claims the Sussex estate has bled her dry for years, ahead of her bankruptcy battle Katie also disclosed that for one of her more extravagant bills she paid a whopping 18,000 for a steel beam needed as a reinforcement after rooms were knocked through, reported the Mirror. The trouble star notes in her book that her home had become a money pit, with her hating the old-fashioned cottage-style beams and wanting clean lines and a super-modern feel. However, she confessed that the money could have been put to good use elsewhere, and has left her feeling quite p***ed off. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Katie for further comment. Home: The former glamour model, 40, insists she lost thousands of pounds to the renovation of her property, with building work often continuing past arranged deadlines Taking centre-stage: Meanwhile, Katie will allow viewers to follow her gruelling PTSD treatment in rehab and the latest on her bankruptcy woes when her reality show returns It was recently revealed that Katie will allow viewers to follow her PTSD treatment in rehab and the latest on her bankruptcy woes when her reality show returns. The model's show Katie Price: My Crazy Life has been picked up by Quest Red for a new series, with two specials to be broadcast later this year. Katie, who admitted things have 'really hit rock bottom', has let cameras back into her life to show how she gets her life back on track and reunites her family. She was pictured filming My Crazy Life close to The Priory in Roehampton, southwest London a few weeks ago. Back on TV: The glamour model's show Katie Price: My Crazy Life has been picked up by Quest Red for a new series, with two specials to be broadcast later this year The first special, airing on Monday 12 November at 10pm, will show Katie's world as she navigates a challenging time in her life following her diagnosis of PTSD and treatment. Katie said: 'Things have really hit rock bottom since the last series of 'My Crazy Life' a few months ago. But the only way is up.' The former Page 3 girl recently completed a 28-day stint at The Priory, where she was treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. Meanwhile, Katie recently staved off bankruptcy for another month, amid fears that she could lose her 2million West Sussex mansion and all of its contents. Feeling positive: Katie said, 'Things have really hit rock bottom since the last series of My Crazy Life a few months ago. But the only way is up' Access: Katie was pictured filming My Crazy Life close to The Priory in Roehampton, South West London a few weeks ago (pictured on her show) The lawyers of the embattled star, who was once worth 45million, came back to London's High Court earlier this week 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. The case was again put off on Tuesday, 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. The TV star fears she could be forced to sell her West Sussex mansion if a trustee is brought in to sell off her possessions. She is gearing up to the most talked about lingerie show of the year. And Jasmine Tookes was every inch the leading lady as she attended fittings for the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Midtown, in New York City on Friday. The Victoria's Secret Angel, 27, exhibited her lean figure and flashed a glimpse of her abs in her cropped top. Work it: Victoria's Secret Angel Jasmine Tookes flashed a glimpse of her fantastic abs in a crop top as she got ready for lingerie show, in New York City on Friday The good looking model tamed her dark locks in a neat bun and she fiddled with the frames of her huge dark sunglasses. Jasmine kept off the chill with her smart navy blazer, dressed down with her straight-legged cut off blue jeans. Bringing a touch of the hottest seasonal trends to her look, Jasmine sashayed through the Big Apple in leopard print pumps. The 2019 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will be taking place in New York City. Classy: The good looking model tamed her dark locks in a neat bun and she fiddled with the frames of her huge dark sunglasses Previous years have seen the runway extravaganza take place in Los Angeles, London, Paris and Shanghai. 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. Of course Victoria's Secret Angels Adriana Lima, Elsa Hosk and Romme Strijd will be heading down the catwalk in their heels. Stand out: Jasmine kept off the chill with her smart navy blazer, dressed down with her straight-legged cut off blue jeans Winnie Harlow, who will be the first model with the skin condition vitiligo to walk for the lingerie brand, and Duckie Thot will make their Victoria's Secret debut. 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. She honed her incredible physique after leaving the TOWIE scene for good. Yet Danielle Armstrong reunited with a handful of TOWIE stars when she attended Chloe Sims' 36th birthday dinner at Kiru restaurant, in Chelsea on Friday. The blonde bombshell, 30, commanded attention as she displayed her eye-popping cleavage in her low-cut top on her evening out. She looks insane! Danielle Armstrong displayed her incredible figure in a racy ensemble as she reunited with ex-TOWIE co-stars at Chloe Sims' 36th birthday bash on Friday Highlighting her sensational hourglass figure, the TOWIE beauty hoisted her skirt in at the waist with a Gucci belt. The Only Way Is Essex star flashed her toned legs in her sexy front split skirt and she headed out in little black boots. Danielle embraced the chillier turn in the British capital by draping her biker jacket over her shoulders in a trendy fashion. Pin-credible style: The blonde bombshell, 30, commanded attention as she displayed her eye-popping cleavage in her low-cut top on her evening out She joined some familiar faces including Georgia Kousoulou and Gemma Collins at the swanky birthday bash for Chloe. As well as TOWIE pals, Love Island and Celebs Go Dating hunk Eyal Booker made an appearance at the star-studded gathering. Danielle's appearance comes after she embarked on a whole new fitness journey with her BFF and former co-star Ferne McCann. Styling it out: Highlighting her sensational hourglass figure, the TOWIE beauty hoisted her skirt in at the waist with a Gucci belt Talking about her weight loss earlier this year, she said: 'This last year has been so nice. Since I left TOWIE I feel like Ive had a chance to look after myself. When youre filming its crazy every day... 'You dont really get a chance to go to the gym as much or taken in your nutrition. So its been really nice to work on myself... 'Ive lost 21 lbs and when I look back at photos, when we were filming in Marbella, and Ive just got back from Dubai, you can really see a difference.' Kyle Sandilands and Imogen Anthony held their infamous annual Halloween Party in Kings Cross on Friday night. And the 47-year-old was feeling strong and healthy, with reports of ill-health greatly exaggerated, he claimed. Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia at the spooky-themed shindig, Kyle downplayed his recent medical woes. EXCLUSIVE: 'Who are these doctors? I'm fine, I don't care!' Kyle Sandilands insists he's in good health despite 'living a life of tablets' but admits that some media outlets have already written his obituary 'It's just high blood pressure. Some days I wake up with a headache, other than that it's just a life of tablets,' the KIIS FM star insisted. He added that he disputed doctors who'd been quoted in media coverage about his health issues. 'There's all these doctors making all these comments, who the f**k are these doctors? I've never met them,' he said. Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia at the Halloween Party hosted by himself and girlfriend Imogen Anthony (right) the shock jock said of his health: 'Yeah I'm fine, I don't care' Kyle however admitted that some media outlets have already written his obituary in the event of his death. 'Yeah, but I think they'd had that about seven years,' he said of one media company. 'I rang them about seven years ago and they were like, we have the tapes, we are ready to roll.' Doing okay! 'It's just high blood pressure. Some days I wake up with a headache, other than that it's just a life of tablets,' the KISS FM star insisted Stay off his case? 'There's all these doctors making all these comments, who are the f**k these doctors? I've never met them,' he said 'That's a horrific feeling,' the shock jock said, added: 'But yeah I'm fine, I don't care.' Kyle went on to say that he 'doesn't really drink' and would be abstaining at the Halloween party. Fresh fears about the radio host's health emerged in September when he missed several days of work at his breakfast radio show. Called in sick: Fresh fears about the radio host's health emerged in September when he missed several days of work at his breakfast radio show leaving Beau Ryan (centre) to step in. Pictured right: Kyle's co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson Kyle called in sick, leaving regular fill-in Beau Ryan to step in on Sydney's Kyle & Jackie 'O' show for the third time in five days. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph at the time, Kyle said that he felt 'dizzy' after suffering side effects of a new blood pressure medication. 'I stumbled off the gutter and was laying across the bonnet of the car just trying to get my bearings,' he revealed. 'I was stumbling around like I was drunk.' Billie Faiers will finally tie the knot with her long-term boyfriend Greg Shepherd after they got engaged in February 2014. And in a touching sequence released ahead of The Mummy Diaries, Sam Faiers could be heard praising her sister Billie at the floral-themed bridal shower. Leaving Billie in tears, Sam took to the stage to share her admiration for her sister as she described her as her 'best friend' and her 'everything' as well as her 'heart'. The Mummy Diaries EXCLUSIVE: Sam Faiers gushed over Billie her 'heart and everything' at her sister's bridal shower in emotional scenes coming soon She explained: 'My sister is my everything. My best friend. My heart. You are everything to me. 'I love you Billie and I love everyone in this room tonight. Thank you for coming.' Completely in awe by her sister's warming words, Billie placed her left hand over her heart to show she was touched. Billie is the mother to her children Nelly, four, and one-year-old Arthur whom she shares with her fiance Greg Shepard. So sweet: Completely in awe by her sister's warming words, Billie placed her left hand over her heart to show she was touched Raunchy: 'MILF' Billie slipped into sexy stockings and lacy lingerie for raunchy photo shoot as she confessed she felt her sexiest in YEARS Although the couple are yet to confirm setting the date for their big white wedding, Billie threw her plush bridal shower complete with flower walls and prosecco. Billie lifted the lid on her wedding plans in a cosy chat with MailOnline as she revealed it will take place in the Maldives and feature on The Mummy Diaries. She said: '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. The star revealed that she is now concentrating on toning for her wedding. Household name: The blonde bombshell has carved her image in the limelight as the down-to-earth mum of two children Pulses racing: It's no surprise the mother-of-two was branded a MILF as she looked amazing stood in front of the mirror in a pair of black stockings edged with lace and lacy panties Elsewhere, a sizzling preview of the upcoming episode of The Mummy Diaries, Billie Faiers revealed she felt her sexiest in years as she prepared for a saucy photo shoot. It's no surprise the mother-of-two was branded a MILF as she looked amazing stood in front of the mirror in a pair of black stockings edged with lace and lacy panties. Aside from the shoot, Billie confessed: 'I do feel a little bit sexier than I normally would. The outfits are a little bit more edgy. 'Not necessarily what I would wear out but they look cool for a photo shoot.' Cheeky! The Mummy Diaries star lifted the lid on how her pals hadn't seen her model such racy lingerie in years after her friend gushed how she was a MILF The Mummy Diaries star lifted the lid on how her pals hadn't seen her model such racy lingerie in years after her friend gushed how she was a MILF. 'Everyone was making a deal out of it,' she enthused. 'They haven't seen me wearing stuff like that for years.' Sam and Billie Faires: The Mummy Diaries continues on Wednesdays at 9pm on ITVBe. You can catch up with the series on the ITV Hub. She was confirmed earlier this week for this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. And Kendall Jenner was spotted seen at the sexy underwear brand's offices in Midtown Manhattan on Friday. The 23-year-old reality star turned model headed for a fitting at their headquarters, ahead of gracing the catwalk. Booked! Kendall Jenner was spotted seen at the sexy underwear brand's offices in Midtown Manhattan on Friday The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star kept her famous figure under wraps, donning an oversized red and black checked shirt. She added black satin trousers, which showcased her slender legs. The exceptional beauty kept her make-up fresh, with perfectly groomed brows framing her pretty eyes. Fashionista: The 23-year-old reality star turned model headed for a fitting at their headquarters, ahead of gracing the catwalk The half sister of Kim Kardashian had double cause to celebrate this weekend - as it is also her 23rd birthday on Saturday. The Victoria Secret Instagram account confirmed the news on Thursday with a post that read: 'MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The #VSFashionShow will air Sunday, Dec. 2 at 10/9. See the Angels in action (and yes @kendalljenner, @gigihadid & @bellahadid, too!)' Just last month, Brian Atwood - the man responsible for the shoes the 2018 models will be wearing - let slip on social media that Kendall and Gigi would be part of it with no mention of Bella in the act. Sharing a photo of Gigi in the 2016 show on his Instagram account, he wrote: 'Less than 1 month away!!!! Let's do this @gigihadid @victoriassecret. Keeping casual: The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star kept her famous figure under wraps, donning an oversized red and black checked shirt Sexy: She added black satin trousers, which showcased her slender legs Pretty: The exceptional beauty kept her make-up fresh, with perfectly groomed brows framing her eyes She was confirmed earlier this week for this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 'Can't wait to show you what we have done for the show!!!! #highheels #shoes #sexy #angels #victoriassecret #fashionshow #gigihadid #fashion #victoriassecretfashionshow #madeinitaly #luxe #brianatwood (sic)' Uploading an image of Kendall walking for Victoria's Secret in another Instagram post, he wrote: 'Can't wait to see this beauty @kendalljenner strutting in my shoes for the @victoriassecret fashion show... less than a month away!!!! (sic)' The annual highly anticipated catwalk will be graced by musical artists Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes and The Struts. Taylor Hill will open this years show. The show will air as a Holiday Special on ABC Sunday December 2. 'The show is a year-long production, and 2018 promises to be our most ambitious yet,' said Victoria's Secret executive producer Ed Razek. 'We have more musical guests, more fashion and more stories than ever; and, of course, 60 of the world's top models.' She's back! Kendall rocked the 2016 show Gorgeous: Bella Hadid was spotted arriving to the lingerie giant's fittings rocking a fashionable ensemble on Saturday in New York City Stunningly beautiful: The 22-year-old model looked incredible in a white knit turtleneck with a gold Chanel belt and snakeskin thigh-high boots Wow: Winnie Harlow was spotted arriving to the lingerie giant's headquarters for a fitting Amazing: The model, 24, flashed her flat midsection in a bustier crop top with a cropped denim jacket and matching skirt, adding lace up boots Hello sunshine! Romee Strijd arrived at Victoria's Secret's HQ in New York City looking chic in a fluorescent yellow Off-White brand jacket Photo: John Middlebrook/CSM/REX/Shutterstock On the list of the internets worst effects, that its turned everyone into a detective has got to be in the top five. Armed with the power of Google, seemingly limitless knowledge is at everyones fingertips, and that makes each and every one of us the smartest, most intuitive person on the planet. This is clearly not the actual case, as there are plenty of idiots who use Google every day. Maybe youre one of them. I dont know. But the multitude of informational sources online means that there is nobody who isnt able to confirm their bias somewhere. Every possible thing can be found online, thats part of its beauty and its terror. That makes it easy for web detectives to uncover supposedly damning clues that others missed; information that makes them more right than the other person, or changes the narrative. Earlier this week, it was reported that Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is currently investigating the president, has asked the FBI to look into an effort to concoct allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Earlier this month, reporters began receiving suspect emails claiming that the sender was being asked to fabricate allegations against Mueller. They connected Jack Burkman, a right-wing lobbyist, and Jacob Wohl, a 20-year-old, pro-Trump, failed hedge-fund manager, to the scheme. Reporters digging into it also learned about a mysterious firm called Surefire Intelligence. It didnt take long for the authority of Surefire Intelligence to be thoroughly dismantled. LinkedIn profiles for the firm used profile pictures of model Bar Refaeli and actor Christoph Waltz. Wohls name was found in the registration information for Surefires domain name, and he used a darken photo of himself on LinkedIn for a fake profile of the firms managing partner, Matthew Cohen. He also connected phone numbers related to the firm to his mothers voice-mail. Odd. Jacob Wohl says he doesn't know nuttin' about Surefire Intelligence, the firm tied to the bizarre Mueller allegations. Take a look at the photos below of Mathhew Cohen, head of 'Surefire,' and of Jacob Wohl. pic.twitter.com/Q1rAW4wkPO Jane Mayer (@JaneMayerNYer) October 30, 2018 Yesterday, Burkman and Wohl held an embarrassing press conference where even Gateway Pundit, a frequent publisher of inaccurate and outright false news stories, pushed Wohl about the allegations. Wohl occasionally writes for Gateway Pundit, but that relationship has been suspended in the wake of this latest stunt. Burkman and Wohls story has been dismantled, and pending some sort of statement from the woman they claim to represent, it will fall by the wayside. But it might be worth speculating about why the ruse fell apart. The most obvious reason is that Wohl seemingly did no work to obfuscate what he did, missing obvious steps like masking his domain-registration records, using photos that could not be reverse-image-searched, or connecting Surefires phone numbers to literally any number besides his mothers. But the scheme also shows the limits of what the MAGA internet can do to invent controversy. Misinformation feeds the right-wing internet because the misinformation usually stays within that bubble. For instance, while the allegations that Christine Blasey Ford leveled against Brett Kavanaugh were generally regarded by senators of both parties as credible, the right-wing internet set about circulating pictures of drunk, naked women and claiming the person pictured was Ford (it wasnt). Similarly, photos of bloodied police officers taken in 2012 have circulated as part of an anti-migrant campaign as the caravan makes its way to the southern border. These campaigns rely on citizen journalists showing you bombshell information that the mainstream media wont. They work because they remain out of the mainstream, gaining power from their exclusion. The point of these intentionally false posts is less to rebut Democrats and more to inflame the already established stances of fellow Republicans. They work best when they are kept in the GOPs online bubble, and force outsiders Democrats, journalists, fact-checkers, whoever to try to intervene. Those interventions never work. Fake news persists often because the people encountering it want to believe it. They also persist because viral misinformation does not refute fact as much as cloud it. What Wohl and Burkman tried to do was the reverse. They tried to elevate the same sort of almost-credible, manufactured, right-wing controversy into a national story, and convince outsiders of its legitimacy. Faced with a more skeptical audience one armed with basic web-sleuthing skills the story immediately fell apart. She got fans fretting whether she had broken a bone but it turned out the Strictly Come Dancing star had bruised her rib. So it's of little surprise Stacey Dooley confessed she wanted to cry for four days in a row in a candid Instagram post shared on Saturday ahead of the live shows. The Strictly star, 31, also appeared to admit she had 'no time' for tears which could allude to being frustrated about having to cram in her dance training for this week. The accuracy is real! Strictly Come Dancing's Stacey Dooley confessed she wants to cry for FOUR days straight after severely injuring herself The picture she shared had the quote 'Adulthood is wanting to cry for 4 days straight but not having the time' scrawled across a mustard yellow background in white type face typography. 'The accuracy is REAL,' she penned her thoughts on the tear-jerking quote in the caption of her post. Stacey has been cruising through Strictly Come Dancing week-on-week with her professional dance partner Kevin Clifton. However, the dancer in training's rehearsals were thrown into chaos when she suffered from a terrible injury that left her feeling like throwing up. Emotional: The Strictly star, 31, also appeared to admit she had 'no time' for tears which could allude to being frustrated about having to cram in her dance training for this week Refusing to give up, Stacey insisted she isn't 'holding back' as she persisted she wanted to put her all into Saturday's live show. She explained on It Takes Two : 'So, last week it was niggling me, it was the lean in the tango I think. The repetition and the impact of it. But I thought fine, fine, fine and I just kept carrying on. 'Then on the Monday we were training and I thought my muscle is going. Then bang. I hit Kev and I felt a tear. I was like, "Im going to throw up."' 'Do you know when you hit your head and it's so painful you think you are going to throw up everywhere?We had choreographers there and I felt embarrassed so I swallowed my sick- sorry, sorry TMI.' Ouch! The dancer in training's rehearsals were thrown into chaos when she suffered from a terrible injury that left her feeling like throwing up Explaining what happened to her, she said: 'Ive torn my intercostal muscle, Im trying not to make a fuss of it. 'This week I thought Id be OK because its street dance, its a bit closer to how I would dance in the club, but were so uncool.' But Stacey reassured her fans: 'Im not holding back. I feel like no-one wants a sob story or moany Margaret. Im just going to go there and do my best, what will be will be.' Stacey returned to rehearsals on Wednesday, training from 8am to 10pm to make up for lost time. Sick note returns! However, the journalist proved her injury was still playing on her mind as she alluded to it in an Instagram post However, the journalist proved her injury was still playing on her mind as she alluded to it in an Instagram post. Posing outside the studios, she wrote: 'Sick note returns'. Earlier this week, fans were left in a state of panic, when Stacey shared a photograph of a cast, leaving many of her followers to believe she may have broken a bone. But the amateur dancer soon quashed growing worries about her health as she revealed she has not broken a bone despite being admitted to hospital. After worrying her followers the evening before, she posted a caption reading: 'Nothings broke! All the drugs and all the cuppas gonna hook us up! See you Sat! THANK YOU SO SO MUCH TO ALL THE STAFF. You are all bloody amazing'. A spokesperson for Strictly said: 'Stacey has a bruised rib and needs to rest it for a day. She will be back in training.' Stacey's spokesperson for the star added: 'It's very painful. She is strapped up and the doctor has said she should be able to move in a couple of days.' Stacey and Kevin have been practising their street and commercial style dance to Empire State Of Mind (Part II) by Alicia Keys. Last week the pair were second on the leaderboard with a score of 35, with the judges praising Stacey for taking the man's hold during their innovative Tango to the Doctor Who theme tune. Rahul Mandal was crowned the winner of the Great British Bake Off on Tuesday night. But the 30-year-old, who took up baking to make friends after moving to the UK from Kolkata aged 23, has revealed the moment he thought hed actually lost the competition after glass shards went flying into his cake mix. To the fury of many fans, the finalist was luckily given a full 15 minutes extra time to complete his showstopper challenge when the storage jar shattered in the heat. Emotional: Rahul Mandal was crowned the winner of the Great British Bake Off on Tuesday night And Rahul, who impressed Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith throughout the show with his 'East meets West' inspired bakes, has now thanked the production team for their decision. I wasn't really thinking about extra time. It was really kind of the production team and judges, he told the Times. Rahul, of Bengal, admits he was a never an outdoorsy kid and would often spend his time reading or painting instead. Close call: But the 30-year-old has revealed the moment he thought hed actually lost the competition after glass shards went flying into his cake mix More time: To the fury of many fans, the finalist was luckily given a full 15 minutes extra time to complete his showstopper challenge when the storage jar shattered in the heat Yet the baker wasnt trusted to be in the kitchen cooking until he was 16, as his mother feared he would burn himself. The engineering researcher went on to explain that he first began baking because I was quite lonely. Rahul, who still works at the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham, however, isnt worried about packing on any extra pounds through his baking. He suggested: Bake to share with people, bake to make people happy and eat a little bit yourself. Everything in moderation is really good. Baking is to spread love not obesity. Grateful: Rahul, who impressed Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith throughout the show with his 'East meets West' inspired bakes, has now thanked the production team for their decision Champion: Rahul, of Bengal, admits he was a never an outdoorsy kid and would often spend his time reading or painting instead Yet even with his new found fame, its unlikely fans will be seeing him on social media anytime soon as Rahul admits it would be too overwhelming. Despite earning the most handshakes in the entire series and being crowned star baker in cake and bread week, the competition wasn't all plain sailing for Rahul. The baker found himself in hot water from fans who accused him of cheating in the semi-finals as he continued to decorate his creations twice, after hosts Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig called time on the challenges. But despite the backlash, Rahul was applauded for his cactus show-stopper, pipping competitors Kim-Joy and Ruby Bhogal to the post. She's one of the world's top models. And Romee Strijd showed why on Saturday, when the Dutch beauty arrived at Victoria's Secret's HQ in New York City looking chic in a fluorescent yellow Off-White brand jacket. Earlier, the 23-year-old flaunted her impeccable figure in a lingerie selfie on Instagram. Hello sunshine! Romee Strijd arrived at Victoria's Secret's HQ in New York City looking chic in a fluorescent yellow Off-White brand jacket Romee, who has been a Victoria's Secret Angel since 2015, paired her eye-watering jacket with a black turtleneck sweater. Her long legs were clad in black, thigh high lace up boots. The 5ft11in beauty accessorized with a Balenciaga purse. Two-toned: Romee, who has been a Victoria's Secret Angel since 2015, paired her eye-watering jacket with a black turtleneck sweater Well-heeled: Her long legs were clad in black, thigh high lace up boots Earlier, the statuesque model took to social media to flaunt her enviable physique. Romee was clad in only black bra and lace panties for the snap, in which her ample cleavage and toned tummy were on full display. Strijd's long, wavy blonde tresses cascaded over the slender beauty's shoulders for the candid shot. Charlotte Crosby has broken her nose after slipping on the side of her hotel pool while on holiday in Cape Town. The former Geordie Shore star, 28, shared a picture to her 6.4 million Instagram followers showing her lying in the back of an ambulance with the caption 'It's all fun and games until you break ya nose'. Next to her was beau and Love Island season one contestant Joshua Ritchie, 24, who didn't look at all sympathetic and let out a huge laugh while sitting by her side. Ooops! Charlotte Crosby , 28, shared a picture to her 6.4 million Instagram followers lying in the back of an ambulance with the caption 'It's all fun and games until you break ya nose' A rep for Charlotte told MailOnline: 'Whilst filming the Charlotte slipped on the side of her hotel pool and banged her nose fracturing it in three places. 'Charlotte has now been discharged from hospital she is in good spirits and will see a specialist on her return to the UK.' The Just Tattoo of Us presenter also posted a video saying 'Oh Jesus Christ' showing herself with a huge bandage across her face and bloodied nose. Injury: The reality TV veteran has been partying in South Africa and filming for her new fly on the wall MTV series 'The Charlotte Show' It comes as she spent the night before partying with her boyfriend of eight months and two pals. The reality TV veteran has been partying in South Africa and filming for her new fly on the wall MTV series 'The Charlotte Show'. Beau Josh also shared a pictured of the pair, while the Love Island personality wore a Nike zip-up and black cap, Charlotte tied her blonde tresses back and had a medical bandage tied around her face. The prankster captioned it 'Just another day in South Africa'. Documenting: Charlotte also posted a video saying 'Oh Jesus Christ' showing herself with a huge bandage across her face Keep calm and carry on: Beau Josh also shared a pictured of the pair, while the Love Island personality wore a Nike zip-up and black cap, Charlotte tied her blonde tresses back and had a medical bandage tied around her face The morning after: Josh had earlier documented the night in South Africa with Charlotte and pals, asking her if they were going 'out out'. The next morning, friend Lauren Causer shared a video of the couple in bed with Josh confessing to being sick in the hotel room corner Charlotte has been dating Josh since early this year but previously dropped the bombshell that she was texting him long before their romance started, as far back as before her split with Stephen Bear in October last year. Josh had earlier documented the night in South Africa with Charlotte and pals, asking her if they were going 'out out'. The next morning, friend Lauren Causer shared a video of the couple in bed with Josh confessing to being sick in the hotel room corner. Despite being faced with split claims recently, the duo appear to still be going strong and Charlotte has previously declared she would love to start a family with boyfriend Josh. She told Closer magazine: 'Having a family is one thing in life I really want - I've done so much with my life already, and becoming a mum is my dream. 'I want the fairy tale of getting married and having babies - doesn't everyone? I can see myself marrying and having babies with Josh, but he's still quite young, so we'll see. 'I would love to start trying for a baby, next year. I don't want to be an old mum. I want to be a young, cool mum.' With the live shows reaching the halfway point, competition has certainly been hotting up. And Stacey Dooley defied fears her rib injury would impact her performance as she took to the dance floor on Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night. The television presenter, 31, and partner Kevin Clifton, 36, received a staggering 36 points with their commercial Couple's Choice dance to Alicia Keys' Empire State Of Mind - despite missing two days of training. Back with a bang: Stacey Dooley defied fears her rib injury would impact her performance as she took to the stage for Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night Bruno Tonioli told Stacey she 'danced like a pro', and her storytelling was 'flawless', while Craig Revel Horwood commented: 'It had absolutely everything I love.' Kevin went on to gush how proud he was of Stacey's efforts as he told Claudia Winkleman: 'We missed two days and she said to me "I'm not happy" so we trained to 10 pm for two days to make the hours up. I'm so proud of her.' While Stacey joked: 'I've got new ribs now.' She's got the moves: The television presenter, 31, and partner Kevin Clifton received a 36 points with their commercial Couple's Choice dance to Alicia Keys' Empire State Of Mind Painful: Stacey missed two days of training when she felt her rib tear, sparking fears she wouldn't be well enough to perform in the show Pulling out all the stops: Bruno Tonioli told Stacey she 'danced it like a pro', and her storytelling was flawless,' while Craig Revel Horwood commented: It had absolutely everything I love' Innovative: Taking a different twist on street dance, Stacey was dressed in a Ginger Rogers inspired outfit, and danced against a backdrop of Central Park in NYC Ahead of the live shows, the television presenter confessed she wanted to cry for four days in a row in a candid Instagram post. Stacey also appeared to admit she had 'no time' for tears, alluding to being frustrated about having to cram in her dance training for this week. The picture she shared had the quote 'Adulthood is wanting to cry for 4 days straight but not having the time' scrawled across a mustard yellow background in white type face typography. Ouch! The dancer in training's rehearsals were thrown into chaos when she suffered from a terrible injury that left her feeling like throwing up Sexy: Kate Silverton delivered a smouldering Argentine Tango on Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night, just one day after tearing a muscle in her rib Meanwhile Kate Silverton failed to deliver a smouldering Argentine Tango, just one day after tearing a muscle in her rib. The judges were left less-than-impressed by her performance with dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec, with head judge Shirley Ballas describing the dance as 'laboured'. Despite soldiering through the routine to Assassins Tango, it was described as clunky with no chemistry. Craig said: 'It was far too heavy it needs to be a lot lighter,' while Darcey Bussell critiqued: 'Your strength is telling the story, the narrative. There were moments of intimacy. Not your best, but brilliant effort.' The comments were reflected in the scores with her receiving only 23 points, placing her near the very bottom of the leaderboard. Disappointing: However the judges were left less-than-impressed by her performance with dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec, with Shirley Ballas describing the dance as 'laboured' Critiqued: Despite soldiering through their performance to Assassins Tango was described as clunky with no chemistry Low score: Craig Revel Horwood said: It was far too heavy it needs to be a lot lighter,' while Darcey Bussell critiqued: 'There were moments of intimacy. Not your best, but brilliant effort.' Speaking about her injury to Claudia Winkleman, she said: 'I stripped a muscle on the ribs. It happened very late yesterday during training when we were doing a life. I've not had much chance to recover. Showing his support, Alijaz said: 'I cant believe you got through it.' The news presenter was put on Entonox pain relief gas on Friday after she too tore the muscle in her rib. The mother-of-two was giddy in a series of videos she shared with her 51.9kTwitter followers, as she breathed in the pain medication to help her with the injury. In the video, Kate giggled as she said to the camera: 'The last time I did this was in childbirth which was really good, actually Ive forgotten how good it was.' Impressive: Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice came second on the leaderboard with their Tango During the show, it came as little surprise Ashley Roberts, 37, gained the highest score of the night with 39 points. With a wealth of previous experience in the dance industry, the former Pussycat Doll looked elegant in a shimmering hot pink beaded ballgown as she Foxtrotted to Orange Coloured Sky. Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice followed shortly behind with 38 points, with the Steps singer pulling out all the stops in their powerful Tango. The 42-year-old was applauded by the judges for the intricacy of the routine and how she performed it with such conviction and technicality. Top of the leaderboard: Ashley Roberts shone in her Foxtrot in a shimmering pink dress, receiving the top score of the night Wowed: The judges (L-R) Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli award Ashley 39 points Romantic: Oti Mabuse and Graeme Swann performed a moving Waltz to his grandparents favourite song And after finding himself in the bottom two last week with his disappointing Cha Cha, Graeme Swann was determined to impress the judges with his Waltz to The Last Waltz by Engelbert Humperdink. Joined by Oti Mabuse, the cricketer, 39, was praised, with Bruno saying: 'You captured the style, the romance, it was touching. You need to smooth out your transitions but it's really really good.' Shirley added: 'The whole thing made me all fuzzy.' Confidence growing: Lauren Steadman and her partner AJ Pritchard were praised for their jive, with Craig commenting on her sharp kicks and flicks Lauren Steadman meanwhile found her confidence grow after her tremendous performance as Maleficent last week. The athlete pulled out all the stops for her fast paced jive to Avril Lavigne's girlfriend, performing a tricky lift on a skate park slide with AJ Pritchard, and was delighted when it paid off, sending her into the top half of the leaderboard with a score of 31. Amid their swirling romance rumours, Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell danced a fierce Paso Doble to Pompeii by Bastille, with the YouTuber being praised for the extensions of his arms and the choreography. Matador: Joe Sugg put on a very animated display as he strutted across the dancefloor during his Pasa Doble to Bastille's Pompeii with Dianne Buswell The duo found themselves near the top of the leaderboard with a score of 34. Also impressing on the night was Charles Venn and his partner Karen Clifton, who danced the Viennese Waltz to Piano Man by Billy Joel. The Casualty star chanted his score 28, while Karen shared an emotional embrace with Claudia following the judges' marks. Giving it all he has got: Dr Ranj was told he had finally found the dance for him as he shimmied in his Samba to George Michael's smash hit Freedom with Janette Manrara Dr Ranj picked himself back up after his disaterous jive as Sully the monster last week, and was told by Craig his Samba was the 'dance for him'. Meanwhile Danny John Jules found himself at the bottom of the leaderboard after starting off on the wrong foot during his Quickstep with Amy Dowden. Strictly Come Dancing The Results airs on BBC One on Sunday at 7.50pm. Too many mistakes: Danny John Jules found himself at the bottom of the leaderboard after starting off on the wrong foot during his Quickstep with Amy Dowden Getting tough: With the live shows reaching the halfway point, competition has certainly been hotting up She never fails to bring the glamour to the red carpet, always looking preened to perfection in front of the cameras. And Felicity Jones cemented her sartorial credentials on Saturday as she attended the Deadline Contenders at the DGA Theatre in West Hollywood in a sleek pinstripe suit and strappy heels. The Theory Of Everything actress, 35, ensured she turned heads as she posed with On The Basis of Sex co-star hunk Armie Hammer, 32. Effortlessly cool: Felicity Jones, 35, cemented her sartorial credentials on Saturday as she attended the Deadline Contenders event at the DGA Theatre in West Hollywood in a pinstripe suit Looking every inch the star, the actress wore her brunette tresses in a loose messy look, tumbling just past her shoulder. She paired the beige suit with over-sized dangling earrings and a glamorous make-up look. The Birmingham born beauty added a touch of colour to the look with a statement cherry lip and pretty eye-make up. Pals: The Theory Of Everything actress, 35, ensured she turned heads as she posed with co-star hunk Armie Hammer, 32 Felicity is starring opposite Armie in Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic On The Basis of Sex. Th actress plays Ruth, a young lawyer who struggled for equal rights to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Armie Hammer takes on his role as Ruth's husband Marty. Overturning a century of gender discrimination, the inspiring story will be released this year to tie in perfectly with 2018's Year of the Woman and Justice Ginsburg's 25th anniversary on the Supreme Court. Felicity, who married her movie director boyfriend of three years Charles Guard over the summer, went solo for the outing. The duo tied the knot at Sudeley Castle, near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire in June, with the star opting to wear a 'budget' dress. The couple's big day celebration had an impressive guest list, with A-list celebs including the bride's The Theory of Everything co-star Eddie Redmayne, 36, and Tom Hanks, 61. The majestic venue is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds, Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII's six wives. Inspirational: Pictures of Felicity Jones embodying Ruth Bader Ginsburg for the brand new biopic, On The Basis of Sex have been revealed It closed its grounds early to the public on Saturday to accommodate the wedding. The newlyweds have mostly managed to keep out of the public eye since they began dating three years ago. The movie director popped the question in May 2017 after just two years of dating. He is best known for the 2009 horror film The Uninvited, which he co-directed with his brother, Thomas Guard. Before the Hollywood actress dated Guard, Felicity was with a sculptor named Ed Fornieles. They were together for ten years and met while they were both attending the University of Oxford. Deadline's eighth annual The Contenders began on Saturday morning with a breakfast sponsored by Amazon Studios. It continues all day and features a lunch sponsored by Annapurna Pictures and a post-event reception sponsored by Netflix. Among the stars and filmmakers expected to make an appearance are Sandra Bullock, Natalie Portman, Rami Malek, Bradley Cooper, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Rosamund Pike, John Krasinski and Amy Adams. Kate Beckinsale and Jack Whitehall have been pictured heading back to a 2,000-a-night hotel together after enjoying a passionate kiss at a karaoke bar. In pictures obtained by The Sun, the Hollywood actress, 45, and the comedian, 30, were spotted in a steamy embrace as they partied the night away at an exclusive club in Los Angeles on Friday. During their date night, the pair dined at celeb hotspot Craig's in West Hollywood but left separately to avoid being photographed together, reconvening at Blind Dragon karaoke lounge. Budding romance: Kate Beckinsale and Jack Whitehall have been pictured heading back to a 2,000 a night hotel together after enjoying a passionate kiss at a karaoke bar An onlooker told the publication: 'They were like a pair of loved-up teenagers and werent trying to hide their feelings, they were practically sitting on top of each other in the booth of the nightclub and were laughing with each other. 'Kate rested her hand on Jacks shoulder and she kept laughing and smiling at his jokes, as the night progressed, he seemed to be growing in confidence and put his arm around her and gave her a hug. 'Then he decided to put his hand around the back of Kates neck and pulled her across him, where they started to passionately kiss.' Ladies man: The Hollywood actress, 45, and the comedian, 30, were spotted in a steamy embrace as they partied the night away MailOnline has contacted Kate and Jack's representatives for comment. Kate, who is 15-years older than Jack, put on a racy display for her night out, donning a pair of fishnet tights, black hot pants and suede thigh-high boots. In video footage obtained by The Sun, the Aviator star put on a very cosy display as she headed to The London Hotel with the budding actor. Kate divorced director Len Wiseman in 2016 after 12 years of marriage. She has previously been linked with on-off American toyboy Matt Rife. She has a 19-year-old daughter Lily with her former husband, the actor Michael Sheen, 49, who she split from in 2003. Split: Kate divorced director Len Wiseman in 2016 and has a daughter Lily from a previous relationship Jack meanwhile was in a relationship with actress Gemma Chan, 35, but the pair called time on their relationship after six years together in 2017 An insider told The Sun at the time the couple remain friends despite the break-up, and decided to go their separate ways after finding it more and more difficult to spend time together. The source said: 'Jack and Gemma secretly pulled the plug on their relationship but remain good friends. 'For the past couple of years they've both been finding it difficult to make proper time for one another and, with their schedules showing no signs of slowing down, have decided to go their separate ways. 'It's sad but they remain supportive of one another.' Jack and Gemma first began dating after meeting on the set of Jack's comedy-drama series Fresh Meat in 2011, and both have gone on to have hugely successful acting careers. Break-up: Comedian Jack and actress Gemma Chan, 35, split after six years together in November last year He was also romantically linked to Kirsty Gallacher, 45, back in April. The pair have reportedly been friends for years. The Sun reported the chemistry between Kirsty and Jack reached boiling point at a star-studded event, which reportedly resulted in a 'romp'. While Jack is a hugely successful stand-up comedian, he is forging an acting career in Hollywood, most recently starring in Disney's newly-released film The Nutcracker and The Four Realms. He is an acclaimed actor whose latest role sees him lend his voice to an iconic Christmas villain. And Benedict Cumberbatch looked proud as he arrived at the premiere of The Grinch in New York City on Friday. The Sherlock actor, 42, cut a dapper figure in a navy fitted suit paired with a white shirt and crisp tie for the photocall. Dapper: Benedict Cumberbatch looked proud as he arrived at the premiere of The Grinch in New York City on Friday Ever the style chameleon the star also showed off his newly manicured moustache as he posed for snappers. The trailer reveals that this version will feature an origin story about how The Grinch ended up becoming such a Scrooge. Benedict gives voice to the green creature who is determined to prevent the residents of Whoville from enjoying the festive season in the movie The Grinch from Illumination, the creators of the Minions. The Grinch is slated to premiere in theatres on November 9. Stroll: The Sherlock actor, 42, cut a dapper figure in a navy fitted suit paired with a white shirt and crisp tie for the photocall Hunk: Ever the style chameleon the star also showed off his newly manicured moustache as he posed for snappers The last time the Dr. Seuss character appeared in theatres was in 2000 when Jim Carrey starred in a live action version directed by Ron Howard. Benedict is married to Sophie Hunter with the couple proud parents to sons Hal Auden, 18 months, and 3-year-old Christopher 'Kit' Carlton. Sophie and Benedict, who have been friends for 20 years, took their romance public in spring 2014, before tying the knot the following year - months before the playwright gave birth to son Kit. Looking good: Benedict is hot on the promo trail for his latest film Benedict's eldest son was born two weeks before he began rehearsing for London stage production 'Hamlet' and he has found that becoming a father helped him with his role in the Shakespearean play. He previously said: 'Having a baby - it's massive. And on a very unexpected level. Suddenly I understood my parents much more profoundly than I ever had before. 'I was expecting, with 'Hamlet', that it might be a hindrance to be a father, because it's all about being a son. But it's the opposite. You understand much more about being a son, becoming a father As sick asylum seeker children are quietly evacuated from Nauru, both major parties have confirmed any other families who try to enter Australia by boat will be sent to offshore detention. All asylum seeker children will be taken from Nauru by the end of this year but never allowed to settle permanently in Australia. A number of families have already been transferred off the Pacific island and are reportedly being housed in Adelaide. But Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton insists none of the children will ever call Australia home, even if they are found to be genuine refugees. "That is the case and our policy hasn't changed," Mr Dutton told Sky News on Thursday. "We've said very clearly that we don't want boats to restart; people are not going to settle here permanently." It is understood 38 children of asylum seekers remain on the island. Once medical support has been provided in Australia, non-refugees will be made to go back to their country of origin. Refugees will be sent to the United States or resettled in other countries, Mr Dutton said. A future Labor government would also block the asylum seekers from ever permanently settling in Australia. "We support offshore processing and regional resettlement and that these people should be resettled," opposition immigration spokesman Shayne Neumann told ABC radio. "Labor supports third country resettlement arrangements and we ask the government to consider the New Zealand offer." Repeatedly asked whether children would be sent to Nauru in the future, Mr Neumann would only restate Labor's support for offshore processing and third-country resettlement. Mr Dutton says there is increased "chatter" among people smugglers being intercepted by authorities and now is not the right time to be sending refugees to New Zealand because it will entice other asylum seekers. Human Rights Law Centre advocacy director Daniel Webb plans to launch legal challenges to keep the children in Australia once they arrive but says the government is finding ways to get them to return. Mr Dutton says people who pose a security risk will not be allowed into the Australian community, even if their child is being treated. A 20-year-old man has drowned at a beach south of Sydney, prompting a warning for swimmers to take care in unpatrolled areas. Emergency workers were called to Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park just before 7pm on Thursday after reports that three men jumping from rocks into a lagoon were in trouble. Two men, 19 and 21, were rescued by friends and taken to hospital in a stable condition, but the body of the third was recovered by paramedics after being spotted by a police helicopter. NSW Police Inspector Christopher Hill said visitors need to obey warning signs when swimming at Wattamolla. When Trump said that he was the least racist person, was he telling the truth? Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images Donald Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen just made a shocking allegation against the president one which, if true, would contradict everything we thought we knew about the commander-in-chief. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Cohen claims that, before he became president, Trump repeatedly made racist remarks in his presence. Specifically, Cohen recalls the following incidents: In the late 2000s, while they were driving through an impoverished Chicago neighborhood en route to the Trump International Hotel, Donald turned to him and said, Only the blacks could live like this. When Nelson Mandela died, Trump challenged Cohen to name one country run by a black person thats not a shithole, then dared him to name one city. Once, when discussing the various winners of past seasons of The Apprentice, Trump explained that, in season one, he decided not to pick finalist Kwame Jackson because theres no way I can let this black f-g win. In 2016, after Cohen told Trump that hed watched his rally on TV and thought that the crowd had looked vanilla the presidential candidate replied, Thats because black people are too stupid to vote for me. If true, Cohens recollections would mean that when the president said, Im the least racist person anybody is going to meet, he was not being entirely truthful. Still, theres reason to question whether Trump would really make comments as racially charged as those that Cohen attributes to him. After all, Cohen is not known for his honesty, and has been in a public feud with his former employer for months now. And besides, other than that time he suggested that Mexican immigrants are mostly rapists; or said he didnt want people from shithole countries like Haiti and countries in Africa coming to the United States; or systematically discriminated against African-Americans in his housing developments; or propagated a conspiracy theory about how the first black president wasnt really an American; or insisted that there were very fine people marching with neo-Nazis in Charlottesville; or employed a personal butler who wrote on Facebook that Barack Obama should be lynched; or likened nonwhite immigrants to vermin; or called for banning Muslims from the United States; or encouraged U.S. soldiers to fire on a caravan of Central American women and children at the slightest provocation, what has the president ever done in public to suggest that he is capable of saying such bigoted things in private? Prime Minister Scott Morrison says a cyber-attack and extortion attempt against a major Australian Defence shipbuilder highlights the need to remain vigilant to malicious activity. National security agencies are investigating after an unknown offender hacked Austal to access drawing designs and the personal contact details of some of its staff. The attacker tried to sell some of the material online. Mr Morrison said there would never be a "100 per cent foolproof guarantee" such breaches would not occur. "I think it's a reminded of why it has been so important to continue to invest so strongly in Australia's cyber security," he told reporters in Sydney on Friday. "It's a constant reminder of the need for vigilance." Supercars title contenders Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen have shown their speed in practice for the showdown meet at Pukekohe Park this weekend. The top four in the standings - McLaughlin, van Gisbergen, Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes - were the fastest four cars during the Supercars' first outing in New Zealand on Friday morning. McLaughlin was quickest at his home circuit, charting 1 minute and 3.1150 seconds on the track, south of Auckland. Lowndes split the Kiwi and his countryman and rival van Gisbergen, who is 14 points behind the DJR Team Penske driver in second place. McLaughlin, in his second-straight title fight after being pipped to last year's crown by Whincup, said he'd been buoyed by "wicked" levels of support in the crowd. "Seeing all the people around, there's lot of red around which is not Holden," he said. "It's going to be a great battle between a couple of Kiwis and a few Aussies." McLaughlin leads van Gisbergen by 14 points with the two races in New Zealand and two races in Newcastle remaining in the series. The meet is virtually a two-man showdown given Whincup, in third place, is 419 points behind second-placed van Gisbergen. The New Zealand meet should be both competitive and action-packed if practice one is anything to go by. The temperamental track threw plenty of drivers onto the grass, with James Courtney enjoying more excursions off the tarmac than most. "Each time we changed it we went backwards," Courtney said of his setup changes. "It's a crazy place this place." Thousands of young professionals in Australia and Indonesia will go on six-month exchanges to build their language and cultural skills if Labor forms government. It's part of Labor's push to get Australian businesses better equipped to do business in Asia, which is set to drive global economic growth in future decades. Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen says there is an alarming lack of Asian language and cultural literacy in Australian business. "More work is also required to build the Asian business skills of young Australian professionals," he told a FutureAsia event in Sydney on Friday. Labor is promising to do a deal with Indonesia to see 1000 Australian nationals and 1000 Indonesian nationals intern in each other's countries for up to six months. Prime Minister Scott Morrison was recently in Indonesia to push ahead with a free trade deal, the first major deal of its type the Asian nation has done. Australia and Indonesia are close neighbours and both in the world's top 20 economies but neither is in each other's top 10 trading partners. Mr Bowen said more important than free trade agreements was giving businesses the tools to succeed in Asia. "If signing FTAs was the answer, then we wouldn't have businesses looking to enter Asian markets citing the biggest barriers as lack of knowledge and limited language capabilities for developing business relationships," he said. The coalition government has pursued free trade agreements to drive economic growth, but Mr Bowen signalled a different path for Labor. "Signing trade agreements can be good. If properly designed they open doors to new markets and lower the costs of doing business," he said. "But it's not the only driver." Mr Bowen is also promising to commission an independent Indonesian economic strategy, similar to former top diplomat Peter Varghese's recent report into India. "We will use this report as a guide to setting out the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for Australia and Indonesia," he said. The shadow treasurer said Australia cannot afford to stagnate in engaging with Asia. "In the next 15 years, four of the world's five largest economies in purchasing power parity terms will be in Asia: China, India, Japan and Indonesia," he said. Cabinet minister Matt Canavan has tried to calm the concerns of church leaders who are nervous about legislation aimed at protecting gay students from discrimination. The head of Australia's Presbyterian Church fears the ability of faith-based schools to insist on separate uniforms, sporting teams and toilets could be open to legal challenge if discrimination is outlawed. "We will do nothing as a government that inhibits or limits the freedom of religion of schools to act in accordance with their values and principles," Senator Canavan told Sky News on Friday. Authorities are monitoring a large bushfire on Tasmania's east coast amid fears forecast winds could fuel the blaze. Fire crews and the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service remained at the Swanston fire - which has not threatened residences - on Friday, with overnight rains having little impact ahead of forecast escalating winds later in the day and into the weekend. "A number of lightning strikes have also been detected across the state with fire agencies currently gaining intelligence in collaboration with the Bureau of Meteorology," the Tasmania Fire Service said in a statement. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton bounded into parliament with two bulky folders he claimed were full of classified information on his Labor foes. Under immense pressure over his role in the European au pair visa affair, Mr Dutton brandished a pair of large folders labelled "Tony Burke" and "Chris Bowen" during Question Time in early September. The folders were widely seen as a warning shot; the implication being Mr Dutton was prepared to dish dirt on visa decisions both men made as immigration ministers in the former Labor government. Mr Dutton carted the folders with him to the dispatch box while answering questions but refused to table them, claiming they contained confidential material. A freedom of information request lodged by transparency website Right to Know has confirmed the folders did not contain any information from Mr Dutton's department. "The department did not provide any documents to the Minister for Home Affairs for the specific purposes of inclusion in two folders, one marked "Tony Burke" and the other marked "Chris Bowen"," Home Affairs said in its response. Meghan Markle may be back at Kensington Palace but her looks during the recent royal tour of Australia are likely to influence the fashion crowd at Flemington. "We're normally looking to high fashion or the streets for inspiration, but it's really been the year of the royals," Victoria Racing Club stylist Elliot Garnaut said at the launch of the Fashions on the Field competition on Friday. The celebrity stylist expects to see elegant millinery, structured dresses and full skirts during the competition, like those seen on the Duchess of Sussex during her visit to Australia alongside husband Prince Harry in October. "Meghan's been selling everything she wears, literally, off her back," Mr Garnaut said. "It's because they're very timeless pieces - you can wear them from 20 years old through to 60 and look equally as chic." Fashions on the Field ambassador Kirsten Clemens will also be looking out for classic ensembles when she joins the judging panel on Derby Day. "I think you have to follow the dress codes and look timeless, but I also love to see originality and the creativity that goes behind an outfit," she told AAP. "There's always a great story behind an outfit, especially if they've made it themselves." Clemens said the shortlisted entrants from South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia were bringing "strong competition" for Victorians, who have their turn to show off looks before a final on Oaks Day. Among the shortlisted entrants was Kimmi Varcoe, who claimed victory at South Australia's Murray Bridge Racecourse wearing a full-skirted blue Lela Rose dress she customised. "Mum and I worked very hard on this outfit together, we got the dress ... and we just thought it needed a bit of extra zhoosh, so we added some custom pleats to it," Varcoe said. Another stand-out contender was Queensland's Carle Rutledge, in a maroon Roksanda dress with mohair feathers and bright yellow accessories. The dress may be a good omen for Rutledge - the same designer was also worn by Meghan when she met the prime minister and opposition leader in Sydney. The NSW National Party has given suspected far-right extremists in the party one week to explain why they should remain as members or they will be booted out of the organisation. Following an investigation in suspected Nazi infiltration, the party's executive on Friday said being involved with fringe conservative groups the Lads Society, Squadron 88, The Dingoes, New Guard and Antipodean Resistance was "incompatible" with Nationals membership. The unanimous order, which comes after 19 alleged alt-right members resigned, instructed the remaining suspect members to either quit or show cause within seven days otherwise "their membership shall be cancelled". With three weeks until Victorians go to the polls, outspoken federal senator Derryn Hinch will launch his party's election campaign in Geelong on Saturday. Derryn Hinch's Justice Party is fielding candidates in every upper house seat plus a few lower house seats. As the party's name suggests, its appealing to voters after a greater sense of law and order. Policies include longer jail sentences for violent offenders, tightening of bail laws and reform to parole laws making it harder for criminals to be released before their full sentence has been served. Other policies include banning live exports from Australia, harsher penalties for animal cruelty and the creation of a national public register of convicted sex offenders. Meanwhile both major parties will be on the hustings, hoping to sway voters' minds by November 24. Since the government went into caretaker mode on Tuesday, Labor has promised, among a list of things, to end commercial fishing at Gippsland Lakes, $58.6 million for intersection upgrades and $5.5 million for new scouts halls and upgrades. The Liberals' pledges have included subsidies for hospital car parking spaces, $5.1 million for GPS ankle brackets for criminals convicted of home burglary or carjacking and the removal of level crossings in Pakenham. The Victorian Electoral Commission on Friday issued a notice saying half all voters had not provided an email or mobile number, meaning they would not receive voting alerts. Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately said two million voters were yet to sign up to be notified when electoral rolls close, when early voting commences and where to find voting centres and to vote on election day. Voters can opt in to the service via the VEC's website, at vec.vic.gov.au. The cut-off date for enrolment is Tuesday 6 November at 8pm. Multinational companies who dig up Australia's oil and gas will have to pay an extra $6 billion in taxes over the next decade. Changes to the law will stop companies taking losses on unprofitable gas explorations and using them to reduce taxes on highly profitable operations. But the gas and oil industry lobby warns lifting taxes could affect investment decisions. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced the changes in response to the Callaghan Review of the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax, which has seen declining revenues even as Australia's gas exports have significantly increased. "These changes will ensure production of our petroleum resources are taxed appropriately while continuing to support the development of our world leading LNG industry," Mr Frydenberg said in a statement on Friday. Australia made $1.12 billion in PRRT revenue in 2017/18 and is on track to become the largest exporter of liquid natural gas, overtaking Qatar. Under the Qatari system, companies pay tens of billions of dollars more in royalties each year. The new PRRT changes will see an extra $6 billion come into the tax system over the next 10 years. Under the changes, limits will be placed on excessive compounding of deductions for exploration. Onshore projects will also be removed from the PRRT, despite only being brought into the scheme in 2012. No revenue from onshore projects has been collected since 2012 and instead companies have used them to claim deductions against much more profitable offshore operations. The changes will only apply to new projects that have not yet been granted a licence. The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association said attracting investment to the industry had never been more important. "Investors are always concerned when long-standing tax arrangements change," association chief executive Dr Malcolm Roberts said. APPEA claims the PRRT delivers more money over the life of a project than a royalties system. The PRRT has delivered $35 billion overall in tax revenue since 1987. Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen said Labor will review the changes closely but the government has to show what work it has done to avoid negative impacts on the sector. Mother Nature could have the last say on how Election Day rolls out. Photo: Stephen Morton/Getty Images There have been a lot of twists and turns in this midterm election cycle. But the final twist and an excruciating turn may belong to Mother Nature. Meteorologists are projecting possible violent storms for the south central, southeastern, and midwestern regions on or just before Election Day. And that may be about the only thing that could dampen turnout this year. The Washington Post has the story: This years midterm election features an intensity usually reserved for a presidential race. In parts of central and eastern United States, a major storm system may add a wrinkle to this high-stakes contest. The storm is set to rapidly develop Monday into Tuesday as it travels from the Southern Plains to the Great Lakes region. Numerous states could be hit by heavy rain and even some tornadoes. The Post report emphasized the risk of big storms in the south central and southeastern states: NEW: Severe weather likely on Election Day as a major storm develops in Central and Eastern U.S.: https://t.co/DIjF3vMygF Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) November 2, 2018 But a Toledo, Ohio, TV station suggested things could get hairy in the Midwest as well: We are 5 days away from Election Day, but computer models now agree a rapidly developing storm will likely sweep into the Great Lakes region next Tuesday. The weather system will bring highs in the 60s and rain, but it could also bring strong to severe thunderstorms if the timing comes together right. Even if we stay storm free, a classic November wind storm is expected. Weather maps show the potential for wind gusts in the 40 to 50 mph range late Tuesday through early Wednesday morning. We will have much more on the messy Election Day weather as we get closer, but as it stands right now this storm has the potential to be a nuisance or perhaps even dangerous. Yikes. Traditional lore has it that bad weather is a boon for Republicans, who more often have the wherewithal (and given the high percentage of Republican seniors, the time free from work) to vote under unpleasant or even dangerous conditions. Its harder to say how it would play out in an election year with such high levels of Democratic enthusiasm particularly in suburban congressional districts where college-educated white voters seem to be trending sharply blue. One factor is reasonably clear: States with heavy early voting could avoid some or even most of the effects of bad Election Day weather. Unfortunately, the central/southeastern states threatened this year are not generally Americas hotbeds of early-voting opportunities, though there are exceptions in Georgia (1.8 million votes already cast), North Carolina (1.7 million cast), Tennessee (1.3 million cast), and Illinois (1 million cast). Those who have waited to cast their ballots on Election Day may find themselves dealing with a more immediate danger of wind and water than that posed by some partisan wave. Firefighters have worked into the night to contain a bushfire outside Canberra in difficult conditions. The hot, dry and windy weather that fuelled the blaze on Friday was compared to the 2003 fires that killed four people and destroyed almost 500 homes. A watch-and-act alert was issued for the blaze southwest of Canberra but later downgraded. The fire had burnt through 147 hectares late on Friday evening but no homes were threatened. ACT Emergency Services Commissioner Dominic Lane said authorities remained concerned as firefighters dealt with heavy winds and dry terrain. He confirmed the fire started from a burning car. "Due to the extremely dry conditions we are facing, we are seeing similar conditions to what we saw in 2003," Mr Lane told reporters. "Now is not the time to be lighting fires in this dry environment; you will be doing significant damage to your community and if you are caught you will have to suffer the consequences." The ESA doorknocked up to 700 homes from Kambah to Gordon but said it was an "education activity" to inform people of the threat and what materials they may need. Close to 20 Nationals members have quit the party with more expected to follow after an investigation into an alt-right infiltration of the organisation. The NSW Nationals on Friday confirmed 19 people had tendered their resignation from the party as a result of an internal inquiry into neo-Nazi and white supremacist linked members. Another group of suspects has been given a week to explain why they should remain members or be punted. Some of those extremists could have breached hate speech laws, according to lawyer Simon Rice. "Under NSW legislation it's unlawful to incite hatred, violence or ridicule against a person based on their race or religion," the University of Sydney Law School professor told AAP on Friday. Police confirmed they would investigate any crime, whether ideological, bias-related or motivated by hate but would not comment on any specific investigation. "We continue to monitor activities and rhetoric and where necessary take action," said a spokesman in a statement. And while the party attempted to clean up the messy scandal on Friday, former federal leader Barnaby Joyce reignited doubt over whether there was any Nazi infiltration at all before backtracking on his comments. "Who is the Nazi? Who is it? ... Sorry for my aggression but I am cynical of this shit," he told AAP. "I've seen Prince Harry in a Nazi uniform, I'm pretty certain he's not a Nazi." However within two hours Mr Joyce said he'd made a call and agreed there was a problem in the party. "These guys are crazy," he said. A woman and a boy have been killed, while a man and two boys are in a critical condition in hospital, after a truck crashed into their car in northern Victoria. Police say the truck crashed into their car on the Murray Valley Highway at Brimin, near Rutherglen, just after 9.30pm AEDT on Friday. The woman and boy died at he scene, while the man and two other boys who were in the car were flown to hospital with critical injuries. The truck driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries. A Queensland cold case where a man was shot dead at a crayfish farm on Brisbane's outskirts has been reopened after new evidence was brought to light. Jeffrey Lawrence Brooks was gunned down on 13 March 1996, with the original inquest into his death returning an "open finding". His case was the subject of a News Corp podcast series titled "Dead Wrong" earlier this year, which featured newly commissioned scientific and ballistic testing which Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said was credible enough to warrant reopening the case. The 1MDB scandal has led to criminal charges against Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak, pictured here as he was escorted by police to court in Kuala Lumpur on October 25, 2018 US officials unveiled criminal indictments Thursday against an intermediary to scandal-plagued Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB and a former Goldman Sachs banker involved in an elaborate alleged bribery scheme. They are the first US criminal charges in the case which spawned investigations around the world. The US Justice Department arrested former Goldman Sachs banker Ng Chong Hwa in Malaysia Thursday, while the former 1MDB official, Low Taek Jho, remains at large, officials said in a press release. Another ex-Goldman official, Tim Leissner, pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $43.7 million in restitution of ill-gotten gains. The 1MDB scandal has roiled politics in Malaysia, leading to criminal charges against former Prime Minister Najib Razak. The men were charged with conspiring to launder billions of dollars from 1 Malaysia Development Berhad, a strategic development fund set up for the benefit of the development of the country, and conspiring to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi, violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Ng was also charged with conspiring to violate the internal controls at Goldman Sachs, which underwrote more than $6 billion in bonds issued by 1MDB, the government said. Under one scheme involving a 2012 "Project Magnolia" bond offering by 1MDB, Low allegedly told the ex-Goldman bankers they needed to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi to guarantee that the transaction went through. Hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes were subsequently paid to officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi. After the bond transaction was executed, more than $500 million of the bond proceeds were misappropriated into shell companies controlled by Low, Leissner, Ng and other co-conspirators, the government said. Some of the funds went to finance the movie, "The Wolf of Wall Street," a 2013 Oscar-nominated film about Jordan Belfort, a corrupt stockbroker who was sent to prison for fraud, the government said. An African migrant from Niger hides with her newborn child as she tries to avoid deportation Germany and the Netherlands have pledged to fund special forces in Niger to control its border and prevent illegal migration, the EU's security mission in the country said Thursday. Niger is a transit country for thousands of migrants heading to Libya and Algeria, key hubs for migrants trying to reach Europe. Under the new plan, the two European nations will disburse 10 million euros ($11.4 million) to finance the new force, according to EUCAP Sahel, which provides support for Niger security forces. The funds would be used for training and equipping hundreds of Niger police officers. "Roughly speaking it is to combat all our challenges: illegal migration, human trafficking, drugs, terrorism," said Souley Boubacar, head of the Niger police. In the first phase, two companies of 250 Niger police will be positioned at Maradi and Birnin Konni -- two regions on the troubled frontier with Nigeria that has become a key crossing point for migrants heading for Europe -- a security source told AFP. The European Union has been grappling with massive migration from Africa and the Middle East since 2015. Niger has become one of the main crossing routes for poor migrants, with 90 percent of West African migrants passing through the country, according to the EU. The Saharan route is notorious for its dangers, which include breakdowns, lack of water and callous traffickers who abandon migrants in the desert. Niger introduced a law making people-smuggling punishable by a jail term of up to 30 years in 2015. In July, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said the flow of migrants through Niger fell by 95 percent between 2016 and 2017. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump discussed the cooperation agreement between their countries in Manbij, which is held by a US-backed Kurdish militia that Turkey deems a terrorist group US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Syrian conflict during a phone call Thursday, the Turkish and US presidencies said. The news came shortly after it was announced that Turkish and American troops had begun conducting joint patrols in the northern Syrian city of Manbij. The leaders discussed the cooperation agreement in Manbij, which is held by a US-backed Kurdish militia that Turkey deems a terrorist group, a statement from Turkey's presidency said. They also spoke of Idlib, the last major area in Syria still outside the control of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, where a demilitarised zone has been planned. The presidents agreed to maintain "close contact" and maintained their "determination" to "further strengthen bilateral relations", according to the statement. The White House said the two leaders "discussed a desire to work together particularly on their coordination in Syria." Erdogan also "expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of life at the Synagogue in Pittsburgh," Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said, referring to the shootings last Saturday of 11 people inside a Jewish temple. Turkey and the United States have a long-standing alliance as members of NATO, but Washington's support of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria has strained already tense relations. Ankara considers the YPG to be a "terrorist offshoot" of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a bloody insurgency in Turkey since 1984 with the goal of forming an independent Kurdish state. To ease ties, the countries agreed to a road map in June that included the YPG withdrawing from Manbij and establishing the joint patrols in the city. However Turkey has repeatedly threatened a new offensive in northern Syria and has shelled YPG positions there in the past couple of days. The US-led coalition against IS said on Thursday it was working to "de-escalate" fighting between Turkey and the Kurdish militia. The site of a deadly schoolbus accident near the Dead Sea in Jordan on October 25, 2018 when flash floods swept away the vehicle Jordan's education and tourism ministers resigned on Thursday, a week after a deadly school-bus accident in the flood-hit Dead Sea region, a government official said. The October 25 floods in the popular tourist destination cost 21 lives, most of them children on a school trip. "Education Minister Azmi Mahafzah and Tourism Minister Lina Annab today submitted their resignation to Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz," the official told AFP. Annab herself wrote on Twitter she was stepping down "in the shadow of the general political climate and the painful period". Several members of parliament called earlier this week for the two ministers to be dismissed because the outing had been authorised despite warnings of bad weather. The pupils, their teachers and minders had stepped out of their bus in a tourist area called Al-Miyah al-Sakhina when they were hit by a flash flood that washed them towards the nearby Dead Sea. United States ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, pictured at a Security Council meeting in New York on August 28, 2018, dismissed the vote calling for an end to the US embargo on Cuba as a "waste of everyone's time" The UN General Assembly on Thursday called for an end to the decades-old US embargo on Cuba, adopting a resolution by an overwhelming majority and rejecting US moves to criticize Havana's human rights record. It was the 27th time that the 193-nation assembly has issued the call to lift the embargo imposed in 1962. The resolution presented by Cuba was adopted by a vote of 189 to 2 with no abstentions. The US and its ally Israel voted against while Ukraine and Moldova did not vote. The United States failed to win support for eight amendments criticizing Cuba's human rights record. Only the US, Israel and Ukraine voted in favor of those amendments. The Marshall Islands joined them in one vote. At least 65 countries including many European nations abstained and at least 113 voted against the proposed US call to Cuba to fully uphold its citizens' rights. President Donald Trump's administration points to Cuba's repression of political opponents and curbs on freedom of expression as a reason for maintaining the economic embargo. US Ambassador Nikki Haley dismissed the vote on the US embargo, which has been an annual exercise since 1992, as a "waste of everyone's time" because it did not address Cuba's human rights situation. "It's one more time that countries feel they can poke the United States in the eye," Haley told the assembly. - Cruel policies - Applause broke out in the chamber after the adoption that highlighted Washington's isolation on its Cuba policy. The resolution is non-binding but carries political weight. Haley declared that the United Nations had "rejected the opportunity to speak on behalf of human rights" and described the outcome of the vote as a reminder of "why so many people believe that faith in the United Nations is often misplaced." In a 35-minute address ahead of the vote, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez slammed the Trump administration as a "government of millionaires that imposes cruel policies," citing US treatment of migrant children separated at the border with Mexico and "locked in cages." "The US government does not have the least moral authority for criticizing Cuba or anyone else with regards to human rights," said the foreign minister, urging countries to back his measure. Rodriguez argued that the embargo was a "flagrant, massive and systematic violation" of human rights in Cuba, notably by denying access to US-produced medicines and medical technology. Last year, the resolution was adopted by a vote of 191 to 2. The United States and Israel were the only two countries that voted "no." That vote took place after Washington for the first time abstained in the vote in 2016 as former president Barack Obama pursued a thaw in relations with Havana. Ties between Cuba and the US have been in decline under Trump, who has rejected the previous administration's moves to improve ties with Havana. Death row inmate Edmund Zagorski, 63 opted to die by electric chair in Tennessee A Tennessee man convicted of a double murder was put to death Thursday in the electric chair, after insisting on the rarely used method rather than lethal injection. Edmund Zagorski, 63, was the first US convict in five years to be put to death by electrocution. Zagorski was sentenced to death for the 1983 murders of two men he lured into a wooded area with a promise to sell them marijuana. The victims' bodies were found two weeks later, shot and their throats slit. An 11th-hour appeal to the US Supreme Court was denied. Only nine US states still use the electric chair as a form of capital punishment. It was set to be Tennessee's only electric chair execution since 2007. The southern state's Department of Correction said the execution was carried out "in accordance with the laws" of Tennessee. Zagorski was pronounced dead at 7:26 pm (0026 GMT Friday). - Controversy - In Tennessee, people condemned to death before 1999 have the right to choose between the two methods of capital punishment. Officials initially had intended to perform a lethal injection, which has become more common, but Zagorski challenged the state's use of a three-drug cocktail that includes the controversial sedative midazolam. When the state supreme court rejected the challenge, he asked to be put to death by electric chair. Midazolam has been the focus of numerous legal challenges in death penalty cases as lawyers have argued it cannot adequately prevent suffering during executions. The eighth amendment to the US Constitution provides protections against "cruel and unusual punishment." Zagorski's lawyer Kelley Henry said the state had forced him to "choose between two absolutely barbaric methods of death." "The state's three-drug protocol is certain torture," she charged. - 'Macabre requirement' - Robert Dunham, head of the Death Penalty Information Center, which tracks US executions, said: "What we're seeing in Tennessee is a direct result of the US Supreme Court's macabre requirement that prisoners propose an alternative method of execution before the court will evaluate whether the method the state seeks to use is unconstitutionally cruel." "It says a lot about the failures of lethal injection as a method of execution that a prisoner would opt for a method he considers to be a half-minute of torture instead of one he considers to be 18 minutes of torture," Dunham added. Before Thursday's execution, electrocution had only been used nationwide for 14 executions out of nearly 900 since 2000, and had not been used at all since 2013. The Death Penalty Information Center lists nearly two percent of electric chair executions as "botched." In the 1980s and 1990s, there were witness reports of inmates catching fire, bleeding, and not dying from initial jolts. In 1997, flames up to a foot (0.33 meter) high burst from the mask covering the face of Florida convict Pedro Medina while he was in the electric chair, and the execution chamber filled with smoke. Tennessee last carried out an execution in August, using lethal injection to put to death a man convicted of raping and murdering a child in 1986. Zagorski requested a final meal of pickled pig knuckles and pig tails. Trump loves culture war, and its bad effect on upscale suburban voters keeps him at it to hang onto the base. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images One of the big questions that will be asked after the midterms, no matter what happens, is why Republicans didnt focus more on economic themes, given the humming economy, as reflected in the final pre-election jobs report. Yes, we all know the president is obsessed with such culture-war staples as the alleged threat of immigration, which may help explain his focus on the phantom menace of a migrant caravan. But he likes to boast about the economy, too. Why arent he and his allies talking more about that? Well, for one thing, as Sarah Jones has observed, all those macroeconomic indicators that look so good dont necessarily translate into good living conditions for middle-class voters. Republicans, moreover, dont have an economic agenda that is attractive to such voters, who dont feel they benefit from GOP tax cuts and are actively threatened by GOP health care policies. And as a matter of fact, midterm elections are usually not about the economy, but about overall assessments of the president. Trumps assessments, while generally positive in terms of his stewardship of the economy, are bad enough on other issues and characteristics that they remain underwater. It is clear, moreover, that Trump and his party are caught between the temptation to appeal to voters who love his cultural agenda or to reassure those who dont. To the extent they play to the culture-war base, they make it very hard for the suburban upscale voters who might actually believe they are benefiting from the current economy to make that their decision-point. Its a toxic cycle, as Ron Brownstein explains: The GOPs final message in 2018 shows that it is relying more than ever on the cultural grievances of blue-collar white America in order to amass the political power to pass an economic agenda aimed primarily at those in the upper income brackets. And yet the GOP appears at far greater risk next week of losing upper-middle-class voters on cultural grounds than it does of losing working-class voters for economic reasons. The major exception is a few midwestern industrial states, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio, where Democrats appear to be clawing back into contention among working-class whites. Trumps closing emphasis on culture may, in fact, represent a kind of triage for the GOP that effectively concedes large suburban losses in the House, but tries to protect more rural and blue-collar districts, as well as GOP Senate candidates in states fitting the latter description. And its not just a short-term decision Trump and Republicans are making right now. The cycle of trading culturally liberal suburban for culturally conservative white evangelical and working-class voters can become self-perpetuating, as Brownstein notes: After November, the GOP caucus in both congressional chambers will almost certainly tilt even further toward predominantly white, heavily blue-collar, and religiously traditional places where Trumps insular messaging resonates. The paradox that the final stage of the 2018 election reveals is this: As more upscale voters who benefit from the GOPs economic agenda flee Trumps racially infused definition of the party, Republicans will become even more dependent on stoking the cultural grievances of their working-class base. So the culture-war mood among Republicans may become more, not less, intense after the midterms. And if, between now and 2020, the economy slows down, you can expect Trump to get downright medieval on cultural issues. Hes already broken most of the resistance of his fellow partisans to a revanchist, white nationalist message and agenda; its amazing to remember that as recently as 2004 comprehensive immigration reform was a bedrock principle of a Republican president. But at some point, ethno-cultural traditionalism may no longer just be Trumps signature issue, but his only politically effective theme. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa admitted that many supporters had abandoned the ruling ANC party that Nelson Mandela led to power in 1994 when apartheid rule ended South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday said the ruling ANC party had emerged from "a very dark period" under his predecessor Jacob Zuma but would bounce back to win next year's election. Ramaphosa, who came to office in February after Zuma was ousted by the ANC, admitted that many supporters had abandoned the party Nelson Mandela led to power in 1994 when apartheid rule ended. But he said the party was tackling corruption problems and would win back voters after its worst election showing in local polls in 2016. "We are moving from a very dark period of our recent history," Ramaphosa told foreign correspondents in Johannesburg. "The ANC will win, it is just a question of what percentage. "The shine that had been tarnished is coming back and people are realising this. We are in a new period now -- we are no longer in a period where we were just sliding downwards. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa a former trade unionist and wealthy businessman, confirmed he would give evidence to a judicial enquiry into alleged corruption under his predecessor Jacob Zuma "Many people are looking anew at the ANC. They have a sense that we are now beginning to deal with corruption." He confirmed that he would give evidence to a judicial enquiry into alleged corruption under Zuma. "I will be going to give an account to the commission about what I knew and what I didn't know," Ramaphosa said. South Africa is due to hold a general election between May and August next year. Soldiers loyal to the Saudi-led coalition fighting on the side of the government in Yemen are seen in Aden on October 29, 2018 Yemen's government said Thursday it was ready to re-start peace talks with Huthi rebels, amid growing international pressure to end the years-long conflict. The Yemeni government said it welcomed "all efforts to restore peace" after the UN called for the warring parties to enter negotiations. "Yemen is ready to immediately launch talks on the process of confidence-building, primarily the release of all detainees and prisoners, as well as those who have been abducted or subject to enforced disappearance," the government said in a statement carried by the state-run Saba news agency. That came after a string of comments by key US officials and by the UN's envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths, who called Wednesday for warring parties to come to the table "within a month". US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo this week called for an end to the Yemen war, including air strikes, in an implicit acknowledgement that a Saudi-led coalition was involved in the bombing of civilians. Washington backs the coalition, which is fighting alongside Yemen's government against the Iran-backed Huthi rebels. But Saudi Arabia's regional role has come under scrutiny after the killing in its Istanbul consulate last month of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a former royal court insider-turned-critic who wrote columns for the Washington Post. - 'People are already dying' - A doctor inspects Yemeni boy Ghazi Ali bin Ali, 10, who is suffering from severe malnutrition at a hospital in Jabal Habashi on the outskirts of the city of Taiz, on October 30, 2018 Yemen's war has been particularly devastating for the country's children, over seven million of whom now face food insecurity, according to the UN children's agency. "Today, 1.8 million children under the age of five are facing acute malnutrition, and 400,000 are affected by severe acute malnutrition," said Geert Cappelaere, regional director of UNICEF. "In the last couple of years, we see the number of severely acute malnourished children stabilising," he told AFP late on Wednesday. But "ending the war is not enough," he added. "The war is exacerbating the situation that was already bad before because of years of underdevelopment" in the Arab world's poorest nation, Cappelaere said. According to aid organisation CARE International, food security experts are determining whether famine should be declared in Yemen. "A declaration of famine would mean that the international community has already failed the people of Yemen," said Jolien Veldwijk, assistant country director for CARE Yemen. "Two of the thresholds needed to declare a famine -- death rates and acute malnutrition rates -- are lagging indicators, which means that by the time these thresholds are met, people are already dying," she said. UNICEF's Cappelaere said that over 6,000 children had either been killed or sustained serious injuries since 2015. "These are the numbers we have been able to verify, but we can safely assume that the number is higher, much higher," he said. Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in the war in 2015 to bolster Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the Iran-backed rebels took over the capital Sanaa. A newborn Yemeni girl suffering from severe malnutrition receives care in a hospital in northwestern Hajjah province, on October 31, 2018 According to the World Health Organization, nearly 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict. In September, a previous round of UN-led peace talks collapsed after the Huthis refused to travel to Geneva, accusing the world body of failing to guarantee their delegation's return to Sanaa or secure the evacuation of wounded rebels to Oman. Previous talks broke down in 2016, when 108 days of negotiations in Kuwait failed to yield a deal and left rebel delegates stranded in Oman for three months. A UN panel of experts has accused both the Huthis and the Saudi-led coalition of acts that could amount to war crimes. Growing violence in anglophone areas lead up to Cameroon President Paul Biya's re-election last month to a seventh straight term A Cameroonian anglophone separatist leader was in court Thursday, in his first public appearance since he was extradited from Nigeria in January, amid spiralling violence in English-speaking areas. Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, who wants Cameroon's two anglophone regions to separate from the French-speaking part of the country and last year spearheaded a symbolic declaration of independence, appeared with nine other defendants at a brief hearing in the capital Yaounde. "This day is a big day because all (ten) defendants were there," lawyer Me John Feu Nsoh told reporters after the court appearance, which was about the group's petition to be freed. Ayuk Tabe, who pronounced himself the president of a new republic called "Ambazonia" in October 2017, was arrested with 46 others in Nigeria and extradited in January. Cameroon has called the 47 "terrorists" and said they would "answer for their crimes", as tensions mount in the Southwest and Northwest Regions, home to most of the country's English-speakers. Three lawyers filed a motion for the "immediate" release of ten of them in October, including Ayuk Tabe. On leaving the courtroom the group waved at relatives held at a distance, before getting into a police bus, according to AFP. English-speaking separatists complain of discrimination at the hands of the French-speaking majority in education, the justice system and the economy in the largely francophone central African nation. In 2017 anglophone separatists took up arms, attacking security forces and torching symbols of the administration, such as schools. The government has refused to engage in dialogue with separatists and has sent forces into the area to restore order. The unrest has worsened this year, claiming the lives of more than 400 civilians and an unknown number of separatists in the year to September, according to the International Crisis Group think-tank. More than 300,000 people have fled the violence, some to neighbouring Nigeria. Syrian protesters, mainly Kurds, demonstrate on on November 1, 2018 in the northeastern town of Al-Qahtaniyah against Turkish bombardment of Syrian Kurdish militia positions Turkish and US troops began joint patrols Thursday in the Syrian city of Manbij as the US-led coalition against the Islamic State group sought to calm renewed tensions between Ankara and a Kurdish-led Syrian alliance fighting the jihadists. Earlier this week, Turkey once again raised threats against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), shelling its positions and warning of a new offensive to clear the militia from its border. That sparked concern in Washington as it attempts to balance its ties with the YPG, a key force in the fight against IS, and its NATO ally Ankara. The YPG forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the US-led coalition's main ground partner in the fight against IS in Syria. But Ankara views the YPG as a "terrorist" group and is set on preventing it from entrenching itself along the border. In response to Wednesday's shelling, the SDF said it had temporarily halted its offensive against an IS holdout in eastern Syria. In what appears to be an attempt by Washington to appease Turkey, US and Turkish troops on Thursday launched joint patrols on the outskirts of the northern city of Manbij, where French troops are also deployed. The animosity between Syria's Kurds and Turkey underlines the complexity of the multi-front Syrian conflict Although the YPG claims to have pulled out of the city after the SDF seized it from IS in 2016, Ankara has recently complained that the group still has a presence there, repeatedly threatening military action. "The joint patrol in Manbij between Turkish armed forces and the US began today at 3.53 PM (1253 GMT)," Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told lawmakers, according to state-run news agency Anadolu. The patrol ran from the Sajur River that divides Manbij and the region of Jarabulus, which was captured from IS by Turkish-backed Syrian rebels in 2016 during Ankara's first offensive in northern Syria. Shortly after it was announced, Turkey said its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had spoken over the phone with his US counterpart Donald Trump to discuss the Syrian conflict, including cooperation in Manbij. They agreed to maintain "close contact" and maintained their "determination" to "further strengthen bilateral relations", a statement from the Turkish presidency said. - 'De-escalation' - The coalition said in a statement Thursday that "maintaining security and stability in Manbij is imperative to sustaining momentum" in the ongoing push to defeat IS in Syria. "We're fully supportive of the road map and the combined joint patrols, and I am confident they will be very effective," said Major General Christopher Ghika, deputy commander of the coalition. Turkish and US troops have been conducting separate "coordinated" patrols in Manbij as part of a roadmap laid out in June to defuse tensions between the two allies. For Syria expert Nicholas Heras, joint patrols could help Washington block any attempt by Turkey's Erdogan to move on Kurdish areas held by the SDF in Syria's north and northeast. "The Trump folks hope that the success of the patrols in Manbij would keep Erdogan from mischief in the areas controlled by the SDF," said the Center for a New American Security researcher. Syria's Kurdish minority, oppressed for decades by Damascus, has taken advantage of the conflict ravaging Syria since 2011 to carve out a de facto autonomous area in Syria's northeast. The US-backed SDF launched a campaign on September 10 to expel IS from a holdout in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border But Ankara fears the establishment of a Kurdish entity along its border will galvanise Kurdish separatists on its own soil. "We have been in communication (with) both Turkey and the SDF to de-escalate the situation," coalition spokesman Colonel Sean Ryan said Thursday on Twitter. After Wednesday's shelling, the SDF had warned of "a prolonged halt" to anti-IS operations if Ankara kept up its strikes. SDF spokesman Kino Gabriel told AFP on Thursday that anti-IS operations in Syria were "temporarily suspended" but that the alliance's forces were still holding positions in the area. "Offensive operations have been halted, defensive operations continue. Our forces are consolidating their positions defensively," he said. - 'Revenge' - For the second day in a row, hundreds of protesters poured into the streets Thursday in SDF-held areas in northern Syria, demonstrating against the Turkish bombardment. "We want to send our voice to the world to stop the Turkish attacks against the Kurdish people," said 56-year-old Ali Saadun in the northeastern village of Al-Qahtaniyah. "We consider it their revenge for the gains made by the Kurds" in Syria, added. Since 2016, Turkey has carried out two operations against Kurdish forces in Syria, the last of which saw Ankara-backed Syrian rebels take the border city of Afrin in March. Syrian protesters, mainly Kurds, demonstrate on on November 1, 2018 in the northeastern town of Al-Qahtaniyah against Turkish bombardment of Syrian Kurdish militia positions The Turkish government sees the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a deadly insurgency in Turkey since 1984. But while the PKK is designated as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies, the YPG has no such designation. Backed by coalition air strikes, the SDF launched a campaign on September 10 to expel IS from a holdout near the Iraqi border. The animosity between Syria's Kurds and Turkey underlines the complexity of the multi-front Syrian conflict. The war has cost over 360,000 lives since it broke out in 2011 with anti-government protests that were violently suppressed by the regime. South Africa's president dismissed SARS commissioner Tom Moyane (L, pictured February 2015) after a judiciary inquiry recommnded his immediate removal to "forestall any further deterioration" of the South African tax administration system South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday sacked the head of the country's tax collection agency, an ally of scandal-tainted former leader Jacob Zuma, said the presidency. The president dismissed Tom Moyane after a judiciary inquiry recommended his immediate removal "to forestall any further deterioration of our tax administration system," said a statement from his office. Ramaphosa suspended the tax chief in March just a month after taking over from Zuma and ordered the probe into the South African Revenue Authority (SARS). In a letter to Moyane, Ramaphosa said the investigation had painted "a deeply concerning picture of the current state of SARS and the reckless mismanagement which characterised your tenure". "Of further, and in many ways greater, concern is your refusal to meaningfully participate in the ... (investigation) in order to assist with identifying the root causes of the systemic failures at SARS and ways in which to arrest these," said Ramaphosa in the letter cited in the statement. The tax service -- crucial for raising funds for public services -- was once among the country's best run and among the most efficient state institutions. But it became a battleground of political rivalries in recent years after Zuma filled it with acolytes. Since 2014 when Zuma appointed Moyane to head it, the agency repeatedly failed to meet its tax collection targets. In his report after the probe, retired Judge Robert Nugent said "the day Mr Moyane took office was a calamity for SARS. Almost immediately, and then continuously for the next 18 months, SARS was thrown into turmoil, with tragic consequences for the lives of many people, tragic consequences for the reputation of SARS, and tragic consequences for the country at large". Ramaphosa said it was evident that if the problems facing the agency were to be solved "it would be best to terminate" Moyane's services. The main opposition Democratic Alliance said over the three-and-a-half years he was in charge of the tax collection agency "Moyane managed to reduce the vital entity from being a world leader in tax collection to being a friend" of the ruling ANCs state corruption project. Two bodies tasked with overseeing elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been subject to "politicisation" and "display an affinity" with President Joseph Kabila's (pictured October 2018) governing coalition The Democratic Republic of Congo presidency has undue influence over two bodies tasked with overseeing elections, a research group said Thursday, warning the country risked "a new cycle of conflict". The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and Constitutional Court have been subject to "politicisation", said the report by the Study Group on Congo (GEC), based at New York University. Both bodies are "disputed" and their members "accused of bias", it warned less than two months before presidential, legislative, and provincial elections in the DR Congo on December 23. "These accusations, together with the lack of consensus within the political class and the popular protests that may ensue, risk plunging the DRC into a new cycle of conflict," the study authors wrote. In power since 2001, President Joseph Kabila's constitutional term expired in December 2016, but a deal was struck to avoid bloodshed that allowed him to stay in office provided elections for a new president were held in 2017. But authorities repeatedly postponed the ballot, citing logistical problems. Twenty-one candidates, including a Kabila-backed former interior minister, will take part in the December presidential contest. The new study blamed the "weakness" of electoral watchdogs on "the ability of the presidency to control, co-opt, or divide the different political and social forces that should serve as a counterweight: the opposition, civil society, and professional organisations such as the High Judges Council. "This dominance of institutions responsible for ensuring the transparency of the electoral process renders the legal safeguards governing these institutions almost ineffective," said the report. Most members of the CENI and Constitutional court "display an affinity" with Kabila's governing coalition, it added. It was therefore "essential that counterweights be set up outside official institutions. In particular, national and international observation missions should be deployed, political party witnesses should be mobilised, and journalists should be allowed to do their work. "It is also important that the United Nations mission in the Congo and the international community closely monitor these elections," said the report. But government spokesman Jean-Pierre Kambila said the accusations "aim to prepare the ground for those who want to boycott the elections. There are coordinated actions to prevent the elections from taking place." The opposition as a whole has said it will not boycott the elections, but want independent oversight. Prince Charles's arrival in the Gambia was the first royal visit since the 2017 ousting of President Yahya Jammeh who withdrew from the Commonwealth and threatened to change the country's official language from English The Prince of Wales on Thursday called on The Gambia to work with Britain to promote democracy nearly two years after the small West African nation emerged from decades of authoritarian rule. Prince Charles's arrival in The Gambia was the first royal visit since the 2017 ousting of President Yahya Jammeh who withdrew from the Commonwealth and threatened to change the country's official language from English. Britain's Camilla (C), Duchess of Cornwall, and Fatou Bah-Barrow (L), wife of Gambia's President Adama Barrow, visited a local school "The UK and The Gambia can once again work together to defend our shared common values and to promote democracy, human rights, tolerance and the rule of law," said Prince Charles, accompanied by his wife Camilla at an event in the capital Banjul. The Gambia was welcomed back into the Commonwealth during a visit by the Gambian president to London earlier this year. Prince Charles said The Gambia's re-entry was an "important milestone" as the former British colony chose to turn its back on twenty years of Jammeh's rule. He called on the two countries to commit to addressing The Gambia's urgent needs such as resource depletion, youth unemployment and rapid urbanisation with the help of Commonwealth member states. During his visit Prince Charles called on the two countries to commit to addressing The Gambia's urgent needs such as resource depletion, youth unemployment and rapid urbanisation with the help of commonwealth member states "Please know that UK and the other members of the Commonwealth stand with you," Prince Charles said. President Adama Barrow said the return to the Commonwealth illustrated his government's willingness to enhance international cooperation. "I also call on the United Kingdom with whom we have close historical ties to continue to support us through enhancing trade, investment and economic cooperation," he said. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall also visited a military barracks and a war cemetery where World War II army veterans were laid to rest Following the event at MacCarthy Square, where the Union Jack was lowered in 1965 and the Gambian flag raised, the Duchess of Cornwall visited a middle school on the outskirts of Banjul to donate a metalwork lathe and plant a tree. Local officials said it was the first royal visit since the country rejoined the Commonwealth. The last visit was by Princess Anne in 1990. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall also visited a military barracks and a war cemetery where World War II army veterans were laid to rest. Jammeh took over The Gambia, the smallest country on land in Africa, in a military coup in 1994 and installed a structure of oppression. But his reign began to fall in December 2016, when he suffered an electoral defeat at the hands of Barrow, the opposition leader. He refused to step down, but was forced out the following month after other West African countries intervened militarily. He flew into self-imposed exile in Equatorial Guinea. Google employees in New York joined a global walkout over the company's handling of sexual harassment Thousands of Google employees joined a coordinated worldwide walkout Thursday to protest the US tech giant's handling of sexual harassment as the chief vowed "concrete steps are coming" in response to the concern. Google employees poured out of buildings at the company's Silicon Valley "Googleplex," filling courtyards and patios in solidarity with workers around the world who held similar protests over the company's handling of sexual misconduct. Demonstrators streamed across the Mountain View campus, some waving signs bearing messages such as "Time's Up Tech" and "Happy to quit for $90 million -- no sexual harassment required." The turnout in California was the final stage of a global walkout that began in Asia and spread to Google offices in Europe. Some protesters chalked statements such as "Not OK Google" in large letters on pavement as television news helicopters circled overhead. Pictures, videos and comments steadily flooded a freshly-launched "Google Walkout For Real Change" account on Twitter as employees and contractors left their workplaces to rally. "There's been anger and frustration within the company," Google chief executive Sundar Pichai was quoted as saying at a New York Times Dealbook conference on Thursday. "At Google, we set a very high bar, and we clearly didn't live up to our expectations." Pichai was quoted as saying Google has "drawn a very hard line" on improper behavior in recent years but that "moments like this show we didn't always do it right." He reportedly added that "there are concrete steps coming up." In New York, where Google has a large office in the Chelsea neighborhood, hundreds of employees took to the streets. "I think we are a really powerful collective and we all want to see change," said Claire Stapleton, one of the New York organizers. "I think leadership is listening." The protest took shape after Google said last week that it had fired 48 employees in the past two years -- including 13 senior executives -- as a result of allegations of sexual misconduct. That statement came after The New York Times reported that a senior Google employee, Android creator Andy Rubin, received an exit package worth $90 million as he faced allegations of misconduct, and that Google had covered up other claims of sexual harassment. Rubin has denied the allegations and claimed he was the victim of a "smear campaign." Google employees in New York were part of the walkout on November 1, 2018, joined by workers in offices of the tech giant around the world Protesters pointed out that women make up only about 31 percent of the workforce and 25 percent of executives at Google. Demma Rodriguez, head of equity engineering and a seven-year Google employee, said the protest was an important part of bringing fairness to the technology colossus. "We have an aspiration to be the best company in the world," Rodriguez said. "But we also have goals as a company and we can't decide we are going to miss those." - Dublin and London - Google staff in London were among employees to walk out as part of a global campaign over the US tech giant's handling of sexual harassment At Google's Dublin campus, the company's European headquarters, around 500 people walked out in chilly conditions but were reticent about speaking to the media. Organizer Kate, who did not want to give her surname, told the crowd that she coordinated the Dublin walkout "in solidarity with anybody who has experienced any form of sexual harassment or misconduct in our workplace." She told reporters afterward: "If even one person has experienced it, it's important for us -- for me -- to show our solidarity and say that we don't agree with that, and that it shouldn't happen." In London, hundreds of workers packed into the biggest room at their main office in protest and later headed outside. "We're walking out to support colleagues in any workplace that have suffered harassment and to ensure that perpetrators aren't protected or rewarded," Sam Dutton, a developer advocate, told AFP. Google chief executive Sundar Pichai has said he wants the company to be a safe workplace Demands posted by organizers included an end to forced arbitration in cases of harassment and discrimination for all current and future employees, along with a right for every Google worker to bring a co-worker, representative, or supporter when filing a harassment claim. - CEO 'deeply sorry' - Google employees at a New York protest over the tech giant's handling of sexual misconduct allegations The walkout call came as Google's parent company Alphabet confirmed Wednesday that Richard DeVaul, an executive reportedly accused of sexual harassment, left the company without an exit package. Pichai sent a message to employees late Tuesday, a copy of which was posted online by technology news website Ars Technica. Pichai said he has heard from many employees on the subject of inappropriate behavior at work and was "deeply sorry for the past actions and the pain they have caused employees." The concerns at Google have added to the growing chorus of voices denouncing the existence of a sexist culture in male-dominated Silicon Valley, which has knocked a number of internet industry executives at other tech giants from their perches. burs-cat-gc/ia About 2,500 Chinese peacekeepers are serving in complex missions including in South Sudan, where these Blue Helmets from China were patrolling in Juba, in October 2016 China has invited the UN Security Council for a visit this month that will showcase its growing support for peacekeeping and include a tour of the modern cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the UN ambassador said on Thursday. The visit will highlight China's role as a global player at a time when the United States is pulling back from multilateral institutions like the United Nations. As part of its Security Council presidency for November, China is also planning a debate on strengthening multilateralism and the role of the United Nations. The council trip to Beijing and southern China marks a departure from the usual visits to conflict areas. China's United Nations Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu called the trip a "side event" instead of a formal visit. After the United States, China is the second largest financial contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget, but is the largest troop contributor of the council's five permanent members. About 2,500 Chinese peacekeepers are serving in complex missions in South Sudan, Mali, Sudan's Darfur region and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Council ambassadors will tour a defense ministry training facility near Beijing, established for an 8,000-strong reserve force for UN peace operations. "China is one of the major contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. We are attaching more and more importance to UN peacekeeping operations," both financially and in terms of resources, Ma told a news conference. The stops at Shenzhen and Guangzhou will allow ambassadors to get a feel for China's development and reforms, he added. The visit is expected to take place around November 22 to 25. Next week, China will chair a debate on strengthening multilateralism that follows calls during the UN gathering of world leaders in September to defend global institutions in the face of a US retreat. President Donald Trump's administration has cut funding to the United Nations, pulled out of the UN Human Rights Council and walked away from UN-backed agreements including the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear deal. The November 9 debate will seek to shore up support for the United Nations. The Chinese ambassador said "international rules and multilateral mechanisms are being undermined", creating a world "filled with uncertainties and destabilizing factors." In interviews, Bolsonaro said Israel should have the right to decide where its capital is located, just as Brazil moved its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in 1960 Brazil will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday, making the Latin American giant the largest country after the United States to make the controversial switch. "As previously stated during our campaign, we intend to transfer the Brazilian Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel is a sovereign state and we shall duly respect that," Bolsonaro tweeted, a move that will defy Palestinians and most of the world. In interviews, Bolsonaro said Israel should have the right to decide where its capital is located, just as Brazil moved its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in 1960. Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, with international consensus being that the status of the whole city must be negotiated between the two sides. Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community. In December, President Donald Trump reversed longstanding US policy and recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, prompting Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas to boycott his administration. The embassy was officially transferred on May 14. Guatemala and Paraguay followed suit, though the latter announced last month it would return its embassy to Tel Aviv. Bolsonaro, 63, who won a run-off election on Sunday, has outraged many with his overtly misogynistic, homophobic and racist rhetoric. Following his victory, Netanyahu told Bolsonaro he was certain his election "will lead to a great friendship between our peoples and the tightening of links between Brazil and Israel." An official in Netanyahu's office told AFP the Israeli premier was "very likely" to attend Bolsonaro's inauguration ceremony in January. Bolsonaro meanwhile plans to make Israel one of his first foreign trips as president, along with the United States and Chile -- countries that "share our worldview," according to the president-elect's future for chief of staff, Onyx Lorenzoni. Photo: Colleen Hayes In our advice column, Ask the Strategist, we take your most burning shopping questions and scour friends, call up experts, and draw from personal experience to answer them. As always, please comment with one of your own were here to help. Question: I am in desperate need of your sleuthing skills. Maya Rudolph wears several pairs of (the same?) clogs throughout season one of Forever and I need them. I also dont want to blow hundreds on some random Swedish brand without the Strat stamp of approval. Help me hunt down these wooden-soled wonders? On the Amazon show Forever, Maya Rudolphs character June leads a really boring life and an even more boring afterlife, but one glint of brightness (aside from the very nice ceramics she makes) is her penchant for really good clogs. We called Forevers costume designer Kirston Mann, who told us the blue braided clogs Rudolph wears are (as we suspected) No. 6, a favorite of artsy moms from Boerum Hill to Silver Lake. Both Maya and I are big clog wearers, weve been huge fans of No. 6 for many years, and in our real lives we have almost every color and every style. Ive worked with her before on The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but this was the first time we got to do dream clothes that we would want to actually wear, Mann said. Rudolph in the No. 6 Leather Clog Buckle Boot. Photo: Colleen Hayes No. 6 Mid Heel Old School Clog $330 $330 She also wears our Heidi Woven Clog on Mid Heel in navy, which is a very recent past style. We are doing it this season without the weave; its called the Old School Clog on Mid Heel and has become one of our best sellers. We can, however, make older styles for customers upon request. Bereson This suede green pair is pretty great, too. $330 at Garmentory Buy No. 6 Issa Closed Back Clog on Mid Wedge $285 But if youre dead set on a pair with the braided top detail, you can pick up a pair from this season, though theyre wedge heels rather than ordinary clogs. Or look through a few similar styles that you dont have to wait for the No. 6 sample sale to find. $285 at No. 6 Buy More clogs you might like: MIA Elsa Clog $99 For a pair with braided detailing not so unlike No. 6, check out these MIA Elsa clogs. $99 at Nordstrom Buy Beklina Ribbed Clog $270 $270 Finally, if you already own a pair of No. 6 or any of the above, you might want to try the pair we dubbed the new status clog in bright aqua blue. $270 at Garmentory 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. The 1MDB scandal led to criminal charges against former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, seen being escorted to court by police in Kuala Lumpur in October 2018 US officials have unveiled criminal charges against two former Goldman Sachs bankers over the scandal-plagued Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, raising fresh questions about corporate culture at the prestigious investment bank. The Justice Department arrested former Goldman Sachs banker Ng Chong Hwa in Malaysia on Thursday, and unsealed charges against Tim Leissner, another ex-Goldman banker, who has already pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $43.7 million in restitution of ill-gotten gains. Both men were charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The Justice Department also announced criminal charges against Low Taek Jho, an alleged mastermind and an intermediary to the Malaysian fund. US officials say he remains at large. Goldman Sachs itself was not charged. These are the first US criminal charges in the case which spawned investigations around the world. - Conspiring to launder billions - The 1MDB scandal has had a major impact in Malaysia, with allegations of involvement of top officials contributing to the downfall of the long-ruling coalition at elections in May. What is Malaysia's 1MDB scandal? Former prime minister Najib Razak has since been arrested and charged over the scandal. He denies any wrongdoing. The men were charged with conspiring to launder billions of dollars from 1 Malaysia Development Berhad, a sovereign wealth fund set up for development of the country, and conspiring to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi, violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Low, in a statement through his spokesman, maintained his innocence. "Mr. Low simply asks that the public keep an open mind regarding this case until all of the evidence comes to light, which he believes will vindicate him," it said. Ng was also indicted for conspiring to violate the internal controls at Goldman Sachs, which underwrote about $6.5 billion in bonds issued by 1MDB, the US government said. The funds were intended "for the benefit of the Malaysian people" but more than $2.7 billion went to kickbacks and bribes, according to the charges. Alleged mastermind Low Taek Jho, (C) pictured with Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys at a charity ball in 2014, remains at large Goldman Sachs, which garnered $600 million in fees and revenues from three 1MDB bond transactions detailed in the indictments, has said previously it has received subpoenas and requests for information on the case from various governments and regulatory bodies. Goldman Sachs, which said it is cooperating in the probe, was not named in the DOJ criminal documents, but was referred to as "financial institution #1." The DOJ said Ng and Leissner repeatedly circumvented Goldman's oversight tools for countering fraud, adding that the "business culture" at the firm, "particularly in Southeast Asia, was highly focused on consummating deals." The documents refer to a third unnamed Goldman official who is an Italian national. The banker, Andrea Vella, was put on leave in October, according to a person familiar with the matter. - Hiding Low's involvement - Under one scheme involving a 2012 "Project Magnolia" bond offering by 1MDB, Low allegedly told the ex-Goldman bankers they needed to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi to guarantee that the transaction went through. The Equanimity, the 300-foot (90-metre) luxury yacht that Low Taek Jho - who allegedly played a central role in the 1MDB controversy - is said to have bought with swindled money Hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes were subsequently paid to officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi. After the bond transaction was executed, more than $500 million of the bond proceeds were misappropriated into shell companies controlled by Low, Leissner, Ng and other co-conspirators, the government alleged. Some of the funds went to finance the movie, "The Wolf of Wall Street," a 2013 Oscar-nominated film about Jordan Belfort, a corrupt stockbroker who was sent to prison for fraud, the government said. Ng and Leissner's efforts in the scheme dated to 2009, when they began cultivating a relationship with Low, who allegedly "worked as an intermediary in relation to 1MDB and other foreign government officials" but did not hold a formal position at 1MDB and was never employed by the government. A protester holds a sign with a picture of then-Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak during a November 2016 rally calling for Razak's resignation, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Ng, a managing director at Goldman, and Leissner, who worked as Southeast Asia chairman and managing director at Goldman, sought on three occasions to make Low a formal client, but were rebuffed because officials in the compliance group had "concerns" about the source of the person's wealth and deemed he would not be a "suitable" client. As the bond offerings proceeded, the two men concealed Low's involvement from Goldman Sachs officials. Leissner is free on a $20 million bond and pleaded guilty before a US judge in August, in Brooklyn Federal Court. He is cooperating with DOJ investigators, The Wall Street Journal reported. Lawyers for Leissner did not respond to requests for comment. Low is represented by Marc Kasowitz, an attorney who has formerly represented US President Donald Trump, a DOJ spokesman said. US President Donald Trump has scheduled 10 campaign rallies in eight states ahead of the crucial midterm elections As the US midterm election campaign enters the final stretch before Tuesday's vote, many races are too close to call but most polls have Democrats seizing control of the House of Representatives -- and Republicans clinging on to the Senate. President Donald Trump is ratcheting up the rhetoric and campaigning furiously as he seeks to hold on to the Republican majorities in the two chambers of Congress. All 435 seats in the House are up for grabs on Tuesday while 35 seats in the 100-member Senate are at stake. Americans will choose new governors in 36 states. Republicans currently have a slim 51-49 hold on the Senate, where Democrats have a tough hill to climb with 26 Democratic seats on the ballot, while Republicans must only defend nine. Democrats need a net gain of 23 seats to take control of the House they lost in 2010, and House minority leader Nancy Pelosi predicted this week they would do so. US Representative Beto O'Rourke, a Democrat, has energized voters and is waging a surprisingly competitive race in Texas against incumbent Senator Ted Cruz "Democrats will carry the House," Pelosi said on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," while also forecasting victory in the Senate. Political forecasting outlet FiveThirtyEight.com gives Democrats a 5 in 6, or 84.5 percent, chance of gaining control of the House but only a 1 in 7, or roughly 15 percent, chance of winning the Senate. As election day approaches and with turnout a major factor, Trump has sought to drive Republicans to the polls and rekindle the enthusiasm of his successful 2016 presidential bid. "I'm not on the ticket, but I am on the ticket because this is also a referendum about me," he said at a rally last month in Mississippi. "Pretend I'm on the ballot." - Anti-immigration rhetoric - Trump has scheduled 10 campaign rallies over the next five days in eight states -- Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. A voter information guide for the upcoming US midterm election Trump has dialed up the rhetoric on immigration, issuing dire warnings about caravans of Central American migrants heading to the US border with Mexico. Claiming the caravans include "very bad thugs and gang members," Trump has ordered 5,000 active-duty troops to the border and said he is considering sending up to 15,000. "This isn't an innocent group of people," Trump said Thursday. "This is an invasion." Trump also posted a political ad on his Twitter account on Wednesday that shows a Mexican man boasting about killing police officers and includes the caption "Democrats let him into the country." Democrats accused the president of seeking to inflame his supporters with his anti-immigration appeals. "This is fear mongering," Tom Perez, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, told CNN. "This has been Donald Trump's playbook for so long." Control of the Senate will come down to a handful of races, in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia, according to political analysts. - Tight Senate races - In Arizona, two women -- Democratic Representative Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Representative Martha McSally, a former air force fighter pilot -- are battling to replace Senator Jeff Flake, a Trump critic who is not running for re-election. 538.com currently gives Sinema a slight edge. People cast their ballots at a community center during early voting in Potomac, Maryland In Florida, incumbent Democratic Senator Bill Nelson is involved in a tough re-election battle with Republican governor Rick Scott. 538.com has Nelson with a small lead. In Missouri, 538.com gives incumbent Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill a 3-in-5 chance of holding off a stiff challenge from 38-year-old state attorney general Josh Hawley. In other closely watched races, Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota is trailing in most polls and incumbent Republican Senator Dean Heller of Nevada is locked in a dead heat with Democratic challenger Jacky Rosen. In reliably Republican Texas, Senator Ted Cruz is facing a surprisingly competitive challenge from rising Democratic star Beto O'Rourke but most polls give the edge to the Republican incumbent. Two races for governor have drawn widespread attention. In Georgia, Democrat Stacey Abrams is seeking to become the first black woman to become governor of a US state. She got a helping hand on the campaign trail Thursday from Oprah Winfrey. And in Florida, the African-American mayor of Tallahassee, Andrew Gillum, is in a bitter battle with a Trump acolyte, Republican Representative Ron DeSantis. Trump told journalists at the White House that a group of several thousand migrants attempting to walk from Central America through Mexico had thrown rocks "viciously and violently" at Mexican police President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that soldiers deployed to the Mexican border could shoot Central American migrants who throw stones at them while attempting to cross illegally. Trump told journalists at the White House that a group of several thousand migrants walking through Mexico towards the US border had thrown rocks "viciously and violently" at Mexican police. "We're not going to put up with that. They want to throw rocks at our military, our military fights back," he said. "I told them (troops) consider it (a rock) a rifle. When they throw rocks like they did at the Mexican military and police, I say consider it a rifle." Trump has ramped up the rhetoric daily ahead of next Tuesday's midterm congressional elections, accusing the opposition Democrats of wanting to throw open the borders to floods of "tough people," "rapists" and other types of threats Trump spoke during a presentation of his controversial policy on cracking down against what he says is uncontrolled illegal immigration. Contacted for comment, Pentagon spokesman Army Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis said the military would not discuss hypothetical situations on the use of force "but our forces are trained professionals who always have the inherent right of self-defense." "I would also emphasize that our forces are in support of DHS/CBP, who are performing law enforcement activities," he added, referring to the frontline Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection. Trump has ramped up the rhetoric daily ahead of next Tuesday's midterm congressional elections, accusing the opposition Democrats of wanting to throw open the borders to floods of "tough people," "rapists" and other types of threats. The current focus of Trump's repeated claim to be acting against "an invasion" is the dwindling group of a few thousand impoverished migrants trying to get north The current focus of the president's repeated claim to be acting against "an invasion" is the dwindling group of a few thousand impoverished migrants trying to get north, but still far from the US border. Trump said that from now on, the United States will stop its policy of allowing people to claim political asylum at the border unless they have first gone through an official border post. Those caught at the border will be held in tent camps or other facilities until they can be deported or have their requests approved, he said. Critics say that such a radical rethink to asylum policies could violate current laws. But Trump rejected this. President Donald Trump has announced plans to send as many as 15,000 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border "This is totally legal. No, we're stopping people at the border. This is an invasion, and nobody is even questioning that," he said. "We'll be doing an executive order sometime next week," he said, giving little further detail. Despite Trump's increasingly severe warnings of immigration chaos, the government on Wednesday issued figures saying that only about 400,000 people have been apprehended at the border in 2018, down from around 1.6 million in 2000. Trump said he was not anti-immigrant but wanted immigration to be completely brought under control. "Mass uncontrolled immigration is especially unfair to the many wonderful law-abiding immigrants already living here who followed the rules and waited their turn," he said. "Some have been waiting for many years. Some have been waiting a long time. They have done everything perfectly, and they are going to come in." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured October 2018, says he congratulates his "friend Brazilian president-elect Jair Bolsonaro for his intention to move the Brazilian embassy to Jerusalem" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday hailed as "historic" Brazilian president-elect Jair Bolsonaro's plan to move his country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. "I congratulate my friend Brazilian president-elect Jair Bolsonaro for his intention to move the Brazilian embassy to Jerusalem, a historic, correct and exciting step!" Netanyahu said in a statement. Bolsonaro had earlier tweeted that "as previously stated during our campaign, we intend to transfer the Brazilian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem." "Israel is a sovereign state and we shall duly respect that," he said. Brazil would become the largest country after the United States to make the deeply controversial move. Bolsonaro is to be sworn in on January 1. US President Donald Trump broke with decades of precedent in December when he declared Jerusalem Israel's capital and announced the embassy would move there. Palestinian leaders cut off contact with Trump's White House following the declaration. The US embassy in Jerusalem was inaugurated in May. Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community. It sees the entire city as its capital, while the Palestinians consider east Jerusalem, where key holy sites for Christians, Muslims and Jews are located, the capital of their future state. International consensus has been that the city's status must be negotiated between the two sides. Guatemala and Paraguay also moved their embassies to Jerusalem after the US transfer, though the latter announced in September it would return its embassy to Tel Aviv. Austral -- which among other things makes small, quick ships for warfare close to shore -- said its 'data management system' had been infiltrated by an 'unknown offender' A top Australian defence firm with major US Navy contracts has admitted its personnel files were breached and that it was the subject of an extortion attempt. Austral -- which among other things makes small, quick ships for warfare close to shore -- said its "data management system" had been infiltrated by an "unknown offender". In a statement, the company claimed that there was "no evidence to date" that "information affecting national security nor the commercial operations of the company have been stolen". However it said staff email addresses and mobile phone numbers were accessed and the offender purported to offer materials for sale on the internet and "engage in extortion". "The company has not and will not respond to extortion attempts." Australia's department of defence said it "can confirm that no compromise of classified or sensitive information or technology has been identified so far." The company was at pains to point out that the breach hit only its Australian business and did not extend to US projects, because the two computer systems are not linked. Austral has won a controversial contract to build littoral combat ships for the US Navy. The military says it does not need all the vessels paid for, but the project has been aggressively championed by powerful members of the US Congress from Alabama, were Austral's US shipyard is located. Kimio Waki was four years old when Soviet troops invaded the island of Kunashiri and still remembers their arrival clearly, recalling being 'frozen with terror' when 'big men I've never seen before, carrying machine guns, came into our house' Yoi Hasegawa still remembers when armed Soviet soldiers burst into her house just days after Japan's World War II surrender and tried to drag away her teenaged sister. At gunpoint, her father shielded his daughters at their home on an island north of Japan's Hokkaido. "Only after you kill me!" he screamed at the soldiers, who left without harming the family. "I thought we would all die," Hasegawa tells AFP. Nevertheless, Hasegawa, then 13, now 86, has fond memories of her home on the island of Etorofu, off the northern coast of Japan, one of the Kuril islands invaded by the Soviet Union at the end of the war. Four of the islands known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the southern Kuril islands in Russia are disputed and remain a bitter sticking point between Tokyo and Moscow, preventing them from signing a formal peace treaty. Historically, Japan insists the islands have never belonged to anyone else while Russia considers them spoils of war as agreed between then US president Franklin Roosevelt and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1945 Now, former residents who were children when the Soviet troops arrived are heading into their twilight years with little expectation of returning to their former home. More than 60 percent of the 17,000 former islanders have already died and the average age of those still alive is 83. After the Soviet invasion, the father of Kimio Waki, a former resident of the island of Kunashiri, buried his important documents in a pot, for the day he and his family returned. But he didn't live to see that day and Waki, 77, doesn't expect to either. "No progress at all for 70 years... I have nothing to say but it is truly regrettable," he told AFP. He too remembers the Soviet arrival clearly. Kuril Islands "Big men I've never seen before, carrying machine guns, came into our house, ransacking rooms... I was frozen with terror," he recalls. The four-year-old Waki later became friends with Russian children, who came with families after the invasion. But the friendships came to an abrupt end three years later, when hundreds of Japanese residents were expelled, some gathered inside a fishing net with a wooden bottom and hoisted onto a cargo ship. "We were like swordfish... We were not treated like humans," he said. - 'Too little time' - In recent months, diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue appear to have accelerated. Russian President Vladimir Putin in September suggested signing a peace treaty "without any preconditions". Tokyo rejected the proposal, but Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to meet with Putin again later this year. Historically, Japan insists the islands, which were once inhabited by the Ainu indigenous people, have never belonged to anyone else. Kunashiri island, part of the Russian-controlled archipelago known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the southern Kuril islands in Russia, can easily be seen from Hokkaido in Japan Russia considers them spoils of war as agreed between then US president Franklin Roosevelt and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1945. Strategically, control of the islands gives Russia year-round access to the Pacific Ocean for its Pacific Fleet of warships and submarines based in Vladivostok, as the surrounding water doesn't freeze in winter. "Too little time is left," says Masatoshi Ishigaki, mayor of Nemuro City, on the eastern tip of Japan's Hokkaido, just a few kilometres from two of the islands. In 1956, Moscow offered to Tokyo the two smallest islands, Shikotan and Habomai, in exchange for a peace treaty, an offer that went nowhere. But Ishigaki says people in Nemuro would now accept that offer, and even a partial return of the islands would bring "great benefits". - 'The Kurils are Russian' - Another local mayor, Minoru Minatoya from Rausu, says grass-roots exchanges could help build trust. This process is already under way in a limited fashion, with some former residents allowed back to visit family tombs, and Russians coming to Japanese towns under an exchange programme. The dispute over the islands remains a bitter sticking point between Tokyo and Moscow, preventing them from signing a formal World War II peace treaty Japan and Russia are also negotiating economic projects on the islands in areas such as fishing, farming, wind-generated energy, and tourism but the details are yet to be worked out. But Minatoya is sceptical that the economic projects are the best way to solve the problem. "Would you accept it when someone you don't trust says, 'here's a big present for you, please take this'?" he asks. On the other side of the strait, there is little appetite to return the islands. "It is not likely that economic projects will enable Japan to retake control of the islands," said Alexander Gabuev, director of the Asia-Pacific Program at the Carnegie Moscow Center think-tank. "The Russian position is firm: the Kurils are Russian," he told AFP. Until the deadlock is broken, Hasegawa has only the memories of her home island, known as Iturup in Russian, from where a Japanese carrier fleet departed to attack Pearl Harbor in 1941. She remembers riding a horse on the beach, her family felling trees and pulling the logs home on a horse sled. She remembers the bitter cold and how they would put a brick on a stove, then wrap it in a towel to warm their bed. Waki now lives in Rausu, around 25 kilometres from his hometown of Kunashiri, known in Russian as Kunashir, which is visible on a clear day. "It's so near but yet so far." Low Taek Jho, commonly known as Jho Low, is accused by the US Justice Department of conspiring to launder billions of dollars from the state fund 1MDB and bribing officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi A Malaysian financier at the centre of a corruption scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB maintained his innocence Friday after the US unveiled criminal charges against him and two ex-Goldman Sachs bankers. Low Taek Jho, commonly known as Jho Low, and the former bankers were accused by the US Justice Department of conspiring to launder billions of dollars from the fund and bribing officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi. Low allegedly played a central role in plundering 1MDB. He was an associate of Malaysia's former leader Najib Razak, whose government lost power in May in large part due to allegations that the then premier was involved in the vast fraud. Since being ousted, Najib has been hit with a barrage of charges linked to the scandal. A spokesman for 36-year-old Low, who held no official position at the fund but was believed to have huge influence over its workings, said that he "maintains his innocence. "Mr. Low held no formal position at 1MDB, nor was he ever employed by Goldman Sachs, or the governments of Malaysia or Abu Dhabi. "The US Department of Justice specifically states that the charges in the indictment are allegations, and that Mr. Low is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. "Mr. Low simply asks that the public keep an open mind regarding this case until all of the evidence comes to light, which he believes will vindicate him." Low's is still at large. His current whereabouts are unknown, although reports have suggested he is in China. The indictments unsealed Thursday against him, ex-bankers Tim Leissner and Ng Chong Hwa, were the first US criminal charges over the huge fraud, which has spawned investigations around the world. Charges were filed in Malaysia in August against Low. Ng was arrested in Malaysia on Thursday, according to the DOJ. Leissner has already pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $43.7 million in restitution of ill-gotten gains. Goldman Sachs underwrote about $6.5 billion in bonds issued by 1Malaysia Development Berhad, a sovereign wealth fund set up to help develop the country, according to the US government. But more than $2.7 billion went to kickbacks and bribes, according to the charges. Goldman Sachs garnered $600 million in fees and revenues from three 1MDB bond transactions detailed in the indictments. Low acted as an intermediary for 1MDB but the ex-Goldman bankers concealed his involvement in the bond offerings, and repeatedly circumvented the bank's oversight tools for countering fraud, according to the charges. The bank says it is cooperating in the probe. Top US diplomat Mike Pompeo has previously said the killing of Jamal Khashoggi "violates the norms of international law" US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said it may take "a handful more weeks" before Washington has enough evidence to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The murder has placed strain on the decades-old alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler. "We're continuing to understand the fact pattern," Pompeo said Thursday during an interview with Missouri-based KMOX news radio. "We are reviewing putting sanctions on the individuals that we have been able to identify to date that have -- that were engaged in that murder. "It'll take us probably a handful more weeks before we have enough evidence to actually put those sanctions in place, but I think we'll be able to get there," he said, adding that President Donald Trump had vowed accountability for all involved in the "heinous crime". Saudi Arabia's contradictions The top US diplomat has previously said the killing "violates the norms of international law." But Pompeo emphasized, as Trump has, that "not only do we have important commercial relationships, but important strategic relationships, national security relationships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we intend to make sure that those relationships remain intact." Speaking at a journalism awards ceremony Thursday, Fred Ryan, Publisher and CEO of the Washington Post which Khashoggi wrote for, urged the Trump administration to take a tougher line. "When officials of our government are asked about consequences for Jamal's murder, they often talk about 'balancing our interests in the area,'" he said. "The 'Khashoggi incident' is viewed in some respects as a 'complication' in a far more important strategic relationship. A protestor wears a mask of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman with others holding posters of journalist Jamal Khashoggi during a demonstration outside the Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul "But Jamal's death is more than a 'complication.' It is vicious, state-sponsored murder of an innocent journalist," he added, calling on the government to suspend arms deals with Riyadh and not resume "business as usual" with the kingdom. "If those who persecute journalists get away with their crimes -- and are allowed to continue with business as usual -- it only invites more of the same," he said. Search teams have been scouring the seabed for the fuselage of the Boeing passenger plane, which plunged into the waters off Indonesia's northern coast Indonesia's transport ministry said Friday it had found "minor" faults in two other Boeing 737-MAX 8 jets, including a cockpit indicator display problem which an analyst said may be similar to one reported in the crashed Lion Air Jet. The ministry is inspecting 10 of the newly released jets owned by Lion and flagship carrier Garuda, as authorities analyse data from a recovered black box that may help explain why flight JT 610 plummeted into the Java Sea, killing 189 people on Monday. Few details were released, but the ministry said it had looked over half a dozen jets so far and discovered that one had a problem linked to its cockpit display while another had a glitch in a jet stabilisation system. Both Lion-owned planes required new components, it said. Aviation analyst Dudi Sudibyo said the cockpit display issue could include a speed-and-altitude glitch reported in the doomed jet. Black box flight recorders "With airplanes, even if there is a single, tiny fault it should not fly," he added. Stephen Wright, an aviation expert at the University of Leeds, told AFP that the faults identified by the transport ministry were "very minor." He added that any problems with the new jet's pitot-static system -- which determines speed and altitude among other measurements -- will be key to the probe. The inspection comes as questions swirl about why a plane that had gone into service just months ago crashed into the sea minutes after takeoff. The single-aisle jet, en route from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang city, is one of the world's newest and most advanced commercial passenger planes. Budget carrier Lion Air's admission that the doomed jet had a technical issue on a previous flight -- as well its abrupt fatal dive -- have raised questions about whether it had mechanical faults specific to the new model. Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee said it was interviewing people who flew on the plane the day before the fatal crash. Some have reported a frightening, erratic trip, an assertion that appears to be backed up by flight tracking data. - Totally destroyed - Earlier Friday, seats, wheels and other parts of the crashed jet were hauled from the depths off Indonesia's north coast as search teams scoured the seabed for the fuselage. "There is a lot of little debris, plane wheels, and seats -- all totally destroyed and in pieces," said Isswarto, commander of the Indonesian navy's search-and-rescue division. Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (C) spoke to rescuers Friday at the port where piles of recovered items are being sorted Divers were searching a relatively shallow area about 25-35 metres deep, but have been finding fewer body parts than earlier in the week, he added. "They're scattered everywhere and some may have been washed away by the current." Dozens of body bags containing remains have been recovered from the crash site. On Thursday, one of the plane's black boxes was recovered, and authorities are hunting for the second one. The black box could offer investigators their best chance of discovering why the jet crashed. The devices help explain nearly 90 percent of all crashes, according to aviation experts. The devices record information about the speed, altitude and direction of the plane as well as flight crew conversations. The recovered flight data recorder could be critical to understanding why the brand new jet crashed Boeing and US National Transportation Safety Board officials are taking part in the probe. The search and rescue agency said the recovery effort would continue at least through Sunday. Preliminary investigation results are expected to be made public by the end of the month. - Poor safety record - Passengers' remains are being sent to hospital for DNA testing, with four passengers identified as of Friday. The pilot on the doomed plane asked to return to Jakarta before the crash, but it remains unclear what caused the accident. The accident resurrected concerns about Indonesia's poor air safety record which until recently saw its carriers facing years-long bans from entering European Union and US airspace. There were nearly 40 fatal aviation accidents in Indonesia over the past 15 years, according to the Aviation Safety Network, including a 1997 crash that killed 234 people, the country's deadliest plane accident. Lion Air -- which has had a number of incidents including a fatal 2004 crash -- capitalised on an explosion in Indonesia's domestic air travel market. But concerns have been raised about pilot shortages in the industry and growth outstripping Indonesia's strained regulatory and technical resources. "The growth of the industry here has happened too fast," said analyst Sudibyo. Mahinda Rajapakse is widely distrusted by the Tamil community, who ordered the brutal final offensive of the 37-year civil war that killed 40,000 of their number Sri Lanka's ethnic Tamil community, scarred by a devastating civil war, could emerge as kingmakers in a power struggle between rival prime ministers -- but they have reasons to mistrust both. President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister last Friday and named former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse as his replacement. Wickremesinghe refuses to accept his dismissal and has remained in the premier's official residence while both men fight for support in parliament. The main Tamil party has 16 seats in the 225-member parliament that should decide between Rajapakse, who unleashed the full force of the military on Tamil Tiger fighters, their supporters and civilians a decade ago, and Wickremesinghe, whose foot-dragging on reform has grated. "We have to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea," Tamil National Alliance (TNA) legislator Dharmalingam Sithadthan told AFP of the two men, both of whom are members of the majority ethnic Sinhalese community. Wickremesinghe's party has 104 members in parliament, while Rajapakse and his allies have 99 -- although some members of each camp have switched sides. The 16 Tamil votes will likely play a crucial deciding role. The prospect of Rajapakse returning to power worries Tamils concentrated in the north and east of the country because of the bloody past. President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister last Friday and named former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse as his replacement Wickremesinghe is also distrusted because of the slow pace of promised reconciliation after the war. His party had promised accountability for war-time atrocities against the Tamils, but since coming to power he has not prosecuted any of the perpetrators. He is also yet to deliver on promises of political reform to grant more authority to Tamils as well as reparations for war victims. Sri Lanka's Tamils generally feel disconnected from national politics, but the power struggle has shocked them, said Ahilan Kadirgamar, a political economist from the Tamil stronghold of Jaffna in the country's north. "There is anxiety over Mahinda Rajapakse coming back," he said. The United Nations estimates that more than 100,000 people were killed in the country's brutal 37-year civil war, including 40,000 Tamil civilians who perished when Rajapakse ordered a brutal final offensive in 2009. Residents in Tamil areas were under constant surveillance during Rajapakse's reign. Tamils had to get military permission to host outsiders in their homes -- even for a meal. Many feared those tight controls could return with Rajapakse, Kadirgamar said. Rajapakse's decade in power ended in 2015. He blamed his presidential election defeat on Tamils who voted against him. - Reprisal fears - "I get calls from my constituents asking what will happen if Mahinda becomes PM," the TNA's Sithadthan said. "Our people are worried about their security, their future." Sithadthan said his parliamentary bloc could risk retribution if it chose the losing side in the power struggle. Tens of thousands of Sri Lankans came onto the streets in support of ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last week "If we support one party, the other will target us at some time when they return to power," he said. "It is not a happy situation for us to be king-makers at this time." Kadirgamar said Tamils were also fearful that Jaffna would once again be militarised and the political stability of recent years threatened. "Under Rajapakse, people always felt they were being watched," Kadirgamar said. - No concessions - Praveena Raviraj, whose legislator father was gunned down in 2006, said she feared for her future as she believed her father was killed by Rajapakse's forces. "As the daughter of a murdered member of parliament who has been living in Sri Lanka, I am glad I just got my seven-year multiple entry visa to Canada," she said of the prospect of Rajapakse becoming premier. A brutal 37-year civil war in Sri Lanka cost more than 100,000 lives, with attacks on civilans commonplace Sirisena and Wickremesinghe came to power in 2015 promising ethnic reconciliation and accountability for wartime excesses under Rajapakse's rule, but they have been slow to deliver. On Wednesday, Sirisena said he was opposed to greater devolution for Tamils who have been demanding more authority on land and law-and-order matters. "As long as I am president, there will be no federal state in Sri Lanka," Sirisena said. Tamil analysts said the community could not expect any Sinhalese leader to grant concessions to the minority group. Islamist hardliners are infuriated by the acquittal of a Christian woman for blasphemy Islamist hardliners incensed by the acquittal of a Christian woman for blasphemy in Pakistan said Friday they would end mass protests after reaching a deal with the government. Pir Ijaz Qadri, spokesman for the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan party (TLP) -- which has largely led the demonstrations -- announced the conclusion of three days of sit-ins that have blocked major highways and caused gridlock across swathes of the country. The demonstrations broke out after the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday overturned a blasphemy conviction for Christian mother Asia Bibi, ending her eight year ordeal on death row but infuriating Muslim conservatives. "The party leaders have announced to end protest sit-ins across the country. Workers have been asked to disperse peacefully," Qadri told AFP after a press conference. Blasphemy is a massively inflammatory charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations of insulting Islam and its Prophet Mohammed can provoke death at the hands of vigilantes. Mobile services in major cities across Pakistan was down throughout Friday as religious parties took to the streets. But late Friday Religious Affairs Minister Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri and Information Minister Fayazulhasan Chohan confirmed a deal had been struck to end the mutiny. A five-point agreement seen by AFP, signed by both parties, said the government would not object to an appeal of the verdict, which was filed earlier in the Supreme Court. "This is a big achievement that they agreed to approach the court and end their protest," Chohan told the Dunya TV channel. According to the agreement, which came after a failed first round of talks, legal proceedings will follow to impose a travel ban on Bibi and stop her leaving the country. Saif-ul-Mulook, Bibi's lawyer, told AFP he would defend her during the appeal, adding that she had not yet been released from prison. Protesters have used containers to block key roads in the capital Islamabad Earlier in the day Pakistan's powerful military warned its patience had been thoroughly tested as hardliners called for a mutiny against its top brass and thousands joined protests. "We are tolerating remarks against us but action can be taken according to the law and constitution," the spokesman told state media, warning the protesters not to "force us into taking action". Tensions were further heightened by the announcement that unidentified attackers had assassinated a key Pakistani cleric with close ties to the Afghan Taliban. Maulana Sami Ul-Haq was stabbed and shot by unknown killers in an attack at his home in central Punjab province in Pakistan, officials and family said. His JUI-S party was an ally of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan -- who condemned the killing and ordered an investigation. Some of the protesters have called for a military mutiny, testing the powerful army's patience Several mainstream religious parties also held separate demonstrations in major cities following prayers, with thousands of demonstrators converging near government offices in the capital Islamabad. Protesters chanted "hang the blasphemer" and "hang the judges" as they marched through the capital in the absence of a heavy security presence. "The entire country is protesting because this decision was made under international pressure," protester Abdul Rauf told AFP. Analysts said earlier the government was hesitant to clamp down on the groups, fearing any heavy-handed move could spark a violent backlash similar to the insurrection spurred by a military crackdown on Islamabad's Red Mosque in 2007. "They are threatening the government, the judiciary and the army but it seems the government and military are reluctant because they fear backlash," said analyst Fasi Zaka. - 'We are ready' - Since Wednesday's verdict, the TLP has been holding sit-ins in cities across the country with supporters blocking major traffic thoroughfares, causing gridlock and school closures in key hubs like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. Major highways -- including the motorway connecting Lahore and Islamabad -- were also blocked, effectively paralysing swathes of the country. Segments of the business community remained supportive of the protests even as it brought the country to a standstill. "For the honour of the Prophet we would not shy away from sacrificing our lives. We don't care if the protests affect our business we are ready for that," said Ajmal Baloch, president of the Pakistan Traders Association -- which participated in the demonstrations. TLP, founded in 2015, blockaded the capital Islamabad for several weeks last year calling for stricter enforcement of Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws. That protest forced the resignation of the federal law minister and paved the way for the group to poll more than 2.23 million votes in the July 25 general election, in what analysts called a "surprisingly" rapid rise. The protests come after Khan issued a forceful rebuke to the TLP in a nationally televised address in the ruling's wake, saying the government would not tolerate violent protests. Amnesty International activists put up a mock street sign outside the Saudi embassy in London to mark one month since journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in Riyadh's consulate in Istanbul Amnesty International campaigners on Friday renamed the road outside the Saudi Arabian embassy in London as "Khashoggi Street" to mark the one-month anniversary of the dissident journalist's murder in Turkey. Activists from the London-based NGO temporarily erected a mock street sign in front of the diplomatic compound, in the British capital's wealthy Mayfair district, in a symbolic gesture honouring Jamal Khashoggi. They staged the Friday lunchtime stunt to coincide with the time that he was last seen alive entering the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2. "This is just a quick action to show solidarity with Jamal's friends and family," Kristyan Benedict, a campaign manager with Amnesty International UK, told AFP outside the embassy. He said Khashoggi's close friends and family had urged activists to protest "in key states that are close to the Saudi regime and giving them diplomatic cover. "We hope to get momentum towards a UN-led investigation into the killing," Benedict added. "The Saudi regime cannot be trusted to investigate this themselves." Turkey has alleged a team sent from Saudi Arabia killed Khashoggi, whose Washington Post columns were frequently critical of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, inside its Istanbul consulate. His body was "dissolved" after he was strangled and dismembered, a Turkish official caimed Friday. The murder has shocked the world and dealt a serious blow to Saudi Arabia's image. Turkey this week accused the kingdom of not cooperating fully with its investigation, amid increasing calls for a global probe into the case. "Sanctions are Coming" reads a mock movie poster on President Donald Trump's Twitter feed using the same font as the "Game of Thrones" series and echoing its signature line "Winter is Coming" The United States will add 700 individuals and entities to its Iran blacklist and push the SWIFT global banking network to cut Tehran off when it reimposes sanctions Monday in a "maximum pressure" effort to cripple the country's economy. US officials said Friday they were determined to force Tehran to give up its nuclear activities and what the US says is broad support for "terrorism" in the region, reimposing severe economic penalties six months after President Donald Trump's administration quit the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. There will also be sanctions to cut off Tehran's ability to export oil, the country's most crucial foreign exchange earner, though US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said eight importers would be given exemptions in exchange for slowing their purchases -- a bid to avoid upsetting the global crude market. The reimposition of sanctions "is aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues it uses to spread death and destruction around the world," Pompeo said. Trump has vowed to end sales of oil from Iran, whose President Hassan Rouhani, right, is seen as more moderate than previous heads of government "Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran to permanently abandon its well-documented outlaw activities and behave as a normal country." When Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal struck between world powers and Iran, he began reimposing sanctions that had been suspended or removed by his predecessor Barack Obama. That process will be completed starting from midnight Sunday, US eastern time, when sanctions on the regime's banks, shippers, shipbuilders and oil sector are imposed. The impact remains in question as other countries, particularly Washington's European allies, are resisting joining its effort to economically strangle the Tehran regime. Britain, France, Germany and the European Union strongly condemned the US move, as they did when Washington withdrew in May from the Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. "The JCPOA is a key element of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture and of multilateral diplomacy," they said. "It is crucial for the security of Europe, the region, and the entire world. The JCPOA is working and delivering on its goal." - Oil trade exemptions - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wants Iran to withdraw from war-ravaged Syria, where it is a critical ally of President Bashar al-Assad Pompeo said the US would grant exemptions to eight countries that have pledged to or have already cut back on purchases of petroleum from Iran, which has long depended on crude exports to power its economy. He did not name the eight countries, but they are believed to include India, Japan, South Korea, and possibly China. Iran's northern neighbor Turkey said it was one of the eight. "We know Turkey is among the countries that will be given an exemption but we do not have the details," Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said, according to state-run news agency Anadolu. Pompeo said the countries agreed that the payments for the oil would go into escrow accounts that Iran will only be able to tap for "humanitarian trade, or bilateral trade in non-sanctioned goods and services." "Maximum pressure means maximum pressure," Pompeo said. To punish Iranian banks, US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said SWIFT -- which enables secure bank-to-bank communications and transactions -- will also face sanctions if it provides services to blacklisted Iranian financial institutions. The US blacklist includes most major Iranian banks. That could make it extremely difficult for Iran to do business with other countries. "SWIFT is no different than any other entity," Mnuchin said. - Critical ally - The US wants the Shiite clerical regime to withdraw from war-ravaged Syria, where it is a critical ally of President Bashar al-Assad, and to end longstanding support to regional militant movements Hezbollah and Hamas. The major importers of Iranian oil It also wants Iran to stop backing Yemen's Huthi rebels, who are facing a US-supported air campaign led by Saudi Arabia. "It's important to keep our eyes on the prize when it comes to Iranian revenues, whether they be derived from oil or any other sort of sanctionable transaction. The goal is to target and tie up these revenues to change Iran's calculus," said Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "SWIFT now must make a choice," he said: refuse to deal with Iran banks on the US blacklist, or face sanctions itself. But experts don't expect Iran's leaders to immediately throw in the towel. President Donald Trump signed a document reinstating sanctions against Iran on May 8, 2018 after announcing the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal "It's basically magical thinking," said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group. "The Iranians have been able to continue their support to regional proxies and allies for 40 years despite economic pressure." Cesar Sayoc, the Florida man accused of sending pipe bombs to critics of President Donald Trump, is to be transferred to New York for prosecution Cesar Sayoc, the Florida man accused of sending pipe bombs to critics of US President Donald Trump, is to be transferred to New York to face prosecution, the Miami Herald reported Friday. Sayoc's attorneys told a Miami federal judge that they would argue at a detention hearing in New York for his release on bond, the newspaper said. Federal prosecutors said they would oppose his release. Sayoc, 56, was arrested a week ago and charged with mailing explosive devices to former president Barack Obama, former vice president Joe Biden, 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, actor Robert De Niro and others. Sayoc was living in a van plastered with pro-Trump and anti-Democrat stickers when he was arrested at an auto store in Plantation, Florida. Sayoc, a registered Republican with a criminal history and reported past as a stripper, currently faces up to 48 years in prison, although further charges are expected to be filed against him for the mail-bombing campaign, which heightened political tensions and put the country on edge ahead of November midterm elections. The explosive devices were sent through the mail and Sayoc was tracked down based on fingerprint and possible DNA evidence, according to the FBI. Law enforcement sources told the Miami Herald that a list of more than 100 potential Democratic targets had been found during a search of Sayoc's laptop computer. On three separate occasions in less than a week, the Nigerian military and police fired live bullets on Shiites marching near and in the capital city of Abuja to celebrate a religious holiday and demand the release of their imprisoned leader The bloody crackdown on Shiite protesters this week in Nigeria has highlighted the oppression of a religious minority that experts say is driven by a Sunni Muslim elite backed by Saudi Arabia. "Being a Shiite under this current Buhari administration is... being persecuted," said Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) spokesman Ibrahim Musa to AFP. "We have suffered more discrimination under this administration than with any other in the past," said Musa. "We are not allowed to worship our god according to our convictions." On three separate occasions in less than a week, the Nigerian military and police shot live bullets on Shiites marching near and in the capital city of Abuja to celebrate a religious holiday and demand the release of their imprisoned leader. The death toll depends on the source: while the military says that six people died, the IMN says 49, a figure backed up by Amnesty International, which said on Wednesday that at least 45 people were killed in an "unconscionable use of deadly force by soldiers and police." The death toll in this week's crackdown on Shiite protesters depends on the source: the military says six people died, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria says 49, a figure backed up by Amnesty International, which said at least 45 people were killed The US embassy in Nigeria said it was "concerned" about the deaths and called for a "thorough investigation of the events". But to justify opening fire on the Shiite group, the Nigerian army on Friday posted a video of US President Donald Trump saying soldiers would shoot Central American migrants throwing stones. "Not only did they use stones but they were carrying petrol bombs, machetes and knives, so yes, we consider them as being armed," said Nigeria's defence spokesman John Agim. - Ryad and Tehran - This violence has happened before. It reignited the tumult of December 2015 when an army crackdown in Zaria, IMN's stronghold in Nigeria's north, killed 300 supporters, according to rights groups. Leader Ibrahim Zakzaky, who was arrested and imprisoned after the clashes, lost an eye and several family members in the violence. Zakzaky has been challenging Abuja's authorities for years with his goal of establishing a Shiite Islamic regime in Nigeria, Africa's largest economy. In late 2016, a court ruled that his continued detention without charge was illegal and ordered his release yet the decision was never executed. Since then, Zakzaky has been charged with culpable homicide in connection with the Zaria clashes. The IMN, which emerged as a student movement in the late 70's, is still close to Tehran today. Inspired by the Islamic revolution in Iran, the sect is met with hostility in Nigeria, where the Sunni elite are allied with Saudi Arabia. President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, the leader of the opposition contesting the 2019 presidential polls, are Sunni and have both said nothing about the violence this week. "There is this belief that Shiites are not proper Muslims," said Nigerian political analyst Chris Ngwodo. "This fundamental disagreement over ideology could explain the ferocity used by the security forces against the protestors." - Radicalisation threat - In Nigeria's predominantly Muslim north, the IMN is vastly outnumbered by the Salafist movement Izala, which was founded around the same time as the IMN. Izala is close to both Riyadh and Abuja and its satellite television channel Manara often broadcasts anti-Shiite rhetoric. Its members have also clashed with IMN supporters several times during Shiite processions. Izala is funded by Saudi Arabia, which has enabled the construction of mosques and schools across the country. "A number of people in the (federal) government are Izala members and have close ties to Saudi Arabia," said a source speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity. "Some within the establishment are using the government resources for a religious battle, against what they consider as apostasy." The worst case scenario would see the Shiites become radicalised in the face of oppression, an outcome that would replicate the trajectory of Boko Haram jihadists in the northeast who took up arms against the government in 2009. "Zakzaky is a very charismatic leader, the movement was kept alive despite his detention and his supporters are ready to die for him," said Cheta Nwanze, research head at SBM Intelligence in Lagos. "The repression can only contribute to radicalise them." Zakzaky, who is weak following the attack according to his lawyer, is being held in a secret location and is due to appear in court on November 7. The final resting place of Rose Mallinger, 97, the eldest of 11 victims killed in a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh bid farewell Friday to 97-year-old Rose Mallinger, the oldest person killed in America's worst anti-Semitic attack in history and the last of the 11 victims to be laid to rest. Her visitation took place at the Rodef Shalom synagogue in the Pennsylvania city on Friday before the funeral service began at 1:00 pm (1700 GMT), local media reported. Mallinger was shot dead by a gunman who reportedly yelled "All Jews must die" after bursting into the Tree of Life synagogue during Shabbat services on Saturday. Her daughter, Andrea Wedner, 61, was shot and wounded. Born in 1921, Mallinger may have been just three years shy of 100, but for the former school secretary, "age was truly just a number," her family said. Family and friends bid farewell on November 2, 2018 to Mallinger, the oldest person killed in America's worst anti-Semitic attack in modern history "She retained her sharp wit, humor and intelligence until the very last day," they said in a statement. "No matter what obstacles she faced, she never complained. She did everything she wanted to do in her life." Mallinger was a devoted member of Tree of Life in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood, a center of Jewish life in Pittsburgh and home to a thriving, liberal and diverse community. "Her involvement with the synagogue went beyond the Jewish religion... It was her place to be social, to be active and to meet family and friends," said her family. Mel Brody, 63, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he came to pay his respects for a number of reasons: "Number one, for the family, and number two, out of solidarity with the Jewish community at a time like this." "It's surreal to be here because you never think of losing someone who is 97 years old to gun violence," Michele Organist, a friend of Mallinger, told USA Today. A mother of three, Mallinger had five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. "She loved us and knew us better than we knew ourselves," the family said. Pittsburgh has been holding funerals since Tuesday for those killed in the attack. A 46-year-old gunman, who was injured in a shootout with police, has been charged with crimes that could see him sentenced to death. Demonstrators, pictured in Pittsburgh on October 30, 2018, demanded that US President Donald Trump renounce white nationalism On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania visited Tree of Life to pay their respects to the victims. Around 1,500 people took to the streets to protest against the visit, holding Trump at least partly responsibility for the shooting through his inflammatory language, and demanding that he renounce white nationalism. Maulana Sami Ul-Haq, pictured in August 2017, was known as "Father of the Taliban," having educated the movement's stalwarts including Mullah Omar at his seminary Unidentified attackers have assassinated a key Pakistani cleric with close ties to the Afghan Taliban, officials and family said Friday. Maulana Sami Ul-Haq was stabbed and shot by unknown killers in an attack at his home in central Punjab province in Pakistan. He was chief of his own faction of the religious Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-S) party, and ran a madrassa that educated several prominent Taliban leaders. "Unidentified attackers killed Maulana Sami ul Haq inside his residence," Umar Jahangir, a senior government official, told state-run Pakistan television. Hamid Ul-Haq, the cleric's son and a former MP, confirmed the killing to private TV channel GEO, and said his father was stabbed by the attackers before they opened fire. Maulana Yousuf Shah, a party spokesman, said unidentified attackers killed him in his residence and fled the scene. Ul-Haq, who was in his 80s, was known as "Father of the Taliban". His Dar-ul-Uloom Haqqania seminary educated Taliban stalwarts including Mullah Omar and Jalaluddin Haqqani. Ul-Haq was in 2014 a member of the negotiating committee from the Pakistan homegrown Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) -- who brokered a ceasefire with the government, although the talks later failed. He twice held roles as a member of Pakistan's Senate. His JUI-S party was an ally of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan, currently on an official visit to Beijing, condemned the killing and ordered an investigation, his office said in a statement. A recorded message from Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee Hatice Cengiz is played at a memorial for the murdered journalist in Washington The fiancee of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi called Friday for President Donald Trump to back Turkey's efforts to investigate his death and recover his body. Khashoggi -- a US resident and contributor to The Washington Post -- was killed in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul on October 2, where he had gone to obtain paperwork for his upcoming marriage to Hatice Cengiz, who was left waiting for him outside. "I would like to send this message to Mr Trump: I would like him to support Turkey's legal efforts in trying to bring light to the situation and to discover the whereabouts of his body," Cengiz said in a recorded message broadcast at a memorial for Khashoggi in Washington. She has previously said she was "extremely disappointed" with the response of various countries' leadership to the killing, especially that of the US. Trump sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Riyadh and Ankara in October for talks with both regimes' leaders over Khashoggi, and even dismissed the Saudi response to the columnist's death as "one of the worst cover-ups" in history. But he has repeatedly stressed that his priority is preserving the decades-old US-Saudi alliance and protecting major arms sales to the kingdom. "Today is November 2nd. It's been exactly one month since we lost Jamal," said Cengiz. "Nothing has relieved me of the pain from the atrocity I experienced. The most important reason for this is because his corpse has still not been found," she said. "Even though a month has passed since Jamal's murder, his body has still not been given to his loved ones and his funeral prayer has still not taken place. This is the smallest thing that one can do after a loved one has passed in the religion of Islam." After initially insisting Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, then saying he died in a fight, Saudi Arabia has said he was murdered in what it described as a "rogue operation." Ankara has repeatedly called for the suspects -- who have been arrested in Saudi Arabia -- to be extradited for trial in Turkey, something that Riyadh has rejected. Turkey -- which according to the Committee to Protect Journalists was the world's leading jailer of journalists in 2017 -- has emerged as an unlikely advocate for truth over Khashoggi's killing, which it has used to pressure regional rival Saudi Arabia. Turkish officials kept up a steady stream of leaks about Khashoggi's killing for several weeks following his death, before the country's chief prosecutor announced on October 31 that the journalist had been strangled and dismembered. Ten-year old Ghazi Ali bin Ali suffers from severe malnutrition as the war in Yemen pushes millions to the brink of famine UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for a halt to violence in Yemen to pull the country back from a "precipice" and build momentum toward talks on ending the war. The UN chief spoke hours after the Saudi-led coalition said it had attacked an airbase in the rebel-held capital of Sanaa and fighting flared between the Huthi rebels and pro-government forces near the key port of Hodeidah. "First, violence must stop everywhere -- with an immediate halt around critical infrastructure and densely populated areas," Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters. "Yemen today stands on a precipice," he said as UN aid agencies fear millions more could be pushed to the brink of famine in the conflict. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 to push back the Huthis and return President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to power. The war has left nearly 10,000 people dead and unleashed what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Without action, up to 14 million people -- half of Yemen's population -- could be at risk in the coming months, up from 8 million who are now facing famine, said Guterres. The UN appeal came just days after the United States, in a significant shift, piled pressure on its Saudi ally to end the war by calling for a ceasefire and peace talks. "There is now an opportunity for peace in Yemen," Guterres said. "This building wave of momentum must be seized." The United Nations is working to schedule talks between the government and the Huthis after a failed bid to hold a meeting in Geneva in September. UN envoy Martin Griffiths, who recently met with US officials in Washington, is planning to invite the parties to talks in Sweden this month. Britain is planning to present a draft Security Council resolution calling for the local ceasefires in cities and around infrastructure such as the port of Hodeida, diplomats said. The Red Sea port is the entry point for more than 70 percent of imports to Yemen. The UN chief called for opening up access to deliveries of food, fuel and others essentials, which the coalition has severely restricted, citing concerns that arms were being shipped to the Huthis under the cover of aid. Yemen's economy must be propped up, by supporting the plummeting currency and ensuring that salaries and pensions are paid, he said. An Egyptian Coptic priest talks to a woman, who was wounded after gunmen attacked a bus carrying Christians, at the Sheikh Fadel hospital in Beni Mazar on November 2, 2018 Gunmen attacked a bus carrying Coptic Christians in central Egypt on Friday, killing seven in the latest assault on the religious minority claimed by the Islamic State group. The attackers opened fire on the bus of pilgrims in Minya province after the occupants had visited the Saint Samuel monastery, the local bishop told AFP. Bishop Makarios of Minya said the wounded were taken to a hospital in Beni Mazar, around 200 kilometres (120 miles) south of Cairo. The Coptic Church in a statement released the names of the seven "martyrs" -- including two women -- who died in the attack. Heavy deployments of security forces blocked roads leading towards the scene of the shooting, an AFP reporter said. A security source confirmed that seven people were killed in the attack and said seven were wounded. The Islamic State group claimed the attack in a message via its propaganda agency Amaq. "Those who carried out the ambush... in Minya are fighters of the Islamic State," it said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. Egyptian state television said security forces were on Friday afternoon still in pursuit of the attackers. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi observed a minute of silence at a youth forum he was attending and called Coptic Pope Tawadros II to offer his condolences. "I am mourning with deep sadness the martyrs who fell today at the hands of traitors who are trying to harm the tightly-knit fabric of the nation," the president said in a statement released on Twitter. "I wish the wounded a quick recovery and confirm our determination to continue our efforts to fight the darkness of terrorism and pursue the criminals." Egypt's prosecutors office said it had received reports of "gunfire targeting a bus carrying a group of Copts returning from the Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor". The health minister and minister of social solidarity were dispatched by Sisi to Minya. - Copts hit by attacks - Copts, a Christian minority that make up 10 percent of Egypt's 96 million people, have in recent years been repeatedly targeted by the Islamic State jihadist group. IS killed more than 40 people in twin church bombings in April 2017 and a month later shot dead 28 Christians in Minya province. Egypt's government imposed a three-month countrywide state of emergency after the April 2017 church bombings. In December 2017 an IS gunman killed nine people in an attack on a church in a south Cairo suburb. A year earlier, an IS suicide bomber killed almost 30 worshippers at a church in Cairo located in the Saint Mark's Cathedral complex, the seat of the Coptic papacy. The Egyptian army launched a major offensive in February 2018 against IS in the Sinai Peninsula, where the group has waged a deadly insurgency since the fall of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Alongside attacks against Copts, the jihadists have killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen in Egypt in recent years and were allegedly behind a November 2017 attack against a mosque in north Sinai that killed more than 300 people. The military offensive -- Dubbed "Sinai 2018" -- has killed more than 450 jihadists, according to an army estimate, while around 30 Egyptian soldiers have been killed during this year's operation. Egyptian authorities have also convicted jihadists for their role in attacks against Copts. Last month an Egyptian military court sentenced 17 people to death over the suicide attacks against churches in 2016 and 2017. Copts have long complained of discrimination in Egypt and IS is not the only group to have launched sectarian attacks against the community. In December 2017, hundreds of Muslims attacked a church south of Cairo that had been operating without a permit for more than a dozen years. President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila, has ceded to international pressure and will step aside after December elections Lawyers for the family of a slain Democratic Republic of Congo activist have filed a complaint against Kinshasa's police chief and associates for their suspected role in the killing, one of the advocates said on Friday. Activist Rossy Mukendi was shot dead in February in a rally in the capital against President Joseph Kabila, which was organised by a group close to the Catholic Church before key elections next month. "I have filed a complaint with the military prosecutors office against General Sylvano Kasongo and his associates for acting as a criminal organisation in the assassination," lawyer Richard Bondo told AFP. He said the complaint accuses the general in the theft of the murder weapon and being suspected of "substituting" the author of the crime with another innocent police official. "We are not aware of any complaint, if there is a complaint, then they will send it to us," police spokesman Colonel Pierrot-Rombaut Mwanamputu, told AFP. He is also named in the complaint. Part of the "Collective 2016" movement, the activist was shot dead on February 25 in a security force crackdown on the opposition march in Kinshasa to demand an end to Kabila's time in office. In power for nearly two decades, Kabila has since ceded to international pressure to step aside and he will not run in December's delayed presidential election. Police said after the death of Mukendi that they had used rubber bullets to break up the protest. A police officer was put on trial for the activist's death a week after he was buried. But the trial was suspended in May. No date has been set for a restart, Bondo said. The lawyer claimed the police officer detained was not the real suspect in the killing. He did not explain why or give any proof, but named another police official who he said should be on trial. Twenty-one candidates are running in a December 23 election closely watched by Western governments as the vast African nation attempts its first peaceful transition of power since the end of Belgian colonial rule in 1960. An Iraqi boy clears dead fish floating on the Euphrates River near the town of Saddat al-Hindiyah, on November 2, 2018 Iraqi fish farmers south of Baghdad have been left reeling after finding thousands of dead carp mysteriously floating in their cages or washed up on the banks of the Euphrates. Piles of the dead silvery fish, along with a few car tyres and plastic bags, could be seen on Friday lying under a massive concrete bridge. They covered the surface of deeper water nearby, providing rich pickings for birds circling above. And in the fish farms of Saddat al-Hindiyah in Babylon province, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Baghdad, the lifeless carp floated together in small clumps. Farmer Hussein Faraj frantically scooped dead fish out of his enclosure in a red plastic crate, fearing they were poisoned. "Some are saying it's because of a sickness, others say it's because of chemicals," said Faraj, his thick black hair standing on end and his eyebrows furrowed in worry. Dead carp piled up on the Euphrates River -- among hundreds of thousands that have died in mysterious circumstances "We're waiting for a solution from the government or a test of the water -- we're scared the water will poison us in the coming days, too." Major water pollution has already kicked up a stink in Iraq once this year, as around 100,000 people were hospitalised this summer in the southern city of Basra. There, too, farmers were shocked to see their fish suddenly turn up dead in the water, or washed up on muddy shores, during the Summer crisis. In Saddat al-Hindiyah on Friday, distressed farmers were pulling fish from their enclosures in nets, and opening up gills to check for clues to the shocking mass deaths. - 'All of them are dead' - "This sickness is a mystery. It's uncontrollable," said Jaafar Yassin, head of the town's agricultural unit. An Iraqi man steers his boat around dead carp floating on the Euphrates River, afer the fish were jettisoned from nearby farms "Around 90 percent of fish in the farms died," he told AFP. The losses have left farmers angry. "I own 28 cages and farm 50,000 fish in them. I estimate that I lost $80,000 (70,000 euros) as a result of the sickness," said farmer Hussein al-Husseini. Gesturing wildly and sounding panicked, his colleague Anas Nuhad counted his own losses. "I farmed 70,000 fish in these ponds -- all of them are dead," said Nuhad, a layer of lifeless carp covering a fish pond behind him. "Where am I supposed to get fish from now? Everyone eats fish. So many people, so many families are living off this industry," he said. Iraq produces 29,000 tonnes of fish each year, according to 2016 statistics gathered by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation. Dead carp float on the Euphrates River -- among hundreds of thousands that have perished, leaving fish farmers facing ruin The country's national delicacy is masgoof -- flame-grilled carp seasoned with sauces made from onions, spices and tomato. Iraq's health ministry said Friday it had taken samples from the water and dead fish in Babylon province, but tests had yet to be completed. "There have not been any illnesses caused by eating fish so far," said spokesman Seif al-Badr. "Our health monitoring teams are also carefully following fishmongers in the local market", he said, adding that anyone found selling the affected fish will be held accountable. Dr. Yahya Merhi, head of the Babylon Veterinarian Hospital, said the results could be known in two days. But in the meantime, the fishy phenomenon seems to be spreading. Iraqi men look towards dead fish jettisoned from nearby farms, as they float on the Euphrates River near the town of Saddat al-Hindiyah Around 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Babylon, more dead carp have floated to the surface of fish ponds on the Euphrates. The region's agricultural chief Safaa al-Junaibi blamed the mass deaths on overcrowding in fish farms, which he told AFP facilitated the rapid spread of bacterial disease. "In a single fish farm, the sickness killed 56,000 fish -- around 120 tonnes. The losses racked up to 300 million Iraqi dinars ($2.5 million, 2.2 million euros)," he said. France is one of Vietnam's most important allies, with soaring trade worth $7.6 billion and cosying military alliances Hoang Bao was barely 20 years old when he trekked to Dien Bien Phu in northern Vietnam to fight the French, facing his enemy full of hatred and ready to die for his country's independence. More than 60 years after the communists' shock victory in the epic battle, the site of which French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe will visit Saturday, retired colonel Bao is happy to call his former foe a friend. "We have no hatred toward the French any more," 85-year-old Bao told AFP in Hanoi, wearing his dark green military uniform decorated with medals. But he said there are important lessons to be learned from the bloody 56-day fight that sparked the collapse of France's colonial Indochina empire and paved the way for northern Vietnam's independence. "The French didn't learn our history well, so they lost... Vietnam is different from other countries, we are not willing to surrender," he said. Vietnam's win over the French led to the country's division into the communist-ruled north, headed by revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, and a pro-US southern regime. That set the stage for two decades of war which would end with unification and America's defeat in the Vietnam War in 1975. Today France is one of Vietnam's most important allies, with soaring trade worth $7.6 billion and cosying military alliances. Philippe is the second senior French leader to visit the site after President Francois Mitterrand in 1993. The French premier, who will travel to Dien Bien Phu with several French vets, said the trip is a chance to pay respect to the thousands who fought in the war. "I want to pay tribute to the dedication, the self-sacrifice, the immense courage of the fighters on both sides," Philippe said in an interview with Tuoi Tre newspaper this week. The ferocious battle in the rugged, remote valley killed 13,000 people on both sides in under two months, as Vietnamese fighters hemmed in French forces -- equipped with superior weapons -- and bombarded them with heavy artillery. Facing the French in battle was complicated for some fighters, whose lives were closely intertwined with their colonial rulers, sometimes going to school or working alongside them. But driven by patriotism and a fierce thirst for independence, many Vietnamese took up the struggle fortified by bitter memories of invasion by the Chinese, Japanese and French. They were also buoyed by Communist slogans that urged everyone to pitch into the war effort. "One slogan was: We would rather die than be slaves again and (we will) sacrifice everything for independence and freedom," said Tran Quoc Hanh, an 83-year-old former colonel who trekked thousands of kilometres to the battle site in 1953. The battle for Dien Bien Phu is still bittersweet for many who wear the victory as a badge of honour, but lament the steep death toll. "We lost so many comrades," said Nguyen Tran Viet, an 87-year-old former army medic. "We should live peacefully now, never let war happen again," he said. Ranil Wickremesinghe has been holed up at the prime minister's official residence since his sudden dismissal more than a week ago Sri Lanka's sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned time is running out to avert a "bloodbath" while voicing hope that parliament will resolve a damaging constitutional crisis in the coming days. Wickremesinghe, who has been holed up at the prime minister's official residence for more than a week as thousands of supporters gather outside, told AFP in an interview that "desperate people" could cause chaos on the Indian Ocean island. The 69-year-old was sacked out-of-the-blue on October 26 by President Maithripala Sirisena, with domineering former president Mahinda Rajapakse named in his place. However Wickremesinghe refused to accept his dismissal and has not left the sprawling colonial-era Temple Trees residence -- where Buddhist monks now chant prayers outside -- since. Thousands of supporters have gathered outside the prime minister's official residence in Colombo Sirisena also suspended parliament in an apparent bid to prevent opposition to his move, deepening the turmoil that has seen at least one man killed in a shooting last weekend linked to the power struggle. "We will be calling on our people not to resort to violence," Wickremesinghe said late Friday. "But you don't know what arises in a situation like this. "A few desperate people can start off a bloodbath." His comments echoed the fears of parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya who warned of bloodshed on the streets if a vote is not held by lawmakers to decide between the two leaders. Wickremesinghe, head of the United National Party, already the biggest group in parliament, has also called for such a vote and is trying to rally allies to the cause. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe out-of-the-blue on October 26 But stopping parliament from meeting has given Rajapakse -- still popular despite his strongarm tactics to end the country's Tamil civil war and corruption allegations -- more time to try to win support. Wickremesinghe said he hoped the showdown could be ended peacefully and expressed optimism that a solution to the crisis would soon be found. "I feel parliament is going to prevail finally. This can't take too long. I would say in a week to 10 days at the most," he said, adding the priority was to establish parliament's "supremacy". Wickremesinghe said two smaller parties -- the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Tamil National Alliance -- were backing his call for the legislature to meet despite obstacles placed by Sirisena. Domineering former president Mahinda Rajapakse was named in Wickremesinghe's place The two parties signed a petition to the parliament speaker on Friday demanding the reconvening of the 225-member assembly on November 7. "A majority of parliament has said all these actions (of the president) are not legitimate and not in accordance with the constitution," said Wickremesinghe. According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 100. Most of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said. - Street battles feared - A majority of legislators want Sirisena to end the suspension of parliament by Wednesday and any delay is "against the wishes of all the parties", according to the embattled Wickremesinghe. Wickremesinghe has not left the sprawling colonial-era Temple Trees residence, where Buddhist monks now chant prayers outside Apart from political pressure on Sirisena, civil society groups are also stepping up agitation to ensure the constitution is respected, Wickremesinghe said. After sacking his prime minister, Sirisena addressed the nation and lambasted Wickremesinghe, saying they could not work together because of serious personal and cultural differences. A divorce of their coalition was inevitable after just over three years, Sirisena said. Wickremesinghe had expected a confrontation but not the sack. "We knew there would be problems by somewhere in November, but it came a bit sooner than I thought," he added. Sirisena accused Wickremesinghe, a trained lawyer who favours a liberal economy, of being dictatorial and ignoring the president in cabinet. Sri Lanka's newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse (R) is still popular despite his strongarm tactics to end the country's Tamil civil war and corruption allegations Wickremesinghe hit back saying their personal rivalry was not an excuse for a constitutional war. "The constitution doesn't make provisions for personality clashes," he said. "In cabinet there are people you like and you may not like." Wickremesinghe is from an elitist family with an urban upbringing, poles apart from Sirisena who is from a modest rural farming family. They made common cause to end Rajapakse's decade in power in a 2015 presidential election but have drifted apart since over economic policy and day-to-day decisions. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe of being an autocratic leader of the UNP. "He is not a member of the UNP," Wickremesinghe hit back. "He can say whatever he wants." Rotana Farea, 22, pictured right, and her sister Tala, 16, pictured left, were found on the banks of the Hudson River last week with no visible signs of trauma New York police on Friday said they had no evidence indicating that two sisters whose bodies were found duct-taped together in Manhattan had been killed. "There is nothing pointing to a crime as of yet," said a New York Police Department spokesman, adding that "it is still very much a live investigation" without providing details of any probable cause of death. The two young women, identified as Rotana Farea, 22, and her sister Tala, 16, were found on the banks of the Hudson River 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. It has since emerged that the sisters were Saudi nationals, and had run away several times from their family's home in Virginia where they had not lived since the end of 2017. They had been placed in a shelter but left Fairfax County in August and set out for New York. They stayed in several different upscale hotels in the city and maxed out a credit card, according to a NYPD spokesman quoted by US media. A witness reportedly saw the two girls early on October 24 on a playground near the Hudson, where they appeared to be praying. Police said the two sisters were alive when they entered the river that separates New York from New Jersey. Suicide is among the hypotheses as to the cause of their deaths. Another rumor raised in the mysterious case alleges that the Saudi embassy threatened the two sisters or their family with repatriation for seeking asylum in the United States, and that they were afraid. A police official appeared to confirm Friday that the two girls had indeed applied for asylum, but did not provide further detail. Fatimah Baeshen, spokeswoman for Saudi Arabia's US embassy in Washington, tweeted that "Reports that we ordered anyone related to the Saudi sisters, Tala and Rotana Farea, God rest their souls, (who recently died tragically in NY), to leave the US for seeking asylum; are absolutely false." "Details are still under investigation and will be shared in due course," she said. According to experts, Trump's repeated insults and bullying haven't had the effect of pushing Latinos toward the Democrat party -- rather they have driven them from voting at all Drug dealers, sexual predators, "poisonous snakes" blamed for all the ills plaguing US society: President Donald Trump has cast Latino immigrants as public enemy numero uno in his rallies and tweets in the run-up to November 6. But oddly enough, millions of Hispanic voters do not appear set on taking revenge at the polls: no surveys indicate a Latino wave to turf Republicans out of Congress come Tuesday. What's going on? According to experts, Trump's repeated insults and bullying haven't had the effect of pushing Latinos toward the Democrat party -- rather they have driven them from voting at all. "In 2016 many analysts had pointed to then-candidate Trump's comments on Mexican immigrants and Hispanics as perhaps being a motivator to get Latinos to the polls," said Mark Hugo Lopez, director of global migration and demography research at Pew Research Center. But in reality, he says, "the turnout fell." And 30 percent of all Hispanics ended up in fact voting for Trump. There are 29 million Hispanics registered to vote in the midterm elections, where all 435 seats from the House of Representatives are up for grabs, one-third of the Senate, the governors of 36 states and numerous local officials including judges, sheriffs and attorneys general. Burned by their failures to accurately predict the 2016 presidential vote, many analysts are striking a more cautious note. "It remains to be seen what will happen this year. Latinos may be more interested in voting but there are many indications that perhaps the turnout rate may not rise much compared to 2014," said Lopez. When midterms were held that year the turnout rate was only 27 percent for the demographic -- a history low, according to Pew Research. - Veterans and Evangelicals - It ends up being a vicious circle: the fewer Latinos are mobilized, the less the major political parties spend gearing their platforms to address the community's concerns. And the less the major parties care, the more apathy spreads. To be sure, Latinos are generally more inclined toward the center-left Democrats, but the party "is not doing enough outreach" with the group, says Christine Marie Sierra, Professor Emerita of Political Science at the University of New Mexico. People ride a Colombian Chiva bus for Democratic Candidate for Florida Governor, Mayor Andrew Gillum during his 'Bring It Home' Bus Tour through South Florida "We continue to hear about all they have to reach out to the white-working class voters or white women in some suburbs," she continued. "Well that's fine. You can reach out to them but that's not where your base is. For the Democrats their base is in communities of color. "They've got to invest a whole lot more to especially with Latinos to overcome the lack of participation." According to the non-profit Latino Decisions, 63 percent of registered Hispanic voters say they plan to vote. But more than half of them were not contacted by any candidate in their constituency. "Those voters that are contacted more are more likely to vote and those that are impacted less or not at all are less likely to vote," emphasized David Ayon of Latino Decisions. Complicating matters further is the Latino vote is far from a monolithic bloc but instead a mosaic of diverse communities, with party affiliation not necessarily linked to country of origin, said Lopez. Republicans, for example, can count on the overwhelming support of Cuban Americans, a community vehemently opposed to the Communist regime that rules the island. Military veterans and Evangelical migrants from Central America are likewise more likely to lean toward the Grand Old Party. It sets the scene for some intriguing races. Will Mexican-born voters in Texas throw their weight behind Irish-American Beto O'Rourke over his Cuban-American rival and arch conservative Ted Cruz? Will Puerto Ricans resettled in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria tip the scales for the Democrats in Florida? We will find out Tuesday. Ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his surprise sacking by President Maithripala Sirisena Attempts to win over MP defectors intensified in Sri Lanka's constitutional crisis Saturday amid growing pressure to let the suspended parliament hold a vote on the two rivals who each claim to be prime minister. Ousted premier Ranil Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his surprise sacking by President Maithripala Sirisena, who named former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse in his place. Rajapakse has eaten into Wickremesinghe's majority amid warnings from pro-democracy and anti-corruption groups about the tactics being used. A member of Wickremesinghe's United National Party, S.B. Nawinna, defected on Friday night and was rewarded with the cultural affairs portfolio in Rajapakse's government. A deputy from a Tamil party supporting Wickremesinghe also switched sides and was made a deputy minister. "We are expecting a few more defections on Saturday," a source close to President Sirisena said. Wickremesinghe has remained in the official prime minister's residence since his sacking on October 26. He claims to have majority support in the 225-member parliament but is still seeking to woo MPs from the Sirisena-Rajapakse camp, his aides said. According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 100. Most of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said. Huge amounts are reportedly being offered to defectors. A UNP stalwart, Range Bandara, said this week he was offered $2.8 million to cross over and support Rajapakse. A pro-democracy movement urged MPs not to sell their votes and undermine the will of the people. "We appeal to you not to allow parliament to be put up for sale. You have a responsibility to prevent Sri Lanka from being plunged further into a moral and ethical political abyss," the Movement for Democracy said. The Transparency International anti-graft watchdog highlighted the country's Bribery Act which made accepting and offering inducements a jailable offence. The president suspended parliament for 20 days in a move to forestall a parliamentary vote that would have gone against his choice for prime minister. But parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has called a meeting for next Wednesday. The president has ordered parliament closed until November 16. "We believe that the proroguing of parliament is to gain time to buy over sufficient cross overs," the Movement for Democracy said. It expressed alarm at ministerial positions being given for changing political loyalties. "We demand a stop to this culture of buying and selling votes," the group said. The minority Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) party, which has seven lawmakers, said its members had also rejected offers to join the Sirisena-Rajapakse camp. SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem said the political horse-trading made an early parliament meeting even more important. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres joined international calls for Sirisena to end the suspension of parliament. The UN chief told Sirisena he was following the crisis in Sri Lanka "with concern," and "urged the president to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow the parliament to vote as soon as possible," a UN statement said. Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina (L) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attend the opening of the embassy in Beijing The Dominican Republic opened its new embassy in China Saturday, months after switching its allegiance to the Asian giant from the self-ruled island of Taiwan. Dominican President Danilo Medina and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion in central Beijing. Speaking at the ceremony, Wang praised the Dominican Republic's decision to sever ties with Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province, saying China and the Caribbean island nation were "writing new history." "This is due to the wise decision of establishing diplomatic relations between China and the Dominican Republic." Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas said that by opening the new embassy, the two countries were "opening a very relevant chapter in the international relations of the Dominican Republic." The ceremony followed meetings between Medina and Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday, where the leaders celebrated their new ties and oversaw the signing of 18 agreements to cooperate in a variety of areas from finance to civil aviation. The Dominican Republic abandoned Taiwan in May, as part of a campaign by Beijing to split the self-governed democratic island from its few remaining diplomatic allies. The country was joined in its decision by Panama and El Salvador, defections that have irked the United States, which maintains strong support for Taipei despite its own recognition of Beijing. Beijing has tried to paint the moves as economic and not motivated by any desire to undermine Taiwan. Only 17 countries remain in Taiwan's diplomatic circle as the island struggles to fend off Beijing's growing influence around the globe. China and Taiwan have been governed separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949, but Beijing sees the island as part of its territory to be brought back into the fold. Taiwan and China have been engaged for years in a diplomatic tug-of-war in developing countries, with economic support and other aid often used as bargaining chips for diplomatic recognition. Central America has been a key bastion for Taiwan, with Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua still recognising Taipei rather than Beijing, which has used its economic muscle and promises of investment to entice governments. The United States recognises Beijing but is congressionally bound to ensure Taiwan's defence, with President Donald Trump's administration especially vocal on defending Taipei diplomatically. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address last month to volunteer forces (Basij) in Tehran's Azadi Stadium Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that President Donald Trump has "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser from renewing sanctions on the Islamic republic. "This new US president... has disgraced the remnant of America's prestige and that of liberal democracy. America's hard power, that is to say their economic and military power, is declining too," he said on his Persian Twitter account, quoting a speech in Tehran. A defiant Khamenei dismissed the renewed US sanctions -- including an oil embargo -- that take effect on Monday. "The challenge between the US and Iran has lasted for 40 years so far and the US has made various efforts against us: military, economic and media warfare," he said. "There's a key fact here: in this 40-year challenge, the defeated is the US and the victorious is the Islamic republic." Trump announced in May he was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Iran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme. Washington says it wants a new deal with Iran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Tehran. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - 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. 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) 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 base - usually 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." BOSTON (AP) - Federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into the natural gas explosions and fires that rocked three communities near Boston in September, a utility company said Thursday. NiSource, the parent company of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, said it is cooperating with the criminal investigation by the office of Andrew Lelling, U.S. attorney for Massachusetts. The Merrillville, Indiana-based utility made the disclosure in its quarterly financial disclosure report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. NiSource and its subsidiary were served initial grand jury subpoenas on Sept. 24, shortly after the Sept. 13 explosions and fires that killed one person, injured 25 others, and damaged or destroyed more than 130 structures across Lawrence, North Andover and Andover, the company said in its filing. The report didn't provide further information about the nature of the investigation, and a company spokesman declined to elaborate Thursday. Lelling's office also declined to comment. "We are cooperating with all investigations and inquiries into the Lawrence event, including the criminal matter. However, we can't speak specifically to any of those inquiries," said NiSource spokesman Ken Stammen. In a separate quarterly earnings report also released Thursday, NiSource said the explosions had cost the company about $462 million, money it expects will be "substantially recovered" through insurance. FILE- In this Sept. 21, 2018 file photo, fire investigators pause while searching the debris at a home which exploded following a gas line failure in Lawrence, Mass. Federal prosecutors have been conducting a criminal investigation into the natural gas explosions and fires that rocked three communities north of Boston in September. NiSource, the parent company of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, disclosed Thursday, Nov. 1, it is cooperating with a criminal investigation by U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling's office. The Indiana-based utility made the disclosure in its quarterly financial disclosure report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) "We are deeply humbled by what happened in Massachusetts, and realize that much work lies ahead of us to finish the service restoration in the Lawrence area, and to regain the trust of our customers and communities," company CEO Joe Hamrock said in a statement. The gas explosions are also being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board, which said in a preliminary report last month that over-pressurized natural gas lines were to blame. That investigation has so far found the company failed to account for critical pressure sensors as it planned for upgrades to the pipeline system, parts of which are cast-iron pipes more than a century old. The utility company also faces legal actions from victims of the explosions, including a possible class action lawsuit. Gov. Charlie Baker's administration has hired an independent evaluator and ordered all natural gas companies to review their pipeline procedures. Thousands of customers, meanwhile, remain without natural gas service for hot water, heat and cooking. Columbia Gas has said it will need until at least early December to fully restore service. Earlier this week, it announced it had completed a major milestone: replacement of about 44 miles (71 kilometers) of pipeline. The company said Thursday it has restored service to 1,510 residential meters and 147 business meters, or roughly 20 percent of the total impacted area. More than 7,000 individuals are in temporary housing and about $37 million in claims have been paid out, the company said. QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (AP) - The owner of an upstate New York restaurant who sexually harassed employees has been sentenced to six months in jail. The Post-Star of Glens Falls reports 65-year-old Jonathan LaRock, of Moreau, was sentenced Wednesday to six months in Warren County Jail followed by six years' probation. LaRock pleaded guilty in September to 26 counts of forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment. LaRock was arrested last year after a 17-year-old employee at LaRock's Howard Johnson restaurant in Lake George told police she had been sexually harassed. An investigation revealed LaRock had routinely propositioned and sexually harassed female employees for years. One of the victims testified that she had "panic attacks and nightmares" for months after the assault. LaRock is the owner of what's believed to be the nation's last Howard Johnson restaurant. ___ In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Jonathan LaRock listens to an impact statement during his sentencing in Warren County Court, in Lake George, N.Y. LaRock, the owner of an upstate New York restaurant who sexually harassed employees has been sentenced to six months in jail. LaRock was sentenced Wednesday to six months in the Warren County Jail followed by six years' probation. LaRock pleaded guilty in September to 26 counts of forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment. (Shawn LaChapelle /The Post-Star via AP) Information from: The Post-Star, http://www.poststar.com SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A Colorado jury likely threw cold water on future legal challenges against cannabis companies by homeowners who consider filing racketeering lawsuits alleging 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. "The big takeaway is that the verdict is likely to curb the enthusiasm for bringing these lawsuits in the future," Vanderbilt University law professor Rob Mikos said. He said it's easy to show marijuana companies are violating federal laws against pot, but the Colorado verdict shows the difficulty In proving actual harm. "There was a thought that this would be easy money," Mikos said about such claims. FILE - In this Feb. 19, 2015 file photo Hope, left, and Mike Reilly of Pueblo, Colo., attend a news conference in reaction to the announcement that a federal lawsuit is being filed on behalf of the couple by a Washington D.C.-based group to shut down the state's $800-million-a-year marijuana industry, in Denver. A federal jury in Denver has ruled against the couple, finding that a neighboring marijuana grow operator did not hurt their property values. It was the first time a jury considered a lawsuit using federal anti-racketeering law to target a marijuana company. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) Congress created the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act - better known as RICO - to target the Mafia in the 1970s. It allowed prosecutors to argue that leaders of a criminal enterprise should pay a price along with lower-level defendants. The law also allows private parties to file lawsuits claiming their business or property has been damaged by a criminal enterprise. Those who can prove it can be financially compensated for damages plus attorneys' expenses. Scott Schlager, a lawyer who filed a similar lawsuit against a Cambridge, Massachusetts, dispensary agreed with Mikos, saying racketeering lawsuits are expensive to litigate. "They shouldn't be the next cottage industry," he said. "There is a lot of uncertainty." Schlager said the Denver verdict will have no effect on his case because the two legal actions have important differences. The Colorado plaintiffs complained that a farm's odor lowered their property value by about $30,000. Schlager's clients in Harvard Square argue that the stigma of a marijuana dispensary in the upscale business district lowered property values by $29 million. California attorney Ken Stratton, who represents a pot farmer being sued by eight homeowners near Petaluma, California, in the heart of wine country, said he was surprised the Denver case reached a jury. "I think we'll see more and more of these knocked out before they go to trial," Stratton said. "The racketeering law wasn't meant to litigate land disputes." He also predicted the Denver verdict will make other lawyers and disgruntled neighbors look elsewhere to settle their disputes with marijuana operations. He said showing that cannabis operations impact land prices is difficult, especially if the homeowners are speculating rather than arguing they lost money in actual sales. Emma Quinn-Judge, a Boston lawyer defending the Cambridge dispensary, agreed that showing harm is the biggest hurdle. "If you know anything about Cambridge home prices then you know that arguing their value has dropped $29 million is laughable," she said. DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) - A teacher in an Iowa district that has been criticized for discriminating against minorities says she regrets wearing blackface for a Halloween costume and that she didn't know it is offensive. The Davenport school district has said it's investigating teacher Megan Luloff , who wore the makeup for her costume when she attended an Oct. 19 party unconnected to her job. Her attorney said in a letter Wednesday that Luloff had never heard the term blackface, didn't know its history or "how hurtful it is to all African-Americans." The letter also says Luloff regrets her actions. A district spokeswoman Thursday would confirm only that Luloff remains employed. The district is under state supervision because a disproportionate number of minority students have been identified for special education and subjected to discipline. ___ Information from: Quad-City Times, http://www.qctimes.com RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina's insurance commissioner said he's handing over to the federal government a contribution that's the subject of a citizen's complaint alleging improper campaign giving by a leading state donor who also faces scrutiny from federal investigators. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey told WRAL-TV it was the FBI's idea to send in the $240,000 received in July from the state Republican Party. He said the agency told him he couldn't return it to the GOP because it "was part of their investigation." The handoff was neither part of any deal nor a federal government seizure, Causey told the station. "Our campaign is simply sending them a check," Causey said Wednesday. A FBI spokeswoman in Charlotte declined to comment Thursday. A state elections complaint filed Monday by a former county Democratic Party official alleges the money came from $1.5 million that Durham investment firm founder Greg Lindberg donated to the state GOP in the 18 months ending June 30. The complaint claims Lindberg gave the money to the Republican Party as way to bypass individual donation limits to campaign committees of $5,200 per election. Parties can give unlimited amounts to candidate committees. Federal investigators already have subpoenaed the Insurance Department seeking information on Lindberg and insurance companies associated with Lindberg. Causey said the department is cooperating and he and the department are not targets of the federal inquiry. Causey, who is not the ballot this fall, and state GOP Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse said state campaign finance laws were followed. "We made a legal donation," Woodhouse told WRAL. "What Mike Causey decided to do with it is up to him." Lindberg, who hasn't commented publicly about the elections complaint or federal subpoena, has given more than $5 million since 2016 to North Carolina candidate and party committees and independent expenditure groups, according to campaign finance reports. Some of the money has gone to the Democratic Party. ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics ___ Information from: WRAL-TV, http://www.wral.com CARAYACA, Venezuela (AP) - Images of a tiny red bird that barely fills the palm of one's hand appear everywhere in Venezuela - printed on money, labels of craft beer bottles and the cover of children's school books. But the finch-like red siskin is vanishing from the wild at an alarming rate, falling prey to a century of shrinking forests and poachers cashing in on their brilliant red feathers, prized around the world by breeders of exotic birds. That threat has brought together an international team including scientists from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and poor coffee farmers in Venezuela's remote mountains, all set on rescuing it from extinction. The plan is to entice farmers to plant organic coffee groves with layers of thick branches that are inviting to the endangered, perching songbird, which has lost a lot of its habitat. "They don't have many years left, unless we do something right now," said Miguel Arvelo, a veterinarian for the Caracas-based nonprofit Provita, one of the groups spearheading the effort. The "Cardenalito," or "Little Cardinal" as it is affectionately called, holds a special place in Venezuelan culture, the poster child of some 1,400 bird species - from the Amazon to the Andes - that live in one of the world's most biodiverse landscapes. Once flourishing in the millions, as few as 300 remain in the wild in Venezuela, although scientists say it's difficult to estimate their numbers in the politically turbulent and dangerous country. In this Oct. 24, 2018 photo, a Venezuelan male red siskin takes flight in Vargas, Venezuela. The finch-like red siskin is vanishing from the wild at an alarming rate, falling prey to a century of shrinking forests and poachers cashing in on their brilliant red feathers, prized around the world by breeders of exotic birds. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) The Red Siskin Initiative launched about three years ago on a shoestring budget of less than $100,000 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and private groups in the U.S. and Venezuela. Planting organic groves with thick branches reverses a trend among farmers who boost bean production by thinning coffee groves for more sunlight, or cut them down altogether to plant vegetables that turn a quicker profit. Farmers who meet the project's strict standards will win the right to market their beans with "Bird Friendly" labels and take advantage of a loophole in Venezuelan law to set prices for premium products, sometimes five times higher than price caps set by the socialist government. Eventually they hope to export the coffee. In parallel, a red siskin breeding center is being built at a private zoo in Venezuela where 200 birds are expected to be hatched next year, adding to the 25 caged at the Smithsonian Institution, forming a type of Noah's Ark to ensure that the iconic species does not disappear. Red siskins from the center will be introduced into the coffee groves. While still in its early stages, backers say coffee initiative is already showing positive results. Some 40 farmers in the rugged, coastal mountains of Carayaca, northwest of the capital Caracas, have already stopped cutting down trees - an important first step to creating a robust habitat. The tiny bird is prized for its fiery red plumage and jet-black hood on males, coveted by breeders who cross them with less colorful canaries to produce offspring of orange or red spots. Protection under Venezuelan law dating back to the 1940s hasn't stopped poachers from catching it to sell on the international black market. Online they fetch a high price and demand remains strong in Eastern Europe and Asia, scientists say. Adding to challenges, poor Venezuelan families often capture and sell the threatened bird to illegal traffickers. The profit can feed their children for months, said biologist Jhonathan Miranda, a Provita researcher. Michael Braun, co-founder of the Red Siskin Initiative and a research scientist at Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, said Venezuela's deepening crisis has also taken a toll. The oil-rich nation was for decades a coveted destination for naturalists and amateur birders. But recently a field researcher in a remote mountain range was robbed of his binoculars and then shot at by two young men on a motorcycle, Braun said. At least one key member of their research team joined a growing exodus of Venezuelans fleeing the country. "Every time I tell somebody we have an endangered bird project in Venezuela, they say, 'Oh, Venezuela? Good luck,'" Braun said. "It's a challenge." The red siskin's primary range is the Caribbean coastal region of Venezuela, and some have been found in neighboring areas of Colombia and Guyana. Scientists carefully conceal the bird's location to protect them from poachers, but they allowed The Associated Press to photograph a small flock at a secret location in their natural habitat. Catching sight of them required arriving before dawn, hiding motionless and silently in tall grass thick with mosquitoes under pouring rain. Then, the sun broke through and they swooped in - a dozen or more - landing one by one on tangled tree branches overhead, preening and loudly singing. "It's the first time I've seen so many together," said an emotion-filled Miranda. "It gives us hope." In Carayaca, Simon Then, a 53-year-old blue-eyed, blond farmer - descended from early German settlers - walks through his family's coffee grove surrounded by dozens of leafy, 5-foot-high shrubs nestled on a steep slope. His eyes fill with emotion showing off the red cherries starting to appear without the use of chemicals. No red siskins make this mountainside home yet, but Then envisions the terrain covered in dense forest one day as he and his neighbors join in the effort to restore the endangered bird. "It's more work," he said about the challenges of organic farming, "but it gives us more money." ___ AP photographer Fernando Llano and AP writer Scott Smith contributed to this report. In this Oct. 10, 2018, farmers cut trees to grow fruit and vegetables in the coastal area of Carayaca on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, where the finch-like red siskin bird is vanishing from the wild. There is a trend among farmers boosting coffee bean production by thinning coffee groves for more sunlight, or ripping them out altogether to plant vegetables that turn a quicker profit. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) This Oct. 20, 2018 photo shows Bolivar bank notes decorated with images of Venezuela's red siskin bird, as part of rescue program in Caracas, Venezuela. Images of a tiny red bird that barely fills the palm of one's hand appear everywhere in Venezuela _ printed on money, labels of craft beer bottles and the cover of children's school books. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 23, 2018 photo, Venezuelan female red siskin birds perch on a branch in Vargas, Venezuela. The "Cardenalito," or "Little Cardinal" as it is affectionately called, holds a special place in Venezuelan culture, the poster child of some 1,400 bird species _ from the Amazon to the Andes _ that live in one of the world's most biodiverse landscapes. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 20, 2018 photo, the wrapping of chocolate bars, brand "El Cardenalito and Cacao," is decorated with images of Venezuela's red siskin bird, and the message "Forest-Preserving Coffee," as part of a campaign to rescue the bird from extinction in Caracas, Venezuela. Farmers who meet The Red Siskin Initiative project's strict standards will win the right to market their coffee beans with "Bird Friendly" labels and take advantage of a loophole in Venezuelan law to set prices for premium products, sometimes five-times higher than price caps set by the socialist government. Eventually they hope to export the coffee. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 23, 2018 photo, Venezuelan red siskin perch on branches in Vargas, Venezuela. Some 40 farmers in the rugged, coastal mountains of Carayaca, northwest of the capital Caracas, have stopped cutting down trees _ an important first step to creating a robust habitat for the threatened bird to thrive and repopulate.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 18, 2018 photo, Federico Pantin, left, gives instructions to a worker at a new investigation center to breed Venezuela's endangered red siskin bird, at his private zoo in Turmero, Venezuela. Here, 200 birds are expected to be hatched next year, adding to the 25 caged at the Smithsonian Institution, forming a type of Noah's Ark to ensure that the iconic species does not disappear. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 18, 2018, a private zoo worker pulls a wheelbarrow past a caged area of American flamingos, near the site where an investigation center to breed Venezuela's red siskin bird will be built in Turmero, Venezuela. Protection under Venezuelan law dating back to the 1940s hasn't stopped poachers from catching red siskin birds to sell on the international black market. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 18, 2018 photo, an American flamingo rescued from a hunter stands in a private zoo, where an investigation center to breed Venezuela's red siskin will be built in Turmero, Venezuela. Ranked sixth in the world for the number of bird species, many of them found nowhere else, Venezuela for decades was a coveted destination for naturalists and amateur birders looking to add to their life-lists. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 10, 2018 photo, Carmen Martinez plays with her pet bird, a brown-throated Parakeet that was captured near her home in the coastal area of Carayaca on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela. The oil-rich nation was a pioneer in tropical ornithological research since the 18th century explorations of German scientist Alexander von Humboldt. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 18, 2018 photo, an ocelote cub hides inside a cave at a private zoo where an investigation center to breed Venezuela's red siskin bird is being built in Turmero, Venezuela. The Red Siskin Initiative launched about three years ago on a shoestring budget of less than $100,000 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and private groups in the U.S. and Venezuela. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 18, 2018 photo, a yellow crowned macaw peers through its cage at a private zoo where an investigation center to breed Venezuela's red siskin bird is being built in Turmero, Venezuela. Poor Venezuelan families often capture and sell threatened birds to illegal traffickers, some in the military, adding to the challenges of rescuing endangered birds from extinction. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 18, 2018 photo, a group of Capybaras enter a lake at a private zoo where an investigation center to breed Venezuela's endangered red siskin bird is being built in Turmero, Venezuela. Online they go for more than $300, and demand remains high in Eastern Europe and Asia, scientists say. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 18, 2018, a Savanna Hawk peers from inside its cage at a private zoo that is building an investigation center to breed Venezuela's endangered red siskin bird in Turmero, Venezuela. The threat of the red siskin disappearing has brought together an international team including scientists from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and poor coffee farmers in Venezuela's remote mountains, all set on rescuing it from extinction. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 10, 2018 photo, farmer Simon Then shows red coffee beans he picked on his organic coffee farm in the coastal area of Carayaca on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela. No red siskins birds make this mountainside home yet, but Then envisions the terrain covered in dense forest as he and his neighbors join in the effort to restore the endangered bird. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 10, 2018 photo, agronomist Luis Arrieta inspects coffee beans that are in the germination process, to be planted in fields where peaches are grown in the coastal area of Carayaca on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela. The threat of the finch-like red siskin vanishing from the wild has brought together an international team including scientists from the United States and Venezuelan coffee farmers set on rescuing it from extinction. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) In this Oct. 10, 2018 photo, agronomist Luis Arrieta inspects a freshly planted coffee field that used to be a peach orchard in the coastal area of Carayaca on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela. Arrieta is part of The Red Siskin Initiative, which is trying to entice farmers into growing organic coffee groves with layers of thick branches to invite the endangered, perching finch-like red siskin birds. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) BERLIN (AP) - Germany and France said Thursday it appears that Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine downed a drone being used by neutral European observers and demanded accountability. In a strongly-worded joint statement released by Germany's Foreign Ministry, the two nations said the long-range drone had gone missing shortly after having spotted a surface-to-air missile system in an area not controlled by the Ukrainian government close to the Russian border. "Evidence collected by (European monitors) suggests Russia and the separatists it backs bear responsibility for the targeting and downing of the (drone), blinding the mission at this particular spot," they said. Germany and France, which have been working with Russia and Ukraine in so-called Normandy Format meetings to bring an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, said the downing of the drone is a "clear violation" of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Special Monitoring Mission. "This downing is a severe incident that stands in clear violation of SMM's mandate as adopted by all OSCE participating states," they said. "It constitutes an inadmissible culmination of continued interference, intimidation and restriction of SMM monitors' work, who act as eyes and ears of the international community on the ground." They noted that in recent weeks, their long-range drone "while being heavily jammed," had also observed convoys entering Ukrainian territory across a non-official border crossing from Russia on "multiple occasions." FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014 file photo, a member of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission to Ukraine watches a drone take off during a test flight near the town of Mariupol, eastern Ukraine. Germany and France say it appears that Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine downed a drone being used by neutral European observers and are demanding accountability. In a joint statement, they said Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 the downing is a "clear violation" of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, which is to have unimpeded access. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky, file) It had been following a convoy of seven trucks near the Russian border, some 66 kilometers (41 miles) east of Donetsk, at the time it was lost, they said. "Those responsible for such attacks on SMM personnel and equipment must be held accountable," they said. Efforts to find the wreckage have been fruitless, but footage from smaller drones sent up to scour the area showed multiple wheel tracks in a field near where it was thought to have gone down, the OSCE said. The separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted after Russia's annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 10,000 since April 2014. A 2015 peace agreement signed in Minsk has helped reduce hostilities, but clashes continue. In August, the OSCE said more than 160 people had been killed in fighting in eastern Ukraine since the beginning of the year. MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) - Authorities in northeast Nigeria say at least eight people are dead after militants attacked a camp for displaced people. Witnesses, though, placed the toll higher at 13 dead following the attack Wednesday night in Maiduguri. The witnesses said that dozens of attackers overpowered soldiers guarding the Dalori camp around 7 p.m. and fighting continued for two hours. The National Emergency Management Agency said in a statement confirming the attack that eight people had died. Militants from the Boko Haram Islamic extremist group frequently attack the area and are known for abducting women and girls. Camp officials said they feared some of the women unaccounted for after the attack had been kidnapped by the gunmen. The group, whose insurgency began in Maiduguri, wants to establish strict Islamic rule. People gather at the site of an attack in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, after dozens of attackers overpowered soldiers guarding the camp and fighting continued for about two hours. Authorities in northeast Nigeria say at least eight people are dead after militants attacked a camp for displaced people. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola) People return to the site of an attack in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, after dozens of attackers overpowered soldiers guarding the camp and fighting continued for about two hours. Authorities in northeast Nigeria say at least eight people are dead after militants attacked a camp for displaced people. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola) People return to the site of an attack in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, after dozens of attackers overpowered soldiers guarding the camp and fighting continued for about two hours. Authorities in northeast Nigeria say at least eight people are dead after militants attacked a camp for displaced people. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola) People return to the site of an attack in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, after dozens of attackers overpowered soldiers guarding the camp and fighting continued for about two hours. Authorities in northeast Nigeria say at least eight people are dead after militants attacked a camp for displaced people. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota regulators on Thursday granted key permits to the long-planned PolyMet copper-mining project that's opposed by environmentalists who fear it could someday foul waters, including Lake Superior. The state Department of Natural Resources issued permits to PolyMet Mining Inc. for the company's proposed NorthMet project in northeastern Minnesota. The project still needs permits from other agencies, and likely faces court challenges. "No project in the history of Minnesota has been more thoroughly evaluated," DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr said in announcing approval of permits for the project, first proposed in 2004. Environmentalists have opposed the mine for fear it could pollute pristine waters and destroy habitat for gray wolves and Canada lynx. The project would be located near tributaries feeding the St. Louis River, 175 river miles upstream from Lake Superior. Duluth for Clean Water said the proposed mine "would create permanent, toxic pollution in the headwaters of Lake Superior, putting our communities and lives in constant danger." "The massive open-pit mine would destroy huge swaths of the Superior National Forest and significantly increase annual CO2 emissions in Minnesota at the worst possible time," the group said. FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2016, file photo, the closed LTV Steel taconite plant is abandoned near Hoyt Lakes, Minn. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, it has issued permits to Poly Met Mining Inc. for a planned copper-nickel mine at the site. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) PolyMet contends it can operate the proposed mine near Hoyt Lakes and Babbitt without harming the environment while creating hundreds of badly needed jobs on Minnesota's Iron Range. "We look forward to building and operating a modern mine and developing the materials that sustain and enhance our modern world," PolyMet President and CEO Jon Cherry said in a news release. "Responsibly developing these strategic minerals in compliance with these permits while protecting Minnesota's natural resources is our top priority as we move forward." Paula Maccabee, an attorney for environmental group WaterLegacy, said environmentalists will likely appeal if permits are granted, or they could request that the DNR reconsider its decision. The agency issued a permit to mine, six water appropriation permits, two dam safety permits, a public waters work permit and an endangered species takings permit for the project. The permit to mine includes a financial assurance plan - designed to provide enough money so the DNR can reclaim and close the mine and plant site in case PolyMet does not - and a wetland replacement plan. The project still requires water and air quality permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and a wetlands permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Landwehr said the DNR is "confident that the project can be built, operated, and reclaimed in compliance with Minnesota's rigorous environmental standards." "Yes, there will be an environmental impact," Landwehr told reporters. "Our job is to ensure those environmental impacts are within state standards, and whenever required, they are mitigated." Maccabee and other environmentalists questioned why the DNR did not conduct a contested case hearing for an independent review before issuing the permits. But Landwehr said the project did not meet the standards under state law for such a trial-like hearing. "These permits should be reviewed by an independent administrative law judge to establish the facts before permit decisions are made," Kathryn Hoffman, chief executive of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, said in a statement, noting that such hearings are routine for pipelines and power plants. "It is special treatment for PolyMet to skip this vital step for the first copper-nickel mine to apply for permits in Minnesota." Minnesota Republican legislative leaders hailed the DNR's decision. "This new mine will create many good-paying jobs in Northeastern Minnesota and provide a real boost to the state's economy," House Speaker Kurt Daudt, a Republican from Crown, said in a statement. The project would cost an estimated $945 million to construct. PolyMet said site preparation and rehabilitation of the former LTV Steel plant for a copper-nickel processing plant will continue through the winter and early spring. The company said the bulk of work is expected to start in the 2019 construction season and last about 24 to 30 months. ___ Follow Jeff Baenen on Twitter at https://twitter.com/jeffbaenen . NEW YORK (AP) - For literary magazines over the past year, much of the news has been in the masthead. Editor Lorin Stein of the Paris Review left amid allegations of sexual harassment and editor Ian Buruma of The New York Review of Books was fired after publishing an essay by Jian Ghomeshi, the Canadian broadcaster and musician who faced multiple allegations of harassment and assault. Editor James Marcus of Harper' s departed after objecting to the magazine's publication of a Katie Roiphe essay which criticized #MeToo as intolerant of dissent. An online list which compiled allegations against various "media men" led to a lawsuit by The Rumpus founder and former editor-in-chief Stephen Elliott, who has alleged the list falsely implies he is a rapist. The stories of harassment didn't just change titles, but bared a longstanding contradiction within the New York literary world - between the progressive worldview of some of the leading publications and the private behavior of those in charge. "The internal culture of many a progressive magazine is surprisingly retrograde - like an old-fashioned company town with fancier coffee machines," Marcus said. "The contradiction can be glaring. Yet I do think that #MeToo has seeped into these establishments, in ways that are easily recognizable and less so. You have Emily Nemens (who replaced Stein) at the helm of the Paris Review, of course, and Ian Buruma's abrupt dismissal from the New York Review of Books. But there are more subtle effects, too. When it comes to shutting down female colleagues in meetings, or batting away pitches from female writers, more men are likely to think twice - not exactly revolutionary, but a step in the right direction." "The culture of the publishing industry specifically is to a great extent a reflection of American culture more generally," says The Rumpus' current owner and editor-in-chief, Marisa Siegel, who took over in January 2017, before the focus on sexual harassment became a cultural focus. "While firing men who are guilty of workplace harassment and assault is important, in that no workplace should tolerate that kind of behavior, I'm not certain a handful of firings can change workplace culture." The #MeToo movement has been an ongoing reminder - and for some a revelation - that the most well-read people aren't necessarily the most civilized. Leon Wieseltier, for decades the literary editor for The New Republic and most recently a contributing editor for The Atlantic, has translated the works of Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai and edited a volume of essays by the critic Lionel Trilling. Meanwhile, colleagues told stories of Wieseltier kissing them without permission, making crude sexual remarks and encouraging them to wear short dresses. He was dropped last year by The Atlantic and a planned journal he was to launch through the non-profit Emerson Collective was cancelled (Wieseltier has apologized and vowed "not (to) waste this reckoning."). FILE - In this March 24, 2016 file photo, Jian Ghomeshi leaves court in Toronto with his lawyer Marie Henein after he was acquitted on all charges of sexual assault and choking. Ian Buruma, editor of The New York Review of Books was fired after publishing an essay by Ghomeshi in September. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT "I think there's this ideal that if you're well read, you're going to be more empathetic and moral," said Amy King, a board member of VIDA, a nonprofit organization which tracks gender parity at literary magazines. "It's disturbing to find out your heroes are corruptible." "I don't know any women who have worked with members of the literary elite who would be surprised by the fact that some of most learned, politically engaged powerful men - and some women - behave in infantile ways when it comes to power and sex," said the author and journalist Rebecca Traister, who writes extensively about #MeToo in her new book, "Good and Mad." Part of the debate about #MeToo has been how, or if, to present the other side. Some magazines have devoted extensive space to those accused of harassment. Harper's ran a maudlin, 7,000-word essay by John Hockenberry, the longtime public radio host who was fired last year. The New York Review of Books published a 3,400-word essay in September by Ghomeshi, who described himself as a victim of "mass shaming." Traister calls the essays examples of how the "whole conversation shifts in gravity" away from stories of those who spoke out about being harassed to those who once held power. Soon after the essay came out, Buruma defended his decision in a telephone interview with Slate's Isaac Chotiner, saying he was "not judging him (Ghomeshi) for the exact rights and wrongs of what he did in the past." Buruma was fired, with Review publisher Rea Hederman chastising him for leaving female staffers out of the editorial process. But Buruma was defended by such Review contributors as Joyce Carol Oates, Lorrie Moore, Ian McEwan, all of whom signed a letter which called his ouster an "abandonment of the central mission of the Review, which is the free exploration of ideas." The male culture of literary magazines had been documented well before the rise of #MeToo. In 2011, VIDA began publishing an annual tally of the percentage of women writers and reviewers at some of the top publications. The results were as stark as King and others had imagined: At the Atlantic, three times more space was given to men than to women. The ratio was more than 5-1 at The New Republic and at The New York Review of Books. "For a long time there was a suspicion among female writers that we were outnumbered," King says. "We set out to confirm those suspicions." While several publications have since narrowed or closed the gender gap, others have seen little change. At The Threepenny Review , VIDA found that men were given two-thirds of the space in 2017, a percentage roughly the same as VIDA's initial counts. Threepenny founder Wendy Lesser questioned the value of the VIDA reports. "I do not think it's useful to classify writers - or, for that matter, editors - according to gender," she wrote in a recent email. "As an editor, I try to view each Threepenny Review writer as an individual, with something special to say that only that writer can say in that way. It doesn't make sense to try to replace those individual viewpoints with more 'representative' or 'fairly distributed' people, because there is no such thing in literature." CLYDE, Ohio (AP) - It didn't take Bonnie Mock more than a minute to begin telling the woman asking for her vote just how fed up she is with President Donald Trump. "First of all, there's the way he treats women," she said. What she didn't realize is that Rachel Crooks - standing on her front porch as a first-time candidate for a seat in Ohio's Legislature - is one of more than a dozen women who came forward during the 2016 campaign to accuse Trump of sexual misconduct. Most people Crooks meets while campaigning don't know about that part of her past, and she rarely brings it up. This is how a candidate born out of #MeToo tries to strike a balance in a conservative-leaning district, by sticking to issues such as health care and education funding. "I'm proud to say I'm a female candidate and I would be the first woman to represent our area, but we don't go door-to-door talking about the #MeToo movement," said Crooks. "I don't necessarily want to thrust my agenda or my opinions on other people. I want to hear from you first. That's how I perceive politics should be," she said. Democrat Rachel Crooks talks with undecided voter Peggy Whiley, 62, in Clyde, Ohio, on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. Crooks, who during the 2016 election accused Donald Trump of sexually harassing her more than a decade ago, is a first-time candidate trying to win a seat in Ohio's legislature. Trump has denied her accusations. (AP Photo/Angie Wang) Crooks, 35, is among a record number of women running for office across the nation, including some first-time candidates motivated by the 2016 election. Democrats recruited Crooks to run a year after her accusations against Trump surfaced a month before he won the presidency. The former Trump Tower receptionist said she was 22 when she introduced herself to him in 2006 and that he kissed her "directly on the mouth" against her will. Trump has denied her claims more than once, tweeting in February he didn't know her. "Never happened! Who would do this in a public space with live security." Crooks, who works for a small university in Ohio recruiting international students, first thought the idea of entering politics was crazy. She worried about putting her life on hold. She wondered if others would again question her motives for telling her story about Trump. "I could have very much not said another word, but the fact is I had been given this voice," she said. "And what I did with it was up to me." Her campaign has struck a chord with women and Democrats. She's pulled in a surprising number of donations from every state, the majority in small amounts. Crooks readily admits she's in an uphill battle, trying to win in a rural area of Ohio southeast of Toledo that Democrats last held in 1994. But the party thinks she has a shot in what it considers a swing district. Trump easily won the counties within the district in 2016. Her opponent, Republican Bill Reineke, is seeking a third term and has a name most people know because he and his family own a string of car dealerships in the area. His campaign didn't respond to several messages seeking comment about the race. Reineke did say in a statement this year - after Crooks announced her plans to run - that sexual harassment has no place in society and victims deserve to be heard. "This campaign is not about the individuals running; it's about the people they would ultimately represent," he said. Crooks said when she's canvassing the small towns that make up Ohio's 88th House district most people want to talk about health care costs, a lack of high-wage jobs and a controversial wind turbine project in the area. The president often comes up too. But she doesn't think she's being inauthentic by not bringing up her #MeToo moment. "It's understanding your audience and what issues are a concern to people," she said. Several of her tweets and fundraising pitches do mention it though. "I'm not afraid to speak up for what's right even when it's against one of the most powerful men in the world," she said in one tweet. A fundraising email sent in mid-October noted it had been two years since she told her story. Crooks, who grew up in the area she wants to represent, isn't entirely new to campaigning. She knocked on doors while volunteering for Barack Obama's two presidential runs and got used to being yelled at and having doors slammed in her face. She's fine that most people don't remember or haven't heard about her accusations. She said she's encountered only a few unpleasant comments. "There's not a whole lot of people who are just downright rude and nasty, but there have been some," she said. One woman, she said, told her just a few weeks ago that "I know who you are" and then started complaining about "all those women who don't have any evidence." "I don't know that I'll ever sway that person," Crooks said. ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Few Republicans in Congress have publicly criticized President Donald Trump like Will Hurd of Texas, who didn't vote for him in 2016 and won't say if he will in 2020. But next week on Election Day, Hurd could end up helping save him. One of just three black Republicans in Congress, Hurd drew national attention this summer for accusing Trump of "standing idle on the world stage" and being manipulated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He represents a Hispanic-majority district won by Hillary Clinton in 2016, which, in this deeply divisive election year, should point to him being toast. But back home along the U.S.-Mexico border, Hurd hangs on by a thread in his bid for a third term, potentially depriving the Democrats of one of the 23 additional seats it needs to retake the House. Hurd, who squeaked out his last two elections by 5,500 votes combined, has figured out how to survive in Texas' only swing district by being the rare swing candidate. Some signs of that are even literal: Steve Armstrong waved a yard sign for Beto O'Rourke, the surprising Democratic U.S. Senate challenger, outside a polling station in a San Antonio neighborhood last week as Hurd greeted early voters in the rain. But when Armstrong spotted the congressman and approached, it wasn't to lay into him. "I gotta tell you I'm a Beto guy, but I'm all for people working across the aisle and getting some common-sense stuff done," Armstrong told Hurd. "Right-wing, left-wing, it's killing this country." U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, waits to speak to students during a stop at the Texas A&M-San Antonio, Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, in San Antonio. Hurd, one of President Donald Trump's few Republican critics in Congress is trying to hang on for another term in a Texas swing district. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The race is a rare and striking example of a vocal Trump critic in the GOP proving durable at a time when other vulnerable Republicans are moving closer - not away - from the combative president. In Florida, Republican congressman Carlos Curbelo is another moderate and Trump critic also trying to defy the political forces working to polarize. If they win, Hurd and Curbelo will likely spotlight a survival strategy for Republicans in places where Democrats otherwise prosper. Hurd has kept a distance from Trump both politically and in proximity: He skipped the president's rally in Houston this month and wasn't mentioned by the president. "The people that I care about mentioning me are the folks walking by here," Hurd said, adding, "I have an independent relationship with people." Hurd grew up in San Antonio with conservative parents and went to Texas A&M University, becoming student body president. After graduating he went to the CIA, where he worked as an intelligence officer in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, where he says he managed undercover operations. He jokes that his campaign team wants pictures from his time at the agency but says that "folks in West Texas don't want to see me looking like a Taliban." His sprawling 800-mile district, which spans two time zones and is larger than 26 states, ping-ponged between being held by Republicans and Democrats before Hurd pulled off a slim re-election victory in 2016. The heart of the district is San Antonio, where a heavy military presence lends a conservative tilt. But it's also 70 percent Hispanic with more than half of families speaking a language other than English at home - a Democrat-friendly trait. Hurd has handled the balance by being a Republican known for his dissent within the party. He mocks Trump's proposed border wall, acknowledges man-made climate change as real and supports a path to citizenship for so-called "Dreamers" who weren't born in the U.S. but brought to the country as children by their immigrant parents. His opponent, Democrat Gina Ortiz Jones, calls him a phony whose record in Congress shows a Republican nearly in lockstep with his party, including Hurd voting in favor of a spending bill that included border wall funding. Hurd has said he was voting for provisions, including a military pay raise. To be sure, Hurd walks a fine line in the fights he picks with Trump. He demurred when asked whether he believed Trump was trying to stoke racial anxieties before Election Day by issuing dark warnings about a caravan of Central American migrants heading toward the U.S. border. Jones, an Air Force veteran making her first run for office, would make history as Texas' first openly gay and Filipina-American member of Congress. She has outraised Hurd, and the congressional Republicans' fundraising arm recently went back on TV attacking her. His pitch doesn't matter, she said. "You don't need to hear the words. You just have to watch the votes." Jim Randall, 55, has watched the votes, and after casting his ballot for Hurd, he swung by on his way out to give the congressman a piece of his mind over supporting young immigrants. "I'm sorry man, but they gotta go. I've always voted for you, and I sure as hell wouldn't vote for Ortiz," Randall told Hurd. "But I'm pretty disappointed in you." Hurd said he appreciated the feedback, and they parted with a hand shake. __ Follow Paul J. Weber on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pauljweber ___ Sign up for "Politics in Focus," a weekly newsletter showcasing the AP's best political reporting from around the country leading up to the midterm elections: https://bit.ly/2ICEr3D U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, speaks to students during a stop at the Texas A&M-San Antonio, Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, in San Antonio. Hurd, one of President Donald Trump's few Republican critics in Congress is trying to hang on for another term in a Texas swing district. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The Latest on the U.N. General Assembly vote on the U.S. embargo of Cuba (all times local): 12:55 p.m. The U.N. General Assembly has overwhelming approved a resolution condemning the American economic embargo of Cuba after rejecting proposed U.S. amendments strongly criticizing the lack of human rights in the island country. Thursday's vote approving the Cuban-sponsored resolution was 189-2 with no abstentions and two countries not voting - Moldova and Ukraine. In separate votes on the defeated U.S. amendments, Ukraine and Israel were the only countries to join the U.S. in voting "yes" on all eight measures while the Marshall Islands backed one amendment. Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla called the U.S. embargo "a flagrant, massive and systematic violation of the human rights of Cuban men and women." A woman poses in front of hand prints on a wall during an event against U.S. trade embargo against Cuba in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. The United Nations will vote Thursday Nov. 1 on a resolution regarding the ongoing U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said after the votes that the Cuban people "have once again been left to the brutal winds of the Castro regime." MIAMI (AP) - The United States imposed new sanctions Thursday on Venezuela and Cuba and promised additional penalties against Nicaragua as the Trump administration laid out a hard-line policy toward countries the White House branded a "troika of tyranny." National security adviser John Bolton condemned what he called the "destructive forces of oppression, socialism and totalitarianism" that he said the three countries represent. In a speech in Miami, home to thousands of exiles from Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, Bolton said the U.S. "will no longer appease dictators and despots near our shores in this hemisphere." He spoke at the Freedom Tower, a building where Cubans fleeing the revolution led by Fidel Castro received U.S. government documents in the 1960s and early 1970s. The new Venezuela sanctions target the country's gold sector, prohibiting U.S. citizens and entities from financial involvement in the trade. American officials have said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro illegally exported at least 21 metric tons of gold to Turkey to avoid U.S. sanctions and to try to help rescue a collapsing economy once bolstered by vast oil reserves. The U.S. government has sanctioned dozens of top Venezuelan officials, including Maduro, as part of economic measures designed at pressuring the South American country's return to democracy. United States National Security Adviser John Bolton talks to the Miami Herald on Latin American policy at the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower on Thursday, November 1, 2018. (Emily Michot/Miami Herald via AP) Bolton said in response to questions after the speech that he doesn't expect the U.S. military would intervene in Venezuela. "I don't see that happening," he said. Bolton blamed Cuba for enabling Maduro's government and he urged the nations of the region to "let the Cuban regime know that it will be held responsible for continued oppression in Venezuela." In a contrast to the policy of the Obama administration, which restored diplomatic relations with Cuba, Bolton said Trump's State Department has added more than two dozen entities owned or controlled by the Cuban military and intelligence services to a restricted list of entities with which financial transactions by U.S. persons are prohibited. Bolton said the goal is to prevent money from reaching the Cuban military, security and intelligence services. South Florida has long been home to a large community of Cubans emigres, many of whom will welcome a tougher line on the Havana government. In recent years, tens of thousands of Venezuelans have settled in the area as Venezuela's economy has collapsed. Bolton's speech may energize voters in both groups heading into Tuesday's elections. "There is no doubt the speech had an electoral purpose," said Harold Trinkunas, deputy director of the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University. "The timing and the location have an electoral impact and Florida is an important state for the Republican Party." Nevertheless, Trinkunas said the approach of imposing sanctions on the gold industry is a sign of how important the metal has become to Maduro's effort to prop up the Venezuelan economy. Bolton also sent a strong warning to President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, where more than 300 people have been killed since protests erupted in April calling for Ortega's resignation. "Free, fair, and early elections must be held in Nicaragua, and democracy must be restored to the Nicaraguan people," he said. "Until then, the Nicaraguan regime, like Venezuela and Cuba, will feel the full weight of America's robust sanctions regime." In grouping the three countries together, Bolton said "this troika of tyranny, this triangle of terror stretching from Havana to Caracas to Managua, is the cause of immense human suffering, the impetus of enormous regional instability, and the genesis of a sordid cradle of communism in the Western Hemisphere." Bolton mocked the leaders, comparing them to The Three Stooges. "These tyrants fancy themselves strongmen and revolutionaries, icons and luminaries," he said. "In reality, they are clownish, pitiful figures more akin to Larry, Curly, and Moe." On the other hand, Bolton called Brazil's president-elect, Jair Bolsonaro, a "likeminded leader" and said his election last weekend demonstrates "a growing regional commitment to free-market principles, and open, transparent, and accountable governance." Bolsonaro whose victory moved Brazil sharply to the right, built his popularity on a mixture of often outrageous comments and hard-line positions, but he consolidated his lead by promising to enact market-friendly reforms. _____ Alonso reported from Washington. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Republican nominee for Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt has been criticized by his Democrat opponent for his record as the head of a mortgage company. Stitt, running as a businessman and outsider, is locked in a tight race against Democratic Drew Edmonson, a former attorney general who served 16 years before making an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2010. Democrats have attacked the business record of Stitt, who founded Oklahoma-based Gateway Mortgage Group in 2000 and stepped down as the company's CEO in August, before he secured the GOP nomination in the race to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Mary Fallin. The Democratic Governors Association takes aim at his history with Gateway in a television ad that began running earlier this month. A look at the claims: AD: "Stitt's company was ranked one of the shadiest mortgage lenders ... and has been sued dozens of times, and suspended in multiple states." FILE - This combination of file photos shows Oklahoma gubernatorial candidates in the November 2018 election from left, Democrat Drew Edmondson and Republican Kevin Stitt. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrtocki, File) THE FACTS: It is true that Gateway was listed by a publication as one of the shadiest mortgage lenders and that the company has been sued dozens of times, though experts say such lawsuits are common for a mortgage company. It is false that the company was suspended in multiple states. After the 2008 financial crisis, the online publication Business Insider listed Gateway as one of the "15 shadiest mortgage lenders" being backed by the federal government. The publication based its story on data from the Center for Public Integrity , a nonprofit investigative journalism organization, which compiled a list of troubled lenders in 2009 based on comparing a lender's default rates with other lenders in a geographic region. Gateway ranked tenth on the list for its above-average default rate of 11.9 percent. Stephen Curry, Gateway's new CEO, acknowledged the company's high default rate at the time, noting the 2008 time period was a challenging one for the lending industry. "Gateway's performance may have been worse than average but nowhere extreme enough to be considered shady," Curry said in an interview with The Associated Press. He added that the company's foreclosures fell dramatically in later years. Gateway has also been sued multiple times in several states for various allegations, including gender discrimination, breach of contract and fraud. Court records show cases against Gateway in recent years in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and South Carolina. But financial experts say it wouldn't be uncommon for a business of that size to run into problems with regulators during the financial crisis. The company currently has about 1,300 employees and operates in 41 states. Nancy Titus-Piersma, a professor at Oklahoma State University's Spears School of Business, said while she isn't intimately familiar with Gateway's history, it was common for mortgage lenders to face lawsuits during the financial crisis, which exposed lenders for making risky loan offers and led to stricter regulations of the industry. "They weren't different from anybody else at that time in the industry," Titus-Piersma said. "That's just the way business was being done then. Was it right? No. But our country chose to have a regulatory environment that allowed it to happen." It's untrue, however, that Gateway's operations were suspended in multiple states. Democrats say Gateway's license was suspended in two states: Illinois and Georgia. The AP reviewed actions taken in both states and found the company's license was only suspended in Georgia in 2009, amid allegations that the company made false statements and misrepresented facts to lenders, according to documents from the state's banking agency. In June, Stitt and Gateway reached an agreement with Georgia regulators that the company can reapply for a license at any time. In Illinois banking officials issued an order to revoke the company's license, but Gateway appealed and reached a consent order with regulators that included a fine and a probationary period. Enforcement actions were taken against the company in at least seven other states, none of those allegations led to a suspension. In most cases, Gateway was assessed a civil penalty, took corrective action and remained licensed. Stitt has acknowledged his company's missteps over the years and says that as CEO, he's handled those mistakes appropriately. "We've paid for minor infractions in a couple of states over the years," Stitt said at a press conference earlier this year . "Here's the deal: I hold people accountable. If we find a mistake, we're going to fix it. And I'm going to do the same thing with state government." ___ Find AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck --- For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The Department of Homeland Security's inspector general is investigating allegations of racial discrimination at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and inadequate follow-up by the school's leadership, the agency said Thursday. The investigation will bring a new layer of scrutiny to the service academy that is already under pressure from Congress to address concerns about racial insensitivity, disparities in discipline and the administration's handling of complaints. The probe began within the past few months and could take up to a year, Arlen Morales, a spokeswoman for the Office of Inspector General, told The Associated Press. It will look into how the academy responds to allegations of race or ethnicity-based discrimination. Ultimately, the academy will be required to provide a corrective action plan, with the inspector general's office updating Congress on any shortcomings. The academy is cooperating with the investigation, spokesman David Santos said. "It is important for us to examine our policies and practices, and where necessary, take action to improve them," he said in a prepared statement. The academy has made strides with mentoring programs and other initiatives to recruit and retain minorities, but it is also clear work remains to be done, said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney. FILE - In this July 2, 2018 file photo, members of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Class of 2022 pose for their class photo on day one of Swab Summer at the academy in New London, Conn. An official said Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 that the inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security is investigating allegations of racial discrimination and inadequate follow-up by the school's leadership.. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP, File) "It's an issue that's got to once and for all get fixed," said Courtney, a Democrat whose district in eastern Connecticut includes the academy's New London campus. "What I think is good about the IG's office is they give perspective in terms of solutions. That would be welcome." One of the nation's smallest service academies, the Coast Guard Academy is overseen by Homeland Security, unlike others such as the U.S. Military Academy and the Naval Academy, which are run by the Defense Department. It enrolls over 1,000 cadets, who attend the school tuition-free and graduate as officers with a bachelor of science degree and a requirement to spend five years in the service. Like many other predominantly white institutions, it has struggled with diversity. This spring, it graduated its most diverse class ever, including 18 African-Americans in a class of 209 (8.6 percent), though last year it had only four black graduates in a class of 195 (2 percent). In recent years, black cadets in particular have been raising concerns about the racial climate, including a perception that minorities are punished swiftly for slight infractions while others face little consequence for harassment. In one incident, when a white cadet played the song "If the South Woulda Won" in a black cadet's room, the local NAACP said some were frustrated the white cadet was let off with an order to undergo sensitivity training. In October, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat and ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, proposed legislation aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment at the academy. It calls for boosting geographic and racial diversity of cadets in part by requiring the academy to select up to half of each incoming class from a pool of candidates nominated by members of Congress. In June, Thompson, Courtney and U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, of Maryland, asked the Coast Guard commandant for detailed information on harassment allegations and climate issues at the academy, requesting documents such as investigative reports within a month. Connecticut's two U.S. senators sent a similar letter. Courtney said the academy has provided hundreds of pages but has been asked to remove redactions. The academy launched several initiatives to ensure all cadets feel welcome on campus. It invited a review by the University of Southern California's Center for Urban Education, which issued a report detailing disparities affecting black cadets in areas, including frequency of disciplinary action and graduation rates. The school's superintendent ordered a working group to look into factors behind the gaps. KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - Two employees were killed when an elevator filled with superheated, "flesh-boiling" steam at a Westar Energy plant in Kansas this summer, according to a federal lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed Wednesday on behalf of the children of Damien Burchett, who died June 3 alongside Jesse Henson at a plant near Topeka. The family is suing three companies that manufactured and maintained the turbine and valve. Westar is not named in the lawsuit. The lawsuit also challenges a $250,000 state limit on compensation for survivors of people who die in on-the-job accidents, The Wichita Eagle reported. After a three-month shutdown for routine maintenance, two of three steam turbines went back online without incident, but a third turbine didn't have full power, according to the lawsuit. Burchett, of Overbrook, and Henson, of Manhattan, took an elevator to investigate a loss of steam at a safety relief valve, which is supposed to vent steam outside the plant if the pressure gets too high. "Upon the elevator door opening on the 14th floor, (the men were) engulfed in flesh-boiling steam that had filled the room," the lawsuit said. "(Burchett) was exposed to the steam release and suffered severe burns that caused him to endure a horrific death." Investigators determined the steam relief valve had either been ripped apart or failed altogether, allowing the steam to fill the room, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit names Team Industrial Services, which did the maintenance work; Emerson Electric Co., the manufacturer of the steam valve; and Siemens, which built the turbines. Representatives for Siemens and Emerson said they do not comment on pending litigation. Team Industrial did not immediately return requests for comment on Thursday. Kansas law exempts employers from legal action, leaving workers' compensation insurance as the sole remedy, said John Carmichael, an attorney and member of the state House Judiciary Committee. That immunity doesn't extend to subcontractors or the manufacturers of equipment, Carmichael said. State law also prohibits state courts from awarding more than $250,000 for damages such as suffering and loss of companionship, which are not easily quantifiable. The lawsuit contends that law violates constitutional guarantees of equal protection, separation of powers, right to jury trials, taking private property without just compensation, due process and free and open access to the courts. ___ Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, http://www.kansas.com NEW YORK (AP) - The 14th volume of Bob Dylan's bootleg series won't settle one of the most persistent debates about his recording career. But it will allow fans to decide for themselves. Dylan's 1975 album "Blood on the Tracks" is considered a milestone, a torrent of words and images thought to be inspired by the breakup of his marriage, although he insists the stories he was reading at the time had more to do with it. The Nobel prize committee likely had it in mind when giving Dylan its 2016 award for literature. He recorded tracks like "Idiot Wind," ''Tangled Up in Blue" and "Shelter From the Storm" in New York the previous September, primarily with his acoustic guitar but occasionally joined by a few other musicians. But shortly before the album's release, on a holiday break home in Minnesota, an apparently unsatisfied Dylan convened a mostly unknown group of musicians and re-recorded half of the album's 10 songs. Many of his fans, particularly those who heard illicit outtakes of what he recorded in New York, have long debated whether that was a mistake. There's a greater bite and urgency to Dylan's voice in the Minnesota versions as the band works to keep up with him, yet some loyalists prefer the more intimate recordings from New York. The six-disc box set out Friday, "More Blood, More Tracks," lays it all on the line. It includes everything he recorded in New York, so fanatics can see how songs progressed as Dylan tried out different arrangements. You can hear the awkwardness of other musicians as they try and often fail to figure out what he wants. FILE - In this Feb. 6, 2015 file photo, Bob Dylan accepts the 2015 MusiCares Person of the Year award at the 2015 MusiCares Person of the Year show in Los Angeles. The latest volume of Dylan's bootleg series, a six-disc box set being released Friday presents everything Dylan recorded for his milestone 1975 album "Blood on the Tracks." (Photo by Vince Bucci/Invision/AP, File) Dylan employed technology at the time to "speed up" the recordings that he finally settled on for "Blood on the Tracks," and this box strips that away. Unlike some of Dylan's past "bootleg" projects, there's no wealth of leftover material. There was only one song, "Up to Me," that he was working on that was left off the original album. He fiddles with some lyrics - so-called completists may be excited about a heretofore unheard 12th verse of "Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts" - but Dylan came into the studio with the songs fully formed. With a price exceeding $100, the box is aimed at rabid fans with money and time to spare. But Sony has also compiled a single-disc release with alternate versions of the songs on "Blood on the Tracks." LOS ANGELES (AP) - The United States has charged a government-controlled company in China with stealing trade secrets from an American semiconductor company, the Justice Department said Thursday as it outlined an initiative focused on what officials said was the growing threat of Chinese economic espionage. The prosecution comes amid heightened trade tensions between China and the U.S. and as the Trump administration raises alarms that Beijing remains intent on stealing technology and inventions to gain an economic upper hand. The two nations have each imposed billions of dollars in tariffs on each other in a reflection of a confrontational relationship with national security as well as economic ramifications. The case, which involves trade secrets worth up to $8.75 billion and allegedly stolen from Idaho-based Micron Technology Inc., is the latest in a series of prosecutions targeting Chinese corporate espionage. On Tuesday, for instance, federal prosecutors in California charged Chinese intelligence officers and hackers working for them with trying to steal information on commercial jet engines. Other cases have involved stolen wind turbine technology and software source code. "China - like any advanced nation - must decide whether it wants to be a trusted partner on the world stage, or whether it wants to be known around the world as a dishonest regime running a corrupt economy founded on fraud, theft and strong-arm tactics," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said at a news conference announcing the criminal case and a new China Initiative. The charges name two companies, one in China and one in Taiwan, and three Taiwanese defendants. A Justice Department spokesman said the defendants were served summonses in Taiwan and that none is in U.S. custody. Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks during a news conference to announce a criminal law enforcement action involving China, at the Department of Justice in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Justice Department and FBI leaders announced criminal charges and an operation to thwart Chinese economic espionage. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) The Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment Thursday. One of the charged individuals had been general manager and chairman of a company that Micron acquired in 2013 and then went to work two years later for the Taiwan semiconductor company, United Microelectronics Corporation, or UMC, where prosecutors say he orchestrated the theft. That man, identified by prosecutors as Chen Zhengkun, recruited both of his co-defendants to join him at UMC. One, according to prosecutors, downloaded more than 900 confidential and proprietary Micron files before he left and stored them in personal cloud storage and on external hard drives so that he could access them at his new job with UMC. The company partnered with a Chinese-controlled business, Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co., to mass-produce technology memory storage products used in computer electronics. That technology, known as dynamic random-access memory, is something that the Chinese government had identified as an important priority because its own companies could not develop such advanced capabilities and had to rely on companies outside of China, the Justice Department said The indictment was announced one day after the Trump administration imposed restrictions on technology exports to the Chinese company that was charged, citing national security concerns. Beijing has spent heavily to build up Jinhua and other chipmakers as part of efforts to transform China into a global leader in robotics, artificial intelligence and other technology industries. The United States also Thursday sued to block the transfer of trade secrets and to prevent the companies from exporting to the U.S. any products that they manufacturing by exploiting stolen information. In addition, the Justice Department announced an initiative to target Chinese economic espionage by identifying priority cases and ensuring there are enough resources available. The administration has characterized China, along with Russia, as a strategic competitor of the United States. The U.S. has taken an increasingly confrontational stance toward what it characterizes as China's "predatory" economic policies. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo set the tone in a June speech where he accused China of an "unprecedented level of larceny" of intellectual property. Tensions over trade in particular have exacerbated relations between the two world powers. President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese products in an effort to narrow the U.S. trade deficit with China. China has retaliated with tariff increases on $110 billion of American products. The tensions have extended into security issues. China has criticized U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province, and the U.S. has renewed its criticism of China's island-building in the disputed South China Sea. In recent weeks, Trump has accused China of meddling in U.S. elections but hasn't presented substantive evidence of such interference. In a tweet Thursday, Trump said he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that they had talked about many topics, but mostly trade. He said U.S.-China discussions on trade are "moving along nicely" with a meeting being scheduled at the G-20 summit in Argentina, which begins late this month. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Pennington and Deb Riechmann contributed to this story. Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks during a news conference to announce a criminal law enforcement action involving China, at the Department of Justice in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Standing behind Sessions is Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. The Justice Department and FBI leaders announced criminal charges and an operation to thwart Chinese economic espionage. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - U.S. authorities have charged a fugitive Malaysian financier and two former Goldman Sachs bankers in a money laundering and bribery scheme that allegedly pilfered billions from Malaysian state investment fund 1MDB. The corruption scandal involving the fund had already upended Malaysian politics. The long-ruling coalition was ousted in a May election, and then-Prime Minister Najib Razak, who set up the fund, now faces criminal charges in Malaysia. Last year, the country sank to its worst-ever rating in the influential Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by Transparency International. Here's a look at the fund and how the scandal has played out: ___ 1MDB WHAT? The fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad, was set up in 2009 to promote economic development. Najib chaired its advisory board and as finance minister held veto power over its activities. Between 2009 and 2014, top executives and associates of Najib looted $4.5 billion from the fund, laundering it through the U.S., Singapore, Switzerland and other countries, according to the U.S. Justice Department. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has called the scandal "kleptocracy at its worst." About $700 million landed in Najib's bank account, though he denies any wrongdoing. 1MDB now staggers under enormous debt. ___ POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE FILE - In this April 14, 2018, file photo, protesters hold portraits of Jho Low illustrated as a pirate during a protest in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The United States Justice Department on Thursday charged the fugitive Malaysian financier in a money laundering and bribery scheme that pilfered billions of dollars from a Malaysian investment fund created to promote economic development projects in that country. The three-count indictment charges Low Taek Jho, who is also known as Jho Low, with misappropriating money from the state-owned fund and using it for bribes and kickbacks to foreign officials, to pay for luxury real estate, art and jewelry in the United States and to fund Hollywood movies, including "The Wolf of Wall Street." (AP Photo/Sadiq Asyraf, File) Najib in 2015 sacked his attorney general and a deputy prime minister for demanding answers about 1MDB. A parliamentary inquiry found many irregularities but had no mandate to prosecute. Outraged by the scandal, former leader Mahathir Mohamad came out of political retirement, and the opposition united behind him in the national elections. The 93-year-old is now prime minister and reopened the probe into the 1MDB fund. Police have also seized hundreds of luxury handbags, jewelry and cash - worth more than $266 million - during raids on apartments linked to Najib's family. Najib and his wife have separately been charged with multiple counts of corruption and money laundering. They both pleaded not guilty and will face trial next year. Najib accuses the new administration of seeking political vengeance and has vowed to clear his name. ___ MODUS OPERANDI The U.S. Justice Department alleges there were four phases to the conspiracy that all involved the use of layers of foreign bank accounts and shell companies to launder the money. It says initially a $1 billion investment was diverted and in subsequent phases money was siphoned from sales of 1MDB bonds. In some cases, the names of shell companies operating the bank accounts mimicked the names of the rightful beneficiaries. When the banks questioned large money transfers, the conspirators used fake business documents to address their concerns, the department says. The U.S. says the money it is seeking to recover was gambled in Las Vegas, used to buy hotels, apartments, a luxury yacht, a jet, diamond jewelry and art works and to finance Hollywood films including the "Wolf of Wall Street" and "Dumb and Dumber To." ___ KEY PLAYER U.S. prosecutors allege that Malaysian Low Taek Jho, usually known as Jho Low, was a central figure who orchestrated the ransacking of 1MDB. A friend of Najib's stepson Riza Aziz, Low had no official role at 1MDB but had considerable influence over its dealings and was often in contact with Najib, according to the Justice Department. "Looks like we may have hit a goldmine" he said in an email to family members after organizing a 1MDB deal that would later allegedly become a money laundering vehicle. Singapore fined eight banks for failing to carry out proper anti-money laundering measures in relation to 1MDB and gave prison sentences to several bankers. It has seized 240 million Singapore dollars ($180 million) of property and cash and says about half of that belonged to Low and his immediate family. Working with the FBI, Indonesian authorities seized Low's $250 million luxury yacht Equanimity off Bali in February and Malaysia's government is now auctioning it. Low has slammed the handover of the yacht to Malaysia as illegal through statements issued by his U.S. lawyers, but he didn't claim ownership of the vessel in the Malaysian court. ___ WHAT NEXT FOR 1MDB? Najib's administration in February said 1MDB will be closed once its debts are cleared. The fund exists for now but has been declared insolvent. The new government has said it will honor 1MDB's debt obligations. But it recently challenged a settlement reached in a London court last year for the fund to pay $5.8 billion to Abu Dhabi's state-run International Petroleum Investment Company over five years. Malaysia is also seeking to recover $1.46 billion it has paid so far. Mahathir has said the government will impose new taxes and may sell off assets to help clear national debts. He has also canceled some big infrastructure projects to contain costs and the government has said it could take up to three years to resolve its fiscal woes. LAS VEGAS (AP) - A convicted felon who was on probation when police say he entered a Las Vegas Strip hotel room, killing two Vietnamese tour leaders and stealing jewelry, a purse and a backpack could face a death penalty trial, a prosecutor said Thursday. Julius Damiano Deangilo Trotter, 31, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with murder, burglary and robbery in the stabbing deaths of Sang Boi Nghia and Khoung Ba Le Nguyen. Clark County District Court Judge Douglas Herndon scheduled a Nov. 13 date for Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson to decide whether to seek the death penalty. Trotter's new court-appointed attorney, Thomas Ericsson, declined to comment outside the court. Trotter is being held without bail. Nghia, 38, owned a tour business in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Nguyen, 30, was a tour employee. Police said they arrived in Las Vegas with a tour group from Los Angeles and missed an excursion to the Grand Canyon on June 1, the day their bodies were found in their room at the Circus Circus hotel. Police later found the door latch to the room didn't work properly and a court filing described a method in which would-be thieves walked hotel hallways checking room doors to see if they'll push open. FILE--This undated Clark County Detention Center file booking photo, provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, shows Julius Trotter, 31. Prosecutors are considering the death penalty for Trotter, accused of killing two Vietnamese tour leaders at a Las Vegas Strip casino-hotel five months ago. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department via AP, file) Hotel owner MGM Resorts International said it was not clear if the door lock was broken before or after Nghia and Nguyen were killed. Trotter was arrested June 7 in Chino, California, after being chased by police. Trotter pleaded guilty last year in Las Vegas and was sentenced to five years' probation for felony resisting a police officer with a weapon. TORONTO (AP) - The case of a man accused of driving a van into pedestrians in Toronto and killing 10 people will head straight to trial without a preliminary hearing. Alek Minassian of Richmond Hill, Ontario faces 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder in connection with the April 23 attack. The prosecution says Thursday that the deputy attorney general has granted the request to proceed by a direct indictment. Authorities haven't disclosed a motive. But they have said Minassian posted a message on social media referencing a misogynistic online community before he plowed a rental van into crowds of pedestrians. Eight of the 10 killed were women. Minassian's lawyer says it will be 10 to 18 months before the trial starts. His client has not entered a plea. WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump said Thursday he plans to sign an order next week that could lead to the large-scale detention of migrants crossing the southern border and bar anyone caught crossing illegally from claiming asylum - two legally dubious proposals that mark his latest election-season barrage against illegal immigration. Trump also said he had told the U.S. military mobilizing at the southwest border that if U.S. troops face rock-throwing migrants, they should react as though the rocks were "rifles." "This is an invasion," Trump declared, as he has previously on a subject that has been shown to resonate strongly with his base of Republican supporters. He made his comments at the White House in a rambling, campaign-style speech that was billed as a response to caravans of migrants traveling slowly by foot toward the U.S. border. But Trump offered few details on how exactly he planned to overhaul an asylum system he claimed was plagued by "endemic abuse" that he said "makes a mockery of our immigration system." U.S. immigration laws make clear that migrants seeking asylum may do so either at or between border crossings. But Trump said he would limit that to official crossing points. The U.S. also doesn't have space at the border to manage the large-scale detention of migrants, with most facilities at capacity. Trump said the government would erect "massive tents" instead. His announcement marked Trump's latest attempt to keep the issue of immigration front-and-center in the final stretch before next Tuesday's elections. Trump has spent the waning days of the campaign hammering the issue at every occasion as he tries to energize Republican voters using the same playbook that helped him win in 2016. In addition to deploying the military to the southern border to stave off the caravan, Trump announced plans to try to end the constitutionally-protected right of birthright citizenship for all children born in the U.S. He brought up immigration issues several times during a political rally Thursday night in Columbia, Missouri. He railed against "birth tourism," where mothers from abroad travel to America to have babies so they will automatically be U.S. citizens. And he denounced "chain migration," where these new citizens then bring in their extended families into the country. President Donald Trump talks about immigration and border security from the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) "You come into the country - you're like two months old ... and you're gonna bring 'em all - your aunts and uncles and grandfathers and lots of people," he said. The president announced Wednesday that he was considering deploying up to 15,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexican border in response to the caravans - roughly double the number the Pentagon said it currently plans for a mission that has been criticized as unnecessary, considering the caravans remain hundreds of miles away. Trump said Thursday he was "not going to put up with" any sort of violence directed at those U.S. forces, warning the military would fight back. "When they throw rocks like they did at the Mexico military and police, I say consider it a rifle," he said. The exact rules for the use of force by military police and other soldiers who will be operating near the border have not been disclosed, but in all cases troops have the right of self-defense. Still, Mark Hertling, a retired Army general, wrote on Twitter after Trump's speech that no military officer would allow a soldier to shoot an individual throwing a rock. "It would be an unlawful order," he wrote, citing the Law of Land Warfare. Trump said Thursday that, under his order, any migrants who do enter the country would be housed in "massive tent cities" he plans to build while their cases are processed. "We're going to catch, we're not going to release," he said. Under current protocol, many asylum seekers are released while their cases make their way through backlogged courts - a process that can take years. Critics said the speech seemed mostly designed to scare, with no specifics on what mechanisms Trump intended to use to push through his desired changes. Administration officials have told The AP that Trump intends to invoke the same authority he used to push through his controversal travel ban, but it's not clear if that's what he was doing with Thursday's speech. "He's really trying to scare the American public into thinking these are thousands of dangerous thugs," said Greg Chen, of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. "It's a classic strategy that goes back to 19th century nativist thinking." Trump and other administration officials have long said those seeking asylum should come through legal ports of entry. But many migrants are unaware of that guidance, and official border crossings have grown increasingly clogged. Immigration officials have turned away asylum-seekers at border crossings because of overcrowding, telling them to return at a later date. Backlogs have become especially bad in recent months at crossings in California, Arizona and Texas, with people generally waiting five weeks to try to claim asylum at San Diego's main crossing and sleeping out in the open for days at a time. Migrants who cross illegally are generally arrested and often seek asylum or some other form of protection. Claims have spiked in recent years, and there is currently a backlog of more than 800,000 cases pending in immigration court. Administration officials have railed against what they say are loopholes designed to encourage people, especially from Central America, to come to the U.S. and claim asylum. Generally, only about 20 percent of applicants are approved. The U.S. fielded more than 330,000 asylum claims in 2017, nearly double the number two years earlier and surpassing Germany as highest in the world. But it remains unclear how many people currently en route to the U.S. will even make it to the border. There are currently four caravans. The main group of about 4,000 migrants - down from its estimated peak of more than 7,000 - remains in southern Mexico, hundreds of miles from the border. A second, smaller group of 1,000 or so is more than 200 miles behind the first. A third band of about 500 from El Salvador has made it to Guatemala, and a fourth group of about 700 set out from the Salvadoran capital Wednesday. Similar caravans have gathered regularly over the years and have generally dwindled by the time they reach the southern border. And most have passed largely unnoticed. Trump has nonetheless mounted an enormous show of force in response to their movement - coinciding with elections that will determine which party controls Congress. The first 100 active duty troops arrived at the border in McAllen, Texas, on Thursday - part of the "more than 7,000" troops the Pentagon said were being sent to support Customs and Border Protection agents. "These illegal caravans will not be allowed into the United States and they should turn back now because they're wasting their time," Trump said Thursday. Notably, he said his executive order would come next week, which means it could be after Election Day. Trump has rejected the idea he has been "fearmongering" and using the issue for political purposes, but on Thursday he blamed Democrats for the "incompetent, very, very stupid laws that we have." He noted at one point, "Women want security." Trump also tweeted a video Wednesday alleging, without evidence, that Democrats were responsible for allowing a homicidal immigrant into the U.S. The video was reminiscent of the infamous "Willie Horton" ad used against Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis in 1988 and condemned as racist. ___ Associated Press writers Elliot Spagat in San Diego, Amy Taxin in Santa Ana, California, and Zeke Miller and Robert Burns in Washington contributed to this report. __ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics Erlin Troches, a 43-year-old Honduran migrant from the city of Santa Barbara, carries an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe that was given to him by a priest in southern Mexico, as he walks along with a thousands-strong caravan of Central Americans hoping to reach the U.S. border moves, outside Juchitan, Oaxaca state, Mexico, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Troches plans to carry the religious icon with him on the entire journey, saying she symbolizes "trust, faith, and hope" that he will make it to the U.S. border. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) In this photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, soldiers from the the 89th Military Police Brigade, and 41st Engineering Company, 19th Engineering Battalion, Fort Riley, Kan., arrive at Valley International Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Harlingen, Texas, to conduct the first missions along the southern border in support of Operation Faithful Patriot. The soldiers will provide a range of support including planning assistance, engineering support, equipment and resources to assist the Department of Homeland Security along the Southwest border. (Alexandra Minor/U.S. Air Force via AP) A woman pushes her daughter in a stroller as a thousands-strong caravan of Central Americans hoping to reach the U.S. border moves onward from Juchitan, Oaxaca state, Mexico, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Thousands of migrants resumed their slow trek through southern Mexico on Thursday, after attempts to obtain bus transport to Mexico City failed. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for a campaign rally in Columbia, Mo., Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump talks to reporters about wanting to change the Fourteenth Amendment, before walking to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House for a short flight to Andrews Air Force Base then on to Fort Myers, Fla., for a campaign rally ahead of the midterm elections, in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - An excessive force lawsuit alleges that a police officer in northeastern Arkansas crushed a man's trachea during an arrest, leaving him in a permanent vegetative state. Blytheville attorneys Jim Harris and Zach Morrison filed a lawsuit Tuesday accusing Blytheville officer Doyle Driskill of violating the civil rights of 29-year-old Rayshawn Warren during a Sept. 29 arrest. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Warren's family, also names the city of Blytheville, the Blytheville Police Department and Police Chief Ross Thompson. Driskill was responding to calls about an intoxicated man trying to enter homes when he confronted Warren, who was walking up to a house in downtown Blytheville, according to a police report. Warren ran away from Driskill, who then pursued, tackled and restrained him until other officers arrived. Driskill used an "arm bar" restraint on Warren, resulting in the crushing of his trachea, the lawsuit states. Warren has remained comatose since the arrest, according to the lawsuit. Morrison said Warren's condition is unlikely to improve and his medical bills are estimated to exceed $250,000, to date. Driskill said in the police report that Warren resisted officers' attempts to handcuff him. He noted that officers used a Taser to stun Warren's thighs and abdomen, but that he continued to resist. Warren was charged with public intoxication, fleeing on foot and failure to submit to arrest. Officers believed Warren "was in a state of excited delirium where subjects display extreme mental and physiological excitement characterized by extreme agitation, hyperthermia, hostility, exceptional strength and endurance without fatigue," said Thompson, the police chief. Warren went into cardiac arrest after medical personnel arrived to provide treatment, Thompson said. He said that medical records show Warren had amphetamines and THC in his system during the encounter. Thompson declined to comment further because the arrest is under investigation, but he confirmed that there's body camera footage of the incident. The Arkansas State Police is investigating the arrest. The story of money in politics doesn't stop with spending on races for Congress. Candidates for governor, legislature and other state offices this year have brought in $2.2 billion in campaign contributions - nearly matching the combined total of $2.4 billion for candidates for the U.S. House and Senate. That makes this year among the most expensive ever in state-level politics, and the total will only grow in the final stretch before Tuesday's election. At stake is control of 36 governors' offices and legislative chambers in most states. Activists see state elections as a good investment because it doesn't take as much money to influence them as it does congressional races. The upstart organization Flippable has raised about $1 million this year for 130 Democratic state legislative candidates in 10 states. Its chief executive, Catherine Vaughan, points out that legislative campaigns cost around $150,000 on average, compared with more than $1 million for a congressional race. FILE - In this combination of Oct. 21, 2018 file photos Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, left, and Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis speak during a CNN debate in Tampa, Fla. Races for governor, legislative seats and other state-level offices have attracted more than $2 billion in campaign contributions this year. That nearly matches contributions to congressional elections, the highest profile political events this year. The top states this year for reported contributions to candidates are, in order, Illinois, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Polls have consistently shown a tight race in Florida between DeSantis, a loyalist to President Donald Trump, and Tallahassee Mayor Gillum. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, Files) An Associated Press analysis of campaign finance data collected by the National Institute on Money in Politics, the Federal Election Commission and the IRS shows where the state-level money is going. ___ THE BIG PICTURE The top states this year for reported contributions to candidates are, in order, Illinois, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia and Pennsylvania. They also happen to be among the states with the largest populations - but not necessarily the most competitive state-level races. Donors also have contributed more than $400 million to support or oppose ballot initiatives. While Democrats are spending more in federal elections, it's about even in state-level elections. As of Thursday, reports processed by the National Institute on Money in Politics show that both parties had brought in just over $1 billion, with a slight edge for the GOP. Nonpartisan and third-party candidates had raised about $40 million. But the money race is not even on a state-by-state basis. Republicans running for legislatures have raised $370 million to Democrats' $354 million. It's no surprise that Wyoming Republicans have raised six times as much as Democrats and that Massachusetts Democrats have nearly as big an advantage. But there's also lopsided funding in some more competitive states. Republican legislative candidates have brought in about twice as much as Democrats in Florida. In Colorado, Democrats have a 2-to-1 fundraising advantage. ___ THE MOST EXPENSIVE RACES Illinois has the second most expensive race for governor on record at $210 million so far. This year's second costliest governor's race is in Florida. Both already are among the 10 costliest races for governor on record. Polls have consistently shown a tight race in Florida between U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, a loyalist to President Donald Trump, and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. In Illinois, nearly 90 percent of contributions have come from just three wealthy investors. Democratic challenger J.B. Pritzker, who is leading in polls, has used more than $106 million of his own money in the race. Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner has spent $57 million. Citadel founder Ken Griffin has kicked in more than $22 million to support Rauner. The most expensive state legislative race is for a state Senate seat in north Texas that has cost $10.8 million so far. Nearly half the total was from Phillip Huffines, who self-financed his losing Republican primary campaign. The most expensive legislative race with a competitive general election is the 12th Senate District in central California. Democrat Anna Caballero and Republican Rob Poythress each have raised about $2 million. ___ BIGGEST SPENDERS The list of the largest contributors across all state-level elections is dominated by self-funded candidates. Nine candidates, all running for governor, have spent at least $10 million on themselves this year. In addition to the two in Illinois, only one other - Jared Polis, a Colorado Democrat - won a primary. The list of big organizational contributors is dominated by labor groups spreading money to a variety of candidates - mostly but not exclusively Democrats. Unions representing laborers, educators, service workers and plumbers, including their regional affiliates, have contributed at least $7 million each. Realtor associations also have contributed more than $11 million, the majority of it to Republicans. ___ INDEPENDENT MONEY Most states limit the amount a contributor can give to each candidate. But political groups, companies, charities and individuals have no restrictions on how much they can spend on their own. In some cases, they can do this spending without disclosing the identities of their donors; in some states, they don't even have to report the spending. The one catch: They're generally not allowed to coordinate with the candidates' official campaigns. Among those that do report spending are national party-affiliated organizations, which have arms that do work with campaigns. Republican groups trying to elect their partisans to governor's offices, legislatures and other positions such as state attorney general have an edge over Democrats. Corporations are major contributors to the groups on both sides. Filings by the Republican Governors Association this month show it has raised $156 million from the start of 2017 through September. The Democratic Governors Association brought in $108 million through Oct. 17. Both use much of their money to fund ads attacking their opponents. Groups that are key to the parties' attempts to win state legislative seats also are spending big this cycle. The Republican State Leadership Committee had raised $33 million through September and expects to spend up to $50 million. Its counterpart, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, said it has brought in $35 million through October, a record amount for the group. Its efforts are being bolstered this year by other organizations with similar goals. ___ THE NATIONAL PLAYERS A handful of wealthy individuals fund organizations that spend on politics across the country. The industrialist brothers Charles and David Koch and other conservatives are major players through a group of organizations that include Americans for Prosperity. It's impossible to tell from campaign finance filings how much they're spending this year. An Americans for Prosperity spokeswoman said the network plans to put a total of $400 million into state and federal political efforts in 2017 and 2018 but declined to break down how much would go to state races. Tom Steyer, a San Francisco liberal who has called for impeaching Trump, has announced contributions totaling at least $7 million to support Florida's Gillum. That includes more than $2 million in direct contributions to a political action committee that supports Gillum, along with $800,000 from the Steyer group NextGen Climate America and direct mail pieces being sent by another Steyer group, Need to Impeach. ___ Follow Mulvihill at http://www.twitter.com/geoffmulvihill CAIRO (AP) - Amnesty International says Egyptian authorities have arrested 19 rights lawyers and activists, including eight women, as part of the country's ongoing crackdown on civil society. The London-based advocacy group says in a Thursday statement that the arrests were made in house raids that began in the early hours. It says those arrested included 60-year-old rights lawyer Hoda Abdel-Monaim. Amnesty says the latest "chilling" wave of arrests demonstrate the ruthless determination of Egyptian authorities to "crush all activism and dismantle the human rights movement in the country." Egypt has since 2013 jailed thousands of supporters of an Islamist president ousted by the military along with many of the top activists behind a popular 2011 uprising. The government says its priority is security and reviving the country's battered economy. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Native Americans are running for high-profile seats this year in New Mexico, Kansas, Minnesota and Idaho in what could bring historic gains for a population once excluded from electoral politics. Indian voters also could swing important races in Montana, Arizona and North Dakota. The midterm election Tuesday comes 70 years after Isleta Pueblo member Miguel Trujillo's landmark court challenge against a New Mexico law that had prevented Native Americans from voting. And 50 years ago, Native American voters were credited with helping Robert F. Kennedy win a historic victory in South Dakota's Democratic presidential primary. Here's a look at how the Native American vote has become a key bloc in the U.S. after decades of exclusion: ___ In this Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, photo, Brandon Nez displays his flag near his jewelry stand in Monument Valley, Utah, where tourists stand the highway to recreate a famous running scene from the movie "Forest Gump.". As Native American tribes around the country fight for increased access to the ballot box, Navajo voters in one Utah county could tip the balance of power in the first general election since a federal judge ordered overturned their voting districts as illegally drawn to minimize native voices. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) THE LONG FIGHT Written into the original U.S. Constitution was a clause that said Indians who didn't pay taxes could not be counted in the voting population of states. That prevented Native Americans living in tribal communities - considered sovereign nations - from becoming U.S. citizens and voting members of the new democracy. Like African Americans, Native Americans were excluded from voting and public accommodations long after the Civil War and the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890 in South Dakota. The Indian Naturalization Act of 1890 finally granted citizenship to Native Americans by an application process, but many weren't allowed to vote until President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924. Still, a number of states such as New Mexico and Arizona barred many Native Americans from voting. That changed after World War II veteran Marine Sgt. Miguel Trujillo Sr. sued New Mexico when a county clerk refused to allow him to register to vote because he lived on tribal land. Trujillo won his case, clearing the way for Native Americans in New Mexico and elsewhere to vote. ___ REMAINING BARRIERS In 1975 under President Gerald Ford, the Voting Rights Act was amended with changes that mentioned Alaska, Arizona and parts of South Dakota as places that discriminated against Native Americans through ballot language. The federal law required that polling locations offer information in Spanish and various Native languages. As late as the 1990s, some New Mexico counties were subject to U.S. Justice Department consent decrees for violating the Voting Rights Act by not providing information in Native languages. Meanwhile, voters began electing Native Americans to seats in state Legislatures. In 1992, Democrat Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado became the first Native American elected to the U.S. Senate. He later switched to the Republican Party. ___ THE 2018 ELECTION A new Republican-backed ID law in North Dakota upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court prevents Native Americans without a residential address from voting. Opponents say the law is intended to disenfranchise Native American voters who historically have used post office boxes as addresses. Supporters of the law say it's meant to combat voter fraud. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat, won a close race in 2012 in the state with the help of Native American voters. She is now facing a strong challenge from Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer. Elsewhere, Democrats Debra Haaland in New Mexico and Sharice Davids in Kansas are vying to become the first Native American women elected to the U.S. House. In Idaho, Paulette Jordan , a Democrat, is vying to become the nation's first elected Native American governor. Voters in Minnesota will elect the state's first Native American lieutenant governor. Both candidates - Democrat state Rep. Peggy Flanagan and Republican Donna Bergstrom - are members of tribal nations that are bands of Ojibwe. ___ Associated Press Writer Russell Contreras is a member of the AP's race and ethnicity team. Follow Contreras on Twitter at http://twitter.com/russcontreras . AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics . FILE - This March 9, 2012, file photo shows a photograph of Miguel Trujillo of Isleta Pueblo, N.M., and his daughter on display for an exhibit at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, N.M. Trujillo fought in 1948 for the right of American Indians to vote in New Mexico. Trujillo fought in 1948 for the right of American Indians to vote in New Mexico and came decades after the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants all people born in the U.S. citizenship. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan, File) In this Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, photo, a campaign sign for Democratic county commission candidate Willie Grayeyes, is shown in Monument Valley, Utah. Grayeyes is running in a new, 65-percent Navajo district on local issues like new school buses and better road maintenance. If Grayeyes wins, the three-person commission could be majority Navajo for the first time. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) FILE - In this June 6, 2018, file photo, Deb Haaland, a Democratic candidate for Congress for central New Mexico's open seat and a tribal member of the Laguna Pueblo, speaks at her Albuquerque home. Haaland is maintaining her fundraising edge over her Republican and Libertarian opponents for an open U.S. House seat in central New Mexico. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras, File) In this Oct. 24, 2018, photo, Democratic county commission candidate Willie Grayeyes speaks to a group in White Mesa, Utah. Grayeyes is running in a new, 65-percent Navajo district on local issues like new school buses and better road maintenance. If Grayeyes wins, the three-person commission could be majority Navajo for the first time. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Democratic challenger Sharice Davids talks during a Kansas' 3rd Congressional District debate against Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) MONUMENT VALLEY, Utah (AP) - Tammie Nakai lives under a vista of red-rock spires and purple sunrise sky that offers arguably some of the United States' most breathtaking views. But her home lacks what most of the country considers basic necessities: electric lines and running water. "It's been that way my whole life, almost 31 years," she said at the jewelry stand she and her husband run with pride in Monument Valley, a rural community near the Utah-Arizona border where tourists stand in the highway to re-create a famous running scene from "Forest Gump." As she decides how she'll cast her ballot, Navajo voters like Nakai could tip the balance of power in their county on Nov. 6. It's the first general election since a federal judge decided racially gerrymandered districts illegally minimized the voices of Navajo voters who make a slim majority of San Juan County's population. The county overlaps with the Navajo Nation, where people face huge disparities in health, education and economics. About 40 percent lack running water in their homes. The race highlights the simmering tensions between Native Americans and white residents who live across the San Juan River on ranches and in towns laid out in neat grids by Mormon settlers. Though county leaders acknowledge the historical inequities Navajo people face, they say those issues go far beyond their reach. Willie Grayeyes disagrees. After a fight to get on the ballot, the Democratic County Commission candidate is running in a new district and wants to help address needs like basic utilities and neglected dirt roads that tear up buses and can wash out in storms, keeping students out of school. Overlapping county, federal and tribal governments mean it's not always clear who is responsible for any given problem. But if Grayeyes wins, the county's governing body will be majority Navajo for the first time. In this Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, photo, Brandon Nez displays his flag at near his jewelry stand in Monument Valley, Utah, where tourists stand the highway to recreate a famous running scene from the movie "Forest Gump.". As Native American tribes around the country fight for increased access to the ballot box, Navajo voters in one Utah county could tip the balance of power in the first general election since a federal judge ordered overturned their voting districts as illegally drawn to minimize native voices. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) "I want to sit at the table ... rather than, 'There's an Indian sitting over there. Let's see what he says,'" he said at a meeting last week. "Long term, I want to change the things, the beliefs that separate us - dominant society vs. Native American communities." Tribes also have been fighting for increased access to the ballot box in Nevada, Alaska and North Dakota, where a U.S. Supreme Court decision last month allows the state to keep requirements that Native Americans said were discriminatory. Utah's San Juan County is a southwestern landscape of rolling green sage and red mesas that covers an area nearly the size of New Jersey. It includes Monument Valley and a handful of other primarily Democratic communities on the Navajo Nation, which also sprawls into Arizona and New Mexico. The county's larger, mostly non-Native towns of Blanding and Monticello are heavily Republican. The county faced a voting-rights case in the 1980s, and more recently a federal judge decided its three commission districts were drawn so only one member would be Navajo. The county is appealing that ruling as unfair to Blanding voters. Grayeyes is running in a new, 65 percent Navajo district against Kelly Laws, a Republican former Blanding city councilman whose son is the county attorney. It's the county's only contested commission race this year. Laws didn't return messages from The Associated Press seeking comment. A Grayeyes win would also change the county's position in the still-fresh debate over Bears Ears National Monument, land that tribes consider sacred. Many of the county's non-Native residents were angry when President Barack Obama created the monument. They argue the added protections on 2,100 square miles (5,400 square kilometers) were too broad and closed the area to energy development. They cheered President Donald Trump's decision to downsize Bears Ears by about 85 percent. "It's been very divisive," said Bruce Adams, the commission's Republican chairman, who is running unopposed for another term. He acknowledges the steep contrast between life in his hometown and conditions on the Navajo Nation, but said it's wrong to lay all the problems at the feet of county government. "We've tried to treat these people just like we treat everyone in San Juan County. They're no different to us than any other citizen," Adams said. Navajos in the county do face unique challenges getting to the ballot box. Many homes lack traditional street addresses, and with few jobs on the reservation, people travel frequently for work. Navajos went to court after a switch to vote by mail, saying it made it harder to receive ballots through unreliable mail service and for elderly Navajo-language speakers to read them. Elections officials have worked to address those obstacles, but Navajo leaders remain skeptical. The road to Grayeyes' candidacy also went through federal court. The county disqualified him from the ballot after the clerk decided he lived outside the district. Grayeyes fought back, noting he has been registered to vote there for decades. "It's degrading to be told, 'You don't live here,'" Grayeyes said. "It's a sacred thing." A federal judge sided with him, finding the county clerk wrongly backdated the complaint from a would-be rival for the seat. Outgoing San Juan County Commissioner Phil Lyman sees that ruling as part of the county's ongoing struggle against the federal government, which owns most of the land in the county. Lyman became a figure in the states' rights movement when he was convicted of a misdemeanor after leading a protest ATV ride through a closed canyon. "It's intended to break the county," said Lyman, who's running for a state legislative seat. "This paternalistic management of Native Americans, it's a concept whose time has way past. But to turn it and say San Juan County is the author of that is the hugest disservice." Instead, he and Adams say federal and tribal leaders have let Utah Navajos down. But Kenneth Maryboy, a Navajo running unopposed for another commission seat, said the county could and should do more. "If we have two Native Americans in there .... that would be leverage to make things happen," he said. Navajo voter Julie Ann Holiday is glad to see more Native Americans on the ballot. She and her husband live in a traditional Navajo hogan, a circular, one-room dwelling with a wood stove and dirt floor. It has no water tap and is serviced by a plywood outhouse. It was originally built to host ceremonies for her father, who died after years of working in nearby uranium mines. Growing up, Holiday often rode 70 miles (113 kilometers) to school in Blanding. The schools are closer to reservation homes now, after Navajos filed a lawsuit against the county. Holiday earned her master's degree online from her hogan, after convincing tribal electricity officials to hook up a satellite dish outside. She loves both cultures that intersect at her home but sometimes feels caught between two worlds. "We're right on the edge of the Navajo Nation and San Juan County. You don't know which way to turn," she said. "We've come a long way to get what we need. We just worked hard for it." ___ Follow Whitehurst on Twitter at @lwhitehurst. For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics In this Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, photo, Tammie Nakai displays her jewelry at her stand in Monument Valley, Utah, where tourists stand the highway to recreate a famous running scene from the movie "Forest Gump.". As Native American tribes around the country fight for increased access to the ballot box, Navajo voters in one Utah county could tip the balance of power in the first general election since a federal judge ordered overturned their voting districts as illegally drawn to minimize native voices. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) In this Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, photo, Navajo Julie Ann Holiday sits on a mattress in front of her traditional Navajo dwelling made of wood caulked with earth, in Monument Valley, Utah. The circular Hogan she shares with her husband is one room with a dirt floor, heated with a wood stove. She loves waking up to the view of formations like Bear and Rabbit in the distance, and in the warmer months she and her husband sleeps outside on a mattress under the stars. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) **HOLD AND MOVE THURSDAY, NOV. 1, 2018**In this Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, photo, shows in Monument Valley, Utah. As Native American tribes around the country fight for increased access to the ballot box, Navajo voters in one Utah county could tip the balance of power in the first general election since a federal judge ordered overturned their voting districts as illegally drawn to minimize native voices. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) In this Oct. 24, 2018, photo, Democratic county commission candidate Willie Grayeyes, left, speaks to a group while Kenneth Maryboy, a Navajo who is running unopposed for another seat on the commission, looks on in White Mesa, Utah. Grayeyes is running in a new, 65-percent Navajo district on local issues like new school buses and better road maintenance. If Grayeyes wins, the three-person commission could be majority Navajo for the first time. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) In this Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, photo, Bruce Adams, Republican chair of the San Juan County commission, poses with the hat signed by President Donald Trump after signing a proclamation to shrink the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante national monuments at his home in Monticello, Utah. Navajo voters could tip the balance of power in their county on Nov. 6. It's the first general election since a federal judge decided racially gerrymandered districts illegally minimized the voices of native voters who make a slim majority of the population in San Juan County, Utah. It overlaps with the Navajo Nation, where people face huge disparities in health, education and economics. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) In this Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, photo, San Juan County commissioner Phil Lyman looks on following an interview at his office in Blanding, Utah. As Native American tribes around the country fight for increased access to the ballot box, Navajo voters in one Utah county could tip the balance of power in the first general election since a federal judge ordered overturned their voting districts as illegally drawn to minimize native voices. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is spreading misleading rhetoric about the nature of Central American migrants heading to the U.S. border and grossly inflating the number of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. In a speech Thursday, he suggested without evidence that the migrant caravans are full of hardened criminals; in fact, they are mostly poor people with few belongings who are fleeing gang violence. In stressing that his administration will not allow a "catch and release" policy, Trump also claimed this week that 25 million to 30 million immigrants now live in the country illegally because previous administrations had "released" immigrants in the U.S. after they had been caught crossing the border as they awaited immigration hearings. He's wrong. Independent estimates put the number of people in the U.S. illegally at less than half that amount. A look at his various claims on immigration: TRUMP: "At this very moment, large well-organized caravans of migrants are marching towards our southern border. Some people call it an invasion. ...These are tough people in many cases; a lot of young men, strong men and a lot of men that maybe we don't want in our country. ...This isn't an innocent group of people. It's a large number of people that are tough. They have injured, they have attacked." - immigration speech Thursday. President Donald Trump arrives at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, from a campaign rally in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) THE FACTS: He suggests without evidence that people in the caravans are, by and large, dangerous, hardened criminals. The migrants in the caravans 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 might be true there are some criminals mixed in with the throngs, given the sheer number of migrants. Trump did not substantiate his claim that members of the MS-13 gang, in particular, are among them. Some migrants in one of the caravans clashed with Mexican police at the Mexico-Guatemala border, hurling stones and other objects as they tried to cross the international bridge. One migrant died; it's not clear how it happened. Caravan leaders said they had expelled a number of troublemakers from the procession, exhibiting some self-policing. Ultimately, most entered Guatemala - and later, Mexico - by illegally bypassing immigration checkpoints. The caravan otherwise has been overwhelmingly peaceful, receiving applause and donated food from residents of the towns they pass. Mexican police have not tried again to stop them. ___ TRUMP: "President Obama separated the children from parents and nobody complained. When we continued the exact same law, the country went crazy." - immigration speech Thursday. THE FACTS: Actually, President Barack Obama did not do the same thing as a matter of policy. While it's true the underlying laws were the same, the Trump administration mandated anyone caught crossing the border illegally was to be criminally prosecuted. That policy meant adults were taken to court for criminal proceedings, and their children were separated and sent into the care of the Health and Human Services Department, which is tasked with caring for unaccompanied migrant children. The so-called zero tolerance policy remains in effect, but Trump signed an executive order June 20 that stopped separations. Jeh Johnson, Obama's homeland security secretary, recently told NPR there may have been unusual or emergency circumstances when children were taken from parents, but there was no such policy. ___ TRUMP: "Asylum is not a program for those living in poverty." - speech Thursday. THE FACTS: He's largely right. Poverty may play a role in the complex decision process granting asylum, but the status is reserved for people who have a justifiable fear of persecution in their own country based on factors such as their race, religion or political views. According to the Homeland Security Department, about 20 percent of claimants are granted asylum. Currently, there is a backlog of about 700,000 cases, and it can take years for claims to get resolved. ___ TRUMP: "We're not doing releases. What's been happening over years is they would come in, release them, and they would never show up for their trial. And we now have 25 or 30 million people in this country illegally, because of what's been happening over many years." - remarks Wednesday to reporters. THE FACTS: It's nowhere close to 25 million to 30 million, nor has the number increased much in recent years. The nonpartisan Pew Research Center estimates there were about 11.3 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally in 2016, the most recent data available. That number is basically unchanged from 2009. The number of such immigrants had reached a height of 12.2 million in 2007, representing about 4 percent of the U.S. population, before declining due in part to a weakening U.S. economy. ___ Find AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck DETROIT (AP) - Officials in Michigan announced Thursday that the governor has created a team to address funeral home problems after authorities recently found remains of dozens of fetuses at two Detroit funeral homes. The team will include members from multiple state agencies and will investigate allegations of improper body disposal, prepaid funeral violations and other complaints. It follows an increase in complaints handled by mortuary science regulators with Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, that office said. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder is also adding three new regulators, bringing the total to seven. The Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' mortuary science program oversees 751 funeral homes and more than 2,100 mortuary science licenses in Michigan. It also has oversight over pre-paid funeral contracts. Police have been investigating Detroit's shuttered Cantrell Funeral Home after mummified remains of 10 fetuses and a full-term infant were found hidden last month in a ceiling. Regulators had closed that business shuttered in April due to improperly stored bodies. Another Detroit business, the Perry Funeral Home, is under investigation after authorities subsequently found 36 fetuses in boxes and 27 others in freezers. "We have seen a recent spike in complaints from consumers and others in the funeral home industry and unfortunately these allegations have led to several horrific discoveries," Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Shelly Edgerton said in a release. "I thank the governor for organizing this team that will focus on holding funeral homes accountable and safeguarding a family's right to have their loved one put to rest in a dignified and respectful manner." Regulators in March suspended the mortuary science establishment license of the Charles G. Parks Funeral Home in Petoskey after an inspection found unsanitary conditions in an embalming room, human cremated remains stored alongside those of animals and other violations. The state says embalmed bodies also were found in an unrefrigerated garage and that at least $4,935 for prepaid funeral goods or services was not put into escrow. Swanson Funeral Home in Flint was closed in July 2017 after maggots were found on the floor of a garage where unrefrigerated bodies were stored. Staff members from Michigan's Health and Human Services and Environmental Quality departments, and the State Police will be on the state's team looking into allegations of violations by funeral homes. Health and Human Services is responsible for various aspects of the state's public health code and oversight of emergency services for burials. Environmental Quality handles registration of medical waste-producing facilities and regulation of other environmental laws. State Police investigate fraud. Detroit Police Chief James Craig said his department welcomes the enhanced efforts to address licensing violations by funeral homes. Funeral professionals also support and encourage any effort to improve communication and cooperation among these agencies, said Phil Douma, executive director of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association. "A family's peace of mind is a funeral director's utmost priority, and funeral directors across our state are committed to working with state agencies to ensure that peace of mind is ensured," Douma added. LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Johnny Depp has relisted his Kentucky horse farm with a lower asking price after his portfolio managers rejected an offer for the 42-acre (17-hectare) property. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the property - named "Betty Sue's Family Farm" in honor of Depp's late mother, is now listed for $1.6 million. That's well below the $2.9 million Depp wanted when it was up for auction in August 2017. The top bid at last year's auction was $1.4 million from radio personality Rick Dees. The farm near Keeneland racetrack is equipped with a 6,635-square-foot home with six bedrooms, six full bathrooms and a four-car garage. It has two barns with 12 stalls and five paddocks. Depp, an Owensboro, Kentucky, native and star of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, first brought the property in 1995 for $950,000. McKINNEY, Texas (AP) - U.S. military officials have identified the remains of a 20-year-old Texas soldier who went missing in 1950 following a combat operation in South Korea. Army Pfc. Mathis O. Ball is scheduled to be buried Nov. 18 in the southeastern Oklahoma town of Bokchito. Military authorities say Ball's company was fighting North Korean forces in July 1950 before he was declared missing in action in the Korean War. Remains were recovered later that year from an isolated grave and ultimately interred in Honolulu as an unknown soldier. They were disinterred last year and scientists used DNA, dental and other analyses to confirm in August that the remains were those of Ball. Ball was raised in Collin County, Texas, north of Dallas. The county is about 60 miles (96 kilometers) southwest of Bokchito. WASHINGTON (AP) - Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has left no doubt that his top priority as leader of the military is making it more "lethal" - better at war and more prepared for it - and yet nothing about the military's new mission at the U.S.-Mexico border advances that goal. Some argue it detracts from it. The troops going to the border areas of Texas, Arizona and California are a small fraction of the military's roughly 1.3 million active-duty members, and the mission is set to last only 45 days. But many question the wisdom of drawing even several thousand away from training for their key purpose: to win wars. James Stavridis, a retired Navy admiral and former head of U.S. Southern Command, said the troops should be preparing for combat and other missions, "not monitoring a peaceful border" for the arrival of a migrant caravan of several thousand people on foot, still about 900 miles away. "It sends a terrible signal to Latin America and the Caribbean as we unnecessarily militarize our border," Stavridis, who also served as the top NATO commander, said Thursday. "It places U.S. troops who are fundamentally untrained for the mission of border security and border enforcement into an area of operations, which could cause incidents of a negative character. If we need more border patrol agents, hire them." The first 100 or so active duty troops arrived at the border on Thursday, making initial assessment at the McAllen, Texas, crossing. Overall, there are about 2,600 troops at staging bases in the region. David Lapan, a retired Marine colonel who is a former spokesman for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Department of Homeland Security, said that taking troops away from training and from their families to play a supporting role in border security is unwise. In this photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, soldiers from the the 89th Military Police Brigade, and 41st Engineering Company, 19th Engineering Battalion, Fort Riley, Kan., arrive at Valley International Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Harlingen, Texas, to conduct the first missions along the southern border in support of Operation Faithful Patriot. The soldiers will provide a range of support including planning assistance, engineering support, equipment and resources to assist the Department of Homeland Security along the Southwest border. (Alexandra Minor/U.S. Air Force via AP) "It just doesn't make any sense," said Lapan, now a vice president of communications at the Bipartisan Policy Center. "This caravan, this group of poor people, including a lot of women and children, doesn't pose a threat - not a national security threat." In line with the Pentagon's national security strategy, Mattis has been focused on improving the combat readiness of a military worn down by the recent years of congressionally imposed budget cuts and the grind of 17 years of war in Afghanistan. This includes reorienting training from that required for the smaller wars the U.S. has fought since the 9/11 terrorist attacks to a "great power" struggle with Russia and China. That context may explain why the Pentagon itself seemed caught off-guard by President Donald Trump's abrupt order to dispatch active-duty troops; the Customs and Border Patrol, which requested Pentagon help, has struggled to define details of the mission and explain its scope. "That this is a security threat is preposterous and not supported by the evidence," said Derek Chollet, former senior policy adviser at the Pentagon. "If you're sitting in the Pentagon and worried about implementation of the national defense strategy and worried about the threats from China and Russia, this is not at the top of your list." "This is another version of the parade," Chollet said, referring to Trump's demand earlier this year - eventually withdrawn - that the military spend millions to stage a parade in Washington D.C. "This is not a good use of U.S. military resources at this moment. Trump was frustrated in his effort to build a physical wall on the border, now he's trying to build a human wall by using the U.S. military." Mattis has rejected assertions that the military is being leveraged by the White House as a political stunt in advance of the midterm elections. "We don't do stunts," he said Wednesday, but neither has he argued that sending thousands of active-duty soldiers to help secure the border is his preference. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, who as head of U.S. Northern Command is commanding the military operation, dubbed "Operation Faithful Patriot," has argued that the caravan is a potential threat, although he has not fully defined that. "I think what we have seen is we've seen clearly an organization at a higher level than we've seen before," O'Shaughnessy said. "We've seen violence coming out of the caravan and we've seen as they've passed other international borders, we've seen them behave in a nature that has not been what we've seen in the past." One concern raised by other defense officials is that the caravans are largely male-dominated, and that one of them used violence when crossing the border into Mexico. But Associated Press journalists traveling with the largest group say it includes many families, including hundreds of children, and it has been orderly and peaceful, with no sign of any danger. The military says it is deploying 7,000 troops to Texas, Arizona and California, and while it has left open the possibility that the number could grow by another thousand under current plans, the scope of the mission has grown in recent days. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump said he would send as many as 15,000 troops. Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a letter to Trump on Thursday that his administration has given the committee no evidence that migrant caravans pose a direct security threat to the U.S. "This is not a military problem; it does not warrant a military solution," Reed wrote. He said the administration should disclose the cost of the military's border mission "and what impacts it will have on military readiness and the overall budget." With his eyes squarely on Tuesday's election contests, Trump has rushed a series of immigration declarations, promises and actions as he tries to mobilize supporters to retain Republican control of Congress. His own campaign in 2016 concentrated on border fears, and that's his focus in the final days of the midterm fight. Trump has railed against illegal immigration, focusing on the migrant caravans that have been going on for several years but received little attention until now. The largest at the moment consists of about 4,000, down from a high of about 7,000, and is still in southern Mexico. Several smaller groups, estimated at a combined 1,200 people, are farther away. In this Oct. 31, 2018, photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, Master Sgt. Matt Conn, a loadmaster with the 21st Airlift Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., directs an Army HMMWV into a C-17 Globemaster III at Ft. Knox, Ky., to assist Department of Homeland Security along the southwest border. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has left no doubt his top priority as leader of the military is making it more "lethal" _ better at war and more prepared for it. And yet, nothing about the military's new mission at the U.S.-Mexico border advances that goal. (Airman First Class Daniel A. Hernandez/U.S. Air Force via AP) Migrants hitch rides in the back of trucks as the thousands-strong caravan of Central Americans hoping to reach the U.S. border moves onward from Juchitan, Oaxaca state, Mexico, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Thousands of migrants resumed their slow trek through southern Mexico on Thursday, after attempts to obtain bus transport to Mexico City failed. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) - The Latest on abuse and cover-up by Roman Catholic clergy in Iowa (all times local): 5:20 p.m. A priest has moved out of an Iowa retirement home close to a Roman Catholic school, one day after his history of sexually abusing boys became public. The Diocese of Sioux City said Thursday that the Rev. Jerome Coyle "is no longer at" the Marian Home, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The move comes one day after an Associated Press story exposed the church's three-decade cover-up of abuse by Coyle, who admitted in 1986 that he had victimized approximately 50 boys over 20 years. The diocese didn't tell police or the public, instead transferring Coyle to a treatment center in New Mexico. This Oct. 26, 2018 photo shows Marian Home and Village in Fort Dodge, Iowa. A bishop is vowing to relocate a priest who had been placed in the Iowa retirement home next to a Catholic school, despite a history of sexually abusing boys. The move comes in response to an Associated Press story exposing the church's three-decade cover-up of abuse committed by the Rev. Jerome Coyle. Coyle admitted in 1986 that he had sexually abused approximately 50 boys over the prior 20 years while serving at several parishes in Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) In June, the diocese moved Coyle to the home, which is across the street from Saint Edmond Catholic School. School administrators and parents were not informed. ___ 3 p.m. Iowa's attorney general says he's opening an inquiry into the handling of clergy abuse by the Roman Catholic Church. In a statement Thursday, Attorney General Tom Miller says he's appalled by cases of abuse and cover-up recently documented in Pennsylvania, "as well as cases in Iowa that have gone unreported." The announcement comes one day after The Associated Press exposed a three-decade cover-up of abuse by the Rev. Jerome Coyle by the Sioux City Diocese. Miller says he expects all Iowa dioceses to comply with a request by the U.S. Justice Department to preserve documents related to abuse and personnel. He says victims can contact his office if they want to provide information. Miller spokesman Lynn Hicks says the office doesn't have the authority to conduct a statewide investigative grand jury, which documented decades of abuse in Pennsylvania. But he says the office is gathering information. ___ 9 a.m. A bishop is vowing to relocate a priest who's living in an Iowa retirement home close to a Roman Catholic school despite his history of sexually abusing boys. The announcement follows an Associated Press story exposing the church's three-decade cover-up of abuse by the Rev. Jerome Coyle. Coyle admitted in 1986 that he sexually abused approximately 50 boys over 20 years while serving at several Iowa parishes. The Diocese of Sioux City didn't tell police or the public, instead transferring Coyle to a treatment center in New Mexico and stripping him of his parish assignments. In June, the diocese moved Coyle to the Marian Home in Fort Dodge, across the street from Saint Edmond Catholic School. School administrators weren't informed. Bishop R. Walker Nickless says Coyle won't stay there. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Republican congressman Steve King is rejecting accusations that he's associated with an Austrian white supremacist group. Those claims have prompted condemnation from within his own party just days before Tuesday's election. During a forum with Iowa business leaders Thursday, the eight-term Iowa congressman said a Washington Post story this month wrongly characterized his August meeting in Austria as being with the far-right Freedom Party, a group with Nazi ties. King says the meeting was with business leaders, including one with Freedom Party affiliation. Washington Post officials say they stand by the story. The chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee condemned King on Tuesday. Corporate backers have also withdrawn their support for him. King, from Republican-heavy northwest Iowa, faces a competitive challenge from Democrat J.D. Scholten. LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say a Florida man killed his wife and himself as his children waited to go trick-or-treating. A Polk County Sheriff's Office news release says 40-year-old Antero Araujo Quintana shot his wife, 42-year-old Beatriz Araujo, and then himself Wednesday evening at the family's Lakeland home. Witnesses say the couple had been arguing for several days before the shooting, which was witnessed by their 21-year-old son. Deputies say the couple's two younger children were waiting in the family truck and didn't see the shootings. Deputies found Araujo in the kitchen area with gunshot wounds in her abdomen and head. Araujo Quintana was in the living room with a gunshot wound in the head. The weapon used was a .380-caliber handgun. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee inmate's final words were "let's rock" moments before he became the first man executed in the electric chair in that state since 2007, put to death Thursday for shooting two men and slitting their throats during a drug deal decades ago. Edmund Zagorski, 63, was pronounced dead at 7:26 p.m. Thursday at a Nashville maximum-security prison, officials said. Asked if he had any last words in the death chamber, the inmate said, "Let's rock" shortly before the execution was carried out. A reporter who witnessed the scene said at a post-execution news briefing that Zagorski occasionally smiled while strapped down, just before a sponge was placed on his head and then his face was shrouded. The witnesses said the inmate's fists then clenched when the electricity was applied and his body appeared to rise. He did not move once the procedure was over. The reporter said Zagorski's attorney was nodding, smiling and tapping her heart just before the execution got underway. When asked about her actions, Kelly Henry, said afterward: "I told him when I put my hand over my heart, that was me holding him in my heart." She said Zagorski told her the last thing he wanted to see was her smiling face, and so she made an effort to smile at him before the shroud was put over his face. FILE - This undated file photo released by the Tennessee Department of Corrections shows death row inmate Edmund Zagorski in Tennessee. If Tennessee electrocutes Zagorski, it will be in an electric chair built by a self-taught execution expert who is no longer welcome in the prison system. (Tennessee Department of Corrections via AP, File) In opting for the electric chair over a lethal injection as Tennessee allowed him, Zagorski had argued it would be a quicker and less painful way to die. He became only the second person to die in the electric chair in Tennessee since 1960. Nationwide, only 14 other people have been put to death in the electric chair since 2000, including a Virginia inmate in 2013. The execution was carried out shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday evening denied the inmate's request for a stay. Zagorski's attorneys had argued it was unconstitutional to force him to choose between the electric chair and lethal injection. The state came close to administering an injection to Zagorski three weeks ago, a plan halted by Tennessee's governor when Zagorski exercised his right to request the electric chair. The Supreme Court's statement said Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the dissenting voice on Thursday, noting Zagorski's difficult decision to opt for the electric chair. In Tennessee, condemned inmates whose crimes occurred before 1999 can choose the electric chair - one of a handful of states that allow such a choice. "He did so not because he thought that it was a humane way to die, but because he thought that the three-drug cocktail that Tennessee had planned to use was even worse," Sotomayor said in the statement. "Given what most people think of the electric chair, it's hard to imagine a more striking testament - from a person with more at stake - to the legitimate fears raised by the lethal-injection drugs that Tennessee uses." Zagorski was convicted of a April 1983 double slaying. Prosecutors said Zagorski shot John Dotson and Jimmy Porter and then slit their throats after robbing the two men after they came to him to buy marijuana. The U.S. Supreme Court has never ruled on whether use of the electric chair violates the 8th Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment, but it came close about 20 years ago after a series of botched electrocutions in Florida. During two executions in the 1990s smoke and flames shot from the condemned inmates' heads. In 1999, blood spilled from under an inmate's mask. Shortly afterward, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to the electric chair. But the case was dropped when Florida made lethal injection its primary execution method. Republican Gov. Bill Haslam declined to intervene in Zagorski's case despite receiving pleas from former jurors who convicted the inmate, correctional officers and Zagorski's priest. At the time of Zagorski's conviction, Tennessee juries were not given the option of considering life without parole. Every state now requires juries to weigh that option in death penalty cases. Tennessee's electric chair was inspected on Oct. 10 and found to meet the criteria for an execution, state documents show. The device was originally rebuilt in the late 1980s by a self-taught execution expert who had publicly worried the device would malfunction on Thursday. It's only been used to execute one person before: Daryl Holton, in 2007. Before Holton, the last person to die in Tennessee's electric chair was William Tines in 1960. Zagorski had been on death row 34 years, the second-longest in Tennessee. Protesters held vigils Thursday in Knoxville and Memphis, and outside the Nashville maximum-security prison where Zagorski was executed Thursday. There some raised a banner with the words: "A Free Tennessee is Execution-Free." ___ Associated Press writer Travis Loller contributed to this report in Nashville. People form a circle and pray against the death penalty before the execution of Edmund Zagorski at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) Protesters gather before the execution of Edmund Zagorski at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) In this undated photo released by Fred Leuchter, center, he stands near the control panel for the electric chair he built. Leuchter says he is afraid the chair will malfunction at an execution scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, because of later modifications. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam says he is confident it will work. (Courtesy of Fred Leuchter via AP) FILE - In this Oct. 13, 1999, file photo, Ricky Bell, the warden at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Tenn., gives a tour of the prison's execution chamber. If Tennessee electrocutes Zagorski, it will be in an electric chair built by a self-taught execution expert who is no longer welcome in the prison system. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) People pray outside of Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Vigils have been organized across Tennessee to oppose the state's plans to put Edmund Zagorski to death in the electric chair. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) People pray outside of Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Vigils have been organized across Tennessee to oppose the state's plans to put Edmund Zagorski to death in the electric chair. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A federal judge on Thursday rejected an Arkansas Supreme Court justice's effort to halt attack ads and mailers from a Washington-based conservative group that is trying to unseat her in next week's election. U.S. District Judge Brian Miller denied Justice Courtney Goodson's request for a preliminary injunction halting the attacks from the Republican State Leadership Committee's Judicial Fairness Initiative. Goodson is running against David Sterling, an attorney for the state Department of Human Services, in Tuesday's election. The RSLC has spent more than $1.2 million this fall attacking Goodson and supporting Sterling. Goodson argued that the group's attacks over gifts from donors and a pay raise the high court requested last year were false and defamatory. Miller said Goodson's defamation claims were unlikely to succeed and that halting the ads would violate the First Amendment. "Enjoining RSLC-JFI from further communicating or publishing its campaign advertisements would amount to a constitutionally impermissible prior restraint on speech," Miller wrote. A 15-second television ad from the group and a mailer cited a $50,000 trip to Italy that Goodson received in 2012 from W.H. Taylor, an attorney and friend of her husband's. Goodson says she has recused herself from cases involving her husband, Taylor or Tyson Foods Inc., a company Taylor has represented. Miller ruled that the group's claims regarding the gifts and donations were true "in isolation" and didn't explicitly connect them with any specific ruling by Goodson. "Although nothing presented so far proves that Goodson has a bias in favor of particular litigants or lawyers, she has the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, that RSLC-JFI acted with actual malice when it made these allegedly defamatory statements," he wrote. FILE - In this May 18, 2018, file photo, Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Courtney Goodson speaks to reporters at the Pulaski County Courthouse in Little Rock, Ark. A federal judge on Thursday, Nov. 1 rejected Goodson's effort to halt attack ads and mailers from a Washington-based conservative group that is trying to unseat her in next week's election. Goodson is running against David Sterling, an attorney for the state Department of Human Services. (AP Photo/Andrew DeMillo, File) Miller also ruled that the justice was unlikely to prove the group acted with actual malice when it claimed she requested an $18,000 pay raise last year. Goodson testified Wednesday that she was one of two justices to vote privately against asking for the raise that the court's chief justice requested from a panel that sets elected state officials' salaries. The panel rejected the request and instead raised justices' pay by 2 percent, giving her a $3,330 raise. RSLC praised the ruling and said the decision, along with its criticism of the justice over the gifts and other issues, showed why she should be voted out next week. "A much better judge than Courtney Goodson just tossed her latest, outrageous assault on the First Amendment," David James, a spokesman for the group, said in an email. A state judge in May temporarily blocked a TV ad from another group, the Judicial Crisis Network, against Goodson through that month's judicial election. Judicial Crisis Network, which is not required to disclose its donors, has not run any ads in the race since the May election. Goodson's attorney said the justice's court fight "put sunshine" on spending by outside groups. "While we lost this battle against dark money this time, Justice Goodson returns today asking the voters to reject the efforts by these outsiders to hand pick someone for our state's Supreme Court," Lauren Hoover said in an email. Goodson, who lost her bid for chief justice two years ago after facing similar attack ads from Judicial Crisis, has drawn the ire of conservatives for past court rulings including a decision she authored striking down Arkansas' cap on punitive damages. Arkansas' Supreme Court seats are nonpartisan, but Sterling and Goodson have both made appeals to the right. During her 2016 chief justice bid, Goodson had the endorsement of the National Rifle Association and vowed represent "conservative" values. Sterling, who ran unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination for attorney general four years ago, promotes his membership in the NRA and the Federalist Society in campaign literature. Arkansas is one of several states where court races have become more partisan and negative, with outside groups spending big. RSLC, which launched its initiative focused on state court races in 2014, and its donors this year have included the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, tobacco company Reynolds American, Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores and other major corporations. The group spent nearly $745,000 on the high court race in the spring. ___ Follow Andrew DeMillo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ademillo ___ For the AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is calling Iran the "most potent force of militant Islam" and is warning Europe of possible Iranian attacks on its soil. Speaking to reporters Thursday after talks with his Bulgarian counterpart, Netanyahu said radical Islam is a threat to the world, and that Israel has recently revealed a number of Iranian plots to carry out attacks on European soil. Netanyahu arrived in Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Varna for Friday's meeting of the Craiova Forum, which includes the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania, as well as the president of Serbia. Ahead of his trip, Netanyahu said he wants to strengthen ties with these countries and "change the hostile and hypocritical approach of the European Union" toward peace in the Mideast. TORONTO (AP) - Julia Roberts and Sissy Spacek, two big-smiling big-screen legends, were remembering the first time they met. It was when Roberts, then 13, took a trip to New York to visit her older brother, the actor Eric Roberts, who was making 1981's "Raggedy Man" with Spacek and her husband, the production designer Jack Fisk. "I always claimed her," Spacek said in her bright Texas accent in an interview in September alongside Roberts. "I knew her when she was 13! She was part mine! Lo and behold you are!" That their reunion, many decades later, comes on the small screen speaks to how much has changed in the intervening years. The Amazon series "Homecoming," a psychological thriller directed by Sam Esmail ("Mr. Robot"), has drawn plenty of attention because it it's the first foray into scripted television by Roberts, the megawatt epitome of a movie star if ever there was one. Roberts stars in the series, which premieres Friday, and Spacek plays her mother. As long ago as it was, their background together proved helpful. "Thank goodness I met Sissy when I was 13 because when she came in we all had to pinch ourselves," Roberts says, to which Spacek groans: "Oh come on!" This image released by Amazon shows Julia Roberts, left, and Sissy Spacek in a scene from "Homecoming," an Amazon series premiering on Nov. 2. (Hilary B Gayle/Amazon via AP) "It is awful to talk like this in front of a person, but it has to be done," Roberts continues, undeterred. "You do sit there at a certain point like, 'Oh God, that's Sissy Spacek right next to me.' Fortunately, the first scene we did on the couch, I don't ever look at her." The two burst out laughing and a pair of the most infectious cackles you've ever heard echo around the room. "She's being very gracious," says Spacek. "I'm just being honest," retorts Roberts. "Trust me, I'm not that nice." "Homecoming," dense and paranoid, is based on a fictional podcast. Roberts plays a case worker at a remote military facility ostensibly designed to help soldiers reintegrate to civilian life. But dread hovers over the mysterious program, a sense only furthered by flash-forward scenes of Roberts' character living with her mom and having only foggy recollections of her past. "I grew up watching television and then there's a whole period of my life where television was just not on my radar," says Roberts. "For me coming in from film, the two things I felt were absolutely critical to me being able to do this, just because of how my creative mind works were: I wanted Sam to direct all the episodes and I wanted all the scripts before we started shooting. I can't read a map just one little section at a time." "Brilliant!" nods Spacek. Figuring out one's place in a long-format series without the full picture, Spacek says, is like being the bird in the children's book: "Are you my mommy? Are you my mommy?" A naturalistic fixture of cinema in the '70s ("Badlands," ''Carrie"), '80s ("The Coal Miner's Daughter," for which she won an Oscar) and '90s ("The Straight Story"), the 68-year-old Spacek has more regularly dabbled in television. With credits including HBO's "Big Love," Netflix's "Bloodline" and Hulu's "Castle Rock," she's a peak-TV veteran. "It used to be back in the day that if you were a film actor, you didn't do TV. And if you did, things weren't so good," Spacek says. "And that's all changed, and I love that about it. The veil has lifted. It's just where there's great work going on." They are in many ways a fitting pair: Roberts, a Georgia native, and the East Texas-raised Spacek, who lives on a farm in Virginia with Fisk, have both done some of their best work in more rural environs. In Roberts' case: "Erin Brockovich" (her Oscar-winner) and "August: Osage County." But Roberts acknowledges "Homecoming" is far from a typical project for her. "As much as on paper you would say that Sissy and I would connect, Sam and I on paper aren't even on the same planet. And yet it was, for me, instantaneous my rapport with Sam," says Roberts, who credits Esmail with Spacek's casting. "Sissy was the swing-for-the-fences, could-this-ever-happen? I guess Sam just sweet talked you." "He swept me off my feet," says Spacek. "But you were the..." "Dangly carrot," Roberts finishes, with a grin. Neither Roberts nor Spacek has in any way withdrawn from movies. This fall, Roberts co-stars with Lucas Hedges in the addiction drama "Ben Is Back," and Spacek plays alongside Robert Redford in "The Old Man & the Gun." "Geez, when do you ever not work?" Roberts asks her co-star. "You know, you gotta strike while the iron is hot!" answers a cheerful Spacek. "I got a little ragged there for a little while. But when these opportunities come, you've got to grab 'em." ___ Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP Cast member Julia Roberts arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "Homecoming" on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP) This image released by Amazon shows Sissy Spacek in a scene from "Homecoming," an Amazon series premiering on Nov. 2. (Hilary B Gayle/Amazon via AP) DETROIT (AP) - Dozens of people who said they were victims of sexual assault by doctors at three major universities urged Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to make campuses accountable for investigating abuse allegations in a letter released Thursday. The Education Department is considering new guidelines that could change the way allegations are investigated under Title IX of federal civil rights law. DeVos has called for a "more balanced approach" that respects the rights of the accused, especially students. The letter is signed by 80 people who said they were assaulted by doctors Larry Nassar of Michigan State University, George Tyndall of the University of Southern California or the late Richard Strauss of Ohio State University. Nassar is in prison, while Tyndall has denied the allegations and hasn't been charged with a crime. The victims are especially concerned about ordering colleges to allow cross-examination in student-discipline cases involving assault allegations. "That should not be the price of coming forward to report abuse," they wrote. "If it is, too many survivors would be deterred from moving forward on their complaints." A federal appeals court, however, recently said universities must allow some form of cross-examination. The decision applies to schools in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee after a student who quit rather than face expulsion sued the University of Michigan. The victims said universities should be allowed to investigate assaults by students that are alleged to have occurred off campus. Education Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Hill said any proposed changes haven't been released yet. "I can tell you that the secretary is committed to Title IX reforms that will ensure survivors feel empowered to come forward, all students are afforded due process, universities have clear rules to follow and all institutions that fall short will be held accountable for violations of federal law," Hill said. Separately, the leaders of Princeton University, the University of Wisconsin and Rutgers University wrote a letter to DeVos expressing their "deep concern" that the government might drop civil rights protections under Title IX for transgender students. "This is no time for the country to turn its back on these valued members of our communities," they wrote. ___ Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwhiteap ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A faith-based women's homeless shelter in Anchorage is suing to block the city from requiring it to accept transgender women, which it said would violate its religious beliefs. Lawyers for Alliance Defending Freedom filed a motion in federal court Thursday seeking an injunction to stop the city from applying its gender identity law to the Hope Center shelter in Anchorage. The conservative Christian law firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona, says homeless shelters are exempt from the local law, yet the city has used the law to "investigate, harass, and pressure" the downtown shelter. "The injunction would mean that Anchorage can't apply the ordinance to the Hope Center in order to force the Hope Center to allow men to come in the shelter and sleep and undress alongside these vulnerable homeless women," Denise Harle, an attorney with the alliance, said Thursday. The shelter operators filed a federal lawsuit against the city and its Equal Rights Commission in August, months after a transgender woman complained to the commission that she was denied entry at the shelter. Because the matter is not resolved, Thursday's filing is premature, and so is the request for injunctive relief, said Deputy Municipal Attorney Deitra Ennis, who represents the city and its Equal Rights Commission in the matter. The commission began an investigation after the transgender woman complained she was denied housing at the shelter. The commission's investigation has not been concluded "due in large part to the noncooperation of the Hope Center," Ennis said in a statement provided to The Associated Press. She said the commission had reached no decision or enforcement action before Thursday's court motion. Denise Harle, an attorney with the conservative Christian law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, poses for a photo outside the Hope Center women's shelter in downtown, Anchorage, Alaska, on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Hope Center is suing the city of Anchorage to block it from requiring the faith-based shelter to accept transgender women. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen) "There is strong federal policy not to intervene in local agency proceedings prior to any enforcement action or state court review of local code interpretation," she wrote. The plaintiffs said the individual identified only as "Jessie Doe" showed up inebriated after hours in January and was not turned away because of gender. The shelter officials even paid for a taxicab ride to a local hospital for the individual, who had a forehead wound from fighting at another shelter, to do "the loving thing" rather than involving police, Harle said. Center officials did not call for an ambulance because the wound did not appear to be an emergency, she said. The same individual showed up the following day and again was denied entry, according to Thursday's motion. Because the city continues to pursue the transgender issue, plaintiffs want to the federal court to weigh in and make clear once and for all that nothing the shelter is doing is violating the law, Harle said. Alliance Defending Freedom also represented a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. In a limited decision, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the baker, but it did not rule on the larger issue of whether businesses can invoke religious objections to refuse service to gays and lesbians. The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified the alliance as an LBGT hate group, one that seeks to push transgender people "back into the shadows." ___ Follow Rachel D'Oro at https://twitter.com/rdoro BALTIMORE (AP) - A fired Philadelphia police officer has pleaded guilty in Baltimore to being involved in what's considered to be one of the worst U.S. police corruption scandals in recent memory. The Baltimore Sun reported Thursday that Eric Snell pleaded guilty three days into his trial on charges that he conspired to sell drugs with corrupt members of Baltimore's Gun Trace Task Force. His plea followed damaging testimony from two convicted officers. One said Snell channeled stolen cocaine and heroin that was to be sold on Philadelphia's streets. Snell faces up to 20 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 30. Snell served in Baltimore before joining the Philadelphia Police Department four years ago. He was later fired. Eight officers in the Gun Trace Task Force already have been convicted. ___ Information from: The Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on charges against a Malaysian financier and two former Goldman Sachs bankers (all times local): 5 p.m. Goldman Sachs says it is cooperating with the investigation into alleged misuse of money from a Malaysian investment fund created to promote economic development there. Prosecutors said Thursday that former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner pleaded guilty in the scandal. His attorney did not return messages. Prosecutors say Goldman Sachs raised about $6.5 billion through bond offerings for the fund. The firm says it "continues to cooperate with all authorities investigating this matter." Prosecutors say fugitive Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, used money from the fund for bribes, real estate, art and jewelry and to help finance movies including "The Wolf of Wall Street." They also announced the arrest of another banker in Malaysia. The charges are the first arising from a global scandal over the epic corruption scandal at the state investment fund known as 1MDB. __ 10:20 p.m. The Justice Department has charged a fugitive Malaysian financier in a money laundering and bribery scheme that pilfered billions of dollars from a Malaysian investment fund created to promote economic development in that country. Prosecutors on Thursday announced a three-count indictment Low Taek Jho, who is also known as Jho Low. In addition, they announced a guilty plea from a banker who admitted being part of the conspiracy, and the arrest in Malaysia of another banker. The charges are the first arising from a global scandal over the epic corruption scandal at the state investment fund known as 1MDB. LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (AP) - Police in Kentucky say a man arrested in connection with school shooting threats had written a manifesto outlining his plan to be "the next school shooter." Media outlets are reporting new details about Dylan Jarrell disclosed Thursday in court. Kentucky State Police Trooper Josh Satterly said Jarrell had an assault-style weapon in his car and was "moving the attack up" when authorities stopped him last month. Satterly says police searched Jarrell's home and car and found a "threatening manifesto" detailing a planned school attack. He says it included contact information for news outlets Jarrell planned on sharing his manifesto with. Jarrell's attorney says there's no proof Jarrell was going to carry out an attack, calling it a "thought crime." Jarrell has pleaded not guilty to terroristic threatening and harassing communications charges. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Latest on planned execution of Tennessee death row inmate Edmund Zagorski (all times local): 7:50 p.m. A Tennessee inmate's final words were "Let's rock" before he became the first man executed in the electric chair since 2007 in Tennessee. A reporter who witnessed the execution says 63-year-old iunmate Edmund Zagorski mostly looked ahead but did look around the death chamber at a Nashville prison in the minutes before his death. When asked if he had any last words, he said, "Let's rock." The eyewitness says he grimaced as a sponge was put over his head. The witnesss says the inmate raised up in his chair when each jolt of electricity went through him. In opting for the electric chair over a lethal injection as Tennessee allowed him, Zagorski had argued it would be a quicker and less painful way to die. He became only the second person to die in the electric chair in Tennessee since 1960. FILE - This undated file photo released by the Tennessee Department of Corrections shows death row inmate Edmund Zagorski in Tennessee. If Tennessee electrocutes Zagorski, it will be in an electric chair built by a self-taught execution expert who is no longer welcome in the prison system. (Tennessee Department of Corrections via AP, File) Nationwide, only 14 other people have been put to death in the electric chair since 2000, including a Virginia inmate in 2013. Prosecutors say Zagorski shot John Dotson and Jimmy Porter and slit their throats in April 1983 after robbing them during a drug deal. ___ 7:30 p.m. Tennessee has used its electric chair for the first time since 2007, executing an inmate for the killings of two other men during a 1980s drug deal. Authorities say 63-year-old Edmund Zagorski was pronounced dead at 7:26 p.m. Thursday at a Nashville maximum-security prison. In opting for the electric chair over a lethal injection as Tennessee allowed him, Zagorski had argued it would be a quicker and less painful way to die. He became only the second person to die in the electric chair in Tennessee since 1960. Nationwide, only 14 other people have been put to death in the electric chair since 2000, including a Virginia inmate in 2013. Prosecutors say Zagorski shot John Dotson and Jimmy Porter and slit their throats in April 1983 after robbing them when they sought to buy marijuana from him. ___ 7:10 p.m. The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a request to halt the scheduled execution of a Tennessee inmate in the electric chair. The court said in a statement Thursday evening that it would not block the state's plans to put to death 63-year-old inmate Edmund Zagorski at a Nashville prison. Zagorski had asked the court take up his claim that it's unconstitutional to force him to choose between the electric chair and lethal injection. His attorney said Zagorski chose the chair thinking it would be quicker and less painful, but he maintains both methods are unconstitutional The court statement says Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the dissenting voice, noting Zagorski's decision to opt for the electric chair. Says Sotomayor: "He did so not because he thought that it was a humane way to die, but because he thought that the three-drug cocktail that Tennessee had planned to use was even worse. Given what most people think of the electric chair, it's hard to imagine a more striking testament - from a person with more at stake - to the legitimate fears raised by the lethal-injection drugs that Tennessee uses." ___ 4 p.m. Vigils have been organized across Tennessee to oppose the state's plans to put an inmate to death in the electric chair. Edmund Zagorski is scheduled to be executed at chair 7 p.m. CDT Thursday at a maximum-security prison in Nashville. Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty have planned vigils at the West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, the Market Square stage in Knoxville, and the Memphis Theological Seminary. All the vigils were set to begin at 6:30 p.m. local time. Zagorski was sentenced to death in 1984 for killing two men during a drug deal. He requested the electric chair over lethal injection just days before he was to be executed three weeks ago, prompting the governor to step in to allow the state time to prepare for a change of execution method. ___ 11:20 a.m. With just hours left before his scheduled execution, condemned Tennessee inmate Edmund Zagorski is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to put a stop to the plan. On Thursday, Zagorski asked the court take up his claim that it's unconstitutional to force him to choose between the electric chair and lethal injection. Zagorski chose the chair because he thinks it will be quicker, but he maintains that both methods are unconstitutional. Zagorski already had a petition pending in a different case. That one claims Zagorski had bad lawyers at trial, resulting in an unfair verdict. Zagorski is scheduled to be executed at 7 p.m. in Nashville's Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. He was sentenced in 1984 for his convictions in the slayings of two men during a drug deal. ___ 5 a.m. Tennessee is scheduled to execute a double-murderer in the electric chair Thursday evening. If it goes ahead as scheduled, Edmund Zagorski would be only the second person put to death by electrocution in Tennessee since 1960. Daryl Holton chose to die in the electric chair in 2007. The last person to be executed by electrocution in the U.S. was Robert Gleason, who was put to death in Virginia in 2013. Zagorski chose the chair after his legal challenge to Tennessee's midazolam-based lethal injection protocol failed. His attorneys say he believes death by electrocution would be quicker and less painful, but he maintains that both methods are unconstitutional. Zagorski was sentenced to die in 1984 for the slayings of two men during a drug deal. In this undated photo released by Fred Leuchter, center, he stands near the control panel for the electric chair he built. Leuchter says he is afraid the chair will malfunction at an execution scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, because of later modifications. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam says he is confident it will work. (Courtesy of Fred Leuchter via AP) FILE - In this Oct. 13, 1999, file photo, Ricky Bell, the warden at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Tenn., gives a tour of the prison's execution chamber. If Tennessee electrocutes Zagorski, it will be in an electric chair built by a self-taught execution expert who is no longer welcome in the prison system. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) Protesters gather before the execution of Edmund Zagorski at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) People pray outside of Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Vigils have been organized across Tennessee to oppose the state's plans to put Edmund Zagorski to death in the electric chair. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) Rev. Joe Ingle, spiritual leader for Edmund Zagorski, right, stands outside with others against the death penalty at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A federal judge on Thursday denied a request from an American Indian tribe in North Dakota to block the state's voter ID law just days before the election. North Dakota's law requires voters to show ID with a residential street address, which American Indians have argued is not always evident on reservations. The Spirit Lake Sioux tribe sued the state Tuesday seeking a temporary restraining order, saying the street address requirement is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland wrote that the allegations gave him "great cause for concern" but that he was denying the motion because it would cause confusion so close to the election. "The federal courts are unanimous in their judgment that it is highly important to preserve the status quo when elections are fast approaching," Hovland wrote. The state maintains everyone has a street address via the statewide 911 system, but the lawsuit filed by the Native American Rights Fund, the Campaign Legal Center and two law firms argues the system is "incomplete, contradictory and prone to error on reservations." "We are disappointed by the outcome," said Matthew Campbell, an attorney for the Native American Rights Fund. "There is imminent disenfranchisement of qualified voters." The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa sued over the voter ID requirements in 2016. Hovland sided with the tribes in April, agreeing to expand the proof of identity they could use and ordering elimination of the requirement that those documents include residential street addresses. But an appellate panel overturned him, and the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this month sided with the state. North Dakota's four large American Indian tribes have been scrambling since then to make sure their members can vote in the election, which includes a race that could help determine control of the U.S. Senate. Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer is challenging Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, who narrowly won her seat in 2012 with the help of the American Indian vote. Hovland earlier estimated 5,000 American Indians don't have a qualifying voter ID. The tribes, who believe the figure is larger, said earlier this week they have handed out more than 2,000 IDs in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling. COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - President Donald Trump implored voters on Thursday to reject Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill and to instead install a Republican in her seat who would fully back his agenda. Trump appeared at a rollicking campaign rally in Columbia, home of the state's largest university, in an airline hangar draped in American flags. It was his second rally in an 11-stop, eight-state tour designed to boost Republican turnout ahead of Tuesday's crucial midterm elections. The president, accompanied by McCaskill's Republican challenger, Josh Hawley, declared that Hawley "will be a star." Hawley, the current attorney general, sought to link McCaskill to Trump's Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, who lost the state in 2016 by nearly 19 percentage points. "Claire McCaskill has spent her lifetime in politics just like Hillary," Hawley said. "Claire McCaskill wanted us to call Hillary Clinton 'Madam President.' On Nov. 6, we're going to call Claire McCaskill 'fired.'" With four days to go until midterm elections that determine control of Congress, Republicans are optimistic they could make gains in the Senate, but they might struggle to maintain a majority in the House. President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) McCaskill is among a number of vulnerable Democrats running in red states. She is a top target for Republicans seeking to expand the party's slim 51-49 edge in the U.S. Senate. McCaskill is pitching herself as a moderate as she seeks to hold onto her seat. She has sought to distance herself from "crazy Democrats" and said in an appearance on Fox News that she supports Trump's efforts to secure the southern border. Hawley has dismissed her efforts and argues that she is not the right fit for an increasingly conservative state. Trump said that McCaskill had been "saying such nice things about me. But you know what? She'll never vote with me. That's the problem." A check of her record, however, shows that McCaskill votes with the president about half the time, though she has opposed him on some key issues, including his tax cuts and the recent confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The president, who this week threatened to end a constitutional right that automatically grants citizenship to any baby born in the United States, railed against the 14th Amendment during the Thursday rally, calling it a "crazy, lunatic policy" supported by Democrats. "The Democrats want to continue giving automatic birthright citizenship to every child born to an illegal immigrant, even if they've been on our soil for a mere matter of seconds," Trump said. "Hundreds of thousands of children born to illegal immigrants are made automatic citizens of the United States every year because of this crazy, lunatic policy that we can end." The non-partisan Migration Policy Institute estimates that there are more than 4 million U.S.-born children under the age of 18 who have an unauthorized immigrant parent. Most legal scholars say it would take a new constitutional amendment to alter the current one granting citizenship to anyone born in America. Trump expressed optimism for the midterm elections, though he noted that Republican momentum had been blunted in recent days by "two maniacs" - a reference to a mail bomb scare and a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. He added, "More importantly, we have to take care of our people. And we don't care about momentum when it comes to a disgrace like just happened to our country." However, he said, "It did nevertheless stop a certain momentum. And now the momentum is picking up." The president will return to Missouri before Election Day, rallying voters Monday in Cape Girardeau. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Supporters of President Donald Trump cheer as he arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Supporters of President Donald Trump cheer as he arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Congressional Black Caucus served notice Thursday that the influential group wants a black lawmaker to hold at least one of the House's two top Democratic jobs next year if Nancy Pelosi or other party leaders don't retain their posts in the new Congress. Caucus Chairman Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., wrote colleagues that despite the party's "celebration of diversity," a black lawmaker has never held one of the two top jobs. "It's time we walk our talk," he added in letter obtained by The Associated Press. The effort is an example of behind-the-scenes jockeying already under way to fill the party's top jobs in the Congress that convenes in January. Many in both parties believe Democrats will likely gain the 23 seats they will need to win House control in Tuesday's elections. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., wants to reclaim the job of speaker she held when Democrats last controlled the chamber from 2007 through 2010. She has strong support among liberal and female Democratic lawmakers and is believed to have a solid shot at winning the job, for which she will need at least 218 votes, a House majority. Yet it is unclear if she will be able to do so. Many Democrats say it is time for fresh faces to replace Pelosi and other party leaders, who are all in their late 70s, and say GOP efforts to demonize her as an out-of-touch liberal have made her a liability for the party. It is widely believed that if Republicans retain their hold on the House, frustrated Democrats would replace Pelosi, No. 2 leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and No. 3 leader Jim Clyburn of South Carolina. The caucus' letter does not name who it wants to see move into the two top jobs. Clyburn is black and has expressed an interest in moving up, according to many Democrats speaking on condition of anonymity to describe private discussions. Richmond and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., are also mentioned as potential candidates for top jobs. More than 40 of the current 193 House Democrats are members of the caucus. Both figures are likely to grow in next year's Congress. Some Democratic challengers who are likely to win their races have publicly said they would not vote for Pelosi to become speaker. That, along with disgruntled incumbents, might be enough to topple her if the Democratic victory margin is slender. Spokesmen for Pelosi and Jeffries declined to comment on the letter. Aides to Clyburn and the black caucus did not immediately return phone calls and emails seeking comment. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Latest on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' decision to issue permits for a proposed copper-nickel mine (all times local): 4:30 p.m. Environmental groups are criticizing a decision by Minnesota regulators to approve permits for a long-planned copper-nickel mine they fear could someday pollute waters including Lake Superior. Opponents contend the open-pit mine could pollute pristine waters and destroy habitat for gray wolves and Canada lynx. The project would be located near tributaries feeding the St. Louis River, which flows into Lake Superior. Duluth for Clean Water says the proposed mine "would create permanent, toxic pollution" in the headwaters of the big lake. PolyMet CEO Jon Cherry says "responsibly developing these strategic minerals" while protecting Minnesota's natural resources is the company's "top priority." FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2016, file photo, the closed LTV Steel taconite plant is abandoned near Hoyt Lakes, Minn. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, it has issued permits to Poly Met Mining Inc. for a planned copper-nickel mine at the site. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) Republican legislative leaders hailed the decision, saying it will create good-paying jobs in northeastern Minnesota and boost the state's economy. The project still needs permits from other agencies, and likely faces court challenges. ___ 12:35 p.m. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued permits for a planned copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The agency said Thursday it has issued permits to Poly Met Mining Inc. for the company's proposed NorthMet mining project. The project still requires water and air quality permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and a wetlands permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr says "No project in the history of Minnesota has been more thoroughly evaluated." Based on the DNR's review, Landwehr says the agency is confident that the project can be built and operated in compliance with Minnesota's environmental standards. Environmentalists have opposed the mine for fear it could pollute pristine waters. ___ 12:05 p.m. Minnesota officials are set to announce whether they are granting permits for a planned copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will announce its decision Thursday on permits sought for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. Environmentalists have opposed the mine for fear it could pollute pristine waters. PolyMet says it can operate the proposed mine near Hoyt Lakes and Babbitt without harming the environment while creating hundreds of badly needed jobs on Minnesota's Iron Range. Paula Maccabee, an attorney for environmental group WaterLegacy, said environmentalists will likely appeal if permits are granted. SEATTLE (AP) - The Spokane, Washington, City Council is considering a proposal to stop the police department from selling forfeited firearms, following an Associated Press investigation found that guns sold by Washington state law enforcement agencies were later used in new crimes. Councilwoman Candace Mumm said Thursday that the AP investigation coupled with a review of the proceeds from the gun sales inspired the council to want to end the practice. "They're putting assault weapons back into the community," Mumm said. "I felt the benefit of destroying them outweighed the costs." Under state law, police and sheriff's departments have the option to sell, destroy or trade firearms confiscated in criminal investigations, but the law requires the Washington State Patrol to sell the guns. All sales are conducted through a federally licensed gun dealer. The Spokane Police Department has sold 311 since 2011, according to spokesman Officer John O'Brien. The AP investigation went back to 2010, which included 25, bringing Spokane's total to 336 since 2010. The department sells its confiscated long guns through an auction house located across the border in Post Falls, Idaho, he said. The agency won't sell any guns used in homicides or illegal firearms like automatic weapons. They destroy forfeited handguns, he said. FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2017 file photo, Johnny's Auction House owner John West prepares items, including a line of assault rifles at left, for auction where the company handles gun sales for both civilians and a half dozen police departments and the Lewis County Sheriff's Office, in Rochester, Wash. The Spokane City Council is considering a proposal to prohibit the police department from selling forfeited firearms, following an Associated Press investigation that found that more than a dozen guns sold by law enforcement agencies in Washington state ended up in new police investigations. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File) Law enforcement agencies across Washington state sold more than 6,000 firearms that had been used in crimes between 2010 and the end of 2017, the AP investigation found. More than a dozen of those weapons later turned up in new criminal investigations, according to a yearlong AP analysis that used hundreds of public records to compare serial numbers of sold guns with crime guns. The guns sold by police , sheriff's offices and the Washington State Patrol were used to threaten people, seized at gang hangouts, discovered in drug houses, possessed illegally by convicted felons, found in a stolen car, taken from a man suffering from a mental health crisis and used in a suicide . The guns sold by Spokane police included Winchester .22-caliber rifles, Remington 12-gauge shotguns, a Colt AR-15, a Bulgarian-made AK47-style rifle, a "Romar assault rifle" and several Norinco SKS, 7.62 x 39 mm semi-automatic rifles. One of the Norincos sold for $180, according to police records on the sales. Between 2011 and 2018, the forfeited firearms sales generated $16,787, according to the proposed ordinance. The sales ranged from $633 to about $7,488 in any given year, the ordinance said. But when the handling costs related to the sales -- records, accounting, transfer fees, taxes -- are factored in, the sales only brought in several thousand dollars, said Mumm, the councilwoman who is sponsoring the new ordinance. Each law enforcement agency must pay 10 percent of all sales to the Washington State Treasurer. Mumm said she has received emails from some who think the revenue is worth it, "but I'm also hearing from people asking 'why are they selling assault rifles?'" Fresh in the city council's mind, she said, was the shooting at Freeman High School in September 2017. A student brought a semi-automatic rifle and handgun to the school, located southeast of Spokane, and killed one student and injured three others. According to the ordinance: "the City of Spokane intends to do all it can to prevent and reduce violent crime in Spokane and has determined that destroying all seized or forfeited firearms rather than reselling them to the public or to gun dealers is a simple, sensible and effective way to reduce access to firearms and help reduce and prevent gun violence." The City Council is scheduled to hear public comment on the ordinance before voting on the measure next Monday night. ___ This story has been updated to correct the number of guns sold by the Spokane Police Department was 336. WASHINGTON (AP) - Two U.S. government agencies are giving conflicting interpretations of a safety study on cellphone radiation: One says it causes cancer in rats. The other says there's no reason for people to worry. No new research was issued Thursday. Instead, the National Toxicology Program dialed up its concerns about a link to heart and brain cancer from a study of male rats that was made public last winter. The Food and Drug Administration, which oversees cellphone safety, disagreed with the upgraded warning. And "these findings should not be applied to human cellphone usage," said Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, FDA's chief of radiological health. What's most important is what happens in humans, not rats, said Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. "The incidence of brain tumors in human beings has been flat for the last 40 years," Brawley said. "That is the absolute most important scientific fact." THE ORIGINAL STUDY FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 file photo, a pedestrian talking on a cellphone is silhouetted in front of a fountain in Philadelphia. Two U.S. government agencies are giving conflicting interpretations of a safety study on cellphone radiation: One says it causes cancer in rats. The other says there's no reason for people to worry. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) In a $30 million study, scientists put rats and mice into special chambers and bombarded them with radiofrequency waves, like those emitted by older 2G and 3G phones, for nine hours a day for up to two years, most of their natural lives. The levels the rodents experienced were far higher than people are typically exposed to. THE FINDINGS Last February, the National Toxicology Program said there was a small increase in an unusual type of heart tumor in male rats, but not in mice or female rats. The agency concluded there was "some evidence" of a link. Also, the February report cited "equivocal evidence" of brain tumors in the male rats. Thursday, the agency upgraded its description of those findings. The heart tumor increase marked "clear evidence" of cancer in male rats, it announced. There is "some evidence" of brain cancer. The change came after the agency asked outside experts to analyze the findings. "We believe that the link between radiofrequency radiation and tumors in male rats is real, and the external experts agreed," said John Bucher, the toxicology agency's senior scientist. While his agency said the risks to rats don't directly apply to people, the study raises safety questions. THE DISAGREEMENT The FDA immediately disagreed, firing off a press release assuring Americans that "decades of research and hundreds of studies" has made the health agency confident that the current safety limits for cellphone radiation protect the public health. Plus, FDA pointed out confusing findings from the rodent study - such as that the radiated rats lived longer than comparison rats that weren't exposed to the rays. The toxicology agency said it appeared that the radiofrequency energy helped older rats' kidneys. There's a reason two different government agencies are clashing - they're asking different questions, said George Washington University public health professor George Gray. A former science chief for the Environmental Protection Agency, Gray said the toxicology program examined how cellphone radiation affected animals. By looking at what it means for humans, the FDA "brings in more sources of information and data than just these recent tests in rats and mice," he said in an email. SO ARE CELLPHONES SAFE? "I'm calling you from my cellphone," noted the cancer society's Brawley. He pointed out one well-known risk from cellphones: Car crashes when drivers are distracted by them. As for cancer, if people are concerned, they could use earphones or speakers, he said. Those who study risk aren't hanging up. "My family and I won't change our mobile phone habits based on this news," said George Washington's Gray, co-author of the book "Risk: A Practical Guide for Deciding What's Really Safe and What's Really Dangerous in the World Around You." ___ The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. WASHINGTON (AP) - The USDA's internal watchdog will examine the agency's plan to restructure its top independent research office and move it out of the District of Columbia, actions some lawmakers and staff fear could leave research on contentious issues like climate change and the social safety net vulnerable to political pressures. The agency's inspector general will review the proposed changes to the roughly 300-person Economic Research Service, said two Democratic House members, D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, whose Maryland district is right outside the city. The Economic Research Service is responsible for providing research and analysis to USDA and other federal agencies, as well as the White House and Congress, on topics such as food security and safety, agricultural economy and natural resources. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue in August announced a plan to move it, and another research office, the roughly 400-person National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to a yet-undetermined location outside the Washington area by the end of 2019. The plan also called for ERS to be moved from the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics to the Office of the Chief Economist, which directly advises Perdue on the economic impact of USDA policies. A USDA spokesperson said Thursday that the relocation would place the two offices closer to stakeholders, cut down on unnecessary costs and help with recruiting efforts, which Perdue claims have been sluggish. Some agency employees and scientists are concerned this could result in the politicization of an office that serves as the neutral analyst for the USDA. The Trump administration had already proposed slashing the office's budget and eliminating "low-priority research." Hoyer and Norton sought the inspector general review, questioning whether USDA can legally relocate an agency without congressional approval or budget authority. The lawmakers said Thursday the review will determine whether the USDA followed proper procedures and conducted a cost-benefit analysis. Separately, the Senate Agriculture Committee's chair and ranking member, Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, and Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, wrote to Perdue in September asking about the proposal. Last month more than 1,100 scientists signed a petition urging Congress to delay the reorganization. Last week Perdue announced the agency has received 136 expressions of interest from parties in 35 states interested in becoming the new home of the two offices. COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump's final rally blitz before the midterm elections (all times local): 7:45 p.m. Missouri Republican Senate candidate Josh Hawley says that on Election Day, voters are going to call his opponent, Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, "fired." Hawley said Thursday at a rally with President Donald Trump in Columbia that McCaskill wanted Missourians to call Hillary Clinton "Madam President." He says McCaskill has spent a lifetime in politics "just like Hillary." Trump says he doesn't want anything to go awry on Tuesday, Election Day, so he's returning to Missouri before the election to drum up votes for Hawley. The Missouri Senate contest is one of the tightest in the nation. President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ___ 7:20 p.m. President Donald Trump says voters must decide whether they want a booming America or want to allow the Democratic leadership in Congress and Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill to "wipe it all away." He says America is thriving under Republican leadership because the GOP is putting America first. Trump spoke Thursday night in Columbia, Missouri, in his second rally in an 11-stop, eight-state tour designed to coax Republican voters to the polls. Trump is supporting Republican Senate candidate Josh Hawley, who is seeking to unseat McCaskill in a state Trump won by nearly 19 percentage points. Their Senate contest is one of the tightest in the nation. At a rally on an airport tarmac, supporters waved red signs that said "Finish the Wall" and "Make America Strong Again." ___ 4:45 p.m. President Donald Trump says his administration has spent a lot of time, money and effort to make sure that Tuesday's midterm elections are "perfect and safe" in contrast to the Russian meddling that intelligence agencies said occurred during the 2016 presidential election. He told reporters Thursday at the White House that "there will be, hopefully, no meddling, no tampering, no nothing." Trump had a meeting on election security Thursday with FBI Director Chris Wray, members of the Justice Department, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen (KEER'-sten) Nielsen and National Intelligence Director Dan Coats. Trump criticized former President Barack Obama, saying he was told about potential Russian meddling before the 2016 election but didn't take public actions because he thought Democrat Hillary Clinton would win the presidential election. ___ 4:40 p.m. President Donald Trump says Democrat Stacey Abrams is not qualified to be Georgia's next governor "by any stretch of the imagination." Trump says that based on Abrams' past and her plans for the state, Georgia "will be in big, big trouble very quickly and the people of Georgia don't want that." Trump did not go into detail Thursday about why he thinks Abrams would be bad for the state. Abrams is seeking to become America's first black female governor. She is a Yale-educated attorney who served a decade in the Georgia Legislature, including a stint as minority leader. She is facing Republican Brian Kemp, who is currently secretary of state. Trump says he's "totally qualified" and will be a "fantastic governor." Trump is scheduled to campaign for Kemp on Sunday in Macon, Georgia. ___ 4:30 p.m. President Donald Trump is taking his immigration message to Missouri as he continues his campaign rally blitz leading up to the midterm elections. Trump is set to appear Thursday night in Columbia, home of the state's largest university. It will be his second rally in an 11-stop, eight-state tour designed to boost Republican turnout. Trump is supporting Republican Senate candidate Josh Hawley, who is seeking to unseat Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill in a state Trump won by nearly 19 percentage points. The president has made his hard-line immigration policies the center of his closing argument, trying to raise anxiety about several caravans of Central American migrants traveling to the southern border and threatening to end the constitutionally enshrined right of birthright citizenship by executive order. President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Columbia Regional Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The Latest on Colorado jury's pot verdict (all times local): 3 p.m. Analysts and industry lawyers says a Colorado jury likely threw cold water on a novel legal claim targeting cannabis companies with federal racketeering lawsuits. A federal jury in Denver on Wednesday rejected a homeowners' racketeering lawsuit alleging a marijuana farm's odor devalued their property values and took away from their enjoyment of horseback riding. It was the first lawsuit of its kind to reach a jury, and the case was closely watched by the marijuana industry, which remain illegal under federal law. Three other federal lawsuits are pending in California, Massachusetts and Oregon. Analysts and industry lawyers say the verdict could dissuade others from filing similar lawsuits, which are expensive to litigate. ___ 7 a.m. A federal jury has ruled against a Colorado couple who claimed that a neighboring marijuana grow operation hurt their property's value in a case closely watched by the U.S. cannabis industry. The Colorado Sun reported Wednesday that jurors reached their verdict in Denver after deliberating for about half a day. It was the first time a jury considered a lawsuit using federal anti-racketeering law to target a marijuana company. Matthew Buck, the lawyer for grow owner Parker Walton, says a loss in court would have meant the loss of Walton's business. Vulnerability to similar lawsuits is among the many risks facing marijuana businesses licensed by states but still violating federal law. Suits using the same strategy have been filed in California, Massachusetts and Oregon. DENVER (AP) - The U.S. Interior Department said Thursday it wants to have its newly reorganized regions up and running by July 1. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's plan calls for realigning the department into 12 unified regions and relocating many decision-makers from Washington to field offices. The department has nine major sub-agencies and multiple regional boundaries, many following state borders. The new unified boundaries are based on rivers and ecosystems rather than state borders. Department officials say the reorganization would streamline decision-making and put managers closer to the lands they oversee. Susan Combs, a Zinke adviser who is spearheading the reorganization, said Zinke wants to have a top manager appointed for each of the unified regions by the July 1 target date. No date has been announced for moving any personnel to new locations. File - In this July 24, 2018 file photo, U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke delivers an address at a rodeo in Salt Lake City. The U.S. Interior Department says it wants to have its newly reorganized regions up and running by July 1, 2019. The department announced the date Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Zinke's plan calls for realigning the department in 12 unified regions and relocating many decision-makers from Washington to field offices. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Arizona, called the plan unworkable and vowed closer scrutiny if Democrats win a majority in the House of Representatives in Tuesday's election. "Secretary Zinke and Deputy Secretary (David) Bernhardt are smashing the Interior Department to pieces and telling employees to pick up the mess," Grijalva said Thursday. He said the Interior Department has not kept Democratic lawmakers updated on the plan and that the current Republican majority has not provided enough oversight. "Should we hold a House majority in January, we will get to the bottom of why this work was done without congressional awareness," said Grijalva, the ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. Democrats would need to pick up 23 seats to capture the House majority. Other critics have said the reorganization will make it harder for state officials to communicate with Interior Department officials. They point out that more than 90 percent of the department's workforce of about 70,000 is already based outside Washington, and they question whether moving more employees would improve things. The department manages 780,000 square miles (2 million square kilometers) of public lands, mostly in the West. They include national parks and monuments and many public lands rich in coal, oil and natural gas. ___ Follow Dan Elliott at http://twitter.com/DanElliottAP. NEW YORK (AP) - A former cast member of the television reality series "Bad Girls Club" has pleaded guilty in New York to wire fraud. Shannade Clermont entered the plea Thursday in Manhattan federal court. Prosecutors say the 24-year-old Clermont stole debit card information from a man who died shortly after a "prostitution date" with her. Clermont told U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald that she knew she was breaking the law when she used stolen debit cards to buy things on the internet. Spectators to the plea included seven family members of the man she visited in January 2017. He was found dead of a drug overdose in his Manhattan apartment the next morning. Sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 6. A plea deal calls for her to spend up to 18 months in prison. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A former superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park was accused in a report released Thursday of improperly accepting free trips from the foundation that built and runs the park's visitor's center. The U.S. Interior Department's inspector general's office report alleged that Ed Clark submitted false travel vouchers and asked the private nonprofit Gettysburg Foundation to underwrite a dinner he attended with other National Park Service employees. The report said federal prosecutors disclosed two weeks ago that they did not intend to prosecute Clark. A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office in Harrisburg offered no immediate comment. Clark's lawyer, Barak Cohen, said his client did not violate the law and called the release of the report a "gross injustice," and that the National Park Service has not resolved the matter. "They are completely off base in claiming that the law was violated," Cohen said. "They were unable to prove that and it's just flat-out wrong." Cohen said Clark repeatedly sought ethics guidance from the park service but was unable to get it. He said Clark received no personal benefits. "Every last thing he did was part of his duties as park superintendent," Cohen said. Jeremy Barnum, chief spokesman for the National Park Service, said the agency was reviewing the findings and "will take any and all appropriate action." Clark is currently stationed at a park service facility in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, Cohen said. The acting superintendent at Gettysburg National Military Park is Lewis Rogers. The inspector general's report said the investigation began with an anonymous complaint about Clark two years ago. It found he traveled 27 times to attend foundation-organized events, including social gatherings, donor meetings and fundraising galas. Some of the nearly $24,000 in travel costs was paid by the foundation, and some was paid by a construction company that Cohen confirmed was Kinsley Construction in York. Clark told the inspector general that he traveled four times on a construction company aircraft. Kinsley chairman Bob Kinsley is listed as the foundation board's chairman emeritus. A telephone message left for him at the company Thursday was not immediately returned. According to the report, Clark told investigators that his "repeated disregard of regulations concerning the acceptance of travel-related expenses was an oversight and due to his own 'sloppiness.'" An unnamed supervisor told investigators that he would not have approved several of Clark's trips. "The supervisor acknowledged that Clark's trips that involved flying in private airplanes, staying in expensive hotels and eating expensive meals appeared to be improper because neither the supervisor nor the Ethics Office had approved them," the report said. There was no evidence that Clark directly solicited funds, which is prohibited, but he did twice give statements of support to the foundation and the Civil War Trust that were sent to potential donors, the report said. Investigators said five donors who met with Clark over two years all said he did not solicit funds from them during those meetings. ___ This story has been corrected to say Kinsley is company chairman, not president. LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - A network of churches in southern New Mexico is seeking to expand the number of temporary shelters for migrants amid an expected jump in demand. A Catholic-run project in Las Cruces that offers short-term refugee housing says the rise in Central American migrants headed to the U.S.-Mexico border and a recent change in federal practices in housing asylum-seekers is putting a strain on the current number of shelters, The Las Cruces Sun-News reported . Project Oak Tree coordinator Leonel Briseno said advocates are seeking to expand the number of churches that could offer temporary housing. St. Genevieve Catholic Church and Our Lady of Health Catholic Church, both in central Las Cruces, are planning to open shelters, he said. Several Methodist and Lutheran churches also are operating small shelters. At El Calvario United Methodist Church, The Rev. George Miller greeted a group of migrants who were brought to the church by bus during a recent evening. The group included 23 women, men and children - all from Central America - who would likely stay at least overnight and possibly a couple of days. "The people we're housing are refugees," he said. "They've come to the border and applied legally. They're fleeing persecution and violence, and they've been released by the federal government to us." In this Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 photo, an immigrant seeking asylum from Honduras joins nearly two dozen other immigrants in a prayer lead by Rev. George Miller and Jorge Renteria at El Calvario United Methodist Church in Las Cruces, N.M. A network of churches in southern New Mexico is seeking to expand the number of temporary shelters for migrants amid an expected jump in demand. (Josh Bachman/Las Cruces Sun-News via AP) The process of feeding, housing and coordinating cross-country travel for a group of strangers whose home countries are thousands of miles away is fraught with logistical challenges, organizers told the Sun-News . Volunteers have been prepping for hours to receive this once-a-week drop-off of immigrants at the church. In the nearby kitchen, volunteers had a meal of rice, beans, chicken and corn tortillas ready to go. Not all refugees from Central America speak Spanish. Volunteers at times encounter indigenous people who know little or no Spanish, but instead speak local native dialects. The migrants are bound for U.S. cities where their legal sponsor families live; most often this is a relative already living in the United States. Once they get there, they are obligated to appear at a federal immigration court hearing as part of their asylum cases. By the time the immigrants reach El Calvario Methodist Church and other temporary shelters, these hearing dates have already been set. So arranging transportation out of Las Cruces for these migrants as quickly as possible is key, volunteers said. Anselmo Delgado, El Calvario church's volunteer coordinator, said he's always on the lookout for people who are extremely withdrawn because some have experienced trauma and poor treatment on their journeys. Delgado is proud of the effort El Calvario is making to help the migrants. "This has got to be the smallest church with the biggest heart in Las Cruces," he said. An estimated 35 volunteers each week help run El Calvario's short-term shelter. They work in shifts, and different volunteers have different roles. Some prepare the food, others dole out donated clothing to migrants and others launder bedding once all the migrants have left for the week. ___ Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com In this Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 photo, Bobbie Hutson, a volunteer at El Calvario United Methodist Church, sets up cots for the almost two dozen newly arrived asylum seekers in Las Cruces, N.M. A network of churches in southern New Mexico is seeking to expand the number of temporary shelters for migrants amid an expected jump in demand. (Josh Bachman/The Las Cruces Sun News via AP) NEW YORK (AP) - Police investigating the mysterious deaths of two Saudi Arabian sisters whose bound bodies washed up in New York City last week say they arrived from Fairfax, Virginia, on Sept. 1. Police said Thursday that credit card records show 16-year-old Tala Farea and 23-year-old Rotana Farea first stopped in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. The sisters were last seen in Fairfax on Aug. 24. Their bodies were discovered Oct. 24 on the Manhattan waterfront. Police say there were no signs of trauma and it appeared that they were alive when they went into the water. The New York Police Department says there's no evidence the sisters went anywhere else after arriving in New York. Police wouldn't say how they traveled or where they stayed. They were reported missing in Fairfax on Sept. 12. SUN CITY, Ariz. (AP) - U.S. Senate candidate Martha McSally campaigned with Donald Trump Jr. in a Republican stronghold in metro Phoenix. Her Democratic opponent, Kyrsten Sinema, rallied supporters at a phone bank in Phoenix. Thursday's events in the waning days of the campaign for the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Jeff Flake mirror their diverging tactics throughout the tight race. Sinema has focused on meeting voters, holding small events and rallying supporters in a bid to win the independent centrist vote in red state Arizona. She has avoided bringing in top-name Democrats such as former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden who have stumped for candidates in other states. It's in stark contrast to McSally's use of President Donald Trump and other top GOP figures to appeal to the conservative Republican base. A 15-minute speech by Trump's oldest son in the retirement community of Sun City focused mostly on touting his father's leadership and complaints that news organizations don't treat conservatives fairly. He also slammed the media for what he said was their soft-gloves treatment of Sinema's record. "They (news organizations) are literally trying to make a socialist into a capitalist," Trump said before a crowd of about 300 at a rally aimed at improving GOP voter turnout next week. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kyrsten Sinema talks to volunteers at a get-out-the-vote phone bank in Phoenix, Ariz., alongside members of the "Veterans for Sinema" group in this Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 photo. Sinema and Republican Martha McSally are taking different approaches to the campaign, with Sinema focusing on retail politics and McSally rallying with high profile Republicans like Donald Trump Jr. (AP Photo/Bob Christie) Sinema has been focused for the entire election on centrist voters, independents and Republican women. She hasn't brought in big-name Democrats like Obama, a polarizing figure who could turn off some in the middle. Instead, she zeroes in on health care, education and veterans issues. "I believe a good candidate spends her time talking to voters, listening to them, focusing on their needs," she said in an interview Thursday. "We knocked on 160,000 doors over the weekend. That's campaign work, that's actually listening to people about what they care about and working hard to earn their individual support." McSally is a two-term congresswoman who represents a southern Arizona swing district and moved to the right this year as she faced a three-way Republican primary. McSally has criticized the media for not holding Sinema accountable for comments she made years ago, before she was in Congress. "Sinema is Chuck Schumer's No. 1 recruit," McSally said of the Senate's top Democrat, drawing laughter from the audience. Sinema is a three-term congresswoman who represents a district that covers parts of Phoenix and suburban Tempe. She's built a reputation as one of the most moderate members of the Democratic caucus, frequently voting for legislation backed by Republicans. On Thursday, she backed the president's push to send troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, even though her position might hurt her among liberal Democrats. "Our Customs and Border Patrol agents, when they need help it's our country's duty to send them help," she said. "And I've supported that for years, and I want to make sure we're doing everything we can to keep our border secure. It hasn't changed." McSally has embraced appearing in public with top leaders in her party. She was in Yuma, near the border, with Vice President Mike Pence last week and with Trump at a rally in the Phoenix suburb of Mesa about two weeks ago. McSally spoke approvingly of the president's record on the economic growth and noted that she has worked with him on improving border security. ___ Follow Jacques Billeaud at www.twitter.com/jacquesbilleaud . ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., speaks at a campaign rally, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Sun City, Ariz. McSally is running against Democrat Krysten Sinema for the U.S. Senate. (AP Photo/Matt York) Donald Trump Jr. speaks at a campaign rally for U.S. Senate candidate Martha McSally, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Sun City, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kyrsten Sinema talks to the media after rallying volunteers at a get-out-the-vote phone bank in Phoenix, Ariz., Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Sinema and Republican Martha McSally are taking different approaches to the campaign, with Sinema focusing on retail politics and McSally rallying with high profile Republicans like Donald Trump Jr.(AP Photo/Bob Christie) U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., speaks at a campaign rally, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Sun City, Ariz. McSally is running against democrat Krysten Sinema for the U.S. Senate. (AP Photo/Matt York) Donald Trump Jr. takes a selfie with Arlene Goldblatt after a campaign rally for U.S. Senate candidate Martha McSally, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Sun City, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) HONOLULU (AP) - The American Civil Liberties Union demanded Thursday that a Hawaii retirement home stop discriminating against non-Catholic residents and allow them to take advantage of the state's new medically assisted suicide law if they wish. The ACLU of Hawaii sent a letter to the executive director of the Kahala Nui home after receiving an anonymous tip that the home had notified residents they would not be permitted to exercise the provisions of the law, which takes effect in January. The retirement home told residents in a memo dated May 11 this was because the facility's lease for land under its buildings prohibits activity that is "morally repugnant" to the Roman Catholic Church, including euthanasia. The church owns the land under the buildings, which is in an affluent Honolulu neighborhood called Kahala. Wendy Wong, Kahala Nui's executive director, said in a statement the home was reviewing the letter with its legal counsel. "That said, in no uncertain terms, Kahala Nui does not discriminate and has never denied residency based on religion, race, sex, color or any other basis," she said. The Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 photo shows the Kahala Nui retirement home in Honolulu. The American Civil Liberties Union demanded that a Hawaii retirement home stop discriminating against non-Catholic residents and allow them to take advantage of the state's new medically assisted suicide law if they wish. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy) The Catholic Church said in a statement its ground lease prohibits Kahala Nui from promoting assisted suicide but the document specifies the restriction doesn't refer to the acts of individual residents. "This issue is between Kahala Nui and its residents," the statement said. Mateo Caballero, the legal director of the ACLU of Hawaii, said the home was discriminating against those who weren't Catholic and was telling residents they have to conform to the Catholic Church's teachings. "I couldn't think of a more clear violation of the Fair Housing Act and Hawaii's own anti-discrimination laws," he said. Caballero said he's not aware of another case in which a retirement home prevented its residents from using a medically assisted suicide law. Caballero said he wants the home to send another note to residents rescinding its May 11 memo and inform residents it was wrong. Caballero said he hopes the ACLU can work with the home on the issue. If not, he said the ACLU would weigh its options, including a potential lawsuit. Hawaii became the sixth state to legalize medically assisted suicide in April when Gov. David Ige signed the legislation into law. The law allows doctors to fulfill requests from terminally ill patients for prescription medication that will allow them to die. Doctor-assisted deaths are already legal in California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia. Oregon was the first state to adopt such a law in 1997. SAN DIEGO (AP) - President Donald Trump tweeted an ad that blames Democrats for allowing a Mexican man who was in the U.S. illegally to kill two police officers in Northern California in 2014 in methamphetamine-fueled attacks. Luis Bracamontes was sentenced to death. The ad shows video of Bracamontes saying in court that he wished he had killed more police officers, one of his many outbursts before the judge. The ad links Bracamontes' crimes to a large caravan of Central American migrants moving through Mexico and suggests that Democrats will allow other criminals in the U.S. A look at claims in the ad: AD: "DEMOCRATS LET (BRACAMONTES) INTO OUR COUNTRY." THE FACTS: That's like blaming Republicans for criminals who entered the country illegally under Trump or President George W. Bush. President Donald Trump talks about immigration and gives an update on border security from the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Trump says asylum seekers must go to ports of entry in order to make a claim. He says he will issue an executive order next week on immigration. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Bracamontes, who is from the Mexican state of Sinaloa, came to the U.S. illegally in June 1996, during Democrat Bill Clinton's administration. He was arrested three months later on drug charges after purchasing crack cocaine from an undercover officer at a Phoenix apartment and deported in 1997 after completing his sentence. He was arrested for marijuana possession in Arizona in March 2001, during the Bush administration. It's unclear when he returned to the U.S. illegally before that arrest. AD: "DEMOCRATS LET HIM STAY." THE FACTS: Bracamontes was deported four times before he killed Sacramento County sheriff's Deputy Danny Oliver and Placer County sheriff's Detective Michael Davis Jr., according to Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones. There is no evidence that any Democrat - or anyone, for that matter - allowed Bracamontes to stay. Democratic and Republican administrations alike have deported hundreds of thousands of people a year. Barack Obama focused during his second term on recent arrivals and people with criminal histories, but Trump quickly directed that anyone in the country illegally could be targeted. AD: "WHO ELSE WOULD DEMOCRATS LET IN?" The ad mixes footage of Bracamontes with what appears to be a large caravan and a Fox News interview with a migrant in the caravan who acknowledges a conviction for attempted murder. Trump has said migrants in the caravan include criminals without offering any evidence, part of a pattern of linking immigrants in the country illegally to crime. Some studies have found immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than people born in the United States. Ruben Rumbaut, a University of California, Irvine sociology professor, co-authored a recent study that noted crime rates fell sharply from 1990 to 2015 at a time when illegal immigration spiked. Crime rates were low in immigrant rich cities and among lowest along the border, like El Paso, Texas, and San Diego. Alex Nowrasteh of the libertarian Cato Institute, reviewed academic literature in 2015 and found, "With few exceptions, immigrants are less crime prone than natives or have no effect on crime rates ... (The) research is fairly one-sided." ___ Find AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck LOS ANGELES (AP) - Four alleged members of a white supremacist group were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of inciting violence at California political rallies last year, officials said. The defendants planned and carried out assaults at gatherings in Huntington Beach, Berkeley and San Bernardino, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles said in a statement. The four participated in hand-to-hand combat training and then traveled to rallies to attack demonstrators and others, prosecutors said. Afterward they disseminated photographs and videos of the violent acts to recruit other members for future events, according to prosecutors. Attorney information couldn't immediately be found for Aaron Eason, Robert Rundo, Robert Boman and Tyler Laube. All were arrested last week and charged with one count each of conspiracy. Rundo, Boman and Eason were additionally charged with one count of rioting. Arraignments were scheduled beginning next week. Prosecutors said the four are members of the militant Rise Above Movement, a group described in the indictment as "a combat-ready, militant group of a new nationalist white supremacy and identity movement." The indictments come weeks after four other California members of the group were indicted for allegedly inciting last year's deadly riot in Charlottesville, Virginia. WASHINGTON (AP) - Newly released emails from the 2016 presidential campaign appear to show political operative Roger Stone presenting himself as a WikiLeaks insider to Steve Bannon, who was at the heart of then-candidate Donald Trump's run for president. The emails, which were published Thursday by The New York Times, touch on a central question of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation: Did Stone have advance knowledge of WikiLeaks' plans to release hacked material damaging to Democrat Hillary Clinton? Stone says no, and the emails do not provide a definitive answer to that question. But the correspondence suggests that Stone wanted Bannon to see him as plugged in to WikiLeaks as it was planning to publish documents that would upend the campaign. American intelligence agencies have concluded that Russian agents were the source of information released by WikiLeaks during the 2016 campaign. And Mueller, who is investigating potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, has focused on Stone recently. Mueller's team questioned Bannon last month about his exchanges with Stone, according to a person familiar with the interview. Bannon's interview was with prosecutors, though other people close to Stone have been called before a grand jury to discuss his ties to WikiLeaks. The person familiar with Bannon's interview said Bannon and other top campaign officials were skeptical of Stone and his claims about having insight into WikiLeaks' efforts. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the confidential interview. FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2017, file photo, Roger Stone arrives to testify before the House Intelligence Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Newly released emails from the 2016 presidential campaign appear to show Stone presenting himself as a WikiLeaks insider to Steve Bannon, who was at the heart of then-candidate Donald Trump's run for president. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) Stone, who confirmed the authenticity of the emails, denies being a conduit to WikiLeaks. "What I am guilty of is using publicly available information and a solid tip to bluff, posture, hype and punk Democrats on Twitter. This is called 'politics.' It's not illegal," he said in an opinion piece published Thursday by The Daily Caller website. He said he had based his comments on Assange's public statements and conversations with a New York radio host, Randy Credico, a vocal supporter of Assange who has also been interviewed by Mueller's grand jury. In a telephone interview with the AP, Stone said: "I had no advanced notice of the source or content or the exact timing of the release of the WikiLeaks disclosures." In one email exchange from Oct. 4. 2016, Bannon asks Stone about an announcement that morning by Assange that puzzled some Trump supporters. In the announcement, Assange said he would be posting a cache of documents weekly that would include some related to the 2016 election, among other topics, but he denied that WikiLeaks intended to harm Clinton, saying such suggestions were "false." Many Trump supporters - egged on by Stone himself - had been expecting Assange to provide details on potentially damaging information about Clinton, possibly even posting it that day. Stone had built up suspense on Twitter, saying on Oct. 3, 2016, "I have total confidence that @wikileaks and my hero Julian Assange will educate the American people soon. #LockHerUp." In the wake of the disappointing announcement, Bannon fires off an email asking Stone "What was that this morning???" Stone writes back: "Fear. Serious security concern. He thinks they are going to kill him and the London police are standing done. However -a load every week going forward." Days later, WikiLeaks released the first batch of material - emails stolen from the account of Clinton campaign chairman, John Podesta. The Oct. 7, 2016, document dump came just hours after The Washington Post released audio from "Access Hollywood" in which Trump boasted of kissing and groping women without their permission. WikiLeaks proceeded to dribble out the Podesta emails a thousand or so a day until Election Day. ___ Associated Press writer Jill Colvin contributed to this report. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Forecasters said most of the East Coast was at risk for severe weather Friday, with winds as strong as 60 mph, isolated tornadoes and heavy rain possible as the Gulf Coast recovered from storms blamed for two deaths. Waves of weather moving in from the Gulf of Mexico at daybreak brought rain and lightning to parts of the Florida Panhandle struck last month by Hurricane Michael, and the threat was supposed to spread to the north and east through the day. "I think people are not wanting to see more wind and rain," said Mayor Margo Anderson of hurricane-tossed Lynn Haven, Florida. "It puts everyone on edge. It's frightening." The Storm Prediction Center said there was a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms along a line running from Florida's west coast to southern New Hampshire in New England. About 64 million people in cities including Washington, Philadelphia and New York live in the path. At least two deaths along the Gulf Coast were blamed on storms that hit Wednesday night and Thursday. At least 12 tornadoes had been confirmed in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, with the damage surveys expected to continue Friday. Panama City spokeswoman Caitlin Lawrence said the storm system moving east through the Florida Panhandle on Thursday was the second significant rainfall the area has had since Michael hit on Oct. 10. The sound of chainsaws grind through a neighborhood in Natchez, Miss., as cleanup begins following a tornado that hit early Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. At least 11 tornadoes have been confirmed by National Weather Service surveyors so far in Louisiana and Mississippi as part of a storm system that moved across the region Wednesday night and Thursday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) "We did have one really rainy and windy day last week," she said. Officials are concerned about heavy rain and any structures that have already been damaged, as well as loose tree limbs being toppled by strong wind or rain, Lawrence said. Hundreds of homes protected only by flimsy tarps were particularly vulnerable. The Storm Prediction Center reported downed trees and utility lines from eastern Texas to northwest Alabama. The Southeastern storms left nearly 110,000 homes and businesses without electricity at the height, and both weather-related deaths occurred in wrecks. In Texas, the Waller County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook that Deputy Loren Vasquez, 23, had been on solo patrol for only three nights when her patrol car ran into water on a road and flipped late Wednesday while answering a rescue call. Other deputies tried to free her from the overturned vehicle but couldn't. "Words will never express what our office is going thru and we can only ask for your prayers," Sheriff R. Glenn Smith said in a statement posted on the site. In Mississippi, the Department of Public Safety said Alcorn State University student Jayla A. Gray, 19, of Jackson died early Thursday when the car in which she was a passenger struck a tree that had fallen across a highway near the town of Port Gibson, which is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of the capital of Jackson. The driver and another passenger escaped injury, the agency said in a statement. Public Safety spokesman Kervin Stewart said the three were returning to campus after a Halloween party and early-morning meal; Gray was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the wreck. Damage was heavy in nearby Natchez, where some people spent most of the day trying to cut up trees that fell on houses. Among the seven tornadoes confirmed in Mississippi were two in Adams County, which includes Natchez, and one in Claiborne County, which includes Port Gibson. In Louisiana, a pair of twisters with top winds of 115 mph (185 kph) hit Washington Parish, north of New Orleans. Near Bogalusa, a mobile home rolled over, injuring two occupants. Two weaker tornadoes were also confirmed in and around Lake Charles, including one that damaged a vacant shopping center near McNeese State University. In northwest Alabama, surveyors said a weak tornado with top winds of 65 mph (105 kph) caused tree damage near the Franklin County crossroads of Pogo. ___ AP writer Freida Frisaro in Miami; Jeff Amy in Jackson, Mississippi; and Rebecca Santana in New Orleans contributed to this report. This fallen oak tree heavily damaged the home of Jennifer Lyles in Natchez, Miss., after a tornado hit early Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. At least 11 tornadoes have been confirmed by National Weather Service surveyors so far in Louisiana and Mississippi as part of a storm system that moved across the region Wednesday night and Thursday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) A large tree fell on the vehicles parked in the driveway of a Natchez, Miss., residence on Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, during the storms that passed through the area Thursday morning, Nov. 1, 2018. (Ben Hillyer/The Natchez Democrat, via AP) Strong storms and several possible tornadoes hit throughout Mississippi, early Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018., such as this one in Roxie, Miss., that toppled one of several trees in the Franklin County (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee inmate grimaced and waved goodbye before saying "let's rock," moments before he became the first man executed in the electric chair in that state since 2007, put to death Thursday for shooting two men and slitting their throats during a drug deal decades ago. Edmund Zagorski, 63, was pronounced dead at 7:26 p.m. Thursday at a Nashville maximum-security prison, officials said. Asked by the prison warden if he had any last words in the death chamber, Zagorski said, "Let's rock," shortly before the execution was carried out. A reporter who witnessed the scene said at a post-execution news briefing that Zagorski could be seen smiling while strapped down. A large sea sponge that had been doused in salt water was soon placed on his head. While guards wiped his face clear of water dripping down his face, Zagorski quietly said there was still water under his nose and asked for it to be removed before his face was shrouded with a large black cloth. The witnesses said the inmate's fists then clenched when the electricity was applied and his body tensed and appeared to rise during the two times the current went through him. He did not move afterward. Five media witnesses watched Zagorski's execution along with Zagorski's attorney, the prison's chaplain and a representative from the attorney general's office. FILE - This undated file photo released by the Tennessee Department of Corrections shows death row inmate Edmund Zagorski in Tennessee. If Tennessee electrocutes Zagorski, it will be in an electric chair built by a self-taught execution expert who is no longer welcome in the prison system. (Tennessee Department of Corrections via AP, File) Another reporter said Zagorski's attorney Kelly Henry was nodding, smiling and tapping her heart just before the execution got underway. When asked about her actions, Henry said afterward: "I told him when I put my hand over my heart, that was me holding him in my heart." She said Zagorski told her the last thing he wanted to see was her smiling face, and so she made an effort to smile at him before the shroud was put over his face. After it was done, Henry quietly wiped away tears. Later, Henry said it appeared that Zagorski's pinkies had become dislocated. She said that can be common when the body undergoes such extreme blunt force trauma. A phone hung on the wall in the witness room, allowing Henry to have access to a telephone should anything have gone wrong. A federal judge had earlier this week ordered the state to have a phone accessible. In opting for the electric chair over a lethal injection as Tennessee allowed him, Zagorski had argued it would be a quicker and less painful way to die. He became only the second person to die in the electric chair in Tennessee since 1960. Nationwide, only 14 other people have been put to death in the electric chair since 2000, including a Virginia inmate in 2013. The execution was carried out minutes after the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday evening denied the inmate's request for a stay. Zagorski's attorneys had argued it was unconstitutional to force him to choose between the electric chair and lethal injection. The state came close to administering an injection to Zagorski three weeks ago, a plan halted by Tennessee's governor when Zagorski exercised his right to request the electric chair. The Supreme Court's statement said Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the dissenting voice on Thursday, noting Zagorski's difficult decision to opt for the electric chair. In Tennessee, condemned inmates whose crimes occurred before 1999 can choose the electric chair - one of a handful of states that allow such a choice. "He did so not because he thought that it was a humane way to die, but because he thought that the three-drug cocktail that Tennessee had planned to use was even worse," Sotomayor said in the statement. "Given what most people think of the electric chair, it's hard to imagine a more striking testament - from a person with more at stake - to the legitimate fears raised by the lethal-injection drugs that Tennessee uses." Zagorski was convicted of an April 1983 double slaying. Prosecutors said Zagorski shot John Dotson and Jimmy Porter and then slit their throats after robbing the two men after they came to him to buy marijuana. The U.S. Supreme Court has never ruled on whether use of the electric chair violates the 8th Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment, but it came close about 20 years ago after a series of botched electrocutions in Florida. During two executions in the 1990s, smoke and flames shot from the condemned inmates' heads. In 1999, blood spilled from under an inmate's mask. Shortly afterward, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to the electric chair. But the case was dropped when Florida made lethal injection its primary execution method. Republican Gov. Bill Haslam declined to intervene in Zagorski's case despite receiving pleas from correctional officers, Zagorski's priest and former jurors who convicted the inmate. At the time of Zagorski's conviction, Tennessee juries were not given the option of considering life without parole. Protesters held vigils Thursday in Knoxville and Memphis, and outside the prison where Zagorski was executed. There some raised a banner with the words: "A Free Tennessee is Execution-Free." ___ Associated Press writer Travis Loller contributed to this report in Nashville. People form a circle and pray against the death penalty before the execution of Edmund Zagorski at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) Protesters gather before the execution of Edmund Zagorski at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) In this undated photo released by Fred Leuchter, center, he stands near the control panel for the electric chair he built. Leuchter says he is afraid the chair will malfunction at an execution scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, because of later modifications. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam says he is confident it will work. (Courtesy of Fred Leuchter via AP) FILE - In this Oct. 13, 1999, file photo, Ricky Bell, the warden at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Tenn., gives a tour of the prison's execution chamber. If Tennessee electrocutes Zagorski, it will be in an electric chair built by a self-taught execution expert who is no longer welcome in the prison system. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) People pray outside of Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Vigils have been organized across Tennessee to oppose the state's plans to put Edmund Zagorski to death in the electric chair. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) People pray outside of Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Vigils have been organized across Tennessee to oppose the state's plans to put Edmund Zagorski to death in the electric chair. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) Rev. Joe Ingle, spiritual leader for Edmund Zagorski, right, stands outside with others against the death penalty at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) Federal public defender Kelley Henry, attorney for Edmund Zagorski, speaks to the media at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Tennessee inmate's final words were "let's rock" moments before he became the first man executed in the electric chair in that state since 2007, put to death for the killings of two men during a drug deal decades ago. Zagorski, 63, was pronounced dead at 7:26 p.m. Thursday at a Nashville maximum-security prison, officials said. (George Walker IV/The Tennessean via AP) Geoff Little raises his candle during a gathering in protest of the execution of Edmund Zagorski at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Zagorski, 63, became the first man executed in the electric chair in that state since 2007, and was put to death Thursday for shooting two men and slitting their throats during a drug deal decades ago. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP) MIAMI (AP) - The suspect accused of sending pipe bombs to prominent critics of President Trump agreed Friday to be transferred to New York to face charges, while the FBI said an additional package was found addressed to Democratic billionaire donor Tom Steyer. Attorneys for Cesar Sayoc said Friday in Miami federal court that it's better if his lawyers in New York can take the case as soon as possible. They could still seek a bail hearing there, but prosecutors say he should remain jailed, given the magnitude of the charges and the strong evidence against him. "We wanted to make sure that all of his constitutional rights were preserved," said attorney James Benjamin after the hearing. "We feel we've done all we can." Sayoc has been accused of sending 15 improvised explosive devices to numerous Democrats, Trump critics and media outlets. The FBI said Friday an additional package similar to the earlier ones was recovered at a postal facility near San Francisco. The package discovered late Thursday was the second addressed to Steyer, who has done TV ads calling for Trump's impeachment. None of the packages have exploded and no one was injured. The timing of Sayoc's transfer is uncertain. It can happen quickly or take weeks, and is not usually announced ahead of time by the U.S. Marshals Service, Benjamin said. Even defense lawyers are not informed. In this courtroom sketch, Cesar Sayoc, left, appears in federal court, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Miami. Sayoc is accused of sending pipe bombs to prominent Democrats around the country. If foreign citizens had mailed pipe bombs to prominent Democrats, or massacred Jews in a synagogue, there's a good chance they would have been charged with terrorism. But that won't happen with either of the men charged in the recent wave of mail bombs and the Pittsburgh shootings. That's because there's no domestic terrorism law. (Daniel Pontet via AP) "Your guess is as good as mine," he said. "The government wants to get him up there as soon as they can." Prosecutors left court without speaking to reporters. Sayoc was arrested a week ago outside a South Florida auto parts store in a white van in which he had been living, a vehicle covered with stickers of Trump and showing images of some of the president's opponents with red crosshairs over their faces. Sayoc faces nearly 50 years in prison if convicted on five federal charges that were filed in New York because some of the devices were recovered there. Sayoc's lawyers decided not to seek release on bail after prosecutors released a letter outlining more evidence against him, including DNA linking him to 10 of the explosive devices and fingerprints on two of them. Other evidence includes online searches Sayoc did on his laptop and cellphone for addresses and photos of some of his intended targets, which included former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Joe Biden, California Sen. Kamala Harris and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker. Packages were also mailed to CNN in New York and Atlanta. The laptop also has a file with the address in Sunrise, Florida, of the office of U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. That office was used as the return address on the packages containing the pipe bombs, according to the FBI. The computer file was labeled "Debbie W.docx". Benjamin, however, said the prosecution letter does not prove anything yet. He noted that it refers to "possible" DNA matches to Sayoc. "The word flimsy actually still applies," Benjamin told reporters. "We can't do anything but speculate now. And it's too early." ___ Mike Balsamo in Washington contributed. ___ Follow Curt Anderson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Miamicurt In this courtroom sketch, Cesar Sayoc, second from right, appears in federal court, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Miami. Sayoc is accused of sending pipe bombs to prominent Democrats around the country. A judge will hold a hearing Friday on whether Sayoc can be released on bail. (Daniel Pontet via AP) LA GRANGE, Texas (AP) - A Texas sheriff's deputy has been shot and a suspect is in custody after an attempt to serve the man with an arrest warrant ended in gunfire and a three-hour standoff. Authorities say it began Thursday when a deputy went to a La Grange discount store to serve the man with a warrant charging him with failure to register as a sex offender. La Grange police Chief David Gilbreath says the suspect cut a deputy with a knife before darting to a nearby motel. Deputies followed and the suspect opened fire, striking Fayette County deputy Calvin "CJ" Lehmann in the head. The 32-year-old Lehmann was in stable condition at a hospital Friday but has lost sight in one eye. The suspect later surrendered. La Grange is about 70 miles (113 kilometers) southeast of Austin. HONOLULU (AP) - The Latest on the ACLU's challenge to a Hawaii retirement home's ban on medically assisted suicide (all times local): 4:40 p.m. A Hawaii retirement home says it's consulting its legal counsel after the American Civil Liberties Union demanded it stop discriminating against non-Catholic residents and allow them to take advantage of the state's new medically assisted suicide law if they wish. Kahala Nui Executive Director Wendy Wong said in a statement Thursday the home doesn't discriminate and has never denied residency on the basis of religion, race, sex, color or other basis. The Roman Catholic Church in Hawaii says the church leases the land under the home to Kahala Nui Senior Living Community, Inc. The church says the issue is between Kahala Nui and its residents. It says its ground lease prohibits Kahala Nui from promoting assisted suicide, but specifies the restriction doesn't refer to acts of individual residents. ____ 1:40 p.m. The American Civil Liberties Union is demanding that a Hawaii retirement home stop discriminating against non-Catholic residents and allow them to take advantage of the state's new medically assisted suicide law if they wish. The ACLU of Hawaii sent a letter to the executive director of the Kahala Nui home on Thursday after receiving an anonymous tip that the home had notified residents they would not be permitted to exercise the provisions of the law. The retirement home told residents in a memo this was because the facility's lease for land under its buildings prohibits activity that is "morally repugnant" to the Roman Catholic Church, including euthanasia. The church owns the land. Kahala Nui's executive director didn't immediately respond to voicemail and email messages seeking comment. BEIJING (AP) - Facing a blizzard of trade complaints, China is throwing an "open for business" import fair hosted by President Xi Jinping to rebrand itself as a welcoming market and positive global force. More than 3,000 companies from 130 countries selling everything from Egyptian dates to factory machinery are attending the China International Import Expo, opening Monday in the commercial hub of Shanghai. Its VIP guest list includes prime ministers and other leaders from Russia, Pakistan and Vietnam. The United States, fighting a tariff war with Beijing, has no plans to send a high-level envoy. Xi's government is emphasizing the promise of China's growing consumer market to help defuse complaints Beijing abuses the global trading system by reneging on promises to open its industries. "This says, look, we're not a global parasite that is creating massive deficits, we are buying goods," said Kerry Brown, a Chinese politics specialist at King's College London. The event also is part of efforts to develop a trading network centered on China and increase its influence in a Western-dominated global system. In this Oct. 26, 2018, photo, workers prepare a lawn outside the venue for the upcoming China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Facing a blizzard of trade complaints, China is throwing an "open for business" import fair hosted by President Xi Jinping to rebrand itself as a welcoming market and positive global force. (Chinatopix via AP) President Donald Trump and his "American first" trade policies that threaten to raise import barriers to the world's biggest consumer market loom in the background. Exporters, especially developing countries, want closer relations with China to help "insulate themselves from what is happening with Trump and the U.S.," said Gareth Leather of Capital Economics. China has cut tariffs and announced other measures this year to boost imports, which rose 15.9 percent in 2017 to $1.8 trillion. But none address the U.S. complaints about its technology policy that prompted Trump to impose penalty tariffs of up to 25 percent on $250 billion of Chinese imports. Beijing has responded with tariff hikes on $110 billion of American imports. Chinese leaders have rejected pressure to roll back plans such as "Made in China 2025," which calls for state-led creation of global champions in robotics and other fields, ambitions that some American officials worry will undermine U.S. industrial leadership. To keep the economy growing, China needs to nurture its consumer market and that requires more imports. But foreign companies say regulators are still trying to squeeze them out of promising industries and that they face pressure to hand over technology. The Shanghai expo "will be of little consequence to U.S. and other companies unless its pageantry is matched by meaningful and measurable changes in China trade practices," Kenneth Jarrett, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, said in an email. Some companies might get a brief sales boost, "but its long-run impact will be defined by China's willingness to end many of its unfair trade practices," said Jarrett. Europe, Japan and other trading partners have been leery of Trump's tactics but echo U.S. complaints. They say Beijing improperly hampers access to finance, logistics and other service industries. European leaders are frustrated that Beijing bars foreign acquisitions of most assets while its own companies are on a global buying spree. Writing in a Chinese business magazine, the French and German ambassadors to Beijing appealed for changes including an end to requirements that foreign companies operate in joint ventures with state-owned partners. They called for an overhaul of rules they say hinder companies from profiting from and protecting their technology. "We encourage China to address these issues through concrete and systematic measures that go beyond tariff adjustments," Ambassadors Jean-Maurice Ripert of France and Clemens von Goetze of Germany wrote in the magazine Caixin. China already is the No. 1 trading partner for all its Asian neighbors, though a big share of the iron ore, industrial components and other goods it buys are turned into smartphones, TV sets and other goods for export. Tariff cuts announced over the past year were aimed at giving Chinese consumers better access to foreign goods. Chinese leaders emphasize those include anti-cancer drugs and other medical products. But many are specialty goods such as high-end baby strollers, avocados and mineral water that don't compete with Chinese suppliers. The Shanghai expo also gives Beijing a chance to repair its image following complaints about its "Belt and Road" initiative to expand trade by building ports, railways and other infrastructure across a vast arc of 65 countries from the South Pacific through Asia to Africa and Europe. Governments including Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand have scrapped or scaled back projects due to high costs or complaints too little work goes to local companies. Sri Lanka, Kenya and other nations have run into trouble repaying Chinese loans. "It's become too associated with debt and China getting what it wants," said Brown. "They are trying to get out this more positive message that China is open for business." ___ China International Import Expo: https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/ HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong on Friday submitted a Pacific Rim trade pact to the National Assembly for approval, the government said. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership will take effect at the year's end after Australia became the sixth nation to ratify it, earlier this week. President Donald Trump pulled out of the pact just days after taking office last year. The remaining 11 members account for more than 13 percent of the world's GDP. Addressing lawmakers, Trong said the pact reflects Vietnam's strong commitment to reform and comprehensive international integration. It also "affirms Vietnam's role and important geo-political position in Southeast Asia as well as Asia Pacific," the government website quoted Trong as telling the national assembly. But the pact presents challenges for communist-ruled Vietnam and will require adjustments for its legal and other institutions, he said. Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong addresses the National Assembly in Hanoi, Vietnam, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. Trong on Friday submitted a Pacific Rim trade pact to the National Assembly for approval, the government said. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership will take effect at the year's end after Australia earlier this week become the sixth nation to ratify it. (Nguyen Phuong Hoa/Vietnam News Agency via AP) The Communist-dominated assembly is expected to ratify the accord next week. Addressing the assembly, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, who is also deputy prime minister, cited a government study as saying the trade pact will boost Vietnam's GDP by 1.3 percentage points. Exports will also gain momentum. The agreement is expected to improve Vietnam's investment environment and to create between 20,000 to 26,000 more new jobs a year, he said. Vietnam is expected to be one of the members that would most benefit from it with its strong base of exports of garments, shoes, seafood and agricultural products. ISLAMABAD (AP) - The release of a Christian woman in Pakistan, acquitted eight years after being sentenced to death for blasphemy, was delayed Friday after authorities agreed to bar her from flying abroad following talks with radical Islamists who want her publicly hanged. The agreement between the government and the Tehreek-e-Labbaik party was reached in the city of Lahore where Islamists have been rallying since Wednesday, when the Supreme Court overturned the 2010 conviction of Asia Bibi for insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Pakistani authorities will now not allow Bibi to leave the country until the Supreme Court makes a final review of its verdict, said provincial minister Noorul Haq Qadri, according to the agreement. It comes a day after Ghulam Mustafa, the lawyer representing a provincial cleric in Punjab who had filed the initial blasphemy charges against Bibi, petitioned the Supreme Court requesting the judges review her acquittal. The court has not set a date to take up the petition. Pakistan's Supreme Court has not been known to reverse its decisions but court reviews typically take years. Bibi's ordeal will continue until the review is completed. The latest development will likely irk rights groups calling for the release of Bibi, who has spent nine years in jail since her arrest in 2009. Bibi's family has always maintained her innocence and says she never insulted Islam's prophet. Pakistani protesters burn a poster image of Christian woman Asia Bibi, who has spent eight-years on death row accused of blasphemy and acquitted by a Supreme Court, in Hyderabad, Pakistan, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Bibi plans to leave the country, her family said Thursday, as Islamists mounted rallies demanding Bibi be publicly hanged, and also called for the killing of the three judges, including Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, who acquitted Bibi. (AP Photo/Pervez Masih Since Wednesday's landmark ruling over Bibi's acquittal, radical Islamists have blocked highways and damaged or set fire to dozens of vehicles to pressure the government to prevent Bibi's release from an undisclosed detention facility. Earlier, during the day, some 5,000 Islamists rallied in the capital, Islamabad and nearly 4,000 demonstrators staged a sit-in in Lahore, demanding that Bibi's acquittal verdict be overturned. Similar rallies were also held in the northwestern city of Peshawar; there were no reports of violence. Over 2,000 demonstrators blocked a key road linking Islamabad with the garrison city of Rawalpindi, causing traffic jams. Hundreds also blocked another key motorway, connecting Islamabad with other major cities. No violence was reported during the rallies. Earlier, Pakistan shut down schools and colleges after radical cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik party, announced that "talks" between his deputies and the government about Bibi's fate had failed. Before dawn Friday, Rizvi had told an emotionally charged rally in the eastern city of Lahore that one of the government negotiators threatened his deputies during the talks that security forces will ruthlessly kill them if they did not disperse peacefully. He asked his supporters to continue sit-ins as authorities summoned paramilitary troops to restore order. "We are ready to die to show our love for the prophet," he said. Rizvi's envoys had demanded that Bibi be barred from leaving the country but Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry initially rejected the demand, saying the government will not accept any dictates. Interior Minister Sheharyar Afridi said Friday that officials were trying to persuade Islamists to disperse their rallies peacefully. Authorities also stepped up security near an undisclosed detention facility where Bibi is being held for her safety. On Thursday, prison officials said two inmates were arrested last month for planning to strangle Bibi to death. They said the men were still being questioned. Bibi's family had expected her release by Thursday night. Her husband, Ashiq Masih, returned from Britain with their children in mid-October and was waiting for her release so that they could fly out of Pakistan. Though the family has not disclosed the country of her destination, France and Spain have offered asylum. Islamabad authorities suspended mobile phone services in the city for ten hours on Friday, likely to prevent the crowds from swelling further in the Pakistani capital. Bibi's acquittal has posed a challenge to the government of Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, who came to power this summer partly by pursuing the Islamist agenda. Khan condemned the Islamists on Wednesday after cleric Afzal Qadri urged supporters to kill the three judges who acquitted Bibi, revolt against army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa and overthrow Khan's government. Military's spokesman Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor said Friday the army was exercising restraint, to provide a chance for a peaceful resolution. He asked demonstrators to refrain from violence and await the outcome of the review petition to the Supreme Court. "Let this legal process be completed first," he told state-run Pakistan Television. Bibi was arrested in 2009 after she was accused of blasphemy following a quarrel with two fellow female farm workers who refused to drink from a water container used by a Christian. A few days later, a mob accused her of insulting Islam's prophet, leading to her 2010 conviction. The charge of blasphemy carries the death penalty in this majority Muslim nation and critics say it is often misused to settle feuds and arguments. ___ Tanveer reported from Multan, Pakistan. Associated Press writers Zaheer Babar and Riaz Khan contributed from Lahore and Peshawar. For a second day, protesters rally to condemn a Supreme Court decision that acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, who spent eight years on death row accused of blasphemy, in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Bibi plans to leave the country, her family said Thursday, as Islamists mounted rallies demanding Bibi be publicly hanged and also called for the killing of the three judges, including Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, who acquitted Bibi. (AP Photo/Shakil Adil) Pakistani cleric Hafiz Saeed, the founder of the outlawed Lashkar-e-Taiba group, which was blamed for the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people, addresses at a mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Saeed, a radical cleric wanted by the United States, urged followers to hold rallies across Pakistan on Friday to condemn the Supreme Court decision that acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, who spent eight years on death row accused of blasphemy. Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers in parliament called Thursday for reforming the judicial system and Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law - so that innocents like Bibi wouldn't spent years languishing in jail. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) For a second day, radical Islamists rally to condemn a Supreme Court decision that acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, who spent eight years on death row accused of blasphemy, in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Bibi plans to leave the country, her family said Thursday, as Islamists mounted rallies demanding Bibi be publicly hanged. The Islamists also called for the killing of the three judges, including Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, who acquitted Bibi. Banner reads "release of blasphemous Asia is unacceptable." (AP Photo/Fareed Khan) PITTSBURGH (AP) - The three congregations attacked at a Pittsburgh synagogue will gather for a joint service Saturday, while a prayer vigil is planned outside their desecrated worship space to mark the time the massacre began one week earlier. Meanwhile, Friday brought the end of a wrenching series of funerals as the oldest victim, 97-year-old Rose Mallinger, was laid to rest. "We will reopen, but it will not be for quite a while," Rabbi Jeffrey Myers said Friday morning, as he prepared for the last funeral service. Myers himself survived the attack that began just as Shabbat services got underway. In the end, 11 people were gunned down in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Mallinger's daughter attended her mother's funeral at Rodef Shalom synagogue, accompanied by a nurse, Rabbi Aaron Bisno said. The 61-year-old daughter had been hospitalized since the massacre Saturday at the Tree of Life synagogue. Bisno didn't know if she returned to the hospital after the funeral. The suspect, Robert Bowers, pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal hate crime charges that accuse him of killing 11 people and injuring six others as they tried to practice their religion. He could face the death penalty. The hearing, held to advise him of the 44-count indictment returned Wednesday, marked his second brief court appearance since he allegedly opened fire at the synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Visitors reach for each other as they gather for the funeral of Rose Mallinger, 97, at Congregation Rodef Shalom on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Mallinger was one of the eleven victims killed in the deadly shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood last Saturday. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) "Yes!" Bowers said in a loud voice when asked if he understood the charges. Authorities say Bowers raged against Jews during and after the massacre. He remains jailed without bail. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said Friday that the two most seriously injured victims have been moved out of the intensive care unit. Hospital officials said a 70-year-old man was upgraded from critical to stable condition, while a 40-year-old police officer remains in stable condition. The officer was previously identified as Timothy Matson, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The wounded congregant is Daniel Leger, a nurse and hospital chaplain. The city's Jewish community had begun burying its dead Tuesday as thousands of mourners attended services for a beloved family doctor and two brothers. The funerals have continued each day since, and included services for Bernice and Sylvan Simon, who were married in 1956 at Tree of Life, and killed there Saturday. Mallinger, whose funeral was Friday, had also attended Tree of Life for more than 60 years. It was the "center of her very active life," her family said in a statement distributed by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "Her involvement with the synagogue went beyond the Jewish religion. ... It was her place to be social, to be active and to meet family and friends." Though advanced in years, Mallinger always stood during services. She faithfully attended, accompanied by her whole family on major holidays. "She retained her sharp wit, humor and intelligence until the very last day," the family statement said. "She did everything she wanted to do in her life." Also Friday, Allegheny County authorities released the redacted 1979 court file of a man believed to be Bowers' father. The court files and press clips showed the man, 27-year-old Randall Bowers, had killed himself while out on bail in a rape case. He had been charged with abducting a 20-year-old woman as she left a pizza shop, forcing her to drive him to a location where he then sexually assaulted her. He was released on $5,000 bail signed by his mother, a hospital supervisor in California. ?The files were released Friday with the victim's name redacted after a court hearing sought by several media groups. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that divorce records suggest Randall Bowers was the synagogue suspect's father. Visitors huddle together as they gather for the funeral of Rose Mallinger, 97, at Congregation Rodef Shalom on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Mallinger was one of the eleven victims killed in the deadly shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood last Saturday. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) Visitors walk past the hearse as they gather for the funeral of Rose Mallinger, 97, at Congregation Rodef Shalom on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Mallinger was one of the eleven victims killed in the deadly shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood last Saturday. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) Camera crews record the hundreds of visitors gathering for the funeral of Rose Mallinger, 97, at Congregation Rodef Shalom on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Mallinger was one of the eleven victims killed in the deadly shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood last Saturday. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) Funeral flags are on the hearse for the funeral of Rose Mallinger, 97, at Congregation Rodef Shalom on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Mallinger was one of the eleven victims killed in the deadly shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood last Saturday. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) The hearse with Rose Mallinger, leaves Congregation Rodef Shalom after her funeral on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Mallinger was one of the eleven victims killed in the deadly shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood last Saturday. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) Mourners gather outside Congregation Rodef Shalom after the funeral of Rose Mallinger, 97, on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Mallinger was one of the eleven victims killed in the deadly shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood last Saturday. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - New details about the crashed Lion Air jet's previous flight cast more doubt on the Indonesian airline's claim to have fixed technical problems, as hundreds of personnel searched the sea for a fifth day Friday for victims and the plane's fuselage. The brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane plunged into the Java Sea early Monday, just minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Herson, head of the Bali-Nusa Tenggara Airport Authority, said the pilot on the plane's previous flight on Sunday from Bali requested to return to the airport not long after takeoff but then reported the problem had been resolved. Several passengers have described the problem as a terrifying loss of altitude. Lion Air, a budget carrier that is the biggest domestic airline in Indonesia, has said the unspecified problem was fixed after Sunday's flight, but the fatal flight's pilots also made a "return to base" request not long after takeoff. "Shortly after requesting RTB, the pilot then contacted the control tower again to inform that the plane had run normally and would not return" to Bali's Ngurah Rai airport on Sunday, Herson, who uses a single name, told The Associated Press. "The captain said the problem was resolved and he decided to continue the trip to Jakarta." Data from flight-tracking websites show both flights had highly erratic speed and altitude after takeoff, though confirmation is required from data recorded by the aircraft's "black box" flight recorders. Shoes and debris retrieved from the waters near where a Lion Air jet is believed to have crashed are laid out for investigation at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. New details about the crashed aircraft previous flight have cast more doubt on the Indonesian airline's claim to have fixed technical problems as hundreds of personnel searched the sea a fifth day Friday for victims and the plane's fuselage. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara) Indonesia's Tempo news website published a minute-by-minute summary of what it said were the conversations between air traffic control and the pilots of Monday's fatal flight, who reported a "flight control problem" and were unsure of their altitude. Asked about the accuracy of the report, National Transportation Safety Committee deputy head Haryo Satmiko said it had "similarities" with the information received "legally" by investigators. Officials displayed one of the jet's two flight recorders at a news conference Thursday evening, later confirmed to be the flight data recorder, and said they would immediately attempt to download information and begin an analysis. But progress has been hampered by the black box not being fully intact and it needs special handling to ensure its data survive, a process that is continuing, according to the National Transport Safety Committee. It said the "crash-survivable memory unit" was opened and washed and some of its wiring will need to be replaced and a new shell provided from Lion Air to enable a download of data. "In principle, all data we have obtained, including flight data and air navigation, and also from other sources - we find that there have indeed been problems" with the plane, Satmiko said. "We will prove more technical problems with data recorded in the black box." Satmiko said investigators had already contacted the pilot of the plane's Sunday flight. The problems with it were "just as it circulates on media and social media," he said, referring to accounts of passengers. One of them, Diah Mardani, told a television program earlier this week that after takeoff "the plane suddenly fell, then rose, then fell again harder and shook." "All the passengers started shouting, 'God is Great,'" she said. "The atmosphere was very tense." She said she was traveling with a group of more than 50 colleagues and many were crying with relief after landing in Jakarta. A team from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board including Boeing experts has joined the Indonesian investigation. Indonesian investigators will also travel to the U.S. to meet with the designers of the new-generation Boeing jet. Hundreds of personnel and dozens of vessels including specialized ships with sonar and other detection technology are involved in the search effort in seas northeast of Jakarta. Four ping locators - which are lowered into the sea to listen for the black box's signal - are now being used to locate the cockpit voice recorder after an additional unit was contributed by the U.S. More than 60 body bags containing human remains have been sent to police medical experts for identification since the search began, but as of Thursday only one victim has been identified and buried. Families of those on board have offered their DNA for testing. Television stations broadcast video of aircraft debris on the seafloor including a plane wheel. Avi Riyanto, director of airworthiness at the transport ministry, said it is closely monitoring flights of other Boeing 737 MAX planes in Indonesia. "The currently operating Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft have been inspected and we will continue to monitor and supervise closely, day by day, and if it is found to be significant we will do another inspection and ground them if needed." The Lion Air crash is the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since 1997, when 234 people died on a Garuda flight near Medan. In December 2014, an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea, 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 is one of Indonesia's youngest airlines but has grown rapidly, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. It has been expanding aggressively in Southeast Asia, a fast-growing region of more than 600 million people. Rescuers remove parts of the Lion Air jet that crashed into Java Sea on Monday, for further investigation at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. New details about the crashed aircraft previous flight have cast more doubt on the Indonesian airline's claim to have fixed technical problems as hundreds of personnel searched the sea a fifth day Friday for victims and the plane's fuselage. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara) An investigator insects parts of Lion Air Flight 610 that crashed into Java Sea, at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. New details about the crashed Lion Air's jet previous flight have cast more doubt on the Indonesian airline's claim to have fixed technical problems as hundreds of personnel searched the sea a fifth day Friday for victims and the plane's fuselage. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara) Rescuers carry debris from Lion Air Flight 610 that crashed into Java Sea, at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. New details about the crashed Lion Air's jet previous flight have cast more doubt on the Indonesian airline's claim to have fixed technical problems as hundreds of personnel searched the sea a fifth day Friday for victims and the plane's fuselage. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara) Rescuers load debris from Lion Air Flight 610 that crashed into Java Sea, onto a truck to be transported for further investigation, at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. New details about the crashed Lion Air's jet previous flight have cast more doubt on the Indonesian airline's claim to have fixed technical problems as hundreds of personnel searched the sea a fifth day Friday for victims and the plane's fuselage. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara) Port officials stand near debris from Lion Air Flight 610 that crashed into Java Sea, at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. New details about the crashed Lion Air's jet previous flight have cast more doubt on the Indonesian airline's claim to have fixed technical problems as hundreds of personnel searched the sea a fifth day Friday for victims and the plane's fuselage. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara) PHOENIX (AP) - It's the week before the general election and poll workers for the Arizona county with 2.2 million of the state's 3.7 million registered voters gathered to train for their mission: Making sure Maricopa County's August primary nightmare doesn't happen again. That's when dozens of polling stations for the sprawling area that includes Phoenix and its suburbs opened late and people who showed up early to vote couldn't cast ballots. A group of about 15 mostly older workers at first appeared dazed and confounded as they received their initial instructions from a county elections trainer on how to work the voter check-in machines, printers and ballot tabulators used at all polling stations. But most quickly got the hang of it. "I'm ready," declared Ruthie Jones, who never set up the machines during her previous stint as a temporary elections worker. That's what the Democratic county elections chief, Adrian Fontes, hopes will be the case for the beefed-up roster of 4,000 people he's assigned to midterm election polling precincts - to fulfill his pledge that there won't be a repeat of the primary voting problems. He received most of the criticism following the primary debacle, when 62 of the county's approximately 500 polling stations opened late. It happened two years after Fontes' predecessor, a Republican, was ousted over her decision to drastically reduce presidential primary polling locations, resulting in extremely long lines. In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Maricopa County Elections official Joanne Tillson instructs election volunteers during a training session in Phoenix. The elections chief for the Arizona county that includes Phoenix is pledging that voters won't face the same difficulties they experienced in August's primary when dozens of polling locations opened late. Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said this week elections county employees instead of contracted workers will set up the voter check-in machines that were not put in place on time on Aug 28. (AP Photo/Matt York) Fontes took heat from the county's Board of Supervisors for not warning voters ahead of time that some locations might not open on time, and they chided his contingency plan of using 40 vote centers as backup locations for voters whose normal precincts were not operational. The polling station troubles served as a reminder that at a time when Russian hacking is a major concern in elections, human or technological errors often lead to voting problems. In Los Angeles County, about 120,000 voters were left off the printed voting rolls in June because of a software error. That same month in South Dakota, officials could not get their equipment to connect to the internet, and voters had to cast provisional ballots. Fontes, a former Marine and criminal lawyer, says the criticism of the polling station late openings doesn't concern him because voter turnout in Maricopa County hit a record high of 31 percent in the primaries and is expected to reach at least 55 percent Tuesday. "I'm not so worried about the politics of it, because once you look at what actually happened, and you look at the numbers, we're doing a darned good job over here," he said. Some polling stations will be set up Sunday, although most will be on Monday. "We've got multiple layers of redundancy that we're deploying this time around," Fontes said. An internal audit of the primary election faulted Fontes for not having an efficient system for setting up voting machines and a good enough backup plan for what to do if polling stations did not open. It also said workers did not properly track the lengths of the lines of voters. An independent analysis released Friday said there isn't a high risk that check-in machines will fail. The analysis focused on the county recorder's office progress on the recommendations made by the internal auditor. Fontes blames himself for hiring a contractor to set up the machines in August that checked in voters at the polls. He has said the contractor did not send enough workers in time for the poll openings, delaying them. The contractor has said it sent more technicians than were required. Fontes said he is not taking any chances by having about 4,000 county workers setting up machines and working at the precincts. The county had roughly 2,400 poll workers in August, although primaries typically have lower turnout than general elections. "We may have a little bit of overkill in our staffing. I'd rather have a couple of people standing around for an hour or two than have a contractor not show up at all," Fontes said. ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics In this Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2018 photo, Maricopa County Elections official Anita Aguilar instructs election volunteers on how to feed a ballot into a machine during a training session in Phoenix. The elections chief for the Arizona county that includes Phoenix is pledging that voters won't face the same difficulties they experienced in August's primary when dozens of polling locations opened late. Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said this week elections county employees instead of contracted workers will set up the voter check-in machines that were not put in place on time on Aug 28. (AP Photo/Matt York) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Maricopa County Elections official Brittney Johnson instructs election volunteers on computer set up during a training session in Phoenix. The elections chief for the Arizona county that includes Phoenix is pledging that voters won't face the same difficulties they experienced in August's primary when dozens of polling locations opened late. Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said this week elections county employees instead of contracted workers will set up the voter check-in machines that were not put in place on time on Aug 28. (AP Photo/Matt York) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Maricopa County Elections official Brittney Johnson instructs election volunteers during a training session in Phoenix. The elections chief for the Arizona county that includes Phoenix is pledging that voters won't face the same difficulties they experienced in August's primary when dozens of polling locations opened late. Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said this week elections county employees instead of contracted workers will set up the voter check-in machines that were not put in place on time on Aug 28. (AP Photo/Matt York) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Maricopa County Elections official Brittney Johnson instructs election volunteers during a training session in Phoenix. The elections chief for the Arizona county that includes Phoenix is pledging that voters won't face the same difficulties they experienced in August's primary when dozens of polling locations opened late. Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said this week elections county employees instead of contracted workers will set up the voter check-in machines that were not put in place on time on Aug 28. (AP Photo/Matt York) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, election volunteers attend a Maricopa County Elections training session in Phoenix. The elections chief for the Arizona county that includes Phoenix is pledging that voters won't face the same difficulties they experienced in August's primary when dozens of polling locations opened late. Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said this week elections county employees instead of contracted workers will set up the voter check-in machines that were not put in place on time on Aug 28. (AP Photo/Matt York) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Maricopa County Elections official Joanne Tillson instructs election volunteers on ballots issues during a training session in Phoenix. The elections chief for the Arizona county that includes Phoenix is pledging that voters won't face the same difficulties they experienced in August's primary when dozens of polling locations opened late. Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said this week elections county employees instead of contracted workers will set up the voter check-in machines that were not put in place on time on Aug 28. (AP Photo/Matt York) TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran is bracing for the restoration of U.S. sanctions on its vital oil industry next week, as it grapples with an economic crisis that has sparked sporadic protests over rising prices, corruption and unemployment. The Trump administration on Friday announced the reimposition of all U.S. sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, ramping up economic pressure on the Islamic Republic. The oil sanctions, set to take effect on Monday, will target the country's largest source of revenue in the most punishing action taken since the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in May, and will also affect Iranian shipping and financial transactions. Tehran state TV reported on the sanctions Friday, citing international media outlets and highlighting the U.S. decision to allow eight nations to maintain imports of crude oil from Tehran, calling it a sign of the U.S.'s "failure" to reduce Iran's oil exports to nil. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the exemption for eight nations on Friday, saying they would be announced on Monday and will include U.S. allies such as Turkey, Italy, India, Japan and South Korea which had made efforts to eliminate their imports but could not complete the task by Monday. The governor of Iran's central bank, Valiollah Seif, posted on his Instagram account: "Today it is clear for all that the U.S. has failed in full sanction and bringing Iran's oil (export) to zero." FILE - In this June 25, 2018 file photo, a group of protesters chant slogans at the old grand bazaar in Tehran, Iran. Iran is bracing for the restoration of U.S. sanctions on its vital oil industry set to take effect on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, as it grapples with an economic crisis that has sparked sporadic protests over rising prices, corruption and unemployment. The oil sanctions will target the country's largest source of revenue in the most punishing action taken since the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in May. (Iranian Labor News Agency via AP, File) Economic analyst Sasan Shahveisi told state TV that based past experiences of crude oil sanctions, Iran's oil exports will not be heavily damaged since there will be a consequent hike in oil prices. He said regional oil exporters like rival Saudi Arabia cannot quickly increase their oil production since "it will damage their capacity." The United States has already restored sanctions on Iran targeting financial transactions involving U.S. dollars, Iran's automotive sector and the purchase of commercial airplanes and metals, including gold. The White House insists the sanctions are not aimed at toppling the Islamic Republic, but at forcing Iran to dramatically alter its policies in the region, including its support for militant groups across the Mideast and its development of ballistic missiles. The U.N. nuclear agency says Iran is complying with the nuclear deal. The renewed sanctions have already taken a heavy toll, with the rial losing half its value since April and the prices of fruit, poultry, eggs and milk skyrocketing. Protests erupted across the country in December, with some demonstrators chanting against the government and clashing with police. Sporadic demonstrations have been held in recent months, including strikes by workers, teachers and truck drivers. The nuclear accord struck under the Obama administration - and also signed by Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia - lifted crippling international sanctions in exchange for Iran curbing its nuclear program. Western countries had long suspected Iran's nuclear program masked the covert pursuit of atomic weapons, allegations denied by Iran, which has always insisted its nuclear activities are for energy and other peaceful purposes. After the agreement took effect in 2016, Iran began exporting its oil more freely and signed billion-dollar agreements with Airbus, Boeing and other Western firms. But the legacy of decades of sanctions and economic mismanagement remained, and the nuclear deal's future was thrown into uncertainty with the election of President Donald Trump, who had repeatedly vowed to exit the deal and finally withdrew in May. Starting Monday, the Trump administration has promised that companies that fail to comply with the sanctions will be barred from doing business in the U.S. Although Washington might grant waivers to countries like China and India, which are among the biggest importers of Iranian crude, the expectation is that the U.S. will demand substantial curbs on how much is imported. In recent weeks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had tried to reassure the public, saying the worst has already come to pass and that the government is working on ways to evade the new sanctions. But in a televised Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, he acknowledged that "the situation was hard for people in recent months, and it may be hard in the next several months, too." "The government will utilize its entire capabilities to alleviate the problems," he added. In an effort to circumvent the sanctions, Iran began selling some of its oil in an energy stock exchange on Sunday. Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said 280,000 barrels were sold on the IRENEX exchange as of Wednesday and that 720,000 barrels will be provided later. But the 1 million barrels a day Iran intends to sell in the exchange - which foreign dealers can access - is a fraction of the peak 2.5 million barrels a day that Iran sold before the Trump administration announced the re-imposition of sanctions. European countries, which remain committed to the nuclear deal, have discussed taking measures that would shield European companies from the U.S. sanctions and allow them to keep doing business in Iran. But thus far they have been unable to prevent an exodus of major firms, including Boeing and Airbus, which suspended the aircraft purchases. General Electric, Maersk, Peugeot, Renault, Siemens, and Total have also cancelled business deals in Iran, according to the Washington-based Atlantic Council. Despite the unraveling of the nuclear deal, Iran is still complying with it, and appears to be waiting out Trump, hoping his successor rejoins the agreement. In the meantime, the renewed sanctions risk further undermining Rouhani, a relative moderate, and strengthening hard-liners distrustful of the West, the International Crisis Group said in a report this week. "The alternative to both sides taking a step back from the escalatory path is a sanctions regime that penalizes Iran and the Iranian people, but does not enhance peace and security in the region and could well lead to war." ___ Batrawy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2018 file photo, an exchange shop displays rates for various currencies, in downtown Tehran, Iran. Iran is bracing for the restoration of U.S. sanctions on its vital oil industry set to take effect on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, as it grapples with an economic crisis that has sparked sporadic protests over rising prices, corruption and unemployment. The oil sanctions will target the country's largest source of revenue in the most punishing action taken since the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in May. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File) TOKYO (AP) - A Japanese journalist who returned from more than three years of captivity in Syria apologized Friday to the government and said he was kidnapped as soon as he crossed the border because of a "silly mistake" before he even started reporting. Jumpei Yasuda faced a crowd of reporters in Tokyo for the first time since gaining freedom last week. He said he went to Syria on June 22, 2015, to see for himself the reality and how the conflict affected ordinary people, including women and children, as well as soldiers in areas controlled by anti-government groups. His plan was to follow up his earlier reporting in Syria. Yasuda, a respected journalist known for his coverage of conflict zones, said he made a bad decision while crossing into Syria when his local escort suddenly changed plans and Yasuda followed a pair of unknown guides instead. As they walked into Syria, the pair grabbed him, pushed him into a car, took his luggage away and kept him in a house. "It was an unthinkable silly mistake," he said, adding that he is fully accountable for his suffering. "To everyone who assisted in securing my release and those who worried about me, I deeply apologize and would like to express my sincere appreciation," Yasuda, wearing a dark suit and tie, said as he bowed deeply. "I am also sorry that the Japanese government had to get involved because of me." He was kidnapped by an al-Qaida branch known at the time as the Nusra Front, though the group never revealed its identity to him. A war monitoring group said Yasuda was recently held by a Syrian commander with the Turkistan Islamic Party, which mostly comprises Chinese jihadis in Syria. Yasuda said he was held earlier this year at a prison run by Uighurs who called themselves "Turkistans" - one of several places he was moved to during his 40-month captivity. He believes he was mostly in Idlib in northwestern Syria. Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was released in Syria last week after more than three years of captivity, speaks during his press conference in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Yasuda detailed his life in captivity during a more than 2 -hour news conference. He said he was allowed to keep a diary - one of his limited freedoms but a crucial record of his survival. Nonetheless, his living conditions were harsh. He said he was harassed and tortured, even for making a noise. At a multistory facility, he was held in a solitary cell where he had to stay still within a tiny space. He had to keep his knees constantly bent and hardly had space to roll over while asleep. He said they punished him for creating noise, for example by turning off a fan in extreme summer heat. One of his captors told him the facility was in an area called Jabal Zawiyah. Yasuda's release came suddenly. On Oct. 22, his captors said he was heading home, and the next day they drove him to a meeting point where they handed him over to Turkish authorities. They removed his blindfold as they arrived at the immigration center in Antakya in southern Turkey. Yasuda said he didn't know how his release was won. While the public generally welcomed Yasuda's safe return, some criticized him as a fearless troublemaker. In a country where those who act independently are often considered selfish and receive little sympathy when they fail after defying government-issued cautions, some people on Twitter demanded that Yasuda apologize for causing trouble. Past hostages have faced similar criticism upon returning home. "I humbly accept criticisms and suggestions," Yasuda said. "Naturally, I receive the blame and attention because my actions caused trouble. But I hope people would take another step and think what is happening in Syria. And hopefully, the authorities would investigate my captors," he said. He also said the role of journalists in conflict zones is still crucial for the world to know the truth, and that he hopes his example can lead to a discussion of how safety and the quality of conflict zone reporting can be improved. Rei Shiva, a journalist who has covered Iraq, Lebanon and other areas of the Middle East, said many reporters who cover conflict zones are not doing it just for money or fame, but want to see the situation themselves and tell the world about it. He said journalists who ignore government travel warnings become targets of bashing in Japan because many people are too unquestioning of government directives. "Are we supposed to run away every time the government issues a travel advisory? Then there will be no way of knowing anything," Shiva said. "Because people in Japan don't feel strongly about their right to know, there is a lack of respect for journalists who fight for it." Yasuda started reporting on the Middle East in the early 2000s and went to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was taken hostage in Iraq in 2004 with three other Japanese, but was freed after Islamic clerics negotiated his release. He worked as a cook in Iraq for nearly a year as part of his research for a 2010 book about laborers in war zones. He also wrote articles about his 2004 captivity. Syria has been one of the most dangerous places for journalists since the conflict there began in March 2011, with dozens killed or kidnapped. Asked if he will return to conflict zones after his suffering, Yasuda said his plans are still blank. ___ Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mariyamaguchi Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was released in Syria last week after more than three years of captivity, speaks during his press conference in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was released in Syria last week after more than three years of captivity, speaks during his press conference in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was released in Syria last week after more than three years of captivity, speaks during his press conference in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was released in Syria last week after more than three years of captivity, bows at the end of his press conference in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, left, who was released in Syria last week after more than three years of captivity, speaks during his press conference in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was released in Syria last week after more than three years of captivity, bows at the beginning of his press conference in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was released in Syria last week after more than three years of captivity, speaks at the beginning of his press conference in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was released in Syria last week after more than three years of captivity, speaks at the beginning of his press conference in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was released in Syria last week after more than three years of captivity, bows at the beginning of his press conference in Tokyo Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Campaigning in the neck-and-neck Ohio governor's race continued to intensify Friday in the run-up to Tuesday's election. Republican contender Mike DeWine, the state attorney general, was banking on a get-out-the-vote boost Friday from Ohio Gov. John Kasich headed into the weekend. The governor's support followed appearances by Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Lindsey Graham. It came ahead of a planned Cleveland stop Monday by President Donald Trump, who Kasich has relentlessly criticized. Democrat Richard Cordray, 59, also sought to rev up voters headed into the final weekend with twin rallies Thursday by Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren at college campuses. Former Vice President Joe Biden returns to stump for Cordray, the Obama-era consumer protection chief, Saturday for the second time this week. Last-minute polling did little to predict a sure winner, with the candidates close. Democrats see Kasich's departure due to term limits as an opening amid national energy moving in their favor. Republicans are banking on a ticket made up of familiar incumbents to win the closely divided state. Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks as he appears at a campaign rally for incumbent Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Bridgeton, Mo. McCaskill is running for re-election. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) DeWine, 71, is a former U.S. senator and lieutenant governor and one of the state's most well-known politicians. His running mate, Jon Husted, is the secretary of state. The two were considered a Republican dream team at the start of the campaign, but their failure to secure a firm lead has led to optimism for Democrats and increasingly pointed advertising. One last-minute ad features a sexual assault victim critical of Cordray's decision as Ohio attorney general not to pursue felony charges against her attackers. She was then 14 and the boys were 18 and 19. Cordray has said he tried to make the best decisions he could while holding the office. Cordray's final ad blitz continued to hammer DeWine as an opponent of insurance protections for people with pre-existing conditions. His claim stems from DeWine joining the Republican lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act, which ensured such protections. DeWine insists he supports such protections. Kasich has cut a DeWine ad seeking to re-emphasize the point as health care polls as a key issue among 2018 voters. Vice President Mike Pence speaks to support Brian Kemp during a Get Out The Vote rally at Dalton Convention Center in Dalton on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Kemp is trying to extend the Republican domination in Georgia, which hasn't elected a Democrat as governor since 1998. He's banking on running up wide margins outside metro Atlanta and holding most of the GOP votes closer to the city. (Hyosub Shin /Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Democratic gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Massachusetts, incumbent Elizabeth Warren during a campaign event, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine speaks at the Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mansfield, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks during a campaign event for Ohio Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in downtown Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., right, is introduced by Ohio Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine, left, during a campaign event, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in downtown Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks during a campaign event for Ohio Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine, left, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in downtown Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2018, file photo, Ohio Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine answers questions from the media in the spin room following a debate with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray at Cleveland State University, in Cleveland. Locked in a tight race for governor in the perennial swing state of Ohio, DeWine and Cordray are using the final stretch to hedge their bets on Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Angelo Merendino, File) COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) - Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Friday there is credible evidence that his replacement is attempting to buy support in Parliament ahead of an expected vote of confidence when it reconvenes. Representatives of the newly formed government under former strongman Marinda Rajapaksa have offered lawmakers positions and money in exchange for their support, Wickremesinghe told The Associated Press in an interview at Temple Trees, the prime minister's official residence in Colombo. "They have been asked to come and meet to discuss the arrangements," he said. Rajapaksa was sworn in as prime minister a week ago after President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed Wickremesinghe and suspended Parliament until Nov. 16, creating a constitutional crisis. Since then, Wickremesinghe has stayed at Temple Trees, insisting he is still the legitimate prime minister and controls a majority in Parliament. Palitha Range Bandara, a lawmaker from Wickremesinghe's United National Party, told the House speaker on Friday that he had been offered millions of dollars and a minister portfolio to cross over to Rajapaksa's new government. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, a lawmaker from Rajapaksa's party, denied the allegations. Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe listens during an interview with the Associated Press at his official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. Wickremesinghe says there is credible evidence that his replacement is attempting to buy support in parliament ahead of an expected vote of confidence when it reconvenes. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) "We don't have such money to offer anybody," he said. Kabir Hasheem, the UNP chairman and, until last week, the government's minister of highways and road development, said other lawmakers had described similar offers, but that the majority in Parliament was holding out. On Friday, 119 lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament signed a letter urging Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to reconvene the body immediately. Rajapaksa said Thursday that Sirisena would summon lawmakers as soon as Nov. 5. Since Monday, Sirisena has handed out 14 Cabinet posts, including to five lawmakers who defected from Wickremesinghe's coalition, and made Rajapaksa finance minister. At Temple Trees, all but two dozen of the more than 1,000 security guards usually stationed there have withdrawn. The government has kept about 15 plainclothes guards to protect the sprawling complex itself, while 10 others have remained to guard Wickremesinghe. Supporters and young Buddhist monks wandered freely through the complex, making a violent eviction of Wickremesinghe unlikely. Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka's president from 2005 to 2015, is credited by Sri Lanka's Sinhalese ethnic majority with ending a 25-year civil war with the Tamil Tigers, a militant group of minority Tamils fighting for independence. Still, even after persuading lawmakers to lift term limits, Rajapaska lost a re-election bid in 2015 amid accusations of nepotism, corruption and wartime atrocities. Since then, he and his brothers Basil Rajapaksa and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, his former defense secretary, have been working to reclaim power. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (Sri Lanka People's Front), the party they formed in 2016, swept local elections in 2018, an embarrassing defeat for Wickremesinghe's United National Front, a coalition formed with Sirisena in 2015 to defeat Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe's government was also sharply criticized last year after handing over operations of a port Rajapaksa had developed with Chinese loans to a Chinese company. The ousted prime minister said Friday it was an open-bidding process. "The Chinese were giving the loans and had been given the first option. And if you're not satisfied, give it to others. We did that and we found that there was a very good offer by China Merchants. But remember similarly we also had an airport without airplanes and again we followed the same procedure," he said, adding that his government had been negotiating with an Indian airport operator for that concession. Kehaliya Rambukwella, a spokesman for the new government and Rajapaksa's former media minister, said the government would renegotiate the 99-year lease for the port, which Rajapaksa's supporters deride as an outright sale. Although supporters of both Rajapaska and Wickremesinghe claim to have the support of a majority in Parliament, Rambukwella said Sirisena was exploring sidestepping the question altogether by dissolving the legislature ahead of the 4 1/2-year period stipulated by Sri Lankan law. "If Ranil (Wickremesinghe) gets a vote of confidence, the president said that within one hour, he'll resign, which means he will dissolve the government," Rambukwell said. Jehan Perera, executive director of the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka, said the events of the past week have established a dangerous precedent for Sri Lanka. "Without an election, there has been a change of government, a very fundamental change of government, and yet there is no election. There is no possibility of democracy in this situation," Perera said. Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. Wickremesinghe says there is credible evidence that his replacement is attempting to buy support in parliament ahead of an expected vote of confidence when it reconvenes. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stands at his office at his official residence after an interview with the Associated Press in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. Wickremesinghe says there is credible evidence that his replacement is attempting to buy support in parliament ahead of an expected vote of confidence when it reconvenes. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe sits during an interview with the Associated Press at his official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. Wickremesinghe says there is credible evidence that his replacement is attempting to buy support in parliament ahead of an expected vote of confidence when it reconvenes. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stands at his official residence after an interview with the Associated Press in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. Wickremesinghe says there is credible evidence that his replacement is attempting to buy support in parliament ahead of an expected vote of confidence when it reconvenes. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) The Trump administration has introduced a new set of stringent provisions to the H-1B labour application process under which the US employers must disclose the total number of foreigners already employed by them, making it tougher to sponsor fresh foreign workers. The H-1B visa, popular among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The new information required by the Department of Labour is significant because before sponsoring a foreign worker for the H-1B visa, the company needs to get its labour application approved by it. The department certifies that there is no domestic worker for that particular position and as such the company can hire a foreign guest worker under the H-1B visa category. The Labour Condition Application form updates will now require employers to provide more detailed information about H-1B worker employment conditions, including disclosing all places of employment for H-1B workers, including periods of short duration and providing the estimated number of H-1B workers at each position of intended employment. It also requires the precise identification of secondary entities which are using H-1B workers and seeks H-1B dependent employers which are claiming an exemption solely from education, such as a master's degree, to provide documentation of the degree. Under the new forms, employers also need to give an estimate of the total number of foreign nationals already working at each location listed in the application. Further, revisions to the worker complaint form include added data fields designed to describe the nature of an alleged programme violation, the department said in a statement on Tuesday. The new forms will be made available for use in the coming weeks to allow appropriate time for transition, An announcement will be made on the Office of Foreign Labour Certification's website identifying the date when they will be made available, it said. Since 2017, the department has taken action to combat visa fraud and abuse and encouraged US workers to report complaints, including establishing protocols for promptly referring matters related to criminal fraud to the department's Office of Inspector General for investigation. It has also directed the department's Wage and Hour Division to use all its tools in conducting civil investigations to enforce labour protections provided by the visa programmes. Further, it has signed an agreement with the US Department of Justice to promptly refer complaints from US workers who believe they have been discriminated against based on nationality or citizenship. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, the form changes are the latest in a series targeting employers who place foreign nationals at third-party worksites. In a February policy memo, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) required employers to provide detailed work itineraries for the entire duration of H-1B petitions involving offsite employment. An advocacy group representing small and medium-sized IT companies have filed a lawsuit against USCIS on this issue. "Employers should expect renewed scrutiny on where H-1B employees are working, whether they are working at third-party sites and, if so, whether the arrangement is permissible," said Justin Storch, director of regulatory affairs and judicial counsel at the Society for Human Resource Management. "Given current scrutiny of H-1Bs, both petitioners and end users should be aware of what information is being disclosed on the forms and the fact that the Department of Labour is likely to make this information publicly available," Storch said. Rejected voter registrations, malfunctioning voting machines, confusion among election workers. These problems and more have surfaced during early voting ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. A rundown of voting problems so far around the country: VOTING MACHINES - Some Texas voters reported that balloting machines changed their straight-ticket selections to the other party in key races during early voting. State officials said the problem was connected to Hart eSlate voting machines, which are used in about 30 percent of counties statewide. They said problems can occur when voters complete and submit ballots too quickly. The machines do not provide receipts, but voters see a screen that shows their choices and can make changes before submitting their ballot. - A handful of voters in Guilford County, North Carolina, reported their ballot decisions on touchscreen voting machines were recorded incorrectly during early voting, which began Oct. 17. County elections director Charlie Collicutt attributed the issue to old technology (the voting machines were bought in 2006) and encouraged all voters to double check their choices before they submit their ballots. Election experts have warned that aging voting equipment can result in failures and other issues. POLLING PLACES: - A group of students from a historically black university in Prairie View, Texas, filed a lawsuit over a lack of early voting locations on campus or anywhere in the city during the first week of early voting. After the lawsuit was filed by five Prairie View A&M University students, Waller County elections officials added a day of early voting in Prairie View, which is predominantly black, for the first week and expanded hours during the second week. This Oct. 22, 2018, photo shows the ballot summary page of voter Leah McElrath, where although she voted a straight-Democratic Party ticket, the voting machine flipped her vote for United States Senator to Republican Ted Cruz. McElrath and some other Texas voters reported voting machines flipped their straight-ticket selections to the other party in key races during early voting. (Leah McElrath via AP) - When voters in Dodge City, Kansas, head to their polling place this year, they will have to leave the city. Election officials have moved the lone polling place outside city limits, citing construction at the previous polling site. Voting rights groups already were upset that there was only one polling place for the city's 13,000 registered voters. They also worry about low turnout among Hispanics, who represent 60 percent of Dodge City's population. - Some voters in Barton County, Kansas, will have to travel 18 miles to get to their nearest polling site after officials cut the number of voting locations from 23 during the state primary to 11 for Tuesday's general election. County Clerk Donna Zimmerman says the polling places were consolidated to save money. - After facing national criticism, election officials in a majority black county in rural south Georgia reversed course and withdrew a plan to eliminate seven of the county's nine voting locations. An independent consultant had recommended the consolidations in Randolph County, noting the seven polling places did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The consultant was later fired. County officials say they lack the money to make the necessary changes to comply with the ADA. ABSENTEE BALLOTS - A federal judge has ruled that Georgia election officials must provide time for voters to fix their absentee ballots when the signature on the ballot does not match the one on file with their local election office. The ACLU and other civil rights group had sued the state after reports that a suburban Atlanta county had rejected a high rate of absentee ballots compared to other large counties in the metro area. Under the judge's order, voters would have almost a week to verify their identity and have their ballot counted. - Some 10,000 voters received mailers from the Missouri Republican Party with incorrect information about when their absentee ballots are due. GOP officials blamed the issue on a miscommunication between the party and the vendor that printed the postcards. Absentee ballots are due on Election Day. - In Montana, an undetermined number of voters received a mailer from the Republican National Committee that included an error about the state's absentee ballot deadline. The RNC plans to send new mailers and call voters to provide clarification that ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. VOTER REGISTRATION - A judge has ordered Tennessee's largest county to allow people with incomplete voter registration applications to fix any problems and vote on Election Day. Groups including the Tennessee Black Voter Project had submitted more than 36,000 registrations to the commission, but officials said about 55 percent were invalid because they were incomplete, were duplicates from previously registered voters or had come from convicted felons. - In Georgia, some 53,000 voter registration applications - the vast majority of which were submitted by black residents - are considered pending by the secretary of state's office because they ran afoul of the state's "exact match" law. The law requires information on the forms to precisely match records with either the Georgia Department of Driver Services or the Social Security Administration. On Friday, a federal judge ruled that election officials must make it easier for voters whose registrations are pending to prove they are U.S. citizens when they go to the polls. They must bring a valid photo ID that substantially matches the information on file. - In Missouri's St. Louis County, 253 people who recently registered to vote were mistakenly sent letters telling them they were ineligible. Officials say about 150 of them called and were added to the voter role. Election Director Rick Stream said election workers processing forms that arrived after the state's Oct. 10 deadline were confused. Forms postmarked or signed by Oct. 10 should have counted, regardless of when they arrived. Officials say they are working to notify those affected. Stream initially estimated that about 600 people had received the erroneous letters. VOTER ID - Voters in Arkansas will have to show a photo ID after the Arkansas Supreme Court on Oct. 11 upheld a state law approved last year. Voters who come to the polls without a photo ID will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot if the voter signs a sworn affidavit or returns to the election office by noon the following Monday with his or her ID. The provisional ballot will be counted as long as the county election commission doesn't invalidate it on other grounds. - Voters in Missouri who do not bring a valid photo ID to the polls will not have to sign a sworn statement after a state judge set aside that requirement. The Oct. 9 ruling by Judge Richard Callahan also prevents the state from advertising that a photo ID is required to vote. Instead, voters who do not have a proper photo ID can cast a regular ballot if they show some other form of identification, such as a student ID card, utility bill, bank statement or paycheck that contains a home address. - Voters in North Dakota will be required to provide a photo ID with a street address in order to vote on Election Day. Members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians had sued over the requirement, arguing that street addresses aren't always assigned on reservations and the requirements discriminate against Native Americans. Earlier this year, a federal judge issued an injunction that would have allowed voters to use identification with a post office box, but that was later blocked on appeal. The Spirit Lake Sioux tribe has since filed another lawsuit challenging the street address requirement. VOTER REQUIREMENTS - A panel of federal judges has ruled that people in Ohio who had been removed from the list of registered voters for not casting ballots over a six-year period will be able to participate in Tuesday's election. A divided 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel granted an emergency motion sought by voting-rights groups. - Voters who recently moved to New Hampshire will have to submit additional documentation after the state Supreme Court overturned a lower court's ruling that had placed the requirement on hold. The law requires voters who had moved to the state within 30 days of an election to provide proof they intend to stay. HOW TO GET HELP Voters who encounter problems at the polls can seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice at (800) 253-3931 or the nonpartisan Election Protection coalition at (866) OUR-VOTE. ___ Compiled by Associated Press writer Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta from AP news reports. ___ Associated Press writer Alina Hartounian in Phoenix contributed. FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, file photo, rejected mail in ballots sit in a box as members of the canvassing board verify signatures on ballots at the Miami-Dade County Elections Department, in Miami. Voters go to the polls in the midterm elections Nov. 6. Long lines, broken voting machines and poll worker confusion are all common at polling places across the country on Election Day. With more people voting early, some of these issues are already popping up in this year's midterm election. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, file photo, canvassing board members Judge Tanya Brinkley, left, and Judge Victoria Ferrer verify signatures on mail-in ballots at the Miami-Dade County Elections Department, in Miami. Long lines, broken voting machines and poll worker confusion are all common at polling places across the country on Election Day. With more people voting early, some of these issues are already popping up in this year's midterm election. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2018, file photo, Delaine Belgarde, right, shows the new Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa identification card she received free of charge, in Belcourt, N.D. It will allow her to vote in November under recently tightened state voter ID rules. (AP Photo/Blake Nicholson, File) WASHINGTON (AP) - The path to power in the House runs through a few dozen districts in Tuesday's election, with Republicans defending their majority and Democrats looking to gain 23 seats they would need to win control. After the first polls close in the Eastern United States, the tallies will start revealing clues to where Americans stand in 2018 on immigration, health care, gender equality in the #MeToo era - and who they want representing them in Washington during the next two years of Donald Trump's presidency. Some races to watch for those keeping score, listed in order of poll-closing times: ___ KENTUCKY The ruby-red state known for the Derby and sweet bourbon is hosting one of the most competitive and expensive races in the country. The Lexington-area battle pits third-term Republican Rep. Andy Barr against Democrat Amy McGrath, a retired Marine fighter pilot. Trump won the 6th District by more than 15 percentage points in 2016. But with the help of carefully shaped campaign ads that went viral, McGrath holds the edge on campaign fundraising. In this Oct. 29, 2018 photo, Kentucky's 6th Congressional District candidates Amy McGrath, left, Andy Barr, center, pose for photos before the start of a debate in Lexington, Ky. Barr, the Republican incumbent, faces a tough challenge from McGrath, a Democrat. The Lexington-area battle pits third-term Republican Rep. Andy Barr against Democrat Amy McGrath, a retired Marine fighter pilot. Trump won the 6th District by more than 15 percentage points in 2016. But with the help of carefully-shaped campaign ads that went viral, McGrath holds the edge on campaign fundraising. (AP Photo/Adam Beam) Polls close at 7 p.m. EST __ VIRGINIA Rep. Dave Brat won his seat after upsetting House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the 2014 Republican primary. Now, it's Brat's turn to fight for re-election to the Richmond-area district against Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer who is one of a record number of women running for Congress this year. Polls close at 7 p.m. EST ___ NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina's 9th District became a key election bellwether when the Rev. Mark Harris narrowly ousted three-term Rep. Robert Pittenger in the GOP primary, giving Democrats a wider opening in solidly red territory. Democrats answered with Dan McCready, an Iraq War veteran, solar energy company founder and Harvard Business School graduate. Trump won the district by 12 points and a Democrat hasn't been elected to represent it since John F. Kennedy was president. Polls close at 7:30 p.m. EST ___ OHIO It's a rematch in central Ohio's 12th District between Republican Troy Balderson and Democrat Danny O'Connor. Balderson won short-term control of the seat in August during a special election after Republican Pat Tiberi retired. Republicans in the district appear divided over the president, making the seat vulnerable to a Democrat who, like O'Connor, has supported some Republican ideas. He's engaged to a Republican who calls herself a "Dannycrat." Polls close at 7:30 p.m. EST ___ FLORIDA National Republicans and Democrats are pouring major resources into the Miami-area 27th District seat, held since 1989 by retiring Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. The Democratic nominee , Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, has ramped up her Spanish-language advertising and Hillary Clinton campaigned for her. But she's facing a stiff challenge from her Republican opponent, Maria Elvira Salazar, a Cuban-American and former broadcast journalist who, unlike Shalala, speaks Spanish. Though Trump won Florida in 2016, Clinton won this congressional district by nearly 20 points. Polls close at 8 p.m. EST ___ NEW JERSEY Along with California and Pennsylvania, suburb-filled New Jersey is a key battleground for House control. Two seats are open, vacated by veteran Republican Reps. Frank LoBiondo and Rodney Frelinghuysen , and could fall to the Democrats. Keep a close eye on the 3rd District south of Trenton, which twice voted for President Barack Obama but went for Trump by about 6 percentage points. Fighting for re-election is Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur, who helped strike a deal that pushed the GOP's "Obamacare" repeal bill to House passage (it failed in the Senate). His Democratic opponent is political newcomer Andy Kim, a National Security Council staffer under Obama who has worked in Afghanistan. Polls close 8 p.m. EST ___ PENNSYLVANIA Democrats have particular reason to believe they can flip as many as six seats in the Keystone state. A state Supreme Court decision in January threw out 6-year-old congressional district boundaries as unconstitutionally drawn to benefit Republicans. The replacement districts approved by the court's Democratic majority have created more competitive contests. One key race is playing out in the Philadelphia suburbs. Freshman Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent, has a centrist voting record and has explicitly tried to put distance between himself and Trump. He's facing Scott Wallace, a longtime Democratic Party donor who was co-chairman of the Wallace Global Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that supports liberal social movements. He's heavily funding his campaign and outspent Fitzpatrick nearly 5-to-1 in the July-September quarter. Polls close at 8 p.m. EST. ___ KANSAS Trump and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi loom large over a race in Northeastern Kansas. That's where Democrat Paul Davis, the former state House minority leader, and Republican Steve Watkins, an Army veteran and engineer, are battling for the seat vacated by retiring Democratic Rep. Lynn Jenkins. Davis has said he would not support Pelosi for speaker if Democrats win the House. And Republicans were hoping that Trump's visit to Topeka last month would boost Republican Steve Watkins, who has faced questions over claims he made about his qualifications and background. Polls close 9 p.m. EST ___ MINNESOTA Four House seats could flip from one party to the other in this traditionally Democratic stronghold. For evidence of Democratic gains, look to the state's booming suburbs. Clinton won Minnesota's 3rd District west of Minnesota by 9 percentage points. GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen is under heavy pressure from Democrat Dean Phillips there. Paulsen avoided Trump's recent rally in Rochester and his rally this summer in Duluth, and he has said he wrote in Marco Rubio's name in the 2016 election. Still, Trump endorsed Paulsen last month. Polls close 9 p.m. EST ____ NEW MEXICO The open 2nd District seat left open by Republican Rep. Steve Pearce, who is running for governor, offers a look at how the parties fare along the border with Mexico, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans. Pearce attracted support from Hispanics and the region's oil and gas interests. But the race between Democrat Xochitl Torres Small and GOP opponent Yyvette Herrell has focused on hot-button issues such as immigration and guns. Torres Small has raised more than five times the campaign cash drawn by Herrell. Polls close 9 p.m. EST. ___ NEW YORK This deep-blue state offers a look at how race and Trump's clout are playing out in the president's home state. North of New York City in the 19th District, an ad released last month by the Republican National Congressional Committee showed clips of Democrat Antonio Delgado performing songs from his 2006 rap album under his stage name, A.D. The Voice. Delgado, a Rhodes scholar and Harvard Law School graduate, said his opponent, Rep. John Faso, was using racial attacks to alienate him, a black first-time candidate in a district that is more than 90 percent white. Voters there are evenly split among Democrats, Republicans and independents, and went twice for Obama but favored Trump. And in the Buffalo-area's 22nd District, first-term Rep. Claudia Tenney, an early Trump supporter, is drawing comparisons to the president by brashly suggesting some people who commit mass murders are Democrats and promoting a petition to lock up Clinton. But in a close race against Democrat Anthony Brindisi, she's shifted to a softer tone of bipartisanship. Brindisi, a state assemblyman, argues that Tenney's hyper-partisan approach undermines her claim of working across the aisle. Trump beat Clinton by nearly 16 percentage points here. Polls close 9 p.m. EST. ___ IOWA One Iowa race offers a test of whether a Trump-style advocate for immigration limits can win. Republican Rep. Steve King is keeping a low profile in his bid for a ninth House term, his success suddenly in question after he was engulfed in controversy for his support of white nationalists. But Democrats, already hoping to flip two other seats among Iowa's four-person delegation, have a tough road to success in the 4th District that voted for Trump by 27 percentage points. In an unusual move, the GOP's campaign chief condemned King the week before the election, but it's unclear whether the criticism will boost his Democratic opponent, J.D. Scholten. Polls close 10 p.m. EST. ___ CALIFORNIA Democrats have targeted a string of Republican-held districts in California that carried Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. One such battleground in the nation's fruit-and-nut basket, the Central Valley, is where Republican Jeff Denham is trying to keep Democrat Josh Harder from taking his job. Fallout from Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings and fights over health care and immigration have produced a tossup race where Democrats count a slender registration edge. Denham, a centrist who voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, won re-election by 3 percentage points in 2016, while Clinton won the district with about 49 percent of the vote. In another test of GOP clout in a rapidly diversifying district, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher's re-election is in question for the first time in 30 years. A wave of new and more diverse residents and divisions over Trump and the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct have produced a strong challenge from Democrat Harley Rouda. The district went to Clinton in the 2016 presidential contest. Polls close at 11 p.m. EST. ___ WASHINGTON STATE Southwest Washington's 3rd District offers a test of whether the tea party-driven GOP House takeover in 2010 survives. Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, first elected that year and twice re-elected with more than 60 percent of the vote, has been out-raised in campaign funding by Democrat Carolyn Long. Herrera Beutler has broken with her party on such issues as health care. But Long has emphasized her credentials as an outsider. The district stretching east along the Oregon border voted for Trump by 7 percentage points. Polls close at 11 p.m. EST. ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics. In this Oct. 15, 2018 photo, Virginia Congressman Dave Brat, R-Va., left, shakes hands with Democratic challenger Abigail Spanberger, right, after a debate at Germanna Community College in Culpeper, Va. The path to power in the House runs through a few dozen districts in Tuesday's election, with Republicans defending their majority and Democrats looking to gain 23 seats they would need to win control. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) WASHINGTON (AP) - Drug overdose deaths hit the highest level ever recorded in the United States last year, with an estimated 200 people dying per day, according to a report by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Most of that was the result of a record number of opioid-related deaths. Preliminary figures show more than 72,000 people died in 2017 from drug overdoses across the country. About a week ago, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said overdose deaths, while still slowly rising, were beginning to level off, citing figures from late last year and early this year. The DEA's National Drug Threat Assessment, which was released Friday, shows that heroin, fentanyl and other opioids continue to be the highest drug threat in the nation. But federal officials are concerned that methamphetamine and cocaine are being seen at much higher levels in areas that haven't historically been hotspots for those drugs. The DEA is also worried that people are exploiting marijuana legalization to traffic cannabis into the illicit market or to states that don't have medicinal or recreational-use marijuana laws, according to the report. The preliminary data also showed 49,060 people died from opioid-related overdose deaths, a rise from the reported 42,249 opioid overdose deaths in 2016. President Donald Trump has declared the U.S. opioid crisis as a "public health emergency" and just last week pledged to put an "extremely big dent" in the scourge of drug addiction. Fatal heroin overdoses rose nationwide between 2015 and 2016, with a nearly 25 percent increase in the Northeast and more than 22 percent in the South. Most of the heroin sold in the U.S. is being trafficked from Mexico, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seize the most amount of heroin along the Mexico border, near San Diego, California, the report said. FILE - In this June 26, 2018 file photo, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. A DEA report obtained by The Associated Press shows heroin, fentanyl and other opioids continue to be the highest drug threat in the nation. The National Drug Threat Assessment will be released publicly later Friday. Azar said earlier this month that overdose deaths have now begun to level off. But he cautioned it is too soon to declare victory. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Fentanyl and other related opioids, which tend to be cheaper and much more potent than heroin, remain one of the biggest concerns for federal drug agents. The DEA has said China is a main source of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids that have been flooding the U.S. market. China has pushed back against the characterization, and U.S. officials have stressed they work closely with their Chinese counterparts as they try to stem the flow of drugs. Legislation that Trump signed last week will add treatment options and force the U.S. Postal Service to screen overseas packages for fentanyl. Azar said in a speech last week that toward the end of 2017 and through the beginning of this year the number of drug overdose deaths "has begun to plateau." However, he was not indicating that deaths were going down, but that they appear to be rising at a slower rate than previously seen. Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released preliminary figures that appear to show a slowdown in overdose deaths from December to March. In that period, the figures show that the pace of the increase over the previous 12 months has slowed from 10 percent to 3 percent, according to the preliminary CDC figures. Even if a slowdown is underway, no one is questioning the fact that the nation is dealing with the deadliest drug overdose epidemic in its history. While prescription opioid and heroin deaths appear to be leveling off, deaths involving fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamines are on the rise, according to CDC data. The DEA's report also noted that methamphetamine is making its way into communities where the drug normally wasn't heavily used, the report said. Chronic use of meth, a highly addictive stimulant, can cause paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations and delusions, studies have shown. As the government enacted laws that limited access to cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine - the ingredient used to cook meth with other household chemicals - or required the medications to be placed behind pharmacy counters, officials discovered the number of meth labs began to drop. But the DEA has found the gap is being filled by Mexican and Latin American drug cartels that had primarily dabbled in heroin and cocaine trafficking. A saturated market on the West Coast is now driving the cartels to peddle methamphetamine into the Northeast, using the same routes they use for heroin and other drugs. Officials also warn that because of more cocaine production in South American countries including Colombia, they expect to see larger shipments at the Mexican border. ___ Associated Press writer Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar contributed to this report. ___ Follow Michael Balsamo on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MikeBalsamo1 . ___ This story has been corrected to show that the preliminary data indicated there were 72,000 drug overdose deaths, not specifically opioid-related overdose deaths, and that Azar spoke last month, not this month. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A white man charged with killing two black shoppers at a Kentucky grocery store pleaded not guilty on Friday the victims' relatives looked on. Gregory Bush was indicted this week on two counts of murder, wanton endangerment and one count of attempted murder. He denied all charges during the brief court hearing Friday morning. Several police officers surrounded Bush in the courtroom, and he did not speak. Federal officials are investigating whether to pursue a hate-crimes prosecution. Bush, 51, stopped at a historically black church nearby before heading with his handgun to the busy Kroger store in suburban Louisville. His bond was kept at $5 million cash on Friday. The families of victims Maurice Stallard, 69, and Vicki Lee Jones, 67, declined to speak to reporters after the hearing. The brief, two-minute appearance was tense. Someone cursed at Bush when he entered the courtroom, wearing an orange jumpsuit and surrounded by a half-dozen officers. Bush's public defender, Angela Elleman, expressed condolences to the victims' families and said the "community has suffered a great tragedy and loss." FILE - In this Oct. 25, 2018 file photo, Gregory Bush is arraigned on two counts of murder and 10 counts of wanton endangerment in Louisville, Ky. Bush, accused in the shooting deaths of two grocery store patrons in Kentucky has been indicted on two counts of murder. Prosecutors say Bush was indicted Wednesday, Oct. 31 by a Jefferson County grand jury in the shootings a week ago at a Kroger store in suburban Louisville. Bush also was indicted on one count of criminal attempted murder and two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment. Bush's case will proceed to Jefferson County Circuit Court in Louisville. (Scott Utterback /Courier Journal via AP, Pool) "It's particularly in times of loss and tragedy that our constitution and our laws can be particularly tested, so Mr. Bush of course has rights to due process and a fair trial." Prosecutors said this week that they had not made a decision on seeking the death penalty. The attempted murder charge is based on a shootout Bush had in the parking lot with an armed shopper, Dominiic Rozier. Rozier told media outlets this week that he and his wife saw Jones get shot in the parking lot, and he drew his gun after Bush pointed a gun at him. The two exchanged gunfire but neither were hit, and Bush fled the parking lot. "I was doing it to protect me and my wife," Rozier said. Gregory Bush is arraigned on two counts of murder and 10 counts of wanton endangerment Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, in Louisville, Ky. Bush fatally shot two African-American customers at a Kroger grocery store Wednesday and was swiftly arrested as he tried to flee, authorities said Thursday. (Scott Utterback /Courier Journal via AP, Pool) FORT WASHINGTON, Md. (AP) - Maryland's popular Republican governor is earning enough support from Democrats and black voters in the state's largest jurisdictions to narrow the pathway to an upset sought by a challenger who led the nation's oldest civil rights organization. Democratic challenger Ben Jealous, a former national president of the NAACP, needs big support from Democratic strongholds in the suburbs of the nation's capital and Baltimore to become Maryland's first black governor. But Republican Gov. Larry Hogan is getting votes from black voters as well as white Democrats crossing party lines and splitting their tickets, according to pre-election polling and interviews with voters. A win for Hogan would make him the first Republican governor re-elected in Maryland since 1954 - and only the second in the state's history. "I really wanted to vote for Ben Jealous, because I am a Democrat, but he just didn't show me that he had enough experience," said Karen Johnson, a 48-year-old federal government employee who is black, adding that she decided to "stay with what is working," after she voted early in Prince George's County, one of the nation's most affluent black-majority counties. As Democrats hope for a "blue wave" nationwide, early voting turnout has been higher so far in Maryland - where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1 - than it was in the 2014 gubernatorial race. The Jealous campaign believes higher turnout will add up to victory in a state where President Donald Trump is unpopular, even if Hogan has the advantages of incumbency and a fundraising edge. Kevin Harris, a senior adviser to the Jealous campaign, said Friday that voters are still learning about Jealous, and he's confident Democrats will support him on Election Day. FILE - In this Oct. 25, 2018 file photo, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan poses for a photograph after an interview with The Associated Press in his office at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Md. Hogan is running for re-election against Democratic candidate Ben Jealous. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) "There's still a lot of voters who still don't know Ben and are making up their minds about him," Harris said. But it's not unusual to find early voters who say they made an exception for Hogan on an otherwise straight Democratic ballot. Mileah Kromer, director of the Sarah T. Hughes field Politics Center at Goucher College, said a "blue wave" may have trouble materializing in Maryland, where Democrats already control the state's U.S. House seats 7-1. Hogan has also put a lot of distance between himself and Trump. "There's just not a lot of places for the blue wave to go in Maryland," Kromer said. In Baltimore, which is about 64 percent black and heavily Democratic, Ursula Guthrie said she didn't feel like she knew Jealous, despite his leadership of the Baltimore-based NAACP from 2008 to 2013. "I don't really know who Jealous is as a person in the same way that I know who Hogan is," said Guthrie, an early voter who was supporting a Republican for the first time. A Washington Post-University of Maryland poll released last month found Hogan's support from black voters has more than doubled since his 2014 campaign, from 14 percent to 33 percent, while Jealous received support of 57 percent of black voters. A Washington Post poll last month found Hogan with an overall double-digit lead over Jealous. Much of Maryland's rural areas are Republican. That makes success for Democrats in statewide races largely dependent on support in the state's heavily populated and Democratic areas, including Baltimore and Prince George's and Montgomery counties. In Montgomery County, the state's most populous jurisdiction with more than 1 million residents, several Democratic voters interviewed recently said they were picking Hogan. Jean Harris, who was one of them, said she didn't know much about Jealous. "When you find someone who is doing and fulfilling the needs of the people - because that is what the job is about - you have a tendency to stay with that, rather than to venture off into someone new that you don't have much status and information about," said Harris, who's 80. Some voters said they picked Hogan due to his character and personality, rather than particular issues. They cite his experience battling cancer and efforts at bipartisanship. "I think he's doing a great job. He's an honest man, and I feel comfortable with him," said Susan Hanenbaum, a 76-year-old Democrat in Potomac who voted for Hogan. "I think he's a fair person, and I think all the issues will be dealt with appropriately." Jealous, in his first run at elected office, has a platform of progressive issues including universal prekindergarten and a higher minimum wage. He has been endorsed by leading liberals on the national stage, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who rallied with him recently. He also has been far behind Hogan in fundraising, hurting his ability to advertise. Still, the Jealous platform resonated with Gregory Miller, a 69-year-old Bethesda resident. He cited Jealous' emphasis on education and proposal for Medicare for all. "I like the governor now, but I just think some things need to be changed - that he could help the whole state better," Miller said. ___ This article has been corrected to show that the Washington Post-University of Maryland poll was released in October, not November. ___ Associated Press writer David McFadden contributed to this report in Baltimore. ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2018 file photo, Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous speaks with reporters as he greets voters at a bus stop in Baltimore. Jealous is running against incumbent Gov. Larry Hogan. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) FILE - In this Oct. 30, 2018 file photo, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan greets supporters outside a polling place after voting early, in Annapolis, Md. Hogan is running for re-election against Democratic candidate Ben Jealous. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida is emerging as an epicenter of the nation's polarizing politics in the final days of the 2018 campaign. In the closely contested campaign for governor, President Donald Trump and GOP nominee Ron DeSantis have used what has been called racially coded language to slam Democrat Andrew Gillum. The battles for the governor's mansion and a key U.S. Senate seat are playing out in communities still recovering from a killer hurricane and one of the nation's deadliest school shootings. Virtually every hot-button cultural issue tearing at the nation - including guns, race and the environment - is unfolding in a deeply personal way here. That's a sharp change in a state where elections notoriously come down to the wire. Politicians in both parties traditionally focus on winning over moderate voters, especially those living along Interstate 4 in the shadow of Disney World, to eke out a win. Not so in the Trump era as each side scrambles to mobilize its strongest supporters. "This election is truly a choice between results and resistance," Trump told a crowd during a rally in southwest Florida. "This is really an election between greatness and gridlock." Trump's visit is just one of two stops planned this week to bolster DeSantis and Gov. Rick Scott's U.S. Senate campaign. In this Oct. 22, 2018 photo former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign rally for Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, left, and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla. In the past, Florida's top races were tug-of-wars over taxes and education and insurance. This time around the governor's race is a proxy battle between President Donald Trump, who brought GOP gubernatorial nominee Ron DeSantis to prominence, and Democrats who oppose him. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) The Democrats are out in force in the Sunshine State, as well. Former President Barack Obama visited Democratic-vote-rich South Florida on Friday, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders visited college campuses mid-week, urging students to vote for Democratic nominee Gillum, the Tallahassee mayor who could become the state's first black governor. Speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 in Miami, Obama warned voters not to get bamboozled by misinformation while Republicans allow polluters to poison the environment, give tax cuts to billionaires and take healthcare away from millions. "We need leaders who will actually stand up for what's right regardless of party," Obama said. "Leaders who represent the best of the American spirit. Patriots who will stand up for anyone whose fundamental rights are at stake." During his stop at the University of Central Florida, Sanders railed at Trump and contended he was coming to the state because he is worried that DeSantis will lose the governor's race. DeSantis, a former congressman, won the GOP primary over a much-better-funded opponent largely based on Trump's backing. "I say to Donald Trump: This country has struggled with discrimination of all kinds for too many years," Sanders said. "We say to Trump today, 'We are not going backwards into more discrimination. We are going forward to celebrate our diversity." The ramped-up campaign rhetoric in the closing days shows signs of bringing a surge of voters with it. This election is on pace to significantly surpass the turnout of Florida's past five midterm elections, stretching back two decades. By Friday, nearly 4.1 million people had either voted by mail or at an early voting location. Election Day will wrap up a bitter campaign season that witnessed the battle between DeSantis and Gillum veer into racial politics and heated exchanges over a long-simmering FBI investigation involving Gillum's home city. Right after the primary, DeSantis said Florida voters shouldn't "monkey this up" by electing Gillum, a comment Democrats contend was racially charged. Trump also called Gillum a "thief" and corrupt, a move the mayor says is meant to reinforce negative stereotypes of black men. The Gillum campaign, meanwhile, cut ties with a Democratic Party vendor and a campaign volunteer caught on video calling Florida a "cracker" state and saying the campaign was taking advantage of "white guilt." The Senate race between Scott and incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson has taken a back seat to the governor's race, but it too has centered largely on name-calling and insults lobbed in tens of millions of dollars' worth of negative television ads. Scott has painted Nelson as an ineffective career politician, while Nelson has labeled Scott untrustworthy because of questions about how the multimillionaire governor has handled his finances while in office. For months, Scott had kept his distance from Trump and even disagreed with the president on items such as the death toll in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. But he joined Trump in southwest Florida and plans to be with him again Friday in Pensacola. For some voters, that may prove to be all the difference. "I'm not a huge Rick Scott supporter," said Allison Chiddo, a West Palm Beach resident who attended Trump's Estero rally. "He's part of the swamp. ... I'm not going to sit here and BS you. I don't trust either one. I'm going to vote the way Trump sees it." During Trump's mid-week rally, DeSantis took the stage, where he bashed Gillum as a "failed mayor" who was "hanging out with Bernie Sanders." DeSantis also railed at Gillum for saying that Trump should be impeached. Gillum, during a stop this week at a bayside restaurant in Destin, barely mentioned Trump or DeSantis but still got in a jab. "I don't care who's on the other side of us, I am always going to be team Florida, so whether it's Donald Trump or Ron DeSantis, if you come after Florida, if you come after Floridians, you're gonna have to go through me," he said. ___ Associated Press writers Tamara Lush in Estero, Mike Schneider in Orlando and Brendan Farrington in Destin contributed to this story. FILE- IN This Oct. 25, 2018 file photo Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis waves to the crowd at his Jacksonville, Fla., campaign rally where he was joined by Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence. In the past, Florida's top races were tug-of-wars over taxes and education and insurance. This time around the governor's race is a proxy battle between President Donald Trump, who brought GOP gubernatorial nominee DeSantis to prominence and Democrats who oppose him. (Bob Self /The Florida Times-Union via AP, File) FILE- In this Oct. 31, 2018 file photo President Donald Trump, center, talks with Republican Gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis, left, and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, right, after arriving on Air Force in Fort Myers, Fla. Florida, the site of both a horrific school shooting and a monstrous killer hurricane in the last few months, has become the epicenter of the nation's polarizing political battles. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) ST. JOHNS, Mich. (AP) - A blue plastic duck is all that can remain of a Michigan man's outdoor art installation after a district judge ruled that he must remove thousands of found objects featured in the project because they violate an anti-junk ordinance. Clinton County District Court Judge Michael Clarizio on Wednesday gave artist Robert Park 45 days to remove the items along a pathway on his property, The Lansing State Journal reports . Park must also pay $250 in fines and court costs. Park, 72, spent two years creating "The Blue Loop," which displays upcycled blue items along a 1,000-foot-long (305-meter) path. A town ordinance that bans the outdoor storage of junk classifies almost all of the pieces in Park's display as junk. The plastic duck was the only object that didn't fit the definition of junk. Clarizio said he thought Park was a "talented artist" and that the art installation was "interesting." "I have to follow what the law says, not what my heart says," he said. Dave Vincent, the township code enforcement officer, read a complaint from an unnamed neighbor who said the installation "looks like a junkyard." File-This Aug. 30, 2018, file photo shows "The Blue Loop," a 1,000-foot art installation on Bath Township artist Robert Park's property. A blue plastic duck is all that can remain of Park's outdoor art installation after a district judge ruled that he must remove thousands of found objects featured in the project because they violate an anti-junk ordinance. Clinton County District Court Judge Michael Clarizio on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2018, gave Park 45 days to remove the items along a pathway on his property. Park must also pay $250 in fines and court costs. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP, File) Park has said that the project is art and a way he expresses himself. "Apparently Bath Township is banning outdoor artwork if one person complains about it," Park said. "That's ridiculous to me." Park's attorney, William Metros, said he plans to appeal. Metros said Park's work enhances the area. "What Mr. Park does on a daily basis adds charm, it doesn't subtract from the charm," he said. ___ Information from: Lansing State Journal, http://www.lansingstatejournal.com File-This Aug. 30, 2018, file photo shows Robert Park standing amongst "The Blue Loop," Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. A blue plastic duck is all that can remain of Park's outdoor art installation after a district judge ruled that he must remove thousands of found objects featured in the project because they violate an anti-junk ordinance. Clinton County District Court Judge Michael Clarizio on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2018, gave Park 45 days to remove the items along a pathway on his property. Park must also pay $250 in fines and court costs. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP, File) File-This Aug. 30, 2018, file photo shows the entrance to "The Blue Loop," a 1,000-foot art installation on Bath Township, Mich., artist Robert Park's property. A blue plastic duck is all that can remain of Park's outdoor art installation after a district judge ruled that he must remove thousands of found objects featured in the project because they violate an anti-junk ordinance. Clinton County District Court Judge Michael Clarizio on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2018, gave Park 45 days to remove the items along a pathway on his property. Park must also pay $250 in fines and court costs. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP, File) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, artist Robert Park waits to hear the fate of his "Blue Loop" installation while sitting in Clinton County District Court Judge Michael Clarizio's courtroom, in St. Johns, Mich. Clarizio ruled that Park has 45 days to remove the items along a pathway on his property, except for a blue plastic duck. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Robert Park shows a catalog from his show at Michigan State University to Clinton County District Court Judge Michael Clarizio, in St. Johns, Mich., where it talks about his Blue Loop installation. A blue plastic duck is all that can remain of Park's outdoor art installation after Clarizio ruled that he must remove thousands of found objects featured in the project because they violate an anti-junk ordinance. Clarizio on Wednesday gave Park 45 days to remove the items along a pathway on his property, The Lansing State Journal reported. Park must also pay $250 in fines and court costs. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP) NEW YORK (AP) - The desecration of a Brooklyn synagogue with anti-Semitic graffiti has prompted the cancellation of a political event with a star of Comedy Central's "Broad City." Police say epithets such as "Kill All Jews" were found in the halls and stairwells at Union Temple at around 8 p.m. Thursday. The audience was sent home shortly after "Broad City's" Ilana Glazer was to start interviewing activists and politicians at the Prospect Heights synagogue's theater. The vandalism happened days after a gunman killed 11 Jews in Pittsburgh. Similar graffiti was found at Brooklyn Heights homes Tuesday night. Police will be out in force citywide for Friday and Saturday services. City Councilman Brad Lander says Jews won't be deterred by "thuggish and hateful people." WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on U.S. sanctions on Iran (all times local): 3:20 p.m. The European Union, backed by France, Germany and Britain, says they "deeply regret" the reimposition of all U.S. sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. In a joint statement Friday, they said they aim to protect European firms "engaged in legitimate business with Iran." They added that their "collective resolve to complete this work is unwavering." Their statement called the 2015 nuclear deal "crucial for the security of Europe, the region, and the entire world" and said it "is working and delivering on its goal." This image taken from the Twitter account of President Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump, shows what looks like a movie-style poster that takes creative inspiration from the TV series "Game of Thrones" to announce the re-imposition of sanctions against Iran. Trump tweeted a photo of himself with the words "Sanctions are Coming" Nov. 5. The U.S. sanctions on Iran had been lifted under a 2015 nuclear pact, but they are taking effect on Monday. (Donald J. Trump Twitter account via AP) The statement from Federica Mogherini, the EU representative for foreign affairs, said it was jointly issued with the foreign and finance ministers of France, Germany and Britain. __ 12:30 p.m. President Donald Trump is tweeting what looks like a movie-style poster that takes creative inspiration from the TV series "Game of Thrones" to announce the reimposition of sanctions against Iran. Trump tweeted a photo of himself with the words "Sanctions are Coming" Nov. 5. The U.S. sanctions on Iran had been lifted under a 2015 international nuclear pact, but they are being reimposed on Monday. It's the second batch of penalties that the administration has reimposed since Trump, a former reality TV star, withdrew from the landmark deal in May. ___ 10:40 a.m. The Trump administration is announcing the reimposition of all U.S. sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. The sanctions cover Iran's shipping, financial and energy sectors. They're the second batch of penalties reimposed since President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in May. The sanctions that'll come into force Monday penalize countries that don't stop importing Iranian oil and foreign companies that do business with blacklisted Iranian entities. Eight countries are getting waivers so they can continue temporarily importing Iranian oil. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin made the announcement on Friday. They say sanctions will remain until Iran meets demands that include ending support for terrorism, ending military engagement in Syria and completely halting its nuclear and ballistic missile development. COMBO - This combination of two pictures shows U.S. President Donald Trump, left, on July 22, 2018, and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Feb. 6, 2018. The Trump administration is announcing the reimposition of all U.S. sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. The Trump administration is announcing the reimposition of all U.S. sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. (AP Photo) ACCRA, Ghana (AP) - Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, have arrived in Ghana for the second stop of their West African tour. The royals landed Friday afternoon in Accra where they walked down a red carpet at the start of their five-day stay. High school students lined the roads from the airport waving flags to greet them. Ahead of the visit, Prince Charles said he was delighted to be returning to Ghana which he first visited more than 40 years ago. The British royals began their West African tour in Gambia, a former colony that has rejoined the Commonwealth following the ouster of its longtime dictator. Prince Charles and Camilla head next to Nigeria, another former colony with a huge diaspora community in the United Kingdom. Aprilia Racing Team Gresini - Malaysia Friday Posted by: newsla on Nov 02, 2018 - 06:36 PM Aprilia Racing Team Gresini - Malaysia Friday ALEIX ESPARGARO IN THE TOP 10 ON THE FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE AT SEPANG The Malaysian weekend got off on the right foot for Aleix Espargaro, fast straight away on the Sepang International Circuit asphalt. The Spanish rider rode his Aprilia RS-GP to seventh place in the first session with a time of 2'00.552, demonstrating good sensations in the saddle from the start. In the first part of FP2, Aleix worked with used tyres in anticipation of the race, reserving the final moments for a time attack. The soft rear tyre used during this portion of the session did not give him the right feeling but, thanks to the time he had done in the morning, Aleix still held onto tenth place and with it, provisional access to the second qualifying session. It proved to be a more complicated day for garage mate Scott Redding, hindered by grip problems and a crash (without consequences) during the second session. ALEIX ESPARGARO' "I am happy with the way things went today. I continued using the upgraded bike and I had a good feeling straight away, especially in the morning. In FP2 I managed to be rather fast with used tyres. We need to work a bit more on grip at the rear, but overall, things are not bad. When I put on the soft tyre toward the end, on the other hand, something didn't work. The grip was not what I expected, so I was unable to lower my time. In any case, a combined top 10 spot is a good start to the weekend for us." SCOTT REDDING "Today we had big grip problems. In braking I am able to limit the damage, but then I am lacking grip and the bike moves around a lot. I am struggling with chattering, which cause me to crash. We need to improve. I am forced to take risks to take advantage of the new tyre, but that isn't possible for the race." PaddockTalk Perspective LONDON (AP) - Britain's Brexit chief met politicians from both sides of Northern Ireland's political divide Friday, but there was little sign of a breakthrough on the Irish border impasse that is frustrating divorce talks between the U.K. and the European Union. Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab met with leaders of the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party and Irish nationalists Sinn Fein, and visited the all-but-invisible border between the U.K.'s Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Britain and the EU agree that after Brexit there must be no customs posts or barriers that could disrupt businesses and residents on either side of the border and undermine Northern Ireland's hard-won peace process. But they don't agree on how to guarantee that. Britain "will not accept any Brexit proposals that threaten the economic or constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom," Raab said after his meetings in Northern Ireland. The EU has proposed keeping Northern Ireland inside a customs union with the bloc. But the Democratic Unionist Party, which props up the Conservative British government, won't accept that approach because it means there would be customs and regulatory checks between Northern Ireland and the rest of the U.K. "Northern Ireland must not be carved into an arrangement which undermines the constitutional or economic integrity of the United Kingdom," DUP leader Arlene Foster said Friday. FILE - In this Monday, Oct. 1, 2018 file photo, Britain's Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab addresses delegates during a speech at the Conservative Party Conference at the ICC, in Birmingham, central England. Britain's Brexit chief has met politicians from both sides of Northern Ireland's political divide in efforts to solve a problem over the Irish border that is frustrating divorce talks between the U.K. and the European Union. There was little sign of a breakthrough after Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab met Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 with the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party and Irish nationalists Sinn Fein. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira, file) Raab said Britain wanted "frictionless trade with the EU" and also "to preserve the internal market within the United Kingdom." "They're not binary choices. We want to preserve both," he said. Raab did not outline how the goals would be achieved, saying he would not provide a "running commentary" of the Brexit negotiations. Sinn Fein leader Mary-Lou McDonald accused Raab of "simply going through the motions" rather than seeking a solution. "We need to act in a responsible way, in a way that recognizes the real jeopardy and damage that Brexit can and will do to our economy, potentially to our peace agreements," she said. McDonald said Britain would be acting "recklessly" if it backtracked on its commitment to avoid a hard border. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, but the border stalemate has prevented London and Brussels from reaching an agreement on their divorce terms and a smooth transition to a new relationship. The stalemate has heightened fears that the U.K. might withdraw without a deal in place, leading to chaos at ports and economic turmoil. NEW YORK (AP) - Starbucks customers had to wait in long lines Friday to get their caffeine fix after an outage of its app made mobile orders impossible. The coffee chain says it is experiencing a "temporary outage," but didn't provide any other details. The outage comes on the same day Starbucks launched its holiday drinks and cups. It's also handing out free red reusable cups. Customers took to social media to complain about the app and the long lines they found at stores. The app has become an important part of sales growth at Starbucks. Mobile ordering and pay made up 14 percent of all transactions from July to September. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Turkish fiancee of Jamal Khashoggi called Friday for President Donald Trump's help in pressuring Saudi Arabia to reveal the location of the slain journalist's body, even as she criticized the U.S. administration for its dealings with the kingdom. Hatice Cengiz made her appeal in a video message to a memorial in Washington where friends and activists marked one month since Khashoggi's death and paid tribute to his advocacy for democratic change in the Arab world. Cengiz urged Trump to support Turkey's request for Saudi Arabia to extradite those it has detained in connection with the killing of the 59-year-old columnist for The Washington Post. "I would like him to support Turkey's efforts in trying to bring light to this situation and to discover the whereabouts of his body," said Cengiz, who was waiting outside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 when the journalist went inside to obtain paperwork for their planned marriage, never to re-emerge. Cengiz lamented that without his body, Khashoggi's loved ones had been unable to hold funeral prayers for him. "Our pain is still as fresh as the first day," she said. Istanbul's chief prosecutor announced Wednesday that Khashoggi was strangled immediately after he entered and that his body was dismembered and removed from the consulate. A video image of Hatice Cengiz, fiancee of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, is played during an event to remember Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post who was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, in Washington, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Turkey is seeking the extradition of 18 suspects so they can be put on trial in Turkey. They include 15 members of an alleged Saudi "hit squad" that Turkey says was sent to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi, who lived in exile in the United States and had written critically of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Some of those implicated in the killing are close to the prince, whose condemnation of the killing has failed to ease suspicions that he was involved. Saudi Arabia has changed its narrative about Khashoggi's killing several times, but has recently acknowledged that Turkish evidence shows it was premeditated. On Thursday, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told reporters Khashoggi's remains should be located and returned for a proper burial. Speaking at Friday's memorial at a Washington hotel, Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, who represents the northern Virginia district where Khashoggi had been based for the last year of his life, said that since the killing, Saudi Arabia has "blatantly concocted a series of lies" in its attempt to cover up what happened. "There's only one lie left to be addressed and that's the involvement of the crown prince of Saudi Arabia himself," Connolly said. Other speakers called for the United States not to balance its strategic and military interests against the necessity of seeking justice for the journalist's killing. "We can't let the criminals behind this off the hook. We can't ignore this because we want to sell more weapons," said Ahmed Bedier of United Voices for America, a U.S.-based civil society group. Trump has condemned Khashoggi's killing in strong terms but has also defended U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia, which is the biggest foreign customer for American weaponry. Writing in The Washington Post on Friday, Cengiz said the United States should be leading the international community in seeking justice for Khashoggi. She contended that the Trump administration has "taken a position that is devoid of moral foundation" because of fears of "upsetting deals or economic ties." Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., speaks at an event to remember Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post who was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, in Washington, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Abrar Omeish, a community activist from Fairfax County outside Washington, speaks at an event to remember Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post who was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, in Washington, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) - Patricia Linder is the kind of undecided voter Democrats are looking for. The Tennessee retiree lives just outside Nashville in Williamson County, the type of suburban territory where Democrats have made gains in other states since President Donald Trump was elected in 2016. As Democrats around the country push hard to take over the majority of the seats in a Republican-held Congress, they also believe they can lay the groundwork here to have a fighting chance in future races - including 2020, when Trump is expected to seek re-election. While many of Linder's neighbors are entrenched Republicans, she's receptive when campaign volunteers come to make a pitch for Democratic congressional candidate Justin Kanew, who's running for an open seat against Republican Mark Green, a state senator and former Army doctor. Michele Bewley, a volunteer for the progressive voting advocacy group Indivisible, tells Linder, 68, that Kanew is approachable and will look out for regular folks. "Justin sounds like he's in good shape," said Linder, a registered Democrat who has voted Republican before and is impressed with Green's military service. "I want somebody that I can talk to. It will be a tough decision." Williamson County boasts a good public school system and a country-club feel from its subdivisions with large homes and manicured lawns, upscale stores, clean streets and low crime. Republicans point to the high quality of life here, saying the local economy has flourished on their watch. Patricia Linder speaks with a reporter about the U.S. House of Representatives race in District 7 in middle Tennessee on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz). Democrats know they face an uphill battle for a Nov. 6 victory in the 7th District, one of three races for open House seats currently held by Republicans, but they hope misgivings about Trump run deeper than it may appear. Kanew, a film producer and former "Amazing Race" contestant, and Green are vying for seat vacated when Republican Marsha Blackburn decided to run for U.S. Senate after 16 years in the House. Two other House seats in solidly Republican districts also are open in Tennessee - one in Knoxville, the other dominated by rural voters in north Tennessee. The GOP predicts a sweep, but Democrats think their efforts now will pay future dividends. Williamson County Democrats have been sidelined for years, and considered non-entities in future elections, said Kreis White, a lawyer who decided to help the dormant party. "I said, 'I'll find the phone booth where the Williamson County Democrats meet, see what they're up to,'" he said. He found them, and ran for county commission in August - the first time in 20 years that Democrats presented a large field of candidates for Williamson County office. None won, but they showed energy and created a jumping off point, Democrats say. "It's not just about November. It's about 2020. It's about 2024. It's about building a deeper bench," Bewley said Williamson is one of 19 counties in District 7, which also includes Clarksville and a wide swath of rural Tennessee. With their socially conservative towns, where residents are worried about access to good jobs and health care, the poorer rural counties reflect a sharp contrast to tony Williamson County. Some of the Democrats' hope lies in the county's population growth and a pool of inactive, potential voters. That includes young parents who have been busy raising children and finding their place in the community. "It takes a while for people to feel like they do have roots, like they have a place and they have a voice in that," Bewley said. The District 7 candidates offer those voters a clear contrast. Kanew supports Medicaid expansion and universal health care coverage. Green is a former Army surgeon and cancer survivor who helped the state Legislature block Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's Medicaid expansion plan. Green says the Affordable Care Act is "terrible." Green is endorsed by prominent conservatives Ted Cruz and Rick Santorum. He withdrew from consideration for U.S. Army secretary last year after facing criticism over negative remarks about Muslims, and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. Green called the attacks "false and misleading" and accused Democrats and the media of orchestrating a "hit job" on his nomination. Kanew hasn't accepted political action committee campaign donations, which shows he won't be beholden to Trump or anyone else, he said. "The real dividing line in this country is not between Democrat voters and Republican voters," Kanew said. "It's between special interests and the people, the special interests who control our politicians." Green notes that Kanew moved to Tennessee a couple of years ago, and has never held public office. He calls Kanew a socialist for his views on health care and other issues. "He's Bernie Sanders-light," Green said. White, the 61-year-old lawyer-turned-candidate, is hoping energized younger Democrats will carry the ball forward. "What should the party do? Should it be concerned about electing Democrats, or should we be like a good civic club, like the Rotary Club?" White said. The answer, White says, is the former. Republican U.S. House of Representatives candidate Mark Green speaks to a reporter on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, in Cool Springs, Tenn. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz) AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The one-year anniversary of a Texas church shooting that was the deadliest in U.S. history falls on the eve of next week's midterm deciding the state's hotly contested race between Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke. Yet the candidates seldom reference the tragedy on the campaign trail. A gunman with an AR-15 style rifle rampaged through a rural church outside San Antonio on Nov. 5, 2017, killing 25 people. That massacre and another mass shooting that left 10 dead about six months later at a high school near Houston hardly ever come up in the Texas race, even amid a spirited debate about gun control. "It's considered old news. Mass shootings aren't like the big thing anymore," said Diana Earl, a volunteer activist for the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America whose 22-year-old son, Dedrick, was shot and killed in 2016, following an argument over burnt ashes landing on the shooter's car. "We've failed to keep it as a priority." Cruz frequently criticizes his opponent as being anti-Second Amendment, and O'Rourke argues that Texas should lead national discussions on assault weapons bans and universal background checks. But such debate almost seems independent of the tragedies rather than driven by them. A dispute with his mother-in-law prompted Devin Patrick Kelley to open fire during Sunday services at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. Authorities put the official death toll at 26 because one of the victims was pregnant. More than half those killed were children. FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2017, file photo, a memorial for the victims of the shooting at Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church is shown and includes 26 white chairs, each painted with a cross and and rose, and is displayed in the church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The anniversary of the deadliest church shooting in the nation's history _ when a gunman killed 25 people in the rural church near San Antonio _ is the day before the Texas Senate election between Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and rising Democratic star Beto O'Rourke. But you wouldn't know it spending time with either campaign. That massacre in Sutherland Springs, and another Texas mass shooting at Santa Fe High School near Houston about six months later, aren't the race's top issues. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) Other attacks struck deeper political chords. Student activism following February's massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida prompted Republican Gov. Rick Scott to sign legislation raising the age limit to buy a rifle from 18 to 21 and imposing a three-day waiting period on rifle purchases. However, the Republican running to replace Scott, former Rep. Ron DeSantis, says he would have vetoed those. Last week's synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh has laid bare fresh political divides, but more attention has been focused on whether President Donald Trump's harsh rhetoric helped stoke hatred that encouraged violence than gun control. Asked if the synagogue attack would spark renewed calls for gun control, Cruz mentioned the Sutherland Springs anniversary saying, "Sadly, Texas has experience of our own with violence and murder in places of worship." But he used it to argue for a different policy response. "Every American ought to be free to worship according to your faith, your conscience, free of some lunatic trying to harm you, some lunatic trying to murder you," Cruz told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "We need to do much more to get murders off the street before they commit murder to make sure that bad guys, that felons and fugitives, that they don't have access to firearms." O'Rourke often draws applause when he mentions not taking donations from the National Rifle Association, or any outside political group, and for suggesting that Texas should be a gun control trailblazer. "Tell me a state that has a prouder, longer, richer heritage of responsible gun ownership," he said during a town hall in Houston. "What better state, then, to lead the national conversation on how we protect more lives?" Still, the Democratic challenger doesn't mention Sutherland Springs much so close to election. In an online essay just after the attack, he wrote, "our country has decided to meet these acts of terror and mass murder as though they were natural disasters." "Collectively we conclude: this kind of thing just happens in our country. Just hope it doesn't happen to us," he added then, while calling for universal background checks, better access to mental health care and limits on guns "designed to kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible." Earl, who has attended dozens of O'Rourke town halls and introduced him at an event this fall, said the Democrat is on the right track but "he needs to talk about it more and the Republicans really need to talk about it more." "Having your Second Amendment right, everyone supports that," she said. "But what we need to talk about is stopping gun violence." A congressman giving up his El Paso-based seat, O'Rourke has visited all 254 Texas counties, drawing larger-than-expected crowds even in deeply conservative areas while shattering Senate campaign fundraising records. Still, it has been 30 years since Texas sent a Democrat to the Senate, and Cruz says O'Rourke's values are too liberal for him to break that streak. O'Rourke counters that Texas is changing, vowing to upset Cruz on the strength of voters who not only want the state to be a national model for gun control but also on relaxed federal immigration policies. "I don't know where those issues fall on the political spectrum, but they're important to just about every single Texan that I've met," O'Rourke told the AP during an interview. "That's what I hear from Texas." ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) - Europe-wide stress tests show that big banks would come through a theoretical financial crisis in better shape than in the last such test two years ago. But several analysts said the test didn't mean Europe could sound the all-clear about potential trouble from Italian banks and government finances. None of the 48 tested banks, covering about 70 percent of the EU banking sector by assets, fell short of a capital yardstick used in earlier exercises, although this year's exercise does not give pass-fail grades. The bar was cleared by all four Italian banks in the test and by Deutsche Bank, which is trying to return to profit after three years of losses. Italian banks are in focus because of their large holdings of government bonds, which lost value due to fears that Italy's new populist government will run bigger deficits. The results showed that, on average, banks across Europe were left with capital padding of 10.3 percent of their assets, measured as their common equity tier one ratio. That is a widely used measure of bank financial strength and ability to cope with losses on investments and loans that don't get repaid. This year's average strength compared to 9.4 percent in the 2016 stress test of 51 banks under a different scenario. This long exposure picture shows cars driving on the highway with the Banking district in background in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) This year's scenario, run by the European Central Bank, the European Banking Authority and national supervisors, involved a bigger shortfall in economic output than last time in 2016. Banks faced a 2.7 percent fall in economic output over three years, plus a ferocious bear market in stocks and steep declines in house prices. The scenario attempts to capture some of the known risks to the European economy, including those associated with Britain leaving the European Union and a big drop in sky-high home prices in Sweden. The stress tests are part of a broader effort to strengthen banking regulation and the banking system in the European Union in the wake of the Great Recession global financial crisis a decade ago, and the eurozone debt crisis that peaked in 2011-2012. Bad banks played a role in the eurozone debt crisis in Ireland, which was forced to seek a bailout from other eurozone governments after guaranteeing the liabilities of failing banks. Although the results are not pass-fail, all the banks exceeded a 5.5 percent capital yardstick used in an earlier test. The results of the test will now be digested by the European Central Bank's banking supervisory arm. That process could result in weaker banks being asked to raise money or take other steps to improve their finances. Several analysts said the test did not fully capture the risks to Italian banks from potential falls in the value of Italian government bonds. A dispute between Italy's government, which wants to spend more, and the European Commission, which wants to enforce rules against excessive debt and deficits, has emerged as a potential new crisis for the 19-nation eurozone. Analysts at credit-rating agency DBRS said the scenarios for falls in the prices of Italian bonds were "relatively soft" compared to the plunges seen in the 2011-2012 crisis for Greece, Ireland and Portugal. Jack Allen, senior European economist at Capital Economics, said that "these stress tests shouldn't be taken as a sign that the country's lenders could with stand a crisis sparked by doubts about debt default and/or currency redenomination," which would happen if Italy were to leave the shared euro currency union. The Italian banks and their strength ratios under the stress scenario were: UniCredit, 9.3 percent, Intesa Sanpaolo, 10.4 percent, Banco BPM, 8.5 percent, and Unione di Banche Italiane, 8.3 percent. Deutsche Bank saw its capital buffer fall to 8.1 percent. Chief Financial Officer James von Moltke said in a statement that the result showed that "our risk profile is strong, but our profitability is not. This is exactly where our focus is now." Deutsche Bank says it aims to turn a profit this after slashing expenses and risky investments after three straight years of annual losses. PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The midterm elections are just around the corner, but efforts to "get out the vote" don't mean much if voters unexpectedly find themselves unable to get out of their hospital bed on Election Day. Dozens of doctors, nurses and volunteers at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania have been working together on an initiative called the "Penn Votes Project," a way to help patients still have their voices heard despite their hospitalization. They're part of a growing number of health centers tackling the issue. "Every citizen of the United States has the right to vote and we think getting ill shouldn't impair that process," said Dr. Judd Flesch, a pulmonary medicine specialist who heads up the program. For those in the hospital unexpectedly, that process isn't exactly simple. In Pennsylvania, the patient first needs to apply for an emergency absentee ballot. Then a physician must sign off on the application acknowledging that the patient will be unable to head to the polls. The application must be notarized, taken to City Hall and approved. The patient's ballot then must be taken back to the hospital, where the patient fills it out. It then gets returned to City Hall to be counted. "It would be a pretty big burden on the patient's family or friend to go through all the steps," said Erin Hollander, a Penn medical student and volunteer coordinator for the voting project. Dr. Rachel Snyder signs patient applications for emergency absentee ballots in Philadelphia, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania have been working together on an initiative called the "Penn Votes Project," a way to help patients still have their voices heard despite their hospitalization. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) The hospitals are tapping into their resources at the medical school and at Penn Law School to create a program that does all that legwork for patients. It started with a campaign to raise awareness that the voting program was launching, with staffers wearing buttons, flyers appearing on food trays, commercials on the in-house TV channel. On Thursday, the application process got underway, with law students ferrying the paperwork back and forth as the patients' agents. Neil Deininger, a law school student coordinating the legal side of the project, has a personal interest in the program: On Election Day in 1992, his mother missed out on voting because she was giving birth to him. "She recalls that my sister sent a letter to Bill Clinton saying 'my mom couldn't vote for you because she was in hospital having my brother,'" he said. The Penn hospitals aren't the only health centers to help patients who can't get to the polls, but organizers hope their program can serve as a model that other institutions can replicate. Kelly Wong, an emergency medicine resident at Rhode Island Hospital, was helping admit patients just before the 2016 presidential election and many were disappointment that they'd be unable to vote. "I didn't know what to tell them, because I didn't know that patients could vote," she said. After researching the laws, she was surprised to learn most states offer the option. She and several residents at other hospitals recently launched a website called Patientvoting.com , meant to organize publically available information on emergency medical absentee voting by state. "I think it is just something that if we were never told, we can never share it with our patients," she said. Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu and James McKenzie are both residents in adult psychiatry at Cambridge Hospital, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The two launched an initiative in 2016 called the Social Justice Campaign that focuses on issues affecting their patient population, addressing everything from immigration to politics. Before the 2016 presidential election, they were struck by hospital patients who expressed frustration about being unable to vote, Okwerekwu said, and made helping patients vote a priority. As in Pennsylvania, patients in Massachusetts must appoint someone to serve as a proxy to get all the documents in order. Because their operation is small, Okwerekwu said she and McKenzie typically are tapped to be the patients' proxies, creating lots of work for them. "That's how we ended up literally driving all over creation in the days leading up to the (2016) election," she said. "This should be an active duty of the health care system," McKenzie said. "You've got rights and they don't go away just because you are sick or injured." HOUSTON (AP) - The husband of a former sheriff's deputy charged in the strangulation death of a man he and his wife confronted outside a Houston-area restaurant wanted to kill the man and kept him in a chokehold after he stopped resisting, prosecutors told jurors Friday before they began deliberations. A defense attorney for Terry Thompson, 42, countered that his client was only defending himself after being punched in the face and insisted that Thompson kept John Hernandez, 24, subdued only until he stopped resisting. Jurors deliberated Thompson's fate for about seven hours Friday after closing arguments before ending their work for the day. Deliberations were set to resume on Monday. Thompson faces up to life in prison if convicted of murder. He could also be convicted of the lesser charges of manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide. This is the second time a jury takes Thompson's case. His first trial in June ended with a hung jury. Prosecutors said Thompson was quickly in control of Hernandez after the two got into a confrontation when Thompson saw Hernandez urinating outside a Denny's restaurant in Sheldon in May 2017. His wife, Chauna Thompson, 46, arrived later to help her husband subdue and restrain Hernandez. She was off-duty at the time and was later fired by the Harris County Sheriff's Office. FILE - In this June 13, 2018, file photo, Terry Thompson, accused of fatally choking John Hernandez, left, is shown in court in Houston. Thompson is standing trial again on a murder charge in the strangling of Hernandez, a man he and his wife confronted outside a Houston-area restaurant in 2017. Thompson's first trial in June ended in a mistrial. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via AP, Pool, File) During closing arguments, prosecutor John Jordan played cellphone video and 911 calls in which witnesses can be heard pleading for Thompson to let go of Hernandez and Hernandez can be heard gasping for breath. Jordan said that during the altercation, Hernandez signaled with his hand that he was no longer resisting but Terry Thompson kept Hernandez in a chokehold for another three minutes and 36 seconds until Hernandez went limp. "Terry Bryan Thompson did not kill John Hernandez because he had to. He killed him because he wanted to," Jordan said. Defense attorney Scot Courtney portrayed Hernandez as the aggressor, saying he was drunk and belligerent and never stopped fighting Thompson until he passed out. Thompson was only trying to have dinner with his kids when he was attacked by Hernandez and had no intention of killing him, Courtney said. "He doesn't say, 'I'm going to kill you.' He says, 'stop'" to Hernandez, Courtney said. Hernandez died at a hospital three days after the confrontation. A medical examiner ruled he died of lack of oxygen to the brain caused by strangulation and chest compression. Hernandez's family has remained critical of the investigation into his death, saying deputies at the scene didn't interview potential witnesses and initially tried to have an assault charge filed against Hernandez. "Yes, I believe this time there will be justice," Ignacio Hernandez, John Hernandez's father said of Thompson's retrial. Hernandez's family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Thompsons, asking for at least $1 million in damages. The lawsuit is pending. Thompson's wife, who was also charged with murder, is set for trial in April. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter at www.twitter.com/juanlozano70 Democrats hope Kara Eastman will unseat first-term Republican Rep. Don Bacon Tuesday in Nebraska's most competitive U.S. congressional race, a district centering on the Omaha area where the GOP has reigned for 22 of the last 24 years. Democratic groups and politicians across the country are attacking Republican candidates for their health care record. It's become a central issue in the campaign, with Republicans saying Eastman's support for "Medicare for all" is too extreme and costly for taxpayers while Democrats argue Bacon has voted to strip benefits from the Affordable Care Act. The latest ad, launched by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee super PAC, began airing this week and attacks Bacon for his vote on a health care bill. The ad is narrated by an Omaha voter who says he's a Republican and supported President Donald Trump, but won't vote for Bacon. A look at the ad's claim: THE CLAIM: "He voted to let insurers deny coverage for people with pre-existing conditions." - TV ad that began running Wednesday. THE FACTS: The ad is partially true. The key word in the claim is "deny." Bacon's vote would not have allowed insurers to outright deny someone with a pre-existing condition, but it would have allowed them to raise prices, which could have the same effect by making coverage too expensive. FILE - This combination of Oct. 18, 2018, file photos shows the candidates for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District seat in the November 2018 election from left, Democrat Kara Eastman and Republican incumbent Rep. Don Bacon. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File) Bacon's vote last year for the GOP-backed American Health Care Act would have eliminated some protections made law in President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. Bacon also criticized the ACA in 2016 when running for Congress and supported a 2017 budget bill that paved the way to overturn it. The ACA introduced a number of new health insurance protections for people with pre-existing conditions. The law prohibited insurers from denying coverage based on a person's medical history or refusing to cover someone's pre-existing condition. The bill Bacon backed would have allowed states to lift the Affordable Care Act rule that prohibited insurers from charging higher premiums for those with pre-existing conditions, making health insurance unaffordable for some. Under that bill, states could have also allowed insurers to sell lower-cost policies that covered fewer services. That would have significantly weakened protections for pre-existing conditions, said Karen Pollitz, a senior fellow at the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan health research organization. Insurers, she said, often look for ways to skimp on coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. "Before the ACA, insurers had multiple strategies for avoiding people with pre-existing conditions: insurers could turn you down, could charge you more or exclude your pre-existing condition," Pollitz said. "For insurance to work for people with pre-existing conditions, there have to be airtight protections." An estimated 275,000 Nebraska residents over the age of 65 have a pre-existing condition, according to the foundation. Most Americans with pre-existing conditions didn't have issues getting health insurance before the Affordable Care Act's passage because they were insured through their employer or the state government. Federal rules forbid employer health plans from discriminating against those with pre-existing conditions prior to the federal overhaul. ___ Find AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) - A man who attacked a Maryland police station while his brothers videotaped the shooting was convicted of murder Friday in the death of an undercover detective, whom a fellow officer mistakenly shot and killed. The jury deliberated for about three hours before convicting 25-year-old Michael Ford of second-degree murder in the March 2016 friendly-fire killing of Prince George's County police Detective Jacai Colson, Prince George's state's attorney office spokesman John Erzen confirmed. Ford also was convicted of first-degree assault and weapons charges. Erzen said Ford was found not guilty on six counts of attempted first-degree murder. With the other counts, Erzen said Ford faces up to 600 years in prison, with 65 of those on the handgun charges alone. Ford testified Wednesday that he was trying to get himself killed by police when he fired his handgun nearly two dozen times outside the station and didn't intend for anyone else to be harmed. But a prosecutor argued Ford's actions created a "combat zone" and caused Colson's death even though he didn't fire the fatal shot. Colson exchanged gunfire with Ford before Officer Taylor Krauss shot the plainclothes narcotics detective, mistaking him for a threat. Krauss testified that he never saw Colson hold up a badge or heard him identify himself as a police officer before shooting him once in the chest. This photo provided by the state's attorney's office in Prince George's County, Md., shows Michael Ford, charged with attacking a Maryland police station while his two brothers videotaped the shootout, which led to an officer mistakenly killing an undercover detective. Opening statements are expected to begin Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, for Ford's trial in the 2016 shooting death of Prince George's County police detective Jacai Colson. (Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office via AP) County prosecutor Joseph Ruddy said Ford had gone on a "combat mission," firing 23 shots from a handgun in nearly four minutes. He didn't hit anyone, but bullets he fired struck two passing vehicles and an ambulance, according to Ruddy. "That was no suicide mission. That was a mission to kill cops," he said in the trial's closing arguments. Defense attorney Antoini Jones told jurors that Ford was wounded and had been "neutralized" on the ground before Krauss fired the shot that killed Colson. Ford's two younger brothers recorded cellphone videos of the ambush after dropping him off at the station in Landover, a suburb of Washington, D.C. One of the videos shows Ford screaming obscenities and shouting, "Do something!" in between shots. Ford, then 22, dictated his last will and testament on video minutes before his brothers dropped him off at the station. A judge ruled before the trial that Ford couldn't present an insanity defense despite his serious mental health issues. Ford said he was hearing voices in his head on the day of the shooting. He said he retrieved a gun from a safe in his car and held it to his head. "I couldn't pull the trigger," he said. A police detective testified in 2016 that Ford's brothers agreed to film the shooting so the video could be sent to WorldstarHipHop.com, a website known for posting users' violent videos. Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks has said the cellphone videos were an attempt to gain fame. Ford's brothers, Malik and Elijah, pleaded guilty to charges related to the shooting and await sentencing hearings. A grand jury declined to indict Krauss on any charges related to Colson's shooting. Colson's parents sued Krauss and Prince George's County, accusing Krauss of recklessly firing his rifle. Ford is black, and so was Colson; Krauss is white. Colson and Krauss had worked in the narcotics unit together and sat at connecting desks. Jones, Ford's attorney, told jurors that Colson didn't match the gunman's description apart from their race. At the start of the trial, Jones said the evidence will show the detective was shot "because he was black." Four officers, including Colson and Krauss, fired their weapons during the chaotic shootout on March 13, 2016, police said. Ford shot out the police station's glass door before firing at and "barely" missing officers who responded, according to a police report. Ford's attorney asked him why he opened fire outside the police station. "Because I wanted to die," Ford said. "And I knew the police kill black men with no problem." Colson was a four-year veteran of the department and 28-year-old native of Boothwyn, Pennsylvania. This undated image provided by the Prince George's County Police Department shows slain officer Jacai Colson. A trial is expected to start Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, for Michael Ford, a man charged with attacking a Maryland police station while his two brothers videotaped the shootout, which led to an officer mistakenly killing Colson, an undercover detective. (Prince George's County Police Department via AP) This undated photo provided by the state's attorney's office in Prince George's County, Md., shows Elijah Ford. His brother, Michael Ford, is charged with attacking a Maryland police station while his two brothers, Malik Ford and Elijah Ford videotaped the shootout, which led to an officer mistakenly killing an undercover detective. Opening statements are expected to begin Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, for Michael Ford's trial in the 2016 shooting death of Prince George's County police detective Jacai Colson. (Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office via AP) I attach great importance to China-Pakistan relations: Chinese President BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday reiterated his countrys firm commitment to strengthen Pakistan-China strategic cooperative partnership for a shared future and assured his countrys steadfast support to Pakistan on all issues of core interest. At a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi told Imran Khan, who is on his first official visit to China, that he highly valued the two countrys relations. I attach great importance to China-Pakistan relations and am willing to work together with the prime minister to strengthen the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership and build a new era of China-Pakistan destiny, he said. President Xi said relations between China and Pakistan had already been growing and now those had touched new heights. These relations have not only benefited the two all-weather strategic partners but the region and world, he said. Imran Khan said Pakistan stood by China in safeguarding mutual interests, shared ideals and promoting multilateralism. He thanked the Chinese president, government and the people of China for their warm sentiments towards Pakistan. He congratulated them on the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up, which has led to Chinas meteoric rise. Imran Khan said friendship with China was the cornerstone of Pakistans foreign policy and expressed the earnest desire of his government to further consolidate this relationship. He emphasized that President Xis vision of connectivity Belt and Road, and its flagship project CPEC would translate into a win-win for shared prosperity in the region and beyond. Imran Khan said he had followed President Xi as a statesman during his political carrier spanning over 22 years. The prime minister said he had watched other world leaders but the people of Pakistan were very impressed with the way China had progressed under President Xi. Imran Khan lauded President Xi and other Chinese leaders for bringing down poverty in their country by bringing out 700 million people from poverty in 30 years. He said no other nation in the human history had been able to achieve this success. He said that the main goal of his party and the government was to take people of Pakistan out of poverty as half of the population in the country was either on or under the poverty line. China is the one country from which we can learn, he said. Prime Minister Imran Khan said the way leadership of President Xi had tackled corruption was appreciable. No other nation has held so many powerful people accountable for corruption in the last five years, he said, and added that his government and party wanted to learn from China in this area also because white collar crime was very difficult to detect. It is easy to catch low level criminals but it is much more challenging to expose white collar crime which actually devastates a country, he added. The two leaders discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to work closely towards overcoming growing political-economic uncertainties. They also reviewed and held in-depth discussions on Pakistan-China bilateral relations. They reviewed the progress on CPEC, expressed satisfaction on its achievements, and vowed for its early completion to maximize the benefits for Pakistan. The prime minister extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan, which was accepted. During the meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked President Xi for extending warm hospitality to him and his delegation in China. Earlier, President Xi warmly welcomed Prime Minister Imran Khan and his delegation upon their arrival at the Great Hall of the People. President Xi also congratulated Prime Minister Imran Khan on his election and assumption of the office. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar, Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan and Pakistans Ambassador to China Masood Khalid were also present during the meeting. LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) - Voters in the heart of Pennsylvania's rolling dairy farms and Amish countryside have rarely seen a Democrat mount a competitive campaign for Congress - until now. From all appearances, first-time candidate Jess King is giving freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker a fight to the finish in Tuesday's midterm election in this heavily conservative district on Pennsylvania's southern border. Drawn by her Mennonite faith into a career of nonprofit anti-poverty work, King said she isn't necessarily running against President Donald Trump. For sure, she doesn't like Trump, calling him inflammatory and divisive. But, she said, she is trying to tap into issues where she and Trump voters can agree, whether on the need for health care, a level economic playing field or a government that is responsive to people, not corporate campaign contributions. "That's why we don't talk about Trump so much because it's not helpful, in that it becomes another element of the division, and shame is not a tactic that works," King said in an interview in her bustling downtown Lancaster campaign office. "You know, to shame people into, 'hey, you were wrong in your vote,' or 'hey, you should have done something else,' or 'hey, I think less of you.' That doesn't work, so we don't do it." Jess King, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's 11th District, responds to a question at a town hall meeting at a recreation center on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 in Red Lion, Pa. Voters in the heart of Pennsylvania's rolling dairy farms and Amish countryside have rarely seen a Democrat mount a competitive campaign for Congress. From all appearances, King is giving freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker a fight to the finish in Tuesday's election in this conservative district. (AP Photo/Marc Levy) King, 44, is endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and has gone toe-to-toe with Smucker in fundraising without accepting corporate campaign contributions or getting help from Democratic Party organizations. Smucker, 54, acknowledges the race is competitive. Two polls in recent weeks have shown a single-digit race and Republicans are not disputing that finding. Still, Smucker says Republicans are getting engaged and happy with the last two years, and will vote to ensure the seat remains in Republican hands. "I think we're going to win this thing, but sure, it is definitely a competitive race and we're going to need all the Republicans to come out and we're confident that's going to happen," Smucker said in an interview. Last week, Vice President Mike Pence came to campaign and raise cash for Smucker, who began airing attack ads that King says are full of lies about her. Smucker suggests she wants to legalize heroin and abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She doesn't. He said she's for open borders. She's not. The ads show Smucker in a plaid shirt, call him a central Pennsylvania native and suggest that "socialists" from San Francisco and New York are funding King's campaign. King does not call herself a socialist and much of Smucker's campaign contributions also are from outside the district. Smucker also has roots in the Mennonite faith. He was one of 12 children born into an Old Order Amish family and later attended Lancaster Mennonite High School. He now attends a Lutheran church. He went on to run a family-owned construction business before serving in the state Senate for eight years. For her part, King calls herself a 12th-generation native of the area, which is accustomed to hard-fought Republican primaries, not hard-fought general elections. Republicans have a 100,000-voter registration advantage in the district, and Trump won it by 26 points in 2016. But the county is growing fast and, with it, the area's Republican registration edge is shrinking. Meanwhile, Democrats say Smucker's echo of Trump's hard-edged anti-immigrant message is landing with a thud in an area where the big Mennonite population has long been active in resettling refugees from across the globe. As a child, for instance, King remembers her church resettling families from Vietnam, Ukraine and elsewhere. King emphasizes door-knocking and town halls, and has found volunteers in the Mennonite community. Her campaign manager and field director grew up in the Mennonite church where her husband was pastor, and she's known them since they were politically active teenagers demonstrating against the Iraq war. Her reach into the Mennonite community - she went to Lancaster Mennonite High School and Eastern Mennonite University - even amazed her when she traveled around to parades last month. "I would see people that I grew up with, went to high school with, knew from college, like family friends, relatives, you name it," King said. "It is crazy. It's kind of hard to paint the picture of how interwoven the fabric of this community is, especially when you grow up Mennonite." She plays down Trump in her campaign, but it is the president, in part, that drove her decision to run. The tax-cutting bill advanced by Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress would, she feared, benefit the wealthy and do nothing to advance anti-poverty efforts. "I knew I needed to do something," King said. "I was open to what that was going to be, but I certainly didn't see it as a run for congress. But it's working out all right." Vice President Mike Pence, right, shakes hands with Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., during a campaign event in Lititz, Pa., Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Jess King, a Democratic candidate in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District, responds to a reporter's question Friday Nov. 2, 2018, in Lancaster, Pa. Voters in Pennsylvania's rolling dairy farms and Amish countryside had rarely, if ever, seen a Democrat mount a competitive campaign for Congress, until now. From all appearances, first-time candidate Jess King is giving freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker a fight to the finish in Tuesday's election in this conservative district. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma) A volunteer puts address stickers with voting location on a door hanger promoting Jess King, a Democratic candidate in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District, Friday Nov. 2, 2018, in Lancaster, Pa. Voters in Pennsylvania's rolling dairy farms and Amish countryside had rarely, if ever, seen a Democrat mount a competitive campaign for Congress, until now. From all appearances, first-time candidate Jess King is giving freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker a fight to the finish in Tuesday's election in this conservative district. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma) Volunteers put address stickers with voting location on a door hangers promoting Jess King, a Democratic candidate in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District, Friday Nov. 2, 2018, in Lancaster, Pa. Voters in Pennsylvania's rolling dairy farms and Amish countryside had rarely, if ever, seen a Democrat mount a competitive campaign for Congress, until now. From all appearances, first-time candidate Jess King is giving freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker a fight to the finish in Tuesday's election in this conservative district. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma) Jess King, a Democratic candidate in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District, responds to a reporter's question Friday Nov. 2, 2018, in Lancaster, Pa. Voters in Pennsylvania's rolling dairy farms and Amish countryside had rarely, if ever, seen a Democrat mount a competitive campaign for Congress, until now. From all appearances, first-time candidate Jess King is giving freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker a fight to the finish in Tuesday's election in this conservative district. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma) LAS VEGAS (AP) - Shooters intent on gang-related retaliation opened fire on the wrong house in suburban Las Vegas, killing an innocent 11-year-old girl in the kitchen, police said Friday. A neighbor on his way to work saw the gunfire late Thursday on a quiet residential street and shot with his legally owned handgun at the car as it pulled away, wounding a 19-year-old passenger, North Las Vegas Assistant Police Chief Pamela Ojeda said. The girl's father and mother, 33 and 30, and two sisters, 14 and 6, escaped physical injury as their house was raked with gunfire, Ojeda said as she asked for the public's help finding the shooters. "No parent should have to deal with a tragedy like this," the police official said. The 17-year-old driver of the getaway car - a silver Nissan Altima - called police when it broke down a few blocks away, saying the car had been hit with random gunfire and he was trying to get his friend to a hospital. The 19-year-old was hospitalized in grave condition with a head wound, police Officer Eric Leavitt said. Bullet holes mark the windows of a house that was hit by gunfire Thursday night, killing an 11-year-old girl in North Las Vegas, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. An armed group intent on gang-related retaliation opened fire on the wrong house in suburban Las Vegas, killing the girl in her kitchen, police said Friday. (Max Michor/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP) Witnesses reported the vehicle stopped in front of the girl's house before three people stepped from the backseat and opened fire with shotguns and handguns at the two-story stucco home. The girl was struck by at least one bullet that Leavitt said entered through a window or wall. She died at a hospital in Las Vegas. The 53-year-old neighbor who Leavitt said fired at the car from his open garage was interviewed by police. Ojeda said he was a cooperating witness and was not charged with a crime. The shooting occurred in a neighborhood of large four- and five-bedroom single-family homes, some with swimming pools, built about a decade ago some 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of the Las Vegas Strip. Police believe the shooters intended to target another house in the area in retaliation for a gang dispute. Officers did not immediately find anyone at that house and were seeking the residents for questioning. Ojeda declined to answer questions about them, saying the investigation is active. The driver was being held as a juvenile and was expected to face felony murder, attempted murder and conspiracy charges, Ojeda said. The wounded suspect will face the same charges if he survives, she said. . North Las Vegas Police Department Assistant Chief Pamela Ojeda responds to questions during a news conference in North Las Vegas Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. An 11-year-old girl was killed when suspected gang members opened fire into the wrong house on Thursday night, in North Las Vegas, she said. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Kevin de Leon got a burst of national attention last summer when the California Democratic Party endorsed him for U.S. Senate over incumbent Dianne Feinstein. It seemed it could be the spark the former state Senate leader needed to make headway against a Goliath of California politics. But de Leon never parlayed the endorsement into significant campaign cash to boost his name recognition among California's nearly 20 million voters. State and national Democratic activists largely stayed laser-focused on efforts to flip U.S. House seats. Meanwhile, Feinstein blunted some of de Leon's argument that she's not tough enough against President Donald Trump when she became the target of Republican ire during confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Now, with many early votes already cast and Election Day near, the 85-year-old Feinstein appears headed for a fifth full term in the seat she has held since 1992. "A lot of things would have had to line up for anybody to defeat Feinstein," said Eric Schickler, a political science professor at the University of California, Berkeley. De Leon, 51, squeaked through a field of 32 candidates in the June primary to face Feinstein. California is one of just a handful of states that allows two members of the same party to face off in a general election. FILE -- In this Oct. 17, 2018 file photo Public Policy Institute of California CEO and debate monitor Mark Baldassare, center, applauds at the end of the debate between California Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, left, and California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., in San Francisco. De Leon received the California Democratic Party's endorsement in his bid to unseat Feinstein, but she remains the favorite heading into Election Day. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, file) Neither had won the party endorsement ahead of the primary. But when the roughly 330-member executive board gathered in July, de Leon came out ahead. He has been more of a fixture at state party events than Feinstein over the years, building up a cache of goodwill, and members of the executive board tend to be the most progressive in the party. The endorsement earned de Leon a spot on official party mailers and allowed him to open a joint political action committee that could accept bigger donations than his campaign. But that committee brought in just $374,000, a fraction of what's needed to buy television advertisements in California. In his campaign account, de Leon raised $1.6 million as of mid-October. Feinstein has raised nearly $9 million and lent herself millions more. Other high-profile endorsements for de Leon didn't come with much cash either. Billionaire Tom Steyer, who has committed spending more than $120 million to elect Democrats this cycle, donated $5,400 to de Leon's campaign and another $10,000 to the PAC, but he never ran any independent ads on his friend's behalf. Two major unions, the California Labor Federation and Service Employees International Union California, also endorsed de Leon but did not do major spending on his behalf, although they campaigned for him through door-knocking and direct mail. Instead, the groups spent big on U.S. House candidates and ballot measures. "Right now the activism in California is focused on flipping the House," said RL Miller, a de Leon supporter who is on the party executive board that endorsed him. When Democratic voters, particularly younger or Latino voters who may not have cast ballots for Feinstein in past elections, learn about his record, they want to support him, his supporters say. But getting that message out in a state as massive as California is tough without money. "Nobody is in political love with her and Kevin inspires people," Miller said. "But he hasn't met 40 million people." Feinstein's supporters think otherwise, pointing to her long and popular history with California voters, not just the party's most faithful activists. Among Democrats, she counts support from labor hero Dolores Huerta, powerful women's groups like Emily's List and Planned Parenthood, and Democratic giants including former President Barack Obama. "We're going to stand by Dianne Feinstein. She has stood by us, she has stood by women," said Stephanie Schriock, the president of Emily's List, which works to elect pro-abortion rights, Democratic women. She has angered the base on occasion, particularly by suggesting last year that people should have patience with Trump. Some immigrant groups also protested outside her office last year, arguing she wasn't doing enough to protect young people who are in the country illegally. Feinstein says passing comprehensive immigration reform will be her chief priority if re-elected. She sparred with Trump and Republicans during the Kavanaugh fight when they accused her of strategically leaking a letter from a California constituent accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct. Trump supporters even chanted "lock her up!" about the senator at a rally. Kavanaugh denied the allegations, and Feinstein has denied that she leaked the letter to the press. "To hurt her, what you would have needed is a massive amount of money spent on negative ads," Schickler said. "It helps that Feinstein hasn't really given them a lot of weapons." Feinstein campaigned little in California during the summer and early fall; her aides blamed the Senate schedule in Washington. But she's spent the final weeks at events around the state made to showcase how she has helped California. She received a hero's reception at a Democratic women's event in Sacramento on Thursday before visiting an Air Force base to view planes she helped procure for California firefighters. She recently ran a statewide television advertisement highlighting her support from newspapers around the state. De Leon, meanwhile, is zeroing in on Southern California with stops planned in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties where he'll sell his message that California needs a new voice in Washington. If nothing else, the party endorsement signaled that Democrats want fresh faces, his spokesman Jonathan Underland said. "I think people have gotten the message that he is the future of the California Democratic Party," Underland said. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Feinstein acknowledged the power of incumbency she enjoys. "I remember when I first started it was really hard," she said. ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics In this photo taken Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, U. S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein is greeted by a well-wisher while attending the Women Democrats of Sacramento County Luncheon in Sacramento, Calif. Feinstein, who is seeking her fifth full term in the Senate, is being challenged by fellow Democrat, state Sen. Kevin de Leon. De Leon received the California Democratic Party's endorsement in his bid to unseat Feinstein, but has not been able to capitalize on it and she remains the favorite heading into Election Day. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) FILE - In this Sept. 25, 2018, file photo state Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, speaks during a campaign stop at CHIRLA Action Fund headquarters in Los Angeles. De Leon later received the California Democratic Party's endorsement in his bid to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, but she remains the favorite heading into Election Day. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, file) FILE -- In this June 20, 2018 file photo state Sen. Kevin de Leon speaks at demonstration outside the federal courthouse where a federal judge will hear arguments over the U.S. Justice Department's request to block three California laws that extend protections to people in the country illegally in Sacramento, Calif. De Leon, who is trying to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, received the California Democratic Party's endorsement but she remains the favorite heading into Election Day. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, file) FILE --In this Oct. 17, 2018 file photo California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., gestures while speaking to California Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, during a debate on in San Francisco. De Leon received the California Democratic Party's endorsement in his bid to unseat Feinstein, but she remains the favorite heading into Election Day. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, file) FILE -- In this Oct. 17, 2018 file photo California Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, gestures while speaking during a debate with California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., in San Francisco. De Leon received the California Democratic Party's endorsement in his bid to unseat Feinstein, but she remains the favorite heading into Election Day. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, file) In this photo taken Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, U. S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Ken Pimlott, right, chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection passes one of the C130 air tankers she succeeded in having transferred from the federal government to the state during a tour in Sacramento, Calif. Feinstein, who is seeking her fifth full term in the Senate, is being challenged by fellow Democrat, state Sen. Kevin de Leon. De Leon received the California Democratic Party's endorsement in his bid to unseat Feinstein, but has not been able to capitalize on it and she remains the favorite heading into Election Day. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) In this photo taken Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, U. S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein receives a standing ovation at the Women Democrats of Sacramento County Luncheon in Sacramento, Calif. Feinstein, who is seeking her fifth full term in the Senate, is being challenged by fellow Democrat, state Sen. Kevin de Leon. De Leon received the California Democratic Party's endorsement in his bid to unseat Feinstein, but has not been able to capitalize on it and she remains the favorite heading into Election Day. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) FILE -- In this Sept. 25,2018 file photo state Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, left, talks to a supporter during a campaign stop at CHIRLA Action Fund headquarters Tuesday, in Los Angeles. De Leon received the California Democratic Party's endorsement in his bid to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, but she remains the favorite heading into Election Day. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, file) A Florida prison workers' union official said sending Whitey Bulger to Hazlelton prison was a 'death sentece' Sending Boston crime boss James 'Whitey' Bulger to a troubled federal penitentiary that housed other New England mobsters was like giving him a 'death sentence,' a prison workers' union official said Friday. Bulger, who ran the largely Irish mob in Boston in the 1970's and '80's and ratted on the New England Mafia, was killed Tuesday just hours after his arrival at USP Hazelton, the third killing in six months at the remote prison in West Virginia, where workers and advocates have long been warning about dangerous conditions. The 89-year-old should never have been transferred to Hazelton, said Jose Rojas, who represents workers at the Florida prison where Bulger was previously held. 'You can't send someone like Whitey Bulger there. Number one, because he's high profile, and number two because he's a snitch,' Rojas said. 'Somebody dropped the ball when they designated him to Hazelton ... It's a death sentence,' he said. A federal law enforcement official has told The Associated Press that disciplinary issues prompted Bulger's transfer from the Coleman prison in Florida, where he was serving a life sentence for participating in 11 killings. Paul J. DeCologero (left), who as a member of a North Shore mob in Massachusetts, has been identified as a second suspect in the murder of James 'Whitey' Bulger. Mafia hit man Fotios 'Freddy' Geas (right) was first named as a suspect on Tuesday The entrance to USP Hazelton in West Virginia is seen in a file photo. Bulger had been transferred to the facility hours before he was killed The official insisted on anonymity because he was not authorized to release details. In February, Bulger threatened an assistant supervisor at Coleman, telling her 'your day of reckoning is coming,' said Rojas, who works at the prison. Bulger received 30 days in disciplinary detention, he said. Bureau of Prisons officials didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. They previously declined to comment on why Bulger was moved. Two Massachusetts mobsters are under suspicion in Bulger's killing, authorities say, but no charges have been filed. A law enforcement official said Friday that one suspect is 44-year-old Paul J. DeCologero, who was part of an organized crime gang led by his uncle on Massachusetts' North Shore called the 'DeCologero Crew.' The official insisted on anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the investigation. A former federal investigator told the AP that Fotios 'Freddy' Geas, a Mafia hit man who is said to hate 'rats,' is also a suspect. That official likewise refused to be named, citing the ongoing probe into Bulger's death. The FBI has declined to comment. Federal officials have only said they are investigating Bulger's death as a homicide. These 1953 file Boston police booking photos provided by The Boston Globe shows James 'Whitey' Bulger after an arrest. Bulger was an informant and could commit any crime he wanted, save murder DeCologero was convicted in 2006 of racketeering and witness tampering charges for a number of crimes. Authorities say he bought heroin that was used to try to kill 19-year-old Aislin Silva, who his uncle wanted dead because he feared she 'would betray the crew to police.' The heroin didn't kill her, so another man broke her neck, dismembered her and buried her remains in the woods. Jeanne Kempthorne, an attorney who represented DeCologero on his appeal, said she had no reason to believe DeCologero had any animus toward Bulger. DeCologero is supposed to be released in 2026, online records say. 'I have a hard time seeing a motive,' Kempthorne said. The other suspect, Geas, was a close associate of the Mafia and acted as an enforcer, but was not an official, 'made' member because he is Greek, not Italian. Geas and his brother were sentenced to life in prison in 2011 for their roles in several violent crimes, including the 2003 killing of Adolfo 'Big Al' Bruno, a Genovese crime family boss in Springfield, Massachusetts. Another mobster ordered Bruno's killing because he was upset he had talked to the FBI, prosecutors said. WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal judge denied the Justice Department's efforts to halt legal proceedings in a case accusing President Donald Trump of violating the U.S. Constitution - opening the door for Trump's critics to soon gain access to financial records related to his Washington, D.C., hotel. Trump has been fighting multiple lawsuits that argue that foreign representatives' spending money at the Trump International Hotel is a violation of the Constitution's emoluments clause, which bans federal officials from accepting benefits from foreign or state governments without congressional approval. In a sally to prevent the case moving on to legal discovery - which would potentially unearth financial records such as Trump's income tax returns - Justice Department lawyers had asked Maryland-based U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte to put the case on hold while they appeal his decision to a higher court in Richmond, Virginia. That effort failed. "This is another major win for us in this historic case," said District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine in a statement. "Our next step is to proceed with discovery. We will soon provide the court a new schedule to begin the process of getting information about how President Trump is profiting from the presidency." Messitte wrote in a sometimes blistering 31-page opinion that the president did not sufficiently meet the requirements for an appeal midway through the ongoing case. FILE - This Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, file photo, shows the exterior of the Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington. A federal judge denied the Justice Department's efforts to halt legal proceedings in a case accusing President Donald Trump of violating the U.S. Constitution _ opening the door for Trump's critics to soon gain access to financial records related to his Washington, hotel. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) "It is clear that the president, unhappy with the court's reasoning and conclusion, merely reargues that his interpretation of the emoluments clauses should apply instead of the one the court gave," he wrote. "The court sees no point in stating again why it concluded as it did." But, Messitte said, merely disagreeing with the court doesn't constitute a required "substantial" reason for such an appeal. Justice Department spokeswoman Kelly Laco told The Associated Press that the department "disagrees with and is disappointed" by Messitte's ruling. She added: "This case, which should have been dismissed, presents important questions that warrant immediate appellate review." Justice lawyers had objected to any discovery on a sitting president in his official capacity because of separation of powers concerns, in order to avoid a "constitutional confrontation" between two branches of government. They argued that the "public interest is decidedly in favor of a stay because any discovery would necessarily be a distraction to the President's performance of his constitutional duties." The president could try to seek a writ of mandamus to have the appeal heard by a higher court. That would be an "extraordinary remedy," according to the Justice Department's website, that "should only be used in exceptional circumstances of peculiar emergency or public importance." It's also a move with a demanding standard for petitioners that would partly rest on showing Messitte's decisions to be clearly wrong. The plaintiffs, Maryland and the District of Columbia, have said they plan to move forward quickly with discovery, seeking information and financial records that would primarily come from third parties rather than the government. A clue as to what they may request can be found in the preservation subpoenas they filed more than a year ago with 23 Trump-related entities, including The Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, The Trump Organization, the Mar-a-Lago Club, Inc., and entities related to his D.C. hotel and its management, among others. The subpoena requires the majority of documents to be preserved from Jan. 1, 2015 on an ongoing basis. The court filings cite document categories for preservation, including those from Nov. 8, 2016 onward concerning "marketing to foreign or domestic governments, including members of the diplomatic community." Other noted categories for preservation include documents that would identify guests of the hotel and those who have rented event space, details on all finances, "operating leases, permits, licenses, tax payments or credits to or from foreign or domestic governments." A schedule of legal discovery is due in 20 days and it could begin quickly thereafter, depending on what is agreed to by all parties. Though the case has been narrowed to focus on Trump's Washington, D.C., hotel, "that hotel is a nexus for a far-flung web of foreign and domestic emoluments," said Norman Eisen, chairman of the nonprofit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which is co-counsel with the two jurisdictions. The emoluments clause has never been fully tested in an American courtroom. Two other lawsuits accusing the president of violating the emoluments clause are also being heard in other federal courts. Neither has reached the discovery stage. The plaintiffs have argued that Trump - who has declined to divest from his assets as president - is capitalizing on the presidency and causing harm to businesses trying to compete with his Washington hotel, which is just steps from the White House. The Justice Department has said earnings from business activities, including hotel room stays, don't qualify as emoluments. Its attorneys have argued that under Maryland and D.C.'s interpretation, no federal official would even be able to own stock from a foreign company that provides profits or collects royalties. Messitte pushed back in his opinion Friday against any delaying tactics by the president and his Justice Department lawyers. "There is genuine concern on the part of plaintiffs, indeed the court shares it, that if the president is permitted to appeal the court's decisions in piecemeal fashion, ultimate resolution of the case could be delayed significantly, perhaps for years" especially because it's likely the president would appeal any negative decisions up to the U.S. Supreme Court. "That, as a matter of justice, cannot be countenanced." __ Follow Tami Abdollah on Twitter at https://twitter.com/latams BEIJING (AP) - The Latest on China and President Donald Trump (all times local): 2:50 a.m. Saturday President Donald Trump says he will meet his Chinese counterpart alongside the Group of 20 meetings in Argentina as they look to curb a burgeoning trade war. Trump says he will have dinner with President Xi Jinping (shee jihn-peeng) of China at the summit of industrial and emerging market nations in what would be their first meeting since both countries imposed escalating rounds of tariffs on goods. Trump says of China: "I know they want to make a deal." He adds that any deal reached must be "fair." FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2017, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping participate in a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. Xi had an "extremely positive" phone conversation with Trump about trade and other issues, the foreign ministry said Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. The two leaders agreed to "strengthen economic exchanges," said a ministry spokesman, Lu Kang. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) Trump has railed against the U.S. trade imbalance with China since his presidential campaign and his administration has grown increasingly vocal about calling out alleged corporate espionage and intellectual property theft by Chinese entities. __ 3:50 p.m. Friday China's foreign ministry says a phone conversation between President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart, Donald Trump, about trade and other issues was "extremely positive." The ministry said Friday the two leaders agreed to "strengthen economic exchanges" but gave no indication whether they made any progress on settling an escalating tariff war over Beijing's technology policy. Trump said earlier on Twitter that he and Xi had a "very good" conversation. A foreign ministry spokesman, Lu Kang, said, "I agree, this phone conversation was an extremely positive phone conversation." WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump ordered troops to the border in response to a caravan of migrants slowly making its way through Mexico toward the United States and still about 900 miles away, with many dropping out. Here's what we know so far about the military's mission: WHAT TROOPS ARE INVOLVED? More than 7,000 active duty troops have been told to deploy to Texas, Arizona and California. They are a mix of forces, including military police, an assault helicopter battalion, various communications, medical and headquarters units, combat engineers, planners and public affairs units. As of Friday, one week after the Pentagon acknowledged that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had approved a Department of Homeland Security request for military support at the border, the troop deployment was still unfolding, with about 3,500 at staging bases in the Southwest. Of those, about 2,250 active duty troops are at staging bases in Texas, about 1,100 Marines are at Camp Pendleton in California and fewer than 200 are in Arizona. About 100 troops are actually on the border, at the port crossing near McAllen, Texas. Most of the troops are being used to facilitate the movement of border patrol agents, house them, feed them and provide some of their protection. WHAT IS THEIR ROLE ON THE BORDER? Pedestrians pass members of the U.S. military working to place razor wire along the U.S.-Mexico border on the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in McAllen, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Pentagon is adamant that active duty troops will not do law enforcement, which they are forbidden from doing under the Posse Comitatus Act in the Constitution. Troops can't arrest people at the border. Their main job will be to support the Border Patrol. This means the military will transport border patrol agents to and along the border, help them erect additional vehicle barriers and fencing along the border, assist them with communications and provide some security for border agent camps. The military also will provide the border patrol agents with medical care, pre-packaged meals, and temporary housing. WILL TROOPS BE ARMED? Yes, many of them will be, mainly for self-protection. Military police at the border will be armed, although they will have non-lethal options for dealing with unexpected conflict. Pentagon officials say they are planning for a worst-case scenario of violence that could force soldiers to rely on their training to make split-second decisions to defend themselves or civilians. MPs might, for example, be dispatched to provide armed security for military engineers placing barricades at locations where there are no border patrol agents to provide protection. One day after Trump suggested soldiers on the southwest border may open fire if migrants throw rocks at them, he insisted Friday that he meant that rock-throwers would be arrested. "I didn't say 'shoot,'" he told reporters at the White House. Either way, his scenario of violence captures in a nutshell the risk of using active duty troops for domestic security: Their mission does not include confronting migrants, but some may be unable to avoid it. The commander in charge of the military operation, Air Force Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, head of U.S. Northern Command, said earlier this week that handling migrants will be primarily the job of the Customs and Border Protection agency. But he acknowledged "there could be incidental interaction" between migrants and soldiers. In light of that possibility, the soldiers "are going to be fully trained in how to do that," he said. Lt. Col. Jamie Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said the military will not disclose details of its rules on the use of force. DOES CONGRESS SUPPORT THIS MISSION? With members of Congress focused mainly on Tuesday's midterm elections, reaction has been mild. A group of senior House Democrats wrote a letter to Mattis on Thursday expressing opposition to the military mission and demanding answers on its cost. The deployment of active duty troops, they wrote, "only exacerbates the potential to unnecessarily escalate the situation." Chuck Hagel, a former Republican senator and Army combat veteran who served as defense secretary under President Barack Obama, told CNN the mission is "folly" because there is "no need, no threat." Retired Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, who preceded Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, took double-barreled aim at the border mission. Writing on Twitter Thursday, he called the military mission a "wasteful deployment of over-stretched Soldiers and Marines" that would be "made much worse" if they used force disproportional to the threat they face on the border. Members of the U.S.military place razor wire along the U.S.-Mexico border near the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in McAllen, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Vice President Mike Pence rallied several hundred fellow Republican conservatives Friday in hopes of pushing Senate candidate Josh Hawley in Missouri and governor candidate Kris Kobach in Kansas to narrow victories in states that President Donald Trump won handily two years ago. Pence and other speakers highlighted low national unemployment and said the United States is stronger economically and militarily under Trump's leadership, as several others suggested that a Democrat-controlled Congress would seek to impeach Trump. They also portrayed Democrats as unwilling to fight illegal immigration, with Kobach saying that Democrats suffered from "open borders psychosis." The rally came on the day the U.S. government released figures for October showing strong job growth, higher wages and low unemployment. Hawley, the Missouri attorney general, has wedded himself to Trump and the president's agenda in trying to unseat Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, one of the nation's most vulnerable Senate incumbents this year. Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, is Trump's closest ally in his state and is in toss-up race with veteran Democratic state Sen. Laura Kelly. The rally at a Kansas City, Missouri arena was sponsored by the American Conservative Union and the Family Research Council. It also was designed to boost congressional candidates, especially in Kansas, where Democrats hope to oust Republican Rep. Kevin Yoder in the Kansas City-area and flip another seat in eastern Kansas held by retiring Rep. Lynn Jenkins. "You look around this country and you can just feel it, can't you? Confidence is back. Jobs are coming back. In a word: America is back," Pence said. Later, he added, "Really, it's a choice between resistance and results, and just like two years ago, we need Missouri and Kansas to vote for results." Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a rally hosted by the American Conservative Union Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Touching on an issue that fires up conservatives, Hawley and other speakers criticized McCaskill for voting against the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. His confirmation was nearly derailed when California college professor Christine Blasey Ford alleged that Kavanaugh assaulted her when they were both teenagers, which he strongly denied. Hawley called McCaskill "part of the smear campaign" against Kavanaugh, though the Missouri senator does not serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee and cited reasons other than Blasey Ford's allegations in voting against him. The issue resonates with Shauna Hasek, a 40-year-old social worker and Republican whose husband is the mayor of Harrisonville, Missouri. She wore elephant earrings and a shirt with a quote attributed to Ronald Reagan: "Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid." Laughing, she said, "So I should say, Claire is powerless if Josh is not afraid." She called McCaskill's vote against Kavanaugh "a big deal" as she waited in line to get into the arena. "As a woman, yes, I support women and their movement, if something really did happen to them, but you also, again, have to have evidence," Hasek said. Immigration also was on the minds of rally participants. The crowd chanted "Build the Wall!" at one point in reference to Trump's proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Kobach has built a national profile as an advocate of tough immigration laws, has advised Trump's campaign and the White House on homeland security issues and has made enacting state policies against illegal immigration a cornerstone of his campaign for governor. He drew noticeably louder applause and cheers at the rally than Hawley. "The Democrats, I've said, are in the third stage of open borders psychosis," Kobach said. "They're not content to cheer for the illegal aliens already here. They're cheering for more illegal aliens to come into the country." Kelly has said combatting illegal immigration requires comprehensive legislation from Congress and contends Kobach's policies would hurt the state's agricultural economy, particularly in western Kansas. But Kobach has ramped up his focus on immigration at the end of his campaign, expressing his concern about a caravan of several thousand migrants moving slowly through Mexico. So has Trump, and in his rally speech, Pence called the caravan "nothing more than an assault on our country" and suggested that it had been organized by "leftist groups" in Central America, as well as human traffickers. The rally opened with prayers in remembrance of the 11 people gunned down at a Pittsburgh synagogue last week, the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Pence called the attack "unspeakable," adding, "It was evil." ___ Follow John Hanna on Twitter at https://twitter.com/apjdhanna . Republican Senate candidate Josh Hawley greets people after a rally hosted by the American Conservative Union Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Republican candidate for Kansas Governor Kris Kobach speaks during a rally hosted by the American Conservative Union Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Vice President Mike Pence waves to the crowd during a rally hosted by the American Conservative Union Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Federal officers have accused authorities in Oregon of preventing them from taking a Mexican national into custody before he was released in a domestic violence case and went on to be charged with murder. Martin Gallo-Gallardo, who was in the U.S. illegally, posted bond in March and was released from jail in Portland when his wife and a daughter stopped cooperating with prosecutors and a grand jury declined to indict him, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Friday. Authorities in nearby Clackamas County arrested and charged him this week with killing his wife and dumping her body in a ditch. His court-appointed attorney, Thomas Hanrahan, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Friday. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it placed a civil detainer on Gallo-Gallardo, 45, while he was still in custody in Portland and wanted to take him into federal custody for deportation, but the request wasn't recognized by the sheriff's office. The case spotlights Oregon's first-in-the nation immigrant sanctuary law just as voters will decide Tuesday whether to repeal it. Oregon adopted the law in 1987 to prevent law enforcement from detaining people who are in the U.S. illegally but have not broken other laws. This photo released Oct. 29, 2018 by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office shows Martin Gallo-Gallardo. Federal officers have accused authorities in Oregon of preventing them from taking a Mexican national into custody before he was released in a domestic violence case and went on to be charged with murder. Martin Gallo-Gallardo, who was in the U.S. illegally, posted bond in March and was released from jail in Portland when his wife and a daughter stopped cooperating with prosecutors and a grand jury declined to indict him, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (Clackamas County Sheriff's Office via AP) "It's unfortunate that law enforcement agencies like the Multnomah County jail refuse to work with ICE to promote public safety by holding criminals accountable and providing justice and closure for their victims," said Tanya J. Roman, a spokeswoman for the ICE regional office that covers Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska. "Sanctuary policies not only provide a refuge for illegal aliens, but they also shield criminal aliens who prey on people in their own and other communities." Multnomah County officials insisted Friday that they didn't get the request. They also pointed out that jails in Oregon can't recognize civil detainers because of a 2014 federal court decision that found Clackamas County violated a woman's rights by holding her beyond her release date while federal authorities investigated her immigration status. The county blasted ICE for putting the blame on them for the death of 38-year-old Coral Rodriguez Lorenzo when Gallo-Gallardo was free for six months. "They had his name, address, and telephone number," said Sgt. Brandon White, a spokesman for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. "It is disingenuous to make this claim when they failed to follow the process for even entering the civil detainer information into any law enforcement database." Rodriguez Lorenzo was reported missing Tuesday, and authorities determined her body had been found a day earlier in rural suburbs of Portland. Investigators learned she was last seen with her husband arguing at a party, according to a probable cause affidavit. Detectives went to question Gallo-Gallardo at his job and he confessed to the killing, the affidavit said. An autopsy found Rodriguez Lorenzo died from blunt-force head trauma and multiple stab wounds. ICE has now placed a hold on the suspect with the Clackamas County jail where he's being held on the murder charge. IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - A lawyer representing a notorious Iowa murder suspect removed a Facebook post Friday in which he called another client an "idiot" and "terrible criminal" who deserved to be jailed. Marshalltown defense attorney Chad Frese said his post was being misinterpreted by other lawyers, who said the rant was highly inappropriate and likely violated ethics rules governing the profession. He said he shared the post only with his Facebook friends and that he didn't think it crossed any lines. Frese and his wife are representing Cristhian Bahena-Rivera, who is charged in the July slaying of 20-year-old college student Mollie Tibbetts in Brooklyn, Iowa. Rivera, a Mexican national suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, is scheduled to stand trial in April in a case that has inflamed passions about immigration. The Associated Press obtained a screen shot of the post in which Frese recounted meeting this week with another defendant to prepare for a trial involving federal gun and drug charges. He wrote that he was "flabbergasted" when the man said Frese would have a hard time connecting with blue-collar jurors because he hadn't "had to work for anything in your life." Frese said he took offense because "anyone who knows me" is aware of his modest upbringing, and he called the man an "(expletive) idiot and a terrible criminal." "He needed to shut his mouth because he was the dumbest person in the conversation by 100 times," Frese wrote. He added, "You wonder why we need jails huh?" File-This Sept. 19, 2018, file photo shows Chad Frese, attorney for Cristhian Bahena Rivera, speaking in court during Rivera's arraignment for the charge of first-degree murder in the death of Mollie Tibbetts, at the Poweshiek County Courthouse in Montezuma, Iowa. A lawyer representing a notorious Iowa murder suspect removed a Facebook post Friday in which he called another client an "idiot" and "terrible criminal" who deserved to be jailed. Marshalltown defense attorney Chad Frese said his post was being misinterpreted by other lawyers, who said the rant was highly inappropriate and likely violated ethics rules governing the profession. (Kelsey Kremer/The Des Moines Register via AP, File) Iowa rules of professional conduct require lawyers to keep client conversations confidential in order to maintain their trust and to limit public statements about pending cases, particularly those that can result in incarceration. Lawyers are to refrain from discussing "the character, credibility, reputation, or criminal record" of any party and from offering opinions on innocence or guilt. "It's amazing any lawyer would put that on social media," said Des Moines attorney Grant Woodard. "I think it violates the sacred trust between an attorney and the client." Frese didn't identify the client, but he posted enough information that the man's name could be determined through court records. Asked about the post Friday, Frese removed it and twice claimed that he was referring to a "former client." He later admitted that was false, saying he was caught off guard by the inquiry. Frese said the post was intended to express his disbelief that anyone would accuse him of being born with a "silver spoon" and that he received many supportive comments. In the interview, he recalled telling the man, "You are in jail and you are terrible at what you did because you got caught and caught bad. And you're missing the boat here." He said he they later shook hands and left on good terms. Frese had already come under scrutiny for an earlier Facebook post after Rivera was charged. Frese, who didn't yet represent Rivera, wrote that the public had unfairly rushed to judgment against a farmer who'd been interviewed by investigators during the search for Tibbetts, writing: "But wait .... an illegal alien snatched her up and committed this heinous act? He admitted to it? He took the cops to the body?" Frese said he was explaining the importance of fair legal proceedings. He subsequently changed his privacy settings so that only friends could see his posts. Maulana Samiul Haq assassinated at his residence ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) chief and prominent religious scholar Maulana Samiul Haq was Friday assassinated at his residence in Rawalpindi. The former senator and an ally of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Maulana Samiul Haq, also known as Father of the Taliban, was alone at his house in Bahria Town when stabbed to death by unidentified assailant(s). Haqs eldest son, Maulana Hamidul Haq, told media that his father had been ailing with heart problems and that he was in bed when the attacker(s) came. His driver Haqqani had gone out. On his return, he found Maulana Sahib lying in a pool of blood in his bed, he said, adding that his father was stabbed and probably shot as well. Maulana, 81, was rushed to Safari Hospital following the attack where he was pronounced dead on arrival. JUI-S spokesperson Maulana Ahmed Shah confirmed his death in the attack which took place in the jurisdiction of Airport police station. Hamid revealed that his father was receiving threats from the Afghan government. He suffered from a heart disease and was inactive for the last three months. After three months of rest, today he had to mediate between protesters and authorities in Islamabad. However, he was unable to reach the venue due to road blockades and had returned home, he said. JUI-S leader Maulana Abdul Majeed said there was no one present at the house when Haq was attacked. We do not know who attacked him. He was alone the person who was supposed to be with him had gone to the market, he added. Maulanas assassination shocked the entire nation as political leaders and religious scholars strongly condemned the high-profile killing, demanding that the government bring the culprits to justice. Born on December 18, 1937, in Akora Khattak, an area in the Nowshehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Maulana Samiul Haq received his religious education from Darul Uloom Haqqania, the seminary founded by his father. He was the founder of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, an alliance of politico-religious parties, and leader of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council. He had been twice elected to the Upper House of parliament. Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly condemned the murder and sought an immediate report on the deplorable incident, a PM Office statement said. He said by the death of Maulana Samiul Haq, Pakistan had become bereft of a great religious scholar and a renowned political leader. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump and immigration (all times local): 3:20 p.m. President Donald Trump says if migrants throw rocks at U.S. troops or border patrol officers, they're not going to be shot, but they're "going to be arrested for a long period of time." Trump had said that he told the U.S. military mobilizing at the southwest border that if U.S. troops face rock-throwing migrants, they should react as though the rocks were "rifles." But Trump said at the White House Friday the U.S. won't be firing on the migrants. Then he added that he hoped that shots wouldn't be fired. He says what rock-throwing migrants did to the Mexican military was a "disgrace." Trump says the U.S. is "not going to stand for" what they did to the Mexican military and police. Central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, ask for a ride as they hitch hike in Donaji, Oaxaca state, Mexico, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. The migrants had already made a grueling 40-mile (65-kilometer) trek from Juchitan, Oaxaca, on Thursday, after they failed to get the bus transportation they had hoped for. But hitching rides allowed them to get to Donaji early, and some headed on to a town even further north, Sayula. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) ___ 1:15 a.m. President Donald Trump says he plans to sign an order next week that could lead to the large-scale detention of migrants crossing the southern border and bar anyone caught crossing illegally from claiming asylum. The two legally dubious proposals are his latest election-season barrage against illegal immigration. Trump also says he told the U.S. military mobilizing at the southwest border that if U.S. troops face rock-throwing migrants, they should react as though the rocks were "rifles." He made his comments Thursday at the White House in a rambling, campaign-style speech that was billed as a response to caravans of migrants traveling slowly on foot toward the U.S. border. It comes just days before midterm elections. In this photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, soldiers from the the 89th Military Police Brigade, and 41st Engineering Company, 19th Engineering Battalion, Fort Riley, Kan., arrive at Valley International Airport, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Harlingen, Texas, to conduct the first missions along the southern border in support of Operation Faithful Patriot. The soldiers will provide a range of support including planning assistance, engineering support, equipment and resources to assist the Department of Homeland Security along the Southwest border. (Alexandra Minor/U.S. Air Force via AP) ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - The Latest on the death of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi (all times local): 10:15 p.m. A Turkish official says he believes Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's body was dissolved in acid or other chemicals after it was mutilated at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Yasin Aktay, a ruling party adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, told The Associated Press on Friday that "there can be no other formula" to explain why Khashoggi's remains have not been found a month after he was killed. Istanbul's top prosecutor said this week that Khashoggi was strangled immediately after he entered the consulate on Oct. 2 and that his body was dismembered before being disposed of. Aktay, who was a friend of Khashoggi's, said he believes that the body was cut into pieces so that it could be dissolved in chemicals. He did not offer any proof for his comments. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses a defence technology development meeting, in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. Turkey's state-run news agency says the Turkish military has shelled positions held by U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters across the border east of the Euphrates River in Syria, killing four Kurdish fighters and wounding six others. The attack came a day after Erdogan said Turkey has finalized plans for a "comprehensive and effective" operation to drive out Kurdish militia from the region.(Presidential Press Service via AP, Pool) Erdogan said Friday the order for Khashoggi's killing came from the highest level of the Saudi government. ___ 9:20 p.m. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the order for Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing came from the highest level of the Saudi government. In an op-ed in The Washington Post on Friday, Erdogan says: "we must reveal the identities of the puppet masters behind Khashoggi's killing." The Turkish president said he did not believe that Saudi King Salman had ordered the killing. He said Turkey's friendship with Riyadh did not mean that Turkey could turn a blind eye to the killing of the journalist last month in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul ___ 1 p.m. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the slaying of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi a horrendous act that "should be duly dealt with" in a way that doesn't undermine Saudi Arabia's stability. Netanyahu said at a news conference in Bulgaria that Iran is a bigger threat than Saudi Arabia and those who want to punish the Middle East kingdom need to bear that in mind. The Israeli leader, who attended a meeting of the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania and the president of Serbia at a Black Sea resort. Netanyahu said Israel was involved in French and Danish investigations this year of alleged plots by Iranian intelligence agencies to attack Iranian opposition figures in Europe. Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post, was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. FILE- In this Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 file photo, released by Oman News Agency, Oman's Sultan Qaboos, left, receives Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Muscat, Oman. A surprise visit to Oman by Netanyahu over the weekend appears to have opened the floodgates for a series of appearances by senior Israeli officials in Gulf Arab states, thrusting the once secret back channels of outreach into public view. These newly revealed ties reflect concerns by both Israel and Arabs over Iran's rising influence in the region. (Oman News Agency via AP, File) A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these is legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked these out. Here are the real facts: ___ NOT REAL NEWS: Synagogue shooting victim was not a Holocaust survivor THE FACTS: Rose Mallinger, who died at age 97 after being shot at her Pittsburgh synagogue while worshipping Saturday, was not a Holocaust survivor, as widely reported online. Born in the early 1920s, Mallinger was alive during the Holocaust, but family members and the congregation's rabbi said she was not among European Jews persecuted by Nazi Germans, who were responsible for the mass murder of millions of Jews during World War II. The photo attached to the post also is incorrect. A search of photos online revealed the woman in the photo to be Ata Kando, a Hungarian-Dutch photographer, not Mallinger. ___ NOT REAL NEWS: Actress Amy Schumer not pictured tearing up doll in horror shoot FILE - In this Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 file photo, Amy Schumer appears onstage at the Beacon Theatre in New York. On Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, The Associated Press has found that a photo circulating on the internet showing Schumer splattered with blood and tearing a doll apart was doctored. The photo is paired with a quote falsely attributed to her about fetuses and abortion. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) THE FACTS: An image circulating online that shows Schumer splattered with blood and tearing a doll apart was doctored. The photo is paired with a quote falsely attributed to Schumer: "Fetuses aren't people and have no right (sic), if you can't get an abortion just get rid of it when is (sic) born." Canadian photographer Melissa Trotter told the AP that she took the original photograph earlier this year. In the doctored photo, Schumer's face was substituted for that of the original model. "The shoot was never about abortion or any sort of political commentary," said Trotter, whose shoots are typically horror themed. ___ NOT REAL NEWS: American Red Cross not providing tents to caravan headed to U.S.-Mexico border THE FACTS: Tents given to members of the migrant caravan working its way to the U.S. border were supplied by the Guatemalan Red Cross, Honduran Red Cross and Mexican Red Cross organizations, but not the American Red Cross. A tent featured in one of the migrant photos used to make the false claim has the Red Cross symbol and is labeled with the words "Cruz Roja Mexicana," which translates into Mexican Red Cross. "In line with Red Cross fundamental principles, the Guatemalan Red Cross, Honduran Red Cross, and Mexican Red Cross have been providing aid such as medical care, drinking water, and family reconnection services to migrants walking through Central America and Mexico," The American Red Cross said in a statement. ___ NOT REAL NEWS: Monster beverage company not selling caffeinated ham THE FACTS: A California-based beverage company is not selling caffeinated "energy" ham, despite an image circulating widely on social media. A digitally altered photo of a package that appeared to contain ham created by Monster Energy Company is the handiwork of Adam Padilla, or "adam.the.creator," an internet personality known for creating false and satirical images. Padilla first shared the image on Instagram on Oct. 30 with his social media handle included as a watermark on the bottom left of the packaging. "Yes I created the image," Padilla said in a text message to the AP. "I digitally manipulated the package design in Adobe Photoshop as part of my daily meme creation." Michael Sitrick, a spokesman for Monster, also told the AP that "Monster does not sell 'energy' or any ham for that matter." ___ This is part of The Associated Press' ongoing effort to fact-check misinformation that is shared widely online, including work with Facebook to identify and reduce the circulation of false stories on the platform. ___ Find all AP Fact Checks here: https://www.apnews.com/tag/APFactCheck ___ Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck MIAMI (AP) - The Latest on pipe bombs sent to critics of President Donald Trump (all times local): 3:50 p.m. Billionaire Tom Steyer says he's thankful that law enforcement officials recovered a second package addressed to him that appears similar to those containing pipe bombs that were sent to prominent Democrats. Steyer released a statement Friday, a day after the package was recovered at a postal facility near San Francisco. It was the second package sent to Steyer intercepted by federal officials in recent weeks. Authorities have said both packages are similar to packages that contained explosives that were sent to critics of President Donald Trump. Fifty-six-year-old Cesar Sayoc has been charged with sending more than a dozen explosive packages. In this courtroom sketch, Cesar Sayoc, left, appears in federal court, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Miami. Sayoc is accused of sending pipe bombs to prominent Democrats around the country. If foreign citizens had mailed pipe bombs to prominent Democrats, or massacred Jews in a synagogue, there's a good chance they would have been charged with terrorism. But that won't happen with either of the men charged in the recent wave of mail bombs and the Pittsburgh shootings. That's because there's no domestic terrorism law. (Daniel Pontet via AP) Steyer says the "threats are not isolated" and they are part of a "larger assault on the norms that uphold our democracy." __ 3:45 p.m. The FBI says it has recovered a second package sent to billionaire Tom Steyer that appears similar to pipe bombs that were mailed to prominent Democrats. The FBI says the package was recovered Thursday night at a postal facility near San Francisco. Steyer had previously been sent a similar package that was intercepted Oct. 26. Fifty-six-year-old Cesar Sayoc is charged with mailing explosive devices to prominent Democrats, critics of President Donald Trump and media outlets. Steyer has campaigned for months for Trump's impeachment. Sayoc is accused of sending at least 15 improvised explosive devices. He was arrested a week ago outside a South Florida auto parts store. Sayoc's appeared in federal court in Miami on Friday. His lawyers said they would not seek his release on bail for now. __ 12:15 p.m. Pipe bomb suspect Cesar Sayoc has agreed to be transferred to New York to face charges of sending explosive devices to prominent Democrats, critics of President Donald Trump and media outlets. Attorneys for Sayoc said Friday in Miami federal court that it's better if his lawyers in New York can take the case as soon as possible. They could still seek a bail hearing there, but prosecutors say he should remain jailed, given the magnitude of the charges and the strong evidence against him. attorney James Benjamin says: "We wanted to make sure that all of his constitutional rights were preserved. We feel we've done all we can." The timing of the transfer is uncertain. It could happen quickly or take weeks. ATLANTA (AP) - Political activist Leah McElrath was reviewing her electronic ballot at a polling place in Houston when she was shocked to find Republican Ted Cruz listed as her choice in Texas' high-profile U.S. Senate race. McElrath had voted a straight ticket for Democrats, but the machine had switched her vote in the Senate race to Cruz, the incumbent. She snapped a quick photo, which she later posted on social media after seeing others making similar complaints. "The main thing isn't why it's happening - if it's malice, malfunctioning or poor design," McElrath said. "It just needs to stop." The vote changes in Texas are just one example in a long list of concerns about the voting process that have surfaced in the run-up to Tuesday's election. Outdated equipment, confusion among election workers, polling place closures and efforts in some states to make voting eligibility more rigorous are among the reasons for many of the complaints. Another factor: Early voting across the country has been heavier than during the previous midterm election, in 2014. The election also comes amid heightened concern over potential cyberattacks following Russian efforts in 2016 to target state election networks. There have been no indications so far of any significant problems revolving around election security, although state and federal officials say they remain vigilant. FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, file photo, people cast their ballots ahead of the Nov. 6, general election at Jim Miller Park, in Marietta, Ga. Long lines, broken voting machines and poll worker confusion are all common at polling places across the country on Election Day. With more people voting early, some of these issues are already popping up in this year's midterm election. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File) "With the highly anticipated midterm elections nearing, my colleagues and I have worked non-stop to secure election systems and protect our democracy," Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos, who serves as president of the National Association of Secretaries of State, said in a statement Friday. In California, Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Attorney General Xavier Becerra on Friday urged voters to make sure they know their rights, including the ability to cast a provisional ballot that can be counted later once a voter's eligibility is determined. In the Texas example, the problem has affected both parties, with Cruz supporters also reporting their votes were switched. State officials said the problems can occur when voters complete and submit ballots too quickly. The vote-changing also is connected to a certain type of all-electronic voting machine that does not provide a paper trail, something voting experts say is a major concern because there is no way to verify later that an electronic ballot correctly captured the voter's intent. Five states - Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey, and South Carolina -use such machines exclusively. A handful of voters in Guilford County, North Carolina, have reported problems similar to those in Texas. County officials there have attributed the issue to old technology and been encouraging voters to double check their choices before submitting their ballots. In Georgia, civil rights groups have filed several lawsuits over voter access in the weeks leading up to the election as Republican Brian Kemp and Democrat Stacey Abrams face off in a close contest for governor. The groups say Kemp, who oversees elections as secretary of state, has been too aggressive in removing people from the voter rolls and implementing the state's "exact match" law, which flagged some 53,000 voter registration applications. They say the policy disproportionately affects black, Latino and Asian-American applicants. The law requires information on the forms to match certain state and federal records. Kemp has said the concerns are overblown because those on the list can still vote if they bring a valid photo ID that substantially matches the information on file, something already required under the state's voter ID law. Also in Georgia, a high rate of absentee ballots rejected by election officials in a suburban Atlanta county triggered lawsuits by the ACLU and other groups. They said voters are not being given enough time to fix problems with their ballots. A judge ruled that voters should have until the Monday after the election, when results are certified, to verify their ballot when it's been flagged for a mismatched signature. In Kansas, groups are raising alarm about physical access to polling places. Voters in Dodge City will have to travel outside the city limits to visit their polling place on Tuesday. Election officials moved the city's lone polling place, citing construction at the previous site. Concerns of voter confusion stemming from last-minute court rulings have arisen in a handful of states, while fliers with inaccurate information about deadlines for absentee ballots have circulated in Missouri and Montana. The good government group Common Cause is monitoring voting concerns around the country. Its president, Karen Hobert Flynn, said most of the problems reported to date are fairly typical. "We are waiting to see what else will come out," she said. ___ Hartounian reported from Phoenix. Associated Press writer Will Weissert in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report. ___ Follow Christina Almeida Cassidy at http://twitter.com/AP_Christina and Alina Hartounian at https://twitter.com/ahartoun This Oct. 22, 2018, photo shows the ballot summary page of voter Leah McElrath, where although she voted a straight-Democratic Party ticket, the voting machine flipped her vote for United States Senator to Republican Ted Cruz. McElrath and some other Texas voters reported voting machines flipped their straight-ticket selections to the other party in key races during early voting. (Leah McElrath via AP) California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, right, and Attorney General Xavier Becerra, left, hold a news conference to discuss voting rights and announce new voter registration numbers Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) - Nine months after 17 classmates and teachers were gunned down at their Florida school, Parkland students are finally facing the moment they've been leading up to with marches, school walkouts and voter-registration events throughout the country: their first Election Day. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student activists set their sights on the 4 million U.S. citizens turning 18 this year. They're hoping to counteract the voter apathy that's especially prevalent among the youth during midterm elections. Many of the activists, now household names like David Hogg, postponed college plans to mobilize young voters. Many of them support gun reform, in the name of their fallen classmates. "It is kind of the culmination of everything we've been working for," said senior Jaclyn Corin, one of the founders of the March For Our Lives group. "This is truly the moment that young people are going to make the difference in this country." Corin, who voted along with her dad at an early polling site on her 18th birthday, visited a half-dozen cities in just a handful of days last week, getting up at 3 a.m. to board planes. It has been a whirlwind for the students, with celebrity support from Oprah to Kim Kardashian, a Time magazine cover, late night TV spots and book deals - but all of it misses their main target unless it motivates students to cast ballots by the end of Tuesday. At a University of Central Florida event during the final week of election campaigning, Stoneman Douglas graduate and current UCF student Bradley Thornton escorted fellow students to the campus' early voting site. UCF student Tiffany McKelton said she wouldn't have voted if the Parkland activists hadn't shown up on campus. In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, student volunteers help out at a booth to encourage on campus voting for students during a Vote for Our Lives event at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Nine months after 17 classmates and teachers were gunned down at their Florida school, Parkland students are finally facing the moment they've been leading up to with marches, school walkouts and voter-registration events throughout the country: their first Election Day. (AP Photo/John Raoux) "I've never voted in a primary election. I actually did it because of them," said McKelton, a psychology major from West Palm Beach. In the past months they've boarded countless buses and planes, passed out T shirts, and hosted BBQs and dance parties on college campuses around the U.S. Thornton said talking things through often does the trick. "I can't tell you how many conversations I've had that were like, 'Ah, I'm not interested' ... and through just a simple, really nice cordial conversation, they get this magical inspiration to vote," Thornton said. Corin said she's encountered plenty of voter apathy along the way. The students often note that voter turnout in the last midterm elections was the lowest since World War II. "It's really about tying it back to gun violence or tying it back to immigration or whatever that person is passionate about," Corin said. "I've used that tactic so many times and it has actually worked." It remains to be seen what role the youth vote will play in this year's midterms. The 30-and-under crowd is more likely to vote in this year's midterms than in the past. Forty percent say they'll vote, compared to just 26 percent in 2014, according to a new poll by Institute of Politics at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. They're being pushed, in part, by a strong disapproval of President Donald Trump. Trends in Florida's early voting suggest a surge in young voters. Of the 124,000 people aged 18 to 29 who had voted in person at early polling stations as of Thursday, nearly a third did not vote in the presidential election in 2016, according to analysis by University of Florida political science professor Daniel Smith. About half of those new voters were newly registered. "There are newly energized voters who sat out in 2016, or have registered since then, who are turning out. There's no question about that," Smith said. In contrast, for people 65 and older who had voted early and in person, about 7 percent didn't vote in 2016. Matt Deitsch dropped out of college after the Feb. 14 shooting at Stoneman Douglas to help start March For Our Lives alongside his younger siblings, Parkland survivors Ryan Deitsch and Samantha Deitsch. He said this year's election will be a starting point, "not a culmination." "It's where we really get to see what kind of push we really made to the needle," Deitsch said in between passing out fliers to UCF students. "We're running a really good race but there's really so much work to do." Corin said the young activists will continue with their mission regardless of the election outcome. "The fact that we've engaged a new generation of voters, that's a win," Corin said. ____ Schneider reported from Orlando. ____ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, David Hogg, center, a student who survived the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting walks with volunteers to a polling place on campus during a Vote for Our Lives event at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Nine months after 17 classmates and teachers were gunned down at their Florida school, Parkland students are finally facing the moment they've been leading up to with marches, school walkouts and voter-registration events throughout the country: their first Election Day.(AP Photo/John Raoux) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, students dance atop a bus to music during a Vote for Our Lives rally at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Nine months after 17 classmates and teachers were gunned down at their Florida school, Parkland students are finally facing the moment they've been leading up to with marches, school walkouts and voter-registration events throughout the country: their first Election Day. (AP Photo/John Raoux) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, David Hogg, a student who survived the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting rides a bike on the campus of the University of Central Florida encouraging students to vote during a Vote for Our Lives event at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Nine months after 17 classmates and teachers were gunned down at their Florida school, Parkland students are finally facing the moment they've been leading up to with marches, school walkouts and voter-registration events throughout the country: their first Election Day. (AP Photo/John Raoux) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, students enter a polling place to cast their ballots during a Vote for Our Lives event at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Nine months after 17 classmates and teachers were gunned down at their Florida school, Parkland students are finally facing the moment they've been leading up to with marches, school walkouts and voter-registration events throughout the country: their first Election Day. (AP Photo/John Raoux) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Bradley Thornton, left, a student volunteer, escorts Gabriel Sanchez to a polling place on campus during a Vote for Our Lives event at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Nine months after 17 classmates and teachers were gunned down at their Florida school, Parkland students are finally facing the moment they've been leading up to with marches, school walkouts and voter-registration events throughout the country: their first Election Day. (AP Photo/John Raoux) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, a student with a rainbow flag listens to speakers during a Vote for Our Lives rally at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Nine months after 17 classmates and teachers were gunned down at their Florida school, Parkland students are finally facing the moment they've been leading up to with marches, school walkouts and voter-registration events throughout the country: their first Election Day. (AP Photo/John Raoux) In this Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Sofie Whitney, activist and student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, talks about voting during a Vote for Our Lives event at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Nine months after 17 classmates and teachers were gunned down at their Florida school, Parkland students are finally facing the moment they've been leading up to with marches, school walkouts and voter-registration events throughout the country: their first Election Day. (AP Photo/John Raoux) ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - The order to kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi came from the highest level of the Saudi government, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday, adding that the international community had the responsibility to "reveal the puppet masters" behind the slaying. In an op-ed in The Washington Post, Erdogan said he did not believe that Saudi King Salman had ordered the killing of Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate on Oct. 2. He said Turkey's close ties to Saudi Arabia did not mean that Turkey could turn a blind eye to the killing of the journalist. "We know that the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government," Erdogan said. Erdogan wrote: "As responsible members of the international community, we must reveal the identities of the puppet masters behind Khashoggi's killing and discover those in whom Saudi officials -still trying to cover up the murder - have placed their trust." Istanbul's chief prosecutor announced Wednesday that Khashoggi, who lived in exile in the United States, was strangled immediately after he entered the consulate as part of a premeditated killing and that his body was dismembered before being removed. Turkey is seeking the extradition of 18 suspects who were detained in Saudi Arabia so they can be put on trial in Turkey. They include 15 members of an alleged Saudi "hit squad" that Turkey says was sent to Istanbul to kill The Washington Post columnist who had written critically of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, listens to Technology Minister Mustafa Varank at a defence technology development meeting, in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. Turkey's state-run news agency says the Turkish military has shelled positions held by U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters across the border east of the Euphrates River in Syria, killing four Kurdish fighters and wounding six others. The attack came a day after Erdogan said Turkey has finalized plans for a "comprehensive and effective" operation to drive out Kurdish militia from the region.(Presidential Press Service via AP, Pool) Some of those implicated in the killing are members of the crown prince's entourage. In the opinion piece, Erdogan did not mention the prince. But few in Turkey and elsewhere believe that the crime could have been carried out without the knowledge of the kingdom's powerful heir apparent. Meanwhile, a Turkish official said he believes Khashoggi's body was dissolved in acid or other chemicals after it was mutilated. Yasin Aktay, a ruling party adviser to Erdogan, told The Associated Press on Friday that "there can be no other formula" to explain why Khashoggi's remains have not been found a month after he was killed. Aktay, who was friend of Khashoggi's, said he believes that the body was cut into pieces so that it could be dissolved in chemicals. He said: "all the findings point to his body parts being melted." But the official did not offer any proof for his comments. Khashoggi had entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to collect a document he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. In Bulgaria on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Khashoggi's slaying a horrendous act that "should be duly dealt with" in a way that doesn't undermine Saudi Arabia's stability. Netanyahu said at a news conference that Iran is a bigger threat than Saudi Arabia and those who want to punish the Middle East kingdom need to bear that in mind. "A way must be found to achieve both goals, because I think that the larger problem is Iran," said the Israeli leader, who attended a meeting of the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania and the president of Serbia at a Black Sea resort. FILE- In this Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 file photo, released by Oman News Agency, Oman's Sultan Qaboos, left, receives Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Muscat, Oman. A surprise visit to Oman by Netanyahu over the weekend appears to have opened the floodgates for a series of appearances by senior Israeli officials in Gulf Arab states, thrusting the once secret back channels of outreach into public view. These newly revealed ties reflect concerns by both Israel and Arabs over Iran's rising influence in the region. (Oman News Agency via AP, File) JUCHITAN, Mexico (AP) - As he traveled with several thousand other migrants through southern Mexico this week with dreams of making it to the U.S. border, Gerson Rivas didn't want the memory of the mother he left behind in Honduras to be carried only in his heart. So he had her name, Esperanza, tattooed in rudimentary, flowing black script on his left forearm. The name in Spanish means "hope." Rivas had the work done in the Mexican city of Juchitan by Jose Manuel de Jesus Sandoval, a 20-year-old Honduran who has done similar rudimentary tattoos for several other fellow migrants in the caravan that set out about three weeks ago. It's hardly what you'd see at a standard tattoo parlor. Sandoval works at night by the glow of cellphones, when the migrants are camped out, or by day with everyone crowded around to watch, his tattoo machine connected to a shared extension cord. He said he has the basics - the machine, ink, gloves, alcohol and gel. Needles can be hard to come by, though, and Sandoval was adamant that he discards each one after a single use. One evening this week, he had run out of clean needles and had a line of clients waiting. Clad in a blue tank top, with his unruly mop of hair dyed the color of straw sticking up from the top of his head, Sandoval has come to be known in the caravan as "the tattooist." In this Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Honduran migrant Jose Manuel de Jesus Sandoval tattoos the hand of a fellow migrant, at a camp set up by a caravan of thousands of Central American migrants in Juchitan, Mexico. Sandoval's informal training comes thanks to eight months he did behind bars in the United States after he was in a car accident and was discovered to be in the country illegally. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) He charges the equivalent of about $5 per letter. That has helped him stay fed - even though locals along the route have sometimes donated food and water to the travelers. Sandoval's informal know-how comes from eight months he spent in jail in the U.S ., after he was in a car accident and was discovered to be in the country illegally. He joined the caravan in Tapachula, in southern Mexico, where he'd been living for several years after being deported. "I've tried 12 times to make it (to the United States). I only made it once, when I was 17, but they put me in prison because of the accident," Sandoval said. "That's where I learned to draw and tattoo." His clients in the caravan are the first people he's ever done tattoos for. Sandoval said he knows his criminal record will make it tough for him to enter the U.S., but he intends to try anyway because he has a daughter in Honduras he wants to support. Another man in the caravan showed off his forearm with the name of his daughter, Yulisa, written in a rough but flowery cursive. Yet another got a small cross done on his hand. And a young woman had Rivas inscribe the name of her boyfriend, who was accompanying her in the caravan. Taking proper care of the tender skin around new tattoos is difficult on the journey, where the migrants often walk dozens of miles each day and bed down for the night outdoors. The 19-year-old Rivas, who had the name of his mother, Esperanza, inked on his arm, said he only finished the sixth grade but has worked as a masonry assistant. Once he gets to the U.S., he hopes to be able to send money back home to his mother and the rest of the family in Honduras, where nearly two-thirds of the population of almost 5.5 million lives in poverty. "Family is the most sacred thing we have. That's why I tattooed the name of my mother - to remember her," he said. "I am going in order to look for work to help them. We needed food. I got tired of looking for work and not finding anything." In this Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Honduran migrant Gerson Noel Rivas shows the tattoo made by fellow migrant Jose Manuel de Jesus Sandoval, at a camp set up by a caravan of thousands of Central American migrants in Juchitan, Mexico. Rivas' tattoo reads in Spanish "Hope," the name of his mother Irma Esperanza Lopez Chacon who is back in Honduras. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Honduran migrant Jose Manuel de Jesus Sandoval tattoos the wrist of Maria Guzman, a migrant from Guatemala, at a camp set up by a caravan of thousands of Central American migrants in Juchitan, Mexico. Sandoval said he knows with his criminal record it will be tough to enter the U.S., but he intends to try anyway because he has a daughter in Honduras he wants to support. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this Oct. 31, 2018 photo,, Honduran Migrant Jose Manuel de Jesus Sandoval tattoos the hand of fellow migrant Felix Bautista, a migrant from Guatemala, at a camp set up by a caravan of thousands of Central American migrants in Juchitan, Mexico. Sandoval says that he joined the caravan in Tapachula, also in southern Mexico, where he'd been living for several years after he was deported from the United States. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) In this Oct. 31, 2018 photo, Honduran Migrant Jose Manuel de Jesus Sandoval laughs while preparing a tattoo on fellow Guatemalan migrant Felix Bautista, at a camp set up by a caravan of thousands of Central American migrants in Juchitan, Mexico. Sandoval has been tattooing the names of loved ones for fellow travelers, working at night by the glow of cellphones and charging the equivalent of about $5 a pop to help keep himself fed. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) BOSTON (AP) - The Latest on the killing of Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger (all times local): 4:19 p.m. A prison workers' union official says sending Boston crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger to a troubled federal penitentiary in West Virginia was like giving him a "death sentence." Jose Rojas represents workers at the Florida prison where Bulger was held before going to West Virginia. Rojas said Friday that someone "dropped the ball" when they decided to transfer him to USP Hazelton. Bulger was beaten to death hours after he arrived at the prison. Authorities say two Massachusetts mobsters are suspects in Bulger's killing. Workers at Hazelton and advocates have been sounding the alarm for years about dangerous conditions due to understaffing. FILE - These 1953 file Boston police booking photos provided by The Boston Globe shows James "Whitey" Bulger after an arrest. Officials with the Federal Bureau of Prisons said Bulger died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in a West Virginia prison after being sentenced in 2013 in Boston to spend the rest of his life in prison. (Boston Police/The Boston Globe via AP) Rojas says officials should have checked to ensure that Bulger wasn't being housed with any potential enemies. Other former prison workers have also questioned why Bulger was placed in Hazelton's general population instead of a more secure setting. ___ 2:45 p.m. A law enforcement official says a second inmate under suspicion in Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger's prison killing is a Massachusetts man convicted of conspiring to kill a teenager to keep her from talking to police. The official who was briefed on the investigation said Friday that 44-year-old Paul J. DeCologero is a suspect in Bulger's death Tuesday at a West Virginia prison. The official insisted on anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case. DeCologero is the second Massachusetts mobster suspected in Bulger's beating. The FBI has declined to comment. Authorities have said only that Bulger's death is being investigated as a homicide. Attorney Jeanne Kempthorne previously represented DeCologero and said she has a "hard time seeing a motive" for him to kill Bulger. ___ Associated Press writer Denise Lavoie reported from Richmond, Virginia. FILE - These 1980s FBI handout file photos show Massachusetts mobster James "Whitey" Bulger. Officials with the Federal Bureau of Prisons said Bulger died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in a West Virginia prison after being sentenced in 2013 in Boston to spend the rest of his life in prison. (FBI via AP, File) FILE - In this June 30, 2011 file photo, James "Whitey" Bulger, right, is escorted from a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to a waiting vehicle at an airport in Plymouth, Mass., after attending hearings in federal court in Boston. Officials with the Federal Bureau of Prisons said Bulger died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in a West Virginia prison after being sentenced in 2013 in Boston to spend the rest of his life in prison. (Stuart Cahill/The Boston Herald via AP, File) FILE - This undated file FBI photo found in Boston during an evidence search and released Dec. 30, 1998, shows James "Whitey" Bulger. Officials with the Federal Bureau of Prisons said Bulger died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in a West Virginia prison after being sentenced in 2013 in Boston to spend the rest of his life in prison. (FBI via AP, File) MIAMI (AP) - Former President Barack Obama told attendees at a Friday campaign event for Florida's Democratic candidates that democracy can't work when words stop having meaning. Obama encouraged a crowd of more than 4,000 to vote for gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and others during the event in Miami. "We need leaders who will actually stand up for what's right, regardless of party," Obama said. "Leaders who represent the best of the American spirit. Patriots who will stand up for anyone whose fundamental rights are at stake." Obama warned voters not to get bamboozled by misinformation while Republicans allow polluters to poison the environment, give tax cuts to billionaires and take health care away from millions. "It's like the con where a door-to-door salesman says you need a security system while his buddy sneaks in the back and steals your stuff," Obama said. "But it's not just the practical effect in terms of policy. When words stop meaning anything, when truth doesn't matter, when people can just lie with abandon, democracy can't work." Besides encouraging Democrats to vote, Obama also tried to bring Republicans to his side. Former President Barack Obama arrives for a campaign rally in support of Democratic candidates, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) "It shouldn't be Democratic or Republican to say we're not going to target certain groups based on what they looked like or how they pray," Obama said. "It shouldn't be Democrat or Republican to know that climate change is real and threatens our futures and our kids' futures." During Obama's speech, a protester shouted that Obama should "denounce ANTIFA" - the protesters who square off against neo-Nazis. Obama responded by citing anger among Trump supporters despite their candidate's win, and asked, "Why are they so mad?" Obama drew boos from critics, but they were silenced by supporters who chanted "Obama" and "Bring it Home!" That protester and two others were escorted out of the venue. Loretta McNeir, a 65-year-old retired civil servant, attended the rally with a group of friends. Like many others in attendance, she had to wait in line under the warm Florida sun before the doors opened. "I went through the civil rights movement, so this is nothing compared to what my people paid the price for to be able to vote," McNeir said. She said she has a special feeling about Gillum. "I haven't found this much excitement since Obama ran," she said. Gillum asked the large crowd of supporters if they were ready to flip Florida blue. "We now find ourselves in this moment where we set the precedent of something great - something transformational in our state," he said. "(We have) the opportunity to put the voice of everyday working people of our state at the centerfold of public policy and decision making - and results inside Tallahassee." Gillum said he wanted voters to give him the chance to provide pay raises for the state's teachers. He said he wants to fight climate change and outlined his plans for Medicaid expansion and criminal justice reform. He also called for stricter background checks for gun buyers. Nelson said Republicans are attempting to undo the legacy of President Obama. Citing the cutting of environmental regulations and medical coverage spending for citizens, he claimed that both he and Gillum could successfully direct the state into a progressive direction. "Now more than ever, the country, indeed Florida, needs people that they can trust," Nelson said. ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics Former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally in support of Democratic candidates, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Former President Barack Obama, center, raises arms with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, left, and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., right, during a campaign rally, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Former President Barack Obama, right, shakes hands with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, left, during a campaign rally, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, left, and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., right, listen as former President Barack Obama, right, speaks during a campaign rally, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) SC suspended release of 73 prisoners The Supreme Court on Friday suspended the release of 73 prisoners accused of involvement in terrorist activities. The Defence Ministry had filed an appeal against the Peshawar High Court verdict that set aside convictions of 73 persons convicted by military courts on terrorism charges, including suicide attacks and killing of law enforcers and civilians. In its plea, the ministry maintained that the accused were involved in terrorist activities and sought a stay on their release. It is pertinent to note that the PHC has suspended the convictions awarded by military courts in various cases. The chief of army staff had confirmed the death sentence of the convicts, however, the families of the convicts had challenged the order in the court and it had stayed their execution. NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on the arrest of actor Alec Baldwin (all times local): 4:35 p.m. Authorities have charged Alec Baldwin with assault and harassment after he was arrested for allegedly striking a man in the face during a dispute over a parking spot outside the actor's New York City home. Baldwin was taken into custody just before 2 p.m. Friday in Manhattan's Greenwich Village neighborhood. He was released two hours later. A court appearance has been scheduled for Nov. 26. Baldwin didn't comment as he walked past reporters and photographers to a waiting SUV. Police say Baldwin claimed he had a family member holding the spot when a man driving a station wagon pulled up and took it. FILE - In this Nov. 27, 2017 file photo, actor Alec Baldwin waits to speak during the Iowa Democratic Party's Fall Gala, in Des Moines, Iowa. Baldwin has been arrested for allegedly punching someone during a dispute over a New York City parking spot. Police say the actor was taken into custody just before 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Manhattan's West Village neighborhood.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) Officials say the men were arguing and pushing each other before the 60-year-old Baldwin hit the other man. The 49-year-old station wagon driver was taken to a hospital with jaw pain. ___ This story has been corrected to show Baldwin's home is in Greenwich Village, not the West Village. ___ 2:45 p.m. Authorities say Alec Baldwin has been arrested after allegedly punching a man in the face during a dispute over a parking spot outside his New York City home. The actor was taken into custody just before 2 p.m. Friday in Manhattan's Greenwich Village neighborhood. Police say Baldwin claimed he had a family member holding the spot when a man driving a station wagon pulled up and took it. Officials say the men were arguing and pushing each other before the 60-year-old Baldwin turned violent. The 49-year-old station wagon driver was taken to a hospital with jaw pain. A representative for Baldwin did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment. Baldwin is known for playing President Donald Trump on "Saturday Night Live." Asked about Baldwin's arrest, Trump said: "I wish him luck." ___ 2:20 p.m. Authorities say Alec Baldwin has been arrested for allegedly punching someone during a dispute over a New York City parking spot. Police say the actor was taken into custody just before 2 p.m. Friday in Manhattan's Greenwich Village neighborhood. A representative for Baldwin did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment. MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (AP) - An Iowa father on trial for the gruesome death of his infant son blamed the baby's mother from the stand Friday. Zachary Paul Koehn, 29, said under questioning from his attorney that he had entrusted care of 4-month-old Sterling Koehn to the baby's mother, the Courier reported . "I put my trust in the wrong person," Koehn said repeatedly. He also pointed to the 70 to 80 hours a week he worked as a truck driver, while the baby's mother, Cheyanne Harris, did not work outside the home. But under cross-examination from the prosecutor, Koehn conceded he took better care of his dog than he did of the baby. He also admitted to being a longtime meth user and providing Harris with meth, as well. Koehn is on trial for murder and child endangerment in the August 2017 death of the baby. The infant was found dead in a maggot-infested diaper and baby swing, weighing only a few ounces more than his birth weight. An autopsy showed the baby died of malnutrition, dehydration and an E. coli infection caused after he was left in a soiled diaper for up to two weeks. Zachary Koehn, 29, testifies, Friday Nov. 2, 2018 in Henry County District Court in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Koehn on trial for murder in the gruesome death of his infant son has taken the stand in his own defense and blamed the baby's mother. (Jeff Reinitz/The Courier via AP) Harris is also charged and faces a separate trial at a later date. Koehn's trial was moved from Chickasaw County to Henry County to counter pretrial publicity in the case. ___ Information from: Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, http://www.wcfcourier.com Medical examiner Dennis Klein testifies in court Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, 2018 in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Klein testified Thursday that a 4-month-old infant Sterling Koehn, found dead and maggot-infested in a baby swing last year, weighed only a few ounces more than his birth weight at the time of his death. The Courier reports that testimony came Thursday in the murder trial of the baby's father, 29-year-old Zachary Paul Koehn, who also faces a child endangerment count in the August 2017 death of his son, Sterling Koehn. (Jeff Reinitz/The Courier via AP) Active-duty military troops have been sent to the US-Mexico border to install coils of razor wire on a bridge of the Rio Grande as the migrant caravan slowly nears toward the US. 'I saw that beautiful barbed wire going up,' Trump said at a Saturday campaign rally in Montana. 'Beautiful sight.' About 100 military members in fatigues were at the northern bank of the river, below the bridge, laying concertina wire. Other soldiers erected wire barriers on the bridge's pedestrian paths. The Pentagon said more than 3,500 troops have been deployed to staging bases along the border, including about 1,000 Marines in California. Meanwhile, the largest caravan traveling through Mexico is still weeks away from the US, and migrants have given no indication where they might cross. The Rio Grande Valley is the shortest route from Central America but also one of the most dangerous. Humanitarian aid has converged around a Mexico City stadium where thousands of Central American migrants were resting after an arduous trek that has taken them through three countries in three weeks. Members of the US military place razor wire along the US-Mexico border on the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge Friday About 100 troops have so far begun setting up razor wires along the Rio Grande Aid workers arrived in Mexico City where a stadium and tents are housing the migrants along their journey Central American migrants, part of a caravan hoping to reach the U.S. are pictured settled in a shelter at the Jesus Martinez stadium, in Mexico City, Monday Mexico City Mayor Jose Ramon Amieva said Tuesday 4,500 migrants have been arriving at the Jesus Martinez stadium since Sunday, and city officials are bracing to attend as many as 5,500 at the site by Wednesday. Hundreds of city employees and even more volunteers were on hand to sort donations and direct migrants toward food, water, diapers and other basics. Migrants searched through piles of donated clothes, grabbed boxes of milk for children and lined up to make quick calls home at a stand set up by the Red Cross as U.S. voters went to the polls for midterm elections in which President Donald Trump has made the migrant caravan a central issue. Employees from the capital's human rights commission registered new arrivals with biographical data- such as age and country of origin- and placed yellow bracelets on wrists to keep count. Rina Valenzuela wore one of the yellow bracelets as she sat attentively listening to aid workers from the nonprofit Institute for Women in Migration explain the difficulties of applying for and securing asylum in the U.S. Valenzuela, who is from El Salvador, decided she's better off applying for refuge in Mexico. 'Why go fight there, with as much effort and as much suffering as we have gone through, just for them to turn me back? Well, no,' she said. U.S.-bound Central American migrants get on to a truck for a a free ride, as part of a thousands-strong caravan moving through Puebla, Mexico, Monday Thousands of Central American migrants have arrived at the stadium, still hundreds of miles away from their goal of reaching the U.S. a day before midterm elections in which they unwittingly became a central issue A big group of Central Americans pushed on toward Mexico City from a coastal state Monday, planning to exit a part of the country that has long been treacherous for migrants seeking to get to the United States US soldiers from various Engineering Units installing concertina wire on the Anzalduas International Bridge over the Rio Grande at the border with Mexico, in support of Operation 'Faithful Patriot', in Texas The aid workers explained that the asylum process in the U.S. could take years, with no guarantee of approval. Honduran Antonio Perez listened to the warnings but said he remains determined to continue north. 'This is interesting but tough news,' he reflected. 'But neither this nor Donald Trump is going to stop me.' The atmosphere at the stadium was more institutional and organized than what migrants encountered on the road, where townspeople pushed bags of drinking water, tacos and fruit into their hands as they passed through tiny hamlets in southern Mexico. But there were signs Tuesday that the stadium was already nearing its capacity to hold 6,000 people. The troops are being sent in what has been described as a support role, helping border agents. 'It's all preparation in anticipation of the caravan,' said Manuel Padilla Jr., the Border Patrol's Rio Grande Valley sector chief. 'We're hoping that these people do not show up at the border. They're not going to be allowed in. Conchita Padilla, a volunteer at the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, said she believes the U.S. has the right to defend its borders. But she also said she is frightened by the troops because she doesn't know what they will do or how they will react to the caravan. 'My worry is that if they fight each other, there might be innocent people in the way that are suffering consequences,' said Padilla, 66. 'We are just praying that they go in peace.' According to an analysis by The Associated Press of FBI statistics, nine U.S. cities along the Mexican border had a violent crime rate of nearly 346 offenses per 100,000 residents in 2017. That's lower than the national rate of almost 383. In Brownsville, it was 257, in McAllen, 144. Those same nine border towns and cities also had a property crime rate of 2,058 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants. Nationwide, the estimated rate was just over 2,362 per 100,000. 'It's almost shocking, but it's true,' Jack Levin, director of Northeastern University's Brudnick Center on Violence. 'The numbers don't lie.' A member of the U.S.military cuts fencing at the U.S.-Mexico border on the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge as they work to place razor wire in the area The Pentagon said more than 3,500 troops have been deployed to staging bases along the border, including about 1,000 Marines in California - here they are pictured placing wires in Texas When President Trump pledged last week to send up to 15,000 troops to the border in response to the caravan of migrants, he unnerved the economically struggling region of 1 million people that stretches over flat, sun-drenched citrus groves and farms of cotton, sugar cane and vegetables. His portrayal of a border under siege by drug smugglers and other criminals is at odds with what residents in towns along the 1,954-mile divide with Mexico see in their daily routines, with U.S. border towns consistently ranking among the safest in the country. Some Valley residents question the need for a large military presence and fear it will tarnish the area's image. And some are afraid of violence if and when the caravan of Central American migrants that the troops have been sent to confront reaches the U.S. border. While the southern tip of Texas is the busiest corridor for illegal crossings, border agents make many arrests far from public view, on uninhabited banks of the Rio Grande and on nearby dirt paths and roads lined by thick brush. 'I feel safer here than when I go up to bigger cities,' lifelong Rio Grande Valley resident Emmanuel Torres said Friday while working at a coffee shop in Brownsville, the region's largest city, with about 200,000 people. Torres, 19, said the area feels 'a lot like family,' and he worries the military presence will fuel outsiders' perceptions of a dysfunctional border. 'I saw that beautiful barbed wire going up,' Trump said at a Saturday campaign rally in Montana. 'Beautiful sight' PHOENIX (AP) - A political ad from President Donald Trump that shows a Mexican immigrant bragging about killing police officers has put the spotlight back on noted immigration hard-liner Joe Arpaio, who detained and released the man in the video years ago. The former six-term sheriff of metro Phoenix says he's being unfairly blamed for releasing the immigrant depicted in the video that has stoked immigration anxieties in the days leading up to the midterm elections. The ad centers on Luis Bracamontes, who was convicted of murder in the 2014 shooting deaths of two sheriff's deputies in California while he was in the United States illegally. Trump blames Democrats for weak laws that allowed the man to keep coming across the border, even though he was deported during the administrations of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Bracamontes was also incarcerated four times in jails run by Arpaio, a Republican who is known for his crackdowns on illegal immigration and being the first person to receive a pardon from Trump. He campaigned for Trump on several occasions during the presidential campaign but lost his bid for a seventh term in 2016 amid a swirl of legal troubles. Arpaio said Friday that he hasn't seen the ad and didn't remember the details of the cases. But he said his jail officers likely acted properly by contacting federal immigration authorities to pick up Bracamontes, because that was the procedure in the jails at the time when inmates completed their sentences. He pinned the blame on federal immigration authorities for dropping the ball. FILE _ In this May 22, 2018, file photo, former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio speaks during a campaign event in Phoenix. Arpaio said Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, that he's being unfairly blamed for releasing from custody a Mexican immigrant featured in a political ad that shows the man in a California courtroom bragging about killing police officers. (AP Photo/Matt York, File) "I would never release an illegal," Arpaio said. "I think my reputation has shown show that for many, many, many years." Bracamontes used several aliases, making it hard to pinpoint his immigration record. California authorities say Bracamontes was deported four times before he killed Sacramento County sheriff's Deputy Danny Oliver and Placer County sheriff's Detective Michael Davis Jr. Bracamontes was deported at least once after doing time in Arpaio's jails in drug cases from 1996 through 2001, according to court records in Arizona. Arpaio said at that time, his office had a system of notifying federal authorities about immigrants in the jail through a teletype system. Both Democrats and Republicans have denounced the ad, which links Bracamontes' crimes to a caravan of Central American migrants moving through Mexico, as a racist campaign tactic. Bracamontes was deported in 1997, when Clinton was in office, according to court records in Arizona. He was arrested for marijuana possession in March 2001 during Bush's administration. It's unclear when he returned to the United States illegally before that arrest. Comparisons have been drawn between the ad and the infamous "Willie Horton" commercial in the 1988 presidential race about a black man who raped a woman while out of prison on a weekend furlough. A news release issued by Arpaio's office in the days after the attack on the California officers is murky on saying whether his office or federal immigration authorities had released Bracamontes onto the streets. Arpaio said he's being unfairly blamed for releasing an immigrant back into the community who nearly 13 years later would kill police officers. He said his jail officers did as much as they could over the years to notify federal authorities when thousands of immigrants were being released from jails. Arpaio, whose contempt of court conviction for disobeying a court order in an immigration case was pardoned by Trump, said he's a convenient target for people looking to criticize the president. "Why am I the bad guy?" Arpaio asked. "You know why? My name." ___ Follow Jacques Billeaud at www.twitter.com/jacquesbilleaud. WASHINGTON (AP) - The State Department said Friday that it will continue to seek a full investigation into the slaying of U.S.-based Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi as it marked International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. Commemorating the day is "particularly important" due to the Khashoggi case, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said. Nauert noted in a statement the State Department's revocation of visas for some of the Saudi officials implicated in the Oct. 2 killing of the writer, who was living in self-imposed exile in the U.S. while writing columns critical of his government for The Washington Post. The State Department is exploring additional measures against anyone determined to be responsible for his death inside a Saudi consulate in Turkey, she said, linking the case to incidents in which journalists have been killed in Somalia, Syria and South Sudan or imprisoned as in Iran, Turkey and China. The statement came the same day President Donald Trump lashed out at what he calls the "fake news media" who criticize him in the U.S. He told reporters at the White House on Friday that some journalists are "creating violence" through their work. A video image of Hatice Cengiz, fiancee of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, is played during an event to remember Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post who was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, in Washington, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) He said that if the media were to "write accurately and write fairly you would have a lot less violence in the country." MONROVIA, Ala. (AP) - Authorities say an Alabama therapist fatally shot the mother of one his patients before killing himself. Madison County Sheriff's Lt. Donny Shaw tells AL.com that 43-year-old Jonathan Neil Coffman killed 36-year-old Sunshine Price Pauly outside of her Monrovia home Friday and then shot himself. Shaw says Coffman was a therapist and treated Pauly's 7-year-old son. News outlets report deputies were called when a woman reported she was in danger and a man was at her home with a gun. Authorities say the man and woman were dead from gunshot wounds when deputies arrived. The woman's 7-year-old child was there but remained unharmed. Shaw says family members are taking care of the child. Investigators say they are still working to determine a motive for the murder-suicide. ATLANTA (AP) - Former President Barack Obama urged Georgia voters on Friday to elect Stacey Abrams governor as a way to counter divisiveness and help keep Republicans from dismantling much of his legacy. Speaking before a raucous crowd at historically black Morehouse College in Atlanta, Obama never mentioned President Donald Trump or Abrams' Republican opponent Brian Kemp by name. But Obama framed Georgia's nationally watched matchup within a larger fight he said goes beyond partisanship. "On Tuesday, you can vote for a politics that is decent, for a politics that is honest, for a politics that is lawful, for a politics that tries to do right by people," Obama said after a lengthy condemnation of the all-GOP government that has run Washington since Obama left office last January. "Make history here in Georgia. Make things better here in Georgia," the nation's first black president said of Abrams' bid to become the first black female governor in American history. Polls show Abrams and Republican Brian Kemp in a tight race that has drawn national attention, even coaxing media icon Oprah Winfrey to Abrams' side Thursday - the kind of political move the billionaire businesswoman had largely avoided since her open support of Obama in 2008. Obama twice lost Georgia by single-digit margins, but population growth among nonwhites and some discontent with Trump in the GOP-leaning, whiter suburbs of Atlanta leave Abrams' backers cautiously optimistic she can pull an upset in a state that hasn't elevated a Democrat to the governor's office since 1998. Former President Barack Obama and Democratic candidate for Georgia Governor Stacey Abrams wave to the crowd during a campaign rally at Morehouse College Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Kemp has embraced Trump's nationalistic tone as he tries to extend the GOP dominance. Trump will travel Sunday to Georgia, appearing with Kemp as part of the president's final multistate tour ahead of the midterms. Abrams is running as an unapologetic liberal, marked by her pledge to reverse Georgia Republicans' refusal to expand Medicaid insurance under Obama's 2010 health care law. Obama noted as much in his 45-minute speech at Morehouse. He chided Republicans, including Kemp, for opposing the Affordable Care Act and only recently turning to ads that tell voters GOP candidates will protect insurance access for Americans with once-disqualifying health conditions. "I want everybody to pay attention to this: They have literally been doing the opposite of what they are saying," Obama said, noting scores of GOP votes to repeal the law. "We can also call it what it is: It's a lie." The former president said the Republican campaign tactic on pre-existing conditions is just one component of "an old playbook" to divide voters and distract from an agenda he said hurts the middle-class for the benefit of billionaires. He mocked Trump's assertion that a migrant caravan coming north from Central America is fundamental threat. As he blasted Trump's decision to send troops to the Southern border, Obama failed to note that he and President George W. Bush also dispatched military personnel to the border, even if not immediately prior to an election. Besides Abrams, Obama recognized two other Democrats looking for upsets in congressional districts that span the northern Atlanta suburbs. Lucy McBath is trying to unseat Rep. Karen Handel, who won a special election last year over Jon Ossoff in a race that became the most expensive House contest ever. Carolyn Bourdeaux is running against Rep. Rob Woodall, who's not faced a serious challenge since winning the seat during the 2010 midterms that were disastrous for Obama. The districts aren't considered top tier pickup opportunities as Democrats try to gain the 23 seats they need for a majority, so a victory by either McBath or Bourdeaux likely would signify a big night nationally for Democrats. Atlanta was part of a two-stop day for Obama on behalf of potentially history-making candidates. He was in Florida earlier for Andrew Gillum, who would be his state's first black governor. ----- Follow Barrow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BillBarrowAP . ----- For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics Former President Barack Obama arrives for a campaign rally in support of Democratic candidates, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Former President Barack Obama speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Former President Barack Obama and Democratic candidate for Georgia Governor Stacey Abrams pose for a photograph with two unidentified family members after a campaign rally at Morehouse College Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) U.S. Rep John Lewis speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) ATLANTA (AP) - With early and absentee voting underway ahead of the Nov. 6 election, Democrats and voting rights groups in Georgia are staging massive voter protection operations, including poll monitors and voter assistance hotlines, to ensure people can access the ballot. "We now talk to more than 700 voters on an average day, and call volume has picked up considerably," Democratic Party of Georgia spokesman Seth Bringman said of their voter protection hotline. At issue is Republican Secretary of State Brian Kemp's run for governor against Democrat Stacey Abrams, who would be the first black female governor in U.S. history if elected. Voting rights groups say Kemp, the state's chief elections officer, can't impartially oversee his own election and his office has a history of voter suppression. Kemp, who has bucked calls to resign or recuse himself, says he is following the law and has made it easier to vote in Georgia. Prominent state Republicans have called the controversy "manufactured" and said it was meant to gin up support for Democrats ahead of the election. Kemp has also swung back at Abrams by saying that she is advocating for "illegals to vote" for her, which Abrams denies. The fight in many ways mirrors a national debate about balancing access to the polls with security at the polls. And it has similarly spilled into the partisan arena. FILE - In this May 20, 2018, file photo, Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp participates in a debate in Atlanta. Former President Jimmy Carter is wading into the final days of a Georgia governor's race that's rife with charges and countercharges of attempted voter fraud and attempted voter suppression. In a letter Carter asked Republican nominee Kemp to resign from his post as Georgia secretary of state. Kemp is locked in a tight race with Democrat Stacey Abrams, whom Carter has endorsed. (AP Photo/John Amis, File) Republicans in Georgia, including Kemp, have pushed for strict voter ID laws, citizenship checks and aggressive voter roll maintenance in the name of protecting elections against fraud and noncitizens voting. But Georgia Democrats, Abrams chief among them, say the policies are purposefully heavy-handed and make voting more difficult for legal citizens, especially minority voters that tend to lean Democrat. Kemp and Abrams, a former state representative, have battled over voting rights and access for years in the Deep South state. Tensions grew after an Associated Press report in early October that more than 53,000 voter applications - nearly 70 percent of them from black applicants - were on hold with Kemp's office ahead of the election. Many of the applications were flagged for failing to pass the state's "exact match" verification process, which requires that identification information on voter registration applications precisely match information held by Georgia Department of Driver Services or the Social Security Administration. Kemp's office says that eligible voters on the "pending" list can still vote if they bring a proper ID that substantially matches their registration information. But critics say county officials aren't always trained to make the proper determination and the system can be particularly hard to navigate for recently naturalized citizens, because other state databases are not automatically updated. The law is the subject of a lawsuit brought by civil rights groups currently working its way through federal courts. A judge on Friday issued an injunction ordering the state to change its procedure to allow people flagged as noncitizens greater opportunity to prove their citizenship at the polls. She ruled that Georgia must immediately start allowing poll managers to clear flagged voters who show proof of citizenship to vote a regular ballot, when only deputy registrars could previously. The ACLU and other groups brought legal action after reports surfaced that one metro Atlanta county was rejecting absentee ballots at a high rate over signatures not matching those on file. Last week, a federal judge issued an injunction ordering Kemp's office to issue guidance to county officials to stop rejecting ballots because of a signature mismatch without first giving voters a chance to fix the problem. In another incident, about 40 black seniors were ordered off a bus taking them from a senior center to early vote by county officials, who said they considered the trip improperly political. Kemp's office said those issues involved county officials, not his office, and his office was investigating. They say that county officials run elections. Kemp and Republicans have strongly pushed back on the assertion that, either through malice or mismanagement, his office has implemented policies and backed laws that sow confusion and make it more difficult for legal citizens to vote. Kemp's campaign called the incidents "fake" and blamed Abrams. "Any voter confusion in our state rests on the shoulders of Stacey Abrams - who is obviously too extreme and dishonest for Georgia," Kemp spokesman Ryan Mahoney said. In a recent campaign statement, Kemp also said that minority participation is up and turnout records have been exceeded during his tenure as secretary of state. "Seven million Georgians are now on our voter rolls - that's one million more than when I took office in 2010," Kemp said. Kemp's office said voters have several ways to address questions or complaints: a dedicated call center, an online portal implemented by Kemp and an email system for addressing issues. And in many cases, county poll workers can help solve problems on the spot, Kemp's office said. But a number of voting rights and ethics watchdog groups are concerned that, with the variety of issues voters are experiencing, those services aren't enough. "It's like a domino effect," said Sara Henderson, executive director of Common Cause Georgia, about the voting issues in Georgia. "We expect lots of problems at the polling places because there has been a complete lack of voter education." ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stracey Abrams watch as former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally at Morehouse College Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea has warned it could revive a state policy aimed at strengthening its nuclear arsenal if the United States does not lift economic sanctions against the country. The statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Friday evening said North Korea could bring back its "pyongjin" policy of simultaneously advancing its nuclear force and economic development if the United States doesn't change its stance. The North sopped short of threatening to abandon ongoing nuclear negotiations with Washington. Still, it accused Washington of derailing commitments made by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump at their June summit in Singapore to work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. It was the first time the North said it could potentially resume weapons tests and other development activities since Kim signaled a new state policy in April. In an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he plans to talk next week with his North Korean counterpart, apparently referring to senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol. Pompeo did not provide the location and date for the meeting, which will likely be focused on persuading North Korea to take firmer steps toward denuclearization and setting up a second summit between their leaders. "A lot of work remains, but I'm confident that we will keep the economic pressure in place until such time as Chairman Kim fulfills the commitment he made to President Trump back in June in Singapore," Pompeo said. The North Korean Foreign Ministry statement, released under the name of the director of the ministry's Institute for American Studies, said the "improvement of relations and sanctions is incompatible." FILE - In this June. 12, 2018, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump, right, meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sentosa Island, in Singapore. North Korea has warned on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, it could revive a state policy aimed at strengthening its nuclear arsenal if the United States does not lift economic sanctions against the country. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) "The U.S. thinks that its oft-repeated 'sanctions and pressure' leads to 'denuclearization.' We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea," it said. The ministry described the lifting of U.S.-led sanctions as corresponding action to the North's "proactive and good-will measures," apparently referring to its unilateral suspension of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and closure of a nuclear testing ground. Following a series of provocative nuclear and missile tests last year, Kim shifted to diplomacy when he met with Trump between three summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who lobbied hard to revive nuclear diplomacy. However, the North has been playing hardball since the summits, insisting that sanctions should be lifted before any progress in nuclear talks, which fueled doubts about whether Kim would ever deal away a nuclear program he may see as his strongest guarantee of survival. Ahead of his first summit with Moon in April, Kim said the country should shift its focus to economic development as the "pyongjin" policy had achieved a "great victory." He also declared that the North would stop nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North dismantled its nuclear testing ground in May, but didn't invite experts to observe and verify the event. "If the U.S. keeps behaving arrogantly without showing any change in its stand, while failing to properly understand our repeated demand, the DPRK may add one thing to the state policy for directing all efforts to the economic construction adopted in April and as a result, the word 'pyongjin' may appear again," Friday's statement said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "Pyongjin" means "dual advancement." Moon has described inter-Korean engagement as crucial to resolving the nuclear standoff. A large number of South Korean CEOs accompanied Moon in his September visit to Pyongyang, when he and Kim agreed to normalize operations at a jointly run factory park and resume South Korean visitors' travel to the North when possible, voicing optimism the international sanctions could end and allow such projects. But South Korea's enthusiasm for engagement with its rival has also created discomfort in the United States amid growing concerns that the North is dragging its feet with its promise to denuclearize. South Korea last month walked back on a proposal to lift some of its unilateral sanctions against North Korea to create diplomatic space following Trump's blunt retort that Seoul could "do nothing" without Washington's approval. ATLANTA (AP) - More than 30 million Americans have cast early ballots ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, eclipsing the 2014 early totals nationally and suggesting a high overall turnout for contests that could define the final two years of President Donald Trump's term. At least 28 states have surpassed their 2014 early votes. And perhaps even more indicative of the unusual enthusiasm this midterm cycle, some states are approaching their early turnout from the 2016 presidential election. Here's a look at some highlights: MASSIVE TURNOUT The 30.6 million ballots includes data from 48 states, with several of those still collecting absentee ballots and welcoming in-person early voters. The total early vote in 2014 was 28.3 million in an election where more than 83 million Americans voted. That was a low turnout (about 36 percent) even by usual standards of a midterm, when there's an expected drop off from presidential elections. Forecasters aren't predicting that overall turnout this year will hit 2016 levels (137.5 million; more than 60 percent of the electorate), but Democratic and Republican analysts, along with independent political scientists, say turnout could approach 50 percent, levels not seen for a midterm since the turbulent 1960s. The Pittsfield, Mass., City Hall is packed with voters on the last day of early voting in Massachusetts, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (Ben Garver/The Berkshire Eagle via AP) BOOMS IN STATES NOT USED TO EXCITING MIDTERMS It's one thing to see Virginia more than doubling its 2014 early turnout. Voters there showed their intensity last year in their governor's race, with record absentee ballot requests and returns and a solid turnout for both parties. But then there's Tennessee. The state has settled firmly into Republican-dominated territory. In 2014, there wasn't a single statewide race that received national attention or a truly competitive House election. But with an open Senate seat thanks to the retirement of Republican Bob Corker, voters are more than eager this year. Through Thursday, early turnout was 217 percent of what it was in 2014. It's even approaching early turnout from 2016, at 80 percent of that presidential-year mark. Several other states with competitive Senate or governor's races - Texas, Nevada, Georgia, among others - are nearing double the 2014 early totals. DEMOCRATS EDGING REPUBLICANS NATIONALLY In states that require party registration, Democrats have cast 41 percent of the early ballots, compared to 36 percent for Republicans. Party strategists on both sides say they are far exceeding their usual numbers in key locales - urban strongholds for Democrats and more rural counties for Republicans. A word of caution from prognosticators: The party analysis isn't always an indicator of final outcomes. There are crossover voters, even in this hyperpartisan era. And there are independents and third-party voters, as well. For the record, those latter groups account for about 23 percent of the ballots in party registration states. For the scorekeepers, though, Virginia, among the states that doesn't have party registration, is replicating its 2017 voting boom - and Democrats swept the top offices last year even amid strong GOP turnout. YOUNG VOTERS IN FLORIDA Trends in Florida's early voting suggest a surge in young voters, a group that historically has low turnout in midterm cycles. Of the 124,000 Floridians aged 18 to 29 who had voted in person at early polling stations as of Thursday, nearly a third did not vote in the presidential election in 2016, according to analysis by University of Florida political science professor Daniel Smith. About half of those new voters were newly registered. "There are newly energized voters who sat out in 2016, or have registered since then, who are turning out. There's no question about that," Smith said. In contrast, for people 65 and older who had voted early and in person, about 7 percent didn't vote in 2016. NEW VOTERS IN GEORGIA It cannot be said enough: It's the voters who don't often participate in midterms who can make the big difference. There's plenty of evidence that both major parties' bases are enthusiastic, but a frequent Election Day voter being so excited that they vote early doesn't change the math. So candidates like Democrat Stacey Abrams and Republican Brian Kemp in the Georgia governor's race are keeping their eye on how many non-2014 voters have cast ballots. An analysis by Georgia-based data analyst Ryan Anderson finds that 36 percent of the 1.8 million early votes in Georgia are new voters. If that held through Election Day, it would be a huge number. Abrams' campaign believes it would benefit them, though Republicans nationally note that President Donald Trump brought many new voters to the polls in 2016 - and those voters are still "new" midterm voters. That said, at least in Georgia, the racial and gender breakdown of the new voters bodes well for Abrams, who is trying to spike turnout among nonwhites, women and millennials. Anderson's analysis finds that barely more than half of the new voters are white in a state where the GOP wants the white share of the electorate to be push toward the mid-60s. Among the other findings: new female voters outnumber men by more than 70,000. The bright spot for Kemp: More than half of early votes come from voters over 65 (though that total includes all races), and there is intense turnout in many of the state's most conservative areas beyond metro Atlanta. ----- Negrete reported from New York. Gary Fineout, Jonathan Mattise, Ryan Dubicki, J.J. Gallagher, Alyssa Maurice, Atticus O'Brien-Pappalardo, and Logan Ulrich contributed to this report. ----- For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics January 22, 1966 marked the start of a new era for Ghana. Modernization was supposed to come in the shape of of 1,030 megawatt-generating Akosombo hydroelectric dam inaugurated that day. The giant Volta River project was constructed in collaboration with the United State and with support from the World Bank which would be able to produce vast quantities of cheap power, boosting the creation of a modern and industrial state. This is a little history of Nkrumah's Akosombo hydroelectric dam. As Ghana population grows, power consumption increases and when power consumption increases power generated was not sufficient for the entire population so Ghana encounted Dumsor under President Jerry John Rawlings, President John Agyekum Kufuor, President Atta Mills, President John Mahama and at the earlier stages of President Akuffo Addo's government this current government suffered dumsor. That was when a member of parliament in opposition described it as "presor" meaning the power outages was frequent. Dumsor during President Mahama's era was the longest that have ever happened in the history of Ghana and it affected families, hospitals, factories, businesses and universities. It drastically reduced productivity in the entire country. Former President Mahama tried to solve the dumsor situation by bringing in power barges but the power problem couldn't solve, Ghana owed Nigeria pertaining to the West Africa gas pipeline so there was not enough funding for fuel to power the other thermal plant. Dumsor was ended during President Akuffo tenure after serious criticism from the opposition leader in parliament (Haruna Iddrisu) calling the situation "presor". Mr President through his economic management team was able to mobilize funds to clear the Nigerian gas debt and have been able to sustain electricity power till now. Mahama should be truthful and thankful to President Akuffo Addo for clearing his mess. Edmund Kyei 1st Vice Chairman Asokwa NPP Member of NPP Communication 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 WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is in the final stretch of a 44-city blitz for the midterm elections, but the America he's glimpsed from the airport arrivals and his armored limousine is hardly a reflection of the nation as a whole. The president has mostly traveled to counties that are whiter, less educated and have lower incomes than the rest of the United States, according to Census Bureau data. It's a sign that he is seeking to galvanize the same group of voters that helped carry him to victory in 2016. Trump has largely eschewed the big metropolises for smaller cities. He has been to Tampa, Nashville, Cleveland and Houston - where the arenas could accommodate his crowds. But he's primarily been jet-setting to smaller places such as Elko, Nevada (population 20,078). Or, Mosinee, Wisconsin (population 4,023). Or, Belgrade, Montana (population 7,874). When Trump stops at Belgrade on Saturday, historical records suggest he will be the second president to visit the Montana town named after Serbia's capital city. In 2009, Barack Obama held a town hall in Belgrade to promote the Affordable Care Act. Since March, Trump has crisscrossed the country like a salesman with a set territory. The majority of his trips have been to just nine states. They are Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Indiana, West Virginia and Nevada. Trump won eight of those states in 2016, but not Nevada. And this year, seven of them feature a major Senate race with a Democratic incumbent. The former casino magnate has visited one city twice for the midterms: Las Vegas. In this Oct. 18, 2018, file photo, a campaign rally is seen from the motorcade, with President Donald Trump aboard, at Minuteman Aviation Hangar in Missoula, Mont. Trump is in the final stretch of a 44-city blitz for the midterm elections, but the America he's glimpsed from the airport arrivals and his armored limousine is hardly a reflection of the nation as a whole. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, file) Here is a portrait of the America that the president is seeing: LOWER INCOMES Trump has journeyed to counties where it's slightly more of a struggle to reach and stay in the middle class. Out of his scheduled rallies, 74 percent are in counties with median incomes that fall below the national level. But he's brought tidings of a 49-year low unemployment rate and accelerated economic growth to places that mostly lag the median U.S. household income of $55,032. In September, Trump went to Wheeling, West Virginia. The typical household income in the county surrounding Wheeling is $41,986, or about $13,000 below the national level. The metro area has lost 818 jobs in the 12 months that ended in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And for West Virginia, coal mine jobs have declined this year after a hiring bump in 2017. "Your state is booming like never before," Trump told the crowd in Wheeling. "And our great coal miners are back to work." Trump has visited a few affluent counties. He stopped by Rochester, Minnesota, where incomes are high because of the presence of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. And during a special congressional election in August, the president campaigned in Delaware County, Ohio, where the median household income of $94,234 is just shy of being double the national average. FEWER COLLEGE DEGREES Just 18.1 percent of the adults in Elko County, Nevada hold a college degree. That's compared to 30.3 percent nationwide. Of the 43 places Trump is visiting, 28 have a below-average share of college graduates. Elko's economy is unique because it relies on mining gold, instead of the office and health care jobs that often require a college diploma. The county has five active gold mines, according to the Nevada Commission on Mineral Resources. This makes it something of an outlier in country where mining metal ore accounts for 0.03 percent of all jobs. Trump went to Elko in part to help push for the re-election of Republican Sen. Dean Heller, who is in a tight race against Democratic Rep. Jacky Rosen. Heller flattered the president - and provided the lone reference to the local economy - by telling him, "I think everything you touch turns to gold." When Trump has gone to more educated counties, it's often because they have a major college campus and venues where people can gather. Missoula is home to the University of Montana and 41.8 percent of its adults are college graduates. The University of Missouri is in Columbia, where 46.8 percent of adults hold college degrees. RACE Other than his rallies at big cities, Trump has generally been in communities that are overwhelmingly white. The U.S. population is 73.3 percent white, but almost three-fourths of the places where the president has stumped for midterms are above that average. In the county surrounding Council Bluffs, Iowa, 88.7 percent of the population is non-Hispanic whites. Trump told the crowd at his rally that Democrats would allow Central American gangs such as MS-13 to immigrate freely into the United States, a claim disputed by Democratic lawmakers. "They want to turn America, these Democrats - and that's what they want - into a giant sanctuary for criminal aliens and the MS-13 killers," Trump said. In the area around Council Bluffs, 6.1 percent of the population is of Mexican descent. About 1 percent are from other Hispanic nations. By comparison, 17.3 percent of the U.S. population is Hispanic. The biggest outlier in Trump's schedule may be his rally Sunday in Macon, Georgia. Its county is 53.9 percent black, making it the lone place being visited by the president where minorities make up the majority of the population. Trump is going there to promote the gubernatorial candidacy of Republican Brian Kemp. He is running against Democrat Stacey Abrams, who is trying to become the first black female governor in U.S. history. WASHINGTON (AP) - Gender politics have been a defining issue of this election cycle, beginning back with the mobilization by women against the victory and inauguration of President Donald Trump. But it's not clear whether the #MeToo movement - and the controversy that sometimes surrounds it - will translate into political success for either party on Tuesday. More women than ever before won major party primaries for Congress and governor this year, giving women the chance to significantly increase their numbers in office. They're donating more money to political campaigns, too, and they've become a well-established force in the 2018 elections. "I feel very good about where women are going to be," said Christina Reynolds, the vice president of communications for EMILY's List, a group dedicated to supporting Democratic women in politics. "I think regardless of what happens, women have shown that they are no longer happy with other people representing them and speaking for them." But Republicans, too, feel the focus on gender politics could benefit them. The fight over Justice Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court galvanized their voters, they say, and could be a factor in races including the close re-election campaign for Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota. Meanwhile, #MeToo's impact has had ripples in other races, too. In Minnesota, Rep. Keith Ellison is fending off allegations of abuse from an ex-girlfriend that have turned the race for state attorney general on its head. Ellison has denied those allegations. In the same state, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat, and Karen Housley, a Republican, are fighting over the seat that Smith was appointed to after Al Franken resigned following allegations by women that he touched them inappropriately. FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2018 file photo, Women's March demonstrators walk past the White House in Washington. Gender politics have been the defining issue of this election cycle, beginning with the mobilization by women against the election and inauguration of President Donald Trump. But it is not yet clear whether the glass will crack or shatter on Election Day 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Like most midterm elections, the 2018 campaign is also a referendum on the incumbent president. And among women, who vote historically at higher rates than men, Trump's standing is still bleak. In the latest NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist poll, 49 percent of women said that they disapproved of Trump's performance, compared with 44 percent of men. And 51 percent of women overall said that Trump would be a major factor in their vote. "Women have been energized for a long time, and it's connected to Donald Trump," said Karine Jean-Pierre, a senior adviser for MoveOn.org and a veteran of four Democratic presidential campaigns. "We are in this really awful time where people are just tired and ready and there's been such an energy around electoral politics, for at least a year since the Women's March." Republican women say they, too, can lay claim to a share of the energy, particularly in the weeks since the bruising fight over Kavanaugh's nomination. Alice Stewart, a veteran of Republican presidential campaigns, said it's critical that the #MeToo movement "stay strong and continue." "It has done a lot of good to hold men in power and men who have committed these acts accountable," she said in an interview. "In terms of significance, it is greater than the midterm elections." But, Stewart added, in the case of Kavanaugh's confirmation, the movement was "temporarily hijacked for certain groups for their own gain," a tactic that she believes ended up hurting Democrats. "In that instance, it backfired. It galvanized Republicans. It made them unite behind Brett Kavanaugh," she said. "I say it backfired in that it reignited the intensity of Republicans due to the levels that the Democrats would go to, to turn the confirmation process into such a character assassination." But women who opposed Kavanaugh said the energy from recent protests in Washington and elsewhere over his nomination would fuel Democratic women in 2018 and beyond. Kelley Robinson, the national organizing director for Planned Parenthood Action Fund, remembered standing on the Supreme Court steps, addressing a rally after Kavanaugh was confirmed. "I've never felt that kind of wave of sadness, of grief and of anger that I felt in front of that large group," she said. Robinson said she believes that voters - and particularly women - will remember that fight. Every senator that voted for Kavanaugh, Robinson said, "they sided with folks that disbelieved, that mocked survivors and sided against women." Sarah Sherman, who founded Vote MeToo PAC to support female candidates this year, said that after the Kavanaugh vote she personally felt "really steamrolled, but we peeled ourselves off the pavement" to continue to fight on behalf of women. The fight was "definitely something that has galvanized Republicans," she said. But she also said there may be women - some survivors of assault themselves - who will be propelled to the polls by the Women's March, the Kavanaugh battle and in rebuke to the Trump presidency who go unseen. "When you're walking in there, you don't have to explain yourself to anyone. You don't have to explain yourself to your boss," she said. "You still have your vote." Some women said that while #MeToo is not explicitly aimed toward electing more women or driving female voters to the polls, the movement and the new wave of women in politics share the same fuel. "It's about ways of approaching the same basic problem: A group of people who have not seen themselves reflected in the power system is stepping up and saying, 'This isn't working for me. I want to push back against the status quo because otherwise, I won't be protected or fought for,'" said Amanda Litman, a co-founder of Run For Something, which helps left-leaning millennials run for office. At its core, the #MeToo movement is a cultural movement, and cultural movements often far outpace national politics, said Shaunna Thomas, a co-founder of Ultraviolet, which advocates for women's rights. She noted that November's elections are the first "since women around the country started demanding that sexual abusers be held accountable." "An electoral outcome at this stage is a lot to expect of a movement that is about challenging patriarchy -- it's a huge goal," offered Thomas. "It's not just, we want fewer women to be sexually assaulted or raped or harassed. What we're demanding is a world where women have control over their own bodies, their own minds. That's a project that goes far beyond needing to build and exercise electoral power." ___ For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics In this Oct. 15, 2018 photo, Virginia Congressman Dave Brat, R-Va., left, shakes hands with Democratic challenger Abigail Spanberger, right, after a debate at Germanna Community College in Culpeper, Va. The path to power in the House runs through a few dozen districts in Tuesday's election, with Republicans defending their majority and Democrats looking to gain 23 seats they would need to win control. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2018 file photo, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif, center, marches in the Women's March as they walk to the White House from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. Gender politics have been the defining issue of this election cycle, beginning with the mobilization by women against the election and inauguration of President Donald Trump. But it is not yet clear whether the glass will crack or shatter on Election Day 2018. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) ISLA, Mexico (AP) - Hundreds of Central American migrants from a 4,000-strong caravan winding its way through southern Mexico and toward the U.S. border splintered off on their own Saturday after broken promises of bus transportation. Patience appeared to be wearing thin among the exhausted trekkers after Veracruz Gov. Miguel Angel Yunes reneged on an offer Friday to provide buses to leapfrog the migrants to the Mexican capital. Tempers flared as the migrants struggled with exhaustion, blisters, sickness and swollen feet. Caravan organizers have pleaded for buses in recent days after three weeks on the road, hitching rides and walking. The group scattered between several towns in Veracruz Saturday, raising questions of whether they would stick together. Several thousand planned to spend the night in Isla, about 700 miles (1,126 kilometers) south of the U.S. border, while another large contingent hunkered down in Juan Rodriguez Clara and yet another reached Tierra Blanca, 80 miles (129 kilometers) to the north. In a statement, the migrants lambasted Mexican officials for directing them northward through the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz, calling it the "route of death." Some migrants branched off in the belief that they were near the metropolises of Puebla and Mexico City, where they aimed to rest and receive medical attention. A trek via the sugar fields and fruit groves of Veracruz takes them through a state where hundreds of migrants have disappeared in recent years, falling prey to kidnappers looking for ransom payments. Central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, a ride on in the trunk of a taxi, in Acayucan, Veracruz state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo / Marco Ugarte) Authorities in Veracruz said in September they had discovered remains from at least 174 people buried in clandestine graves. Some security experts have questioned whether those bodies belonged to migrants. Ibis Villanueva, 32, said he decided to strike out on his own for Puebla because he felt frustrated by the lack of organization in the caravan. "We don't believe the coordinators anymore. Yesterday they said we were going on bus, today no," said the sunburned welder from Honduras. Gerardo Perez, a 20-year-old migrant, said he was tired. "They're playing with our dignity. If you could have only seen the people's happiness last night when they told us that we were going by bus and today we're not," he said. The caravan's 'strength in numbers' strategy has enabled them to mobilize support as they move through Mexico and has inspired subsequent migrants to try their luck via caravan. Mexico now faces the unprecedented situation of having three caravans stretched over 300 miles (500 kilometers) of highway in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz, with a total of more than 6,000 migrants. On Friday, a caravan from El Salvador waded over the Suchiate River into Mexico, bringing 1,000 to 1,500 people who want to reach the U.S. border. That caravan initially tried to cross the bridge between Guatemala and Mexico, but Mexican authorities told them they would have to show passports and visas and enter in groups of 50 for processing. Another caravan, also of about 1,000 to 1,500 people, entered Mexico earlier this week and is now in Chiapas. That group includes Hondurans, Salvadorans and some Guatemalans. The first, largest group of mainly Honduran migrants entered Mexico on Oct. 19. At its peak that caravan swelled to an estimated 7,000 participants. Mexican officials appear conflicted over whether to help or hinder their journeys. Immigration agents and police have at times detained migrants in the smaller caravans. There has also been pressure on the main caravan, with federal police pulling over freight trucks and forcing migrants off, saying that clinging to the tops or sides of the trucks was dangerous. But several mayors have rolled out the welcome mat for migrants who reached their towns - arranging for food and camp sites. Mexico's Interior Department says nearly 3,000 of the migrants in the first caravan have applied for refuge in Mexico and hundreds more have returned home. With or without the government's help, uncertainty awaits. President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. troops to the Mexican border in response to the caravans. More than 7,000 active duty troops have been told to deploy to Texas, Arizona and California ahead of the midterm elections. He plans to sign an order next week that could lead to the large-scale detention of migrants crossing the southern border and bar anyone caught crossing illegally from claiming asylum. __ Associated Press writer Amy Guthrie in Mexico City contributed to this report. Central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, scramble to get a ride on a truck, in Isla, Veracruz state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. The 150 buses that the Governor of Veracruz promised to the Central American migrants to get to Mexico City, did not arrive. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) Central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S., take a bath in Isla, Veracruz state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo / Marco Ugarte) Central American children, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, play with a globe, at a makeshift shelter in Sayula de Aleman, Veracruz state, Mexico, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, travel on a truck in Loma Bonita, Oaxaca state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) A family of Central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. have a snack, in Acayucan, Veracruz state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo / Marco Ugarte) A boy gives food to central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, as they travel on a truck, in Loma Bonita, Oaxaca state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S., take a bath in Isla, Veracruz state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo / Marco Ugarte) Honduran migrant Josue and his son, part of the Central American migrants caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, ask for money at a road in Acayucan, Veracruz state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo / Marco Ugarte) Central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, wait to get a ride on a truck, in Isla, Veracruz state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) Nicaraguan migrant Javier Velazquez wheels his 14-year-old son across the highway, as part of the Central American migrant caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, in Acayucan, Veracruz state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Javier Velazquez said that Axel was shot in the leg during protests in Nicaragua and both are looking for political asylum in the United States. (AP Photo / Marco Ugarte) Doris Vanesa Perdomo and her daughter Nicol, left, talk while traveling with fellow Central American migrants on a truck in Loma Bonita, Oaxaca state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, get a ride on a truck, in Acayucan, Veracruz state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo / Marco Ugarte) MINYA, Egypt (AP) - Hundreds of Egyptian Christians attended a funeral service Saturday after seven people were killed in an ambush by Islamic State militants of buses carrying pilgrims to a remote desert monastery. The service at Prince Tadros church in the central city of Minya was held amid tight security. Minya's top cleric, Anba Makarios, led prayers over a row of six white coffins, all victims from the same family. A separate funeral was held for the seventh victim, a bus driver. Relatives of the victims cried and held each other for support. Some rested their heads on the coffins and wept. A list of the victims' names released by the church said a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were among the dead. Nineteen were wounded in the attack, according to the church. Aida Shehata, who was shot in her legs, said masked men opened fire on three buses from different directions. Two of the buses were able to speed away and reach the monastery, but the militants stopped the third one and killed the driver and six of the passengers, including her husband and his brother. "The driver tried to go to the monastery but they (the militants) were faster," Shehata told a Coptic TV network. An Islamic State affiliate based in the restive northern Sinai Peninsula claimed the attack, calling it revenge for the imprisonment of "our chaste sisters," without elaborating. A relative of a slain Christian grieves during funeral service at Church of Great Martyr Prince Tadros, in Minya, Egypt, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Coptic Christians in the Egyptian town of Minya prepared to bury their dead, a day after militants ambushed three buses carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery, killing seven and wounding 19. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) The attack cast a shadow on one of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's showpieces - the World Youth Forum - which opens Saturday in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The forum is drawing thousands of local and foreign youth to discuss a wide range of topics, with Egypt's 63-year-old leader taking center stage. In an apparent effort to keep the attack from overshadowing the start of the three-day conference, two state-owned newspapers ran front-page banner headlines about the forum. Akhbar al-Youm ran a large photo of el-Sissi cycling in Sharm el-Sheikh. Its reference to the attack lower down in the page made no mention of casualties. IS has repeatedly targeted Egypt's Christians as punishment for their support of el-Sissi, who led the military's 2013 ouster of an elected but divisive Islamist president. El-Sissi, who has made security among his top priorities since taking office in 2014, wrote on his Twitter account that Friday's attack was designed to harm the "nation's solid fabric" and pledged to continue fighting terrorism. He later offered his condolences when he spoke by telephone with Pope Tawadros II, spiritual leader of Egypt's Orthodox Christians and a close ally of the president. Begemy Nassem Nasr, the priest of the church of St. Mary in the central Egyptian city of Minya, near where the attack took place, suggested it was meant to embarrass el-Sissi as he hosted the youth forum. "I think that this is a terrorist act which is targeting Egypt through playing the card of the Copts," he said. Friday's attack was the second to target pilgrims heading to the St. Samuel the Confessor monastery in as many years, indicating that security measures put in place since then are inadequate. The previous attack in May 2017 left nearly 30 people dead. IS has also targeted Christian churches with a series of suicide bombings since December 2016 that have killed scores of people. The attacks led to tighter security around Christian places of worship and Church-linked facilities, where metal detectors and armed police are routinely deployed. They have also underlined the vulnerability of minority Christians in the conservative, Muslim-majority country. The Interior Ministry, which oversees the police, said Friday's attackers used secondary dirt roads to reach the buses carrying the pilgrims, who were near the monastery at the time of the attack. Only pilgrims have been allowed on the main road leading to the monastery since last year's attack. Some Christians in Minya said police negligence was partly to blame for the latest attack, saying they stopped providing armed escorts for pilgrims' buses. "They should have escorted them. They know it is dangerous to leave them alone on that road," said Youssef Attya, a 38-year-old health worker from Minya. The Interior Ministry said police were pursuing the attackers, who fled the scene. Egypt's Christians, who account for some 10 percent of the country's 100 million people, have long complained of discrimination. Christian activists say the church's alliance with el-Sissi has offered the ancient community a measure of protection, but sectarian violence still flares from time to time, especially in poorer and more rural areas. Christians make up some 35 percent of the population in Minya, more than in any other governorate. The area has also seen the most acts of violence against Christians in recent years. Christians there accuse the local police of going easy on Muslim assailants, saying authorities prefer to resolve disputes through reconciliation rather than arresting and prosecuting those who commit crimes. ___ Hendawi reported from Cairo. Coffins of the slain Coptic Christians are seen during their funeral service at Church of Great Martyr Prince Tadros, in Minya, Egypt, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018.Coptic Christians in the Egyptian town of Minya prepared to bury their dead, a day after militants ambushed three buses carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery, killing seven and wounding 19. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) Relatives of killed Coptic Christians grieve during their funeral at Church of Great Martyr Prince Tadros, in Minya, Egypt, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Coptic Christians in the Egyptian town of Minya prepared to bury their dead, a day after militants ambushed three buses carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) A priest spreads incense during funeral service for the slain Christians at Church of Great Martyr Prince Tadros, in Minya, Egypt, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Coptic Christians in the Egyptian town of Minya prepared to bury their dead, a day after militants ambushed three buses carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery, killing seven and wounding 19. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) Relatives of the slain Coptic Christians grieve during their funeral at Church of Great Martyr Prince Tadros in Minya, Egypt, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church and the Interior Ministry say Islamic militants have ambushed three buses carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery south of the Egyptian capital of Cairo, killing at least seven and wounding a dozen more. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) A man screams beside a bus carrying Coptic Christians which came under attack outside Cairo, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. Islamic militants on Friday ambushed a bus carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery south of the Egyptian capital, killing at least seven and wounding a dozen more, the Interior Ministry said.(Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church via AP) Coptic Christians chant slogans during a protest following an attack on a bus carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery, in Minya, Egypt, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church and the Interior Ministry say Islamic militants have ambushed three buses carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery south of the Egyptian capital of Cairo, killing at least seven and wounding a dozen more. (AP Photo/Mohammed Hakim) A relative of a killed Coptic Christian grieves during a funeral at Church of Great Martyr Prince Tadros, in Minya, Egypt, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Coptic Christians in the Egyptian town of Minya prepared to bury their dead, a day after militants ambushed three buses carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - Voters in several parts of Myanmar went to the polls Saturday in 13 by-elections seen as a test of support for leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling party. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a landslide victory in the 2015 general election, putting an end to decades of rule by the military and its proxies, though the army retains considerable power under a constitution it implemented. Suu Kyi's appeal with the country's Buddhist majority has not suffered much from a crisis involving 700,000 members of the Muslim Rohingya minority who fled a brutal army counterinsurgency campaign in the country's west. Still, economic development has been lagging. The 13 parliamentary seats at stake represent a tiny fraction of the 1,171 national, regional and state assembly seats nationwide, and by-elections rarely drum up the same level of enthusiasm as a general election. The next general election is in 2020. The seats became vacant through death or resignation. The two seats at stake in Yangon, the country's biggest city, are all but certain to stay in the NLD's hands. Turnout in Yangon appeared to be low, but several voters there said they are keeping the faith in Suu Kyi. A voter casts his ballot at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Myanmar staged by-elections Saturday in 13 constituencies, a few for the national parliament, the rest at the state or regional levels. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw) "We don't see we are going to get immediate change. It's impossible to make things right that have already been wrong for many years," said Htun Thein, a Yangon voter. "We have to give them time and have understanding." Because of that, he said, voters "have to encourage and support" the NLD. Myo Pa Pa Htun had a simpler explanation for supporting the NLD candidate: "Because we like and love Mother Su very much, that's the thing." Other contests are taking place in ethnic minority regions where 2015 votes for installing Suu Kyi and slapping down the military's favored candidates may give way to more traditional loyalties to local ethnic parties. That possible political realignment could come at the ruling NLD's disadvantage. Areas involved include Chin, Shan and Rakhine states. Low voter turnout may be the main hallmark of Saturday's polls, though more so in Yangon than in ethnic minority regions. In Yangon's Tamwe township, more than 70,000 voters cast ballots in 2015's general election, according to Toe Win, the NLD's candidate for the constituency. He estimated Saturday's turnout will reach around 20,000. Toe Win is running to fill the seat of President Win Myint, who by law had to step down from his legislative post when he was appointed the country's chief executive earlier this year. Businessman Maung Maung said he had to queue with hundreds of voters to vote in 2015. "This morning I saw about 20 voters. In 2015, more than 200 people were ahead of me. The ruling party should take it as a lesson for 2020," he said. "Falling voter turnout in the by-elections raises big questions about the NLD's popularity midway through its five-year term," said Yan Myo Thein, a political commentator in Yangon. "People particularly in ethnic areas have been disappointed about the NLD's election promises, the performance of the government and MPs and economic burdens." A voter casts her ballot at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Myanmar staged by-elections Saturday in 13 constituencies, a few for the national parliament, the rest at the state or regional levels. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw) A voter casts her ballot at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Myanmar staged by-elections Saturday in 13 constituencies, a few for the national parliament, the rest at the state or regional levels. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw) A voter registers to cast her ballot at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Myanmar staged by-elections Saturday in 13 constituencies, a few for the national parliament, the rest at the state or regional levels. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw) A voter prepares to cast his ballot at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Myanmar staged by-elections Saturday in 13 constituencies, a few for the national parliament, the rest at the state or regional levels. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw) A woman marks her finger with ink indicating she voted as she leaves a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Myanmar staged by-elections Saturday in 13 constituencies, a few for the national parliament, the rest at the state or regional levels. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw) A voter registers to cast the ballot at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Myanmar staged by-elections Saturday in 13 constituencies, a few for the national parliament, the rest at the state or regional levels. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw) A police officer stands on the top of a building to provide security near a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Myanmar staged by-elections Saturday in 13 constituencies, a few for the national parliament, the rest at the state or regional levels. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw) BEIJING (AP) - The Dominican Republic opened its embassy in Beijing Saturday, months after cutting ties with Taiwan amid a Chinese diplomatic offensive that aims to politically isolate the island it claims as its own territory. Speaking at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the Caribbean island nation's decision to switch diplomatic relations to Beijing "serves the fundamental interests of the Dominican people and completely conforms to the trend of the times." Also present was Dominican President Danilo Medina, who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. Both the Dominican Republic and El Salvador broke diplomatic ties with Taiwan earlier this year as Beijing steps-up up diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who has refused to endorse its stand that Taiwan is a part of China. Only 17 mainly small, developing countries still recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation. Taiwan split from mainland China during a civil war in 1949. China considers the self-governing island to be part of its territory. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, third right, Dominican Republic's President Danilo Medina, thrid left, Chancellor Miguel Vargas, second left, and Ambassador to China Briunny Garabito Segura , left, attend the opening ceremony of Dominican Republic's embassy in Beijing Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (Thomas Peter/Pool Photo via AP) Guests take pictures during the opening ceremony of Dominican Republic's embassy in Beijing Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (Thomas Peter/Pool Photo via AP) China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, second right, Dominican Republic's President Danilo Medina, second left, Chancellor Miguel Vargas, left, attend the opening ceremony of Dominican Republic's embassy in Beijing Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (Thomas Peter/Pool Photo via AP) MOSCOW (AP) - Russia's Foreign Ministry says the Afghan government and the Taliban have agreed to take part in talks next week in Moscow on the Afghan peace process. The talks were postponed in August after Afghanistan refused to send a delegation, saying the Taliban should first agree to direct talks with Kabul. The Friday meeting, which is at the deputy foreign minister level, will include delegations from Afghanistan's High Peace Council and from the Taliban's Qatar-based political office, according to a ministry statement on Saturday. The statement also said the United States, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had been invited, but did not clarify which countries had accepted. The Scottish Secretary has met cyclists on the final stage of their journey from Lockerbie to Syracuse in the United States as the 30th anniversary of the bombing approaches. Pan Am flight 103 was on its way from London to New York when it exploded above Lockerbie on the evening of December 21, 1988, killing 259 people on board and 11 people on the ground. David Mundell is in the United States to visit Syracuse University which lost 35 students in the atrocity in 1988, and to take part in the annual remembrance week at the institution. He was in New York on Tuesday to wave off a group of five charity cyclists on the third and final stage of their 3,238-mile journey from Lockerbie to Syracuse to remember those who died. This morning Scottish Secretary @DavidMundellDCT saw @CycletoSyracuse off from Central Park, NYC, on the final leg of their 700-mile journey to @SyracuseU from @LockerbieAc. It marks the 30th anniversary of the Lockerbie bombing #CycletoSyracuse #Lockerbie #Syracuse #PanAm103 pic.twitter.com/NRMyE9EbMw Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland (@ScotSecofState) October 30, 2018 Mr Mundell said: This is a really important way of marking the 30th anniversary of the Lockerbie bombing. It is about respecting and remembering those people who died that night, but also looking forward to strengthening and deepening the relationship thats grown up between Lockerbie and Syracuse. Scottish Secretary David Mundell with the five Cycle to Syracuse cyclists (Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland/PA) It has been very moving for me personally to see off the Cycle to Syracuse cyclists from New York City on the final leg of their journey to Syracuse University. A journey that has taken them round schools in the Lockerbie area and up to Edinburgh, and across the USA. The five Cycle to Syracuse riders represent Lockerbie Academy, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service and the RAF Mountain Rescue Service. Cycle team leader Colin Dorrance, who was a young off-duty police officer on the night of the bombing, has described the prospect of completing the ride in the US as exciting, humbling and moving. The first stage of the journey involved local pupils riding exercise bikes or their own bike at school, while the second stage saw more than 100 people cycle from Lockerbie to Edinburgh on October 13. For the third and final stage the core group of five cyclists travelled to the US to complete the Arlington to Syracuse leg of the journey. The journey from Lockerbie Academy to Syracuse University in New York state covers 3,238 miles, with the distance cycled totalling around 672 miles. As well as remembering the 270 people who died the cycle ride is also raising money for Soul Soup, a local youth mental health charity. Theresa May has renewed her war of words with Moscow over the nerve agent attack in Salisbury. The Prime Minister again accused Russia of being behind the sickening incident. Mrs May made the remarks as she thanked Nordic leaders for their support for the UKs position in the aftermath of the attack. Britain blamed the Russian GRU military intelligence agency for the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia with Novichok in the Wiltshire town in March. Addressing a meeting of the Nordic Council in Oslo, the PM said: We believe that global stability, security and prosperity depend on adherence to the well-established international system of rules, treaties and protocols. And we recognise that it is not enough to simply hold such beliefs. Inquiries taking place in Salisbury earlier this year (Andrew Matthews/PA) We must be prepared to speak and act in their defence. We saw that earlier this year when the Russian state deployed chemical weapons in my country. And all five Nordic governments stepped up to stand alongside the UK. The sickening attack was systematic of a period in which the rules and norms that underpin international behaviour are being tested and challenged by both malign states and non-state actors. Permitting such a degradation of the rules-based order risks an increase in global instability. It makes it all the more difficult for nations to co-operate with one another to tackle common challenges. We must work together to take practical steps in defence of the international order and in defiance of those who would undermine it. That can be through diplomacy as the UK and Nordic world showed after Salisbury. Russia has also been blamed for the death of 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess and the poisoning of her partner Charlie Rowley, who are believed to have come into contact with Novichok discarded by the Skripals attackers. A man found guilty of deliberately trying to infect 10 men with HIV has lost challenges against his conviction and sentence. Hairdresser Daryll Rowe watched proceedings via video link from prison as leading judges rejected his appeal applications on Thursday. Lady Justice Hallett, sitting with two other judges at the Court of Appeal in London, announced that the grounds presented on his behalf in relation to both conviction and sentence were unarguable. Rowe, now 28, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 12 years by a judge at Brighton Crown Court in April. Rowe during a police interview where he denied having HIV (Sussex Police/PA) He became the first man in the country to be found guilty of intentionally setting out to spread the virus. Felicity Gerry QC had argued on Rowes behalf during the appeal proceedings that a submission of no case to answer should have been accepted by the trial judge. She said: Our primary submissions are that the submission of no case to answer should have succeeded. That not having succeeded, the summing up was inadequate. But the prosecution argued that there was no merit in the bold submissions made on Rowes behalf. Rowe was convicted of 10 charges five of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and five of attempting to do so. His victims cannot be identified for legal reasons and Lady Justice Hallett emphasised that nothing must be published which could lead to their identification. At his trial, Rowe was accused of launching a deliberate campaign to infect gay men he met on a dating app after being diagnosed in April 2015 in his home city of Edinburgh. He had sex with eight of them in Brighton, East Sussex, between October that year and February 2016, and later with two others in the North East. Rowe told jurors he believed he had been cured of the virus by the time he moved to Brighton, having adopted the practice of drinking his own urine as a treatment, supplemented with natural remedies, including oregano, coconut and olive leaf oils. Lady Justice Hallett said the court was entirely satisfied that the trial judge was right to refuse to withdraw the case from the jury. Announcing the decision on the conviction application, she said: We are satisfied that the grounds of appeal are unarguable. The appeal judges concluded that nothing raised on Rowes behalf had undermined the safety of the conviction. Lady Justice Hallett said the trial was a thorough review of the evidence and the issues, and the summing up was full and fair. She added: The issues were straight forward and the jury convicted on a powerful case. It was argued during the hearing that Rowes sentence was manifestly excessive and wrong in principle. But Lady Justice Hallett announced: A life sentence is a sentence of last resort, reserved for cases of extreme gravity, but in this case we are satisfied that the judge was right to conclude that the applicant is dangerous. She added: The nature and seriousness of the offences was such that only a life sentence was justified, despite the applicants age and his previous background. Rowe was convicted in November last year, and when sentenced by Judge Christine Henson QC in April she told him that statements from victims described living with a life sentence as a result of your cruel and senseless acts. Victims told how they had considered suicide having suffered physical and psychological damage, needing to take daily medication. Rowes first victim, who was diagnosed with HIV in January 2016, said: Daryll has destroyed my life. I would rather he had murdered me than left me to live my life like this. The hairdresser, who had refused treatment, insisted on having unprotected sex with men, claiming he was clean. When they refused he tampered with condoms, tricking them into thinking he was practising safe sex. He taunted them over text, telling one: I have HIV. Lol. Whoops! In separate proceedings in Scotland in May, Rowe was sentenced to eight years after pleading guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh to four incidents where he intentionally had unprotected sex with partners, while fully aware he was HIV positive. One of the men went on to contract HIV. 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 Mohamed Salah admits he had a long-term plan to fulfil his dream of playing for Liverpool. The Egypt international, who said as a 10-year-old boy playing PlayStation he would almost always pick the Reds as his team, formulated his strategy when he left his homeland to join Basel in Switzerland six years ago. Liverpool tried to sign the 26-year-old, who became the quickest to 50 goals for the club after a double in his 65th match against Red Star Belgrade last week, in 2014 but were pipped by Chelsea. However, he finally completed his move, from Roma, last summer and went on to score 44 goals in his debut season. Its famous all over the world and with a lot of supporters in the Middle East so I think I first heard of Liverpool when I was 10 or 11, he told liverpoolfc.com. The story of me playing as them on my PlayStation is true; sometimes it was as other teams, but most of the time I was Liverpool. Mohamed Salah had a long-term plan to secure a dream move to Liverpool (Dave Thompson/PA). Back then, I could never have imagined Id be here one day, but it was always a dream of mine and you have to try and follow them. When I went to Basel from Egypt I had a plan in my mind that I would hopefully one day come to Liverpool. There was a chance before, but at the time it didnt work for both sides. When there was interest again last year, I was very interested in coming to Liverpool straight away in my head, but you also have to see what the plan for you is and how you will fit into it. Punch and Judy politics reached a fresh nadir as a Tory MP used sausages to attack Labours spending plans. Conservative Leo Docherty praised the award-winning sausages of a local butcher in a Budget debate, telling MPs the cut to business rates helped boost the trade in bangers. But things took a turn for the wurst when the MP for Aldershot squeezed in an attack on shadow chancellor John McDonnell, suggesting he was a Marxist who might wish to nationalise sausages. He said: I think wholesale economic devastation would be caused by Labours nationalisation plan, I dont know if they plan to nationalise sausage production. I hope not. Mr Docherty had been stringing together an analogy comparing the consumer choice allowing Aldershot locals to enjoy high quality sausages to the food shortages of the Soviet Union. He said: The lesson really is the importance of choice. When freedom of choice is applied with the free flow of capital and labour and protected by property rights and the rule of law of course we have a flourishing free market, which is the great genius of our economy and many economies of the west. We must call out at every turn the Marxist ideology of the opposition front bench. Egg, sausages and bacon in a frying pan (Nick Ansell/PA) We must reflect that those who have had the unpleasant experience of actually living in countries that have had the devastating experience of having the doctrine of Marxism applied in reality, like the Soviet Union, have bitterly regretted it. As Mr Docherty spoke, shadow chief secretary to the treasury Peter Dowd shouted how were the sausages in Soviet Russia? Tory MP Alex Burghart later returned to the comment, telling Mr Dowd: They were awful, they were so bad they were made with wood chipping. It was said that the people of Soviet Russia preferred to eat sausages that had gone off because at least they knew they had been edible at some point. That was what Marxism did to the sausage, that was what Marxism did to the people of Russia. A meeting between Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley and the regions political parties has been branded a waste of time. Powersharing government at Stormont has been collapsed since January 2017 following a breakdown in relations between the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein. Numerous attempts at talks to agree to the return of devolution to Stormont have ended in failure. Mrs Bradley met the largest five political parties in Belfast on Thursday before returning to London. The meeting is understood to have lasted about 45 minutes. Karen Bradley, right, with Lord Mayor of Belfast Deirdre Hargey at Belfast City Hall (Brian Lawless/PA) Before the meeting, she said she intended to brief the parties on the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill, which is intended to allow time and space for political parties to agree a return to powersharing. Four of the five parties expressed frustration after the meeting, describing it as a waste of time, and pressed Mrs Bradley to convene multi-party talks. However Democratic Unionist MLA Christopher Stalford said the frustration should not be directed at Mrs Bradley, insisting it should instead be directed at Sinn Fein. The Sinn Fein delegation gave a short statement to the media after the meeting, before leaving without taking questions. Sinn Fein MLA John ODowd accused the British Government of treating large sections of this society with utter and complete contempt. Speaking after meeting British Secretary of State Karen Bradley, Sinn Fein Negotiator @JohnODowdSF MLA said the British government are treating large sections of society with utter and complete contempt. pic.twitter.com/6uD5IMpRh6 Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) November 1, 2018 We attended a meeting this morning with the Secretary of State and the other political parties to establish if there was basis for going forward with a rights-based society with accountable government for all. Unfortunately that was not the case, he said. It is quite clear that the British Government is treating large sections of this society with utter and complete contempt. Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann said the meeting had been badly briefed and was badly advised. I said to the Secretary of State I thought it was simply so that someone in the NIO (Northern Ireland Office) could tick a box to say they had brought all five parties around a table, he said. Government must be prepared to reintroduce Direct Rule - Swann Ulster Unionist Leader Robin Swann MLA has called on the Government to reintroduce Direct Rule if it cannot get political agreement to restore... https://t.co/CyzNu0Z0Mx Robin Swann MLA #StopCovidNI (@RobinSwannMoH) November 1, 2018 To salvage this now, the Secretary of State needs to take ownership of this process, and actually put together a five-party talks process, irrelevant of the consensus of the five parties on what it looks like. She needs to take ownership and if she doesnt take ownership, she needs to introduce direct rule. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the meeting was a waste of time. It is quite clear that the British Government are totally unprepared to take the necessary next steps to get powersharing restored. Today is an embarrassing day for the Secretary of State. Quite simply, it is not her job to wait for a consensus, her job, alongside the Tanaiste (deputy premier Simon Coveney), is to kickstart the talks process. "Today is an embarrasing day for the Secretary of State. Quite simply, it is not her job to wait for a 'consensus', her job, alongside the Tanaiste, is to kick-start the talks process."- @columeastwood pic.twitter.com/vDWRD3bNWt Social Democratic and Labour Party (@SDLPlive) November 1, 2018 Alliance leader Naomi Long said: Todays briefing from the Secretary of State was not just a pointless exercise, but I would argue it was actually counterproductive in that relationships between the parties and indeed with the Secretary of State are possibly now at an all-time low. The reality is, the longer this process continues the further we drift from restoration of the institutions. We are not where we were in February when the talks collapsed, we are further away today from restoration than we were then, and with every day that passes, we get further and further away. The responsibility now lies with the Secretary of State to make a decision to convene the talks and to get us back in the room, and put it up to the parties. If parties are not willing to come and participate, then let them be held accountable by the public who are sick to the back teeth of this nonsense. Mr Stalford said it had been clear what the meeting was to be about. You could only be angry if you had deliberately misinterpreted what the meeting was about. My understanding going into the meeting was that this was to be a briefing by the Secretary of State about the legislation which went through Parliament recently, and that is what she provided, he said. I can understand frustration because I am frustrated that we have gone so long without a functioning executive, but that frustration should not be directed at Karen Bradley, she is not the person that brought us to this pass, and it is not her job, or my job, or the job of any other political party in Northern Ireland, to talk Sinn Fein down from the high horse they have put themselves upon. Its up to people to come out of the corner they have painted themselves into and get back to work and get back to government. Mrs Bradley said earlier: I have always been clear that this was a briefing for the parties on the bill that will become an act of Parliament next week, so that they can understand what the debates were in Parliament last week and this week in the House of Lords, and so they can see now that it is going to be an act of Parliament in the next few days, what that will mean. That is what I am going to do now because I want to get those parties in a room together and really go through with them how this act will deliver for them. But they have to do the right thing, come back into government, and I want to see them do that as soon as possible. The Scottish Conservatives want the UK Government to look into relaxing the rules for asylum seekers looking for work in Britain. Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne argued those seeking refuge should be given the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, and has written to the Home Secretary on the issue. At present, asylum seekers are only allowed to work if they have waited for over a year for a decision on their claim and are able to fill a role on the UKs official shortage occupation list. Ms Ballantyne told MSPs: During the time that it takes to go through the process of seeking asylum, which can be years, we need to ensure that we dont put peoples lives on hold, and we dont waste the skills that people have or prevent them from developing as people. If we dont ensure that asylum seekers have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to their own lives, as well as their host nation, we do everyone a disservice. And it is for this reason that I feel the UK Government should investigate relaxing the rules for asylum seekers looking for work in the UK. Scottish Conservatives say asylum seeker work rules should be relaxed (Kirsty OConnor/PA) While I appreciate that asylum seekers can currently engage in voluntary work, if we really want to ensure that individuals are able to prosper both here, and should they ever wish to return to their countries, the prospect of employment is essential. Tory MSP Jamie Greene said Ms Ballantynes view was shared across the party. I can confirm that these benches do believe there is merit in the idea of allowing those waiting for their case to be heard to be given further employment opportunity, he said. The Scottish Tories spoke out during a debate on supporting asylum seekers at Holyrood. MSPs from other parties were critical of the current system, which they said can leave people destitute or homeless at the end of the asylum process. Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said the Scottish Governments key principle was one of integration from day one. This means that people should be welcomed and supported to integrate from day one not just when refugee status and leave to remain have been granted, she said. People seeking asylum have to navigate a complex and often frustrating system sometimes over many years before they receive refugee status and are able to get on with their lives. That is often at great cost to their mental health and future prospects. Labours Pauline McNeill welcomed Tory calls to relax the rules on work, but she said current Home Office policy was leaving some asylum seekers destitute. Forced destitution of asylum seekers is never an acceptable policy if you believe in a humane system for asylum seekers and refugees, she said. Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said: I well recall the wave of opposition to dawn raids back in the early years of Glasgows participation in the dispersal program communities would barricade their neighbours into their flats rather than allowing Home Office agencies to kick in doors, tear children from parents arms and drag people off to detention. What should be a system designed to ensure safety and refuge to all those who need it, is in fact a system designed to say no to the maximum number of people possible. A US Marines general has said his troops will not be indulging in the alcoholic delights of a Norwegian town after they drank Icelands capital dry of beer. Some 7,000 US sailors and marines stopped in Reykjavik as they made their way towards Norway for the start of exercise Trident Juncture last month. Major General Dave Furness, the commanding general of the US Marine Corps 2nd Marines Division, said the reaction to their presence in Norway has so far been very positive. Major General Dave Furness (Georgina Stubbs/PA) He confirmed his 1,100 troops played a part in the massive consumption which forced businesses to head to warehouses to meet demand, but said it all passed without incident. I dont think we are going to have the opportunity to partake in the local pleasures here for alcohol, he told the Press Association when asked if there would be a repeat situation. He was speaking as the US Marines prepared to stage a mock seizure of the town of Oppdal in central Norway, as part of Natos biggest war games since the end of the Cold War. Exercise Trident Juncture involves more than 50,000 troops, 65 ships, 10,000 vehicles and 250 aircraft from all 29 member states of the alliance, including the UK, plus Finland and Sweden. On Thursday, in an area on the outskirts of Oppdal, four M1 Abrams tanks from the US Marine Corps 2nd Tank Division gathered in the car park of a motel complex. Flanked by snow-capped mountains and sweeping pine forests, they were joined by a Light Armoured Reconnaissance company before engaging in battle with the Spanish and Italians. Tank platoon commander first lieutenant Luis Penichet, 25, from New York said Trident Juncture as a whole is extremely useful for him and his troops as they develop their skills. Speaking ahead of the attack, he said: This is the first time we have had an opportunity to go tank-on-tank they will be using the Leopard 2 tank which is similar to ours but not as good. UK contribution to Ex #TridentJuncture in numbers. With over 50,000 participants from 31 nations, this is NATO's biggest collective defence exercise in over a decade. Find our more here https://t.co/1bMAvXzyzk pic.twitter.com/n7yfGTxe5K Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) October 23, 2018 He said the seizure of the airfield before they move on to trying to take control of the town is vital because of the flow of logistics, forces and supplies that it offers and enables. And as they took control of the airfield their actions sent the opposing southern forces of Spain and Italy into retreat, and in the coming days will advance further south. The exercise will eventually see the Americans, which are part of the northern force, pushed back and Oppdal liberated, with more military manoeuvre due in the town in the coming days. Oppdal mayor for the past three years, Kirsti Welander, said she was excited about the mock capture, with many of her fellow 7,000 residents curious and interested by the action. Also participating @Natos exercise #tridentjuncure is the #bundeswehrs special mission aircraft for maritime surveillance, the P-3C Orion. Plays a key role in the maritime part of exercise. #Marineflieger #DeutscheMarine #GermanNavy pic.twitter.com/pgvN2ZMfDQ Germany at NATO (@GermanyNATO) October 29, 2018 I have not heard one person who is critical, she told the Press Association. Oppdal Police Chief Finn Skarsmoen said over the coming days the main concern is how the military activity will affect civilian life. He said that the narrow roads coupled with some vehicles which are almost four metres wide, will create issues with the traffic in Oppdal and the surrounding area. We are most concerned about if there will be any bad accidents that will involve both civilians and soldiers but we are prepared for it, he added. Beginning last week, Trident Juncture is taking place in Norway, a country which shares a border with Russia, and comes amid rising tensions between the Kremlin and the alliance. Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of Nato, said it is a defensive exercise, taking place in central Norway, the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea, and is not directed against any country. But Russia, which thinks Nato is acting provocatively, recently revealed its navy plans to test missiles between November 1-3 in the international waters off western Norway. Mother-of-four and Oppdal resident for the past 13 years, Randi Grete Kalseth-Iversen, said they are not too worried about Russia and still sleep at night. We know they are around the corner and are just flexing their muscles, she said. We feel more secure because of Nato, because now we see if something happens Nato will rush in and help us. Police are appealing for information after a woman was sexually assaulted by another female on a Tube train. The incident occurred on a Jubilee line train from Bond Street to Baker Street on October 6, at around 7.15pm, when the victim was sexually assaulted as she went to take a seat next to another woman. The victim got up from her seat and moved across the carriage and the other woman was then racially abusive to her, kicking her in the leg. CCTV image of a woman British Transport Police would like to identify following the incident (BTP) The woman continued to be abusive as she left the train at Baker Street. British Transport Police have issued a CCTV image of a woman they believe may have information which could help their investigation. If you recognise her, or witnessed the incident, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Former Sinn Fein MP Barry McElduff has insisted an incident where he posed with a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head on the anniversary of the Kingsmill massacre was a bizarre coincidence. Mr McElduff resigned as West Tyrone MP in January after families of some of the 10 Protestant workmen shot dead by republican paramilitaries in 1976 expressed outrage at the video. He was interviewed by detectives in April and questioned over alleged improper use of a public electronic communications network under the Communications Act 2003, and two alleged public order offences under the Public Order (NI) Order 1989. However, earlier this week Northern Irelands Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said there was insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of convicting the 52-year-old over his controversial social media post. Undated handout video grab taken from the Twitter feed of Sinn Fein MP Barry McElduff (Barry McElduff/Twitter/PA) In an interview with BBC Northern Irelands The View programme on Thursday, Mr McElduff insisted he had not realised either the brand of the bread or that it was the anniversary of the Kingsmill shootings at the time. In the interview he says he had called at the petrol station in Omagh to pick up his daughter who worked there, and he realised he needed to pick up some groceries. He said Kingsmill was the only brand of bread in the shop, and explained he decided to put the loaf on his head as an act of humour, in a play on a previous television advert. It was just a wee quirk of personality, a humorous trait that I never would have imagined for one second would backfire in the way that it did, he said. I never made the connection, first of all, I wasnt conscious of the brand name, and even then I wouldnt have made a connection if I had of. I didnt know it was the anniversary, I didnt know any of those things. It was genuinely spontaneous, innocent fun. It sounds bizarre, and it really is a bizarre, cruel coincidence. Mr McElduff said he took full responsibility for what happened, but insisted he never meant to cause offence. He also made a public apology to the Kingsmill families. I genuinely deeply respect you as human beings, I acknowledge your suffering, and having already done it, I would reiterate an apology for unintentional hurt caused, he told the programme. I will never say or do anything disparaging towards them regardless of how they view me. The Sinn Fein veteran also revealed he received death threats in the aftermath of the incident on social media and by phone. But he insisted: I dont want to present myself here as a victim. Mr McElduff has consistently maintained he had not meant the video as a reference to the sectarian murders of 10 Protestant workmen near the south Armagh village of Kingsmill. Mr McElduff was suspended by Sinn Fein for three months, but told The View that he received mixed messages from the party with some telling him to step down, and others telling him to apologise and remain. However Mr McElduff announced his resignation, acknowledging the post had caused unintentional hurt to the Kingsmill families. He said staying in the job would have impeded efforts to forge reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Kingsmill is a well-known brand of bread in Northern Ireland. It shares a name with the village that witnessed one of the most notorious incidents of the Troubles, when gunmen stopped a van carrying textile workers on their way home, identified the Protestant occupants, lined them up at the side of the road and shot them. Only one of the 11 men gunned down survived the attack. Sinn Fein easily held on to the West Tyrone seat in Mays by-election, with solicitor Orfhlaith Begley succeeding Mr McElduff. Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann has accused his unionist rivals in the DUP of dragging unionism into the gutter. During a speech at Queens University Belfast on Thursday evening Mr Swann insisted unionism is a movement that is not owned by any one party. He expressed concern at how unionism is now seen across the UK where the Democratic Unionists have been hitting headlines over their supply and confidence deal with the Conservative Party. I hear it from unionists and non-unionists alike that there is something about the tone of unionism that is being communicated nationally that they do not like, he said. That has to change. After all we have been through are we really content to let the union slide through our fingers because we could not resist being snide or obnoxious to our neighbours? Unionism is a movement. It is not owned by one party or another. It is made up of all classes and religions and sexual orientations. Liberals and Conservatives. Capitalists and socialists. It is complex and it cannot be the case that one section tries to shape it to alienate others who have just as much to offer. Robin Swann (PA) Mr Swann said sectarianism, racism and homophobia have no place in the UUP and added that the party aim to be strong advocates for minority communities. To truly secure our place within the United Kingdom into Northern Irelands second century and beyond, unionism must embrace the principle of being not for sections or factions, but for all, he said. When the case is made for the union, I want it to be about more than just maintaining the status quo, or coasting by on a current majority. I want it to be about where your jobs, welfare and healthcare are the most secure and accessible. I want to it be about making the case that the lives of all citizens here are better as a part of that nation one that advances their cultural, emotional and civic well-being. I want to win hearts and minds. I want a unionism where even those who do not share our ultimate political aspiration do not doubt our ambition to serve them just as well in government as those who do. The UUP leader took a moment during his address to remember a former party colleague who was killed by the Provisional IRA in the grounds of the university. Edgar Graham, a law lecturer at Queens and Assembly member for the UUP, was shot dead on December 7 1983. Mr Swann said: The murder of Edgar Graham chills me to the core. We have some shared history; we both went to Ballymena Academy and had his life not been brought to a callous end at just 29 years old, in all likelihood he, not I, would have been the second North Antrim man to lead the Ulster Unionist Party. I hope we never see another day like that. When a politician, a law lecturer, a human being is shot dead in cold blood by those motivated by sectarian hatred. President Donald Trump has said asylum seekers must go to ports of entry in order to make a claim. He says he will issue an executive order next week on immigration. In a lengthy speech on Thursday, Mr Trump said migrants are abusing the asylum system and making a mockery of immigration laws. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, migrants claiming asylum are allowed to do so at the border crossings, but also if they cross illegally. Mr Trump reiterated that he wanted to set up tent cities to hold people coming to the US, including those seeking asylum. A migrant carrying the flags of Mexico and Honduras (Rebecca Blackwell/AP) But there currently is not enough detention space to hold families who are coming across the border. The military is working to create space, but nothing has been finalised. Laws prevent children from being detained beyond 20 days. The president made his speech amid mid-term election campaigning and with caravans of migrants making their way towards the US border. With the US holding midterm elections, both Republicans and Democrats are wheeling out the big guns in Georgia for what could be a defining election to be the states governor. Oprah Winfrey visited Republican-leaning suburbs in Atlanta to urge voters to make history by backing Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams in next weeks election. Winfrey called Abrams a changemaker who represents the values of all Georgians. I am here today because Stacey Abrams cares about the things that matter, she said to a mostly female audience north of central Atlanta. Seventy-five miles north, Vice President Mike Pence stood alongside Ms Abrams opponent, Brian Kemp, in Dalton, and mocked the billionaire media figure as just another liberal outsider trying to impose on Republican-run Georgia. Stacey Abrams is being bankrolled by Hollywood liberals, Mr Pence said. Mr Pence drew boos from the crowd when he mentioned that Oprah is in town and noted that actor Will Ferrell was recently in Georgia for Democrats. Id like to remind Stacey and Oprah and Will Ferrell, Im kind of a big deal, too, Mr Pence said, adding a message for all Stacey Abrams liberal friends: This aint Hollywood. This is Georgia. Winfrey and Mr Pence will not be the last big names to visit the state before the polls open. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp (C.B. Schmelter/AP) Former president Barack Obama will follow on Friday to campaign for Ms Abrams while President Donald Trump will appear with Mr Kemp on Sunday. Ive always liked Oprah, he told reporters at the White House. Oprahs good, but the woman that shes supporting is not qualified to be the governor of Georgia by any stretch of the imagination. More than 1.5 million of the states almost seven million registered voters have cast ballots already. Ms Abrams, a Yale-educated lawyer who served a decade in the Georgia Legislature, would be the first black female governor in American history. She has campaigned as an unapologetic liberal trying to draw new voters to the polls and prove that Georgias growth and diversity make it a legitimate two-party battleground. Mr Kemp is a staunch conservative who has embraced Mr Trump and the administrations hard-line on immigration. He wields guns in his ads and lambastes Ms Abrams as a tool of socialists and billionaires who want to turn Georgia into California. Both candidates have taken to describing the race as a battle for the soul of our state. Winfrey has rejected any suggestion she might be preparing the ground for a run for office. Im not here because Im making some grandstand for myself. I dont want to run. Im not testing the waters, she said. A former president in Ms Abrams corner is Jimmy Carter, who himself served as governor of Georgia before being elected president in 1976. Young people say they are more likely to turn to online platforms for mental health support than medical professionals, family or friends, according to a survey. A poll found that nearly two-thirds (65%) of 16 to 24-year-olds would look for online support for a mental health issue or concern rather than from their family, friends or a medical professional. Safeguarding and anti-bullying platform tootoot, which commissioned the survey, said the findings show the Government should go digital to reach young people with mental health concerns. It found 40% of British adults also said they would seek support from online platforms such as anonymous chat forums, phone apps and social media, while those aged 16 to 24 said they would be most likely to turn to Google when online. Men were less likely to seek support than women, with nearly one in five saying that they would not turn anywhere if they had concerns regarding mental health problems. Men were also less likely to confide in their friends or family than women 39% compared with 54% respectively. The Government was urged to `go digital to reach young people with mental health concerns (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Tootoot founder and chief executive Michael Brennan said: The clear message here is that traditional community-based channels for accessing mental health support are not the places that young people are most likely to turn to for support. Whilst we welcome the Governments commitment to increasing funding for young peoples mental health support for example, the new crisis centres in A&E departments and schools-based teams announced in the autumn Budget we need to make sure that our efforts to encourage face-to-face conversations are supplemented by appropriate online support. Young people are going online for mental health support they are using apps, websites and social media. Schools and Government-funded community-based programmes must also consider how to access these young people online. The Censuswide poll saw 1,000 adults questioned online. Members of the public are being asked to give their views on proposed legislation to ban smacking children in Scotland. Holyroods Equalities and Human Rights Committee has launched a call for views on the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill. Introduced by Green MSP John Finnie as a private members Bill it would, if passed, remove the defence of justifiable assault in Scots law, which allows parents to use physical punishment on children. The legislation is expected to be passed as it has been backed by the Scottish Government and MSPs from across all the political parties. A recent Panelbase poll of 1,024 voters for The Sunday Times Scotland found 30% backed a ban, while 53% believe smacking should still be allowed and the remainder were unsure. However, a public consultation last year received more than 650 responses with almost 75% of those in favour of a ban. Organisations including the Scottish Police Federation, Barnardos Scotland, the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland and the NSPCC also back outlawing smacking. Campaign group Be Reasonable Scotland, supported by The Christian Institute and The Family Education Trust, argues a ban will criminalise parents. Holyroods Equality and Human Rights Committee Convener Ruth Maguire (Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament/PA) Equalities and Human Rights Committee Convener, Ruth Maguire, said: This Bill has aroused strong views. There are passionately held beliefs on both sides of this argument, from those who think that physical punishment violates a childs human rights, to those who feel parents should have a right to smack their children. As the proposed law starts making its way through the Parliamentary process, we are keen to hear from people in Scotland who have a view on this subject. This will help us as we carry out our role as parliamentarians and inform our consideration of the proposals. While committee members will be getting out and about around Scotland, engaging with young people and community groups, absolutely anyone can submit their views to us. A spokesman for Be Reasonable Scotland said: More than 140 countries around the world continue to respect parents freedom, and responsibility, to discipline their children appropriately. This Bill could see them in the dock for simply tapping their kids on the back of the hand or pulling them away from the side of the road. He added: Children rightly enjoy strong protections from assault. It is highly irresponsible and deeply misleading to suggest otherwise. The call for views closes on January 25. High streets hosting too many unhealthy businesses like betting shops, fast food outlets and off-licences could be significantly shortening the lives of locals, according to a new report. Research by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found that residents living in towns with lots of bookies and off-licences die younger than those with plenty of libraries and pharmacies. Its ranking of 70 high streets found those living in the top 10 healthy areas lived an average of two-and-a-half years longer than those with the 10 unhealthiest high streets. Grimsby was crowned the unhealthiest town, followed by Walsall and Blackpool. The Health on the High Street: Running on Empty report used a scale giving points for pubs and bars, dentists, opticians, libraries, leisure centres, museums and galleries, pharmacies, coffee shops and vape shops. Points were deducted for betting shops, payday lenders, fast food outlets, off licences, tanning salons and empty shops. Grimsby, Walsall and Blackpool were named as unhealthy towns (PA) Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Northampton, Bolton, Wolverhampton, Huddersfield and Bradford all found themselves in the bottom ten. Coming top in the healthy stakes was Edinburgh followed by Canterbury and Taunton. Also on the list were Cheltenham, York, Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Exeter and Cambridge. Londons many high streets were ranked separately, with Seven Sisters Road in Haringey, Roman Road West in Bow and Thornton Heath in Croydon coming bottom. Muswell Hill in Haringey, Hornchurch in Havering and Pinner in Harrow were deemed the healthiest high streets in the capital. The list was first published in 2015 and was updated this year to reflect the changing face of the British high street. It added off-licences and the growing number of empty shops to the list of negative features on a high street, while cafes and vape shops were added to the positive influences. Coming top in the healthy stakes was Edinburgh followed by Canterbury and Taunton. Also on the list were Cheltenham, York, Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Exeter and Cambridge. The research found that 4,000 new fast food outlets had opened across the UK in the past five years predominantly in poorer areas. Deprived areas now have five times more fast food shops than wealthy neighbourhoods, the RSPH said. It showed that vape shops have doubled to 2,000 in the last three years, while the number of empty shops on the high street has increased from below 7% in 2007 to 11% in 2017. The findings come in the wake of the Chancellors announcement in the autumn budget of several measures aimed at helping ailing high street shops facing decimation by their online rivals. Philip Hammond announced that 500,000 small retailers will see a third knocked off their business rates, while a digital services tax will be levied at tech giants with global revenues above 500 million. A 650 million fund was also announced to improve transport access for struggling town centres and to turn empty shops into homes and offices. Shirley Cramer CBE, chief executive of the RSPH, said: While the face of the British high street continues to change, the environmental and economic factors that influence inequalities in health outcomes across the country remain stubbornly intractable. Our Health on the High Street rankings illustrate how unhealthy businesses concentrate in areas which already experience higher levels of deprivation, obesity and lower life expectancy. Reshaping these high streets to be more health-promoting could serve as a tool to help redress this imbalance. She added: While we broadly welcome the package of measures announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer this week, we are concerned that they do not go far enough. She said local authorities were unable to reshape their high streets to promote positive businesses due to ongoing funding cuts. Kieron Boyle chief executive of Guys and St Thomas Charity which works to improve health in the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark welcomed the research. He said: There are huge opportunities to be creative in improving the nations health. This work highlights the important interplay of environmental factors on our health and illustrates how many others, beyond the health and care system, can play a role in supporting peoples wellbeing. An annual silent walk will take place today for those who were killed and secretly buried during Northern Irelands troubled past. In total 16 people were classified as disappeared. Three remain missing to this day. A search is ongoing for Columba McVeigh, 19, from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone. Former monk Joe Lynskey and soldier Robert Nairac also remain missing. For the last 11 years, the families of the disappeared have taken part in a silent walk on All Souls day at Stormont. The 12th silent walk will take place on Friday morning. Members of the families of the disappeared will walk from Carsons Statue to the steps of Parliament Buildings where they will lay the black wreath with three white lilies representing those who have yet to be found. Family photo of Columba McVeigh (family/PA) Prayers will be led by Father Paul Turley from Clonard Monastery. Sandra Peake, chief executive of the Wave Trauma Centre which has supported the families since the 1990s said every year that passes makes the loss even more painful for the loved ones of those who remain missing. As each year passes and the immediate family of those still missing grow older it becomes more difficult for them to take the unimaginable pain of knowing that their loved ones lies in some barren and desolate place when they should be resting in consecrated ground, she said. They draw huge comfort from knowing that they have the continuing support of those families who have had loved ones returned to them for Christian burial and they know that the thoughts and prayers of those who cannot come to Stormont today are with them always. As we gather here today we will be thinking especially of the McVeigh family as the search for Columba continues in Bragan Co Monaghan. Mr McVeigh was abducted, shot and secretly buried in November 1975. The dig site at bogland in Co Monaghan, where investigators are searching for the remains of teenager Columba McVeigh. (PA/Richard McCarthy) Republicans with knowledge of the crime have told the commission, in confidence, that he was buried across the border in Bragan bog near Emyvale. Four previous searches in the bog have not uncovered his remains. The fifth search commenced in September. A team of forensic archaeologists and technicians are combing an area measuring about 60 metres by 20 metres, a task that could take months. Following the ceremony at Stormont, members of the McVeigh family will travel to the site of the dig. They will be met there by the Archbishop of Armagh and the Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin. Anyone with information about any of the three outstanding cases should contact the ICLVRs confidential telephone number on 00800-55585500, email secretary@iclvr.ie or write to ICLVR, PO Box, 10827, Dublin 2. Thousands of disadvantaged children are tucking into healthy breakfasts at school every day under a government-funded scheme being adopted across the country. The National School Breakfast Programme was introduced in March and since then 500 schools have signed up, with more than 150 already up and running, new figures show. Every weekday about 15,000 nutritious breakfasts are being served in school halls and canteens to children, many of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi said the numbers, published on Friday, show the positive impact of the breakfast club. We want every child to have the best possible start in life, and that means getting the best possible start to their day, he said in a statement. Jointly run by charities Magic Breakfast and Family Action, the programme aims to bridge the gap between students from rich and poor areas by unlocking learning power. The breakfast offering includes cereals and bagels (Johnny Green/PA) On #WorldTeachersDay we hear that teachers cried happy tears when they learnt hungry children were going to receive free healthy school breakfasts from the National School Breakfast Programme. Teachers know the difference breakfast makes #FuelforLearning #NSBP @family_action pic.twitter.com/yV85Ou2Co5 Magic Breakfast (@magic_breakfast) October 5, 2018 The breakfast offering includes cereals, fruit, toast, porridge and bagels but the menu can vary from school to school, a Department of Education spokesman said. Schools tell us that the most important lessons are taught in the morning, Magic Breakfast founder Carmel McConnell said. So we are delighted that so many more children who may not have access to food at home can now eat a healthy breakfast at school to give them the energy and focus they need to be able to learn. Schools are being encouraged by the Government to express interest and sign up. The 26 million scheme, funded by the soft drinks industry levy, aims to deliver breakfasts to 1,770 schools in England by 2020. Shadow education minister Angela Rayner has labelled the rumoured return of David Cameron to frontline politics as bizarre. Ms Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, was among a series of Labour MPs who reacted to reports of the former Prime Minister fancying the job of Foreign Secretary. The Sun reported the 52-year-old as telling friends he wanted to return to the front benches two years after leaving 10 Downing Street in the wake of the Brexit vote. Just when you thought politics couldn't get anymore bizarre. No David please stay in retirement you caused enough damage last time https://t.co/DHhXwWTadO Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) November 1, 2018 Ms Rayner tweeted: Just when you thought politics couldnt get anymore bizarre. No David please stay in retirement you caused enough damage last time. The paper said Mr Cameron would not be against the idea of cabinet recall in the ministry of whoever succeeds Theresa May as Prime Minister. Former PM David Cameron is reported to be weighing up a return to frontline politics (Lewis Whyld/PA) Shadow communities and local government secretary Andrew Gwynne wrote: God. No. Didnt he do enough damage first time round?? Please spare us all. Emily Thornberry (@EmilyThornberry) November 1, 2018 Redcar MP Anna Turley said: The sense of entitlement is unreal. Please go away and think about what youve done, while Emily Thornberry posted a facepalm emoji a picture used to display frustration or embarrassment at a certain situation. Yvette Cooper tweeted: What, because it worked out so well last time? Man, you ripped up our closest international partnership. By accident. That makes you even worse than Boris Johnson. A Tennessee inmates final words were lets rock moments before he became the first man executed in the electric chair in that state since 2007. Edmund Zagorski, 63, was pronounced dead at 7.26pm local time on Thursday at a Nashville maximum-security prison, officials said. Asked if he had any last words in the death chamber, the inmate said, Lets rock shortly before the execution was carried out. Zagorski Media Advisoryhttps://t.co/KB7SrqVh4A Dept of Correction (@TNTDOC1) November 2, 2018 Reporters witnessing the scene said at a news briefing afterwards that he alternated between grimacing and smiling as he lay strapped down and that a sponge was placed on his head and then a shroud over his face. The witnesses said the inmates fists then clenched when the electricity began flowing and his body appeared to rise, but he did not move once the execution procedure was over. In opting for the electric chair over a lethal injection as Tennessee allowed him, Zagorski had argued it would be a quicker and less painful way to die. He became only the second person to die in the electric chair in Tennessee since 1960. Nationwide, only 14 other people have been put to death in the electric chair since 2000, including a Virginia inmate in 2013. Protesters gather before the execution of Edmund Zagorski (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean/AP) The execution was carried out shortly after the US Supreme Court on Thursday evening denied the inmates request for a stay. Zagorskis lawyer had argued that it was unconstitutional to force him to choose between the electric chair and lethal injection. he state came close to administering a chemical injection to the 63-year-old inmate three weeks ago, a plan halted by Tennessees governor when Zagorski exercised his right to request the electric chair. The Supreme Courts statement said Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the dissenting voice, noting Zagorskis decision to opt for the electric chair. He did so not because he thought that it was a humane way to die, but because he thought that the three-drug cocktail that Tennessee had planned to use was even worse, Ms Sotomayor said in the statement. Given what most people think of the electric chair, its hard to imagine a more striking testament from a person with more at stake to the legitimate fears raised by the lethal-injection drugs that Tennessee uses. Zagorski was convicted of the April 1983 killings of two men during a drug deal. Prosecutors said Zagorski shot John Dotson and Jimmy Porter and then slit their throats after robbing the two men after they came to him to buy marijuana. In Tennessee, condemned inmates whose crimes occurred before 1999 can choose the electric chair one of six states that allow such a choice. People light candles at an anti-death penalty vigil (Mark Humphrey/AP) The US Supreme Court has never ruled on whether use of the electric chair violates the 8th Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment, but it came close about 20 years ago after a series of botched electrocutions in Florida. During two executions in the 1990s smoke and flames shot from the condemned inmates heads. In 1999, blood spilled from under an inmates mask. Shortly afterward, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to the electric chair. But the case was dropped when Florida made lethal injection its primary execution method. Republican Governor Bill Haslam declined to intervene in Zagorskis case despite receiving pleas from former jurors who convicted the inmate, correctional officers and Zagorskis priest. A request for commutation of Zagorskis sentence to life in prison argued that Zagorski had been an exemplary inmate who never had a disciplinary infraction. At the time of Zagorskis conviction, Tennessee juries were not given the option of considering life without parole. Every state now requires juries to weigh that option in death penalty cases. Tennessees electric chair was inspected on October 10 and found to meet the criteria for an execution, state documents show. The device was originally rebuilt in the late 1980s by a self-taught execution expert who had worried the device would malfunction on Thursday. It has only been used to execute one person before: Daryl Holton, in 2007. Before Holton, the last person to die in Tennessees electric chair was William Tines in 1960. Zagorski has been on death row for 34 years, the second-longest in Tennessee. Groups opposed to Tennessees execution plan organised evening vigils in cities including Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis. Vince Cable will discuss trade in post-Brexit Britain on a visit to drinks giant Diageo. The Liberal Democrat leader will speak to company executives at Diageos Edinburgh office on Friday afternoon, joined by local MP Christine Jardine. The firm, whose brands include Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker, is one of the worlds biggest distillers. Vince Cable (Gareth Fuller/PA) Mr Cable will address this weeks Budget and underline his partys call for a vote on the Brexit deal. He is expected to say: This Budget has neither ended austerity nor addressed the fundamental problems in the economy. Instead it is overshadowed by the damaging impact that Brexit will have on the UKs public finances. Scottish spirits make a huge contribution to the UKs exports and in Diageo we have a true titan. But to businesses like these it makes absolutely no sense to put barriers in the way of frictionless trade across the EU. Liberal Democrats are demanding better for British business with fairer taxes, a skilled workforce and a final say on the Brexit deal. Scotch whisky accounts for 20% of UK food and drink exports, according to the Treasury. Industry body the Scotch Whisky Association welcomed Chancellor Philip Hammonds decision to continue a freeze on spirits duty in Mondays Budget statement. A new emergency helicopter for Scotland will be based in Aberdeen, it has been announced. Scotlands Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) said it is expected to help save and improve the lives of hundreds of people each year. It adds to the three air ambulances currently in Scotland, with an SCAA one operating out of Perth Airport and two Scottish Government-funded helicopters based in Glasgow and Inverness. It is part of a 6 million drive to secure an enhanced life-saving service in the country. The SCAA hopes to launch the service by late 2019. Health Minister Jeane Freeman said: Scotlands Charity Air Ambulance carries out great work across Scotland, helping to save and improve lives every day. A second SCAA helicopter will make a huge difference. The new air ambulance is expected to help save and improve hundreds of lives (PA/Danny Lawson) It is crucial that we ensure the most severely injured patients have the best chance of a speedy recovery from their injuries. Scottish Ambulance Service chairman Tom Steele said: This is wonderful news, not only for Grampian and the North-east, but for the whole of Scotland. SCAA has been a very important partner since 2013 when they provided their first helicopter air ambulance, based in Perth. Since then it has flown almost 2,000 emergency missions and undoubtedly has saved many lives across Scotlands rural and remote areas. Orkneys MSP Liam McArthur said: This move to increase the capacity of the air ambulance service is excellent news. The fact that the second charity helicopter is to be based in Aberdeen makes a lot of sense and hopefully will help improve response times across the north of the country. Imperial College London will start offering lectures with live holographic guests after debuting the technology to students on Thursday evening. The 3D life-size images of speakers in Los Angeles and New York appeared on stage at the universitys business school for a talk on women in technology, allowing the audience to ask questions as though they were in the same room. Studios have been set up in a number of global locations including the US, Canada and Singapore, opening up the possibility of securing more influential industry speakers. It also means academics can continue teaching lectures when they are out of the country. The university claims it is the first in the world to offer live lectures via hologram. Introducing hologram technology to the classroom will break down the limitations of traditional teaching by creating an interactive experience that benefits both students and academics, said Dr David Lefevre, director of the Edtech Lab at Imperial College Business School, which adapted the technology with Toronto based hologram company AHRT Media. Imperial College Business School hosts the `worlds first live hologram lecture (PA/Imperial College London) Rather than replacing or reducing real-life lectures, the hologram technology will provide greater flexibility for academics by enabling them to continue teaching whilst travelling, ensuring consistency and quality for students. The technology will also widen the scope for Imperial to invite global leaders and influencers from industry to give talks to students, therefore enriching the learning experience. The first lecture to use the holographic technology on Thursday evening featured Google Woman of the Year 2018 Marily Nika, Women in Tech Summit co-founder Tracey Welson-Rossman and Diane Morgan, who runs the Forte Foundation, a non-profit organisation that helps womens progression within business through access to education. This is what giving a talk via hologram looked like! Awesome experience, I felt like princess Leia for 10 mins Thank you @ImperialBiz @ARHTMedia #womenintech #ImperialMeansBusiness pic.twitter.com/WM5xMRaViD Marily Nika (@marilynika) November 1, 2018 Investing in new technology is a vital part of our strategy to create more flexible and inspiring learning experiences for our students, said Professor Francisco Veloso, dean of Imperial College Business School. Being part of Imperial College London, we are keen to grow our digital visibility as a business school and the new hologram represents the pioneering work our Edtech Lab is undertaking in this area. In September, Vodafone demonstrated how 5G mobile technology could be used to make live holographic calls in the near-future due to the improved mobile connection speeds it has the potential to offer. Former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Paddy Ashdown is being treated for bladder cancer. Lord Ashdown, who led the Lib Dems between 1988 and 1999, said he had been recently diagnosed with the disease. The ex-Royal Marines officer, 77, told Somerset Live: I have known for about three weeks that I am suffering from a cancer of the bladder. Im being effectively and wonderfully looked after by everyone at Yeovil Hospital, in whom I have complete confidence. My best wishes for a speedy recovery to Paddy Ashdown, one of the great British political figures of the past 30 years and the man who built the Lib Dems into a Parliamentary force. Love to Paddy, Jane and their family Vince Cable (@vincecable) November 2, 2018 We must see about the outcome, which as always with things like this, is unpredictable. Ive fought a lot of battles in my life. Lord Ashdown is being treated for bladder cancer (Dominic Lipinski/PA) This time I am lucky enough to have the magnificent help of our local hospital, and my friends and family, and that gives me great confidence. Prime Minister Theresa May said: Im very sorry to hear that Lord Ashdown is being treated for cancer. I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery. Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable tweeted: My best wishes for a speedy recovery to Paddy Ashdown, one of the great British political figures of the past 30 years and the man who built the Lib Dems into a Parliamentary force. Love to Paddy, Jane and their family. Ex-Lib Dem leader Tim Farron tweeted: Paddy has been a hero and mentor of mine for many years. He saved the party during its darkest hour and led it to its greatest successes. My love and warmest wishes are with Paddy, Jane and the whole family at this time. Born in India, Lord Ashdowns family returned to the UK when he was four, settling in a farm in Ulster. He saw active service as a commando in Borneo and the Persian Gulf. And after special forces training, he joined what was then called the Special Boat Section in the Far East. He entered Parliament as MP for Yeovil in 1983 and became party leader five years later. Lord Ashdown is credited with making the Lib Dems a significant third force in politics during the 1990s. After leaving the Commons, Lord Ashdown served as High Commissioner for Bosnia Herzegovina between 2002 to 2006. Leicester boss Claude Puel will lead many of his squad to Thailand for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabhas funeral after Saturdays game at Cardiff. The Foxes owner died last Saturday with four others when his helicopter crashed outside the King Power Stadium. Many of the squad, including Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel and captain Wes Morgan, will travel to Thailand. Puel and senior staff are going but some players will stay behind due to personal circumstances. The group from the club is due to return on Tuesday ahead of next weekends visit of Burnley, the first home game since the tragedy. The funeral, likely to last a week, starts on Saturday in Bangkok. Tributes at the King Power Stadium following Saturdays helicopter crash (Nigel French/PA) Nusara Suknamai, Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz also died in the crash. Former England international Vardy said on Friday he will remember Srivaddhanaprabha as more than a chairman. He said: He was a fun, loving guy, always with a smile on his face. That was him from day one, when I first met him, he never changed one bit. He was like the father figure of the group, wanting to be like that not just with the players, but the fans as well, to be as one. He wasnt just a chairman, he always made sure that he went out of his way to get to know you on a personal level, with your families. He took us in as his extended family and thats exactly what we did with him. It has been one of the hardest weeks that myself and the lads have had to go through. President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Russias military intelligence unit on its centenary, hailing the agency that has been accused of meddling and violence by the West. Im confident of your professionalism, courage and determination, Mr Putin said in a speech to GRU officers. The president said he appreciates intelligence information and analytics provided by the GRU and also praised the agency for its action in Syria, saying it strongly contributed to the success of Russias campaign there. The West has accused the GRU of involvement in the March nerve agent attack on a Russian ex-spy in Britain and also of hacking the 2016 US presidential campaign and disrupting anti-doping efforts in sport. Two Russians accused of being behind the Novichok poisoning in Salisbury (Metropolitan Police/PA) Russian authorities have rejected the accusations, calling them part of a Western smear campaign. Mr Putin made no reference to Western accusations against the GRU, but noted rising global tensions. The conflict potential in the world is growing, he said in Fridays speech. There are provocations and blatant lies, as well as attempts to upset strategic parity. The GRU has recently faced a series of exposures that revealed its inner workings. In September, British intelligence released surveillance images of GRU agents accused of the March attack on former GRU officer and British double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury. Investigative group Bellingcat and Russian site The Insider quickly exposed the agents real names. A phone discarded by GRU officers in the Netherlands (Dutch Defence Ministry/AP) Dutch authorities also identified four alleged GRU agents who tried to hack the worlds chemical weapons watchdog from a hotel car park. While the GRU counts its history from 1918 when it was created after the Bolshevik revolution, Mr Putin also mentioned its predecessors in the old imperial Russia. He noted that some imperial army officers helped the Bolsheviks organise military intelligence after the 1917 revolution. They realised that there is no worse shame than to betray the motherland, betray comrades, and at the time of turmoil and revolutionary upheavals helped preserve the continuity of the services traditions, he said. He added: Military intelligence officers showed the same loyalty to their duty in the early 1990s following the break-up of the Soviet Union, helping preserve the GRU potential. Jamal Khashoggis fiancee has called for Donald Trumps help in pressuring Saudi Arabia to reveal the location of the murdered journalists body. Hatice Cengiz made the appeal in a video message to a memorial in Washington, where friends and activists marked one month since Mr Khashoggis death. Ms Cengiz said that without his body, Mr Khashoggis loved ones had been unable to hold funeral prayers. She said: Our pain is still as fresh as the first day. She urged the US president to support Turkeys request for Saudi Arabia to extradite those detained in the kingdom over the murder. Istanbuls chief prosecutor says Mr Khashoggi was strangled immediately after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, and that his body was dismembered and removed from the site. The new face of the 50 note other than that of the Queen will be a scientist, the Bank of England has said. If they are British, no longer living and are not fictional, then they are in with a chance. With the public asked to submit nominations, here is a guide to some of the possible candidates: Professor Stephen Hawking Professor Stephen Hawking (Joe Giddens/PA) The theoretical physicist and cosmologist emerged as a favourite straight after the announcement, with Professor Brian Cox lending his endorsement. Prof Hawking inspired the masses with his insight, humour and success against the odds with motor neurone disease, which left him nearly totally paralysed. He died at the age of 76 in March and his ashes were interred in Westminster Abbey alongside Sir Isaac Newton, who featured on the final 1 note. Dorothy Hodgkin Then-PM Margaret Thatcher greets her former tutor Professor Dorothy Hodgkin in 1989 (Tony Harris/PA) The chemists 1964 achievement of winning the Nobel Prize in science made her the first and only British woman to take the coveted honour. Today, in 2018, she retains that record. Her pioneering work on X-ray crystallography revealed the 3D structures of penicillin and insulin. The work led the way for greater treatment for diabetics. The professor, who died in 1994, won early backing for the note from Royal Society president Venki Ramakrishnan. Alan Turing Bletchley Park (Rui Vieira/PA) He is celebrated as the father of theoretical computer science and a pioneer of artificial intelligence. If that was not enough, he was also one of the Bletchley Park codebreakers who deciphered Nazi messages. But his contribution was not fully recognised in Britain during his lifetime, and he was persecuted for being homosexual during a time when it was outlawed in the UK. He was made to undergo chemical castration treatment and died two years later by suicide at the age of 41 in 1954. In his honour, a law introduced last year pardoning men convicted for having same-sex relationships was dubbed Turings law. Ada Lovelace Two pages (featuring Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace - Iconic Innovations) from the new British passport design that have been unveiled at Shakespeares Globe Theatre in London (Home Office/PA) Despite dying at the age of 36 in 1852, she is regarded by some as having been the first computer programmer. She worked on an early general-purpose computer named the Analytical Engine, recognising its potential as more than just calculations. Rosalind Franklin Explore the world of science from the A of astronomy to the Z of zoology. Nominate the scientist you would like to see on the new 50 note: https://t.co/CwSzNmlkL6 #ThinkScience #50poundnote pic.twitter.com/F3JI2u3l7m Bank of England (@bankofengland) November 2, 2018 Francis Crick, James Watson and Maurice Wilkins may have shared the Nobel Prize for discovering the double-helix structure of DNA, but their work was inspired by Dr Franklins. It was the Photo 51 image of DNA taken in her lab using an X-ray scattering technique and her subsequent report that helped inspire Watson and Crick to create their model. Crick would later acknowledge her importance in the discovery, but she died of ovarian cancer at the age of 37 in 1958, four years before they scooped the Nobel. Frederick Sanger Dr Frederick Sanger (PA) The biochemist is one of only four people in history, and the only Briton, to win two Nobel prizes. His first came for identifying the amino acids that are the building blocks of insulin, the second came in 1980 for developing the Sanger sequencing method of decoding DNA, which remains in regular use today. The brother of a teenager murdered by the IRA has spoken about the painstaking search for his remains as the first half of a dig draws to an end. The family of Columba McVeigh, who is one of 16 murder victims known as the Disappeared, travelled to Co Monaghan where investigators and searchers have suspended the dig because of bad weather. They were joined by families of the other victims after they took part in a silent walk on All Souls Day in Belfast. The 19-year-old from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, was abducted, shot and secretly buried in November 1975. Columba McVeigh (Family handout/PA) Republicans with knowledge of the crime have told the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR), in confidence, that he was buried across the border in Bragan bog near Emyvale. Four previous searches in the bog have not uncovered his remains. His brother Oliver said that while he is not happy the dig has been suspended, he has to be realistic about the conditions of the search site. The Archbishop of Armagh and the Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin met the family, including Mr McVeighs brother and sister, Eugene and Dympna, at the site where he blessed the ground with holy water. Mr McVeigh said: It was very poignant to have Archbishop Martin there and show support for us on Columbas anniversary and All Souls Day. The family really appreciate that he went out of his way to come to the site. We have to be realistic about the conditions we are not happy but we have to be realistic about the ground and the weather. The dig site at bogland in Co Monaghan (Richard McCarthy/PA) We want the dig done right rather than half done. Archbishop Martin said that people across Ireland were hopeful that Columbas remains would be found after a new search started six weeks ago. Speaking at the site, he said: That hope remains and we continue to pray for Gods guidance for the search team as they go about their painstaking work. You can see from what lies behind us is that its an amazing task, its the sort of work that no-one really wants to have to do. When people come to the bog to dig, they are coming to get fuel to heat their homes and to bring warmth into sitting rooms and into their hearts, they dont come to do this type of work. In many ways we are shocked to come way up here into such a bleak place, such a lonely place and realise that this gruesome task continues. He said that he hoped todays visit would inspire someone who has information to come forward. Members from the ICLVR team and forensic archaeologists have searched part of an area measuring about 100 metres by 50 metres. Jon Hill, senior investigator for the ICLVR, said the search is made difficult by unstable ground. Jon Hill (Rebecca Black/PA) He said: We started the search six weeks ago and we are roughly halfway through and we are fast approaching that time when we are going to stop for the winter time and come back at the spring time. There is no reason to think we are successful or unsuccessful until we find what we are looking for and theres no reason to believe that the first part or second part is more hopeful. We are stopping because it becomes more dangerous and less productive. Its more possible that you could miss something when the weather conditions are bad and the lighting is bad. Mr Hill said it is disappointing not to have located Columbas remains. He added: Its as likely that youll find them on the first day as you are on the last day. Detectives investigating the murder of a security guard have arrested a man in connection with the theft of a vehicle. Mohammed Abu Sammour was found injured at a housing development under construction near Newarthill, North Lanarkshire, at around 1am on Sunday. The 49-year-old from Caldercruix in Airdrie, who worked as a building site security supervisor, was taken to hospital where he died a short time later. His work van was later found burnt out. A Police Scotland statement said: A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged theft of a vehicle. He is expected to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday. The oldest of the 11 worshippers gunned down at their synagogue has been remembered at the final funeral this week in Pittsburgh. Rabbi Aaron Bisno said the injured daughter of 97-year-old Rose Mallinger attended Fridays funeral with a nurse. The 61-year-old daughter has been in hospital since Saturdays massacre at the Tree Of Life Synagogue. A painted rock in memory of Rose Mallinger, 97 (Gene J. Puskar/AP) Ms Mallingers family said the synagogue was the centre of Ms Mallingers very active life. They said she retained her intelligence and sharp wit until the end. The three congregations that used the Tree Of Life synagogue plan a joint Shabbat service at another temple on Saturday, while a prayer vigil is planned outside their desecrated house of worship. Irelands deputy premier has said he believes a Brexit deal could be reached by the end of November. Simon Coveney said a lot of progress had been made by negotiating teams in recent weeks. UK Minister for the Cabinet Office David Lidington said negotiators were very close, and that he hopes and expects that a deal will be secured in the next few weeks. Very constructive meeting of the BIIGC today in Iveagh House. The issues around legacy, security co-operation, East-West matters and political stability were discussed. pic.twitter.com/mzdYR5Xadf Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) November 2, 2018 The pair were speaking at a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin. On the same day, the UKs Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab was tight lipped about how negotiations were going when he was questioned by the media during a visit to Belfast. Mr Coveney said the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has shown flexibility and imagination to overcome some of the political challenges that are clearly there. I think a deal can be done, but I think its important that the commitments that have been made are followed through on in full, he said. If that happens, I think its possible to ensure that we get a withdrawal agreement that can be sold on both sides of the Irish Sea. I think it is possible to get a deal in November. Mr Lidington said he believed they were very close to resolving the outstanding issues, and he reiterated the UK Governments commitment to getting over those final difficulties in the Brexit negotiations as soon as possible. I cannot emphasise strongly enough that the Prime Minister feels absolutely committed to her pledge not to have under any circumstances a hard border on the island of Ireland, Mr Lidington said. Mr Coveney continued: This border issue is complicated to resolvebut I think were very close to resolving it. I certainly hope we are. David Lidington replied by saying: Were certainly, as Simon said, very close to resolving it. In Belfast, Mr Raab pledged that his Government will not sign up to any deal which could threaten the constitutional integrity of the UK. Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab arrives at Stormont House in Belfast during his visit to Northern Ireland (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr Raab made the comment following a one-day visit to Northern Ireland. He visited two sea ports before meeting a number of local political parties. Valuable day in #NorthernIreland visiting the border, @PortWarrenpoint, @LarneHarbour and meeting local businesses & political leaders from the main parties. Im confident we can agree a Brexit deal that works for all communities here - that is our goal over the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/05IbkzoWUu Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) November 2, 2018 Mr Raab heard opposing views from the two biggest parties, the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein. The DUP urged that there be no additional barriers between the Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK after Brexit. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (right) and deputy leader Michelle ONeill speaking to the media in the Great Hall at Stormont, Belfast, following a meeting with Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab (Brian Lawless/PA) Sinn Fein told him that the UK government must agree to a backstop plan which could see Northern Ireland effectively remaining in the customs union and single market. However, Mr Raab insisted he is confident the Government can get a good deal. We have made it very clear we would never sign up to anything that would threaten the economic, the constitutional, let alone the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom, he told the BBC. We are engaged in negotiations, I need to protect the integrity of those negotiations, but we are confident we can get a good deal, good for all corners of the United Kingdom and good for every community here in Northern Ireland. DUP leader Arlene Foster said her party wants a deal that is good for Northern Ireland, adding: it can only be good for Northern Ireland if we remain a full part of the United Kingdom. DUP leader Arlene Foster (right) and deputy leader Nigel Dodds speaking to the media in the Great Hall at Stormont, Belfast (Brian Lawless/PA) However, Sinn Fein President Mary-Lou McDonald accused the UK government of acting in bad faith. We have reminded him that he and his government last December signed up to that, understood that the north of Ireland is a particular scenario with a need for a bespoke and particular solution, she said. We have told him that he and his government are acting in bad faith, that they have stepped back from the commitments that they made to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all of its parts, to ensure no hardening of the border on our island and to ensure no loss of rights for our citizens. Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann expressed disappointment that Mr Raab had not stayed longer, pointing out such visits were particularly important in the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive to speak for the region. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and Alliance Party leader Naomi Long also pressed Mr Raab for a backstop plan. Mr Raab started his day in Northern Ireland with a visit to Warrenpoint Port in Co Down. He was criticised there for not meeting with public representatives and local people. Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said: Dominic Raab is like a thief in the night coming in and out, not providing opportunity, not just me personally but the people I represent. Mr Raab also visited Newry Police Station and the port of Larne in Co Antrim. Karen Bradley has called on Northern Irelands political parties to stop grandstanding and take ownership of seeing devolved government return to Stormont. The UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said: We need to have dialogue, we need constructive engagement, we need, as I say, parties to stop grandstanding and actually do the right thing. Ms Bradley made the comments following talks between senior Irish and UK government ministers at a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Dublins Iveagh House. Karen Bradley, David Lidington, Simon Coveney and Charles Flanagan speaking during the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (Julien Behal/PA) She defended as constructive a meeting she held with Northern Irelands main political parties in Belfast on Thursday, which was branded a waste of time by some. Four of the five parties expressed frustration after the meeting and pressed Ms Bradley to convene multi-party talks. She said the meeting was initiated to brief the parties on the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill. Ms Bradley said the most important thing was that she worked constructively with the parties. Lets stop the grandstanding, lets stop the soundbites, now is the time we get back in the room and we get talking, she said. I want to see those parties taking an ownership, taking a responsibility and working with me so we can get a process that people can have confidence in and see that they will have devolved government in Stormont again in the near future. UK Minister for the Cabinet Office David Lidington said there was no doubt that Brexit remaining unresolved was a factor when it came to trying to restore the Assembly. But he added: I dont think that needs to stop the efforts of the parties to move back towards power sharing. Both Mr Lidington and Ms Bradley reiterated the UK Governments absolute commitment to restore devolution. Ms Bradley said there was no alternative. Brexit negotiations and the absence of powersharing in Northern Ireland topped the agenda of the conference. Irelands deputy premier Simon Coveney said the most challenging item on the agenda was the political stability in Northern Ireland. David Lidington and Simon Coveney, right, during the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (Julien Behal/PA) He said both the UK and Irish government ministers had engaged in substantial and serious discussions in particular about how the institutions in Northern Ireland could be re-established. Were going to keep talking regularly to see how we can put a structure in place that can actually work, that can engage all of the parties and that ensures that in the not-too-distant future we have a structure people can believe in, he added. North/south security co-operation and bilateral co-operation between the British and Irish governments was also discussed. Irelands Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said security concerns including the security threat from paramilitary groups on the island of Ireland were discussed. There is sadly no question of the real and persistent threat to life and community safety, Mr Flanagan said. Their terrorist intentions are lethal, he added. The conference coincided with UK Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab arriving in Northern Ireland for a one-day visit to the region. He visited Stormont on Friday afternoon to meet with local political parties. Powersharing government at Stormont has been collapsed since January 2017 following a breakdown in relations between the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein. Established under the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, the BIIGC focuses on bilateral agreement between the two countries. Ahead of the meeting, Mr Coveney said a strong UK-Irish friendship was more important than ever. Looking forward to welcoming @DLidington + Karen Bradley to Dublin for British Irish Intergovernmental Conf. with me + @CharlieFlanagan. Strong UK/Irish friendship, trust+cooperation more NB than ever. Legacy, Security Coop, East-West relations + NI Pol stability all on Agenda pic.twitter.com/H5fHCpqWCP Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) November 2, 2018 In a tweet, he said: Looking forward to welcoming @DLidington (and) Karen Bradley to Dublin for British Irish Intergovernmental conference with me (and) @CharlieFlanagan. He added: Strong UK/Irish friendship, trust (and) cooperation more NB than ever. Legacy, security coop, East-West relations (and) NI political stability all on agenda. The order to kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi came from the highest level of the Saudi government, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said. Mr Erdogan said the international community had the responsibility to reveal the puppet masters behind the death. In an op-ed in The Washington Post, Mr Erdogan said he did not believe that Saudi King Salman had ordered the killing of Mr Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate on October 2. He said Turkeys close ties to Saudi Arabia did not mean that Turkey could turn a blind eye to the killing of the journalist. We know that the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government, Mr Erdogan said. Mr Erdogan wrote: As responsible members of the international community, we must reveal the identities of the puppet masters behind Khashoggis killing and discover those in whom Saudi officials, still trying to cover up the murder, have placed their trust. Istanbuls chief prosecutor announced on Wednesday that Mr Khashoggi, who lived in exile in the United States, was strangled immediately after he entered and that his body was dismembered and removed from the consulate. Turkey is seeking the extradition of 18 suspects who were detained in Saudi Arabia so they can be put on trial in Turkey. Saudi Arabias crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (Victoria Jones/PA) They include 15 members of an alleged Saudi hit squad that Turkey says was sent to Istanbul to kill The Washington Post columnist who had written critically of Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Some of those implicated in the killing are close to the prince. Meanwhile, a Turkish official said he believes Khashoggis body was dissolved in acid or other chemicals after it was mutilated. Yasin Aktay, a ruling party adviser to Mr Erdogan, said there can be no other formula to explain why Mr Khashoggis remains have not been found a month after he was killed. Mr Aktay, who was friend of Mr Khashoggi, said he believes that the body was cut into pieces so that it could be dissolved in chemicals. He said: All the findings point to his body parts being melted. Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi (John Stillwell/PA) Mr Khashoggi had entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to collect a document he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. In Bulgaria on Friday, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Mr Khashoggis killing a horrendous act that should be duly dealt with in a way that does not undermine Saudi Arabias stability. Mr Netanyahu said at a news conference that Iran is a bigger threat than Saudi Arabia and those who want to punish the Middle East kingdom need to bear that in mind. A way must be found to achieve both goals, because I think that the larger problem is Iran, said the Israeli leader, who attended a meeting of the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania and the president of Serbia at a Black Sea resort. Chris Hughton has warned any potential suitors that it will cost a significant amount of money to prise Shane Duffy away from Brighton. He believes that not only have the club protected an asset by recently persuading the Republic of Ireland international to sign a new five-year contract committing him to Brighton until 2023, but that the 26-year-old will continue to improve. Duffys central defensive partner Lewis Dunk has also made the same commitment and the pair have been influential in Brighton securing three successive 1-0 victories against Wolves, Newcastle and West Ham. On Saturday Duffy returns to Everton, where he began his professional career. Hughton, who is in contention to be rewarded for his teams fine form by being named Octobers Manager of the Month, considers Duffy central to his aim of establishing Brighton as a consistent Premier League team. He cost only 4million when he arrived from Blackburn two years ago, and Hughton said: Any interest in the players that are playing very, very well, there would be a premium that goes with that. Shane Duffy has committed to Brighton until 2023 (Gareth Fuller/PA Images) Whether that puts some teams off, I dont know, but (Duffys) a player thats done really well for us, and I still think theres more to come from him. You want to buy players and youre looking at individual players, and of course everybodys price goes up, and that would be exactly the same for us. As a club, what you have to do is protect yourself, and firstly he deserved (his new contract) for the performances that hes put in. Were conscious of how well hes done for us and its a good opportunity for this club to protect an asset. Despite Hughtons optimism at their encouraging form and a wider appreciation of his teams development, he is adamant that survival remains Brightons priority. On Saturday at Goodison Park they will be without the injured Pascal Gross and Davy Propper, and the 59-year-old manager said: As quick as we can have a good period of games, it can go the other way, so still its about that 40-point mark. It has to be. Even though it was 38 last season, and possibly in peoples minds that 40 target will start to dwindle down, I wont change this is our second season (in the Premier League). Voters in several parts of Burma went to the polls on Saturday in 13 by-elections seen as a test of support for leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling party. The National League for Democracy won a landslide victory in the 2015 general election, putting an end to decades of rule by the military and its proxies, though the army retains considerable power under a constitution it implemented. Ms Suu Kyis appeal with the countrys Buddhist majority has not suffered much from a crisis involving 700,000 members of the Muslim Rohingya minority who fled a brutal army counter-insurgency campaign in the countrys west. However, economic development has been lagging. A voter registers at a polling station in Rangoon, Burma (Thein Zaw/AP) The 13 parliamentary seats at stake represent a tiny fraction of the 1,171 national, regional and state assembly seats nationwide, and by-elections rarely drum up the same level of enthusiasm as a general election. The next general election is in 2020. The seats became vacant through death or resignation. The two seats at stake in Rangoon, the countrys biggest city, are all but certain to stay in the NLDs hands. Turnout in Rangoon appeared to be low, but several voters there said they are keeping the faith in Ms Suu Kyi. We dont see we are going to get immediate change. Its impossible to make things right that have already been wrong for many years, said voter Htun Thein. We have to give them time and have understanding. Because of that, he said, voters have to encourage and support the NLD. The by-elections are seen as a test of Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling National League for Democracy party (Chris Ison/PA) Myo Pa Pa Htun had a simpler explanation for supporting the NLD candidate: Because we like and love Mother Su very much, thats the thing. Other contests are taking place in ethnic minority regions where 2015 votes for installing Ms Suu Kyi and slapping down the militarys favoured candidates may give way to more traditional loyalties to local ethnic parties. That possible political realignment could come at the ruling NLDs disadvantage. Areas involved include Chin, Shan and Rakhine states. Low voter turnout may be the main hallmark of Saturdays polls, though more so in Rangoon than in ethnic minority regions. In Rangoons Tamwe township, more than 70,000 voters cast ballots in 2015s general election, according to Toe Win, the NLDs candidate for the constituency. He estimated that Saturdays turnout will reach around 20,000. Burma President Win Myint casts his ballot at a polling station in Rangoon (Thein Zaw/AP)) Toe Win is running to fill the seat of President Win Myint, who by law had to step down from his legislative post when he was appointed the countrys chief executive earlier this year. Businessman Maung Maung said he had to queue with hundreds of voters to vote in 2015. This morning I saw about 20 voters. In 2015, more than 200 people were ahead of me. The ruling party should take it as a lesson for 2020, he said. Falling voter turnout in the by-elections raises big questions about the NLDs popularity midway through its five-year term, said Yan Myo Thein, a political commentator in Rangoon. People particularly in ethnic areas have been disappointed about the NLDs election promises, the performance of the government and MPs and economic burdens. British troops have hailed a massive military exercise in Norway as hugely beneficial to young soldiers who never fought in Afghanistan or Iraq. More than 2,330 UK personnel, plus hundreds of vehicles including Foxhounds and Jackals, seven ships and Hawk jets, are in Norway to take part in Trident Juncture. Natos biggest exercise since the end of the Cold War, it involves more than 50,000 troops, 65 ships, 10,000 vehicles and 250 aircraft from all 29 member states of the alliance and partners. Welcome to #Norway! Heres what you need to know: Norwegians are born with skis on, and they really love their fish. #TridentJuncture pic.twitter.com/1U1qKi7k43 NATO (@NATO) November 3, 2018 Lieutenant Colonel Caroline Lewin, the commanding officer of 2 Signal Regiment who is currently based at a multi-national brigade headquarters in Akrestrommen led by the Armys 4th Infantry Brigade, said the exercise is beneficial. There will be soldiers and officers in this force who have learnt something and will take that forward to be better prepared for future eventualities of conflict, she told the Press Association. For young soldiers who didnt go to Iraq and Afghanistan, this is the first opportunity they have had to do that little bit of overseas expeditionary training that makes them feel like this could be real and that is a great lesson. The mother-of-two from York said that in the face of the current international threats, it is important for allies to work together, adding that exercising troops is the only way to test those frictions. A briefing held during Nato Exercise Trident Juncture in Norway (Georgina Stubbs/PA) Staff Sergeant David Grimshaw of the Royal Army Medical Corps confirmed Trident Juncture has been good for the more inexperienced troops and personnel to see how the UK works with its Nato partners. The 36-year-old from Wigan said: When we have worked in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, the more old and bold amongst us know how it works and how the integration happens. For the younger guys to see the vast amount of nations out here and how they work together I think that is really good for them. He said so far during the exercise they have seen a steady trickle of patients with issues including non-freezing injuries, coughs, colds and the odd trapped finger. Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland conducts a gunnery exercise in the early morning hours at a training range in Norway as a part of #NATO exercise #TridentJuncture | Capable and Ready pic.twitter.com/vX7FbEnqBq NATO Maritime Command (@NATO_MARCOM) November 2, 2018 Trident Juncture began last week in Norway a country which shares a border with Russia and comes amid rising tensions between the Kremlin and the alliance. Based around a fictitious attack on Norways sovereignty resulting in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty being triggered, it is testing Natos collective capacity and capability to respond. Those taking part have been split into opposing northern and southern forces, with offensives and counter attacks being carried out across central Norway, the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea. Lance Corporal Dean McGrady, of the reconnaissance platoon from the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, said so far they have been kept really busy during the exercise. Asked if Trident Juncture feels realistic, he said they are dealing with a thinking enemy, adding: We are not getting told to come down this way, it is that we have to expect and adapt to it. It is a bit of a different exercise for us. Captain Conor McCracken, commander of the 1 Royal Irish reconnaissance platoon said being integrated with the local population adds a whole new dynamic to the exercise. You can interact with them, whereas in a lot of other exercises it is role play this is the best way to exercise I think with the civilian population around you, he said. Parts of the exercise have been held in snowy conditions (Georgina Stubbs/PA) Operating out of the open-topped RWMIK Land Rover, the 27-year-old from Belfast, Northern Ireland said they recently experienced temperatures that had dropped down to -20C. Praising the water and windproof Gore-tex tunics his troops have been issued with for Trident Juncture, he said: This is actually the best bit of kit I have been issued with in the Army. In a historic judgment by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the 47-year-old Christian woman, charged with blasphemy in 2010, was acquitted of all allegations and ordered to be set free. A three-member Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, on October 31 pronounced the judgment, giving a fresh lease of life to Asia Bibi and succour to her family members who have been frantically running around contacting various international institutions, including the Vatican, to intervene and save Bibi from the gallows. In Pakistan, the punishment for blasphemy is death. However, as the public opinion in Pakistan is averse to any judicial leniency towards persons charged with blasphemy, religious clerics and extremists have immediately taken to streets, blocking highways and violently protesting against the verdict. This was anticipated as majority of the people are generally easily reconcilable with bigotry and turn violent at the slightest provocation. Forty-seven-year-old Asia Bibi, charged with blasphemy in 2010, was acquitted of all allegations and ordered to be set free recently. (Credit: Agency File photo) The religious groups had already warned the judges of extreme consequences should they give any verdict other than awarding death. In the prevailing scenario, the law and order situation looks fairly explosive as cities like Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore have already witnessed a few violent protests, leading to long traffic jams. To prevent further disorder, authorities have quickly promulgated Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and are monitoring vehicular movements and preempting gathering of more than five people. Intelligence sources are on high alert and working in close conjunction with the army. 'Hero' of the day, however, was Prime Minister Imran Khan who was very prompt in addressing the nation on October 31 itself, calling for peace and maintaining order. His articulation in addressing the Pakistanis was marked with appeals, what appeared to be sincere, to not to harm the judges who have acquitted Asia Bibi. He also urged the people not to resort to any form of violence. Khan was forthright in his address by saying that the underprivileged and minorities in Pakistan should be protected and the agitators should not, under any circumstances, clash with the verdict. Further, Khan assured that lives and properties will be protected by the government. His timely speech is described as bold and direct and also implies that he is unafraid of divisive and parochial forces, as of now. Importantly, Prime Minister Khan has taken the armed forces into full confidence and it appears that he wants to signal that he means business and is in no mood to tolerate nonsense as seen by his assertive body language and words. Supporters of the Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik at a demonstration this month in Lahore, Pakistan. (Credit: AP photo) He held a long meeting with the Chief Of the Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, discussing the situation arising out of the judicial verdict. This shows two aspects firstly, he and the Army are on the same page and both are serious about handling the situation. Secondly, both are working in unison to protect the minorities, contrary to the general belief. Also, they are keeping the sanctity an institution like the judiciary intact so as to keep religious extremists in check. This seems, at least for now, a healthy sign. But this momentum needs to be kept without any sense of complacency. Meanwhile, in a disturbing development, Tehreek-I-Labbaik (TLP) has called for a mutiny against the Armys top brass and issued death threats to leading judges. Also, the Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islam Fazal has threatened to proceed on nationwide protests against the judgment. These two organisations are full of fanatics with zero-tolerance for other religions. The Chief Justice of Pakistan and his colleagues also deserve credit for the tenor of their judgment, involving a fine piece of literature, legal intellect and wisdom. For example, the judgment read: ...it is a well settled principle of law that one who makes an assertion has to prove it. Thus, the onus rests on the prosecution to prove guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt throughout the trial. Presumption of innocence remains throughout the case until such time the prosecution on the evidence satisfies the court beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of the offence alleged against him". Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in his address after the verdict said the underprivileged and minorities in Pakistan should be protected. (Credit: Twitter) Another judge, Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa stated: "Blasphemy is a serious offence but the insult of the appellants religion and religious sensibilities by the complainant party and then mixing truth with falsehood in the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was also not short of being blasphemous." The judgment also stated: It's ironic that in the Arabic language the appellants name Asia means sinful'. But in the circumstances of the present case she appears to be a person, in the words of Shakespeares King Lear, more sinned against than sinning. While the Pakistan government is closely watching the situation, the zealots who are up in arms against the acquittal are an unpredictable lot. Such forces are well capable of abetting lawlessness, undermining any attempt by PM Khan to stem religious bigotry and be seen as a protector of the minorities. Also read: A madness that binds: The common thread linking murdered J&K BJP secretary Anil Parihar with Pakistan's Asia Bibi On Thursday, a popular BJP leader from Kishtwar Anil Parihar and his brother Ajit were gunned down by suspected militants. The brothers were shot near their home in the Tapal Gali Mohalla when they were returning from their shop. This is not an isolated incident. Earlier in the year, intelligence agencies have warned that Pakistan was resorting to cross-border firing along the area to assist infiltration. The terror handlers and their masters were keen to expand the arc of terror to areas south of the Pir Panjal range in Jammu region. Over the last decade or so, security apparatus have been largely successful in combating terror in the Jammu region. So much so, that off-late the Jammu-Srinagar highway especially the south of the Jawahar tunnel remains mostly incident free and under control during the time of the Amarnath Yatra. Other than the Sunjwan Army Camp attack earlier in the year, there have been less than half-a-dozen serious incidents in the region. Electronic surveillance, better human intelligence, proactive checking of infiltration, and policing are some of the major reasons behind this relative peace. An Indian army soldier takes his position in an orchard near the site of a gunbattle with suspected militants at Kachdoora village in south Kashmir's Shopian district (Credits: Reuters). Intelligence agencies spoke of a 'terror audit' in Pakistan, the reports came around mid-August. The handlers of ISI were apparently not pleased with the performance of their 'wards'. Reports suggested that almost three dozen local commanders of terror launch pads were replaced by tanzeem heads. This happened to both Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) groups. The new commanders have been given three months to perform or perish. Probably, the substantial toll that Operation All Out extracted (almost 200 terrorists gunned down since August 2017), increased vigil, and active denial of infiltrators prompted this change. Winter will now set in about a month, making the higher passes inaccessible; it is already snowing in the upper reaches. The Jammu region has seen a revamping of modus operandi by the terror handlers. There is very little infiltration and even lesser exfiltration. So, the earlier design of training local boys in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and pushing them back in is passe. The terror handlers now are pushing in terror trainers to train local boys mostly Hizb recruits. The Jammu region has seen a relative hike in the number of terrorists or over ground workers arrested with a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. This is especially true in the past few years. There are some innate advantages that south Kashmir affords for sustaining militancy. This is probably why it is emerging as the hub of new-age-militancy in Kashmir both home-grown and imported. Terrain and topography offer good covers sometimes close to and almost parallel to the National Highway. The well-populated areas and towns are usually well-connected with a network of roads. Indian army soldiers patrol a street near a site of a gunbattle between Indian security forces and suspected militants in Khudwani village of South Kashmir's Kulgam district (Credits: Reuters). Besides this, there is a sympathy factor as well. Militancy cannot survive without local support. While there is little support among the locals, there have been suggestions that the almost six thousand Rohingyas have terror links. The insinuations resurfaced after the Sunjuwan Army camp attack earlier in the year. Some reports by media houses suggested Rohingyas helped terrorist escape from the police. Further reports suggested that terrorists took shelter with Rohingyas before the attack. Although it has never been conclusively proven in 2015, a militant killed by security forces in south Kashmir. Abdur Rehman al Arkani initially identified by the pseudonym Chota Burmi was found to be from Rakhine, Myanmar. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and LeT are reportedly playing out a victimhood narrative of Rohingyas being wronged by non-Muslims. According to sources, security forces are increasingly noticing the use of the word Burmi in conversations between militants. The fight against militancy is a multi-faceted, continuing and often long drawn out battle. It is up to both the civil administration and the security establishment to ensure that fear does not return to the region. Also read: Kashmir conundrum: Understanding the politics behind militancy The men and women in khaki, all trainee constables, on Friday went on rampage, attacking and assaulting their seniors and vendalising the new police line, hitting at the media people and commoners breaking their cameras and equipment and vehicle. They were protesting over the death of a woman constable Savita Pathak due to dengue and denial of leave to her. The officials including city SP, rural SP, DSP and sergeant major who reached the spot were abused and chased with rampaging cops throwing stone at them. A DSP rank official was seen bleeding with his uniform blood soaked. In bid to ensure that their vandalism was not video-graphed they assaulted the cameramen and broke their equipment. Those who tried to film their acts on their mobile phones were also attacked and phones were snatched and smashed under their boots. They also rampaged a temple adjacent to the police line and smashed its CCTV camera unit. Over ten police vehicles were ransacked. Even the tough and no non-sense SSP of Patna Manu Maharaaj could not dare to enter the police line. It was like a police revolt against the police force when the junior policemen were seen attacking and assaulting with sticks and stones violently the senior officials. Ten rounds were also fired but to no avail. The daughter of a DSP rank official Maslehuddin Ahmad, whose residence is inside police line said they numbered no less than 300 and smashed over ten vehicles badly with flower pots and showed her own scooty which was destroyed. The relatives of the DSP said attempts were made to kill the family members by breaking open the door and rampaging the quarter and left nothing untouched. The DSP was hit severely on his head. She said her father was in office when attack was made and they dragged him out and brought to the quarter assaulting him. It was a pre planned murderous attack and they target DSP Ahmad even though he had nothing to do with granting leave to trainee constables, said his wife. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans son Kartikey Chouhan on Saturday recorded his statements here in a district court in a defamation case he has filed against Congress President Rahul Gandhi for alleging his name had appeared in the Panama Papers. The Panama Papers leak in 2016 revealed the names of politicians, movie stars and business leaders across the world who had stashed money in tax havens. Kartikey Chouhan told, He levelled allegations against me from a public platform and said I was involved in the Panama Papers leak. He was wrong. False allegations were levelled against my father and me. I have recorded my statements in this regard today. On Tuesday, Kartikey Chouhan had demanded an apology from Gandhi within 48 hours. Kartikey Chouhans lawyer claimed that Gandhi had committed a criminal offence. He said the court would hear the case next on December 17. On Monday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan had threatened to file a criminal defamation case against Gandhi for accusing him and his family of being involved in the Vyapam and the Panama Papers scams. In response, the Congress president said he had been confused among the scams as the BJP was involved in many corruption cases. The next day, Gandhi told media persons that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singhs son was involved in the case. After 17-days of disruption, the public transport system in Haryana returned to normalcy on Saturday as the protesting Roadways employees called off their strike and buses started plying across the State from 10 am. We have started running the Haryana roadways buses across the State from 10 am, Haryana Roadways employees coordination committee member Balwan Singh said. Despite the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) being in force, the Roadways employees had been on strike since October 16 against the Governments move to induct 700 private buses, which they alleged was a move towards privatisation of the department to benefit a few chosen ones. Even as the Government held unsuccessful parleys with the striking employees twice, they have been invited for a fresh round of talks on November 12, Singh said. The strike costs the State loss of about Rs 40 crore, officials said. Meanwhile, State Government has revoked the suspension and termination of around 300 employees of the department, they said. However, those employed by the State Government through its policy of outsourcing have been shown the door, they added. Some of those who were removed from service which they got when the strike was underway staged protests at a few places in the State. On Friday, the protesting employees had assured the Punjab and Haryana High Court that they would call off their strike by 10 am on Saturday. The court had asked the State Government to take back all the suspended and dismissed employees with immediate effect. There are about 19,000 employees in the Haryana Roadways, which has a fleet of 4,100 buses that caters to about 12 lakh passengers daily. A Kashmiri youth studying in a university in the national capital region of Ghaziabad is suspected to have joined the terrorist group, Independent State of Jammu and Kashmir (ISJK). The Kashmiri youth, identified as Ehatsham Bilal Sofi, a first year student of business management at Sharda University in Noida, went missing a few days back and everyone thought he had gone to his native place Pulwama in Kashmir. But when his photo came in the social media showing Ehatsham posing with an AK-47 and ISJK flag in the background, the security personnel in UP and Kashmir went into tizzy. The youth also released a video in which he is heard saying that he has joined the ISJK. But the Uttar Pradesh police did not confirm whether the youth had joined the ISJK outfit or not. Director General of Police OP Singh said here on Saturday that they had information about the photos of the youth, around 19 years old, that was circulated in the social media but were investigating the matter along with the Jammu and Kashmir police. He said the youth, Ehatsham, had a fight with some Afghanistan students last Saturday in the hostel and thereafter he was found missing. The DGP said that he was not certifying that the youth had turned terrorist yet. We have got the CCTV footage of Srinagar airport where he reached from New Delhi on Sunday but thereafter he went missing, Singh said, while disclosing that the youth had informed his parents that he was in the hostel when in reality he was in Srinagar. The security personnel had found his mobile phone working till Sunday after he boarded a flight to Srinagar from Delhi. The family of Ehatsham also lodged an FIR with Knowledge Park police in Noida, another police officer said. The security agencies in UP and Kashmir are investigating the matter. Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Saturday said it is the responsibility of the Information and Public Relations Department to make people aware about Government schemes and save the common man from being misled. Inform people through various mediums such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc. Public relations is a fair and effective medium to defeat negative forces said the CM while speaking to the officials present at a review meeting of the Information and Public Relations Department at Project building here on Saturday. The CM said that specific work being done in the society and the State should be publicised. Inspirational work should also be publicised. The District Public Relations Officer should coordinate with all departments and promote scheme. Make direct contact with people and aware them about their rights, he instructed. Das said that Jharkhand is the first State in the country where the Agriculture and Food Summit is going to be held on November 29 and 30. To ensure farmers from remote area take its benefit, promote it with modern technique and technology. The CM said that there are many people, farmers and women self-help groups which are working for the benefit of people. Bring their success story in public, congratulate them on social media and honor them for their work. It will encourage other people to do the same. The Chief Minister said that in Krishi Samagam it has been announced by the State government that 28 lakh farmers of Jharkhand will get free mobile phones. Publicize this information to the farmers living in remote area. Das said that LED vans are being run in all the districts of the State for the widespread publicity of the schemes. Ensure LED van run in rural areas instead of urban area. People in urban areas become aware of schemes through newspapers and TVs, but people of rural areas use such medium relatively less. Publicity should be done in regional language for better understanding. The Information and Public Relations Department should do unconventional work, which later be followed by other states. In this era of publicity, the governments scheme will be a success only if we get involved with the general public. Secretary Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal said that giving benefit of welfare schemes to public is the priority of state government. He said that in rural areas, publicity of schemes is done less than urban areas; hence priority should be given to promotion of schemes through LED mobile van. He said that in the districts where the number of LED mobile vans is less, the number should be increased. Audio visuals run in LED mobile van are now being run in the local language which is a good thing. Broadcast from LED screen should be done till 11pm in crowded place. He said that the display signage screen should be installed in the Collectorate hall. A large display signage screen should be installed in Project building and Nepal House lobby in a month. The meeting was attended by Director, Information and Public Relations Department Ram Lakhan Prasad Gupta, Additional Secretary Ramakant Singh, all Deputy Secretaries, Deputy Directors, Under Secretary, Assistant Directors and District Public Relations Officer. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development and Enterprises Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday urged the budding entrepreneurs to leverage their support to the ecosystem created in the country by the Narendra Modi Government to enhance productivity of the MSMEs in various sectors. He attended a district-level programme held on the sidelines of the Prime Minister launching a programme to support the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through credit plus services in New Delhi on the day. The programme organised by the Union Ministry of MSME in collaboration with the UCO Bank in Cuttack, Pradhan said Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das had a vision of New Odisha with an objective to provide employment to the youths of the State by recognising the traditional industry into an organised industry. He also felicitated six successful entrepreneurs of Cuttack district who have established their business successfully in the different fields with support of the MUDRA Yojana. Besides, 10 beneficiaries were also provided financial assistance under the UCO Trader and MUDRA schemes to start their business. Among others, UCO Bank ED Charan Singh, SECI MD Jatindra Nath Swain, GST and Central Excise Commissioner SG Dewalwar, bank GM Chanchal Majumdar, MSME Cuttack Director Dr SK Sahoo, FICCI Odisha State Head Satyajit Mohanty and USRSS (Filigree Association) president Brahmananda Maharana were present. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday reiterated that he had no ambition to become the prime minister of the country after the Lok Sabha election in 2019. The SP chief maintained that he never aspired to lead the country and his sole ambition was to work for the development of Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh Yadav was the chief minister of UP for five years, from 2012 to March 2017. The repeated assertion of the SP president of not being in the race for the prime ministers office is seen as a move to keep Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati in good humour. Former chief minister of Haryana and Jat leader Om Prakash Chautala and others have proposed the name of Mayawati to lead the oppositions grand alliance. The prime-ministerial ambitions of Mayawati are well known and she had made a pitch for the top post during the 2009 Lok Sabha election. Moreover, the Samajwadi Party is desperate for alliance with the BSP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, even at the cost of being a junior partner and BSP getting the lions share of over 40 Lok Sabha seats in UP and the rest going to other parties. UP has 80 Lok Sabha seats. Akhileshs statement assumes more significance and relevance amidst heightened efforts by opposition leaders for a grand alliance, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu meeting Rahul Gandhi, the president of his arch rival Congress, and joining hands with the grand old party. Addressing the office-bearers, district presidents, general secretaries and vice-presidents of his party, Akhilesh Yadav said the 2019 Lok Sabha election was going to be a do or die battle for the opposition and the future of democracy would rest on its outcome. He said an emergency-like situation was prevailing in the country and the Bharatiya Janata Party, by trampling constitutional institutions, was attempting to deprive the bahujan samaj comprising over 80 per cent of the countrys population, of their due share in the power structure and national cake. The results of the 2019 Lok Sabha election would be decisive for the future of democracy in the country as the BJP is aggressively pursuing divisive politics and is undermining important institutions and constitutional bodies and damaging the secular fabric of the nation, the SP president said. RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), the ideological mentor of the BJP, is spreading communal hatred in the name of Ram temple in Ayodhya, in its attempt to polarise the electorate on communal lines ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Akhilesh said. He asked the party leaders to be vigilant, never lower the guard and beware of falling in the traps to be laid by the BJP in coming days. Akhilesh said the BJP had launched a vicious campaign to malign the SP as they were masters in spreading falsehood and creating false political narrative. Terming the BJP as the rabidly caste-based party, the SP chief said it was spreading communal hatred for its narrow political ends. After a day-long drama RJD chiefs elder son Tej Pratap met his father Lalu Prasad Yadav at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here on Saturday. After the meeting Tej Pratap said he remained firm on his stand to get divorce from his wife Aishwarya Rai. Pratap, who had left Patna to meet his father on Friday evening, reached RIMS around 3 pm and headed straight to room number 11 located on the first floor where Lalu is undergoing treatment. He remained with his father for over two hours. On being asked about his stand on his wife, the former health minister of Bihar said, Tej Pratap could not be kept under any type of bondage. I could not live a life of subjugation. Pratap alleged that so far he has been made a rubber stamp adding he was put under considerable pressure on the issue. He added that he was also awaiting his fathers return to home to discuss the issue. The former health minister, however, added he would prefer to speak about the entire episode concerning his marriage in the court. According to Pratap has filed a divorce petition before the court even though RJD leaders present in RIMS claimed that the family dispute would be resolved soon. A RJD leader Lav Kush Yadav pointed out that disagreement takes places in every family adding they are resolved later on. It may be stated here that talking to media persons while coming to Ranchi Pratap had told the mediapersons that his mentality does not match with that of his wife. He said he will now fight for justice. Even as Pratap was coming to Ranchi to meet his father there was a buzz that Lalu was quite disturbed by the bickering in his family. RIMS doctors, however, sought to clarify that Lalu was in a stable condition. Dr Umesh Prasad of RIMS who is overall in-charge of the RJD leaders health said that vital parameters of the leader including his blood pressure and sugar level were normal. The Bourbons and Begums of Bhopal Author : Indira Iyengar Publisher : Niyogi, Rs 510 A fitting tribute to the authors mother, this book will inspire readers to pick up the threads and investigate Bhopals very own French affair, writes KALYANEE RAJAN In one of his lesser known short stories titled Dara Shikohs Durbar, Premchand gives a prominent role to a French traveller named Dr Francois Bernier, as one of Prince Dara Shikohs valued courtiers. He attributes the presence of several European courtiers in the court to the assumption that they would be free of the bitter communal prejudices which divided the Hindus and Muslims. In the story, Bernier is seen rooting for peace and logic in the face of several failed expeditions of Dara Shikoh to Kandahar. In The Bourbons and Begums of Bhopal: The Forgotten History, Indira Iyengar carries out a labour of immense love and commitment as she sets about to excavate her French roots going back to the famed court of Mughal Emperor Akbar, where Jean Philippe de Bourbon fleeing incognito from his motherland, found refuge. He not only married into Akbars extended family, but was also given the title of the Bourbon Raja of Shergarh. Iyengars research reveals that Jean Philippe is understood to have married the sister of one of Akbars Armenian wives, and that she worked as a doctor for the Royal Harem of Akbar. Several such fascinating nuggets of information are peppered throughout the volume, which is more a product of love than practicality as the book is printed on glossy, fully-coloured, thick paper, adding more weight perhaps to a certain venerability of tradition meticulously excavated and laid out. In 10 long chapters complimented by two ample appendices and several coloured plates from the authors private collection, the reader is plunged into a saga of deracination, settlement, heroism and consolidation of an empire spread over centuries. Iyengar confesses how as the eldest of the family of Bourbons in India, she felt it was her duty to write about the gallant past of her family which the Mughals appreciated and the Nawab Begums of Bhopal trusted. The book is a tribute to her mother Magdalene Bourbon a historical account with a personal flavour. Having accessed the confidential records of the Agra Archdiocese to examine the history of the Agra Church, Iyengar puts forth convincing arguments based on significant documents connected with the Bourbons and their association with the development of the State of Bhopal. The exhaustive foreword by Bhopal historian Rizwan Uddin Ansari attests to the painstaking effort of the author. Iyengars writing style is that of an emotionally charged historian, who researches and narrates with passionate vigour. She ventures to put on record a compelling legendary tale, pauses to validate it with sources, and resumes her heroic narration. However, some of the cited sources might fail the test of authenticity as they come from individual, previously undocumented memories. Her primary source is her mothers memories the backbone of this book. The first chapter, titled Arrival of Jean Philippe de Bourbon in Akbars Court talks about how Jean Philippe and his wife Juliana helped to build the first Catholic Church in Agra which was completed on 1588. Jean Philippes French origins are discussed in detail: He being a natural son of Duke Charles III de Bourbon (1490-1527) famously known as Connetable de Bourbon. The fascinating anecdote of Jean Philippe having to escape France at the age of sixteen because he had killed a French Lord in a duel is also related. The chapter documents observations about several graves of Agra Cemetery where many Bourbons are believed to have been buried. The second, third and fourth chapters titled The Bourbons of Shergarh and Narwar, The Bourbons of Bhopal and Balthazar Bourbon, alias ShahzadMasih respectively delve in detail into the Armenian as well as Christian connection of the Narwar fort which was thought to be second only to Gwalior Fort in yesteryears. It also housed a chapel with several resident priests. These three chapters provide details of the massacre of the Bourbons at the Narwar Fort. They show how Salvador Bourbon fled to the Gwalior Fort with a handful of remaining family members, to become a General in Bhopal State Army under the rule of Manji Mamola Bai. The book reveals that Mamola Bai also bestowed a Muslim name InayatMasih upon Salvador to pacify the orthodox Pathans of the State. Most of the third chapter is written in anecdotal style, with details of various fights and sieges in the ensuing struggle for power that the Bourbons fought jointly with Wazir Mohammad Khan and his son Nazar Mohammad Khan. Talking about the former, Iyengars emotional pen pours forth: He was a real hero in the history of Bhopal; he repeatedly saved Bhopal in difficult times. He was, in fact, the real Nawab, though he never acquired the title. The fourth chapter combines with the third to firmly establish the connection between the Bourbons and Bhopal: How Salvador and his son Balthazar consolidated the Bhopal rulers by saving them from Maratha invasion and assisting in the crucial Treaty of Raisen with the Honorable East India Company in 1818 ratified by the Governor, Lord Hastings. The life and times of Balthazar Bourbon, his impeccable service as advisor to Bhopals fabled Qudsia Begum and his beautiful Farsi and Urdu poetry Dewans of Fitrat is documented in the fourth chapter. Iyengar says that these verses have never before been quoted or traced, while she has managed to retrieve and translate a few of them: Paayanaho Buland kyon uske Kalaamka, Wasif Jo hoMaseey Alay Hus Salam ka meaning Why shouldnt the status of his poetry be high, Of the person who is a follower of Jesus (the prophet) peace be upon him. The rest of the book deals with Madam Dulhan and her heroic acts including that in the uprising of 1857, the French Architectural influences in Bhopal especially the Shaukat Mahal, the decline of the Bourbons in Bhopal, the life and times of the writers mother and finally the first ever complete reconstruction of the family tree of the Bourbons in India. Iyengar fastidiously relates the transition of French Bourbons into the mould of local Bhopali lifestyle, with Muslim names fusing with their European nomenclature and identity, as well as their adoption of local dressing, customs (observing purdah) and food: After offering prayers in the holy month of Lent, the whole family consumed roti and baingan kabhurtha! Historian Rizwan Uddin Ansari notes that the meticulously compiled family tree is a major contribution of this book which also fills a huge gap in the literature regarding the contribution of the Bourbons in Bhopals history. Most of the rare photographs dating back to the 18th century from the authors private collection passed on over generations are also treasure troves brought out in the public domain for the first time. Several handwritten letters and documents recording land deeds and bequests reproduced in the appendices are simply invaluable. GBS Sidhu gives an insider's view of the chain of events that led to the merger of Sikkim with India in 1975, and outlines the interplay of personalities involved, such as Indira Gandhi, Chogyal, Kazi, and the intelligence agencies The merger of Sikkim with India in May 1975 was a historic event in more than one way. Firstly, it undid the wrong done by India to the people of Sikkim by denying them the right to accede to, and finally merge with, the Union of India through the signing of the Instrument of Accession, as was the case with the rest of the 565 Indian princely States, which like Sikkim, were also members of the Chamber of Princes and the Constituent Assembly of India, before the country attained Independence on August 15, 1947. Secondly, to protect its strategic interests in this vulnerable and heavily defended sector along the Sino-Indian border, India no longer had to depend upon the whims and fancies, and the growing unpredictability, of the Chogyal who had long cherished the ambition to secure an independent status for Sikkim like that of neighbouring Bhutan. Imagine the implications of a dissatisfied, sulking or even a revolting Chogyal in the background of a Doklam-like face-off between Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and the Indian Army, with the Communist Party of Chinas Peoples Daily publication, Global Times, threatening to incite revolt in Sikkim against India. Thirdly, through it, Indias international borders achieved a finality, which will continue to remain the same unless minor adjustments, if any, are made based on mutual agreements with some of our neighbouring countries with whom we have festering territorial disputes. Though seven more States have been added to the list of member States comprising the Republic of India since 1975 (taking the total from 22 to 29), these were carved out through internal realignments of existing boundaries. R&AWs operation relating to the merger of Sikkim continued to remain shrouded in mystery since it was first conceived by legendary spy and R&AWs founder head Rameshwarnath Kao sometime towards the end of December 1972. It was approved by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and launched in early February 1973. It was a unique operation, unlike any other of this magnitude and significance. Within the department, knowledge of its existence was confined to three people: Kao in New Delhi; PN Banerjee, joint director and regional head of R&AWs office in Calcutta; and the OSD (P) Gangtok, who was head of the R&AWs set-up in Sikkim. In Sikkim, initially, only Kazi, president of the Sikkim National Congress (SNC); and SK Rai, general secretary of the KC Pradhan-led Janata Congress, were taken into confidence about the scope of this operation. They were clearly told that the GoI had finally decided to lift its protective hand from the head of the Chogyal. Unlike in the past, when Tashi Tsherings (president of the Sikkim State Congress) no tax, no rent campaign launched in 1949 was sabotaged by India, it would no longer stand in the way of the pro-democratic and pro-reform demands of the parties that had been fighting for political, administrative and other reforms since Indias Independence. However, Kazi was the only one who was told that India would accept the demand for the merger of Sikkim in case he was able to build overwhelming support in its favour, both amongst the general public and in the yet-to-be-elected Assembly. Kazi, to his credit, did not share this information with anyone else till the last moment. When I started writing this book, some of my friends advised me against mentioning the role of the R&AW in the merger of Sikkim. I did not know how such a book could be written or what useful purpose it would serve. Appreciating their suggestion made in good faith, I told them that it was Kao himself who had asked me to write this book in 1988. Had there been any chance of me disclosing any information that could go against the interests of national security, an extremely security-conscious person like Kao would not have asked me to write about the R&AWs role in Sikkims merger in the first instance. Actually, there are situations where withholding such information from the public domain any longer becomes counterproductive and allows certain parties or individuals to push forward their predetermined conclusions in the hope that such facts as could counter their hypothesis would continue to remain buried under the thick cover of secrecy. It was over 43 years ago that Sikkim merged with India. It is high time that the truth behind the merger be brought out. That would help remove the cobwebs of doubt, or even confusion, created in the minds of the people by some others to make them believe that there was no popular demand for Sikkims merger and that the State was annexed against the popular will of the majority of Sikkimese people, which was not the case. The truth must be revealed, if nothing else, at least to redeem Kazi, who devoted his lifetime to free Sikkim from the Chogyals yoke, but was unfortunately accused of selling his country to India. The worst part of all this was that while Kazi was being accused in the immediate aftermath of the merger, of selling his country to India, no Indian agency or person in authority could or they chose not to do anything to neutralise such false and motivated propaganda. Instead, they continued to remain mute witnesses to Kazis agony. I joined the R&AW in February 1972. After completing my training, I was posted as JAD (Joint Assistant Director, a post equivalent to that of an under-secretary) in charge of two of the personnel branches. I finally landed in Gangtok to take charge as the OSD (P) Gangtok on August 27, 1973. Insofar as operational work was concerned, before the merger-related spl ops were launched, the R&AWs main role in Sikkim was to collect Tibet and China-related intelligence. This had to be shared by the OSD (P) with the Chogyal, Palden Thondup Namgyal, through personal meetings at regular intervals. However, given the new requirements of planning and implementing the spl ops, my predecessor, AS Sayali had, in early February 1973, constituted a three-member team comprising himself, Senior Field Officer (SFO-equivalent in rank to a deputy superintendent of police) Padam Bahadur Pradhan (a Nepalese) and Deputy Field Officer (DFO-equivalent to a sub-inspector) Myngma Tshering (a Bhutia) for the job. By the time I took over as OSD (P), the developments that followed the anti-Chogyal and pro-democracy demonstrations in April 1973 in Sikkim in general and in Gangtok in particular had already forced the Chogyal to sign the May 8, 1973, tripartite agreement with the then Foreign Secretary Kewal Singh and the leaders of the major political parties. This agreement had significantly curtailed the powers of the Chogyal and laid the grounds for holding fresh elections in April 1974 under the aegis of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The April 1974 elections resulted in a landslide victory for Kazis Sikkim Congress (31 seats out of 32). Based on this, the next phase of the spl ops had to be planned and executed. While we awaited directions from New Delhi, we had to ensure that the Sikkim Congress Legislature Party remained a single solid block behind Kazi, and that he was able to withstand or block any Chogyal-inspired move to create dissension within its ranks. In that context, while the magnitude of the Sikkim Congresss victory reduced the probability of any serious dissidence within the party, we had to be careful about the moves of some of the senior leaders of this party, such as the mercurial KC Pradhan and the shifty BB Gurung. Also, the Sikkim Congresss newly developed proximity (encouraged by the R&AW) with the Lepcha group led by Rinzing Lepcha had to be nurtured and strengthened. Excerpted with permission from GBS Sidhus Sikkim: Dawn of Democracy published by Penguin Viking, Rs 599 A lot of water has gone under the bridge since the Chinese aggression. The Wuhan Summit in 2018 is an ample symbol of intent by both China and India. In the age of new diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a searing attempt to pave the way for normalisation of relations with Beijing despite the past It was the treacherously tumultuous period between October 20 and November 21, 1962, when the Han invaded India with the first incursion being at NEFA fealty Indias North Eastern Frontier Agency which witnessed the massacre of the Rajput battalion who were caught surreptitiously unaware in the dreary heights in 1962. The war which was more than a border skirmish was initiated with India defending with about 10,000-20,000 soldiers which were pitted against the 80,000 odd soldiers of the Peoples Republic of China. The war ended when the Chinese declared a ceasefire on November 21, 1962. Some Cinematic portrayals, such as the flick Haqeeqat, beautifully portrayed the unmatched valour and singularly aesthetic spirit of sacrifice which the Indian forces displayed in the freezing heights of NEFA despite limitations imposed by a want of war fighting equipment and a lack of an appropriate infrastructure. New Delhi was caught napping as in the few roundtables between Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Commissar Mao, the rant of Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai befooled the Indian Government and the nation was not prepared for a warring victory over the multitudes which were let loose on India in deluges after deluges. The shadow of the war still lurks behind Indias foreign policy and the Chinese hegemonising and containment strategies which are the final outpouring of all Chinese ministrations. It is these antecedents which prevent the normalisation of relations between New Delhi and the Han, and a veil of ubiquitous uncertainty and an anachronous trust deficit is in place as the mortal issues of territorial claims by the Chinese still mar the dialogues and Tibet remains a sticking point between New Delhi and Beijing. The facts and the depictions by Western chroniclers such as Edgar Snow pinpoint towards the power centric and sturdy ministrations of the Han nation, both in dealing with its internal turbulence and in its transactions with India. The rowdy and the fighting spirit is depicted in, Red Star Over China, which forms a substantial premise upon which the entire edifice of China is premised upon. The Chinese stratagem has always been the formulaic inaction of lying low and hibernating only to emerge as the powerful aggressor after gaining girth. Its no tale that the Indian reaction to the Chinese invasion was knee jerk and the record was straightened out with the partial victory over Pakistan and the Nathula skirmish in 1967 as poignantly portrayed in the recent Cinematic creation, titled as Paltan. Provocations by the Chinese to arouse and inflame the Indian contingent at Nathula in 1967 remains a practice in the expanse of uninhabited frontiers. As India Today reports, Around 3,250 Indian soldiers were killed. India lost about 43,000 square kilometres of land, captured by China in Aksai Chin. It is of the size of Switzerland. The 55th anniversary of the India-China war has a shadow of Doklam stand-off hovering over it. The anniversary is also significant in the view of the CPC Congress, where President Xi Jinping has emerged as the most powerful leader of the country in its history. Thus, the singularly trenchant trend in China happens to be that of centralisation of power and the beginning of a new personality cult akin to what Mao Tse Tung developed around himself. The Long March and the other revolutionary systemic changes of the sixties and seventies in China are a matter of retrospect and till now the Chinese economic unison with the rest of the international system is partially well managed and orchestrated sufficiently, if not to perfection. There is a Prisoners Dilemma and Chicken hunt game revolving around the India-China border dispute. Both the sides are fundamentally distrustful of each other. The Chinese jingoistic veneer was at a full-mast-display at the time of the Doklam stand-off. Global Times wrote, We firmly believe that the face-off in the Donglang area will end up with the Indian troops in retreat. The Indian military can choose to return to its territory with dignity or be kicked out of the area by Chinese soldiers. Even in the JP Duttas war movie classic, Paltan, the heated verbal exchange between Indian commander Arjun Rampal and the Chinese Commissar makes for an interesting watch and analysis. When the Chinese Commandant at Nathula declares and threatens that the Indian contingent will suffer. Arjun Rampal stoutly counters by contending, Do whatever you can, we are ready to suffer anything. These instances might flare up the relationships chasms further, but for the nation, themes of moral uprightness and fealty to the nation along with the grandiloquent spirit of sacrifice are there to be given unmatched importance in the Indian military myth and lore. It is here that the sinews of the nation attains its synergy to defend its borders and sustain self pride which might seen anachronistic to a certain section living in the world of a conjoined geo-economics with the United States its President Trump straining at their leashes to isolate and counter the Chinese trade juggernaut all across the global polity ranging from Africa, Latin America to the neighbouring Indo-Pacific. Unfortunately, it was India which played a prominent role with others to mainstream the Chinese in search of durable and credible peace at the border. In the light of the 1962 border clash, Arun Jaitley contended that India in 2017 is different than what it was in 1962 referring to its improved and enhanced military strength in the contemporary context. Chinas two territorial claims are the rattling elements for New Delhi. One being the claim over Aksai Chin in the north-eastern section of the Ladakh region in Jammu & Kashmir. The other claim is premised upon the demand of the territory of Arunachal Pradesh. The Chinese claim that in the Tri-party talks at the Simla convention in 1913-1914, the Tibetan side was taken to a separate room and the Chinese delegation was not adequately shown the documents, as also refereed in the Neville Maxwells, Indias China War. Sir Henry MacMohan detailed the Macmohan line between British India and Tibet which is based upon the highest watershed principle which the Han deny and do not accept as the correct demarcation of the boundary. These rationales exist as the historic reasons why the Chinese Maps portray a different scale of demarcation vis-a-vis the border. The original Chinese claim crosses these arid and mountainous regions, the way to the plains of Assam. Chou En-Lai had proposed that both the nations withdraw their forces for about twenty kilometres beyond the Macmohan line, which was a policy course rejected by India. The area of this disputed region is three times the terrain of Taiwan, six times the size of Beijing and ten times the size of Malvinas. A lot of water has flown down the bridge since the mayhem of 1962. The Wuhan Summit in 2018 was an ample symbol of intent by both China and India. Xi Jingpins outreach to the Japanese leader and PM Modi can be perceived as a striving to cement a Sino-centric world order to replace the US-led global order, sans the American grand strategy. The Wuhan dialogue need not be belittled as an attempt in optics and verbiage but it needs to be comprehended by observers as an informal summit with an eye to create the correct pitch for the both the nations to bat on to some concrete themes such as border solutions. In the age of New Diplomacy, Modi has made a searing attempt to pave the way for a steadying and normalisation of relations with Beijing despite the past. (The writer teaches International Relations at Indian Institute of Public Administration, Delhi) Picture of a 17-year-old Kashmiri boy and a student of private University in Noida who went missing last week surfaced on the social media showing the boy in a black outfit that is dress code of terrorist group ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. "We are looking for boy. We have no confirmation regarding the picture that went viral on the social media," said Ajay Pal Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gautam Budh Nagar. According to a senior police official, the boy identified as Ahtesham Bilal Sofi is a resident of downtown Srinagar and was a first year graduation student at Sharda University in Noida. "He went missing on October 28 after he left the varsity with official permission to go to Delhi, days after he was mistakenly roughed up during a scuffle between Indian and Afghan students on campus," said the senior police official. "A missing complaint was registered in the case at the Knowledge Park police station in Greater Noida as well as at Khanyar police station in Srinagar," the senior police official added. The UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) said it has been tracking the case since October 28 and has taken cognisance of the photos. "We are in touch with Jammu and Kashmir police. We are tracking the footprints of the boy from Greater Noida to Kashmir," said Inspector General, ATS, Asim Arun. The Gautam Buddh Nagar police, who had traced the last location of Sofi's mobile phone to terrorism-hit Pulwama district in South Kashmir, is also probing the matter. "A missing complaint was registered and police teams are working on the case. Sofi had left for Srinagar from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in the afternoon of October 28 and reached Pulwama a few hours later. During investigation his mobile phone details showed that he last spoke to his father, who lives in Srinagar, at 4.30 pm, when his location was traced to Pulwama," said the police official. However, he had told his father that he was is Delhi and was returning to the university by metro, the police said. Meanwhile former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said that reports claiming a Kashmiri student of a private university joined terrorist ranks in the Valley were "hugely worrying". "If this is genuine (social media post about Sofi joining militant ranks), it's hugely worrying. Sometimes seemingly small actions have huge consequences (sic)," Abdullah wrote on Twitter Jairam Rameshs Intertwined Lives: PN Haksar and Indira Gandhi the biography of Haksar, one of the best known civil servants and Indiras right-hand man offers an insight into the past of both the person and the country he served. An edited excerpt: Indira Gandhi was preparing for her upcoming election campaign when she received this note from PN Haksar five days into the New Year, on January 5, 1971: The PM may kindly see the report placed below prepared by the Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW). I have long been feeling a sense of uneasiness about the intentions of Pakistan in future. The recent political developments in Pakistan have added to my anxieties. With the overwhelming victory of East Pakistan wing [Sheikh Mujibur Rahman], the solution of internal problems of Pakistan have become infinitely more difficult. Consequently, the temptation to seek solution to these problems by external adventures has become very great. I think that the time has come when our Armed Forces need to make a very realistic assessment both of Pakistans capability and our response. I have a feeling that there are many weak spots in our defence capabilities. These need to be remedied without loss of time. I know how busy the PM is. And yet, I venture to suggest that the PM should call in all the three Chiefs of Staff, Defence Secretary, and the Defence Minister and share with them her anxieties and ask them to urgently prepare their own assessment and make recommendations of what the requirements of each of the Services are so that we can feel a sense of security. I suggest that such a meeting should be held quietly and without any publicity... Just as Haksar was worrying about Pakistan based on his meetings with Kao, Ritwick Ghatak cropped up again. The eccentric Bengali filmmaker had made a film on Lenin but it had run into controversy. On January 6, 1971, a day after sharing his worries about Pakistan with the Prime Minister, he told her: In matters of this sort, one is apt to be carried away by somewhat exaggerated notions that our society, such as it is, would be seriously deflected from its course of evolution by a film on the life of Lenin as produced by Ritwick Ghatak. Generations of people all over the world have seen far more inflammatory films by Eisenstein, Pudovkin, Rossellini and others. These films, at any rate, were shown on a mass scale. And nothing very much really happened. Even if the film is certified as it is, hardly any cinema would show it on a commercial basis. I myself saw the film and I cannot say with any sense of realism that Ritwick Ghataks film on Lenin will bring the revolution even fraction of a second earlier. However, I am rather more oppressed by the poverty of Ghatak, who has staked up a little money with the help of some hapless financier and they are both desperately trying to sell this film to the Soviet Union. It would be great fun exporting Indian Lenin to the Soviet Union! I hope the Soviet society survives the depredations. It is really quite comic that so many hours of official time should have been wasted in considering the solemn question whether the film should or should not be released. I feel that we can well afford to let the film go giving it A certificate. After dictating the note, Haksar realised that he may have been carried away by his liberalism and suggested to the Prime Minister that she may agree to having the film certified for adults only subject to deletion only of that portion of the commentary on land grab sequence. The Prime Minister agreed! Thereafter, the Prime Minister plunged into her campaign in right earnest. Haksar was fully involved in the campaign at every step writing substantial parts of the manifesto, suggesting possible candidates and getting feedback from his band of political and non-political friends in different States. People approached him with suggestions which he duly passed on to Indira Gandhi, and some even met him to offer themselves as candidates. One such person was a distinguished Army man, who had done India proud in the 1965 war with Pakistan. Haksar informed Indira Gandhi on January 16, 1971: General Harbaksh Singh called on me today at 12.30 pm. He said that he had been approached by the Akali Party to stand from the Sangrur parliamentary constituency. He said that he belongs to this area. He further said that there are hundreds of thousands of people, especially amongst ex-servicemen, who are just fed up with the low level of Akali politics. He will have nothing to do with them. In fact, Punjab needs to be rescued from the Jathedars. They have no morals, no scruples and no ideology of any sort. He would, therefore, be glad to place his services at the disposal of the Prime Minister and would like to give a fight Generally speaking, I take a dim view of soldiers, sailors and airmen entering politics. I must say that I was agreeably impressed by the earnestness and sincerity of General Harbaksh Singh. May be, he is an exception. The next day, Indira Gandhi asked Haksar to speak to the president of the Congress Party in Punjab, Giani Zail Singh, about the General but it is obvious that his candidature went nowhere. On January 30, 1971, Haksar reported to the Prime Minister: General Harbaksh Singh telephoned me this morning to say how depressed he felt the way the Congress party was dealing with him. He said that the PM can make enquiry from any independent sources to discover what wide support he enjoys in Sangrur parliamentary constituency. He said he is anxious to give a fight to the Akalis. He added that he had heard that he was accused of flirting with the Akalis. This, according to him, was a strange allegation when one knows that Giani Zail Singh and Sardar Swaran Singh were themselves carrying on with the Akalis... and now Sardar Swaran Singh tells him that he cannot get Sangrur because the need for adjustments with the CPI has arisen. The General said that he had nothing against the CPI, but there is no chance for that party to win from Sangrur... I cannot say that General Harbaksh Singh is being unreasonable. In fact, the method of handling some of these people could certainly be greatly improved. As it turned out, the General did not contest. Surjit Singh Barnala of the Akali Dal won this seat and many years later would become the Chief Minister of Punjab and later the Governor of Tamil Nadu. That Haksar was intimately associated with the distribution of the Congress tickets for the 1971 elections is evidenced by a note that he would send on February 4, 1971, to the Prime Minister when it had almost been decided to leave the New Delhi seat to the CPI in preference to Mukul Banerjee, an active Congresswoman: As per the PMs directions, I dutifully saw Mukul [Banerjee] and Bavani [her husband] and when I finished hearing what they had to say, I did not have the heart to suggest to Mukul that she might accept an assignment. Such an offer would have been, rightly, construed as adding insult to injury. They remain and will remain, loyal, devoted workers, but obviously the PM has to find a solution to their problem. To put it simply, their problem is that they have neither a position in the party organisation nor a position in public life. They have no money and live under conditions of destitution. A political party or leader which fails to look after such people will have to do a lot of accounting. In many matters, I exercise self-restraint but the way things are happening, it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to bottle myself up. It is a particularly bad day for me. I have had the misfortune to hear another story from Goa... If the PM has got the impression that a crook and criminal like Bandodkar should be encouraged and Sequeira and Kakodkar sacrificed, I feel that there is hardly any point in carrying on. Even ordinary courtesies and decencies are not being shown. Kakodkar was called to Delhi and he is being made to cool his heels here. One does not do such things even to ones enemies, let alone to ones friends. And I feel that having allowed certified enemies to enter the gate, the time has come to cry a halt. Mukul Banerjee finally did get the Congress ticket for New Delhi and won handsomely. But from this note, it is clear that Haksar was getting increasingly frustrated and was even thinking of quitting as we shall see very soon. On January 18, 1971, Haksar sent Indira Gandhi a note whose significance would be revealed much later. He wrote: I have received a programme drawn up for the PM to tour her own constituency on February 1, 1971. I find that helicopter is being used twice. The PM has to consider this carefully. Also whether this was done in 1967. Use of helicopter, which West Bengal is advising in the interest of security, is one thing. Its use in going to inaccessible places is also understandable. Whether similar justification exists for its use by the PM in her own constituency, requires, I submit, careful consideration. Some months later, after the election results were declared and she had won handsomely in a landslide, her opponent Raj Narain would petition the Allahabad High Court that Indira Gandhi was guilty of a series of electoral malpractices, including the use of Government helicopters for her campaign. I will be discussing that case a little later. Suffice it to say for the moment that she was held not guilty by the judge of the charge of misusing helicopters because she had confined it to specific areas on security considerations as advised by Haksar. As it is, she would be held guilty on two counts. There may well have been a third court had she not heeded Haksars advice on the use of helicopters in her own constituency of Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. The election campaign was in full swing and Indira Gandhi had returned to New Delhi to take part in the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 1971. Just the previous day, Haksar delivered a bombshell of sorts to her: I was born on September 4, 1913. I, therefore, reach the age of superannuation on September 4, 1971. Under Fundamental Rule 86, it is provided that leave at the credit of a Government servant in his leave account shall lapse on the date of compulsory retirement provided that if in sufficient time before that date he has formally applied for leave due as preparatory to retirement and been refused it, or ascertain in writing from the sanctioning authority that such leave, if applied for, would not be granted in either case, the ground for refusal being the requirements of public service, then the Government servant may be granted, after the date of retirement, the amount of leave so refused subject to a maximum of six months. My leave account standing as on December 31, 1970, shows that I have the following amount of leave due to me: (i)Earned leave 180 days (ii)Half pay leave 440 days In accordance with the provisions of Fundamental Rule 86, I, therefore, apply for leave preparatory to retirement for the entire amount of leave due to me with effect from February 1, 1971. Haksar was clearly telling the Prime Minister that he wanted to leave. She sat on Haksars note and a few days later, on February 2, 1971, sent him an extraordinary note of her own: You know that I am neither morbid nor superstitious but I do think that one should be prepared. The thought of something happening to me has haunted me not so much now, as during the last tour and I am genuinely worried about the children. I have nothing to leave them except very few shares, which I am told are hardly worth anything. There is some little jewellery, which I had divided into two parts for the two prospective daughters-in-law. Then there are some household goods, carpets, pictures, etc. It is for the boys to decide. I personally would like everything to be as evenly divided as possible, except that Rajiv has a job but Sanjay doesnt and is also involved in an expensive venture. He is so much like I was at his age rough edges and all that my heart aches for the suffering he may have to bear. The problem is where they will live and how... I can only hope and trust for the best. But I should like the boys and some to feel that they are not quite alone, that they do have someone to lean on. This was a most unusual Indira Gandhi emotional and baring her soul out to her aide. Was she telling him that she still needed him and that he should not press his resignation? Excerpted with permission from Jairam RameshsIntertwined Lives: P.N. Haksar and Indira Gandhi published by Simon & Schuster, Rs 799 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. McDermott International, Inc. provides engineering, procurement, construction and installation, and technology solutions to the energy industry worldwide. It operates through five segments: North, Central and South America; Europe, Africa, Russia and Caspian; the Middle East and North Africa; Asia Pacific; and Technology. It designs, engineers, and constructs upstream offshore oil and gas facilities, downstream oil and gas facilities, gas-fired power plants, liquefied natural gas import and export terminals, atmospheric and refrigerated storage vessels and terminals, water storage and treatment facilities, pipe and module fabrication, hydrocarbon processing facilities, pipe fabrication and manufacturing, and refining and petrochemical facilities. The company also provides gas processing, refining, petrochemical and coal gasification technologies, as well as a supplies catalysts, equipment, and related engineering services. It serves national, integrated, and other oil and gas companies, as well as producers of petrochemicals and electric power. McDermott International, Inc. was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Read More 11 hours ago The Top 3 Large-Cap Stocks to Buy Under $100 Owning Quality Large-Cap Stocks Doesn't Have to Break The Bank There are certainly a lot of advantages associated with investing in large-cap stocks. These are companies with a market capitalization of over $10 billion and play a huge role in determining the overall direction and trend of the indexes. Read Article 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 contact@marketbeat.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. The following companies are subsidiares of Caterpillar: Advanced Tri-Gen Power Systems LLC, Anchor Coupling Inc., Asia Power Systems (Tianjin) Ltd., AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd., Banco Caterpillar S.A., Berg Propulsion International Pte Ltd., Bucyrus, Bucyrus Australia Surface Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Holdings Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Limited, Bucyrus International (Chile) Limitada, Bucyrus International (Peru) S.A., Bucyrus Mining Australia Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Mining China LLC, Bucyrus UK Limited, Cat Rental Kyushu LLC, Caterpillar (Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar (China) Financial Leasing Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Machinery Components Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (HK) Limited, Caterpillar (Huainan) Machinery Service Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Langfang) Mining Equipment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Luxembourg) Investment Co. S.a r.l., Caterpillar (NI) Limited, Caterpillar (Newberry) LLC, Caterpillar (Qingzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Logistics Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar (U.K.) Limited, Caterpillar (Wujiang) Ltd., Caterpillar (Xuzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Zhengzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar Acquisition Holding Corp., Caterpillar Americas C.V., Caterpillar Americas Co., Caterpillar Americas Funding Inc., Caterpillar Americas Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Asia Limited, Caterpillar Asia Pacific L.P., Caterpillar Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Asset Intelligence LLC, Caterpillar Belgium S.A., Caterpillar Brasil Comercio de Maquinas e Pecas Ltda., Caterpillar Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Brazil LLC, Caterpillar Castings Kiel GmbH, Caterpillar Centro de Formacion S.L., Caterpillar China Limited, Caterpillar Commercial Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Commercial LLC, Caterpillar Commercial Northern Europe Limited, Caterpillar Commercial S.A., Caterpillar Commercial S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Commercial Services S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Communications LLC, Caterpillar Corporativo Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Cote DIvoire, Caterpillar Credito S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., Caterpillar DC Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Digital Services & Solutions SARL, Caterpillar Distribution International LLC, Caterpillar Distribution Services Europe B.V.B.A., Caterpillar East Real Estate Holding Ltd., Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH, Caterpillar Energy Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions S.A., Caterpillar Energy System Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Engine Systems Inc., Caterpillar Equipos Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Eurasia LLC, Caterpillar FS (QFC) LLC, Caterpillar Finance France S.A., Caterpillar Finance Kabushiki Kaisha, Caterpillar Financial Acquisition Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Aftermarket Solutions Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Australia Leasing Pty Limited, Caterpillar Financial Australia Limited, Caterpillar Financial Commercial Account Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Corporacion Financiera S.A. E.F.C., Caterpillar Financial Dealer Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Funding Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Caterpillar Financial Leasing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial New Zealand Limited, Caterpillar Financial Nordic Services AB, Caterpillar Financial Nova Scotia Corporation, Caterpillar Financial OOO, Caterpillar Financial Receivables Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Renting S.A., Caterpillar Financial SARL, Caterpillar Financial Services (Dubai) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services (Ireland) plc, Caterpillar Financial Services (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Argentina S.A., Caterpillar Financial Services Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Financial Services CR s.r.o., Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Services GmbH, Caterpillar Financial Services India Private Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Leasing ULC, Caterpillar Financial Services Limited Les Services Financiers Caterpillar Limitee, Caterpillar Financial Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Caterpillar Financial Services Netherlands B.V., Caterpillar Financial Services Norway AS, Caterpillar Financial Services Philippines Inc., Caterpillar Financial Services Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Limited, Caterpillar Financial UK Acquisition Funding Partners, Caterpillar Financial Ukraine LLC, Caterpillar Fluid Systems S.r.l., Caterpillar Fomento Comercial Ltda., Caterpillar Forest Products Inc., Caterpillar France S.A.S., Caterpillar GB L.L.C., Caterpillar Global Investments S.a r.l., Caterpillar Global Mining America LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Equipamentos De Mineracao do Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Expanded Products Pty Ltd, Caterpillar Global Mining Germany Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining HMS GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong AFC Manufacturing Holding Co. Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Global Mining SARL, Caterpillar Global Mining U.S. Parts LLC, Caterpillar Global Services LLC, Caterpillar Group Services S.A., Caterpillar Holding (France) S.A.S., Caterpillar Holding Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Holdings Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Hungary Components Manufacturing Ltd., Caterpillar Hydraulics Italia S.r.l., Caterpillar IPX LLC, Caterpillar IRB LLC, Caterpillar Impact Products Limited, Caterpillar India Private Limited, Caterpillar Industrial Inc., Caterpillar Industrias Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Industries (Pty) Ltd, Caterpillar Insurance Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Insurance Company, Caterpillar Insurance Holdings Inc., Caterpillar Insurance Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Finance Designated Activity Company, Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg I S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg II S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Product SARL, Caterpillar International Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Services del Peru S.A., Caterpillar Investment Limited, Caterpillar Investment One SARL, Caterpillar Investment Two SARL, Caterpillar Investments, Caterpillar Japan LLC, Caterpillar Latin America Services S.R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Panama S. de R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Servicios de Chile Limitada, Caterpillar Latin America Support Services S. DE R.L., Caterpillar Leasing (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar Leasing Chile S.A., Caterpillar Leasing GmbH (Leipzig), Caterpillar Leasing Operativo Limitada, Caterpillar Life Insurance Company, Caterpillar Logistics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Logistics (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Logistics Inc., Caterpillar Logistics ML Services France S.A.S., Caterpillar Logistics Services China Limited, Caterpillar Luxembourg Group S.ar.l., Caterpillar Luxembourg LLC, Caterpillar Luxembourg S.a r.l., Caterpillar Machinery Nantong Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence, Caterpillar Marine Power UK Limited, Caterpillar Marine Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Maroc SARL, Caterpillar Materiels Routiers SAS, Caterpillar Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Mexico S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Mining Canada ULC, Caterpillar Mining Chile Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Motoren (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG, Caterpillar Motoren Henstedt-Ulzburg GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Rostock GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Verwaltungs-GmbH, Caterpillar Netherlands Holding B.V., Caterpillar North America C.V., Caterpillar Operator Training Ltd., Caterpillar Overseas Credit Corporation SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Investment Holding SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Limited, Caterpillar Overseas SARL, Caterpillar Panama Services S.A., Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Caterpillar Paving Products Xuzhou Ltd., Caterpillar Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Power Generation Systems (Bangladesh) Limited, Caterpillar Power Generation Systems L.L.C., Caterpillar Power Systems Inc., Caterpillar Power Ventures International Ltd., Caterpillar Precision Seals Korea, Caterpillar Prodotti Stradali S.r.l., Caterpillar Product Services Corporation, Caterpillar Propulsion AB, Caterpillar Propulsion International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Italy S.R.L., Caterpillar Propulsion Namibia (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar Propulsion Production AB, Caterpillar Propulsion Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Singapore Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar R&D Center (China) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe LLC, Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe Servicios S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Drivetrain LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Renting France S.A.S., Caterpillar Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar SARL, Caterpillar Services Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Servizi Italia Srl, Caterpillar Shrewsbury Limited, Caterpillar Skinningrove Limited, Caterpillar Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd., Caterpillar Special Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Switchgear Americas LLC, Caterpillar Switchgear Holding Inc., Caterpillar Tianjin Ltd., Caterpillar Torreon S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Tosno L.L.C., Caterpillar Transmissions France S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Tunneling Canada Holdings Ltd., Caterpillar Tunnelling Canada Corporation, Caterpillar Tunnelling Europe Limited, Caterpillar UK Employee Trust Limited, Caterpillar UK Engines Company Limited, Caterpillar UK Group Limited, Caterpillar UK Holdings Limited, Caterpillar Undercarriage (Xuzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Used Equipment Services Inc., Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., Caterpillar Work Tools B.V., Caterpillar Work Tools Inc., Caterpillar World Trading Corporation, Caterpillar Xuzhou, Caterpillar of Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar of Canada Corporation, Caterpillar of Delaware Inc., Centre de Distribution de Wallonie SPRL, CleanAir Systems, Downer Freight Rail, ECM Railway Evolution Romania s.r.l., ECM S.p.A., EDC European Excavator Design Center GmbH, EMC Holding Corp., EMD International Holdings Inc., ERA Information & Entertainment (BVI) Limited, ERA Mining Machinery Limited, Electro-Motive Diesel Limited, Electro-Motive Locomotive Technologies LLC, Electro-Motive Technical Consulting Co. (Beijing) Ltd., Energy Services International Limited, Equipos de Acuna S.A. de C.V., Eurenov S.A.S., F. G. Wilson (Proprietary) Limited, F. Perkins Limited, FG Wilson (Engineering) Limited, GB Holdco (China) Inc., GFCM Comercial Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., GFCM Servicios S.A. de C.V., Gremada Industries - Assets, Hong Kong Siwei Holdings Limited, Inmobiliaria Conek S.A. de C.V., JCS Co., Kemper Valve & Fittings Corp., Leo Inc., Locomotive Demand Power Pty Ltd., Locomotoras Progress Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Lovat, M2M Data Corporation, MGE Equipamentos & Servicos Ferroviarios, MWM, MWM Austria GmbH, MWM Benelux B.V., MWM Energy Australia Pty Ltd, MWM France S.A.S, MWM Real Estate GmbH, MaK Americas Inc., MaK Americas Inc. (Canada), Magnum Power Products LLC, Marble, Maschinenbau Kiel GmbH, Mec-Track S.r.l., Metalmark Financial Services Limited, Motoren Steffens GmbH, Nippon Caterpillar LLC, P. T. Solar Services Indonesia, PT Caterpillar Finance Indonesia, PT. Bucyrus Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia Batam, PT. Caterpillar Remanufacturing Indonesia, Perkins Engines, Perkins Engines (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, Perkins Engines Group Limited, Perkins Engines Inc., Perkins Group Limited, Perkins Holdings Limited LLC, Perkins India Private Limited, Perkins International Inc., Perkins Japan LLC, Perkins Limited, Perkins Machinery (Changshu) Co. Ltd., Perkins Motores do Brasil Ltda., Perkins Power Systems Technology (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines LLC, Perkins Small Engines Limited, Perkins Technology Inc., Progress Metal Reclamation Company, Progress Rail Arabia Limited Company, Progress Rail Australia Pty Ltd, Progress Rail Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Equipamentos e Servicos Ferroviarios do Brasil Ltda., Progress Rail Equipment Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Holdings Inc., Progress Rail Innovations Private Limited, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems GmbH, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems S.r.l., Progress Rail International Corp., Progress Rail Leasing Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Progress Rail Locomotivas (do Brasil) Ltda., Progress Rail Locomotive Canada Co., Progress Rail Locomotive Chile SpA, Progress Rail Locomotive Inc., Progress Rail Maintenance de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Progress Rail Manufacturing Corporation, Progress Rail Raceland Corporation, Progress Rail Rocklin Corporation, Progress Rail SA Proprietary Limited, Progress Rail Services Corporation, Progress Rail Services Holdings Corp., Progress Rail Services LLC, Progress Rail Services UK Limited, Progress Rail Switching Services LLC, Progress Rail Transcanada Corporation, Progress Rail Welding Corporation, Progress Rail Wildwood LLC, Progress Rail de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pyroban Group, Pyroban Group, Pyrrha Investments B.V., Pyrrha Investments Limited, S&L Railroad LLC, SCM Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., SPL Software Alliance LLC, Sabre Engines, Servicios de Turbinas Solar S. de R.L. de C.V., Shandong SEM Machinery Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines (Beijing) Trading Services Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines (Thailand) Ltd., Solar Turbines CIS Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Canada Ltd./Ltee., Solar Turbines Central Asia Limited Liability Partnership, Solar Turbines EAME s.r.o., Solar Turbines Egypt Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Europe S.A., Solar Turbines India Private Limited, Solar Turbines International Company, Solar Turbines Italy S.R.L., Solar Turbines Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Solar Turbines Middle East Limited, Solar Turbines New Zealand Limited, Solar Turbines Saudi Arabia Limited, Solar Turbines Services Company, Solar Turbines Services Nigeria Limited, Solar Turbines Services of Argentina S.R.L., Solar Turbines Switzerland Sagl, Solar Turbines Trinidad & Tobago Limited, Solar Turbines West-Africa SARL, Tangshan DBT Machinery Co. Ltd., Tecnologia Modificada S.A. de C.V., Towmotor Corporation, Traction & Mining Motor Repairs Pty Ltd, Turbinas Solar S.A. de C.V., Turbinas Solar de Colombia S.A., Turbinas Solar de Venezuela C.A., Turbo Tecnologia de Reparaciones S.A. de C.V., Turbomach, Turbomach Endustriyel Gaz Turbinleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited, Turbomach France SARL, Turbomach GmbH, Turbomach Netherlands B.V., Turbomach Pakistan (Private) Limited, Turbomach S.A. Unipersonal, Turbomach Sp. Z o.o., Turner Powertrain Systems Limited, UK Hose Assembly Limited, Underground Imaging Technologies Inc, United Industries LLC, VALA Inc., Vasky Energy Ltd., Wealdstone Engineering, Weir - Oil & Gas Division, West Virginia Auto Shredding Inc., Western Gear Machinery LLC, Wetland Sustainability Fund I LLC, Williams Technologies, Yard Club, Zhengzhou Siwei Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Sales Co. Ltd., and okyo Rental Ltd.. 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.. 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 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. Just Group plc provides various financial services in the retirement income market in the United Kingdom. It offers de-risking solutions, guaranteed income for life, secure lifetime income, care plans, lifetime mortgages, and protection products. The company also provides professional services, including regulated financial advice and guidance services; and a range of business services, such as consultancy and software development, and outsourced customer service delivery and marketing services. In addition, it engages in writing of insurance products for distribution to the at- or in-retirement market, which is undertaken through the activities of the life company; and provision of licensed software to financial advisers, banks, building societies, life assurance companies, and pension trustees. Further, the company arranges guaranteed income for life contracts; and provides lifetime mortgages through advice and intermediary services. It offers its products and services to trustees and scheme sponsors, individuals, homeowners, and other corporate clients. The company was formerly known as JRP Group plc and changed its name to Just Group plc in May 2017. Just Group plc was founded in 2004 and is based in Reigate, the United Kingdom. Read More Enbridge Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company. The company operates through five segments: Liquids Pipelines, Gas Transmission and Midstream, Gas Distribution and Storage, Renewable Power Generation, and Energy Services. The Liquids Pipelines segment operates pipelines and related terminals to transport various grades of crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons in Canada and the United States. The Gas Transmission and Midstream segment invests in natural gas pipelines, and gathering and processing facilities in Canada and the United States. The Gas Distribution and Storage segment is involved in natural gas utility operations serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Ontario, as well as natural gas distribution and energy transportation activities in Quebec. The Renewable Power Generation segment operates power generating assets, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and waste heat recovery facilities; and transmission assets in North America and Europe. The Energy Services segment provides energy marketing services to refiners, producers, and other customers; and physical commodity marketing and logistical services in Canada and the United States. The company was formerly known as IPL Energy Inc. and changed its name to Enbridge Inc. in October 1998. Enbridge Inc. was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF's stock was trading at $59.53 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, USMV shares have increased by 30.9% and is now trading at $77.92. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. SunTrust Banks, Inc. operates as the holding company for SunTrust Bank that provides various financial services for consumers, businesses, corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit entities in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Wholesale. The Consumer segment provides deposits and payments; home equity and personal credit lines; auto, student, and other lending products; credit cards; discount/online and full-service brokerage products; professional investment advisory products and services; and trust services, as well as family office solutions. This segment also offers residential mortgage products in the secondary market. The Wholesale segment provides capital markets solutions, including advisory, capital raising, and financial risk management; asset-based financing solutions, such as securitizations, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and structured real estate arrangements; cash management services and auto dealer financing solutions; investment banking solutions; and credit and deposit, fee-based product offering, multi-family agency lending, advisory, commercial mortgage brokerage, and tailored financing and equity investment solutions. This segment also offers treasury and payment solutions, such as operating various electronic and paper payment types, which comprise card, wire transfer, automated clearing house, check, and cash; and provides services clients to manage their accounts online. The company offers its products and services through a network of traditional and in-store branches, automated teller machines, Internet, mobile, and telephone banking channels. As of December 31, 2018, it operated 1,218 full-service banking offices located in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. SunTrust Banks, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Read More Thomson Reuters Corporation provides business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. The Corporates segment provides a suite of content-enabled technology solutions for legal, tax, regulatory, compliance, and IT professionals. The Tax & Accounting Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on tax offerings and automating tax workflows to tax, accounting, and audit professionals in accounting firms. The Reuters News segment provides business, financial, national, and international news to professionals through desktop terminals, media organizations, and industry events, as well as directly to consumers. The Global Print segment offers legal and tax information primarily in print format to legal and tax professionals, governments, law schools, and corporations. The company was formerly known as The Thomson Corporation and changed its name to Thomson Reuters Corporation in April 2008. The company was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Thomson Reuters Corporation is a subsidiary of The Woodbridge Company Limited. Read More iShares Russell 1000 ETF's stock was trading at $151.41 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IWB shares have increased by 73.8% and is now trading at $263.11. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. TelefAnica Brasil S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides mobile and fixed telecommunications services to residential and corporate customers in Brazil. Its fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance, and international long-distance calls; and mobile portfolio comprises voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G, and 4.5G, as well as mobile value-added services and wireless roaming services. The company also offers data services, including broadband and mobile data services. In addition, it provides pay TV services through direct to home satellite technology, IPTV, and cable, as well as pay-per-view and video on demand services; network services, such as rental of facilities; other services comprising internet access, private network connectivity, computer equipment leasing, extended service, caller identification, voice mail, cellular blocker, and others; wholesale services, including interconnection services to users of other network providers; and digital services, such as entertainment, cloud, and security and financial services, as well as sells wireless devices and accessories. Further, the company offers multimedia communication services, which include audio, data, voice and other sounds, images, texts, and other information, as well as sells devices, such as smartphones, broadband USB modems, and other devices. Additionally, it provides telecommunications solutions and IT support to various industries, such as retail, manufacturing, services, financial institutions, government, etc. It markets and sells its solutions through own stores, dealers, retail and distribution channels, door-to-door sales, and telesales. The company was formerly known as TelecomunicaAAes de SAo Paulo S.A. - TELESP and changed its name to TelefAnica Brasil S.A. in October 2011. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in SAo Paulo, Brazil. 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 Zurich Insurance Group AG is a holding company. The Company and its subsidiaries provide insurance products and related services. Its segments include General Insurance, Global Life, Farmers, Other Operating Businesses and Non-Core Businesses. The General Insurance segment provides a range of motor, home and commercial products and services for individuals, as well as small and large businesses. The Global Life segment is engaged in providing unit-linked, protection and corporate propositions through global distribution and proposition pillars. The Farmers segment, through Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, provides certain non-claims administrative and management services to the Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, and their subsidiaries and affiliates. The Other Operating Businesses segment includes the Company's Holding and Financing activities. The Non-Core Businesses segment includes its insurance and reinsurance businesses. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Whirlpool: 1900 Holdings Corporation, ADC, Aeradriatica S.p.A., Airdun Limited, B. Blend Maquinas e Bebidas S.A., BUD Comercio de Eletrodomesticos Ltda., BWI Products Limited, Bauknecht AG, Bauknecht Hausgerate GmbH, Bauknecht Limited, Beijing Embraco Snowflake Compressor Company Limited, Bill Page Orchestra, Bill Page Orchestra Inc., Brasmotor S.A., Brunson Place Properties, Brunson Place Properties LLC, CNB Consultoria Ltda, Cannon Industries Ltd., Centro de Desarrollo Tecnologico e Innovacion WHM S. de R.L de C.V., Comercial Acros Whirlpool, Comercial Acros Whirlpool S. de R.L. de C.V., Consumer Appliances Service Limited, Ealing Compania de Gestiones y Participaciones S.A., Elera Delaware, Elera Delaware Inc., Elera Holdings Corporation, Embraco Europe S.r.l., Embraco Eurosales S.r.l., Embraco Industria de Compressores e Solucoes em Refrigeracao Ltda., Embraco Luxembourg S.a r.l., Embraco Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Embraco Mexico Servicios, Embraco Mexico Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Embraco North America, Embraco North America Inc., Embraco RUS LLC, Embraco Slovakia S.r.o., Everest Campus, Everest Campus LLC., General Domestic Appliances Holdings Ltd, General Domestic Appliances International Ltd., Guangdong Whirlpool Electrical Appliances Co., Guangdong Whirlpool Electrical Appliances Co. Ltd., Haceb Whirlpool Industrias S.A.S., Hefei Rongshida Sanyo Electric, Hefei Whirlpool Enterprise Management Service Co. Ltd., Hoover Comercial Limitada, IRE Beteiligungs GmbH, Indesit Argentina S.A., Indesit Company, Indesit Company Beyaz Esya Pazarlama A.S., Indesit Company Beyaz Esya Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Indesit Company Ceska S.r.o., Indesit Company Domestic Appliances Hellas Mepe, Indesit Company International Business S.A., Indesit Company Luxembourg S.A., Indesit Company Magyarorszag Kft, Indesit Company Nordics AB, Indesit Company Polska Sp. zo.o., Indesit Company Singapore Pte. Ltd., Indesit Company UK Holdings Ltd., Indesit IP S.r.l., Indesit International ZAO, Indesit Ireland Ltd., Indesit Middle East FZE, Indesit Ukraine LLC, Industrias Acros Whirlpool S. de R.L. de C.V., Industrias Acros Whirlpool S.A. de C.V, Jackson Appliances Ltd., Joint-Stock Company Indesit International, KitchenAid, KitchenAid Australia Pty Ltd, KitchenAid Australia Pty Ltd., KitchenAid Delaware Inc., KitchenAid Europa Inc., KitchenAid Global, KitchenAid Global Inc., KitchenAid Inc., KitchenAid Korea Limited, KitchenAid Promotions, KitchenAid Promotions LLC, KitchenAid Trading Co., KitchenAid Trading Co. Ltd., LAWSA S.A., MLOG Armazem Geral Ltda., Maytag Corporation, Maytag Limited, Maytag Properties, Maytag Properties LLC, Maytag Sales, Maytag Sales Inc., Maytag Worldwide N.V., Merloni Domestic Appliances Ltd., Nineteen Hundred Corporation, Polar S.A., Qingdao EECON Electronic Controls and Appliances Co., Qingdao EECON Electronic Controls and Appliances Co. Ltd., South American Sales Partnership, THC Assets Corporation, Up Points Servicos Empresariais S.A., Vitromatic S.A. de C.V., WCGP Nova Scotia Co., WHirlpool EMEA Finanace S.a r.l., Whirlpool (Australia) Pty. Limited, Whirlpool (B.V.I.) Limited, Whirlpool (China) Co. Ltd., Whirlpool (China) Investment Co., Whirlpool (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Whirlpool (Hefei) Trading Co., Whirlpool (Hefei) Trading Co. Ltd, Whirlpool (Hong Kong) Limited, Whirlpool (Japan) Co. Ltd., Whirlpool (Thailand) Limited, Whirlpool ASEAN Co., Whirlpool America Holdings Corp., Whirlpool Argentina S.r.l., Whirlpool Asia B.V., Whirlpool Asia Holdings S.a r.l., Whirlpool Asia Inc., Whirlpool Asia LLP, Whirlpool Belux N.V./S.A., Whirlpool Bermuda Euro Ltd., Whirlpool Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S., Whirlpool Bulgaria Ltd., Whirlpool CIS Ltd., Whirlpool CR, Whirlpool CR spol. s.r.o., Whirlpool CSA Holdings S.a r.l., Whirlpool Canada Co., Whirlpool Canada Co. (post 9/1/05 amalgamation company), Whirlpool Canada Holding Co, Whirlpool Canada Holding Co. (post 4/18/06 amalgamation company), Whirlpool Canada Investments S.a r.l., Whirlpool Canada LP, Whirlpool Canada Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Whirlpool Chile Limitada, Whirlpool Colombia S.A.S., Whirlpool Comercial Ltda., Whirlpool Company Polska Sp. z o.o., Whirlpool Company Ukraine LLC, Whirlpool Croatia Ltd., Whirlpool EMEA S.p.A., Whirlpool Ecuador S.A., Whirlpool Eesti OU, Whirlpool El Salvador, Whirlpool El Salvador S.A. de C.V., Whirlpool Electrodomesticos S.A., Whirlpool Eletrodomesticos AM S.A., Whirlpool Enterprises, Whirlpool Enterprises LLC, Whirlpool Europe B.V., Whirlpool Europe Coordination Center, Whirlpool Europe Holdings Limited, Whirlpool Ev Aletleri Pazarlama Ve Ticaret A.S., Whirlpool Finance B.V., Whirlpool Finance Center Corp., Whirlpool Finance Luxembourg S.a r.l., Whirlpool Finance Overseas Ltd., Whirlpool Financial Corporation, Whirlpool Financial Corporation International, Whirlpool Floor Care Corp., Whirlpool France Holdings SAS, Whirlpool France SAS, Whirlpool Germany GmbH, Whirlpool Global B.V., Whirlpool Global Investments B.V., Whirlpool Greater China Inc., Whirlpool Guatemala, Whirlpool Guatemala S.A., Whirlpool Hellas S.A., Whirlpool Holdings Corporation, Whirlpool Home Appliances B.V., Whirlpool Home Appliances Limited Liability Company, Whirlpool Hungarian Trading Limited Liability Company, Whirlpool India Holdings Limited, Whirlpool Insurance Company, Whirlpool Insurance Company Ltd., Whirlpool Internacional S. de R.L. de C.V., Whirlpool International GmbH, Whirlpool International Holdings S.a r.l., Whirlpool International Manufacturing S.a r.l., Whirlpool Ireland Appliances Limited, Whirlpool Ireland Limited, Whirlpool Italia Holdings S.r.l., Whirlpool Italia S.r.l., Whirlpool Japan Co. Ltd., Whirlpool Japan Inc., Whirlpool Kazakhstan LLP, Whirlpool Latin America Corporation, Whirlpool Latvia S.I.A., Whirlpool Lietuva UAB, Whirlpool Ltd Belgrade, Whirlpool Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Whirlpool Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Whirlpool Luxembourg S.a r.l., Whirlpool Luxembourg Ventures S.a r.l., Whirlpool MEEA DMCC, Whirlpool Magyarorszag Kereskedelmi Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Whirlpool Management Services S.a.g.l., Whirlpool Maroc S. a r.l., Whirlpool Mauritius Limited, Whirlpool Mexico Holdings LLC, Whirlpool Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Whirlpool Mexico S.A. de C.V., Whirlpool Mexico Ventures LLC, Whirlpool Microwave Products Development Limited, Whirlpool NAAG Holdings Corporation, Whirlpool NAR Holdings, Whirlpool NAR Holdings LLC, Whirlpool Nederland B.V., Whirlpool Nordic, Whirlpool Nordic A/S, Whirlpool Nordic AB, Whirlpool Nordic AS, Whirlpool Nordic OY, Whirlpool Oceania Inc., Whirlpool Overseas Holdings, Whirlpool Overseas Holdings LLC, Whirlpool Overseas Hong Kong Limited, Whirlpool Overseas Manufacturing S.ar.l., Whirlpool Peru S.R.L., Whirlpool Polska Appliances Sp. z o.o., Whirlpool Polska Sp. z o.o., Whirlpool Portugal, Whirlpool Portugal S.A., Whirlpool Product Development (Shenzhen) Company Limited, Whirlpool Properties, Whirlpool Properties Inc., Whirlpool Puntana S.A., Whirlpool R&D S.r.l., Whirlpool RUS LLC, Whirlpool Realty Corporation, Whirlpool Romania S.r.l., Whirlpool S.A., Whirlpool SSC Limited, Whirlpool Slovakia Home Appliances spol. s.r.o., Whirlpool Slovakia spol. s.r.o., Whirlpool South Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Whirlpool Southeast Asia Pte, Whirlpool Sweden Aktiebolag, Whirlpool Taiwan Co. Ltd., Whirlpool Technologies LLC, Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited, Whirlpool UK Pension Scheme Trustee Limited, Whirlpool Ukraine LLC, Whirlpool WW Holdings B.V., Whirlpool do Brasil Investements B.V., Whirlpool do Brasil Ltda., Whirlpool of India Limited, Whirlpool Osterreich GmbH, Whirlpool Osterreich GmbH, Xpelair, Xpelair Ltd., Yummly, Yummly Canada Ltd., and Yummly Inc.. 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.. Press Release November 1, 2018 The Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group and Collective strongly condemns and mourns the incidents of arrest and police remand of Advocate, friend, mentor, and colleague Sudha Bharadwaj and calls upon a collective expression of solidarity and strength from all activists, students, lawyers, democratic rights and civil liberty communities, friends and the general public. We also denounce this ongoing onslaught on other activists, lawyers, writers and professors, including Advocate Surendra Gadling, Advocate Arun Ferriera, Professor Shoma Sen, Vernon Gonsalves, Mahesh Raut, Varavara Rao, Gautam Navlakha, Sudhir Dhawale, Fr. Stan Swamy, Rona Wilson, Anand Teltumbe and several others who are being implicated by this mesh of lies and deceit spun by the Pune Police. We also condemn attacks direct and indirect by the State to silence civil rights and democratic rights organisations and extend our heartfelt solidarity to the Peopleas Union for Democratic Rights, Indian Association of Peoplesa Lawyers, Committee for Release of Political Prisoners, Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights, and the Persecuted Prisoners Solidarity Committee, which have been under relentless attack through the Indian Governmentas strategy of labelling all voices of dissent "anti-national" and "Urban Naxal". We most vehemently deny and condemn all the stories concocted by the Pune Police in the infamous letters leaked by them to several media houses, and call upon larger common sense to prevail in this matter.The entire case is based on a cloak of criminality woven out of unsigned, uncorroborated, unverified letters which are unfathomably ridiculous, substantially and otherwise. As was noted by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud in his dissenting judgement, the letter allegedly written by Advocate Sudha Bharadwaj is clearly written by someone who is a Marathi speaker, when Adv. Bharadwaj learned her Hindi in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where she has lived and worked in the last 45 years, and does not speak any Marathi! The fact that the police have themselves released these letters to the press before producing them in court clearly shows that the prosecution has little faith in its case and is falling back on petty media tactics to colour the impression of the arrestees in the general public. This has been done with brazen impunity and has not been a one-off incident of the police using the media to polarise public opinion but is a dangerous trend in the present pattern of malicious prosecution on the part of the State where entire battles are sought to be fought on lies and deceit in the media instead of hard law in the courtrooms. We categorically deny the allegations made by the Pune Police through a fabricated letter which they have created and addressed to some aComrade Prakasha by one aSudha,a which alleges that aSudhaa has been arranging funds for our activities in the interiors of Bastar. We entirely and wholly deny these allegations put forth and most explicitly state that we have never been funded by Advocate Sudha Bharadwaj for our work and our activities. We have received financial support from groups, friends and individual lawyers and we would be happy to share our bank statements with anyone who would wish to peruse through our finances. As we deny financial patronage of Sudhaji with JagLAG, we also wholeheartedly, and with full honours accept our most intimate association with her. To have our association carved out with her is and always will be a fortune for we have immense respect for the incarcerated lawyer and her invaluable work. Furthermore, we wish to make explicit that we have in no manner been travelling into any "interiors" but have been discharging our duties as lawyers in courts, police stations, administrative officers and as researchers. There has been a social media campaign to malign us and our work and to cast serious aspersion on our identity. Such fabrications by police against us are not new and we have been on the receiving end of threats, intimidation and vilification tactics of the local police and vigilante groups. In February 2016, our involvement in challenging the mass sexual violence in Bijapur District resulted in our exodus from Jagdalpur. We have consistently been attacked for our work of providing legal aid to those who have been at the brunt of gross human rights violations in the conflict prone area of Bastar. Since our conception, we have been engaging in documentation related work apart and have been providing legal representation to the incarcerated marginalised adivasis and filing and pursuing writs and PILs in the High Court challenging extrajudicial killings by the police and security forces. This has rendered us an eyesore for the police and the government alike despite the fact that we work within the confines of law and our work is driven by the Constitutional duty to protect, preserve and uphold the law for even the most marginalised. While Adv. Sudha Bharadwaj has never given us any money, what she has given to us, as young lawyers and to the entire lawyering community is so much more. Advocate Sudha Bharadwaj has through her indomitable spirit been an inspiration to many. We have just had the fortune of watching her in her legal practice and learning from her. In moments of frustration and despair at the limits of law, she taught us the value of rigor and patience while fighting battles legally. From her, we learned that big victories arenat everything it is the process of the fight and struggle that matters. She has always acknowledged and given value to even simple questions and suggestions, creating a space where we could be colleagues and not put down as juniors. She has inspired several to pursue legal education and human rights lawyering. Sudhaji has above all, been a lawyer of exceptional ethic and dedication and has fearlessly provided legal representation in cases which no other advocate would dare to touch. She played a crucial role in the Commission of Inquiries of the Sterilization incident where 13 women died on account of Government negligence. She has also proactively filed cases in the High Courts and Labour Courts on matters of the Pragatisheel Cement Shramik Sangh and has been applauded for her vigorous legal acumen by lawyers and judges alike. She has also represented in various cases challenging land grab for adevelopmenta , mining, and industrial benefits all at the expenses of the marginalised farmers and Adivasis, represented MoTA in Jharkhand. She was also appointed as a member of the Chhattisgarh Legal Service Authority by the Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh and provided rigorous legal aid to many. And her work as a lawyer is only a small part of her identity. Sudhaji is also a trade unionist associated with Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha, General Secretary of the Peoples Union of Civil Liberties, Vice President of IAPL, member of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, and an activist with an ethic to reckon with. Sudhaji was also a firm voice, supporter, and organiser in the aftermath of the infamous arrest of Dr. Binayak Sen who was the President of PUCL. As a member of the PUCL she spoke strongly against the human rights violations that were brought on by the Salwa Judum and as a lawyer she represented the victim-survivors in the Samsetti rapes by the Salwa Judum activists and SPOs. For us lawyers who have worked in JagLAG or are working with JagLAG, Sudhaji has been the force which sustains us, guides us and shapes us. As news of Sudhajias remand in police custody trickles in, we carry on with our work, with increased vigour and strength. We stand firmly with Sudha Bharadwaj and the rest of the arrestees in the Bhima Koregaon case. We dedicate the next chapter of our work to Advocate Sudha Bharadwaj, and we hope that we shall not fail her. Simultaneously, as further legal recourse against these unjust arrests happens, we hold on to the last vestiges of hope that this legal system shall not fail her either. Nikita Agarwal, Chhattisgarh High Court at Bilaspur Shikha Pandey, Devid W. Leebron Human Rights Fellow 2018 Isha Khandelwal, Advocate, Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group Shalini Gera, Chhattisgarh High Court at Bilaspur Dr. Lakhan Singh, Chhattisgarh State President, Peoples Union of Civil Liberties Priyanka Shukla, Advocate Rupesh Kumar A. Guneet Ahuja, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Parijata Bharadwaj, Advocate Aarushi Mahajan, Advocate at Lawyers Collective (HIV/AIDS wing) Kuldeep Singh, Hidayatullah National Law University Ajay Singh Suryavanshi, Advocate Gaurav. Bakshi, Hidayatullah National Law University Abhinav Gupta, Researcher G.V.S. Sahith Reddy, Advocate, Delhi Arpit Gupta, Legislative Assistant to Member of Parliament (LAMP) fellow Praavita, Advocate Shardul Gopujkar, Maharashtra National Law University Riddhi Pandey, Masters Student, IHEID, Geneva Nikita Sonawane, Lawyer Maansi Verma, Lawyer Sahana Manjesh, Advocate Sarah Jacobson, Maati Ashwin Pantula, NLSIU Bangalore Atindriyo Chakrabarty, Advocate Gopika N, Advocate Gutta Rohit, Human Rights Forum Zeba Sikora, Advocate Ira- Chadha Sridhar Mukta Joshi, NLSIU Bangalore Upasana Chauhan, Volunteer at Migration and Asylum Project Sanjeev Menon, Advocate 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 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. 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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. 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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. 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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. 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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. 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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. Press Release, 29 October: Teachers and students from across the country come together for a Convention on Crisis in Higher Education The JOINT FORUM FOR MOVEMENT ON EDUCATION successfully organised a Mass National Convention of all national organisations of teachers, students and parents who are active in elementary, primary, secondary and tertiary levels of Education in India. The well-attended Convention took place at the Mavalankar Auditorium in New Delhi today, October 29, 2018. A composite platform of 25 unions in the Education Sector, the JFME has been created to build a mass movement of all stakeholders in Public-funded Education and campaign to restore Public Trust, Equity, Access, Scientific Temper and Constitutional values in Education. The Convention served to bring home the acute crisis facing Education in India and the concomitant threat to Constitutional idea of India as well as democratic aspirations of its people, brought about by recurrent official neglect, rampant commercialisation, coercive centralisation of authority and communalisation prevalent in Education Policy and Governance. Teachers and students from states such as Maharashtra, UP, Bihar, Orissa, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Jharkhand, Punjab, Assam and Meghalaya participated in the Convention and shared their experiences. Former Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University and Rajya Sabha member Prof. Bhalchandra Mungekar delivered the Keynote Address in which he slammed successive governments for neglecting the role and potential of Education in nation-building. He argued that the deplorable state of Indian Education is the result of continuous reduction in budgetary allocations, commodification and encouragement to market forces in policy, and corporatisation of governance. Prof. Mungekar also pointed out the deeply worrying fact that 37% teaching posts across Public-funded colleges and universities in India remain vacant. Deteriorating pupil-teacher ratio in classrooms and contractualisation of teaching jobs has led to a sharp decline in the quality of Education. On the other hand, coercive interference of the State in matters of appointments and diktats related to curricula and mode of teaching-learning has resulted in the absence of creativity and intellectual autonomy. Prof. Mungekar expressed regret at the fact that the appointment of Vice-Chancellors across central and state universities is done without a modicum of transparency. While expressing solidarity with JFME, he emphasised the moral responsibility of all concerned citizens to strengthen the collective voice of unions struggling to defend Public-funded Education in India, prevent the closure/ merger of schools and colleges, safeguard the rights of students and teachers, strengthen institutional accountability and put pressure on the government to extend the Right to Education to Higher Education. The Convention was addressed by Nilotpal Basu (former Rajya Sabha member and leader of the CPIM), D Raja (former Rajya Sabha member and leader of CPI) and Rajeev Gowda ( former Rajya Sabha member and leader of INC). Kavita Krishnan of CPI-ML, Sudhakar Reddy of CPI, Pratap Samal of SUCI-Communist and Mrigank from CPI (ML) New Democracy also addressed the Convention and extended solidarity to the Movement. The day-long Convention saw the participation of the following organisations: AIFUCTO, FEDCUTA, DUTA, All India Federation of Retired University and College Teachers Organizations, All India University Employees Confederation, School Teachers Federation of India, All India Secondary Teachers Federation, All India Federation of Elementary Teachers Organizations, Indian Public Service Employees Federation, All India Anganwadi Workers Association, AISA, AISF, AIDSO, NSUI, SFI, Krantikari Yuva Sangathan, All India Minority Students Association, All India Backward Students Association, Ambedkar Group of Students, PACHAAS, PDSU, AIFRTE, AISEC, Jan Sangharsh Morcha, Bharatiya Abhibhavak Sangh, Delhi Abhibhavak Sangh and State Platform for Common School System, Tamil Nadu. Rajib Ray, President, FEDUCTA and DUTA Arun Kumar, General Secretary, AIFUCTO Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA provides dialysis care and related dialysis care services in Germany, North America, and internationally. It offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. The company also develops, manufactures, and distributes dialysis products, including polysulfone dialyzers, hemodialysis machines, peritoneal dialysis cyclers, peritoneal dialysis solutions, hemodialysis concentrates, solutions and granulates, bloodlines, renal pharmaceuticals, and systems for water treatment; and non-dialysis products, such as acute cardiopulmonary and apheresis products. In addition, it develops, acquires, and in-licenses renal pharmaceuticals; offers renal medications and supplies to patients at homes or to dialysis clinics; and provides vascular, cardiovascular, endovascular specialty, vascular care ambulatory surgery center, and physician nephrology and cardiology services. The company sells its products to dialysis clinics, hospitals, and specialized treatment clinics directly, as well as through local sales forces, independent distributors, dealers, and sales agents. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 4,092 outpatient dialysis clinics in approximately 150 countries. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Bad Homburg, Germany. Read More Deutsche Lufthansa AG operates as an aviation company in Germany and internationally. The company's Network Airlines segment offers passenger services through a route network of 273 destinations in 86 countries. Its Eurowings segment provides passenger services through a route network of more than 210 destinations in 60 countries. The company's Logistics Business segment offers transport services for various cargoes, including living animals, valuable cargo, post and dangerous goods, and temperature-sensitive goods serving approximately 300 destinations in 100 countries. Its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Services (MRO) segment provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for civilian commercial aircraft serving original equipment manufacturers and aircraft leasing companies, operators of VIP jets, and airlines, as well as develops and manufactures cabin and digital products. The company's Catering Business segment engages in-flight sales and entertainment, in-flight service equipment, and the associated logistics services, as well as consulting services; and operates airport lounges. As of December 31, 2020, it had a fleet of 757 aircraft. Deutsche Lufthansa AG was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Cologne, Germany. Read More CHARLOTTE, N.C. Under a contract with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), UTC Aerospace Systems Sensors Unlimited business has developed the worlds highest-resolution indium gallium arsenide Near Infrared/Shortwave Infrared (NIR/SWIR) imaging sensor, the company announced Oct. 31. The new sensor includes a 16-megapixel photo-detector array on a 5-micron pitch, providing roughly 16 times more detail than the companys existing high-definition sensor, released in 2012, which has a resolution of 1.3 megapixels. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. The first-of-its-kind sensor is hybridized to a matching silicon Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor read-out integrated circuit and packaged into a hermetically sealed focal plane array. Imaging electronics were also designed and developed to integrate the focal plane array into a complete imaging camera. Per ONRs requirement, the sensor is compatible with the RQ-21A payload SWAP (size, weight and power) envelope and offers the following capabilities: High coverage rate spectral sensing in the SWIR band. Ability to continuously monitor a wide area activity at a resolution (temporal and spatial) consistent with dismount detection/tracking. High fidelity inspection sensing in both of the above collection modes. Autonomous identification of objects, behaviors and materials of interest with accuracy rates high enough to enable a useful real-time dissemination of information directly to warfighters. UTC Aerospace Systems developed the sensor for the U.S. Navys Spectral and Reconnaissance Imagery for Tactical Exploitation (SPRITE) program and has delivered four prototypes to the service as part of a three-year, $9.7 million award. Our newest SWIR camera uses groundbreaking technology to provide operators with a higher resolution and greater level of detail than ever before, said Michael Daugherty, program manager, UTC Aerospace Systems. For the warfighter, this means an improved ISR [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] situational awareness capability. Were honored to support the U.S. Navy and look forward to continuing to support the SPRITE program in the years ahead. 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 Everest Re Group Ltd. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of reinsurance and insurance services. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Reinsurance, International, Bermuda, and Insurance. The U.S. Reinsurance segment writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including marine, aviation, surety, and accident and health business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S. The International segment offers foreign property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re's branches in Canada and Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami, and New Jersey. The Bermuda segment comprises reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and Ireland Re. The Insurance segment writes property and casualty insurance directly and through brokers, surplus lines brokers, and general agents within the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartere 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. Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Invesco Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Invesco Advisers, Inc., INVESCO Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, INVESCO Asset Management Limited, INVESCO Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, INVESCO Senior Secured Management, Inc., and Invesco Canada Ltd. It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. The fund primarily invests in municipal bonds rated BB or better by Standard & Poor's or Ba or better by Moody's. It employs fundamental analysis with bottom-up security selection approach to create its portfolio. The fund was previously known as Morgan Stanley Municipal Income Opportunities Trust. Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust was formed on September 19, 1988 and is domiciled in the United States. Read More iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF's stock was trading at $37.77 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EPP stock has increased by 31.5% and is now trading at $49.65. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Yorbeau Resources Inc. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada. It explores for gold and base metal properties. The company holds 100% interest in Rouyn property that consists of one mining concession and 94 claims having a total area of 2,684.88 hectares located in the south of Rouyn-Noranda, QuAbec; Scott Lake property comprises three non-contiguous claim blocks consisting of 123 complete or partial claim cells covering an area of approximately 6,089 hectares located in the townships of LAvy, Scott, and Obalski in northwestern QuAbec; and Estrades-Caribou property, which consists of three contiguous claim blocks totaling 120 claims located in the EstrAes Township in QuAbec. It also owns 100% interests in Beschefer property comprises 115 claims, which covers an area of approximately 4,075 hectares located in the Beschefer Township of northwestern Quebec; Selbaie West property consists of 105 claims located in the Carheil and Brouillan townships in QuAbec; Landrienne property, which consists of 59 claims located in the Landrienne Township in QuAbec; and Castagnier property. In addition, the company holds interest in the Joutel-Explo Zinc project consisting of 161 claims and 1 mining concession; Gemini-Turgeon projects comprises 189 claims; and Allard property, which includes 43 claims located in the Abitibi region of QuAbec. Yorbeau Resources Inc. was incorporated in 1984 and is headquartered in MontrAal, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Kroger: 84.51 HQ Building Company LLC, 84.51 LLC, Alpha Beta Company, Ansonborough Square Investors I LLC, Ansonborough Square Retail LLC, Ardrey Kell Investments LLC, Bay Area Warehouse Stores Inc., Beech Tree Holdings LLC, Bell Markets Inc., Bleecker Ventures LLC, Bluefield Beverage Company, Box Cutter Inc., Brier Creek Arbors Drive Retail LLC, CB&S Advertising Agency Inc., Cala Co., Cala Foods Inc., Cheeses of All Nations Inc., Country Oven Inc., Crawford Stores Inc., Creedmoor Retail LLC, Dillon Companies LLC, Dillon Real Estate Co. Inc., Dillons, Distribution Trucking Company, Dotto Inc., Edgewood Plaza Holdings LLC, Embassy International Inc., FM Inc., FMJ Inc., Farmacia Doral Inc., Food 4 Less GM Inc., Food 4 Less Holdings Inc., Food 4 Less Merchandising Inc., Food 4 Less of California Inc., Food 4 Less of Southern California Inc., Fred Meyer, Fred Meyer Inc., Fred Meyer Jewelers Inc., Fred Meyer Stores Inc., Glasswing Labs LLC, Glendale/Goodwin Realty I LLC, Grubstake Investments LLC, HT Fuel DE LLC, HT Fuel NC LLC, HT Fuel SC LLC, HT Fuel VA LLC, HTGBD LLC, HTP Bluffton LLC, HTP Plaza LLC, HTP Relo LLC, HTPS LLC, HTTAH LLC, Harris Teeter, Harris Teeter LLC, Henpil Inc., Home Chef, Hood-Clayton Logistics LLC, Hughes Markets Inc., Hughes Realty Inc., I.T.A. Inc., IRP LLC, ITAC 119 LLC, ITAC 265 LLC, Inter-American Foods Inc., Inter-American Products Inc., J.V. Distributing Inc., Jondex Corp., Jubilee Carolina LLC, KCDE 2012 LLC, KCDE 2013 LLC, KCDE-2 LLC, KCDE-3 LLC, KCDE-4 LLC, KCDE-5 LLC, KGO LLC, KPF LLC, KPS LLC, KRGP LLC, KRLP Inc., KV Anderson LLC, Kee Trans Inc., Kessel FP, Kiosk Medicine Kentucky LLC, Kirkpatrick West Retail LLC, Kroger Community Development Entity LLC, Kroger Dedicated Logistics Co., Kroger Fulfillment Network LLC, Kroger G.O. LLC, Kroger LM Real Estate Holdings LLC, Kroger Limited Partnership I, Kroger Limited Partnership II, Kroger MC Holdings LLC, Kroger MTL Management LLC, Kroger Management Co., Kroger Management Corryville LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Athens I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Champaign I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Champaign II LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Cincinnati I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Dallas I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Danville I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Logansport I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Missouri I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Oak Ridge I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Olney I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Omaha I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Portsmouth I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Starkville I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Topeka I LLC, Kroger Management NMTC Warrenton I LLC, Kroger NMTC Fremont I LLC, Kroger OZ1 Inc., Kroger OZ1 LLC, Kroger OZ2 Inc., Kroger OZ2 LLC, Kroger OZ3 Inc., Kroger OZ3 LLC, Kroger Opportunity Fund I Inc., Kroger Prescription Plans Inc., Kroger Specialty Infusion AL LLC, Kroger Specialty Infusion CA LLC, Kroger Specialty Infusion Holdings Inc., Kroger Specialty Infusion TX LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy CA 2 LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy CA LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy FL 2 LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings 2 Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings 3 Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings I Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy LA LLC, Kroger Texas L.P., LCGP3 Home Cooking Inc., Latta Village LLC, Local Mkt LLC, Main & Vine LLC, Matthews Property 1 LLC, Mega Marts LLC, Michigan Dairy L.L.C., ModernHealth LTC, Murrays Cheese LLC, Murrays LIC LLC, Murrays Table LLC, Pace Dairy Foods Company, Paramount Logistics LLC, Pay Less Super Markets Inc., Peyton's-Southeastern Inc., Plum Labs LLC, Pontiac Foods Inc., Queen City Assurance Inc., RBF LLC, RGC Southeast Properties LLC, Ralphs Grocery Company, Relish Labs LLC, Rocket Newco Inc., Roundy's, Roundys Acquisition Corp., Roundys Illinois LLC, Roundys Inc., Roundys Supermarkets Inc., Second Story Inc., Shop-Rite LLC, Smiths Beverage of Wyoming Inc., Smiths Food & Drug Centers Inc., Southern Ice Cream Specialties Inc., Stallings Investors I LLC, Sunrise R&D Holdings LLC, Sunrise Technology LLC, TLC Corporate Services LLC, TLC Immunization Clinic LLC, TLC of Georgia LLC, The Kroger Co. of Michigan, The Little Clinic LLC, The Little Clinic Management Services LLC, The Little Clinic of Arizona LLC, The Little Clinic of Colorado LLC, The Little Clinic of IN LLC, The Little Clinic of Kansas LLC, The Little Clinic of Mississippi LLC, The Little Clinic of Ohio LLC, The Little Clinic of TX LLC, The Little Clinic of Tennessee LLC, The Little Clinic of VA LLC, Topvalco Inc., Ultimate Mart LLC, Ultra Mart Foods LLC, Vine Court Assurance Incorporated, Vitacost, Vitacost.com Inc., Woodmont Holdings LLC, and YOU Technology. The following companies are subsidiares of Roper Technologies: 3089554 Nova Scotia ULC, AC Analytical Controls B.V., AC Analytical Controls Holding B.V., AC Analytical Controls Services B.V., Acumen PM LLC, Aderant Canada Company, Aderant Company, Aderant Holdings Inc., Aderant International Holdings Inc., Aderant Legal (UK) Limited, Aderant Legal Holdings (AUS) Pty Ltd, Aderant Legal Holdings (NZ) ULC, Aderant Legal Holdings Inc., Aderant North America Inc., Aderant Parent Holdings Inc., Advanced Sensors Limited, Alpha Holdings of Delaware I LLC, Alpha Holdings of Delaware II LLC, Alpha Technologies B.V., Alpha Technologies GmbH, Alpha Technologies Japan LLC, Alpha Technologies Services LLC, Alpha Technologies U.K., Alpha Technologies s.r.o., Alpha Trust Corporation, Alpha UK Holdings LLC, Amot Controls Corporation, Amot Controls GmbH, Amot/Metrix Investment Company Inc., Amphire Solutions Inc., Amtech Systems (Hong Kong) Limited, Amtech Systems LLC, Amtech World Corporation, Aplifi Inc., Ascension Technology Corporation, Assureweb Limited, Atlantic Health Partners Inc., Avitru LLC, Axium Holdco Inc., C/S Solutions Inc., CBORD Holdings Corp., CIVCO Medical Solutions B.V., Centurion Research Solutions LLC, Civco Holding Inc., Civco Medical Instruments Co. Inc., CliniSys Group, CliniSys Group Limited, Clinisys Scotland Limited, Clinisys Solutions Limited, Cointec Ingenieros y Consultores S.L., Compressor Controls (Beijing) Corporation Ltd., Compressor Controls Corporation B.V., Compressor Controls Corporation Middle East, Compressor Controls Corporation S.r.l., Compressor Controls LLC, Compressor Controls Mauritius Ltd., Compressor Controls Pty Ltd., Compressor Controls Saudi Arabia LLC, ConstructConnect, ConstructConnect Canada Inc., ConstructConnect Inc., Cornell Pump Company, DAT Solutions LLC, DATSolutions Private Limited, DCMH Group Holdings Inc., DCMH Group Holdings LLC, DCMH Holdings Inc., DI Acquisition Subsidiary Inc., DI Dutch Holdings LLC, DI Hong Kong Limited, Dash I Inc., Data Innovations, Data Innovations Canada Ltd., Data Innovations Cooperatief U.A., Data Innovations Europe S.A., Data Innovations LLC, Data Innovations Latin America Ltda, Dawning Technologies LLC, Deltek, Deltek Ajera Inc., Deltek Asia Pacific (HK) Limited, Deltek Australia Pty Ltd., Deltek Danmark A/S, Deltek France SAS, Deltek GB Limited, Deltek GmbH, Deltek Inc., Deltek Nederland B.V., Deltek Netherlands B.V., Deltek Norge AS, Deltek Sverige AB, Deltek Systems (Canada) Inc., Deltek Systems (Colorado) Inc., Deltek Systems (Philippines) Ltd., Deltek WST LLC, Dominion I Inc., Dynamic Instruments Inc., Dynisco Enterprises GmbH, Dynisco Enterprises LLC, Dynisco Europe GmbH, Dynisco Holding GmbH, Dynisco Hong Kong Holdings Limited, Dynisco Instruments LLC, Dynisco Instruments S.a.r.l., Dynisco LLC, Dynisco Parent Inc., Dynisco S.r.l., Dynisco Viatran LLC, Dynisco Viatran (M) Sdn Bhd, Dynisco-Viatran Instrument Sdn Bhd, FMS Purchasing & Services Inc., FSI Holdings Inc., FTI Flow Technology Inc., Fluid Metering Inc., Foodlink Holdings Inc., Foodlink IT India Private Limited, Foundry, Foundry Visionmongers (Ireland) Limited, GeneInsight Inc., Getloaded Corporation, HRsmart Canada Inc., HRsmart Czech Republic, HRsmart France SAS, HRsmart Germany GmbH, HRsmart Inc., HRsmart International, HRsmart International Holdings LLC, HRsmart Mexico, HRsmart SA (Pty) Ltd., HRsmart Talent Management Solutions Europe Limited, HRsmart Ventures LLC, Handshake Software Inc., Hansco Automatisering B.V., Hansen Technologies Corporation, Harbour Holding Corp., Hardy Process Solutions, Horizon Software International LLC, INPUT Inc., IPA Acquisition Subsidiary Inc., ISL Finance SAS, ISL Holding SAS, ISL Scientifique de Laboratorie - ISL S.A.S., IT Canada Holdings LLC, Innovative Product Achievements LLC, Inovonics Corporation, Instill Corporation, IntelliTrans Limited, Intellitrans Canada Ltd., Intellitrans LLC, Intellitrans Sweden AB, Job Access LTDA, K/S Roper Holding, K/S Roper Investments, Laser App Inc., Link Logistics Holding LLC, Loadlink Technologies Corporation, Logitech Limited, MED Professional Services LLC, MEDTEC Inc., MHA Long Term Care Network Inc., MHA Long Term Care Services Inc., MIPS Austria GesmbH, MIPS CZ s.r.o, MIPS Deutschland GmbH, MIPS France Sarl, MIPS Nederland B.V., MIPS Schweiz AG, MIPS Software Iberica SL, MPR Readers Inc., Managed Health Care Associates Inc., Marumoto Struers K.K., Medical Information Professional Systems NV, Medina Acquisition LLC, Metrix Instrument Co. L.P., NDI Europe GmbH, Navigator Group Purchasing Inc., Neptune Technology Group (Canada) Co., Neptune Technology Group Inc., Neptune Technology Group Mexico S.de R.L. de C.V., Neptune Technology Group Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Neptune Technology Group Services Inc., Nippon Roper K.K., Northern Digital Inc., Off-Campus Advantage LLC, Omega Legal Systems Inc., PAC (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PAC Denmark ApS, PAC GmbH, PAC Instruments (Thailand) Company Limited, PAC Instruments Asia PTE. Ltd., PB Bidco Limited, PB Holdco Limited, PB Midco Limited, PB Topco Limited, PGP UK Limited, Petroleum Analyzer Company L.P., Phase Analyzer Company Ltd., PowerPlan, PowerPlan Canada ULC, PowerPlan Holdings Inc., PowerPlan Inc., PowerPlan Intermediate Holdings Inc., PowerPlan Operations ANZ Pty Ltd, PowerPlan Operations Ltd., Project Diamond Intermediate Holdings Corporation, Project Torque Intermediate Holdings Inc., Project Viking Holdings Inc., Project Viking Intermediate LLC, QSC 1208 Limited, QSC 1209 Limited, RF IDeas, RF IDeas Inc., RI Marketing India Private Limited, RIL Holding Limited, RMT Inc., RT Merger Sub Inc., Rebate Tracking Group LLC, Resonant Software Inc., Roda Deaco Valve Inc., Roper Acquisitions Holdings Inc., Roper Brasil Comercio E Promocao De Productos E Servicos LTDA, Roper Canada Holdings LP, Roper Canada UK Limited, Roper Denmark UK Limited, Roper EUR Pte. Ltd., Roper Engineering s.r.o., Roper Europe GmbH, Roper GM Denmark Holdings ApS, Roper Germany GmbH, Roper Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Roper Holdings LLC, Roper Holdings Limited, Roper IH LLC, Roper Industrial Products Investment Company, Roper Industries Denmark ApS, Roper Industries Deutschland GmbH, Roper Industries Inc., Roper Industries Limited, Roper Industries Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Roper Industries Mauritius Ltd., Roper Industries UK Limited, Roper International Holding Inc., Roper International Holding Limited, Roper International Holding SCS, Roper LLC, Roper Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.l., Roper Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Roper Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Roper Middle East Ltd., Roper NL1 UK Limited, Roper NL2 UK Limited, Roper Pte. Ltd., Roper Pump Company, Roper Scientific B.V., Roper Scientific SAS, Roper Scot LP, Roper Southeast Asia LLC, Roper Swiss Finance GmbH, Roper UK Investments Limited, Roper UK Ltd., Roper US Finance I LLC, Roper US Finance II LLC, Roper-Mex L.P., Ropintassco 1 LLC, Ropintassco 2 LLC, Ropintassco 3 LLC, Ropintassco 4 LLC, Ropintassco 5 LLC, Ropintassco 6 LLC, Ropintassco 7 LLC, Ropintassco Holdings L.P., SHP Group Holdings Inc., SIRA LLC, Shanghai Roper Industries Trading Co. Ltd., Sinmed Holding International B.V., Societe de Distribution de Logiciels Medicaux, SoftWriters Inc., Softwriters Holdings, Softwriters Holdings Inc., Sohnar Pty Ltd, Star Purchasing Services LLC, Strata Acquisition Subsidiary Inc., Strata Decision Technology LLC, Strata Parallel II Inc., Strategic Healthcare Programs Blocker 2 Inc., Strategic Healthcare Programs Blocker LLC, Strategic Healthcare Programs Holdings LLC, Strategic Healthcare Programs L.L.C., Struers (Shanghai) International Trading Ltd., Struers A/S, Struers GmbH, Struers Inc., Struers Limited, Struers SAS, Student Advantage LLC, Sunquest Europe Limited, Sunquest Holdings Inc., Sunquest Information Systems (Europe) Limited, Sunquest Information Systems (India) Private Limited, Sunquest Information Systems (International) Limited, Sunquest Information Systems Inc., Sunquest Information Systems Pty Ltd, TLP Holdings LLC, Technolog Group Limited, Technolog Holdings Ltd., Technolog Limited, Technolog SARL, The CBORD Group Inc., The Foundry Bidco Limited, The Foundry Bidco No.2 Limited, The Foundry Holdco Limited, The Foundry Holdings Limited, The Foundry Intermediate Holdings Limited, The Foundry Midco 3 Limited, The Foundry Midco No 1 Limited, The Foundry Midco No 2 Limited, The Foundry Topco Limited, The Foundry Topco No.2 Limited, The Foundry USCo Inc., The Foundry Visionmongers Ltd., The Tidewater Healthcare Shared Services Group Inc., The Washington Management Group Inc., Torque Acquisition Holdco Inc., Transcore Atlantic Inc., Transcore CNUS Inc., Transcore Holdings Inc., Transcore ITS LLC, Transcore LP, Transcore Nova Scotia Corporation, Transcore Partners LLC, Trinity Integrated Systems Limited, UHF Purchasing Services LLC, Union Square Software (International) Limited, Union Square Software Inc., Union Square Software Limited, Union Square Software Pty, Uson L.P., Uson Limited, Utilitec Limited, Utilitec Services Limited, Utility Data Services Limited, Verathon Holdings (Delaware) Inc., Verathon Inc., Verathon Medical (Australia) Pty Limited, Verathon Medical (Canada) ULC, Verathon Medical (Europe) B.V., Verathon Medical (France) SARL, Verathon Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Verathon Medical (Japan) K.K., Verathon Medical (UK) Ltd., Vertafore, Vertafore Canada Inc., Vertafore Inc., Vertafore India Private Limited, Viastar Services LP, Viatran Corporation, Walter Herzog GmbH, WorkBook APAC Ltd., Workbook Software A/S, Zetec (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zetec France, Zetec Inc., Zetec Korea Inc., Zetec Rental LLC, Zetec Services Inc., iPipeline, iPipeline (TCP) Limited, iPipeline Canada Inc, iPipeline Co. Ltd., iPipeline Holdings Inc, iPipeline Inc, iPipeline Limited, iSqFt Holdings Inc., iSqFt Parent Corporation, iSqFt Sub Inc., iTradeNetwork Inc., and mySBX Corporation. Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments Inc. The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC and Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. The fund primarily invests in undervalued municipal bonds that are exempt from federal income taxes, including the alternative minimum tax. It seeks to invest in securities that are rated Baa/BBB or better by S&P, Moody's, or Fitch. The fund's investment portfolio comprises investments in various industries, which include transportation, healthcare, utilities, housing/multifamily, and water and sewer. It was formerly known as Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund. Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund was formed on November 21, 2002 and is domiciled in the United States. Read More Data from Enterprises Development Department show that last year the private sector contributed up to 43.22 percent gross domestic product and 39 percent investment capital of the economy. However limited production and trading efficiency has resulted in low profit margin of businesses in this sector. Its revenue growth dropped from 34 percent in 2007-2011 to 10 percent in 2012-2015. HCMCs economic surveys last year also pointed out that although the number of businesses has quickly developed, most of them are small and medium sized. Of these, super small firms account for 82.76 percent. Only 64,607 are profitable out of the total of 171,655 businesses operating in HCMC now, making up 37.81 percent; 96,936 are loss making accounting for 56.49 percent. The remaining ones break even. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Cung, head of Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), said that the private sector has not had strong large firms because of a shortage of safety in business operation or risky business environment Besides normal risks, they have faced risks from the legal system which is unclear, unspecific and untransparent with volatile regulation application. Therefore, many firms have chosen small scale instead of developing into bigger ones to reduce risks from checks and inspections by authorized agencies. Some businesses want to expand scale but they have been unable to do so because resource allocation has been under Ask - give mechanism instead of basing on operation quality and efficiency. Mr. Tran Van The, deputy chairman of Deo Ca Group, affirmed there are lot of barriers in businesses investment operations. Private firms implementing BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) projects like Deo Ca felt that they have not been treated fairly during the process of working and negotiating with government agencies. Legal documents have showed conflict. For instance, the Law on Enterprises permits share transfer and capital contribution while Investment Law comprises many complicated regulations in project transfer. State administrative documents have been short of practicality. For instance, a circular on loan policy to BOT projects has been amended four times. The last draft circular is found same with the previous one. There are not many large Vietnamese enterprises (Photo: SGGP) Change in thought Besides unsafe business environment, many opinions say that the market has seen big fish eat small fish or big companies put down small ones by cutting contract value without any negotiation. That is said to be the consequence of business development by movement, shortage of special products and unhealthy competition. Businesses themselves have yet to build associations strong enough to keep their market share and protect their rights. Dr. Tran Du Lich, member of the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Group, compared entrepreneurs with seeds in the environment. If the environment is good, the seeds will develop and vice versa. Besides strengths of being dynamic and enterprising, Vietnamese business people have shown weakness in linking up together. In the upcoming time, the establishment of value chains for goods and services plays a significant role in businesses development, Mr. Lich added. A single firm will not be able to develop without connectivity amid the current context of competition and integration. Mr. Le Tri Thong, director general of Phu Nhuan Jewelry Company, said that compared to five years ago when all resources were for state own enterprises, private firms have received much better policies and many have developed strongly and fast. Still each of them need to have a suitable development strategy to move on. At present, many are operating under out of date growth models. The important thing is that the Government should ensure fairness and guide buisnesses in international cooperation with a staff of upright civil servants. Businesses are responsible for together building up a healthy investment environment and having common voice in dialogues about state policies as well as a mechanism in production and trading connectivity, said Mr. Thong. Talking about business development policies, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Cung, head of Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), said that admendments should be from thought not law. That is a basic principle in building institution. Institutional reform does not comprise only administrative reform because administrative reform is insufficient and not the basic problem of institutional reform. It is needed to take back the community of businesses belief and words must match actions. Resolution 24/2026 of the National Assembly also emphasized the necessity of building a transparent, fair and advantageous competitive environment. State management costs and institutional risks need be reduced for busiensses especially private firms. If businesses make efforts to renew and Government agencies follow the resolutions spirit, businesses operation will definitely be improved. By THUY HAI Translated by Hai Mien There is not enough analysis data for OPG Power Ventures. 4.9 Community Rank Outperform Votes OPG Power Ventures has received 227 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes OPG Power Ventures has received 76 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment OPG Power Ventures has received 74.92% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about OPG Power Ventures and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe OPG will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe OPG will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF split on the morning of Monday, December 7th 2020. The 2-1 split was announced on Friday, November 6th 2020. The newly created shares were payable to shareholders after the closing bell on Friday, December 4th 2020. An investor that had 100 shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF stock prior to the split would have 200 shares after the split. Pembina Pipeline Corporation provides transportation and midstream services for the energy industry. It operates through three segments: Pipelines, Facilities, and Marketing & New Ventures. The Pipelines segment operates conventional, oil sands and heavy oil, and transmission assets with a transportation capacity of 3.1 millions of barrels of oil equivalent per day, ground storage of 11 millions of barrels, and rail terminalling capacity of approximately 145 thousands of barrels of oil equivalent per day serving markets and basins across North America. The Facilities segment offers infrastructure that provides customers with natural gas, condensate, and natural gas liquids (NGLs), including ethane, propane, butane, and condensate; and includes 354 thousands of barrels per day of NGL fractionation capacity, 21 millions of barrels of cavern storage capacity, and associated pipeline and rail terminalling facilities. The Marketing & New Ventures segment buys and sells hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas originating in the Western Canadian sedimentary basin and other basins. Pembina Pipeline Corporation was incorporated in 1954 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Experts have said Vietnam will face challenges caused by impacts of foreign investments on domestic firms. Vietnamese businesses should make preparations in order to make the best use of incentives offered by the deal. Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said the CPTPP is a quite comprehensive agreement as it covers principles not only in trade and investment but also in intellectual property. It requires Vietnam to reform investment and business environment, as well as institutions, he said. The minister added the agreement will put competitive pressure on enterprises and the economy, helping Vietnam grow more sustainably. Pham Quynh Mai, deputy head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)s Multilateral Trade Policy Department, said 66 percent of tariff lines will be eliminated immediately after the agreement takes effect, 86.5 percent three years after the deal comes into force and 97.8 percent after 11 years. It targets not only traditional sectors like goods, services and investment but new realms such as e-commerce, public procurement, labourt and the environment, the official noted. With a market of nearly 500 million people and 13.5 percent of global GDP, the CPTPP is a free trade agreement with strategic significance to Vietnam and the business community, as it will push for open markets, investment development and the establishment of free trade ties between Vietnam and many new partners like Canada, Mexico and Peru, thus helping restructure the countrys export markets, easing its dependence on traditional markets. Besides, the deal will motivate the Vietnamese Government to step up administrative reform, complete the legal and institutional framework and create a more open and transparent investment and business climate, Mai said. A survey conducted by HSBC in six out of 11 CPTPP member countries, namely Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore and Vietnam, revealed that about 63 percent of Vietnamese enterprises believe the agreement will positively impact their business. Minister Anh said experience from Vietnams joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Vietnam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement shows that Vietnam can limit adverse impacts if the country knows how to utilise opportunities and take initiative in realising its integration commitments. He stressed that such sectors as services, post and telecommunications, e-commerce, garment-textile and leather and footwear are forecast to grow under the CPTPP. On the contrary, the sugarcane cultivation and sugar industry is expected to face great challenges due to its slow pace in restructuring, he said. Luong Hoang Thai, head of the Multilateral Trade Policy Department, also pointed out challenges regarding quality of exports and high-quality labour force, saying fierce competition will take place not only in markets of CPTPP member countries but also in Vietnam. Given this, experts suggested Vietnamese businesses learn more about the agreement to grasp Vietnams commitments and markets of partners, while building and changing their business plans for mid and long terms. Besides, they should seek partners in other CPTPP member markets to benefit from their financial strength and technology transfer, thus gaining more opportunities to integrate more deeply in regional and global supply chains, the expert said. The following companies are subsidiares of Sysco: 2234829 Alberta ULC, 2234842 Alberta ULC, A. M. Briggs Inc., A.M. Briggs, Almacen Fiscal Frionet Caldera S.A., Almacen Fiscal Frionet Limon S.A., Appert's Foodservice, Arnotts (Fruit) Limited, Asian Foods, Bahamas Food Holdings Limited, Bahamas Food Services Limited, Brake Bros, Brake Bros Foodservice Ireland Limited, Brake Bros. Foodservice Limited, Brake Bros. Holding I Limited, Brake Bros. Ltd., Brakes Foodservice NI Limited, Buchy Food Service, Buckhead Beef Co., Buckhead Meat & Seafood of Houston Inc., Buckhead Meat Company, Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc., Buckhead Meat of Dallas Inc., Buckhead Meat of Denver Inc., Buckhead Meat of San Antonio LP, Buzztable Inc., CAKE Corporation, Central Seafood Co., Christys Wine & Spirits Limited, Clafra Aktiebolag, Colorado Boxed Beef Co - Specialty meat-cutting division, Corporacion Frionet Sociedad Anonima, Crossgar Foodservice, Crossgar Foodservice Limited, Crown I Enterprises Inc., Cucina Acquisitions (UK) Limited, Cucina Finance (UK) Limited, Cucina French Holdings Limited, Cucina Fresh Finance Limited, Cucina Fresh Investments Limited, Cucina Lux Investments Limited, Curleys Quality Foods Limited (Third Party), Davigel Belgilux S.A., Davigel Espana S.A., Desert Meats & Provisions, Distagro, Doerle Food Service, Doughtie's Foods Inc., Dust Bowl City LLC, Eko Fagel Fisk o mittemellan AB, Enclave Insurance Company, Enclave Parkway Association Inc., Enclave Properties LLC, European Imports, European Imports Inc., Figg Inc., Freedman Meats, Freedman Meats Inc., Freedman-KB Inc., Fresh Direct (UK) Limited, Fresh Direct Group Limited, Fresh Direct Limited, Fresh Holdings Limited, FreshPoint, FreshPoint Arizona Inc., FreshPoint Atlanta Inc., FreshPoint California Inc., FreshPoint Central California Inc., FreshPoint Central Florida Inc., FreshPoint Connecticut LLC, FreshPoint Dallas Inc., FreshPoint Denver Inc., FreshPoint Hawaii LLC, FreshPoint Inc., FreshPoint Las Vegas Inc., FreshPoint North Carolina Inc., FreshPoint North Florida Inc., FreshPoint Oklahoma City LLC, FreshPoint Pompano Real Estate LLC, FreshPoint Puerto Rico LLC, FreshPoint San Francisco Inc., FreshPoint South Florida Inc., FreshPoint South Texas Inc., FreshPoint Southern California Inc., FreshPoint Tomato LLC, FreshPoint Vancouver Ltd., Freshfayre Limited, Fruktservice i Helsingborg AB, GHS Classic Drinks Limited, Gilchrist & Soames Inc., Gilchrist & Soames UK Limited, Guest Packaging LLC, Guest Supply, Guest Supply Asia Limited, Guest Supply Singapore Pte. Ltd., International Food Group, Isakssons Frukt & Gront AB, J & M Wholesale Meats, J. Kings Food Service Professionals, J. Kings Food Service Professionals Inc., Kent Frozen Foods, Les Ateliers Du Gout, Liquid Assets Limited, M&J Seafood Holdings Limited, M&J Seafood Limited, Manchester Mills LLC, Mayca Autoservicio S.A., Mayca Distribuidores S.A., Menigo Foodservice AB, Mitshim Etatu Supply LP, Newport Meat Company, Newport Meat Northern California Inc., Newport Meat Pacific Northwest Inc., Newport Meat Southern California Inc., Newport Meat of Nevada Inc., North Star Holding Corporation, North Star Seafood, North Star Seafood Acquisition Corporation, North Star Seafood LLC, PFS de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Palisades Ranch Inc., Pallas Foods, Pallas Foods Farm Fresh Unlimited Company, Pallas Foods Unlimited Company, Pauleys Produce Limited, Promotora del Servicios S.A. de C.V., Restaurangakdemien AB, Restaurant of Tomorrow Inc., Rohan Viandes Elaboration SAS, SMS Bermuda Holdings, SMS GPC International Limited, SMS GPC International Resources Limited, SMS Global Holdings S.a.r.l., SMS International Resources Ireland Unlimited Company, SMS Lux Holdings LLC, SOTF LLC, SYY Netherlands C.V., SYY Panama S. de R.L., Serca Foodservice, Servicestyckarna I Johannes AB, Servicios Ameriserve S.A. de C.V., Shenzhen Guest Supply Trading Co. Limited, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Bianchi Montegut, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Boiseau, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Garcelles, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) J.D. Lanjouan, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Le Dauphin, Specialty Meat Holdings LLC, Stockflag Limited, Stockholms Fiskauktion AB, Supplies on the Fly, Sysco Albany LLC, Sysco Asian Foods Inc., Sysco Atlanta LLC, Sysco Autoservicio S.A., Sysco Baltimore LLC, Sysco Baraboo LLC, Sysco Bermuda Partners L.P., Sysco Boston LLC, Sysco Canada Holdings S.a.r.l., Sysco Canada Inc., Sysco Central Alabama LLC, Sysco Central California Inc., Sysco Central Florida Inc., Sysco Central Illinois Inc., Sysco Central Pennsylvania LLC, Sysco Charlotte LLC, Sysco Chicago Inc., Sysco Cincinnati LLC, Sysco Cleveland Inc., Sysco Columbia LLC, Sysco Connecticut LLC, Sysco Corporation, Sysco Corporation Director's Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Employee's 401(k) Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Good Government Committee Inc., Sysco Corporation Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Unemployment Benefits Plan Trust, Sysco Detroit LLC, Sysco Disaster Relief Foundation Inc., Sysco EI VI S. s.r.l., Sysco EU II S.a.r.l., Sysco EU III S.a.r.l., Sysco EU IV Capital Unlimited Company, Sysco EU IV S. s.r.l.., Sysco EU V S. s.r.l., Sysco Eastern Maryland LLC, Sysco Eastern Wisconsin LLC, Sysco Foundation Inc., Sysco France Holding SAS, Sysco France SAS, Sysco George Town II LLC, Sysco George Town Limited S. s.r.l.., Sysco Global Finance LLC, Sysco Global Finance LLP, Sysco Global Holdings B.V., Sysco Global Resources LLC, Sysco Global Services LLC, Sysco Grand Cayman Company, Sysco Grand Cayman II Company, Sysco Grand Cayman III Company, Sysco Grand Rapids LLC, Sysco Guernsey Limited, Sysco Guest Supply Canada Inc., Sysco Guest Supply Europe Goods Wholesalers LLC, Sysco Guest Supply Europe Limited, Sysco Guest Supply LLC, Sysco Gulf Coast LLC, Sysco Hampton Roads Inc., Sysco Hawaii Inc., Sysco Holdings II LLC, Sysco Holdings LLC, Sysco Indianapolis LLC, Sysco International Food Group Inc., Sysco International Inc., Sysco Iowa Inc., Sysco Jackson LLC, Sysco Jacksonville Inc., Sysco Kansas City Inc., Sysco Knoxville LLC, Sysco Labs Europe Limited, Sysco Labs Pvt. Ltd., Sysco Leasing LLC, Sysco Lincoln Inc., Sysco Lincoln Transportation Company Inc., Sysco Long Island LLC, Sysco Los Angeles Inc., Sysco Louisville Inc., Sysco Memphis LLC, Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Canada Inc., Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Inc., Sysco Metro New York LLC, Sysco Minnesota Inc., Sysco Montana Inc., Sysco Nashville LLC, Sysco Netherlands Partners LLC, Sysco North Central Florida Inc., Sysco North Dakota Inc., Sysco Northern New England Inc., Sysco Philadelphia LLC, Sysco Pittsburgh LLC, Sysco Portland Inc., Sysco Raleigh LLC, Sysco Resources Services LLC, Sysco Riverside Inc., Sysco Sacramento Inc., Sysco San Diego Inc., Sysco San Francisco Inc., Sysco Seattle Inc., Sysco South Florida Inc., Sysco Southeast Florida LLC, Sysco Spain Holdings SLU, Sysco Spokane Inc., Sysco St. Louis LLC, Sysco Syracuse LLC, Sysco Technologies Cayman Ltd., Sysco Technologies LLC, Sysco UK Holdings Limited, Sysco UK Limited, Sysco UK Partners LLP, Sysco USA I Inc., Sysco USA II LLC, Sysco USA III LLC, Sysco Ventura Inc., Sysco Ventures Inc., Sysco Virginia LLC, Sysco West Coast Florida Inc., Sysco Western Minnesota Inc., The SYGMA Network Inc., Upsys, Victua SAS, Walker Foods Inc., Waugh Foods, and Wild Harvest Limited. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF's stock was trading at $29.68 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWZ shares have decreased by 1.7% and is now trading at $29.17. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The center is located in the Can Tho University under the support of Japanese Brainworks Asia. The center aims to create a platform to strengthen technological application in production between Japanese enterprises and the Can Tho University, especially aquaculture and rice cultivation in the Mekong Delta region. Additionally, the center is a place which offers startup ideas to technology students with the assistance of Japanese experts and enterprises. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Chairman of Can Tho City Peoples Committee Truong Quang Hoai Nam said that the center will contribute greatly in scientific researches and training of the university as well as bring more opportunity to cooperate between the two sides in the field of technology. The Can Tho University is a major high education institution in the Mekong delta with over 50,000 students. Currently, the school signed agreement with more than 120 research institutions, schools and international research organizations. By TUAN QUANG - Translated by UYEN PHUONG Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF's stock was trading at $46.36 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, VGK shares have increased by 47.6% and is now trading at $68.42. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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When Sunny Leone took to her social media page to announce, I am so excited to announce my debut in Malayalam movies with Rangeela!!, it was almost like water down a thirsty mans parched throat. Soon social media went into a tizzy with the news going viral and being shared widely. The unprecedented Sunny fever in Kerala was on show when she had arrived in Kochi for a shop inauguration some time back. Pandemonium reigned when streets got swamped with her fans, who climbed on hoardings and buildings and broke barricades, just to get a glimpse of their favourite actor in the flesh. Sunny herself was surprised and took to her social media platform to express her gratitude to the people of Kerala for that unwavering love. Seems it is that same sea of love that had her nodding her head to the project, which is produced by Jayalal Menon under the banner Backwater Studios, and directed by Santosh Nair. Incidentally, Sunny is a part of the filmVeeramahadevi, a multilingual to be made in Malayalam, too. In the film, directed and written by V.C. Vadivudayan, she plays a warrior princess who is adept at martial arts. Coming back to Rangeela, producer Jayalal Menon confirms, Yes, it was the reception that she got in Kochi that made Sunny receptive to working in Malayalam films. So what magic did they work to get Sunny to sign on the coveted dotted line? Jayalal reveals the formulae, We are producing the P. T. Ushas biopic in Hindi; so we already had a few contacts in Bollywood. We felt only Sunny could do justice to the role. When we approached Sunny for the role, she gave a patient ear to us, heard the story and then told us that she was excited about her role which is something she had never attempted before. That certainly evokes curiosity about Sunnys role and Jayalal is more than happy to explain. Sunny plays a Hollywood-Bollywood actor named Sandra. Wait; dont let your thoughts run ahead of you. There is more beyond the actor part. The film is about a travel that Sandra embarks on to Kerala among other places. The idea is that celebrities often lose out on a very valuable asset their personal freedom which they cherish when they get a chance to savour it. Sunny felt that she could relate to that character a lot, he explains. The film will be shot in locations in Kerala, Hampi, Goa etc. and is basically set as a travel movie with dance and music liberally sprinkled in large dollops. The final cast is being worked out, but Jayalal reveals that there would also be four young characters. If anyone is wondering about Jayalals and Santoshs credentials, here is a small glimpse. Jayalal has produced films like Life of Josekutty, Karinkunnam Sixes, Ore Mukham and the upcoming Kalidas Jayaram-Gokul Suresh Gopi starrer. This is his fifth project. Santosh has directed films like Money Ratnam starring Fahadh Faasil and the upcoming Sachin starring Dhyan Sreenivasan and Aju Varghese. The shooting of Rangeela will begin in February. Sunny was part of a web series, Karenjit Kaur - The Untold Story of Sunny Leone, which ended recently. Before winding up, Jayalal reveals what Sunny shared with him, I want to do more films in Malayalam. So, all aspiring and veteran directors and producers can make a note of this. Mumbai: The much-awaited trailer of Rajinikanth-Akshay Kumar starrer 2.0 is finally here. This is the first time that Akshay Kumar and Rajinikanth will be seen sharing the screen space together. 2.0 is touted to be the costliest Indian film ever made. Also See | Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar grace much-awaited 2.0 trailer launch event The latest glimpse of 2.0 boasts of some stunning VFX on par with Hollywood standards. Akshay Kumar plays the antagonist in the movie and Rajinikanth will be seen saving the world from his wrath as Chitti, the robot 2.0. The trailer shows Rajinikanth's Chitti and Kumar battling it out while causing mayhem across the city. While Akshay is terrifying in his menacing avatar, Rajinikanth slaying in his character like he always does. Sharing the trailer Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar wrote, "The D-Day is here...Its #2Point0TrailerDay! Wait no more, watch the #2Point0Trailer now" Watch Hindi trailer here: Watch Tamil trailer here: Written and directed by S. Shankar and '2.0' is being produced in both Hindi and Tamil. The sci-fi film Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Panday in pivotal roles. The music is given by music maestro A R Rahman that surely adds oomph to this magnum opus. The movie is set to hit the theatres on November 29, 2018. Producer D. Sivaprasad Reddy, who recently passed away in Chennai, was very close to Nagarjuna and everyone knew this. He made 11 films with the actor and also produced a film with Nags son Chaitanya. After incurring huge losses in films, Sivaprasad Reddy settled in Chennai. Interestingly, he had wanted to write a book about his friendship with Nagarjuna. He had started sometime back and completed 70 per cent of the writing. He wanted to unveil the book on Nagarjunas 60th birthday, next year, says a source who had been close to the late producer. The two were in touch, even though Reddy had shifted to Chennai. Before he had started this book, he had told Nagarjuna about it and the actor was happy too, adds the source. It was more like an biography of Nagarjuna from the producers point of view, explains the source. Now, it remains to be seen how and when the book will be completed. HT00 The findings also show that many youngsters with medulloblastoma could avoid unnecessary doses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy with less toxic side effects. (Photo: Pixabay) London: Scientists have been able to identify the group of children needing more intensive, aggressive chemotherapy treatment for the most common form of brain cancer. The chromosome signature they found in medulloblastoma may allow medics to adapt treatment so that each child is targeted individually, improving the 60 per cent survival rate for high-risk patients, said researchers from the Newcastle University in the UK. The findings, published in The Lancet Oncology journal, also show that many youngsters with medulloblastoma could avoid unnecessary doses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy with less toxic side effects. While others, who have the most serious form of the disease, may be targeted with more intensive chemotherapy. Currently all patients receive the same treatment. "Our findings provide a new blueprint for the personalisation of treatment in medulloblastoma so that all children are not given the same intensity of therapy," said Professor Steve Clifford from Newcastle University. "This study shows that low-risk patients may receive kinder treatments aimed at reducing toxicity and side effects, while targeting more intensive treatments to the high-risk patients who need it most," said Clifford. Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant childhood brain tumour and it is important that we have improved outcomes for patients with this disease, researchers said. "Through a greater understanding of brain tumours we hope to increase the cure rate but critically, for those children who survive, we want to make sure their quality of life is good after treatment," Clifford said. Scientists at Newcastle University worked with Northumbria University in the UK to examine the molecular pathology of the cancer. Experts identified that children with the cancer can be split into two clinical groups -- about half of which are low-risk with close to 100 per cent survival, while the other half are high-risk, with 60 per cent survival. The study analysed data from the PNET4 clinical trial of standard-risk medulloblastoma, which ran from 2001-2006. The standard-risk patients involved in the cohort were children with no recognised risk factors for the disease and who would be expected to have a survival rate of around 80 per cent after five years. Working with the University of Bonn in Germany, the team identified recurrent patterns of chromosome gains and losses in medulloblastoma tumours. The team found a chromosome signature that identifies a group of patients with 100 per cent survival rates, and a high-risk group with just 60 per cent survival. Billboards will remind everyone that one can spare sensitive aquatic animals agony of being suffocated, impaled, crushed, and cut open simply by choosing vegan meals. Mumbai: In honour of World Vegan Month (November), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has placed a billboard in Mumbai featuring a fish proclaiming, "I'm ME, Not MEAT. See the Individual. Go Vegan." The billboard which is part of a nationwide ad campaign in which billboards featuring different animals commonly used for food will hit seven major Indian cities is located at the Grant Road foot overbridge, facing traffic moving from Nana Chowk to Novelty. "Just like humans, fish feel pain and fear, have unique personalities, and value their own lives," says PETA India campaigner Radhika Suryavanshi. "This World Vegan Month, PETA India's billboards will remind everyone that we can spare these sensitive aquatic animals the agony of being suffocated, impaled, crushed, and cut open simply by choosing vegan meals." More fish are killed for food each year than all other animals combined, yet they have little legal protection from abuse. On cramped, filthy fish farms, they suffer from parasitic infections, diseases, and debilitating injuries. Those who are dragged out of oceans in huge nets (along with unintended victims, such as dolphins, turtles, seals, and other sea animals) slowly suffocate or are crushed to death. Those who survive that process are often still conscious when their throats and stomachs are cut open. As India nears the general elections of 2019 its open season and the flavour seems to be to blame everything on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The language of political discourse has hit such lows that it came as no surprise when the wordsmith Shashi Tharoor pulled out the Scorpion on a Shivling remark which he ascribed to an unknown RSS source. If that was a bit neech, wait until the Congress social media diva Spandana came up with her bird dropping allegory. This was even more neech considering the Prime Minister was being spoken of in these Trumpesque excesses of vitriol and venom. The use of invective might go back to Sonia Gandhis Maut ka saudagar comment of a decade ago. Not that the BJP people havent responded in kind to each barb. But hold on, where are we going with the language of the street from both parties gutter politics? Divya Spandana/Ramya @divyaspandana When youre done huffing & puffing take a breath & hold a mirror to yourselves. My views are mine. I dont give two hoots about yours. Im not going to clarify what I meant and what I didnt cos you dont deserve one. Nidhi Razdan@Nidhi Actually you cant afford to take that position. You are a public figure, you represent a political party with an official designation. So the people of India DO deserve to know what you meant Bhaskar @inclusivemind Dear @divyaspandana Maam Goal is too big to achieve focus should be on issues and things which concern common man these kind of things will not solve any purpose and controversy at the time of election is unwanted. Jayanth Kumar @jayanthkumarak Didnt mean to doubt your integrity if you are inferring that. Admire your work, however you have to admit that BJP gets away with WAY more, and your profession in general enables it with exactly SUCH behavior. The normalization of pappu happened even while NDTV existed. shaheed@shaheed_vk Two inagurations here. One is at Gujarat by PM with 3000 crore for a statue ,where still people remain in poverty , And the other one in kerala , a project of 2BHK flat with 20 crore CM fund, but for 192 fisherman families. Feel the difference.! #StatueOfUntiy My Fellow Indians @MyFellowIndians RT if you believe that #SardarVallabhbhaiPatel was a Congress Man at Heart & he would never have wasted 3000 cr on a #StatueOfUnity and instead built Schools & Hospitals for the future. harish meraj @merajharish We remember @PMOIndia you have provided 500 crore for #kerlafloods and 3800 crores for #StatueOfUntiy Instead of wasting money for a statue you should feed poor who are looking for a single piece of food. #ShameOnYou @PMOIndia Omar Abdullah @OmarAbdullah Its really nice of our PM to send these but could he not have sent them without changing the name? All my life Ive known these jackets as Nehru jackets & now I find these ones have been labelled Modi Jacket. Clearly nothing existed in India before 2014. harish meraj @merajharish We remember @PMOIndia you have provided 500 crore for #kerlafloods and 3800 crores for #StatueOfUntiy Instead of wasting money for a statue you should feed poor who are looking for a single piece of food. #ShameOnYou @PMOIndia Shashi Tharoor @ShashiTharoor This comment (not by me) has been in the public domain for six years. RSPrasad making an issue of a 6yr old quote shows how little new the BJP has to offer the nation. As for media subserving the BJPs desire for controversy, when will this professiondevelop any self-respect? And while youre about it, could you explain where the alleged insult lies? I worship a Shivling at home & carry a miniature Shivling in my pocket daily. Insulting Lord Shiva is unthinkable for me. But exploiting him for petty politics is apparently OK for you. ANI @ANI Rahul Gandhi you claim yourself be to a Shiv Bhakt please reply to this very horrific denunciation of Lord Mahadev by giving apology to what Tharoor has done: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tharoors statement,Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a Shivling. Ashok Swain @ashoswai Mr. President, You are wrong. This is not Modi Vest, this is Nehru jacket. Modi is no Nehru, can never be one. If anything Modi, that is Khaki Nikkar. Uzair Hasan Rizvi @RizviUzair Theres another takeover of the Congress legacy: Now the Nehru jacket is known as the Modi jacket. Manish Chauhan @linkmanishsc Pidis life starts from Nehru and ends at Pappu. Earlier, Nehru brought IITs to India & now Nehru brought vests to India. Re Deva Rajeev @rajeev23456 What you call Nehru Jacket, also known as Bandi in Hindi, is older than Nehruji as well. It has existed since around 10th century. Naming happens on the basis of who popularises it. Earlier, Nehru ji did it, hence Nehru Jacket. Now Modiji is popularising it; so, Modi Jacket. They were first arrested in 2017, for stealing Rs 50,000 from a grocery store in Pipraich village and were released in January this year. (Representional Image) Hyderabad: Cyberabad police arrested a trio for burgling a farmhouse at Shamshabad and recovered property worth Rs 30 lakh including diamonds and gold. According to Cyberabad police commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, the trio have been identified as Mohd Abed Ali, 20, Shaikh Farooq Hussain, 22, and Mohan Yadav, 20, who are all from Pipraich in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh. He said that Abed came to Hyderabad in July while Farooq and Mohan, came in April. Mohan and Abed are childhood friends. They were first arrested in 2017, for stealing Rs 50,000 from a grocery store in Pipraich village and were released in January this year. As their income was not enough to lead a lavish lifestlye, they hatched a plan to burgle houses, and chanced upon an isolated farmhouse in Shamshabad and they decided to burgle it, the commissioner said. Accordingly, they burgled the house and have stolen gold ornaments, diamonds from the farmhouse. After strenuous efforts, the teams have traced the accused and recovered the property, said the commissioner addressing the media. The gangsters also managed to cover their faces from CCTV cameras of the jewellery and other nearby shops. (Representational Images) Malappuram: Burglars robbed off 37 sovereigns of gold from jewellery at Kondotty near here on Friday which is worth about Rs 8 lakh in the market. The robbers entered the SM Jewellary drilling a big hole at the rear of the shop, according to police. The gangsters also managed to cover their faces from CCTV cameras of the jewellery and other nearby shops. Police suspects that the incident took place in the wee hours of Friday. Police suspects that there is a gang involved in the robbery. Similar robberies in the nearby areas also were under scrutiny and the gangsters who had released after conviction also are under police radar. However the dog squad and finger print experts examined the spot and collected evidences. Nearby shop owners also pointed out that fifteen years back there were attempts to break into the shop which was foiled by the residents of the locality. The shop is owned by Shaji and Musthafa, both natives of Pulikkal. The pictures on social media showed Sofi dressed in a black outfit and claimed he had joined militant group ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. (Photo: Facebook/@kmrlife) Noida: Social media posts carrying purported pictures of a Kashmiri boy, who went missing from a private university in Uttar Pradesh days ago, on Friday claimed that he has joined militant ranks in the Valley. Ahtesham Bilal Sofi, 17, a resident of downtown Srinagar, was a first-year student at Greater Noida's Sharda University. He went missing on October 28 after he left the varsity with official permission to go to Delhi, days after he was mistakenly roughed up during a scuffle between Indian and Afghan students in the campus. A missing complaint was registered in the case at the Knowledge Park police station in Greater Noida as well as at Khanyar police station in Srinagar, officials said. The pictures on social media showed Sofi dressed in a black outfit and claimed he had joined militant group ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. The UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) said it has been tracking the case since October 28 and has taken cognisance of the photos. "We are in touch with Jammu and Kashmir police. We are tracking the footprints of the boy from Greater Noida to Kashmir," Inspector General, ATS, Asim Arun told PTI. The Jammu and Kashmir police said they were "ascertaining" Sofi's presence in the Valley. The Gautam Buddh Nagar police, who had traced the last location of Sofi's mobile phone to militancy-hit Pulwama district in South Kashmir, is also probing the matter. "A missing complaint was registered and police teams are working on the case," a senior official told PTI. According to the police here, Sofi had left for Srinagar from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport in the afternoon of October 28 and reached Pulwama a few hours later. They said his mobile phone details showed that he last spoke to his father, who lives in Srinagar, at 4.30 pm, when his location was traced to Pulwama. However, he had told his father that he was in Delhi and was returning to the university by metro, the police said. The Australian tourist has been identified as Heath John. (Representational Image) Bodh Gaya: An Australian tourist was found hanging from a tree inside a forest in the Buddhist pilgrimage town of Bodh Gaya in Bihar. The tourist has been identified as Heath John. Police said that 33-year-old Heath has committed suicide. Its a case of suicide, Hindustan Times quoted Gaya senior police superintendent Rajiv Kumar Mishra as saying. Mishra added that a suicide note has been recovered in which Heath had asked police to inform about his death to his sister in Australia. Ruling out the possibility of murder, Police said they have informed Heaths father about his death. Police got his fathers number from the suicide note. Heaths bag, a diary and water bottle was also recovered by the police from the spot. The senior police official said that Heath had come to India in June on a two-day trip, but overstayed. According to reports, the body of Heath was spotted by locals passing by the forest on Saturday morning. Police rushed to the spot as soon as they were informed. The by-elections are seen as a prestigious popularity test for the ruling Congress-JDS coalition, as the outcome is expected to have a bearing on the state's political scene. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) Bengaluru: An estimated 67 per cent voter turnout was recorded in three Lok Sabha and two assembly constituencies in Karnataka that went to the by-polls Saturday. The by-elections are seen as a prestigious popularity test for the ruling Congress-JDS coalition, as the outcome is expected to have a bearing on the state's political scene. The Lok Sabha constituencies of Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya recorded 61.05, 63.85 and 53.93 per cent voting respectively. Ramanagara and Jamkhandi assembly segments reported 73.71 and 81.58 per cent voter turnout respectively. The initial hours of polling saw a poor turnout, but gathered pace as voting progressed through the day, electoral officials said. Barring reports about delay in voting due to some technical issues at a couple of places, polling in all the five constituencies was peaceful, they said. Police had made elaborate security arrangements for the smooth conduct of polls, in which a total of 54,54,275 voters were eligible to cast their franchise in about 6,450 polling stations. A total of 31 candidates were in the fray from all five constituencies, though the contest is mainly between the Congress-JDS combine and the BJP. Counting of votes will be on November 6. The by-polls were seen as significant as the coalition partners contested together, terming it as a "prelude" to the May 2019 general elections and called for a similar "grand secular alliance" against the BJP at the national level. JDS supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had displayed a rare bonhomie during the polls as they buried their past bitter differences to send signals of unity. The BJP, which has been questioning the longevity of the coalition government, has predicted its fall once the by-poll results are out. The announcement of the by-polls for the Lok Sabha seats came as a surprise to all three major political parties in the state -- Congress, BJP and JD(S) who questioned the need for it when the general elections are due early next year. The Congress and JDS, who came together in a post-poll alliance after the assembly elections in May this year threw up a hung House, decided to face the polls unitedly against the BJP, which they perceive as their common enemy. While Congress fielded its candidates in Jamkhandi and Ballari, JD(S) contested in Shivamogga, Ramanagara and Mandya under an electoral understanding. The outcome of the by-polls is expected to have a bearing on the equations between Congress and JDS for the 2019polls and also be a factor in determining the respective bargaining power of the two parties. Among prominent candidates in the fray is Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anita Kumaraswamy, who is expected to have a smooth sail, facing a virtual no-contest in Ramanagara after BJP nominee L Chandrashekhar withdrew from the contest and rejoined Congress, giving a jolt to the saffron party days before the polls. The BJP had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission about the development in Ramanagara and requested it to "annul" the elections immediately. In Jamkhandi, Congress candidate Anand Nyamagowda, sonof former MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, is pitted against Srikant Kulkarni of the BJP. In Shivamogga, state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa's son BY Raghavendra is testing his fortunes against another former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of JD(S). In Ballari, senior BJP leader Sriramulu's sister J Shantha is fighting against V S Ugrappa of the Congress, considered an outsider. In the Vokkaliga bastion of Mandya, JD(S)'s Shivarame Gowda is pitted against a fresh face in Dr Siddaramaiah, a retired Commercial Tax officer from the BJP. During campaigning, open expression of displeasure by Congress workers came to the fore in Ramanagara and Mandya constituencies that come under old Mysuru region, over the party's decision to support the JDS candidates. It will be interesting to see to what extent JD(S) candidates have been able to cash in on Congress' votes in both these constituencies. Congress and JD(S) had fought bitterly against each other in the assembly polls, especially in old Mysuru region, but joined hands to form the government as the results threw up a hung verdict. The by-elections were necessitated after Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga) and Sriramalu (Ballari), and C SPuttaraju of JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May this year. Bypolls to Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, while Ramanagara fell vacant after Kumaraswamy gave it up, preferring Chennapatna, the other constituency from where he had won. Ballari: Neither the BJP nor Congress seems confident of winning the Ballari Lok Sabha bypoll, where Valmiki strongman B Sriramulus sister J. Shantha is pitted against Congress MLC V.S. Ugrappa. Once a Congress bastion, the constituency grabbed national attention in 1999 during the famous electoral battle that saw Congress president Sonia Gandhi defeat senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj. But the BJP wrested the seat in 2004 and has retained it since. Being in power in the state in a coalition government, the Congress now sees it as a matter of prestige to win the seat back from the BJP this bypoll. On the eve of polling, on Friday, it did appear to have an edge over the BJP. Its six MLAs from the constituency are said to have taken this by-poll very seriously as whoever takes a lead over the BJP in his respective segment, could be in line for a cabinet berth. Reserved for the STs this bypoll, the constituency is dominated by Valmiki Nayakas, Lingayats, Muslims, Kurubas, Scheduled Castes and OBCs. So far, the Muslims, Kurubas, OBCs and Madigas have stood behind the Congress and the Valmikis and touchable SCs have backed the BJP. But the Lingayats, who form at least 25 per cent of the constituencys 17 lakh voters, could prove the deciding factor. Going by sources, unlike in the 2018 May assembly poll, Lingayats may not vote en mass for the BJP this time. During the assembly poll, the Lingayats backed the BJP only to make their strongman B S Yeddyurappa CM. But now that Mr Sriramulu is trying to project himself as the future CM, the Lingayats appear to have decided to teach him a lesson this by-poll by supporting the Congress, say Lingayat community sources. The bypoll is being held as Mr Sriramulu resigned as Ballari MP following his win from the Molkalmuru Assembly seat in May. And it is turning out to be a proxy war between him and Minister, D K Shivakumar of the Congress in Ballari with both men leaving no stone unturned to achieve a victory. Bengaluru: The BJP candidate for the Mandya Lok Sabha bypoll Dr Siddaramaiah has threatened to file a suit against former MLA Belur Gopalakrishna for spreading lies about his retirement from the fray. Talking to reporters in Mandya on the eve of polling, Dr Siddaramaiah said, First of all, I did not know who Belur Gopalkrishna is I knew he was in the BJP and KJP. After seeing Mr Belur's statement in the media, people are calling me to know whether I am still the BJP candidate or I have retired from the fray". Dr Siddaramaiah said there is a good response to the BJP campaign in the entire constituency thanks to the development work undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In elections, one wins and the other loses. It was unbecoming on the part of Mr Belur to make such an irresponsible statement. I will file a complaint against him with the election commission. When he resisted, one of them used a sharp knife and slit his wrist and stomach. (Representational Image) Chennai: A 36-year-old man staff of a mobile store was attacked by a three-member bike-borne gang, which snatched his cash bag containing Rs 60 lakh on Thursday night. According to the police, the victim K.Rafee (35) is a resident of Palaniyappan Street in Seven wells and working at a wholesale mobile shop at seven wells. Since the shop distributes mobile phones to various outlets, Rafi had gone on Thursday to collect the cash and was returning to the shop. On Thursday around 10.30 pm, when he was riding his two-wheeler at Anaikaran street in Seven Wells, three men in two bikes intercepted him and attempted to snatch the cash bag in his possession. When he resisted, one of them used a sharp knife and slit his wrist and stomach. Retailers in Karnataka are said to have expressed opposition to the proposal at a meeting of stakeholders. (Photo: File) Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy Friday said he would shelve the proposal mooted during the tenure of the previous government to enable online sale and home delivery of liquor. "After seeing media reports on the issue this morning, I spoke to officials over the phone. It (proposal) was mooted during the tenure of the previous government before I became Chief Minister," he told reporters here. Kumaraswamy said there were discussions about implementing it at the officials' level. The chief minister said that as soon as he got to know about the issue, he directed the officials concerned to stop it immediately. "I have asked for a file on decisions taken in this regard during the tenure of the previous government... we will not allow things so that certain people make money," he added. There were reports in a section of the media that the state government was mulling over the proposal on lines with what neighbouring Maharashtra had attempted recently, with an aim to boost excise revenue and curb drunken driving cases. However, retailers in Karnataka are said to have expressed opposition to the proposal at a meeting of stakeholders. The Maharashtra government recently said it had decided to allow the online sale and home delivery of liquor in the state, but later stated that only a proposal in this regard had been received, apparently fearing a backlash from opposition parties and anti-liquor activists over the announcement. Thiruvananthapuram: The police has started cordoning off Sabarimala areas as the hill shrine will open for Sree Chithra Attathirunal on Nov. 5 evening and close on Nov.6 night. About 2,200 police personnel under two IGs and four SPs have been lined up for the security arrangement and they will be deployed in a phased manner. Pilgrims will be allowed to proceed to Sabarimala from Nilakkal only from Nov. 5 morning. Meanwhile, prohibitory orders will be clamped at Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal and Elavunkal from Saturday midnight to Tuesday (Nov.6) midnight. District collector P.B. Nooh issued orders in this regard on the basis of a report from the police who had sought prohibitory orders even from Friday midnight. Apart from the protest against the entry of women, there were also intelligence reports that left-wing extremist groups or other vested interests may try to create law and order problems by taking advantage of the sensitive situation. Outfits like the BJP-RSS, Ayyappa Dharma Sena and Sabarimala Karama Samathi have announced action plans against the entry of young women to Sabarimala. But the police will not allow protests near Sabarimala, and the leaders of these outfits, including Rahul Easwar, were under surveillance. The police do not anticipate a big turnout of devotees this time as the temple would be open only for a day. Tight electronic surveillance using cameras and facial recognition tools would be put in place. Thrissur-range IG M.R. Ajith Kumar will be in charge of the security at Sannidhanam and IG Intelligence Ashok Yadav at Pampa and Nilakkal. Two SPs would be posted under each of them. Other senior officers, including IG Thiruvananthapuram-range Manoj Abraham and ADGP (south zone) Anil Kant, will proceed to Sabarimala only in case of any major law and order breakdown. The government and police higher-ups reviewed the security arrangements on Friday. Meanwhile, the number of persons arrested in connection with violence and agitations reached 3,701 by Friday. A total of 543 cases were arrested and about 200 people were also remanded. Sources said that the police could also exercise options like preventive detention in case of any specific intelligence inputs of attempts to create tensions. However, police sources said that so far there were no such plans. Sofi said that his son has joined the militant ranks against the will of his parents tantamount to their disobedience which is strictly forbidden by Islam. (Photo: Facebook/@kmrlife) Srinagar: The family of Ehtesham Bilal Sofi, the 17-year-old student of Sharda University in Greater Noida who has reportedly joined the ranks of Islamic State Jammu Kashmir (ISJK), an outfit influenced by the ISIS ideology, on Saturday appealed him to shun the gun and return home. His father Bilal Ahmad Sofi with folded hands made a fervent appeal to the outfit to allow his son to return home. He is young and naive and should be allowed to return to his parents. The entire family has been devastated after learning about him having turned to the gun, he told reporters at his residence in Srinagars Khanyar area. Sofi said that his son has joined the militant ranks against the will of his parents tantamount to their disobedience which is strictly forbidden by Islam. According to Islam, the heaven lies under the feet of mother and the father is the door to it (heaven), he sought to remind his son in a bid to persuade him to return home. He added, Also your mother has fallen ill as she is in a state of shock and disbelief and has not eaten anything since you went missing. Ehtesham, a first-year student at Sharda University, went missing on October 28 after he left the campus with official permission to go to Delhi. Earlier on October 4, he was mistakenly roughed up during a scuffle between Indian and Afghan students in the campus. A missing complaint was registered in the case at the Knowledge Park police station in Greater Noida as well as at Khanyar police station in Srinagar. On Friday, social media posts carrying purported pictures of Ehtesham claimed that he has joined the ISJK. The pictures on social media showed him dressed in a black outfit and standing close to the ISIS flag and announced he had joined the ISJK. Former chief minister and vice president of National Conference, Omar Abdullah, termed Ehteshams joining the radical militant outfit as hugely worrying. He tweeted, If this is genuine its hugely worrying. Sometimes seemingly small actions have huge consequences. He added that it was more tragic if the assault at Sharda University led him to choose the path of militants. If what happened to him at #ShardaUniversity has lead him to choose such a destructive path its even more tragic. One more life on the path to ruin and one more family in turmoil, Abdullah wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter.com. The police officials here said that they have taken cognizance of Ehteshams joining the JKIS and begun investigations into the case. Earlier the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) had said it has been tracking the case since October 28 and has taken cognisance of the photos. "We are in touch with Jammu and Kashmir police. We are tracking the footprints of the boy from Greater Noida to Kashmir," Inspector General, ATS, Asim Arun told PTI. Ehteshams family said in an appeal to the militants said. For Allahs sake send him home. Have mercy on us. Traffic cops are booking the cases on violators if the plate is tampered or bent, blocked with stickers or repainted. (Representional Image) Hyderabad: Reckless drivers are deliberately hiding their number plates by twisting blocking it from the camera view. Drivers intend to escape from enforcement officials by temporarily covering the vehicles number plate so that some numbers are not visible. However if caught, their vehicle can be seized. They escape by saying that it happened recently due to an accident and they forgot to fix it. If they are doing it intentionally, cops are booking criminal cases on them. Naveen Kumar private employee, social worker said, Many drivers want to escape from challans. They drive recklessly and violate traffic rules. The police should take stringent action on the violators like this and escaping the e challans. D. Vamshi, a commuter said, There is a possibility of chain snatchers, hit and run cases or drunken drivers escaping because of such plates. Traffic cops are booking the cases on violators if the plate is tampered or bent, blocked with stickers or repainted. and they are removing them. If the vehicle owner fix the proper number plate only traffic police are handing over the vehicle. In seriously cases where they deliberately try to obscuring the number plate the cops are booking the criminal cases also. There are three divisional enforcement teams in Cyberabad, weekly two or three days they are especially conducting drives on the vehicle plying on roads with manipulated number plates. These teams keep on change their location and bookcases on the violators added Kumar. The former judge made this statement while responding to a question at an interactive session hosted by the All India Professionals' Congress. (Photo: File) New Delhi: On a day when the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh declared that an ordinance could be brought for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, former Supreme Court judge Jasti Chelameswar said that such a possibility cannot be ruled out. Justice (retired) Chelameswar said on Friday that the government could bring a law for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya even when the dispute is before the Supreme Court, as there have been instances of the court's decisions being scuttled by the legislative process. The former judge made this statement while responding to a question at an interactive session hosted by the All India Professionals' Congress, an organisation affiliated to the Congress party, in Mumbai. Thiruvananthapuram lawmaker Shashi Tharoor is chairman of the outfit and Congress leader Milind Deora is deputy chairman. "Legally if it can happen (or not) is one aspect. Whether it will happen (or not) is another. I'm aware of instances that happened in the past where decisions of the Supreme Court were scuttled by the legislative process," he said. He cited the example of the Karnataka assembly passing a law to overturn the Supreme Court order on the Cauvery water dispute and another similar instance related to inter-state water dispute between Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. "The nation should have opened up to these things much earlier... This (a law on Ram temple) is possible as we did not stop it then," he said. Earlier this year, Justice Chelameswar was among four senior judges of the Supreme Court who went public with their objections about the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra's style of functioning. Current Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was also among the judges. The RSS on Friday said that Hindus were feeling "insulted" by the Supreme Court's declaration that the Ayodhya issue is not a priority and insisted that an ordinance would be needed if all options run out. After a three-day RSS conclave in Maharashtra, its general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said the organisation "will not hesitate to launch an agitation for Ram temple, if needed, but since the matter is in the Supreme Court, there are restrictions." Post-mortem of Avni will be conducted at Nagpur's Gorewada Rescue Centre. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) Yavatmal: A man-eater tigress, Avni who was believed to be responsible for the deaths of 13 villagers in the Pandharkawada forest over the last two years, was shot dead in Maharashtra's Yavatmal on Friday night as part of an operation, police said. The 5-year-old big cat, Avni, officially known as T1 was shot dead in cold blood on bait without any tranquilizing efforts by Hyderabad-based sharp shooter Nawab Shafath Ali Khan's son Asghar around 11 pm on Friday. The forest department violated its own order upheld by high court and the Supreme Court, which stated that before eliminating the tigress the tranquillizing efforts should be performed. Post-mortem of Avni will be conducted at Nagpur's Gorewada Rescue Centre. Avni is survived by her two cubs who are 10 months old. The whereabouts of cubs of T1 are unknown. Avni was first spotted in the forests of Yavatmal in 2012. Locals in Yavatmal celebrated the killing of Avni. #Maharashtra: Locals in Yavatmal celebrate after 'man-eater' tigress Avni (T1) was killed in last night. She had allegedly killed 14 people. pic.twitter.com/wxN0yvT0Xw ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 In September this year, the Supreme Court had said Avni could be shot at sight, which prompted a flurry of online petitions seeking pardon for the tigress. For more than three months, Forest Department officials were planning to catch her with the help of latest technology. Trained sniffer dogs, trap cameras, drones and a hang-glider, expert trackers, sharp-shooters and around 200 ground personnel were roped in for the task. On Friday, the Forest Department carried out the operation in Borati with the help of sharp-shooter Asgar Ali. "Urine of another tigress and American perfume was spread in some part of the compartment, following which Avni came by sniffing it," a official told news agency PTI. "The forest officials initially tried to nab her alive. However, due to dense forest and darkness, they were unable to do so and finally a bullet was fired in which the tigress fell on the spot," the official said. "After she became motionless, forest officials went closer to her and later rushed her to a hospital in Nagpur, where she was declared dead," the official added. In October, an elephant that was part of a group hunting a man-eating tigress in Maharashtra ran astray overnight and trampled a woman to death. Bengaluru: Her online campaign against the GST levied on sanitary napkins in 2017 seems to have catapulted Dr Pushpa Amarnath, former general secretary of the Karnataka state women's Congress committee, to the position of Karnataka Pradesh Mahila Congress president. Dr Amarnath replaced Dr Laxmi Hebbalkar as president of the organisation on Friday. It is widely believed in political circles that Ms Hebbalkar lost her post due to her open battle with Belagavi's all powerful Jarkiholi brothers and her loyalty to Water Resources Minister D. K. Shivakumar. But the note from the All India Congress Committee merely said that Congress president, Rahul Gandhi had appointed Dr B. Pushpa Amarnath as president of the Karnataka Pradesh Mahila Congress. Dr Amarnath is known for being outspoken against the GST levied on sanitary napkins and had started an online campaign to revoke it last year. Her petition, which also called for providing free sanitary pads and tampons to women of below poverty line families, garnered more than 2,000 signatures. From Mysuru, she is a former president of the Mysuru Zilla Panchayat and is counted among the loyalists of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Chamarajanagar MP R. Dhruvanarayan. Dr Amarnath pipped her nearest rivals, Dakshina Kannada (DK) District Women's Congress president, Shalet Pinto, and dentist, Dr Nagalakshmi Chaoudhry to the post. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was responding to questions from reporters in Coimbatore on Gandhi's comments over the Rafale issue. (Photo: File) Coimbatore: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday took a swipe at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's comments about the Rafale deal, saying he is 'a confused man' as he has been saying different things about it over time. She was responding to questions from reporters in Coimbatore on Gandhi's comments over the issue that the Rafale deal was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and businessman Anil Ambani. "You don't get confused...Rahul Gandhi is a confused man. He talks about different rates over the deal at different times. Besides, he has been saying at different places that we (government) had helped many persons...sometimes he says it is Adani and sometimes Ambani," she said. The Congress has accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets. The Congress has alleged that the government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal. However, the Reliance Group, in a statement, has said Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal and has accused Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains. The minister declined to comment on AIADMK lawmaker and Lok Sabha deputy Speaker M Thambidurai's charge that the centre has not released Rs. 18,000 crore pending funds for Tamil Nadu for various schemes, saying that she did not know what he had specifically said. Sitharaman said she, however, had a letter from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, thanking her for helping the state secure the release of the amount. She declined to take further questions on the Rafale issue. Thambidurai had said in response to union minister Pon Radhakrishnan's comment that he should 'self-introspect' when he asked for speedy disbursal of the amount, that the centre might announce schemes, but it was the state government which implements them. Funds are essential for the implementation of any scheme, he had said. The minister, who was here to participate in the announcement of 12 schemes as support and outreach for MSMEs by the Prime Minister through video conferencing, said 182 applications had so far been uploaded, seeking loans and in principle approval given for Rs 47.50 crore for MSMEs in Coimbatore. As part of the initiative, MCT has been tagging individual houses, private establishments and apartments across the city with the help of a private agency that comprises of technical teams which are currently fixing the RFID tags. TIRUPATI: In a bid to intensify door-to-door garbage collection campaign, Municipal Corporation of Tirupati (MCT) has introduced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging to monitor the process of garbage collection across the city and to track the attendance of sanitation workers. As part of the initiative, MCT has been tagging individual houses, private establishments and apartments across the city with the help of a private agency that comprises of technical teams which are currently fixing the RFID tags. To intensify its efforts to improve sanitation in the Pilgrim City, MCT had introduced the door-to-door garbage collection programme so as to cover each and every household in the city along with segregation of wet and dry waste from the all the households. To ease out the campaign, MCT has divided 48 wards in the city into 371 micro packets where each one comprises 300-350 houses. Six sanitation workers will be deployed in each ward to carry out the door-to-door garbage collection while a supervisor will be in-charge of the group to oversee the collection. Speaking to DC, MCT Commissioner V. Vijayarama Raju said that the Corporation is determined to execute the door-to-door garbage collection in a foolproof manner. For this, we have divided the wards into 371 packets. After RFID tagging comes into effect, the sanitation workers will be instructed to scan the RFID tags, with the scanners that will be provided to them, every day at the time of garbage collection from each house. The RF signal will reach the real time monitoring system once the tag is scanned and the officials can monitor the garbage collection programme and track the attendance of workers and other details. If any worker is absent for their duty, the officials can immediately depute another worker to that division, the Commissioner explained. Meanwhile, so far, around 11 divisions have been tagged and the remaining houses will be tagged within 15 days and RFID scanning will come into effect by the third week of November. MCT has also brought battery operated e-rickshaws into service for door-to-door garbage collection in the Temple City. Finding itself in a do or die situation ahead of the November 28 Assembly elections, the Congress in Madhya Pradesh seems to have saffronised its campaign to the teeth to counter the ruling BJP which, as always, is pushing the Hindutva agenda. The grand-old party, out of power in MP since 2003, appears to have even outsmarted the BJP which, as it is widely perceived, has perfected the art of painting its electioneering with religious colour in a subtle manner and by playing the religion card to the hilt. The Congress appears more saffronised than the BJP today, said 75-year-old social activist Abdul Jabbar, who has literally waged a lone battle to ensure justice to victims of Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984 in last four decades. Struck by disbelief on seeing the Congress campaign, Mr Jabbar may not be off-the-mark in his observation. The way Congress president Rahul Gandhi performed kanya pujan, a typical ritual carried out by Hindus in the Hindi belt to exhibit reverence for girl children, before sounding the poll bugle for his party in Bhopal on September 25, was a big indication of the grand old party challenging the BJP in its own game. Amid chanting of Swosti Bachhans, hymns recited specifically for the ritual wishing welfare of society, and sholkas by 21 Sanskrit scholars, Mr Gandhi paid his respect to the girl children, decorated elaborately for the occasion. The celebration was also marked by blowing of conches by 21 performing artists, a ritual observed by Hindus before initiating a major event. Needless to mention, Mr Gandhi continued his temple run in Bhopal, a purported tactical move conceived by the party to shed the minority appeasement tag attached to it. His subsequent visits to other parts of the state were marked, without exception, by at least a 30-minute stay in an important place of worship of Hindus in the respective areas. His dates with deities in MP during the period included Mahakal in district headquarters of Ujjain that is revered highly by Hindus as one of 12 Jyotirlingas (symbolizing Lord Shiva) in the country, Peetambar Peeth in district headquarters town of Datia whose deity is perceived to bail out politician devotees in distress, and Kamtaji temple in Chitrakoot in Satna district which is the mythological abode of Lord Ram during his exile. The aarti ritual he performed at the bank of the Narmada in Jabalpur during his recent visit to Maha Koshal region was widely viewed as the icing on the cake on the heavily saffronised campaign of the party. Mr Gandhi had religiously followed the dress codes of these famous shrines while paying obeisance to their respective presiding deities. He was seen completely drowned in devotion towards the deities during his visits to the temples, Congress spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedy, who was among the party leaders who had accompanied Mr Gandhi to some places of worships in MP, told this newspaper. Mr Gandhi was projected as Ram Bhaktand Shiv Bhakt in the respective places having mythological links to Lord Ram and Lord Shiva. MP Congress chief Kamal Nath and party MP Jyotiraditya Scindia, the two key chief ministerial prospects of the party, have followed suit. Mr Nath was even seen signing bhajans (hymns) on some religious occasion in recent times. As per the Congress strategy, party insiders say, panchayat, block and state-level leaders have been instructed to use every available opportunity to visit temples in their respective areas before undertaking a party programme to project themselves as staunch Hindus. Influential religious and spiritual leaders in different parts of the state are also being wooed by the party. Some Congress leaders have even sponsored the bhandaras (mass feast) organised by these religious leaders for their followers. Senior Congress leaders were seen actively participating in programmes of religious leaders such as Rawatpura Sarkar, a spiritual figure who has considerable influence in the parched Bundelkhand region. The Congress has also declared to build the Ram Gaman Path, a mythological route in Chitrakoot traced by Lord Rama, his spouse Sita and sibling Laxman, during their exile. The BJP had caught the imagination of people in the Vindya region of the state, comprising 31 Assembly constituencies, in 2008 by promising to establish a religous tourism circuit, but it is yet to materialise. Though shaken by the Congress saffron strategy, the ruling BJP, in public, calls it a sign of bankruptcy of ideas. That Congress seeks to play religion card to the hilt in polls is a clear indication that they have no issues. It is a sign of anxiety and frustration in the Congress over the prospect of losing Assembly elections, said a BJP leader. The Congress has also used the gau mata (revered cow) to woo rural voters, a strategy that was till now considered a trademark of the BJP. State Congress chief Kamal Nath has vowed to build gaushala or cow sheds in each of the 23,600 panchayats in the state. At another poll rally, Mr Nath said, I will build idols of Lord Hanuman as gigantic as that built by me in Chhindwara (his parliamentary constituency). Chennai: Days after the Supreme Court stipulated two hours for firing crackers on Diwali citing pollution and environment concerns, the State government on Friday permitted bursting of crackers for an hour from 6 am to 7 am and from 7 pm to 8 pm on Deepavali, which falls on November 6. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board would conduct air quality level checks in all the corporations seven days before and after the festival, an official release said and added that it was everyones duty to ensure a pollution-free environment. Since the apex court had rejected the State governments plea to grant an additional two hours time for bursting crackers and had advised it to determine the two-hour slot, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to allow bursting of crackers from 6 to 7 in the morning and from 7 to 8 in the evening, the release said. Taking this into account, the government appealed to the people to burst crackers of lesser decibel levels and lesser pollution as well. Crackers should be burst in open places after getting due permission from the local bodies. Apart from avoiding bursting high decibel crackers, crackers should not be fired near hospitals, places of worship, near hutments and at places prone to catch fire. This would ensure celebration of an accident-free Deepavali. On October 23, the Supreme Court, acting on a PIL which sought a ban in the manufacture and sale of firecrackers in the country, had permitted the bursting of firecrackers between 8 and 10 pm for Deepavali across the country. The Tamil Nadu government had requested a bigger window to burst crackers in the state on account of the tradition of celebrating Deepavali early in the morning. Modifying its order, the apex court stated the timing for bursting crackers could be determined by respective state governments but it should not exceed two hours. The court declined to grant any additional time for bursting crackers. The press release also serves as an advisory for bursting firecrackers in the state with a list of dos and donts while lighting fireworks. VISAKHAPATNAM: The residents of Vizianagaram have been facing severe water shortage due to the decreased water levels at the Thatipudi reservoir and some maintenance issues. The municipal water supply was stopped for households for the past two weeks and the civic officials were not sure when they could resume the services. Currently, the municipality is distributing water through tankers at select areas. The residents were not getting enough drinking water as most of the tankers were confined to the slum areas. Generally, we used to get municipal water alternate days. For the past few days, there has been no water supply, said P. Srinivasa Rao, of Vuda Colony. He further said, The municipality sends a water tanker once in a week, and the driver hardly waits for 15 minutes. According to a source, the negligence of authorities has led to the water crisis. They have completely ignored the leakages in old water pipelines under the Mushidipalli scheme at Thatipudi reservoir. Meanwhile, the local farmers have diverted the water supply to agricultural lands. Earlier, the municipality used to supply 11 mld (million litres per day) to the households from Mushidipalli scheme, and 7 mld from Ramatheerthaalu and Nellimarla schemes. Apart from these, water from Gadigedda reservoir was also supplied by recharging the infiltration wells in Champavathi in summer. The government has already initiated 10 mld of water supply from Nellimarla at an estimated cost of `25 crore under the AMRUT Phase-II programme. These water works are about to be completed by the end of December. This would put an end to the water problems, S. Matsya Raju, municipal engineer (water works) said. Along with Municipal Commissioner T. Venugopala Rao, he went to meet the state principal secretary on Friday to discuss on this issue. Submitting a detailed report, they sought release of funds for maintenance of the project. With this, they are expecting an additional 15 mld of water supply to the town. The passenger was traveling to Dubai from Hyderabad with Saudi riyals worth `40 lakh at the RGI airport. Hyderabad: Central Industrial Security Force officials caught a woman passenger with Saudi riyals worth approximately Rs 40 lakh at the RGI airport while she was boarding a flight on Saturday morning. During hand baggage screening, CISF LCt Sree Latha detected the foreign currency in the hand baggage of one Zienab Saber Elivour Elbashier, 30, a native of Sudan. She was traveling to Dubai from Hyderabad, an official said. She was reportedly not in possession of any valid document and was offloaded by Emirates, on which she was booked to travel. The passenger and the seized currency were handed over to Customs officials at the airport for further action. New Delhi: The US-based journalist, who has accused former minister M.J. Akbar of raping her 23 years ago, corrected her former boss that a relationship based on coercion and abuse of power cant be consensual. On Friday, the Washington Post had published my first-hand account of being physically, verbally and sexually assaulted by M.J. Akbar. I was in my early 20s, an aspiring journalist and an employee at the newspaper he led. Rather than take responsibility for his abuse of me and his serial predation of other young women who have courageously come forward, Akbar has insisted just like other infamous serial sexual abusers of women that the relationship was consensual. It was not, Gogoi said in her statement. Gogoi said she stood by every word in her published account in The Washington Post. I will continue to speak my truth so that other women who have been sexually assaulted by him know it is okay for them to come forward and speak their truth too, she said. This consensual relationship ended, perhaps not on [the] best note, Akbar said. He also suggested that various others who worked with him and Pallavi then would bear testimony to his version of events. On Friday, Akbars wife Mallika Akbar had also issued a statement and stated that a me too campaign has been unleashed against her husband and that she needed to speak up. Mallika said her husband had cheated on her with Pallavi Gogoi, who caused unhappiness and discord in the Akbars home. Mallika said that Akbar chose to prioritise his family after she confronted him with evidence of his extra-marital relationship with Pallavi. Mallika also said that Pallavi and Tushita Patel who too has accused Akbar of sexual misconduct often used to come to the Akbars home. Neither carried the haunted look of victims of sexual assault, she said. Mumbai: The Mumbai police clamped down actor Shahrukh Khan's birthday party in the wee hours on Saturday after the venue was found to playing loud music beyond midnight. A patrol team of Khar police station landed at the venue in Pali Hill after the high voltage 53rd birthday celebration of the actor went on till beyond 2 am. The police meanwhile stated that it was a routing round up and that nothing was special about the intervention. The patrol staff informed the police station and the senior officers about the ongoing party and asked the establishment to shut it down. This is our routine job. The patrolling teams checks their jurisdiction and shuts down all the establishments that are found to be operating beyond 1.30am, said Sanjay More, senior inspector of Khar police station. Sources said that the police did not approach the guests during the celebration. In its June 14, 1979 issue the Advocate (then a tabloid) published three articles by its house reporters about The Florida Triangle. Joe Baker wrote about Fort Lauderdale: Gay Enclave on the Condo Coast. Lenny Giteck wrote about Miami: Dade, But Not Dead and Robert I. McQueen wrote about Key West: Verdant and Violent - A Troubled Paradise. The articles detailed the condition of each community, listed local bars and other gathering places, and featured photos of those few gays or lesbians then willing to appear in a national queer paper, including Staci Aker, Harry Losleben, Pat Tong, Stephen Jerome and Jesse Monteagudo. 1979 was a year of transition, for myself and for South Floridas LGBT community. Though I already moved to Fort Lauderdale, to live with my then-partner, I was still on the board of the Dade County Coalition for Human Rights in 1979, led by Club Baths mogul Jack Campbell. The DCCHR had declined since its golden age, when it tried in vain to defend Dade Countys human rights ordinance (1977). Attempting to reach out to the bar crowd, the Coalition held some of its meetings in local watering holes, including the notorious Mine Shaft. In 1979 the DCCHR led South Floridas involvement in the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights (October 14); organized Miamis own Gay Pride March (June 24); and published The Weekly News Bulletin. I was involved in all three endeavors; as a participant, organizer and contributor, respectively. Both Pride South Florida and The Weekly News Bulletin later became independent entities and long survived the group that created them. Meanwhile, the future pointed to Fort Lauderdale, where the semi-closeted Tuesday Night Group (a.k.a. Closet Clusters) united middle class professionals and business leaders on behalf of a love that still dared not speak its name. According to Lenny Giteck, Miami never recovered from its 1977 debacle. Despite brave claims that [Anita Bryant] was the best thing that ever happened to gay people, many of those who took their first venturesome steps out of the closet during the Dade County campaign have retreated deep into its recesses. Much of the gay community appears demoralized and quiescent, and what promised to become a lively gay political scene in South Florida has lost a great deal of verve - and nerve. In 1979 most LGBT people stayed in their respective closets, trusting that Miamis dont ask, dont tell environment would keep them safe. Gays here are more concerned with going to the bars and worrying about where their next Quaalude will come from than in doing anything political, attorney Stephen Jerome told Giteck. There must be at least 150,000 gay people in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, yet the Broward County Coalition in Fort Lauderdale is lucky if it gets 15 people at a meeting. Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale held on to its reputation as the city Where the Boys Are. According to Joe Baker, who was kinder to its subject than his fellow reporter Giteck, in 1975 Fort Lauderdale had only 7 gay bars, 1 gay bath, 3 gay restaurants and 1 gay hotel. Today [1979] there are 18 bars and discos, 9 restaurants, 8 hotels and motels and 3 baths catering to the homosexual community. It is a B city: bars, beaches, boys, broads, beer, boobs, bronze bodies, baths and boogying. Bakers article listed Broward Countys gay commercial outlets, including the then-famous Marlin Beach Hotel and a variety of gay pubs and discos, all now gone: The Copa, 13 Buttons, Leftys Bar, The Grotto, Tackys, the Everglades, Zeldas Disco, The Tunnel and the lesbian bar Tops. Another visitor to South Florida was novelist Edmund White, who wrote about his experiences in States of Desire: Travels in Gay America (1980). Having enjoyed New York Citys exciting social and cultural life for years, White could not appreciate South Floridas more laid-back and closeted lifestyle. According to White, Fort Lauderdale is a short, angry strip along the ocean, crawling with teens drugged or drunk or both. The two most common ages are sixteen and sixty - the latter buys the former. ... In Fort Lauderdale many gays make the assumption that all older men want adolescents and are willing to pay for them. White later admitted that I have not, of course, described Fort Lauderdale as it must seem to those gay men who live there; they, like people everywhere, lead varied lives not subject to generalization. But I have tried to single out the one feature that most strikes the tourist - that, indeed, exists for the tourist [hustlers]. So it was in 1979 South Florida. But not to worry. The best was yet to come. In a tweet, Gogoi said it was not a consensual relationship. A relation that is based on coercion and abuse of power is not consensual, she said. New Delhi: The US-based journalist, who has accused former minister M.J. Akbar of raping her 23 years ago, corrected her former boss that a relationship based on coercion and abuse of power cant be consensual. I stand by every word in my published account, she said about her allegation on the former editor-in-chief of The Asian Age. She rubbished the claims made by him that they had a consensual relationship when she worked at The Asian Age. Over the past few days, while many women have come forward to accuse Mr Akbar of abuse, this is the first time that he has been accused of rape. The journalist-turned-politician had to quit as minister after over 20 women accused him of sexual misconduct when they worked with him at several newspapers. In a tweet, Gogoi said it was not a consensual relationship. A relation that is based on coercion and abuse of power is not consensual, she said. In an op-ed article for The Washington Post, Gogoi had recounted her ordeal and accused Akbar of raping her. Meanwhile, denying the rape allegations, Akbar countered it with his version and claimed that it was consensual. He said he and Pallavi were in a consensual relationship that spanned several months. According to sources, they feel that the Telangana IAS officers association is not coming to their rescue when the government is allotting all important posts to officers belonging to forward castes and assigning others to departments of lesser profiles. Hyderabad: The Telangana IAS Officers Association is all set to split. IAS officers belonging to SC, ST, BC and minority communities, who suspect discrimination in postings, have decided to form a separate association. A group of IAS officers held a meeting recently and discussed several issues including the postings. According to sources, they feel that the Telangana IAS officers association is not coming to their rescue when the government is allotting all important posts to officers belonging to forward castes and assigning others to departments of lesser profiles. At the meeting, some IAS officers raised objections about the association's silence when the government demolished its old office. An IAS officer said, We cannot meet the Chief Minister to express our grievances. The association is also not taking interest. The only option left with us is to form a separate association. For a few days now, these IAS officers are holding discussions on how to fight the discrimination against them. They said some IAS officers were being forced to work like clerks. They said the government was ignoring IAS officers from Telangana and giving importance to outsiders, even by giving them postings where IAS officers are not necessary. A senior IAS officer said, The present situation of IAS officers is not good, but there is no option. The same situation existed in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar also, but they formed a separate association. When we held a meeting a few days ago, only 10 officers but on Monday, around 20 officers attended. This shows the extent of discrimination. Meanwhile, Telangana IAS Officers Association president and special chief secretary BP Acharya said association treated all members equally. Speaking to this newspaper, he said that there was no discrimination on the grounds of caste or any other factors. He said when a MLA misbehaved with the Mahabubabad collector Preeti Meena, who belongs to ST category, the association took up her case strongly with the government and a case was registered by the police. Regarding the postings, he said that it was not in the domain of the association. Meanwhile, two IAS officers, D. Amoy Kumar, deputy, secretary of education department and Arvinder Singh, joint secretary of general administration department said that they did not attend meeting. Women wait in queue at a pink booth, meant only for women, to cast their votes during Lok Sabha bypoll in Mandya on Saturday. (KPN) BENGALURU: The Congress-JD (S) coalition's dry run ahead of next year's Lok Sabha elections could prove a runaway success with exit polls pointing to a 4-1 verdict in its favor in bypolls held for three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies on Saturday. The exit polls indicate that the Congress could wrest Ballari from the BJP after a gap of 14 years with V S Ugrappa, MLC, inching ahead of BJP's J. Shantha in the constituency which recorded 63.85 per cent voting. Former minister B Sreeramulu, who vacated the seat to contest Assembly elections in May this year, led the campaign to drum up support for his sister but two factors could dampen the prospects of Ms Shantha: internal bickering in the state unit between camps led by Mr Sreeramulu and state unit president B S Yeddyurappa, resulting in a spilt in the party's support base of Lingayats and Nayaks. Second, leaders of Congress and Dal not only portrayed a picture of unity but also channeled adequate resources for Mr Ugrappa, who managed to appeal to voters of his community, despite being an outsider. In contrast, the once cash rich former MP from Bellari is relying completely on his positioning and draw as a Nayaka leader. Mandya, the other key Lok Sabha seat, recorded a modest voter turnout of 53.93 per cent but this is unlikely to be a cause for concern for Dal (S) in the Vokkaliga heartland with its strong footprint in all Assembly segments in the parliamentary constituency and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's additional efforts to ensure a smooth sail for his party's nominee L. R Shivaramegowda over the BJP's Dr Siddaramaiah. In Ramanagara, the contest was over even before the first vote was cast following the BJP candidate L Chandrashekar's decision to quit the party and return to his parent party, the Congress, thus facilitating a walkover for Mrs Anitha Kumaraswamy. BJP leaders, however, are confident of retaining Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency notwithstanding a moderate 61. 05 per cent turnout of voters as Mr Yeddyurappa's son Mr Raghavendra is expected to ride on his father's popularity to pip late the much loved former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of Dal (S), who is also hoping to win on his father's credentials. In Jamkhandi, a record turnout of voters indicate that the sympathy factor would favour Congress candidate, Anand Nyamgouda, with Lingayats, Kurubas and minorities supporting him despite efforts by BJP leaders to wean away voters from the numerically significant community. Even as they are counting the costs of their lonely campaign, they have another 40 days to go before the polling on December 7. Hyderabad: TRS candidates who have been campaigning among the public from the very next day after the Assembly, with their followers and party workers in tow, are becoming jittery with the mounting day to day expenditure of the canvassing. After the Cabinet recommended to Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan to dissolve the first Assembly of Telangana state on September 6, TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao announced the names of 105 candidates out of the 119 in the state. It has been 57 days since then. The TRS candidates are the only ones on the ground while the main Opposition grouping has not named its nominees. The BJP has nominated less than half the candidates. Even as they are counting the costs of their lonely campaign, they have another 40 days to go before the polling on December 7. A sitting MLA from Mahbubnagar district, who had won in 2009 on a TD ticket and joined the TRS a few days ago, sold his plot in the city for Rs 4 crore as he had to pay his campaigners. The candidate has said off the record that he had to take care of the expenses of party workers and followers each day. He said, imagine the cost of arranging breakfast, lunch and dinner and liquor, transport and pocket expenses for around 500 persons each day. The candidate said he had spent `3 crore since the announcement of his candidature. Selling his plot was not enough to pay for the campaign till the polling day; he will have to borrow from his friends and find other sources of funding. Other candidates of the TRS are also facing a similar situation. Besides, they are apprehensive about the doubling of daily spending after the poll notification is issued and filing of nominations begins. The candidates are privately saying that apart from the expenditure for the campaign they are having to procure funds to woo voters a day prior to the polling which be in crores of rupees. On the other hand, it is not all hunky dory with aspirants on the Opposition side. The aspirants in the Congress are worrying about the fate of their candidature in view of the grand alliance of the party with the Telugu Desam, CPI and the Telangana Jana Samiti. It has been reported that the names will be announced only on November 9. They felt this was a blessing in disguise: They have not had to spend much so far. As far as I am concerned, a befitting tribute to the Iron Man of India was long overdue. If his statue in his home state is the tallest statue in the world, so be it. Why should a statue of Sardar Patel cause controversy? Is it because it is the tallest statue in the world? Or, is it because its inauguration was an extravaganza choreographed by the PM? Or, is it because it cost as per reports something in the vicinity of Rs 3,000 crore? Other reasons have been cited too. Is erecting statues out of fashion and a waste of money? Or as some people have said would Sardar Patel have been less than happy at this kind of spectacle in his name? Perhaps, there are even those who feel that Sardar Patel does not deserve this kind of glorification. Or, maybe, the Congress is annoyed at the appropriation of Sardar Patel by PM Narendra Modi and the BJP. And, finally, there could be some who feel that such tributes are best pursued only for the Nehru-Gandhi parivar. To the critics of this statue, I say simply, choose from any of these options. As far as I am concerned, a befitting tribute to the Iron Man of India was long overdue. If his statue in his home state has been erected, and is the tallest statue in the world, so be it. For too long, the Nehru-Gandhi family has tended to monopolise all such tributes, and by doing so, has pushed to the relative margins other iconic figures of the Freedom Movement, and of Indias recent history. When Pandit Nehru died, his home was converted into a museum. That was the first overreaction. A home once designated for the first Prime Minister of the country should have been the residence for future PMs as well, much like, for example, 10 Downing Street is. I am of the firm opinion that there is no better address for the PM of our country than Teen Murti Bhavan. It has the right location, size, and suitability for protocol requirements. Instead of that, we now have our PMs living in an improvised residence which clumsily combines thre bungalows. We seem to be congenitally disposed to create museums to honour our PMs. Former PM Indira Gandhis residence is also a museum now. The airport in the capital is named after her, too. Connaught Place, another landmark in the capital, is now called Rajiv Gandhi Chowk. The capitals premier National Centre for the Arts bears Indira Gandhis name. New Delhis largest stadium is named after Jawaharlal Nehru. There is the Jawaharlal Nehru University too in the capital. The countrys largest open university also in the capital is named after his daughter. Apart from this, there are huge swathes of priceless real estate marked for the final resting place of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. The citys only planetarium is in the name of Nehru. The capitals largest cancer hospital is named after his grandson. These are only some examples, and restricted to New Delhi, but they clearly indicate that there has been an excess. Since the Nehru-Gandhis were in power for most of the last seven decades, it is not difficult to understand why this happened. The role of sycophants, forever ready to suggest what they believe will appeal to those in power, must have played a role too. Of course, none of this is intended, even for a moment, to belittle the contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi or Rajiv Gandhi. They served the nation with great distinction, and need to be remembered. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi gave their life for the nation. This can never be forgotten. Jawaharlal Nehru, in particular, is someone I hugely admire. In fact, in my study, there is a black and white photograph of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, and this is the permanent backdrop to my participation in TV debates. However, this does not make me blind to the fact that there were other leaders in the pantheon of our Freedom Movement, and in the making of more recent Indian history, who have not got their due. The allegedly shabby manner in which the Congress Party then in power at the Centre dealt with the body of the late PM P.V. Narasimha Rao, is a case in point. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and later, Lal Bahadur Shastri, did not get their due either. There were other iconic leaders, like Ram Manohar Lohia, who remained sidelined. Sardar Patel suffered the same neglect. The BJP is obviously trying to do a course correction. Some leaders of eminence from the BJP stock, like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, have suddenly shot into prominence, knocking off the names of well-established railway stations like Moghul Serai. But the BJP has a paucity of iconic figures linked to the Freedom Movement. Hence the need for appropriating figures like Sardar Patel. The appellation Iron Man appeals, I think, to a person like Narendra Modi. There is, undoubtedly, an irony in this new-found deification. The BJP, which is joined at the hip to the RSS, has internalised a convenient amnesia about what Sardar Patel actually thought of the RSS. He was unrelentingly critical of RSS ideology, and made no secret of it. Perhaps, the BJP thinks that the size of the statue will make people forget this part of Patels legacy. But all this notwithstanding, a tribute to the Iron Man of India, cannot and should not be made a matter of controversy. The money spent on the statue could have been less, but it is hardly a material factor, given the thousands of crores spent on remembering other great leaders, mostly from the Nehru-Gandhi family. The contribution of Sardar Patel to the Freedom Movement is immeasurable. The resolve of steel he displayed in uniting India earning for himself the sobriquet of Bismarck of India is something that can never be forgotten. He was a true Gandhian, a peasant leader of great sensitivity and acumen, and the founder of the modern all-Indian civil services system. As the integrator of the Republic of India, the Statue of Unity dedicated to him on October 31, 2018, deserves the support of every patriotic Indian. The writer, an author and former diplomat, is a member of the JD(U). The views expressed are personal. The Airbus team poses with the European Service Module during preparations for shipment to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. (Image Credit: NASA/Rad Sinyak) Europes Airbus on Friday delivered the powerhouse for NASAs new Orion Spaceship that will take astronauts to the Moon and beyond in coming years, hitting a key milestone that should lead to hundreds of millions of euros in future orders. Engineers at the Airbus plant in Bremen, Germany on Thursday carefully packed the spacecraft into a special container that will fly aboard a huge Antonov cargo plane to NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a first step on its way to deep space. In Florida, the module will be joined with the Orion crew module built by Lockheed Martin, followed by over a year of intensive testing before the first three-week mission orbiting the Moon is launched in 2020, albeit without people. Future production of Orion and the European module could result in billions of dollars of new orders for the companies involved in coming years, said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for human exploration and operations for NASA. This is the system that will enable humans to move sustainably into deep space ... and leave the Earth-Moon system for the first time ever, he said. Current plans are for a first crewed mission in 2022, but NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) then plan to launch a manned mission every year, making the Orion project both politically and economically important at a time when China and other countries are racing to gain a foothold in space. Airbuss European Service Module will provide propulsion, power, thermal control and consumables to the Orion crew module, marking the first time that NASA will use a European-built system as a critical element to power an American spacecraft. This is a very big step. The delivery and the flight to America are just the beginning of a journey that will ultimately take us to 60,000 miles beyond the moon, further than any human has ever flown before, Oliver Juckenhoefel, vice president of on-orbit services and exploration for Airbus, told Reuters. Orion is part of a growing push to put humans back on the Moon, where the unexpected discovery of water has energized scientists, with rapid technological developments such as 3D printing paving the way for lunar-based infrastructure, such as data server relay stations, in coming years. It sounds like science fiction, but Im convinced its coming, and the only question for us in Europe is whether we want to be part of it or not, Juckenhoefel said. In industry, we have to be careful that we dont miss the boat. NASAs Gerstenmaier said ESA was interested in participating in a so-called lunar gateway with an eye to landing humans on the Moon again around 2028, and providing a base for travel to Mars and beyond. Airbus won a 390 million euro ($446.12 million) contract to build the first ESM module in 2014, and is working on a second order valued at 200 million euros. Now it is negotiating with ESA for further orders that could add up to a billion euros, Juckenhoefel said. Mike Hawes, who runs the $11 billion Orion program for Lockheed, underscored the importance of the program for future exploration of deep space. He said Lockheed was negotiating with NASA for up to 12 follow-on missions that could result in billions of dollars of new orders, while working to halve the cost of future spacecraft. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Algeria may not have always been counted among countries that spark ones interest but, given its rich history, culture and people, it is today on every travellers bucket list. In fact, I would say chuck the touristy countries, like France, Italy and Spain, and take in the impressive sights of the expansive Sahara desert and the Roman ruins which can give the Colosseum a run for its money. Constantine, the city of bridges Algeria has a varied history, with many empires and dynasties leaving their mark on the land. It was ruled by the Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and Romans until the seventh century, when Arab Muslims finally captured Algeria and converted the people to Islam. Women of Ghardaia wearing the kambhooz. My first impression, as soon as I landed at the very humble Houari Boumediene Airport, was of simplicity, for it was completely spartan with no fancy stores, souvenir kiosks or big restaurants. Exploring Algiers My first visit was to the old town or the casbah perched on a hill, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This site is maze-like with alleys, a dense sea of houses, domed minarets and mosques dating back millennia. In my long walk through the city, passing by the Martyrs Monument on the hill and the 1,000-year-old great mosque, I observed how Algeria is now picking up on tourists. The people I met were very positive that their government has started taking its tourism seriously. Constantine, the city of seven bridges Dont confuse this city with Constantinople. This is Algerias most beautiful city. Called the city of seven bridges, it is surrounded by ravines and peaks, and as you look down you can see the forests and the Rhumel River gorge with a dozen historic suspension bridges. What a site to behold! I gasped to think of civilisations dating back centuries, as it existed even 2,000 years ago as a part of the kingdom of Numidia before the Romans, the Ottomans and the French. On a drive around town, I saw some exotic gilded statues and cupolas, the statue of Emperor Constantine and the old French theatre with its Roman architecture. Spectacular is the word! The grand mosque of Algiers Flying into the Sahara The Saharan desert town of Ghardaia is just an hour by plane from the capital Algiers into the pentapolis region of Mzab Valley. Pentapolis because Ghardaia comprises of five towns. Both architecturally and historically rich, the region is a 11th Century settlement of Mozabites, Ibadi Muslims who are different from the Sunni and Shia sects of non-Arab Muslims. There are five separate villages, all fortified by rocky hills that protect them from nomadic groups. All five settlements are anchored by a mosque at the top of the hill with the minaret serving as a watchtower since it was at the highest point, while all the other houses were of a similar size. Within the village there are no vehicles, just longwinding hilly stony paths. The Saharas temperatures are very harsh and the heat scorching, the walls act like a protective guard. The Mzab Valley is very isolated and has managed to maintain its culture. It was evident that the traditions here are strict and without a local guide, it was not possible to roam freely through all five villages. The suspense of the Ghardaia women Throughout my stay here, I would observe these women in full white cloaks with just a single eye left uncovered, roaming the streets without making eye contact with anyone. Pictures were not really permitted but I was fascinated every time I encountered one of the silent, white clad women scurrying or gliding past me and actually disappearing within seconds. I was told that those with one eye covered were women who were married, while women who exposed both eyes were still single. An easy clue for unmarried men! Timgad, Tiddis and Djemila Algeria is famous for its many Roman ruins due to its various occupations in the past. The finest Roman sites I visited were Djemila, Tiddis and Timgad, all perfectly preserved with huge amphi-theatres, the royal seat, bath houses and more. The best way to enjoy the ruins is to linger around and absorb it all. Algeria you are truly awesome and your sights are amazing. While the big cities have a liberal atmosphere with women driving around the place, the Saharan culture is traditional and takes you back to the days of yore. Completely safe, as my guide Omar pointed out, What can go wrong in Paris, can also go wrong in Algeria. The writer is a travel enthusiast. All photos are by Vibha Jain. Facts and trivia Reaching Algeria from India | Emirates, Etihad and Qatar have direct flights from Dubai to Algiers, the capital city. Getting a visa | Its very easy and takes three working days, provided you have a local agents invitation letter. Currency used | The Algerian dinar. A 100 Algerian dinars is 85 US cents. Official religion | Algerians are Arab Berbers, so its no surprise that the dominant and official religion is Islam. Local customs | The most popular gift and a social norm in Algeria is etzai, a mint tea consumed all over north Africa. Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trumps administration took action to cut Fujian Jinhua off from US suppliers. Chinese chipmaker Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co Ltd said on Saturday it has not stolen any technology, after the US Justice Department indicted the state-back firm for stealing trade secrets. The US Justice Department on Thursday indicted Fujian Jinhua, Taiwans United Microelectronics Corp and three individuals for conspiring to steal trade secrets from US semiconductor company Micron Technology Inc relating to its research and development of memory storage devices. Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trumps administration took action to cut Fujian Jinhua off from US suppliers. Behaviour to steal another firms technology does not exist, Fujian Jinhua said in a statement posted on its official website. Micron regards the development of Fujian Jinhua as a threat and adopts various means to hamper and destroy the development of Fujian Jinhua, the statement said. The company always attaches great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights, Fujian Jinhua added. The move to block Fujian Jinhua escalated what until now had been a business dispute into the realm of an international trade conflict between the United States and China. The worlds top two economies are already waging a tariff war over their trade disputes, with US duties in place on USD 250 billion worth of Chinese goods and Chinese duties on USD 110 billion of US goods. The US moves could seriously damage the ambitions of Fujian Jinhua, a firm of strategic importance to China. 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. Alphabet faced criticism from Republicans and Democrats for refusing to send parent company Chief Executive Larry Page or Google CEO Sundar Pichai to a Senate hearing in September. (Photo: AP) Googles top lobbyist in Washington is stepping aside as the US technology company faces criticism on Capitol Hill on issues including privacy protections and its investment plans in China, the Alphabet Inc unit said on Friday. Former US Representative Susan Molinari, who has run Googles Washington office and its Americas Policy team for nearly seven years, will move to a new job as a senior advisor in January, the company said in a statement. Google is seeking a new head of America's policy, it added. I am comfortable in making the transition, said Molinari, 60, who had served as vice chair of the House Republican Conference before resigning from Congress in 1997 to become a Saturday morning news anchor on CBS. She added in a statement that she had been looking for the right time to step back. Alphabet faced criticism from Republicans and Democrats for refusing to send parent company Chief Executive Larry Page or Google CEO Sundar Pichai to a Senate hearing in September, where senators left an empty chair next to Twitter Incs CEO Jack Dorsey and Facebook Incs chief operating officer. Pichai in September cancelled a trip to Asia to meet with lawmakers and agreed to testify before Congress later this year. Google also has faced this year numerous accusations from President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders that its search results promote content critical of conservatives and demote right-leaning news outlets, a charge that Google denies. Lawmakers have questioned whether it would accept Chinas censorship demands as it considers reentering the search engine market there. Last month, Vice President Mike Pence called on Google to abandon the Chinese project. Pichai said at a forum on Thursday that the project was more of an experiment and reiterated that there is nothing imminent on a whether it will launch a search engine in China. In June, Google hired Karan Bhatia as global head of policy from General Electric Co. Bhatia served as deputy US Trade Representative for former President George W. Bush. The company also named Pablo Chavez, a Microsoft Corp lobbyist and former senior aide to Republican John McCain, as another senior lobbyist in June. Alphabet said last month it would shut down the consumer version of its failed social network Google+ and tighten its data-sharing policies after announcing that the private profile data of at least 500,000 users might have been exposed to hundreds of external developers. Google must be more forthcoming with the public and lawmakers if the company is to maintain or regain the trust of the users of its services, three senior Republicans told Google in an Oct. 11 letter. They said they were especially disappointed that Google did not disclose the issue at a privacy hearing two weeks earlier. In 2012, Google agreed to pay a then-record USD 22.5 million civil penalties to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it misrepresented to users of Apple Incs Safari internet browser that it would not place tracking cookies or serve them targeted ads. 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. Damian Collins, the head of the UK parliaments media committee, is joining forces with his Canadian counterpart, Bob Zimmer, to pressure Zuckerberg to personally take part in hearings. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) Parliamentary committees in Britain and Canada on Wednesday urged Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify before a joint hearing of international lawmakers examining fake news and the internet. Damian Collins, the head of the UK parliaments media committee, is joining forces with his Canadian counterpart, Bob Zimmer, to pressure Zuckerberg to personally take part in hearings, as he did before the U.S Congress and the European Parliament. The so-called international grand committee session would be held Nov. 27 and could include lawmakers from other countries. We understand that it is not possible to make yourself available to all parliaments. However, we believe that your users in other countries need a line of accountability to your organization_directly, via yourself, the pair said in a letter to Zuckerberg. We would have thought that this responsibility is something that you would want to take up. Social media companies have been under scrutiny in Britain following allegations that political consultancy Cambridge Analytica used data from tens of millions of Facebook accounts to profile voters and help US President Donald Trumps 2016 election campaign. The committee is also investigating the impact of fake news distributed via social media sites globally. Collins has been irate with Facebook for sending Zuckerbergs underlings to his committees hearings while the leader of the Silicon Valley company declined invitations to attend. Joining forces with Canada and perhaps other countries seems designed to prod Zuckerberg and persuade him to change his mind. No such joint hearing has ever been held, the pair wrote. Given your self-declared objective to fix Facebook, and to prevent the platforms malign use in world affairs and democratic process, we would like to give you the chance to appear at this hearing. 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. Rescuers conduct search operation in the waters of Ujung Karawang, West Java, Indonesia after the Lion Air plane crashed into the sea. (Photo: AP) Jakarta: An Indonesian diver died while recovering body parts from the ill-fated Lion Air plane which crashed into the sea killing 189 people, an official said Saturday. Syachrul Anto, 48, who died on Friday, was part of the team searching for body parts and debris from the jet in the Java Sea. "He was a volunteer with the Search and Rescue Agency," Isswarto, commander of the Indonesian navy's search and rescue division, told AFP. It is believed he died from decompression, he added. Anto had previously served in Palu which suffered from an earthquake and tsunami in September and also took part in the evacuation process of an Air Asia plane crash nearly four years ago. The Lion Air plane which plummeted on Monday was on route from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang city on Sumatra island. It plunged into the water just minutes after takeoff, killing everyone on board. Officials on Thursday retrieved the Flight Data Recorder but are still searching for the second black box, the Cockpit Voice Recorder, which could answer the question as to why the brand new Boeing-737 MAX 8 crashed. The budget carrier's admission that the doomed jet had a technical issue on a previous flight -- as well its abrupt fatal dive -- have raised questions about whether it had mechanical faults specific to the new model. At least 73 bags containing body parts have been retrieved from the waters so far but only four have been identified. Founded in 1999, Lion Air is a budget airline operating in Indonesia and in some parts of Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East. But it has been plagued by safety concerns and customer complaints over unreliable scheduling and poor service. The carrier 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. Ministry said N Korea could bring back its 'pyongjin' policy of simultaneously advancing its nuclear force and economic development if US doesn't change its stance. (Photo: File) Seoul: North Korea has warned it could revive a state policy aimed at strengthening its nuclear arsenal if the United States does not lift economic sanctions against the country. The statement released by the Foreign Ministry Friday evening came amid a sense of unease between Washington and Seoul over the use of sanctions and pressure to get the North to relinquish its nuclear program. The ministry said North Korea could bring back its "pyongjin" policy of simultaneously advancing its nuclear force and economic development if the United States doesn't change its stance. The North came short of threatening to abandon the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States. But it accused Washington of derailing commitments made by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump at their June summit in Singapore to work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, without describing how and when it would occur. In an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity on Friday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he plans to talk next week with his North Korean counterpart, apparently referring to senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol. Pompeo did not provide the location and date for the meeting, which will likely be focused on persuading North Korea to take firmer steps toward denuclearisation and setting up a second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un. "A lot of work remains, but I'm confident that we will keep the economic pressure in place until such time as Chairman Kim fulfils the commitment he made to President Trump back in June in Singapore," Pompeo said. The North Korean Foreign Ministry statement, released under the name of the director of the ministry's Institute for American Studies, said the "improvement of relations and sanctions is incompatible." "The US thinks that its oft-repeated 'sanctions and pressure' leads to 'denuclearisation.' We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea," it said. The ministry described the lifting of US-led sanctions as corresponding action to the North's "proactive and good-will measures," apparently referring to its unilateral suspension of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and closure of a nuclear testing ground. Following a series of provocative nuclear and missile tests last year, Kim shifted to diplomacy when he met with Trump between three summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who lobbied hard to revive nuclear diplomacy between Washington and Seoul. However, the North has been playing hardball since the summitry, insisting that sanctions should be lifted before any progress in nuclear talks, which fuelled doubts on whether Kim would ever deal away a nuclear program he may see as his strongest guarantee of survival. Ahead of his first summit with Moon in April, Kim said the country should shift its focus to economic development as the "pyongjin" policy had achieved a "great victory." He also declared that the North would stop nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North dismantled its nuclear testing ground in May, but didn't invite experts to observe and verify the event. Friday's statement marked the first time the North said it could potentially resume weapons tests and other development activities since Kim signalled a new state policy in April. "If the US keeps behaving arrogantly without showing any change in its stand, while failing to properly understand our repeated demand, the DPRK may add one thing to the state policy for directing all efforts to the economic construction adopted in April and as a result, the word 'pyongjin' may appear again," the statement said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "Pyongjin" means "dual advancement." Moon has described inter-Korean engagement as crucial to resolving the nuclear standoff. A large number of South Korean CEOs accompanied Moon in his September visit to Pyongyang, when he and Kim agreed to normalise operations at a jointly run factory park and resume South Korean visitors' travel to the North when possible, voicing optimism the international sanctions could end and allow such projects. But South Korea's enthusiasm for engagement with its rival has also created discomfort in the United States amid growing concerns that the North is dragging its feet with its promise to denuclearise. South Korea last month walked back on a proposal to lift some of its unilateral sanctions against North Korea to create diplomatic space following Trump's blunt retort that Seoul could "do nothing" without Washington's approval. State-owned aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has orders worth Rs 64,000 crore, giving it enough work for the next four years. Reports of its depleting order book are grossly exaggerated. This was the message the HAL's new Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan sought to convey at his first media interaction after taking office. "These are confirmed orders pending execution. We are comfortable. We don't have any shortage of work," he said. In a bind after the Rafale contract was handed over to Reliance, will the HAL feel the heat once the current orders dry up? "The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1 supplies will start in 2021. We are also expecting orders for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)," Madhavan said. Besides, the Rs 7,000-crore contract for Sukhoi-30 (Su-30) engines is a running order. "This adds to my sales. Every year, it comes as a support system for the Indian Air Force." However, this order, being executed at the HAL's Sukhoi Complex in Nashik, is expected to last only another 17 months. What next? Nashik will not shut shop, clarified Madhavan. "Another line of LCA will be brought up there. As of now, we have a line that makes eight LCAs per year. We want to enhance this to 16 and then to 20 a year. We are investing Rs 1,300 crore to augment the LCA's annual production from eight to 16. Our order book is for 83 aircraft." Pending IAF dues The armed forces owe the HAL about Rs 9,000 crore for services provided until November 2017. The IAF owes about 80% of these dues. But Madhavan said that about Rs 2,000 crore have now been paid. A shortfall in the defence budget and pending foreign dues were cited as key factors. No pact yet on reopening HAL airport Reopening the HAL airport for commercial flights will depend a lot on whether the HAL and the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) can strike a deal on remunerations. Despite ongoing talks, an agreement to this effect has proved elusive, as HAL Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan said on Friday. The HAL airport was closed for commercial flights once the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) opened in 2008. Negotiations are currently on to fix how the revenues will be shared, whether the old airport will be leased and if the HAL can operate the Air Traffic Control (ATC). Madhavan declined to elaborate on the flights. He only said: "That will be decided by the BIAL, they will tell us whether they want to shift one airline here or what they want." Under a concession agreement with the state government, the civil aviation ministry and the BIAL, it was decided that no commercial airport will be allowed to operate within a 150-km radius of the Kempegowda airport for 25 years. Drawing flak from the High Court and flooded by complaints from citizens on the garbage mess, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara hauled Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials over their cavalier attitude in addressing the worsening crisis across the city. Accompanied by the Mayor, the BBMP Commissioner and other senior officials, Parameshwara on Friday took stock of the situation in every zone. Patiently sitting through presentations spanning several hours, Parameshwara lost his cool when officials briefed him that engineers refuse to attend to the garbage problem. A senior official, who was part of the meeting, told DH that he lashed out at the senior officials for messing up the administration. Transfer 13 assistant engineers from the planning section to manage garbage disposal with immediate effect. If they refuse to report for duty, repatriate them to their mother departments and we will get a few other engineers from other departments. We have already sent back 30 engineers to the PWD. Should we (state government) get rapped by the High Court because of your callous and shoddy work? What did we gain after having spent several crores on garbage? Cant you all discharge your duties as desired? Parameshwara reportedly chided the officials of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) section of BBMP. Failing to implement his previous instructions, an assistant executive engineer of South division (Yeshwantpur) also received flak. The main road in Yeshwantpur is infested with bushes and weeds on either side. I had told the officer to clear the bushes and manage it properly. But to date, the situation has been the same. If you can not listen to what I say, why do we need officials like you, Parameshwara reportedly said to the official. Revealing that the recent audit of the SWM wing in BBMP had revealed several discrepancies Parameshwara reportedly said, There has been a huge mismatch between the number of workers shown on the list and the actual number of workers working at the ward level. Besides, regular autos and tippers have also been added to the list as garbage vehicles which do not exist in reality. We will soon order a CID inquiry into these irregularities and culprits will be dealt with severely. One US soldier was killed and another wounded in an "apparent insider attack" in Kabul on Saturday, NATO said, in the latest such assault on international forces in Afghanistan. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the third so-called "green-on-blue" attack in less than three weeks that have rattled foreign troops tasked with training and assisting the war-torn country's military. The Taliban claimed two similar attacks in the western province of Herat on October 22 and the southern province of Kandahar on October 18. General Scott Miller, the top NATO and US commander in Afghanistan, narrowly escaped the latter attack that killed a powerful police chief. "Initial reports indicate the attacker was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces," NATO's Resolute Support mission said in a statement. The attacker was killed by "other Afghan forces", it added. The latest "green-on-blue" attack -- in which Afghan forces turn their weapons on international soldiers with whom they are working -- takes the number of US soldiers to die in Afghanistan this year to eight. The wounded American soldier was flown to Bagram Airfield north of the Afghan capital where he was receiving medical treatment. He was in a "stable condition". An investigation into the incident was under way, the statement said. The identity of the dead soldier was not immediately released. Currently, there are about 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, providing the main component of the Resolute Support mission to support and train local forces. More than 2,000 American soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the start of the war in 2001. While casualties have fallen dramatically since the withdrawal of NATO combat troops at the end of 2014, the deadly burden has shifted to Afghanistan's security forces, which are suffering record-level casualties. But the insider attack on a high-level security meeting in Kandahar that was attended by Miller shocked the US military, whose generals seldom face attack and are rarely wounded. The attacker killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq, who was seen as a bulwark against the Taliban insurgency in the south. Another 13 people were wounded, including US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley. That incident was followed four days later by an attack in Herat province that killed one NATO soldier and wounded two others. All the victims were Czech. After the Herat attack, the Resolute Support mission scaled back its operations in Afghanistan for several days, avoiding face-to-face contact with Afghan counterparts. The Indian Army on Saturday said that recruitment of local youth into militancy has seen a decline in Kashmir during the past two months. The recruitment of local youth in militant outfits has been persistent during past couple of years. However, we have seen a drop in it (recruitment) in the past two months, General-officer-Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lt Gen A K Bhatt, said. We believe that the youth of Kashmir will follow the right path and there will be even lesser recruitment, he said while talking to reporters in a wreath-laying ceremony held for Major Somnath Sharma in central Kashmirs Budgam district. Major Sharma was killed in Budgam on this day in the year 1947 at the Srinagar Airport while repulsing an attack from Pakistani tribal militia. The army commander termed the overall situation in Kashmir a little fragile but all right. Overall situation is under control. We are neutralizing terrorists, which is our main aim, he said. General Bhatts assertion came just ten-days after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh during his day-long visit to Kashmir said that stone pelting incidents and local recruitment into militancy have come down in recent months. As far as the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, there had been a major shift in the last four months. There has been a decrease in the number of stone pelting incidents. Also, I have got information that there has been a fall in the number of militant recruitment in the state, Rajnath Singh had said. After the completion of municipal polls in the state last month there has been an increase in the offensive and pinpoint operations against militants across the Kashmir valley. October marked a sharp spike in the counter-insurgency operations, for the first time since Ramazan ceasefire in May-June this year. Security forces traced militants to their hideouts and intercepted them at checkpoints almost on a daily basis and sometimes even in multiple gunfights in a day. This year over 190 militants have been killed while the police put the number of active militants in the range of 280 to 300. A mentally ill man was shot dead by the army in south Kashmirs Shopian district when he tried to walk into the army camp on Saturday morning, police said. A police official said the man tried to walk into the army camp of 34 Rashtriya Rifles stationed at Pahnoo village of the district around 3 am. A sentry manning the bunker fired some warning shots in the air but the man did not stop, he said and added that the sentry then fired some shots upon him, killing him on the spot. The slain man was identified as Rayees Ahmad Wani, a resident of neighbouring Kulgam district. Due to rising attacks on security forces camps in the Valley, police and army have repeatedly issued advisories asking people not to venture close to camps. For a sentry, it is difficult to guess their intentions, the official said. In the last 15-years, over a dozen mentally ill persons have been allegedly killed in J&K when fired upon by security forces near camps or VIP areas. The circumstances of most of these deaths are similar. On August 4, a man was shot dead by security forces after he allegedly rammed his car inside the highly guarded residence of National Conference president and MP Farooq Abdullah at Bathindi on the outskirts of Jammu city. Earlier, on February 19, a sentry at an Air Force station on the outskirts of Srinagar shot dead Syed Habibullah a 65-year-old mentally ill man, who had crossed the security fence and came very close to the perimeter wall of the station. Kashmirs renowned psychiatrist, Dr Arshad Hussain, says that 70% of mentally ill people were cared for by families. But there are still many who are mentally ill and homeless. Though they are vulnerable across the world, it is worse in a conflict zone, he said. Dr Hussain says the state has no halfway and rehabilitation homes which are essential for such people. This is despite a team monitored by the Supreme Court having recommended the setting up of such homes, he added. Forests, be it the Amazonian rainforests or the montane forests of the Western Ghats closer home, are astoundingly complex biological systems. For years, enthralled by this complexity, researchers have tried to understand the distribution of the worlds forests with the geography a field of study called phytogeography. Till date, they have identified six floristic realms geographical areas with a uniform composition of plant species across the world: Afrotropical, Antarctic, Boreal, Holarctic, Neotropical and Paleotropical realms. The advent of phylogenetics, or the study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities using genetic data, has aided in establishing new, evolutionary connections among several plant and animal species across the world. In a recent study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) of the United States of America, an international team of researchers have phylogenetically classified the worlds tropical forests into five principal floristic regions Indo-Pacific, Subtropical, African, American and dry forests, that include the famed forests of Andes ranges and Brazilian Cerrado. This study is different in the fact that for the first time a global classification of forests based on inventory data using phylogenetic (evolutionary) similarity between tree communities is produced, remarks Dr Ferry Slik, an associate professor at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam and study author. The findings highlight historical similarity better than previous analyses that were based on just similarity in species, genus or family, he adds, talking about the novelty of this approach. Previous classification systems often found the three main tropical continents America, Africa and Asia as separate biomes. America stood separated from Africa and Asia, and often there were distinctions between the classical new-world and old-world tropics. Our study links most African forests with American forests, while some are linked to Asian forests, i.e. the split runs through Africa, explains Dr Slik. The phylogenetic tree, proposed in the current study, included all flowering plants dating back to 140 million years. It was found that the plants from the Late Cretaceous period, as old as 100-66 million years, dominated the present-day tropical forests. The pattern of distribution is further explained by the breakup of an ancient supercontinent, Gondwanaland. The breakup of Gondwanaland into present-day Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula, explains the connection between South American and African forests. The phylogenetic analysis just calculates the evolutionary distance in years since the last common ancestor between pairs of species in each tree inventory, gathering accurate information on the health and diversity of a forest. Based on that, you can calculate an average similarity between inventories, with more closer inventories having more species in common that split apart more recently, elucidates Dr Slik. In the 1970s, two famous botanists, Peter Raven and Daniel Isaac Axelrod, had proposed a link between Africa and America based on plant fossils. The current study provides evidence for the same, thereby confirming the relationship. Also, the study found indications for the existence of a global dry forest region with representative forests in America, Africa, India and Madagascar that are characterised by a deficit of rain and contain deciduous species. A northern hemisphere subtropical forest region was identified within representative field sites from Asia and America providing evidence for their forest linkages. There are still many things to discover about tropical forests, says Dr Slik, adding that there are only a handful of studies that have compared global patterns in forests. Such comparisons are important because it has become clear that there are substantial regional differences in tree compositions and forest structure, which are linked to the separate historical developments of all these regional forests. If we can pinpoint these differences, we will also be much better in predicting how these forests will respond to things like climate change, forest fragmentation, and increasing levels of carbon dioxide. It clearly has significant policy implications as well, and not just contributing to fundamental biological knowledge, he says, talking about the implications of such studies. (The writer is with Gubbi Labs, Bengaluru) SALT LAKE CITY At least 81,000 private Facebook messages shared between users have been compromised and made public online, BBC News reports. Whats going on: Hackers told BBC News they have access to 120 million accounts, which they are attempting to sell to interested parties. Facebook denied its security has been compromised. But Facebook said it has put multiple measures in place to make sure the hackers dont hack more accounts. The hackers said they obtained the information through a browser extension. Where?: Most hacked accounts are based in Ukraine and Russia. However, there are some from the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil and elsewhere throughout the world. Cost: The hackers are charging access to these accounts for 10 cents apiece. The advertisement to buy the accounts has been removed from the internet. "We have contacted browser-makers to ensure that known malicious extensions are no longer available to download in their stores," said Facebook executive Guy Rosen. "We have also contacted law enforcement and have worked with local authorities to remove the website that displayed information from Facebook accounts." Bigger picture: Facebook is well aware of its security issues. Just weeks ago, hackers compromised tens of millions of accounts on the social network, USA Today reported. After getting the perfect trip, Southern Palms had just enough at the wire to win the $8,800 Open II Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday evening (November 2). The race played out quite simply: Barn Winner (Ray Fisher Jr.) went to the top and Southern Palms (Kevin Cummings) got the perfect pocket trip. After Fisher cut fractions of :28.1 :58.2 and 1:28.2, Barn Winner rounded the last turn looking like the probable victor. But Cummings brought Southern Palms out for the stretch drive and after steady urging, nipped Barn winner at the wire by a head in 1:58.3. Southern Palms registered his seventh win of 2018 for owner Mike Torcello, who has now been enriched the sum of $57,991 by his gelding's performances this year. Western New York legend Gerry Sarama trains the winner. Sarama and Torcello also sent forth the winner of the $8,500 co-featured trot. Theresnoway (Jim McNeight Jr.) got away seven lengths behind the leading Striker Ace (Drew Monti) before pulling first-over past the half and rallying down the stretch to win by a length and upset the field at 14-1. Theresnoway ($31.80) also got his seventh win of the year, breaking a long drought since his last score on August 17. Kevin Cummings led all drivers on Friday night winning three races on the card. Cummings is now in sole possession of the dash win lead for the current Batavia Downs meet, sporting 88 wins so far. Drew Monti is second with 85 wins and did not visit the Purple Haze winners circle at all on Friday. Racing resumes on Saturday night (November 3) with post time set at 6 p.m. (Batavia Downs) SOUTH SALT LAKE A 37-year-old man who attempted to burglarize an abandoned house by shooting off the lock was arrested Friday, according to police. Miguel Lopez was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of burglary, possession of a weapon by a restricted person, two counts of drug possession, theft, criminal mischief, illegal discharge of a firearm and intoxication. About 10:20 a.m., a resident called 911 after hearing multiple shots coming from the area of 200 W. Angelo Ave., said South Salt Lake police detective Gary Keller. Keller said a man was attempting to enter an abandoned house by shooting the lock off the door. "Miguel fired 3-4 shots within South Salt Lake City limits at two sheds damaging the locks," according to a jail booking report. Lopez also found keys to a residence inside a mailbox and proceeded to enter and steal "several hand tools and landlord paperwork," the report states. Officers quietly approached Lopez as he was allegedly committing his burglary and surprised him, Keller said. He surrendered without further incident. Two other men, however, were spotted in the backyard, Keller said. They jumped over fences and ran when police approached. Officers from South Salt Lake, the Utah Highway Patrol and Utah Transit Authority police set up a large containment area but could not find the men. Keller said it was unknown Friday if the duo were also part of the attempted burglary. SALT LAKE CITY Two people have been charged in connection with the stabbing of a teenage boy at a Salt Lake City park. Quincey Jeyquaya Yellow, 23, and Tarintino Jacoby Yellow, 20, both of Salt Lake City, were each charged Friday in 3rd District Court with aggravated assault, a second-degree felony. On Oct. 23, a 17-year-old boy was skating at Jordan Park, 900 W. Dalton Ave., when both Yellows "began swinging" knives at him, according to charging documents. The teen suffered several injuries, including a punctured lung, the charges state. Warrants for $100,000 were issued for each defendant's arrest on Friday. Quincey Yellow was also charged in May with possessing another person's credit cards and driver's license, according to charging documents. Those charges listed Yellow as both a documented gang member and homeless. He was also convicted of both burglary and attempted burglary in 2015 in separate cases. SALT LAKE CITY A group of Utah high school students will advise the elected Utah State Board of Education. The Utah State Board of Education voted Thursday to appoint 15 students to the inaugural Student Advisory Council as well as student adviser to the group, Kate De Groote, a senior at Skyline High School. De Groote proposed the idea to State School Board member Linda Hansen earlier this year. Hansen took the proposal to the board, which agreed to create a student advisory board along with a student adviser. Hansen said the high school juniors and seniors who applied for the advisory council positions were "amazing" candidates. "These kids are going to change the world. I think they're going to do great things in advising us as members of the board," said Hansen. Board member Joel Wright questioned the value of the student input versus the time and resources that would be required to support the advisory council. "I'm afraid this is going to become a major distraction and take time from our staff and our board that we just don't have, and it's not worth the added value," he said. Wright cast the lone vote against the 16 appointments. Appointed students attend charter and traditional schools and represent diverse backgrounds. They expressed interest in issues such as mental health and bullying, racism and discrimination, access to STEM and technology, homelessness, LGBTQ challenges, students with disabilities, college readiness and school funding. With the exception of De Groote, the appointees represent each of the State School Board districts. Council members, by board district, include: Rachel Dikwa-Nkrumah Yeobah, Intech Collegiate High School, Logan Natalie Quinn, Weber High School, Pleasant View Thanh Le, Taylorsville High School Mckenzie Leininger, Bonneville High School, Washington Terrace Max Eiting, Bountiful High School Rylee Taylor, Olympus High School, Holladay Daniel Bernhardt, Park City High School Alexandria Hong, Skyline High School, Millcreek Treyton Shumway, Lehi High School Sanjana Kargi, Beehive Science and Technology Academy, Sandy Allie Cordero, Summit Academy High School, Bluffdale Aspen Meldrum, Walden School of Liberal Arts, Provo Brendan Murphy, Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, Lindon Mayzie Talbot, North Sanpete High School, Mount Mt. Pleasant Gracia Allen, Cedar High School, Cedar City The student advisory council appointed by State Board of Education includes 11th-graders and 12th-graders. The seniors will serve one term while the juniors would be asked to serve two to help with the continuity of the council. Students served on some local school boards in Utah, but the state-level student advisory council is the first of its kind in Utah. The Salt Lake City Board of Education, for example, has had a nonvoting student member who serves for one year each for at least 25 years. Nationally, states take varying approaches to student participation in state school board processes. Some have advisory groups while other select student board members that have full voting rights. In Maryland, the student board member is appointed by the governor and the appointment is confirmed by the state Senate. The student can vote on most matters except employee disciplinary matters or certain appeals. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. SALT LAKE CITY He didn't pull the trigger, but a West Valley City man is headed to jail for the role he played in the deaths of two brothers and their friend during a botched drug robbery in 2016. "We're all human and I'm sorry for mistakes I've made so blindly," a shackled Mahad Abdirashid Omar, 24, said in court Friday. Reading from a handwritten statement on notebook paper, he said he hopes the families of the victims could one day forgive him, especially their mothers. Omar on Friday pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter, a second-degree felony, as part of a plea bargain. He sent text messages setting up the armed robbery that would take place during a marijuana deal, prosecutors said, telling Gerald Radckiff Grant, the man who ultimately fired the fatal shots, to bring a gun. Brothers Angel Lopez-Salinas, 20, and Lauro "Raul" Lopez-Salinas, 19, along with their friend Armando Cuenca-Curiel, 17, all died of gunshot wounds, court records show. Martha Lopez said through a Spanish language interpreter that the pain of losing her two sons is too great to forgive. "I hope God forgives him, but I don't, because every day is difficult for me to wake up and know that my children are not with me anymore," she said. Grant, 22, was convicted of manslaughter earlier this year and sentenced to prison. He said he killed the three in self-defense after he was shot in the leg two years ago. On Feb. 18, 2016, Grant met the trio in South Salt Lake at 283 E. 3300 South, got into an SUV alone with the group and drove to a nearby neighborhood. Omar and another man intended to follow but lost sight of them, court documents show. A short time later when Grant called Omar to say he had been shot in the leg and that he had fired at all three in the SUV, Omar came and brought Grant to the hospital, according to court records. The Lopez-Salinas brothers and Cuenca-Curiel later were found in a smoking SUV that was stopped with its engine revving in the middle of the road. Cuenca-Curiel died at the scene, and the brothers died in following days. Prosecutors emphasized Friday the fatal meeting was one in a string of robberies the men carried out. "This was not an isolated event," said prosecutor Matthew Janzen. Omar appeared shackled in a ponytail and beard, wearing an orange-striped Tooele County Jail uniform. His attorney, Ron Yengich, said his client has received threats and requested he remain there instead of in Salt Lake County. Third District Judge Vernice Trease sentenced Omar to two years in jail, followed by four years of probation on the three manslaughter convictions. Omar originally faced three counts of murder and one count of aggravated robbery, all first-degree felonies, plus obstructing justice, a second-degree felony. Yengich said he and his client hope the victims' families can find a way to heal. And he believes the case is symptomatic of a larger problem in the United States. "We've turned this culture into a video game where kids carry guns and kids carry dope and kids make deals," Yengich said. "And then people die. And then when it's over with, we try to reconcile that with a criminal justice system that has very little ability to deal with anything." As he was led out of the courtroom, Omar waved to his mother, who sat quietly. His family members declined comment through two leaders in the Salt Lake Valley's Muslim community, who attended the hearing. "We really feel bad for the family, for both sides," said Abdul Afridi, a trustee of the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake. "One guy is in prison, one is in jail. The other three will never come back again." He said many refugees who settle in Utah come from war-torn countries and don't understand the legal system in the United States, but his community is working with local police and the FBI to help families make sure youngsters are on the right track. Omar's family emigrated from Kenya when he was a boy, and his parents are owners of a small business who volunteer often, said Imam Yussuf Abdi, of Salt Lake City's Madina Masjid Islamic Center. SALT LAKE CITY Voters might be confused over the medical marijuana ballot initiative and a proposed legislative compromise, a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Friday. Sister Lisa Harkness, first counselor in the Primary general presidency, said she has talked to many people over the past couple of weeks who think the legislative proposal has replaced Proposition 2 on the ballot. She said she has had to explain that is not the case. "Proposition 2 is still the same. We still oppose it because it does not provide the adequate safeguards for children, youth and our communities," said Sister Harkness, who urged Utahns to vote against the initiative. Sister Harkness, Utah PTA health commissioner DeAnn Kettenring and Paula Cook, a University of Utah addiction medicine and family medicine doctor, met with reporters Friday to discuss the harmful effects of marijuana on young people. The church supports draft legislation for dispensing medical marijuana in Utah that state lawmakers say they will consider in the weeks after Tuesday's election regardless of whether Proposition 2 passes or fails. "We sense an urgency to make something happen to relieve pain and suffering. We understand the work will not be done after the vote this coming Tuesday. There's still a lot of work to be done," Sister Harkness said. Proposition 2 proponent Christine Stenquist said talk of harm to children is a "red herring" meant to scare people. "It's not a free-for-all. This is certainly not a recreational bill at all," said Stenquist, president of Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education or TRUCE. Stenquist called opponents' talk of people conflating Proposition 2 and the proposed legislation which she calls not a compromise but a "replacement" bill "weird messaging." "At this point to keep the static down for voters, just vote for Prop. 2, and the legislators said they've got it, so don't worry," she said. Kettenring said the PTA believes medicinal cannabis can help some patients but questions whether the initiative would do it in a safe way for children. Young people today, she said, perceive marijuana as harmless, and any perceived decline in risk would result in more use. "We want this to be available for those that need it, but we do not want it to be available to those that do not need it because it will hurt the developing brain," she said. The PTA has not taken a position on the compromise bill, Kettenring said. History has shown that legalizing a medication like opiates that people think might be a "wonder drug" hasn't always worked out, she said. "And now look at what we're dealing with because we didn't have the research that we needed 30 years ago," Kettenring said. Cook, president-elect of the Utah chapter of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, said she has something to say about marijuana "based on the evidence only, not to opine" about Proposition 2 or the proposed legislation. The ability to study medicinal use of marijuana has been limited because of its classification as a Schedule 1 drug. "We don't have great data to back it up. We don't really know a lot about where it is really useful," Cook said. "For what it's being advertised as, kind of a panacea for a lot of different things, especially chronic pain, we just don't have a lot of data." But, she said, researchers know a lot about the harms of marijuana, particularly among young people whose brains are still developing up to age 25. There is a myth that marijuana is not dangerous or addictive, she said. Cook said the "fallout" from legalized marijuana is evident in other states, including increased toddler poisonings and use among children. She said it's "quite alarming" marijuana is the drug of choice for adolescents over tobacco and alcohol. "To think that won't happen here is naive," Cook said. Stenquist argues that more people are reporting those effects in other states and there are consequences from adults leaving their medications out, whether it be cannabis or other drugs. "It is the responsibility of the parents and the adults to manage that just like we do pharmaceutical drugs," she said. "I don't want to discount anybody's concerns because, as a community, we all have these concerns. But let's not just throw fear out into the wind and not back up some logic behind it." Correction: An earlier version incorrectly stated Paula Cook urged Utahns to vote against Proposition 2. Cook took no stance on the proposition. SALT LAKE CITY The day Liz Player Young gets to hand-deliver glasses to underprivileged kids in her school district is magical. "When they get their glasses, that's the magic moment. That's when it all becomes real," said Young, Salt Lake Education Foundation's development officer. "The kid gets so excited, and a smile just erupts on their face." More than 60 volunteers helped kids get their eyes examined and, for those who needed them, pick out a frame for their new glasses Friday morning during SightFest at Northwest Middle School. The event, organized by Friends for Sight, gave full eye exams to 95 students in the Salt Lake City School District who had failed earlier vision screenings, qualified for free or reduced lunch and did not have health insurance. It included students from North Star, Meadowlark, Newman, Escalante, Rose Park and Backman elementary schools, as well as Northwest Middle School, Horizonte Instruction and Training Center, and Salt Lake Center for Science Education. Young said eligible students at other schools in the district will be served at Friends for Sight clinics on Saturdays throughout the year. Friends for Sight has only five staff members. The dozens of volunteers helping the kids throughout the eye exam process included optometrists and their staff, retired teachers, University of Utah sorority members, and others who heard of the charity by word of mouth. Kate Edwards, the executive director of Friends for Sight, emphasized the importance of the volunteer eye doctors who administered comprehensive eye exams to the kids. "We couldn't do this without the doctors who give up their time," Edwards said. "They're amazing." Natalee Crook-Carter, the nonprofit's vision outreach director, added that some optometrists close down their whole office and bring their staff with them to help at SightFest. There will be four others throughout the Wasatch Front this school year. Dr. Michael Judkins, who has volunteered at SightFests for about five years, said it feels great to help an underserved population. He has helped out students who needed glasses terribly. "I see some kids that I frankly don't know how they find the door to get out of their house in the morning," he said. "They just don't know that the world shouldn't be blurry. They just think everybody's seeing that way." Young added that it's sometimes a shock for kids when they receive their glasses a few weeks after the event. They get to choose from hundreds of frames donated by Essilor Vision Foundation, then the frames are sent to Denver to have custom lenses installed for each child. "It's life-changing. They discovered this world that they didn't know existed for their whole life until now," she said. Carolyn Gilstrap, a retired teacher who volunteers with Friends for Sight, said vision problems make it hard for students to learn, and it also can lead to problems with behavior. Sometimes, she said, the student might become reclusive and lose confidence. "Oftentimes, teachers can pick it up. But oftentimes, you cannot," Gilstrap said. "Then to watch the children when they do get their glasses fitted and actually see the difference, the teachers see a difference immediately. It's really, really exciting." LEHI Four former employees of Vivint Smart Home filed lawsuits in mid-October alleging incidents of a hostile and racist workplace, in some ways mirroring complaints that surfaced in June against its sister company, Vivint Solar. While the two companies are independent business entities by structure, both are owned or controlled by New York private equity firm Blackstone Group and both grew out of APX Alarm, a company founded in Provo in 1999 by Keith Nellesen and Todd Pedersen. And, per a post on Vivint Smart Home's website from January 2017, the two companies have "a strategic partnership." The complaints against Vivint Smart Home, filed in Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County, include allegations of workplace racial harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination and racial discrimination. All four complainants are men and self-identify as African-American or Latino. One plaintiff, Christopher Brown, said he began working as a sales representative for Vivint Smart Home in June and alleges that soon after he arrived in California to begin work, he was subjected to racist comments from his supervisor. Brown claims his supervisor used the N-word, frequently asked him questions with prompts like "Do black people normally ?" and "How do black people ?" Brown's complaint also claims his supervisor posted a video of an African-American family's home to a Vivint Smart Home employee group Snapchat that included footage of an infant only wearing a diaper and a television playing rap music, with a caption that read, "do you think they'll pass credit?" In August, according to the court filing, Brown filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and shortly after spoke with a Vivint Smart Home human resources employee about the complaint. About a month later, Brown said he got an email from the company's human resources office indicating they "received statements from all parties involved and have taken the necessary steps to discipline and train the offenders mentioned in your complaint." Brown goes on to claim that his supervisor is still employed by Vivint Smart Home and believes that "no disciplinary action was taken for any of the conduct" he described in his complaint. The other complaints include allegations of racist slurs, images and videos posted to a GroupMe chat hosted by a Vivint Smart Home employee called "Victory Leadership Group" that included dozens of employee participants; greeting cards shared among employees with racist commentary; and a comment from another company supervisor that described a "Mexican shower" as "That's just where you spray yourself from head to toe with cologne." The other three complainants are Andrew Kirchner, Terence Major and Vaaron Watts. Attorney Corey Bennett represents all four plaintiffs in the Vivint Smart Home filings, as well as two plaintiffs in lawsuits filed this summer against Vivint Solar. Bennett said he didn't want to jump to conclusions in comparing the allegations against Vivint Solar with those made against Vivint Smart Home, but said the behaviors described by complainants is very similar. "What we have are people freely using racist language and innuendo in a way that appears that they think they're allowed to," Bennett said. "The common thread is there appears to be license for white people at these companies to say what they want without repercussion." Vivint Smart Home shared the following response to a Deseret News request for comment: "It is our policy not to comment on pending litigation or personnel matters. Vivint does not tolerate any kind of discrimination. We take these types of allegations seriously and are investigating them." SALT LAKE CITY Since Utahns first began signing Proposition 2 petitions more than a year ago, leading law enforcement figures have joined the diverse cross-section of groups in the state who have weighed in on the ballot measure. Police agencies themselves have been silent on the issue, but a pair of industry groups one made up of police chiefs and the other comprised of sheriffs have spoken critically of Proposition 2. Yet the top prosecutor in Utah's largest county is an outspoken supporter of the medical marijuana legalization measure. Among these key players in public safety, disagreement on Proposition 2 centers largely on the questions of whether the measure would increase recreational usage, whether too many medical conditions qualify, and whether it would impact teen access to marijuana. Enforcement In a position statement issued in October, the Utah Chiefs of Police Association said "the stripping of authority and limitations placed on state and local government" could "impede our ability to carry out our duties and ensure public safety." The association specifically takes issue with legal protections available to qualifying medical cannabis patients as outlined under Proposition 2. The organization claims under Proposition 2, "users have less deterrence for violating the cannabis act than they do for speeding." "After many discussions about the numerous situations that are likely to occur, we have concluded that Proposition 2, whether intended or not, will likely bring recreational use of marijuana into the state of Utah," the association says. Despite these heavy criticisms, the association has not formally said it would prefer Proposition 2 to fail. Bountiful Police Chief Tom Ross, speaking as president of the board of directors for the Utah Chiefs of Police Association, told lawmakers in an August he had concerns over how feasible it would be for officers to promptly discern whether a person carrying marijuana with them is doing so legally or illegally. "We recognize that for a law enforcement officer on the street, it could be difficult for them to distinguish between legal cannabis possession, purchase and cultivation, versus illegal," Ross said. "We're not sure how the officer on the street is going to be able to easily make a determination." Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill disagrees that recreational use would be enabled by the passage of Proposition 2, but says it instead presents a regulated opportunity for patients and their families "for whom the medical options have been depleted and they have no other avenue to turn to." Those people should not "find themselves in the crosshairs of criminal prosecution," he said. "I understand the public safety concerns of my law enforcement partners. But justice is about proportionality, justice is about recognizing the true risk, really not being alarmist about it. This is not about recreational marijuana, it is about medical cannabis, full stop," Gill said. He also said use of recreational marijuana is already a crime in Utah, and adding a medical program would not open up opportunities for illicit use that do not already exist. "Is marijuana in the state of Utah? Yes it is," he said. "It's not like we have this force field in the borders of Utah, that when you walk in, your pot automatically falls out of your pocket into the Colorado side." Qualifying patients The Utah Chiefs of Police Association takes issue with the legal defense Proposition 2 gives Utahns who do not hold a medical cannabis card, but who can demonstrate they would be eligible for one based on their diagnosed condition. This specific legal defense would be eligible for noncardholders before July 1, 2020, but would not guarantee that a person would not face criminal marijuana possession charges. Under Proposition 2, the state is not required to begin issuing actual medical cannabis cards to qualifying applicants until March 1, 2020. Should Proposition 2 pass, for "almost two years," the Utah Chiefs of Police Association position says, "an individual who asserts the diagnosis of a qualifying illness is essentially exempt from the current laws." An officer working in the field would be left "with no way to verify the individual's medical diagnoses," the group contends, and "it would be impractical for the officer to charge this person with possession marijuana under the current law." Aaron Kennard, former Salt Lake County sheriff and the executive director of the Utah Sheriffs Association, said in August that the state's sheriffs "do not object to marijuana derivatives being used in medical form." However, he said, Proposition 2 "does not strike the appropriate balance in ensuring safe and reasonable access for patients" while also neutralizing "the other societal harms that this provides." The Utah Sheriffs Association declined an interview this week to elaborate on its Proposition 2 positions. Gill said while there may be a need to refine some of the mechanics of marijuana statute enforcement under Proposition 2, that isn't reason enough to ask Utah voters to walk away from the "hour-by-hour and minute-by-minute suffering" of those who could legitimately find relief from medical marijuana and should be able to legally get it as soon as realistically possible. "It is about not criminalizing parents and families for whom this is the only viable medical option. The last thing any officer should want to do is insert ourselves between a physician and a patient," Gill said. Teenager access The Utah Chiefs of Police Association says Proposition 2 stipulates that police do "not have probable cause to question a subject regardless of age, based solely on his/her possession of marijuana," which the association argues is an over-zealous and over-broad patient protection that gives officers "less latitude in protecting our youth from illegal marijuana use, than we do illegal tobacco and alcohol use." Likewise, Kennard said in August that Proposition 2 does not do a good job of "protecting our youth in our society." Gill says that "nobody is suggesting that pot should be given to children," but rather marijuana for medical use could be made available to a minor if "it is the last thing that (their) family needs, in a very controlled setting." "I don't think the ballot initiative (is saying) that it's ever OK for teenagers to smoke marijuana," he said. Under Proposition 2, a minor can use medical marijuana if their doctor issues their parent or guardian a medical cannabis card. For all patients, it prohibits the smoking of marijuana, but permits vaping under certain regulations. Access to marijuana is already problematically easy for teenagers, and a "constant challenge for us," Gill said, adding that making certain qualifying youth eligible for a medical cannabis card will not make the problem of recreational marijuana's pervasive availability to teenagers any more challenging than is already is. Effect of compromise It remains possible a compromise bill, which major players on opposing sides of the ballot initiative have agreed to support and that the Utah Legislature is expected to vote on shortly after Election Day, could render moot some of the disagreements in the public safety community. For example, the compromise bill would keep the "affirmative defense" provision for people with a qualifying diagnosis who do not possess a medical cannabis card, but narrows it so that the marijuana they have with them must be in "medicinal dosage form," and specifies they must have a "pre-existing relationship with a qualified medical provider" who has indicated they could benefit from marijuana use. The definitions of some of the medical conditions such as chronic pain that qualify a patient for usage are also to be modified in a compromise bill. The Utah Legislature's leadership has vowed to do everything it can to get the compromise bill passed regardless of whether voters approve Proposition 2. Despite that, both sides want the leverage that voters can give them on Election Day. Gill said he supports passing Proposition 2, regardless of a compromise bill, because "there is absolutely zero guarantee" lawmakers will pass it given their "poor" track record. Val Shupe, executive director of the Utah Chiefs of Police Association, didn't provide any observations as to whether or not the group prefers the compromise bill over the ballot initiative. But he said there is "no question" the group would be amenable to outlining their observations about the compromise bill itself to legislators when the time comes. "The focus is on looking ahead to having input up at the Legislature about the effects of certain policies," Shupe said. "We want to be part of those discussions." Looking ahead This year, a highway safety official with Washington state who visited Utah warned that there is no marijuana equivalent of a blood-alcohol test in terms of forensic reliability to determine whether a person has been driving impaired. Still, authorities here have found that some behavioral tests for stopped drivers, such as requiring a straight walk or standing on one leg, "do pretty good at detecting that kind of impairment," says Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Nick Street. Testing the person's ability to go cross-eyed, or lack thereof, has also been shown to be effective in detecting marijuana-caused impairment, Street said. He said in his time spent patrolling Utah's highways from 2011 to 2014, marijuana impairment cases were more common to encounter than forms of DUI during the daytime shift; people compromised by that drug "were by far the ones I mainly arrested" during those hours, he said. By contrast, during night shifts, he said, he has dealt with a greater proportion of alcohol cases, but overall, highway troopers are generally seeing marijuana-induced impairment "just as prevalent as we're seeing (with) alcohol." He said if Utah marijuana law changes, the Utah Department of Public Safety will be keeping a close eye on whether an officer would need to handle a traffic stop differently when they detect the odor of marijuana. "We'd have to get direction from the executive branch," Street said. "As it stands right now, the odor of marijuana does give officers reasonable suspicion and probable cause to take certain enforcement action. That would definitely change if it's allowed to be used in raw form medicinally." Proposition 2 allows the possession and use of whole flower marijuana; the compromise does as well, but only when the flower, as purchased, is broken into small segments in a blister pack. Street said medical marijuana legalization would prompt department efforts to get officers up to speed on new protocols surrounding marijuana, but it is possible "the training would be as simple as a bulletin" which briefly outlines for them what has changed. The Department of Public Safety is doing it best to anticipate a possible heightened "public safety issue with impairment," he said, but "we'll adapt and overcome if democracy shows people want (legalization)" and "we'll adapt to where we need to go in the interest of public safety." In the event the state's laws on medical cannabis change, increasing public awareness about the realities of driving impaired on marijuana would be a big priority for the department as well, Street said. The Department of Public Safety has refrained from putting its thumb on the scale regarding Proposition 2 itself, but does say in a statement on its website that while it "acknowledges that there is information supporting the clinical use of marijuana, DPS has some preliminary concerns regarding a more broadly defined medical use of marijuana in our state and the negative impact it could have on public safety." Editor's note: A version of this was previously published on the author's website. I remember the discovery of pulsars; or maybe I dont recall the actual announcement, but discussions about them soon afterward. With the passage of half a century, its hard to sort out. Word came in February 1968 that scientists had detected radio beacons in the cosmos, of the strangest type ever recorded, signals that repeated rapidly and at precise intervals. Nobody could resist wondering if the signals were the product of a spacefaring civilization. The findings came through the operation of a new type of radio telescope designed by Antony Hewish of Cambridge University and operated by graduate student Jocelyn Bell, who first noticed the odd pulses; Hewish was her faculty adviser. The project was intended to open a new way to find quasars, extremely powerful sources of radio waves from far beyond the Milky Way. But these signals originated within our galaxy. The first source to be discovered sent "sharp pulses" exactly every 1.33 seconds. The astronomers called the source LGM-1 for Little Green Men. To quote NASA's description of this important discovery: "Bell's first two years at Cambridge were spent assisting in the construction of an 81.5-megahertz radio telescope that was to be used to track quasars. The telescope went into operation in 1967. It was Jocelyn Bell's job to operate the telescope and to analyze over 120 meters (a little over 393 feet) of chart paper produced by the telescope every four days. After several weeks of analysis, Bell noticed some unusual markings on the chart paper. These markings were made by a radio source too fast and regular to be a quasar. Although the source's signal took up only about 2.5 centimeters (just under one inch) of the 121.8 meters (almost 397 feet) of chart paper, Jocelyn Bell recognized its importance. She had detected the first evidence of a pulsar." Bell's next source came in at 1.2 second intervals. As the American Physical Society wrote, the likelihood was low that two extraterrestrial societies would be communicating in the same way from far-separated sections of the galaxy. By the time Hewish was awarded the first Nobel Prize for Astronomy in 1974, more than 130 pulsars had been discovered. Although Bell and student assistants built the telescope over two years; although she ran the instrument and analyzed the data; although she discovered pulsars, Hewish received the Nobel Prize for the discovery and she didn't. To be fair, in 1965 Hewish and a Nigerian astrophysicist named Samuel Ejikeme Okoye, his student at the time, detected radio emissions in the Crab Nebula that they attributed to a remnant star's flaring. Later this source also turned out to be a pulsar. Not to take anything away from Hewish's fine accomplishments and he did acknowledge Bell in his Nobel lecture the Nobel Prize Committee's neglecting her is another example in the shameful history of the scientific establishment slighting women. As radio astronomers turned up more pulsars, scientists quickly realized they were too widespread to represent intelligent signals. Probably no civilization could construct transmitters so many light-years apart in space. Today more than 2,000 have been charted, and throughout the Milky Way Galaxy others must exist whose beams don't happen to fan out in our direction. But what could generate these swiftly repeating signals? Not flares from an ordinary star, as such a massive object couldn't rotate fast enough that the source would reappear every 1.2 seconds. Centrifugal force would rip it to shreds before it reached a speed that was a minute fraction of that. An obvious answer presented itself. Decades earlier, theorists had predicted the existence of objects that could spin quickly enough, the strange objects dubbed neutron stars. In 1934, a year after the discovery of the neutron a subatomic particle with no electrical charge two European astrophysicists posited the existence of neutron stars. They were Fritz Zwicky, born in Bulgaria and educated in Switzerland, and the German Walter Baade. Both worked at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, when they made the proposal. Zwicky and Baade calculated that a "super-nova" (a term they invented for an exploding star) could collapse to the point that its electrons and protons were squeezed together into an unbelievably dense object made up mainly of neutrons. Princeton astronomer professor Adam S. Burrows, in a February 2015 article published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, writes that before the Zwicky-Baade papers, "the concept of a dense 'neutron star' the size of a city but with the mass of a star like the sun, did not exist." "When the core of a massive star undergoes gravitational collapse at the end of its life, protons and electrons are literally scrunched together, leaving behind one of nature's most wondrous creations: a neutron star," wrote Robert Naeye on a NASA site. "Neutron stars cram roughly 1.3 to 2.5 solar masses into a city-sized sphere perhaps 20 kilometers (12 miles) across. Matter is packed so tightly that a sugar-cube-sized amount of material would weigh more than 1 billion tons, about the same as Mount Everest!" Neutron stars are created by the supernova explosion of massive but not too massive stars. The remaining core implodes but an effect called "neutron degeneracy," a state where the neutrons are packed as tightly as possible, prevents further collapse. (When even more massive stars explode, the collapse is unstoppable and a black hole results. If the original star isn't quite massive enough to form a neutron star, the supernova creates a white dwarf star. Smaller stars apparently don't go supernova.) Given enough energy, something the size of a city, like 12 miles across, could rotate every 1.2 seconds. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory explains that neutron stars "spin rapidly, and when they have associated magnetic fields, charged particles caught in them emit electromagnetic radiation in a lighthouse-like beam that can sweep past the Earth with great regularity every few seconds or less." In 1054, astronomers in China and Japan and a physician living either in Constantinople or Cairo reported that a brilliant star had appeared in the sky. It was bright enough to be visible "like Venus" during the daytime for 23 days. The first observation was on July 4, 1054, and the "guest star" could be seen in the evenings until April 6, 1056, wrote F. Richard Stephenson of the University of Durham, England, and David A. Green of the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory, Cambridge, England. The light was from a supernova explosion, and records of its celestial coordinates prove it was the eruption that created the Crab Nebula, also known as Messier 1. "If the blast had occurred 50 light-years from Earth, astronomers believe that all living things could have been destroyed by radiation," says "A History of the Crab Nebula," posted by Kopernik Observatory and Science Center, Vestal, N.Y. Lucky for us, the supernova was 6,500 light-years away. Astronomers found that the heart of the Crab Nebula is a spinning neutron star, beaming radio and X-ray pulses 30 times a second. In the current edition of 'Rewind,' Robert Smith offers up his monthly feature Years Ago as he reflects on a number of names, faces and happenings from the decade of the 1970s. Those years which seem to many of us as 'just yesterday' are quickly approaching 50 years ago. 1971 - Harvey Cormier One Of The Best Driver Harvey Cormier appears in this 1971 photo as he won that year's Walter Dale Memorial Race at Fredericton, N.B. He was a very talented horseman who resembled a number of other noted drivers from the region who were very dedicated to keeping their outfits in tip-top shape at all times. His orange and black racing colours were among the most popular anywhere in the region. Driver Harvey Cormier appears in this 1971 photo as he won that year's Walter Dale Memorial Race at Fredericton, N.B. He was a very talented horseman who resembled a number of other noted drivers from the region who were very dedicated to keeping their outfits in tip-top shape at all times. His orange and black racing colours were among the most popular anywhere in the region. A list of outstanding horsepeople born, raised and trained in the Maritime Provinces would be a long one. On that list even if it only included a few would be Harvey Cormier, a native of Buctouche, N.B. He left school at the age of 14 to take his early lessons from master horseman Harley Harrison for five years before enlisting for service in WW II. After his service overseas he opened his own public stable. His career steadily rose as he attracted many of the best horses and owners in the region. In the 1950's he was beginning to make his mark. He married the former Geraldine Campbell who became a bride at just 18 years of age. Besides raising a family of eight children she also worked along side her husband in caring for the horses. She also became a highly respected and licensed race secretary in later years. A number of their children also followed in their parent's footsteps serving in various roles within the sport. Note - My special thanks to Jerry McCabe for providing the great photo and background material used herein. 1972 - Blaze Pick Still Winning At Age Eight Blaze Pick appears in the Wolverine winner's circle following a victory on April 29, 1972 scoring in 2:02.3. Those identified in the picture are Garnet Crawford, his long time groom (in coveralls) at the horse's head, driver Greg Wright and owner J.R. Miller next to Greg. The others are unidentified. (Abahazy Photo) Blaze Pick appears in the Wolverine winner's circle following a victory on April 29, 1972 scoring in 2:02.3. Those identified in the picture are Garnet Crawford, his long time groom (in coveralls) at the horse's head, driver Greg Wright and owner J.R. Miller next to Greg. The others are unidentified. (Abahazy Photo) At the age of eight Blaze Pick was in the final year of his racing career but he was still able to beat a pretty good class of horses. This fine U.S.-bred horse was owned throughout his career by acclaimed colt expert J. Russell Miller and his wife Jean of Dutton, Ont. After starring as a two- and three-year-old, raced then by Keith Waples, Blaze went on to a brilliant career as an aged performer. Sired by Gene Abbe he was considered one of the top horses wherever he raced for his entire seven-year career. In this his final year of racing he won four races, all at different tracks, and almost $15,000 to raise his lifetime earnings to just under $300,000. His record of 1:59 was taken at the age of five; horses just didn't go nearly as fast back then but Blaze went faster than most. He was a flashy looking horse, chestnut in colour with a nice mane. Unfortunately he passed away very suddenly at a young age just as what appeared to be a great career as a sire was just beginning. 1973 - Bedford Jet Takes Series Final At Windsor In the late fall of 1973 Joe DeFrank, Windsor Raceway's superb race secretary, put together a very exciting set of races called "The Philip Brian Memorial Series" to recall and honour Windsor's first 2:00 performer. The series included several weekly editions, each one producing some exciting racing and concluded with the final worth $18,000. Track publicist Al Nagler presents a trophy to Bedford Jet's owner Ed Weber and his wife following a victory by their horse in the Philip Brian Pace. On the right is trainer and driver Keith Quinlan. This horse was equipped with the new single shaft sulky as were the majority of winners competing in the busy stakes schedule during the Windsor fall session. Ironically during the meeting an announcement was made barring the controversial sulky from competition. Track publicist Al Nagler presents a trophy to Bedford Jet's owner Ed Weber and his wife following a victory by their horse in the Philip Brian Pace. On the right is trainer and driver Keith Quinlan. This horse was equipped with the new single shaft sulky as were the majority of winners competing in the busy stakes schedule during the Windsor fall session. Ironically during the meeting an announcement was made barring the controversial sulky from competition. The winner in somewhat of an upset was Bedford Jet owned by Ed Weber of West Bloomfield, Mich. and capably driven by Keith Quinlan a young horseman originally from Coldwater, Ont. who started his career as a 15-year-old working for Keith Waples. Quinlan and Bedford Jet took command at the quarter pole and were never headed as they coasted to a winning time of 2:01.3. The winning margin was 2-3/4 lengths over second place finisher Keystone Ponder. 1974 - Terry Parker Tops In First Year O.S.S. Competition Terry Parker, the top three-year-old pacer in the first year of the O.S.S. is shown with veteran driver Harold Wellwood Sr. This horse demonstrated the much higher level of earnings possible in the newly created sires stakes program. Terry Parker, the top three-year-old pacer in the first year of the O.S.S. is shown with veteran driver Harold Wellwood Sr. This horse demonstrated the much higher level of earnings possible in the newly created sires stakes program. The first year of the O.S.S. proved to be quite profitable for a couple of wily veterans who had been racing horses for longer than anyone could remember. Clint Hodgins, 67, formerly of Clandeboye, Ont. and then of Orlando, Florida, recognized this program as a 'good thing' and decided to race both a two- and a three-year-old throughout the entire season. He called upon his long time friend (and his cousin's husband) Harold Wellwood Sr., then 68, to do the driving when he was not able to be back in Ontario. At season's end three-year-old pacer Terry Parker led all categories with winnings of $63,866. His closest competitor among three year olds was Paula's Peanut, who earned less than half that amount but still with a very respectable $31,652 banked for his very young owner Paula Wellwood. This meant that a huge portion of the three-year-old division of the O.S.S. contained a "Wellwood" element. In the two-year-old pacing division Pats Bye Bye also led that sector with earnings of $53,767 for owner Hodgins. Once again the driving duties were shared by the duo of Wellwood and Hodgins and with the same rate of success. In nine O.S.S. starts Pats Bye Bye had seven wins and a second. 1977 - Barrie Raceway Hosts McEachern Memorial Trot Nov. 30, 1977 - It was a cold and blustery night at Barrie Raceway but a warm mood prevailed in the winner's circle following the featured seventh race. The occasion was the second annual Garnet McEachern Memorial Trot. Several members of two well known local families gathered following a popular victory by the good trotter Simcoe Duke. From left is Lennox Rowe, Driver Scott Rowe, Mrs. McEachern, Hon. Earl Rowe, Raceway Mgr. Earl Rowe Jr., Nancy McEachern, Norm McEachern and Miller Amos (Barrie Examiner photo) Nov. 30, 1977 - It was a cold and blustery night at Barrie Raceway but a warm mood prevailed in the winner's circle following the featured seventh race. The occasion was the second annual Garnet McEachern Memorial Trot. Several members of two well known local families gathered following a popular victory by the good trotter Simcoe Duke. From left is Lennox Rowe, Driver Scott Rowe, Mrs. McEachern, Hon. Earl Rowe, Raceway Mgr. Earl Rowe Jr., Nancy McEachern, Norm McEachern and Miller Amos (Barrie Examiner photo) Simcoe Duke was a homebred product from Rowelands Farm, the long-time home of The Hon. Earl Rowe who was also his owner. The trotters were slowed a bit by the snow-covered track with the mile timed in 2:11. It seemed that the track condition caused a slow start for the eventual winner but he eventually got his footing and won by three lengths over second place finisher Iris Nib, driven by Jim McClure. Mrs. McEachern who was a longtime fixture at Barrie Raceway and the track's race secretary for 20 years just recently passed away at the age of 90. Who Is It? Can you correctly identify the three gentlemen above in a photo taken following a 1974 O.S.S. event? Stay tuned in for the correct answer during the upcoming week. SALT LAKE CITY Changes are coming in the Utah Legislature after Tuesday's election, starting at the top in both the House and Senate. Neither House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper, nor Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, are seeking re-election to their respective chambers. Hughes has served in the House since 2002, while Niederhauser took office in the Senate in 2007. Those two seats are among 22 open seats in the Legislature 16 in the House and six in the Senate. Some of the House vacancies are the result of incumbents running for other offices, including the state Senate. In all, Utah has 90 legislative races all 75 House seats, 15 Senate seats including 68 incumbents seeking re-election. Republicans currently own supermajorities in both bodies, with a 62-13 advantage in the House and 24-5 in the Senate. Democrats have a chance to flip a couple of House seats. In House District 32, Democrat Suzanne Harrison lost to Rep. Lavar Christensen, R-Draper, by a handful of votes two years ago. Christensen gave up the seat when he opted to run for state Senate. Republican Brad Bonham and United Utah candidate Bjorn Jones are also competing for the seat. Former Democratic Rep. Lawanna "Lou" Shurtliff has a chance to take retiring GOP Rep. Dixon Pitcher's place in House District 10 in Ogden. Shurtliff, who served 10 years in the House, faces Republican Lorraine Brown. The Democrats also could lose a seat in the House. Rep. Patrice Arent, D-Millcreek, has a tough challenger in Republican Todd Zenger, a Granite School Board member, who has campaigned heavily in House District 36, covering the Millcreek and Holladay areas. One of the more competitive Senate races might be Senate District 8, one of the state's true swing districts, in the Holladay and Cottonwood Heights area. Sen. Brian Zehnder, R-Holladay, is running his first election since being appointed to replace moderate Republican Brian Shiozawa, who resigned to take a job outside Utah. Democrat Kathleen Riebe, a State School Board member, and United Utah party candidate John Jackson are challenging for the seat. Utah's only openly gay lawmaker, Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, is not seeking re-election in a liberal Avenues district. Democratic Salt Lake City Councilman Derek Kitchen, a plaintiff in Utah's successful same-sex marriage court case, faces Republican Chase Winder in Senate District 2. Also, longtime Sens. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, and Pete Knudson, R-Brigham City, along with Reps. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, and Becky Edwards, North Salt Lake, are not running. As for new legislative leadership, Senate Majority Whip Stuart Adams, R-Layton, is the frontrunner to become Senate president. He is running unopposed in Senate District 22. House Majority Leader Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, is lining up to be the next House speaker should he win re-election in House District 15, where Democrat Rich Miller is challenging him. Legislative leadership elections are conducted in closed caucuses after the general election. SPANISH FORK Evacuated because of the Pole Creek and Bald Mountain wildfires over the summer, the owner of a Utah County assisted living facility says his insurance company denied his claim because the flames weren't 2,660 feet closer. Chris Hermansen, who owns the Elk Ridge Assisted Living center, remembers the day he gathered the people in his care and fled from his business, not knowing what would happen. It was Sunday, Sept. 13, and like everyone else in town, the residents of the assisted living center were told to leave because the Pole Creek Fire, which had been sparked by lightning a week earlier, was spreading. "We up and evacuated. I got two buses and we evacuated as soon as we could. It was mandatory. You had to leave," he said. In all, 28 residents were evacuated and stayed at the Quality Inn in Payson for nine days. Hermansen says when you count the cost of rooms, salaries for extra staff to take care of residents, and all the little extra supplies that were needed, it cost him about $17,000 out of pocket. "I contacted my insurance company and they said, 'Your insurance (policy) should cover this. You have a big policy, it should cover it if the fire is within a mile of the building,'" said Hermansen. However, that distance designation is the trick. Hermansen says his insurance company denied him because he was 2,660 feet too far from the fire line, where he would have been covered. That's just over a half mile. "I've paid religiously on that policy and now when I actually need it?" said Hermansen, shaking his head. Representatives from Hermansen's insurance company, Security Insurance out of Spanish Fork, said the matter was out of their hands and that it wasn't the company who actually denied his claim. Security Insurance referred calls to Auto-Owner Insurance Company in Draper because Auto-Owner actually holds the policy. A spokesperson for Auto-Owners based in the company's corporate office in Michigan relayed a message to Scott Michael, a vice president in marketing and sales for the company. who replied by email. "We have explained to Mr. Hermansen, Elk Ridge Assisted Living's insurance policy states that damage to property from a covered cause of loss must be within one mile of the premise in order to be eligible to cover his claim. This is standard policy language," Michael said in the email. Hermansen said he understands rules and regulations, but he also said that because he runs the only business in Elk Ridge, he was the only one who was denied insurance claims. "Unfortunately, I'm the only business up here and my business policy is different than a homeowners policy," he said. "I still couldn't have said, 'Oh wait, everyone. I have to wait until this thing is this close before I can leave.' Plus, I wouldn't have done it based on a policy anyway." Despite the bill, he's happy the evacuation went well and no one was hurt. "I hope this will never happen again, but it had the best outcome possible. Everyone is safe and taken care of and they're back home," Hermansen said. "My goal has always been, I want to treat these people like I would treat my mom and dad or my grandma and grandpa." A GoFundMe page has been set up for Hermansen. With the governor calling for an investigation into what more the University of Utah and local police could have done to prevent the tragic murder of student Lauren McCluskey, it is essential society notes the missed warning signs and commits to preventing future intimate partner abuse. Domestic violence is a uniquely invisible crime, obscured by the societal shame that often forces its victims into silence. This stigma not only increases the vulnerability of victims, it also increases the vulnerability of the public toward violence that could have been avoided if only domestic violence was made known. Make no mistake: Domestic violence affects all parts of society. An estimated 12 million women and men experience some form of domestic violence in the U.S. each year, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Roughly 18 percent of Utah women and 10 percent of Utah men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives, according to the Utah Department of Health. Violence and abuse show no regard for socioeconomic status, gender or race. Tragically, gun violence is too often the outcome of domestic disputes. More than half of mass shootings usually defined as four or more deaths by a gun involve family members or partners. The public discussion surrounding gun violence cites a number of extreme cases, meaning the tragic ubiquity of domestic shootings goes unmentioned in the news cycle. A few high-profile shootings dominate the discourse regarding mass violence in America, but these stories, and the way they are told, fail to capture both the reality and nuance of these seemingly random crimes. Obviously, reform can and should be made, but as Deseret News opinion writer Savannah Hopkinson recently pointed out, those calling for policy reform after a mass shooting often miss the key warning signs that predate most public violence. It is incumbent upon policymakers and politicians in Utah to take a broader approach to ending mass violence by prioritizing domestic violence awareness and unlocking greater resources for victims. Of course, physical abuse is but one aspect of domestic violence. Spouses and partners can be the subjects of emotional, sexual or financial abuse, all of which degrade the victims and should be intolerable to the public eye. But therein lies a problem: Besides the physical violence that makes headlines, much of domestic violence goes unnoticed by the public. Addressing this pervasive danger requires breaking down the stigma surrounding domestic violence and empowering those who are affected to share their stories in the hopes of informing the public of the prevalence of the problem. Combatting this invisible crime requires greater outreach from public leaders, bystander training and intervention on a local level, and an investment in mental health, reporting resources and safe shelters. Its the responsibility of all Utahns to make this state a safe harbor of hope for all who live here. Help for victims of domestic violence is available from a 24/7 hotline: 1-800-897-5465 and at udvc.org. HOLLADAY Amid Utah's creeping housing crisis and frustrations with the Wasatch Front's wild growth, a resistance of residents fed up with high-density developments have harnessed the power of the referendum to block two major projects. Voters in two Utah cities have the chance to weigh in but in one case, the vote may not stand. In Orem, voters will decide the fate of a 1,600-bed student housing development near Utah Valley University. For Holladay, the project in question includes 775 high-rise apartments, more than 200 homes, and dozens of shops and restaurants on the 57-acre site of the shuttered Cottonwood Mall. The two referendum questions have been printed on Orem and Holladay ballots but in Holladay's case, whether voters' decision is valid will be up to the Utah Supreme Court. But as of Friday, days away from the election, the court hadn't yet handed down a ruling. While the fate of the Orem project truly does lie in voters' hands, the Holladay case is muddled, both with frustration that a ruling hasn't yet come and with fear that whichever way the vote swings it will set a "dangerous" precedent. For developers, they worry what kind of impact a ruling in favor of the referendum could have on future or even existing projects. For residents opposed to the project, they fear a negative ruling will send a message that their voices don't matter. Holladay case "It's kind of an uncomfortable situation," said Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle. "I think everybody involved expected that we would have a decision by now." In mid-September, the court heard arguments but didn't rule on whether Holladay residents could vote down the Cottonwood Mall development. At question is whether the decision being challenged is even referable to a ballot question under the Utah Constitution and whether the decision is "administrative," as city officials and developers argue. On one hand, justices wondered whether a ruling in favor the developers would encourage city governments to create "anything goes" zones in which voters would lose their right to challenge new land uses. On the other hand, justices wondered whether the approval of the plan which developers Ivory Homes and Woodbury Corp. submitted this spring under a loosely defined zone that won legislative approval in 2007 differs from other land-use decisions that are commonly considered administrative. Ivory Homes and Woodbury Corp. have proposed a blend of high-rise apartments, single-family homes, shops and restaurants on a plot that has remained dormant for more than a decade. The Holladay City Council unanimously approved the plan earlier this year, but citizens opposed to the project's density as it relates to surrounding neighborhoods and its potential impact on traffic collected about 6,500 certified signatures to put two questions on the Nov. 6 ballot: whether residents approve of the plan and whether they approve of an agreement to give the developers a tax increment subsidy. City officials, arguing their vote was administrative, rejected the referendum, but stillput the issue on the ballot in case it would be challenged in court. Sure enough, it was. Referendum organizers sued, and 3rd District Judge Richard McKelvie ruled the first question should be on the ballot but decided the second question amounted to an administrative act and ruled it was correctly rejected. Holladay officials and developers appealed the rulings to the Utah Supreme Court. Paul Baker, referendum organizer and a member of the group Unite for Holladay, said his group has been lobbying voters to vote down the project, arguing the development would bring uncharacteristic density and "dramatic changes to our city." "This is our chance to be heard. And really be heard, " Baker said, expressing frustration that Holladay city officials chose to approve the project, despite residents' protests. If the court rules against the referendum, "frankly, why do we have zoning at all?" Baker said. "We feel like our vote matters," he added. "The right to vote is sacred in our country, and the courts should protect it." But for Mack Woodbury, of Woodbury Corp., the ramifications of a ruling in favor of the referendum would be "kind of scary" to developers across Utah because it would "put into question land use policy and really what is referable." Woodbury said he's "not against the referendum process," but he noted residents already weighed in on the issue during numerous public hearings on the development, and the City Council voted unanimously in favor of it because developers worked hard to address concerns. "Regardless of what you do as a developer, there's always going to be very few ways to make people comfortable with something new, especially development near their homes, especially in this climate," Woodbury said, so "taking it to the ballot is just a really difficult thing." Dahle said whichever way the court rules, "we will respect that and we will abide by that and I would hope (opposition) would too." "Regardless of the outcome we should come together as a community and move forward," the mayor said. A trend of frustrated residents resorting to the power of the referendum isn't isolated to Holladay or even other parts of Salt Lake County (including Herriman, where residents were poised to fight a dense development until Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams vetoed the project). It's a symptom of the strain that growth is putting on Utah residents. According to an estimate from the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah's population will grow from 3.2 million to 5 million by 2050, and much of it will be concentrated along the Wasatch Front, where undeveloped land is in short supply and higher-density proposals are in natural conflict with single-family neighborhoods. Dane Waters, founder of the Initiative & Referendum Institute at the University of Southern California, told the Deseret News recently that the institute has received many more calls about local issues over the last two years, and that residents are more often using their constitutional powers to stop developments, particularly in the housing-starved West Coast. He isn't an attorney and isn't familiar with the particulars of Utah's law, but as somebody who has literally written a book on direct democracy, he was surprised to hear the argument that a city council can perform an administrative function. "I would argue that any action taken by a city council is a legislative act," Waters said. "If an elected body acts, that's a legislative act." Orem The fight's also happening in Utah County where a 1,600-bed student housing development near Utah Valley University, being built by the same developers, will also be on the ballot Nov.6. Though the Holladay case wasn't seen as likely to have any bearing on that referendum effort, those behind the Orem referendum effort fear the Holladay case might set another precedent: If the court decided that the approval of the site plan wasn't legislative, then local governments could simply approve "anything goes" zones where voters will have lost their power to challenge land use by the time any details are known. But as it appears now, the Orem vote will stand. It's a similar story as in Holladay: opposition groups such as Let Orem Vote fear the project will bring too much density and traffic to an area where single-family homes once stood. Developers argue they worked hard to earn approval from city leaders for a project that will accommodate growth expected at the university. The referendum, said Mark Tippets, director of Let Orem Vote, is "about sending a message to the City Council and the city that we don't want to have apartments in our neighborhoods." "Let's say that we win," Tippets said. "It sends a message to Orem city that you shouldn't be approving or encouraging developers to develop land that is residential, regardless of where it is." The referendum was placed on the ballot after organizers collected about 9,000 signatures. "I think there's a place for high density, but it's not in the middle of a neighborhood and not where you have to tear down homes," Tippets said. "I think a lot of cities in Utah who are seeing this and see what the governments are saying, and they want to say, 'I want a role in how my city looks," Tippets added. Taylor Woodbury, also of Woodbury Corp., argued the project is wanted in the community by Utah Valley University officials who know their student housing already doesn't accommodate its growing population. "We spent 18 months working with the university and (city leaders) refining the final plan to come up with something that would really benefit students," Taylor Woodbury said. "It's important for people to remember this isn't something that just happened out of nowhere. This is something (the university) spent a lot of time working toward." Taylor Woodbury argued the project won't have as much of an impact on traffic as residents fear since students will be mostly walking to and from campus. He noted traffic engineers concluded the project would be beneficial to Orem traffic and that it would be the best use for the site. "After so many people have spent so much time studying this project and making sure that it addresses the known issues, we need to trust the City Council to do their job," Taylor Woodbury said. "And they've done it really effectively." But Tippets argued Utah Valley University is "more of a commuter school," and he worried there still will be a massive impact on traffic since students won't have to be enrolled full time to live there. Taylor Woodbury urged voters who still haven't weighed in on the issue to visit www.uvush.com before casting their ballots to educate themselves about the project. But even if voters shoot it down, that likely won't be the end of it. Taylor Woodbury said the Utah Valley University Board of Trustees recently instructed the university to buy the ground in the event it fails at the ballot. "We would start working with (the university) to acquire the ground, and I believe this property's going to become student housing one way or the other," Taylor Woodbury said. "It doesn't change the fact that (the school) wants and needs this project, and I think one way or the other it's going to get built." Contributing: Matthew Piper Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported the number of units contained in the proposed student housing development in Orem as 1,600 units. The project would contain 1,600 beds. The proposed unit count is 450. Inside the newsroom last week our analytics team watched as readers across Utah, the nation and overseas discovered the compelling profile of former Utah governor and presidential candidate Jon Huntsman Jr. by Deseret News journalist Jesse Hyde. This was more than a profile of an individual. It was a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look into pivotal relations between the U.S. and Russia from inside the embassy and Spaso House, the Moscow residence of Ambassador to Russia Huntsman and his wife, Mary Kaye. "In the beginning it was simply that I was hoping for some level of clarity on what exactly the relationship is between (President) Donald Trump and (Russian President) Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin," Hyde told me this week, as we discussed the strong reaction to his story. "The more information we get the more confusing it becomes. So here's this guy who is at the center of the storm. If there is anybody who can provide some clarity, maybe it's him." What emerges is a compelling look at what motivates Jon Huntsman to serve both Republican and Democratic presidents, and perhaps more importantly, the state of affairs between the United States and Russia during the Trump presidency. Major news outlets picked up information and linked to the piece, most notably the cancer diagnosis which Huntsman revealed to Hyde toward the end of the week he and Deseret News photojournalist Ravell Call spent in Moscow. The Washington Post, ABC News, CNN, Politico, Slate and Fox News, among others, reported on the piece. So did Sputnik News. We saw, as Huntsman himself predicted, the story brought strong reader interest out of Russia. Huntsman's insights carry great weight around the world, including his views on Russian spying, intimidation, the work of the intelligence agencies of both the United States and Russia, and what the risks are for interference in this week's coming midterm elections. One interesting take on the story came from The Daily Beast, which wrote a story about the Deseret News piece noting the following: "Trump's 'Sane' Man in Moscow: A Speed Read of the Craziest Bits in the Jon Huntsman Profile." We created a similar piece (though not referred to as "the craziest bits"), in addition to a question-and-answer piece that we ran with the lengthy profile. We wanted to give our writers the freedom to go in-depth and capture the nuances of a subject, which at times results in a 5,000- to 6,000-word story, as this one was. But we also understand that not everyone will take the time to digest such a story. So under the direction of Hyde, Herb Scribner, who writes stories and manages analytics for our in-depth team, put together "Jon Huntsman Jr. has cancer, and six other things we learned in our exclusive profile," noting the key revelations in the piece for those readers who did not have time to read the entire profile. Here we noted more quickly the takeaways: The cancer diagnosis, details on Russian election meddling, whether Huntsman considered resigning his position, cyberwarfare, the midterm elections, any possible future run for the presidency, and thoughts on the next presidential election. The Q and A helped us understand more deeply Huntsman's views on his father and Donald Trump, both described as men who understand power and how to wield it. But it also showed tender moments and the struggle it is to maintain a personal life while making decisions that have global public impact: Hyde asked Huntsman: You lost your father earlier this year. How has that affected you? Huntsman responded: "My dad was my best friend. I think about him every day. He called me one day and he said, 'I'm done. I'm going to start hospice care.' He had been in pain and suffering a lot. I didn't know what to do. So my best friend in life is telling me this is it. He's going to go to hospice care and that will be the beginning of the end. Some last a few days in hospice and some last a few months. I knew my dad. When you make a decision you go. You pursue it with everything you've got and I knew from that point that he'd made that decision. "I kind of pleaded with him, 'Give it more time.' I said, 'I don't know what I'll be able to do losing a best friend, to say nothing of a dad,' and it was hard because I knew it wasn't a private conversation. I knew I had people tuning in, so it's hard to know what you can say to your own dad without getting too personal. The phones are pretty routinely monitored (by Russian surveillance) and it inhibits your flow of conversation." The visuals provided by long-time photojournalist Ravell Call included a video posing certain questions and offering yet another opportunity to understand the role of the Huntsmans in Russia. We were prohibited from shooting video of our interviews with the ambassador, but Call's pictures tell the story of life under watch in Russia, including a very telling shot of the Huntsmans and their youngest daughter out walking under the protection of two very large body guards. So is Jon Huntsman Jr. "The last statesman" as our headline suggests? In a time of heightened partisanship he seems to be unique. The work of both Jesse Hyde and Ravell Call, and all the others here at the Deseret News who helped pull this content together, offer readers a chance to make their own evaluations. SALT LAKE CITY Brent Taylor, North Ogden mayor and a major in Utah's Army National Guard, was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday. "He was my best friend," Toby Mileski, former mayor of Pleasant View. The two became mayors of neighboring cities at the same time and were political allies, but, "most of all, we became best friends." "I probably spent more time with him than I did with my wife," he said. Mileski was devastated by the news of Taylor's death. "Bottom line, He was going to serve his country, which is what he loved and lived for," he said. "He was going to help liberate other people so they could enjoy democracy." Taylor, 39, was deployed for what was anticipated would be one year of service in January. He took a leave of absence from his post as mayor and the unprecedented deployment rule of Utah election law was put into place, naming Brent Chugg as interim mayor. Taylor also stepped down from his position as a member of the Utah Transit Authority board of trustees when he deployed. "We're struggling," North Ogden City spokesman Jon Call said Saturday. He said no plans have yet been made to memorialize the mayor, who was first elected in 2013 and reelected in 2017. He asked that the public keep Taylor's wife, Jennie, and seven children, in their thoughts. A statement issued by the city praised Taylor's service and offered condolences to his family. "Everywhere you look in North Ogden you can see his profound influence. He had a great love and vision for this community. He was patriotic to the core and a shining example of what an American politician should be," the statement read. Mileski said the family "is grieving very hard." "I lost my best friend. She lost a husband and her best friend. The kids lost a terrific dad," he said. "So, it's gotta be a whole lot worse for them than it is for me." National media reported one service member was killed and another was wounded in "an insider attack" at the Kabul Military Training Center on Saturday afternoon, when a member of the Afghan security forces opened fire on them, officials told the Washington Post. The attacker was then killed by Afghan forces. Military officials are still investigating the incident. "What we do for our country is very dangerous business, but it's important to remember why we do it," said Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton, the adjutant general of the Utah National Guard. "The threat is very real. Let no one forget the service and sacrifice of those brave men and women who defend our nation." Burton also wished for comfort and courage for Taylor's family in coming days, saying, "My heart breaks for the loss and sacrifice of our soldier, particularly for the family." Taylor, according to a Utah National Guard statement, was "a trained professional, fully committed to the community, the country and the mission." The mayor's deployment was part of an order from President Donald Trump to increase U.S. presence there and train Afghan commando units. It was his fourth deployment in Taylor's 15 years of service. Mileski said Taylor was sad at the time to leave his family and a newborn baby, but, "he was being a soldier and he didn't show it." "He was red, white and blue," Mileski said. "He was American." He said the two of them had recently talked about Taylor's ambitions to become a leader in state government, perhaps even lieutenant governor or governor someday. "I often asked him 'Why are you re-upping? Why are you doing this? You've got these little kids,'" Mileski said. Taylor kept telling his friend that he and his wife had agreed on military service from the get-go. Taylor told the Deseret News in January that his wife knew that he was committed to serving his country from the time of their first date. In recent weeks, Mileski said Taylor would talk about what he was doing in Afghanistan, readying soldiers for battle. "Never once did he say, 'I'm in fear for my life,'" he said. "He was there to do good." Taylor regularly kept up with North Ogden residents via a Facebook page he set up prior to leaving. He also shared photos and experiences with the thousands of followers there. The Utah National Guard will release more details about the incident that took Taylor's life at a press briefing including Burton and Utah Gov. Gary Herbert on Sunday. "I am heartbroken at the news that we lost one of our own today in Afghanistan and feel completely humbled by the service and the ultimate sacrifice offered by this brave and selfless soldier," Herbert said in a statement issued Saturday. "The entire Herbert family mourns with this soldier's family and we pray that their burdens may be lifted, and that the hearts of all Utahns will reach out to comfort them in their grief." Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch said on Twitter that his "prayers and love are with Jennie and (Taylor's) seven young children." "Brent was a hero, a patriot, a wonderful father and a dear friend," Hatch said. "His service will always be remembered." Stars and Stripes, a U.S. military publication, reported Saturday that there have been 56 insider attacks among the Afghan forces this year, leaving 121 dead or wounded. Taylor and his five brothers all joined the Army in the years following 9/11. He said he never intended to be a career serviceman and "just joined to volunteer for the wars." Following years of various assignments, he said he would stay in the military until he retired. "It's just unfortunate," Mileski said, adding that he'll most miss making Taylor laugh. "We lost one of the really good ones. Everybody is going to miss him." Friends of Taylor launched a GoFundMe campaign in his name Saturday. An earlier version incorrectly identified Toby Mileski as the mayor of Pleasant View. He is a former mayor. Huawei announced the Mate 20 Pro earlier last month at an event in London and today, the phone is set to launch in India. We've had the smartphone for some time and spent an extensive amount of time testing the camera. The new configuration does feel more versatile, but our concern was that with Huawei dropped the f/1.6 lens complimenting the monochrome sensor, would the image quality be impacted in any way? We shot plenty of photos around London and in New Delhi to see how the new imaging stack holds up against our expectations. Huawei Mate 20 Pro Camera Specifications Huaweis Mate 20 Pro boasts of a three-camera setup on the back, which is just one of the many highlights of this phone. The imaging setup features a 40-megapixel sensor which has a physical size of 1/1.7. This is mated to a 27mm lens with an aperture of f/1.8 for maximum light collection. The secondary imaging sensor has a resolution of 20-megapixels with a lens that offers a 16mm ultra-wide-angle view and an aperture of f/2.2. The third sensor has an 8 Megapixel resolution and offers a 3x optical zoom lens at 80mm f/2.4. All three lenses have been manufactured by Leica and are the real show-stopper of this imaging stack. It was very interesting to see Huawei drop the monochrome sensor, a signature Huawei offering, in favour of an ultra-wide camera, a first for the company. Shooting with the Mate 20 Pro The Huawei Mate 20 Pro stock camera app is where you will find the most exhaustive access to everything the smartphone camera can do. Besides offering an auto-mode, theres a Pro mode which unlocks the sensors full potential, along with other usual suspects such as Hyperlapse, Timelapse, slow-motion (for video), Portrait etc. While there is no monochrome sensor on the Mate 20 Pro, there is a monochrome mode which will give you a very similar result. Overall, the hardware on the Mate 20 Pro is just as impressive sounding as the one that made the P20 Pro so popular. Photo Samples Before we get into discussing the experience of using the Mate 20 Pro for taking photos, I have to clarify that the unit that was given to us for experiencing the camera was not running the final version of the software and hence, the image quality, we were told, is not final. With that said, heres everything that I learned about the Mate 20 Pros camera setup. All photos were shot during the day with adequate, diffused lighting thanks to overcast skies. You can see some image samples below. If youd like to see the full-resolution images which we strongly suggest you do, head over to our Flickr Gallery here. Image Quality During the photo walk, we shot all photos in RAW+JPG (at least those that were shot in Pro mode), while some photos, which were shot in Portrait and Monochrome mode were only output in JPG. When looking at all the images (RAW and JPG) in Adobe Lightroom, we discovered that Huawei is applying some very heavy correction to the RAW files in order to generate the final image. RAW images from the Huawei Mate 20 Pro have significant vignette around the edges with a blue cast, which is incredibly difficult to remove or fix in post-production. Maybe is Huawei was to eventually release the lens correction data to Adobe, the issue would be resolved, but we dont think this will happen given the lack of P20 Pros lens correction profile in Lightroom. Secondly, the final JPG file generated by the camera has significant JPG compression, leading to smudging of finer details like texture. Since both these issues are correctable through software, we can only hope its something Huawei is working on in the days leading up to the launch of the smartphone. Shooting with the smartphone at the time was actually a very pleasing experience. The focus was fast and accurate and the image stabilization helped me get blur-free shots even when my hand was shaking. Unfortunately, all the screenshots of the camera interface that I took ended up becoming corrupt during a hasty file-transfer. Closing Thoughts Huaweis Mate 20 Pro is a smartphone that packs an incredible amount of innovation. The triple-camera setup, honestly, is just the icing on a very good cake. However, Huawei has to work on the algorithms they are using to generate the JPG. To see such loss of detail in an image coming from a sensor that should theoretically be delivering plenty of it is a little scary. However, it is still something that is software controlled, so we do expect Huawei to fix this issue in upcoming updates before the phone launches in India this month. 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 This video is just amazing! The desert has turned into a giant SEA in Oman. Meanwhile, at least 21 people were killed, 35 injured and an unknown number of others are missing after an intense storm brought strong winds, heavy rain and hail to most of Jordan last week. Flash flood in Zarqa-Maeen Valley had surged for up to 5 km (3.1 miles). This is Jordans first heavy rainfall of the 2018/19 rainy season (November March). The death toll is expected to rise. And also, heavy rain falling over Saudi Arabia over the past two weeks have caused widespread flash flooding and left at least 14 people dead. Up to 300 people had to be rescued. This year has seen some of the most extreme weather conditions in decades, authorities said on October 30, 2018. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or become a Patron on Patreon / donate through Paypal. Please and thank you. Youtube Desert convert to lake in Oman The Jordan Times Ten killed in Dead Sea flash floods, search for missing ongoing Arab News Severe weather in Saudi Arabia kills 14 A former Donegal priest who had simulated sex with a young girl as he drove her to Dublin in his car, was jailed for nine months at Donegal Circuit Court in Donegal Town on Friday. In jailing 83-year-old Con Cunningham, Glen Road, Carrick, Judge John Aylmer said he did not accept that the offences were at the lower end of the scale. The judge said that while no penetration had taken place the former priest had simulated oral sex and had pushed the childs face into his crotch until he had satisfied himself. The judge said the defendant had climbed on top of the girl and a significant level of both force and violence was used. The judge said that given the defendants position of authority as a priest and because he was accepted by the family, this was a grievous breach of trust against the young girl and her family. And the effect on the victim was on-going after 43 years and the offences were on the higher end of the scale. Mitigating factors were his plea albeit late, his age and the fact that prison would be onerous on him, although he was a fit person. The defendant had been of previous good character and had no previous or subsequent matters. The former priest was now on the Sex Offenders' Register and had a significant fall from grace. 83-year-old Con Cunningham, Glen Road, Carrick pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault against the female on dates between January 1, 1976 and December 31, 1976 at a location in Donegal. The defendant also pleaded guilty to a similar third count that occurred at an unknown location between Donegal and Dublin on dates between January 1, 1976 and June 30, 1977. The State entered a nolle prosequi on two other counts on the indictment, the court heard. Judge John Aylmer initially imposed a sentence of 15 months but suspended the final six months and the ex priest was bound to be of good behaviour and keep the peace on his own bond of 100 for a year. Peter Casey, runner-up in the Presidential election, was challenged by several members of the Travelling community on last night's Late Late Show. Casey, who has a business in Donegal and a home in Greencastle, said he will run for a Dail seat in Donegal, and maybe other constituencies as well. Asked why he thought it was acceptable to victimise Travellers further, Casey defended himself. I was not victimising anyone. Im all about inclusion. We need more inclusion. By marginalising a community, its wrong. During the Presidential campaign, Casey said that Travellers should not be recognised as an ethnic minority because they are basically people camping in someone elses land, and that Travellers are not paying their fair share of taxes in society. Last night, Casey repeated his position that no group should be treated differently. He agreed to meet representatives of the Travelling community at Pavee Point, which advocates on behalf of Travellers. Casey rounded on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar: "I think it's the first time in history that the Taoiseach got actually involved in actively campaigning against a candidate," he said. "Now it's not against the constitution - he can back a candidate - but it's totally in breach of the spirit of the constitution for him to get actually actively involved and actually try and work against somebody - somebody who was democratically nominated by four county councils 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. A huge crowd packed into St Nauls Church, Ardaghey to say Slan agus Beannacht to one of the areas most esteemed citizens. The coffin of the late and highly respected Jack Jordan was brought from the chapel in Ardaghey to a haunting rendition of Irish Solider Boy from his niece Aisling. And it was kind of fitting as the genial postman and father of 16 children was a true solider of Christ in his long and productive live in the parish of Inver. Jack Jordan was a rock, a beacon of light and sound counsel to his late wife Cassie, son Martin and to his large and extended family, the large crowd was told. He was a man of deep and immense faith and his family were his pride and joy. MAN OF THE SEA Jack was also a man of the sea and loved the thrill of fishing on the rolling tides of Inver Bay. He was born in Clydebank in Scotland in 1929, but came back to Ireland as a young man where he worked in Frosses, on the sea with the Fureys and then as a very conscientious post man in the area. Jack knew everybody and loved being a postman, but more importantly had time for everyone, the congregation was told. Family friend, Father Pat McGarvey, who was joined by Father Seamus Sweeny and Father Francis Ferry, told the congregation that people must have been wondering how many rooms there must have been in Keelogs to rear such a large family.I come from a large family myself and there is never enough rooms in any house to rear such a brood. Fr McGarvey said Jack was totally devoted to his wife and family and Jack was a man who took his time to prepare to go to Mass and that was how he bravely faced his passing by giving his family time to prepare for Jack to begin his journey to be with the Lord. LOVE OF HIS LIFE As a young man, Jack met the love of his life Cassie and were married for well over 50 years, in love, in happiness and in peace. And Jack was a quiet man, I often blamed Cassie for that, Fr McGarvey quipped. But Jack took everything in, had a great character and a great sense of who he was and pride in all that he had. His family were his pride and the joy and happiness the brought to Jack over the years and the growing up and the times that he and Cassie had with them, I would say they were a very happy bunch. Fr McGarvey added: And the family are very proud of Jack and all that he was. Jack was a man of faith, strong faith, committed faith and gave himself to God, to his family and to the parish. We were honoured with Jacks presence here many, many Sundays as a Eucharistic Minister. PARISH COUNCIL He also served on the Parish Council and had a few tight characters there, myself included, but we had a great Parish Council over the years. But Jack was always a listening ear and a guiding ear. He would listen carefully, and he would talk things over and he always gave good advice. Jack was always loyal and faithful and to the cemetery in a special way, as Cassie passed on and the little grotto was offered in her honour and he had left a little mark of his love for his family there. Jack was a very loyal postman and was proud to be a postman. He added: His wife Cassie and Martins deaths were sad and sudden, but Jack held the family together. His family in turn cared for him and loved him deeply. He was a listening man, a praying man, who offered prayers in their times of need. Jack had faith and hope for his family, for everything they could be and everything they were. When Noel got elected councillor (for Sinn Fein) Jack sat and he prayed away in the corner and giving out half the time that the politics wasnt always right. But he knew one day you might convert to Fianna Fail, to loud laughter in church. They always do, watch out,! Fr McGarvey told Jacks many grand and great grandchildren to hold his memory dear. He has gone to be with Cassie once more. Jack was predeceased by his son Martin and wife Cassie. He will be sadly missed by his sons, daughters ,grandchildren (32) ,greatgrandchildren (23), relations and neighbours . A report in an edition of the Democrat of this time of year in 1967 relates to a curious incident that occurred at Dundalk Railway Station. The report states: 'Dundalk Gardai recovered an eleven weeks old boy who had been kidnapped in Dublin and took into custody a woman from Northern Ireland who had the child with her on the "Enterprise" express train at Dundalk.' There is nothing more that I could find about the kidnapped baby found on the train at Dundalk in 1967 but it did bring to mind a sensational case that received much publicity when I was just beginning my journalistic career back in 1954. The story was known as the 'Berrigan Baby' kidnapping which received much media attention at the time. What had happened was that a young child named Patrick Berrigan was snatched from his pram in Camden Street while his mother had gone into a Woolworth store in the street on December 18, 1954. A reward was offered for information and, as a result, a woman came forward to say that she had seen a child answering the description of the Berrigan baby on a train to Belfast that evening. Some days later the police in Belfast entered a house where they found the Berrigan child and also found a four year old girl living in the same household who had been kidnapped in Dublin some years earlier. A third child had also been kidnapped from Dublin about the same time and, when the story hit the newspapers, there was panic among young mothers in the city. The same may have been true of the effects of the case in Dundalk at the time! The story was later made into a best selling novel called 'The Stolen Child'. 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. As if e-commerce companies didn't have enough problems with transacting securely and defending against things like fraud, another avalanche of security problems -- like cryptojacking, the act of illegally mining cryptocurrency on your end servers -- has begun. We've also seen a rise in digital credit card skimming attacks against popular e-commerce software such as Magento. Some of the attacks are relatively naive and un-targeted, taking advantage of lax security on websites found to be vulnerable, while others are highly targeted for maximum volume. Indeed, it's so ridiculous that there are websites such as MageReport.com and Mage Scan that will provide scans of your website for any client-facing malware. As for server-side problems, you might be out of luck. A lot of e-commerce software lives in a typical LAMP stack, and while there is a plethora of security software for Windows-based environments, the situation is fairly bleak for Linux. For a long time, Linux enjoyed a kind of smug arrogance with regard to security, and its advocates pooh-poohed the notoriously hackable Windows operating system. However, it's becoming ultra clear that it's just as susceptible, if not more so, for specific software such as e-commerce solutions. Bridges Falling Down Why have things seemingly gotten so much worse lately? It is not that security controls and processes have changed dramatically. It's more that the attacks have become more lucrative, more tempting, and easier to get away with, thanks to the rise of cryptocurrency. It allows attackers to generate money quickly, easily and, more important, anonymously. Folks -- this is the loudspeaker -- our digital roads and bridges are falling down. They are old and decrepit. Our security controls and processes have not kept pace with the rapid advancement of malware, it's ease of use, and its coupling with a new range of software that allows attackers to hide their trails more effectively. Things like cryptocurrency, however, are just the symptom of a greater issue. That issue is the fact that the underlying software foundations we've been using ever since the first browsers appeared are built on a fundamentally flawed architecture. Feature and Flaw The general purpose operating system that allowed every company to have a whole slew of easy-to-use desktop software in the 90s, and that built up amazingly large Internet companies in the early 2000s, has an Achilles heel. It is explicitly designed to run multiple programs on the same system -- such as cryptominers on the server that runs your WooCommerce or Magento application. It is an old concept that dates back to the late 1960s, when the first general purpose operating systems, such as Unix, were introduced. Back then, the computers had a business need to run multiple programs and applications on them. The systems back then were just too big and too expensive not to. They literally filled entire walls. That's not the case in 2018. Today our computers are "virtual," and they can be taken down and brought up with the push of a button -- usually by other programs. It's a completely different world. Now for end user computing devices such as personal laptops and phones, we want this design characteristic, as we have the need to use the browser, check our email, use the calendar and such. However, on the server side where our databases and websites live, it's a flaw. Virtual Ransacking This seemingly innocuous design characteristic is what allows attackers to run their programs, such as cryptominers, on your servers. It is what allows attackers to insert card skimmers into your websites. It is what allows the attackers to run malware on your servers that try and shut down other pieces of malware in order to remain the dominant attacker. Yes, you read that right -- many of these variants now have so much free rein on so many thousands of websites that they literally fight against each other for your computing resources. This is how bad it's gotten. It's as if the cryptocriminals threw a party at your house while you were gone and then got into a big brawl and tore up all your furniture and ransacked your house. Then they woke up the next day and laughed all the way to the bank. This isn't the only way to deploy software, though. Consider famous software companies such as Uber, Airbnb, Twitter and Facebook. If you talk to their engineers, they'll tell you that they already have to isolate a given program per server -- in this case, a virtual machine. Why? It's because they simply have too much software to begin with. Instead of dealing with a single database, they might have to deal with hundreds or thousands. Likewise, the old concept of allowing multiple users on a given system doesn't make a lot of sense anymore. It has evolved to the point where identity access management lives outside of the single server model. Hack Attacks Are Not Inevitable Unikernels embrace this new model of software provisioning yet enforce it at the same time. They run only one single application per virtual machine (the server). They can not, by design, run other programs on the same server. This completely prevents attackers from running their programs on your server. It prevents them from downloading new software onto the server and massively limits their ability to inject malicious content, such as credit card skimming scripts and cryptomining programs. Instead of scanning for hacked systems or unpatched systems waiting to be attacked, you could even run outdated software that has known bugs in it, and these same styles of attacks would fall flat, as there would be no capability to execute them. This is all enforced at the operating system level and backed by hardware baked-in isolation. Are we going to continue to let the cryptocriminals run free on our servers? How are you going to call the cops on people you can't even see who might live halfway around the world? Don't fall prey to the notion that hackers are natural disasters and it's only inevitable that they'll get you one day. It doesn't need to be like that. We don't have to deploy our software like we are using computers from the 1970s. It's time that we rebuilt our digital infrastructure. Ian Eyberg is CEO of NanoVMs, based in San Francisco. A self-taught expert in computer science, specifically operating systems and mainstream security, Eyberg is dedicated to initiating a revolution and mass-upgrading of global software infrastructure, which for the most part is based on 40-year-old tired technology. Prior to cracking the code of unikernels and developing a commercial viable solution, Eyberg was an early engineer at Appthority, an enterprise mobile security company. 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. Google took on French lawyers at the European Union Court of Justice this week, in an effort to fend off expansion of the EU's "right to be forgotten" judgment. The EU's attempts to broaden the scope of that judgment would be "completely unenvisagable," and it could result in impositions on the values of different countries around the world, Google argued. The right to be forgotten directive, which the EU imposed six years ago, allows individuals to request the removal of content from a search engine. Although details about the actual review process were not disclosed, EU regulators released guidelines in the fall of 2014. However, Google already had removed nearly 1.4 million URLs months earlier. The company has maintained that it accommodated reasonable requests. Google earlier this year said that it had complied with 43 percent of the 2.4 million requests it received between 2014 and 2017. One point of disagreement is over the EU's proposal that delinking requests made by EU citizens be implemented by Google globally and not be limited to European versions of the search engine. European regulators have called for Google to delink the content to prevent circumvention of the law. Google so far has refused the French Data Protection Agency's demand to apply the right to be forgotten internationally, which has resulted in the search company becoming the subject of a four-year-long antitrust investigation. The French watchdog group, Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertes (CNIL) this week argued before the 15-judge panel that by limiting the delinking to Europe alone, content would be rendered difficult to find, but it would not be removed. For example, information could be retrieved from non-EU URLs or by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) tool to conduct the searches, the group noted. Google is not the only tech company to face fines under the right to be forgotten law. Yahoo, Microsoft, Facebook and Twitter also have had to comply with requests to be forgotten in the EU. More EU Regulations on the Way While Google has been attempting to push back against the right to be forgotten law, regulators in the EU have been pushing for more privacy and data protection. The EU earlier this year implemented the General Data Protection Regulation, which gives consumers greater control of personal data collected by companies online. The EU recently has been considering rules that would require search engines and social media companies to remove alleged terrorist propaganda from their respective platforms within an hour of a "competent" authority's notification. Europe, which has experienced a rash of terrorist attacks, evidently aims to crack down on the spread of such propaganda online, including its use as a recruiting tool. In his annual State of the Union speech, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called for the removal of such content as way to reduce the likelihood of attacks. Addressing terrorist threats is just one topic in the back-and-forth discussions between the European Commission and tech companies. The companies have emphasized the progress they've made in removing extremist content via automated detection technology. Google, Facebook and other companies have not yet responded to the EU's calls for action, but given the nature of Juncker's message, the tech companies may find it difficult to mount opposition. It's highly unlikely that any of them would characterize stopping terrrorism as an overreach. "Governments have many rights and powers but only one true unalienable responsibility -- to protect and nurture the citizens that underlie that government," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. "France, in this instance, is stepping up to this responsibility and applying it broadly as they should," he told TechNewsWorld. "Facebook isn't obligated under the First Amendment freedom of speech," noted social media consultant Lon Sakfo, "and they aren't required to print everything every nut-bag has to say." Torture videos and worse have been posted online. "There are just some things that don't belong on a happy social network," Safko told TechNewsWorld. Is There a Right Way to Be Forgotten? How this plays out could revolve around the issue of the so-called "right" to be forgotten, especially when so much online content seems to live forever. Fully addressing the problem could involve much more than enforcing a regulation. Someone, somewhere still could keep the content alive. "The scope of complying with the EU's expansion of 'the right to be forgotten' is hard to conceive," said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. "An inadequate comparison would be to demand that libraries be responsible for all the information in the books on their shelves, as well as for removing citations that individuals believe are inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive," he told TechNewsWorld. "The fact is that libel laws offer people ways to pursue and police such information in hard copy publications, but nothing similar exists for online content," King added. "This goofy scenario could become even more complex and costly if Google and other search companies were required to exert these control mechanisms on a country-by-country basis according to differing regulations," he suggested. "Google has taken a hard-line stand on removing anything from their index," said Safko. "Since the beginning, it has said they are not the Internet police, and they will not make determinations of what should be indexed." EU Overreach? Clearly, the right to be forgotten is not something that easily can be contained within the borders of the EU. Does it follow that regulators in Europe should have a say about what individuals across the world can -- or in this case, cannot -- see? "This isn't only an issue for Google," said Niles Rowland, director of product development for The Media Trust. Other tech giants with a global reach also have come under threat from a growing number of EU laws, Rowland told TechNewsWorld. Google knows it's being watched closely -- not only by regulators, but also by other companies and consumers. It has been treading carefully between complying with EU privacy laws and ensuring that they do not exceed the intended scope and jurisdiction, Rowland pointed out. "Google is not alone in opposing the expansion. The EU executive arm, human rights activists and others see the potential for abuse by heads of countries with weak democratic traditions," he added. "The 'right to be forgotten' for the EU is very relevant," said Laurence Pitt, strategic security director at Juniper Networks. It "means that businesses and individuals have to act as data controllers for the information that they post to, or host on, the Internet -- whether or not they own it," he explained. "Google alone has had hundreds of thousands of individual requests for data to be removed -- the workload for this is huge," Pitt told TechNewsWorld. This is where it gets complicated. Should Google somehow be required to expand the EU directive globally isn't feasible, given current international laws. "It needs to be driven by a global agreement with all countries around the world approving the change," suggested Pitt. "Otherwise, it's simply not workable." An Issue of Privacy One major consideration is whether this is, in fact, simply about protecting consumer privacy online -- and if so, whether privacy protections should be limited to one continent. "The request of the EU has some legs. It doesn't make sense to be forgotten on one version of Google's search site but not on another, just on the grounds of a different language or a different geographical location," suggested Mounir Hahad, head of Juniper Threat Labs at Juniper Networks. "An EU citizen could be traveling to non-EU countries and inadvertently have access to search results that are supposed to be filtered," he told TechNewsWorld. For those motivated to find filtered information, a VPN connection is all it takes, and there are many free ones available. "Governments have been slow to realize that the digital information that describes, constrains and defines it citizens should be protected as part of this responsibility," observed Enderle. "I've always thought that, given companies like Google are largely funded by mining and selling this information, they would either be nationalized or constrained," he added. "More countries in the EU, and eventually the U.S., will follow this example." How This Will Change Online Business One of the major concerns being voiced by opponents of the EU's right to be forgotten and GDPR, is how these regulations could impact online businesses. Expanding the scope won't have any substantial impact on the way businesses use the Internet, according to Hahad. "The current situation, if it stands, may indeed push some businesses to bypass EU local search engine versions in favor of unfiltered ones," he said. "On the contrary, companies would prefer to apply the same rules across the globe and not have to deal with local regulations." However, there is the view that it still boils down to censorship -- even if done for compelling reasons, such as to stop terrorist propaganda, or simply to keep personal information truly personal. Governments could determine what actually was fake news, and potentially even censor content that they found offensive to their positions. "In such a situation, terrible deeds could be perpetrated without fear of censure, repercussion, or even the judgment of history," said Douglas Crawford, online privacy expert at BestVPN.com. These deeds simply would disappear from the public record, Crawford told TechNewsWorld. "Whatever happens, though, the right to be forgotten ruling will have little impact on the way business is done in Europe," he added. "What will make a difference to Americans doing business in Europe, though, is how and when [Europe] chooses to enforce the Privacy Shield obligations that the U.S. government agreed to in 2016," Crawford said. Although the deadline for meeting these obligations has now passed, the EU has yet to respond. Many businesses still could be taking a wait-and-see approach. "Businesses will likely choose between shifting resources to the less regulated markets or taking a blanket approach, where the most stringent measures are applied across the board," said The Media Trust's Rowland. "The blanket approach will most likely be the most frequently used, which will lead to a universal application of the most stringent laws," he added, "and in short, consolidation rather than fracturing could be the result." The final question may be what right does one region have to enforce its rules on another region that doesn't want them? "There hasn't been any shortage of countries that already try to enforce their own censorship rules locally," said Crawford, "but these have no power to exert their version of reality on the world at large, and thereby permanently change the historical record." Peter Suciu has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2012. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, mobile phones, displays, streaming media, pay TV and autonomous vehicles. He has written and edited for numerous publications and websites, including Newsweek, Wired and FoxNews.com. Email Peter. (REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany)Relatives of victims react to coffins arriving to the Coptic church that was bombed on Sunday in Tanta, Egypt, April 9, 2017. The World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit has condemned the twin attacks on Coptic Christians in the Helwan area south of Cairo in which 12 people were killed. Ten people died when gunmen tried to storm the Mar Mina church, a Coptic Christian church near the capital Cairo in Egypt on Dec. 29, but were intercepted by police. About an hour later, a Coptic-owned shop in the same area was attacked, leaving two dead. "Once again, people going about their daily lives, in celebration of holidays, have suffered violent attacks," said Tveit. "We must join together, not just to condemn these actions but to strengthen our pursuit of just peace, and our resolve not to allow extremist violence to separate us from each other." The WCC issued an appeal to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, to religious leaders and to governments across the region "to act swiftly and boldly to safeguard the fundamental religious rights of all faiths, to ensure security in the face of violence and to guarantee justice for all people." Tveit assured those in Egypt and across the world that the WCC fellowship stands with them in prayer, mourning and steadfast hope. "We pray for the victims and their families, and for the church leaders," he said, "and we seek God's mercy, love and grace that we may be empowered with strength to continue our pilgrimage of justice and peace." "Through prayer, action and unity, we can bring a powerful force of love in the wake of terror and violence," he said. Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christians are frequently targeted in Egypt. During a Palm Sunday service in April at least 45 people were killed and scores more injured during bomb attacks in two separate cities. In May nearly 30 people were killed when gunmen attacked a bus carrying Coptic Christians heading to a monastery and a Coptic Orthodox priest was stabbed to death in Cairo in October. Egypt is a Muslim-majority country and its Christian minority - mostly members of the Coptic Orthodox Church - make up around 10 percent of the population. The attacks have been blamed on, and in many cases claimed by, Islamists affiliated with IS the terrorist group that claims to act in the name of Islam. Decision-makers with responsibility for capital need to make bold, upfront investments in innovative sustainability solutions to limit climate change. An improved understanding of physical climate risks can help make this 'strategy overhaul' happen Climate change is already starting to manifest through physical risks such as floods, wildfires and hurricanes. This, in combination with the need to get to net-zero emissions as quickly as possible globally by 2050 at the latest and much earlier in richer nations means investors and businesses will need to understand how to incorporate climate risks into their investment and strategic decisions. Investors are already taking action. The UNEP Finance Initiative's Investor Agenda, developed with a number of partners such as the PRI, CDP, IIGCC and Ceres, aims to help large institutional investors improve their reporting on climate risks and scale up investment needed to meet global climate targets. Regulators are also making efforts to address climate risk. Last month, the UK's Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) published a draft supervisory statement saying insurers and banks should strategically manage and report their climate risks, using scenario analysis. The Task-force for Financial Disclosure (TCFD) recommendations are also pushing climate change higher up on investors' agendas. The recommendations "have been a huge boom launching this discussion among institutions that never talked about climate change at all", says David Lunsford, Co-Founder and Head of Development at Carbon Delta. The EIT Climate KIC-supported company has developed the Climate Change Value at Risk (Climate VaR) evaluation tool identifying how much a company's value is affected by climate change. But Lunsford highlights the TCFD recommendations are still voluntary and might not "have a real bite". The introduction of mandatory climate reporting, calls for which were rejected by the UK government and has so far only been implemented in France through Article 173, "would be the real proof in the pudding", he adds. Companies and cities can already get an understanding of the risks they are facing should TCFD disclosure become mandatory, through the CDP-led project Reimagining Disclosure, also supported by EIT Climate-KIC. Regulatory initiatives help to put climate change on the agenda but "we need a lot of work on how to mobilise the capital and the use of financial instruments" to drive the investment needed to manage and prevent climate risks, says Srini Sundaram, CEO of technology company Agvesto. The company provides data on portfolio exposure to climate and weather risks in agriculture and helps financial organisations develop risk transfer strategies. Making investors aware of climate-related risks and how to manage them will likely play a huge role in accelerating the capital required to mainstream climate change into the financial system. Enormous amounts of upfront capital, rather than incremental investments, will be needed to back innovative solutions and partnerships that can help limit climate change to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, says Kirsten Dunlop, CEO of EIT-Climate KIC. A better understanding of climate risks should help trigger this transformation, she adds. "If you show decision-makers with responsibility for capital that if they don't act now they'll either be faced with new needs that will be met by others or they'll have stranded assets, then it begins to look like a wise business decision to invest upfront to manage the strategic risk," says Dunlop. "And that's where you begin to unlock the interest of organisations that understand sustainability comes with adjacent benefits, and it's best to be involved and benefit from this early on." This is echoed Lunsford who says: "If physical climate extremes start to get really bad and this results in a knee-jerk reaction from politicians that then kicks in a 1.5C scenario, you will really feel this if you've not taken early action." "There's plenty of low-hanging fruit and plenty of ways to rebalance your portfolio," he says. Climate risks and how to address them will be explored at next week's Mission Finance Climate Innovation Summit, hosted by EIT Climate-KIC in Dublin on 6-8 November. Themes include the legal and financial risks of getting to net-zero and how to make financial decisions that incorporate physical climate risks. To register for the Climate Innovation Summit please click here 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. Candidates for Edgewood Independent School District board seats face uncertainty on when the winners will get to serve, since trustees are still transitioning from more than two years of state control. In South San Antonio ISD, the boards relative stability could be shaken as challengers to incumbents call for change. Elections for those and other school districts, including two bond issues, will be decided Tuesday. Edgewood ISD In Edgewood ISD, two current board members who were appointed by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath in 2016 are seeking election to their seats: Stella Camacho, 54, and Richard Santoyo, 64. Camacho is unopposed for Place 2 while Santoyo faces Dina Serrano, 35, a community activist and subsitute teacher, in the race for Place 6. Santoyo, a retired emergency medical services professional, was on the board that hired new superintendent Eduardo Hernandez this summer and said he is running to support the new leaders initiatives. I really think a lot of these new innovations that hes bringing forth are going to come to fruition and I want to be around, Santoyo said. Serrano, a former teachers aide in Edgewood who has a masters degree in early childhood education from Texas A&M University San Antonio, said she has long aspired to serve as a trustee. James Hernandez, 26, who recently lost a bid for a seat on the Alamo Colleges board, is running unopposed for Place 1. Luis Gomez, 67, who ran in 2016 before dropping out because he was also working for the district as a construction consultant, is unapposed for Place 3. This summer Morath said he wanted Edgewood back under a locally elected seven-member board by May 2020, but has not signaled how fast or in what order he will replace the appointees with elected trustees. Those running now may wait more than a year to serve their four-year terms. Morath reinstated two elected members in July, but one, Edward Romero, stepped down without giving a reason. The current board will decide whether to call a special election to fill his seat or appoint a replacement, Board President Roy Soto has said. South San Antonio ISD Three incumbent South San ISD board members face challengers. The board has largely recovered from years of infighting and its enrollment drop was smaller than expected this year, but trustees have had to defend a D rating from the state and the closure of three campuses. Board president Angelina Osteguin, 44, elected in 2014, faces a challenge from Mandy Martinez, 34, for the District 1 seat. Martinez, who listed her employment as a senior specialist on her filing paperwork, did not respond to interview requests. Osteguin, who co-owns a CPR training center, is promoting her experience as a trustee and the districts long-term progress. During her time on the board, South San has received less attention for negativity, she said, and more for its participation in a Texas Education Agency support network that tries to focus district leaders on student outcomes. Osteguin credits it with reducing the fighting among trustees that led to state oversight with an appointed conservator. The board sometimes fails to effectively communicate, made plain by the failure of a tax ratification electin this year, she said. The community felt we werent giving them what that money would be used for, she said. Theres not enough trust, and we have to build on that. Edward Mungia, 25, an aide to City Councilman Rey Saldana who was appointed to fill the District 3 seat in January, also pointed to his board experience, including the TEA training, as reasons for electing him. To combat declining enrollment, were going to have to look at incorporating community partners into the fold, he said, proposing more collaborative work with Port San Antonio, Texas A&M University San Antonio and Palo Alto College on programs that attract students. Both he and Osteguin supported the failed election proposal to raise the property tax rate and said it would be up to the districts new superintendent, Alexandro Flores, to recommend whether to try again. Mungias opponent, Homer Flores, 46, a salesman for Chuys Produce, said the tax ratification election motivated him to run. Voters opposition to it reflected the fracture and disconnect between the community and the folks that represent them, he said. Why would we want our taxes raised? he said, adding that any kind of increase hurts low-income families in the district. He wants the district to move quickly to repurpose the three closed campuses, and to see South San get a little bit more creative to attract students. District 6 incumbent Luis Rodriguez, 65, said people calling for change on the board dont understand how much its already been transformed. The TEA program, Lone Star Governance, named South San a mentor district for others trying to implement leadership improvements I dont know if people realize how big this is, he said. Less than two years ago, we had a (state) conservator. Rodriguez, a retired budget analyst at the local A&M campus, was appointed to fill an open seat in spring 2018. He said that while there was frustration over the closure of three schools in 2017, we cant go back. Its about what can we do for our students from this point forward, he said. His opponent, Gilbert Rodriguez, 45, did not respond to requests for comment. All three incumbents received campaign contributions from Rey Saldanas Campaign Fund and from San Antonio Kids First, a political action committee. Former superintendent Abelardo Saavedra, who left the district on Oct. 13, also donated to Osteguins and Luis Rodriguezs campaign, according to campaign finance reports. The donations were made on Oct. 9, after the board had voted 6-1 to buy out part of his remaining contract. Shirley Ibarra Pena, 45, is unopposed for the District 4 seat to replace Leticia Guerra, who is not seeking reelection. Somerset ISD In Somerset ISD, four candidates are unopposed, three of them incumbents, for four-year terms. Tim Segura, 45, a human resources director with Talent Acquisition, will succeed Omar Pachecano in District 2, joined by incumbents Don Green, 45, Elizabeth Hansen, 42, and Sandra Rosales, 44. East Central ISD East Central ISD has two contested board races. Incumbent Michael Feller, 59, faces challenger Monique Presas, 56, a former board member, in District 2. In District 5, Gloria Gutierrez, 71, a retired regional business director for the Texas Health and Human Services Department, is challenging incumbent James Mulkey, 67. Presas defeated Feller for a board seat in 2003. Last year, she stepped down because her daughter, a registered nurse, went to work as a teacher in the districts health occupations program. Feller was appointed to fill the term. State law allows an elected official who steps down due to the hiring of a relative to seek office a year later. Presas said her daughters employment would not affect her decision-making. Trustees look at a department as a whole, she added, and rarely make decisions about a single employee. Similarly, Gutierrez is seeking the seat she once held before stepping down for the same reason her son started a teaching job in East Central. Mulkey was appointed to finish her term in 2011. Mulkey said he hopes to continue work hes been involved in, including the $86.1 million bond voters approved in 2016. Incumbents Dell Braziel in District 7, and board president Steve Bryant in District 1 are unopposed. Southwest ISD The district is asking voters to approve a $75 million bond issue that is not projected to increase the tax rate. Major projects include renovations to Southwest High School and Scobee Middle School and a new natatorium. Southside ISD A year after the districts last bond, trustees decided to ask voters for another $17.25 million in debt, which is not expected to increase tax rates. This years proposal would mostly pay for athletic projects, most of it for a new indoor facility for band, dance, cheerleading, Reserve Officers' Training Corps and community use. Krista Torralva covers several school districts and public universities in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | Krista.Torralva@express-news.net | Twitter: @KMTorralva A jury took two hours Friday to find a former Ballet San Antonio dancer not guilty of sexual assault allegations made by a former ballerina in the company. The defense argued that the accuser regretted having consensual sex after the two slept in her bed in March 2017. Prosecutors said Hugo Ihosvany Rodriguez, 27, once a rising star with the dance company, never received a hint of approval yet forced himself on her. He could have faced up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Hugo is elated and relieved, said defense lawyer James Tocci. I think the strongest evidence for Hugo was his eagerness to be forthcoming with the police and to not hide evidence. Eventually the truth came out. He said he thought he saw some of the jurors nodding when he spoke, so I think they saw what we were presenting to them as the truth. Outside the courtroom, the mother of the woman who made the allegations against Rodriguez was sobbing and had her head in her hands. Its a big loss for women everywhere, the woman said as prosecutors came to console her. No one goes through something like this because of a misunderstanding, she said. It takes so much strength to do what she did. She has been so brave and so strong. I think she will use this experience to help other people who have been put in this position. (The Express-News does not identify complainants in sexual-assault cases.) The allegation of sexual assault came to light in the spring, a turbulent time for the citys premier ballet company, which performs at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Willy Shives, the ballets artistic director, departed in May without explanation. The ballet had launched an internal investigation after a group of former dancers sent letters to the board complaining about Shives. Rodriquez was fired. The ballet, a nonprofit, had also suffered a loss of $140,000, on revenue of $1.58 million, during its 2016 fiscal year, according to tax records. At the trial Friday, Tocci told the seven-man, five-woman jury that the accuser had lied to prosecutors about a kiss she shared with the defendant at a bar hours prior to the alleged assault and that she lied to the jury when she claimed late in the trial to have suddenly remembered it. If you dont believe she lied to your faces, then you havent been paying attention, Tocci told the jury. In 20 years (of legal practice), Ive never heard of someone just coming in and magically recalling such an important detail. Prosecutor Anna Scott countered: Its very common in sexual assault to remember things in pieces, to not remember everything at once. Victims are trying to get to the other side of the event and not trying to store every last detail that the defense may want. No one is saying he thought he was going to go out and rape (the dancer) that night, Scott continued. Were saying he decided to have sex with her even when the night wasnt going the way he planned that though he didnt have the green light (to have sex) he went through with it anyway. The accuser told the jury earlier in the week that she, Rodriguez and several members of the dance company went to a colleagues house for a party March 12, 2017, and then afterward to a bar. About 1 a.m., she and her roommate, also a colleague, decided to go home, she testified. I was tired. Wed been drinking. I knew it was time for bed. Once home, she said she took off her makeup, brushed her teeth and went to bed. A few hours later, she said, He was inside me, having sex with me, raping me. I woke up because I felt him. It kind of took me a second to focus my eyes. Rodriguez knew both women and said he had previously slept at their apartment. Though not invited to come back to their place, Rodriguez stopped by and got the roommate to let him in so he could sleep on the couch. He had sent the woman numerous text messages prior to arriving, asking if he could come over, but she testified she was asleep and never answered them. After their encounter in the bedroom, the woman testified that she banged on her roommates 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? Under questioning by Scott, the accuser said she would have never given her consent for sex and had given Rodriguez no suggestion she would have. Tocci reminded jurors in his closing statement that Rodriguez ended the sexual intercourse immediately when the woman said, Stop, left the apartment without incident and later fully cooperated with detectives. He never tried to conceal evidence of text messages and photos on his cellphone, Tocci said. Dont send an innocent man to prison, he said. Ask yourself, does this sound like sexual assault or a girl having consensual sex that she later regrets? Bruce Selcraig is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read his stories on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | BSelcraig@express-news.net The Pentagon has been landing transport planes in Texas for almost a week, part of a deployment of as many as 15,000 active-duty troops to the border on a mission that critics say has less to do with national security than its impact on midterm elections. Operation Faithful Patriot erupted as a partisan flashpoint after President Donald Trump announced his intention to send soldiers and equipment to the border to prevent several thousand impoverished Central Americans from entering the country. In tweets and at rallies, Trump has said without evidence that a caravan of men, women and children making their way on foot through Mexico contained some very bad thugs and gang members, unidentified Middle Easterners and some very tough fighters and has suggested they would try to storm the border by force. Several former military and intelligence leaders scoffed at the purported threat. The troops being deployed have no military objective, said Michael Hayden, a retired Air Force general who was the CIA director under President George W. Bush. This represents security theater and is not based upon any concrete request made by anyone, said Hayden, who also led the National Security Agency and once commanded the Air Intelligence Agency here. The caravan is 900 miles away and frankly not an unprecedented event (It) has never required this kind of response in the past. The caravan started in Honduras. It and two other convoys loosely organized behind it are weeks away if they arrive at all. Previous such efforts have disintegrated before reaching the border, with some of the travelers joining an ongoing drama of individuals and family groups seeking asylum at U.S. ports of entry or surrendering to border agents after crossing without papers. The Central Americans typically cite threats to their lives from gangs, other criminals and their own governments. So far, they have not been dissuaded by a week of promises by Trump to prevent their entry to the U.S. by force if necessary. Rules of engagement As with the multistate National Guard border operation that Trump ordered last spring, the deployment is designed to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations. The troops are not allowed to act in a law enforcement capacity and cant detain or arrest immigrants. They work under rules of engagement designed to minimize the chance of incidents like the 1997 fatal shooting of Esequiel Hernandez, 18, by a four-man Marine unit outside the West Texas town of Redford. Hernandez was herding his familys goats; his death abruptly ended training exercises of armed military personnel on the border. A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. William Speaks, declined to discuss hypothetical situations or specific measures within our rules on the use of force, but our forces are trained professionals who always have the inherent right of defense. The militarys use of force rules allow unit commanders and their troops to exercise self-defense to a hostile act or demonstrated hostile intent. Trump suggested Thursday that the troops were allowed to shoot at anyone who throws rocks at them, saying, I will tell you this, anybody throwing stones, rocks like they did to Mexico we will consider that a firearm. That is not how the armed forces have long interpreted rules of engagement in Iraq or Afghanistan. The president invoked a national emergency at the southern border to justify blocking immigrants from requesting asylum, based on a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act under which the president can suspend or restrict entry of certain migrants he deems detrimental to the interests of the United States. The announcement was the presidents most controversial in a week in which he sought to make immigration the defining issue for voters in Tuesdays elections. Before Trump walked back his comments Friday, saying rock throwers would be subject to arrest, the reaction on Twitter from retired military brass was biting. A wasteful deployment of over-stretched Soldiers and Marines would be made much worse if they use force disproportional to the threat they face. They wont, wrote retired Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, a former Joint Chiefs chairman. The border deployments of Guard and active-duty troops could cost $200 million by the end of 2018, according to analyst and Pentagon figures compiled by the Washington Post. Retired Army Gen. Mark Hertling, who commanded U.S. Army Europe, said there is no leader in the military Officer or NCO who would allow a soldier to shoot at an individual throwing a rock. Two military justice scholars, Geoffrey Corn of South Texas College of Law and St. Marys University School of Law professor Jeff Addicott, said the rules dont change even when a president declares a national emergency or airs his opinion on what the rules should be. Troops can fire their weapons only when confronting a threat of death or great bodily harm to themselves, others in their unit, or a federal agent, Corn said. Addicott, who calls himself a constitutional conservative agreed, saying, A rock thrower does not represent deadly force. All for show Criticism of the border operation has come from lawmakers, former soldiers and defense scholars who questioned the rationale or the appropriateness of the policy. Sending troops to the border is a Band-Aid that does not address systemic CBP personnel shortages or stop the flow of migration from Central America, said U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-San Antonio. Its highly unlikely that active-duty troops are needed to provide capabilities the National Guard doesnt have, said retired Marine Lt. Gen. Paul Van Riper, a former commanding general of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, who is known for being a mentor to James Mattis, the secretary of defense. Its purely political, its all for show, Van Riper said. Jacqueline Hazelton, who teaches counterinsurgency and counterterrorism at the U.S. Naval War College, agreed that the National Guard would be more effective at supporting border security based on its traditional role helping state and local authorities in times of crisis. In addition to there being no need for the skills of active-duty forces they are specialists in the uses of violence there are legal complications to trying to use them, Hazelton said. Theres no indication that unarmed people who have the right to ask for entry would be able to bum rush a Border Patrol checkpoint even if they wanted to, she added. The National Guard operation Trump ordered last spring was still at 50 percent of its planned strength when he directed the Defense Department to dramatically enlarge the border military footprint with soldiers and airmen from around the country. Some wondered why he didnt ask governors from the four states that border Mexico for more part-time troops. Democrats and cynics had an answer Election Day. Asked how long the mission might last, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, said, Probably until the day after the election. The presidents border rhetoric came amid a political landscape that could result with Democrats retaking the U.S. House and Republicans holding, and perhaps expanding, their Senate majority. Trump appears to be trying to pull undecided voters toward Republican candidates and, more importantly, mobilize voters to go to the polls, Rice University political scientist Mark Jones said. Southern Methodist University political science professor Cal Jillson called the strategy a full-court press designed to bring immigration, border security, law and order and the nature of American citizenship into play. By threatening Tuesday to use an executive order to end birthright citizenship, Trump is questioning the legitimacy of ethnic groups, he said. There are certain people who are not welcome in America. This is a very old American story. We just havent seen it this explicitly in recent times. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, initially said the military partnership with Customs and Border Protection would enhance the capabilities of federal agents, but he also has called the deployment neither sensible nor responsible. Cuellar noted that Trump had attacked Mexicans early in his presidential campaign. Thats his basic M.O. (modus operandi), Cuellar said. If hes going to go after somebody, hes delegitimizes that person or that group and thats what hes doing, saying immigrants shouldnt even be here because theyre not U.S. citizens, and they shouldnt count. Politicizing the military Some worry that Trumps repeated invoking of the need for troops will have an unintended consequence tainting public perception of the military by leaving a partisan smell on a deliberately apolitical institution. I feel bad for everyone from Sec. Mattis and Gen. Dunford down to the fine young men and women whove volunteered to serve our country that theyre being used for this political stunt, conservative commentator Bill Kristol tweeted. But Im sure theyll handle this with their usual competence and professionalism. Mattis rejected the notion that troops were being used to improve Republican election chances, telling reporters, We don't do stunts in this department, thank you. Retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey said he did not fear a loss of support for the armed forces. We dont want to hear one word of the Joint Chiefs pushing back in public on the president of the United States unless they receive an illegal order, he said. The Congress, the media, the court system, the voters can push back. Hayden, who served 41 years in the Air Force, said he understands Mattis and other leaders must follow lawful orders, noting that he and other retired military officers are speaking up because people in government cant. What Im concerned about is the whole dilemma now being placed on senior officers to faithfully carry out the orders of the president in a highly political context that the president has created, Hayden said. This is usually about senior officials, not battalion commanders or anything like that, but I often (ask) at what point do you cease being a guardrail and you become an enabler or a legitimizer for actions we should not be taking, he said. This may not be sufficient for many people, and I have no right to judge, but I do understand that there may come such a moment. sigc@express-news.net Tom Reel /San Antonio Express-News Local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, the San Antonio Food Bank and Humana are sponsoring the March Out Hunger food drive through Veterans Day to help military veterans and members in need. Twenty five drop-off locations have been set up across the area to receive nonperishable food items until Nov. 11. Animal abuse cases are a focus of the race for Bexar County Court-at-Law No. 14, as incumbent Judge Susan Skinner is challenged by former Judge Carlo Key in her bid for a second term. Skinner, who created the first animal abuse docket for the county, has received numerous accolades from animal advocate groups, prompting her Democratic challenger to question whether she can be fair in those cases. Its a legitimate concern that some have, Key said. Its important that a judge is neutral and detached and theres no appearance of impropriety at all. Skinner, a Republican, said shes never received money from any animal organizations. The Animal Legal Defense Fund did select her as one of Americas Top Ten Animal Defenders for 2018, but she said that award was unsolicited and was for her efforts in creating the docket. I have to be fair and unbiased, Skinner said. I belong to no animal boards. Disturbing number She said she started the docket because when she first took the bench, she noticed the oldest cases on many county court-at-law dockets involved animal abuse charges. With the approval of her fellow judges, cases were transferred to her court and she began clearing them. What she found surprising was that there were only 54 active animal cruelty cases. For the size of Bexar County, it was disturbing because there should have been hundreds of cases, because we know animal cruelty is occurring, she said. Animal cruelty has now come to the forefront, (and) these cases are getting the attention they deserve. Skinner said the court is working closely with Animal Care Services, the district attorneys office and the countys probation department. She also presides over hoarder cases, working often with pet owners who think theyre helping the animals, she said, but who are among those most likely to be repeat offenders and often live in the same unhealthy conditions as the animals. After the issue of animal abuse cases, both candidates stressed their experience in running for the bench. Skinner, 60, said that with her 30 years of experience as a defense lawyer, social worker, probation officer and prosecutor, she brings a unique perspective. I respectfully ask for a persons vote, she said, because I feel I have earned their vote. Past experience Key, 43, who is in private practice, focuses on DWI and drug cases. He was an assistant district attorney in Bexar County and worked several years in private practice before he was elected to County Court-at-Law No. 11, where he presided from 2011 to 2014. He returned to private practice after he lost his bid for re-election in 2014. Key said that when he was judge, he had one of the most efficient courtrooms in the county. I was never overturned, and I had one of the highest overall approval ratings of those who appeared before me during my time on the bench, he said. If I get an opportunity to get back on the bench, it would be bringing four more years of experience. Hopefully, I can do things even better. For her part, Skinner said she has reduced misdemeanor cases on her docket by 40 percent since the start of her term. I feel that misdemeanor judges are in a position to keep people from re-offending, she said. If we identify what the reason was for committing the offense and address that, we can keep recidivism down. 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 AUSTIN Republican Gov. Greg Abbott wants to limit how much money local school districts can raise each year through property taxes, promising the state will make up the difference, according to an 80-page proposal his office has shared with business groups and school officials. But Abbotts plan does not detail how the state will make up for billions of dollars of revenue Texas school districts would lose. He floated the 2.5-percent cap in January as he ramped up his bid for re-election. Now he is showing the plan to school officials months before the legislative session begins in January, worrying some lawmakers who say it wouldnt fix inequities in Texas school finance system. School finance is expected to be a top priority for the Legislature, which failed to make meaningful reforms in 2017 and afterwards created a 13-member commission to come up with ways to better fund schools and provide Texans property tax relief. The release of Abbotts plan makes a mockery out of the whole process, said Rep. Diego Bernal, a San Antonio Democrat on the commission. The panel has spent 10 months studying state revenue, expenditures and educational outcomes and expects to produce a recommendation by the end of the year. A spokeswoman for the governors office emphasized that Abbotts proposal, which was leaked to the press, is still a work in progress. There have not been any final recommendations released from our office or the commission, said the spokeswoman, Ciara Matthews. The Governor and his team continue to work with the commission and various stakeholders to solicit ideas on ways to improve education in Texas. Abbott has made education a focus of his campaign, promising at a recent rally in Williamson County to raise teacher wages. His education and tax reform proposal, first reported by the Texas Tribune, includes raising wages for high-performing teachers who opt to teach in low-performing schools and incentivizing schools for student performance. Related: Gov. Abbotts call for more teachers making $100,000 draws skepticism But the bulk of Abbotts proposal focuses on property taxes. Abbott wants to prevent school districts from collecting more than 2.5 percent more in property tax revenue than they did the previous year. Currently, state law allows local governments, including school districts, to raise property tax revenue by 8 percent per year without voter approval. Under the proposal, property-wealthy school districts such as Houston ISD and Alamo Heights ISD would turn over less money to the state in recapture payments that go to districts that reap less property tax revenue. But that change alone would require the state to make deep cuts to education funding, or come up with an additional $3 billion a year by 2023. State revenues will be utilized to ensure districts do not lose money as a result of this compression of tax collections, Abbotts presentation notes in bold. But it provides no details on how the state will make up the difference. At a school finance forum Thursday in the City Education Partners office in San Antonio, Bernal said Abbotts plan has some features he likes, such as paying high-performing teachers to teach at low-performing schools, but that would require even more money. Add to that the fact that the revenue caps are the cornerstone of the plan and you get the clear sense that school finance is being used as a Trojan horse for a tax plan. That means its not about Texas children at all, Bernal said. He said the commission has met often and probably will hold seven or eight more meetings this year. All its members, across ideologies, seemed to agree on the value of three things: dual language programs, high-quality full-day prekindergarten and deploying the best resources and personnel to consistently failing schools, Bernal said. The commission could recommend funding for one or all three of those things, but I dont know if weve made any progress on updates to the funding formula, he said. The governors presentation used levels of poverty in San Antonio school districts to illustrate changes to how his plan would calculate new weights for educating low-income students added to the states basic per-pupil funding for school districts. Bernal said it would add fractions of fractions to outdated weights calculated three decades ago. Bernal tried unsuccessfully last session to get the Legislature to investigate the current cost for educating a low-income or English learner student to state standards. He said he has reason to hope the upcoming Legislature will have better conversations about different levels of poverty and the resources they require. I would find out how much it costs and then adjust the weights to reflect that cost, Bernal said, but added, The commission, I dont think, has any interest in doing that. Abbott also proposed rewarding districts that meet performance targets with low-income students. Seth Rau, legislative coordinator for the San Antonio Independent School District, said the implementation could be tricky, but if thats the way that the governor wants to add more revenue into the system, we might be willing to play with it. Were in a state that is a conservative state that doesnt want to raise taxes and ideally wants to cut taxes, Rau added. It is very difficult to get additional revenue in the system to benefit our students. Chandra Villanueva, program director of the economic opportunity team at the Center for Public Policy Priorities, expressed frustration that many members of the school finance commission are not talking about additional revenue. They seem to be thinking that theres this unicorn tax running around that they can levy that nobodys going to notice and its not going to hurt any one business, Villanueva said, to laughter, and if we could just catch that one tax without anybody noticing, well have all the revenue we need. Bernal said he thinks legislators put too much in the states rainy day fund, which is approaching $13 billion. He proposed diverting more money for schools without withdrawing from whats already there. In the end, Bernal and Rau said, much of their job during the legislative session involves playing defense. Things can get worse, Rau said. Significantly worse. Alia Malik covers several school districts and the Alamo Colleges District in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | amalik@express-news.net | Twitter: @AliaAtSAEN For thousands of people living in Bexar County near Camp Bullis and Lackland AFB, the results of propositions on Tuesdays ballot will determine whether theyll become San Antonians or stay county residents. Even if voters reject the citys annexation plan, San Antonio will still have the authority to enforce certain land-use regulations on new development in the areas surrounding the military facilities. We view all of this as a win-win scenario because the existing residents in those areas get a choice, said Jeff Coyle, director of Government and Public affairs for the city. Either option they choose, the city will still have the ability to regulate future development there. Not everyone agrees that its win-win. Related: Nirenberg, former mayors make final push against proposed charter amendments The Homeowners Against Annexation organization is fighting the propositions, citing concerns that the city could start imposing fines for myriad reasons if the areas are annexed. And state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, who authored the legislation that allows for the annexation vote, challenged San Antonios ballot language, although her efforts failed. Before last years legislative session, cities had far easier pathways to annexing land around their limits. Big cities faced certain limitations and specific regulations, but ultimately, they could add land without the consent of the people who lived there. But that changed in 2017, when the Legislature adopted Campbells Senate Bill 6, which requires cities in counties with more than 500,000 residents to get voter approval of proposed annexations. But the bill included an amendment that allows those cities to extend land-use ordinances into areas within five miles of military bases even if voters there reject annexation. Tuesdays election affects 18,780 residents, with 15,039 registered voters among them, in an area along Interstate 10 near Camp Bullis, and 40,205 residents, including 25,932 registered voters, in an area west of Lackland Air Force Base Annex. Though Coyle said that Tuesdays results would be a win-win for San Antonio, because it would at a minimum be able to protect the military bases from mission-ending encroachment, he acknowledged that San Antonio had wanted to annex these areas for other reasons, too, when the Legislature made holding an election a requirement. Military protection was one of the reasons for the previous annexation plans, he said. There were others, such as the ability to plan the future growth. Among the areas the city will be able to regulate are tree preservation, and sound and lighting limitations. If voters approve annexation, it could take up to three years before they begin paying property taxes and receiving city services, but the city would immediately have the authority to impose fines and fees, according to the ballot language. If voters reject annexation, the city would still have the authority to assess fines and institute land-use ordinances that are recommended under a requisite Joint Land Use Study that is a cooperative assessment between a military base and local government. Campbell spoke out against the citys ballot language in an August letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, asking for his office to opine on the legality of San Antonios election. But Paxton batted down her concerns in his October response, saying that the courts would likely conclude that San Antonio has the authority to do what its seeking to do under the ballot language, which he said was sufficient, despite Campbells concerns. Meanwhile, Mike Stewart, president of the Homeowners Against Annexation, has filed suit with the Texas Supreme Court, alleging that the citys ballot language is vague and confusing. The court has yet to respond. Stewart, who lives in the I-10 corridor northwest of town, says he and his neighbors have many of the same goals as the city: preventing excess lighting, buffering noise and curtailing density. But they dont want to pay city property taxes or accept city services. Stewart said the city has said that its land-use ordinances would not apply to existing developments. They wont. If property owners want to renovate in the future, however, they would be required to follow the land-use policies, Coyle said. Stewart agreed that the citys ordinance would have that power. But he is deeply skeptical that the city wont begin fining residents for violations of city ordinances and codes. Theres a deep-rooted distrust of municipal government, driven in part by interactions between city officials and Stewart and his allies. Ultimately, Stewart said he believes that the citys attempt to annex will be shot down. I think there will be seven people who vote for (the annexation option), he said. And those are the seven people who dont want fireworks shot off in their neighborhood anymore. 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 A Family Recovers After losing nine of their own during the Sutherland Springs church shooting, the Holcombe family slowly finds joy again. A Family Recovers After losing nine of their own during the Sutherland Springs church shooting, the Holcombe family slowly finds joy again. SUTHERLAND SPRINGS In the soft morning light, John Holcombe walks into his daughter's room, picks up her wooden harp and plays a melody. Evelyn, 8, emerges from a pile of blankets and grins. Two empty beds sit next to hers. Most mornings she wakes up like this, alone in a room she used to share with her sisters Megan, 9, and Emily, 11. Her father plays a harp that once belonged to his mother, Karla Holcombe. Evelyn says she knows where they are now: "In Heaven." Her two sisters, her 13-year-old brother Greg, her pregnant mother, Crystal, and her grandparents were all killed in the Nov. 5, 2017, mass shooting at the First Baptist Church. John's brother, Danny Holcombe, and Danny's 1-year-old daughter also perished. They were among 26 worshipers who died that day. Twenty others were wounded. The Holcombes lost nine of their own, the most of any family. "The only way I could get them back is with a time machine," John, 40, said last Sunday as he prepared a bacon-and-egg breakfast. "I wish I could. I relied so heavily on my mom and dad and Crystal. They were my inner circle. And my whole inner circle went away Nov. 5." Many of the congregants were related, with families that went back generations. In a matter of minutes, the shooting took children from parents and parents from children. John and Evelyn were at the church that day. His oldest son Philip, then 15, stayed home. When the gunman opened fire into the church, John was in the sound booth, where shrapnel pierced his body. Out in the sanctuary, Evelyn was shielded by her wounded mother, who laid over her before she died. Without Crystal, John has had to learn how to cook, brush Evelyn's hair and take care of Crystal's chickens, ponies, goats and cats. They were in the middle of remodeling their kitchen, and he continues to work on it, determined to finish the plans she'd sketched on a piece of paper. It's still hanging on the refrigerator. KEEPING FAITH: Sutherland Springs relies on church to cope with shooting's aftermath John's life revolves around trying to maintain her projects and filling the void left by the loss of Crystal and three of their children. "I can't replace her. But I'm trying to follow her wishes with the children the best I can," he said. Some people have told John, "God won't give you more than you can handle." He disagrees. "You can be given more than you can handle. And a lot of people who go through something like this never come out of it," he said. "But I think that through Christ, who strengthens me, it is possible to get through it." Faith has always been this community's moral compass, the church its unifying force. "They've been there for us, they've prayed for us, they've hugged us when we needed it, and they've stood back when we're doing OK," John said of the congregants. He's gone to church almost every Sunday since the shooting. He films every service and posts it on YouTube. Sometimes Evelyn will clamber onto his shoulders while he's recording. Other times, she'll prance around with the other kids her age, eager to make friends. Without her mother to teach her at home, Evelyn has begun going to school for the first time. And without her sisters to play with, the house often goes quiet. Her father, who works in information technology, has enrolled her in ballet classes. They go to therapy at the Ecumenical Center about once a week. Philip is a senior cadet airman with the Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force. He trains once a week with the Air Patrol's Alamo Composite Squadron based in San Antonio. He takes high school classes through a private, online school. The Holcombe family has dealt with their grief in different ways. John's sister, Sarah Slavin, is taking an inventory of their parents' business, American Canvas Works, and looking after their now-empty home. Jenni Holcombe, Danny's widow, volunteers at the church, often filling the role Karla Holcombe, her mother-in-law, once played in organizing activities such as Vacation Bible School and Fall Fest. She also started working part-time at a nonprofit for at-risk children. Scott Holcombe, the brother of Sarah and John, relapsed into alcohol abuse and checked into rehab in August. He was released last Sunday. John Holcombe's life revolves around his two surviving children, Evelyn and Philip. "I want to take care of them and be there for them, and I want to raise them the best I can," he said. "They're both doing very well." A quiet man, John gets a kick out of Evelyn's feistiness. Bored at church one Sunday, she demanded he hand over his car keys so she could drive home. When John awoke Evelyn from her slumber before church recently, she switched into high gear. "Do you know how rude it is to interrupt my sleep?" she said. "Seriously?" said John, his favorite response to his daughter's sassy comments. "Were you having a good dream Evelyn? I'm sorry we interrupted your dream," John said as she stretched in her emoji-patterned pajamas. "It's none-ya," she shot back. As in, none of your business. He laughed, and she wrapped him in a hug. They've grown closer in the past year, relying on each other for support. John can't dwell on dark thoughts with Evelyn around she's too bright a light, and her games are too demanding for him to think about anything else. "He's my favorite dad," she said. "He prays for me and I just love him." Losing a husband and only child Jenni Holcombe's 1-year-old daughter, Noah Grace, would disappear into her mother's closet and reappear with Jenni's grown-up shoes on her feet. She'd sit on the lap of her father, Danny, and cover his face with a blanket, saying "Where's Noah?" When she'd wake in the middle of the night, Jenni would fetch some Jell-O and they'd slurp it together on the kitchen floor. "She was such a happy person, you can't not be happy remembering her," Jenni said. Noah was killed in Jenni's arms on Nov. 5, alongside Danny. "We joke (Noah) never slept because she had too much life to put into that little bit of time that she had, that she had to just get everything she could out of it," Jenni said. Church members remark on Jenni's inner strength. David Colbath, another survivor, tears up when he talks about her. They revel in her ability to find joy, and how her sense of humor seems to never have left her. Jenni chalks it up to faith in God. "This is like a gift God has given our family, to be able to be this way, so we can show other people that you can get through things," she said. "That it will still hurt, but you can have joy again, and laugh, and have peace about what you've been through. After years of fertility treatments, Jenni and Danny considered Noah's birth a blessing. At night, Jenni writes lists in her notebook of favorite memories with her daughter. One list is titled "Foods she liked" marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal, mandarin oranges and peanuts, which Noah called "neenuts." "Foods she didn't like" included bread, potatoes and cake. When Jenni has trouble sleeping, she'll post photos and videos of her daughter and husband on Facebook. They show Noah climbing on her father's lap, playing with her cousins and crawling mischievously through the kitchen with a trail of toys behind her. "I want to remember the good things, not what happened," Jenni said. The hardest part is being alone. She'll call Sarah Slavin, her sister-in-law, and they'll run errands, clean out the shop of her late in-laws, anything to stay busy. "Some days I have to force myself to do stuff at home," Jenni said. Jenni volunteered at the Alto Frio Youth Camp this summer, started working at Floresville's All City Youth Programs and has begun babysitting in the nursery during Sunday services. During Sunday services, Jenni used to sit in the back of the sanctuary, just going with the flow, she said. But last November changed her. "We wanted to raise Noah up to stand up for what she thought was right and what she believed in," she said. "So I have to do that now. For her, for Danny." Letting go "one piece at a time" Bryan and Karla Holcombe's old canvas upholstery shop, once filled with tarp and the whirring of sewing machines, is now stacked with boxes of ukuleles, clothes and shoes. "You know how he always had a 'thing?' His last was shoes. Look at these," said Sarah Slavin, surveying boxes of her father's old shoes. She picked up one shoe, ran her hands over it and sighed. "I need to do something a little more brainless today," Sarah said. FORGIVENESS: Danielle Kelley focuses on forgiveness one year after the shooting What should be done with the shoes, the shop, her parents' home? Sometimes the weight of the decisions is overwhelming. "I was always indecisive, even before Nov. 5. But now I'm super-indecisive," she said. "I'm scared that something I decide will hurt someone, somehow. They've already been hurt so much, and I don't want to add to that." Her daughter Elene, 3, interrupted. "Mommy, mommy, can I take this home? That way we can catch butterflies!" she said, holding up a small net from what they jokingly called the "baby jail" a penned-off play area for Elene and Noah at the canvas shop, filled with toys and a TV. Sarah said of course she could. "This is also something that helps me. If I start to get too into a dark mood or a negative thought, she won't let me stay there," Sarah said. It's hard to dwell on death when there's butterflies to catch and swings waiting to be swung on. When Sarah's family visited John, Evelyn and other family members in the hospital in the days after the massacre, Elene offered small moments of joy. "I remember Elene running down the halls, just laughing, and I remember even in that moment thanking God that there was still going to be laughter," Sarah said. Like John, Sarah is doing the emotional work of preservation. She's caring for her mother's honey dew plant, which attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. She's also tending the mimosa plant and the fig tree, grown from a cutting her brother Danny Holcombe took from the fig tree at the church. "It's like a piece of them I'm not ready to let go of," Sarah said. "We have to let go of them one piece at a time." Bryan had a habit of collecting things, and Karla made those items into art. A collection of mixers decorates the tops of the kitchen cabinets, and the bathroom is fisherman-themed, with boots and sinkers carefully arranged. In the yard, the trees hold a run-down tree house, a frayed rope for pinatas and four ukuleles. "She turned broken ukuleles into birdhouses. Isn't that cool? I loved that about my mom," said Sarah. "She just took what she had and made it into something beautiful." Sarah tries to do the same thing every day to get through her grief. She'll crack open her mother's old Bible and resolve that though she'll cry for those she's lost, she'll also smile at the way her mother annotated the verses, "like a school girl." "Even in these days, there are moments of joy and love and peace and hope. There's a lot of memories that bring me comfort. And there's a lot of blessings," Sarah said. SECONDHAND GRIEF: Sutherland Springs church congregants say 'Not again' A box full of mementos includes a tablecloth signed by members of her family on Thanksgiving Day 2016. For many nieces, a nephew, her parents, her sister-in-law, her brother it was their last Thanksgiving. Among the donated gifts is a collection of children's cards from the world over that she keeps in a binder. One card bears a drawing of a cross, with the inscription "No matter how dark it is, there is always light two thoughts away." "They remind me that even though the children that we lost are gone, there are still children that are here and that are going to grow up and live and love," she said. "It reminds me that not all is lost." Recovering, from addiction Scott Holcombe, 31, was home on Nov. 5, 2017, high on methamphetamine. He lived with his parents, Karla and Bryan, and looked forward to Sundays, when his family would go to church and he could get high in secret. His wife, Jessica, learned of the shooting from a text message. Over the course of hospital visits that day, they grasped the scope of the devastation visited on their family. "I could not stop crying that whole day. I don't think there was one second I wasn't crying my heart out," he said. Before the shooting, Scott was constantly getting high, blacking out, losing a job. In the aftermath, it got worse. He added pot and alcohol to the mix. Every day. "I felt entitled. I was like 'Who are you to tell me I can't use? ... You have your family get killed in a mass shooting, and then tell me something about not using,'" he said. "I felt real sorry for myself." RECOVERY: Sutherland Springs congregants gather for fall festival Earlier this year, he failed a mandatory drug screen and spent three weeks in jail for violating terms of his probation for a robbery he committed years ago. He entered rehab in August and transferred to a halfway house last Sunday. Scott said he has been sober for 82 days. He said he was proud to have gotten clean in time to honor his parents on the one-year anniversary of the massacre. "After they got killed and I was doing drugs, I didn't feel them. It didn't feel like they were around," he said. "But now that I'm sober, I feel like they're here." Scott wonders if the tragedy forced him to hit bottom, so he could finally get better. "I'm on the right path. So I don't have to be miserable about it anymore. And they're building a big church now," he said, eyes wide at the thought. "I can't feel sorry for myself when I'm seeing so much good and so much love everywhere. I didn't know that there was such a beautiful life out here." *** Silvia Foster-Frau is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. Send her tips at sfosterfrau@express-news.net. Follow her on Twitter at @SilviaElenaFF. Lisa Krantz is a staff photographer for the San Antonio Express-News. Design by Rachael Gleason Subscribe Real news. Real trust. Real community. Subscribe to the San Antonio Express-News to support quality local journalism. *** There are many different angles from which we can assess the steepness of the mountain that Beto ORourke must climb Tuesday. We can start with the most obvious, oft-repeated fact: None of his fellow Democrats has won a statewide race in Texas in 24 years. We also can consider that ORourke is from El Paso, the isolated, New Mexico-bordering edge of West Texas, which has never been a base for political power in this state. Then theres the fact that every poll save one a mid-September outlier from Reuters/Ipsos released over the past eight months has shown ORourkes U.S. Senate rival, Republican incumbent Ted Cruz, holding a lead, even if some of those leads have fallen within the polls margin of error. But its the simple electoral mathematics that make ORourkes challenge so imposing. Based on early voting numbers in this state, which already have exceeded the 4.7 million total voters who turned out for the 2014 midterm, it seems safe to predict that well end up with a statewide turnout of at least 7 million votes. Its also safe to conclude that Gov. Greg Abbott will beat Democratic challenger Lupe Valdez by something close to 20 percent, which translates to a victory margin of about 1.4 million votes. Based on that premise, ORourke would need to convince at least 700,000 Abbott voters to switch sides for the U.S. Senate race and vote for him. It sounds impossible. Buster Douglas vs. Mike Tyson impossible. Villanova vs. Georgetown impossible. Michael Cohen Getting Invited to Donald Trumps Next Birthday Party impossible. But ORourke has consistently achieved the impossible over the past 18 months. The congressman turned a suicide mission into a star-making turn. He raised more than $70 million during an election cycle in which Valdez has struggled to reach $2 million. He attracted more national media attention than any Texas Democrat since Ann Richards, if not Lyndon B. Johnson. He built an ever-growing celebrity fan club that includes LeBron James, Ellen DeGeneres, Lin Manuel Miranda, Willie Nelson, Travis Scott, John Cusack and Robert De Niro. He put a palpable scare into Cruz and the GOP. He drew wildly enthusiastic crowds from McAllen to Marfa. And he did more for Whataburger than any advertising campaign could hope to conjure. All along, he based his campaign on a willfully naive optimism, rooted in the notion that he could inspire a million new voters to the polls in a state where Democrats perpetually exist in a cocoon of low expectations and low-grade demoralization. He wont get those million new voters, but he might get closer than any of us imagined. Tom Bonier, political data cruncher for TargetSmart, determined that going into the states final day of early voting, 314,569 first-time voters had made it to the polls, with more than 78 percent of them either people of color or under the age of 40 (or both). Bonier also pointed out that in 2014, over-65 voters in Texas outnumbered under-30 voters by 10 to 1. Through Thursdays voting, this years margin was only 3 to 1. At the risk of leaning too much on identity politics stereotypes, those numbers suggest some opportunity for ORourke. Ultimately, the final results Tuesday will not only be a verdict on the wisdom of ORourkes unconventional strategy repeatedly visiting Republican counties, eschewing pollsters and consultants but also on the reliability of political polls in a race where a candidate bases everything on changing the definition of a likely voter. Every visit Ive made to polling sites in Bexar County over the past two weeks has confirmed what I already assumed: A lot of local Democrats are going to the polls purely (or at least primarily) to cast a vote for ORourke; that hes been a one-man turnout machine for the Democratic Party, even as he takes pains to emphasize that party affiliation doesnt mean that much to him. This phenomenon underlines the fact that hes had to carry the Democratic ticket, that hes received little help from his allies on the statewide ballot. The laws of political gravity may come crashing down on ORourke on Tuesday, but they havent touched him yet. Even as recent polls show him down by 5 or 6 points to Cruz, ORourkes faithful continue to believe and the candidates exuberance hasnt waned. Every other statewide Democratic campaign over the past 15 years even ones that began with great expectations, such as the gubernatorial candidacies of Bill White and Wendy Davis has crawled to the November finish line, winding down with a sigh of inevitability. Win or lose, ORourke and his followers are going out with a raspy shout of defiance. Gilbert Garcia is a columnist covering the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470 BROWNSVILLE This time around, John Morales wasnt going to lose sight of Beto. A 20-year-old student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Morales had arrived late and missed Democratic Senate candidate Beto ORourkes last rally in September. So here he was with five days before the election, a first-time voter, at the head of a long line snaking around the Ringgold Civic Pavilion in a park scarcely a mile from the border with Mexico. ORourke, the El Paso congressman in a tight race against Republican incumbent Ted Cruz, wasnt scheduled to arrive for another two hours on Thursday afternoon. But hundreds of supporters, from grandparents to students, had arrived early. Many were sporting the campaigns trademark gray or black Beto T-shirts a monochromatic phalanx of political activism that would have seemed implausible years or even months before in this quiet border town. I didnt get into politics or social issues until after the 2016 election, Morales said, recalling President Donald Trumps upset victory. Morales, of Mexican descent, didnt vote in that election, but hes not looking back. Now some of the things he and Ted Cruz talk about go against things we in the Rio Grande Valley feel passionate about. With Latino voters able to play a decisive role in the contest, Democratic activists say theyre seeing new energy along the border one not seen since Barack Obama. That gives them some hope of changing the areas historically low voter turnout, which in turn could theoretically turn Texas blue. Brownsville, an overwhelmingly Hispanic port city on the southern tip of Texas, might seem like the logical epicenter of a hoped-for wave, at least for those who still dare to dream about a wave election in 2018. But experts on Latino voting say that Democrats cant rely on excitement or anger alone to drive Latinos to the polls. The candidates need to invest meaningful outreach to overcome voter apathy and stagnant rates of voter registration. And ORourke does not have the Valley all to himself. Cruz, seeking to chip away at the large Democratic margins along the border, brought his closing bus tour to the nearby towns of Harlingen earlier in the week, drawing bigger-than expected crowds, proving once again that the Hispanic vote in Texas is not monolithic. For subscribers: In Rio Grande Valley, Ted Cruz stresses that he is Hispanic and Beto ORourke is not Twice as many voters cast ballots during early voting in the city and surrounding Cameron County as in 2014 the last midterm election and after Election Day, the count could exceed the total of the 2016 presidential election. Its a good sign, no matter which side youre on, said Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez, part-owner of 1848 BBQ, a popular lunch spot that has made room for a Beto pop-up office inside an air-conditioned storage pod in a corner of the parking lot. Closing in on the end of a Senate race that has attracted national attention, ORourke was arriving for at least the third time since last summer in the states ninth-largest metropolitan area, speaking in English and fluent Spanish to scratch out every last possible vote. Im fiercely proud of Brownsville, he told reporters on his way to the pavilion, where the crowd was shouting Beto! and working itself up into a fever pitch. Everybody here understands that everything we care about is on the line. Battles are personal here Even before Morales heard ORourke denounce Trumps plan to put troops on the border and deny citizenship to U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants, he had signed up to go block-walking to get friends and neighbors to vote on Tuesday. Part of his family remains in Mexico. We are all affected by these policies, Morales said. Several independent student groups have sprung up to enlist potential young voters. One of them, United 956 named after a South Texas area code has been active up and down the Valley, focusing on college students like Morales. The youth are opening their eyes, said United 956 organizer Joshua Guerra, a 24-year-old student at South Texas College in nearby McAllen. Brownsville is the larger of the two cities, with one of the highest poverty rates in the nation. It rarely finds itself in the spotlight as a potential tipping point in national politics. But the stakes here go far beyond the Texas Senate race between ORourke and Cruz. In many ways, the big battles of the 2018 elections are personal here: Fights over Trumps border wall, tariffs, trade, and zero tolerance policies that tore children away from their parents played out dramatically within the city limits. Casa Padre, the juvenile immigration detention facility at the center of the family separation controversy, became a national battleground last June when a site manager refused entrance to Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon. Brownsvilles congressman, Democrat Filemon Vela, captured the mood of this Democratic stronghold in a 2016 missive addressed to then-presidential candidate Trump. In an open letter, he wrote, Youre a racist and you can take your border wall and shove it up your ass. Despite the recent visits by both Cruz and ORourke who together have raised more than $100 million there are still signs that more needs to be done to inspire voters in this region where border fences are part of everyday life. Although more than 70 percent of Hispanic voters in Texas say they are almost certain to vote, more than half report that they have not been contacted by a candidate or political party, according to a Latino Decisions tracking poll released last week. Of those who have, 64 percent said they had been contacted by Democrats, compared to 26 percent for Republicans. Overall, 62 percent of Latino voters in Texas said the 2018 midterm elections are more important than the 2016 presidential election that brought Trump to power. But in Brownsville, voter apathy remains amid the swirl of youth activism. That impression is borne out by Beto campaign volunteers like Steffi Villarreal, a 23-year-old law student from Brownsville who has spent the past month knocking on doors of potential voters. Many of them, especially the elderly more comfortable speaking in Spanish, are wary of politics and voting booths. What Ive seen in my community is that people arent informed, and nobodys engaging them, Villarreal said on a visit Wednesday to a suburban apartment complex. Its just a matter of going out and talking to them, she added, shortly before getting kicked out by a resident manager citing the propertys no-solicitation rules. Competitive race fuels hopes ORourke also faces deeper, structural issues along the border. Though Texas is 39 percent Hispanic, Hispanics mostly young, many noncitizens make up only about 28 percent of all the states eligible voters, according to the Pew Research Center. Of those, only about a third typically vote. And the Latino turnout by itself is no guarantee of the blue wave ORourke and other Democrats have been banking on. Cruz won about 40 percent of the Latino vote statewide in 2012, and Republicans still have about a 900,000-voter advantage over Democrats in Texas. Many political experts believe it would be a tall order for ORourke to make up that gap, even with a large mobilization of young Latino voters throughout the largely agricultural Rio Grande Valley. Still, in a close election, the Latino vote could be decisive if it were to mobilize in one direction or another. And for the first time in a long time in a statewide race in Texas, the polls show a tantalizingly close race. For the first time in 25 years, Latinos in Texas are facing a competitive statewide election that is up for grabs, said Latino Decisions co-founder Matt Barreto, a professor at the University of California Los Angeles. The Latino vote in Texas is poised to be crucial to determining who wins the U.S. Senate election and both candidates need to work hard in the final weeks to contact and communicate with Latino voters. But as Villarreals daily rounds show, the work is tedious. In many campaigns, the door-knocking is outsourced to paid campaign workers. But most of ORourkes ground forces are doing it out of sentiment, something that surprises longtime organizers like Jose Borjon, who grew up in the Valley and once worked for El Paso Democrat Silvestre Reyes, the Hispanic congressman ORourke unseated in 2012. People are willing and ready to go and block-walk for Beto for free every day, Borjon said. One of the reasons behind the volunteer energy gets back to Barretos point: It might actually matter. Theres a sense that this election is going to be close, Borjon said. That makes a difference. Another sign of hope for activists on the ground is that many of the young people they are trying to engage dont show up in public opinion surveys. Ignore the polls that only measure likely voters, tweeted Rio Grande Valley get-out-the-vote organizer Danny Diaz, co-founder of Cambio Texas. This election we have NEW voters! #Rgv In the end, whether or not the Latino vote will be enough for ORourke, some analysts argue that he cant do without it. Theres been a significant investment by the ORourke campaign in Brownsville and some of the other places that have the lowest voter turnout, with the understanding that you cant change Texas, you cant flip it, unless youre engaging and mobilizing Latino voters, said Cristina Tzintzun-Ramirez, executive director of Jolt Texas, a group dedicated to Hispanic political engagement. While Texas Democrats have long waited for a push from the states growing Hispanic population, Tzintzun-Ramirez believes that Trumps hard-line immigration rhetoric now combined with federal troops could finally be the tipping point. It changed a generation of Latino voters, especially young Latino voters, she said. This election is going to be decided by Latino voters, and its going to come down to whether Betos campaign spent enough time and money talking early enough to Latino voters. Were going to wake up on Election Day and find out. kevin.diaz@chron.com U.S. Sen. Ted Cruzs closing message to voters is as much about Beto ORourke as it is about his own campaign. While most Republicans running for statewide office in Texas this year largely avoid talking about their Democratic opponents, Cruz has been unyielding in his final stump speeches in attacking ORourkes positions on everything from climate change and immigration to health care and the economy. At this stage of the campaign, in the closing days, were showing a simple and straightforward contrast, Cruz said in an interview in Laredo. ORourke, on the other hand, rarely mentions Cruz by name during his rallies. In Waco on Wednesday, ORourke delivered a more than 20-minute speech and never said Cruzs name. But in Midland a day earlier, Cruz mentioned ORourke by name 20 times in a 29-minute speech. There is no race in the country that presents a starker divide than this U.S. Senate race here in the state of Texas, Cruz told the crowd in Midland, a line he repeated in other stops. The focus on ORourke comes as public polling shows the race, one of the most-watched in the nation, is getting closer. Some polls have it as close as 3 percentage points, while others have the margin as wide as 10 percentage points. Combined, the two candidates have raised over $110 million a new national record for a general election battle for a U.S. Senate seat. ORourke has raised more than $70 million. Cruz said he is not responding to any polling, just trying to make his case clearly to voters as he seeks another 6-year term in office. Cruz said he is convinced that on almost every policy position, ORourke is out of step with most Texans and hes making sure voters know the differences as they head to the polls. Cruz is emphasizing their positions on four key issues: - On the Trump Tax cuts, Cruz said he helped get the bill passed, whereas ORourke voted against it. - On the Paris Climate Change Agreement aimed at reducing pollution, Cruz said he encouraged the President to back out of the deal because it would harm American manufacturing and energy companies. ORourke supported keeping the U.S. in the agreement. - On the Affordable Care Act, Cruz said ORourke voted 67 times to preserve it. Meanwhile, Cruz said he was key to ending the individual mandates that required all Americans to have coverage. ORourke has called health care a basic human right that transcends politics, running on a platform of bolstering the ACA and stabilizing the insurance markets by guaranteeing continued federal subsidies. - And on immigration, Cruz warns ORourke opposes building a wall along the Texas-Mexico border that he supports. ORourke has emerged as a leading critic of the border wall, saying that the border with Mexico has never been safer and calling for an end to the militarization of our immigration enforcement system. For subscribers: Cruz v. ORourke Forget the hype, heres where they stand on the issues Throughout the last week, Cruz told audiences they face two clear paths. The first leads to more tax cuts, simplifying the tax code and building the wall on the border with Mexico. Or theres the Beto Path, as Cruz calls it. That path, he says, has U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi as the Speaker of the House and Democrats leading so many investigations into the White House it paralyzes that Trump Administration and leads to a partisan cage match in Washington. Its Mad Max at Thunderdome, Cruz said in reference to the 1985 movie about a post-apocalyptic Australian town where grudges are settled in a fighting arena. ORourke attacks Cruz for ties to Rep. Steve King ORourkes message is dramatically different. In Waco, ORourke painted a picture of a future in which partisan divides are bridged and both Republicans and Democrats are focused on raising pay for teachers, universal health care for Americans and immigration policies that allow a path to citizenship for children brought to the U.S. by their parents illegally. But Cruz says hes not the only one attacking in this race. While ORourkes stump speeches may say one thing, Cruz says his opponent is running attack ads on TV. He said ORourke has been more confrontational in the press, too, since their debates in September and October. ORourke has acknowledged the more aggressive tone, noting that in the final debate he was determined to take the fight to Cruz more than in their first debate. I became convinced after that first debate that I had to draw a very clear and clean and precise distinction, ORourke said in an interview in San Antonio. This week, ORourkes campaign has gone after Cruz for not speaking out more strongly against U.S. Rep. Steve King of Iowa, who is taking heat from fellow Republicans for his endorsement of a white nationalist candidate in Canada and revelations of his meetings with representatives of the far-right Austria Freedom Party, which has historical ties to the Nazi Party. King served as Cruzs national co-chairman during Cruzs 2016 presidential campaign. Cruz told the Dallas Morning News that he doesnt know everything King has done or said, but stressed the need for people to be less divisive in how they speak. I think its disappointing to be saying and doing things that are dividing us, that are pulling us apart, Cruz told the newspaper. I think we need to be finding ways to come together. ORourkes campaign spokesman Chris Evans said in statements to the media that Cruz isnt doing enough to condemn King. Not only is Cruz refusing to join members of both parties in condemning his former presidential co-chair's actions, but he's doubling down on his support, Evans said. Texas needs a senator who will fight for and represent everyone in the state instead of fueling divisions at a time when we need to come together. Although ORourke has publicly disavowed Super PACs and often mentions his refusal to accept contributions from any political action committee some of those groups are essentially helping his case against Cruz. One new group called Texas Forever started running ads last week slamming Cruz on health care reform. "Ted Cruz: Good for insurance companies. Bad for you," one ad says. Cruz shores up his base in final stretch Where Cruz is spreading his message is as important as what he is saying. Cruz spent much of the week in some of the reddest counties in Texas. In Midland, Pampa, and Wichita Falls, Cruz was speaking in counties that have been reliably Republican for decades. It shows that his message is aimed at firing up those voters to make sure they show up in bigger numbers to defend him and President Donald Trump. While voters in big cities where ORourke is expected to do best have been shattering midterm voting records, the numbers have been less eye-popping in the smaller, conservative areas where Cruz has more support. Cruz was blunt in Midland, warning his crowd that ticked off liberals are surging to the polls because they want to impeach President Donald Trump and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Lighting that fire under his voters has meant warning that their economic well-being, and that of the state, is at risk. Cruz has tried to make the case that ORourke is a danger to the oil and gas industry. ORourke has accused Cruz of lying about his voting record. Cruz has hinged his argument on a 2016 vote in the U.S. House. Then-President Barack Obama proposed a federal budget that had no chance of being considered by the Republican-dominated Congress. That proposal included at $10 per-barrel tax on oil. That budget never went to a vote in Congress, but House Republicans wanting to send a message filed a non-binding resolution stating they opposed the budget plan and the tax on oil. ORourke voted against that resolution. Cruz said ORourkes support for the Paris Climate Accord, carbon taxes and more regulations on fracking should all be considered non-starters in Texas, where the energy economy is so critical. If you work in energy, youd have to be out of your mind to vote for Beto ORourke, Cruz said in an interview. ORourke has fought back, saying he strongly supports the oil and gas industry and credits them with making the United States more economically independent. ORourke makes clear he never voted for a $10 tax on a barrel of oil and says Cruz is cherry-picking votes to mislead people as the campaign comes to a close. jeremy.wallace@chron.com Whats life like after yours and many others lives are torn apart? Its a journey full of personal torment and overcoming obstacles. The First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs was a sanctuary. A second home for many. The rooms filled with laughter and love. We worshipped to the highest of praises to our God. When I first heard the news, I was in shock. The thought of something like this happening never once crossed my mind. I never thought my tiny little church, the church that raised me with endless amounts of love, would have to ever endure the amount of pain it did. EXPRESSNEWS.COM EXCLUSIVE: Tied to her bed, Danielle Kelley could do nothing to stop her husband, Devin Kelley, from committing the Sutherland Srpings church massacre. Danielle Kelley spoke exclusively to the San Antonio Express-News to recall emotional account of that day. Read it here. What made things even more unimaginable is that the person I had children with had murdered my second family. I have struggled with being the widow of Devin, struggled with losing so many church members who I have loved from the very first moments of being a part of the church. I feel like it was me who brought him to my church. If I hadnt married him, he would have never known the church. I miss everyone so much. My Na-Na (grandmother Lula White) was a tough but loving cookie. She loved to crack jokes and always put smiles on everyones faces. She was a beautiful, stubborn woman who loved to dip her lemon cookies in her black-as-night coffee and call it breakfast. Shed also burn things in the microwave and call it her cooked snack. Saying, Scat, kitty cat when anyone would sneeze, or saying you were barking when you coughed. She would call me her little dragonfly, and I would call her my dinosaur. Theyre moments that I miss more and more, but will forever be grateful that I have them. Then theres the silliness of Karla and Bryan Holcombe. Their love story and their marriage were ones I wanted, so full of faith and love. I have so many memories with so many people who lost their lives, it becomes unbearable to write about them. After losing nine of their own during the Sutherland Springs church shooting, the Holcombe family slowly finds joy again. Read about how they've coped with their massive loss in the year since the shooting on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. I worried I wouldnt be welcomed back to my tiny little church. But I built up the courage and decided to go back, to give my never-ending amounts of love and to tell people how sorry and ashamed I felt. I was welcomed back with open arms. The amount of love that poured out from my church has truly been the work of God. We are standing strong, united as a congregation. Weve had a rough journey from Nov. 5, 2017, till now. But beauty will rise out of tragedy. Sutherland Springs strong. BRIDGEPORT Six bullets were removed from the 28-year-old man who was hit Wednesday when gunfire erupted on the citys West End and took the life of a 41-year-old woman. Hes a very, very lucky man, Police Chief Armando Perez said Friday. They took six bullets out of him. He lost a kidney, his spleen, a piece of his liver. He was shot through the scalp. Hate fueled the production and distribution of more than 15 pipe bombs to innocent Democratic politicians. Hate in the form of Robert Bowers entered a Pittsburgh synagogue and snuffed out the lives of 11 innocent Jews praying on a quiet Shabbat morning. Hate is driving so many of the midterm election campaigns. And words of hate have become the cornerstone of an America, now so fractured that we are all at a loss about how to fix it. Last week, Americans were shocked by yet another security breach that enabled Cesar Sayoc, a Florida strip club DJ and pizza delivery man, allegedly living out of his van plastered with Trump-filled stickers, to cook up pipe bombs filled with glass shards and mail them to people like George Soros, Hillary Clinton, Robert DeNiro, former President Barack Obama and Cory Booker, among others. His hatred accented these acts of evil and his list of targets was more extensive than the core group who received these bombs. Fortunately, none detonated. On Saturday morning, just as Americans were trying to make sense of Sayocs alleged acts, Bowers of central Pennsylvania personified hate as he burst into a Pittsburgh synagogue, shouting All Jews must die and murdering righteous people whose only act was praying in the sanctuary of the Tree of Life congregation. Eleven souls, ages 54 to 97, were shot dead in their seats or as they tried to flee this embodiment of hate. According to an editorial in Tuesdays edition of the Connecticut Post, Among righteous people, an angry bile of frustration rises. As we approach Kristallnacht, The Night of Broken Glass November 9, 1938, when Nazis attacked synagogues, homes schools and businesses of German Jews is this where we are? Of course, the homicidal action of a deranged individual is not the signal of a national groundswell, but an unsettling wind of extremismfrom politics to racism and other forms of bigotry is afoot in this country. The editor reminded us that the Pittsburgh attack was really an attack of hatred on all of us. I couldnt agree more. Sadly, hate is saturating many of the midterm election campaigns, particularly in states like Florida, where Andrew Gillum, mayor of Tallahassee is making a bid for the gubernatorial seat, and Georgia where Stacey Abrams is making a similar case According to CNN reporter Eric Bradner, A racist robocall targeted Andrew Gillum days after the Tallahassee mayor won the Democratic nomination in the Florida governors race, giving him a shot at becoming the states first black chief executive. The 78-second prerecorded message, obtained by CNN, is narrated by a man speaking in a caricature of a black dialect with cartoonish jungle noises in the background. It ends with a disclaimer that it was paid for by The Road to Power, a white supremacist and anti-Semitic video podcast hosted by Scott Rhodes of Idaho. There have also been reports the group previously targeted local officials in California, Virginia and Washington State. And despite the horrific acts of hatred that have permeated our society in the past week, words of hate and venom, many coming from comments and tweets by our president, continue to generate more divisiveness than I would have ever imagined in a democracy like ours. And frankly I dont see things getting any better. Clearly, the president is helping to build a foundation of hate across the nation. For example, on the day of the shooting in Pittsburgh, considered the worst attack on American Jews in history, President Trump indirectly blamed the victims by saying that if there was an armed guard present in the synagogue, the shooter wouldnt have succeeded. Later in the day, continuing his journey on the campaign trail, instead of showing compassion for the victims by either suspending his rally or traveling to Pittsburgh to comfort families, Trump continued to insult members of the Democratic Party and speak about his bad hair day, fueling laughter and no appropriate memorial to victims. When officials from the city of Pittsburgh and the citys Jewish community sent a message that the president would not be welcome at the funerals of victims unless he renounced his attitude of nationalism and his racist rhetoric, Trump ignored that request and came to Pittsburgh with Melania anyway. He was hardly a consoler in chief. As presidential historian Jon Meacham told Lawrence ODonnell in an MSNBC interview this past week, when asked if this president could ever show any signs of compassion, We have a president bound up in nationalism, narcissism and nastiness. As the midterm elections approach next week, none of us can afford to let hatred take a holiday and continue to divide our country. The only way we can begin to heal the hatred is to get out and vote in and elect leaders who will make a difference. In the dead-heat governors race, Democrat Ned Lamont and Republican Bob Stefanowski spent the Saturday electrifying their bases to push them over the finish line on Election Day. For Stefanowski, that meant rallies in Darien and Greenwich - a nod to the traditional GOP strongholds of wealthy Fairfield County suburbs - and stops in Shelton and Naugatuck Valley towns where Republicans also perform well. Meanwhile, Lamont spent time in areas that have sent Democrats to the state House. He stopped in Torrington, Meriden and the backbone of the Democratic party, the cities of New Haven and Hartford. A poll by Hearst Connecticut Media and Sacred Heart University released Thursday found Stefanowski leading Lamont for the first time. But his small edge - just 2.4 percentage points - is within the margin of error. Stefanowski touted the poll result at a Greenwich Save the State rally attended by about 150 people - mostly middle-aged and older voters and party locals, and heavily white. They see it slipping away, said Stefanowski, of Democrats. But he urged those listening, Dont take anything for granted. Weve got to finish strong. Weve got to get the vote out on Tuesday. Lamont and other Democrats warned a crowd of 150 mostly African African people of Trump-style policies invading Connecticut if Republicans took control, speaking at a rally at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal church in New Haven. Several speakers called it a moral imperative to vote for Democrats. We know whats at stake, said a hoarse Lamont. Im not going to turn my back on whats right for Connecticut. Both candidates focused on motivating women on Saturday. Stefanowski had a Women and Families rally in Darien and before his Greenwich rally, summoned seven female members of the Greenwich Republican party on stage to tout their support for the Republican ticket. Lamont held a womens rally in Meriden with Democrat Jahana Hayes, who is running in the 5th Congressional District. Much of Stefanowskis recent gains were among women, who in the earlier poll showed 50 percent support for Lamont. That has dropped to 40.8 percent, the new poll finds, with 34.8 for Stefanowski. Both candidates, who have been described as having an enthusiasm gap, used other politicians to boost them Saturday. Lamont leaned on popular incumbents U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro to excite Democrats in New Haven. I have never been more proud to be a Democrat in this nation, said DeLauro, before promising the crowd that Democrats can take the U.S. House. Likewise, Stefanowski deployed the powerful speaking of state House Minority Leader Themis Klarides of Derby at his Greenwich rally, where almost the entire Republican ticket appeared except for Republican attorney general candidate Sue Hatfield, and Stefanowskis running mate, Joe Markley, a strongly conservative state senator who has been noticeably absent on the campaign trail. There is nobody with an R behind their name that is anti-anything, asserted Klarides. (Democrats) are saying that because they are scared. They are saying it because on Tuesday this state is going to go red. In New Haven, Democratic State Rep. Juan Candelaria and state Sen. Gary Winfield whipped up the crowd for Lamont by warning that Republicans would cut services, prompting raucous cheers of Ned! Ned! Ned! Attorney general candidate William Tong also joined Lamont in New Haven. Both gubernatorial candidates have the television airwaves plastered with commercials on the final weekend before voters head to the polls. Shortly before Lamonts arrival in New Haven, two cars drove through the neighborhood mounted with loudspeakers broadcasting recorded messages from Lamont and Candelaria, urging people to head to the polls Tuesday. emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson The following companies are subsidiares of Arrow Electronics: A.E. Petsche Belgium BVBA, A.E. Petsche Canada Inc., A.E. Petsche Company, A.E. Petsche Company Inc., A.E. Petsche Company S De RL, A.E. Petsche SAS, A.E. Petsche UK Limited, ACI Technology, AKS Group Nordic AB, ARROWECS Portugal Sociedade Unipessoal, ARROWECS Sociedade Unipessoal LDA, ARW Electronics Ltd., ARW Enterprise Computing Solutions S.A., ARW Portugal Unipessoal LDA, ASI Dedicated Services LLC, ASI Electrical Services LLC, ASI Managed Services LLC, ATM Electronic, ATM Electronic Corp., ATM Electronic Corporation (HK) Limited, ATM Electronics Hong Kong Limited, ATM Electronics Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd, Addex Distribution AS, Adilam Pty. Ltd, Aiqi Xinxing (Beijing) Information Technology Co. Ltd., Altimate Belgium BVBA, Altimate Group, Altimate ND Belgium BVBA, Altimate Netherlands B.V., Annuity Systems Pty Ltd, Arrow (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Arrow Altech Distribution (Pty) Ltd., Arrow Altech Holdings (Pty) Ltd., Arrow Argentina S.A., Arrow Asia Distribution Limited, Arrow Asia Pac Ltd., Arrow Brasil S.A., Arrow Capital Solution BVBA, Arrow Capital Solutions Inc., Arrow Capital Solutions Nederlands BV, Arrow Capital Solutions SAS, Arrow Capital Solutions UK Ltd, Arrow Central Europe GmbH, Arrow Central Europe Holding Munich GmbH, Arrow Chip One Stop Holdings GK, Arrow Componentes ACCR S.R.L., Arrow Components (M) Sdn Bhd, Arrow Components (NZ), Arrow Components Mexico S.A. de C.V., Arrow Components Sweden AB, Arrow Denmark ApS, Arrow Denmark ApS, Arrow ECS (Ireland) Limited, Arrow ECS (NI) Limited, Arrow ECS AG, Arrow ECS ANZ Limited, Arrow ECS ANZ Pty Ltd, Arrow ECS Asia PTE. Ltd, Arrow ECS Australia, Arrow ECS B.V., Arrow ECS Baltic OU, Arrow ECS Brasil Distribuidora Ltda., Arrow ECS Canada Ltd., Arrow ECS Central GmbH, Arrow ECS Denmark A/S, Arrow ECS FZCO, Arrow ECS Finland OY, Arrow ECS GmbH, Arrow ECS Internet Security AG, Arrow ECS Internet Security S.L., Arrow ECS Kft., Arrow ECS Ltd., Arrow ECS New Zealand Limited, Arrow ECS Nordic A/S, Arrow ECS Norway AS, Arrow ECS Pty Ltd., Arrow ECS SA/NV, Arrow ECS SAS, Arrow ECS SPA, Arrow ECS Sarl, Arrow ECS Services Sp.z.o.o., Arrow ECS Singapore Pte. Limited, Arrow ECS Sp.z.o.o., Arrow ECS Support Center Ltd., Arrow ECS Support Center Morocco S.A.R.L.A.U, Arrow ECS Sweden AB, Arrow ECS a.s., Arrow ECS d.o.o., Arrow Eastern Europe GmbH, Arrow Electronice S.R.L., Arrow Electronics (CI) Ltd., Arrow Electronics (China) Trading Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics (Jersey) Limited, Arrow Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics (Sweden) KB, Arrow Electronics (Thailand) Limited, Arrow Electronics (U.K.) Inc., Arrow Electronics (UK) Ltd., Arrow Electronics ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd., Arrow Electronics Asia (S) Pte Ltd., Arrow Electronics Asia Limited, Arrow Electronics Australia Pty Ltd., Arrow Electronics B.V., Arrow Electronics Canada Ltd., Arrow Electronics China Ltd., Arrow Electronics Components (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics Czech Republic s.r.o., Arrow Electronics D.O.O., Arrow Electronics Danish Holdings ApS, Arrow Electronics EMEA Group GmbH, Arrow Electronics EMEASA S.r.l., Arrow Electronics Estonia OU, Arrow Electronics FC B.V., Arrow Electronics Funding Corporation, Arrow Electronics GmbH & Co. KG, Arrow Electronics Hellas S.A., Arrow Electronics Holdings Vagyonkezelo Kft, Arrow Electronics Hungary Kereskedelmi Bt, Arrow Electronics India Ltd., Arrow Electronics India Private Limited, Arrow Electronics International Holdings LLC, Arrow Electronics International Inc., Arrow Electronics Italia S.r.l, Arrow Electronics Japan GK, Arrow Electronics Korea Limited, Arrow Electronics Labuan Pte Ltd., Arrow Electronics Ltd., Arrow Electronics Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Arrow Electronics Norwegian Holdings AS, Arrow Electronics Poland Sp.z.o.o., Arrow Electronics Russ OOO, Arrow Electronics Services S.r.l., Arrow Electronics Slovakia s.r.o., Arrow Electronics South Africa LLP, Arrow Electronics Taiwan Ltd., Arrow Electronics UK Holding Ltd., Arrow Electronics Ukraine LLC, Arrow Elektronik Ticaret A.S., Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions Inc., Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions India Private Limited, Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions Ltd., Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions S.A., Arrow Finland OY, Arrow France S.A., Arrow Global Asset Disposition Inc., Arrow Global Supply Chain Services Inc., Arrow Holdings (Delaware) LLC, Arrow Iberia Electronica Lda., Arrow Iberia Electronica S.L.U., Arrow International Holdings L.P., Arrow International Holdings Limited, Arrow Nordic Components AB, Arrow Norway A/S, Arrow S-Tech Norway AS, Arrow SEED (Hong Kong) Limited, Arrow Systems Integration Inc., Arrow UEC Japan KK, Arrow United Holdings LLC, Arrow United International Holdings LP, Arrow Value Recovery ApS (fka Greentech Denmark ApS), Arrow Value Recovery Belgium BVBA, Arrow Value Recovery Czech Republic sro, Arrow Value Recovery Denmark ApS, Arrow Value Recovery EMEA BV, Arrow Value Recovery Finland Oy (fka Greentech Finland OY), Arrow Value Recovery France SAS, Arrow Value Recovery Germany GmbH, Arrow Value Recovery Netherlands BV, Arrow Value Recovery Norway AS (fka Greentech AS), Arrow Value Recovery Sweden AB (fka Greentech Sweden AB), Arrow Value Recovery UK LTD, Arrow eCommerce B.V., Arrow/Artlink Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, Arrow/Components (Agent) Ltd., Arrow/Rapac Ltd., Artlink Technology Co. Ltd., Aspen Labs LLC, Aspencore China Investment LLC, Aspencore LLC, Aspencore Media GmbH, Aspencore/IDG China Investment LLC, Asplenium SA, Asset Recovery Corporation, B.V. Arrow Electronics DLC, Beijing AIQI Technology, Beijing Arrow SEED Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing Canon Advertising Co. Ltd., Broomco (4184) Limited, COMPUTERLINKS, COMPUTERLINKS (UK) Ltd., COMPUTERLINKS Belgium BVBA, COMPUTERLINKS Denmark A/S, COMPUTERLINKS Nederland B.V., COMPUTERLINKS S.A., CSS Computer Security Solutions Erwerbs GmbH, CSS Computer Security Solutions Holding GmbH, CSS Computer Security Solutions Ltd., CT3 Europe Limited, Centia Group Ltd, Centia Ltd., Channel Support Pty Ltd, ChiWan Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Chip One Stop, Chip One Stop (Hong Kong) Ltd., Chip One Stop (Shenzhen) Ltd., Chip One Stop Inc., Commtech Solutions (UK) Limited, Components Agent (Cayman) Limited, Components Agent Asia Holdings Ltd., Components Distribution Business - Achieva, Conrac Asia Display Products Pte. Ltd., Conrac MENA FZE, Converge, Converge (Shanghai) International Trading Co. Ltd., Converge Asia Pte Ltd., Converge Electronics Trading (India) Private Ltd., Converge France SAS, Converge Netherlands BV, Converge Scandinavia AB, Cross Telecom, Data Modul, Data Modul AG, Data Modul Electronics Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Data Modul FZE, Data Modul France S.a r.l, Data Modul Hong Kong Ltd., Data Modul Iberia S.L., Data Modul Inc., Data Modul Italia S.r.l., Data Modul Ltd., Data Modul Shanghai Ltd., Data Modul Suisse GmbH, Data Modul Weikersheim GmbH, Diasa Informatica, Dicopel Inc., Distribution Business - Seed International, Distribution Central (MY) Sdn. Bhd., Distribution Central HK Pty Limited, Distribution Central Limited (NZ), Distribution Central Pte Limited (SG), Distribution Central Pty Limited, E-InfoChips KK, EC America, EDN Asia Advertising Pte Ltd., ETEQ Components Pte Ltd., Electronics Products Technology Co. Ltd., Embedded Developer LLC, Erf 211 Hughes (Pty) Limited, Eshel Technology Group Inc., Eurocomponentes S.A., Excel Tech, Excel Tech Inc., Firewall Systems Pty Limited, Fusion Distribution FZCO, Gates - Arrow Distributing, Gates - FA Distributing, Global Link Technology, Greentech Holding AS, Gross Telecom, ICC Global Media GmbH, IP Vista A/S, IPVista A/S, ITM USA Enterprises Inc., Intechra Holdings, Intex-semi Ltd., KeyLink Systems Group, LED Franchise LLC, LED Source Holdco LLC, LED Source LLC, LOGIX S.A., License Central Pty Ltd, Lite-On Korea Ltd., Marubun Arrow (HK) Limited, Marubun Arrow (S) Pte Ltd., Marubun Arrow (Thailand) Co Limited, Marubun Arrow Asia Ltd., Marubun Arrow Europe Kft., Marubun Corporation, Marubun USA Corporation, Marubun-Arrow Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Marubun/Arrow (HK) Limited, Marubun/Arrow (M) Sdn. Bhd (Malaysia), Marubun/Arrow (Philippines) Inc., Marubun/Arrow (S) Pte Ltd., Marubun/Arrow (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marubun/Arrow (Shenzhen) Electronic Product Consulting Company Limited, Marubun/Arrow (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Marubun/Arrow Asia Ltd., Marubun/Arrow USA II LLC, Marubun/Arrow USA LLC, NIC Components Asia PTE Ltd., NIC Components Corp., NIC Components Europe Limited, NIC Eurotech Limited, NUH Electronics India Private Limted, Networld Systems Pty Ltd, Nextworth Solutions Inc., Nu Horizons Electronics, Nu Horizons Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Nu Horizons Electronics Asia PTE Ltd., Nu Horizons Electronics Hong Kong Ltd., Nu Horizons Electronics Malaysia SDN BHD, NuHo Singapore Holdings LLC, Observatory Crest, Openway Group SA, Openway SAS, PCG Parent Corp., PCG Trading LLC, PT Marubun Arrow Indonesia, Pansystem S.r.l., Pax8 Inc., Power and Signal Group GmbH, R.D. Trading Limited, RDC, RF Wireless & Power - Richardson Electronics, Rack Systems Pty Ltd, Red Education Pty Ltd, Redemtech, Renewal Systems Pty Ltd, Richardson RFPD (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Richardson RFPD (Thailand) Limited, Richardson RFPD Australia Pty. Ltd., Richardson RFPD Canada Inc., Richardson RFPD Electronics Trading (China) Co. Ltd., Richardson RFPD France SAS, Richardson RFPD Germany GmbH, Richardson RFPD Hong Kong, Richardson RFPD Inc., Richardson RFPD Israel Ltd., Richardson RFPD Italy Srl, Richardson RFPD Japan KK, Richardson RFPD Korea Ltd., Richardson RFPD Netherlands BV, Richardson RFPD Singapore, Richardson RFPD Spain SL, Richardson RFPD Sweden AB, Richardson RFPD Taiwan, Richardson RFPD UK Ltd., Richey Electronics, San Systems Pty Ltd, Schuylkill Metals of Plant City Inc., Seneca Data, Seneca Data Distributors Inc., Shared Technologies, Silicon Frameworks LLC, SiliconEgypt Technologies LLC, SiliconExpert Holdings LLC, SiliconExpert Technologies, SiliconExpert Technologies Inc., Sphinx CST Limited, Sphinx CST Networks Limited, Sphinx Group, Sphinx Group Limited, Sphinx Professional Services Limited, Spoerle Hungary Kereskedelmi Kft, Sun Chain Technology Corp., TLW Electronics Ltd., TechTurn, Titan Supply Chain Services Limited, Titan Supply Chain Services Pte Ltd., Trafomo AB, Trafomo ApS, Transim Technology, Transim Technology Corporation, U.S. Micro Operating Company LLC, UBM Tech Electronics Network, Ultra Source Electronics (SZ) Co LTD, Ultra Source Technology Corp., Ultra Source Trading Hong Kong Limited, United Technical Publishing Division - Hearst Business Media, Universe Electron Corporation, Verical, Verwaltungsgesellschaft Arrow Electronics GmbH, Wireless and Infrastructure Business Unit - Waching Company, Yongming Xincheng (Beijing) Technology Co., e-InfoChips, e-Infochips Private Limited, eInfochips, eMedia Asia Limited, immixGovernment Inc., immixGroup, immixGroup Inc., immixSolutions Inc., and immixTechnology. KAZ Minerals PLC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and processing copper and other metals primarily in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. It operates through Bozshakol, Aktogay, East Region and Bozymchak, and Mining Projects segments. The company operates the Aktogay and Bozshakol open pit copper mines in the east region and Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan; three underground mines in the east region of Kazakhstan; and the Bozymchak copper-gold mine in Kyrgyzstan. It also develops greenfield metal deposits; operates Koksay deposit in Kazakhstan, and the Baimskaya licence area in the Chukotka region of Russia; and produces and sells various by-products, such as gold, silver, molybdenum, and zinc. In addition, the company supplies and distributes heat, water, and electricity; and offers construction, project management, financing, management, sales and logistics, and repairs and maintenance services. The company was formerly known as Kazakhmys PLC and changed its name to KAZ Minerals PLC in October 2014. KAZ Minerals PLC was founded in 1930 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Read More iShares MSCI Spain ETF's stock was trading at $22.48 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWP shares have increased by 17.8% and is now trading at $26.49. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. National Australia Bank Limited provides financial services to individuals and businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. It operates through Business and Private Banking, Personal Banking, Corporate and Institutional Banking, and New Zealand Banking segments. It operates through Business and Private Banking; Personal Banking; Corporate and Institutional Banking; New Zealand Banking; Corporate Functions and Other; and MLC Wealth segments. The company accepts transaction accounts, savings accounts, deposit accounts, and term deposits; and specialized accounts, such as foreign currency, business interest, statutory trust, community free saver, farm management, and project bank accounts, as well as farm management deposits. National Australia Bank Limited also provides home loans; personal loans; business loans; vehicle and equipment finance; and trade and invoice finance, as well as business overdrafts and bank guarantees. In addition, the company offers insurance products consisting of car, home and content, landlord, travel, caravan and trailer, life, and business insurance products; and pension, superannuation, self-managed super funds, cash management, and financial planning and advisory services. Further, it provides investment products; credit, debit, and business cards; payments and merchant services; travel services; online and internet banking services; small business services; international and foreign exchange solutions; and industry specific banking services. National Australia Bank Limited was founded in 1834 and is based in Docklands, Australia. Read More Nevsun Resources Ltd. engages in the mining and development of mineral properties in Europe, Africa, and North America. It explores for gold, copper, zinc, and silver deposits. The company's principal assets include Timok project, a copper-gold development project in Serbia; and Bisha copper- zinc mine in Eritrea. It also holds exploration licenses and permits in Serbia and Macedonia, as well as in the Bisha mining district. The company was incorporated in 1965 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. As of January 7, 2019, Nevsun Resources Ltd. operates as a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Company Limited. Read More Royal Dutch Shell plc operates as an energy and petrochemical company worldwide. The company operates through Integrated Gas, Upstream, Oil Products, Chemicals segments. It explores for and extracts crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; markets and transports oil and gas; produces gas-to-liquids fuels and other products; and operates upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver gas to market. The company also markets and trades natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, electricity, carbon-emission rights; and markets and sells LNG as a fuel for heavy-duty vehicles and marine vessels. In addition, it trades in and refines crude oil and other feed stocks, such as gasoline, diesel, heating oil, aviation fuel, marine fuel, biofuel, lubricants, bitumen, and sulphur; produces and sells petrochemicals for industrial use; and manages oil sands activities. Further, the company produces base chemicals comprising ethylene, propylene, and aromatics, as well as intermediate chemicals, such as styrene monomer, propylene oxide, solvents, detergent alcohols, ethylene oxide, and ethylene glycol. Royal Dutch Shell plc was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands. 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 There is not enough analysis data for Botswana Diamonds. 4.1 Community Rank Outperform Votes Botswana Diamonds has received 231 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Botswana Diamonds has received 140 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Botswana Diamonds has received 62.26% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Botswana Diamonds and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe BOD will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe BOD will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next CONSOL Coal Resources LP produces and sells high- British thermal unit (Btu) coal in the Northern Appalachian Basin and the eastern United States. It owns a 25% undivided interest in the Pennsylvania mining complex, which consists of three underground mines and related infrastructure that produce high-Btu thermal coal located primarily in southwestern Pennsylvania. The company markets its thermal coal principally to electric utilities. CONSOL Coal Resources GP LLC operates as a general partner of the company. The company was formerly known as CNX Coal Resources LP and changed its name to CONSOL Coal Resources LP in November 2017. CONSOL Coal Resources LP was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Read More iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF's stock was trading at $27.57 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWN stock has increased by 89.2% and is now trading at $52.16. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF's stock was trading at $25.60 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWU shares have increased by 28.9% and is now trading at $33.00. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning -- 4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS. 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Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Known as the pioneer of Indian theatre and Hindi film industry, Prithviraj Kapoor was born on 3rd November 1906 into a Punjabi Hindu family of Samundri, Samundri Tehsil, Lyallpur District, Punjab, British India. The actor began his career in the theatres of Lyallpur and Peshawar. With the help of a loan from his aunt, he moved to Bombay and first worked as an extra in his first film, Do Dhari Talwar, though he went on to earn a lead role for his third film, titled Cinema Girl, in 1929. After acting in silent films, he bagged a supporting role in India's first film talkie, Alam Ara which released in 1931. After that, Prithviraj Kapoor starred in many iconic films like Alexander The Great, Awara, Mughal-E-Azam amongst others. On his 112th birth anniversary today, we take a look back at his journey as recalled by his sister Shanta Kapoor Dhawan- DALIAN, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / November 2, 2018 / This week, CCID, the research arm of the Ministry of Industry and Information of China, released its sixth issue of the Global Public Blockchain Technology Assessment Index (GPBTAI) in a live-streamed edition of 'Chain Reaction VI.' For the very first time, the research institute also invited a newly debuted public blockchain, EKT, to discuss how promising new projects like EKT could become a component for the well-recognized index. The latest issue is consistent with previous results. EOS, ETH, and BitShares kept their top spots, earning total scores of 150.5, 136.3 and 110.6, respectively. BitCoin ranked 19th, down 3. The most notable improvement is NULS. Its ranking has jumped 11 places to the ninth, and become a Top-10-ranked project for the very first time. With no major technical updates occurred during the previous month for most of the blockchains, the underlining-technology sub-ranking remains unchanged. The current issue of the index had significant improvements in its evaluation methodology for development tools. The assessment now takes into considerations of Application Programming Interface (API), Software Development Kit (SDK), Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Smart Contract and other development offerings. With regard to innovation, Bitcoin, has won this sub-category six times in a row, while ETH, EOS, NULS, and Cardano claimed spots 2-5 respectively. It is worth noting that NULS, which had just joined the index a couple of issues ago, had become the public blockchain with the most improvement in a single category. Overall, blockchain projects with higher performance and stronger support for application development achieved better results in this round of technology assessment. The result also reflects the current trend of global public blockchain technology innovations. At present, EOS and ETH are considered leaders of the global blockchain industry. Open discussion with the CCID team lead. Left: Mr. Xun Zhou, CEO of EKT Right: Dr. Songtao Pu, Head of CCID assessment team. Image Source: Unifive As a new addition to this release, CCID opened up its communication channel and allowed innovative newcomers to establish dialogues with the research institute. Dr. Songtao Pu, the head of CCID's assessment team, invited Xun Zhou, CEO of the EKT project to join the release ceremony. EKT is a high-performance public blockchain with a unique 'Multi-chain, Multi-consensus' approach. It is also an open Dapp development platform that has overcome a couple of major design flaws that plagued some popular Dapp platforms. Ingeniously separating the transactional token chain from the DApp runtime application chain, EKT solved Ethereum's embarrassing performance problems exacerbated by the viral DApp game Crypto-Kitty. The separation of two purpose-oriented blockchains dramatically improves the performance of on-chain DApps. Moreover, the transactional token chain can also achieve a parallel cross-chain architecture with its own multi-chain, multi-consensus structure. The issuer of a specific token can set up the consensus mechanism for the token chain according to its individual needs, resulting in a much more flexible setup. At present, the main network of EKT has been launched, and more features will be gradually introduced. As a leading expert of technology-focused public blockchains, Dr. Pu is most concerned about how the next generation public blockchains like EKT can be assessed equitably in the technical ranking. The CCID team contemplated whether there should be a separate list for emerging public blockchains, and how the assessment can be carried out so that different types of blockchain projects can compete fairly. Dr. Pu emphasized that the selection criteria of CCID's GPBTAI are well established and transparent. Any qualified, highly visible public chain with a good impact will become evaluation objects for the index. Contact: media@unifiveusa.com The full ranking of the sixth edition of Global Public Blockchain Technology Assessment Index: ??? Names in English Tech Application Creativity Index Total Overall Ranking EOS EOS 101.4 20.1 29 150.5 1 ??? Ethereum 77.8 28.9 29.6 136.3 2 ??? BitShares 87.9 13.3 9.5 110.6 3 ??? Nebulas 72.4 24.2 13.8 110.4 4 NEO NEO 74.2 26.7 8 108.9 5 ???? Steem 85.1 9.8 11.3 106.1 6 ??? Ripple 72 13.1 18.3 103.4 7 ??? GXChain 75.2 20.2 7.6 103 8 NULS NULS 65.3 14.3 22.4 102.1 9 ??? Komodo 69.9 14.6 15.4 99.9 10 ??? Lisk 66.7 15.6 17 99.4 11 ??? Stellar 71.2 19.8 7.1 98.1 12 Ark Ark 65.5 17 15.5 98 13 ??? IOTA 66.4 14.3 15.1 95.8 14 Waves Waves 60.1 19.2 16.3 95.6 15 Stratis Stratis 63.8 16.1 14.5 94.4 16 ??? Qtum 62.4 22.3 8.9 93.7 17 ???? Cardano 58.6 12.8 21.7 93 18 ??? Bitcoin 43 15 34.6 92.5 19 Verge Verge 68 14.1 6.7 88.7 20 ?? Monero 55.3 12.3 19.6 87.2 21 ???? Ethereum Classic 66 13.8 6.1 86 22 ?? NANO 59.8 14.7 11.2 85.8 23 Tezos Tezos 56 12.5 16.3 84.8 24 ??? Zcash 52.1 15.4 15 82.5 25 ??? Dash 50 20.6 10.1 80.7 26 ???? Hcash 65.1 12.1 2.3 79.5 27 ???? Bitcoin Cash 44.9 19.5 12.6 77.1 28 ??? Sia 55.2 11.4 10 76.6 29 ??? Bytecoin 61.3 11.1 2.6 75 30 ??? Litecoin 45.7 10.4 14 70 31 Decred Decred 47.1 10.6 8.6 66.3 32 ??? NEM 45.9 16.2 1.8 63.9 33 SOURCE: CCID Group View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/527024/In-Its-Sixth-Issue-China-Made-Little-Changes-to-Its-Official-Crypto-Ranking-but-Give-Hopes-to-New-Projects-Like-EKT-to-Join-the-Ranks PARIS (Reuters) - The European Union, France, Germany and Britain said in a joint statement on Friday that they regret Washington's decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran. New sanctions are due to come in on Monday. The restoration of sanctions is part of a wider effort by U.S PARIS (Reuters) - The European Union, France, Germany and Britain said in a joint statement on Friday that they regret Washington's decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran. New sanctions are due to come in on Monday. The restoration of sanctions is part of a wider effort by U.S. President Donald Trump to force Iran to curb its nuclear and missile programs as well as its support for proxy forces in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East. "Our aim is to protect European economic actors who have legitimate commercial exchanges with Iran, in line with European legislation and the United Nations' Security Council resolution 2231," European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and the foreign ministers and finance ministers of the three countries said. (Reporting by Geert De Clercq; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Amanda Cooper LONDON (Reuters) - Nearly 40 years after the 1979 Islamic revolution saw the exit of Western oil companies from Iran, the Iranian oil sector faces yet another costly disruption after a series of interruptions from war, sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Washington will reapply sanctions to Iran's oil sector on Nov. By Amanda Cooper LONDON (Reuters) - Nearly 40 years after the 1979 Islamic revolution saw the exit of Western oil companies from Iran, the Iranian oil sector faces yet another costly disruption after a series of interruptions from war, sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Washington will reapply sanctions to Iran's oil sector on Nov. 4, after ending its participation in an international deal governing Iran's nuclear sector. Iran's oil buyers outside the United States will stop or reduce purchases because of secondary sanctions applied on foreign companies that use the U.S. banking system. Having lifted a self-imposed revolutionary ban on foreign investors in 1995, Iran has struggled to attract external investment for any sustained period. The isolation caused by poor relations with the United States and, in recent years, Tehran's efforts to develop a nuclear capability have prevented Iran building output capacity. But huge reserves run by the National Iranian Oil Co have helped it cling to its position as one of the world's five largest oil producers. The United States stopped buying Iranian oil or investing in Iran's oil industry in 1979 and has not resumed since. Iran produces nearly 4 percent of the world's daily oil supply and over the last 30 years has exported on average two-thirds of that. The mid-1970s were the heyday of the Iranian oil sector, when its output accounted for 10 percent of global production. It has never returned to the record 6 million barrels per day (bpd) it pumped in 1974. In that year it pumped 70 percent of the amount produced by OPEC's biggest producer, its regional political rival Saudi Arabia, and more than three times as much as its neighbour Iraq. In 2012, when a first round of international nuclear sanctions was imposed, Iran's output was only a third of Saudi Arabia's, rising to 41 percent last year and just a little higher than Iraq's. Output dropped to a low of 1.5 million bpd in 1980, the year after Shah Mohammed Reza was overthrown, an event that caused the second oil shock across the economies of the West. It took 23 years for Iran to restore 4 million bpd in 2003, with a post-revolutionary peak last year just short of 5 million bpd of crude and condensate combined. Iran's exports halved during the depths of the 2012-2016 international sanctions on its nuclear programme. It is unclear what proportion of Iranian crude sales will vanish from international markets after Nov. 4. The United States said on Friday it would temporarily spare from sanctions eight jurisdictions that import Iranian oil. The European Union would not be one of the eight, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. This isn't Iran's first round of sanctions. It has devised ways to export oil under the radar, evading detection by switching off the transponders of its fleet of nearly 40 supertankers, using alternatives to the U.S. dollar for payment, or selling crude to private refiners, in small, harder-to-track parcels. Below is a timeline of the evolution of Iran's crude oil production and exports, through sanctions, war and embargoes. (Reporting by Amanda Cooper; Editing by Richard Mably and Dale Hudson) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Devika Krishna Kumar NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell about 1 percent on Friday and notched a weekly loss of over 6 percent, as investors worried about oversupply after the United States said it will temporarily spare eight jurisdictions from Iran-related sanctions. U.S. By Devika Krishna Kumar NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell about 1 percent on Friday and notched a weekly loss of over 6 percent, as investors worried about oversupply after the United States said it will temporarily spare eight jurisdictions from Iran-related sanctions. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the decision in a conference call. The waivers could allow top buyers to keep importing Iranian oil after economic penalties come back into effect on Monday. Brent crude futures fell 6 cents to settle at $72.83 a barrel. U.S. crude declined 55 cents to end the session at $63.14 per barrel, a 0.86 percent loss. Both contracts have fallen more than 15 percent from the near four-year highs touched in early October on worries the looming Iran sanctions could drain supply from global markets. Pompeo did not name the jurisdictions, but said the European Union as a whole, which has 28 members, would not receive one. India, Iraq and South Korea were on the list of waivers, said a source familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. Under U.S. law, such exceptions can only be granted for up to 180 days. Turkey has been told it will receive a waiver on U.S. sanctions against Iranian oil sales, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said. Iran said on Friday that it had no concerns over the reimposition of sanctions. On Twitter, in a message designed to emphasise his "maximum pressure" policy towards Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump included a photograph of himself modelled on a popular television show poster with the headline: "Sanctions are coming November 5." "It seems as though all the worries about tightening supplies due to the loss of Iranian barrels in the market have dried up," said Gene McGillian, director of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut. "On top of that, concerns regarding reduced global demand has also helped ... the market continues to search for a bottom." Prices have been under pressure as world oil production has been rising significantly in the past two months. Russian Energy Ministry data showed on Friday the country pumped 11.41 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude in October, a 30-year high. The U.S. believes that global oil supplies will exceed demand next year making it easier for countries to cut Iranian oil imports to zero, a senior U.S. official said on Friday. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries boosted oil production in October to 33.31 million bpd, up 390,000 bpd and the highest by OPEC since 2016. [OPEC/O] The United States is challenging Russia for title of top producer, with U.S. crude production now above 11 million bpd. The U.S. oil drilling rig count declined this week for the first time in four weeks, with drillers cutting one oil rig in the week to Nov. 2, bringing the total count down to 874, General Electric Co's Baker Hughes energy services firm said in a report on Friday. . Hedge funds and money managers cut their net long U.S. crude futures and options positions in latest week to a fresh one-year low, according to data from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). (Reporting by Devika Krishna Kumar in NEW YORK, Christopher Johnson in LONDON and Henning Gloystein in SINGAPORE; Editing by David Goodman and Chris Reese) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that a lot of progress had been made with China on trade, and he predicted the world's two largest economies would reach a very good deal. Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for a campaign event, Trump confirmed that he would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they are in Argentina for a Nov WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that a lot of progress had been made with China on trade, and he predicted the world's two largest economies would reach a very good deal. Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for a campaign event, Trump confirmed that he would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they are in Argentina for a Nov. 30-Dec. 1 summit of the Group of 20 nations. "We've had very good discussions with China. We're getting much closer to doing something," Trump said. "They very much want to make a deal." "I think well make a deal with China and I think it will be a very fair deal for everybody," he added. Earlier, the White House's top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, said the United States and China were not close to a deal to resolve their trade differences, and he was less optimistic than previously that such an agreement would come together. Trump said if the United States could strike a fair deal with China that would open up its market, he would be very willing to do so. He said trade would be a topic when he gets together with Xi over dinner. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Writing by Tim Ahmann; Editing by David Gregorio and Tom Brown) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Today's top stories: BJP seeks cancellation of Ramnagara polls after BJP candidate withdraws; Shah Rukh Khan lauds Salman Khan for being a part of Zero; Narendra Modi announces Diwali gift for small businesses; and more. BJP seeks cancellation of Ramanagaram bypolls even as voting begins in three Lok Sabha, two Assembly seats Voting began as schedule for three Lok Sabha Bellary, Shimoga and Mandya and two Assembly constituencies Jamkhandi and Ramanagaram in Karnataka. The BJP, however has sought cancellation of the Ramanagaram bypolls after L Chandrashekhar, its candidate against chief minister HD Kumaraswamy's wife, Anitha, quit the contest and returned to the Congress. With the BJP candidate withdrawing, Anitha is expected to have smooth sailing. On Friday, the BJP had petitioned the Election Commission requesting it to "annul" the bye-election immediately as the poll process has been "vitiated". The BJP also demanded that leaders of Congress-JD(S) coalition, including the chief minister, be charged under relevant provisions of law for allegedly acting in "collusion" to ensure that there is no contest. In its petition to the Commission, the BJP alleged that the developments are the "convergence of undue influence" practised by Chandrashekar, Congress' Bengaluru Rural lawmaker DK Suresh, Anitha and the chief minister. US allows 8 countries to buy oil from Iran, to announce 'toughest ever' sanctions on Iran from 5 November The US has agreed to let eight countries, including India, Japan and South Korea, keep buying oil from Iran even as it's set to announce the 'toughest ever' sanction on the OPEC producer on 5 November, reports said. The Trump administration on Friday announced that it would impose new sanctions targeted at Tehran's economy, with the intention that the authoritarian Iranian regime would change its behaviour. "On Monday, the Treasury Department will add more than 700 names to our list of blocked entities. This includes hundreds of targets previously granted sanctions relief under the JCPOA, as well as more than 300 new designations. This is substantially more than we ever have previously done," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters. Sanctions lifted under the terms of Iran's nuclear deal will be reimposed on individuals, entities, vessels and aircraft that touch numerous segments of Iran's economy. This will include Iran's energy sector and financial sectors, he said. "We've gone after the financial networks that the Iranian regime uses to fuel its terrorist proxies in Hezbollah and Hamas, to fund the Houthis in Yemen, and to support the brutal Assad regime in Syria," he said. Tigress Avni killed in Maharashtra's Yavatmal town A tigress believed to be responsible for the deaths of 13 people over the last two years, named Avni by the public, has been killed in Maharashtra's Yavatmal on Friday night, news agency ANI reported. In September, the Supreme Court said she should be shot on sight, prompting a flurry of online petitions. For about three months, 150 ground personnel, elephants and so-called expert trackers and shooters were on a quest to find Avni. The forest department conducted the search with the help of trap cameras, drones, sniffer dogs and a hang-glider along with a team of Forest Department officials in the vicinity of the Tippeshwar Tiger Sanctuary. The forest department had also hired the services of controversial private marksman Shafat Ali Khan. Delhi air quality remains very poor; stubble burning in UP recorded for the first time Delhi's air pollution level dipped slightly on Friday to remain in the "very poor" category as authorities detected stubble burning in Uttar Pradesh for the first time this season after Punjab and Haryana, which, they said, may add to the pollution woes of the national capital. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), an institute under the Earth Sciences Ministry, said the highest fire count was observed from the north-west region of India, which comprises Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh. As authorities warned that the air quality would severely deteriorate from next week, a citizen's group shot off a letter to the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), suggesting additional steps that could be taken to curb pollution, which included putting in public domain emission levels from all industries in Delhi-NCR and urging employers to encourage office-goers to work from home till 10 November. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation said around 1,582 challans were issued for violations in the zones under it. Deputy commissioners of 14 police districts in the national capital were directed to ensure no temporary licences are issued for sale of firecrackers till the PESO-approved crackers were available in the market. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot Friday launched a trial run of an e-bus and said the Delhi government had plans to float tenders for 1,000 electric buses by December so that the zero-emission vehicles are rolled out in the next five to six months. Narendra Modi announces Diwali gift for small businesses In a major boost to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced a slew of sops for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, ranging from granting loans at the shortest possible time, curtailing Inspector Raj to making it mandatory for public sector units to buy a certain percentage of goods from women entrepreneurs. He said that loans of up to Rs 1 crore will be sanctioned in 59 minutes through a special portal as part of the Centres MSME Support and Outreach programme. I dedicate the 59-minute loan approval portal to you. All GST-registered small and medium enterprises can now avail a loan of up to Rs 1 crore in just 59 minutes, Modi said while speaking at the launch of the programme at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The programme was attended by finance minister Arun Jaitley and Minister of State for MSME Giriraj Singh. He called it a big step in breaking 'silos' and a shining example of 'collective initiative'. "Minimum government and maximum governance is the core principle of our government. This is new India where no one needs to go around government offices," he said. As part of government's support and outreach initiative for MSMEs, the prime minister also announced a relaxation in labour laws, easier compliance with environmental rules and changes in company laws. Arsenal host leaders Liverpool in crucial Premier League clash Fourth-placed Arsenal host Liverpool in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash of the Premier League giants. Arsenal, under new manager Unai Emery, are on a 13-match unbeaten run as they look to consolidate their position in the top-four. Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have never lost against Arsenal and the Reds will be relying on the in-form Mohamed Salah to continue that run. Very dignified of Salman to be part of Zero: Shah Rukh Khan Shah Rukh Khan unveiled the trailer of his upcoming film Zero on the occasion of his birthday on Friday. At the trailer launch, he said that he was touched by the gesture of Salman Khan doing a cameo in the film. When he was asked about how Salman came on board, Shah Rukh told the media: "Anand (L Rai, Director) had spoken to Katrina (Kaif) regarding this film quite some time ago and that time Salman also heard the story." "The coincidence is, when I said yes to the film, immediately after he said he will also be a part of the film, in a song. That was very dignified and loving of him." A Delhi University student and his accomplice were arrested for killing a youth following an argument over opposition to their vulgar dance moves while celebrating Valmiki Jayanti in central Delhi, police said on Friday New Delhi: A Delhi University student and his accomplice were arrested for killing a youth following an argument over opposition to their vulgar dance moves while celebrating Valmiki Jayanti in central Delhi, police said on Friday. According to the police, the accused identified as Rishabh, 22, and Chaitanya, 21, are the residents of JJ Colony in Shakurpur and Rohini both in north-west Delhi. They were arrested on Thursday night from Vijay Vihar area of Rohini following a tip-off. "Rishab used to take part in cultural events like Ramleela and jagrans. He worked as a delivery boy in a courier company, while Chaitanya was pursuing BA from Delhi University," Deputy Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma said. "During interrogation, Rishab and Chaitanya revealed that they on 24 October had gone to celebrate Valmiki Jayanti in Mandir Marg area. During the competition, Rishab started doing vulgar moves which was opposed by the deceased, later identified as Avinash Sangwan. Following an argument, Rishab gunned down Sangwan and fled the spot," Verma said. The accused were identified with the help of CCTV footage captured by some revellers that later went viral on social media. "A resident of Lajpat Nagar, Sangwan was taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead," Verma said. Designed by Faridabad-based Manav Rachna Innovation and Incubation Centre (MRIIC), the project proposes to ply 30 more such buses in Delhi. The buses flagged off on Thursday are meant to carry school children. New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday flagged off five buses fitted with air-filters, which trap the pollutants in the air, as a pilot project. He along with his Delhi counterpart Imran Hussain also formed 52 rapid action teams consisting of over 250 officials from the Centre and Delhi government to control air pollution and check environment-related offences for the next 10 days. Designed by Faridabad-based Manav Rachna Innovation and Incubation Centre (MRIIC), the project proposes to ply 30 more such buses in Delhi. The buses flagged off on Thursday are meant to carry school children. The buses clean atmospheric air through filters Pariyayantra fitted on their roof. The filters don't require any power to operate and are equivalent to filtration provided by six room air-filters, said the developers from MRIIC. The developers said these air filter units can be mounted on the roof of any vehicle, including auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers. "As the vehicle moves, air passes through the holes in front of the device. During experiments, we found the filters can trap up to 98% of the particulate matter," said Professor BS Gill, leader of the research team. Meanwhile, the minister raised concern over deteriorating Delhi's air quality, saying "the weather conditions, stubble-burning and festival season will deteriorate it further". The minister flagged off 52 teams comprising over 250 officials from the Ministry, Delhi government and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Of the 52 teams, 44 will report to 33 SDMs posted in Delhi. The Ministry officials said that more than one team is being posted at the pollution hotspot, like Rohini and Dwarka. "Pollution rises around Diwali and it is important to check it. While many teams of CPCB are already active, 44 additional teams will monitor different regions of Delhi, while 8 teams will be active in NCR cities to keep a check on garbage burning, construction and others," Vardhan said. The Minster said in the wake of the toxic air of Delhi and NCR, several teams have recommended that rules on construction activity and garbage burning are strictly adhered to. "On the implementation scale of 10, Delhi scores 4.63, Noida 7.36, Faridabad 5.01, Gurugram 3.93 and Ghaziabad 3.77 (the higher the score, better is the implementation of anti-pollution measures)," the minister said. Tigress Avni (T1) believed to be responsible for the deaths of 13 people over the last two years, was killed in Maharashtra's Yavatmal on Friday, after a three-month long change that involved 150 forest department officials, drones, elephants, sniffer dogs and expert shooters After nearly three months of search which involved drones, elephants and expert shooters, tigress Avni (T1) believed to be responsible for the deaths of 13 people over the last two years, was killed in Maharashtra's Yavatmal on Friday. Avni was shot by Asgar Ali, son of Hyderabad-based controversial private marksman Shafat Ali Khan, who was hired by the forest department to kill the tigress. There is however, no update on her two cubs. According to ANI, the post-mortem of tigress Avni will be conducted at Nagpur's Gorewada Rescue Centre. While locals in Yavatmal celebrated the tigress' death, Avni's killing has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights activists including those who had filed a petition to save her. Sarita Subhramaniam of Earth Brigade Foundation, one of the key petitioners in Avni's case said, "We demand the resignation of the forest minister and suspension of the PCCF for orchestrating this fake encounter of Tigress T-1/ Avni." Three-month long chase come to end For about three months, 150 ground personnel, elephants and so-called expert trackers and shooters were on a quest to find Avni. The forest department conducted the search with the help of trap cameras, drones, sniffer dogs and a hang-glider along with a team of forest department officials in the vicinity of the Tippeshwar Tiger Sanctuary. The undulated, pebbly and stony terrain of the area presented several challenges for the forest officials, forcing it to request trained elephants to track Avni. On 4 September, the Maharashtra forest department had issued a shoot on sight order for Avni. The forest department claimed that the six-year-old tigress, along with two of her cubs, had consumed 60 percent of a human corpse, which led to the decision of declaring her as a "man-eater". The decision to kill Avni however generated a flurry of online petitions. Reportedly, Avni had claimed at least 9 lives till September. According to Times of India, the decision was challenged in the Bombay High Court by wildlife lover Dr Jerryl Banait on 6 September. Justice BP Dharmadhikari and MG Giradkar at the Nagpur Bench of Bombay high court on 7 September disposed of the civil application seeking stay against orders to shoot Avni, known officially as T1 of Pandharkawda. Buoyed by the court orders, senior officers had asked Pandharkawda officials to kill the tigress and capture the two cubs. The Bombay High Court order was challenged in the Supreme Court. However, a Supreme Court bench of Justice Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta, refused to interfere in the Bombay High Court order, which gave the forest department a go-ahead to implement its order to tranquillise or shoot the tigress. The bench had said that the forest department would be bound by their own order to tranquillise her first and, in case of failure, shoot her. With inputs from Ankita Virmani Due process is important for the certainty it involves, but it is critical to ask what else and who else it involves before suggesting that an abused person set legal mechanisms into motion This column was originally published by Smashboard here and has been republished with due permission. We are endlessly told that due process is important, as is the rule of law, and it is true that theyre important. What is also important is to ask what constitutes the rule of law, who frames laws, how they are implemented, and who benefits. Cui bono, as one might ask in other contexts. Early on in its recent decision relating to Aadhaar, the Supreme Court of India referred to Albert Venn Dicey to explain what constitutes the rule of law. The essence of rule of law is to preclude arbitrary action, it said, continuing, Dicey, who propounded the rule of law, gave distinct meaning to this concept and explained that it was based on three kindered [sic] features, which are as follows: (i) absence of arbitrary powers on the part of authorities; (ii) equality before law; and the (iii) Constitution is part of the ordinary law of the land. Dicey, it is worth noting, was a British jurist and constitutional theorist who was born in 1835 and died in 1922. He was a young man at the time of the first Indian war of independence in 1857, he lived through a period in which the glories of Empire were much touted, his era saw the justification of colonialism partly through the myth of the White Mans Burden, which had little effect on the white man beyond enriching him possibly further than his wildest dreams, and he died around the time women began getting the right to vote and to practice law in England. Dicey was not known to be anything but a man of his time. And although the Indian Supreme Court has also made reference to contemporary theorists, it appears to have based its understanding of the rule of law primarily on the work of a man, who, going by various indications and allowing oneself the liberty of essentialising, thought that British colonialism was a good idea and gender equality was a bad idea. Dicey articulated the idea of the rule of law, but failed to critically engage with concerns about who would draft and enforce law: primarily men like himself for their own benefit. Although the rule of law has much older antecedents than those associated with Dicey, and has at times helped rein in monarchs, for all practical purposes, it has tended to be the voice of the immensely privileged codified in statute and subordinate legislation. It has not necessarily seen law act as a guarantor of equality or fairness, and, indeed, in many cases, it has seen precisely the opposite. In India, we need look no further than laws which once effectively criminalised entire tribes and pushed them into forced labour as cogs in the money-minting imperial machine that was the Empire. There has never been any doubt that the rule of law can create social structures and impart certainty in social relations, but it doesnt follow that such structures should be created or that they are justifiable. After all, the certainty of the rule of law isnt guaranteed to be the certainty of achieving fair outcomes. Social order is not always social justice. As a concept, the rule of law was theorised long before women, Carole Pateman in particular, pointed out that the social contract must have been preceded by a sexual contract, even before the social contract was theorised in the form we now recognise it. The propositions of the two contracts, although vastly disparate in time, are closely linked to each other. The social contract which 17th and 18th century theorists, notably John Locke, Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau constructed, envisaged men entering into a contract of their own free will to create order from the chaos in the state of nature. The rule of law then provided the mechanism with which to implement the social contract to enable the now-legitimate state to demand societal obedience so as to create order. Women were not left out; they were simply co-opted into the social contract. Although Locke spoke of the person in his version of the contract, he also conceived of wives being subservient to their husbands despite having little to support his conception beyond the Bible and contemporary socio-legal norms. At the time, married women in England were legally subject to coverture which effectively caused them to lose their legal autonomy in lieu of the rather questionable protection of their husbands, as William Blackstone, an English jurist who died in 1780, separately explained, seemingly without once having it occur to him that the protection was questionable and perhaps quite unwanted given the form it could take. Marital assault or chastisement was not usually considered criminal then. Not to mention that coverture usually prevented married women from contracting independently. And, so, there women were, bound to their husbands. With the support of scriptural prescription, these two contracts, social and sexual, theoretically caused the dominion of men over women by brute force in the state of nature to mutate into the politico-patriarchal right of the Enlightenment which had all the same trappings as the state of nature and which oppressed women. Although it was often couched in the language of needing to protect the fair and gentle sex, men were understood to have a lawful patriarchal right over women, and the state to have a voluntarily-granted paternal right over men who happened to control women. Thus, the rule of law is not an egalitarian concept and its history demonstrates that it is not underlain by gender neutrality. It may be possible to force it into another, less discriminatory mould more mindful of equality and individual rights, but that would require recognising our current understanding of the rule of law for what it often is: an idea perpetuated by white men living in sexist societies themselves and forming the theoretical basis for the racial hierarchies which plague all of us today, often with their ideas being used to support economic drain and worse of countries primarily populated by non-white peoples. Although the legitimacy of the rule of law has, quite rightly, begun to be challenged in the context of colonialism, it is rarely interrogated in other contexts. And despite all that is said about the importance of human dignity and individual autonomy, the rule of law has not yet shed its historical baggage. In its recent ruling decriminalising consensual homosexual acts, the Supreme Court of India equated divinity and identity, and indicated that an illegitimate rule by law was not the same as a legitimate rule of law. As such, it appears that, although the judiciary is not oblivious to the possibility that the law can be deeply problematic, an appreciation of the concerns attendant to the rule of law has not uniformly seeped into the mechanisms through which the State deals with individuals, much less into informal social interactions. The Constitution of India promises individuals equality and dignity. However, that promise may well be betrayed by the rule of law if it is not structured to avert violence induced by such facets of ones identity as gender, sex, and sexual orientation. The rule of law doesnt architect for violence but neither does it always safeguard against it. Whatever comes next, if the promise of the Constitution is to be upheld, it is imperative that legal processes be devised keeping the most vulnerable in mind and ensuring that they are not sidelined or marginalised. Violence is unlikely to be eradicated in our own time but it can be contained, and it is legitimate to ask that the rule of law be structured to protect the most vulnerable amongst us. The most vulnerable are not just those who are poor but anyone who lacks the privilege of power which is, of course, most of us and women, upper class or not, in particular. After all, privilege is always relative, and persons who are abused invariably have less privilege than their abusers. If the rule of law is not structured to address the concerns of those with comparatively less privilege, its adoption would too often merely result in access to law and not in access to justice. And mere access to law will not necessarily result in abusive people being held accountable, not if the rule of law is designed by them and those sympathetic to them in a manner which makes it all but impossible to secure an outcome which so much as appears just. Due process is important for the certainty it involves, but it is critical to ask what else and who else it involves before suggesting that an abused person set legal mechanisms into motion, which, they may then be unable to control. Nandita Saikia is a lawyer Three women who narrated accounts of sexual misconduct and lack of reparation at three All India Radio stations even after going through the process of filing complaints with the IC, and in some cases, despite registering police complaints. Following Rituparna Chatterjee's report Is Indias #MeToo moment here? Women are angry and they are naming and shaming their abusers Firstpost will publish a series of articles collating personal accounts of those who have made allegations of harassment, along with responses from those who have been accused of such behaviour. This is an ongoing exercise and will be updated to reflect new developments. If you wish to draw our attention to instances of harassment you may have experienced or witnessed, tweet to us @firstpost with the hashtag #MeToo. *** Jyoti Pathania, 45, was in the All India Radios dubbing room in Dharamsala on 20 August 2016. She was on day duty, waiting for a message regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modis Mann Ki Baat to come in from Delhi, when the lights suddenly went off. The control switch for the lights was outside the room, but by the dim glow of the computer screens, Pathania says she saw her boss and programme head Suresh Kumar, had entered the room. Kumar asked her if the power was off. She said yes. Pathania said she wasnt prepared for what happened next: As she continued to wait for instructions from Delhi, her body turned away from Kumar, he tilted her head back from behind, and kissed her. Before Pathania could respond, Kumar left the room. I was stunned, I couldnt understand what was happening. I had to keep doing my work. When he left, the lights came on. I continued sitting in the room. I recorded the (incoming) message as it was my duty, Pathania told Firstpost over the phone. She said she couldnt even go to the washroom for fear of running into Kumar. When her replacement came in at 4 PM, a woman colleague, Pathania said she broke down in tears and told her about the incident. Kumar asked me what happened as if he had no knowledge of what he had done. I couldnt tell him anything at that point, she said. Pathania said there was a reason for her reticence: in 2014, she had lodged a police complaint against a former boss, accusing him of misbehaving with her. On pushing him away in self defence, Pathania said her boss called the police and accused her of assault. The police took down the complaints of both parties, following which she approached the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women. Pathania said she faced intense emotional trauma at that time and after advice from both the commission and her family and especially an apology from the accused she decided to close the case. The man, meanwhile, was transferred as AD programming of AIR Shimla. That experience, Pathania said, made her wary in Kumars case she wanted to first get safely home before she confronted him. She also said she feared a previous record would not only prejudice the company against her but also result in a repeat of the intimidation she felt during the process of her complaint. Pathania filed a complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee (now known as the IC). She also filed an FIR against Kumar on 29 August 2016. She said an IC enquiry report in February 2017 a copy of which Firstpost has reviewed found no merit in her case due to lack of evidence. It has been over two years since the incident and the casual announcer said she has not found work with Dharamshala AIR again. She runs a small boutique in the town and said it has been an uphill battle to get work. As the Indian #MeToo movement gathers steam, and influential names are outed by women fed up with sluggish due process, the sexist work culture at offices that has enabled predators to operate with impunity, has continuously come up for review. The Times of India reported that nine women employees of AIR from Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh have lost their jobs after complaining of sexual harassment against the stations assistant director (programming) Ratnakar Bharti. However, similar stories from women in other centres Kurukshetra, Dharamshala and Obra prove that the problem is far more widespread. Firstpost spoke to three women who narrated accounts of sexual misconduct and lack of reparation even after going through the process of filing complaints with the IC, and in some cases, despite registering police complaints. In Pathanias case, the ICC, in its final report, reprimanded both Kumar and Pathania for calls made at odd hours and asked why she did not raise an alarm when the incident inside the dubbing room happened. On being contacted, Kumar said the allegations against him were completely false. She has lodged a court case under Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) against me. Its completely false. She has a problematic nature and had lodged a similar case against a programme head but later she compromised. She was upset because she was not being allotted duty. After the incident she claims happened, I myself approached the IC telling them that she had said shell commit suicide if she wasnt given work. She wanted to call a meeting of all casual announcers and wanted a public apology. Why should I say sorry? I had done nothing wrong. I did go into the room, but I have not touched her, he said. Pathania denied that she had ever threatened suicide, though a mention of it is in the ICC report. On being contacted, Santosh Rishi, who was a member of the ICC at that time said that she would not be able to comment on the case. Our job was to maintain confidentiality, go through all the evidence, ensure that no injustice was done and pass it on to the directorate, she said. Ruma Guleria, an advocate and an AIR casual announcer of Dharamsala at that time, was tasked to appear on behalf of the AIR National Union of Casual Announcers/Comperer to look at the evidence. I wasnt there when the incident happened. I heard of it the next day and when I asked for the CCTV footage, they refused. Video footage of around 20 to 25 minutes was found deleted. As far as I remember there were no cameras in the dubbing room. But there was one at the entrance, she said. She said she found footage between approximately 3:15 and 3:35 pm the time during which Pathania claimed the incident occurred was missing. A senior radio jockey with AIRs FM Gold channel in Delhi said, Prasar Bharti had given an submission before the Delhi HC that they have installed CCTV cameras in AIR Delhi studios in 2013. Why did they not install these in AIRs different stations across the country? Instances of sexual harassment can take place in any station. On being asked why the CCTV footage was missing, Garinder Thakur, who is the programme head of AIR Dharamshala, said: There was a reason given at that time by the station head, an authentic, technical reason. Also, the officer named was transferred he isnt working here anymore. The committee took a decision and closed the case. We have nothing to do with any court cases going on. Whosoever is responsible will not be spared and government machinery will decide that. *** At AIR Obra in Uttar Pradesh, casual announcer Shanti Verma, 43, said she faced sexual harassment repeatedly during her tenure. Verma said in 2010, the duty officer during evening transmission, one Sri Krishna, asked her for a kiss. When she avoided responding, he later entered the room and put on a CD. I didnt know what the CD was about. He fast forwarded to a portion and I was stunned to see that it was a blue film. He even tried to place his hand on my thigh, Verma told Firstpost over the phone. She lodged an internal complaint, following which Sri Krishna was transferred. He would message me constantly; say I miss you. As per Vermas account, the Obra station seemed to have had severe lapses in the basic protocols that keep women safe. She said during the same year, a librarian, Suresh Chandra Nirala, showed her a nude magazine following which she stopped going to the library. She had mentioned this too in her complaint to AIR, a copy of which Firstpost has seen. #MeToo by Earlier, she said her husband was witness to the fact that officials of the station were watching a blue film in the control room. When he protested, he was thrown out by the guard, Verma said. In March 2016, she was on duty during the 9.30-10.30 hour programme when a guard standing nearby made Verma acutely uncomfortable by staring at her. When she expressed her discomfort, Verma said the official present at that time, a Subhash Mishra, dismissed her concerns and told her the guard had every right to be there. Following a heated exchange of words, Verma said the guard assaulted her. She also says Mishra pulled her arm, leading to her dress being torn. She dialed the 1090 womens helpline number from the office itself. The next day she lodged a formal complaint with AIR, following which she filed an FIR. She also accused the current station head GP Nirala of making an obscene comment about her. He commented that my breasts have started to bloom, Verma said. On being contacted, GP Nirala, the current station head of Obra AIR, acknowledged the 2016 incident and said Mishra was transferred to Jammu and Kashmir following it. I was away on leave when the incident took place. Had I been there, I assure you it would not have happened. I tried several times so that an amicable compromise is reached, Nirala told Firstpost over the phone. He said he had no knowledge of any incident involving Sri Krishna or Suresh Chandra Nirala since it was before his tenure. Shes (Verma) is a very good announcer. Ask her how much I favoured her. I have gone to her house also a few times to persuade her to settle the matter amicably. I have never made any obscene comment towards her, he said. When asked if he was aware that officials have been accused of watching pornographic films and drinking at the station, Nirala said he wasnt aware of any such thing. I havent seen this, and I dont drink, he said. *** In Kurukshetra, an internal committee found no merit in the complaint of one Tammana Mahendra, 29, a Baalsabha casual compere of AIR, who said remarks made by a former programme executive of that station made her uncomfortable. In her complaint dated 25 August 2015, Mahendra referred to an incident from 2014; her younger brother had been hospitalised, he was in a coma, and Mahendra says she was under severe mental stress. She met senior AIR official Shivendra Srivastava at the Kurukshetra station, to see if she could get regular assignments. Srivastava asked her to do OB duty; specifically, a story on eve-teasing. Srivastava asked me if I knew what eve-teasing was. I told him that every woman knew what the term meant, having experienced some form of it in their lifetime. He then asked if I knew what rape was. He went on to explain in great detail why rapes happen, the mindset of parents who register boys and girls in separate schools. I told him the subject was making me uncomfortable, and my topic was eve-teasing anyway, Mahendra told Firstpost. #MeToo by She said Srivastava went to also state that rapes occur with less frequency as compared to India since men and women were accustomed to seeing each others private parts. Mahendra reiterated how uncomfortable she was in the course of this exchange. She explained that she was in no state of mind to lodge a complaint, due to her brothers ill-health. Also since he (Srivastava) was the main official, who would I complain to? So when he was transferred, I complained to the station head, she said. Firstpost has seen a copy of the complaint. On being contacted, Srivastava said he was saddened by the allegation and paying the price for trying to raise awareness about a subject at the heart of womens safety. She is just like my daughter, I have led a spotless life and career. Her friend was also there when this happened. All I wanted was to do a show since at that time a lot of cases of molestations were happening in Kurukshetra and I wanted to raise awareness in public interest, he said. Srivastava said he was the programme head at that time. She is a very good girl, and I am a conscientious, sensitive and sensible man. My life has been spotless and this will haunt me forever. Im not ashamed of anything. She didnt even tell me if she was uncomfortable, she should have told me. Many months later she filed the complaint. The committee that looked into the matter, observed that there are some small issues in the office due to that ideologies do not match among the casual announcers and officials which affects the proper functioning of the office [sic]. The ICC advised the complainant to report such incidents within three months of an incident or immediately after an incident and observed that she had reported this issue after eight months. Mahendra said another incident of workplace harassment left her shaken. She accused programme head Ajit Gill, named in her complaint, of stopping her duty allotment. She said one of her programmes was deleted. When she asked Gill about it, Mahendra says he shouted at her and threatened to stop her duty. Gill Mahendra says threw a duty register at her after scratching her name off it, and told her: Aise hi main tumhare pet pe laat maar sakta hoon (I can take away your livelihood just like this), she said. #MeToo by Srivastava said both Gill and he were transferred in 2015; Gill to Hamirpur and Srivastava to Kathua. In a letter to the CEO of Prasar Bharti, Shabnam Khanam, the general secretary of the AIR National Union of Casual Announcers/Comperer, said she wanted to highlight the plight of her female colleagues working in different stations of All India Radio across the country. Khanum told Firstpost at least 15 women casual announcers and presenters from different stations of AIR, have lost their jobs after complaining of sexual harassment by officials. They (AIR) protect their officers and transfer them, Khanam said. Even in the Shahdol case, why was he transferred, and not sacked or suspended?" Firstpost has also reached out to F Sheheryar, DG, AIR, ex-officio member, Prasar Bharati Board, for a comment. This report will be updated when he responds. *** Network 18, of which Firstpost is a part, has received complaints of sexual harassment as well. The complaints which are within the purview of the workplace have been forwarded to our PoSH committee for appropriate action. *** Also on Firstpost: Spotlight on #MeToo Tackling workplace harassment in Indian media The Sabarimala Action Committee, a group of various Hindu outfits spearheading the agitation, claimed hundreds of women have come forward to defend their faith and customs and will do so on 5 November. Another showdown looks imminent at Sabarimala when the Lord Ayyappa temple opens for a brief ritual on 5 November with various Hindu groups and the Communist-led government battling over the entry of young women into the temple and hardening their positions on the Supreme Court verdict. The standoff spurred by the 28 September apex court verdict lifting a centuries-old ban on women aged between 10 and 50 from entering the shrine led to the first showdown during the monthly puja from 17 to 22 October with protesters physically blocking women and attacking police and media. While a section of the devotees and many activists disguised as devotees blocked women from the formerly banned age group from entering the temple during the monthly puja last month, protesters are planning to deploy women above the age of 50 to undertake the holy task during the Chithira Atta Visesham ritual on 6 November. The Sabarimala Action Committee, a group of various Hindu outfits spearheading the agitation, claimed hundreds of women have come forward to defend their faith and customs at the temple and will do so on 5 November. A leader of the committee said these women will take up positions at various points along the 5-kilometre trek from Pampa to the temple on 5 and 6 November and ensure that no woman belonging to the menstruating age cross the point and reach the temple. The decision to field women has been taken in the light of the lathi charge on the protesters at Nilackal, the main gateway to the hill shrine, and the subsequent arrest of more than 3,000 persons, mostly men, who took part in the agitation during the monthly puja. The committee has also adopted this strategy as the Kerala Police does not have enough women personnel to take on the female protesters. The state government sought support from neighbouring southern states, but most of them have shown a reluctance to lend their forces. The Kerala government called a meeting of Devaswom ministers from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka early this week with the objective of thrashing out a consensus on implementing the SC verdict, but none of them turned up, citing protests among the Ayyappa devotees in their states for their reluctance to join hands. They fear the BJP may use it for political gain. The state unit of the saffron party, which is in the forefront of the agitation, has planned to extend it to neighbouring states, from where large number of devotees come to Sabarimala during the annual pilgrim season. The state BJP is gearing up for a bigger fight this time by enlarging the scope of their struggle as "a battle between believers and non-believers." The party has vowed to continue it beyond 6 November, when the temple will be closed after the Chithira Atta Visesham. The party has already chalked out a plan to undertake a six-day rath yatra from the states northern tip of Kasargod to Sabarimala from 8 November. The yatra, to be led by the state chief, would culminate on 13 November: the day the Supreme Court is set to hear the writ petitions against the entry of young women into the temple. The party will decide the future course of action depending on the outcome of the petitions to be heard by the court. The party has given a wider dimension to the struggle due to the over enthusiasm' shown by the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government in implementing the SC verdict. The party believes the government showed eagerness in implementing the verdict as part of their agenda to implement their atheistic ideology. BJP state president PS Sreedharan Pillai said the CPM was trying to achieve their goal by taking control of the temples. He said the government curtailed the term of the previous board of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) headed by a Congress leader and reconstituted it with the ruling party nominees to bring the body that administers more than 1,200 temples in the southern districts of the state under their control. The TDB, which is duty-bound to protect the interest of the devotees, was ready to file a review petition against the SC verdict. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan prevented the board from pursuing legal recourse. If the board was allowed to have its way, Sabarimala would not have become a conflict zone, he added. By expanding the scope of the struggle, the BJP is also trying to woo minorities, who sense an equal threat to their own faiths from the apex court verdict. Pillai claimed that several Christian and Muslim organisations offered to support his partys fight against non-believers. He said he will visit 52 Christian institutions, including bishops houses, and 12 Islamic centres to seek their blessings during the rath yatra. Undeterred by the aggressive posturing by the BJP and other Hindu outfits, the state government is going ahead with its plan to facilitate the entry of women to the temple during the Chithira Atta Vishesham ritual. The government, which failed to assist any of the 15 women who came forward to enter the temple, is trying to keep protesters at bay by doubling the forces and taking stricter precautions. Pathanamthitta district superintendent of police T Narayanan said they will be deploying a 5,000-strong contingent in and around the hill shrine on 5 and 6 November. The government has also declared prohibitory orders under the Code of Criminal Procedure 144 from 3 November midnight to 6 November midnight in order to prevent the protesters from assembling in and around the hill shrine. The district police chief said devotees will be subjected to strict security checks before being allowed to go to Pampa. No one other than devotees and media will be allowed to travel to Pamba from Nilackal, he added. Nobody will be allowed to stay for long at Sannidhanam and stray along the trekking path, he further said. We will provide protection if any woman comes to trek the holy shrine. The police are duty-bound to provide protection to the devotees. We will do our duty and would not allow anybody to prevent anybody from proceeding to the hill top. Narayan said. The administration has, so far, not received any request from women seeking police support to go to the temple despite an extensive campaign by the CPM and its partners to create awareness about the gender equality upheld by the SC judgment. Many of the young women taken to the temple by the police during the monthly puja were either activists or media. The government feels that genuine devotees kept away due to the tense situation created by the protesters and is hoping they will come forward if they are assured of security. The government is leaving no stone unturned this time in guaranteeing protection to women who come to Sabarimala. Even if a single woman between age of 10 and 50 enters the temple, it will be considered as a big victory for the government. Sri Lanka Army chief Ravi Wijegunaratne is accused of protecting the main suspect in the disappearance of the 11 individuals between 2008 and 2009 by facilitating his escape from the country. The missing men are believed to have been murdered. Colombo: A Sri Lankan court on Friday ordered the arrest of army chief Admiral Ravi Wijegunaratne and produce him before it for his alleged involvement in the abduction and disappearance of 11 youths, including the minority Tamils, during the brutal military conflict with the LTTE. Wijegunaratne, the Sri Lanka Armed Forces' Chief of Defence Staff, is accused of protecting the main suspect in the disappearance of the 11 individuals between 2008 and 2009 by facilitating his escape from the country. The missing men are believed to have been murdered. The Colombo magistrate's court ordered the police to arrest him before 9 November and warned of action if they failed to do so, a court official said. Relatives of the missing Tamil people allege that the Lankan state particularly its army, navy and police were behind most of the disappearances. Several navy officers are currently on bail in connection with the alleged disappearances of the 11 people who were abducted between 2008 and 2009. The police's Criminal Investigation Department had uncovered details of a systematic extortion racket carried out by senior navy officers with high political connections during the height of the separatist war with the LTTE which ended in 2009. A committee appointed by former president Mahinda Rajapaksa due to international pressure in 2013 had reported over 19,000 cases of disappearances. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ran a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. Sri Lanka's human rights record, particularly over the impunity enjoyed by law enforcement officers, has been the subject of international condemnation. The UN Human Rights Council has called for an international probe into the alleged war crimes during the military conflict with the LTTE. According to the government figures, around 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts including the 30-year-long separatist war with Lankan Tamils in the north and east which claimed at least 100,000 lives. Tej, the elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, said he was not willing to withdraw his petition, which is expected to come up for hearing on 29 November. Patna: RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav said on Saturday that he is a simpleton who was forced to marry the "urbane" Aishwarya Rai against his wishes and had been living a "stifled life" since then. His reaction comes a day after he filed a divorce petition at the Patna civil court. Rai could not be immediately reached for comment. Tej, the elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, said he was not willing to withdraw his petition, which is expected to come up for hearing on 29 November. Speaking to reporters in the pilgrim town of Bodh Gaya, where he made a brief stopover on his way to Ranchi to meet his ailing and incarcerated father Lalu, Tej said, "I had told my parents that I did not wish to marry at this moment of time. But nobody listened to me. Ours was a mismatch. I am a simple man with simple habits while she is a modern woman, educated in Delhi and used to life in a metropolis." Rai is the daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai. Her grandfather Daroga Rai was the chief minister of Bihar in the 1960s. The couple had tied the knot here on 12 May. The RJD chief had acquired bail to attend the wedding in Patna. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan were among others who attended the grand wedding. Asked about his decision at a time when his father is in poor health, Tej said, "I have been living a stifled (ghut ghut ke) life. How long can one go on like this?" He also said he has not been on talking terms with his wife for the past couple of months. Asked whether his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav said anything to him on the issue, he said they talk about politics, not about such matters. In his petition, he has stated cruelty as the reason for seeking divorce. His lawyer Yashwant Kumar Sharma said Friday that the former Bihar minister had sought divorce on compatibility issues. He said the separation has been sought invoking Section 13 A of the Hindu Marriage Act under which either spouse can unilaterally seek divorce. Tej Pratap took the step barely a couple of days after his return from a pilgrimage to Vrindavan, from where he had shared on social media photographs of himself posing like Lord Krishna playing a flute surrounded by a herd of cattle. Gitanjali Dang and Khanabadosh curate this series Invisible Light under which various themes will be introduced. Jagte Raho is the opening theme. Read an overview of the curatorial concept, here. Also view 'Jagte Raho' Chapter I: Gagan Singh Slows Down The News Chapter II: Kush Badhwar and Pallavi Paul speak to the virus Chapter IV: MoHalla and the film Jagte Raho on everything that doesnt disappear Chapter V: Abhishek Hazra on How to Hide Your Hegel Chapter VI: 7 Isles Unclaimed or the Mumbai That Could Have Been Chapter VII: Hazarding guesses with Sahej Rahal Chapter VIII: Noticing and note-taking with Shubhangi Singh *** Chapter III: Amshu Chukki looks at a protest that never happened Karnataka has a rich and long-standing political history of peoples movements. The predominant approach towards understanding and seeking allegiance with this common past is via legacies of individuals and movements. This holds true even of books such as Sakis Making History: Karnataka People & Their Past Volume 1 and 2 (1998 and 2004), about which Gauri Lankesh said, The two volumes of Making History are remarkable for looking at Karnatakas history from below. Amshu Chukkis ongoing interest in these histories is routed via the site. More specifically, sites of protest scattered across the state capital, Bangalore. This act of recollection through site produces a sensorial texture that maps the histories and politics of the city, and the several layers in which these sites are enmeshed. Here I feel the site becomes the protagonist, explains Chukki. The opening protagonist of choice: The Ravindra Kalakshetra. The theatre opened in 1963 and has since become an important site of congress. Keen on making sense of these sites through reflections and poetry, Chukki invited into the mix poet, translator, activist and writer Mamata Sagar, who is also Chukkis mother. Kota Shivaram Karanth, Gopalakrishna Adiga, P Lankesh, Siddalingaiah, Devanuru Mahadeva, Vaidehi, OV Usha, and other poets and writers have been responding to socio-political movements through their writings, Chukki takes us through the backstory of his invitation to Sagar. In turn, the literatures from, and in response to, these movements have also set the ground for an inclusive peoples movement in Karnataka. In their freewheeling interview of which, Footnotes, 2018, is but an excerpt Sagar touched on a range of subjects, including the role Dalit and womens movements played in vocalising the desire for a more inclusive society throughout the 80s and 90s. (Above: Amshu Chukki, Footnotes, 2018) The interview is in Kannada. Unlike her activist writing, which is in English, Sagar writes her poetry in Kannada, a language Chukki is at home with but cannot read and write. Consequently, he has read Sagars poetry only in translation. Chukki explains, We just jammed. Amma read out several poems and Kalakshetra conjured up memories and stories. At a time when the government is trying to build these national narratives, I am also interested in engaging with the site specifically through the regional language, in this case Kannada. What does it mean to be local? Work with different immediacies? Ammas reading in Kannada, her voice and the hand gestures have a special texture." Eventually, I decided on focusing, at least for now, on Ammas memory of the time when she heard the news of Saketh Rajans killing, and Haadu Biddaga (Song-Slaughter), the poem she wrote in response to his death and the events that followed. Or as in the case of Rajans death, the events that did not follow. In 2005, Prem State Secretary of the CPI (M) was killed in an encounter in Karnatakas Chikmagalur district. The news that Prem was, in fact, the nom de guerre of Saketh Rajan came as a jolt to several. Rajan was known as a brilliant student who read voraciously and ditched engineering for literature. To those who were in the know, it came as no surprise that Rajan aka Prem under the nom de plume of Saki would go on to write two significant volumes on the history of Karnataka. Once the news of Rajans encounter spread, people started gathering at Kalakshetra, thinking the body would be brought there for the people to see him one last time. Instead the police cremated his body in secret, and with that it did away with evidence of the torture that was said to have been inflicted on Rajan, before he was shot dead. In the aftermath of Rajans death, Gauri Lankesh who had interviewed him in 2004 wrote in Tehelka, It was as if in death, Saket had begun to shine as the new star on the Karnataka sky. The mapping of the intellectual and activist in one person a rare combination in the recent political culture of Karnataka has stirred the hope and imagination of a people who looked in vain for some ideal. That such a man had been brutally felled by police created a sympathy wave for the Naxal cause. It was then that the police panicked. Earlier this year, Chukki translated an excerpt of a speech Lankesh gave in Kannada and slipped it into the interweb where it viralled. At some point in the her speech Lankesh states, If I resist violence and counter-violence and say Karnataka should not take the path of Andhra Pradesh, I too will be a Naxalite in their eyes. When Sagars 'Haadu Biddaga' was first published, the footnote, which stated that Saketh Rajan was brutally killed by the police, was censored and edited out. No Wikipedia entry exists on Saketh Rajan. They say: If you are not searchable on Google, you do not exist. What then does it mean when you dont exist on Wikipedia, the fifth most visited website in the world and an online encyclopaedia driven by collectivity? *** Artist in focus: Amshu Chukkis work has mostly been a site-specific or site-informed film/cinematic practice employing collaborative tools through exercises in speculative fictions, research, and social engagement. He featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 list, 2016. His work has been shown at The Darling Foundry, Montreal; Asia Film Focus, Singapore; Chatterjee & Lal, Mumbai; Khoj International Artists Association, New Delhi, among other venues. See more here. *** Gitanjali Dang is a curator, writer and shape-shifter. In 2012, she founded Khanabadosh, an itinerant arts lab. More here. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the BJP would back candidates of allies who support Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pune: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the BJP would back candidates of allies who support Prime Minister Narendra Modi but added that his party had capable candidates to field if this was not the case. Without naming bickering ally Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said only candidates who support Modi would go to Parliament in next year's general polls. The Sena, a constituent of BJP-led governments here and at the Centre, has often attacked Modi over various issues. Fadnavis, who was addressing a rally in Pimpri Chinchwad, said some people had questioned whether this rally was a preparation for next year's Lok Sabha polls for Maval and Shirur seats and if it signalled the end of the alliance with the Sena. Maval and Shirur Lok Sabha seats are currently held by the Sena's Shrirang Barne and Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil respectively. "I want to make it clear that this rally is not against any particular party. However our stand is clear that only those candidates who will support Modi ji will go to Parliament. If out allies show support for Modi ji, we have no problem supporting their candidates," Fadnavis told the gathering. In a message to the Sena about the BJP's readiness to go it alone in the two seats, Fadnavis, pointing to posters of party MLAs Laxman Jagtap and Mahesh Landage at the rally venue, said, "If you are not ready to support Modi ji, we have capable candidates who can represent these seats in Parliament." "To make Modi ji the prime minister in 2019 is the need of the entire country as we require a strong leadership," he added. Fadnavis also challenged the opposition Congress and NCP to have a public debate on the development work done during their tenure and that of his government. "I am sure our work will be better than yours. If we are not better, we will not contest elections again," Fadnavis claimed. He accused the Congress-NCP of "making a fortune" under the name of irrigation schemes while his government had implemented Jalyukt Shivar and taken irrigation facilities to the farms. Thirty-one candidates were in the fray across the five constituencies in Karnataka. The number of eligible voters was recorded at 54,54,275. Bengaluru: Polling in Karnataka took place on Saturday for three Lok Sabha constituencies Shivamogga, Mandya and Ramanagara and two Assembly constituencies Ballari and Jamkhandi at a sedate pace. With it being a Saturday, and a working day for offices, banks, PSUs and colleges, polling across all designated centres did not cross more than 30 percent till 1 pm. There were several instances across constituencies where office-goers took permission from their superiors to cast their vote. Additionally, with Deepavali around the corner, some people had left their native places to visit their friends and family. There has also been some criticism over the counting date, which has been scheduled on the second day of Deepavali on 6 November. The by-elections have been scheduled due to three resignations those of Shivamogga MP BS Yeddyurappa, and Ballari MP Sriramulu, both BJP members, and Mandyas CS Puttaraju, of JD(S), as they had contested elections to the state legislature earlier in 2018. Moreover, Siddunyame Gowda, Jamkhandi MLA, had died in a car crash, while Ramanagara MLA and present chief minister HD Kumaraswamy had resigned after winning Chennapatna constituency. In Ramanagara, Kumarswamys wife Anitha Kumaraswamy is contesting elections, while in Jamkhandi, Siddunyame Gowdas son Anand Nyamegowda is contesting as a Congress candidate. In Shivamogga, another battle is taking place between the sons of two former chief ministers Yeddyurappas son BY Raghavendra, is a BJP candidate, while Sarekoppa Bangarappas son, Madhu Bangarappa, is the Congress-JD(S) alliance candidate. In the Vokkaliga community stronghold of Mandya, CS Puttaraju had resigned as an MP after he contested and won the Mandya Assembly seat. In the Vijaynagar area of Ramanagara, polling was stopped due to technical issues for more than 30 minutes, around 12 pm, in booth number 54. The officials fixed the problem by switching the faulty polling machinery to fresh ones. Earlier, in a jolt to the BJP, L Chandrashekar, who was slated to contest on the party's symbol, withdrew his candidature just a day before the polling. To make matters worse for the BJP, just hours before polling began in Ramanagara, Chandrashekhar cancelled his polling agents authorisation, leaving the BJP workers incapable of visiting any of the 227 polling stations in the constituency. By 3 pm, on an average, polling reached just 35 percent across all five constituencies. The lowest was recorded in Malvalli, Mandya, at just 22 percent. Though the election code of conduct was enforced, JD(S) leaders like E Krishnappa and Anitha Kumaraswamy (MLA candidate) were seen visiting polling booths in Ramanagara. However, they desisted from making any comments. The code of conduct prohibits candidates from visiting voting booths, except to cast their votes. BJP workers have opposed this move, and have reported it to the deputy commissioners of their respective constituencies. In Mandya, known as Karnatakas sugar bowl, sugarcane farmers have boycotted the elections in protest against the government failing to ensure continuous supply of their sugarcane to the NSL factory in Maddur. However, the superintendent of police and the assistant commissioner of Maddur sub-division, appealed to them to cast their votes. Thirty-one candidates were in the fray across the five constituencies. The number of eligible voters was recorded at 54,54,275, while there were a total of 6,450 polling stations across these constituencies. With inputs from Team 101Reporters (The author is a Karnataka-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com) Actor and Jana Sena party president Pawan Kalyan on Friday slammed Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababdu Naidu for allying with the Congress. Eluru: Actor and Jana Sena party president Pawan Kalyan on Friday slammed Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababdu Naidu for allying with the Congress, terming it as "politics of convenience" and said it has "killed the Telugu self-respect." The coming together of the Telugu Desam Party and Congress was not even for benefit of TDP or Andhra Pradesh, he claimed. "In fact, the TDP-Congress alliance has caused a sense of deep hurt and killed the Telugu self-respect." "It is not even for the benefit of the TDP or Andhra Pradesh," Kalyan said. He said he differed with his own brother, former Union minister K Chiranjeevi, when the latter joined the Congress only to protect the state's interests. "We have to safeguard our self-respect. Our stand should, hence, be in a measured manner," he added. Aiming to forge an anti-BJP front ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Naidu on Thursday met heads of several Opposition parties, including Rahul Gandhi, and termed his party's alliance with the Congress a "democratic compulsion" to protect the country. In an informal chat with newsmen on board the Janmabhoomi Express proceeding to Tuni from Vijayawada Friday, Kalyan claimed that there was no chance of realignment of political parties in the state in the wake of the TDP's move. "There is no chance of a realignment (of parties). What Chandrababu Naidu did was only to protect his (political) existence. If any realignment happens...from our side, it will be for the sake of the people," Kalyan asserted. "When I supported the TDP (in 2014), majority of people agreed with me. Rather, I echoed their thoughts. But now, (safeguarding) power is their ultimate objective while our aim is bringing about a change," he said. Asked about the general feeling that he might again support the TDP, post-2019 elections, he remarked that people have a right to think like that. "I can't help it," he said, stressing that he would not indulge in politics of deception. "Our party will never do it. Whatever I do, I will be open about it," he asserted. "I will officially announce if there is anything," he added. On the TDP-Congress alliance, the actor likened it to the hype prior to the release of a movie. "During a film's pre-release, there will be a lot of advertisement that its going to become a big hit. Eventually, however, it will end up as a failure. Thats how we look at it," he said. "Deep down, in the long term, it's only politics of convenience but it has caused a deep hurt," Kalyan observed. Alleging that the two national parties (Congress and BJP) had always "looked down at us", Kalyan said he always wanted to be wary of them. "There should be no slavery (to the national parties)," he added. Kalyan said there was seething anger among youth and they were seeking an alternative, not opportunistic politics. "That 23 lakh youth enrolled as new voters reflects the anger. ... They will show their anger in the elections," he cautioned. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday reached out to sections of the society falling outside the traditional 'MY' (Muslims and Yadavs) base, asserting that his party belonged to 'all poor, deprived and exploited people'. Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday reached out to sections of the society falling outside the traditional "MY" (Muslims and Yadavs) base, asserting that his party belonged to "all poor, deprived and exploited people". At a conference of the Extremely Backward Classes held here by his party, the former Bihar Deputy CM attempted to make inroads into the social segment which has hitherto been, largely, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U). RJD from its supreme leader Lalu Prasad's days have been enjoying support from numerically important Yadav caste and muslims which constitutes large chunk of voters in the state. He also said that he was in favour of the uplift of the poor among the upper castes but pointed out that there was no provision in the Constitution for quotas on economic grounds. The RJD heir apparent also attacked Kumar for having betrayed the mandate of 2015 assembly polls by walking out of the Grand Alliance and claimed "had we joined hands with the BJP, I might have become the Chief Minister. But unlike chacha (uncle - the term he often uses to describe Kumar) we are not interested in chair but prefer to work for the people". "His hunger for power made him side with the BJP in the 1990s when the Mandal movement was fresh. He did it again at a time we were engaged in a historically important fight against the BJP which is now in power and has imposed an undeclared Emergency", Yadav alleged. Training his guns at the BJP, Yadav who is also the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, said "an attempt is being made to trigger communal frenzy so that people lose sight of what the government is doing and those in power are able to proceed with their agenda which includes, among other things, scrapping reservations". Striking an emotional chord by invoking the name of ailing, septuagenarian party supremo Lalu Prasad, he said "you people have given lots of love to my father and me. Please keep your trust in us so that we may repay your love with interest (sood ke saath)". "When my father was going to jail he asked me not to get disheartened and said to look at the public as masters (maalik) and turn to them whenever I felt dejected", Yadav said referring to the incarceration of the RJD supremo who has been behind the bars since December last year when he was convicted in a fodder scam case. The RJD leader, whom the party has named as its Chief Ministerial candidate for the next assembly polls, also promised that if voted to power, his government would provide 69 per cent reservations in Bihar, on par with Tamil Nadu. tech2 News Staff Samsung will be holding a press conference in New York on 7-8 November and among other things, it is highly anticipated that we might see the announcement of the company's first foldable smartphone. Now, this conference is for select audience behind closed doors, but information coming from South Korea has hinted that the phone will likely be called as Galaxy F. The report from GizmoChina has said that the model number of this foldable smartphone will be SM-F900U and the F is going to stand for foldable. The company is reportedly testing the smartphone in the US with software build F900USQU0ARJ5 says the report. In terms of the display, the phone is said to have a primary screen of 7.3 inches and a secondary screen of 4.6 inches. The larger display, when the device is folded, is said to become inactive while the user can explore the outer screen. If this is true then this means that unlike the FlexiPai, unveiled earlier this month, the Galaxy F can become a tablet as well as a mobile. There are no further details are available on the hardware specs of the device. However, we do expect to hold a sizeable price tag owing to the technology used in it. The phone can obviously not be folded as easily as say a magazine. The hinges on the device allow it to be folded slowly so as to not damage the mechanism inside the phone. Also, there will be some amount of space between the two halves of the inner display to avoid any direct impact. The report states that Samsung plans on producing 1 million units of the smartphone in the first year. However, it is expected that the device is launched after the Galaxy S10 is launched next year. Reuters Tesla Inc said on Friday it had received a subpoena from the US Securities and Exchange Commission over forecasts it made about Model 3 production in 2017, a set of targets the electric vehicle company failed to hit on time. The SEC issued subpoenas over certain projections that we made for Model 3 production rates during 2017 and other public statements relating to Model 3 production, Tesla said in a quarterly filing on Friday. A subpoena can compel a company to turn over materials that the requesting agency wants to review. The SEC had also issued subpoenas in connection with Chief Executive Elon Musks previous statements that he was considering taking the company private, it said. Both the SEC and U.S. Department of Justice are looking at whether Tesla misled investors about its business. To our knowledge no government agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred, Tesla wrote in its filing. The SEC declined to comment. The company also said on Friday that 44 percent of its third-quarter net profit was from previously undisclosed regulatory credits. Investors have been trying to ascertain if the worst is over for the Silicon Valley company amid the fallout from Musks short-lived plan in August to take the company private, and determine if Tesla has finally stabilized its rocky Model 3 production and can build the car at a profit. Following the launch of the Model 3 last year, Tesla repeatedly missed aggressive production targets for the new vehicle, blaming manufacturing bottlenecks. Jay Dublow, a partner with Pepper Hamilton LLP and former branch chief in the SECs enforcement division, said the agency was likely looking at whether Teslas projections had been based on fact or not. It is possible for another SEC enforcement action down the road if it turns out that the projections were purposefully or recklessly made without a basis, Dublow said. Tesla is already facing a proposed class action shareholder lawsuit claiming that the company and top executives made false statements about the readiness of the Model 3 for volume production. The lawsuit cites repeated promises in 2017 that Tesla was on track to build 5,000 Model 3s per week by the end of that year at its factory in Fremont, California. Tesla finally met that target in June of this year. Tesla has denied the claims, saying it disclosed production bottlenecks once identified, and pointing to Musks public statements that the company was undergoing a period of production hell in 2017. A Tesla spokesperson told Reuters last week that the company had received a voluntary request from the Department of Justice for documents related to Model 3 production forecasts, but had not received a subpoena. Reuters Uber Technologies Inc has asked Pennsylvania for permission to resume self-driving car testing on public roads and has improved the autonomous vehicle software, the company said on Friday, more than seven months after it suspended testing following a deadly crash in Arizona. The company disclosed in a report to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it would resume testing with two employees in the front seat, enable an automatic braking system at all times, and more strictly monitor safety employees. Uber has been testing self-driving cars in manual mode on public streets. In June, police in Tempe, Arizona, said a back-up driver behind the wheel of a self-driving Uber was distracted and streaming a television show on her phone right up until about the time the car struck and killed a pedestrian walking across a street, deeming the crash that rocked the nascent industry entirely avoidable. The crash was the first death attributed to a self-driving vehicle and was seen as a significant setback for the industry, which is racing to get vehicles into commercial use. Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi said in a statement Friday the company would resume road tests only after implementing improved processes. Uber said it now has real-time third party monitoring of back-up safety drivers, sets limits on the time drivers can work per day and has improved training. In July, Pennsylvanias Department of Transportation said it was issuing new guidelines asking companies to submit details about testing, and that it expected companies would comply. A spokeswoman for the agency said Friday it had received the application and would review it. The state said it would send companies an authorization letter after approving their submissions. Uber said it would not resume testing in Pittsburgh until it received that letter. Alphabet Incs Waymo unit plans to launch a commercial ride-hailing service in Arizona this year, while General Motors Co is on track to roll out a similar service next year with vehicles without steering wheels or brake pedals. Authorities in Pittsburgh, where Uber debuted its self-driving vehicles in 2016, have said they welcome the cars back on city streets. tech2 News Staff In the third quarter, India saw a dip in the overall smartphone market as the shipments declined in comparison to last year. The smartphones shipments decreased by one percent YoY, to 40.4 million units in the third quarter this year as compared to 40.8 million smartphones shipped in 2017 third quarter (Q3). But, this year around 337 million people will be smartphone owners and Xiaomi continues to lead in terms of most shipped smartphones. The company has seen a 32 percent strong growth annually according to a fresh report in Canalys. The Chinese phone maker has managed to sell more than 12 million smartphones in the country in the third quarter. Manu Kumar Jain also in his Linkedin profile mentions Xiaomi to be the number one smartphone brand in India. In Q3 2017, Xiaomi had managed to sell around 9.2 million smartphones. Coming in at rank 2 is Samsung with 9.3 million shipments, but as compared to last year, it has dropped by two percent as it had 9.4 million shipments and 23.1 percent market share in Q3 2017. The company still has a respectable 23 percent market share overall this quarter. Next up is Vivo, which according to the report has seen a steady growth of 12.3 percent with 4.5 million shipments and a total of 11.1 percent market share. Oppo comes in fourth as the report states that it shipped about 3.6 million units. Oppo saw a fall in its shipments by 2 percentage points to 24 percent. The reason for this drop of two percent, according to Canalys, is said to be due to the strong performance of its secondary brand 'Realme' which shipped 80,000 units in Q3 2018. Micromax has also strived to make its place in the top five smartphone vendors with 2.6 million shipments in Q3 2018, giving it a 6.3 percent share. The company had gained a 3.9 percent share in the Q3 2017. It managed an annual growth of 61.5 percent. The report states that this is Micromax's best performance in the past few years, and the credit is given to the government order from Chattisgarh. The order decided to provide smartphones and Jio connectivity at a fixed price of Rs 2,510 to five million women and college students. tech2 News Staff It's been a while since we last saw a leak about the Redmi Note 6 Pro, and now a new piece of information has surfaced. Through the Weibo account of Xiaomi Mall, Xiaomi has confirmed an upcoming product on 6 November. The smartphone maker hasn't revealed the phone that would be debuted in the coming week. According to Gizmo China, the poster reads that the new product (no mention of the product name) would be unveiled at 2 PM (as per China timings) on 6 November. The title also refers to the device as a 'wonderful upgrade' in the poster. The phone that is expected by all to come is the Redmi Note 6 Pro as it had been launched in Thailand at the end of September. The phone is speculated to come with a name change and is speculated to come as Redmi Note 6 in China. A leaked promotional image of the Redmi Note 6 has been spotted on Weibo and it states the phone to be equipped with four cameras and An AI portrait blur feature. It also claims the handset to come for 999 Yuan and to be up for the 11 November Singles Day sales in China. The entire specifications of the Redmi Note 6 were out after its Thailand launch. The Note 6 is said to be equipped with a 6.26-inch IPS LCD notched screen that offers 19:9 aspect ratio and Full HD+ resolution. The phone is said to be powered by Snapdragon 636 chipset and packed with a 4,000 mAh battery pack. The Redmi Note 6 is said to be equipped with a 12 MP + 5 MP dual camera setup on its rear. It comes with MIUI flavoured Android 8.1 Oreo OS. The smartphone arrive in variants such as 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage and 4 GB / 6 GB RAM + 64 GB storage in Thailand. The smartphone came in colour options like Black, Blue, Rose Gold and Red. A total of 13 bodies have been retrieved from the Yangtze river in China's Chongqing Municipality, in Wanzhou District, and have all been identified. Two passengers remain missing, Beijing: A fistfight between a woman passenger and a driver caused a bus to plunge from a bridge into the mighty Yangtze river in southwest China, killing at least 13 people, police said on Friday. The bus plunged 50 metres off the bridge into the Yangtze, China's longest river, in Chongqing city. A total of 13 bodies have been retrieved from the river in Chongqing Municipality, in Wanzhou District, and have all been identified. Two passengers remain missing, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. The investigation showed that a 48-year-old woman passenger, surnamed Liu, planned to get off at a certain stop. The 42-year-old driver surnamed Ran, told her to get off at an earlier stop. However, Liu did not get off and later asked the driver to stop the bus when she realised she missed her destination. The driver refused as there was no bus stop in view and an argument broke out, which soon led to a fistfight. The driver's right hand came off the steering wheel during the altercation, which led to the steering wheel turning sharply to the left, the report said. The bus then lost control and veered onto the wrong side of the road and collided into an oncoming car before breaking through fencing and flying off a bridge over the river. About 6,380 kilometres long, the mighty Yangtze River is the largest and longest river in China, in Asia and the third-longest in the world. Four passengers, who got off earlier, confirmed that a medium-height woman had quarrelled with the driver because she missed her stop, local police said. Rescuers on Wednesday night pulled the bus from the river. By Marc Frank HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba on Friday said new sanctions planned by the United States were a futile attempt to change its policies and would only further isolate Washington internationally. By Marc Frank HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba on Friday said new sanctions planned by the United States were a futile attempt to change its policies and would only further isolate Washington internationally. U.S. President Donald Trumps national security adviser, John Bolton, announced on Thursday that more than two dozen Cuban companies associated with the Communist-run island's military or intelligence would be added to the more than 100 that Americans are already banned from doing business with or patronizing. The announcement came just an hour after 189 member countries of the United Nations called in a resolution for an end to the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. Washington tried without success to amend the text to push Cuba to improve its human rights record. The U.N. vote can carry political weight, but only the U.S. Congress can lift the more than 50-year-old embargo, which Cuba calls a blockade. The United States and Israel voted against the resolution. Bolton outlined the Trump administration's plans to get tougher on Cuba and its allies Venezuela and Nicaragua in Miami, the heart of the three countries' exile communities, just days before the midterm U.S. congressional elections. We energetically reject these measures which will impact the economy and countrys development on top of the impact of the economic blockade, the director of U.S. affairs at the foreign ministry, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, said at a Havana press conference. They will fail. They will not break the will of Cubans, he said. Trump has taken a harder line on Cuba after former President Barack Obama sought to set aside decades of hostility between Washington and Havana. He has rolled back parts of Obamas 2014 detente by tightening rules on Americans travelling to the island and restricting U.S. companies from doing business there. Bolton also said the administration would review whether to allow U.S. citizens whose property was seized by the Cuban government to sue foreign companies that have invested in the properties on the island, a longstanding demand of hard line exiles. The measure is part of the Helms-Burton Act, which codified all U.S. sanctions against Cuba into law in 1996. It has been waived by various presidents ever since due to opposition from the international community. Fernandez de Cossio said such a measure would be unprecedented and violate international law, further isolating the United States. There is no possibility whatsoever for people who abandoned Cuba and abandoned property in Cuba to come back and claim them, he said. (Reporting by Marc Frank; Editing by Tom Brown) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Trump's comments came amid a row over a caravan of an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 people mostly from three Latin American countries El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala who are currently at the southern US border along Mexico with the intention to enter America. Washington: Illegal immigration costs American taxpayers $100 billion a year, President Donald Trump has said as he slammed the opposition Democratic party for advocating an open border policy facilitating an easy entry of illegal immigrants into the US. His comments came amid a row over a caravan of an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 people mostly from three Latin American countries El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala who are currently at the southern US border along Mexico with the intention to enter America. Trump said that soldiers deployed to stop the illegal immigrants from entering the US would not open fire, but would arrest them if they threw stones at the troops. "Illegal immigration costs American taxpayers more than $100 billion every single year, more than three times the entire state budget of Indiana. We need to use our precious resources to help our fellow Americans who respect our laws, not illegal caravans who break into our borders and break our laws," Trump said at an election rally in Indiana. Democrat immigration policies not only drain US treasury, but they threaten communities, he alleged. Nearly 100 percent of heroin in the US enters through the southern border, along with roughly 90 percent of the cocaine, the majority of meth and a substantial portion of the ultra-lethal fentanyl, killing youths all over the country, the President claimed. Trump said that the caravan of people coming from Latin American countries have some criminals in it. In the caravan, more than 300 people have criminal records and have serious problems that US don't want to get involved with. The administration wants people coming in, but they have to come in legally. The 6 November mid-term elections are about security. This election is about prosperity, Trump said. "For years, you watched as we let foreign countries plunder our wealth, shutter our factories, and steal our jobs. But those days, if you haven't noticed, are over. "I recently announced that we are replacing the horrible NAFTA deal, one of the worst trade deals, with an incredible, brand-new US-Mexico-Canada agreement. The USMCA is a giant victory for Indiana farmers, manufacturers and dairy producers," he told his supporters as he listed out his achievements. Trump said that his administration has taken the toughest ever action to crack down on China's very abusive trade practices. "And I spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping today. They want to make a deal, but we have to have a fair deal. We have to have a deal that's fair for the United States," he said. And China has to open up their borders for US companies, he demanded. Trump said he withdrew the US from the horrible, one-sided Iran nuclear deal. "And just today, we announced that we are re-imposing all sanctions lifted under that ridiculous deal that should have never been signed in the first place," he said. "We will have in place the toughest ever sanctions on this brutal Iranian regime. And at some point, they're going to get very smart and they're going to come back and negotiate a real deal, a fair deal, and a deal that lets them thrive. We want them to thrive," Trump said. The US has recognised the capital of Israel and opened the American embassy in Jerusalem, he said. "Together, we have made extraordinary progress, and we are just getting started. But the Democrats want to turn back the clock, put America in reverse, and give power back to a corrupt, selfish ruling class that only looks out for themselves. I know them well," Trump added. China very much wants to make a deal, Trump told reporters in Washington just hours after his top economic adviser expressed caution about talk of a possible US-China trade agreement. Washington: US president Donald Trump said on Friday that he will likely make a deal with China on trade, adding that a lot of progress had been made to resolve the two countries differences but warning that he still may impose more tariffs on Chinese goods. China very much wants to make a deal, Trump told reporters in Washington just hours after his top economic adviser expressed caution about talk of a possible US-China trade agreement. Weve had a very good discussions with China, were getting much closer to doing something, Trump said before departing the White House for a campaign event. I spoke with President Xi (Jinping) yesterday. They very much want to make a deal, Trump said. I think well make a deal with China, and I think it will be a very fair deal for everybody, but it will be a good deal for the United States. Trump said he will discuss trade with Xi when the two meet for dinner on the sidelines of the G20 leaders summit at the end of November in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His administration has demanded that Beijing make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protections, technology transfers, industrial subsidies and domestic market access, along with steps to reduce a $375 billion US goods trade deficit with China. Trump said a deal with China would also be good for Beijing. If we can open up China and make it fair, for the first time everthis should have done years ago by other presidents but it wasntI am very much willing to do it. But China very much wants to make a deal, he said. Trumps comments came a day after a phone call with Xi that he described as very good.. The presidents remarks helped US stocks to trim their losses on a day that started with market optimism over a Bloomberg report quoting unnamed sources as saying that Trump had ordered his cabinet to draw up terms for a China trade deal. But by midday, shares had turned negative, weighed down by Apple Inc.s disappointing earnings forecast and comments from White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow that he was less optimistic than previously about a deal between Washington and Beijing. Kudlow, speaking on CNBC, contradicted the Bloomberg report and added: Theres no mass movement, theres no huge thing. Were not on the cusp of a deal. One of Chinas vice commerce ministers Wang Bingnan said on Saturday the country is willing to resolve trade issues with the United States through mutually respectful talks and on an equal footing, similar to past comments from Beijing. Trump administration officials have said US-China trade talks cannot resume until Beijing outlines specific actions it would take to meet US demands for sweeping changes to policies on technology transfers, industrial subsidies and market access. Trump said that if a deal is not made with China, he could impose tariffs on another $267 billion in Chinese imports into the United States, adding that Chinas economy had been hit very hard by previous US. tariffs. The United States has imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods so far, while China has retaliated with $110 billion worth of tariffs on US goods. The Trump administration also has taken action to hit the Chinese semiconductor industry, indicting two companies accused of stealing trade secrets and banning U.S. software and equipment exports to one of them. By Christopher Bing WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Twitter Inc deleted more than 10,000 automated accounts posting messages that discouraged people from voting in Tuesday's U.S. By Christopher Bing WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Twitter Inc deleted more than 10,000 automated accounts posting messages that discouraged people from voting in Tuesday's U.S. election and wrongly appeared to be from Democrats, after the party flagged the misleading tweets to the social media company. "We took action on relevant accounts and activity on Twitter," a Twitter spokesman said in an email. The removals took place in late September and early October. Twitter removed more than 10,000 accounts, according to three sources familiar with the Democrats' effort. The number is modest, considering that Twitter has previously deleted millions of accounts it determined were responsible for spreading misinformation in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Yet the removals represent an early win for a fledgling effort by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, or DCCC, a party group that supports Democrats running for the U.S. House of Representatives. The DCCC launched the effort this year in response to the party's inability to respond to millions of accounts on Twitter and other social media platforms that spread negative and false information about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and other party candidates in 2016, three people familiar with the operation told Reuters. While the prevalence of misinformation campaigns have so far been modest in the run-up to the Congressional elections on Nov. 6, Democrats are hoping the flagging operation will help them react quickly if there is a flurry of such messages in the coming days. The Tweets included ones that discouraged Democratic men from voting, saying that would drown out the voice of women, according to two of the sources familiar with the flagging operation. The DCCC developed its own system for identifying and reporting malicious automated accounts on social media, according to the three party sources. The system was built in part from publicly available tools known as "Hoaxley" and "Botometer" developed by University of Indiana computer researchers. They allow a user to identify automated accounts, also known as bots, and analyse how they spread information on specific topics. "We made Hoaxley and Botometer free for anyone to use because people deserve to know whats a bot and whats not," said Filippo Menczer, professor of informatics and computer science at the University of Indiana. The Democratic National Committee works with a group of contractors and partners to rapidly identify misinformation campaigns. They include RoBhat Labs, a firm whose website says it has developed technology capable of detecting bots and identifying political-bias in messages. The collaboration with RoBhat has already led to the discovery of malicious accounts and posts, which were referred to social media companies and other campaign officials, DNC Chief Technology Officer Raffi Krikorian said in email. Krikorian did not say whether the flagged posts were ultimately removed by Twitter. "We provide the DNC with reports about what were seeing in terms of bot activity and where its being amplified," said Ash Bhat, co-founder of RoBhat Labs. "We cant tell you whos behind these different operations, Twitter hides that from us, but with the technology you known when and how its happening," Bhat said. (Reporting by Chris Bing in Washington; Editing by Jim Finkle, Dan Grebler and Diane Craft) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Wickremesinghe, who has been holed up at the prime minister's official residence for more than a week as thousands of supporters gather outside, told AFP in an interview that 'desperate people' could cause chaos on the Indian Ocean island. Colombo: Sri Lanka's sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned time is running out to avert a "bloodbath" while voicing hope that parliament will resolve a damaging constitutional crisis in the coming days. Wickremesinghe, who has been holed up at the prime minister's official residence for more than a week as thousands of supporters gather outside, told AFP in an interview that "desperate people" could cause chaos on the Indian Ocean island. The 69-year-old was sacked out-of-the-blue on 26 October by President Maithripala Sirisena, with domineering former president Mahinda Rajapakse named in his place. However, Wickremesinghe refused to accept his dismissal and has not left the sprawling colonial-era Temple Trees residencewhere Buddhist monks now chant prayers outsidesince. Sirisena also suspended parliament in an apparent bid to prevent opposition to his move, deepening the turmoil that has seen at least one man killed in a shooting last weekend linked to the power struggle. "We will be calling on our people not to resort to violence," Wickremesinghe said late Friday. "But you don't know what arises in a situation like this. A few desperate people can start off a bloodbath." His comments echoed the fears of parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya who warned of bloodshed on the streets if a vote is not held by lawmakers to decide between the two leaders. Wickremesinghe, head of the United National Party, already the biggest group in parliament, has also called for such a vote and is trying to rally allies to the cause. But stopping parliament from meeting has given Rajapaksestill popular despite his strongarm tactics to end the country's Tamil civil war and corruption allegations more time to try to win support. Wickremesinghe said he hoped the showdown could be ended peacefully and expressed optimism that a solution to the crisis would soon be found. "I feel parliament is going to prevail finally. This can't take too long. I would say in a week to 10 days at the most," he said, adding the priority was to establish parliament's "supremacy". Wickremesinghe said two smaller partiesthe Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Tamil National Alliancewere backing his call for the legislature to meet despite obstacles placed by Sirisena. The two parties signed a petition to the parliament speaker on Friday demanding the reconvening of the 225-member Assembly on 7 November. "A majority of parliament has said all these actions (of the president) are not legitimate and not in accordance with the constitution," said Wickremesinghe. According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 100. Most of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said. A majority of legislators want Sirisena to end the suspension of parliament by Wednesday and any delay is "against the wishes of all the parties", according to the embattled Wickremesinghe. Apart from political pressure on Sirisena, civil society groups are also stepping up agitation to ensure the constitution is respected, Wickremesinghe said. After sacking his prime minister, Sirisena addressed the nation and lambasted Wickremesinghe, saying they could not work together because of serious personal and cultural differences. A divorce of their coalition was inevitable after just over three years, Sirisena said. Wickremesinghe had expected a confrontation but not the sack. "We knew there would be problems by somewhere in November, but it came a bit sooner than I thought," he added. Sirisena accused Wickremesinghe, a trained lawyer who favours a liberal economy, of being dictatorial and ignoring the president in cabinet. Wickremesinghe hit back saying their personal rivalry was not an excuse for a constitutional war. "The constitution doesn't make provisions for personality clashes," he said. "In cabinet there are people you like and you may not like." Wickremesinghe is from an elitist family with an urban upbringing, poles apart from Sirisena who is from a modest rural farming family. They made common cause to end Rajapakse's decade in power in a 2015 presidential election but have drifted apart since over economic policy and day-to-day decisions. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe of being an autocratic leader of the UNP. "He is not a member of the UNP," Wickremesinghe hit back. "He can say whatever he wants." An Indonesian diver died while recovering body parts from the ill-fated Lion Air plane which crashed into the sea killing 189 people, an official said Saturday. Jakarta: An Indonesian diver died while recovering body parts from the ill-fated Lion Air plane which crashed into the sea killing 189 people, an official said Saturday. Syachrul Anto, 48, who died on Friday, was part of the team searching for body parts and debris from the jet in the Java Sea. "He was a volunteer with the Search and Rescue Agency," Isswarto, commander of the Indonesian navy's search and rescue division, told AFP. It is believed he died from decompression. "He was found by the SAR team, fainted. He was treated by our doctors, after he regained consciousness, we sent him to the chamber for decompression. "We have all the equipment, however God's will says differently," national search and rescue agency head Muhammad Syaugi said at a press conference. Anto had previously served in Palu which suffered an earthquake and tsunami in September and was also involved in recovering the bodies and debris from an Air Asia plane crash nearly four years ago. The Lion Air plane which crashed Monday was en route from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang city on Sumatra island. It plunged into the water just minutes after takeoff, killing everyone on board. At least 73 bags containing body parts have been retrieved from the waters so far but only four victims have been identified. Officials on Thursday retrieved the flight data recorder but are still searching for the second black box, the cockpit voice recorder, which could answer the question as to why the brand new Boeing-737 MAX 8 crashed. "We have heard a weak 'ping' ... the divers are still searching for it," Syaugi said. Two days after the flight data recorder was recovered, investigators at Indonesia's national transportation safety committee have yet to download the key data due to salt residue on the memory card. Nurcahyo Utomo, head of aircraft transport accident investigation at the NTSC said, said there were "some obstacles" and the process required more time than expected. The committee has been receiving help from their American counterparts at the US National Transportation Safety Board, but will be getting additional assistance from Australia, Utomo added. "This afternoon, investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will arrive to help download the black box data", he said. Saudi Arabia has also asked for permission to send an observer, but to learn from the whole process and not to assist, Utomo added. Lion Air's admission that the doomed jet had a technical issue on a previous flightas well its abrupt fatal divehave raised questions about whether it had mechanical faults specific to the new model. Founded in 1999, Lion Air is a budget airline operating in Indonesia and in some parts of Southeast Asia, Australia and West Asia. But it has been plagued by safety concerns and customer complaints over unreliable scheduling and poor service. The carrier 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. By Cindy Silviana and Bernadette Christina Munthe JAKARTA (Reuters) - An Indonesian airliner crashed into the sea on Monday, with the likely loss of all 189 people on board, as it tried to return to Jakarta minutes after take-off. By Cindy Silviana and Bernadette Christina Munthe JAKARTA (Reuters) - An Indonesian airliner crashed into the sea on Monday, with the likely loss of all 189 people on board, as it tried to return to Jakarta minutes after take-off. Lion Air flight JT610, an almost new Boeing 737 MAX 8, was en route from the capital to Pangkal Pinang, centre of the Bangka-Belitung tin mining region. Rescue officials said they had recovered human remains from the crash site, about 15 km (nine miles) off the coast. 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. The pilot had asked to return to base (RTB) shortly after take-off. It lost contact with ground staff after 13 minutes. "An RTB 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. Search and rescue agency head Muhmmad Syaugi told a news conference that no distress signal had been received from the aircraft's emergency transmitter. Yusuf Latief, spokesman of national search and rescue agency, said there were likely no survivors. At least 23 government officials, four employees of state tin miner PT Timah and three employees of a Timah subsidiary, were on the plane. A Lion Air official said one Italian passenger and an Indian pilot were on board. Speaking at a hospital, a tearful Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati paid tribute to the 21 officials from her ministry on the doomed flight who she said "died doing their duty". Edward Sirait, chief executive of Lion Air Group, told reporters the aircraft had had a technical problem on a flight from the resort island of Bali to Jakarta but it had been "resolved according to procedure". Sirait 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. PERSONAL BELONGINGS On tarpaulins at Jakarta's port, officers laid out items retrieved from the sea ranging from oxygen bottles to personal belongings such as wallets, a mobile phone, cash and backpacks. Authorities told Metro TV that 24 bags containing body parts had been taken to a hospital for identification, with more expected overnight. A witness in the Karawang district nearest to the crash site said he heard an explosion from the beach. "I thought it was thunder, but it was different from thunder - 'boom' it was loud," said Dadang Hambali. The plane went down in waters about 30 metres to 35 metres (98 to 115 ft) deep. Bambang Suryo, operational director of the search and rescue agency, said divers had stopped the search for the night, but sonar vessels would continue hunting for the fuselage, where many of the victims were believed to be trapped. An underwater drone is also trying to find the wreckage, he said. The flight took off in clear weather at around 6.20 a.m. and was due to have landed in Pangkal Pinang at 7.20 a.m. Distraught relatives of those on board arrived at the airport in Jakarta and Pangkal Pinang. "Be patient, pray the best for papa," one woman arriving at Jakarta airport told a sobbing girl. The woman declined to speak to reporters. Boeing said it was deeply saddened by the loss and was ready to provide technical assistance for the investigation. Under international rules, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board will automatically assist with the inquiry, backed up by technical advisers from Boeing and U.S.-French engine maker CFM International, co-owned by General Electric and Safran . Data from FlightRadar24 shows the first sign of something amiss came around two minutes into the flight, when the plane had reached 2,000 feet (610 m). It descended more than 500 feet (152 m) and veered to the left before climbing again to 5,000 feet (1,524 m), 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 (1,113 m). The plane was leased from CMIG Aviation Capital, an arm of China Minsheng Investment Group, according to the Flightglobal Ascend database. Indonesia's worst air disaster was in 1997, when a Garuda Indonesia A300 crashed in the city of Medan, killing 234 people. Founded in 1999, Lion Air's only fatal accident was in 2004, when an MD-82 crashed upon landing at Solo City, killing 25 of the 163 on board, the Flight Safety Foundation's Aviation Safety Network says. In April, the airline announced a firm order to buy 50 Boeing 737 MAX 10 narrowbody jets with a list price of $6.24 billion. It is one of the U.S. planemaker's largest customers globally. (Additional reporting by Agustinus Beo Da Costa, Gayatri Suroyo, Fransiska Nangoy, Fanny Potkin and Fathin Ungku in JAKARTA, Tabita Diela in PANGKAL PINANG, Fergus Jensen in PAKISJAYA, Jamie Freed in SINGAPORE and Tim Hepher in HONG KONG; Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Robert Birsel) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The announcement comes after the TLP and the government reached an agreement to conclude the latter's nationwide protests, with the government promising to immediately initiate a legal process to place Asia Bibi's name on the Exit Control List (ECL). Islamabad: Islamist group Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on Saturday called off protests in Pakistan against the acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who had been charged with blasphemy. The radical outfit announced the end to the protests which brought the country to a standstill since 30 October, reports Dawn news. The announcement comes after the TLP and the government reached an agreement to conclude the latter's nationwide protests, with the government promising to immediately initiate a legal process to place Asia Bibi's name on the Exit Control List (ECL). The government has also said that it would not oppose the complainants from seeking a review of the Supreme Court's judgment in the Asia Bibi blasphemy case. The TLP has, in turn, apologised if it "hurt the sentiments or inconvenienced anyone without reason". Meanwhile, motorways and highways were open for traffic, the Motorway Police announced on Saturday. However, they cautioned commuters to refrain from unnecessary travel on these routes due to the "volatile and unpredictable" situation in the country. The Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday set off violent protests and sit-ins by hardliners. Asia Bibi, a mother of five, was accused by two women of insulting Prophet Muhammad in 2009 and a court sentenced her to death in 2010, with the verdict being upheld four years later by the Lahore High Court. The anti-blasphemy law was introduced in British colonial times to avoid religious clashes, but in the 1980s several reforms promoted by the dictator Zia-ul-Haq led to the abuse of the law. Since then, there have been around 1,000 accusations of blasphemy, a crime that in Pakistan can lead to capital punishment, although nobody has ever been executed for it. Haq, the 82-year-old cleric who was also known as the 'godfather of Taliban', was stabbed to death by unidentified attackers at his residence. Islamabad: Thousands of mourners on Saturday participated in the funeral prayers of Pakistan's top pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Samiul Haq at his native Akora Khattak town in the north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Haq, the 82-year-old cleric who was also known as the 'godfather of Taliban', was stabbed to death by unidentified attackers at his residence in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Friday. According to an FIR lodged at a police station in Rawalpindi, the octogenarian leader was stabbed 12 times in stomach, chest, forehead and ears. Prayers for the slain leader were offered at the Khushal Khan Degree College ground after the body was shifted to his hometown overnight. A 65-member Afghan delegation also paid their last respects. Thousands of mourners participated in the funeral prayers. Elaborate security measures were made for the last rites of the cleric. Haq was the head of the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak. The seminary is dubbed in the western media as "University of Jihad" as several top Afghan and Pakistani Taliban leaders studied there, including Mullah Omar who had received an honorary doctorate from the seminary. He was also chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-S) religo-political party and was elected twice as a member of parliament. So far, no outfit has claimed the responsibility of the killing. A probe has been launched to nab the assailants who apparently escaped on a motorbike, police said. A spokesman for the Rawalpindi Police said the police had obtained CCTV footage and Haq's family asked doctors not to conduct a postmortem. Saiful Malook claimed that he was facing life threats from sections of lawyers and it was difficult for him to practice in the prevailing situation Islamabad: The lawyer of Asia Bibi fled Pakistan early Saturday after fearing for his life amid countrywide protests by hundreds of radical Islamist hardliners against the acquittal of the Christian woman who was sentenced to death for committing blasphemy, media reports said. Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. Her lawyer Saiful Malook claimed that he was facing life threats from sections of lawyers and it was difficult for him to practice in the prevailing situation, the Express Tribune reported. He, however, clarified that he would return to Pakistan to represent his client at the hearing of the review petition if the army provided him security. "My family is also facing immense security threats and the federal government should provide security to them," Malook said. It was not immediately known as to which place he was headed for in his bid to evade life threats and how long would he stay there. Meanwhile, the complainant in the case, Qari Muhammad Saalam, has requested the Supreme Court for the early hearing of a review petition against its 31 October order acquitting Bibi, who was booked for blasphemy in 2009. Saalam said Bibi is planning to leave the country and an application has already been filed to place her name on the Exit Control List (ECL). In case this review petition is not fixed, he said, the application/petition shall suffer an irreparable loss and injury. It is learnt that the review petition, which was filed in the Supreme Court Lahore registry, has been transferred to the Islamabad registry where all judges are sitting. A number has also been allotted to the review petition. The legal team of the petitioner expects that the review petition may be fixed for the next week. However, review petitions are rarely heard on a priority basis. Several "lacunas and factual legal contradictions" have been raised in the review petition filed through Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry and Azhar Siddique. Highlighting the "inordinate delay, defective investigation and other technicalities" in the review petition, the petitioner has asked whether these should be made hurdles in dispensation of justice. The petitioner has asked whether the country's top court had jurisdiction to overrule a peculiar fact like the confessional statement of Bibi. He asked whether the apex court met the standards of jurisprudence set in this regard in view of the history as well as Islamic provisions and normal principle of justice with reference to application in blasphemy laws. The apex court's judgment, which was pronounced last Wednesday, triggered protests across Pakistan with protesters led by Islamic political party Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan and other groups blocking major highways and roads in different parts of the country. Educational institutions were closed in many parts of the country. Many universities across Pakistan announced cancellation of papers due to the ongoing tense situation. The mobile phone and internet services also remained suspended in major cities. By Mubasher Bukhari and Saad Sayeed LAHORE/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A Pakistani Islamist party said on Friday it will call off protests over the acquittal of a Christian woman who faced hanging on blasphemy charges, striking a deal with the government to end three days of protests in major cities. Under the deal, the government agreed to seek to bar Asia Bibi, a mother of five who has been on death row since 2010, from leaving the country, according to a document of the agreement shared by the ultra-Islamist Tehreek-e-Labaik (TLP) group By Mubasher Bukhari and Saad Sayeed LAHORE/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A Pakistani Islamist party said on Friday it will call off protests over the acquittal of a Christian woman who faced hanging on blasphemy charges, striking a deal with the government to end three days of protests in major cities. Under the deal, the government agreed to seek to bar Asia Bibi, a mother of five who has been on death row since 2010, from leaving the country, according to a document of the agreement shared by the ultra-Islamist Tehreek-e-Labaik (TLP) group. "We have reached on an agreement with the government, Ejaz Ashrafi, spokesman for TLP, told Reuters. "An announcement will be made shortly by our leadership." The government confirmed the agreement, with religious affairs minister Noor-ul-Qadri telling Geo TV that "the protest will end tonight". Bibi's case has outraged Christians worldwide and been a source of division within Pakistan, where two politicians who sought to help Bibi were assassinated. Islamist parties such as TLP, whose rallying cry is for blasphemers to be killed, have framed Bibi's release as Pakistan's government caving into Western demands. Bibi was accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. But a three-judge panel set up to hear the appeal, headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, ruled the evidence was insufficient. The top court's decision had enraged TLP, whose leaders have taken to the streets to call for the death of the judges who made the decision and the ouster of the government. Bibi's whereabouts were not known on Friday. Her family has been in hiding this week, with speculation rife that she would be secretly sent out of the country by the authorities. The prospect of Bibi being allowed to leave Pakistan was unacceptable to the TLP's political chief, Khadim Hussain Rizvi. There will be a war if they send Asia out of the country, Rizvi said. As part of the agreement, anyone arrested during the protests would also be released and legal steps would work to place Bibi on Pakistan's "exit control list", which means she would be barred from leaving the country. "TLP apologies if anyone is hurt without any reason during this incident," the agreement adds. During the three days of protests, TLP blockaded major roads across the coastal metropolis of Karachi, eastern city of Lahore, and capital Islamabad. Other cities were also affected. On Friday, Pakistan suspended mobile phone networks in major cities and many schools were closed. (Reporting by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Robert Birsel, Peter Graff and David Stamp) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia blamed bureaucracy rather than censorship for a decision to halt the release of a Hollywood movie that tells the fictional story of U.S. troops rescuing a Russian president from a Kremlin coup MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia blamed bureaucracy rather than censorship for a decision to halt the release of a Hollywood movie that tells the fictional story of U.S. troops rescuing a Russian president from a Kremlin coup. The thriller "Hunter Killer" was due to hit screens in Russia on Nov. 1, but the release was pulled, prompting allegations from Kremlin critics that it was censored because its plot undermines President Vladimir Putin's strongman image. Last year, Russia banned screenings of the dark comedy "The Death of Stalin" after officials said its portrayal of Kremlin infighting in the wake of the death of the Soviet leader was disrespectful towards victims of Stalin's purges. The Culture Ministry was quoted by Russian media as saying "Hunter Killer" had not received authorisation because a satisfactory copy of the film had not been submitted to Russia's state film archive in time. The ministry's press office did not answer calls on Friday seeking comment. The film, starring Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman, features a plot in which Russia's president is taken hostage by his own defence minister. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Peter Graff) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Peter Eisler, Ned Parker and Julia Harte SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Reuters) - In rally after rally, President Donald Trump exhorts throngs of red-hatted supporters to treat next weeks congressional elections as a referendum on Trumpism and the grass-roots movement that swept him to power. Youre voting for me in 2018, Trump told a raucous crowd in a late September appearance for Republican candidates in Missouri. By Peter Eisler, Ned Parker and Julia Harte SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Reuters) - In rally after rally, President Donald Trump exhorts throngs of red-hatted supporters to treat next weeks congressional elections as a referendum on Trumpism and the grass-roots movement that swept him to power. Youre voting for me in 2018, Trump told a raucous crowd in a late September appearance for Republican candidates in Missouri. Youre voting for me. The plea speaks to the challenge facing the president and his supporters: With Democrats threatening to take over the House of Representatives and key governors offices, the success of his legislative agenda over the next two years hinges on whether he can energize his backers around candidates who are not named Trump. This years election is the first real test of whether the coalition behind Trumps Make America Great Again slogan can evolve from a diffuse, personality-driven following to an organised political force able to boost candidates outside his electoral strongholds. Reuters surveyed officials from 18 Republican campaigns, analysed data from polling partner Ipsos and interviewed dozens of candidates, strategists and Trump supporters to assess the reach and influence of the presidents self-styled MAGA Movement ahead of the elections. United behind Trumps America First agenda of tighter borders, protectionist economic policies and unilateralist diplomacy, the MAGA coalition swept up 2016 voters who felt ignored by Washington and welcomed Trumps vows to upend its institutions. Today, it attracts Tea Party conservatives, evangelical Christians, gun rights advocates, and working-class voters drawn to Trumps outsider persona. Trumps populist base is firmly established in the mostly southern and western parts of the country where hes most popular. MAGA supporters turn out in force for Trump-backed candidates in those areas, boosting them in opinion polls and volunteering for their campaigns. In some cases, they have taken control of state party machines, harnessing their infrastructure and money for candidates in Trumps mould. But outside of Trumps strongholds, the influence of MAGA supporters is more pocketed, especially in Rust Belt states, such as Pennsylvania and Ohio, and the upper Midwest. So, while Trump loyalists can tip the scales in specific U.S. House districts in those areas, they have done less to boost Trump-backed candidates in statewide contests for governor and U.S. Senate. With no central organization and little regard for Republican hierarchies, MAGA enthusiasts agitate largely through social media and Internet forums, such as Facebook and Reddit, the social networking site. In dozens of interviews, Reuters found their willingness to back local campaigns often has less to do with party loyalty than with helping Trump. The 2018 elections will be a test of how popular Trump is, how popular his policies are, did we organise well or do we need to do better and improve things for 2020, said Scott Presler, a MAGA activist in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Among the 18 Trump-endorsed Republicans running for Senate or governor in states where Trump won the presidential race by more than 10 percentage points in 2016, more than 80 percent are ahead in opinion polls, based on data aggregated by RealClearPolitics and 538.com, non-partisan websites that gather polling from multiple sources. Yet among the 16 Trump-backed candidates for Senate or governor in states where he won by fewer than 10 points, just four a quarter are polling ahead. `LEANING ON THEIR SHOVELS' The challenge is starkest where Trump-backed candidates are trying to flip governors offices and Senate seats held by Democrats, Reuters found. In states where Trump won by double digits in 2016, two of the five candidates he has endorsed in races for Democrat-held Senate and governors seats are leading in the polls, and two others are within a few points. But in states where Trump won by less than 10 points, all six candidates he has endorsed in races for Democratic seats are behind in recent polls, five of them by at least 10 points. Through much of the campaign season, Trump supporters in many places were leaning on their shovels, because they were over-confident of victory, Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser and campaign strategist, told Reuters. MAGA loyalists have grown more energized in recent weeks, realizing Trumps agenda would come grinding to a halt if Democrats capture the U.S. House, Bannon added. You've seen the establishment and the hardcore anti-establishment in the Trump base all come together. The president remains enormously popular with that base - Reuters/Ipsos polling gives him an 84 percent approval rate among Republicans - and more than two-thirds of those who voted for him in 2016 say they identify with MAGA ideals. Yet their views diverge on what MAGA means: while more than half equate it with strengthening the economy and tightening borders, upwards of a quarter say MAGA simply means Donald Trump. (Graphic: https://tmsnrt.rs/2RuhKTv) That raises questions about the future of MAGA once Trump leaves office. A TEST IN TENNESSEE On Oct. 1, Trump whipped up a crowd of nearly 10,000 at a rally supporting Marsha Blackburns U.S. Senate campaign in Tennessee, where Trump won in 2016 by 26 points. A vote for Marsha is really a vote for me and everything that we stand for, he told the audience. Soon after, opinion polls showed Blackburn, a U.S. House member, pulling ahead of her Democratic opponent, former two-term governor Phil Bredesen. We knew President Trump would be an extraordinary surrogate in East Tennessee," Republican Party spokesman Garren Shipley told Reuters. Bredesens campaign dismissed the polls: The only poll that matters is on election day, said spokeswoman Alyssa Hansen. On Oct. 10, the president held another rally 500 miles (800 km) away with a similar message for Lou Barlettas U.S. Senate campaign in Pennsylvania, where Trump eked out a one-point victory in 2016. I need you, Trump told the crowd. Vote for Lou! It was Trumps second rally with Barletta since August. But Barletta, also a U.S. House member, trails incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey, and has remained behind by more than 10 points in polls. The divergent fortunes of Blackburn and Barletta reflect the challenge in harnessing Trumps MAGA coalition. Following Trumps victory in 2016, Tennessees Republican establishment embraced his agenda and welcomed his supporters. Many are volunteering now for Blackburn and other Trump-backed candidates, helping with phone banks, neighbourhood canvassing and other get-out-the-vote efforts. The state party leaders who didnt support Trump initially have figured out they have to help him, says Todd Fowler, who heads the local party in Johnson City, Tennessee, and serves on the state partys executive committee. Tennessee likes what hes doing. In Pennsylvania, where Trumps 2016 win was razor-thin, his support is mostly concentrated in rural and working-class areas. Polls show Trumps pick for governor, Scott Wagner, running well behind incumbent Democratic Governor Tom Wolf. Trump is drawing people to congressional campaigns in Pennsylvania, but they are coming very tentatively, says Eugene Sorrentino, 76, a retired power company technician and member of the local Republican committee in Erie, Pennsylvania. Sorrentino recently staffed a welcome tent set up by the party at a county fair and all I heard was requests for Trump paraphernalia, he said. The congressional races werent on their agenda, he added. 'TRUMP BUMP' In Trumps strongholds, his ability to help candidates goes beyond a bounce in the polls. Nearly all the Trump-backed campaigns contacted by Reuters reported a surge of volunteer activism a Trump bump after the presidents endorsement. In Western Pennsylvania, a corner where Trump is enormously popular, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly says his campaign relies heavily on MAGA volunteers. Kellys district, redrawn this year, includes counties where Trump won by as much as 20 points in 2016, according to PlanScore.org, a nonpartisan group. Trump provides that shot of adrenaline you need from time to time, Kelly told Reuters as he prepared to join the president for an Oct. 10 rally in Erie. One engine for turning out Trumps base in his stronghold regions is America First Action, a Super PAC allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections. The group has spent more than $26 million on phone messaging and advertising in five battleground Senate races Arizona, Montana, Indiana, Missouri and North Dakota and across 11 congressional districts in Texas, Minnesota, Maine, Michigan, West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, Nevada and North Carolina. It is run by Trump loyalists and relies on big donations from Republican Party stalwarts, including casino magnates Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn and mining engineer and businessman Robert Murray. In an Oct. 1 memo, White House political director Bill Stepian advised congressional campaigns that the best way to capture MAGA support is to align closely, clearly and boldly with Trump. The president, he wrote, is ready, willing and able to put the power and force of his coalition to work for the candidates with whom he stands, and who stand with him. At the national level, Republican Party officials have fallen in line and embraced the president, routinely echoing Trumps nationalist campaign themes. But for candidates in areas where the president doesn't dominate the electorate, embracing Trump has mixed success. In Florida, where Trump prevailed by one point in 2016, he endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate and die-hard supporter Ron DeSantis before the party primary. But now, in a state that hasnt elected a Democratic governor in 20 years, DeSantis is polling slightly behind in the general election contest against Andrew Gillum, the Democratic mayor of Tallahassee. Some Republican candidates in areas with moderate voters who view Trump less favourably have steered clear of the president, a Reuters analysis found last month. PARTY TAKEOVER MAGA supporters have become a force in many state party offices, including some states outside the presidents established southern and western strongholds. In Ohio, a swing state where Trump won by eight points in 2016, the state Republican Party selected Jane Timken, a Trump friend and loyalist, to take over as chairwoman in the wake of the election. In Nevada, where Democrat Hillary Clinton won the 2016 presidential vote, the state Republican Party has launched weekly events, such as MAGA Mondays and Trump Tuesdays, to attract the presidents supporters. Rochelle Swanson, 30, a MAGA activist in Reno who began posting pro-Trump articles and interviewing local Republican candidates on social media, was asked by a party official in July to help with voter outreach. She now aligns her social media and canvassing with the partys messaging, she says, and there is good unity happening. Yet even as MAGA supporters have become woven into the fabric of the Republican Party, many acknowledge it will be a challenge to preserve their coalition and continue shaping U.S. politics once Trump leaves office. In a Reuters/Ipsos poll earlier this month, more than a quarter of Trump voters said they did not know who would carry Trumps vision if he leaves politics. I dont think anybody could take Trumps spot, said Jeremy Messina, a MAGA activist in upstate New York who runs a political advertising media company. I dont see it. (Reporting by Julia Harte, Ned Parker and Peter Eisler; Additional reporting by Chris Kahn, Jason Lange and Nathan Layne; Editing by Ross Colvin) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's ruling party said on Friday it would file a criminal complaint against the leader of the main opposition party for comments about the investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist critical of the Saudi government and its de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, disappeared after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's ruling party said on Friday it would file a criminal complaint against the leader of the main opposition party for comments about the investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist critical of the Saudi government and its de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, disappeared after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. The Saudi government initially insisted Khashoggi had left the consulate and later that he had died in an unplanned "rogue operation". Last week, the kingdom's public prosecutor said the attack on the journalist had been premeditated. Istanbul chief prosecutor Irfan Fidan said this week that Khashoggi was suffocated as soon as he entered the consulate, and his body then cut up and disposed of. Turkey has demanded cooperation from Saudi officials. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), on Thursday criticised the investigation, saying he would sue President Tayyip Erdogan and his government for letting the culprits leave Turkey. Omer Celik, the spokesman for Erdogan's ruling AK Party, said on Friday legal action would be taken against Kilicdaroglu over the comments. "This is very embarrassing and a very sad picture. It is disgraceful that he has such an approach. Turkey doesn't deserve this," he told a news conference in Ankara. "We will file a criminal complaint against him for the black propaganda he is carrying out and the accusation he is throwing around. He will be answered legally, legal action will be taken." Khashoggi's killing has led to Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, facing a torrent of international condemnation, upending the young crown prince's image as a reformer on the international stage. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; editing by Andrew Roche) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. India is one of the countries expected to get the exemptions from the US. But senior administration officials refused to spell out the names on Friday. The list of these exemptions would be announced on Monday. Washington: The US has agreed to temporarily allow eight countries to continue buying Iranian oil after it reimposes crippling sanctions on Tehran on 5 November, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday, citing "significant reductions" in imports of oil from the Persian Gulf nation. India is one of the countries expected to get the exemptions. But senior administration officials refused to spell out the names on Friday. The list of these exemptions would be announced on Monday, Pompeo told reporters during a conference call on Iranian sanctions, with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. While the US had previously wanted countries including India to completely halt oil purchases from Iran by 4 November when its full sanctions against Tehran come into force, it seems to have relented considering the havoc the move to completely take out Iranian supplies from the market would have had on prices. Pompeo said that countries like India, if it gets the exemption, would be asked to bring down their oil imports from Iran to zero in six months' time. Negotiations are still ongoing, he said explaining the reasons for not revealing the names of the countries that are expected to get exemptions from the US from this latest and so far the toughest American sanctions on Iran. "We expect to issue some temporary allotments to eight jurisdictions, but only because they have demonstrated significant reductions in their crude oil and cooperation on many other fronts and have made important moves towards getting to zero crude oil importation. These negotiations are still ongoing. Two of the jurisdictions will completely end imports as part of their agreements. The other six will import at greatly reduced levels," Pompeo said. These economic sanctions are just a part of the US government's total effort to change the behaviour of the Iranian regime, he said. "On November 5th, the United States will reimpose sanctions that were lifted as part of the nuclear deal on Iran's energy, shipbuilding, shipping and banking sectors. These sanctions hit at core areas of Iran's economy. They are necessary to spur changes we seek on the part of the regime," he said. "In order to maximise the effect of the president's pressure campaign, we have worked closely with other countries to cut off Iranian oil exports as much as possible," Pompeo said. The expected list of exemptions to eight jurisdictions, that too temporary, is far less than the 20 countries, including India, which were exempted from Iranian sanctions during the previous Obama administration, he said. "We will have issued, if our negotiations are completed, eight and have made it clear that they are temporary," he said. "Not only did we decide to grant many fewer exemptions, but we demanded much more serious concessions from these jurisdictions before agreeing to allow them to temporarily continue to import Iranian crude oil. These concessions are critical to ensuring that we increase our maximum pressure campaign and accelerate towards zero," Pompeo said. As a result of the latest sanctions, he said the US expects to have reduced Iranian crude oil exports by more than 1 million barrels even before these sanctions go into effect. "This massive reduction since May of last year is three to five times more than what many analysts were projecting when President Trump announced our withdrawal from the deal back in May," he said. "Starting today, Iran will have zero oil revenue to spend on any of these things. Let me say that again: Zero. 100 percent of the revenue that Iran receives from the sale of crude oil will be held in foreign accounts and can be used by Iran only for humanitarian trade or bilateral trade in non-sanctioned goods and services," he said. Pompeo said the latest US sanctions are targeted at the regime, not the people of Iran who have suffered grievously under this regime. "It's why we have and will maintain many humanitarian exemptions to our sanctions, including food, agriculture commodities, medicine and medical devices," he said. India, which is the second biggest purchaser of Iranian oil after China, is willing to restrict its monthly purchase to 1.25 million tonnes or 15 million tonnes in a year (300,000 barrels per day), down from 22.6 million tonnes (452,000 barrels per day) bought in 2017-18 financial year, sources in New Delhi said. The US will also demand the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) global financial network stop supporting Iranian banks as part of enforcing sanctions over Tehran's nuclear programme and alleged support for terrorism. In May, President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the 2015 landmark Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) terming it as disastrous". Under the Obama-era deal, involving five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, Iran agreed to stop its nuclear programme in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. After the US' withdrawal from the deal, Trump signed fresh sanctions against Iran and warned countries against any cooperation with Tehran over its controversial nuclear weapons programme. Iran has dismissed these charges and maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. Samsung Electronics is said to be planning on bringing new voice-assistant features to challenge its rivals in AI. The company is planning on opening its Bixby virtual assistant to third-party developers for the first time at an event in San Francisco next week. It is looking for help in bolstering its challenge to the industrys big three players; Alexa, Assistant, and Siri. Samsung will outline how developers can create functions, which it calls capsules, that are akin to the skills that Amazons Alexa assistant has, such as ordering pizza or hailing taxis with a voice command. Furthermore, the company will also share more details about a foldable-phone it is working for quite some time. It will also showcase features of the tablet-sized handset, such as the simultaneous use of three apps. The company has even held discussions with YouTube, and Netflix Inc. on how to optimize content for the foldable-screen device. Samsung hopes to make Bixby big by including the ability to control billions of internet-connected devices operated through voice commands. While it might a bit late for Samsung, the company has one major advantage in that as it sells half a billion televisions, smartphones, and appliances. Bixby was debuted on Galaxy S8 last year and is being used by 6% of Americans. In recent months, Samsung has invited dozens of voice-app developers to participate in a beta version of the Bixby platform, according to sources. Chung Eui-suk, who leads software and AI for Samsungs mobile unit in an email statement said: Developers overwhelmingly recognize the strong future potential of Bixby. Samsung, however, is said to be making more rigid demands on developers than Amazon and Google, including a preference the voice apps run on Bixbys servers. The move could speed up response times to voice prompts and is more secure, though could be a nuisance to developers, they said. Source Utilities are supposed to be boring dividend-paying stocks that income investors can rely on in good times and bad. On the surface, California utility PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) seemed to conform to that model. But events in 2017 quickly proved that PG&E was not, in fact, as safe as it seemed. And while California lawmakers have tried to curtail the damage with the passage of Senate Bill 901, this new law isn't enough to change the big-picture risk here. Here's what you need to know. Disaster strikes California is a giant, wealthy state driven by technology innovation. At first glance, it would appear to be a pretty good state in which to operate for an electric utility, even though California tends to lead the nation when it comes to environmental regulation. Only there's another, increasingly important issue: California also tends to be a very dry state. This isn't new information. However, the state has been dealing with severe water shortages for several years, increasing the risk of wildfires. Once a fire gets going, it can be very difficult to contain, and as the news headlines often show, property and lives are lost before things are brought under control. 2017 was a particularly bad year for wildfires and PG&E. Cal Fire, the state's fire management agency, recently placed the blame for a dozen 2017 wildfires, 18 deaths, and hundreds of square miles of fire damages on PG&E. There were more fires that involved the company beyond those, as well. Essentially, sparks from its overhead power lines were deemed responsible for starting the wildfires. That potentially left the utility on the hook for the impact of the fires. And it could be pretty bad: The company took a $1.6 billion charge (roughly $3.07 a share) in just one quarter because of the potential liabilities associated with past wildfires. That charge left the company with a loss of $1.91 per share in 2018's second quarter. The utility eliminated its dividend in late 2017 to preserve cash because of the potential liability related to the fires. The savings from that move weren't nearly enough, and the company warned that the costs of the fires could push it into bankruptcy following the announcement by Cal Fire. Seeking to avoid such an outcome, the state's government drafted a bill, SB 901, that would, effectively, allow PG&E to shift wildfire-related costs to its customers. In a nutshell, the state would issue bonds that PG&E would pay off by charging customers -- but only for fires where it was determined that PG&E acted responsibly. If PG&E is deemed to have not acted in a responsible manner, then the company, and thus its shareholders, would be on the hook for all associated costs. Still a big question mark The new law is, without a doubt, a lifeline for PG&E. Without it, the utility would almost certainly have had to go into bankruptcy in an attempt to deal with the wildfire costs. Understandably, the stock moved steadily higher as the bill moved through the approval process and was, eventually, signed into law by the governor. The stock even received analyst upgrades because of SB 901. For long-term investors, though, this new rule doesn't actually change the dynamics enough to make PG&E a worthwhile risk. First off, fires are still a big issue for California and PG&E. The only way to really change that is for Mother Nature to turn the historically dry state into a wet one. In other words, PG&E will be facing wildfire issues well into the future. Which means the company, and its investors, need to come to grips with what it means to deal with wildfire risks responsibly. To provide an example of the complexity of this issue, PG&E recently shut down power to around 87,000 customers across 12 counties in a pre-emptive attempt to avoid wildfire risks. In fact, it appears that SB 901 specifically requires such actions. But there's a cost to moves like this, including shutting down power, bringing it back up again, and the lost revenue while the power is out. And since there's no way to tell if shutting the power down actually prevented a wildfire, PG&E is likely to start seeing pushback from customers when it makes such decisions in the future if the bill is successful at reducing the overall number of wildfire events. Avoid PG&E From a business perspective, PG&E is in a horrible catch-22. Yes, the new law should make things better. But it doesn't solve the problem, which is a function of the natural environment in which the utility operates. Stepping back and looking at this issue from a distance, it is clear that there are much better options in the utility space for investors. These include far more boring utilities like Duke Energy and companies with unique characteristics like PPL Corp. that might interest a special-situations investor. But in the end, SB 901 doesn't change the risk-reward situation enough at PG&E to make it worth buying. 10 most attractive destinations for tourists in Georgia - GeorgianJournal 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. By Trend American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) applauds the ranking progress of Azerbaijan to the 25th position among 190 countries in the Doing Business-2019 report, which is 32 points higher compared to the last year. Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, Mrs. Natavan Mammadova, noted that Azerbaijan has implemented a record number of reforms this year 8. This is the highest indicator across all the countries. This is obviously a result of the ongoing reforms being implemented in Azerbaijan with the aim of developing the business environment in our country, as well as another achievement in the fulfilment of the tasks set out in the Strategic Road Maps. Mrs. Mammadova said. According to Mrs. Mammadova, the reforms carried out to support entrepreneurship paved the way for positive changes in the private sector, particularly for startups running, obtaining of construction permits, increasing access to finance, tax policy, property registration etc. The results of the report will pave the way for attracting more foreign investments to our country. We believe that economic reforms will be carried out further towards increasing the competitiveness of the Azerbaijani economy and promoting its sustainable development. In the upcoming future, adoption of the Competition Code and the new Law on Investment Activities, as well as the anticipated tax reforms will further contribute to the improvement of the business environment of our country and boost rating of Azerbaijan in international reports. Mrs. Mammadova said. Mrs. Natavan Mammadova also stated that in this respect, AmCham Azerbaijan remains committed to cooperation with the government and ready to share the experience and expertise of the members of the Chamber. AmCham Azerbaijan is a leading private, non-profit business association supporting and promoting the interests of foreign and local businesses in Azerbaijan. Established in 1996, AmCham Azerbaijan is composed of over 280 Member-Companies and Associates active in every sector of the Azerbaijani economy. AmCham Azerbaijan represents nearly 80 percent of all foreign investment, as well as a significant portion of local investment in Azerbaijan. Flipkart Diwali Festival offers: No cost EMI offers on bestselling smartphones Features oi-Harish Kumar Amazon, India and Flipkart are the most successful E-commerce companies in India. They often keep alluring the users with variety of sale schemes. It is out of their attractive deals that consumers are highly reliable on these portals. Be it devices, gadgets or other wares- you are sure to avail them at their best seasoned offers. Even this time they are looking quite encouraging in order to make your Diwali way more special. The two shopping platforms cater no cost EMI options on smartphones which make your purchasing really profitable. While, there are plenty more bids which can't be overlooked. Flipkart offers great exchange and cashback offers, no cost EMI option with better EMI rate, 10% instant discount on SBI credit cards, 10% cashback on payments through PhonePe, 10% off with Axis bank buzz credit card, and more. The consumers can get up to 50% Buyback value at just Rs.99. You can also get brand warranty of 1 year available for mobile and 6 months for accessories. Whereas, Amazon provides 10% instant discount with HDFC bank, up to 10% cashback, no cost EMI available on Bajaj Finserv EMI cards, no cost EMI available on all major credit cards and select debit cards, and great exchange offers. You can unlock 100% cashback offers up to Rs. 500 on Swiggy, BookMyShow and Amazon.in mobile recharges and can get 10% cashback up to Rs.50 using BHIM UPI or Rupay ATM cards, debit cards or credit cards. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Global smartphone shipments down 6.0 % in Q3 2018 but Samsung remains the leader: IDC News oi-Priyanka Dua Huawei landed in the number two position for the second straight quarter. According to a new report International Data Corporation (IDC), smartphone vendors shipped a total of 355.2 million units during the third quarter of 2018 (3Q18), resulting in a year-over-year decline of 6.0 percent. However, Samsung remained the largest smartphone vendor in terms of market share, accounting for 20.3 percent of shipments in 3Q18, declined 13.4 percent year over year in the quarter. Samsung had a very challenging quarter with smartphone shipments down 13.4 percent from 3Q17, with overall volumes of 72.2 million. While this was still enough to maintain the top market share position, the company does continue to lose share. The launch of the Galaxy Note 9 was successful and the device continues to build in shipments. However, Samsung's bigger challenge is the ground they are losing at the mid-range and low-end. Recent announcements of revamping the product portfolio to bring new features and awareness to non-flagship models could possibly help this slide. Samsung will most likely look to new A-Series devices to fill the gaps left in the mid-tier across numerous markets. While Huawei landed in the number two position for the second straight quarter. Despite its share was down slightly from last quarter's 15.9 percent, overall the company should be pleased with shipping 52.0 million handsets and grabbing 14.6 percent of the overall market. While Cupertino based tech giant Apple came third with 0.5 percent from the 46.7 million units last year. Meanwhile, IDC pointed out that China's domestic market, which represents roughly one-third of all smartphones consumed, has been in decline since the second quarter of 2017, and 3Q18 was the sixth consecutive quarter where the market sees contraction. China was down 11 percent in the first half of 2018 (1H18), and the challenges continued into 3Q18 and IDC expects this decline to decelerate with the market returning to flat growth in 2019. "China's domestic market continues to be challenged as overall consumer spending around smartphones has been down," said Ryan Reith, program vice president with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers. He said, "High penetration levels, mixed with some challenging economic times, has slowed the world's largest smartphone market. Despite this, we believe this market will begin to recover in 2019 and beyond, driven in the short term by a large, built up refresh cycle across all segments, and in the outer years of the forecast supported by 5G migration." The report also said, "Xiaomi once again grew its share to a new company high capturing 9.7 percent of all smartphones shipped worldwide in 3Q18. Xiaomi continues its global expansion with market share gains in countries where it has been growing its presence, including India and Indonesia, and making headway into European markets like Spain where it continues to cause disruption." Despite that, OPPO remained the number 5 vendor in terms of market share with 29.9 million shipments in 3Q18, down 2.1 percent from a year ago," the research firm added. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) with four rear cameras coming soon to India for Rs. 39,000 News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Samsung Galaxy A9 India launch could be nearing. Samsung hosted the 4X Fun event in Malaysia in October to unveil the world's first smartphone with four rear cameras. But the release date of this smartphone remains unknown. Now, it looks like this smartphone will be launched in India soon. Also, there are speculations that this smartphone could be launched for Rs. 39,000 in the country. This information has been obtained from the source code of the official Samsung India website via Mobigyaan. There are reports that this smartphone could be launched in India country on November 4 but there is no official confirmation from the company till date. Quad cameras at its rear The USP of the Samsung Galaxy A9 is the presence of four rear cameras. The device comprises of an 8MP sensor with 120-degree ultra wide angle lens and f/2.4 aperture, a 10MP sensor with telephoto lens and f/2.4 aperture, a 24MP sensor with regular lens and f/1.7 aperture and a 5MP depth sensor and f/2.2 aperture. The 24MP selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture is likely to handle all the selfie camera requirements of the users. This camera module comes with features such as LED flash, Scene Optimizer, Live Focus and Portrait Mode. Samsung Galaxy A9 specifications When it comes to the other specifications and features, this Samsung smartphone bestows a 6.3-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display with a resolution of 2220 x 1080 pixels. Under its hood, this smartphone makes use of a 2.2GHz octa-core processor paired with 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB of default memory capacity, which can be expanded up to 512GB using a microSD card. For connectivity, this smartphone has 4G, GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It runs Android Oreo out of the box and supports Bixby, Samsung Health, Samsung Pay and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. A 3800mAh battery the smartphone from within. Competition with rivals On the competition front, with the unique quad-camera setup at its rear, this smartphone is sure to open up a new category. But if it falls under the Rs. 40,000 price bracket, we can say that it will be a rival to the premium devices such as OnePlus 6T. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications By Trend A security dialogue meeting was held in Baku between the EU and Azerbaijan, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said in a message Nov. 3. The delegation of the EU was headed by Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs of the European External Action Service Jean-Christophe Belliard. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the EU delegation met with Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov. The EU Delegation also met Deputy Head of Foreign Policy Affairs of Azerbaijans Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev and other officials. The decision on establishing a bilateral dialogue mechanism on security and transport issues was made as a result of the EU-Azerbaijan Cooperation Council meeting of February 15, 2018. At the meeting the issues of regional and international agenda, including fighting terrorism, separatism and violent extremism and all their forms and manifestations, transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, cybercrime and other translational security threats were thoroughly discussed. The successful cooperation of the EU and Azerbaijan in the field of energy and Azerbaijans contribution to the energy security of Europe was emphasized. The sides reiterated their commitment to support sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of international borders of each other. It was mentioned that the new partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on which the negotiations are continuing will create favorable opportunities for comprehensive development of cooperation between the sides. The EU side was informed about the current situation of the negotiation process on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and it was emphasized that only the liberation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and return of the forcefully expelled people to their homelands will bring durable peace and sustainable development to the region. The sides valued the first dialogue meeting as a new momentum in their relations and agreed to continue the dialogue in the upcoming year. Air Force Cryptologic Office evolves ISR training for today's tech savvy Airmen By Lori A. Bultman, Twenty-Fifth Air Force Public Affairs / Published November 02, 2018 JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) -- Note: Some last names have been removed for security reasons. The intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance Airmen in today's Air Force are much more technologically savvy than their predecessors, and the Air Force Cryptologic Office at Twenty-Fifth Air Force is revolutionizing the way modern Airmen learn to win the fight. Airmen of the millennial generation and younger generations are accustomed to having a plethora of knowledge at their fingertips through their cell phones. "They are able to pull information quickly, multi-task using technologies, socialize in virtual environments, and solve problems through gaming," said Chip von Heiland, AFCO Intelligence Force Management and Training chief. "Considering this, and our ever-changing workforce, we had to initiate a systematic approach to designing and developing training, which led to us creating easily accessible, visually enhanced training through virtual reality and computer-based resources; something previous generations only dreamed of," he said. Staff Sgt. Alan, a Twenty-Fifth Air Force analyst, wishes he had experienced more visual training methods when he entered the military. "I remember back when I was in training, how much I would have preferred to see and visualize things rather than just read books about it," he said. "Using virtual reality to train the Airmen coming through now is a great idea. This generation is really good with technology. They have grown up with it, so that is what they know." In contrast to Alan's one-dimensional analysis education, the new tools AFCO provides to ISR technical schools like those at Goodfellow Air Force Base are revolutionizing analysis training and, contrary to belief, not all these innovations are expensive. Future analysts are using cardboard virtual reality headsets and utilizing cell phones to learn how to visually identify aircraft. "It is exciting, and it is engaging. The training just pops out at you; you are right there," said Master Sgt. Oneika, a Twenty-Fifth Air Force intelligence analyst who spends much of her time briefing pilots on visual recognition of enemy aircraft. "This type of technology will pull Airmen in so they will want to learn more." Another addition to the ISR training revolution is OCTANE, or the online critical thinking and analysis environment, an electronic library of information and products that help analysts enhance their critical thinking skills. "OCTANE is a repository for all military analysts and the intelligence community, and it is available anywhere, anytime, and in any environment," von Heiland said. The repository is full of information, short courses, applications and games to help analyst build critical thinking skills, something that requires frequent engagement, he said. "The benefit of OCTANE's collaborative vault of knowledge is having the vast amount of data in one place, where users and contributors can learn from each other," he said. OCTANE is designed for today's learners, and keeps users on their toes with daily competitive challenges where analysts from across the globe go head-to-head, building their skills. It also provides gamified apps and a growing collection of courses. Even though the site contains mass amounts of information, von Heiland said users can choose what and how to utilize that information, allowing them to gather what they need in more bite-sized and manageable segments. "This is the first time a collaborative effort has brought together the best work from both the military services and the intelligence community," von Heiland said. "It is this partnership that makes OCTANE possible and successful in revolutionizing analysis." Building on their efforts to revolutionize and modernize ISR analysis capabilities worldwide, AFCO's personnel are continuing their search for the best way to train Airmen, in the way they can best learn. "The past few years have forced us to innovate to continue meeting the warfighter's demand for rapid collection and distribution of ISR information around the clock and across the globe," von Heiland said. "Just as we have met that challenge, we will continue to promote force development and training innovations, promote partnerships in ISR education, and most importantly, capitalize on our greatest asset, our Airmen." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Singapore, Fort Sill execute live fire missions By Mitch Meador, Fort Sill TribuneNovember 1, 2018 Fort Sill, Oka. (Nov. 1, 2018) -- A high-ranking minister of the Singaporean government visited Fort Sill Oct. 24 to see his own country's artillerymen execute a live fire mission alongside their U.S. counterparts as part of Operation Daring Warrior. Dr. Mohamad Maliki bin Osman, a senior minister of state at Singapore's Ministry of Defense and also its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, watched the first and second fire missions from a hilltop observation post. Singapore's 23rd Battalion fired its rockets from three High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers while B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery, 75th FA Brigade used the tracked version, the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Osman then rode down to the firing line to see how the same fire mission was conducted from inside a HIMARS. A succession of photo opportunities followed: the minister riding to another observation post in the turret of a HIMARS, disembarking, posing with troops around a banner that said "23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery, The Premier Precision Force," and finally, the minister taking a "selfie" with the Singaporean artillery unit. Operation Daring Warrior is a combined operation by the U.S. and Singapore armies that has become an annual tradition at Fort Sill. Singaporean Lt. Col. Mikail Kalimuddin, commander of the 23rd Battalion, said his unit was out doing training with a HIMARS battery for the Oct. 24 media day. "This is part of the evaluation," he said. "This is the culmination of two years' worth of preparation. The battery came out, they've been training, they were evaluated, and they were deemed ready for operations." The reason they come to Fort Sill each year to train is that Singapore is quite small in terms of land area. It's not suitable for live-firing the HIMARS, given the weapon system's long range. "So we travel overseas, particularly (to) the U.S., because it's such an excellent range for artillery live-firing. In addition, because the U.S. Army uses the HIMARS and MLRS systems, so that there's a lot of commonality. It's a great opportunity for professional exchange, for us to share (standard operating procedures) and processes and then to train together," Kalimuddin explained. "For our troops, it's a great chance to work with (Soldiers who are) advanced, developed, and military that's deployed all the time," he said, venturing his opinion that training with their U.S. counterparts bolsters the Singaporean Soldiers' confidence. The most valuable lessons they've gotten from this experience, he finds, were "training in different terrain, knowing that they can adapt to a difficult situation and having done a combined live-firing with the U.S. military and realizing that they're operating at the same standard, up to the same benchmark." Singapore sent over about 150 people, including troops and support staff as well as exercise control staff, for this year's three-week Operation Daring Warrior exercise, Kalimuddin said. Asked if his troops had faced any challenges because of the weather, the colonel replied, "Certainly. I think it's part and parcel of military training that there will be challenges. So, with all the rain, the ground was a bit muddier than usual. So suddenly vehicle recovery was a big feature of this exercise, but hey, that's part and parcel of military training." In addition to the U.S., the Singapore artillerymen also train in places like Australia, New Zealand and even India, the battalion commander noted. The quality of the exchange with the U.S. military is very high because the two countries have HIMARS in common, and that is very valuable to the Singapore Artillery, he added. Lt. Col. Jim Raines, commander of 2-18th FA, called Operation Daring Warrior "two artillery forces working together to get a combined training effect. It works on our interoperability skills with other coalition partners. This is a tremendous opportunity for our Soldiers to work together, and build relationships on a very real basis, and be able to deploy forward and project peace by working together." "Singapore's one of our stronger partners in Southeast Asia and the region, and so this is a recurring event for us," Raines added. B Battery, 2-18th FA brought eight MLRS launchers to the table Wednesday, Raines said. The HIMARS launchers that Singapore uses and the GPS-guided M270 MLRS launchers the Fort Sill Soldiers fired are very similar. All participating Soldiers understand and are capable of interoperability with each other, he said. "The Singaporean Army has a firm grasp on the English language, so (there's) been absolutely no issue with coordinating both our communications systems as well as working out some of our plans and operations," Raines said. The 2-18 FA Soldiers have gained much from the experience, "from basic tasks of maintenance and medical support to recovery operations to actually delivering fires downrange, so it's been a tremendous opportunity for us," the battalion commander said. "I would say it was a pretty successful exercise," said Singaporean 3rd Sgt. Dol Ta, a young HIMARS launcher crew chief participating in his first-ever live-fire training event on Wednesday. "I would like to say, we are very appreciative of the chance that we have to be able to train in the United States, that the range is pretty challenging, but we adapted ourselves to all situations of being able to face the chilly wind conditions and also to overcome the rain. So I would like to thank everyone for this opportunity," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Airborne Soldiers wrap up Spider networked munition system upgrade test By Maj. Nayari Cameron, Test Officer, Maneuver Support and Sustainment Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test CommandNovember 1, 2018 FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- Two units of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) wrapped up a test of an upgrade to the Spider munition system here, used to defend perimeters and support offensive ambushes and situational obstacles. Soldiers with the 39th Brigade Engineer Battalion and 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team employed the Spider Increment 1A networked munition system along with testers of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command (USAOTC), based at West Fort Hood, Texas. Together, they collected data that informs senior Army leaders on how effective, suitable, and survivable Spider will be during real-world operations. "Spider is a networked munition system providing an improved networked munition control station and the ability to employ and control current Spider antipersonnel (AP) munitions and demolitions," said Capt. Benjamin Borys, assistant Spider test officer with USAOTC's Maneuver Support and Sustainment Test Directorate (MS2TD). Borys stressed that Spider is not technically a mine, but a "not victim-activated" munition system. "The Army no longer uses victim-activated systems that would detonate immediately if someone or something triggers the system," he said. Instead, Spider Increment 1A is a networked munition package with a "man-in-the-loop" setup, said Borys, using a remote control station to monitor the system, while controlling every munition system networked to it. "This test is a great opportunity that fell into our lap," said Lt. Col. Keith Carter, commander of 1-26 Infantry about the ability to conduct realistic training for companies in his battalion. MS2TD Test Officer Edward Jagodzinski said, "The 101st Airborne Division has embraced this operational test event placing the 2-BCT in the lead to ensure the Spider Increment 1A, employed by its organic engineers, can support its infantry companies on the battlefield." ~~ About the U.S. Army Operational Test Command: As the Army's only independent operational tester, USAOTC tests and assesses Army, joint, and multi-service warfighting systems in realistic operational environments, using typical Soldiers to determine whether the systems are effective, suitable, and survivable. USAOTC is required by public law to test major systems before they are fielded to its ultimate customer -- the American Soldier. The Maneuver Support and Sustainment Test Directorate conducts operational tests of combat engineer, chemical, transportation, military police, quartermaster, ordnance and medical service systems in order to provide our senior leaders with the necessary information to field the highest quality equipment for the warfighter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CNO Visits Australia to Strengthen Alliance, Expand Cooperation Navy News Service Story Number: NNS181101-12 Release Date: 11/1/2018 8:11:00 PM From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs CANBERRA, Australia (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson visited Canberra, Australia, Nov. 1 to reinforce the U.S. Navy's commitment to U.S.-Australia alliance and explore ways to expand security cooperation. During the visit, Richardson joined senior Australian defense officials, including Australian Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty, Chief of the Defence Force Gen. Angus Campbell, and Royal Australian Navy Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Michael Noonan for roundtable discussions on regional security and defense policy at the Australian National University's National Security College. "There is no closer partnership than the one between our two navies," said Richardson. "We rely heavily on Australia for its leadership role in global security and the high-end capabilities they bring to all warfighting domains. We are committed to finding new opportunities to deepen our interoperability so we can more effectively respond to our shared challenges in an increasingly complex environment." Richardson joined by counterpart, Noonan, visited the Australian War Memorial to honor the sacrifices made by members of the Australian armed forces and lay a wreath in their memory. "U.S. and Australian forces have fought shoulder to shoulder since the first world war," said Richardson. "This year we marked 100 years since the Battle of Hamel, the first time U.S. and Australian soldiers went into combat together, assaulting the German line." Richardson added, "Security cooperation has always been a cornerstone of our alliance, and it will continue to be so. As the security environment becomes more complex, increasing our interoperability and cooperation is more important than ever to preserve a rules-based international order." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Release No. NR-313-18 November 02, 2018 Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis' call with Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis spoke by phone with Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar on Nov. 2 to discuss bilateral issues, the fight against terror and the situation in Syria. The leaders agreed yesterday's first combined patrols northwest of Manbij, Syria, were an important step toward de-escalating tensions along the border and maintaining security and stability in the region. https://dod.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1680570/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Arab coalition jet fighters bomb Yemen capital city IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Nov 2, IRNA -- The jet fighters of the Saudi-led Arab coalition bombarded the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a 30 times early Friday, Al-Masirah news network reported. Saudi warplanes also struck an air base and its surrounding areas, north of Sana'a ten times, according to Al-Masirah . The Saudi-led Arab coalition has intensified its air strikes against Yemen Thursday evening and Friday morning while the United States called for an end to Yemen war Wednesday evening. Top American officials called for a ceasefire in Yemen and demanded warring parties immediately come to the negotiating table. The comments came as the Saudi-Emirati-led military coalition deployed more than 10,000 new troops towards a vital port city in the run-up to a new assault. James Mattis, the Pentagon chief, said the US had been watching the conflict 'for long enough', adding he believes Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - who are in a US-backed coalition fighting Houthi rebels--are ready for talks. Meanwhile, spokesman for Yemen's Ansarallah Movement Mohammad Abduslsalam said if the United States was really serious in ending conflicts in Yemen it should first stop its arms sale as well as logistical and intelligence assistance to the Saudi-led coalition. Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched a devastating military campaign against Yemen in March 2015, with the aim of bringing the government of 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 CNO Visits New Zealand, Strengthens Naval Partnership Navy News Service Story Number: NNS181102-23 Release Date: 11/2/2018 5:26:00 PM From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs AUCKLAND, New Zealand (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson visited New Zealand, Nov. 2 and 3, to meet with New Zealand naval leadership to discuss deepening the U.S.-New Zealand naval partnership and recognize New Zealand's role as a leader in regional security. During the visit, Richardson met with his counterpart, Rear Adm. John Martin, Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) to discuss opportunities to increase interoperability through more combined operations and personnel exchanges. "We are two very like nations," said Richardson. "We share the same values. We are two maritime nations. Our navies operate together, and we're two nations that are dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific region that allows for the prosperity of everybody." Richardson presented a U.S. Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) to the crew of the Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (FF 77) for supporting security in U.S. Seventh Fleet as part of the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in 2017. The citation reads, "The synchronized efforts of this exceptional ship and crew enabled uninterrupted regional security, maritime operations, and training for the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. By their truly distinctive accomplishments, perseverance, and devotion to duty, the officers and enlisted personnel of Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship Te Kaha (F77) reflected credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the naval service." "You served with strength in developing our interoperability as partners and deepening the trust and confidence between our countries and our navies" said Richardson, addressing the crew of Te Kaha. While in New Zealand, Richardson also participated in a Powhiri ceremony, a traditional Maori ritual for welcoming guests and joining together. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Reagan Strike Group, JMSDF Conduct ADEX During Keen Sword 2019 Navy News Service Story Number: NNS181102-11 Release Date: 11/2/2018 10:07:00 AM From Carrier Strike Force 70 Public Affairs PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) carrier strike group participated in a series of air defense exercises (ADEX) with the U.S. Air Force and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in support of Keen Sword 2019, from Oct. 30-Nov. 1. The strike group conducted three, progressively more complex, air-to-air combat exercises with the JMSDF over the course of three days. "These types of exercises are imperative for gaining proficiency," said Chief Warrant Officer Nick Davis, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville's (CG 62) air defense officer. "These exercises allow our countries to gain a better understanding and trust of each other so in the event of an actual conflict, we already know how to communicate and fulfill everyone's needs." During the exercise, international partners were split into two integrated teams that acted as two fictional nations at war. Each team worked together as a combined task force to improve both nations' abilities to act together to gain a tactical and strategic advantage. "There was the language barrier, but really the bigger obstacle was using Japanese systems and networks to communicate with our assets," said Lt. Christian Murphy, carrier air wing 5 liaison officer (LNO). "However watching our two nations work together and overcome this obstacle to properly plan a multinational exercise was particularly inspiring. This being my first experience as an LNO, I learned a lot about how the Japanese execute [their missions] and was surprised by how much of what they do mirrors our own methods." Approximately 10,000 U.S. service members from the following units are scheduled to participate in Keen Sword 2019: U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Forces Japan, 7th Fleet, 5th Air Force, 374th Airlift Wing, 18th Wing, 35th Fighter Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The forces will conduct training with their JSDF counterparts from military installations throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa, Guam, Tinian, and their surrounding waters. "Keen Sword will give U.S. and Japanese forces an opportunity to practice critical air, maritime and amphibious capabilities essential for Japan's defense and for regional security," said Lt. Gen. Jerry P. Martinez, commander of U.S. Forces Japan. "Just as important, the exercise is a visible demonstration of the strength and durability of the U.S-Japan alliance and our shared pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific region." Keen Sword 2019 is a joint, bilateral field-training exercise that aims to improve interoperability between U.S. military and Japanese Self-Defense Force personnel, designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of the Japan-U.S. alliance. The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By Trend Hyundai Motor Company Korea will enter the market of Uzbekistan from 2019, Kazakh media outlet kursiv.kz reported citing Director of Hyundai Auto Kazakhstan Denis Kolomatsky. According to him, the company has already received the distribution rights and is currently carrying out organizational work. "We are completing the internal certification now. We are delivering cars, completing the work on opening the first dealership center and are planning to start full-scale work from the beginning of 2019. Since we will be represented there as distributors, not manufacturers, at the initial stage we will not sell vehicles of Kazakhstan assembly, although negotiations are underway," Kolomatsky noted. According to him, the decision to enter the market of Uzbekistan is tied with the beginning of political and economic changes in the country. "...The largest world companies rushed there. Hyundai Motor Company also expressed willingness to enter this new and promising market and offered Astana Motors to become a regional distributor. We also see potential in the region and are pleased to accept the offer of the Hyundai Motor Company," Kolomatsky said. He noted that the company is planning to begin with selling about 1,000 cars. Astana Motors has been waiting for Uzbekistan to open its borders for car import for several years. The assembly plant in Kazakhstan was originally built keeping in mind the markets of neighboring countries. Uzbekistan commenced on liberalizing the market in back in autumn. In particular, the excise tax rate dropped to 2 percent of the customs value for new cars produced in Kazakhstan. UN chief appeals for end to Saudi-led war on Yemen Iran Press TV Fri Nov 2, 2018 11:02PM United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres says Yemen is teetering "on a precipice", appealing to the international community to put an end to the Saudi war on the impoverished nation, more than three-and-a-half years after the regime and a number of its allies invaded the peninsular country. "Yemen today stands on a precipice. On the humanitarian side, the situation is desperate. We must do all we can to prevent the already dire conditions from deteriorating," said the UN chief in a press conference on Friday, adding that the consequences of such a war would be "terrible" for the Yemeni nation. Leading a coalition of its allies, including the United Arab Emirates and Sudan, Saudi Arabia invaded Yemen in March 2015 in an attempt to reinstall Yemen's former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, who resigned amid popular discontent and fled to the Arab kingdom. Since the onset of the imposed war, the Yemeni army, backed by fighters of the country's popular Houthi Ansarullah movement, has been defending the impoverished nation against the brutal aggression. The coalition, supported by the United States, is also resolute to crush the movement as another goal in its war on Yemen, which is teetering on the edge of famine. More than three and a half years into the war, Saudi Arabia has achieved neither of its objectives. Riyadh had declared at the start of the invasion that the war would take no more than a couple of weeks. According to a new report by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, a nonprofit conflict-research organization, the Saudi-led war has so far claimed the lives of around 56,000 Yemenis. The UN appeal came just a few days after the US, in a significant shift, exerted pressure on Riyadh, a close ally, to end the aggression against the Yemenis by calling for a truce and peace talks. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that the so-called Saudi-led coalition "airstrikes must cease in all populated areas in Yemen." US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis also called for an end to the nearly four-year conflict. "We must do all we can to maximize the chances for success," Guterres further said, calling for commercial and humanitarian imports of food, fuel and other essentials to be allowed into Yemen without restrictions. Back in June, coalition forces, backed by armed militia loyal to Hadi, launched a full-scale offensive against the Houthi-held Hudaydah, which is currently under a tight siege imposed by the invaders and through whose docks over 70 percent of Yemen's imports used to pass. The so-called liberation operation, however, failed to achieve its objective, which is overrunning the vital port and defeating Houthi fighters, backed by those from the Popular Committees. "The international community has a real opportunity to halt the senseless cycle of violence and to prevent an imminent catastrophe," Guterres said. "The time to act is now." Furthermore, he urged warring parties to allow roads to remain open so life-saving goods can reach communities across the impoverished country, while describing diplomacy as the only solution to the Yemen crisis. Guterres also reiterated earlier warnings that 14 million Yemenis could be at risk of starvation. On Wednesday, the UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said that 1.8 million Yemeni children under the age of five were facing acute malnutrition, and 400,000 were affected by severe acute malnutrition. 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. According to the world body, Yemen is suffering from the most severe famine in more than 100 years. A number of Western countries, the United States and Britain in particular, are also accused of being complicit in the ongoing aggression as they supply the Riyadh regime with advanced weapons and military equipment as well as logistical and intelligence assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Unknown attackers kill 'Father of Taliban' in Pakistan Iran Press TV Fri Nov 2, 2018 07:06PM Unknown assailants have killed Sami ul-Haq, a cleric known as the "Father of the Taliban", in a Pakistani city. On Friday, unknown attackers killed Haq, who taught some of the commanders of Afghanistan's Taliban militant group, his deputy Yousaf Shah said. The exact cause of his killing was not immediately clear amid conflicting reports of why his bodyguard and driver were apparently not present to defend him at the time of the assault. Meanwhile, Haq's relative said his uncle was found with stab and gunshot wounds in his house in an upscale area on Islamabad's outskirts. "When the assailants entered his house... they first started hitting Mullah Sami ul-Haq with knives and daggers and then shot him dead," said Haq's nephew Mohammad Bilal. Mullah Mohammad Omar, the founder of Taliban which seized power in Afghanistan in 1996, was one of Haq's students from the 1980s. Haq's Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in the Pakistani province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has continued to thrive in Pakistan, including being allocated funding in provincial government budgets. Pakistan's Interior Ministry confirmed Haq's death and expressed condolences. A military spokesman also denounced the "assassination" and expressed "grief and condolences" to his family. The cleric was seen as a possible mediator in negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban. "Recently, when the Afghan government sent him a delegation and sought his help in bringing the Afghan Taliban to the negotiation table, he offered them... his madrassa (seminary) to sit with each other and build trust," a member of Haq's family said. Taliban's five-year rule over at least three quarters of Afghanistan came to an end following the US invasion in October 2001, but 17 years on, Washington seeks truce with the militants as it prepares for a long haul in the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudis respond to peace calls with heavy Sana'a bombing Iran Press TV Fri Nov 2, 2018 09:04AM Saudi Arabia has responded to calls for a ceasefire in its war on Yemen with a heavy bombing of the capital Sana'a with more than 30 airstrikes. Yemen's al-Masirah TV said the airstrikes early Friday targeted al-Dulaimi Air Base in Sana'a and the surrounding areas as Saudi-backed troops launched new attacks further west in the country's main port city of Hudaydah. Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Wednesday massed thousands of additional troops near the city which is a gateway to the capital, and the lifeline for imports and relief supplies into Yemen. Witnesses in Hudaydah said fighting was heard in areas near the airport and the university, and Apache helicopters were spotted in the sky. Airstrikes were intensified on Thursday night on Houthi bases near the eastern entrance to the port city, they said. Yemeni armed forces and allied Houthi fighters responded to the attacks with a newly-unveiled Badr P-1 missile launched at an enemy assembly in the Saudi Najran province. The stepped-up attacks by Saudi Arabia came after calls for a ceasefire and the renewal of peace talks by the US and Britain which are key supporters of the kingdom in the war which has been going on since March 2015. On Thursday, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on all sides in the war to agree to a truce within the next 30 days. The Houthis have expressed readiness for peace talks but strongly opposed the US proposal for mediation in the conflict, holding Washington responsible for the aggression against Yemen. The Houthis believe that the only solution to the crisis lies in intra-Yemeni talks and non-interference by foreign parties, Houthi Political Council member Mohammed al-Bakhiiti said on Thursday. Saudi Arabia has been waging the war against Yemen with the aim of reinstating former Yemeni president Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi. The war, coupled with a Saudi naval blockade, has destroyed Yemen's infrastructure and led to famine as well as a cholera outbreak in the import-dependent state. Last month, the Legal Center for Rights and Developments in Yemen said more than 15,000 civilians have died as a result of the conflict so far. Patrick Cockburn, an award-winning columnist for the British daily The Independent, said this week the number of casualties remains unreported due to a media blackout, putting the death toll at around 56,000. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Maulana Sami Ul-Haq, 'Father Of The Taliban,' Stabbed To Death RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal November 02, 2018 Officials and relatives say that Maulana Sami ul-Haq, a prominent Pakistani cleric known as the "father of the Taliban" for having taught some of the militant movement's leaders, has been killed in an apparent knife attack. The country's Interior Ministry announced Sami ul-Haq's death in a statement in the evening on November 2 and expressed condolences. Local TV channel Geo News, quoted the cleric's son, Hamid ul-Haq, as saying he was stabbed to death by unidentified attackers at his home in the city of Rawalpindi, near the capital, Islamabad. "My father was on his way to a sit-in protest in Islamabad. He returned to his house due to closure of roads and went to his bedroom. Later, he was found dead in a pool of blood," Hamid ul-Haq told Geo News. Police says that the motive behind the killing was not immediately known and no group has so far claimed responsibly for the attack. The killing prompted scores of Sami ul-Haq's supporters to riot, damaging shops and vehicles in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The cleric's family appealed to his followers to remain peaceful. For decades, Sami ul-Haq ran an Islamic school, the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary, which educated several key Taliban leaders. The madrasah is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in Pakistan's northwest. One of his students from the 1980s, known later as Mullah Mohammad Omar, went on to found the Taliban, which seized power in Afghanistan in 1996 after years of chaos and civil war following the Soviet military's withdrawal. Sami ul-Haq, who was in his 80s, was known as the father of the Afghan Taliban due to the immense influence and respect he enjoyed among the leaders of the militant group. He was the head of his faction of the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam party and was twice elected as a member of the Senate, the upper house of Pakistan's parliament. Pakistani media reported that he had been aligned with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Party during July 25 elections, which the party won. Prime Minister Imran Khan's party had sought to work closely with the prominent cleric to implement various reforms and mainstream madrasah education, Dawn.com reported. Imran Khan, currently on an official visit to Beijing, condemned the killing and ordered an investigation, his office said in a statement. In recent weeks, dozens of Afghan clerics had appealed to Sami ul-Haq to use his influence with Afghanistan's Taliban to help convince the militant group to begin peace negotiations. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and Dawn.com Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistani-cleric- maulana-samiul-haq-aka-the-father-of-the-taliban- has-been-reported-killed-/29579407.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 Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: "The Coalition Destroys The Terrorist Iranian-Houthi Militia Ballistic-Missile and UAV Launching Locations in Al-Dailami Airbase, Sana'a." Saudi Press Agency Friday 1440/2/24 - 2018/11/02 Riyadh, Safar 23, 1440, Nov 1, 2018, SPA -- The Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, Colonel Turki Al-Malki, stated that the Coalition forces conducted a targeting operation of legitimate military targets in Al Dailami airbase. Col. Al-Malki clarifies: "This operation includes targeting of ballistic-missile launch and storage locations, UAV Ground Stations, bomb-making and assembly workshops and their support locations in Al-Dailami Airbase in Sana'a." He indicated that the targeting operations were conducted following an accurate intelligence operation, monitoring the terrorist Iranian-Houthi militia's activities, with the aim of destroying and neutralizing such capabilities, that threaten regional and international security. Col. Al-Malki concluded his statement by reaffirming that Sana'a International Airport is still open to UN and relief air traffic, and that all preventative measures were taken in the targeting operation. This operation was carried out in accordance with the International Humanitarian Law, its Customary Rules, and the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition Rules of Engagement --SPA 01:48 LOCAL TIME 22:48 GMT 0040 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen: UN chief hails 'signs of hope' in world's worst man-made humanitarian disaster 2 November 2018 - Welcoming recent indications that peace talks could resume soon to end Yemen's brutal civil conflict, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday there is "no room for complacency," and called on the warring parties and the international community to "halt the senseless cycle of violence" and "reach a political settlement". Conflict in the country has its roots in 2011, but the situation escalated dramatically in 2015, when a Saudi-led coalition was invited by the internationally-recognized Government to intervene, uprooting millions and destroying civilian infrastructure across the country. "International humanitarian law has been flouted repeatedly," Mr. Guterres told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York. Since 2015, access to basic services and sources of income has become increasingly challenging and, today, three quarters of the entire Yemeni population 22 million women, children and men find themselves dependent on some form of humanitarian assistance to survive. "This is not a natural disaster. It is man-made. Yemen today stands on a precipice," said the UN chief. According to humanitarian agencies working on the ground, the massive scale of humanitarian need has turned Yemen into the world's worst crisis in decades. Cholera is endemic, and famine is looming. "On the humanitarian side, the situation is desperate," said Mr. Guterres, but "on the political side," he noted, "there are signs of hope". "The international community has a real opportunity to halt the senseless cycle of violence and to prevent an imminent catastrophe," he stated. The Secretary-General called for several steps to be taken urgently: an immediate cessation of hostilities, especially in densely populated areas; clearance without restrictions for essential imports such as food and fuel; and ensuring humanitarian access to civilians. He said efforts to kick-start the economy by stabilising the exchange rate of the Yemeni Rial; and paying the salaries and pensions of public servants were also essential; alongside additional funding from the international community for the humanitarian response. "I welcome the strong, constructive engagement from many Member States in recent days joining their voices to the UN's repeated appeals for a cessation of hostilities and supporting my Special Envoy's efforts," said the UN chief, who also welcomed the warring parties' expression of readiness to engage in peace consultations. "There is now an opportunity for peace in Yemen," he concluded, urging the parties to "overcome obstacles and resolve differences through dialogue at UN-facilitated consultations" in November. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN urges more protection for Nigeria's most vulnerable after deadly attack on camp 2 November 2018 - Hundreds of people already forced to flee their homes by violence in Nigeria's troubled north-east have been uprooted once again after deadly attacks in and around a camp where they were sheltering, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, said on Friday. "In the attacks the armed group killed at least eight and injured dozens more, kidnapped women and burned and looted homes, shelters and food stocks," Jens Laerke, OCHA spokesperson, told journalists in Geneva. Mr. Laerke said the attack happened two days ago at a Government-run facility a few kilometres from Borno state capital Maiduguri, and on communities close to the village of Dalori. The camp is home to 12,600 people who fled clashes in recent months, the UN official said a reference to fighting between Government forces and violent extremists that have claimed 29,000 lives since 2009 and contributed to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. "This attack happened late Wednesday night," Mr Laerke said. "We know, the information that I have, is that hundreds were displaced as a result. Where they are right now this morning I don't have specific information about that." Reiterating condemnation of the incident by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, the OCHA spokesperson repeated his appeal for authorities to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities. "It really is a blanket call to beef up security for civilians in Borno and also the other two states, but particularly Borno," Mr Laerke said. "It's really the epicentre of this displacement and humanitarian crisis." Dalori village, which is closest to the camp that was attacked earlier this week, was almost totally burned to the ground during an attack in January 2016 that killed more than 100 people. There are another eight camps for internally displaced people nearby. Construction began on them in 2015 and they are now home to more than 47,000. At least 20 aid organizations provide food, water, sanitation, medicine and shelter, but the needs remain massive throughout Nigeria's north-east, OCHA said in a statement. The number of civilians displaced in the region is estimated to be 1.8 million. More than sixty per cent of these vulnerable people live outside Government-run camps and most stay in Maiduguri. "The humanitarian crisis in Nigeria's North-East that has spilled over into the Lake Chad region is one of the most severe in the world today, with 7.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in the worst affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe this year," Mr Laerke said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistani Cleric Known as 'Father' of Afghan Taliban Assassinated By Ayaz Gul November 02, 2018 Unknown assailants in Pakistan have assassinated the top Islamist leader known as the father of Afghanistan's Taliban movement. Family members confirmed that Maulana Sami-ul Haq, 81, was resting at his home Friday in Rawalpindi when he was killed with a knife. The slain leader's son, Maulana Hamid-ul Haq, said his father's security guard had gone to a nearby market when the attack occurred. "When his guard returned home from the market, he found my father drowned in blood," he said, adding they immediately drove him to a nearby hospital, where Haq died. Nobody has yet claimed responsibility. Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is in China on an official visit, condemned the assassination of the renowned cleric and ordered authorities to swiftly investigate it. Haq was the head of the famous Haqqania madrasa, or religious seminary, in Akora Khatak, near Peshawar. The slain cleric was internationally known as the father of the Taliban movement, which currently is fighting the U.S.-backed government in neighboring Afghanistan. Many senior leaders of the Afghan insurgency had graduated from the seminary before the Islamist group emerged on the Afghan scene in the early 1990s and later took control of most of civil war-torn Afghanistan. The Taliban denounced the killing of Haq, declaring it a "great loss for the Islamic world" and Pakistan. "He supported the oppressed Afghan nation during the Soviet invasion and American occupation of the country through his unforgettable services," the Islamist insurgency said in a statement. Haq, who was also the head of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S) Islamic party, had promised to play his role and even host the Afghan peace talks. A former member of the Senate, the upper house of Pakistan's parliament, Haq was a harsh critic of the U.S.-led military intervention in Afghanistan that ousted the Taliban from power in 2001 for harboring the leadership of the al-Qaida terrorist network. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Chief: Yemen on 'Precipice' By Margaret Besheer November 02, 2018 U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that Yemen is teetering "on a precipice" and called on the international community to stop the violence and prevent a catastrophe. "The consequences of going on with this war will be terrible for the Yemeni people," Guterres told reporters as he amplified his calls for a cessation of hostilities. "On the humanitarian side, the situation is desperate," he said, repeating warnings that 14 million Yemenis could be at risk of starvation. "On the political side, there are signs of hope." Earlier this week, both U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis called for an end to the nearly four-year conflict. Mattis said the parties should meet in the next 30 days to begin serious negotiations. Guterres welcomed what he called "strong, constructive engagement" from many U.N. member states in recent days. "I am hopeful that the voice of reason will prevail," he added. The secretary-general's special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, in his own statement Wednesday also welcomed the calls and said his office remains committed to bringing the parties to talks within a month. "Dialogue remains the only path to reach an inclusive agreement," Griffiths said. A Saudi-led coalition began bombing Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in support of Yemen's government in March 2015. Since then, the U.N. estimates more than 10,000 people have been killed, mostly due to airstrikes. Political efforts to end the crisis have mostly stalled since the Houthis skipped September U.N.-brokered talks in Geneva with the Yemeni government. The country is suffering from a severe food crisis, that could see half the population slide into famine conditions in coming months. The food crisis is man-made, in large part due to the collapse of the national economy and the devaluation of the currency. Civil servants and pensioners have not been paid in almost two years, adding to their inability to afford food, especially when the price of many staple items is skyrocketing. Also driving the humanitarian crisis is the country's reliance on imports of food, fuel and medicine 90 percent of those goods come from abroad. Clashes around the country's most important sea port Hodeida are also hindering food distribution. The Saudi-led coalition appeared to have launched new strikes against Hodeida port on Friday, according to local media reports. Meanwhile, to the north, the coalition said it hit a rebel-held airbase in the city of Sanaa, used by rebels to launch drone and missile attacks on Saudi territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Urges Nigeria to Bolster Protection in Borno State IDP Camps By Lisa Schlein November 02, 2018 Nigeria must beef up protection for civilians at displaced persons' camps following a deadly attack by Boko Haram militants, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. Armed men attacked the camp at night, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens more, OCHA reported. The camp, which houses 12,000 internally displaced people, is near Dalori village, a few kilometers from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. The militants kidnapped women, and burned and looted homes, shelters and food stocks, OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke said. Hundreds of civilians have fled; their whereabouts are unknown. Laerke told VOA that Borno is the worst affected of the three states which have been under attack by Boko Haram insurgents since 2009. He said it is the epicenter of displacement and the humanitarian crisis, and is particularly vulnerable to lethal attacks by armed groups. The U.N. is urging the government to do more to increase security and protect civilians. "The entire environment there is highly militarized," Laerke said. "That goes both for the government forces and, of course, the armed groups which are there. It is highly insecure." The IDP camp that came under attack is one of nine in Dalori. The camps were set up in 2015 and are home to 47,500 civilians. Laerke noted more than 20 organizations provide food, water, sanitation and other essential aid to the inhabitants. Given the dangers, however, aid agencies only operate during the day. Consequently, he said, none of the agencies was present at night when the attack occurred. The Nigerian military has recaptured territory seized by the Islamist militants but has yet to stop the attacks. Since the start of the conflict in 2009, the United Nations reports more than 27,000 people have been killed, thousands of women and girls have been abducted, and children have been used as suicide bombers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading international financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has strengthened its position as MEASAs number one FinTech hub with a series of landmark agreements between FinTech Hive at DIFC and global FinTech accelerators. FinTech Hive at DIFC, the first and largest financial technology accelerator in the MEASA region, has signed more than 10 significant memorandums of understanding (MoU) with leading FinTech institutions around the world. These include Accentures global FinTech Innovation Labs in New York, London and Hong Kong, iE5 in London, SuperCharger in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, LATTICE80 in London and Singapore, DICE FinTech Ace in Mumbai, Finance Innovation and Le Swave in Paris, B-Hive in Brussels, Holland FinTech and Bahrain Fintech Bay. As part of the MoUs, FinTech Hive and the institutions will share knowledge and explore opportunities to facilitate global FinTech access to and from the MEASA, foster a venture capital ecosystem in the region and promote their innovation programmes across each global market. Raja Al Mazrouei, executive vice president, FinTech Hive at DIFC, said: These exciting MoUs signal DIFCs commitment to global FinTech outreach and re-emphasise our ambition to shape the future of finance. They will promote knowledge sharing and enable innovative businesses to operate even more seamlessly between Dubai and the world. These collaborations will also benefit startups, entrepreneurs and large established entities by enhancing access to investment, unlocking business opportunities and engaging new audiences and innovative products or ideas. In its 2018 programme, FinTech Hive brought together a larger pool of 22 startups, which doubled from 11 in 2017. It has also tripled its commitment to FinTech by expanding the programme to include InsurTech, RegTech and Islamic FinTech. FinTech Hive continues to lead the regions efforts in providing an enabling environment for innovative solutions to contribute to the development of the financial services industry, in line with Dubai Plan 2021 and DIFCs 2024 Strategy. DIFC hosts an integrated ecosystem that offers holistic support to FinTech firms. This includes cost-effective licensing and dedicated workspace within the DIFC as well as regulatory support through the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) Innovation Testing Licence (ITL) where qualifying FinTech firms can apply for, if needed, in order to develop and test their concepts from within the Centre. The Centre has also dedicated a $100 million FinTech fund to accelerate the development of financial technology in the region. - TradeArabia News Service Remarks by National Security Advisor Ambassador John R. Bolton on the Administration's Policies in Latin America November 2, 2018 Miami Dade College Miami, FL AMB. BOLTON: Thank you very much. It's a great pleasure, a great honor, to be here today in Miami, and to be with all of you. I can't thank Ileana Ros-Lehtinen enough. As she said, we've known each other many years. We've fought a lot of battles together against common opponents. She's somebody who I think has been a model representative in Congress, and we're going to miss her in the halls of the House of Representatives, but we're not going to miss her in Washington because I know she's not going to leave these issues she's care about so much aloneI just know she'll be up there constantly. But, what a wonderful representation of the American Dream she has been. And I also want to thank Dr. Lenore Rodicio for her invitation and for all of the hospitality here at Miami Dade. It's really been wonderful to go through Freedom Tower and feel the history here, which I know all of you feel as well. I'm here on behalf of the President because we've got some important policy concerns to address with respect to Latin America, and I couldn't think of a better place really to try and discuss them and try to answer a few of your questions. When I'm finished, I'm looking forward to that. This really is a subject of utmost importance to the President, to me, and to the entire administration, and that's U.S. policy toward Latin America. Across our administration, we are working hard to strengthen bonds and deepen ties with several responsible governments throughout the region. The United States is thrilled to be partnering with nations such as Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and many others to advance the rule of law and increase security and prosperity for our people. The recent elections of likeminded leaders in key countries, including Ivan Duque in Colombia, and last weekend Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, are positive signs for the future of the region, and demonstrate a growing regional commitment to free-market principles, and open, transparent, and accountable governance. Yet today, in this Hemisphere, we are also confronted once again with the destructive forces of oppression, socialism, and totalitarianism. In Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, we see the perils of poisonous ideologies left unchecked, and the dangers of domination and suppression. This afternoon, I am here to deliver a clear message from the President of the United States on our policy toward these three regimes. Under this administration, we will no longer appease dictators and despots near our shores. We will not reward firing squads, torturers, and murderers. We will champion the independence and liberty of our neighbors. And this President, and his entire administration, will stand with the freedom fighters. The Troika of Tyranny in this HemisphereCuba, Venezuela, and Nicaraguahas finally met its match. And as I say, there is no better place to deliver this message than right here in Miami, at the Freedom Tower. Miami is home to countless Americans, who fled the prisons and death squads of the Castro regime in Cuba, the murderous dictatorships of Chavez and Maduro in Venezuela, and the horrific violence of the 1980s and today under the brutal reign of the Ortegas in Nicaragua. In every corner of Miami, you will find someone who has endured years in Castro's infamous Combinado del Este political prison, or has been tortured in Maduro's Helicoide prison, or has a loved one still languishing in Ortega's El Chipote prison. Others who call Miami home have escaped anti-Semitism and prejudice that has unfortunately existed in the region. Anti-Semitism has no place in the United States, or anywhere in the world. We all have a responsibility to confront this heinous hatred, whether it occurs in Pittsburgh, Caracas, or in any other city. And you know on that score, nobody has done more than Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, including her leadership and the bill she has introduced to allow Holocaust survivors the opportunity to bring their cases to court. Thank you, Ile. Many of you in the audience today have personally suffered unspeakable horrors at the hands of the regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, only to survive, fight back, conquer, and overcome. You breathe the free air of this beautiful city. Your children have experienced the possibilities of liberty. And your grandchildren will never know the firsthand heartache of repression. Your descendants can be anything, and achieve anything. They can attend this great institution, Miami Dade College, or even run for the presidency of the United States. And as they grow and flourish in America, they will carry with them your history, your sacrifice, and the memories of your incredible triumph. Their success will be your enduring legacy. In the United States, we frequently hear the stories of Americans who came to our country for a better life, and pulled themselves up by their bootstraps, through hard work and sacrifice. Today, I would ask that when you think of the American Dream, and this iconic imagery, you also envision something else. Generations of Americans have been inspired to thrive in liberty and freedom not only because of the rewards of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, but also because of the inalienable rights bestowed on every American and enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. These fundamental liberties are represented forever by the red, white, and blue of our Old Glory, and defended from harm by the greatest military on the face of the earth. The American Dream depends on hard work and self-sufficiency, yes, but even more so on the knowledge of what freedom makes possible: the awareness that you can chart your own destiny, the cognizance that you are free to speak, to think, to write, to pray, to live. Everyone here today understands this fundamental truth. There is no glamor in gulags and labor camps, in death squads and propaganda machines, in mass executions and the sound of terrorizing screams from the depths of the world's most notorious prisons. These are the true consequences of socialism and communism. This is the price of freedom's extinguished flame. As the President has said, the problems we see in Latin America today have not emerged because socialism has been implemented poorly. On the contrary, the Cuban, Venezuelan, and Nicaraguan people suffer in misery because socialism has been implemented effectively. In Cuba, a brutal dictatorship under the facade of a new figurehead continues to frustrate democratic aspirations, and jail and torture opponents. In Venezuela and Nicaragua, desperate autocratic leaders, hell-bent on maintaining their grip on power, have joined their Cuban counterparts in the same oppressive behavior of unjust imprisonment, torture, and murder. This Troika of Tyranny, this triangle of terror stretching from Havana to Caracas to Managua, is the cause of immense human suffering, the impetus of enormous regional instability, and the genesis of a sordid cradle of communism in the Western Hemisphere. Under President Trump, the United States is taking direct action against all three regimes to defend the rule of law, liberty, and basic human decency in our region. As the President has repeatedly made clear, America's security and prosperity benefits when freedom thrives near our shores. In Cuba, we continue to stand firmly with the Cuban people, and we share their aspirations for real, democratic change. Members of this administration will never take a picture in front of an image of Che Guevara, as Barack Obama did. An image of Che Guevara that was plastered over the Cuban ministry that runs the National Revolutionary Police force: the agent of oppression of the Cuban people. This oppression of dissidents and suppressing every kind of freedom known to man is what typifies the regime in Havana. We will not glamorize Marxist guerillas to promote a delusion of our own glory. Our concern is with sanctions, not selfies. Under this administration, there will no longer be secret channels of communication between Cuba and the United States. Our policy is transparent for the American people and the world to see. It is encapsulated in National Security Presidential Memorandum-5, entitled "Strengthening the Policy of the United States Toward Cuba." And, in June of last year, President Trump came right here to Miami to outline this administration's new policy and to announce the cancellation of the last administration's one-sided and misguided deal with the Cuban regime. As the President said then, the United States will not prop up a military monopoly that abuses the citizens of Cuba. Under our approach, the United States is enforcing U.S. law to maintain sanctions until, among other things, all political prisoners are freed, freedoms of assembly and expression are respected, all political parties are legalized, and free and internationally supervised elections are scheduled. Importantly, our policy includes concrete actions to prevent American dollars from reaching the Cuban military, security, and intelligence services. Today, I want to emphasize that that national security directive was just the beginning of our effort to pressure the Cuban regime. Since its release, we have been tightening sanctions against the Cuban military and intelligence services, including their holding companies, and closing loopholes in our sanctions resolutions. In this respect, I believe that within days the administration will add over two dozen additional entities owned or controlled by the Cuban military and intelligence services to the restricted list of entities with which financial transactions by U.S. persons are prohibited. And I believe even more will come as well. The Cuban military and intelligence agencies must not profit from the United States, its people, its travelers, or its businesses. Moreover, I pledge to you further that the National Security Council will intensively review progress on President Trump's commitments regarding Cuba made last year to ensure that all of them are fully implemented. In response to the vicious attacks on Embassy Havana, we have also scaled back our embassy personnel in Cuba. This President will not allow our diplomats to be targeted with impunity. And we will not excuse those who harm our highest representatives abroad by falsely invoking videos, or concocting some other absurd pretext for their suffering. The United States will stand up for our citizens, our allies, and our friends, whether they frequent our new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, chant for reform in Tehran, or fight for freedom in the streets of Havana. We will only engage with a Cuban government that is willing to undertake necessary and tangible reformsa government that respects the interests of the Cuban people. In Venezuela, the United States is acting against the dictator Maduro, who uses the same oppressive tactics that have been employed in Cuba for decades. He has installed an illegitimate Constituent Assembly, debased the currency for political gain, and forced his people to sign up for a corrupt food distribution service or face certain starvation. These actions have created damaging ripple effects throughout the region. The crisis in Venezuela has led to a massive humanitarian disaster and the largest mass migration in the Hemisphere. More than 2 million desperate Venezuelans have fled Maduro's oppressive rule since 2015. Sadly, this human tragedy was entirely preventable. Maduro and his cronies are the sole cause of all of this suffering. The Venezuelan regime's repression is of course enabled by the Cuban dictatorship. The United States calls on all nations in the region to face this obvious truth, and let the Cuban regime know that it will be held responsible for the continued oppression in Venezuela. From the U.S. perspective, our demands are simple and straightforward. We call for the immediate release of all Venezuelan political prisoners; acceptance of international humanitarian assistance; free, fair, and credible elections; and legitimate steps to restore democratic institutions and the rule of law in Venezuela. Since taking office, President Trump has signed four Executive Orders targeting corruption and the looting of the Venezuelan economy. The administration has sanctioned over 70 Venezuelan individuals and entities, including the President and his wife, along with senior members of his regime. And, we have levied a Kingpin drug-trafficking designation on a member of Maduro's inner circle. We have also condemned the regime's involvement in the death earlier this month of a Venezuelan opposition councilman in the custody of the intelligence services, and we have likewise spoken out against the apparent-August torture of yet another opposition councilman. Today, I am proud to share that President Trump has signed an Executive Order to impose tough, new sanctions against Venezuela. The new sanctions will target networks operating within corrupt Venezuelan economic sectors and deny them access to stolen wealth. Most immediately, the new sanctions will prevent U.S. persons from engaging with actors and networks complicit in corrupt or deceptive transactions in the Venezuelan gold sector. The Maduro regime has used this sector as a bastion to finance illicit activities, to fill its coffers, and to support criminal groups. The United States will not tolerate Maduro's undermining of democratic institutions and ruthless violence against innocent civilians. Finally, in Nicaragua, the United States continues to condemn the Ortega regime's violence and repression against its citizens and opposition members. Ortega and his allies have completely eroded democratic institutions, stifled free speech, and imposed a policy of jail, exile, or death for political opponents. The government continues to illegally detain protestors and manipulate laws to target innocent civilians. Earlier this month, a student protestor was detained unlawfully, and to this day, his whereabouts remain unknown to his family. This behavior is unacceptable anywhere, and especially in the Western Hemisphere. Free, fair, and early elections must be held in Nicaragua, and democracy must be restored to the Nicaraguan people. Until then, the Nicaraguan regime, like Venezuela and Cuba, will feel the full weight of America's robust sanctions regime. The Troika of Tyranny in this Hemisphere will not endure forever. Like all oppressive regimes and ideologies, they too will meet their demise. The people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua are fearsome opponents, and if I were Diaz-Canel, Maduro, or Ortega, I would fear their virtuous power. These tyrants fancy themselves strongmen and revolutionaries, icons and luminaries. In reality, they are clownish, pitiful figures more akin to Larry, Curly, and Moe. The three stooges of socialism are true believers, but they worship a false God. We know their day of reckoning awaits. We see its origins in the brave Ladies in White, who courageously take to the streets to defend their families and all of Cuba. We feel its shiver in the crowd around the flag-draped coffin of fifteen-year-old Orlando Cordoba, killed in a peaceful protest in Nicaragua. We hear its echo in the piercing chants outside of a Venezuelan military base: "Libertad! Libertad! Libertad!" The United States now looks forward to watching each corner of the triangle fall: in Havana, in Caracas, in Managua. While we await that fateful day, the people of the region can be assured that the United States stands with them against the forces of oppression, totalitarianism, and domination. Look to the North; look to our flag; look to your own. The Troika will crumble. The people will triumph. And, the righteous flame of freedom will burn brightly again in this Hemisphere. Thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure November 2, 2018 South Lawn 2:22 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, and it will be a very exciting five days. We're doing numerous trips to numerous great places, great states. And I hear we're doing very well, but we'll we'll let you know on Tuesday night. You'll know before I will, I suspect. I will say that we had tremendous job numbers today. It was just released 250,000 new jobs created in the month of October. That was shocking for a lot of people, and that was a tremendous number by any standard. And that's despite the hurricanes. The hurricanes normally have a big impact, and I'm sure these hurricanes they were massive they had a big impact. But so the 250,000 new jobs in October was an incredible number. We also had a wage increase of 3.1 percent. It's like a perfect increase. It's an incredible number, but it's a perfect increase. So the country is doing, I think, maybe you could say, better than it's ever done. We have a lot of new companies moving into the United States. And that's where we're letting people in. We're letting them in based on merit. We need workers. We need people to come in at 3.7 percent, which was also announced this morning 250,000 jobs; 3.7 percent; and a 3.1 percent or so wage increase. It's like, really unbelievable numbers. So that just came out. I'm sure you people know about it. Q If you lose the House, will you work with compromise with Nancy Pelosi and the other Democrats? THE PRESIDENT: Sure. I would. Sure. Q Mr. President, are you really okay with the U.S. military firing on the caravan people? THE PRESIDENT: No, they won't have to fire. What I don't want is, I don't want these people throwing rocks. It's turned out in fact, it was just announced by Homeland Security you have, in just certain areas, over 300 people that they know are trouble. What they did to the Mexican military is a disgrace. They hit them with rocks some were very seriously injured. And they were throwing rocks in their face. They do that with us, they're going to be arrested. There is going to be problems. I didn't say "shoot." I didn't say "shoot." But they do that with us, they're going to be arrested for a long time. Q But the military can't arrest them. What's the military going to do? THE PRESIDENT: We'll arrest them. But ICE and Border Patrol is there with the military. Q Sir, who said you could change a constitutional amendment through an executive order? Did Don McGahn tell you that? THE PRESIDENT: Which are you talking about? Who? Q You said that you were told that you can change birthright citizenship as outlined in the Constitution. THE PRESIDENT: You know who's going to determine that? The Supreme Court of the United States. The Supreme Court will the Supreme Court will determine that. Q (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: The Supreme Court is going to determine that. Many, many people feel that. Yes, go ahead. Q Are you prepared to make a deal with China and announce it at the G20? Or do you think that deal is not going to come together? THE PRESIDENT: We've had very good discussions with China. We're getting much closer to doing something. They very much want to make a deal. As you know, their economy went way down since we've been doing this skirmish. I spoke with President Xi yesterday. They very much want to make a deal. I think we'll make a deal with China. And I think it'll be a very fair deal for everybody, but it will a good deal for the United States. Q When will you make the deal, sir? THE PRESIDENT: Say it. Q Will you make it by the G20, sir? Or when will you have the deal ready, sir? THE PRESIDENT: Well, we're going to meet at the G20. We're going to have dinner. President Xi and I have agreed to meet at the G20. We'll be having dinner. We'll be discussing it. But I think a very good deal will be made with China. They want to make it very badly. We want to make a deal if we can. And a lot of progress has been made. A lot of progress. And they understand that if a deal isn't made, we're doing very well the way we're doing it right now, you understand that. Two hundred and fifty billion dollars at 25 percent. And it could be elevated by another $267 billion at 25 percent or more. So, we're doing very well, but I believe I know they want to make a deal. They've been hit very hard. Their economy has been very, very bad. I will say this: If we can make the right deal for this country and also, they're going to make the right deal for them. If we can open up China and make it fair for the first time ever this should have been done years ago by other Presidents but it wasn't. I am very willing to do it. But China very much wants to make a deal. Q Mr. President, Alec Baldwin was just arrested for punching somebody out during a parking dispute. Any reaction to his arrest? THE PRESIDENT: Who was arrested? Q Alec Baldwin. He punched somebody out during a parking dispute. THE PRESIDENT: I wish him luck. (Laughter.) Q Mr. President, can you clarify the statement when you said that you're going to arrest people. You're not advocating actually shooting people who are having throwing rocks? Can you clear that up? THE PRESIDENT: No, no, no, no. No. No. But if our soldiers or Border Patrol or ICE are going to be hit in the face with rocks, we're going to arrest those people. That doesn't mean shoot them. But we're going to arrest those people quickly and for a long period of time. Q Mr. President, your executive on asylum how is it legal to make these kinds of changes to asylum through executive order? THE PRESIDENT: Everything we're doing is totally legal. It's all going through the courts. But we have one of the few systems, where instead of telling people, "You can't come in," we take them in and we have to bring them through a court system. It is the most ridiculous system in the world. It's obsolete, but that's not the problem. The problem is it's a stupid system. And it doesn't work, and the Democrats and the Republicans should change it immediately. We can do it one day; we could have it fixed. But the Democrats don't want to do it because they're playing politics. And actually, I think it's very bad politics because the people of this country know what's going on better than they do. And you know what? We could fix our immigration system in one day if we could sit down with them. But they don't want to do it because they want open border, and open borders mean crime. They want they want those people coming up by the thousands. And you know, honestly, they always have come up. They want them to pour into our country. And in the group and you just saw the report that came out you have a lot of bad people. You have people that are criminals. You have people with records. You have people with criminal records. We could fix this system so quickly, so easily. But we need some Democrat votes. Or vote all Republican. If we had more Republicans, it would be fixed immediately. Q (Inaudible) sanctions will start on Monday. Do you think they will be they will come soon to the table for negotiation? THE PRESIDENT: Say it? Q The Iranian sanction oil sanction will start on Monday? THE PRESIDENT: That's right, sanctions start on Iran. They're very serious sanctions. They're very big. They'll be elevated from there. But, as you know, sanctions are starting on Iran and, you know, Iran is taking a very big hit. The country is not the same country as when I started almost two years ago. Iran is a much different country since I terminated that deal. That was one of the most ridiculous deals ever made by any country, at any time: the Iran nuclear deal. But sanctions very much are elevated as of you know when: next week. Q The Democrats said they had a bipartisan agreement on immigration but you won't back it, THE PRESIDENT: The Democrats never had a bipartisan agreement. They're trying to say that. They never had a bipartisan then tell them to come around and see me. They had an agreement that was a one-sided agreement that I would never approve. You've got to get rid of catch-and-release. You've got to get rid of chain migration. You've got to get rid of the visa lottery. They never agreed to any of that. Ask them if they agreed. They never agreed to it. Q So can you promise that the military is not going to fire on foreign civilians? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I hope they won't. We're going to see. I hope they won't. Q But you can't promise? THE PRESIDENT: You know what? We're not going to stand for people doing what they did to the Mexican military and to the Mexican police, what they did to those people. They were very badly hurt, very badly injured the military and the police. What they did with rocks being thrown in their faces not going to happen to our soldiers. Q Mr. President, a new poll found that half of Americans say that you're encouraging politically violence with the way you speak. THE PRESIDENT: No, no. You know what? You're creating violence by your questions, you know. Q Me? THE PRESIDENT: You are creating you. And also, a lot of the reporters are creating violence by not writing the truth. The fake news is creating violence. Q Half of Americans THE PRESIDENT: And you know what? The people that support Trump and the people that support us, which is a lot of people most people, many people those people know when a story is true, and they know when a story is false. And I'll tell you what, if the media would write correctly, and write accurately, and write fairly, you would have a lot less violence in the country. Q Mr. President, if you lose the House will you change your agenda? If your party loses the House, will you change your agenda? THE PRESIDENT: Well, we're going to see. I think we're doing very well. Certainly, we're doing very well in the Senate, which is obviously very important. And I think we're going to do also well in the House. We're going to see. I can only say this: The House is a lot of stops. Q Why are you only going to states that you won in the last few days? THE PRESIDENT: What's your next question? How many questions do you have? No more. Q On the border, sir, (inaudible) national crisis, why not sign the executive order yesterday when you announced it? THE PRESIDENT: We're doing a perfect executive order and the border is closed to these people. They're not coming in. They will go through the system, and then they'll be shipped back depending on what happens with asylum. Q Are you worried about the lawsuit that the Honduras filed yesterday? Six Hondurans sued you THE PRESIDENT: Just so you understand Honduras, El Salvador, all of these countries they're getting millions and millions of dollars. They're doing nothing for us. They're doing nothing. They let their people come up and they form their caravans in the country. They are doing nothing. We're paying them hundreds of millions of dollars. Guess what? That money is going to stop very soon. Thank you all very much. Q With Putin, what do you want to discuss in Paris? THE PRESIDENT: Say it again. Q With Vladimir Putin, what do you want to discuss in Paris? THE PRESIDENT: I have no idea what she said. Q Mr. President, (inaudible). THE PRESIDENT: (Inaudible) right now. We're getting billions of dollars coming in. We're getting $14 [billion], $15 billion. That's never happened with China before. And China has been hit very hard. We have not. We're doing well. We had the best job numbers that you can imagine 250,000. Today it was really amazing. Today, it was just announced for the month of October 250,000 jobs; 3.7 percent unemployment, which is fantastic; and wages going up (inaudible). And also, job opportunity going way up, where people can now get the job they want. So the numbers are about as good as you'll ever see. And that's despite some really bad hurricanes. It's really it usually detracts. (Inaudible) it would have even been better, but the 250,000 jobs in October was a shocking number even to some of the great economists. I could tell you: Larry Kudlow, Kevin Hassett all of these people, they were so impressed. So we're really doing it. The economy the economy is on fire. I think it may be the greatest economy our country has ever had. And I hope people realize that when they go out on Tuesday and they vote or if they do early voting. But I hope people realize that. Thank you. Q Mr. President, what's your final message to voters? What's the final message to voters? THE PRESIDENT: Well, a final message to voters is, number one, we want to have strong borders. But if you look at what's happening with our country, we have the greatest economy we probably have ever had. We just had among the best job numbers we've ever had: 250,000 jobs created in October despite tremendous hurricanes, which are always a huge detriment. Everybody thought even we thought the number could never be anywhere near that because of the hurricanes. So really, we have the greatest economy we've ever had. People are working. We're down to 3.7 percent unemployment. We're doing some very special things. Plus, everybody got the tremendous tax reduction. People are bringing home more money. And you know what else about the jobs? They now can go out and get a job they want because they have a choice. They never had any choices. They can go out and get a job they want. And speaking of choice, what we've done for the military and the vets we've gotten them Choice, where they can now go to a doctor and the United States pays for it instead of waiting in line for two months and three months and not being able to see a doctor, and literally dying dying while they were waiting on line to see a doctor. After 44 years they've been working on it, I got it approved. And that's Choice for veterans. So it's a great thing. So our country is doing really well and I will see you in West Virginia. See you in West Virginia. END 2:37 P.M. EDT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address More Than 8,000 US Troops Deployed to Southern Border By Patsy Widakuswara, Jeff Seldin November 02, 2018 The number of U.S. troops deploying to the U.S. southern border has increased to more than 8,000, two U.S. defense officials told VOA Friday. President Donald Trump ordered the troops to keep a caravan of asylum-seeking migrants from Central America from entering the U.S. The officials described the active duty troops as "deployed, deploying, or identified to deploy" to help with border security in response to a request for help from the Department of Homeland Security. "We just have a capacity issue, " Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in explaining the need for the troops. "What we've asked the [Department of Defense] to do is to support us." Another 2,100 National Guard troops are already deployed along the southern border. Altogether, there are now more U.S. troops assisting border patrol agents than there are fighting terror groups in Iraq and Syria. Speaking to reporters at the White House before leaving for another campaign-style rally in Huntington, W.Va., to drum up support for Republican Senate contender Patrick Morrisey, Trump said Friday that troops would not shoot at migrants who had thrown rocks at them. "I didn't say shoot. I didn't say shoot. But they do that with us, they're going to be arrested for a long time," Trump said. A day earlier in his speech on immigration, Trump suggested he had directed the military to shoot migrants who throw rocks at U.S. border authorities. Experts and retired military officials have pointed out that such a directive would be unlawful because it violates U.S. military conventions. Migrant lawsuit Meanwhile, a group of the migrants traveling to the U.S. to seek asylum have filed a lawsuit against Trump. Attorneys for six Honduran migrants filed the class-action lawsuit Thursday in U.S. District Court in Washington, alleging Trump violated their due process rights under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The suit cites a ruling by the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who wrote, "It is well established that the Fifth Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law in a deportation proceeding." Trump has been using the migrant caravan to rally his Republican base before next week's midterm elections, declaring on several occasions its approach toward the U.S. constituted a "national emergency." Trump again raised fears Thursday about undocumented immigrants and promised an executive order "sometime next week" that would severely restrict asylum-seekers. At a political rally Thursday night in Columbia, Mo., Trump said several times that he also intended to end birthright citizenship. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the United States. The president said at the rally that he was against "birth tourism," in which pregnant foreign women travel to the U.S. to give birth so that the babies can automatically be U.S. citizens. Trump said he could change the 14th Amendment with an executive order, but many legal analysts disagree, maintaining the Constitution cannot be changed by executive order alone. The president added that migrants attempting to seek asylum must make their requests at legal points of entry, and said he wanted to increase the detention of asylum-seekers. As more troops arrive at the Texas-Mexico border, some military experts argue that sending troops to the border is a distraction from the military's top priority of being more "lethal" at war, as Defense Secretary James Mattis put it. Former Department of Homeland Secretary Tom Ridge decried Trump's use of the U.S. military at the border, telling VOA, "They're not trained to deal potentially with a group of unarmed immigrants." Retired Marine colonel and and current vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center David Lapan said deploying troops at the border "doesn't make any sense." He added, "This caravan, this group of poor people, including a lot of women and children, doesn't pose a threat, not a national security threat." The migrants are still more than 1,000 kilometers from the U.S., a distance that will likely take at least several weeks for them to walk. VOA Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US approves key step toward German missile defense deal Iran Press TV Fri Nov 2, 2018 11:04PM The US government has allowed Lockheed Martin Corp., a major American weapons manufacturer, to integrate its Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missile into a next-generation German missile defense system, the Pentagon spokesman says. The decision announced by US Air Force Col. Mike Andrews Friday is seen as a major step toward completion of a long-delayed multibillion-dollar arms sale. In 2015, Germany chose the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) manufactured by Lockheed and European missile maker MBDA over Patriot air and missile defense system developed by Raytheon, another major US defense corporation. However, Berlin has, so far, been unable to move forward on its new defensive system known as TLVS because Lockheed needed approval for Patriot PAC-3 MSE missile' integration into German program since the missile was developed separately from MEADS. The approval came after high-level talks between US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen this summer, according to two sources familiar with the matter. "This is a significant step forward. The impasse has been solved," said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Lockheed and MBDA refused to give details, but said they were hopeful that the program was making progress. A spokesman at the German defense ministry said, "There is new momentum. Both sides are clearly committed to successful completion of the TLVS program." Germany wishes to sign a contract for TLVS in 2019 and field the system in 2025. In August, the country's defense ministry asked Lockheed and MBDA to give their best and final offer for the program, but that required US government approval. Sources say that the TLVS system, whose initial cost was slated to be around 4 billion euros ($4.56 billion), is now expected to be several billion euros higher. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU, E3 condemn US for reimposing sanctions on Iran, vow to protect trade Iran Press TV Fri Nov 2, 2018 10:11PM France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have jointly condemned Washington's fresh sanctions on Iran's economy, vowing to protect European firms doing business with Tehran. In a joint statement issued on Friday, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and the E3 ministers of foreign affairs and finance expressed "deep regret" over the US reimposition of its unilateral sanctions on Iran following a May decision by President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. The statement described the 2015 agreement as "crucial for the security of Europe, the region and the entire world", adding that it is Europe's "aim to protect European economic operators engaged in legitimate business with Iran." The statement also vowed to preserve and maintain "effective financial channels with Iran, and the continuation of Iran's export of oil and gas." "These efforts have been intensified in recent weeks, particularly those underpinning the European initiative to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) on which we are proceeding with work to set up," the statement said. According to the statement, the SPV "will enable continued sanctions lifting to reach Iran and allow for European exporters and importers to pursue legitimate trade." The statement also hailed Iran's commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 12 consecutive reports, and vowed to "remain committed to implementing the JCPOA as a matter of respecting international agreements and of its shared international security." The reaction came after the US Treasury Department announced all sanctions on Iran lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal will be back in force on November 5. According to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the sweeping sanctions will see 700 people blacklisted, including people who were granted relief under the 2015 deal, as well as over 300 new names. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mnuchin said the sanctions will also target payments made through the EU's SPV channel. He also warned global financial messaging service SWIFT that it could be punished if it doesn't cut off financial services to entities and individuals doing business with Iran. "SWIFT is no different than any other entity We have advised SWIFT that it must disconnect any Iranian financial institutions that we designate as soon as technologically feasible to avoid sanctions exposure," he noted. His remarks dismissed an earlier report by The Washington Free Beacon, which claimed senior State Department officials have convinced Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to allow Iran to remain connected to SWIFT. The Trump administration earlier agreed to allow eight countries to continue purchasing Iran's crude oil after Washington's sanctions on Tehran take place next Monday. A senior administration official told Bloomberg that waivers were aimed at preventing oil price hikes and would be granted in exchange for continued import cuts. Pompeo later confirmed the report on exempting the eight countries, but refused to name them and just said the EU as a singular entity was not among them. He announced that more details will become available on Monday as the sanctions take effect. South Korea, Japan, India, and China were the first four countries which were confirmed to have received the waivers. Later on Friday, Turkey and Iraq confirmed they have received the exemptions as well. Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez told reporters Turkey is among the eight countries according to the information it has received, but Ankara has not received the details yet. "We have emphasized the importance of oil and gas trade with neighboring countries for the sake of Turkey's supply. We have said that the alternatives are very limited. It is understood that the claims that we have been making since the beginning have been accepted to some extent by our counterparts. I think this will make positive contribution to peace and stability of the region," he noted. Reuters also quoted three Iraqi officials as saying that Washington has told Baghdad it will be allowed to keep importing crucial gas, energy supplies and food items from Iran after the re-imposition of sanctions. The waiver is conditional on Iraq not paying Iran for the imports in US dollars, said the officials, who included a member of Iraq's ministerial committee that oversees energy activities. The ministerial committee official said Iraq's Finance Ministry had set up an account with a state-run bank where Baghdad would deposit in Iraqi dinars the amounts owed to Iran for the imports. The November 5 sanctions will be the second batch of bans to be reimposed after Trump pulled the US out of the 2015 deal, which was signed by Iran and six world powers in 2015. The new sanctions cover Iran's shipping, finance and energy sectors, and penalize other countries that don't stop dealing with Tehran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia vows to continue oil trade with Iran despite US sanctions Iran Press TV Fri Nov 2, 2018 04:29PM Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak says his country will help Iran counter fresh US sanctions due to come into effect late this week, saying Moscow will continue trading Tehran's crude in defiance of Washington. "We believe we should look for mechanisms that would allow us to continue developing cooperation with our partners, with Iran," Novak told the Financial Times. The US plans to impose a second round of sanctions against Iran on Sunday, months after Washington scrapped the 2015 multilateral deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries. The first round of the bans which had been lifted under the nuclear deal -- was re-imposed in August. The administration of US President Donald Trump has warned Russia against any move that could help Iran evade the sanctions. Novak further emphasized that Moscow has no concerns about the threat of US retaliation for handling Iranian crude. "We already live in the conditions of sanctions. We do not recognize the sanctions introduced unilaterally without the United Nations, we consider those methods illegal per se," the Russian energy minister said. Novak further added that Russia seeks to "continue developing" its trading of Iranian oil under an oil-for-goods scheme originally signed in 2014 between the two countries regardless of the US sanctions. He made no comment on whether an increase in trading was likely, but noted that Russia would examine the impacts of the US sanctions before making any decision in this regard. Back in November, the Russian energy minister said the first Iranian oil supply to Russia under the oil-for-assets program has been completed and the two sides could extend the deal for five years when it runs out at the end of the year. According to the arrangement, Russia would initially buy 100,000 barrels a day of Iranian oil in exchange for Russian equipment and goods. The deal allows for an increase in currently-traded volumes and Iran will be looking for additional buyers if some of its regular customers turn away when the sanctions take effect. In April, Novak said Russia is considering payments in national currencies in trade with Iran and Turkey amid their escalating tensions with the US. "There is a common understanding that we need to move towards the use of national currencies in our settlements. There is a need for this, as well as the wish of the parties," Russian broadcaster RT quoted Novak as saying. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Friday the United States is seeking to wage an extensive "psychological war" against Tehran by imposing a fresh round of sanctions, stressing that the Islamic Republic has no concerns over such US bids. "There is no room for any concern. We should wait and see that the US will not be able to carry out any measure against the great and brave Iranian nation," Qassemi told IRIB. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that the United States will allow eight countries to continue importing Iranian oil but only at much lower levels after the re-imposition of sanctions. Turkey exempt from US bans on Iran oil: Minister Meanwhile, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Friday that his country would be among eight countries receiving a waiver from the United States to continue importing Iranian oil. "We know Turkey is among the countries that will be given an exemption but we do not have the details," Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu quoted the minister as saying. Speaking to reporters in parliament, he commended US statements to allow imports at low levels after the reinstatement of sanctions on Iran from Monday. "I believe the point that we have reached will be a positive contribution to the region's peace, comfort and stability," the minister added. Donmez noted that Turkish and American officials held negotiations before Washington's decision. US to grant Iraq waiver over Iran sanctions for gas, food items: Iraqi officials In another development, three Iraqi officials said on Friday Washington has told Baghdad that it would grant "conditional" waiver to Iraq to keep importing crucial gas, energy supplies and food items from Iran after the re-imposition of new sanctions on Tehran. The waiver is conditional on Iraq not paying Iran for the imports in US dollars, said the officials, who included a member of Iraq's ministerial committee that oversees energy activities. The ministerial committee said Iraq's Finance Ministry had set up an account with a state-run bank where Baghdad would deposit in Iraqi dinars the amounts owed to Iran for the imports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US says SWIFT could be sanctioned if it deals with sanctioned Iranian entities Iran Press TV Fri Nov 2, 2018 03:35PM The United States has said that the Belgian-based SWIFT global payment network could be hit with American sanctions if it deals with Iranian financial institutions that Washington has blacklisted. "SWIFT is no different than any other entity," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters on Friday. "We have advised SWIFT that it must disconnect any Iranian financial institutions that we designate as soon as technologically feasible to avoid sanctions exposure." Top officials in the US Treasury Department have been pushing for Iran to remain connected to SWIFT. Multiple American officials, who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon news website last month, said an internal battle was being fought inside the US administration in Washington to save Iran's access to international financial markets and provide Tehran with a critical lifeline in advance of the looming sanctions. Leaders of the SWIFT banking system held meetings with US officials to make sure Tehran retained its access to the international banking system after Washington's unilateral withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal in May. US President Donald Trump and some other officials have, however, made clear that SWIFT and European countries should end their business with Tehran in a bid to put maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic. "President Trump instructed the administration to restore all of the sanctions from the Obama era and then some, because that's what maximum pressure means," said one US official who works extensively on Iran policy. "During the Obama era, SWIFT disconnected Iran due to sanctions threats," the official added. This is while Iran has said that the US is seeking to wage an extensive "psychological war" against Tehran by imposing a fresh round of sanctions. But it insists that the Islamic Republic has no concerns over such US actions. "America will not be able to carry out any measure against our great and brave nation ... We have the knowledge and the capability to manage the country's economic affairs," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi told state TV IRIB. The US plans to impose a second round of sanctions against Iran on Sunday, months after Washington scrapped the 2015 multilateral deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries. The first round of the sanctions which had been lifted under the nuclear deal -- was re-imposed in August. On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Washington would fail to achieve its goals by imposing new sanctions on Iran. Zarif added that nothing new would happen after the imposition of the second batch of US sanctions on November 4. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US grants waivers to 8 countries importing Iranian oil: Report Iran Press TV Fri Nov 2, 2018 11:12AM The US administration has agreed to allow eight countries to continue purchasing Iran's crude oil after Washington's sanctions on Tehran take place next Monday, a senior official said Friday. The administration official told Bloomberg that waivers were aimed at preventing oil price hikes and would be granted in exchange for continued import cuts. The source said US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo was expected to announce the number of exemptions later on Friday. In addition to Japan, India, and South Korea, the US would grant the oil waiver to China as well, two people familiar with Washington-Beijing discussions said on the condition of anonymity. The other four countries to get waivers remained to be identified, but Turkey was predicted to be one of them. Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez announced on Friday he had heard rumors that the US is going to exempt Ankara from the upcoming sanctions. However, he said, he had not received written notification regarding the possible exemption. Previously, Pompeo had said it was "our expectation that the purchases of Iranian crude oil will go to zero from every country or sanctions will be imposed," but also acknowledged that waivers were being negotiated with nations that said crude from the Middle East producer was critical to their energy industry. Iran's reaction Iran on Friday said that the waivers granted by the US showed the Iranian crude was needed and could not be withdrawn from the market. "The waivers granted to these eight countries shows that the market needs Iran's oil and it cannot be pulled out of the market ... I don't know whether these waivers are permanent or temporary ones," IRIB quoted Iran's Deputy Oil Minister Ali Kardor as saying. The US decision to grant the waivers came after major importers of Iranian crude resisted calls by Washington to end their oil purchases as winter looms. The US will reintroduce the new sanctions targeting Iranian oil on Monday and American officials have said Washington does not want to harm friends and allies dependent on the oil. The waivers would ensure the continued flow of Iran's crude oil to the global market, potentially calming fears of a supply crunch and further suppressing international oil prices just before midterm elections in the US. However, the waivers seem to be making the sanctions totally irrelevant, as the countries receiving them account for a lion's share of the oil Iran exports. According to the Iranian Oil Ministry, 60 percent of the country's oil exports go to Asian countries, including China and India the two top clients as well as South Korea and Japan, and the remaining 40 percent to European countries including Turkey. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. To Grant Eight World 'Jurisdictions' Waivers On New Iranian Sanctions Mark Najarian November 02, 2018 WASHINGTON -- The United States says that eight "jurisdictions" will receive temporary exemptions to sanctions set to be imposed on Iran's oil and financial industries in three days, but that Washington will "aggressively enforce" the measures designed to put "maximum pressure" on Tehran. Speaking in a telephone briefing with reporters on November 2, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declined to specify which countries or entities would receive waivers but said the list will be made public on November 5. Pompeo also did not say whether "jurisdictions" referred to countries or political blocs, but he did specify that the European Union as an entity would not be receiving a waiver. Separately, Turkey and Iraq said they have been told they would be granted waivers, although U.S. officials did not immediately confirm those claims. Washington's move brought a rare rebuke from its closest allies, with the EU, Germany, and Britain in a joint statement saying they "deeply regret" the U.S. decision to reinstate sanctions against Iran. U.S. allies fought unsuccessfully to convince Washington to remain a part of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and have promised to help Tehran counter the financial damage caused by the sanctions and to protect European companies doing "legitimate" business with Tehran. Washington is moving to reimpose sanctions on Iran's oil sector that were lifted under the nuclear deal in exchange for curbs on Iran's atomic activities. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the pact in May and began reimposing sanctions on the Iranian economy in August, saying the terms of the accord were not strict enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and accusing Tehran of supporting militant activity in the region. Iran denies that. As part of the new round of sanctions, the White House has warned Iran's customers that they must reduce their purchases of oil to zero or face U.S. penalties. The waivers will allow the jurisdictions to temporarily continue imports of Iranian oil. After the announcement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi told state TV that "we have already prepared for these sanctions in advance, and there is therefore no reason to worry." Earlier, Deputy Oil Minister Ali Kardor was quoted by state TV as asserting that the granting of waivers was proof that Iran's crude was crucial to preserving the efficient functioning of world oil markets. "The waivers granted to these eightshow that the market needs Iran's oil and it cannot be pulled out of the market," Deputy Oil Minister Ali Kardor was quoted by state TV as saying. Pompeo said the sanctions, and other previous wider measures, were designed to "fundamentally alter the behavior" of the Iranian government, which Washington has long accused of supporting militant activity and terrorism throughout the Middle East. The moves have contributed to great stress on the Iranian economy and helped lead to a near-collapse of the country's currency, the rial. In response to the threat of U.S. sanctions, several major European companies announced they were suspending operations in Iran, including energy giant Total; carmakers Peugeot, Renault, and Daimler; aviation companies Airbus, Air France, and British Airways; and German corporate giants Siemens and Deutsche Telecom. Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told the briefing that the fresh sanctions will target Iran's energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and financial sectors. They said some 700 entities would be added to the list of previously sanctioned individuals and entities. Among them will be several Iranian banks, the list of which will also be published on November 5. Temporary Relief Prior to the announcement of the waivers, Washington had suggested it might grant temporary relief to some countries. Bloomberg News reported that South Korea, Japan, and India were among those receiving waivers. India, which is Iran's second-largest customer for oil, had said it would not be able to immediately replace its Iranian imports, while South Korea asked for "maximum flexibility" on its request for a waiver to ease the financial impact on companies there. Meanwhile, acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said he made clear to U.S. national-security adviser John Bolton during his visit to Armenia in late October that Armenia will pursue its national interests and maintain "special relations" with neighboring Iran, without being more specific about oil imports. In an interview with RFE/RL's Armenian Service on October 25, Bolton said he told Pashinian the U.S. administration would enforce sanctions against Iran "very vigorously." For that reason, he said, the Armenian-Iranian border is "going to be a significant issue." Other countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, also depend on some imports from Iran. With reporting by AP, Reuters, RFE/RL's Armenian Service, and Bloomberg Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-to-grant- eight-world-jurisdictions-waivers-on- new-iranian-sanctions/29579431.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 Pashinian Says He Made 'Clear' To U.S. That Armenia Will Maintain Ties With Iran RFE/RL's Armenian Service November 02, 2018 Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian says he made clear to U.S. national-security adviser John Bolton last week that Armenia will pursue its national interests and maintain "special relations" with its neighbor Iran. Addressing the Armenian parliament on November 1, Pashinian said he told Bolton when he visited Yerevan last week that Armenia is a landlocked nation that does not have diplomatic relations with either neighboring Turkey or Azerbaijan, so it must retain "special relations" with its other two neighbors -- Iran and Georgia -- which he said are Armenia's only "gateways" to the outside world. "I reaffirm the position that we should have special relations with Iran and Georgia that would be as far outside geopolitical influences as possible. This position was very clearly formulated also during my meeting with Mr. Bolton, and I think that the position of Armenia was clear, comprehensible, and even acceptable to representatives of the U.S. delegation," the Armenian leader said. Bolton visited the Caucasus nations of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan last week in part to push for compliance with the sanctions that the United States is reimposing on Iran's oil and financial sectors on November 5 after withdrawing from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in April. In an interview with RFE/RL's Armenian Service on October 25, Bolton said he told Pashinian that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump will enforce sanctions against Iran "very vigorously." For that reason, he said, the Armenian-Iranian border is "going to be a significant issue." "Obviously, we don't want to cause damage to our friends in the process," Bolton added. Pashinian told the parliament that his response to Bolton was: "We respect any country's statement and respect the national interests of any country, but the Republic of Armenia has its own national and state interests, which do not always coincide with the interests and ideas of other countries, any other country. "Let no one doubt that we are fully building our activities on the basis of Armenia's national interest be it in our relations with the United States, Iran, Russia, all countries." Pashinian made his remarks in response to a lawmaker's question about what effect the U.S. sanctions on Iran would have on Armenia. Days after his talks with Pashinian and other foreign leaders, Bolton conceded that the White House is unlikely to achieve its stated goal of reducing Iran's oil exports to "zero" under the sanctions. "We understand, obviously, [that] a number of countries -- some immediately surrounding Iran, some of which I just visited last week, others that have been purchasing oil [from Iran] -- may not be able to go all the way to zero immediately. So, we want to achieve maximum pressure [on Iran], but we don't want to harm friends and allies either, and we are working our way through that," Bolton told the Alexander Hamilton Society in Washington on October 31. A hard-liner who has pushed for the toughest possible sanctions on Iran, Bolton's remarks suggested for the first time that the White House may be preparing to grant waivers from the sanctions to some countries like India, Turkey, and South Korea that have requested them. Still, Bolton insisted that the sanctions already are having a powerful effect on Iran's economy, in particular helping to cause a collapse in Iran's currency, the rial, this year. "Already, you see reduction in purchases in countries like China that you would not have expected -- countries that are still in the nuclear deal [with Iran]. We have also seen Chinese financial institutions withdrawing from engaging in transactions with Iran. European businesses are fleeing the Iranian market. Most of the big ones are already out," he said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pashinian-says -made-clear-to-us-bolton-armenia-will- maintain-ties-with-iran/29578365.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 Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region of the UAE, reviewed the plans of the Mirfa Beach Villa Housing Complex, which is being carried out by the Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada) in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority. Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the plans while receiving at Qasr Al Nakheel, Suwaidan Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Musanada, with the attendance of Sultan Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Under-Secretary of the Court of the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Ahmed Matar Al Dhaheri, director of the Representation Office of the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Hamad Nukhairat Al Ameri, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, reported Emirates news agency Wam. During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan was presented with the project, which is located in Al Mirfa, Al Dhafra Region, and covers an area of some 223 hectares and comprises 410 residential units, four mosques, 13 public parks and six community markets, as well as a public and family beach, as well as a womens beach. The scope also includes road works, street lighting, rainwater drainage, infrastructure works for communication, sewage, water and electricity works. Each residential unit has an area of 536 sq m, which can be expanded to 610 sq m, while the projects residential villas have five bedrooms and two rooms for a maid and driver. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the efforts of the wise leadership to provide a dignified life and meet the requirements of UAE citizens for housing and land, as well as to create new residential neighbourhoods, which are being built by government authorities and the private sector, to enable the community to live in luxury and fulfil their social requirements. Sheikh Hamdan pointed out that such projects will help to strengthen the economic and social development of Al Dhafra Region and answer the needs of its residents, in terms of services and facilities, according to the highest standards of safety and security, as well as to create integrated solutions for providing services and adopting environmentally-friendly technologies. Sheikh Hamdan praised the efforts of relevant authorities and companies that serve long-term government projects in the areas of transport, roads, housing, education, health, public facilities and services centres. Norway Summons Iranian Envoy To Protest Alleged Assassination Plot In Denmark November 02, 2018 Norway summoned the Iranian ambassador in Oslo on November 1 to protest a suspected assassination plot against an Iranian Arab opposition figure in Denmark that allegedly involved a Norwegian citizen of Iranian origin. Denmark said on October 30 that it suspects the Iranian intelligence service tried to carry out an assassination on its soil. It is now calling for new European Union-wide sanctions against Tehran. A Norwegian citizen of Iranian background was arrested in Sweden on October 21 in connection with the plot and extradited to Denmark, Swedish police have said. "We see the situation that has arisen in Denmark as very serious and that a Norwegian citizen of Iranian background is suspected in this case," Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soereide said. She said that during her meeting with Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Hassan Habibollah Zadeh, "we underlined that the activity that has come to light through the investigation in Denmark is unacceptable." The target of the alleged plot was the leader of the Danish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), Danish authorities said. Danish police said they temporarily closed bridges and halted ferry services to neighboring Germany and Sweden at the end of September as part of their attempts to foil the plot. 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. The Norwegian citizen has denied the charges, and the Iranian government has also denied the alleged plot. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on October 31 met with other Nordic prime ministers in Norway and said he hoped to secure broader support for a unified response to Iran. Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/norway-summons-iranian-envoy- oslo-protest-alleged-assassination-plot-denmark-arab- iranian-opposition-leader/29578305.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 Israeli Leader Says He Has Warned EU Nations Of Iranian Plots On European Soil November 02, 2018 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling Iran the "most potent force of militant Islam," says he has warned Europe of possible Iranian attacks on its soil. Speaking to reporters on November 1 after talks with his Bulgarian counterpart in Sofia, Netanyahu said radical Islam is a threat to the world and that Israel has recently revealed a number of Iranian plots to carry out attacks on European soil. Netanyahu did not provide details, but cases involving alleged Iranian plots to attack Iranian opposition groups or figures in both France and Denmark have emerged in recent months The Israeli premier's warnings about Iranian plots in Europe have been part of his campaign to pressure European nations to take a tougher stance toward Tehran. Israel was one of the only countries to side with the United States this year in its decision to pull out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and reimpose sanctions. European countries refused to follow suit, and European powers Germany, France, and Britain have been working with Iran to keep the nuclear agreement in place and circumvent U.S. sanctions. Ahead of his trip to Bulgaria, Netanyahu said his goal is to "change the hostile and hypocritical approach of the European Union" on matters like Iran and the Palestinian question. Netanyahu is meeting on November 2 in Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Varna with European leaders he views as more "friendly" in the Craiova Forum, which includes the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, as well as the president of Serbia. "This is not just a meeting of friends," Netanyahu said. "It is also a bloc of countries with whom I want to promote my policy, to change the hypocritical and hostile attitude of the EU." Based on reporting by AP and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/israeli-leader -netanyahu-warns-eu-nation-iranian-plots- european-soil-bulgaria/29578309.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 Briefing on Iran Sanctions Special Briefing Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin Via Teleconference November 2, 2018 MS NAUERT: Thank you, sir. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to today's on-the-record call on the Iran snapback sanctions. We're pleased to have with us Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin. They will each have brief remarks at the top and then take several of your questions. We'll start first with Secretary Pompeo. Secretary, please, go ahead. SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you, Heather. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining the call. Earlier this year, President Trump withdrew from the fatally flawed nuclear deal and implemented a new campaign aimed at fundamentally altering the behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This part of the campaign about which we're speaking today is simple. It is aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues that it uses to spread death and destruction around the world. Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran to permanently abandon its well-documented outlaw activities and behave as a normal country. Today, Secretary Mnuchin and I will discuss one of the many lines of effort to achieve these fundamental changes in the Iranian regime's behavior as directed by the President. While important, these economic sanctions are just a part of the U.S. Government's total effort to change the behavior of the Ayatollah Khamenei, Qasem Soleimani, and the Iranian regime. On November 5th, the United States will reimpose sanctions that were lifted as part of the nuclear deal on Iran's energy, ship building, shipping, and banking sectors. These sanctions hit at the core areas of Iran's economy. They are necessary to spur changes we seek on the part of the regime. In order to maximize the effect of the President's pressure campaign, we have worked closely with other countries to cut off Iranian oil exports as much as possible. We expect to issue some temporary allotments to eight jurisdictions, but only because they have demonstrated significant reductions in their crude oil and cooperation on many other fronts and have made important moves towards getting to zero crude oil importation. These negotiations are still ongoing. Two of the jurisdictions will completely end imports as part of their agreements. The other six will import at greatly reduced levels. Let me put this in context for you. The Obama administration issued SREs to 20 countries multiple times between 2012 and 2015. We will have issued, if our negotiations are completed, eight and have made it clear that they are temporary. Not only did we decide to grant many fewer exemptions, but we demanded much more serious concessions from these jurisdictions before agreeing to allow them to temporarily continue to import Iranian crude oil. These concessions are critical to ensure that we increase our maximum pressure campaign and accelerate towards zero. Our laser-focused approach is succeeding in keeping prices stable with a benchmark Brent price right about where it was in May of 2018 when we withdrew from the JCPOA. Not only is this good for American consumers and the world economy, it also ensures that Iran is not able to increase its revenue from oil as its exports plummet. We will, we expect, have reduced Iranian crude oil exports by more than 1 million barrels even before these sanctions go into effect. This massive reduction since May of last year is three to five times more than what many analysts were projecting when President Trump announced our withdrawal from the deal back in May. We exceeded our expectations for one simple reason: Maximum pressure means maximum pressure. The State Department closed the Obama era condensate loophole which allowed countries to continue importing condensate from Iran even while sanctions were in place. This loophole allowed millions of dollars to continue to flow to the regime. This administration is treating condensate the same as crude since the regime makes no distinction between the two when it decides to spend its oil revenue on unlawful ballistic missiles, terrorism, cyberattacks, and other destabilizing activities like the assassination plot Denmark disclosed this past week. And starting today, Iran will have zero oil revenue to spend on any of these things. Let me say that again. Zero. One hundred percent of the revenue that Iran receives from the sale of crude oil will be held in foreign accounts and can be used by Iran only for humanitarian trade or bilateral trade in nonsanctioned goods and services. These new sanctions will accelerate the highly successful effects of our sanctions that have already occurred. The maximum pressure we imposed has caused the rial to drop dramatically, Rouhani's cabinet is in disarray, and the Iranian people are raising their voices even louder against a corrupt and hypocritical regime. On that note, our actions today are targeted at the regime, not the people of Iran, who have suffered grievously under this regime. It's why we have and will maintain many humanitarian exemptions to our sanctions including food, agriculture commodities, medicine, and medical devices. I will now turn the call over to Secretary Mnuchin. SECRETARY MNUCHIN: Thank you very much. Since the beginning of the Trump administration, the Treasury Department has been committed to putting a stop to Iran's destabilizing activities across the world. We've engaged a massive economic pressure campaign against Iran, which remains the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. To date, we have issued 19 rounds of sanctions on Iran, designating 168 targets as part of our maximum pressure campaign. We have gone after the financial networks that the Iranian regime uses to fuel its terrorist proxies and Hizballah and Hamas, to fund the Houthis in Yemen, and to support the brutal Assad regime in Syria. The 180-day wind-down period ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Sunday November 4th. As of Monday November 5th, the final round of snapback sanctions will be enforced on Iran's energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and financial sectors. As part of this action on Monday, the Treasury Department will add more than 700 names to our list of blocked entities. This includes hundreds of targets previously granted sanctions relief under the JCPOA, as well as more than 300 new designations. This is substantially more than we ever have previously done. Sanctions lifted under the terms of Iran's nuclear deal will be reimposed on individuals, entities, vessels, and aircraft that touch numerous segments of Iran's economy. This will include Iran's energy sector and financial sectors. We are sending a very clear message with our maximum pressure campaign that the U.S. intends to aggressively enforce our sanctions. Any financial institution, company, or individual who evades our sanctions risks losing access to the U.S. financial system and the ability to do business with the United States or U.S. companies. We are intent on ensuring that global funds stop flowing to the coffers of the Iranian regime. I want to make a couple of comments on the SWIFT messaging systems since I've received lots of questions about this over the last few weeks. So I'd like to make four points. Number one, SWIFT is no different than any other entity. Number two, we have advised SWIFT the Treasury will aggressively use its authorities as necessary to continue intense economic pressure on the Iranian regime, and that SWIFT would be subject to U.S. sanctions if it provides financial messaging services to certain designated Iranian financial institutions. Number three, we have advised SWIFT that is must disconnect any Iranian financial institution that we designate as soon as technologically feasible to avoid sanctions exposure. Number four, just as was done before, humanitarian transactions to nondesignated entities will be allowed to use the SWIFT messaging system as they have done before, but banks must be very careful that these are not disguised transactions or they could be subject to certain sanctions. Thank you very much. MS NAUERT: Thank you, sirs. Why don't we go ahead, take our first question. We'll go to Matt Lee with the Associated Press. Matt, go ahead. QUESTION: Thank you, Heather. Both either or both of you, on SWIFT, there are a lot of complaints among the President's allies in Congress that this does not go far enough, and that without designating without going after SWIFT harder for these messaging transactions, that it allows a serious loophole. I understand Secretary Mnuchin's four points on it, but how will you address this criticism? Because it's already coming even before this announcement today. SECRETARY MNUCHIN: Okay, well let me Secretary Mnuchin let me make some comments. First of all, I think there's been a lot of fueled misinformation as it relates to SWIFT and what we're doing with SWIFT. So that's why I want to be very clear. So one, okay, I think there was information that SWIFT would not be subject to sanctions. That's not the case. SWIFT will be subject to sanctions. Number two, as I said, that could be subject to sanctions, excuse me. Number two, it is our intent that they cut off designated entities as was done before. And again, I think there's misinformation that they cut off everybody last time. Again, they did allow for certain entities to do humanitarian transactions consistent with what's allowed under our sanctions. There are exceptions for humanitarian sanctions, but I want to very clear, people need to be careful that those are real humanitarian those are real humanitarian transactions. So again, I would just say I hopefully this will clarify the misinformation that's out there. MS NAUERT: Next question, we'll go to Nick Wadhams from Bloomberg. QUESTION: Hi. I had a question about the oil sanctions going into effect. Will those include or will there be exceptions granted for nonhumanitarian transactions such as consumer goods, as were allowed last time, or will Iran only be allowed or will Iran only be allowed to spend revenue that it gains through on humanitarian items? And then second, if you're giving eight waivers and two jurisdictions are already cutting imports to zero, what's the point of giving them those two jurisdictions waivers? Thanks. SECRETARY POMPEO: Nick, this is Mike Pompeo. With respect to your first point, you'll see the details on Monday. There are nonhumanitarian goods that we included in there, but they're small. They're ones that you would've already seen in the exemptions that were granted under the direction of the President. Second, some of these will take a few months to get to zero. So by November 5th they won't be there. That's the purpose of those exemptions, to give them a little bit longer to wind down. Weeks. MS NAUERT: Pardon me? SECRETARY POMPEO: Weeks longer to wind down. MS NAUERT: Next question, Mike Warren from the Weekly Standard. QUESTION: Hi, gentlemen, thank you. I want to follow-up on Matt's questions about SWIFT. Secretary Mnuchin, you said that certain financial institutions in Iran will be cut off from SWIFT. Could you explain exactly which financial institutions, or maybe the financial institutions described in a Treasury FAQ, the Central Bank of Iran and other Iranian financial institutions described in section 104(c)(2) blah blah blah could you be more specific about which institutions? And how can how can the United States Government be confident in SWIFT's ability to monitor transactions using SWIFT that they I imagine there are numerous of these transactions going on daily. How can the United States Government be confident that those are not transactions that are funding the bad actions that the government says is they are trying to stop? SECRETARY MNUCHIN: So again, let me comment on the first issue, which that the list of banks, which will be substantially longer than last time, will be coming out over the weekend. And as it relates to monitoring transactions, again, financial institutions have liability for any transactions that go through SWIFT or any other mechanisms. I'm being told the list will come out on Monday. And again, it's our expectation that that will be implemented as soon as technologically feasible. MS NAUERT: Okay, thank you. Next question goes to Elise Labott from CNN. QUESTION: Thank you. The question is for both secretaries, but maybe from a different angle. Could you address the workaround that the Europeans are trying to institute to avoid U.S. banks, maybe using their own central banks or electronic transactions? For Secretary Mnuchin, how much revenue do you think this would give the Iranians, and how seriously are you taking that in terms of a financial component? And then Secretary Pompeo, could you talk about once these sanctions go into effect and if the Europeans do try to institute this workaround, what the diplomatic implications for relations with European allies? Thank you. SECRETARY MNUCHIN: I'll comment on the Special Purpose Vehicle. I have no expectation that there will be any transactions that are significant that go through a Special Purpose Vehicle based upon what I've seen. But when the details come out of some Special Purpose Vehicle, if there are sanctions if there are transactions that go through there that have the intent of evading our sanctions, we will aggressively pursue our remedies. SECRETARY POMPEO: And let me take the second part of that. We've been working closely with the Europeans on this set of issues. We're very confident that our sanctions will be incredibly effective. And frankly, I can prove that already. As I stated, the Iranian economy today is already feeling the effects of this. It's already feeling the effects of this effort not because the sanctions have snapped back that won't occur until on Monday but because the world and Iran knew this was coming. And so European entities of any scale that are doing business with the United States of America have already ceased their conduct with Iran. There may be an exception to that, but there has been an enormous departure of European businesses. So whatever it may be that the EU is proposing, the folks who have risk financial risk, business risk, operation risk have already made their decision about the effectiveness of the sanctions that will be reimposed this coming week. MS NAUERT: Our next question goes to Michele Kelemen with NPR. QUESTION: Yeah, hi, thank you. One quick question that just technically, which of the eight countries are getting these waivers? And then secondly, for Secretary Pompeo, you said in one of your interviews this week that the U.S. wants to restore democracy in Iran. Is that one of the goals of this campaign? And if so, how do you make sure that these sanctions aren't going to hurt average Iranians who, as you point out, are suffering under this corrupt regime? SECRETARY POMPEO: Yes, thanks for the question. The President's policy is very clear: We are looking to change the Iranian leadership's behavior. I laid out the 12 things we've asked them to do; that is the goal not only of what we're speaking about this morning and please don't lose sight, we're talking about a set of sanctions that will be reimposed on Monday. The administration's efforts to change Iranian behavior are far broader, far deeper, there are many other lines of effort. We're simply focused on this line of effort today because of the significance of November 5th. My comments about restoring democracy are completely consistent with what we have described before. We're counting on the Iranian people to have the opportunity and we are working towards allowing the Iranian people to have the opportunity to have the government they want, a government that doesn't take wealth from their country and spend it on malign activity around the world. I mean, this is a regime that is conducting a assassination campaign inside of Europe today, murdering not Iranian citizens in those countries, but folks who live, reside, and are citizens of those European countries. These are the behaviors we're trying to change, and our every effort is aimed at giving the Iranian people the opportunity to have the government that they not only want but deserve. MS NAUERT: Next question: Josh Rogin, Washington Post. QUESTION: Thank you so much for your time. Thanks for your service. I'd like to ask you about the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. My understanding is that you waived secondary sanctions on foreign firms that do business with that organization, mostly Russian and Chinese firms that are involved in the Arak and Fordow facilities. Why did you make that decision, and why are you letting Arak and Fordow continue? And are there plans to change that in the future? Thank you. SECRETARY POMPEO: Thanks, thanks for the question. We are not allowing the continued work to develop nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons systems in Arak and Fordow. We will provide on Monday a complete explanation of what we're going to do with the continued efforts to prevent those facilities from doing the things that put the world at risk through proliferation, and we'll give you all the detail. It's a long and complex answer, but we're happy to provide it to you on Monday morning. MS NAUERT: Final question to Arshad with Reuters, please. QUESTION: Two things. One, exactly how many financial institutions are going to be redesignated, i.e. put back on the SDN list on Monday? Previously I believe the number was close to or slightly above 30. You said it would be substantially more. How many is it going to be? Secondly, you pointedly said that you were granting the exceptions to eight jurisdictions. Is one of those jurisdictions the European Union, thereby covering a much larger group of countries, i.e. 28 EU member-states? SECRETARY POMPEO: Steven, you want to go first? SECRETARY MNUCHIN: I'll answer the first part. So the bank list will come out on Monday. Again, it will be more than last time, and again, we may continue to add banks to that in the future. But the original list will come out on Monday and we'll carefully monitor situations to add on more banks as needed. SECRETARY POMPEO: The second part of your question, we will provide the list of the eight jurisdictions on Monday. The EU will not be receiving an SRE. MS NAUERT: The final question, Carol Morello, Washington Post. QUESTION: Hi, thanks for doing this. Say in the past, the Iranians have blended their oil with foreign oil to evade sanctions, and there have already been reports that they are turning off the ID tags on their tankers. So what in particular are you going to be doing to track their attempts to evade these sanctions? SECRETARY POMPEO: Thanks for the question. Make no mistake about it, the Iranians will do everything they can to circumvent these sanctions that's unsurprising to me. They'll turn off ships, they'll try and do it through private vessels, they'll try and find third parties that don't interact with the United States to provide insurance mechanisms. The list of Iranian efforts to circumvent these sanctions is long. You should all recognize there's a reason for that. These sanctions are far tougher than the sanctions that have ever been imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran. That is why they are so desperate to find ways to circumvent it. And I won't speak to our efforts to counter those circumvention efforts. There are many, they are varied, and make no mistake: The United States is fully prepared to do all that we can to prevent Iran from circumventing not only the crude oil sanctions and the financial sanctions, but all of the designations and all of the other sanctions that are being reimposed this coming Monday and those that are already in place. SECRETARY MNUCHIN: And I would just add to that that anybody that does facilitate those transactions will be subject to sanctions and will be added to the list. MS NAUERT: Secretary Pompeo, Secretary Mnuchin, thank you so much for joining us. Everyone, thanks for joining the call. Have a great day. We'll be putting out a transcript shortly. SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you all. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US to Grant Waivers to Some Countries Importing Iran Oil By William Gallo November 02, 2018 The United States says it plans to issue temporary waivers to several countries, allowing them to continue purchasing Iranian oil without being subject to forthcoming U.S. sanctions. Sanctions on Iran are expected to be reinstated Monday, the result of U.S. President Donald Trump's withdrawal earlier this year from the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers. Any country importing Iranian oil that does not receive a waiver will be subject to U.S. financial penalties. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the waiver decision in a conference call Friday, but did not specify which countries will be exempted or how long they would last. He said only that the European Union will not be granted an exemption. "We expect to issue some temporary allotments to eight jurisdictions, but only because they have demonstrated significant reductions in their crude oil and cooperation on many other fronts and have made important moves toward getting to zero crude oil importation," Pompeo said. Earlier, Bloomberg reported that South Korea, India and Japan are among the exempted countries. All three countries are among Iran's biggest oil customers, and have argued that if they stop their purchases immediately, it would cause a worldwide spike in oil prices. Turkey's Energy Ministry announced Friday that Turkey is among the countries that will be given an exemption, but said the government does not yet know all the details. Two of the eight countries receiving a U.S. waiver will completely cut off imports of Iranian oil in a matter of weeks, while the other six will "greatly" reduce their imports, Pompeo said. The sanctions are part of what the Trump administration calls a "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at convincing Iran to abandon its nuclear program and end its support for U.S. foes in the Middle East. Pompeo says the campaign is working "The maximum pressure we have imposed has caused the rial (currency) to drop dramatically, (President Hassan) Rouhani's cabinet is in disarray, and the Iranian people are raising their voice even louder against a corrupt and hypocritical regime," Pompeo said. After Pompeo's announcement, President Trump tweeted what looks like a movie poster image of himself with the words "Sanctions are Coming, November 5." The typeface and phrasing were inspired by the TV series "Game of Thrones.'' HBO, which creates the TV series, said in a statement, "We were not aware of this messaging and would prefer our trademark not be misappropriated for political purposes." The U.S. on Monday will also expand sanctions on a wide range of Iranian entities, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said. "This includes hundreds of targets previously granted sanctions relief under the JCPOA (the Iran nuclear deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), as well as more than 300 new designations," Mnuchin said. Notably, the Trump administration is not completely cutting off Iran from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) international banking system an option that had been considered. Mnuchin says the U.S. has informed SWIFT that it would be subject to U.S. sanctions if it provides financial messaging services to "certain designated Iranian financial institutions." But "humanitarian transactions to nondesignated entities" will continue to be allowed," he said. Speaking to VOA Persian at the State Department, U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said Washington is urging banks around the world to enable the sale of food, medicine and medical devices to help the Iranian people. "The biggest challenge we have is the Iranian regime has a banking sector that doesn't comply with banking standards," Hook said. "And that makes it very hard for foreign banks to facilitate humanitarian sales [to Iran]." Guita Aryan of VOA Persian contributed to this report from the State Department. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Donald J. Trump Is Reimposing All Sanctions Lifted Under the Unacceptable Iran Deal November 2, 2018 The United States has launched a campaign of economic pressure to deny the regime the funds it needs to advance its bloody agenda. President Donald J. Trump REIMPOSING ALL SANCTIONS: President Donald J. Trump is reimposing the toughest sanctions ever on Iran, targeting many of the corrupt regime's critical sectors. On November 5, 2018, all United States sanctions that were lifted under the disastrous Iran nuclear deal will be fully reimposed. Together with the unprecedented sanctions actions taken by the Trump Administration, this will be the toughest sanctions regime ever imposed on Iran. Sanctions will target critical sectors of Iran's economy, such as its energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and financial sectors. Over 700 individuals, entities, vessels, and aircraft are going back onto our sanctions list, including major Iranian banks, oil exporters, and shipping companies. The sanctions also target transactions with the Central Bank of Iran and designated Iranian financial institutions. Sales of food, agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices to Iran have long beenand remainexempt from our sanctions. Reimposing sanctions will cut off revenues the regime uses to bankroll terrorist groups, foment global instability, fund nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and enrich its leaders. FOLLOWING THROUGH WITH FULL ENFORCEMENT: President Trump will continue to stand up to the Iranian regime's aggression and will fully enforce the reimposed sanctions. The Trump Administration intends to fully enforce all United States sanctions on Iran, and will target those who attempt to violate or circumvent them. Those who have failed to wind down sanctionable activities with Iran risk severe consequences. The Administration has already issued 19 rounds of sanctions, designating 168 Iran-related persons. These individuals were targeted for their ties to Iran's support of terrorism, ballistic missile program, human rights abuses, criminal activities, and more. Iran's oil exports have fallen by approximately one million barrels per day since peaking in June, and over twenty countries have reduced their imports of Iranian oil to zero. The Administration is pressing other importers to reduce to zero as quickly as possible. We are providing fewer exceptions to sanctions than the last administration. ENSURING STABILITY IN OIL MARKETS: The United States is confident that energy markets will remain well supplied despite Iranian oil export reductions. From August 2017 to August 2018, United States crude oil production increased by 2.1 million barrels per day and exports increased by nearly one million barrels per day, adding to market liquidity. Over the next year, United States production will increase by one million barrels per day or more. We are working with oil producers around the world to increase their supply as well. As a result of this increased production, respected forecasters like the United States Energy Information Administration expect global oil supply to keep pace with demand in late 2018 and exceed demand in 2019. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address International court rejects Saif Gaddafi call to drop arrest warrant 2 November 2018 - A call by Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi son of the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi and de facto Prime Minister of the country during the time of his father's rule for an international arrest warrant against him to be ruled inadmissible, was rejected by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), on Friday. Fatou Bensouda, delivering her latest six-monthly statement to the Security Council on the situation in Libya, said that her office maintains that Mr. Gaddafi must be arrested and surrendered to the Court. In the international warrant, issued by the ICC in June 2011, Mr. Gaddafi is accused of playing a key role in planning the suppression of civilian demonstrations by any means, including lethal force, against his father's regime. In June Mr. Gaddafi argued that, because of ongoing domestic proceedings conducted against him in Libya, he cannot be tried at the ICC: this argument is rejected by the Court and the case, said Ms. Bensouda, remains admissible: because Mr. Gaddafi's challenge is currently sub judice, she was not willing to share further details. Mr. Gaddafi is just one of several individuals in Libya whose alleged criminal acts could fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC which, said Ms. Bensouda, continues to monitor criminal actions of armed groups in the country: "These armed groups represent a major threat to long-term peace and stability in Libya. We do not confine our investigations to any one group; we look at alleged Rome Statute [the treaty that established the ICC] crimes committed by actors across the territory of Libyathese alleged crimes include killings, sexual violence, torture and enslavement." Ms. Bensouda said that her Office continues to make "considerable progress" in the Libya situation but admitted that "not one suspect" has so far been surrendered to the ICC. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Asian MPs call for halt on repartition of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar Iran Press TV Fri Nov 2, 2018 09:26AM Asian parliamentarians has called on both governments in Bangladesh and Myanmar to halt plans for repatriation of Rohingya Muslim refugees to their home country, where they fled a state-sponsored brutal military violence over the last year. Malaysian lawmaker Charles Santiago, who led a fact-finding mission early this year to Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, said on Friday that a plan reached by Myanmar and Bangladesh to start Rohingya repatriation "is a poorly thought-out plan." Santiago, now head of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, which is comprised of elected representatives from countries that are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said Myanmar must first put in place plans for the protection and livelihoods of the Muslim community. "They [Rohingya refugees] were still licking their wounds, they are still living in fear," he said. "We're not expecting them to go back to live in barracks and as squatters." Last year, Myanmar's armed forces, backed by Buddhist extremist mobs, launched a crackdown against the Muslim community in Rakhine State. Thousands have been killed and over 700,000 Rohingya have only survived by fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh, where they are camped in overcrowded refugee centers in dire living conditions. Myanmar and Bangladesh first reached an agreement last year to begin repatriation of the refugees, but the process has been delayed. Officials from both countries met earlier this week and announced they would start the process with 2,000 returnees in mid-November. Though Myanmar says it has taken measures to ensure "a secure environment" for the returnees, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) cast doubt on those assurances, saying that conditions were "not yet conducive for returns." "It is critical that returns are not rushed or premature," said UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic. Human Rights Watch (HRW) also said it had interviewed hundreds of refugees in Bangladesh, many of whom said they would only go home if Myanmar guaranteed "security, access to land and livelihoods, freedom of movement, citizenship rights." The Rohingya Muslims were killed, injured, arbitrarily arrested, or raped by Myanmarese soldiers and Buddhist mobs mainly between November 2016 and August 2017, when many of the surviving members of the community started fleeing to Bangladesh en masse. The United Nations has concluded that the atrocities constitute genocide. Myanmar has blatantly denied the violence. However, massive evidence has been collected by international observers, medics, and journalists, even though the government has blocked access to the ground zero of the violence, namely Rakhine. The Rohingya Muslims, who have lived in Myanmar for generations, are denied citizenship and are branded illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, which likewise denies them citizenship. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin, Cuban President Vow To Bolster Ties, Denounce U.S. 'Interference' November 02, 2018 The presidents of Russia and Cuba have vowed to strengthen political, economic, and military ties and denounced what they called U.S. "interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations." In a joint statement following talks in Moscow on November 2, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Russia's Vladimir Putin also called for closer integration between Moscow and Latin American nations. The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions for both nations with the United States. U.S. officials continue to assail Havana for its alleged human rights violations, while Moscow and Washington have several contentious issues between them -- including accusations, denied by Moscow, of Russian interference in U.S. elections, Moscow's aggressive actions in Ukraine, and its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Diaz-Canel invited Putin to visit Cuba in 2019. He has twice traveled there, in 2000 and 2014, as part of efforts to revive relations with the communist island nation. In a news conference, Diaz-Canel said that "we are going to develop trade and economic ties" and raise them to a high level, citing joint projects in energy, transportation, metals, and biotechnology. Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak told reporters that Moscow was close to agreeing to a 38 million euro loan for Cuba to help it buy Russian-made arms. He said the accord could be finalized within two weeks. During the Cold War, Moscow provided billions of dollars in aid and subsidies to bolster the government of Fidel Castro, a fierce rival of the United States. But support was slashed after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, when Russia was no longer able to provide financial assistance. Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and Interfax Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-cuban- president-vow-to-bolster-ties-denounce- u-s-interference-/29579666.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 Influence Operations Taking Aim at US Military By Jeff Seldin November 02, 2018 With just days to go until the U.S. midterm elections, there are growing fears that Russia's efforts to undermine U.S. democracy extend far beyond the polls on Nov. 6 or the presidential election in 2020. Defense and security officials worry that as part of Moscow's plan to sow division and discord, it is trying to conquer the U.S. military not with bullets or missiles but with tweets and memes. The tactic is an outgrowth of Russia's overarching strategy to find seams within U.S. society where distrust or anger already exist and widen those divisions with targeted messaging. In the case of the U.S. military, according to current and former U.S. and Western officials, the Kremlin's aim is likely to establish what is known as reflexive control. By seeding U.S. troops with the right type of disinformation, they say, Russia can predispose them to make choices or decisions that are favorable for Moscow. The exact extent to which U.S. military personnel have been targeted or swayed is unclear. VOA spoke with multiple defense and security officials, all of whom declined to comment on the nature or scope of Russia's military-oriented influence operations. Still, almost all of the officials admitted Russia's targeting of U.S. military personnel with influence operations, and the way it is being done, is a concern. "We know it goes on," said Ed Wilson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy. "That's why we've amped up and increased the attention that we're paying. "We're taking a renewed look at how we train and educate the broader force," he said, noting that efforts go beyond just the military to the Defense Department's partner agencies. The former commanding general for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, Army Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, described the need to educate and shield troops from disinformation campaigns as a matter of "force protection." "It doesn't matter if it's a physical force or an information force," Funk said. "Are you concerned about it? Of course. Do you have to have campaigns where you inform your soldiers of those kinds of things that happen? Sure." Reflexive control Officials and experts say Russia's use of influence operations to target the U.S. armed forces should come as no surprise. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already tested the approach, using social media especially, in places like Ukraine, and that since then it has become an ever more critical part of Russia's overarching strategy. "There's nothing new with Russia or the Soviet Union wanting to have that degree of influence," Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, told an audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in September. "This is really kind of something that is in Putin's DNA as a former KGB agent." U.S. officials have been aware of the effort for some time. At least as far back as March 2017, a Defense Information School presentation to Army public affairs officers identified disinformation on social media as a high-risk problem, capable of eroding "trust and confidence" in the ranks as well as in the Army as a whole. But much of the military's focus in dealing with social media, at least from what has been shared publicly, has concentrated on scams targeting military personnel, or on inappropriate or even unlawful behavior. Some top U.S. officials have tried to downplay the dangers of Russia's influence operation, saying in some ways the threat posed to U.S. troops is no different from the threat to anyone else. "Like all Americans we have to be alert to the people who would try to manipulate an election in the information age, when there's so many feeds coming in to everybody," Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said when asked about the threat in August. "Certainly, we pay attention to that," Mattis said. "But it's part of the larger domain of protecting America." Already working? Experts worry that simply treating the Russian influence operations targeting the military as an American problem and not a military problem has left the U.S. military vulnerable to Russia's social media onslaught. "U.S. military personnel and veterans it is the uncovered stone in the Russian influence effort that no one is really taking enough of an interest in," said Clint Watts, a former FBI special agent and now a senior fellow at George Washington University's Center for Cyber and Homeland Security. And Watts, who has testified before Congress on Russian influence operations, thinks the Russians have already made considerable headway. "At the enlisted ranks in the U.S. military, Russia won over a huge base of support in this country that still continues on today," he said. Some of the early Russian success could be traced back to the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, when their push to sway the election in favor of then-candidate Donald Trump, amplifying messages like "America First" and his tough talk on terrorism, may have resonated with rank-and-file members of the military. A May 2016 unscientific survey by the Military Times found "Donald Trump emerged as active-duty service members' preference to become the next U.S. president, topping Hillary Clinton by more than a 2-to-1 margin." More recent polling by Military Times and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University suggests opinions may be changing. More than 70 percent of troops surveyed said Russia was a significant threat, an increase of 18 percent from the previous year. Yet experts and former officials say there is evidence to suggest Russian influence operations targeting U.S. military personnel and their families have continued unabated. "Whether that's Facebook, Twitter and others, we're seeing where it [Russia] is focusing on identifying affinity groups," said Heather Conley, a former deputy assistant secretary of state during the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. Now a senior vice president for Europe, Eurasia and the Arctic at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Conley says the military is just one of several such groups in Russia's sights, such as law enforcement and religious organizations. "These unwittingly are being used to promote disinformation and malign influence," she said. "It starts identifying the key voices within these broader groups." Phony military ties At least in part, Russia has been trying to reach out to those voices on platforms like Twitter, using fake accounts purporting to be those of Americans with ties to the military. In Twitter's latest release of accounts linked to Russia's Internet Research Agency (on Oct. 17), at least 39 had user descriptions promoting links to the military. Some gained little to no traction, like one that described the user as "Fighting to *Make America Great Again* strong #military supporter. Combat #Vet ????#OORAH Ret. #Frogman ???? #Sheepdog #Patriot ???? Follow me," which did not attract a single follower. Others did better, getting hundreds of followers. One Russian account, describing the user as a "Proud AMERICAN, wife, mother, conservative, served my country in USMC," had more than 2,000 followers. "We certainly are still seeing a lot of the accounts that we're looking at that continue to have what seemed to be clear military connections," Bret Schafer, a social media analyst for the German Marshall Fund of the United States' Alliance for Securing Democracy, told VOA. Schafer, along with his colleagues, have been studying Russia's outreach on social media to U.S. military personnel and their families. He said the use of terms like "veteran" or "Navy mom" is not unusual. "You'll see a lot of banners on Twitter, the account pictures that will be kind of non-identifiable in terms of a specific person, but a member of the military or just some sort of graphic that connotes that person is part of the military or a family member," he said. Still, Schafer said it is difficult to determine just how much Russia has managed to penetrate the U.S. military community, whether on Twitter or other social media platforms, like Facebook. "My guess is a lot of this probably would be happening more in closed Facebook groups in which there are many with the military, and frankly, nobody has any idea what's really happening for those groups, because of course Facebook doesn't share those with researchers," he said. Isolated community And there are worries that the U.S. military may be especially vulnerable as officials admit the defense community's connection to the rest of the country is as weak as it has been in a long time. "My concern is the broader isolation from the community we serve, and that's a discussion [in Congress] as well," Army Secretary Mark Esper said during a breakfast forum in August. "On the Army staff alone, you look at any number of the senior leaders, I think they all have at least one son or daughter, if not more, who are army officers or who are serving." "We've become more segmented," said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. "I'm very concerned about that." Reed, like Esper, downplayed concerns that the problem is one the Russians could exploit. "I can't think of an institution that's more committed to America, one America and one that's governed by the Constitution, than the military," he said recently. US allies already targeted by Moscow But U.S. allies say there is reason to worry as they have seen Russia use disinformation to repeatedly target their forces. "We have seen attempts to erode trust within the alliance," NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu told VOA by email. NATO's Strategic Communications Center of Excellence in Latvia, working with the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, has seen several large-scale disinformation campaigns and also smaller-scale attacks targeting NATO's enhanced forward presence in the Baltics. "Our personnel get guidance and instruction regarding misinformation and information security as part of their pre-deployment training and their arrival process in order to increase their resilience," according to Maj. Mark Peebles with NATO's Task Force Latvia Headquarters. "They are aware that it's out there and are advised to maintain a critical eye to what they see on social media," he said. The British, too, have seen indications that Russia and others may be trying to cause dissent in the ranks. "Quite a few senior commanders, increasingly, I see now, having had evidence of false Facebook websites coming up routinely in their names," said Lt. Gen. Nick Pope, British army deputy chief of the general staff, describing efforts to take the fake pages down as "whack a rat." "The fact is that our potential adversaries, hostile agencies, are using cybercrime, if you call it that, as a mechanism now to try to unhinge reliable, evidence-based platforms," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Erdogan Says Order To Kill Khashoggi Was From 'Highest Levels' Of Saudi Government November 02, 2018 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the order to kill Saudi opposition journalist Jamal Khashoggi "came from the highest levels of the Saudi government," but he said he did not believe the king himself was involved. The Turkish leader wrote in an opinion piece in The Washington Post on November 2 that his country had "moved heaven and earth" to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the killing of the journalist inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. "As a result," he wrote, "the world has learned that Khashoggi was killed in cold blood by a death squad, and it has been established that his murder was premeditated." Riyadh denies the ruling royal family was involved in the killing and blames it on "rogue" agents. But suspicion has surrounded its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, with many of the 18 people detained in the case identified as having ties to the prince. "We...know that those individuals came to carry out their orders: Kill Khashoggi and leave. Finally, we know that the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government," Erdogan wrote. But, he added, "I do not believe for a second that King Salman, the custodian of the holy mosques, ordered the hit on Khashoggi." Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and an outspoken critic of the crown prince, went missing on October 2 after visiting the Saudi Consulate to complete paperwork needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. Istanbul's chief prosecutor has said Khashoggi was strangled and his body "cut into pieces" in a premeditated killing immediately upon entering the building. Source: 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 Zain Bahrain, a leading telecommunications provider in the kingdom, has signed of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Google Developer Group Manama (GDG Manama), a Google-approved community of developers in Bahrain. The signing is aimed at further promoting Zains leadership role in empowering women in technology, a statement said. Zain Bahrain and GDG Manama will collaborate on several workshops and initiatives hosted by GDG Manama under the theme of Women TechMakers. The MoU will also see GDG Manama using Zains facilities to host the activities, as well as gaining access to Zain employees for knowledge sharing and exchange opportunities, aimed at empowering women and helping them to flourish in the fields of technology and technology entrepreneurship. The MoU was signed between Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, director of corporate communications and investor relations at Zain Bahrain, and Lana Alattar, founder and lead of GDG Manama. Al Khalifa said: Zain Bahrain has always been committed to playing a vital role in empowering women in the Kingdom to become leaders in the technological field. Our new MoU with GDG Manama falls in line with our strategic approach directed at supporting talent development in the Kingdom. Zain Bahrain implements numerous training programs and initiatives dedicated to developing and supporting the professional growth of women across various domains. We look forward to collaborating with GDG Manama to further build womens technological skills through new learning experiences. TradeArabia News Service Erdogan: 'Highest Levels' of Saudi Government Targeted Khashoggi By VOA News November 02, 2018 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the order to kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi came from the "highest levels" of the Saudi government. In an op-ed piece published Friday by The Washington Post, Erdogan said he did "not believe for a second" that Saudi King Salman had ordered the killing of Khashoggi. He also did not directly accuse Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Khashoggi, a Post columnist who had written critically of the Saudi crown prince, was killed after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul last month to get a document he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. Erdogan wrote that the international community has the responsibility to "reveal the puppet masters" behind the killing. Earlier Friday, a Turkish presidential adviser and friend of Khashoggi said his body was cut up and dissolved in acid for easier disposal, the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported. "According to the latest information we have, the reason they dismembered his body is to dissolve it easier" before it was disposed of, Yasin Aktay told the newspaper. After initially denying Khashoggi had been killed, the Saudi government claimed he died in an unplanned "rogue operation." Saudi public prosecutor Saud al-Mojeb offered a different explanation last week when he said the killing was premeditated. State wants full probe The U.S. State Department said Friday that it would continue to seek a full investigation into Khashoggi's death and that it was exploring the possibility of additional measures against anyone determined to be responsible. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on Friday, saying the day was "particularly important" because of the Khashoggi case. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that it might be a "handful more weeks" before the U.S. has enough evidence to impose sanctions on those responsible for Khashoggi's death. Pompeo told St. Louis radio station KMOX that the U.S. administration was "continuing to understand the fact pattern" and added it was "reviewing putting sanctions on the individuals" who have so far been identified as being "engaged in that murder." In his first public reaction Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the killing "horrendous" and said responsive action must be taken. "At the same time, I say that it's very important ... for the region and [for] the world that Saudi Arabia remain stable," Netanyahu told reporters in the Bulgarian city of Varna, where he was attending a summit with the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania and the president of Serbia. "I think that a way must be found to achieve both goals, because I think the larger problem is Iran." Iran has denied accusations it is building a nuclear bomb, saying weapons of mass destruction are prohibited under Islam. Khashoggi's fiancee wrote in an op-ed piece published Friday in the Post that the Trump administration's response to Khashoggi's death has been "devoid of moral foundation." "Of all nations, the United States should be leading the way in bringing the perpetrators to justice," Hatice Cengiz wrote. The New York Times, quoting two people familiar with the matter, reported Friday that White House officials knew from an Oct. 9 phone call with the Saudi Crown Prince that he considered Khashoggi a dangerous Islamist, and therefore knew the Saudi prince had a potential motive for the killing. But because of its deep investment in Prince Mohammed as the main linchpin of the administration's Middle East agenda, the Trump administration concluded it could not feasibly limit his power. More than 100 members of PEN America, a New York-based nonprofit group of journalists and artists devoted to human rights and free expression, have called on the U.N. to launch an independent probe into the killing. "The violent murder of a prominent journalist and commentator on foreign soil is a grave violation of human rights and a disturbing escalation of the crackdown on dissent in Saudi Arabia, whose government in recent years has jailed numerous writers, journalists, human rights advocates and lawyers in a sweeping assault on free expression and association," the group said Friday in an open letter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Erdogan: Order to kill Khashoggi came from 'highest levels' of Saudi gov't Iran Press TV Sat Nov 3, 2018 12:05AM Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the assassination of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul had been ordered at the "highest levels" of the Saudi government, but he does "not believe for a second" that King Salman issued the order. In a Friday op-ed for The Washington Post, the Turkish president said there are still many "questions" for Saudi Arabia to answer regarding the killing of Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul. "Where is Khashoggi's body? Who is the "local collaborator" to whom Saudi officials claimed to have handed over Khashoggi's remains? Who gave the order to kill this kind soul? Unfortunately, the Saudi authorities have refused to answer those questions," he said. "We know that the perpetrators are among the 18 suspects detained in Saudi Arabia. We also know that those individuals came to carry out their orders: Kill Khashoggi and leave. Finally, we know that the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government," Erdogan noted. He said Ankara has friendly relations with Riyadh, and he does not believe for a second that King Salman ordered the hit on Khashoggi. "Therefore, I have no reason to believe that his murder reflected Saudi Arabia's official policy." However, he said, longstanding friendship with Riyadh doesn't mean Ankara will turn a blind eye to the premeditated murder that unfolded in front of its very eyes. He also described the murder as an inexplicable incident and a clear violation and a blatant abuse of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and said failure to punish the perpetrators would set a very dangerous precedent. "This is another reason we were shocked and saddened by the efforts of certain Saudi officials to cover up Khashoggi's premeditated murder rather than serve the cause of justice," he said. "As responsible members of the international community, we must reveal the identities of the puppet-masters behind Khashoggi's killing and discover those in whom Saudi officials still trying to cover up the murder have placed their trust," Erdogan noted. Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi rulers, was killed after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. While Saudi authorities have admitted that the journalist's murder was premeditated, the body has yet to be found. A top Turkish official, presidential adviser Yasin Aktay, said Friday he believes Khashoggi's body was dissolved in acid after being cut up. The "only logical conclusion" was that those who had killed the Saudi journalist in Istanbul had destroyed his body "to leave no trace behind", he said. "The reason they dismembered Khashoggi's body was to dissolve his remains more easily", Aktay told the Hurriyet Daily newspaper. "Now we see that they did not only dismember his body but also vaporized it." Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is widely believed to be the one who ordered the killing as implicitly suggested by Erdogan in his Friday op-ed has reportedly told the US he considered Khashoggi to be a dangerous Islamist. During phone calls with President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and National Security Adviser John Bolton, Prince Mohammed said Khashoggi had been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, a transnational Islamist organization, the Washington Post reports. Saudi Arabia has denied the comments were made or that its royal family was involved in the killing, and says it is "determined to find out all the facts". Istanbul's prosecutor confirmed on Wednesday that the writer had been strangled. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exxon Mobil Corporation has announced an estimated third quarter 2018 earning of $6.2 billion, or $1.46 per share, compared with $4 billion a year earlier. Cash flow from operations and asset sales was $12.6 billion, including proceeds associated with asset sales of $1.5 billion. During the quarter, the company distributed $3.5 billion in dividends to shareholders. Capital and exploration expenditures were $6.6 billion, up 10 percent from the prior year, it said. Oil-equivalent production was 3.8 million barrels per day, down 2 percent from the third quarter of 2017. Excluding entitlement effects and divestments, liquids production increased 6 percent, as growth in North America more than offset decline and higher downtime. Natural gas volumes decreased 4 percent, excluding entitlement effects and divestments, largely due to a continuing near-term shift in U.S. unconventional development from dry gas to liquids. We are seeing the benefits of integration as we capture value from advantaged feedstock from the Permian and Western Canada for our North American refineries, said Darren W Woods, chairman and chief executive officer. The logistical network weve established provides reliable connectivity between Upstream production and manufacturing facilities. Operational performance improved significantly versus the second quarter with lower levels of scheduled maintenance and reliability levels in line with our expectations. Were pleased with the increase in production from the second quarter of 2018 recognizing it reflects contributions from just one of our key growth areas, the Permian, Woods said. We expect to continue to increase volumes over time as we ramp up activity in the Permian and new projects start up. - TradeArabia News Service Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson believes that the car swap between himself and Fernando Alonso is "the chance of a lifetime". Johnson admitted that the idea had been little more than a private conversation at first but evolved quickly into the car swap event that will happen in Bahrain. The 43-year-old said that the two exchanged details after meeting at the 24 hours of Daytona earlier in the year and stayed in touch. We met there, traded up numbers, stayed in touch, Johnson said at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday. It wasnt long after that and he may have even mentioned it there, Hey, we ought to trade cars. And I was like, You dont have to ask me twice. I went after it right away. I wasnt going to let a passing comment slow me down. The two will swap rides for the day at the Bahrain International Circuit after the conclusion of the F1 and NASCAR seasons on the 26th November. As part of the swap, Johnson will get a tour of McLaren's factory in Woking as well as time in the team's simulator ahead of the event. With the two previous (NASCAR-F1) car swaps taking place, their desires were to get it on live television, and that kind of puts you in a different box. I think in todays world there are so many ways to share the experience with the digital experiences that exist. Of course you want a television piece to go with it and I think theres a way to do that but things can live on through digital platforms for a long time. We really wanted a full day to experience each others cars and mess around. We offered up the chance to let Alonso come run the Chevy simulator (in Huntersville, N.C.) but the schedule didnt work out from the beginning to do that. Its probably a bigger change for me to go from our cars to his, so he suggested stopping by McLaren (and) taking a tour of the shop, the city. I was like, Oh yeah, Ill take everything. Why not? This is the chance of a lifetime. Ill take everything they will let me do, Im all for it. AccorHotels has announced the appointment of Sami Nasser and Marc Descrozaille as chief operating officers, Middle East & Africa. Both will be based out of AccorHotels Dubai regional office and will report directly to Mark Willis, who was recently appointed as the chief executive officer (CEO) of AccorHotels Middle East and Africa. Commenting on the appointments, Willis said: Both Sami and Marc have demonstrated a deep understanding of the travel and hospitality industry in the Middle East and Africa, contributing heavily to the success of their respective organisations. I am delighted to bring them on board as chief operating officers and remain confident that their expertise and insights will enable AccorHotels to reinforce its leadership position in this dynamic and rapidly growing region. Nasser joins from his recent role as chief operating officer, Luxury Brands, Middle East for AccorHotels, where he oversaw a portfolio of 40 hotels in the region. Within his new role, Nasser will directly oversee over 125 operational hotels and 50 hotels in the pipeline across all brands in North Africa, Levant, Saudi Arabia and Indian Ocean. He brings over 25 years of hospitality experience having held strategic roles within multiple international brands, including AccorHotels and FRHI Hotels & Resorts, in operations, sales and distribution. During the past two years, following the integration of FRHI, Nasser drove operational success in the areas of reputation management and guest satisfaction in addition to developing a robust talent pipeline for general managers. Descrozaille joins AccorHotels from Movenpick Hotels & Resorts where he served as president for the Middle East and Africa, overseeing over 50 hotels. With his new position, Descrozaille will be responsible for over 105 operational hotels and 65 hotels in the pipeline across all of AccorHotels signature brands in the Gulf (excluding Saudi Arabia) and Sub-Saharan Africa. Descrozaille brings more than 20 years of experience across a broad spectrum of disciplines in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, where he has worked for leading hospitality companies including Radisson Hotels Group, Hilton Hotels and the Savoy Group. He also served as a consultant at KPMG, providing valuable insights for upscale hotel projects and leisure concepts in Europe. These senior appointments come during a time of record growth in the Middle East and Africa for the Group, opening on average two hotels every month and reaching milestones from guest satisfaction, reputation management to positive employee engagement. AccorHotels has a committed network (operational and pipeline) in the Middle East and Africa of over 400 hotels, representing close to 100,000 rooms across 30 countries in the region. - TradeArabia News Service The US Department of Energy (DOE) has approved short-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Project to non-free trade agreement countries over a two-year period. DOEs order, issued to Cheniere Marketing, LLC and Corpus Christi Liquefaction, LLC (collectively, Corpus Christi), authorizes initial commissioning volumes and other exports pursuant to short-term contracts from the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Project in a volume of 2.1 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas. DOE issued a similar order authorizing short-term exports from the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Project to free trade agreement countries in September 2018. The two-year export term will become effective on either 31 December 2018, or the date of the first export from the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Project currently projected to occur later this yearwhichever occurs first. The Liquefaction Project is the first large-scale LNG export project to be built in Texas. At a project cost of approximately $15 billion, the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Texas and, during peak construction periods, has employed up to 5,000 construction workers. The short-term authorization issued to Corpus Christi is not additive to Corpus Christis existing long-term LNG export authorizations. Rather, this order allows for LNG exports pursuant to short-term contracts and for the initial commissioning volumes from the Liquefaction Project. Since exports of US LNG began in 2016, more than 1.5 trillion cubic feet of US natural gas has been exported. US LNG has now landed in 30 different destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, North America, and the Caribbean. To date, the Department of Energy has approved 21.35 Bcf/d of long-term exports of natural gas to any country in the world not prohibited by US law or policy. There are currently two large-scale LNG export projects in operation, Sabine Pass and Dominion Cove Point, which have a combined export capacity of approximately 3.5 Bcf/d. Corpus Christi is one of four additional large-scale LNG export projects expected to be completed over the next two years. Once these four projects are completed, the United States LNG export capacity is expected to reach approximately 11 Bcf/d. There are also a dozen large-scale export projects under review that would provide over 20 billion cubic feet per day of additional export capacity, if approved and constructed. 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. Unless you've been offline the last few days, chances are you've come across the Huawei Mate 20 Pro green-ish screens debacle. And for now, the only semi-official statement on the matter comes from Huawei's UK community forum manager. But today, Huawei Finland's Director of Marketing and Communications spoke of the issue. We are investigating for a long time why a small part of phones have been green in some countries. In Finland, consumers get a new phone without charge if they have a faulty display. So it seems that Huawei Finland is taking responsibility and will accept devices with the faulty screen for replacement. Additionally, a Mate 20 Pro owner posted a reassuring answer in the Huawei UK community forum saying that he visited the support branch in the country and spoke to the staff there. They said they are aware of the issue and will replace the faulty devices with no questions asked. He also warned that if other service centers want to repair your device, you should decline and demand a replacement, it's your right to do so. We hope the issue gets officially resolved soon, since many customers are currently left to hang in limbo. Source 1 | Source 2 Haiti - Health : Cuba sends medical reinforcements in Haiti at the request of the Ministry In response to a request from Marie Greta Roy Clement, the Minister of Public Health Cuba will strengthen its medical presence in Haiti, confirmed the Ambassador of Cuba accredited to Haiti, Luis Castillo Campos. According to the Cuban diplomat, a team of 16 Cuban specialists in gynecology, obstetrics and neonatology will open a medical post in the border town of Anse-a-Pitres (south-eastern department), a region favored by many Haitian women who are pregnant which cross the border to go to the Dominican Republic where they find better sanitary conditions and free care to give birth to their child. Minister Clement, who met Wednesday with Ambassador Castillo who was accompanied by Evelio Betancourt, the General Coordinator of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Haiti, thanked the Cuban Government for having acceded to its request to send Cuban doctors to support the maternal services in Anse-a-Pitres In addition, Minister Clement also announced that her Ministry would organize activities to commemorate 20 years of uninterrupted presence of Cuban doctors in Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25965-haiti-cuba-20-years-of-cuban-medical-aid-in-haiti.html Recall that so far nearly 8,000 Cuban health workers (in rotation) have served in the 10 departments of Haiti, achieving in 20 years, nearly 30 million consultations, 578,000 surgeries, assisting 178,104 births, rehabilitating 185,828 patients and saving more than 300,000 lives. Currently, more than 700 Cuban specialists work in 51 medical posts deployed in the 10 departments, while offering 31 comprehensive rehabilitation services. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25965-haiti-cuba-20-years-of-cuban-medical-aid-in-haiti.html S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : More than a billion for the construction of 32 school infrastructure This week in the presence of members of the Procurement Unit (UPM) of the Ministry of National Education and representatives of firms specializing in construction and civil engineering, was completed the analysis of the files and the selection by the National Commission for Public Procurement (CNMP), of qualified companies among the 125 initial bidders, having met the eligibility criteria of a national call for tender for the construction of public schools. In a next step, the successful firms will sign a contract with the Ministry of National Education for this work divided into 18 lots. It should be recalled that this public call for tenders concerned the construction of 30 national schools and 2 high schools that the Ministry intends to build as part of the new fiscal year 2018-209. These school infrastructures are distributed in 9 departments : West, Grand'Anse, Nippes, South, South-East, North, North-East, North-West and Artibonite Jean Astrel Magloire of the UPM announced that the Ministry of National Education will invest more than one billion Gourdes (1,365,000,000) over the next 12 months, starting from its investment budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year (budget still not tabled in parliament for ratification https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26000-haiti-news-zapping.html ) TB/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Diaspora : Growing up in Haiti, educating, training, acting and undertaking From 1st to Saturday 3rd November, the Collectif Haiti de France and the Collectif Haiti Occitanie are organizing the 7th summit of the French actors of solidarity with Haiti, which is being held in Brens in the Tarn (France). These assises, which are organized around the theme "Growing up in Haiti, educating, training, acting and undertaking", bring together nearly a hundred representatives of the main associations and NGOs that provide development aid to Haiti, particularly in education. Several specialits and experts from different fields are also taking part in this national meeting of actors of solidarity with Haiti. The means of education faced the Haiti's needs, access to health and drinking water, women's entrepreneurship, means for the reconquest of food sovereignty are the main topics discussed during the debates from this summit. Dr. Delima Pierre, Director General of the National Office of the Partnership in Education (ONAPE), special guest of these assizes participating in the panel on education, took stock of the ongoing efforts for the reform of the sector of the Education in Haiti, presenting in particular the outlines of the Ten Year Education and Training Plan (PDEF), the final document has just been sent to the Office of the Minister of National Education https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25804-haiti-politic-last-line-for-the-education-and-training-ten-year-plan2018-2028.html Several actors welcomed the creation in Haiti of ONAPE whose mission is to facilitate the coordination of actions and a better articulation of the cooperation between the public and non-public networks of the education sector as well as all the technical and financial partners. For them, it was time to find an interlocutor who could support them in order to facilitate field operations and help them find viable solutions to the difficulties encountered in launching and implementing projects and programs. Delima Pierre emphasized the new approaches to results-based management and invited partners to join this dynamic to achieve the goals set and to allow Haitian children to have access to quality education. In his speech, Miloody Vincent, the Director of Communication of the Ministry who accompanies the Director General of ONAPE in his tour, hailed this mobilization of the Haitian diaspora in France and the French wanting to accompany Haiti in its quest for sustainable development that passes necessarily, according to him, by education. HL/ HaitiLibre We're a family of seven living in Georgia where Andrew's working as a professor at GSU. You can read more about us here HENLEYS independent retailers have welcomed the news that business rates for small traders are to be cut by a third. The move was announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond in his Autumn Budget on Monday as part of a raft of measures to improve conditions on Britains high streets. The discount will be rolled out over a two-year period from April for traders whose premises have a rateable value of less than 51,000 a year. The move follows the introduction in April last year of an exemption for businesses with a rateable value below 12,000, which several Henley traders already benefit from. The latest measure will help about 500,000 independent retailers nationally and cost the Treasury about 900million. Henley business owners said it would help existing independents to thrive and attract new ones to the town. However, some argued it didnt go far enough and more should be done in the face of competition from chain stores and online shopping. Laurence Morris, who owns Laurence Menswear in Duke Street, said: The rate relief is great news as any amount we can get back is welcome. I certainly hope to be eligible, although the Government has a funny way of saying one thing and doing another. I think it needs to do more to encourage start-up businesses on the high street because a third off business rates isnt enough. Any new company that takes a minimum five-year lease on a premises should get 50 per cent off in the first year, then a lesser discount on a sliding scale over the next three years, which would really help kickstart their growth. Rates are the biggest obstacle to a start-up retailer faces and while rents are another difficulty, the Government has no control over them. Barry Wagner, the owner of Gabriel Machin butchers in Market Place, said: If the reduction can help high street businesses like mine that can only be a good thing. You only have to look at the number of empty shop units in Henley to see how challenging it is for us. We need to bring more customers in. If we can do that by reducing our own costs and reflecting that saving in our prices, thats got to be beneficial for everyone. Lorraine Hillier, a Henley town councillor who runs the Hot Gossip coffee house in Friday Street, said: Anything that helps small businesses and the local Henley economy is great news. I just wish they would bring VAT down, which would help even more. I already benefit from rate relief as my premises have a low rateable value but its going to be helpful for anyone with a larger unit. Hopefully, it will allow them to keep trading for longer because rates bills are a pretty big blow on top of your rent, utilities and other outgoings. Along with contributing to the vibrancy of their home towns, people start small high street businesses to earn a living and it has been difficult to do that for some time. Liz Felix, who owns Liz Felix Millinery in Reading Road, said: Any bit of help for independents is appreciated although, as far as were concerned its too little, too late. I think small businesses with fewer than a certain number of employees should be exempt from rates. Theyre calculated on the size of your shop and I have quite a large floorspace but thats because this unit was further out of town and the only available one that I could afford. Its still only me running it so I dont think rates should be based on square footage. It would also help if there was a government service offering advice and support to small businesses, especially new ones, and there should be interest-free loans available for start-ups with rate exemptions for the first few years. Jason Kempston, who runs the Sole Man shoe repair shop in Duke Street, said: A rates reduction has to be a good thing but sometimes you get the feeling that theyre doing the minimum necessary to be re-elected. Henleys retail economy could be improved by action at a local level, like tackling the traffic and parking problems. Hilary Redhead, manager of the Bell Bookshop in Bell Street, said: If the discount happens well be delighted because anything that brings rates down is to be welcomed. Were fortunate to own our building so dont have as many outgoings as some businesses but its a sizeable chunk of money alongside our other outgoings. Henley town manager Helen Barnett said: The rate reduction will have a bearing on Henley retailers with lower rateable values but wont help immediately as its being introduced over a two-year period. We dont have units that are empty for a long time and have fairly average turnover with premises filling quickly when they become available. From Henleys perspective, it would be good if more help were available for small businesses to effectively manage their social media presence and with other forms of marketing. People are often busy with the day-to-day running of their business and not necessarily promoting it as well as they could. We could also use more help getting people to work together to promote the town, which is more effective than each business just working individually to promote itself. Niki Schafer, chairwoman of the Henley Business Partnership, said: Im delighted at the news as the high street is in desperate need of Government support and if this translates into a reduction for Henley businesses then it has to be a good thing. However, Im slightly nervous that the threshold for the reduction will turn out not to be very Henley-friendly. It sounds like a great idea but when you dig a bit deeper theres a danger we may not actually benefit. Well have to wait and see. Retailers are up against online shopping and there are many aspects of that sector which need to be examined. I think consumers are increasingly aware of the traffic congestion caused by next-day delivery and thats something that should be taxed. However, the internet isnt going away and independent traders need to stay at the top of peoples minds so that they decide to pick something up in person instead of ordering online. There are lots of advantages to the high street like good service, the personal connection and not having to send goods back so small businesses can capitalise on that. A judge threw out personal injuries claims totalling 120,000 after he was told that smoke filled a car before it crashed. He told two Romanian claimants he could not believe the "smoke signals" emanating from the witness box. A third plaintiff withdrew a 60,000 claim. Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke was told the car mysteriously filled with so much dense smoke that the driver could not see where he was going and crashed into a tree. Incredible However, he told the claimants that the evidence was incredible. He dismissed 60,000 claims by mother-of-four Maria Petronela Moisa, of Tralee, Co Kerry, and Sorin Moisa, also of Tralee. He awarded Aviva its costs against them. The judge said a man injured in the crash maintained the driver had been blinded by oncoming bright headlights and had not mentioned smoke until cross-examined by Paul O'Neill, counsel for Aviva Insurance, which fought the claims. The judge said a woman injured in the crash had sworn she could breathe in the car only by filtering the air through an article of her clothing. He had heard Det Sgt Mark Ashford tell the court that he had not been able to find traces or signs of smoke or fumes in the Ford Galaxy Aspen after the single vehicle accident in Phibsboro Avenue, Dublin, in March 2012. Det Sgt Ashford said he became suspicious when the allegedly injured passengers kept moving in and out of ambulances that had been called to the scene. It had been difficult identifying who was who, but eventually they were ferried in ambulances to three Dublin hospitals, he said. "There was no evidence of broken bones, bruising, lacerations or eye discolouration that might have been consistent with carbon monoxide fumes in the car," Det Sgt Ashford told Mr O'Neill. He said the driver and the passengers simply disappeared after their attendance at the hospitals. Garda phone calls had gone unanswered and letters to an address given to gardai had been returned. An eyewitness who ran to the car to help after the incident said there was no sign of smoke in the vehicle. An Aviva underwriter said the car driver and co-defendant, Mihai Agache, of Tralee, Co Kerry, had taken out insurance cover on February 28, 2012, less than three weeks before the accident. Five days after the accident, the policy had been cancelled and a refund cheque issued to Mr Agache and later cashed. Gangland hitman Johnny Keogh killed Gareth Hutch for cash when the New INLA - of which he was a key member - aligned itself with the feared Kinahan cartel. However, the Herald can reveal he ended up not getting a single cent for the murder. Detectives investigating the killing believe 33-year-old Keogh had been offered a significant amount to carry out the hit, but that money "never changed hands". Senior investigators were so concerned Keogh would carry out more crimes in the Hutch/Kinahan feud that several objections to him receiving bail were successfully raised in the High Court. Gardai argued Keogh was a member of an organised crime gang involved in the feud that has claimed up to 18 lives. At a hearing earlier this year, a senior officer said Keogh had the "wherewithal to engage in further crime" if granted bail. Expand Close Gangland killer Johnny Keogh with childhood pal Eamonn Cumberton, who is serving life for killing Michael Barr / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gangland killer Johnny Keogh with childhood pal Eamonn Cumberton, who is serving life for killing Michael Barr Protection It can also be revealed that key State witnesses in the case were given 24/7 armed gardai protection for fear they would be targeted by Keogh's associates. One of the witnesses remained in Dublin despite threats to her life, while two others were relocated outside the capital. Keogh decided to flee the country after murdering Gareth Hutch - a nephew of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch - and was driven across the Border by his associates. Detectives tracked him down to Essex, in the south of England, after he applied for a new passport. Gardai contacted members of the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) who arrested Keogh in a major operation and transported him back to Ireland in a military plane. Keogh, along with cartel associates and convicted killers 'Fat' Freddie Thompson, Eamonn Cumberton and Paddy Doyle, were transferred from Mountjoy Prison while on remand because of serious disciplinary issues. Keogh has been banged up in Portlaoise Prison since the beginning of the year. After the move, Keogh became fearful for his life and started a 24-hour "dirty protest" followed by a six-day hunger strike. He is a hate figure among dissident republicans in the prison - which is ironic because it was in Portlaoise that he served an eight-year sentence for making bombs in an apartment in Park West, Clondalkin, in September 2008. He pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of explosive substances, including four pieces of steel piping, eight metal caps, bulbs, batteries, wiring, travel alarm clocks, propellant powder and 10cm-long nails. Gardai found enough material to make four pipe bombs, including nails which could be taped to the bombs to cause maximum damage. Keogh was one of five men arrested in the apartment. In a telling sign of what has always motivated his criminal career, a detective giving evidence at his sentencing hearing said Keogh was building the bombs to use against drug dealers. Keogh and his INLA crew were involved in "a money-making racket", using kidnapping, extortion and explosive devices to threaten drug dealers. After being released from jail in 2014, Keogh continued with his organised criminal activities and was heavily involved in extortion, intimidation and other crimes throughout the capital, with close links developing between his group and mobsters in Limerick and Eastern Europe. Keogh and his close associates - including on-the-run thug Thomas 'Nicky' McConnell, crazed criminal Gerard Mackin and half a dozen other major criminals - grouped together to form an organised crime gang that became known as the New INLA. "They were involved in extortion, criminal debt collection and drug dealing but they were also involved in a 'legitimate' security business in Ballymun," said a source. "They were making tens of thousands of euro each month, but this was not enough for them. "They were greedy and wanted more, so some of them offered to become the main hitmen for the Kinahan cartel after the Regency bloodbath." Childhood A key member of the mob was Keogh's childhood friend Eamonn Cumberton, who was the first person convicted of a murder in the Hutch/Kinahan feud. Cumberton is serving a life sentence for the feud murder of Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub in Summerhill Parade, Dublin 1, on April 25, 2016. The same fate has now befallen his close associate Keogh. Gardai previously investigated whether Keogh was actually in the Sunset House when Barr was brutally murdered. During Keogh's lengthy trial at the Special Criminal Court, it emerged he was observed closely reading a Herald newspaper report on this aspect of the Barr case in a north inner city shop on the night before he murdered Gareth Hutch. Keogh had more than 20 previous criminal convictions for theft, and drug, public order and driving offences. Since he was a teenager he was known for having an extremely aggressive attitude toward gardai. After fleeing the country in the aftermath of the Gareth Hutch murder, members of the Hutch mob got revenge on Keogh. They murdered his older brother Michael (37) in the underground car park of the Sheridan Court complex in the north inner city less than a fortnight later. This remains an unsolved murder, which is understood to have deeply distressed Keogh. After his protests in Portlaoise Prison earlier this year, he has had only two disciplinary scrapes. The most serious of these was when he attempted to attack another prisoner in the visitor area of the jail in May. During the melee, he was cited for assaulting a prison officer. He was also reported to authorities for refusing to follow an order given by a prison officer in April. Mother Also convicted yesterday of Gareth Hutch's murder was Keogh's sister, Regina Keogh (41). According to sources, the mother-of-five attempted to take responsibility for the welfare of the Keogh family following the death of her mother. The massive investigation into the Hutch murder is ongoing and gardai are confident they will arrest the 33-year-old Ballymun criminal known as Mr AB, whose gun jammed when Keogh pumped multiple bullets into Hutch. A European arrest warrant is in place for the notorious thug. Michael D Higgins has asked for his inauguration ceremony to be delayed so that people can attend this year's Armistice Day commemorations. The inauguration ceremony is due to take place at 11am on November 11, the same time that Ireland will mark the day, 100 years ago, when the guns fell silent at the end of the World War I. In a landslide victory, the 77-year-old poet, professor and campaigner was re-elected last Saturday with more than 55pc of the vote. The Office of the President said Mr Higgins had asked the Government to hold the inauguration ceremony in the evening, rather than the morning, to accommodate all those who wished to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Remember A spokesman said Mr Higgins was conscious of the desire of many Irish people to participate in commemoration ceremonies to remember the many Irishmen and women who lost their lives during the war. Meanwhile, former president Mary Robinson (74) has been appointed chair of The Elders, the peace and human rights campaigning group. The international organisation of senior public figures was established in 2007 by the former South African president Nelson Mandela, who died in 2013. Seventy-four-year-old Mrs Robinson becomes the third person to chair the group. She follows in the footsteps of Desmond Tutu, the former archbishop of Cape Town, and former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, who died earlier this year. Mrs Robinson said it was a "huge honour" to take up the role at such a critical moment for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. "Building on the powerful legacies of archbishop Tutu and Kofi Annan, I am confident that our group's voice can both be heard by leaders and amplify grassroots activists fighting for their rights," she said. Mr Higgins congratulated Mrs Robinson on her appointment, saying it was a "testament to the very high regard in which she is held at a global level". An Irish woman who killed her fiance in Sydney told a judge he would punch strangers, bite her body all over and accuse her of sleeping with other men. Cathrina Cahill said she could not look at other men while with David Walsh, nor could she look in the mirror when driving as there might be a male driver behind. If she did, Mr Walsh would say: "I hope you got a good look, slut." Cahill (27) was giving evidence at New South Wales Supreme Court at her sentencing hearing for the manslaughter of Mr Walsh (29), who was stabbed in the neck at their home last year. The couple shared the property in Padstow, Sydney, with two other Irish people. Cahill, from Wexford, was originally charged with murder, but the crown accepted her plea of manslaughter due to the abnormality of her mind at the time. Asked about the death, she said: "There is not a day goes by when I don't think about David's family. I loved him so much. Hell "He told me no matter what I did I would never get away from him and if I ever got with anybody else he would make my life hell." She said he blocked people from her Facebook account, deleted texts and phone numbers and was convinced she was having an affair with her boss. He would come to her work and make a gesture, which she demonstrated, of running a finger across his throat, she said. Cahill told of a string of incidents when Mr Walsh punched men, including his friend, Paul Mulligan, who arrived to stay. "I was in my bedroom and David started accusing me of being with Paul Mulligan, which was totally untrue," she said. "David came out and just hit Paul." Mr Mulligan left. The court heard Cahill was with a female friend at a hotel when a man started talking to the other woman "David came in and hit the guy so hard he landed on the floor," she said. "He said, 'He won't look at my missus again'." She said Mr Walsh punched holes in the house walls, threw a bottle through a TV and "would constantly break things". He would grab her face "and constantly bite me - that was his thing", she said. The hearing will continue next Friday. Glam couple Thalia Heffernan and Ryan McShane have come home from England They met on the first series of Dancing With The Stars, and now Thalia Heffernan is back in Dublin with dancer boyfriend Ryan McShane as he gears up for the third series of the show. Thalia has lived with Ryan in Birmingham for the past year, but this week the couple packed up their belongings and headed home to Ireland. Model Thalia (23) took to social media to update her foll- owers on the packing process, saying her car had broken down in the middle of the move. Meanwhile, Ryan shared a snap of the couple posing with their two pet lurchers ready to hit the road. Expand Close Glam couple Thalia Heffernan and Ryan McShane with one of their two pet lurchers / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Glam couple Thalia Heffernan and Ryan McShane with one of their two pet lurchers "England you have been amazing," said the professional dancer. "All the memories along the way, but after 11 years I have moved back home with Thalia and our boys. Couldn't be happier." Ryan (33) said he would be joining another Dancing With The Stars professional, John Nolan, to teach at the Xquisite dance school in Dublin. He will also be fitting in the many hours of rehearsals for his return to Ardmore Studios in January. Ryan met Thalia when she joined the celebrity cast of the first series of the hit RTE show in January last year. Thalia's time on the show was short-lived - she was the second celeb to be voted off, with professional partner Curtis Pritchard. However, romance still had a chance to blossom between her and Ryan. Speaking to the Herald in September, Thalia said the move home was a goal for the couple. Apart She said living in the same country was very important to them now because they had not enjoyed being apart in the past. She added that Ryan's mum would be happy to have him back on Irish soil after spending so many years in England. "He loves Ireland and his parents are up North, so for his mum to have him in the same country would be the be-all and end-all," said Thalia. "She'd be so delighted." Thalia said settling down in Dublin was definitely something on the couple's wish list. She said they needed somewhere central but also suitable for their dogs. "There are conversations being had, but we aren't going to make any big moves just yet," she said in the September interview. "It has proved more difficult than we hoped to find somewhere central and somewhere suitable for the dogs. "We'll get there eventually, we have a bit of time and it isn't the end of the world, and definitely, moving back to Dublin is something we are looking at." Moira Gleeson is to face trial accused of 30 offences A woman accused of forging a signature on cheques and stealing more than 15,000 from a Dublin-based company is to stand trial. Moira Gleeson (59) was served with the book of evidence when she appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court. The accused, of St Patrick's Park, Donabate, is charged with 30 counts of theft and of making a false instrument. The thefts and forgeries all- egedly took place over five years on dates between 2010 and 2015. It is alleged that Ms Gleeson signed a named man's signature on a number of cheques with the intention that they would be used to induce another person to draw sums of money from a bank account. It is also alleged that she stole sums ranging from 382 to 1,300 from the same bank account at various banks in the Dublin 15 area. Caution The estimated amount of money allegedly stolen by Ms Gleeson amounted to more than 15,000. A state solicitor told the court the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused. She will now go forward to the present sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge John King gave Ms Gleeson the formal alibi caution. The judge also ordered that a videocopy of an interview that gardai conducted with the accused be forwarded to her legal team. Defence solicitor Wayne Kenny and one junior counsel were assigned on free legal aid. Gardai said there was no objection to Ms Gleeson being further remanded on bail. Judge King remanded the accused on bail in her own bond of 500. She has not yet indicated a plea. For Subscribers Seven days of horror end with two ex-cops and two little girls dead Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian says he made clear to U.S. national-security adviser John Bolton last week that Armenia will pursue its national interests and maintain "special relations" with its neighbor Iran. Finchannel reports in its article Pashinian Says He Made 'Clear' to U.S. that Armenia Will Maintain Ties with Iran that addressing the Armenian parliament on November 1, Pashinian said he told Bolton when he visited Yerevan last week that Armenia is a landlocked nation that does not have diplomatic relations with either neighboring Turkey or Azerbaijan, so it must retain "special relations" with its other two neighbors -- Iran and Georgia -- which he said are Armenia's only "gateways" to the outside world. Bolton visited the Caucasus nations of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan last week in part to push for compliance with the sanctions that the United States is reimposing on Iran's oil and financial sectors on November 5 after withdrawing from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in April. In an interview with RFE/RLs Armenian Service on October 25, Bolton said he told Pashinian that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump will enforce sanctions against Iran very vigorously. For that reason, he said, the Armenian-Iranian border is going to be a significant issue. Pashinian told the parliament that his response to Bolton was: We respect any countrys statement and respect the national interests of any country, but the Republic of Armenia has its own national and state interests, which do not always coincide with the interests and ideas of other countries, any other country. Pashinian made his remarks in response to a lawmaker's question about what effect the U.S. sanctions on Iran would have on Armenia. Days after his talks with Pashinian and other foreign leaders, Bolton conceded that the White House is unlikely to achieve its stated goal of reducing Iran's oil exports to "zero" under the sanctions. A hard-liner who has pushed for the toughest possible sanctions on Iran, Bolton's remarks suggested for the first time that the White House may be preparing to grant waivers from the sanctions to some countries like India, Turkey, and South Korea that have requested them. Still, Bolton insisted that the sanctions already are having a powerful effect on Iran's economy, in particular helping to cause a collapse in Iran's currency, the rial, this year. In recent years, Russia has been going through quite challenging times. Economic slowdown, a collapse in oil prices and Western sanctions which have deprived Moscow of cheap money and technologiesall of these have pushed the Kremlins strategists to concentrate on import substitution policy, the reorganization of import supply chains, decreasing dependency on oil exports and pushing for the countrys pivot towards Asia. The National Interest reports in its article A Russian Pivot to Asia? that in Moscows view, Asia is a rapidly growing alternative to the current Western-centric system of international economic and political relations. Moreover, the Kremlin sees that this system does not reflect todays economic and political realities. This is why Russia started to invest a great deal of time and effort in building and developing lasting relations based on mutual respect and interests with partners in Asia. With Moscows recent obsession with the turning to the Asia-Pacific region, there are still doubts if it can so at the expense of its Western partners. However, it seems that Moscow is trying to sit on two chairs. The Kremlin cant afford to alienate Europe completely because it is Russias major economic partner (with over 40 percent of trade) and provider of technologies. At the same time, Russia is building and developing bridges with Asia, looking for new partners and markets that could potentially diversify its current economic activities. Since 2015, Russia has been organizing a clone of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in the countrys Far Eastthe Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)which aims at opening new opportunities for Russian companies in the east and for Asian businesses in Russia. If one were to compare these two major economic venues, it is clear which one is becoming more important. It is enough just to look at the high-profile guests of both forums. In 2018, leaders of China, Japan, South Korea and Mongolia took part in the EEF, while the SPIEF was attended only by French president Emmanuel Macron and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe. Contracts signed during the last EEF amounted to over $46 billion, while the SPIEF gathered contracts worth $38 billion. The Demand for Petrochemicals The global petrochemicals market is considered to be the fastest growing, and expected to increase considerably over the next five years, rising from 1,464 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2015 to 1,708 mtpa by 2020 and to 1,931.5 mtpa in 2026. In addition to that, according to 2018 BP Energy Outlook , petrochemicals is projected to be the fastest growing source of demand. Asia is going to be the main driver of such growth, with China leading as the largest consumer of petrochemicals. In Russia, chemical products account for 4.4 percent ($19 billion) of all exports. The industrys goods are the third most exported from the country after minerals and metals. And it seems that the countrys industry wants to grow its capacities. Seyfeddin Roustamov, a businessman who controls Metafrax, one of the top three producers of synthetic resins in Europe and the largest producer and exporter of methanol in Russia, said that his company is planning to invest more than 950 million euros ($1.1 billion) in construction of a chemical complex construction in Gubakha, located in the region of Perm. The facility is planned to produce up to 575,000 tons of carbamide, 308,000 tons of ammonia and 41,000 tons of melamine per year. The project is the companys biggest investment in decades. In October 2017, Metafrax signed a contract worth 388 million euros ($447 million) with Swiss Casale SA (the world leader in creating and licensing its own technologies in production of ammonia, methanol, carbamide and melamine), which will provide services for project documentation, technological know-hows, equipment set-up, and construction management. Such cooperation confirms the dependency of Russian producers of European suppliers of technologies and licenses. That said, 40 percent of Metafraxs revenue comes from exports to the UK, Finland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and others. European countries are the biggest consumers of the companys products. In February 2018, Roustamovs company established SamyangMetaa joint venture with Korean Sunghong Co., Ltd. to boost its outreach to the Asia-Pacific. Interestingly, Metafrax also hopes to deliver its products to the European market through this joint venture. It looks increasingly like an attempt to find alternative ways to increase its presence in Europe. Nevertheless, Moscows attempts to expand to the Asian markets in its quest to diversify its choice of economic partners is, in fact, a quite rational policy given the prospects of Asian market growth. However, this endeavor, though very attractive, seems to be challenging. Despite the fact that the Russian economy has been dealing quite successfully with the economic challenges it faces, it still lacks the structural reforms needed to sustain the countrys long-term economic development. The pivot to Asia policy cannot resolve all Russias economic problems alone, nor will it smooth Moscows confrontation with the West. This is why the Kremlin shall not develop ties with Asia at the expense of its relations with Europe. It needs to find a healthy balance which will allow Russia to develop successfully while taking advantage from both worlds. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Ankaras readiness to eleminate all terrorist groups east of the Euphrates, but Turkish strikes against Kurdish YPG caused negative reaction in Washington, which said that attacks in the north-west of Syria, especially in conditions when American troops may be present in the area, cause serious concern." Vestnik Kavkaza's columnist Mamikon Babayan analysed Ankara's operation against Kurds in Syrian territory. Today experts often say that war in Syria is almost coming to an end. In final stages of this multi-year confrontation, it's important for all forces that are involved in hostilities to take positions that are most advantageous for themselves. That's why Turkey is determined to carry out military operation in Syria in the shortest time possible in order to protect itself from possible terrorist threat from Kurds. Thanks to America's support, Kurds firmly entrenched in Raqqa, as well as in the east of Deir ez-Zor and Manbij, expanding their presence in Hassek and other neighboring provinces. Destruction of militant's strongholds near its border becomes a primary task for Turkey. After Syrian war ends, many of them will try to return to Turkey and continue their terrorist activities. Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to oust armed Kurds from the east coast of the Euphrates in order to prevent the return of the Kurdistan Workers' Party to Turkey. Turkish presence in Syria is dictated solely by Ankara's interests, and Turkey has made considerable efforts to ensure that international reaction to the ongoing hostilities in Syria is stable. In October, Istanbul hosted summit with participation of the Russian Federation and the EU, at which Erdogan discussed Turkey's future actions and received guarantees of non-interference in anti-Kurds operation from other states. Erdogan wated to find common ground with Russia, France and Germany, while the US didn't attend this summit, because for Ankara, Kurdish militants are terrorists, a factor of instability and separatism in the region, while the US still support them. As for Russia, its position remains neutral, since Moscow has no obligations before Kurds. Russia doesn't need new conflicts with Ankara, which remains its most valuable Middle Eastern partner. Moscow gradually minimizes Russia's activity in Syria, preferring not to expand it to areas that are far away from Russian military bases, including eastern shore of the Euphrates. Russia is satisfied with agreement reached between Damascus and Ankara, especially since Kurdish provinces are responsibility of the coalition, led by Washington. Difficult situation at the front pushes Kurds to negotiate with Syrian army. Turkey won't be able to remain in Syria for a long time, but Kurds can't fight on two fronts. Coalition with Damascus seems to be more acceptable scenario for Kurds. After all, absence of separatist intentions would be enough for Assad. Especially after cleaning out the north, Turks will have to leave. When the Hindu community world over was busy in celebrating the Navratras, the Hindu community of Mauritius was aggrieved at another desecration of a Kali Temple. This time, the desecration has been reported from Kali Mata Mandir, Bon Air Road, Triolet, Mauritius, as reported in Current Trigger. The desecration came to light after the devotees noticed that grease and paint were used to tarnish the images of Hindu deities on October 18th. Till the writing of this report, no one has been apprehended for the attack on the Hindu Temple. Last year several Kali Temples were attacked, leaving the Hindu community hurt. At that time paint and body parts of animals were used by the assailants to attack Kali Hindu Temples. Cases of discrimination in employment have also made several Hindu groups angry. In Mauritius, 49% of the population are Hindus, followed by Christians (32%) and Muslims (17%). Source : Hindupost As Thugs of Hindostan readies for release on Diwali, there is palpable excitement about the film. After all, it is a star-led project, like Yash Raj Films presentations tend to be. While Aamir Khan will be seen playing Firangi Mallah, a rogue who switches sides at the drop of a hat, 76-year-old Amitabh Bachchan will be seen as a leader of a band of thugs named Khuda Baksh, who takes on the might of the British in the dying years of the 18th century. The massive sets, the ships, the heavy weaponry and attire, the songs and scenes from the film, have piqued everybodys interest. While Aamir, understandably, is likely to get a lions share of the onscreen time, there is no denying that Amitabh too will feature in the film for a considerable period of time. This is no mean task, as many of his generation has faded from the public memory, Big B continues to be a big draw often competing with the lead stars for top billing. Amitabh has now been working for 49 years and has nearly half a century of work behind him. A journey that started in 1969 with Saat Hindustani has continued till this day and the future looks equally promising with films like Badla and Brahmastra in the pipeline. To an entire generation of young cine goers, Amitabh of the 1970s and 1980s is the stuff from their fathers generation; one that they may be aware of but certainly cant identify with. They have their own favourite Amitabh films, the ones he worked in the last few years. Amitabh Bachchan in Pink. It is simply commendable that as an actor, Amitabh has been able to reinvent himself repeatedly. Not only has he been part of successful films, he has relentlessly experimented with subjects and themes as well. In 2015, came Piku, a bittersweet story of a father and daughter relationship where he was pitted against younger stars, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan. As a cantankerous man, who is obsessed with his bowel movement, Amitabh is a crucial clog in the wheel and possibly one of the reasons for the films success. Made at an estimated budget of Rs 420 million (Rs 42 crore), the film made Rs 1.41 billion (Rs 141 crore). Amitabh Bachchan in Wazir, where his co-star was Farhan Akhtar. The same year saw the release of films like Wazir and Te3n, both of which had him in rather unconventional roles. In both, he plays characters who orchestrate the entire drama. In Wazir, he plays a wheelchair-bound man who seeks revenge against a terrorist-turned-politician, responsible for the death of his daughter. In Te3n, he plays a grandfather hoping to find the missing links in the kidnapping and disappearance of his granddaughter and through a twisted plot, seeks deliverance. In 2016, he came up with another stellar performance with Taapsee Pannu starrer Pink. Playing a lawyer suffering from bipolar disorder, he chooses to fight for three young women in court who accuse a powerful politicians son of molestation. Made at an estimated budget of Rs 23 crore, Pink went on to make Rs 107.32 crore. In Pink, Amitabh appeared a lawyer suffering from bipolar disorder. After a low 2017, Amitabh was back with a bang in 102 Not Out. Playing a centurion, teaching his sour-as-grapes 76-year-old son to embrace life, Amitabh was again in his elements. A moderate success, the film was nonetheless lauded for its performances. Going by these parameters, one can safely assume that his roles in Badla and Brahmastra will have some meat as well. A successful stint that began in 2001 when the first season of Kaun Banega Crorepati was launched, Amitabh has constantly challenged conventional wisdom and over a period of 18 years given memorable performances in films like Bhoothnath Returns, Paa, Cheeni Kum, Bhoothnath, Sarkar Raj, Bunty Aur Babli and Black. This is not to discount the number of television ads that he keeps appearing in and having a social media presence that can challenge even the biggest of the current crop of stars in their game. Author tweets @mniveditatweets Follow @htshowbiz for more The 26-year-old model, who was on Thursday arrested for the murder of a government school teacher in Bawana, had allegedly hired two contract killers, police said on Friday. Police also announced a fourth arrest in the case on Friday. The fourth accused, Rajeevs driver Deepak, was arrested for helping Angel contact the two contract killers. Deputy commissioner of police (Rohini), Rajneesh Gupta, said, Shashi Prabha alias Angel Gupta had struck a deal for Rs 10 lakh with the two hired killers and had paid them 2.5 lakh in two instalments. On Monday morning, Sunita, a teacher of a government school in Sonepat in Haryana, was found murdered on the streets of Bawana. She had sustained three bullet wounds. On Thursday, police had claimed to have solved the murder with the arrest of Sunitas husband, Manjeet Sehrawat (38), and his alleged partner, Angel Gupta, and her foster father Rajeev. Police maintained that the woman had plotted the murder because she was in a relationship with Manjeet and wanted to eliminate Sunita. A police officer said that while Manjeet and Rajeev were also involved in the murder conspiracy, it was Angel who had planned it and paid the killers. The officer said the three had hatched the plan over the last six months after Sunitas brother went to Angels house in Delhis RK Puram and asked her to stay away from Manjeet. Police said the two gunmen had initially demanded 18 lakh but settled for 10 lakh. Police said the two gunmen have been identified. We are conducting raids to nab them. Everyone had a specific role in the murder conspiracy. The final planning was done on October 23 when all of them met. Angel assigned everyone their specific task before flying to Mumbai, where she was at the time of the crime. While Manjeets role was to tell the others of his wifes routine, Rajeev and Deepak did a recee of the roads Sunita took, the officer said. DCP Gupta said Sunitas personal diary helped them unravel the murder plot. Sunita used to pen down her feelings whenever she felt depressed because of her husbands affair. She had written that her husband was threatening to kill her if she refused to divorce him, said Gupta. Sunitas children and her other family members also confirmed that her husband was in an extramarital affair with the model since 2012. They contacted her and asked her to join probe. Manjeet disclosed that the model had been asking him to marry her. He had asked his wife to divorce him but when she refused, he started threatening to kill her, said another officer. Angel has worked in some music videos and was earning well. She used to help Manjeet out financially as his real estate business was not doing well, the officer said. On November 2nd, The Moscow State University History Faculty hosted the international conference 'Minsk Ghetto: 75 years later'. It was organized by the Russian information and analysis agency Vestnik Kavkaza, the History Faculty Laboratory of Diasporas History, the All-Israel Belarus-born Community, the History Institute of the Belarus National Academy of Science, the Belarus State University History Faculty, and 'Historic Memory' Modern Historic Studies Fund. Vestnik Kavkaza talked to one of speakers at the conference, the Director General of the AzIs International Association of Israel and Azerbaijan, Lev Spivak about importance of Holocaust commemoration. - What are key goals of such events? - I think the main goal is a commemoration work. The awful tragedy of Holocaust must not be forgotten. We must recall it again and again not only because Holocaust of European Jews during the World War II was a devastating tragedy with an unprecedented number of murdered people. Unfortunately for all normal people, similar events are happening even today, even though to a lesser extent. The massacre in Azerbaijani Khojaly, the tragedy in Odessa three years ago, the awful things committed by Bandera followers in Ukraine were mentioned at our conference. This is not the past, this is our life, the events are happening now. It means this can happen to any of us tomorrow. Who can guarantee that there will be no Holocaust of Azerbaijanis, Belarusians, Russians, and again Jews tomorrow? Nobody can. Thats why we must speak about it again and again. - How do people in Israel treat elimination of commemoration of the World War II in Europe? - We regard this tendency with horror. By the way, this is one of moments of complete mutual understanding between Israel and Russia: we agree that there must be no history rewriting. We are taught that history is written by winners. However, winners should do it reasonably because their behavior can hurt themselves tomorrow. Unfortunately, the authorities of the Baltic states, Ukraine, and Armenia commit historic inversions and laud Nazi collaborators, turn murderers into a role model for future generations. It must be prevented. - What do you think about Russias contribution to commemoration of the World War II? - I believe Russia is one of countries that do more than others to commemorate the awful tragedy (along with Israel where this is the central topic and where the Holocaust Museum is situated). Moscow has the Holocaust Museum on the Poklonnaya Gora. Russias special attention to the topic is proven by todays conference which is held in a key pillar of the Russian science, the top university, the Moscow State University, the History Faculty. - What can you say about Holocaust commemoration work in Azerbaijan? - I think Azerbaijan almost doesnt touch on the topic because the republic wasnt occupied. Those Jews who live in Azerbaijan and have suffered from Holocaust are either like me whose ancestors moved to Azerbaijan later but preserved ties with relatives in Ukraine, Belarus, and so on. I think there is no European Jew in the whole world, whose relative hadnt died in the tragedy. However, the Azerbaijani Jews are lucky in this respect. By the way, there was a concentration camp not far from Azerbaijan, in the North Caucasus. A few people know about it. Until recently, it wasnt even considered to be a concentration camp. It was recognized a few years ago by Israel. Only Mountain Jews were prisoners of the death camp. And now they are on the dole. Previously, the concentration camp was not revealed. On an April evening in 1917, a lawyer named Vallabhbhai Patel was playing bridge at the Gujarat Club in Ahmedabad. This was, for him, a routine affair; every day, after his work at the Bar ended, he headed straight for the card table. This evening in April 1917 was different. Earlier in the day, in distant Bihar, another Gujarati lawyer had been detained for refusing to obey an official order to leave Champaran. As the historian David Hardiman writes, when the news of Gandhis defiance of the British Raj reached Ahmedabad, the legal fraternity at the Gujarat Club leapt to their feet, and decided to have this brave man as the next President of their Sabha. No one was more moved by the news than Vallabhbhai Patel. Indeed, he quit his law practice shortly afterwards; and for the next 30 years worked alongside Gandhi, helping him build the Congress, plan and execute various movements of civil disobedience, and in other ways help advance the movement for freedom from colonial rule. Before Patel, Gandhi had himself abandoned a prosperous legal practice to work full-time for the Indian community in South Africa. Their renunciation is well known; yet it came to mind when I read of two senior Congress leaders, both former ministers, serving as counsel for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). And it came to mind again when I heard that another Congress leader, a serving member of Parliament, was acting as the lead counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in the Sabarimala case. The AIMPLB and the TDB represent the most reactionary elements in their respective communities. Both are implacably opposed to equal rights for women. And yet, while Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi talk often of how their party stands for full gender equality, their own former ministers and serving MPs appear in the Supreme Court arguing that Indian women, Muslim as well as Hindu, should be denied various kinds of rights promised them by the Constitution. What are the words one might use to describe this kind of behaviour? Opportunistic is one. Hypocritical is a second. Cynical is a third. Whichever epithet one finally chooses, one thing is clear; that the conduct at the Bar of these various leading Congressmen is in contemptuous violation of the history and legacy of the Indian National Congress. Gandhi and Patel were not alone in turning their back on legal practice when they joined politics. Other patriots across India did likewise. Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was as successful a lawyer in Tamil Nadu as Patel was in Gujarat or Gandhi in South Africa. When he joined the freedom movement, Rajaji left behind his practice too. However, in one exceptional case he returned to the court, as narrated below. In 1925, a Dalit entered a temple at Tiruchanur, close to Tirupati. The temple authorities filed a case against him, as their holy scriptures prevented Dalits from entering a shrine meant for caste Hindus alone. The charge was upheld by a judge who shared the prejudices of the temple authorities. When he read a report of this injustice, Rajaji was outraged, and temporarily abandoned his vow of non co-operation with the colonial justice system to appear on behalf of the victimised Dalit. As he wrote to a friend, the persecution and prosecution of this devout Dalit took me out of the mechanical groove of doctrine. Through his arguments in court, Rajaji persuaded the judge to overturn his original verdict and have the Dalit acquitted. By this time, Gandhi himself had not practised law for over a decade. The only occasions on which he had recently been in court had been as a convicted satyagrahi. However, he entirely approved of what his disciple had done. As Gandhi put it, Rajaji would have been like a Pharisee if he had sat there still, gloating over the sanctimonious satisfaction of non-cooperating, while the accused could have been discharged by his intervention. Like Gandhi, Patel, and Rajaji, Jawaharlal Nehru gave up the law to join the freedom struggle. Unlike them, he was never very successful at the Bar. Yet it is noteworthy that the one time he donned lawyers robes as a serving Congressman, it was to defend soldiers of the Indian National Army whom the British Raj had charged with treason. As with Rajaji, an exception was made for a worthy cause. One would have absolute respect for Congress ex-ministers and serving MPs if they either (a) entirely gave up private practice and focused on politics; (b) entirely gave up politics and focused on private practice. One would respect them too, if they remained in politics and took up only those briefs that resonated with the values and ideals of the Constitution their party claims to uphold. Yet, where the likes of Rajaji went back to the Bar to fight for equal rights for Dalits, the Congress lawyers of today appear repeatedly on behalf of groups that seek to deny women equal rights. When I first tweeted about the hypocrisy of these Congressmen, their apologists claimed that the code of the Bar Council mandated that they take any brief offered to them. I checked with learned scholars of the Bar who confirmed that this was not the case. Senior counsels, which is what these men are, are not obliged to take briefs if they dont wish to. That they do is a sign of their hypocrisy, opportunism, or worse. It is also a sign of how far removed Rahul Gandhis Indian National Congress is from the party of the same name that ex-lawyers like Mahatma Gandhi, Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and Chakravarti Rajagopalachari once so honourably served. Ramachandra Guha is the author of Gandhi: The Years That Changed The World The views expressed are personal Planning a car-o-bar with friends this Diwali season? Think twice because you could end up paying a hefty fine or even land in jail. Intensifying its action against the practice of drinking alcohol in public places, the Delhi government has launched a massive drive to nab those who are found violating the excise act. Excise officials said the focus this time will specially be on those found drinking inside cars. The fine for open drinking is Rs 5,000. But, if an offender is found creating nuisance then the fine becomes double along with three months in jail. Those who spot such activities can also lodge a complaint by calling on 011-23370262 between 10 am and 10 pm, the excise department said. After our first massive drive in 2016, the practice of drinking in places such parks, under flyovers and any isolated spots had reduced largely. But, most of it shifted to people parking their cars around liquor vends, takeaway joints and drinking inside their vehicles a trend which picks up around Diwali. This will not be tolerated anymore. Anyone found indulging in such activity will be fined or arrested or both, said Amjad Tak, excise commissioner. On day one of the drive itself, the department arrested 35 people and registered 18 cases. The violators were aged between 25 and 43. Out of 35, as many as 10 people were apprehended for drinking around liquor vends in Kalkaji, Seempuri and Sagarpur, states the action report taken. Five others were picked up from colony markets in areas such as Netaji Subhash Place and Prashant Vihar. Over half a dozen people were arrested from around take-aways in Okhla, Karol Bagh and Anand Vihar, an official said. Tak said the drive will continue throughout the month and if needed, it could be extended as well. To conduct the drive, the commissioner has formed 10 teams, all of whom will be accompanied by police officials. In the past two years, the government has apprehended 3,291 people for public consumption of liquor and 1,788 cases have been registered. Consuming liquor in the open is banned in the national Capital under section 40A of the Delhi Excise Act, 2009. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has also directed the department to run an intensive awareness campaign to dissuade people from drinking in public places. We have prepared radio ads, hoardings and advertisements to be put out in the news media to spread awareness on the issue. This ad campaign will begin from this weekend, an excise official said. The Delhi police too have been simultaneously conducting such drives. According to police records, more than 18,000 persons have been booked over the past one year with the highest numbers coming from areas such as Shahdara and Dwarka. In September, the Delhi government had directed liquor vends to deploy adequate number of guards to curb open drinking near the outlets. It had also directed these establishments to install CCTV cameras that can capture footage within 50 metres. The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) recently helped rescue a 30-year-old woman, who was allegedly confined at her parents house in Gurugram for the last five years, as her parents were opposed to her marrying a man outside of their caste, the DCW said in a statement on Friday. A DCW spokesperson said that a Gurugram court had, on October 26, ordered police to provide protection to the couple. In 2011, the woman had married an MNC employee, who she had met in college. Soon after, her parents allegedly confined her to the house and managed to get the couple an ex-parte divorce. She had reportedly called the 181 women helpline on October 23 following which a DCW team along with the city police reached the house to rescue her. After the rescue, the woman was kept at a safe house till she was produced in court and provided protection. The girl shall be re marrying her ex-husband after seven years now, a DCW official said. The couple had, in 2011, registered their marriage in Jaipur and did not reveal their marriage to their families as they feared that their families would oppose their marriage as they belonged to different castes. In November 2011, the man went to the womans place with a formal marriage proposal which her family refused. They threatened to kill him if he ever thought of marrying her while not knowing that they were already married, DCW said in the statement. When the couples efforts to pacify the families failed, they ran away together in January 2013. They had barely stayed together when the woman received a call from a friend informing her that her mother has had a cardiac arrest. The woman panicked and returned home, where she was confined. She tried to escape on October 23 but was caught after which she called the helpline and was rescued by our team, said Swati Maliwal, DCW chairperson. A local court on Friday granted bail to former BSP MPs son who threatened a man with a pistol at a luxury hotel last month. Metropolitan Magistrate Dharmender Singh asked Ashish Pandey, the son of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Rakesh Pandey and brother of BSP MLA Ritesh Pandey, to furnish a personal bond and surety bond of Rs 50, 000. The court directed him not to threaten or induce witnesses in the case. The court order came after Pandeys counsel N. Hariharan and lawyer S.P.M. Tripathi told the court that the alleged weapon has been recovered and as per verification report, the arms licence of the accused is genuine. The defence counsel said Delhi Police have already filed a chargesheet and investigation is almost complete. Pandeys counsel assured the court that his client is ready to abide by all the directions and conditions of the court. Pandey has surrendered in a local court on October 18 and was soon arrested by the Delhi Police. He claimed he was innocent. Ashish Pandey had been on the run since the early October 14 morning incident at the Hyatt Regency Hotel when a video clip showed him threatening a man, who was with a woman, by showing a pistol. The Delhi-NCR region is likely to have a firecracker-less Diwali because there will be no legal sale of firecrackers, with police officials confirming on Saturday that no licences will be given to retailers as no products conform to the guidelines laid down by the top court last month. The top court announced curbs on the use of fireworks across the country in general and more stringent conditions for their use in the National Capital Region (NCR) because of concerns over rising pollution. Specifically, it said only green crackers could be used in NCR. Bursting any of the conventional firecrackers will be illegal in the region. We will not be issuing permission to anyone to sell firecrackers this Diwali. The applicants for temporary licences do not have green firecrackers and are not in a position to procure them before Diwali. We have taken the decision to enforce the Supreme Court order on sale and use of firecrackers, said Madhur Verma, Delhi Police spokesperson. The few shops in Delhi holding licences that allow them to sell firecrackers all-year-round have kept their businesses shut because they admittedly do not have products that conform to the top courts directives. According to a 2017 affidavit to the top court and explanations offered by the countrys explosives regulator (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation or Peso) , green firecrackers refers to products that do not contain metals such as barium, aluminium and iron which release toxic gases but such products have not yet been manufactured for sale. Officials in Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram too said that no licenses have been issued for traders to sell firecrackers in the satellite towns of the national capital. In compliance with the Supreme Court order, we have not issued a single license this season to any trader for selling firecrackers. Only those who can submit proof that they are selling green firecrackers will be issued licences. However, so far no one has come forward, said Munish Sharma, additional deputy commissioner of Gurugram. He added that a licence can be provided if an applicant can prove that the product being sold conforms to the top courts directives. In Noida, the city magistrate said that while preliminary sales permissions have been given to some traders, licences will be handed out only after the applicants get a certificate from Peso and an affidavit stating their products can be considered green firecrackers. Nobody has submitted all documents so far, Shailendra Mishra, the city magistrate, said. The green firecracker order was first delivered by the top court on October 23, when it laid down a specific restriction for the national capital region considering the air quality crisis that has become typical for this time of the year. Last year, the sale of firecrackers was banned but people who brought them from outside irrespective of the type were free to use them. In the week following that ruling, the court reiterated thrice that only firecrackers without harmful chemicals can be used, leading to confusion among traders and law enforcement agencies since the ban was not complete like last year. Traders in north Delhis Sadar Bazar market said the restrictions had made it a black Diwali for them, and claimed losses could run into crores of rupees. Last year temporary licenses had been issued to hundreds of people after which each of them procured firecrackers worth more than ?5 lakh. All our stock went down the drain as the police revoked licences at the last minute. We are just grateful that police havent issued a licence in the first place this year because of which most traders havent bought any stock, said Narendra Gupta, head of Sadar Bazar Firework Association. In north Delhi district, where the popular wholesale firecracker market Sadar Bazar is located, only 69 applications were received this year compared to the 200 last year. In east Delhi district, the figure stood at 96. Deputy commissioners of police of both districts said none of the applicants were issued licences since they did not meet the criteria laid down by the top court. We will be verifying the applications once again on Sunday, but it is unlikely anyone will qualify, said Nupur Prasad, DCP (north). Some traders said they were now hoping to get some products approved at least for New Years Eve celebrations. Manufacturers have told us that it could take five-six months to start supplying green crackers. We just hope we can get a small stock for our regular customers by new year, SC Jain, who holds a permanent licence for selling firecrackers in central Delhis Dariba Kalan, said on Friday. Apart from the licence-holders, there are a number of small shops that illegally sell firecrackers every year in the city. But this year, every police station has formed special teams to crack down on such sales. As of Saturday, nearly 1,900 kilograms of illegal firecrackers had been seized from across the city, most of them from west Delhi. Seven people were booked in connection with the seizures. The Delhi Police on Friday issued an advertisement saying that the sale of non-green firecrackers would invite police action. The Delhi Police had not issued a single temporary licence for the sale of firecrackers till Friday, five days before Diwali is celebrated in the city. Shops that have permanent licences have continued to remain shut since the Supreme Court order on October 23. Delhi Police spokesperson Madhur Verma said that not a single applicant for temporary license had been able to meet the criteria put forward by the Supreme Court until Friday. Every year, temporary licences are issued by police to retailers for sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali. The apex court this year, however, has ruled that sale and bursting of only green firecrackers will be allowed this year. The government agencies working on the green crackers prototypes have already clarified that new products will not be available in the market this Diwali. Delhi does not have any stock of green firecrackers, which are certified by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). If shopkeepers dont meet the guidelines, they wont receive permission to sell crackers, said Verma. This effectively meant that even the few shops that have permanent licence to sell crackers round-the-year in the popular markets in the city will continue to remain closed. The police are filing cases and arresting people for selling crackers. We are not going to be opening our shops this Diwali, said Narender Gupta, a fireworks seller in north Delhis Sadar Bazar. Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik has asked his force to ensure that the Apex court guidelines are followed strictly. In a meeting attended by all district DCPS, the commissioner asked officers not to issue permanent licenses until PESO certified firecrackers were available in the market. He has ordered that the station house officers (SHOS) to patrol markets to prevent the sale of old stocks of firecrackers, said a DCP, who attended the meeting. SC Jain, a trader who holds a permanent licence in central Delhis Dariba Kalan, expressed apprehensions that Delhi residents may not be able to burst crackers at all this year. The firecracker manufacturers have told us that it could take five to six months to start supplying green crackers. We just hope we can get a small stock for our regular customers by New Year, said Jain. The Delhi Police had initially said that this year they would issue less than 450 temporary licences, as against 968 the previous year. With confusion prevailing about the guidelines, police have received just a handful of applications. The central Delhi district, for example, received only 27 applications this year as against 100 the previous year. The north district, under which the Sadar Bazar wholesale market falls, received 69 applications which was nearly a third of what they received last year. The police in these districts said they have abstained from issuing any licences because none of the applicants met the norms laid down by the Apex court. We have asked them to submit an affidavit that they would sell only green firecrackers. No one has came forward, said Nupur Prasad, deputy commissioner of police (north). MS Randhawa, deputy commissioner of police (central), said so far around 10 applicants have sought time to check if they could arrange any green firecrackers. We are going by the rulebook. We will issue licences only if they prove that they can meet the guidelines, said Randhawa. The Delhi Police on Friday issued an advertisement saying that the sale of non-green firecrackers, those with harmful metals and those emitting sound beyond a certain decibel level, will be considered illegal. Each district police have formed multiple teams to crack down on illegal sales and have seized 1,371 kilos of firecrackers so far. In west Delhis Tilak Nagar, at least 1,190kg of firecrackers have been seized and three FIRS registered in the last three days. Gopal Sankaranarayanan, a lawyer who advocated for the ban of crackers in the Apex court, said that the Delhi Polices focus on the decibel count and emission levels did not mean anything as the sale and bursting of crackers is banned in Delhi. The court has clearly told the Delhi Police that there were no Peso-certified green firecrackers in the city. Hence there is set to be a complete ban on crackers this year as well, said Gopal Sankaranarayanan. Delhi Police on Thursday arrested two men who had allegedly robbed a woman when she was walking along a lonely stretch in northeast Delhis Dayalpur last week. According to the police, the woman and her son were intercepted by two men on a bike in Dayalpuri around 9.30 pm on October 26. A video of the robbery, purportedly showing the woman and her minor son being robbed, had gone viral on social media. The video footage from a CCTV camera installed nearby shows the two men approaching the woman on a bike, following which the pillion rider gets off the two-wheeler and points a knife to threaten the woman. The man then snatches the womans chain and takes her other belongings. After that, he gets on the bike and the duo flees from the spot as the woman also walks away, the show. Joint commissioner of police, (eastern range), Ravindra Yadav, said after receiving a PCR call, a police team had rushed to the spot and collected CCTV footage from the vicinity. Soon after, a search operation for the two suspects was initiated. Intense surveillance and questioning of several people led to the identification of the two men identified as Nadeem alias Nalli (20) and Faizan alias Bala (21) both of whom are residents of Nehru Vihar in Delhi. In an early morning raid on Thursday, the two men were arrested from their residence and the motorcycle used in the robbery was recovered from their possession, Yadav said. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Friday invited the general public to witness a civil engineering spectacle as the much-awaited Signature Bridge over the Yamuna in northwest Delhi will be inaugurated on Sunday. The bridge will be thrown open for the public on Monday. We want to appeal to people of Delhi to come to the inauguration ceremony. There will get the opportunity to see how the bridge without a pillar works. It will be followed by a laser show, Sisodia said after inspecting the infrastructure project on Friday. The bridge is being projected as Indias first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge and was pitched as an iconic project for the Capital. After Sundays inauguration, the bridge will be finally thrown open for public on Monday 14 years after it was conceptualised. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Sisodia would be attending Sundays event. The bridge will reduce the travel time between north and northeast Delhi and will be developed into a tourist spot in the second phase of its development, Sisodia said on Friday. From the top of the bridge, the people of Delhi will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, like people can from the Eiffel Tower (in Paris). The people will be taken to the top of the bridge in four elevators with a total capacity of carrying 50 people, he said. It will serve as a tourist destination with the 154-metre-high glass box which is double the height of Qutub Minar, Sisodia said. Announced in 2004, the bridge was initially estimated to cost around 494 crore. Later, it was projected to be completed at a modified estimate of 1,131 crore ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which were held in Delhi. But since then, the project missed several deadlines and the cost eventually inflated to 1,594 crore. The bridge will share the burden of vehicular traffic currently borne by the Wazirabad Bridge. From a dress inspired by the plume of a peacock and fashioned out of bottle caps and cement sacks, to a black and orange tiger outfit made of plastic bags, one group of LGBT fashion designers in Cambodia crafts beauty from trash to battle discrimination. Violent attacks on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community are common in the conservative Southeast Asian nation, even though attitudes towards same-sex relationships have improved in recent years. Just five or 10 years ago, Cambodians saw the LGBT community as social trash, said Ith Sovannareach, founder of La Chhouk Recycled & Creative Fashion. People saw them as unnatural strangers. But now there is less discrimination, as weve seen more coverage on television and in newspapers about their capabilities. By making catwalk-ready outfits from waste scooped off the streets of the Cambodian capital, the 24-year-old Sovannareach is now subverting that stereotype, along with a team of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender designers. Cardboard, cans, plastic bags - even a toilet roll - have all found their way into the designs of the group from Phnom Penhs Royal University of Fine Arts. We use everything, but cement sacks and plastic are best, said Sovannareach. Many of the costumes, and their accompanying flamboyant headgear, take inspiration from traditional Khmer clothing. Companies such as Coca-Cola, and Heinekens Tiger Beer have hired Sovannareachs team to design dramatic garments from their waste products and, late last month, the United Nations commissioned the group to hold a fashion show. Transgender activist Kuy Thida, who ran a small stall at the show promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, said about 6,000 same-sex couples live together in Cambodia, which does not recognise their relationships as legal civil partnerships or marriages. Cambodia saw 100 violent and homophobic attacks during the first four months of 2015, the United Nations said in a report this year. In 2007, Prime Minister Hun Sen said he had disowned his adopted daughter because she had a lesbian relationship. Official disapproval discourages many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community from revealing their status, and many of the designers working with Sovannareach declined to speak to Reuters. They have to pretend to be two different people, he said of his colleagues. When they are at home, they act as their mothers want. They have to pretend theyre strong. Thidas family does not accept her as a transgender woman, the activist said. They still hope that I will marry someone of the opposite sex, so as not to make them upset or ashamed, she added. Some people just regard us as strange animals. T-1, aka Avni, a six-year old tigress and mother of two nine-month old cubs was shot dead in controversial circumstances late on Friday in the Yavatmal district, some 150km from Nagpur, by Asghar Ali, the son of a controversial hunter Shafat Ali, provoking sharp responses from animal rights activists even as villagers celebrated the death of a big cat that they and the forest department believe was responsible for at least 13 human deaths over 18 months. Avnis death, from a single bullet fired by Ali it isnt clear whether he was authorised to shoot the animal highlights the human animal conflict that is playing out, with tragic results for both humans and animals, in several parts of India. In this case, there werent too many arguments about whether or not Avni was responsible for the human killings but there were a lot about whether humans had any business being where they were. Animal rights activists saw them as encroachers, and argued that she couldnt be called a man-eater because she hadnt entered human habitations to kill people. The forest department, the local government, even the Supreme Court saw it otherwise. The apex court, in an order, refused to stay the order issued to kill her but said an attempt must first be made to tranquillise the tiger. According to the forest department, Ali shot Avni in self-defence after she allegedly attacked him at about 11.45 pm in Borati-Warud area after a failed attempt to tranquillise her. Ali is son of Shafath Ali, the sharp-shooter, who was previously engaged in the operation to tranquillise the tigress. The father, animal rights activists allege, is a big-cat hunter and his participation became controversial. There were reports that the state government decided to terminate his services after the intervention of Union minister Maneka Gandhi. Irrespective of his standing, Ali Senior continued to direct the hunt for the tigress , involving scores of camera traps and live bait (usually goats). Reports say that on Friday, Avni was lured with bait and a mixture or urine ( that of another tigress) and a perfume (Obsession) by Calvin Klein because it contains a pheromone big cats find attractive). Wildlife activists refused to believe the details of how Avni was killed. Dr Jerryl Banait, who approached the Supreme Court against the September 4 shoot-at-sight order of the state forest department, alleged the tigress was shot dead without any effort to tranquillise her. There was no wildlife veterinarian accompanying Ali, which is mandatory as per norms, he said. Kundan Hate, a wildlife activist and former functionary of WWF said that the forest department violated its own order, which stated that tranquillising efforts should be carried out first before elimination. Lawyer Tushar Mandlekar who fought against the shoot-at-sight order of the state forest department on September 4 at the Supreme Court demanded a probe under special investigation team (SIT). Mandlekar claimed that orders to shoot the tigress issued by PCCF (wildlife) AK Mishra was in the name of Shafath Ali. AK Mishra, the principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) and state wildlife warden said the tigress was killed on the spot. International round table "Minsk Ghetto: 75 Years Later", organized by Vestnik Kavkazka, the Diasporas History Laboratory of the MSU History Faculty, the All-Israel Association of Belarussians, the History Institute of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the History Faculty of the BSU, was held in the Moscow State University. Participants of this event discussed not only genocide of Jews during the Second World War in occupied territories of the USSR, but also attempts to glorify Nazi collaborators in some post-Soviet countries. One of the moderators of this round table, chairman of the All-Israel Association of Belarusians, Mikhail Alshansky, spoke about this genocide in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza. - How relevant is the topic of this round table? - Topic of destruction of the Minsk ghetto is very complex. 800,000 Belarusian Jews - every third person - were murdered during the Second World War. Before the war, Belarus was inhabited by 2 million 400 thousand Jews. I'm grateful to the Faculty of History of the Moscow State University for their initiative to hold this round table. I hope that we will hold such events at least once every three years. - This topic is obviously very important and relevant, especially considering recent events that occurred in the American city of Pittsburgh. In your opinion, what instruments should be used to eridicate ethnic hatred and anti-semitism from the world? - It happened in Pittsburgh, things like that happened during the Second World War, in times of the Spanish Inquisition, things like that always happened. I'm a pessimist when it comes to this matter. I don't believe that it will ever disappear. As long as there are Jews, there will be anti-semitism. And it's very, very sad. But I don't think anti-Semitism will disappear at political or everyday level. - What do you think about cooperation between Russia, Israel and Belarus in the fight against anti-Semitism? - Let's go back to history. There was a time when Israel and Russia didn't have any diplomatic relations, embassies were shut down. Remember Golda Meir's diplomatic mission. Today's relations between Israel and Russia are at a completely different level; they have changed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even calls President Putin "my friend Vladimir Vladimirovich." It's a completely different level, completely different relationship. Great movies are being filmed. I enjoyed "Sobibor", starring Khabensky. Of course, it would be great if our relations developed faster. I dont want to think that relations between Russia and Israel can change for the worse. Today various interests collide in Syria, interests of Israel, Russia, and America, as well as various groups. Israel can't afford to keep a weak army, to not defend itself and its people. Friendship with Russia is bearing results today. Russia acts as a deterrent Syria. With chief minister Yogi Adityanath likely to announce a 151-metre tall Lord Ram statue in Ayodhya during his pre-Diwali visit to the temple town, the Uttar Pradesh government has begun steps for its construction Tender for the architect and design consultant was floated and shortlisted firms gave a presentation to the chief minister. Some changes were suggested and a fresh presentation will be given after which we shall move for selection of the construction agency, said a senior official of the UP Rajkiya Nirman Nigam (UPRNN). The date for next presentation by the shortlisted firms is yet to be announced. The official said the statue will be 151 metres tall and the platform will be 50 metres, making the overall height of the structure 201 metres. The UPRNN had floated a tender for the project Saryu River front development and construction of Shri Ram Statue at Ayodhya UP at a cost of Rs 775 crore approximately. After technical evaluation of the bids for for the architecture and designing work, five firms were shortlisted for the work. These firms are from Kochi, Greater Noida, and Lucknow. The announcement is likely during the Deepawali festivities to be organised the next week when the chief minister is likely to visit Ayodhya. Addressing a meeting in Gorakhpur on October 31, Adityanath had said he will go with good news to Ayodhya. The first lady of South Korea Kim Jung-sook will also visit India from November 4-7 during which she will be at Ayodhya as chief guest for the Deepotsav event on November 6. Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Saturday has refused to commit on a date for Ram temple construction in Ayodhya, saying the matter was being heard by court, but instead, made a case for a Ram statue in the town. The issue is sub-judice. Since the matter is in court, we wont be able to set a date. But yes, who can stop us from coming up with a grand statue of the Lord in Ayodhya? Who can stop us from developing the temple town? Maurya told HT over phone. Saints in Ayodhya have been demanding a statue of Lord Ram similar to that of the recently-inaugurated statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of free India. Mahant Paramhans Das of Tapasvi Chavni has said if a statue of Lord Ram similar to that of Sardar Patel is installed in Ayodhya, it will give boost to tourism and development Mahant Suresh Das of Digambar Akhada said a big statue of Lord Ram will be of benefit for the devotees and the entire area. Adityanath had recently visited the Sardar Patel statue, which at 182 metres, is the worlds tallest, and was accompanied by some UPRNN officials. With general elections slated next year and Ram temple issue remaining in the core of the state politics, the statue project likely to take shape soon. Gujarat high court judge Akil Kureshi will hold the charge of acting chief justice till he is transferred to the Bombay high court, chief justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said, adding that a previous order that effectively put justice Kureshi who will be the senior-most judge in the Gujarat HC under a different acting justice was a mistake. The clarification came even as lawyers at the high court went on an indefinite strike to oppose justice Kureshis transfer to Maharashtra, where he will be the fifth senior-most judge. The bar believes that such a transfer is unjustified and certainly has no connection with better administration of justice... it [instead] impinges upon independence of judiciary, according to a statement by the Gujarat High Court Advocate Association (GHAA). Justice Kureshis transfer to Bombay High Court was recommended by the SC Collegium on Monday. But the collegium order also said that he will be transferred on or after November 15. This meant he would remain in Gujarat HC till November 14. On Thursday, the law ministry issued a notification saying justice A Dave, a judge junior to justice Kureshi, would take over as acting chief justice of the Gujarat HC. The chief justice of a court is by convention the most senior. The order triggered protests among lawyers. On Friday morning, the law ministry issued another notification superseding the earlier notification and appointed justice Kureshi as the acting chief justice of Gujarat high court. It seems the second notification in supersession of the earlier one came after the CJI took up the matter. Gujarat high court chief justices post fell vacant after justice R Subhash Reddy was elevated to Supreme Court on Friday. Justice Kureshi, who joined bar in 1983 and was appointed additional judge in Gujarat in 2004, has been a part of benches that delivered verdict in sensitive cases, such as a 2002 Gujarat communal riots case and a Lokayukta appointment case. A 30-year-old school teacher in Andhra Pradeshs Kurnool district allegedly slit the throat of a Class 9 girl for rejecting his marriage proposal on Saturday. Shankar, her Hindi teacher and a Vidya Volunteer in Rockwood High School, has been stalking the 14-year-old girl for a year, police said. Kurnool DSP Yugandhar Babu said the accused had been pressurising the girls parents, from the washermen community, to get her to marry him, but they had declined, as she is a minor. Around 9 am, when the parents were away, Shankar went to her house in Bangarupeta area of Kurnool city in a drunken state, sent her younger brother out and slit her throat with a knife. As the victim raised an alarm, he slit his own throat. Neighbours who gathered rescued the girl, thrashed Shankar and handed him over to the police. Police admitted both in a local government hospital, where sources said the girl is out of danger. Andhra Pradesh human resource development (HRD) minister Ganta Srinviasa Rao condemned the attack and directed Kurnool district education officer to dismiss Shankar from service. The Kerala police are not taking any chances as Sabarimala temple is set to open for a days pooja on November 5. Prohibitory orders will be issued at Pamba and other areas near the Lord Ayyappas shrine from Saturday night to Tuesday to prevent any untoward incidents. Heavy security cover is being deployed in the wake of the recent violent protests against the entry of women in the 10-50 age following a Supreme Court order. Prohibitory orders would be clamped at Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Illuvangal, according to police sources. The shrine had been opened for five days from October 17 for monthly poojas but it witnessed protests by devotees and other outfits as at least a dozen young women made vain attempts to offer prayers amidst police protection. Some 543 cases have been registered in connection with the violent protests and 3,701 people arrested till Thursday, according to police. On Friday, BJP observed a bandh in Pathanamthitta after the body of a missing Ayyappa devotee was recovered. While the post-mortem revealed that the man, Sivadasan (60), had died of injuries in one of his legs, the party alleged that he had died in police action against protesting devotees at Nilakkal. An office of the caste-based outfit Nair Service Society (NSS), which is opposing the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple, was vandalised in Nemom near Thiruvananthapuram early on Friday, police said. Following verbal and digital attack against certain police officers, the Indian Police Service (IPS) Association of Kerala passed a resolution, saying an attempt has been made to vilify and intimidate police officers who carried out their duties during the recent violent protests. Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Saturday refused to commit on a date for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying the matter was being heard by court, but instead made a case for a Ram statue on a day when a section of politically inclined seers hinted on a move forward in December. In Jaipur, Union HRD minister and partys poll incharge for Rajasthan said at a press conference that the Ram temple was never a poll issue for the saffron party and asked the Congress to clarify its stand on the matter, days after leader Shashi Tharoors remark that no good Hindu would want the temple built after demolishing somebody elses place of worship. Asked if the BJP was making it an election issue, Javadekar said for the saffron party, it was a matter of faith. Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad also held a press conference in Jaipur where he said for the Congress, the issue was development. He also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje on issues of farm distress, corruption, unemployment and safety of women. Javadekar challenged the Congress to debate on employment. But their strategy is spit and run. They make allegations and run. But we are open to discussion. Speaking to Hindustan Times over phone in Lucknow, Maurya said, Since the matter is in court, we wont be able to set a temple date. But yes, who can stop us from coming up with a grand statue of the Lord in Ayodhya? Who can stop us from developing the temple town? His comments came on a day when a group of Hindu seers pushing for the Ram temple met in Delhi. Former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti, of the Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas, said the temple construction would start from December 6, the day when the Babri mosque in Ayodhya was demolished 25 years ago. The Congress was quick to point this out and attack the BJP for double-speak. After suggesting all this while that they are working on a temple law, now they suddenly announce that they would abide by the court, Congresss secretary Devendra Pratap Singh said. He referred to the build-up in Delhi and Vedantis comments to say the BJP was trying to fool people who would show it its rightful place in the 2019 polls. Earlier, Union minister Niranjan Jyoti had also made a similar declaration in Unnao. Wait till December, she said when HT asked her about her views on whether the BJP could bring a law to push its temple agenda ahead of the general elections. The Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute is being heard by the Supreme Court which has listed the matter for the first week of January 2019. Maurya, who had earlier said that legislation would be considered if the top court doesnt arrive at a consensus, asserted that no structure in the name of Mughal emperor Babur would come up in Ayodhya. Union home minister Rajnath Singh had said during a visit to Varanasi recently: It would be nice and everyone would be happy if a temple comes up. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday moved the Supreme Court against the illegal removal of CBI chief Alok Verma, 10 days after he and his deputy were divested of all powers by the government in a midnight order. The act is, completely illegal, arbitrary, punitive, without jurisdiction, Kharge, who is the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, said. The Congress leader in his petition said that he, being on the three- member committee that selects the CBI chief, should be heard before any order is passed in the case. The CBI director is appointed by a panel comprising the prime minister, the chief justice and the leader of the opposition. The tenure and term of the CBI director is protected and even the process of transfer cannot be effected without the previous consent of the Committee, he added. The Congress leader said it was in the national and public interest to protect and maintain the institutional sanctity and integrity of Indias premier investigating agency. Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana were divested of all charge in a 2.30am order on October 24 as a culmination of the internal feud in the agency. Nageshwar Rao was appointed the interim chief. Verma challenged the government order within hours of being stripped of his powers as the agencys boss. The court has set a two-week deadline for the completion of CVC probe against Verma and asked a retired judge to monitor it. While the government said the court order would ensure that highest standard of fairness are maintained, the opposition Congress interpreted the direction to imply that the court didnt trust the corruption watchdog CVC enough. A Delhi court on Saturday dismissed the bail application of Manoj Prasad, an alleged middleman arrested in connection with bribery allegations involving the agencys special director Rakesh Asthana. Special CBI judge Santosh Snehi Mann denied bail to Prasad, saying the court cannot granted relief to him at this stage. Manoj Prasad, arrested on October 17, is currently in judicial custody. The court had on October 31 granted bail to co-accused and CBIs DSP Devender Kumar after the agency did not oppose his bail petition. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered an FIR against Rakesh Asthana and others on a written complaint of businessman Sathish Sana on October 15. The family of Ehtisham Bilal, the Kashmiri student who has allegedly joined the Islamic State after going missing from his Greater Noida university, Saturday appealed to the militant group to let him return as he was the only son. The appeal came after a picture of a person wearing a black outfit and weapons and posing with the IS flag and an audio message, purportedly of Ehtisham, announcing he had joined the IS in the state, went viral on social media in Kashmir. In a video message shared widely on social media, the students father Bilal Ahmed said his son was the only male heir of an extended family and asked the militants to allow him return home, reported PTI. Have mercy on us and let him return. Allah will have mercy on you, he said. Your paradise is your parents, you are the only hope of 12 family members. Did you forget that this house has seen four deaths in the last two years, said Ahmed as tears streamed down his face. Ehtishams mother also pleaded and begged her only son to return home as she wept inconsolably next to her husband. Please release him as he is the only son among the family. For Gods sake, please allow him to come back, said one of Bilals sisters. Ehtisham went missing last Sunday after telling his father he was going sight-seeing in Delhi. A native of Khanyar in downtown Srinagar, he had shifted to Greater Noida three months ago after enrolling in Sharda University and was living in the varsitys hostel at the Knowledge Park area in Greater Noida. On October 4, he was roughed up by a group of students who mistook him for an Afghan during a clash between Indian and Afghan students at Sharda University campus in Greater Noida. Police had lodged a first information report against 350 students of Sharda University for rioting. Without mentioning the place or the incident specifically, the voice in the audio mentions some people who attacked him like dogs and states that he had made up his mind to take up jihad that day. Meanwhile, police said that they are verifying the authenticity of the picture and the audio. We are verifying these things. This has to be confirmed, said additional director general of police Munir Khan. If authentic, the picture and the audio raises fear that the 17-year-old, a first-year student of bachelor in medical imaging technology, might have joined militancy. J&K police have also been checking on people who have been visiting Ehtisham in Kashmir. Sajad Shah, superintendent of police, north Srinagar, on Wednesday said he was not sure of any militancy connection. However he mentioned that the boy was friends with a youth who had later joined militancy. He was friends with youth Fahad Waza who joined militancy and was killed in an encounter at Fateh Kadal on October 17, Shah had said. Former chief minister Omar Abdullah termed Ehtishams case hugely worrying. If this is genuine its hugely worrying. Sometimes seemingly small actions have huge consequences. If what happened to him at #ShardaUniversity has lead him to choose such a destructive path its even more tragic. One more life on the path to ruin & one more family in turmoil, he said in a tweet. (With PTI inputs) Ahead of Yogi Adityanaths visit to Ayodhya for Diwali celebrations on November 6, there is buzz around the good news that the Uttar Pradesh chief minister has promised, as several statements appear to signal the build-up of a narrative by the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) on the Ram temple issue. Yogi Adityanath will visit Ayodhya for the Deepotsav celebrations there on Diwali eve. CM Yogi Adityanath is a saint. He has prepared a plan for Ayodhya. He will give good news to the people regarding temple on Diwali. Yogi will disclose his plan during visit to the temple town during the Deepotsav celebration, state BJP president Mahendra Nath Pandey said on Friday. Pandeys comment came hours after RSS spokesperson Bhaiyyaji Joshi said the organisation was ready to carry out a campaign similar to the rath yatra of 1990. After the Supreme Court turned down requests for an early hearing in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute and posted the hearing for the first week of January, the RSS has said the government should bring in a law and acquire the land to facilitate the construction of the temple. Yogi too has called for an early resolution to the Ayodhya dispute a few days ago. If justice is given in time, it is appreciated as fair but when delayed it is equivalent to injustice, he said on Wednesday. A senior BJP leader said along with announcing the launch of various development projects (museum, art gallery, airport dedicated to Ram in Ayodhya), Adityanath will convince the people about his commitment to building the Ram temple. He is also likely to announce the construction of the grand statue of Ram on the bank of River Saryu. The state government plans to build the 100-metre tall statue at a cost of Rs 330 crore. It will be installed on a 36-metre high pedestal near the bank of the river, he said. Addressing a meeting in Gorakhpur on October 31, Adityanath had said he will go with good news to Ayodhya. State deputy CM KP Maurya said, Ayodhya Ram temple matter is sub-judice before SC, we cant do anything about it, but no one is stopping us from erecting a grand statue of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. If someone stops us well see...No one can stop us from developing Ayodhya. A political observer RK Mishra said the right-wing groups and sadhus were building pressure for construction of the temple by bringing an ordinance or an executive order. The BJP government now had little option but to accede to their demands, he said. Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP) chief Swami Narendra Giri said Adityanath was likely to intimate the top leadership about the sentiments of the saints and set a deadline for construction of the temple during his visit to Ayodhya on November 6. . Around 7.30 pm on Thursday, villagers in Bisonimukh Kherabari in Assams Tinsukia district heard a loud noise and thought firecrackers were going up in flames. But when some of them reached a small bridge at the entrance of the village, they found five men with gunshot wounds lying in a pool of blood. Abhinash Biswas, his brother Ananta Biswas, uncle Shyamlal Biswas, and Dhananjay Namashudra, Subel Das died soon after. While Ananta and Abhinash were at their house, Shyamlal was alone at his grocery store a few metres away. Dhananjay and Subal, too, were picked up from the village. Police said they recovered 38 empty cartridges of AK-47 from the spot. The attack in the village, where majority of the people are Bengali-speaking scheduled caste Hindus, has again highlighted the fault lines between the states indigenous groups and Bengali speakers. Arjun Biswas, the son of Shyamlal, said his father had four gunshot wounds, including one on his head. Urmila Biswas, the wife of Abhinash, said a short, stout man in army fatigues and carrying an assault rifle, walked into the courtyard of their house on Thursday. Three other men waited outside the gate. They did not speak much and asked the victims to accompany them to the bridge, she said. I thought something was not right. Why is the army taking them, Urmila said. Minutes later she heard gunshots. Shadeb, who survived as he fell into the stream before he could be shot, told the family the gunmen did not talk much. They just made them sit down and fired at them, a villager quoted Shadeb as saying. Shadeb has been taken into protective custody. Tej Pratap Yadav, son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, on Friday filed a petition seeking divorce from his wife of six months, Aishwarya Rai, leaving his family and party workers stunned. Tej Prataps lawyer cited incompatibility as the reason for the divorce. I cannot give much details. I was only told by my client that he and his wife were not compatible and hence he wanted divorce, lawyer Yashwant Kumar Sharma said. The separation has been sought invoking Section 13 A of the Hindu Marriage Act under which either spouse can unilaterally seek divorce, said lawyer Yashwant Kumar Sharma, who filed the petition on behalf of Tej Pratap at a civil court in Patna. The divorce petition has been listed for hearing on November 29. Family members claimed ignorance. I am totally ignorant about the petition. I am shocked and surprised, said his eldest sister, Misa Bharti, a Rajya Sabha MP. RJD chiefs close aide and MLA Bhola Yadav was also not aware about the reasons that prompted Yadav to go for separation. It is really surprising, he said. Tej Pratap, a sitting RJD MLA and a former Bihar minister, had tied the knot with Aishwarya Rai on May 12. The grand wedding ceremony for which Prasad, serving sentences in fodder scam cases, had flown in from Ranchi after obtaining parole from a court, was attended by political leaders from virtually all political parties including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. Journalists and cameramen made a beeline outside the 10, Circular Road residence of Rabri Devi where Aishwarya Rai along with her father Chandrika Rai visited in the evening while refusing to take questions. There were reports that soon after filing the petition, Tej Pratap left for Ranchi to see his ailing father but was forced to return following pressure from family. The divorce sought by Tej Pratap is a big blow to the RJD family, which is already battling legal cases in various scams. Nothing seems to be going right for them, said a close aide of the RJD chief. (With PTI inputs) Assam Police on Saturday arrested a person allegedly affiliated to ULFA (I) in connection with the killing of five Bengali speakers in Bisonimukh village on Thursday, even as the state witnessed a 12-hour shutdown in protest against the incident. Bhabananda Gogoi was apprehended two hours after the incident from the Dhola Sadia bridge on Brahmaputra river, barely a kilometre away from where the killing happened. He has a history of taking money and working for ULFA (I) for a long time. His presence so close to the scene of crime raised suspicion, PS Changmai, superintendent of police, Sadia, said. Gogoi, who was caught with an improvised explosive device about six months ago, was remanded to police custody for five days by a local court. Police said Gogoi hails from Bassagaon in Sadia in Tinsukia district, a hub of ULFA as one senior district police official described claiming that there are around 10 active ULFA(I) operatives from the village. Police remained tight-lipped about the details of the investigation even as efforts were on to nab the suspected squad which carried out the killing. Meanwhile, the police is still clueless about the exact number of gunmen involved in Thursdays incident or the number of weapons they were carrying. The modus operandi, according to Tinsukia police has a striking resemblance to the December 2017 incident when 4-5 insurgents dressed in military fatigues, came on two motorbikes to Dirak Hunjan village, and killed a local leader who worked as president of Village Defence Party. Among other similarities, the gunmen in that incident spoke to the victim in Hindi while they conversed in Assamese among themselves, one official said. Villagers in Bisonimukh claimed that two Nepali speakers who passed by as the six persons were lined up before being shot were told to go away by the gunmen, which the villagers see as a clear sign that they came for Bengali Hindus. The sole survivor among the six villagers confirmed this. Another police official explained how it takes just seven hours from the India-Myanmar border in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh to Tinsukia on foot. ULFA(I) and other militant outfits are known to operate from the other side of the border in Myanmar. The police said it is also not the first time that ULFA(I) has denied its involvement in an incident. Starting from the killing of Russian engineer Sergei Grischenko to that of social activist Sanjay Ghose, the group has a history of denying its role, said Mughdhajyoti Mahanta, Superintendent of Police, Tinsukia. While there is a spurt in recruitment for the insurgent outfit, Mahanta said over the last three years only 8 people including two women have joined ULFA(I) from Tinsukia while more than 30 have come back from the jungles. A man-eater tigress named Avni that had allegedly killed at least 13 villagers in Maharashtras Yavatmal over the last one-and-a-half years, was shot dead near Borati-Warud area late on Friday night after a massive hunt that involved over 200 personnel. The six-year-old tigress and her two cubs were blamed for the killings in Pandharkawda and Ralegaon regions, triggering unrest among locals. A shoot-at-sight order had been issued by the states principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) last month and was endorsed by the Supreme Court. Nawab Shafath Ali Khan, the sharp-shooter, who was engaged in the operation to tranquilise the tigress, had gone to Bihar, where he is member of state wildlife board. In his absence, his son Asghar Ali, who is a tracker, sighted the tigress on Friday night. Initially, Ali had fired a dart from a tranquilising gun. On being hit by the dart, the tigress roared loudly and charged at him, following which he shot it dead in self-defence. It happened in forest compartment No. 149 of Borati-Warud area at 11.45 pm, the Nagpur-based wildlife wing said. The post-mortem will be conducted at Nagpurs Gorewada Rescue Centre, the wildlife wing said. AK Mishra, the principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) and state wildlife warden, said that the tigress was killed on the spot. As soon as the news spread, the top officials of the forest department and wildlife wing who were camping at Pandharkawda in Yavatmal district, rushed to the spot. Wildlife activist Jerryl A Banait, who had filed a public interest litigation jointly with NGO Earth Brigade Foundation (EBF), said that the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)s rules have been grossly violated in the killing of Avni, news agency IANS reported. The feline is said to have killed 13 persons since June last year following which a massive hunt was launched by the state government, involving 200 forest and police personnel, trained sniffer dogs, drones, trackers and sharp-shooters. As many as 90 camera traps had been installed at 45 strategic points to get pictures on movement of the tigress and her two cubs, but they were almost never sighted. In October, an elephant that was part of a hunting group ran astray overnight and trampled a woman to death. In view of the unrest among locals, Maharashtra forest minister, Sudhir Mungantiwar had directed Mishra to camp at Pandharkawda and supervise the operation to tranquilise the beast. An order to shoot the tigress in September had triggered protests from wildlife activists, who moved the Supreme Court, which, however, approved the shooting. Besides PILs in the Supreme Court and Bombay high court (Nagpur bench), several wildlife groups and activists had strongly opposed plans to eliminate Avni since it would also mean near-certain death for her two dependent young ones. Online petitions and social media campaigns, demonstrations and protests have been running for several months in a bid to save the tigress and her cubs. (With agency inputs) A picture and an audio message, purportedly of Ehtisham Bilal, the Kashmiri student who went missing from Sharda University, Greater Noida, on Sunday, has gone viral on social media in Kashmir. In the picture, the person appears wearing black outfit with some weapons strapped to his body and is posing with a flag of the Islamic State while a voice in the audio claims to be Ehtishams and announces his joining the IS group operating in Jammu and Kashmir. HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the picture or the audio. Police said that they are verifying the authenticity of the picture and the audio. We are verifying these things. This has to be confirmed, said additional director general of police (ADGP) Munir Khan. If authentic, the picture and the audio raises fear that the teenager, a first-year student of bachelor in medical imaging technology (BMIT), might have joined militancy. A call to Bilal Ahmad, father of the teenager, did not go through as his mobile was switched off. Ehtisham, a native of Khanyar in downtown Srinagar, had shifted to Greater Noida three months ago after enrolling in Sharda University and was living in the varsitys hostel at the Knowledge Park area in Greater Noida. On October 4, he was roughed up by a group of students who mistook him for an Afghan during a clash between Indian and Afghan students at Sharda University campus in Greater Noida. Police had lodged a first information report against 350 students of Sharda University for rioting. Without mentioning the place or the incident specifically, the voice in the audio mentions some people who attacked him like dogs and states that he had made up his mind to join Jihad that day. The teenager had informed his father on Sunday that he was going on a sight seeing trip to Delhi while according to Noida Police, his call details showed his location in Delhi till 12 pm and in Jammu by 2.30 pm, thereby raising speculations that he caught a flight from Delhi. J&K police have also been checking on people who have been visiting Ehtisham in Kashmir. Sajad Shah, superintendent of police, north Srinagar, on Wednesday said he was not sure of any militancy connection of the missing boy. However he mentioned that the boy was friends with a youth who had later joined militancy. He was friends with a youth Fahad Waza who joined militancy and was killed in an encounter at Fateh Kadal on October 17, Shah had informed. There is no going back on my decision. Arrow has been shot. I wont budge even if the prime minister intervenes, a visibly upset Tej Pratap Yadav, elder son of Rashtriya Janta Dal chief Lalu Prasad, said in Gaya on Saturday, a day after he stunned his family and friends by filing for divorce from his wife of six months Aishwarya Rai. In what was considered one of the most high-profile weddings in the country in 2018, Tej Pratap had married Aishwarya, daughter of former minister, Chandrika Rai and granddaughter of former Bihar chief minister, Daroga Rai on May 12 this year. Immediately after their engagement, there were murmurs of mismatch in the alliance, with Aishwarya having completed her post graduation from Delhis Lady Sri Ram College while Tej Pratap had dropped studies after class 11. All seemed well initially with mother-in-law Rabri Devi calling Aishwarya the Laxmi of the house. However, six months down the line Tej Pratap says he was never ready for the wedding. There is no match between us. We both come from extremely different backgrounds. Our culture and grooming are poles apart. I was never ready for the wedding. I kept pleading but nobody took me seriously, Tej Pratap said before leaving for Ranchi to meet his ailing father, who is serving a jail term there. Tej Pratap, a sitting RJD MLA and a former Bihar minister, added that he was made a scapegoat for political benefits of several people in his family and party A devout Hindu, who spends most of the time visiting temples and on pilgrimages, Tej Pratap had recently been to Vrindavan and had returned last weekend. Aishwarya never complied and adjusted with my thinking and approach towards life. I never thought I would be inviting a mess in my life by tying the knot. There would be no looking back, he said. He held a few party leaders responsible for convincing his parents to agree to the wedding. After the marriage, as expected, we had spats and bitter conflicts on several occasions. Tej Pratap said adding he tried his best to save the marriage but could not. His friends, however, feel that Lalu may be able to broker peace between the couple. Differences crop up between couples. This is one such case, a friend accompanying him to Ranchi said. Tej Pratap Yadav, son of Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad, on Saturday confirmed that he had filed for divorce from his wife of six months Aishwarya Rai, reports ANI. He had filed the divorce papers on Friday. It is true that I have filed a petition. Ghut-ghut ke jeene se toh koi fayeda hai nahi (No point living a life of misery), Tej Pratap Yadav was quoted by ANI as saying. Earlier, Tej Prataps lawyer cited incompatibility as the reason for the divorce. I cannot give much details. I was only told by my client that he and his wife were not compatible and hence he wanted a divorce, lawyer Yashwant Kumar Sharma said. The separation has been sought invoking Section 13 A of the Hindu Marriage Act under which either spouse can unilaterally seek divorce, said lawyer Yashwant Kumar Sharma, who filed the petition on behalf of Tej Pratap at a civil court in Patna. Tej Pratap, a sitting RJD MLA and a former Bihar minister, had tied the knot with Aishwarya Rai on May 12. The grand wedding ceremony for which Prasad, serving sentences in fodder scam cases, had flown in from Ranchi after obtaining parole from a court, was attended by leaders from virtually all political parties including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the viewing of GD Agarwals body, the environment engineer and activist who died in Rishikesh following his indefinite hunger strike for a clean Ganga. Former IIT Professor, Agarwal, also known as Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand, died on October 11 due to starvation following 109 days of hunger strike. His body, according ot his wish, was donated to AIIMS Rishikesh. The activists followers have been demanding viewing of his body since his death, leading to a petition in Supreme Court. On Friday, a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi allowed viewing of his body for ten consecutive Sundays in a batch of 10 people. According to the courts order, only five batches, every Sunday will be allowed to view his body at AIIMS Rishikesh mortuary. The noted environmentalist and professor turned activist, had been observing fast unto death since June 22. He died at the age of 87. He was associated with Matri Sadan Ashram in Haridwar. Agarwal, who had also worked with Uttar Pradehs irrigation department, Central Pollution Control Board and taught at IIT Kanpur, had earlier also held several protests to save the Ganga. Two former ministers in Andhra PradeshVatti Vasanta Kumar and C. Ramachandraiah - Saturday resigned from the Congress to protest its aligning with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). While Vasanta Kumar is a third generation Congress man and had held rural development and IT portfolios in the previous Congress governments (2004-14), Ramachandraiah, a chartered accountant, snapped links with the TDP to join megastar Chiranjeevis Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) in 2008. He became the minister for Endowments in the Congress government after the merger of the PRP with the Congress. As the TDP and Congress have joined hands to fight the assembly election in Telangana jointly against the ruling Telangana Rastra Samithi (TRS), some Congress leaders are worried that the same may happen in Andhra Pradesh. Addressing separate press conferences, the two leaders called any proposed tie-up in the state unethical and unlikely to accepted by the party rank and file. The TDP and the Congress fought pitched battles for power since the former came into existence under the leadership of matinee idol NT Rama Rao in 1982 . Vasanta Kumar also said that the prospects of Congress have improved in Andhra Pradesh but the latest developments were suicidal. Former Union minister J.D. Seelam of the Congress justified his party getting close to the TDP, highlighting the need to build a broad-based platform with the Congress and the other like-minded parties at the national level in defence of Dalits, secular values and democratic institutions which came under serious threat during the current regime headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre. The party workers gave a mandate to our leader Rahul ji in the partys recent plenary in Delhi to go ahead taking like-minded parties on board in the fight against the BJP and his meeting with TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu is just an extension. Therefore, every worker in the party needs to abide by the mandate in the larger interests of the country, Seelam told Hindustan Times. Meanwhile, Chandrababu Naidu at a teleconference Friday attempted to pacify the TDP sections opposing the understanding with the Congress, describing it as a democratic compulsion to protect the party and safeguard the interests of the state from the Modi regime. Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal was detained in Delhi on Friday during Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) protest seeking justice for families of 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims, ANI reports. The march led by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Harsimrat Kaur Badal, union minister of food processing started from Gurudwara Pratapganj and ended outside Parliament Street police station. The Akali Dal has been seeking justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which a large number of Sikhs were killed in the national capital and in other parts of the country in the aftermath of former prime minister Indira Gandhis assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. The ruling Congress in Punjab, however, described the demonstration as a political gimmick. In a statement released in Chandigarh on Friday, Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar Jakhar said that the agitation reflected the political hypocrisy of the Akali Dal. The Congress leader said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, of which the SAD is an ally, must expedite the probe into the riots. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A US journalist, who has accused former Union Minister MJ Akbar of raping her 23 years ago, on Saturday slammed his statement where he said that they had a consensual relationship, saying that it wasnt. In a first person account in The Washington Post published on Friday, Pallavi Gogoi, now the Chief Business Editor at National Public Radio, gave a detailed account of how she was allegedly raped by Akbar and narrated her ordeal of working under him when he was the Editor of The Asian Age newspaper years ago. Akbar on Friday said they had a consensual relationship even as his wife accused Gogoi of lying. Dismissing Akbars statement, Gogoi tweeted: Rather than take responsibility for his abuse of me and his serial predation of other young women who have courageously come forward, Akbar has insisted- just like other infamous serial sexual abusers of women--that the relationship was consensual. It was not, She attacked the former Minister by saying that a relationship that is based on coercion, and abuse of power, is not consensual. I stand by every word in my published account. I will continue to speak my truth so that other women who have been sexually assaulted by him know it is okay for them to come forward and speak their truth too, Gogoi said. With over a dozen journalists accusing him of sexual harassment and assault, Akbar quit as Minister of State for External Affairs on October 17. Denying the charges, he filed a criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani who was the first to accuse him. 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. Protests marred voting at Haraginadoni village in Ballari as women staged a demonstration holding empty pots and boycotted the Lok Sabha by-elections Saturday. The villagers were protesting the lack of water supply in their village. The district administration had arranged water supply through tankers but that was not sufficient to meet the day-to-day requirements, they said. Most borewells in our village have gone dry. Those which are functional have high fluoride content, which is not potable, an agitating villager told reporters. The villagers had been cautioning the district authorities for the past three-four days that unless their water requirements were met, they would not vote. However, their warnings were not taken seriously and Saturday morning, hundreds of women holding empty pitchers staged a demonstration. The bypolls in Ballari is taking place following the resignation of sitting BJP MP B Sriramulu afterhe won the assembly election from Monakalmuru. Sriramulus sister J Shantha got the BJP ticket while V SUgrappa is contesting as a Congress candidate backed by JD(S). According to information received, there are 17.13 lakh voters in the Lok Sabha constituency while Haraginadoni village has about 2,000 voters. Even as the authorities plan to start barricading work for Metro-6 within a month, a group of citizens have come together to demand the Swami Samarth Nagar-Vikhroli line be made underground and create awareness about the disastrous impact of the plan on the Powai lake. Currently, four Metro lines in the city are under construction. Metro-6 is being implemented by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on behalf of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). According to officials, the barricades will start from Swami Samarth Nagar in Lokhandwala Complex and eventually move towards the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) till IIT Powai. The last patch from JVLR to eastern express highway, where the line will have its last stop at Vikhroli, will be undertaken later. Thanks to the work, motorists will have to face traffic snarls on the already congested western express highway and JVLR. MMRDA has already barricaded parts of the eastern express highway for construction of Metro-4 (Wadala-Thane-Kasarvadavli). After barricading the lanes, we will undertake soil testing to assess the ground status and conduct utility mapping before the actual construction work begins, said a senior official from MMRDA. However, unhappy with the plan, Powai residents plan to approach the MMRDA with an alternative in two weeks. We dont want to disturb the serenity of the Powai lake. Plus, JVLR is not a straight road, it has many curves. Looking at these issues, an underground line seems like a better solution, said a citizen activist. Architect Nitin Killawala said, All elevated Metros in Mumbai are planned on major arterial roads. This alignment is also proposed on over-congested JVLR and Powai roads. Crowding these roads further will only result in complete chaos. Also, there is not much growth along this route, which makes it unviable for growth in ridership. Pravin Darade, additional metropolitan commissioner, in-charge of the project, was not available for a comment. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) director, Dr Balram Bhargava said on Friday that the Pune-based National Institute of Virology has successfully isolated the Zika virus for the very first time. For the very first time in the country, we were able to isolate the virus which has been done by National institute of Virology (NIV). Also, we have done the full genome sequence and have found out that mutations associated with microcephaly (abnormal smallness of head) in babies born from zika-infected mothers in Brazil is not responsible for the same condition here, Dr Bhargava said over the telephone from Delhi. ICMRs national director (epidemiology) and head of all 13 institutes, including NIV, Dr RR Gangakhedkar said, two confirmed Zika cases have been identified in Bhopal. He said even if Zika comes to Maharashtra, there is no need to fear as the threat of microcephaly has been ruled out. Dr Bhargava said while research was continuing on this strain, it was not as threatening as the Brazilian Zika virus. As of now we are still studying but yes we can say it is less threatening, he said. Both, Dr Bhargava and Dr Gangahedkar said that Zikas association with microcephaly in India has been ruled out which makes it less threatening. Confirmatory tests for Zika virus are being done in Pune where samples are being sent from across the country. Under directions from ICMR, NIV had also organised training for all 20 labs across the country to equip them to test for the virus. The Zika infection has affected more than 160 cases in Rajasthan of which around 50 are pregnant women. Transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, this virus causes fever, skin rashes, muscle and joint pain. In pregnant women, it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a babys head is significantly smaller than expected, in newborn children. In India, the first case this year was reported on September 22, when an 85-year-old woman tested positive for the virus in Jaipur. The first local outbreak of Zika virus in the country was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadus Krishnagiri district in July last year. The Pune chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs, better known by its acronym TiE has established an angel investors fund marking a significant step forward in its immensely successful mentoring programme for budding entrepreneurs from the city. The Tie Pune Angels Fund has been put together by 21 charter members from TiE Pune with a commitment of a minimum ~5 lakh per member. TiE Pune is part of a worldwide community of entrepreneurs who seek to foster entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, inspiring, and funding programs and activities. The Pune chapter holds nearly 50 events annually. Charter members are established business owners who also serve as mentors under the TiE umbrella. In the last nine months, 16 start-ups have pitched in over four sessions and one was selected for funding. This is a tech startup that is focused on the education vertical. It helps universities with the process of enrolling students.In the US, universities spend anywhere between$2000 to $10,000 per student per year.This technology that uses AI (artificial intelligence) will help universities with this process, said Anil Tabib one of the charter members who led this initiative.While TiE Pune Angels have committed to invest ~1.2 crore to this start-up, provided they pass the due diligence, the details will be disclosed once the due diligence is completed.The idea of setting up an angel investors fund was being discussed within TiE over the past three years. As part of its vigil against the illegal supply of liquor and money ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the state police had in five months ending October 31 seized more than 7 lakh litres of alcohol, 115 quintals of drugs, more than 3,000 firearms, while Rs 7.5 crore in cash have been seized since the model code of conduct came into force on October 6, as per data released by the police department. We are following all the instructions of the election commission. As precautionary measures, we are putting up barricades and conducting search operations at unexpected places, and tracking people with past criminal records and anyone involved in drug smuggling for information, said special director general of police, law and order, NRK Reddy. Liquor and other spurious items can be used to purchase votes. Certain groups may go all out to lure voters through liquor and drugs, which is why it is necessary to control them, Reddy added. Following the election commissions order for people holding licenced firearms to surrender their weapons until November 12, the department recorded receiving 1,32, 713 of the 1,79, 827 licenced weapons at its police stations across the state. 210 firearms were recovered from the capital city of Jaipur. Issuing licence for arms is prohibited during the period commencing with the date of announcement of elections. This ban remains until the completion of the election as notified by the Election Commission of India. During the period, a new licence can only be issued after detailed consultation with the respective screening committees. The police have also seized 3.38 lakh tablets of antidepressants Alprazolam and Tramadol across the state with nearly 32% of the tablets seized from Sri Gangangar city alone. Two constituencies, Sadulshahar and Gangangar, come under the limits of my circle area and both are infamous for over expenditure during elections. Voters, especially youngsters, are very prone to these tablets as they are very cheap, said Mridul Kachawa, assistant superintendent of police, Sri Ganganagar (rural). 975 cartons of illegal liquor seized On Tuesday, 975 cartons of illegal liquor were seized from Harmara and Chomu regions in the western part of the city. In Harmara, 970 cartoons were recovered from a truck near the Daulatpura toll plaza. In Chomu, 5 containers of Haryana-made liquor were seized from a car near Rampura bridge. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have decided to launch their outreach campaigns in Rajasthan after both parties decided to put off the announcement of candidates for the assembly polls till after Diwali, celebrated on November 7. The BJP launched on Friday its mass contact programme with chief minister Vasundhara Raje, partys election incharge and union minister Prakash Javadekar and all MPs and MLAs reaching out to the people to create a mood in favour of the party ahead of the December 7 polls. The party plans to reach out to 10 million people, BJP election management committee convenor Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said. Javadekar said over the next three days, one million workers at 52,000 booths will go door to door and tell people about the schemes run by the central and state governments. Raje returned to her constituency, Jhalarapatan, on Wednesday night, and launched the contact prorgramme from there. She met party workers and beneficiaries of government schemes of the state and central governments. BJP has started its maha-sampark programme in which party leaders are visiting polling booths in their areas and meeting beneficiaries of the government schemes, she told reporters. The Congress, on the other hand, launched a phone number to involve people in its manifesto. Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot said on Friday that the party was making an effort to bring out a peoples manifesto. We are communicating with various sections of society such as traders, farmers, seniors, women and tribals for the manifesto and after taking public suggestions between November 15 and 18, the manifesto will be released, he said. Partys manifesto committee head Harish Choudhary said the document will comprise the voice of people. We have launched a dedicated phone number (9911448200) on which people can call, message, send WhatsApp messages or videos to give suggestions for the manifesto. The number will work for next seven days, he added. Pilot inaugurated the facility by sending a message, I want that the party on priority should focus on providing jobs to youth and on problems faced by farmers. The PCC chief said the first list of Congress candidates will be released immediately after Diwali. In the meetings held suggestions were taken from all the leaders, single name are being finalized but announcement of none have been made, Pilot said. Union minister of state and Bikaner MP Arjun Ram Meghwal said manthan (discussions) on candidates was on in the party but refused to specify when the first list will be out. Jaipur The Congress in Rajasthan launched a phone number to receive suggestions from the public to prepare the manifesto for the December 7 assembly polls. The manifesto will be released by the middle of this month, leaders said. The party will release Rajasthan report card in each assembly constituency, exposing the BJPs failures on fulfilling its promises. We are communicating with various sections of the society, such as traders, farmers, seniors, women and tribals, for the manifesto. After taking public suggestions from them by November 15 to 18, the manifesto will be released, state Congress president Sachin Pilot told newspersons on Friday. Manifesto committee chairperson Harish Choudhary said the Congress manifesto would be the voice of people. In Rajasthan the mobile reach is 70%. We want that everyone should give suggestions for the manifesto. A dedicated phone number (9911448200) is launched with WhatsApp service. People can call, message, and send videos to give suggestions. For next 7-days any person or organisation can give suggestions. He said members of the manifesto committee would also be present in districts and assembly constituencies to gather suggestions. Pilot inaugurated the number by sending a suggestion: I want that the party on priority focus on providing jobs to youth and on problems faced by farmers. He said the Rajasthans report card would expose the BJP. CM Vasundhara Raje ruled the state for five years; now they will make catch phrases and false promises to hide their failures, Pilot said. The Congress with facts and figures will expose the BJP what they promised and what they have delivered. This will be done through various platforms, such as social media, print, and word of mouth. Pilot alleged that Raje has shown arrogance and tension in the BJP can be seen in ticket distribution. Who will be denied or given ticket? Will the ticket be given from Delhi or Jaipur? This confusion shows that a big party like BJP has no faith in their elected members, he alleged. They think anti-incumbency against Raje can be overcome if the MLA faces are changed. But the leadership was of Raje. What wrong had the MLAs done? BJP is in the government at the Centre and in the state. The CM did not work and now blaming others will not help. People have made up their mind. He said, In last few days meetings of the central election committee and screening committee were held in Delhi. I believe immediately after the Diwali the first list of candidates will be released. In the meetings, suggestions were taken from all leaders. On a third front in Rajasthan, Pilot, Here the fight has been between the Congress and the BJP, and this will happen again. BJP spokesperson Mukesh Pareek said, The Congress is remembering report card now. Today as the elections are near, they are trying to misguide people. The work government has done is visible and not on paper. For the first time the entire amount is reaching people and corruption has ended. He said, Ticket seekers and leaders are in confusion in the Congress as they arent aware who will have a say in ticket distribution -- Pilot or Gehlot. Chief minister Vasundhara Raje arrived in her home constituency, Jhalarapatan, on Friday her second visit in a week -- prompting the Congress to allege that she and the BJP were nervous, which the ruling party refuted. Raje had arrived in the Jhalarapatan assembly seat in Jhalawar district for a two-day visit on October 28 amid speculations that she might change her constituency. Raje scotched the speculations by announcing that she would contest the December 7 assembly polls from Jhalarapatan. Raje will remain in Jhalarapatan till November 4 to meet party workers and beneficiaries of the government schemes under the Mahajansampark programme of the BJP. Parties and their leaders are busy in candidate selection, manifesto preparation and poll campaign in the state, but Raje is rushing to her home constituency again and again. This reflects the nervousness of Raje and her party, alleged Pankaj Mehta, state Congress general secretary and Jhalawar Congress in-charge. It will be a tough fight for Vasundhara Raje in Jhalarapatan in assembly polls. This has forced her to camp in her constituency for so many days consecutively. The BJP refuted the allegations. BJP MLA from Khanpur (Jhalawar) Narendra Nagar said, The BJP has started its Mahajansampark programme in which leaders are visiting polling booths. So CM Raje has arrived in Jhalarapatan to go to booths and meet government scheme beneficiaries. BJP MLA from Dug (Jhalawar) RC Suneriwal said, Jhalarapatan is Rajes home constituency and family with which she has an association of three decades, so there is nothing wrong in visiting the constituency. Raje is visiting Jhalarapatan to monitor development works and the BJPs poll preparations for Jhalawar, Suneriwal said, refuting the nervousness charge by the Congress. During her visit the Raipur area, Raje said, Jhalarapatan has remained close to her heart and is a family to her from where she has been getting affection from a long time now. She told reporters that the BJP has started its Mahajansampark programme, in which party leaders would visit polling booths and meet beneficiaries of government schemes. As part of a mass-contact drive ahead of the December 7 assembly polls in Rajasthan, chief minister Vasundhara Raje has written to around 1 crore voters appealing them to vote for the BJP. The Maha Jan Sampark abhiyan from November 2-4 will reach out to 1 crore voters in all 200 assembly segments to tell them about the states and Centres welfare schemes and seek votes in favour of the party. The BJP has lined up a series of programmes through November as part of its voter outreach. As a strategy it is good but given the strong anti-incumbency, it might be too little too late, said political analyst Narayan Bareth. BJP leaders have faced complaints that they have been inaccessible for 5 years, he said. This is an attempt to woo and pacify voters. The BJP realises that appeals and public meetings of leaders is not enough. Public meetings of its leaders have also not garnered much support. Rajputs, Brahmins and Banias, the BJPs traditional vote bank, are upset with the party, Bareth said. The Rajputs are unhappy that the government has ignored them while Brahmins and Banias are unhappy with the government stance on the SC/ST Act and demonetisation and GST, he said. The SCs/STs, traditional Congress voters who had shifted to the BJP in the last elections, are inclined to return to the Congress fold. Under the Maha Jan Sampark abhiyan, all leaders -- from Raje to Rajasthan poll in-charge Prakash Javadekar, MPs, MLAs, office-bearers and workers at booths -- will reach out to 1 crore people. Two letters signed by the CM and state party president Madanlal Saini will be given to the people, said state BJP vice president Mukesh Dadhich. Rajes letter begins by conveying Diwali greetings. It says 318 schemes of the central and state governments, such as Ujjwala, Mudra, Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao, Bhamashah, Annapurna Rasoi and Rajshri, have benefited crores of people. Sainis letter conveys Diwali greetings and then goes on to talk about how with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, the Raje government has brought about development and transformed Rajasthan from a Bimaru to a developed state. The letter says five years back the state was backward in many areas but is today among the leading states in the country and ends with an appeal to vote for the BJP and help continue the success story. As part of the strategy, the party is also getting videos made of beneficiaries talking about how government schemes helped them. The videos will be played in the assembly constituencies during the election campaign. The BJP womens wing will reach out to Muslim women on the triple talaq issue. Muslims constitute approximately 9% of the state population. BJP state mahila morcha president Madhu Sharma said, Through its Kamal Diya programme on November 30, BJP women workers will meet Muslim women and tell them how the government schemes, providing gas cylinders and toilets, have benefitted women. Muslim women will also be told that the triple talaq law has benefited them. The Congress called the mass contact campaign an election gimmick. Congress spokesperson Archana Sharma says, This mass contact programme will not benefit the BJP. They should have been in contact with voters earlier. Now facing defeat, they are doing such gimmicks. After candidates for 90 assembly seats in Rajasthan were shortlisted, the Congress screening committee has started its exercise on the remaining 110 seats, even as the party is weighing the possibility of an alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) on a few seats. The Congress central election committee (CEC), headed by Rahul Gandhi, finalised names on 90 seats at a meeting held on Wednesday in Delhi. The finalised names will be announced after Diwali, said a senior leader who is associated with candidate selection. The AICC chief reiterated emphasis on more women and youth candidates. The screening committee, headed by Selja Kumari, will hold next round of discussions with senior leaders, such as Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, on Friday and Saturday. Kumari is also meeting senior leaders separately to build a consensus, the senior said on condition of anonymity. At the CEC meeting, Gandhi suggested to Pilot to hold talks with the NCP and LJD for an alliance on 5-7 seats. Leaders of these parties have shown interest in having tie-ups with Congress, said the leader. The consideration of an alliance is being seen in the context of the Lok Sabha elections due next year. Sources claimed that after the CEC meeting, Congress leaders held talks with NCP and LJD leaders. Though Gandhi is supporting alliance with other parties in view of 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the state organisation has a different view considering the partys sound position in Rajasthan, sources said. Earlier, talks for an alliance with the BSP had failed as the party asked for more than 15 seats. The BSP has not won more than six seats in Rajasthan. After discussing the list submitted by the screening committee, Gandhi has directed for giving opportunity to more women and youth candidates. Almost all sitting MLAs are being repeated in Rajasthan. On the chance to those who lost polls twice in a row, the party might allow some to contest, said the senior leader. Candidate selection is smooth and both the leaders Gehlot and Pilot -- are being large-hearted. The screening committee has started an exercise to filter names in districts where maximum candidates are contending for tickets. Candidate selection will be challenging in districts, such as Jaipur, Bharatpur, Alwar, and Kota, the leader said. Twitter is mighty unimpressed with the trailer of 2.0, which was launched at a lavish event by stars Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar on Saturday. Made on a reported budget of close to Rs 600 crore enough to make it the most expensive Indian film ever and plagued by multiple delays because of extensive visual effects work, the films trailer has left fans wondering what all the fuss was about. I am disappointed after watching the trailer, one person wrote. The background Rajini robots look even more fake than wax statues, another commented alongside a screengrab that showed clones of Rajinikanths robot character, Chitti. Others made jokes about Chittis disregard for firecracker bans, and product placement for cell phones. Many came to the films defence, as well. They pointed out that no film on such a scale had ever been mounted in India, and compared the visual effects to that of Zero, the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer whose trailer was released a day earlier. You can check out more reactions here: #2point0trailer The background Rajini robots look even more fake than wax statues. B-grade vfx for Indias biggest film. Should have just hired red chillies. pic.twitter.com/fleRCyeIpL Od (@odshek) November 3, 2018 ONE WORD for #2point0Trailer = LETDOWN I am DISSAPOINTED aftr watching the trailer, didn't expected much but atleast expected the basic VFX nd Graphics, honestly NOT UPTO the MARK Forget the VFX even the trailer cuts are not clear Each and every frame looks Unpolished... BAD Rohit Jaiswal (@rohitjswl01) November 3, 2018 Saw #2point0Trailer & it is beyond pathetic! Canadian @akshaykumar has got just 4 sec screen time but he looked like poor version of Tinu Anand.. Whether he's playing villain or comedian only he can tell. I burst out into laughing wen i saw his face lul Bhagoda Canadian Deshbhakt (@FlopKhiladi) November 3, 2018 Xiaomi phones, when you charge them for 2 hours. #2Point0Trailer pic.twitter.com/v06kryMh30 Bollywood Gandu (@BollywoodGandu) November 3, 2018 #2Point0Trailer When I say " bhai ladai ho gyi aaja " My friend : pic.twitter.com/jpvhas25aX Tyrion_Lannister (@lazy_blockhead) November 3, 2018 #2Point0Trailer looks like they have stolen MSG-4 print and replaced papaji with two mediocre actors. Rafale Gandhi (@RoflGandhi_) November 3, 2018 When mom sees me and my siblings using phone while eating.#2Point0Trailer pic.twitter.com/g2Sx11Hjfi AZ. (@TheQuarksays) November 3, 2018 2.0 has been slated for a November 29 release, after nearly a years delay. The first trailer was unveiled in the presence of the films director, Shankar, and music composer, AR Rahman. The film is a sequel to Rajinikanths 2010 film, Enthiran, and will serve as the south industry debut of Akshay Kumar, who plays the villainous Dr Richard in the film. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop A Sri Lankan parliamentarian has alleged he was offered a $2.8 million bribe to switch his allegiance and support the countrys new government as the island nations political crisis deepens. Lawmaker Ranga Bandara has told Sri Lankas house speaker that he was offered money to help prop up the new government led by President Maithripala Sirisena and the newly-appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, according to a tweet from former junior economic affairs minister and MP Harsha de Silva. In a phone call, de Silva who along with Bandara belongs to ousted leader Ranil Wickremesinghes party confirmed he had sent the tweet and said it was accurate. Bandara was not immediately available for comment on Friday. A representative of the new government denied the allegations. Nobody is being offered anything, said Milinda Rajapaksa, a member of the Colombo municipal council from a political party that is backed by the Rajapaksa family. Corruption fears The capital Colombo has seen frantic political horse-trading ever since October 26, when Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe and appointed Rajapaksa as his replacement. Wickremesinghe has said his removal was illegal. However, the president suspended parliament, preventing a vote on the ousting amid claims from both sides that they command a majority in the 225-member house. This is first time bribing MPs to cross has been publicly divulged, de Silva tweeted. He added that Bandara, who is a member of Wickremesinghes United National Party, will take his complaint to the countrys Bribery and Corruption Commission, which was set up to investigate graft claims. The anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International had warned on October 29 that the suspension of parliament amid contested constitutional claims created a climate that is ripe for political horse-trading that could lead to corruption. 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, said Transparency International Sri Lankas executive director Asoka Obeyesekere. China on Saturday said it will provide assistance to Pakistan to tide over the ongoing fiscal crisis but declined to give details about the financial package it is likely to extend to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is on four-day visit to China in the backdrop of his new governments struggles with a financial crisis. Khan is knocking on the doors of friendly foreign countries like China and Saudi Arabia for aid while negotiating a hefty bailout package with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During the visit, the two sides have made it clear in principle that the Chinese government will provide necessary support and assistance to Pakistan in tiding over the current economic difficulties. As for the specific measures to be taken, the competent authorities of the two sides will have detailed discussion, Vice-foreign minister, Kong Xuanyou told reporters following Khans meeting with Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, at the Great Hall of the People on Saturday morning. in response to the current economic and fiscal difficulties Pakistan faces at the moment, China will provide help and assistance within the realm of its capability, Kong said. Agency reports quoted Khan as telling President Xi Jinping during their meeting on Friday about Pakistans difficult economic times. My party has only been in power for two months. Unfortunately we have inherited a very difficult economic situation. Countries go in cycles. They have their high points, they have their low points. Unfortunately, our country is going through a low point at the moment with two very big deficits, a fiscal deficit and a current account deficit, Khan was quoted as telling Xi. Some of the money China will provide Pakistan is likely to channeled through the 16 bilateral agreements the two countries signed on Saturday in sectors ranging from poverty alleviation, agriculture and industrial. The two countries have also agreed to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), one of the flagship ventures of the Belt and Road Initiative. Talking about Xis vision about building the BRI, Kong said the CPEC faces new opportunities and needs to be pushed forward, There has been no change in the number of the CPEC projects. If there is going to be any change, there will be an increase (in projects) going forward, Kong said. The dimension of industrial cooperation will be introduced going forward. The CPEC will be introduced to more areas of Pakistan and also tilt in favour of areas relating to peoples livelihoods, he said, adding: Hence going forward, both areas of CPEC and the contents of CPEC will be enriched. India has declined Chinas invitation to join the BRI a multi-billion dollar connectivity project as the CPEC passes through Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). Kong said both countries have reaffirmed their close ties. As Pakistans all weather strategic, cooperative partner, China has always viewed its relations with Pakistan from a strategic and long term perspective. China will continue to put its relation with Pakistan on a priority place on Chinas diplomatic agenda and will continue to do what it can to provide help to Pakistan for its economic and social development, Kong said. The Pakistan side reiterated that Pakistans relation with China is a cornerstone of Pakistans foreign policy. Pakistan remains committed to the friendship between the two countries and committed to advancing CPEC, Kong quoted Khan saying. North Korea has warned it could revive a state policy aimed at strengthening its nuclear arsenal if the United States does not lift economic sanctions against the country. The statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Friday evening said North Korea could bring back its pyongjin policy of simultaneously advancing its nuclear force and economic development if the United States doesnt change its stance. The North sopped short of threatening to abandon ongoing nuclear negotiations with Washington. Still, it accused Washington of derailing commitments made by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump at their June summit in Singapore to work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. It was the first time the North said it could potentially resume weapons tests and other development activities since Kim signaled a new state policy in April. In an interview with Fox News Sean Hannity on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he plans to talk next week with his North Korean counterpart, apparently referring to senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol. Pompeo did not provide the location and date for the meeting, which will likely be focused on persuading North Korea to take firmer steps toward denuclearization and setting up a second summit between their leaders. A lot of work remains, but Im confident that we will keep the economic pressure in place until such time as Chairman Kim fulfills the commitment he made to President Trump back in June in Singapore, Pompeo said. The North Korean Foreign Ministry statement, released under the name of the director of the ministrys Institute for American Studies, said the improvement of relations and sanctions is incompatible. The U.S. thinks that its oft-repeated sanctions and pressure leads to denuclearization. We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea, it said. The ministry described the lifting of U.S.-led sanctions as corresponding action to the Norths proactive and good-will measures, apparently referring to its unilateral suspension of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and closure of a nuclear testing ground. Following a series of provocative nuclear and missile tests last year, Kim shifted to diplomacy when he met with Trump between three summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who lobbied hard to revive nuclear diplomacy. However, the North has been playing hardball since the summits, insisting that sanctions should be lifted before any progress in nuclear talks, which fueled doubts about whether Kim would ever deal away a nuclear program he may see as his strongest guarantee of survival. Ahead of his first summit with Moon in April, Kim said the country should shift its focus to economic development as the pyongjin policy had achieved a great victory. He also declared that the North would stop nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North dismantled its nuclear testing ground in May, but didnt invite experts to observe and verify the event. If the U.S. keeps behaving arrogantly without showing any change in its stand, while failing to properly understand our repeated demand, the DPRK may add one thing to the state policy for directing all efforts to the economic construction adopted in April and as a result, the word pyongjin may appear again, Fridays statement said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Pyongjin means dual advancement. Moon has described inter-Korean engagement as crucial to resolving the nuclear standoff. A large number of South Korean CEOs accompanied Moon in his September visit to Pyongyang, when he and Kim agreed to normalize operations at a jointly run factory park and resume South Korean visitors travel to the North when possible, voicing optimism the international sanctions could end and allow such projects. But South Koreas enthusiasm for engagement with its rival has also created discomfort in the United States amid growing concerns that the North is dragging its feet with its promise to denuclearize. South Korea last month walked back on a proposal to lift some of its unilateral sanctions against North Korea to create diplomatic space following Trumps blunt retort that Seoul could do nothing without Washingtons approval. Sri Lankas sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned that time is running out to avert a bloodbath while voicing hope that parliament will resolve a damaging constitutional crisis in the coming days. Wickremesinghe, who has been holed up at the prime ministers official residence for more than a week as thousands of supporters gather outside, told AFP in an interview that desperate people could cause chaos on the Indian Ocean island. The 69-year-old was sacked out-of-the-blue on October 26 by President Maithripala Sirisena, with domineering former president Mahinda Rajapakse named in his place. However, Wickremesinghe refused to accept his dismissal and has not left the sprawling colonial-era Temple Trees residence where Buddhist monks now chant prayers outside since. Sirisena also suspended parliament in an apparent bid to prevent opposition to his move, deepening the turmoil that has seen at least one man killed in a shooting last weekend linked to the power struggle. We will be calling on our people not to resort to violence, Wickremesinghe said late Friday. But you dont know what arises in a situation like this. A few desperate people can start off a bloodbath. His comments echoed the fears of parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya who warned of bloodshed on the streets if a vote is not held by lawmakers to decide between the two leaders. Wickremesinghe, head of the United National Party, already the biggest group in parliament, has also called for such a vote and is trying to rally allies to the cause. Also read: $2.8 million to switch sides? Bribe allegation rattles Sri Lanka But stopping parliament from meeting has given Rajapakse still popular despite his strongarm tactics to end the countrys Tamil civil war and corruption allegations more time to try to win support. Wickremesinghe said he hoped the showdown could be ended peacefully and expressed optimism that a solution to the crisis would soon be found. I feel parliament is going to prevail finally. This cant take too long. I would say in a week to 10 days at the most, he said, adding the priority was to establish parliaments supremacy. Wickremesinghe said two smaller parties the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Tamil National Alliance were backing his call for the legislature to meet despite obstacles placed by Sirisena. The two parties signed a petition to the parliament speaker on Friday demanding the reconvening of the 225-member assembly on November 7. A majority of parliament has said all these actions (of the president) are not legitimate and not in accordance with the constitution, said Wickremesinghe. According to the latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 100. Most of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said. Street battles feared A majority of legislators want Sirisena to end the suspension of parliament by Wednesday and any delay is against the wishes of all the parties, according to the embattled Wickremesinghe. Apart from political pressure on Sirisena, civil society groups are also stepping up agitation to ensure the constitution is respected, Wickremesinghe said. After sacking his prime minister, Sirisena addressed the nation and lambasted Wickremesinghe, saying they could not work together because of serious personal and cultural differences. A divorce of their coalition was inevitable after just over three years, Sirisena said. Wickremesinghe had expected a confrontation but not the sack. We knew there would be problems by somewhere in November, but it came a bit sooner than I thought, he added. Sirisena accused Wickremesinghe, a trained lawyer who favours a liberal economy, of being dictatorial and ignoring the president in cabinet. Wickremesinghe hit back saying their personal rivalry was not an excuse for a constitutional war. The constitution doesnt make provisions for personality clashes, he said. In cabinet there are people you like and you may not like. Wickremesinghe is from an elitist family with an urban upbringing, poles apart from Sirisena who is from a modest rural farming family. They made common cause to end Rajapakses decade in power in a 2015 presidential election but have drifted apart since over economic policy and day-to-day decisions. Sirisena has also accused Wickremesinghe of being an autocratic leader of the UNP. He is not a member of the UNP, Wickremesinghe hit back. He can say whatever he wants. Pakistan on Saturday summoned Indias deputy high commissioner JP Singh and condemned the unprovoked firing on the Line of Control by Indian troops that killed a woman. Foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal summoned Singh and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian forces, the foreign office said. Faisal said that the firing killed a 22-year old woman, Munazza Bibi, in Bhimbar Sector on Friday. The deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws, Faisal said. He claimed that the Indian forces along the Line of Control and the Working boundary are continuously targeting civilian populated areas with heavy weapons and carried out more than 2,312 ceasefire violations so far in 2018, resulting in the death of 35 civilians. Faisal said this unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations. The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation, Faisal said. He urged India to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement, investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations, instruct Indian forces to respect the ceasefire in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC and the international border. He also urged India to permit the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per UN Security Council resolutions. India maintains that the UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.) President Donald Trumps newfound zeal to resolve his trade war with China risks hitting some familiar obstacles, including himself. Trump set up a call with Chinese president Xi Jinping on Thursday, the first between the leaders in six months. Afterward, he directed his Cabinet to draft potential terms for a trade deal he could agree to with Xi at the G20 conference in Argentina at the end of the month, according to four people familiar with the matter. Those discussions are moving along nicely, Trump wrote on Twitter after speaking with Xi, five days before US midterm elections that will determine whether his party retains control of Congress. At a campaign rally in Columbia, Missouri, he added: They want to make a deal. He wants to do it, Trump said of Xi. They all want to do it. But there remains plenty of reason for pessimism. Discord has already arisen among Trumps trade team: US trade representative Robert Lighthizer is opposed to a push for a deal at the G20, according to two of the people. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow downplayed the potential for a quick deal. Wait and See Were doing a normal, routine run-through of things we already put together and normal preparation, Kudlow said on CNBC Friday. OK, theres no mass movement, theres no huge thing, were not on the cusp of a deal. Peter Navarro, director of the National Trade Council within the White House, struck a similar wait-and-see note on Saturday about the Trump-Xi meeting. In a Fox News interview he said the US is not dependent on China economically. Were going to be fine regardless of what happens in Argentina, Navarro said, adding that trade talks with China are more difficult than those with other countries ranging from Japan to Canada. Then there are the presidents own idiosyncracies. Trump has a history of agreeing in principle to deals before backing out. His critics say the trade pacts that he has so far completed, including a renegotiation of Nafta, represent little more than incremental improvements. And he has previously made concessions to U.S. adversaries that have drawn backlash from both Democrats and Republicans. ZTE Move In May, after his last phone call with Xi, Trump agreed to ease up on sanctions imposed on Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp., saying they would cost too many Chinese jobs. The decision was roundly lambasted in Congress. If this does turn out to be ZTE round 2, the president will be attacked by Democrats, and some Republicans, for talking a huge game on China but instead being played, said Derek Scissors, a China expert at the American Enterprise Institute. His critics say Trump also gave away too much to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in negotiations over Pyongyangs nuclear weapons program, with little to show in exchange, and was too conciliatory toward Russian President Vladimir Putin at their summit in Helsinki. And Trumps history of reneging on agreements is presumably well understood in Beijing. President Donald Trump wants to reach an agreement on trade with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 nations summit in Argentina later this month and has asked key US officials to begin drafting potential terms, according to four people familiar with the matter. (Bloomberg Photo) Sincerity in Question Trump revoked his governments support for a joint statement following the G7 conference in Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized US steel and aluminum tariffs. He backed out on a deal congressional Democrats said they struck with Trump to provide legal status to young undocumented immigrants. China has repeatedly questioned the USs sincerity in trade talks, wary of agreeing to something only to have Trump change his mind. While Beijing is open to striking a deal that narrows the trade deficit, officials have resisted Trumps other demands -- including an end to subsidies for strategic industries, a stop to forced technology transfer and more competition for state-owned enterprises. Much remains unclear about Trumps posture toward China. For example, its unknown whether he is considering relenting on his administrations hard line against Chinas theft of US intellectual property, which one of the people said remains a key sticking point in any potential deal. $250 Billion A Chinese state-owned company was charged on Thursday with stealing technology from US chipmaker Micron Technology Inc., part of a Justice Department crackdown against China in cases of suspected economic espionage. Trump has imposed tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese imports, and has threatened to slap duties on everything else the country ships to the US But that would mean raising prices on billions of dollars worth of consumer products, a category the administration has so far mostly avoided. Stocks surged in Hong Kong and China on the report of constructive talks between Trump and Xi, while the offshore yuan jumped as much as 0.5 percent for the biggest two-day gain since August. The Hang Seng Index rose 4.2 percent, the biggest gain since 2011, and the Shanghai Composite Index climbed 2.7 percent, posting a fourth day of gains for its longest winning streak since February. Insult to Xi US-China talks have made little progress since May, when Trump put a stop to a deal that would see China buy more energy and agricultural goods to narrow the trade deficit. In Beijing Trumps move was seen as an insult to Xi, who sent a personal emissary to Washington for the negotiations, and cemented a view that Trumps real goal is to thwart Chinas rise. The telephone conversation on Thursday was Trump and Xis first publicly disclosed call in six months. Both sides reported that they had constructive discussions on North Korea and trade, with Chinese state media saying that Trump supported frequent, direct communication between the presidents and joint efforts to prepare for the planned meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit, which is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 1. The possible thaw in relations comes after months of escalating tensions over trade that threatened to spill into other areas of disagreement, including Chinas military build-up in the South China Sea. Kudlow said Thursday at an event in Washington that Trump and Xi might be able to break the logjam on issues during the summit. But Kudlow cautioned that Trump would aggressively pursue his agenda against China if no deals were reached on intellectual property theft, cybersecurity and tariffs on commodities, among other issues. Trumps posture toward China has been closely watched by investors, who are looking for the possibility of tensions cooling. Xinhua, Chinas state news agency, reported on Friday that Trump had told the Chinese leader that he looks forward to meeting Xi during the G20 summit so they can have an in-depth discussion about some major issues. 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 Following the legalization of marijuana in Canada, China has issued a warning to its citizens that reside in the North American country, urging them to take heed of the dangers of marijuana use. It was the Chinese consulate-general in Toronto that issued an official statement, writing, The consulate would like to remind the Chinese citizens in the consular district, especially international students, in order to protect your own physical and mental health, please avoid contact or using marijuana. The consulate went on to add the penalties of drug use in China, reiterating Article 357 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China. "It is illegal to grow, possess and use cannabis in China," they add. That same article groups marijuana into the same category of drugs as heroin and cocaine and citizens who return home to the country with traces of THC could be convicted as smugglers and face the ultimate punishment for narcotics use in China--the death penalty. The Japanese consulate in Vancouver also issued a warning that those found violating the country's laws can be prosecuted at home. South Korea added that any activity with marijuana that may be legal in Canada will be considered illegal and individuals will face punishment at home. Just how well such statutes can be enforced on citizens who are overseas is another question. Since Canda legalized marijuana on October 17th this year, other countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany have issued advisories to citizens, asking that they be mindful that their laws differ from those in Canada. Today, rapper Yung Gleesh met his maker in a Travis County, Texas courthouse, over charges stemming from an incident at the 2015 edition of the SXSW festival. The Statesman reports that Gleesh has been found guilty of the attempted sexual assault of a woman knocked unconscious from the effects of alcohol. The charges were mitigated by the jury because they could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that he "succeeded" in his attempt (molestation). According to local police, the alleged victim first came into contact with Yung Gleesh (Asa Asuncion) on March 20th, 2015, in the wee hours of the morning. The incident in question took place at the home of a mutual acquaintance. The victim's friend told Austin police that Gleesh and another individual arrived at the home an hour after she had passed out due to intoxication (at roughly 2:30 am). At about 6 am the same morning, the key witness found her friend (the victim) and Yung Gleesh lying buck naked; a verbal altercation then ensued before she could be brought to the hospital for the administering of a "rape-kit." By the time officers had arrived at the scene, Yung Gleesh was reportedly nowhere to be found. The rapper canceled a series of scheduled performances the next week before turning himself in. Big Oil companies reported their best financial quarter in four years this week as they raked in multibillion-dollar profits, in some cases doubling them from the previous year. Exxon Mobil, the nations biggest oil company, said Friday that it boosted its third-quarter profit by almost 60 percent from a year ago, to more than $6.2 billion. Chevron doubled its earnings to $4 billion. Earlier this week, Royal Dutch Shell said it earned a $5.8 billion profit in the third quarter, up nearly 50 percent from $4 billion last year, and its quarterly revenues surpassed $100 billion for the first time since 2014 when oil prices were still near $100 a barrel. The British oil major BP said its third quarter profits nearly doubled to almost $3.4 billion. The companies benefited not only from higher oil prices and production, but also soild earnings from refining and chemical operations. Exxon Mobil, for example, said it earned $2.3 billion from refining and chemicals, while Chevron earned $1.4 billion from these operations. On HoustonChronicle.com: How the ethane molecule changed the Gulf Coast and the world The integrated (Big Oil) firms are all operating pretty well right now, said Brian Youngberg, a senior energy analyst at Edward Jones in St. Louis. Theyre figuring out how to operate in a cyclical industry under more pressure than ever Nearly all the oil majors have significant operations in the Houston area, and their strong earnings should help support the regions economy, which only recently has gained momentum following the oil bust that lasted roughly from 2014 to 2016, said Patrick Jankowski, senior economist for the Greater Houston Partnership. Job growth here is on the upswing, while activity generated by the energy industry is on the rise across the state, from the booming Permian Basin in West Texas to Beaumont and Port Arthur in southeast Texas, where companies such as Exxon Mobil and the French oil major Total are investing billions in refining and petrochemical projects. The surge in profits signals the industry is out of the doldrums and on the expansion track, said Jankowski. Youre seeing some hiring, but maybe not a substantial spree. It definitely means theres less pressure for layoffs. Oil companies slashed jobs during the oil bust as crude prices dove to $26 a barrel in early 2016. They have since risen above $75 as recently as a month ago, but concerns over growing supplies and a slowing global economy have sent prices back below $65 a barrel. Oil settled Friday at $63.14 in New York, down 55 cents. Chevron said Friday that its Permian production jumped 80 percent in a year, and the company reiterated its interest in buying or building an oil refinery in the Houston area to help process all of that crude. Its petrochemical joint venture, ChevronPhillips, is considering another massive expansion in the Houston area after just completing one in Baytown early this year. Exxon Mobil said its production in the third quarter rose to 3.8 million barrels of oil equivalent rose from 3.6 million in the second quarter, although volumes were still down about 2 percent from the third quarter of 2017. Exxons year-over-year production has declined in nine of the last 10 quarters. On HoustonChronicle.com: As oil majors move into the Permian, cool efficiency replaces passion and guts Exxon is stabilizing, but its taken two-and-a-half years, said Pavel Molchanov, energy analyst with Raymond James. Exxon Mobil is focused on its holdings in the Permian Basin, where it operates 38 drilling rigs. After just finishing a big petrochemical expansion this summer in Baytown and Mont Belvieu, Exxon is advancing a new chemicals and plastics plant outside of Corpus Christi. The company also plans to launch a refining expansion in Beaumont. Those projects will all consume oil and gas from the Permian. Chevrons stock rose more than 3 percent Friday to $114.73 a share. Exxon stock climbed nearly 2 percent to $81.95 a share. jordan.blum@chron.com twitter.com/jdblum23 The Alley Theatres incoming artistic director, Rob Melrose, recently sat down to speak with the Houston Chronicle about his vision for the company. Melrose, announced Thursday to replace longtime director Gregory Boyd, addressed diversity, the Alley Theatre company, the Alleys relationship with local actors and making theater in the age of #MeToo. Q: Whats your platform? A: Its two things. Its honoring the legacy of the theater so the people who love it now, love it a year later and two years from now. So we dont lose anybody. But, on the other hand, opening the doors wider so more people of Houston feel like this is their theater. Diversifying the company, the kind of work we do, reflecting Houston and your writings are great. Everyone says lets diversify. Lets just make sure we actually do it. Q: Theres this question about the relationship between the Alley Theatre and the rest of the community. There was this perception of, Gregory Boyd never went to any of my shows. They call the Alley The Castle on the Hill. A: Its true! Its true! Two minutes ago, I was that little theater who knew what it was like, both when the AD of the big theater came and also when an AD hadnt set foot in my theater in 20 years. Im aware of it. When they dont come, I know how that feels. As a counter-example, something great that happened when Joe Dowling took on the leadership of the Guthrie Theater (in Minneapolis), he had his associate, John Miller-Stephany, go see everything. And he was in charge of casting. Before Joe, the Guthrie had been a castle. Either you were in the company or you werent, and the only people they brought in were from New York. But because John went and saw all the shows, he had a sense of what the local talent was. I just directed Frankenstein at the Guthrie. I was told, you could have 3 people from out of town, but 3 have to be local. Because actors know, in Minneapolis theyre being considered for the biggest theater, theyre willing to stay. And it just adds to the scene. Whereas, when actors feel like they can never be considered, theres the joke in the Bay Area that in order to be seen by the big theaters you have to move to New York. That creates a talent drain. A NEW APPROACH: Rob Melrose wants the Alley Theatre to have a comfortable atmosphere Im willing to see shows here. Ive already been to Catastrophic; I saw Curse of the Starving Class. Ive known Jason Nodler for many years. My theater in San Francisco and his theater here are kind of sister theaters. I think I can do a lot for building bridges and helping the theater scene as a whole rise. Q: When I met Gregory Boyd, he was aware the company model was struggling against how quickly demographics change with the plays that are being done nowadays. How are you thinking about the company model? Earlier, the only person of color in the company was David Rainey. A: And Shawn Hamilton now, who Ive known a long time. Hes great. But yeah, thats going to be a needle to thread. The Alley is deeply committed to having an acting company. How to do diverse work and honor the idea of the acting company? I think its sad this is one of the last remaining acting companies. Our answer to diversity will be different than from my good friend, Emily Mann, she took over (Princeton, N.J.s) McCarter Theatre. She said, Listen, I want to do an August Wilson play and a David Henry Hwang play, and I cant do it with this company. She dissolved the company. I love her and shes amazing. Im going to have to solve it a different way. In the five-year plan, theres room to add actors. Im going to be wanting to diversify the company. And as I think about the actors we bring in, I want to make sure they complement the company and make it more diverse. So when you look onstage, the show represents Houston. Q: The Alley in the past year has had Hurricane Harvey and the Boyd scandal. Is that something you talked about during the interview process? A: What everybody said everywhere I go is how amazingly the staff pulled together both through the hurricane and through Gregory. Theres a lot of really smart people who work hard and have had each others backs and have had a sense of camaraderie. My leadership style is extremely collaborative and transparent. Its the only way I know how to work. My leadership style is about making a space where people can do their best work, where they feel comfortable enough to take risks, bring ideas forward and go out on a limb. Q: Have you seen the film Whiplash? A: Yes, yes, yes. Q: I grew up in the music world, and to me, this idea of the genius is romanticized. If someones really tough, great, youre cutting your teeth. Even if someone said youre worthless, its like, Fine, Ill do even better. Theres this idea that the environment creates permission for powerful men. A: The Alley has done a lot of work on this. Theyve gone through a number of processes to address the issues. GREGORY BOYD RETIRES: Look back at why this longtime Alley leader stepped down Q: Did they tell you about this? How do you know this? A: In my first interview, one of the board members said, Listen, I just want to assure you that you have done a lot of work on this. We are not the same organization we were in January. And then, they hired me, who has a completely different idea of what leadership is. I have a good friend who was in the San Francisco ballet. She told me the ballet world was a lot like the Whiplash thing. Thats considered OK. People are waking up and realizing thats not OK. But what interests me is, thats not a good way to get work. For theater, I dont think so. Im not a dancer, maybe if you scream at someone theyll jump higher. I dont think so. Theater is best when the actor, designer open up and feel comfortable and feel willing to take risks. The only way they can do that is if they feel safe and youve got their back. Theres a woman named Laura Fisher, part of this Chicago group called Not in Our House. Q: Ive interviewed them. I think some theaters in Houston have adopted the Chicago Standards. A: And we will, too. Lauras wonderful. Ever since Ive heard her speak, Ive had an intimacy choreographer on my shows. In theater, there are directors who say, Why dont you just start kissing and Ill tell you what I like. And thats awkward. People say, Were corporatizing the rehearsal process, there should be blood and guts. She says, actually, once you know someones there keeping you safe and you know exactly what youre doing and youre empowered, then you can commit fully to the movement, and the work can actually be more exciting, appearing more risky, because you know youre not physically at risk. My friend with the ballet, she quit. She said, it isnt worth it. I dont like how Im feeling as a human being. I think thats terrible. Again, its this thing where youre being better to your fellow being, and it makes the art better. wchen@chron.com Some of today's barbecue stars seem to be minted overnight, while others come to fame from a slow, steady burn. For nearly 18 years, Tin Roof BBQ has been an Atascocita stronghold for barbecue in the Humble area north of Houston. Barbecue fans, however, have long admired the commitment of the Webber family for bringing a consistent A-game to the smoked meat table. Maggie Vanderweit created her Love Anyway quilt a simple gold Star of David on a pale traditional piecework background, finished with a heart-rending quote from Holocaust victim Anne Frank long before the Tree of Life Synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh, but the timing isnt lost on her. The Canadian quilter finished her artwork earlier this year for an exhibit that will likely be the talk of the 2018 International Quilt Festival that runs Thursday through Nov. 11 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. OURstory: Human Rights Stories in Fabric includes 42 art quilts, each of which touches on a different human rights theme. Fair labor practices, racism and prejudice, gay rights and marriage equality, religious freedom, civil rights, the environment and the plight of refugees are just a few of the topics the quilters from six countries took on. OURstory isnt partisan not a single quilt mentions an elected official or political party but it is highly political, and it was birthed from fears building over the past couple of years, not just in America but all over the world. 2018 International Quilt Festival When: 7-10 p.m. Nov. 7 Preview; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 8-10; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11 Where: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas Tickets: $15 general admission; $20 preview night (includes 1-day general admission); $50 full show pass (includes preview); $9 seniors (65 and older) and students Information: www.quilts.com See More Collapse Many may think of quilts as pretty things to cover beds or hang on walls but, like art, theyve never been that simple. Historically quilters were primarily women, and creating patterns with stitched-in messages was one of the few ways womens voices could be heard even if the delivery was subtle. Now, though, their messages are much more direct, with bold images and pointed words, and quilters who once chose to keep their politics or their opinions to themselves are seeing their craft as a comfortable place to start the conversation. The quilts in this exhibit are very poignant, and many of them tell the same story of I was denied my right to do this because Im this and Im not this, said OURstory curator Susanne Miller Jones of Virginia. Im proud of the exhibit. Its black and white, male and female, transgender, marriage equality, Me Too. I didnt put any limitations on whose rights would be allowed to be in and whose wouldnt. It may not change the way anyone feels about issues, but maybe it will make people think about how were all the same, and we have the same desires and needs. Bob Ruggiero, vice president of communications for Quilts, Inc., which conducts the annual International Quilt Festival the Super Bowl of quilt shows that encompasses all three floors of the George R. Brown and draws 55,000 visitors for four days said the show has had individual quilts that stirred a little controversy in past years, but never an entire exhibit so focused on topics that make news headlines every day. We had George Bush and Obama quilts that brought reactions, but those were more individual-based. This one takes on human rights as a very broad topic and covers a lot of bases, Ruggiero said. Im not seeing this one so much as controversial as powerful. Its not about candidates or party. Its probably the most thought-provoking exhibit well have this year. Vanderweit isnt Jewish, but Love Anyway is still highly personal for her. Just returned from The Netherlands, where she still has family, Vanderweit, 61, spoke emotionally about the stories of fear and repression she heard once more from uncles and other family members who lived through that countrys German occupation in World War II. Her uncle, Tjeerd Vanderweit, took her to what once was a prison in Leeuwarden, where Nazis imprisoned her late father, Ike Vanderweit, when he was just 17. He and a friend were out after curfew looking for fuel in the winter of 1944 what the Dutch refer to as the Hongerwinter, when thousands there died from starvation and were caught by the Nazis. His brother pleaded for mercy they were just boys looking for wood to burn but none was shown. They sent Ike and his friend to a work camp in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, to clear rubble from Allied bombings. Though his friend died, Ike survived months of hard labor, returning home so emaciated after the war that his own mother didnt recognize him. Maggie Vanderweits maternal grandparents, Marritje and Roelof Spikman, risked their own lives, storing guns for the Resistance in their chicken coop and hiding Jews and Resistance fighters in a small space under their kitchen sink in the town of Slootdorp. Nazis showed up at the Spikmans home one day and marched Marritje to the chicken coop at gunpoint. She was certain that theyd been discovered and that she was being lead to her execution. Instead, the Germans took her eggs and left. The Anne Frank quote that Maggie Vanderweit stitched into her quilt I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart. still guides the beliefs and hopes of Vanderweit, whose father emigrated to Canada after the war. Cynthia Parrys stark Dont Fence Me In quilt with a young girl standing behind a barbed wire fence with an armed sentry in the background is about internment camps for the Japanese in America during World War II, but viewers might easily see U.S.-Mexico border and immigration issues at play. Parry, who is half Japanese and lives in Kansas, comes to her topic with a different point of view. Though no family members were ever interned during the war, she often visits relatives in Japan and has heard their stories of wartime hardships. British quilter Sandy Snowden made the Tents of Displacement quilt to represent the plight of sub-Saharan refugees, and theres no mistaking the desperation woven into it. Words like hardship, grief, terror and victim are subtly stitched into the base of each tent and silhouettes of people float with a sense of longing. Her quilt rings of news she sees more often, as Syrian refugees flood Europe to escape from violence and war. Still another, Color Blind made by New Zealander Mary Jane Sneyd, a cancer epidemiologist and longtime quilter, is personal, too. She describes her own family as a rainbow of colors with people who are black, white, Maori, Congolese-Chinese, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Lebanese and Russian Jewish. Her quilt is based on a photograph from her own seventh birthday party in 1967. Now 58, Sneyd was a little girl in Nashville, Tenn., when her parents, both physicians, had moved the family there for a few years. The family had a black maid and nanny who had children the same ages as Sneyd and her siblings. When it was my birthday, naturally she and her children were invited to the party. Thats just the way we do things, Sneyd said from her home in Dunedin, New Zealand. Afterward, Mum has told me, that other mothers rang her and said their daughters could not come to the party because negroes would be there. Sneyds mother didnt worry about those who wouldnt attend; the nannys children were coming to the party. Shes a bit scrappy, my mum, she said. The children in the photo were Sneyds younger sister and one of the nannys daughters and the message in the photo from 50 years ago still rings true today, she said. I want people to see two little girls having a hug. The children dont notice the color. They dont, Sneyd said. I want people to think that as they age, they are taught about prejudice and bigotry. If we can stop that, maybe we can stop some of the hatred and violence. I also want people to think about the dates 1957 and 2017 and think of how far we have not come in 60 years. The work on display in the OURstory exhibit is likely the most political thing these feisty quilters have done in their lives. Jones, the exhibits organizer, spent her career teaching third- and fourth-graders, and took on quilting as a hobby just as she was retiring, expecting to quietly make lap quilts from her home. Though her mother years ago worked for Abraham Ribicoff, the former U.S. senator, congressman and governor of Connecticut, and she grew up in the shadow of the nations capital, Jones never thought of herself as political and never imagined shed be speaking out on political issues, even through art. I didnt even think until the past two years that our rights as humans were political. I thought that people of all races, colors creeds and nationalities are covered under our constitution. I thought we had gotten past that, that everyone should be equal. Little did I know we would be re-fighting for these rights, said Jones, who is 65. Her own quilts in the exhibit focus on access to food (Gotta Eat) and agism (Were Still Here). Susan Price of Springfield, Va., said shes always stayed in the background, keeping political views to herself. Events of the past two years have prompted her to act otherwise. Like a lot of people, I was completely shocked at the result of the (2016) presidential election and just couldnt imagine how we could survive for four years. If this isnt the time to speak up or participate in a more active way, then when is? she said. Price and a handful of friends took a train to Washington, D.C., in January 2017 for the Womens March and found it invigorating despite massive crowds and cold, rainy weather. Afterward, she saw a call for entries for quilts to be part of a 50-quilt Threads of Resistance traveling exhibit organized by the Artist Circle Alliance. Her entry, Womens Voices Matter, was based on her experience in the march. Her quilt wasnt accepted into that show, but she expanded it onto a dark background and added stitched words and found a home in Jones OURstory exhibit. Threads of Resistance is a much more in-your-face show, and at least three scheduled stops in its tour opted against exhibiting the quilts. Its currently being shown in Charlton, Mass., an exhibit that ends Nov. 4. Separately, an Arizona quilter, Jody Ipsen, launched her own emotionally charged exhibit The Migrant Quilt Project when she started making quilts to memorialize those who have died on their way to cross the border into the United States. The quilters see their craft as art, and art has always been an avenue for self expression, political or otherwise. One of the things we need to be very certain of is that we are given the freedom to speak our minds. Art gives us the power to do that, Jones said. These artists have expressed their opinions through the beauty of art. If this exhibit can reach into peoples hearts and get them to see another side to whatever story touches them, then I will feel like it has done what it set out to do, which is tell stories, which is what good art does. diane.cowen@chron.com SUTHERLAND SPRINGS - I was looking for a shop on a country road one day last week, but when I found myself circling the Wilson County Courthouse in downtown Floresville, I realized I was lost. A phone call to Sarah Holcombe Slavin got me straightened out, and a few minutes later I was pulling up before an old military-surplus building set among a grove of post oaks. Sarah met me at the door of her dads business, American Canvas Works. Bryan Holcombe made custom canvas covers for trailers. Inside the cluttered building last week were heavy rolls of various-colored canvas leaning against walls; large, specially adapted tables that Holcombe himself had invented; and several industrial-sized sewing machines, their clickety-clack hum quiet these days. The Holcombes, including Sarah, have been long-time members of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, where Bryan was a lay minister and Sarahs mother, Karla, ran the churchs Vacation Bible School. Bryan also ministered at the Wilson County Jail. The Holcombes abiding faith perhaps explains the large timeline of the Israelites Old Testament history tacked across one wall, above a scribble-marked chalkboard that suggests the building once was a classroom. Several stacks of clothes were laid across one of the work tables. Atop another was a large cardboard box with well-used ukuleles and fiddles sticking out, Bryans instruments. Sarah has been gradually cleaning out and organizing the shop for the past several weeks, perhaps to sell it, perhaps to reopen one day. Barely 5 feet tall, with hair dyed purple and usually wearing jeans or shorts, Sarah is 34 but looks younger. She and her husband Rocky, a computer-science professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, are the parents of 3-year-old Elene. Her grandparents live in a modern log cabin on the property. She and other members of her extended family live nearby. Sarah was a math teacher for a year after she got her degree but decided teaching wasnt for her. She went to work in the shop with her father. For six years, she sewed, welded and hemmed alongside Bryan Holcombe, getting to know him not only as her dad, but as friend and mentor. She told me the other day she always had been close to her mom, but those six years with her dad were special. They even developed a shorthand language they used as they worked together. Everyone in Wilson County knew Bryan Holcombe as a round-faced, red-bearded man with a perpetual smile and an irrepressible sense of humor, but Sarah learned he could be a task master, as well. In church recently, she stood in the pulpit and described her frustration a couple of years ago trying to sew together two pieces of heavy, bulky canvas for a cattle trailer. She just couldnt get it right, after multiple efforts. Ive been sewing since I was 9 years old, she said, and it was so frustrating. Finally, she called her dad over, and he sewed the pieces together in about five seconds. They lined up perfectly. Why cant I do that? she asked him. Because youre not a master, he said matter-of-factly. Ive been doing this for 30 years. . . . You should have come to me sooner, because re-doing weakens the seam. He said something else that stuck with her: The tarp they were working on had his name on it. He had to be sure the work she was doing measured up to his high standards. His customers expected nothing less. Sarah was late for church that horrible Sunday morning a year ago. As she parked in front of the sanctuary, daughter Elene in her car seat, a neighbor frantically warned her away. Her dad was the substitute preacher that day; her mom delivered the announcements. Just as she was finishing, the gunman opened fire from the outside, sending a swarm of bullets from an AR-15 down the center aisle of the church. He killed 26 people, wounded 20 more, in the deadliest church shooting in U.S. history. Mark Collins is a former minister at Sutherland Springs and is still close with many of the members. He was preaching that morning at his current church in Yorktown when his daughter stepped up to the pulpit and whispered in his ear that something bad had happened in Sutherland Springs. He stopped in mid-sermon, rushed outside to his car and made the 40-mile drive to Sutherland Springs in maybe 25 minutes. As he drove, he remembered seeing Bryan at a ministerial luncheon a couple of weeks earlier. Collins had teased his old friend about his attire. Bryans loud Hawaiian shirts were a trademark, but for the luncheon he wore a dress shirt and tie and nice slacks over his scuffed and worn work boots. They both laughed. With helicopters circling overhead, Collins made his way past grim-faced first-responders and a gathering crowd of distraught friends and family members. He noticed on the church lawn a yellow tarp covering a body. Bryans work boots stuck out at one end. Waiting at the nearby community center, Sarah got the news she'd been dreading: Mom? Gone. Dad? Gone. Noah? Gone. Eight times she heard the same answer. Her parents. Her brother Danny. Her sister-in-law Crystal and Crystals unborn child. Her four young cousins Emily, Megan, Noah Grace and Greg. Her brother, John Holcombe, Crystals husband, was wounded but survived, as did Johns step-daughter Evelyn. (Johns step-son Phillip was not in church that day). Her sister-in-law, Jennifer Holcombe, Dannys wife and mother to 17-month-old Noah Grace, also survived. When I found out they had all been killed, I was shattered, Sarah told the church. I know Im not the only one having these feelings right now. I know youre frustrated. I know youre doing everything you can do, and its still not working out. She urged her listeners to trust in the Master, the way she had trusted her dad that morning in the shop. Sarah was wearing a monkey costume on Halloween night this week. At the churchs annual Fall Fest, a prelude to this Sundays anniversary commemoration, she was busy keeping daughter Elene out of the bountiful offerings of candy. Strolling through the crowd among the dinosaurs and pirates and princesses on the church lawn was one of the Blues Brothers aka Pastor Frank Pomeroy who complained that no one remembers the black-hatted, black-suited duo. Pomeroy and his wife Sherri lost their 14-daughter Annabelle last year. Sarah Slavin lost three generations of her family. They still hurt, still grieve. And yet, Sarah and her husband have a beautiful daughter to raise. Shes also the executor of her parents estate. Pomeroy pastors a growing congregation that needs his leadership and steady counsel more than ever. Watching the people of this little country church enjoy themselves on a crisp Halloween evening, I realized that in the times Ive been with them intruding on their lives every few weeks, my journalists notebook at the ready Ive seen their tears and heard their laughter. Ive heard the stories they tell about friends and loved ones no longer among them. Ive witnessed their inconsolable sadness. And their expressions of hope. A year after the event, as they call it, they are getting on with life. To a degree almost incomprehensible to me, their faith sustains them. djholley10@gmail.com Twitter.com/holleynews Houston ISDs enrollment this school year has declined by about 4,300 students, or 2 percent, as the district faces increasing competition from charter schools, the lingering effects of Hurricane Harvey and perceptions of leadership instability. The enrollment drop, HISDs largest since 2006, likely will necessitate another round of budget cuts and job reductions after back-to-back years of trimming. HISDs past two budgets have included spending reductions totaling about $83 million, with another $125 million pulled from the districts rainy-day fund. HISD spends about $2 billion annually. Thats simple math. Thats got to be done, HISD Board of Trustees President Rhonda Skillern-Jones. Our reserves do not replenish themselves, and its not sustainable to continue using them. HISD administrators, who closely track data on the districts 209,900 students, did not respond to repeated requests for comment this week about causes of the enrollment drop. School districts across Texas completed a state-mandated attendance count last week. Local education officials offered various anecdotal theories for reasons behind HISDs enrollment drop: growing interest in charter and private schools, families leaving for other housing options after Hurricane Harvey, frustration with the quality of HISDs educational offerings, and declining trust with the districts administration and school board. Theres a lot of factors contributing to this, and I dont want it to just be blamed on any things happening within the district, Skillern-Jones said. Its not just HISD, but its a national problem for urban districts. I will say: This boards behavior does not help retain students through the confidence of parents and the public. The enrollment drop likely will also result in a decline in state funding and an increase in so-called recapture payments to the state totaling tens of millions of dollars. Recapture is the states method of taking money from districts with large tax bases relative to population, such as HISD, and redistributing it to property-poor districts. Lynn Moak, the managing partner of the Austin-based education advisory group Moak, Casey & Associates, said enrollment losses typically have a net negative financial impact on school districts, even if fewer children equal fewer expenses. Moak spoke in general about the nexus between enrollment and school finances, declining to comment specifically about HISD The problem becomes a combination of factors: When do you know youre going to lose the money? What kind of money were those kids earning for the district who are departing? Where is the district with its existing financial commitments? said Moak, whose company provides accountability and financial planning services to HISD. Moak spoke in general about the nexus between enrollment and school finances, declining to comment specifically about HISD. In response to requests from the Houston Chronicle, several regional school districts reported varying increases and decreases in enrollment as of late October. Official counts have not been provided to state officials or published for all districts. Katy ISD, historically one of the states fastest-growing districts, reached nearly 80,000 students this school year following a 3.1 percent enrollment bump. Sheldon ISD, a 9,400-student district in northeast Harris County district, continued to expand despite devastating impacts from Hurricane Harvey, reporting an enrollment increase of 3.3 percent. We knew we were going to have some families displaced to other districts, but we were literally just hoping to not drop in enrollment, Sheldon ISD Superintendent King Davis said. We were feeling pretty good, though, based on how many students returned in September of last year. A few districts reported enrollment declines, including Spring ISD (35,275 students, down 2.4 percent) and Alief ISD (45,476 students, down 1.7 percent). Still, the tally was most notable in HISD, which will have lost about 6,300 students over the last two years. HISDs enrollment had increased annually from 2011-12 to 2016-17. The city of Houstons population of school-age children most but not all of whom live within HISDs boundaries rose by about 15,000 during that time, according to U.S. Census Bureau surveys. It appears likely that hundreds, if not thousands, of children left HISD this year to attend charter schools. For example, the states fastest-growing charter network, International Leadership of Texas, opened its first campus within HISDs boundaries this year with an enrollment of about 1,175 students. IL Texas officials said they believe a strong majority of their students at the campus, located in southeast Houston, formerly attended HISD campuses. August Fleming, whose daughters last year attended Kandy Stripe Academy, an in-district HISD charter school, vowed she would not send her children to another HISD campus after trustees voted to close the academy in August. Her daughters now attend third and fifth grade at The Pro-Vision Academy, an out-of-district charter school on Houstons south side. My oldest daughter learns better in a small environment, and when she was at (HISDs) Foster Elementary before Kandy Stripe, there were 20-some kids in a class, Fleming said. It was out of control. She couldnt learn. The effects of Hurricane Harvey on HISDs enrollment remain unclear. Districts severely impacted by the August 2017 storm have shown mixed enrollment results. Numbers are steady or up in Humble, Pearland and Sheldon ISDs, but down in Alief and Houston ISDs. HISDs October 2017 enrollment snapshot, which would have measured students lost due to Hurricane Harvey, showed a 2,000-student decline from the previous year. The impact of HISDs reputation on parents enrollment decisions also is difficult to measure, but the district has suffered several public relations hits in the past two years. They include significant budget cuts, the abrupt departure of Superintendent Richard Carranza in March, a raucous school board meeting in April and a much-derided, secretive move to replace Lathan in early October. HISD trustees ultimately opted to retain Lathan after her chosen replacement backed out two days later. At the same time, HISD produced relatively strong results in August under the states new academic accountability system, earning a score equivalent to a B grade. The district also reduced its number of improvement required schools from 58 in 2015 to seven in 2018, though another 15 would have been rated improvement required this year if not for exemptions tied to Hurricane Harvey. To win her daughters back, Fleming said HISD must rebuild trust by showing more dedication to providing clear, direct information to parents. They didnt communicate, and thats their main thing for me, Fleming said. This is our children. I feel really hurt because this is my childs education. jacob.carpenter@chron.com When the polls closed in Harris County Friday, more voters had cast ballots than in any previous midterm election, positioning Harris County to surpass 1 million voters for the first time in a midterm election. With a few voters still waiting in line to close out early voting, 849,406 residents had turned out, eclipsing even the tea party wave of 2010. Friday the 12th and final day of early balloting saw a record 93,529 ballots cast in Harris County by 7:45 p.m. Voters faced long lines and parking woes, even as many wagered the wait on Tuesday would be worse with hundreds of thousands more voters on Election Day. More than 4.3 million Texans have voted so far in the states 30 largest counties, just shy of the 4.7 million Texans who voted in the entire 2014 election. Researchers said Democrats maintain a slight edge in Harris County that will likely grow on Election Day. The so-called Blue Wave here may not be enough to propel Democratic Rep. Beto ORourke to victory in the U.S. Senate race against GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, but could doom Republicans in local races. The electorate that has turned out the past two weeks is younger, less Anglo and contains far more new or infrequent voters than normal midterms, factors that largely benefit Democrats. Republicans are very good at getting their voters to turn out, said University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus. If there are a bunch of voters who dont typically vote in midterms but are now, its probably because theyre Democratic-leaning voters. Both major parties have capitalized on enthusiasm among their voters, Rottinghaus said. But Democrats have a higher ceiling, since they traditionally struggle to get their voters to the polls. He said investments local Democrats made years ago to boost turnout among young and non-white voters are paying dividends now. This is also the final election with straight-ticket voting in Texas, which has usually benefited Republicans. This year it could be their curse, since the fate of local GOP candidates likely lies with ticket-splitters, who have become rarer as partisanship has increased. If Democrats carry Harris County, researchers said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett is the only countywide Republican with enough crossover appeal to survive. Historically, the Election Day vote mirrors the partisan split in early balloting, but some elections have bucked this trend. Energized Democrats rushed to Harris County polls in 2008 to vote early for Barack Obama, but more Republicans turned out on Election Day. The late GOP surge failed to prevent Obama from winning the county, but it put Republicans within striking distance in down-ballot races. Democrats won 85 percent of judicial contests that year, only the second time in the last five elections in which one party failed to sweep the courthouse races, according to Rice University political scientist Mark Jones. In the past three general elections, Rottinghaus said a strong Democrat at the top of the ticket has carried Harris County for the party. He said ORourke is likely to perform a similar role this year, even if he loses his own race. Harris County blooms as a Democratic haven when theyve got a popular candidate at the ticket, he said. You saw that with Obama in 08 and 12, and (Hillary) Clinton in 16. I suspect well see it here in 18, too. There are some encouraging signs for county Republicans. The most popular early voting locations included the Republican strongholds of Kingwood, Cypress, Champion Forest and Spring Branch. New voter wild card Turnout has so defied previous midterms that analysts are handicapping 2018 as if it were a presidential election. They point to a high number of voters as many as 30 percent who have no history of midterm participation. Another 11 percent are new voters. This bloc is a wild card for researchers, since these voters are seldom contacted by pollsters and have paltry voter histories that imply little about which candidates they are likely to support. But broad conclusions can be drawn by their demographics. Local Democratic consultant Keir Murray said his research on the early vote turnout shows half of this group is under 35 and more than half are women. Voters in these categories are more likely to support Democrats. My gut level is that theyre not good for Republicans in the county, Murray said. The more of those folks that are in the mix locally and statewide, the worse it is for the GOP. The spike in voters under 35, from 13 percent of the electorate in 2014 to 20 percent this year, explains part of this group. Murray estimated that excluding mail ballot voters, who are disproportionately elderly, young voters could form a larger portion of the electorate than those over 65, an outcome previously unheard of in a midterm election. Chantell Jent, 28, voted for Trump in 2016 but remained undecided on the Senate race as she prepared to cast her ballot at Trini Mendenhall Community Center Friday. She had printed out a Houston Chronicle story, breaking down Cruz and ORourkes positions on various issues, to study at the last minute. He's trying to unify, and that's what we need, Jent said of ORourke. He just really sparked my curiosity. Though Jent said she planned to vote mostly for Republicans and disagreed with some of ORourkes stances on gun control and abortion, she remained on the fence. ORourke supporters Robert Lynn, 27, and Matthew Rarey, 28, both voted straight-ticket Democrat and considered health care a top issue. Lynn, as a gay man, said he also cast his ballot with LGBT issues in mind. Treating all people like decent people is sort of the party line that I'm treading right now, Lynn said. Young Republican voters are enthusiastic as well. At the Juergen's Hall Community Center polling place in Cypress on Friday morning, 23-year-old Kailey Studhalter said she wanted to make sure she cast a ballot for Cruz and other Republicans. I was worried Democrats might take control of Texas for the first time in decades, she said. Latino surge Voters with Latino surnames made up a far greater share of the electorate than in previous midterm elections, accounting for 16 percent percent of in-person early vote totals, according to data from the Harris County Clerks office. Texas Southern University political science professor Jay Aiyer said the increased turnout could stem from west and southwest parts of Harris County, areas that have seen rapid growth in recent years. Latinos comprise 43 percent of Harris County residents, more than any any other racial group, but have a poor history of voter turnout. In the past four midterm elections, Latinos made up about 9 percent or less of early in-person voters, with the total spiking to 17 percent in 2016, when Democrats swept Harris County races. This year, Latinos have increased their turnout 250 percent from four years ago, to around 100,000 votes so far, according to the Harris County clerk. They are motivated by anger over President Donald Trumps proposals and statements on immigration, Rottinghaus said. They also excited by the record number of Latinos on the ballot, from Lupe Valdez in the governors race to local candidates. Youve got pockets of Latino support that havent been activated in the past couple of elections who I think will be because of candidates like Sylvia Garcia and Adrian Garcia, Rottinghaus said. Having Latino candidates on the ballot is a huge pull. High turnout among Latinos, coupled with robust voting among blacks and Asians, could shrink the Anglo portion of the electorate to a lower level than any previous election, Democratic consultant Murray said. He estimated Anglos may only comprise 55 percent of county voters. Hints of high turnout emerged in early October, when the secretary of state announced that more than 400,000 Texans had registered to vote since the March primaries. Harris County led the way with 55,482 new registrations, bringing the roll to 2.3 million voters. More than 700 Harris County polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can find their polling location at HarrisVotes.com. Staff writer Olivia P. Tallet contributed to this report. zach.despart@chron.com In a last-minute effort to motivate Houstons Southwest Latino voters to head to the polls on Tuesday, the Sharpstown Democrats club and the grassroots Swing TX-7 Left group are hosting a get-out-the-vote event on Saturday, including canvassing Sharpstown apartment complexes and the PlazAmericas mall. Ivan Sanchez, former Democratic candidate for Congressional District 7, said Sharpstowns poor voting record motivated him to help coordinate Saturdays event. Precinct 567 listed 2,360 active voters registered through deadline this year, according to state voter registration data. But Sanchez said only about 300 people end up voting. The goal for Saturday is to reach as many Sharpstown residents as possible to ensure they vote on Tuesday, regardless of which candidate and party they ultimately support, Sanchez said. This is not about politics, Sanchez said. This is about the integrity of our country. Volunteers will meet Saturday morning at Taqueria Mexico Lindo on Clarewood Drive. From there they will disperse in teams visiting nearby apartment complexes, retirement homes, and the mall. That same morning Republican Congressman John Culbersons campaign and the Harris County Republican Party will be canvassing West Houston, starting off at Culbersons campaign headquarters on Katy Freeway. Our grassroots operation has knocked on more doors than any other Republican campaign in the state, with the exception of the Abbott campaign, and will continue to increase our reach this weekend and through Election Day, read a statement from Culbersons campaign. On Friday, Sanchez and two members of the Swing TX-7 Left group met at the taqueria to finish prep work. Swing TX-7 Left supports Culbersons District 7 opponent, congressional candidate Lizzie Pannill Fletcher. As patrons grabbed a leisurely lunch, the volunteers sorted postcards, listing voting times and locations, which they plan to hand out on Saturday. It is a last-minute attempt to show the Hispanic community that not only do politicians want them to vote, Sanchez said, that the community wants them to vote too. A few tables away, Ramon Aguilar said that while hes registered to vote, he remains undecided as to whether he will. He said hes felt disillusioned by local and national government, and pointed to underperforming or closed schools with a majority of minority students and incarceration rates for African-American and Latino men. They only want the Hispanic vote, Aguilar said. They only come here to get power. Aguilars outlook on politics is being shared by a higher number of Latinos in the United States. A new Pew Research report found that 62 percent of surveyed Hispanics said they were dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country today, up from 50 percent in 2017. Twenty percent of survey participants found issues related to the economy as one of the countrys most important problems. Another 20 percent cited immigration at the top of their list of concerns. Such is the case for Lisvinia Romero. Romero, her husband and one of her daughters all went to early vote together on Oct. 24. Grabbing lunch with her husband Luis on Friday at the taqueria, Romero said she voted in part as a response to what she called the hatred against Latinos,t racist rhetoric and policies coming out of the Trump administration. My words cant do much but my vote can, Romero said. Having come to the United States from El Salvador when she was 8, Romero said she hopes her vote can make a difference in shaping immigration policy, particularly for those who live in the country illegally. I want to vote for those who cant, Romero said. Matt Dempsey, the Houston Chronicle data editor, contributed to this report. ileana.najarro@chron.com twitter.com/IleanaNajarro Houston resident Aija Hunter wasn't Ledesma Wooden's first target when he opened fire toward a van filled with Hurricane Michael recovery workers in Florida earlier this week, police said. According to a Fort Walton Beach police report, Wooden shot toward another worker before he opened fire toward the van on Wednesday night, fatally shooting Hunter in the driver seat and wounding another worker in the front passenger seat. RELATED: Houston woman fatally shot while helping with Hurricane Michael recovery in Florida Wooden is currently facing charges of murder, attempted murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting. He was one of the five Houston residents at a Greyhound bus station in Fort Walton Beach at the time, including Hunter. They had been part of a larger group tasked with helping the Hurricane Michael recovery effort in Panama City. But a verbal scuffle at the bus station ended when Wooden pulled out a handgun from his luggage. ""My baby was an extremely positive, loving and giving person," Hunter's mother Michelle Anderson told Chron.com on Thursday. "She was about service for sure... and then this happened." At some point during the trip, Wooden was fired, and he needed to buy his own bus ticket back to Houston, police said in the report. That's how the group ended up at the Greyhound station around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. The police report said the verbal altercation was centered around Wooden's firing and the fact that he needed to buy his own bus ticket. But Fort Walton Beach police Lt. Matthew Holt said investigators wanted to withhold the specifics of the argument. Holt said police also wanted to withhold the name of the company who sent the recovery group to Florida. During the argument, Wooden retrieved a gun from his bag and allegedly started shooting at one of the men in the group, who was able to elude the gunfire by running around the front of the work van, the police report said. Wooden then turned the weapon toward the work van, in which Hunter and two other workers were sitting. Hunter was eventually pronounced dead at a local hospital, while the other worker who was shot in the leg survived. The only passenger who wasn't shot sat in the third row, the report said. Wooden fled the scene on foot, but a police canine tracked him down in the area around 9:50 p.m. He was denied bond in the Okaloosa County Jail, where he was still awaiting a hearing on Friday, jail records show. Police have since located the weapon they believe Wooden used during the shooting, and the investigation remains active, Holt said. RELATED: Hurricane Michael stops more than 40% of Gulf oil production Holt added that the group had been in Florida helping with the hurricane recovery for at least two weeks. He said he didn't know details about the group's daily activities. Anderson, Hunter's mother, said her daughter left roughly three weeks ago. Most recently, Anderson said her daughter told her she had been working inside a mall, but the specific purpose of the trip remains unclear. Anderson said she wasn't aware of any previous relationship between Hunter and Wooden before the trip. Wooden has faced numerous charged out of Harris County dating back to 2011. In 2017, he was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm. In 2011 and 2012, he faced charges of burglary and theft between $500 and $1,500. Holt said Friday that police were working to confirm whether Wooden has been convicted of a felony, which would have prohibited him from possessing a firearm in the first place. All of Wooden's charges in Harris County have either been dismissed or disposed, records show. Meanwhile, Anderson said she would leave for Florida on Friday to pick up her daughter's body. She would have been 25 on Nov. 10, Anderson said. "She was very outgoing, extremely warm... and she loved elephants," Anderson said Thursday. "Right now, it's just so much [emotion]." 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 A San Antonio Latino claims he was stopped in June by a Border Patrol agent who refused to believe he was a citizen and had him deported to Nuevo Laredo the next day, where he was kidnapped by cartel members and held for ransom. Julio Cesar Ovalle, 24, said in an interview Friday that he was not released until days later when the FBI intervened with Mexican authorities. There was no independent verification Friday of Ovalles claim that a Border Patrol agent stopped him without cause June 11 and asked for his papers as he walked along Portranco Road to his neighborhood H-E-B. But officials did verify that he was kidnapped in Mexico and held for ransom, then freed with the help of U.S. authorities. RELATED: Judge sentences S.A. killer who cut up, burned man's remains to life In September, Ovalles attorney Javier Espinoza filed an administrative claim, which is required before a lawsuit can be filed in court, seeking $1 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which includes the U.S. Border Patrol, for the alleged wrongful deportation. Federal officials have up to six months to respond to the administrative claim. According to documents and information provided by Espinoza and Ovalle to reporters, Ovalle was born at a hospital in Los Angeles to a U.S. citizen mother and a legal resident father, but raised in Mexico until he moved to San Antonio nine years ago. He has a U.S. passport. A spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, of which Border Patrol is a part of, said the agency does not comment on matters under litigation, and the FBI said it could not comment on whether it had a hand in helping free Ovalle. But a law enforcement source told the San Antonio Express-News that a distraught Ovalle may have called 911 himself, claimed he was an undocumented immigrant and precipitated a response from Border Patrol that ended with his deportation. Asked about the differing accounts, Espinoza said Ovalles brother was told by law officers that someone had called 911. But Espinoza said Ovalle denied he made the call and stands by his story. Espinoza said that regardless of why Ovalle was detained, he was deported without due process and forced to sign paperwork in English that he did not understand. Ovalle attended special education classes at Stephens High, but did not graduate, according to the three-page claim. RELATED: Former Ballet San Antonio dancer not guilty in sex assault case Even if he had a mental episode, and Im not saying that he did, hes an American citizen, Espinoza said, adding that Ovalle should not have been deported. They should have held him and processed him, or let him call his family. Ovalle, in an interview at his Northwest Side home earlier Friday, said he believes he was targeted by the Border Patrol simply because he is Hispanic and speaks little English. It was an injustice and racism, all because I dont understand or speak English well, Ovalle said in Spanish. Ovalle said he did not have identification because he had left his wallet in a car his father took to work, and only had some cash and his cell phone in his pocket. Ovalle said he told the agent that he had a passport and other documentation showing his U.S. citizenship at home, but the agent would not listen and instead took Ovalles cell phone and transported him to the Border Patrol station in Cotulla. He said he was deported to Nuevo Laredo the next day. Ovalle said his cell phone was returned to him on the bridge and he promptly called his father, who told him to wait for him. As Ovalle waited outside an immigration center in Nuevo Laredo with another deportee, four men came up and forced them into a truck, Ovalle said. He said he was held in a house with about 80 other immigrants by armed men. I had a panic attack and I was very scared, Ovalle said, adding that he was trembling and couldnt answer one of the captors, who slapped him and told him to calm down. Ovalle said when his older brother called his cell phone, the captors took the phone away and demanded $4,500 in ransom. Ovalles family called Laredo police, who referred them to the FBI, Espinoza said. FBI agents reached out to their counterparts in Mexico, according to Espinoza. At one point, Ovalle said, he was asked by one of his captors, Who is Julio Cesar Ovalle? and when he answered, he was taken back to Nuevo Laredo, where he eventually was released at one of the international bridges. Special agent Michelle Lee, spokeswoman for the FBI in San Antonio field office that includes Laredo, said the agency cannot comment on whether it had a hand in Ovalles release. U.S. citizens and others have been kidnapped along the border, Lee said. We have assisted them in the past. Its important that family members reach out to law enforcement if such a situation arises. Federal tort law requires those who claim they were wronged by a federal agency to first file an administrative claim with the agency. If the matter is not resolved within the six-month response period, the government can be sued in federal court. Guillermo Contreras covers federal court and immigration news in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | gcontreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland AUSTIN Republican Gov. Greg Abbott wants to limit how much money local school districts can raise each year through property taxes, promising the state will make up the difference, according to an 80-page proposal his office has been sharing with business groups and school officials. But Abbotts plan does not detail how the state will make up for billions of dollars of revenue Texas school districts would lose. Abbott floated the 2.5-percent cap in January as he ramped up his bid for re-election. But now he is showing the plan to school officials just months before the legislative session begins in January, worrying some lawmakers who say Abbotts proposal does not fix inequities in Texas school finance system and instead focuses on cutting taxes. School finance is expected to be a top priority for the legislature after lawmakers failed to make meaningful reforms to the system in 2017. Following the session, the legislature created a 13-member commission to come up with ways to better fund schools and provide Texans relief from spiraling property tax bills. The commission spent 10 months studying state revenue, expenditures and educational outcomes and is expected to release its recommendations by the end of the year. But Abbotts proposal has at least one member of the commission questioning the governors intentions. This plan makes a mockery out of the whole process, said Rep. Diego Bernal, a Democrat from San Antonio on the commission. A spokeswoman for the governors office emphasized that the governors proposal is still a work in progress. A copy of the proposal was leaked to the press. There have not been any final recommendations released from our office or the commission, said the spokeswoman, Ciara Matthews. The Governor and his team continue to work with the commission and various stakeholders to solicit ideas on ways to improve education in Texas. Abbott has made education a focus of his campaign, promising at a recent rally in Williamson County to raise teacher wages. His education and tax reform proposal, first reported by the Texas Tribune, includes raising wages for high-performing teachers who opt to teach in low-performing schools and incentivizing schools for student performance. Related: Gov. Abbotts call for more teachers making $100,000 draws skepticism But the bulk of Abbotts proposal focuses on property taxes. Abbott wants to prevent school districts from collecting more than 2.5 percent more in property tax revenue than they did the previous year. Currently, state law allows local governments, including school districts, to raise property taxes 8 percent per year without voter approval. Under the proposal, property-wealthy school districts such as Houston ISD and Austin ISD would turn over less money to the state in recapture payments that go to districts that reap less property tax revenue. But that change alone would require the state to make deep cuts to education funding, or come up with an additional $3 billion a year by 2023. State revenues will be utilized to ensure districts do not lose money as a result of this compression of tax collections, Abbotts presentation notes in bold but provides no details for how the state will make up the difference. For subscribers: Texas top-ranked high schools dont prepare most kids for college Bernal said Abbotts plan has some features he likes, such as paying high-performing teachers to teach at low-performing schools, but that would require even more money. Add to that the fact that the revenue caps are the cornerstone of the plan and you get the clear sense that school finance is being used as a Trojan horse for a tax plan. That means its not about Texas children at all, Bernal said. Conservative Republican candidates across the state have a favorite one-liner: Dont California my Texas. I shake my head every time I hear it. For decades, our states economic growth strategy has intentionally Californiad our Texas. The state pays big money to recruit Californians and others from around the world to live and work here. Candidates who rail against California and bemoan demographic shifts are naive to marginalize newcomers. Making our economic drivers feel unwelcome is at odds with our growth strategy. In 2013, then-Gov. Rick Perry took to the airwaves in California, running radio ads and making visits to encourage Californians to move to Texas. He even used state money, incentives from the Texas Enterprise Fund, for persuasion. That March, the Texas Tribune featured a larger-than-life picture of him reaching out for Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneggers hand. Not long after, Toyota moved its headquarters from California to Plano, bringing scores of employees and more than 4,000 jobs with it. But dont California my Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott has shelled out billions from the Texas Enterprise Fund to incentivize domestic and international in-flow. Last year, pharmaceutical giant McKesson, originally from San Francisco, opened its new headquarters in Irving with at least 1,000 new jobs. Another California-based company, Charles Schwab, opened a $200 million regional hub North of Dallas. But dont California my Texas. In The Woodlands where I live, Gil Staley, CEO of The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership, told Chron News last year, We go on trade missions all over the world. I just got back from San Francisco, from Silicon Valley, had an opportunity to talk with Google out there at their headquarters. I've been to China, South Korea, Japan, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Scotland-talking to companies and at least planting the seed as a place to come and prosper. The point is that Texas recruiting efforts have been deliberate, wildly successful and have led to an explosion of population and economic growth statewide. According to the Texas Demographic Center, statewide population is projected to increase by 41 percent to 52 percent from 2018 to 2048. Thats music to the ears of any business owner, and we should welcome newcomers with open arms. The dont California my Texas mantra is bogus and counterproductive. Its a catchy line used to scare up votes in a contentious election cycle. We need to welcome these new comers, not marginalize them. But bumpy roads may be ahead if well-funded fringe groups like the Empower Texans PAC and the Freedom Caucus (Conservative Republicans) takeover the 86th Legislature. They advocate for slashing public-school funding, which drives up our property taxes and social legislation that makes the business community cringe. M. Ray Perryman, an economist who describes himself as a fiscal conservation, told the New York Times last year that most of the threats to the future of Texas are self-imposed: Inadequate education and infrastructure funding can stifle growth. He told the Times that discriminatory social legislation can irreparably damage the business climate, and hard-line immigration posturing is counterproductive. Moreover, Empower Texans-backed representatives drop costly legislative bombs like the unconstitutional 2013 bill to nullify federal gun laws and the widely-panned 2017 bathroom bill that had its own special session while Harvey victims got none. In 2017, the Texas Association of Business estimated that if it had passed, the bathroom bill could have resulted in $8.5 billion in reduced state gross domestic product and up to 185,000 lost jobs. Thats neither pro-growth nor pro-business. Its dangerous to the Texas economy, and pundits expect more of the same in 2019 if fringe groups are left un-checked at the polls. So what are we going to do about it? The answer is simple: Vote. Do your homework and find skilled, rational leaders to vote for in your district and recognize that straight-ticket voting allows fringe candidates to sneak through undetected. Check out the website www.christackettnow.com to see how much Empower Texans and others spend to influence your state legislators. The raw data comes directly from the Texas Ethics Commission. Use your vote to protect our strong economy, public schools and promote inclusion. Yes, that means you. Im asking you to vote and all of your friends too. Make a plan to go together, and commit to showing up. Texas is at its best when Texans elect skilled, rational leadership over fringe ideologues. Imperial Valley News Center Chinese Intelligence Officers et all Conspired to Steal Sensitive Commercial Aviation and Technological Data Washington, DC - Chinese intelligence officers and those working under their direction, which included hackers and co-opted company insiders, conducted or otherwise enabled repeated intrusions into private companies computer systems in the United States and abroad for over five years. The conspirators ultimate goal was to steal, among other data, intellectual property and confidential business information, including information related to a turbofan engine used in commercial airliners. The charged intelligence officers, Zha Rong and Chai Meng, and other co-conspirators, worked for the Jiangsu Province Ministry of State Security (JSSD), headquartered in Nanjing, which is a provincial foreign intelligence arm of the Peoples Republic of Chinas Ministry of State Security (MSS). The MSS, and by extension the JSSD, is primarily responsible for domestic counter-intelligence, non-military foreign intelligence, and aspects of political and domestic security. From at least January 2010 to May 2015, JSSD intelligence officers and their team of hackers, including Zhang Zhang-Gui, Liu Chunliang, Gao Hong Kun, Zhuang Xiaowei, and Ma Zhiqi, focused on the theft of technology underlying a turbofan engine used in U.S. and European commercial airliners. This engine was being developed through a partnership between a French aerospace manufacturer with an office in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China, and a company based in the United States. Members of the conspiracy, assisted and enabled by JSSD-recruited insiders Gu Gen and Tian Xi, hacked the French aerospace manufacturer. The hackers also conducted intrusions into other companies that manufactured parts for the turbofan jet engine, including aerospace companies based in Arizona, Massachusetts and Oregon. At the time of the intrusions, a Chinese state-owned aerospace company was working to develop a comparable engine for use in commercial aircraft manufactured in China and elsewhere. Defendant Zhang Zhang-Gui is also charged, along with Chinese national Li Xiao, in a separate hacking conspiracy, which asserts that Zhang Zhang-Gui and Li Xiao leveraged the JSSD-directed conspiracys intrusions, including the hack of a San Diego-based technology company, for their own criminal ends. For the third time since only September, the National Security Division, with its US Attorney partners, has brought charges against Chinese intelligence officers from the JSSD and those working at their direction and control for stealing American intellectual property, said John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. This is just the beginning. Together with our federal partners, we will redouble our efforts to safeguard Americas ingenuity and investment. State-sponsored hacking is a direct threat to our national security. This action is yet another example of criminal efforts by the MSS to facilitate the theft of private data for Chinas commercial gain, said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman. 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. The threat posed by Chinese government-sponsored hacking activity is real and relentless, said John Brown, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego Field Office. Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of our private sector, international and U.S. government partners, is sending a strong message to the Chinese government and other foreign governments involved in hacking activities. We are working together to vigorously investigate and hold hackers accountable regardless of their attempts to hide their illicit activities and identities. On October 10, the Department of Justice announced that a JSSD intelligence officer was extradited to the Southern District of Ohio, on charges that he attempted to steal trade secrets related to jet aircraft engines, and in September, in the Northern District of Illinois, a U.S. Army recruit was charged with working as an agent of a JSSD intelligence officer, without notification to the Attorney General. As the indictment in the Southern District of California describes in detail, Chinas JSSD intelligence officers and hackers working at their direction masterminded a series of intrusions in order to facilitate intrusions and steal non-public commercial and other data. The hackers used a range of techniques, including spear phishing, sowing multiple different strains of malware into company computer systems, using the victim companies own websites as watering holes to compromise website visitors computers, and domain hijacking through the compromise of domain registrars. The first alleged hack began no later January 8, 2010, when members of the conspiracy infiltrated Capstone Turbine, a Los-Angeles-based gas turbine manufacturer, in order to steal data and use the Capstone Turbine website as a watering hole. Chinas intelligence service also sought, repeatedly, to hack into a San Diego-based technology company from at least August 7, 2012 through January 15, 2014, in order to similarly steal commercial information and use its website as a watering hole. Chinese actors used not only hacking methods to conduct computer intrusions and steal commercial information, they also coopted victim company employees. From at least November 2013 through February 2014, two Chinese nationals working at the direction of the JSSD, Tian Xi and Gu Gen, were employed in the French aerospace companys Suzhou office. On January 25, 2014, after receiving malware from an identified JSSD officer acting as his handler, Tian infected one of the French companys computers with malware at the JSSD officers direction. One month later, on February 26, 2014, Gu, the French companys head of Information Technology and Security in Suzhou, warned the conspirators when foreign law enforcement notified the company of the existence of malware on company systems. That same day, leveraging that tip-off, conspirators Chai Meng and Liu Chunliang tried to minimize JSSDs exposure by causing the deletion of the domain linking the malware to an account controlled by members of the conspiracy. The groups hacking attempts continued through at least May of 2015, when an Oregon-based company, which, like many of the other targeted companies, built parts for the turbofan jet engine used in commercial airliners, identified and removed the conspiracys malware from its computer systems. Count Two of the indictment charges a separate conspiracy to hack computers in which Zhang Zhang-Gui, a defendant charged in Count One, supplied his co-defendant and friend, Li Xiao, with variants of the malware that had been developed and deployed by hackers working at the direction of the JSSD on the hack into Capstone Turbine. Using malware supplied by Zhang, as well as other malware, Li launched repeated intrusions that targeted a San Diego-based computer technology company for more than a year and a half. These intrusions caused thousands of dollars of damage to protected computers. Count Three of the indictment charges Zhang Zhang-Gui with the substantive offense of computer hacking a San Diego technology company, which was one of the targets of the conspiracies alleged in Counts One and Two. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The FBI, led by the San Diego Field Office, conducted the investigation that resulted in charges announced today. This case is being prosecuted by Alexandra Foster and Sabrina Feve of the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California and Jason McCullough of the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The Criminal Divisions Office of International Affairs also provided assistance in this matter, and the Department appreciates the cooperation and assistance provided by Frances General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) and the Cybercrime Section of the Paris Prosecutors Office during the investigation of this matter. Case Number: 13CR3132-H Eminem has booked an entire cinema so that his fans can see his new movie for free. The rapper announced on Instagram on Thursday that he has bought out a whole AMC venue in Sterling Heights, a suburb of his hometown of Detroit. Tickets for two showings, one on Friday and the other on Saturday, will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Eminem served as a producer for Bodied, a satirical comedy about the world of rap battles. The movie's director, Joseph Kahn, has previously worked on several of the rapper's videos, including the clip for "Without Me", which earned him a Grammy in 2003. Bodied tells the story of Adam Merkin, an undergraduate college student played by Calum Worthy, who becomes obsessed with battle rapping after writing about it for his thesis paper. The film tackles the issues of race on the rap scene, with Calum being accused in one particularly telling scene from the movie's trailer of "appropriating black culture for his livelihood". While Kahn had an established working relationship with Eminem when he started working on Bodied, he was wary of asking the rapper for his support too early in the process. "I always had it in the back of my mind that he was going to come on board at some point," Kahn told The Detroit News. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events "But you don't want to go to Em and ask for money or an endorsement on something on big as battle rap, because everybody asks him for things. So I made the movie, showed it to him, and he loved it. Then he decided to come on board, and he helped us put the deal together." All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Show all 8 1 /8 All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Tiempo compartido - 30 November Two haunted family men join forces in a destructive crusade to rescue their families from a tropical paradise, after becoming convinced that an American timeshare conglomerate has a sinister plan to take their loved ones away. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding - 30 November A year after Amber helped Richard secure the crown, the two are set to tie the knot in a royal Christmas wedding - but their plans are jeopardized when Amber finds herself second-guessing whether or not she's cut out to be queen, and Richard is faced with a political crisis that threatens to tarnish not only the holiday season, but the future of the kingdom. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle - 7 December Acclaimed actor and director Andy Serkis reinvents Rudyard Kiplings beloved masterpiece, in which a boy torn between two worlds accepts his destiny and becomes a legend. Mowgli (Rohan Chand) has never truly belonged in either the wilds of the jungle or the civilized world of man. Now he must navigate the inherent dangers of each on a journey to discover where he truly belongs. Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Rohan Chand, Matthew Rhys and Naomie Harris lead an all-star cast in this visually spectacular and emotionally moving adventure. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Natale a 5 Stelle - 7 December Christmas is coming. An Italian political delegation, led by our Premier, is on an official visit to Hungary. In addition to his political commitments, the Premier intends to spend, secretly, a few happy hours in the company of a young member of parliament traveling with the delegation. Everything seems to proceed for the better until the two clumsy lovers find themselves with a mysterious corpse in the suite of the luxurious hotel where they stay. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Dumplin' - 7 December Dumplin (Danielle Macdonald) is the plus-size, teenage daughter of a former beauty queen (Jennifer Aniston), who signs up for her moms pageant as a protest that escalates when other contestants follow her footsteps, revolutionizing the pageant and their small Texas town. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 ROMA The most personal project to date from Academy Award-winning director and writer Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity, Children of Men, Y Tu Mama Tambien), ROMA follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young domestic worker for a family in the middle-class neighborhood of Roma in Mexico City. Delivering an artful love letter to the women who raised him, Cuaron draws on his own childhood to create a vivid and emotional portrait of domestic strife and social hierarchy amidst political turmoil of the 1970s. Cuarons first project since the groundbreaking Gravity in 2013, ROMA will be available in theaters and on Netflix later this year. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Bird Box - 21 December When a mysterious force decimates the worlds population, only one thing is certain: if you see it, you take your life. Facing the unknown, Malorie finds love, hope and a new beginning only for it to unravel. Now she must flee with her two children down a treacherous river to the one place left that may offer sanctuary. But to survive, they'll have to undertake the perilous two-day journey blindfolded. Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock leads an all-star cast that includes Trevante Rhodes, with Sarah Paulson, and John Malkovich in Bird Box, a compelling new thriller from Academy Award winner Susanne Bier. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Girl With the support of her father, a 15-year-old transgender girl pursues her dream of becoming a professional ballerina. Winner of the Camera dOr for best first film at this years Cannes Film Festival as well as the Best Actor Prize for Un Certain Regard. Netflix Bodied is out now in US cinemas Orson Welles's unfinished final film, The Other Side of the Wind, is finally coming to the screen, almost half a century after cameras first rolled on the project. Netflix overcame legal obstacles long dismissed as insurmountable to secure the rights in March last year and hired a crack team to assemble the hours of lost footage; their work is free to stream on the site from Friday 2 November following successful premieres at the Venice and Telluride film festivals. The one-time enfant terrible of American theatre and radio, Orson Welles shot to fame around the world in 1941 with the release of his first feature film, Citizen Kane, written, directed by and starring the auteur at the age of just 26. Depicting the rise and fall of a newspaper tycoon based on William Randolph Hearst, Kane would top Sight & Sound magazine's poll of the greatest films of all time for decades. His next project, an adaptation of Booth Tarkington's 1918 novel The Magnificent Ambersons, would be butchered in the editing suite after RKO executives lost faith in Welles. Almost every picture he embarked upon thereafter would become mired in power struggles and funding shortfalls. This did not stop the remarkable filmmaker from completing a number of classics, from The Stranger (1946) and The Lady from Shanghai (1947) to Touch of Evil (1958) and F for Fake (1973), but his reputation as untrustworthy was gradually set in stone. The Other Side of the Wind, commenced in August 1970, is effectively a mockumentary recording the last day in the life of ageing movie director Jack Hannaford (John Huston), a hard-drinking, Hemingwayesque character struggling to come to terms with the demise of the studio system and the arrival of the New Hollywood. Hannaford is (ironically) struggling to complete a film of his own, an experimental art house movie that has run aground over tensions between the director and his leading man. The film-within-a-film sees Welles spoof the contemporary vogue for Michelangelo Antonioni while The Other Side of the Wind as a whole is loaded with knowing cameos from the likes of Peter Bogndanovich, Mercedes McCambridge, Edmond O'Brien, Dennis Hopper and Claude Chabrol as Hollywood hangers-on. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Orson Welles (AFP/Getty) While principal photography wrapped on the film in January 1976, Welles's farewell has been trapped in post-production limbo for more than four decades over a bitterly fought and intensely complicated rights dispute. As the original negatives languished in a vault in Paris, Welles's daughter Beatrice, the late director's partner Oja Kodar and investor Mehdi Bishehri, brother-in-law to the Shah of Iran, all found themselves embroiled in a nebulous legal battle for ownership. Welles himself died in 1985, having only edited 40 minutes to his satisfaction, his later career given over to lucrative projects utterly beneath him like TV commercials for Paul Masson Chablis and voiceover work in Transformers: The Movie. His faithful cinematographer Gary Graver fought valiantly for the completion of The Other Side of the Wind in his stead until he too passed away in 2006. Graver had completed a two-hour rough cut at one stage, which Kodar screened for influential Hollywood players including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Clint Eastwood and Oliver Stone in the late 1980s and early 1990s but none choose to take on the project. All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Show all 8 1 /8 All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Tiempo compartido - 30 November Two haunted family men join forces in a destructive crusade to rescue their families from a tropical paradise, after becoming convinced that an American timeshare conglomerate has a sinister plan to take their loved ones away. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding - 30 November A year after Amber helped Richard secure the crown, the two are set to tie the knot in a royal Christmas wedding - but their plans are jeopardized when Amber finds herself second-guessing whether or not she's cut out to be queen, and Richard is faced with a political crisis that threatens to tarnish not only the holiday season, but the future of the kingdom. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle - 7 December Acclaimed actor and director Andy Serkis reinvents Rudyard Kiplings beloved masterpiece, in which a boy torn between two worlds accepts his destiny and becomes a legend. Mowgli (Rohan Chand) has never truly belonged in either the wilds of the jungle or the civilized world of man. Now he must navigate the inherent dangers of each on a journey to discover where he truly belongs. Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Rohan Chand, Matthew Rhys and Naomie Harris lead an all-star cast in this visually spectacular and emotionally moving adventure. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Natale a 5 Stelle - 7 December Christmas is coming. An Italian political delegation, led by our Premier, is on an official visit to Hungary. In addition to his political commitments, the Premier intends to spend, secretly, a few happy hours in the company of a young member of parliament traveling with the delegation. Everything seems to proceed for the better until the two clumsy lovers find themselves with a mysterious corpse in the suite of the luxurious hotel where they stay. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Dumplin' - 7 December Dumplin (Danielle Macdonald) is the plus-size, teenage daughter of a former beauty queen (Jennifer Aniston), who signs up for her moms pageant as a protest that escalates when other contestants follow her footsteps, revolutionizing the pageant and their small Texas town. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 ROMA The most personal project to date from Academy Award-winning director and writer Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity, Children of Men, Y Tu Mama Tambien), ROMA follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young domestic worker for a family in the middle-class neighborhood of Roma in Mexico City. Delivering an artful love letter to the women who raised him, Cuaron draws on his own childhood to create a vivid and emotional portrait of domestic strife and social hierarchy amidst political turmoil of the 1970s. Cuarons first project since the groundbreaking Gravity in 2013, ROMA will be available in theaters and on Netflix later this year. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Bird Box - 21 December When a mysterious force decimates the worlds population, only one thing is certain: if you see it, you take your life. Facing the unknown, Malorie finds love, hope and a new beginning only for it to unravel. Now she must flee with her two children down a treacherous river to the one place left that may offer sanctuary. But to survive, they'll have to undertake the perilous two-day journey blindfolded. Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock leads an all-star cast that includes Trevante Rhodes, with Sarah Paulson, and John Malkovich in Bird Box, a compelling new thriller from Academy Award winner Susanne Bier. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Girl With the support of her father, a 15-year-old transgender girl pursues her dream of becoming a professional ballerina. Winner of the Camera dOr for best first film at this years Cannes Film Festival as well as the Best Actor Prize for Un Certain Regard. Netflix As a deal with the cable TV network Showtime came and went, veteran director Bogdanovich picked up the mantle but similarly struggled to break the legal deadlock. The financial muscle of Netflix finally prevailed in 2017 and the company agreed a deal with Kodar, a Croatian sculptor who co-wrote the film and appears in it as a Native American radical, whose signature gave the streaming giant access to more than a thousand reels of celluloid and nearly a hundred hours of footage. Bogdanovich and producers Frank Marshall and Filip Jan Rymsza were joined by editor Bob Murawski and sound mixer Scott Millan to piece the picture together. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events French composer Michael Legrand, 86, was commissioned to provide the score while directors Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson and Rian Johnson all gave notes on the finished film. Whether Welles himself would have approved of the final cut will never be known but what is certain is how much he would have enjoyed the chaos The Other Side of the Wind has left in its wake. Paul Dano exists in slow motion. He is gentle, deliberate and almost disconcertingly unhurried like the DMV-employee sloth in the film Zootopia. When hes acting, of course, he can switch gears at a moments notice think of his character Elis fitful, misdirected fervency in There Will Be Blood but in person, he moves resolutely at his own speed. I am slow, he admits, folded carefully into his chair in a London hotel room, his voice so relaxed that it frequently creaks. Its not midday yet, and the 34-year-old from Connecticut has already had coffee, tea, and is now on a second Coca-Cola. Apparently, this is Dano hopped up on caffeine. In the edit room too, Im slow, he says. Im somebody who questions everything. I just think its the way my brain works. Often, this plays to his advantage. Take his excellent directorial debut Wildlife which is adapted from Richard Fords 1990 novel, and stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Carey Mulligan and newcomer Ed Oxenbould as a family unravelling in 1960s Montana. While making Wildlife, Dano deliberated over each minuscule detail. You can see it in every shot, from the sprawling sweeps across the parched Montana landscape, to the static, scrutinising close-ups. Im not easily satisfied, he says. Even the curtains youre choosing in the house, youre like, Why? Why? It took forever to find the right curtains. Sometimes it's unhelpful, because time is precious, time is money. As a director, you make hundreds of decisions every day. That was an interesting test for me. Official trailer for 60s drama Wildlife starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan Danos not used to having to spin so many plates at once. Before now, he had made a name for himself as an actor one of the most talented, and indeed peculiar, of his generation. Hes been in the business since he was 10, but it was as the purposely mute teenager Dwayne, in 2006s Little Miss Sunshine, that Dano first caught most peoples attention. A year later, a tiny role in Paul Thomas Andersons There Will Be Blood became a starring one just a few weeks before shooting began, when the original actor set to play the preacher Eli Sunday was fired. In that, as well as in subsequent films 12 Years a Slave, Prisoners and the Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy, Dano demonstrated a compelling, inimitable physicality one minute, he expresses himself using every single muscle in his body, the next, with the slightest twitch of his hangdog eyes. Paul Dano as Eli Sunday in There Will Be Blood (Rex) Still, the attention that came with it never suited Dano. I think when I was young, I was just scared, he says. I think to some people, [celebrity] is alluring, and for me it was the opposite. It was almost repellent. He never considered casting himself in Wildlife. That was not of the slightest interest to me, he shrugs. I think I wanted to be just the director. To be really focused on the camera, and working with the actors and the design. Yeah, I did not want to be thinking about [acting]. Besides, directing required a completely different approach on set. When hes acting, Dano puts in headphones between scenes and listens to music to help him get into character, sure, but chiefly so that people dont talk to him. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up He couldnt do that on Wildlife, but the experience thrilled him anyway. I mean, there were times where I remember feeling like I didn't get any alone time, and as an introvert I need alone time. So I remember at lunch, always being alone. People were like, Do you wanna come eat?, and I'd be like, No, I need 20 minutes. But otherwise I liked it. Acting, he says, is a bit more lonely. So much of your work you do before you arrive. So when you come to set, you might be carrying that spirit with you, and even though I'm engaged with a great actor across from me, and we're doing a scene and were collaborating, we're communicating I don't know, it's just different. For example, the headphones thing, sometimes you don't want to be... I don't know. He has a habit of trailing off like this. Most of his sentences end in either, I dont know, or do you know what I mean?, the latter often said so earnestly that it doesnt feel rhetorical. Directing is like playing in a band, he continues. You're in concert with everybody, and it's so collaborative, and you're really trying to get the best out of everybody. You're being a bit of a parent almost. Paul Dano on the set of Wildlife with Carey Mulligan (IFC Films) (IFC FIlms) A few weeks after we meet, I discover that Dano is also now an actual parent. His partner, actor and writer Zoe Kazan, gave birth at the end of August, and their new-born daughter travelled with them to London. Im so tired and Im so in love, he told Jimmy Fallon. Its so extreme. Your heart has gone supernova in one sense. That explains the caffeine overload. Wildlife is about parenting, too though its far from a how-to guide, exploring instead what might drive a parent to let their child down, and how their child might cope when they do. After Jerry (Gyllenhaal) leaves his family for several months to fight wildfires, his wife Jeanette, played with a fraught, inscrutable melancholy by Carey Mulligan, embarks on an affair with an older man she doesnt seem to find particularly attractive. We watch this unfold through the horrified eyes of her 14-year-old son Joe (Oxenbould). I think she's having a crisis of identity, says Dano. Because if you have a kid when you're 20, and you follow your husband around, especially in that time period, there's probably so many parts of you that never got to live. It was a unique experience for Mulligan to play a woman who was allowed to be wrong and out of control. Ive worked on jobs in the past, she told Deadline magazine, where the character misbehaves, and thats never made its way to the final cut. Ive asked why and theyve said, Well the audience really doesnt like it when shes nasty. Dano was shocked when he found that out. For me, I felt like it would be really fun to see Carey play somebody more messy, and she did too but the reason was that she doesnt get the chance to play that. It seems like people want women to be a certain something on screen, and its hard for them to accept flaws. And I think sometimes, men are lionised for their f***-ups. It can be cool or something. Dano and Kazan adapted the screenplay for Wildlife together though he attempted it on his own first. I thought about hiring a writer, he says, and then I thought of the final image, and I thought, Oh wait, maybe I can try writing it. So I wrote a first draft, and then I got into it and was like, OK, this might be pretty good! So I gave it to Zoe to read and she just tore it apart. Her feedback stung. We fought, he says with a smile, and we didnt get through many notes, and she said, Why dont you just let me do a pass. I see what youre trying to do. When she came back to him with a re-draft, he had to concede that shed made it better. I think there were some really good guts there, he says, and then she really helped pull it together. Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal in Wildlife (IFC FIlms) It helped that Dano related so strongly to Fords novel. I think I saw myself and my parents and my grandparents, he says. There's something that he captured in the prose, that family is one of the greatest loves of our life, and because of that, it's also the source of some of our greatest pain. I just find that very true and beautiful. There's also something about the mystery of who our parents are, he continues, that felt really haunting to me. That they have past lives, and they have their own problems. Our times up. Slowly, he gets to his feet, off to see his six-week-old daughter, and to navigate that mystery himself. Wildlife is out in UK cinemas on Friday 9 November Warning: the following piece contains mild spoilers about the fifth episode of the 10th season of Will & Grace. Will & Grace delivered a powerful Me Too storyline on Thursday night, in a poignant scene that saw Debra Messing's character tell her father she was sexually assaulted at the age of 15. In the episode, titled Grace's Secret, Grace and her father, played by Robert Klein, share a meal at a diner. There, her father Martin flirts with the waitress, calling her "sweetheart" and telling her she should be "on the menu". Recommended Everything you need to know about the new series of Will and Grace Grace, visibly annoyed, asks Martin why he acts that way, to which he responds by claiming women "love it". "They don't love it," Grace shoots back, at which point Martin complains that "everyone is so sensitive nowadays" and that he feels as though "men can't be men anymore". Grace tries to shut down the conversation, telling Marting they should just eat their meal before going to the cemetery to visit her mother's grave. "And Harry," Martin adds in reference to his late best friend, who is buried at the same site. Grace then firmly refuses to go to Harry's tombstone. When Martin reminds her Harry was his best friend, she responds: "Well, he wasn't mine." What follows is a dialogue that will resonate with the many people who have come forward about their own assaults. The father, apparently frustrated by his daughter's reluctance to honour Harry's memory and clueless as to what her reasons may be tells Grace he's never understood "this thing she has" about Harry, and reminds her he once got her "a good job" working for his best friend. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up "The whole summer that I worked for Harry, I kept telling you he was creepy. What did you think that meant?" Grace asks. Martin makes excuses for his friend, claiming "it was a different time". The conversation escalates until Grace is ready to walk out as her father insists the incident "doesn't sound like Harry", who was a "good guy". "Maybe you're misremembering," Harry suggests. All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Show all 8 1 /8 All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Tiempo compartido - 30 November Two haunted family men join forces in a destructive crusade to rescue their families from a tropical paradise, after becoming convinced that an American timeshare conglomerate has a sinister plan to take their loved ones away. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding - 30 November A year after Amber helped Richard secure the crown, the two are set to tie the knot in a royal Christmas wedding - but their plans are jeopardized when Amber finds herself second-guessing whether or not she's cut out to be queen, and Richard is faced with a political crisis that threatens to tarnish not only the holiday season, but the future of the kingdom. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle - 7 December Acclaimed actor and director Andy Serkis reinvents Rudyard Kiplings beloved masterpiece, in which a boy torn between two worlds accepts his destiny and becomes a legend. Mowgli (Rohan Chand) has never truly belonged in either the wilds of the jungle or the civilized world of man. Now he must navigate the inherent dangers of each on a journey to discover where he truly belongs. Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Rohan Chand, Matthew Rhys and Naomie Harris lead an all-star cast in this visually spectacular and emotionally moving adventure. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Natale a 5 Stelle - 7 December Christmas is coming. An Italian political delegation, led by our Premier, is on an official visit to Hungary. In addition to his political commitments, the Premier intends to spend, secretly, a few happy hours in the company of a young member of parliament traveling with the delegation. Everything seems to proceed for the better until the two clumsy lovers find themselves with a mysterious corpse in the suite of the luxurious hotel where they stay. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Dumplin' - 7 December Dumplin (Danielle Macdonald) is the plus-size, teenage daughter of a former beauty queen (Jennifer Aniston), who signs up for her moms pageant as a protest that escalates when other contestants follow her footsteps, revolutionizing the pageant and their small Texas town. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 ROMA The most personal project to date from Academy Award-winning director and writer Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity, Children of Men, Y Tu Mama Tambien), ROMA follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young domestic worker for a family in the middle-class neighborhood of Roma in Mexico City. Delivering an artful love letter to the women who raised him, Cuaron draws on his own childhood to create a vivid and emotional portrait of domestic strife and social hierarchy amidst political turmoil of the 1970s. Cuarons first project since the groundbreaking Gravity in 2013, ROMA will be available in theaters and on Netflix later this year. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Bird Box - 21 December When a mysterious force decimates the worlds population, only one thing is certain: if you see it, you take your life. Facing the unknown, Malorie finds love, hope and a new beginning only for it to unravel. Now she must flee with her two children down a treacherous river to the one place left that may offer sanctuary. But to survive, they'll have to undertake the perilous two-day journey blindfolded. Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock leads an all-star cast that includes Trevante Rhodes, with Sarah Paulson, and John Malkovich in Bird Box, a compelling new thriller from Academy Award winner Susanne Bier. Netflix All the Netflix Original films coming out in 2018 Girl With the support of her father, a 15-year-old transgender girl pursues her dream of becoming a professional ballerina. Winner of the Camera dOr for best first film at this years Cannes Film Festival as well as the Best Actor Prize for Un Certain Regard. Netflix Grace responds: "No. No. I remember. I remember every single thing that happened that day." Now, Martin "doesn't want to talk about it", but it's too late. Grace sits back down and shows him that indeed, she does remember, down to the very last detail. "It was hot so I had to have my hair up. And it showed off the earrings that I borrowed from mom that made me feel really grown up," she says. "And then at the end of the day, Harry called me into his office." Martin, reluctant to hear his daughter's story, asks: "What are you talking about?" She continues: "I walked in. He shut the door. He closed the blinds. And then he pushed me up against the wall." Again, Martin tries to interrupt, telling his daughter: "Gracie, no," but Grace doesn't back down. "I tried to scream," she continues, "but he told me 'Quiet.' Then he started kissing me and touching me and then he pulled down my pants, put his fingers up " Martin, at this point, yells: "Stop!" and buries his face in his hands. "I was 15," Grace adds. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The father and daughter then sit in silence for a few moments, unable to look at each other, until the waitress returns to deliver a punchline (and the bad news that the diner has run out of shrimp salad). The scene has been met with acclaim from viewers, who deemed it "powerful" and thought Messing's performance was "brilliant". "My heart sank,' someone commented under a YouTube clip of the moment. "The pain she showed is the pain of thousands of girls and women who've stayed silent." Messing herself shared the clip on Twitter, writing: "It's an honour to work on a show that makes people laugh but also isn't afraid to tackle bigger, deeper, more difficult and painful subjects. "I'm so proud of the compassion and care that our entire team took to approach this episode, Graces Secret. Hopefully, telling this story can spark discussion and give us all new tools to communicate with. Please know that I see you, and I believe you." More than a third of critically endangered plant species cannot be saved from extinction by freezing them in seed banks, scientists have warned. Projects such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault have been set up to protect the worlds plant diversity from doomsday events ranging from nuclear war to extreme climate change. In the UK, Kews Millennium Seed Bank is aiming to protect three quarters of the worlds threatened plant species within the next two years. "Ex-situ conservation of plants is more critical than ever, with many threats to plant populations including climate change, habitat conversion and plant pathogens, we need to make sure we're doing all we can to conserve the most important and threatened species, said Dr John Dickie, head of seed collections at Kew. However, for many of the most at-risk plants, conventional storage techniques will not work, and a team of Kew scientists has called for research into alternative measures to ensure their survival. In total around 8 per cent of all plant species cannot be banked by drying and freezing their seeds, including trees like oaks and horse chestnuts, and foods including mangos and avocados. These seeds are recalcitrant, meaning they do not survive the drying process. 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke filled with the carbon that is driving climate change drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan In a new paper published in the journal Nature Plants, the researchers estimated that 36 per cent of the plants at the greatest risk of extinction are recalcitrant. They also noted that tree seeds were particularly likely to die following attempts to dry and freeze them, with around a third deemed unbankable. Using this analysis Dr Dickie and former colleague Dr Sarah Wyse were able to predict that the target of preserving 75 per cent of threatened species by 2020 is practically impossible. With numbers of unsuitable seeds particularly high among endangered species, the scientists recommended investing in an alternative technique known as cryopreservation. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The method involves removing a seeds embryo and then using liquid nitrogen to freeze it at -196C, far colder than he conventional seed bank temperature of -20C. This would also extend the lifetimes of seeds that do not last very long at normal seed bank temperatures. As successful as seed banking is for some species, it is not suitable for all seed plants and we need to invest in other ways to safeguard recalcitrant seeds, explained Dr Dickie. This paper shows that we need greater international effort to understand and apply alternative techniques like cryopreservation which have the potential to conserve many more species from extinction." Past efforts to get cryopreservation off the ground have failed, but the team at Kew said beyond 2020 there must be a renewed effort to save at risk species. Its a suffocating afternoon in Carmen del Emero, Bolivia, but Nelo Yarari Alipaz is oblivious to the humidity and relentless buzzing. The community leader of this remote village in Bolivias Amazon accessible only by a nine-hour boat ride is ready to talk business with one of Bolivias top chefs, Marsia Taha, who runs Gustu restaurant in the capital La Paz. But before they converse, Alipaz (known as Don Nelo to everyone) shares his goals. We live sustainably, raising chickens and pigs, catching fish and harvesting wild cacao but we need an income to pay for phone lines and provide internet for the school. Actually, I feel like were losers compared with other communities along the river but the truth is, we dont want donations: we want to work and sell products sourced from our environment to Gustu and other restaurants. Home to around 65 families from the Tacana indigenous community, Carmen del Emeros location on the Beni river has always assured the community a wealth of edible riches such as surubi, pintado (both types of catfish) and pacu (freshwater fish related to the piranha), fish they either consume or sell at market in Rurrenabaque, the gateway town to Bolivias Amazon. But a new species has been causing a stir in the cola-coloured waters and both Don Nelo and Taha of Gustu are keen to strike a deal. The corregidor is keen to ensure a new source of income for his people while the chef wants a regular supply of native ingredients for her strictly Bolivian menu. The paiche plague could be the answer. Although native to the Amazon basin, paiche (Arapaima gigas, also known as pirarucu) is a recent addition to Bolivias lakes and rivers. According to Omar Torrico, who is responsible for monitoring conservation and climate change management for the Wildlife Conservation Society the NGO that has brought Gustu and Carmen del Emero together for this initial business meeting this obligate air-breather is a predator thats made itself way too comfortable in Bolivia. In the 1980s, flooding in neighbouring Peru led this freshwater fish to escape into the north of the country. But it only came to the attention of Carmen del Emeros fishermen about four years ago, he says. Chef Taha mashes ingredients for a fish curry (Sorrel Moseley-Williams) One of the worlds largest freshwater fish, the omnivorous paiche easily grows to 2.5m (though it can reach four) in length and 150kg. Given the lack of aquatic competition in Bolivias waters, it gobbles down catfish, crustaceans and small fish such as piranha, basically anything that crosses its path. Its been very successful colonising our waters, adds Torrico. Paiche is also smart: this predator is always looking for food, knows how to avoid nets and traps, and when it does get entangled can often perform an escape routine Houdini would be proud of. Oh, and akin to an Amazonian Jaws, paiche also stalk small boats... That same sweltering afternoon, Chef Taha and I hike through the jungle to the tune of an Amazonian avian chorus, rubber boots slopping through the muddy trail, to climb into a wobbly peque, a canoe carved from a tree trunk thats prone to letting in water, with fisherman Walter Yarari Alipaz. He guides us through the murky waters of Motocuzal lake and within minutes, paiche start vigorously leaping about. Catch me if you can, they seem to be saying. Garlic, green mango, wild basil and red chili peppers make it into Tahas sauce (Patricio Crooker) Tying up to a tree trunk on the shore, we cast lines, hoping for some kind of bite. Paiche are way too clever to be lured by simple frog snack and the fishing mission is unsuccessful. But as we paddle back to base camp, a heavy breather is in pursuit. The low rumbling is a paiche in hunting mode, toying with us, playing with our emotions that actually, we cant catch it. We vow to return and even the score. Bolivia: Dazzled by a white world Show all 5 1 /5 Bolivia: Dazzled by a white world Bolivia: Dazzled by a white world 5288613.jpg GRAEME GREEN Bolivia: Dazzled by a white world 5289077.jpg GRAEME GREEN Bolivia: Dazzled by a white world 5289076.jpg GRAEME GREEN Bolivia: Dazzled by a white world 5288612.jpg GRAEME GREEN Bolivia: Dazzled by a white world 5288611.jpg GRAEME GREEN The following morning, we check nets, traditionally laid down to score surubi and pacu, but Carmen del Emeros fishermen have now realised that a more important prize is at stake. Not only is paiches meat valuable (and delicious), its thick, shiny orange scales are used to create handmade curtains while its skin is suitable for leather; Brazilian designer Osklen creates footwear from paiche. And catching it evens up the environmental score. After a vigorous battle, three are nailed and are brought back to shore within 30 minutes, occasionally wriggling on the leafy jungle floor for a final gasp of warm air. A particularly energetic specimen leaps a metre back towards the lake and is quickly put out of its misery for its efforts. A further hour untangling these gill-less predators brings home a total of six measuring between 76cm to 91cm in length, a lucrative haul. Paiche are gutted and descaled (Sorrel Moseley-Williams) Dont feel sorry for paiche, says Torrico. Its a plague and catching it benefits biodiversity in Carmen del Emero and Motocuzal lake. We want to control it as its upsetting the balance, so it has less of an impact on the environment; both humans and paiche eat piranha so theyre in competition on the food chain, for example. Gustu, which was set up by Nomas Danish co-founder Claus Meyer in 2013, already serves paiche, but Chef Taha is keen to establish a reliable source. It wont be easy, however, given the complex logistics: for the nine-hour boat ride to Rurrenabaque, fish would be stored inside a freezer powered by an onboard generator, then embark upon a 10-hour drive through the Amazon and up over the Andes to Bolivias capital. But it will be worth the effort to have paiche as a regular fixture at Gustu. Don Nelo offered us 35 bolivianos a kilo (4), but its a bit cheap in our opinion, so Ive asked him for a truer price that would include transport and ensure the community makes money and wont suddenly stop the supply chain. Id like to receive 60kg every fortnight as the plan is to include tacuara, a traditional Amazonian cooking method that prepares fish inside a bamboo pole, to Gustus tasting menu, she says. There are legends that paiche have been found with human bones inside them (Patricio Crooker) Back at Carmen del Emero, a team taps off scales with machetes before carefully skinning and filleting the days catch on a slab of wood under palm trees, occasionally waving off curious piglets and dogs. Its a laborious task, with paiche proving as tricky out the water as it is in. I ask Don Nelo how he likes to eat it. Theres a pause before the community leader admits hes never tried it before. There was a rumour that a fisherman had found a human bone inside a beast of a paiche, and the community has never dared cook it, preferring to subscribe to the human-devouring myth and sell it on. But Taha and colleagues from La Pazs Jardin de Asia restaurant and amaZ in Lima, also on this expedition to learn more about Bolivian Amazonian ingredients, are determined to change that perspective. They set about cooking a light paiche curry for 50 fishermen and their families while also grilling paiche, the first time it will have been consumed in Carmen del Emero. Using the communitys enormous pestle and mortar, she mashes down fresh ingredients including garlic, green mango, wild basil and red chili peppers for her sauce while amaZs Mauricio Bonbar tends to the coals. As dusk turns into a clear star-studded night, members of the community bring bowls from their small wooden houses to fill up with fish curry, smoked yuca (cassava) and orange mash, and hunks of grilled fish. How did Don Nelo enjoy dinner? Delicious, he says. Ill definitely eat paiche again. As dusk falls at Lehua Night Market, the fluorescent lights flicker on and the hungry customers start trickling in, anxious for a taste of the local delicacies that give this island its reputation as one of Asias finest culinary capitals. Neatly arranged pyramids of plump fish balls. Bowls brimming with tapioca pearls bathed in lightly sweetened syrup. Sizzling oyster omelettes, hot off the griddle. Deep-fried sweet potato puffs, still dripping with oil. Take a bite of any of these dishes and youll discover a unique texture. But how exactly do you describe that perfectly calibrated mouthfeel so sought after by local cooks and eaters alike? Recommended Controversial 3D gun company owner charged with sex assault on minor Slippery? Chewy? Globby? Not exactly the most flattering adjectives in the culinary world. Luckily, the Taiwanese have a word for this texture. Well actually, its not a word, its a letter one that even non-Chinese speakers can pronounce. Its Q. Its difficult to explain what Q means exactly, says Liu Yen-ling, a manager at Chun Shui Tang, a popular tea-house chain that claims to have invented tapioca milk tea in Taiwan. Basically it means springy, soft, elastic. Q texture is to Taiwan what umami is to Japan and al dente is to Italy that is, cherished and essential. Around Taiwan, the letter Q can often be glimpsed amid a jumble of Chinese characters on shop signs and food packages, and in convenience stores and advertisements. Fish balls are made in the capital Taipei (Getty) The texture is found in both savoury and sweet foods, and is most often used to describe foods that contain some kind of starch, like noodles, tapioca pearls and fish balls. If something is really chewy or extra Q, then it could be called QQ. Often, Q and QQ are used interchangeably. You can tell if bubble milk tea is good based on how Q the tapioca pearls are, Liu says. If the texture is perfect, it can be very satisfying. Andre Chiang, a Michelin-star chef and owner of RAW in Taipei, says he has recently been experimenting with the texture at his restaurant, which uses only locally sourced Taiwanese ingredients. One dish hes trying out for the restaurants new menu features langoustine, burnt onion juice and white tapioca pearls that are cooked to bubbly Q perfection. Glistening black tapioca pearls (Getty) Its like al dente, but not quite, Chiang says. Its to the tooth but theres also that added element of bounciness. Q is so well established in Taiwan that many in Hong Kong and over the strait in mainland China use the term as well. Elsewhere in Asia, it is a familiar texture, though the term itself may not be used. Tteok-bokki, a Korean stir-fried rice cake, and mochi, a Japanese rice cake, for example, could also be considered Q. In western cuisine, the texture is less commonly found, though one could describe foods like gummy bears and certain kinds of pasta as Q. Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures Rescue workers walk out from the Yun Tsui building, which is leaning at a precarious angle, in the Taiwanese city of Hualien on February 8, 2018 after the city was hit by a 6.4-magnitude quake late on February 6. AFP/Getty Images Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures A child rides a bicycle on a fractured road in Hualien. REUTERS Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures Rescuers rushs against time to search for survivors from thr damaged building in Hualien on 6 February, 2018. EPA Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures People pray for the earthquake victims outside a damaged building. Getty Images AsiaPac Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures Displaced families take shelter in a school . AFP/Getty Images Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures A resident walks past a damaged street in Hualien. EPA Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures A rescue worker takes a photo of the Yun Tsui building. AFP/Getty Images Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures Taiwanese rescuers continued the terrifying task on February 8 of searching for survivors in a dangerously leaning apartment block that was partially toppled by an earthquake, despite regular aftershocks coursing through the building's tottering structure. EPA Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures The Yun Tsui building. REUTERS Taiwan earthquake damage: in pictures Rescuers carry a body from the damaged building. EPA The origins of the term Q are unclear. Some say it comes from the Taiwanese Hokkien word kiu. Say Q to an elderly Taiwanese person and chances are he or she will know the term. But no one can quite explain how and when the 17th letter of the English alphabet became shorthand for describing the texture of tapioca balls and gummy candies. With the rapid proliferation of bubble milk tea shops and other Asian snack shops across the west over the years, there has emerged a broader appreciation for this once exotic texture, even if the vocabulary to describe that texture has not exactly caught up. Most of my American friends like bubble milk tea, says Tina Fong, a co-founder of Taipei Eats, which offers food tours around the city. But when theres Q texture in a savoury dish, it can still be a bit strange to them. It really depends on the person. A chef prepares Thai-style pan-fried oysters (Getty) When it comes to the Chinese language, the letter Q is surprisingly versatile, and not used only to describe food. For example, many in China and Taiwan are familiar with the symbol for Ah Q, the protagonist of one of Chinas most famous novellas, by writer Lu Xun. After the publication of The True Story of Ah Q in the early 1920s, Ah Q became a symbol of the backwardness of Chinese culture. While the storys narrator confesses to not knowing the origin of Ah Qs name, some scholars say Lu Xun may have chosen Q as an implicit reference to its homonym queue, or the braided ponytail that Chinese men were forced to wear to show their subjugation to the ruling Qing dynasty. Some have also interpreted Lu Xuns Q as a pictogram of a head with a pigtail. There are many other uses for the term Q in Chinese as well. It could be used, for example, as shorthand for the English word cute, or to refer to the once popular QQ messaging service from Tencent, or the QQ minicar model from the Chinese carmaker Chery. Whether Q may be considered a Chinese character or not, it certainly has become a part of the Chinese writing system, Victor Mair, a professor of Chinese language at the University of Pennsylvania, once wrote in a blog post. Among the Taiwanese, the appreciation for Q texture starts at a young age. On a recent sticky evening at Lehua Night Market, crowds amble through the carnival-like pedestrian street, which is lined on both sides with vendors hawking things like hats, cellphone cases and, of course, delicious snacks. A gaggle of mini revellers zero in on a stand with a neon sign that reads QQ popsicles. Asked why Q texture was so appealing to Taiwanese people, Lu Wei-chen, the owner of the stand, smiles as she hands a bright red jelly bar to a delighted toddler. Its simple, she says. When you eat it, you will be in a good mood. New York Times The high central plateau that covers much of Ethiopia is a place of open skies. Humped Zebu till the land with wooden ploughs, raptors glide on updrafts above flat-topped mountains and breezes send shimmying ripples across fields of wispy green stalks. However, it isnt wheat that grows so profusely here this is teff country. Held in the hand, the tiny grains of this indigenous cereal (first domesticated by Ethiopians some 3,000 years ago) are sandy, about the size of poppy seeds. There are 3,000 of them in a single gram (the same number of wheat grains weigh 195 grams), yet each one is a dense powerhouse of nutrients: iron, fibre, calcium and protein. Teff is Ethiopias most widely farmed crop, grown by an estimated 6.5 million Ethiopian farmers and, especially in the highlands, retains an incomparable importance. It also accounts for around 15 per cent of the countrys total calories as injera our staple food a spongy, tart flatbread made from teff is, literally, the base of most meals: food is placed directly on it instead of a plate. Its used to make the staple food of injera a spongy, tart flatbread which forms the base of most meals (Peter Cassidy) In fact, so key is teff to Ethiopia that our government prohibits its export in grain form. At the moment, only teff that has been milled into flour can be exported. However, many outside Ethiopia have discovered teffs nutritional potential and the fact that it is gluten-free also heightens its current popularity. Growing awareness and demand have led to cultivation elsewhere. Today, teff grows in several states of American,Canada, India, Australia and some parts of Europe. There are three main types of teff: ivory, dark brown and light brown, the latter referred to as key, meaning red in Amharic. Ivory, considered the highest quality, has the mildest flavour, and dark brown variety is the most popular and commonly available teff for making injera. In order to develop the elasticity needed to make spongy injera, the batter has to be fermented. With a sourdough-like starter, it is left to ferment for three days before an additional step called absit happens. Absit is a distinctive Ethiopian cooking technique that requires boiling some of the batter then, while hot, stirring it back into the initial starter. This process allows to speed up the fermentation process and favour, an enhanced spongy texture for injera. This lends it its signature tartness and spongy texture a flavour that acts as a perfect foil for the boldly flavoured stews it accompanies. 'Ethiopia' by Yohanis Gebreyesus is published by Kyle Books, 30. Photography by Peter Cassidy Fourteen years ago, I interviewed Sir Terry Leahy. The then Tesco boss had just collected the Management Today Most Admired Company and Most Admired Company Leader awards. He was the king of retail, responsible for propelling Tesco to dominance. I asked Leahy what was the pivotal moment, when Tesco began to defeat the competition? He said it was when employees were ordered to think only Tesco, they could no longer refer to something Sainsburys, the market leader, had done and how they could ape it. From now on, it was just Tesco. The policy led to the Tesco Clubcard, Tesco Metro and other innovations, and, after a while, to Tescos hegemony. The US will reinstate all sanctions on Iran that were removed under Barack Obamas presidency as part of a 2015 nuclear deal. President Donald Trumps administration on Friday named eight countries that will not be penalised if they continue to import Iranian oil, including South Korea, Japan and India Mr Trump withdrew from the deal between Tehran and other global powers in May, describing it as defective at its core. Recommended Trump administration to restore all US sanctions on Iran But what are sanctions is the US imposing and what are the economic implications of the presidents latest unilateral move? The last round of sanctions to be implemented target more than 700 businesses, individuals and other entities primarily involved in Irans oil and banking industries. The Iranian rial has collapsed by more than two-thirds since Trump declared he would pull out of the nuclear agreement in May while Irans oil exports have plummeted from 2.7 million to 1.6 million barrels a day in just six months sending oil prices surging. Irans economy shrank more than 6 per cent in 2012, the last time sanctions were imposed and another shock is likely this time around. This is of course the Trump administration's aim. It wants to punish Iran to compel it to permanently end its nuclear ambitions, as well as its malign behaviour in the region. The penalties are aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues it uses to spread death and destruction around the world, Mr. Pompeo said. Mr Trump made the point by tweeting a poster of himself with the word Sanctions are Coming Shortly after the new penalties against Iran and the waivers were announced, Mr. Trump posted on Twitter a poster of himself with the words Sanctions Are Coming, on a background taken from Game of Thrones. But the effects on the global economy have been softened by the waivers. The primary global oil price benchmark, Brent crude, has fallen about 15 per cent from more than $85 a barrel last month as speculation grew that some countries would be exempt. So the huge range of products and services which rely on oil for their manufacture and transportation will not be as badly affected as the might have been. Our laser-focused approach has succeeded in keeping prices stable with a benchmark Brent price right about where it was in May of 2018, when we withdrew from the agreement, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Not only is this good for American consumers and the world economy, it also ensures that Iran is not able to increase its revenue from oil as its exports plummet. Ashley Kelty, oil & gas research analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe said the only certainty for oil prices in the near term was that they would be volatile. "We could see Brent retreating below $70 in the near term, although we would anticipate that it will not dip much below $65, as Opec production will struggle to increase much further due to the lack of physical spare capacity, and the sanctions on Iran and plummeting output from Venezuela continue to take further physical product from the market," he said. While eight countries have been given waivers, they will still have to pay any money for Iranian oil into an escrow account. The funds can then only be used to buy food, medicine or other non-sanctioned goods from its crude customers. The US stressed that these arrangements are only temporary and that it still expects all nations to continue to reduce imports of Iranian oil, which will further squeeze the country. A small, uninhabited island off the coast of Japan is no more. Esanbe Hanakita Kojima was one of Japans 158 remote, uninhabited islands that the government named in 2014, the Guardian reported. However, its unclear whether the island even existed when it was named. The last time the Japanese government formally surveyed the island was in 1978, and fishermen would avoid the area because it showed up on maps as an underwater reef. Its likely that wind and drift ice eroded the island, according to the coast guard. Recently, Hawaiis East Island disappeared as well. However, that was a sudden disappearance caused by a hurricane. The Japanese island could have disappeared over the course of decades. The disappearance of the island could have territorial implications for the country, according to the Japanese news outlet the Asahi Shinbun. The island was used as a formal territory of Japan, meaning the area nearby was formally Japanese territory. As the islands are located between Japan and Russia, the loss of an island will create a larger gap between the two territories, according to Newsweek. Russia had also named a handful of islands near their mainland to expand its borders. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Locals had not noticed the island disappearing, and may not have known for a long time if had not been for an author who was hoping to study it. Author Hiroshi Shimizu is writing a book on Japans hidden islands, and travelled to the area to find them. He did not find the island that he was looking for, and a fisheries cooperative confirmed that it was gone. The coast guard intends to visit the site to formally ensure that the island is no more. Britain is set to be blasted with strong winds and torrential downpours as the remnants of ex-hurricane Oscar threatened a wet and windy weekend. Scotland and north-west England will bear the brunt of the heavy rain, with the Met Office warning that flooded roads could lead to some travel disruption. Those heading to fireworks displays on Saturday evening have been advised to brace themselves for strong winds as a weather system moves in from the Atlantic. Heavy rain will be seen in central parts of Scotland and northern parts of England, while the far south-east of England will stay dry and clear although it will be windy for fireworks, meteorologist Sarah Kent said. Southern and eastern parts are going to have the best of it. It has been a chilly start, but they should stay dry with some decent sunny spells through the day, with maximum temperatures in the south-east," she added. However, it will be noticeably windy, and the further north-west we go into Scotland and north-western England and Wales the windier and cloudier it gets, and then we run into the rain as well. Some people will struggle to light explosive objects and bonfires in wet weather, and with the strong winds people should use a lot of common sense and think about where their fireworks are going to go once theyre in the air. A yellow weather warning for rain covers central and western parts of Scotland and the North West of England throughout Saturday. These areas are expected to see between 1.2in and 2in (30mm-50mm) of rain, with as much as 3.1in (80mm) forecast on high ground. Ms Kent said Sunday would see the cloudy zone sink southwards and lie through central and south-western parts of England, while further north and western areas would get bright spells with a scattering of showers. Temperatures are set to remain milder than they have been all week, reaching between 12C (53.6F) and 14C (57.2F), but the windy and wet weather is likely to make it feel cooler. Looking ahead to next week, the forecast improves although it will remain unsettled with plenty of wet and windy weather. The Met Office said that temperatures would stay warmer throughout next week, although overnight frosts and patches of mist and fog are possible, especially in the northern parts of the UK. Voters in every Labour area now support a Final Say referendum on the Brexit outcome, new research shows, piling fresh pressure on Jeremy Corbyn to back the idea. The huge survey also found that a majority of Labour supporters in the Westminster seats the party holds back staying in the EU despite claims that traditional supporters are still pro-Brexit. It has prompted one senior Labour backbencher in a Leave-voting constituency to join the campaign for a fresh public vote, while a second said he was close to the same decision. Jess Phillips, the MP for Birmingham Yardley, backed a Final Say, saying: Its no surprise to me that my constituents feel that they have been failed in the negotiations and are changing their mind on Brexit. Pat McFadden, the Wolverhampton South East MP, pointed to past doubts, but said: I will keep listening to voters, because this is such a huge issue for the country and its vital that the peoples voice is heard. The survey, by the Peoples Vote campaign, also found that 80 per cent of Labour supporters in Mr Corbyns Islington North seat backed a fresh referendum the highest figure in the country. The Labour leader has resisted pressure to support a new public vote, but has inched towards it when the party agreed it must be an option if MPs reject any deal struck by Theresa May. The survey of almost 26,000 people the biggest since last years general election comes after The Independents petition calling for the Brexit decision to go back to the British public reached one million signatures last week. The negotiations remain deadlocked over the issue of the Irish border, amid mounting evidence that Britain is not ready for crashing out of the EU if a deal is not reached by March. Peoples Vote said its groundbreaking research calculated the views of people in particular seats by analysing data from a larger area, based on characteristics including age, gender, education, social class and past voting. YouGovs technique proved far more accurate than conventional polling in successfully predicting a hung parliament last year, it pointed out. In recent weeks, some Labour MPs have spoken of rescuing a Brexit deal from defeat by Tory opponents, because they fear a backlash from voters accusing them of blocking the first referendum result. 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 But the research found that, in the 259 Labour-held seats, voters across the political spectrum now want a Peoples Vote, the percentage varying from 74 per cent in Bristol West to 53 per cent in Ashfield. Among Labour voters, at least two-thirds in every constituency support another referendum with the majority going further by backing EU membership as well. Birmingham Yardley voted by 60 per cent to 40 per cent to leave the EU but, after a dramatic turnaround, now backs a Peoples Vote by a margin of 63 per cent to 37 per cent, the survey found. Ms Phillips said her voters had heard posh blokes on the telly telling them whats good for them and they realise that this miserable plan was never about them. I trust my constituents to make a call on whats best for them and Britain, much more so than the politicians in charge of it, she said. In Mr McFaddens Wolverhampton seat, 58 per cent of constituents now back a Peoples Vote, a proportion rising to 71 per cent among Labour voters, according to the study. The influential backbencher said: A lot of new information has come to light including the huge divorce bill what wasnt mentioned at the time, the problems over the Northern Ireland border that were casually dismissed by Brexiteers during the referendum and the difficulty of securing an even half-decent-deal. Brexit is fraying the relationship between the UK and Ireland and putting peace in Northern Ireland at risk, Irish premier Leo Varadkar has said. The Taoiseach said the Good Friday was being undermined by fractious relations between the two countries over how the Northern Irish border should be managed once Britain leaves the EU. His intervention comes just a day after Theresa Mays de facto deputy, David Lidington, travelled to Dublin to hold talks with his Irish counterpart, Simon Coveney, in a bid to improve relations between the two governments. Recommended EU plans compromise on customs union to solve Irish border However, speaking within hours of the visit, Mr Varadkar described the relationship between the two countries as fraying. He told Irish broadcaster RTE: Brexit has undermined the Good Friday Agreement and is fraying the relationship between Britain and Ireland. Anything that pulls the communities apart in Northern Ireland undermines the Good Friday Agreement, and anything that pulls Britain and Ireland apart undermines that relationship. The warning comes despite Mr Coveney having claimed a deal between the UK and the EU was very close. 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 Another leading Irish politician also claimed the return to a hard border would threaten peace in Northern Ireland. Senator Neale Richmond, who chairs the Seanads Brexit committee, told Radio 4s Today programme: When we talk about political goodwill I think its very important ... why the Irish government and why the European Commission is so firm on an Irish-specific backstop is the preservation of peace. Its the 20-year-old fragile Good Friday Agreement, something that the Irish government and indeed the British government is a co-guarantor of, and we must work to ensure that there is no hard border, customs or otherwise, on the island of Ireland, as that is a threat to that Good Friday Agreement. Lets focus on that first and foremost. Earlier in the week, former unionist leader Lord Trimble accused Mr Varadkars government of riding roughshod over the Good Friday Agreement. Lord Trimble, who was closely involved in the talks that led to the peace treaty, voiced fears that Brexit could lead to Northern Ireland being held in an effective EU protectorate. The British and Irish governments are unable to reach an agreement on the customs backstop that will govern how the Irish border should be managed in the event there is no trade deal to maintain an open border between the two countries. The UK is pushing for a backstop that would see the whole of Britain remain in the customs union temporarily, but the EU also wants an option that would see only Northern Ireland stay in the customs union. Brexit is "fraying" the relationship between the UK and Ireland and putting peace in Northern Ireland at risk, Irish premier Leo Varadkar has said. The Taoiseach said the Good Friday Agreement was being "undermined" by fractious relations between the two countries over how the Northern Irish border should be managed once Britain leaves the EU. It comes just a day after Theresa May's de facto deputy, David Lidington, travelled to Dublin to hold talks with his Irish counterpart, Simon Coveney, in a bid to improve relations between the two governments. Recommended EU plans compromise on customs union to solve Irish border But speaking within hours of the visit, Mr Varadkar described the relationship between the two countries as "fraying". He told Irish broadcaster RTE: "Brexit has undermined the Good Friday Agreement and is fraying the relationship between Britain and Ireland. "Anything that pulls the communities apart in Northern Ireland undermines the Good Friday Agreement, and anything that pulls Britain and Ireland apart undermines that relationship." The warning comes despite Mr Coveney having claimed a deal between the UK and the EU was "very close". 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 Mr Varadkar was speaking hours after another senior Irish politician also claimed the return to a hard border would threaten peace in Northern Ireland. Senator Neale Richmond, who chairs the Brexit committee in the Irish parliament's upper house, told Radio 4's Today programme: "When we talk about political goodwill I think it's very important...why the Irish government and why the European Commission is so firm on an Irish-specific backstop is the preservation of peace. "It's the 20-year-old fragile Good Friday Agreement peace, something that the Irish government and indeed the British government is a co-guarantor of, and we must work to ensure that there is no hard border, customs or otherwise, on the island of Ireland, as that is a threat to that Good Friday Agreement. Let's focus on that first and foremost." Earlier in the week, former unionist leader David Trimble accused Mr Varadkar's government of "riding roughshod" over the Good Friday Agreement. Lord Trimble, who was closely involved in the talks that led to the peace treaty, voiced fears that Brexit could lead to Northern Ireland being held in an "effective EU protectorate". The UK and EU have so far been unable to agree on the customs backstop that will govern how the Northern Irish border should be managed in the event that there is no trade deal to maintain an open border. The UK is pushing for a backstop that would see the whole UK remain in the customs union temporarily, but the EU also wants the option of only Northern Ireland staying in the bloc. The chairman of a committee scrutinising British arms sales has blamed Iranian-backed rebels for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, amid an intensifying row over Saudi Arabias role in the civil war. MPs from across the political spectrum have criticised the government for continuing to sell weapons to the Saudi-led coalition, which is fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen. Much of the criticism has revolved around Saudi-backed bombing of a bus carrying school children and an attack targeting a wedding. But Labours Graham Jones said responsibility for the spiralling emergency in Yemen lay with Tehran-backed Ansar Allah rebels, likening their missile attacks on Saudi targets to Nazi V2 attacks on Britain during the Second World War. Mr Jones, who chairs the Commons Committees on Arms Exports Controls (CAEC), told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that, aside from environmental issues, the well-armed Houthi group represent the greatest threat on the planet now. You talk about the humanitarian disaster of course. This is caused by Ansar Allah, he said. If you read the ambassadors at the UN and the unanimous decision to back the Hadi government, its not hard to come to the conclusion that the way we find peace and security is to stop the Ansar Allah advance into other tribal areas and the oppression that goes with it. Malnutrition centre in Mukalla, Yemen provides care for children suffering hunger and famine Mr Jones, who represents Hyndburn in Lancashire, told Today the Saudis were themselves under attack by rebels with hi-tech missiles. The Iran-backed rebels, with hi-tech missiles. Ansar Allah, in my view, represent the greatest threat on the planet now in the way that they are trying to take over the Yemeni government apart from environmental issues, he said. We had, what, 1,300 V2 rockets fired into the UK during World War Two? The Saudis have now faced over 200 long-range ballistic missiles, Iranian-made missiles. That is a very serious issue. He called Riyadhs bombing of the school bus and wedding a disgrace and said the bombing campaign was aggressive and it needs to ease off. But he went on: It just happens to be that every other nation has decided not to send a military element to Yemen and the Arab coalition have. It doesnt mean we support the Arab coalition but what we do support though is international law and that was a unanimous decision at the UN and thats the position that we hold. In recent days Saudi has faced increased political pressure, including from the United States, following the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its consulate in Turkey. Many countries, including allies like Britain, have urged it to find a quick solution to the conflict, but apart from Germany have yet to halt arms sales. 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 Some of the most strident criticism has come from Labour, with frontbench figures including party leader Jeremy Corbyn vowing to end Saudi arms sales if it is elected. But Conservative MP and former cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell also criticised arms sales to the Saudi kingdom on Wednesday, saying Britain was complicit in creating the famine in Yemen. CAEC is an overarching committee which brings together four select committees defence, foreign affairs, international trade and international development that have an interest in the arms trade as part of their scrutiny role. It emerged on Saturday that aid projects in Yemen funded by Oxfam have been hit in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes. Oxfams head of advocacy, Toni Pearce, called British policy towards Yemen irresponsible and incoherent. Additional reporting by PA Four days away from crucial midterm elections, one of the major questions is whether the Republicans will keep control of the Senate or whether the Democrats will gain enough seats to take over. Republicans currently hold the majority of seats in both chambers of Congress. Democrats, however, hoping that could all change come on election day. The most recent polling suggests that Democrats have a grand opportunity to take back the House of Representatives. But the fight to take back the Senate looks bleak for the Democrats. Republicans will not only cling on to control over the chamber, but they will also gain seats. There are about 13 highly competitive Senate races, according to Cook Political Report. Out of those 13 races, eight states have a Democrat incumbent. However, six of those states voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential elections. Republicans, on the other hand, have incumbents in five states. Four of those states voted for Mr Trump in 2016. To put it simply, Democrats have more seats up for re-election than the Republicans, and the majority of these seats are in states that overwhelmingly in favour of Mr Trump in 2016. In fact, Trump won 10 out of 13 states with close Senate races. Statistical analysis website FiveThirtyEight predicts that Republicans have a 6 in 7 chance of keeping control of the Senate. There is 10 per cent chance they will win five more seats. Democrats face the same probability for netting two seats. The hotly-contested Senate races right now are in Texas, Tennessee, North Dakota and Florida. In Texas, there is a three-point gap between Democrat Congressman Beto ORourke and Republican incumbent Ted Cruz. Mr ORourke continues to inch closer with 47 per cent of likely voters and Mr Cruz with 50 per cent. US midterm elections: the campaign trail Show all 20 1 /20 US midterm elections: the campaign trail US midterm elections: the campaign trail President Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Missoula, Montana AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the campaign trail Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders endorses Democrat Congressional candidate Randy Bryce at a campaign rally in Kenosha, Wisconsin EPA US midterm elections: the campaign trail Oprah Winfrey interviews gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams in Marietta, Georgia Reuters US midterm elections: the campaign trail Democrat US Senator Bob Menendez stands with representatives from local police and fire departments during a campaign event in Jersey City, New Jersey EPA US midterm elections: the campaign trail Democrat candidate for Senate Beto O'Rourke addresses supporters in Carrollton, Texas Reuters US midterm elections: the campaign trail Democratic congressional candidate Angie Craig and US Representative Tim Walz at a campaign event in Mendota Heights, Minnesota AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the campaign trail Protesters of President Trump outside a campaign rally in Rochester Minnesota AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the campaign trail Supporters of President Trump outside a campaign rally in Rochester Minnesota AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the campaign trail Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis, left, shakes hands with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum after a debate on CNN AP US midterm elections: the campaign trail President Trump takes the stage at a rally in Elko, Nevada Reuters US midterm elections: the campaign trail President Trump addresses a rally in Elko, Nevada AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the campaign trail Donald Trump T-shirts for sale at a rally in Rochester, Minnesota AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the campaign trail John Lombardo talks with voters on the doorstep in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the campaign trail Democrat Senator Joe Manchin hugs supporters as he marches in a homecoming parade in West Virginia AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the campaign trail A supporter holds up a sign at a Trump rally in Chattanooga, Tennessee EPA US midterm elections: the campaign trail Supporters of Republican congressional candidate Pete Stauber attend a campaign event in Crosby, Minnesota AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the campaign trail Former President Barack Obama joins Democrat Congresswoman Jacky Rosen on stage in Las Vegas at a rally for her Senate candidacy EPA US midterm elections: the campaign trail Members of the Culinary Union prepare packets for canvassing for the Democrats in Las Vegas AP US midterm elections: the campaign trail Republican volunteer Jess Morgan, 69, campaigns for her party in Shavertown, Pennsylvania AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the campaign trail Native American candidate Deb Haaland who is running for Congress in New Mexico AFP/Getty Florida sees an even tighter race with Democrat incumbent Bill Nelson holding a two point lead (49 per cent) over his Republican challenger Rick Scott, the Sunshine States governor. As of right now, Tennessee leans Republican with incumbent Marsha Blackburn edging out former Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen with a 4-point lead. The most recent poll show 49 per cent of voters backing Mr Blackburn and 45 per cent for Mr Breesend, which is a complete turnaround from a mid-September CNN poll when Mr Bredsend had a five-point lead. It is no doubt that this is a high stake midterm election cycle. If Republicans do end up gaining more control over the Senate, there is one possible bright side: Democrats have a bit of advantage in 2020. Republicans will be defending significantly more seats than Democrats with 22 seats up for re-election. Thus, providing Democrats will more chances to gain seats and play an offensive strategy to regain control over the Senate. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events FiveThirtyEight predicts the main targets for Democrats in 2020 will be Colorado Senator Cory Gardner and Maine Senator Susan Collins since they are two Republicans who are up for re-election in states that voted in favour of Democrat Hillary Clinton. Collins will be exposed to several vulnerabilities since her vote for Brett Kavanaugh, who was publicly accused of sexual assault misconduct, effectively confirmed him as a Supreme Court Justice. The vote prompted activists to form a crowdfunding campaign for her 2020 Democrat opponent and raised $3 million. Although no one has yet to file to run against Collins in 2020, former UN Ambassador Susan Rice expressed interest. There are also four more GOP Senators up for re-election in states that lean Republicans by less than 20 points that could potentially give Democrats an opportunity to win seats. FiveThirtyEight, however, notes that there will still be challenges for Democrats: Of course, its not a given that Democrats will add any seats at all to their total in 2020: Sen. Doug Jones faces an uphill fight in deep-red Alabama. Whats more, six more Democratic seats are also plausibly vulnerable. The 2018 midterm elections, as well as the one in 2020, will have long-term crucial ramifications for Americans and the country. The future of the Supreme Court, immigration reform, reproductive rights and health care all depends who wins the Senate and by how much. Signs bearing the words: Its OK to be white, have appeared in a Texas neighbourhood days before a divided nation prepares to go to the polls. Reports said the signs, attached to lamp posts and other property, appeared in parts of the north of the city of Fort Worth. US media said similar signs have been reported on several university campuses. One resident, Lois Burt, said she saw one of the signs while out walking and tore it down. I dont care what colour you are. I dont care what religion you are. I dont care what your economic status is. You judge people by how they act, she told the KTVT television channel. If you have an opinion you dont put it on public posts thats littering. Council member Cary Moon, who represents the district, said the appearance of the signs followed a report sent to council members about other anti-immigrant and discriminatory signs and banners placed in other parts of the city. I condemn any type of literature sign that is posted that may be offensive to some folks, he said. 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 Reports from elsewhere in the country say similar signs have been appearing. As the nation prepares for the midterm elections, there is something of a sense of anxiety, following the mail bombing of pipe bombs, the shooting dead of two African Americans in a grocery store and the killing of 11 Jews at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Critics of Donald Trump have accused the president of intentionally stoking division ahead of the election, with claims that a caravan of Central American migrants is a national security threat to the country. Asked about this on Friday as he left the White House, Mr Trump pointed at the reporter who asked the question and said: Youre creating violence by your question. The fake news is creating violence. The Associated Press said similar signs were found this week at Tufts University in Massachusetts. Campus police were notified at around 2am on Thursday that the flyers were attached to lawn signs urging students to vote. A university spokesman said the signs were removed and police were investigating. Similar signs have appeared on college campuses across the country over the last year, including at Harvard University, AP said. Several were found last weekend at the University of Vermont and at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. US Midterms 2018: The five big questions Tufts president Anthony Monaco condemned the signs in a note to members of the campus. We have watched with great sadness as incidents of hate and division have taken place across our nation in recent months most recently in Pittsburgh, where Jewish worshippers were killed by an antisemitic gunman, he wrote. These incidents remind us of the need for continued vigilance against hatred and those who espouse it. The Tufts Community Unions Senate Executive Board also condemned the flyers in a Facebook post on Thursday, according to American network The Blaze. [We] were shocked to learn that posters with language linked to white supremacist hate groups were found on our campus last night, the message read. We want to take this moment to reaffirm our support for the members of our community targeted by white supremacist hatred, especially our students of colour, Jewish students, Muslim students, and LGBTQ+ students. Reports from Canada say similar signs have appeared at the University of Manitoba, and in the cities of Halifax and Ottawa. A judge in North Dakota has refused a request to review a controversial voter registration law- passed by Republicans that critics say makes it harder for Native Americans to cast their ballot. While expressing concerns about the law, federal judge Daniel Hovland said it was inappropriate to order a change so close to the midterm elections, as it could create confusion. The controversial law requires North Dakota residents to show identification with a current street address. Many residents of Native American reservations, who tend to vote for Democrats according to NPR, do not have street addresses. Recommended Black voter suppression concerns over proposal to close voting sites Rather, they have Post Office box numbers, which do not qualify under the rules. In October, the Supreme Court declined to overturn the law. Critics have said the street address requirement is an attempt at disenfranchisement that was enacted by the states Republican-controlled legislature in the wake of Democratic senator Heidi Heitkamps victory by a margin of less than 3,000 votes in 2012. According to studies commissioned by Native American rights groups, roughly 35 percent of that population does not have an acceptable ID with a residential address. 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 Mr Hovland wrote in his judgment on Thursday the allegations of voter suppression gave him great cause for concern and that a detailed response from the Secretary of State was warranted. The litany of problems identified in this new lawsuit were clearly predictable and certain to occur as the court noted in its previous orders, the judge said. The controversy is just one of several around the country, where Republicans have been accused of trying to limit of restrict access to the ballot for people of colour. US Midterms 2018: The five big questions In Georgia, where Stacy Abrams is trying to become the first American American woman elected governor, her opponent, Georgia secretary of state Brian Kemp, has ignored for him to stand aside amid allegations that voter ID laws he oversees have lets of thousands of people most of them African Americans disenfranchised. According to the Associated Press, Mr Hovland said while he felt the voting rules created clear problems, he said to change them now could cause problems. The federal courts are unanimous in their judgment that it is highly important to preserve the status quo when elections are fast approaching, he wrote. On Friday, the states tribal liaison official downplayed any potential difficulty for Native Americans on election day. Indian Affairs Commission Director Scott Davis, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux, said all tribes in recent weeks have been issuing free IDs with residential street addresses to their members. He said all tribes also will provide free transportation to polling places on Tuesday. Sometimes change is tough, Mr Davis told the AP. But I really do believe were in a really good place now. For Donald Trump, his path to the White House in 2016 was simple: promise action on immigration, the economy and repealing his predecessor's flagship healthcare policy, Obamacare. The playbook for the midterms despite the White House not being at stake is the same. Mr Trump knows what the type of promises and rhetoric that he believes will bring his supporters to the polls and he has been hitting it hard over the past few weeks. With Mr Trumps Republican Party currently holding both sides of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, his administration should be in the best position to push through his agenda. The president knows that if the Democrats take control of one of the chambers and he has recently admitted that they could take the House in the midterms it will make the second half of his presidency harder. By Friday night, more than 32 million people had cast their votes for the midterms early according to The Election Project at the University of Florida, which tracks turnout. That is up more than 50 per cent from the 20.5 million early votes cast in all of the 2014 midterms. Mr Trumps words have power, and his plan is for his supporters to spearhead a high turnout, whether that is voting early or on election day on 6 November. The president rhetoric this week has concentrated on immigration, and it has brought out the worst traits. The caravans of thousands of refugees and migrants many of them fleeing violence in Central America currently making their way slowly through Mexico towards the US border have been the main target. Without citing any evidence, Mr Trump has claimed the caravans are full of Middle Easterners and criminals. The language is similar to what he used in 2016, which allows him to push his hardline agenda on immigration. 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 Alongside that rhetoric, repeated at "Make America Great Again" rallies across the country, the president has also tweeted a video described as one of the most racist political adverts in recent years and an attempt to rally his base by portraying Central American migrants as police killers set to overrun the country. The advert which Mr Trump tweeted with the message it is outrageous what the Democrats are doing to our country. Vote Republican now focusses on Luis Bracamontes, an illegal immigrant twice previously deported, who in 2014 shot and killed two California police officers, and injured a third. The advert shows Bracamontes, who has been sentenced to death, laughing in court and vowing to kill more officers. Words across the screen read: Democrats let him into our country. Democrats let him stay. It then shows migrants pulling on what appears to be a border fence. Donald Trump says stone-throwing migrants could be shot by US military The advert, which many have likened to the notorious Willie Horton attack advert that was used by Republicans to undermine and derail the 1988 presidential run of Democrat Michael Dukakis, has been widely denounced as racist, seeking as it does, to compare all migrants to a police killer. The president has announced that he will send up to 15,000 troops to the border to meet the migrant caravans as they arrive even suggesting on Thursday that any migrants illegally crossing the border and throwing stones at the military would be treated as if that stone was a rifle, and potentially being shot. Mr Trump has also claimed that he will put out new executive orders next week aimed at ending birthright citizenship the right for all babies born in the US to be called US citizens regardless of parentage, which is enshrined in the Constitution and some rights of asylum seekers. No doubt both of these will be challenged in the courts if they arrive as it is unclear if Mr Trump has the legal basis for changing them without it going through Congress. These statements are part of more than 1,000 potentially misleading, false or exaggerated statements that Mr Trump has made in the past seven weeks, according to an analysis from The Washington Post. Leading Democrats have picked up on this, with former president Barack Obama lamenting the fact at a rally of his own on Friday. When words dont mean anything, when truth doesnt matter, when people can just lie with abandon, democracy cant work, Mr Obama said. Barack Obama: 'we have seen repeated attempts to divide us with rhetoric designed to make us angry and make us fearful' His former vice president, Joe Biden, picked up the baton in Ohio on Saturday. We're in a battle for America's soul, Mr Biden told a crowd at a high school south of Cleveland. We Democrats have to make it clear who we are. We choose hope over fear, we choose unity over division, we choose our allies over our enemies and we choose truth over lies. It appears that even Mr Trump's team has realised he may be going too far, with some Republicans preferring that the president concentrates on the positive news about the economy rather than immigration. First Mr Trump walked back his remarks about using force against migrants on Friday, and later he appeared to try to explain why he had not been touting US economic success so heavily recently. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Sometimes it's not as exciting to talk about the economy because we have a lot of other things to talk about, Mr Trump said during a rally in West Virginia. He then said America was booming at a rally in Montana. Mr Trump's rally schedule ahead of Tuesday's midterms will take in Montana, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana and Missouri, and he is focusing on rural areas where his supporters are concentrated. However, his hardline, nationalist America First agenda that plays so well to his supporters does not do the same in suburban areas where Republicans are in tough House races. Pivoting back to lead on the economy is a message that could bring out those voters turned off by the hardline rhetoric, which could be crucial come Tuesday. But even with the late economic push, Mr Trump seems to have made the decision that his strategy to invoke all the traits that helped propel him to the White House will be the thing that gives the Republicans the best chance to keep hold of Congress. North Korea has threatened to push ahead with its nuclear weapons programme if the US does not lift foolish sanctions against the country. The regimes foreign ministry issued the warning as Mike Pompeo, US secretary of state, indicated economic pressure would be maintained until leader Kim Jong-un followed through on his commitment to denuclearisation. The war of words follows months of diplomatic wrangling over how to move forward from the June summit between Donald Trump and the North Korean leader. The statement, issued in the name of the director of the foreign ministrys Institute for American Studies, claimed the improvement of relations and sanctions is incompatible. The US thinks that its oft repeated sanctions and pressure leads to denuclearisation we cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea, it said. If the US keeps behaving arrogantly without showing any change in its stand, while failing to properly understand our repeated demand, the DPRK [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea] may add one thing to the state policy for directing all efforts to the economic construction adopted in April, and as a result the word pyongjin may appear again. Pyongjin, or dual advancement, refers to the policy of strengthening both the North Korean economy and its nuclear force. In April Kim Jong-un said the policy had achieved a great victory and had allowed the country to shift its focus solely to economic development. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events North Korea has since declared a suspension of nuclear and long-range missile tests, as well as the dismantling of its nuclear testing ground, although experts were not invited to observe the event. Describing those steps as proactive and goodwill measures, the foreign ministry suggested that the US should lift sanctions before further nuclear talks. Their statement marked the first time the North said it could potentially resume weapons tests and other development activities. North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary Show all 18 1 /18 North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary Participants wave flowers AFP/Getty North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (R) waves with China's Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Li Zhanshu (L) from a balcony AFP/Getty North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary Airplanes forming the number 70 fly in formation and fire flares AP North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary North Korean performers dance EPA North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary North Korean military officers applaud near portraits of late North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il AP North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary North Korean tanks roll past AP North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary AP North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers take part AFP/Getty North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers march AFP/Getty North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary Participants march during a mass rally on Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang AFP/Getty North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary A girl reacts during a parade AP North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, reacts as he chats with China's third highest ranking official, Li Zhanshu AP North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary People carry flags in front of statues of North Korea founder Kim Il Sung (L) and late leader Kim Jong Il Reuters North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary Performers take part in a concert at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium AFP/Getty North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary North Korean artillery roll past AP North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary Students perform Reuters North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary Soldiers march during a military parade Reuters North Korea military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary Participants wave flowers AFP/Getty Mr Pompeo, in an interview with Fox News on Friday, said he planned to talk with his North Korean counterpart next week. A lot of work remains, but Im confident that we will keep the economic pressure in place until such time as Chairman Kim fulfills the commitment he made to President Trump back in June in Singapore, he said. No location or date for the meeting was given but it is thought the secretary of state will focus on persuading North Korea to take firmer steps towards denuclearisation and preparations for a second summit. In September the US president said he expected to meet Kim Jong-un again in the immediate future. Protesters tear up a US flag during a rally in front of the embassy in Seoul, South Korea (AP) Growing concern that North Korea is dragging its feet over denuclearisation led South Korea to drop its proposal to lift some of its unilateral sanctions last month, after Mr Trump warned that South Korea could do nothing without US approval. Demonstrators gathered in South Korea on Saturday to oppose further talks between the US and North Korea (AP) On Saturday rival protest groups gathered near the US embassy in Seoul, South Korea. One supported the US policy of keeping pressure on North Korea while the other opposed it. Additional reporting by Associated Press The Pakistani government has been accused of caving in to hardline Islamists by agreeing to stop a Christian woman leaving the country following her acquittal for blasphemy. Under the terms of the deal made on Friday night, prime minister Imran Khans administration said it would begin legal proceedings to place Asia Bibi on the exit control list (ECL). It also agreed not to oppose a petition for a review of the Supreme Court decision to free the mother-of-five, who had been on death row since 2010. In return the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party (TLP) issued an apology for any hurt caused during three days of nationwide protests and called for its supporters to disperse. The deal was described by English-language Dawn newspaper as another surrender and campaigners said putting Ms Bibi on the ECL was like signing her death warrant. I am not surprised that Imran Khans regime has caved in to extremists, said Wilson Chowdhry, chair of the British Pakistani Christian Association. Asia Bibi and her entire family are in need of immediate asylum. She and her family have suffered enough, she just needs a country willing to cut through the bureaucracy. Every moment that she stays in Pakistan, Asia Bibi remains a lightning rod for radical extremists. Ms Bibi, a mother-of-five, remains in custody at an undisclosed detention facility and her family are in hiding for their own safety. Her lawyer, Saif Mulook, has reportedly fled Pakistan for fear of his life. I need to stay alive as I still have to fight the legal battle for Asia Bibi, Mr Mulook said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Ms Bibi was arrested in 2009 and accused of insulting the prophet Muhammad following a quarrel with two fellow farm workers who refused to drink from a cup used by a Christian. Her acquittal led Islamist leaders to call for the death of the judges who made the decision and the removal of the government. Prime minister Imran Khan had initially defended the Supreme Courts decision and pledged to take strict action against violators. Islamist protesters burn a poster of Imran Khan after the acquittal of Asia Bibi (AP/Shakil Adil) During the three days of protests, the TLP blockaded roads across major cities including Karachi, the eastern city of Lahore, and the capital Islamabad. Many schools were closed and mobile phone networks in some areas were suspended. Governor who opposed blasphemy laws is shot dead Show all 3 1 /3 Governor who opposed blasphemy laws is shot dead Governor who opposed blasphemy laws is shot dead 528469.bin AP Governor who opposed blasphemy laws is shot dead 528471.bin EPA Governor who opposed blasphemy laws is shot dead 528470.bin GETTY IMAGES Information minister Fawad Chaudhry described the deal to end the protests as just another firefighting step. We need to take steps against extremism, he told the BBC. We need to come up with a permanent solution. Our government is committed to the cure. Tensions in the country increased on Friday when prominent cleric Maulana Samiul Haq, described as the father of the Taliban, was stabbed to death in his bedroom in the city of Rawalpindi. Additional reporting by AP Divers have reported seeing the fuselage and engines of a crashed Lion Air plane on the seabed, and a ping locator has detected a signal which may be from the cockpit voice recorder, Indonesia's search and rescue chief has said. The brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet plunged into the Java Sea early on Monday, just minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital. Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Speaking on Saturday, the sixth day of the search, Muhammad Syaugi said "two engines and more landing gear have been found". Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta Show all 13 1 /13 Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta Indonesia President Joko Widodo inspects the items recovered from Lion Air flight JT 610 Getty Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta A member of Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency inspects debris AP Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta Rescue teams have been joined by fisherman and volunteers in the search for survivors Getty Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta Lion Air CEO, Edward Sirait (centre) speaks during a press conference at Lion Air Branch office at Soekarno Hatta Airport EPA Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta No bodies have yet been discovered among the wreckage of the Lion Air flight EPA Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta Indonesian search and rescue personnel prepare for a recovery mission Getty Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta Rescuers searching the site of the plane crash lift a body bag onto a nearby vessel EPA Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta A relative of passengers arrive at Lion Air's crisis center at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia AP Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta In this photo released by Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency rescuers inspect debris believed to be from a Lion Air passenger jet AP Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta A relative of passengers prays as she and others wait for news on a Lion Air plane that crashed off Java Island AP Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta A rescue team member points to the location where Indonesia's Lion Air flight JT 610 had crashed into the sea, at Tanjung Priok seaport in Jakarta Getty Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta Officials evacuate a body bag containing the remains of one of the victims of the crash EPA Lion Air plane crashes minutes after take-off from Jakarta Indonesian relatives of the plane crash victims cry as they wait for the news at the airport in Sukarno Hatta Airport EPA "I haven't seen it myself but I got information from some divers that they have seen the fuselage," he said at a news conference at a Jakarta port where body bags, debris and passenger belongings are first taken. The flight data recorder was recovered on Thursday and Mr Syuagi said a "low ping signal" was detected by a sonar locator that could be the black box voice recorder. Divers and a remotely operated vehicle have been searching the suspected location since Saturday morning. AP It was never likely Vladimir Putin would criticise his military intelligence agency on its birthday. But in carefully constructed comments, made at a celebration of 100 years of the under-fire agency, he offered his strongest backing yet. Far from being reformed out of recognition, the legendary service should return to its historical name, the GRU, he said and that would mean reinstating the word intelligence to its title. Its not clear where the word 'intelligence' went to, he told his audience at the Russian Army Theatre in Moscow, to applause. Intelligence is an important and integral part of military science. Founded within a year of the revolution that brought the Bolsheviks to power, the Soviet intelligence agency became known as the Main Intelligence Directorate, or G.R.U., in 1940. It carried that title until 2010, when it was renamed the G.U., or Main Directorate, as part of a series of reforms by then Minister of Defence Anatoly Serdyukov. The general direction of those liberal reforms was to separate civil and military roles. Unsurprisingly, they went down very badly with the military complex. The vast majority of officials and the general public continued to refer to the Main Directorate using its old name. By indicating he shared their irritation with an unfathomable change, Putin seemed to be delivering a much-needed morale boost to the agency. Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Show all 23 1 /23 Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Russian passports belonging to (top row) Oleg Sotnikov (left), Aleksei Morenets, (bottom row) Evgenii Serebriakov (left) and Alexey Minin, who have been named as the four GRU officers who tried to hack the global chemical weapons watchdog which is investigating the Salisbury nerve agent attack PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot On April 13 the officers parked a car carrying specialist hacking equipment outside the headquarters of the OPCW in The Hague Dutch Ministry of Defence/PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Specialist equipment intended for the alleged hacking of WiFi networks of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Russia's military intelligence service has been accused of trying to hack the global chemical weapons watchdog which is investigating the Salisbury nerve agent attack PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot The Dutch counter-terrorism officers intervened to disrupt the operation and the four GRU officers were ordered to leave the country Dutch Ministry of Defence/PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Mobile phones and a camera recovered from four GRU officers who were alleged to have hacked the WiFi networks of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot The four Russians arrived on diplomatic passports Netherlands Defence Ministry Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Alexey Minin, who has been named as one of the four GRU officers who tried to hack the global chemical weapons watchdog which is investigating the Salisbury nerve agent attack PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot A car carrying hacking equipment used by GRU officers, travelling on official Russian passports, parked near the headquarters of the OPCW in The Hague Dutch Ministry of Defence/PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Oleg Sotnikov, who has been named as one of the four GRU officers PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Hacking equipment belonging to four Russian officers Dutch Ministry of Defence/AP Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Evgenii Serebriakov, who has been named as one of the four GRU officers PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Equipment found in possession of four Russian citizens Reuters Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Photos of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its surroundings taken on the 11 April, found on the phone of GRU officer Alexey Minin Dutch Ministry of Defence/PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Equipment found in possession of four Russian citizens REUTERS Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Aleksei Morenets, who has been named as one of the four GRU officers PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Dutch Ministry of Defence/PA Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot A combo of a taxi bill and a map, with a ride from a street next to the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, GRU, to Sheremyetevo airport in Moscow, found in possession of one of four GRU officers AP Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Yevgeny Serebryakov, an alleged Russian agent AFP/Getty Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Netherlands Defence Ministry Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Netherlands Defence Ministry Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Netherlands Defence Ministry Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Netherlands Defence Ministry Dutch security services expel Russian spies over cyber plot Netherlands Defence Ministry This was a psychological and political show of support by Putin, says Tatiana Stanovaya, CEO of the political analysis firm R.Politik. He was telling them that he would support them to the end regardless of the failures and their poor fortunes. The GU/GRUs centenary year has swung from highs to lows. The service entered its 100th year in a buoyant state, having overcome twenty years of decay and job losses. For the first decade of Vladimir Putins rule, they were seen as the junior partner to Federal Security Service (FSB) and Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). But the second decade saw a turnaround. Their activist roles in the Syrian and Ukrainian campaigns earned them a place at the intelligence high table. This was a psychological and political show of support by Putin. He was telling them that he would support them to the end regardless of the failures and their poor fortunes. Tatiana Stanovaya, R.Politik The service is ending the year amid disarray and derision. Its claims not to have been involved in the nerve agent attack in Salisbury look more ridiculous with every press conference. And to make matters worse, the unveiling of the two men suspected of carrying out the attack has apparently compromised a much larger agent database. Several hundred previously secret identities might have gone public. For Mr Putin, those failures are secondary to a much larger struggle with the West, says Ms Stanovaya. He believes the GRU are the victims of this story and has made it very clear that you shouldnt expect any radical changes in the service, she says. Even personnel changes, which may yet happen, will not take place immediately. The public show of support was not surprising, agrees Andrei Soldatov, author of The New Nobility and a veteran watcher of Russian security services. The president wanted to emphasise he was fine with the military and G.R.U. by extension playing a prominent role in Russian politics. There is a general consensus [across government] to let the active guys take all the heat so they can carry on in the shadows. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The Kremlins focus has instead fallen on leaks that allowed activists to uncover the identities of agents. It is well-known that even the most sensitive government databases have been available online and in certain markets. The Kremlin wants to put an end to that. According to the Rosbalt news agency, which regularly breaks security agency news, arrests have already been made. Its clear Putin has given the order for the leaks to stop, says Ms Stanovaya. Thats where he sees the vulnerability. Far from dismantling the GRU, he wants them to end up stronger. Weve all done it booked an impossibly cheap flight, only to discover the original price didnt include the myriad extras we might need. By the time bags, seat reservation and something to eat are added on, the total cost while still good-value is far steeper than first advertised. These extra charges, comprising pretty much everything but the seat, are known as ancillary revenue in the trade. And, while they might seem innocuous, they actually generate an incredible amount of money for airlines, making up a significant percentage of pre-tax profits. This is particularly true of budget airlines, and is especially pertinent given Ryanairs recent rule change when it comes to free hand luggage. Europes largest airline instigated a policy change on 1 November: where previously passengers could take two pieces of luggage at no extra cost, including a fair-sized trolley bag, from now on theyll only be allowed to take one mid-sized bag onboard that fits under the seat in front. To take a bigger bag on top of that, customers will have to pay 6 for priority boarding, which includes a 10kg cabin bag, or 8 to check a 10kg bag. Ryanair has insisted the move is aimed at improving timekeeping rather than making money, and that only 40 per cent of people will be affected (60 per cent already either buy priority boarding or only bring one small bag on, according to the airline). However, it would be naive to suggest this wont lead to a boost in ancillary revenue for Ryanair after all, suddenly 40 per cent of passengers who previously would have brought along two bags without paying any extra charge will potentially be stumping up a minimum of 12 per return flight. That might not sound like a lot, but consider this in H1, the first half of this financial year (1 April to 30 September 2018), Ryanair flew 76.6 million passengers, up six per cent from the same period the previous year. Forty per cent equals 30.6 million people. Imagine all of them want to bring that second, bigger bag and pay 12 to do so; thats a whopping 367m in six months. Of course, its not an accurate calculation: some people will make do with one bag, and not all passengers will be eligible for priority boarding as its capped at 95 people per flight. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Ryanair already makes a huge amount of its capital from ancillary revenue, even before the new hand luggage rules came into play. In H1, this revenue stream increased by 27 per cent to 1.3bn (1.1bn), driving an eight per cent increase in total revenue to 4.8bn (4.2bn). This number is likely to only go up. Its far from the only airline to make a consequential percentage of its profits through add-ons. EasyJet made $1.3bn (1bn) in 2017 from ancillary revenue, 19.5 per cent of its total revenue, according to IdeaWorksCompanys annual report, the Yearbook of Ancillary revenue. The airline was the 10th highest earner from this income source, revealed the report. Some 27.6 per cent of Jet2s total incomings came from ancillary revenue in 2017, adding up to $305m (235m), while just five per cent of British Airways revenue $802m (618m) came from this source. According to the report, since its first incarnation in 2017, the amount of ancillary revenue generated by airlines has increased every year: Ten years ago, the top 10 airlines, as rated by total ancillary revenue, generated $2.1bn. For 2017, the top 10 airline total has jumped to $29.7bn. Passenger fares may dip and climb, but ancillary revenue has grown steadily in its contribution to the industrys bottom line. The officer in charge of the Guantanamo detainees, Rear Admiral John Ring, told visiting journalists earlier this month, Two of them had an opportunity to get on an airplane and chose not to go. So how bad could it be here? Perhaps in the age of Trump, we have become inured to such Orwellian doubletalk. But we should not accept that men could be approaching two decades in captivity without ever having been charged with anything. Nor should we accept the narrative of Guantanamo as a Potemkin prison, a luxury billet where detainees are treated so well, they are happy to remain. How bad could it be at Guantanamo? Very bad, for the men and for the rule of law. Recommended Taliban appoint five former Guantanamo inmates to Qatar office Amidst the three ring circus of Trumps America, Guantanamo has been largely forgotten as both a human tragedy and a constitutional debacle. Forty men remain there. Nine have been charged and thirty-one have never been charged with any crime and never will be. Five of those thirty-one have been cleared for release, some for more than ten years. Three of these men had countries ready to take them; one was packed and fitted for clothing to travel. Then President Trump took office. Admiral Rings cruel joke about men not wanting to leave pulls a veil of falsehood over what is going on at Guantanamo. President Trump acted quickly after his inauguration to abolish the office for repatriating Guantanamo detainees. Under President Obama, there was a special envoy who had the job of repatriating or finding third countries to accept detainees and guarantee their safety and the safety of others. One hundred and ninety-seven men were repatriated or relocated. In 2011, Obama established the Periodic Review Board of senior officials from six federal agencies who conducted hearings focused on the detainees plans for the future and tried to make determinations about the risk they presented in the future. The PRB was required to make a unanimous recommendation and those recommendations were forwarded to the agency principals for action. Thirty-eight of the 72 men reviewed under the PRB process during the Obama era resulted in clearance for release. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In the Trump administration, it is no ones job to try to resettle the five cleared detainees. And the PRB meetings in the Trump era have resulted in not a single new detainee being cleared for release. The Trump administration has held twelve full reviews, nine of which have resulted in denials with the other three simply not decided due to being overdue. The focus of the PRB inquiries has changed from whether, after all these years, a detainee presents a future risk, to pressing for admissions that can be used against that detainee if that detainee later tries to challenge his detention in a court proceeding. If you admit wrongdoing, you are dangerous and you have admitted it; if you do not, you lack remorse and candour and should not be released. Heads, we win; tales you lose. Not surprisingly, these thirty-one men, many of whom have been incarcerated since late 2001 or 2002 do not see any reason to cooperate. They are not getting cleared and they are not getting repatriated. Only bad things can happen in these proceedings. And approaching their eighteenth year without a charge, a hope of release, or any timetable for either, some of these men are, not surprisingly, suffering from severe mental illness. Some feel helpless; some simply refuse to cooperate; and some are unable to engage in any interaction. Some are on years-long hunger strikes to protest their captivity; they are force fed with enteric tubes roughly thrust through their nose into their throats and stomach, two or three times a day. The $11m per prisoner that the US spends on each detainee is not going into gourmet meals, or educational programs or luxury accommodation. It is spent on creating a maximum security environment. Prisoners are shackled hand and foot whenever they are moved. They are chained to the floor when they meet with their lawyers. The compound crawls with soldiers, surveillance equipment and armoured vehicles. There are multiple perimeters of razor wire, beyond which lies the shark-infested waters off Southern Cuba. To be sure, the government has just installed a padded cell in the medical complex and a new recreational facility for super-compliant prisoners where they can do art projects, although the Guantanamo authorities have changed the rules to prohibit any artwork from leaving the prison after the charitable organisation that I chair staged an exhibit of detainee art. So how bad can it be? On a human level, it is a place of misery and despair. And on a larger level, it is a monument to the death of the rule of law. It is here that for the first time in our history, we have forever prisoners: men who have been imprisoned without charge, often without even credible evidence, and possibly left to die there. It is here that being a foreign Muslim in the wrong place at the wrong time can result in a life sentence. Justice Kennedy, in finding that detainees at Guantanamo have the right to challenge their detention, wrote, The laws and constitution are designed to survive, and remain in force, in extraordinary times. Liberty and security can be reconciled; and in our system they are reconciled within the framework of the law. That decision was written more than ten years ago. The Supreme Court has not heard a Guantanamo case since. And forty men remain in legal darkness, perhaps forever. That is how bad it can be. Eric Lewis is Chairman of Reprieve US, a charity that advocates against capital punishment and indefinite detention and has represented Guantanamo detainees for more than fifteen years. He is also a director of Independent Digital News and Media, which publishes The Independent. The views reflected are his own I caught polio at the age of six in an epidemic in Cork in 1956 and was taken to St Finbarrs hospital in the city where I was well treated by the doctors and nurses. The fever passed but the virus had crippled the muscles of my back and legs so I was moved to another hospital nearby called St Marys at Gurranebraher, where the patients, mostly young children, were appallingly mistreated. The nurses viewed the polio victims they were supposed to help as the irritating cause of them having to work and were angry when crippled patients asked for anything. I remember one nurse screaming at a small boy who had defecated in his bed because he was too weak to move and her saying that, if he did so again, he would be forced to eat his own excreta. I listened in terror and feared the same thing might happen to me. The nurses maintained a rough barrack-room discipline, but I was bullied by older boys who smashed the toys brought by my parents. Years later I met Maureen OSullivan, a tireless volunteer nurse who drove a Red Cross ambulance during the epidemic, and she told me that the problem at the hospital was that it lacked professional staff and there was a shortage of trained people. Many of the nurses looked at it just as a job and not a vocation. The main problem was always lack of resources. I stopped eating and speaking and my parents believed, almost certainly rightly, that I was dying. The doctors, who were a rather distant and ineffective presence in the hospital, believed that my deterioration was somehow connected with the polio. They noticed that the care of patients was poor, but they were told by the senior matron that she had great difficulty in recruiting nurses though untrained carers were easy enough to find After 13 weeks at Gurranebraher, my parents brought me home where I rapidly recovered my spirits, though I was confined to a wheelchair. A year later, I went to the Whitechapel hospital in London for an operation on the surviving muscles in my legs, which would enable me to walk again. I was surprised to find that many of the nurses in Whitechapel were Irish. In sharp contrast to what I had in Gurranebraher, they were kind, attentive and well trained. The problem in Ireland in the 1950s was not so much a lack of nurses, but the fact that so many of the best of them had gone to Britain because of better pay, conditions and prospects. In coping with a rapidly spreading polio epidemic, the Irish health authorities had concentrated their best-trained and most experienced personnel to treat those who had just been diagnosed with the disease in St Finbarrs, and had left the other hospitals to get by as best they could. This problem has not gone away in the following 60 years. The British healthcare system remains extraordinarily reliant on attracting doctors and nurses from poorer parts of the world, notably Africa and South Asia, with damaging and at time disastrous consequences for the health of people in countries denuded of their best trained health workers. In the UK, over a third of the registered doctors are not originally from the UK and nearly half of nurses are from overseas, says Rachel Jenkins, Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College, London, in an editorial in the journal International Psychiatry prefacing detailed papers on the brain drain of medical specialists from the poor to the rich. Jenkins writes that in a similar way to the polio epidemic in Ireland that I had experienced the dangers are exemplified by the recent outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, which was able to spread so rapidly because of weak health systems. Those systems would have been significantly stronger had it not been for health worker migration to the UK. The numbers involved are strikingly large. Out of a total of 255,141 doctors registered in the UK, no fewer than 82,866 or 36.4 per cent were trained elsewhere. Put simply, the UK population depends for its high standard of healthcare on health professionals trained elsewhere and the demand for which can only rise with the ageing of the British population. The economic gain to Britain, and the proportionate loss to some of the poorest countries in the world, is very high. Jenkins points out that it costs 220,000 to train a doctor in the UK and 125,000 to train a nurse. If the training is done elsewhere, this implies a saving to the benefit of the UK of 65m from the employment of 293 Ghanaian doctors and 38m from the employment of 1,021 Ghanaian nurses, a sum that exceeds the annual UK aid to Ghana. This unrecognised subsidy to Britain by poor countries has produced great dollops of hypocrisy about the recipients of aid. The Department for International Development (DFID) in the UK said in a report this summer that our focus is on helping Ghana to end its reliance on aid and become a strong trading partner for the UK. NHS releases video showing impact of nursing in recruitment push Solutions to the present toxic situation in which the poor subsidise the healthcare of the rich and thereby deplete their own health systems are twofold: wealthy countries like Britain should build up their own training of doctors and nurses to a level that meets demand. Poorer states, for their part, should improve pay and conditions for their own health professionals to the point that emigration ceases to be such an attractive option. Such a change in British government policy is unlikely because the current deeply unfair system is, from its point of view, too good a deal. Jenkins argues that the situation will only change for the better when rich countries assume some responsibility for reimbursing the country of origin for each foreign-born health worker. This would give such countries the money to rebuild their healthcare systems. Western states all benefit from siphoning off health professionals: some 23 per cent of the doctors in the US were trained abroad and 64 per cent come from low- or middle-income countries. This is not a statistic likely to be mentioned by President Trump as he denigrates immigrants in general as parasites taking jobs from native-born Americans. The advocates of Brexit in Britain, conscious that opposition to immigration has been the core issue driving their success, have never wanted foreign health workers to be emblematic of immigration, perhaps conscious that a YouGov poll shows that 76 per cent of the British population welcomes them or would like more to come. There is some understanding of how necessary this migration of doctors and nurses is to ill people in Britain, but little knowledge of the damage it does to the countries they come from. Foreign aid would be more popular if it was presented as compensation for the huge hidden benefits the UK gets from this sort of immigration, giving poorer countries the money to fill the gap in their own healthcare systems that the migrants leave behind them. IPL Plastics, formerly One51, is in talks to merge with Dutch packaging firm Schoeller Allibert Group. Its understood a deal could see the Dutch business reversed into IPL, retaining the Irish company's stock market listing in Toronto. Both companies' biggest shareholders are Canadian. IPL Plastics is an Irish company and retains cohort of Irish shareholders. It is headed by CEO Alan Walsh. A tie-up would meet IPL's desire to diversify back into Europe, after it sold off its non-core Irish assets as it emerged as a focused plastics business concentrated in North America. Bloomberg News first reported that Schoeller Allibert, majority owned by Brookfield Asset Management, has been in merger talks with IPL for several months, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. News of talks with Schoeller Allibert follow the appointment by IPL of corporate financier Conor McCarthy to oversee mergers and acquisitions activity at the company. He was previously a director of Investec in Dublin. IPL raised CA$191.7m from its flotation on the Toronto Stock Exchange in June. Irish shareholders who remained with the company when it floated received new shares in IPL Plastics in return for their old stock. Six months after the stock-market listing, which is in late December, these B-class shares will convert and can be traded in Canada. The Irish company originally entered the North American market through the majority purchase of Canadian packaging company IPL in 2015. It has since acquired a number of businesses in that market. Schoeller Allibert is headquartered in the Netherlands, its operations are mainly in Europe, though it has plants in the US and China. Sales last year were 500m. Ireland's 50 fastest-growing tech firms took more than 2.5bn in revenue last year, new figures from Deloitte show. According to its newly-released Fast 50 annual index, the average revenue of the top 50 fast-growth companies is 50m, while the average growth rate of the companies over the last four years was 373pc. XSellCo, backed by Ray Nolan, pictured, took the award for the fastest-growing digital company, with eShopworld coming in second place. XSellCo recorded a revenue growth rate of 2,874pc over the last four years, according to Deloitte. The Dublin-based firm sells ecommerce products. The mobile advertising firm mAdme Technologies reached third place in the Fast 50 index. Compared with last year, there are 17 new companies on the ranking - 12 of these are first-time entrants, while five have re-entered the list, having featured in previous years. "It was particularly evident this year that the vast majority of revenues for the ranking companies are coming from export markets," said David Shanahan, a partner in Deloitte. "This demonstrates the impact Irish indigenous tech companies are having in global markets." Other category winners included SMS firewall vendor Anam Technologies. It won the export award in association with Intel. DesignPro Automation, won the Innovative New Technology Award in association with Google, and Triona Mullane of mAdme Technologies, was winner of the Leading Female Award in association with Vodafone. Allegations: US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, flanked by assistant attorney general for the Criminal Division Brian Benczkowski, assistant attorney general for National Security John Demers, and deputy FBI director David Bowdich, announce their indictment in Washington. Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters The US Justice Department has unveiled an indictment against two companies based in China and Taiwan and three individuals, alleging they conspired to steal trade secrets from the US semiconductor company Micron Technology relating to its R&D of memory storage devices. The charges against Taiwan-based United Microelectronics Corp, China state-owned Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co Ltd and three individuals who once worked for a unit of Micron mark the fourth case brought by the Justice Department since September as part of a broader crackdown against alleged Chinese espionage on US companies. The action is the latest in a long list taken to fight what some in the Trump administration call China's cheating through intellectual property theft, illegal corporate subsidies and rules hampering US corporations that want to sell their goods in China. FBI deputy director David Bowdich said that nearly every one of the agency's 56 field offices "has investigations into economic espionage that lead back to the country of China". US Attorney General Jeff Sessions told a news conference that Chinese espionage has been "increasing rapidly", and the government is launching a new initiative to crack down on Chinese espionage trade cases. China said yesterday the United States should present evidence to back up its charges. "If the United States truly has genuine concerns, it should provide real examples to test these remarks that can stand up under evidence and facts," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in Beijing. United Microelectronics issued a response saying the allegations in the indictment and complaint are "virtually the same as allegations in a civil complaint previously filed against UMC by Micron". "UMC regrets that the US Attorney's Office brought these charges without first notifying UMC and giving it an opportunity to discuss the matter," the company said. China and the United States are locked in an escalating trade conflict. They have imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods, and US President Donald Trump has threatened to slap tariffs on the remainder of China's $500bn-plus exports to the United States if the disputes cannot be resolved. In addition to the criminal case, the US Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit seeking to prevent the two accused companies from exporting any products created using the trade secrets and blocking the further transfer of trade secrets. Micron said that it "has invested billions of dollars over decades to develop its intellectual property. "The actions announced today reinforce that criminal misappropriation will be appropriately addressed." The US Commerce Department earlier this week also announced that it had put Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co Ltd on a list of entities that cannot buy components, software and technology goods from US firms. San Francisco FBI Special Agent in Charge John Bennett, whose counter-intelligence agents led the two-year probe, said China was the largest practitioner of government-backed economic espionage in Silicon Valley, but he noted that some victim companies remained reluctant to come forward to the FBI, for fear of stock price impact or embarrassment. John Demers, the head of the Justice Department's National Security Division, said that the multi-prong approach by the government has "stopped the harm" before it could manifest itself in a competing product. Democratic Senator Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, cheered the action, and said the administration should do more to crack down on economic espionage by Chinese businesses and its government. Micron filed its own a civil lawsuit against Fujian and United Microelectronics in December 2017 in federal court in California, accusing them of secret infringement of intellectual property related to its DRAM chips after prosecutors in Taiwan charged two Micron employees with stealing trade secrets. In January, UMC filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Micron in China. "No country presents a broader, more severe threat to our ideas, our innovation, and our economic security than China," FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement. The indictment alleges that China was interested in gaining access to dynamic random-access memory, or DRAM, a type of technology it did not possess. Micron is the only US-based company that manufactures DRAM. Sessions said the Taiwanese company partnered with a Chinese state-owned company so that ultimately China could steal this technology from the United States and then use it to compete against the United States. "This is a brazen scheme," Sessions said. According to charging documents and Justice Department officials, Chen Zhengkun, a former Micron employee who worked in Taiwan, left the company in July 2015 to join United Microelectronics. Chen, who is one of the three individuals facing criminal charges, then recruited other Micron employees to come and bring trade secrets with them. He also allegedly set up a joint venture with Fujian Jinhua, a China-owned company founded in 2016 for the sole purpose of developing DRAM technology. Taiwan assisted with the investigation, according to Alex Tse, the US attorney for northern California. The Justice Department's announcement on Thursday comes on the heels of several other major Chinese espionage cases in recent months. Reuters Keira Knightley attends the UK Premiere of Disney's 'The Nutcracker And The Four Realms' at Vue Westfield on November 01, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney) Keira Knightley attends the UK Premiere of Disney's 'The Nutcracker And The Four Realms' at Vue Westfield on November 01, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney) Keira Knightley attends the UK Premiere of Disney's 'The Nutcracker And The Four Realms' at Vue Westfield on November 01, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney) British actor Keira Knightley poses for a photograph as she arrives for the European premiere of the film 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms' in London on November 1, 2018. (Photo by Anthony HARVEY / AFP) British actor Keira Knightley poses for a photograph as she arrives for the European premiere of the film 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms' in London on November 1, 2018. (Photo by Anthony HARVEY / AFP) Keira Knightley attends the UK Premiere of Disney's 'The Nutcracker And The Four Realms' at Vue Westfield on November 01, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney) Keira Knightley said she is "team 'Frozen'" as she explained why she banned her daughter from watching Disney princess movies. The 33-year-old actress recently revealed she won't let her three-year-old daughter Edie - whom she has with husband James Righton - see the franchise's films 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Cinderella' because of the negative stereotypes toward women. And now the 'Love Actually' star has admitted that she doesn't have a problem with 2013's 'Frozen' because Elsa voiced her concerns about her sister Anna wanting to marry a man she had just met. Explaining her reasons on the red carpet at The European Gala of her new film, Disney's 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms', in London on Thursday, Keira told 'Good Morning Britain': "'Moana is big in our house, 'Inside Out' is big in our house, I just wonder what Elsa ('Frozen') would say to Ariel ('The Little Mermaid') and Cinderella because Elsa has some serious opinions about Anna (her sister in 'Frozen') going off with a guy that shes only just met and saying she would marry him. Expand Close British actor Keira Knightley poses for a photograph as she arrives for the European premiere of the film 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms' in London on November 1, 2018. (Photo by Anthony HARVEY / AFP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp British actor Keira Knightley poses for a photograph as she arrives for the European premiere of the film 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms' in London on November 1, 2018. (Photo by Anthony HARVEY / AFP) Read More "Shes like absolutely that is not okay and in fact everyone in 'Frozen' is not okay with that. What would Elsa say to Ariel, who gives up her voice for a man? A man, by the way, she has only seen dance round a ship and then drown!" "And its 100 per cent amazing of Ariel to save the guy, Im totally up for that, but what would Elsa make of that? I think Elsa would be like: 'Babe, youve got to get to know him better, dont give up your voice just yet.'" Keira - who plays The Sugar Plum Fairy in the retelling of E. T. A. Hoffmann's short story 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King' and Marius Petipa's 'The Nutcracker' - previously said the two fairytales suggest women are nothing without their Prince Charming's. She said: "'Cinderella' is banned because she waits around for a rich guy to rescue her. Don't. Rescue yourself, obviously. And this is the one that I'm quite annoyed about because I really like the film, but... 'Little Mermaid'. I mean, the songs are great, but do not give your voice up for a man. Hello!" Nama is still paying developers' incomes averaging 100,000 each year, at a total annual cost of 2.3m. Some 23 developers are still receiving incomes from Nama, with the highest earner receiving 195,000 a year. Three more get an "allowance" worth 180,000 annually, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information act by the asset management agency. Altogether, the 23 developers - who manage sites on behalf of Nama - received an average 100,000 each. Of those, 10 received a six-figure salary, with one on 133,000, two getting 120,000, another on 110,000, and two developers paid 100,000 each. The latest figures also list 13 developers who are in receipt of annual allowances worth less than 100,000. Nama said the payment of allowances to "debtors" was part of its efforts to get the best possible financial returns from its loans. The figures come just a day after the Irish Independent reported on the scale of land owned by Nama that could be used to tackle the housing crisis. The agency has enough land available to build some 66,000 family homes. A Nama spokesman said: "[We have] consistently stated since 2010 that, where [Nama] is able to work with debtors, arrangements agreed with debtors are more cost-effective for the taxpayer than the alternative of appointing external asset managers or receivers. "It is also a more efficient approach as debtors are very familiar with the assets under their control." In an information note accompanying the figures, Nama said it technically did not pay "salaries" to the developers, as it was not their employer. It said that in certain cases they allow "debtors" to keep part of the income from their profit-making assets to pay overheads for the "preservation and enhancement of the value of property securing its loans". It said these overheads generally covered costs for repair, maintenance and insurance premiums, local authority rates, and professional fees. "These costs may include an allowance for the remuneration of debtors and their staff to manage their assets," it said. "This occurs in cases where the agency decides that this is the most cost-effective option in terms of maximising the return for the State in line with Nama's statutory objective." At its peak around 2014, the asset management agency was paying 11m in allowances to 134 different developers, with three of them receiving more than 200,000. Nama chief executive Brendan McDonagh defended the costs involved at the time, saying it would be much more expensive to appoint receivers, who would then appoint an asset manager. The agency also rejected some proposals, with one developer famously looking for a 1.5m annual salary back in 2010. "The jets, the yachts, the Bentleys will not be supported by Nama," said agency chairman Frank Daly at the time. An Irish woman who killed her fiance in Sydney has told a judge of his alleged repeated violence, including punching strangers and biting her all over her body, and his accusations of her sleeping with other men. Cathrina 'Tina' Cahill, who is originally from Co Wexford, said she could not look at other men when she was out with David Walsh, nor could she look in the mirror when driving as there might be a male driver behind. If she did, she said Mr Walsh would say: "I hope you got a good look, slut." The 27-year-old denied a suggestion from prosecutor Nanette Williams that she wanted to minimise any violence she had done to Mr Walsh and maximise what he had done to her when describing their relationship. Ms Cahill was giving evidence in the New South Wales Supreme Court yesterday at her sentence hearing for the manslaughter of Mr Walsh (29). He was stabbed once in the neck in the early hours of February 18, 2017, at the Padstow home they shared with two other Irish nationals. Ms Cahill was originally charged with murder, but the Crown accepted her plea to the less serious charge on the basis of substantial impairment due to an abnormality of the mind at the time. "There is not a day that goes by when I don't think about David's family," she told her barrister James Trevallion when asked how she felt about what she had done to her fiance. "I loved him so much. "He told me no matter what I did I would never get away from him and if I ever got with anybody else he would make my life hell." She said Mr Walsh blocked people from her Facebook account, deleted texts and numbers from her phone and was convinced she was having an affair with her boss. He would come to her work to wait for her and make a gesture - which she demonstrated - of running a finger across his throat. Ms Cahill referred to incidents when Mr Walsh punched men, after claiming she had been with them or they had looked at her, and said he wanted her to take a lie detector test when she denied being with her brother-in-law. Mr Walsh would grab her face "and constantly bite me, that was his thing", she said. A former housemate has testified that she saw Ms Cahill walk up the stairs with her hand behind her back, then suddenly stab Mr Walsh in the back of his head after the couple argued on October 3, 2015. But Cahill said they had argued before he blocked her at their bedroom door with a knife in his hand. She went to grab it, cut her hand and then cut the back of his head. The hearing will continue on November 9 before Justice Peter Johnson. The jury in the trial of Paul Wells for the killing of his friend Kenneth O'Brien has been given three verdict options: guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter or an outright acquittal. Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the 11 jurors would begin deliberations on Monday and must reach a unanimous verdict. He told the Central Criminal Court there were disturbing elements of the case in relation to the disposal of Mr O'Brien's body but the "horror that might have been felt at what happened" should not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Mr Wells (50) of Barnamore Park, Finglas, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr O'Brien (33) at that address between January 15 and 16, 2016. He has admitted he shot him dead but said it happened when they struggled during a row after Mr O'Brien turned up at his home with a gun. Grappled The accused claimed Mr O'Brien had wanted to have his partner Eimear Dunne murdered, and Mr Wells refused to kill her. As they grappled, he said, the gun fell to the ground and he thought Mr O'Brien was going to "shoot me first". Mr Wells said he panicked, got the gun and shot Mr O'Brien in the back of the head. He then dismembered his body in the yard, cutting it into 10 pieces with a chainsaw. He put Mr O'Brien's torso in a suitcase and his head and limbs in shopping bags, which he threw into the Grand Canal in Co Kildare. In his closing speech, prosecutor Sean Gillane said Mr O'Brien was "executed efficiently" by Mr Wells in a premeditated murder and his body was "desecrated". Mr O'Brien had been shot in the back of the head and the accused's suggestion he had acted in self-defence did not make sense, Mr Gillane argued. He asked the jury to consider the "meticulousness" of the wrapping of the torso and the "almost professional" clean-up. The evidence for a planned, pre-meditated execution did not add up, defence barrister Michael O'Higgins countered. Mr O'Brien was a "deeply flawed character" who had shown a "disregard for life," Mr O'Higgins said. A friend, Patrick Bogey had made a statement saying he saw Mr O'Brien working on pipe bombs in his shed. He told the jurors they should acquit Mr Wells if they conclude he acted "reasonably" in self-defence when he shot Mr O'Brien. "It would be wrong to convict Mr Wells because you think he's despicable," he said. "However aspects of the case might repulse you," he told the jury, they were duty bound to give the accused a fair trial. Mr Justice McDermott delivered his charge to the jury, summarising the case and outlining the legal principles. He said it could not be laid against the accused he did not give evidence, as this was his right. He also told the jury they must look at the facts of the case coldly. "The main issue in the case is how the deceased died, how his death was brought about," he said. Mr Justice McDermott added: "The horror that might have been felt at what happened shouldn't necessarily determine the guilt or innocence of Mr Wells." Self-defence A homicide was not murder if it was committed in reasonable self-defence. If the jury found Mr Wells honestly believed the level of force used was necessary to defend himself, but used greater force than a reasonable man would use, a verdict of murder could be reduced to manslaughter. If they concluded he used more force than he knew to be reasonably necessary, he was guilty of murder. And if it was found the force that was used was in the circumstances reasonably necessary "then you simply acquit", the judge said. Earlier, the jury had heard that Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis found Mr O'Brien died from an "instantaneously fatal" gunshot wound to the head. The contact entry wound showed the muzzle of the gun had been pressed against Mr O'Brien's head when it was fired. The trial continues. A mother of five, her younger brother and his friend have been found guilty of the murder Gareth Hutch. Regina Keogh (41) had led a "blameless life", the Special Criminal Court found, but she was guilty of murder due to her "involvement in her brother's affairs". A nephew of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, 35-year-old Gareth Hutch was shot dead in the car park outside Avondale House on North Cumberland Street, Dublin on May 24, 2016. Yesterday, Keogh, Jonathan Keogh (33) and Thomas Fox (31) were found guilty of his murder. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Michael Walsh, said the court had no choice but to impose the mandatory life sentence. He also said it was "reprehensible" of Jonathan Keogh to involve his sister in the murder. Regina Keogh was in a very "unfortunate" position to receive the same sentence as her co-defendants, the judge said, as she had previously led a blameless life as well as being a good friend to key prosecution witness Mary McDonnell. However, Judge Hunt said it was "easy" to be convicted of murder in the way the offence was defined in this country. "All it takes is one contribution and that's enough, her's is a sad illustration of that," he added. Judge Hunt expressed his condolences to the Hutch family, adding the murder had been seen and heard in "Technicolor" and it was "hard not to be struck by the depravity of what was seen on CCTV". Judge Hunt also complimented the Garda investigation. Speaking outside the Criminal Courts of Justice after the verdict, Assistant Commissioner Pat Leahy said gardai took no satisfaction from what had happened in court. "A really strong message came out from the court in respect of some of the people who were convicted. "We had a mother of five children convicted, gardai take no satisfaction from something like that," he said. "We have sent out this message previously - you cannot get involved with these feuds even on the periphery and I think the court came out very strongly about that." Asst Comm Leahy also acknowledged the work of gardai, saying it was "an extraordinary investigation conducted by extraordinary people". During the nine-week trial, evidence was given that Jonathan Keogh was one of the gunmen, together with Mr AB, who is not before the courts. Regina Keogh was "central and fundamental" in the plan to kill Mr Hutch and helped to procure the use of protected witness Ms McDonnell's flat to stake out Hutch's flat. She had also given surgical gloves to Ms McDonnell for the gunmen to use and arranged for money to be sent to her brother after he fled to Belfast. Fox was the proposed getaway driver. He also retrieved the guns the night before the attack and brought them to Ms McDonnell's flat, the court heard. A judge has told two Romanian nationals he could not believe the smoke signals emanating from the witness box in his court as he threw out their personal injury claims totalling 120,000. A third plaintiff withdrew a 60,000 claim. Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke said he found evidence of a car mysteriously filling up with dense smoke to such a degree as to blind the driver and cause him to crash into a tree to be incredible. He said a man injured in the crash had maintained the driver had been blinded by oncoming bright headlights and had not mentioned smoke until cross-examined by barrister Paul O'Neill, counsel for Aviva Insurance which fought the claims. "It's incredible unreal if these stories are untrue," Judge Groarke said. Expand Close Maria Petronela Moisa. Picture: Collins / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Maria Petronela Moisa. Picture: Collins He had heard Detective Sergeant Mark Ashford tell the court how he had been unable to find trace nor sign of smoke or fumes in the Ford Galaxy Aspen following the single vehicle accident at Phibsboro Avenue, Dublin, in March 2012. Detective Sergeant Ashford said his suspicions had immediately been aroused when the allegedly injured passengers kept moving in and out of ambulances that had been called to the scene. The trio were taken in ambulances to three Dublin hospitals. "There was no evidence of broken bones, bruising, lacerations or eye discolouration that might have been consistent with carbon monoxide fumes in the car," Sgt Ashford told the court. Detective Sergeant Ashford said the driver and occupants of the vehicle simply disappeared following their attendance at the hospitals. Garda phone calls had gone unanswered and letters to an address given to gardai had been returned. The address, 64 Racecourse Lawn, Tralee, Co Kerry, did not exist. An Aviva underwriter said the car driver and co-defendant Mihai Agache, also Tralee, had taken out insurance cover on February 28, less than three weeks before the accident. Five days after the accident the policy had been cancelled and a refund cheque issued to Mr Agache and later cashed. Judge Groarke dismissed 60,000 claims by mother of four Maria Petronela Moisa, Tralee, Co Kerry, and Sorin Moisa, also Tralee, and awarded Aviva their costs against them. Mr O'Neill successfully applied for a costs order against Traian Rezmives who had withdrawn a 60,000 claim just before the trial opened. Work is continuing over the weekend to ensure that 22 schools with structural issues are safe for the return of pupils on Monday. More than 250 workers are engaged at the various sites installing protective fencing and other precautionary measures to allow the schools to re-open. Even with the precautionary measures, three schools will be able to open only their ground floor: Tyrrelstown Educate Together and the neighbouring St Luke's NS, and Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, Lucan, all in County Dublin. In these schools, as well as safety fencing and protective decking at entrances to the building, internal timber supports are being installed to ensure safe occupation of the ground floor. In a letter to principals yesterday, the Department of Education said assessments on these schools were ongoing and they hoped to have more clarity over the next week. In another 19 cases, where there is a "potential issue with an external wall", safety fencing and protective decking at entrances are being put in place, pending further investigation. The schools have been cleared to open in full, although play areas may be restricted. According to the department's letter, no other school presented the same severity of structural issues as those identified in the Phase 1 building of Ardgillan Community College, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, which remains closed pending remediation work. "The issues identified at other schools do not relate to the load-bearing elements of the building structure", the letter added. It stated that the approach throughout the process of assessing 42 schools over the past week, was to "err on the side of caution in relation to deciding whether internal or external precautionary measures were necessary in order to facilitate safe occupancy". Principals have been asked to be available tomorrow for an on-site handover from the project managers of a written confirmation that the precautionary measures have been completed and appropriately certified. In a recent Dail debate, Education Minister Joe McHugh said "student and teachers' lives have been put at risk". Fianna Fail wants the transfer of the National Broadband Plan to the firm behind Irish Water or another semi-state, leaving political support for the current process hanging by a thread. The future of the Government could now depend on the administrations ability to rescue the plan from the brink of collapse. Fianna Fails position will play a pivotal role in upcoming negotiations on whether the party will continue to support a Fine Gael-led administration. The Governments existing tender process is hopelessly compromised, according to Fianna Fail, with little chance of redemption from the audit now being conducted by Peter Smyth. Fianna Fail now wants companies such as Ervia to take on the task of bringing high-speed internet to 540,000 rural homes and businesses. ESB and Bord na Mona have also been put forward as potential firms to take on the role. Expand Close Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton. Picture: Steve Humphreys / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton. Picture: Steve Humphreys Fianna Fail communications spokesman Timmy Dooley said: They understand large infrastructure projects, financing and asset management. It may also be a sign of increasing political desperation to see delivery of the broadband expedited, regardless of the method. But senior Fianna Fail sources have told this newspaper they feel the Government has "ignored" their concerns about the process for the past 14 months. The latest developments come as the Government is set to concede that none of the 1.1 million rural residents currently languishing without broadband will get connected to the State-backed scheme as promised in 2019. Instead, it will be at least 2020 until the first premises are connected, with an even further delay now being threatened. Hundreds of thousands of households are therefore in the dark about when they can expect the broadband rollout. A spokeswoman for Ervia, the semi-State firm previously known as Irish Water, said the company could not "speculate" on the proposal "as the current process is ongoing". Ervia owns Aurora, a substantial telecoms infrastructure company with a national fibre network that is used by large companies and other operators. It is currently extending its network and owns its own cable infrastructure. The semi-state company also has an extensive 'dark fibre' network in Dublin. An executive from one of the semi-state firms mentioned, who did not wish to be named, told the Irish Independent that it would "have to consider it if asked by the minister". However, an executive from another of the semi-states said that the proposal is unlikely to be workable in the short term. "It's nowhere in our universe," said the executive, who spoke to the Irish Independent on condition of anonymity. "I can't debunk this enough," they added. The Government is currently waiting on the results of an audit on the NBP tendering process. This is specifically to investigate whether "the integrity" of the process has been irredeemably damaged. There was huge political fallout following revelations about meetings held by the former Minister for Communications, Denis Naughten and the head of the last remaining bidding consortium, David McCourt. Mr Naughten resigned his Cabinet position in the wake of the damaging revelations and an audit process was instigated. However, even if the appointed auditor Peter Smyth delivers a clean bill of health on the current process, then Mr Dooley indicated that his party's confidence in the tender has gone. "The current process is hopelessly compromised," he said. "It's hard to see how Peter Smyth can find anything other than a potential for compromise." He said that the Government should now open talks "in parallel" with semi-state entities and major telecoms companies about an alternative approach. "A move to a direct award could be done quickly." There was 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 stated that the Government would "increase capital investment" in broadband - but there are no figures or timelines mentioned in the original document. However the political climate has changed and if a new document is to be agreed, it is expected that Mr Varadkar will have to give much more precise commitments. The Irish Farmers' Association is among the rural organisations who have starkly warned there is mounting concern over the non-availability of broadband. "It's critical that the rollout of broadband to rural areas remains a Government priority," a spokesman told the Irish Independent last night. Family doctors who will be asked to carry out medical abortions under the proposed new law are to hold an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the issue. The Irish College of General Practitioners said it will hold the meeting of its members in early December. The meeting is expected to hear a range of concerns by doctors about freedom of conscience and reluctance of anti-abortion doctors to refer a woman for an abortion to a colleague. There are also worries about workload, support services and fears of surgeries being picketed. The Nurses4Life group has also written to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO). An INMO spokesman said it respects the right to conscientious objection. It was debated and decided by members at its AGM. It is closely monitoring the legislation and engaging with employers to ensure this position is upheld. It will shortly hold a meeting of relevant professional groupings within its membership to brief them on the legislation. Gruesome: Gardai at the scene in Foxrock, Dublin, where Limbani Mzoma (27) was stabbed to death. Photos: Damien Eagers Gruesome: Gardai at the scene in Foxrock, Dublin, where Limbani Mzoma (27) was stabbed to death. Photos: Damien Eagers/Collins Gruesome: Gardai at the scene in Foxrock, Dublin, where Limbani Mzoma (27) was stabbed to death. Photos: Damien Eagers/Collins A man was castrated after he was stabbed multiple times in a gruesome murder in an upmarket south Dublin estate. Last night, a 46-year-old woman who lived with the victim at the property in Foxrock was being questioned by officers at Dun Laoghaire garda station about the grisly killing. A decision must be made to release or charge her by this afternoon but sources said gardai are not looking for anyone else in connection with the killing. The victim, who was mutilated in the attack, was named locally as Malawian national Limbani Mzoma (27), also known as Robert. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close 2/11/2018, Pat Leahy, left, assistant commissioner speaks to Garda at the scene of a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a man in his 20's has been discovered. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM 2/11/2018, Garda Technical bureau remove an evidence bag from a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a young man was found. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM 2/11/2018, Assistant Commissioner, Pat Leahy, second from left and Garda at a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a man in his 20's has been discovered. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM 2/11/2018, Garda Technical bureau officers at the front door of a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a man in his 20's has been discovered. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM 2/11/2018, Garda Technical bureau officers at the front door of a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a man in his 20's has been discovered. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM 2/11/2018, An officer from the Garda Technical bureau removes an evidence bag from a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a young man was found. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM 2/11/2018, An officer from the Garda Technical bureau removes an evidence bag from a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a young man was found. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM 2/11/2018, An officer from the Garda Technical bureau removes an evidence bag from a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a young man was found. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM 2/11/2018, Garda near a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a man in his 20's has been discovered. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM 2/11/2018, Garda Technical bureau officers at the front door of a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a man in his 20's has been discovered. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2/11/2018, Pat Leahy, left, assistant commissioner speaks to Garda at the scene of a house in Tudor Lawns, Foxrock where the body of a man in his 20's has been discovered. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM He had suffered dozens of stab wounds to his neck, chest and back in an upstairs room in the house in Tudor Lawns at around 11.30pm on Thursday. Sources said "all the indications" were that his genitals were cut off after he died. "This was a truly horrific scene in what is thankfully a very unusual crime in Ireland. There was a huge amount of blood when gardai entered the property on Thursday night," a senior source told the Irish Independent. Hours before the attack, gardai had been called to the same property at around 3.30pm after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance there. However, it is understood the situation had calmed down and they left the house without making arrests. Sources told the Irish Independent that gardai from nearby Cabinteely garda station have called to the property on a number of occasions in recent months in relation to unruly behaviour when parties had taken place there. Residents in the quiet, family cul de sac were visibly shocked by the murder yesterday. But residents told the Irish Independent that there had been reports of anti-social behaviour in the house, believed to be rented, for several years. One male neighbour said: "The windows of that house were opened all the time. "There was always loud music and parties and the neighbours complained constantly, but nothing was done. "I am a light sleeper and I woke up last night to the banging of doors. I didn't think anything of it, so I fell back to sleep." Only two residents out of a large number spoken to told the Irish Independent they had seen a woman at the house in recent months. One young man said: "I saw a woman in her 30s leaving the house around three months ago but I didn't think she lived there, as I never saw her before or after." Mr Mzoma is believed to have died a very gruesome death but investigations are still ongoing. His body was removed from the house at 1.20pm yesterday. The Technical Bureau continued carrying out forensic examinations of the property throughout the day. Locals yesterday explained that many people in the estate are involved in residents' associations and organise charity clean-up days and regular fun days. However, many made it clear that the people living in the house where the murder occurred were not involved in community activities. One man said: "They were strangers, who came and went and we knew nothing about them." Another man said there were "comings and goings at all hours, with constant parties and loud music." An older female resident said: "I saw all sorts of beings coming and going, the house was on a constant rotation of parties." A house to rent on the cul de sac is currently being advertised for 2,800 a month rent, while the house next door to the house where the death took place is currently being advertised for sale for 595,000. Gardai are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the vicinity of the scene to contact Cabinteely garda station on 01 666 5400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. Are you between 5'2" and 6'2" with weight/height "in proportion"? Can you swim 25m unaided? Fancy a high-flying career in the skies? Aer Lingus is rapidly expanding, this week announcing plans to grow its North Atlantic fleet from 17 to 30 aircraft within five years. Now, it needs cabin crew to staff that expansion - a recruitment drive is underway to fill new positions for its Dublin and Cork bases from March 2019. Candidates do not need previous experience, but they should be "highly motivated and flexible", the airline says, as well as excellent communicators. They should also: Be 18 years of age or older Be eligible to live and work in the Republic of Ireland Be fluent in spoken and written English Hold a valid EEA passport allowing worldwide travel Have 12 months experience in a face-to-face customer service/sales roles Have no tattoos/piercings that are visible in uniform Be flexible to work shifts, unsociable hours, weekends etc. A second European language is listed as a desirable criteria, as is previous cabin crew experience and an EASA Attestation of Initial Safety Training. Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close May 2017. Some of Aer Lingus's 200 new cabin crew recruits in summer 2017. Picture Jason Clarke May 2017. New Aer Lingus cabin crew recruits. Picture Jason Clarke May 2017. New Aer Lingus cabin crew recruits. Picture Jason Clarke / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp May 2017. Some of Aer Lingus's 200 new cabin crew recruits in summer 2017. Picture Jason Clarke Additional requirements for candidates include: A verifiable five-year background check Details of three contactable referees Between 52"- 62" in height, with weight-height in proportion Ability to reach up to 63" Ability to stand for long periods of time (at least four hours) Ability to lift objects up to 18kgs and pull a beverage cart of 100kgs Ability to swim 25m unaided and tread water for at least one minute Complete a medical questionnaire and medical examination Visual acuity of 6/9 (aided or unaided) Successful candidates will complete a five-week cabin crew training course next May at Aer Lingus in-house Training Academy in Dublin Airport. Training covers a wide range of topics, from theoretical and practical components to health and safety procedures, grooming and guest experience. Aer Lingus cabin crew can earn a potential 1,900 to 2,000 per month in take home pay, based on the average summer season, the airline says. Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close May 2017. New Aer Lingus cabin crew recruits. Picture Jason Clarke May 2017. New Aer Lingus cabin crew recruits. Picture Jason Clarke May 2017. Some of Aer Lingus's 200 new cabin crew recruits in summer 2017. Picture Jason Clarke / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp May 2017. New Aer Lingus cabin crew recruits. Picture Jason Clarke Cabin crew in training are also paid a salary. The airline is taking applications for the first two weeks of November online here (aerlingus.com/careers). Read more: Three years after war came to Yemen in the form of a Saudi-led intervention, resulting in thousands of civilians dead and millions facing starvation, Washington has finally urged a halt. The timing is interesting. In addition to the high death toll - some estimates go up to 50,000 - war has made Yemen, already long the poorest country in the Arab world, a ravaged place with more than 22 million people, three-quarters of the population, needing food assistance. Thousands of children have perished due to hunger and related causes. Adding to Yemen's misery is the world's largest cholera epidemic for more than 50 years: around a million people have contracted the disease. Yemen spiralled into civil war in late 2014 after Houthi rebels seized control of its capital, Sanaa, and overthrew the recognised government. The conflict escalated within months when a military coalition led by neighbouring Saudi Arabia and backed by the US and other Western powers intervened against the Houthis, who are aligned with Iran. Caught in the middle are Yemen's civilians, who have borne the brunt of airstrikes and a blockade which has caused supplies of food, medicine and fuel to dwindle. Most casualties have been the result of coalition airstrikes, according to a recent investigation commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council. The investigators reported coalition airstrikes that hit residential areas in 60 cases and said such strikes may amount to war crimes. Human rights groups had been highlighting the role of weaponry and intelligence supplied to the Saudi-led coalition by their allies in the US, UK and other countries in continuing the conflict. So what changed this week that both US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis finally called for an end to the war? Not only that, but both stressed the need for this to happen sooner rather than later. The Trump administration's new rhetoric on Yemen is rooted in two dynamics: the fall-out from the killing of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi; and growing criticism in Congress regarding the humanitarian cost of the war, particularly the extent to which children were suffering. Earlier this year, the Senate only narrowly rejected a bid to end US support for the Saudi-led alliance. Recent media reporting from inside Yemen is also making the American public more aware of Yemen's plight, particularly its starving children. Last weekend, 'The New York Times' published on its front page a shocking photograph of Amal Hussain, a severely malnourished seven-year-old girl at a clinic in northern Yemen. It was a rare example of Yemen's crisis making headline news. Despite the war there producing what UN officials call "the worst man-made humanitarian crisis of our time", it has been conducted largely away from the eyes of the world, though a handful of journalists have managed to gain access. On Thursday, 'The New York Times' ran another story about Amal, this time to report she had died of starvation that day. On the same day, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government said it was ready to work on confidence-building measures as part of a UN-led peace process. But Riyadh and its coalition partner, the United Arab Emirates, have not yet publicly responded to calls for a ceasefire from the US, calls which were supported by Britain and France. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - who spearheaded the Yemen intervention as defence minister in 2015 - is under pressure from some quarters following the Khashoggi murder. Last week Germany said it suspended its arms sales to Saudi Arabia. The hope now is to get the warring Yemeni parties together for UN-mediated talks later in November. But whether the US exerts enough pressure on its allies for a ceasefire to happen and then hold remains to be seen. Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is set for an additional funding boost with funds to support the enhancement of the delivery of its graduate research programme. A grant of 500,000 will be split between DkIT and Athlone Institute of Technology as part of a joint submission to facilitate reforms in the higher education landscape. The project focuses on increasing postgraduate research capacity and improving staff qualifications. For DkIT, this will also facilitate a regional landscape restructuring approach, including improving skills ladder progression pathways in the North Leinster-South Ulster region in a cross-border axis with HEIs and FET colleges such as Queens University Belfast, Belfast Metropolitan College and South Regional College. Presdient Michael Mulvey said: 'DkIT is committed to advancing the social, industrial, commercial capacity of our region and this funding will help us advance our already successful postgraduate graduate research portfolio. Since 2008, DkIT has secured in excess of 52M in national and European based funding which has led to a significant increase in the number and breadth of our postgraduate research. Additional capacity also allows us to increase our effectiveness to serve the region by retaining graduates in the region and enabling companies to be better prepared to take advantage of BREXIT opportunities. We will continue to strengthen relationships with colleges north and south.' The local Border Communities Against Brexit (BCAB) group travelled to Strasboug last week to meet EU negotiators as Brexit talks entered a crucial final phase. The group, who are made up of businesspeople and residents of the border area, met with the European Parliament's Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt who issued a warning last week that the withdrawal agreement needed to prevent a no deal was '0 per cent done' because of the lack of a solution to the Irish border issue. 'Progress on the Brexit negotiations can be 90 per cent, 95 per cent or even 99 per cent,' Mr Verhofstadt said. 'As long as there is no solution for the Irish border, as long as the Good Friday agreement is not fully secured, for us in our parliament progress is 0 per cent. It is said that we have made between 90% and 95% progress through the Brexit negotiations, yet there is zero percent progress if there is no solution on the Irish Border.' A spokesman for BCAB said 'Meeting Guy Verhofstadt in Strasbourg, it was so positive to hear that the EU is resolutely behind the Backstop agreed between the EU and British Government.' He told the border group of the need to 'stop the Irish Border being used as a bargaining chip in the future Brexit negotiations.' 'BCAB are very reassured that the EU parliament negotiator is determined to get a deal and that the Irish Backstop must be part of the withdrawal agreement,' said the spokesman. A closure order has been served on a suspected puppy farm in mid-Louth after dogs and pups were found in conditions which have been described as 'completely inadequate'. This is the first time such action has been taken in the county and gardai are preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions. A total of 36 dogs including two litters of puppies were found during the garda led investigation on Monday October 22. Louth County Council veterinary inspector Garrett Shine said that the conditions in which the dogs were being kept were 'completely inadequate'. 'It was unacceptable and fell far below the standard required,' he said. 'The kennel was also unregistered which was why the closure order was served,' he said, explaining that all kennels with more than six breeding bitches must be registered. Fiona Squibb of Louth SPCA, who visited the premises to inspect them from a welfare perspective, described the conditions of the kennels as 'horrendous' with the dogs and puppies in 'absolute filth'. The majority of dogs found on the premises were Alsatians, while there was also a French Bulldog, a Labrador and a Cockerpoo. When the dogs were taken to Louth Pound, they were scanned for microchips and it emerged that a number of them had been sent to the kennels by their owners who were under the impression that it was a dog training and boarding facility. As the process of reuniting the dogs with their owners continued, 15 dogs remained in the care of Louth Pound last Friday, the majority of them being breeding bitches and two litters of puppies. Fiona said that most likely the puppies were destined to be sold on-line. While animal welfare charities are constantly warning people not to buy puppies on-line as it encourages illegal puppy farms, she said: 'No matter how many times we say it, people still do it.' Meanwhile, Dundalk Dog Rescue which takes dogs from the Pound for rehoming, said on its Facebook page that they still had a high number of dogs in their care and were only able to take dogs on a case to case basis. Earlier in the month, they had posted that they were full to capacity and were unable to take any more dogs. Last Friday they had 26 dogs are in kennels and 16 dogs are in foster and a few in long term foster. However, they warned: 'The situation is still static - foster homes are still full and limited, direct re-homing is slow, dog transports to rescues are slowing up; and with the winter months and incoming Christmas period, there doesn't appear to be any solution coming any time soon. A report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlighted untreated wastewater in Omeath and a number of Louth towns which failed to meet EU standards when it came to its water. The report, published last week led saw a detailed programme of works being announced by Irish Water, some of which are already underway. The water agency said they were 'on track to deliver on our approved investment plans which will result no areas in the country having any form of untreated wastewater discharge by 2021.' Engineer Paul Fallon explained the work being done to improve wastewater treatments locally. 'In Louth, Irish Water is progressing a project to upgrade the Omeath Sewerage Scheme to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater into Carlingford Lough. The proposed scheme, expected to be completed in 2020, will improve the water quality in Carlingford Lough benefiting the people that use the Lough and the wildlife that live on the banks of and in the Lough.' He added that Irish Water have implemented 'operational and process improvements including the installation of phosphorus removal systems at both the wastewater treatment plants in Dundalk and Drogheda to ensure compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.' 'The sewage treatment plant in Ardee is currently being upgraded to 8,000 PE and will be completed in 2019.' 'Meanwhile in Blackrock, a new aeration and sludge management system is going to be installed in the Blackrock wastewater treatment plant in early 2019 to provide additional capacity at the plant.' The spokesman explained that Irish Water 'has to focus investment in wastewater and does so by prioritising, firstly those locations that are not compliant with European Standards under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and also by focusing on those locations with no treatment of raw sewage and those other locations where we need to improve existing treatment.' He added that in twelve towns around the country were raw sewage went directly into the water, new wastewater plants have been constructed. There are plans progressing for an additional 38 locations. Irish Water in conjunction with the local authorities is continuing to roll out standard operating procedures for wastewater treatment plants to ensure that they are operated to the highest standards possible. Highlighting the progress made, and the series of works programmes that will be getting underway, the Irish Water engineer said 'In total since 2014 Irish Water has upgraded or built new wastewater treatment plants in 55 locations across the country improving the environment, supporting tourism and in many cases building capacity for new homes and businesses.' Projects like the sewage scheme upgrades in Ardee and Omeath as well as process and operational improvements at Dundalk and Drogheda wastewater treatment plants form part of Irish Water's wider investment to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Louth to protect the environment and to meet the current wastewater infrastructure needs and support future development. An 68-year-old artist who swims a mile a day will cause ripples with her work at Ireland's premier art fair Art Source, which will be held at the RDS. Rosemary Warren from Carlingford, Co. Louth also uses her sailing travels around the world to locate new vistas for her watercolours. However, the former director of art at Dublin's St Patrick's training college bases her work mainly on her experiences and her immediate environment on the shores of Carlingford Lough. 'When I look at my paintings, they are like a visual diary - little snippets of my daily life. 'I use watercolours and acrylic mainly and love especially painting still life and reflections through glass,' she said. Although home is where the heart is, Rosemary has travelled extensively and she has had two exhibitions in Abu Dhabi, which she visited a number of times when her daughter was teaching there. The visits inspired her to embrace a new direction of portraiture and her past exhibitions have featured a number of portraits of Abu Dhabi citizens in their traditional costumes. Her love of the sea and seascapes in her work stems from her passion for sailing and swimming and she ensures to swim one mile every day, whatever the weather. 'I've lived in Canada for two years and spent a number of months in Abu Dhabi. I've also skippered in boats around Greece, Scotland, France and other places where I've picked up a lot of inspiration for my work.' Art Source takes place at the RDS, Dublin, from November 9-11. Ministers Simon Harris and Andrew Doyle with Minister Kevin Boxer Moran, Fine Gael representative Alice ODonnell and members of the Coast Guard outside the current station Design and cost for a new Greystones Coast Guard building has now been signed off, the tender will issue shortly and it is expected that work will begin in 2019. Plans have also been announced to extend the garda station in the town. The expansion of the garda station is dependent upon the movement of the Coast Guard team to their new base and using that extra space to expand the station. Now that this move has been confirmed, Minister Simon Harris is eager to push ahead with plans for the Garda Station expansion. He said that work can begin on that once the Coast Guard project is completed and the existing station vacated. 'The Greystones Garda Station is far too small for modern operation so an extension is badly needed. I am delighted that the Greystones Garda Station is included in the Government approved Garda Capital Programme 2016-2021,' he said. At present, OPW Architectural Services are arranging to have topographical and asbestos surveys carried out on the existing building with a view to drawing up plans for the extension. It is planned to seek planning approval for the development to the Garda Station early next year. Minister Harris visited the two sites last Wednesday and was joined by Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran, who has responsibility for the OPW and who he invited to Greystones to discuss the future of both stations. 'It has been a long road for those of us who have been working to secure a purpose-built home for our fantastic Coast Guard team so I am really delighted to confirm that building will begin next year,' said Minister Harris. 'Plans for the building have been costed and the costings have been approved by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Planning permission has already been secured so the final piece now will be the appointment of the builders. That tender will issue shortly so construction can get under way as soon as possible.' He said that the Coast Guard team does incredible work but, at present, they operate out of an inappropriate base with very limited facilities. The existing station doesn't have toilets, showers or changing facilities. The new plans will include boat access to the water right at the slip. In May of this year, the National Coast Guard along with the local unit agreed a design for the project. Dermot Macauley of Greystones Coast Guard had described previous plans for a new station as not fit for purpose. A spokesman for Greystones Coast Guard unit said that the members are all very happy at the announcement that their new station is going ahead and thanked everyone involved for their hard work so far. Local Fine Gael rep Alice O'Donnell was among those at the visit, and she praised the resourcefulness of the volunteers in the Coast Guard and members of the gardai for their resourcefulness to date. 'It's great to see progress on both projects,' she said. 'The current facilities only work due to staff and volunteers being very creative with the space that they have.' The site of Greystones Community National School, which is being built by Western Building Systems Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath was inspected on Saturday, with the school due to hear the results in the coming days Principal of Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath Rita Ni Thuathail is hopeful that a structural assessment of the school will not lead to a closure. This follows the closure last week of two Dublin schools on a list of 42 nationwide which were built by Western Building Systems between 2009 and 2013. The same company is currently building a new premises for Greystones Community National School. The inspection took place last Saturday. 'The engineer will prepare a report and submit it to that department, with feedback to follow in the coming days as to whether works are needed,' said the Gaelscoil principal. 'The information we have is that our building is of a different design to those closed. There is no indication at this stage of any structural faults.' Crews undertook a camera survey of the external walls, along with internal openings within the building. Ms Ni Thuathail said that fire safety works have been done, with new fire certificates from the chief fire officer pending. A damning fire safety report emerged last year, after the school had sought sight of it for two years. Issues included emergency lighting, and a required flooring upgrade to meet a 60-minute fire resistant standard. Department of Education officials were meeting Western Building Systems (WBS) last week following school closures. The department said it is working to 'provide every support and advice necessary' to the other schools constructed by WBS. Three teams of contractors started assessments on Thursday, to continue throughout the mid-term break. 'It is our understanding that the assessment of school buildings initiated by the Department of Education and Skills is focussed on two issues - fire safety and building structures,' said Western Building Systems in a statement. 'We understand from public reports that the department's assessment involves a range of schools, including 42 schools which we either fully or partially constructed. 'It is important, not least for pupils, parents and teachers, that accurate information is firmly established as to the process now under way. 'In respect of the 30 fire safety inspections carried out by the department, we have only received reports for 20 schools, responding to each in full. 'We continue to await receipt of the 10 outstanding reports. On the building structures, we have only received a draft report for one school,' the company said in its statement. Deputy Stephen Donnelly praised what he said was a quick response by Gaelscoil na gCloth Liath to the construction scandal. 'The principal Rita Ni Thuathail deserves recognition for her decision to communicate so rapidly with the families of children under her care,' he said. 'News only emerged on Monday that the builder responsible for Greystones Gaelscoil was allegedly responsible for serious structural problems elsewhere. 'The very next day a letter was sent to all parents and guardians informing them of the situation here in Wicklow. It was very reassuring for everyone to know that the school is taking the issue so seriously and dealing with it as a matter of urgency.' Cllr Jennifer Whitmore said that the inspections must be concluded before the end of the mid-term break. 'The Department of Education is very belatedly getting to grips with safety issues related to schools built by Western Building Systems using a steel frame and timber in-fill construction method,' she said. 'But as far back as three years ago, fire safety concerns were raised at Rush-Lusk Educate Together primary school, which was built by Western Building Systems and is on the list of 42 schools published by the Department that are being examined for structural safety. 'Even now, the Department is just not treating the issue with the urgency needed. I am aware that the Department has written to the principals of affected schools today, saying that next week's mid-term break will be a key opportunity to get many of the structural assessments completed. 'For anxious parents and teachers alike, this is just not good enough. All affected schools need to know with certainty that these assessments will be carried out within the coming week, so that they will be in a position to advise pupils, parents and teachers exactly where they stand.' Cllr Whitmore said that when the announcement was made that the tender for the new primary school went to Western Buildings, she was acutely aware that this was the same builders that had built the gaelscoil. 'In September, the Board of Management of the CNS, of which I am chair, met with liaisons of both the Department of Education and KSNPM, who are project managing the build. We specifically sought assurances on fire safety as a result of what had been reported in relation to Western Build Systems,' she said. 'We were informed that new measures had been implemented which had not applied on previous builds. These included a full-time, on-site Clerk of Works appointed by the Department for compliance with Department requirements in terms of both fire safety and structural issues. KSNPM also had their own independent fire consultant who visited the site regularly as well as another fire consultant who was employed by Western Building Systems. This consultant must sign off that all fire regulations are met.' She said that the board has been in contact with their liaisons seeking further clarifications as to what ramifications recent structural reports might have for Greystones Community School, with the foundations yet to be laid. 'Having spoken to both liaisons, they referred to the responsibility of the Clerk of Works to oversee structural regulations and to ensure that these are met. 'As a result of the recent revelations, we have now sought written clarification from the DES in terms of oversight as to what quality assurance and control safeguards are in place to ensure there will not be any structural issues in our building and also if there is likely to be any delay to our build timeframe. We have also requested a meeting with the Department to go through these issues.' 'I believe that because of the spotlight that is now on these school builds, that the most stringent safety standards will apply. We will, as a board, continue to liaise with the Department and parents to ensure that any concerns that are raised are addressed.' Irish Water has said it is on track to deliver on its approved investment plans which will result no areas in the country having any form of untreated wastewater discharge by 2021. This includes Arklow, where a planning application for a wastewater treatment plant is awaiting a decision from An Bord Pleanala. The construction of the proposed plant is part of a 60m investment in the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Project. Subject to planning consent and procurement, construction is expected to begin by the end of 2019. The provision of a wastewater treatment plant for Arklow is a requirement under both European and national legislation. The EPA's annual Urban Wastewater Treatment Report points to the progress made by Irish Water in 2017. The utility increased expenditure by 25 per cent to 215 million to ensure the development and delivery of solutions to support the safe return of wastewater to the environment from almost 1.1 million homes throughout Ireland after it has travelled through 30,000 kilometres of public sewers and been treated at 1,100 wastewater treatment plants. The utility says that it is 'fully committed to meeting the timescales associated with the European Court of Justice Urban Wastewater Treatment Case'. Since 2016 Irish Water has completed works at 16 locations ensuring compliance with European standards under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Irish Water has corrective actions in place for 28 sites that failed in 2017. In 12 towns around the country where raw sewage went directly into the water, new wastewater plants have been constructed. There are plans progressing for an additional 38 locations. Sean Laffey, Head of Asset Management at Irish Water said that wastewater treatment plants have been upgraded or built in 55 locations across the country. 'Progress has been made in Wicklow in recent years,' said Mr Laffey. 'A wastewater treatment plant in Dunlavin was commissioned in 2016, replacing two old, overloaded plants, which improved wastewater treatment processes, and increased treatment capacity, which will allow for future growth in the area,' he said. With memories of yet another successful Indiependence Music and Arts Festival still fresh in the mind, event organisers have wasted no time in putting preparations in place for the latest edition of the Cork-based festival, 'Indie 2019'. Early-bird tickets for next year's summer extravaganza, which will see the festival celebrate its 10th year at its spiritual home in Mitchelstown's Deer Park, will go on sale this weekend. First staged in the Town Square back in 2006, Indie relocated to the 3,000-capacity Deep park site in 2010. Since then it has gone onto become one of Ireland's most popular summer festivals, with the site expanding annually. It is now at a point where it can comfortably cater for 15,000 festival goers each August bank-holiday weekend. The festival has earned a deserved reputation for attracting some of the music industry's biggest acts to its stages, with Primal Scream, Manic Street Preachers, Public Enemy and Basement Jaxx having headlined the festival over the years - to name but a hanful of the many megastars it has attracted. In addition, Indie has also championed both established and upcoming Irish talent. Among these are the likes of Ham Sandwich, Walking On Cars, The Coronas and Hozier, and they are just some of the home-grown acts to have graced its stages. While next year's acts have yet to be announced, 'Indie's' Michael Maher promised some big names will be unveiled soon, following in the tradition of this glorious past decade's music. "As this will be our 10th year at Deer Park, we are planning on making Indie 2019 a very special event," he said. "We are making improvements to the VIP area, doubling the on-site facilities and increasing the camping space. "The first acts will be announced before Christmas, with some show-stoppers already in place and waiting to be announced," he promised. "Indie 2019 will also see tickets prices remain at 2017 and 2018 levels for those choosing to buy early, before the full-price tickets go on sale on January 1," he added. The early bird tickets will go on sale next Saturday at 10am from www.tickets.ie. They will also be on sale from a special pop-up shop at Walsh's Bar in Mitchelstown priced at 109, with tier-one VIP tickets priced at 169. For regular updates about Indie 2019 visit www.indiependencefestival.ie, Twitter and Instagram. The fifth of November is the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Schoolyard Theatre in Charleville's Old Limerick Road. In the intervening years the 102 seat theatre has earned the reputation of being one of the best small theatres in Ireland by both amateur and professional artists that have played there. The idea of having a dedicated theatre space to call their own arose out of a conversation between Kevin O'Shea and Michael McGrath, as they flew over the Atlantic on their way to perform Tom Murphy's 'The Gigli Concert' in the Ohlone College Theatre in the Bay area of San Francisco, with the Glenside Players in July 1991. It would take another two years before the dream would come to fruition as the search for a suitable venue in Charleville was proving difficult until September 1992. It was then that Michael McGrath spotted a small sign high up on the gate of the former National School in Charleville advertising it for rent, and located opposite Golden Vale farm shop. The cut stone was in an ideal location on the Old Limerick Road, but would have to be modified. He informed Kevin O'Shea, who knew the building well, and he set the wheels in motion, contacted the auctioneer and the rest is history. Kevin then recruited his friend and fellow actor, Gerard Roche to join us in, what many regarded was a craze venture, to become the third trustee of the theatre, for which McGrath came up with the name, the Schoolyard Theatre, in keeping with the original use of the building. So, the rent was agreed with the auctioneer, and with little money we started the renovation to convert the ground floor to a small theatre within the footprint of the building. At the same time the Fine Gael/Labour government was in power and Michael D. Higgins T.D., was the then Minister for the Arts and the Gaeltacht, and now our current President. We surmised we would get a good reception from him if we approached him for funding from the Arts Council for our theatre especially with his connections to Charleville and to the area. How wrong we were. Kevin, McGrath and Sr. Celestine of the local Convent of Mercy, who was seeking funds for her project at the time travelled to Galway to meet the Minister at his clinic in Galway to put our case to him for a grant. The Minister may have been having a bad day as he listened to us and then proceeded to read the Riot Act regarding money in brown envelopes, and sent us packing empty handed, without even a promise that he would consider our request. We, all three returned to Charleville utterly deflated and disillusioned with the system of funding for artistic endeavour, which is pursued by thousands of people throughout the country at amateur level. We got no state funding until the Fianna Fail government was back in power, and through the good offices of Michel Moynihan, T.D., and the then then Minister for the Arts Sheila De Valera came to our rescue with a once-off grant of 1998. "We met many disappointments along the way, but we persevered, driven by the passion and belief of Kevin O'Shea, who when some of us were flagging, buoyed us up with his determination and will to succeed, his expertise and vast knowledge of the theatre, which is clearly evident in the many excellent productions he has directed over the years with the Shoestring Theatre Company. Kevin has invested a great deal of his time and talents in the Schoolyard Theatre, and has received scant appreciation for his efforts. But, as the old saying goes, 'if you are doing it for thanks, don't do it,' said former trustee of the theatre, Michael McGrath. The twenty-five years have flown by and there has been many fantastic moments of theatre on the Schoolyard stage, particularly from actors such as, Denis Drennan, John Butler, Helen Ryan, who sadly are no longer with us, but whose performances will live long in the memory of those fortunate enough to have seen them. We think too, of the performance of William Lyons in a 'Night of November,' the first one-man show to be performed at the All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone, which won him the best actor award of the festival. Others are Denis Foley, Katie Holly, all of whom cur their teeth in the Schoolyard and have gone on to greater things on the professional stage, and Beatrice Laikaku, who is in now professional theatre stage management. In the professional ranks the cream of Irish actors and entertainers have been on stage and the list of reads like a whose who of the Irish theatre with Jon Kenny and Pat Shortt, Sean Keane, John Spillane, Don Wycherly, the Druid Theatre Company, Red Kettle Theatre Company, Michael Twomey, Jack L. Kevin McAleer, Mary Coughlan, Dublin City Ramblers, Ronnie Drew, Tommy Tiernan, Don Baker, to mention but some. Another great friend of Kevin's and of the Schoolyard is playwright Jim Nolan, whose productions have lit up the stage, as indeed has the works of John B. Keane, Marie Jones, Tom Murphy, Mick Mulcahy and Ken Bourke, who indeed performed the official opening of the theatre in 1993 when his play 'Wild Harvest' was the first production to be staged by the Shoestring Company in the new theatre. The theatre has been used by RTE for live broadcasts of programmes such as 'Failte Isteach,' 'Both Sides Now,' and 'Ceili House.' Shoestring members have played in a film called the Queenstown Story and have recorded a radio play at the Union Quay studio at Cork. They have also performed at the Everyman Theatre in Cork. The Schoolyard venue has been used to stage book launches, art exhibitions, poetry readings, and as a music venue. We also remember and also acknowledge with gratitude the many people who have supported the theatre with sponsorship and personal contributions, which kept the theatre going in the early years. We thank Cork County Council for their on-going financial support with which the theatre would be long since closed, and also Ballyhoura Development for their contribution. Since it was opened in 1993 the Schoolyard Theatre has made and continues to make an enormous impact on the cultural lives of the community, not alone in Charleville, but in the wider North Cork and South Limerick areas, from where it draws its audience. It has contributed greatly to heightening people's awareness of their own culture through the plays written by Irish authors and staged at the theatre, and that of other lands by visiting groups. The theatre has made a profound difference to students and young people who can view productions on their own doorstep, rather than travelling to bigger urban centres to attend the theatre. A great debt of gratitude is due to those with the foresight to start the theatre and Charleville would be much the poorer with out this wonderful facility, which greatly enhances the community and the town. The Creative County Cork Conference takes place in Baile Mhuirne on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th November 2018. At the conference on the Friday morning, which commences at 11:00, the County Cork Culture and Creativity Strategy (2018-2022) will be launched by the Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Patrick Gerard Murphy and copies will be made available for all in attendance. For the conference, a range of great speakers has been lined up. The Friday morning will see presentations by staff of Cork County Council with regard to the many Cultural Services available and with 2018 being Bliain na Gaeilge, the afternoon will see an Irish Theme to it with a range of excellent speakers including An Coimisneir Teanga Ronan O Domhnaill, Laurence Lord, Peadar O Riada, Rachel Ni Riada, Brid Cranitch and Mairtin O Mealoid, followed by a performance by local school-goers involved in Aisling Gheal. The evening will also see a musical performance in the Ionad Culturtha and some tickets have been set aside for conference attendees. The second day of the conference, Saturday 10th November, will also see a range of speakers in the morning commencing at 10:30 including Rachel Holstead (Arts in the Gaeltacht), Dr. Rosarie Crowley from the HSE (culture and well-being) and Siobhan Ni Dhuinnin regarding Dance. Following lunch, conference attendees will be able to avail of two free tours - one of St. Gobnait's Ecclesial Complex by County Archaeologist Mary Sleeman, and this followed by a Tour of the Nine White Deer Brewery. The full conference programme is available online at www.corkcoco.ie/upcoming-events and for further information or to book a place email creativeireland@corkcoco.ie. All groups and individuals with an interest in their local culture and heritage are encouraged to come along - failte roimh cach. Groups interested in local cultural and heritage projects will also be happy to hear of the recent announcement of the Cork County Community Development Initiative - a 1.5 million fund launched recently by Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy. The scheme, which is being rolled out by Cork County Council, in association with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), will be used to fund local community development capital projects to a minimum of 1,000 with a maximum of 25,000. Speaking of the initiative, Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey highlighted how the Cork County Community Development Initiative was an example of the Council's continuing dedication to local communities. "Through our 3 Local Development Committees, we are committed to improving the range and quality of community based facilities which will assist in providing the very best quality of life offering to our citizens," he said. "The Cork County Community Development Initiative in cooperation with the Local Development Companies can be used to enhance facilities in communities or to kick-start, advance or complete their projects." Mayor Murphy also reiterated the Council's commitment to community development undertakings which improve the prosperity of both people and places. "I know first-hand how important community and voluntary groups are. Not only are they an asset to their own communities but there are an asset for Cork. This fund will give further recognition for the tremendous work and commitment given by all involved. I would encourage all groups to get their applications in," he said. Closing date for receipt of applications is 3pm Friday, 14th December, 2018. Applicants will be notified if successful, in early March with a view to having all projects completed by 30th September, 2019. For full information and application forms visit www.corkcoco.ie. In relation to upcoming events, and in addition to the Creative County Cork Conference, the coming week sees a great range of events beginning with a wonderful Schools' exhibition display in the Kilmurry Independence Museum, on Saturday November 3rd at 2pm, featuring lots of old school photographs, accounts and artefacts of the schools in and around Kilmurry, including Lackareigh. The exhibition will remain open to the public on Sundays for the month of November. On Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th of November there will be a series of lunchtime talks in Cork Public Museum, all commencing at 1pm. The talks discuss Cork in 1918 focusing on Cork Nurses in the Great War (Marie McCarthy); the Life and Death of Lt. Michael Higgins (Denis Kirby) and Cork 1918: Victory, Virus and Votes (Gerry White). All talks are free to attend. The following day, November 9th, in Cork Public Museum will see a further event - the closing ceremony of the Cork Public Museum's Replica WWI Trench. The event takes place at 10:30 and will mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. All welcome. Real stories told by people, including a woman from Ballincollig who recently became a grandmother, are being used to raise awareness of a rare form of cancer that is often difficult to diagnose. Next Saturday will see the launch of the 'Expand Your NETwork' initiative, a nationwide campaign aimed at awareness of Neuroendocrine Turmours (NETs), in advance of global NET Cancer Day on Saturday, November 10. The campaign will focus on the experiences of those living with the condition, a slow-moving group of cancers which forms in cells found in the respiratory and digestive tracts, as well as the endocrine glands, pancreas, thyroid, pituitary, and the ovaries and testes. According to the NET Patient Network, a support group established in conjunction with Novartis, there are a number of varying types of NET, all with differing symptoms, the onset of which can take an average of five to seven years. Expand Your NETwork ambassador Mary O'Brien from Ballincollig, who was diagnosed with NETs in 2013, explained what it is like to live with the condition. Mary (49) said that while she was only diagnosed six-and-a-half years ago, the reality was that she had been living with NETS for more than a decade. "It is a very difficult condition to diagnose, and the fact that there is such low awareness of it amongst the general public and amongst healthcare professionals adds to the problem," said Mary. "It took a very long time and a lot of tests to find out what was wrong with me, and at times I felt like a hypochondriac - until eventually I was officially diagnosed with NET, which is an incurable cancer." In some ways, Mary said there was an initial sense of relief when she was diagnosed as she finally knew there was an explanation for the various health problems she had experienced since her mid-20s. "However, I also felt very alone as I found it so difficult to get information about the condition. "When I joined the NET Patient Network, I was no longer alone. I was part of a network of people living well with this disease," said Mary. Mary said the support of her family had been instrumental in helping her to come to terms with her condition and inspired her to run the NET Patient Network Facebook page along with her husband, Eoin O'Leary. "It's important for me to be involved; I never want anyone else facing in to this diagnosis to feel the loneliness that I once felt," said Mary, who also has Carcinoid Syndrome, a life-threatening illness related to her NET diagnosis. She said that as a result of this, simple things such as excessive walking or eating the wrong foods can make her condition worse. "But I am very happy to be here. My first grandchild was born recently. She is such a blessing, and I want to be as healthy as I can for her, for my family and for myself," said Mary. "I would encourage anyone living with NETs to seek out the advice of a specialist consultant and to make sure to ask a lot of questions and get as informed as you can about the disease. Trust your instincts: if you don't feel well - seek professional help." Dr Derek Power, consultant medical oncologist at Cork's Mercy University Hospital Cork, said that because of its rarity, NETS can be hard to diagnose initially. "Someone living with NETs could potentially be misdiagnosed for years, meaning that by the time the condition is detected it has already spread to other parts of the body. "Misdiagnosis can be attributed to the fact that many physicians will have never come across NETs before and that the symptoms are often mistaken for common conditions like IBS or other digestive disorders," he said. "NETs can be managed successfully for many years with appropriate care. Once a person has been diagnosed with the condition, they should be referred to a specialist multidisciplinary team." Net Patient Day in Cork As part of the 'Expand Your NETwork' campaign, the NET Patient Network has invited people in Cork to attend their annual NET Patient Day event at UCC's Devere Hall on Saturday. The event aims to bring together people living with NETs, and their families, to learn from one another and leading specialists about the management of NETs in a relaxed informal setting. Contact NET Patient Network by email on info@netpatientnetwork.ie to register for the event. For more information about the 'Expand Your NETwork' campaign, please visit: www:netpatientnetwork.ie. As a life long advocate for rural Ireland | am still concerned for its future. Rural lreland has been neglected and forgotten for many years. In the 1950s Father Newman, a priest in Maynooth College who later became Bishop of Limerick, carried out a survey of rural areas after which he predicted; "Ireland may yet be a wealthy nation with its people gathered in five or six large growth centers and the rural countryside sparsely populated by ranch type farmers haunted by the ghosts of dead villages". Every Government since then has contributed to the fulfillment of this prediction. Yes we had reports and plans and promises and we are still getting them, for example the National Planning Framework, The National Special Strategy, The CEDRA Report, Rural Proofing, The Decentralization of Departments, and a plethora of local reports and plans. Despite this 159 post offices are now being closed, just another blow for small rural villages, who most likely have already lost other services and are struggling to keep small schools viable, with many having lost their last shop. This illustrates the continued problems of rural Ireland and the failure of all these initiatives. We had one initiative which was a success. That was a CLAR programme designed for areas of the country that had lost 50% of its population since the foundation of the state, but it was short lived. For many years rural people awaited a top down solution to their problems but it never came. The one break they got was the arrival of the LEADER programme from Europe. For the first time the bottom up approach gave them the opportunity to do something for themselves and their communities. They grasped this opportunity, and set up structures that became the envy of Europe, and with a huge voluntary input started to make progress in developing their own areas. Today the efforts of their voluntary work can be seen in almost every community in rural Ireland The 2007 to 2014 LEADER programme had a budget of 423 million. The 2015 to 2020 programme has a budget of only 250 million, at a time when rural Ireland is crying out for development. In the current LEADER programme the Irish Government made major changes, taking away the management of the programme from the local voluntary groups, who had given such commitment to rural development. They have given it to LCDCs (local community development companies) set up by the local authorities, which the High Court has nowruled are sub committees of the local authority. The programme is now bogged down in a bureaucratic black hole with only 24% of the budget committed for the 2015 to 2020 period; and the nationally imposed unnecessary bureaucracy making it almost impossible for local communities to access. All this is an insult to the voluntary community groups throughout rural Ireland who had given such commitment to their communities through the LEADER programme over the last 25 years. They were further insulted, when told that all these changes were at the request of the European Commission, following irregularities in the 2007 to 2014 LEADER programme. I with others have met with senior officials of the European Court Of Auditors, who stated they had not looked for any changes to the rules in Ireland and were quite happy with the running of the programmes here. We also met senior officials from the European Commission, who clearly stated they had not sought changes to the rules in Ireland, and were happy with the manner the programme had been run, and volunteered that they would be happy to come to Ireland to clarify that they had not sought any changes to the rules, or had no need to do so. The European Economic and Social Committee in a recent report stated that "Member States should not add additional rules and requirements that undermine simplification. Simplification has to be real, and in line with the rules proposed by the European Commission." They also state the misuse of power by managing authorities has been identified in some Member States, where there was no dialogue between LEADER actors, and LAGs had no opportunity to participate in discussions as equal partners. The European Economic and Social Committee also warns against the domination of municipalities and the fulfillment of their political agendas, with LEADER resources, Local Action groups have to be guaranteed independence in their work and decision making, without official or unofficial pressure from municipalities" It is also disappointing that Ireland did not take up the European CLLD (community led local development) programme, which would have given more funding to local communities not alone from LEADER butalso from the Regional Fund, the Social Fund, and the Fisheries and Marine Fund. Twenty Member States have taken up his programme and their voluntary local community groups are delivering it to their communities. I can never understand why Ireland seems so reluctant to take up European programmes which are financed at 65% from Europe with Ireland meeting the other 35%, where most, if not all can be recovered from various taxes Minister Ring was recently concerned that 19 million euro was spent in administration in the 2015 to 2020 LEADER programme while only 6 million was spent on projects. The 19 million he mentions is for administration and animation and as a result of government mishandling and overloading of the programme with unnecessary bureaucracy scarcely any projects got going from 2015 until 2018. The minister must also understand there is a 25% cap on spending on administration and animation, which must be met by the end of the programme Some Local Authorities must also accept some responsibility for the decline in rural areas with some of their crazy planning decisions. In my own area of Rockchapel there are at least ten planning permissions being delayed and held up many for frivolous reasons. For example in one case the planning notice had faded due to sunlight, in another case because it was in a flood plain according to some crazy map, while it would be impossible for this site to get flooded. A few years back we made an effort to build houses in the village we had twelve young people who were prepared to build and live in Rockchapel, we identified a site, the County Council land purchase officer agreed a most reasonable price with the land owner. Our every effort appeared to have been blocked by the planners and management of Cork County Council. Little wonder Rockchapel has now lost its post office. For its survival rural Ireland needs effective and immediate attention. Its problems will not be solved over night, but a start needs to be made immediately. One of the solutions that could be implemented quickly would be the better financing of the current LEADER programme, with far less bureaucracy. Plans for the 2021 to 2027 LEADER programme should start now to ensure there would be continuity into the next programme. The administration and management of that programme should be returned to the voluntary community groups who made a success of LEADER over the last twenty five years, and the Irish government should fully implement the CLLD programme. Such a move would bring back confidence into the local communities. And show that the Government was sincere and committed to rural Ireland Staff members working at N20 Mallow Plaza toasting the good fortune of a lucky lotto punter who brought their winning quick pick ticket worth a cool 1million at the Costcutter store there last Wednesday 'Check your ticket - it could very well be you'. That was the message from National Lottery HQ to the lucky punter who bought a winning ticket in Mallow for last Wednesday night's Lotto Plus draw, worth a cool 1million. Ireland's latest millionaire purchased the quick pick ticket in Costcutter on the N20 Mallow plaza on the day of the draw, and at time of going to press the winner had yet to come forward to claim their prize. The lucky winning numbers were 8, 15, 22, 32, 34 and 41, and the bonus number was 46. The delighted manager at the Costcutter store, Michael Griffin, said the win had generated a huge buzz around the town, with people wondering who the lucky lotto winner is. "It was amazing to get a call from the National Lottery on Thursday to let me know that we had sold a ticket creating a millionaire. I'm delighted for whoever it is," said Michael. "There is a great buzz around the place, and we are encouraging all of our customers to check their tickets. It would be fantastic if it was one of our local and regular customers. However, the N20 Mallow Plaza is a very busy place with a lot of footfall and passing trade, so the winner could be anyone who bought a quick pick ticket here last Wednesday." A spokesman for the National Lottery confirmed that, as of this Wednesday, no one had come forward to claim. "As Michael said, the Plaza is a very busy place so it could be a local with the winning ticket or someone who was just passing through the Mallow area on the day," said the spokesman. He said the winning ticketholder had 90 days in which to claim their prize from the day the ticket was sold. "No one has contacted us as yet, but that is not unusual as people may want a bit of time to digest the fact that they are now a millionaire. Of course, they might not even be aware yet that they have the winning ticket," said the spokesman. "I would encourage people who regularly play Lotto at this Costcutter or who may have bought a quick pick there last Wednesday to check their ticket. "If you have the winning tickets be sure to sign it on the back, contact our claims team on 01 836 4444, and we will make arrangements to come to the winners' room in Dublin to pick up your prize." Millstreet Equestrian Services, the company owned by well-known Millstreet man Noel C Duggan, has added another Direct Provision Centre to its operations. The Department of Justice has confirmed that Millstreet Equestrian Services will operate the new centre at Altantic Lodge in Kenmare, Co Kerry, which has a capacity for 80 asylum seekers. The asylum seekers will arrive in Kenmare in the next two weeks. The Millstreet company already operates four centres across the country, including one in Millstreet. According to the most recent annual report from the Reception and Integration Centre (RIA), which was published in 2017, this centre has 187 asylum seekers, 17 more than the contracted capacity at the end of 2016. RIA said that extra beds had been added to cater for the increased numbers. The same company also operates Viking House in Waterford, which according to the most recent available figures from RIA had 69 asylum seekers at the end of 2016. Millstreet Equestrian Services also operates Bridgewater House in Tipperary and another Direct Provision Centre in Killarney, Linden House. There are no official numbers available for the number of asylum seekers at these centres as both have come into operation since the most recent RIA report. Linden House caused much controversy in Kerry when it re-opened in December 2017 as the local community were unaware that more asylum seekers were coming to the town. At the end of February 2018, there was 34 centres in the country, the majority of which are run by private contractors. Millstreet Equestrian Services ran four of them and has now added a fifth to its operations. With the final outcome of last Friday's Presidential election never really in doubt from the moment Michel D Higgins declared his intention to seek a second term in office, the spotlight inevitably turned on the other five candidates. In truth, it was a fairly lacklustre campaign that, far from galvanising the public, by and large never really seemed to catch the imaginations of voters, as reflected by the fairly poor national turnout of 43.33 per cent. This was never more evident than in the various Presidential debates that quite often had people scratching their heads and wondering what was the point of actually having the election in the first place. As the race to finish in second place was slowing down to a barely concealed trot, up stepped Peter Casey, a man who many people hitherto would have had trouble recognising in a line up. All the majority of people knew about him was that he was a successful businessman from Derry who had come to prominence through his appearances on the Dragons' Den television show. His controversial comments in which he described Travellers as "basically people camping out on other people's land"; that house prices drop in places where they do settle; and that he feels they do not pay their fair share of taxes inevitably sparked huge controversy. President Higgins described the comments as "appalling"; Gavin Duffy said they were "reckless and inflammatory"; Sean Gallagher said he was "abhorred" by them; Joan Freeman said it showed how out of touch Casey was with Irish society; and Liadh Ni Riada accused Casey of being "lazy, racist and stereotyping." Casey himself remained largely unbowed, saying he was the only candidate who said what he believed and that there was "far too much political correctness in this society today" - although he did later say he sometimes regretted his comments. Rightly or wrongly, those comments seemed to strike a chord among members of the public, with many people taking to social media to express their agreement with him. Certainly, the controversy did his campaign no harm, with Casey garnering increased support as polling day drew closer, with exit polls on the day seeming to back that up. While no one realistically believed he would beat Michael D Higgins in the race to the Aras, to the delight of some and the disgust of others. Casey swept the other four candidates aside as he went on to poll 342,727 votes, a 23.25 per cent share of the total national turnout. Here in Cork, Casey also saw a significant upturn in his support. He finished in second place in each of the county's five constituencies, receiving support from some 40,000 people across the county. An inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has found that Mallow General Hospital (MGH) was not in compliance with national guidelines on screening for the virulent CPE superbug. The shortfall was discovered following an unannounced inspection undertaken by HIQA at the hospital in July, during which the inspection team focussed specifically on the "prevention and control of transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and healthcare associated infections." The inspectors found that MGH was not fully compliant with the screening guidelines in relation to Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), a highly antibiotic resistant bacteria that can be potentially fatal if it enters the bloodstream or gets into urine. It poses a particular risk to older people and those with reduced immune system function and has been linked to the deaths of eight patients at University Hospital Limerick. CPE is a growing threat within Irish hospitals, with more than 400 cases reported last year, prompting the launch of a national public health emergency plan. The HIQA report on MGH read that "specifically, the hospital was not routinely screening all patients who were transferred from nursing homes" and that screening for CPE was "considered an essential infection and control strategy". "Considering this in the context of the activation of the National Public Health Emergency Plan to address CPE in our health system, HIQA sought assurance regarding arrangements in place to ensure compliance with the national guidelines on screening for CPE at Mallow General Hospital," read the report. In response, hospital management wrote to HIQA saying that they accepted the inspection team's findings around CPE screening and had "updated the hospital risk register to reflect this". In a letter to HIQA, Mr Brendan O'Reilly, operations manager for the Cork University Hospital (CUH) Group, wrote that in order to address the risk they were undertaking a number of actions. These included requesting additional resources to facilitate CPE screening with Cork University Hospital, which provides microbiological services to MGH; outsourcing CPE screening to other hospitals within the region and exploring the option of in-sourcing on-site molecular testing for CPE screening. "Mallow General Hospital is fully committed to full compliance with the national screening guidelines for CPE and will endeavour to achieve full compliance within the very near future," wrote Mr O'Reilly. The HIQA report also found the hospital continued to have "ongoing challenges" in relation to the upkeep and maintenance of the building. The inspection team found that, similar to the findings of inspections undertaken in 2014, 2015 and 2016, the hospital infrastructure was "outdated and not in line with recommended specifications and standards of a modern care facility". Examples cited included poor bed-spacing in multi-bedded wards, that the hospital did not have an isolation room for the management of airborne infections, a lack of storage space causing clutter, not enough toilet and shower facilities to meet patient and staff needs, and that exposed pipe work and radiator design did not allow for effective cleaning. The inspection team also noted that the design of dirty and clean utility rooms in the St Mary's ward did not "facilitate effective infection prevention and control measures". The report pointed out that it was evident that in many instances the hospital had themselves "clearly identified areas of concern and had sought external assistance in dealing with many of these risks". "Mallow General Hospital, as a member of the Cork University Hospital and the South/West Hospital groups, needs to be supported within group and national structures to effectively address issues in relation to hospital infrastructure and resources in order to facilitate compliance with the National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated infections and other existing national healthcare standards," it concluded. The entire 25-page HIQA report and its conclusions can be viewed in full at www.hiqa.ie. Teagasc Kanturk organised a beef and dairy event last Thursday night at Kanturk Mart. The topic for the night was 'Maximising Farm Performance this Winter', which focused on getting stock to meet their targets over winter, with the aim of delivering a financial return. There are four key elements to profitability: animal breeding or genetics, and the potential to put on weight for beef or to produce milk for dairy; animal health and the ability to keep weight on or to stay milking well; animal nutrition and ow to put this weight on or produce this milk as efficiently as possible; and price and how much your beef or milk is sold for. Stephen Connolly from ABP outlined that carcass quality is reducing in beef stock from the dairy herd. His research shows that by choosing a beef bull with good carcass traits for dairy cows, it can be worth 150 to 200 per animal at slaughter. He advised beef farmers to start selecting calves based on genetic merit, not just on how they look at two to three weeks of age. Eamon O'Flynn from Bluepool Vet Surgery discussed herd health at housing and advised farmers to discuss dosing options and a vaccination plan with their vet. Pneumonia was the biggest cause of cattle deaths identified by the Regional Veterinary Labs, and he highlighted the importance of assessing shed ventilation for the winter to try and reduce the risk of pneumonia. Karen Dukelow from Teagasc outlined nutritional requirements for cattle, and feed space requirements, which is particularly important if silage has to be restricted. She advised farmers to complete a fodder budget, test their silage and discuss feeding options with their local adviser. Matthew Sheehan, a local beef farmer from Kilcorney, kindly supplied his heaviest and lightest weanlings on the night and spoke with Ellen Standish (Teagasc) about the importance of weighing them. His best-performing heifer was gaining 1.5 kg per day, and his lightest was gaining 1 kg per day. He finds weighing useful to identify his poorer-performing cows; to ensure that his heifers are at target weights for calving at 24 months; and to know the weights of his stock that are sold off the farm. He also noticed a change in the Eurostar indexes of his cows since he started weighing; they have increased or decreased accordingly with their calf weights. Shane Anglim from Bank of Ireland stated that farmers should look at the impact that 2018 had on them in terms of fodder, finance and their own health. He recommended that farmers should engage early with stakeholders such as their bank, accountant and/or local adviser, and he outlined the options that Bank of Ireland have available to help. As part of the event, Teagasc Kanturk is encouraging beef and dairy farmers to weigh their priority stock over the winter period; once at housing, and once six weeks later to see if they are meeting their targets. If they are not meeting their targets, you can intervene early to solve any issues. To participate in this you will have to be a member of ICBF Herdplus, and the weights will have to be recorded on their system. You can weigh the stock yourself or through a weighing service. If you wish to sign up to the Winter Weighing Programme, you can do so by contacting Teagasc Kanturk on 029 50886 before November 23, 2018. It is open to both Teagasc clients and non-clients. Anyone who signs up to and completes the weighing programme will be entered into a draw on Friday March 1 for the following prizes: 100 weanling munch voucher kindly donated by Boherbue Co-Op; a 100 co-op voucher which can be spent on any product from Dairygold Co-Op; two 50 vouchers from Kerry Co-Op; and a prize from North Cork Creameries Louth Libraries will host a Festival of History taking place from Tuesday 30 October to Saturday 3 November in all five branch libraries. Bringing together historians from across the country, this festival will address the centenary of significant events in 1918 such as the end of the Great War, the Representation of the People Act, the rise of nationalism and threats to unionism, the decline of John Redmond and the Irish Parliamentary Party's prominence. Attendance is free but booking essential. The week kicks off in Dunleer at 6pm on October 30th with a talk on Unionism in 1918 and also at the same time in Drogheda library, women in the IRA and in employment. Ardee library hosts John Redmond's story on November 3 at 2.30pm. For full festival details please consult the library website: www.louthcoco.ie/libraries and for bookings please phone the relevant branch library. Drogheda library 041-9876162 , Dundalk library 042- 9353190 . Ardee Library 041-6859023, Dunleer Library 041-6859016, Carlingford Library 042-9324113 . General Email: libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie St John table quiz night St John Ambulance Drogheda Division host a table quiz night on November 2nd in The Pheasant Bar at 8:30pm. All proceeds go towards running the division. History course A new five-week Local History Course on getting to know more about Drogheda`s fascinating history & heritage will once again be delivered at the Drogheda Museum. The `Know Your Drogheda` course will be presented each week in a relaxed and laid-back manner at the Drogheda Museum Millmount and will be presented by renowned Community Historian Brendan Matthews in association with the Old Drogheda Society. Beginning on Thursday evening November 1st from 7.45pm to 8.45pm and ending on Thursday evening November 29th; this course is designed for anyone interested in the town`s historic past and would be deemed ideal for both adults and students alike and also for those who may be already employed in the tourism/hospitality sector in the north-east region. The Course fee is 60 and is payable on the first night of the course. Early booking is advisable as places on this course are limited. To book your place contact the Drogheda Museum at 041-9833097 or Community Historian Brendan Matthews at 086-2260158 or by e mail to info@droghedamuseum.ie Humpty in the TLT For the first time ever The classic nursery Rhyme Humpty Dumpty is brought to the TLT stage in this wonderful live interactive all singing and dancing production. Sing along; solve puzzles, and meet lots of famous children's charters along the way including, The Three Little Pigs, Little Bo Peep and all the animals on Old MacDonald's Farm and many more! With amazing costumes, dazzling stage sets and a host of colourful characters to bring you on the journey of a lifetime. It's in the TLT on November 4th, tickets 10. Irish chat in Ardee The Irish language conversation group which meets in Full of Beans Cafe, Ashwalk, Ardee (opposite Super Valu) is inviting new members to join them every Thursday morning at 10.45 a.m. to practise speaking Irish in an informal setting. As well as general conversation, the group focuses on a different topic each week and participants get a list of sample sentences to bring home with them, some popular Irish songs are also included. There is no charge to attend and newcomers are welcome every week. Just come on the day or phone Tom on 087-9895542 for more information. Beidh failte romhat. Big hearted Slane walkers got their moment in the sun recently when they handed over three cheques to worthy causes. The group walked from Carrick on Shannon to Slane over three days in late August. They had some serious collections as part of the event and they were delighted to hand over 3,000 each at an event in the Boyne Valley Inn to the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre, which serves the entire region, SOSAD Ireland, and Slane Tidy Towns. The group walked 130km over the few days and were delighted with the support they got. And it's believed some have gone into training already for next August! Charter Day, a day to commemorate the unification of Drogheda in 1412, takes place on Thursday 1 November at noon in The Tholsel. 'The signing of the town charter united the two towns back in 1412 - Drogheda South and Drogheda North. The Far Side, so to speak!' said Mayor Frank Godfrey, who has initiated this momentous day. Drogheda in Meath, which received a town charter in 1194, and Drogheda in Oriel were united on 1 November 1412, and Drogheda became a 'County Corporate', styled as 'the County of the Town of Drogheda'. Drogheda continued as a County Borough until the setting up of County Councils, through the enactment of the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898, which saw all of Drogheda, including a large area south of the Boyne, become part of an extended County Louth. 'I feel that it is important to mark these historic events, these actions and charters that have shaped our town and future, and to remember them today and be proud of our history,' said Mayor Godfrey. 'I would like the greater Drogheda community to come out on 1 November and join in the commemoration of Charter Day.' Meeting at the Tholsel, the charter will be read to the public. Historian Liam Reilly will then give a talk on the two Droghedas, the mayors and the Dominican priest, Fr Philip Bennett who brought the two sides together. Polar Plunge Special Olympics Ireland is calling on hardy souls from Co. Louth to accept the challenge and take the Polar Plunge for local athletes this December. The plunge returns to Clogherhead on Saturday 1st December 2018 and sees families, clubs, local businesses and individuals brave the icy waters to raise funds for local athletes with an intellectual disability. Those who think they are brave enough to take the Polar Plunge can register at www.specialolympics.ie/polarplunge. Registration costs just 20 with plungers asked to fundraise an additional amount to support athletes like Martin. The staging of this year's event would not be possible without the Law Enforcement Torch Run, An Gardai Siochana, Louth County Council, The RNLI, Coastguard, Irish Underwater Search & Rescue Unit, Civil Defence. Seven Drogheda girls were among 137 Girl Guides who received the Trail Blazer National Guide Award - Irish Girl Guides' highest award - at a special ceremony in Croke Park recently. The girls are Aifric Lydon, Grace Carthy and Megan Nic Dhonnchadha of Cu Chulainn Guides and Aoife Forkin, Katie Daly, Ciara Guilfoyle and Alex Smyth of Millmount Guides. The 137 Girl Guides, aged 14-15, travelled from all corners of the country to receive the award and, with their families, celebrated reaching the pinnacle of Guiding. Each girl received a Trail Blazer gold pin from Irish Girl Guides (IGG) President Maureen Murphy and a National Guide Award certificate from IGG Assistant Chief Commissioner Aine Divilly. Congratulating the recipients, IGG President Maureen Murphy said: "You have been committed and worked hard to gain the Award and gained valuable life-skills in the process. Everyone has put her own stamp on the challenges, which is inspiring. Everyone here has the skills to make a positive contribution to her community and society going forward." Carina Egan, Chair of IGG Guide Branch, said that, without the hard work and commitment of the 137 girls, there would be no celebrations. Irish Girl Guides welcomes new members from age 5+ and volunteer leaders from age 18+. Previous experience of Guiding is not necessary. To find out more, see www.irishgirlguides.ie. Tel: 01 6683898. The number of penalty points being issued in Louth came under the spotlight this week, as a new report indicated a 10% drop in the number handed last year. The 'Transport Omnibus' report for 2017, published by the Central Statistics Office stated there were 11,978 penalty point offences issued in Louth last year, compared to 13,302 in 2016. A breakdown of the points issued revealed that of the 3,443 penalty point endorsements issued in Louth, 2,100 were handed down to male drivers and a further 1,114 went to female drivers. An analysis of the offences committed showed that male drivers were most commonly found guilty of speeding with 1,405 endorsement notices issued to local drivers for this offence. A further 312 were for driving a vehicle while holding a mobile phone with 81 for using a vehicle without an NCT certificate, 33 for failing to wear a safety belt, 48 for driving without reasonable consideration, 38 for failing to obey traffic lights, 21 for no insurance, 16 for non-display of an L Plate, while 34 went to learner drivers who were unaccompanied by a qualified driver. Speeding was also likely to be the most common offence for female drivers to be issued with penalty points, with a total of 868 endorsement notices in Louth for speeding. A further 102 were for driving a vehicle while holding a mobile phone with 42 for using a vehicle without an NCT certificate, nine for failing to wear a safety belt, 16 for driving without reasonable consideration, 14 for failing to obey traffic lights, 9 for no insurance, six for non-display of an L Plate, and 20 to learner drivers who were unaccompanied. Businesses small and large are being penalized by smuggling cartels. Wholesale smuggling is crippling legitimate businesses and employers, local TD Declan Breathnach states. Speaking about a new bill he has backed, he added, 'the sale of illicit goods is harming local businesses that simply cannot compete with the prices on offer by smugglers. Small shops are the lifeblood of local communities in towns and villages and we need to do more to help protect them from the knock on-effect of smuggling. 'The Bill I have introduced aims to increase awareness of the consequences of buying illicit goods. The Bill will make it an offence for a person to buy illicit alcohol, tobacco or solid fuel.' Mr Breathnach said that currently "there is no deterrent to purchasing smuggled goods as it is not a crime". 'Smuggling activity and purchasing goods from known illegal traders does nothing but endanger jobs while funding criminal gangs. If people were more conscious of the consequences of such activity, they would think twice. This Bill will act as a deterrent to making such illegal purchases which will help tackle smuggling in the long run.' The 'Sale of Illicit Goods Bill 2017' was introduced to its second stage by Declan Breathnach on October 24 this year. "This is a another great example of the legislative work by done our local TD and Fianna Fail" said constituency PRO John Kierans. The annual Cenotaph Remembrance Service and wreath-laying in honour of those who died during the First World War takes place at Mary Street, Drogheda this Saturday 3 November at 11am, presided over by Mayor Frank Godfrey, who is urging the public to attend this year to mark the 100th anniversary. 'We are honouring our fallen heroes, many of whom were young men from Louth and Meath,' said Mayor Godfrey. 'I believe that up to 400 soldiers from the greater Drogheda area died in Europe during the First World War which ran from 1914-1918.' 'These were brave young men, soldiers, who left Drogheda to go and fight for rights and freedom and 100 years later, we must recognise the impact they have had on life as we know it. By laying a wreath at the cenotaph annually, we honour their sacrifice - the ultimate sacrifice of their lives - and show solidarity with and support for their families, many of whom attend this ceremony,' said Mayor Godfrey. 'Let's show these local heroes the respect that they deserve, and have a good attendance at this year's wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.' The event will begin at 11am on Saturday 3 November and will comprise of song, poetry, music, prayers from both Catholic and Church of Ireland clergy, as well as some historical information. Mayor Godfrey recalled inviting Sir Patrick Mayhew to lay a wreath at the Drogheda Cenotaph in 1995, accompanied by the then British ambassador, David Bladderwick. This was the first major commemoration at the Cenotaph in recent times and was organised by the then mayor, Frank Godfrey, who is heartened to see that it has continued since then. Tom Banville from the Local Enterprise Office and John Nolan of the Guild of Freemen of the City of London The red carpet was well and truly rolled out at Enniscorthy Castle last week as the historic building played host to a civic reception for The Guild of Freemen of the City of London. A group of over 30 distinguished active and retired business people from a variety of backgrounds were welcomed to Enniscorthy as part of their trip organised by Guild Master John Barber. John has a connection with Wexford as his partner John Nolan comes from the area and together the pair have invested in the area and purchased property. The red carpet was rolled out at the Castle and the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society gave the distinguished guests a warm Enniscorthy welcome before they were given a brief history of the building by Rory O'Connor. From there, the group were welcomed inside where they had the opportunity to sample some local produce with the likes of Jackford Gin and Cleverman beer proving a hit. Having already met with the group and seen them off on a historical tour of the town on a beautiful autumn day, District Manager Liz Hore once again welcomed the group to the Cathedral town. District Chairman Cllr Willie Kavanagh joined in this welcome and thanked the group for choosing to visit Enniscorthy, where they were staying in The Riverside Park Hotel. He pointed out some of the major projects which were coming up for the town along with some of the fantastic artisan food and drink producers that are operating in the area. 'Enniscorthy is ideally placed to become the food tourism destination on the east coast of Ireland,' he said. 'We have ambitious plans for the town and district. We also have major plans for the castle and to develop a major tourism venture going forward.' Enniscorthy & District Chamber President Maree Lyng stressed that Enniscorthy was very much open for business and open to outside investment, encouraging those present to take a look at the work currently being done, a point which was followed up on by Tom Banville of Wexford Local Enterprise Office. Ms Lyng also addressed the elephant in the room - Brexit - by saying: 'I know that Brexit is something which is around a lot at the moment, but people are also around and the relationships and bonds formed will always be there and people will always work together.' This point received a great applause from the group. Master of the Guild John Barber said a trip to Ireland had been top of his list when he became Master. 'As a guild, we have travelled to Northern Ireland on numerous occasions, but we had never been to Southern Ireland,' he said. 'I came here for the first time thirty years ago and I realised that Southern Ireland is a gem. Enniscorthy is a gem. This really is a wonderful little town. Very few places can you come and see such a stunning Pugin cathedral.' 'John and I have invested and bought property in the area,' he continued. 'The place is growing and thriving and I think it's a place that hopefully our members will see and will take back the word and spread the word, come down here and see it. It's not a case of being frightened. Come to Southern Ireland and you'll have no problems.' On behalf of Wexford County Council, Mr Barber was then presented with a beautiful piece of glassware to mark the group's visit to the model county and Enniscorthy for which he was extremely grateful. For the family of David 'Motcha' Walsh, the past 20 months will have been a blur. Since the father of three from Moran Park was stabbed to death in Sydney, Australia, in February of 2017, they have marked what would have been his 30th birthday in his absence, hosted charity events in his memory, heard countless court updates and to make matters worse, in December of last year, David's father John 'Jonners' Walsh passed away, following a lengthy battle with illness. While the family have had to endure a torrid year, David's case once again came back into the limelight last week after his fiancee, Cathrina (Tina) Cahill (27) from New Ross pleaded guilty to manslaughter, the charge having been downgraded from murder. The New Ross woman claims that she had been a victim of domestic violence. The pair had just gotten engaged on New Year's Eve and both families were looking forward to planning a wedding. Tragically, it never came to pass and just five weeks later David's family were left to plan a funeral while Cahill's family flew out to Australia to visit her behind bars. Having been in custody since her arrest in February of last year, Cahill last week pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the New South Wales Supreme Court on the basis of substantial impairment. She was supported in court by her parents Daniel and Rita who travelled from New Ross. The court heard that the newly engaged couple had earlier been out with other people at the Cock'N'Bull Hotel and the Doncaster Hotel in Sydney's east. Earlier reports told how Cahill and another woman had brought a man they met in the pub home for a drink and it was alleged that Mr Walsh had attacked him. In the midst of this melee, it is believed that Cahill used a broken bottle or glass to stab her fiance in the neck. Cahill's barrister James Trevallion referred to the need for the judge to be aware of the 'extent of the provocation and controlling behaviour' by Mr Walsh. Prosecutor Nanette Williams said the Crown accepted the plea to the less serious offence on the basis that Cahill was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time. Judge Peter Johnson is due to hear sentencing submissions on November 1 and no doubt the Walsh family will be anxious to finally have some closure to this devastating chapter. The biggest celebration of books and reading for children in Ireland took over libraries across Fingal this month with free, fun events planned for all the family. The festival gave children of all ages the chance to meet their favourite Irish writers and talk to them about their books and the characters in the stories. The annual festival encourages the enjoyment of books and reading among children and families, and provides a programme of free, fun events and activities with hundreds of Irish children's authors, poets and illustrators involved this year. Fingal County Librarian Betty Boardman said: 'Children's Book Festival provides a great opportunity for parents to encourage their children to move away from screens and to discover the pleasure of reading books. Libraries in Fingal are packed with good reads for children of all ages and staff are happy to recommend titles.' Dublin Airport's latest art installation - a mural entitled 'Light Years' by renowned artist James Earley - can now be enjoyed by passengers transiting between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The concept of Light Years focuses on the idea that time and light are intrinsically linked; light links our past to our present and our future. Earley, who was originally a graffiti artist, has been producing abstracted figurative works since 2010. 'We are honoured to feature James' work at Dublin Airport so it can be enjoyed and appreciated by passengers and by airport staff,' said Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison. 'This is the seventh installation in our Sense of Place project, which is designed to bring different facets of Ireland to our passengers, even if they are connecting at Dublin and never leave the airport,' Mr Harrison added. 'Both individually and collectively these installations transform the visual landscape of Dublin Airport for our passengers. 'Dublin Airport provides the first welcome and last goodbye to Ireland for tens of millions of people every year and Light Years' successfully gives a sense of Ireland's rich artistic heritage and beauty.' Artist James Earley said the mural, 'is inspired by a modern Ireland, an Ireland in which we take pride in our rich artistic, family and natural heritage and develop and preserve it, taking it to new and exciting places, promoting our island globally and reinforcing the fact that Ireland has been, is and will always be a centre of artistic excellence'. The mural shows how light and travel work together in the magnificence and beauty of a bird in flight. The seagull is used as a symbol of the natural heritage of Ireland and the beauty of the Irish landscape is reflected in the colours of the piece. 'It's amazing to have been given the opportunity to showcase a piece of my work to such a large audience,' Earley added. Earley's distinctive style celebrates and pays homage to his family's artistic past within Irish stained-glass art. The family business, Earley and Co. Studios, dates back to 1852 and dominated Dublin's stained-glass scene for decades. He has been producing artworks in public spaces since 1997 and is well known for a number of his previous works. In 2014, he painted Blooms Hotel in Dublin's Temple Bar. The project took one year to complete and is the largest public artwork in Ireland to date. The airport is delighted to be involved with the artist and bring his work to its millions of passengers. Almost 24.2 million passengers have travelled through Dublin Airport in the first nine months of the year, a 6% increase when compared to the same period last year. Dublin Airport has welcomed an extra 1.4 million passengers in the first nine months of the year. Dublin Airport has flights to almost 190 destinations in 43 countries. A 31-year-old has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering a man following a drunken row over a cigarette on North Street in Swords. Following the verdict the deceased's daughter Shawna Byrne, from Swords, gave an emotional statement, telling the court her family's world stopped the day he died, 'his life and his dignity taken in an absolutely savage way'. Anthony Walsh (31) was found guilty of the murder of 54-year-old local man, Dermot Byrne at North St, Swords, Co Dublin on July 16, 2017 by a unanimous jury verdict. The six men and six women spent two hours and 41 minutes considering their verdict. Shawna told prosecuting counsel Vincent Heneghan SC that her family had tickets to the Dublin GAA semi-final the day their dad was murdered. 'He was one of the most important people in our lives, as a father but also as a husband, a brother and a son,' she said. The days after his death were a blur as they dealt with the garda investigation and tried to figure out why their dad was beaten to death in such a 'savage' way. Slowly they realised that he would not return. She said: 'His white van would no longer be parked outside the house. The familiar sound of his voice, joking about one thing or another was gone. 'He will not be there for our milestones,' she said, adding: 'Our dad will not be there to walk us up the aisle like he was supposed to.' The family say they no longer feels safe in the town they grew up in. Their local credit union and dentist are across the road from where their dad was beaten to death at the steps to Fingal Community College. They still have questions and nightmares. Shawna added: 'Both his life and dignity were taken in an absolutely savage way that is unbearable to think about.' Walsh's life sentence is insignificant compared to the 'tragedy that arrived on our doorstep that day', Shawna said. Remembering the last time she saw her father, Shawna said: 'When we saw him privately for the last time we were told to prepare ourselves. He was bruised and had cuts and stitches on his face. He did not look like himself. This is the last memory I have of my Dad and is something I'll never forget.' Justice Eileen Creedon sympathised with Mr Byrne's family and commended Shawna for making the statement. Sergeant Killian Leydon told the court that Walsh had multiple previous convictions including for public order, burglary, criminal damage and misuse of drugs. Justice Creedon sentenced him to the mandatory life imprisonment for Mr Byrne's murder and seven years for stealing a bank card, Zippo lighter and keys from the man he had beaten to death. She said it would be difficult to think of a more heinous circumstance in which a person could take another man's property. Walsh did not react as he was sentenced and led away by prison guards. Local Fianna Fail TD and Housing Spokesperson, Darragh O'Brien has said the congestion and capacity issues caused by changes introduced to Irish Rail and DART timetables are causing 'major difficulties' for daily commuters in North County Dublin. Raising the matter directly with the Taoiseach in Dail Eireann recently, he said, 'The recent changes made to the Irish Rail timetable, including DART services, have become a major difficulty for those who rely on these services daily. 'The demand for services on the Northern Line is so rapidly increasing that it's creaking at the seams, and it's clear from the Taoiseach's response yesterday that he's oblivious to the growing population of Dublin Fingal and certainly not interested in these concerns.' The Deputy told the Taoiseach that Irish Rail, on his 'insistence', had agreed to restore two morning commuter services at Portmarnock, at 7.29am and 7.42am. He said: 'I have been assured that off-peak commuter services will be half-hourly from December, while some trains have been restored to eight carriages.' Though offering assurances that the Deputy himself, along with his party colleagues, Cllr Adrian Henchy and Cllr Eoghan O'Brien were working to ensure all peak time services would operate with eight carriages, he pointed out that these carriages were not be expected to be in operation before 2020. The local TD said that 'stopgap measures' had helped alleviate 'some of the worst consequences' of the new timetable, but that the timetable itself had in fact resulted in a cut to services for North County Dublin rail users. The service for North County Dublin had suffered from 'chronic' under-investment over the past seven years, he said, adding that he would 'continue to push for improvements' to the Fingal rail service. Despite recent criticism from Government over local authority housing deliver, Fingal County Council has been singled out for praise by the Minister for Housing after he made a visit to several developments happening on the ground in Fingal. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has praised Fingal County Council for the progress it has made on the delivery of housing across the region, stating that the local authority is doing 'fantastic work'. Speaking during a visit to Fingal, where he witnessed first-hand the activity taking place under various pillars of the Rebuilding Ireland programme, Minister Murphy praised Fingal County Council for its delivery of housing across the region. Minister Murphy said: 'Fingal alone is going to deliver more than 640 new homes into social housing stock this year, in addition to all the other things they are going to do. And we as a Government are going to oversee delivery of 8,000 homes into the social housing stock this year which is incredibly significant.' He paid tribute to Chief Executive Paul Reid and Director of Housing Margaret Geraghty and other council officials, who he said were doing 'fantastic work' to deliver more housing. The Minister said: 'This doesn't happen if they aren't taking leadership in their own local authority, working with the councillors, working with Government and elected representatives.' He added: 'When we are talking about building new homes, we have to ensure they are first class homes, no matter who we are building them for. A person's home is their castle and we have to take that approach when we are talking about building private homes, affordable homes and social homes and that is something we are committed to doing in Government.' Minister Murphy visited Donabate where he saw major progress on the construction of 14.5m Distributor Road, which was the first project in the country backed by the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) to get underway. The 4km road, which is due for completion in mid-2019, runs through the middle of the Ballymastone lands, which are expected to deliver between 1,000 and 1,200 residential units. The site has an indicated tenure mix of 60% private, 20% private discounted or affordable homes and 20% social housing. Procurement for the site is underway. The new road, which includes the construction of a new bridge over the Dublin-Belfast railway line, will provide alternative access to Donabate and Portrane and will alleviate traffic congestion in the area, according to the local authority. The road will also provide improved access to the new National Forensic Mental Health Hospital, which is currently under constructioin in Portrane. Completion of the first phase of the Donabate Road will result in the provision of a single carriageway road between Hearse Road and the Portrane Road, with the provision of a second carriageway to coincide with the completion of the proposed phases of development, the council explained. During his visit, Minister Murphy first received a briefing at County Hall in Swords from Fingal County Council Chief Executive Paul Reid, Director of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure AnnMarie Farrelly, Director of Housing Margaret Geraghty, and County Architect Fionnuala May. He then visited Seatown in Swords, where Fingal County Council recently purchased 18 houses which are currently undergoing extensive renovations before their allocation to people in need of social housing support. Minister Murphy then travelled to the St Vincent de Paul-managed St Benedicts's Housing for the Elderly in Seabury, Malahide, where he officially opened a 1.45m eight-unit, single-storey sheltered housing extension. Managed by St Vincent de Paul, the award-winning complex now contains 45 units. From there, Minister Murphy visited the LIHAF-funded Donabate Distributor Road, before heading to Balbriggan where he was given a tour of the council-built, rapid delivery scheme in Pinewood. Fingal County Council Chief Executive Paul Reid said: 'We were delighted to welcome Minister Eoghan Murphy to Fingal today to outline the progress the local authority is making in terms of housing delivery across the various pillars of the Rebuilding Ireland programme.' Representatives of Malahide Community School, along with representatives of the Jadotville Heroes with Deputy Darragh OBrien TD at a ceremony to honour the schools role in securing recognition for the Jadotville mens courage. A school in Malahide played a pivotal role in the successful campaign to reward the brave men of the Siege of Jadotville and that role has been recognised in a very special ceremony at the school, held recently. The campaign to recognise the heroism of Company AJadotville, which was achieved with the awarding of the Jadotville Medal last December in Athlone, has been acknowledged by a special event in Malahide Community School. However therei s still the issue of seven of the Company being recognised for special awards for bravery and indeed the recognition of the brilliance of Commandant Pat Quinlan , who brought the whole Company home alive and the school will fight on to have those wrongs righted. The Head of the Indian Army has stated that if Commandant Quinlan was a member of the Indian Army, he would have received the Highest Order of Merit. Indeed his defensive military tactics have been studied in military academies in Italy, Germany , Australia and England among others. A number of invited guests addressed the Malahide students recently on the infamous siege which was immortalised in the film 'The Siege of Jadotville'. Commandant Leo Quinlan, historian and son of Commandant Pat Quinlan , explained the Siege of Jadotville and the tactics employed. Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, Head of All Iris Armed Forces, was represented by Captain Dolan, who spoke about the 60th Anniversary of Irish Peacekeeping in the UN. A number of politicians spoke on the campaign, including Senator Gerard Craughwell, Catherine Connolly Galway TD, and Darragh O Brien TD and a former pupil of Malahide Community School: all of whom worked on the campaign with the school. According to Malahide Community School teacher, and co-ordinator of the campaign at the school, Kevin Manning: 'Former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, was a source of encouragement and support throughout this campaign and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar continued in this support. Micheal Martin TD had supported the campaign from the outset. ' The school acknowledged the work done by Declan Power, author of the book 'The Siege of Jadotville'. Declan sent the school a personal message, congratulating them on their efforts. The heroes of Jadotville are now recognised as the brave men they were and the school can be proud of its role in achieving that recognition for men who waited for more than 50 years to be honoured. Speaking in the Dail recently, Brendan Ryan TD (LAB) gave his support for the Road Traffic (Quads and Scramblers) (Amendment) Bill 2017, which would restrict the use of scrambler motorcycles and quads in public places. This was a problem, he said, which had become 'more and more prevalent' in the past five years, and was an issue facing areas of Fingal, including Balbriggan beach, Donabate and Portmarnock, 'to name but a few.' In the past three years alone, he said, over 180 people had been injured in accidents involving 'off-road' vehicles, including 39-year-old Amenian Ilabek Avetian, who was left in a vegetative state when a scrambler motorcycle landed on him in a Dublin park last June. 'While the Road Traffic Act 1961 restricts the usage of these off-road vehicles to public places', he said, 'it has always been interpreted to mean only public roads.' 'However', he added, 'as the public knows, a percentage of owners unlawfully use their off-road vehicle in public spaces such as parks, green spaces, housing estates and other public and private properties.' 'When they do', he said, 'they endanger pedestrians with the erratic and rash driving of their vehicle. 'There have been reports on such vehicles unlawfully being used in anti-social behaviour in Ward River Valley Park in Swords, in my constituency, and areas in Fingal such as Balbriggan beach, Donabate and Portmarnock, to name just a few.' He added: 'In Ward River Valley Park in Swords, scrambler users have been known to follow a so-called 'circuit', which involves them exiting the park on the path to make a loop in an adjoining estate and then turning sharply back into the park. 'It is the most dangerous grand prix I can imagine and only a matter of time before tragedy strikes at this location.' The Deputy said that people did not feel safe in shared public spaces, and that the Bill effectively includes all of these areas within the jurisdiction of the Garda to deal with the problem. Deputy Ryan explained: 'If individuals cannot drive responsibly, it not only puts others in danger but also themselves.' He added that 'by restricting where these vehicles can lawfully be driven, we can hold drivers accountable to ensure they engage in safe driving practices, not just for the safety of the public but also for their own safety'. It was important that the issue be dealt with nationally through the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Justice and Equality, the Deputy added, saying it was 'essential' that the Government address the issue. The Labour TD said: 'With Christmas approaching, we know about the sad inevitability of parents buying these off-road vehicles for their children who are often much too young.' He concluded: ' Christmas Day is a day for families, opening presents and eating a meal together, not sitting in a hospital worrying about the state of one's child, mother, father or friend who was involved in a quad bike or scrambler motorcycle accident.' An appeal for unwanted clothes to be donated to the homeless received a great response from the people of Camolin and the surrounding areas. The Homeless Appeal took place in Camolin Parish Hall on Saturday, October 20, and was organised by sisters Anna Doyle and Bernadette Behan. The initiative was organised in support of Wexford People Helping People and Inner City Helping Homeless. The high regard in which both organisations are held was underlined by the show of support afforded the appeal by members of the public. Speaking to this newspaper about the appeal Ms Behan said the appeal took place last year for the first time and the decision was made to hold it a second time because of its success last year. 'We did it last December and we got a great reception so we decided to do it again,' she said. Ms Behan went on to comment that the number of homeless people in Wexford is growing: 'The number of people who are homeless now has doubled.' 'We wanted to find some local organisation that we could help and that's why we chose Wexford People Helping People,' she said, with regard to who they wanted to benefit from the collection appeal. 'Last year we saw people dying on the streets in Dublin and you look at it from your own perspective and think you are lucky to have food and shelter so we said we could talk about it or do something,' she said. 'It was so successful we said we could do it again next year,' she added. Their involvement with the Dublin based organisation came about through her niece who is a teacher in Enniscorthy. 'She was in contact with the Dublin organisation and we really liked what they do,' she said. 'None of the organisations look for money they just want donations and anything they get is really appreciated,' she added. To raise awareness about the appeal Ms Behan and Ms Doyle dropped leaflets into local schools and they were overwhelmed by the response they received within the community. Throughout the day local people converged on the hall not just to drop of clothes but to also help sort them out and bag them for transporting. They arrived from all around the village to give a hand much to the appreciation of the organisers. 'Community spirit can be so good,' said Ms Behan. There was joy for the Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson and her Wexford-born fiancee Jen Wilson on Friday when they welcomed their first child to the world. On Friday morning, the 39-year-old political leader gave birth to Finn Paul Davidson, who weighed 10lb, 1.5oz. Ms Wilson said the newborn 'clearly has his mother's lungs on him!' Messages of congratulations for the couple came in from political leaders including British Prime Minister Theresa May, Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, DUP leader Arlene Foster, and An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The couple, who got engaged in 2016, have been together since 2014. Ms Wilson (37) grew up in Wexford town and works as in marketing in a green Scottish energy charity. She left Ireland in 2003 as she felt she could not truly be herself, despite the support of family and friends. In previous interviews, Ms Wilson said that being gay was not something that was openly discussed or seen as acceptable in Ireland at the time, adding that she needed to go somewhere where she would not be constantly looking over her shoulder out of fear that someone from her home town would see her with a partner or in a gay bar. The couple got engaged in Paris where Ms Davidson proposed to the Wexford woman. They announced in April of this year that they were starting a family. The couple made a public call for a 'Yes' vote in the 2015 marriage equality referendum in Ireland, saying at the time that they would like to get married in Ireland. County Wexford stuck to the national trend when it came to voting in Friday's blasphemy referendum with Wexford returning a Yes vote of 64.23%. Bishop of Ferns, Denis Brennan, supports the view held by the Bishops of Ireland that the reference to blasphemy in the Irish Constitution was largely obsolete. When contacted by this newspaper prior to the referendum taking place the Bishop's secretary, Fr John Carroll, issued a statement which was released by the Bishops of Ireland and he said was a position the Bishop supported. Bishops had discussed the decision by the Government to hold the referendum on removing the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution and in doing so they reflected on the November 2013 submission of the Irish Council of Churches and the Irish Inter-Church Meeting to the Convention on the Constitution which considered this issue at that time. The statement read: 'Bishops reaffirmed their position that the current reference to blasphemy in the Constitution, under article 40.6.1.i, is largely obsolete, and may give rise to concern because of the way such measures have been used to justify violence and oppression against minorities in other parts of the world. Bishops reiterated that the promotion of freedom of religion, and the freedom of conscience, for all in society greatly enriches the social fabric of a country, and is one aspect of respect for the dignity of human persons. The human right of faith communities to contribute to public life, including public debate on issues that are of importance to everyone, without being subjected to attack or ridicule, needs to be acknowledged and respected. Bishops stressed that it is vital to ensure that the rights of individuals and communities to practice and live out their faith openly are protected by our law. In this context bishops, once again, expressed their solidarity with Christians and all those throughout the world who are currently experiencing persecution and human rights abuses because of their faith or beliefs.' It's been a tumultuous week on the construction of the Enniscorthy bypass as a dispute between the IFA and the contractors in charge of the project, BAM Dragados, waged on. At its peak, the protest saw blockades erected across the new road at three separate locations, with the goal of seeing work grind to a halt on the motorway altogether. However, on Thursday afternoon, the farmers announced that discussions were ongoing and there seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel, leading them to unblock the roads. This latest bout of action follows on from a blockade at the BAM site offices in Scarawalsh in July and the farmers say that, despite receiving assurances at that stage, there has been no further action from the contractor in relation to a list of some 35 to 40 issues that have arisen for members operating along the length of the bypass, mostly concerning drainage, land access and fencing. This time around the farmers began protesting at the lands of Henry Deacon, just outside Camolin, and things escalated on Tuesday of last week as a second blockade was erected. A degree of secrecy surrounded the location of the second blockade and the press was only informed that it was at Oulart Ard, Monageer, after it had been mounted. Tensions were running high at the scene as the farmers present vowed that this time, they were digging their heels in until there was a definitive resolution. On either side of the road trucks and 4x4s were forced to turn around as tractors and trailers blocked what is a main artery for ongoing work on the new road. IFA South Leinster Regional Chairman Tom Shortt was one of those manning the barricade and as sandwiches and supplies arrived, the farmers stated that they were willing to stay for as long as it took. 'Farmers are very entrenched on the issue,' Mr Shortt said at the scene. 'This has been going on for too long and we will continue our action until changes are made. The biggest change needed is a change of senior management.' Mr Shortt pointed out that work on the new road from the New Ross side, being carried out by BAM Cork, was progressing very well and any issues with farmers and landowners were being ironed out as they went along. However, he said that was not the case with the Enniscorthy section of the road, being done by BAM Naas who he accused of 'refusing to engage'. Eventually representatives from BAM arrived at the barricade and heated discussions ensued. They were unwilling to make any statement on the action and asked everyone not directly associated with the protest to leave. With no resolution in sight, the farmers stepped up their action and erected a third blockade across the new road on Wednesday, this time just off Scarawalsh. At this stage, senior representatives from BAM expressed a willingness to engage and looked to arrange talks with IFA officials. While they asked the farmers to remove their blockades ahead of the meeting, they were reluctant to do this, but removed the one at Scarawalsh as a gesture of good will. Tense talks followed between both parties and on Thursday morning, a deal was signed and the IFA agreed to remove their blockades. At it's most basic level, it is reported that the deal will provide for greater engagement between farmers and the contractors going forward and work will be carried out to alleviate some of the issues which have dragged on over the last number of months. 'Communication will be greatly improved from this point on,' said IFA County Chairman James Kehoe. 'We will meet regularly with the contractor for progress reports and updates. The ball is firmly in their court now. They have to carry out this work. I'd be cautiously positive that things can now progress.' Those who attended the launch of a dedicated collection of books and DVDs exploring issues of relevance to the LGBT community in Gorey Library Mandi Tighe, Gorey Youth Needs; cathaoirleach of Gorey Municipal District, Cllr John Hegerty; Karen McCann, Gorey Youth Needs; Dearbhla Ni Laighin, executive librarian; Sheila Barrey, CYPSC; and Cllr Malcolm Byrne at the launch in Gorey Library Gorey Library has opened a new section specifically tailored to exploring issues of relevance to people within the LGBT community. The Cathaoirleach of Gorey Municipal District Council, Cllr John Hegarty, performed the launch and his colleague on the local authority Cllr Malcolm Byrne also spoke at the event. A key message underlining the importance of inclusion and how the library was making a very progressive step forward was conveyed by all of the speakers who included Executive Librarian, Dearbhla Ni Laighin, and Karen McCann from Gorey Youth Needs. The idea to develop the new section was formulated by the LGBT Steering Committee which is composed of various local agency representatives including: Gorey Youth Needs CLG; Gorey Family Resource Centre; Tusla; HSE; FDYS and Teni (Transgender Equality Network Ireland). Around 40 people attended the launch and they were impressed by the extensive range of LGBT items now available in the library. Commenting on the launch to this newspaper Ms McCann said the new section has a very wide range of material and she thanked everyone involved with the library for fully embracing the idea when it was first put to them by the steering committee. 'The key message from all of this is one of inclusiveness and that was highlighted on the day as well,' she said. Ms McCann praised the steering committee members and acknowledged them for their hard work and dedication. 'They are a great bunch of people who really work hard for the benefit of the LBGT community,' she said. The new library section offers practical support books and DVDs in addition to material touching on mental health and general well-being as well as fictional work specific to the LGBT community. 'The library could not have been any more supportive of it and everyone is very grateful for that,' said Ms McCann. Those interested in finding out more about the LGBT section can do so by contacting 053-9421481 or goreyib@wexfordcoco.ie The 24-hour poolbike spinathon in support of Cycle Against Suicide at the Ashdown Park Hotel The organisers of a charity spinathon event in the Ashdown Park Hotel have thanked the people who contributed to making it a great success. The 24-hour pool-bike spinathon was organised by Orla Kenny along with Joe and Catriona Dixon to raise money for the mental health support organisation Cycle Against Suicide. Speaking to this newspaper about the event Ms Kenny said that while all of the money raised has yet to be totted up it looks like the final sum will exceed the 5,000 mark. 'It was a great success and it was the second year running it,' she said. 'Last year we held it in the Amber Springs Hotel and this year it was in the Ashdown Park,' she added. The initiative saw the participants taking to pool bikes which are stationary bicycles that are submerged in a swimming pool so the cyclists are pedalling against the water pressure. 'We had 250 people taking park and we got a lot of local support which was great,' said Ms Kenny. Local businesses and organisations had teams participating as did An Post and members of the local Fire Service also got involved on the day. 'It was a great fun atmosphere throughout which made it all the more enjoyable,' said Ms Kenny who, along with Joe and Catriona Dixon, remained on-site for the entire 24 hours. 'The money raised will go towards a new initiative being implemented by Cycle Against Suicide called Head Strong which is aimed at showing school children how to be resilient during challenging times,' she said. In addition to raising money the spinathon was also about spreading a positive message about mental health and to encourage people to talk to someone if they are feeling down. 'Mental health issues have affected a lot of families in Ireland and there is still a stigma attached to talking about it but it should just be treated the same as any other illness,' said Ms Kenny. 'As Cycle Against Suicide itself says "it's ok to not feel ok",' she added. She thanked everyone who gave their support to the spinathon and said it will be an annual event. CEO Maura Kelly and day services co-ordinator Siobhan Kavanagh, who want the HSE to act as a matter of urgency St Aidan's Services in Gorey is in serious financial crisis and is calling on the HSE to honour an agreement made in 2016 to provide funding to the organisation to address a core financial deficit. At an Annual General Meeting of the organisation on Thursday a large number of families, service users and staff were informed that the centre is in danger of imminent closure unless the situation is addressed. Invitations were sent out to the members of Wexford County Council to attend the meeting and the Chief Executive Officer of the centre, Maura Kelly, expressed gratitude to the three councillors who did turn up: Cllrs Johnny Mythen, Malcolm Byrne and Fionntan O Suilleabhain. Speaking to this newspaper about the situation Ms Kelly said the issue has reached crisis point and the HSE needs to address it as 'a matter of urgency'. 'If not, we are in real threat of closure if this isn't addressed,' she said. Ms Kelly acknowledged the support of the three councillors who turned up at the meeting and said: 'St Aidan's would like to thank them most sincerely for their attendance, support and their commitment given on the night to support the service during this crisis.' At the meeting, the centre's chairperson, Pat McCarthy, said it was with regret that he was informing the families of service users about the financial crisis. 'If it's not urgently resolved by the HSE it will result in services being closed,' he said. The centre's auditor also expressed his concerns for the future of the organisation if the matter isn't addressed immediately. St Aidan's currently provides day, residential, respite, pre-school, elderly services and training services to over 250 individuals. It also provides meals-on-wheels to the local community four-days-a-week and 130 staff are employed throughout the services. 'This crisis that the organisation finds itself in is due to the fact that the HSE have not honoured an agreement which was made in 2016,' said Ms Kelly. 'A core deficit was identified and agreed with the HSE in 2016 for ongoing services the organisation was providing without funding totalling to 277,151.00 per annum,' she added. The HSE has provided 167,771.00 on an ongoing basis towards that identified deficit. However, Ms Kelly said the Board of Directors and senior management have been continuously pursuing the outstanding amount of 109,380.00 for the last three years which now amounts to 328,140.00 owing to the organisation. To compound the matter further non-compliance following recent HIQA inspections led to additional staffing resources being required to be allocated to two centres and that amounted to 172,278 per annum. 'The HSE has been furnished with these costs and is aware that these measures had to be taken in order to become compliant,' said Ms Kelly. 'This is now a substantial cost to the organisation additional to the identified core deficit,' she added. At the AGM the news of the crisis led to emotional scenes with families, service users and staff members getting visibly upset. One parent at the meeting said it was 'dreadful and upsetting' to see the most vulnerable people in society 'who can't speak up for themselves' being treated in such a 'dreadful way'. The Board of Directors and senior management are calling on local representatives to advocate on behalf of St Aidan's Services and use their political power as leverage to have the crisis addressed as a matter of urgency with the Department of Health and the HSE. Ms Kelly also said that 'St Aidan's Board of Directors and senior management are fully committed to continue in their on-going efforts and endeavours to resolve this crisis.' Cllrs Johnny Mythen and Fionntan O Suilleabhain issued a joint statement on the matter in which they said: 'This has gravely serious implications for disability services in the South East as well as for the many employees. Our Sinn Fein colleagues will be raising this in Leinster House and we are calling on Junior Finance Minister, Michael D'Arcy to intervene immediately to ensure that Minister Harris makes the HSE honour commitments already given to St Aidan's and to secure its future.' When contacted about the matter the HSE issued the following statement: 'The HSE/South East Community Healthcare works closely with St Aidan's Services and values the outstanding care provided by the organisation (which the HSE supports with funding through Section 39 of the Health Act) in serving the community in North County Wexford. The HSE is aware of challenges faced by St. Aidan's and is liaising with its Board of Management in that respect.' St Joseph's Primary School in Gorey is one of the schools at the centre of a nationwide probe into work carried out by construction firm Western Building Systems (WBS). The local school is the only one in Co Wexford included on the list which was published by the Department of Education on Thursday. To-date three schools inspected as part of the probe have been closed, however, in some cases Western Building Systems was responsible for developing a phase of a school rather than the entire building and in such cases the Department said it's likely full closures will not take place. That is the case with St Joseph's National School where WBS was involved in constructing an extension to the main school building. A dedicated communications team has been set up by the Department of Education to liaise with Principals around the country whose schools are affected by the assessment. Some schools across the country will have to look for temporary accommodation while assessments of their main buildings are carried out. The assessments are due to take place throughout the mid-term break in order to minimise disruption to the schools involved and a statement from the Department of Education said the plan is to complete the work as quickly as possible. Minister for Education Joe McHugh TD said schools will only be closed where it's deemed necessary to do so and added: 'Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to students, staff and families.' Representatives of WBS visited the three schools that were closed in Dublin, on Thursday, to view the structural issues identified. Those issues relate to buildings developed using a particular construction method involving steel frame and timber infill. Three teams of contractors will be undertaking the assessments over the coming days. Examination of a school does not necessarily mean issues will arise or that it will be forced to close - as was the case in Gaelscoil Teach Giuise in Firhouse where no issues came to light following the inspection. The Department of Education said that even if issues are identified it might be possible to manage the situation and address the problems without having to close the school building. However, where facilities are forced to close the Department will work to put contingency accommodation arrangements in place and an interim accommodation team has been set up to look at solutions. Consultations have already taken place with local authorities and Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Minister McHugh appealed to local communities to get in touch with their local principals with any suggestions of interim solutions which can also be passed on to the Department. St Joseph's Primary School was unavailable to comment when contacted by the Gorey Guardian. In June 2017 Danny Tim O'Sullivan's life was changed dramatically when he suffered a brain aneurysm which left him with memory loss, and difficulty speaking and walking. The well-known Kerry man had been out cycling when the incident occurred. It was a long and tough road to recovery for Danny Tim, and the Glenbeigh native has now donated substantial funds to the UK National Brain Appeal organisation to help others who suffered like he did. The O'Sullivan family have donated 76,000 to the organisation's new aphasia service to help rehabilitate people with speech difficulties following stroke and brain injuries. Danny Tim's son, Timothy; and Timothy's fiancee Kacey O'Driscoll cycled 969 miles from Lands End to John o'Groats to raise the money for the charity. Following his brain aneurysm in June 2017, Danny Tim spend five months in the hospital the charity raises vital funds for, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square, London. It is the UK's leading centre of excellence for treating diseases of the brain. Danny's full recovery is testament to the fast and expert care that he received. "I cannot thank Miss Mary Murphy, all the staff at The National Hospital and my GP, Dr Alix Daniel, enough. They not only saved my life, but they have helped me back to how I was before I had the stroke," he said. "I had fantastic care at The National Hospital, and I am delighted that we, as a family, are able to support it." Danny's son, Timothy O'Sullivan, managing director of the Danny Sullivan Group, said the family are grateful for all the help they received. The Healthy Steps active lifestyle programme, aimed at helping local Irish Red Cross Branches across the country, made its debut in Tralee for 2018 on Sunday afternoon and will continue for the next month and a half. Also hoping to address health issues and promote social inclusion nationwide, while also tackling issues, each walking group is supported by Irish Red Cross volunteers and partners and is held over a distance of at least five kilometres. Sunday's walk left the Ashe Memorial on Denny Street, Tralee, at 11.30am, and the initiative will continue for five Sundays from here on out, Health and Social Care Officer Cormac Sertutxa explained. "We left from the Ashe Memorial on Sunday, and we'll be doing the same for the next five weekends at the same time," Cormac said. "It's free to take part, and I hope to see people joining us over the next few weeks." Those interested in participating should note that under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For further information, contact Cormac at (087) 393 1359 or e-mail communitysupport.tralee@irishredcross.com. Daniel Nelligan, owner of Mrs. Nelligan's Bakery & Coffee Shop, has just announced that he is to put the business up for sale. There has been a Nelligan's bakery in Castleisland since 1945 and most Kerry people will instantly recognize the name as symbolizing fresh bread, cakes and other specialties including the renowned Nelligan's Rich Christmas Brack. Daniel and his wife Louise have operated the business at 74 Main Street since January 2010. Having moved from Castleisland to Laois five years ago the decision is not unexpected with the husband and wife team having other growing business interests in the midlands which have curtailed their daily involvement in the Castleisland business in recent years. Despite this, the bakery continues to prosper and the cafe and deli enjoy a steady trade under the management of Duagh woman Helen O'Keeffe and an experienced team. The business will continue to operate as is until sold and Daniel is confident that it will attract huge interest given its history, location in the centre of town and the fact that it is a turn-key opportunity. "The business is likely to appeal to a wide range of people. It would be ideal for either an investor who wants a proven return with little day to day input or for someone looking to commence business with little risk and an experienced team that can commence or continue trading immediately," he said. With Christmas fast approaching, it would be a great time for any interested party to get in touch. "I will talk to any genuinely interested party and can be contacted on nelligansbakery@gmail.com or on 087-2225795," said Daniel. Alisons collection of classics A young Castleisland woman who has been making a name for herself in local singing circles in recent years is putting the finishing touches to her debut CD. Alison McGaley will launch her CD 'Alison Sings the Classics' at the River Island Hotel on This Friday night, November 2nd As a child she joined Bryan Carr's School of Performing Arts in Tralee and it was there that she caught the bug for all things musical. "Bryan's passion for teaching and music is infectious. He shows a genuine interest in each and every one of his students," said Alison. She also attended Mr. Carr's private voice training sessions, gaining an understanding of how the voice works best. "If you have correct training you will be able to sing anything," she says. "In 2014 at 18 years of age I received my Diploma in Musical Theatre accredited by The Irish Board of Speech and Drama. "I then went on to study music for three years in The Conservatory of Music in D.I.T. where I studied classical voice under Mairead Buicke. "I like singing all types of music really, once it has a nice melody and it tells a story. Music I love to listen to includes: Peggy Lee, Cher, The Beatles, The Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and too many others to list. "I sing for weddings, civil ceremonies, funerals and any other events people would like me to sing for," said Alison. Alison has had lots of encouragement from many people and from a very young age. She includes everyone at Bryan Carr's school, and her teachers and friends from her days at Castleisland Community College. She has a special mention for Canon Denis O'Mahony and Fr. Dan O'Riordan and last, but by no means least, her Nanna and all her family. "This album has a mixture of music to suit all tastes and we are very excited about its launch in November," she said. All proceeds from the CD and launch night are for the Kerry/Cork Health Link Bus. Tickets are 10 each. "I have been so overwhelmed by everyone from the whole communitygetting good wishes and support for this worthy cause," Alison added. Knocknagoshel Craft Fair Knocknagoshel Women's Group will host its annual Craft Fair on this coming Sunday 4th November at 12 noon in the local community centre. "This Craft Fair has proven to be a great success over the last number of years and last year saw our biggest fair to date," said organising committee member, Mary McAuliffe. The proceeds of the craft fair are used to help fund the Over 55s Social Club. "A monster Christmas draw will also take place on the day with a first prize of a hamper to the value of 200 with many other prizes on offer. There is a limited number of tables still available," said Mary. For more information on any of the above, please contact Mary on 087 97 40 296. No getting away from music in Castleisland There was no getting away from music in Castleisland last weekend. We evoked memories of those passed and celebrated the moment with glasses filled to the brim at the launch of the 26th annual Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival. On my way down town on Friday night a full moon, with a small sup out of it, declared itself from behind an ominous looking cloud. But, God is good and the night held its cool, breezy composure and ran itself well into Saturday that way. We had a lovely launch and Minister for Sport and Tourism Brendan Griffin was introduced by festival chairman Cormac O'Mahony. And Danny Healy Rae, TD dropped in to express his support for the event. Minister Griffin reassured us that we are on the right path as far as the policy of his department and his portfolio are concerned. Preserving what's under your feet and presenting it to visitors as a sustainable and viable tourism attraction is a most suitable vehicle for funding from his point of view. Minister Griffin, who was accompanied by his party colleague, Cllr. Bobby O'Connell, also pointed out that it is a sign of the strength of community that mass on the Sunday morning is celebrated for passed festival committee members and supporters. In conclusion, he encouraged the committee to mind its own area, keep doing what it's doing and he promised that he'd look at how the festival could benefit from grants under various headings. And, like you'd write away for it, right under our gazes, visitors from up-state New York, from throughout the UK and Japan mixed with musicians from all over Ireland as the event gathered momentum. Incidentally, the New Yorkers, Beverly Kosak and Dan Simmons were here on the recommendation of Killarney Road native, Joe Keane. The diaspora working well in a good cause. Cormac then introduced Eoin Stan O'Sullivan the just appointed Cork/Kerry/Limerick County Council Musician in Residence.Eoin had already lashed into a session while he was waiting and was aided and abetted in this by PJ Teahan, Kathy Cook, Forbes Robertson, Paddy Jones and Mick Culloty. Eoin outlined what his role entails and spoke of the vibrancy of the area in his watch over the next twelve months. We lifted glasses in varying degrees of volume and, invoking our first chairman, Mike Kenny's 'All Sails Aloft' - his favourite saying when things were purring - we left the 2018 festival off down the slipway. And it sailed merrily on over the weekend and all of us on board and the meeting and sitting down and sipping with old friends from all over the world is the making of it. On Sunday night at the concert at the River Island Hotel, Timmy O'Connor from Newmarket was joined by his neighbours, Raymond O'Sullivan and his son, Eoin Stan and their mutual friend Jackie Daly for a few lively tunes. As Jackie put it, a bit of music to bring people to their senses. Timmy was presented with the festival award for his dedication to the music of Sliabh Luachra. Master of ceremonies, Tim Dennehy then called Peter Browne back to the stage with festival chairman, Cormac O'Mahony for a presentation to mark his retirement from RTE and also for his enormous contribution to the festival he founded in 1993. A delegation of a dozen or more Japanese musicians joined us this year with visitors from all across the UK, America and Holland. An interesting event came to light in the course of the weekend when Katie and John Howson from Suffolk in the UK revealed that they are planning a celebration of the life and music of Julia Clifford over there in April. The 'I Looked East and I Looked West' event will be held in Stowmarket from April 26th to 28th and there seemed to be quite a bit of interest from locals in travelling to attend it. A woman came into Kearney's on Sunday and said that briquettes were only 4 a bale below at Aldi and she was going down to fill the boot of her car with them - 'don't they be all gone on me' she added. And then we started talking about John Sheahan and The Dubliners and The Marino Waltz. There was no getting away from music in Castleisland last weekend. Wealth of local history behind annual Castleisland horse fair There will be a different beat on the street here on Thursday when the centuries old ritual of the November 1st horse fair takes centre stage. The last of its kind in a town which made its name and reputation from such gatherings, there really is an unavoidable feeling of earthiness from the day. It bursts with atmosphere and it packs the local public houses and restaurants for the day. A fine day is a real boon to the longevity of the fair as it can survive to close to 5pm if the weather is any way favourable. A few years ago the day was the worst you could imagine with prolonged, heavy downpours every couple of hours against a backdrop of a cold, sticky old drizzle and it was over by lunchtime. There have been efforts, over the years, to date the event and most have proved impossible. The one certainty is that it dates from the establishment of the castle here in 1226 because, as a trading post it had everything going for it. It had water and wood and stone and, as horses were a vital part of any such stronghold, it it fairly certain that trading would have been part of the scene of the day. Here's hoping for a fine and bountiful day for the town as it's the last big event until Christmas. If you have no business in town that day, do use the bypass as you'll be stuck in traffic for hours otherwise. It is the book that is definitely set to be one of the Christmas best-sellers and given some of the humorous and thought-provoking tales contained in it readers will be delighted with the stories shared by the colourful and popular Kilgarvan politician in his book. 'Time to Talk: Stories from the Heart of Ireland' is Micheal Healy Rae's literary debut which was officially launched by Kerry GAA Star Kieran Donaghy, at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney on Tuesday night last has now hit bookshelves across the county. But the book is not a memoir, rather 'stories of his life along the way'. "It is stories about people I know and things that happened to me along the way," explains Deputy Healy Rae this week ahead of the launch on Tuesday. The book he says is a "political free zone". He said that the idea of the book was first mooted by the publisher but he refused as he did not have the time to sit and recount this memories. However, a solution was found with a ghost writer, Tara King, employed to collect Deputy Healy Rae's stories with one proviso - that he would only talk to her after midnight as he is so busy until then each day. "I wouldn't have the time during the ordinary working day so I would ring her between 12pm and 7am and I would tell her the stories," he said. "There are funny stories and serious stories," explains Deputy Healy Rae. Among his favourite stories is one where a constituent asked to him to bring his leg to his home place to be buried. Michael duly took on the task which also included finding a priest and some-one to dig the grave for the leg. "It was the black dark of night and here I was trying to bury a leg," recalls Deputy Healy Rae. Another favourite part of the book relates to the stories from the pub in Kilgarvan which the family ran and where council workers and forestry workers gathered for a pint in the evening and told tales from their work days. There are also stories from his younger days and one of his first money making ideas which led to him selling poitin to fund his time in Pallaskenry Agricultural College. As he now has an off-licence, this first role was not wholly misspent. An assessment in London has revealed that injured Waterville cyclist Mike Curran is "in better shape" than anticipated after a horror accident between Paris and Reims earlier this month. A relative of Mr Curran's, Kieran Clifford, said Mr Curran is in London after sustaining horrific injuries when he collided with a car travelling at speed earlier this month in France. Mr Curran, who was in the closing stages of a round-the-world cycle with his girlfriend, Sara O'Shea, sustained five brain haemorrhages and a wide range of other injuries in the incident. These included bleeding in his lungs, two fractured ribs, and a broken nose, cheekbones, and fingers. He awoke from an induced coma in the days following the accident. He met a brain trauma specialist in Wellington Hospital this week, and while the report was relatively positive, Mike's road to recovery is set to be a challenging one. Kieran Clifford said last week that Mr Curran requires immediate and hugely expensive treatment in the UK, priced at some 10,500 a week. A GoFundMe page set up to help with his medical needs has reached over 110,000 inside two weeks, and can be accessed at www.gofundme.com/tddwfd-bring-mike-home. The family is hugely grateful for the support it has received to date, Kieran said. "We simply could not have gotten Mike to where he is now were it not for all of you," Kieran said. "As ever, you have the heartfelt gratitude from all of Mike and Sara's families." The lack of funding for group water schemes was raised in the Dail by Independent Deputy Danny Healy-Rae. "People are waiting for group water scheme connections, as well as group sewerage schemes, but no funding has been made available in this regard," he said. "This is a direct let-down for people in rural Ireland. The people of rural Ireland deserve a safe and adequate water supply, the same as people in urban areas." He asked if the Taoiseach would make funding available to local authorities to ensure they can upgrade their group water schemes and allow them to take them in charge because they have not been allowed to do that either. Replying on behalf of the Taoiseach, Minister of State Damien English said increased funding has been set aside under Project Ireland 2040 for improvements in the water infrastructure, including group water schemes. "That sector is happy with the capital plans," he said. "Naturally, we want to get these implemented as quickly as possible." Call for arbitration in pension scheme for retired semi-state workers The need for arbitration in relation to a demand for an increase in pensions for the ESB Retired Staff Association, which encompasses the Civil Service, RTE, ESB, Bord na Mona, Bord Gais, CIE, Eircom, pensions associations and observers from the aviation sector and airport workers was raised with the Taoiseach by Deputy Michael Healy-Rae. "They are seeking an increase in their pensions and see arbitration by Government as the only solution to assist them in their quest," he said. "Will the Taoiseach and Government look at this group to see if there is any possibility of increasing their pensions because people on the State pension have rightly received an increase since 2018 and this group is seeking the same?" In response Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the State has no role in increasing occupational pensions paid by companies. Call for change in farm inspections Independent Deputy Danny Healy-Rae called for a change in the inspection regime under the new Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, where the farmer would be given the chance to rectify any problem identified in each year. Speaking in the Dail he said farm incomes are at their lowest level in eight years. Indeed, they have reduced by 30%, and it is expected they will drop by 30% this year. At the same time, there has been a 60% increase in the number of farmers who have failed inspections. "We are asking that Ireland, if it participates in the new CAP, would be given discretion in this regard to allow farmers to rectify any problems identified rather than penalising them," he said. In response, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the new CAP will not come into effect until 2021, but he was sure that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine could take the views of the Deputy on board in the negotiations between now and then. Details sought on current status of smear checks to be rechecked The current status of approximately 3,000 cervical cancer smear tests that were to be rechecked was sought in the Dail by Deputy Michael Healy-Rae. Over the past couple of weeks, he said news filtered through which suggested that a new contract was entered into with a US laboratory at the centre of the smear scandal, and clarification must be sought publicly as this is of huge importance for the health of the daughters of Ireland. "Is it the case that a new contract was recently signed with the US laboratory, Quest Diagnostics?" he asked. "Is there any truth that the laboratory wanted an indemnity clause in the contract for fear of future cases, and will the Taoiseach give a clear, detailed statement?" In response, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was happy to say that heads of an agreement have been signed with the contracted laboratories to extend their contracts pending introduction of the new HPV-testing programme, which allows for the continuation of the existing service without interruption. "This follows on from detailed negotiations undertaken by the HSE," he said. "Agreement on the extension of these contracts was reached on 13 October but this is subject to formal conclusion of the contract, which has not yet taken place. In these negotiations, discussions focused on extending the capacity of the laboratories to deal with the backlog of smears, which arose as a result of significantly increased demand for repeat smear tests that was seen in recent months for understandable reasons. We must catch up on that backlog, notwithstanding the shortage of cytologists." Our Lady of Lourdes, which celebrates its centenary in the coming months, hosted a very successful open night in the school. From early evening potential First Years for September 2019 visited the school together with their parents, friends and family members. A warm welcome was extended to all by Principal Toni Ormond and teaching staff. Students and parents had a chance to register and receive an information pack. Guided tours were provided by senior students to view the wide range of activities on display from music in the corridors and tasting delicious cookies and buns in the Home Economics Room, to experiments in the Science Lab, all were entertained. Groups made their way through the school to the talks given by Ms Ormond and Deputy Principal Catherine O'Donoghue with contributions from the head girl and deputy head girl and a First Year student on the experience of school life. The visitors were enthralled by the rich display of arts and crafts and enjoyed refreshments in the busy Ref provided by the Parents Council and students. The talk provided details on the school, the introduction of new Junior Cycle and Spanish as a new modern foreign language subject. Philip Wallace and Eileen Roche from the Duncannon Village Renewal Group at the Duncannon Fort plan meeting Several interesting suggestions were made at a public consultation day about the future use for Duncannon Fort. The attraction brought 15,000 visitors to Duncannon each year up until it closed suddenly in May 2014. More than 60 people attended the public consultation meeting where archaeologists Emmett and Catherine McLoughlin outlined what works have already taken place at the fort and how the public responded to a written public submissions process funded by FLAG. Chairperson of Hook Tourism Philip Wallace said the feasibility study led to a lot of public engagement. Business consultants, a quantity surveyors and an architect are also involved in drawing up plans which will be presented to Wexford County Council for consideration. Philip said: 'We are looking into the possibility of opening accommodations in the fort. This is something that has happened across the UK where forts are being sold off and used as accommodations. It could be our niche and the areas needs more accommodation.' He said with the abundance of history and heritage along the Hook peninsula, tourists could easily spend three to four days staying at a unique accommodation within the grounds of the fort, with views of the estuary. 'Tintern Abbey, Loftus Hall and the lighthouse all have excellent tours. It's all about experiences.' Another idea proposed was for the fort to be sued as a scouting base, as Duncannon as one of the largest scour groups in the county. 'We could attract other scout groups and maybe they could camp within the fort grounds. It's not going back to the way it was and it wasn't economically viable. There could be scope for a cafe, a gallery and a military museum but it needs to be a money maker.' The Irish Landmark Trust have developed a fort in County Cork for accommodation and Hook Tourism are hopeful they will consider developing Duncannon Fort also. The Irish Heritage Trust may also want to get involved with the project, while private investor funding is another possibility. 'People are saying it will cost millions but until the feasibility report is completed we won't know.' A grant of 150 saw new signage erected at the fort in recent times, while the officer's mess area was secured and the roof fixed, the windows were repaired and lunette on the lower moat so there is now access for the first time in three decades to the entire fort down to the lower area and back up through the tunnel. Driven by Duncannon Village Renewal and Hook Tourism, there are concerns that the fort is not a priority project for the council, the OPW and National Monuments. Since it closed the village has seen its shop close and its post office is about to close, so local businesses and residents are hopeful funding will be provided to reopen the popular star shaped tourist attraction. The warmth and generosity of spirit of Ballyhack NS pupils and a local historian has been recognised in an article published in a Nova Scotia newspaper. The Courier-Gazette, based in Rockland, Camden, Nova Scotia, ran an article featuring Betsy White, whose great-grandfather captained the Alfred D Snow, which was shipwrecked off the County Wexford coast 130 years ago. The article features a photograph of Ms White with local historian Jimmy FitzGibbon from New Ross, Ms White shared her journey to Ballyhack in 2017 at a special presentation in July called: 'The Alfred D Snow: The Ship, The Captain and the Great-Great-Granddaughter'. Her great-great grandfather, Capt William Wilby of Thomastown, and a crew of 29 lost their lives in January 1888 when the Downeaster Alfred D. Snow encountered a raging storm at Broomhill. Wilby's body was washed ashore in Arthurstown and several of the men were buried in Ballyhack graveyard, the remaining men being shipped back to Thomastown, Nova Scotia. Ballyhack NS students erected a memorial plaque at Ballyhack Cemetery honouring the unknown sailors from the shipwreck who had been buried there. Ms White was escorted by Mr FitzGibbon during her visit. She said she was thrilled to hear that some of the wood from the shipwreck was used in the construction of a house in Ballyhack, while more was used to create benches near the house and Ballyhack Castle. She recalled the wreath laying ceremony at the village cemetery, complete with ribbons representing the Irish and Canadian countries and a flag from the lifeboat station. 'It blew my mind,' Ms White said. People living in four County Wexford villages are living beside polluted rivers because of inadequate investment in sewerage facilities. Residents of Ballyhack, Kilmore Quay, Arthurstown and Duncannon have to endure raw sewage being flushed out to sea near their homes. Noel Byrne of the EPA's Enforcement section said: 'The situation is in need of urgent attention. Literally when you flush the toilet in Kilmore Quay it's going out into the environment. There is actually no treatment being applied to the sewage so within five minutes 3,000 litres of sewage is going out into Kilmore Quay so it is quite significant.' Chairperson of Hook Tourism Philip Wallace said Duncannon's water quality results have been excellent over the past four years. 'We should have had a blue flag this year so there is a good possibility we'll have our blue flag back next year. A planning application is due to go in for a treatment plant at Mersheen over the coming months.' Inadequate waste water treatment facilities has caused villages across the county to grind to a standstill and stagnate. Despite a 'legacy of under-investment' and the State facing legal action from the European Commission for failing to meet mandatory standards, the EPA says improvements are not happening at a fast enough pace. 'It is unacceptable that, 13 years after the final deadline to comply with treatment standards, there are still large towns and cities discharging inadequately treated sewage that fails to meet these standards,' director of the EPA's office of environmental enforcement Dr Tom Ryan said. 'This is putting our health at risk and is having an impact on our rivers, lakes and coastal waters.' The EPA has prosecuted Irish Water for delays in providing treatment plants at six of these areas, including Kilmore Quay. The 28 large towns and cities where waste water treatment failed to meet mandatory standards. These account for over half of the sewage collected in our public sewers. The final deadline to comply with the standards was 2005 and Ireland is before the EU Court of Justice for breaching these requirements. The Urban Waste Water Treatment 2017 report highlights how 38 towns and villages are discharging raw sewage. A Sydney court has heard a New Ross woman who killed her fiance was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the period leading up to the tragic death in Australia, Cathrina (Tina) Cahill (27), from New Ross, is due to be sentenced this Thursday, having entered a guilty plea to manslaughter of Enniscorthy man David 'Motcha' Walsh between February 17 and 18, 2017, at the home they shared in the Padstow area, around 20km from Sydney. Her murder trial was due to get under way last Tuesday, but this was cancelled because of the manslaughter plea. Mr Walsh (29) died after suffering a catastrophic injury to his neck caused by a broken bottle. Ms Cahill's parents, Daniel and Rita, had travelled from New Ross to support their daughter and had a chance to speak with her in court on Tuesday. Before changing her plea, Ms Cahill waved to her parents. Defence barrister James Trevallion told the court of the 'provocation and controlling behaviour by the deceased toward Ms Cahill in the weeks and days before he died, shortly after the couple were engaged. 'How degrading and psychologically damaging and violent that behaviour was,' he said. The defence argued that Ms Cahill carried out the killing under 'substantial impairment' and that she had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of Mr Walsh's conduct towards her. Prosecutor Nanette Williams said the Crown accepted the plea to the less serious offence on the basis that Cahill was suffering an abnormality of mind at the time. Justice Peter Johnson said she had a 'stormy' relationship with Mr Walsh. Ms Cahill had been socialising with a number of friends that evening before a row broke out at the couple's home, with locals reporting loud noises coming from the property. Neighbours later described how they were woken by sirens and the sound of shattering glass shortly after midnight. Paramedics worked on Mr Walsh at the scene, but were unable to save him. The couple's two house-mates, now back in Ireland, could give evidence about the nature of the relationship, Mr Trevallion said. They also were witnesses to events on February 17 at the Cock'N'Bull Hotel, the Doncaster Hotel and at the Padstow address, he added. The Crown and defence have yet to prepare an agreed statement of facts for the judge to use as the basis for Ms Cahill's sentence hearing on Thursday and remanded Cahill in custody until that date. Ms Williams said the Crown was seeking victim impact statements from a number of Mr Walsh's family members in Ireland. She said Mr Walsh had four children and several brothers who should be given the opportunity to give statements if they so wished. She said she had spoken to the mother of three of Mr Walsh's children, and offered them the opportunity to provide statements. Mr Walsh also has another child who is much younger and efforts are being made to contact the mother of that child. Speaking outside the court after the hearing, Mr Trevallion said Ms Cahill was 'doing OK'. Representatives of Mr Walsh's family were also present for the hearing. Ms Cahill had worked in Melbourne after first emigrating before moving to Sydney with two friends from New Ross. Mr Walsh, who is originally from Moran Park in Enniscorthy, was facing a number of charges in Ireland but had moved to Australia. The charges included an assault of his ex-partner in 2012, assaulting three gardai at Enniscorthy Garda Station that same year and three other assault charges. These included assault causing harm to an Enniscorthy man at Burger Macs on Selskar Street, Wexford, on June 9, 2013, and assault on another local man which took place on April 15, 2012. Mr Walsh was also facing a charge of assaulting three gardai at Enniscorthy Garda Station at the beginning of 2012. The investigation into his killing was led by the Bankstown Station in Sydney and the New South Wales Homicide Squad, with assistance from the Irish consulate in Sydney. Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Damien English officially opened one housing scheme and turned the sod on another when he visited Sligo last Friday. The sod was turned on the council's Knappaghmore Road scheme and afterwards the ribbon was cut on the Father O' Flanagan development at Forthill which consists of 22 two and three bedroom units at a cost of 3.7m. The houses are designed to achieve at least an A3 BER rating. The Minister wished the new residents many years of health and happiness. The Minister also turned the sod at the Knappagh Beg site on the Strandhill Road, as well as announcing projects at Rosses Point and Collooney. The total value of the projects is 15m and they will deliver 57 new social units. "When Rebuilding Ireland was launched, we asked local authorities to accelerate the pace of housing delivery. I am pleased that Sligo County Council is responding to that request. "Over the next few weeks, Sligo County Council will have 66 new units on site for delivery in 2019/20. The Council are also bringing forward proposals for another 149 new units at various locations," said the Minister. The boil water notice for the area supplied by the Lough Talt Public Water Supply in South Sligo which has been in place since last February has been lifted. However, Irish Water says there is a high risk of it being re-imposed in the near future. The lifting of the boil notice has come as a big relief to householders and businesses in the area. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Martin Baker said: 'Householders, farmers and businesses in the area would be delighted with this news, and he thanked them for their patience and understanding while the boil notice was in place. The news was also welcomed by Councillor Jerry Lundy, Chair of Sligo County Council's Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) on Transport and Environment, and leas Cathaoirleach of Tubbercurry /Ballymote Municipal District. "Dealing with the effects of a boil notice can be very difficult for a community, and I am delighted that the notice which was in place for eight months has been lifted," he said. The boil water notice was put in place following a detection of cryptosporidium during routine sampling at the water treatment plant. An increased continuous weekly sampling plan was implemented and five further detections of cryptosporidium were found both at the plant and in the supply network during of February. Following several consultations with the HSE over the intervening months, it was advised that the boil water notice should remain in place due to inadequate treatment for cryptosporidium, cryptosporidium detections at the plant and investigations of associated illness in the community. Continued weekly monitoring demonstrated zero detection since February 28 2018 until the end of August when further detections of cryptosporidium at the plant were recorded. Following a consultative meeting last Wednesday between Irish Water, the HSE and Sligo County Council it was agreed to lift the notice with immediate effect as there had been no reported cases of illness in the community and zero detections recorded since the end of August. In the meantime, Irish Water will continue to monitor this supply closely for the presence of cryptosporidium. Anthony Skeffington, Regional Asset Operations Manager from Irish Water said: "Public health is our number one priority and we aim to provide compliant and robust water treatment for the 13,000 people who are supplied by the Lough Talt public water supply in the shortest possible time and that is where our attentions are focused. "This detection of cryptosporidium came to light due to heightened sampling by Irish Water on this scheme. Irish Water is acutely aware that this water supply lacks the necessary barriers and will continue to monitor it closely to ensure public health is safeguarded." The level of treatment currently provided at the Lough Talt water treatment plant does not provide adequate protection against cryptosporidium. Irish Water is advising customers that until the plant is upgraded and a validated cryptosporidium barrier is provided there is a high risk of further cryptosporidium detections in the supply. If this scenario occurs, it is possible that the boil water notice may be re-imposed. In 2015 Irish Water proposed to construct a water treatment plant downstream of the existing treatment plant site but was refused planning permission by Sligo County Council and subsequently on appeal to An Bord Pleanala. The 2015 application was refused because An Bord Pleanala could not exclude the possibility that the development, in combination with the abstraction from Lough Talt, would adversely affect the Lough Hoe Special Area of Conservation and the River Moy. Irish Water applied for planning to upgrade the water treatment plant on 28 May 2018 for the provision of an emergency water treatment plant to address the absence of an effective crypto barrier, but also to provide mitigation against the formation of Trihalomethanes. The county council requested further information on 19 July 2018 and Irish Water expect to return the information to the council in November. Business customers will shortly receive a 40% rebate (backdated to March 2018 on the cost of the supply of water to their businesses. Meanwhile, Irish Water, working in partnership with Sligo County Council, is replacing ageing water mains in the Attiduff and Ardtrasna near Ballinfull to improve security of supply and drinking water quality for customers and to reduce high levels of leakage. The works involve the replacement of approximately 800 metres of problematic water mains with high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes and is scheduled to commence on October 29th. The works are part of Irish Water's National Leakage Reduction Programme which will reduce the high level of leakage across the country by fixing or replacing ageing water mains over the next four years. Love does blossom at college! Frenchman, Pascal Bonnichon was on a year's study in Sligo when he fell in love. That was over 30 years ago. A marriage and two children later the happy couple are celebrating the fact they met while at college. Pascal met his now wife Siobhan during his year abroad studying in IT Sligo in 1987 on the Erasmus programme. Siobhan recalled the first time they met; "Pascal moved next door and I asked him to carry a bag of coal in from the garage for me. "On our first date he cooked me dinner and afterwards he even washed the dishes! "So that was me, smitten!" says Siobhan. Pascal moved back to France in 1988 and Siobhan eventually followed him. The couple remained in France until 2004, where they had two children named Cian and Aoife, but eventually decided to return to Ireland to set up their own wine wholesale business. As part of a celebration of couples who met and fell in love through the Erasmus study-abroad programme a photography exhibition which features Pascal and Siobhan has arrived at IT Sligo. The show has travelled across the EU and was first installed in the Gare Montparnasse in Paris. It was brought to Sligo with the support of the French Embassy and the Higher Education Authority of Ireland. The exhibition, tells the stories of 17 couples who fell in love while studying abroad during university. The Erasmus programme has had more than nine million students take part since it was established in 1987. It is also responsible for an estimated million babies born to couples who met through the college exchange. Speaking at the event, HEA, Head of International Programmes, Gerry O'Sullivan said: "The idea came from an idea the French Minister for Foreign Affairs had some time ago. In 2017 they commissioned a photographer who took thousands of photos of families who say they have met through the Erasmus Programme and now have children on their own." More than 4,000 Irish students are expected to take part in Erasmus programmes this year at third-level institutions across 33 different countries. France is the most popular European destination for Irish students, with an average of 700 young people travelling there with the programme each year. Over 300 Erasmus students come to IT Sligo to study each year. Freelance art historian, Jessica Fahy, will deliver a talk to Rathdrum Historical Society on the practice of the 'Grand Tour' undertaken by classically educated members of the northern European ruling classes in centuries past. Jessica's talk on Monday, November 5, will trace the development of the Grand Tour undertaken by this elite group, with a particular emphasis on the artistic experience of the traveller. Further areas including historical and social context will be discussed along with the specific goals of the travels as well as some of the less high-brow activities! Jessica has been teaching and researching European Art History for over ten years. She teaches art history courses for UCD Access and Lifelong Learning, the National Gallery of Ireland's Community Outreach Programme as well as other lectures and talks for the gallery. She is also on the panel of lecturers for the Hugh Lane Gallery. Jessica also runs her own courses, leads art history tours and trips and gives talks for both public and private events. The free talk takes place in the RDA Annex at 8 p.m. and is open to everyone. The group of St Marys students working on their pottery projects at Solace Pottery Studio in Arklow. A creative arts project under way in Arklow has fostered an interest in Arklow Pottery amongst young people in the town. A group of twelve students from St Mary's College has been working hard on designing, making, hand painting and packaging their very own set of pottery mugs over the past ten months. The Arklow Youth Pottery Project was developed by local artist Peir Leonard of Solace Studio Pottery on the Riverwalk in Arklow. Peir secured an artist in residence grant to fund the project, which is being run in collaboration with East Wicklow Youth Services and is supported by the Arklow Chamber of Commerce. 'The girls have gained practical skills, from using the potter's wheel, to glazing and decorating. Each of the students has managed to produce a set of mugs finished with their own personalised designs, relating to the history and heritage of Arklow. Each mug is completely unique as it has been hand made from start to finish,' Peir said. The project also drew on the talent and specialised local knowledge that exists in Arklow, with several former Arklow Pottery employees coming in to advise the students. Robert Ward, who worked in glazing and decorating, and John Byrne, who worked in the clay department, have been able to pass on their knowledge to the next generation. Other local artists have collaborated on the project, including Deirdre Burke with print making stamps, Brendan Tracey on the master mold and David Howe with 3D stamps. Allison Ryder of eConsult.ie has also assisted the students with some marketing tips on how to bring the finished product to market. Under the guidance of Peir, as well as Fiona Creedon and Angeline Pluck from East Wicklow Youth Services, the Arklow Youth Pottery Project students have developed a range of next generation Arklow Pottery which will now be packaged and offered for sale. The launch of the finished mugs will take place on November 28 at Solace Pottery Studio. All money from the sale of the mugs will go to The Vault Youth Club. The Irish Government should focus on creating 'digital town' hubs in towns like Wicklow in a new National Broadband Plan, according to IE Domain Registry, the company that manages and maintains Ireland's country domain name, .ie. Some 8,037 IE domains were registered in Wicklow in the first half of 2018. As the National Broadband Plan has been put on hold due to controversy which led to the resignation of Communications Minister Denis Naughten, IE Domain Registry says that the Government should reassess and reset the plan, prioritising the connection of regional towns with potential for local e-commerce growth and entrepreneurship, rather than 100 per cent fibre-optic coverage for the entirety of Ireland. David Curtin, Chief Executive of IE Domain Registry, made the comments at Internet Day 2018 in Gorey, Co Wexford. Internet Day is a celebration of the internet and its contribution to society and the economy, hosted annually by IE Domain Registry. 'While the long-term goal of linking up every townland and village in Ireland to a fibre-optic broadband network is an admirable goal, and one we should strive to achieve at some point in the future, we must be realistic,' said Mr Curtin. 'At present, the Government is trying to be everything to everyone all at once, and that approach simply isn't feasible. The delays that have resulted from this approach come at the expense of many regional urban centres that would otherwise have immediately reaped the rewards of a modern digital infrastructure. By channelling investment into towns with high-growth potential (particularly in terms of revenue generated from e-commerce) citizens, business owners and local government will benefit,' he said. Mr Curtin said that digital hubs act like magnets for investment and Gorey, IE Domain Registry's first recognised 'Digital Town', is an example of this. Recent IE Domain Registry research, shows that 68 per cent of people in Ireland believe that their local high street is not equipped for the 'digital age'. The motorcade of 4x4 vehicles on their way to Leinster House. The campaign to save Donard Post Office continued as a convoy of 4s4 vehicles gathering outside Leinster House, led by a black hearse to signify the death of rural Ireland. The Donard Post Office Action Group lodged a submission with an independent reviewer outlining reasons why the post office should stay open. However, it was confirmed in a letter from An Post that the office will close and all social welfare payments and AddressPal items for collection will be transferred to Dunlavin. Last Tuesday protesters brought the campaign right to the doorstep of Leinster House in the form of a ten strong 4s4 motorcade, which included a black hearse, provided by Jimmy Burke from Baltinglass, leading the procession. 'We wanted to get our point across without disrupting traffic too much, otherwise the motorcade would have been even larger,' said Philipp Matuschka of the Donard Post Office Action Group. All of Wicklow's TDs were in attendance at the rally, apart from Minister of Health Simon Harris. They also spoke to an assistant to an assistant to Minister Richard Bruton. Campaigners are still hopeful that An Post will reverse their decision. 'The whole review process needs to be looked at,' said Mr Matuschka. 'The letter confirming that the post office will close came from An Post and not the independent reviewers. It's a complete farce and as far as we are concerned.' Cllr Jim Ruttle was also part of the protest and travelled up to Dublin in his own 4x4 as part of the campaign convoy. 'These attacks on rural Ireland have to stop. There has been a great service provided in Donard for many years. It's now a case of keeping up the good fight. In Kerry, Ballinskelligs Post Office got a reprieve from closure and that's a lot smaller than Donard. 'Wicklow County Council has Donard down as an area of growth so the closure of the post office is totally contrary to that,' said Cllr Ruttle. Wicklow TD Stephen Donnelly has said there is an obvious solution put forward by Fianna Fail that would save Donard Post Office but the Government needs to put it into practice to have any effect. 'Fianna Fail has supported an amendment to the new Post Offices bill that would see rural branches effectively subsidised,' said Deputy Donnelly. 'The amendment received cross-party support when it was passed in the Dail last month. But we're still waiting for the Government to actually do anything about it. It needs to listen to what we've suggested and urgently revise plans to close more than 150 Post Offices close around the country, mostly in areas with very few alternative facilities. 'What we'd like to see is the introduction of Public Service Obligation Payments for rural Post Offices. PSOs would work in much the same way as the subsidies which are used for buses and broadband in areas that aren't profitable for operators'. Newlyweds Sarah Clare and Joe Sinnott as Joe casts his vote at Monaseed NS in Gorey on Friday Beautiful bride Sarah Clare wasn't about to let anything prevent her from voting in the presidential election on Friday - not even her wedding. Sarah from Ballynultagh tied the knot with her partner of nine years, Joe Sinnott from Monaseed, Gorey, and made sure to do her civic duty while en route to their wedding reception at the Ashdown Park Hotel. Sarah was joined by her parents, Mary and Cyril; her five sisters - maid of honour Marion and bridesmaids Theresa, Anita, Ailish and Anna - as well as her brothers Thomas and James, who were groomsmen for Joe, at the courthouse in Shillelagh as she cast her vote. Son of Peig and Mick Sinnott from Knockbrandon, Monaseed, Joe and his family were joined by his new bride as they cast their votes later in the day at Monaseed National School.. There was also another cause for celebration as Joe turned 28 on the same day. Public health nurse Sarah and Joe who is a farmer and also teaches in Creagh College, Gorey enjoyed a wonderful wedding ceremony in St Finian's Church, Kilquiggan, before their reception in Gorey. The newlyweds will be taking a few days to relax in Ireland after the celebrations, and are planning a honeymoon next year. Works being carried out by Virgin Media in Wicklow town have been criticised because of a lack of consultation with residents before footpaths are dug up as part of the company's fibre broadband expansion. At last week's meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, Cllr Gail Dunne said that some residents are unable to get out of their houses when works are taking place, with many receiving no advance warning that the works were due. 'Footpaths around the town are being dug up by Virgin Media. The works started where I live on Wednesday and no one could get out of their houses. Barriers were put up. Virgin Media said they sent out letters in advance. Maybe they did, but I certainly never received one. There were also meant to be follow-up visits. Again I received none, unless they were carried out during the day when everyone is at work. 'We were told the barriers would be removed in time for the weekend. They weren't. Who is keeping an eye on these fellows? Because as far as I am concerned, they are doing whatever they want,' said Cllr Dunne. Cllr Dunne also said that recent road works carried out along the Dunbur Road were not of the standard required. 'I don't think the finish is anywhere near up to standard and a lot of people have been giving out. I think we will need to meet with Irish Water before they start their works and their record of restoring roads isn't the greatest. It's still dreadful when you turn into Seafield'. Yemeni children are dying from starvation and disease as trucks with life-saving supplies are blocked in port, leaving medical staff and desperate mothers imploring aid workers to do more, a senior United Nations official said. Geert Cappelaere, Middle East director for the UN Children's Fund (Unicef), described "heart-breaking" scenes of emaciated children in hospitals in the port city of Hodeidah and capital Sanaa, both held by Houthi rebels. "We have evidence that today in Yemen every 10 minutes a child under the age of five is dying from preventable diseases and severe acute malnutrition," he said. The UN says about 14 million people, or half Yemen's population, could soon be on the brink of famine in a man-made disaster. Already 1.8 million children are malnourished, more than 400,000 of them suffering from severe acute malnutrition, a life-threatening condition that leaves them skeletal with muscle wasting, Mr Cappelaere said. "But there is more. Many children are dying from vaccine-preventable diseases. Today not more than 40pc of the children throughout Yemen are being vaccinated." Measles, cholera and diphtheria can be deadly for children, especially those under five, and are exacerbated by malnutrition. "Because of this brutal war, because of obstacles, obstructions being made, it is unfortunately not possible to do much more," Mr Cappelaere said. "We may not yet be at the level of a famine but we should not wait until we have declared a famine to step up and to pressure the parties to the conflict to stop this senseless war," he said. Seven trucks carrying medical equipment and medicines had been blocked at Hodeidah port for two weeks awaiting clearance, Mr Cappelaere said. "It was heart-breaking that an hour before I was sitting at al-Thwara hospital, and I have all the doctors, all the medical staff pleading with me to get more medical supplies." Rescuers carry body bags containing the remains of the victims of Lion Air crash at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia (Binsar Bakkara/AP) Divers have reported seeing the fuselage and engines of a crashed Lion Air plane on the seabed, and a ping locator has detected a signal which may be from the cockpit voice recorder, Indonesias search and rescue chief has said. The brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet plunged into the Java Sea early on Monday, just minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Speaking on the sixth day of the search, Muhammad Syaugi said two engines and more landing gear had been found. The plane crashed in water 98ft (30m) deep but strong currents have hampered the search. 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 I havent seen it myself but I got information from some divers that they have seen the fuselage, he said at a news conference at a Jakarta port where body bags, debris and passenger belongings are first taken. Local media reported on Saturday that the search effort had claimed the life of a diver on Friday evening. The flight data recorder was recovered on Thursday and Mr Syuagi said a low ping signal was detected by a sonar locator which could be the black box voice recorder. Divers and a remotely operated vehicle have been searching the suspected location since Saturday morning. Flight tracking websites show the plane had erratic speed and altitude during its 13-minute flight on Monday and during a previous flight on Sunday from Bali to Jakarta. Passengers on Sundays flight reported terrifying descents and in both cases the different cockpit crews requested to return to their departure airport shortly after take-off. 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 has claimed a technical problem was fixed after Sundays flight. Investigators are still attempting to retrieve information from the flight data recorders crash surviveable memory unit which will help determine the cause of the disaster. It has been damaged and requires special handling, they said. The Lion Air crash is the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since 1997, when 234 people died on a Garuda flight near Medan. In December 2014, an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea, 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 US lifted a decade-long ban in 2016. Lion Air is one of Indonesias youngest airlines but has grown rapidly, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. It has been expanding aggressively in south-east Asia, a fast-growing region of more than 600 million people. A voter prepares to cast his ballot at a polling station in Rangoon, Burma (Thein Zaw/AP) Voters in several parts of Burma went to the polls on Saturday in 13 by-elections seen as a test of support for leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling party. The National League for Democracy won a landslide victory in the 2015 general election, putting an end to decades of rule by the military and its proxies, though the army retains considerable power under a constitution it implemented. Ms Suu Kyis appeal with the countrys Buddhist majority has not suffered much from a crisis involving 700,000 members of the Muslim Rohingya minority who fled a brutal army counter-insurgency campaign in the countrys west. However, economic development has been lagging. Expand Close A voter registers at a polling station in Rangoon, Burma (Thein Zaw/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A voter registers at a polling station in Rangoon, Burma (Thein Zaw/AP) The 13 parliamentary seats at stake represent a tiny fraction of the 1,171 national, regional and state assembly seats nationwide, and by-elections rarely drum up the same level of enthusiasm as a general election. The next general election is in 2020. The seats became vacant through death or resignation. The two seats at stake in Rangoon, the countrys biggest city, are all but certain to stay in the NLDs hands. Turnout in Rangoon appeared to be low, but several voters there said they are keeping the faith in Ms Suu Kyi. We dont see we are going to get immediate change. Its impossible to make things right that have already been wrong for many years, said voter Htun Thein. We have to give them time and have understanding. Because of that, he said, voters have to encourage and support the NLD. Expand Close The by-elections are seen as a test of Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling National League for Democracy party (Chris Ison/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The by-elections are seen as a test of Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling National League for Democracy party (Chris Ison/PA) Myo Pa Pa Htun had a simpler explanation for supporting the NLD candidate: Because we like and love Mother Su very much, thats the thing. Other contests are taking place in ethnic minority regions where 2015 votes for installing Ms Suu Kyi and slapping down the militarys favoured candidates may give way to more traditional loyalties to local ethnic parties. That possible political realignment could come at the ruling NLDs disadvantage. Areas involved include Chin, Shan and Rakhine states. Low voter turnout may be the main hallmark of Saturdays polls, though more so in Rangoon than in ethnic minority regions. In Rangoons Tamwe township, more than 70,000 voters cast ballots in 2015s general election, according to Toe Win, the NLDs candidate for the constituency. He estimated that Saturdays turnout will reach around 20,000. Expand Close Burma President Win Myint casts his ballot at a polling station in Rangoon (Thein Zaw/AP)) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Burma President Win Myint casts his ballot at a polling station in Rangoon (Thein Zaw/AP)) Toe Win is running to fill the seat of President Win Myint, who by law had to step down from his legislative post when he was appointed the countrys chief executive earlier this year. Businessman Maung Maung said he had to queue with hundreds of voters to vote in 2015. This morning I saw about 20 voters. In 2015, more than 200 people were ahead of me. The ruling party should take it as a lesson for 2020, he said. Falling voter turnout in the by-elections raises big questions about the NLDs popularity midway through its five-year term, said Yan Myo Thein, a political commentator in Rangoon. People particularly in ethnic areas have been disappointed about the NLDs election promises, the performance of the government and MPs and economic burdens. The daughters of Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi pose with an image of their mother while standing outside their residence in Pakistan's Punjab Province. Photo: Reuters A Christian woman spared the death penalty after her blasphemy conviction was overturned faces being barred from leaving Pakistan under a deal struck to appease hardliners. Pakistan's government said last night it had reached an agreement with Islamist parties to end three days of protests that have paralysed the country after Asia Bibi was freed. The deal included a government concession to begin court proceedings to put Ms Bibi on the country's no-fly list. Pakistan's government told the BBC it would be up to the court to decide, but the sop to extremists is likely to anger rights groups and Western countries that have been pushing for her freedom. A ban would dash her hopes of leaving the country and starting a new life abroad after she spent nearly eight years on death row when falsely accused of defaming the Prophet Mohammed. Under the deal, Imran Khan's government will also not oppose an application for a review of the supreme court decision that freed the mother of five on Wednesday. Reviews have in the past taken years. The plight of the Catholic farmhand caused outcry among Christian groups and her case was taken up by the Pope. Her release had been widely celebrated by human rights groups, but it triggered widespread protests from extremist religious parties, who blocked main roads and brought the country to a standstill. Extremists had called for the deaths of the judges who freed her. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Saudi operatives dissolved journalist Jamal Khashoggi's body after murdering and dismembering the 59-year-old, an adviser to the Turkish president said yesterday. Speaking to the 'Hurriyet' newspaper, Yasin Aktay, who was a friend of the dissident Saudi journalist, said his body was first cut up into pieces, to make it easier to dissolve, after he was strangled upon entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. "We knew that Khashoggi's body was dismembered," Mr Aktay said. "But now we see that they didn't just cut it up, they dissolved the body. According to the latest information, the reason why they broke up the body was to make it dissolve more easily. It was meant to leave no trace of the body." The 'Washington Post', citing an unnamed Turkish official, also reported that their columnist's body had been dissolved using acid or another chemical agent. Expand Close Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Photo: John Stillwell/PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Photo: John Stillwell/PA The grim revelation, the latest in a series made by Turkish authorities about the murder of Mr Khashoggi, adds further pressure on Saudi authorities accused by Turkey of stonewalling the investigation in an attempt to protect the country's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, from scrutiny over the killing. Yesterday both the 'Post' and the 'New York Times' cited White House officials as saying Prince Mohammed called officials close to President Donald Trump to smear Mr Khashoggi as a dangerous Islamist. After Saudi authorities admitted Riyadh operatives murdered him, Prince Mohammed lamented his killing as a "heinous crime". The human body after death is considered sacred in Islam. People can often be seen carefully collecting body parts for proper burial according to Muslim rituals after deadly bomb explosions throughout the Middle East. A desecration could prove embarrassing for Saudi Arabia, which contains two of the holiest sites in Islam and bills itself as the leader of the Muslim world. "The murder of an innocent person is one crime," said Mr Aktay, who was the first government official contacted by Mr Khashoggi's fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, after he went missing. "The treatment of the body is a separate crime." Ms Cengiz made an impassioned plea for answers in a 'Post' column, noting that Istanbul's top prosecutor had already accused Saudi agents of strangling Mr Khashoggi and dismembering and destroying his body. "How barbaric and ruthless," she wrote. "What crime did he commit for them to do this? What was the reason for them to murder him so brutally? There is no explanation for this hate." She also accused the Trump administration, which covets Saudi arms deals and has forged a close partnership with Prince Mohammed to counter Iran, of trying to sweep the Khashoggi matter under the rug. "The Trump administration has taken a position that is devoid of moral foundation," she wrote. "Some have approached this through the cynical prism of self-interest - statements framed by fear and cowardice; by the fear of upsetting deals or economic ties. Some in Washington are hoping this matter will be forgotten with simple delaying tactics. But we will continue to push the Trump administration to help find justice for Jamal. There will be no cover-up." Separately, Turkish and US troops began joint patrols in northern Syria on Thursday aimed at averting clashes between Turkey and Washington's Kurdish allies, but Turkey pressed on with a new threatened offensive nearby to crush the Kurds. The two countries have been working to avert direct confrontation, even as Turkey aims to crush the Kurdish YPG militia. The YPG forms the main part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that Washington backs with arms, air support and around 2,000 troops on the ground in the fight against Isil. ( Independent News Service) Goodnight, Angela: Merkel, the standard bearer of tolerance, has begun her long goodbye following increasing pressure from the right in Germany A day in the sun: Peter Casey heads into Dublin Castle for the election count last Saturday. Photo: Gerry Mooney There is a tide of extreme right-wing populism sweeping across Europe and the Americas, and the waves of intolerance only seem to be getting higher. Charismatic showmen have emerged, and they have won support by targeting immigrants or other groups in society, and playing on the fears of voters. Donald Trump doubles down on his politics of "them and us", promising to forge ahead with his wall to keep out Mexicans. He stokes fears of a wave of Muslim migrants. He has done his damnedest to break down the Western post-War consensus of international cooperation, based on free trade and pragmatism. Expand Expand Previous Next Close US president Donald Trump A day in the sun: Peter Casey heads into Dublin Castle for the election count last Saturday. Photo: Gerry Mooney / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp US president Donald Trump Angela Merkel, the most moderate and once unassailable conservative leader in Europe, announces the beginning of her withdrawal as the effective standard bearer of tolerant Western democratic values. Ultimately, she has had to give way under pressure from the right. Alternative fur Deutschland - a party that stirs up hatred of migrants - is thriving in elections. It plays on the fears of Germans that they are losing control, blaming refugees for robberies and sexual assaults. Similar movements can be seen across Europe including Britain, Italy, Poland, Hungary and Austria. The so-called "tropical Trump" Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil has won power with a record of denigrating women, gays and minorities - and a promise to scrap rules aimed at curbing climate change. He has said he said he would "rather his son die in a car accident than be gay". We would like to think that Ireland has dodged this particular bullet, but can we be so complacent about the politics of fear? Expand Close Top gun: Italy's deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini is an admirer of Mussolini and Putin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Top gun: Italy's deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini is an admirer of Mussolini and Putin Are we really so unique, a shining sceptred isle of moderation that will somehow escape? The success of Peter Casey in a presidential election after he suddenly attracted attention with his sharp criticism of the Travelling community has inevitably prompted questions about whether we are about to follow a similar pattern to our European neighbours. Some within the commentariat have breezily dismissed Casey's sudden surge to 23pc in the poll as a flash in the pan - a capricious choice of voters in a "second order" election that ultimately will not matter. According to this view, the result is not a harbinger of a populist tide in Ireland; we have seen maverick candidates do well in elections in the past, only to vanish from the scene just as quickly. Professor David Farrell, head of the School of Politics at UCD, takes a different view, however, and believes we should pay close attention to the result. "I don't see Peter Casey as the right-wing populist leader of the future," Prof Farrell tells Review. "I don't see him as the likely leader, because he seems to change his view of what he will do next all the time. "There was a sense that he misspoke, it took him a while to talk about Travellers in the campaign, and he moved on to other issues." Surge in polls Casey may not be the Irish Donald Trump, but Professor Farrell sees his success as a warning sign of what could happen here. "Ireland has the potential to be affected in the same way as every other country that has been hit by extreme right-wing populism. Why should we be immune from it? "We have not yet seen an Irish equivalent of a Trump, a Farage or a Bolsonaro, but Casey has given us a flavour of what could come with someone of more capability." Peter Casey almost stumbled on a cause that lit up his campaign, and ultimately led to his surge in the polls. Before he raised the controversy over reports of a group of Travellers turning down houses near Thurles, Co Tipperary, in an interview with this newspaper on October 17, he was hovering at around 2pc in the polls. But by polling day nine days later, he had surged to 23pc. It would be hard to sustain the argument that it was not the Traveller issue that gave him the dramatic boost. It certainly was not his criticism of President Higgins over his dog care bills. If voters were not won over by his anti-Traveller message, it certainly raised his profile, and some may have been attracted by his cheeky chappy persona - and his tendency to avoid polished political messages. He was much less abrasive than Trump, but there was the same knockabout manner and disregard for the truth. For example, he claimed President Higgins objected to a Traveller halting site in 1968 without offering any evidence to back it up. He may have stumbled across his cause, but once he realised that it had resonated, he was keen to exploit it, travelling down to Tipperary for a photocall (without actually meeting the Travellers concerned). It was one thing to criticise an individual group of Travellers for not moving into houses, because there was no land for horses (according to his account). But Casey went way beyond that with blanket generalisations about the community, regardless of individual circumstances. He suggested they were trespassers who did not pay their taxes. He played on fears when he said: "People are afraid of them." Most provocative of all was Casey's suggestion that Travellers "live outside of society". This inevitably left him open to charges of bigotry, and whether by accident or design, the message certainly fitted in with the xenophobic line peddled by the extreme right across Europe. "Every country has a group that can be easily targeted as the 'out' group, and these are the ones that are targeted by extreme right-wing populists," says Professor Farrell. "It can be immigrants, or it could a group that it is part of the indigenous population such as Travellers." While Prof Farrell does not see Casey as the right-wing saviour, he can see another "political entrepreneur" taking on the mantle, having seen how well he did by exploiting deeply-ingrained prejudices and fears. "We could have a prominent individual who announces their arrival on the scene in a loud way. "There is likely to be a mix of ingredients. As well as referencing 'out' groups, there could also be references to the squeezed middle and people who work hard. That is the kind of language Trump uses." The high vote for Casey, which is concentrated among older, less prosperous rural voters confirms the view that there is a disconnect between the main parties and a large section of the electorate on some significant issues. That is perhaps why there is no room for complacency. Core voters None of the main parties at a national level have gone down the road of attacking Travellers (although there have been individual objections by mainstream politicians to halting sites). But at the same time, many of their core voters chose a candidate who made a direct attack on the community. Both Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail have adopted positions that are tolerant of Travellers, and yet almost one quarter of SF supporters and 31pc of FF voters gave their number ones to Casey. Research by the political scientist Rory Costello of the University of Limerick shows how the views of many voters are not matched by those of the mainstream parties - and do not fit neatly on a left-right spectrum. Dr Costello set up a website - www.whichcandidate.ie - at the last general election to help voters identify the candidates closest to them on a range of policy issues. By using questions answered by the parties and candidates, and with 23,000 responses to the survey, he matched voters with parties. When asked questions on whether the Government should prioritise tax cuts over spending, or increase the minimum wage, most Irish voters are seen as left leaning. But the research indicates that many of these voters are much more conservative on issues such as immigration, the environment and how crime should be punished. According to Dr Costello, nearly all the parties are more liberal than their own supporters when it comes to these issues. Sinn Fein, for example, has liberal policies on immigration and the environment, but the research indicates that many of its voters are located towards the authoritarian end of the spectrum. That perhaps partly explains why so many SF supporters did not even vote for their own candidate, and one quarter of them chose Casey after he had taken a high-profile stance against Travellers. Adding complexity to the feeling of political exclusion is the religious-secular divide, where a large minority of voters are out of step with all the main parties. Almost forgotten in the Casey maelstrom is the fact that in the referendum, 35pc of the electorate voted to hold on to the article banning blasphemy in the constitution. How many of these voters feel that they have a political home - and would they be attracted to a party promoting more traditional values? Professor Farrell says none of the parties are in the space that could be described as non-liberal/authoritarian, and this leaves an opening for a new political force in the future. Renua stands out as a party that is more conservative, but its origins are as a pro-life offshoot of Fine Gael, formerly led by the Europhile Lucinda Creighton, who never fitted the bill as a right-wing firebrand. If a new political force emerges, led by Casey or another leader, it would find it hard to break down the traditional party system, according to NUI Maynooth politics researcher Claire McGing. "In the presidential election, it was possible for a candidate like Casey to make an impact, because it is a high-level personality-driven national campaign that does not require a geographical base," says McGing While Casey enjoyed a meteoric rise in the presidential campaign, where broadcasters were required to give him equal coverage to the others, would he have the patience for the life as a TD, let alone to lead a party when it may take decades to get into government? "The reality on the ground is that there is nothing glamorous about it. It is hardcore, grassroots work," says McGing. Apart from his attack on Travellers, Casey made a populist pitch against those on social welfare, warning that we were "a nation of people who expect - no, demand - that the State looks after them". Populist politicians McGing says in the nitty gritty of Dail politics, Casey would have to help people on social welfare if he wants to be elected. "An important part of a TD's role is advising constituents about their entitlements. How would a Deputy Peter Casey deal with them - turn them down on principle in rural Donegal?" While it may be difficult to build a significant base in the Dail, populist politicians like Casey might enjoy more success in a European election, following the example of Nigel Farage and UKIP. "To some extent in a European election, personality is as important as a geographical base," says McGing. There are genuine fears across the continent that the European elections will become a focus for far-right activism. Voters may choose extremist parties as a protest vote, wrongly thinking that the EU Parliament does not have considerable powers. Trump's former adviser Stephen Bannon has been active in a pan-European outfit known as the Movement offering nationalist and populist political parties across Europe American know-how in polling, messaging and "war-room" strategy. So far, he is said to have mixed results, but has won the support of Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, labelled the EU's answer to Vladimir Putin. Orban refers to all refugees as "Muslim invaders" and migrants as "poison" that his country does not need. Bannon has also enlisted Italy's interior minister and deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, an admirer of Mussolini and Putin. Asked if she was concerned about the rise of the far right, the Vice President of the European Parliament, Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness, says: "I don't do needless worry, because it is pointless, but what I do see happening is that we may see more splintering of political support between the extremes of left and right. "It will be interesting to see if the support for the extreme right increases, decreases or stays the same in the European elections." Populist politicians may be popular now, having stoked up fears in opposition, but when they have to grapple with problems, and run out of scapegoats, the tide can go out as quickly as it came in. The chaos of the White House under Trump and Britain during the Brexit era may serve as warning signs - and next week's midterm elections in the US will offer a guide to whether this type of politics can continue to thrive. Meanwhile, closer to home Traveller activists will be on their guard for what happens next. As one of them, Eileen Ni Fhloinn, put it this week: "Casey probably now feels he has got somewhere through using us and all the Traveller community in his campaign. So we know he will keep going, and there will be probably a lot more Caseys coming out when they see this works." Maulana Fazalur Rehman, leader of religious party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam addresses a rally to condemn a Supreme Court decision that acquitted Asia Bibi (Muhammad Sajjad/AP) The lawyer for a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy charges after spending eight years on death row in Pakistan has fled the country, fearing for his safety. Asia Bibis brother, James Masih, said on Saturday that her lawyer, Saiful Malook, had left Pakistan. Pakistans top court acquitted Asia Bibi on Wednesday and ordered her release in a move that infuriated the countrys hard-line Islamists, who have held nationwide protests demanding her death. Expand Close Protesters rally to condemn the Supreme Court decision (K.M. Chaudary/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Protesters rally to condemn the Supreme Court decision (K.M. Chaudary/AP) The government reached an agreement with the Islamists overnight in which it agreed to impose a travel ban on her while the case is reviewed. Mr Malook told The Associated Press earlier this week that he would have to leave Pakistan because the followers of hardline cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi had threatened to kill him, as well as the judges who acquitted Ms Bibi. Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, and the mere rumour of insulting Islam has caused lynchings. Ms Bibi was arrested in 2009 on allegations that she insulted Islams Prophet Muhammad. Her family and lawyers deny she ever insulted Islam. Human rights groups have called for Ms Bibis release and criticised the blasphemy law, saying it has been used to settle scores or abuse religious minorities. The court upheld the blasphemy law, but said there was not enough evidence to convict Ms Bibi. Pakistans Supreme Court has not been known to reverse its decisions, but court reviews typically take years. Ms Bibis family had expected her release by Thursday night. Her husband, Ashiq Masih, returned from Britain with their children in mid-October and was waiting for her release so that they could fly out of Pakistan. Though the family has not disclosed her destination, France and Spain have offered asylum. Authorities say a man fatally shot one person and critically wounded four others at a Florida yoga studio before killing himself. During a media briefing on Friday night, Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo said four people are in critical condition following the shooting, which took place in a small Tallahassee shopping centre. 7:30 p.m. Update on 11/2/18 about Shooting at Hot Yoga Tallahassee This video is the 7:30 p.m. update from Chief DeLeo on Nov. 2, 2018, about the shooting that occurred earlier this evening at Hot Yoga Tallahassee. Posted by City of Tallahassee Police Department on Friday, November 2, 2018 City spokeswoman Alison Faris told news outlets that the suspect fatally shot himself. Police have not identified the shooter and are asking for anyone who saw something unusual around the time of the shooting to contact police. Akshay Kumar is one actor who never stops experimenting. Versatility could clearly be his middle name. Today, the actor was present in Chennai to unveil the trailer of his upcoming film. Talking to media, he said that his role in forthcoming multilingual science-fiction action drama "2.0" demanded him to wear more make-up than what he had worn in his entire career. Akshay plays the antagonist in superstar Rajinikanth's "2.0", which marks his southern debut. Speaking at the trailer launch event, Akshay said working on the project has been both challenging and fun. screen grab/youtube Akshay began his speech in Tamil amid a loud cheer from the audiences. He said he practiced for two hours to speak in Tamil. Quickly switching to English, Akshay said: "I can't express my feelings in words. I'm really thankful to Shankar sir and Lyca Productions for this opportunity." Talking about his role, he said, "It was a very challenging role and it took a toll on my body. But the pain and sacrifice was worth it. My character required around 4 hours of prosthetic make-up and another hour and a half to remove it. In my whole career, I've never put so much of make-up." screen grab/youtube The film, slated to release on November 29, in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, also stars Amy Jackson, Adil Hussain and Sudhanshu Pandey in key roles. She was on a trip with her friends in Uttarakhand. However, there was a certain itch she had developed a long time back, one that wasnt letting her rest. The itch being a solo trip that she'd been wanting to take for a long time now. So, by the time it was time for their trip to end, 29-year-old Vijaya Sharma decided to finally act on her plan. Nepal seemed nearby and she had always wanted to visit it because of the beauty it offers. And so, she told her friends she had no plans of going home with them. Vijaya had decided that her journey wasn't over just yet. So, she bade farewell to her friends and left for Nepal, all alone. Vijaya Sharma has always had a passion for travelling. Now, she is the woman who lived the dream of countless millennials who want to just pack their bags, bid goodbye to people and take a solo trip. Speaking to Indiatimes, she says: Nepal has beautiful mountains and being a person who is all about exploring mountains, I knew I wanted to travel to Nepal. And hence, she crossed the Banbasa and Mahendranagar border on a tonga. This was the beginning of her journey alone to a foreign land. Vijaya stayed in Nepal for a total of fourteen days and from what she told us, it seems to be a trip that took her through many picturesque places that she'll remember for the rest of her life. Through her fourteen days there, Vijaya explored a whole lot of Nepal, saw mountain peaks, stayed with babas and took some rather helpful suggestions from the locals she talked to. All in all, it was a trip that turned into a journey of life. During her first day in Nepal, she was welcomed by the Buddhist culture. Her visit to the Swayambhunath temple left her with a deep spiritual experience. The most unique thing about the temple was the zone of lamp offerings that had hundreds of lamp offerings in a single room, giving it a divine glow. Vijaya is someone who likes to go with the flow and when a kind fellow passenger on the train said, aap mere gaon aa kar dekho, she was game for it. Vijaya reached Mustang and looking at how beautiful it was, she ended up staying there for almost week out of her fourteen day trip. This serves as an important lesson as to how the local people can throw at you the most valuable suggestions only if you make an effort to talk to them. Speaking about her experience at Mustang, she said: "This wide range of cold desert mountains straddles the Himalayas and is bordered by Tibetan Plateau. Mustang is a district and comes second in terms of sparsity of population in Nepal. Mustang offers many of the treks but most popular of them is Annapurna Circuit Trek and Damodar kund trek both of them are 14 day treks." She told us about the most enthralling site she saw: "There is a trail which passes through lower Mustang following the Kaligandagi river. On the one side of the trail, one can see Annanpurna range of mountains and on the other side Dhaulagiri; between these two ranges there are views of 8 out 20 highest mountains of the world. Kaligandagi River has its source in sacred Damodar kund situated in Higher Mustang." She also had to learn a little about making do without the basic technology available to us on an everyday basis and discover the joy of using things around her: "Call it a domestic solar cooker, panel or heater. High altitude residents of Nepal use this to cook food and warm water. When I first saw a pressure cooker placed on this, I kept a check for around 45 minutes and the moment it whistled, woah I just couldn't believe it! Its that effective & quite pocket friendly too. Hope to see it being used widely. The result was a tasty solar cooked khichdi. Then, in coming days, bathing got easier too!" The calming and serene experience at the Phewa Lake is something she says you can only experience once you're there: "Its a huge lake, second largest in Nepal. You can take a walk on grass at lake sideways, sit around, have fruits, drinks and chill. Also make sure you go to island temple in the middle of the lake. Paraglide over the lake and in the middle of hills. Pick a cycle & paddle breezy. The scope of just being here and enjoying life is so huge here." Talking about the safety aspect, she said: More than anything, people were concerned for me. They wanted to know if I was staying at safe place and know where to eat. Some of the people were so caring that they offered me accommodation and invited me over for meals. It was a rather warm welcome. For all those who are planning on taking a solo trip but havent found the courage to do it, she has a few tips First and foremost, you need to be confident. Secondly, pack as light as possible. Thirdly, communicate with people. Talk to the locals and if things seem unsafe, start by talking to the local women. There is the safety aspect but you will almost always know the people you need to ditch. Hers is a story that proves that if you leave your fears behind, you can go explore the world and learn more about the secrets it has to offer. For Vijaya Sharma, travelling has always been a passion. She's wanted to spend the whole of her life doing exactly this and also started her own venture Keep Tripping, along with her friend Ajish Nair, because of this love she has for discovering place. Increasingly toxic air quality in and around Delhi is forcing some senior corporate executives to decline job offers in the national capital region, according to executive search companies. Korn Ferry, EMA Partners, Hunt Partners, Transearch and Global Hunt say that while pollution had become an active point of discussion in CXO job searches last year itself, every third CXO theyve been approaching lately is reluctant to accept a job offer in Delhi-NCR. Instead, top-level executives are seeking opportunities in cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru. Delhi has five seasons now, the fifth being the pollution season, and search firms including ours see a drop in interest around this time for positions in Delhi, said Uday Chawla, managing partner at Transearch. bccl Search experts warned that this issue is going to get worse over the coming years if measures arent taken to combat worsening air quality in the national capital. Some search firms estimated that as many as 40% of CXOs are declining job offers, especially expats and returning Indians, citing pollution. Transearch is still looking for a chief information/digital officer at a Delhi-based petrochemical firm. Tech talent is mostly outside India and we saw that many candidates were not comfortable with the idea of settling down in Delhi, Chawla said. To be sure, there are other reasons why Delhi-NCR scores low, such as safety of women. bccl An analytics head at a Bengalurubased tech firm refused a job offer in Delhi despite an 80% jump in salary. Those who have recently turned down lucrative offers for NCR-based positions over air quality concerns include the group finance head of a Mumbai-based consumer company, the head of operations at a Chennaibased engineering firm and the quality head of a Bengaluru-based auto company, search firm executives said. More than the CEOs, it is the families who are baulking at moving to NCR region, said Navnit Singh, chairman at Korn Ferry India. Experts expect the trend to continue, especially for offers made closer to the winter season when air pollution spikes. afp Compared to other locations in India like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai, it becomes a challenge to attract talent to Delhi and NCR around this time, said A Ramachandran, senior partner at EMA Partners. Currently, about 50% of returning Indians/expats are turning down job offers in Delhi-NCR due to reasons such as air pollution, according to EMA Partners. BTI Consultants India said at least five CXOs (mostly from the US) are turning down offers to relocate to Delhi. They are opting for cities like Pune, Mumbai and Bengaluru to Delhi, said James Agrawal, managing director at the firm. Many senior executives are also looking to move out of the area. afp The resolve to leave or relocate to Mumbai or Bengaluru of the ones who have recently moved to NCR (especially with young children) in the last few years becomes stronger every winter, said Suresh Raina, partner at Hunt Partners (India). Air pollution in Delhi/NCR has now almost assumed a permanent home in the mind space of professionals. However, Agrawal of BTI Consultants said, Air pollution is one of the reasons cited by them, but not the only reason. Singh of Korn Ferry said, Besides pollution, candidates and their families, for multiple reasons, also feel that NCR is unsafe and unfriendly towards females. The body of an Australian citizen was found hanging from a tree in Bodh Gaya town of Bihar's Gaya, in what appears to be a suicide. According to police, the body has been identified as that of Heath Allan, a resident of Westmead, a suburb of Sydney. ANI Police Superintendent Rajiv Kumar Mishra said they have found a suicide note in which he had asked the police to inform about his death to his sister in Australia. Heath had reportedly come to India in June on a two-day trip but overstayed. The incident came to light on Saturday morning when some locals who were passing by the forest saw a man hanging from a tree. They informed the police who rushed to the spot. The police also found his bag, a diary and water bottle near his body. ANI The body has been sent to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya for post-mortem, and his family in Australia have also been informed about Heath's death. Wheres the rain, did you ask? Come, take a peep into the sump at this residential complex in Sholinganallur. The four blocks of 56 apartments of Sabari Terrace have channelled rain water from their terraces to fill a 100,000-litre sump in the first three days of rain, from October 29 to October 31. Since last November, weve been setting up the rain water harvesting structures in phases. Only last month all the four blocks were connected to the sump. In the three days cumulatively it wouldve rained for three hours. But that was enough to fill our sump, said the residents association secretary Harsha Koda. Explaining the structure that was designed under the guidance of Rain Centre, he said pipes from the terraces are connected to let rainwater into two tanks of 3,000 litre capacity each, where water is allowed to stay to allow mud and solid particles to settle down. afp/representational image The tanks are connected to the underground sump of 100,000 litres from where water goes to a treatment plant, and is collected in another sump to be directed for use. Three corners of each terrace are connected to this network, while the last corner of each terrace lets out water into recharge soak pits to improve ground water table, said Koda. Residents said the harvesting facility has reduced their dependence on metrowater considerably. Excess water from the sump is let out to soak pits using valves. bccl/representational image Kodas wife Prabha planned the layout of the structure. About1,500 feet of pipeline was laid for the network that cost the association 2.5 lakh. Of this, 50,000 has been recovered in terms of water savings since last November, said Koda. Conservationists said the apartment complex has yielded so much water from so little rain because the harvesting system is new. A harvesting system has to be cleaned before every monsoon, if not twice a year. Or it would be useless as dirt and silt clog it, said Sekhar Raghavan of Rain Centre. A Muslim man who, along with his family, converted into a Hindu, said Lord Ram appeared in his dreams and asked him to adopt Hinduism. The man from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh said he repeatedly had such dreams. According to a report by ANI, Shazad changed his name to Sanju Rana, after conversion, and also went to the district magistrate to make the procedure official. Rana said that his ancestors were Hindus who forcibly converted to Islam. ANI "Lord Ram had been appearing in my dreams for the past 15-20 days asking me to come back [to Hinduism]. We were Hindus earlier. Centuries ago, invaders came to our land and forced my ancestors to convert to Islam. I am just returning to my roots," he said according to ANI. Rana said that he was under no pressure to convert to Hindu. He said that he and his family are happy with the conversion. He admitted that he was scared and worried about how his community would react to his decision. Following this, Rana approached the police this morning for protection. "I just wanted to protect my children. I saved my life by fleeing to the police station," he said. According to ANI, Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar said, "We haven't found any concrete evidence regarding a threat to his life. This conversion is his personal matter. Constitutional proceedings will be undertaken in this matter." Inspired by the Sardar Patels Statue of Unity in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to announce the statue of Lord Ram on the banks of river Sarayu. Details of the statue have not been revealed yet. No time frame has been set so far. According to Times Now, the statue of Lord Ram to be built on the Saryu river bank will be more than 100 meters in height. The statue made of bronze will cost Rs 330 crore and a 36-metre pedestal and a museum have also been planned. Representational Image It was first reported in March that Aditayanath administration in UP is planning two projects for 'social development': A 100-metre Lord Ram statue at Rs cost of Rs 330 crore and a 'Navyu Ayodhya (New Ayodhya) plan at a cost of Rs 350 crore were proposed, as per Economic Times. A few days ago, UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey told the media that the people should wait for Diwali to hear some good news on Ram Mandir. For weeks wildlife enthusiasts and animal lovers were campaigning to save Avni, a tigress in Maharashtra, for which the government had issued a shoot at sight order because she was allegedly a man-eater. But even as the campaigners continued to make their desperate attempts, the news which they feared has come. The tigress officially called T1 has been shot dead by the team of hunters which was dispatched to eliminate her. The five-year-old tigress was shot dead on Friday night from near a road in Borati village by Asgar Ali Khan, son of sharp-shooter Shafath Ali Khan who was heading the hunt for her. She was killed in a single shot, from point blank, without even making an attempt to tranquilize her and capture the tiger alive, which the activists were demanding. ANI The death of Avni leaves her two young cubs who are around 10-months-old, vulnerable, as the hunt team is yet to capture them or devise any solid plan to rehabilitate them. The death of Avni is once again likely to ignite the debate over how animals are always on the receiving end when it comes to human-animal conflicts. The order to shoot her dead was issued on September 4 was and was cleared by the Supreme Court on September 11 citing that she was a maneater. According to the government records since June 2016, 13 people have been killed in tiger attacks in Pandharkawada divisional forest, 11 of whom were shepherds inside the forest and two in farms. Of the last five deaths, one was in December 2017, one in January 2018 and three in August. PTI However, those behind the campaign had pointed out that alleged deaths had happened inside the forest, where it was illegal to enter. They also alleged that out of the 13 bodies which were recovered, DNA tests were conducted only on 3 of them and tiger DNA was found only on one of the bodies. Following the killing of Avani, activists are also likely to raise the fact that the tigress was shot dead by Asgar Ali Khan, while the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) A K Mishra had given the shooting permission to his father Shafath Ali Khan who was away in Patna to attend the meeting of Bihar State Wildlife Board. BCCL Last month, the Bombay High Court's Nagpur Bench admitted a petition that sought a stay on plans to kill the tigress and instead capture her alive. Wildlife activist Jerryl A. Banait contended that instead of killing her, which will orphan her cubs, the Forest Department should capture her alive, as per the Supreme Court orders on September 11. The request by a young prodigy to let him appear for the class 10 exam in the state has left the Education Department in Manipur in a fix. If allowed, Isaac Paulallungmuan Vaiphei, who will turn 11 this month will become the youngest person in the state to do so. But they can't let it happen because, according to the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BoSEM) rules, a student needs to complete 15 years of age to appear for the exam. A Class 9 student of Rayburn School Churachandpur, Isaac had approached the board over a month ago, but there is no response from them yet. According to Isaac, he wanted to become the youngest student from Manipur to attend the Class X exam and he was inspired by others from other states who have set similar records. BCCL/ REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE It is not the first time, Isaac has attempted to appear for the Class X exam. In 2017 too he had tried, but it was not accepted following which his parents shifted him to a CBSE school. Isaac, however, is not yet registered with CBSE and thus cannot appear for the board exam this year. Despite the best efforts by conservationists and animal rights activists, Avni, the tigress who was accused of being a man-eater was hunt down and killed on Friday night. The hunt for Avni was led by Shafath Ali Khan, a sharpshooter and a highly controversial hunter. afp While Khan was assigned to kill Avni, the death blow was given by his son Asgar Ali Khan, who pulled the trigger in the absence of his father. The killing of Avni will definitely add to the 'illustrious' track record of Khan who has been behind a number of government-sanctioned killings of wild animals. Ironically, on his website, he describes himself as a wildlife conservationist who belongs to the royal family and is also a national shooting champion. Defending his actions, which is often controversial, Khan says what he does is, in fact, social service. I have no desire to shoot the tiger, or even capture it; they have called me because they are incompetent, he had claimed in a recent interview with Mid Day. In the past, he has been assigned many such hunts by various state governments, majorly from Maharashtra, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to help him capture trouble making animals including tigers, leopards bears and elephants. In 2016, the Bihar government had roped in him to kill nilgais and according to his own account he had killed more than 250 of them, which he terms as free social service. The 60-year-old from Hyderabad, other than being a controversial hunter had his fair share of run-ins with the law. representational image In 1991-92, he was arrested by the Karnataka police for supplying weapons to Maoists who operated along the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border. There were multiple cases against him for illegal poaching. He was also accused of organizing wildlife shootings for clients at his private safari in Tamil Nadus Bokkapuram, bordering the Bandipur National Park. Two IndiGo planes averted a mid-air collision at the border airspace of India and Bangladesh on Wednesday. With just 45 seconds before the possible collision, one of the planes was instructed by the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower in Kolkata to turn right and move away from the other aircraft that had come at the same level. Speaking to PTI, a senior official of the Airports Authority of India said, Both the aircraft, belonging to low-cost carrier IndiGo, had come on the same level on Wednesday evening and posed a threat to both the aeroplanes One aircraft was going to Guwahati from Chennai and the other from Guwahati to Kolkata. The planes had come close to each other around 5:10 p.m. The standard gap between two aircraft in terms of both, the vertical distance and lateral distance must be a minimum of 1000 ft. Pictures tweeted by South Korean President Moon Jae-in of Modi jackets gifted to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi started a raging debate on Twitter. On October 31, Moon Jae-in tweeted pictures of the sleeveless jackets, to be worn on a kurta. Prime Minister @narendramodi of India sent me some gorgeous garments. These are modernized versions of traditional Indian costume, known as the Modi Vest, that can also be worn easily in Korea. They fit perfectly. pic.twitter.com/3QTFIczX6H (@moonriver365) 31 October 2018 "Prime Minister @narendramodi of India sent me some gorgeous garments. These are modernised versions of traditional Indian costume, known as the 'Modi Vest', that can also be worn easily in Korea. They fit perfectly," Moon Jae-in said in the tweet During my visit to India, I had told the Prime Minister @narendramodi that he looked great in those vests, and he duly sent them over, all meticulously tailored to my size....," said the South Korean leader. During my visit to India, I had told the Prime Minister @narendramodi that he looked great in those vests, and he duly sent them over, all meticulously tailored to my size. I would like to thank him for this kind gesture. pic.twitter.com/wRgekJSW16 (@moonriver365) 31 October 2018 The tweets sparked a debate, as some claimed that these were actually Nehru Jackets, popularised by the country's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Bipin Chauhan, managing director of JadeBlue Lifestyle India Limited, the firm that sent the jackets, said that there are a lot of differences between the two. Speaking to Indian Express, Chauhan said, Nehru started wearing them. Sometimes even Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel used to wear them. But the jackets came to be associated with Nehruji. During those times, when Nehruji wore these jackets, only the ultra-elite wore them. The company which is behind the creation of Modi Jacket has 22 stores in 18 cities across the country. It also has a special section that sells Modi Jackets and Modi Kurtas. Chauhan said, There is no doubt that Modiji has popularised it and taken it to the masses. Nehruji used to largely wear white and off-white jackets. He never wore colours. Modiji brought in colours and a new design. It has become a style statement even among corporates. PTI To get caught in a scam is all too common these days and with the advent of the Internet, more and more people are getting in a muck of fake advertisement. When it comes to fake ads, the illegal organ marketing seems to ace it all and prey on people who can easily fall into the traps. Case in point: 52-year-old M.B. Somashekar who walked into Columbia Asia Hospital in Bengaluru to donate his kidney. An officer investigating the case told Bengaluru Mirror, "Somashekar is said to have shown WhatsApp messages and subsequent conversations on various dates where Dr. David allegedly had been in contact with him about the sale of his kidney. However, he could not remember the name of the website or its URL. Somashekar is said to have stated that Dr David gave him an open offer of Rs 1.6 crore to sell one of his kidneys to a potential patient who was currently undergoing dialysis. He also told Dhal that he was asked to come to the hospital with identity proof like Aadhaar card and other documents to complete formalities for the sale. The doctor in his complaint has stated that he is not the owner of the said mobile number from which the WhatsApp conversation has been made with the stenographer and is unaware of any dubious websites. "The man is impersonating Dr David and he could have also used his pictures as the display picture on the WhatsApp mobile." The doctor has stated that there is an intent to cheat people by impersonating him by preparing documents fraudulently and publishing them as genuine on electronic media, the officer added. A spokesperson from Columbia Asia Hospitals said, It is unfortunate that false messages are finding their way into various social media. Impersonation of doctors is a criminal offense. We, therefore decided that we would complain to the police and support them (doctors) in all actions required to identify and suitably punish such perpetrators. We confirm that Columbia Asia has nothing to do and will never participate in any such unlawful activities. The Cyber Police has registered a case under section 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act of 2000 and 120B (criminal conspiracy) 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 420 (cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) along with other sections of the IPC. Google employees stage a walkout on Nov. 1, 2018, in New York, over sexual harassment. A Google Walkout For Real Change account that sprang up on Twitter on Oct. 31 called for employees and contractors to leave their workplaces at 11:10 am local time around the world on Nov. 1. An Indian American Google employee, Tanuja Gupta, said in New York: Weve always been a vanguard company, so if we dont lead the way, nobody else will. (Bryan R. Smith /AFP/Getty Images) 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. Turkmenistans president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov lifts golden weights before his applauding Cabinet What Donald Trump will make it has yet to be revealed, but for now all we have is Turkmenistans president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov lifting golden weights bar before his applauding Cabinet. Mr Berdy is also the countrys prime minister and commander-in-chief of the countrys armed forces. And sine you asked, male homosexuality is illegal: Turkmenistans president lifts golden weights bar before his applauding Cabinet. Will the madness ever cease? pic.twitter.com/9MszhO4dD4 Peter Leonard (@Peter__Leonard) November 2, 2018 According to Human Rights Watch: Turkmenistan remains an extremely repressive country. The government severely restricts all fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedoms of association, expression, and religion. President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, his relatives and their associates control all aspects of public life, and the authorities encroach on private life. The government carries out forced evictions without adequately compensating those affected. The government continues to conceal the fate and whereabouts of dozens of people forcibly disappeared following their imprisonment during waves of arrests in the late 1990s and early 2000s, although it has begun to return to families the bodies of several inmates forcibly disappeared years ago who have recently died in custody. Activists and independent correspondents critical of the government face increased intimidation, harassment, physical attacks and imprisonment. The country remains closed to any independent scrutiny. Anorak Posted: 3rd, November 2018 | In: Key Posts, Politicians Comment | TrackBack | Permalink By Geoff Percival Sales of Tullamore Dew whiskey grew by 9% last year, with its owner claiming the gap is narrowing between it and Irish whiskey market leader Jameson. Newly published figures show that Tullamore Dew contributed strongly to owner William Grant and Sons 2017 performance, which resulted in a 12.6% jump in post-tax profits to 250.2m (281.5m). The Scottish drinks group has owned the Tullamore Dew brand since 2010, keeping it and disposing of the rest of C&C Groups spirits division which it bought in that year. Chin Ru Foo, William Grants global brand director for its Irish and American whiskey labels, said 2017 had been an incredible year both for the Grant group and Tullamore Dew. She said the brands beauty of blend advertising campaign and continued innovation had driven global growth for the Offaly-made whiskey. Grants invested 25m in its Tullamore distilling operations last year, adding a new grain distillery and bottling plant. That spend brought total monies invested in the operation, by the Scottish group, over the past eight years to 100m. A spokesperson for the company claimed the sales gap between Tullamore Dew already the second biggest selling Irish whiskey in the world and Jameson is closing continually, with the Offaly brand now market leader in a number of countries in including Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Construction group SIAC has begun a clean-up operation at Dublin's Forty Foot and Sandycove Beach after a plastics spillage began washing up on shore. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council says it's council crews have been assisting since yesterday afternoon in a bid to expedite the operation. The Mayor of Dun Laoghaire is calling for accountability saying the polluter must pay. SIAC crews continuing to undertake cleanup operation in affected Sandycove coastline areas. They are operating between Bulloch Harbour & East Pier sweeping back and forth. Assessment of near shore area also being undertaken by boat. Council teams continuing to provide assistance. pic.twitter.com/Dv0z50KLot Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (@dlrcc) November 3, 2018 SIAC/Mantovani Group which has been contracted to redevelop the Dun Laoghaire Baths - began a major clean up operation yesterday after complaints about a plastics pollution incident at the popular bathing spot. That operation is continuing today and for the rest of the weekend - assisted by council crews. The plastic strips washing up along the coast are used during the process of setting cement - and a temporary halt has been placed on concrete pouring works. The council says its keenly aware of the potential impact of the spill and it has demanded a full investigation. The Mayor of Dun Laoghaire, Councillor Ossian Smyth says he is outraged and is demanding accountability. Digital Desk Gardai were confronted with a gruesome murder scene when they discovered a young man with his genitals mutilated at a rented house in south Dublin. A woman, aged in her late 40s, was arrested in relation to the horrific death, which occurred in upmarket Foxrock late on Thursday. The victim has been named as Limbani Mzoma, thought to be aged 27 and believed to be from Malawi. He is thought to have adopted the name Robert in Ireland. Garda sources stressed that they did not know a lot about the deceased and were last night still in the process of formally identifying him and checking his details. The woman arrested is also thought to have an African background and knew the victim. Various sources said Mr Mzoma was brutally mutilated and had his penis and scrotum severed. VIDEO: A young man has died after a stabbing in Foxrock, south #Dublin. Gardai have arrested a woman in connection with the death. @sharonmlynch has the latest: pic.twitter.com/pQZGyq1O2J Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) November 2, 2018 It is believed the mutilation was carried out after he was killed, with sources saying he suffered traumatic stabbing and beating injuries to his head and chest. It was the second fatal stabbing on Thursday, following an unrelated early morning knifing of a father of three in Athy, Co Kildare. Mr Mzoma was one of a number of people, all thought to be foreign nationals, living at the semi-detached house on Tudor Lawns, Foxrock. Gardai were called to a disturbance there at 11.30pm and discovered the mans body. He had suffered extensive wounds and suffered massive blood loss. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Gardai did not move the body and sealed the area off pending the arrival of the state pathologist and the Garda Technical Bureau. Gardai outside a house in Tudor Lawns in Foxrock, Co. Dublin. Pic: Collins Gardai who arrived first are understood to have struggled to get a clear picture as to what was going on and attempted to speak to those present. It is understood that the woman who was later arrested accompanied gardai from the house to assist them with their inquiries. A decision was taken yesterday at around 6.45am to arrest her in relation to the murder. She was detained at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. It allows for up to 24 hours detention, excluding sleep breaks. The Technical Bureau arrived yesterday morning and began an extensive examination at the house which continued until late yesterday. Members of the Garda Technical Bureau at the scene at a house in the Tudor Lawns, Foxrock. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie Deputy State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan arrived in the morning and conducted a preliminary post mortem. The body was later removed for a full PM. Assistant Commissioner for Dublin Pat Leahy attended the scene and spoke to senior officers about the investigation. House-to-house inquiries were conducted in the neighbouring homes during yesterday. Officers are expected to have consulted with the DPP overnight and will have made a decision by this morning on whether to release her pending a file or bring charges. Gardai had previously been called to disturbances at the house, including, it is thought, on Thursday afternoon. Gardai are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the vicinity late on Thursday to contact Cabinteely Garda Station on 01 6665400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any Garda station. The murder was the second fatal stabbing on Thursday and followed the discovery of a mans body on the main street of Athy, Co Kildare. David Boland, aged 34, from Nurney, Co Kildare, was stabbed four times on Duke St, Athy, at 5.30am after a group of young men left a nearby house party. Gardai believe between five and six men witnessed the stabbing. After Mr Boland was stabbed, his car, which was parked at the scene, was stolen and driven a short distance to Woodstock St and partially burnt out. Gardai at nearby Athy Garda Station were alerted and discovered the body on Duke St at 5.45am. Officers identified the use of drugs, as well as alcohol, at the house party. Two people, aged in their mid to late 20s, were subsequently arrested, one early yesterday and the second later in the morning. They were questioned at Naas Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. By Joe Leogue There is a wide gap in overall levels of education between those residing in the Gaeltacht and the State average, a new study has found. The detailed study on the demographic, social and economic characteristics of the seven Gaeltacht areas in Ireland, funded by Senator Padraig O Ceidigh and the Irish Research Council was launched in Killarney, Co Kerry, yesterday. It found that as of 2016, 17% of those residing in the Gaeltacht had a highest level of education attainment classed as No Formal or Primary only, compared to a State average of 12.5%. The report was compiled based on the work on AIRO, the All-Island Research Observatory at Maynooth University, and the Central Statistics Office. Mr O Ceidigh said: The overarching objective is to effectively enhance the development of Gaeltacht regions and people living in those communities. The report is a socio-economic evidence baseline that provides a very detailed profile, both comparative and individual, of the seven Gaeltacht Areas in Ireland and associated Limistear Pleanala Teanga (LPTs), or Language Planning Areas. The level of detail within will enable community groups, researchers, planners and policy makers to firmly place robust, accurate and authoritative data at the foundation of all future decision making and funding applications. Director of the Irish Research Council, Peter Brown, said the core of the councils work is enabling a wide range of stakeholders in society to benefit from the work of Irelands research community. The expertise of the AIRO, applied to the rich data sets on Gaeltacht communities that is now available, has produced new understandings and insights that the council hopes will be harnessed to the full by all interested parties. The Irish College of General Practitioners is to hold an emergency general meeting next month to discuss GP concerns about providing abortion services. The ICGP, the professional and training body for general practice here, was responding to a petition signed by hundreds of GPs. The college said the meeting of its members, which will be held on December 2, will allow a detailed discussion on the provision of termination of pregnancy services by GPs. Doctors who sought the meeting had proposed a number of motions, including one stating that external clinical settings would be more appropriate for the provision of abortion services. The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill has reached committee stage in the Dail when amendments will be discussed. Meanwhile, the HSE has invited the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation to talks next Thursday in a bid to avert a threat of industrial action. The INMOs executive council will consider the HSEs invitation when it meets on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the recruitment and retention crisis. INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said the lack of urgency and level of complacency shown by the HSE about the serious shortage of nurses and midwives was unacceptable. The Psychiatric Nurses Association, which also voted to reject proposals by the Public Service Pay Commission, said it had not been invited to talks. A spokesman said it would be writing to the HSE this weekend demanding direct talks. First comes the alarm, then the dread, then the pain. But now for families of long-missing people, there finally comes some hope. Its hope with a small H because it doesnt mean their loved ones have, against the odds, been discovered alive. Instead it signals the possibility that theyll get a chance to bury them and finally have a grave to grieve at. But, says Dermot Browne of the National Missing Persons Helpline, hope is definitely whats in the air. In recent days two previously unidentified bodies were confirmed to be the remains of missing people James Gallagher who vanished 19 years ago and Margaret Glennon, not seen for 23 years. Last week saw similar news in relation to Gussie Shanahan, missing for 18 years, and earlier this year, the remains of Paul Shine Dixon, gone nine years, were also identified. In all four cases, bodies had been found but too long after the disappearances for investigators to reliably identify them or easily link them to families anxiously awaiting news. But the past decade has seen improvements in DNA extraction methods that have enabled scientists to recover very old or degraded DNA, giving them a good shot at identifying long-hidden remains as well as a chance to look with fresh eyes at remains recovered before DNA technology was a routine forensics tool. In tandem with those advances, Ireland finally set up its long-overdue DNA database. Primarily aimed at combatting crime, the database also has an identification division where DNA is extracted from unidentified remains, from the belongings of missing people, and, where they wish, from their family members too. Few opt out. So eager are they to help efforts to find their loved ones that Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) staff attended the annual National Missing Persons Day ceremony in Farmleigh last year to collect DNA from many of the attending families who had asked to join the database. Their DNA profiles are built by FSI and the results stored on computer, ready to be compared and possibly matched whenever unknown remains are uncovered. Computerising the records is key as it allows the transfer of DNA profiles for comparison between similar databases all over the world. It was just such an exercise that brought the body of 28-year-old Paul Shine Dixon home to his family earlier this year after he disappeared in Perpignan in the south of France in 2009. Human remains were discovered near a canal in the city in 2017 and the combination of the work of FSI and its French counterparts resulted in Pauls mother, Clare Dixon, getting a call last February that he could at last be returned to her. She said at the time she was heartbroken all over again but also extremely thankful that she could have her son home. Gussie Shanahans father, Bob, expressed similar emotions last week when he learned that unidentified remains found a year and a half after his 20-year-old son disappeared in 2000 had been confirmed as belonging to Gussie. He felt sadness and joy, he said, sadness that he could no longer believe even fleetingly that his son was still alive but joy that he was being returned to the family. The families of 18-year-old James Gallagher and 59-year-old Margaret Glennon will also be going through jumbled emotions this week. Jamess remains were found in 2002, three years after his disappearance, but were unidentified all this time, while Margarets body lay 19 years unseen before being recovered in 2014 when the process to unlock the secrets of her identity began. In the coming years, it is expected other families will get to bury long-lost sons, daughters, and partners, while others will be spared decades of waiting. Many will still wonder what took their loved ones away from them, but there is some comfort at least that science and persistence have brought them home. By Sean ORiordan Fears have been raised that, unless urgent action is taken, rockfalls close to a factory belonging to one of Europes largest manufacturers of energy-efficient doors and windows are eventually going to cause a serious accident. A Cork county councillor has told local authority engineering staff that numerous accidents have happened because of rockfalls on a stretch of road close to the factory on the Cork/Kerry border. Fine Gael councillor John Paul OShea has asked engineers to carry out a survey on rock formations close to the Munster Joinery factory near Ballydesmond, because he has concerns that they could lead to a loss of life. He said he wants to know if the rockface in the area adjacent to the R582, which runs past the factory, could be made safe. The busy road skirts along the Cork/Kerry border and is a supply line for commercial traffic coming into North Cork and East Kerry from Limerick. In addition, nearly 1,000 workers travel to the 230,000sq ft Munster Joinery factory every day from all over the Munster region. Mr OShea said trucks are also being damaged by outcrops of rock. Two trucks cant pass at some pinchpoints. If one of them is forced to pull in, they end up being damaged and, in a number of cases, their tyres have been slashed by protruding sharp rock, he said. Council engineers said they would survey the area as soon as possible and report back to him. Meanwhile, the same meeting of the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District Council heard that council engineers have been working on acquiring land to upgrade one of the most dangerous junctions in the region. Fianna Fail councillor Bernard Moynihan said he was concerned about the number of accidents happening at Lamanaugh Cross, near the village of Boherbue. Council engineers said agreement had been reached with two landowners at the junction to acquire their land. This will allow them to upgrade the junction and improve sight distance. They said they had applied for a grant to carry out the work and hope to be in a position to do it early next year. The Taoiseach has said Brexit has undermined the Good Friday Agreement and is fraying relations between Ireland and Britain. Speaking on RTE's Marian Finucane programme, Leo Varadkar said anything that pulls the two communities apart undermines the Good Friday agreement. "Brexit has undermined the Good Friday Agreement and it is fraying relationships between Britain and Ireland," he said. "Anything that pulls the two communities apart in Northern Ireland undermines the Good Friday Agreement and anything that pulls Britain and Ireland apart undermines that relationship." Interview with @campaignforleo this morning continues with questions about the budget and the Confidence and Supply agreement. Listen live on @RTERadio1 pic.twitter.com/b3WRBw8KK5 Brendan OConnor (@RadioBrendanRTE) November 3, 2018 Mr Varadkar said he has a good relationship with DUP leader Arlene Foster. He said the DUP and Sinn Fein need to come together and come to an agreement to get the Northern Ireland Assembly up and running again. Mr Varadkar said that if there was some clarity on Brexit in the next couple of weeks or months, there would be an opportunity to get the Executive up and running again. He also said Ireland was entering into a potentially difficult period post-Brexit even if an agreement is struck. He said he couldn't say exactly when everyone would have access to broadband but he said the houses that would be "easiest to do" could be done in the next year or two. Mr Varadkar said the Government was at a very advanced stage with agreeing a broadband contract. However, he said he couldn't put a definite time frame on when the remaining 500,000 homes, farms and businesses would have access to broadband because the contract is not yet agreed. Mr Varadkar said they were working to agree a contract and would know in the next few weeks if that was possible. He said if this wasn't possible the government would have to have a plan B which could take "very long and be very expensive". Listen to the full interview here: Digital Desk By Conor Kane Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has said she believes she would now be dead or close to death had she taken medical advice to undergo palliative chemotherapy rather than carrying out her own research into new treatment. Ms Phelan said that her treatment with wonder drug Pembrolizumab has resulted in another small shrinkage in her cervical cancer tumours, following shrinkage of over 50% after she started the therapy. Its quite minimal but its what you want to see, she said at Waterford Institute of Technology, where she was conferred with an honorary fellowship. Ms Phelan, who lives in Limerick with her husband and children, is employed as the head of the Literacy Development Centre at WIT. Im happy enough to live with tumours, as long as theyre not growing. I have a quality of life. Ms Phelan also spoke of the importance of the HPV vaccine for preventing a range of cancers, including cervical cancer, using the example of her 13-year-old daughter who has just been given the vaccine. I dont want her getting cervical cancer, she said. I was driven all along by the fact that, at the beginning, I thought I was going to die. I dont think thats the case now, I hope not anyway, definitely not for another while. Ms Phelan settled a case against Clinical Pathology Laboratories earlier this year over an incorrectly read smear test which was taken three years before she was eventually diagnosed with cervical cancer, and six years before she was told her smear had been reviewed. She told the WIT event yesterday of the importance of education and of people having the ability and confidence to challenge what they are told by people such as medical professionals. What I was offered in January was palliative chemotherapy The palliative chemotherapy is killing people, its so toxic. She instead researched other possibilities and found the new drug, Pembrolizumab, which she started, against much medical advice, in April. If I had taken that advice in January, Ive no doubt Id be either dead now or on the way out. I got on it [Pembrolizumab] just in time. The palliative chemotherapy would have only bought me until the end of the year, which is now coming up, and I would have been sick. I have spoken to women who are on this treatment and they are in and out of hospital all the time, with infection after infection. Its not curing anybody, its making you sick, its depleting your immune system, and its not buying you time. And this is all they can offer, I dont believe that is right. Ms Phelan said she wants all possible patients who could benefit from the same drug to be given a test which shows if they are suitable for it or not, and then to have the treatment funded by the Government. Ms Phelan is now funding a research position which will have somebody working for patients from the main cancer hospitals, to look into possible treatment options for those patients. New structures including a yearly summit of leaders will be set up to ensure the relationship between the UK and Ireland is maintained post-Brexit. Politicians representing the UK and Irish governments met in Dublin to discuss holding top level summits after Brexit as they will no longer be meeting on a regular basis in Brussels. Tanaiste Simon Coveney said he is confident that a Brexit deal can be hammered out this month but added that we are not quite there yet and more flexibility is needed from the UK side. Speaking after a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin yesterday evening, Mr Coveney said: I think we have made a lot of progress on this in recent weeks, I think Michel Barnier has shown flexibility and imagination to try to help overcome some of the challenges that are clearly there, but we are not quite there yet. In my view, there is some movement needed still on the UK side to find a legal wording that can allow this process to agree to a draft withdrawal treaty. However, he said this will just be stage one of negotiations as after that the future relationship between Britain and the EU will have to be hammered out. Mr Coveney, who along with Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan represented the Irish Government, met with Britains Cabinet Office minister, David Lidington, and Northern Ireland Secretary, Karen Bradley, where the future relationship between both countries was discussed. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Coveney said that a decision has been made in relation to future east-west structures between the two governments which he said are welcome and necessary in the post-Brexit era. Mr Lidington said both sides discussed maintaining top-level political contacts with the same kind of depth and regularity that we do at the moment when ministers and leaders will no longer be meeting at EU summits and briefings. So what we did today was to discuss a paper that we had commissioned our officials jointly to produce for this meeting about various options and structures for that co-operation between British and Irish governments in the future. What we have agreed is that we should aim for a model which is based upon a pattern of top-level summits annually involving heads of government and senior ministers from the two governments probably alternating between the United Kingdom and Ireland year by year and backed up by... close bilateral work between ministers who have particular portfolio responsibilities. Turning to Brexit talks, Mr Lidington acknowledged that there has been movement on both sides in recent weeks. I want to leave you in no doubt that my prime minister and the government want to commit to the undertakings that we have given. He said negotiations cannot just drift on until March as any proposals will have to be ratified in Westminster. In a follow-up to his moving RTE documentary about his fathers failing health, Brendan Courtney turns his attention to his newly-widowed mother, writes Ailin Quinlan An aging mother dealing with widowhood, a middle-aged son trying to help a parent too shell-shocked by bereavement to make decisions for her future its an all-too familiar predicament. However, fashion designer and TV presenter Brendan Courtney tackled this common problem in an unusual way. He made a television documentary about it. Courtneys question is how much responsibility do we need to take for our ageing parents and how much responsibility lies with parents themselves to sit down with adult children and discuss the choices facing them? Were an ageist culture, says Courtney (46), whose hit 2017 documentary We Need To Talk About Dad struck a chord with thousands of people around the country, generating a massive public response through thousands of letters, emails and phone calls. We dont want to think about ageing. Age is seen as a bad thing. Its seen as a weakness and as something thats unattractive. Even my mother hates talking about ageing! We Need To Talk About Dad focused on the Courtney familys struggle to find the best possible care for their father Frank after he suffered a second, and severely disabling stroke, almost a year to the day after his first. We didnt prepare in any way for the possibility of him getting sick again, even though wed been warned he probably would. We didnt choose to ignore it; we just didnt know any better. We didnt have any facilities in place, for example a downstairs bathroom. Dad was a builder and we could have done that, Courtney recalls now. We Need To Talk About Dad aired in January 2017. The following June, Frank passed away. Last year was a very difficult one for Courtney for other reasons too - his best friend died suddenly in March and shortly afterwards his sister was diagnosed with lung cancer. The year 2017 was a year that you just had to cope with, he recalls. It was very busy, but as the dust started to settle, we got on with it and started to talk about the possibility, the notion, of a follow-up documentary to We Need To Talk About Dad. Every single person I met seemed to want to know what happened afterwards - what happened to my Mam and how was she? Just under 18 months on from Franks death, Brendans mother Nuala, a clinical psychologist in her 70s, continues to cope with the effects of bereavement. Shes dealing both with the emotional and financial fallout of losing her beloved husband, whom she first met at the age of 15 and the stark reality of facing a new life as a woman alone. Given the complexity of choices facing his active, healthy, but now-widowed, elderly mother, Brendan made the decision to create a second documentary, this time about Nuala. We Need To Talk About Mam is about people who are older, who are in the full glow of health, but who find themselves widowed or in empty nests; people who have too big a house, Brendan explains. But, as he discovers during the documentary, Nuala herself is not yet quite ready to plan for the future. I wanted to get Mam engaged in looking at the various options. Her attitude seems to be that Ill look after things, but what Im trying to get across to her is that these are her choices and that she needs to make choices so that we dont have to make choices for her. While I was making the documentary I found that many older people wont talk about what might happen in the future. The programme charts the efforts of the 46-year-old and his siblings as they try to help Nuala decide how to live her life after the end of a 50-year marriage to the love of her life. My mother is intelligent and healthy. Shes on no medication, whereas Im on blood pressure tablets, says Brendan, who adds that Nuala still drives and has a busy counselling practice and a full and enjoyable social life - but, he observes, as the years pass, things will inevitably change: Mam cannot work forever so were looking at her financial set up, wondering, what is the plan? The documentary is based around the fact that Mam is getting older and we havent prepared for contingencies around this. It looks at how my mother struggles to figure out who she is after living for 50 years with the same person. Its heart-breaking. Everything you understand is gone. But this is life. We have to accept it, live with it and plan for it. However, the issues around getting older are things many Irish people dont want to even think about, he observes yet in other cultures, these challenges are dealt with very pragmatically: In Demark or Japan or the USA for example, this is seen as the third stage of life. People prepare for it. Irish people, on the other hand, tend to avoid the subject, he believes: Culturally, we dont trust pensions, for example. Im intelligent and I work hard and I have a nice two-bedroomed apartment in the city, he reflects, adding however, that hes also one of those who mistrust pensions: Only about 30% of Irish people take out a private pension - I dont have a pension; I still dont trust the idea, he says. His mistrust of pensions, he reveals, was further underlined by the experience of a nurse he talked to: I talked to a nurse who had a pension - and who lost everything in the crash in 2008. She ended up homeless and living in her brothers shed at the age of 65, after being retired by the state. Shed worked like a dog all her life, educated herself and invested in a pension and it still let her down. One of the options available to Nuala Courtney was downsizing to a smaller house from the four-bed semi-detached family home in Tallaght but because of the proliferation of larger, family-style housing available in the area, things were not that simple: Mam did seek to free up her house and move to a smaller house nearby in Tallaght where she lives, but theres nothing; there are no houses available. And, as Brendan points out, any small houses which do come on the market tend to be staggeringly expensive. Mam has a big side garden so we also looked at getting planning permission to build a small house in the side garden. Its basically about re-thinking the family home and making it work for the entire family. The documentary explores other alternatives too the possibility of taking in tenants, for example, or of engaging in a completely new way of life. Brendan and Nuala visit a unique co-operative housing initiative in Kildare which replicates the Student Dormhouse experience for its residents. They also hit the Irish ex- pat retiree trail to Alicante and experience what life is like for the residents of an Active Adult Community in Florida. We travel to Spain and to Miami to investigate how people retire successfully there, he says. There are a lot of challenges, a lot of laughs; its lighter in mood than my fathers documentary, and Im very proud of it. The big question asked by the documentary is - what does successful ageing look like in this country? We all need to engage with this - mams, dads and their adult children together. Unless someone has a brain injury or a mental illness, they need to engage with people about what they would like their care to be. Courtney did become frustrated with his mothers inability to engage, he admits, but the experience also taught him a lot about the grueling aftermath of bereavement: Its a long process and you cannot force people to make decision,Its particularly hard for the one who is left to make a decision without the person they have spent their lives with. Theyre not only bereaved but they are also alone and that is a very hard thing. However, he insists, the reality is that older people owe it to their adult children to have this admittedly difficult discussion. I want to say to older people that you owe it to your children to have this conversation. I would go as far as to say it is both selfish and unfair not to explore your options with your child. Burying your head in the sand is no longer acceptable given the society we live in and the ever-diminishing options that are available. We Need To Talk About Mam airs on RTE One on Monday at 9:35pm As Mary McEvoy returns to the stage, she talks to Marie Toft about facing her food addiction and losing three stone in weight Actress Mary McEvoy remembers the day her life changed last May. I was in a really grumpy mood, she admits. With her weight approaching morbidly obese levels, she had finally decided to contact a weight loss specialist. I was about to go to France on holidays, she remembers, and I actually said to them, Is there any point in even starting this programme before I leave? The candid response she received was not what she was expecting. They asked me was I going to France to feel the sun on my skin, visit friends and embrace new places or was I going to fill my face with food and wine, she laughs. Less than six months later, Mary has lost three stone and reveals this forthright, no nonsense response changed her life. I was a food addict, she admits. I feel things very deeply and food was my pleasure. I found my comfort in the tub of ice-cream or the pizza. Mary has been working with Katriona Tansley from Lighter Life, whose headquarters are based in Mullingar near where she lives. All weight loss programmes have something to offer, she says. What has really helped me with this programme is the counselling. Thats really important to help maintain the loss. Because as she says, over-eating and food addiction are emotional issues. And she reveals the other big factor in her weight gain was menopause. Its still such a taboo subject, she says. But it had a profound impact on me. You feel like youre no longer a player in life and you do disappear. I disappeared under the weight. But as Mary who will be 64 this year maintains, women of a certain age disappear from film and TV. I found a chasm of difference between my 50s and my 60s. There are a few notable exceptions of older women on screen, like Helen Mirren and Susan Sarandon, but honestly, they are the exceptions. The rare times I see women in their 60s on TV is when theyre advertising having your funeral paid for in advance, she laughs. Theyre these biddable old dears making parsnip jam. I can honestly say I dont know anyone like that. Her new found zest for life is having an impact on her current role in The Matchmaker, the hit play adapted from the renowned Kerry writer John B Keanes novella Letters of a Country Matchmaker. Im enjoying it more than ever, she says. And every time Im on stage, Im loosening another stay in the corset. Having performed in the play for more than 17 years, she describes it as the gift that keeps on giving. I started off in The Matchmaker with Mick Lally (who played Miley to her Biddy in RTEs Glenroe) and for the last few years, Ive played alongside Jon Kenny, who just adds so much to it. Its been running now for 30 years and there are people in the audience who have seen it three times. And despite it being set in an Ireland more than 50 years ago, Mary says the play reveals a different aspect of that time. Its funny, we look back on the 50s and the 60s and see them as priest-ridden and everyone denying themselves. But people had the same needs then as now, they wanted sex and intimacy. And in a way, back then, they were much more practical about their needs. The matchmaker ensured all faculties are in full working order. They provided a really important service and would you believe theyre still around. Im reading about modern matchmakers in Hollywood. Jon Kenny and Mary play a myriad of earthy characters and one of the roles Mary plays is Finnoula Crust who she maintains always gets a big laugh. Finnoula makes no bones about it, she reveals. Shes looking to have her physical needs satisfied. By the end of the play, shes a widow twice over having worn out two husbands and is about to embark on her third marriage. The Matchmaker certainly strikes a chord with audiences since its ultimately about finding The One, no matter what age you are, something John B Keane felt passionately about. Being older doesnt mean everything has to stop, says Mary. By and large, youll be wrong in assuming older people arent sexually active. With her new found weight loss, shes also passionate about older people seizing the day and living the best life they can. I had a moment just a few weeks ago, she recounts, when I realised how much had changed for me. I was trying on shoes in a shop and I was bending down to fasten them. I suddenly realised I wasnt stretching over my tummy and I wasnt out of breath. It was a very simple moment, but for me it was profound. And she insists this isnt just about aesthetics. Its about our health and we have to look after our physical as well as our mental health. I was lost. I felt I had no control over myself and I believed there was no point in even trying to lose weight. Now in her 60s, she reveals shes never been happier. Food is no longer my only pleasure in life. Im using my five senses to find joy and meaning. Its not always easy and I know Ill have to keep working on it but its important to be able to withstand discomfort and to try and master yourself. Im after getting a part of myself back that I believed I had lost forever. The Matchmaker is at Corks Opera House on November 3; Dublins Gaiety Theatre from November 5-10 and in Killarneys INEC on November 11 Fred Guttenberg doesnt think he told his daughter he loved her the last time he saw her alive, writes Joyce Fegan My daughter was killed on February 14, in Parkland, Florida. I sent two children to school and only one of them came home, Fred tells a small crowd in Palm Beach, Florida, which is gearing up for Tuesdays midterm elections. His 14-year-old daughter Jamie was one of the 17 students and teachers murdered in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting last February, now known simply as the Parkland shooting. It was after this tragedy that US president Donald Trump suggested arming teachers as a solution to gun violence in American schools. My daughter was the toughest person I know. When I sent her to school that morning, my daughter being tough, and sometimes difficult, was running late, yet everything had to be perfect and Im rushing her out the door. You gotta get to school. You gotta get to school. And I honestly dont think I ever told her I loved her that morning, the very last time, because it wasnt supposed to be [the last time I saw her], Fred tells an utterly silent room. Fred has been travelling the US for several months, calling for tighter gun regulation. Hes in his home state of Florida, backing Democratic mid-term candidate and former adviser to Hillary Clinton, Lauren Baer. His job is to rally Baers volunteers, who are about to go out canvassing. He goes on to describe how his daughter died, because he has seen the CCTV footage of her death. She was killed by an assault weapon. She was running down the hallway in school, she was one of the kids killed in the hallway, not in the classroom so its on video. And she was running for her life. She knew there was an active shooter at her back and she was running. Fred Guttenbergs daughter Jamie, 14, was one of those murdered in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Picture: Joyce Fegan She was turning into a stairwell, one more second, and shed be safe, but boom. Single shot. One shot from an AR-15. She fell, he says. To this day, and this haunts me, I dont know if she died instantly. I dont know if she lay there not able to tell anybody. I dont know if she felt pain. I dont know what she felt, if she felt anything at all. What I know is, I dont have her with me now, says Fred, to audible sobs. The room is made up of mostly teenagers and young women. The teenagers are as young as 15, and while they cant even vote in next Tuesdays midterm elections, theyre making sure those who can get out and do so. After the Parkland shooting, student survivors from the school, headed by Emma Gonzalez, formed the March for our Lives movement, which has since morphed into Vote for our Lives. The group has also been touring America encouraging young people to register to vote and to cast their ballot on Tuesday. Their movement has worked according to a Harvard University poll, 40% of 18-29-year-olds are expected to turn out to vote next week. This will be historic, as the highest youth vote turnout to date, in any midterms, was in 1986 and 1994, when 21% voted. Some of the teenagers listening to Fred speak were mobilised by what happened in Parkland. One of them is 15-year-old Emma Ratchford. Young teen canvassers, from left, Emma Ratchford, Leah Winters, and Katherine Oung. Im too young to be registered but for me the main reason that I really got involved in politics was the shooting this year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Democracy always seemed like something that was so far away, so out of reach for me, but now Lauren [Baer] is so close to me, I literally live five minutes away, so coming here it makes me feel like Im really making a change because its something I feel so strongly about, says Emma. Her friends Katherine and Leah stand alongside her, but with their own minds and political reasons for being here. This is the first year my parents are able to vote because they became citizens so our whole family has become a lot more politically engaged and I, as their kid, wanted to become more informed about the people that were running to represent our district, explains Katherine. Leah, on the other hand, is passionate about protecting the environment. Growing up in this area, were all more environmentally conscious. The environment is deteriorating and politicians arent really doing anything about it. Thats my primary reason for getting involved, she says, adding that there is a heightened amount of awareness among her peers this election season. Earlier in the day, I visited the Parkland school, where it was pick-up time. Cars formed an orderly queue, all covered in some political bumper sticker or other. The cars were driven in unison through the school gates and parked in convoy along a curb within the school compound. Children filed out of the school doors, under strict security, and jumped straight into their parents cars. Sheriff cars can also be seen on the school property thats on a pristine stretch of road with manicured lawns and tall palm trees. Its a militaristic operation in an idyllic setting, that should be full of youthful abandonment and giddiness but theres none of that. Nearby is Trumps southern bolt-hole, his private club, the Mar-a-Lago estate, which he has visited over 120 times since becoming president. Security is tight here too, but not so tight that you cant get to the door. I tell the Caribbean porter that I am just curious, to which he replies, This is the wrong place to be nosy, follow the exit to the left. Next Tuesday could see the beginning of Trumps exit, with US politics moving to the left. If voters make liberal candidates their number one choice, it will pave the way for a flipping of the House, where the Democrats take back control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Controversial candidates are gaining ground partially because an obsession with singular views and whitewashing away problems is gagging mainstream debate on difficult subjects, writes political correspondent Fiachra O Cionnaith. Talk about a Halloween nightmare. Between the ongoing Brexit bloodbath, the Trumpkin still (gas) lighting up a White House window, and the Casey scarecrow standing terrifyingly in the Irish political field, you could be forgiven for a few sleepless nights. Its racism. Its bigotry. Its discrimination. Its the world gone mad. But what is opening the door to these extremist views, or at least the rise in support for previously irrelevant opportunists who ape them, is also about something far more complex. And, although nowhere near as headline-grabbing, it is an issue that will be just as damaging to society as any of the above concerns unless it is properly acknowledged and remedied. While the growth of PC culture is an undeniably positive step, increasingly in political debate, it is at risk of being taken one step too far, with complex issues shoe-horned into a one-size-fits-all viewpoint to avoid any unseemly rows which risk losing voters. Similarly, catchy but ultimately hollow PR slogans repeated ad nauseum instead of genuine, mature debate on the nitty gritty of coherent policies on which there are inevitably going to be polar opposite views the whole point of politics in the first place have become the order of the day. Although understandable, the situation is increasingly gagging genuine discussion in mainstream politics and the media on complex issues which sensibly reflect societal concerns. It risks inadvertently leaving space for extremists who claim to be the only ones who tell it like it is to win the support of people who feel their frustrations are not being heard opening the door for Trump, Casey and others to take advantage with an over-the-top version of those same concerns. It is important not to misinterpret what is being said. This is not about giving extremists a platform. And it is certainly not agreeing with them. Far from it. Instead, it is about encouraging sensible, mature debate on real issues among legitimate politicians instead of trying to whitewash problems away, thereby cutting off some voters perceived need to even start to listen to extremist candidates because they are the only ones who tell it like it is in the first place. While different scenarios, the issue is apparent in Ireland, the US, the UK, and elsewhere, and unless politicians stop obsessing over PR slogans and start really engaging with the public, it is unlikely to get better any time soon. Think about it. In the months preceding the 2016 US elections, Hillary Clinton was repeatedly warned about Trump trundling upwards in the polls, in part because the multi-millionaire businessman was claiming to be standing up for ordinary people and telling it like it is. Ms Clinton could have talked with rust belt voters vital to an election outcome and acknowledged they have real issues that were being used by Trump supporters as a Trojan horse to push racist and bigoted views. Instead, she gave them bland nods in speeches, limited the time she spent in their areas as a difficult welcome could damage her campaign, deafened the one person Bernie Sanders who was trying to listen and threw normal voters with concerns in with Trump extremists by labelling them a basket of deplorables. Hardly a way to convince people you hear what they are saying, and a strategy that in hindsight contributed to the disastrous November 2016 outcome. Similarly, the calamitous Brexit result was partially caused by legitimate concerns over voters outside London struggling with a faltering economy and a lack of jobs not having their views listened to or addressed, meaning the likes of Nigel Farage another millionaire who claims to be a man of the people who tells it like it is (what is it with millionaires?) to take advantage. And while it is not quite at the same level, in Ireland we see it too, where the minority view, whatever side it may fall, being shunned if it does not fit with the majority narrative pushing those who hold it further out into the risk-filled margins where their concerns can be manipulated, and preventing real, sensible debate central to a functioning democracy. It is partially why Peter Caseys deeply controversial and offensive views gained such traction, as the anxiety on the issues in some areas was not properly debated or countered by mainstream politicians with facts, evidence, and above all else, an ability to at least hear what was being said. There are some political exceptions including but not limited to Simon Harris, Micheal Martin and Catherine Murphy who are always willing to engage with opposing views. But the situation is not being helped by the bubblegum politics of today which sees debate on issues all too often reduced to scenes like Taoiseach Leo Varadkars presidential campaigning amounting to him serving tea with a Michael Tea Higgins tea pot cosy. And the chance to debate, and therefore defuse, the legitimate public concerns is being hindered even further when one Fine Gael minister regularly refuses to engage on issues she has not been briefed on simply saying no, please. And some journalists are pushing for the democratically vital McKenna judgement which guarantees TV and radio balance during votes to be removed. Oddly enough, the former Conservative party serial minister Ken Clarke raised a similar point this summer during an interview with Channel Four News, one of the few British media outlets keen to hold genuine discussions on topics instead of embarking on fluffy, vacuous pageantry. Asked what is the problem with politics today and why it appears people are lurching towards extreme views, he said simply the lack of legitimate public debate on difficult issues is pushing people to out there candidates who claim to be the only ones who speak honestly. It [engaging with voters] was part of the job I always thought... I wanted to go out there, take part in the debate, explain why I was doing what I was doing, answer my critics. Try to win the argument. But then the parties started paying millions on experts, message discipline, saying what you need is a simple message and a slogan, and you have to repeat it all the time. So you only give interviews on subjects where the opinion polls show that youre popular, and you dont give interviews on subjects where youre unpopular because thats the other sides subject, so dont feed the debate. Its farcical. Thats why no political party can actually win an election now, the campaigns on both sides are usually useless. Its one of the things that feeds a very considerable public cynicism about politics. The message is clear: whitewashing, PR slogans and one-size-fits-all views may sound nice, but they only hide problems away. And it is damaging, not helping, democracy and wider society. If politicians, and journalists, are serious about addressing the real causes of increased support for the Brexits, Trumps and Caseys of this world, it is essential to realise photo-ops and PR only work if they go hand in hand with real, unvarnished debate on difficult subjects. Peter Casey may be a pariah politically, but almost one in four people who voted last Friday put the x beside his name. Racism and class discrimination are factors, but theres a far more deep-rooted reason why. And unless it is acknowledged, the political crisis of the past week risks becoming more than just a one-off Halloween nightmare. This weeks contribution to the contagion of populism comes from Austria, whose government has refused to sign up to the newly drafted UN Global Compact for Migration, the aim of which is to better manage legal population flows, as the number of people on the move, fleeing persecution or poverty, increases. Viennas nein follows similar rejections of the UN plan by Hungary, Poland, and the US, where President Donald Trump says he will march up to 15,000 troops to the Mexican border as a shield against the caravan of migrants on their long march north from Central America. His call to arms surprised and alarmed the Pentagon, which has a somewhat smaller force in Afghanistan. For Mr Trump, needs must: The US elects a new Congress on Tuesday, and Republicans risk losing their thin majority in the lower house. Mr Trumps concrete wall on the border has yet to be built so, he says, We have to have a wall of people. Looking across the planet at the voter revolts against the moderate orthodoxies decreed by long-established political parties, its possible to deplore the phenomenon as an almost global outbreak of irrational fear or a tsunami of stupidity. In some specific cases, it might well be close to that. Mitt Romney, the Republicans White House nominee in 2012, is a Mormon, who is asked by his Church to believe that Jesus visited the land that was to become, some 1,776 years later, the US. So perhaps its reasonable to suggest politely that the jobless, and understandably angry, blue-collar voters in Iowa, Pennsylvania, and the like, who believed that the billionaire property dealer from Queens, New York City, was the man to drain the Washington swamp, were not stupid, but simply gullible. Yet, they were right in reckoning that Mrs Clinton wouldnt even attempt it. Mr Trump apart, what explains the populism seen in Brazil, Britain, central, southern, and eastern Europe and even, albeit under-reported, in Australia? Causes differ, as do nations. Brazilians have elected a president who has condoned dictatorship, argued for torture and a relaxation of gun laws, laughed about murdering his left-wing opponents, and who rubbishes women, homosexuals, minorities, and rainforests. He won because he had the backing not only of his ultra-conservative base, but of centre-ground voters who could no longer stomach the systemic corruption of the countrys so-called progressive, leftist establishment. Australias economic growth has slowed, wages have been frozen, job insecurity is widespread, and new parties exploiting the anti-establishment are on the move. Thanks in part to the immigration crisis, the far-right Alternative for Deutschland is the largest opposition party in Germanys parliament, and right-wing, Eurosceptic coalition governments of one sort or another now run Poland, Hungary, Italy, and Austria, whose chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, perceives the UNs compact on immigration as a threat to his countrys national sovereignty. What tends to be ignored in the chatter about the zeitgeist is that these populist governments and radical parties are, in a word, popular; the clue is on the tin. Like it or not, they have been elected in free and fair ballots. Mr Kurz is delivering the programme he offered voters; radical, isnt it? Horrified establishment parties and figures on both sides of the Atlantic, accustomed to having their way, have responded to this tide, and what it washes in, with hand-wringing about Russian campaigns to wreck the post-war order that Nato and the EU created, and about uninformed voters vulnerable to the enticements of rabble-rousers, and of liars, says Frances president. What has not been seen, so far, is any serious attempt to examine the faultlines in the government structures and institutions that are being rejected by voters, who believe their legitimate concerns about the shock of vast and sudden immigration on neighbourhoods and cultures, de-industrialisation, the rootlessness of capital, and the impact of the single euro currency on weak economies have been ignored by a political and business class that continues to thrive, while all around it declines and decays. The only response has been to put a pejorative twist on popular, turning it into an insult. Election 2020 Early Hours of By-Election See Modest Voter Turnout People gather outside a polling station in Tamwe Township, Yangon, on Saturday where President U Win Myint is registered to vote. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy YANGON Myanmars second by-elections under the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) officially began when the doors to polling stations in eight of the countrys 14 regions and states opened to voters on Saturday at 6 a.m. The results will not impact the structure of the current government, but they will serve as an important indicator of the level of support for the parties ahead of the 2020 general elections. For the NLD, which won a landslide victory in the 2012 by-elections under the previous administration as well as the 2015 general elections, Saturdays polls are a test of whether they remain just as popular. More than two years after taking power, and half way through its term, the government led by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has come under growing criticism for a lack of progress on economic reforms, backsliding on freedom of expression and generally falling short on its election promises, though it has received praise for its stepped-up fight against corruption. During the last by-elections in April 2017, the NLD won only nine of 19 vacant seats only 50 percent of those it contested and lost in three of the four ethnic minority areas it challenged, including in areas it won in 2015. Saturdays polls are being held to fill 13 vacant seats in Union, state and regional parliaments. There are 62 candidates from 24 parties including those from the NLD and its main opposition, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and seven independents. The NLD is contesting all 13 races, while the military-backed USDP, which ran the previous government, is contesting 10. Among the seats the ruling party is challenging are four in ethnic minority areas in Chin, Kachin, Shan and Rakhine states where the NLD has relatively little popular support. In 2015 it lost two of them Lechar in Shan and Rathedaung in Rakhine to ethnic minority parties. On Saturday morning, some voters started arriving at polling stations in a steady stream, a contrast to the general elections three years ago, when throngs of people lined up before the stations were even open. In Moegoke, Mandalay Region, only a few voters had arrived soon after polling stations opened at 6 a.m. The area has 41 stations to accommodate about 15,000 ethnic Shan eligible to vote for a new Shan ethnic affairs minister for the region. But in Rathedaung, in northern Rakhine, where the NLD is up against an independent and two local Rakhine parties the Arakan National Party and the Arakan League for Democracy voter interest appeared stronger. Locals were lined up outside the public school classrooms being used as polling stations. Arakan League for Democracy candidate U Thein Maung said he was pleased with the turnout. They have already decided who they will vote for. Its nice to see them show up and cast their ballots, he said. In Yangons Tamwe Township, where President U Win Myint will cast his ballot, some voters spent the morning queued up at the polling station. Assisted by his younger sister, Uncle Charles, 62, who suffers from hemiparesis, made his way out of the station and said he voted for the NLD. Boasting of being a longtime NLD supporter, the retired civil servant said he had also voted for the party in 1990, 2012 and 2015. I understand they havent achieved big things so far due to the constraints of the Constitution. But I vote for them because I believe they are the only ones who will do good for people, he said. Around mid-morning, US Ambassador to Myanmar Scot Marciel visited the polling station and said he was happy to see people voting. We strongly support Myanmar democracy and we are here to support the election, he said. Additional reporting by The Irrawaddys San Yamin Aung in Yangon, Zarni Mann in Mandalay and Min Aung Khine. Election 2020 NLD Poised to Win 8 of 13 By-Election Races An official counts votes at a polling station in Yangon during Saturday's by-election. / Htet Wai / The Irrawaddy YANGONThe National League for Democracy (NLD) had won five of the 13 constituencies up for grabs in Saturdays by-election and was leading in another three as of 9 p.m. In another five seats, however, it was facing possible defeat to the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)its main rivaland the ethnic political parties. As of 9 p.m. Saturday, the ruling party had won five constituencies in Yangon, Mandalay, Magwe and Bago regions and was ahead in three areas in Chin and Kachin states and in Mandalay Region. The main opposition USDP had won just two seatsin Seikkan Township in Yangon and Tamu in Sagaing Region. The newly elected lawmaker for Seikkan Township, the USDPs U Nay Myo Aung, told The Irrawaddy upon winning that he had now regained the peoples trust. He was elected as a Yangon regional lawmaker in 2010, but lost to the NLD in the 2015 general election. In northern Rakhine States Rathedaung Township, a local ethnic independent candidate beat the NLD and two local parties, the Arakan League for Democracy and the Arakan National Party. Votes were still being counted in the Upper House race in Myitkyinas constituency No. 2, which was being contested by the NLD, USDP and Kachin Democratic Party. The NLD was ahead in the race for the Shan ethnic affairs ministers post in Mandalay Region, which was also being contested by the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), the USDP and the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party. Of the four Lower House seats up for grabs, the NLD won two: one in Myingyan in Mandalay Region and the other in Yangons Tamwe. Preliminary results showed that the SNLD had won in Lechar (Laihka) in Shan State, with 76 percent of the votes counted as of Saturday evening. The NLD and the Chin National Democratic Party were vying for the other Lower House seat, in Chin States Kanpetlet constituency. Of the seven state and regional parliament seats being contested, the USDP won two, in Tamu constituency No. 2 in Sagaing Region and Seikkan constituency No. 2 in Yangon. The Chin League for Democracy (CLD) won in Matupi constituency No. 1 and independent candidate U Tin Maung Win, the son of the detained Rakhine MP Dr. Aye Maung, won in Rathedaung constituency No. 2. The NLD won in Thabeikkyin constituency No. 1 in Mandalay Region, Minbu constituency No. 2 in Magwe region and Oaktwin constituency No. 1 in Bago region. According to the Union Election Commission, the official results for Saturdays polls will be announced by Sunday. The Irrawaddy reporters Nyein Nyein in Chiang Mai, Zarni Mann in Mandalay and San Yamin Aung in Yangon contributed to this report. Im at HPs print analyst event and given that many of us thought print was largely dead back in the 1990s, this event is pretty amazing. Perhaps the biggest thing is that a company being featured here, ePac, is currently growing at an astounding rate. Im not talking 20, 30, 50, or even 100 percent; it is apparently growing at around 300 percent. Its business is short-run packaging and this company was designed around HPs large-format Indigo printers. This is fascinating because most firms are created around an idea from a founder. In this case, ePac was created once the founders understood HPs technology and effectively built the company to optimize the opportunity created by a digital technology that best targeted an under-served segment of the market. Currently, HP is reporting revenue growth of 12 percent, profit growth of 6 percent, unit growth of 13 percent, and supplies growth of 7 percent. This is in sharp contrast to the performance the firm saw in 2015, which had it dropping revenue, profit, and unit performance around 10 percent year over year. It got there through innovation, focus and impressive execution. Lets take each in turn. Innovation One of the most innovative and successful programs HP has implemented is Instant Ink. While this may seem obvious in hindsight, this program allows the printer to effectively order its own replacement ink. This prevents the printer from running dry and assures that HP ink is used with HP printers. Printing in the home segment is a razor/blade model. You dont make money off the printers, but off the supplies, and by implementing this program, HP not only solved a customer problem but another one, counterfeit ink, that plagued HP. Another program that I think is incredibly innovative is the HP concept of One Life. This too, in hindsight, seems obvious (most great ideas often do). The idea is that there is only one of us, that we arent different people at work and at home, but the same person. However, the industry has historically segmented us into home users and corporate users. Apple seemed to get this right once Steve Jobs returned by eliminating its corporate products and focusing on building great products regardless of where people used them. HP translated this into a policy and has adopted and extended this Apple concept to make all of its products more attractive. 3D printing is one of the most innovative areas where HP is making an impact. Moving aggressively from industrial-grade plastics, which could not only be used for prototyping but for production, to colors, and most recently to metal, HP has emerged as the leader in industrial-grade 3D printing. It has worked aggressively to put these industrial-grade printers into assembly lines and even though this technology is still in its infancy, it has demonstrated production-level implementations in a variety of industries. One other area that stands out is personalization. HP understood first that delivering a product that was unique to each buyer but at scale would be compelling. We can see this concept in everything from Coke labels with customer names to candy wrappers customized with pictures and names. Focus Diversity in products and lines can help a company survive a downturn or market change but it can also result in significant distractions and a level of management skill breadth that is impossible to sustain. If you arent diverse enough when a market changes, you can become obsolete. But become too diverse and the resulting complexity will make execution nearly impossible. In addition, diversity should be tied to closely related segments, for instance, printing on different materials, not massively different industries, like automobiles. This is because the skills will transfer to adjacent industries far better where vastly different industries require vastly different skills that exceed the reasonable breadth of any executive. HPs return to becoming just a print and PC company reduced the operational complexity of the firm so that it could again focus its efforts effectively because the executive scope could be reasonably contained inside an achievable skill set. Execution Having compelling innovation and sharp focus isnt enough. We just saw the company that made the Baxter Robot fail not because of innovation or focus the robot was incredibly innovative and the total focus for the firm but because of a failure to execute. As I write this, supposedly Google employees are staging a walkout because they dont support the decisions of management, specifically regarding the treatment of women employees. One of the amazing things about HP is that the more typical undercurrent of executives behaving badly doesnt seem to exist there. The employees seem to be more like family than co-workers and the kind of back stabbing that often seems common in a tech firm, and that isnt as well concealed as many companies seem to think it is, doesnt appear to be a common practice. Much of the presentation at this event is being done by women, which is distinctly different from the largely male-oriented tech industry, and while most firms seem to have constant executive changes, HPs executive staff has remained largely stable of late. People seem to want to stay. I think this has a great deal to do with why HP is executing well. I look at a company like GE and can point to practices like Forced Ranking, which pitted employee against employee, made taking risks suicidal, and destroyed that firms ability to innovate and execute, and compare it to HP, where the operational differences, and results, are stark. In fact, one way to fix GE would be to use HP as a template, which is ironic, given that GE was once used as a template for the tech industry and nearly destroyed it. Wrapping Up: Lessons Learned Im fascinated by the once dominant companies that failed, and the companies that we thought would fail that came back. Netscape should have become Yahoo and/or Google and failed. Blockbuster should have become Netflix, but it didnt even want to invest in the company. Sears should have become Amazon. Yahoo should have become Facebook. Companies need to evolve to address the changing needs of their market. HPs success is tied to its ability to evolve. HP didnt need to become someone else; it needed to anticipate the market and its needs, and then pivot to meet them. HPs success is tied to an executive staff that works as a team and has priorities that are in line with its customers, employees and investors. This seems obvious, but you only need to look out at failed and failing companies to see that this isnt as usual as it should be. In the end, I think HPs founders, who were similarly focused, would be incredibly proud of their company and, perhaps, that is the final test of how we should measure success. Rob Enderle is President and Principal Analyst of the Enderle Group, a forward-looking emerging technology advisory firm. With over 30 years experience in emerging technologies, he has provided regional and global companies with guidance in how to better target customer needs; create new business opportunities; anticipate technology changes; select vendors and products; and present their products in the best possible light. Rob covers the technology industry broadly. Before founding the Enderle Group, Rob was the Senior Research Fellow for Forrester Research and the Giga Information Group, and held senior positions at IBM and ROLM. Follow Rob on Twitter @enderle, on Facebook and on Google+ Early voting in 2018 has significantly surpassed 2014 figures, according to at least one analysis of such data. Data from secretaries of state nationwide is compiled by Michael McDonald, an associate professor in political science at the University of Florida, widely cited as the leading expert on early voting. According to McDonald, turnout in the 30 largest counties in the state of Texas, where 4,337,435 people have cast early ballots, has already surpassed the total vote (early plus Election Day) in 2014. In other words, with three days until Election Day, more people have already voted in the 30 largest counties in Texas in 2018 than did in total in 2014. In a state with a contentious Senate race with a progressive candidate, Texans may be more motivated to vote as Democrats hope to turn the Senate blue. Georgia is following the same trend. 2014 statewide totals came out to 1,069,912. The state has already seen a 155.4 percent uptick from that number, with 1,662,373 ballots cast as of Wednesday morning, according to their secretary of state's office. A close gubernatorial race is unfolding in that state between current Republican Secretary of State Brian Kemp and Democrat Stacey Abrams. If Abrams wins, she would be the first female African-American governor in the nation. Kemp, who is backed by President Donald Trump has advocated for stronger voter identification laws and has faced criticism over the more than 53,000 voter applications that were put on hold due to the states restrictive exact match laws regulations which require voters' information on the rolls exactly match their government-issued identification. A coalition of civil rights groups has sued over the law which they say disenfranchises minority voters. If Abrams hopes to win, shell need those votes. Early voting is underway in all 34 of the states that offer the option. McDonald breaks down the numbers by state, mail-in and in-person ballots. Overall, early vote numbers are far higher than in 2014: -Total ballots cast as of 11/2/18: 30,257,820 -Total ballots cast as of 11/02/14: 17,000,000 While these numbers represent a huge uptick in the early vote -- a strong signal of enthusiasm ahead of Tuesday -- it also is a result of many states expanding early voting opportunities. (MORE: 5 major issues dominating the midterm elections: ANALYSIS ) As of Friday morning, 27 states plus the District of Columbia have surpassed their 2014 early vote totals, with four days remaining until Election Day. McDonald said on Twitter he estimates more to join this list. In the critical battleground state of Florida, Democrats and Republicans are casting early ballots at almost equal rates. Of the 3,001,550 early ballots cast in Florida, 41.5 percent are from registered Democrats, and 40.1 percent are from registered Republicans. In Arizona, home to one of this cycle's most competitive U.S. Senate races, Republicans make up 42.3 percent of the early ballots cast, while Democrats comprise 33.7 percent. In Georgia, the youth share of the early voting electorate (18-29) has doubled compared to the last midterm election in the state, from 4 percent in 2014 to 9.4 percent in 2018. In total, 1,830,026 early ballots have been cast in the Peach State. A suicide note has been recovered in which Heath John had asked police to inform about his death to his sister in Australia. The Australian tourist has been identified as Heath John. (Representational Image) Bodh Gaya: An Australian tourist was found hanging from a tree inside a forest in the Buddhist pilgrimage town of Bodh Gaya in Bihar. The tourist has been identified as Heath John. Police said that 33-year-old Heath has committed suicide. Its a case of suicide, Hindustan Times quoted Gaya senior police superintendent Rajiv Kumar Mishra as saying. Mishra added that a suicide note has been recovered in which Heath had asked police to inform about his death to his sister in Australia. Ruling out the possibility of murder, Police said they have informed Heaths father about his death. Police got his fathers number from the suicide note. Heaths bag, a diary and water bottle was also recovered by the police from the spot. The senior police official said that Heath had come to India in June on a two-day trip, but overstayed. According to reports, the body of Heath was spotted by locals passing by the forest on Saturday morning. Police rushed to the spot as soon as they were informed. SWEET HOME, Ore. -- A tree grown in the Willamette National Forest is now making a 3,000 mile journey to the U.S. Capitol. The tree has been cut down and loaded on a truck, and it will soon be zig-zagging across the country, reversing the path of the Oregon Trail. This year's Capitol Christmas Tree wasn't easy to get to. The 80 foot noble fir was tucked deep inside the Willamette National Forest in Linn County. "We the people of Sweet Home are proud to share this majestic piece of our land," Mayor Greg Mahler said. The tree was cut down Friday morning by U.S. Forest Hand Crew Supervisor Jonah Gladney. "Coming from the Pacific Northwest means a lot to me," said Glandey. "It's very cool to help to be apart of all this coordination and preparations that's gone on and share this tree with everyone in the nation." This is only the second time a tree has been selected from Oregon, and it the first time for a Noble Fir. In 2002, a Douglas Fir was selected from the Umpqua National Forest. "The second tree to ever come from Oregon, the land of trees, the second tree coming from my backyard, this is awesome," Linn County Commissioner Will Tucker said. Forest officials have been working for two years to make this day possible, and getting to the tree is only one hurdle. Oregonians will also contribute 10,000 handmade ornaments and 70 smaller companion trees. "All of the people of Oregon, from kindergartners to corporations, so many people pulled together to make it happen," Sweet Home District Ranger Nikki Swanson said. "If any one wouldn't have been involved, it wouldn't have happened. It's just amazing watching people come together for an event like this." The theme for the Capitol Christmas Tree this year is "Find your Trail!" The tree will travel eastward on the reverse path of the Oregon Trail to Washington D.C. It will begin that journey on Nov. 9, making stops along the way starting in Sweet Home. For the full schedule and route, click here. For additional information, click here. EUGENE, Ore. (CNN) The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's request Friday to stop a lawsuit brought by youths who are seeking to hold the government accountable for failing to do enough to fight climate change. The trial was scheduled to begin in Eugene Oct. 29. The plaintiffs have now asked for an immediate status conference to set a new date for the trial. RELATED: Protesters gather for climate change rally in Eugene In its unsigned order, the court said the administration had not reached the high bar necessary to halt the lawsuit for now. But the justices suggested that the government might be able to seek relief at the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals at a later stage of the litigation. The vote total was not released, but Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch said they would have ruled in favor of the administration. The challengers argued that by neglecting to properly address climate change, the government is depriving them of rights to life, liberty and property while also failing to protect essential resources. A district court had allowed the case to go to trial, but that was put on hold after Chief Justice John Roberts issued a temporary stay. READ MORE: U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halts Eugene youth climate trial Lawyers for the youths originally brought the case under the Obama administration and are asking the court to order the executive branch to prepare a remedial plan to phase out fossil fuel emissions. "These young Plaintiffs, mere children and youth, are already suffering irreparable harm which worsens as each day passes with more carbon dioxide accumulating in the atmosphere and oceans," the lawyers wrote. Solicitor General Noel Francisco asked the justices to halt any further discovery and the pending trial while the government files appeals with the high court. In his filing, Francisco lambasted the suit, calling it "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." Thousands of poppies will float down from the ceiling of St Canice's Cathedral at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, to commemorate the sacrifice of all the Irish people who lost their lives in World War I. Sunday, November 11, marks the 100th Anniversary of the end of the Great War. During a Civic Service of Choral Mattins, 35,000 poppies will float down from the ceiling of St Canice's Cathedral - one for each of the 35,000 Irish who lost their lives in the war. The custom of dropping poppies from the ceiling began in 2014, and it will end this year. Poppies will begin to fall from the ceiling at 11am, and the Service will begin at 11.30am, with the traditional laying of wreaths at the Cathedral War Memorial by public representatives, including members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Siochana. The Service of Choral Mattins will be sung by the cathedral choir and will include the anthem 'They are at Rest' by Edward Elgar. The preacher will be The Rev'd David MacDonnell, Dean of Ossory. "We welcome all to come to St Canice's on Remembrance Sunday for our Civic Service," said Dean MacDonnell. "It is a poignant service and one which seeks simply to remember but never to glorify. The symbolic effect of 35,000 poppies strewn on the floor reminds us of the horrific bloodshed of that war and specifically the huge loss of Irish lives" Help out Help is also sought in cutting out the poppies which are photocopied onto red card (16 on each card). Community groups, or individuals are asked to volunteer. Card will be available in the cathedral on Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 10am and 4pm. All are welcome to come to the cathedral and assist (please bring a scissors) a cup of tea will be provided or to bring the card home. The Cathedral war memorial books decorated by Harry Clarke will also be on display. Contact The Very Rev'd David MacDonnell on 087-9377745 should you or your group wish to volunteer. Loreto Kilkenny students recently celebrated the launch of their AIB Build a Bank Programme 2018 with an inspirational talk from Nora Twomey of Cartoon Saloon. The event included a special screening of The Breadwinner, Cartoon Saloons new animated film. The AIB Build a Bank Challenge is an intiative involving a team of six students managing a bank in their school. They hope to represent their school in the national competition, which has an overall prize of 5,000 for the winning school. Currently in its 17th year, the programme has gone from strength to strength. Last year, nearly 200 schools from across the island of Ireland took part. The highlight was the two-day Student and Careers Expo along with the national finals in the RDS, which was a fun and informative event for all who attended. The aim of the challenge involves much more than mere day-to-day banking it rewards students for their creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. It gives students a chance to give back to their school or local community and to learn skills that will stand to them. The AIB Build a Bank Challenge aspires to have a positive effect on everyone involved the team, the school community and the wider community. Over the years, the Loreto Kilkenny Build a Bank teams have achieved tremendous things through this programme, reaching the final stages of the competition on several occasions and doing great work on behalf of the local community with projects such as the link up and fundraising for the ONeill Centre. Nora Twomeys final words of encouragement to all the students were in keeping with the general message of the Build a Bank Programme to keep asking questions and to be as creative as you can be. The 230-member Assembly will have a single phase polling on November 28. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans brother-in-law Sanjay Singh (left) addresses the press, along with senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia, after joining the Congress in New Delhi. (Photo: Biplab Banerjee) Bhopal/New Delhi: A day after Madhya Pradesh BJP inducted a senior dalit leader and former MP of the Congress, the latter on Saturday struck back by poaching Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singhs brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani, a vocal critic of the saffron party for allegedly pursing dynasty politics in ticket distribution. Mr Masani, who is the brother of Mr Chouhans wife Sadhna Singh, switched sides weeks before the state goes to polls on November 28 due to his displeasure over the BJP overlooking his claim for a ticket. Mr Masani, who has acted in small roles in Bollywood films, was seeking a BJP ticket from Barasibni Assembly constituency in Balaghat district but the ruling party chose to re-nominate sitting MLA Yogendra Nirmal while releasing its first list of 176 candidates on Friday. The chief ministers brother-in-law joined the Congress in the presence of its Madhya Pradesh unit president Kamal Nath and senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia. Addressing the media, Mr Masani said, Madhya Pradesh does not need Shivraj but Nath. We all know how Chhindwara has been developed and is identified with Kamal Nath. The state also needs to be identified with him. Mr Masani, who had earlier come under severe criticism from the Congress on corruption issues, said, The BJP is now all about dynasty and nepotism. Most of the candidates fielded by the BJP are sons and daughters of MLAs or MPs. Those who work for the party are being neglected for the sake of dynasty politics. Rising unemployment and lack of industry are two major problems in the state and the Chouhan government has done nothing all these years, he said. Mr Nath said that all sections of society are affected by Mr Chouhans misrule, and the decision of Mr Masani to join the Congress is a reflection of peoples wish to chart a new course of development. MP Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta highlighted Mr Masanis induction as a morale booster for the party. We have given a fitting reply. They were boasting after former Congress MP Premchand Guddu joined the BJP on Friday. State BJP president Rakesh Singh tried to play down the development saying that in a democracy everyone has the right to join any political party. BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal said, The Congress might feel happy, but it will have no impact on the party as Mr Masani has no mass base. Another BJP leader said that Mr Masani, a native of Gondia in Maharashtra, was known in party circles more as chief ministers brother-in-law than an organisation man. He hardly ever occupied any position in the BJP, he said. The BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. The 230-member Assembly will have a single phase polling on November 28. The results will be declared on December 11. FOREST CITY, Iowa A man accused of mail theft and dealing marijuana is pleading guilty in both cases. Carl Douglas Werstein, 36 of Leland, pleaded guilty in Hancock County to ongoing criminal conduct. Authorities say he stole more than $1,000 of items from 12 different rural mailboxes between December 2017 and March 2018. Melissa Albertson Melissa Albertson While investigating the mail thefts, law enforcement says it searched a home in Winnebago County where Werstein lived with Melissa Colleen Albertson, 31 of Leland. The search turned up marijuana, a scale, and multiple forms of drug paraphernalia. That led to Werstein pleading guilty in Winnebago County to one count of conspiracy. He is set to be sentenced for both crimes on January 8, 2018. Albertson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver marijuana. She was sentenced Friday to five years of supervised probation and a $750 civil penalty. Albertson received a deferred judgment, which means this conviction will be wiped from her record if she meets all the requirements of her probation. CLEAR LAKE, Iowa A discarded cigarette is being blamed for an early morning fire that destroyed a minivan. The Clear Lake Fire Department was called to the 800 block of Maple lane just before 3:30 am Saturday for a car fire. Two engine companies, one ambulance, 10 firefighters, and two medics responded. The Clear Lake Police Department arrived at the scene first and says flames were consuming a 2000 Toyota Sienna in a driveway, parked closed to a house. Firefighters then quickly arrived and extinguished the blaze. No one was injured but the minivan is being considered a total loss. The Fire Department says it appears an improperly discarded cigarette started the flames in the cabin of the Sienna. ELDORA, Iowa Both trials in the imprisonment of an eight-year-old is being delayed are now set for 2019. Alex Shadlow and Traci Tyler are accused of kidnapping in Hardin County. Authorities say they locked Shadlows young son in a makeshift basement cell and held him there at least nine hours a day, withholding food and forcing him to endure dog bites. Tylers trial was scheduled to begin in Cerro Gordo County on Monday. It has now been rescheduled to February 4, 2019. Shadlow is set to stand trial in Dickinson County on January 7, 2019. Shadlow had requested separate trials, citing the likelihood that his defense would conflict with that of Tyler. CHARLES CITY, Iowa - A lawmaker from Iowa is weighing in on the issues of birthright citizenship and border security. This week, President Trump said in an interview that he would like to issue an executive order to do away with birthright citizenship for babies of non-citizens and illegal immigrants. Birthright citizenship is outlined in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and says that all people born in the U.S. are automatically granted citizenship. U.S. Senator Joni Ernst made a stop in Charles City today as part of her 99 county tour. When asked about the President's plan, she says more discussion needs to happen. "We do have to have those discussions on the legality of anything we do, how does that affect the Constitution. I think there's a lot more that we need to think about before we just say 'no more.'" In addition, the President made an announcement on Thursday that he is planning to sign an order next week that could lead to large-scale detention of migrants expected to cross the Southern border, and could also bar anyone caught illegally from claiming asylum. Ernst says that the U.S. needs to protect its borders. "We need to make sure that they are legally migrating into the United States. The President continues to work with Kirstjen Nielsen with Homeland Security, putting a plan in place making sure it's enforceable, it does have to be enforceable." ALGONA, Iowa A not guilty plea is entered in a Kossuth County sex abuse case. Terry Schoby, 32 of Leesville, Louisiana, is charged with 2nd degree sexual abuse. Authorities say he choked a woman and performed a sex act on her without her consent. Schoby is also accused of threatening the womans boyfriend. Authorities say this incident happened September 28 in Whittemore. Schoby has waived his right to a speedy trial and no trial date has been set. FOREST CITY, Iowa The first sentence is issued in a Winnebago County drug bust. Isaiah Eugene Craig, 21 of Apple Valley, Minnesota, was sentenced Friday to five years of supervised probation and a $750 civil penalty. In addition, he must complete all recommended substance abuse treatment. Craig also received a deferred judgment, which means this conviction will be removed from his record if he successfully completes his probation. Jonah Remker Jonah Remker Craig and Jonah Remker, 24 of Owatonna, Minnesota, were arrested in March in Forest City. Police say a search of the apartment they were living in at the time turned up 41 grams of marijuana, $1,865 in cash, pre-rolled marijuana joints, a scale, and multiple baggies. Craig pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony. Remker entered a guilty plea to possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. He is due to be sentenced on December 14. AUSTIN, Minn.- Imagine moving to a completely different country and trying to start a business...it's quite the challenge to take on. According to the last census nearly 8% of Minnesota population is foreign born. That number is even higher in Austin at nearly 18% and they're embracing the immigrant community through a project aimed at helping entrepreneurs. With some help from the Austin Area Minority Project. It's a program that offers legal service for immigrants who want to start a business. Many things I don't know according to the Minnesota laws, that Im just like oh ok lets do it.so yeah I really trust them. I just feel like I can really helpful any person, said Bengba. The program is helping people like Ronissia Gondao Bengba who moved to Minnesota nearly 8 years ago. CHARLES CITY, Iowa - A new report titled "The State of Obesity" from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which is a non-profit focused on health, is showing Iowa is 4th in adult obesity and 10th in youth obesity, out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. And one area school is helping students stay in shape. Carrie Jones is a parent of a 12 year old daughter and 10 year old son, who both attend Charles City Middle School. One thing on her mind is that her kids are getting enough physical activity in the day. "My two children that are here are not sport oriented, but knowing it's true physical education for the children and the kids." With Iowa's high rank in terms of obesity, she says it's quite surprising. "In general, people kinda view us as that farming community. People are outside working hard all the time, and we are, but times are changing. When kids aren't at school, there's lots more opportunities for them to be doing more stationary not physically active activities." The report found that the rate of obesity in Iowa's youth ages 10-17 is at 17.7%, compared to the national rate of 15.8%. In adults, it's even more, at a rate of 36.4%. With Minnesota, the report found virtually the opposite: the obesity rate among youth 10-17 is 48th in the nation at 10.4%, while being ranked 35th at 28.4% for adults. Rusty Rogotzke has been teaching physical education classes for 29 years, 11 of them at Charles City. He has a theory as to why youth obesity rates are increasing. "I think it has a lot to do with the activities kids have outside of school, where more and more kids go home and don't have a lot of active time. They sit on the couch and play video games and stuff like that." Since he was in school, physical education classes have been taking a closer look at individual workout and fitness geared toward creating healthy habits at a younger age. In PE classes, middle and high schoolers wear IHT Zones, watches that detect movement and heart rates in real time. "It's a wrist worn heart rate monitor so the kids come in at the beginning of the year, we can get their height and weight, put it in a program, it computes their BMI, and then adjusts what their heart rate should be." The watch has three color coded zones, with blue meaning "resting heart rate", yellow is for more moderate activity, and red is high-intensive activity, with a goal to be met each day. And sofar, students are liking them. "I think we've noticed there's much more engagement from the kids because now they have more responsibility. I don't have to run around the room saying, 'you need to work harder, you need to work harder.' I go around the room and say, 'what color is your watch?', they look at it, it's blue, I need to get going, and they take care of that themselves." Jones says she wishes this technology was around when she was in school. "This would've made a big difference." The report also found that Mississippi topped the list for youth obesity, while Utah had the lowest rate. In addition, West Virginia takes the top spot for adult obesity, while Colorado has the lowest rate. FOREST CITY, Iowa A Winnebago County man accused of shooting a pellet gun at a school bus is changing his plea. Martin Sherman Tindall, 33 of Forest City, entered an Alford plea Friday to intimidation with a dangerous weapon. Authorities say he fired a high-power air rifled at a Forest City school bus on January 5. The pellet shattered one of the rear windows but no one inside the bus was harmed. Law enforcement says the pellet did land in a students hair. An Alford plea means Tindall does not admit guilt but concedes he could be found guilty at trial and will accept sentencing, which is scheduled for December 14. ROCHESTER, Minn. - A racially-charged photo of 2 John Marshall High School students and a 3rd person who allegedly attends Pine Island High School has surfaced online. Superintendent of Pine Island Schools Tammy Champa says she doesn't want the incident to be a representation of the district, but hopes it will be an opportunity to "educate and grow and strengthen our district and that is exactly our plan and really want to... How we do that, i also want to be careful that we don't have a knee-jerk reaction to an incident but rather how are we thoughtful school-wide in what we're doing and the voices we're bringing to the table," she says. The people in the image are no longer able to join the U.S. Army. KIMT spoke to college students about if they think social media posts such as this one should have consequences. College student Aldo Gonzalez says he is careful of what he posts online because he wants to set a good example. "I have my siblings on social media, I have people that are freshmen on social media, and I think about that all the time. What kind of vibe or what kind of person to i want them to look at me." Mallikarjun Kharge claims CVC cant act against CBI chief. New Delhi: The CBI controversy took a fresh turn on Saturday as the Congress, challenging the governments decision to send the probe agencys chief Alok Verma on a forced leave completely illegal and arbitrary, approached the Supreme Court to put a stop on the political executives interference with the independent body. Leader of Congress Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, who is a member of a selection committee that picks the probe agencys director, filed a petition in the top court for setting aside the Centres order divesting Mr Verma of his powers. Speaking to reporters, Mr Kharge said, Prime Minister Narendra Modis suo moto action of sending Alok Verma on leave is illegal and is in violation of the CBI Act. The Congress leader said that as a concerned stakeholder he brings to the attention of the court the brazen and illegal actions of the political executive in interfering with the independent functioning of the CBI director. The transfer of an incumbent director, CBI, in an extraordinary situation, including the need for him to take up a more important assignment, should have the approval of the selection committee. The applicant being a member of the statutory committee was not consulted nor was he a part of any meeting or privy to any decision to divest Alok Verma of his powers as director, CBI, the petition said. Mr Kharge also said that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which is conducting a probe against Mr Verma, has no power to act against the CBI director. The Congress has maintained that the government hatched a conspiracy to remove Mr Verma as he was about to start an investigation into the Rafale fighter jet deal. The CBI director is appointed by a three-member committee of the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and the leader of the Opposition. Mr Kharge was part of the selection committee that appointed Mr Verma in 2017. In an unprecedented shake-up in the CBIs 55-year history, both Mr Verma and his deputy, special director Rakesh Asthana, were divested of their powers and sent on leave in a dramatic overnight action by the government on October 23. Mr Verma has petitioned the apex court challenging the governments order that divested him of his charge. The Supreme Court has set a two-week deadline for the CVC to complete the inquiry against Mr Verma. The court has directed that the inquiry be conducted under the supervision of a retired apex court judge and barred IPS officer M. Nageswara Rao, who has been given interim charge of looking after the duties of CBI director, from taking any policy or major decision. The feud between Mr Verma and his Mr Asthana took a new turn when an FIR was lodged by the CBI against the latter, who had complained against the CBI chief to the CVC. The government has justified its action by saying that for an impartial enquiry both officers needed to step away. DONAJI, Mexico (AP) A third caravan of migrants this time from El Salvador waded over the Suchiate River into Mexico on Friday, bringing another 1,000 to 1,500 people hoping to reach the U.S. border. The third caravan tried to cross the bridge between Guatemala and Mexico, but Mexican authorities told those traveling in it they would have to show passports and visas and enter in groups of 50 for processing. The Salvadorans expressed misgivings that they would be deported, so they turned around and waded across a shallow stretch of the river to enter Mexico. Although police were present, they did not try to physically stop the migrants, who later walked along a highway toward the nearest large city, Tapachula. Mexico is now faced with the unprecedented situation of having three migrant caravans stretched out over 300 miles (500 kilometers) of highways in the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca. The first, largest group of almost 4,000 entered almost two weeks ago and is now in Donaji, Oaxaca. The second caravan, also of about 1,000 to 1,500 people, is now in Mapastepec, Chiapas. It remained unclear whether the first caravan will make a turn east to Mexico City, or try to reach the nearest and most dangerous stretch of border, which lies almost directly north. Divisions began to appear about what route to take. It also remained unclear how many migrants would make it; 20 days of scorching heat, constant walking, chills, rain and illness had taken their toll. Mexico's Interior Department said Thursday nearly 3,000 of the migrants have applied for refuge in Mexico and hundreds more have returned home. At its peak, the caravan had about 7,000 people. Honduran migrant Saul Guzman, 48, spent the night under a tin roof in the Oaxaca state town of Matias Romero with his son Dannys, 12, before setting out for the town of Donaji, 30 miles (47 kilometers) north. "I have been through a lot," said Guzman. "I want to spend my time differently, not in poverty." In his hometown of Ocotepeque, Honduras, he left behind a coffin, either for his mother, who suffers dementia, "or for me, if I don't make it," Guzman said. The migrants had already made a grueling 40-mile (65-kilometer) trek from Juchitan, Oaxaca, on Thursday, after they failed to get the bus transportation they had hoped for. But hitching rides allowed them to get to Donaji early, and some headed to a town even further north, Sayula. The migrants have not said what route they intend to take, but any trek through the Gulf coast state of Veracruz could take them toward the Texas border. Another large caravan early this year passed through Veracruz but then veered back toward Mexico City and eventually tried to head to Tijuana in the far northwest. Few made it. Immigration agents and police have been nibbling at the edges of the first two caravans. A federal official who was not authorized to be quoted by name said 153 migrants in the second caravan were detained Wednesday during highway inspections in Chiapas, a short distance from the Guatemalan border. There was also pressure on the first caravan. Not only did the hoped-for buses not arrive, but federal police began pulling freight trucks over and forcing migrants off, saying their habit of clinging to the tops or sides of the trucks was dangerous. At other points along the route, police have forced overloaded pickups to drop off migrants. On previous days, they have ordered passenger vans to stop helping with transportation. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders earlier praised Mexico for stopping the migrants from getting rides. "Mexico has stepped up in an unprecedented way," Sanders told Fox News. "They have helped stop a lot of the transportation means of these individuals in these caravans, forcing them walking. They have helped us in new ways to slow this down, to break this up and keep it from moving as aggressively toward the United States." But U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up his pre-election focus on the caravan and others behind it, talking of creating a U.S. military force on the border that would outnumber the migrants, many of them women and children. "As far as the caravan is concerned, our military is out," Trump said. "We have about 5,800. We'll go up to anywhere between 10,000 and 15,000 military personnel on top of Border Patrol, ICE and everybody else at the border." Similar caravans have occurred regularly over the years and passed largely unnoticed, but Trump has focused on the latest marchers seeking to make border security a hot-button issue in next week's midterm elections. SIOUX CITY, Iowa Federal authorities say he dealt drugs for over a decade. Now a Wright County man is going to prison. Gregory Stockdale, 52 of Eagle Grove, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Iowa says Stockdale admitted to distributing 1.5 kilograms of meth in the Eagle Grove area between February 2017 and November 2017. Court documents state Stockdale had been involved in meth dealing for over 10 years and that he and a co-conspirator both were armed with guns during an attempted drug deal. A search of Stockdales home seized over eight grams of pure meth, $600 in cash, and other materials involved in drug distribution. Hes been sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. The Wright County Sheriffs Office and Eagle Grove Police Department assisted with his investigation. The Herald reports: Just a handful of standout racehorses a year would qualify for Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters $4.8 million tax break, according to the racing industry. Some are concerned that so few horses would meet the tax deduction threshold and have called for a rethink on what constitutes a standout yearling. According to Budget documents from Treasury, a standout yearling is identified by the virtue of its bloodlines, looks and racing potential. The only tax cut from this Government! In Budget 2018, Peters earmarked $4.8 million over the next four years for tax deductions to be claimed for the costs of high-quality horses acquired with the intention to breed. To qualify for the tax deduction, the horse would need to be worth at least $402,000 and must have been bought by a New Zealand resident who was a first-time horse breeding investor. According to data from Karaka horse sales, the biggest race and breeding horse sale of the year which was read to MPs at this mornings Finance and Expenditure select committee, the number of horses that would have met that threshold this year was just two. Chapman Tripp Partner David Patterson, who was representing the racing bloodstock industry at the committee hearing, said the industrys concern was that the legislation, as proposed, may not deliver the intended benefit to the industry. He said the number of horses that should qualify for the tax deduction needs to be closer to 20 or 30, not a just a few. Far better to just abolish the tax deduction so no horse qualifies. We dont need more corporate welfare for racing. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Public has six weeks to register their nominations on the bank's website, with Carney making the selection to be announced next year. Mark Carney, the governor of Bank of England, recently opened the public nominations. (Photo: Pixabay) It turns out that Dorothy Hodgkin, the only British female to win a Nobel prize for science and Professors Stephen Hawking are among early proposals for the face of the new 50 note. Mark Carney, the governor of Bank of England, recently opened the public nominations stating that the requirements are that they will no longer be living and mist be from fields such as medical research, biology and astronomy. Professor Brian Cox quickly nominated Prof Hawking, the renowned theoretical physicist who died in March, for inspiring 'thousands of scientists' and 'millions' of others. On the other hand, Royal Society president Venki Ramakrishnan chose Prof Hodgkin, the chemist who died in 1994. Prof Hodgkin won the coveted prize for advancing the technique of X-ray crystallography, which is used to determine molecules' 3D structures. Other suggestion included Anne McLaren, a leader in test tube fertilisation. The scientist will feature on the other side of the note to the Queen, who can be the only living person on bank notes. The public has six weeks to register their nominations on the bank's website, with Carney making the selection to be announced next year. It will be the last of note to be upgraded from paper to a plastic polymer. The current paper 20 will be replaced with a polymer version from 2020 and will feature artist JMW Turner. Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to inaugurate the bridge on November 4 and it will be thrown open for public on November 5. An aerial view of the iconic Signature Bridge over the Yamuna river in New Delhi on Friday. (Photo: PTI) NEW DELHI: The much-awaited Signature Bridge on the Yamuna is set to open for public on November 5, with deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia inspecting the infrastructure project Friday. As per the project plan, the bridge, which will reduce the travel time between north and northeast Delhi, will have designated selfie spots. Delhiites will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top of the bridge, where they will be taken in four elevators with a total capacity of carrying 50 people. The elevators area likely to be operational in two months, an official said. He said the bridge will serve as a tourist destination with the 154-metre-high glass box giving a birds-eye view of the city to visitors. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to inaugurate the bridge on November 4 and it will be thrown open for public on November 5. Talking to reporters during the inspection, Mr Sisodia said the bridge will become a tourist spot. Announced in 2004, the bridge has missed several deadlines since 2011. The project was started in 2004 but failed to meet several deadlines. The delay in construction also escalated construction cost of the bridge. The bridge will reduce travel time for commuters between northeast to north Delhi. The AAP government had allocated `100 crore in 2017 for the completion of the project. The deadline was March 2018 but the authorities took a few more months to complete it. Undoubtedly, the bridge will become an attraction for tourists. It was initially expected to be completed at a modified estimate of `1,131 crore for the Commonwealth Games, held in Delhi in October 2010. In 2015, the cost of the project rose to `1,594 crore. Reportedly, the bridge was proposed for the first time as early as in 1997 at an initial cost of `464 crore. The bridge will share the burden of vehicular traffic currently borne by the Wazirabad bridge. Asghar Ali, son of Nawab Shafath Ali Khan, the sharpshooter, shot the tigress in self-defe-nce. The tigress had created terror in Yavatmal district. Nagpur: Villagers in and around Yavatmal disrict heaved a sigh of relief when the menacing T1 tigress who claimed 13 lives was finally shot dead last night at 11.45 pm by a sharp shooter. The tigress, for which search operation was launched on September 12, was sighted in compartment number 149, Borati-Warud road in Yavatmal district. Asghar Ali, son of Nawab Shafath Ali Khan, the sharpshooter, sighted the T1 tigress. He was also involved in the operation to tranquillise the tigress. At the outset, Asghar Ali fired a dart from tranquillising gun, but the tigress roared loudly and charged at him, following which he shot it dead in self-defence. According to official sources, the menacing T1 tigress was killed on the spot. On receiving information, the top officials of the forest department who were camping at Pandharkawda in Yavatmal district reached the spot. The tigress had killed 13 persons and created terror in Pandharkawda and Ralegaon tehsils of Yavatmal district. A.K. Misra, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), had issued orders to tranquillise the tigress first, and shoot it as the last resort. As many as 90 camera traps were installed at 45 strategic points to get pictures on movement of the tigress and her two cubs. Urine of another tigress and American perfume was spread in some part of the compartment, following which Avni came by sniffing it, an official from the forest department said. The beast and cubs were captured in one of the cameras at Borati in the month of September. However, the team could not sight it for a long time. The forest officials initially tried to nab her alive. However, due to dense forest and darkness, they were unable to do so and finally a bullet was fired in which the tigress fell on the spot, the official said. He added, After she became motionless, forest officials went close to her and later rushed her to a hospital in Nagpur, where she was declared dead. Some wild life enthusiasts had approached the high court and Supreme Court to prevent the killing, but looking at the gravity of the situation and number of deaths the courts rejected their pleas. Mr Thackeray had also slammed the Union government for being inactive in matters related to the Hindu faith. Mumbai: Shiv Sena is planning to take around 25,000 workers from all over Maharashtra to Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh for Uddhav Thackerays visit. Sources informed that the party has asked all its MLAs in Mumbai and suburban area to arrange minimum 1,000 persons each. Mr Thackeray will visit Ayodhya on November 25. Through this show of strength, the Sena will try to grab attention on Ram Mandir issue. All the MLAs, MPs and district chiefs from city and suburban areas have been asked to make a list of 1,000 workers each, who will join the Ayodhya rally. Target from Maharashtra is around 25,000 to 30,000, whereas Shiv Sainiks from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Delhi will also join. Around 50,000 Shiv Sainiks will be in Ayodhya when Mr Thackeray will visit Ram Janmabhumi, said a senior leader of Sena who is looking after preparation for the visit. Mr Thackeray had called a meeting of the party MLAs and district chiefs on Friday in Mumbai. He spoke about the issue of Ram Mandir and how this is matter of faith for the Hindu community in India. Mr Thackeray also asked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to bring down Modi government if it failed to build Ram temple. Sena has taken a strong stand on Ram Mandir issue since last four months. Mr Thackerays personal assistant and partys secretary Milind Narvekar had put up posters in Mumbai about Ayodhya tour in August of this year. Since then, the Sena has been pitching for Ram temple. Mr Thackeray in his annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park, on October 18 had declared that he would visit Ayodhya and Ram Janmabhoomi on November 25. He had also told the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to build the temple or else he would initiate the process. Mr Thackeray had also slammed the Union government for being inactive in matters related to the Hindu faith. To make Mr Thackerays visit a grand affair, the Shiv Sena had put three of its major leaders on the ground. Mr Narvekar, known as the right hand of Mr Thackeray, went to Ayodhya on October 31 and Mr Shinde, Mr Raut, MLC Anil Parab and others accompanied him. They discussed the itinerary of Mr Thackeray with the partys local leaders. Indrani claimed that someone inside prison may have tried to poison her. Mumbai: A special CBI court Saturday rejected the bail application of Indrani Mukerjea, prime accused in the murder of her daughter, Sheena Bora. Special CBI Judge J.C. Jagdale, while rejecting Indranis bail plea, observed that the accused was facing trial on serious charges and that several important witnesses such as Rahul Mukerjea (Indranis stepson) were yet to record their evidence in the case. Indrani sought bail, citing ill health and an alleged threat to her life. This was the second time the court rejected her bail plea. Indranis lawyers have been pleading for bail on medical grounds. On one occasion last month, Indrani even chose to represent herself in court and argued that there was a threat to her life inside prison. Will the CBI take responsibility if I die? she asked the Judge. Indrani, who is lodged in the Byculla prison, in her application mentioned two occasions when she was hospitalised once for suspected drug overdose and again in April when she complained of difficulty in breathing. Indrani claimed that someone inside prison may have tried to poison her. Indrani was arrested in August 2015 for allegedly murdering her daughter Sheena Bora on April 24, 2012. Apart from Indrani, others arrested in the case included her husband and former media baron Peter Mukerjea; and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna. Indranis driver, Shyam-war Rai, was also arrested in the case but later turned approver. Rais bail plea was rejected Friday. The trial in the case began last year and over 10 witnesses have deposed so far. Johannesburg, Nov 2 (PTI) The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), including India, has established an internship programme in honour of former South African president Nelson Mandela, who is widely recognised as the initiator of IORA. The IORA Nelson Mandela 'Be the Legacy' internship programme was announced at the close of the 18th IORA meeting in Durban on Friday. The programme is aimed at empowering young people under the age of 30 years from IORA member states with work experience in their chosen fields of study. The IORA was established through the vision of Mandela, when 14 member states launched the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) in March 1997. Currently, the IORA has 21 member states -- Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. The programme will be launched on July 18, 2019, the day Mandela would have turned 101 years old. South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe Sisulu told the gathering that the country would submit a request for the first intake of interns from member countries. Urging IORA member states to invest in young people, Sisulu said, "Madiba (clan name by which Mandela is fondly known) is loved young people and he strongly believed that education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world." During the opening session of the meeting, Sisulu also acknowledged Mahatma Gandhi for his activism in both South Africa and India. "We remember the role that Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi played in leading India to independence from British rule," Sisulu said. "He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world, including in South Africa, where we acknowledge and celebrate his contribution to our struggle through his Satyagraha movement. "He came to South Africa in 1893 and stayed here until 1914, while continuously opposing discrimination in South Africa's four British colonies at the time," Sisulu added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Pune, Nov 2 (PTI) Union Minister Hansraj Ahir on Friday said Naxals do not believe in press or democracy and dubbed "urban Naxals" as "traitors" and "brainless". He was speaking about a statement purportedly issued earlier in the day by the proscribed CPI (Maoist) outfit, claiming responsibility for the October 30 attack in Chhattisgarh. Two police personnel and a Doordarshan cameraman were killed in the attack in the poll-bound state. The statement claimed that it was "sad" that a Doordarshan team was caught in the ambush, resulting in the death of cameraman Achyutanand Sahu. Police are yet to verify the authenticity of the two-page statement issued in the name of Sainath, "secretary of the Darbha division committee" of Maoists. "They might have issued the statement out of fear but it is a fact that these people (Naxals) do not believe in press and democracy. We believe that the Constitution is the holy book for us but these Maoists disrespect it," Ahir said. "Democracy is in our blood and if we want to safeguard it, we together have to put an end to Naxalism," the Union minister of state for Home Affairs added. Ahir also criticised "urban Naxals" -- a term coined for city-based sympathisers of underground Naxal outfits. "There are some traitors who do not want democracy in the country. These people call themselves intellectuals, but for me, they are brainless," Ahir said. He said the Naxal movement would soon be crushed by the people of the country. (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, November 03: Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday reiterated that Aadhaar data cannot be breached, as it is stored in a safe and secure encrypted manner. "Biometric data on Aadhaar is kept in safe and secure conditions in an encrypted form, and so strong that even for the billionth of a second it cannot be breached. The unique initiative of Aadhaar is that we do three crore authentications every three seconds. Aaadhar Data is kept in secure conditions duly backed by a parliamentary law, so strong that if anyone tries to disclose the biometric details, he can be prosecuted and it can only happen in the case of compelling national security that too after the affirmation of a committee headed by the cabinet secretary," he said while speaking at a financial inclusion conference here. Talking about the Centre's vision of complete digitisation, Prasad acknowledged that while financial inclusion is the goal, digitalisation is the medium. "We created ecosystems, relaxed the laws, created incentives, removed the barriers for development. The philosophy of the Narendra Modi government is to create the enabling atmosphere so that people can do their business and pay taxes and with that our government would help the poor. Banking the unbanked, funding the unfunded and securing the unsecured is yet another philosophy of our government. India has opened 55 per cent global bank accounts since the Narendra Modi government came to power," he added. Talking about the Centre's vision in the field of artificial intelligence, Prasad opined that India should become the centre of data analytics. Aadhaar Data Theft: Incidents of Breach Exposed Data of 1 Billion Cardholders, Says Gemalto Report. "According to a London-based think tank, India is among the top 20 global leaders in the digitalisation and e-governance sector. India should become the centre of the data analysis. Data analytics is the future." Prasad added. Speaking about the digitalisation of the judiciary and courts, Prasad said that around 17,000 district courts and all the high courts have become digital. "Our data, IT and digital profile and services will become a benchmark on how IT can be used for transformation in a democracy," he added. Prasad also said that through the Digital India programme, the Centre aims to empower ordinary citizens with the power of technology, a technology that is low-cost, developmental and inclusive. New Delhi, November 3: Sounding a note of caution, Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Saturday said it would be grossly incorrect to assume that insurgency in Punjab has been absolutely defeated. A bid to "revive separatism" is being made through "external linkages", Gen Rawat said, adding that if the menace is left unchallenged, it could turn into a major security issue before the nation. "Punjab has been peaceful but because of these external linkages, attempts again are being made to revive insurgency in the state," Rawat said, while addressing a seminar in Delhi on 'Changing Contours of Internal Security in India: Trends and Responses'. Referendum 2020: 'ISI, Pro-Khalistan Groups Behind Campaign', Says All-India Anti-Terrorist Front Chief MS Bitta. "Let us not think that Punjab (situation) is over. We cannot close our eyes to what is happening in Punjab. And, if we do not take early action now, it will be too late," he said. Punjab saw one of the worst phases of insurgencies in the 1980s during the pro-Khalistan movement which was eventually quelled by the government. Former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prakash Singh in a panel discussion also highlighted the issue and said "attempts were being to revive insurgency" in Punjab. He referred to a pro-Khalistan rally organised recently in the UK aiming for a 'Referendum 2020'. Hundreds of people had turned out at Trafalgar Square in London on August 12 in support of a pro-Khalistan rally as well as to counter the event with an Independence Day celebrations. Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had said its rally was intended to raise awareness for a non-binding referendum in 2020, calling for Punjab to be granted independence. The "We Stand With India" and "Love My India" events were organised by Indian diaspora groups as a reaction to the pro-Khalistan "London Declaration for a Referendum 2020". Internal security is one of the biggest problems in the country, but question is "why we have not been able to find a solution, because it has external linkages," Gen Rawat said. The event was organised by defence think-tank CLAWS (Centre for Land and Warfare Studies). Rawat is its patron. Asserting that insurgency cannot be dealt with military force, he pitched for adopting an approach in which all agencies, the government, civil administration, military and police work in an "integrated manner". "The resolution of Naga insurgency can be forerunner to the Manipur insurgency situation. There are some linkages between the two. But, if that resolution does not satisfy Manipuris then the insurgency in that state will take a different turn, Rawat said. As far as Assam is concerned, attempts are again being made, through "external linkages" to revive insurgency in the state, he said. And, also through external abetment, and acknowledged once even by the "northern neighbour". So, there is no denying the fact that there are these factors, Rawat added. (With PTI inputs) (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 03, 2018 07:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). The involvement of sites that appeal to younger users is encouraging to some democracy advocates. Only about 17 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds voted in the previous congressional elections in 2014. Criticised by lawmakers and others for being unable or unwilling to stop false and inflammatory information about divisive political issues, social media and tech companies say they are doing more to boost voter turnout for next Tuesdays US congressional elections. Snap Inc, Facebook Inc and other firms will remind users to vote and link to a nonprofit guide for identifying the correct polling place, ballot items and hours. The involvement of sites that appeal to younger users is encouraging to some democracy advocates, who worry about lower electoral participation by younger voters. Only about 17 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds voted in the previous congressional elections in 2014, though some opinion polls say the proportion could be much higher this year. Democrats are generally favoured to win the 23 seats they need to wrest the majority from Republicans in the US House of Representatives, an advantage they could use to block President Donald Trumps agenda of hardline immigration policy and other Republican positions that are anathema to Democrats. Republicans have a stronger chance of keeping control of the Senate, according to opinion polls and nonpartisan forecasters. Santa Monica, California-based Snap on Thursday said it would send a rare blast message to all of its US users on election day, Nov. 6. The message will include the link to poll location information. Snap typically sends such messages only on holidays. The companys Snap Maps feature, which shows locations of users who opt-in and locations of special activity, will also link to polling location data. It will be the first time that the feature, which had 100 million monthly users in February, contains a link to an outside service, Gettothepolls.com, which draws its material from state officials. Mike Ward, program director of TurboVote, the nonprofit project working with the big tech companies and the states, welcomed the map feature. A previous Snap effort to steer users to registration information, including online applications in the more than 30 states that offer them, drew 400,000 people. Facebook and Spotify will also display the Gettothepolls.com link. Facebook and other social media will also prompt people to signal to their friends when theyve voted, which Ward said is effective. Car service company Lyft said it will offer free rides through a number of nonprofits, including the League of Women Voters. Rival Uber last week simplified its procedure for offering free or discounted rides, directly knocking USD 10 off the cheapest version of its ride-hailing service. (Source) Geneva, November 3: Aggrieved by the failure of the United Nations to adopt Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), India on Saturday marked its dissent at the UN General Assembly convened in Geneva. New Delhi's deputy permanent representative Tanmaya Lal also referred to Pakistan while marking his dissent, asserting that victims of terrorism in India are being targeted from "beyond the borders". UN Report on Kashmir Has No Mention of Pak-Sponsored Terrorism: EFSAS. "Terrorism has emerged as one of the worst forms of violation of human rights... My country has had to face repeated terrorist attacks on innocent people, emanating from beyond our borders," the Indian envoy said. Lal also expressed India's dismay at the large section of first world nations who have opposed the CCIT as it does not discriminates "between freedom fighters and terrorists". "Despite terrorism being acknowledged as one of the foremost global challenges, any meaningful collective response to address this menace continues to be thwarted by some," he added. Notably, the CCIT had been proposed by India before the UN nearly 22 years ago in 1996. A consensus could not be formed on the adoption of the treaty as critics claim that all non-state actors could not be categorised as terrorists. Lal's address at the General Assembly also included a carefully-worded criticism of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which recently tabled a report blaming the Indian forces of "committing excesses" in Jammu & Kashmir. Claiming that such reports further deteriorate the credibility of the UN, the Indian envoy said the report on Kashmir is not reflective of the ground realities. The report, he added, was "based on unverified sources of information", without adhering to the general mechanism of inquiry. On human rights, the Indian deputy representative said his country is committed to uphold civil liberty, freedom and equality, as exhibited in the recent landmark verdict by the Supreme Court to decriminalise gay sex. "Indias approach to human rights continues to evolve as more rights become justiciable and through the process of progressive interpretation of laws by the judiciary," he stated. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 03, 2018 09:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Nashik, November 3: The Indian Army will get the first batch of K-9 VAJRA-T tracked, self-propelled artillery guns on November 9. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hand over the artillery guns at a ceremony which will be organised at Devlali Field Firing Ranges, under the aegis of the School of Artillery Devlali, Nashik, reported Sputnik News. Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will also accompany the defence minister at the event. DefExpo 2018: India All Set to Showcase Its Indigenous Defence Production Capability Last year in April, Indian company Larsen and Turbo signed a $710-million partnership with South Korea's Hanwha Techwin for India's second big gun deal after the BAE Systems-Mahindra entered into a $750 million contract to build 145 M777 ultra-light guns. Earlier in September, the Indian Army successfully test fired from indigenous advanced gun K9-Vajra-T at Pokhran field firing range in Jaisalmer. The K9 Vajra-T is a 155 millimetre /52 calibre Howitzer. The gun is a type of K9 Thunder artillery used by the South Korean army. The "Hanwha Techwin" is providing technical support to the process. It would be the first set new Howitzers to be handed over to the army since the Bofors scandal surfaced in the late 1980s. The guns are likely to be deployed along the western border with Pakistan. The weight of howitzer is about 45 Ton. The speed of the gun movement is 60-70km/ hour. The Indian government also ordered 114 Dhanush guns for induction into the army. The entire of the deal is $ 2 billion. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 03, 2018 11:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, November 3: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be celebrating Diwali this year with the Indian Army jawans posted at the China border in Arunachal Pradesh. As per the statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Saturday, she would be staying with the jawans posted in the Upper Dibang Valley district of Arunachal on November 6-7, 2018. The battalion of jawans with whom she would be celebrating the festival of lights are located at a remote village in Dibang Valley -- with the nearest motorable road being 40-km away, reports said. Uttarakhand: Two Arrested For Planning on WhatsApp to 'Kill Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman'. The Army post selected for her visit falls under the coveted 3 Corps area. Former members of the command include Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat and incumbent Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Anil Chauhan. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to celebrate Diwali with Indian Army Jawans on 6th & 7th November, at a post in the Upper Dibang Valley district of the Arunachal Pradesh. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/SL0KdaIBSw ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 Sitharaman, the first full-time woman Defence Minister, took charge last year after Manohar Parrikar had to vacate the post. On her first Diwali, she decided to celebrate the festival with the jawans stationed at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made an impromptu visit to North Kashmir's Gurez sector. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 03, 2018 07:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, November 3: In a veiled retort to Congress president Rahul Gandhi who has been reiterating the "chowkidar chor hai" jibe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the latter pressed his political opponents with "falsehood charge". "Some Opposition leaders are like machines of falsehood. Their mouths are like AK-47. Whenever they open it, they fire one lie after another," Modi said, while digitally interacting with BJP's booth-level workers in Tikamgarh, Sikar, Kota, Korba and Bulandshahr. Modi Government Biggest Threat to Democracy and Federal Structure: AAP. "Since they are resorting to a fake propaganda, it is necessary to expose them before the public," the Prime Minister told his party workers. "In Madhya Pradesh, they have no other agenda but to defame us with concocted charges," he added. Kuch neta to jhoot ki machine ki tarah hain. Jab bhi munh kholte hain, dhar dhar AK 47 ki tarah jhoot hi nikalna shuru ho jaata hai. Aise mein, aapko vipaksh ke jhoot ko bhi janta ke saamne benaqab karna hai: PM Narendra Modi in an interaction with BJP workers pic.twitter.com/oMiWSjUsPQ ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi continues to level quid pro quo charge against Modi, claiming that he tweaked the Rafale fighter jets deal to benefit industrialist Anil Ambani with the offsets deal. "The matter is before the Supreme Court. When a probe will be ordered, things will become crystal clear. Everyone will go to jail," the Congress chief said on Friday. The government, as well as Anil Ambani, has refuted the charges levelled by the Congress. "Those opposing the deal have not even comprehended the basic information," said BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 03, 2018 06:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Harare, November 3: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said Saturday India was keen to strengthen its relations with Zimbabwe and sharing expertise with African countries as he began the second leg of his three-nation Africa visit from here. The special Air India flight carrying Naidu landed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport Friday night. Naidu arrived here from Botswana. Naidu, the first high-ranking Indian Government official to visit Zimbabwe in 21 years, was welcomed by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, acting Foreign Affairs Minister Cain Mathema and Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Rungsung Masakui. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had visited the African country in 1996. From the airport, Naidu proceeded to a reception organised by the local Indian community in Zimbabwe. Addressing the community members, Naidu said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government had embarked on an ambitious programme to develop India and cited projects like construction of airports and upgrading of roads. India is developing fast and would soon become the largest economy in the world, Naidu said, adding that the country had embarked on reforms, which were painful but bearing fruits. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Says Beef Festivals, Kiss of Love Protests are 'Unhealthy Trends' on University Campuses. Naidu said India was keen to work with Zimbabwe and the rest of African countries. "India is keen to strengthen relations with Africa. Africa is at the top priority of India. We also want to work with Zimbabwe. I will hold discussions with the President Mnangagwa for improving our bilateral relations," he said. Naidu asked the Indian community in Zimbabwe not to forget their motherland. "Everyone should remember their mother, father, culture, language and tradition. You can go abroad and work and learn but you should return. Do not forget your native place where you were born," he said. Overseas Indians should respect the laws of the countries where they live, he said, adding "I advise you to follow the laws, regulations and customs of Zimbabwe". Washington, November 3: Illegal immigration costs American taxpayers USD 100 billion a year, President Donald Trump has said as he slammed the opposition Democratic party for advocating an open border policy facilitating an easy entry of illegal immigrants into the US. His comments came amid a row over a caravan of an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 people mostly from three Latin American countries El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala who are currently at the southern US border along Mexico with the intention to enter America. Trump said that soldiers deployed to stop the illegal immigrants from entering the US would not open fire, but would arrest them if they threw stones at the troops. "Illegal immigration costs American taxpayers more than USD 100 billion every single year, more than three times the entire state budget of Indiana. We need to use our precious resources to help our fellow Americans who respect our laws, not illegal caravans who break into our borders and break our laws," Trump said at an election rally in Indiana. Donald Trump Mocked for leaving his Umbrella open at the door of Air Force One: Watch Video. Democrat immigration policies not only drain US treasury, but they threaten communities, he alleged. Nearly 100 per cent of heroin in the US enters through the southern border, along with roughly 90 per cent of the cocaine, the majority of meth and a substantial portion of the ultra-lethal fentanyl, killing youths all over the country, the President claimed. Trump said that the Caravan of people coming from Latin American countries have some criminals in it. In the caravan, more than 300 people have criminal records and have serious problems that US don't want to get involved with. The administration wants people coming in, but they have to come in legally. The November 6 mid-term elections is about security. This election is about prosperity, Trump said. "For years, you watched as we let foreign countries plunder our wealth, shutter our factories, and steal our jobs. But those days, if you haven't noticed, are over. "I recently announced that we are replacing the horrible NAFTA deal, one of the worst trade deals, with an incredible, brand-new US-Mexico-Canada agreement. The USMCA is a giant victory for Indiana farmers, manufacturers and dairy producers," he told his supporters as he listed out his achievements. Trump said that his administration has taken the toughest ever action to crackdown on China's very abusive trade practices. "And I spoke to (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) today. They want to make a deal, but we have to have a fair deal. We have to have a deal that's fair for the United States," he said. And China has to open up their borders for US companies, he demanded. Trump said he withdrew the US from the horrible, one-sided Iran nuclear deal. "And just today, we announced that we are re-imposing all sanctions lifted under that ridiculous deal that should have never been signed in the first place," he said. "We will have in place the toughest ever sanctions on this brutal Iranian regime. And at some point, they're going to get very smart and they're going to come back and negotiate a real deal, a fair deal, and a deal that lets them thrive. We want them to thrive," Trump said. The US has recognised the capital of Israel and opened the American embassy in Jerusalem, he said. "Together, we have made extraordinary progress, and we are just getting started. But the Democrats want to turn back the clock, put America in reverse, and give power back to a corrupt, selfish ruling class that only looks out for themselves. I know them well," Trump added. Tehran, November 3: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that President Donald Trump has "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser from renewing sanctions on the Islamic republic. "This new US president... has disgraced the remnant of America's prestige and that of liberal democracy. America's hard power, that is to say their economic and military power, is declining too," he said on his Persian Twitter account, quoting a speech in Tehran. A defiant Khamenei dismissed the renewed US sanctions -- including an oil embargo -- that take effect on Monday. "The challenge between the US and Iran has lasted for 40 years so far and the US has made various efforts against us: military, economic and media warfare," he said. Donald Trump Warns World Against Business with Iran as Sanctions Return. "There's a key fact here: in this 40-year challenge, the defeated is the US and the victorious is the Islamic republic." Trump announced in May he was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Iran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme. Washington says it wants a new deal with Iran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Tehran. "America's goal in taking all these measures has been to regain the domination it had" prior to Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution that overthrew the pro-Western shah, Khamenei said. The renewed sanctions are designed "to paralyse the (Iran's) economy and keep it backward. However, it has resulted in encouraging a movement towards self-sufficiency in the country," Khamenei added. "Our youth, across the country, support independence. Some may not be so religious but they are sensitive towards domination by foreigners." On Friday, the US said it would add 700 individuals and entities to its Iran blacklist and push the SWIFT global banking network to cut off Tehran as Washington applies "maximum pressure" to cripple the country's economy. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said eight countries -- believed to include India, Japan and possibly China -- would be given waivers to continue importing Iranian oil in order to avoid upsetting the global crude market, but only on condition they slow their purchases. The reimposition of sanctions "is aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues it uses to spread death and destruction around the world", Pompeo said. "Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran to permanently abandon its well-documented outlaw activities and behave as a normal country." Britain, France, Germany and the European Union strongly condemned the latest actions from Washington in a joint statement, and have vowed to preserve the nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "The JCPOA is a key element of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture and of multilateral diplomacy," they said. "It is crucial for the security of Europe, the region, and the entire world. The JCPOA is working and delivering on its goal." The US wants Iran to withdraw from war-ravaged Syria, where the Shiite clerical regime is a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad, and end longstanding support to regional militant movements Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as Yemen's Huthi rebels. Sacramento, CA Diva Limousine has sued Uber over Diva Limousine has sued Uber over California labor law violations, alleging state unfair competition. Their lawyers--who filed a motion for partial summary judgement early Octoberare counting on a California Supreme Court decision making it more difficult for employers to misclassify drivers as independent contractors rather than hourly employees. Dynamex and the ABC test Summary Judgment The proposed class-action lawsuit,, is about the ongoing misclassification and wage issue: whether Uber drivers are independent contractors or employees.In the motion for summary judgment, which is set for November 15, Diva argues that, under the employment classifications set out in the California Supreme Courtsopinion from April, Uber drivers are employees. The California Supreme Court recently held that a transportation worker is an employee unless the hiring entity can show that the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entitys business, Divas lawyers wrote. Uber cannot make that showing.Diva Limousine drivers are employees. The proposed class action lawsuit, which was filed in September, claims that Uber is violating Californias Unfair Competition Law because it misclassifies its drivers as independent contractors and therefore has a competitive edge over traditional taxicabs and limousine companies. Divas lawyers told a federal court that Uber saves as much as a half billion dollars in required benefits and payroll costs via its driver classifications, and Ubers misclassification of drivers allows it to target clients with below-cost and anticompetitive pricing.The first step for Diva is to determine whether Ubers drivers must be classified as employees, and the court will be asked whether providing rides is an integral part of Ubers business.In 2004, a package and documents delivery company called Dynamex converted its drivers from employees to independent contractors to save money. Some drivers sued Dynamex, alleging it violated the California Labor Code and wage orders because they performed the same basic tasks in the same manner as when they were employees. Based on the newly created standards called the ABC test, the California court in April 2018 ruled in favor of the drivers.Under the ABC test test, to lawfully classify a worker as an independent contractor, a company must prove three things:1. the worker is free from the control and direction of the hirer in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of such work and in fact;2. the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entitys business;3. the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as the work performed for the hiring entity.Labor law professor Veena Dubal thinks that Diva Limousine has a compelling argument against Uber, according to"The standard for summary judgement is that there is no triable issue of material facts. That seems to be the case here, she said."Under Dynamex, workers are likely employees for purposes of minimum wage and overtime if they perform work that is within the usual course of the hiring entity's business. Uber drivers provide rides, and Uber is a transportation company that facilitates the provision of those rides. I have a hard time imagining how Uber can argue that there is a triable issue of fact here, although I am confident that they will argue that they are a software company. They have lost that argument in courts across the world."The lawyers in Divas motion state that, No discovery is needed to establish the necessary facts. And summary judgment on this issue will substantially streamline this case. Adjudicating partial summary judgment at this time is not only permitted by Rule 56(a); it is also efficient case management. by Mathias Hariyadi Founded in 1928 as Poesara Wanita Katholiek, the Catholic Women's Association of Indonesia held its first national conference on 22-25 December of that same year. Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo also spoke at the opening ceremony of the 20th congress. Government ministers were also present. Jakarta (AsiaNews) Some 600 Catholic women from every diocese of the country met in congress to renew their commitment to national unity. Participants to the 20th Congress of the Wanita Katolik Republik Indonesia (WKRI), which was held on 30 October-2 November in Central Jakarta, pledged to "join the nation's efforts to create a healthy society, ennobled by its diversity." Founded in 1928 as the Poesara Wanita Katholiek, the Catholic Women's Association of Indonesia held its first national conference on 22-25 December of that same year. Even then, the women's federation had sensed the urgent need of going beyond the ethnic, language and culture differences of its members. "We must always bear in mind that, even if part of history, these considerations are still current", WKRI president Justina Rostiawati told AsiaNews. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo expressed his admiration for womens strength and abilities. A certain number of women occupy key posts in his cabinet. In addition to the president, the Minister for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Yohana Yembise was present, as were Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, and Mgr Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, archbishop of Jakarta and president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Indonesia (KWI). - Appeal court in Makurdi, Benue state has ordered the immediate sack of Benjamin Nungwa - Nungwa contested the APC primary of Kwande west legislative seat in the state house of assembly in April 2015, which was won by Joseph Boko - Boko had also argued that many weeks after the deadline for substitution of candidates at INEC had already closed, his name was illegally substituted with that of Nungwa After three years of legal battle over a legislative seat in the Benue state House of Assembly, the Appeal Court in Makurdi on Friday, November 2, gave judgment in favour of Joseph Boko and ordered the immediate sack of Benjamin Nungwa, the occupant of the seat. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that both Boko and Nungwa contested the All Progressives Congress primary of Kwande West legislative seat in the state house of assembly in April 2015, which was won by Boko. Dissatisfied with the conduct of the primary, Nungwa, sent a petition concerning the outcome of the primary to the APC National Secretariat for arbitration. READ ALSO: Governor Amosun of Ogun state renews attack on Oshiomhole An Arbitration Panel was set up by the national working committee of the party to resolve the disputed primary election. The appellant, who dragged Nungwa, the independent electoral commission and joined the APC in the matter, had averred that the said panel, which claimed to have held sittings in Makurdi, never invited him but took decisions from its purported sittings that had adverse effects on him. He, therefore, prayed the court to declare that the panel was not competent to sit since it was not in the first instance, properly constituted. Boko averred that the panel had no chairman and secretary and therefore, did not form a quorum to take decisions. He also argued that by excluding him from its proceedings, his right of fair hearing was infringed upon. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The appellant also averred that he was properly nominated as the partys candidate for the election and prayed the court to order Nungwa to relinquish the seat he was occupying to him. Boko had also argued that many weeks after the deadline for substitution of candidates at INEC had already closed, his name was illegally substituted with that of Nungwa. The appellant averred that it was his name that was sent to INEC and wondered who authorised the substitution. He argued that After submitting names to the INEC, it is only the candidate himself that can withdraw or it could be withdrawn if he dies; I did not withdraw my name and I am not dead. However, in her judgment, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Makurdi, affirmed Nungwa as the APCs candidate and cited the decision of the National Working Committee of the party as the basis. Dissatisfied with the judgment, Boko approached the Supreme Court, which after hearing the matter, expunged all cross appeals and motions that were unnecessary to the case and transmitted it back to the Appeal Court with a directive for a speedy retrial on merit. In a unanimous judgement, read by Justice Joseph Ekanem and supported by Justice Hannatu Sankey, on Friday in Makurdi, the court overturned the judgment of the Federal High Court, which affirmed Nungwa as the winner of the legislative seat. The court, therefore, ordered the immediate sack of Nungwa, who was described as an illegal occupant of the Kwande West legislative seat. The jurists also ordered him to refund all salaries and allowances earned within the three years he occupied the seat in the Benue House of Assembly and granted N200,000 costs to the appellant. The appellate court resolved three out of five issues brought to it for determination by the appellant in his favour. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The court resolved that the arbitration panel of the NWC of the APC that claimed to resolve the disputed Kwande West primary was not competent to handle the crises, hence it was not properly constituted. It also resolved that the appellant was denied fair hearing since he was not invited to appear before the panel and agreed that the nomination of the appellant was done in accordance with the partys procedures. Nungwa is currently serving a six-month suspension by the Benue House of Assembly for allegedly plotting to impeach Governor Samuel Ortom. The courts verdict, an elated Boko, said he was grateful to God and the judiciary for being the last hope of the ordinary man. He regretted the cost of pursuing justice from the Federal High Court through the Supreme Court and appealed for a review of the laws of the courts to allow speedy trials. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the APC lawmakers in Benue state House of Assembly served impeachment notice on Governor Samuel Ortom of the state, have listed corruption allegations against the governor. The lawmakers accused Ortom of misappropriating billions in public funds while state workers groan amidst unpaid salaries. The APC lawmakers were led by Terkimbi Ikyange, who was impeached as speaker last week by at least 22 members of the assembly. Ikyange accused the governor of squandering N54 billion in state funds, N22 billion from security votes while N32 billion was from local government funds. Nigeria News: Buhari Reacts To APC Senators Betrayal | on Legit.ng TV: NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Source: Legit Nigeria The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) has presented an attestation certificate to President Muhammadu Buhari. This was contained in a tweet by Femi Adesina who is the special adviser to the president on media and publicity on Friday, November 2, READ ALSO: Governor Amosun of Ogun state renews attack on Oshiomhole Iyi Uwadiae who is the registrar of WAEC presented the certificate to the president at the State House. President Buhari's certificate issue has raised controversy as the 2019 presidential election draws near which was a repeat of what happened before the 2015 elections. The controversy reared itself again after Nigeria's electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently disclosed that the president in an affidavit stated that his certificates are still with the military board. However, either by design or omission, many Nigerians seem to have forgotten a report by Premium Times during build up to the 2015 elections. In the said report, Government College, formerly Provincial Secondary School, Katsina - school where Buhari was said to have graduated from in 1961 - released his secondary school certificate examination results. PAY ATTENTION: Install our app for android, read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app The results confirmed Buharis claim that he undertook the University of Cambridge West African School Certificate Examinations and obtained five credits in English Language, Geography, Hausa Language, History, and Health Science. Defending himself in 2015, Buhari had in a press conference said: My examination number was 8200002, and I undertook the examination together with some prominent Nigerians including, late Shehu Musa YarAdua, and former president of Court of Appeal, Umar Abdullahi. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better Is Atiku the Right Man to Defeat President Buhari? 2019 Election - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better. Source: Legit.ng For the second time in 48 hours, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu held a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The agenda of the meeting held behind closed doors on Friday, November 2, was not disclosed Recall that the president on Wednesday, October 31 met behind closed door with national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the partys national chairman Adams Oshiomhole, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. READ ALSO: APC reportedly rejects Okorochas son-in-law, picks Uzodima as governorship candidate The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Tinubu, who arrived at the State House at about 3.56 p.m, was seen in the presidents office. The presidents meeting with the APC leader and Oshiomhole came less than 24 hours after Buhari hosted aggrieved APC aspirants to a dinner at the State House. Those at the dinner included the governorship, National and State Assembly aspirants who failed to secure the partys tickets in the forthcoming 2019 general elections, while Oshiohmole was conspicuously absent. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app NAN gathered that the presidents meeting with Tinubu and Oshiohmole might not be unconnected with the issues raised by the aggrieved aspirants during their dinner with the president. President Buhari had also met behind closed door with Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better. Nigeria News: President Buhari's Return Will Teach Nigerians Sense | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Two foreign banks have reportedly closed their offices in Nigeria - This was contained in a report released by the CBN on Friday, November 2 - The report did not, however, indicate the reasons for the closure The Central Bank of Nigeria on Friday, November 2, reportedly said two foreign banks, HSBC and UBS, have closed their offices in Nigeria. According to Premium Times, the CBN also revealed that foreign investment had fallen sharply from a year ago as FDI slumped to N379.84 billion ($1.2 billion) in the first half of the year from N532.63 billion ($1.7 billion) a year earlier. Legit.ng gathers that the apex bank also said that the outlook for the Nigerian economy in the second half was optimistic given increase in global oil prices and production. It, however, added that rising foreign debt and uncertainty surrounding the 2019 presidential election was a drawback. READ ALSO: APC crises deepen as Oshiomhole bashes Okorocha, Amosun; accuses governors of imposition The apex bank did not give reasons for the shutdown of operations of the two foreign banks in its report. HSBC has, however, been reportedly at loggerheads with the Nigerian government lately. In July, a research note by the bank reportedly said a second term for President Muhammadu Buhari raises the risk of limited economic progress and further fiscal deterioration, prolonging the stagnation of his first term, particularly if there is no move towards completing reform of the exchange rate system or fiscal adjustments that diversify government revenues away from oil. The government in its reaction had contested and dismissed the banks claims. Meanwhile, the central bank also said three lenders failed to meet its minimum liquidity ratio of 30%. It however did not name the lenders, adding that non-performing loans (NPLs) have dropped to 12.4% as at June 2018 from 15% a year ago. The figure is still a long way above its five percent threshold, it said. To further consolidate on the improvement, the Central Bank of Nigeria directed banks to intensify efforts at debt recovery, realisation of collateral for lost facilities and strengthening their risk management processes, the report said. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Legit.ng had previously reported how the apex bank withdrew the license of Skye Bank for failing to recapitalise. It transferred Skyes assets to a bridge bank, Polaris. Polaris has since begun operation. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Minister of industry says economy is improving; Nigerians disagree | Legit TV Source: Legit by Shafique Khokhar Under the agreement, Asia Bibis name is on list of people barred to leave the country. The government will compensate victims of recent violence. The Islamic group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan will apologise if protests hurt peoples feelings. Islamabad (AsiaNews) The agreement reached last night between the Pakistani government and Islamic radicals who want to overturn Asia Bibis acquittal is a cause for shame, this according to Kashif Hussain. Speaking to AsiaNews, the social media writer and activist slammed the agreement between Imran Khans government and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), an extremist party, to stop protests that had blocked the countrys main cities for days. If a state cannot stick to its orders and if its citizens [can] challenge the writ of the state and do not follow the orders and law, then this is a big question mark on states stability, he lamented. One example of this is Asia Bibi's lawyer flight from Pakistan this morning. Another is the fact that the fate of the Christian woman, acquitted a few days ago of blasphemy after spending nine years in prison, is now uncertain. We were expecting the state to act against the anti-state forces that are disgracing Pakistan across the world and teach them a lesson that states orders are above all, but the agreement with such group ashamed us, Hussain added. Two days ago, Prime Minister Imran Khan had accused Islamic radical of offending Islam, giving the impression that he was going to take them head-on. Last night however Punjab's Justice Minister Raja Basharat, Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri, and TLP leader Pir Muhammad Afzal Qadri signed a five-point agreement. Under its terms, Asia Bibis name was added to the Exit Control List to prevent her from leaving the country. The government said it would not oppose the request for a revision of her acquittal. It also said that it would compensate the victims of the protests as well as release protesters arrested in recent days. Lastly, the TLP agreed to apologise if the protests hurt people's feelings. Irfan Mufti, deputy director of the South Asia Partnership Pakistan, welcomed the Supreme Courts ruling but complained that "the problem remains with the blasphemy laws. Sadly, the majority still believes on keeping these laws. Still, for Naveed Walter, president of Human Rights Focus Pakistan, "new hope was awaken in minorities after Asia Bibis acquittal. Now similar cases must be investigated; most probably many innocent people will also be released from prison. - Police has arrested a suspected killer of an Ondo high chief - The suspected was said to have stabbed his employer several times - He allegedly committed the crime three days after he was employed as a cook by Ope Bademosi The Nigeria Police has arrested the suspected killer of an Ondo high chief, Ope Bademosi, who was stabbed to death by his cook on Wednesday, October 31. Sunday Anani, believed to be a citizen of the Republic of Benin is said to have allegedly killed Bademosi who is his employer and a chairman of credit Switch Technology in his residence at No.3A Onikoyi Lane residence, Parkview estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. Premium Times reports that Anani stabbed Bademosi several times with a knife before carting away with his valuables three days after he was employed as a cook. READ ALSO: Crises: Oshiomhole bashes Okorocha, Amosun as APC 'prepares to submit governorship list to INEC' Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo police command, Femi Joseph, Anani was arrested at the Ayeyemi area of Ondo town in the state. You know we have been on the trail of the suspect once he was declared wanted. We got information that he was hibernating somewhere in Ondo town at the Ayeyemi area and the DPO Fagun Police division led by SP Olajide Samuel, led his men to the place and picked him up," Joseph said. Joseph said the suspect was arrested alongside two others in connection with the crimes. READ ALSO: Saraki hails Buhari for adopting child education policy allegedly initiated by him 10 years ago He also said the phone of the deceased was found on the suspect when he was arrested. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo state command, on Monday, July 9, said it has arrested Adeyemi Alao, the suspected killer of Adenike Khadijat Oluboyo, a daughter of the immediate ex-governor of Ondo state, Lasisi Oluboyo. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Adenike Oluboyo was on Sunday found dead and hidden under a bed at the home of Alao who was her boyfriend. The suspect allegedly made attempts to bury Khadijats body in his house at Oke-Aro area of Akure, the Ondo state capital. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better. Lets Not Blame God For Our Problems - Deyemi Okanlawon Speaks on Otedola Bridge Fire | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Nigeria, especially nationals from the southeastern region, have been greeted with the sad news of the death of Chief Sylvester Debe Ojukwu, the first son of the Biafran warlord - Debe was said to have died on Friday, November 2, in Lagos - He passed on after a brief stay in a hospital yet undisclosed Chief Sylvester Debe Ojukwu, the first son of the Biafran warlord, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has been reported dead, The Nigerian Tribune reports. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng Debe died at age 62 in Lagos state in the night of Friday, November 2, after a short stay in hospital. Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Bianca, Ojukwu's wife and stepmother to Debe, said that she could not confirm the death of the son of the late Igbo leader. Bianca said it was not her duty to make announcements in the Ojukwu family. According to her, Nnewi, their home town, is guided by traditions and customs PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! She said: According to our tradition, it is not my role to make such announcements. We have elders in the family, who have such duties and functions. Its not part of my duties. Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Bianca's hope to represent the people of Anambra South senatorial district was dashed on Thursday, October 4, as Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu from Nnewi South local government area clinched the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ticket for the zone. Legit.ng gathered that in the APGA primary held in the state, Bianca was floored along with another aspirant, Anselem Enyimba. Bianca was a former Nigerian ambassador to Spain. Ojukwu's bunker during conflict for the independence of Biafra | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Maj.-Gen. Idris Alkali has been buried at Gudu cemetery - The burial was attended by the chief of army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai - Other dignitaries present are former Military Administrator of Lagos, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa and former minister of Works and Housing, Alhaji Sunusi Dagash The remains of late Maj.-Gen. Idris Alkali, which was found by a team of Nigerian Army on Search and Rescue Operation, was buried at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja on Saturday, November 3. The burial, which was concluded at around 3 p.m., was attended by the chief of army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, former Military Administrator of Lagos, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa and former Minister of Works and Housing, Alhaji Sunusi Dagash. Remains of Maj.-Gen. Idris Alkali before his burial at Gudu cemetery. Credit: Nigerian Army Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Arewa youths to Atiku: Don't be distracted The funeral prayer, which was led by the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Dr Kabir Mohammad, amid tears, was attended by Muslims from within and outside the Federal Capital territory. Mohammed commended the Nigerian Army for ensuring thorough search which led to recovery of the body of the deceased, described as a national hero. The chief Imam described the situation surrounding the demise of Alkali as very unfortunate: it is very unfortunate that Alkali died this way. However, we thank Allah that his body had been recovered. The remains of late Maj.-Gen. Idris Alkali was found by a team of Nigerian Army on Search and Rescue Operation. Credit: Nigerian Army Source: Twitter Even though it took weeks to trace the whereabouts of late Alkalis corpse, we thank Allah, we thank the Federal Government and we thank the army for the dedication to find his body, so that he can be buried according to Islamic rites. He called on the federal government to look into the security situation in the country, stressing that every Nigerian has the right to live or pass through any part of the country without being harassed or intimidated by anybody or group of people. This is a fundamental human and constitutional right of everybody, irrespective of tribe or religious affiliation. The burial was attended by the chief of army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai. Credit: Nigerian Army Source: Twitter He noted that Allah did not create one particular tribe or religion to live or claim ownership of any part of the country, adding that tribe or religious differences should never be a reason for crisis in the country. The late Senior Army officer was declared missing since Sept. 3, 2018 The Military directed the Garrison Commander, 3 Division, Rukuba Barrack in Plateau to find the missing general and bring him dead or alive and if anything had happened to him, the garrison should find those responsible for it. On Sept. 29, 2018, the Nigerian Army recovered Akalis vehicle and his personal effects were seen and after further investigation, a shallow grave was discovered in which the general was initially buried. Eventually, the remains of the officer was found in an abandoned well in a bush at Guchwet village in Shen Du District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the best news updates Legit.ng had earlier reported that a human rights activist called on the relevant authorities to bring those behind the abduction and murder of Major General Idris Alkali (retired) to justice. The lifeless body of Major General Alkali, who went missing since September was discovered by troops of the Nigerian Army in a well last week. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Nigerian Air Force Day Celebration 2018 (54th Anniversary) - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Bushkill Township is the third Northampton County municipality to lose its township manager in recent weeks, after Upper Nazareth and Palmer townships. Brian Harris resigned from his position in October as the township's manager. Harris had been the manager since 2009. The Muhlenberg Township Board of Commissioners, in Berks County, voted Tuesday to hire Harris as its township's manager for $105,500 per year. Harris had been earning $87,800 per year in Bushkill Township. "We loved having him," Bushkill Township Supervisors' Chairman Brien Kocher said. "We think he was terrific. We wish him the best in his next advancement." Kocher said he does not expect the supervisors to hire a replacement immediately. "I don't believe the board will actively seek to fill the position right away, but that may change," Kocher said. Bushkill Township is classified as a second-class township. According to the Pennsylvania Second-Class Township Code, a township is required to appoint a treasurer and a secretary. Township managers are optional. Before he resigned, Harris held all three positions. Thursday, supervisors voted to appoint current Administrative Assistant Belinda Roberts to be secretary/treasurer for a total salary of $25.75 per hour. Roberts, who has been working for the township for about 10 years, had been making $22.68 per hour. Additionally, Roberts will also receive a $200 weekly stipend in anticipation of her handling occasional manager duties. Kocher said the supervisors will determine if the new structure, with Roberts picking up the slack, is feasible or if a new manager will need to be hired at some point. "I think the board is going to evaluate the workload," Kocher said. John Best is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. TROPHIES Charlene Symia's relationship with the students and staff of the Easton Area Middle School has been a beneficial two-way street for decades. As the respected principal of a school with 2,000 students, she has instituted programs to help kids excel and make school more engaging. She created the Medici group to mentor students who need help overcoming obstacles, International Night to celebrate different cultures, and the Remarkable Rovers program to identify outstanding students, teachers and staff. This year she was recognized for her 30 years of innovation and service as the Pennsylvania Parent Teacher Association's principal of the year. "She truly loves each and every one of those kids," said middle school PTA President Michelle Robertson, who was among those who nominated Symia for the award. Over the last several years Brooklyn Pronovich has donated the proceeds from her lemonade stand to veterans' groups. This year the 9-year-old Bethlehem Township girl decided to give $1,205 the Bethlehem Police Department's K-9 Unit. Why? Because she likes dogs and knows the K-9 partners play an important role in local law enforcement. In five years she has raised more than $10,000 for organizations from her sales of lemonade, iced tea and baked goods. Her business has become well known in the neighborhood and attracts regular customers. Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez and Police Chief Mark DiLuzio thanked Brooklyn for her gift at a city hall ceremony, and treated her and her family to a tour of the city's mounted police unit. TURKEYS What were the parents thinking? People in Lower Macungie Township were shocked Wednesday night to see two trick-or-treaters in blackface, draped with Confederate flags, according to a teen who posted a video on Facebook. Esperanza Menendez, 17, said she and her sisters bumped into the boys at the corner of Gehman Road and Scenic View Drive, and couldn't believe what they were seeing. "I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a joke because that kind of stuff is scary and, you know, it's Halloween," Menendez said. "But it still made me feel sick." Lehigh University's announcement that next year's juniors and seniors would have to leave on-campus housing turned out to be a false alarm. Still, it triggered an anxious backlash from students wondering if they could afford off-campus apartments. Initially the housing services department told rising juniors and seniors they'd have to live in a new Lehigh-affiliated apartment building or find apartments off campus next year. Parents and students were taken aback by the timing of the notice and the projected cost of $10,690 to live in SouthSide Commons. The university plans to demolish older apartment-style dorms and boost enrollment, which is expected to contribute to a housing shortage. Lehigh President John D. Simon and Provost Patrick Farrell apologized for the confusion, saying the message shouldn't have been sent. They said plans to demolish the student apartments are on hold and won't affect student housing for the 2019-20 academic year. Easton Area High School officials say a that seemed to threaten violence at the school turned out to be without merit -- but they took security precautions nonetheless. On Tuesday students saw what appeared to be a threatening Instagram post and notified school officials. The post read, "I might shoot up ehs on Wednesday at 12:47 to make my list clear." After local and federal law enforcement determined it wasn't a credible threat, administrators sent out a notice about it to the community. Still, the school beefed up security with an added police presence Wednesday; a Halloween dress-up day was canceled. The municipal tax collector for three townships in Warren County is accused of stealing more than $75,000 in residents' property tax payments, New Jersey State Police announced Saturday. Rachellyn Mosher (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com) Rachellyn Mosher, 48, of Lopatcong Township, was arrested Friday and sent to Warren County jail, pending a bail detention hearing, State Police said in a new release. Mosher is accused of using her position to steal the cash payments from 2013 through this year from residents in White, Harmony and Lopatcong townships. Authorities took Mosher into custody in Lopatcong following an 11-month investigation by the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption North Unit and the Warren County Prosecutor's Office, state police said. Township police assisted on the arrest. "In order to conceal her thefts, Mosher allegedly falsified each township's computerized tax records," state police wrote in the release. Mosher was charged with three counts each of official misconduct, pattern of official misconduct and tampering with public records, in addition to two counts of theft. Numbers listed for Mosher were no longer in service, and it was unclear if she immediately had an attorney to represent her. The office of Prosecutor Richard Burke will prosecute the case. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Amid wind gusts forecast to reach 36 mph, the Lehigh Valley began drying out Saturday following damaging, torrential rainfall Friday night. A flood warning was set to expire at 11:45 a.m., extended from 8:45 a.m., for a region encompassing Lehigh, Northampton, Warren and Hunterdon counties, the National Weather Service said. The climate station at Lehigh Valley International Airport recorded 3.3 inches of rain from about 6 p.m. through 2 a.m., including nearly 2 inches in the three hours leading up to 11 p.m., the weather service said. Lehigh and Northampton counties were also under a tornado warning late Friday night until shortly after midnight. There were no immediate reports of a tornado touching down. That National Weather Service was assessing reports of possible tornados in Montgomery and Chester counties, meteorologist Trent Davis said. "We've had a couple people say that they had some damage, so we're taking a further look at it now, but nothing's confirmed," he said late Saturday morning. Flooding on Friday night shut down a stretch of Interstate 78 between Lehigh Street and Cedar Crest Boulevard in Lehigh County. Bethlehem Township firefighters handled a nighttime water rescue at a home near the flood-prone intersection of Willow Park Road and Easton Avenue. Road Closures due to flooding: Christian Spring Rd; Green Pond Rd (between Country Club & Farmersville); Sculac @ Wilson. Use caution BethlehemTwpPD (@BethlehemTwpPD) November 3, 2018 On Saturday morning, Hellertown announced the Water Street Bridge was closed due to flooding until further notice. About 8 a.m. in Forks Township, Bushkill Drive was closed at Northwood Avenue, as was Zucksville Road approaching Bushkill Drive. Easton Auto Body was out recovering a car stuck in flooding on Zucksville Road. The PA Bacon Fest gave no indication the rains were going to affect the 10 a.m. start of the 2-day festival that draws tens of thousands of people to Downtown Easton. A couple of tents blew over overnight, but there was no major damage at the festival grounds, said Sandra Zajacek, Easton Ambassadors operations manager. Easton police were reporting some cars underwater earlier Saturday morning at Line and Centre streets on the city's South Side. The rains flooded parts of Emmaus High School, and East Penn School District officials were out Saturday morning assessing the damage, district spokeswoman Laura Groh said. "Remediation is scheduled to begin immediately," she said in a morning email. "Since the damage is localized, tonight's performance of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' will go on as scheduled." The weather service was forecasting a chance of showers Saturday at Lehigh Valley International Airport, mainly before 10 a.m., followed by gradual clearing and a seasonable daytime high near 53. Winds were forecast from the west at 9 to 18 mph, with strong gusts as high as 36 mph. "New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible," the weather service said in its forecast for LVIA. The weather service flood warning stated: "Turn around ... don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Please report flooding to your local law enforcement agency when you can do so safely." Mostly clear skies were forecast with diminishing winds Saturday night, with a low around 35, followed by sunny skies Sunday and a high near 54. More rain is possible Monday, with a 50 percent chance of precipitation and new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch possible at the airport, the weather service said. The heavy rainfall comes a day after Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday requested federal disaster aid for millions of dollars in damage caused by severe storms Aug. 10-15 in parts of Pennsylvania. Northampton County is included in the request for both public and individual assistance, along with Berks, Bradford, Chester, Columbia, Delaware, Lackawanna, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. The governor requested public assistance for Bucks, Lycoming and Tioga counties. The major disaster declaration requested through the Federal Emergency Management Agency would provide federal funding to local, county and state governments, as well as certain eligible nonprofits in those counties through the Public Assistance program. Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the costs incurred on eligible expenses, such as but not limited to: costs associated with paying overtime, repairs to damaged infrastructure, equipment rentals and materials. Reporter Tony Rhodin contributed to this report. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. In a year when it lost its post office a plan is underway in Laois for an extensive reopening of a credit union office in Ballinakill near the border with Kilkenny. People First Credit Union is to hold a meeting in the Old School Community Hall to discuss an extensive reopening the Ballinakill Credit Union office. People First is proposing that services offered if required include: shares saving accounts, current account access for receipt of wages, pensions or social welfare payments, pay zone machine for payment of household bills, loan application forms, online banking application forms. Credit Union information brochures, credit union 3rd-year bursary application forms, sponsorship application forms and coming in 2019 multipurpose current account with debit card will also be offered from a reopened branch. In September 2015, Portlaoise Credit Union and Abbeyleix Credit Union joined forces and merged to form People First Credit Union. Abbeyleix incorporated Ballinakill which has limited services to the public. People First Credit Union merged with Athy Credit Union in 2017 and now has almost 39,000 members. Ballinakill lost its only public financial service since the middle of 2018 when the village post office shut. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 15 at 8pm The High Court has ordered the surrender of a man who claimed he would be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment in Northern Ireland's Maghaberry Prison if extradited to face a murder charge. The man, who cannot be named due to a court order, is wanted to face a charge of murdering 30-year-old Jennifer Dornan who was found stabbed to death in her burning house in Hazel View in the Lagmore area of west Belfast in August 2015. Justice Aileen Donnelly said earlier hearings had focused on Britain's exit from the EU but in the light of a judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union there was no further argument on that point. Initial concerns about "systemic and generalised deficiencies" in the Northern Irish Prison System (NIPS) had been addressed, she said, and there was no "substantial risk that this particular respondent will be subjected to such a risk." She said the judicial authority in Northern Ireland had set out in detail the processes of risk assessment and prevention that the prisoner will be subjected to. A major concern was the risk of self-harm, she said, but Justice Donnelly was satisfied that the NIPS had put in place protocols to ensure the safety of such vulnerable prisoners. She further stated that there is a "robust inspectorate system for the prisons in Northern Ireland" and evidence that the prisons respond to those inspections. She added: "Where adverse findings have been made, real action has been taken." Ordering his surrender to the UK, she said: "I am satisfied that there are no substantial grounds for believing that this respondent is at real risk of inhuman and degrading treatment should he be surrendered." Cllr Noel Tuohy has proposed writing to the Minister for Education supporting the call of the staff and the parents of the pupils of Kolbe House, to be part of a new building project on the site in Portlaoise which has been selected for some years. We can be proud of our schools, but the most vulnerable in our society are the students of Kolbe House, he said, at the recent meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District which took place in Laois County Hall. As part of his notice of motion, Cllr Tuohy also called on Laois County Council to assist in any way it can to expedite this badly needed project for the most vulnerable children in our society. Cllr Tuohy said incredible work was being done in the school and it was fantastic to see. He said there were wonderful people doing a great job, but the school shouldnt be where it currently is. Supporting the motion, Cllr Willie Aird suggested sending the motion to Laois three TDs. Anything we can do to push it has to be done, he said. Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said the councillors should also write to the Minister for Health on the matter. In response to Cllr Tuohys motion, Mr Kieran Kehoe, director of services, said that a letter will issue to the Minister for Education in this regard. During the memorial Mass for cardinals and bishops who passed away over the past year, Pope Francis stressed that God looks at the heart, not appearances. Whatever will remain of life, at the doorstep of eternity, is not what we gained but what we gave away. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis celebrated Mass this morning in St Peters Basilica for the cardinals and bishops who passed away in the past year. In his address, he noted that what counts in life is "to serve", which is the way to enter the eternal wedding banquet, and what we gave away" rather than what we gained. Speaking before people who were close to the dearly departed, Francis said that For all of us, life is a constant call to go forth: from our mothers womb, from the house where we are born, from infancy to youth, from youth to adulthood, all the way to our going forth from this world. For ministers of the Gospel too, life is in constant movement, as we go forth from our family home to wherever the Church sends us, from one variety of service to another. We are always on the move, until we make our final journey. Commenting the passage in Matthew on the virgins who meet their spouse, the Pope stressed that the Gospel shows us the meaning of this constant wayfaring that is life: it is a going forth to meet the Bridegroom. This is what life is meant to be lived for: the call that resounds in the night, according to the Gospel, and which we will hear at the hour of our death: Here is the Bridegroom! Come out to meet him! (v. 6). The encounter with Jesus, the Bridegroom who loved the Church and gave himself up for her (Eph 5:25), gives meaning and direction to our lives. That and nothing more. It is the finale that illuminates everything that preceded it. Just as the seeding is judged by the harvest, so the journey of life is shaped by its ultimate goal. If our life is a journey to meet the Bridegroom, it is also the time we have been granted to grow in love. Every day of our lives is a preparation for the wedding banquet, a great period of betrothal. Let us ask ourselves: do I live like someone preparing to meet the Bridegroom? In the ministry, amid all our meetings, activities and paperwork, we must never lose sight of the one thread that holds the entire fabric together: our expectation of the Bridegroom. The centre of it all can only be a heart in love with the Lord. Only in this way will the visible body of our ministry be sustained by an invisible soul. Let us not keep our gaze fixed on earthly affairs, but look beyond them. It is true when they say that the really important things are invisible to our eyes. The really important thing in life is hearing the voice of the Bridegroom. That voice asks us daily to catch sight of the Lord who comes, and to make our every activity a means of preparation for his wedding banquet. We are reminded of this by what the Gospel tells is the one essential thing for the bridesmaids awaiting the wedding banquet. It is not their gowns, or their lamps, but rather the oil kept in small jars. "Here we see a first feature of oil: it is not impressive. It remains hidden; it does not appear, yet without it there is no light. What does this suggest to us? That in the Lords eyes what matters is not appearances but the heart (cf. 1 Sam 16:7). Everything that the world runs after and then parades honours, power, appearances, glory passes away and leaves nothing behind. Along with this first feature not to be flashy but essential there is another aspect of oil: it exists in order to be consumed. Only when it is burned does it spread light. Our lives are like that: they radiate light only if they are consumed, if they spend themselves in service. The secret to live is to live to serve. Service is the ticket to be presented at the door of the eternal wedding banquet. Whatever will remain of life, at the doorstep of eternity, is not what we gained but what we gave away (cf. Mt 6:19-21; 1 Cor 13:8). The meaning of life is found in our response to Gods offer of love. And that response is made up of true love, self-giving and service. Serving others involved a cost, since it involves spending ourselves, letting ourselves be consumed. In our ministry, those who do not live to serve do not de-serve to live. Those who hold on too tightly to their lives will lose them. A third feature of oil is clearly present in the Gospel: it must be prepared. Oil has to be stored up ahead of time and carried with one (cf. vv. 4, 7). Love is certainly spontaneous, but it is not impromptu. It was precisely by their lack of preparation that the bridesmaids excluded from the wedding banquet showed their foolishness. Now is the time for preparation: here and now, day by day, love has to be stored up and fostered. Let us ask for grace to renew daily our first love with the Lord (cf. Rev 2:4), lest its flame die out. It is a great temptation to sink into a life without love, which ends up being like an empty vase, a snuffed lamp. If we do not invest in love, life will stifle it. Those called to Gods wedding feast cannot be content with a sedentary, flat and humdrum life that plods on without enthusiasm, seeking petty satisfactions and pursuing fleeting rewards. A dreary and predictable life, content to carry out its duties without giving of itself, is unworthy of the Bridegroom. As we pray for the Cardinals and Bishops who have passed away in this last year, let us beg the intercession of all those who lived unassuming lives, content to prepare daily to meet the Lord. Following the example of these witnesses, who praise God are all around us in great numbers, let us not be content with a quick glance at this day and nothing else. Instead, let us desire to look farther ahead, to the wedding banquet that awaits us. A life burning with desire for God and trained by love will be prepared to enter the chamber of the Bridegroom, for all eternity. In a week when Stradbally woman Elizabeth O'Kelly donated 6 million to the Irish Cancer Society, spiritural residents of the famous Laois town are organising another fundraiser for the charity. It's an ecumenical attempt involving two members of the local clergy in the town that hosts the Electric Picnic. Stradbally's Parish Priest Fr Gerard Breen and Church of Ireland Rector Rev. Alec Purser have agreed to go unshaven for the month of November to raise public awareness about the fight against cancer and to raise funds for Society. "Please do support us with this very worthy cause," said the clerics in a note to their parishioners. Sponsorship cards are available in the Parish Office, in the Rectory and in local shops. It remains to be seen if Fr Gerard and Rev Alec can hit the mark Mrs O'Kelly donated to the charity. It emerged this week that the Irish Cancer Society was one of five charities to benefit from 30 million left by the Laois resident in her will. The Irish Heart Foundation, the RNLI, Irish Autism Society and Irish Kidney Association received an equal portion. Mrs OKelly died aged 93 in December 2016. Prior to her death, she was a shareholder in Clylim Properties but also earned 30 million from the sale of the Leinster Leader Ltd in 2005 to the Johnston Press Group. She was a major shareholder in the Leinster Express. Kildare County Council says its committed to assisting with the restoration of the historic Jigginstown Castle. According to KCC, talks are ongoing with the Office of Public Works and other interested parties and arrangement to accommodate this work and a clean up of the adjoining site are almost completed. KCC official Peter Minnock told the Naas Municipal district meeting that the castle is a priority for KCC, adding I'm hopeful that progress will be made in the very short term. Work on the historic structure has been ongoing for some time. A full restoration of the castle on the Newbridge side of Naas, was ruled out by the Office of Public Works about three years ago. Completed in 1637 at a cost of six thousand pounds, it was the brainchild of then Lord Deputy of Ireland Thomas Wentworth, who was executed in London in 1641. According to the OPW the restoration project thats taking place will stabilise and consolidate the brickwork there and the best that can be hoped for is to maintain the castle as a stable ruin. Ana Dolan, a senior architect with the OPW, told a KCC meeting at that time that the restoration work, which could eventually see it opened to the public, has been delayed by Government spending cuts. She said the castle was built with the intention of becoming a royal palace prior to Wentworth being charged with treason. Jigginstown Castle was never lived in and fell into decay. By 1726 it was very ruinous, as images from the time show. The castle is almost 100 metres long and has a series of cellars. The building has a first floor and to corridors. As far as possible the OPW aims to make the building presentable and accessible to visitors. However local councillor and historian Seamie Moore said the council needs to go further than restoration. He said the OPW was keen to have more space in the area and he also said that the a workshop there could be turned into some kind of a tourism office. Planning permission for an expanded car park at Sallins rail station will be made before the end of year. Irish Rail says its plans for extra car park spaces will also include additional bicycle parking spaces and lockers to facilitate the increasing number of people arriving at the station on bikes. It is planned to have a bike path through the car park and there are also plans to upgrade the shuttle bus service which brings passengers to and from Naas. Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny told a Naas Municipal District meeting that the station at Sallins is at the top if Irish Rails priority because of its capacity issues. Cllr Carmel Kelly, a Sallins resident, said it is nightmare to get in and out of the station and the bus service needs to be improved. Cllr Kelly said the station is not accessible for wheelchair users. She acknowledged that car parks spaces are planned but access to it and the bus service are the main issues at Sallins. Cllr Sorcha ONeill also called for more information to be made available for passengers about services to and from the station. Some 270 new spaces are to be provided bringing the total car parking capacity to about 445. Sallins resident and Fianna Fail TD James Lawless said extension is badly needed and something I have been working on for years. The extension became all the more urgent after the leap card zone was extended to Sallins which seen a massive increase in those availing of cheaper fares from our station. The new car park spaces will be beside the existing ones. Because the number of new spaces is more than intended the work will take longer than expected. The job will cost about 2m. And the work will be done over 9-12 months. Its expected to open in the first or second quarter of 2020. Newbridge woman, Mari Gallagher has published a book titled Becoming a Mother: Reflections on Adoptive Parenthood. The book was launched recently as part of the Kildare Readers Festival. Since 1991, over 5,000 children have been adopted to Ireland from forty-one different countries around the world countries as diverse as Uzbekistan, Thailand, Ethiopia and China. These children join more than 44,000 children and adults who were born and adopted here in Ireland. However, not many of their stories have been written. This is the first book by an adoptive parent about her experiences adopting a child from outside Ireland. Maris story tells of the pain of longing for motherhood through to the meeting with her beautiful son and daughter in Russia and Kazakhstan respectively. She describes the challenges and joys of meeting the particular needs of adopted children, from practical attachment parenting to helping them find out important birth information. The book teases out the complexity of emotions and bureaucratic hurdles in the adoptive process, drawing from Maris own personal experience, and explores the reality of becoming an adoptive parent. There are very few books, if any, available on the subject of inter-country adoption from an Irish perspective. The book has a particular focus on inter-country adoptive parenting as well as looking at adoption from the other viewpoints: those of the adopted person and the birth parent. This book seeks to fill that void by exploring issues around the topic of adoption: the secrecy and silence that still pervades adoption; the primal desire to parent that drives adoptive parenting; the tumultuousness of search and reunion; the tragedy of adopted children delaying their search for the birth parent. Elsewhere in the book there are shared experiences and tips on bonding with the adopted child as well as a look at parenthood for the adopted person. Becoming a mother by adoption is different to giving birth. The differences between parenting by biology (linked by blood) and adoption (linked by love and law) are what make adoptive parenting in equal parts fascinating and painful, said Mari. Originally from Leitrim, Mari is a psychotherapist and lives in Newbridge with her family. Her articles have been published in Irish Medical News, Irish Medical Times, Irish Times and The Irish Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is a regular speaker at Barnardos post adoption training workshops. The Newbridge woman began her journey in the literary world by joining a creative writing class at Scoil Mhuire in Clane. She had kept a journal of her thoughts throughout the years as she went through the adoptive process. She spent five years working on this book. She said many people can become parents without intending to and that's fine, but the desire to be a parent for an adoptive parent is very strong. A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated to Barnardos. It is available in Easons, and all local bookshops. It is published by Orpen Press. CONTROVERSIAL plans to erect a war memorial on the edge of the Peoples Park have been rejected by Limerick City and County Council. As exclusively revealed by the Limerick Leader, planning permission was being sought from the local authority in the name of the seventh Earl of Limerick Edmund Pery for a structure to honour fallen civilian and military personnel from the city and county in World War One. But planners have rejected the proposal, saying they are not satisfied the applicant has sufficient estate or interest in the relevant land to enable him to carry out the proposed development. Also, they expressed concern that granting this development would set a precedent for similar types of plans, which would impact the established amenity of this section of the park. The move has been welcomed by local northside Solidarity councillor Cian Prendiville, who said he didnt think it was right to take the whole corner of a park for a structure like this. The family of Earl Edmund Pery donated the lands of the Peoples Park for civic use for Limerick, and this is why it has his name on the application. However, the project is being spearheaded by the Limerick Civic Trust, which may make moves to appeal the councils refusal to An Bord Pleanala. At the heart of the memorial, the plans show, would be a four-metre high stone-central cross. As well as this, there would be eight stone tablets, two metres high, inscribed with the names of all the victims of the great war from Limerick. There would have been three stone benches 3.7m long, and 0.45m high, and associated gravel paths. In supporting documents provided to council planners by EML architects, it was pointed out a number of locations were considered for this memorial, including the city gallery and around the councils headquarters at Arthurs Quay. The proposal drew opposition from a number of parties as well as Independent councillor John Gilligan who insisted: The Peoples Park should remain an oasis of peace with just the song of the birds and the laughter of children to disturb the peace, a far cry from the hell of cannon and rifle fire where so many were sent to be slaughtered. That is a more fitting tribute than whats being proposed. Cllr Prendiville, who assisted a fellow objector, pointed out that had the development been given the green light, it would have meant the colourful horse sculptures would have been removed, or at least relocated elsewhere in the park. I just felt it is a massive grey series of slabs and a giant cross which would take the whole corner of the Peoples Park. It would have meant getting rid of the horse sculptures which are very lively, very colourful, and an attraction for young kids. We have limited public park space and that should be celebrated and made as vibrant and playful and as fun as possible, he told the Limerick Leader. Cllr Prendiville said he supports the idea of war memorials in the city. But whether it is best taking up the whole corner of a park is another thing, he added. LEARNERS from a variety of programmes on offer at the Limerick College of Further Education joined together to celebrate their achievements at its annual graduation ceremony at the Limerick Strand Hotel. Today is the highlight of our academic year because it honours and celebrates your achievements, LCFE principal Pat Maunsell told graduates. We are all proud of the fact that you have gained your award with us and are moving on with your lives. We live in a fast-paced, global environment today and no doubt the future will present challenges for you as it does for us all. I advise you to continue your education and up-skill when required to prepare you for the many career shifts you may encounter over your working lives, he added. As you know well, education is a lifelong process and does not end today. There are so many opportunities today to continue your education choose one which best suits your circumstances. This message was reiterated by Mr George OCallaghan, chief executive of Limerick and Clare ETB who said: The one constant in life is change. Guest speaker John Lonergan also spoke of the ever changing nature of todays world, the need to remain open to new opportunities and the importance of having the confidence to seize opportunities as they arise. MINISTER for Health Simon Harris has been urged to act on lengthy waiting times for appointments at University Hospital Limerick, following the release of monthly figures published by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). According to new statistics, there has been a slight increase in the number of patients waiting for treatment and appointments at UHL, St Johns Hospital and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital in September. In total, there were 41,325 patients on a waiting list in Limerick, a 274-person increase on the previous months statistics. Croom was the only hospital where both inpatient and outpatient waiting list numbers decreased. There were 217 inpatients and 6,458 outpatients on a waiting list at Croom. St Johns Hospital saw a marginal increase in inpatient numbers, as a result of a slight increase in waiting times for general surgery, gynaecology and urology treatment. St Johns Hospital saw a 13-person increase in inpatient numbers, as a result of a slight increase in waiting times for general surgery, gynaecology and urology treatment. There were 985 inpatients on a waiting list, while there was a drop in outpatient numbers, with 1,175 people waiting for appointments in September. UHL saw a decrease in inpatient waiting list numbers last month, with 2,508 people waiting for treatment, but saw a 569-person increase in outpatient waiting lists with 29,982 waiting for an appointment in September. A total of 9,896 patients were waiting for treatment or appointment for more than a year, the large majority of which saw patients waiting for more than 18 months. There were 5,360 patients waiting for an appointment for more than 18 months, according to the latest NTPF figures. This was an increase of more than 200 patients, the figures show. Last week, Fianna Fail TD Willie ODea asked Minister Harris in the Dail what actions he will be taking to address the waiting list problem at UHL. Minister Harris said that the hospital group is working to provide a range of insourced outpatient clinics across a wide range of specialties including dermatology, endocrinology, gynaecology, and ENT. These clinics will actively work to reduce the longest waiting patients across those specialties with the largest waiting lists, he stated. In Budget 2019, the government has prioritised improving access and reducing waiting times for patients, with funding to the NTPF increasing from 55m in 2018 to 75m in 2019, of which, 6m will be committed to outpatient activity, the Minister told Deputy ODea. The UL Hospitals Group is one of the best performing groups for managing waiting lists, NTPF data shows. Of all the modern inventions we rely on in our daily lives, the alarm clock is probably the most universally despised. Its jarring morning jangles jolt us uncomfortably out of our slumber, and back to reality. And yet however annoying alarm clocks are, they're also indispensable in getting us out of bed. That raises an interesting question: How did people wake up before alarm clocks became so ubiquitous? Throughout the ages, even the simple act of telling the time has presented a huge challenge to humans that we've tried to solve with elaborate inventions. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians developed sundials and towering obelisks that would mark the time with a shadow that moved with the sun. Dating back to around 1500 B.C., humans produced hourglasses, water clocks and oil lamps, which calibrated the passing of hours with movements of sand, water and oil. Out of these early inventions came a few rudimentary attempts to create a morning alarm such as candle clocks . These simplistic devices from ancient China were embedded with nails that were released as the wax melted away, leaving the nails to clatter loudly into a metal tray below at a designated time, waking the sleeper. [ Why Can't We Remember Our Dreams? ] But such crude inventions were unpredictable and unreliable. And so, until more precise mechanical inventions were created, humans had to depend on another more innate form of timekeeping: our own internal body clocks. Humans have two biological processes that underlie our natural sleeping and waking patterns: homeostasis and circadian rhythms, said Melinda Jackson, a senior research fellow in sleep and psychology at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Australia. The main principle underlying homeostasis a signaling process that's governed by the hypothalamus region in the brain "is that the longer we are awake, the higher our drive for sleep or likelihood of falling asleep [is]," Jackson told Live Science. Then, "when we fall asleep, the drive for sleep dissipates across the night" which signals when it's time to wake up, she said. Overlaying this, the circadian rhythm also controlled by cells in the hypothalamus is a parallel process that regulates phases of sleepiness and alertness over the course of a day. This process is also affected by light and dark, meaning that periods of alertness and sleepiness usually correspond with morning light and nighttime darkness, respectively. In an era before alarms, Jackson says it's probable that this is how people woke up, cued by the accumulated hours of sleep, paired with the rays of the rising sun. Religious cues In her research on Britain's historical sleeping practices , Sasha Handley, a senior lecturer in early modern history at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, has discovered that people during this Christian era would often orientate their beds toward the east where the sun rose. Their reasoning was partly religious, because the east was believed to be the direction from which Jesus would come during his resurrection, she said. But it's possible that this orientation also enabled people to wake with the sun's rays. "It's hard to imagine now a world where your patterns of sleeping and waking up again were directly influenced by the setting and rising of the sun ," Handley told Live Science. Another simple, but notable fact is that the people of yore had no way of soundproofing their houses against the noises of the outside world, like we do today, Handley added. "For a society that was overwhelmingly agriculture before the Industrial Revolution, noises of nature were probably really important things," she said. The sounds of roosters crowing and mooing cows waiting to be milked would have interrupted people's slumber. Church bells also functioned as a type of early alarm clock, she said. [ How Does an Atomic Clock Work? ] Handley thinks that historically, people may also have been more personally motivated to wake up at a particular hour. Research on early modern Britain shows that during this era, the morning hours were seen as a spiritual time, when one's closeness to God could be demonstrated by waking up at a scheduled time to pray. "Waking up in a scheduled way was seen to be a sign of health and good ethics," Handley said. "There's almost a sense of competitiveness that underpins this: The earlier you got out of bed, the more God had favored you with physical strengths ." Peashooters But by the 1600s and into the 1700s, self-reliance for waking probably became less crucial with the spread of the first domestic alarm clocks, known as lantern clocks , driven by internal weights that would strike a bell as an alarm. In 1800s Britain, wealthier families would also employ knocker-uppers people armed with long sticks they used to tap incessantly on someone's window until they were roused. (Some knocker-uppers even used straws through which they would shoot peas at their clients' windows.) These human timekeepers were gradually replaced by the spread of cheap alarm clocks in the 1930s and 1940s the precursors to those we know today. But is our modern-day dependence on alarms actually a good thing? Jackson isn't so sure. The fact that nowadays we tend to take the opportunity on weekends to sleep in is "an indication that people need to make more time for sleep during the week by going to sleep earlier at night, but we don't do this," she said. Instead, we're working later and longer than ever, and our evenings are invaded by televisions, laptops and mobile phones. "Sleep is not prioritized," Jackson said. "So, we don't have much choice other than to use an alarm." In this regard, Handley thinks history may offer a few lessons. During early modern history, there's evidence that people attached great importance to the health benefits of sleep. " Sleeping well is a really essential part of their regular health care practices," Handley said. Nighttime was highly ritualized: People consumed soporific herbal drinks, stuffed their pillows with soothing scented flowers and engaged in calming activities like prayer and meditation or in mindless hobbies such as embroidery right before bed. If we were to take some advice from these historic humans, Handley said it would be to "put sleep back at the center of your 24-hour cycle. Treasure it and revel in it. It is the single best thing you can do for yourself." As an added bonus, waking up wouldn't be such a drag . Originally published on Live Science. Well-paying jobs that don't require a college degree are multiplying at the fastest rate in three decades, offering more Americans a path to the middle class. But economists warn one group is missing out: women. A new report from Georgetown University found there are now about 13 million jobs nationwide that require only a high school diploma and pay at least $35,000 annually, a higher wage than most entry-level service roles. Three-quarters of them, however, belong to men. "If you don't have that degree, you better be a guy," said Nicole Smith, chief economist at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Men have long dominated manufacturing, mining and construction - some of the best-paying fields open to high school graduates. These goods-producing positions swelled 3.3 percent in the year before July, the strongest pace since 1984, according to a recent Washington Post analysis. The upswing after a long lag has exacerbated the country's labor shortage - there are more jobs open in the United States than workers to fill them. So, employers and unions have lately tried to recruit more women into traditionally masculine trades. The effort has introduced paid maternity leave, for example, to some ironworking roles. But the share of female employees in such areas has remained stubbornly tiny, Smith said. Women hold fewer than a third of the country's factory jobs, which can command salaries above $50,000, and they fill just 9 percent of construction positions. (The average annual income, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics: $40,000.) Analysts say blue-collar jobs, even with increasing perks, have an image problem - society still doesn't expect to see a woman wielding a jackhammer - and women who try to break into the industries face discrimination from bosses and colleagues. Nearly 9 in 10 female construction workers have dealt with sexual harassment on the job, one Labor Department study found. It's hard to say how long the blue-collar growth spurt will last. A million more goods-producing jobs existed before the recession, The Post's Heather Long reported. Today's gains could vanish if the economy slips. Since the downturn, women without degrees have cycled into more enduring - if worse-paying - types of work. They tend to make a living in hospitality (51 percent female), child care (94 percent female), health care (78.5 percent female) and bookkeeping (60 percent female), government figures show. Secretarial and administrative roles typically provided bigger paychecks to women with high school diplomas - median pay: $37,870 per year - but such work is shrinking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5 percent job loss in the field over the next decade as more companies automate tasks like scheduling, record-keeping and data collection. Nowadays, the jobless rate for women with only a high school diploma (4.7 percent) is higher than for men with the same educational attainment (3.5 percent). They're also making less money. Among workers without college degrees, women earn an average of 78.6 percent of what men take home, according to a recent analysis from the Institute for Women's Policy Research. (That ratio is 80.4 percent in the broader economy.) Ariane Hegewisch, program director of employment and earnings at IWPR, blames the wage imbalance on occupational segregation. The gender divide is particularly deep in fields full of workers with lower educational attainment. Economists say more women entering managerial roles in the '80s and '90s reduced the gap among highly educated workers. Stereotypes about gender roles have more clearly persisted in fields with a historically extreme gender imbalance. "Elder care, nursing home care, home health assistance - these jobs are growing a lot," Hegewisch said. "They're low-wage, and they're predominantly female." Employment of nursing assistants and orderlies, including home health aides, is expected to surge by 17 percent through 2024 - or double the growth rate for all occupations, according to BLS figures. (Nursing assistants make an average of roughly $26,000 per year.) Health-care workers won't have to worry about the need for their work diminishing as the population ages, said Martha Gimbel, research director for the Hiring Lab at Indeed, a jobs site. Market forces, though, aren't likely to lift their wages much, because Medicaid funds the pay of many health aides in nursing homes and private residences. Elderly or disabled customers often can't afford to spend more on their services. Fifty-five percent of home health workers subsist on incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, per IWPR research. Historian to speak at library event ALBANY The State Library marks the end of its bicentennial celebrations at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, with a talk from George Barnum, senior program specialist and agency historian at the U.S. Government Publishing Office. Barnum will discuss the history of the printing and distribution of government documents to citizens across the country. The program is free. The library will display a collection of significant federal documents on its seventh floor until Nov. 30. It will feature visual material from federal government publications about art, health, military history and exploration and include documents significant to the history of public printing in the U.S. Wolf Clan member to address society EAST GREENBUSH The Greenbush Historical Society hosts a talk by Kay Olan of the Mohawk Nation, Wolf Clan, at 2 p.m. Nov. 18 at the East Greenbush Community Library. Native American culture is noted for its oral traditions. Rather than written documents, oral history in stories is passed on from generation to generation, keeping customs, heritage and legacies alive. Artifacts of the Haudenosaunee will be displayed. Visitors should register, as seating is limited. Call 518-477-7476 Those inside the Congregation Gates of Heaven in Schenectady on Friday read aloud the names of deceased in honor of the 11 members of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh who were shot to death last Saturday. Held regionally and nationally, Show Up for Shabbat is a demonstration that synagogues and Jews will not isolate their communities in the wake of the attack. Story/C2 TOKYO - North Korea has threatened to restart the development of its nuclear weapons program unless the United States lifts sanctions, underscoring one of the major potential stumbling blocks in Washington's diplomatic outreach with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The Trump administration has insisted that sanctions and other pressures remain on North Korea until it dismantles its nuclear program. Kim's regime, however, has always demanded a step-by-step process of denuclearization that would include lifting U.S. sanctions along the way. In the past month, Pyongyang has stepped up its calls for sanctions relief. The statement released late Friday by North Korea's Foreign Ministry is the latest indication that negotiations over its nuclear program have hit an impasse. The issue of sanctions has also created a rift between Seoul and Washington. South Korea has backed the North's call for sanctions relief, and is keen to get moving on an ambitious program of economic development and cooperation, including building road and rail links across their heavily militarized frontier. The North Korean Foreign Ministry warned that unless sanctions were lifted and Washington stopped behaving "arrogantly," North Korea could reinstate "pyongjin" - its policy of simultaneously developing its nuclear weapons program alongside seeking economic development. In April, Kim declared that the country's nuclear weapons program was sufficiently advanced, and that the policy of "pyongjin" would replaced by a single focus on improving the economy. Backtracking could reignite tensions with the United States. Still, neither side has turned its back on negotiations. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told journalists that he will meet his North Korean "counterpart" for further talks next week, although he did not specify exactly when, where or with whom those talks would take place. Pompeo met Kim in Pyongyang last month, and says he secured a promise to allow American inspectors into two nuclear and missile testing sites to check on their dismantlement. Speaking on "The Laura Ingraham Show" last week, Pompeo said a summit between Kim and President Donald Trump could happen early next year and enable "a substantial breakthrough in taking down the nuclear threat from North Korea." "We're still happy that they haven't conducted a nuclear test in an awfully long time and they haven't launched a missile in an awfully long time," Pompeo said, adding that Kim had made clear to him he intends to denuclearize but that much more work needed to be done. In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News on Friday, Pompeo reiterated that "a lot of work" remains to be done, but added: "I'm confident that we will keep the economic pressure in place until such time as Chairman Kim fulfills the commitment he made to President Trump back in June in Singapore." That oft-repeated refrain about pressure is the problem in Pyongyang's eyes. North Korea argues that Trump promised Kim in June that a new era in relations was beginning. "The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," the Foreign Ministry commentary said. " 'Friendship' is incompatible with 'pressure.' " The Foreign Ministry asked Washington to abandon its "foolish daydream" that sanctions and pressure will lead to denuclearization. "We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea," it said. The United States, it added, was making a big mistake if it believed that North Korea would agree to unilateral disarmament as long as sanctions remain in place, and argued that negotiations should be "simultaneous and phased" and based on "reciprocity and equality." "If the U.S. keeps behaving arrogantly without showing any change in its stand, while failing to properly understand our repeated demand, the DPRK may add one thing to the state policy for directing all efforts to the economic construction adopted in April and as a result, the word 'pyongjin' may appear again," the statement said, using the common abbreviation of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "The U.S. will be able to dodge piteous future that may do harm to itself and the world only when it gives up highflying desire and one-sided viewpoint," it wrote. WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court Friday night refused to halt a novel lawsuit filed by young Americans that attempts to force the federal government to take action on climate change, turning down a request from the Trump administration to stop it before trial. The suit, filed in 2015 by 21 young people who argue that the failure of government leaders to combat climate change violates their constitutional right to a clean environment, is before a federal judge in Oregon. It had been delayed while the Supreme Court considered the emergency request from the government. Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch would have stopped the suit. The other justices did not indicate how they voted on the government's request. The court's three-page order said the government should seek relief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. It noted the government's assertion that the "suit is based on an assortment of unprecedented legal theories, such as a substantive due process right to certain climate conditions, and an equal protection right to live in the same climate as enjoyed by prior generations." The justices acknowledged that the 9th Circuit had previously turned down the government, but said those decisions came when there was a "likelihood that plaintiffs' claims would narrow as the case progressed." That no longer seems the case, the unsigned opinion said, suggesting the possibility that the 9th Circuit might see things differently now. And it left open the possibility that the government could return to the Supreme Court. The plaintiffs in the case range in age from 11 to 22. The goal of their lawsuit is to compel the government to scale back its support for fossil fuel extraction and production and to support policies aimed at reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. "We've been confident throughout this case that we would get to trial, and I believe we will get to trial," Julia Olson, the attorney for the youths and executive director of Our Children's Trust, said in an interview with The Washington Post on Friday evening. "We have overcome everything the government has thrown at us. It is not luck. It is the strength of the case and the strength of the evidence and the strength of the legal arguments we are making." The Obama and Trump administrations had repeatedly asked lower courts to halt the lawsuit, questioning its merits, saying discovery requests were "burdensome" and arguing that the suit would usurp the authorities of Congress and federal agencies. The plaintiffs "seek nothing less than a complete transformation of the American energy system - including the abandonment of fossil fuels - ordered by a single district court at the behest of 'twenty-one children and youth,'" Solicitor General Noel J. Francisco wrote in a brief to the Supreme Court. "As the government has maintained since first moving to dismiss this suit in 2016, [the] assertion of sweeping new fundamental rights to certain climate conditions has no basis in the nation's history and tradition -- and no place in federal court." Francisco acknowledged he was asking for "extraordinary relief" by asking the high court to stop the trial before it began. But he said the unique nature of the lawsuit deserved such an exception. If the long trial were allowed to proceed, "it could well be years into the future" before the government could "seek relief from such an egregious abuse of the civil litigation process and violation of the separation of powers." The government has made similar arguments in lower courts, but time and again judges allowed the case to proceed. The government also went to the Supreme Court earlier this summer seeking a stay, but the court in an unsigned opinion called the request "premature." In a 103-page filing this week intended to keep the trial on track, the plaintiffs argued that the Trump administration would not suffer "irreparable" harm in having to go through with the case. "This case clearly poses profoundly important constitutional questions, including questions about individual liberty and standing, the answers to which depend upon the full evaluation of evidence at trial," the lawyers wrote, adding, "These young plaintiffs, mere children and youth, are already suffering irreparable harm which worsens as each day passes with more carbon dioxide accumulating in the atmosphere and oceans." The young activists also used the chance to once again demand that the courts compel the government to "cease their violation of plaintiffs' rights, prepare an accounting of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, and prepare and implement an enforceable national remedial plan to cease the constitutional violations by phasing out fossil fuel emissions and drawing down atmospheric CO2." Olson said the youth plaintiffs were filing a request with the district court in Oregon for a hearing soon, in hopes of moving toward the long-awaited trial. Officials at the Department of Justice could not be reached immediately for comment Friday. Washington The Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a case about whether a nearly 100-year-old, cross-shaped war memorial located on a Maryland highway median violates the Constitution's required separation of church and state, a case that could impact hundreds of similar monuments nationwide. A federal appeals court in Virginia had previously ruled against the approximately four-story-tall cross. The judges said it "has the primary effect of endorsing religion and excessively entangles the government in religion." But the Maryland officials who maintain the memorial told the Supreme Court that the monument's context and history show it is intended to convey a secular message of remembrance, not a religious message. They said the appeals court's decision would "compel the removal or dismemberment of a cherished war memorial that has served as a site of solemn commemoration and civic unity for nearly a century." In urging the high court to take the case, officials argued that the lower court's decision puts at risk hundreds of other monuments nationwide. The approximately 40-foot-tall cross at the center of the case is located in Bladensburg, Md., about five miles from the Supreme Court. Sometimes called the "Peace Cross," it was completed in 1925, and it honors 49 men from the surrounding county who died in World War I. A plaque on the cross' base lists the names of those soldiers, and both faces of the cross have a circle with the symbol of the American Legion, the veterans organization that helped raise money to build it. Today, responsibility for the cross falls to a Maryland parks commission that took over ownership and maintenance of it in 1961 because of traffic safety concerns. The massive concrete structure could be dangerous to motorists if it were to fall or crumble. The monument's supporters say the Supreme Court has previously made clear that monuments, particularly longstanding ones, that incorporate religious symbolism to send a secular message don't violate the Constitution. They say the Bladensburg monument's history and context show that it falls into that category, that its message is a secular one of commemoration. The monument's shape was chosen not for religious reasons but to mirror cross-shaped grave markers used for soldiers buried in American cemeteries overseas, backers note. And, in the decades since the monument was built, other memorials have been constructed nearby including a World War II memorial, a memorial honoring veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars and a 9/11 memorial. The District of Columbia-based American Humanist Association has led the challenge against the monument. The organization and three area residents sued Maryland officials in 2014, saying the cross "discriminates against patriotic soldiers who are not Christian." Donald Trump Jr. had a grievance to air Saturday morning. CNN had refused to run an election ad released by his father, President Donald Trump, earlier this week, a video that featured Luis Bracamontes - an undocumented immigrant who was convicted in the murder of two California sheriff's deputies - in an apparent attempt to drum up fears about immigration. "I guess they only run fake news and won't talk about real threats that don't suit their agenda," Trump Jr. tweeted, linking to a shorter, 30-second version of the ad. "Enjoy. Remember this on Tuesday. #vote #voterepublican" CNN's public relations department promptly fired back at the president's eldest child, repeating a statement that the network's reporters had made last week: The ad was racist. "CNN has made it abundantly clear in its editorial coverage that this ad is racist," CNN PR tweeted. "When presented with an opportunity to be paid to take a version of this ad, we declined. Those are the facts." The full ad, released and tweeted out by the president on Halloween, showed a smiling and unremorseful Bracamontes as he bragged in the courtroom: "I killed [expletive] cops. They're [expletive] dead. I don't [expletive] regret that [expletive]. . . . I will break out soon and I will kill more." (In the advertisement, the actual expletives are heard.) There is no subtlety to the message the ad is trying to telegraph: Migrants are killers and criminals, and Democrats comprise the party that enable them. Indeed, the ad "dispenses with whatever restraint Trump may have exercised with his divisive immigration rhetoric," as The Washington Post's media critic Erik Wemple described in a recent column: - - - In his tweet promoting the video ad, Trump writes, "It is outrageous what the Democrats are doing to our Country. Vote Republican now!" As the ad cycles through Bracamontes's chilling threats in the courtroom, a banner reads, "DEMOCRATS LET HIM INTO OUR COUNTRY." The focus then switches to footage of a migrant caravan overwhelming fences at a checkpoint, and then to a Fox News clip in which a migrant tells a translator that he plans on seeking a pardon for the "felony he committed attempted murder." Again, the multitudes splash across the screen, with this banner, "WHO ELSE WOULD DEMOCRATS LET IN?" ... The video stigmatizes a large group of people of color as criminals - killers bent on coming in and killing the law-abiding residents of the United States. It's another in the long list of shocking-but-not-surprising developments in the Trump presidency. This is Trump's remarks about Mexico's "rapists" in video format. - - - As Wemple noted, after the ad was released, a slew of media outlets dispensed with the usual equivocations - "racially charged," "racially tinged" and the like - and described the commercial as outright "racist" (CNN), "divisive" (NBC News) and "fearmongering" (HuffPost). Moreover, the lines about Democrats letting Bracamontes stay in the country didn't hold up to a fact check, as The Post's Eli Rosenberg reported. Bracamontes was deported in 1997 and 2001, under both Democratic and Republican administrations, according to local newspapers at the time. Bracamontes also apparently was arrested, then released, in Phoenix in 1998. If Trump Jr. was miffed by CNN's retort, though, he didn't show it. The president's son, who once claimed to be so busy running the family business that he had nearly "zero contact" with his father, has been aggressively campaigning for several Republican candidates in recent weeks. Throughout Saturday, Trump Jr. retweeted others critical of CNN, including attacks on CNN anchor Don Lemon, who had recently said that "the biggest terror threat in this country is white men." Trump Jr. also shared a clip of a CNN interviewer talking to who she thought was a random person at a rally for Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum. The person turned out to be Gillum's mother. "No wonder you're the fakest name in news. #fakenews," Trump Jr. tweeted at CNN. Like his son, President Trump has regularly attacked CNN on Twitter and in his rally speeches. The president once tweeted a doctored video clip that showed him slamming a man representing "CNN" to the ground. Another time he retweeted an image depicting "CNN" squashed beneath his shoe. On Saturday, CNN representatives included an apple emoji in its reply to Trump Jr., a reference to the "Facts First" campaign the station launched last year to try to fight claims by Trump - and his supporters - that the network is "fake news." Though CNN's "Facts First" video never called out Trump by name, it hinted at tactics used by the president. "This is an apple. Some people might try to tell you that it's a banana," the ad said. "They might scream banana, banana, banana over and over and over again. They might put BANANA in all caps. You might even start to believe that this is a banana. "But it's not. This is an apple." SAN SALVADOR - As the sun rose on the Salvador del Mundo monument in San Salvador, dozens of would-be migrants with small backpacks and duffel bags trickled into the central plaza. They settled on benches and stairs to await instructions. Within an hour, at least 100 had gathered. By 8 a.m., about 300 - all of them responding to the same WhatsApp group message about when and where to meet. From the far corner of the plaza, a voice called out "Let's go," jolting the group into action. Within moments, all the migrants had stood up, gathered their belongings, and walked through the plaza, across the street and past a gas station - their first steps in a potential 1,600-mile journey to the United States. The group, which left San Salvador on Wednesday, became part of at least the fourth Central American caravan to form since mid-October, when one left San Pedro Sula in Honduras and headed north. Caravans were once used sparingly to spotlight a particular problem. A group of Central American mothers, for example, has traveled through Mexico each year for 14 years searching for their sons and daughters who disappeared on the migrant trail. The Mesoamerican Caravan for a Good Life has organized migrant caravans for years, including one in March that gained international attention. But experts now predict that caravan-style treks could become a more frequent scene along the decades-old migration routes from the region. Part of the reason could be the attention given to the caravans by U.S. political races. This year's caravans have coincided with the U.S. midterm election and President Donald Trump's attempts to portray the migrants as a threat that requires military mobilization at the southern border. The result has been to raise the profile of the caravans and how they take shape in Central America and elsewhere. The unintended consequence could be even more such groups heading northward in the future, immigrant experts say. "We haven't previously seen caravans as an organizational strategy to get to the U.S. and cross the border," said Celia Medrano, chief program officer at Cristosal, a San Salvador-based organization that works with migrants. "This is going to be the new method of irregular immigration." Traveling in groups is perceived as safer and cheaper for migrants, who often pay $7,000 to $10,000 to human smugglers called coyotes to avoid the dangers of crossing Mexico. Migrants don't pay to join a caravan and many travel without much cash to avoid being robbed. Rather than carry many provisions, members of the caravan often rely on the generosity of people along the way to feed them. But the caravans also present tough logistic and political issues along the routes. On Oct. 22, Trump threatened to cut off aid to Central American countries if they did not stop the flow of migrants, putting even more pressure on the governments to take a stand. "The government institutions in all of the countries had become accustomed to making invisible the phenomenon [of undocumented migrants], looking the other way knowing that thousands of people are crossing underground," said Medrano, the Cristosal regional director. "Now they can't deny it, they can't ignore it and they can't avoid confronting it because it is right under their noses." In Honduras, the caravan stoked already high political tensions between President Juan Orlando Hernandez and opposition leaders who call his re-election fraudulent. Fliers promoting the Oct. 12 caravan openly criticized the Honduran government and blamed the current administration for creating the conditions that migrants flee. Hernandez has tried to lure migrants back to Honduras with the promise of employment. Both Guatemala and Honduras temporarily closed their borders in October, even though a regional agreement allows citizens of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua to pass freely between borders with proper documentation. President Salvador Sanchez Ceren of El Salvador has said he will not comply with the U.S. demand to stop migrants from leaving. Yet while the Salvadoran government recognizes its citizens' right to leave, it also felt compelled to warn would-be migrants about what is often a harrowing process. Police, immigration officials and child-protection institutions were dispatched to the plaza where migrants gathered to speak to them about the travel documents they would need and the dangers of the journey. The underlying message was clear: Don't go. "We've talked to most of these Salvadoran citizens about the dangers of irregular migration to raise awareness," said Evelyn Marroquin, director of the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration, in an official statement. "In the last minute they can reflect and give up this voyage that can be so grave for them and their families." These campaigns are "too late" for migrants who have already made the decision and understand the risks, said Medrano. The government would have more of an impact, she said, if it worked to reduce the crime and corruption that drive so many migrants to leave. The wave of caravans has been particularly challenging for the Mexican government, which has dedicated extensive resources to helping its northern neighbor prevent Central American migrants from reaching the U.S. border, by deporting them and making their journey more difficult. The Mexican government has tried multiple strategies to stop the caravan - repression at borders, promises of work permits, and offers for asylum - but to no avail. There are still an estimated 4,200 migrants from the first caravan heading to Mexico. Trying to stop the caravan places Mexico in a political dilemma. While the United States threatens political retribution for not blocking the caravans, Mexican citizens appear to overwhelmingly support the migrants and their journey. "They are caught between the concerns of the U.S. government, which they want to be responsive to, and Mexican public opinion, which they have to listen to," said Andrew Selee, the president of the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based think tank. As more migrants have banded together, caravans are gaining legitimacy in the eyes of would-be migrants. "If images keep being transmitted of people traveling together, and if those people make it further along, more people are going to see the groups as a safe way to travel and, hopefully, be able to reach the U.S. border and request asylum," said Maureen Meyer, the director for Mexico and migrant rights in the Washington Office on Latin America, a research organization. Even for groups that assist migrants, travel by the thousands poses new difficulties. Despite the outpouring of support for the caravans by many migrant rights organizations, these large groups may unknowingly complicate the work of networks designed to help them. Mexico's network of migrant shelters and migrant rights, known as Zona Norte, said in a statement that it was concerned that the caravans could overwhelm existing humanitarian resources on the Mexican side of the border. The statement suggests that asylum seekers at the northern border "distribute themselves in smaller groups in the different border cities, which would allow better attention to basic needs such as food and first aid." The prospect that caravans could become more common hinges partially on what happens once the early groups reach the U.S.-Mexico border. Signs that their asylum applications are being rejected, for example, could deter future groups, said Meyer. If caravans result in mass deportations, Central American institutions tasked with receiving and reintegrating deportees could collapse, said Medrano. But as long as the caravans remain a safe and viable option for migrating, experts believe they will continue. "It's the new way," said Medrano, "of making visible what was before invisible." - - - The Washington Post's Joshua Partlow and Kevin Sieff in Mexico City contributed to this report. One man is dead and another is in critical condition after an SUV rolled off U.S. 90 on the West Side on Friday evening. San Antonio police Sgt. Marty Laurenz said the driver, a 23-year-old man, veered off the road and tried to get back on U.S. 90 before Cupples Road at around 6:49 p.m. The vehicle flipped over multiple times, Laurenz said. A man in the passenger seat was ejected as the car rolled over. The driver also was partially ejected, investigators said. Several neighbors heard the SUV as it tumbled off the highway and ran to the scene. They found the SUV on its side and the driver partially underneath it. They rolled the vehicle back upright and pulled him out so that people could perform CPR, Laurenz said. EMS arrived and pronounced the driver dead at the scene. Police found the passenger lying near the SUV. He was in and out of consciousness before he was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center in critical condition. At last check, the passenger was in surgery, Laurenz said. Traffic Investigation detectives are investigating the accident, but police said this appears to be a case of reckless driving. jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA The body of a 21-year-old woman was recovered from the Blanco River Friday night, San Marcos officials said Saturday. The woman has been preliminarily identified as Kate Rose Silva Xavier, a student at Texas State University, according to a news release. Xavier had been missing since Oct. 25. Predictable has been an often-repeated word after the slaughter in Pittsburgh. The killing of 11 at the Tree of Life Synagogue was entirely predictable. It was predictable because anti-Semitism has been on the march in America. Predictable because mass shootings have become routine in this country and gun violence is a daily tragedy. Predictable because our political speech is so often laced with division and anger. Predictable because the darkest corners of the internet only exist to reinforce malevolence and hate. The political response was entirely predictable, too. Swift denunciations about violence, but nothing more. Circular debate over the coarseness of our political speech. Criticism of President Donald Trumps inflammatory rhetoric and tolerance of intolerance and then criticisms of those criticisms. Lets be clear: The president is not responsible for this act of violence. But the president has repeatedly failed in offering moral leadership, and his divisive rhetoric has only inflamed a fractured nation and inspired bigotry and hate. Both truths can hold in this sorrowful moment. And heres another truth: The left also engages in divisive rhetoric, just not as high-profile. How to heal a fractured nation? It starts with you. These are my suggestions to restore a sense of unity: Unplug from social media: It is anything but social. Its inherently isolating because it tethers you to a screen. Its anti-social because it often substitutes meaningful dialogue with broadcasts. We speak at each other, but rarely with one another. Social media is dangerous to democracy because platforms can be used for misinformation and because its an easy tool to sow division. Consider how two Russian-linked Facebook groups organized dueling rallies outside an Islamic Center in Houston in 2016. Or consider the armies of bots on Twitter that exist simply to inflame tensions and push extreme views. Or consider how an image of a gashed Mexican police officer from 2012 was used on Facebook as a false example of violence from the migrant caravan that originated in Honduras. Or consider how Facebook has been used, again through misinformation, to fuel ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya in Myanmar. Its a landscape designed to trigger reaction, and many feeds are steady streams of confirmation bias. The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops that we have created are destroying how society works no civil discourse, no cooperation, misinformation, mistruth, Chamath Palihapitiya, a former vice president of user growth for Facebook, once told a Stanford audience. Unplug and see for yourself. You wont be less informed or less connected. Be wary of dividers: And dont be one. At the moment, we have a president who is our divider in chief. He mocks his opponents. Speaks in falsehoods. Winks at white nationalists. Castigates migrants, and inflames racial and social tensions. Supporters might love his tax cuts or judicial picks, but to ignore the divisions the president sows and exploits is to ignore a fire in ones home. But to react to the president with incivility is to throw gasoline on that fire. It serves no one to heckle U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and his wife at a restaurant, or accost Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, or question whether civility is warranted with Republicans. Hate should be squashed at every turn, but be wary of the rhetoric and politics of division or labels. Republican. Democrat. Left. Right. Conservative. Liberal. We are a nation of many faiths, colors and perspectives. We are all the American tapestry. Choose the best candidate for the job: Chris Tomlinson, a columnist with the Houston Chronicle, recently made this point. In Texas, for example, we have an attorney general who is indicted and an agriculture commissioner who revels in offensive statements and shows little respect for taxpayers. Perhaps their challengers a dynamic attorney and a retired Air Force colonel are better suited for these jobs. Focus on policies that have broad support: Americans almost uniformly support universal background checks for gun sales. In terms of policy, it is a natural, albeit incomplete, place to start our dialogue about gun violence. Yet we never achieve this basic step even though we know there will be another predictable shooting. You can change this. Focus on points of agreement. Elect leaders with the courage to follow suit. Other ways to foster unity: Tell people you love them, give hugs generously, vote, read credible news, have coffee with someone you disagree with. You dont need to wait for someone else, or some other day, to heal our nation. jbrodesky@express-news.net Three men who appeared before a recent circuit court sitting in Longford charged in connection with the cultivation of cannabis plants in Ballymahon received suspended prison sentences following a lengthy hearing into the matter. Jacek Sroczynski and Lukasz Fratczak both of 11 Moy Close, Ballymahon, Co Longford and Pawel Mazurek, 17 Moy Close, Ballymahon, Co Longford appeared before Judge Keenan Johnson charged with the cultivation of cannabis plants in Ballymahon in 2015. Mr Mazurek was also charged with being in possession of a firearm and ammunition at 17 Moy Close, Ballymahon on the same date. Outlining the evidence to the court, Counsel for the State Mr John Hayden said that on August 3, 2015 gardai executed a search warrant at 11 Moy Close, Ballymahon, Co Longford, the home of Mr Mazurek. He said that after searching the premises, members of the force discovered a semi-automatic shotgun concealed within a white sheet in the hot press. There was two rounds of ammunition in the chamber and a box with 17 rounds of ammunition, added Counsel before pointing out that a bag of white powder - later identified as speed - and a bag of cannabis were also found at the premises. Mr Mazurek was found on the premises and a quantity of speed was also found in his pocket. Meanwhile, the court went on to hear that gardai subsequently executed a search warrant at 17 Moy Close, Ballymahon and a cannabis growhouse was located there. Mr Sroczynski and Mr Fratczak resided at this address, the court was told. 37 cannabis plants were found there and all of them at various stages of cultivation, Mr Hayden continued. Speed was then found in the freezer and there was a weighing scales and other paraphernalia in relation to the cultivation of drugs discovered also. Mr Sroczynski and Mr Fratczak were subsequently arrested and taken to Longford Garda Station. The court went on to hear that Mr Mazurek put his hands up from the moment the Gardai entered his house. He also admitted to packing and sealing the drugs at the address. He has a good work record and indicated that he was using the grow house to pay of a cannabis drug debt of 10k, Mr Hayden told Judge Johnson. In mitigation, Counsel for Mr Mazurek, Mr Gerard Groarke said his client had been interviewed six times in respect of the matters before the court and had cooperated fully at all times. He said the drugs were for his own personal use and indicated that the more you buy the cheaper they became, Counsel continued. The gun was left at the house by a friend of Mr Mazureks and he never came back to collect it. Mr Mazurek wrapped it in a sheet and left it in the hot press believing that was a safe place to keep it. Mr Groarke went on to say that his client fully accepted that he was involved in the cultivation of cannabis in Ballymahon, but had only done so in an effort to pay off his debts. He recently became a father and his own father suffered a stroke, so he is helping his mother to take care of his father, Counsel added. His son was born in February and since that time my client has discontinued his drug use. Ms Flynn, meanwhile on behalf of Mr Fratczak added, he was working in Kepac until this investigation started and then his wife went back to Poland to their two children; he too has been over and back to Poland since this happened and gardai have no difficulty with that. She also pointed out to the court that Mr Fratczak had worked in Kepac since arriving in Ireland and was also a man who had a strong work ethic. He recently developed an addiction to cannabis and when these charges against him were brought before the courts, he lost his job, Ms Flynn continued. Meanwhile, Counsel for Mr Sroczynski, told the court that his client had used cannabis for pain relief after undergoing knee surgery. During his deliberations on the matter Judge Johnson said that Mr Mazurek was the one who had taken full responsibility for the grow house. Foroige volunteers from Longford travelled to Hotel Kilkenny on the weekend of October 19 - 21, for Foroiges annual national volunteer conference. The Longford delegation included Ruth McGarry Quinn, Carmel Norton, Linda Guy, Geraldine McKeon and Joe Quinn. Foroige has over 5,500 volunteers working in its 600 youth clubs, 160 projects and programmes such as the Aldi Foroige Youth Citizenship Programme; Leadership for Life; Be Healthy Be Happy; and Entrepreneurship. They are instrumental to Foroiges engagement with over 50,000 young people, or one in ten Irish teenagers, year on year. This was the 48th annual Foroige volunteer conference and the delegates enjoyed a variety of guest speakers, workshops, and the exchange ideas on best practice in youth work. David OReilly, Chairperson of the National Council of Foroige, said, Foroige volunteers are extremely special. They are thoroughly dedicated to providing young people with opportunities which will empower them to reach their full potential in a safe and understanding space. Without our army of volunteers a gapping hole would exist in youth work in Ireland and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every volunteer who braves the winter nights, becomes a mentor, and empowers Irelands young people to believe in their own potential. Last year volunteers in Foroige gifted almost 400,000 hours to help support and develop young people the length and breadth of Ireland. This type of commitment doesnt just happen, it must be co-ordinated and given the support it deserves, concluded Mr O'Reilly. Read Also: Longford youngsters showcase their projects at Aldi Foroige Citizenship Awards This story has been updated with comment from Superintendent Steven P. Lemanski. AGAWAM -- A "physical altercation between two male students" at Agawam High School led to an unspecified medical injury and has prompted an investigation, according to Principal Tom Schnepp. As rumors began to fly on social media, Schnepp wrote an email to parents Thursday night to inform them of the incident, which he said took place Thursday afternoon in the boy's bathroom. Staff "broke up the incident," but "unfortunately, a student sustained an injury and required medical attention," Schnepp wrote. The principal referred to an "ongoing investigation," said that "school consequences will be applied for the inappropriate behavior," and added that "further consequences will be applied" should the investigation yield additional information. "I would like to assure you, incidents like this are rare at AHS," Schnepp wrote. "We take the safety of staff and students very seriously." Schnepp said the school resource officer, security officer, and administration "will be working diligently with the high school staff to prevent any further incidents." School Superintendent Steven P. Lemanski responded to a reporter's inquiry Saturday, and confirmed that both students involved are juveniles, and as such are protected under confidentiality. A school resource officer assigned to the high school is working with the administration "to determine if police need to respond to the incident." The injured student was taken by his parents to see a physician, Lemanski wrote. The superintendent confirmed that any such discipline related to a physical altercation is reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Asked if any student who videotaped such an altercation would face discipline, Lemanski said that according to the Agawam High School student handbook, "students involved in instigating are disciplined for that behavior." The Republican has asked the Agawam Police Department for any reports or logs relevant to the incident. The online retail behemoth Amazon.com is in "advanced discussions" about potentially opening its second headquarters in Northern Virginia's Crystal City, the Washington Post reported Saturday. Citing "people close to the process," the newspaper said talks were "more detailed" than others the company has had with cities elsewhere in the country. Crystal City is close to Washington, D.C. and Reagan National Airport. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos told a crowd in New York on Thursday that the decision on "HQ2," as the search for a second headquarters is known, will be an intuitive one made "with your heart" after the consumption of large amounts of data. The search started in 2017, with Amazon publicly laying out its desire to spend $5 billion to build and grow a second headquarters, a "full equal" to the headquarters in Seattle. The second headquarters could also bring in up to 50,000 jobs. The announcement set off a scramble as city and state officials across the country sent in proposals, some with staggering amounts of money attached as way to lure the retail giant. But after announcing 20 finalists in January 2018, Amazon has gone largely silent. Rampant speculation has filled the vacuum with suggestions that the Washington, D.C. area is the favorite. The list of finalists, many of them on the US East Coast, included the Boston area, New York City, Newark, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Toronto, Miami, Chicago, Denver, and several sites in the D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland's Montgomery County. Marijuana is used to treat chronic pain, anxiety, Parkinson's and more. Yet, some doctors are eyeing another possible benefit of the drug -- curbing the opioid crisis. As of March 2018, an estimated 115 people die every day as a result of opioid overdoses, many who become addicted after being prescribed the drug. Proponents of legalizing medical marijuana say cannabis could be used as a substitute for far more addictive opioids and potentially help treat people with existing addictions. Opponents worry doctors would just be trading one dangerous drug for another. What do you think? PERSPECTIVES As of August 2018, 30 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, ranging from treatment of chronic pain to Parkinson's disease. In June 2018, New York state moved to add an opioid prescription to the list of qualifying conditions for obtaining medical marijuana in the state. Per the New York Health Department: Doctors across the country are working on studies to determine cannabis' full range of medical applications. While most doctors agree cannabis can help treat chronic pain or anxiety, there are still questions about whether or not the drug can treat acute pain as effectively as opioids. Dr. James Feeney, a Connecticut-based surgeon is currently working to study just such applications. Per The Atlantic: Not all opioid users are looking for a substitute for the painkillers. Opioids are used -- and, admittedly, abused -- because of the strength of their painkilling qualities. Many who currently use opioids to manage chronic, severe pain, worry that legalizing and encouraging doctors to prescribe medical marijuana could discourage doctors from prescribing more effective opioids. According to the Chicago Tribune: Doctors and addiction specialists worry that medicinal marijuana is often difficult to prescribe and requires much more trial-and-error to determine how much someone should ingest to manage their symptoms. They also worry that marijuana could be over-prescribed just as frequently as opioids. According to NPR: As the opioid crisis worsens, some patients are refusing prescriptions for painkillers, worried about the addictive properties. Allowing medicinal marijuana would allow an alternative for patients wary of opioids side effects. Per NBC News: Some doctors worry treating opioid addiction and pain with cannabis is merely swapping one dangerous drug for another. The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say. It runs like clockwork every year -- the calendar turns to November, and it's soon time to fall back. Daylight Saving Time 2018 comes to an end this weekend, as it has every year since 2007 when the Energy Policy Act of 2005 [pdf] went into effect and lengthened Daylight Saving Time to 34 weeks of the year, ending the first Sunday in November. When do the clocks change? Sunday, November 4, 2018, at 2 a.m. What time do we change to? One hour earlier: 1 a.m. (still Sunday, November 4) If you live in non-Daylight Saving Time-observing Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Arizona (not including the Navajo Indian Reservation, where DST is in effect), you don't have to fall back because you're already on Standard Time. Standard Time will last 18 weeks, until March 10, 2019 (except in the aforementioned states and territories, which are always on Standard Time). At 2 a.m. on March 10, 2019, turn your clocks forward one hour to 3 a.m. to return to Daylight Saving Time (unless you're not supposed to because you live in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the parts of Arizona that aren't the Navajo Reservation). Clock changing is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You should even replace smoke detectors if they're more than 10 years old and CO detectors sooner. "This weekend as you change your clocks, check your alarms," Massachusetts Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said in a statement. "Prevent that annoying chirp of a dying smoke alarm battery by replacing the alkaline batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms now, unless you have newer alarms with 10-year sealed batteries. Check the age of your alarms. Smoke alarms need to be replaced after 10 years usually, and carbon monoxide alarms usually after 5-7." More info: SPRINGFIELD - Springfield Museums will host an event Sunday celebrating Thomas Hart Benton, a painter and artist whose famous work New England Editor is currently on loan to the D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Benton, who was considered a pioneer in the Regionalist art movement, was originally from Missouri but could frequently be found in New England, frequently summering at Martha's Vineyard. The 1946 painting currently on display in Springfield shows Benton's imagining of George A. Hough, a newspaper editor from New Bedford, Massachusetts, who the artist saw as the embodiment of fair and honest journalism. "Thomas Hart Benton's New England Editor is a stellar example of the artist's sinuous, signature style," said Maggie North, Assistant Curator of Art at the Springfield Museums. "As a part of the American Scene Painting movement, Benton's recognizable artwork attempted to depict distinctively American values such as the honesty and integrity portrayed in this painting. Our visitors will be given a chance to contemplate Benton's style and impact, as well as to reassess his message in our current social and political climate." "The Springfield Museums are honored to engage in this exciting new partnership with the Boston Museum of Fine Arts as well as three renowned art museums in New England funded by the Terra-Art Bridges Initiative," said Kay Simpson, President of the Springfield Museums. "The timing of the collaboration coincides with a period of tremendous growth and heightened visibility for the Springfield Museums and we are well positioned to leverage the access to American art collections and resources that the multi-year partnership will bring to our expanding audiences." The events Sunday will include the following: Noon & 1:30 pm. 2 pm. 3 pm All events are free with museum admission. Restrictive firearms rules in Boston and Brookline are constitutional and do not infringe on the Second Amendment's right to bear arms, the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit said in a decision. The implementation of the Massachusetts firearms licensing statute in Boston and neighboring Brookline "passes muster under the Second Amendment," the court said in upholding a lower court's ruling. The case was brought by individuals who received licenses to carry firearms in public but faced restrictions. More than 40 percent of licenses are issued in Boston without restrictions, and 35 percent of licenses are restricted in Brookline. Cities and towns with restrictions on more than half of licenses include Springfield, Lowell, New Bedford, Newton and Medford. The majority of Massachusetts communities have less restrictive licensing policies. Under Boston's policies, licenses can be restricted to employment, hunting and target practice, or sport, while Brookline can restrict for employment, target practice, sport, transport, use in and around a home, and collecting. Licenses are processed through the police department. In both Brookline and Boston, license applicants are required to "articulate a reason to fear injury to himself or his property that distinguishes him from the general population," according to the court. The plaintiffs in the case, who are members of the nonprofit Commonwealth Second Amendment, Inc. (Comm2A), sought unrestricted licenses for self-defense. In pursuing the court case, the nonprofit says it's highlighting the uneven nature of cities and towns issuing licenses to carry. One of the plaintiffs, a professional photographer in Brookline, was granted a restricted license that allowed him to carry firearms at home, during recreational activities and when he was working with expensive photography equipment. But the First Circuit of the US Court of Appeals ruled that the right to self-defense is at its "zenith inside the home," and the right is "plainly more circumscribed" outside. The "core right" protected by the Second Amendment is for citizens to use arms in defense of home, the court said in its decision. "Public carriage of firearms for self- defense falls outside the perimeter of this core right." The state's firearms license statute "takes into account the heightened needs of some individuals to carry firearms for self-defense and balances those needs" against public safety demands, the court added. "The Boston and Brookline policies fit seamlessly with these objectives," the court said. In a statement on Twitter, Comm2A said they weren't surprised by the ruling. "Onward and Upward," the group added. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who has pushed for stricter gun laws, hailed the ruling in her own statement. "The Court's decision to uphold our state's firearms licensing law will allow us in law enforcement to continue the important work of reducing gun violence and protecting public safety," she said. LONGMEADOW - As part of a daylong trip to Western Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker dropped by Longmeadow Saturday morning to stump for political candidate Allison Werder, whom he recently endorsed. Werder, a Republican, is currently making her first foray into politics with a run for state representative of the 2nd Hampden District. Her opponent, incumbent and Democrat Brian Ashe, is currently running for his sixth term and has occupied the seat since 2008. Werder said Saturday that it was an "honor" to have Baker's support. "He's been incredibly supportive, and I'm proud to have earned his endorsement," she said. "I think we have very similar styles of working--we both want to avoid the noise and try to get some things done." Werder has promised to bring change, transparency, and fiscal responsibility to the seat. She previously served as President of the media company Masslive.com. Baker, who is also currently running a campaign for re-election against Democratic challenger Jay Gonzalez, said in an interview that Werder is someone who will get things done. "She's someone who gets this area, given what she did previously working at Masslive," the Governor said. "In the end, you've gotta be willing to work with other people, find solutions and seek common ground and that was her message from day one, and that message really resonates with me." Baker further commented that he feels Werder is someone who wants to listen to people with a diversity of perspectives and "stay away from the noise" of partisan politics. Despite some rain, dozens of people lined Longmeadow Street Saturday morning--holding signs for Werder and awaiting Baker's presence. The Governor arrived at the Town Green around 10 a.m., stepping out of a large dark van to greet and talk with Werder's supporters. After mingling with supporters, Baker and Werder also took a tour of the Brewer-Young Mansion, a 19th century Greek revival structure that is currently being renovated. Werder said that, as the race winds down, she is happy with how the campaign has been run. "It's been a long haul, I've been campaigning since February," she remarked. "It feels good, I feel like we have momentum. We'll find out on Tuesday who shows up and how it goes but I feel like I put it all out there and that's all that you can do." HOLYOKE - All faiths and beliefs joined Congregation Sons of Zion and United Congregational Church of Holyoke members for a candlelight vigil Thursday in remembrance of the 11 worshipers massacred inside the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Lance Humphrey, UCCH's associate pastor, organized the vigil, which began at the church's steps on Maple Street. Dozens of participants held candles as they solemnly walked the two blocks to the synagogue. Mayor Alex Morse walked with Dr. Stephen Levine, a synagogue member. Barely any words passed among the marchers. The group filed into the synagogue. The men, regardless of faith, donned yarmulkes. Joan Rosner, the synagogue's president, said, "It's such a comfort to us to know that this community exists." She thanked Humphrey for organizing the vigil and service, which was put together in 48 hours. Rosner added the vigil provided a sense of comfort to the synagogue's congregants. She also remembered the victims of the recent racially motivated shooting outside a Kroger's supermarket in Kentucky, which claimed the lives of two elderly black shoppers. The Rev. William Wright, of the Granby United Church of Christ, followed with an opening prayer. "In my past and in my present, people continue to use sacred words to perpetuate violence, racism and anti-Semitism," he said. "Some of these same words, I use to pray. They make my lips unclean and do me pain." Many speakers called for stricter gun measures, limiting access to high-powered, large-capacity weapons, including Rabbi Saul Perlmutter, Morse and state Rep. Aaron Vega D-Holyoke. Perlmutter, who addressed the audience, said people don't expect to be gunned down in places deemed sanctuaries, houses of worship once considered safe and sacred. "This should not happen," he said. "Unfortunately, we can't be sure any longer that it's a place of safety, and that's a cause of great pain." He said people are being targeted in the country for appearing different, whether the difference is race, religion or gender. "All these things are being used to divide us from one another," Perlmutter said. He added, "We hear in the public sphere the kind of hurtful discussion that starts to victimize people who are different. That's becoming somewhat of a norm, and that is very different." Perlmutter said he once believed that "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." He recited a Jewish proverb appropriate for the current political climate: "Life and death can be determined by our speech." Morse said the vigil brought together people of different faiths or no religious affiliations. The mayor recalled that, shortly after entering office in 2012, he found himself at a vigil for the victims of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook school shooting in Connecticut, many of whom were small children. "It's sad to say we haven't made much progress at all. If anything, it has gotten worse in our nation and around the world," Morse said. The mayor, who spoke of his late mother's Jewish faith, said he talked to his grandmother shortly after the Pittsburgh rampage. He said many of the congregants at the Tree of Life Synagogue were near his grandmother's age. He asked the audience to speak with leaders at all levels about curbing violence, tamping down hateful rhetoric and introducing stricter gun control laws. Vega said his past visits to the synagogue were times of great joy and celebration, which included singing, sharing of food and pleasant conversations. "We live in a time in this country where there're more guns than people. We live in a time where there's a bully in the White House that thrives on dividing us," Vega said. "When people talk about dividing us, we need to think about bringing people together." He said people are overwhelmed by the amount of violence, the many mass shootings, the heartbreaking images on TV. He asked the gathering to repel the negativity and division, to embrace their neighbor, building a stronger community. Pastor Roberta Morkin, of UCCH, said she couldn't imagine the terror experienced by the worshipers in Pittsburgh. The Tree of Life Synagogue transformed from a place of refuge to a "place of grief," she said. "The songs of joy and celebration became the sounds of suffering," Morkin said. "We cannot imagine the reality of those moments. But we can remember the people from the Tree of Life Synagogue." West Springfield police are searching for two males who they said entered a Westfield Street convenience store Friday evening, showed a handgun and demanded cash from the clerk. West Springfield Police Lt. Nolan Ryan said the men, described as in their 20 or 30s, entered the store at about 7:30 p.m. One man showed a long-barreled handgun and demanded money. The two fled the store after taking an undetermined amount of cash. Ryan said they were last seen leaving in a white Chevy Equinox SUV. West Springfield police are actively investigating the incident. There were no reported injuries. Earlier in the evening, Northampton police say two men entered a Pine Street convenience store and showed a handgun in robbing the clerk, WWLP-TV is reporting. Police said the men entered Sam's Convenience store at 198 Pine Street i8n the Florence section of Northampton just before 6 p.m., showed a handgun and fled with cash. The two suspects in the Northampton robbery were also reported to have driven from the scene of the robbery in a light colored Chevy Equinox SUV. WESTFIELD - A Westfield teenager charged with punching four police officers and a police dog is being held without bail pending rulings on whether he qualifies for bail and is competent to stand trial. Vadym Misiruk, 18, pleaded not guilty in Westfield District Court Oct. 29 to four counts of assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and mistreating or interfering with a police dog. The charges were filed after Misiruk allegedly punched, kicked and spat on four Westfield police officers attempting to arrest him Oct. 7 after he reportedly assaulted a man on Western Circle. He also punched a police dog, prompting officers to use a Taser to subdue him, according to the arrest report. The arraignment Monday came six weeks after Misiruk was charged with indecent assault and battery for allegedly accosting a woman in Westfield, and 12 weeks after he was charged with assault and battery for allegedly punching his brother during a family argument. On Oct. 12, Judge William O'Grady postponed Misiruk's arraignment on the new case and ordered him to undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital. After returning from the hospital, Misiruk pleaded not guilty to the charges Oct. 29. At the request of defense lawyer Andrew Ott, O'Grady scheduled a hearing Monday to determine if the defendant is competent to stand trial. A second hearing, requested by prosecutors, will be held Monday to decide if Misiruk poses too great a threat to the victims or the public to be released on bail. A Russian interpreter should be present for both hearings, the judge said. Misiruk is a native of the city of Odessa, in Ukraine, according to court records. A flash flood watch is in effect until 10 am Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Affected areas include Amherst, Northampton, Springfield, Blandford, and Greenfield, among others in northern Connecticut and western Massachusetts. Heavy rains are expected to bring 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, with a "low risk" of up to 4 inches. The Massachusetts State Police took to Twitter to warn drivers that the rains are "causing flooding in low-lying areas which increases the risk of hydroplaning. Please use caution when driving." by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 2, 2018 A recent Facebook initiative aimed at combating foreign interference in elections involves requiring political-ad purchasers to identify themselves in paid for by disclaimers. But Facebook's system suffers from some significant apparent loopholes, including one that allows ad purchasers to lie about their identities, Senate Democrats Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota) and Mark Warner (Virginia) say in a new letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The fact Facebooks new security tools allow users to intentionally misidentify who placed political ads is unacceptable, the lawmakers write. Free and fair elections require both transparency and accountability which give the public a right to know the true sources of funding for political advertisements in order to make informed political choices and hold elected officials accountable. However, it is clear that there are significant loopholes with regard to how Facebook sells ads and the process by which disclaimers are applied to political ads. advertisement advertisement Their letter comes several days after Vice reported that its staff was able to purchase fake ads in the names of all 100 U.S. Senators. All 100 sailed through the system, indicating that just about anyone can buy an ad identified as 'Paid for by' by a major U.S. politician, Vicewrote. These tests show that compliance with the feature is entirely voluntary, meaning a tool that Facebook introduced to increase trust in advertising can also be used as a vector for misinformation, and another way bad actors can game Facebooks platform. Two weeks ago, The New York Times also reported that people could get around Facebook's new transparency rules. The lawmakers are asking Zuckerberg to take every step necessary to close these loopholes. Rob Leathern, director of product management at Facebook, says the company investigates and removes deceptive ads after being informed about them. Were exploring additional checks to help prevent abuse and will respond to requests from law enforcement and election officials now and in the future if new requirements arise, he said in an emailed statement. Facebook said earlier this year that it supports passage of the Honest Ads Act -- a bill introduced by Warner and Klobuchar. It would require digital platforms with at least 50 million monthly viewers to maintain publicly available copies of political ads purchased by groups spending more than a total of $500. The web platforms also would have to maintain public records about the target audience, number of views, rates charged, and dates and times of publication. The lawmakers unveiled the proposed bill after it emerged that Russian operatives used Facebook's platform to spread propaganda during the last presidential election. At least 3,000 ads linked to Russian accounts ran during the 2016 election cycle; those ads may have reached at least 146 million Facebook and Instagram users. by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, November 2, 2018 Kohls is dashing into the holiday season with a revamped version of its Give Joy, Get Joy campaign, focusing on the way people can earn plenty of Kohls cash for themselves while getting gifts for everyone else. Deals are already underway, including a one-day sales event showering shoppers with a fan favorite: $15 in Kohls Cash for every $50 they spend. The Menomonee Falls, Wisc.-based chain says it will offer that incentive again the week leading into Black Friday, along with specific product rewards, like giving shoppers $75 in Kohls Cash when they buy a $250 Dyson V7 Animal or $15 when they buy an $80 Keurig Crock-Pot Express. It will welcome shoppers into the big weekend with doorbusters, including $400 Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR cameras, purchase of which will earn shoppers $120 in Kohls Cash, and a $329 LG 49 4K smart TV, for which theyll get $90 back. advertisement advertisement Its also offering new holiday rewards in both its existing loyalty program, Yes2You Rewards, as well as the new Kohls Rewards program testing in such markets as Austin, Texas; Buffalo, N.Y.; and Minneapolis. Free photo ops with Santa are on tap in 1,100 stores, and a co-branded FAO Schwarz experience will allow customers to share Santa shots immediately with family and friends. Other social media experiences include the return of the Kohl's Cash emoji on Twitter, new Kohls Cash GIFs, a new snow globe Pinterest Gift Finder (you shake your phone to find more options) -- and in New York, an interactive experience at the Oculus train center. Plans call for that event to include a larger-than-life snow globe and the Pinterest gift finder. The retailer is also reportedly introducing a new holiday ad, created by the Martin Agency, starring a fictional Westworld-style cowgirl on her gift-giving rounds. The department store, scheduled to release its latest quarterly results later this month, has impressed observers with the progress its making on customer experience initiatives, but some note that competition for Middle Americas spending money continues to be brutal. Kohl's reported its fourth consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth back in August, indicating that such initiatives as its partnership with Amazon, private label offerings and national brand strategy are appealing to more customers. But we contend that nearly all retailers are taking such customer-driven pivots and that these efforts should allow Kohls to defend, rather than grow its market share, writes Jaime Katz, an analyst who follows the retailer for Morningstar, in her most recent report. Kohls still operates in a fragmented industry with increasing price competition and slowing traffic declines, she adds. We dont believe either the brand or cost structure are differentiated enough to create an economic moat, evidenced by fairly flat traffic commentary from the company over the last few quarters. Thank you for subscribing! By signing up to this free newsletter you agree to receive occasional emails from us informing you about our products and services. You can opt out of these emails at any time. Voters will determine the outcome of races in Senate Districts 9, 13 and 33 Tuesday, which see a five-term Middletown state representative facing off against a Rocky Hill leader, a retired educator challenging the two-term incumbent banking consultant in Meriden; and a six-year East Haddam politician and Essex official both vying for a soon-to-be vacated seat. The 33rd Senate District encompasses 12 towns: Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook. The seat opened up once incumbent state Sen. Art Linares decided to forego a chance for a 3rd term to try unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination for state treasurer. That opened the way for state Rep. Melissa Ziobron, R-East Haddam, to run for Linares seat. She is being challenged by Democrat Ned Needleman, first selectman of Essex. Needleman is a Brooklyn-born businessman who owns Tower Laboratories, a 30-year Essex pharmaceutical company that employs 150. The father of two grown sons is in his fourth term as first selectman. He has a special kind of street sense, in that he drove a cab in New York City while he was going to college, he said. As he embarked on the race for the Senate seat, Needleman said he would use his business and small-town leadership experience to bring people together to get Connecticut back on track. As first selectman, Needleman said he has brought Democrats and Republicans together, found consensus, solved problems, and kept property taxes among the lowest in the state without cutting services. Ziobron is an East Hampton native who graduated from Nathan Hale-Ray High School and then attended Central Connecticut State University. She cut her teeth in public service serving as a member of the East Haddam Economic Development Commission before she ran and won the 2012 election to fill the seat that had been occupied by then state Rep. Gail Hamm. Ziobron said she is running for two main reasons: the dire need to address our $4.6 billion budget deficit and to balance Republican underrepresentation in our legislature. Taxes and tolls are the two central issues in the 13th District state Senate race between incumbent Republican Len Suzio and his Democratic challenger Mary Abrams. Though both candidates are from Meriden, thats about the only common ground they have, according to Abrams. The retired schoolteacher and administrator is making her first bid for elected office. My views are very different from our current senator, Abrams said. And that divergence in viewpoint starts with tolls. Suzio said he is adamantly opposed to implementing tolls on the states limited-access highways. The Republican serves as vice chairman of the legislatures Transportation Committee. Suzio said creating a transportation lockbox is just another gimmick or trick to draw people into tolls. Theres nothing saying (the legislature) cant intercept the funds before they get to the lockbox. Abrams said that before she supports a plan to reintroduce tolls on Connecticuts highways, she wants to see a plan that says where the tolls are going to be and how much money they would bring in. Any sensible person knows that we have problem with our roads and bridges, so obviously something needs to be done, she said. One plan proposed by Republican lawmakers is to bond for road improvements. But Abrams said such a plan is ill-advised. There is a cap on bonding, so if we bond for road improvements, then something else will have to go, Abrams said. The 9th Senate seat opened up when state Sen. Paul Doyle, D-Wethersfield, threw his hat in the ring for attorney general. However, he lost his partys support in the Aug. 14 primary. State Rep. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, is facing off against Rocky Hill Town Councilman Ed Charamut for the chance to represent Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield. A campaign mailer sent by the Charamut campaign that included a doctored photos of Lesser grabbing money and grinning, criticized as being anti-Semitic, recently made news . The flier was sent around the same time as the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh last week, which left 11 dead and six injured. Charamut apologized Wednesday, acknowledging the mailer had serious unintended consequences. The Rocky Hill Town Council minority leader, who entered politics in 2017, owns an insurance agency in town and is known for his bipartisan approach. His campaign slogan is the change we need. If elected, I will work closely with responsible state senators to manage the states expenses, reduce and or eliminate taxes on both businesses and individuals, and bring reason and logic back to the state legislature, Charamut said in a letter to the Press. He hopes to improve the state economy, oppose new taxes, including tolls; lower taxes by controlling spending, and work to improve our infrastructure, according to charamutforstatesenate.com. Charamut was born in raised in his district, where he and his wife reared four children. Because I have been so actively involved in volunteerism, I know I can reach out to the people of this district, work with the folks of this district, and really succeed along with the people of the 9th District. Lets get to work, he said. Lesser has represented the 100th District in the House since 2009. This son of a small business owner and immigrant told The Press he is running to fix a broken state Senate. Lesser is credited with writing the law that kept fracking waste out of Connecticut, and being a leader in ending veteran homelessness, according to his campaign. As a cancer survivor, he has led efforts to expand health care access for women and families and to preserve the Medicare Savings program, wrote the nations first Student Loan Bill of Rights and protected retirement for public school teachers. His platform includes defending the middle class by raising wages, passing paid family and medical leave, and protecting retirements; ending veteran homelessness by leading efforts to build permanent housing on vacant state property and expanding eligibility for benefits, according to his website. Tuesdays ballot will include two statewide referendum questions: creating a lockbox for transportation funds, and a change in the requirements to transfer state property. Middletown voters are also being asked to approve two bond measures: Shall the $1.8 million appropriation and bond authorization for the planning, design and replacement of two wells at the John S. Roth Wellfield, including replacement of old piping, improvements to the well houses, new flow monitoring and other related costs, be approved? And Shall the $16.25 million appropriation and bond authorization for the city of Middletown 2018 road, sidewalk and street-light improvement program and related improvements be approved? For a listing of election ballots by voting district, visit portal.ct.gov/SOTS. Editors note: For a roundup of upper Middlesex County House candidates, check out the story, Middletown-area candidates make final push on platforms, in Saturdays Press. To the Editor: Quentin Q Phipps has diligently supported and given voice to citizens of all backgrounds and parties during his terms on the Planning and Zoning Commission and as city treasurer. In his run to represent the 100th District in the Connecticut General Assembly, Q has carried himself with pure class and honesty about his positions and advocacy for schools, fair pay, and a number of other positions. This week, both on Facebook and in print, Q has been attacked for his race, his role as a lobbyist, and for his attendance. Hes been called ghetto (by a commenter on the Facebook page of William Wilson, chair of the Republican Town Committee, no less), which, coupled with Ed Charamuts mailer attacking Matt Lesser, seems to show a complete lack of empathy and awareness on behalf of the local GOP. The attack on attendance is especially perplexing. I was a news reporter for several years, covering cities and towns of all sizes across Connecticut. In that capacity, Ive been to more town meetings than I can count. In all those years, I cannot recall ever seeing a town treasurer regardless of political party attend any meeting of a council, board or commission. Q meets regularly with the city finance director and has represented Middletown constituents well. To attack him on attendance comes off as desperate, and Tony Gennaros generalization that he is constantly told that people are unhappy about it is without merit as an argument. Q has already shown himself to be a capable public official and will do great things for residents of the 100th District. Attempts to degrade his character and dedication are misguided, especially considering the recent actions of other local office seekers. Q is above these attacks and will demonstrate his class and integrity as a state representative. Matt Engelhardt, East Hampton An eponymous endorsement, a nationally-criticized image and an ominous warning. What do all of these things have in common? Each was part of a campaign mailer sent out to some Connecticut voters this election year. First, there was state Sen. Toni Boucher's re-election campaign mailer that not only touted her accomplishments, but also included a beyond-the-grave endorsement by Westporter Bill Meyer, who died in 2014. The difference between an apartment and the street for a homeless veteran can often come down to a few hundred bucks for the rent deposit, according to the Veterans Matter advocacy group, which writes a check when the system falls short. Ken Leslie, who has been running Veterans Matter since 2012, said he has a deal with the Department of Veterans Affairs -- "just let me know and I'll send a check to the landlord." In a phone interview, he pointed to a recent case referred by the VA of a 67-year-old homeless veteran in Birmingham, Alabama, who was just $150 short of his deposit. "That was the only thing keeping him out of a home. We sent a check the same day, and the guy was housed within minutes," said Leslie, who has personal experience with the homelessness issue. He is a former stand-up comedian, TV producer and head of a successful executive headhunter firm, but he was once homeless himself and living out of his car due to drug and alcohol addiction. Leslie said the usual shortfall for rent deposits can range from about $600 to $1,800, depending on the area of the country, but the national average is about $750. At Veterans Matter, he has recruited an A-list of celebrities for public service announcements and fund raising, including Willie Nelson, Katy Perry, Gary Sinise, Susan Sarandon, Kid Rock, Stevie Nicks, John Mellencamp, and Dusty Hill of ZZ Top, among others. They deliver the message that veterans "fought for us, now we fight for them." In one of the promos, Dusty Hill said he heard about Veterans Matter while performing in Toledo, Ohio, and went over to check it out. "Once I looked at the program and saw that it was all direct help, I was all in on that," he said. In coordination with the VA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Matter, now operating in 20 states, has helped get housing for more than 2,500 veterans, and the goal is to have 1,000 more in homes before the end of the year, Leslie said. The group works with referrals from the VA for the Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program, or HUD-VASH, which provides vouchers for rental assistance from HUD and case management from the VA. When there is a problem with a rent deposit, Leslie said he hears from the licensed clinical social workers at the VA who work with homeless veterans and starts writing a check. "Literally, they can request it on a phone deposit. We send the check the same day. It really is that simple," he said. The HUD-VASH program derived from the commitment by then-VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and President Barack Obama in 2009 to end veteran homelessness by 2016. The program has drastically reduced the number of homeless veterans from more than 140,000 in 2009, but the VA estimates that there are still about 38,000 veterans without a permanent place to live. On Oct. 3, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie and HUD Secretary Ben Carson announced another $35 million in grants for the HUD-VASH program to combat veteran homelessness. "We have few responsibilities greater than making sure those who have sacrificed so much in service to their country have a home they can call their own," Carson said. Earlier, at a Sept. 26 hearing of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Wilkie said the VA needs more licensed clinical social workers to manage cases for homeless veterans. "The case managers are part of a larger issue we have in retaining those individuals, particularly in the social work field," he said. One of the VA social workers coordinating with Leslie at Veterans Matter on rent deposits is Shane Dowling, a licensed clinical social worker at the VA's Ann Arbor, Michigan, health care system. In one of Leslie's promos, Dowling said it used to take about 137 days to get a homeless veteran a lease under the HUD-VASH program in her area. "With the help of Veterans Matter, we've reduced that down to 71 days, which is absolutely amazing," she said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. The latest in a rash of deadly reported insider attacks in Afghanistan has claimed the life of one U.S. service member and left another wounded. U.S. Forces Afghanistan announced that the attack occurred Saturday local time in Kabul, the countrys capital. Initial reports indicate the attacker was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, officials said in the release. Initial reports also indicate the attacker was immediately killed by other Afghan Forces. The service branch and current mission of the troops targeted in the attack was not released. Both American troops were medically evacuated to Bagram Airfield, about 40 miles north of Kabul. The wounded service member, whose injuries were not described, remains there receiving medical treatment, and is in stable condition, officials said. In keeping with military policy, the name of the service member killed in the attack will not be released until 24 hours after next-of-kin are notified. Insider, or green-on-blue, attacks, in which Afghan troops or security forces turn on a coalition partner, have always been a threat in Afghanistan. This year, however, theyve claimed a particularly high number of U.S. and coalition lives in high-profile incidents. In July, Army Cpl. Joseph Maciel was killed and two troops wounded in one such attack in the Tarin Kowt district of Afghanistans Uruzgan province. Two months later, on September 3, Command Sergeant Major Timothy Bolyard, the senior enlisted adviser to the Armys new 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, was killed in Afghanistans eastern Logar province. On Oct. 22, another apparent insider attack in Herat province, to the West, killed a NATO service member and killed a top Afghan police official, Gen. Abdul Raziq. The commander of all U.S. troops in Afghanistan, Gen. Austin Scott Miller, was present but uninjured. _______ -- Matthew Cox contributed to this report. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. China's Sub Force Is Growing More Powerful. This Is What the US Navy Needs to Do to Stay Ahead Key List of minerals for each chemical element Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality North America Plate Tectonic Plate This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary. Within the city limits of Hot Springs, South Dakota is a unique geological feature. In 1974 during excavation for a new subdivision a construction worker found large mammoth bones in the soil. The significance of the site was soon understood and the landowner donated the site to a nonprofit organization for preservation. As work continued a large building was constructed over the site and currently there are 58 Columbian mammoths and 3 woolly mammoths exposed in-situ.The concentration of so many mammoth remains resulted from the karst geology that surrounds the Hills. At this location a funnel shaped, water filled, sinkhole existed about 26,000 years ago. Animals that entered the pond of deep water could not climb out due to steep slippery banks. The accumulation of mammoth bones were not petrified and the age of the site was determined by carbon dating the hydroxyapatite in the bone. Other dating methods have suggested older dates.In addition to the mammoth remains, the bones of other species have also been found including giant short-faced bears, shrub oxen, American camel, llama, wolves, coyotes, birds, minks, ferrets, prairie dogs, voles, moles, clams, snails, and slugs. The excavation has proceeded to a considerable depth providing many section cuts that show the sediment filling of the breccia pipe that formed the sinkhole. YPSILANTI, MI - Ypsilanti voters will elect a new mayor when they go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Mayor Amanda Edmonds is stepping down and five candidates have stepped up to run, including two write-ins. The three candidates on the ballot are Beth Bashert, a Democrat who represents Ward 2 on the City Council, and Mickeila Tate and Adrienne Hirschfelder, both running as independents. Sheila McSpadden and Anne Brown have filed to run as write-in candidates. Brown, an Ypsilanti council member from 2014 to 2016, intended to challenge Bashert in the Democratic primary in August, but she failed to turn in enough qualifying petition signatures to get on the ballot. She said her only option at that point was to run as a write-in. MLive has partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide information about candidates and proposals on the ballot via the LWV Education Fund voter guide at Vote411.org. Two of the Ypsilanti mayoral candidates -- Bashert and Brown -- responded to voter guide questions about their backgrounds and thoughts on issues facing the city, while Hirschfelder filled out her basic bio and pointed readers to her social media pages. Tate has a Facebook page and McSpadden does not appear to have a campaign presence online. Four of the candidates in the race, all but McSpadden, participated in a recent forum hosted by the LWV. Watch it here: Here's some of what they had to say in the voter guide: Campaign website: Bashert: bashert4ypsi.com Brown: get2knowanne.com Hirschfelder: fb.me/adrienneforypsi Number of years as resident: Bashert: 28 Brown: 40 Hirschfelder: 9 What in your education and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this position? Bashert: I am a current Ypsilanti elected councilperson and I've been a community organizer with demonstrated accomplishments in Ypsilanti municipal politics for over 20 years. My past work includes being a co-chair of the volunteer campaign to pass our city's nondiscrimination ordinance in 1997 and the successful effort to defend it at the ballot box in 1998. I was the campaign manager for our current mayor. And I'm the elected city council representative for Ypsilanti's Ward 2. I've worked to end homelessness in my personal and professional life, as well as secure Choice for women, and green spaces for all. The reason I've been successful at passing legislation, getting elected in Ypsilanti, and winning public service awards is that I care deeply about my community, and I have a thoughtful, collaborative leadership style which is what it takes to build consensus and get things done in our city. With me as mayor, I think that we will accomplish even more of our goals than we have with me on co [answer cut off] Brown: I have a Degree in Public Administration which gives me the core skills to understand the fundamentals of municipal government and how it works to improve the lives of citizens. My public service experience includes 1) District Manager for State Representatives Alma Wheeler Smith and David E. Rutledge, 2) Southeast Michigan Council of Government Water Resource Task Force, 3) Executive Director, Center for Health Education and Advocacy, 4) Executive Director, Detroit Primary Care Network, 5) W.K Kellogg Foundation Youth Development Fellow and 6) Organizer for the Hauser Center Building Movement Project. I have also taken local government classes and attended trainings through the Michigan Municipal League and SEMCOG. In each position or opportunity, I worked to build the capacity of others, build community and work across boundaries to ensure diversity and equity were a part of the outcome. As we work to create new policies they must address the needs of people and build resilience. Hirschfelder: I really appreciate the role the LofWV has played in educating voters and facilitating democracy throughout the United States. My answers to these questions and much more can be found on my social media sites. Facebook: AdrienneforYpsi; Twitter and Instagram: @adrienneforypsi. What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them with current resources? Bashert: My major goal is to help Ypsilanti overcome its struggles and make lasting progress for all residents. We have struggled as a rustbelt city and throughout the economic recession, yet we've weathered it and now have the chance to begin recovery. That means a balanced and effective municipal budget, and bringing back services after years of austerity. It means expanding our solar power leadership and working towards a carbon-neutral city with a healthy, pleasant river. It means growing and supporting the already thriving arts & musical culture that we are becoming known for. It means improved public safety, supporting our beleaguered parks, and improving our downtown areas. It means public transit connecting Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor and Detroit and the airport by Amtrak, commuter rail, and buses as part of a multicounty transit authority. And most of all it means that together we are closing the gap of income and employment disparities that many of our citizens struggle with every day. Brown: My primary goal as Mayor is to assist City Council and the City Manager in advancing the vision, mission, goals and objectives of Ypsilanti. I will to do this by proposing three guiding principles: investing in people, responsible growth and protecting our environment, and aligning resources as necessary. What are the most serious problems facing the City of Ypsilanti and how will you work to solve them? Bashert: The most serious problem facing Ypsilanti is supporting thoughtful development for our city; it must inclusively benefit all residents, support brownfield cleanup, be sustainable, and employ local people. With careful guidance to provide more tax revenue, our city will thrive. We can't rely on the state to fulfill its promised revenue sharing--Ypsi will have to do it for ourselves. Another problem is that many municipal discussions are stressful and rancorous. With thoughtful, calm processes and the legacy of the recession slowly dissipating, we can solve many problems and make lasting progress together. There's no magic bullet: we must tackle our challenges together. I'll do my part by taking broad and contextual input on important questions in advance, being open about my decision-making process, holding town halls and office hours, and working tirelessly to reach out to hear all disparate views with the goal of reaching a group consensus on the way forward. Brown: The most serious problem identified by residents to date is infrastructure. Ypsilanti is not alone in needing road repair but infrastructure can also include sewers, utilities, sidewalks and green infrastructure. I will propose and work to identify and repair city infrastructure issues. What are Ypsilanti's greatest assets and how can they be used to help the city thrive? Bashert: Ypsilanti's greatest assets are our people and our location. We are a cultural powerhouse, punching well above our weight in education, culture, food, and art. We have a food scene that rivals Ann Arbor's, a university proportionally double the size of UM, and a rich and diverse history. Ypsilantians are friendly, creative, tenacious people. With modesty, I would just point out that we won WWII single-handedly--and we did it all with a key piece of municipal infrastructure once voted the most phallic object in the world! Ypsi is located at the exact center of Washtenaw County, just one-hour's drive from Detroit, Lansing, Flint, Toledo. We are a hub of the growing self-driving car industry and 15 minutes from an international airport. All this and a small town personality. Ypsilanti is fabulously walkable/bikeable, and the home of numerous festivals including Elvis Fest and Beer Fest! Ypsi is both affordable and dynamic, both laid-back and exciting, with both continuity and opportunity. Brown: The rich diversity and ethnicity of our community is an asset. Our campaign tagline Together, We Rise speaks to the need for us to recognize and honor the value we each bring to the table and how that should be used to build community and build resilience. Every voice matters and should be filtered into our decision making. People and their contributions make a city thrive. The Huron River, a nationally recognized water trail, runs through the city of Ypsilanti. This asset can be used as an economic driver. Working with the Huron River Watershed Council we installed a floating dock and received funding to address invasive species at Peninsular Park. The DIA Inside Out Project was held in every park along the river; and kayak trips can be planned with Ypsilanti as a destination. Our current concern is the presence of PFAS in the Huron River and its impact on the environmental and recreation opportunities. How would you describe your leadership style and how will that help the City of Ypsilanti become a better place? Bashert: As a leader, I'm a thoughtful mediator, not a domineering policy wonk. I don't have the world's deepest knowledge of every topic, and I know it. That's why I'm constantly trying to study and explore an issue, learn from everyone around me, think carefully about what to do, get critical expert advice, and share what I've learned and what I'm thinking. And I think that kind of open-minded, collaborative style is going to be key to de-escalating the rancor of municipal politics in Ypsilanti. There's an old saying: the answer to every important question is "it depends," because if there were a simple answer it wouldn't be an important question. Municipal politics is about finding answers to these important and complex questions that work for the whole community, and it takes the whole community to find out which answers work. Uniting the community, not necessarily behind every answer but behind a collaborative process to find the answer, is my leadership style and it's what Ypsilanti needs Brown: I have been described as being both a thought leader and a transformational leader because I bring forward thinking, insight and actionable ideas to the table. Ypsilanti is at a cross road which is going to require thoughtfulness, creativity and action to address the critical issues we face. Responsible growth that focuses on job growth and creation through support of existing businesses, sustainability, developing neighborhood economies and fostering economic development is an expectation. Additionally, Ypsilanti has many opportunities for advancement but with advancement comes the responsibility to provide excellent core services, reduce the tax burden, provide affordable housing and increase access to food, health, and other goods and services. As a transformational leader I will work with City Council, residents and businesses to proactively address these issues. More info: Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6. All responses in the Vote411.org voter guide were submitted directly by the candidates and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary cut if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should not be considered as an endorsement. The league never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. HOLLAND, MI -- A man accused of grabbing a Hope College student from behind and using force to touch her inappropriately has been arrested, police said. Holland Department of Public Safety officers had been looking for 31-year-old Tristen Reyes since warrants against him were issued Oct. 26. The warrants were for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. Polices said two Hope College students were walking along 14th Street near College Avenue on Oct. 20 when a man wearing a Detroit Lions jersey came up behind one of the students and "grabbed her and began to forcibly touch her." The other student yelled and the man let go. Both students fled to safety. Reyes was located about 9 p.m. Friday at an address in the 100 block of 48th Street, police said. He was taken into custody without incident and is expected to be arraigned later on the two charges. ZEELAND TOWNSHIP, MI -- One person was flown to a hospital by AeroMed helicopter following a two-vehicle collision on Chicago Drive near 48th Avenue, west of Hudsonville. The crash happened about 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. Ottawa County sheriff's deputies said a Jeep, headed east on Chicago Drive, struck the back of a pickup that had slowed to turn into a greenhouse business. The Jeep then rolled onto its side. Deputies said the Jeep driver was flown to a hospital. The other driver also was injured and taken by ambulance to a hospital. Police shut down the eastbound lanes of Chicago Drive in the area to investigate the collision. NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI -- A 13-year-old Grant girl who went missing Wednesday, Oct. 31 has been located, authorities said Saturday. Brianna Dempsey went missing Wednesday from her family's home. Saturday morning, dozens of people gathered in the community to help search for Dempsey. It's not clear if that search was related to information released at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 that she had been located. Officials with Newaygo County Emergency Services issued an alert that said only the following: "Brianna has been located. Thank you to everyone who came to help the family bring Brianna home." Michigan political candidates are pulling out all the stops the weekend ahead of the election, including pulling in nationally well-known figures to get Michiganders fired up about going to the polls Tuesday. Actress Alyssa Milano is making campaign stops with Democratic candidate for governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is running against Republican Bill Schuette. Milano is slated to make stops in Flint, Birmingham, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids with the Whitmer campaign. "Everywhere we go during these final days of the campaign, we are seeing so much energy from people who are fired up and ready to vote," said Gretchen Whitmer in a statement. "It's been so exciting to welcome everyone from Alyssa Milano, to Vice President Biden and President Obama to our state over the past week, but now it's up to the people of Michigan to make their voices heard on Election Day. That's why we're going to keep our foot on the gas and do everything we can to get out the vote between now and when the polls close at 8pm on Tuesday." Milano has been tweeting her experience, including a photo by the bus Whitmer is taking across the state in the final lead-up to the election. The Republican ticket, meanwhile, is poised for a visit from Kellyanne Conway, counselor to President Donald Trump. Conway had to cancel a planned trip earlier this week due to airplane mechanical problems, but will visit the state on Sunday for a rally in Taylor. The rally will support Schuette, Republican U.S. Senate Candidate John James, Republican Attorney General candidate Bill Schuette and Republican Secretary of State candidate Mary Treder Lang. "We are excited that Ms. Conway will be able to visit Michigan tomorrow and witness the tremendous momentum Republicans are experiencing across our state," said Tony Zammit, deputy communications director for the Michigan Republican Party. "The energy that she will bring to Sunday's event will add even more enthusiasm to our incredibly fired up base." Also on Saturday, Trump attorney and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani planned an appearance with James in support of his U.S. Senate run. He tweeted about the visit and referred to James by an abbreviation that seems to mean "new best friend." Going to see my NBF John James at Holland Civic Center in Michigan and ask them to vote for a leader and not a warn out politician. John will add real support to the best economic growth in decades and not try to obstruct, defame and impeach Rudy Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) November 3, 2018 More information about the Nov. 6 election Polls will be open in Michigan from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6. Check Michigan's Secretary of State website to see whether you are registered and to preview your ballot. MLive has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide candidate information and other voting resources to Michigan readers. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. For specific information about Michigan races, visit Vote411.org. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A Michigan scientist who issued a prophetic report about the looming PFAS contamination crisis that was buried six years ago by state officials will testify before a U.S. Senate oversight subcommittee field hearing this month. Robert Delaney, a veteran geologist with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, will join other local, state and federal officials giving testimony on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the Grand Valley State University campus in downtown Grand Rapids. In a 2012 report, Delaney warned a former DEQ director about the high likelihood of "significant exposure to Michigan citizens and ecosystems" from PFAS contamination. Of the many actions Delaney recommended, only the call for surface water testing was acted upon before last fall, when Gov. Rick Snyder created the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) upon the revelation of severe PFAS contamination in Kent County. The report was only made public in response to an MLive request under the Freedom of Information Act. The Nov. 13 hearing is called "Local, State and Federal Response to PFAS Contamination in Michigan." It's being convened by Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan and follows a similar hearing last month in Washington that assessed federal efforts to address PFAS pollution. Peters is the ranking Democrat on the Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management Subcommittee, which is chaired by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky. "Despite Michigan's abundance of freshwater, communities from Parchment to Oscoda are facing man-made drinking water crises due to PFAS contamination," said Peters, in a news release. "Families across Michigan have been exposed to these dangerous chemicals, and the federal government has a responsibility to assist local communities as they monitor this crisis, begin cleaning up contaminated sites and prevent further harm to Michiganders." Two panels of witnesses will testify on Nov. 13. The list of invited witnesses released by Peters' office includes federal officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It also includes a GVSU professor who was instrumental in exposing the PFAS contamination in Kent County caused by Wolverine World Wide tannery waste dumping, and a woman whose drinking water was contaminated at extremely high levels by that dumping. Panel I: - Sandy Wynn-Stelt, resident of Belmont, Mich. - Adam London, administrative health officer, Kent County Health Department - Dr. Rick Rediske, senior program manager and professor, GVSU Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute - Drew YoungeDyke, communications coordinator, National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Regional Center Panel II: - Dr. Patrick Breysse, director, National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) - Robert Delaney, environmental specialist, Michigan DEQ - Carol Issacs, director, Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) - Cathy Stepp, Region 5 administrator, Environmental Protection Agency The hearing is at 10 a.m. in the Loosemore Auditorium at the GVSU Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids, 401 W. Fulton Street. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of approximately 4,700 toxic chemicals that have been used for decades in firefighting foams and commercial applications. Exposure to PFAS compounds have been linked to cancer as well as multiple thyroid, kidney, liver, heart, reproductive and autoimmune problems. In Michigan, state testing data shows that more than 1.9 million people, roughly 20 percent of the state's population, have been drinking municipal water with at least trace levels of PFAS contamination present. That number has been climbing this year as all public water systems have undergone testing by the DEQ. The worst contamination was found in the Kalamazoo suburb of Parchment, where an emergency was declared in July after contamination more than 20 times the EPA health advisory level of 70 parts-per-trillion was found in the city water supply. In addition, 28 Michigan schools using private well water have tested positive for contamination. The Robinson Elementary School near Grand Haven made an emergency switch to bottled water after PFAS well above the health advisory level was announced Oct. 29. LANSING, MI - Democratic candidate for governor Gretchen Whitmer and Republican candidate for governor Bill Schuette are each touring the state in the final days leading up to the Nov. 6 vote, after which one of the will win the state's governorship. Whitmer's slogan throughout the campaign has been to "fix the damn roads," and it's emblazoned on the side of a bus she's using to tour the state in the final election lead-up. "This is about solving problems. The demonization of one another and the division that's going on in this country doesn't fix a single pothole, doesn't make our schools worthy of our kids, doesn't ensure we have clean drinking water," Whitmer said as she kicked off the bus tour earlier this week. "I'm about solving problems, and that's what this campaign's always been about for me." Whitmer, who talks often about getting to all 83 counties this cycle, will be riding the bus toward some of the state's urban centers in her final swing through the state, dropping by Detroit, Flint, Birmingham, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Schuette will swing through mostly smaller towns on the west side of the state Saturday before hitting Southeast Michigan population centers like Macomb, Detroit and Novi on Sunday. He said his final pitch to voters is about the state's future. "I think the number one issue is 'ok Michigan, are we going forward or are we going backward?' And that's the choice. I want to build on the success of the last years of the Snyder administration, what we've done here in Michigan," Schuette said. Schuette and Whitmer made their last common appearance on Wednesday, taking the stage separately to talk about issues like roads, education and water quality. Whitmer will be in Detroit and Schuette will be in Lansing watching the election results come in on Tuesday, Nov. 6. More information about the Nov. 6 election Polls will be open in Michigan from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6. Check Michigan's Secretary of State website to see whether you are registered and to preview your ballot. MLive has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide candidate information and other voting resources to Michigan readers. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. For specific information about Michigan races, visit Vote411.org. Read more MLive election coverage here. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Elections staff in Southwest Michigan are preparing for voter turnout Tuesday that could match the 2016 presidential election. Kalamazoo County Clerk Tim Snow said the Michigan Bureau of Elections advised clerks throughout the state to prepare more voting booths than usual for midterm elections. Clerks will have as many printed ballots as there are registered voters to prevent a shortage if turnout is high. There are around 196,800 registered voters in Kalamazoo County, up 1,400 from 2016. Snow said the number of absentee ballots requested -- only a few hundred less than the 2016 presidential election -- is also an indicator that more people will head to the polls Tuesday. A full list of elections and ballot proposals can be found online. Double-check the location of your polling place and make sure you're registered by using the Secretary of State's Voter Information Center tool. Voters visited local city and township clerk offices Saturday to pick up and turn in absentee ballots. The deadline for obtaining an absentee ballot is 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5. Ballots picked up on Monday must be fill out and turned in at your local clerk's office. Voters can still turn an absentee ballot by hand to clerks on election day. Roughly 65 percent of registered voters in Kalamazoo County cast a ballot during the last presidential election. Snow said turnout will likely be closer to that figure than the turnout in the 2014 midterms, when only 42 percent of registered voters cast a ballot. Usually the difference between participation midterm and presidential elections is large. Voter turnout in the counties of Allegan, Kalamazoo and Van Buren increased in the 2016 election by more than 50 percent compared to the 2014 midterms. Those increases were larger than 60 percent in Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties. Elections staff in Van Buren County said more poll workers will be on hand to keep crowds moving. Kalamazoo City Clerk Scott Borling said he and other local clerks are ready for longer lines. He also expects voters to take a bit longer to make a decision since straight-ticket voting won't be available as an option this year. "Our goal is that the whole process won't take more than 30 minutes," Borling said. "That's our target. Do I think there will be delays or waits? I'm almost sure there will be, but it's going to be at peak times." The busiest time to vote is usually when polls open at 7 a.m., during lunch hours and before polls close at 8 p.m. Clerks advised people who don't want to wait in line to vote in the late morning or early afternoon. Snow also advised voters to research candidates and make a decision before getting in line Tuesday. Everyone who is in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Elections staff will have one eye on the clock and another on the line, Snow said. Precinct 2 in the city of Kalamazoo have the busiest polling place in Kalamazoo County. Around 2,000 voters cast their ballot in the Bernhard Center at Western Michigan University in 2016. Polling places in Texas Township, Portage's Precinct 13, at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, and Kalamazoo Township's Precinct 3, at King-Westwood Elementary School, are among the busiest in Kalamazoo County. An increase in absentee ballot requested in the city of Kalamazoo is an indicator that more people are interested in voting this year, Borling said. Around 6,000 absentee ballots were issued in the 2016 presidential election. Borling said 5,100 were issued as of Oct. 30. Results for counties in Southwest Michigan will be posted online after polls close at 8 p.m. Snow said most Kalamazoo precincts are expected to be in by 8:45 p.m. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Zydus Wellness, a part of the Ahmedabad-based Zydus Group, said on November 2 that it will be funding two-thirds of the Rs 4,595 crore Heinz India acquisition through equity and the remaining via debt. The management didnt provide details of the deal structure. But some leading private equity firms will be partnering the company by way of equity support. There are indications that parent Cadila Healthcare will pump in Rs 1,000 crore to fund the deal. The management will provide certain options to the board and additional details will be shared once we are able to discuss with the board and get clearances, said Sharvil Patel, Chairman of Zydus Wellness, in an investor call. Zydus Group last week entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Heinz India, jointly with parent Cadila Healthcare, at a valuation of Rs 4,595 crore. The deal, one of the largest M&A transaction in recent times, offers Zydus access to brands such as Complan, Glucon D, Nycil and Sampriti Ghee, including two manufacturing facilities and a nationwide strong distribution network. The transaction is expected to be finalised in Q4 FY19, subject to regulatory approvals. Hinting at the strategy of growing the brands, especially Complan, Patel said Zydus will focus on segmentation, penetrate deeper through rural expansion and invest aggressively on promotions. The largest brand among the four is Glucon-D. However, the biggest potential for turnaround is in Complan. We see multiple opportunities for these brands. The legacy of all of these products is pharmaceuticals and they have been strong problem-solution innovative products developed by erstwhile Glaxo. There is potential to bring science and innovation into many of these brands, specifically Complan, Patel said. He feels the whole health food drinks (HFD) category has been challenged because in the last couple of years companies are looking to divest. We see suppression of promotional spends. Brand recall levels are over 90 percent. There is tremendous understanding of the products and very limited penetration. For Complan, the whole segmentation has not been done, like others in the industry, Patel added. Zydus, he said, sees significant scope for segmentation, catering to different age groups and their needs. "Given our strengths in innovation and science, we can tailor made products with enhanced science," he added. In another scathing attack on the government's demand for capital relaxations and increasing credit flow to borrowers, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has come to the defence of banks saying they are not flush with their own money like Uncle Scrooge, a fictional comic character, who is the richest duck in the world. This time around the attack came from RBI Deputy Governor NS Vishwanathan while delivering a speech at XLRI, Jamshedpur on October 29 and comes amid growing public disagreements between the government and the banking regulator and days after a speech by Deputy Governor Viral Acharya calling for 'effective independence' of the central bank. It is not that banks have a huge coffer like that of Uncle Scrooge from which they make loans, but it is funds they raise through deposits that are used for making loans. Banks are not supposed to be shock absorbers of the first resort for difficulties faced by their borrowers as they do not have the luxury of delaying payments to their depositors, said the speech on RBI website. Given the aggressive demand from the government to infuse liquidity into non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), Vishwanathan said, Bank credit to NBFC sector, where there is a perception of inadequate bank credit flow, grew 17.1 percent in H1 FY19 and 48.30 percent YoY (year-on-year) as on September 30 on the back of a strong base. On the government's growing demand to relax prompt corrective action (PCA) norms, he said, We must guard against any push for dilution of standards in the name of aligning them with international benchmarks because that will be cherry-picking and will result in our banks being strong in a make-believe sense and not in reality. He defended the RBIs decision to resist such temptations, saying: We will build a financial system that is lot stronger than today, with which you will be proud to be associated as future entrepreneurs, depositors and investors. On arguments seeking a lower capital to risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) as higher capital requirement leads to lower credit growth, the RBI Deputy Governor said, High levels of credit growth due to supply push have resulted in high corporate leverage and consequent NPAs (non-performing assets) in the banking system. Also Read: Govt should back RBI but latter should communicate more By nature, banks are susceptible to risks: credit, market, liquidity etc. In India, Basel III capital regulation has been implemented from April 1, 2013 onwards in phases and will be fully implemented by March 31, 2019. Basel rules are an internationally accepted regulatory framework providing minimum standards to be met by banks. Overall capital requirements for banks are prescribed at 9 percent of risk weighted assets and common equity Tier 1 capital at 5.5 percent as against 8 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively. According to Vishwanathan, if banks dont have adequate capital, losses erode into deposits. Banks have to maintain adequate capital to ensure that probability of deposits being eroded is close to zero. Dismissing the government's oft repeated view that public sector banks need not be subject to prudential capital regulations, he said, Conformity to an internationally accepted regulatory regime provides required credibility to the Indian banking system, which helps Indian corporates access international markets (both financial and real) on the strength of the support provided by Indian banks. Many Indian banks also access international markets for their own capital and funding requirements. He added that a resilient banking system should have higher capital levels to support higher credit growth going forward. Commenting on the February 12 circular on Revised Framework for Resolution of Stressed Assets, he said its most important objective is to alter the balance of power in favour of creditors. "For long, the balance of power in our country was in favour of debtors. This changing debtor-creditor equation disturbs the status quo and it is only natural that it is facing resistance." The earlier debtor-friendly environment made it possible for the defaulting debtors to secure moratoriums and force write-downs on debt repayment, while retaining management control over the borrowing units or thwart banks efforts to realise their dues by indulging in serial litigations. The out-of-court restructuring mechanisms too suffered high failure rates, resulting in borrowing entities continuing to indulge in repeated defaults, confident that the balance of power remained with them. He also hit back at the idea of allowing a resolution plan by the defaulting management saying, "While payments offered by the existing management are usually spread over a long period, new investors mostly come up with upfront cash payments rather than illusory future payments." Vishwanathan concluded his speech by stating that a strong and stable banking system is essential for the development of the economy. "The real strength will come from recognising weaknesses in the balance sheet and making provisions for them rather than pretending to believe that the balance sheet is strong. As our insolvency and bankruptcy regime matures, many aspects of debt recovery and asset quality in the Indian financial system will match global standards. Then, our probability of default will also come down to global levels. Hopefully, those days are nearer than we think, he added. India on Saturday announced that it would extend a $310 million loan to Zimbabwe to finance a rehabilitation project for a thermal power plant that would entail upgrading the station and extending its lifespan. The decision was taken during a meeting between Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa and delegation-level talks between senior officials of the two countries here, TS Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said while briefing media on the deliberations. Hwange is Zimbabwe's second biggest power plant with an installed capacity of 920 MW. India will also extend additional funds of $23 million for the Bulawayo thermal power plant and $19.5 million for the Deka pumping and water intake system in Zimbabwe, Tirumurti said. A fund of $2.9 million will also be extended to upgrade the Indo-Zim Technology Centre, which India had gifted to the African country, he said. Naidu arrived here Friday night on the second leg of his six-day three-nation tour to Africa, which aims at deepening India's strategic cooperation with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Option selling is considered a big boys game and it surely is given the margin required to sell one. Retail traders generally do not like to sell options due to the margin requirement but also because of the myth that option selling entails unlimited risk. But risk management is the key to success in any form of trading. No wonder then the option sellers are level headed and successful. Even in the elite club of option sellers, most traders stick to a limited number of non-directional strategies. They stick to those with a high probability of success. They are happily taking the singles with higher frequency rather than aiming for the fences. Manish Dewan can be considered the all-rounder of option sellers. He is as comfortable taking directional trades as he is in taking non-directional ones. He is equally at comfort trading a strangle or straddle as he is creating credit and debit spreads or attempting the more exotic ones like a Jade Lizard. This Delhi-based full-time trader comes from a business family, which is why he is so adept in taking advantage of every opportunity he sees. In an interview to Moneycontrol, Dewan speaks about the various strategies he deploys and his journey in becoming a full-time trader from a marketing person in a brokerage firm. Edited excerpts A: My introduction to the market was near the peak of the technology boom in 2000. I was studying in a college in Delhi when a family friend met my brother and told him about the opportunities in the market. At that time, my brother was looking after the business, so he asked me to sit with this person and learn the tricks of the trade. I had no idea of the markets when I entered it. All I knew was the indices that I saw on TV. But as markets were booming, making money was easy for even a rookie like me. However, as is the ways of the market, it takes away money just as easily. When the dust settled after the crash, we had wiped out nearly 98 percent of our capital. It was a reasonably sized capital, which could have bought a decent sized real estate in those days. After the incident, I stayed away from the markets, focused on my studies and graduated in commerce from Delhi University. I worked on testing the Yahoo messenger and from the money saved I financed my Masters in Business Administration. In the final semester of my MBA, I was again interested in markets as they had picked up again and people were making money. But now I wanted to be better equipped before I approached the market again. I started studying technical analysis. Though we were taught fundamental analysis during our MBA, I took to technical analysis more easily. I am a person who is more comfortable with being exposed to the market for the short term, so technical analysis and trading was my comfort zone. After my MBA and an 18-month stint with a portfolio management services firm --PN Vijay Financials -- I worked for JM Financial as a trader. My job involved acquiring high net-worth clients and making them trade through my trading strategies, which were non-discretionary in nature. A non-discretionary account is one where the client is advised but the final call rests with the client. In January 2009, I was overlooked for a much-deserved promotion, though I was given a hefty salary hike. I did not take the incident well and decided to quit. Later I joined a start-up founded by a South African investor who wanted to set-up a financial services company in India. I was heading the equity broking part of the business. But the company had to close down in a years time as the person had a huge trading position in global agricultural commodity markets which took a big hit. By this time the markets were in the doldrums and jobs in the broking industry were not sought after. I too was not keen on taking a marketing job anymore. I decided to enrol for a Chartered Market Technician (CMT) course and trade using my savings. A: Over the next 3-3.5 years, I managed to trade with a nominal return of 18-20 percent, while honing my skills. As I got better at my craft, I started taking trading seriously, increased my trading size and dabbling with futures and options. In 2013, I made the trade of my life. Just before the 2014 elections, I took a sizeable call option position. The election result saw the market surge and my account size increased considerably. Though at that time it looked like I had great logic in placing the trade, now when I look back I realise luck was also at play. But this trade got me more focused on options. I was an option buyer in those days. Having seen two really bad bear markets of 2000 and 2008, I was risk-averse. I did not want to lose my capital. Given the myth about option selling having unlimited risk, I stayed away from the selling part of the business. A: At that time, the markets were steadily rising. Bull markets are generally gentle and slow. As an option buyer, even though if you are right, you may end up losing money as the option loses its value with time. I then tried selling options using various strategies like Iron Condor or Butterflies. Iron Condor and Butterfly are a limited risk, non-directional option trading strategies. My experience with these strategies was different. There were times I was making money, but a loss would take away the profit of 2-3 trades. Thats when I decided to structure my trades and gather more knowledge on the subject. I attended a class on options by Santosh Pasi. Here I gained a much better understanding of volatility as well as using different strategies in different market conditions, how to manage a trade when it moves against your position as well as position sizing. For the next two months, I observed if the learnings were actually translating into profits. After I gained confidence, I started ramping up my trading size aggressively. Having said that, I still use technical analysis in my trading decisions. I do not take decisions looking at Option Greeks. Greeks determine the value of an option. I imbibe learnings from technical analysis in my options trading decisions. My decision depends on how I expect the stock to behave going forward, whether it will be rangebound or directional. I am also taking more directional trades rather than non-direction ones, which option writers generally do. Directional trading is based on predicting the direction of a underlying security and taking an option strategy based on that. Even in a neutral trade, if I spot an opportunity I include a directional bias. In a recent trade in Reliance Industries, I entered a Ratio Strangle where I wrote more calls than puts. My view was that though RIL will move in a range, it would do so near the lower part of the range. A: I trade using multiple strategies, but deploy a Bank Nifty strangle every week. Traders deploy a Strangle strategy when they think there will be a large price movement, but within a range, in the near future but are unsure of which way prices will move. These I exit when the price reaches 80-85 percent of my profit target. I prefer to exit these trades a day before expiry, so that I have room left (margin) to trade on expiry day. In the case of stocks, I compulsorily look at charts and employ an options strategy depending on what the charts tell me. In technical analysis, I mainly use Relative Strength Index (RSI), moving averages, Fibonacci and Elliot Waves to arrive at a conclusion. This week, I employed a Jade Lizard strategy (a premium collection strategy deployed by selling options while limiting risk on one side of the trade) in a Tata Motors trade. This trade would not yield any profit or loss between Rs 150-190. I will only start to earn in case the price goes below Rs 150 and incur a small defined loss if the price moves above Rs 190. Technically speaking, I dont think a bottom has been made in Tata Motors, but if my premise is wrong I will exit the trade. Expiry day is the most important trading day for me. On other days, I am a seller of out-of-money (OTM) options, but on expiry day I trade at-the-money contracts (ATM). On expiry day, I deploy capital more in directional trades rather than non-directional ones (most traders deploy non-directional strategies on expiry day). On this day, volatility is generally high and the bulk of premium is in ATM contracts, so I shift from strangles to straddles. In straddles, a trader initiates two transactions of the same security at the same strike price with positions that offset one another. After establishing a straddle I wait for the market to make a move on either side, off-late it is on the lower side. I move my position in sync with the market move. If it is trending lower, I will aggressively sell call options and cut my put position that was initiated when a straddle was established. So, from a non-directional position, I have now moved to a directional trade. I am nibble in my position till around 1 pm and then I aggressively start to build my position. Around 2.30 pm I start taking a position on the opposite side. I am now looking at the 3 min and 15 min charts. In the last 30 minutes, I take signals from a 1-minute chart. At 2.30 pm, I look for probable areas where the market will not be breached. Say if the Bank Nifty has fallen by 350 points, then I sell puts of say 100 points lower. But if it still continues to fall, then I employ a stop-loss of 50 percent of the max profit of the option price while simultaneously selling more call options. On expiry day, I am trading entirely based on charts rather than option Greeks. Though it is a busy day, expiry days account for nearly 40 percent of my weekly profit. A: October has been a learning experience since I began selling options. The month surprised everyone with volatility shooting up sharply. In the first week of the month, I was sitting on a profit of around Rs 7 lakh, but had to struggle to stay in the black by the end of the month. Though the month ended profitably, the amount of effort and emotional capital needed was very high. But at the end of it, there were important lessons to learn. Technical analysis relies too much on indicators. If an indicator shows that the market is oversold, it does not mean that the market will rebound from this area, the market can go down further. One needs to learn to manage risks under such circumstances as well as how to stay more hedged. A: I always have a target with respect to the stop-loss. I will book a loss if my position has moved against me by 50 percent of the maximum profit potential. I will not try to firefight in this situation. Traders generally get emotionally attached to their trade. If a trade goes against them, then the focus shifts from earning a profit to protecting capital, but that was not the initial premise for entering the trade. The trade has now changed your priorities. You end up spending a lot of emotional energy to protect your capital. I prefer to get out of the trade and think clearly. I generally do not get bothered if I am losing money, the key to me is to take the learnings from these losses home. A: Over the last two years, I have managed a 65 percent return on my capital. I initiate trades with a risk-reward anywhere between 1:1 and 1:3. Credit spreads account for 80 percent of my trades. A credit spread involves selling a near-the-money option and buying an out-of-the-money option. The last two years have been profitable with nearly 82 percent of my trades working in my favour.Reliance Industries Ltd is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd So youve heard the news, I assume. As the central government finds itself caught in a battle of wills with the RBI, this news should provide some cheer for the folks in the upper echelons of the administration. India has once more jumped a few places in the ease of doing business rankings. 23 places to be precise, so more than just a few. Besides the catchy name, whats great about that list is that it acts as a fairly reliable weathervane for judging the business climate in any economy. The World Bank ranks 190 countries, so investors have a comparable template to make cross-border investment decisions. The World Banks rankings provide significant inputs towards such decision-making processes. Like with most other things concerned with rankings, India has historically found itself somewhat anchored towards the bottom half of this list. The current administration purports to change that. Our podcast in July had discussed in detail how India had jumped 30 places in these rankings, from 130 to 100. That was a pretty impressive rise, with India improving in indicators like construction permits, credit, protection of minority investors, taxes, contracts and resolving insolvency. There were also some reservations about the World Banks methodology. Now comes news that India has moved up from 100 to 77 in the Doing Business rankings. India was one of the 10 most improved economies, alongside countries like China, Djibouti and Azerbaijan. While 77 is a big improvement for India, considering we were languishing around 130 not too long ago, its still only a middle of the field rank. Rwanda is ranked 29. Let that sink in. To compare, the United States is eighth on the list, Singapore is second, Japan is 39th, China is 46th, Uzbekistan is 76th and Oman is at number 78. Number one? New Zealand. The list gauges a total of 190 countries. In July, we covered in another deep dive what this ease of doing business ranking means in terms thats relatable for common folks like you and I. Today, were looking at what this new rise in ranking means relative to that earlier progress. Indias rise The World Bank report recognises India as one of the top 10 improvers in this years assessment, for the second successive time. India is the only large country this year to have achieved such a significant shift upwards. India has improved this rank by 53 positions in the last two years, and by 65 since 2014. The Doing Business 2019 report bases rankings on field surveys and interviews with corporate lawyers as well as company executives in Delhi and Mumbai. India is seeking to reach the 30th position by 2020, according to the government. Naysayers do point out that there are caveats to the ranking. For instance, the questionnaire does not measure all aspects of the business environment that might be considered by a firm or investors, like macroeconomic conditions, or the level of employment, corruption, stability or poverty, in every country. The World Bank noted that India had improved on six of the 10 parameters relating to starting and doing business in a country - Grant of Construction Permits; Trading Across Borders; Protecting Minority Investors; Getting Electricity; Getting Credit; and Enforcing Contracts. Commerce minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted, We have made notable improvements in 6 important #EoDB indicators and are steadily moving towards implementation of international best practices. India is now ranked 1st among South Asian countries compared to 6th rank in 2014. Anybody else get the feeling weve been aiming a bit low? It must be mentioned that when it comes to Enforcing Contracts, Indias ranking improved only marginally - from 164 to 163. In Starting A Business, India moved from 156 to 137. So were still in the bottom half of the pile. But India showed marked improvement in the other four parameters. The most dramatic changes were related to Construction Permits and Trading Across Borders. In the 'Grant of Construction Permits' indicator, Indias ranking improved from 181 last year to 52 in this years reporta jump of 129 ranks in a single year! By streamlining processes, India made it faster and less expensive to obtain a construction permit. It also improved building quality control by introducing decennial liability and insurance. The cost for completing all procedures to build a warehouse has been slashed to 5.4 percent of the warehouse value, from the earlier 23. percent. The total time needed for obtaining a permit has been reduced to 95 days, from 144 days. Housing and urban affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, What is particularly satisfying is that as business reforms agenda in area of construction permits percolates down from state to district level, we have moved a whopping 129 places to rank at 52 from 181 last year in the same World Bank Report. Anshul Jain, MD of Cushman & Wakefield India, said real estate sector reforms - like the single window clearance in Delhi; online building permit system in Mumbai etc.- augur well for domestic developers. He said commercial markets are doing exceedingly well even as the residential sector is experiencing slow growth. Improvement in credit indicates that startups and SMEs have been able to access structured finance better through financial inclusion and an improved credit cycle. Jain also gave some credit to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. He said, With the new Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in 2018, we expect Indias rankings to improve even further in the next edition. We also expect more improvements in contract enforcements and property registrations as these are critical for business investments and protection of ownership rights. As noted earlier, India still lies at 163 when it comes to enforcing contracts. How did India improve? Shanta Devarajan, the World Bank's Senior Director for Development Economics and Acting Chief Economist, told PTI, said, India is one of our top reformers, one of our top 10 performers. It was also on the top 10 list last year.. two years in a row, which is sometimes very difficult to do. Devarajan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking personal interest in undertaking reforms and initiating measures aimed at improving the ease of doing business in India. Speaking about how India went about making it easier to do business in India (i.e, after getting past the difficulties of starting a business, in which we still rank 130 something) the World Bank noted, The reforms in India included streamlining the process of obtaining a building permit and improved building quality controls Starting a business was made easier through consolidation of multiple application forms and introduction of...GST... while getting electricity was made faster and cheaper. Other reforms in India included strengthening access to credit as well as making it easier and faster to pay taxes and trade across borders. Ramesh Abhishek, secretary with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, said, This... is based on feedback from the ground. When there is such a dramatic improvement...the cost of doing business reduces drastically. That makes our businesses more competitive. That is even more important for micro, small and medium enterprises. He also claimed that when cost and time in construction permits drop, and when there is technology driven governance, it helps anyone who is trying to build property or industry. Livemint noted that letting exporters seal their containers electronically at their own facilities, limiting physical inspections to 5 percent of shipments helped in trade facilitation. In the 'Trading Among Borders' indicator, Indias rank jumped 66 places, from 146 to 80. India is in the top 10 when it comes to Protecting Minority Investors. It is currently ranked seventh for this indicator. The report said, India continued its reform agenda, implementing six reforms in the past year. India is now the regions top-ranked economy. Moneycontrol reported that on the Distance to Frontier metric, which gauges how far an economys policies are from global best practices, Indias score improved from 60.76 to 67.23. What thats means is, India has, in the last year, improved business regulations in absolute terms indicating that it is continuing its steady shift towards global standards. The World Bank estimated the average import into India now spends less than 100 hours being checked for compliance at the border. That wait time used to be over 250 hours per year. Junaid Ahmad, World Bank Country Director in India, said Indias strong reform agenda to improve the business climate for small and medium enterprises is bearing fruit. It is also reflected in the governments strong commitment to broaden the business reforms agenda at the state and now even at the district level. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said India can even enter the top 50 if it improves on time taken for registering real estate, starting business, insolvency and taxation and enforcement of contracts. Radhika Rao, an economist with DBS Bank, told CNBC, This improvement is commendable and timely, even if the benefits of these long-term focused and social plumbing reforms might not buoy growth in the immediate term. Rita Ramalho, Senior Manager of the World Banks Global Indicators Group, praised the work done by India, She said, I was actually somewhat surprised...how big the improvement this year has been for India. So, you never know, India may be able to get it and get big enough improvement to reach the 50 ranking. Livemint claimed the World Bank could not sufficiently account for GST implementation in its ranking for this year as its deadline for tax-related reforms was 31 December 2017. GST had been in place just six months at the time. Hitches in GST filing may have led to a rise in the number of hours taken in a year to file taxes to 275.4 this year from 214 last year. Indias paying taxes ranking dropped to 121 from last years 119. IBC falls under the resolving insolvency. Ono this count, India dropped from 103 to 108, though its score was almost unchanged. That perhaps indicates that other nations may have undertaken more reforms in that regard. Room for improvement Now that were at 77, how do we break into the top 50? More than one bureaucrat and government official has spoken about the Top 50. Officials did make it clear that according the report, there are some areas where serious improvement is imperative. India is lagging far behind the global rankings , placing 137th when it comes to starting a business. India takes 1,445 days, on average, to resolve a commercial dispute. Thats nearly four years! In high income economies, the same dispute is usually resolved in 582 days, or 1.5 years. Ramalho said, This is something that has not changed. Probably one of the more challenging reforms in India is to get the judiciary on board to improve that part." By amending the Commercial Courts Act, the government facilitated the establishment of commercial courts in 250 districts. If these courts dispose of cases faster, India may rank higher on this parameter next year. To improve on the other parameters, ownership and titles need to be online. This comes under the local government. India is also strikingly inefficient when it comes to registration of properties. It is ranked 166 out of 190 countries in this parameter. Business World reported that the average time to transfer properties in Mumbai, one of the cities under consideration, is 80 days while in advanced countries the average time period is 20 days. Ramesh Abhishek says, reforms like GST will be recognised next year...filing of GST returns, which stabilises over a period of time, will get reflected next year. We hope more and more companies turn to resolution and reorganisation, and not liquidation. Our commercial courts are operational in Delhi and Mumbai because of a recent amendment. Once fast-tracking of cases takes place, it will help us. We may achieve it (Top 50) sooner than people thought. Ramalho said about the GST factor, Part of the GST is counted in the report, but we would expect that they'll still be an improvement in their paying taxes indicator due to that. The full impact of the GST would only be felt next year. Firstpost was not entirely impressed by what others claim is good news. Prasanna Mohanty, broadly hinted that the World Banks numbers are susceptible to political manipulation. He wrote, Has higher FDI inflows led to higher GDP growth, higher capital formation (investment) or higher industrial output and capacity utilisation (relevant to Make in India programme)? The answers are a clear No. And thereby hangs a tale. However, others are more optimistic. CII president Rakesh Bharti Mittal said, The revised position will greatly add to the investment attractiveness and competitiveness of the Indian economy. Former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das said, This will enhance competitiveness of Indian economy and generate higher investments, domestic and foreign. This is certainly good news, and this is certainly not the last time we will hear of it. Get ready for WhatsApp forwards, and every single BJP campaigner take a shot at saying Ease of Doing Business Index at every rally there will be in the run up to the 2019 general elections. Sahara Group Chairman Subrata Roy gestures as he arrives at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) headquarters in Mumbai April 10, 2013. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui/File Photo - RTSP2UF Slapped with a fresh Rs 14,000 crore refund order from SEBI, embattled Sahara group on November 2 said it would amount to "double payment" as investors have already been paid all their dues except about Rs 17 crore. In a detailed reaction to the capital markets regulator's order against group firm Sahara India Commercial Corporation Ltd (SICCL) and others including Subrata Roy, Sahara said the directive was against the "spirit of natural law" and it would raise the matter at the appropriate platform. Sahara is already engaged in a long-running legal dispute with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) with regard to an earlier order passed in 2011 for refund of over Rs 24,000 crore by two other firms -- Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd (SHICL). While Sahara has already deposited a significant portion in a SEBI-Sahara account for refund to investors under a Supreme Court-monitored mechanism, the group has maintained it had refunded more than 98 percent of the investors' dues directly to them. As per the last update, Sebi had refunded about Rs 100 crore to the investors after verifying their details. Now in the SICCL case, which involves collection of over Rs 14,000 crore from nearly 2 crore investors through certain bonds between 1998 and 2009, Sahara has again said the refund ordered by the regulator would be a case of double payment. " SICCL has already discharged all its OFCD (optionally fully convertible debentures) liabilities except for Rs 17 crore as outstanding OFCD liability towards 54,804 members. The TDS deducted on interest paid has been deposited with Income Tax Department. Hence the order makes it a case of double payment for the liability, which SICCL has already discharged," the group said. SEBI said SICCL engaged in fund mobilising activity from the public, through the offer of OFCDs and has contravened the provisions of the Companies Act. However, the group said that in 1998, SICCL had taken the written permission from ROC, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, for the first time, for issuing OFCDs. "On our part, everything was done as per law and with all the necessary permissions from the government authorities," Sahara group said. According to the group, its OFCD "issue opened on July 6, 1998 while first proviso to section 67(3) (where there was no restriction of 50 and above issue) of the Companies Act, 1956 was inserted through amendment with effect from December 13, 2000 with prospective effect". "In view of this position of law, the Supreme Court in its order dated August 31, 2012 observed that OFCD issue by SICCL was made in 1998 and it was before the amendment of section 67(3) by Companies Amendment Act, 2000, hence, ROC and not SEBI had jurisdiction in respect of the said OFCDs. That was the valid reason that the Supreme Court did not act anyway against SICCL," the embattled group said. "So this order of SEBI is against the observation and conclusion drawn by the Supreme Court," it added. Countering the regulator's objection that all payments are to be done through banking channel, Sahara Group said it must be recalled here that, till 4 years back, as per the statement of World Bank and Reserve Bank, 50-60 percent of Indians did not have bank accounts. "In Sahara, we have all very small depositors who have never gone to banks and banks have never come to them. They deposit small small amounts in cash and take the repayments in cash. After all, as per the law of the Government of India, then anybody and everybody were allowed to deposit or take repayment in cash up to Rs 20,000 and our all payments were strictly as per law. Now the limit is of Rs 10,000," the group noted. SEBI, in an order dated October 31, found SICCL to have raised over Rs 14,000 crore in violation of rules and has ordered the company and its then directors including Subrata Roy to refund the money with 15 percent annual interest. Also, it barred SICCL as well as its then directors and associated entities from the markets and from associating with any public entity. Tata Motors Tata Motors on November 2 said the company expects to see positive cash flows for the rest of the year for its luxury car unit Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) business. JLR at this point in time, like any other auto original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has a series of external challenges that the company is trying to deal with," said P Balaji, chief financial officer (CFO), Tata Motors. "I think it is a pretty good, long list of issues that we have. What we are trying to look at it and say that the net impact of all this is the demand is likely to remain muted for the near-term to the medium-term, that is what we are reading, he said. Also read: Tata Motors Standalone September 2018 net sales at Rs 17,758.69 crore, up 32.53% QoQ The company's objective is to create value and sustainable profitable growth and that is what JLR is all about and what they are focused on, Balaji added. Earlier this week, Tata Motors announced a turnaround plan for its luxury car unit Jaguar Land Rover which has been hit hard by trade tensions between China and the US, low demand for diesel cars in Europe and worries over Brexit. The auto major on October 31 reported a consolidated loss of Rs 1,048 crore in the three months ended September 30, 2018, on weak JLR sales. Source: CNBC-TV18 eye-on-india Weekend Explainer | All you need to know about EB-5, H-1Bs lesser-known cousin Moneycontrol's Neha Alawadhi draws a comparison between the H-1B and EB-5 visas, the two most widely used legal documents for passage to the US Relatives of victims of train accident raise anti-government slogans at a railway crossing near the accident site in Amritsar. (PTI) The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety will probe the Amritsar tragedy in which 60 Dussehra revellers were mowed down by a passing train, the Indian Railways has said, nearly two weeks after it had ruled out any investigation into the tragedy. A day after the accident on October 19, the railways had termed it a "case of trespassing". The probe will begin on November 4, according to a notification issued by the Northern Railway. Through the notification, the railways has invited people who have information regarding the accident to depose before the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), Sailesh Pathak, at the premises of the Railway Mechanical Workshop, Amritsar. It will continue till November 5. Despite refusing a CRS probe earlier, in a statement Friday, the railways, however, said since the CCRS can conduct an inquiry even in those cases where it is not mandatory as per law and rules, it will do the same in this case as well. It said the accident has "become a matter of great public discourse", especially raising concerns about the safety of people trespassing on railway tracks. "Gurjeet Singh Aujla, MP from Amritsar, met Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal and personally handed over his letter dated October 23 and requested for an inquiry by Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) in this incident. The Ministry of Railways has considered this request and other facts, circumstances and legal provisions," the railways said. It said according to law, it is not mandatory to conduct an inquiry by Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety in such cases, but it is not impermissible either. Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, Lucknow, has ordered a statutory inquiry into the circumstances that led to the accident, the railways said but added that prima facie the transporter does not appear to be responsible for the accident. The Commission of Railway Safety, working under the administrative control of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, deals with matters pertaining to safety of rail travel and train operation. It is charged with statutory functions as laid down in the Railways Act (1989), which are of an inspectorial, investigatory and advisory nature. Sixty people were crushed to death by a train coming from Jalandhar on October 19, when they were watching an effigy of Ravana being burnt at a ground near railway tracks at Joda Phatak. The railways had washed its hands off the matter, saying that it had not been intimated about the Dussehra event in advance and had pointed out that the spectators on the tracks were trespassers. India and other leading oil buyers will benefit from the waiver the United States has granted them from Iran sanctions, the South Asian nation's oil minister said on November 3. The US said it will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil when it re-imposes sanctions on November 5 to try to force Iran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities. It did not name the countries which would benefit. India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said it won the waiver largely due to a forceful campaign by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India had been vocal at international forums about rising oil prices and its impact on the economy. "In the current geopolitically challenging scenario, India has managed to convince international leaders," Pradhan told reporters in New Delhi. Having abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, US President Donald Trump is trying to cripple Iran's oil-dependent economy and force Tehran to quash not only its nuclear ambitions and its ballistic missile programme but its support for militant proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East. China, India, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Japan have been top importers of Iran's oil, while Taiwan occasionally buys cargoes of Iranian crude but is not a major buyer. Further details of the US's decision on Iran sanctions will be released on November 5. Eight years ago, foreign educational institutions anticipated the biggest change in the education policy in the country. The Foreign Educational (Regulations of Entry and Operations) Bill 2010 proposed to allow international institutes to enter India and set up campuses in the country. However, it has been a long wait since then because the law makers could not come to a consensus on the model. When the Bill was first formulated, it was anticipated that some of the Ivy League educational institutions from the United States would be keen to set up campuses in India. However, they clarified that they were not interested in setting up campuses outside their home location. Executive education or training senior management professionals was the only off-campus activity that they are keen on. But several large institutions from Europe and Southeast Asia were keen to enter India. The demographic dividend and the fact that they could provide students with an opportunity to get a degree from abroad were the pitches they gave to real estate developers to get land at a cheap cost. Deals were struck even before an official confirmation was given on the law. A lot of these institutes had dubious credentials and gave rise to fears that students may end with unaccredited degrees. Also, considering the shortage of teaching staff across higher educational institutions, there was also a fear that existing staff from local institutes would move to international school campuses in India. But the Bill never saw the light of the day. The government has been unable to get a consensus on this law since some MPs have said that this will lead to students preferring international school campuses as against local institutes. About 30 foreign institutes that had firmed up plans to enter the country had to change their focus to the other markets. Even after extensive discussions with the then Human Resource Ministry, they had to drop their plans. "The plan is on track but we cannot give you a definite timeline," the institutes were told in 2012-13. Almost five years have passed and no decision has been taken yet. At least 20 percent of the international institutes have decided to not pursue their India ambitions while the rest are still hoping for a green signal. The whole idea behind the plan was to enable Indian students to get an international degree at a significantly cheaper cost. The governments aim was to also encourage students to stay back for employment in India, thereby, preventing a brain-drain. Considering that 2019 is the year of the general elections, this is not a priority item on the governments list. Even after the new government is elected, they are unlikely to take it up on an immediate basis. It is only in 2020 that the proposal may be tabled again in the Parliament. Now the real question is, is it worth for international institutions to wait for a bill for 10 years? Whether it is an incumbent or a new party that comes to power, one fact is clear. Immediate entry relaxations for foreign institutions are not on the agenda. With no roadmap in sight, it is advisable to pursue similar ambitions at other markets. assembly elections 2018,telangana assembly polls 2018 With just a month to go for its first independent polls, the political scene is brisk in Telangana the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the opposition parties are all engaged in attacking each other. TRS president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who has gone for early polls by dissolving the assembly on September 6 ahead of its term, has been targeting the proposed Congress-led alliance comprising Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), seeking to invoke the Telangana sentiment. On the other hand, Congress is dubbing the performance of the TRS government disastrous. The party has been constantly attacking the state government over its policies and trying to woo voters ahead of the December 7 polls. Though the war of words are mainly between the TRS and the Congress-led alliance (termed as Prajakutami), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also eyeing the state. The party is targeting both the TRS and the alliance on various grounds, in its effort to add one more state in its kitty. Also read: Rahul Gandhi promises farm loan waiver in Telangana, accuses Modi, KCR of making false promises Besides these parties, All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, is also in the fray. The party, which had won seven seats out of 20 it contested on in the last assembly elections, is said to be all set to spread its political clout in the state. As the election season has gained momentum, let's take a look at major poll issues raised by political parties: Farmer distress The economy of Telangana is mainly supported by agriculture, having overall 55.54 lakh farm holdings. This is divided into marginal, small, semi-medium, medium and large farm holdings, according to NITI Aayog data. Though the state has two rivers Godavari and Krishna providing irrigation, the farmers are largely dependent on rain-fed water sources for crops. Besides being a part of Telanganas economy, the sector plays an important role in state politics. Since the beginning of its regime, TRS stressed on farmers welfare with launching several beneficial schemes like Rythu Bandhu to give financial support to farmers, Mission Kakatiya to remove silt from irrigation tanks, among others. In the run-up to the assembly polls, the party candidates are massively highlighting the schemes. It has further announced loan waiver of up to Rs 1 lakh to benefit 42 lakh farmers, besides enhancement on existing schemes to be included in its poll manifesto. Also read | Here's why the battle gets tougher for KCR this time On the other hand, the opposition is trying to take over the ruling party on farm distress. Attacking the government, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, in a rally in the state, alleged that 4,500 farmers had committed suicides in Telangana in the past four years, as KCR neglected their problems. BJP chief Amit Shah had also attacked TRS on farmers issue. People have not forgotten how in Khammam farmers were handcuffed for demanding minimum support prices, said Shah invoking farmers sentiments against the ruling party. Land Acquisition The TRS government has faced massive protest by opposition parties, including Congress and TDP members, on Land Acquisition Act. The Congress has raising the issue against the government in poll campaigns. In Telangana, the KCR government enacted its own land act seeking to forcibly acquire the land from farmers without paying proper compensation, Rahul Gandhi had said in a rally in October. Unemployment Unemployment among the people of Telangana has become a major poll issue this time. The government has been constantly attacked by opposition over lack of employment in the state. To tackle the criticism, the TRS announced to include allowance for unemployed individuals of Rs 3,016 per month in its poll manifesto. The party, however, drew opposition fire over the announcement. Instead of filling up vacancies (in government offices), KCR is promising unemployment allowance; this looks ridiculous and insulting and cheating the unemployed youth, CPI National General Secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy told news agency PTI. The Congress has also promised to provide employment opportunities to every youth. Anti-incumbency While the TRS claims to be the most popular political party in the state, stating its policies launched in public interest since coming to power. However, it may face some hurdles in gaining support of people over issues that has sparked controversies during its tenure. The other political parties is leaving no chance to highlight discrepancies of the ruling government in order to divert the voters from voting TRS. Madhya Pradesh will head for voting on November 28 in a single-phase election to elect a new Legislative Assembly. Counting of votes will happen along with Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana on December 11. The state assembly comprises 230 elected members and a nominated member. Out of the 230 electable seats, 35 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 47 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs). In 2013, Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retained power with a thumping majority. BJP won 165 seats while the principle opposition party Indian National Congress bagged 58 seats. Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had won four seats while Independent candidates had managed to win three seats. The Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) elected in 2013 included a mix of people across communities, groups and backgrounds. Rich legislators A report by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) analysed elected MLAs over various parameters including their financial assets, educational qualifications and criminal cases, among other things. The report, however, analyses only the MLAs elected in 2013 and not those elected in subsequent by-elections. According to the report, compiled on the basis of election affidavits filed by these MLAs, 161 crorepatis were elected to the Assembly in 2013. Around 72 percent of BJPs MLAs were crorepatis against 69 percent of the Congress legislators in the state. The number saw a spike from 2008 when 36 percent BJP MLAs and 53 percent Congress MLAs were crorepatis. While the average assets for BJP MLAs was Rs 4.61 crore, average assets of Congress MLAs was Rs 7.11 crore. Average assets of the three Independent legislators was Rs 6.72 crore. Congress Sanjay Pathak had the highest declared assets of Rs 121.32 crore followed by BJPs Chetan Kashyap with assets worth Rs 120.29 crore. Pathak also had the highest declared liability worth Rs 48.70 crore. Criminal cases In 2013, a total of 73 MLAs with criminal cases against them were elected to the Assembly. This ran through party lines. This makes up around 32 percent of the legislators. Out of the 165 elected BJP MLAs, 48 had criminal cases against them. This was against 22 Congress MLAs (out of 58). Two out of the three Independent MLAs also had criminal cases against them. As many as 45 legislators had declared serious criminal cases such as kidnapping, banditry, extortion and assault against women, among others. In 2008, 26 percent (58) MLAs had declared criminal cases out of the 219 MLAs analysed then. Gender representation Madhya Pradesh is one of the states to have 50 percent womens reservation in Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs). However, as we go higher in the order of governance, womens representation falls drastically. In 2013, only 30 women were elected to the Legislative Assembly. The situation was worse in 2008 with only 25 women MLAs being elected. Out of the 30, 22 came from the BJP while six came from Congress. Two out of the four BSP MLAs were women. None of the independent MLAs were women. Education and age As many as 155 MLAs have an education qualification equivalent to graduate or above. This amounts to 67 percent of the legislators. Around 32 percent declared there qualification to be 12th pass or below. Two MLAs declared themselves as literate. Three legislators were doctorate. Around 39 MLAs were aged 40 or less while 157 MLAs were between 41 and 60 years. Another 34 MLAs were aged above 60 years. Age group 51-60 had the highest number of MLAs with 72. A voter displays her voter identity card as others wait for their turn to cast their ballot during an assembly election at a polling booth in Aizawl, capital of Mizoram, December 2, 2008. (Image- Reuters) Mizoram is heading for polls on November 28 in a single-phase manner. The results will be out on December 11. Before the polls, here's a look at the state's political and electoral history: Political history Originally part of Assam, Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on February 20, 1987. The first elections were held in the in the state in 1987. When Assam was split, the Mizo hills area was declared Mizoram after insurgency and it received status of a Union Territory in 1972. A peace accord was signed between the central government and insurgent groups of Mizoram on June 30, 1986. The insurgents then surrendered their arms, ending two-decades long terrorism in the northeastern state. After becoming a state, Mizoram has witnessed elections at five-year intervals. Last polls held in the state were on November 25, 2013 for 40 seats of legislative assembly. The state saw a voter turnout of 81 percent, and Congress came to power. Electoral history Mizoram has been under Congress rule for a decade under the leadership of Chief Minister Lal Thanhawala. He is the third-longest serving chief minister in the country, cumulatively. This year, the party is all set to contest all the 40 seats in the upcoming polls. The 79-year-old leader, who has been the chief minister of Mizoram for five times, is one of the prominent names in the fray. He has been the chief minister of the state since 11 December 2008. Before this, he was in this position from 1984 to 1986 and from 1989 to 1998. He again took the chief minister's post in 2013. His electoral constituencies are Serchhip and Hrangturzo. He has successfully contested the general elections nine times 1978, 1979, 1984, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2008, and 2013. In the 2008 assembly poll, the Congress won 32 out of the 40 seats with 39 percent vote share, while the major Opposition party in Mizoram Mizo National Front (MNF) had three seats with 31 percent vote share. In 2013, the Congress increased both its seat count and the vote share (34 and 45 percent) while the MNF saw its vote share decrease to 29 percent but walked away with five seats. In the last Lok Sabha election, Mizoram sent a Congress representative to Parliament the states lone MP. Congress 2013 win in Mizoram can be credited to Thanhawlas efforts who won 34 seats in the 40-member legislative assembly, two seats more than the 2008 election. In comparison to Congress, the major opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) barely won five seats, while Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) won one seat. The Mizo National Front won the 1998 and 2003 state elections and had formed the government for two terms. The partys leader, Zoramthanga, has been chief minister of the state twice. As for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that is aiming for Congress-mukt (free) northeast India, things arent going the saffron way in Mizoram. The party has contested elections in the northeastern state five times but never came to power. For a long time in the Northeast, the battle was between the Congress and regional parties. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) interrupted the status quo. While it is ruling Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, it supports coalition governments in Meghalaya and Nagaland. Hence, winning Mizoram polls would help the party achieve its mission of a Congress-mukt (free) Northeast India. But it wouldnt be easy for BJP to come to power in Mizoram. Around 87 percent of the population is Christian, according to the 2011 census, and reports indicate that Mizos still view the BJP with skepticism. The party has been trying to combine its Hindutva image with a pro-minority face. However, this became challenging after the beef ban. While BJP candidates are making efforts to dispel myths about the party being Satanic for the Christians, Congress is taking advantage of the situation. Prior to polls in Meghalaya, Congress had even launched a campaign saying if BJP comes to power, it will impose Hindutva on Christians. Despite contesting elections in Mizoram five times, things arent going the saffron way in the northeastern state. Experts are of the opinion that toppling the present Lal Thanhawla-led Congress government would be a Herculean task for any party. But the fight for Mizoram will not be easy for Congress either. There is anti-incumbency brewing. The Congress-led government has had to face flak on two accounts state of the infrastructure, and lifting of ban on alcohol. Mizorams roads are in a terrible condition, and they have not seen any improvement over the two terms that the Congress has enjoyed there. There are also reports of increased alcohol-related deaths in the state. The Congress lifted the prohibition which existed before. Using these as the platform and challenging the Congress is not so much the BJP, but the MNF (Mizo National Front). The northeastern state has been swinging between Congress and the Mizo National Front (MNF) since 1984 (although with a short Presidents rule in 1988). Two Congress leaders recently quit the party to join the MNF. Dr BD Chakma, former minister and a Chakma tribe leader, has recently quit the Congress to join the BJP. Regional parties pose more threat to Congress than BJP. Parties like MNF, National Peoples Party (NPP), Zoram National Party (ZNP) and Mizo Peoples Convention (MPC) are in the fray. The major opposition party, MNF had formed the government for two terms and its leader Zoramthanga has been twice the Chief Minister of the state. The party is banking on anti-incumbency and their new recruits R Lalzirliana and Lalrinliana Sailo to spice up their campaigns. In the 2008 assembly poll, the Congress won 32 out of the 40 seats with 39 percent voteshare, while the MNF had three seats with 31 percent voteshare. In 2013, the Congress increased both its seat count and the voteshare (34 and 45 percent) while the MNF saw its voteshare decrease to 29 percent but walked away with five seats. In the last Lok Sabha election, Mizoram sent a Congress representative to the parliament the states lone MP. The BJP is trying to create a dent in this otherwise two-head race. Party President Amit Shah spoke to about 7,000 BJP workers in Aizawl and accused the Chief Minister Lal Thanhwala of running a corrupt and dynastic rule in the state. He claimed the CM was trying to install his younger brother, currently the health minister, as the next chief minister. Although a small state with only 7.68 lakh people on the rolls, Mizoram will be an important battlefield for the Congress and the BJP. While the former will test its ability to hold the only post they currently have in the north east, for the latter it will be the last frontier to be won in northeast India. Mizoram goes to the hustings on November 28, and results will be announced on December 11. Rahul Gandhi Congress president Congress president Rahul Gandhi lashed out on Saturday at the Uttar Pradesh government over the caning of aspiring teachers protesting over the court rulings that quashed the results of two recruitment exams, saying those responsible for shaping the future of children are being beaten up. The police used canes on Friday to disperse people protesting in Lucknow against two court rulings that quashed the selection of over 12,000 government teachers and also ordered a CBI probe into the process to appoint 68,500 more. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had struck down on Thursday the selection of 12,460 assistant teachers through an exam advertised in 2016, during the term of the Akhilesh Yadav government. The other order came as a major embarrassment for the Yogi Adityanath government. The bench directed the CBI to investigate a recruitment exercise begun earlier this year to fill 68,500 posts. Reacting to the protests, Gandhi posted pictures of the injured protesters, saying people who are responsible for making the future of the children are being beaten up. "Two crore jobs were promised but look at the response of the Yogi government in UP over demands by youth for recruitment of 68,500 assistant teachers. Those who are responsible for the future of children, their own future being hurt?" Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi Congress is with the assistant teachers in the state. The youth will soon respond to this, he said in the same tweet. People belonging to the Dalit community take part in a nationwide strike called by several Dalit organisations, in Kasba Bonli, Rajasthan, India, April 2, 2018. Picture taken April 2, 2018. REUTERS/Krishna N. Das According to the 2016 NCRB report, Rajasthan accounts for the third-highest number of crimes involving atrocities against the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), with Jaipur accounting for more than half the number of such crimes in metropolitan cities. An interesting statistic that came out of that report was that Rajasthan was the only state that disposed of 38 such cases using the method of plea bargaining. A total of 1,063 cases were disposed of by the Rajasthan police in 2016 for want of evidence. This is not the only indicator of the growing resentment that the Dalit community has against the ruling BJP government in the state. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court had read down the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, saying a preliminary inquiry would be conducted before registering an FIR against alleged perpetrators and that the accused will now have a right to seek anticipatory bail. This enraged the Dalits, triggering mass protests across the country. The tremendous anger in the Dalit community of Rajasthan was mobilized into aggressive protests on April 2 and nationwide bandhs. According to The Caravan, 311 FIRs were filed against people belonging to the SC/ST community after April 2, and none of them have been withdrawn. People belonging to the Dalit community shout slogans as they take part in a nationwide bandh called by several Dalit organisations, in Kasba Bonli, in Rajasthan, on April 2, 2018. (Image: Reuters) The incident may have reminded the community of the Dangawas violence of 2014. In May 2014, there was a dispute between the Meghwals (belonging to Scheduled Caste) and the Jats over a 15-acre plot of land in the Dangawas village of Nagaur district. The dispute escalated quickly into a violent altercation, killing five Dalits, who claimed to be the caretakers of that land. Also Read: The caste dynamics in the state and the race for reservations At that time, Meghwals ran from pillar to post seeking justice, but in vain. In fact, 16 of the 32 MLAs of seats reserved for SCs are Meghwals. Yet, none of them allegedly lent their support to the community at that time, including the MLA of Dangawas. Rajasthans Dalits comprise around 18 percent of the total population, out of which Meghwals constitute more than 50 percent. The Meghwals are concentrated in the central and western part of the state. Meanwhile, the other half of the Dalit community comprises the Bairwas, the Raigars, and the Jatavs who are concentrated in the eastern districts that border Uttar Pradesh. Besides, more than 20 percent of the community is urban and comprises the entrepreneurial Khatiqs, the Valmiki and the Jingar sub-castes. Also Read: Fissures in the Rajput-BJP relationship could hurt the party Amongst these, Meghwals have been the most vocal about their exasperation with the ruling dispensation, and are most likely to vote for the Congress. The voting patterns of the Jatavs is similar to that of their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh and they are likely to vote for Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party. While the urban Dalits are more inclined towards the saffron party, the Bairwas are torn between the Congress and the BJP. The BJP, it seems, has taken cognizance of the issue and is treading on the path of course correction. As a part of their outreach programme, the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government announced a loan waiver amounting to Rs 114 crore in September this year. However, the Dalits are piqued with their scanty representation in the higher judiciary and education sector, and the saffron party will have to work really hard to earn back the Dalit vote. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Diwali festivities have begun on a somber note for car and SUV manufacturing companies. Retail demand is lower in most parts of the country, forcing dealers to shell out higher-than-usual discounts. Meanwhile, there were no new launches in the past few days barring a few motorcycle upgrades. Here is a look at what made headlines in the automotive space during the week: Mahindra Trucks is getting orders from top 100 large fleets Launched 13 years ago, the truck and bus making company of Mahindra Group is looking to improve its market share, with a series of launches over the last couple of years targeting large fleet operators. At least 65 of the top 100 large fleet truck owners have switched to trucks made by Mahindra. Three of these fleet owners have completely switched to Mahindra's products, claimed a top company executive speaking to Moneycontrol. Tata Motors to slash capex for JLR to cut costs Tata Motors, the parent company of Jaguar-Land Rover (JLR), said it will reduce capital expenditure by 2.5 billion pounds over the next two years to soften the blow from a sales freefall in China, even as uncertainty looms on future demand in the world's biggest automotive market. The company will reduce capex in the two British brands by 11 percent over the next two years resulting in total savings of 1 billion pounds. Its capex plan now stands reduced to 4 billion pounds per year from 4.5 billion pounds announced earlier. Royal Enfield loses 25,000 units to strike Eicher Motors said it produced 25,000 units less during September and October of Royal Enfield bikes than earlier planned following a workers' strike at its plant in Oragadam, near Chennai. Workers at the manufacturing facility were on strike last month asking for pay increment, right to organise unions and job security. The company stated that its facility-based forums will solve all concerns amicably and will remain engaged with associated officials. Tata Motors posts Rs 1,048 crore loss in Q2 Tata Motors on Wednesday reported consolidated loss of Rs 1,048 crore for the quarter ended September 2018, impacted largely by disappointing performance of Jaguar Land Rover which also reported loss of 101 million pounds. Profit for the September quarter 2017 stood at Rs 2,483 crore. On sequential basis, loss has been narrowed from Rs 1,902.4 crore in June quarter. Provision for impairment of capital work-in-progress and intangibles under development (Rs 93.21 crore) and provision for costs of closure of operation of a subsidiary (Rs 437.08 crore) also hit bottomline. Carmakers fear a muted Diwali this year Discounts on Maruti Suzuki hit a new yearly high this year during the second quarter. A Maruti Suzuki official said discounts during Q2 was up 23 percent to Rs 18,750 than the same period last year. In addition to what was offered directly by the company, dealers come out with their own offers which often pushes customer benefits value to more than 10 percent of the value of the vehicle. These benefits are free insurance or registration costs, extended annual maintenance contracts, free fuel, car and seat covers, gold or silver coins, exchange bonuses to name a few. Manufacturers are not able to push volumes to the commercial segment either where demand has unexpectedly dipped sharply over the course of last few quarters. Hyundai, one of the biggest suppliers of vehicles to the commercial buyers who operate under Uber and Ola, has repeatedly seen only low single-digit growth this year. High interest costs, increased insurance premiums, hiked fuel costs and the general negative sentiment in the market has taken a toll on retail off-take this year. Banks and NBFCs have slapped extra scrutiny on car loans in the light of increased cases of non-performing assets (NPA). Only newly launched models have attracted demand. Hyundai, for instance, claims to have received more than 23,000 bookings for the all-new Santro. This Hyundai remained the only new model to be launched during this Diwali. Struggling carmaker Ford received a bump up in volumes with the launch of the new Aspire. Tata Motors launched upgraded versions and new variants of the Nexon, Tigor and Tiago. Maruti Suzuki launched yet another limited edition version of the Wagon R. With these new additions and extra discount offers, companies would struggle to go past their previous years total during the festive days. Dealers across the country are saddled with extra inventory which, if not liquidated before the end of the month, will result in production cut during December by carmakers. Maruti Suzuki chairman R C Bhargava said if the inventory does not get corrected during the festive days, it will have a direct bearing on production schedules. Business transactions worth over Rs 6.55 crore took place between India and China this year through the border at Lipukekh pass in Uttarakhand. Total business transacted between the two countries through the border this year was Rs 6.55 crore. Of which imports by Indian traders stood at Rs 5.59 crore and exports by them stood at Rs 96.5 lakh, trade officer PS Kutiyal told PTI on phone from Dharchula. Border trade between the two countries through the Lipukekh pass conducted for five months from June to October at Taklakot mart in Western Tibet on the Chinese side. A total of 244 Indians, including 70 traders and 174 helpers, went to Taklakot mart this year to do business with their Chinese counterparts, the trade officer said. Indo-China border trade, aimed at strengthening the economy of tribal border villages was resumed in the year 1992. The traditional trade with erstwhile Tibet had been closed after the 1962 border conflict between two countries. Ajit Jogi Months before the dates for Chhattisgarh assembly polls were announced, Ajit Jogi, the wheel-chair bound former and the first chief minister of the state announced an alliance with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati. The alliance suited both: for Mayawati, it was a stern message to the Congress, keeping in mind both the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. For Jogi, it was, experts observed, a bid to stake claim to the top post for perhaps one last time by repeating what Kumaraswamy did in Karnataka: turning into a kingmaker, or perhaps, as he said on November 3, the king. That might, however, be easier said than done. For Jogi to lay claim to the kingmaker status, and then to the chief ministerial post from there on, the JCC-BSP-CPI alliance will have to grab at least 10 seats in a 90-seat assembly. That, political observers feel, is difficult. Jogi is definitely a factor, Partha Das, a psephologist, told Moneycontrol. But I dont believe that he will emerge as the kingmaker, he said, reasoning that while Jogi has influence in the tribal belt, it is not significant enough to bring him the seats he would need. BSP generally tries to align with strong candidates and players. Mayawati always looks for strong players not associated with either BJP or Congress. She has support in certain parts of Madhya Pradesh, but doesnt have the kind of support in Chhattisgarh, because the BSP vote is Jatav vote, and Jatav population is low in Chhattisgarh, Das said, adding that the Communist Party of India the third partner might make an impression in at least two constituencies, but that wont get Jogi anywhere near the power he wants. Not that Jogi is a stranger to power. He was the chief minister of the state for three years from 2000-2003. He had remained close to several senior Congress leaders during the 9s, shifting alliances and jumping ship from camps as and when it suited him, till he eventually landed the top job after Madhya Pradesh was divided. Also Read: The story of another third front, 15 years ago For three years, according to reports, Jogi ruled the state through a bureaucratic style. That is not surprising, considering that he himself was one before he entered politics: he cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, became an IPS officer and then an IAS officer. As the District Magistrate (DM) of Raipur in 1980, he was deciding on the fate of Vidya Charan Shukla, a senior Congress leader who was sentenced to three years of imprisonment. Jogi eventually let Shukla contest the parliamentary elections, only to bitterly fight with him 23 years later during the 2003 Chhattisgarh assembly elections. Jogis career as a bureaucrat spanned almost two decades, 12 of which he spent as the DM of various districts in the heartland he now wants to rule for the second time. Observers feel that if Jogi manages to gain enough seats, and if the Chhattisgarh elections throw up a hung assembly, he would hope to piggybank on either the Congress or BJP and bargain hard for the top post. Most experts have observed that the third front, however, does not possess the calibre to engineer something like that. The third front is not something new that has emerged I dont think BSP will play as important a role as is being expected. Even in 2013, I dont think people voted for the one BSP candidate on the basis of the party line. They voted for the candidate, Amit Kumar Gupta, assistant professor of political science at Guru Ghasidas Central University in Bilaspur had told Moneycontrol. Also Read: 5 years and a third front later, how will NOTA votes pan out this election? Das feels that Jogi, who wields influence in the tribal belt, might eat into the Congress vote bank. I think Jogi will spoil Congress chances in 8-9 seats in the southern belt of the state. But he will not win. There is no hype or a particular movement attached with Jogi, he reasoned. Jogi, who formed Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) in 2016 after resigning from the Congress following the suspension of his son Amit Jogi for anti-party activities, is known to have a considerable sway over the Satnami community. The community has a dominant presence in 10 tribal seats in the state, nine out of which are being held by the BJP. Bhawesh Jha, the director of CNX, feels that Jogis ability to eat into the BJPs voter base is being underestimated. I think a lot of people are forgetting the fact that BJP is going to be equally at loss because of the alliance. Even if the JCC-BSP alliance bags two or three seats out those 10, it would matter to the BJP, Jha had told Moneycontrol. A 2003 profile of Jogi, when he was bidding for a re-election, stated that if Jogi wins the election, "he wins it all, a loss will consign him to the Congress dustbin..." Jogi didn't win that election, but he was not, strictly speaking, consigned to the Congress dustbin either. He remained somewhere on the edge, getting entangled in alleged scams and scandals. Within Congress too, Jogi was sidelined, which led to his rebellion before the 2013 elections. The party, reeling under the shock of a Maoist attack that wiped out most of its senior leadership, tried to placate the leader, but things eventually got to a head in 2015 when he and his son were accused of ''fixing" the Antagarh bypoll. Jogi's son Amit was suspended, and the senior Jogi floated JCC in 2016. Also Read: Scandals, scams and sleaze: Chhattisgarhs history with tape-gate politics Observers point out that Congress does not have a credible face in Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel is caught in the "sex CD" scandal, TS Singh Deo does not have the required appeal, and the party itself is reportedly battling infighting. "Congress should have built Jogi as the face of the party in Chhattisgarh after 2013," Jha said. "He was the only senior leader who was capable of being the party's face in the state. Congress and Jogi both lost the opportunity," he added. Jogi, however, might feel otherwise. Experts have noted that as a senior leader both inside and outside the Congress fold, Jogi has kept his lines open with both the BJP and Congress. Interestingly, none of the two national parties seem to be taking a potshot at Jogi during their respective campaigns, hinting either at an open post-poll possibility, or just apathy. The latter does not seem to be the case, however, as Chief Minister Raman Singh noted in an interview with CNN-News18 on November 2: "The JCC-BSP alliance will certainly be a factor. It will only be determined when the results come out." Investigators examine parts of a Lion Air jet that crashed into the sea at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia. Divers recovered the flight data recorder from the Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane crashed early Monday on the seafloor, a crucial development in the investigation into what caused the 2-month-old plane to plunge into Indonesian seas earlier this week, killing all people on board. (AP/PTI) An Indonesian diver died while recovering body parts from the ill-fated Lion Air plane which crashed into the sea killing 189 people, an official said on November 3. Syachrul Anto, 48, who died on November 2, was part of the team searching for body parts and debris from the jet in the Java Sea. "He was a volunteer with the Search and Rescue Agency," Isswarto, commander of the Indonesian navy's search and rescue division, told AFP. It is believed he died from decompression, he added. Anto had previously served in Palu which suffered from an earthquake and tsunami in September and also took part in the evacuation process of an Air Asia plane crash nearly four years ago. The Lion Air plane which plummeted on October 29 was en route from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang city on Sumatra island. It plunged into the water just minutes after takeoff, killing everyone on board. Officials on Thursday retrieved the Flight Data Recorder but are still searching for the second black box, the Cockpit Voice Recorder, which could answer the question as to why the brand new Boeing-737 MAX 8 crashed. The budget carrier's admission that the doomed jet had a technical issue on a previous flight -- as well its abrupt fatal dive -- have raised questions about whether it had mechanical faults specific to the new model. At least 73 bags containing body parts have been retrieved from the waters so far but only four have been identified. Founded in 1999, Lion Air is a budget airline operating in Indonesia and in some parts of Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East. But it has been plagued by safety concerns and customer complaints over unreliable scheduling and poor service. The carrier 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. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gives address on TV after ... DNA India Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gives address on TV after casting vote in Iran's presidential election Iran's top leader said on November 3 that US President Donald Trump's policies face opposition across the world as Washington prepared to reimpose sanctions on Iran's vital oil-exporting and financial sectors, state television reported. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also said Iran's arch-adversary the US had failed to reassert its domination over Iran since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the US-backed Shah. "The world opposes every decision made by Trump," Iranian state television quoted Khamenei as saying during a meeting with thousands of students. "America's goal has been to re-establish the domination it had (before 1979) but it has failed. America has been defeated by the Islamic Republic over the past 40 years." Washington will on November 5 reintroduce far-reaching sanctions on Iran's vital oil sales and banking sectors to try to force the Islamic Republic into negotiations to scrap its nuclear energy and ballistic missile programmes and end its support for proxies in conflicts across the Middle East. However, the Trump administration has said that eight importing countries would temporarily be allowed to keep buying Iranian oil when sanctions come back into effect. Iran is the world's No. 3 oil exporter. Turkey said on November 3 that Ankara had received initial indications from Washington that it would be granted a waiver, but is awaiting clarification on Monday. Most international sanctions on Iran were lifted in early 2016 under a deal Iran signed with world powers the year before under which it curbed its uranium enrichment programme, widely seen abroad as a disguised effort to develop an atomic bomb. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif spoke by telephone with the European Union's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, and his counterparts from Germany, Sweden and Denmark about European measures to counter the U.S. sanctions, the Iranian state news agency IRNA reported. "Mogherini and the European ministers ... highlighted the importance of the finance ministers' commitment to Europe's financial mechanism to save the Iran nuclear deal and said the mechanism will be operational in the coming days," IRNA said. Diplomats told Reuters last week that the new EU mechanism to facilitate payments for Iranian exports should be legally in place by Nov 4, when the next phase of US sanctions hit, but will not be operational until early next year. The EU, France, Germany and Britain - all co-signatories, along with Russia and China, to the nuclear deal with Iran - said in a joint statement on Friday they regretted Trump's decision to restore sanctions on Iran. With the sanctions clampdown, Trump is seeking to push Iran to end uranium enrichment outright, and halt its ballistic missile development and support for proxy forces in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East. "Iran ... will not permit the Trump regime, which has made American foreign policy devoid of any principles, to reach its illegitimate goals," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by IRNA. Trump denounced the nuclear deal, approved by his predecessor Barack Obama, as flawed in Iran's favour and withdrew Washington from the pact in May. Pakistan suspended mobile phone networks in major cities on Friday and many schools were closed as Islamist groups protested for a third day against the acquittal of a Christian woman facing the death penalty for blasphemy. The Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the conviction of Asia Bibi, a mother of five, and ordered her freed. She had been living on death row since 2010 after being convicted under Pakistan's tough blasphemy laws. The case outraged Christians worldwide and has been a source of division within Pakistan, where two politicians who sought to help Bibi were assassinated. The Supreme Court decision enraged hardline Islamists, in particular, members of a group called the Tehreek-e-Labaik (TLP), who have taken to the streets to call for the death of the judges who made the decision and the ouster of the government. Authorities, including members of the main military security agency, held negotiations with the leader of the group late on Thursday but they came to no agreement, the TLP leader, Khadim Hussain Rizvi, said. The spokesman for the military said the armed forces hoped the "matter is resolved without the disruption of peace". "Both sides should talk amongst themselves, and we should not reach the stage where this matter comes under the ambit of the armed forces," he told state-run PTV channel. On Friday, telephone networks were down in the capital, Islamabad, and the eastern city of Lahore, where pockets of TLP protesters blocked main roads. "All services have been shut down by the government," said a customer service representative at one of Pakistan's main mobile phone companies, while declining to elaborate. Authorities in Pakistan often shut down mobile phone networks in the hope of distrusting the organisation of protests. Schools across the most populous province of Punjab were closed. In the commercial hub of Karachi in the south, normally bustling markets were shuttered. A Reuters photographer saw about 100 protesters using stones, pieces of wood and motor-bikes to create a barricade across one main road. Bibi's whereabouts were not known on Friday. Her family has been in hiding this week. British and Irish ministers said Friday they were "very close" to agreeing how to keep open the land border between them after Brexit, which is holding up a divorce deal with the EU. "I think we're very close to resolving it, I certainly hope we are," Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told reporters after talks in Dublin. British Cabinet Office minister David Lidington told the same press conference: "We're certainly, as Simon says, very close to resolving it." He added that negotiations in Brussels now need to "continue and intensify further". But neither minister gave details of how they were going to break the impasse over the border, which has prompted fears that Britain could leave the European Union without a deal next March. Britain intends to leave the bloc's single market and customs union, meaning the border between its province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland will become an external EU frontier after Brexit. Both sides have pledged to ensure no physical infrastructure, such as customs checks, but disagree over how this can be achieved if and until they agree a new trade deal that would resolve the issue. Lidington was in Dublin for the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, a forum for talks between the two countries established under the 1998 Northern Ireland peace agreement. His colleague Dominic Raab, Britain's Brexit minister, visited Northern Ireland on Friday where he met with local politicians and businesses. It emerged this week that Raab believes a Brexit deal can be finalised with the EU by November 21, although Prime Minister Theresa May's office was more cautious. Coveney warned in Paris on Wednesday that if there was to be a breakthrough this month, "we need the negotiating teams to find a way forward in the next week or so". The Irish minister revealed Friday that Dublin was in daily contact with the team of EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels. Copiii ai caror tati au varsta de cel putin 45 de ani prezinta un risc mai mare de aparitie a unor probleme de sanatate la nastere, conform unei cercetari efectuata in Statele Unite care a analizat peste 40 de milioane de nasteri, citata de Press Association, informeaza Agerpres. Copiii conceputi de tati mai in varsta au fost cu 20,2 grame mai usori la nastere si au prezentat un risc cu 14% mai mare de greutate mica la venirea pe lume (2,5 kilograme) in comparatie cu cei conceputi de tati cu varste cuprinse intre 25 si 34 de ani, se arata in studiul publicat in British Medical Journal (BMJ). De asemenea, bebelusii ai caror tati aveau cel putin 45 de ani prezentau un risc cu 14% mai mare de internare la o unitate neonatala de terapie intensiva. Totodata, acestia au venit pe lume, in medie, cu 0,12 saptamani mai devreme si aveau un risc cu 14% mai mare de a fi prematuri in comparatie cu cei conceputi de tati mai tineri, potrivit concluziilor cercetarii. O echipa de oameni de stiinta de la Universitatea Stanford din California a evaluat date prelevate de la 40.529.905 copii nascuti vii in Statele Unite intre anii 2007 si 2016. Cercetatorii au subliniat importanta studiului precizand ca acesta ofera informatii rare cu privire la impactul pe care il poate avea varsta tatalui asupra copilului in conditiile in care femeile sunt de multi ani incurajate sa nu amane aducerea pe lume a bebelusilor din cauza riscurilor asupra sanatatii si a complicatiilor medicale. Desi riscurile absolute asociate conceperii copiilor de tati mai varstnici raman scazute, descoperirea ''subliniaza importanta'' includerii datelor referitoare la barbati la momentul investigarii implicatiilor la nivelul sanatatii publice a cresterii varstei parentale. ''S-a estimat ca un numar semnificativ a acestor urmari negative la nastere pot fi prevenite daca tatii mai varstnici au ales sa aiba copii inainte de 45 de ani'', se arata in raport. ''Riscurile asociate cu varsta parentala avansata ar trebui incluse in discutiile privind planificarea familiala si la sedintele de consiliere (pentru sanatate) reproductiva''. Two California men were arrested Thursday by Morgan County Sheriffs deputies on charges of trafficking around 200 pounds of marijuana. Edward Danielyan, 25, of Van Nuys, California, and Grigor Perchimyan, 46, of Sylmar, California, were arrested around 6:41 p.m. Thursday on charges of cannabis trafficking, manufacture/delivery of cannabis and possession of cannabis in an amount greater than 500 grams. According to the sheriffs department, a deputy was eastbound Thursday on Interstate 72 when the deputy noticed a semi-truck swerving onto the shoulder multiple times. The deputy stopped the truck on suspicion of distracted driving and noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from the trucks cab. The driver consented to a search of the vehicle and a subsequent search of the trucks trailer resulted in the discovery of several boxes containing around 200 pounds of marijuana. Morgan County Chief Deputy Mike Carmody said the packages were unmarked, so it was believed that the marijuana was not purchased legally in California, where legally purchased marijuana has labeled packaging. The street value of the marijuana is around $4,000 a pound. After realizing the amount of cannabis in the truck, South Jacksonville police, Jacksonville police, the Illinois State Police Interdiction Team and the Central Illinois Enforcement Group were called to assist. While the trucks legal cargo was intended for Michigan, police havent yet determined where the cannabis was intended to go. The investigation is ongoing. Carmody lauded the efforts of the Morgan County Sheriffs Department and the assisting agencies. I think it was very successful and were more successful each time, were more successful with the work we do with the Illinois State Police and the Jacksonville and South Jacksonville police departments, Carmody said. When we work as a group and share information, that leads to these kinds of arrests. Nick Draper can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1223, or on Twitter @nick_draper. Stock Photo Gas pump View Photos San Francisco, CA Governor Jerry Brown made a rare campaign appearance to oppose a measure that would roll back transportation funding under his watch. Brown gave a short speech Friday during a rally in the Bay area, which is likely to be among his last as governor as he winds down his final eight years in office. In a 90-second speech, Brown remarked that killing Proposition 6 is the right thing to do. He also blasted the measure for being cooked up by what he calls shady politicians. The proposition would repeal the 12 cent increase in gas taxes approved by the legislator last year along with vehicle fees. Brown championed the $52 billion in funding for transportation projects over a decade. Critics say the taxes are overkill in an expensive state where families are already struggling to get by. Scene Over $1.5 million was raised to support survival rates and the quality of life for those affected by breast cancer at the Breast Cancer Alliances luncheon and fashion show last Tuesday afternoon at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich. The 23rd annual event, with the theme of For Our Daughters, For Our Future, brought out 1,000 supporters, and featured a conversation with WCBS-FM radio personality Patty Steele and Alliances medical advisory board member Dr. Elisa Port, director of the Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai. A runway fashion show from Richards featuring 13 women diagnosed with breast cancer topped off the fundraising event. Out there Today show co-host and Riverside resident Kathie Lee Gifford will serve as guest speaker at the Greenwich Chamber of Commerces Women Who Matter Luncheon. It will take place on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Greenwich Country Club on Doubling Road. Gifford will share her life story with the crowd as well as discuss her new movie Then Came You; her childrens book, The Gift That I Can Give; and the creation of her own GIFFT wine. For tickets ($100) and more go to www.greenwichchamber.com or call 203-869-3500. Contributed Photo NORWALK Starting next week residents might been seeing drones flying around the city, but its not a neighbor with a new toy. Eversource Energy is using drones to inspect power lines from Nov. 7 through the end of the year, Norwalk police said. High-rise indoor farms for vegetables are spreading across the world. In a suburb of Kyoto in Japan, surrounded by technology companies and startups, Spread Co. is preparing to open the world's largest automated leaf-vegetable factory. It's the company's second vertical farm and could mark a turning point for vertical farming -- bringing the cost low enough to compete with traditional farms on a large scale. For decades, vertical farms that grow produce indoors without soil in stacked racks have been touted as a solution to rising food demand in the world's expanding cities. The problem has always been reproducing the effect of natural rain, soil and sunshine at a cost that makes the crop competitive with traditional agriculture. Spread is among a handful of commercial firms that claim to have cracked the problem with a mix of robotics, technology and scale. Its new facility in Keihanna Science City, known as Japan's Silicon Valley, will grow 30,000 heads of lettuce a day on racks under custom-designed LED lights. A sealed room protects the vegetables from pests, diseases and dirt. Temperature and humidity are optimized to speed growth of the greens, which are fed, tended and harvested by robots. "Our system can produce a stable amount of vegetables of a good quality for sale at a fixed price throughout the year, without using pesticides and with no influence from weather," Spread President Shinji Inada, 58, said in an interview at the company's existing facility in Kameoka. Inada won the Edison Award in 2016 for his vertical-farming system. He expects the new factory, called Techno Farm, to more than double the company's output, generating 1 billion yen in sales a year from growing almost 11 million lettuces. About 60 percent of indoor-farm operators in Japan are unprofitable because of the cost of electricity to run their facilities, according to the Japan Greenhouse Horticulture Association. Most others only turn a profit because of government subsidies or by charging a premium to consumers for vegetables that are chemical-free. Spread sells lettuces for 198 yen a head to consumers, about 20 to 30 percent more than the normal price for conventionally grown varieties, according to Inada. Consumers pay the premium because the pesticide-free vegetables are increasingly seen as an alternative to often more expensive organic foods, which must be grown outdoors in soil. Japan's hot summers and high humidity also make organic plants more vulnerable to insects and diseases, said Yasufumi Miwa, an expert at the Japan Research Institute. "Producing organic vegetables requires farmers' extra-hard work and that should be reflected in the prices," said Takumu Okuma, spokesman for online food supplier Oisix ra daichi Inc. "Pesticide-free vegetables are seen as safe by consumers and accepted by them as a substitute for more expensive organic ones." Small-scale vertical farms have been operating in Japan since the 1970s, niche players that took advantage of high prices for fresh food in cities in a nation that imports about 60 percent of its food. But it wasn't until 2010, that the sector began to expand rapidly with the adoption of energy-saving LED lights and a government program to support innovative farming with subsidies, according to the association. Spread's Inada, a former vegetable trader, founded his company in 2006 and opened his first facility the following year in Kameoka city in Kyoto prefecture. The company spent years refining systems for lighting, water supply, nutrients and other costs and the plant finally turned its first profit in 2013. Its new Techno Farm, expected to open as early as November, will push efficiency further, yielding 648 heads of lettuce a square meter annually, compared with 300 heads at its Kameoka farm and only 5 in an outdoor farm. It will use only 110 milliliters (4 ounces) of water a lettuce, 1 percent of the volume needed outdoors, as moisture emitted by the vegetable is condensed and reused. Power consumption per head will also decrease, with the new factory using custom-designed LEDs that require about 30 percent less energy. A collaboration with telecoms company NTT West on an artificial intelligence program to analyze production data could boost yields even more. Spread doesn't disclose the cost of producing lettuce at its farms, but Japanese researcher Innoplex estimates the cost to make one head of lettuce at its existing Kameoka building is about 80 yen (71 cents), among the lowest in the world. Japan Research Institute expects production costs at the new Techno Farm would come close to parity with outdoor farms within about 5 years. But extreme weather events and climate change, major disrupters of traditional agriculture, are making vertical farming competitive even sooner. Japan's hottest-ever summer this year with heavy rains, typhoons and flooding, sent supermarket lettuce prices soaring to more than double the level at which Spread retails its products. "Climate change is affecting food production almost everywhere, and the economics of growing and selling produce is affecting everyone," said Dickson Despommier, emeritus professor of Public and Environmental Health at Columbia University, who has been promoting the idea of vertical farming since the 1990s. "If we don't do something soon to reduce the rate of climate change, vertical farming may be our last hope of getting food on the table for all those who live in cities." Around the world, many existing vertical farms are located in climates that are inhospitable for vegetable farming and have high transport costs to import fresh produce, or in places where pollution concerns created a demand for "clean" food, such as in China. In Antarctica, where weather conditions prevent shipments of supplies for much of the winter, scientists at Germany's Neumayer Station III harvested their first batch of indoor lettuce, cucumbers and radishes this year to feed the station's staff. And in space, astronauts grow food on the International Space Station in a mini-farm nicknamed Veggie. Some commercial ventures have targeted wealthy nations in the Middle East as prime candidates for vertical farms because of the high cost of importing fresh produce. Dubai's Emirates Flight Catering plans to begin construction next month of a 130,000 square foot vertical farm to supply airlines in a joint venture with California-based Crop One Holdings. The $40 million facility is expected to deliver its first vegetables to airlines and airport lounges in December 2019. Other high-rise farms have appeared in office towers or condos as part of the design. In Tokyo's Ginza shopping area, stationary retailer Itoya tends a vertical farm on the 11th floor of its 12-story building to supply lettuces exclusively to its cafe, at a cost that would be uncompetitive with vegetables grown in outdoor farms. One of the biggest challenges to the wide-scale adoption of vertical farms is the rise of massive greenhouse-based operations outside cities that employ many of the same technologies, such as the U.K.'s Thanet Earth, which grows millions of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers a year under glass. While these farms need more land, they harness natural sunlight, reducing power costs. Thanet Earth describes itself as the country's largest greenhouse complex. In Japan, where the workforce is aging and many companies have relocated production overseas, vertical farms can also be built in idled factories. JX ANCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corp., plans to build an indoor farm in its Narita plant by 2020, using Spread's system. And Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. has agreed with Farmship Inc., a Tokyo-based startup established by a former Spread employee, to build an indoor farm that would grow 32,000 lettuces a day in Fukushima prefecture. The real race though, is to go global. Spread plans to export its farming system to more than 100 cities worldwide, competing with companies such as Crop One, Softbank-backed Plenty Inc. of the U.S. and Sanan Sino-Science of China. Inada said Spread has signed an agreement with a food producer in the UAE to supply its system and is holding talks with about 300 other companies and researchers. "We are targeting countries where fresh vegetables cannot be produced because of scarce water, extremely low temperatures or other natural conditions," Inada said. "Our mission is to provide infrastructure for vegetable production to anybody, anywhere in the world." - - - Bloomberg's Lucca de Paoli contributed. In the past two years, Mitch McConnell was dealt a humiliating defeat on health care and lost a Senate seat in ruby-red Alabama - all while navigating a tumultuous relationship with President Donald Trump, a man polar opposite in temperament from the steely majority leader. Yet McConnell has worked with Trump to shepherd two conservatives onto the Supreme Court, ensure confirmation of 82 other judges and steer the first tax-code overhaul in three decades, probably positioning Senate Republicans to retain their delicate majority in Tuesday's election despite Trump's unpopularity and a national mood that would otherwise sweep them out of power. McConnell has hitched his Senate fortunes to Trump, knowing the president's strong support with the base will be key to the party retaining its majority. In a recent White House meeting, McConnell told Trump he was the only figure who could sustain a surge of GOP momentum from the polarizing confirmation fight over Justice Brett Kavanaugh - one of several times Trump has heeded strategic counsel from the majority leader, much to the political and legislative benefit of both men. After the ugliness between Trump and McConnell last year over the collapse of the health-care law repeal, McConnell has taken the lead on judges and legislation, and created an alliance with the president who can be as erratic as McConnell is steady. "You know, he goes down as the greatest leader, in my opinion, in history," Trump said of McConnell, now in his sixth term, at a rally in Kentucky last month. "What we've done is incredible together. But he's better when I'm president than he ever was when anyone else was president." Trump and McConnell frequently talk on the phone, and the calls are often impromptu. The relationship between the two has improved dramatically since the health-care vote in July 2017 prompted an angry "Mitch, get back to work" tweet from Trump and the GOP establishment lost an otherwise winnable Senate seat in Alabama by nominating Roy Moore, who was accused by more than half a dozen women of pursuing them when they were teenagers. "They're learning from each other," Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., a McConnell ally, said in an interview earlier this year about the leader and the president. "One could not imagine two more different political styles. One is the daily tweetstorm and the other believes silence is a virtue. One is episodic, and the other is redundancy." In the Senate battlegrounds, Republican voters are still energized, GOP officials say, by the contentious fight over Kavanaugh, which McConnell has credited for galvanizing the party's base that up to that point had been lacking. Rather than bailing on Kavanaugh amid allegations of sexual assault, McConnell stood by the nominee and capitalized on the furor as Democrats tried to defeat Trump's choice. Kavanaugh denied the allegations, and the Senate narrowly confirmed him. "The Kavanaugh nomination process upset so many conservatives," Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said. "They saw, kind of, the mob rule, and they believe in a presumption of innocence, and they saw that being violated in this process and it energized a lot of conservatives." This election cycle, McConnell has been blessed with an extremely favorable map where the major Senate battles are being fought mostly on conservative terrain. Heeding McConnell's advice, Trump is in the middle of a six-day, 11-rally blitz focused primarily on top-tier Senate races. But McConnell's allies say his prospects of keeping the majority is more than luck of the map, having knocked out GOP primary contenders who would be unelectable in a general election and engineered legislative wins on defense spending and opioids. "The last few cycles in particular, he's played an outsize role in making sure Republicans have a set of cards on Election Day that can win, and that's basically all you can do," said Josh Holmes, a former McConnell chief of staff and political adviser. McConnell has long eyed nine states as the main Senate battleground: Nevada, where Sen. Dean Heller is the sole Republican running in a state that Hillary Clinton won in 2016; Montana; Arizona; Tennessee; North Dakota; Missouri; Indiana; West Virginia and Florida. With one major exception in Alabama, McConnell and other strategists working to elect Republicans have staved off potential electoral disasters in the GOP primaries, although some nominees emerged politically bruised. In Arizona, McConnell's favored candidate, Rep. Martha McSally, won the GOP nomination over two much more divisive candidates. Trump publicly nudged Republican Danny Tarkanian out of his challenge to Heller, who was able to run unopposed after Tarkanian decided to try for a House seat instead. And in West Virginia, Trump and McConnell teamed up to elbow ex-coal baron Don Blankenship, who had spent a year in prison for violating federal safety standards at a mine, out of winning a three-way GOP primary. Just before the May 8 primary there, Trump tweeted to his millions of followers that Blankenship could not win the general election and to vote instead for Evan Jenkins or Patrick Morrisey, the party's eventual nominee - a move cooked up by Trump and McConnell in a private phone conversation the day before. (Nonetheless, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III is favored to win re-election.) Trump and McConnell also fended off potential primary challenges to GOP Sens. Deb Fischer of Nebraska, John Barrasso of Wyoming and Roger Wicker of Mississippi - solidly conservative lawmakers who nonetheless faced a threat from the right last year under an approach advocated by Trump's former chief strategist, Stephen Bannon. Instead of taking the Bannon route, Trump swiftly endorsed the sitting senators. "What was last year a contentious relationship between the president and the leader," said Steven Law, another former McConnell chief of staff who leads the super PAC Senate Leadership Fund, "has now become one of total cooperation, especially as it pertains to the execution of the political plan." McConnell's biggest challenge on Tuesday is a collection of well-financed Democratic Senate candidates who have fought and won tough races in their conservative-leaning states. He is also contending with an enthusiastic Democratic base revved up over health care as Republicans struggle to answer for their repeated attempts to repeal the 2010 Affordable Care Act and its core protection for Americans with pre-existing medical conditions. "By working to gut pre-existing conditions coverage, driving up the deficit with a corporate tax handout, and then threatening Social Security and Medicare, Mitch McConnell made sure Democrats had plenty to run on and helped us put Republicans on defense," said Lauren Passalacqua, the communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Still, Republicans are favored to keep the Senate majority and perhaps boost their 51-to-49 advantage. Even if the GOP loses the House, keeping the Senate majority would allow McConnell and Trump to not only be a firewall against House Democrats but to finish McConnell's top priority. "If we can hold the Senate," McConnell said at a Heritage Foundation speech last month, "I assure you we will complete the job of transforming the federal judiciary." - - - The Washington Post's Scott Clement contributed to this report. Washington The Trump administration announced Friday that it was exempting eight countries from bruising sanctions the United States was reimposing against Iran, undercutting its pledge to economically punish Tehran's regional aggressions while widening a profound rift with European allies. Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, did not identify the eight countries that were being granted six-month waivers, but a senior official confirmed that they include India, South Korea, Japan and China among the world's largest importers of Iranian oil. Pompeo said the European Union, which recently announced the creation of an economic channel to continue financial dealings with Iran, was not among those receiving waivers. The sanctions were promised in May, when President Donald Trump announced that the United States was withdrawing from a 2015 deal with world powers to limit Iran's nuclear program. They were affirmed Friday, the eve of a long-announced Nov. 5 deadline for nations to cease importing Iranian goods or face financial penalties, and days before midterm elections in which the Trump administration is seeking to galvanize Republicans who support his hard-nosed foreign policy. Pompeo said the waivers were granted to the eight countries "only because they have demonstrated significant reductions in their crude oil and cooperation on many other fronts." He said two of the eight were expected to end their imports of Iranian oil "within weeks," and all must reapply for extended exemptions at the end of six months. South Korea and China are crucial to keeping pressure on North Korea to eliminate its nuclear weapons. Once South Korea was exempted, Trump could not deny the demands of Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe. And India, like China, will most likely never stop importing Iranian oil; the waivers help "avoid what would potentially be a very painful confrontation," said Peter Harrell, a sanctions expert during the Obama administration. He said the waivers also helped keep oil prices in check before Tuesday's elections. The sanctions and dearth of exemptions for European allies threaten to dangerously deteriorate already-strained trans-Atlantic ties. Most big European companies have left Iran in recent months ahead of the looming penalties, but European diplomats vowed Friday to continue efforts to protect legitimate trade with Tehran. "Our collective resolve to complete this work is unwavering," diplomats from the European Union, Britain, France and Germany said in a statement. Iran remains a part of the nuclear accord, which it brokered in 2015 along with the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China. International inspectors have concluded that Tehran is complying with the agreement by not developing nuclear weapons, and European officials have said that the deal is crucial to their national security. R. Nicholas Burns, a top diplomat in the administration of President George W. Bush, said imposing sanctions on countries for remaining part of an accord that the United States helped negotiate would be a huge mistake. NEW HAVEN A widely shared voicemail by a fire official is part of a labor dispute that sparked questions by the FBI, but which the citys police chief said did not involve illegal activity. The story involves shifting responsibility for the ordering of fire uniforms from Local 825 back to management; the sharing of a voicemail with some 50 individuals; and inquires as to the how the recording was made. Police Chief Anthony Campbell said he was out of town when the request came in to look at the origin of the recording of Assistant Fire Chief Orlando (Woody) Marcanos voice, which he passed onto Assistant Police Chief Racheal Cain, who in turn contacted the FBI. Campbell said she reported back that the FBI had determined that no wiretapping or eavesdropping was involved in the recording. He said city officials were notified about a week ago about the FBIs conclusion. Cherlyn Poindexter, the former head of Local 3144 for eight years, submitted her retirement papers Monday, effective Tuesday after an informal Management Prohibitive Practice hearing on Oct. 24, where she sought additional compensation for a new task assigned to her. During the week of Oct. 11, a smaller group of city officials were the first to get a copy of the voicemail. In the voicemail, which Poindexter sent to officials, including all 30 members of the Board of Alders, Marcano speaking mainly in Spanish expresses his frustration with taking over responsibility for negotiating with vendors, as well as ordering new clothing and the distribution of uniforms that had accumulated for years. It is not clear to whom he is talking , but in the voicemail he is critical of Fire Chief John Alston Jr. for the assignment, as well as of Poindexter, who filed a grievance when told to deal with the New York vendor that was one of four companies used to supply uniforms and protective clothing, without being reclassified. Malinda Figueroa, the new president of Local 3144, said he testified at a meeting on the grievance and the MPP session. The recording speaks for itself. We all have a frustration level when we work. If he was referring to her specifically in the voice mail and saying, yeah, it was a lot of work, dont come to a meeting and say it is not, Figueroa said. In the voicemail, Mercano said he did not want another task related to the uniforms being sent to him, referring, among other things, to the shirts that had to be handed out and the bills, which were going to take him two days out of his week. He didnt think about it and he didnt care, he didnt care. And its his way of messing with me, keeping me busy, Mercano said. So, I am a little upset with her because I saw how she did it. The way she took advantage of me. At the same time, she said it, and I agree wth her, its not against you, its against the man because if the man gives the union eveything that they want and now theyre going to make me work differently or more, and its not fair. So to be honest, she is right, no?, he said. So, I take the work away from her and I tell her not to worry about it, which means I have to do it and I cant do it. I cant be here all day. If she doesnt do it, who will do it, he said on the voice mail. Figueroa said at the MPP session, city labor officials objected to the voice recording being entered into evidence because it might be part of a criminal investigation. It was not clear when officials were told by police that there was no evidence of wiretapping. Steve Jacobs, Poindexters attorney, said he presumes that Marcano called Poindexter on his office phone, which went to voice mail. He then allegedly talked on his cell phone and that conversation is recorded on Poindexters desk phone. Neither Marcano nor Poindexter wanted to comment. Marcano has been on the force for 25 years and was promoted to assistant chief a year ago, the first Latino in that position. Poindexter has worked for the city for 33 years, 25 years as a union officer and was known for her aggressive stance on behalf of the employees. Alston, who came to the city as chief two years ago, said he noticed firefighters were showing up at work in sneakers and articles of clothing that he felt were not proper attire, including shorts. The ordering of uniforms, for some time before he came here, was the function of one of the assistant chiefs. That later was turned over to the fire union, which no longer wanted to have that responsibility. Alston said they negotiated it back and in April it became part of Marcanos duties. The chief said both he and Marcano have cleared up any disagreement they had and he understood his frustration. He said in Marcanos office, there were 50 boxes of uniforms that had never been delivered. The chief estimated the worth of the clothing, including 1,200 shirts, at $50,000. You couldnt even get to his desk, Alston said of the crowded space. He felt inundated and frustrated, Alston said. Anyone would, and I understand that. The line item for the uniforms was about $172,000 annually, he said. Alston said they have saved money since the administration took it over again. Alston said he got Marcano the help he needed on distributing the uniforms. Marcano dealt with four of the five vendors; Poindexter was given the fifth. The chief said he was surprised when the voice mail was released, as the issue was an old one for he and Marcano and had been settled. Not only was I surprised that it was captured, but that it was shared. I can understand if it was accidently transmitted it is under investigation now. We dont know if someone illegally recorded it. That has not still been ruled out that is under investigation, Alston said Friday, the same day Campbell said nothing had been done illegally. The fire chief said he was concerned that it was shared with people for whom it was not intended. On the issue of how much work Poindexter was expected to do, Alston said Marcano had set up the system to make it easy for Poindexter to run it. Union officials countered that it was Poindexter who put that system in place for the New York uniform distributor. It was not an arduous task, Alston said. It was when Chief Marcano had it by himself. The issue is expected to go to a formal hearing. mary.oleary@ hearstmediact.com; 203-641-2577 UPPER THUMB Some people are calling this years midterms the most important election of our lifetime. Whether or not you agree with that sentiment, here is a look at whats at stake in the Upper Thumb as voters head to the polls Tuesday. Local, state and congressional offices are up for grabs, as well as several school board seats. State and local ballot proposals will also be considered. State ballot proposals: Legalizing recreational marijuana in Michigan Putting the responsibility of redistricting into the hands of a citizens commission A state constitutional amendment making it easier to vote Local ballot proposals: Caseville Township is requesting a 0.4 mill tax increase for insect treatment, raising an estimated $76,418 in the first year. Lake Township has a proposal for road improvements and gypsy moth suppression. The 1.5 mill tax was reduced to 1.488 mills, and the proposal is to increase the tax back to 1.5 mills from 2019 to 2022. In the first year, it will raise an estimated $153,000. Elkton has a renewal of 0.5 mills from 2019 to 2014 for ambulance service in the village. It would raise an estimated $8,081 in the first year. Elkton also has a Headlee Override millage proposal. That includes an increase from 12.4750 mills to 12.50 mills for general operating expenses; an increase from 4.99 mills to 5 mills for streets; an increase from 0.499 mills to 0.50 mills for ambulance; and an increase from 0.0998 mills to 0.10 mills for cemetery. Those increases would raise an estimated $292,519 in 2019. Church School is proposing reducing the number of board seats from five to three, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The proposal would eliminate two of the three seats that are to be voted this year with terms that expire Dec. 31, 2022. Contested races: Governor: Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, a Republican, and Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, a former Democratic member of the Michigan Senate, will face off for governor. Congress: Republican John James will challenge U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat. Three people will challenge U.S. Rep Paul Mitchell, a Dryden Republican, for the District 10 U.S. House of Representatives seat. They are: Kimberley Bizon, a Lexington Democrat, Harley Mikkelson of Caro, a Green Party candidate, and Jeremy Peruski, and Independent from Deckerville. State Legislature: Dan Lauwers, a Republican from Brockway Township, will face Democrat Debbie Bourgois of St. Clair County for the 25th District State Senate seat. Republican Phil Green of Millington faces Democrat William Shoop of Vassar for the 84th District State Representative. County and Local: Huron County Commissioner Steve Vaughan, a Republican, will defend his seat against Democrat Rich Swartzendruber in the District 4 race. In Cass City, councilwoman Nancy Barrios faces newcomer Dan Delamarter for village president Three terms are up on the Cass City Village Council. Marilyn Biefer is seeking reelection, while Robert Piaskowski seeks to retain his appointment to council. They face newcomers Don Ball, Todd R. Gould and Joe Leeson. Councilman Robert J. Swartz will challenge Harbor Beach Mayor Gary S. Booms. Three candidates will vie for two seats on the Harbor Beach City Council. They are: Incumbent Matthew Woodke and newcomers Kevin F. Guitar and Dale Schultz. Five people will vie for three seats as Village of Elkton trustee. They are: Incumbent Bridgette McCarty and newcomers Daniel T. Armbruster, David Fisher, Jaime C. Murphy and Gail Schember. Four people will compete for three seats as Village of Kinde trustee. Newcomer Kenneth W. Church faces incumbents Carl T. Dickinson, Harvey L. Hagle and Scott. W. McIntyre. Four people are running for three seats as Village of Pigeon trustee. They are: Incumbents Matthew R. Esch and Kent Shetler, who face challengers Allen Collison and Shelly Gunden. Four people will compete for three seats as Village of Port Hope trustee. They are: Newcomer John W. Blum and incumbents Christopher Gust, Roy Reinke and Ronald Steinhorst. Competing for the open seat of Village of Sebewaing president are Paul Engelhardt and Julie Epperson. For Village of Sebewaing Trustee, seven people will compete for three four-year seats. They are: incumbents Brandy Gunsell and Larry Heider; and challengers Les Alexander, Melinda Driscoll, Dennis F. Kundinger Sr., Paul Schnitker and Nathan O. Schulz. School Board: Two seats are available on the Bad Axe School Board. Newcomer Autumn Howard will challenge board members Michael H. Anderson and Denise McVey. Four seats are available on the Laker School Board. Newcomer Paul Scaddan will challenge: R. Keith Hatfield, Heath Krohn, Mary F. Tait and Tyler Williams. Four people will compete for two seats in the Unionville-Sebewaing Area School District: Incumbent Michelle Currey faces newcomers Deborah L. Beers, Leanne Lindenberg and Elijah Meek. If weve learned anything from the past 10 years of American politics, its that there are two things strong enough to get people to vote: Hope and fear. Hope is the realistic expectation that things are going your way. It is the belief that something that seemed impossible yesterday is, with a bit more effort, sealed up for the future. Its the exuberant optimism about the future, when all the votes are counted and everybody on your side is vindicated. If you vote, your wildest dreams will come true. For some, hope is a young American wearing one of those T-shirts with the stenciled image of Barack Obama earnestly looking at the heavens, anchored by the word Hope. Its the idea that a person who decades earlier might have been denied the right to vote could be president. Its the reassurance that Americans really are created equal. But hope is also a young American wearing a red Make America Great Again cap, the hat made popular during Donald Trumps presidential campaign, especially when there was a helicopter involved. Its the idea that America is free to be the biggest and mightiest power on the planet without having to hold back. Fear, on the other hand, is the unpleasant feeling that something really bad is about to happen. Its the impression that everything good in America the America that generations have fought to build is about to crumble like a sugar cookie. Its the anxiety that everybody on your side is going to be forced to live under the yoke of the opposition and served a helping of crow. For some, fear comes from the idea of oppression rooted in class, cultural or economic divisions that have no place in the modern world. Its the polarized doomsday promise that a great deal of good people will be underrepresented at best and voiceless at worst, while a select few will live large, fueled by bluster and big political money. But fear also comes from the idea that change will destroy the very fiber of everything that worked in the past. It is the threat of a new polarized death march that will hurt the lives of a great deal of good people, while a select few will live large based on political correctness and big political money. Political ads bring these very real two-headed twins into our world whether we like it or not. Negative commercials that accuse this one of lying and call that one names go head-to-head with hopeful messages in soft focus of all the good this one did and all the great that one will accomplish. But things dont come out equal in the end; a recent study in the journal Marketing Science found that positive political advertising doesnt make a difference, but when candidates go negative, it works to change voter turnout. That seems wrong, given that all Americans want hope and dread fear. The good thing is that something can be done to offset the unfairness of it all, something that requires a little time and the desire to make a difference. That something is the vote. mariaanglinwrites@gmail.com Its not any less awful for being so familiar. The last three high-profile attacks that have convulsed the nation two in just the past week or so have been carried out by fringe loners who fit the stereotype of the perpetrators of such crimes precisely they didnt fit in, they were off, they kept to themselves. The word that comes up again and again in accounts of their lives is alone always alone. The life of Cesar Sayoc, who mailed crude pipe bombs to Democrats ranging from George Soros to Hillary Clinton to Robert De Niro, was a pitiable wreck. His father abandoned his family as a child, and after dropping out of college, Sayoc lived with his grandmother. Then he went from place to place, performing as a male stripper. He compiled a record of petty crime, lost his home, declared bankruptcy and carried around what money he had in a briefcase, because he didnt trust banks. He was estranged from his family and resisted its pleas for him to get help. Sayoc lived out of his van, bizarrely festooned with pro-Trump stickers. Not much is known about Robert Bowers, the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter, besides his vile social media postings. A childhood friend called him pretty much a ghost. He may have dropped out of high school. As an adult, he lived alone in an apartment, and no one ever came to see him. One neighbor said she couldnt remember Bowers ever talking to anyone. I dont know, another said, if he had any friends, anywhere. The Parkland school shooter, Nikolas Cruz, was left with no parents after the death of his adoptive mother. He was expelled from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where he was an outcast. He was reportedly depressed and had other behavioral problems. Police were called constantly to his home. A defense attorney called him a broken child. None of this, of course, is to excuse in the slightest the heinous crimes of these men or to deny the existence of pure, unadulterated evil. Murderous haters and kooks have been with us forever, as has anti-Semitism. Yet the social pattern is clear. The phrase deaths of despair has entered the nations vocabulary the past few years to denote the rise of mortality among a subset of working-class whites from suicide, drugs and alcohol. A declining life expectancy is one of the most stunning trends in American life. The at-risk population tends to be unmarried, disconnected from civil society, marginally employed and largely on their own. One way to look at recent mass killings (or attempted killings) is as the handiwork of a very small, violent fringe of the socially disconnected. Their destructiveness is directed outward, in cowardly acts of mindless malice, rather than inward. They marinate in hate and proudly share their lunatic obsessions online, in a twisted simulacrum of community. They seek their identity in political extremism, Jew-hatred or the hellish idolatry of school shootings. Their crimes are, in their diseased view, feats of grandeur. They make up for the sting of failure and rejection. They give them a chance at perverse consequence and notoriety otherwise not available to them in their marginal lives and social isolation. Yes, Cesar Sayoc might have been eking out an existence as a homeless strip club DJ, but he might kill or maim, or at least frighten, a titan of international finance. Yes, Robert Bowers might be the man living in shabby one-bedroom apartment whom no one knew or cared to know, but he would act to save his race from genocide. Yes, Nikolas Cruz might be a miserable kid obsessed with video games, but his name will now long live in infamy. Its evil and pathetic, infuriating and sad, and, by the looks of it, a persistent feature of 21st-century American life. What Emile Durkheim called anomie has been weaponized, and its horrifying to behold. comments.lowry@nationalreview.com The Brett Kavanaugh debacle was a tragedy for our country. Im not referring solely to Judge Kavanaughs elevation to the nations highest court but to what the actions leading up to his confirmation say about us as a nation. Those dark days when Judge Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee didnt just happen overnight. What gave them life evolved through the years. And we did nothing to prevent them. I refer to the anger (even rage), the hypocrisy, and the lack of civility and moral fiber that permeates not only our politicians but many in our nations populace. The latest bombing scares are prime examples The controversy surrounding President Donald Trumps nomination of Judge Kavanaugh for a seat previously held by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the swing vote on the court, ignited the debacle we witnessed. The first glimpse of rage was the sneering scowl on Kavanaughs face as he blamed Democrats on the committee for his problems. He was the victim, he said defiantly, of a calculated and orchestrated political hit, motivated by those who sought revenge on behalf of the Clintons. That demeanor wasnt that of a jurist, let alone of a prospective U. S. Supreme Court justice. Some said he had a perfect right to be angry, believing he was falsely accused. But jurists, upon taking office, are held to a much higher standard of conduct than ordinary citizens. They may have cause to get angry occasionally, even in a courtroom. But judges are held accountable when they lose control and vent their anger injudiciously. Judicial temperament is a quality all jurists must work hard to attain. Kavanaugh failed that test. His conduct alone was enough to disqualify him to fill the high courts vacancy. But there was also possible perjury in his recounting of his drinking days in high school and college in the face of contradictory statements from those who knew him then. This should have been explored. And, of course, there were Dr. Fords believable accusations. These three reasons, when one would have sufficed, were sufficient to withhold confirmation. Instead, in politicizing the process, the committees majority gave little, if any, weight to them. In its vote to confirm, it betrayed its members oaths to be guided by facts, the law and the truth. The committees cover-up, which included the sham of the FBI investigation that followed summarily and its denial that it was playing politics, was compounded by one of its members, Sen. John Cornyn. Echoing Trumps unsubstantiated statement, the senator declared that we will not be bullied by the screams of paid protesters. And consider the performance of Sen. Lindsey Graham, who angrily attacked his Democratic colleagues. He may as well have been expressing his rage into a mirror. Regrettably, such rage has also been spreading throughout the country. Hate has been stewing for years; without it, Trump would never have gotten elected. That support was driven not only by those negative emotions but by supremacists and white nationalists irrational fears that whites might lose control and their status above other ethnic groups. Ill refrain from putting labels on our president and instead judge him by his own words. During his campaign, Trump courted and attracted anti-Semites, Nazis, supremacists and white nationalists. Hes to blame for continuing our downward ethical spiral. For far too long, politicians have been more concerned with their own interests instead of ours. Theres little if any integrity in legislators who tell us what they think we want to hear, instead of the truth of their convictions and beliefs for fear that well vote them out of office. Both major parties share the blame. And as for us both the haves and have-nots weve become spoiled and resentful. The more we attain, the more we want. Even those of us who enjoy high incomes and excellent positions have yearnings to seek more; to climb the ladder higher for greater stature and more material things. Strong resentments grow from this mindset. And thats where Trump finds his support. Our countrys future is at stake. We owe it to our children and their children to preserve the dignity and civility of our country. Three years ago, Pope Francis visited the U.S. In addressing Congress, he referred to prominent Americans and their importance to our nations history. In discussing their work, he reminded us of our obligations not only to ourselves but also to others in conducting our affairs. The pontiff spoke on immigration, referring to Martin Luther King Jr.s dream that inspired all of us, and the millions of foreigners who have come through the years to pursue their dreams. He reminded us that we, too, descended from immigrants. The pope also spoke of the environmental challenges we face globally. We can make a difference, he said. I have no doubt that the United States and this Congress have an important role to play. Finally, he reminded us of the richness of (our) cultural heritage, and of the spirit of the American people. He spoke of his desire that this spirit continue to develop and grow, so that (our youth) can inherit and dwell in a land which has inspired so many people to dream. I saw not one iota of that spirit in the Kavanaugh debacle and its aftermath. But I remind myself not to lose faith. I hope the public will soon see through the deception and dishonesty of self-serving politicians who have repeatedly stained our political process. We should embrace the challenge. Lucas, at 14, is the youngest of my grandchildren. Hes extremely smart and old enough to sense that life is difficult for so many of us. I can see in his eyes that he questions whether hell be ready for what lies ahead. Will he be prepared, he wonders, to meet the challenges awaiting him in the not-too-distant future. I find it disturbing that politicians as well as the worst among us are making it that much harder for my grandson to live his life in a country he can be proud of. You should, too, for the sake of your own grandchildren. Rudy Apodaca, a former chief judge of the New Mexico Court of Appeals, is an Austin attorney and writer. He may be reached at www.rudyapodaca.com. Lets begin this editorial with two basic principles. First, providing representation to all defendants at bail hearings is a good thing. It is good because it reflects fairness. It means someone is advocating for defendants, ensuring they understand what is happening in court and protecting them from saying potentially damaging things about their cases. Second, making bail hearings open to the public, and maintaining a video archive for the record, is also a good thing. These are public courts, after all, and these proceedings should occur with sunlight. We raise these principles because we believe Bexar Countys District Court judges and District Attorney Nico LaHood have lost sight of them. They have thrown obstacles, unnecessary in our view, to the prospect of the Bexar County Public Defenders Office providing representation to all defendants not just indigents at bail hearings with the city and the county. Bexar County Commissioners Court recently empowered the public defenders office to do just this. But that decision was met with resistance from these parties. Just as video archives of these hearings have met resistance from some quarters. In a letter on behalf of the district court judges, attorney Melissa Barlow Fischer questioned the authority of commissioners to make this change, arguing that only the judges have the authority to appoint the Public Defender to represent indigent arrested people at magistration proceedings at any location. Her letter, which called for a delay on this matter, also noted that the Bexar County District Attorneys Office has refused to be present at any bail hearings with the city, raising ex parte concerns. That is, only one side is present. Other concerns revolve around violating existing attorney-client privilege and whether the public defenders office is allowed to represent defendants who are not indigent at these bail hearings. In an interview, Ron Rangel, the administrative judge for the criminal district courts, told us there is support for representation at bail hearings but judges are concerned about technical details. The judges plan to request an attorney generals opinion for guidance. By all means, request an opinion. But heres the inescapable truth: The district court judges could easily make representation for all defendants at bail hearings happen, but they have refused to do so. They have authorized representation only for indigent defendants at the countys new Justice Intake and Assessment Center, and have chosen to turn small questions into political obstacles. If they really support representation for all defendants at these hearings, they have a funny way of showing it. Why do we say this? Because the Harris County Public Defenders Office provides representation to all defendants at bail hearings. Harris County, by the way, is being sued over its unfair bail practices. Alex Bunin, Harris Countys chief public defender, told us his office received this authority through standing orders from the district court judges, who oversee felony cases; and the county court at law judges, who oversee misdemeanor court cases. The orders call for limited representation at bail hearings for any defendant who is willing to accept us, Bunin said. That means the public defenders office does not provide representation to defendants who have their own attorneys or simply dont want it easing concerns about attorney-client privilege. The Harris County District Attorneys Office is also present for these hearings via video link, Bunin said. Please note, no one has excluded the Bexar County District Attorneys Office from these bail hearings. LaHood has simply said his office will not be there. I dont think you can refuse to be there and complain that it is ex parte, Bunin said. LaHood was crushed in the primary this election, so thankfully his policies have a limited shelf life. His successor either Joe Gonzales or Tylden Shaeffer should choose to have the district attorneys office present for bail hearings. There are several additional compelling reasons to provide representation to all defendants, and not just indigents, at bail hearings. Its easier to provide the service to everyone on the front end rather than go through all the steps to determine indigence. Also, having attorneys present simply moves the process along in a much smoother way, Bunin said. It also ensures fairness at a time when the city and county will be conducting their own bail hearings in their own buildings. Third, its good policy. It is a national and now state trend to provide counsel at these hearings, Wesley Shackelford, deputy director with the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, told Commissioners Court. We at the commission think its a good trend, he added. Rather than fighting good policy, Bexar Countys district court judges and the next DA should be implementing it. This starts with representation for all defendants at bail hearings and public access and video archives of these hearings. Why would anyone be opposed to better representation and public access to courts? Why is this such a fight? This editorial is part of the Unequal Justice series, which explores the inequities in Bexar Countys criminal justice system and how they can be fixed. Once again, we are asking San Antonio voters to reject the fire unions three proposed charter changes. Other than running a list of our recommendations, this Editorial Board generally eschews from opining on ballot matters so close to Election Day. Our thinking is, voters have heard from all sides and have made up their minds. Whether you agree or disagree with our recommendations, we have the utmost respect for your decision and your vote. But these charter changes are so potentially harmful to the future of this city, we are breaking from tradition and asking you again to vote against them. Should these proposed charter changes pass, we believe San Antonians will look back on this election with immense regret. Perhaps not immediately. Perhaps not even in the next few years. The changes, at first, might be imperceptible to many. But over time, maybe 10 or 20 years, the true costs of these charter changes will be felt. And when the bill comes due, we will be a poorer city. One whose local government is controlled by special interests. One that will struggle to attract top talent to lead City Hall. One whose budget will be consumed by public safety pensions and health care costs. On the surface, these proposed charter changes are deceptively appealing. Proposition A would reduce the signature threshold for referendums from 75,000 to 20,000 and allow for referendums on appropriations, taxes, utility rates, zoning and other concerns. Proposition B would limit the terms of future city managers to eight years and cap compensation to 10 times the lowest paid city employee. Proposition C would give the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association the sole right to declare an impasse in negotiations with the city, sending the matter to arbitration. The fire union has framed Proposition A as giving people a greater voice in local government. The reality is it will undercut that voice. Why? Because any special interest group could easily secure 20,000 signatures to undermine any vote by City Council. This would introduce chaos. Thats one of the reasons several of the ratings agencies have warned of possible credit downgrades should these propositions pass. A credit downgrade would cost city taxpayers millions of dollars a year. Beyond this, voters already have a direct say in local government since they elect the mayor and council. If people are unhappy with the direction of City Hall, they can always turn out the incumbents. This is an invitation for the fire union, and other special interests, to undercut the publics vote. We have come to think of Proposition B as the Sheryl Sculley proposition. She is the target. The measure misses, however. The city managers base compensation of $475,000 and lengthy tenure have become local flashpoints, but this proposition falsely appears to address those issues. Heres the key detail even Sculleys harshest critics should bear in mind: Proposition B will not affect Sculley. If you are voting for Proposition B because you want to give the city manager a pay cut and cap her tenure, you will be sorely disappointed. It only affects future city managers. In fact, should Proposition B pass, there is a strong argument to be made to keep Sculley as city manager for many more years simply to delay its impact. Now think about the limits this might place on the citys future. If someone is a dynamic city manager, how do taxpayers benefit from arbitrarily capping tenure to eight years? Capping salaries would make it harder to attract top talent. Why would we do that to ourselves? Proposition C is the holy grail for the fire union. In our view, Proposition C embodies the unions true motivation. This is not about better government. This is about the fire union never having to negotiate a contract with the city of San Antonio. Bear in mind, the union has been without a new contract for four years and has never sat down with the city to negotiate terms. Proposition C would codify this position, allowing the fire union and only the fire union to declare an impasse and turn to an arbitrator for a more favorable deal. It does not apply to any other union. Perhaps the fire union will secure a rich contract and a malleable council and city manager through these propositions. If that happens, we wonder how taxpayers will pay for such a rich contract given the potential for credit downgrades, the warnings about a slowdown in economic development and the potential for a brain drain at the city. But thats a question future San Antonians will have to grapple with should these propositions pass. But they do not have to pass. We strongly encourage you to vote against these propositions. Whatever grievances San Antonians might have with City Hall and we hear many of them these propositions are not a solution. They are an invitation for significant problems. THE rags-to-riches trope may be a cliche, but its one thats definitely grounded in reality for Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya. Magaya beat the odds and achieved his own rags-to-riches story. His rise to success, he claims, is testimony that one doesnt have to be born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth to achieve great things although a jump start certainly helps. He believes with God, theres always an appointed time for things, and when you put Him first, trust in His timing and keep the faith, miracles really do happen. This was at play when foreign and local journalists visited the house where Prophet Magaya started his deliverances in Harare on Saturday last week. Speaking to journalists PHD senior overseer Admire Mango said the charismatic preachers story was that of faith which turned into a massive fortune. Overseer Mango said all the wonders people were experiencing started when he (Magaya) was at his mothers cottage at House No.18642 in the dusty streets of the town of Chitungwiza. What apparently drew the attention of journalists inside the cottage which looks just like an ordinary house before one steps into it was an old wooden bench, wardrobe and double bed which Prophet Magaya shared with his wife. Before he got married he used to share the small space with his parents with him sleeping in the kitchen. A sight of the bed and wardrobe which were Prophet Magayas most prized possession and now looks like a terribly poor situation is also testimony that not all people reaching the pinnacle of success come from money. Some of the successful people in the world actually grew up poor, but believing in God supposedly gave them the strength to face their fears and to overcome what was holding them back Prophet Magaya is apparently one such person. Overseer Mango said visitors were always requesting to sit or temporarily sleep on the bed following testimonies of instant healing. He said all sick people who got the chance to sit or sleep on that bed got healed and some being tormented by evil spirits would manifest. Partners who visited the home always request to sit or temporarily sleep on the bed following testimonies of instant healing and that all the wonders they are experiencing started when he was in his mothers cottage, said Overseer Mango adding that the old property was just but one of several anointed assets that belongs to the preacher. He said some visiting the house were collecting soil or anything by the house putting their faith in those things and they would later testify great things. In an interview Prophet Magaya buttressed Overseer Mangos sentiments saying people gave testimonies of the anointing they received upon sitting on the bed. He said whenever he visits his old home he makes sure that he sleeps on the anointed bed. I am still using the bed and whenever I visit the house I sleep on it. I will also not change the old furniture in the house or paint it until such a time when God tells me to do so. By looking at the place that God took me from, Im always humbled and I know it can only be by grace to be where I am today, said Prophet Magaya. One of his favourite mottos is never work for money, let money work for you. There is no doubt that Prophet Magaya is a true example of how God and faith can get you from poverty to prosperity. From that humble beginning Prophet Magaya who is also a philanthropist still lives and commands a simple life which seems detached from many calling themselves prophets. He runs one of Zimbabwes and possibly Africas largest venture funds called Planet Africa. Planet Africa is assisting in projects such as building stadiums, residential houses and stimulating entrepreneurship. It is also constructing housing units in Harare, Chitungwiza and Bulawayo. He also runs exclusive Yadah Hotel complex in Waterfalls, Harare. The giant guesthouse which was officially opened on September 2, 2016 was reportedly built in a record four months. Among other facilities, it boasts of villas, conference rooms and modern well furnished rooms that can accommodate about 2 000 people while villas for VIP guests will take about 100. It is also an exclusive place for Christians who want to have a one-on-one encounter with the prophet as they seek healing, prophecy and deliverance. As if that is not enough the charismatic preacher also owns a $17-million marble cutting and polishing factory, the first of its kind in Zimbabwe. The factory is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery which has the capacity to generate a cumulative US$100 million annually. Prophet Magaya is also into farming and is the owner of premiership side Yadah Stars. Magaya rose to prominence in 2012 after his visit to TB Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) who is believed to be his spiritual father. BMetro Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News FROM a distance, she is an ordinary vendor selling bottled water in the sweltering heat of Chirundu, but she is also a commercial sex worker. Prudence (42) is one of many sex workers who operate at Chirundu Border Post and has been in the trade for over 20 years having bedded more than 1 000 men from every tribe in the Sadc region. The water I sell is a disguise so that I can easily manoeuvre and do my business, she said. It also helps me ensure that my children do not suspect me of anything like sex work. But I am a sex worker who has managed to build a house for my children and pay school fees for them. Her skin has aged, and so has her skill in her trade, which she says has improved due experience and exposure to a variety of clients. Prudence is a member of the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV and Aids research in Zimbabwe, (CeSHHAR), a non-government organisation that helps sex workers avoid abuse and other forms of ill treatment. She said with age, she is now able to negotiate for safe sex and tackle abuse. Before I joined CeSSHHAR, I was being abused by men who demanded unprotected sex. Some would forcefully remove the condom and others were refusing to pay after getting my service, Prudence said. She is one of the oldest sex workers in the area who now commands respect and has a permanent clientele base. Despite the pain and abuse associated with the trade, Prudence is at least happy that she has put some of her earnings from prostitution to good use. I have done everything and met with different types of men. Some are abusive and others just want sex for no money. I think it is time I quit. I have bedded many, more than 1 000 and I have achieved a lot. I now have a seven-roomed house which I built from the proceeds of sex work, Prudence said as she recounted her life story recently to journalists who visited the area under the banner of the National Aids Council (NAC). With training from CeSHHAR, Prudence and her colleagues now know their HIV status and have been empowered to negotiate for safe sex-closing the tap for new HIV infections. This business of selling water provides me with extra revenue which if I dont get a man to sleep with, I will not stress myself. I have lost appetite for man and I think it is now time I call it a day and find something else to do, she said. Before being empowered on safe sex and how to deal with abuse, Prudence like her counterparts, suffered on numerous occasions with sexually transmitted infections. Some men offer as much as $20 per night and demand that you have unprotected sex with them. Because of poverty and inability to negotiate for safe sex, I used to agree to that. This exposed me to STIs, Prudence said. Chirundu Border town in the last two months has recorded 129 cases of STIs among the 1 013 sex workers who are registered said Varaidzo Muchina, the representative for CeSHHAR based in the border town. Through engagement with sex workers, at least 167 of them have been tested for HIV and Aids and those who turned out to be positive have been initiated on anti-retroviral drugs. The biggest challenge that we have is tracing most of our clients as a number of them are mobile. They travel across Sadc and in some cases some default, she said. CeSHHAR also has a strong commitment to strengthening research capacity among Zimbabwean graduates in HIV-related issues. Statistics released by the NAC indicate that Zimbabwes border towns continue acting as breeding grounds to the pandemic and CeSHHAR had taken it upon themselves to fight new infectious in these areas. The large numbers of people who pass through border towns as they trade or look for greener pastures in neighbouring countries has resulted in commercial sex becoming big business in the town. As a result, border towns have been transformed from business hubs to breeding grounds of sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV. Through its various projects that include educational programs, sex workers now can access condoms and get treatment to those who would have tested positive. Muchina said most of the women had confirmed that they engage in unprotected sex which guarantees them more money. However, it is encouraging that we are getting a positive response in behavioural change from these communities as we continue to conscientise them about the dangers of indulging in unprotected sex, she said. Activists have been calling for behavioural change as the best way of effectively combating HIV and Aids. Prevention remains the pillar of HIV interventions in Zimbabwe. The behavioural change programme focuses on reducing key risk sexual behaviours, in particular multiple and concurrent sexual partners, low risk perception as well as other underlying vulnerability factors such as imbalanced gender relations, stigma and discrimination and risky cultural and religious practices. The programme also seek to address the needs and vulnerabilities of workers in the informal economy who do not have access to coping mechanisms to mitigate the impact of the disease, such as lack of access to social protection and income. In Zimbabwe, sex workers have been regarded as a key population with high risk of HIV infections. According to latest statistics from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, new HIV cases were more prevalent among long distant truck drivers, sex workers, prisoners and adolescents. Our aim is to prevent the spread of HIV from a sex worker to their client or from the sex worker to the client, Muchina said. The truck drivers who ply the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu Highway have, for years been preying on under-age and vulnerable girls in the border towns of Beitbridge, Victoria Falls and Chirundu. Recently, the NAC also estimated the number of children involved in sexual exploitation in Zimbabwe was about 160 000. Besides empowering them with information on safe sex and sustainability, Ceshhar is also involved in fighting gender based violence. NewsDay Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Movement For Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance president Nelson Chamisa has labelled the two percent tax on every electronically-transacted dollar an unabashed robbery of the masses. The Ministry of Finance implemented the new tax regime earlier this month ostensibly to widen the nationalfiscal space but critics have slammed the move as an illegal and unfair way of forcing the ordinary citizen pay for government profligacy. Addressing thousands of supporters who gathered at Gwanzura Stadium for the 19th anniversary of the partys formation on Saturday last week, Chamisa attacked President Emmerson Mnangagwa as an illegitimate leader who was now being rejected by the economy. I heard him saying we want to move forward but there is no moving forward unless we all face the reality of who won the elections. The economy is on its knees. The riches of the land are being helplessly squandered. You saw the money being forked out by the government, the two percent tax that you have been made to pay for every EcoCash transaction. It is daylight robbery because it is your personal money that is being taken from you by the very same people who keep embezzling government funds. What am I talking about? We saw a deficit of treasury bills worth nine billion dollars, $90 million of which went towards supporting Zanu-PF. Now they want to replace the money through deducting the two percent tax from every EcoCash transaction that you make. You try sending money to your relative who has passed away but your money is taken, Chamisa fumed The charismatic leader said he was sure Mnangagwa will not survice the economic crisis and will soon be removed from power by popular revolts. We are dying of hunger. You are seeing how patients in hospitals are suffering, in pharmacies BP patients are expected to pay drugs in US dollars and tell me where one can get that forex from. We once told them that bond note is not money, give us real money. If we were in power like now, it could have been a walk in the park. Each one of you would practically be enjoying their money because an economy like this is a reflection of politics that is not in proper shape, he said. He told the people to be patient as he maps the way forward on how to take power from Mnangagwa. Be still people because we have the programme lined up to go and tell somebody to return what isnt his and from next week, I will be travelling from place to place urging and strengthening the people that it is time to react. I will be taking over everyone to Canaan, said Chamisa. On the debilitating fuel shortages, Chamisa seemed to agree with the dominant narrative that a powerful cartel was directing the shortages for selfish gain. I heard that there is a queen bee but I dont know that person. However, if there is a queen bee, then there is a king bee who happens to oversee how things are running in this country.These people should be brought to book with all the deals that they are doing with fuel, chrome, gold and diamonds as well as all that they are doing to rob the children of Zimbabwe of their wealth, Chamisa said. Bulawayo24 Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News By Lynn Parramore, Senior Research Analyst at the Institute for New Economic Thinking. Originally published at the Institute for NeW Economic Thinking website Adolph Reed, who researches race and politics, warns that identitarian politics can conceal the structural inequities of capitalism. Lynn Parramore: As the elections approach, media pundits seem focused on the idea that the country is facing a racist and xenophobic breakdown promoted by Trump and the GOP. The Democrats posit themselves as the answer to this threat. What do you make of this framing? Adolph Reed: Immediately after Trumps victory, I was particularly struck by the debate over how to interpret the victory. In my mind, this was always a debate over how to respond strategically and point towards the midterms and 2020. The debate got condensed around the notion that Trumps victory shows or has spurred a complete breakdown in the country around race and gender and homophobia and nativism. A lot of scholars have done intellectual work purporting to show that the white vote for Trump in 2016 was a reflection of status anxiety rather than economic anxiety. It boggles my mind that people think that its possible to separate the two in a neat way. But the big problem all along for those who wanted to push the white supremacist line is those 7-9 million people who voted for Obama and later for Sanders, then voted for Trump. How does racism explain that? I had a very sharp and studious black undergraduate student wholly inside a race-first understanding of politics. When I mentioned the white people who had voted for Obama once if not twice who also voted for Trump, his response was, well, of course you cant say that voting for Obama means that youre not a racist. I said, yes, thats true, but by the same token you cant say that voting for Trump means you are a racist, right? Which they dont want to accept. LP: Thomas Ferguson, Ben Page, and their colleagues have just published a study for the Institute for New Economic Thinking revealing the intertwining social and economic factors that drove Trump voters in the Rust Belt, including those who switched from Obama to Trump. They find that long-term anguish over trends like globalization, imports, and slow growth were strong motivating factors that Trump was able to exploit by drumming up, for example, fear of immigrants. Yet many seem unwilling to confront this complexity. Why is that? AR: My concern, and Ive gotten more emphatic about it over time, is that if this argument is fundamentally an argument about the strategic direction that progressives and/or the Democratic Party should follow, then its really a debate about whether we try to mobilize around a politics that challenges the economic inequalities that are reproduced and intensified under capitalism, and especially neoliberal capitalism, or we pursue a response that accepts the logic of those inequalities and seeks to mobilize around a notion of fairness within that regime of fundamental inequality. From that perspective, the notion that the fault line in left-of-center politics now is between people who take a class perspective and those who take an identity-based perspective miscasts the actual tension. The identity position is itself a class position. Its just a position of a different class from the working class. LP: An essay you wrote in the 90s criticized black public intellectuals who had become skilled, as you put it, at soothing white liberals in retreat from challenging economic unfairness by making them feel better about being on the side of the black community on matters of race. Are black pundits still doing this kind of soothing? Im thinking of those who have tended to embrace neoliberal politics represented by figures like Hillary Clinton, who was offered as a presidential candidate in 2016. AR: Yes, and what a sour offering that was. I think one difference between now and the time I wrote the essay is that the internet has democratizedand not in a good wayaccess to the racial voice or race spokesman profession. I never liked the notion of public intellectual. After Russell Jacoby, an old friend of mine, wrote a book called The Last Intellectuals, people picked up this idea that black people who write commentary are somehow black public intellectuals. Thats really at bottom a racialist premisethe notion that any random black person who gets access to the public microphone has a kind of authenticity and that he or she expresses and speaks deeper truths. To get more directly to the soothing function, yes, I think its even more perverse now. Take a figure like Ta-Nehisi Coates, whose message appeals to white liberals partly because of the moralism that lets you feel good about yourself in a particularly Protestant kind of wayin the sense of publicly performing ones moral standing. But the real beauty of it is that since Coatess message is that white supremacy is transhistorical, trancontextual, and always there, with whites committed to it ontologically, then the only thing you can hope for is repenting and individual atonement. Which is cheap and easy. LP: How does that stance prevent us from challenging fundamental problems like economic inequality? How does it demobilize us? AR: Thats maybe the most important question and thats what weve seen play out since Trumps election. Going back to the 2016 campaign, first we get the sort of Clintonites of whatever color who invent the bogus idea of the Bernie Bro [a pejorative label characterizing supporters of presidential candidate Bernie Sanders as white and male]. Since the election, the stakes have been getting raised perpetually, especially among the internet chattering class. At this point the charge operates like the telephone game [a game in which a word or phrase is whispered around a circle and alters in unexpected ways]. Any claim or proposal concerning durable patterns of economic inequality is now taken as being tantamount to making excuses for white supremacy. Its kind of interesting to see this de facto alliance of Wall Street and corporate democrats and the nominally left identitarians who come together on premises like the one [Paul] Krugman started pushing, I think even before the [2016] election, concerning what some people are now calling horizontal inequality. [Vertical inequality, in contrast, focuses on overall income and wealth disparities]. The idea is that there is only inequality between groups, whatever that means, or between individuals. From that formulation it means that class and class inequality disappear from the equation. Theres no space in that dichotomy for considering structural dynamics that reproduce patterns of inequality among all people who have to work for a living. LP: In the countrys history, people of different races or backgrounds have worked together to promote policies that give ordinary people a better life. In North Carolina, for example, there were powerful black and white coalitions in the great Fusion victories of the late 19thcentury, when Populists and Republicans joined forces against elites. People wanting economic reform came together despite racism. Are we missing opportunities like this by focusing on what divides us rather than the things most of us want, like good schools and affordable health care? AR: A few years ago when Barbara Fields was president of the Southern Historical Association, I was asked to join a presidential panel and I talked about the populist insurgency story, of which the North Carolina populist Fusion victories are the high point. I pointed out that yes, there was as much racial prejudice as you can find but that was not the undoing of those movements. It was violence, fraud, murder, and intimidation. When the panel was over, a black woman came up from the audience and wanted to catechize me about the limits of populism. She mentioned the racism and white supremacy, and I said, yes, there was that but there was also violence, intimidation, and murder on a grand scale. Her response was, yes, well, thats true, but it was really the racism. Well, what can you say to that? She couldnt see that the larger objective was to eliminate the threat that the insurgency had posed to planter-merchant class rule. LP: As somebody who has ties to the North and the South, how to you view efforts to redress the wrongs of the countrys racial history, such as the removal of Confederate monuments? AR: Im sort of half Southern in my upbringing. I did my first communion in Washington, D.C. on the day before the Brown v. Board of Education decision was handed down. We were living in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 57 and were there at the time of the Little Rock Nine [when nine teens braved violent protests to attend school after the Browndecision]. Then I was in New Orleans for high school. Before that Id had the experience of being a Northern kid first from New York and then from D.C. who would go into the South during the last decades of the Jim Crow era. Id have to learn the rules and get explanations from adults as to what this was all about, how you were supposed to act and why. From the time that I was old enough to recognize what they actually were, I detested those monuments completely, and I was very happy to see them gone. I made the point in an essaythat its beyond time for them to be gone, but among the reasons that they could be taken down is that the social order that they were meant to memorialize is also long since gone. They were never really about celebrating the Confederacy. If you look at when they were constructed, they were meant to memorialize the version of the solid South behind white supremacy that the planter-merchant class was imposing between the end of the 19thcentury and WWI as a direct response to the defeat of the populist insurgency. LP: Youve recently highlighted that this is a tricky time for historians and those who want to examine the past, like filmmakers. Well-intentioned people who want to confront the injustices of history may end up replacing one set of myths for another. You point out the distortion of history in films like Selma which offer uplifting narratives about black experiences but tend to leave out or alter meaningful facts, such as the ways in which blacks and whites have worked together. This is ostensibly done to avoid a white savior narrative but you indicate that it may serve to support other ideas that are also troubling. AR: Exactly, and in ways that are completely compatible with neoliberalism as a style of contemporary governance. It boils down to the extent to which the notion that group disparities have come to exhaust the ways that people think and talk about inequality and injustice in America now. Its entirely possible to resolve disparities without challenging the fundamental structures that reproduce inequalities more broadly. As my friend Walter Benn Michaels and I have been saying for at least a decade, by the standard of disparity as the norm or the ideal of social justice, a society in which 1% of the population controls more than 90% of the resources would be just, so long as the 1% is made up non-whites, non-straight people, women, and so on in proportions that roughly match their representation in the general population. It completely rationalizes neoliberalism. You see this in contemporary discussions about gentrification, for example. What ends up being called for is something like showing respect for the aboriginal habitus and practices and involving the community in the process. But what does it mean to involve the community in the process? It means opening up spaces for contractors, black and Latino in particular, in the gentrified areas who purport to represent the interests of the populations that are being displaced. But that has no impact on the logic of displacement. It just expands access to the trough, basically. Ive gotten close to some young people who are nonetheless old school type leftists in the revitalized Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and Ive been struck to see that the identitarian tendency in DSA has been actively opposing participation in the Medicare for All campaign that the national organization adopted. The argument is that its bad because there are disparities that it doesnt address. In the first place, thats not as true as they think it might be, but theres also the fact that they cant or wont see how a struggle for universal health care could be the most effective context for trying to struggle against structural disparities. Its just mind-boggling. LP: If politicians continue to focus on issues like race, xenophobia, and homophobia without delivering practical solutions to the economic problems working people face, from health care costs to the retirement crisis to student debt, could we end up continuing to move in the direction of fascism? I dont use the word lightly. AR: I dont either. And I really agree with you. I was a kid in a basically red household in the McCarthy era. I have no illusions about what the right is capable of, what the bourgeoisie is capable of, and what the liberals are capable of. In the heyday of the New Left, when people were inclined to throw the fascist label around, I couldnt get into it. But for the first time in my life, I think its not crazy to talk about it. You have to wonder if Obama, who never really offered us a thing in the way of a new politics except his race, after having done that twice, had set the stage for Trump and whatever else might be coming. Yves here. Im old enough to remember when General Electric was widely seen as a superbly managed company and Neutron Jack Welch was touted as the CEO to emulate. McKinsey praised GEs bulking up in financial services, which represented about 40% of its business in the 1990s. Note the role that overpaying for some big deals played in General Electrics fall. By Wolf Richter, a San Francisco based executive, entrepreneur, start up specialist, and author, with extensive international work experience. Originally published at Wolf Street Wolf here: Shares of General Electric [GE] are down over 3% this beautiful Friday morning, trading at $9.20. If they close at this level, they would mark a new nine-year closing low. Shares are down 52% year-to-date: The lowest close since the 1990s was $6.66 on March 5, 2009, during the Financial Crisis. I remember well: The next morning, then CEO Jeff Inmelt was on CNBC, which was owned by NBC, which was owned by GE at the time. And Inmelt was hyping GEs shares on GEs TV station that gave him a huge slot of time to do so, and the share price, displayed prominently onscreen, ticked up with every word he spoke. Inmelt was also on the Board of Directors of the New York Fed, which at that time was implementing the Feds alphabet-soup of bailout programs for banks, industrial companies with financial divisions, money market funds, foreign central banks (dollar swap lines), and the like. This included a bailout package for GE in form of short-term loans, without which GE might have had trouble making payroll because credit had frozen up and GE had been dependent on borrowing in the corporate paper market to meet its needs, and suddenly it couldnt. Inmelt was involved in those bailout decisions and knew what GE would get, but didnt mention anything on CNBC. Now Inmelt is gone from GE (resigned in 2017 earlier than expected), and he is gone from the New York Fed (resigned in 2011 due to increased demands on this time), and CNBC no longer belongs to GE, and the new CEO is trying furiously to keep the whole charade form spiraling totally out of control hoping to be able to dodge the question: When fill GE file for bankruptcy? Below are some of the things that GE is doing to avoid that fate. By Leonard Hyman and Bill Tilles for WOLF STREET: General Electric at one time the worlds most formidable manufacturing company and now one of the worlds most mismanaged conglomerates suffered more financial indignities this week: Its bond ratings got hit with back-to-back two-notch downgrades: Today by Fitch Ratings, from A to BBB+ due to the deterioration at GE Power; and earlier this week by Moodys, from A2 to BAA1. This follows a similar move by Standard & Poors earlier in October. The rating agencies also downgraded the companys commercial paper (CP) program, a form of short-term borrowing. Moodys cut GEs CP ratings from P-1 to P-2. The new, lower CP ratings effectively prevents GE from further issuance of CP. However, GE still retains access to other, higher cost bank financed short term funding vehicles. But still, not a good look. Also this week, GE virtually eliminated its quarterly dividend, slashing it from 12 cents to a penny. A belated Halloween themed headline could read, Boston Slasher Strikes Again. A year earlier GEs board voted to cut its dividend from 24 cents to 12 cents. In our view the previous dividend reduction was better anticipated than the most recent one. Why the hurried need for a cut last week? Probably for cash conservation reasons. GE badly needs the $3.9 billion in cash saved per year to meet financial needs such as $5 billion required for an underfunded pension fund and $3 billion to shore up the capitalization of GEs finance arm (or what remains of it). GE also requires considerable cash to retire existing debt. One of GEs stated financial goals is to improve ratios of debt-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) to 2.5 times by 2020. In the present climate, we might refer to this as virtue signaling. Except here GEs principal goal is to keep its respectable, investment-grade bond ratings. The debt burden that GEs management is presently struggling with stems from a strategy of borrowing heavily for M&A over the past decade. The biggest (and probably worst) was its purchase of French electrical equipment manufacturer Alstom in 2015 in which GE outbid arch rival Siemens. GE paid top dollar just as the market for electrical equipment began a sharp slide. This acquisition was recently written down by $22 billion reflecting the rather subdued prospects for the global power generation. Talk about a winners curse. In order to raise cash and simplify its business, GE has arranged the sale of GE Transportation (locomotives, electric motors and propulsions systems for mining equipment, etc.), plans to dispose of its Baker Hughes oil services business, and intends to spin off (while retaining control) its profitable health services division. The power division will be split into two businesses: gas turbines and everything else. This last strategic endeavor is probably the one that rankles the most insofar as its about two decades too late. A true house that Edison built would have pitted the fossil vs renewables organizations and let the markets sort it out. How did GE get into the present mess and how did it manage to miss the turning point in a business it used to dominate? Despite recent disparaging comments regarding Harvards case studies, we believe this is something business school professors might want to examine. But it is history. For those in the power business, buyers and users of the equipment, what is the message? First, the manufacture of gas turbines for electric power generation has become an oligopoly. Three suppliers dominate the market: Mitsubishi Hitachi (in clear lead), Siemens, and lastly GE. Oligopolists almost by definition tend to abide one another, meaning that they do not engage in anything resembling robust competition. But with an uncertain business outlook, they may be reluctant to invest more money into their businesses. One almost immediate effect is a reduction in spending on research and development which creates a sort of feedback loop which eventually weakens product positioning against new technology. The manufacturers may argue that the business will bottom out, that a turnaround will take place. And that revenues from servicing existing equipment will provide a steady stream of business anyway. We do not disagree with these prognostications. Renewables will not provide every new kilowatt of capacity, and gas turbines will be needed anyway to back up renewables. But we also need to be aware that longer term the competition for gas turbines will come not from renewables but from storage devices such as batteries. In terms of capital allocation, we would wager that there is far more money chasing power storage technologies than there is chasing investment in gas turbine technology. GE, under its new management and new CEO, Lawrence Culp, may resurrect itself as a well-run manufacturing conglomerate after paying down debt obligations and shoring up its pension obligations. The aviation and health groups (even after disposition of some shares) are large and profitable. And Baker-Hughes, despite its indefinite status, might still surprise to the upside depending on global energy prices. However, Power, despite its worldwide decline, is still GEs largest business. New management may succeed in growing the gas turbine business (or maybe better managing its slow decline). But to us the dividend cut symbolizes GEs fading role in a business that it literally created. By Leonard Hyman and Bill Tillesf or WOLF STREET The financial Crisis was a decade ago. But its consequences still haunt us. Read I Was Asked: How & When Will the Next Financial Crisis Happen? A man and a woman were given disorderly conduct citations after a fight near downtown Madison early Saturday morning. Officers arrived to Kelley's Market at 636 W. Washington Ave. for a fight in progress involving seven people at 1:36 a.m., according to Madison Police Chief Mike Koval's blog. A 28-year-old man was found with a head injury. The victim and a suspected 19-year-old man were given tickets for misdemeanor disorderly conduct. A second suspect a 20-year-old woman was issued a misdemeanor citation for disorderly conduct while armed. The two suspects were released, but the victim had a warrant and was taken to the hospital for medical clearance. Once there, it was determined that the victim had a fractured arm. Officers attempted to find the 20-year-old suspect who had been cited and released at the scene but were unsuccessful. When found, she will be physically arrested and charged with substantial battery. Police are still investigating. Whether Democrats win a veto-proof supermajority in both chambers of the California Legislature will likely come down to a sprawling state Senate district west of Fresno that looks on paper like it should be a lock for the party. Democrats have an 18-point voter registration advantage in the district, where two years ago voters favored Democrat Hillary Clinton by 20 points over Republican Donald Trump. Half of the registered voters in the district are Latino. And yet the seat has stayed in Republican hands. It's open now because incumbent Anthony Cannella is termed out. That has presented an opportunity for Democrats who are just one vote short of the 27 they need for a two-thirds supermajority that would allow them to raise taxes, suspend legislative rules or override vetoes without Republican votes. The party is expected to hold its supermajority in the 80-member Assembly, where they need 54 votes and have 55. Outgoing Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown sometimes clashed with fellow party members in the Legislature who wanted significantly more spending, especially on social programs. His likely successor is Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. A supermajority could give him an easier path to expanding the tax base and the health care system. If longshot conservative Republican John Cox upsets Newsom, his actions could be overridden by a two-thirds vote. Republicans are pinning their hopes in the district on Madera County Supervisor Rob Poythress while Democrats are backing Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, who lost to Cannella in 2010. Republicans so far have been overachieving and Democrats and Latinos underperforming in early ballot returns, setting up a nail-biter election night Tuesday, said Paul Mitchell of Political Data Inc., which collects voter data from counties. The key could come from a swath of the district "where the Democrats are almost more conservative, blue collar, work in the agricultural industry and can be more swing voters," he said. The money pouring into the race underscores the importance to both parties. More than $7.7 million has been spent, with the two parties dumping in $4.1 million, tops among all legislative races in the state. Democrats have spent $2.3 million of that total. Poythress said his election would prevent "truly a one-party government" in Sacramento, which he called bad for democracy. Caballero played down the importance of a supermajority, saying the party isn't monolithic. "People are hurting right now and the last thing I'm going to want to do is raise taxes," she said. Democrats including Caballero used their supermajority in the Assembly last year to raise gasoline and other transportation taxes by $5 billion a year. They were one vote short in the Senate until Cannella became the only Republican to support it. Poythress is pounding Caballero for her vote, but she says the hike is providing "resources we desperately need in our communities." Caballero hails from the Salinas Valley, across a mountainous divide from Poythress' home in the inland San Joaquin Valley. Caballero moved there in 1979 as an attorney representing farm workers. She held appointed or elected positions in Salinas from 1986 until her election to the Assembly in 2006. After she lost to Cannella, Brown appointed her secretary of the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency until she returned to the Assembly in 2016. Poythress was born in Madera, where he manages a bank and is a partner in a hardware store and the family farm. He was elected to the City Council in 2004 and county board in 2016. Both candidates say they're good fits for the agricultural district that includes parts of six counties. Caballero is a leader of a group of pro-business, moderate Assembly Democrats and holds some policy positions anathema to party leaders. She blames the state's strict environmental laws for stalling affordable housing in the district that's been hard-hit by exorbitant costs spilling over from nearby Silicon Valley and wants to carve out exceptions or a speedier environmental review process. Poythress more broadly blames burdensome laws and regulations for hobbling development. Caballero, like Poythress, supports more water storage, either behind dams or underground, and opposes Brown's proposal to move more Northern California water through massive tunnels. She supports Brown's high-speed rail project to connect rural commuters to big-city jobs. Poythress opposes it as an ill-conceived waste of money. Caballero supports the state's sanctuary law to protect some immigrants in the country illegally from deportation, while Poythress said the law protects felons. He backs more vocational training to bootstrap the region's farm labor economy and a guest visa program to bring in laborers legally from other nations. She said the valley's future lies in crops that use less water, and in adopting robots and mechanization to make up for fewer farm laborers. Those automated "smart farms" will mean higher-paying, less back-breaking agricultural jobs, she said. Caballero has a reputation of fighting for her district and the gas tax seemingly hasn't sparked the voter revolt Republicans had sought, said Darry Sragow, a former Democratic strategist who publishes the nonpartisan California Target Book that tracks legislative races. But the bulk of the district's voters are in the Central Valley, where residents may view Poythress as one of their own and Caballero as a coastal Democrat too aligned with the San Francisco Bay Area, said Target Book editor Tony Quinn, a Republican demographics expert. "The one opportunity the Republicans have in what looks like a horrible year is the demographics of this district work against any candidate who comes out of the Salinas area," Quinn said. A Lebanese American Oakland City Council candidate said today that his campaign signs have been vandalized with swastikas and other messages. Joseph Tanios, who is one of six candidates running for the District 4 seat being vacated by Annie Campbell-Washington, said in a news release, "Swastikas and other messages of hate have been painted on my campaign signs. It is disgusting." Tanios said he is "saddened and outraged" by the swastikas, particularly in the wake of the recent fatal shooting of 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Tanios said, "I do not know why I am being targeted. I have not received any communications explaining why I wastargeted." Tanios vowed, "I will not be held hostage to hate, bigotry and racism. I am proud to be Lebanese American citizen." He said, "We must not allow these faceless, cowardly vandals to degrade the election process and our democratic principles. For each sign they steal, I will put up new signs. I will not bow down to these cowards." Tanios said the swastikas don't represent the values of Oakland or District 4 and praised Oakland for being "one of the most diverse cities in the nation." He said, "This is the city I have chosen to live for 24 years and raise my two daughters. This is the reason I chose to run for council member. I wanted to give back to the city that has given me so much." District 4 includes the Montclair, Piedmont Pines, Dimond and Laurel Heights neighborhoods. Rideshare companies are offering free and discounted rides to help voters get to the polls on Election Day. The effort comes after a study showed over 15 million people were registered to vote, but did not in 2016 due to transportation issues. Here's what rideshare companies are offering on Election Day: Lyft will provide free rides to underserved communities through nonpartisan, nonprofit partners. The company is also offering half off rides. Uber is offering voters $10 off a single ride to their polling place and is partnering with #VoteTogether and Democracy Works. Uber also said it is providing free rides to the polls "To help the millions of Americans who cite transportation barriers as the reason they don't vote." Ford GoBike will provide free rides to voters with its promo code "BikeToVote" that can be used to receive a pass on Election Day. What to Know The ballot measure would raise taxes on gross receipts over $50 million The measure is written by advocates for the homeless and funded largely by Salesforce and Marc Benioff Opponents to Prop C include San Francisco's mayor and Twitter/Square CEO Jack Dorsey Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff plays master of ceremonies to the giant Dreamforce conference every year in San Francisco and while it's been called the hottest ticket in town, he said it came with some chilling emails and phone calls from customers this year. "Shocked that on the way to the conference to this building they had to step over human feces. Here. In San Francisco," he said, speaking at Moscone West during the Silver SPUR Awards luncheon, a week before Election Day. Benioff said it was that experience that steeled his resolve to support Proposition C a grassroots-led ballot measure that would tax San Francisco's largest companies those making over $50 million per year and earmark the money for housing and homelessness issues, including behavioral health services. The 300 block of Hyde Street in San Franciscos Tenderloin district has received more street cleaning requests than any other. We took a walk through the neighborhood with an app developer who wants to help clean it up. Supporters of Prop C say it would house 6,000 of the city's estimated 7,500 homeless individuals, and add at least another 1,000 shelter beds, clearing the shelter wait list. Benioff said he believes it's a civic responsibility for successful companies and billionaires to clean up the streets and he believes this is the best way to do it. But opponents of the measure, including Mayor London Breed, say it would pour money into a broken system, making it harder to implement structural reforms to how San Francisco deals with homelessness in the first place. "We can't just spend money without doing the work to figure out the best ways to spend it," Breed said at the SPUR luncheon. Tech leaders including Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey also worry that a tax hike will make it harder for large companies to justify locating in San Francisco, causing them to leave and take jobs with them. Dorsey has had spirited exchanges with Benioff on Twitter in the weeks leading up to the election. In the end, voters will decide whether an additional $300 million per year is what's needed to solve homelessness in San Francisco or if doing business in San Francisco is already too expensive, and elected leaders should figure out a different solution. What to Know A majority of the pending applications are black, according to an analysis by the Associated Press Ga. Secretary of State Brian Kemp says he's fighting voter fraud; his Democratic opponent says he's suppressing voters Kemp's ubernatorial opponent, Stacey Abrams, is the first black woman to be nominated for governor by a major party As the deadline to register to vote in Georgia came and went on Tuesday, more than 53,000 voters registrations remained on hold, leaving the mostly black applicants in a state of limbo less than one month ahead of the midterm election. Thousands of forms are being held in a "pending" status by Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp's office, and nearly 70 percent of them are black, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. Kemp's campaign spokesperson Ryan Mahoney confirmed to NBC that 53,000 applications are pending due to Georgia's "exact match" registration verification process, which requires information on voter applications to precisely match information on file with the Georgia Department of Driver Services or the Social Security Administration. Kemp, also the Republican candidate for governor in the upcoming election, is in charge of elections and voter registration in Georgia ahead of a November election that will decide the governor's race and some competitive U.S. House races. His Democratic opponent, former state Rep. Stacey Abrams, is the first black woman to be nominated for governor by a major party. She and voting rights advocacy groups charge that Kemp is systematically using his office to suppress votes and tilt the election, and that his policies disproportionately affect black and minority voters. Kemp denies it vehemently. But through a process that Kemp calls voter roll maintenance and his opponents call voter roll purges, Kemp's office has cancelled over 1.4 million voter registrations since 2012. Nearly 670,000 registrations were cancelled in 2017 alone. In a recent television appearance on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show With Trevor Noah" Abrams called Kemp "a remarkable architect of voter suppression." That's become a rallying cry for Democrats in the governor's race, which recent public polling shows in a statistical dead heat. Kemp, meanwhile, says Abrams and allied liberal activists are twisting his record of guarding Georgia elections against voter fraud. Mahoney called the claims of voter suppression a "campaign tactic" and said in a statement that because of Kemp, "it has never been easier to vote in our state." He pointed to a new online voter registration system and a student engagement program implemented under his tenure. "Kemp is fighting to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure that only legal citizens cast a ballot," Mahoney said. Two main policies overseen by Kemp have drawn criticism and legal challenges: Georgia's "exact match" registration verification process and the mass cancellation of inactive voter registrations. According to records obtained from Kemp's office through a public records request, many of the 53,000 registrations on hold with Kemp's office were flagged because it ran afoul of the state's "exact match" verification process. Election officials can place non-matching applications on hold. An application could be held because of an entry error or a dropped hyphen in a last name, for example. Despite being an active Georgia voter who had cast ballots in recent elections, Marsha Appling-Nunez recently discovered that she was no longer registered. "I was kind of shocked," said Appling-Nunez, who moved from one Atlanta suburb to another in May and believed she had successfully changed her address on the voter rolls. "I've always voted. I try to not miss any elections, including local ones," Appling-Nunez said. Appling-Nunez says she never saw any notice from Kemp's office indicating a problem with her application. An analysis of the records obtained by The Associated Press reveals racial disparity in the process. Georgia's population is approximately 32 percent black, according to the U.S. Census, but the list of voter registrations on hold with Kemp's office is nearly 70 percent black. Kemp's office blamed that disparity on the New Georgia Project, a voter registration group founded by Abrams in 2013. Mahoney said the thousands of pending applications were "by and large" collected by the group. Kemp accuses the organization of being sloppy in registering voters, and says they submitted inadequate forms for a batch of applicants that was predominantly black. His office has said the New Georgia Project used primarily paper forms and "did not adequately train canvassers to ensure legible, complete forms ...." Kemp's team said the online system provides a more reliable way to register voters. New Georgia Project pushed back on those claims, telling NBC that its canvassers use paper forms to keep a history of voter applications they collect. If a problem arises with the registration, the group can refer back to the paper forms, whereas an online system provides no physical proof that a person applied to vote at all, the group claimed. New Georgia Project said it is in the process of requesting the records of the 53,000 pending applications so it can cross-reference them with the people registered through the project. Kemp's office says "the law applies equally across all demographics," but these numbers became skewed by "the higher usage of one method of registration among one particular demographic group." Mahoney claimed the New Georgia Project has a history of knowingly submitting fraudulent applications, saying that "several" of the applications collected by the group in 2014 included false names, names of deceased people or names of people who did not submit applications themselves. New Georgia Project rejected this, saying it is required by law to submit every form it collects. While it attempts to flag incomplete applications or ones believed to be inaccurate, it does not have the discretion to withhold collected applications. Voters whose applications are frozen in "pending" status have 26 months to fix any issues before their application is canceled, and can still cast a provisional ballot. Mahoney says that Kemp's office is responding to inquiries from residents with pending applications that they can still vote in the election. He said pending applicants can correct their information before the election or present IDs at their polling places to vote. New Georgia Project worries it won't be that easy for voters and questioned whether poll workers will have voter lists that include pending applicants or will be trained to handle this specific situation. Other critics add that the registration system has a high error rate and decry the racial disparity that it produces. "We've shown that this process disproportionately prevents minority applicants from getting on the voter registration rolls," Julie Houk, special counsel for the Washington based Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said in an interview. With that in mind, she called it "kind of astounding" that Georgia legislators wrote it into state law in 2017. The Committee wrote to Kemp in July threatening legal action if "exact match" wasn't ended. Spokesperson Derrick Robinson told NBC the group was set to file a lawsuit Thursday. Details on the suit were not immediately available. The Lawyer's Committee challenged Kemp's policies in 2016 as well. At the time, if an application did not match database information, and the applicant did not correct the discrepancy within 40 days, the registration was canceled, according to the Committee, which argued the policy "denied eligible Georgians their fundamental right to vote." After the group filed a federal lawsuit, tens of thousands of voters whose registrations were previously canceled or at risk of being canceled were allowed to vote by absentee ballot, during early voting or on Election Day by showing a valid form of ID. Kemp's office says that they simply "conduct regular list maintenance of the voter rolls to ensure election integrity" as required by federal and state law. "All of the affected records were inactive as a result of returned mail, National Change of Address, and 'no contact' list maintenance procedures," it said. Kemp dismissed and derided the legal threat targeting the "exact match" policy, issuing a statement saying that with Election Day coming up, "it's high time for another frivolous lawsuit from liberal activist groups." His office said that since January 2014, elections officials have processed over 6.4 million voter registrations and less than 1 percent remain in pending status. And on Wednesday, Kemp's office announced that the state had a record 6.9 million active and inactive voters on the rolls. Mahoney said that number includes the pending applicants. Mahoney said many of those 6.9 million voters registered through its online system, challenging that the numbers show there is no voter suppression in play. State Rep. Barry Fleming, who authored the state law enabling "exact match," said in a statement that it's authorized under federal law, and courts have upheld a similar law in Florida. But Appling-Nunez said it's important for every Georgian's vote, including hers, to be counted in November. "If you don't like what's happening you either have to vote to change it or get out there and change it yourself," she said. "A life of politics is not for me so I have to support those who are fighting the good fight." Georgia also faced criticism earlier this year over its managing of polling places. Civil rights groups and black lawmakers condemned a proposed plan to close seven of nine voting locations in a rural, majority black county, arguing that black voters would be disenfranchised if the voting locations were shuttered. Election officials voted in August to scrap the plan. NBC's Liz Lane contributed to this report by The Associated Press' Ben Nadler. What to Know A shelter in place was ordered at Dartmouth College after one person was shot near campus on Friday night. The person who was shot was a non-student, according to police. The shelter in place was lifted around 12:30 a.m. Saturday. A shelter in place was ordered at Dartmouth College after one person was shot near campus on Friday night. According to Hanover police, at 9:50 p.m. Friday a 19-year-old non-Dartmouth student was shot at the Christian Science Reading Room at 1 School St. The school said the gunman was at large and additional shots were being reported from various campus locations, prompting the shelter in place order. Several videos posted on Twitter showed people saying they were students huddled in dorm rooms and fraternity houses. I could not comprehend it as real at first, Dartmouth student Skylar Miklus told the Boston Globe. Once I received the text, I realized it was and I was very freaked out. The college lifted the shelter in place around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, saying they had responded to all related reports and found nothing to indicate additional shots were fired. Hanover police said the victim is in stable condition and no arrests have been made. Officials believe the situation to be calm, with nothing to make them think there is an active danger as of now. The motive is unknown and the investigation is ongoing. Hanover police, New Hampshire State Police, the Grafton County Sheriff's Office and Grafton County Attorney all responded to the scene. Gov. Chris Sununu said on Twitter that state officials were aware of the developing situation at Dartmouth and state police were on site and had been directed to assist in any way possible. One town over in Lebanon, police are also investigating reports of gunshots. Around 11:15 p.m., Lebanon police said they received multiple calls reporting gunshots in the area of North Main Street and Fountain Way. This incident remains under investigation. It is not known if there is any connection to the shooting in Hanover. The Most Extensive and Reliable Source of Information Related to the Mexican Drugs Cartels. You will not find this level of coverage anywhere else, join us! Send information, pictures or videos, you remain 100% anonymous. Envia fotos, videos, notas, enlaces o informacion todo 100% Anonimo. Want to be a contributor or citizen reporter for Borderland Beat? We love to have you in our team, send Sol Prendido or HEARST an email! WARNING: Posts may contain strong violent material, discretion is advised. COMMENTS: We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. Following outrage that a Willowbrook sterilization plant has been pumping a cancer-causing gas into the air, a new report indicates two other production facilities in Chicago suburbs have also been emitting the toxic gas unbeknownst to residents. According to EPA data, at least two facilities in Lake County are releasing the same carcinogenic emission, ethylene oxide, also known as EO, into the air. One facility includes Medline Industries in Waukegan and the other is Vantage Specialties Chemicals in Gurnee. The latter is located just two miles from Six Flags Great America and potentially puts more than 22,000 nearby residents at risk. We abide by all federal standards as we serve health care providers, Lara Simmons, president of Medline's quality division, said in an email to the Chicago Tribune. Two years ago, the EPA increased the cancer risk value from EO exposure by 30 times, based on new research. The Illinois agency said Friday it investigating the outputs at both Vantage and Medline. "Again, Illinois EPA, in conjunction with the Attorney Generals Office, has been meeting with both sources to gather and analyze additional data to determine the appropriate course of action," the agency said in a statement. The newest EPA report on National Air Toxics Assessments, which screens for emissions and cancer risks around production facilities like the suburban locations, indicates that in 2014, Sterigenics emitted 5,214 pounds of the toxic gas. During that same time, Vantage put out 6,412 pounds. In 2016, that number went up to 11,541 pounds. The EPA noted, however, that the source is "within the applicable permitting and regulatory standards, as is Medline." Vantage said it is looking at ways to reduce its EO emissions. We are working with the EPA, preparing to conduct fence line testing in the area around our property line, the company said in a statement. Gurnee said it is in contact with the U.S. EPA about the Vantage emissions and is closely monitoring the risk to the village. On Tuesday, Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the DuPage County States Attorney filed a lawsuit against Sterigenics, calling for the plant to be shut down or emissions greatly reduced. The suit includes one count of "causing, threatening or allowing air pollution" and one count of public nuisance carrying a health risk at its Willowbrook plant. Sterigenics said it was disappointed the attorney general "has chosen to assert 'air pollution' and 'public nuisance' claims against the company's Willowbrook facility." Sterigenics has for decades used the potent ethylene oxide gas to sterilize instruments and pharmaceutical drugs near populated neighborhoods. It remains unclear what, if any, action might be taken against the additional facilities. Jewish congregations throughout the country are holding Sabbath services Friday for the first time since the deadly shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue last week, inviting people of all faiths to attend through a social media campaign to #ShowUpforShabbat and support the Jewish community. Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven in Orange had double their usual crowd at Sabbath service, and while they opened their arms to new faces, they also took new security measures. There are lots of people whose faces we dont recognize, whose names we do not know, who felt that they really needed to be with us, the rabbi said during services. Dozens of Jewish communities in Connecticut took part in the national #ShowUpforShabbat initiative, started by the American Jewish Committee as a show of solidarity with the victims of last weeks mass shooting at Pittsburghs Tree of Life synagogue. It is painful, it is scary, but also it has been an incredible week of being inspired by how many people have reached out to us, Rabbi Michael Farbman said. Farbman said many in his congregation are shaken by the attack, which claimed 11 lives. He focused the service of prayer for the victims and supporting one another. But for the first time ever, his temple doors were locked for Shabbat, with one of the congregation on guard. For some, the service is a teachable moment. I want them to feel safe and comfortable in the community and to be strong and feel good about their Jewish identity and be proud of that, said Cindy Kruger of Woodbridge. As long as we remember what makes us us, we will be ok. Weve seen this before, Farbman told his congregation. There are also Shabbat services on Saturday, offering more opportunity to lend support. During a rally in New Britain with organized labor groups Friday, Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee Ned Lamont provided a pledge to public sector unions. I support labor, Lamont said. I support the right to organize. I support collective bargaining. Lamonts support for unions comes at a time when major organized labor groups could be targets for further concessions from unionized employees when budget talks start up in January and February of 2019, when the next General Assembly is seated. The bargaining unit known as SEBAC, which represents tens of thousands of state employees, has provided cost-saving concessions over the years, but they have come at a cost when it comes to overall budgeting. Those unions are immune from layoffs until 2022, and the contract does not expire until 2027, tying the hands of future governors and General Assemblies. Lamonts promises provide relief to unions who fear that Republicans, like Gubernatorial Nominee Bob Stefanowski, may pursue whats known as, Right to Work, legislation. Right to work takes away eight hour days, overtime, health insurance, said Sal Luciano, who starting in December will be the interim Executive Director of the Connecticut AFL-CIO. All of those things really are products of being in a unionized environment. Republicans have said throughout the campaign that SEBAC must be reopened or renegotiated as part of the conversation to balance the state budget, which currently faces a two-year $4.6 billion shortfall. The GOPs candidate for lieutenant governor, Joe Markley, said Republicans have pledged to reduce taxes, and attempt to bring benefits like pensions in line with the private sector. If you want change in Connecticut, the only choice is Bob Stefanowski, Markley said, during a campaign stop at the West Haven Rotary Clubs Taste of West Haven event Friday night. Markley met with prospective voters during the evening. He said while the Democrats keep discussing national issues and trends, he doesnt think thats going to work on November 6. People in Connecticut are smart enough to distinguish between national issues and state issues and the problem in Connecticut hasnt been Washington, its been Dan Malloy and the Democratic Party. Democrats are counting on robust turnout in suburbs surrounding Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven from voters looking to rebel against Republicans in Washington DC. Markley says that energy is going against Connecticut Democrats. The wave is going to be in our direction and were going to come away with this, with governor and with both chambers of the legislature, Markley said. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford said she was on a Delta Air Lines flight into Boston Tuesday night when she noticed that a passenger next to her was in distress. Stanford, who is an African American physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, said she was helping the passenger when her medical credentials were questioned by several flight attendants, even after she showed the flight attendants her medical license. "She is a highly sought after, highly talented physician," said Dr. Michael Sinha, a research fellow at Harvard Medical School. "She has two residencies and two fellowships under her belt." Shortly after the incident, Stanford sent several tweets about it. "As a black woman doctor who showed my medical license to help a passenger on DL5935 your flight attendant still did not believe I was a physician," she said in one tweet. In a statement, Delta said, "We thank Dr. Stanford for her medical assistance on board Republic flight 5935 IN D-BOS, and are sorry for any misunderstanding that may have occurred during her exchange with the in-flight crew." Sinha is an advocate for gender equity with degrees in medicine and law who works with Stanford through the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society. "Myself and a couple of my colleagues really want this to become a national issue and to have this conversation again," he said. Sinha also said Standford participated in a bias-in-medicine symposium just over a week ago, with her friend, Dr. Tamika Cross a black OB-GYN who also accused Delta of discrimination in 2016, which sparked the hashtag #whatadoctorlookslike. After the 2016 incident, Delta stopped requiring attendants to verify medical credentials. Shilpa Pherwani is CEO of Interactive Business Inclusion Solutions, which works with companies to provide employees with diversity and implicit bias training. The company is currently working with another major airline to audit its diversity policies. "Really look at training, that gets to how you are recruiting and hiring," Pherwani said. "How you do career development. How you're giving performance evaluations, feedback, how do you develop your people, is it an equitable environment?" In another tweet, Stanford said she spoke with Delta, which promised to address the incident and thanked her for being a Sky Miles member. She is unsure whether any further changes will be made. Delta also said the plane on which the incident occurred is operated by Republic, a Delta Connection carrier. "We are proud of Dr. Stanford for immediately coming to the aid of an ailing passenger but are dismayed that her credentials and qualifications were questioned," Massachusetts General Hospital President Peter L. Slavin said in a statement. Thousands of Central American migrants traveling in a caravan through southern Mexico resumed their journey toward the United States by hitchhiking and walking along highways on Saturday, after a governor reneged on a brief offer to provide dozens of buses to take them to Mexico City more quickly. Gov. Miguel Angel Yunes announced Friday evening that authorities in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz would be providing not only humanitarian assistance to the migrants but buses to leapfrog them to the country's capital, three weeks after the migrants began their grueling journey. "It is very important that they be able to move soon from Veracruz toward another place," Yunes said in a video message. "For that reason, we also offered them transportation so that, if possible, tomorrow ... they may be able to go to Mexico City or to the place they wish." Organizers of the caravan of about 4,000 migrants told its members that they would be leaving the town of Sayula around 5 a.m. Saturday in convoys of 10 buses for the 10- to 12-hour trip. A jubilant caravan coordinator told the group: "We are all going!" But almost immediately afterward, Yunes released a second video saying that because Mexico City's water system was undergoing maintenance and 7 million of its people would be without water over the weekend, it would not be correct to send the migrants there. The maintenance has been known about for weeks. Migrants expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision before setting out by their own means for Isla, a town about 43 miles (70 kilometers) away. A day prior, the migrants made a trek of 40 miles (65 kilometers) from Juchitan, Oaxaca, to Donaji, Oaxaca, and then even farther along to Sayula. "They're playing with our dignity. If you could have only seen the people's happiness last night when they told us that we were going by bus and today we're not," said Gerardo Perez, a 20-year-old migrant who was tired from the trip. Saira Cabrera, a 36-year-old migrant traveling with her husband and two children aged 7 and 13, said she was frustrated. "It's a letdown that first they told us yes, and then they said no. People are mad and confused," she said. Caravan organizers released a statement rejecting Yunes' decision and demanding that he fulfill his offer of buses to Mexico City. The migrants' request for buses to the capital were also ignored by the Mexican government days earlier when they were in Juchitan. The latest reversal comes as Mexican authorities appear conflicted and divided over their approach to the caravan. On Friday, another caravan of migrants this time from El Salvador waded over the Suchiate River into Mexico, bringing 1,000 to 1,500 people who want to reach the U.S. border. That caravan tried to cross the bridge between Guatemala and Mexico, but Mexican authorities told those traveling in it they would have to show passports and visas and enter in groups of 50 for processing. The Salvadorans expressed misgivings that they would be deported, so they turned around and waded across a shallow stretch of the river to enter Mexico. Although police were present, they did not try to stop the migrants, who later walked along a highway toward the nearest large city, Tapachula. Mexico is now faced with the unprecedented situation of having three caravans stretched out over 300 miles (500 kilometers) of highways in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz, with a total of more than 6,000 migrants. The first, largest group of mainly Honduran migrants entered Mexico on Oct. 19. Though that caravan once numbered as many as 7,000, it has shrunk significantly, although it has become difficult to give an exact number as migrants have advanced toward small towns any way they can. Another caravan, also of about 1,000 to 1,500 people, entered Mexico earlier this week and is now in Mapastepec, Chiapas. That group includes Hondurans, Salvadorans and some Guatemalans. In addition, the government identified a smaller group of 300 Central American migrants walking further ahead, in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz. Immigration agents and police have been nibbling at the edges of the two caravans farthest ahead. A federal official who was not authorized to be quoted by name said 153 migrants in the second caravan were detained earlier in the week during highway inspections in Chiapas, a short distance from the Guatemalan border. There has also been pressure on the main caravan. Federal police have been pulling freight trucks over and forcing migrants off, saying their habit of clinging to the tops or sides of the trucks was dangerous. At other points along the route, police have forced overloaded pickups to drop off migrants and ordered passenger vans to stop helping with transportation. With or without the Mexican government's help, it remained unclear how many migrants would make it to the U.S. border; many days of scorching heat, constant walking, chills, rain and illness have taken their toll. Mexico's Interior Department says nearly 3,000 of the migrants in the first caravan have applied for refuge in Mexico and hundreds more have returned home. Ahead, they await more uncertainty. President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. troops to the Mexican border in response to the caravans. More than 7,000 active duty troops have been told to deploy to Texas, Arizona and California. Trump has also told the U.S. military mobilizing at the southwest border that if U.S. troops face rock-throwing migrants, they should react as though the rocks were rifles. He plans to sign an order next week that could lead to the large-scale detention of migrants crossing the southern border and bar anyone caught crossing illegally from claiming asylum. Though some migrants clashed with Mexican police at a bridge on the Guatemala border, they have repeatedly denied coming with any ill intentions, saying they're fleeing poverty and violence. "We aren't killers," said Stephany Lopez, a 21-year-old Salvadoran with the first caravan. A lack of health care hits residents especially hard in Maine, with the oldest population in the country, and so the Democratic challenger in the state's Second Congressional District is focused on saddling the incumbent with his vote to kill "Obamacare," following a playbook unfolding across the country. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, New England's only Republican in the House of Representatives, voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act last year in the Republicans' most recent attempt to end former President Barack Obama's signature program. Democrat Jared Golden is not letting voters forget. Asked why he thought the race was so close the Cook Political Report puts it as a toss-up Golden singled out Poliquin's vote and the deep cuts in Medicaid it would have brought. Maine residents have voted to expand Medicaid under "Obamacare," a step with bipartisan support that would give an additional 80,000 people health coverage. "There is no clearer contrast in this election than that and it's not between me and Bruce, it's between Bruce and his own constituents," Golden said. Not only does Maine have the oldest population in the country, according to the Census, an AARP survey in September found that health care was the top issue for those 50 and older. The Second District sprawls across Maine, the largest congressional district east of the Mississippi River, a mostly rural expanse covering all but the southern part of the state near Portland and Augusta. It has an equal number of registered Democrats and Republicans, and more voters than either without a party affiliation. Poliquin has represented it for two terms, but before he won the seat in 2014 it was held for 20 years by Democrats. President Donald Trump took the district in 2016, following Obama four years earlier. The race is one of the most closely contested in the country. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, which labeled the contest a "hot race," Golden outraised Poliquin $4.6 million to $3.7 million and has outspent the incumbent. Outside money also poured in, putting the election on track to be the most expensive congressional race in Maine history, according to The Associated Press. This article, part 8 in a series, examines one of the key battleground races for control of the House of Representatives in the Nov. 6 midterm elections. Carried by grassroots momentum, Democrats must take 23 seats from Republicans to win the balance of power. They are contending with Republicans' experience and organization, and an outspoken but polarizing president. Poliquin, 65, is a third-generation Mainer who worked in finance before returning to Maine, according to his House biography. He did not respond to a request for an interview. In an August 2017 recording leaked to the website Maine Beacon, Poliquin can be heard saying he rarely agrees to interviews, saying, "It would be stupid for me to engage the national media, to give them and everybody else the ammunition they need and we lose this seat." Golden, 36, is a former Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, enlisting after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He worked on national security issues for the state's Republican U.S. senator, Susan Collins, and is now in his second term in the Maine Legislature, where he is the assistant House majority leader. Golden is emphasizing two main Democratic issues, health care and the Republican tax cuts, which he ties together to dispute his opponent's assertion that Maine's economy is benefiting from the GOP tax reform bill. "The two go hand in hand because we've lost a lot of our good middle-class manufacturing and mill jobs," Golden said. Hospitals are the largest employer in many rural communities, he said. About half of Maine's hospitals are designated critical access hospitals by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, meant to keep essential services in rural communities, and they would have been hard hit under the "Obamacare" repeal bill, Golden said. Last year, the Maine Hospital Association estimated that the state's hospitals received $200 million a year from insurance subsidized by "Obamacare." Golden has argued that Medicaid expansion would bring almost $500 million in federal investment into the state's economy and create 3,000 new jobs. At the same time, one in five people in Maine is on Medicaid. He says the country needs to move toward a universal health-care system like Medicare for all. Medicaid expansion has been a contentious issue in the state. Voters in both of Maine's congressional districts approved the move by referendum after Republican Gov. Paul LePage repeatedly vetoed the Legislature's attempts to do it. LePage argued that there were insufficient funds. Poliquin first voted against repealing "Obamacare" in 2015, saying that he believed a replacement plan first needed to be in place. He changed his vote last year, approving a move to repeal and replace it with the Republicans' American Health Care Act. He said afterward that he knew that the House bill needed work it would have stripped 24 million Americans of health insurance by 2026, according to the Congressional Budget Office but had hoped it would be improved by the Senate. Instead, it failed there with Collins' help. At a debate in October, Poliquin pointed to his first vote against ending "Obamacare" and said, "Everybody in this country needs to have health care. And everybody needs to be able to afford health insurance in order to get that care." Poliquin says he would protect residents with pre-existing conditions, but the plan he voted for would have driven up their premiums. "Health care is a huge issue in this election, as much as any one issue is, and Poliquin has votes to explain away, which he has not done yet," said L. Sandy Maisel, a political science professor at Colby College. The district is blue-collar and socially conservative, said Maisel, the co-author of "Parties and Elections in America: The Electoral Process." Poliquin, though socially conservative, "does not really support the working class nature of the district." "Enter Jared Golden of the district, the opposite of Wall Street, a veteran who can field dress a rifle, plain talking, close to his roots," he said. "While progressive on some issues, he can sell himself to the district. In fact, I would argue he is the perfect Democrat for this district if he cannot beat Poliquin, no one can." Poliquin touts a career creating jobs. He's a member of the House Financial Services Committee who served as Maine's treasurer and who says the district is benefiting from his efforts to bring about less red tape, lower taxes and fairer trade deals. He's also called Golden a young radical with a socialist agenda. Golden counters that his record shows anything but a socialist. He described himself as a labor Democrat, who supported tariffs on softwood lumber, for example. He said he would work with Trump when he could, as he has with Maine's governor on allowing returning military members with a medic background to get licensed as a nurse. Golden said that to improve the economy, he would emphasize investing in infrastructure revamping utilities, focusing on renewable energy to bring down Maine's high energy costs, rebuilding roads and bridges and improving rail lines. Low employment does not equal a successful economy, he said. Poliquin has attacked Golden on his gun record, too, comparing his A rating from the National Rifle Association to Golden's D rating. Poliquin says on his website that he supports the state's "long outdoor traditions including firearms ownership," and that he defends the Second Amendment. Golden supported legislation allowing courts to confiscate weapons from domestic abusers, opposes a ban on semiautomatic rifles but would back a debate about whether to limit high-capacity magazines. James Melcher, a professor of political science at the University of Maine at Farmington, said Poliquin was helped in past election years by ballot measures connected with firearms on restrictions on bear hunting in 2014 and on more stringent background checks in 2016. There is no similar ballot initiative this year. On Tuesday, Maine will use what is called ranked-choice voting for the first time in a federal race, a system in which voters pick candidates in order of preference. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote and there are two independent candidates, Tiffany Bond and Will Hoar the one with the fewest number of first-ranked votes is eliminated and those ballots are assigned to each voter's second choice. The process continues until there is a winner. "Because the race is close, even a few voters could flip over," Melcher said. Democrats have tried to portray Poliquin as someone who does not really fit the district, he said, and cited an ad in 2016 in which a suit-clad actor meant to be Poliquin struggles with a kayak. "Mainers are very, very willing to split their ticket for somebody with whom they feel personally comfortable, especially at the local level, so that sense of fit I think is important," Melcher said. But, he added, "Democrats have underestimated Poliquin again and again and again and they underestimate him at their peril." Calista Cross, 76, is voting for Golden. She likes his military background she said she has helped to erect two memorials to veterans and his position on health care. The governor and Poliquin have not done much to ensure affordable health care for residents, she said. Cross, who lives in Cornish, dismisses accusations that Golden would not be a supporter of Second Amendment gun rights, but others among his supporters fear the issue might hurt his chances. Maryanne Forbes, a 62-year-old retired nurse who lives in Hanover and who has been making telephone calls on Golden's behalf, said he needed to make a clearer statement about his positions. Voters she has spoken to believe he will try to take away their rifles and their ability to hunt, she said. "They're not going to vote for him," she said. "They like him, they think he's a good candidate but the guns." Sharon Sibley, the vice chair of the Lincoln Town Council and the office manager of her family-owned logging company, Hanington Bros. Inc., backs Poliquin, citing his support for legislation that has benefited the logging industry. Poliquin opposed the creation of a national monument in Maine's North Woods under Obama and agreed with a recommendation from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to allow trees to be cut there. He also has introduced legislation that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work in logging operations under parental supervision. "I think experience plays a huge role, his experience as a business owner," said Sibley, 53. She said she would support Medicaid expansion provided funding was available. The company's group insurance premium for 32 employees rose 34 percent this year and 29.4 percent last year, she said, and employers cannot absorb those kinds of increases plus a tax increase to support others' insurance. "It's going to take more than one man and one president to fix health care," she said. Professors Maisel and Melcher agreed that Trump did not seem to be much of a presence in the race, but Cross was quick to accuse the president of stirring hate by repeatedly attacking people. "Trump is a bad influence," she said. Golden, who said he was not running a campaign against Trump, argued that voters were fed up with the country's extreme partisanship. He has been endorsed by nonpartisan PAC With Honor, which backs veterans of both parties with the goal of moving away from the political divide. "We are trying to push a message that we've got to get beyond this deep partisanship and get back to the kind of environment where we're all thinking about things as Americans and not as some member of a political party," he said. Nathalie Sczublewski and Sam Hart contributed to this report. A gunman killed two people and wounded five others at a yoga studio in Florida's capital before killing himself Friday evening, officials said. Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo told reporters Friday night that the man shot six people and pistol-whipped another after walking into the studio, which is part of a small Tallahassee shopping center. The suspect then fatally shot himself, DeLeo said. Authorities have identified the shooter at a yoga studio in Tallahassee and the two people he killed, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. The Tallahassee Police Department has identified the shooter as Scott Paul Beierle, 40, the newspaper reports. The department identified the two people who were killed as Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21, the Democrat reports. The newspaper says that Van Vessem was internist who served as chief medical director for Capital Health Plan. Capital Health Plan issued a statement praising Van Vessem, the Democrat reported. "As CHP's longtime chief medical director, Nancy has been a guiding, visionary force in our daily work to serve the wellness and health care needs of thousands of families in this community. Her dedication, caring, leadership, humanity, and experience made her one of the most respected, inspiring, and accomplished medical professionals in the state and country. Our hearts are filled with sorrow and prayers for her family. We all have been so blessed to have Nancy in our lives," the company said. Florida State University President John Thrasher says Van Vessem and Binkley had ties to the university. "To lose one of our students and one of our faculty members in this tragic and violent way is just devastating to the Florida State University family. We feel this loss profoundly and we send our deepest sympathies to Maura's and Nancy's loved ones while we pray for the recovery of those who were injured," Thrasher said in a statement. DeLeo said police are asking for anyone who saw something unusual around the time of the shooting to contact police. He said the shooter acted alone and authorities are investigating possible motives. He declined to say what kind of gun the shooter had. Video from the scene at a yoga studio in Tallahassee, where a gunman killed at least two people and injured several others before killing himself. "We're all very saddened and shocked by the events that occurred, but it's important that people understand that there is no immediate threat outside of what has already occurred this evening," DeLeo said. Melissa Hutchinson said she helped treat a "profusely" bleeding man who rushed into a bar after the incident. She said three people from the studio ran in, and they were told there was an active shooter. "It was a shocking moment something happened like this," Hutchinson said. The people who came in were injured, including the bleeding man who was pistol-whipped while trying to stop the shooter. They told her the shooter kept coming in and out of the studio. When he loaded his gun, people started pounding the windows of the studio to warn people. City Commissioner Scott Maddox was on the scene. He said on Facebook, "In my public service career I have had to be on some bad scenes. This is the worst. Please pray." Elle Welling said she was leaving a liquor store across the street from the shopping center and saw at least three people loaded into ambulances. "You don't think about this in Tallahassee and now you have to," said Welling, 26, who lives in the neighborhood. The plaza is home to popular restaurants, a jewelry store, a framing shop, a hair salon and other businesses. Erskin Wesson, 64, said he was eating dinner with his family at a restaurant located below the yoga studio when they heard the gunshots above them. "We just heard 'pow, pow, pow, pow,'" Wesson said. "It sounded like a limb falling on a tin roof and rolling." The restaurant's owner came by a short time later, asking if anyone was a doctor, Wesson said. His step-daughter is an emergency room nurse and helped paramedics for about an hour, he said. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is the Democratic nominee for governor, tweeted that he's breaking off the campaign trail to return to Tallahassee. He earlier appeared at a campaign event with former President Barack Obama. Im deeply appreciative of law enforcement's quick response to the shooting at the yoga facility in Tallahassee today. No act of gun violence is acceptable. I'm in close communication with law enforcement officials and will be returning to Tallahassee tonight. Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) November 2, 2018 "I'm deeply appreciative of law enforcement's quick response to the shooting at the yoga facility in Tallahassee today. No act of gun violence is acceptable. I'm in close communication with law enforcement officials and will be returning to Tallahassee tonight," Gillum tweeted. Republican Gov. Rick Scott, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, called DeLeo and the head of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to get details of the shooting. I have been briefed by FDLE and local law enforcement regarding the shooting in Tallahassee. FDLE is on the scene and assisting local police. I will remain in constant communication with law enforcement. We have offered state assistance. Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 2, 2018 "I will remain in constant communication with law enforcement. We have offered state assistance," Scott tweeted. Tallahassee's crime and murder rate has been an issue in the governor's race, with Gillum's opponent, Republican former U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, calling the capital Florida's most crime-ridden city, a claim that is incorrect. President Donald Trump and Democrats are delivering competing closing arguments during the final weekend before Tuesday's elections, but their messages are complicated by a deadly shooting in a politically pivotal state. Trump aimed to drum up voter turnout with events Saturday in Belgrade, Montana, and Pensacola, Florida, about 200 miles west of Florida's capital, Tallahassee, where two people were shot to death and five others wounded at a yoga studio on Friday night. Vice President Mike Pence helped embattled Gov. Scott Walker, R-Wis., and then was meeting up with Trump in Florida to rally Republicans behind Rick Scott, who is trying to unseat Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, and former Rep. Ron DeSantis, who hopes to succeed Scott as governor. DeSantis has been in a tight contest against Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who broke off campaigning after the shooting in his hometown. Gillum had appeared earlier Friday with former President Barack Obama. Democrats were fanning out across the country to help the party stoke turnout in their effort to capture seats in Congress and win several races for governor. Former Vice President Joe Biden was campaigning in Ohio with former Obama administration official Richard Cordray, who is attempting to become governor in a high-profile contest. A look at campaign activities on Saturday: FLORIDA SHOOTING The final stretch of the Florida campaign was briefly disrupted by the shooting Friday evening at a Tallahassee yoga studio. Scott and Gillum both rushed back to the state capital after the gunman killed two people and injured five others before killing himself. Shortly before midnight, Gillum and Scott met with victims who had been taken to a hospital near the shopping center where the shooting took place. Gillum, who has clashed with Scott in the past, thanked the governor for his "care and consideration" by visiting the victims. Both Gillum and Scott planned to return to campaigning on Saturday with stops in central Florida. Scott was expected to be with Trump when he holds a rally later in the day in Pensacola, while Gillum was to attend a get out the vote concert with Jimmy Buffett in West Palm Beach. DeSantis, Gillum's Republican opponent in the governor's race, has repeatedly criticized Tallahassee's crime rate in his campaign speeches. Police have not yet identified a motive behind the shooting. IMMIGRATION In Montana, Trump pushed back on criticism that he is focusing too much on immigration rhetoric during the closing days of the election season. Trump said during his rally that he also talks about economic gains, but can only "go for 4 or 5 minutes." After that, he said, "what I do is talk about some of the problems." Said Trump: "When we're fixing a problem or fixed a problem there's no reason to go on about it for 45 minutes." Trump has focused his closing midterm argument on immigration, stoking anxiety about several caravans of Central American migrants traveling to the southern border. He's also threatening constitutionally enshrined birthright citizenship. GEORGIA ROBOCALL In Georgia, a robocall apparently paid for by a white supremacist group directly injected racism into a governor's race already fraught with race-laden debates over ballot access and voter suppression. Democrat Stacey Abrams and Republican Brian Kemp joined together in condemning the automated telephone call that featured a voice impersonating Oprah Winfrey, the billionaire media star who campaigned in Georgia for Abrams Thursday. The call concluded by saying it was paid for by The Road to Power, a group organized by Scott Rhodes of Idaho, who has been linked to several other incendiary robocalls, including a recent effort in Florida, where Gillum would become the first black governor in state history. Kemp issued a statement calling the tactic "vile" and "contrary to the highest ideals of our state and country," adding a condemnation of "any person or organization that peddles this type of unbridled hate and unapologetic bigotry." Abrams' campaign also blasted the move but criticized Kemp and Trump, who will campaign together in Georgia Sunday. The campaign said Trump and Kemp had contributed to a poisonous atmosphere and Kemp has been silent on previous racially loaded attacks on Abrams. PENCE Campaigning in Wisconsin, Pence pushed back against the notion that Democrats will sweep to victory in Tuesday's elections. "I keep hearing about this blue wave," Pence said. "Let's make sure that blue wave hits a red wall in the Badger State." Pence and Walker addressed more than 500 supporters in northwest Wisconsin, where the two-term governor told them, "I need your help now more than ever." Walker noted that recent polls have shown him tied with Democrat Tony Evers. Pence pointed to the caravan of immigrants traveling through Mexico toward the U.S. southern border and claimed it was "being driven by the dangerous policies of Democrats." The audience chanted, "Build that wall!" WISCONSIN REPUBLICANS Hundreds of northwest Wisconsin Republicans huddled together in 40-degree temperatures waiting to enter the shipping warehouse in Hudson, Wisconsin, where Pence rallied supporters for Walker. Walker is in a fight for his political career just three days before the election. Polls show Walker knotted with Evers, Wisconsin's superintendent of schools. Walker supporter Sue Hodgson described herself as "nervous, more than excited." ''We're here to show our support," Hodgson, of nearby River Falls, Wisconsin, said. "I just hope it's enough." Walker needs to shore up northern Wisconsin and turn out conservatives in the suburban counties around Milwaukee to overcome intensity among Democratic-leaning voters in Milwaukee and Madison. Walker has defied the odds before, beating a recall election in 2012 mounted after he signed controversial legislation in 2011 stripping public employees of union rights. "It's going to be very close," said Ronald Godden, who traveled more than two hours north from near LaCrosse to attend the rally. "People know he got us out of the hole. We know he's a Godly man. That's the most important thing to me." TEXAS VOTING Nearly 4.9 million people voted in Texas' 30 largest counties during the early-voting period, surpassing the total number of votes cast throughout the state in the last midterm election. Texas secretary of state figures released Saturday found that more than 540,000 people in those 30 counties voted early on Friday, which was the last day of early voting in the state. Although Texas has 254 counties, the 30 largest are home to nearly 80 percent of the state's residents. The nearly 4.9 million early votes exceed the 4.7 million total votes cast in Texas in the 2014 midterm election. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democrat Beto O'Rourke, his Senate challenger, have said strong turnout would benefit them. O'Rourke, a rising Democratic Party star, is trying to become Texas' first Democrat to win statewide office since 1994, but he faces long odds given Republicans' advantages in statewide elections. Associated Press writer Gary Fineout, Darlene Superville, Thomas Beaumont and Bill Barrow contributed to this report. North Korea has warned it could revive a state policy aimed at strengthening its nuclear arsenal if the United States does not lift economic sanctions against the country. The statement released by the Foreign Ministry Friday evening came amid a sense of unease between Washington and Seoul over the use of sanctions and pressure to get the North to relinquish its nuclear program. The ministry said North Korea could bring back its "pyongjin" policy of simultaneously advancing its nuclear force and economic development if the United States doesn't change its stance. The North came short of threatening to abandon the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States. But it accused Washington of derailing commitments made by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump at their June summit in Singapore to work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, without describing how and when it would occur. In an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he plans to talk next week with his North Korean counterpart, apparently referring to senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol. Pompeo did not provide the location and date for the meeting, which will likely be focused on persuading North Korea to take firmer steps toward denuclearization and setting up a second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un. "A lot of work remains, but I'm confident that we will keep the economic pressure in place until such time as Chairman Kim fulfills the commitment he made to President Trump back in June in Singapore," Pompeo said. The North Korean Foreign Ministry statement, released under the name of the director of the ministry's Institute for American Studies, said the "improvement of relations and sanctions is incompatible." "The U.S. thinks that its oft-repeated 'sanctions and pressure' leads to 'denuclearization.' We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea," it said. The ministry described the lifting of U.S.-led sanctions as corresponding action to the North's "proactive and good-will measures," apparently referring to its unilateral suspension of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and closure of a nuclear testing ground. Following a series of provocative nuclear and missile tests last year, Kim shifted to diplomacy when he met with Trump between three summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who lobbied hard to revive nuclear diplomacy between Washington and Seoul. However, the North has been playing hardball since the summitry, insisting that sanctions should be lifted before any progress in nuclear talks, which fueled doubts on whether Kim would ever deal away a nuclear program he may see as his strongest guarantee of survival. Ahead of his first summit with Moon in April, Kim said the country should shift its focus to economic development as the "pyongjin" policy had achieved a "great victory." He also declared that the North would stop nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North dismantled its nuclear testing ground in May, but didn't invite experts to observe and verify the event. Friday's statement marked the first time the North said it could potentially resume weapons tests and other development activities since Kim signaled a new state policy in April. "If the U.S. keeps behaving arrogantly without showing any change in its stand, while failing to properly understand our repeated demand, the DPRK may add one thing to the state policy for directing all efforts to the economic construction adopted in April and as a result, the word 'pyongjin' may appear again," the statement said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "Pyongjin" means "dual advancement." Moon has described inter-Korean engagement as crucial to resolving the nuclear standoff. A large number of South Korean CEOs accompanied Moon in his September visit to Pyongyang, when he and Kim agreed to normalize operations at a jointly run factory park and resume South Korean visitors' travel to the North when possible, voicing optimism the international sanctions could end and allow such projects. But South Korea's enthusiasm for engagement with its rival has also created discomfort in the United States amid growing concerns that the North is dragging its feet with its promise to denuclearize. South Korea last month walked back on a proposal to lift some of its unilateral sanctions against North Korea to create diplomatic space following Trump's blunt retort that Seoul could "do nothing" without Washington's approval. What to Know The man accused of scrawling anti-Semitic graffiti inside a Brooklyn synagogue was a former intern for Christine Quinn Quinn, a former city council speaker and one-time mayoral candidate, said she was "simply and utterly devastated" During his time as Quinns intern, he worked on initiatives to combat hate crime, sexual assault and domestic violence, the Times reported The man who was arrested for scrawling anti-Semitic graffiti inside a Brooklyn synagogue was an intern for former city council speaker and one-time mayoral candidate Christine Quinn for several years. James Polite, 26, was arrested on Friday after hate-filled messages were discovered at the Union Temple in Prospect Heights. A spokesperson for Women in Need, the homeless services provider of which Quinn is now president and CEO, confirmed on Saturday that Polite was the former Quinn intern profiled in the New York Times last year. During his time as Quinns intern, he worked on initiatives to combat hate crime, sexual assault and domestic violence, the Times reported. Polite, who met Quinn at a gay pride rally for Barack Obama, spent much of his childhood in foster care, struggled with a drug problem and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was in a rehabilitation program after taking a leave of absence from college in 2015, according to the Times. In a statement posted on Twitter, Quinn said she was simply and utterly devastated. I know this young man, and along with many others in the New York City Council and social services agencies throughout the City, have done everything I could over the years to help him as he grew up in and out of the foster system, in and out of the mental health system, and in and out of homelessness, she wrote. The actions he is accused of break my heart and devastate all of us who tried to help him get on solid footing over the years. And while he has experienced hardship that most people cant ever imagine, his actions are inexcusable. I stand with the Jewish community today and every day, and pray for all New Yorkers who deserve the very basic right to enter their place of worship without fearing for their lives, she added. In addition to scrawling graffiti inside the synagogue, Polite allegedly lit several fires in the area, including one at another synagogue, law enforcement sources said. After the graffiti was discovered, the synagogue canceled a political event hosted by Broad City star Ilana Glazer. What to Know Anti-Semitic messages were found written in black marker inside Union Temple in Prospect Heights on Thursday, police said The hate-filled message read 'Die Jew Rats We Are Here,' 'Jews Better Be Ready' 'Hitler' and 'Rose,' according to the NYPD A man has been arrested in the case; charges against him were pending Friday night A man who law enforcement sources called "emotionally disturbed" has been arrested after anti-Semitic graffiti was scrawled inside a Brooklyn synagogue on Thursday. Police say James Polite, 26, was taken into custody Friday afternoon, less than a day after the hateful messages were discovered by a congregant at the Union Temple in Prospect Heights around on the second and fourth floors of the house of worship. Law enforcement sources said the Brooklynite also allegedly lit several fires in the area -- including at another synagogue -- early on Friday. He's charged with hate crime criminal mischief and making graffiti. Thursdays messages prompted the synagogue to cancel a political event hosted by Broad City star Ilana Glazer. A video posted to Instagram shows Glazer addressing a crowd. Glazer was scheduled to moderate a talk with a journalist and New York state senate candidates. Hate-filled messages were scrawled inside the Brooklyn synagogue, the latest incident in a string of alarming attacks on New York City's Jewish population in the borough, police say. Neighborhoods in the borough have been the targets of anti-Semitic acts in recent weeks. Several days ago, swastikas were found in Brooklyn Heights and last month a man was charged with assault as a hate crime in a beating of a Jewish man in the middle of a Borough Park street. In response to Thursday's grafitti, Mayor de Blasio said that the NYPD would be stepping up patrols in the area for the next several days. Acts of hate against Jews have also been on the rise across the country. In February, the Anti-Defamation League reported that the number of anti-Semitic incidents against Jewish institutions rose nearly 60 percent last year over 2016, the largest single-year increase on record. The mans arrest comes just under a week after a gunman stormed into a synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11 people. What to Know Dozens of passengers were stranded at JFK Airport Saturday after their flight was diverted due to a mechanical issue The British Airways flight was supposed to be traveling from Orlando to London On Saturday morning, a number of passengers could be seen sleeping on the floor at the airport next to their baggage Dozens of passengers who have been traveling since Thursday were stranded at JFK Airport on Saturday after their flight was diverted due to a mechanical issue. The British Airways flight from Orlando to London had to be diverted to JFK as a precaution, following a minor technical issue, the airline said in a statement provided to NBC 4 New York. Passengers told News 4 they spent the night in Orlando in hotels provided by the airline on Thursday because their plane was having issues. After their flight was diverted to New York, however, the airline only provided around 20 passengers with rooms, according to the passengers. On Saturday morning, a number of passengers could be seen sleeping on the floor at the airport next to their baggage. Passenger Barry Laing told News 4 he felt there had been a real lack of communication between British Airways and his fellow stranded travelers. Weve had no food, refreshments, water, he said. In its statement, British Airways apologized for the diversion. We are sorry to our customers for the delay to their travel plans, the airline said. Our ground teams are looking after customers and arranging hotel accommodations and we are sending a relief aircraft out to New York to get customers to London as quickly as possible. The safety of our customers and crew is always our priority, the airline added. Passengers said their new aircraft was expected to arrive at the airport around 7 p.m. on Saturday. What to Know Trump has rushed a series of immigration declarations, promises and actions as he tries to mobilize supporters before midterm elections Trump rejected the idea he was "fearmongering" or using the issue for political purposes But his escalating rhetoric in the waning days of the campaign season call into question the denial President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the number of military troops deployed to the U.S.-Mexican border could reach 15,000 roughly double the number the Pentagon said it currently plans for a mission whose dimensions are shifting daily. The Pentagon said "more than 7,000" troops were being sent to the Southwest border to support the Customs and Border Protection agents. Officials said that number could reach a maximum of about 8,000 under present plans. The troop numbers have been changing at a dizzying pace, with Trump drawing a hard line on immigration in the lead-up to the midterm elections. Just last week officials were indicating that about 800 to 1,000 might be sent. On Monday, officials announced that about 5,200 were being deployed. The next day, the Air Force general running the operation said more than the initially announced total were going, and he pointedly rejected a news report that it could reach 14,000, saying that was "not consistent with what's actually being planned." Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, told reporters the number would exceed the initial contingent of 5,200, but he offered no estimate of the eventual total. Just 24 hours later, Trump thrust new uncertainty into the picture, catching the Pentagon by surprise. With his eyes squarely on next Tuesday's contests, Trump has rushed a series of immigration declarations, promises and actions as he tries to mobilize supporters to retain Republican control of Congress. His own Republican campaign in 2016 concentrated on border fears, and that's his focus in the final week of the midterm fight. "As far as the caravan is concerned, our military is out," Trump said. "We have about 5,800. We'll go up to anywhere between 10,000 and 15,000 military personnel on top of Border Patrol, ICE and everybody else at the border." His comment was the latest twist in a story that has pushed the Pentagon unhappily into the political space, prompting questions about whether Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was allowing the military to be leveraged as a political stunt. "We don't do stunts," Mattis said Wednesday. Trump rejected the idea he was "fearmongering" or using the issue for political purposes, but his escalating rhetoric in the waning days of the campaign season calls that denial into question. Trump has railed against illegal immigration, including several caravans of migrants from Central America slowly moving toward the U.S. border. The caravan of an estimated 4,000 people is still nearly 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) from the border. He has also promised to end so-called catch-and-release policies by erecting tent cities to hold those crossing illegally. And this week he is asserting he could act by executive order to unilaterally end birthright citizenship for the children of non-U.S. citizens. Trump's comments Wednesday left some in the Pentagon scratching their heads. Officials said they had no plans to deploy as many as 15,000 troops. The number conceivably could reach 10,000, counting the 2,100 National Guard soldiers who have been operating along the border for months as part of a separate but related mission. The number of active-duty troops tapped for deployment stood at 7,000 as of Wednesday but could reach 8,000. A deployment of 15,000 would bring the military commitment on the border to roughly the same level as in war-torn Afghanistan. And it would more than double the number of people thought to be in the caravans. Trump did not back down Wednesday from his controversial proposal to upend the very concept of American citizenship. In a morning tweet, he said the right to citizenship for babies born to non-citizens on American soil "will be ended one way or the other." He also claimed that what he terms "so-called Birthright Citizenship" is "not covered by the 14th Amendment." However, the text of the amendment's opening Citizenship Cause is this: "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 citizenship proposal would inevitably spark a long-shot legal battle over whether the president can alter the long-accepted understanding that the 14th Amendment grants citizenship to any child born on U.S. soil, regardless of his parents' immigration status. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan asserted Tuesday that "obviously" Trump could not upend that policy by executive order, drawing a tweeted rebuke from Trump. He said Wednesday that Ryan "should be focusing on holding the Majority rather than giving his opinions on Birthright Citizenship, something he knows nothing about!" Speaking to reporters before leaving the White House for a campaign rally in Florida, Trump compared his plan to act by executive order to President Barack Obama's much-maligned decision to use executive action to provide protections from prosecution and a path to work status for some people brought to the U.S. illegally as children. "If he can do DACA, we can do this by executive order," Trump said, using the acronym for the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump and his Justice Department have argued that Obama action was unlawful. Trump and many top aides have long seen the immigration issue as the most effective rallying cry for his base of supporters. The president had been expected to announce new actions at the border on Tuesday, but that was scrapped so he could travel instead to Pittsburgh, where 11 people were massacred Saturday in a synagogue during Sabbath services. What's better than sleep? An extra hour of it. Its that time of the year when clocks "fall back" an hour, marking the end of daylight saving time. The change takes place at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4. When you go to bed on Saturday night, dont forget to turn your clock back an hour. But don't worry about electronic devices like cellphones. By default, they are set to automatically update the time as it changes. In observance of the biannual switch in time, here are some things you may not have known about this event. It Has an Impact on Your Health Switching into and out of daylight saving can disturb peoples sleeping routines, making them more restless at night, according to U.S. News and World Report. However, morning people tend to be less bothered by the changes. Studies have shown that during the first week of daylight saving time there is a spike in the number of reported heart attacks. Some experts suggest, according to the report, that the loss of an hours rest may make people more vulnerable to an attack. Nonetheless, when people get an extra hour in the fall, the incidents of heart attacks are less than usual. When Was DST Implemented Before President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act in 1966, which established a uniform daylight saving time, local governments could start and end daylight saving time as they desired. For five weeks a year Boston, New York and Philadelphia were not on the same time as Washington, D.C., Cleveland or Baltimore. Different daylight saving times also caused confusion for travelers going from the Midwest to Northeast. In 2005, President George W. Bush extended the daylight saving time for an extra four weeks through an energy bill. Since 2007, daylight saving time has begun on the second Sunday of March, ending on the first Sunday of November. Not All States Observe DST Arizona and Hawaii are the only two states that do not observe daylight saving time. Indiana did not observe the practice until 2005. The American territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands also do not participate. Some states have tried to get rid of daylight saving time but haven't been successful. In the last year alone, 19 state legislatures have proposed bills aimed at opting out of changing their clocks. Earlier this year, Florida legislators approved a bill that would keep the Sunshine State under daylight saving time year-round. However, the measure won't take effect unless Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation approve it. Founding Father Did Not Come Up with DST According to the History Channel, Benjamin Franklin did not come up with the idea of daylight saving time; he only suggested a change in sleep schedules. Englishman William Willett is the one who suggested in 1905 that the United Kingdom move its clocks forward by 80 minutes between April and October, so people could enjoy the sunlight. He published "The Waste of Daylight" and spent much of his fortune and time promoting the idea. Don't Trust Automatic Time Changes It's good to confirm if your phone or other electronic devices have changed to the correct time. In 2013, iPhone customers experienced a daylight saving time bug. Some users saw two different times displayed on their calendar app, which was apparently caused by a change that moved daylight saving time back a week in 2007. In 2010 iPhones had another problem in which the phones did not correctly change alarm schedules when daylight saving time ended, causing some European iPhone users to wake up late for work, while Australians were woken up early. DST is Singular Not Plural By the way, it's "daylight saving time," not "daylight savings time." The midterm elections are fast approaching Nov. 6, and Philadelphia City Commission staffers are working hard to ensure a smooth day of voting at hundreds of polling places. In Nicetown, warehouse workers are preparing voting machines for use. At City Hall, employees are constantly checking and rechecking their systems. Yet amid all the hubbub, one critical player is missing. Thats Anthony Clark, one of the three top election officials in Philadelphia. Clark has remained a controversial character in City Hall for the past decade. In 2007, Anthony Clark ran for City Commissioner and won. He was active during his first term as one of three people charged with overseeing elections: He designed and published the Philadelphia Public Guide on Election Information and Voter Education, partnered with other officials to modify Pennsylvanias voter ID law, and proposed to expand the City Commissioners website for greater voter accessibility. But in more recent years, Clark has been increasingly absent, both in the office and at the polls. So much so, in fact, that some have asked whether hes really doing work to justify his $138,000 salary. Take his voting record, for instance. According to the now-deceased alt-weekly City Paper, Clark failed to cast a ballot at least five elections, including the 2012 presidential election, over the course of three years. Yep, you read that right the head of the board that runs Philly elections didnt vote in them himself. When questioned by reporters, he failed to explain why, saying only that under the U.S. Constitution he was not required to vote and that his decision was a "personal choice that has nothing to do with the running of the office." Fast forward to 2018. The NBC10 Investigators tried for two months to schedule an interview with him without success. They were told repeatedly by city staffers that Clark was on vacation, that they didnt know where he was or what he was doing, and finally that "elected officials like him 'dont do 9-to-5 like the rest of us do.'" This isnt the first time Clark's schedule has been placed under the media microscope. In 2015, the Daily News tried to track him down for two weeks, visiting his office each day at different times in the morning and afternoon. He wasn't available, staffers said, and they couldnt guarantee that hed be in later either. The Daily News story said it's become a bit of an inside joke around City Hall. Some employees, according to the story, joked that meeting Clark in the building is about as common as sighting the Loch Ness Monster, while another called him the "$139,000 Invisible Man" of the city commissioners. But political watchdog organizations didn't find his absence amusing. A coalition consisting of Philadelphia 3.0, 5th Square, Philly Set Go, and Committee of Seventy filed right-to-know requests in 2015 in an attempt to find out what, exactly, Clark does with his time. In response, the city said that Clark keeps no public calendar, agenda, or attendance record. He doesnt even have a computer on his office desk. In an interview with NBC10, Committee of Seventy CEO David Thornburgh said, "He's just AWOL, plain and simple." When confronted by the NBC10 Investigators after the October monthly meeting, Clark repeatedly said a reporter would have to schedule a meeting through his office. But he did eventually say, "I ran. I won. The people voted for me. OK?! They didnt vote for you." When Clark retires at the end of his current term, which ends Jan. 2020, Philly.com reported he will receive a $500,000 payout through the controversial Deferred Retirement Option Program. Thats on top of his $10K-per-month pension, the news site said. Lee la historia en Espanol en el siguiente enlace. A family from the Dominican Republic who recently moved into a home in Philadelphia's Tacony neighborhood are uneasy after a racist letter threatening to bomb their house landed in their mailbox. The letter which claims to be from the "local town watch group" mocked homeowner Connie Mella for speaking Spanish and threatened the family with harm. "Let us make it PERFECTLY CLEAR since you must understand some of the English Language that WE do NOT intend to put up with any type of f---ing s--t from YOUR kind of sub human species!!" the letter read in part. The author threatens to "fire bomb" the home if the family makes noise or plays loud music among other racist statements. They went on to say that they've bombed a house before. It's not clear if that is true. "She never had a problem with [her] neighbors. Shes the type of person to make sure everybody like[s] her," Mella's son, Elvis, said in an interview with Telemundo62's Yaima Crespo on Friday. Connie Mella has Dominican roots, but is a U.S. citizen. She's lived in the country for the past 20 years. "We're humans, we can talk as grown ups. They can talk to her as a grown up," Elvis Mella said. Despite a warning in the letter not to involve the police, the family reported the letter, which was sent through the mail and postmarked. Requests for comment from police were not immediately returned. The story of money in politics doesn't stop with spending on races for Congress. Candidates for governor, legislature and other state offices this year have brought in $2.2 billion in campaign contributions nearly matching the combined total of $2.4 billion for candidates for the U.S. House and Senate. That makes this year among the most expensive ever in state-level politics, and the total will only grow in the final stretch before Tuesday's election. At stake is control of 36 governors' offices and legislative chambers in most states. Activists see state elections as a good investment because it doesn't take as much money to influence them as it does congressional races. The upstart organization Flippable has raised about $1 million this year for 130 Democratic state legislative candidates in 10 states. Its chief executive, Catherine Vaughan, points out that legislative campaigns cost around $150,000 on average, compared with more than $1 million for a congressional race. An Associated Press analysis of campaign finance data collected by the National Institute on Money in Politics, the Federal Election Commission and the IRS shows where the state-level money is going. THE BIG PICTURE The top states this year for reported contributions to candidates are, in order, Illinois, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia and Pennsylvania. They also happen to be among the states with the largest populations but not necessarily the most competitive state-level races. Donors also have contributed more than $400 million to support or oppose ballot initiatives. While Democrats are spending more in federal elections, it's about even in state-level elections. As of Thursday, reports processed by the National Institute on Money in Politics show that both parties had brought in just over $1 billion, with a slight edge for the GOP. Nonpartisan and third-party candidates had raised about $40 million. But the money race is not even on a state-by-state basis. Republicans running for legislatures have raised $370 million to Democrats' $354 million. It's no surprise that Wyoming Republicans have raised six times as much as Democrats and that Massachusetts Democrats have nearly as big an advantage. But there's also lopsided funding in some more competitive states. Republican legislative candidates have brought in about twice as much as Democrats in Florida. In Colorado, Democrats have a 2-to-1 fundraising advantage. THE MOST EXPENSIVE RACES Illinois has the second most expensive race for governor on record at $210 million so far. This year's second costliest governor's race is in Florida. Both already are among the 10 costliest races for governor on record. Polls have consistently shown a tight race in Florida between U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, a loyalist to President Donald Trump, and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. In Illinois, nearly 90 percent of contributions have come from just three wealthy investors. Democratic challenger J.B. Pritzker, who is leading in polls, has used more than $106 million of his own money in the race. Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner has spent $57 million. Citadel founder Ken Griffin has kicked in more than $22 million to support Rauner. The most expensive state legislative race is for a state Senate seat in north Texas that has cost $10.8 million so far. Nearly half the total was from Phillip Huffines, who self-financed his losing Republican primary campaign. The most expensive legislative race with a competitive general election is the 12th Senate District in central California. Democrat Anna Caballero and Republican Rob Poythress each have raised about $2 million. BIGGEST SPENDERS The list of the largest contributors across all state-level elections is dominated by self-funded candidates. Nine candidates, all running for governor, have spent at least $10 million on themselves this year. In addition to the two in Illinois, only one other Jared Polis, a Colorado Democrat won a primary. The list of big organizational contributors is dominated by labor groups spreading money to a variety of candidates mostly but not exclusively Democrats. Unions representing laborers, educators, service workers and plumbers, including their regional affiliates, have contributed at least $7 million each. Realtor associations also have contributed more than $11 million, the majority of it to Republicans. INDEPENDENT MONEY Most states limit the amount a contributor can give to each candidate. But political groups, companies, charities and individuals have no restrictions on how much they can spend on their own. In some cases, they can do this spending without disclosing the identities of their donors; in some states, they don't even have to report the spending. The one catch: They're generally not allowed to coordinate with the candidates' official campaigns. Among those that do report spending are national party-affiliated organizations, which have arms that do work with campaigns. Republican groups trying to elect their partisans to governor's offices, legislatures and other positions such as state attorney general have an edge over Democrats. Corporations are major contributors to the groups on both sides. Filings by the Republican Governors Association this month show it has raised $156 million from the start of 2017 through September. The Democratic Governors Association brought in $108 million through Oct. 17. Both use much of their money to fund ads attacking their opponents. Groups that are key to the parties' attempts to win state legislative seats also are spending big this cycle. The Republican State Leadership Committee had raised $33 million through September and expects to spend up to $50 million. Its counterpart, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, said it has brought in $35 million through October, a record amount for the group. Its efforts are being bolstered this year by other organizations with similar goals. THE NATIONAL PLAYERS A handful of wealthy individuals fund organizations that spend on politics across the country. The industrialist brothers Charles and David Koch and other conservatives are major players through a group of organizations that include Americans for Prosperity. It's impossible to tell from campaign finance filings how much they're spending this year. An Americans for Prosperity spokeswoman said the network plans to put a total of $400 million into state and federal political efforts in 2017 and 2018 but declined to break down how much would go to state races. Tom Steyer, a San Francisco liberal who has called for impeaching Trump, has announced contributions totaling at least $7 million to support Florida's Gillum. That includes more than $2 million in direct contributions to a political action committee that supports Gillum, along with $800,000 from the Steyer group NextGen Climate America and direct mail pieces being sent by another Steyer group, Need to Impeach. Twin brothers suspected of gunning down two people in San Diego in 2013 killing one of the victims were arrested Friday night in Mexico, authorities confirmed. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) announced Saturday the arrests of Anibal Avila and Edward Avila, both 27. The pair have been wanted for the past five-and-a-half years in connection with the deadly shooting of Rafael Robles, 34. On April 11, 2013, at around 2:45 p.m., shots were fired in the 4000-block of 39th Street in San Diegos Corridor neighborhood, near City Heights. When police officers arrived, they found Robles and another victim lying on the ground in an alley, each suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were taken to local hospitals; Robles died a short time later, while the second victim survived. SDPD detectives identified the suspects as the Avila twins and believed the duo had fled to Mexico. Warrants were issued for both of their arrests, but, until now, they had remained at large. The Avila brothers were arrested by Mexican law enforcement and turned over to U.S. authorities at the San Diego-Mexico border Friday night, the SDPD said. They were booked into San Diego Central Jail each on one count of first-degree murder and attempted murder, their bail set at $3 million. The twins are scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 6. Homicide detectives have said that the brothers got into some sort of argument with the victims before pulling out a handgun and firing on them. The suspect fled the scene in a dark-colored pick-up truck. Two men were killed when part of an Amazon distribution warehouse in Baltimore collapsed and weather officials have confirmed a tornado struck the area. A 50-foot wall collapsed late Friday at the Amazon Fulfillment Center amid heavy rain and thunderstorms, Baltimore Fire Chief Roman Clark told WBAL. Clark said one man was found under the debris and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The second victim was later found beneath the rubble. Andrew Lindsay, 54, was one of the victims. The Baltimore Sun reported that he was an employee of a real estate consulting firm. Israel Espana Argote, 37, was also killed. Argote owned a trucking company that contracted with Amazon, the Sun reported. The National Weather Service said Saturday an EF-1 tornado was to blame for the damage. The tornado also uprooted several large trees and tore the roof off of an apartment complex in Baltimore County. Images taken from outside the Amazon facility showed a badly damaged truck, a knocked-over light pole and a large swath of the building exposed through a missing wall. Amazon spokeswoman Rachael Lighty told the Associated Press that the two people killed weren't employees of the online retail giant but worked for an outside company. "First responders remain onsite assessing the damage. The safety of our employees and contractors is our top priority and at this time the building remains closed," Lighty said in an email. She said no one else was injured. A Starbucks in Falls Church, Virginia, was evacuated for several hours Saturday as police investigated a bomb threat. Fairfax County police responded to the threat at the Starbucks at 8104 Arlington Boulevard about 5 p.m. A man with a neon yellow backpack allegedly told employees he had a bomb. Officers outside shouted commands to the suspect who was inside, telling him to come to the front of the coffee shop with his hands up. The man eventually emerged from the back of the store and walked slowly to the entrance. When officers told him to turn around, the man dropped a neon yellow backpack on the ground. Multiple officers then swooped in and handcuffed the man before putting him in a police cruiser. A bomb technician responded to the scene and police confirmed about 8:30 p.m. that nothing suspicious was in the backpack. The Starbucks is in a shopping center next to several other businesses, including a CVS, Pap Johns, Five Guys and Aldis grocery store. A Maryland woman who donated one of her kidneys to save her son's life has been named the state's "Mother of the Year." Cherryl Whitaker said she would do anything for her four sons. "They all mean the world to me. That's my primary job, is to love my sons, to bring them up," she said. In 2017, doctors told her son Christopher he had a rare and potentially deadly kidney disorder and he could die if he didn't receive a kidney transplant. Luckily, Christopher's entire family was a match. But when doctors told Whitaker they wanted to use one of her younger son's kidneys for the transplant, she said couldnt deal with the thought of two of her children on the surgery table. She decided to step up and donate her own kidney. After hearing about her act of bravery, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan awarded her the Maryland Mother of the Year Award. Hogan recognized Whitaker for her contributions to the community, her church and for the selfless act to save her son. Christopher said that he is thankful that hes alive to see a moment his mom deserves. Gov. Hogan said that Whitaker is now in the running to be nationally recognized as Mother of the Year. The Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether a nearly 100-year-old, cross-shaped war memorial located on a Maryland highway median violates the Constitution's required separation of church and state. The court announced Friday that it would hear the case. The memorial's supporters say the case could affect hundreds of similar monuments nationwide. A federal appeals court in Virginia had previously ruled against the approximately four-story-tall concrete cross. The judges said that it "has the primary effect of endorsing religion and excessively entangles the government in religion." But the Maryland officials who maintain the memorial told the Supreme Court that the monument's context and history show it is intended to convey a secular message of remembrance, not a religious message. The monument in Bladensburg, Maryland, was completed in 1925 to honor Prince George's County soldiers who died in World War I. In 2012, the American Humanist Association challenged the constitutionality of the cross, saying it endorses Christianity while ignoring non-Christian veterans. After the court ruled the memorial unconstitutional, Gov. Larry Hogan directed Maryland's attorney general to support a legal challenge against the ruling. NBC News' Pete Williams reports the Supreme Court's rulings have been notoriously erratic in the area of religious displays, and Justice Brett Kavanaugh's views probably won't differ much from those of Anthony Kennedy, who was willing to tolerate of a lower wall of separation between church and state. Whatever success Republicans have amassed in taking control of all three branches of U.S. government, and whatever fate awaits them as midterm elections near, some on the right are working to cement change by amending the Constitution. And to the mounting alarm of others on all parts of the spectrum, they want to bypass the usual process. They're pushing for an unprecedented Constitutional convention of the states. While opponents are afraid of what such a convention would do, supporters say it is the only way to deal with the federal government's overreach and ineptitude. "They literally see this as the survival of the nation," said Karla Jones, director of the federalism task force at the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council, which represents state lawmakers and offers guidance and model legislation for states to call a convention under the Constitution's Article V. Among the most frequently cited changes being sought: amendments enforcing a balanced federal budget, establishing term limits for members of Congress, and repealing the 17th Amendment, which put the power of electing the Senate in the hands of the public instead of state legislatures. For the past 229 years, constitutional amendments have originated in Congress, where they need the support of two-thirds of both houses, and then the approval of at least three-quarters of the states. But under a never-used second prong of Article V, amendments can originate in the states. Two-thirds of states currently, 34 must call for a convention at which three-fourths of states approve of a change. The particulars of such a convention, though, are not laid out. Do the states have to call for a convention on the same topic? Must they pass resolutions with similar or identical wording? The U.S. Supreme Court may have to decide whether the threshold of states has been reached and, ultimately, the parameters of a convention and the rules delegates would be governed by. A bill introduced in the U.S. House last year would direct the National Archives to compile all applications for an Article V convention. Some believe enough states have already passed Article V resolutions, pointing to votes over the years across the country on a variety of potential amendment topics. Others contend the highest possible current count of states is 28 the number of states with existing resolutions on the most common convention topic, a balanced budget amendment. Others point to lower total counts based on states that have passed near-identical resolutions. Regardless, proponents of a convention believe they have momentum on their side more than any other time in American history. "That second clause of Article V was specifically intended for a time like this, when the federal government gets out of control and when the Congress won't deliver to the people what they want," said Mark Meckler, a tea party leader who now heads Citizens for Self-Governance, which runs the Convention of States Project calling for an Article V convention. Legislation promoted by the group calls for a convention focused on the federal government's budget and power, and term limits for office holders. It has passed 12 states and one legislative chamber in another 10. The Convention of States Project says 18 other states are considering the measure. Meckler, like other backers of a convention, believes there's no reason why it can't be limited in scope. Others aren't so sure. Four states that previously had passed resolutions calling for a convention have rescinded them in recent years, often citing wariness over a "runaway" convention. Karen Hoberty Flynn, president of Common Cause, has sounded alarms on a possible convention and portrays the coast-to-coast emergence of resolutions on the issue "a game of Whack-a-Mole." "This is the most dangerous idea in American politics that most people know nothing about," she said. Nancy MacLean, a Duke University historian and author of "Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America," views the prospect of an Article V convention with fear the next chapter of decades of work on the far right transforming the federal judiciary and supporting cases that go on to make broad constitutional points, all while suppressing votes and gerrymandering districts. "The ultimate project," MacLean said of conservatives, "is to transform our primary rules book, which is the Constitution." There are proponents of an Article V convention on the left who see it as a possible way to overturn the Citizens United campaign finance decision, pass the Equal Rights Amendment and otherwise address what they see as a stacked deck that has helped the GOP get an unfair advantage. But with more red states than blue ones, it seems an unlikely path to abolishing the Electoral College, reengineering apportionment of the Senate or otherwise devising a democracy they believe is more reflective of the American public's views. In that view, it's baffling to some observers that conservatives are the ones pushing a convention. "I don't know what exactly they're unhappy with. When I look at the current politics, it seems to me things for them are going really well," said constitutional law professor Michael Klarman of Harvard University. "They're already getting what they want from the Supreme Court. Gerrymandering is fine. Unlimited money in politics is fine. The Electoral College is OK. Voter purges, photo ID laws are OK. So I don't know exactly what they're looking for." Meckler acknowledges the loudest voices calling for a convention are conservative. ("You look at our website, it's all right-wingers," he says.) But he sees that as a reflection of a conservative culture in which the Constitution is more frequently discussed, not a reflection of the politics of it. It's not the first time a convention has been proposed. In the 1890s, when the Senate refused to take up the issue of direct election of senators, states pursued a convention, falling just short. Eventually, the 17th Amendment passed in the usual way, fulfilling that aim. In the 1960s, states sought a convention over a Supreme Court decision dictating how legislative districts were apportioned. But convention opponents have always feared that once one has been launched, it could tear up the Constitutions in all sorts of ways. What's to stop a convention from passing an abhorrent affront to the Founders, like an outright ban on Muslims, Klarman asks. He points to a 2009 Swiss referendum that resulted in outlawing the construction of minarets, the towers found beside mosques. "It's a dangerous route and an unpredictable one," said Laurence Tribe, another Harvard University constitutional law expert. Jones said such fears are "misguided" and that "so many stopgaps" would prevent a "runaway" convention. "That suggests a failure of institutions that is so massive that the last thing we need to worry about is a constitutional amendment," she said. "That would suggest that Congress failed in its duty to say, 'Look, you dealt with an issue that is not contained in the resolution.' That would require the judiciary to also not step in. It would require a failure of all of our democratic institutions and it would require a failure of the American people not to rise up." Still, several states have rescinded previous calls for a convention as lawmakers grew fearful of what it could bring. Over the years, Nevada lawmakers have made various calls for a convention to consider a ban on abortion, to prohibit racial integration of schools and to abolish the 17th Amendment. But when Democratic state Sen. Tick Segerblom saw how close advocates were to hitting the 34-state mark, he realized the idea was no longer far-fetched and that it would be safer to back off its Article V votes rather than take the chance of a runaway convention. So last year, he sponsored a resolution to do just that. The goals of convention backers "are not the Democratic Party's goals or even the Republican Party's goals," he said. "It's some fringe groups." In fact, while some conservatives have voiced the greatest support for a convention, others strongly oppose it. At an October hearing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Kim Stolfer of the gun rights group Firearms Owners Against Crime told lawmakers that the push for a convention "scares the dickens out of me." Andy Schafly of the conservative Pennsylvania Eagle Forum called a convention "a Pandora's box." A Republican who sponsored an Article V resolution and supports it so passionately that she calls it "my baby," Arizona state Rep. Kelly Townsend once shared those misgivings. Now, though, she believes it could both put the country on the right path and unite the parties. She thinks an amendment on term limits could bring Democrats and Republicans together. That, in turn, could lead to another amendment that merges issues of opposing sides perhaps, say, overturning of Citizens United to appeal to liberals while mandating a balanced budget to bring in conservatives. "This isn't red vs. blue," she said, "this is about states' rights and an overspending, overbearing federal government that is out of control." Harvard's Tribe rejects that as naive. "The idea that we could have a kumbaya moment in which a convention would produce a stable republic with some respect for the rule of law," he said, "seems like a fantasy." The United States imposed new sanctions Thursday on Venezuela and Cuba and promised additional penalties against Nicaragua as the Trump administration laid out a hard-line policy toward countries the White House branded a "troika of tyranny." National security adviser John Bolton condemned what he called the "destructive forces of oppression, socialism and totalitarianism" that he said the three countries represent. In a speech in Miami, home to thousands of exiles from Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, Bolton said the U.S. "will no longer appease dictators and despots near our shores in this hemisphere." He spoke at the Freedom Tower, an important local landmark to the Cuban community in South Florida. The administration will prohibit U.S. citizens from involvement in the gold export trade from Venezuela. American officials have said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro illegally exported at least 21 metric tons of gold to Turkey to avoid U.S. sanctions and to try to help rescue a collapsing economy once bolstered by vast oil reserves. The U.S. government has sanctioned dozens of top Venezuelan officials, including Maduro, as part of economic measures designed at pressuring the South American country's return to democracy. Bolton blamed Cuba for enabling Maduro's government and he urged the nations of the region to "let the Cuban regime know that it will be held responsible for continued oppression in Venezuela." In a clear contrast to the Cuban policy of the Obama administration, Bolton said the State Department added over two dozen entities owned or controlled by the Cuban military and intelligence services to a restricted list of entities with which financial transactions by U.S. persons are prohibited. Bolton said the goal is to prevent dollars from reaching the Cuban military, security and intelligence services. South Florida has long been home to a large community of Cubans emigres, many of whom will welcome a tougher line on the Havana government. In recent years, tens of thousands of Venezuelans have settled in the area as Venezuela's economy has collapsed. Bolton's speech may energize voters in both groups heading into Tuesday's elections. Bolton also sent a strong warning to President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, where more than 300 people have been killed since protests erupted in April calling for Ortega's resignation. "Free, fair, and early elections must be held in Nicaragua, and democracy must be restored to the Nicaraguan people," he said. "Until then, the Nicaraguan regime, like Venezuela and Cuba, will feel the full weight of America's robust sanctions regime." In grouping the three countries together, Bolton said "this troika of tyranny, this triangle of terror stretching from Havana to Caracas to Managua, is the cause of immense human suffering, the impetus of enormous regional instability, and the genesis of a sordid cradle of communism in the Western Hemisphere." Bolton mocked the leaders as stooges of socialism. "These tyrants fancy themselves strongmen and revolutionaries, icons and luminaries," he said. "In reality, they are clownish, pitiful figures more akin to Larry, Curly, and Moe." On the other hand, Bolton called Brazil's president-elect, Jair Bolsonaro, a "likeminded leader" and said his election last weekend demonstrates "a growing regional commitment to free-market principles, and open, transparent, and accountable governance." Bolsonaro whose victory moved Brazil sharply to the right, built his popularity on a mixture of often outrageous comments and hard-line positions, but he consolidated his lead by promising to enact market-friendly reforms. A possible tornado damaged buildings and homes and brought down hundreds of trees in the area of Mount Airy, Maryland, Friday night. A tornado warning was briefly in effect for parts of Prince George's, Charles and St. Mary's counties in Maryland. The warning expired at 11 p.m. Photos show damage to the roof of a shopping center that houses a T.J. Maxx and Home Goods at 1001 Twin Arch Road in Mount Airy. One video posted to social media shows water coming into the T.J. Maxx through holes in the ceiling. Three people had minor injuries inside of the T.J. Maxx, the Mount Airy Fire Department said. Inspectors were at the scene assessing the strength of the building. Fire officials said three trailer homes were destroyed at a nearby trailer park. No one was hurt. The storm also brought down hundreds of trees and created "three to four square miles of destruction," a fire department spokesperson said. Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said radar showed a tornado hit part of Mount Airy, but no warning was issued by the National Weather Service. Amid the storms, an overturned truck stopped traffic in both directions on the Harry Nice Bridge late Friday night. The bridge connects King George County, Virginia, to Charles County, Maryland. More than an inch of rain fell across D.C., Maryland and Virginia, the National Weather Service reported. Sunday will be the better half of the weekend because winds will be lighter than Saturday. Expect temperatures to start out Sunday in the upper 30s and highs in the mid to upper 50s. Rain returns to the forecast for Monday and Tuesday before we turn seasonably chilly and dry by mid-week. A Delta flight bound for Frankfurt, Germany landed safely at Boston's Logan International Airport after making an emergency landing. According to the airline, flight 106 left from New York but landed in Boston out of an abundance of caution following a mechanical issue. Another airplane is being sent to resume the flight to Frankfurt so that the initial airplane can be inspected. What to Know A 19-year-old man, not affiliated with Dartmouth College, was shot near the campus on Friday night. Hanover police say the victim is in stable condition. Police are looking for the gunman, who remains at large. Hanover Police have arrested Gage Young, 22, of Lebanon, New Hampshire for second degree assault in connection to a shooting near Dartmouth College. Police say they arrested Young at 2:47 p.m. Saturday. The initial investigation revealed that Young was traveling through Hanover when he discharged a handgun toward the 19-year-old victim, striking him and causing serious bodily injury, police said. According to officials, the victim is in stable condition. School officials say the victim, who is not affiliated with Dartmouth, was shot just before 10 p.m. Friday on the sidewalk outside the Christian Science Reading Room at 1 School St. in Hanover. A shelter-in-place was ordered shortly after 10 p.m. when gunshots were first reported by police to Dartmouth Safety and Security officials. The shelter notification was lifted at 12:46 a.m. Saturday. Police investigated several reports of gunfire-like sounds but found nothing to suggest that shots had been fired in any other location. They determined it was an isolated event, and there is no danger to the public. The victim, whose name has not been released, was taken by ambulance to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. Police say he is in stable condition. Hanover police are investigating the shooting and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 603-643-2222. Newly released emails from the 2016 presidential campaign appear to show political operative Roger Stone presenting himself as a WikiLeaks insider to Steve Bannon, who was at the heart of then-candidate Donald Trump's run for president. The emails, which were published Thursday by The New York Times, touch on a central question of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation: Did Stone have advance knowledge of WikiLeaks' plans to release hacked material damaging to Democrat Hillary Clinton? Stone says no, and the emails do not provide a definitive answer to that question. But the correspondence suggests that Stone wanted Bannon to see him as plugged in to WikiLeaks as it was planning to publish documents that would upend the campaign. American intelligence agencies have concluded that Russian agents were the source of information released by WikiLeaks during the 2016 campaign. And Mueller, who is investigating potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, has focused on Stone recently. Mueller's team questioned Bannon last month about his exchanges with Stone, according to a person familiar with the interview. Bannon's interview was with prosecutors, though other people close to Stone have been called before a grand jury to discuss his ties to WikiLeaks. The person familiar with Bannon's interview said Bannon and other top campaign officials were skeptical of Stone and his claims about having insight into WikiLeaks' efforts. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the confidential interview. Stone, who confirmed the authenticity of the emails, denies being a conduit to WikiLeaks. "What I am guilty of is using publicly available information and a solid tip to bluff, posture, hype and punk Democrats on Twitter. This is called 'politics.' It's not illegal," he said in an opinion piece published Thursday by The Daily Caller website. He said he had based his comments on Assange's public statements and conversations with a New York radio host, Randy Credico, a vocal supporter of Assange who has also been interviewed by Mueller's grand jury. In a telephone interview with the AP, Stone said: "I had no advanced notice of the source or content or the exact timing of the release of the WikiLeaks disclosures." In one email exchange from Oct. 4. 2016, Bannon asks Stone about an announcement that morning by Assange that puzzled some Trump supporters. In the announcement, Assange said he would be posting a cache of documents weekly that would include some related to the 2016 election, among other topics, but he denied that WikiLeaks intended to harm Clinton, saying such suggestions were "false." Many Trump supporters egged on by Stone himself had been expecting Assange to provide details on potentially damaging information about Clinton, possibly even posting it that day. Stone had built up suspense on Twitter, saying on Oct. 3, 2016, "I have total confidence that @wikileaks and my hero Julian Assange will educate the American people soon. #LockHerUp." In the wake of the disappointing announcement, Bannon fires off an email asking Stone "What was that this morning???" Stone writes back: "Fear. Serious security concern. He thinks they are going to kill him and the London police are standing done. However a load every week going forward." Days later, WikiLeaks released the first batch of material emails stolen from the account of Clinton campaign chairman, John Podesta. The Oct. 7, 2016, document dump came just hours after The Washington Post released audio from "Access Hollywood" in which Trump boasted of kissing and groping women without their permission. (NBCUniversal is the parent company of both "Access Hollywood" and this station.) WikiLeaks proceeded to dribble out the Podesta emails a thousand or so a day until Election Day. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin contributed to this report. President Donald Trump accused Hillary Clinton without evidence of engaging in a conspiracy with Russia to affect the 2016 election during a campaign rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, Wednesday night, NBC News reported. "There was collusion between Hillary, the Democrats and Russia," Trump said, just after his supporters had chanted "lock her up" about Clinton. "There was a lot of collusion with them and Russia and lots of other people." Special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating whether Trump or his operation colluded with Russia or obstructed justice afterward. But Trump allies in Congress and on cable news programs have argued that Democrats, Justice Department and FBI officials and the Clinton campaign conspired to frame him. Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill said Trump is in fantasy land. Delusion, not collusion, he said. More than 300 people attended gala dinner at Newbury Racecourse last night THE very best in business were recognised at Newbury Racecourse last night. Newbury-based solicitors Gardner Leader walked away with the overall Newbury Weekly News Best in Business award, as well as the customer service award. More than 300 people from a diverse range of companies attended the black tie gala dinner, where they were treated to a champagne reception followed by a three course meal and coffee. Popular Newbury restaurant The Sushi Maki were crowned best small business, while the Best Rural Business Award went to the Fox at Peasemore. The Hare and Hounds at Speen walked away with the Best Independent Retailer Award, while the best use of social media award went to Briars Dental Centre. The charity and not for profit award went to Newbury Soup Kitchen for its tireless work helping the district's homeless. Meanwhile, Alison Huntley from Tigers Day Nursery picked up the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The innovation award went to Corvia "ticketer", while the regional event of the year was the Lions Club of Newbury's annual fireworks display at Newbury Racecourse. David Bruce, the chairman of West Berkshire Brewery - the headline sponsors this year - told a packed audience: "The judges were all impressed by the outstanding spirit of enterprise. "Judges saw passion and pride radiate from each of you." The evening was compered by the director of Greenham-based SAS Auctions and TV personality Thomas Plant, best known as a regular on Bargain Hunt. NWN chief executive James Gurney and editor Andy Murrill also spoke on the night. Don't forget to pick up a copy of next week's Newbury Weekly News for eight pages of pictures and reaction from the big night. College students who drink alcohol don't typically intend to drink to the point that they "black out," and they also don't fully grasp what specific drinking behaviors present the greatest risk of blackouts, a new series of studies finds. Prior research has found that between 30 and 50 percent of young adults who drink regularly report that they have experienced alcohol-related memory impairment in the past year, whether full "blackouts," where they can't remember anything for some period of time, or "brownouts" -- episodes of on-and-off memory loss, where memories may be recovered with reminders. "We don't yet know what long-term effects having a blackout or repeated blackouts has on the brain," said Kate Carey, a professor with the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown's School of Public Health. "We do know that having alcohol-related memory impairment is associated with other negative consequences." Those consequences can range from hangovers or missed classes to fights, overdoses, mental health problems or sexual assault. Given the seriousness of those risks, Carey and her colleagues conducted a series of focus groups to better understand college students' knowledge of what causes blackouts, understanding of the distinctions between blackouts and brownouts, and perspectives on the consequences of both. Their findings were published in three recent papers. "Studies like these, addressing attitudes toward blackout drinking as well as what students know and do not know about blackouts, give us clues about how we might intervene to reduce this high-risk outcome," said Jennifer Merrill, an assistant professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown who was involved in the studies. "This work helps us to identify where there is room to correct any misconceptions students have about the causes and consequences of blackouts." Focus on focus groups Each of the three studies was based on analyzing transcripts from a series of eight single-gender focus groups of college students who had reported a blackout in the prior six months. The focus groups included a total of 50 students, 28 women and 22 men, from four-year colleges and universities in the Providence, Rhode Island, area. In the first paper, the researchers report that students were aware that drinking hard liquor, drinking large quantities of alcohol and drinking quickly increased the risk of blackouts. However, Carey said, many students didn't understand that biological factors -- things like biological sex and genetics -- play a role in the risk of blackouts, or that mixing alcohol use with other drugs could increase risk as well. "The kind of drinking that results in alcohol-related memory impairment is common, but it's also not typically done with the intent of blacking out," Carey said. "And those who regularly drink and report blackout experiences don't have a full understanding of what causes them. The interesting thing is that regardless of how much you drink, there are ways to drink so that you don't black out." Specifically, drinking in smaller quantities or pacing drinks across a longer period of time can prevent the rapid rise in blood alcohol concentration that is known to cause blackouts, she said. The focus groups also provided other insights into how best to draw college students' attention to the consequences of blackouts. The second paper analyzed perspectives from students who were asked: "What is a person's typical reaction when he/ she blacks out?" and "Overall, what makes a blackout a negative, neutral or positive experience?" Generally, students described blackouts negatively, using terms such as "embarrassing," "annoying" and "scary." But some described the experience as exciting. "You're a little nervous cuz [sic] you definitely could have done something really stupid, but you don't know and it's kind of like a little bit of fear, but at the same time, you're kind of excited that you did something awesome," a 19-year-old male participant said of blackouts. The researchers found that social factors -- whether a student's friends thought blackouts were common or acceptable and who they were with during the blackout period -- influenced their perspective. The severity of the memory loss, and learning whether they did anything embarrassing during the blackout, also affected their opinions, Carey said. In the third study, the researchers found that college students used the phrase "blackout drinking" hyperbolically to describe drinking very heavily, yet without the intent to lose memories. On the other hand, "a blackout" more precisely meant an episode with periods of as much as an hour of complete memory loss. The students called shorter periods of missing memory or fuzzy memories "brownouts," Carey said. While the free-form conversations gave the researchers new insights into nuances of the blackout experience and the language students use, the focus groups were not designed to provide quantitative data on how common blackouts and brownouts were. For that reason, the research team also conducted an online survey of 350 full-time college students from across the U.S. who reported lost memory after drinking in the past year. The survey found that students experienced brownouts more frequently than blackouts. Specifically, 49 percent of those surveyed had experienced both blackouts and brownouts in the past month, 32 percent had experienced only brownouts, 5 percent experienced only blackouts, and 14 percent hadn't experienced any alcohol-related memory impairment in the past month. The surveyed students also voiced less concern about brownout experiences compared to blackouts. "We found that brownouts were indicators to the students that they were drinking in a manner that could lead to a blackout someday," Carey said. "But they were discounting the earlier signs of memory loss, suggesting that they weren't serving as red flags or even as a yellow light." Education and interventions General education on the consequences of heavy alcohol use hasn't been shown to be effective for anyone, including college students, Carey said, but personalized feedback can reduce the riskiest kinds of drinking. She hopes to use insights from these studies to develop additional education modules for alcohol prevention programs that specifically address the risks of the high-volume, fast-paced drinking that is likely to lead to blackouts. Particularly, that behaviors like "pregaming" -- drinking before attending a larger event or activity where alcohol will be available -- participating in drinking games and "chugging" increase the risk of blackout. The role that biological factors play in the risk of blackout is another area that needs to be addressed with better education, she said. Walking students through their blackout experiences to reframe them as risky rather than inconsequential and sharing statistics that illustrate that blackouts aren't actually the norm among peers are other targeted ways to reduce behaviors that lead to blackouts, Carey said. "We hope that focusing in on this one particular consequence of a certain style of drinking will provide lots of opportunities for interventions," she said. Electrodes are placed on the patient's chest area to record cardiac electrical activity - e.g. to determine whether the heart rhythm is so irregular that treatment is required; a type of medical examination for which ECG serves well as a diagnostic tool. Not quite so when it comes to examining fetal cardiac electrical activity - for the obvious reason that it is impossible to place electrodes on a fetus's chest area, which makes ECG a no-go in this context. Instead doctors will typically try to get an impression of the cardiac electrical activity by conducting an ultrasound scan; which, however, will not provide precise answers as to what is wrong should the heart e.g. be beating to fast or too slow. In a foreseeable future these problems regarding the examination of fetal cardiac electrical activity are about to be solved - thanks to the joint effort of two groups of scientists from University of Copenhagen: from Quantum Optics (Quantop) at the Niels Bohr Institute (NBI) and from Department of Biomedical Sciences, respectively. In a research paper - which the two groups have just published in the journal Scientific Reports - they describe an experiment which demonstrates that it is indeed possible to get a detailed read-out of fetal cardiac electrical activity. That is, if you ally yourself with a cloud of cesium atoms locked up in a hermetically closed glass cell. "Our next challenge will be to incorporate this technique in a diagnostic sensor - and that is doable", says assistant professor Kasper Jensen, Quantop. Kasper Jensen and Professor Eugene Polzik, head of Quantop, have been in charge of the experiment as far as tests conducted via the locked up cesium atoms go. While Bo Hjorth Bentzen, associate professor at Department of Biomedical Sciences, has coordinated the biological part of the experiment - which includes the use of isolated guinea-pig hearts. CLOUD OF ATOMS The locked up cloud of cesium atoms is the cornerstone of a technique tailored for observations and measurements which Eugene Polzik and his team at Quantop have refined over a number of years - and applied to a number of tasks. Put simply, the technique allows extremely precise observations and measurements at quantum level -if laser light at certain wavelengths are transmitted through the locked up atom cloud. One project, which Quantop is currently involved in, thus aims at boosting the capacity of gravitational wave detectors through the 'cloud of atoms-principle'. "The locked up cesium atoms are capable of detecting very small magnetic fields. That is the reason why we also started to study this technique as a possible way of measuring fetal cardiac electrical activity - through the pregnant woman's belly. And our experiments demonstrate that this is indeed possible - which we also conclude in our article in Scientific Reports", says Kasper Jensen. GUINEA-PIG HEARTS In order to conduct the experiments, the Quantop-scientists needed hearts which they could measure - and these hearts were provided by associate professor Bo Hjorth Bentzen and his team at Department of Biomedical Sciences. They chose guinea-pig hearts which are similar in size to that of a human fetus at gestational age of approximately 20 weeks - and in a number of other respects also are well suited for this kind of experiments, says Bo Hjorth Bentzen, who specializes in heart rhythm analysis: "Guinea-pigs have a heart rhythm fairly close to that of a human fetus - and a number of the proteins which regulate heart functions in guinea-pigs resemble the corresponding proteins in humans". During the experiment the scientists at Department of Biomedical Sciences euthanized a total of six guinea-pigs - in accordance with protocols approved by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. The hearts were surgically removed from the animals, cooled down - and then transported to the Quantop-lab at NBI just a few hundred meters away. At Quantop the hearts were gradually warmed up to body temperature - and subsequently placed in a Plexiglas chamber with a constant supply of oxygen and water in the form of a salty solution. This environment made the guinea-pig hearts start beating - which they would typically do for the next three to four hours. The equipment was placed behind a magnetic shield in order to keep all outside electromagnetic activity away - and while the heart was beating, the scientists measured the electrical activity from the organ through the Plexiglas wall. By measuring in this fashion - at a distance of approximately one centimeter and without attaching electrodes to the heart - the Quantop-scientists mimicked a situation where fetal cardiac electrical activity is recorded via an instrument placed directly on top of the pregnant woman's belly. In order to show that the equipment is capable of detecting electrical signals stemming from heart problems, the team of scientist from Department of Biomedical Sciences added a chemical to the salty solution that was continuously pumped into the Plexiglas chamber. This chemical changes the electrical signal in the heart - (triggering a reaction similar to what is seen in association with long QT syndrome, a hereditary heart condition) - which the system was also fully able to detect. FUTURE TREATMENT New equipment which can conduct ECG-examinations of fetuses based on the NBI-method could have a significant impact on future treatment, says Niels Vejlstrup, MD, Ph.d, and a specialist in treatment of fetal heart problems at Department of Cardiology at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen: "Such equipment could make a difference in relation to e.g. AV-block - a rare condition which blocks certain electrical pulses in the heart. AV-block can develop in a fetus if the mother suffers from lupus or Sjogren's disease - and if doctors suspect that a fetus is developing AV-block, they will start treating the mother medically in an attempt to protect the fetus. However, at present we only have one option when it comes to evaluate how severely damaged a fetus's heart conduction system actually is - namely doing an ultrasound scan. This method is encumbered with uncertainty - which is not the case when you conduct a direct measurement of fetal cardiac electrical activity", says Dr. Vejlstrup. Rigshospitalet is keen on participating in clinical trials in order to develop the new method, says Niels Vejlstrup - adding that the method will be equally beneficial when it comes to diagnosing all other types of fetal heart rhythm disturbances. AT ROOM TEMPERATURE Around the world groups of scientists are developing advanced measuring-systems - in some cases based on superconductors or on the use of rubidium, a chemical element. These methods, however, require extreme temperatures - close to absolute zero at -273.15 C, or in the vicinity of +200 C. "In both cases the temperature bars the technique from 'just' being incorporated in equipment designed to detect e.g. fetal heart rhythm. Our equipment, on the other hand, operates at room temperature - which is an advantage in this context. We estimate that within three years doctors can start using our equipment to measure fetal cardiac electrical activity", says Kasper Jensen. The principle behind the method will also be applicable to other forms of biological registrations and examinations, he says: "E.g. measuring brain activity when looking for signs of epilepsy". Source: http://www.nbi.ku.dk/english/news/news18/bohr-scientists-figure-out-how-to-measure-electrical-activity-in-a-fetal-heart/ Inside the best The Flash story of all time with Mark Waid, Greg Larocque, and Brian Augustyn Looking back at the greatest Flash story of all time Sorry! This content is not available in your region New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pitched a Muslim woman candidate, Syed Shahezadi, from Chandrayangutta constituency in Hyderabad, against AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi in the run-up to the December 7 state Assembly election. Shahezadi, speaking to reporters in Hyderabad, alleged there has been no improvement in the condition of the common people in Chandrayangutta and other parts of the old city of Hyderabad though the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has holding power the past two decades. Owaisi has been elected to the state Legislative Assembly in 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014. Also Read | Shashi Tharoor hits back at BJP, says criminal defamation charge a bid to 'throttle freedom of expression' Shahezadi, who is only 25 years old, promised to work for the peoples welfare by implementing central government schemes. I am asking what did he (Owaisi) do for you (people)? What change has come in your lives? What about your childrens education and how many of them are employed? How many have become engineers and doctors, she told PTI. Syed Shahezadi, who hails from Adilabad in Telangana, thanked the BJP leadership for fielding her as the partys candidate to take on Owaisi. Shahezadi was Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leader. She completed post-graduation in political science from the Osmania University in Hyderabad. Chennai: Superstar Rajinikanth says he is confident that his upcoming film 2.0, a sequel to 2010 blockbuster Enthiran, will be a super duper hit as everyone will connect with its message. Braving rains on Saturday morning, scores of Rajinikanth fans gathered at Sathyam cinema in Chennai, the hometown of the 67-year-old actor, to get a glimpse of the superstar. As he arrived on the stage during the trailer launch of S Shankar-directed film, Rajinikanth received a thunderous applause from the crowd. I am telling you today, take my words, it is going to be a super duper hit film, he told the crowd. Also Read | Air aaaaapollution in Delhi akin to smoking 15-20 cigarettes a day: Doctors My first congratulations to producer Subaskaran, director S Shankar. I would like to give credit to Subaskaran, who has come forward to invest nearly Rs 600 crore on this project, by not trusting on Rajinikanth or Akshay Kumar or anyone else but in one man, Shankar. The superstar, who has collaborated with the filmmaker on a number of projects, said the director never fails to entertain the audience and meet their expectations. He never fails his producers, exceptions will be there. In the last 25 years he has always been improving. He is a great filmmaker, a showman, a magician, an Indian James Cameron and Steven Spielberg. Rajinikanth described the film as a tech marvel which packs a magic and which will lead it to success. This film will not do well because of technical excellence or 3D or big people are involved in it and all that. Everyone puts hard work and efforts. Something will happen, some magic will work out for this film. Read More | Tej Pratap Yadav, Aishwarya Rai: All you need to know about them He further revealed that the film has a message for the audience, which is relevant in the current times. It is a thriller, entertainer and it has a very good international message for everyone - universe is not only for human beings but for all living creatures. There is a message that Shankar has in given in the film, that how modern technology is spoiling the whole universe. He has dealt with this subject with technical excellence and creativity, hats off to him, he added. Actor Akshay Kumar is making his debut in the south cinema with 2.0 and Rajinikanth thanked him for saying yes to the project. It took him a lot of time to get into his character... About four to four-and-half hours to get into the costumes and he did it effortlessly. Hats off to him, he said. During the shoot of the film, Rajinikanth was unwell at one stage but still he finished his work commitments. I had to wear costumes that were 10-15 kilos of body suits, I was unable to do it. I told director that I wont be able to justify it. And I will return all the advance given. It was the producer Subaskaran, who held my hand and told me that they will wait. 2.0 will hit the theatres on November 29. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Chennai: The trailer of the much-awaited Rajinikanth-starrer 2.0 was released here Saturday. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar plays the supervillain in the film directed by Shankar. Touted to be one of costliest Indian films ever made, 2.0 is a sequel to Enthiran released in 2010. Rajinikanth will reprise the role of Dr Vaseegaran/Chitti he had essayed in Enthiran. Akshay Kumar is the new addition to the franchise and plays the antagonist (Dr Richard). Tamil superstar Rajini and Akshay share screen space for the first time. Also Read | Australian man found hanging in Bihar's Bodh Gaya, police find suicide note At an event held here, the movies Tamil, Telugu and Hindi trailers which run for about two minutes were released by Lyca Productions, the producers. The teaser of the movie was released on September 13 coinciding with the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Actress Amy Jackson plays the female lead and music has been scored by double Oscar winner A R Rahman. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar tweeted: The D-Day is here...Its #2Point0TrailerDay! Wait no more, watch the #2Point0Trailer now... After facing several delays, the movie is scheduled to hit screens on November 29. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Actor Dakota Fanning has been announced as the lead star in Sweetness in the Belly directed by Zeresenay Berhane Mehari. The immigrant drama from a script by Laura Phillips is an adaptation of Camilla Gibbs bestselling novel, and is being shot in beautiful Ireland. Sweetness in the Belly is a story of an immigrant - an orphan from Africa whose escapes to England as a refugee. The story revolves around her unique life in embracing the immigrant community in London, and attempting to reunite people with their scattered families and that of her love life - a passionate lost love affair with a doctor. Also Read | Tej Pratap Yadav on filing divorce from Aishwarya Rai: 'No use of living a distressful life' Twenty-four-year-old Dakota Fanning replaces Saoirse Ronan who was initially a part of the film project. We have always loved this moving fish-out-water story which connects us to a young refugees experience in London when escaping her war-torn home. The spin of this refugee originally being British and Caucasian, yet raised Muslim in Africa, makes this perspective incredibly fresh and timely. We are all thrilled to have caught Dakota Fanning at a really exciting point in her career, HanWay Films Gabrielle Stewart was quoted as saying in Variety. The other cast of Sweetness in the Belly include Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Wunmi Mosaku and Kunal Nayyar, according to a report in Deadline. Read More | India among 8 countries exempted from new Iran oil sanctions: US After Ireland, the filming of the movie will move to Ethiopia. Developed by Sienna Films, the film is being produced by Jennifer Kawaja and Julia Sereny along with Alan Moloney and Susan Mullen. Dakota is also cast in the Quentin Tarantino pic Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. She last appeared in Oceans 8 and in TNTs The Alienist. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Hollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The parents of Kashmiri resident Ahtesham Bilal Sofi, 17, on Saturday appealed to militants to have "mercy" on them and let him return home after the first-year graduate student at a university in Greater Noida claimed that he had joined the Islamic State Jammu Kashmir (ISJK).A In a video appeal, which went viral on social media, Ahtesham's father Bilal Ahmad Sofi said his son was the "only male heir of an extended family" and asked the militant to allow him return home. "Have mercy on us and let him return. Allah will have mercy on you," he said. His mother also begged her only son to return home as she wept inconsolably next to her husband. Ahtesham, a resident of Khanyar locality in downtown Srinagar, was a first-year graduation student at the university at Greater Noida. He went missing on October 28 after he left the university with official permission to go to Delhi, days after he was mistakenly roughed up during a scuffle between Indian and Afghan students in the campus. Later, pictures on social media showed Ahtesham dressed in a black outfit and claimed he had joined the ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. "Your paradise is your parents, you are the only hope of 12 family members. Did you forget that this house has seen four deaths in the last two years," said Bilal. A missing complaint has been registered at the Knowledge Park police station in Greater Noida and at Khanyar police station in Srinagar after his disappearance. The UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) said it has been tracking the case since October 28 and has taken cognisance of the photos. "We are in touch with Jammu and Kashmir police. We are tracking the footprints of the boy from Greater Noida to Kashmir," Inspector General, ATS, Asim Arun told PTI. The Jammu and Kashmir police said the last location of Sofi's mobile phone was traced to militancy-hit Pulwama district in South Kashmir by Gautam Buddh Nagar police. Former chief minister and National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah on Saturday said Ahtesham joining militant ranks was hugely worrying.A aIf this is genuine itas hugely worrying. Sometimes seemingly small actions have huge consequences. If what happened to him at #ShardaUniversity has lead him to choose such a destructive path itas even more tragic. One more life on the path to ruin & one more family in turmoil,a Omar tweeted. If this is genuine itas hugely worrying. Sometimes seemingly small actions have huge consequences. If what happened to him at #ShardaUniversity has lead him to choose such a destructive path itas even more tragic. One more life on the path to ruin & one more family in turmoil. https://t.co/9xMZ7pDbat a Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 3, 2018 In July, Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said as many as 87 local youths had joined militancy in Jammu and Kashmir this year. He said after imposition of Governor's rule in the state on June 20, 12 youths were reported to have disappeared and later joined militancy. (With agency inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: An Australian national, identified as Heath Allan, was found hanging from a tree in Bodh Gaya town of Bihar's Gaya district on Saturday. The police claimed that a suicide note was found that mentions a phone number and a request that his sister be informed about the death. City Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar said Allan (33) was a resident of Westmead, a suburb of Sydney in Australia. Bihar: Body of an Australian national was found in an orchard in Bodh Gaya's Rajpur earlier today. Gaya (city) SP, Anil Kumar says "On basis of documents, he was identified as an Australian national. It seems to be a case of suicide. We're calling FSL team to investigate matter" pic.twitter.com/RHw1xOw67v a ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 The incident came to light when some local residents noticed it while passing through Rajapur area on Saturday morning. They immediately informed the police. The body of Allan was sent to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya for post-mortem, the police said. Bodh Gaya is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites and popular among international tourists. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In a major development on Saturday, as the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti's Dharmadesh was being held in Delhi to formulate strategies on the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Ram Janambhoomi Nyas president Ram Vilas Vedanti announced that the temple construction will begin from December 2018. He also said that a masjid will be constructed in Lucknow. Dharmadesh, a two-day conference, was organised by the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti to formulate strategies on the construction of the Ram Temple. Over 3,000 saints assembled at the venue - Talkatora Stadium in Delhi on Saturday morning. "Without an ordinance and on the basis of mutual agreement, Ram temple will be constructed in Ayodhya and a masjid will be constructed in Lucknow," Vedanti was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Construction of Ram Temple will begin in December. Without an ordinance and on the basis of mutual agreement, Ram temple will be constructed in Ayodhya and a masjid will be constructed in Lucknow: Ram Vilas Vedanti, President of Ram Janambhoomi Nyas pic.twitter.com/nasrd2HWX6 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2018 Scores of seers representing 127 Hindu organisations, Shankaracharyas and top Hindu saints, including the firebrand Sadhiv Rithambara took part in Saturday's 'Dharmadesh' meeting. Earlier, Rithambara had sparked off controversies while protesting during the 1992 mass movement over Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri masjid issue. Read | Amid raging stir over Ram Temple, Yogi Adityanath to lay foundation stone for 100-metre long Lord Rama statue in Ayodhya The 'Dharmadesh' meeting came a day after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday threatened to launch a 1992-like temple agitation to ensure the construction of Ram Temple at the disputed land of Ayodhya. Briefing the media at the two-day long 'Dharmadesh' meeting, Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti General secretary Swami Jitendra Saraswati said, "The Supreme Court upsets the saints, after this no one can predict what decision they take; but one is for sure, some big decision will for sure be taken". The two-day long meeting will have three sessions. The first session will be of paying homage, where the karsevaks who died due to gunshots during ram mandir protest in Ayodhya will be remembered. Besides this, the cow vigilantes who died in front of the parliament in 1996 will also be paid tribute. RSS General Secretary Bhaiyaji Joshi said. Read | Ayodhya Dispute: Will launch 1992-like agitation to ensure construction of Ram Temple, says RSS Joshi further said, "in the second session, the missionaries who have been following different ways for conversion will put forth their points and proposal will be kept against Ponga babas in this session". "Third session will take place on November 4, where big saints like Sri Sri will give their viewpoint on Sabarimala and Ram Mandir issue. The same will be done keeping in mind the emotions of the saints" he added. Amid this raging controversy, the Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up to build a 100-metre long statue of Lord Rama in Ayodhya. Speculations had been rife that Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath will lay the foundation stone of the statue on the banks of river Saryu. Read | Tigress Avni shot dead in Maharashtra; man-eater beast claimed 14 lives in last two years Speaking on the construction of Lord Rama statue, UP Deputy CM Kesav Prasad Maurya said, "Ram temple matter is sub-judice before SC, we can't do anything about it, but no one is stopping us from erecting a grand statue of 'Ram Lalla' in Ayodhya. If someone stops us we'll see...No one can stop us from developing Ayodhya". Ram temple matter is sub-judice before SC, we can't do anything about it, but no one is stopping us from erecting a grand statue of 'Ram Lalla' in Ayodhya. If someone stops us we'll see...No one can stop us from developing Ayodhya: UP Dy CM KP Maurya on lord Ram statue in Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/BhgcMhgV9D ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2018 The Supreme Court in its October 29 hearing posted the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case for further hearing in January 2019, adding that it had its "own priorities" and called for an ordinance route if all other options run out. Read | Ayodhya: RSS releases HUGE statement on Ram Temple A three-judge bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi is dealing with a clutch of petitions filed against the Allahabad High Court's 2010 verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday gave credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the US administration allowed India and other seven countries to keep importing oil from Iran. On Friday, the Donald Trump administration allowed eight nations to keep importing oil from Iran, despite its reimposition of crippling sanctions on the Persian Gulf nation from November 5. "Hon'ble Prime Minister's forceful campaign has been that you can't ignore interests of consuming countries. Understanding geo-political situation, India has been able to get its way. The US has given waiver to some countries including India," Pradhan told reporters on the sidelines of an agreement signing event between CSC e-Governance Services and oil marketing companies - BPCL, India Oil and HPCL. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US would temporarily allow the eight countries to continue buying Iranian oil even after enforcing its sanctions on Tehran. "I give credit of this to emerging acceptance of world leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From this campaign not only India but other consuming nations will be benefitted. The nitty-gritty of this will come gradually," he said. The US had previously wanted countries, including India, to completely stop oil purchases from Iran by November 4 when its full sanctions against Tehran come into force. India, which is the second biggest purchaser of Iranian oil after China, was willing to restrict its monthly purchase to 1.25 million tonnes or 15 million tonnes in a year (300,000 barrels per day), down from 22.6 million tonnes (452,000 barrels per day) bought in 2017-18 financial year, sources in New Delhi said. In May, Donald Trump pulled the US out of the 2015 landmark nuclear the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) terming it as disastrous". Under the Obama-era deal, involving five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany, Iran agreed to stop its nuclear programme in exchange of relief from economic sanctions. After the US' withdrawal from the deal, Trump signed fresh sanctions against Iran and warned countries against any cooperation with Tehran on its controversial nuclear weapons programme. Speaking with the reporters at the White House on Friday before leaving on a campaign trail, Trump said Iran was not the same country which it was when he started almost two years ago. "Iran is a much different country since I terminated that deal. That was one of the most ridiculous deals ever made by any country, at any time: the Iran nuclear deal," he said. "They're very serious sanctions. They're very big. They'll be elevated from there. But, as you know, sanctions are starting on Iran and, Iran is taking a very big hit," he added. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who has developed a status of being controversy's favourite child over the years, is at the centre of all talking points yet again on Saturday. According to reports, a criminal defamation complaint has been moved in Delhi's Patiala House Court for his vexed remark targetting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event in Bengaluru. "A criminal defamation complaint has been moved in Delhi's Patiala House Court against Congress's Shashi Tharoor over his remark 'Modi is like a scorpion on Shivling' made during an event in Bengaluru," the news agency ANI reported. A criminal defamation complaint has been moved in Delhi's Patiala House Court against Congress's Shashi Tharoor over his remark 'Modi is like a scorpion on Shivling' made during an event in Bengaluru. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/qL8qqrojRy ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 Read | Karnataka By-election 2018 LIVE: Voting in 3 Lok Sabha, 2 Assembly seats; Jamkhandi records highest voter turnout Delhi BJP leader Rajeev Babbar, who filed the complaint, claimed that his religious sentiments were hurt by Tharoors statement. Babbar also dubbed the Scorpion on Shivling statement an "intolerable abuse" and "absolute vilification" of the faith of millions of people. "I am a devotee of Lord Shiva... However, the accused (Tharoor) completely disregarded the sentiments of crores of Shiva's devotees, made the statement which hurt the sentiments of all the Lord Shiva devotees, both in India and outside the country," the complaint read. "The complainant's religious sentiments were hurt and accused deliberately did this malicious act, intending to outrage religious feeling of Lord Shiva devotees by insulting their religious belief," it added. The complaint was filed under section 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with cases related to defamation. As per the latest report, the Delhi court has adjourned the hearing and posted the matter for further hearing on November 16. Read | Ram Temple construction will begin from December in Ayodhya; Masjid in Lucknow: Ram Janambhoomi Nyas Trouble found Tharoor, the vociferous Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram after he linked PM Modi to a 'scorpion sitting on a Shivling'. The Congress leader was addressing a gathering at the Bengaluru Literary Festival and claimed that an unnamed RSS leader had in 2012 compared Modi to "a scorpion sitting on a Shivling". "There is an extraordinarily striking metaphor expressed by an unnamed RSS source to journalist Vinod Jose of 'The Caravan', who expressed their frustration with their inability to curb Modi," Tharoor said. The remark by the RSS source depicted the "complex" dynamics that exist between the "Hindutva movement and the Moditva expression of it", he added. In support of his statement, Tharoor had also shared the link of 'The Caravan' article in 2012, which quotes an RSS leader using the scorpion metaphor to describe Modi. In view of the unseemly demonisation of an out of context remark today involving a scorpion metaphor, my book #TheParadoxicalPrimeMinister cites & footnotes this article please see the last paragraph of this article. https://t.co/wgrBrjiM7T Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 28, 2018 Read | Tej Pratap Yadav on filing divorce from Aishwarya Rai: 'No use of living a distressful life' Earlier, in August the Congress MP was under the spotlight after he spoke about Modi donning "outlandish" Naga and other headgear on his trips but refusing to sport a Muslim skull cap. Tharoor also stoked a controversy, saying that no 'good' Hindu would favour a Ram temple in Ayodhya by demolishing somebody else's place of worship. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: NASAs Dawn spacecraft which orbited the two largest objects in the asteroid belt has run out of fuel, ending a historic 11-year mission that unravelled many mysteries of our solar system. Dawn missed scheduled communications sessions with NASA's Deep Space Network on October 31 and November 1, the US space agency said in a statement. ALSO READ | Russia to send first manned mission to International Space Station After the flight team eliminated other possible causes for the missed communications, mission managers concluded that the spacecraft finally ran out of hydrazine, the fuel which keeps the spacecraft oriented and in communication with Earth, NASA said in a statement late on Thursday. "Today, we celebrate the end of our Dawn mission - its incredible technical achievements, the vital science it gave us, and the entire team who enabled the spacecraft to make these discoveries," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. "The astounding images and data that Dawn collected from Vesta and Ceres are critical to understanding the history and evolution of our solar system," Zurbuchen added. Dawn can no longer keep its antennas trained on Earth to communicate with mission control or turn its solar panels to the Sun to recharge. Currently, it's in orbit around the dwarf planet Ceres, where it will remain for decades, NASA said. Also Read | Zero Trailer: Shah Rukh Khan steals the show as 'Bauua Singh' In 2011, Dawn became the first to orbit a body in the region between Mars and Jupiter when the spacecraft arrived at Vesta, the second largest world in the main asteroid belt. "The demands we put on Dawn were tremendous, but it met the challenge every time. It's hard to say goodbye to this amazing spaceship, but it's time," said Marc Rayman, Mission Director and Chief Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). What is NASA's Dawn Mission? Dawn was a space probe launched by NASA in September 2007 with the mission of studying two of the three known protoplanets of the asteroid belt, Vesta and Ceres. Dawn is the first spacecraft to orbit two extra-terrestrial bodies, the first spacecraft to visit either Vesta or Ceres, and the first to visit a dwarf planet, arriving at Ceres in March 2015, a few months before New Horizons flew by Pluto in July 2015. The Dawn mission was managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, with spacecraft components contributed by European partners from Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. (With inputs from agencies) For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Not long before he died, tech visionary Paul Allen traveled to the south of France for a personal tour of a 35-country quest to replicate the workings of the Sun. The goal is to one day produce clean, almost limitless energy by fusing atoms together rather than splitting them apart. The Microsoft co-founder said he wanted to view the early stages of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor in Cadarache firsthand, to witness preparations "for the birth of a star on Earth." Allen wasn't just a bystander in the hunt for the holy grail of nuclear power. He was among a growing number of ultra-rich clean-energy advocates pouring money into startups that are rushing to produce the first commercially viable fusion reactor long before the $23 billion ITER program's mid-century forecast. Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Peter Thiel are just three of the billionaires chasing what the late physicist Stephen Hawking called humankind's most promising technology. Scientists have long known that fusion has the potential to revolutionize the energy industry, but development costs have been too high for all but a handful of governments and investors. Recent advances in exotic materials, 3D printing, machine learning and data processing are all changing that. "It's the SpaceX moment for fusion," said Christofer Mowry, who runs the Bezos-backed General Fusion Inc. near Vancouver, British Columbia. He was referring to Elon Musk's reusable-rocket maker. "If you care about climate change you have to care about the timescale and not just the ultimate solution. Governments aren't working with the urgency needed." The company Allen supported, TAE Technologies, stood alone when it was incorporated as Tri-Alpha Energy two decades ago. Now it has at least two dozen rivals, many funded by investors with a track record of disruption. As a result, there's been an explosion of discoveries that are driving the kind of competition needed for a transformational breakthrough, according to Mowry. One of the clearest measures of progress in the field was on display last week in Gandhinagar, India, where the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency held its biennial fusion forum. The conference highlighted a record 800 peer-reviewed research papers, 60 percent more than a decade ago. Fusion itself isn't the problem. The tricky part is generating more energy than is used in the process. Such reactors have to mimic conditions found only in deep space, a much more complex and costly endeavor than fission. Heating plasma to temperatures higher than stars and then containing the ensuing reactions inside cryogenic cooling vessels can require a million parts or more. Even if commercial fusion takes longer than expected to achieve, many of the innovations produced along the way will prove lucrative on their own, according to IP Group, a London-based investor in intellectual property. Research firms are already minting patents to protect their creations, from software that simulates plasma burning at 150 million degrees Celsius (270 million Fahrenheit) to a new type of magnet that has applications in health care. "There'll still be significant residual value," said Robert Trezona, who oversees IP Group's investment in First Light Fusion, a company near Oxford University whose advisory board includes former U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "It would have been inconceivable for a small company like First Light to make advancements in fusion sciences 20 years ago." One of the most ambitious ventures is Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a company founded last year by six MIT professors. Backed by some of the biggest names in business, they're confident they'll be able to produce a prototype of a so-called net energy reactor by 2025. The startup raised $50 million in March from a group led by Italy's Eni SpA, one of several oil producers preparing for a carbon-neutral world. And last month it secured an unspecified sum from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a fund seeded by Gates, Bezos and fellow tycoons including Richard Branson, Ray Dalio and Michael Bloomberg, the majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News. "The greater danger is not having anybody succeed than having everybody," Commonwealth Fusion CEO Bob Mumgaard said by phone from Cambridge, Massachusetts. "We need more smart people driving very hard to crack this." Still, ITER remains the best bet in terms of breaking the code for producing cheap energy on a massive scale, according to Nawal Prinja, a nuclear engineer at Aberdeen-based John Wood Group and a featured speaker at the forum in India. "They're coming up with all kinds of new ideas to make the industry more efficient, but turning ideas into a commercial station is a different story," Prinja said. Only ITER, Latin for "the way," has the resources needed to perfect the kind of reactor that can run entire cities, he said. If so, many of today's fusion investors may not live long enough to benefit from the rollout. It's already taken ITER more than three decades just to lay the foundation of a machine designed to prove the viability of its concept. And it doesn't expect to have a reactor capable of powering a couple million U.S. households until sometime around 2050. Tim Luce, ITER's chief scientist and Allen's host at the sprawling research facility about 50 kilometers north of Marseille, dismissed criticism of the time horizon. What the international effort is trying to accomplish, he said, is simply too ambitious for any one actor in the private sector. "These other competitors have a vision for doing something smaller, but I haven't seen a compelling piece of physics that shows they can do it," Luce said. "It's the story of the tortoise and the hare and we're the tortoise." And then there's Musk, a serial innovator who thinks the whole fusion crowd is barking up the wrong tree. In a weed-and-whiskey podcast that went viral last month, the Tesla and Solar City co-founder said smart money like his is better spent on finding more efficient ways to capture the Sun's energy than on trying to recreate it. "We've got a giant thermonuclear reactor in the sky," Musk said. "It shows up every day very reliably. If you can generate solar panels and store it with batteries, you can have it 24-hours a day." Bloomberg photo by Andrew Harrer. Google's top lobbyist in Washington, former U.S. Rep. Susan Molinari, is stepping down, just as the company battles accusations from President Donald Trump and top Republicans that it's biased against them. Molinari, who served as a Republican House member from New York in the 1990s, joined Google almost seven years ago to lead lobbying in Washington. In January, Molinari will transition to an advisory role. The company is looking for a new head of Americas Policy, Google said in a statement. Sen. Tim Kaine on Thursday kicked off a four-day swing through the state, picking up current and former statewide Virginia Democrats - including former governor Terry McAuliffe - along the way in the final push before Election Day. It culminates in a rally with a rock band. It's a show of Democratic unity, designed to highlight the party's dominance of statewide offices, and to give a final boost to down-ballot Democrats, especially those running for congressional seats the party hopes to flip. But the picture is different on the GOP side. Republicans, lacking a popular party standard-bearer - past or present - are taking an every-candidate-for-themselves approach in the final days, and importing national figures like House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. The tactic reflects the challenge facing Republicans in a year when their Senate candidate, Corey Stewart, is popular in some rural districts and downright toxic elsewhere, and President Trump's approval ratings have been underwater. "It is a disadvantage and it is certainly not ideal," said Tucker Martin, a longtime GOP strategist who worked for former governor Robert McDonnell, the last Republican to win the state nearly a decade ago. "The one thing you have to have is messaging consistency across all races," Martin added. "You want to run as a united front. . . . Given the dynamics at the top of the ticket, you don't have that in the Republican Party." Instead, Republican congressional candidates are attracting national figures here and there as schedules allow to remind Republican voters control of the House is at stake. Scalise; Cheney - the daughter of former vice president Richard Cheney - and Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, traveled Thursday evening to a Lynchburg restaurant for Republican candidates Denver Riggleman and Ben Cline. Republican Rep. Bob Goodlatte, who is retiring and whose seat Cline hopes to fill, was also there. On Friday, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders headlined an hour-long event with Riggleman at 9:30 a.m. at the Fauquier County GOP headquarters in Warrenton. Riggleman, a former Air Force intelligence officer and distillery co-owner is running against former journalist Leslie Cockburn in a surprisingly competitive race for an open seat in Trump country. "It's a very aggressive schedule," said Riggleman spokesman Jimmy Keady. "We've got a huge district to cover, and that's what we're doing." Republican Rep. Rob Wittman, whose district stretches from the suburbs of Northern Virginia to Hampton Roads, has mixed stints of door knocking with help fundraising for Riggleman and Rep. Barbara Comstock. Vice President Mike Pence, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., have also appeared in Virginia to raise money for congressional candidates. Ryan attended roundtable in Virginia Beach with Rep. Scott W. Taylor last week to help the former Navy SEAL win a second term in the face of a challenge from retired Naval commander Elaine Luria. Taylor leads in public polls but was embroiled in a scandal when his aides were accused of forging signatures to help Democrat-turned-independent Shaun Brown get on the ballot in hopes that she would siphon votes from Luria. Now a special prosecutor is investigating. Voters got a reminder of the misstep Tuesday when Brown was convicted of defrauding the federal government by inflating the number of meals her nonprofit organization served children. The most vulnerable GOP incumbent in the state, Comstock, has gotten a hand from Pence and Ryan as well as former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who attended a breakfast for her last week in McLean. She is running against Democrat Jennifer Wexton. John Whitbeck, a friend of Comstock's and former state party chairman, said strategic get-out-the-vote sessions are easier to plan than large rallies with big-name out-of-state politicians and free the candidate up to spend time raising money . "Obviously the ideal situation is we don't have the issues we have in 2018 cycle, but there's no evidence it's had any impact on the congressional races," Whitbeck said. Former Trump strategist and Richmond native Stephen Bannon announced this week that he plans to visit Virginia to help whip up support for Rep. Dave Brat as he struggles to fend off a well-funded challenge from former CIA operative Abigail Spanberger. Bannon, who will screen a pro-Trump movie he made, "Trump @War," was forced out of the White House after seven months and blamed for amplifying the president's divisive remarks in the wake of last year's deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. Brat's campaign said the congressman would not attend. "We were completely unaware he was even coming to Richmond until it was reported by the press," Brat spokesman Jordan Gehrke said. Notably absent from Bannon's plans is an appearance with Stewart, whom Bannon hailed one year ago this month as the "titular head of the Trump movement" in Virginia and the reason Ed Gillespie would win the governorship. Gillespie lost by nine percentage points. Stewart, an ardent Trump supporter who once chaired the president's campaign in Virginia, downplayed the lack of interest from Bannon. "Nobody knows who Steve Bannon is in Virginia," Stewart said, adding that he doesn't need help from other Republican political figures. "There's unity in the Republican base that I haven't seen in a long time," he said. "I've never been a politician who has leaned on other politicians to campaign for me. It really doesn't concern me at all." Stewart has campaigned several times with Rep. Morgan Griffith, whose Southwest Virginia district voted for Trump by double digits. This weekend Stewart will also appear with Republicans running long-shot bids in blue districts. Ryan McAdams is challenging Democratic Rep. A. Donald McEachin in Richmond, and Jeff Dove is trying to unseat Democratic Rep. Gerald Connolly in Northern Virginia. Kaine has maintained a sizable lead over Stewart since the start, and Stewart has failed to do much to narrow the gap. Some Republicans said Stewart's lackluster campaign is a net positive for candidates in close races. "The less heard from Corey Stewart the better for every other Republican in Virginia," said John Fredericks, the host of Virginia-based conservative talk-radio show and fervent Trump supporter. "Corey doesn't have any money, so he can't get in front of people and he can't say anything. It's like every other Republican hit the reverse jackpot." Before Election Day, Kaine and congressional hopefuls Cockburn, Luria, Spanberger and Wexton will have shared stages with a who's who of Virginia Democratic politics, including Gov. Ralph Northam, McAuliffe, Democratic primary contender Tom Perriello, Attorney General Mark Herring and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax. The lineup rounds out with Connolly, McEachin and Reps. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott and Don Beyer. The agenda includes stops in Manassas, the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Beach and the Richmond suburbs. Surveying the GOP landscape, Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University noted former governors George Allen, Jim Gilmore and McDonnell are too tainted by tough losses or scandals to lead any statewide pre-election effort. "I'm stretching way back a decade or more to find statewide elected Republicans who could have had some credibility and offered their help to Republican candidates running in these House races," Rozell said. "But they just don't have anybody." - - - The Washington Post's Antonio Olivo contributed to this report. Nextbigfuture has reported on Denmark providing free In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and having 10% of all babies from IVF. 20% of the couples in many countries have trouble having babies. This is increasing as mother delay having children until they are 40. Older infertility can mostly be solved by freezing eggs at peak fertility in early 20s. It is clear that many Asian countries like Japan, Singapore, China, South Korea will tell or coerce young women to freeze their eggs. Most women 38 years of age and under can expect to harvest 10-20 eggs per cycle. It is best to harvest before 36 and ideally before 25. Demographers have projections where Chinas population declines from 1.4 billion to 1.1 billion in 2100. The 1.1 billion would also have 33-40% of the people over the age of 65. I have noted the rapidly increasing use of IVF in China. China now has about 200,000 babies per year from IVF. Over the next ten years, China will push towards using free egg freezing and free IVF and baby bonus payments to drive up fertility rates. It makes no sense to allow couples to drift into infertility when there is a national baby bust. In China, maximizing egg freezing and IVF would add 40 million babies per decade from 2030 onwards and 10 million in the 2020s. This would nearly balance out the 2100 population to 1.39 billion. Free IVF and free egg freezing could still fall short of maintaining desired population levels. The Chinese government of government-controlled hospitals and clinics would then have billions of frozen eggs. 40% of frozen eggs go unused. The Chinese government could choose to recruit domestic or immigrant women to act as surrogates. Those willing women could rent their womb to bring to term selected frozen eggs. If the Asian and some European countries hold the line and prevent population decline, then the world population in 2100 would be higher. There would be 500 million to 1 billion more people in 2100. In terms of experience both political and legal Democrat William Tong and Republican Sue Hatfield are far apart. But the disparate duo appear to be in a neck-and-neck battle for the attorney generals office in the final weekend before Election Day. Slim margins are a rarity in Connecticut attorney general races, where in the past five elections Democrats have defeated their Republican opponents by at least 10 points. Gary Rose, chairman of the Department of Government, Politics and Global Studies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, calls the 2018 contest the most competitive attorney general race we can remember. It is a close race and William is going all over the state talking to voters, said Mark Bergman, spokesman for Tong, a sixth-term Stamford state representative. He knows every vote counts. Recent internal polling by the campaign of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Ned Lamont showed Hatfield leading Tong one week and then the reverse the next, multiple sources said. I did hear that the polls that they ran had us up. I havent seen the results first hand, said Hatfield of Pomfret, a state prosecutor. Our poll is the word on the street from the people in Connecticut. The closeness of the race mirrors that of the governors contest. Polls reflect a statistical dead-heat between Democrat Ned Lamont and Republican Bob Stefanowski. And like the governors race, Hatfield and Tong have linked each other to deeply polarizing figures, President Donald Trump and unpopular Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Tong has vowed to be a firewall against Trumps policies, whereas Hatfield is a loyal supporter of the president. Hatfield pointed out that Tong was endorsed by Malloy when Tong ran for Stamford mayor in 2013. Tong and Malloy have worked closely in the legislature, where Tong is co-chairman of the law-writing Judiciary Committee. Hatfield has never run for office. Both candidates teams express confidence. Second to the governor, the Connecticut attorney general, the states top civil lawyer, is the most powerful office in state government, said Rose. It is also an office that has drawn national attention to the small state. The attorney general represents the people of Connecticut in legal matters and defends state agencies in court. Tong has the most civil law experience of the two candidates. For 15 years, he has been a commercial litigator at Finn, Dixon and Herling in Stamford, and previously worked for the international law firm of Simpson, Thacher and Bartlett. Hatfield, a state prosecutor and registered nurse, seems to have more time in the courtroom than Tong, but she has mainly practiced criminal law, over which the attorney general has no jurisdiction. She also has a masters of law degree in taxation. Under Democrats Joe Lieberman, Richard Blumenthal and now George Jepsen, who is not seeking re-election, the Connecticut attorney general has become an office of sometimes national prominence, said Rose. In 1996, Blumenthal filed a $1 billion lawsuit against the tobacco industry the largest ever in the states history becoming the 10th state of more than 40 to do so. The state won a multi-billion dollar settlement in return. More recently, in June, Jepsen and New York attorney general Barbara Underwood won a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to limit ozone pollution in other states, damaging Connecticut and New Yorks air quality. Jepsen and a coalition of 41 attorneys general are now investigating Stamford-based Purdue Pharma and other major opioid makers, setting the stage for another potentially landmark suit. Both Lieberman and Blumenthal parleyed their AG profiles into higher office. Lieberman is a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut, Blumenthal is a current one. It does even again raise the profile of that office by those collaborative lawsuits, said Rose. And it does seem to elevate the political aspirations of these people by doing so. emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson Hearst Connecticut Media / Tara ONeill MILFORD Erratic driving led police to pull over a city man who is accused of being in possession of heroin, police said Friday. Christopher Carr, 26, of Hickory Avenue in Milford, was charged with possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. NEW HAVEN About two years after inheriting $2 million from her late grandmother, Wendy Hamilton says shes ran out of the big money. The retired nurse made local headlines in 2016 when she announced she would spend around $1 million of her inheritance on social causes important to her predominantly housing and education. Although she insists she no longer has money at quite the same magnitude as before, she contends that she has learned a great deal about wealth. Hamilton maintains that the financial strain felt by New Havens poorest residents has turned to desperation while Greater New Havens wealthy stand by. I went to the wealthy people and espoused to them that its fun to give away money. I did it, so other wealthy people can do it, she said. Further, she said, she supports using eminent domain to create more affordable housing, because throwing $1 million at the city of New Haven wont make enough of a difference. Hamilton said people experiencing homelessness, for instance, come up against a lot of prejudice for being poor or anything short of perfect when trying to escape the cycle of homelessness. She said she recently went with a man who was trying to obtain an ID, but they fell short when he needed a form of identification to receive one. There are two shelters and theyre crappy. There are warming centers, but they dont get started until its too late. People die from exposure, Hamilton said. We have empty buildings like (the recently opened Canal Dock Boathouse) but its empty except for chairs. She pointed to a recent study that U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is worth an estimated $70 million and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro is worth an estimated $4.6 million as bewildering to her. That kind of money is ridiculous, Hamilton said. It feels good to help desperate people, and I wish other well-off people would feel the same. Both DeLauro and Blumenthal have reportedly given to causes, including for health and education matters. Senator Blumenthal gives generously from his personal resources, as does his wife, said Elizabeth Benton, a spokeswoman for Blumenthal. In addition to those charitable contributions, he has fought throughout his career in public service to improve the lives of Connecticuts residents, including protecting our states most vulnerable populations. DeLauro continues to donate a portion of her congressional salary to college scholarships, her spokesman Will Serio said. To date, she has given nearly $700,000 to 699 students throughout the Third District to help them go to college and pursue their dreams, Serio said. She will also give ten $1,000 scholarships next year. Hamilton also maintains Yale is hoarding its untaxed nearly $30 billion endowment while the city is drowning. (Yale, while the owner of large amount of tax-exempt property, is one of the citys biggest taxpayers, offers a homebuyer program for employees and, among other support, has available up to $4 million a year for scholarships for qualified city students. It also has made voluntary payment of more than $116 million to the city in the last 28 years, its website notes.) I tried to reach the other rich people, but rich people cling to their money because they want to leave an inheritance, said Hamilton, who does not have children. I dont know if Ive learned a lot about poor people through all this, but Ive learned a lot about rich people. Hamilton, in an example of her giving, announced at a recent meeting of the citys Affordable Housing Task Force that she rents a studio apartment at the 360 State complex, which she said comes out to roughly $1,700 a month and is not just for her use. Hamilton, who lives in a 750-square-foot Wooster Square apartment with her husband and a dog pit bull, describes the 360 State studio as an escape where she can take advantage of the amenities, including the outdoor pool. This is where I come to swim, she said, while in the lobby of the apartment. However, she has rented the apartment since last August, and in that time she has offered up the spare apartment as a favor to a mix of people from various income ranges. Hamilton said she was riding high after a man she rescued from a bench on Wooster Square had been such a success story. The man, a renowned chef, was living on the streets after a divorce, and initially rejected Hamiltons help, she said. But, over about a week in the studio apartment, the man gained her trust and was able to clean himself up while he went on job interviews . Now, he works six days a week at a local restaurant for what Hamilton estimates to be six figures. Hamilton said she then began to reconsider her decision to lend out the apartment after she saw a formerly incarcerated woman who was seeking to reintegrate the second of two people experiencing homelessness whom she hosted had allegedly taken the gym clothes she keeps stored in the studio. I wouldnt put somebody that damaged and that addicted in that apartment again, Hamilton said, throwing her hands up as she spoke. She didnt do anything bad, but she (allegedly took) all my clothes. There are not too many people I can trust. Additionally, Hamilton is worried about being a good neighbor; the building has a strict no-smoking policy and she doesnt know how to ensure guests will keep their noise level down. So for now, she has stopped offering up the apartment. Hamilton speaks highly of the employees of 360 State, and said she always tips them just those workers on the front lines and never management. To this day, she said she might hand out small amounts of cash so people on the streets at least have a bargaining chip if they need to use a bathroom downtown. The studio apartment is furnished mostly by IKEA, Hamilton said, although some of the artwork is a pastiche. The apartment, which has a clear view from downtown New Haven of the East Rock Park monument above the tallest buildings in its path, has multiple sketches and art books, but not many items used for cooking. Hamilton said she doesnt cook in the studio, so she gave the dishes and cutlery to a woman who was moving to a different apartment. Near the entrance are posters of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, folk artist Woody Guthrie iconic in part for his guitar labeled This machine kills fascists and a poster bearing a pro-Hugo Chavez message. Hamilton stopped to show off a faux-gilded necklace with a dollar sign, which she chuckled was used in a protest against Yale University. Hamilton said she likes nudes, but she didnt want to overdo it in an apartment that she has sometimes loaned out to other people. Its embarrassing to me to look well off and not share if Im approached, Hamilton said. Im basically a useless old person who gave away some money. One of the things Hamilton said she likes best about 360 State is that is contains a mix of market-rate and subsidized apartments 20 for low-income residents and 27 for middle-income residents. People are afraid of living near poor people or black people; its pure prejudice, Hamilton said. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com It's already known that the Delran Emergency Squad was in trouble. The squad's former chief - a retired police chief - was arrested last month and faces several charges including terroristic threats. Authorities say he threatened state staffers and lied about fudging paperwork. The squad was suspended and is now staffed by EMTs from other squads in Burlington County, the prosecutor's office has said. But now, another scolding letter from the state Department of Health, recently posted on its website offers more detail about blunders in the squad's emergency services training. The June 28 letter from Scot Phelps, the state's paramedic director, alleges that everyone who took a training "refresher course" at Delran received a 100 percent score on the final exam. He said Denise Horner, who headed the training course, "went over the exam and ensured students were given the right answer...thus compromising the exam process and falsifying an examination score." The state found a number of other deficiencies. For example, Phelps also wrote that the test was from 1995 and therefore outdated. Student files also lacked documentation, he said. He concluded the letter with a 16-step plan to correct the flaws the audit found. 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 Three hours of farce is a bit like an overfull bowl of ice cream: a fun guilty pleasure that in the end proves taxing and occasionally laborious. "Charley's Aunt" at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is full of the wit, reversals, surprises, and physical humor that makes farce such a good time in the Madison theater. As the production inclines toward its third hour, though, it tests the boundary between treat and labor. A smash London hit in the last decade of the 20th Century, "Charley's Aunt" celebrates all the conventions of farce we might expect, going to great lengths to construct comic scenarios. The problem in the play's first of three acts is that the many conditions of the plot demand careful establishment, as playwright Brandon Thomas must set up all the dominoes he intends to tip over for the rest of play. The work is meticulous and slow. Two college men want a chance to woo the women of their desires, but lack an excuse to invite them over, until one receives word that his aunt from Brazil plans an unexpected visit that day, so the men invite the women to lunch on the pretense of meeting the aunt, but of course they'll need a third man to entertain the aunt while they are wooing, so they try to conscript into their plot a friend who is reluctant, in part because he has to rehearse for some amateur theater work he is doing in the role of a woman, work he is so excited about that he decides to don his costume to show off, but the aunt does not arrive on the announced train, and the women are hesitant to spend time with the men without the pretense of propriety afforded by the aunt's visit, but oh by the way we happen to have a man dressed as a woman and--hey presto--there's a fine excuse for an aunt and a solid foundation for a goofy comedy. Got all that? Simple enough, really. But Thomas's exposition and the direction of Joseph Discher do little to speed along this foundation's establishment: it takes almost the entirety of Act I before all the comic pieces are in place. Once these conditions are finally established, the production and its cast certainly have great fun unravelling them. To a certain extent, "Charley's Aunt" relies on the tired pretense that the simple presence of a man in a dress is funny, but when Lord Fancourt Babberly (Seamus Mulcahy) stops resisting the ridiculousness of his situation and steers into the spin, the play picks up considerable comic energy. Mulcahy emerges as an energetic and deft comic centerpiece, providing plenty of provocation and room for his cast mates to find their own opportunities for laughs. As Jack Chesney -- chief hatcher of this plot -- Aaron McDaniel thrives most in the space around Mulcahy. Building on great work in recent Madison productions of "Love's Labour's Lost" and "The Bungler," McDaniel proves himself the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's resident expert of the flummoxed and the nonplussed. John Ahlin is another cast standout, using his skill for comic nuance to craft a wonderful blowhard--the character Stephen Spettigue may be a stock, uptight traditionalist rife for lampooning, but Ahlin gives the character impressive dimension. To be sure, once the comic wheels of this play finally get rolling at full speed, Discher and cast find plenty of room for hijinks and laughs. Still, some judicious editing would not have been out of place here. Thomas was a contemporary of Shaw and Wilde, but "Charley's Aunt" lacks the biting social critique and nimbleness of prose so distinctive of those masters. Instead we've got comedy for comedy's sake: a big bowl of laughs that runs the risk of losing its flavor once we finally get all the way to the bottom. CHARLEY'S AUNT The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey 36 Madison Avenue, Madison Tickets available online (https://tickets.shakespearenj.org/) or by phone, (973) 408-5600, running through November 18. Patrick Maley may be reached at patrickjmaley@gmail.com. Find him on Twitter and Instagram @PatrickJMaley. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook. JERSEY CITY Something that all college students have been longing to hear is happening and it's at a local community college. Hudson County Community College has been awarded the Community College Opportunity Grant, which will give eligible students free tuition and fees starting in the spring 2019 semester. CCOG will offer free tuition and fees to students with an adjusted gross income of $45,000 or less who take six or more credits in the upcoming semester. Those interested must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application by Feb. 15, 2019 and satisfy all requirements of eligibility to receive payments of these state and federal grants and scholarships. The grant program will cover tuition and educational fees including: General fees Registration fees Facility fees Technology fees Lab fees Program/Course fees Student Activity fees Students must be enrolled at Hudson County Community College and possess a high school diploma or GED. For further information visit https://www.hccc.edu/freetuition/. Two colleges have partnered up to create a program with the foodie in mind. Under the agreement between Hudson County Community College's Culinary Arts Institute and Montclair State University's Food Systems programs, HCCC students can transfer up to 69 credits toward MSU's bachelor degree in Nutrition and Food Science-Food Systems. "The merging of these two programs will provide our students a big career advantage," said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber in a statement. The HCCC-MSU Food Systems partnership will be available to students beginning in January 2019, and MSU's application will be waived for HCCC graduates with a Culinary Arts Associate in Applied Science. Reber said that students will receive a strong background in culinary principles along with an understanding of the food industry and the responsibilities. The HCCC Culinary Arts Associate in Applied Science degree prepares students for restaurant and food service careers as chefs, station chefs, sous-chefs, bakers, and restaurant managers. Students are introduced to all facets of food service operations such as kitchen skills, food sanitation and menu and facilities design. Meanwhile, the MSU Food Systems program prepares its students in: local and global food solutions, food product research and development, food and nutrition policy and management, culinary development, applied nutrition and food science, and more. Some of the courses offered in its program are: Catering & Banquet Management, Urban Agriculture & Sustainable Food Systems, Molecular Cuisine, and Global Perspectives in Food & Nutrition. "This collaborative endeavor provides students with the expertise of a diverse faculty and access to state-of-the-art laboratory resources from both institutions," said MSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Willard Gingerich in a statement. JERSEY CITY The spookiest day of the year came back around, and dozens went out to celebrate it. The Girl Scouts and Girl Scout leaders Gina Verdibello and Kellie Lewis, of Troop 12026, got into their spooky spirits as they hosted a Halloween party for the community last Friday. Its 60 attendees were able to enjoy crafts, snacks and a costume contest at St. Paul's Episcopal Church where the troop regularly meets -- on Duncan Avenue. Verdibello and Lewis' troop consists of 20 girls ranking from Brownies to Cadettes. The bash also had donations from the Jersey City Rotary, Jersey City Moose Lodge, Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari and Girl Scout Troop 12912. Click on the photo gallery above for a look back at the fun. The tip was called in to Lawrence police. Check out a home on Lakedale Drive in the Colonial Lake neighborhood, the person said. They'd seen a lot of people coming and going, and climbing in and out of vans. That was over two years ago, in September 2016. Police did check it out, and on Friday said that little bit of information led them to a pretty big case, which grew into into human trafficking, prostitution and money laundering, and has tentacles to a Chinese restaurant, a spa and five homes in Mercer County, and another restaurant and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. "Residents are our eyes and ears, and continue to be a valuable asset to public safety," Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said Friday in announcing three arrests and searches at eight locations on Thursday. One arrest was Chin Pang Liu. He owns the Lakedale house, and is the principal owner of Fusion House, a Chinese restaurant across Brunswick Pike from the neighborhood. He also owns Golden China Restaurant on Floral Vale Boulevard in Lower Makefield, Pennsylvania, just outside of Yardley. Prosecutors say he was transporting workers at his restaurants and they were employed fraudulently: they were paid below New Jersey state minimum wage in payments that were not taxed and "under the table," and the fulltime employees had no employment benefits. Liu owned and operated the vehicles coming and going from the Lakedale house. At Liu's primary home, on Mink Court in Lawrence, detectives found large sums of packaged U.S. cash, which totaled about $50,000. And detectives pulled his 2016 personal tax returns, which show he reported about $100,000 that year. The financial documents and the cash s, prosecutors say, leads them to believe he underreported his income. Chin Liu, 47, is charged with first-degree human trafficking and failure to pay taxes. "This is classic case of people being isolated, exploited and trapped in a forced-labor situation," Onofri said. "We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to rescue these vulnerable victims and ensure human traffickers face strict punishment." While surveilling the locations during the past two years, detectives watched as one of Liu's employees, Yonglian Liu, 34, frequently went to Anna Nails and Massage, also on Brunswick Pike, and often took what appeared to be cash from the spa to Golden China. Anna Nails and Spa, prosecutors say, was offering prostitution services. Yonglian Liu and the spa's owner, Dong Teng, 45, are each charged with promoting prostitution and maintaining a residence as a place of prostitution. Police also executed search warrants at homes on Fountayne Lane and Glenn Avenue in Lawrence Thursday The investigation is ongoing, and being led by Lawrence Detective Sean Kerins and prosecutor's Detective David Petelle, and Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Cook. A number county, state and federal authorities assisted in the investigation on both sides of the Delaware River. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A New York man who brutally murdered a Connecticut man and then buried his body in a makeshift grave in Monmouth County was found guilty Friday of second-degree murder and other charges, officials said. James Rackover, 27, was also found guilty by a Manhattan jury of the 2016 murder of Joseph Comunale, 26, of Stamford, Connecticut, as well as hindering prosecution and concealment of a human corpse, according to Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. "Adored by his friends and family, Mr. Comunale had a promising future ahead of him when his life was so tragically cut short," Vance said in a release. "He was murdered in cold blood in a crime of unconscionable violence, his body mutilated, thrown from a fourth-story window, and abandoned behind a florist's shop in New Jersey." Comunale was stabbed 15 times on Nov. 13 at Rackover's East 59th Street apartment following a party also attended by Lawrence Dilione, 28, of Jersey City and Max Gemma, 30, of Oceanport, authorities said. Both men are also facing charges related to the incident, including a second-degree murder charge for Dilione. At about 9:45 p.m. that night, Rackover and Dilione drove Comunale's body, which had been burned, to a field behind a florist on Monmouth Boulevard in Oceanport and buried it, investigators have said. A court motion filed on behalf of Gemma, who is the son of former Oceanport Mayor Gordon Gemma in January claimed Dilione, a former Oceanport resident, admitted to investigators that he knocked Comunale unconscious after an argument over cigarettes, the New York Post reported. Dilione told investigators that Rackover then viciously kicked and beat the defenseless Comunale. After realizing Comunale was severely injured and afraid of being arrested, the motion says, Rackover said: "We have to kill him," according to the report. Rackover is expected to be sentenced on Dec. 5, a release from the district attorney's office said. The charges against Dilione and Gemma were still pending Friday, Vance said. Dilione was charged with second-degree murder, hindering prosecution, tampering with physical evidence and three counts of concealment of a human corpse. Gemma was charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with physical evidence. Dilione was scheduled to stand trial on Jan. 14 and Gemma's court date was set for Feb. 25, the Asbury Park Press reported. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. Police were still searching Friday for a Mountain Lakes teen who was last seen at his home on Tuesday and may have hopped on a train headed for New York. Thomas Kolding, 15, has brown hair, brown eyes, is about 5-feet, 3-inches tall and weighs 120 pounds, the New Jersey State Police said in a Facebook post. He was last seen wearing a camouflage jacket, a grey winter cap and was carrying a large black backpack, police said. He may have travelled by train from Denville to Newark's Broad Street station and then to Penn Station in New York, the post said. Where he went from there was still not known Friday night, but investigators said they believed he had a "strong interest in traveling to California." Anyone with information about his location was asked to call Mountain Lakes Police Det. John Hukowskiat (973) 334-1413, or the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-2900, or email Det. Leah Atterbury at latterbury@co.morris.nj.us. Anonymous tips can be sent to Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers at www.copcall.org, 973-COP-CALL, or the free "P3 Tips" app. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. The Atlantic City police union is holding a fundraising event in November for officer Sterling Wheaten, who federal authorities arrested last month in relation to a K-9 attack that left a Linwood man with 200 stitches. Inside the police department and Wonder Bar, the popular waterfront bar where the event will be held, there are flyers printed with a "Blue Lives Matter" flag advertising a "Back Our Brother Benefit" on Nov. 12. The flyers do not mention Wheaten by name, but according to four sources within the police department, who asked to remain anonymous because department policy forbids them from speaking publicly, the event is for Wheaten. The officer has been involved in at least $4.5 million worth of excessive force lawsuit settlements, according to the Asbury Park Press. Whetean joined the force in 2007 and has an annual salary of $95,416, according to the state pension system. A police spokesman referred all questions to Matt Rogers, the union's president. Rogers, who was one of five officers involved in the incident, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A message left for Wonder Bar's owners was also not returned. According to the flyer, which has Atlantic City PBA Local No. 24's emblem on it, tickets cost $40 and checks are to be made out to "811 Legal and Welfare Fund." Wheaten's department badge number is 811, according to department records. (Submitted photo) Last month, a federal grand jury indicted Wheaten on one count of violating an individual's civil rights and one count of falsifying a record for allegedly submitting a false police report about the arrest of 20-year-old David Castellani in June 2013 outside the Tropicana casino. An Atlantic County grand jury had previously cleared the five officers involved in the case of any wrongdoing. In a video of the arrest, Castellani can be seen approaching a group of officers outside the casino around 3 a.m. According to a federal lawsuit filed by Castellani, which the city eventually settled for $3 million, he was asking officers for help getting to the other side of the hotel. Castellani can been seen continually mouthing off to officers before he is soon tackled to the ground and was beaten by four officers as they told him to "stop resisting," according to the lawsuit. After Castellani was subdued and had one hand in handcuffs, Wheaten arrived and emerged from his vehicle with his K-9 partner, Hagan. Wheaten released the dog, and it mauled the back of Castellani's head, his neck and his chest, as officers, including Wheaten, continued to punch and kick Castellani, according to the lawsuit. According to the indictment, Wheaten submitted "false and fraudulent police reports," including that Castellani was "fighting my K-9 partner" and that he had "violently assaulted uniformed law enforcement officer(s) with hands and fists." The violation of civil rights count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and the false records count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, according to the Justice Department. "Sterling Wheaten is a family man who has served his community with pride and honor his entire career. We support him and are confident the facts will see him cleared of these charges," Patrick Colligan, the president of the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association, said in a statement shortly after the indictment. Wheaten made an initial appearance in federal court on Oct. 11. He was released on a $50,000 unsecured bond. Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Newark's chances at landing Amazon's second headquarters is looking more like a long shot. Amazon officials are reportedly in "advanced discussions" about establishing its second business hub in Northern Virginia, according to a Washington Post article on Saturday. Cities across the continent have contended for the new headquarters, dubbed HQ2, offering huge tax breaks in exchange for the retail giant's estimated 50,000 jobs and a $5 billion investment. But on Saturday it appeared as if Crystal City, Virginia, had emerged as the front-running city for the online behemoth. The Post reported that officials from the northern Virginia city and the surrounding county have discussed how quickly employees could move there, what office real estate was available and how to publicly announce the decision. JGB Smith, the city's top real estate developer has even pulled some of its buildings off the market and earmarked them for Amazon, according to the article. There has been no official word from Amazon, though, and the company could also be discussing similar details with other cities. The news would likely come as a huge disappointment to cities that have been wooing the company since it announced its HQ2 competition in fall 2017. Newark offered a $2 billion incentive in August, but even paired with Jersey's $5 billion tax break, it likely wasn't enough to lure Amazon to the Brick City. Online gambling sites indicated in September that Newark was towards the bottom of the 20-city candidate list. Newark officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Cassidy Grom may be reached at cgrom@njadvancemedia.com Follow her at @cassidygrom. Find NJ.com on Facebook.Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Despite some notable distractions, this year's midterm elections are about one thing: Donald J. Trump. We know because Trump himself has told us so. "When you vote for (name any Republican candidate for the House or Senate), you vote for me," The Donald has proclaimed in stump speeches across the country. Trump's statement stands out because it's the most honest thing this successor to George Washington, who reportedly could not tell a lie, has uttered in months. This midterm test is a big deal, make no bones about it. It is, in fact, an inflection point -- a term blokes smarter than me are using this year to make the case that the fight for the U.S. Senate and House is, well, a big deal. But it's not the only big deal Trump faces in the weeks ahead, or even the biggest deal. That honor goes to Robert Mueller's dogged detectives in the special prosecutor's office. Together, the election and the Mueller report constitute a potential one-two punch facing the president. Mueller's process shows he's a pretty fair poker player. And once the elections are out of the way, according to the prevailing belief among Washington wise men, Mueller will begin revealing his hand. Democrats are odds-on favorites to win the House -- though early expectations of a blue landslide for House Democrats have dimmed considerably. And they'll likely fall short in the Senate, probably even losing some seats there. Still, a majority in the House, of whatever size, would break Trump's hold on Washington and expose him to a raft of investigations by House Democratic committee leaders suddenly armed with subpoena power. For example, Democratic control of the House would open up Trump and his minions to investigations (under oath) of his finances, notably any violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution. That little beauty was devised by the founders to punish presidents (and other top federal officers) who might use their office to pocket payoffs from foreign governments or agents looking to buy influence in Washington. The founders knew about such things because they were, for the most part, men of wealth and property and widely traveled for their time. And they knew how the power that went with the presidency and other top places in government could be corrupting or, as they say on Wall Street, "monetized." The Trump business empire began with some suspiciously creative manipulation of the tax code, according to a remarkable piece of financial excavation from the New York Times, which could all prove a tempting target for House Democrats. And, since the House constitutionally dominates tax policy, loss of the majority there would cost Trump the lead role on taxes for the rest of his term. The one thing Democrats, even with a House majority, are not likely to do, although Republicans claim otherwise, is attempt to impeach Trump. In truth, it would be a vain gesture without a substantial majority in the Senate, where any impeachment charge must be tried. Some Democratic firebrands, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren for one, might relish stretching Trump on the impeachment rack. But cooler heads are likely to point out the downside. Why throw a cloud over victory in the race for House control by losing a pointless impeachment fight? What's more, with a House majority, Democrats would control which bills get to the floor for a vote and which are sent into darkness. They'd control the legislative agenda, in short, and at last be in position to challenge Trump for media attention -- something they now lack. So what happened to issues such as health care, the exploding federal deficit, our troubled relations with allies and adversaries alike, and other kitchen-table political topics? They're still present. But in the red-hot rhetorical climate of the moment, these are dust-dry issues. And the intellectual arguments they produce draw little campaign comment and even less interest from cable television. As a result, the two parties and the public are saddled with a generalized and imperfect view of the others as we approach this election cycle. Democrats are the party of labor and social programs demanded by the needy and powerless, plus the shrinking middle class and their allies among coastal intellectuals. Republicans are the tribunes of the entitled rich and the corporate kingpins and their unwitting allies in rural, middle America and in cultural backwaters of the country, such as Appalachia. It's an overdrawn view of the party differences, but, sad to say, mostly true and likely to leave us next year with a federal government more divided than ever. John Farmer has been a working journalist since 1951. He's served as a Washington correspondent, city and national editor, national correspondent and columnist for several news organizations. Farmer has covered nearly every national convention and national political campaign since 1962, the IRA in Northern Ireland and the funeral of Princess Diana. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. By Adara Goldberg During the past week, we witnessed three acts of hate-fueled violence. Last Wednesday, a white man shot and killed two African Americans at a Kroger grocery store in Kentucky, after failing to gain entrance to a predominantly black church. Elsewhere, in news that broke over days, a self-proclaimed white supremacist in Florida sent 14 improvised bombs to high-profile individuals and government officials, including two former presidents. Mercifully, the bombs did not detonate. Then on Saturday, an attack of unchecked racism, anti-semitism, and hate struck the heart of Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill community. A man entered the Tree of Life synagogue there, and opened fire on Jewish worshippers marking the Sabbath. When arrested, the gunman allegedly told law enforcement he wanted all Jews to die because they are "committing genocide of my people." The shooter was well-known for his anti-semitic posts on social media and his anti-refugee stance. Eleven congregants were killed in the massacre, and four police officers and two congregants injured. This is believed to be the deadliest attack on a Jewish community in American history. The Tree of Life killings hit especially close to home. One victim, Joyce Fienberg, was a researcher like myself, working in the field of classroom and museum education. Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers -- who protected several congregants from the gunman -- was born in Newark and raised in Roselle. Another Pittsburgh connection comes through my husband, who for two decades lived there, many of those years in Squirrel Hill. In the community there is a moving Holocaust memorial, designed in the shape of a Star of David. Broken apart, there is no one place in which you can see the entire structure. From each turn, you see different corners and assume new perspectives, the common thread being remembrance of a time the world permitted hate to overcome love. Yet the memorial also serves as a reminder of our own connectivity. Despite our different backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs, we all make up the fabric of our society. We are more alike than we are different. Your loss is my loss; your suffering is my suffering. As we move forward after this week of violence, I challenge us all to find the strength to translate anger into empowerment. You have a voice, you have ideas, you have power. Be models of diversity, respect, and inclusion. Welcome the refugee, the straggler, the survivor. Choose to model your behavior on the upstanders, who those of us in the field of Holocaust history call the Righteous. Help ensure that all people feel safe. Remember that words matter. Voting matters. Remember the inherent privilege you have in the right to vote. Do not waste it. Remember that your choices, and inactions, matter. Challenge your biases, ignorance, and prejudices, for doing so creates the tools that will help us create the more just, compassionate, and safe world that all human beings deserve to live in. leave you with these words of wisdom from the Talmud, the Jewish religious text: Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, But neither are you free to abandon it. Adara Goldberg is director of the Holocaust Resource Center at Kean University. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. By Israel "Izzy" Klein The New Jersey congressional delegation has historically been split closely between Democrats and Republicans, but that is about to change. The state will be at the forefront of the Blue Wave sweeping the nation, because citizens of New Jersey have been hard hit by President Trump's policies. From dwindling health care protections and rising costs, to the Republican tax increase on New Jersey families who already pay high property, income, and sales taxes -- the president and the Republican candidates who support him have let New Jersey down. But Democratic candidates aren't going to win on Tuesday simply based on party identification. This year, a particularly strong slate of Democrats will be on the ballot, which means that New Jerseyans will not only be voting against Trump and his Republican acolytes, but for impressive candidates they trust. It cannot be overstated -- New Jersey will play a pivotal role in this year's midterm elections. In fact, the road to a Democratic majority in the U.S. House of Representatives runs through three states with five to 10 potential House seats in play: New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California. This hasn't usually been the case, particularly given the New Jersey's consistent loss of congressional seats to faster growing states, such as Texas and California, due to the decennial census reapportionment and redistricting. New Jersey had 15 House seats in the 1970s, 14 in the 1980s, 13 in the 1990s and 2000s. Now it has just 12 seats. Even though twice as many New Jersey registered voters are Democrats than are Republicans, the state's congressional delegation has remained split between Democrats and Republicans. The delegation currently comprises seven Democrats and five Republicans, and since the 1980s, Democratic members of Congress have outnumbered Republicans by only one or two (in 1996, there were actually seven Republicans and six Democrats). Most districts in New Jersey are competitive, although one can wonder how independent the "independent" commission that draws the districts really is if the result is a congressional delegation that so significantly under-represents Democrats relative to the statewide population year after year. The current commission consists of six Republicans, six Democrats, and an "independent" chairman (Republican John Farmer Jr., a former state attorney general) selected by members of the General Assembly and the state parties (the chairman is then selected by the members of the commission). The good news for New Jersey is that despite the boundaries of the congressional districts, independently drawn or not, the makeup of the congressional delegation will more closely reflect the needs and desires of New Jerseyans after Election Day. Not only are a record number of incumbent members of Congress stepping down, but the Democrats who have stepped up to run in their districts are all first-round draft picks. Mike Sherrill, in the 11th District, is a former Navy helicopter pilot and former federal prosecutor. Andy Kim, in the 3rd Dist., worked at the White House and the Pentagon on national security, and served in Afghanistan as a strategic adviser to Gens. David Petraeus and John Allen. Tom Malinowski, 7th Dist., served on President Clinton's National Security Council and was an assistant secretary of state for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor under President Obama. State Sen. Jeff Van Drew, running in the 2nd Dist., had more bills signed into law than any other legislator in New Jersey in several legislative sessions. At the top of the ticket this year is U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, running for a third term. His record on foreign and domestic policy is closely aligned with New Jersey voters, but his second term in the Senate was hobbled by a now-dismissed ethics investigation. Menendez is the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he has been a stalwart supporter of Israel. And he is one of the most influential voices in the Senate on immigration and tax and trade policy. Menendez's proven, progressive record on domestic issues resonate with the vast majority of New Jerseyans who realize the importance of a strong legislative check on President Trump. All of these candidates are poised to win, provided New Jersey voters are as energized as they should be this year. More importantly, all these candidates and the incumbent House members like Reps. Frank Pallone, N.J.-6th Dist., and Bill Pascrell, N.J.-8th Dist., top Democrats on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ways and Means Committee respectively, will immediately have an impact on the Democratic majority that will be seated in January. President Trump and the rubber-stamp GOP Congress have hurt New Jersey, and the voters know it. Strong turnout in New Jersey on Nov. 6 will lead to a new Democratic majority in Congress and to a much more blue New Jersey congressional delegation. Israel "Izzy" Klein, a West Orange native, is founding board member of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and co-founder and principal of DC firm, Klein/Johnson Group LLC. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. More than 400 layoff notices have gone out to employees of The Memorial Hospital of Salem County and its related entities, in what officials say is a routine action in a pending sale. North-Jersey based Community Health Associates in March announced it planned to acquire the hospital in Mannington Township from its owner, Tennessee's Community Health Systems. Memorial Hospital spokesman George Gennaoui said Friday the layoff notices are required by New Jersey law and are "customary with ownership transitions." "As part of the sale agreement, Community Health Associates committed to hire substantially all employees into their same positions and compensation, with seniority recognized," Gennaoui said. New Jersey's WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) Act requires employers to provide 60 days' notice to communities and families ahead of any closings or mass layoffs. The notice lists 339 employees at the Salem Hospital Corporation, 39 at Salem Clinic Corporation, 19 at Salem Home Care Service, LLC, and 11 from Salem Medical Professionals, P.C. The effective layoff date for the 408 workers is Dec. 31, according to the state. Law requires the notices go out 60 days ahead of any action. Steve Lenox, a spokesman for CHA, on Friday said the target date for the sale to close is still Dec. 31. Lenox said earlier this week four information sessions were held by CHA for Memorial Hospital employees and more than 200 attended, he said. "The employees were informed that they would be getting both the notice as standard procedure in a transaction such as this as well as an offer of new employment in the coming weeks," Lenox said. Documents filed with the New Jersey Department of Health and obtained by NJ Advance Media through a public records request show the sale price would be $3 million. Under its application to the Department of Health for a certificate of need, CHA outlined changes in its operations. The hospital is currently licensed for 126 beds -- 114 medical/surgical spots and 12 in the intensive care unit. CHA proposes a change to 65 medical surgical beds, keep 12 for ICU patients, but dedicate 26 beds to adult psychiatric care and 30 beds for long-term care, for a total of 133 licensed beds. At one time the hospital was licensed for 140 beds, but that number was reduced under CHS. Founded in 1919 as a non-profit, Memorial Hospital has been owned by the for-profit Tennessee-based Community Health Systems since 2002 when it was bought for $35 million. CHA is a Bloomfield-based organization founded in 2008. According to its website, CHA is "a healthcare real estate developer that specializes in repurposing medical facilities." In New Jersey, the company owns The Barnert Hospital in Paterson, Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, William B. Kessler Memorial Hospital in Hammonton and Greenville Hospital in Jersey City, along with medical arts complexes in New Jersey and New York. CHA says it would operate the Salem hospital, under a subsidiary, Salem County Hospital Corp., as a non-profit. This is the second time a deal to sell the hospital has moved this far. In December 2015, the California-based Prime Healthcare Foundation said it wanted to buy Memorial. The process dragged on for a year and a half. Prime was to pay $15 million for Memorial. But on the same day in May 2017 that the New Jersey Department of Health gave its final OK, Prime backed out of the deal. A Department of Health spokesperson Friday said the deal between CHS and CHA remains on track. A public hearing is planned Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at Salem High School so the State Health Planning Board can hear public comment on the proposed sale. After the event in Salem County, the State Health Planning Board meets Dec. 6 to review and make a recommendation on the proposed deal to health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal. The commissioner then has up to 120 days to make a final decision on whether the sale is a "go." 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 man who was charged with taking pictures up women's skirts twice this summer committed the disturbing act again this week, police said. Stephen Grogan, 41, of Branchville, was arrested Thursday and charged with lewdness for using his phone to take photos up a woman's skirt at a grocery store in Montague Township, according to a release from the New Jersey State Police. Police say Grogan was standing in an aisle next the woman when a store security guard saw him "lower himself to the floor, position his cell phone under her skirt, and begin to take pictures without her consent." Security stopped him, called the police and Grogan was later arrested after an investigation by the state police. His cell phone, which he tried to hide between packages of flour when he was confronted by the store security guard, was seized by police, according to a release. He was taken to Sussex County Jail pending a bail detention hearing, police said. This was the third time in the last five months that Grogan has been charged with taking pictures up women's skirts. He was in Utah for military training for the New Jersey National Guard when he was caught using his phone to take "upskirt" pictures of women at a shopping mall in Salt Lake City on June 9. It was unclear Friday night if Grogan was still a member of the New Jersey National Guard. One victim posted a picture of him on Facebook during that incident. Police tracked him to a nearby military base where admitted the deed, and was charged with voyeurism by electronic equipment. He also admitted at the time that he'd previously taken photos up women's skirts in New Jersey, but no details about that incident were revealed by police. However, Grogan was arrested again on July 27 after an incident at a Target on Route 22 in Union Township. A security officer caught Grogan squatting near female shoppers with his phone in his hand, police said. He left the store, but the security employee followed him to the parking lot, described his car to Union police. An officer was driving to the store when he spotted Grogan's car and pulled him over. Police investigated and slapped him with a felony charge of invasion of privacy. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. 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... Social media erupted with commentary Saturday (Nov. 3) after a graffiti portrait of former New Orleans Mayor Dutch Morial appeared on a French Quarter townhouse. The black-and-white painting at 936 N. Rampart Street bears the signature of controversial street artist Muck Rock, who has produced numerous aerosol murals across New Orleans, some of which have earned her praise, some scorn. The Los Angeles artist has sometimes been chastised for not perfectly understanding the Crescent City cultural landscape. Muck Rock graffiti artist goes big, gets dissed on St. Claude Avenue The Morial portrait received some spirited criticism because the image didnt look much like the Morial most people remembered. More than one onlooker suggested that the artist accidentally modeled her painting on a photo of someone other than Morial. Muck Rock, who is known for her preternatural energy and speed, responded to her critics by returning to the site and painting a more immediately recognizable image of the former mayor. On Friday, a fluorescent pink STOP WORK notification from the Vieux Carre Commission, which oversees French Quarter property regulations, appeared near the mural. But on Saturday, the notice was gone. The owner of the property could not be immediately reached for comment. On her Instagram account Muck Rock reassured her followers that the mural in one of the citys most regulated historic neighborhoods would be swiftly covered. Amidst a major freak out that I vandalized a French quarter property, she wrote, I just want to let you guys know this is a temporary installation and the property (which was tagged and dirty) is already scheduled to be painted. Have no fear! Blank walls are coming!! Loving the southern hospitality as always. Morial was born in 1929 and died in 1989. He served as mayor for two terms beginning in 1978. In describing his historic importance, NOLA.coms Mike Scott wrote: In 1978, Dutch Morial made history, becoming the first black mayor of New Orleans. It was by no means his first first, though. Armed with a razor-sharp mind, political determination and a willingness to go to the mat for his beliefs, he had also reset the bar as the first black graduate of LSU Law School; the first black assistant U.S. attorney in Louisiana; the states first black legislator since Reconstruction; and the first black person elected to Louisianas 4th Circuit Court of Appeal. As impressive as those credentials were, his ascension to the top job at City Hall sent an undeniable message that a new day had arrived in New Orleans -- and that Dutch Morial would be leading the charge. Since this story was first posted on Saturday, there have been developments. As a reader pointed out, the property is now owned by Farshad Enterprises LLC, according to the Orleans Parish Assessors Office. But the previous owner was Jacques E. Morial, son of the former mayor, which may explain the placement of the portrait. Also, a guerrilla critic has taped a hand-written review of the mural on the N. Rampart Street wall, giving it a grade of C-minus. Finally, on Monday (Nov. 5) the mural has disappeared beneath a layer of white paint. Note: This story was updated twice on Monday (Nov. 5) to include new information. Doug MacCash has the best job in the world, covering art, music and culture in New Orleans. Contact him via email at dmaccash@nola.com. Follow him on Twitter at Doug MacCash and on Facebook at Douglas James MacCash. As always, please add your point of view to the comment stream. An inmate at the Orleans Parish jail pleaded guilty Thursday (Nov. 1) to scheming with three other people, including his cousin who worked at the jail, to get heroin and other drugs to him behind bars, federal court records show. Elton Williams, 28, of New Orleans was convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin, cocaine hydrochloride, marijuana and Tramadol. According to court documents, Williams, an inmate at the Orleans Justice Center jail, asked his cousin, Ciboney Parker, and two other women, Brittany Theophile and Rachelle Kelson, to help smuggle drugs to him. Parker, now 25, was working at the jail as a civilian employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office. Williams was initially booked in mid-May 2017 with state drug and gun charges, as well as a state charge of simple battery, Orleans Parish court records show. According to federal prosecutors, Williams and the three women began coordinating a drug delivery via the jails phone system. The plans called for Theophile and Kelson to get marijuana, heroin, and Tramadol and ultimately a colostomy bag to conceal the drugs to Parker during her work shift. Parker would then smuggle the drugs to Williams, and receive payment for making the delivery, court records show. The Sheriffs Office Intelligence Division learned of the plan through intercepting the recorded jail calls, and via video surveillance, and caught Parker before she could get the drugs to Williams. Court documents outlining the case against Williams offer a detailed look at the series of jailhouse calls, which show some reluctance on the part of Parker to go through with the plan and subsequent offers by Theophile to increase Parkers payment. In one call, Williams said if the group could smuggle a variety of drugs to him, he could make $500 and split the earnings with Parker. According to court records, jail surveillance video taken May 24, 2017, shows Parker trying to deliver drugs to Williams. However, the delivery was interrupted when a guard approached Parker, making it difficult to deliver the drugs without being seen, court records state. In a subsequent jail call, Williams told Theophile that Parker needed a colostomy bag to conceal the drugs during the delivery. The following day, Williams asked Kelson on a jail call to get two of his colostomy bags and give them to Parker. At 7:30 p.m., Williams told Theophile to text Parker and that he would be waiting for her. Theophile then texted Parker He said come now, court records show. 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 After that, Parker was seen meeting with Theophile and then Kelson in the jail parking lot. Sheriffs Office investigators stopped Parker as she entered the jail, and then found heroin, marijuana and Tramadol in her purse and car. According to court records, Parker gave a statement saying the drugs in her purse had come from Theophile and the colostomy bag was provided by Kelson. She also confirmed that she had been compensated for her actions. Parker was booked May 25, 2017, into the Orleans Justice Center jail with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of schedule IV drugs (tramadol) and bringing contraband into a correctional facility, Orleans Parish court records show. She was later charged federally. Theophile was arrested in the jail parking lot. A search of her car turned up two bags each holding three smaller bags of cocaine, according to federal court records. Investigators also stopped Kelson in the parking lot and questioned her; she admitted to delivering a colostomy bag to Parker, court records show. Theophile and Kelson both pleaded guilty Oct. 4 to federal charges for their roles in the scheme, with Theophile set for sentencing Dec. 13 and Kelson set for sentencing Jan. 3. Parker is also scheduled to plead guilty Dec. 4 in federal court. Williams faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and, upon release, will serve a three-year term of supervised release when he is sentenced Feb. 7 before U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. Williams also has pending state charges of armed robbery, simple battery and possession of a weapon by a felon in a separate case, Orleans court records show. His trial on those charges is set for Dec. 4. He is represented in that case by private attorney John Fuller. Orleans jail employee caught smuggling heroin, other drugs to inmate: warrant A New Orleans man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday (Nov. 2) to robbing a bank along Veterans Boulevard in Metairie this spring, according to U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strassers office. Stephen Scott, 31, was convicted of one count of bank robbery in the April 9 hold-up at the First American Bank and Trust at 1800 Veterans Boulevard. According to court documents, Scott walked into the bank about 3:40 p.m. and slid a demand note to the teller reading, "This is a bank robbery, no small bills, no dye packs." When the teller hesitated, Scott told her to hurry up, hurry up, court records state. He then pointed his index finger like a gun at the teller and looked down at his waistband, according to a factual basis for Scotts plea agreement. The teller told investigators that she did not actually see a weapon during the robbery. Scott fled the bank with $3,400 in cash, running southbound on Bonnabel Boulevard. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office and the FBIs Violent Crime Task Force and the investigated the case. The criminal complaint, sworn by FBI Task Force Officer Brandon Veal, describes how investigators used video surveillance from the bank, fingerprints found at the scene, photos from one of Scott's social-media accounts and law-enforcement databases to identify Scott as a suspect. 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 In watching surveillance video, JPSO investigators saw the bank robber touch several surfaces, including the banks door, with an ungloved hand. Crime-scene technicians recovered a latent print from the door, a print that when run through a database led investigators to Scott, according to federal court records. Sheriffs Office investigators then compared the surveillance footage from the robbery to photos of Scott to confirm his identity. By the following morning, Scott was arrested in New Orleans in connection with the robbery. At the time of the robbery, Scott was on parole in Louisiana for an armed robbery, his parole having been transferred from New Jersey, court records show. His criminal history includes arrests in New Jersey for armed robbery, narcotics possession, illegal carrying of a weapon and violation of probation and parole. Scotts sentencing is set for Jan. 31. He faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release following any prison term, Strassers office said in a news release. Man charged in Metairie bank robbery Three people were robbed and one person was stabbed within six hours across New Orleans, the Police Department said Saturday (Nov. 3). Here are details from preliminary police reports: St. Claude -- A 33-year-old man was walking from a store in the 1600 block of Mandeville Street on Friday at 4:40 p.m. when three men stole his phone and money. Mid-City -- An 18-year-old man was walking in the 3900 block of Baudin Street at 6:20 p.m. when two men with knives approached him from behind. The duo demanded money, searched the victims pockets and fled with his money. Faubourg Marigny -- A 60-year-old man exited his car in the 800 block of Touro Street just before 10 p.m. when a man with a pistol approached and demanded his belongings. The man complied and the robber fled with his money. In a separate Marigny incident dating from Oct. 22 but not reported to police until Saturday, a 35-year-old woman was assaulted and robbed near the intersection of Frenchmen and Royal Street. Treme -- A 37-year-old man was cut just before 11 p.m. near the intersection of St. Philip and Marais streets after telling three men who asked him for money that he didnt have any. He was taken by private vehicle to a hospital. Every now and again, chef Tenney Flynn, chef and co-owner of GW Fins in the French Quarter, posts on Facebook a little snippet or note about working on his upcoming cookbook. Recently, hes been testing recipes for the book. The title has not been finalized nor has the release date been set we know it will be in spring but one thing is for certain: it will include plenty of seafood dishes. When news came that on Oct. 19, Flynn was named the Chef of the Year by Wild American Shrimp, the American Shrimp Processors Associations marketing arm, which promotes wild-caught Gulf and South Atlantic shrimp, we thought we might coax him to share a shrimp recipe from the upcoming book. He agreed and youll find it below. As chef of the year, Flynn will be the organizations Admiral of Advocacy and work to promote wild-caught, American shrimp. Its a role that will likely come easily to Flynn. Hes known in the New Orleans area and well beyond as a seafood authority and for promoting sustainable seafood practices, whether hes battling the invasive lionfish by spearing it and cooking it up deliciously at GW Fins or serving on the Audubon Nature Institutes GULF Chefs Council. Invasive Lionfish: If you can't fish 'em, eat 'em at GW Fins Wild caught American shrimp is the healthiest, Flynn said in a press release about his award. It has the best flavor. Theres no comparison between them and the imports. The Wild American Shrimp Chef of the Year is an annual award announced each October during National Seafood Month. Visit americanshrimp.com for more information about Wild American Shrimp. From chef Tenney Flynns as yet unnamed cookbook: Scuba diving in the gulf of Thailand near Chumpon was a gas we saw so many whale sharks we got tired of them. One of the things I remember best about the dive boat was the food. The captains wife was the chef and she had a two-burner wok station on the top deck and provided a continuous buffet including whatever small fish she pulled in whenever we stopped plus a basket of mangosteens (my new favorite fruit) and sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves. My favorite topping was this coconut shrimp. This recipe has Thai chiles for heat and a little dried shrimp for funk. I know it sounds weird but it is a wonderful combination of flavors. If youre going to serve a shrimp dessert, go to the trouble of sourcing all the ingredients. Ingredients, such as Pandan leaf and Kafir lime leaves should be available at international markets. Chef Tenney Flynns Shrimp and Coconut Sticky Rice Dessert Serves 6 1 can coconut cream 1 tablespoon coconut (or light brown) sugar 4-inch piece Pandan leaf (available frozen in Asian markets) 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon dried Louisiana shrimp 3 cloves garlic 6 peppercorns, crushed 1 small Thai chile Food and restaurant news in your inbox Every Thursday we give you the scoop on NOLA dining. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up 1 tablespoon cilantro roots or stems 2 cups (preferably freshly grated) shredded coconut 3 tablespoons coconut oil (or canola) 1/2 pound peeled 16-20 wild caught American shrimp, diced 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional) 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons coconut (or light brown) sugar 2 finely shredded Kafir lime leaves, middle stem removed 2 cups short-grain or medium-grain sushi rice 2-1/4 cups water (2-2/3cups for medium-grain) Bring coconut cream, coconut sugar, salt and Pandan leaf to a simmer in a small saucepan. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes and remove from the heat. Finely mince the dried shrimp, garlic, peppercorns and whole chile with the cilantro roots. If you have a mortar and pestle, this is the traditional method for grinding these ingredients. (This amount is too small for a food processor.) If not, chop everything else as finely as you can on a cutting board. Grate the coconut, if using fresh. Saute the chile and cilantro root mixture in the coconut oil on medium heat until you smell the fragrance of the garlic. Stir in the coconut. Stir constantly until the coconut starts to brown slightly, being careful not to let it get too dark. (If youve opted out of fresh grating and are using sweetened shredded it will color more quickly.) Stir in the diced raw shrimp and continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring until the shrimp changes color. Stir in the red coloring and mix until it is a uniform orange. Keep stirring while adding the salt and sugar (if using sweetened coconut reduce the sugar by half). Stir in the finely shredded Kafir lime leaves and remove from the heat. Place in bowl and set side covered at room temperature. Cook the rice: Place rice in a large bowl and rinse with warm water until the water turns clear. Let it soak for a few minutes and drain in a colander or sieve. Measure the 2-1/4 cups water into a medium-size, heavy pot with a tight fitting lid. Add rice, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until all water is absorbed. To check absorption without removing the lid, shake the pot and listen for any sloshing liquid. When all water seems to be absorbed, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes to steam. Remove the Pandan leaf and mix the coconut cream with the hot sticky rice until its incorporated. Cover it and keep at room temperature. To serve, scoop the warm sticky rice on to a banana leaf square and top with a spoonful of the coconut shrimp. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission Once in the while youre lucky enough to attend a first-time event so natural and appropriate that you sense its a tradition in the making. That was certainly the case Friday (Nov. 2) when the first Day of the Dead second-line parade rambled through New Orleans' Faubourg Marigny and St. Roch neighborhoods. Presented by the Krewe de Mayahuel, the event combined Mexican and New Orleans venerations of the dead with great grace and beauty. Roberto Carrillo, one of the five co-founders of the krewe, named for the Aztec goddess of the agave plant, towed a mobile altar at the head of the procession. On it were photographs of dead celebrities such as Fats Domino, Anthony Bourdain, Prince and Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist. Clouds of burning ceremonial copal incense wafted over the hundreds of candle-bearing paraders who followed, many costumed as elegant skeletons. Day of the Dead Second-Line: photo gallery Carrillo, who has lived in the United States for 25 years, explained that similar Day of the Dead processions take place in even small towns in his native Mexico. He confessed he was worried that the lack of a brass band would disqualify Fridays parade from being considered a bona fide New Orleans second line, although paraders played traditional Mexican guitar and mandolin music at stops along the route. Despite the fact that controversy surrounding Latino immigration has been a staple of the news over the past months, the parade was not politicized with protest posters, the chanting of slogans or any such thing. As Carrillo explained, the context of recent events have made the parade political if you want it to be or not. But basically the event was intended as a cultural fusion. We live in New Orleans, he said, but we still have our Mexican roots. Some fear that the term second-line parade is overused and inappropriately applied to frivolous processions that have no genuine memorial intention. But this one, which was simultaneously festive and solemn, seemed to have harmonized with New Orleans traditions better than most. The procession began at the Siberia Lounge on St. Claude Avenue, traveled through back streets to the St. Roch Avenue neutral ground then continued onward to the St. Roch Cemetery. All souls would agree the first Day of the Dead second line was a gorgeous tribute. . . . . . . . Doug MacCash has the best job in the world, covering art, music and culture in New Orleans. Contact him via email at dmaccash@nola.com. Follow him on Twitter at Doug MacCash and on Facebook at Douglas James MacCash. As always, please add your point of view to the comment stream. James Carville continued his talk about the alleged conspiracy among SEC officials to favor top-ranked Alabama with the first-half suspension of LSU middle linebacker Devin White for the showdown at Tiger Stadium. The political strategist appeared on College GameDay and said how top players on other SEC teams against Alabama had been unable to play in their teams' games against the Crimson Tide. He said the best defensive players for Tennessee, Missouri and Texas A&M couldnt play against Alabama because he was taken out. #FreeDevinWhite a classic 'Only in Louisiana' moment And now the best defensive player in the conference is not going to play in the first half because of officials, Carville said. He did nothing wrong. Everybody in the world who saw that tape said he went in their with his hands up, he continued. College Gamedays social media shared a clip of the interview earlier, along with an analysts challenge of his assertion, but it has since been deleted. Lee Corso to make headgear pick before Saints-Rams, a first for ESPN NFL coverage Seated at a conference table under a large painting of Pope John Paul II at the Archdiocese of New Orleans headquarters Friday (Nov. 2), Archbishop Gregory Aymond described how he came to grips with the thorniest and most controversial issue of his tenure releasing the names of clergy members credibly accused of abusing minors over decades in southeast Louisiana. Although hesitant to do so, Aymond said it was through consultation, discernment and prayer that he decided to be the first archbishop in the history of the second oldest diocese in the U.S. to release information from what was once thought to be the secret files known only to Catholic Church hierarchy. 57 clergy members named by archdiocese Since the clergy abuse scandal came to light decades ago, critics have chastised the church across the world for covering up sex abuse, and in some cases transferring predators from one ministry to another. A Pennsylvania grand jury reignited the controversy when it released a report in August that named more than 300 priests credibly accused of sexually abusing more than 1,000 child victims over several decades in that state. Since then, dozens of archbishops across the country have released names of credibly accused clergy members, with Aymond now joining their ranks. Other archbishops in Louisiana said they plan to release the names of accused clergy in their dioceses but have not yet done so. Aymond said recently that there were no secret files. He said releasing the names of accused clergy would require much research through the files of a diocese that was formed April 25, 1793. The lis t released Friday includes 57 clergy members who faced allegations made since 1950, some involving incidents dating back decades before then. The archdiocese said it continues to search its files and may release additional names in the future. I had great hesitation in the past about releasing the names, Aymond said. The reason for the hesitation was we wanted to make sure the list was complete and accurate, and that takes a lot of difficult work. Also, the question of what to do with priests who are deceased and cant defend themselves. Aymond said he consulted with both archdiocese staff members and lay people before reaching his decision. I kept pondering it and pondering and when it kept tugging at my heart, I knew there was something in there I had to listen to, he said. I sought discernment and consultation. It was through prayer that I realized God was calling me to do this for the sake of the victims, the survivors, for their healing, for our transparency and to pursue justice. 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 Asked Friday whether highlighting pedophiles who were previously kept secret by the church might reflect badly on his predecessors, including the revered Archbishop Philip Hannan, who served from 1965 to 1989, Aymond said he hoped it would not. They responded in the way they thought was best, and they responded in the way others throughout the country were responding to pedophilia, Aymond said. Keep in mind that pedophilia was not really defined until the late 1970s and 1980s. Decades ago, Aymond said a priest accused of sexual abuse of minors was sent for treatment to an inpatient psychiatric hospital. After several months, a bishop would be sent a letter saying that the priest had successfully completed a treatment program and was no longer a threat to children, and was thus clear to return to the ministry, he said. If we knew then what we know now, we would have handled all this differently, Aymond said. Thats no excuse for the victims and survivors, but I think we do have to put that in context. Aymond also noted that all New Orleans archbishops going back to Hannan have removed priests because of misconduct. I think they (former archbishops) did what they thought was right in the context of society at that time, he said. Hannan and Archbishop Joseph Rummel have high schools in the New Orleans area named in their honor. Hannan, a former World War II paratrooper, delivered eulogies at the funerals of President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert Kennedy. Rummel, who presided over the diocese from 1935 to 1964 and is credited with desegregating the archdiocese and its schools. Archbishop Francis Schulte followed Hannan as leader of the New Orleans diocese, serving from 1989 to 2001. Alfred Hughes was New Orleans archbishop from 2002 to 2009, when Aymond took over. Aymond said Friday was a sad day for the archdiocese but he hopes it will lead to a renewal of the church community. My sadness has to do with the victims and survivors who are still going on with their daily lives but who have experienced a lot of pain, he said. But I also have hope that this will bring about some healing for them. I am totally convinced we have done the right thing. Jesus said the truth will set you free. I believe the truth will set us free. An EU-funded project called "iBorderCtrl" is intended to support border control officials by using AI mechanics. It is supposed to work as a kind of lie detector and is now being tested for the first time in the real world. 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 Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the central topics of research and development around the world at the moment. To boost research in this field the EU is providing generous funding for projects and research as well. One of these projects is now being tested for the first time in the real world. This software is designed to help border guards at airports and other points of entry to the European Union. The project is called iBorderCtrl and could be described as a lie detector for possible immigrants. This intelligent program will ask the traveller a few questions when entering the European Union. The number of questions depends on the risk factor the program has previously calculated for the person. Meanwhile, the software uses camera and voice analysis to monitor and check the person's answers. If the person gives the correct answers and there is no indication that the person has lied, they can enter the EU. If the software becomes suspicious, fingerprints, face and other biometric data are matched and verified. If the programme still considers the traveller a risk, a human official will take over the entry process. The program cannot therefore denie entry on its own. The programme will first be tested in Greece, Latvia and Hungary. Currently, almost 700 million people enter the EU every year, which poses personnel difficulties for the immigration authorities. In addition, this number is expected to increase further in the future. This programme could thus remedy the situation and relieve the burden on border officials. The sisters, who were seen roughly between 158th and 163rd Streets, were seated several feet from the river, which could explain why they were found downriver, Chief Shea said. At about 3 p.m. that day, a passer-by discovered their bodies, clad in similar black jackets and black leggings, below a pier about 100 blocks south near 68th Street. Their bodies were wrapped in tape, which was keeping them together, but it was not tightly binding them, Chief Shea said. It is entirely credible that the girls entered the water alive, Chief Shea said. We have them praying a short distance from the water. We also have sources that detectives have developed thus far, statements that they would rather inflict harm on themselves, commit suicide, than return to Saudi Arabia. The Farea family moved from Jeddah, a port city in Saudi Arabia, to Fairfax, Va., about three years ago. The sisters lived with their mother and at least two brothers, according to neighbors and the Arab News, an English-language Saudi Arabian newspaper. Their father traveled back and forth between the two countries, relatives told the news outlet. Tala Farea briefly attended a public school in Fairfax County for her sophomore year, according to a spokesman for the school district, and Rotana Farea was an engineering student at George Mason University from early 2016 until last spring. The news of her death is tragic, a spokesman for the university said. University officials are cooperating with police and will assist in any way we can. The family was kind and cordial, said a neighbor who lived next door to the family at an apartment building in Fairfax from 2016 until they moved out in early August and who asked not to be named. He said he saw the father about three times and would typically see the mother interacting with other Muslim women who appeared to live in the building. Carlene Roberts Lawrence, who worked her way up from a $150-a-month secretarial job to become, by wide acknowledgment, the first woman to break into the airline industrys executive ranks, died on Oct. 29 at her home in Manhattan. She was 105. Her death was confirmed by Bob Lewis, the executor of her estate and her first cousin once removed. Ms. Lawrence, who was known as Carlene Roberts at the time, was elected vice president of American Airlines in 1951, when few women were being admitted into the executive suites of any industry. When the companys board elected her, at 37, newspapers and magazines published profiles of her that marveled at her corporate climb. But a corporate office had scarcely been her dream destination when she graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1934. She always said that if she had not needed a job during the Depression, she would have pursued her ambition to become an actress. Instead she learned shorthand and typing and went to work as a secretary for the Chamber of Commerce in Oklahoma City. Her organizational ability was soon recognized by O. M. Mosier, a vice president of Braniff Airways, which began as an Oklahoma operation. When he joined American Airlines in Chicago as a vice president in 1938, he took her with him as a secretary. Milton Gendel, an art critic who left Manhattan nearly 70 years ago for Rome, where he became an advocate for postwar Italian artists and a photographer of subjects as diverse as Sicilian peasants and British royalty, died on Oct. 11 at his home there. He was 99. His daughter Anna Mathias confirmed his death. A charming expatriate and tireless networker, Mr. Gendel became a significant part of Romes artistic world from the 1950s nearly until his death. In a series of spectacular apartments he rented over the decades, he hosted salons that brought together artists and other cultural personalities. And, as the Rome correspondent for ARTnews magazine, he became an indispensable voice who told the world about artists like Alberto Burri, Tancredi and Toti Scialoja. The right way to deal with the caravan crisis is to make clear that it is no crisis. The marchers pose no threat. The United States has clear laws governing refugees and well-funded agencies to enforce those laws, and its an embarrassing waste of money to send troops to the border. In fact, illegal border crossings have significantly declined in recent years. The country must and will continue to enforce the laws that control its borders, as Mr. Obama himself did as president during an earlier, actual surge of Central American migrants, when he took the difficult step of dispatching National Guard troops to the border and detaining many mothers and children. Longer-term questions about how to put the countrys approach to immigration back on a rational, moral foundation are more difficult. Republican hard-liners defeated bipartisan attempts at comprehensive immigration reform in 2007 and 2014. In the Trump era, Democrats have found the issue of immigration even more confusing; a couple of Democratic senatorial candidates have even lined up behind Mr. Trump. Mr. Trumps cruel treatment of immigrants and race-baiting about nonexistent threats do not amount to a solution. Managing the entry of refugees and other immigrants, and creating a fair system to deal with the millions of undocumented immigrants within the borders, are serious matters in need of common sense and elemental humanity. The country needs to streamline the asylum system and establish generous quotas of immigrants and refugees from around the world. To be effective, any immigration plan has to include serious development aid to Central Americas troubled states. Cutting off what little aid they get, as Mr. Trump has threatened to do, will only create more caravans. People seeking to partake of the American dream have always been central to Americas identity and strength. How the country treats them goes straight to its core values. The Democrats cannot sit this one out, especially when the Republican leader is so blind to the true sources of Americas greatness. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Hart haughtily withdrew from the race with a Jeffersonian echo: I tremble for my country when I think we may, in fact, get the kind of leaders we deserve. The Front Runner, featuring Vera Farmiga as the traumatized Lee Hart, uses that speech to imply that the leader we deserve, for being so squeamish about Hart, is Trump. Hart maintained that there was no relationship with Rice. Rice who became an evangelical and supports Trump told People this week, Im just not discussing it. But a married candidate cant have a gorgeous young model fly up to D.C. from Miami for the weekend to visit his house the infamous townhouse, as Harts son dryly calls it and not attract questions if they are seen. A recent piece by James Fallows in The Atlantic reported that Lee Atwater, the Republican dirty trickster and Poppy Bush party chief, confessed before his death that he had set up Hart for his weekend of doom on Monkey Business. Thats the only way that 48-hour period makes any sense, Hart told me. Even if it was casual recreation, the optics were bad and he and his campaign should have known it. Especially if the stakes for the world were as high as he says. Shamelessness is now a superpower, as the twitterati say, and the audacious are rewarded. I wondered if Hart wished he had fought back. Im not Donald Trump and I didnt behave like Donald Trump, he replied firmly. But he does refer to his hell week as the witch hunt. I blame myself, he said. He says he doesnt blame the press, but I dont believe him. I am still disturbed more by what happened after the original story the condemnation in op-eds, in editorials, in opinion pages, by people who knew who I was but who just came down on me like a ton of bricks and wrote awful, vile things about me. The key word was character. We had to do this because our job is to protect the American people from bad characters. It was all self-justification. Theres nothing wrong with my character. Like many Americans, Ive been following events at our southern border the separation of children from their parents; the presidents denigration of nonwhite migrants as criminals, rapists and animals; his bluster about denying birthright citizenship to their children; and his pledge to send federal troops to intercept a dwindling caravan of frantic refugees. To my ears, it all sounds eerily familiar. This is not the first time America has been torn apart over how to respond to people of color desperate to escape inhuman conditions. Nor is it the first time a president has threatened to deploy federal troops to return them to the horrors from which they fled. Im thinking, of course, of African-Americans, who were regarded for much of American history not as human beings but as a species of animate property no different from cattle and sheep. Their circumstances under slavery were certainly different from those of illegal immigrants today. For one thing, the authorities in their homeland, the American South, wanted to keep them rather than lose them. Slave owners worked hard to prevent their slaves from running away. South Carolina adopted its first Act to Prevent Runaways as early as 1683. A hundred years later, Georgia established a nightly slave patrol in its main port city that came to be known as the Savannah Watch. In the waning years of British rule, colonial officials favored draining wetlands in order to prevent deserting slaves and wild beasts from finding shelter in the swamps. Yet despite such efforts, when delegates from the former British colonies convened at Philadelphia in 1787, the problem of runaway slaves posed a serious threat to the project of creating a new nation. If a durable union was to be forged between the South, where slavery was the bedrock of economy and culture, and the North, where it appeared headed toward extinction, slaves running for freedom across Americas internal border would have to be stopped. In Article IV, Section 2, Clause 3 of the Constitution, the founding fathers attempted to stop them: No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, delegate from South Carolina, exulted that we have obtained a right to recover our slaves in whatever part of America they may take refuge, which is a right we had not before. We released that video to say if President Trump can say that rocks are as good as a rifle, who is Amnesty International? JOHN AGIM, a spokesman for the Nigerian Army, on using the words of President Trump to justify the armys fatal shootings of rock-throwing protesters, an act condemned by Amnesty International. But the trial has also shed light on a schools unwavering commitment to diversity and to enrolling underrepresented minorities, whom it views as crucial to its educational mission. Harvard turned the case into a referendum on diversity and the future of affirmative action. It introduced witnesses that included a child of a sharecropper who went on to become the first African-American president of an Ivy League institution, and a Chinese-American daughter of a restaurant worker, who was accepted by Harvard after her counselor told her not to bother applying. The wolf of racial bias is at Harvards door and the door of this courthouse, Bill Lee, Harvards lead counsel, told the court in his closing argument, invoking a phrase used by the plaintiffs in their opening statement, and turning it against them. By attacking Harvards race-conscious admissions process, the suggestion was, the plaintiffs were themselves discriminating. The benefits of diversity, Mr. Lee added, couldnt be more on trial. The group suing Harvard, Students for Fair Admissions, hewed a much narrower road, saying the case was not about dismantling diverse classes or erasing students races from their applications, as some critics have stated. The lawsuit, they said, is about ending discrimination against a single group Asian-Americans. John Hughes, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in his closing that Harvards admissions practices were not a racist conspiracy, but that unconscious bias among well-meaning admissions officers was favoring certain students over Asian-Americans. To promote his administrations decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran, President Trump turned Friday to the wildly popular television show Game of Thrones. In a tweet that featured a cinematic poster with a steely depiction of the president, he included the words Sanctions Are Coming. That phrase mimicked one from the show, Winter Is Coming, a foreboding line that warns of a deep freeze that will herald an army of the undead from the north to conquer other lands. HBO responded to Mr. Trump with a message of its own: Keep us out of it. We were not aware of this messaging and would prefer our trademark not be misappropriated for political purposes, an HBO spokesman, Quentin Schaffer, said in a statement. What Trump Said Last year alone, our brave ICE officers arrested listen to this number more than 127,000 criminal aliens. at a campaign rally on Friday in Indianapolis This requires context. While President Trumps figure is accurate, it should be noted that most criminal charges against immigrants arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement were nonviolent. In the 2017 fiscal year, the agency convicted nearly 106,000 immigrants and charged another 22,000. Of over 500,000 charges or convictions, 288,000, or more than half, were for traffic offenses, drug offenses or immigration violations. As The New York Times has previously reported, many academic studies have shown that immigration does not drive crime, and immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than people born in the United States. What Trump Said Remember what I said during the debates? Everyone was talking about cutting the Social Security and all I said were not touching your Social Security. at a campaign rally on Friday in Huntington, W.Va. Some Democrats have actually weaponized the tax package against their opponents, including Danny OConnor, a Democrat running in a tight race against a Republican incumbent, Troy Balderson, in Ohio. In the run-up to a special election in August they are squaring off again in Tuesdays general election Mr. OConnor and his backers spent more money attacking the tax cuts than Mr. Balderson and his allies spent defending it. Traditional Republican pollsters and strategists said hewing too closely to Mr. Trumps incendiary strategy could contain more risk than reward for candidates in the campaigns final days. They warn of possible backlash among minority voters and college-educated whites, two groups that could be especially crucial in deciding congressional control. Polling suggests that the same suburban independents who broke for Mr. Trump in the final days of the 2016 election could shift back to Democrats this time around. And Republican campaign veterans said that while Mr. Trumps fear-mongering is firing up his base, it could energize other voters who were previously apathetic to vote for a Democrat next Tuesday. The problem is Republicans have a good story to tell in the economy, said Mike Murphy, a former adviser to Jeb Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney. But the Republican with the largest microphone only wants to go on these rants about immigration. Mr. Trump, he said, is managing to offend every swing voter in the country. That could prove particularly risky in competitive races for the House of Representatives. Republicans are defending many seats in diverse metropolitan regions where the presidents heated language could prove a hindrance. Mr. Trump even acknowledged at his rally Friday that Republicans could lose the House, saying, it could happen, could happen. WASHINGTON Rejecting a request from the Trump administration, the Supreme Court declined on Friday to halt a trial in a lawsuit challenging the addition of a question concerning citizenship to the 2020 census. The courts brief order, which gave no reasons, came a little over a week after it granted the administration a partial victory in the case by temporarily blocking the deposition of Wilbur Ross, the commerce secretary, who oversees the Census Bureau. The lawsuit, filed by New York, other states, localities and advocacy groups, said that asking the citizenship question was a calculated effort by the administration to discriminate against immigrants. The advocacy groups said that Mr. Rosss shifting and inaccurate explanations for the addition of the question pointed to a political motive. Inquiring about citizenship, the plaintiffs said, would fatally undermine the accuracy of the census because both legal and unauthorized immigrants might refuse to fill out the form. That could reduce Democratic representation when state and congressional districts are drawn in 2021, and affect the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars in federal spending. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Friday refused to halt the trial in a lawsuit brought by 21 young people seeking to force the federal government to take action to address climate change. The courts unsigned order said the Trump administration had raised substantial questions about the plaintiffs legal theories and the sweeping relief they sought. But the court said it would not intercede, instructing the plaintiffs to take the case back to an appeals court. Julia Olson, the lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in a statement, The youth of our nation won an important decision today from the Supreme Court that shows even the most powerful government in the world must follow the rules and process of litigation in our democracy. Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil M. Gorsuch said they would have granted the administrations request to block the trial until the Supreme Court had an opportunity to consider the case. INDIANAPOLIS When President Trump said Thursday he held a long and very good conversation on trade with President Xi Jinping of China, it kicked off a brief rally in financial markets and a flurry of questions about why the tensions between Washington and Beijing had suddenly eased. The answer is, they havent really. The explanation for Mr. Trumps newly soothing tone lies less in the state of trade negotiations which remain on hold than in the presidents domestic political calculations, particularly in states heavily dependent on trade, like Indiana. Four days before a midterm election that features a nip-and-tuck Senate race in this state, Mr. Trump is trying to quell fears of a protracted trade war with China. His reassuring message may resonate in Indiana, the United States largest producer of steel but also home to soybean farmers who have been hurt by Chinas retaliatory tariffs on American agriculture. Weve had very good discussions with China, Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House, as he left for a pair of political rallies in Indianapolis and Huntington, W.Va. Were getting much closer to doing something. They very much want to make a deal. A man walked into a yoga studio in Tallahassee, Fla., on Friday evening and shot six people two fatally before killing himself, the police said. The police were called to the studio, Hot Yoga Tallahassee, shortly after 5:30 p.m. Upon arriving on scene, officers found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, Michael DeLeo, the chief of the Tallahassee Police Department, said at a news conference on Friday night. The Tallahassee Police Department said it believed that the gunman, who was identified Saturday morning as Scott Paul Beierle, 40, shot and killed himself at the scene. The police also identified the victims who were shot and killed as Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21. Three of the injured victims had been released from the hospital as of Saturday morning. Another two were in stable condition, the police said. To assess the Trump administrations record in punishing corporate malfeasance during its first 20 months compared with the final 20 months of the Obama administration, The New York Times analyzed thousands of actions filed by the two most powerful agencies that police this arena: the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department. The methodologies used by The Times were reviewed by academic and legal experts who regularly track the activities of the two agencies, including former employees at both the S.E.C. and the Justice Department during Republican and Democratic administrations. The S.E.C. The Times created a database of enforcement actions filed during the 40 months. The database covered the 2,158 stand-alone enforcement actions initiated from May 18, 2015, through Sept. 30, 2018, the end of the federal governments most recent fiscal year. The case list was compiled before the release on Friday of the S.E.C.s annual enforcement report. The Times also tagged cases involving public-company defendants and banks as a measure of major cases against prominent defendants. Want climate news in your inbox? Sign up here for Climate Fwd:, our email newsletter. Having grown up in San Diego, Ian Davies has strong memories of the 2003 Cedar Fire, which at the time was Californias largest-ever wildfire. Now, as a graduate student at the University of Washington, Mr. Davies has published a new study on wildfires, and on who is most at risk. My sort of anecdotal memory of the wildfires is that the people who were most affected were, you know, white folks, he said. So what we wanted to do was examine areas where wildfires are likely to occur in the U.S. and actually dig deep and see what types of communities are most vulnerable. The study, which appears in the journal PLoS One this month, suggests that people of color, especially Native Americans, face more risk from wildfires than whites. It is another example of how the kinds of disasters exacerbated by climate change often hit minorities and the poor the hardest. Floods, hurricanes and fires may be natural phenomena, Mr. Davies said, but what makes them dangerous, what turns them into the disaster, is the social and political factors. SUNDAY PUZZLE I so wanted to pull everyones leg and go on and on about how clever and esoteric Patrick Berrys well-hidden theme was today this constructor is so innovative and subtle that I figured the ruse might be believable. But the boss admonished me that we are here to elucidate, not obfuscate, so Im playing it straight. I also couldnt remember ever having solved a themeless Sunday before, and thought it would be a public service to find out if this was actually a first. I emailed this query to Jeff Chen, the guru of xwordinfo.com (a site you must bookmark if you care enough about puzzles to, say, be reading this sentence). Within 90 seconds Jeff responded: I believe it's the very first one! It's possible that there might have been one under another editor. Jim, do you know? Thus, Jeff threw the question to Jim Horne, the original Wordplay guru and another font of crossword wisdom. Within 90 seconds Jim responded: David, do you recall if there were there any pre-Shortz themeless Sundays? Caitlin, I dont know of any either, but David will probably know for sure. There have certainly been none since Will Shortz became editor in 1993. Thus, Jim threw the question to David Steinberg, who you might recognize as a constructor, but is also the guru of something relevant and momentous to the question at hand: The Pre-Shortzian Puzzle Project, which has resurrected New York Times crossword puzzles from 1942 to 1993, and made them available on Jeff Chens site. While Im not afraid of dying, Im terrified of losing the people I love. Eventually, death will separate them from me, and I have no idea how or when. None of us do. If we abide by objective time, we are temporary passengers on a bizarre machine that does not care about our driving urge to love the people we love longer than forever. It moves how it moves. Love feels eternal, yet we, in this bodily form, at least, are finite. It doesnt add up. But here in Johor 12 or more hours ahead of the people I want to protect from death Im disassociated from the threat of their permanent departure. Our temporal discrepancy is a buffer between us and the truth. The way our staggered microcosms of time and space play out, my people are at home on the East Coast of the United States, safe in their beds, while Im going about my daily routine in Southeast Asia. I dont have to worry about their getting into a car accident, because theyre under the covers sleeping. I dont have to fear theyll fall and injure their heads, because theyre not upright and walking. Conversely, when theyre awake and animated, out in the dangerous world, sleep numbs my anxiety. Also, Im ahead of the people I love in time. If time occurs the way I perceive it, I live in a reality that exists before theirs, where nothing unfortunate can touch them. Here in Malaysia, I venture into the amorphous future before they do. A tragic event will not befall them as long as Im ahead of it. Death can never catch up. The other night over FaceTime, my 6-year-old nephew asked why it was dark where I was in Malaysia and light where he was in the United States. I said to imagine a giant flashlight shining down on earth. I told him it takes a day for our planet to rotate, a year to revolve. The light cant touch everything at once, I said. Im well aware that my theory is a strategy, that in my attempt to shirk time and prevent death from robbing me of my loved ones, I am merely deceiving myself. And of course, I realize that all this does not protect my fiance, here in the same time zone. Id protect him myself, but its not easy when hes out in the Malaysian jungle shooting a movie, texting me that there are four men with shotguns and machetes to defend him and his crew from snakes, leopards and boars. He sends me a photo of a baby king cobra they caught, trapped in a water bottle, its eyes lidless, its mouth agape. Not today, snake, not today. I know there is no trick or tool that will shield anyone I love, not with my hands, nor with times. So I wait up, I wait up late for my fiance to return to our temporary apartment, our shared temporal space. It gets so late that its peak of day for my parents. As we FaceTime, I watch the light from yesterdays sun drift toward the screen. It reaches and forms a protective sash across my mothers chest, like spectral armor. Like times seatbelt; holding her still, locking us in. Could the same dynamic push wavering voters toward Mr. Bredesen? As Times reporting shows, there is a danger of alienating suburban voters with a constant stream of nationalist rhetoric about invading hordes and birthright citizenship. The man these two candidates are running to replace, the Republican Senator Bob Corker, might agree. He told a crowd this week that the people in the caravan are being tortured, adding: I have a feeling that if you were living in one of these Central American countries and you had little girls and little boys youre raising you might be trying to figure out a way to come to the great U.S. of A. Mr. Corker is just one man, but hes also the sort of establishment Republican who rose to the Senate because his views so closely track those of most Tennesseans. Still, this isnt a race for governor, no matter how much Mr. Bredesen would like to make it about balanced budgets and rural internet access, two of his favorite issues. The winner may end up voting on a Supreme Court nominee, and Ms. Blackburn used the Brett Kavanaugh hearings and a month of negative ads to surge into an October lead in the polls. For weeks, she attacked Mr. Bredesen for not taking a position on the nomination, stoking fears among potential Republicans crossover voters that he would ensure a liberal court. When Mr. Bredesen finally issued a statement that he would have voted for Justice Kavanaugh a la West Virginias Joe Manchin, another conservative Democrat in a very red state he faced an immediate backlash in his own party. As early voting began, some progressive voters have chosen to write in Believe Women instead of Bredesen or Blackburn. In a close race, those votes may matter. How tired will the voters be by Election Day? This race has been an assault on the senses. As of this past Thursday, the campaigns have raised $27 million on their own, while outside groups have spent another $51 million, mostly in the form of television ads. For a place that hasnt had a close statewide election in the post-Citizens United era, the effect can be numbing. When viewers turn on the nightly news or other programming on a local station, they will sometimes get three or four ads stacked on top of each other. This might be standard practice in a state like Ohio, but in Tennessee its a new experience. It has even prompted charges of collusion between the Blackburn campaign and super PACs controlled by Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, and the Koch brothers. Tennessee Citizen Action, a liberal advocacy group, filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission in August, noting that Ms. Blackburns chief strategist, Ward Baker, has significant ties to the PACs. It assured supporters this summer that independent expenditure groups would be getting into the race. How voter exhaustion breaks for either candidate is anyones guess, but the role of outside Republican money has been a Democratic talking point, an attempt to counter Ms. Blackburns strategy of nationalizing the race. If it works, and voters decide that Ms. Blackburns outside money is somehow worse than Mr. Bredesens, he might see a boost at the polls. As the 2018 midterm election nears, an ominous question looms: Will this election be hacked? The answer is: Yes, it has already been hacked. This election has already been hacked even if not a single voting machine has been compromised. It has already been hacked even if not another ruble has been spent on spreading disinformation. It has already been hacked even if voter registration information has been undisturbed and no vote tallies are altered. Why? Because the legitimacy of an election depends on the electorate accepting that it was fair, that everyone who tried to vote got to vote and that every vote counted. Lose that, and your voting system might as well have suffered a devastating technological attack. Unfortunately, in much of the United States, we are no longer able to assure people that none of those things has happened. A recent poll shows that 46 percent of the American electorate do not think their votes will be counted fairly, and about a third think it is likely that a foreign country will tamper with the results. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole. With the word loaded in its name, you might hope that it contains a little something extra like, say, batteries, to power something useful like, say, a time machine, but it doesnt. Nope! This casserole mostly contains just potatoes, which are unfortunately useless in the attempt to time travel, except, of course, when used to defend oneself from baffled torch-wielding serfs in 15th-century France. This recipe also calls for six tablespoons of unsalted butter great for lubricating time-machine skids, but you wont have to worry about that because this casserole will not allow you to travel through time. Sorry! Image Shepherds Pie. Whats worse than calling oneself a pie, despite being filled with beef? Why, not having access to a time machine, of course! Shepherds herd sheep, which must be why they were cool with turning cows into deceptively named non-dessert items. Surprisingly, the mutton-filled cowherds pie never quite caught on, almost giving the impression that society had room in its heart for only one crust-covered baked meat dish pretending to be pie. Image Mediterranean Tuna Noodle Casserole. Though this dish boasts a sensory transport to the Mediterranean, the very cradle of tuna noodles, you will unfortunately remain firmly planted in the present day, where everything is still happening right now. The recipe also includes the option of adding dill, which, time-chronology-wise, will change nothing. Unless, of course, youre a survivor of an herb-related trauma and suffer dill-induced flashbacks, which is supposedly the least desirable form of time travel. That was until a few weeks, and now, a few days before the midterm elections. The president stirred up fears of a caravan that was an inva sion of our country so dangerous that he is sending thousands of United States troops to intercept the invaders at the border. Hes also floated the idea that, despite the Constitution, being born in this country is not a guarantee of citizenship. This is the cynical manipulation of white Americans fears; fears of the other. Watching this on TV, I feel exactly like I felt in my first days in this country in 1999 different, unwanted. This is the country I can permanently stay in now. I was born in El Salvador, a small Central American nation of 6.5 million people, in a town near the coast, 30 minutes from the airport. A civil war that the United States invested in plagued the country for more than a decade before the war finally ended in 1992, two years after I was born. El Salvadors homicide rate is one of the highest in the world. My family over there calls it the situation. As in: We lock our doors at 8 p.m. because of the situation; or, the situation doesnt let us go to that part of town. The situation has driven, is driving and will continue to drive hundreds out of the country. A Salvadoran caravan left the capital last Wednesday. My father left because of the war in 1991. Mom followed three years later. I followed, unaccompanied, in 1999. I did not understand what a border was, or what legality meant. What I did understand was that I wanted to be reunited with my parents, to be held by them. I faced corrupt cops in Guatemala, had M-16s pointed at me in Mexico, had a shotgun pointed at me by an Arizona rancher. The group I was traveling with was surveilled, followed by helicopters. The border has always been highly militarized. The caravan is a caravan because it is safer to flee in numbers. Before July 11, I had been under Temporary Protected Status, which the Trump administration says it wants to end, even after a judge ruled it must stay in place. The status is finite, meaning it does not provide a pathway to citizenship. But I worked hard, did well in school, went to college, became a writer, published widely, wrote a book, earned some acclaim. I have known the whole time that every grade, every poem, every student evaluation, every paper has been a piece of evidence that might prove my worth to someone judging it. This was enough to clear the way for an Employment-Based Extraordinary Ability visa (EB-1), and then a green card. Finally, there are the millions of eligible voters who are their own worst enemies. They may be unhappy with the choices before them or unconvinced that their votes will make a difference. Either way, they sit out Election Day, nursing their grudges and telling themselves that theyre making a political statement. Wrong. Whether or not the cynics believe it, every vote really can make a difference. An election in 2017 for a legislative seat in Newport News, Va. a seat that happened to determine control of the states House of Delegates was effectively decided by a single vote, out of more than 23,000 cast. Or take an even more consequential example: In the 2014 midterm elections, barely more than one in three eligible voters turned out; 143 million others stayed home. It was the worst showing in 70 years, and one of the weakest midterm turnouts in United States history. The only people celebrating were Republicans, because smaller electorates tend to be more conservative ones. The abysmal turnout in 2014 followed that pattern, and it allowed Republicans to seize control of the Senate. That gave Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, the power to shift the Supreme Court to the hard right for at least a generation. Still think voting doesnt matter? This message is especially important for young people like Mr. Hagezom, who lean strongly Democratic and yet are notoriously bad about showing up to the polls. In 2014, the turnout rate for voters under age 30 was less than 20 percent. This years numbers, so far, are looking much better, and they will very likely remain high in 2020, when President Trump will be on the ballot. But beyond that, the struggle to keep young voters politically engaged will continue. No matter who wins, higher turnout is a good thing. It reaffirms the essence of the democratic process, and it tends to help candidates who are both more reasonable and more representative of the public at large. Its also true that when more people vote, the electorate becomes more liberal. If Americans voted in proportion to their actual numbers, a majority would most likely support a vision for the country far different from that of Mr. Trump and the Republicans in Congress. This includes broader access to health care, higher taxes on the wealthy, more aggressive action against climate change and more racial equality in the criminal justice system. Republicans are aware of this, which is why the party has gone to such lengths to drive down turnout among Democratic-leaning groups. A recent example: In North Dakota, the Republican-led Legislature changed the law to make it harder for Native Americans to cast a ballot. It comes down to this: Democracy isnt self-activating. It depends on citizens getting involved and making themselves heard. So if you havent yet cast a ballot, get out and do it on Tuesday, or earlier if your state allows early voting. Help your family, friends and neighbors do the same. Help a stranger. Vote as if the future of the country depends on it. Because it does. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. After the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, in which a white supremacist shot to death 11 people while screaming, All Jews must die, a Jewish girl in New York sent an anguished note to her mother. I know I shouldnt feel like I dont have an answer to this question, she wrote in a text message that was later shared on social media. But why do people hate us? Her bafflement was understandable. Many people, of course, favor the groups they belong to and dislike groups they dont belong to; that is the regrettable foundation of prejudice. But not all groups are disliked the same way: Why are some groups (such as homeless people) dismissed or neglected in a relatively steady stream of scorn, while other groups (such as Jewish people) are subjected to sudden waves of virulent, even exterminatory attacks? For many decades psychologists conceived of prejudice as a one-dimensional antipathy: People love their in-groups and hate out-groups. But this us-versus-them approach failed to account for prejudices real-world complexities. To better understand the various ways in which bigotry manifests, the psychologists Susan Fiske, Peter Glick and I developed a new theory of prejudice, one that focuses on the content of stereotypes of out-groups. We have found that how an out-group is stereotyped predicts how the prejudice against it gets expressed. This theory tested over more than 20 years by us and others in hundreds of studies, with tens of thousands of participants, across many cultures helps explain why anti-Semitism often erupts in such violent bursts. In Kuno Tambo, perched at 13,000 feet in Perus Andes Mountains, the mud-brick walls of the Church of Santiago Apostol , built by the Spanish in 1681, have weathered their fair share of earthquakes. But after more than three centuries of shaking, the church began the 21st century with eroding bricks, walls coming apart at the seams , missing buttresses and a tattered , leaking wooden roof. Murals on the interior walls were flaking off, and the free-standing bell tower across the villages central plaza had acquired a crazed, Seussian cant. The church had become too unsafe to hold regular services, a blow to this staunchly Catholic town. Kuno Tambo wasnt alone. Strong earthquakes in 2007 and 2009 killed hundreds in Peru and ravaged scores of historic adobe structures. The danger to these buildings and the people living around them has motivated conservators and architects to explore methods to keep the buildings intact. The Seismic Retrofitting Project, an initiative of the Los Angeles-based Getty Conservation Institute, is studying traditional practices for stabilizing structures in areas prone to earthquakes. I have to do this, Dylann S. Roof, who was 21 at the time, told his African-American victims in Emanuels fellowship hall as he fired 77 shots from a Glock semiautomatic handgun, because yall are raping our women and yall are taking over our world, according to survivors who testified at his 2016 trial. Shortly before the assault on the synagogue, which the police say involved four weapons, including a Glock .357, Robert Bowers, 46, explained himself in a social media post. I cant sit by and watch my people get slaughtered, he wrote. Screw your optics, Im going in. After his surrender, he told a SWAT officer that he wanted all Jews to die because they were committing genocide against his people, according to a criminal complaint. Despite what likely will be overwhelming physical and witness evidence, Mr. Bowers pleaded not guilty on Thursday to 44 federal counts, including hate crimes that will carry a possible death sentence if, as pledged, the Justice Department pursues it. Like Mr. Roof, who was convicted and sentenced to death, Mr. Bowers requested a jury trial. Pastor Manning heard about the Pittsburgh shootings last Saturday morning when his smartphone vibrated with a news alert. He was at Emanuel, participating in a panel discussion about the Charleston massacre for a visiting group of young lawyers. His heart sank. Not again, he recalled thinking. He had become Emanuels pastor in 2016, tasked with the complex job of healing a deeply wounded church, which now attracts large numbers of out-of-town visitors. He filled the pulpit once occupied by the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, the first person shot by Mr. Roof. (As it happens, Pastor Pinckney, named for the legendary Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente, was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan.) What Trump Said Tester joined every other Senate Democrat in supporting open-borders legislation from the now-legendary Dianne Feinstein. False. A bill sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, did receive the support of all Senate Democrats, including Jon Tester of Montana. But it did not open the border; rather, it sought to stop the separation of children from their families at the border. The bill does not prevent deportations, as the president has said, nor does it halt prosecution of migrants for illegally entering the country. It also does not prevent family members from being detained together. The Republican Party criticized the bill for being careless, because it was not specific to immigration enforcement. Mr. Trumps characterization, however, distorts what the bill actually proposes. What Trump Said It was heading down when I took over. They like to say, Well, Obama helped. He didnt help. We were going down. False. Regardless of which president deserves more credit for the healthy economy, Mr. Trump is wrong that the economy was declining until he took over. A number of the applicants were signed up by the New Georgia Project, a voter-drive group that Ms. Abrams founded to boost minority participation in the electoral process. Mr. Kemp has blamed the group for turning in sloppy paper applications. Some observers said they are worried that the pending status of these voters will lead to confusion when they go to the polls. In Fridays ruling, United States District Judge Eleanor L. Ross said that Mr. Oren, after learning he was on the pending list, went through a burdensome process requiring two trips to the polls, his own research and his hunting down a name and telephone number to give to election officials so that his citizenship status could be verified, all after he had already submitted proof of citizenship with his voter application. Mr. Orens ability to vote was held up by Fulton County poll workers who struggled to reach someone who could change his status from pending to active when he showed up with his proof of citizenship. The judges order on Friday broadened the list of poll workers authorized to verify citizenship documents, and directed Mr. Kemps office to issue a news release and update its website to clarify how such residents may vote. Purging inactive voters According to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, Georgia, under Mr. Kemp, purged 1.5 million voters from its rolls between 2012 and 2016. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that an additional 665,000 Georgia voters were purged last year. The state is one of a handful that removes voters from the rolls after they are deemed inactive. Such removals were upheld in June by the United States Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision that considered a similar program in Ohio. Supporters of the purges say their intent, much like the exact match law, is to prevent fraud. But the policies remain highly controversial. The dude looks like Hollywood, Mr. Wilson said, looking at Omar J. Dorsey, who plays a lead in Queen Sugar, a show created by Ava DuVernay that follows families running a sugarcane farm in the South. He and Mr. Dorsey exchanged bear hugs and selfies, and Mr. Wilson told him not to worry he had already cast his vote early for Stacey Abrams, after waiting in line more than an hour and half. I feel good about it, but we got to knock it out of the park, Mr. Wilson said. The Queen Sugar actors were deployed by Care in Action, which has fielded hundreds of canvassers, many of them child care workers, home health aides or housecleaners, to reach voters of color. They gathered Saturday morning at a roller-skating rink and spent all day knocking on doors as well as dropping in on barbershops and beauty salons. Next stop, a few doors down, was the House of HHC Beauty Lounge. Latitia Lamkin-Brooks, getting her hair done, was giddy at the sight of Mr. Dorseys co-star, Dawn-Lyen Gardner. Ms. Lamkin-Brooks tried to coax details about next seasons plot, but gave her word: shed show up on Tuesday. Susan Chira President Trump returns to Montana BELGRADE, Mont. Greetings from Montana, where the Bridger Mountains serve as what might be the most picturesque backdrop of a Make America Great Again rally to date. The president spent an hour here on Saturday afternoon delivering his closing midterm argument to residents of Big Sky Country. While President Trump stuck to his usual themes castigating immigration policies, Democrats and Democratic immigration policies he was less fired up than he was at his appearance in Missoula just over two weeks ago, when he praised the Republican Congressman Greg Gianforte for body-slamming a reporter. (Read a fact-check of Mr. Trumps speech in Montana.) Still, this time, his visit here was personal: The president reserved several minutes of special attention in his efforts to put a pin in the campaign of Jon Tester, the Democratic incumbent struggling to fend off a challenge from Matt Rosendale, whom Mr. Trump was here to support. Welcome to The Tip Sheet, a daily political analysis of the 2018 elections, based on interviews with Republican and Democratic officials, pollsters, strategists and voters. Follow updates from around the country on Saturday here. Where things stand A consensus is emerging among Democratic and Republican strategists based on public and private polling, early voting and likely turnout that Democrats are on track to pick up about 35 seats in the House of Representatives in Tuesdays elections. Republicans now have a 23-seat House majority. Theres anxiety about that number on both sides. Democrats dont want expectations rising for a massive wave which many in the party still doubt is coming. And Republicans dont want a mood of despair to set in when they believe theres still a chance they could hang on. But the number does reflect the reality of polls in suburban districts as well as the tenacity of some Republicans in exurban districts, who would have to lose in order for Democrats to win more than 40 seats. Easing early voting. Or not. When North Carolinas Republican legislature ordered all early-voting sites to stay open 12 hours a day for 18 days this year, they called it a move to boost voting. Its not turning out that way. Many poorer counties dont have the resources to comply, and more than half including many rural, disproportionately minority ones have had to close some early-voting sites Sprawling Halifax County, 700 square miles and 52 percent African-American, closed two of its three early-voting sites. Now a drive to cast a ballot is as long as 20 miles. It had cost about $6,000 to open the sites for the last week of early voting in 2014. The new policy raised that to nearly $48,000, which didnt include overtime, said David Hines, the county election board chairman. [In Tuesdays election, the right to vote is still at issue.] This was not the first such effort. In 2016, a federal appeals court struck down another legislative early-voting measure, saying it targeted African-Americans with almost surgical precision. Many counties saw no need for the latest requirement, since they had been operating more sites for fewer hours or fewer days to affordably meet the needs of their voters. 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. ARMENIA, Wis. The groundwater that once ran cool and clean from taps in this Midwestern farming town is now laced with contaminants and fear. People refuse to drink it. They wont brush their teeth with it. They dread taking showers. Rural communities call it their own, private Flint a diffuse, creeping water crisis tied to industrial farms and slack regulations that for years has tainted thousands of residential wells across the Midwest and beyond. Now, fears and frustration over water quality and contamination have become a potent election-year issue, burbling up in races from the fissured bedrock here in Wisconsin to chemical-tainted wells in New Hampshire to dwindling water reserves in Arizona. President Trumps actions to loosen clean water rules have intensified a battle over regulations and environmental protections unfolding on the most intensely local level: in peoples own kitchen faucets. In Wisconsin and other Midwestern states where Republicans run the government, environmental groups say that politicians have cut budgets for environmental enforcement and inspections and weakened pollution rules. In Iowa, for example, the Republican-led Legislature dismissed a package of bills that would have blocked any new large-scale hog operations until the state cleaned up its nitrogen-laden rivers and streams. Officials identified the victims who were killed as Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, 61, a faculty member at Florida State University, and Maura Binkley, 21, a student there. Four women and one man suffered non-life-threatening injuries. There are no words to express the shock and grief we feel, John Thrasher, the president of Florida State, said on Twitter on Saturday. He added, To lose one of our students and one of our faculty members in this tragic and violent way is just devastating to the FSU family. Mr. Beierle, who the authorities said had prior military service, lived in Deltona, Fla., and had been staying at a hotel while visiting Tallahassee, the police said. He was a graduate of Florida State, where he had been arrested at least twice, once on charges of battery against women, according to records and the police. He also had a history of expressing misogynistic and racist views. In a series of videos posted over a three-day period in August 2014, he ranted against women and minorities, the police and the Army anyone and everyone who he believed had wronged him. BuzzFeed News first reported on the videos. In the videos, Mr. Beierle pontificated from a dimly lit bedroom, with an unmade bed and a pile of cardboard boxes in the background. He lamented his inability to connect with other people from Army comrades who he said would not travel with him while stationed in Europe to women who refused to go out with him. So-called insider attacks have long been a problem for coalition forces in Afghanistan. At their peak in 2012, 61 coalition soldiers were killed by such attacks. Major Taylor decided to join the military someday after the Sept. 11 attacks while attending Brigham Young University, according to a profile published in January in The Deseret News, a Salt Lake City newspaper. His five brothers also joined the Army in the years after the 2001 attacks, it said. His wife, Jennie Taylor, said in the article that service was an important part of their lives, and an example for their seven children. I hope they know that in our family, we help, she said. In our family, we do what we can. If its something we can do, and the call comes to serve, we say yes. Major Taylor urged others to action as well, saying on Facebook in January that whether reading to children at a school, or simply helping a neighbor, there are ways all around us to brighten someones day. Last Sunday in what appeared to be his last Facebook post, he called on all Americans to vote. Whether the Republicans or the Democrats win, he said, it is important that we all remember that we have far more as Americans that unites us than divides us. Accolades poured out for Major Taylor late Saturday across social media. He was the best of men with the ability to see potential and possibility in everything around him, North Ogdens website said in announcing his death. It added, He was patriotic to the core and a shining example of what an American politician should be. Mitt Romney, the 2012 presidential candidate who is now running for the Senate in Utah, said on Twitter that he was heartbroken over the news. The lawyer for a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy charges after spending eight years on death row in Pakistan has fled the country, fearing for his safety, her brother said Saturday. James Masih said Asia Bibis lawyer, Saiful Malook, left Pakistan, without providing further details. Mr. Malooks phone was switched off. Pakistans top court acquitted Ms. Bibi on Wednesday and ordered her release in a move that infuriated the countrys hard-line Islamists, who have held nationwide protests demanding her execution. The government reached a deal with the Islamists overnight in which it agreed to impose a travel ban on Ms. Bibi while the case is reviewed. In return, the Islamists halted their protests, which had blocked roads and brought life to a standstill in parts of the country. The hunt grew into a sprawling, military-style operation, eventually encompassing a heat-seeking drone, hundreds of people, more than a hundred remote cameras and a team of specially trained Indian elephants with sharpshooters mounted on their backs. But three things complicated the effort. The tiger was a mother of two young cubs, and the authorities did not want to harm the young tigers. The grass was high and the bushes were overgrown because monsoon rains ended only recently. And this tiger was seen as unusually crafty. Tiger experts say she had benefited from past attempts to capture her and knew how to slink through the bush undetected, sometimes just a few steps ahead of the teams of rangers and police officers looking for her. She has learned from all these botched capture operations, said Nawab Shafath Ali Khan, a famous tiger hunter whom the authorities had called in to help. Weve made her very smart. Brilliant, actually. The break may have come from a surprise source: a bottle of Obsession cologne. Obsession (a popular mens fragrance in the 1990s) contains civetone, a compound originally derived from the scent glands of a civet. In areas where its been sprayed, cats take huge sniffs and roll around in it for several minutes. Last month, the Indian rangers squirted some Obsession on bushes here and there, hoping to draw the tiger out. On Friday afternoon, the rangers sprayed some Obsession and tiger urine in an area where she was believed to be hiding. The Duterte administration has taken similar action against a number of foreign critics of the presidents policies. In August, the immigration bureau detained an 84-year-old Australian professor, Gill Boehringer, at the Manila airport and barred him from entering the country because he had joined protests against Mr. Duterte. Also this year, three foreign missionaries, including an American, were detained and deported in July after visiting the southern Philippines to investigate allegations that the army had carried out abuses there, including the December killings of at least eight members of an indigenous community in the province of Lake Sebu. One of Sister Foxs lawyers, Katherine Panguban, said they would continue to appeal her case to the immigration bureau while the nun is in her native Melbourne. This clearly shows that this government is intolerant of dissent, Ms. Panguban said of the case. A spokesman for Mr. Duterte, Salvador Panelo, said on Saturday: The departure of Sister Patricia Fox is a timely reminder to all foreigners who stay or sojourn in this country that they are not entitled to all the rights and privileges granted to the citizens of the Philippines. She underwent a legal process where she was given the opportunity to be heard, he said, adding, We wish Sister Fox well in her travel, and we thank her for whatever good deeds she has performed during her stay in the country. Officials in the Catholic Church, which has considerable influence in the Philippines and has been active in the opposition to Mr. Duterte, said Sister Foxs expulsion was a blow to the missionary spirit of the church. The government should have taken the moral high ground in taking up the case of the embattled nun, said Father Jerome Secillano of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. KOH TAO, Thailand Promoters call the Thai island of Koh Tao a paradise. Dive resorts boast of its crystal-clear waters, and Western tourists flock to its lively beach bars. But among some foreigners, Koh Tao has taken on a more sinister reputation. At least nine European tourists have died or disappeared there since 2014. British tabloids began calling it Death Island. Now, the claim of a 19-year-old British tourist that she was raped on Koh Tao in June has again focused attention on the islands troubled history and called into question police handling of serious crimes against tourists. Initially, the police denied that a rape occurred and arrested a dozen people for posting about it on Facebook. The police also issued arrest warrants for an online newspaper editor in Britain and a Facebook page administrator in California. These four American Green Berets were killed last fall when their patrol was ambushed in Niger. The Defense Department launched an investigation into what happened. But helmet camera footage from one of the soldiers allowed us to reconstruct some of the attack. Its the morning of Oct. 4, 2017. A convoy of around eight American and Nigerien army vehicles leaves the village of Tongo Tongo after a mission in the area. Theyre quickly ambushed by militants loyal to Islamic State. Footage of that fight shows that two American vehicles are separated from the convoy. The others had fled or were hit. We see seven soldiers taking cover. The attackers are somewhere in this area. An American soldier we believe to be Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Johnson wearing a helmet camera enters the white vehicle and drives it a short distance. He steps out and begins firing towards the tree line. Then, he runs for cover behind the white vehicle, and the video cuts to a new scene. Next, we only see the black car and three soldiers Staff Sergeants Johnson, Wright, and Black. The white car has disappeared, and we dont know how much time has elapsed. Wright drives the car toward the mark of a red smoke grenade. The smoke could be to mask their movements from the militants, or to mark their position for supporting units. Johnson, taking cover at the rear, fires toward the tree line. After theyve reached the smoke, theres a cut in the video. In the next scene, the red smoke has cleared. The car begins to move again, when Johnson and Black fall. Black is unresponsive. Johnson regains his footing. He moves forward and starts searching. It could be for support or for the enemy. Wright then drags Black to cover, behind the car. He aims back towards the treeline. The scene ends. The militants are closing in. We dont know how much time has passed here, but Wright changes his direction of fire. He and Johnson begin running without covering each other. This suggests theyre about to be overrun. The situation is too desperate. There are more edits to the video, but were able to map their final steps. Johnson is seriously wounded and falls, but then moves about another 40 feet. Militant fire seems to be coming from this area. Wright stops running and shoots. A short time later, two armed militants appear on screen. Johnson appears to be unconscious. Still, he is shot by the militants at close range. Staff Sergeant Wright dies just feet away. For them, the ambush is over. Theyre taking steps toward science and away from just trying to find invidious comparisons, which has plagued other studies on the geography of giving, said Paul G. Schervish, professor emeritus at Boston College and retired director of its Center on Wealth and Philanthropy. Professor Schervish, who was not involved in the study, reviewed the research at the request of The New York Times. Its the most scientific paper on it, even though I have some questions, he said. Top among those was where the charitable dollars were going. A Republican county like Madison County, Idaho, for example, is one of the most charitable in the nation, but the data does not show whether those dollars are going to local causes or to organizations out of the county or the state. Here are five major points in the study, and the authors theories to explain them. Republican-leaning counties are more charitable The more Republican a county is, the more its residents report charitable contributions, the study found. The researchers said this finding fell within the broad political tendencies of traditional Republicans who favor less government intervention and more donations from the private sector to make up for the lack of government assistance. Their preference is to provide for the collective good through private institutions, said Professor Nesbit. But we dont know what type of institutions theyre giving to. Dr. Nesbit said they also did not know whether donors were being purely generous or whether they would also benefit from their donation. This relationship is called consumption philanthropy, in which people give to a religious organization or a school from which they will derive a benefit in the form of, say, a better religious education program or a new gymnasium. International Tiger Day: Did you know that this beast is not only the national animal of India Save our Tigers: Here is how many are left in the world International Tiger Day 2021: Did You know? No two tigers have the same stripes A bullet finally ends tigress Avni's fight for survival: A look at Man-eaters eliminated since 2012 India oi-Deepika S Mumbai, Niv 3: For over a week now, wildlife enthusiasts and animal lovers were campaigning to save Avni or named T-1, who has terrorised the region with her alleged killing spree for which the government had issued a shoot at sight order because she was allegedly a man-eater. But even as the campaigners continued to make their desperate attempts, the news which they feared has come. The tigress, T1, as she was known officially, was killed on Friday night the team of hunters which was dispatched to eliminate her. She was killed in a single shot, from point blank, without even making an attempt to tranquilize her and capture the tiger alive, which the activists were demanding. Wildlife activist and medico Jerryl A. Banait, who had filed a public interest litigation jointly with NGO Earth Brigade Foundation (EBF), said that the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)'s rules have been grossly violated in the killing of Avni. "Such an operation can be carried out only between sunrise and sunset, there was no vets present during the killing early today or the police, as per the NTCA's guidelines. In the night, its almost impossible to even identify the gender of any tiger, let alone a specific target like Avni," IANS quoted Banait as saying. Fighting for survival With more than 2,200 big cats, India is home to 60% of the world's tigers. There are more than 200 in Maharashtra, but only a third of them live in the state's 60 protected areas, including sanctuaries, natural parks and tiger reserves. In recent years, the conservation of the species has been the watchword for many. Environmentalists, conservationists, concerned citizens, schools and young students have repeatedly rallied together to protecting the tiger. Many tigers perish every year due to activities of poachers and humans encroaching on forests reserved for tigers, which result in man-animal conflict. The last instance when a man-eating tiger was shot dead was in October 2016 in Uttarakhand. The beast killed three villagers, including a woman, on the fringes of the Jim Corbett National Park, which is one of the largest tiger reserves in the country. Maneaters eliminated since 2012 December 2, 2012: Outside Wayanad sanctuary, Kerala Jan 12, 2013: Adult male, outside protected forest in Gondia, Maharashtra Jan 21, 2014: Sub-adult male, outside protected area (PA) in Nilgiri North Division, Tamil Nadu Jan 23, 2014: Sub-adult male, outside PA, in Ooty, TN Aug 19, 2014: Sub-adult male, outside PA in Chandrapur, Maharashtra Dec 29, 2014: Outside Bhimgarh Sanctuary, Karnataka Nov 17, 2015: Adult male outside Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka Feb 18, 2015: Adult male outside PA in Gudalur forest division, Karnataka March 19, 2016: Outside PA in Gudalur, TN Oct 20, 2016: Adult female outside PA in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand (Source: NTCA) Another Referendum 2020 fails as police busts ISI backed Khalistan Gadar Force module India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Patiala, Nov 3: The Patiala police have busted a module of the Khalistan Gadar Force, an ISI backed outfit aimed at reviving militancy in Punjab. This module according to the police works under the Sikhs for Justice, another organisation backed by the Pakistan's ISI. Following the arrest of a module member, Shabnamdeep Singh, the police recovered a pistol, hand grenade and letter heads belonging to the Khalistan Gadar Force. The interrogation of Singh revealed that the plan was to blow up several police stations and also target crowded places. The primary intention was to announce Referendum 2020 and revive Sikh militancy in Punjab. Former ISI chief, Hamid Gul's son survives assassination bid Referendum 2020 is a programme undertaken by the Sikh terrorist groups to declare a separate Punjab nation by 2020. The police had in the past as well busted several modules aimed at declaring Referendum 2020. The busting of the Khalistan Gadar Force module is yet another victory for the security agencies, who have once again prevented the rise of Khalistan terror in Punjab. The police say that this group is linked directly to the Sikhs for Justice, which is headed by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The police said that recently Shabnamdeep and his aides had set shacks on fire. They had also set ablaze liquor vends and filmed the incident. A few days ago, Shabnamdeep was contacted by an ISI officer, Javed Khan Wazir. He was told by Wazir, an ISI officer to claim responsibility for the incident. He was also assured a sum of Rs 10 lakh for every act of terror. He was then handed over a pistol and hand grenade meant to be hurled at a police station, investigations also found. ISI stole US sniper guns and handed it over to Jaish in Kashmir Wazir according to the police introduced Singh to one Nihal Singh, who is said to be an SJF supporter. He was told by Nihal to promote Referendum 2020 heavily. For this there was a need to carry out strikes and install fear in the minds of the people. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 16:28 [IST] Modi the person through which Balakot information went to Arnab: Rahul Gandhi Arnab Goswami, 3 others replace dissenting members of Nehru Memorial Society India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Nov 3: The Narendra Modi-led government has reportedly appointed Republic TV's Arnab Goswami as one of the three new members of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library in New Delhi. The four new members are TV news anchor Arnab Goswami, Rajya Sabha member Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former journalist and head of Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts board Ram Bahadur Rai and former diplomat S Jaishankar. Their tenure extended till April 2020. India witnessing 'disturbing trends' of intolerance, communal polarisation: Manmohan Singh Goswami's appointment came after the government decided to remove economist Nitin Desai, professor Udayan Mishra and former bureaucrat BP Singh. A report by the Economic Times had said that the sacked three members had been known to criticise the government openly, particularly on the issue of the museum for all PMs taking shape in NMML. Desai had opposed the idea of a new museum for all PMs at Teen Murti Bhawan, stating that 'NMML was established for the very fine purpose of academic excellence and should preserve its character.' The outgoing members are economist Nitin Desai, bureaucrat BP Singh and Professor Udayan Mishra. All three had at some point questioned the idea of a museum for all PMs. The NMML Society meets once a year and the head of the NMML reports to the Executive Council constituted by the society. The NMML is a part of the Teen Murti Bhavan in Delhi, which was the home of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Last month, on 16 October, the central government had laid the foundation in the backyard of the 25-acre estate to build a museum of all his successors. In August this year, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had written a hard-hitting letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi warning him on the Centre's plans to set up a national museum for all prime ministers in the Teen Murti Bhawan complex in Delhi. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 15:53 [IST] Cybercrimes in India in pandemic gone up by 500 per cent: Defence Chief Bipin Rawat Attempts being made through 'external linkages' to 'revive' insurgency in Punjab: Bipin Rawat India pti-PTI New Delhi, Nov 3: Attempts are being made through "external linkages" to "revive insurgency" in Punjab and if early action is not taken, it will be too late, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat Saturday said. He was addressing a gathering of senior Army officers, defence experts and former senior officials of government and police at a seminar here on 'Changing Contours of Internal Security in India: Trends and Responses'. Rawat also said that attempts were being made again through "external linkages" and "external abetment" to revive insurgency in Assam. "Punjab has been peaceful but because of these external linkages, attempts again are being made to revive insurgency in the state," he said, adding, "we have to be very careful." Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal detained during protest for 1984 riot victims "Let us not think that Punjab (situation) is over. We cannot close our eyes to what is happening in Punjab. And, if we do not take early action now, it will be too late," he said. Punjab saw one of the worst phases of insurgencies in the 1980s during the pro-Khalistan movement which was eventually quelled by the government. Former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prakash Singh in a panel discussion also highlighted the issue and said "attempts were being to revive insurgency" in Punjab. He referred to a pro-Khalistan rally organised recently in the UK aiming for a 'Referendum 2020'. Hundreds of people had turned out at Trafalgar Square in London on August 12 in support of a pro-Khalistan rally as well as to counter the event with an Independence Day celebrations. Amritsar train tragedy: SAD demands probe by sitting HC judge Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had said its rally was intended to raise awareness for a non-binding referendum in 2020, calling for Punjab to be granted independence. The "We Stand With India" and "Love My India" events were organised by Indian diaspora groups as a reaction to the pro-Khalistan "London Declaration for a Referendum 2020". Internal security is one of the biggest problems in the country, but question is "why we have not been able to find a solution, because it has external linkages," Gen Rawat said. The event was organised by defence think-tank CLAWS (Centre for Land and Warfare Studies). Rawat is its patron. Asserting that insurgency cannot be dealt with military force, he pitched for adopting an approach in which all agencies, the government, civil administration, military and police work in an "integrated manner". "The resolution of Naga insurgency can be forerunner to the Manipur insurgency situation. There are some linkages between the two. But, if that resolution does not satisfy Manipuris then the insurgency in that state will take a different turn," Rawat said. As far as Assam is concerned, attempts are again being made, through "external linkages" to revive insurgency in the state, he said. And, also through external abetment, and acknowledged once even by the "northern neighbour". So, there is no denying the fact that there are these factors, Rawat added. PTI Australian man found hanging from tree in Bodh Gaya India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P New Delhi, Nov 3: Body of an Australian national was found in an orchard in Bodh Gaya's Rajpur on Saturday. Gaya (city) SP, Anil Kumar says "On basis of documents, he was identified as an Australian national. It seems to be a case of suicide. We're calling FSL team to investigate matter" According to reports, police said the deceased has been identified as James Allen, 33, from Australia. The police have also recovered a letter in which it has mentioned that all belongings should be handed over to his sister. 2 dead, several injured after gunman opens fire at Yoga studio in Florida The body was found on Saturday morning when some local residents noticed it while passing through Rajapur area, and informed the police. The body has been sent to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya for post-mortem. (With PTI inputs) For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 16:35 [IST] UP DGP OP Singh "19-yr-old Ahtesham Bilal was a student at Sharda University. In October, he went to Srinagar. Later, a video surfaced showing him as a part of ISJK (Islamic State of Jammu and Kashmir). We cannot certify if the video is fake or morphed, and if he has become a terrorist..We have shared information with J&K Police, they will investigate it further. We are keeping a tap on the developments that may take place either in UP, at Sharda University (Greater Noida) or Jammu and Kashmir," said OP Singh, UP DGP. (Image credit - ANI/Twitter) Sharada University student from Kashmir joins Islamic State J&K Picture that went viral The pictures on social media showed Sofi dressed in a black outfit and claimed he had joined terrorist group ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. The UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) said it has been tracking the case since October 28 and has taken cognizance of the photos. "We are in touch with Jammu and Kashmir police. We are tracking the footprints of the boy from Greater Noida to Kashmir," Inspector General, ATS, Asim Arun told PTI. His phone was traced to Pulwama The Jammu and Kashmir police said they were "ascertaining" Sofi's presence in the Valley. The Gautam Buddh Nagar police, who had traced the last location of Sofi's mobile phone to terrorism-hit Pulwama district in South Kashmir, is also probing the matter. "A missing complaint was registered and police teams are working on the case," a senior official told PTI. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport According to the police in Noida, Sofi had left for Srinagar from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport in the afternoon of October 28 and reached Pulwama a few hours later. They said his mobile phone details showed that he last spoke to his father, who lives in Srinagar, at 4.30 pm, when his location was traced to Pulwama. However, he had told his father that he was is Delhi and was returning to the university by metro, the police said. OneIndia News with PTI inputs Delhi BJP issues show-cause notice to Bidhuri; central leadership has many complaints against him India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 3: Constant pressure exerted by the Congress and the matter reaching to Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah, south Delhi Lok Sabha MP of the BJP has been issued show-cause notice by Delhi unit president of the party Manoj Tiwari asking him to respond within 10 days. Manoj Tiwari in his notice to Bidhuri asked why not action should be taken against him for the alleged attack on Poorvanchalies by supporters of the MP. He writes, "During the 'Run for Unity' programme in Delhi, district president and district in-charge of the BJP were abused in your presence and they are widely reported by media. You and your family members too are accused in this matter which are very serious in nature. The party wants to know that why not action should be taken against you." Telangana polls: BJP fields this candidate to take on the mighty Owaisi State Congress not only protested against Bidhuri but its president Ajay Maken threatened that if the BJP MP does not resign after apologizing the Congress will organise protest in all the 70 Assembly constituencies of the city. He said that the Congress will not tolerate atrocities and humiliation poorvanchalies by anyone. Earlier, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari was summoned by Amit Shah and detail about the matter was sought. Party sources said that Shah is in Delhi on November 15-16 so he might take up the matter with the Delhi BJP leadership once again to know the status of the matter. Actually the BJP is already under tremendous pressure and problem due to attack on poorvanchalies in Gujarat and if such things are repeated in city like Delhi it will put serious question mark on the party leadership in a situation when the Prime Minister is member of Parliament from one of the important cities of the poorvanchal area. BJP under its 'Booth Mahasampark Abhiyan' to reach out to 4.75 crore voters in 3 days Actually the image of Bidhuri is not good within the party as he is known for his highhandedness and rustic behaviors. People have been complaining against him but due to his community votes, the BJP has been tolerating but in the present scenario poorvanchalies are more important not only in Delhi but any other part of the country. Sources said that many complains had already been made to to central leadership about him. However the MP is calling it a conspiracy hatched by the Aam Aadmi Party. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 13:41 [IST] Indias role in Afghanistan saved it from US sanctions for importing oil from Iran India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 3: India along with seven other nations have been exempted from sanctions getting imposed against them for importing oil from Iran. India remained undeterred to the US threat of imposing sanctions. India kept importing oil from Iran knowing it well that it will be saved from sanctions on being strategic partner of the US. Moreover, the US needs India's help to deal with Afghanistan problem and with sanctions in place the entire efforts would be derailed. Announcing the imposition of sanctions targeting Iran's oil and gas exports, ports and banking system, secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that the US will grant waivers to 'eight jurisdictions' because they had "demonstrated significant reductions in crude oil and cooperation on many other fronts". India has placed November crude orders with Iran: official Former foreign secretary Shashank told Oneindia, "See! India has to keep its development needs in mind and also not to annoy the US at the same time. There are many ways to convince the US that this is essential for the country. So it must reconsider it decision." Shashank further said, "The government of India must also tell the US that India can play an important role in the Afghanistan where the US is stuck. So India, Iran and Afghanistan can jointly partner in the region to deal with the problem in which the US is stuck. So it must be given concession in buying oil with Iran and this is what was required and done." The US needs a strategic partner as important as India in the region so this has happened. Besides India, the US has agreed to let seven more countries including Japan and South Korea to keep buying oil from Iran after it reimposes sanctions next week. China is also among those nations but terms and conditions for its waiver are being finalised. Despite threats from the US, India continued oil imports from Iran with now the US agreeing on waivers for eight countries regarding sanctions set to kick in on November 5, 2018. There are no plans to cut crude purchases from Tehran to zero. Japan and South Korea temporarily stopped oil imports from Iran in September but Indian Oil and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals continued purchases though the overall volume dropped slightly from around 10 million barrels in October to nine million barrels for November. S-400 Triumf from Russia, oil from Iran, not helpful for India: US India may also be given a carve out for operating Chabahar port in Iran that is being built with the assistance of India. Under the waiver clause the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan are linked to. This is the outcome of prolonged and complex negotiations between India and the US over the past few weeks, during which the Indian side highlighted its energy security concerns and problems related to finding a new supplier that could provide the same volumes at similar prices if imports from Iran were totally halted. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 15:25 [IST] J&K: Hizbul killed BJP leader, wanted to create communal tension India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Jammu, Nov 3: The preliminary round of investigations conducted into the killing of a BJP leader in Jammu and Kashmir suggests that the Hizbul Mujahideen was behind the incident. The motive according to investigators prima facie suggested that the Hizbul Mujahideen under the directions of Pakistan wanted to create communal tension in the Valley. The outfit also wanted to send out a strong message to the BJP, officials feel. 15 terrorists had moved into Kishtwar, days before BJP leader was killed Anil Parihar, the BJP's J&K unit secretary and his brother were gunned down in Kishtwar town of Jammu division on Thursday, when they were returning home from work. The investigations also show that pistols were used to kill the two persons. The Hizbul Mujahideen, which has often complained about the lack of sophisticated weapons had recently spoken about the use of pistols in their operations. They had also suggested that Pakistan is not aiding them enough where the weapons are concerned. This attack could have also been a message to Pakistan to suggest that the Hizbul Mujahideen is still relevant in the Valley. On Friday, the police had also questioned two personal security officials of the BJP leader. A Special Investigation Team has been constituted to probe the case. The police has detained two personal security officials -- Om Prakash and Sahil Kumar -- who are being questioned, Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar Rajinder Gupta said. The tragedy could have been averted had the officials been with him, the police said. "The SIT has been constituted by police to probe the killings. It is headed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Prabeet Singh," Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Angrez Singh Rana said. "We urge all the political leaders and protected persons to keep their PSOs (personal security officials) with them and do not allow them leave them unguarded," he added. In this backdrop, one must take note of an Intelligence Bureau report, which spoke about heavy movement of terrorists in Kishtwar in the past 15 days. The report spoke about the movement of 15 terrorists in the area. They had moved in from Anantnag district of South Kashmir into Kishtwar. Army on standby in J&K after BJP leader, brother shot dead There are several aspects to the ongoing probe. The police suspect that this could have been an act of terror ahead of the November 17 panchayat elections. Various reports have suggested that Pakistan and its terrorists would up the ante. Moreover several terror groups have been trying to target and disrupt the elections. The J&K administration had said that Pakistan is particularly upset that the election process is underway and was also successfully completed where the urban local body polls were concerned. Following the killing the Army was told to be on standby. The police were expecting violent protests and as a precautionary measure, imposed curfew in the Muslim majority town. The police say that it would be too early to comment on the motive, but according to divisional commissioner of Jammy, Sanjeev Verma, it was a subversive attack. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 9:50 [IST] BJP's 'brazen horse-trading', 'misuse of power' in K'taka for all to see: Sitaram Yechury After being expelled for abstaining from trust vote, BSP MLA says,'Didn't know why' Dosti over: Congress-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka is over End of a coalition in Karnataka? Will the Cong-JD(S) stick together Karnataka by-poll: A litmus test for Cong-JD(S) coalition India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Bengaluru, Nov 3: The ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition in Karnataka faces a litmus test as three Lok Sabha and two assembly constituencies go to bypolls on Saturday, the outcome of which is expected to have a bearing on the state's political scene. The polls are significant as the coalition partners, who have decided to contest them together, have termed it as a "prelude" to the May 2019 general elections and called for a similar "grand secular alliance" against the BJP at the national level. Karnataka bypolls 2018: Voting for 3 LS, 2 assembly seats to be held today The BJP, which has been questioning the longevity of the coalition government, has predicted its fall once the bypoll results are out. Polling to three Lok Sabha seats - Ballari, Shivamogga and Mandya and Ramanagara - and Jamkhandi assembly segments will be held between 7am to 6pm on Saturday, with a total of 54,54,275 voters elgible to cast their franchise in about 6,450 polling stations. There are a total 31 candidates in the fray in all the five constituencies, though the contest is mainly between the Congress-JD(S) combine and the BJP. Counting of votes will take place on November 6. Among the prominent candidates in the fray is chief minister HD Kumaraswamy's wife Anita Kumaraswamy, who is expected to have a smooth sail facing a virtual no-contest in Ramanagara after BJP nominee L Chandrashekhar withdrew from the contest and rejoined Congress + , giving a jolt days before the polls. Officials at the state chief electoral officer's office said a total of 1,502 polling stations had been declared as sensitive. A total of 35,495 polling personnel will be on duty for the bypolls in which 8,922 voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) will be used, they added. Senior police officials said elaborate security arrangements have been made in all the five constituencies. Ramanagara fiasco: The lesson for BJP is use your own people The announcement of the bypolls to the Lok Sabha seats came as a surprise + to all the three major political parties in the state - Congress, BJP and JD(S) - who questioned the need for voting when the general elections are due early next year. Congress and JD(S), who came together in a post-poll alliance after the assembly elections in May this year threw up a hung House, have decided to face the polls unitedly against the BJP, which they perceive as their common enemy. While the Congress has fielded its candidates in Jamkhandi and Ballari, JD(S) is contesting in Shivamogga, Ramanagara and Mandya under an electoral understanding. The outcome of the bypolls is expected to have a bearing on the alliance between Congress and JD(S) for the 2019 polls and also be a factor in determining the respective bargaining power of the two parties. The bypolls brought to fore family politics with kin of several leaders being fielded. In Jamkhandi, Congress candidate Anand Nyamagowda, son of former MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, is pitted against Srikant Kulkarni of the BJP. In Shivamogga, state BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa's son BY Raghavendra is testing his fortunes against another former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of the JD(S). In Ballari, senior BJP leader Sriramulu's sister J Shantha is fightingagainst V S Ugrappa of the Congress, considered anoutsider. In the Vokkaliga bastion of Mandya, JD(S)'s Shivarame Gowda, is pitted against a fresh face in Dr Siddaramaiah, a retired Commercial Tax officer from the BJP. BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission about the developments in Ramanagara and requested it to "annul" the elections immediately. During campaigning, open expression of displeasure by Congress workers came to the fore in Ramanagara and Mandya constituencies that come under old Mysuru region over the party's decision to support the JD(S) candidates. Congress and JD(S) have fought bitterly against each other in the assembly polls, especially in the old Mysuru region. The byelections have been necessitated after Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga) and Sriramalu (Ballari), and CS Puttaraju of JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May this year. Bypolls to Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, while Ramanagara fell vacant after Kumaraswamy gave up the seat preferring Chennapatna, the other constituency from where he had won. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 6:36 [IST] Kharge in SC to challenge govt decision on CBI chief Verma India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 3: A petition challenging the decision to send CBI director, Alok Verma on leave will be filed in the Supreme Court. Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge will file the petition challenging the decision taken by the government two weeks back. Kharge incidentally was part of the selection committee comprising the Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India that chose Verma as the director of the CBI. CBI vs CBI: No officer examined as yet says CVC Kharge states that the decision to send the director on leave pending an inquiry by the Central Vigilance Commission is wrong. In his petition, Kharge questioned the power of the Centre under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act to alter the two year fixed tenure given to a CBI director. He has termed the decision as arbitrary and illegal. The SC is already seized of a petition filed by Verma himself challenging the government's decision against him. The Supreme Court while not interfering the decision taken by the Centre, however directed the CVC to probe into the allegations by Verma and submit a report in two weeks time. The inquiry is being conducted under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge. The CBI vs CBI war gets dirtier, with a RAW officer being dragged into it The Centre had decided to send both Verma and special director, Rakesh Asthana on leave following a public spat in between them. Both had levelled bribery charges against each other in connection with the Moin Qureshi case. Verma had gone a step ahead and filed an FIR against Asthana. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 11:51 [IST] Modi, Shah and Yogi Adityanath in maximum demand in Rajasthan elections India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 3: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is facing a daunting task to save its government in Rajasthan, will have star campaigners as Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath besides of course Prime Minister Narendra Modi, national party president Amit Shah and Rajasthan chief minister Varundhara Raje. These leaders will have a whirlwind tour to the state once the last date of withdrawal of nomination is over. Union human resources development minister Prakash Javadekar too will be addressing rallies. BJP under its 'Booth Mahasampark Abhiyan' to reach out to 4.75 crore voters in 3 days The PM's schedule is very hectic and managing more rallies is difficult for him. In such a situation the demand for addressing more and more rallies by Uttar Pradesh chief minister is increasing after Modi, Shah and Vasundhara. Sources said that names of candidates have not been decided so far but feedback coming from districts tell that Rajasthan areas adjoining to Uttar Pradesh demand for Yogi Adityanath who is also getting more and more demand from some other districts as well. It is being said that Yogi's rally will pull huge crowd in the state. But all the programmes will be decided by the demand of leaders from particular area and looking at political equations of the state. However, the list of star campaigners will be comprise mostly with these names. Sources said that the real campaign will start after the last date of withdrawal of name is over that is November 23. So visits of the PM and party president is getting finalised in thte state. Sources said that in the first 15 days of the elections, Modi and Shah will address rallies and meeting in 22 districts of the state. This will start from November 23 and will go up to December 5 as voting in the state is on December 7, 2018. In Rajasthan Assembly polls: Ashok Gehlot as CM is the bet for the Congress! Sources said that the PM is likely to address 10 rallies in the state in Hanumangarh, Sikar, Nagor, Alwar, Jaipur, Dousa, Bhilwara and Kota while Amit Shah will address rallies in Badmer, Jalor, Sirohi, Dungarpur, Deeg-Kumher, Karoli, Sawai Madhopur, Nawalgarh and Sujangarh. He will address 12 rallies in the state. These leaders will be asked to address rallies in the areas where the party does not have strong position. Moreover, both of them will not address joint rally. It is planned that party will have at least 100 meetings of the senior leader. India looking at close to double digit growth this year: Sitharaman Too early to conclude on lessons learnt from Covid-19 crisis: Nirmala Sitharaman Centre to release Rs 95,082 crore as tax devolution to states in November Nirmala Sitharaman to celebrate Diwali with troops in Arunachal Pradesh India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P New Delhi, Nov 3: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to celebrate Diwali with Indian Army Jawans on 6th and 7th November, at a post in the Upper Dibang Valley district of the Arunachal Pradesh. The minister will spend the festival of lights at a border location that is so remote that the nearest road head is almost 40 km away, according to Economic Times report. The army post selected for the visit falls under the 3 Corps area of the Indian Army, a prestigious command that includes Gen Bipin Rawat and the present DG of Military Operations as past commanders. Last year, Nirmala Sitharaman celebrated Diwali with the families of Tri-Services personnel at Port Blair. She also reviewed its operational preparedness with top officials. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 19:04 [IST] Ram temple in Ayodhya to be ready by 2025, open for 'darshan' to devotees by 2023 end Construction of Ram temple to begin in Dec on basis of mutual consensus: Ram Vilas Vedanti India oi-Deepika S Lucknow, Nov 3: Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ram Vilas Vedanti on Saturday said work towards the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh will begin in December this year. Speaking to reporters,Vedanti claimed that he will start construction of the Ram temple in December, adding that it will be built in Ayodhya and a mosque can be built in Lucknow in the name of Allah. Vedanti was expressing his views on the issue at the two-day 'Dharmadesh' organised by Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti. Vedanti said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, party ministers, MPs and MLAs want the temple to be built, "but if legislation will be brought in and passed, no one will be able to stop communal violence." he said, adding, "We do not want violence. We want peace." Reiterating its demand for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Friday claimed that Hindus were feeling "insulted" by the Supreme Court's observation that the issue is not a priority. RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said that movement similar to 1992 will be initiated if required. "Will not hesitate to launch an agitation for Ram temple, if needed, but since the matter is in the Supreme Court, there are restrictions," Joshi was quoted as saying by PTI. Joshi said that RSS respects the Supreme Court and urge it to take into consideration sentiments of hindus. He earlier said that the RSS was "not putting pressure" on the government as "we respect the law and the Constitution which is why there has been delay." The RSS also disclosed that the Ram temple issue was among various matters discussed between BJP president Amit Shah met Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat during their meeting on Friday. No arrest, but appear before CBI at neutral venue, SC to Kolkata top cop Residential premises being used for commercial purposes to be sealed says Supreme Court India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Nov 3: The Supreme Court has said that residential premises in Delhi which are being misused for commercial purposes should be sealed within 48 hours if their owners do not furnish permission documents or licence for running the business. A bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur, A M Khanwilkar and R Subhash Reddy observed that the Centre has adopted a "non-cooperative" approach in dealing with the issuance of advance notice to the owner of a property being misused before sealing it. Going public was the only option says Justice Chelameswar on the famous presser by SC's top 4 It took into account the suggestions given on Thursday by senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the Delhi sealing matter, that persons misusing residential premises for unauthorised activity be asked to produce the licence within 48 hours. "However, in the event the persons are unable to produce any permission or licence, the premises will be sealed due to the unauthorised misuse," the court had noted in its Thursday order. The amicus had also suggested that if the owner of the property being misused would give an undertaking, which would be video recorded, that the misuse would be stopped and he or should would file an affidavit before the concerned authority that the same would not be misused, then another 48 hours time could be given for this. During the hearing on Friday, the bench also dealt with the issue of joint survey of houses conducted in south Delhi area by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) and the Land and Development Office (L&DO) in August. Kharge in SC to challenge govt decision on CBI chief Verma Additional Solicitor General (ASG) A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, said that 2,354 houses were surveyed in the survey conducted in Amar colony, Motia Khan and two other areas. He said that report of survey would be ready within two weeks after the Diwali holidays. The ASG told the court that 400 houses in the areas where survey was conducted were sealed by the court-mandated monitoring committee and they should be de-sealed so that survey could be done. "You give the report first. Give it to the amicus also. After you will give the report, we will see," the bench said. The amicus told the court that monitoring committee has filed a report regarding the SDMC's policy for holding social functions in motels and also in farmhouses. "The monitoring committee is saying that under which law, they (SDMC) has permitted this," the amicus said. The bench then told the ASG, "These lands were taken from the farmers, genuine farmers. The DDA (Delhi Development Authority) had acquired these lands. Keep that in mind." The bench asked the SDMC to respond to the monitoring committee's report within three weeks. "Lot of these problems are due to the inefficiency of DDA and MCD (municipal corporation of Delhi) since 2006. These bodies blame each other. Monitoring committee is a soft target for them," the bench observed. The court had Thursday came down heavily on DDA and other civic agencies for keeping "their eyes closed" on misuse of residential premises for commercial purpose since 2006 and had said this has led to a "mess" in the national capital. Shift in RSS' perspective on Ram Temple for matter being issue of National Integration and faith? The court had in July said that a show-cause notice should be issued to the owner of building where unauthorised construction or misuse was found and 48 hours time be given to him or her respond to it as to why action be not taken. The committee had thereafter told the court that issuing advance notice creates more problem as people "hoodwink" with agencies which perpetuates corruption. The top court is dealing with the issue of validity of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2006 and subsequent legislations which protect unauthorised constructions from being sealed. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 12:55 [IST] 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 Sharada University student from Kashmir joins Islamic State J&K India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Jammu, Nov 3: Social media posts carrying pictures of a Kashmiri teenager, who went missing from a private university in Uttar Pradesh days ago, on Friday claimed that he has joined terrorism in the Valley. Ahtesham Bilal Sofi, 17, a resident of downtown Srinagar, was a first year graduation student at Greater Noida's Sharda University. NIA Special Court issues non-bailable warrants against Hafiz Saeed, Shah Salahuddin He went missing on October 28 after he left the university with official permission to go to Delhi, days after he was mistakenly roughed up during a scuffle between Indian and Afghan students in the campus. A missing complaint was registered in the case in Greater Noida as well as Srinagar, officials said. The pictures on social media showed Sofi dressed in a black outfit and claimed he had joined terrorist group ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. The UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) said it has been tracking the case since October 28 and has taken cognisance of the photos. The Jammu and Kashmir police said they were "ascertaining" Sofi's presence in the Valley. The Gautam Buddh Nagar police, who had traced the last location of Sofi's mobile phone to terrorism-hit Pulwama district in South Kashmir, is also probing the matter. "A missing complaint was registered and police teams are working on the case," a senior official said. 15 terrorists had moved into Kishtwar, days before BJP leader was killed According to the police in Noida, Sofi had left for Srinagar from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport in the afternoon of October 28 and reached Pulwama a few hours later. They said his mobile phone details showed that he last spoke to his father, who lives in Srinagar, at 4.30 pm, when his location was traced to Pulwama. However, he had told his father that he was is Delhi and was returning to the university by metro, the police said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 6:43 [IST] Will CBI take responsibility if I die? Indrani Mukerjea argues for bail in court Sheena Bora Murder Case: Court rejects Indrani Mukerjea bail plea India oi-Deepika S Mumbai, Nov 3: A Special CBI Court in Mumbai has rejected bail application of Indrani Mukerjea, the main accused in the Sheena Bora murder case. Indrani had appealed for bail on medical grounds, citing that she has developed a "neurological complication". "I am filing the bail application on medical grounds due to recent change in my health condition," she said. Indrani claimed that her health has further deteriorated and she has been diagnosed with a "new neurological complication in the brain". 'Will CBI take responsibility if I die?' Indrani Mukerjea argues for bail in court She said she was experiencing severe headaches and frequent black-outs. Opposing her application, CBI had said earlier this month that there is no point giving Indrani bail as "she has no kin to take care of her". Her comment today is reportedly in response to the CBI's argument. Indrani, who is lodged in Mumbai's Byculla Jail, had been rushed to the hospital on a number of occasions in the past few months after she complained of headache and double vision. Sheena Bora, 24, was allegedly killed on April 24, 2012 by her mother Indrani Mukerjea with the help of others. According to the CBI, financial dispute was allegedly one of the main reasons for the murder. Indrani Mukerjea, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver were arrested for the alleged murder in August 2015. Her husband and media baron Peter Mukerjea was arrested for allegedly being part of the conspiracy. Indrani and Peter Mukerjea filed for divorce by mutual consent last month. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 16:37 [IST] Shift in RSS perspective on Ram Temple for matter being issue of National Integration and faith? India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 3: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Suresh (Bhaiya ji) Joshi has demanded speedy resolution of Ram Temple whether by the Supreme Court verdict or through Parliament legislation. Moreover, there is a shift in the RSS' perspective as this is now being considered as an issue as national integration and pride not just the matter of faith. Allama Iqbal is being quoted for calling Lord Ram Imam-e-Hind. The RSS has been getting gradually ready with its plans so its think tanks like Centre for Policy Analysis documented certain things when one of its report, which was prepared way before the SC judgment, says, "In the course of protracted disputes over religious places [with reference to Ram Temple], an impression was created that these issues are the criterion of 'India's secularism'. Had the establishment of fraternity (as per the original preamble of the Indian Constitution) been made the criterion to solve disputatious issues, they would have been resolved a long ago. In fact, the putative votary of secularism failed to understand that it cannot survive in a democratic country, if the majority community of the country bears a grudge against it." Hindus feeling insulted, SC must show haste in Ram Temple matter: RSS "Religious issues are highly sensitive, the government should have positively interfered on such matters on the lines of Somnath Temple. Had the government done so, all matters would have been easily resolved. This intervention would not have made the government look 'less secular'" says the report. Unfortunately, the government allowed such issues to fester, which had a deleterious impact on social harmony of the country. The report further says, "India's temples and religious places have been playing the role of unifiers even during turbulent phases of its history. They unite the people of various parts of the country and give them spiritual and sentimental connectivity. The Ram Temple issue should be viewed from this perspective. The construction of Ram Temple too should be seen from the perspective of national integration. And, it is incumbent upon minority communities - particularly Muslims - of India that they play their constructive role on such issues, which are important in nurturing national integration." The change in RSS' viewpoint seems to be from these intervensions. But what exactly prompted the RSS and its other affiliate organisations to show such a hurry? Political reasons may be sighted by many as one among them but actually common people at unease over the delay of the matter. Actually the RSS leadership is feeling the heat from workers to get this matter resolved as soon as possible. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has been threatening to start a mass agitation but that had proved to be woolf cry proving them to be toothless tigers. But the war cry made by RSS Sarsanghchalak in Nagpur has changed the entire scenario in the country who had read the pulse of the people and energised the Sangh Pariwar cadre. A RSS functionary Durga Nand Jha said, "Decisions like this in which SC deferring the case till January without considering the sentiment of the community work as irritants for the majority community." Lord Ram or Allah won't vote, its the people who will: Farooq Abdullah's jibe at BJP Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah attends Diwali Baithak of the RSS at Thene which majorly discusses the way out and strategy for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath announcing 150 metre high statue of Lord Ram is plan of the same strategy to accomplish his one of the life-time wish of construction of Ram temple getting started there. It was already made clear in the coordination committee meeting of the BJP and RSS leaders in Lucknow in the presence of two joint general secretaries of the RSS - Dattatreya Hosabale and Krishna Gopal - that people are now agitated for any further delay in the construction of Ram Temple even by such people who don't subscribe to the ideology of the RSS-BJP. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 10:12 [IST] SAD seeks probe into use of ambulance by Mukthar Ansari SAD to observe Sep 17 as 'black day' to protest against enactment of central farm laws Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal detained during protest for 1984 riot victims India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Nov 3: Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal was detained in Delhi on Friday during Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) protest seeking justice for families of 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims. The march, led by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, started from Gurudwara Pratapganj and ended outside Parliament Street police station. 1984 anti-Sikh riots: Delhi HC asks AAP govt about status of jobs for victims' kin The Akali Dal has been seeking justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which a large number of Sikhs were killed in the national capital and in other parts of the country in the aftermath of former prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. The ruling Congress in Punjab, however, described the demonstration as a "political gimmick". In a statement released in Chandigarh on Friday, Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar Jakhar said that the agitation reflected the "political hypocrisy" of the Akali Dal. The Congress leader said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, of which the SAD is an ally, must expedite the probe into the riots. Tiger blocks elephant's path, what follows next will amuse you Can you spot the Tiger in this picture? Image from Dampa Tiger Reserve goes viral Can you guess who's the mom and who's the daughter? Tigress Avni, believed to be responsible for deaths of 13 people, shot dead in Maharashtra India oi-Deepika S Mumbai, Nov 3: Avni, a deadly tigress believed to be responsible for the deaths of 13 people over the last two years, has been killed in Maharashtra's Yavatmal on Friday night. T1 was shot by Hyderabad-based sharp shooter Nawab Shafath Ali Khan's son Asgarh around 11 pm. Avni is survived by her two cubs who are 10 months old. According to ANI, the post-mortem of tigress Avni will be conducted at Nagpur's Gorewada Rescue Centre. There is no update on her cubs. In September, the Supreme Court said she could be shot on sight, prompting a flurry of online petitions. Thousands have signed a petition on Change.org calling for the tigress to be captured alive rather than killed. Since June 2018, Maharashtra has witnessed multiple cases of a man-eating tigress on loose and it was concluded that tigress T1 was behind the killings. The authorities decided to hunt the tigress to ensure the coexistence of tigers and humans. The hunt for the tigress was on, with the help of trap cameras, drones, a pack of trained sniffer dogs and a hang-glider along with a team of Forest Department officials in the vicinity of the Tippeshwar Tiger Sanctuary. The authorities called Nawab Shafath Ali Khan, the go-to man for hunting wild animals in national parks. However, the decision was met with fierce resistance by wildlife conservation activists, citing that Ali Khan is known for killing animals and the tigress shouldn't be killed for acting upon its natural instincts. Avni was first spotted in the forests of Yavatmal in 2012. DNA evidence links her to 5 of the 13 bodies found in the thickets she inhabits. Biologists and the Forest Department officials who have surveyed the area over the past few years say that there is only one other tiger there, a male tiger. His DNA was found on one of the bodies. Why US will not impose sanctions on India over S-400 deal? Find out from Maj Gen P K Sehgal India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, Nov 2: The United States cannot afford bad relations with India and will not impose sanctions over the purchase of 'gamechager' S-400 air defence system from Russia. Defence matters expert Major General PK Sehgal told OneIndia that India's air defence badly needed S-400 missiles, considering the growing capabilities of Pakistan and China. Ever since India finalised the deal with Russia, the Trump administration has been issuing veiled threats of imposing sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Donald Trump in October said that India will soon find out about the sanctions, but the White House maintained that CAATSA is not intended to damage military ties with India. Sanctions over S-400 deal: Why India seems unperturbed? "Sanctions will not come. They know that India needs it (the S-400 system). We are a growing superpower in our own right. What ever we need to defend ourselves we will procure it. America needs us much more in the India-Pacific region than what India needs US for. There is no way they can impose any sanctions whatsoever," Major General Sehgal said. But, at the same time, the US has not clearly said that it would grant a waiver. Both US defence secretary Jim Mattis and secretary of state Mike Pompeo, who were in India for the two-plus-two dialogue on September 6, have strongly backed India's case for a "national security waiver" under CAATSA. When asked if the US will clearly say that they have granted India a waiver, Major General Sehgal said, "It is upto to them to do what they wish to. There is absolutely no question of America imposing any sanctions on India. They know that we need (S-400) because we are virtually defenceless. The Chinese have got huge amount of missiles, even the Pakistan has got missiles, they even have tactical nuclear weapons. We have no, at present, air defence systems." He said that a weak India in the Asian region is not in the interest of the United States. S-400: India will find out says Trump on possible CAATSA waiver Even India has made it clear to the US that the acquisition of the S-400 systems, which can detect, track and destroy hostile strategic bombers, fighter jets, missiles and drones at a range of 380-km, was an "urgent national security requirement" for it. "When General VK Singh was chief of the Army staff, he had written an open letter to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that the air defence capability of the country was zero. We were defenceless against air strikes. We needed it to protect against cruise missiles, surface-to-surface missiles , against drone, against helicoipters and rockets. We must have a system that is best in the world. It is a gamechanger as far as Indian sub-continent is concerned," Major General Sehgal told OneIndia India has close defence ties with Russia for decades now. A majority of India's defense assets, ranging from air defense systems to tanks and fighter jets, are sourced from Russia. Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said even before the S-400 deal that the US sanctions against Russia would not be impacting India-Russia defense cooperation. In fact, India has made it very clear that sanctions or no-sanction, India-Russia defence ties would not be effected. The main reason for this is that except for some aircrafts and Apache helicopters, the US has not sold India any of its major defense equipment or technology to India. Whereas, Russia continues to supply over 60% of military equipment to India and most importantly it shares critical technologies with India. "Second thing is that there is no way we can annoy Russia. 62% of Army, Navy and Airforce's equipment is from them. If they block supply of spareparts, the out forces would come to a stand still. US is far away, but Russia is close geographically. We cannot have Russia, China and Pakistan coming together against us," he said. S-400 deal: Can India wriggle out of looming CAATSA sanctions? Also, by imposing sanctions, the US may harm defense relationship with India which is considered as one of the world's most lucrative markets for arms exporters. According to a 2017 report by the UK's Royal Institute of International Affairs, India was responsible for 10.3% of global arms imports between 2000 and 2016, with Russia supplying 72% of those imports. PM says notion that Army, police meant for men no longer exists, lauds rise in number of women cops Women arent allowed in this Kali Puja in Kolkata, once a hub of secular Left politics India oi-Shubham Ghosh Kolkata, Nov 3: The controversy over the Supreme Court's verdict of allowing women to enter the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala has snowballed for some time now. But there is a similar instance in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, which has remained a hub of secular Left politics till recently. A Kalipuja is organised in the city's Chetla Hut Road area where no woman has been allowed to enter in the last 34 years because they are considered to be 'unclean'. According to a report in Bengali daily Ananda Bazar Patrika, the organisers of the particular Puja have said that whatever rituals their predecessors have started, they have been following. The women too have not challenged the rituals for they fear it could lead to inauspicious outcomes, the report added. No early hearing of Sabarimala review pleas says SC According to experts, women do not engage in Kali Puja because they don't have the right to chant 'Beejmantra' (secret mantra) but there is no rule to bar them from entering the Puja Mandapa. Renowned researcher Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri, however, criticised such anti-women rules and said it was nothing but a raw patriarchal expression. The organisers of the Puja said it was started by tantriks (occultists) from Tarapith, a pilgrimage site in Bengal for the devotees of Goddess Kali, 34 years ago and since they warned against allowing women to join the Puja, it has continued like it over the years. Sabarimala: Board disagrees with the agenda to demonstrate This year, Kali Puja falls on November 6, a day before Diwali. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 16:13 [IST] As US sanctions on Iran are set to be reimposed, global markets await outcome International oi-Shubham Ghosh Tehran, Nov 3: The much-anticipated sanctions on Iran imposed by Donald Trump-led US will come into force on Monday, November 5, and markets and experts across the globe are waiting to see how the impact unfolds. Trump pulled the US out of the multilateral nuclear deal with Iran, which was reached during the time of his predecessor Barack Obama, in May this year alleging that Tehran was taking undue advantage of the pact. Washington thereafter has been eyeing complete isolation of Iran from the global markets over its alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons. The complete economic sanction on Iran was aimed to blocking the country's access to international trade and finance, including billions of dollars in oil revenues. Removing Iran from the list of oil suppliers would mean the global market would face challenges in making up for the lost source. Though the OPEC platform, which includes Iran's regional foe Saudi Arabia, has said it has increased oil production to make up for Tehran's loss, experts have said that it is still far from the required amount to balance the market. India's role in Afghanistan saved it from US sanctions for importing oil from Iran Iran is the second largest producer of crude in the OPEC after Saudi and about four per cent of global oil supply originates from the former. The danger of losing the substantial amount drove oil prices to go up to four-year high at USD86 a barrel early October. The US had earlier sought all countries, including India, to completely halt purchase of oil from Iran by November 4. Now, it has softened its stand a bit by allowing eight nations - India being one among them - to continue buying oil from the West Asian country after the crippling sanctions are reimposed. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 16:41 [IST] Barack Obama Trump, who has placed immigration at the heart of his party's election effort, has persistently attacked the caravan of Central American migrants, denouncing it as a potential "invasion". Trump announced earlier this week that he would send thousands of troops to the border to beef up national defences at the border. He has campaigned heavily on the issue, warning supporters Thursday that migrants would soon be "overwhelming your schools, your hospitals, your communities". US President Donald Trump Obama said the deployment was serving to "get folks angry and ginned up", adding: "There's just constant fearmongering to distract from the record." The nation's first African-American commander-in-chief took the stage with Andrew Gillum, who is locked in a tight race for governor of Florida against pro-Trump Republican Ron DeSantis, and Senator Bill Nelson, who is running for re-election against outgoing Governor Rick Scott. Let's make history happen right here in Florida, said Obama "Let's make history happen right here in Florida," Obama told jubilant supporters at the end of a speech that was occasionally interrupted by pro-Republican protesters. Obama urged more decisive action by Americans who have grown frustrated by the first 21 months of Trump's presidency. "If you don't like what's going on right now, don't just complain," Obama said. "Don't get anxious and freaked out, don't throw up your hands in despair. Don't boo. Don't hashtag. Vote!" In the home stretch of a campaign marked by a recent deadly anti-Semitic attack and the interception of parcel bombs sent to prominent Democrats including Obama, the former president called for defending "the values that bind us to our fellow citizens, no matter who we are". But, he also drilled down on core Democratic issues for the 2018 campaign, like health care and preserving protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Obama has been opposing Trump's stand on migrants Obama, architect of the Obamacare health reforms that he signed into law in 2010, took Republicans to task for "suddenly" saying they will protect pre-existing conditions coverage despite seeking to pass legislation to do away with such protections. "Let's call it what it is. It's a lie. They're lying to you," Obama said. Americans on Tuesday will elect lawmakers for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, 36 governors and dozens of state legislatures. H-1B visa registration for 2022 to begin on Mar 9, lottery results to be notified by Mar 31 Good news for Indian IT professionals: US to conduct 2nd lottery for H-1B visa Why it is tougher for US companies to employ fresh foreign workers International oi-Madhuri Adnal Washington, Nov 3: The Trump administration has introduced a new set of stringent provisions to the H-1B labour application process under which the US employers must disclose the total number of foreigners already employed by them, making it tougher to sponsor fresh foreign workers. The H-1B visa, popular among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. This Indian firm is in top 10 to get labour certification for H-1B visas The new information required by the department of labour is significant because before sponsoring a foreign worker for the H-1B visa, the company needs to get its labour application approved by it. The department certifies that there are no domestic worker for that particular position and as such the company can hire a foreign guest worker under the H-1B visa category. The labour condition application form updates will now require employers to provide more detailed information about H-1B worker employment conditions, including disclosing all places of employment for H-1B workers, including periods of short duration and providing the estimated number of H-1B workers at each place of intended employment. It also requires the clear identification of secondary entities which are using H-1B workers and seeks H-1B dependent employers which are claiming an exemption solely on the basis of education, such as a master's degree, to provide documentation of the degree. Under the new forms, employers also need to give an estimate of the the total number of foreign nationals already working at each location listed in the application. Further, revisions to the worker complaint form include added data fields designed to better describe the nature of an alleged programme violation, the department said in a statement on Tuesday. To allow appropriate time for transition, the new forms will be made available for use in the coming weeks. An announcement will be made on the office of foreign labour certification's website identifying the date when they will be made available, it said. Since 2017, the department has taken action to combat visa fraud and abuse and encouraged US workers to report complaints, including establishing protocols for promptly referring matters related to criminal fraud to the department's office of inspector general for investigation. It has also directed the department's wage and hour division to use all its tools in conducting civil investigations to enforce labour protections provided by the visa programmes. Further it has signed an agreement with the US department of justice to promptly refer complaints from US workers who believe they have been discriminated against based on the nationality or citizenship. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, the form changes are the latest in a series targeting employers who place foreign nationals at third-party worksites. US: Donald Trump's new plans in H-1B visa rule is set to impact on Indians In a February policy memo, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) required employers to provide detailed work itineraries for the entire duration of H-1B petitions involving offsite employment. An advocacy group representing small and medium size IT companies have filed a lawsuit against USCIS on this issue. "Employers should expect renewed scrutiny on where H-1B employees are working, whether they are working at third-party sites and, if so, whether the arrangement is permissible," said Justin Storch, director of regulatory affairs and judicial counsel at the Society for Human Resource Management. "Given current scrutiny of H-1Bs, both petitioners and end users should be aware of what information is being disclosed on the forms and the fact that the Department of Labour is likely to make this information publicly available," Storch said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, November 3, 2018, 6:49 [IST] Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Dongfeng Infiniti's headquarters saw the number of employees decline to less than 240 from the peak level of 300, according to local media. Some departments, such as justice, after-sales service and public relations only remain a few employees with part of posts frozen after staff left. Dongfeng Infiniti could not be reached for comments in terms of the layoff issue when the report was prepared. It's been a decade since Infiniti stepped into China. In 2014, the Japanese premium car brand started to locally produce vehicles in the world largest auto market. However, it delivered less than 50,000 vehicles in China last year, dramatically trailing such so-called second-tier luxury car brands as Cadillac, Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo who saw their annual sales exceeding 100,000 units in this country. For the first three quarters of this year, the sales of China-made and imported Infiniti branded cars in China totaled only around 30,000 units, which was far from the 2018 sales target of 100,000 units set in the initial period of product localization. Infiniti's sales depression in China is closely related to the less competitiveness of products. Dongfeng Infiniti currently has only two models for salethe Q50L and the QX50, while neither of them sees monthly sales reach 2,000 units. Besides, the brand is suffering the channel trouble. There are a total of 123 dealers in China partnering with Infiniti, according to relevant data. Nevertheless, the automaker is gradually losing its dealers because the stagnant sales performance brings high pressure on the stock and operation cost for dealers. The Japanese car brand did enjoy some prosperous time in China after it started to locally produce cars there. In December, 2015, Infiniti saw its sales in China jumped 26.8% year on year to 4,220 units, exceeding 4,000 units in monthly sales for the first time. During that year, the automaker sold a total of 40,188 vehicles in China with a remarkable year-on-year growth of 33.8%, accounting for nearly 20% of its global sales. It is reported that Infiniti will launch its first production electric model until 2021 and has no roll-out plan for China-made models yet. Caesar Rosales of Kelowna has been identified as the 55-year-old victim fatally stabbed on a city bus last Thursday. Photo: Contributed - Linked In Police are reporting the attack to be random. Rosales LinkedIn profile identifies him as a business systems analysts at Kelowna Flightcraft. He apparently worked in the Vancouver area for several years. In a news release sent Monday morning, Flightcraft Human Resources Director, Grant Stevens described Rosales as intelligent, gentle, caring and passionate. "Kelowna Flightcraft staff and management were stunned, shocked, and heartbroken to learn a valued employee, colleague, and friend was lost to an unspeakable act of violence on Thursday October 30th, 2014. Caesar Rosales moved to Kelowna only two years ago to join Kelowna Flightcraft as a Business Systems Analyst part of our Information Services team. He brought tremendous skills and training from his previous work in both Vancouver and the Philippines. Over the last two years he became a part of the Flightcraft family, working with 100s of our employees across the organization, participating in social club activities, contributing on several large projects, and developing a strong circle of friends and colleagues. As a person, Caesar was intelligent, gentle, caring, and passionate. He took the opportunity to live life to the fullest skydiving, bungy jumping, zip lining, hiking, and walking the CN Tower all in the last few years. He loved to film and share his adventures, creating his own YouTube channel. Caesars murder wounds us all, leaves a void where he once worked, and played. He leaves behind co-workers, friends and family (son in Greater Vancouver and a brother in the Philippines) and will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to his family. Funeral arrangements are still pending. Rest in Peace Caesar." Tyler Newton, 24, has been charged with second degree murder in the death of Rosales. Photo: Nicholas Johansen UPDATE: 3:30 p.m. The sentencing decision for a person who sexually interfered with a minor in 2016 is still more than two months away after a second presentence report was ordered Friday afternoon. While Jeremy Carlson was set to apply to withdraw a guilty plea Friday morning, Carlson chose to stick with the plea and move forward with sentencing. Friday afternoon, Carlson's defence asked Justice Monica McParland to order another presentence report to help elucidate some matters that we think are important. Carlson is a transgender person transitioning to a female, and the additional presentence report will provide McParland with information on how Carlson will be classified in the justice system, should Carlson be sent to a provincial or federal institution. Additionally, the PSR will explain what kind of sexual offender counselling will be available as a transgender person. One of the questions the PSR will answer is if Carlson would serve time at Ford Mountain Correctional Centre, an institution for men, or at Alouette Correctional Centre for Women. There is a transgender team that assesses individuals who come into custody who request an assignment to a particular institution, said Crown Counsel Angela Ross. Carlson was initially charged with sexual assault and sexual interference of a person under 16, but she has pleaded guilty only to the interference charge. On Friday, following Carlson's withdrawal of her application to take back her guilty plea, Ross told Justice McParland the Crown accepts Carlson's guilty plea as an expression of remorse, and said Justice McParland should not infer Carlson was in a position of trust with the victim. The Crown is seeking a 20-month sentence, while Carlson's defence asked for a 90-day sentence served intermittently on weekends. The new presentence report will be completed by early December, and Justice McParland expects to make a final sentencing decision on Jan. 9. ORIGINAL: 11:45 a.m. In a last-minute move, a person accused of sexually assaulting a minor decided to stick with their guilty plea. Jeremy Carlson was scheduled in Kelowna court Friday morning to apply to withdraw a guilty plea of sexual interference with a person under the age of 16. The hearing was delayed for 30 minutes as the Crown and Carlson's defence counsel had some last-minute discussions. When the hearing finally began, Carlson's lawyer said they were with withdrawing the application after fruitful discussion with the Crown, and will proceed with sentencing submissions. Justice Monica McParland is expected to begin deliberating on a sentence this afternoon. Carlson was charged in 2016 with sexual assault and sexual interference. This past summer, the Crown said it would seek a sentence of up to 20 months in jail, followed by two years of probation, while the defence is seeking a 90-day intermittent jail term, to be served on weekends. In July, the defence applied to have McParland removed from the case, after she is said to have cried when she heard the victim impact statement of the minor involved in the allegations. On Aug. 17, McParland ruled she would stay on the case, and disputed the assertion that she cried, saying she "briefly dabbed a tear from her eye with a tissue." "The Supreme Court of Canada and the Canadian Judicial Council ... both agree that judges are human, they are not expected to be robots, she said in her ruling. "There is, therefore, nothing wrong with the court showing emotion." Photo: ThinkStock If you can't find work in Kelowna, you may not be looking too hard. National, provincial and local jobless rates all fell in September, and that's no surprise to a local employment agency. "We are having a tough time finding people for all trades, and clerical jobs in both the legal and medical fields," says Susan Pylatuk at Okanagan Staffing Services. British Columbia has posted the lowest jobless numbers in Canada at 4.1 per cent, while the Kelowna rate plummeted by seven tenths of a per cent to 5.0 per cent. "About 35 per cent of our jobs are permanent full-time, with the rest being temporary. Lots of those are turning into permanent full- and part-time positions," said Pylatuk. "Temporary postings allow the employer to try on a candidate before offering them permanent work." Job applicants range in age from just graduated to into their sixties. "The older workers are looking for something to keep them busy and have lots of experience in their chosen fields." Castanet's job classified site has over 1,000 open job postings. Photo: The Canadian Press "Le Phare", bills itself as a "complete vertical neighbourhood" that will include residences, offices, hotel rooms, a year-round public square and a concert hall. Quebec City's centuries-old architecture has earned it a reputation as one of Canada's most beautiful cities, but opponents of a plan to build the province's tallest skyscraper fear that is about to change. At public meetings this week in the provincial capital, residents questioned whether the desire to project the city as a modern metropolis is clouding the judgment of city hall, which supports plans for the 65-storey building. "Why 65 floors?" Francois Marchand, an urban planning lawyer who attended a meeting Monday, asked in an interview. "The reason is they want to have the highest building between Toronto and Quebec City, higher than the highest one in Montreal. That's not a criteria for good land planning." The developer, Groupe Dallaire, describes the $755-million project as a "complete vertical neighbourhood" that will include apartments, offices, hotel rooms, a public square and a concert hall. Called "Le Phare " French for beacon it will tower over the surrounding Ste-Foy neighbourhood and the city at large. It will feature an observatory and what the developer is calling the tallest restaurant east of Toronto. While the skyscraper's supporters like the idea of a bold modern building at the city's gateway, Marchand says the structure will stand out like a "sequoia in the plains." Videos and drawings on the project's website show four glass-and-metal buildings clustered around a central courtyard, with a three-sided tower soaring above the others. Mayor Regis Labeaume has been a vocal advocate of the project, saying it fits into the city's "development vision." It will help create "a dense, mixed, inhabited and living urban centre where quality of life predominates," Labeaume said in a recent press release. Marchand, who is a former city councillor, said some at the meetings supported the project, but many more felt "betrayed" by the city because it plans to invoke a section of the city charter to sidestep zoning rules that limit new construction to 29 storeys. "There is one set of rules for citizens and another for them," he said, referring to Groupe Dallaire. The city and the developer both declined interview requests, citing the ongoing consultation process. Photo: Contributed For nearly 50 years, he collected his spare pennies. And when Joe Iafrancesco donated the wheelbarrow full to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, he and his wife Bianca topped it up to make a $1,000 donation. But that's not all. After a long career with the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Iafrancescos have donated another $200,000 to KGH. Half will go to JoeAnnas House, and the other to cancer care at the hospital. This community has been a tremendous support to me for over 50 years, shared Joe. We really wanted to give something back. Ground was recently broken on JoeAnnas House, which will be a home away from home for families of patients who must to travel to Kelowna for specialized care. Joe, a key driver behind the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club, also organized New Years Eve dinner and dance in support of the cause, and another is coming up this holiday season. Joe was twice nominated for Kelowna's Man of the Year award, is a tireless volunteer, and ran for council three times. He also had an impact across Canada, volunteering with the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, helping with the grand opening of Pier 21 in Halifax, and serving on the National Congress of Italian Canadians. The staff at the hospital have always provided my family and me with great care, and Im pleased to honour their work and help provide the tools needed to do their job to the best of their ability, he said. Photo: Contributed Zach Walsh A university professor wants to talk about pot and the medicinal benefits of the green plant. The next instalment of Okanagan Colleges Signature Speaker Series at the Vernon campus will address recent research on cannabis use and mental health, as well as what legalization will mean for public health. Zach Walsh, an associate professor at UBC Okanagan, will review recent research and explore the potential of cannabis to serve as a substitute for other psychoactive substances like alcohol or opioids. There is so much we dont know about the use of medicinal plants, says Walsh. Refining medicines derived from cannabis and other plants will have a dramatic effect on the health of Canadians and people worldwide. How do we make the best use of these plants and combine them with other therapies to create better outcomes for people who are suffering? Walsh runs the Therapeutic, Recreational and Problematic Substance Lab at UBCs Okanagan campus, which focuses on researching of the association between cannabis use, mental health and addictions. His ongoing research projects include evaluating cannabis for post-traumatic stress, examining the association between psychedelics and violence and cannabis use trajectories among university students. The presentation will take place in the lecture theatre of Okanagan Colleges Vernon campus on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Participants can register in advance online or pay at the door. Never mind all the fear mongering and disinformation being put forth in the referendum discussion. And never mind the consistently distorted results inherent in our current voting process. It all comes down to just two things money and power. Access to government is easiest under FPTP since it requires lobbying only a handful of politicians (mostly cabinet members). Legislation can be written beforehand, presented and passed with minimal scrutiny. With proportional representation, all of that will change. It would become necessary to appeal to a larger audience constituents and then properly and openly debate the issues before anything gets passed. More involved? Yes, but its transparent, the results will be fair. FPTP was used effectively in an era when only male landholders were allowed to vote and there were only two parties in the running. Our society has advanced since then. If you like the authoritarian style of government in the U.S. now spilling over into Canada, and think that would be good for us here in B.C., then by all means vote no. If, however, you think enough is enough and want to hang on to what we can still call our own, then be democratic and vote yes to electoral reform. Anton Niedersteiner, Kamloops Photo: Contributed Dominic Neron and his girlfriend Ashley Bourgeault Remains found in a plane crash near Revelstoke have been confirmed as those of a missing couple who flew out of the Okanagan last year. The white and burgundy aircraft is that of missing pilot Dominic Neron and his girlfriend Ashley Bourgeault, who were last seen taking off from Penticton Regional Airport on Nov. 25, 2017, just after 2:30 p.m. An extensive search failed to turn up any sign of the plane until it was spotted by a helicopter crew that was transporting a patient from an accident near Field to Kamloops on Sept. 10, 2018. Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said through DNA testing of the remains found at the plane crash site, the police and BC Coroners Service confirmed the identity of the remains as those of the two known occupants who were reported missing on Nov. 25, 2017. Sgt. Kurt Grabinsky, with the Revelstoke RCMP said the plane was found in dense brush in a remote area of a ridge. Nerons sister Tammy said the past months have been the hardest of their lives and they cant thank the people who spotted the plane enough. Royal Canadian Air Force and Parks Canada aircraft flew 120 hours in challenging weather and conditions, covering more than 22,000 square kilometres in the areas surrounding the last known location and likely flight path of the missing plane. Tammy Robinson remains one of our key authors and we are absolutely delighted to see that her talent has been recognized on an international level, said Vicki Marsdon of High Spot Literary. We are confident that PHOTOS OF YOU being published in the US, as well as the UK and Europe, will cement Tammys place as one of New Zealands most popular authors. Photo: RCMP Three Kelowna RCMP officers have been honoured by the Royal Canadian Humane Society. Constables Marvin Park, Lee Romanko and Ryan Routley were each presented with a bronze medal for bravery because of the heroic actions they took on Sept. 10. The three officers worked together to rescue an unconscious and injured woman from inside her minivan, which had struck a light standard in the parking lot of a Kelowna hotel. They freed her just moments before the van was engulfed in flames. The woman survived the ordeal, and the dramatic rescue was caught on camera from the room of a hotel patron. The medals are reserved for heroes who show extraordinary disregard for their personal safety in order to save a life. The awards were handed out Oct. 26 in West Kelowna by Lieut. Gov. Janet Austin. Chief Supt. Brad Haugli of the RCMP's Southeast District, and Supt. Brent Mundle of the Kelowna detachment also congratulated the recipients. The Royal Canadian Humane Association was established in 1894 by Queen Victoria. Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau receives a water cleansing by spiritual leader Cecil Grinder along with Chiefs of the Tsilhqot'in National Government near Chilko Lake, B.C. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized to the Tsilhqot'in community for the hanging of six chiefs more than 150 years ago in an emotional ceremony Friday that one chief says brought an end to a "difficult journey." Speaking to hundreds of the First Nation's members in British Columbia's central Interior, Trudeau said the colonial officials of the day erred in inviting the chiefs for peacekeeping talks where they were instead arrested, tried and hanged. He said the chiefs are fully exonerated without any wrongdoing because they were acting as one independent nation engaged in war with another when they attacked a road crew that intruded on their territory. "These are mistakes that our government profoundly regrets and are determined to set right," Trudeau said of the incident during the so-called Chilcotin War. Chief Joe Alphonse, tribal chairman of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, said the apology was significant not only because it was the first time that a prime minister visited title lands, but because it was made directly to community members. Trudeau made a "statement of exoneration" in the House of Commons in March and agreed to visit the title lands then. "For me as chief last March it was a very emotional journey, a spiritual one. It took its toll physically, mentally. So I've been through that, I've gone through that," Alphonse said. "Today it's about our membership, and our membership all these years not believing that a prime minister would acknowledge that. So it's a powerful day." Trudeau rode into the valley on a black horse, symbolizing the one the historic chiefs rode into what they believed were peace talks. The day also included a smudging ceremony and Trudeau was given a buckskin jacket matching the iconic one his father Pierre Trudeau wore. The Tsilhqot'in have long disputed the government's authority to execute the six chiefs as criminals, describing the confrontation as an altercation between warring nations. When Trudeau read the statement in the Commons, members of Parliament broke into applause, prompting the Tsilhqot'in chiefs to hold up eagle feathers in salute. Trudeau told MPs the chiefs acted in accordance with their laws and traditions and that they are well regarded as heroes of their people. The deadly confrontation began when a white road-building crew entered Tsilhqot'in territory without permission in 1864. Five chiefs were hanged when they travelled to the supposed peace talks at the invitation of government representatives. A sixth chief was executed the following year in New Westminster. The British Columbia government apologized for the executions in 1993 and installed a commemorative plaque at the site of the hangings. Photo: CTV CCTV video shows Schneider with Kogawa at a Vancouver area shopping mall. A former Vernon man who murdered a 30-year-old Japanese exchange student living in Vancouver was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 14 years on Friday. A jury found William Schneider guilty of second-degree murder last month for the death of Natsumi Kogawa. Schneider left the woman's body in a suitcase outside an abandoned Vancouver mansion. He had previously pleaded guilty to interference with a human body, but claimed not to have killed the woman. Kogawa was in the city on a student visa and had only been in Vancouver for a few months before she was killed in 2016. Shortly after her body was discovered, North Okanagan police arrested Schneider, 51, at a homeless camp in Polson Park in Vernon. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: Contributed Faculty at Okanagan College have a tentative contract. The Finance Ministry says about one-thousand faculty employees at five colleges have reached a tentative agreement leading to negotiation of their individual collective contracts. Faculty include instructors, assistant instructors and technical staff at Camosun, Coast Mountain, Northern Lights, Okanagan and Selkirk colleges. At Okanagan College this agreement will be impacting the BCGEU vocational instructors (adult upgrading and trades), said Okanagan College Faculty Association president Sharon Mansiere. Okanagan College faculty association has not yet set its negotiations with the institution. The Post-Secondary Employers' Association would negotiate with the colleges and their union, the B-C Government and Service Employees Union. Details about the agreement are confidential and local negotiations are expected to begin over the coming months. Photo: The Canadian Press Mounted police outside a Toronto Munk debate featuring Steve Bannon and conservative commentator David Frum in Toronto on Friday. Toronto police say they have laid charges against 12 people arrested Friday night during a rally to protest a controversial debate featuring former White House strategist Steve Bannon. The accused have not been publicly identified but police say the charges include trespassing, disorderly conduct and assault of a police officer. They say two officers were injured during the protest, which delayed the start of the debate at Roy Thomson Hall by roughly half an hour. It's alleged one officer was punched and another was hit with a stick. Videos posted on social media showed officers using batons to hold back the crowd outside the auditorium, and one photo showed an officer using pepper spray. The event, part of the Munk Debates, saw Bannon and conservative commentator David Frum debate the role of populism in politics. Critics had called on organizers to cancel the event, accusing Bannon of being a white supremacist and arguing he should not be given a platform to share his views. Bannon denied the accusations and organizers stressed what they called the importance of allowing vigorous discussion of hot topics. Photo: File photo Canadian rap superstar Drake Canada's hottest rapper is blasting a Vancouver casino for what he claims was profiling. Toronto-born rapper Drake landed in Vancouver Friday for back-to-back concerts as part of his 'Aubrey and the Three Migos' tour. However, when the star went to Parq casino, things did not go as planned. Drake posted on Instagram early Saturday morning "Parq casino @parqvancouverbc is the worst run business I have ever witnessed....profiling me and not allowing me to gamble when I had everything they originally asked me for." Drake's fans rallied to his side, filling the comment sections on Parq Vancouver's Instagram page and tweeting at the casino. "Parq Vancouver is very sorry to hear about this experience and takes theses matters very seriously. We are required to adhere to strict regulations with respect to gaming in British Columbia. We are actively investigating this matter and have made several efforts to reach out to the guest and his team to discuss the issue. We are committed to having a productive conversation to resolve the issue," Narinder Nagra, a representative for the resort, said on Saturday morning. - with files from CTV Vancouver Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market 2018-2023 by Top Manufacturers Vend Limited, RIBA Retail, Tulip Retail, Seamless Receipts, IBM Alternative Retailing Technologies https://www.researchreportsinc.com/sample-request?id=180060 https://www.researchreportsinc.com/check-discount?id=180060 https://researchreportsinc.com/checkout/?add-to-cart=180060&&attribute_pa_choose-license=single-user&&quantity=1 The Alternative Retailing Technologies Market report focuses on global major leading Alternative Retailing Technologies Industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue, and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis are also carried out.Dont Miss this opportunity to know more about Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size, Get a Sample Report @Leaders Of The Industry: - Vend Limited, RIBA Retail, Tulip Retail, Seamless Receipts, IBM and so on.Furthermore, years considered for the study are as follows:The historical year 2013, 2016The base year 2017Forecast period 2018 to 2023Target Audience of the Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market in Market Study: Alternative Retailing Technologies Key Consulting Companies & Advisors Alternative Retailing Technologies Large, medium-sized, and small enterprises Alternative Retailing Technologies Venture capitalists Alternative Retailing Technologies Value-Added Resellers (VARs) Alternative Retailing Technologies Third-party knowledge providers Alternative Retailing Technologies Investment bankers Alternative Retailing Technologies InvestorsGrab Guaranteed Discount:By Category: Alternative Retailing Technologies Video Content Alternative Retailing Technologies Digital Text Content Alternative Retailing Technologies Digital Games Content Alternative Retailing Technologies Digital Audio ContentBy Device: Alternative Retailing Technologies Mobile Content Alternative Retailing Technologies Non-Mobile ContentBy Regions: Alternative Retailing Technologies North America The U.S. Canada Alternative Retailing Technologies Europe UK Germany Alternative Retailing Technologies Asia Pacific China India Japan Alternative Retailing Technologies Latin America Brazil MexicoWe Also Can Offer Customized Report To Fulfill Special Requirements Of Our Clients.Purchase this Premium Report (Flat 20% off Apply Coupon Code DISC20):-Table of Contents2018-2023 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Report (Status and Outlook)1 The scope of the Report1.1 Market Introduction1.2 Research Objectives1.3 Years Considered1.4 Market Research Methodology1.5 Economic Indicators1.6 Currency Considered2 Executive Summary2.1 World Market Overview2.1.1 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size 2013-20232.1.2 Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size CAGR by Region2.2 Alternative Retailing Technologies Segment by Type2.2.1 Online technologies2.2.2 In-store technologies:2.3 Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Type2.3.1 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2013-2018)2.4 Alternative Retailing Technologies Segment by Application2.4.1 Clothes2.4.2 Food2.5 Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Application2.5.1 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Market Share by Application (2013-2018)2.5.2 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Growth Rate by Application (2013-2018)3 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies by Players3.1 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Market Share by Players3.1.1 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Players (2016-2018)3.1.2 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Market Share by Players (2016-2018)3.2 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Key Players Head office and Products Offered3.3 Market Concentration Rate Analysis3.3.1 Competition Landscape Analysis3.3.2 Concentration Ratio (CR3, CR5, and CR10) (2016-2018)3.4 New Products and Potential Entrants3.5 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion4 Alternative Retailing Technologies by Regions4.1 Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Regions4.2 Americas Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Growth4.3 APAC Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Growth4.4 Europe Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Growth4.5 the Middle East & Africa Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Growth5 Americas5.1 Americas Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Countries5.2 Americas Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Type5.3 Americas Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Application5.4 United States5.5 Canada5.6 Mexico5.7 Key Economic Indicators of Few Americas Countries6 APAC6.1 APAC Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Countries6.2 APAC Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Type6.3 APAC Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Application6.4 China6.5 Japan6.6 Korea6.7 Southeast Asia6.8 India6.9 Australia6.10 Key Economic Indicators of Few APAC Countries7 Europe7.1 Europe Alternative Retailing Technologies by Countries7.2 Europe Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Type7.3 Europe Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Application7.4 Germany7.5 France7.6 UK7.7 Italy7.8 Russia7.9 Spain7.10 Key Economic Indicators of Few Europe Countries8 Middle East & Africa8.1 the Middle East & Africa Alternative Retailing Technologies by Countries8.2 the Middle East & Africa Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Type8.3 the Middle East & Africa Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size by Application8.4 Egypt8.5 South Africa8.6 Israel8.7 Turkey8.8 GCC Countries9 Market Drivers, Challenges and Trends9.1 Market Drivers and Impact9.1.1 Growing Demand from Key Regions9.1.2 Growing Demand from Key Applications and Potential Industries9.2 Market Challenges and Impact9.3 Market Trends10 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Forecast10.1 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Market Size Forecast (2018-2023)10.2 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Forecast by Regions10.2.1 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Forecast by Regions (2018-2023)10.2.2 Americas Market Forecast10.2.3 APAC Market Forecast10.2.4 Europe Market Forecast10.2.5 the Middle East & Africa Market Forecast10.3 Americas Forecast by Countries10.3.1 United States Market Forecast10.3.2 Canada Market Forecast10.3.3 Mexico Market Forecast10.3.4 Brazil Market Forecast10.4 APAC Forecast by Countries10.4.1 China Market Forecast10.4.2 Japan Market Forecast10.4.3 Korea Market Forecast10.4.4 Southeast Asia Market Forecast10.4.5 India Market Forecast10.4.6 Australia Market Forecast10.5 Europe Forecast by Countries10.5.1 Germany Market Forecast10.5.2 France Market Forecast10.5.3 UK Market Forecast10.5.4 Italy Market Forecast10.5.5 Russia Market Forecast10.5.6 Spain Market Forecast10.6 the Middle East & Africa Forecast by Countries10.6.1 Egypt Market Forecast10.6.2 South Africa Market Forecast10.6.3 Israel Market Forecast10.6.4 Turkey Market Forecast10.6.5 GCC Countries Market Forecast10.7 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Forecast by Type10.8 Global Alternative Retailing Technologies Forecast by ApplicationAbout Us:Research Reports Inc. is one of the leading destinations for market research reports across all industries, companies, and technologies. Our repository features an exhaustive list of market research reports from thousands of publishers worldwideWith our expertise and research offerings, we ensure we deliver on all your requirements, whether youre looking for the industry analysis or market trends or anything else, first time and every time!Email us sales@researchreportsinc.comCall: US / Canada Toll Free: +18554192424, UK : +4403308087757 Boat Insurance will register a -1.1% CAGR in terms of revenue, reach US$ 4650 million by 2023, from US$ 4970 million in 2017 Boat Insurance https://www.researchreportsinc.com/sample-request?id=228323 https://researchreportsinc.com/checkout/?add-to-cart=228323&&attribute_pa_choose-license=single-user&&quantity=1 Boat Insurance is hull insurance that covers damage to a boat, its machinery, and its equipment. It refers to the main body of the ship and it can be understood like car insurance, with a difference of being for a water-faring vehicle instead of land. It covers all types of vessels operating into the oceans, lakes, or rivers like bulk carriers, fishing boats, ships, tankers, cruises, yachts.Europe is a mature market and navigating the market with the market size 2618 in 2017. China develops maturely in recent years and also plays an important role in Boat Insurance market.Know more about Boat Insurance Market Size, Get a Sample Report @In this report, Publisher studies the present scenario (with the base year being 2017) and the growth prospects of the global Boat Insurance market for 2018-2023.This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares and growth opportunities of Boat Insurance market by product type, application, key companies, and key regions.To calculate the market size, Publisher considers value generated from the sales of the following segments:Segmentation by product type:Actual Cash ValueAgreed Amount ValueSegmentation by application:Commercial UsePersonal UseWe Also Can Offer Customized Report To Fulfill Special Requirements Of Our Clients.Purchase this Premium Report (Flat 20% off Apply Coupon Code DISC20):-We can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions:AmericasUnited StatesCanadaMexicoBrazilAPACChinaJapanKoreaSoutheast AsiaIndiaAustraliaEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalyRussiaSpainMiddle East & AfricaEgyptSouth AfricaIsraelTurkeyGCC CountriesThe report also presents the market competition landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the major players in the market. The key players covered in this report:Zurich, AXA, AVIVA, State Farm, Allianz, GEICO, Sompo Japan Nipponkoa, CPIC, Markel Corporation, Kemper Corporation, Allstate, MetLife, PingAn, Westfield, Westpac, RAAIn addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks faced by key players and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.Research objectivesTo study and analyze the global Boat Insurance market size by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2023.To understand the structure of Boat Insurance market by identifying its various subsegments.Focuses on the key global Boat Insurance players, to define, describe and analyze the value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.To analyze the Boat Insurance with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).To project the size of Boat Insurance submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).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.Table of Contents2018-2023 Global Boat Insurance Market Report (Status and Outlook)1 Scope of the Report1.1 Market Introduction1.2 Research Objectives1.3 Years Considered1.4 Market Research Methodology1.5 Economic Indicators1.6 Currency Considered2 Executive Summary2.1 World Market Overview2.1.1 Global Boat Insurance Market Size 2013-20232.1.2 Boat Insurance Market Size CAGR by Region2.2 Boat Insurance Segment by Type2.2.1 Actual Cash Value2.2.2 Agreed Amount Value2.3 Boat Insurance Market Size by Type2.3.1 Global Boat Insurance Market Size Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Boat Insurance Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2013-2018)2.4 Boat Insurance Segment by Application2.4.1 Commercial Use2.4.2 Personal Use2.5 Boat Insurance Market Size by Application2.5.1 Global Boat Insurance Market Size Market Share by Application (2013-2018)2.5.2 Global Boat Insurance Market Size Growth Rate by Application (2013-2018)3 Global Boat Insurance by Players3.1 Global Boat Insurance Market Size Market Share by Players3.1.1 Global Boat Insurance Market Size by Players (2016-2018)3.1.2 Global Boat Insurance Market Size Market Share by Players (2016-2018)3.2 Global Boat Insurance Key Players Head office and Products Offered3.3 Market Concentration Rate Analysis3.3.1 Competition Landscape Analysis3.3.2 Concentration Ratio (CR3, CR5 and CR10) (2016-2018)3.4 New Products and Potential Entrants3.5 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion4 Boat Insurance by Regions4.1 Boat Insurance Market Size by Regions4.2 Americas Boat Insurance Market Size Growth4.3 APAC Boat Insurance Market Size Growth4.4 Europe Boat Insurance Market Size Growth4.5 Middle East & Africa Boat Insurance Market Size Growth5 Americas5.1 Americas Boat Insurance Market Size by Countries5.2 Americas Boat Insurance Market Size by Type5.3 Americas Boat Insurance Market Size by Application5.4 United States5.5 Canada5.6 Mexico5.7 Key Economic Indicators of Few Americas Countries6 APAC6.1 APAC Boat Insurance Market Size by Countries6.2 APAC Boat Insurance Market Size by Type6.3 APAC Boat Insurance Market Size by Application6.4 China6.5 Japan6.6 Korea6.7 Southeast Asia6.8 India6.9 Australia6.10 Key Economic Indicators of Few APAC Countries7 Europe7.1 Europe Boat Insurance by Countries7.2 Europe Boat Insurance Market Size by Type7.3 Europe Boat Insurance Market Size by Application7.4 Germany7.5 France7.6 UK7.7 Italy7.8 Russia7.9 Spain7.10 Key Economic Indicators of Few Europe Countries8 Middle East & Africa8.1 Middle East & Africa Boat Insurance by Countries8.2 Middle East & Africa Boat Insurance Market Size by Type8.3 Middle East & Africa Boat Insurance Market Size by Application8.4 Egypt8.5 South Africa8.6 Israel8.7 Turkey8.8 GCC Countries9 Market Drivers, Challenges and Trends9.1 Market Drivers and Impact9.1.1 Growing Demand from Key Regions9.1.2 Growing Demand from Key Applications and Potential Industries9.2 Market Challenges and Impact9.3 Market Trends10 Global Boat Insurance Market Forecast10.1 Global Boat Insurance Market Size Forecast (2018-2023)10.2 Global Boat Insurance Forecast by Regions10.2.1 Global Boat Insurance Forecast by Regions (2018-2023)10.2.2 Americas Market Forecast10.2.3 APAC Market Forecast10.2.4 Europe Market Forecast10.2.5 Middle East & Africa Market Forecast10.3 Americas Forecast by Countries10.3.1 United States Market Forecast10.3.2 Canada Market Forecast10.3.3 Mexico Market Forecast10.3.4 Brazil Market Forecast10.4 APAC Forecast by Countries10.4.1 China Market Forecast10.4.2 Japan Market Forecast10.4.3 Korea Market Forecast10.4.4 Southeast Asia Market Forecast10.4.5 India Market Forecast10.4.6 Australia Market ForecastResearch Reports Inc. is one of the leading destinations for market research reports across all industries, companies, and technologies. Our repository features an exhaustive list of market research reports from thousands of publishers worldwide.US / Canada Toll Free: +18554192424, UK :+4403308087757 | Email: info@researchreportsinc.com Employee Monitoring Software Market to Witness Huge Growth by Key Players: Work Examiner, StaffCop, OsMonitor, iMonitor EAM Employee Monitoring Software Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1443339-global-employee-monitoring-software-market-study-2015-2025-by-segment https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1443339-global-employee-monitoring-software-market-study-2015-2025-by-segment https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1443339 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1443339-global-employee-monitoring-software-market-study-2015-2025-by-segment https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence/ https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NidhiBhawsar-SEO_Expert?rel=author HTF MI recently introduced Global Employee Monitoring Software 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 Teramind, Veriato (SpectorSoft), SentryPC, NetVizor, InterGuard, Work Examiner, StaffCop, OsMonitor, iMonitor EAM, Pearl Echo.Suite, WorkTime, Symantec, Trend Micro Worry, BetterWorks, Monitis, Quest Foglight & StackDriver etc.Request Sample of Global Employee Monitoring Software Market Study 2015-2025, by Segment (Web-based, Cloud-based), by Market (Small and Medium Enterprise, Large Enterprise), by Company (Teramind, Veriato (SpectorSoft), SentryPC, ? ?) @:The global Employee Monitoring Software market will reach xxx Million USD in 2018 and with a CAGR if xx% between 2019-2025. Product Type Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Major Company of Product Type etc.):This report studies the Global Employee Monitoring Software market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the Global Employee Monitoring Software market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.Browse 100+ market data Tables and Figures spread through Pages and in-depth TOC on " Employee Monitoring Software Market by Type (, Web-based & Cloud-based), by End-Users/Application (Small and Medium Enterprise & Large Enterprise), 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 @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 Teramind, Veriato (SpectorSoft), SentryPC, NetVizor, InterGuard, Work Examiner, StaffCop, OsMonitor, iMonitor EAM, Pearl Echo.Suite, WorkTime, Symantec, Trend Micro Worry, BetterWorks, Monitis, Quest Foglight & StackDriver 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 Employee Monitoring Software Market has been divided into type, application, and region.On The Basis Of Type: , Web-based & Cloud-based.On The Basis Of Application: Small and Medium Enterprise & Large EnterpriseOn The Basis Of Region, this report is segmented into following key geographies, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share, growth rate of Employee Monitoring Software 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 Employee Monitoring Software Market Study 2015-2025, by Segment (Web-based, Cloud-based), by Market (Small and Medium Enterprise, Large Enterprise), by Company (Teramind, Veriato (SpectorSoft), SentryPC, ? ?) @Have a look at some extracts from Table of ContentIntroduction about Global Employee Monitoring SoftwareGlobal Employee Monitoring Software Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2017Employee Monitoring Software Market by Application/End UsersGlobal Employee Monitoring Software Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications(2013-2023) table defined for each application/end-users like [Small and Medium Enterprise & Large Enterprise]Global Employee Monitoring Software Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2023)Employee Monitoring Software Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and ApplicationEmployee Monitoring Software (Volume, Value and Sales Price) table defined for each geographic region defined.Global Employee Monitoring Software Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales DataAdditionally Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors list is being provided for each listed manufacturersMarket Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018) table for each product type which include , Web-based & Cloud-basedEmployee Monitoring Software Manufacturing Cost AnalysisEmployee Monitoring Software Key Raw Materials AnalysisEmployee Monitoring Software Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Industrial Chain AnalysisMarket Forecast (2018-2023)........and more in complete table of ContentsBrowse for Full Report at: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 LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.comConnect with us at A family in Aadikolly, Wayand was stunned to see their son return home when their son returns home 15 days after his family conducted his funeral. The Kerala man who had been gone missing for nearly 62 days has been returned home couple weeks after family conducted the last rite. The 48-year-old Saji returned home on October 31 after his family buried a body of man mistaking him as their son. The body they had buried was not their flesh and blood. Saji, a labourer left home in Aadikolly in Pulpally and had been, reportedly, missing since then. However, the family did not filed any missing complaint. The Beechanahalli police station in Karnataka contacted Pulpally police station, informing them about a decomposed body of an unidentified person. A family in Aadikolly, Wayand was stunned to seen their son return home when their son returns home 15 days after his family conducted his funeral. The Kerala man who had been gone missing for nearly 62 days has been returned home couple weeks after family conducted last rite. The 48-year-old Saji returned home on October 31 after his family buried a body of man mistaking him as their son. The body they had buried was not their flesh and blood. Saji, a labourer left home in Aadikolly in Pulpally and had been, reportedly, missing since then. However, the family didnot filed any missing complaint. The Beechanahalli police station in Karnataka contacted Pulpally police station, informing them about a decomposed body of an unidentified person. A few weeks ago, Sajis younger brother Jinesh was summoned to the Pulpally station in relation to a case, Prajeesh, a Civil Police Officer at the station, said. While Jinesh was at the station, we received a call from Beechanahalli police station, enquiring if we had received any missing person complaint. We had no missing cases in our record then. Jinesh, who heard the conversation, told us that his elder brother had been missing for three weeks. He said he would like to see the body. We then alerted the Beechanahali police station. After completing the necessary formalities, he was let off on bail, the CPO said. According to the police, Jinesh claims to have received Sajis death certificate from Karnataka. On Wednesday evening, Saji, who was claimed to be dead, reached the station, along with the brother. In his statement to the police, Saji said, I left the house on September 3 over a quarrel with my neighbour. Since I do not have a phone, I was not in contact with my family and hence that led them to believe that I was dead. I was doing labour work in several parts of Kannur. I reached Aadikolly on October 31 by 4 pm. We have the photo of the decomposed body. We will send it to other police stations to see if there are any missing cases, he said. The police can take the body; we will not stop them, An office-bearer of St Sebastian church said While Jinesh was at the station, we received a call from Beechanahalli police station, enquiring if we had received any missing person complaint. We had no missing cases in our record then. Jinesh, who heard the conversation, told us that his elder brother had been missing for three weeks. He said he would like to see the body. We then alerted the Beechanahali police station. After completing the necessary formalities, he was let off on bail, the CPO said. According to the police, Jinesh claims to have received Sajis death certificate from Karnataka. On Wednesday evening, Saji, who was claimed to be dead, reached the station, along with the brother. In his statement to the police, Saji said, I left the house on September 3 over a quarrel with my neighbour. Since I do not have a phone, I was not in contact with my family and hence that led them to believe that I was dead. I was doing labour work in several parts of Kannur. I reached Aadikolly on October 31 by 4 pm. We have the photo of the decomposed body. We will send it to other police stations to see if there are any missing cases, he said. The police can take the body; we will not stop them, An office-bearer of St Sebastian church said. Also read: Noida: Kashmiri student, who went missing from private university in Noida joins terror group Cosmetic Surgery Market 2026 Global Analysis By Key Players - Allergen, Mentor, Galderma, Valeant, Syneron, Ulthera, Cynosure, Solta/Valeant https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-cosmetic-surgery-market/request-for-free-sample https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-cosmetic-surgery-market/speak-to-analyst https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-cosmetic-surgery-market/ www.polarismarketresearch.com The Global Cosmetic Surgery Market is projected to grow at a faster rate owning to the factors like increasing number of geriatric population and increased consciousness for attractive looks in the young generation.Cosmetic surgery is an emerging clinical specialty field of scientific research which comprises all kind of medical procedures with a purpose to improve the physical appearance and personal satisfaction of being attractive including all minimally invasive or non-invasive cosmetic processes. The medical cosmetic surgeries have proved to be blessing for the medical welfares. Formerly when people were unable to remove deadly tumours overgrown body features and carcinogenic cells, or when the procedures used were painful.PDF Brochure For Future Advancements @The objective of cosmetic surgery is to enhance a persons physical look, which leads to increased personal confidence and self-esteem for an individual. Cosmetic procedures include elective nonsurgical, surgical procedures or minimally intrusive surgical procedures that are carried out to enhance body structure. At the present time, people not only want to live the life at fullest but want to be healthy, reduce the effects of normal aging, and also wants to look fit and attractive as well. The cosmetic surgery focuses on liberating cosmetic appearance by applying the treatments for liver spots, cellulite, scars, skin discoloration, moles, excess fat, spider veins, unwanted hairs, and skin laxity. The cosmetic surgery is very optional treatment and are applied on individuals who does not suffer ailments.Consciousness to look young and attractive propelling the global cosmetic surgery market growthThe global cosmetic surgery market is majorly driven by factors such as availability of minimally invasive procedures, effective cost, and easy accessibility of cosmetic products. Moreover, increasing number of geriatric people along with rising demand for looking young and attractive is another key factor for the global cosmetic surgery market. With the rising demand to look young, the anti-wrinkle products are anticipated to make a significant growth for the global market in the forecast period. The technological advancement in cosmetic and aesthetic surgeries have also fuelled the growth of global cosmetic surgery market. Some of the factors such as an increment in healthcare expenditure, lesser side effects, and better outcomes of surgeries are anticipated to drive the global cosmetic surgery market.Speak to our analyst and gain crucial industry insights that will help your business grow:However, stringent regulatory approvals and high cost of surgeries are some of the factors hampering the global cosmetic surgery market. Moreover, high risks of side effects associated with cosmetic surgeries also hinder the growth of global plastic surgery market.Global Cosmetic Surgery Market Taxonomy:The global cosmetic surgery market is segmented on the basis of surgery procedure, and geography.On the basis of Surgery Procedure, the global cosmetic surgery market is segmented into: Surgical Breast Augmentation Liposuction Tummy Tuck Eyelid Surgery Breast Lift Nonsurgical Botulinum toxin Dermal Fillers Laser Hair Removal Photo-rejuvenation MicrodermabrasionGeographically, the global cosmetic surgery market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.North America dominates the market however Asia Pacific is making lucrative growth due to affordable treatmentsIn terms of geography, North America dominated the global cosmetic surgery market followed by Europe. The growth in this region is owing to awareness about cosmetic surgeries, & presence of skilled professionals, the growing demand to look young, and easy availability of commercialized cosmetic procedures in this region. Moreover, increasing aging population and high technological adoption rates of cosmetic products in these regions are the growth factors fuelling the cosmetic surgery market in these regions.Read More For Details:Asia Pacific is expected to be the dominating region during the forecast period. This is majorly due to the growing demand for cosmeceutical treatments in India, China, Japan, and South Korea. The technological advances have made cosmetic treatment procedures easy, painless, and affordable. 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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.comWeb: IoT Cloud Platforms Market Analysis, Top Key Players Like AT&T, Fujitsu, Amazon, HPE, Telit, General Electric (Predix), Growth Trends and Forecast 2018-2023 IoT Cloud Platforms Market http://www.qyreports.com/request-sample/?report-id=101725 http://www.qyreports.com/enquiry-before-buying/?report-id=101725 http://qyreports.com/ask-for-discount?report-id=101725 http://www.qyreports.com An IoT platform means cloud-based and on-premise software packages and related services that enable and support sophisticated IoT services. 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Significant evaluation of other factors such as demand and supply status, import and export, distribution channel, consumption volume, and production capability play a vital role in offering business owners, stakeholders and field marketing personnel a competitive edge over others operating in the same space. All important data are presented in self-explanatory charts, tables and graphic images that can be incorporated into any business presentation.Understanding the market sizeThe size of the Micro Guide Catheters market is viewed in terms of the Share of Market, Total Available Market as well as Served Available Market. Not only does the study present the combined revenue for a particular market but also the market size for a specific geographic region. Analysis of percentage or the size of the Total Available Market based on the type of product, technology, regional constraints and others form an important part of the Micro Guide Catheters report.Market Segment on the basis of manufacturers, the report covers:Terumo, Boston Scientific, Merit Medical, Medtronic, ASAHI INTECC, ACIST Medical, Baylis Medical, BrosMed Medical, Cook Medical, Cordis, Diasolve, Navilyst Medical, Stryker, Vascular Solutions, VolcanoBuy Micro Guide Catheters Market Report @Market Segment on the basis of Type, the report covers:- Over-the-wire Flow DirectedMarket Segment on the basis of application, the report covers: Hospitals ASCs Physicians' officesThe study explores in details about the recent trend fast gaining momentum in the Micro Guide Catheters industry due to factors including but not limited to growing customer preference and a sudden rise in their spending capacity. Aspects attributed to the gross margin, profit, supply chain management and product value and their considerable impact on the development of the Micro Guide Catheters market during the forecast period, 2018 - 2025 is carefully scrutinized during the research.The research provides answers to the following key questions: What is the estimated size of the Micro Guide Catheters market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2025? What will be the growth rate of the industry during the estimated period? What are the prominent driving forces likely to impact the progress of the industry across different regions? Who are the major market players occupying a strong foothold in the Micro Guide Catheters market? What are the winning strategies adopted by them to stay ahead in the competition? What are the potential opportunities for the Micro Guide Catheters market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2025?Read More @Key Points from TOCChapter 1 Overview of Micro Guide CathetersChapter 2 Global Market Status and Forecast by RegionsChapter 3 Global Market Status and Forecast by TypesChapter 4 Global Market Status and Forecast by Downstream IndustryChapter 5 Market Driving Factor Analysis of Micro Guide CathetersChapter 6 Micro Guide Catheters Market Competition Status by Major ManufacturersChapter 7 Micro Guide Catheters Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data7.1 Terumo7.1.1 Company profile7.1.2 Representative Micro Guide Catheters Product7.1.3 Micro Guide Catheters Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin of Terumo7.2 Boston Scientific7.2.1 Company profile7.2.2 Representative Micro Guide Catheters Product7.2.3 Micro Guide Catheters Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin of Boston ScientificContinueChapter 8 Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Micro Guide CathetersChapter 9 Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Micro Guide CathetersChapter 10 Marketing Status Analysis of Micro Guide CathetersChapter 11 Report ConclusionChapter 12 Research Methodology and ReferenceAbout Us:Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? 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The report contains 104 pages which highly exhibits on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability. This report focuses on the Point of Care Infectious Disease 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, segments and application.Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This ReportUpMarketResearch can customize the report as per your need. Point of Care Infectious Disease 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 Point of Care Infectious Disease iness policies are reviewed in the report. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Point of Care Infectious Disease Industry global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2018 2025.The following manufacturers are covered in this report: Siemens Healthineers Trivitron Healthcare F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Alere Quest Diagnostics, Inc BD & Company Chembio Diagnostics Inc Trinity Biotech Cardinal Health Bio-Rad Labs Inc. bioM?rieux SA Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc Sight Diagnostics Ltd. Gene POC Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics OJ-Bio Ltd.For more information on this report, please visit:Point of Care Infectious Disease Production by Region North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)Global Point of Care Infectious Disease Market: Product Segment Analysis HIV POC Clostridium difficile POC HBV POC Pneumonia or Streptococcus associated infections Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) POC HPV POC Influenza/Flu POC HCV POC MRSA POC TB and drug-resistant TB POCPoint of Care Infectious Disease Breakdown Data by Application Hospitals Clinics Home Assisted Living Healthcare Facilities Laboratories OthersAsk For Discount @The report categorizes the market into segments by companies, end-use, type and potential regions. As an enterprise owner or a market entrant, the report offers you a comprehensive analysis beneficial for you to take a positive traction as and when needed. It offers a complete study of analytics necessary to decide on trending segments and potential market areas to operate.The 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.Key StakeholdersPoint of Care Infectious Disease ManufacturersPoint of Care Infectious Disease Distributors/Traders/WholesalersPoint of Care Infectious Disease Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsTo buy this report please visit:Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Point of Care Infectious Disease 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 Point of Care Infectious Disease 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 Point of Care Infectious Disease iness. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their Point of Care Infectious Disease iness 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 Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market By Type and Application- Industry Analysis And Forecasting 2025 | Top Players-Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Miltenyi Biotec, ApoCell, Biofluidica, IVDiagnostics, Clearbridge Biomedics, AdnaGen Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market https://www.crystalmarketresearch.com/report-sample/HC101420 https://www.crystalmarketresearch.com/report/cancer-stem-cells-cscs-market http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/lung-cancer-market-experiences-an-enormous-cagr-growth-global-industry-analysis-and-forecast-2025-1057443.htm https://www.crystalmarketresearch.com/check-discount/HC101420 Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market By Type (CellSearch and Other Types) and Application (Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment and Other Cancers Diagnosis and Treatment) - Global Industry Analysis And Forecast To 2025Crystal Market Research details out informative data related to the Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market which anticipated to garner major market share. This Research Report provides the newest realistic data useful for future worldwide business trendCancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market -Industry Trend AnalysisThe cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cells of cancer (which are found inside hematological growths or tumors) that have qualities related with ordinary stem cells, particularly the capability to offer ascent to all types of cell found in a specific sample of cancer. The CSCs are subsequently tumorigenic (tumor-framing), maybe rather than other non-tumorigenic cells of cancer. The CSCs can create tumors through the processes of stem cell of differentiation and self- renewal into various types of cells. These cells are conjectured to endure in tumors as an unmistakable populace and cause metastasis and relapse by offering ascend to new tumors. Along these lines, advancement of particular treatments focused at CSCs holds seek for development of quality of life and survival of the people suffering from cancer, particularly for patients with the metastatic disorder.To Request Sample Copy @Regional Outlook and Trend AnalysisThe North American region is dominating the global Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market owing to factors like; many organization carry out R&D related to the stem cell therapy, many international recommended medical centers & hospitals located in the region, rising numbers of cases related to cancer, etc.By Region-Middle East And Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria And South Africa)North America (U.S, Canada, Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest Of Europe)Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, Australia, India, South Korea, Rest Of Asia-Pacific)Rest Of The World (Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Others)Competitive InsightsThe major players in the market are profiled in detail in view of qualities, for example, company portfolio, business strategies, financial overview, recent developments, and market share of the overall industry.Silicon BiosystemsJanssenAviva Biosciences CorporationQiagenAdvanced Cell DiagnosticsMiltenyi BiotecApoCellBiofluidicaIVDiagnosticsClearbridge BiomedicsAdnaGenCytoTrackCreatv MicroTechFluxionBioViewCynvenioBrowse Full Report @Market Segmentation-Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market, By Type, Estimates and Forecast, 2014-2025 ($Million)o CellSearcho Other TypesCancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market, By Application, Estimates and Forecast, 2014-2025 ($Million)o Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatmento Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatmento Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatmento Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatmento Other Cancers Diagnosis and TreatmentDrivers & RestrainsThe driving factors of the global market are; rise in the research activates related to cancer due to the increasing death rate of disease, the stem cell therapy for cancer has wide number of applications due to various types of cancers, for example, lung cancer, bosom growth, colorectal cancer, brain cancer, bone cancer and skin cancer rise in the initiatives by the government for increasing the research activities related to cancer, the accessibility of funds and various other factors.While the restraining factors of the market are, moral issues associated with the research of stem cell for cancer, strict rules & regulations to perform trials on humans and other factors.Read Premium News From Releasewire @Major Table of Contents:Chapter 1. Introduction1.1. Report Description1.2. Research Methodology1.2.1. Secondary Research1.2.2. Primary ResearchChapter 2. Executive Summary2.1. Key HighlightsChapter 3. Market Overview3.1. Introduction3.1.1. Market Definition3.1.2. Market Segmentation3.2. Market Dynamics3.2.1. Drivers3.2.2. Restraints3.2.3. Opportunities4. Market Analysis by Regions4.1. North America (United States, Canada and Mexico4.2. Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Rest of Europe)4.3. Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Rest of Asia-Pacific)4.4. south America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Rest of South America)4.5. Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Rest of MEA)5. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market, By Type6. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market, By Application.CONTINUED FOR TOCList of TablesFigure United States Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2014-2025)Figure Canada Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2014-2025)Figure Mexico Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2014-2025)Figure Germany Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2014-2025)Figure France Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2014-2025)Request a discount on standard prices @About Crystal Market Research:Crystal Offers One Stop Solution For Market Research, Business Intelligence, And Consulting Services To Help Clients Make More Informed Decisions. It Provides Both Syndicated As Well As Customized Research Studies For Its Customers Spread Across The Globe. The Company Offers Market Intelligence Reports Across A Broad Range Of Industries Including Healthcare, Chemicals & Materials, Technology, Automotive, And Energy.Contact Us:Judy S,304 South Jones Blvd, Suite 1896,Las Vegas NV 89107,United StatesToll Free: +1-888-213-4282Email: Sales@Crystalmarketresearch.Com New Report On Point of Care Test Market Global Forecast 2018-25 Estimated with Top Key Players like Abaxis Inc., Alere Inc., Becton, ACON Laboratories Inc., Accriva Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories Inc. New Report On Point of Care Test Market Global Forecast 2018-25 Estimated with Top Key Players like Abaxis Inc., Alere Inc., https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/11784 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/11784 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/11784 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/buy/point-of-care-test-market www.upmarketresearch.com UpMarketResearch published an exclusive report on Point of Care Test market delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report contains 127 pages which highly exhibits on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability. This report focuses on the Point of Care Test 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, segments and application.Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This ReportUpMarketResearch can customize the report as per your need. Point of Care Test 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 Point of Care Test iness policies are reviewed in the report. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Point of Care Test Industry global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2018 2025.The following manufacturers are covered in this report: ACON Laboratories Inc. Abaxis Inc. Abbott Laboratories Inc. Accriva Diagnostics AccuBioTech Co. Ltd. Acrongenomics Alere Inc. Alfa Scientific Designs Alpha Scientific Atlas Genetics Ltd. Beckman Coulter Inc. Becton Bio-Rad Laboratories Biomerica Inc. Dickinson and Company Instrumentation Laboratory Johnson & Johnson Medica Corporation Medtronic Nova Biomedical Opti Medical PTS Diagnostics Roche Diagnostics Limited Siemens AG Sienco Inc. bioMerieux OJ-Bio Ltd.For more information on this report, please visit:Point of Care Test Production by Region North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)Global Point of Care Test Market: Product Segment Analysis Glucose Monitoring Kits Blood Gas and Electrolyte Analyzers Pregnancy & Fertility Testing Kits Cardiac Markers Infectious Diseases Testing Kits Drug-of-Abuse Testing Kits OthersPoint of Care Test Breakdown Data by Application Hospital Clinics Ambulatory Care Home Healthcare Research LaboratoryAsk For Discount @The report categorizes the market into segments by companies, end-use, type and potential regions. As an enterprise owner or a market entrant, the report offers you a comprehensive analysis beneficial for you to take a positive traction as and when needed. It offers a complete study of analytics necessary to decide on trending segments and potential market areas to operate.The 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.Key StakeholdersPoint of Care Test ManufacturersPoint of Care Test Distributors/Traders/WholesalersPoint of Care Test Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsTo buy this report please visit:Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Point of Care Test 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 Point of Care Test 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 Point of Care Test iness. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their Point of Care Test iness 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 Aircraft Hydraulic System Market Business Growth Statistics and Key Players Insights: United Technologies Corporation, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Safran S.A Aircraft Hydraulic System Market https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/1094171 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/1094171 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/checkout/1094171 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com Global Aircraft Hydraulic System Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 presents an in-depth assessment of the Aircraft Hydraulic System industry including enabling technologies, deployment models, market drivers, key trends, standardization, regulatory landscape, challenges, operator case studies, opportunities, future roadmap, value chain, ecosystem player profiles and strategies. The report also presents forecasts for Aircraft Hydraulic System Market investments from 2018 till 2025.The report on Global Aircraft Hydraulic System Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the Aircraft Hydraulic System industry a propos classifications, definitions, applications, industry chain summary, industry policies in addition to plans, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures, etc. The Global Aircraft Hydraulic System Market renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the Aircraft Hydraulic System 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 major manufacturers covered in this report United Technologies Corporation Parker Hannifin Corporation Safran S.A. Eaton Corporation PLC Liebherr-International AG Woodward, Inc. Triumph Group, Inc. Moog Inc. Arkwin Industries Inc. Beaver Aerospace & DefenseGet Sample Copy of This Report @On the basis of product, primarily split into Open-Center Closed-CenterOn the basis of the end users/applications Civil Aircraft Military Aircraft HelicopterThe 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 Aircraft Hydraulic System 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.The study objectives of this report are: To analyze and study the global Aircraft Hydraulic System capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025); Focuses on the key Aircraft Hydraulic System manufacturers, to study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in future. 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.BUY 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- By Barbara Feder Ostrov, Kaiser Health News Janet Winston had a rash that wouldnt go away. The English professor from Eureka, Calif., always had been sensitive to ingredients in skin creams and cosmetics. This time, however, the antifungal cream she was prescribed to treat her persistent rash seemed to make things worse. Was she allergic to that, too? Winston, 56, who works at Humboldt State University, knew the dermatologist in her rural Northern California town was booked months in advance. So, as she often does for specialized treatment, she turned to Stanford Health Care, a nearly six-hour drive south. She hoped to finally clear up her rash and learn what else she might be allergic to for years, she had avoided lipstick and other skin products. Winston said that 119 tiny plastic containers of allergens were taped to her back over three days of testing. Winston ultimately learned that she was allergic to among other things linalool (a compound of lavender and other plants), the metals gold, nickel and cobalt, the ketoconazole cream prescribed to treat her persistent rash, the antibiotic neomycin, a clothing dye, and a common preservative used in cosmetics. Her Stanford-affiliated doctor had warned her that the extensive allergy skin-patch testing she needed might be expensive, Winston said, but she wasnt too worried. After all, Stanford was an in-network provider for her insurer and her insurance, one of her benefits as an employee of the state of California, always had been reliable. Then the bill came. Patient: Janet Winston, 56, of Eureka, Calif., English professor at Humboldt State University Total Bill: $48,329, including $848 for the time Winston spent with her doctor. Winstons health insurer, Anthem Blue Cross, paid Stanford a negotiated rate of $11,376.47. Stanford billed Winston $3,103.73 as her 20 percent share of the negotiated rate. Service Provider: Dr. Golara Honari of Stanford Health Cares outpatient dermatology clinic in Redwood City, Calif. Medical Procedures: Extensive allergy skin-patch testing to determine what substances caused Winstons contact dermatitis, or skin rashes. I was grateful I had such wonderful care at Stanford, Winston said, but I was pretty outraged they could charge that. No one cut into me. No one gave me anesthesia. I had partly open plastic containers filled with fluid taped to my back. What Gives: Medical billing analysts told Kaiser Health News that Stanfords charges for Winstons allergy patch test appeared excessive. They were surprised to hear that Winstons insurer, Anthem Blue Cross, paid Stanford more than $11,000 for the treatment. Stanfords list price, however, is a whopping $399 per allergen. "That charge is astronomical and nuts," said Margaret Skurka, a retired professor of health informatics at Indiana University and a medical coding and billing consultant who advises hospitals and providers. She reviewed Winston's bill. The "usual, customary and reasonable" charge for testing a single allergen in the high-cost San Francisco Bay Area is about $35, said Michael Arrigo, a San Francisco-based medical billing expert witness who also reviewed Winston's bill. "The data seems pretty conclusive that the charges in this case are inflated." For the type of allergy skin-patch testing Winston received, the average charge physicians submitted to Medicare an important data point for private insurers was about $16 per allergen in 2016, according to Medicare payment data. An Anthem spokesman noted that one of the insurers examiners did review the bill but could not say whether it received extra scrutiny because of its high cost. We try to strike a balance between protecting affordability and providing a broad network of providers to create choices, Eric Lail said in an emailed statement. Winstons case highlights how some health providers set exorbitant rates, knowing theyll ultimately be paid a lesser amount. Patients rarely pay these rates known as chargemaster or list prices and they can generate headlines for the $100 aspirin. But such list prices, as the starting point for negotiations and discounts, do help determine the amounts insurers pay, and ultimately what patients pay as their share of cost. Stanford Health Care also has a lot of power in dealing with insurers like Anthem Blue Cross. The academic medical system includes hospitals and outpatient clinics across the San Francisco Bay Area as well as a number of large doctor practices in the region. That kind of consolidation and market power can raise health care prices. Insurers in the region have long grappled with Stanford's high costs, at times withdrawing the health system from their networks. But the breadth and depth of the academic medical system not to mention its popularity with high-end customers in the Bay Area makes it difficult for insurers to exclude a powerhouse like Stanford from a network for long. A study recently published in Health Affairs found that such consolidation in California has caused health care costs to spike for both patients and insurers. Patrick Bartosch, a spokesman for Stanford Health Care, said that Winstons doctor customized her treatment rather than using off-the-shelf patch tests. The university health system operates a large allergen bank of its own, he said. In this case, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the patient and her environmental exposures and meticulously selected appropriate allergens, which required obtaining and preparing putative allergens on an individual basis, Bartosch said in an emailed statement. Leemore Dafny, a Harvard University health care economist, said big health systems like Stanfords which owns multiple hospitals and outpatient clinics can pressure insurers to pay big. Everyone wants to point fingers at the providers, but a lot of times [insurers] roll over and pay the rates, she said. In other words, Stanford charged Winstons insurer $48,000 because it could. Resolution: After some bargaining with Stanfords billing department, Winston ultimately paid $1,561.86 out-of-pocket. She made the argument that her doctor had told her the cost per allergen would be about $100, not nearly the $400 Stanford ultimately charged her insurer. The Takeaway: Insurers often tell patients to shop around for the best price and to make sure they choose in-network providers to avoid surprises. Winston did everything right and still got caught out. As a state employee, she had great insurance and Stanford was an in-network provider. Winston said her doctor warned her the test would be expensive, but she never anticipated that could mean close to $50,000. So dont be afraid to ask for specific numbers: Expensive and cheap can have hugely different meanings in the high-priced U.S. health system. Clearly uncomfortable with the charges, Winstons physician advised her in advance to contest it with Stanfords billing department. So she did, and Stanford gave her a nearly 50 percent discount for her coinsurance share of the bill. It never hurts to ask. Still, Stanford received more than $12,000 total from Winston and her insurer for allergy patch tests a cost that is borne by insurance policyholders and taxpayers. Researchers have linked consolidation by Northern California providers such as Stanford and Sutter Health to higher health costs for the region's consumers. A local health workers union also has taken aim at Stanford's costs with two city ballot initiatives that attempt to rein in what Stanford and other health providers can charge patients in Palo Alto and Livermore. I was grateful I had so much insurance, and that it was in-network, and I could afford the [final] bill, Winston said. On the other hand, I thought, How can they get away with this? Most Americans could never afford this procedure, at least at this facility, and it made me think about the grand piano in the lobby. NPR produced and edited the interview with Elisabeth Rosenthal for broadcast. April Dembosky, from member station KQED, provided audio reporting. Do you have an exorbitant or baffling medical bill? Join the KHN and NPR Bill-of-the-Month Club and tell us about your experience. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation. Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. Vancouver police arrested a Longview man after a 5-year-old girl who was in his care died at a Portland hospital Friday night. The child was unconscious and had suffered severe head trauma when an emergency medical crew arrived at the Madison Park Apartments in northeast Vancouver. EMS officials called Vancouver police as they prepared to transport the girl to a local hospital. Ryan M. Burge, 37, told police he was watching his girlfriend's daughter when the girl injured herself during a temper tantrum. The girl was first transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center but later transferred to Randall Children's Hospital in Portland due to the nature of her injuries. She died shortly after arriving. Burge was arrested for second-degree murder. Officials have not released the name of the child and say the investigation is ongoing. --Eder Campuzano | 503.221.4344 ecampuzano@oregonian.com Jim Harris, who was top lawyer for Portland Public Schools for six months before Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero pushed him out, has filed an unfair labor practices complaint, saying Guerrero ousted him after he questioned the school board's treatment of employees of color. Harris' complaint offers a new perspective on Guerrero's firing of Deputy Chief Executive Officer Yousef Awwad last fall, which happened shortly after Guerrero took the top job at Portland Public Schools. Awwad has been vocal about his ouster, alleging he was fired for speaking out against what he felt was a secretive and illegal investigation into a personal relationship he had with a subordinate. Harris' complaint largely backs Awwad's take. "I became concerned that two or three board members of the school board held discriminatory attitudes based upon race and sexual orientation," the complaint says. It says board members, who he does not name, conducted in private investigations of Awwad as well as an unnamed licensed teacher. Awwad has said then-school board chair Julia Brim-Edwards had him investigated because of a personal vendetta, a charge she has denied. Harris' complaint also says he spoke out about other instances of discriminatory behavior, such as a blocked rollout of translation services and delayed release of a memo to staff about inclusion. Harris also says he felt he was fired because board members learned his spouse is Asian. Harris is white, Guerrero is Latino, Brim-Edwards is white and Awwad is Jordanian. Michelle Cole, a spokeswoman for the district who works for a public affairs firm, called the complaint inaccurate and misleading and said the superintendent asked Harris to resign "for reasons that were entirely related to his performance." Harris, an experienced lawyer who did not have a background in education law, had not obtained a license to practice law in Oregon at the time he was dismissed. But district officials said that was not the basis for his ouster. Cole said, "It is also deeply unfortunate that Mr. Harris continues to violate his former client's trust by disclosing misleading information and details of privileged, attorney-client communications within his (complaint), thus violating his legal and ethical obligations under the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct." Guerrero fired Awwad shortly before he fired Harris. Awwad has contended the school board's investigation into him was illegal because the board launched it in secret, instead of approving it through a public vote. That investigation ultimately found Awwad had violated no policies, but did question his judgment and recommended the board enact new policies that would have made clear his continuing to supervise a subordinate after he started dating her was inappropriate. Harris says he became aware of the Awwad investigation when a law firm contacted him in August to express discomfort that the firm was doing work for the board without a contract. Harris said he then reported to the superintendent that he felt the contract violated state law and he refused to sign any engagement letters or other matters related to the contract because he believed it to be illegal. Brim-Edwards said in a statement that Harris' complaint "continues his pattern of making serious and untrue allegations." She added that it is "well-documented that advice I and other board members received from outside legal counsel was appropriately sought and the proper contracts were in place." "I find it particularly abhorrent and personally offensive for Mr. Harris to claim that any of my actions taken on behalf of the district would be motivated by race or sexual orientation," Brim-Edwards said, noting she was not involved in Guerrero's decision to fire Harris. "I have a track record of supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. " Harris' complaint does not specify what the alleged discrimination regarding sexual orientation was. The fact that Guerrero asked Harris to resign hasn't been previously reported. At the time Harris stepped down, Guerrero wrote in a notice to all district employees that Harris had "tendered his resignation" and a district spokesman indicated the decision was mutual. According to the complaint, Guerrero asked Harris to resign, told him when his last day would be and said that Harris could expect two months pay. Harris is emphatic that the choice to leave was not his own. He makes a point of stating that The Oregonian/OregonLive falsely reported that he voluntarily left. The news outlet's story attributed the fact that Harris resigned to Guerrero's all-staff message. At the time, The Oregonian/OregonLive asked repeatedly if Harris had been asked to resign. Then-district spokesman Dave Northfield did not answer the question but sent a statement that said, "Through various conversations both parties agreed this was the path forward." Harris faces his own legal trouble from the Oregon State Bar, which filed charges against him for serving as the school district's general counsel without being admitted to practice in Oregon. The bar notified Harris he was under investigation shortly before he was fired last November. A hearing on the matter is set for Dec. 3. Harris has contended that he qualified for a temporary ability to practice because he was in the process of seeking membership to the bar, a fact the district was aware of when he started his job. Although Northfield backed Harris up on that point and stressed the lawyer had a pristine record, Brim-Edwards said at the time she was surprised about Harris' lack of Oregon credentials. Harris' complaint takes issue with Brim-Edwards' surprise, calling her remarks false. Email records corroborate Brim-Edwards claim that she was unaware Harris lacked an Oregon license. "The lack of licensing was a surprise and now that I am aware of it, it wouldn't be appropriate to continue to have the board advised at a public meeting by an individual who is not currently licensed to practice in Oregon," Brim-Edwards wrote on Nov. 9, 2017 to the district's director of human resources. "This request is not based on any particular issue with the individual in the (general counsel) role, rather it is a matter of professional best practice." Bethany Barnes Got a tip about Portland Public Schools? Email Bethany: bbarnes@oregonian.com A federal judge halted the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's plans Friday to remove the ovaries of wild horses to stop them from propagating in Oregon. The horses from the Warm Springs Herd Management Area cannot be sterilized with the procedure until the outcome of a court case brought by animal rights groups. U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman said Friday that the groups' claims that the federal government should allow someone to monitor the surgeries are likely valid. A coalition of animal welfare groups -- including the American Wild Horse Campaign, Animal Welfare Institute, The Cloud Foundation and a photographer -- say that an outside veterinarian should be allowed to watch the sterilizations and place non-intrusive cameras in the area where the horses are held. The groups oppose the bureau's plan because they say it is an inhumane way to sterilize horses. They advocate for a temporary birth control that is often administered by dart to keep the wild horse population in check. The federal government has long wrestled with how to stem the number of wild horses that roam eastern Oregon. The horses have long been rounded up and sold for adoption. However, they multiply so fast that there are more horses than takers and present ecological problems. The bureau has proposed ovary removal before and was met with opposition then as well. "Hopefully, BLM will rethink their decision to move forward with the most inhumane and impractical management tool imaginable," said Ginger Kathrens, executive director of The Cloud Foundation. -- Molly Harbarger mharbarger@oregonian.com 503-294-5923 @MollyHarbarger Large corporations have tried to scare us into voting against our own interests before by drumming up an unfounded illusion that groceries would cost more. Remember Monsanto's influx of huge sums to defeat the measure that would have given us labels on our food so we would know if it is genetically modified or not? This time, it's Measure 103. Writers frame this measure to give the impression that we will be voting directly for or against taxes on our groceries. Actually, Measure 103 proposes a serious amendment to the state constitution. It is about sheltering a wide swath of rich corporations from tax hikes, and it is not about what is good for you or me. Small farmers and small businesses in Oregon say "no" on 103. Read your Voters' Pamphlet and see all those who realize that this amendment will hurt us, the ordinary people, in many ways! Healthcare, schools, parks - so much is at risk. This measure would be part of our constitution and be retroactive to Oct. 1, 2017. Measure 103 is smoke and mirrors once again so the rich can get richer at public expense. We will be poorer if Measure 103 passes. Vote "no" on Measure 103! Adrienne Dickinson, Southeast Portland Two asylum seekers who were detained at a federal prison in western Oregon have filed a lawsuit contending the Trump administration violated religious protections. Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that Pachattar Singh and Gurpreet Singh filed the federal lawsuit Thursday saying they weren't allowed to follow customs of their Sikh religion at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan. "While detained at Sheridan, asylum-seeking detainees of the Sikh faith were denied a vegetarian diet, and many were forced to eat meat to avoid malnutrition and starvation," the lawsuit said. The plaintiffs were told to pray in their cells, but their religious beliefs do not allow them to pray in a room with a toilet, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit said those are violations of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The current status and whereabouts of the plaintiffs was unclear. The federal government hasn't responded to the lawsuit. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in late May sent more than 120 detainees from the U.S. southern border to Sheridan. The agency said it needed space for up to 1,600 detainees after the Trump administration announced a zero-tolerance immigration policy. Detainees were also sent to Texas, California, Washington and Arizona. Other attorneys working to release the detainees said few, if any, of the detainees were serving a criminal sentence but were housed in a criminal setting in violation of the U.S. Constitution. The Federal Bureau of Prisons made some improvements in the housing and food for detainees at Sheridan, the lawsuit said, but restrictions remained. The last Sikh detainee at Sheridan was released in late September. "Plaintiffs' inability to freely exercise these religious beliefs was a cause of immeasurable distress for them," the lawsuit said. -- The Associated Press WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Friday declined for now to stop a lawsuit filed by young activists who say the government isn't doing enough to prevent climate change. But the high court told the Trump administration that the government can still petition a lower court to dismiss the case as the government had asked the high court to do. Trial in the case had been scheduled to begin earlier this week in Eugene, but the Supreme Court temporarily halted the trial earlier this month. On Friday evening, the high court declined to extend the temporary halt to the case. The court said in a three-page, unsigned order that ordinarily the request the government made to the justices for the case to be dismissed has to be made to a lower court first. The high court said "adequate relief may be available" from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. That court has previously declined requests to dismiss the case at earlier stages. The Supreme Court also didn't rule out bringing the case back to the justices after the appeals court rules. Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Neil Gorsuch said they would have extended the halt to the case. The case against the government was brought by 21 young people, ages 11 to 22, who argue that government officials have known for more than 50 years that carbon pollution from fossil fuels was causing climate change and that policies on oil and gas deprive them of life, liberty and property. A lawyer for the young people, Julia Olson, did not immediately return telephone or email messages requesting comment Friday evening. The young people also say the government has failed to protect natural resources as a "public trust" for future generations. The lawsuit wants a court to order the government to take action to quickly phase out carbon dioxide emissions to a certain level by 2100 and develop a national climate recovery plan. The federal government under the Obama and Trump administrations has tried repeatedly to get the case dismissed since it was filed in 2015 but have so far been unsuccessful. Trump administration lawyers had 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." A Justice Department spokeswoman, Kerri Kupec, declined comment on the Supreme Court's action Friday. -- The Associated Press Seattle energy consultant Martin Shain was sentenced Friday to more than four years in prison for his part in a multimillion-dollar fraud conspiracy involving Oregon tax credits. Shain had earlier pleaded no contest in Marion County Circuit Court to charges that he forged two documents to improperly obtain $11.8 million in state tax credits for six solar projects on university campuses across the state. He had also pleaded no contest on charges of bribe giving and racketeering, and guilty to tax evasion charges, in connection with a tax credit brokering scheme that he masterminded with the help of a former Energy Department employee, Joe Colello. The court ordered Shain to pay $2.2 million in fines and restitution. That includes a $554,966 compensatory fine to the Oregon Department of Justice related to the forgery charges; restitution of $419,921 to cover the Justice Department's investigation and prosecution costs; and, jointly with Colello, another $1.25 million in restitution to the cities, transit districts, universities and private companies bilked in the scheme involving the Business Energy Tax Credit program. Shain will serve his 52-month state sentence concurrently with the 46-month federal sentence he received last week in federal court on conspiracy and tax evasion charges. Colello, meanwhile, is already serving a five-year sentence at a federal prison in Texas after pleading guilty to state and federal charges in the tax credit brokering scheme. The Oregon Department of Justice and FBI originally launched investigations of the university solar projects in 2015, after The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that project backers had submitted phony and misleading documents to falsely demonstrate that they had met a key construction deadline to qualify for tax credits. That report also showed one of SolarCity's suppliers used low-paid prison labor to keep costs down for a politically popular set of projects meant to showcase Oregon's green energy ambitions and create local jobs. The state and federal investigations confirmed the forgery, then exposed Shain and Colello's bribery scheme. Their partnership, which involved Colello using inside information to help Shain sell clients' tax credits, netted Colello $300,000 in kickbacks and allowed Shain to collect $1.3 million in commissions on the tax credits they brokered, including the credits for the university solar projects. Last month, the state clawed back $13 million from the developer of the university projects, SolarCity, and its accountant after investigators determined the cost of 14 commercial-scale solar projects built by the company in Oregon had been inflated more than 100 percent to qualify for higher state tax credits. That probe was launched after an April 2015 report by The Oregonian/OregonLive raised questions about the costs SolarCity submitted to qualify for the tax credits on the university solar projects. The state is still pursuing a civil case against Shain, his company Bacgen Technologies, and Shain's business partner Rodger Phillips, in connection with the forgeries submitted to improperly obtain tax credits for the university solar projects. Bacgen earned a $1.9 million consulting fee from SolarCity for its work on the university solar projects, based on 40 cents per-installed-watt for the completed solar projects. The state is seeking recovery of the full $11.8 million in tax credits provided for the projects, plus fines and attorneys fees. That case was postponed until Shain's state and federal criminal cases were completed. -Ted Sickinger 503-221-8505; @tedsickinger A 39-year-old man who told police he was experimenting with new drugs when he walked through the front doors of two Southeast Portland homes and frightened the people inside was sentenced to two years in prison Friday. Peter Matthew Flis III wielded a 2x4 piece of wood when he threatened to rape a woman inside one of the homes, investigators said. Two other people inside eventually forced him out, but not before Flis threatened to kill their cat and smashed a guitar that was hanging on the wall, according to a probable cause affidavit. Moments earlier, Flis had walked through the unlocked door of a home across the street and claimed he was a police officer with a search warrant. The 16-year-old baby sitter inside yelled at him to go -- and he did, but first threw a balled-up piece of paper at the teen's face and dropped a bag of trash inside the house, the affidavit said. The baby sitter and his 9-year-old cousin in the home weren't hurt. Police arrested Flis shortly after 10 p.m. on May 23 in the front yard of one of the houses, near Southeast 64th Avenue and Foster Road. Residents from the second home were pinning him down. Flis told police that he felt like he had been in a dream, according to the affidavit. Flis pleaded guilty Friday to criminal impersonation of a police officer, second-degree criminal mischief, unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of first-degree burglary in Multnomah County Circuit Court. After he serves his prison term, he will be on probation and must complete a drug-treatment court program called START. Through the program, he will have to regularly check in with a judge, undergo drug counseling and submit to random urine tests. -- Aimee Green TOKYO -- North Korea has threatened to restart the development of its nuclear weapons program unless the United States lifts sanctions, underscoring one of the major potential stumbling blocks in Washington's diplomatic outreach with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The Trump administration has insisted that sanctions and other pressures remain on North Korea until it dismantles its nuclear program. Kim's regime, however, has always demanded a step-by-step process of denuclearization that would include lifting U.S. sanctions along the way. In the past month, Pyongyang has stepped up its calls for sanctions relief. The statement released late Friday by North Korea's Foreign Ministry is the latest indication that negotiations over its nuclear program have hit an impasse. The issue of sanctions has also created a rift between Seoul and Washington. South Korea has backed the North's call for sanctions relief, and is keen to get moving on an ambitious program of economic development and cooperation, including building road and rail links across their heavily militarized frontier. The North Korean Foreign Ministry warned that unless sanctions were lifted and Washington stopped behaving "arrogantly," North Korea could reinstate "pyongjin" - its policy of simultaneously developing its nuclear weapons program alongside seeking economic development. In April, Kim declared that the country's nuclear weapons program was sufficiently advanced, and that the policy of "pyongjin" would replaced by a single focus on improving the economy. Backtracking could reignite tensions with the United States. Still, neither side has turned its back on negotiations. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told journalists that he will meet his North Korean "counterpart" for further talks next week, although he did not specify exactly when, where or with whom those talks would take place. Pompeo met Kim in Pyongyang last month, and says he secured a promise to allow American inspectors into two nuclear and missile testing sites to check on their dismantlement. Speaking on "The Laura Ingraham Show" last week, Pompeo said a summit between Kim and President Donald Trump could happen early next year and enable "a substantial breakthrough in taking down the nuclear threat from North Korea." "We're still happy that they haven't conducted a nuclear test in an awfully long time and they haven't launched a missile in an awfully long time," Pompeo said, adding that Kim had made clear to him he intends to denuclearize but that much more work needed to be done. In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News on Friday, Pompeo reiterated that "a lot of work" remains to be done, but added: "I'm confident that we will keep the economic pressure in place until such time as Chairman Kim fulfills the commitment he made to President Trump back in June in Singapore." That oft-repeated refrain about pressure is the problem in Pyongyang's eyes. North Korea argues that Trump promised Kim in June that a new era in relations was beginning. "The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," the Foreign Ministry commentary said. " 'Friendship' is incompatible with 'pressure.' " The Foreign Ministry asked Washington to abandon its "foolish daydream" that sanctions and pressure will lead to denuclearization. "We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea," it said. The United States, it added, was making a big mistake if it believed that North Korea would agree to unilateral disarmament as long as sanctions remain in place, and argued that negotiations should be "simultaneous and phased" and based on "reciprocity and equality." "If the U.S. keeps behaving arrogantly without showing any change in its stand, while failing to properly understand our repeated demand, the DPRK may add one thing to the state policy for directing all efforts to the economic construction adopted in April and as a result, the word 'pyongjin' may appear again," the statement said, using the common abbreviation of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "The U.S. will be able to dodge piteous future that may do harm to itself and the world only when it gives up highflying desire and one-sided viewpoint," it wrote. -- The Washington Post WASHINGTON -- The total price of President Donald Trump's military deployment to the border, including the cost of National Guard forces that have been there since April, could climb well above $200 million by the end of 2018 and grow significantly if the deployments continue into next year, according to analyst estimates and Pentagon figures. The deployment of as many as 15,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border - potentially equal in size to the U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan - occurs as the budgetary largesse the military has enjoyed since Trump took office looks set to come to an end. Although the costs of the border deployments will be a tiny slice of a $716 billion annual defense budget, they arrive as the Trump administration is calling on the Pentagon to cut unnecessary expenditures. The White House recently ordered the Pentagon to slash next year's budget for the military by about $33 billion in response to the largest increase in the federal deficit in six years. Veterans and Democratic lawmakers have complained that Trump is wasting military dollars in a politically motivated stunt ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, at a time when the Pentagon budget is under pressure. "Instead of working in a bipartisan manner to make comprehensive, common-sense, and humane reforms to our immigration system, the President continues to turn to politically-motivated fear mongering and uses [Department of Defense] resources and personnel as a means to drive his troubling anti-immigration agenda," more than 100 House Democrats wrote in a letter to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Nov. 1. Retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the deployment as "wasteful" in a message on Twitter and said Marines and soldiers were already overstretched. Administration officials have defended the deployment. Mattis said this week that the military doesn't do stunts. The commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, Kevin McAleenan, argued that the deployment is necessary to "effectively and safely" handle the possible arrival of as many as 7,000 migrants walking toward the border in caravans from Central America. But military planning documents, dated Oct. 27 and published by Newsweek, predicted that only 20 percent of the migrants, or about 1,400 at the higher end of estimates, were likely to complete the journey to the border, raising questions about the size of the deployment. "The military has a lot of things that it needs to be doing these days," said Susanna Blume, a former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. "Looking at estimates of the size of the caravan, you could ask the question as to whether this is the most appropriate use of U.S. active-duty forces." It isn't clear how many U.S. troops will end up on the U.S.-Mexico border. About 2,000 forces from the National Guard are already there, operating under an order Trump issued in April. Northern Command has said more than 7,000 additional active-duty troops will join them in Arizona, Texas and California. Trump said this week that he will be deploying between 10,000 and 15,000 troops but didn't make clear whether those figures included the National Guard. The cost of the National Guard deployment from April 10 through Sept. 30 amounted to $103 million, according to Pentagon figures. The Defense Department expects the Guard deployment to cost an additional $308 million through the end of next September, including the last quarter of 2018, so long as the operations continue apace. Active-duty forces, which Trump deployed under his recent order, generally are less expensive because they don't require additional pay or benefits. Travis Sharp, a research fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budget Assessments, estimated that the cost of deploying 8,000 active-duty troops through mid-December in addition to the Guard would amount to $40 million to $50 million. Should the administration deploy 15,000 active-duty troops, as Trump suggested, the estimated cost would rise to as much as $110 million, Sharp said. The forces could end up staying past mid-December, depending on the status of the caravans, which by most accounts are still weeks away from the border. An extension of the deployment could result in costs in excess of those estimates. As of Saturday morning, about 3,500 active-duty service members have been deployed as a part of the mission, dubbed Operation Faithful Patriot, said Maj. Mark Lazane, a Northern Command spokesman. They include about 2,250 in Texas, 1,100 in California and 170 in Arizona, he said. Photographs taken Friday at the port of entry in Hidalgo, Texas, show U.S. soldiers stringing concertina wire while working with CBP. The soldiers are wearing standard camouflage uniforms along with body armor and helmets, and appear unarmed. Lazane said soldiers who do not typically use firearms in their day-to-day jobs while stateside will continue to work without them, though Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the chief of Northern Command, has the authority to change that if desired. Democrats have complained that in addition to paying for the border deployments, the Defense Department internally allocated $7.5 million to advanced planning for a 37-mile barrier along the side of a military bombing range in Arizona that abuts the border. Democratic lawmakers said the barrier alone could cost as much as $450 million. Mattis offered a safety justification for the barrier in testimony to Congress earlier this year, suggesting that any migrants crossing the border through the range could end up hurt. Critics have said the project amounts to a move by the president to build part of the border wall he promised on the campaign trail by tapping military resources. Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said last week that the White House had instructed the Pentagon to prepare a $700 billion budget for 2020 - about 4.5 percent less than the $733 billion the department had planned. Thomas Spoehr, a retired Army lieutenant general and director of the Heritage Foundation's Center for National Defense, said many of the units deploying to the border are fulfilling duties approximate to their wartime missions and could end up with good training from the field. He said the expenditure would be marginal in terms of the overall American defense budget. "The military needs every dollar it can get. Having said that, this is not in the scheme of things a huge thing," Spoehr said. "It probably will pass almost unnoticed in terms of the budget." -- The Washington Post A Beaverton High School employee has filed a $504,000 lawsuit against the Beaverton School District, claiming he was sexually assaulted on campus by a special needs student. The male employee worked as a paraeducator who helped the teenage boy in the classroom. In the two years leading up to the time he was attacked, the paraeducator had repeatedly expressed his concerns to his supervisors about the student's escalating behavior, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday in Washington County Circuit Court. District spokeswoman Maureen Wheeler declined comment Friday, citing the pending litigation. The lawsuit was filed the same day as two paraeducators for Portland Public Schools filed a $900,000 lawsuit, claiming that special needs elementary school students had repeatedly grabbed their breasts and stuck their hands down the women's pants. The Beaverton High lawsuit claims the student also pulled down the pants and underwear of a female special education student and touched her genital area. The school didn't notify the girl's parents of the assault, the suit alleges. The student also squeezed the buttocks of one teacher and grabbed another teacher between the legs, the suit says. Administrators responded to the paraeducator's calls for help by telling him to ignore the student because the student was only trying to seek attention, the lawsuit states. "They told him don't engage, turn your back," said Rebecca Cambreleng, the Portland lawyer representing the paraeducator. That's what the paraeducator was doing on April 16 as he and another employee took on the task of watching the student after he'd assaulted another student, the lawsuit says. The student stuck his hand down the paraeducator's pants and caused internal anal bruising, according to the lawsuit. As the paraeducator turned around, the student also grabbed the employee's genitals, the suit says. The man now has post-traumatic stress disorder and hasn't been able to return to work, more than six months after the assault, the suit says. "He's devastated because he loves his work," Cambreleng said. "He really wants to be able to help these kids." The paraeducator reported that he'd been attacked to Beaverton High's principal and to police through a school resource officer, and the lawsuit says he was told he'd be kept up to date. But the suit claims that from then on, he heard nothing back from the district, the principal or the vice principal. Beaverton police spokesman Jeremy Shaw told The Oregonian/OregonLive that police investigated the case and forwarded it to the Washington County juvenile department for review. It was unclear Friday if the boy has been charged or prosecuted. The suit says that the teenager is still attending Beaverton High. The suit claims he poses an ongoing threat to staff and students. -- Aimee Green STOREY COUNTY, Nev. An enormous plot of land in the Nevada desert bigger than nearby Reno has been the subject of local intrigue since a company with no history, Blockchains LLC, bought it for $170 million in cash this year. The man who owns the company, a lawyer and cryptocurrency millionaire named Jeffrey Berns, put on a helmet and climbed into a Polaris off-road vehicle last week to give a tour of the sprawling property and dispel a bit of the mystery. He imagines a sort of experimental community spread over about 100 square miles, where houses, schools, commercial districts and production studios will be built. The centerpiece of this giant project will be the blockchain, a new kind of database that was introduced by bitcoin. ALSO READ: SF's largest estate has seen its asking price slashed in half. Why isn't it selling? After his driver stopped the Polaris on a high desert plateau, surrounded by blooming rabbit brush and a grazing herd of wild horses, Berns, 56, pointed to the highlights of his dream community. You see that first range of mountains, he said, pointing south. Those mountains are the border of our South Valley. Thats where were going to build the high-tech park, a research campus that would cover hundreds of acres. There are also plans for a college and an e-gaming arena. As strange even fantastical as all this might sound, Berns ambitions fit right into the idiosyncratic world of cryptocurrencies and blockchains. The blockchain began as a digital ledger on which all bitcoin transactions are recorded. Some aficionados have grander plans. They think it could be a new way of taking power back from the institutions they believe are calling all the shots. Just as bitcoin made it possible to transfer money without using a bank, blockchain believers like Berns think the technology will make it possible for ordinary people to control their own data the lifeblood of the digital economy without relying on big companies or governments. There is a fuzzy line between these utopian visions and get-rich-quick schemes. Several cryptocurrency projects have been shut down by regulators; apparent hucksters have been arrested; and a plan to transform Puerto Rico with cryptocurrencies has been criticized as nothing more than a bid to take advantage of the islands status as a tax haven. Berns was drawn to Nevada by its tax benefits, including the lack of income taxes. And the breadth of his ambitions certainly raises the risk of a boondoggle. But he is different from his crypto-brethren in one big way: He is spending his own money. So far, he said, he has spent $300 million on the land, offices, planning and a staff of 70 people. And buying 67,000 largely undeveloped acres is a bit of old-fashioned, real estate risk-taking. Still, Berns said his ambition was not to be a real estate magnate or even to get rich or richer. He is promising to give away all decision-making power for the project and 90 percent of any dividends it generates to a corporate structure that will be held by residents, employees and future investors. That structure, which he calls a distributed collaborative entity, is supposed to operate on a blockchain where everyones ownership rights and voting powers will be recorded in a digital wallet. Berns acknowledged that all this is way beyond what blockchains have actually accomplished. But that hasnt discouraged him. I dont know why, he said over the roar of the Polaris engine. I just something inside me tells me this is the answer, that if we can get enough people to trust the blockchain, we can begin to change all the systems we operate by. Berns has managed to win over local officials who are eager for economic development. Nevadas governor, Brian Sandoval, read a proclamation that named the Blockchains property Innovation Park at an event last month where Berns sat on a panel with the governor and Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla. Teslas Gigafactory in Nevada, which has been described as the largest building in the world, is surrounded by Blockchains land. Companies like Google, Apple and Switch also have properties in the industrial park that is surrounded by Berns holdings. This week, he announced a memorandum of understanding with one of the states main power companies, NV Energy, to team up on projects that will run energy transactions through a blockchain. The Nevada county where this is all located, Storey County, has only about 4,000 residents and was best known, until recently, for its history of silver mining and its modern brothels, including one owned by a county commissioner. That same county commissioner, Lance Gilman, bought the land surrounding the brothel and turned it into the industrial park where Tesla and Google are now located. Blockchains has already received preliminary county support for a new town along the Truckee River, with thousands of homes, a school and a drone delivery system, and is working closely with the county on a broader master plan. But for now, Blockchains is empty land and a repurposed office building. Berns said the company wont begin construction on the broader property until late 2019, at the earliest, after putting together the master plan and getting it approved by the county. The office manager from Berns old law office in Los Angeles, Joanna Rodriguez, moved with her four children and husband to Nevada. He has these crazy ideas but I know that every time he sets his mind to something he will get there, said Rodriguez, 29, who has worked with Berns for eight years and is now the manager of the Blockchains office in Nevada. Thats why I decided to move. Berns spent most of his professional life on class-action lawsuits, many of them against financial companies. He learned about bitcoin in 2012 but was won over by another cryptocurrency called Ethereum, which makes it possible to store more than just transaction data on a blockchain. Berns bought Ether, the digital token associated with Ethereum, in a big sale in 2015. Thanks to an astronomical increase in the price of Ether and some well-timed selling last year before it crashed, he became wealthy enough to fund his dream project. Ethereum is what he believes makes his community more than just a giant real estate project. To understand why requires more than a bit of imagination. And faith. Every resident and employee will have what amounts to an Ethereum address, which they will use to vote on local measures and store their personal data. Berns believes Ethereum will give people a way to control their identity and online data without any governments or companies involved. That is a widely shared view in the blockchain community, but there are significant questions about whether any of it can work in the real world. Most blockchain companies have failed to gain any traction, and Ethereum and bitcoin networks have struggled to handle even moderate amounts of traffic. Berns believes that one of the big problems has been security. People have been terrible at holding the private keys that are necessary to access a bitcoin or Ethereum wallet. He wants to address that with a custom-built system where peoples private keys are stored on multiple digital devices, kept in vaults, so that no one device can access the keys. He has already purchased vaults that are burrowed into mountains in Sweden and Switzerland and he plans to build additional vaults in the mountains in Nevada. The other thing holding back Ethereum, Berns believes, has been a lack of real-world laboratories. His Nevada land, he hopes, will change that. This will either be the biggest thing ever, or the most spectacular crash and burn in the history of mankind, Berns said. I dont know which one. I believe its the former but either way its going to be one hell of a ride. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. 1st State Bank's RUBY Award has received national attention for celebrating the young professionals of the Great Lakes Bay Region. The RUBY Award originated in 2005 when 1st State Bank President Rick Goedert acted on his desire to showcase the available industries and careers to young professionals in the region. The RUBY Award was featured in the October issue of The Independent Banker Magazine. The article titled "The Power of Appreciation" highlighted the RUBY Award's origin, its 14-year history, and past recipients: Jenifer Acosta, (Jenifer Acosta Development) Erin Andrus (WTA Architects) and Panchanan Maiti (Field Neurosciences Institute, Ascension-St. Mary's of Michigan). 1st State Bank's RUBY Award has also recently received recognition from the Michigan Bankers' Association Banking Magazine. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter John Kennett. Thursday, Nov. 1 12:37 a.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to a subdivision in Jerome Township for vehicles running a stop sign. The deputy pulled several vehicles over for traffic violations while patrolling the area. 2:45 a.m. -- A be-on-the-lookout was issued for the area of West Isabella Street (M-20) and South Castor Road. 2:51 a.m. -- A deputy arrested a 29-year-old man in the City of Midland for OWI/OUID after a traffic stop for a speeding violation that occurred in Lincoln Township. 7:11 a.m. -- A preliminary breath test was performed at the LEC. 7:27 a.m. -- An officer responded to a complaint of a domestic verbal dispute in the 900 block of West Collins Street. 12:30 p.m. -- A 26-year-old Midland Township woman reported that she is missing a license plate that was attached to a trailer. The trailer was recently used to move a family friend from Ohio to Saginaw. The plate was entered into SOS/LEIN as lost. The woman was advised to purchase a new plate from SOS. 1:54 p.m. -- A deputy responded to an Edenville Township residence for a suspicious situation. Contact was made with the complainant, a 55-year-old man, who stated that he has been hearing voices in his house at night and believes that people are sneaking around his house while he is sleeping. He states that he has no idea who would be doing this. The man was advised to call 911 when this is happening. 3:19 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to the LEC lobby to speak with a Warren Township woman. The woman was concerned that her 36-year-old Texas soon-to-be ex-son-in-law was going to come to her home and look for her 33-year-old daughter and their kids. The complainant advised her daughter and the man are going through a divorce, and her daughter has their children in common. The complainant just wanted to make deputies aware in case something happens in the future. Information has been added into the briefing book. 4:50 p.m. -- Officers made a warrant arrest for violation of the controlled substance act-marijuana in the 300 block of Walter Court. 5:03 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to an Edenville Township residence in reference to a verbal argument between a 52-year-old man and his 29-year-old daughter. There was no assault. Arrangements were made for the woman to stay at a shelter in the area. Wednesday, Oct. 31 10:43 p.m. -- Deputies made an arrest for OWI at Tittabawassee River Road and Dublin Avenue. To the editor: Proposal 2 is the so-called redistricting proposal that writes into our constitution discrimination and tax hikes. Not since 2004 have Michigan voters used the states constitution to take away rights. This proposal sets up a special nonpartisan commission to draw redistricting lines and excludes up to 1 million of our citizens from participating, mostly because they have a family member who became civically engaged. I cannot understand how it would be less political to have the 13 commissioners appointed by the political office of Secretary of State. One person to appoint all 13 commissioners and after they are appointed, they are not answerable to anyone, and cannot be voted out of the commission. Their maps would not be able to be questioned in the courts. The costs will be outrageous and not subjected to legislative control. Up to a million state residents won't be able to serve just because a family member happens to be involved in some way with a political party or person running for an office. Additionally, Proposal 2 provides for more run-away government spending. Those that can join this so-called nonpartisan commission will get fat paychecks (a minimum of 25 percent of the governors salary the operative word in the states constitution being minimum). This so-called nonpartisan commission will also get a fat budget (a minimum of 25 percent of the Secretary of State's budget to operate and there is no limit to what it can spend. Once locked into the states constitution there is no check-and-balance on this runaway spending. And then there will be the lawsuits. And more lawsuits. Then theres Proposal 3. This is yet another out-of-state funded scheme for vote rigging and creating opportunity for corruption and scandal. Have you ever thought that the lines in polling locations were long? Wait until we enshrine in the states constitution that polling locations must be able to process same-day voter registrations. How are local governments going to pay for all the extra election day regulations? Were going to fund it with state tax dollars. When it comes to the bottom of the ballot, just say no. ALAN KLOHA Sanford To the editor: There are a lot of important issues on the minds of voters this election health care, roads, education. But to many Michiganders, preservation of our natural resources and outdoor recreation traditions is important. On this issue, Gretchen Whitmer deserves support. Michigan is blessed with enviable natural resources. We are surrounded by the Great Lakes, we have thousands of inland lakes, and miles of scenic rivers, not to mention our forests and an abundance of fish and wildlife available for the pleasure of residents and visitors. The outdoor recreation economy of Michigan is a huge job provider. So environmental and conservation issues are understandably important too. Gretchen Whitmer understands this and has addressed these issues in her campaign for governor. Great Lakes protection and water quality issues are the top priority of her campaign. Line 5 pipeline, Flint water crisis, PFAS pollutants in our water, water diversions, invasive species, climate change are all current or potential threats. Whitmer has a detailed plan to address these issues which begins with the creation of the Department of Great Lakes and Freshwater. I encourage all to visit her website and review her plan. Whitmer is committed to protection of our outdoor recreation traditions. She pledges reliance on science and resource management professionals to guide decisions. She will work to restore Michigans DNR and DEQ to their place of national prominence as national leaders in resource management. Accessibility and transparency will be restored. This is in stark contrast to her Republican opponent who has not put forth specific plans for the protection of our water and other natural resources. The choice couldnt be more clear. Gretchen Whitmer is the best candidate for governor. GREGORY EAGLE Midland To the editor: We hope you have a chance to meet Democratic candidate Joe Weir as he campaigns in the sprawling 36th Michigan Senate district these last days of the election. Joe is a retired scientist, curious by nature, and interested in hearing your thoughts and concerns. Joe is challenging Sen. Jim Stamas because he believes Democratic principles are far more effective models for state governance than the Republican playbook of tax cuts, deregulation and privatization. The Great Recession of 2008-09 created economic hardship for thousands of Michiganders. Jim Stamas was elected to the Michigan House in 2008 and the Michigan Senate in 2014. We went out door-knocking to see how well our neighbors have recovered on his watch. We talked to a young father who is glad for his manufacturing job but cant make ends meet even with overtime. Wages continue to languish at 1970 levels. Many neighbors said they cant keep up with the high cost of car insurance, but there is much more reform talk than action in Lansing. Joe is door-knocking, too. He hears these concerns, and is ready to roll up his sleeves, but he knows he is running an uphill race made tougher by Republican gerrymandering and campaign finance reforms. In fact, when Stamas was in the House, a party line Republican vote passed Senate Bill 661 into law, doubling the amount of money big donors can contribute to campaigns and the amount campaigns can receive from political PACS. Overwhelmingly, our neighbors say they feel left behind by the booming economy and live paycheck to paycheck. We believe the governing principles of Republican lawmakers like Sen. Stamas have not served our friends and neighbors here in the 36th. We hope you will agree that it is time for a change and will vote for Joe. KATHLEEN MAY St. Louis OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- They began arriving early and often. Under crystal clear skies and mild fall temperatures, people began flooding into Ocean Springs for the 40th annual Peter Anderson Festival perhaps earlier than ever before, as some 450 vendors and downtown businesses eagerly and happily welcomed their arrival. "Because of the beautiful weather, I think we absolutely have record crowds today," said Paige Riley, owner of Hillyer House on Washington Avenue. "I came in at 8:30 (a.m.) and opened the doors and we had people come in immediately to start shopping. "it's just a beautiful crowd," said Riley, who has operated her business in Ocean Springs for 12 years, in addition to 36 years at their Pass Christian location. "From what my customers are telling me, this is the biggest Peter Anderson ever." Although the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, which annually hosts the event, lowered the number of vendors from nearly 500 last year to 450 this year, it was difficult to tell, as the crowds swelled so quickly inside the festival there were spots where it became difficult to even move about. "No, I don't think so," said Ryan Merrill when asked if he'd ever seen Saturday crowds so large so early. Merrill owns Roots Clothing Company, which began in 2014 as Mississippi Roots. He first participated as a vendor at the Anderson festival selling his artwork in 2011. "I think this is the best start we've ever had at Anderson," he said. "It was a good crowd to start with and it just keeps growing and growing and growing. Business for us has been excellent and it looks like everyone is doing well. "The weather is certainly playing a big role in these large crowds. It's always a big factor at these festivals." Festival patrons seemed equally pleased. "This is just fantastic," said Jerry Gleason of Bay St. Louis. "I'd have to agree that this is the biggest crowd. We've been coming for at least 10 years. But with this beautiful weather, the vendors, the music, the food -- it's just terrific." The Peter Anderson Festival is a two-day event and will resume Sunday morning at 9 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. Streets in the downtown area remain closed through the duration of the event. Apple has submitted their response to the U.S. International Trade Commission's investigation (# 337-TA-1065) in the matter of "Certain mobile electronic devices and radio frequency and processing components thereof." In the big picture, Apple stresses the ramifications for 5G being controlled by a single supplier, Qualcomm. Apple's powerful argument is definitely worth reviewing The following information is from a statement from Apple. All emphasis and highlighting shown below has been added by Patently Apple. Some information has been removed due to heavy redacting or that represent legal documents that we can't link to for clarity. Apple's Submission In-Part to the U.S. International Trade Commission Apple notes in their submission that "In a public document here and in the 1093 Investigation, Qualcomm attempts to use patent claims as the basis for relief that would restore its monopoly in a critical technology market. Qualcomm seeks to halt imports of Apple products that include cellular (or baseband) chipsets from Intel Corporation (Intel)Qualcomms only competitor in the open (or merchant) market for premium baseband chipsetswhile exempting from exclusion the same products that include Qualcomms own chipsets. As ALJ Pender found, such an exclusion order would harm competitive conditions in the United States and undermine national security due to its impact on U.S. 5G leadership. Indeed, Qualcomms facially discriminatory remedyaccusing only certain iPhones because of the baseband chipset suppliermakes plain that Qualcomms aim is to harm competition, not to remedy purported infringement. The Market for Premium Baseband Chipsets Is Critical to Cellular Innovation Although Qualcomm has sought to focus the public interest inquiry solely on the market for smartphones, this Investigation directly implicates the market for premium baseband chipsets, components that are vital to cellular innovation. As Apple, Intel, and Qualcomm witnesses confirmed, 'premium' baseband chipsets comprise a distinct market. Such chipsets support the latest releases of cellular standards and the highest data speeds, offer superior power management, and cost more than lower-tier chipsets. Because innovation is concentrated in the premium tier, advancements in that tier will be critical to the development and implementation of the next generation of wireless standards: 5G There are only two merchant-market suppliers of premium baseband chipsets: Qualcomm and Intel. Before Intels recent emergence in that market, Qualcomm exercised monopoly power through a variety of interrelated anticompetitive practices to exclude competition and collect exorbitant royalties from licensees. Among other tactics, it reinforced its market power by conditioning a reduction of Apples net royalty payments on Apples agreement to use Qualcomm chipsets exclusively. Qualcomm also refused to license rival chipset suppliers, which made it impossible for Apple to source chipsets elsewhere. It is therefore unsurprising that in the past decade, multiple U.S. baseband chipset suppliersincluding Broadcom, Marvell, and Texas Instrumentsexited the market. In late 2016, after years of inability to add a second supplier, Apple finally began to dual-source premium baseband chipsets for iPhones from Intel and Qualcomm. But even with Intels entry, there remain just two suppliers of premium chipsets in the merchant market, including in the United States. Except for Intels portion of sales to Apple, Qualcomm is the sole merchant supplier to every other manufacturer supplying premium smartphones in the United States. An Exclusion Order Would Force Intel to Exit and Restore Qualcomms Monopoly Although an exclusion order would formally bar Intel-based iPhones from only the United States, its practical effect would be to destroy Intels baseband chipset business globally, thus reinstating Qualcomms monopoly in a market critical to the U.S. public interest. The effects of Intels exit would also cascade into 5G markets. As ALJ Pender found, Intel would also not be a player in the coming critical 5G baseband chip market if an exclusion order were issued. Intel is now a leader in 5G development, but an exclusion order would undermine that leadership. Most importantly, "5G is crucial to U.S. national security and competitiveness in the national economy and thus Intels exit would harm the national interests of the United States." The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which investigates proposed foreign acquisitions of U.S. companies, recently recommended that Qualcommthe only other U.S. chipset supplier participating in 5G innovationnot be sold to a foreign company, because "technological competitiveness and influence in standard setting would significantly impact U.S. national security and because it was important to prevent a shift to Chinese dominance in 5G." In a recent order, the President stated that "it is imperative that America be first in fifth-generation (5G) wireless technologies." If Intel exits the market, leaving Qualcomm as the only U.S.-based chipmaker, foreign firms will be positioned to overtake the United States in 5G leadership." Apple's statement further added: "The harms would not be confined to national security. Hundreds of billions of dollars in anticipated domestic 5G investmentsexpected to generate $500 billion in economic growth and three million jobs would be jeopardized. Intels exit would compromise access to technologies powered by 5G with implications for health and safetysuch as healthcare tools and autonomous vehicles. Further, the FTCs ability to restore competition in this market through its antitrust litigation against Qualcomm in district court would be vitiated. There are no countervailing benefits to these harms. If the Commission denies an exclusion order as against the public interest, Qualcomm will not be left without a remedy; it is asserting the same patents in district court and, if it prevails, it can obtain monetary damages. Qualcomm introduced no credible evidence that an exclusionary order against the accused products is necessary to protect its domestic industry, its incentive to innovate, or profitability." The Commission Should Not Enter an Exclusion Order If the Commission adopts ALJ Penders infringement recommendation, it should also adopt his conclusion that the public interest factors preclude any exclusionary remedy. ALJ Pender explained: If the Commission does issue an exclusion order as Qualcomm requests, it will do so with the near certainty there will be real harm to the United States on a potentially very broad basis. For that reason and those set forth above, no exclusion order should enter. There's a much larger conversation on this matter that includes Qualcomm's submission. For the legal minds among us, check out FOSS Patents latest report here. New, in the pages of Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture: Why Did Northern Israel Fall to the Assyrians? A Weberian Proposal Its Friday, after all. This article is centered on possible causes for the fall of Israel and, secondarily, Judah. The topic is not new. The very destruction of these ancient kingdoms may be the cause for the production of much of the Biblical literature that drives our interpretive enterprise. My proposal is that Max Webers socio-political theories of power and domination, sometimes called the tripartite classification of authority, may provide a fruitful lens by which to understand some of the reasons Judah persisted for more than a century after the fall of Israel. Specifically, I wish to investigate whether the lack of routinization of charismatic authority was a contributing factor in Israels fall. (Taylor Halverson) *** Incidentally, the Interpreter Foundation has existed now for 329.5 weeks. This is the 328th consecutive Friday on which the Foundation has published at least one article in its journal. Not bad, really. And weve been able to do this and many, many other things despite the fact that, at least according to one vocal anonymous critic who has no access to our bank records, were in a dire financial crisis and, indeed, pretty much on the verge of death. For the record, were not in a dire financial crisis. Nowhere near. Still, if you have enjoyed or benefited from anything that weve done, and if you would like to contribute to our ongoing operations, which continue because of generous gifts from many people of time, volunteer labor, and, yes, money were not exactly lazing around, living off of the interest from a vast endowment while liveried servants waft us with peacock-feather fans you can do so in various ways that are outlined here: And please, whatever else you may decide to do, dont forget AmazonSmile especially at this season of Christmas gift purchases: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=the%20interpreter%20foundation%20amazonsmile In fact, please share the idea of AmazonSmile with your friends, family, and neighbors. Whatever the charity they may choose to receive Amazon.coms contribution, even if its not the Interpreter Foundation, shopping through AmazonSmile is easy and will cost them absolutely nothing. There is no reason at all none whatever why anybody who ever makes purchases via Amazon.com shouldnt be on AmazonSmile. Please note that you will receive no Internal Revenue Service tax deduction for donations given through AmazonSmile. This is for the simple reason that the money given isnt yours. Its Amazon.coms. If you would like to make an additional donation whether to Interpreter or to some other worthwhile charitable recipient (of which there are very many) please do so over and above the gift that Amazon.com is making on your behalf. Heavy rain and gusty winds hit most of central Pennsylvania Friday night into early Saturday. York County, according to YDR.com, saw some fooding and other damage as a result of the inclement weather. York County 911 reported numerous calls for flooding across the county, and at least one water rescue, according to the report. A structure in the 17000 block of Barrens Road in Hopewell Township also collapsed thanks to the storm. York County spokesman Mark Walters told YDR.com the countys Haz-Mat team was dispatched to that scene. WGAL reports no injuries were reported. Sunshine has since returned to the region, and will persist for the remainder of the weekend. The Gab social media platform, suspended from the internet after last weeks mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, was under investigation by Dauphin County authorities and the FBI for a possible hate speech incident this year. The site gained national attention Oct. 27 when authorities said synagogue shooting suspect Robert Bowers posted a message there threatening violence shortly before 11 worshipers were killed at the Tree of Life in Pittsburgh. Bowers had a long history of anti-Semitic postings before the massacre, according to authorities. Gab had been an underground favorite among neo-Nazis, white nationalists and others with anti-Semitic and racist viewpoints. Last spring, one of its heavy users, Brendon Gaylor of Harrisburg, attracted the scrutiny of law enforcement. During the run-up to the 2018 spring primary election, Gaylor repeatedly took to the web platform to express his loathing of anything progressive or left leaning. Why do we sit behind keyboards? Why arent we organizing and killing leftists in droves? What are we afraid of???????? he wrote in one post. Gaylor, a 24-year-old IT specialist with the state, described his Gab writings as free speech expressions not meant to threaten or incite violence. But his posts against a young Harrisburg politician ended up drawing the attention of local law enforcement. Cole Goodman was campaigning last spring for a seat on the Democratic State Committee when he said he learned Gaylor was targeting him on Gab with racist posts and violent threats. Goodman, 24, is African-American. He won the committee seat and is planning a career in politics. In one post, Gaylor included a photo of a machete, three knives and a pair of handcuffs. In others, he used a derogatory term for African-Americans. Cole Goodman earlier this year felt threatened by this 2018 Gab post from Brendon Gaylor. A street address was removed from this image, taken from the Gab site. The string of posts alarmed Goodman, who reported them to police and the FBI. That was very scary for me, Goodman said this week. When you are running for office and someone says when does the shooting start? and this person is really targeting me? I definitely felt threatened. He is an establishmentarian Democrat, Gaylor said of Goodman. Anything left wing is the enemy of the country. Hes local. ... Being black has nothing to do with it. Its because of his political connections that I have a beef with him. It has nothing to do with his race. John Goshert, chief detective with the Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division, said the investigation ended with no charges being filed. Asked about that outcome, Goshert said, It seemed like a lot of his (Gaylors) stuff was veiled." But Goshert said Goodman had every reason to be concerned: "In todays world you have to take those things seriously. You are always walking that fine line between what is free speech and what is not but that is a decision that the DAs office makes. But that whole social media thing has opened up an odd Pandoras box. Gaylor, who continues to contend his posts were not threatening, said he was suspended from work for two weeks. Goshert, who has been in law enforcement since 1975, said he is struck by what he describes as an empowerment inherent in social media. I call it keyboard courage, he said. Its a lot easier to zap something out on a keyboard than to come out and confront somebody. ... Its opened a whole new world for law enforcement. Cole Goodman, a member of the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee, earlier this year reported to police what he thought were threatening posts aimed at him on the social media platform Gab. Goodman said the experience has caused him anguish and changed the way he conducts his life. I have been threatened, he said. My life has been threatened. When someone says lets get guns and lets get Democrats. ... Thats a threat. It affected me. It was scary. In March, Goodman, a former Susquehanna Township school board member, was issued a citation after police found drug paraphernalia in his car. Goodman, who denied to police that the items belonged to him, told PennLive he thinks he was set up by Gab users, who, he said, had spread negative rumors about him on the platform. I have taken definite precautions to make sure I am not predictable to what I do, Goodman said. I never park in the same place and always under a security camera and I never walk alone whether Im at school or downtown. Im never alone. I always feel like Im looking over my shoulder. FREE SPEECH AND SOCIAL MEDIA: A CONUNDRUM The warp speed growth of social media has caught every aspect of society unprepared to deal with complex issues, observed Anne Toomey McKenna, professor of cyber law and policy at Dickinson Law School. A slew of factors make prosecuting perceived threats on social media sites difficult. "People have turned the notion of the First Amendment on its head, Toomey McKenna said. The idea that a statement or a picture could go viral within a matter of minutes and circumnavigate the globe has really changed and challenged the notion of what is a First Amendment right and what is the responsibility of a platform where everyone in the world is connected. Social media networks have been urged to police their content. But that strikes at the heart of the debate over censorship of these websites. That is an incredibly difficult task..suddenly having to go through and pull content that appears to foment hate mongering...at same time doing this...that very act of editorializing....being requested by law enforcement and Congress and the public, is playing right into hands of those who see this is a big conspiracy to silence viewpoints, Toomey McKenna said. For the time being, social media platforms are subjected to virtually little regulatory scrutiny, leaving a wide open frontier for misuse. The sheer volume of content and sheer number of individuals accessing, viewing and creating content make it incredibly difficult to manage from a safety, security and speech standpoint, Toomey McKenna explained. The size and scope make it almost impossible. His social media platform, Gab, under scrutiny, founder Andrew Torba defends it against charges that it promotes violence. This screen shot was taken from a published interview on WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre. GAB FOUNDER DEFENDS PLATFORM Gab founder Andrew Torba has aggressively defended his website against charges it is a breeding ground for dangerous extremists in the wake of the synagogue massacre. The 27-year-old Scranton native left Silicon Valley a few years ago to launch Gab, setting up headquarters in Philadelphia. Torba has said he was disillusioned that the countrys software hub censored conservative viewpoints. In an interview this week with WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre, Torba denounced the synagogue rampage, even as he defended his platforms dedication to the First Amendment. It disgusted me, Torba said. I was horrified to find that this alleged terrorist was on our site. I fundamentally believe in free expression and the individual liberty and fundamental human right for everyone to speak freely. Torba said he has been cooperating with law enforcement in the mass shooting investigation. He hoped to have Gab back online this weekend. Gab, a favorite social media platform with white supremacists and neo-Nazis, has been suspended from the internet in the wake of mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Platform users say the site does not endorse violence. Bowers, the suspect in the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, was charged Wednesday in a 44-count indictment accusing him of federal hate crimes. The 46-year-old Baldwin man pleaded not guilty Thursday to the federal charges. The attack is believed to be the deadliest attack on Jews in the United States. It's not hard to find chaos in the world. But it is hard to find people talking about the chaos and identifying it as bad, according to Glenn Beck, the conservative national radio host who stopped at the Hershey Theatre Friday night as part of a book tour. His show stops in Pittsburgh Saturday. Beck's newest book, called "Addicted to Outrage," encourages people to stop talking about politics, and stop trying to "win" political fights so Americans can put down their shields and start listening to each other again. As it stands, outrageous social media posts and news headlines are shared and circulated, designed to "push our buttons," Beck said. And we fall for it, he said. "So what do we do? We get angry." Beck contends that the constant anger, chaos and division play into the hands of those looking to weaken America, including the countries of Iran and Russia. Instead of joining the chaos or spreading it, Beck said, people should show humility, spend time looking at themselves and question their own ideologies. Otherwise, Beck said, when two sides are just going at it, fighting all the time, it's too hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys. "We're just like them," he said. "We have to stand out and be different." The majority of people have more in common than they might think. Many people just want to be free and safe and able to raise their children, Beck said. "We're fighting over nonsense," he said. During his 2-hour talk Friday night, Beck said he had not always used his national microphone for good. He admitted he had done damage in the past, flippantly linking some Democratic ideas to socialism. Canada, for example, is not a socialist country, he said. It is a capitalistic country with socialized medicine. Norway, Denmark and Sweden aren't socialist countries either, but they simply have bigger welfare programs in their capitalistic countries, Beck said. It's a disservice, Beck said, to link people who believe in free healthcare to socialists because it marginalizes and demonizes them. Instead, he said only a very small percentage of Americans support true socialism. Likewise, he said, other Americans are tired of being called racists, bigots and told that they can't be proud of their country. "We have to elevate our conversations," he said. "We have to talk about bigger ideas. It's crucial that we self-examine. It's the only way we get better." Jumping onto any political bandwagon is a bad idea, Beck said. "Don't get on anyone's train. Do your thinking for yourself," he said, "and call balls and strikes. When it's a strike, call it a strike. When it's a home run, stand up and cheer. That's what need to get back to, to save our country. We have to be able to say the hard truth." State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown was convicted Wednesday on multiple felony charges stemming from a long-running state investigation into public corruption. The 52-year-old Philadelphia Democrat was one of numerous elected officials to accept cash bribes from a confidential informant, authorities said. According to a Friday release from the Dauphin County District Attorneys Office, Brown accepted five cash payments totaling $4,000. Brown is one of five legislators from Philadelphia charged in the corruption probe and was the only one not to plead guilty, choosing instead to take her case to trial. After a week-and-a-half long trial, a Harrisburg jury found Brown guilty of charges, including violating conflict-of-interest laws and accepting bribes. House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny, told The Associated Press that Brown must relinquish her seat in the House by the time she is sentenced, and a special election then would be held to fill her vacant seat. Brown is scheduled to appear for a sentencing Nov. 28. President Donald Trump has tweeted his endorsement for the race for Pennsylvanias 10th District Congressional seat. Trump took to Twitter on Friday to announce his endorsement of Republican candidate Scott Perry. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania is fantastic. He is strong on the Border, Crime, the Military, our Vets and the Second Amendment. Scott has my Total Endorsement! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2018 Perry also got some support from Vice President Mike Pence, who visited Lancaster County last week in support of Rep. Lloyd Smucker and U.S. Senate candidate Lou Barletta. Former vice president Joe Biden will be at a Get Out The Vote event in Harrisburg on Sunday in support of Democratic nominee George Scott. The event had to be relocated to a larger venue due to overwhelming ticket demand. A gag photo of Scott was recently made public, which could add even more energy to the hotly-contested race. By Bryan Leib On Tuesday, more than 700,000 of us in Philadelphias 3rd Congressional District will have a simple choice to make; you can vote for me, a change agent with new ideas and the experience needed to be your next Congressman. My name is Bryan Leib, Im 33 years old and Im a private sector political outsider who has a track record of solving problems,working with the community and of providing strong leadership for Philadelphia. And Im the Republican candidate for the 3rd District. You can choose me, or you can re-elect Democratic U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans for another two year term. Dwight has held office since 1981, I was born in 1985. Hes held elected office for 37 years and under his leadership - poverty has increased in sections of Northwest Philadelphia from 15 percent to 45 percent, while schools in these high poverty areas have roofs collapsing and mold/lead/asbestos filled classrooms. When we take a look at the key performance indicators (KPIs) for Philadelphia, we find that we rank No. 1 in poverty; No. 1 in deep poverty, No. 3 in income inequality and top ten in gun violence. Our state ranks in the 40s out of 50 in every major economic indicator. These indicators tell us that our current political leadership is not getting the job done. Please allow me the opportunity to offer a comparison: Dwight Evans is a career politician (37 years). He doesnt support term limits, I do. Hes served for 37 years - Im 33 years old. He doesnt offer solutions to end poverty, I do. He doesnt offer solutions to create jobs, I do. Hes raised millions of dollars for his campaign, Ive raised under $25,000. He says he supports Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East but he is a lead cosponsor on a bill that condemns Israel. I will stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel. He voted against a bipartisan bill designed to give Veterans the opportunity to utilize their VA health benefits in a private doctor setting on day one. I would have voted YES. Finally, during the last month of the campaign, hes been instilling fear into voters while I have been offering a bipartiship message that we need to work together regardless of our differences. We are in this together and the only way we can reduce poverty, reduce gun violence and create jobs is by working TOGETHER. Im not endorsed by the unions. I havent received any financial support or endorsements from the Republican National Committee or NRCC. I am not controlled by any big donors or special interest groups. My only special interest is you, my fellow Philadelphians. I am running for Congress to represent you and our interests as a city in Washington D.C. I promise you that if you elect me to be your representative in Congress, no one will work harder for you, your family, your business and your community than me. We need change agents and bipartisan leaders in Congress - not people who point fingers at the other side and refuse to work across the aisle in the best interest of our city. In closing, thank you for taking the time to read this open letter. Yes, Im a Republican but that doesnt make me a bad guy. Im a Philadelphian first. We are a city of underdogs, unlikely heroes and our comeback story is being written everyday by each of us! If you want a Congressman who will fight for you and our city, then Im your guy. On Nov. 6th, I humbly ask for your vote. Together we will create a better Philadelphia! Thank you and may God Bless Philadelphia. Bryan Leib is the Republican candidate for Pennsylvanias 3rd Congressional District. He writes from Philadelphia. Seventeen days after all votes were cast, the counting of ballots in Montgomery County has been completed and the results of the closely fought Spring-Ford Area School Board race show a Democratic sweep. Representation on the Spring-Ford School Board is divided into three geographic regions and in Region 2, which is comprised of a portion of Upper Providence as well... 129 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Lisa Richwine LOS ANGELES (Reuters) Hollywood celebrities will make a push next week to urge young people to the polls in Tuesdays U.S. elections, when control of Congress and many state governorships are at stake. In a first-of-its-kind event, more than 50 actors, comedians and YouTube stars will join a two-hour, live-streamed telethon on Monday night aimed at firing up younger voters, the age group least likely to cast a ballot. Stars will not ask for money during the Telethon for America. Instead, they will urge viewers to call in to a celebrity phone bank and pledge to vote the next day. Comedian Chelsea Handler, who left her Netflix talk show a year ago to focus on activism, said she believes young people expect older, more responsible adults will act to solve problems through government. They just think someone else is going to take care of it, its not their problem and they may not be directly affected by it, Handler, who is 43, said in an interview. Turnout in midterm elections is traditionally lower than in presidential elections. Reuters/Ipsos polling https://bit.ly/2yNqop7 found that in October only 25 percent of people aged 18-29 said they were certain to vote in the election, the lowest percentage of any age bracket. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt on Friday added their voices to the campaign to get out the vote. This election might be the most consequential of our lifetime, DiCaprio said in a video message with Pitt released on social media, mentioning issues like gun control, the environment and immigration, without referencing any political party. While the organizers of Mondays event say it is a nonpartisan effort, increased turnout among young voters could help Democrats. Forty percent of people in that age group identified as Democrats, while 22 percent called themselves Republicans. Jane Fonda, Charlize Theron, Judd Apatow and others will participate in the telethon. Created by comedian Ben Gleib, the telethon will be streamed live from a YouTube production space outside Los Angeles on YouTube, Facebook Live and Comedy Centrals website. Viewers will be directed to information about how and where to vote in the elections. The elections, widely viewed as a referendum on Republican President Donald Trump, represent a chance for Democrats to break his partys hold on Congress. Opinion polls show Democrats with a good shot at picking up the net 23 seats they need for a majority in the House of Representatives, but only a slim chance of winning back the Senate. The telethon could add momentum to a trend already underway: there has been a surge in early voting this year by young voters. Initial estimates modeled from survey responses, voter registrations and other data show huge increases in early turnout of voters ages 18-29 compared with the last midterm elections in 2014. NO JABS AT TRUMP While Hollywood is known for backing liberal causes, and many celebrities are fierce critics of Trump, organizers said the telethon is not supporting any party. Handler, a registered independent who is supporting Democrats in this election, said she will not take jabs at Trump during the event. This is about unification, Handler said. This is about encouraging everyone to vote. Listen, I want Republicans to vote too. The telethon is backed by When We All Vote, a nonpartisan campaign launched by former first lady Michelle Obama to encourage voting. It is unclear how much celebrities influence voting, but there is evidence of sway in some cases. Website Vote.org said 413,000 new voters registered in the first four days after pop superstar Taylor Swift in early October urged fans to register, up from 190,000 in the month of September. Fonda, who is 80 and was famous in her youth for her anti-Vietnam War activism, said she hopes young people will recognize what is at stake. More than any other election that I can remember, this particular election is going to determine whether we can continue to call ourselves a democracy, whether were going to be able to live in a country of people that are different from each other and truly get along and love each other, she told Reuters. For the young people, when you get to the end of your life, you want to be able to say to yourself I did all I could, when it really mattered I was there, she added. They dont understand that, but Im older and I can say that it is true. Handler said she will encourage people to make a plan for voting and to bring friends and make it fun. We just have to get people revved up to be part of the cool kids, she added. Its cool to vote. Full U.S. election coverage: https://www.reuters.com/politics/election2018 (Reporting by Lisa Richwine in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Alicia Powell in New York; Editing by Bill Tarrant, Frances Kerry and Sonya Hepinstall) 688 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON (Reuters) The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected for now a bid by the President Donald Trumps administration to block a trial in a lawsuit filed by young activists who have accused the U.S. government of ignoring the perils of climate change. The loss for the administration means it now faces a high-profile examination of U.S. climate change policy during the trial that was due to begin on Oct. 29 in Eugene, Oregon but has since been postponed by the judge. Chief Justice John Roberts on Oct. 19 had temporarily put the case on hold while the court as a whole decided how to proceed. The Supreme Courts three-page order noted that the administration may still have grounds to take its arguments to the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch indicated they would have granted the administrations request. There was no indication how Trumps new Supreme Court appointee, conservative Brett Kavanaugh, voted on the issue. In the lawsuit, 21 activists, ages 11 to 22, said federal officials violated their rights to due process under the U.S. Constitution by failing to adequately address carbon pollution such as emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. The lawsuit was filed in 2015 against former President Barack Obama and government agencies in a federal court in Eugene, Oregon. Both the Obama and Trump administrations have failed in efforts to have the lawsuit thrown out. The administration has said a courtroom is not the appropriate venue for a debate on climate change policy. This suit 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, Trump administration Solicitor General Noel Francisco said in court papers. Francisco noted that the plaintiffs are seeking to hold the U.S. government liable for the cumulative effects of carbon dioxide emissions from every source in the world over decades. Lawyers for the young activists, led by Julia Olson of a Eugene-based group called Our Childrens Trust that brought the lawsuit, have said their clients have suffered irreparable harm from the effects of a changing climate. This is a case about the fundamental rights of children and whether the actions of their government have deprived them of their inalienable rights, Olson said in court papers. On July 30, the high court rejected an earlier application by the Trump administration, calling it premature. Eugene, Oregon-based federal Judge Ann Aiken has repeatedly allowed the case to move forward to trial over the objections of the government. The trial will proceed if neither the high court nor the 9th Circuit intervene. Aiken said in an Oct. 15 ruling that although the case raised questions about the role of the judiciary delving into a matter of policy those concerns were not enough to warrant a dismissal of the entire case. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham) By Zachary Fagenson MIAMI, Fla. (Reuters) The 56-year-old Florida man accused of mailing 15 pipe bomb packages to high-profile critics of President Donald Trump will appear at a pretrial detention hearing in Miami on Friday morning. Cesar Sayoc, a former male stripper, pizza delivery driver and DJ who lived in a white van festooned with right-wing political images supporting Trump and lambasting his critics, will appear before a federal magistrate. Sayoc faces five charges and a maximum penalty of 48 years in prison for bombs sent to targets including former President Barack Obama, ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, other prominent political figures and CNN. Prosecutors said more charges were likely. Investigators said they had evidence that Sayoc began planning his attacks in July. If presiding U.S. Magistrate Edwin Torres agrees with prosecutors from the Southern District of New York, Sayoc will not be allowed bail on Friday and after the hearing would be transferred to New York to face charges. The pipe bomb story dominated U.S. news for much of last week, ending when federal agents arrested Sayoc in the parking lot of an auto parts store in a Fort Lauderdale suburb. The hearing comes during the closing days of highly charged political campaigns across the country leading up to Nov. 6 U.S. midterm elections. The result will determine the balance of power in Congress, currently controlled by Trumps Republican Party. Sayoc was arrested days after the first of the pipe bombs inside padded manila envelopes was discovered in the mailbox of billionaire and Democratic donor George Soros north of New York City. No one has been injured, but investigators with the FBI have said that at least some of the pipe bombs could have caused great harm. All of the bombs were sent through the U.S. Postal Service. The evidence of the defendants terror campaign is still being collected but is already overwhelming, wrote Geoffrey Berman, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, in a letter to Torres dated Tuesday. (Additional reporting by Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Editing by David Gregorio) 2.7k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen claimed that Trump told him in 2016 that his rallies are almost all white because black people are too stupid to vote for him. Vanity Fair reported, During our conversation, Cohen recalled a discussion at Trump Tower, following the then-candidates return from a campaign rally during the 2016 election cycle. Cohen had watched the rally on TV and noticed that the crowd was largely Caucasian. He offered this observation to his boss. I told Trump that the rally looked vanilla on television. Trump responded, Thats because black people are too stupid to vote for me. Cohen goes on to list several other instances where Trump used racist language or express racist views including Trump claiming that any country run by a black person is a s-hole country, before his infamous White House incident where he called African nations s-hole countries. Black Voters Need To Show Trump Who The Real Dummy Is On Tuesday Everyone knows that is a racist. He has made this crystal clear first on the campaign trail, and then in the White House. The verification from Michael Cohen doesnt tell the American people anything that they dont already know. It is the openness with his racism that is finally hurting the Republican Party. Trump isnt trying to hide it anymore, and it is telling that a man who preys on the fears of white low-educated voters thinks that African-Americans are too stupid to vote for him. African-American voters should show Trump how smart they are by going to the polls in record numbers both during early voting and on Tuesday and voting for Democratic candidates because any Republican that would stay in a party that is being led by a racist like Trump does not deserve your vote in this or any future election. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. Barcelona says it "reaffirms its commitment to fight against any form of violence in the world of sport and once again puts itself at the disposition of the police and security forces to eliminate these groups." 991 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard As my colleague, Leo Vidal here at PoliticusUSA makes clear regarding Mr. Trump using the most blatant of racist ads to use as his closing argument for the mid-term elections by pinning it up on top of his Twitter feed: It remains to be seen whether this will serve him and his party well in Tuesdays elections. But one thing that has been made clear is that he has drawn the dividing lines in such a way that Americans will have a very clear choice when they go to the polls on Tuesday. They can choose Democrats the party of tolerance or Republicans the party of hate. The ad, launched yesterday morning on Mr. Trumps Twitter account which is part of the presidential record features a Mexican who was deported only to return and kill two police officers, Luis Bracamontes grinning while saying Im going to kill more cops soon, only to be leveraged by Mr. Trump adding, It is outrageous what the Democrats are doing to our Country. Vote Republican now. Vote. GOP. CNN characterizes the ad as the most racially charged national political ad in 30 years, and states the ad recalls the notorious Willie Horton campaign ad financed by supporters of the George H.W. Bush campaign in the 1988 presidential election. As the ad progresses with pictures of Trumps labeled dangerous caravan, which is comprised of mainly women and children immigrants trying to flee Central America due to circumstances which many analysts argue has driven them to seek asylum in the United States, closes asking Who else will Democrats let in, only to have the following text at the bottom: President Donald Trump and Republicans are making America safe again. Beyond the divisiveness, demagoguery and inflammatory rhetoric used in the advertising which was originally made for Mr. Trumps campaign, there are additional problems with the ad, which the Washington Post highlights today. First, as is the case with most everything Mr. Trump says, he neglects to provide full disclosure by reminding the American people that it is his party who controls both the United States House of Representatives and the Senate. In fact, the inflammatory ad has seemingly raised the ire of a couple of republicans who see the ad as squandering political capital by pandering to those who are looking to blame immigrants for the problems we are experiencing in the nation, and fails to focus on issues Republicans believe are accomplishments. Second, Trumps ad neglects to add that Mr. Bracamontes was deported several times prior to his final entry whereupon he killed two police officers. Worse? Bracamontes appears to have re-entered the country sometime while George W. Bush was President. According to the Washington Post: Bracamontes, who had been deported multiple times before his crime rampage, appears to have last entered the country while George W. Bush was president, sometime between May 2001 and February 2002, when there is a record for his marriage in Arizona, according to the Sacramento Bee. At the end of the day, the ad accomplishes one thing only, and that is it makes Mr. Trump feel good about himself and his imaginary great leadership, while once again using stereotypes, demagoguery, and fear, in order to rally his base to get to the polls and vote. CNN highlights this point when they argue: The Trump campaign ad is the latest example of the Presidents willingness to lie and fear-monger in order to tear at racial and societal divides; to embrace demagoguery to bolster his own political power and the cause of the Republican midterm campaign. May each and every American remember one thing as they go to the polls on Tuesday: Which promises has Mr. Trump kept which have benefited us on a personal level. My suspicion is when we go looking for those accomplishments, we will readily see why it is that Trump has been using the issue of a caravan which is nearly one-thousand miles away from our border, and immigration as his closing argument; he has not done a darned thing he promised the American people since he has been elected other than place two conservative Justices on the Supreme Court, with one of those justices being of questionable character. And lets not forget: Mr. Trump may not be on the ballot next week, but his agenda is, and he surely has injected himself into the mid-term race where traditionally the party in power struggles to win control of the House or Senate. The framers of our constitution wanted the branches of government to serve as a check on each other, however it appears Mr. Trump is running roughshod over the most basic of democratic norms and ideals, especially given his recent belief that it is okay to strip birthright citizenship by Executive Order, this when that right is embedded in our fourteenth amendment. So as each of us as Americans go to our polling places to cast our ballot, we need only ask one thing: What has Trump done for each of us lately, and when we ask that question, we find our answer to be lies at a historical pace, work extremely little, but most importantly failed at being the essential leader our nation needs at this time. Republicans do not deserve to be in power, for they have been complicit in Mr. Trumps scheme through their silence and near about face since he has attained the highest office in the land. 1.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON (Reuters) A federal judge on Friday rejected a bid by President Donald Trumps administration to delay a lawsuit alleging that his business dealings have violated a constitutional anti-corruption provision, moving the case toward the crucial evidence-gathering process. U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte in Greenbelt, Maryland ruled against the administrations request to bring an expedited appeal of previous rulings that allowed the case to proceed and its bid to halt the lawsuits discovery process, evidence-gathering that could force disclosure of Trumps financial records. The lawsuit, filed by the Democratic attorneys general of Maryland and the District of Columbia, alleges that Trump has violated the U.S. Constitutions emoluments provisions designed to prevent corruption and foreign influence. Messitte in March narrowed the lawsuit to focus on profits stemming from Trumps ownership, through the Trump Organization, of the Trump International Hotel, a popular spot for foreign officials near the White House, and not his businesses outside the U.S. capital. Our next step is to proceed with discovery, Karl Racine, the District of Columbias attorney general, said in a statement. We will soon provide the court a new schedule to begin the process of getting information about how President Trump is profiting from the presidency. Justice Department spokeswoman Kelly Laco expressed disappointment in the ruling. This case, which should have been dismissed, presents important questions that warrant immediate appellate review, Laco said in a statement. Messitte ruled in March that the plaintiffs had legal standing to pursue the case and in July rejected what he called Trumps cramped view that emoluments were limited essentially to outright bribes. The Justice Department previously told the judge that the discovery process necessarily would be a distraction to the Presidents performance of his constitutional duties. Messitte rejected that argument in Fridays ruling, saying it was undercut by Trumps own threats to sue his former adviser Steve Bannon as well as the publisher of a book, Fire and Fury, that was highly critical of his first year in office. It bears noting that the President himself appears to have had little reluctance to pursue personal litigation despite the supposed distractions it imposes upon his office, Messitte said. A federal judge in Washington in September refused to dismiss another emoluments lawsuit making similar claims against Trump filed by a group of Democratic U.S. lawmakers. But a Manhattan federal judge last year dismissed an emoluments lawsuit against Trump filed by plaintiffs including the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, saying they lacked legal standing to sue. (Reporting by Jan Wolfe; Additional reporting by David Alexander and Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham) 627 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard I went to the Tree of Life Synagogue on Friday to follow up on the horrific slaughter of eleven innocent Jewish people by a man with an AR-15-style assault rifle and at least three handguns who shouted anti-Semitic hate as he was shooting, and I was surprised by what I felt and found. The first thing I found was love. I wasnt expecting love. I was expecting and found: Horror. Grief. Sadness. Powerlessness. But I also found something so much bigger. I found so much love. Listen To Sarah Jones share what she saw at the Tree of Life Synagogue on the Politicus Pod: People from all walks of life, all religions, all races gathered to show their respect, to be a force for good, to be a part of the ongoing vigil. Love was in the often hand-written messages delivered and brought from people all over the country. Rain drizzled on messages of love: Pittsburgh, youre not alone, Love is stronger than hate, Peace, love, and justice, Continue to show deep love for each other, We the People and Disarm hate on Everytown pro gun control signs, Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, We are strong, and Hate has no home here scattered in between the masses of flowers, teddy bears and sympathy cards. One framed, hand-written message from a student at Chatham University who heard the gunshots on that horrific day wrote beside a list of the victims names: You are loved. Each and everyone of you The second thing I found was a strong, determined clarity of recognition in the people I spoke to. They all recognized what we are dealing with, what we are up against. Local resident 71-year old Joseph Thomas, who knew the two brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal who were slaughtered, told me before I even had a chance to ask him any questions or tell him that I was a reporter, Donald Trump is to blame for this. Donald Trump brought the evil out in the world, taking babies away from their mothers. As soon as he got into office, the KKK started recruiting kids. This is Donald Trumps fault. Thomas told me he was a military police officer in Viet Nam, and hes seen evil, but, There are more good people than bad people. Youll see in this election, people are seeing what this man is all about. They know what theyre dealing with now. Conservadox Jew Victor Fishman, who came to visit the synagogue from outside of Atlanta, Georgia, told me he never thought hed see this in our country see people who fled from the Nazis gunned down in a synagogue in the United States. Fishman said, speaking for the Jewish community to Trump and Republicans who have encouraged this kind of hate to be directed at Jewish people as well as other communities including the migrants who seek asylum here, Wed say you can stick your thoughts and prayers up your f*cking a$$es. Trump and Republicans arent fooling anyone. Trump thinks he used the synagogue as a photo op, and that he changed the press coverage with his rallies and border stunt. But people already know who he is. The media might have moved on, but here in Pittsburgh, we know exactly what we are dealing with and what needs to be done. The thing I wasnt expecting that I hope readers take away from this is: You are not alone. Love for humanity, love for one another, is so much stronger than hate. It is so much stronger than Donald Trump. Trumps rhetoric is dangerous and his hate is contagious, but love is still stronger. Love is forever. We will rise up in this election and the next election and on and on until we wash this hate out. We will just keep coming. We wont give up. We will take strength in one another when we need to, and then we will keep going. Keep coming on. Never give up on your country or on voting. If you know someone who isnt voting, please share this article and ask them if they really believe we should be enabling hate rhetoric that motivates mass murder of innocent people and if we really dont need any changes to our gun culture. We are so much better than this. We can form a circle of love around this community and others who have suffered from hate crimes, we can promise them we will vote. We will do it for love. I visited the Tree of Life synagogue and found hope. For the first time since Donald Trump took office, I felt the power of love rise up with clarity and strength that wont be denied, and I have hope now for us all. Its tragic that these eleven people were murdered, but they will never be forgotten. They are the light leading us to the best in humanity. The victims names we must never forget are: Daniel Stein, 71; Joyce Feinberg, 75; Richard Gottfried, 65; Rose Mallinger, 97; Jerry Rabinowitz, 66; brothers Cecil Rosenthal, 59, and David Rosenthal 54; husband and wife Bernice Simon, 84 and Sylvan Simon, 86; Melvin Wax, 88; and Irving Younger, 69. Heres a photo gallery: 1.5k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The former vice president smiled as someone in the crowd shouted welcome, Mr. President, as Biden campaigned for Democrats in Ohio. Video: Reporters at the event noticed too: As @JoeBiden starts his speech, someone in crowd shouts "Welcome Mr. President!" Biden simply smiled. Arlette Saenz (@ArletteSaenz) November 3, 2018 Joe Biden didnt get this welcome in some blue state but in Ohio. Republicans should be terrified because if Bidens popularity in Pennsylvania transfers to Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin, Donald Trump will have a very difficult time winning a second term in office. Midterm elections are different animals from presidential elections, and the two should never be compared, but what is clear is not only do Democrats have a new crop of rising national stars in Andrew Gillum, Stacey Abrams, and Beto ORourke, but 2018 has also proven the enduring popularity of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Joe Biden is beloved, and if he runs for president in 2020, he is going to be difficult for anyone to beat. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 9k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The headline caught my eye. It read: Poll: Bredesen, Blackburn in dead heat in Tennessee senate race. According to The Tennessean, A survey conducted by East Tennessee State University on Friday shows that both Bredesen and Blackburn are earning support from 44 percent of likely voters. This headline is much different from other headlines weve seen recently concerning U.S. Senate races. They have been all doom and gloom. If Democrat Bredesen is tied in Tennessee then maybe the Democrats chances of winning control of the U.S. Senate arent so grim after all. There are four current GOP Senate seats that Democrats could win: Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Tennessee. If they win three of these then they will take Senate control IF they hold all current Democratic seats, except one. And that one is likely to be North Dakota where Senator Heidi Heitkamp trails badly in all recent polls. The challenge for Democrats (in addition to picking up three GOP seats) is to hold Senate seats in red states that voted for Trump in 2016. So I started looking at polls in all the key Senate races and I found that the newest polls tend to favor Democrats. Instead of writing off the Senate, Democrats should be working hard to get out the vote on Tuesday because it appears that they have a realistic chance to win. Here is a quick rundown of the latest polls in key Senate races: Arizona . Democrat Sinema leads McSally in several new polls. Florida . Democrat Nelson leads Scott in all new polls. Indiana . Democrat Donnelly leads Braun in two new polls. Missouri . Democrat McCaskill is tied with Hawley in the latest poll. Montana . Democrat Tester leads Rosendale in all polls. Nevada . Democrat Rosen leads Heller in two new polls. Texas . Democrat ORourke trails Cruz by just three percentage points in the latest poll. West Virginia. Democrat Manchin leads Morrisey in all polls. Notice that Texas is the one state where the Democrat trails in most recent polls. But if Democrat ORourke does win there then Democrats could lose a second seat and still take control of the Senate. Right now it appears than in addition to North Dakota the Democratic incumbent most at risk is in Missouri where Claire McCaskill is in a dead heat and could easily lose. What this all means is that on the weekend before election day Democrats have a realistic chance to win control of the U.S. Senate. Very few people thought they would be in this position. If turnout breaks toward the Democrats in key states on election day then they really could win the Senate. Donald Trump has already prepared his tweets and press releases taking credit for a big Republican Senate victory. He is already bragging that because of him (and his many rallies) the GOP will keep Senate control. Nothing would be sweeter than to have Donald Trump eat his words. It might even shut him up, for a little while at least. It would also be sweet to get rid of Mitch McConnell as Senate Majority Leader. And to get rid of Chuck Grassley as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. And to shut up Lindsey Graham. If Democrats take control of the Senate there would be no more rubber-stamping of Trumps right-wing judicial appointments. There could be more Senate investigations into Trump corruption and collusion. These new polls show that if Democrats fight hard to the very end, and if they get every possible Democratic voter to the polls, then they really might win back Senate control. And what a wonderful day it would be in America if that actually happens. 2.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard In a brilliant closing message on Saturday morning, Georgias Democratic candidate for governor Stacey Abrams bulldozed Republican opponent Brian Kemp. Abrams, who would be the first female African American governor, told MSNBCs Joy Reid that the focus of her first 30 days leading Georgia would be all about expanding health care in the state. Thats the crux of how we save rural Georgia. Its critical to how we save womens lives, she said. Its also about how we draw down billions of dollars in economic development that can transform our economies. Video: Abrams simple closing message on health care: Medicaid expansion. That is the crux of how we save rural Georgia. Its critical to how we save womens lives. But its also about how we draw down billions of dollars in economic development that can transform our economies. We know that in Kentucky, in Arkansas, in Indiana, in Louisiana, those are all states that have made money by expanding Medicaid, reducing costs and improving health care outcomes. And I want to do that for the state of Georgia. My opponent not only does not want to expand Medicaid, hes supporting rules that will weaken pre-existing conditions. Democrats recognize that health care isnt a partisan issue What Democrats have recognized is that health care is not an issue that exclusively impacts their base of supporters. Its something that affects all parties and geographies. Democrats have recognized this reality, and they have made the expansion of health care coverage central to their campaigns all across the country all while Republicans embrace the politics of fear and division to rile up their minority base of supporters. In focusing on health care and appealing to the economic concerns of voters in rural Georgia, Stacey Abrams is taking a bulldozer to her Republican opponents message with days to go until the election. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook. 478 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The mystery of what happened to Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggis may have been solved. A member of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogans staff told a Turkish newspaper that Khashoggis body was dissolved in acid after he was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2nd. Erdogans adviser, Yasin Aktay, told the newspaper thats why the body was cut into pieces. Since Khashoggi walked into the Saudi consulate to obtain required marriage documents for his planned marriage, Saudi officials have given several different explanations for his death. According to the latest information we have, the reason they dismembered his body is to dissolve it easier, Aktay said in a statement to the Hurriyet Daily News. The information was also reported by BBC News on Friday. Aktays statement supports reporting done by The Washington Post earlier in the week where a Turkish official was quoted as saying they were unable to locate the journalists remains but were pursuing different theories. On theory they had been pursuing, the official said, was that Khashoggis body may have been dismembered and immersed in acid either at the consulate or nearby, possibly in a well. Khashoggis body was not in need of burying, a senior Turkish official was quoted as saying. Several individuals within Turkeys government have repeatedly maintained that they do not believe Saudi Arabias official story concerning what happened to Khashoggis body. After several weeks Saudi officials acknowledged that Kashoggi was indeed killed inside their consulate on October 2nd. However, they have also been putting forth the story that Khashoggis assailants took the body and gave it to some unknown third party. Istanbuls chief prosecutor, Irfan Fidan, said this week that Khashoggi was immediately strangled when he arrived at the consulate. Earlier Turkish media reports said audio recordings captured Khashoggi being tortured before his death. Fidan demanded on Wednesday that Saudi officials reveal the location of the body. Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggis fiancee, on Friday pleaded for the remains to be returned for proper burial. Even though a month has passed since Jamals murder, his body has still not been given to his loved ones, Cengiz said during a Washington memorial service for her would-be husband. She again called on President Donald Trump to support Turkish officials efforts to uncover Khashoggis remains. With the NATOs month-long Trident Juncture 18 exercise kicking off last week, Russian media have tried to paint the war games, involving 50,000 troops from 31 countries, as an act of aggression. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said: NATOs military activities near our borders have reached the highest level since the Cold War times, adding the drills were intended to simulate offensive military action. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said such irresponsible actions will inevitably destabilize the military and political situation in the north, adding Russia would take necessary tit-for-tat measures to ensure its own security." NATO said the drills are not an act of aggression, adding Russia had been invited to observe them. Trident Juncture 18 comes one month after Russia carried out its Vostok military exercises, to which China, Mongolia and NATO-member Turkey were invited. Regarded as the largest Russian-led military exercise since 1981, some 297,000 service personnel took part in that drill. On October 29, RTs Murad Gazdiev said that the simulated enemy in the latest NATO drill is unsurprisingly exactly as powerful as Moscow, adding both sides have been going to extremes staging bigger and bigger wargames. The report cited NATO spokesman Dylan White, who said Vostok demonstrates Russias focus on exercises simulating a large-scale conflict, which fits into a pattern we have seen over some time a more assertive Russia significantly increasing its defense budget and its military presence. Gazdiev found fault with this claim, saying that Russias military budget has been decreasing, not increasing, year after year, and noting that Russias defense spending has shrunk from $69.2 billion in 2016 to $46 billion in 2018. NATOs spending during that period, by contrast, grew from $924 billion to $1.103 trillion. He said that in spending terms there is no competition between NATO and Russia, adding it has led to a remarkable cycle, whereby NATO ramps up its fighting machine, forcing Moscow to respond with its own buildup which NATO then calls Russian aggression, which the alliance then uses to justify stationing more tanks and more troops near Russia. Gazdievs report concluded with a rhetorical attempt at dismay, asking how much longer the situation can escalate before a spark is put to this trillion dollar powder keg. Russias Shrinking Defense Spending Explained On the surface, the basic point is true: NATOs defense spending has increased from 2016-18, while Russias has declined. But the 2017 cut was the first drop in Russian military spending since 1998. Ultimately, the situation is much more complicated than simply inferring intent from outlays. But first, the reasons behind those cuts warrant consideration. As noted by several analysts, Russias 2016 defense spending was inflated by a one-off adjustment to pay off debt that had accumulated over the years. That year, the Finance Ministry reportedly provided 792 billion rubles (approximately $12.03 billion at todays exchange rate) to help pay off defense contractors. Another 186 billion rubles ($2.82 billion dollars) was spent to that end in 2017, making outlays for those years appear higher, wrote Michael Kofman, a senior research scientist with the CNA Corporation. Kofman said a tightening in funding controls had also disrupted the continuity of Russian defense-spending data. Previously the industry had been allowed to hoard advances for armaments that had not been produced as scheduled. He also noted it was analytically unhelpful to measure Russias defense budget in dollars, as Russias defense sector doesnt buy much of anything in dollars, resulting in purchasing parity distortions. Another factor concerns the fact that Russian Federal Treasury data only accounts for actual expenditures, not full allocations, wrote Mark Galeotti, a senior non-resident fellow at the Institute of International Relations Prague. Then there is the issue of transparency. Galeotti says that in Russia, even more so than in the West, defense and security expenditures often appear under different budget lines and obscure headings. Pre-conscription physical and skills training is outsourced to schools through the revived GTO (Ready for Labor and Defense) program, Galeotti wrote. The cost for this comes out of the education budget, while part of the aid and development budget is likely paying for the mercenaries fighting in Syria. Olga Oliker, a senior adviser and director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), mirrored that point. Oliker said different components of Russias defense budget have been classified at different times, making them unavailable for analysis. Russia is also not unique in funding some defense-related items, like portions of its nuclear weapons program or military pensions, through sources other than its defense budget. That, coupled with the fact that civil defense and paramilitary forces are left out of the budgetary equation, further muddies the funding waters. Underlining that point is evidence that Russian mercenaries with opaque funding sources have been linked to what would normally be regular military operations, including sometimes combat, in eastern Ukraine, Syria and the Central African Republic. This makes year-on-year comparisons a challenge, and comparisons with other countries all the more so, Oliker said. Then there is the issue of force size and how it relates to the relative cost of living. As noted by Oliker, maintaining a military force of 500,000 high-quality personnel in a country with lower salaries is obviously cheaper. For example, in January it was announced that pay hikes would see a Russian lieutenant now earning 66,100 rubles ($1,006) a month. By contrast, a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army earns between $3,496 and $4,839 per month. Higher related outlays will further be seen in military housing, food service medical care and bonuses. Galeotti said that that any windfalls from rising oil prices, for example, always have the potential of resulting in specially-mandated military allocations. Even so, from the high-end estimate of 25.5% to a notional cut of 5%, Russias military spending did drop between 2016-17. The question is why. The narrative Russia is presenting -- that defense spending cuts are part of some natural desire for the Kremlin to scale back its military operations just as it is embarking on a 10-year force modernization plan -- appears counterintuitive. Rather, a drop in oil prices, Western sanctions related to Russias military actions in Ukraine and related economic woes, are often cited as the main impetus behind the cuts. Siemon Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which carried out a study on Russias defense cuts, said that in a time of austerity, the military was not the first thing to be cut. "The military budget has been restricted by economic problems that the country has experienced since 2014," Wezeman told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, adding that Moscow first implemented infrastructure and education cuts until there was finally no choice but to "spread the pain." The other question is whether there really is no comparison between Russia and NATO because of the budgetary disparity. Leonid Bershidsky has argued that, nuclear parity notwithstanding, Russia is much better at getting more bang for its buck when it comes to projecting military force in the modern era. Today's wars aren't fought with fat wads of money, Bershidsky wrote. The adversaries are mostly small, agile forces that aren't as well-resourced as nation states. Fighting them requires a combination of local knowledge, brute force applied only at important points in a conflict and ability to shift risks onto the shoulders of irregular fighters. Russia kept cutting its defense budget all through its participation in the Syrian war. Yabloko, an opposition party, earlier this year put the cost of the Syrian operation for Russia at about 140.4 billion rubles ($2.4 billion at the current exchange rate) since September, 2015; that's some 4% of what the U.S. allocated to overseas contingency operations in 2017 alone and the outcome is as good as Russia could have expected. Simply put, Russia has proven adept at making due with less. Ultimately, Russias de facto annexation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, its outright annexation of Crimea, its ongoing occupation of Moldova's breakaway Transnistria region and its clandestine war in eastern Ukraine belie the claim that Russia itself is the victim of aggression by its neighbors. So while its true that Russias military spending has taken a temporary dip, that in itself does not demonstrate a desire for peace with its neighbors. And so we find RTs report in this case is at best misleading. The author of several important books, including Will in the World and The Swerve, Stephen Greenblatt recently has consolidated his concerns about despotism (especially as it is currently expressed in American politics) in his latest book, Tyranny. David Slade is a senior Post and Courier reporter. His work has been honored nationally by Society of Professional Journalists, American Society of Newspaper Editors, Scripps foundation and others. Reach him at 843-937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com West Ham was twice pegged back by goals from Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Chris Wood and, despite a dominant display, the hosts were never assured of the points until Javier Hernandez struck their fourth goal in stoppage time. Adam Parker has covered many beats and topics for The Post and Courier, including race and history, religion, and the arts. He is the author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr.," published by Hub City Press. Last year, President Donald Trump vowed to reduce the size of some national parks, prompting praise and outrage from different corners. Columbia/Myrtle Beach Managing Editor Andy Shain runs The Post and Courier's newsrooms based in Columbia and Myrtle Beach. He was editor of Free Times and has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Charlotte, Columbia and Myrtle Beach. Jerrel Floyd is an Alabama raised reporter who covers Summerville and Dorchester County for The Post and Courier. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Gregory Yee covers the city of Charleston. He's a native Angeleno and previously covered crime and courts for the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, CA. He studied journalism and Spanish literature at the University of California, Irvine. Political Editor Schuyler Kropf is The Post and Courier political editor. He has covered every major political race in South Carolina dating to 1988, including for U.S. Senate, governorship, the Statehouse and Republican and Democratic presidential primaries. Christ United Methodist Church is offering a five-week grief support group from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The group begins this Wednesday and continues through Dec. 12th in the churchs Fireside Room. The Rev. Kellie Tracz, Mayo Hospice chaplain, is the facilitator of the group. There is no cost. All are welcome. Christ United Methodist is at 400 Fifth Ave. SW in Rochester. For more information, call 507-289-4019. A Time for Women meets Thursday at Autumn Ridge There will be a mystery speaker at the next "A Time for Women" meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Summit Room at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester. Jessica Taylor will be doing a pottery demonstration. Dawn Pruett and Char Burchard will lead a "Cards for Senior Saints" craft. There also will be a craft retreat from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10. You can bring a project and supplies to work on or help us with our project for Compassion Hospital in Guinea, Africa. For more information call or text 507-269-7653. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/a.time.for.women/ Lighthouse Church welcomes you to Friend Day ZUMBROTA Lighthouse Community Church invites the public to its annual "Friend Day" at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11. Ministering in music will be "2 Copper Coins," a group that comes together to play a mix of Christian music. The group consists of Peggy Ryland (keyboard and vocals), Joel Thorland (guitar and vocals), Sarah Jystad (cajon and vocals), Art Rew (fiddle, mandolin, and vocals), Carol Schiell (upright bass), and Kevin Rotschafer (on sound). In addition to the music, Pastor Jan Fischer will be sharing the message "Songs in the Night the Power of Praise & Worship!" based on Acts 16:16-26. A free-will offering for their ministry will be received A potluck dinner will follow the service. Lighthouse Community Church is at 179 West Third St. in Zumbrota. Womens Connection hold silent auction on Nov. 13 The Rochester Christian Womens Connection will hold its annual silent auction at its monthly luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Eagles Club, 917 15th Ave. SE. The silent auction will feature baked items and Christmas gift items. Deliver your items between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Bidding opens at 11:15 a.m. The luncheon starts at 11:45 a.m. and features speaker Tina Young, of Watkins, Minn., who will deliver the message "Joyful Living Surrounded by Grief" Admission is $15 and includes lunch. Reservations, which are made by calling 507-288-1144, are due Saturday, Nov. 10. Latter-day Saints to present Bridge Builder Award The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede with its fourth annual Bridge Builder Award on Nov. 30. The award honors people who have worked to establish cooperative relationships and mutual understanding across racial, cultural, economic and religious barriers for the betterment of Rochester and the surrounding communities. Brede will be honored at noon, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2300 Viola Heights Drive NE, in Rochester. Send your RSVP for the luncheon to Cara Widman at cara.widman@gmail.com or (615) 496-6419 by Friday, Nov. 23. Voting is an opportunity; its also a responsibility. On Tuesday, people around the country will participate in this important democratic process. Many of our ancestors worked hard over the last 200-plus years to ensure we might have access to this privilege. May we seize this opportunity with gratitude and readiness. At the inception of this country, it was primarily only white male property owners who could vote; it is estimated that only about 6 percent of the population was eligible. Outrageous. Its hard to imagine how frustrating it wouldve been for the other 94 percent of the population to be stuck in a system in which they had no public voice to advocate for political change. And yet, for so many people, that was the case. Through the indescribably hard work of many courageous people, African American males were granted the right to vote in 1870. Fifty years later, in 1920, women were granted the right to vote in all states. Oppression and inequity continued to find its way into the system, limiting voting access. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was enacted, which prohibited all election practices that denied the right to vote on account of race. For all the real progress that has been made, voter suppression and disenfranchisement continue to make civic engagement a sincere challenge for many citizens of this country, especially the elderly, college students, people of color, Native Americans and those who speak English as a second language. For those who are able to vote in the upcoming election, please do so. Voting is a way to be engaged in the civic processes happening around. As we vote, we dont have to leave our lives of faith behind. Quite the contrary! Bring your values, your sense of Gods spirit and your theology with you to the ballot box. Be an informed, faith-filled, compassionate voter. As Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) shares, "This church understands government as a means through which God preserves creation and builds a more peaceful and just social order in a broken world. Christians are called to be stewards of our common life through serving as faithful and active citizens." Voting is one way to live out the responsibility of being a faithful and active citizen. It isnt only Bishop Eaton encouraging people of faith to participate in the voting process. A multitude of faith leaders and organizations are doing what they can to lift up the importance of civic engagement. The National Council of Churches (NCC) represents denominations representing over 40 million Americans. The NCC encourages voters as follows, "People of faith must not sit and wait out of complacency, apathy, or frustration over current political divisions or unprecedented money flowing into elections. We must assert our voice to ensure that corporate interests do not outweigh the voice of the public and see that the common good is upheld by those in office. If we are to build a future in which every person can thrive our voice is needed, every voice must be lifted. Every. Vote. Counts. This Nov. 6 and every election is the time to lift our voice, all voices, and vote." Prayer is a helpful tool in all of lifes discernments. God can handle our most honest thoughts, feelings and uncertainties. Through prayer, our Creator not only listens, God also responds. May we remember to pray as we head toward November 6 and beyond. In the hymnal "Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW)," theres a collection of prayers. Heres a portion of a prayer titled, "A prayer for responsible citizenship": "God, help us elect trustworthy leaders, participate in wise decisions for our common life, and serve our neighbors in local communities. Bless the leaders of our land, that we may be at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth." May the Spirit guide us in the week ahead as we vote and as we respond to whatever new realities Wednesday morning might bring. But experts say it could signal disappointment for other cities that were considered strong possibilities, such as Chicago, Atlanta and Austin, if Bezos did not travel to those places some other way. They say it is very rare to see a chief executive choose a new headquarters site without looking at it personally, even if he or she is not involved in the early or middle stages of the project. I first noticed the reflection of the downtown high rises on the waters of Silver Lake on a recent bike ride when I didnt have my camera. So, the next time, with camera in hand, I was able to get the essence of Silver Lake Park, truly Rochesters "Central Park," and somewhat a jewel in the rough. That essence, and the history many longtime residents like myself have with the park has led to formation of a group of Rochester residents interested in polishing that jewel, not only as a great park for people to gather, but also one full of nature. Less than five months ago, sometime before taking that picture, I wrote about moving into a house overlooking Silver Lake Park. Little did I know that as a result of that column, the Silver Lake Friends group would now exist. Thinking back how it happened, I can trace it to a call from another retired Rochester native, Mike Brumm, who asked after hed read my column if we might meet to talk about Silver Lake. That was the first of many meetings I have now had with Mike and others at the East Pavilion, with Mike first suggesting "with a little attention we could make Silver Lake Park even better." Thinking it might take a team of more than two of us, we asked another Rochester native, Shaun Palmer, to join us, and he was all in, suggesting "an old friend (Silver Lake Park) needed some help." Shortly after, we decided to form a group, calling it Silver Lake Friends, and with permission from Mike Nigbur at the Rochester Parks and Recreation Department, we posted signs around the park in early July announcing a July 9 meeting at the East Pavilion. Anxiously waiting for folks to show up, we asked each other, "What if no one comes?" But, one by one, seats at the picnic tables were soon filled with more than 30 interested Rochester residents. Silver Lake Friends were up and running. As a follow-up to that meeting, we now have more than 100 people expressing interest in helping the park, and have added two of them, shoreline homeowner Dave Morrill, and Park Board member Dick Dale, to our team. The most important thing to come out of that meeting was to hear the concerns of people who frequented Silver Lake Park, but also felt it needed help. We generated a list of more than 30 ideas about improving the park, all deserving consideration, but five which jumped out as high priorities. First on the list was the historic limestone East Pavilion, host to thousands of people who gather yearly at the pavilion for organized walks, runs, or just family picnics. The Silver Lake Friends feel the pavilion needs attention to outdated bathrooms, bringing them up to the quality found in other Park facilities like nearby Three Links Park. Second on our priority list is access to the three iconic arched bridges that surround an island in the park. Recently restored, they are picturesque and well used by many, but also inaccessible to many. Connecting the three bridges with a blacktop trail would make all three more accessible and draw more people to these iconic structures. Third on our list was addressing the lake shoreline vegetation, which was planted about 10 years ago. Although having some purpose, for many residents it has been an unwelcome change, especially when some of the high native plants blocked out views of the lake. Silver Lake Friends would like to make the plantings more appealing and enhance views of the Lake. Fourth priority was getting the city snow dump, on a 5-acre site near the Seventh Street bridge, moved elsewhere, as it is not compatible with the park mission. And fifth on the list is the elephant in the Park, the Canada geese. An important part of Rochesters history, the geese more specifically what they deposit on the blacktop trails, ball fields, and playgrounds keep many people away from the park. Silver Lake Friends would like to work with the Park Department to help minimize the negative impacts of the geese, and keep the trails clean for walkers, bikers, joggers and stroller pushers. In the past four months, Silver Lake Friends have met with the Park Board and parks staff, made a presentation to the City Council, hosted city leaders at the park, and have carried out numerous volunteer activities in the park. We look forward to continued work with the city to make Silver Lake Park better, and welcome hearing from anyone who is interested in being added to our list of Friends. Although we plan to have a website up this winter, you may just email me at the address below with interest, questions, or concerns about Silver Lake Park. A month of "Community Reflections on Living and Dying" gets into full swing this weekend and continues for the next four weeks. The various programs are designed to start a community conversation, said Beth Kangas, executive director of the Zumbro Valley Medical Society, who met with Kevin Miller of Rochester Civic Theatre and Dee Sabol of the Diversity Council in a search for ideas. "We had a meeting about ways to bring the community together," Kangas said. "November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and had a lot of things happening already, with people coming together to thing about living and dying." So that pointed toward a theme to tie the events together. The month was launched with a social time and proclamation by Mayor Ardell Brede Thursday at Rochester Civic Theatre. Heres a look at some of the events coming up: Day of the Dead sugar skull mosaic workshop, SEMVA Gallery, today and Sunday In Honor of Death open mic, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Cafe Steam "Famous Last Words," storytelling, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Assisi Heights Stevie Rays Death and Dying Comedy Show, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Nov. 8, Rochester Civic Theatre. Panel: "Lifegiving: The Body and Its Parts in Medicine and Culture," 6 p.m. Nov. 13, Rochester Civic Theatre "Your Grieving Brain," 10:30 a.m., Nov. 14, Mayo Clinic, Byron "Your Grieving Brain," 2 p.m. Nov. 15, Mayo Clinic, Wabasha, 5 p.m. Nov. 15, Mayo Clinic Lake City Women on Wednesdays: "Women as Death Professionals," 5:30 p.m Nov. 14, Rochester Civic Theatre Death Cafe, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Assisi Heights "Dying to Know: Family Directed Home Funeral and Green Burial Q&A," 6:30 p.m., Rochester Public Library Panel: "Lessons from the End of Life," 6:30 p.m., Riverview Room C, Mayo Civic Center In addition, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, Nov. 15 is Childrens Grief Awareness Day, and Nov. 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance. At a conference in New York on Thursday, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos told the crowd: "Ultimately the decision will be made with intuition after gathering and studying a lot of data - for a decision like that, as far as I know, the best way to make it is you collect as much data as you can, you immerse yourself in that data but then you make the decision with your heart." (Bezos also owns The Washington Post) PQ "On Tinian, they're the ones that are suffering the most." Leila Staffler, principal, Kagman High School on Saipan Outside aid continues to pour into the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as residents on Tinian and Saipan move on in the wake of Supertyphoon Yutu. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Guam and federal aid workers, including military members, have been assisting with clearing debris and feeding residents, as well as addressing medical needs as public health facilities remain offline. Saipan has had power restored in some areas. A number of gas stations are now operational on the island and residents no longer wait in line for fuel as they did in the immediate aftermath of the storm. About 80 percent of businesses are now open as well. While recovery efforts are evident in some parts of Saipan, the southern part of the island was hit hard and will likely take more time to recover. Power to villages such as Koblerville may take months to return. Restoration efforts are ongoing as about two dozen workers from the Guam Power Authority are on Saipan assisting with transmission work. There were no GPA workers assisting Tinian as of Friday. About 50,000 residents on Saipan were affected by Yutu compared with about 3,000 on Tinian. The sheer difference in scale between the islands had one Saipan resident worried about restoration efforts on Tinian. Don't want Tinian left behind Tinian, which lies south of Saipan, was closer to Yutu's epicenter. The island is just as devastated as its northern neighbor but has fewer resources to cope with the disaster. "On Tinian, they're the ones that are suffering the most. No one can buy fuel ... it's really a dire situation. And I'm from there so I'm freaking out about it," said Leila Staffler. On Saipan, Staffler is the principal for Kagman High School. She is managing the facility as it functions as a shelter for those displaced by Yutu. The Guam Daily Post spoke with Staffler on Wednesday. Her mother and most of her other family members are on Tinian. Her family runs the Fleming Hotel on Tinian. The hotel is "totally destroyed" with every room "blown out," Staffler said, trying to hold back her emotions as she described the situation on the southern island. "Saipan has more people and drowns out Tinian, so I do fear that Tinian might get left behind, and I really don't want that to happen. So please include that in the story," Staffler said. 'We are moving forward' "I don't know how to respond to that," said Tinian Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas. "We are moving forward. I'm very optimistic Tinian will recover. I have to disagree." Tinian was slowly getting back on its feet, San Nicolas added. The island is totally devastated, he said. Marines are on island assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency with debris removal. FEMA has been on island for days assisting with recovery, San Nicolas said. As of Nov. 1, the entire island of Tinian still had no power. It may take about three months to complete 50 percent restoration, based on estimates from the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. As of Oct. 31, the Tinian Fuel Station was open, according to a news release. "In spite of Yutu totally devastating our island, we are, with the help of the CNMI government and federal government, moving forward. There are also many people out there lending their support," San Nicolas said. "I have no words to describe how grateful I am to everybody." NORRISTOWN An investigation into a significant drug-trafficking organization has resulted in the arrests of eight individuals across three counties. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and other local, state and federal authorities announced Friday that eight leaders of a drug- trafficking organization that was distributing heroin, cocaine and other illegal drugs in Montgomery, Philadelphia and Chester counties have been charged. On Nov. 1, police arrested George King, 50, Foster B. Moore, 47, and Richard Rivera, 42, all of Philadelphia; Jeron Boggs, 28, Marcellus Bowie Sr.,49, John King, 54, Romelle McClellan, 29, all of Norristown; and Larry Baird, 60, of Phoenixville. Each defendant was charged with multiple felonies related to drug trafficking including corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver, dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities and criminal use of a communications facility, as well as other related charges. George King was also charged with a firearm violation. Eleven other individuals are also being charged with various drug trafficking and possession charges. This is another case of these men peddling poison to those suffering from addiction all in the name of greed, Steele said. George King, who was reportedly moving 75 to 100 bundles of heroin a week along with cocaine, was the center of it all, and he was being supplied by Rivera and Moore. By taking these three major drug traffickers and their five other lieutenants off the street, as well as locking up their lower-level dealers, we have once again cut off a major source of heroin in Montgomery County and hopefully have made a dent in the regions drug pipeline. This multi-agency investigation that put these dealers out of commission is just one way we are working to make a difference in the heroin-opioid epidemic in Montgomery County. The investigation involved the use of electronic surveillance, visual surveillance, fixed surveillance, search warrants, court orders, controlled purchases of narcotics, use of confidential sources, and analysis of recorded phone calls at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility and the Pennsylvania Corrections system. On Sept. 25, 2018, multiple search warrants were obtained and served on the residences, vehicles and persons of the eight major traffickers. Search warrants yielded a significant number of bags of heroin; varying amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine; pills such as oxycodone, Klonopin and Clonazepam; and methamphetamine, much of which is still undergoing testing and weighing at National Medical Services laboratory. Twenty-four handguns, long guns and an AK-47 were also seized. Also seized was drug cutting agents, drug-packaging materials and more than $17,000 in cash. The eight defendants were arraigned Friday before District Judge Margaret A. Hunsicker, who set bail at $500,000 cash for George King and Rivera; $250,000 cash for Boggs; $150,000 cash on Bowie and McClellan; $100,000 cash on Baird and John King; and $150,000 on Moore. Bowie, McClellan and Moore posted bail. All other defendants were unable to post bail and remain in Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for the defendants at noon, Nov. 16, 2018, before Judge Hunsicker. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant Chief of the Trials Division Lauren Heron and Assistant District Attorney Lindsey Mills. Ive said it before to dealers and Ill say it again: Dont peddle your poison in Montgomery County, said Steele. Our law enforcement community is committed to working together to track down and prosecute dealers who are looking to profit from someones addiction and pain. The arrests were the result of a multi-agency investigation involving: * Montgomery County Detective Bureaus Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) * Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General * Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) * Chester County District Attorneys Office * Lower Providence Township Police Department * Philadelphia Police Department * Plymouth Township Police Department * Upper Merion Township Police Department * Liberty Mid-Atlantic HIDTA. When you Google Cecilia Paul, the top result is the Simon and Garfunkel song Cecilia. This breaks my heart, because Cecilia Paul lived a life that was a glorious song of a different sort. Cecilia adopted her son Thomas as a newborn, along with his brother, Drew, who was a year older. Although the brothers would make contact with their biological parents who were in some bad stuff Cecilia was always Thomas mother as far as he was concerned, as he explained to lawyer Andrea Picciotti-Bayer for an amicus brief filed by The Catholic Association. I think that whoever raised you is your parent, he says, now in his early 30s with children of his own. Cecilia Paul welcomed more than 130 foster children into her home over 40 years, adopting six of them. In 2015, the city of Philadelphia honored her with an Outstanding Foster Parent of the Year award. At the time, the head of the citys Department of Health and Human Services emphasized the desperate need right now for additional foster homes. We need more families, she pleaded. A former nurse in a childrens hospital, Paul had explained that caring for children in need was her lifes work. Cecilia died this past month, and it seems only right to pause to pay tribute to her during a week when so many eyes are on political matters. The most important campaign isnt run by politicians or spin doctors, its helmed by people like Cecilia: Its a campaign of love. Her fostering was made possible by Catholic Social Services. But in the final months of her life, that wasnt happening anymore. She died a plaintiff in a case that asks Philadelphia to reconsider its decision to stop working with the group. As Cecilia explained: The city wont let me care for any more foster children because I work with an agency that shares my faith. The citys actions have left my home empty, and I have felt lost without being able to continue my lifes work. This, despite the citys continuing need for foster parents. Its worth taking a deep breath and considering that tolerance includes appreciating that there is still room in our civic life for traditional ideas about life, love and family. When it comes to foster care, we have too many orphans to be considering places like Catholic Social Services an arm of the Catholic Church in Philadelphia anything less than a needed solution to the problem, a gateway to love for children, for homes for children. We need more, not fewer, people involved in foster care and adoption. Thomas and his brother saw many foster care children go in and out of their home growing up. As foster-parents know, this means kids with a lot of trauma from abuse including addiction or abandonment. That, of course, was hard. I have seen so much in my life that is sad, Thomas says, but joy overcomes all of the pain in my life. And Catholic Social Services was a part of his home life growing up. It would send presents at Christmas, for example, something that made him feel special. Without glossing over the real struggles that foster and adoptive families experience, the difference between being an orphan stuck in a system and knowing youre loved makes all the difference in life. Thomas is now a general contractor and a father of two young children. He has nothing but thanks for Cecilia Paul, who encouraged hard work and perseverance. Her heart helped him not become overwhelmed by feelings of abandonment. His mother taught him that love is everything. I want other kids to have the opportunity that I did, Thomas told Picciotti-Bayer. If they get shattered by situations that are not their fault, they should still have the chance to dream. November is the month in which Catholics traditionally celebrate All Saints and All Souls. Its also National Adoption Month. Cecilia Paul seems an apt patron saint for letting no one feel abandoned. Its a challenge we should rise to, if we can muster the time and attention. (Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute, editor-at-large of National Review Online and founding director of Catholic Voices USA. She can be contacted at klopez@nationalreview.com.) At a sparsely attended session in a subterranean auditorium at the Thompson Center, members of the four finalist teams each argued they'd be the best choice to oversee the citys compliance with the forthcoming consent decree, a potentially lucrative job that comes with broad authority. The independent monitoring teams fees and costs would be capped at $2.85 million per year, and the group would have largely unimpeded access to department personnel and buildings while overseeing a sweeping overhaul of the troubled department. The Star Tribunes Stephen Montemayor has a story this morning on the highly competitive Minnesota attorney general contest pitting Keith Ellison against Doug Wardlow. Montemayors story is Minn. attorney general race attacks continue as campaign counts down to finish. I have emailed the following message to Steve this morning (I will immediately post any response received from him): Steve: I am mystified by your story today. It is not apparent to me that you have any idea of the issues related to Keith Ellisons involvement in supporting the murderers of Officer Haaf. I went into the archives to reconstruct Ellisons involvement in 2006 and have written about it repeatedly over the years, most recently in the August [15] Weekly Standard column Can Keith Ellison turn lawman? Since [my original research in 2006] we also have Ellisons 2014 memoir, My Country, Tis of Thee, but Ellison is almost entirely silent about the time and events involved here. Here is what I have found. Officer Haaf was murdered in September 1992. Within two months police determined that Haafs murder was a gang hit performed by members of the Vice Lords gang. Sharif Willis was the leader of the Vice Lords and a convicted murderer who had been released from prison. He sought respectability from municipal authorities at the time as a supposedly responsible gang leader while operating a gang front called United for Peace. The Vice Lords members who murdered Haaf met and planned the murder at Williss house. Despite the fact that two witnesses implicated Willis in the planning he was never charged because law enforcement authorities said they lacked sufficient evidence to convict him. At the time, Ellison was a Minneapolis attorney in private practice at Lindquist & Vennum. Within a month of Haafs murder, Ellison appeared with Willis supporting the United for Peace gang front. In October 1992, Ellison helped organize a demonstration against Minneapolis police that included United for Peace. The main point of our rally is to support United for Peace [in its fight against] the campaign of slander the police federation has been waging, said Ellison. Willis was the last speaker at the demonstration. According to a contemporaneous report in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Willis told the crowd that Minneapolis police were experiencing the same fear from young black men that blacks had felt from police for many years. If the police have some fear, I understand that fear, Willis said. We seem to have an overabundance of bad police. . . . [W]ere going to get rid of them, Willis said. Theyve got to go. The Pioneer Press account concludes with Ellisons contribution to the demonstration: Ellison told the crowd that the police union is systematically frightening whites in order to get more police officers hired. That way, Ellison said, the union can increase its power base. Ellison publicly supported the Haaf murder defendants. In February 1993, he spoke at a demonstration for one of them during his trial. Ellison led the crowd assembled at the courthouse in a chant that was ominous in the context of Haafs cold-blooded murder: We dont get no justice, you dont get no peace. Ellisons working relationship with Sharif Willis finally came to an end in February 1995, when Willis was convicted in federal court on several counts of drug and gun-related crimes and sent back to prison for 20 years. In your story this becomes: Earlier this week, Ellison defended his representation of Sharif Willis while working at a legal aid clinic, and his support of the United for Peace coalition aimed at stopping gang violence. Some connected with the coalition were later implicated in Haafs murder. You quote Ellison: As a matter of fact, he was never charged in that case and I never represented any defendants in that case. There was clearly a time in my life that I believed that gang intervention was important to reduce violence in our community. I still think kids who are caught up in gangs need positive alternatives. I think the most charitable explanation for your jumbled account is that you are unfamiliar with the facts. I could understand how that might be the case given the Star Tribunes complete and utter failure ever to explore the relevant period of Ellisons climb up the greasy pole in Minneapolis. Will you please let me know if you think I have anything wrong here, including my assessment of your knowledge of the relevant background (or lack thereof)? Thanks as always for your courtesies and consideration. From the New York Post: Terrorists slaughter Coptic Christians in Egypt. You dont have to speculate about the terrorists allegiance. Gunmen killed at least seven Coptic Christians in Egypt as they were traveling on a bus near a monastery the most serious assault on the religious minority in over a year. The attackers killed seven people and wounded 14, all of whom are in the Sheikh Fadel hospital in Beni Mazar about 120 miles south of Cairo, Bishop Makarios of Minya told Agence France-Presse. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack near St. Samuel the Confessor monastery in Minya, but extremists linked to ISIS have regularly targeted Christians. The attack took place near the spot where gunmen killed 28 Christians in a similar assault in May 2017. Such news stories from Egypt are nothing new, although I think that Egypts government is trying, in good faith, to prevent mass murders. If it werent, there would be a lot more of them. Stories like this one prompt several observations. 1) Mainstream news outlets conventionally refer to Coptic Christians or Copts as though they were exotic and somehow expendable. I disagree. They are Christians, period. 2) There were Christians in Egypt at least 400 years before Muslims arrived. So are Muslims colonialists whose interests and history should therefore be disregarded? Somehow, I have never seen anyone make this argument. 3) Around the world, Christians are under attack and are being persecuted. The attackers are nearly always Muslims. For some reason, this fact is of little interest to nearly all American Christians. I have given up on trying to understand why American Christians are so indifferent to the fate of their fellow Christians overseas. I do have some hope, however, that President Trumpheathen though he may bemight be willing, at some point, to stand up for the interests of the worlds persecuted Christians. Ive been on jury duty this week. This partially explains my lack of production on Power Line. The case we heard involved pretty serious criminal charges. I think the defense lawyer would have opted to strike me from the panel had he been aware of my hard line blogging about various criminal justice matters. However, my writings never came up during voir dire, and both parties seemed fine with having me on the jury. It worked out well for the defense lawyer. I was a solid vote and a strong advocate for acquittal on the most serious charge. I might write about the case in more detail at some point, but for now Ill just make some general observations. First, as a lawyer I always thought jurors were conscientious and hard working. A jury might err, but rarely for lack of effort or good faith, in my experience. This weeks jury service gave me an inside look. It confirmed and strengthened my impression. Second, if youre a defense lawyer in a liberal suburban county and your client is asserting self-defense in a handgun case, the fewer white women on your panel, the better. Third, our jury was about as diverse as could be in terms of race, ethnicity, etc. It consisted of three white females, two black females, and one Latino female. Males made up the other half of the jury. Two of them were black, three white, and one Asian (from India). One of the three white males hailed from Eastern Europe (I think). However, I dont believe Latinos are pulling their weight on Montgomery County juries. On the first day of my service, there were hundreds of potential jurors waiting in the jury lounge to be assigned to a case (or not). Few, it seemed to me, were Latino. Yet, Latinos make up around 20 percent of the countys population (though the jury-eligible percentage must be somewhat lower). Two weeks earlier, I accompanied my wife to the Social Security office in Silver Spring, Maryland (in Montgomery County). Nearly everyone there was black or Latino, with the latter group making up at least 40 percent of the crowd present during the hour we were there. Fourth, there was substantial disagreement among jurors. In fact, we were unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the most serious criminal charge. However, jurors were unfailingly civil, and indeed friendly, throughout our deliberations. Its true that we didnt discuss politics, but a gun was at the heart of the case, and divergent juror attitudes towards guns figured prominently in our deliberations. Yet, there were no raised voices, personal attacks, or barbed comments. I doubt that old levels of civility will ever return to American politics. But Americas culture wars, racial divisions, and gun debate did not prevent an outbreak of civility this week on the Ninth Floor of the Montgomery County Courthouse in Rockville, Maryland. NOTE: I have modified this post slightly since it first went up. By letter to Senator Kamala Harris during the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation proceedings on Brett Kavanaugh, the committee received an allegation of rape committed by Judge Kavanaugh (as he then was). The handwritten letter was signed by Jane Doe of Oceanside, California. Kavanaugh was asked about the Jane Doe charge and a transcript of his testimony denying the allegation was released. Justice Kavanaugh testified: [T]he whole thing is ridiculous. Nothing ever anything like that, nothing . . . . [T]he whole thing is just a crock, farce, wrong, didnt happen, not anything close. Then Judy Munro-Leighton stepped forward by email to announce, not that she is Spartacus, but that she was Jane Doe of Oceanside, California. She nevertheless shares a trait with Senator Spartacus. She turns out to be a fabulist, just like he is. As committee investigators followed up, nothing checked out. She isnt from Oceanside. She is a left-wing activist. She is decades older than Kavanaugh. She lives in Kentucky. Indeed, she admitted that she just wanted to get attention. She further conceded it was a tactic and just a ploy. When asked by Committee investigators whether she had ever met Kavanaugh, she responded: Oh Lord, no. Booker, by contrast, is sticking with his many stories and may actually have met Kavanaugh. Senator Grassley has referred Ms. Munro-Leighton for investigation of potential violations of 18 U.S.C. 1001 (materially false statements) and 1505 (obstruction) for materially false statements she made to the committee during the course of the committees investigation (letter and exhibits embedded below). As Shannon Bream commented via Twitter, This is quite a read. 2018-11-02 CEG to DOJ FBI (Munro-Leighton Referral) With Redacted Enclosures by Scott Johnson on Scribd Far-left billionaire Tom Steyer is one of the worlds most notorious hypocrites. These days, he is devoting many millions to the cause of impeaching President Trump. In advance of the midterms, he is flooding Facebook with anti-Trump ads, including this one, A Modern Dictators Playbook. Steyers video says that Trump is well on the way to being a dictator like Saddam Hussein (because he feeds enemies into wood chippers?), Hugo Chavez (this one is funny, since Chavez was idolized by the American left), Vladimir Putin (Trump is exactly like Putin, because Putin murders journalists while Trump criticizes them), Recep Erdogan (per Barack Obama, one of his favorite foreign leaders) and Kim Jong-un (hard to tell what the analogy is here). A sane person would say that in order to be a dictator, you have todictate. In the American context, this presumably would mean issuing unconstitutional executive orders. But that is what Barack Obama did, not Donald Trump. There is no point dissecting the video in detail. It is much too stupid for that. Here it is: Tom Steyer isnt dumb. He must understand how laughable his propaganda campaign against President Trump is. But the leftists quest for power knows no bounds. By historical standards, the Democrats performance in this years midterm elections wont be good. The current consensuswhich may be wrong, but lets go with it for nowis that they will net at least 23 House seats, enough to gain control of that chamber, and probably a few more, while losing a seat or two in the Senate. This is sub-par for the first midterm election of a presidency. In 2010, the year of the Tea Party, the GOP picked up a net of 63 House seats and six Senate seats. It also gained a record 680 seats in state legislative races. No one expects the Democrats to do remotely as well in 2018. There is a wide gulf between the Democrats view of the political landscape and the voters. For two years, outraged Democrats have been resisting; telling us that President Trump is literally Hitler (or, in their more moderate moments, a Hitler in the making); assaulting Republican senators, congressmen and candidates; harassing Republicans in public places; shooting up Republican campaign offices; hysterically screaming at us every day that Donald Trump represents a unique threat to the republic and is an illegitimate president, while dropping broad hints that he should be assassinated. To which the voters are about to respond with a yawn. If the Democrats do take the House, simply because the bar is so low, their media outlets likely will refrain from pointing out that by historical standards the Democrats underperformed. But perhaps a mediocre showing on Tuesday will cause some of that partys leaders to reassess their strategy. Maybe they will conclude that crazed, over-the-top, daily hysteria is not the best path to majority status. I am not sure there are any sober leaders left in the Democratic Party. But if there are, perhaps they will interpret a sub-par midterm performance as a sign that they should return to being a normal political party rather than a sometimes-violent resistance movement. Maybe they will understand that the concerns of their Twitter base are not those of mainstream Americans. Maybe they will acknowledge (at least to themselves) that, whether they like him or not, President Trump has done some things very well. Like pursuing policies that have doubled our rate of economic growth, while leading to record low unemployment and wage gains. Also, like using foreign policy to advance American security interests. The kinds of things politicians used to take for granted. Of course, I am always the optimist. More likely, the Democrats will use their slim House majority to launch ever-nuttier investigations of the president and likely to vote articles of impeachment (for what, God only knows), while obstructing any legislation that promises to extend the gains already made on the economy. In that event, we can look forward to Speaker Jim Jordan taking the gavel from Nancy Pelosis hands in January 2021. The Central Bank of Nigeria on Friday said two foreign banks, HSBC and UBS, have closed their offices in Nigeria. The CBN also revealed that foreign investment had fallen sharply from a year ago as FDI slumped to N379.84 billion ($1.2 billion) in the first half of the year from N532.63 billion ($1.7 billion) a year earlier. The apex bank also said that the outlook for the Nigerian economy in the second half was optimistic given increase in global oil prices and production. It added however that rising foreign debt and uncertainty surrounding the 2019 presidential election was a drawback. Reuters reports that investor confidence in Africas biggest economy has been shaken since the CBN got entangled in an alleged illegal repatriation of funds battle with telecom giant, MTN Nigeria. The CBN had in August ordered MTN to bring back $8.1 billion to the country, part of profits which the South African telecoms firm sent abroad. The Nigerian government also slammed the company an additional tax levy. Both parties are now seeking mutually beneficial resolution. The apex bank, however, did not give reasons for the shut down of operations of the two foreign banks in its report. HSBC has however been at loggerheads with the Nigerian government lately. In July, a research note by the the bank said a second term for President Muhammadu Buhari raises the risk of limited economic progress and further fiscal deterioration, prolonging the stagnation of his first term, particularly if there is no move towards completing reform of the exchange rate system or fiscal adjustments that diversify government revenues away from oil. The government in its reaction had contested and dismissed the banks claims. Meanwhile, the central bank also said three lenders failed to meet its minimum liquidity ratio of 30 per cent. It however did not name the lenders, adding that non-performing loans (NPLs) have dropped to 12.4 per cent as at June 2018 from 15 per cent a year ago. The figure is still a long way above its 5 percent threshold, it said. To further consolidate on the improvement, the Central Bank of Nigeria directed banks to intensify efforts at debt recovery, realisation of collateral for lost facilities and strengthening their risk management processes, the report said. Two months ago, the apex bank withdrew the license of Skye Bank for failing to recapitalise. It transferred Skyes assets to a bridge bank, Polaris. Polaris has since begun operation. There is no discrepancy in the results of the school certificate examination of President Muhammadu Buhari released in 2015 and the results in an attestation certificate issued to the president by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) on Friday. The presidents school certificate examination, which was a major controversy in the build-up to the 2015 elections, recently became a matter of public discourse after Mr Buhari told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that his school certificate is still with military authorities. Mr Buhari stated this while submitting essential forms to INEC for the 2019 elections, which he would be participating in as the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The presidents claim immediately drew another round of intense criticism from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and many Nigerians who expressed doubt that Mr Buhari took the examination. However, on Friday evening, the president Tweeted via his official handle that he had received the attestation and confirmation of his result. Today I received the attestation and confirmation of my 1961 West African School Certificate (WASC) Examination result, from the Registrar of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). It was also an opportunity for me to thank WAEC for upholding its integrity over the years, he wrote. As a Nigerian military officer, it would have been impossible for me to have attended the Defence Services Staff College in India in 1973, and, after that in 1979 the United States Army War College, had I not sat for the WASC examinations, which I did in 1961. The late General Shehu Musa YarAdua was my classmate. We spent close to nine years in boarding school, at primary and secondary levels. And from there, after our WASC, we moved to join the Army, where we had to take a military examination as one of the requirements, he further explained. The series of tweets about his result were accompanied by pictures showing the president holding a copy of the result presented to him by WAEC with a man that appears to be an official of the examination body, another of the picture showed passing the result among jubilant aides. No Mathematics, No Woodwork But after the results was released, some Nigerians suggested on social media that there was discrepancy in the attestation certificate. They claimed that in the statement of results this newspaper obtained in 2015, stamped and signed by Principal of Government College Katsina, Mr. Buharis alma mater, the president scored four credits in English Language, Hausa Language, Geography, and health Science, respectively. He also scored a Good in History but failed Mathematics and Wood Work with the lowest possible grades represented by F9. President Muhammadu Buharis WAEC result from his school in 2015 The attestation given to the president yesterday However, in the attestation certificate released Friday, while other results remained the same as those in the statement of results obtained by this newspaper in 2015, the presidents score in Mathematics, and in Wood Work, was conspicuously missing. But PREMIUM TIMES can report that there is no discrepancy in the result. WAEC tweeted Friday that subjects that a candidate has F9s are no longer captured in Certificates or Attestation of Results. 4. Subjects that a candidate had F9s are no longer captured in certificates or Attestation of Results; 5. WAEC in the five member countries do not issue a certificate twice; 6. WAEC was established on March 16, 1952. https://t.co/0p1HpLhF6N WAEC NIGERIA (@waecnigeria) November 2, 2018 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Lets educate ourselves a bit: 1. President Buhari was given Attestation of Results not a certificate; 2. Attestation of Results is given to a candidate whose certificate is damaged or missing; 3. It carries the passport photo the candidate submitted during application. WAEC NIGERIA (@waecnigeria) November 2, 2018 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js EDITORS NOTE: This report initially erroneously indicated that there was discrepancy in the attestation of result issued to the president. The post has now been updated to correct that. Ochanya Obaje, a 13-year-old girl, who died on October 17 after being raped allegedly by a lecturer of Benue State Polytechnic, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor, has been buried. She was buried on Friday in her hometown, Ogene Amejo, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State. A family member of the deceased who only identified himself as Innocent, in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday, said the family calls for fair prosecution of the suspects. It was sad to see the little girl laid to rest. We call for the sanction of the lecturers by the school where he works. Sexual molestation was what the victim experienced. It is a sad thing for us. The victim, a Junior Secondary School 1 student at the Federal Government College, Gboko, Benue State, died from complications of five years of anal and vaginal rape which led to Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and other health complications. This occurred when she was living with the family. 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. The death has led to protests by several civil society organisations in Abuja, Makurdi and other parts of Nigeria. Mr Ogbuja has been remanded in prison till the next date of hearing of the matter in court on November 29. Reacting to this, Aisa Dania, a rights activist, told PREMIUM TIMES that civic groups will continue to make sure that justice is done. From our end, we will continue to make sure that justice is done. Not just for Ochanya but also for all other children who have been molested. It is high time government began to know that these children are indeed the future of the country and as such, they must be properly looked after, she said. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is to deliver the Sixth Anniversary Lecture of Realnews Magazine scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, by 10am prompt. Mr Yakubu, guerrilla warfare expert, and previously a professor of Political History and International Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy, will speak on Political Transitions and Africas Economic Development. Making the announcement in Abuja, Maureen Chigbo, publisher of Realnews Magazine, an online publication, said: Our choice of topic for the 2018 lecture has been informed by contemporary political, economic, security, socio-cultural challenges facing Nigeria regarded as the Giant of Africa as it prepares for the 2019 polls where Nigerians are expected to elect leaders they hope will move country to the next level. She added that given Mr. Yakubus world class experience, academic antecedents and his current position as chairman of INEC, he is in a better position to do justice to the topic. Born in Bauchi State, northern Nigeria, Mr Yakubu completed his basic and secondary school education at Kobi Primary School and Government Teachers College, Toro, respectively. He proceeded to the University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Danfodiyo University, where he became the first and, to date, only Nigerian from the North to obtain a first-class degree certificate in History. In 1991, Mr. Yakubu graduated from the University of Oxford with a doctorate in philosophy, specializing in Nigerian History. The Bauchi State Government offered him a scholarship to study at both the University of Cambridge and and the University of Oxford. He went on to become a three-time recipient of the Overseas Research Scholarship, and also won the Commonwealth Scholarship from the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Prior to his appointment as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr Yakubu served as the executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, being appointed to office in 2007 by late President Umaru Musa Yar Adua. During his tenure as secretary, a National Book Development Fund was established, supporting 102 journals of professional associations. He also served as assistant secretary of Finance and Administration at the 2014 National Conference. In 2013, he was awarded an honorary fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Mr. Yakubu is the fifth top level chief executive officer to give the Realnews Anniversary Lecture series which was established to celebrate the best minds in our society and tap into their repository of knowledge to enrich the discourse on national and international development. Realnews past anniversary lecturers include Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of Education and Vice President, World Bank (2017); Ibn Mohamed Chambers, United Nations Secretary Generals special representative to West African and Sahel (2016); Chukwuma Soludo, former governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, (2015); and Professor Maurice Iwu, former chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, (2014). The lecture will bring together many policy and decision makers from the private and public sectors, as well as non-governmental organizations, academia and the media. In the 18th century, entertaining was done with desserts that could feed a crowd a huge crowd. An election cake might serve up to 150 people, says Michael Krondl, a New York City food historian and author of "Sweet Invention: A History of Dessert." An example of such largesse can be found in the "Booke of Cookery" owned by Martha Washington, wife of President George Washington. Her "Great Cake" was a truly grand edifice, calling for 40 eggs, 5 pounds of flour, 4 pounds each of butter and sugar and some 5 pounds of unspecified fruits. Her recipe is very much of its time, not just in terms of scale but in the lack of detail considered essential today. No modern recipe would call for 5 pounds of fruit without offering suggestions on what to use. Nor could a recipe writer today get away with the words, "2 hours will bake it," without offering a specific oven temperature or ways to test for doneness. Advertisement "You almost never see measurements in 18th century recipes,'' says Frank Clark, supervisor of historic foodways at Colonial Williamsburg, the living history museum in Williamsburg, Va. Clark notes that cookbooks were written for people who knew how to cook. Two centuries ago, cooks baked a dish until it was done and that depended on how hot the hearth or oven was. Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg have difficulty with that, he says. Advertisement "Modern people are obsessed with time," Clark says. "It tells you a lot about society. Our society is more dependent on numbers." wdaley@tribune.com Martha Custis Washington's Excellent Cake Prep: 45 minutes, plus time to make the frosting and tea simple syrup Rise: 2 hours Cook: 40 to 60 minutes Makes: One 10-inch, 4-layer cake, 10 to 12 servings Walter Staib, chef of City Tavern in Philadelphia, offers his adaption of a cake from Martha Washington's family "Booke of Cookery" in his new book, "A Sweet Taste of History" (Lyons Press, $29.95). Staib adds an orange buttercream icing and a rum-infused syrup to moisten the cake. The Washington recipe, originally titled To Make an Excellent Cake, differs from modern cake recipes in that ale and yeast are called for and the dough rises like a bread before baking, Staib notes. The recipe is quite involved; but you can make the syrup and frosting during rise time. For a simpler dessert, we found that the cake was moist and delicious by itself, without frosting or syrup. Advertisement For the cake: 1 cup ale 1 ounce active yeast 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup sherry 8 cups flour Advertisement 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon each: ground cloves, ground mace 1 cup granulated sugar 3 sticks (12 ounces) unsalted butter, cold 2 eggs 1 egg yolk Advertisement 1 tablespoon each: rose water, lemon juice 1 1/2 pounds currants 2 ounces candied orange peel, chopped Tea simple syrup, see recipe Orange buttercream icing, see recipe Candied orange peel or dehydrated orange slices Advertisement 1Warm 1/2 cup ale and dissolve the yeast in it. Let sit about 5 minutes or until the yeast begins to froth in the ale. 2Mix cream, sherry and remaining 1/2 cup ale in a large bowl 3In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, spices and sugar at a low speed. Then cut in the butter until pea-size bits remain and the mixture resembles wet sand. Slowly add the barm, the cream-sherry-ale mixture, eggs, egg yolk, rose water and lemon juice while the mixer is running. Beat until combined on low speed. Stir in the currants and orange peel with a wooden spoon. 4Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; allow the dough to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in volume, in a warm place. Spray two 10-inch cake pans with nonstick spray; line bottoms with parchment paper. Divide the dough in half; press each half into cake pans. Cover with plastic wrap; allow the dough to rise in a warm place until the pans are three-quarters full, about 1 hour. 5Gently remove the plastic wrap; bake the cakes in a 340-degree oven until a toothpick comes out clean, 45-60 minutes. Let cool. 6Using a serrated knife, slice the rounded top off of each cake, making it level and flat. Slice each cake in half horizontally, making two layers from each pan, being careful to keep the layers as even as possible. You will end up with four even round layers. Advertisement 7Brush each layer with the tea simple syrup. 8Place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Top with orange buttercream, spreading the icing to the edge. Repeat with the other layers, building a four-layer cake. Finish the cake by icing the top and sides with the orange butter cream. Garnish with candied orange peel or dehydrated orange slices. Nutrition information per serving: calories, g fat, g saturated fat, mg cholesterol, g carbohydrates, g protein, mg sodium, g fiber Tea simple syrup Heat 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat. Add 1 black tea bag; steep until the syrup turns brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag; stir in 1 ounce spiced rum and 1 teaspoon rose water. Let stand at room temperature until ready to use; can be made and kept refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. Buttercream icing Advertisement Place 2 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar and 2 cups egg whites in the heat proof bowl of an electric mixer. Set the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water; whisk until the sugar has dissolved and the egg whites are hot to the touch, about 3 minutes. The mixture should be completely smooth. Transfer the bowl to the mixer stand. Using the whisk attachment, beat on high speed until the mixture has cooled completely and formed stiff and glossy peaks, about 10 minutes. Cut 2 pounds (8 sticks) butter into 1/2-inch pieces and add it, one piece at a time, beating until incorporated after each addition. Add the zest of 2 oranges; slowly whisk to combine. Historically delicious Home cooks hungry to sample historic desserts and other recipes have an increasing number of resources to turn to, in cookbooks and online. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation offers "18th-century recipes for the 21st-century kitchen" at its website, recipes.history.org. Massachusett's Old Sturbridge Village (osv.org) also has historic recipes with modern adaptions. The American Antiquarian Society and Andrews McMeel Publishing are currently issuing an array of vintage cookbooks, either in hardcover or as ebooks. Recently published works include Eliza Leslie's "Seventy-Five Receipts for Pastry, Cakes & Sweetmeats" and "The Virginia House-Wife" by Mary Randolph. Advertisement George Washington's Mount Vernon published a coffee table-size book in 2011 titled "Dining with the Washingtons," with 90 historic recipes adapted for today's cooks. Walter Staib, chef of City Tavern in Philadelphia, and host of television's "A Taste of History" series, has just published the cookbook "A Sweet Taste of History." B.D. The University of Ilorin has increased its tuition fee by over 100 per cent, students and a university official confirmed. The students union president, Seyi Animasaun, first confirmed this to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Saturday. What we have woken up to is rather unexpected, shocking and challenging. This cannot stand. I have called emergency meeting with all SU executives and all Faculty presidents and we shall release a comprehensive report after, he said. When PREMIUM TIMES inquired of the amount added to the tuition, he told our correspondent it varies across different faculties. Another student, Munir Ambali, said over 100 per cent increment depends on the amount each faculty has been paying before now. According to a screenshot obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the tuition for the department of Mass Communication for instance was increased from N10,700 to N23,300. PREMIUM TIMES is yet to obtain the comprehensive list of the new fees. The increment will take effect from 2018/2019 academic session. Confirming an increment, the institutions Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, told PREMIUM TIMES that the increment is marginal. He was however contradictory in his response. It is not an increment. Do you have the fees of other Federal Universities? Even with the increment, we are far better than other universities. The increment is just marginal with the current economy reality and we are still below other universities, he said. Meanwhile, students have stormed the social media to demand a reversal. Similar increments were effected in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; University of Ibadan and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology earlier in the year. Establishing ECOWAS Customs Union will not only facilitate free trade and industrialisation, but it will also move the region towards shared prosperity for people, Nigerias minister of finance, Zainab Ahmed, has said. The minister, who was speaking on Friday at the 4th ECOWAS Finance Ministers Meeting in Abuja, said the federal government will support a regional common tariff and customs union towards trade liberalisation, industrialisation and integration. The theme of the meeting was: Information Exchange and Cooperation Amongst Customs Administrations as a Concerted Response to Obstacles to the Free Movement of Goods, Security Challenges and the Resurgence of Illicit Trafficking. Mrs Ahmed said the move to establish the ECOWAS Customs Union remains a pertinent issue that should be vigorously pursued for the overall benefits of the region. The spokesperson to the minister, Paul Abechi, said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES it was clear Nigeria would continue to champion and foster regional economic development and trade facilitation in the sub-region. Nigeria believes fervently that ECOWAS regional policies such as the CET, the Customs Union and other fiscal policies should aim seriously at achieving economic growth and industrialization for member states, while reducing import dependency, she said. Some of the issues considered at the conference included the review and validation of draft supplementary Act on Community Rules of Origin and Procedures applicable to goods originating in the ECOWAS. Others included the draft regulation on the harmonisation of Customs duty reliefs; the draft directive on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters; the draft regulations on the Change of Category of Products in the ECOWAS CET. Also, the meeting discussed the draft directive on the System of Track and Trace and the Verification of the Taxation of Tobacco Products Manufactured or Imported in the Member States of the Community and a couple of other equally important fiscal matters. The minister noted that economies of scale that result from successful integration, should serve as catalysts for economic development of the region. She (said) Nigeria, therefore, believes West Africa, while desiring integration into the global economy, should diversify its economy through manufacturing, processing of primary products and other forms of economic modernization. Nigeria undoubtedly supports a regional common tariff and a customs union for ECOWAS as major steps toward the achievement of the objective for which the ECOWAS itself was established. I wish to assure you of Nigerias commitment to a sustainable, functional regional economic integration project that will, in the long run, facilitate economic growth and social prosperity for the peoples of West Africa. I also assure of Nigerias readiness to support the outcomes of todays meeting. However, like every developing economy, Nigerias vision to industrialize is very strong. Accordingly, we believe ECOWAS CET should be designed to promote regional industrialization in a manner that on the long term reduces dependence on imports. We will continue to work within ECOWAS to achieve these laudable objectives. The minister also described the issues for deliberation at the meeting as an opportunity to share experiences in their countries and how they could be tackled as far as the CET implementation is concerned. The issues to be considered here are quite topical and offer us the opportunity to share country experiences on the CET implementation and to peer review the status of our implementation of the Customs Union with a view towards its consolidation. These issues, if appropriately addressed, will help to improve the revenue and public health profiles of Member States through the efficient tracking/taxation of tobacco products, eliminate double taxation illicit financial transactions, and institute strategies for development oriented tax treaties between Member States of ECOWAS and between us and other countries. In particular, she said Nigerians believe Track and Trace System for manufactured and imported Tobacco Products represents ECOWAS genuine desire to enthrone best practices in tobacco taxation and control the public health hazards of these products. She was optimistic that the draft regulations on an ECOWAS Tax Treaty Model and Mutual Assistance in Tax Collection can potentially ease tax treaties negotiations among the Member States, eliminate tax evasion/avoidance within the region, encourage tax audit and exchange of tax information as well as enhance regional integration. As a matter of fact, these Regulations will also assist to deepen the integration of the region with the global strategies to improve public revenue through the elimination of tax malpractices, she said. If appropriately addressed, she said it will help to improve the revenue and public health profiles of member states through the efficient tracking/taxation of tobacco products. Besides, it will eliminate double taxation illicit financial transactions, and institute strategies for development oriented tax treaties between Member States of ECOWAS and between us and other countries. In particular, she said Nigerians believe track and trace system for manufactured and imported tobacco products represents ECOWAS genuine desire to enthrone best practices in tobacco taxation and control the public health hazards of these products. She expressed optimism the draft regulations on an ECOWAS tax treaty model and mutual assistance in tax collection can potentially ease tax treaties negotiations among member States, eliminate tax evasion/avoidance within the region, encourage tax audit and exchange of tax information as well as enhance regional integration. As a matter of fact, these Regulations will also assist to deepen the integration of the region with the global strategies to improve public revenue through the elimination of tax malpractices, she said. The remains of Idris Alkali, the retired manor general who went missing in Plateau state and was later found by a team of Nigerian Army on Search and Rescue Operation, was buried at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja on Saturday. The burial, which was concluded at around 3 p.m., was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, former military administrator of Lagos, Buba Marwa and former Minister of Works and Housing, Sunusi Dagash. The funeral prayer, which was led by the chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Kabir Mohammad, amid tears, was attended by Muslims from within and outside the Federal Capital territory. Mr Mohammed commended the Nigerian Army for ensuring a thorough search which led to recovery of the body of the deceased. The chief Imam described the situation surrounding the demise of Mr Alkali as very unfortunate: it is very unfortunate that Alkali died this way. However, we thank Allah that his body had been recovered. Even though it took weeks to trace the whereabouts of late Alkalis corpse, we thank Allah, we thank the Federal Government and we thank the army for the dedication to find his body, so that he can be buried according to Islamic rites. He called on the Federal Government to look into the security situation in the country, stressing that every Nigerian has the right to live or pass through any part of the country without being harassed or intimidated by anybody or group of people. This is a fundamental human and constitutional right of everybody, irrespective of tribe or religious affiliation. He said that God did not create one particular tribe or religion to live or claim ownership of any part of the country, adding that tribe or religious differences should never be a reason for crisis in the country. Mr Alkali was declared missing since Sept. 3, 2018 The military directed the Garrison Commander, 3 Division, Rukuba Barrack in Plateau to find the missing general and bring him dead or alive and if anything had happened to him, the garrison should find those responsible for it. On Sept. 29, 2018, the Nigerian Army recovered Mr Akalis vehicle and his personal effects were seen and after further investigation, a shallow grave was discovered in which the general was initially buried. Eventually, the remains of the officer was found in an abandoned well in a bush at Guchwet village in Shen Du District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. (NAN) After several knocks on the Nigerian Army over its tweet using President Donald Trumps words to justify the fatal shooting of stone-throwing protesters, the force has deleted the post. The post had been condemned by several Nigerians and civil society organisations. Amnesty International on Saturday asked the Nigerian Army and Mr Trump to stop justifying rights abuses. Amnesty Nigerias executive director, Osai Ojigho said Basic human rights are not subject to whims of the worlds leaders. Rather than engaging in a preposterous competition over who does a better job of violating human rights, the Nigerian government must hold its security forces accountable for the horrific killing of at least 45 peaceful protesters. Also, the executive director of Amnesty International USA, Margaret Huang said, Donald Trumps latest statements continue a pattern threatening, encouraging and justifying human rights abuses. No president should be embracing the horrific use of excessive force. The presidents outrageous threats against people fleeing violence and seeking a better life only compound their already precarious situation and exacerbate what he should be recognising as a human rights crisis. Both the US and the Nigerian governments must abide by international human rights law and standards. International law is clear that security forces policing demonstrations must not use unnecessary or excessive force against protesters unless they pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury, and only if there is no lesser way to avert such threat. They must never use firearms as a tactical tool for the management of demonstrations: they may only be used for the purpose of saving another life. In a statement responding to Mr Trumps remarks, Amnesty Internationals secretary general, Kumi Naidoo, had earlier said, We reject these vicious policies. People seeking protection deserve our compassion, not our contempt. Threatening desperate people with excessive force is horrifying and unlawful. The U.S. government must abide by international law and welcome people seeking safety into the country while their asylum claims are being reviewed. PREMIUM TIMES observed that after this story was published on Saturday, the Nigerian Army bowed to pressure and pulled down its post. A click on the link of the post will show Sorry, that page doesnt exist An investigation conducted by Amnesty International this week and another by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that the horrific use of excessive force by soldiers and police led to the killing of at least 45 supporters of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) as the Shia Muslim group held a religious procession around Abuja. Abubakar Umar II, the Emir of Awe in Nasarawa State, is dead. Yakubu Lamai, director general, strategic communication and press affairs to Governor Umaru Al-Makura confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia. He said that the first class monarch died at the early hours of Saturday. He said the royal father died at the age of 69 at a hospital in Abuja following a brief illness having spent 33 years on the throne. Meanwhile, Mr. Al-Makura in a message described the passing of the traditional ruler as shocking, saying the monarch lived an exemplary life that fostered harmonious co-existence among his subjects and the state at large. He enjoined the people of the state to use the death of the emir as an opportunity to forgive each other and strengthen peace in the state. NAN reports that late Emir has been buried in Awe according to Islamic injunction. (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Commission has denied reports that it is ambushing and extorting motorists in its bid to get them to change over to new number plates. Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES that pursuant to the introduction of the new number plate, the agency duly informed the public of the new regime and further gave time for the replacement of old number plates. Mr Kazeem said the FRSC resumed the enforcement of the policy after the Court of Appeal nullified an earlier order by the Federal High Court halting implementation. He also quoted a communique issued at the end of the 136th meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) held on 28th November, 2016 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, as stating categorically that the renewal of vehicle particulars on the old number plates would be discontinued with effect from the next due date as measure to check fraud and enhance revenue collection. READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW. FRSC DENIES AMBUSHING, EXTORTING MOTORISTS OVER NEW NUMBER PLATES ENFORCEMENT The attention of the Federal Road Safety Corps has been drawn to a story in the press alleging ambush and extortion, by the Corps over new number plates. The story is incorrect, untrue and misleading. According to Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, pursuant to the introduction of the new number plate, the Federal Road Safety Corps duly informed the public of the new regime and further gave time for the replacement of the old number plate. The Corps Marshal Dr Boboye Oyeyemi also ensured that the Corps undertook a public enlightenment on the security benefits of changing from the old to the new number plate at the point of renewing their vehicle documents which has only one year validity period. Kazeem said that item 4 of the communique issued at the end of the 136th meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) held on the 28thNovember, 2016 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, states categorically that the renewal of vehicle particulars on the old number plates will be discontinued with effect from the next due date as measure to check fraud and enhance revenue collection. Further to this, Kazeem stated that the security feature of the new number plate is one of the key reasons motorists are expected to accept the introduction as the National Uniform Licensing Scheme (NULS) helps in the harmonization of data both of vehicles and drivers information system in the central data base. He added that the new database also makes it easier to track and apprehend criminals, especially those involved in car theft. It would be recalled that following the protests over the publication by FRSC of its intention to commence the arrest and prosecution of drivers or owners of vehicles using any number plate obtained under the repealed National Road Transport Regulation (NRTR) 2004 by 1st October, 2013; one Mr Emmanuel Ofoegbu instituted an action against FRSC at the Federal High Court in Lagos in FHC/CS/1332/13 Emmanuel Ofoegbu Vs FRSC. The Federal High Court presided over by Justice JT Tsoho held, inter alia that FRSC had no statutory powers to set deadlines for change-over to the new number plates since there was no enabling law to that effect. As a result of the ruling by the Court below, the Federal Road Safety Corps appealed the Judgment in Court of Appeal and on 31st October, 2014 the Court sitting in Lagos, unanimously held that FRSC had statutory power in line with the 1999 constitution under the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007 and the NRTR 2012 to regulate the use of number plates and to set deadlines for change-over to the new ones as provided for in the NRTR 2012. The ruling upholding the power of the Corps, the court said, The Court below was thus right to issue the injunction to protect the respondents right to the enjoyment of the new number plate of his private vehicle issued on 18-03-13 to expire on 17-03-14. I resolved issue 3 (supra) in the respondents favour with a rider that the consequential order of injunction granted by the court below was tied to the lifespan of the number plate of the respondents private vehicle which expired on 17-03-14. I will allow the appeal in part. For the avoidance of doubt, the appeal succeeds only in part to the effect that Regulations 2012 has legal force and is enforceable from 01-01-13, the administrative date assigned to it by the appellant. The part of the decision of the court below declaring Regulations 2012 unconstitutional and without back up legal framework is hereby set aside. Though the decision of the court of Appeal Lagos has been appealed by Emmanuel Ofegbu, there is no subsisting order of stay of execution of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal. By the above decision of the court, it follows that there is no legal impediment against the enforcement of the provisions of the NRTR 2012 as it pertains to change over to the new number plates. As such, the commencement of enforcement on the aforementioned is in tandem with the provisions of the law as stipulated in NRTR 2012 and the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In response to the Nigerian Armys tweets using President Donald Trumps words to justify the fatal shooting of stone-throwing protesters and the subsequent issuing of a statement denouncing Amnesty Internationals calls for accountability, the organisation has asked the two governments to stop justifying rights abuses. Amnestys Nigeria Executive Director, Osai Ojigho, on Saturday in a statement said the basic rights of humans are not subject to the whims and caprices of leaders. Basic human rights are not subject to whims of the worlds leaders. Rather than engaging in a preposterous competition over who does a better job of violating human rights, the Nigerian government must hold its security forces accountable for the horrific killing of at least 45 peaceful protesters. Akso, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, Margaret Huang said: Donald Trumps latest statements continue a pattern threatening, encouraging and justifying human rights abuses. No president should be embracing the horrific use of excessive force. The presidents outrageous threats against people fleeing violence and seeking a better life only compound their already precarious situation and exacerbate what he should be recognising as a human rights crisis. Both the US and the Nigerian governments must abide by international human rights law and standards. International law is clear that security forces policing demonstrations must not use unnecessary or excessive force against protesters unless they pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury, and only if there is no lesser way to avert such threat. They must never use firearms as a tactical tool for the management of demonstrations: they may only be used for the purpose of saving another life. In a statement responding to Mr Trumps remarks, Amnesty Internationals Secretary General Kumi Naidoo had earlier said: We reject these vicious policies. People seeking protection deserve our compassion, not our contempt. Threatening desperate people with excessive force is horrifying and unlawful. The U.S. government must abide by international law and welcome people seeking safety into the country while their asylum claims are being reviewed. An investigation conducted by Amnesty International this week and another one by PREMIUM TIMES had shown that the horrific use of excessive force by soldiers and police led to the killing of at least 45 supporters of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) as the Shia Muslim group held a peaceful religious procession around Abuja. College beckons, so we went to look. There we were, standing on lower Broadway, in front of the school of the arts. We were so close to the rehearsal studios, the costume shop, the undergrads singing in the stairwells that I could see the future. I looked across the street, and saw the past. That building, the tan blocky one, seemed familiar. Wasn't that half a lifetime ago work? Maybe. It's all different now, flashy and open to the book-buying public. Not drab and dribbling would-be writers, among them me on my first job, all high heels and high ambitions. Advertisement I walked north. Didn't we used to have lunch around here? Didn't we used to go to that diner with the pea soup? The Famous Cozy Soup 'N' Burger. Still famous. Still there. And inside, still cozy. The counter was packed with lunchtime workers, each hunched over a wide bowl of split pea and a raft of soup-heavy croutons. The soup seemed different. But the tight fit, the hot plates, the head shots of stars old and new remained the same. Advertisement I paid and went to meet my girl the one just starting out, the one shopping for high heels and shopping around her high ambitions. Split-pea soup Prep: 25 minutes Cook: 1 hour Serves: 6 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Olive oil 1 cup thinly sliced celery Advertisement 1 cup thinly sliced carrots 1 cup quartered and thinly sliced onion 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon kosher salt Advertisement teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup split peas, rinsed and sorted 1 quart chicken broth 2 cups water 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed 1 cup whipping cream (or half-and-half or milk) Advertisement 6 thick slices country bread Soften: In a soup pot, melt butter into 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add celery, carrots, onion, garlic, marjoram, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring now and then, until vegetables are fragrant and softened, about 10 minutes. Simmer: Stir in split peas, broth and water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, partially covered, stirring regularly, until thick, about 1 hour. Swirl: Pull out bay leaf. Scoop out 1 cup soup. Add defrosted peas to the pot. Use an immersion blender to swirl soup smooth. Return the 1 cup of chunky soup to the mix. Stir in cream. Keep warm over low heat. Serve: Slick a skillet with oil; heat over medium. Add a pinch of salt and bread (you may need to work in two batches). Toast bread golden, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Slice crosswise into 1-inch thick sticks. Scoop soup into bowls. Float a few mega-croutons on top. Enjoy. Leah Eskin is a Tribune Newspapers special contributor. Email her at leahreskin@aol.com. Twitter @leaheskin One of the concerns I have is that so much of this abhorrent behavior takes place behind closed doors, she said, and women who are preyed upon do not have the ability, or power, to speak up for themselves, so they need others to do it for them, and the media has the ability to do just that. This is one of the many reasons its such an important institution because it can tell us stories of those who have for far too long been ignored. "Each of Colorado's communities are connected, and we are all responsible for the well-being of children in our state," said Reggie Bicha, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services. "We need everyone's help to find families. That is why I am so appreciative of the parents we recognized today. Not only have they adopted, they are sharing their family's story to inspire others to adopt." Last year, 909 Colorado children and teens in foster care were adopted, and there are currently 290 who are waiting for a family. "Children are resilient. Even when they've experienced the trauma of abuse and neglect, they can overcome and reach their full potential with help and support from the community and a loving parent," Bicha added. "The families that we recognized here today demonstrate the power of unconditional love and support." The families honored included: Debbie and Doug Anderson , Colorado Springs , Lisa and Rex C ., Denver ., Roni Ledford , Fort Morgan , Erica and Dan Waalkes , Grand Junction , Daesha and John Willingham , Colorado Springs (See Page 2 of release for more about these families.) Most children and teens in foster care who are adopted from the foster care system are adopted by their foster parents. Social service agencies are particularly in need of families who are willing to care for children with special needs, sibling groups and older youth. Adoptive parents can: Be single or married Live in an apartment or house that they own or rent Identify as LGBTQ+ or heterosexual Be an experienced parent or a first-time parent To learn more about the kids and teens waiting to be adopted, visit the Colorado Heart Gallery at www.coheartgallery.org. To learn more and watch a short video about each of the families recognized, visit https://co4kids.org/adoption-colorado. Debbie and Doug Anderson, Colorado Springs Doug and Debbie Anderson always wanted a big family, but they initially became foster parents to provide a temporary home for children who would eventually reunite with their biological parents. When reunification wasn't possible for some of those children, the Andersons were ready to adopt. Now, with 16 kids and the big family they always wanted, Debbie and Doug have discovered that they're particularly good at parenting older boys. They're also the first to admit that they aren't perfect parents, but who is? Lisa and Rex C., Denver Even before they were married, Lisa and Rex knew they wanted to adopt, so they started their foster-to-adopt journey shortly after their daughter was born. Growing their family and learning a different parenting style wasn't always easy. The emotional ups and downs didn't deter Lisa and Rex. Once their soon-to-be-adopted son moved in, they saw the kids instantly bond and become the family they had always wanted. Roni Ledford, Fort Morgan Sometimes, life throws you a curve ball. That's what happened to Roni Ledford after she began the adoption process. Two months after 3-year-old AJ moved in, Roni and her husband at the time divorced. Roni remained committed. She felt she had already become AJ's mom, and AJ had already bonded with Roni's daughter, Brynlee. Now, this active family of three spends their time camping, tumbling at gymnastic meets and practicing their curve balls in the front yard. Erica and Dan Waalkes, Grand Junction The more the merrier! That's the Waalkes family motto. With 10 adopted kids and two biological kids, Erica and Dan love their big family. The busy schedules and controlled chaos of 10 kids in the house mean Erica and Dan have to be honest with themselves and with each other. They're mindful about distinguishing between behaviors that are triggered by trauma and behaviors that are just normal kid stuff. They give each other parenting breaks and loving reminders to lighten up. Adoption isn't always easy, which is why the Waalkes are the first to laugh at themselves and their sometimes-chaotic life. Daesha and John Willingham, Colorado Springs Daesha and John initially became foster parents because they wanted to help families in their community. The couple wasn't expecting to adopt 16-year-old Kalani, but that's exactly what happened. With love, patience and trauma-informed parenting techniques, Daesha and John have helped Kalani flourish. With Kalani and now 18-month-old Kiran, the couple continues to foster and hopes to adopt again, but their goal as foster parents remains the same provide a safe and temporary home for kids whose parents need time to learn new skills and address safety concerns. MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Port (c) 303-829-4256 [email protected] SOURCE Colorado Department of Human Services DALLAS, Nov. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Christmas Decor has launched its sixteenth consecutive Decorated Family Program to transform the homes of servicemen and woman into magical winter wonderlands this holiday season. With more than 450,000 American men and women deployed overseas, the program is designed to boost spirits and spread cheer for military families across the nation who have to spend the holidays separated from their loved ones. Submit nominations for friends and family here. Now a seasonal tradition, hundreds of Christmas Decor franchisees nationwide participate by donating products, resources, and time to decorate the homes of local military families with lights, garland, ornaments, and other trimmings. Following the decorating process, each decked out home is revealed during a surprise ceremony with family, friends and the community. "Even after 16 years of surprising deserving families, each reveal moment is as special and heartwarming as the last," stated Brandon Stephens, president of Christmas Decor. "We know the holidays can be hard on families who have loved ones serving overseas, so we think it's important to make the holiday a little brighter. We are excited to hear from families and friends across the nation and look forward to another successful year of the Decorated Family Program." Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving military families by completing the Decorated Family submission form available on the Christmas Decor Facebook Page. This form provides a place to share the family's story and explain why they should become a "Christmas Decor Decorated Family." Winners will be awarded based on the impact the story has on the judges, as well as location to ensure there is a local franchise to provide the services. The company seeks to attract hundreds of nominations that will result in beautifully decorated homes for the 2018 holiday season. The deadline for nominations is on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018. For more information on the Decorated Family Program, visit https://www.christmasdecor.net/about/. About Christmas Decor Since its inception in 1986, Christmas Decor has risen to become the premier holiday lighting and decorating company in North America. The Texas-based company was founded by Blake Smith as an off-season supplement to his landscape business and as a method to provide year-round work for employees. Christmas Decor quickly emerged as a viable business opportunity and today, operates in more than 300 markets in 49 states and Canada. Christmas Decor is highly revered in its field and has received consistent recognition for its efforts, including its popular Decorated Family Program which has been featured on The TODAY Show, TIME.com, CNN and FOX, among others. For more information, visit www.christmasdecor.net . SOURCE Christmas Decor Related Links http://www.christmasdecor.net BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, chairman and CEO of Hoffman Media, announced today that next week, Hoffman Media will complete the acquisition of Martha Pullen Company and its catalog of books, patterns, teacher curriculums, in-person and online education events and Internet Embroidery Club. The purchase from F+W also includes Original Sewing & Quilt Expo and its eight sewing, quilting and machine embroidery consumer shows. Martha Pullen Company was founded in 1981 by Martha Pullen in Huntsville, Alabama. The business has remained the leader in fine sewing content (books, magazines, patterns and designs) and in fine sewing education (instructor-led videos and conferences). Martha Pullen Company is led by Kathy McMakin. She will continue to lead this division under the new ownership. "Martha Pullen Company will greatly complement our Classic Sewing brand and bring exciting new content to customers. We are thrilled to bring this business into the Hoffman family of brands and we're looking forward to doing great things together," DePiano said. The Ingraham family founded the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in 1995 in Cleveland, Ohio. Since that time the group has grown from just one small conference to the largest multi-market consumer sewing expo in the country. The family has managed the business for 23 years, and they have also agreed to continue under the new ownership. "We're energized by the notion of our company cultures being so well aligned. The expos bring quality and value, and Hoffman Media is the best environment for us to evolve and thrive," said Original Sewing & Quilt Expo Senior Director of Sales and Planning Mark Ingraham. DePiano added "We are excited to add this tremendously successful group of sewing, quilting and embroidery shows to our family of brands, and having Mark and Marlene joining our company to continue building the business makes this even better." Original Sewing & Quilt Expo has been operating out of offices in Westlake, Ohio, where the business will continue to be located. Martha Pullen Company will be operated out of the Hoffman Media home office located in Birmingham, Alabama. About Hoffman Media, LLC Hoffman Media, LLC is a privately held, leading special-interest publisher based in Birmingham, Alabama. Publications include Bake from Scratch, Cooking with Paula Deen, The Cottage Journal, Classic Sewing, Louisiana Cookin', Southern Home, Southern Lady, Southern Cast Iron, Taste of the South, TeaTime, and Victoria. The company specializes in publications targeted to the women's market and the large base of advertisers who seek a print, online, and interactive medium to reach this attractive demographic. In addition to publications, Hoffman Media has a growing consumer event business and an established ancillary products division. Hoffman Media was founded in 1983 by Phyllis Hoffman DePiano as Symbol of Excellence Publishers, Inc. and was renamed Hoffman Media in 1998. Today, DePiano serves as chairman of the board and is recognized industry wide as a savvy businesswoman and talented entrepreneur. SOURCE Hoffman Media, LLC PORTLAND, Oregon, November 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent developments in the pharmaceutical industry and increased demand from emerging economies of the Asia-Pacific region are expected to boost the growth of the global microcrystalline cellulose market. Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Microcrystalline Cellulose Market by Source Type (Wood-based and Non-wood based) and Application (Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverage, Cosmetics & Personal Care, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018-2025". The report offers detailed insights on the top investment pockets, drivers & opportunities, changing trends, key market segments, tope investment pockets, and competitive landscape. According to the report, the global microcrystalline cellulose market garnered $937 million in 2017 and is expected to reach $1,451 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 5.5% from 2018 to 2025. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Recent developments in the pharmaceutical industry, especially extensive utilization of microcrystalline cellulose as an excipient and increased demand for processed foods drive the growth of the global microcrystalline cellulose market. However, availability of substitutes for microcrystalline cellulose such as magnesium stearate and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hampers the market growth. On the contrary, increased demand for microcrystalline cellulose in the emerging economies of the Asia-Pacific and Latin America, Middle East and Africa (LAMEA) regions is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the market players in the upcoming years. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/5064 Non-wood-based segment to grow the fastest by 2025 The non-wood-based segment is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.7% through 2025, owing to the economic feasibility of non-wood-based sources as compared to other sources for obtaining microcrystalline cellulose. However, the wood-based segment held the largest share in the market in 2017, contributing about 87% of the total revenue. This is attributed to the fact that wood-derived raw materials are widely available and synthesis of microcrystalline cellulose is easier from such wood-based source. Cosmetics & personal care segment to lead the market Cosmetics & personal care segment garnered more than 40% share of the market revenue in 2017 and is projected to dominate the market during the study period. However, the food & beverage segment would manifest the fastest CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period, owing to the increased use of microcrystalline cellulose for the production of low-fat dairy products. The pharmaceutical segment would grow at a steady rate during the forecast period. For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/5064 Europe to retain largest market share through 2025 The microcrystalline cellulose market in Europe contributed more than one-third of the total market revenue in 2017. It is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period due to high consumption of pharmaceutical products and processed foods. However, the Asia-Pacific region would register the fastest CAGR of 6.2% from 2018 to 2025, owing to increased consumption of low-fat dairy products in the region. The other regions analyzed in the report include North America and LAMEA. Key market players The major market players analyzed in the global microcrystalline cellulose market report include DowDuPont, FMC Corporation, Roquette, Accent Microcell Pvt. Ltd., Sigachi Industries Pvt. Ltd., Rayonier Advanced Material, Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation, DFE Pharma GmbH & Co.KG, JRS PHARMA GmbH & Co. KG, and Ming Tai Chemical Co. Ltd. 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(*Terms and Conditions apply) Get subscription: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout/437408 Trending Reports of Medical Devices Market: Ethanolamine Market - North America Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018 - 2025 Brazil and Mexico Oleochemicals Market - Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018 - 2025 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 To raise awareness about the event, thirty costumed Xi'an Terracotta Warriors descended on iconic New York City landmarks today, performing the Chinese martial art Tai Chi at Central Park, the World Trade Center, and cruising by the Statue of Liberty. The Terracotta Warriors are part of Xi'an's rich cultural heritage and a major tourist attraction. Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army includes more than 8,000 soldiers buried outside of Xi'an more than 2,000 years ago to protect the tomb of China's first emperor. The costumed Warriors got a lot of attention in New York today as they interacted with tourists and passersby, teaching them basic Tai Chi moves and promoting Xi'an tourism. "I've read about the Terracotta Warriors and have always wanted to visit them, but haven't had the chance to go to Xi'an yet. It was awesome to see these costumed warriors dancing around New York City today," said William Roby, a tourist visiting from Columbus, Ohio, adding, "Xi'an just moved up my list of places to visit." Xi'an has one of the oldest fully intact city walls anywhere in the world and was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road more than 2,000 years ago. Today, the city is reviving its reputation as a hub for talented people, cultural exchanges, and scientific innovation. Speaking about the event tomorrow, Ms.Wang Genhua, Deputy General Manager of Xi'an Qujiang Cultural Tourism Company said: "We want to bring Xi'an culture to life here in New York City in order to deepen cultural understanding, share Xi'an's many tourist attractions, and encourage people to visit our wonderful city." Participants at the event tomorrow can meet real live Terracotta Warriors, watch traditional Xi'an performances, and taste some of the city's unique cuisine. All participants will receive a free T-shirt and small gifts from Xi'an and the top three finishers will win prizes. All are welcome to join the race and festivities. More information can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/xian-warrior-run-nyc-2018-tickets-51704029143 CONTACT: Christopher Gragg, +86 185-1823-8138, [email protected] SOURCE Qujiang Cultural Tourism Company WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Humans are on the precipice of becoming an interplanetary species. We earthlings are on our way to becoming Martians. In fact, the future Martians are here on Earth now, training for Mars missions using new technological developments following a strict timeline that will get us there within 25 years. At 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13 the National Press Club will host a Headliners press conference featuring four presenters directly responsible for creating and implementing elements of a mission to Mars and serving a new vision of mankind as a visitor then resident of the red planet. Once limited to the imaginations of sci-fi enthusiasts, NASA now has mission-specific technology in development, and a hard deadline for humans landing on Mars following a series of robot landers that have mapped out the terrain and other features of what could soon be our new world the latest is InSight, scheduled to land on Mars on November 26, and drill deeply into the Martian soil to deliver clues about the planet's core and interior structure. Presenters will include: Astronaut Tom Jones , a former B-52 U.S. Air Force, space resource researcher, NASA space shuttle mission specialist and payload commander for four space shuttle flights, who has logged over 52 days (1,272 hours) in space, including 3 space walks totaling over 19 hours. , a former B-52 U.S. Air Force, space resource researcher, NASA space shuttle mission specialist and payload commander for four space shuttle flights, who has logged over 52 days (1,272 hours) in space, including 3 space walks totaling over 19 hours. James Garvin , chief scientist of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, who also served as chief scientist for Mars exploration from 2000 until 2004 and spearheaded the development of the scientific strategy that led NASA to select such missions as the Mars Exploration Rovers, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Phoenix polar lander, and the Mars Science Laboratory. , chief scientist of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, who also served as chief scientist for Mars exploration from 2000 until 2004 and spearheaded the development of the scientific strategy that led NASA to select such missions as the Mars Exploration Rovers, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the polar lander, and the Mars Science Laboratory. Richard Davis , assistant director for science and exploration, and executive secretary of the International Mars Exploration Working Group - Planetary Science Division Science Mission Directorate for NASA, who co-leads a science mission directorate study to begin the process of identifying potential human landing sites on Mars. , assistant director for science and exploration, and executive secretary of the International Mars Exploration Working Group - Planetary Science Division Science Mission Directorate for NASA, who co-leads a science mission directorate study to begin the process of identifying potential human landing sites on Mars. Finally, adding background about the human side of being an interplanetary species for the humans likely to be the first residents of Mars will be Janet Ivey , creator of a children's science series, Janet's Planet, and a member of the Board of Governors for the National Space Society. The press conference will be held in the Bloomberg Room of the National Press Club, located at 529 14th Street, NW, 13th floor. This news conference is open to credentialed media and members of the National Press Club free of charge, however registration is required. Please click here to register. PRESS CONTACT: Lindsay Underwood, [email protected], (202) 662-7561 SOURCE National Press Club From "Dieppe", a CBC miniseries directed by John N. Smith, copyright Canadian Broadcasting Corporation 1993 (excerpted for fair use only) In August 1942, a force of 5000 Canadians, along with some British and US troops, launched a night-time raid at the German-occupied port of Dieppe in France. The raid was a total disaster, with almost 60% of the attackers killed, wounded or captured. The Dieppe fiasco was used to argue against an Anglo-American landing in Europe until 1944, letting the Soviet Union bear the brunt of the fighting against Nazi Germany. At this time, the Royal Yugoslav Army was fighting in the Balkans, fulfilling British pleas to sabotage German supplies to North Africa, even as Germans executed tens of thousands of civilians in reprisal. By 1943, when they were no longer of use to London, the Yugoslavs were betrayed by the same British that Eisenhower accused of cowardliness, for "not killing enough Germans", and abandoned in favor of the pro-British Communist movement of Tito. Deal provides Eleven with opportunities to continue growth and expansion SAN FRANCISCO and TORONTO, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Vision7 International (V7) a subsidiary of BlueFocus International (BFI) today announced it has acquired award-winning San Francisco-based creative agency, Eleven. The deal further expands the V7 family of creative, results driven agencies in North America, and it represents the organization's first major advertising brand in the U.S. Eleven, which was named to Advertising Age's "Small Agency of the Year" list in both 2017 and 2018, is an industry leader that has represented some of the most innovative brands in the world including Google, Apple, Virgin America, Lyft, and Dignity Health. "When we went to San Francisco to visit Eleven we experienced a group that had built the ideal modern agency modeldelivering smart creative at the speed, scale, and impact today's CMO's require," said Brett Marchand V7 Chairman and CEO. "Integrating brand innovation, experience design, advertising content, and media activation is what any consumer-centric client should be seeking in today's era of convergence. We welcome the entire Eleven team to the V7 family and very much look forward to helping each other grow and become even better partners to today's brands." Eleven's creative work was recently recognized with two wins at Cannes Lions. This included a Gold Lion: Creative Data/Use of Real-Time Data and a Silver Lion: Digital Craftboth for Google Cloud March Madness Live Predictive TV campaign, which was also honoured as the Ad Age Small Agency Campaign of the Year, B2B. Eleven has a team of approximately 100 people under the guidance of partners: Courtney Buechert, Michele Sileo, Jarett Hausske, Mike McKay, Michael Borosky, Rob Price, and Ken Kula. Aside from generating industry leading creative work for their clients, part of Eleven's success comes from the agency's flat structure and diversified revenue streams, including a balance between Agency of Record (AOR) and project-based relationships. This approach has led to the agency's most successful year ever in new business wins and 30 percent revenue growth, projected at US$29 million for 2018. "Today's CMO's need help navigating the complex world of experiences, content and conversations that consumers engage with on a daily basis," said Courtney Buechert, CEO of Eleven. "Eleven has 20 years of experience creating the type of big, elastic creative ideas that blur the lines between product, marketing, content, and experiencesall coalescing around the consumer. We have ambitious goals to help our clients adapt to this ever evolving landscape and have been looking for the right partner to help us achieve that growth. From the similarities in our agency cultures to our shared belief in the importance of creativity, curiosity and intellectual rigor, we have found all of the complementary capabilities we've been looking for in V7." Campuses will be built in San Francisco and Chicago with Eleven as the creative hub and will include other agency offerings from the Vision7/BFI family. This campus model will allow leadership to build bespoke teams for clients comprised of best of breed talent from the V7 roster of agencies. Eleven's location in San Francisco will also allow the other V7 agencies to benefit from the agency's established presence in Northern California, including working closely with the group's list of technology and healthcare companies. "Our vision is to build the propel-co of the future, not the holdco of the past," said Marchand. "We are adding brands like Eleven into our portfolio and helping them achieve growth and synergies with other businesses in our network that have intelligent data, e-commerce, performance, and mobile strategies at their core." Madison Alley Global Ventures acted as the exclusive strategic M&A advisor to Eleven on the transaction while V7i was supported by RD Venture Partners . ABOUT ELEVEN Eleven is a creative agency in San Francisco that sits at the intersections of branding, advertising, design, and media. Eleven's approach translates business, brand and product strategy into design experiences, creative content, and social conversations that connect with and surround the consumer. Eleven's culture and process is influenced by the tech industry of the Bay Area, and clients span early to late stage startups as well as established brands such as Google, Apple, Dignity Health, Visa, Chevrolet, Shipt, SurveyMonkey, Western Governors University, Kleiner Perkins, and E&J Gallo. In 2017, Eleven was recognized as Advertising Age's Silver Small Agency of the Year in the U.S. In 2018, Eleven was named Advertising Age's West Coast Silver Agency of the Year and was awarded the honor of B-to-B Campaign of the Year for their NCAA work with Google Cloud. ABOUT VISION7 AND BLUEFOCUS INTERNATIONAL Vision7 is a fully integrated marketing communications company serving a wide range of leading North American and Global brands. Vision 7 International has four operating divisions: Cossette, Vision7 Media, Camps Collective, and Citizen Relations, which includes The Narrative Group. Cossette is a leading agency in Canada, providing fully integrated marketing communications services. Cossette has offices in Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Halifax. Vision7 Media is Canada's largest independent media planning, buying group, operating primarily under the Cossette Media and Jungle Media brands; Citizen Relations is a leading public relations company with an international presence (US, Canada, UK and Asia) and multiple global partnerships; Camps Collective is a digital-based agency group that focuses on advertising, digital marketing, Internet communications and social media. BlueFocus International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlueFocus Communication Group (publicly traded Chinese company SHE: 300058), leads international strategy, M&A and cross-border initiatives for the group and manages an international portfolio of award winning digital marketing, PR, communications and advertising agencies including We Are Social, Cossette, Citizen Relations and The Camps Collective. BlueFocus International and its portfolio companies employ over 1,500 professionals across the spectrum of marketing and advertising disciplines worldwide. It serves hundreds of the world's best-known brands from major consumer goods manufacturers to cutting-edge technology companies by providing global intelligent marketing solutions in brand strategy, digital creative production, ecommerce enablement, cloud based CRM, big data analytics, media buying, and social media insights & marketing. SOURCE Vision7 International MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Editorial Advisory and Securities Review Committee of BetterInvesting Magazine today announced Lennar Corporation (NYSE: LEN) as its January 2019 "Stock to Study" and Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) as its January 2019 "Undervalued Stock" for investors' informational and educational use. "The committee selected Lennar for its strong long-term growth opportunities in the housing market coupled with a reasonable valuation," said Adam Ritt, editor of BetterInvesting Magazine. "For the Undervalued selection, the committee cited Gap's potential for increased retail sales in light of recent wage gains nationally." Check BetterInvesting's January/February issue for more details about these selections. Go to the trial version of BetterInvesting's online tools to study the investment potential of Lennar and Gap by viewing their fundamental data and applying judgments. Committee members are Robert M. Bilkie, Jr., CFA; Daniel J. Boyle, CFA; Marisa Bradbury, CFA; Philip S. Dano, CFA; Maury Elvekrog, CFA; Walter J. Kirchberger, CFA; and Adam Ritt. As stated, the BetterInvesting committee's Stock to Study and Undervalued Stock choices are for the informational and educational uses of investors and are not intended as investment recommendations. BetterInvesting urges investors to educate themselves about the stock market so they can make informed decisions about stock purchases. About BetterInvesting BetterInvesting is a national nonprofit organization that has been empowering individual investors since 1951. Founded in Detroit, the association (formerly known as National Association of Investors Corporation) was borne of the conviction that anyone can become a successful long-term investor by following common-sense investing practices. BetterInvesting has helped more than 5 million people become better, more informed investors by providing webinars, in-person events, easy-to-use online tools for analyzing stocks, a monthly magazine and a community of volunteers and like-minded investors. For more information about BetterInvesting, visit its website at www.betterinvesting.org or call toll free (877) 275-6242. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. SOURCE BetterInvesting Magazine Related Links http://www.betterinvesting.org JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds from across Missouri attended public meetings hosted this week by Missouri State Parks to help determine the fate of the 144-mile Rock Island Railroad corridor between Windsor and Beaufort, Missouri. Public feedback at the meetings was overwhelmingly positive, mirroring the sentiment of the nearly 9,000 commentsnearly unanimous in their support for the projectthat were previously submitted to the state in the summer of 2017. "We appreciate the work that State Parks has done to gather the necessary information to make a decision about the Rock Island corridorincluding this week listening to hundreds of people talk about the importance of preserving this incredible asset," said Brent Hugh, Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation executive director. "Now, it's time to use that information to inform a creative, flexible approach to funding and developing the corridor. As the February 2019 Surface Transportation Board deadline for the transfer agreement approaches, Missouri State Parks must listen to its citizens and follow through with accepting the corridor." This week's meetings underscore the need to be creative and flexible to secure new economic opportunities for the small towns along its route, an epic outdoor recreation asset for all of Missouri to celebrate and enjoy, and a world-class destination trail. "Missouri is incredibly lucky; corridors of this type are few and far between. It is critical that the state takes the first step and railbanks the corridor. We can build it over time, in partnership and in a way that mitigates financial risk to the state," said Keith Laughlin, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) president. "The communities along the route want this trail. Missourians across the state want this trail. Bicyclists and tourists from across the country want this trail. What's in question is the state's willingness to make the decision that's in the best interest of its residents, protecting its legacy as a rail-trail leader," Laughlin added. In reconsidering its position on accepting Ameren Corporation's offer to donate the corridor for use as a trail, Missouri State Parks cites concerns about costs, maintenance and the state's capacityall issues that have and can be addressed in partnership with Missouri's robust nonprofit trails community, local governments and private investment. "Cost estimates presented by Missouri State Parks assume the Katy Trail model, with a highly engineered surface and trailheads every 10 miles that they build and maintain. There is no mention of meaningful partnerships or a multiyear development plan," said Greg Harris, Missouri Rock Island Trail, Inc. executive director. "While there is much we can learn from the Katy Trail, the Rock Island is a vastly different corridor. For example, the corridor runs through the center of small towns every few miles along its route, creating natural partners in the trail's development and maintenance and minimizing the need for trailheads." "What's more, this trail can be developed in phases, focusing first on limited surfacing that will allow access for horseback riding and mountain bikes. Phasing trail development in this way will make costs to the state manageable while delivering immediate economic opportunities for rural communities along the route," Harris added. At the meetings in Owensville, Versailles and Meta, the state introduced the idea of accepting sections of the corridor rather than taking the steps necessary to preserve the 144-mile corridor intact. This approach is concerning to trail advocates, because there would be no second chance to preserve the corridor. The approach would limit the corridor's use as a trail, reduce its viability as a corridor for any future transportation use and prevent the development of a 500-mile loop between Kansas City and St. Louis. "Breaking up this corridor is an unacceptable response. The trail's value diminishes significantly without connectivity," said Hugh. In 2014, Missouri State Parks, RTC and other Missouri partners succeeded in convincing Ameren Corporation, the corridor's owner, to pursue railbanking of the 144-mile segment between Windsor and Beaufort for rail-trail conversion. The rails and ties have been removed, and the corridor is ready to be donated for trail development. Numerous communities have offered partnerships to further develop the trail within their city limits, and then maintain and police it. "Working together, Missouri's Rock Island will become one of America's longest rail-trails, but that is only possible after Missouri State Parks takes the first step of accepting Ameren's gift of the corridor," said Harris. Missouri State Parks is currently accepting public comments about the future of the Rock Island Railroad corridor. Comments can be submitted at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RILC_InfoMtgs_Fall2018. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation's largest trails organizationwith a grassroots community more than 1 million strongdedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Missouri Rock Island Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit coalition of citizens and communities with a mission to preserve the Rock Island corridor and build a hiking and biking trail. Learn more at rockislandtrail.org. The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation is a statewide coalition of bicyclists, walkers, runners, trail organizations and related businesses that represents over 50,000 Missourians and advocates on behalf of the state's 2 million ardent bicyclists and 6 million walkers. Learn more at MoBikeFed.org. CONTACT: Patricia Brooks, [email protected] , 202.351.1757 SOURCE Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Related Links http://www.railstotrails.org WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA is inviting journalists to learn about the agency's Quiet Supersonic Flights 2018 campaign during a media day event taking place Friday, Nov. 9, in the Houston area. Test pilots and project leads will be available for interviews and to share information about the flight series, known as QSF18, and its contributions to NASA aeronautics research. Media also will get a close-up look at flight operations with NASA's F/A-18 research aircraft as they are used to test community response over Galveston, Texas, using a "quiet thump" technique designed to reduce loud sonic booms typically associated with supersonic flight. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. CST at Ellington Field, just north of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, then moves to Galveston, where QSF18 field team members operating microphone stations will measure sound levels. Reporters will have an opportunity to observe the field equipment and interview personnel during periods between quiet thumps. Media planning to attend must contact the Johnson newsroom at 281-482-5111 before 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7. The event is weather dependent. Should inclement weather occur, please contact the Johnson newsroom for more information. The QSF18 campaign is a cooperative effort involving NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, Johnson, and NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. For more information about NASA's QSF18 flight campaign, visit: https:/www.nasa.gov/QSF18 For more information about NASA's Commercial Supersonic Technology project, visit: https://go.nasa.gov/2qpg81Q SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Free File Alliance (FFA), in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced new consumer friendly improvements to their joint partnership tax preparation program that has served more than 53 million Americans since its inception in 2002. This new agreement means that the 12 Free File companies that currently participate in the Program will provide new options that make the Program easier to use and more consumer friendly to the American taxpayers. Click here for the IRS press release on the new agreement. Free File Alliance Executive Director Tim Hugo stated: "Over the sixteen-year life of this joint public-private partnership Program, we have worked with the IRS to continually improve Free File. The Service and our group have come up with a series of improvements to better serve taxpayers. Today, we are pleased to announce the latest round of improvements that will benefit the taxpayers who use this program. We are also grateful to Commissioner Rettig for his leadership on this issue at the beginning of his term of service." Working together, the Free File Alliance and the IRS will implement new features for the upcoming 2019 tax preparation season to make it easier and more attractive for taxpayers to access these programs when they start at IRS.gov/freefile or when they return to the Free File company they filed through last year. New, consumer friendly features will include: Returning Free File taxpayers will be routed to Free File. If a previous year Free File taxpayer comes back to a Free File member the following year, that taxpayer will first be provided the option to return to the Free File Member's Free File website. Again, the FFA seeks to ensure that its prior year taxpayers are provided a free federal return. If a taxpayer does not qualify for an individual company Free File offer, they will be provided a clear first option to return to the original IRS Free File landing page to find another free offer. The intent of the Free File Alliance is to match an individual taxpayer with a company that can provide them a free return. The elimination of the Value-Added Button on individual company sites' Free File Landing Page. This button allowed consumers in prior years to access other, non-Free File commercial offers. By eliminating this button, the focus will remain on the Free File service. Reinforcing the Program Review. The Free File Alliance and the IRS annually review the individual FFA companies compliance with the overarching program rules in the agreement that protect the taxpayers. We will reinforce current practices and require in season third-party, independent reviews. These additional reviews will ensure that the taxpayer has a great product to receive a free return whether he or she files early in January or April 15th. Millions of emails will remind past taxpayers to again use Free File. Individual Free File companies will be required to email prior year users to remind them about the current free return options available at Free File (IRS.gov/freefile). These new, Free File advertising emails may not contain any solicitation for any other non-FFA product or service. Hugo concluded, "While Free File has served over 53 million taxpayers and saved these taxpayers no less than $1.6 billion dollars, with these new changes we hope to better serve even more Americans with this free, safe, and easy to use product." Beginning in January 2019, the Free File Alliance will again host two main products that can serve taxpayers of all income groups. First, the Free File Alliance will once again begin offering free federal returns to taxpayers earning up to $66,000. With built-in logic and prompting questions from the software, these programs are equivalent to the top of the line software found anywhere in the world. Each company implements its own criteria, but, on the IRS.gov/freefile page there is always a program for everyone making up to $66,000 including every active duty military personnel with an income that does not exceed $66,000. Lastly, many Free File Alliance companies work with the states to also provide free state returns. Second, the Free File Alliance also provides a product -- with no income limit -- known as the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF). Free File Fillable Forms is to be considered the electronic equivalent of paper and is best used by those who normally fill out their taxes by hand and have a greater familiarity with the tax code. SOURCE Free File Alliance Related Links http://www.freefilealliance.org SHANGHAI, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/--Planet Green Holdings Corp. (NYSE American: PLAG) (the "Company" or "Planet Green") announced today that, as previously announced, the Company has regained compliance with the NYSE American LLC (the "Exchange") continued listing standards with respect to the Company's stock price. However, the Company has not yet regained compliance with Section 1003(a)(i) and 1003(a)(ii) with respect to the Company's stockholders' equity. NYSE American Rules require an issuer to demonstrate compliance for a period of two consecutive quarters prior to being deemed in compliance with such standard. As previously announced, Planet Green has taken numerous steps toward regaining compliance with the such stockholders' equity standard, including closing a private placement transaction for $10 million, the sale of equity interests in certain subsidiaries by the Company to Mr. Chen, the Company's former Chairman and CEO, and completion of the acquisition of Muren Agriculture Co. Ltd. The impact of these transactions is expected to be reflected in the Company's annual report for the year ending December 31, 2018. For more information, please contact: Mr. Mingze Yin Director of Investor Relations Phone:+86-21-3258 3578 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Planet Green Holdings Corp. NEW BEDFORD, Mass., Nov. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Registered nurses at St. Luke's Hospital have filed notice with the National Labor Relations Board seeking an election to join the Massachusetts Nurses Association because they are seeking a strong voice in improving conditions for their patients and for the nurses who provide patients 24-hour a day care. Owner SouthCoast Health, a highly profitable corporation, has responded by hiring a consultant with ties to a union-busting firm internationally known for intimidating employees seeking to exercise their legal right to unionize. Meanwhile, in Fall River another union is organizing employees at St. Anne's Hospital under much more democratic conditions. There are 750 nurses at St. Luke's who would be represented by the MNA following an election overseen by the NLRB. The nurses filed their petition with the NLRB on Friday, Nov. 2 after requesting a meeting with the hospital president seeking neutrality during organizing. The president did not meet with the nurses. By far the top concern for nurses has been inadequate nurse staffing levels that directly impact patient care conditions. "Our nurses are joining together to make St. Luke's Hospital a safer place for patients," said Kate Hughes, a nurse in the maternity unit. "Right now hospital management is failing to always provide a safe environment for patient care. Nurses need to be present, to answer questions, anticipate patients' needs and offer support for vulnerable patients. In the maternity unit, the education nurses provide can be life-saving. Recently I had nine patients at one time. That is unsafe! I handled it, as nurses are trained to do, but I did not have time to make patient connections and feel proud of the care I was able to provide. By forming a union our nurses will have the ability to make positive change, to help ensure our patients have the time they need with our nurses." "Far too many of our nurses are assigned too many patients at one time for us to give consistent, high-quality care," said Josh True, a nurse in the medical-surgical unit. "We have spoken to management about unsafe staffing and other related issues and they do not offer meaningful solutions. That is why we are seeking to form our union with the Massachusetts Nurses Association. Unity with thousands of other nurses around the state will empower us to make changes that help our patients, our nurses and our communities." The MNA is the largest union and professional organization of nurses and healthcare professionals in Massachusetts. It represents 23,000 members in healthcare facilities across the state, including nurses at 70 percent of the Commonwealth's acute care hospitals. The MNA is led by a board of directors that is directly elected by its membership and consists of front-line nurses and other healthcare professionals. Unequal Organizing Treatment: St. Luke's vs. Saint Anne's While nurses seeking to organize with the MNA at St. Luke's are being opposed by a consultant with ties to a high-powered anti-union firm, staff at Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River seeking to join SEIU 1199 are experiencing much different conditions. SEIU 1199 has a neutrality agreement with Saint Anne's, which is owned by Steward Healthcare, an international for-profit hospital corporation. Essentially, Steward has agreed to remain neutral as SEIU 1199 works with Saint Anne's staff to sign cards and join the union. Steward, one of the largest hospital corporations in Massachusetts, is owned by the hedge fund Cerberus Capital Management and has in recent years expanded throughout the United States and abroad. 'Notorious' Union-Buster Hired by SouthCoast Meanwhile, St. Luke's owner SouthCoast Health has hired a consultant with ties to a union-busting firm which is internationally "notorious" for running aggressive intimidation campaigns against employees seeking to form a union. This consultant started holding "information" meetings with nurses at St. Luke's in September. In Congressional testimony and in a report by a researcher at the London School of Economics and Political Science, The Burke Group has been described as reaping tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients "to intimidate, harass and coerce workers who had already indicated their desire to form a union on cards." "It was political terror....The majority of the employees thought that their phones were tapped. They talked about hidden cameras in the corners. I thought this was a democratic country. You [should be able] to exercise the right to organize successful or not." A former Chinese Daily News employee said of a TBG anti-union campaign, as quoted in the above testimony and report. St. Luke's Owner Highly Profitable Rather than address nurses' concerns and improve RN staffing and patient care conditions, St. Luke's owner, SouthCoast Health, is spending its profits on a union-busting campaign and extreme executive pay. SouthCoast paid its two top executives combined more than $2.5 million in FY2016, the latest year available. The SouthCoast Hospital Group, of which St. Luke's is a part, has been profitable every year since 2012 and made $51.4 million in profits last year, according to the Center for Health Information and Analysis. Through June 30 of this year, SouthCoast Hospital Group had made $58.6 million in profits. St. Luke's has 423 beds about half the group's total beds. MassNurses.org Facebook.com/MassNurses Twitter.com/MassNurses Instagram.com/MassNurses Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association Related Links http://www.massnurses.org PITTSBURGH, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the union has reached tentative agreements on new contracts with ArcelorMittal USA on behalf of about 15,000 workers at 14 of the company's U.S. locations. Subject to a vote by the membership of 13 local unions, the proposed four-year agreement would expire on Sept. 1, 2022. "Our committee's hard work and dedication have resulted in tentative agreements with ArcelorMittal," said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. "Our members' unwavering solidarity throughout the bargaining process in the face of management's persistent concessionary demands has been rewarded with contracts that recognize the pivotal role Steelworkers have played in the company's success." USW District 1 Director David McCall, who chairs the union's negotiations with ArcelorMittal, praised the leaders and members at all of the facilities for standing together to demand fair agreements. "Through their hard work and sacrifices to improve the productivity and efficiency of our facilities, USW members earned the right to share in the company's success," McCall said. "We have negotiated fair agreements that improve wages and benefits while preserving retiree health care provisions and bolstering the protections afforded by our contract language." USW District 7 Director Mike Millsap, who serves as secretary of the bargaining committee, added that the unity of local union leaders and activists provided leverage for the union throughout the bargaining process. "From our first meeting with the company until our last, management challenged us every step of the way," Millsap said. "The vocal and visible unity of our membership gave our committee the strength we needed to resist the company's proposed cutbacks and fight for the issues important to our members, retirees and their families and communities." In the coming days, the USW will schedule meetings to review the proposed new contracts with members at each location and deliver summaries with mail-in ballots and instructions for the ratification vote. The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector and service occupations. - 30 - More information, contact: Tony Montana (412)-562-2592; [email protected] SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW) Related Links http://www.usw.org LOS ANGELES, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Academy of Active Learning Arts and Sciences (AALAS), MEF University, and the Flipped Learning Global Initiative (FLGI) announced the Flipped Learning 3.0 Global Standards Summit to present the first comprehensive map of effective Flipped Learning best practices. The Summit will bring together delegates from around the world who participated in curating the 187 international best practices to discuss their implications for the future of Flipped Learning worldwide. The Summit will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, November 13th, 2018 at MEF University the first fully flipped university in the world. The Summit is the culmination of the year-long Flipped Learning Global Standards Project, a collaboration of Flipped Learning practitioners and delegates from 49 countries. The aim was to create a framework for benchmarking effective Flipped Learning and supporting international collaboration between practitioners, researchers, and education leaders. The Global Elements of Effective Flipped Learning The Flipped Learning 3.0 Global Standards Summit The Summit will feature 10-minute briefings from the Global Standards Project chairpersons including: Dr. Eric Mazur, the Balkanski Professor of Physics at Harvard's Graduate School of Education; Dr. Caroline Fell Kurban, Director of MEF University's Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Turkey; Dr. Raul Santiago Campion, Professor of Didactics and Pedagogy at University of La Rioja, Spain; Dr. Gwo-Jen Hwang, Chair Professor, Graduate Institute of Digital Learning and Education, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology; Robyn Brinks Lockwood, instructor, Stanford Language Center; and Jon Bergmann, Chief Academic Officer of the Flipped Learning Global Initiative. The Summit will include a special briefing from Dr. Muhammed Sahin, Rector of MEF University and a tour of the university's pioneering Flipped Learning program and campus. "I'm absolutely delighted to see how many people are actually flipping the learning in one way or another," said Flipped Learning pioneer, Eric Mazur. "Now Flipped Learning is evolving, which is why it's so important to have these global standards and share best practices." The Flipped Learning 3.0 Global Standards Summit will be streamed live to give access to educators worldwide. The agenda includes: Looking Beyond What We Already Know About Flipped Learning A Global Road Map to Greater Flipped Learning Effectiveness Going Global or Falling Behind A Higher Education Take on the Flipped Learning 3.0 Global Standards How MEF Created a New University Model A K-12 Take on the Flipped Learning 3.0 Global Standards How Flipped Learning Global Standards Enables International Collaboration Localizing the Flipped Learning Global Standards for Specific Countries and Cultures "A set of standards is the hallmark of every significant group of professionals. Beyond helping all of us identify the essential elements of effective Flipped Learning; standards can help a loose community of Flipped learning practitioners evolve into a globally recognized discipline. Those who aspire to be experts in Flipped Learning now have a clear road map to follow," said Jon Bergmann one of the early pioneers of Flipped Learning. World-Class Flipped Learning FLGI surveys found that most Flipped Learning educators are still practicing in the silo of a classroom, a school, a university department or a country. "MEF University is engaged in Flipped Learning on an unparalleled scale. The Summit gives Flipped Learning practitioners access to the aggregated insights of the largest global community of practice and the opportunity to see a working model of Flipped Learning at scale," said Errol St.Clair Smith, FLGI Director of Global Development. About the Academy of Active Learning Arts and Sciences The Academy of Active Learning Arts and Sciences is a nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying and supporting global standards for Flipped Learning and related active learning instruction. AALAS' scope includes research, education, and accreditation of Flipped Learning programs and educators. AALAS is comprised of some 100 international Flipped Learning practitioners and voting delegates from over 49 countries. The mission is to bring the general understanding and implementation of Flipped Learning into alignment with the most current global best practices. To learn more about the Flipped Learning 3.0 Global Standards Summit, the Academy of Active Learning Arts and Sciences, or the Flipped Learning Global Standards Project, go to aalasinternational.org or contact Errol St.Clair Smith at 949-677-7381 or [email protected]. SOURCE Academy of Active Learning Arts and Sciences Related Links http://www.aalasinternational.org HOUSTON, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tony Buzbee, one of America's most successful and outspoken trial attorneys, promises a presentation unlike any other on November 10 as he gifts a fully restored WWII M4A4 Sherman Tank to Texas A&M University just before the Aggie v Ole Miss game. The tank made international headlines after spending 73 years in Normandy, France, when Buzbee purchased it and brought it back to the United States in 2017. Buzbee will turn over the keys (so to speak) to the A&M Cadet Corps Commandant, BGen Ramirez in a ceremony just prior to the Aggie v Ole Miss game, which also happens to be the Marine Corps birthday. Buzbee, a former Recon Marine Officer and Regent of the Texas A&M University System since 2013, has previously supported Texas A&M through more traditional gifts such as the campus building that bears his name and the endowment of the Dean's chair at Texas A&M University School of Law. Buzbee made news earlier this week when he announced he was running for Mayor of Houston. SOURCE The Buzbee Law Firm Related Links http://www.txattorneys.com PHOTOS How to negotiate a salary Talking about salary with a potential or current employer can be intimidating. While 81% of employees surveyed by Glassdoor in 2019 believed they deserved a raise, 40% accepted their initial salary offer and did not negotiate in their current or most recent job. Rather than wallow in low wages, leverage these tips to overcome the sweaty palms and self-doubt that come with salary negotiation. TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- "Politicians promise to lower costs and assure quality medical care, but voters need to beware," states the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS). Here are some common misconceptions about Medicare for All: Myth: Medicare for All would get rid of profiteering insurance companies and thereby save billions. Fact: the "insurance" monoliths would still be there to manage the system. Look at the profits of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicaid managed-care contractors. Their business plan is to deny care. the "insurance" monoliths would still be there to manage the system. Look at the profits of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicaid managed-care contractors. Their business plan is to deny care. Myth: Quality would be assured by government. Fact: "Quality" would be defined by government, based on compliance with population-based guidelines. "Quality" would be by government, based on compliance with population-based guidelines. Myth: Government would "negotiate" lower prices. Fact: Government would impose price controls. Cuts of 40 percent to providers have been proposed. Overhead is at least 50 percent of a physician's revenue, and if a practice can't cover its costs, it closes. Government would impose price controls. Cuts of 40 percent to providers have been proposed. Overhead is at least 50 percent of a physician's revenue, and if a practice can't cover its costs, it closes. Myth: The system would be like in Western Europe : free, but with great care available when you need it. Fact: Private insurance is available and widely used in Europe . It would be outlawed in Medicare for All. Cost-saving methods in Europe include Britain's Liverpool Care Pathwaydehydrating troublesome patients to death, and expanding euthanasia in Belgium , the Netherlands , and Switzerland . Private insurance is available and widely used in . It would be outlawed in Medicare for All. Cost-saving methods in include Liverpool Care Pathwaydehydrating troublesome patients to death, and expanding euthanasia in , , and . Myth: Corporations and the "rich" would pay for it with "modest" tax hikes. Fact: costs of greater than $40 trillion cannot be paid by any available or proposed source of revenue. And of course business costs are paid by the consumer, or the business disappears. costs of greater than cannot be paid by any available or proposed source of revenue. And of course business costs are paid by the consumer, or the business disappears. Myth: Care would be "equal" and "fair." Fact: It is obviously not possible to reduce spending and give more care to the disadvantaged without cutting off care to some who now receive it (such as the elderly). "Obama promisedfalselythat if you liked your health plan or your doctor you could keep your doctor or your health plan. With Medicare for All, your insurance plan would be outlawed, and 'your doctor' would be the assigned plan 'provider,' who may have minimal training or experience," states AAPS executive director Jane M. Orient, M.D. "The candidates supporting Medicare for All are preparing to sabotage the voluntary American system of medical care and replace it with a system that will resemble Venezuela, not Denmark." The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) is a national organization representing physicians in all specialties, founded in 1943. Its motto is "omnia pro aegroto," or "all for the patient." SOURCE Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) Related Links http://www.aapsonline.org Miami, Nov 3 : Two people were killed and four others critically injured in a shooting at a yoga studio in the US state of Florida, police said. According to the Chief of Police, Michael DeLeo, one of the victim was the shooter, who allegedly fatally shot himself after carrying out the attack, which took place at 5.30 p.m. on Friday in Tallahassee, reports Efe news. DeLeo told the media said that one of the five wounded died later in a hospital. "At this time, all indications are this is the act of a single person. There is no immediate threat to our community," DeLeo said. The police chief said the shooter's motive was unknown. Dharamsala, Nov 3 : As the #MeToo movement is gaining momentum in India, Ukrainian filmmaker Dar Gai came out in support of it and revealed that she too had been a victim of it. "People have tried to molest me couple of times. Once I managed to escape from almost getting raped and I have often dealt with weird guys from the industry who does not know how to speak to women," Gai told IANS here on the sidelines of the ongoing Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF). But for Gai, it took her years to realise that whatever she had gone through was "not normal". "Last year I was at a film festival in India and we had a panel of female filmmakers. We were discussing about the issues of women directors and all of them were sharing their terrible experiences of dishonesty and disrespect, which they have faced from their fellow filmmakers. "At that time, when I looked at my past and recalled the incidents which I used to find normal till then, I realised there was something wrong with me and something wrong with the entire industry," the director said. Gai blamed the industry for "making her get used to the idea that it was fine to be mistreated and disrespected". While talking further about sexual harassment cases, she compared the #MeToo movement with wars and revolutions. "The movement is no less than a war. No doubt, there will be debates, there will be misusage but during a war, a lot of innocent people also get killed. So now, it is a stage one, people have to sacrifice to achieve the next stage of life, " she added. Gai was at DIFF for the screening of her feature titled "Namdev Bhau: In Search Of Silence". (Simran Sethi is in Dharamsala on an invitation by the Dharamshala International Film Festival. She can be contacted at simran.s@ians.in) Islamabad, Nov 3 : A radical Islamist group on Saturday called off protests in Pakistan against the acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, who had been charged with blasphemy. The Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has the end to the protests which brought the country to a standstill since October 30, reports Dawn news. The announcement comes after the TLP and the government reached an agreement to conclude the latter's nationwide protests, with the government promising to immediately initiate a legal process to place Asia Bibi's name on the Exit Control List (ECL). The government has also said that it would not oppose the complainants from seeking a review of the Supreme Court's judgment in the Asia Bibi blasphemy case. The TLP has in turn apologised if it "hurt the sentiments or inconvenienced anyone without reason". Meanwhile, motorways and highways were open for traffic, the Motorway Police announced on Saturday. However, they cautioned commuters to refrain from unnecessary travel on these routes due to the "volatile and unpredictable" situation in the country. The Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday set off violent protests and sit-ins by hardliners. Asia Bibi, a mother of five, was accused by two women of insulting Prophet Muhammad in 2009 and a court sentenced her to death in 2010, with the verdict being upheld four years later by the Lahore High Court. The anti-blasphemy law was introduced in British colonial times to avoid religious clashes, but in the 1980s several reforms promoted by the dictator Zia-ul-Haq led to the abuse of the law. Since then, there have been around 1,000 accusations of blasphemy, a crime that in Pakistan can lead to capital punishment, although nobody has ever been executed for it. Miami, Nov 3 : A gunman opened fire inside a yoga studio in the US state of Florida killing two people before shooting himself dead, police said. The incident took place on Friday evening at the studio in Tallahassee, the state capital, reports Efe news. "At this time, all indications are this is the act of a single person. There is no immediate threat to our community," Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo told the media. The victims were Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21. The shooter was identified as Scott Paul Beierle, 40, the police said. The motive of the shooting remains unknown. Sabarimala (Kerala) : Sabarimala (Kerala) Nov 3 (IANS) Kerala's Sabarimala town where the famed Lord Ayyappa shrine is located came under complete police control on Saturday ahead of its day-long opening on November 5, a senior official said. In a verdict on September 28, the Supreme Court allowed women of all age groups to enter the temple which led to mass protests. According to Pathanamthitta district Superintendent of Police T. Narayanan, 1,500 police officials have been deployed in the temple town and will remain till the midnight of November 6 when the temple will close again. He said as of now, there have been no requests from women to enter the shrine. "If there are any requests, the police will see that the apex court verdict is carried out. None other than the pilgrims would be given permission to the designated areas of the temple," said Narayanan. The security arrangements were being monitored by Additional Director General of Police Anil Kanth. According to the police, no one is allowed to remain in the pathway that leads to the temple, right from the Pamba base camp and also in the areas closer to the sanctum santorum of the temple. Restrictions have been clamped for the media and they will only be allowed to reach the temple town on November 5. As of Saturday, the police have registered 536 cases and arrested 3,719 persons, who protested last month when the temple opened for six days. Only around 100 are still in jail, while the rest have secured bail. Lucknow, Nov 3 : An 18-year-old youth from Uttar Pradesh's Jalaun district was detained by the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) on Saturday for making calls threatening to blow up the Miami airport in the US, police said. We received an input from a sister agency that someone was making multiple calls to the Miami airport officials, threatening them with an attack with AK-47 guns and grenades. He said he would come up with bullet proof body armour and indulge in mass killings at the airport, Inspector General (IG) ATS Aseem Arun said. The accused was making these calls through VoIP and the IP address was traced by the ATS. During interrogation he confessed to his crime. He said he made the calls to gain the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who can help him in avenging a fraudster who had duped him of Rs 70,000 by luring him into investing in bitcoins. An FIR has been lodged against the accused. His cell phone and laptop have been seized. He will be charge sheeted and produced before a court, an official said. The ATS has also issued an advisory for parents asking them to keep a tab on the internet usage of their children. Beijing, Nov 3 : China on Saturday assured Pakistan of its full support to "tide over" the financial crisis, clearly signalling Beijing's readiness to give fresh loans to its all-weather ally which is in deep economic distress. During the on-going China visit by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, Beijing also told Islamabad to "push forward" the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the heart of the Chinese Belt and Road project the feasibility of which Pakistan has begun to doubt over debt concerns. India is opposed to the $60 billion CPEC whose planned route is through the disputed Kashmir held by Pakistan. "The Chinese government will provide necessary support and assistance to Pakistan in tiding over the current economic difficulties," China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said. The minister gave no specific information about China's financial assistance, saying the details were being discussed. He was talking to reporters after Khan and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang held talks at the Great Hall and supervised the signing of 16 bilateral deals. Khan, who met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, is understood to have sought financial help for Pakistan which is in dire straits due to the ballooning foreign debt. "The relationship between the two countries has deepened since then because the CPEC in 2013 was just an idea. Now it is on the ground. And it has caught the imagination of the people of Pakistan," Khan said while meeting Li. "We feel that this is a great opportunity for our country to progress, to attract investment, it gives us an opportunity to raise our standard of living, growth rate. You will see the difference because a lot has happened since 2013. One of the things, of course, is my party has come to power." Pakistan which has already secured a $6 billion loan from Saudi Arabia thinks the amount is not enough to clear the financial mess and has also sought a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF wants Pakistan to disclose all the financial details of the Chinese-funded CPEC for providing the bailout package. The Chinese are wary of Islamabad going to the IMF, dominated by its rival the US which opposes the Belt and Road project. Experts say that the Chinese have pushed Pakistan into heavy debt through the CPEC, a charge denied by Beijing. Some ministers in Khan's new government have expressed concerns over the Chinese investments in Pakistan, with one slashing the budget of a rail project by $2 billion. However, Khan has pledged to work to implement the CPEC and has assured Pakistan's full support for it. "The vision of Xi Jinping for jointly building the Belt and Road initiative is being turned into a reality. Against such a backdrop, the CPEC also has new opportunities and need to be further pushed forward," said the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister. "The two sides will firmly move forward the CPEC while ensuring the smooth operation of completing projects and advancing the ongoing projects." "The two sides will gradually bring the dimension of industrial cooperation to the CPEC and extend it to other parts of Pakistan," he said. Kong said the project will also focus on the social sector. "The two sides have agreed to establish a foreign-ministerial dialogue mechanism to make overall planning and coordinate in various fields," he added. New Delhi : The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the two "non-electables", to use Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's term, are among the Hindutva groups which are pushing for immediately starting the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. While the RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat, has called upon the government to bring an ordinance to facilitate the work, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP is introducing a private member's bill in the Rajya Sabha on the subject, presumably to test the faith of all the Hindus, especially those who claim to be secular -- such as those in the Congress. The test will probably encompass the "nationalists" as well, including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and other minorities, in the House. Since the Narendra Modi government itself has not been noticeably proactive on the matter, the efforts of the RSS and others are apparently intended to create an atmosphere about the inevitability of the temple being built, which is expected to be electorally helpful to the BJP. However, the government's reticence does not mean that the RSS and the others do not enjoy the ruling party's tacit support. But the government cannot but lie low because the matter is sub judice. If it joins the clamour for the temple, it may fall foul of the law. At the same time, the government probably secretly welcomes the upping of the ante on the temple because it will divert attention from its inadequacies on the economic front, especially where the availability of jobs is concerned. The government will also hope that if the cry for the temple becomes louder, it will push the controversies relating to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Reserve Bank of India, which haven't shown the government in a favourable light, out of the front pages of newspapers. But it also cannot be unaware that it is playing a dangerous game, for any raising of the communal temperature carries the possibility of riots or create a tension-ridden atmosphere which will deter investors despite the improvement in the ease of doing business index from 100 to 77. What is more, the risks of raising the temple pitch may not be as electorally effective as the Sangh parivar believes because it is now widely recognised that religiosity does not have as much to do with the issue as politics. It is for this reason that the temple did not figure in the BJP's electoral campaign in 2014. Moreover, the party's success was based on the secular plank of development for all enunciated by the "sabka saath, sabka vikas" slogan. A return to the temple, therefore, is a virtual admission that the "sabka saath" endeavours have not worked. However, for the RSS and the VHP, who do not have to contest elections, and have a single-minded focus on ushering in a Hindu rashtra -- a nation of, by and for Hindus -- it is apparently now or never. They appear to have realised that this will be their last chance in a long while of building a temple of their dreams because the BJP may not secure a majority of its own in the Lok Sabha in 2019 although the alliance led by it may do so. If that happens, as seems likely, it will be extremely difficult to enact a law for constructing the temple because not all of the BJP's allies -- the Janata Dal-United, for instance -- will not be eager to support it for fear of alienating the Muslims. The BJP's weakened position will also prevent it from asserting itself. It has been argued that the BJP raises the temple issue -- or allows it to be raised -- before every major election to consolidate the Hindu vote. Since the party has never been as politically strong as at present, the belief in the saffron brotherhood apparently was that all that was needed was one final concerted effort. The party also expected a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court, enabling it to "sweep" the elections, as BJP MP Subramanian Swamy said. However, the court's decision to defer the hearings till next year has disappointed the Hindutva camp. It was already unhappy with the apex court on several counts, including the verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple in Kerala when "tradition" prohibits the women of a reproductive age from being in the temple precincts. On the Ayodhya temple, too, the saffron lobby used to say during the Ramjanmabhoomi movement in the 1990s that the courts can have no say in a matter of faith. After its ascent to power, the BJP has softened its stance on Ayodhya (though not on Sabarimala), but the RSS and VHP are not willing to wait for a judicial pronouncement. It is obviously a tightrope walk for the BJP between constitutionalism represented by the judiciary and its belief that the Ram temple is the "soul" of India. Since the BJP has been engaged in this balancing act ever since the temple issue was raised in the party's Palanpur resolution in Gujarat in 1989, the latest initiatives are probably no more than a new chapter in an ongoing saga. (Amulya Ganguli is a political analyst. The views expressed are personal. He can be reached at amulyaganguli@gmail.com) Washington, Nov 3 : An Indian-origin man has been charged in the US with H-1B visa and mail fraud, officials said. Kishore Kumar Kavuru, 46, was arrested on Friday and was presented before US Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen, the US Department of Justice said in a press release. He was charged with 10 counts of visa fraud and 10 counts of mail fraud in connection with a scheme to maintain a pool of foreign workers for the clients of Kavuru's consulting companies. If convicted, Kavuru faces the sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 for each count of visa fraud. The defendant also faces up to 20 years in jail and $250,000 for each count of mail fraud, federal prosecutors said. According to the indictment, Kavuru, a resident of Sunnyvale, California, held himself out as a staffing specialist for technology firms based in Santa Clara County and elsewhere seeking to fill temporary positions with foreign workers. Since at least as early as 2007, Kavuru was the owner and Chief Executive Officer of four consulting companies -- Scopus Consulting Group, Inc.; ITECH Analyst Corp; Infinity Methods Corp; and Orian Engineers Incorporated. The indictment described how Kavuru used the consulting companies to process and submit fraudulent applications for foreign workers to obtain permission to work in the US under the H-1B visa programme. He was accused of submitting fraudulent documents to both the Department of Labour and the Department of Homeland Security, containing details of bogus work projects awaiting the foreign workers. Because many of the applications were ultimately approved, Kavuru had a pool of unemployed H-1B beneficiaries that were immediately available for legitimate work projects, giving him a competitive advantage over other law-abiding staffing companies that followed the sometimes lengthy visa application process for petitioning foreign workers, according to federal prosecutors. As part of the scheme, Kavuru required some prospective workers to pay thousands of dollars in cash before he would prepare and submit the visa applications. Kavuru also required some workers to wait unpaid, sometimes for months, to be placed at an end-client's workplace. Through his consulting companies, Kavuru submitted and mailed approximately 43 petitions for H-1B software engineers, the statement said. "In fact, there were no software engineer positions available at the benefits company," federal prosecutors said. Any vote for a Democrat for the Illinois House is a vote for Madigan to remain speaker of the House, controlling legislation as Boss of Illinois. Democrats will crown him speaker. This is not a partisan statement. This is how it works. Its what has kept Madigan in power for four decades. New Delhi, Nov 3 : Actor Saqib Saleem, who is busy shooting for a digital show "Rangbaaz", says he is fascinated with the sprinkle of realism in Hindi cinema now. Talking about a dash of realism in cinema now, Saqib told IANS: "I am very fascinated by it. I always feel for an actor, it is a very a tricky thing to do when people are out there." The 30-year-old actor, who is the brother of actress Huma Qureshi, praised actor Ranbir Kapoor for his portrayal of actor Sanjay Dutt in the 2018 film "Sanju". He added that it gets difficult yet interesting for an actor just to test the skill (when featuring in such films). "As a phase it is really interesting," he added. "Rangbaaz" will narrate the story of a man engaged in the dark and dirty world of crime and show the human side of one of the most feared gangsters of the region in the 1990s. It is set against the backdrop of Gorakhpur, and Saqib will be seen playing a gangster. Srinagar, Nov 3 : Family members of a Kashmiri youth, who has purportedly joined terror outfit Islamic State, on Saturday urged him to abjure violence and return home. Bilal Ahmad, in a video message to his son Ehtesham Bilal, who on Friday appeared on social media wielding a rifle and claiming allegiance to the Islamic State, appealed to him to return home. "Islam does not allow anybody to disobey his parents. I appeal and order you to return home. Seeing you on the social media wherein you have claimed allegiance to the Islamic State has disturbed me. Your ailing mother cannot live without you". Ehtesham's sister, Sadiqa, told her brother in the message, "I cannot live without you. For Allah's sake come back." A student at Sharda University, a private university in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida, Ehtesham Bilal disappeared on October 28, days after allegedly being beaten by a group of students on the campus. New Delhi, Nov 3 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday wrote to his Haryana counterpart Monahar Lal Khattar for a surprise cross-inspection of his 'Mohalla Clinics' and Khattar's dispensaries. In a letter written in Hindi, Kejriwal called such a step a positive change that politicians were discussing the works done by them and not indulging in identity politics. "This is a positive sign in the politics of the country, where caste and religion-based politics was being done. This will change now. People will now vote for those who will build hospitals and schools and not for those who talk about religion and caste." Kejriwal also said that he challenged Khattar to inspect any 'Mohalla Clinic' as the Haryana Chief Minister's remarks hurt the people of Delhi. "When you called Mohalla Clinics 'Halla Clinics', people were hurt and so I challenged you to have a surprise inspection of Mohalla Clinics and I will inspect some of your dispensaries," Kejriwal wrote. The Aam Aadmi Party leader also said that he would go for the inspection of the clinics with Khattar and asked for his preferred dates. Kejriwal announced that he would visit five dispensaries of Haryana on November 12. "If this date doesn't suit you, then you may convey another suitable date," said the AAP supremo. Chennai, Nov 3 : Superbikes maker Motoroyale Kinetic Pvt Ltd is mulling development of a 300cc-500cc motorbike by 2021 in India, a top company official said here on Saturday. The company is setting up a new assembly plant with 60,000 units capacity at Supa in Maharashtra at an outlay of Rs 12 crore, he said during the launch of a dealership. The company currently imports high-powered motorbikes or superbikes in a completely knocked down (CKD) position and assembles the same at its plant at Ahmednagar in Maharashtra. There are ideas to develop 300cc-500cc motorbike in the price range of Rs 2-3 lakh in India. The plans will go live in 2021, Ajinkya Firodia, Managing Director, Motoroyale Kinetic told select media here. Whether it would be developed by the Indian company on its own or it would partner with a foreign motorbike maker would be decided later, he said. Motoroyale Kinetic announced their first brand association with MV Agusta, an Italian brand in May 2016, followed by an international joint venture with Norton, a British motorcycle brand in November 2017. Earlier this month, the company announced their tie-up with three additional international brands -- SWM, F.B Mondial and Hyosung. The company sells bikes in the price range of Rs 3-60 lakh. Meanwhile, the company's Rs 12 crore new assembly plant at Supa is expected to go on stream soon. Currently the motorbikes imported in CKD units are assembled at group company Kinetic Engineering property in Ahmednagar which has capacity of 8,000 units. Firodia said once the company starts shipping the British brand Norton motorbikes to other Southeast Asian markets then the current capacity would get utilised. The Kinetic group has a 51:49 joint venture with Norton to assemble motorbikes in India and sell the same in other markets. "We will be importing and selling only 37 units of Norton bikes -- Commando and Dominator models -- as limited edition. All the 37 bikes will have only the parts used to make the bikes in Norton's UK plant. After that Norton brand bikes will be rolled out of our facility here for Indian and other neighbouring markets," Firodia said. According to him, the Norton's 650cc motorbike will be launched in India in 2020 and the same would be made in India later localizing various components. "The domestic market may be small for the vendors to look at supplying components for the bike. But when there is a possibility of Norton sourcing components for its global operations then the volume and price will be attractive for the auto component makers," Firodia said. According to him, the target for next year will be 2,500 units and the company is in the process of expanding its distribution network. "By 2019 we will have 18 dealers in top Indian cities," he added. He said the market size for the superbikes in India is about 13,000 units and is logging 20 per cent growth. Firodia said the group is also looking at raising about Rs 75-100 crore from private equity (PE) by diluting 20-30 per cent stakes in the holding company for the superbikes ventures. He said talks are on with some PE players. Kolkata, Nov 3 : Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said he was "surprised" by the criminal defamation complaint against him for his alleged "scorpion" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as it questioned an author's right to freedom of expression and hoped that the baseless case would be dismissed forthwith. Pointing out that he had quoted the remark of an unnamed RSS activist mentioned in a 2012 article, Tharoor claimed that he had done nothing wrong but was ready to defend himself, if at all a legal notice was sent on this matter. "It was not my comment. In describing the relation between the RSS and the Prime Minister, I quoted a 2012 article from a magazine called The Caravan, where an unnamed RSS activist made the comment to the journalist. So if at all there was a defamation it happened in 2012 and not now, and it happened from the RSS, not from Shashi Tharoor," the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha member told reporters here after his party's interactive manifesto consultation programme. "I was surprised to hear about the defamation suit. I hope that the judge will throw (it) away on the basis of the actual fact, but if not, we certainly have to defend it. If there is a legal process, we will let it play out. Now-a-days our courts are being used as instruments of political persecution... if the judge issues a notice to respond, we will respond," he said. BJP leader Rajeev Babbar on Saturday filed a criminal defamation complaint against Tharoor in the Patiala House Courts for his comment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "a scorpion seated on a Shivling" and sought Rs 5 crore as compensation. Babbar told the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal that Tharoor made the statement with mala fide intention, which not only denigrated the Hindu deity but was also defamatory. Stating that he has used hundreds of such quotes from different credible sources in his book, Tharoor said raising questions on people's right to quote from published documents was a blow to the freedom of expression in the society. "My book has quotes, some of which are even 150 years old. So, will somebody now file defamation because I have quoted somebody saying something about 150 years ago?" he questioned. Tharoor's latest book -- The Paradoxical Prime Minister: Narendra Modi And His India -- was launched late last moth. "The environment of free expression and liberties to quoting what has been said at one time or another about political personalities is basic. When you start questioning the right of people to quote published materials, then where is our democracy heading to? Where is the freedom of expression in our society?" Tharoor said. Tharoor, while speaking at Bangalore Literature Festival on October 28, had said: "Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a Shivling. You cannot remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a 'ch***al' either." Bhubaneswar, Nov 3 : Delhi-based journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra on Saturday submitted an affidavit to a committee of the Odisha Assembly over breach of privilege of the legislators. Abhijit deposed before the panel for the third time for a probe into his alleged derogatory remarks against the lawmakers of the state. "Abhijit Iyer Mitra appeared before the committee today after he failed to submit his affidavit yesterday. We will scrutinize the affidavit along with his recorded statements," said Narasingh Mishra, chairman of the house committee and leader of opposition. "If required, he will be asked to depose again," said Mishra. He said a detailed report will be submitted to the Speaker in the winter session of Odisha Assembly. The committee has asked Abhijit to file a detailed affidavit during his first appearance last month. Iyer Mitra was arrested on October 23 for his alleged derogatory remarks on Sun Temple, Odisha and its culture. He is currently in judicial custody. Two FIRs have been filed against Abhijit for his derogatory remarks. Guwahati, Nov 3 : Assam continued to be tense on Saturday over the killing of five persons by unidentified gunmen at Tinsukia district even as the 12-hour Assam bandh call by some organisations over the killing evoked a mixed response across the state on Saturday. Although police are yet to identify the outfit responsible for the killings, a linkman of the anti-talk faction of ULFA, Jintu Gogoi was picked up by the Police on Saturday in connection with the killing. Gogoi was picked up from Tinsukia district, police said. The Assam police have already launched a massive combing operation against the suspected militants in and around the Sadiya area in the district. Meanwhile the bandh call evoked a total response in Bengali Hindu dominated Barak Valley districts of Assam while the bandh supporters tried to enforce the bandh in some areas of Brahmaputra Valley as well. Vehicular traffic was, however, normal in most of the places in Brahmaputra Valley. In Guwahati, the bandh hardly had any impact. In Upper Assam, Lower Assam and hill districts bandh has its impact in several pockets. Police arrested Congress and BJP leaders in Barak valley for supporting the bandh. Two extremists were nabbed in Harinagar Bazaar in Cachar district during the 12-hour Barak Valley Bandh. According to Cachar SP Rakesh Roushan, the ultras were arrested around 11.30 am and seven AK-47 rifles, around 500 bullets and one 9mm pistol have been recovered from their possession. During the bandh there sporadic incidents of violence were reported. In Barpeta in Lower Assam, bandh supporters pelted stones on the police. Akora Khattak (Pakistan), Nov 3 : Thousands of supporters and followers of Maulana Sami ul-Haq, an Islamic cleric and former senator who was more widely known as the "Father of Taliban", flocked to attend his funeral in Pakistan on Saturday. Sami ul-Haq, a leader of the political party Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam, was killed in the northern city of Rawalpindi on Friday, although there were conflicting versions of how and where he died. "He was resting in his room during Asr (prayer) time when his driver-cum-bodyguard went out for 15 minutes," his son Maulana Hamid ul-Haq told Pakistan's Geo TV. "When he returned, he found Maulana Sami ul-Haq dead in his bed and his body covered in blood," the son said, adding his father had been stabbed multiple times. Sami ul-Haq was also the head of the Haqqania madrassa, an Islamic school in the north of Pakistan where many Taliban members including the radical group's founder, Mullah Omar, had studied. Sami ul-Haq had close ties to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's PTI party. Mohammad Bilal, one of Sami ul-Haq's nephews, told reporters that his body had been found with gunshot and stabbing wounds at his house near Islamabad, 25 km south of Rawalpindi. New Delhi, Nov 3 : Prime Minister Modi on Saturday termed opposition efforts to forge a 'grand alliance' as a "manifestation of dynasty politics," saying the fake unity was nothing but an election gimmick. Interacting with BJP booth workers from Bulandshahr, Kota, Korba, Sikar and Tikamgarh Lok Sabha constituencies through video conferencing, the Prime Minister took a dig at Congress President Rahul Gandhi, saying he was like a "lie machine" whom people donot trust. Responding to a question on 'Mahagathbadhan', Prime Minister said: "There is no need to panic or worry about their false propaganda. Mahagathbadhan is a manifestation of dynasty politics. This fake unity is an election gimmick and opposition parties do not have any agenda to match the aspirations of the 21st century India." He said the people who lie are not accepted by the society. "People hate those who talk about negative politics, those who see bad things in goodness of the country, those who abuse and insult the Army. We have to move forward on the belief of our deeds," he said. The Prime Minister said the BJP was worried about country's destiny while the opposition parties were worried to save their dynasty. "The public has to be reminded about the situation in the past. There was dynasty and family rule. We are the people who have come to change the future of the country, but they are concerned about dynasty. Their concern is for their children. They think that if the BJP ruled the country for five or ten more years, what would happen to some 200 and 500 families, who had been at the centre of power for 70 years. They have gathered to save the dynasty. They do not care for the poor," Modi said. In an apparent dig at Rahul Gandhi, the Prime Minister said that there are some people who make speeches and give eight kinds of data from the morning to the evening. "No one trusts them. They think that by telling lies, they can succeed. That time is gone. They do not know that people have found various ways to get information," he said. "Some leaders are like a lie machine. Whenever they open their mouth, it starts lying like AK 47 shots," he added exhorting the party workers to expose the lies of the opposition. Rahul Gandhi has been continuously attacking the Modi government over the Rafale fighter jet deal and has been alleging corruption. The BJP has been countering him by branding his accusations as lies. The Prime Minister asked the party functionaries to believe in the wisdom of people and said people can see the difference between development ushered in by BJP governments and the sensationalist agenda of the opposition. While interacting with workers of Chhattisgarh, Modi appreciated the achievements of Chief Minister Raman Singh calling him an excellent leader and silent performer. Calling booth-level workers as the foundation of the party, he urged them to provide correct information to the people about government initiatives and achievements. Highlighting the achievements of his government in the last four years, the Prime Minister spoke about the latest improvement in 'Ease of Doing Business', quality infrastructure built throughout the country and educational reforms. He also mentioned about the historic decisions undertaken by the government to support the micro and small scale sector. Latest updates on Howdy Modi Houston Mumbai, Nov 3 : Amid speculation that the government may have invoked a hitherto unused section to overrule the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the pretext of "public interest", the central bank has shot back with its own definition of "public interest". Reserve Bank Deputy Governor N.S. Vishwanathan, in a recent speech, said when a bank is trying to recover loans from borrowers, it is actually trying to get back depositors' money and it is not a case of "ruthless big bank" versus "hapless borrower". "A correct portrayal of the situation would be: public interest (i.e. depositors and taxpayers) versus borrowers' interest," Vishwanathan said at XLRI Jamshedpur in a speech on October 29 that was posted on the bank's website late on Friday. It is speculated that the government, in certain cases where it differed with the bank, has invoked Section 7 of the RBI Act that empowers the government to consult the RBI Governor and direct the RBI to act on issues that it considers necessary in public interest. One of the vexed issues between the two is related to RBI's February 12 circular on stressed assets wherein the RBI has ordered banks to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against all large accounts above Rs 2,000 crore if a resolution plan was not met in 180 days. Here, the government wants some relief for the stressed assets in the power sector, saying it is different from the other sectors as there are several external factors beyond the promoter's control that turned it into a defaulter and should be given a special consideration. However, the RBI maintains that the recognition of default or accounting for deterioration in the quality of asset should be independent of the reasons for such default or deterioration. "The proponents of this line of thought argue that where the borrowers are affected by external factors beyond their control, they should be treated as 'genuine' defaulters and some leniency in prudential norms is warranted. This is a fallacy," Vishwanathan said. "Another fallacy is the claim by the management of defaulting borrowers that the restructuring plan proposed by them will result in 'zero haircut' for banks; whereas, if banks file insolvency application, new investor would be willing to take over the defaulting entities only with 'huge haircuts' on debt," he said. He explained that while payment offered by the existing management is usually spread over a long period, the new investors mostly come up with upfront cash payments and the choice before the banks is: 'illusory future payments' versus 'upfront real cash'. Renegotiation of terms of a loan should be an exception rather than a rule, as resorting to it often would endanger the safety of deposits, dent a bank's ability to lend further and imperil its existence, he said. He said the enactment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is a watershed event that enabled RBI to come out with a revised framework for resolution of stressed assets. "Banks are not supposed to be shock-absorbers of first resort of the difficulties faced by their borrowers as banks do not have the luxury of delaying payments to their depositors," he said. Banks need to be exacting in their role as monitors of loans as it will force the borrowers to take up their case with their clients for timely realisation of their claims, he said. "Thus, the next time we hear about a bank making efforts to recover loans from borrowers, we should all note to remember that it is essentially trying to get back the depositors' money. Vishwanathan's speech on RBI's understanding of "public interest" came soon after another RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned the government of market's wrath if it undermined the central bank's autonomy in a speech in Mumbai on October 26. On October 31, the government came out with a statement saying it respects the autonomy for the central bank within the framework of the RBI Act. But it went on to say that "both the government and the central bank, in their functioning, have to be guided by public interest and the requirements of the Indian economy". The Rev. Marcus Clemons Sr. took the helm of Kingdom Baptist Church at 301 N. Central Ave. just over a year ago. Since then, he and his wife, Erika, have been trying to do their part in the community and have brought in around 80 new members to the church, they said. Three will be baptized tomorrow. Dehardun, Nov 3 : A helicopter ferrying pilgrims to Badrinath shrine in Uttarakhand was briefly trapped in bad weather on Saturday and made an emergency landing at Gauchar, officials said. The chopper belonging to Heritage Aviation was taking a group from the state capital to the Badrinath shrine when it faced turbulent weather in which pilots were unable to navigate their way ahead, sources said. The pilots tried to land at Chamoli, but were unsuccessful and had to make an emergency landing at the Indo-Tibetian Border Police (ITBP) helipad at Gauchar, sources added. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Karnaprayag, Gopal Ram Binwal, said the passengers after initial scare were safe and had returned. There were five passengers in the chopper. Hyderabad, Nov 3 : With the TDP joining hands with Congress, the party founder N.T. Rama Rao's widow Lakshmi Parvathi has "requested" her deceased husband to "take rebirth to save the self-respect of Telugu people." In a unique protest over Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu going against the party ideology to befriend Congress, Parvathi on Saturday placed a four-page letter at the NTR's 'samadhi' in Hyderabad. In the letter addressed to NTR, she pleaded with him to take rebirth to cleanse the politics and restore the self-respect of Telugus. The legendary actor-turned-politician had formed TDP in 1982 on the plank of Telugu self-respect. Within nine months, he stormed to power ending the virtual monopoly of the Congress in Andhra Pradesh politics. Parvathi was second wife of NTR. He married her in 1993, a few months before he returned to power with a landslide victory. However, NTR's son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu led a revolt and became chief minister in August 1995, citing Parvathi's growing interference in administration and party affairs. NTR died in January 1996 and since then Parvathi had been living in political oblivion. Parvathi, who joined the YSR Congress in 2014, alleged that by placing TDP at the feet of Congress, Naidu has given up the very ideology with which NTR floated the party. She wrote that this action of Naidu for personal gains caused pain to crores of followers and admirers of NTR. "I am waiting for the day when people of Andhra Pradesh will get back their self-respect, said Parvathi, who sat in silence for a few minutes at the NTR memorial. Chandrababu Naidu had met Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Thursday. They agreed to bury the past and work together to defeat the Modi government in 2019 elections. Mumbai, Nov 3 : A set of twin British-era cannons each weighing 22-tonne, was found in Maharashtra Raj Bhavan, an official said on Saturday. They lay buried under some earth and discovered during a tree plantation drive. The cannons were lifted on Saturday by using cranes in the presence of Governor C.V. Rao, said the official. The Governor has ordered them to be restored and conserved. These may later be placed for public display outside the Jal Vihar Bungalow or the grand banquet hall of Raj Bhavan, in Malabar Hill. In view of the historical significance, Rao has asked Raj Bhavan officials to seek Navy's assistance for technical details of the cannons and also to find out if the archival records are available. The two massive and identical cannons, separated from each other by 25 meters, were found undetected and covered under mud at the foothills of the Arabian Sea-facing Raj Bhavan, apparently for many decades. Each cannon weighs 22 tonne, measures 4.7 meter in length and has a diameter of 1.15 meter. These were lifted using a crane over a height of more than 50 meters and placed temporarily on the front lawns of Raj Bhavan. This is the second major discovery of historical importance at Raj Bhavan in less than three years. In 2016, a 13-room and 15000 sq.ft long British era underground bunker was found below the lawns of Raj Bhavan. The bunker is being restored under the guidance of an expert architect firm. The Governor has asked for creation of a museum inside the bunker after which it will be opened for general public. New Delhi, Nov 3 : Dubbing the Election Commission (EC) as the "B team of BJP", the Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday alleged the poll body was misusing its powers under Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s influence. Party leader and Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told the media that voting is a fundamental right but the citizens are being deprived of it. "Voting rights of about 10 lakh people were lost due to EC's conspiracy. It looks like the EC is working as the B team of BJP," he said. AAP Convener and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had met Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat on Friday and alleged that the names of a large number of supporters had been deleted from the voter list. Istanbul, Nov 4 : The Turkish and Ukrainian presidents on Saturday pledged to boost the strategic cooperation between their countries in a wide range of areas, with focus on trade and defence industry. Speaking at a joint press conference following talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the two countries are determined to carry their strategic relations to a higher level, Xinhua reported. Erdogan noted that he and Poroshenko agreed to map out the details of a treaty on free trade by the end of this year. "With this agreement, I believed that our trade volume would reach $10 billion," said the Turkish leader. He also highlighted fruitful cooperation with Ukraine in the field of defence industry as companies from the two countries are increasingly expanding joint projects. Erdogan stated that Turkey has been backing Ukraine in international politics and has "never recognised the illegal annexation of Crimea and would never do". "We strongly reiterated our stance on the preservation of Ukrainian sovereignty, territorial integrity and political unity," he added. Crimea was incorporated into Russia in March 2014 following a referendum. Ukraine says the peninsula was annexed. Speaking alongside Erdogan, Poroshenko said Ukraine and Turkey are aiming at expanding not only trade volume but also mutual investments. "We have urged our sides to sign the free trade agreement as soon as possible," he said. The Ukrainian leader came to Istanbul for the seventh high-level strategic cooperation council meeting with Turkey. Virtual Latinos is truly unique because our virtual assistants platform provides the flexibility to hire assistants directly using our online directory or through our assisted hiring service agency Virtual Latinos announced the first and only platform to connect North American entrepreneurs, businesses and marketing agencies to skilled virtual assistants in Latin America. While other virtual assistant agencies utilize workers in the Philippines, India and countries on the other side of the world, Virtual Latinos connects businesses with virtual assistants in Latin America who share the same time zones as North America and are analogous in culture. Virtual Latinos is truly unique because our virtual assistants live in Latin America and our platform provides the flexibility to hire virtual assistants using our online directory or through our assisted hiring service agency, Virtual Latinos Founder and CEO Jaime Nacach said. Virtual Latinos is one of the very few companies that offers both a directory and an agency. These fluently bilingual virtual assistants are hand-picked by Virtual Latinos with many trained and certified for specific administrative, digital marketing, and sales skills. Most assistants are university graduates with years of professional work experience in various fields. We not only help North American businesses hire time-saving, affordable, competent remote workers, but we also provide training and good-paying jobs to people in Latin America who dont want to relocate to another country for a better quality of life, Nacach said. Virtual Latinos online directory offers up-to-date listings of these hand-chosen virtual assistants with complete information to help subscribers find the ideal assistant. A free subscription option is available which allows users to see limited information, including prices and skills of the available assistants. Basic monthly subscriptions allow the user to post jobs, message virtual assistants to arrange services and complete the hiring process. Premium monthly subscriptions provide additional information about the assistants professional certifications. Subscriptions are month-to-month, so users arent required to keep an active subscription after theyve hired an assistant. This online service includes an easy-to-use filter to help users narrow their search for assistants based on skills, hourly rate, work experience, country, ratings and certifications. A thorough help desk with step-by-step instructions on how to use the website and communicate with the virtual assistants is also provided. For businesses or entrepreneurs who prefer a more turnkey service, Virtual Latinos also offers agency services where the agencys experts will arrange the virtual assistance to perform the tasks needed. About Virtual Latinos Virtual Latinos was established in 2018 for North American businesses looking to hire affordable skilled virtual assistants and virtual marketing professionals that work remotely from Latin American nations, are fluent in the English language, and are in North American time zones. The companys network of hand-picked, bilingual virtual assistants is dedicated to helping businesses with administration, sales and marketing tasks. Virtual Latinos is one of the very few companies that provides both a virtual assistants directory and agency services. For more information, visit https://www.virtuallatinos.com. Contact: Jaime Nacach info(at)virtuallatinos(dot)com http://www.virtuallatinos.com Alliant National Title Insurance Company (Alliant National) and Cloudstar recently announced a strategic partnership that allows Alliant Nationals independent title agents access to Cloudstars cybersecurity advanced technology platform. This platform also includes project management tools designed to increase productivity. Cloudstar is a multi-national technology platform that provides secure infrastructure, cloud hosting, data center colocation, email encryption and managed information technology services and support to regulated industries in the United States, Canada and South America. In a cloud-first world, title agents need easier ways to work while still utilizing their existing settlement services software, said Gregory McDonald, CEO of Cloudstar. Cloudstar makes it easy to run existing software in the cloud while accessing it from anywhere. Together, the Alliant National and Cloudstar partnership will provide Alliant Nationals independent agents with both the tools they need to be more productive and the cybersecurity products they need to increase security and help prevent wire fraud. We are all very excited about this new partnership and were glad to provide this opportunity for our independent agents to work with Cloudstar, said Mike Rubin, Alliant Nationals vice president of business development. Alliant National Title Insurance Company agents will benefit from this partnership by enjoying a dedicated Cloudstar account manager, access to new products and services before they are released to the public, as well as special offers and pricing incentives. Visit alliantnational.com/newsroom for additional information. About Alliant National Title Insurance Company The Independent Underwriter for The Independent Agent Alliant National believes in putting other people first. The company protects the dreams of property owners with secure title insurance and partners with 400+ trusted independent title agents as a licensed underwriter in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Alliant National is the largest title insurance underwriter in the country with no direct operations to compete against its agents and puts the interests of its agents first. Bolstered by financial stability, strong underwriting capability and independent agents in-depth knowledge of local markets, the company has established a nationwide network with deep roots in local communities and a wealth of expertise that is flexible, nuanced and continuously growing. Visit alliantnational.com for additional information. About Cloudstar Cloudstar is a multi-national provider of virtual desktop hosting, hosted software and applications, custom tailored IT infrastructure design, email encryption, managed services, IT security, and consulting to regulated industries across the United States, Canada, and South America. Cloudstar started in 2009 as Cloudstar Consulting Corporation and was created to meet the unique needs of the land title industry. As the company grew from a consulting and IT infrastructure design firm, Cloudstar Consulting Corporation re-branded as simply Cloudstar, a DBA of the newly formed holdings company, Keystone Management Group, LLC. In 2014, Cloudstar purchased a 50% interest in U.S. Telecommunications firm, Teletonix Communications in addition to adding Diologix, an electronic medical records encryption company and Notary Transfer to its portfolio of brands. As of 2017, Cloudstar has expanded to provide services to the entirety of the United States, Canada and Mexico with offices in three states and privately held infrastructure co-located at five U.S data centers. Today, Cloudstar services the needs of tens of thousands of end users from small firms to publicly traded companies. For more information, please visit http://www.MyCloudstar.com Whisper Woods of Smithtown, Benchmark's first New York community brings human connection centered assisted living and memory care to Long Island. "There has been a need for high-quality senior housing on Long Island, where the 75-plus population has grown by 20% in the last eight years," says Tom Grape, Benchmark's chairman and CEO. There are many senior care communities on Long Island, but none are committed to keeping seniors and their families connected to what matters most in their lives, until now. Whisper Woods of Smithtown in Smithtown, N.Y., a Benchmark assisted living and memory care community with a mission to transform lives through human connection, has opened its doors and is now home to over 60 residents. This occasion marks the first New York community for Benchmark (http://www.benchmarkseniorliving.com), a leading provider of senior living and aging-well services in the Northeast. Smithtown is a proud, tight-knit community, and we are very excited to be part of it, says Tom Grape, Benchmarks chairman and CEO. There has been a need for high-quality senior housing on Long Island, where the 75-plus population has grown by 20% in the last eight years! And Whisper Woods is in an ideal location close to downtown Smithtown and St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center. Our second New York community, Orchard Estate of Woodbury, will open next summer in Woodbury allowing us to connect even more individuals to whats meaningful at every stage of life. Recently, Whisper Woods held a ribbon cutting and grand-opening celebration with over 200 people in attendance. The communitys first resident, Marilyn Cavalluzzi, led the ribbon-cutting. Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, applauded the communitys early success and thanked it for supporting other local businesses. Guests were treated to a farm and sea to table menu featuring seasonal specialties from area farms. And each guest received a gift bottle of wine made by the communitys neighbor, Whisper Vineyards. Whisper Woods is a 3-story community comprised of 88,500 square feet of living space set on 12.6 acres. With 101 assisted living and memory care apartments available in a variety of sizes and floor plans, it is capable of providing care for up to 136 residents. The community is home to a number of unique amenities, including a balcony ideal for happy hour and watching the sunset, a wellness center offering fitness and physical therapy and a private family room featuring a full kitchen and dining area for private functions. Whisper Woods is led by Executive Director Desiree Krajnyak-Baker, a Port Jefferson resident and 18-year senior living industry veteran who has built an enthusiastic and caring team of 85 associates. I am so incredibly proud of what weve created here, and the community response has been tremendous, says Krajnyak-Baker. Our associates are deeply passionate about caring for seniors. In just a short time, weve developed wonderful relationships with our residents and their families, and we look forward to building upon those relationships and providing experiences to help them thrive. Whisper Woods of Smithtown is located at 71 St. Johnland Road. For more information, visit http://www.WhisperWoodsSmithtown.com. # # # About Benchmark Based in Waltham, Mass., Benchmark is a leading provider of senior living and aging-well services in the Northeast. Founded in 1997 by Tom Grape, Benchmark operates 58 senior living communities offering independent living, assisted living, Alzheimers care and continuing care in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. The organization this year was selected by Fortune magazine for its inaugural 2018 Best Workplaces for Aging Services list, taking the number 16 spot on the list of top 40 senior housing companies and ranking third among companies with more than 40 communities. Benchmark has been named to The Boston Globe Top Places to Work every year of the 11 years the list has been published. And it has been consistently recognized by Boston Business Journal, Hartford Courant and Hartford Journal as a top workplace and by the Boston Business Journal and Providence Business News as one of the healthiest employers. Click here for more information. Coptic Christian pilgrims traveling to a desert monastery were ambushed on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. At least 7 were killed and a dozen wounded. (Egypts Coptic Orthodox Church via AP) (Associated Press) Coptic Solidarity condemns the egregious attack on Coptic Pilgrims traveling to St. Samuel the Confessor Monastery on Friday, November 2, 2018. Despite an attack which took the lives of 29 pilgrims near the same location in 2017, the Egyptian government continually fails to protect its Coptic citizens. According to early reports, unidentified gunmen shot at two buses carrying pilgrims from Sohag to the monastery. A third bus was able to drive away during the attack. The bishop of Minya, as well as several other sources, stated that seven individuals were killed and 14 injured, including several in critical condition. Observers expect the death toll to rise as this story develops. After the massacre, the attackers reportedly continued to open fire on the families and civilian rescuers who rushed to the site, amid total absence of any serious countermeasures by the police and security forces. Hours after the attack, when the world knew about it through various media outlets, local state-owned media were still mostly silent providing only scant information. On May 26, 2017, on the same dessert route near the same location, armed gunmen attacked a Coptic convoy transporting pilgrims to the St. Samuel Monastery resulting in the deaths of 29 men, women, and children. As Coptic Solidarity reported, President El-Sisi quickly held external terrorists responsible for the attack and conducted airstrikes on camps inside Libya, despite lack of evidence that these groups or targets are the actual culprits. Some evidence strongly suggests that the attackers are native Egyptians as they spoke a local Egyptian dialect and were familiar with a relatively unknown desert route to the monastery. For several months, the police banned all visits to the monastery. The road was finally reopened, but clearly no measures were taken to safeguard it. Coptic Solidarity reiterates the message published after the May 2017 attack, that the Egyptian government has failed to protect its Coptic minority. Coptic Solidarity strongly maintains that this violence is not perpetrated by foreign terrorists as the Egyptian government would like the world to believe, but is homegrown, one created by a culture of hate and impunity within Egypt. Consequently, Coptic Solidarity holds the Egyptian government fully responsible and calls for a transparent investigation of these attacks, and to institute serious measures to prevent future attacks. The minimum response expected from president El-Sisi is to dismiss the head of State Security and the governor of Minya, as a clear sign of holding officials accountable. Furthermore, given the governments continued failure to protect the Copts, Coptic Solidarity vigorously calls for an independent inquiry by the UN to evaluate the Copts situation and to recommend necessary measures to alleviate their increasingly perilous situation and to avoid repetition of the tragic situation of Christians in Iraq and Syria. Coptic Solidarity is an organization seeking to help minorities, particularly the Copts, of Egypt and we support those in Egypt working for democracy, freedom, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Egyptian citizens. It advocates in cooperation with the affiliated organizations in Canada and in Europe (Solidarite Copte). For more information, contact Lindsay Griffin at 801-512-1713 or coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org Navigating the health-care system can be like running an obstacle course. All aspects of the process, including doctor appointments, hospital visits, rehab stays, prescriptions, and calls with insurance companies, present potential hazards. In How to Be a Patient (Harper Wave, Mar. 2019), Goldberg, a public health advocate and nurse with a background in clinical researchher TEDxHarvardCollege talk, What If You Became a Nurse?, has been viewed more than 250,000 timesoffers advice on advocating for oneself and getting the best care possible. Have you seen, firsthand, patients struggle with the health-care system? When I was working in geriatric care, I noticed this trend wherein people would interface with the health-care systemwhether it was a routine medical encounter or something like a surgery or an emergencyand come out of it really confused. Theres a general sense that medicine can go over the head of a layperson. But the system had become so disorganized that people would leave these encounters and not even understand the diagnoses. Have you personally experienced this sort of confusion? Almost at the time I was in that role, my grandfather had a cancer diagnosis and was in the hospital. Even with my educational background and my investment in the proceedings, I felt really in the dark. Why do you think the system has become so hard for patients and their families to navigate? First, its time. As were attempting to care for more and more people, the average length of a medical encounter has been drastically cut. Its that combined with technology, such as electronic medical records, which can streamline things and protect against medical error but which also has sidelined human relationships and person-to-person communication. I dont think anyone is really taught, as a patient, what they can do to advocate for themselves in that kind of model. To get better care, it requires more agency on the part of the patient. What are some things patients can or should do that they often dont? Look at health care as preventative rather than reactive. Having a primary care provider, for example, is something you can do to advocate for yourself, because theyre your entree into the medical system. If youre trying to see a specialist, often you need a primary care provider. If you have a chronic illness and youre going to different clinics and specialists, you need somebody who can work with you to coordinate all that care. Thats a big issue: we show up and expect that Doctor A talked to Doctor B and that theyre all on the same page. In reality, thats not happening. What role can nurses play in helping patients to navigate health care? As a nurse, so much of my education was about how to advocate for patients. Nurses are typically spending significantly more face time with a patient than the provider is. Theyre the gatekeepers of all the information coming from the medical system. Return to the main feature. But DCFS Director Beverly B.J. Walker balked at a request from the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois to transfer the agencys youths out of the private hospital if a more suitable facility can be identified. In a written response, DCFS told the ACLU that last month, state and federal regulators who license, inspect and certify the facility lifted an immediate jeopardy finding from earlier this summer, so the emergency removal was unnecessary. Sam Lipsyte is not surprised. He is standing in the middle of Columbia University, his place of employment and a calm port in a stormy sea. One day has passed since Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed to the highest court of the land. If youve been paying attention to the sicker things all along, it doesnt seem that crazy, Lipsyte says. What does seem crazy is that we no longer bother to pretend. Before, however evil or corrupt people were, people pretended. Once that falls away, things do seem insane. But they may not be that much more insane. Lipsyte laughs. I tend to take the long view, he adds. Its a warm day in early October, so Lipsyte heads to the park. His walk is fast, a barely contained spill. When we reach a bench with a view of New Jersey, he talks about balancing the light and the dark in a time when the dark seems so dark. He calls his new novel, Hark (Simon & Schuster, Jan. 2019), a comic novel about very unfunny things. In a nutshell, its about near-future Americans desperate for meaning who have latched onto a mindfulness fad that began as a joke: mental archery, the brain fart of Hark Morner, a stand-up comic and aloof would-be guru, in which practitioners maintain the (mostly made-up) poses of an archer, but without the apparatus or the intent to harm. By the time Hark takes the practice as seriously as his followers do, hes struggling to stay focused as the agendas of his coterie grow increasingly conflicted, and mental archery is swiftly coopted and corrupted by the unctuous forces of capitalism. That tends to be the way these things go, Lipsyte says. Different characters project different meanings onto it. Whether its really about internal spiritual change, outward political change, whether its a social movement or more of an intimate practice, theyre wrestling with those questions. Meanwhile, of course, Hark is standing outside of it all, not giving any answers and remaining a sort of cypher. He allows that projection to happen, and thats what gives the whole thing its energy. Harks right-hand man, Fraz Penzig, is a classic Lipsyte lost boy. Depressed by politics and flummoxed by marriage, his Venn diagram would connect true believer to opportunist to weakest link. Fraz is the novels palpitating heart and exposed nerve. He is a failing tutor, a cuckold to a casually cheating poetess, and an ineffectual free-range father to a son who calls him bro and a daughter who refers to her school as a factory where they make these little cell phone accessories called people. When Lipsyte began Hark in 2012, Barack Obama was nearing the end of term one. John McCain was bringing the heat with the help of a running mate whose campaign style would provide a model for Americas next president. Lipsyte didnt want to be a prisoner to history, so in Hark he gave Obama a single term at Americas shaky helm. The succession of leadership that led to Harks uncertain present is described in chapter 19: Hes not an evil man, this president, nor a good one. He was elected to undo the catastrophic policies of his predecessor, who was herself elected to undo the apocalyptic agenda of the man before her, but it all seems too late for that these days, mostly because its always been too late, though now, pundits agree, this moment is steeped in a radical and irrevocable lateness, a tardy totality heretofore unseen. Lipsyte published his first novel on Sept. 11, 2001. It was called The Subject Steve and it was about a man dying of boredom. Following his debut collection, Venus Drive, by a year, the novel begins: Bastards said they had some good news and some bad news. Lipsyte says, I went to sleep in Astoria on September 10 thinking, Tomorrows the big day! The next morning, my wife called from her job and said, Turn on the news; 98% of me knew that something really bad had happened, but maybe 2% considered the possibility that, hey, maybe CNN had just decided to do a feature on a debut satirical novel without telling the publisher or the author. Just as, like, a wonderful lark. Lipsytes second novel, Home Land, was a hilariously raw missive written to a high school alumni newsletter by a graduate known as Teabag. The manuscript was rejected by every New York publisher, Lipsyte says, but came out in the U.K. in hardback in 2004. Months later, Lorin Stein and Ethan Nosowsky convinced Farrar, Straus and Giroux to publish the book in America as a paperback original. The Ask and The Fun Parts followedalso from FSG, in 2010 and 2013to much adulation, showing that Lipsyte also knows how to juggle the protracted patience of an opsimath with the tenacity of a tick. Over the years, Lipsyte has struck a balance between light and dark. Like Fraz from Hark, Lipsyte has a wife, a son, and a daughter. But where Franz has one low-impact part-time job, Lipsyte has two fully formed careers. When asked how he handles writing, teaching, and the joys and demands of family life, he says, I dont balance it. I can only do two of the three well. Like ragweed, Lipsyte thrives in the summer months, writing in New York libraries, surrounded by silence and humanity. After graduating from Brown in the mid-1990s, Lipsyte blended the precision work of Gordon Lishs famous writing workshop with the chaos of art-punk band Dungbeetle, which he fronted as Sam Shit. Lish taught Lipsyte how to avoid his own bullshit; Dungbeetle let him wallow in it. To make up for his lack of vocal talent, Lipsyte would enter the crowd, locate the most exaggerated male specimen there, and gently stroke his subjects face until something happened. Even in the 20th century, Lipsyte knew how to balance opposing poles, striking an uneasy but natural alliance between tenderness and aggression, self-consciousness and sincerity, what was funny and what hurt like hell. Even in that horrible, desperate howl, theres comedy, Lipsyte says. And self-awareness. Look at me, Im howling. Thats kind of ridiculous. But Im howling because its so painful. You can have both of those layers together. Though the current political turmoil has turned many Americans toward despair, Lipsyte looks on the bright side. Sure, hes sadbut hes also a father. I dont want to give them hopelessness or total despair; I dont think thats fair, he says. This might sound corny, but if I have a value, it is love. Thats all we have. And I know that sounds ridiculous, but that has to be the starting point of political change. We may finally figure out how to love one another, and then we look down and the waters rising to our chin. Our last thing may be to say, I love you before taking the final breath. Hark is a portrait of a country that has failed to lovea country that pulls its collective head out of its ass, a day late and a dollar short. Asked when he thinks America went off the rails, Lipsyte says, Sometime in the 1620s? Like I said, I tend to take the long view. Which rails are we talking about? When did the pilgrims arrive? Its all out in the open now, but its kind of been there all along. Lipsyte is doing mental archery in Riverside Park. He extends an arm and draws the other back as if coiling the nock point. Will this pose be Persian Rain? Or perhaps Priapic Centaur? Maybe Rainforest Hunt? Or Arc of Totality? Its anybodys guess. He has struck a pose in the park to explain how a practice known perhaps best for stasis could result in a whole decks worth of unique postures. He points his weapon at the treetops, bringing to mind a remarkable sentence in Hark: Clouds bull across a sky of silly blue. Thats pose number one. He points his weapon right. Thats two. He bends over, groaning, and points it between his legs. Thats not actually a pose, he says, laughing, standing again. He looks around. Nobody seems to notice, but the movement may yet take off. Mike Harvkey is the author of the novel In the Course of Human Events. As the Booksource nears the end of its first half centuryit turns 45 in Januarythe wholesaler has no regrets about its decision in 2005 to focus on its school and library business and exit what had been its primary business: serving trade bookstores. Theres certainly been some nostalgia, said Booksource president Neil Jaffe, who is also chief strategy officer for parent company GL Group. By leaving retail, the company was able to increase its margin and buy nonreturnable books. In its first year serving only educational customers, the Booksource generated $13 million in revenuedown from its previous trade wholesaling revenue. But in the intervening years, GL has more than made up for that decline. The company is on track to make nearly 10 times that number and will break $100 million in annual revenue for the second year in a row in 2018, according to Jaffe. Currently, GL has 210 employees. Between 60 and 70 people work at GLs offices in St. Louis; another 120130 are employed at its 249,000-sq.-ft. warehouse in Hazelwood, a suburb of St. Louis. Over the past five years, GL has made other changes to its business model, including shedding underperforming areas. As a result, it now has two divisions: the Booksource and Turtleback Books, which provides library-bound editions of popular paperbacks to schools. Last year, the group sold Peaceable Kingdom, which creates childrens products for retail. Acquired by GL in 2000, Peaceable Kingdom had been headed by Jaffes sister, Donna Jaffe, who helped with the transition to new owner MindWare; she is no longer with GL. In March, the group closed its short-run bindery business. After it lost its largest customer, Follett, GL moved its San Val bindery operation to St. Louis in 2013 and renamed it Jaffe Book Solutions. Despite the move, GL has found it more cost-effective to outsource book manufacturing for Turtleback. Jaffe attributed GLs classroom success, which has been primarily in grades K8, to customers such as the New York Department of Education and to the Booksources customer care. The company still focuses on distributing trade books to schools and has a catalogue of 40,000 active titles from 250 publishers. Weve been a leader in making it easy for teachers to have trade books in their classrooms, Jaffe said. The Booksource is looking for growth beyond the traditional areas where schools have used trade books, writing, and language arts. Jaffe sees new opportunities as school districts begin using classroom books for social studies and science and as states adopt new standards like next-generation science. In addition to providing books, the Booksource offers teachers a free web-based tool, Booksource Classroom Organizer, to help them organize and inventory their classroom libraries. Jaffes brother, Gary Jaffe, GL CEO, attributed the companys growth to its commitment to two long-held core values: doing right by employees and customers and creating a family-first culture. Both traits date back to Neil and Garys father, Sandy Jaffe, who founded the Booksource in 1974. Last month, GL celebrated the 25th anniversary of one of its oldest family-friendly programs: Bring Your Baby to Work, which came about because of an employee request. GL welcomes newborns up to six months old at its offices and has a nursing room and equipment to keep babies entertained. Valuing employees also led to the creation of its annual Wow Benefits program, which includes the Sandy Vacation giveaways begun three years ago by GL CFO Mark Rygelski. At his suggestion, the company began using its American Express points to give out six vacations valued up to $5,000 every trimester. Coming in January, a new benefit will give all employees four weeks of vacation per year. My bottom line is how engaged the staff are, Gary said. To encourage employees to become managers, he instituted a yearlong Emergent Leader program. Employees have to apply for one of five or six slots, go through an interview process, and get letters of recommendation from their bosses. The training involves sessions at Disney Institute and Zingermans in Ann Arbor, Mich. Gary estimated that the program, during which participants learn to put together business plans, costs the company $40,000 per year. But even with increased benefits and a narrower business focus, GL has set its sights on reaching $150 million in annual revenue. To get there, Gary is looking for a digital company to merge withnot to provide e-books but to offer other types of digital opportunities to teachers. We dont want to be just books in the classrooms, he said. On October 23, National Geographic Books published Almanac 2019, a 400-page trade paperback aimed at adults that is modeled after its successful childrens almanac and features an entertaining compilation of statistical data, photographs, and profiles focused on science and exploration. The $19.99 book had an initial printing of 100,000 copies and will be the focus of a cross-platform, nationally coordinated marketing campaign with a series of ads on TV, in print, and on social media platforms. Almanac 2019 offers a lively mix of all the things that National Geographic does best. The well-researched book features information from around the globe on everything from the environment to planetary science and space exploration, culture, and history. Its organized around six core subjects, among them Exploration and Adventure, Life on Earth, and The Science of Us. National Geographic Books senior editor Susan Hitchcock said the kids almanac, now 10 years old, has been tremendously successful, with more than five million copies in print since it launched in 2009. That success, she said, inspired the adult version, and National Geographic now offers materials geared for readers 12 years old to 112. And, of course, the book also features great graphics and interviews with scientists and researchersalong with the National Geographics specialty: vivid and engaging color photographs. The result is a cheerfully designed book that includes curated timelines, science trivia, quizzes, maps, and funny factoids. National Geographic organized a chunk of its marketing campaign for Almanac 2019 around the presence and skills of Cara Santa Maria, a popular science communicator and NatGeo correspondent, host of the Talk Nerdy to Me podcast, and a former doctoral student in neuropsychology. In partnership with Geeks Who Drink, a Denver-based organization that organizes trivia quizzes at bars around the country, NatGeo will sponsor a series of Nerd Nightsscience trivia contestsin Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C., with Santa Maria hosting the event in L.A., where she lives, on November 8. On November 1, Almanac 2019 was a special category on Jeopardy!, the gold standard for brainy TV trivia fun, and Santa Maria was featured in a video segment. A British version of Almanac 2019 (with about 25 spreads from the U.S. edition replaced with more U.K.-pertinent information) was also published on October 23. The next volume is slated for August 2020, and both editions will be published annually. Once people know that you are writing a book called 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die, you can never enjoy a dinner party in quite the way you did before. No matter how many books youve managed to consider, and no matter how many pages youve written, every conversation with a fellow reader is almost sure to provide new titles to seek out, or, more worryingly, to expose an egregious omission or a gap in your knowledgeto say nothing of revealing the privileges and prejudices, however unwitting, underlying your points of reference. I became similarly aware of my boundaries as a reader when it came to consideration of works not written in English, where the limitations of my own learning are merely a subset of the larger parochialism that the gatekeeping of translation imposes. That gatekeeping, of course, still leaves plenty of marvelous translations from Spanish for readers of English to enjoy. Though I know there are at least 70, if not five times that number, that have an equal claim on readers attentions, here are seven (listed from the oldest title to the newest) that made their way onto my literary bucket list. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, translated many times, especially invitingly by Edith Grossman in 2003. This brilliant feat of narrative magic illustrates storytellings unscientific but unshakable presence at the root of our humanity. Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges, translated in 1962 by Anthony Bonner, Anthony Kerrigan, and others. A new translation, by Andrew Hurley, appeared in the 1998 volume Collected Fictions. Although he worked in many forms, Borgess lasting fame rests on his short fictions, including Funes the Memorious, a haunting memoir of a man who, after an accident, finds himself possessed by cripplingly acute mental powers. His implacable memory makes lifeliterallyunforgettable. Thats also the word for Borgess intricate, playfully dream-weaving work. Cronopios and Famas by Julio Cortazar, translated by Paul Blackburn in 1969. Regardless of whether you count yourself among the creative and hopelessly impractical cronopios (a word invented by the author), the type-A famas (fames), or the easygoing esperanzas (hopes), you need to read this book of freewheeling literary inventions. Why? Well, as Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda declared, Anyone who doesnt read Cortazar is doomed. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, translated by Gregory Rabassa in 1970. From the first sentence, past, present, and future are entwined as Garcia Marquez chronicles the bizarre, impossible, beautiful, and desolate history of the mythical town of Macondo. The authors oracular voice polishes the towns collective sense of remembrance into legend, as if the pages of the novel have evolved their own memory. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, translated by Magda Bogin in 1985. The novel vividly charts the personal experience of three generations of women against the backdrop of Chiles volatile, violent 20th-century political landscape. Vibrant strands of magic realism heighten the color of Allendes sweeping tapestry of romance, revenge, social upheaval, and reconciliation. The Infatuations by Javier Marias, translated by Margaret Jull Costa in 2013. Though it wears the armature of a mystery, Mariass novel finds its energy not in its plot but rather in the metaphysical coils of its telling. The authors labors as a translatorof Sir Thomas Browne, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Henry Jamesinform his prose with a combination of music and meaning that is singular. If it is a developed taste, it is a lasting one, for his styledigressive, allusive, ponderingbrings a kind of psychological and aesthetic acuity to his work that invites readers into a new dimension. The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli, translated by Christina MacSweeney in 2015. The protagonist looks back on his life as a traveler, legendary auctioneer, and collector of teeth, including those of Plato, Petrarch, G.K. Chesterton, and Virginia Woolf. Most wonderfully, he has replaced his own unfortunate molars, incisors, etc., with those that once belonged to Marilyn Monroe. From revelations of mundane experience to arcane and absurd epiphanies, Luisellis book contains more surprises per page than most novelists can pack into a shelf of fiction. Its underlying subject is how value and meaning accrue to art and literaturein other words about how stories shape significancebut its overriding spirit is one of invention, exhilaration, and delight. Christina MacSweeneys translation not only catches that spirit, but contributes to enhancements of it. This article is adapted from material in 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich, recently issued by Workman Publishing. Samantha Schnee, who is attending FIL on a fellowship for translators, got her start in publishing as the assistant to literary agent Andrew Wylie, which gave her front-row access to the careers of some of the most famous authors of the 20th century. Schnee abandoned a career in investment banking to take up the literary life and parlayed her time with Wylie into a job editing Zoetrope: All-Story, before she pursued an MFA in creative writing. In 2003, she teamed up with Alane Salierno Mason and Dedi Felman to launch Words Without Borders, the groundbreaking translation advocacy organization and online literary magazine. Now, Schnee, who lives in Houston, serves as the groups chairman of the board. Since its launch, WWB has published more than 2,200 writers from 134 countries, translated from 114 languagesincluding some 400 articles translated from Spanish. Schnee is herself a translator from Spanish, having worked on two novels by the Mexican writer Carmen Boullosa, 2014s Texas: The Great Theft (Deep Vellum), which was shortlisted for the PEN Translation Prize and won the Typographical Translation Award, and the forthcoming The Book of Ana (Coffee House, 2019). She also translated Landing by Laia Fabregas, which was released by Hispabooks in 2016. In addition, Schnee watches the Spanish-language markets for London Literary Scouting. This puts her in a unique position to observe the development of Spanish-language writing and translation. As she prepared to head to FIL, we asked her to share the names of women writers working in Spanish whom she would like to see more widely translated and whom she would recommend to her colleagues. These are her choices: Agustina Bazterrica / Argentina Bazterrica is one to watch. Her novel Exquisite Corpse won last years Clarin novel prize, selected from a shortlist of 10 titles culled from 494 submissions. The judges called it a great novel that examines the sinister workings of a dystopian, cannibal society, notable for the dense, hypnotic atmosphere it creates, its surprising plot, direct and stripped-down language, and its capacity to illuminate the dark underbelly of daily life. Jeannette Clariond / Mexico Clariond is another Mexican poet who runs her own publishing house, called Vaso Roto. She has translated the Italian poet Alda Merini and Primo Levis poetic works, and is working on Elizabeth Bishops collected works. She will be at FIL this year. Lola Copacabana / Argentina She is doing an MFA at Iowa right now and codirects Momofuku, a small publishing house in Argentina. I translated an excerpt of her work for the Bogota39 anthology, which named the best 39 Latin American writers under the age of 40. She can be a bit experimental. Claudia Hernandez / El Salvador Julia Sanches won a PEN/Heim grant for her translation of Hernandezs Slash and Burn. The novels power and subject matter are deeply compelling: a young woman whose father is a freedom fighter gets caught up in the war and has three daughters by three different men, struggling to raise them in a perilous world for women. The book reads as highly autobiographical. Ambar Past / Mexico Ambar Past is doing truly incredible things in Chiapas; shes a trilingualEnglish/Spanish/Tzotzilpoet who started a womens publishing collective called Taller Lenateros to help document and preserve the local mythology and lore. Its staffed and run by women. [Mexican writer] Elena Poniatowska is a fan and told me, Its such important work. Samanta Schweblin / Argentina Her novel Fever Dream was shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize in 2017, and she has a lot more in her! The 29-year-old woman driving the shuttle bus was cited for negligent driving after crashing into a stopped shuttle around 2:50 a.m. in Terminal 5, police said. The stopped shuttle was driven by a 59-year-old man. His presence is part of a nine-day tour of West Africa, specifically, The Gambia, Nigeria and Ghana, all former colonies of Britian. ece-auto-gen Prince Charles first visited Ghana in March 1977 to attend the Golden Jubilee of Achimota School, formerly The Prince of Wales College, and a durbar in his honour in Kumasi by His Majesty Otumfuo Nana Opoku Ware II. Why is he in Ghana again? The tour is to deepen the British Monarchs historical ties with its former colonies, including Ghana. The Prince, according to a statement from Clarence House, which is the official residence of the Prince of Wales, noted that The Prince will also attend a meeting with Ghanaian and International business leaders to discuss sustainable practices in Ghanas cocoa industry and key environmental issues. His Royal Highness will visit the Christiansborg Castle, once a Danish and then British, slave fort, which was until a few years ago the seat of Ghanas Government after independence, to discuss the future restoration and reuse of the area, as part of a major redevelopment of Accras waterfront, conceived by the Ghanaian Government with the architect Sir David Adjaye. ece-auto-gen He will visit Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia palace and later attend a traditional durbar or procession at the palace with the Ashantehene and local chiefs. The Duchess, who is President of the Women of the World Festival, will also attend an event for Ghanaian women in leadership positions. READ MORE: Prince Charles arrives in Ghana today "By Gods grace you have come, now pay the trainees. You promised and so you must fulfill it. Promises are meant to be fulfilled and so the teacher trainee allowances, the nursing training allowances, you promised that you will pay, so go ahead and pay, he said on Friday at Ada in the Greater Accra region. The cancellation of the allowance in 2015 sparked fury among trainee nurses and teachers in the country. Candidate Akufo-Addo pledged to restore it if he is elected president. The allowance was restored in 2017 but the payment of the allowance has for sometime now been in arrears. In October, the government released GHS 38m to clear the arrears, according to the Deputy Minister of Information, Pius Hadzide. A total of GHC60 million was released by the Controller and Accountant General to settle the arrears. The restoration of teacher trainee allowances was one of the main promises of then candidate Akufo-Addo in the run-up to the 2016 general elections. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! According to the Cardinal, there is need for peace in Nigeria, before, during and after 2019 general elections. Let us keep praying for an end to the killings, violence being perpetrated with deadly weapons, or cold indifference. May our homes, our nation, and countries around the world become havens of peace; let us pray to the Lord. Let us pray for the grace to see every human being as a child of God, regardless of race, language or culture. Let us pray to the Lord for the strength to teach our children how to resolve differences non-violently and respectfully, and the courage to model it in our own behavior, let us pray to the Lord, he pleaded. Cardinal Onaiyekan appealed to the faithful and people of goodwill to raise N900 million to enable him complete the first phase of the Cathedral of the 12 Apostles project. He expressed gratitude for previous donations, which amounted to N1billion, which he said was judiciously utilised, noting that the money took the project from foundation to where the work was presently. He stressed that the faithful should contribute generously, since it was a life time opportunity so that their names would be written for generations to come to know those who built the house of worship for the Lord. I am thankful for those who have contributed in the past for us to have what we have now. What you see here is what the money you contributed was used for. We need N900 million to enable us complete the first phase of this project. When this first phase is completed; it will lift us to a usable stage. The second phase will be fittings and furnishing. This is a life time opportunity and I want everyone of us sitted here to write their names on this project. The governor said that the first class graduates would be given scholarship to study up to PhD level. I have asked the deputy governor to work the modalities and soon it will commence, he said. Lalong also announced that the state government would pay grants owed voluntary agency schools in the state. He said that globally, education is the bedrock of any society and that was why his administration on assumption of office deliberately placed education on the front burner. It is in line with this commitment that I have already directed the resuscitation of grants to all voluntary agency schools in the state which seized to be released for the past 16 years. All the accumulated amount will soon be cleared in order to give these schools some lifeline, he said. Lalong stated that the inauguration of an e-library and ICT Centre named after the first Principal of Girls High School, (GHS), Gindiri, constructed by GOSA was indeed a landmark event. The governor said that the event was worthy of emulation by the alumni of all the voluntary agency schools and public schools in the state as a way of paying back their alma maters for making them who they are today in the society. He urged all alumni associations to borrow a leaf from GOSA in this regard. As a matter of fact, when we give back to the society, our alma mater for that matter, it is synonymous with the biblical injunction of paying tithe, implored. Lalong commended Gindiri Compound Schools for producing quality manpower over the years. He said that he had come across so many products of the Gindiri schools, who were shaping the society positively in the state, nationally and internationally. Interestingly, one of them is my able deputy, His Excellency, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, a Political Science Professor of International repute, the governor said. Prof. Rotgak Gofwen, GOSA President said that the project could be summarised as an initiative conceived with a vision to reposition the schools. Gofwen said that the design of the complex is a 300-seating capacity e-library/ICT facility. According to him, the aim is to equip students with a lifelong exposure and basic skill in Information Communication Technology. Structurally provided are two computer laboratories, a reception hall for reading, binding/repairs unit, he explained. Dr Sam Oloruntoba, Chairman of the occasion and a former student of the school said that the project was to create an impact on present generation and generations to come. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the library was named after the first Principal of the school, Mrs Bridget Williams. NAN also reports that present at event were: Prof. Ochakpa Onazi, a member of the first set of the school, who graduated about 66 years ago. Others were: Mrs Gimbia Dogara, wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, who graduated in 1990. Partnering with Google, NOTE 5 Stylus is yet another Android One smartphone with intelligent software experience and will be available for pre-order from September 10 15 and available in-store across all our exclusive stores from September 17. At Infinix, our mission is to keep innovating and integrate the most advanced technology and trends into our products. Thats why we partnered with Google once again to launch NOTE 5 Stylus. With the NOTE 5 Stylus, consumers will experience the latest technologies, such as capturing stunning photos with the 16MP AI low-light selfie camera and 16MP AI rear camera, showing their creativity with the amazing XPen, interacting with the world with the Google Assistant and many others. We are confident that the NOTE 5 Stylus will bring consumers intelligent smartphone experience to a whole new level and allow them to stay ahead of the crowd, said Benjamin Jiang, Managing Director of Infinix Mobility Limited. The NOTE 5 Stylus is designed for consumers that seek self-expression, featuring AI cameras for stunning images. The device is equipped with an upgraded 16MP AI low-light selfie camera with f2.0 aperture. With its intelligent pixel technology, the device always supports high quality selfie images whether night or day. Its 16MP rear camera also captures more light with its larger pixels and bigger f1.8 aperture at a speed that is up to three times faster with multiple scene recognition ability. This new feature enables consumers to capture amazing pictures in all occasions. The XPen is another highlight of this device and creates new and innovative ways for consumers to express themselves. It is an awesome digital pen that allows consumers to showcase their creativity. With the versatile XPen, consumers can edit screenshot images instantly, sketch doodles or even jot down notes during meetings. The NOTE 5 Stylus comes with a 6.0"FHD+ infinity display, giving consumers a larger screen for an immersive experience and allowing them to enhance their smartphone experience to new heights. With its trendy and convenient design, consumers will be able to handle complexity and work seamlessly with the XPen. Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus also supports Google Lens a new way to search what youre seeing and interact with the world around you. You can act on text, identify distinct plant and animal breeds, learn about popular landmarks and discover products like them. The feature will be available right in the NOTE 5 Stylus camera and through Google Assistant. Were pleased to add Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus to the Android One program following the successful launch of NOTE 5. Powered by Googles software and latest AI innovations, the NOTE 5 Stylus will offer smart, secure and simply amazing experience to users, said Mahir Sahin, Director Android Partnerships for Africa. Infinix Mobilitys dedication in bringing consumers stylish devices with cutting-edge features perfectly aligns with MediaTeks commitment to making great technology accessible to everyone. Powered by the MediaTek Helio P23, the NOTE 5 Stylus enables consumers to bring their photography to the next level, enjoy the latest connectivity features and take advantage of AI-powered innovations like Google Assistant and Google Lens, said Rami Osman, Director MEA for Sales and Marketing at MediaTek. Designed for an ideal mix of high performance and extreme power-efficiency, the Helio P23 provides New Premium Android devices with an incredible user experience. Powered by a 4000mAh large battery with an ultra-dynamic X-charge for quick charge, this device is designed to keep you functional throughout the day. Adopting the Helio P23 as its processor, NOTE 5 Stylus is engineered for high peak performance at a low power consumption, providing an incredible high-tech performance packed in a tiny machine. Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus is set to launch in more than 30 countries including Nigeria, Egypt, India, Kenya and Morocco. Infinix Mobility Limited joining the Android One program means Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus will enable younger consumers to experience a seamless creative and self-expression lifestyle that empowers them to become trendsetters. Raoul reported receiving a $1 million campaign check late Friday night from House Speaker Michael Madigan, as part of a final flurry of campaign cash to help push the Hyde Park Democrat across the electoral finish line with a victory in his first statewide race. The African-American state senator also is seeking to benefit from a late radio ad cut by the predecessor of his Springfield seat: former President Barack Obama, who also will appear at a Sunday rally for the Democratic ticket at the University of Illinois at Chicago. However, according to him, only about 500,000 pints have been raised. Alonge disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, during a health and blood drive at YABATECH. The theme of the event was: True Humanity to Peace. The event included blood donations and a free breast screening for female staff and students. Alonge said that the Nigerian health sector records a lot of emergencies whereby patients require blood daily and sometimes, they have to spend so much in search of blood. The statistics show that in the Nigerian health sector, we need two million pints of blood but were able to raise only 500,000 pints. This mainly comes from family donors when their loved ones need blood. But we see many accidents and other situations where people need blood daily and sometimes find it difficult getting it, he said. The commandant said that the vision of NRCS, Lagos State, is to ensure that blood is available in their bank. In January, our detachment raised 120 pints and this time we were able to raise 90 pints, making it a total of 210 pints, he said. Alonge said the reason for the decrease was because only full-time students were in school presently, compared to January when the part-time students were there. He urged people to participate more in humanitarian activities like blood donations to help save lives. Commending YABATECH detachment, Mr Lawson Sekegor, Chairman of the Mainland Division of the society, said the amount of blood raised at the event would help the states branch surpass its target. Normally, we have expectations from the state body, the number of pints for this year is 500. Based on the amount raised here and what we already have, we can beat the target because we need less than 10 pints more to reach it, he said. Jonathan Adegboye, 18, a student of the University of Lagos, who donated blood said the exercise made him happy knowing he was helping to save lives. He added that it also helped him overcome the fear he had of donating blood. Overcoming the fear was not a days job; last month, I tried donating blood but I gave only two millilitres before I backed out, he said. Another donor, Deborah Adeola, a 22- year- old student said that donating blood gave her the opportunity to check her blood pressure, weight and blood level. Also, Mr Olakunle Lasisi, the Secretary of NRCS, Lagos Branch, urged Nigerians to imbibe the act of voluntary blood donations to help ensure there is enough blood in the blood banks. He noted that donating blood not only benefits the recipients but also the donors. According to him, he had an experience a few years ago where he was usually drowsy and sometimes felt dizzy. He decided to go for a general blood test and was advised to go and donate blood. Blood donation refreshes donors. Not donating blood is not beneficial to you because you will end up having more than required, which has its disadvantages, he said. NAN reports that donating blood may help the donor reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases and other health conditions. It also gives the donor the opportunity to get a free blood analysis which may include testing for HIV and hepatitis. According to FEDHEALTH, a South African health blog, blood donors are 33 per cent likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease and 88 per cent less likely to suffer a heart attack. The lowered health risks have to do with iron depletion. Iron has a significant impact on the body. High blood iron can cause a variety of symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, hardening of arteries, accelerated cholesterol oxidation, decreased libido and enlarged liver. The Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, dismissed the allegations in Abuja on Saturday. The attention of the Federal Road Safety Corps has been drawn to a story in the press alleging `ambush and `extortion by the Corps over new number plates. Pursuant to the introduction of the new number plate, the Federal Road Safety Corps duly informed the public of the new regime and further gave time for the replacement of the old number plate. The Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, also ensured that the corps undertook a public enlightenment on the security benefits of changing from the old to the new number plate at the point of renewing their vehicle documents which has only one year validity period, he said. According to Kazeem, item four of the communique issued at the end of the 136th meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) held on the Nov. 28, 2016, states categorically that the renewal of vehicle particulars on the old number plates would be discontinued with effect from the next due date. This was to serve as a measure to check fraud and enhance revenue collection, he said. He further said that the security feature of the new number plate was one of the key reasons motorists were expected to accept the introduction. This is as the National Uniform Licensing Scheme (NULS) helps in the harmonisation of data both of vehicles and drivers information system in the central data base, he said. He added that the new data base also made it easier to track and apprehend criminals especially those involved in car theft. It would be recalled that following the protests over the publication by FRSC of its intention to commence the arrest and prosecution of drivers or owners of vehicles using any number plate obtained under the repealed National Road Transport Regulation (NRTR) 2004 by Oct. 2013; one Mr Emmanuel Ofoegbu instituted an action against FRSC at the Federal High Court in Lagos in FHC/CS/1332/13 Emmanuel Ofoegbu Vs FRSC. The Federal High Court presided over by Justice JT Tsoho held, inter alia that FRSC had no statutory powers to set deadlines for change-over to the new number plates since there was no enabling law to that effect. As a result of the ruling by the Court below, the Federal Road Safety Corps appealed the Judgment in Court of Appeal and on Oct.31, 2014, the Court sitting in Lagos, unanimously held that FRSC had statutory power. This is in line with the 1999 Constitution under the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007 and the NRTR 2012 to regulate the use of number plates and to set deadlines for change-over to the new ones as provided for in the NRTR 2012. The ruling upholding the power of the corps, the court said: The Court below was thus right to issue the injunction to protect the respondents right to the enjoyment of the new number plate of his private vehicle issued on March 18, 2013, to expire on March 17, 2014. I will allow the appeal in part. For the avoidance of doubt, the appeal succeeds only in part to the effect that Regulations 2012 has legal force and is enforceable from Jan. 1, 2013, the administrative date assigned to it by the appellant. The part of the decision of the court below declaring Regulations 2012 unconstitutional and without back up legal framework is hereby set aside. Though the decision of the Court of Appeal Lagos has been appealed by Emmanuel Ofegbu, there is no subsisting order of stay of execution of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal. By the above decision of the court, it follows that there is no legal impediment against the enforcement of the provisions of the NRTR 2012 as it pertains to change over to the new number plates, he added. The National Public Relations Officer (PRO)of NANS, Mr Azeez Adeyemi, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta on Friday . Adeyemi said that the interactive session would open doors of opportunities for Nigerian students and Nigerians at large. According to him, the passion of the current leadership toward reforming, repositioning and restructuring the association, necessitated the invitation to attend the Liberian National Students Union inauguration. In honouring this invitation, the National President of NANS, Bamidele Akpan, and Adeyemi, the PRO, shall be leading some members of the association to Monrovia, Liberias capital from Nov. 7 to Nov. 11. NANS leadership shall have an interactive session with President Weah, the Nigerian Consulate in Liberia and also visit historic and tourist centres. According to WAEC, what actually was presented to the Presidentby its registrar, Dr. Uyi Uwadiae on Friday, November 2, 2018 is an attestation of result. The examination body made the clarification, while educating Nigerians on what an attestation of result means, in a post which it put out on Twitter. WAEC, in the tweet, said: 1. President Buhari was given Attestation of Results not a certificate. 2. Attestation of Results is given to a candidate whose certificate is damaged or missing. 3. It carries the passport photo the candidate submitted during application. Since we now know what an attestation of result is, and it is clear that you can get yours if your certificate gets lost, here are the requirements you need to fulfill before WAEC issues you with one. According to WAEC, you have to: 1. Write a letter of application. 2. Get a police report on lost or damaged certificate. 3. Provide a photocopy of the lost or damaged certificate. 4. Submit two recent passport-sized photos. 5. Get a sworn affidavit for collection of Attestation of Result. 6. Pay an administrative fee of N20, 000. According to a Nairaland report, the exam body commenced the issuance of attestation certificates in 2015. WAEC also issued a tweet saying Candidates were first issued Attestation of Results by @waecnigeria in 2015. #Fact. PDP kicks However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists that President Buhari has no school certificate. According to the party, what WAEC presented to the President was a political certificate. The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has also accused WAEC of manufacturing a certificate for the President. Certificate is not an issue According to a lawyer, Dr Kayode Ajulo, the controversy and arguments over the presidents certificate are far fetched as he meets all legal requirements to contest. He also said that the constitution empowers INEC to accept any proof of 10 years previous employment as equivalent of School Certificate from any presidential candidate to contest. A previous clash on Saturday, October 27, where the Army accused Shiite protesters of attacking a convoy carrying ammunitions, resulted in the death of three people, with a couple of soldiers also wounded. The protesters returned on Monday, October 29 and got involved in another clash with the Army and the Police. While the Army reported that another three Shiites were killed, the Shia sect claimed around 50 were killed by troops. ece-auto-gen The killings were largely condemned by many Nigerians and local and international human rights groups who protested that soldiers should not have employed lethal methods to deal with the protesters. However, in an apparent bid to defend itself against the accusations, the Army took to its official Twitter account to post a video of United States president, Donald Trump, endorsing lethal methods under similar circumstances that the US Army might be about to face. The video was later deleted. Buhari puts WAEC scandal to rest? Controversy over President Muhammadu Buhari's academic qualification to contest in the 2019 presidential election took a dramatic turn this week when he was presented with an attestation/statement of result by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) authorities on Friday. Earlier in the week, the president paid a condolence visit to Kaduna State in the wake of a series of violence that claimed more than 80 lives in the state over the past two weeks. He vowed to catch and severely punish the culprits responsible for the spate of violence, and warned the Nigeria Police Force to be on its toes to prevent similar violence across the country. More Ganduje bribery videos ece-auto-gen Kano State governor, Umar Ganduje, was invited by the state's House of Assembly panel investigating bribery allegations against him in light of videos that have emerged where he was caught receiving dollar notes from a contractor. Two more videos were released this week to further put pressure on the governor to resign or risk impeachment. Even though he was directed to appear before the committee on Friday, November 2, he failed to show up but sent the state's Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Garba, to represent him. While addressing the committee, Garba said the allegations against the governor are false. He also dismissed the videos as doctored. In other news... Jimi Agbaje, candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 Lagos governorship election, picked Haleemat Busari, a lawyer, as his running mate for next year's polls. ece-auto-gen Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun West - PDP) was granted bail after he was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja, to face allegations of examination malpractice. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and alleged that its a political witchhunt. The representative of the Ekiti Southwest II in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Micheal Adedeji, died on Monday, just days after he was attacked by gunmen in the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu had on Oct. 31 paid similar visit to the State House and dismissed the call for the resignation of the national chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiohmole, saying party supremacy must be respected. According to the APC national leader, Oshiohmole has so far not violated APC constitution or engaged in any anti-party activity that will warrant his resignation or removal from office. Tinubus comments on Oshiohmole have continued to attract comments from some aggrieved members of the APC including Gov. Rochas Okorocha, who spoke to State House correspondents on Thursday after he met with President Buhari at the State House. Okorocha, who reacted to Tinubus approval of Oshiomholes leadership style, urged that the national chairman be called to order to respect the rule of law, do the right and respect court orders. On Friday, November 2, 2018, WAECs registrar, Dr. Uyi Uwadiaepresented Buhariwith the document at the State House in Abuja. Many questions to ask In his reaction, Fayose wondered why it took so long for the President to get the attestation of result. He said If it was this easy to get WAEC to issue the "Attestation/Confirmation Certificate, why waiting this long? Why contesting four times without a single certificate? So when will the military produce the credentials that he claimed are with them? Many questions begging for answers. My consolation is that (provided they will allow votes to count) Nigerians will have the opportunity of ending this national embarrassment in 4 months time. I have never seen a nation that has been so embarrassed by a mere question of; Mr President, where are your credentials?" Political certificate Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the presentation of the attestation of result to the President as a tragicomedy. Speaking to newsmen, the partys spokesman, Kola Ologbodiyan said what the examination body presented to Buhari was a political certificate. ALSO READ:WAEC accused of manufacturing result for Buhari Ologbodiyan also said that the PDP stands by its words that uhari has no school certificate. This is coming after the APC National Working Committee (NWC) reportedly agreed to field Uzodinma as the partys governorship candidate in Imo. According to Vanguard, the NWC took the decision at a meeting on Wednesday, October, 31, 2018. Controversy The APC NWC earlier cancelled the governorship primary election which was conducted on October 1, 2018 in Imo. According to reports, the exercise supervised by the Ahmed Gulak led Election Committee and Uzodimma was declared winner. Speaking on the Imo primary, Oshimhole said Imo was not too good news for today, but not surprising they have to learn to begin to comply with rules, they have two fake results, none of them is genuine. We will disband and we will appoint a fresh committee (electoral panel) that will conduct transparent direct primaries that reflect the will of members of APC in Imo regardless of the interest and powers that are behind any of the groups. The truth does not require supporters club to stand, it has its hands and legs and we will do just that. Some APC chieftains disagreed with the APC chairman and also vowed to boycott any new primary election in the state. Oshimhole cannot stop me Speaking on the latest development, Nwosu said that Oshiomhole cannot stop his governorship ambition. The Governors son-in-law also said that he is APCs authentic governorship candidate in Imo. Nwosu vowed not to leave the ruling party or abandon the mandate given to him by the people. He said My mandate is still intact, I still remain the candidate of the APC, I am very much shocked with the National Chairman who is speaking from the both sides of his mouth as a man of that age I thought he would have been upright. I am shocked that a man who has attained that age and who we should look up to as our role model has become somebody who many of us can no longer see as a role model again. I am shocked at the attitude of the National Chairman which does not give hope to young people that mostly look up to him for years. I will not leave APC, I still remain the authentic candidate of that party, I still have a valid Court Oder restraining the party from submitting any other name and also restraining INEC from accepting any other name other than my name and the matter is in Court. So if they go anywhere and got another Court Order without knowing that there is a subsisting Court Order that must have been done that in error. So the fact remains that I am the candidate of APC, it is just for a while and I will take up my mandate, I dont have in mind to leave the mandate I already have for another party. My candidacy is secured and cannot be truncated by the National Chairman or any other person, I will never abandon the mandate given to him by the party members to be their governorship candidate for the 2019 election. We are disappointed over Oshiomoles action, his statements and antics did not give hope to young people who hitherto had always looked up to him. After all Oshiomoles son is a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, who he nominated and he is the Chairman of the party and he is saying that Okorochas Senatorial ambition scuttled my governorship. ALSO READ: Amosun insults Oshiomhole over outcome of primary election He is a man that is supposed to speak rightly and not deceive the people on air. I saw him on the Television when he was talking from both sides of his mouth. It is a pity that APC could have such a man as its National Chairman, I condemn his action and it is not acceptable. Oshiomhole Vs Okorocha Following the outcome of the NWCs decision, Governor Okorocha accused Oshiomhole of pulling the ruling party backwards. In his response, the APC chairman as an embarrassment to the party, adding that he will not allow Okorocha have his way with his undemocratic tendencies. According to Punch, the Ogun state Governor and Imo Governor, Ibikunle Amosun and Rochas Okorocha respectively, had made comments in the media attacking Oshiomhole over the partys decision on the governorship primaries held in their states recently. In his reaction, Oshiomhole said the two Governors are upset with him because he refused to support their undemocratic tendencies. The APC chairman said this while speaking to newsmen on Friday, October 2, 2018, in Abuja. Okorocha is an embarrassment Okorocha, while reacting to the APCs decision, said the party has been going on a downward trend since Oshiomhole took over its affairs. Punch reports. Oshimhole however dismissed the Governors comment, describing him as an embarrassment to the ruling party. Governor Rochas Okorocha, the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum is a beneficiary of the court process, we rescued him. The primary conducted by my predecessor completely swept governor Okorocha out of the system-from ward, local government to the state. What I am not able to do for Governor Okorocha is to assist him with the instrument of the APC to help him to build a political dynasty. We have prepared the name of Sen. Hope Uzodinma and submitted to the INEC. If governor Rochas chose to relocate to the Villa and use the grounds of Villa to try to intimidate me to create a dynasty, I wont accept it. I will uphold the truth in the best interest of the APC members and indeed of the APC people in Imo State. The truth does not require a supporters club to stand, it has its own legs, and it can stand. Blasts Ogun Governor Reacting to comments by the Osun state Governor, Oshiomhole said Amosun was trying to act like an emperor. The APC chairman also described the actions of the Ogun state Governor as immoral and undemocratic. Amosun had earlier accused the APC chairman of working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pull the ruling party down. In his response, Oshiomhole said At the meeting, this is no secret, I expect that some of your media houses will have video clips of what transpired at that meeting because it wasnt a closed-door meeting, it was an open meeting. Governor Amosun in his wisdom decided to introduce third element which didnt feature in the resolutions of the National Executive Council. He announced that Ogun State was going to adopt consensus and he proceeded to define what in his view constitute a consensus. And having defined it to mean the pronouncement of the governor, he went on to announce what, according to him, represents a consensus candidate. He announced one Akinlade as the next governor. He proceeded to announce another gentleman, whom he said would be the deputy governor, consensus! He went on to proclaim himself as the next senator through consensus and he says the current senator in his own Senatorial zone, Senator Tejuoso, will step aside so that he, Ibikunle Amosun, at the end of his tenure as governor of Ogun State, will proceed to the Senate. According to him, this is his own consensus. He went on to also announce that the second Senator also, from Ogun State will step aside and another gentleman will come in place of that senator. And according to him, this pronouncement is a consensus. Not done, governor Amosun went on to announce a particular gentleman, who will be the next Speaker. He went on to announce another one who will be the next deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly. Governor Amosun, according to his own definition of consensus, also unilaterally pronounced that of the eight seats of House of Representatives members, seven will not return according to him, only one will return. This he claimed is a consensus. He went on to list other members of the House of Assembly who will seek re-election and those who will not seek re-election. All through, he announced about 40 names which according to him constitute consensus. No place for emperors Our constitution does not recognise emperors. There are not emperors in the APC, if anybody attempts to invent himself as an emperor, it will be an enterprise in futility. Based on our rules, we have since conducted primaries and submitted the name of the winner, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to INEC for the purpose of the forthcoming governorship election that for me has concluded that matter, Oshiomhole added. The APC chairman also said that he will not mortgage his conscience in order to keep his job. The partys reaction is coming on the heels of the presentation of an attestation certificate to the president by the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC). On Friday, November 2, 2018, the registrar of WAEC, Dr. Uyi Uwadiae, presented the certificate to the president at the State house, Abuja. Tragicomedy Speaking further in a statement issued to newsmen, PDPs spokesman, Kola Ologbodiyan said Buhari was given a political certificate. He said it is a tragicomedy. We never expected Mr. President to dramatically come this low because you cannot have a certificate and be calling it an attestation. What are they attesting to? We stand by our position that Mr. President has no school certificate. it is simply a political certificate. We have said that the Buhari presidency and his handlers are always fretting at the mention of a certificate. So, they want to mislead Nigerians to say that Mr. President has a school certificate if Mr. President has a certificate, why did he not use it in 2015 election? Why is the certificate suddenly emerging few months to the election? And have you checked the photograph that was attached to the certificate? In 1961, was it the requirement of WAEC to have a passport attached to school certificate? Even in our own generation, was a condition in WAEC that you must submit your passport to be attached to your certificate? They should come off it. Its too low. ALSO READ:Arewa youths want Buhari disqualified over WAEC controversy You remember they procured Martin Luther Award presented to our president which later was discovered to be fake? This is a similar award, a procured. We are waiting for the story of its declaration as another procured document. CUPP accuses WAEC Also, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has accused WAEC of manufacturing a certificate for the President. Buhari had earlier sworn an affidavit saying that his credentials are with the Secretary of the Military Board. Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina had earlier said that the issue of the Presidents WAEC certificate has been laid to rest, describing those talking about it as jobless. Speaking on the issue of the President's WAEC certificate, a lawyer, Dr Kayode Ajulo said that Buhari can run for President with a primary six certificate. Friday's attack is the second to target pilgrims heading to the St. Samuel the Confessor monastery in as many years, indicating that security measures in place since then are either inadequate or have become lax. The previous attack in May 2017 left nearly 30 people dead. It is also the latest by IS to target Christians in churches in Cairo, the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and Tanta in the Nile Delta north of the capital. A food advocate says theres an easier way to save New Zealands endangered bird species but it involves eating them. South Island farmer Roger Beattie told RadioLIVE that farming species like weka and kereru can actually increase their populations. Farming ensures that you breed more than you kill, he told Ryan Bridge. But the 1953 Wildlife Act currently protects most native species from hunting and sale, something that Mr Beattie reckons should be rejigged to match the fishing industry. No farmed species has ever died out. Under the Fisheries Act, some native fish and shellfish species can be killed and eaten recreationally and commercially a concept Mr Beattie suggests would work for native birds. And above all, Mr Beattie argues that some birds would taste great on the dinner table. Apparently, [kereru] taste great, he said, but clarified that he hadnt tasted one himself. Everyone who has eaten one says theyre absolutely delicious. The South Island farmer has a special permit to farm eastern buff weka on his property, where he gives weka chicks to wildlife reserves (as they cannot legally be sold). Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage told Stuff that she did not support changing the rules that protect endangered birds, adding that farming can have negative effects on threatened species. Mr Beattie says the solution just comes down to the basic principles of farming. No farmed species has ever died out, he said. Listen to the full interview with Roger Beattie above. Drive with Ryan Bridge , 3pm - 6pm Weekdays and streaming live on 'rova' channel 9 - available on Android and iPhone. RadioLIVE. The passing of the CPTPP trade deal is being celebrated in the rural sector, and is set to provide a boost to many industries. The required six nations have now ratified the 11-nation agreement and the countdown has begun towards the first round of tariff cuts early next year. Mike Petersen, New Zealand's Special Agriculture Trade Envoy, told RadioLIVE it's really good news for New Zealand. "This is hugely exciting. In this agreement, we get four new trade agreements with countries we didn't have agreements with before." Those countries include big economies like Canada, Mexico and Japan. The agreement will come into force on the last day of this year, which means for the beef industry, tariffs will drop to 26 percent, followed by a further cut on 1 January. The effects of the CPTPP will also increase the per-head return for bull farmers. By Rodney Hide, former ACT Party leader. OPINION: Sometimes it would be better if Fred down the road was running the country. Or anyone down the road actually. Fred would not grant Karel Sroubek residency. That's because Sroubek is in prison serving five years and nine months for importing nearly 5kg of MDMA into the country. Fred says we have enough crooks of our own without importing them. Kick him out quick smart, he says. But Freds not the Minister of Immigration. Iain Lees-Galloway is. And Galloway granted Sroubek residency while hes still in jail. And Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters backed his decision. Its impossible to see why. Sroubek hung out with criminals in his home country the Czech Republic. He arrived in New Zealand on a false passport. He associated here with the Hells Angels. He kept in touch with his criminal mates back home. He was caught and convicted for serious drug smuggling offences. Czech authorities are seeking Sroubeks extradition for assaulting a police officer. Our own Parole Board found him manifestly untruthful. Ordinarily Sroubek would be kicked out on being let out of prison. Once for the fake passport. Twice for the prison conviction for five plus years. But Iain Lees-Galloway used his power to grant him residency. But why? Well, Lees-Galloway says he has good reasons. But he cant tell us. Thats because of privacy and legal reasons. He cant even tell us the privacy and legal reasons. Hezbollah has threatened Israels northern border for decades. Today, however, the nature of this threat has become dire, and the risks of escalation real, as Iran continues supplying Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon with game-changing weapons to devastate the Israeli homeland. When the next conflict erupts between Israel and Hezbollah, its scale and intensity will bear little resemblance to those of recent memory. Hezbollah today is highly competent, adaptable and lethal. Its forces have gained invaluable battlefield experience in Syria and amassed more weaponry than 95 percent of the worlds conventional militaries, including at least 120,000 rockets and missiles. This is more than all of Europes NATO members combined, and ten times as many as when it last went to war with Israel in 2006. Especially troubling is Hezbollahs growing arsenal of powerful long-range precision missiles capable of striking targets throughout Israel. Unlike in recent conflicts, Israels missile defenses will be incapable of shielding the nation from such a threat. From the outset of conflict, Hezbollah will be able to sustain a launch rate of more than 3,000 missiles per day as many as Israel faced in the entire 34-day conflict in 2006. Despite this quantum leap in its capabilities, Hezbollah is under no illusion about its ability to inflict military defeat on Israel. It will not seek victory in the valleys of Lebanon or the skies over Israel, but in the court of public opinion. To do so, it will use combat operations to lay the groundwork for an information campaign delegitimizing Israel. Two tactics will be central to Hezbollahs efforts: first, deliberately attacking Israeli civilian population centers to compel an aggressive response by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF); second, illegally exploiting the presence of Lebanese civilians to shield itself from IDF attack. Hezbollah will then manipulate the inevitable casualties by relying on widespread misperceptions about the true nature of combat operations and how international law (the law of armed conflict, or LOAC) regulates such operations. It will use the inevitable images of civilian suffering in Lebanon to portray Israels lawful operations as immoral and illegal. By weaponizing information and the law, Hezbollah will seek to force Israel to halt its self-defense campaign before the IDF can achieve decisive victory. This is the increasingly prevalent face of hybrid warfare, where law-abiding militaries confront non-state actors like Hezbollah who blend robust combat capabilities and unlawful tactics with sophisticated information operations. This difficult reality is highlighted in a new report by the Jewish Institute for National Security of Americas (JINSA) Hybrid Warfare Task Force, which examines the significant operational and legal challenges Israel will confront when it is compelled to engage Hezbollah and potentially other regional adversaries including Iran. A key finding is that Hezbollahs intentional emplacement of rockets, missiles and other vital military assets in villages and cities throughout Lebanon will increase risks to innocent civilians. To gain strategic advantage, Hezbollah will exploit the common but erroneous assumption that Israel, by virtue of attacking these sites, must be acting unlawfully, even when the unfortunate effects of these attacks are rendered unavoidable by Hezbollahs deliberate and illegal use of human shields. This dilemma for Israel is further complicated by our expectation that the IDF will be compelled to undertake large-scale, aggressive operations to neutralize as much of Hezbollahs rocket threat as possible before it is ever employed. This will include ground operations deep into Lebanon. In addition to their sheer scale, the nature of such operations in towns and villages will magnify the likelihood of collateral damage and civilian casualties. This will also make it much more difficult for the IDF to utilize the extensive and often innovative measures to mitigate risks to civilians that have been commonplace during more limited operations for example, warnings and providing civilians time to evacuate before an attack. Despite these challenges, our task force found an IDF fully committed to compliance with the LOAC, knowing full well Hezbollah seeks to exploit this very same commitment. We worry, however, that the nature of a major combined arms operation will contribute to the operational and legal misperceptions that are so adeptly exploited by enemies like Hezbollah, resulting in false condemnation of Israel from the international public, media and many states. How this story plays out for Israel will have reverberating effects for other professional militaries, including our own. Unless the challenges of such operations become more widely understood, with more credible assessments of legality, morality and legitimacy, others will be incentivized to replicate Hezbollahs perverse tactics. Ultimately, this requires a greater appreciation of the realities of combat against hybrid adversaries. It also requires a greater appreciation for how the LOAC strikes a rational balance between civilian protection and military effectiveness. Nowhere will these considerations be more apparent and more consequential than in Israels next conflict with Hezbollah. General Michael Hostage, USAF (ret.), is former Commander, U.S. Air Combat Command. Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Corn, USA (ret.), is The Presidential Research Professor of Law at South Texas College of Law Houston. Both are members of JINSAs Hybrid Warfare Task Force. 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 WASHINGTON The Supreme Court refused Friday to delay an upcoming trial in which a number of states and civil rights organizations allege there was an improper political motive in Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross' decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available WASHINGTON President Donald Trump's decision to send as many as 15,000 troops to the southern border has drawn sharp and unusual criticism from former military leaders, who have called the deployment "wasteful" and raised worries that the president might be using the military as a political tool to influence the midterm elections just days away. Monache High School students stand at the ready with painted faces and other decor as they get ready to begin a Dia de los Muertos procession around campus Friday, Nov. 2. All the campaigning, political ads and election-related articles from The Red & Black will near its end come Nov. 6 hopefully. To celebrate the long midterm season, here are the details for election night watch parties you can attend. As the Athens-Clarke County Commission prepares for a shift in members and initiatives, the results of some decisions from last year are beginning to take effect from extended alcohol sales on St. Patty's Day to free parking on certain federal holidays. A lot goes on around Athens and UGA campus and sometimes it can be hard to keep up. From Georgia football climbing to No. 5 in ranking to the Not everyone can say they have seen the place they call home displayed on the big screen, but students at the University of Georgia and Atheni The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the Civil service. [2] It was established on 4 June 1917 by King George V, and comprises five classes across both civil and military divisions, the most senior two of which make the recipient either a knight if male or dame if female. [3] There is also the related British Empire Medal, whose recipients are affiliated with, but not members of, the order. Recommendations for appointments to the Order of the British Empire were originally made on the nomination of the United Kingdom, the self-governing Dominions of the Empire (later Commonwealth) and the Viceroy of India. Nominations continue today from Commonwealth countries that participate in recommending British (Imperial) honours. Most Commonwealth countries ceased recommendations for appointments to the Order of the British Empire when they created their own honours. [a] Current classes [ edit ] The five classes of appointment to the Order are, in descending order of precedence: Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE) [b] Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE or DBE) Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) Styles and honorary knighthoods [ edit ] The senior two ranks of Knight or Dame Grand Cross, and Knight or Dame Commander, entitle their members to use the title of Sir for men and Dame for women before their forename. Most members are citizens of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth realms that use the Imperial system of honours and awards. Honorary knighthoods are appointed to citizens of nations where the Queen is not head of state, and may permit use of post-nominal letters but not the title of Sir or Dame. Occasionally, honorary appointees are, incorrectly, referred to as Sir or Dame Bob Geldof, for example. Honorary appointees who later become a citizen of a Commonwealth realm can convert their appointment from honorary to substantive, then enjoy all privileges of membership of the order, including use of the title of Sir and Dame for the senior two ranks of the Order. An example is Irish broadcaster Terry Wogan, who was appointed an honorary Knight Commander of the Order in 2005, and on successful application for British citizenship, held alongside his Irish citizenship, was made a substantive member and subsequently styled as Sir Terry Wogan. [4] [5] History [ edit ] MBE (civil division) as awarded in 1918 MBE (civil division) as awarded in 1918 star of the Order of the British Empire Grand Cross star of the Order of the British Empire Kudos to the Chicago Tribune for taking a stand against naming public properties for politicians. Now let us all come together to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Chicago and its residents. WOODBURY Litchfield County (and beyond) food icon Carole Peck sat inside her re-imagined Good News Restaurant and Bar on Main Street in Woodbury looking a bit preoccupied. Of course, her appearance might have been merely that of a woman who has worked diligently for three decades to bring the very best in culinary experiences to her patrons. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, but the interior of the restaurants bar was anything but. After some 25 years of operation in Woodbury, Peck decided her beloved business needed a jolt, a fresh, new look that would also ignite in her a fresh passion for her avocation and place of work and fun. I was feeling a bit stagnant and I needed something to get excited about, said Peck, who began in the restaurant business 30 years ago and opened what was then the Good News Cafe in Woodbury in 1992 after a successful run in New Milford for several years. Thus, she and her husband, Bernard Jarrier-Cabernet, came up with plans for the redesign of the interior of their restaurant and bar. The results? Well, they are quite tasty to both the eyes and palate. Theres a new bar, dining area, and larger outdoor patio accessed by two sets of French doors. To one side of the bar area is an electric-blue weathered wood wall, while art work (which revolves every several months) by Chris Brown gives the feel of a gallery (purposefully) to the space around a 24-seat, four-sided serving bar, which hosts a mix of love seats, booths, and tables at its perimeter. A copper bar top with LED lighting under its surface illuminates galvanized metal below, imbuing the area with a subtly modern feel. The effect is energizing, yet inviting. A central dining area is lit by large glass doors leading to the patio (doubled in size) and a beloved, whimsical, food-themed mural remains to entertain diners. A large room that flanks the middle dining area has been painted a soft green that soothes and begs patrons to relax and spend time enjoying drinks and dishes from the establishments famous menu. On a shelf surrounding the room are dozens of radios, some quite old, that lend an eclectic ambiance to the space. There are spiral light fixtures and a collection of mirrors covering the walls. An expanded bar menu boasts zee hamburgers on bakers brioche bun, lettuce tomato, pickles, Good News own slaw and yucca fries with house-made catsup; jumbo Kobe beef hotdogs; an eclectic mix of salads; raw bar and sushi-style appetizers, and soups and lobster bisque. Pecks staples remain on the menu along with longtime favorites, such as Lots of Lobster Adult Mac and Cheese, Jacks Pecan Crusted Oysters, and Grilled Salmon and Corncake. The restaurant offers gluten-free and vegetarian options. Good News Restaurant and Bar has won top awards from Zagats Guide, Connecticut Magazine and The New York Times, to name a few. Zagat rated the 170-seat restaurant one of the top restaurants in the United States. Im very pleased with the way it all turned out, said Peck, as she and her staff prepared for the lunch crowd. The restaurant business has changed since I began and we have to keep pace with those changes. For instance, I couldnt give away Brussels sprouts when I first started and now they are very popular. We add new items to our menu to keep up with the times, but we also must cater to our dedicated regulars who fall in love with some of our dishes. There are customers that have the same thing every week. We have always had a bit of Spanish influence in our menu and, of course, more people are vegans these days and you have to base some of your menu according to that trend. Peck said that a talented, committed staff s remains vital to the success of any restaurant. I have a good staff and they are important. Im a tough boss but everyone knows what is expected of them. Im fortunate that I have a wonderful head chef, Gonzolo Fajardo, who has been with me for 30 years in various capacities. Peck graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1973. After graduation, she worked as executive chef at a number of restaurants, resorts and clubs, including those in Miami and New York City. In 1988, she and her husband settled in Litchfield County and Pecks restaurant was born in New Milford. Peck, as she is today, was committed to using the finest, locally grown and produced ingredients presented in an innovative style (she continues to embrace the benefits of farm fresh and natural ingredients, sourcing meat from several organic and grass-fed and range-free farms; milk from Arethusa Farm Dairy in Litchfield; fresh maple syrup processed in Woodbury; and more. Peck also became a well- known and highly sought-after wedding caterer. In 1993, she had the honor of cooking for Julia Childs 80th Birthday Bash for the International Association of Culinary Professionals in New Orleans. In 1997, Peck published her first cookbook, The Buffet Book (a second release, printed in 2002, is currently available from Ici La Press). She has also made appearances on the Food Network, Martha Stewart Living Television, and PBS. Peck and her husband, who in 2000 acquired a home in the Provence region of Avignon, lead bi- annual culinary tours in Europe. In 2001, along with Connecticut-based typesetter Dennis Pistone, they created Ici La Press which specializes in publishing English-language editions of some of the finest cookbooks in Europe. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Pecks restaurant, she and her husband are hosting an anniversary celebration at the restaurant on Nov. 9. The party, she said, is a big thank you to all of the guests, local farmers and entire community for supporting me these past 25 years, as well as a celebration of whats still to come. The anniversary celebration will showcase the restaurants newly renovated space and cuisine. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with an elaborate buffet of fall specialties, select wines, beer on tap, a birthday cake, and live music for dancing. Tickets ($80 per person) are available at the Good News Restaurant and Bar, 694 Main St S, Woodbury. All donations benefit the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, Woodbury Community Services, and the Woodbury Fire and Ambulance Association. For more information visit www.goodnews restaurantandbar.com/ or call 203-266-4663. In 1939, the SS St. Louis, a passenger vessel sailing under the German flag, attempted to bring more than 900 individuals, the majority Jews, fleeing Nazi-ruled Germany to safe harbor. They were refused entry to the U.S. because our then immigration policies were based on domestic political sentiment, rather than humanitarian grounds. New foreigners were not wanted! Similar attitudes faced these refugees when they were taken to Cuba and Canada. While some survived after being accepted in some European countries, many died in what we now know as the Holocaust. Kabul residents on November 2 cleaned up after a massive fire destroyed hundreds of stores overnight at a big electronics market in the center of the city. Despite incinerating entire businesses and leaving a scene of disaster, no casualties were reported from the fire, The damage to property, though, was in the millions of dollars. Firefighters were still struggling to put out flames more than 13 hours after the blaze started at the city's largest market for electronic goods and home appliances. Authorities were still investigating the cause of the blaze, but said it appeared to have started as an electrical fire shortly after stores closed for the day on November 1. The blaze burned through shop after shop before firefighters were able to contain it. They struggled with an erratic supply of water, drawn from water lines with very little pressure, forcing them to bring in convoys of water trucks. Hundreds of store owners scrambled to save what they could, some carrying large television sets on their backs. Others stacked what goods they could find intact onto wheelbarrows. Dozens of the store owners gathered at the scene on November 2 said they would demand compensation from the government. Mujibul Rahman told AP that he borrowed tens of thousands of dollars to open his electronics store. The fire consumed $200,000 in inventory. "Now what can I do?" he asked. Hejratullah Khan, whose Dunya Mobile phone stores are a fixture in Kabul, told AP the fire had destroyed all his store's merchandise. "We were the largest mobile-phone shop," he said as he rummaged through phones melted into blobs of black metal. Khan told AP his life savings and those of his two brothers -- totaling $500,000 -- were consumed by the fire. Based on reporting by AP and RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the order to kill Saudi opposition journalist Jamal Khashoggi "came from the highest levels of the Saudi government," but he said he did not believe the king himself was involved. The Turkish leader wrote in an opinion piece in The Washington Post on November 2 that his country had "moved heaven and earth" to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the killing of the journalist inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. "As a result," he wrote, "the world has learned that Khashoggi was killed in cold blood by a death squad, and it has been established that his murder was premeditated." Riyadh denies the ruling royal family was involved in the killing and blames it on "rogue" agents. But suspicion has surrounded its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, with many of the 18 people detained in the case identified as having ties to the prince. "We...know that those individuals came to carry out their orders: Kill Khashoggi and leave. Finally, we know that the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government," Erdogan wrote. But, he added, "I do not believe for a second that King Salman, the custodian of the holy mosques, ordered the hit on Khashoggi." Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and an outspoken critic of the crown prince, went missing on October 2 after visiting the Saudi Consulate to complete paperwork needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. Istanbul's chief prosecutor has said Khashoggi was strangled and his body "cut into pieces" in a premeditated killing immediately upon entering the building. A U.S. service member has been killed in an apparent insider attack in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, the U.S. military said on November 3. Debra Richardson, a spokeswoman for the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, said in a statement that another U.S. service member was wounded in the attack. The assailant was a member of the Afghan security forces who was immediately killed by other Afghan forces, the statement said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the "green-on-blue" attack -- in which Afghan forces turn their weapons on international soldiers with whom they are working. The Taliban claimed two similar attacks in the western province of Herat on October 22 and the southern province of Kandahar on October 18. General Scott Miller, the top NATO and U.S. commander in Afghanistan, narrowly escaped the latter attack that killed a powerful local police chief. The latest attack takes the number of U.S. soldiers to die in Afghanistan this year to eight. Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP State television says Iran has begun the mass production of a locally designed fighter jet. Iran unveiled its Kowsar fighter jet in August. Iran already has both U.S.-made jet fighters and Russian-made Sukhoi aircraft in service. Defense Minister Amir Hatami said the production line highlights the capabilities of Iranian experts despite "sanctions by enemies." "Soon, the needed number of this plane will be produced and put at the service of the air force," Hatami said at a November 3 ceremony launching the plane's production, which was shown on television. The inauguration came a day after the United States announced the reimposition of all sanctions on Iran starting November 5, covering Iran's shipping, financial, and energy sectors. Based on reporting by Reuters and AP Iran's oil exports are becoming harder to track as Iranian tankers are increasingly "going dark" by turning off transponders that make them easy to detect as they transport their cargo on the high seas, oil experts say. With the United States preparing to reimpose sanctions on Iran's oil and financial sectors on November 5, officials from Tehran to Brussels and Washington will be seeking information about whether the sanctions are working as intended to thwart Iran's sale and transport of oil around the world. AFP reported on November 2 that in late October, every single tanker carrying Iranian oil suddenly "went dark," switching off their transponders to avoid being tracked, the first time that had been seen by the TankerTrackers monitoring group in Stockholm. Even with the transponders switched off, firms that track shippers still can use satellite images to try to locate the vessels, but the loss of individual tracking mechanisms on board each ship will make that harder, the monitor said. Oil and shipping analysts say that Iran used the same technique to hide its oil sales the last time it was subject to global sanctions from 2010 to 2015, switching off tracking systems in particular to hide the destinations of its oil shipments. Before U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement in May that he would reimpose U.S. sanctions, Iranian crude exports peaked above 2.5 million barrels a day. Official statistics show they fell to about half that amount by the end of summer. But analysts say the possibility that some shipments are not showing up in tracking systems means that estimates of Iran's oil trade have become more difficult and unreliable. To illustrate, according to Refinitiv Eikon data, Iran exported 1.55 million barrels a day in the first three weeks of October. But Kpler, a data intelligence company, said the amount might have been as high as 2.2 million barrels. Iranian officials have been cagey recently about how much oil they are selling and shipping, declining to give exact amounts while appearing to affirm estimates that exports have fallen significantly since April. Iranian officials have insisted that it will keep exporting oil despite the U.S. sanctions, saying the United States will never achieve its target of reducing Iranian exports to "zero." "Iranian oil exports cannot be stopped," Tasnim news agency quoted Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh as saying on October 23. Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri also recently said: "Despite sanctions, Iran's oil exports will not fall below a million barrels a day." Iran's oil exports dropped below 1.2 million barrels under the previous global sanctions that were lifted under Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and Oilprice.com Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on November 3 that the United States failed to reassert its domination of Iran after the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution, state television reported. "America's goal has been to reestablish the domination it had [before 1979], but it has failed. America has been defeated by the Islamic republic over the past 40 years," it quoted Khamenei as telling a meeting with thousands of students. Khamenei's statement came as the United States prepares to reimpose on November 5 far-reaching sanctions on Iran's vital oil export and banking sectors. In a separate tweet, Khamenei said that President Donald Trump has "disgraced" the United States' prestige and would be the ultimate loser from reimposing the sanctions. Trump withdrew the United States from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in April, describing it as "horrible," and is now reimposing the sanctions that were lifted under the deal in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear activities. Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters KYIV -- The leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate says steps toward independence from Moscow must be carried out carefully to avoid giving the Kremlin a pretext for further Russian incursions into Ukrainian territory. Patriarch Filaret's statement came after a synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew I, who is considered the leader of the 300-million-strong worldwide Orthodox community, decreed on October 11 to "proceed to the granting of Autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine." The synod, however, made sure to warn against violence and attempted property takeovers. In an exclusive interview with RFE/RL, Filaret talked in detail about the process of establishing a fully independent Ukrainian church and the future status of the Moscow-loyal church in Ukraine. Ukraine currently has three Orthodox denominations: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, which remained subordinate to Russia after the breakup of the Soviet Union; and two breakaway entities -- the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate led by Filaret, and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church led by Metropolitan Makariy. "We will be striving to have a single Orthodox Church in Ukraine and to make sure that the Russian [Orthodox] Church is not hiding under the Ukrainian name while, in essence, it is Russian, Filaret told RFE/RL on October 31. He said the official name of an independent church will be the "Ukrainian Orthodox Church," but it also will be known as the Kyiv Patriarchate." Once the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate delivers a formal decree on the Kyiv Patriarchates independence from Moscow, Filaret said that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate will no longer have the right to be called the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This is what Moscow wants raider seizures that create the grounds for interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine. Instead, it will be named as the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, Filaret said. Believers have the right to choose, Filaret said. If any parish wants to switch from the Moscow Patriarchate and join the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, then two-thirds of the parish must vote for that transition. As of now, more than 150 parishes have joined us, he said. The most delicate issue surrounding the official separation is competing property-ownership claims of the Kyiv Patriarchate and Moscow-loyal church representatives in Ukraine. Filaret insists there will be no illegal seizures of church buildings in Ukraine that are currently under the control of the Moscow-loyal church, which is under the authority of the Russian Orthodox Church. This is what Moscow wants raider seizures that create the grounds for interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine, Filaret told RFE/RL. Filaret noted that the Russian government justified its 2014 seizure of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula by articulating a blanket assertion that Moscow has the right and the obligation of protecting and defending the Russian-speaking population anywhere in the world. Now they want to create conditions [where they can claim their activities are] for the protection of the Orthodox believers, Filaret said. Knowing this, we do not want to give them a reason for interference in our internal [affairs], and therefore there will be no forcible seizure of church buildings." Nevertheless, Filaret rejected the Moscow Patriarchates claims to the famous Kyiv Pechersk Lavra the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves. The almost 1,000-year-old monastery in Kyiv is a Ukrainian national monument, a center of Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe, and the place of residence for the leader of the Russia-loyal church, Metropolitan Onufriy. Everyone knows that Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is a Ukrainian shrine that is the states property, Filaret told RFE/RL. Therefore, they can say anything, but the laws say a completely different thing. Still, Filaret insisted the Kyiv patriarchate does not want to forcibly seize lavras or other monasteries or parishes in Ukraine. All such disputes, he said, should be resolved on a "voluntary basis. The 89-year-old Filaret had been a front-runner to head the Russian Orthodox Church during the Soviet era. But he was excommunicated in 1997 over his efforts to set up the Kyiv Patriarchate as an independent Ukrainian church following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Ukraines Moscow-loyal church, as well as the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, consider the Kyiv Patriarchate as schismatic and heretical. Written by Ron Synovitz in Prague with reporting by RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service correspondent Olesksandr Lashchenko in Kyiv. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised U.S. President Donald Trump for reimposing sanctions against Iran, calling it an historic move. "Thank you, President Trump, for this historic move. The sanctions are indeed coming," Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office on November 3. The U.S. administration on November 2, as expected, announced the reimposition of sanctions to take effect on November 5 against Tehran, targeting the energy, shipbuilding, shipping, and financial sectors. The sanctions were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in exchange for curbs on Tehrans nuclear activities. Trump in May pulled out of the pact and in August began reintroducing sanctions on the Iranian economy, saying the terms of the accord were not strict enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and accusing Tehran of supporting militant activity in the region. Iran denies that. Both the United States and Israel are foes of the government in Tehran, which has in the past threatened to destroy Israel. "For years I've been calling for sanctions to be fully reimposed against Iran's murderous terrorist regime, which threatens the entire world," Netanyahus statement said. He said the first round of sanctions in August "were already being felt." "The rial has plummeted, Iran's economy is depressed, and the results are evident," he said. Sanctions imposed in the summer have helped send the Iranian economy into a downward spiral, leading some citizens to take to the streets in antigovernment protests. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi told state TV on November 2 that "we have already prepared for these sanctions in advance, and there is therefore no reason to worry." On November 3, state TV quoted Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying the United States had failed to reassert its domination of Iran since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution, state television reported. "America's goal has been to reestablish the domination it had [before 1979] but it has failed. America has been defeated by the Islamic Republic over the past 40 years," Khamenei was quoted as telling a meeting with thousands of students. U.S. allies France, Britain, and Germany -- which also signed the nuclear deal along with Russia and China said they deeply regretted Washingtons move to renew the sanctions against Iran. In response to the threat of U.S. sanctions, several major European companies have announced they were suspending operations in Iran, including energy giant Total; carmakers Peugeot, Renault, and Daimler; aviation companies Airbus, AIr France, and British Airways; and German corporate giants Siemens and Deutsche Telecom. As part of the new round of sanctions, the White House has warned Iran's customers they must reduce their purchases of oil to zero or face U.S. penalties. The United States on November 2 said it was granting temporary exemptions to sanctions to eight jurisdictions, which it said it would identify on November 5 the day the sanctions take effect. The waivers will allow the jurisdictions to temporarily continue imports of Iranian oil. With reporting by AFP, dpa, and Reuters A Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy has been banned from leaving Pakistan pending a judicial review of her acquittal. The ban is part of a deal between the government and a hard-line party behind nationwide protests that brought the country to a standstill for days. The protests ended after the government agreed to the demands by the Tehrik-e Labaik Pakistan party (TLP) to review the acquittal of mother of five Asia Bibi. Pakistan's Supreme Court on October 31 overturned a blasphemy conviction for Bibi, a Roman Catholic who spent eight years on death row. Pir Ijaz Qadri, a spokesman for the TLP, has said the party is calling off sit-ins by thousands of protesters in major cities that for three days had blocked major highways and caused gridlock across the country. Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri said on November 3 that Bibi will now be prevented from leaving the country until the Supreme Court makes a final review of its verdict. The court said there was insufficient evidence that Bibi had committed blasphemy, an offense punishable by death in Pakistan. The court decision drew praise from Christians and rights activists around the world, but angered hard-line Muslims. No judicial execution for blasphemy has ever occurred in Pakistan, but 20 of those charged were murdered. People like Bibi who are charged with blasphemy but later freed have had to flee the country for their safety. Christians make up only about 2 percent of Pakistan's population and are sometimes discriminated against. Meanwhile, Saif-ul-Mulook, Bibi's lawyer, left the country on November 3, saying his life was under threat. "In the current scenario, it's not possible for me to live in Pakistan," the lawyer said before boarding a plane to Europe. "I need to stay alive as I still have to fight the legal battle for Asia Bibi," he said. On November 2, protesters chanted "hang the blasphemer" and "hang the judges" as they marched through the capital, Islamabad. The TLP held sit-ins in cities across the country, with supporters blocking major traffic thoroughfares, causing gridlock and school closures in key hubs like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. TLP supporters as far away as Swat and Bannu in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province turned out by the hundreds to protest the court decision. TLP, founded in 2015, blockaded Islamabad for several weeks last year calling for stricter enforcement of Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws. Approximately 40 people are believed to be on death row or serving a life sentence in Pakistan for blasphemy, according to a 2018 report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. 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 AFP, AP, and Reuters Thousands of people attended the funeral of Maulana Sami ul-Haq, a prominent Pakistani cleric known as the "father of the Afghan Taliban," in Pakistan's northwestern city of Noshera on November 3. Sami ul-Haq was killed in a knife attack at his home in the city of Rawalpindi, near the capital, Islamabad, on November 2. For decades, Sami ul-Haq ran an Islamic school that educated several key Taliban leaders. The funeral was held under tight security. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew have signed an agreement on cooperation and interaction between Kyiv and the Patriarchate of Constantinople that paves the way for the establishment of an independent Ukrainian church, a plan which has angered Moscow. The agreement was signed after a meeting between Bartholomew and Poroshenko in Istanbul on November 3. The meeting came after a synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew I, who is considered the leader of the 300-million-strong worldwide Orthodox community, decreed on October 11 to "proceed to the granting of Autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine." Ukraine currently has three Orthodox denominations: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, which remained subordinate to Russia after the breakup of the Soviet Union; and two breakaway entities -- the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate led by Filaret, and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church led by Metropolitan Makariy. The agreement signed with Bartholomew lays out conditions for the granting of the [autocephaly] tomos" -- a formal decree on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's independence from the Russian Orthodox Church -- "to proceed absolutely in strict accordance with the canons of the Orthodox church, Poroshenko told reporters after the meeting. He called the day historic and thanked the patriarch for the warm meeting filled with wisdom. I am sure the autocephaly decision will lead to the unity and unification of all Orthodox believers in Ukraine, Patriarch Bartholomew said after signing the agreement. Poroshenko is on a visit to Istanbul during which he will also hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is based in Istanbul, the former Constantinople -- once the capital of the Byzantine Empire before the Ottoman Muslim conquest of 1453. Based on reporting by kyivpost.com, Interfax, and TASS President Vladimir Putin on November 2 praised the Russian military spy agency that the West this year has blamed for a series of blatant attacks. At a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the GRU military intelligence agency broadcast on national television, Putin saluted its "daring" operatives. "I am confident of your professionalism, of your personal daring and decisiveness, and that each of you will do all that is required by Russia and our people," Putin said. Britain has accused the GRU of poisoning former Russian spy Sergei Skripal with a nerve agent in the city of Salisbury earlier this year. The Netherlands has accused it of trying to hack the global chemical-weapons watchdog, and U.S. prosecutors have accused it of trying to hack the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Russia denies all those allegations. Putin said that GRU operatives are ready to sacrifice everything "for the motherland," and they set an example for a future generation of military spies. He also thanked the agency for playing a "huge role" in liquidating militants in Syria. Putin, himself a former KGB officer, makes regular public shows of support for Russia's spies. The GRU has been in the spotlight since the two men London blames for the Skripal poisoning admitted on Russian TV they had been in Salisbury on the day of the attack, but said they had only been there to see the city's famous cathedral. The GRU was founded in 1918 after the Bolshevik Revolution and is one of Russia's three main intelligence agencies, alongside the domestic Federal Security Service and the SVR Foreign Intelligence Service. Putin criticized a recent change in the agency's name to the Main Directorate (GU) from the GRU, or Main Intelligence Directorate. "It's not clear where the word Intelligence went... This should be reinstated," he said. Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters An official in Kabul says Afghan authorities have not yet decided about sending a delegation to international talks Russia plans to host next week on the Afghan peace process. Our discussions on this topic are still ongoing. We have not yet reached an agreement with Russia about how and when the Moscow meeting should take place, Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Sibghatullah Ahmadi told RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan on November 3. Earlier, Russias Foreign Ministry said the Afghan government and the Taliban have agreed to take part in the meeting scheduled for November 9. The Russian ministry said in a statement on November 3 that delegations from Afghanistans High Peace Council and from the Talibans Qatar-based political office will attend the talks. "It will be the first time that a delegation from the Taliban's political office in Doha will attend such a high-level international meeting," the Foreign Ministry said. The statement also said the United States, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, and five former Soviet republics in Central Asia had been invited to the gathering set to be at the deputy foreign minister level. The statement, however, did not clarify which countries had accepted the invitation. Russia in August proposed hosting multilateral peace talks and invited 12 countries and the Taliban to attend a summit the following month. But the talks were postponed after the Afghan government refused to send a delegation, saying the Taliban should first agree to direct talks with Kabul. In April 2017, Russia hosted an international conference on Afghanistan. The United States was invited to that meeting but did not participate. Meanwhile, the United States has renewed efforts to engage the Taliban in peace talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul in a bid to achieve a political solution to the Afghan conflict. Taliban representatives have met with U.S. officials at least twice in Qatar in recent months, most recently on October 12 with U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. With reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters Thousands of people attended the funeral of Maulana Sami ul-Haq, a prominent Pakistani cleric known as the "father of the Afghan Taliban," in Pakistan's northwestern city of Noshera on November 3. Sami ul-Haq, 81, was killed in a knife attack at his home in the city of Rawalpindi, near the capital Islamabad, on November 2. The funeral was held under tight security and was also attended by the governor and the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, as well as leaders of political and religious parties. Local TV channel Geo News quoted the clerics son, Hamid ul-Haq, as saying he was stabbed to death by unidentified attackers. "My father was his on way to a sit-in protest in Islamabad. He returned to his house due to closure of roads and went to his bedroom. Later, he was found dead in pool of blood, Hamid ul-Haq told Geo News. Police say that the motive behind the killing was not immediately known and no group has so far claimed responsibly for the attack. The killing prompted scores of Sami ul-Haq's supporters to riot, damaging shops and vehicles in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The clerics family appealed to his followers to remain peaceful. For decades, Sami ul-Haq ran an Islamic school -- the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary -- that educated several key Taliban leaders. The madrasah is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in Pakistans northwest. One of his students from the 1980s, known later as Mullah Mohammad Omar, went on to found the Taliban, which seized power in Afghanistan in 1996 after years of chaos and civil war following the Soviet Union's military withdrawal. Sami ul-Haq was known as the father of the Afghan Taliban due to the immense influence and respect he enjoyed among the leaders of the militant group. He was the head of his faction of the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam party and was twice elected as member of the Senate, the upper house of Pakistan's parliament. Pakistani media reported that he had been aligned with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Party during for the July 25 elections, which the party won. Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently on an official visit to Beijing, condemned the killing and ordered an investigation, his office said in a statement. In recent weeks, dozens of Afghan clerics had appealed to Sami ul-Haq to use his influence with Afghanistan's Taliban to help convince the militant group to begin peace negotiations. With reporting by AP, Reuters, dawn.com Some of the county's computer systems are 20 years old and need to be replaced so that the county can continue to keep its workforce low, Prochaska said. If we can make things easier for our employees, the county will need fewer workers in the future as the population grows. Maybe there's something going on at home or there is something they are struggling with at school, Smith said. We want to make sure all of our students have an adult in the building they can connect with. We know when students are connecting with the people working with them day-to-day it pushes their learning forward and they are assured that we do care about them. Congress Leader Gurkirat Singh Thuhi Spokesman News Service: Chandigarh, November 03: Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh on Saturday condoled the sudden death, in a road accident, of senior Congress leader and the partys State Secretary Gurkirat Singh Thuhi. The Chief Minister expressed shock at the death of Thuhi at the age of 61 and recalled his remarkable services to the party, particularly the pivotal role he played in the All India Jat Mahasabha as a member of its national executive. Advertisement Captain Amarinder Singh extended his deep sympathies to the bereaved family of Thuhi and prayed for his soul. It may be recalled that Gurkirat Singh Thuhi was OSD to the former Cooperation and Finance Minister Late Capt. Kanwaljeet Singh, who left Shiromani Akali Dal and joined Congress after the death of the minister in 2009. The owner of Shop Melee reported at 12:15 p.m. Nov. 1 that two men tried to steal two moving dollies, two hand dollies and a metal cart from the rear of his business, at 16W231 S. Frontage Road. The owner said he chased them down and was able to recover the items, but the men were gone when the police arrived. Researchers at Portland State University and Oregon State University looking at the aftermath of wildfires in southwestern Oregon and northern California found that after 20 years, even in severely burned areas, Douglas fir grew back on its own without the need for salvage logging and replanting. The study, published online Oct. 26 in the journal Forest Ecology and Management, is the latest to address the contentious issue of whether forest managers should log dead timber and plant new trees after fires, or let them regenerate on their own. Melissa Lucash, an assistant research professor of geography in PSU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a co-author of the study, said that concerns in the Klamath over whether conifer forests would regenerate after high-severity fires have led to salvage logging, replanting and shrub removal on federal lands throughout the region. But the study found that the density of Douglas-fir was relatively high after 20 years and was unaffected by whether or not a site had been managed. "This is an area where forest managers are really worried that the Douglas-fir won't come back, but what we found is that they come back just fine on their own," she said. "We forget the power of natural regeneration and that these burned sites don't need to be salvage logged and planted." Lucash suggests that those resources could instead be reallocated elsewhere, perhaps to thinning forests to prevent high-severity wildfires. The research team also included Maria Jose Lopez, a research associate at Universidad del Cono Sur de las Americas in Paraguay; Terry Marcey, a recent graduate of PSU's Environmental Science and Management program; David Hibbs, a professor emeritus in Oregon State University's College of Forestry; Jeff Shatford, a terrestrial habitat specialist in British Columbia's Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development; and Jonathan Thompson, a senior ecologist for Harvard Forest. The authors sampled 62 field sites that had severely burned 20 years prior on both north and south slopes of the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountain -- some of which had been salvaged logged and replanted and others that had been left to regenerate on its own. Among the study's findings: Aspect, or the direction a slope faces, played an important role in determining the effectiveness of post-fire practices. Density of Douglas-fir was higher on north than south aspects, but was unaffected by whether or not a site had been managed, suggesting that Douglas-fir regeneration is inherently less abundant on hot and dry sites and management does not influence the outcome. On the flip side, management practices increased the density of ponderosa pine on south aspects, but had no impact on north aspects. That finding suggests that with rising temperatures and increasing severity of fires in the region, management would be most effective when tailored to promote drought-tolerant ponderosa pine on south aspects. Managed sites had taller conifers, which can improve fire resistance, but also had fewer snags -- an important habitat feature for bird, small mammals and amphibian species in the region. Children who create imaginary parallel worlds, alone or with friends, are more found more commonly than previously believed, according to new research. In a project designed to probe the dynamics of such behavior among children 8-12 years old, researchers found that about 17 percent of them, in each of two separate studies, described imaginary worlds with often deep complexities. Unlike earlier studies, the researchers focused on children in the age group most-frequently associated with this little-explored childhood phenomena. The creation of such paracosms, as the imaginary worlds were first labeled in a 1976 study, is nothing to worry about, said the project's lead author Marjorie Taylor, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Oregon. "It's a positive thing associated with creativity and storytelling, and it's not particularly rare," said Taylor, who has been studying children's imaginary friends and paracosms for some 25 years. "These are kids who are coming up with very complex stories that they really enjoy and that many will share with others." The five-member research team detailed the findings in a paper now online ahead of print in the journal Child Development. Early research on paracosms drew from adult memories about their childhood. In the 1992 book "The Development of Imagination: The Private Worlds of Childhood," authors David Cohen and Stephen MacKeith identified 57 imaginary worlds but considered them to be rare. advertisement Over time, Taylor questioned that assertion as she compiled growing evidence on the prevalence of children who devise imaginary friends and parallel worlds. Imaginary friends, Taylor said, emerge in young children, while paracosms come later. The new study found a significant relationship between the creation of imaginary friends and the development of paracosms, but that didn't always translate to the imaginary friends being part of later imaginary worlds. In both studies, participating children -- drawn from mostly educated and middle to upper socioeconomic status, primarily Euro-American, in a college town -- were questioned in a non-leading way about their creations of an imaginary friend and paracosms. If their descriptions reached a defined level, the children were encouraged to provide more details about the parallel worlds they had created. In the first study, which included 37 boys and 40 girls, the participants completed five creativity tasks tied to social skills, as well as assessments of their coping strategies and verbal comprehension. Sixteen boys and 20 girls reported having imaginary companions such as invisible friends or personified objects. Among 77 children, 44 said they thought about an imaginary place and provided descriptions. Of those, fully developed paracosms were identified in the details from six of the boys and seven of the girls. advertisement Neither verbal comprehension nor gender were found to be related to children who reported having imaginary friends and paracosms. While these parallel worlds varied widely in content, they all included details about an environment (forests, lakes, caves, etc.), the inhabitants (bandits, goblins, animals, etc.) and mystical components, such as a fountain that sprayed honey. The second, more complex study sought to replicate the first but also dig deeper. It included two measures of inhibitory control, one of working memory and a social creativity component that avoided the role of fantasy. In this second study, paracosms were identified in 16 of the 92 children -- 12 girls and four boys. Imaginary companions were reported by 51 participants. Most of those who had developed parallel worlds also reported having had imaginary friends. Children who had developed clear paracosms did not differ from other children in verbal comprehension or working memory, but they had more difficulty with the inhibitory control tasks, suggesting a link between creativity and lower inhibition. As in Study 1, children with paracosms were able to produce more creative endings to their stories than those who did not report paracosms. "We thought paracosms would a private thing," Taylor said. "Surprisingly, that was not always the case. It can be a very social activity. Often, we found that many kids would be involved together in building the parallel worlds." It may be, she speculated, that the most creative children are the ones who are able to shift between focusing their attention and a more open-ended mode of thinking. "This needs more research to better understand how we generate ideas and come up with new things, unlocking creativity," Taylor said. "We can be really impressed by the creativity of children left to their own devices. It is important to give them some time free of a schedule because they will come up with things to do that they really enjoy and will share with others." Engineers and scientists gathered around a screen in an operations room at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., eager to lay their eyes on the first data from NASA's STEREO spacecraft. It was January 2007, and the twin STEREO satellites -- short for Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory -- which had launched just months before, were opening their instruments' eyes for the first time. First up: STEREO-B. The screen blinked, but instead of the vast starfield they expected, a pearly white, feathery smear -- like an angel's wing -- filled the frame. For a few panicky minutes, NRL astrophysicist Karl Battams worried something was wrong with the telescope. Then, he realized this bright object wasn't a defect, but an apparition, and these were the first satellite images of Comet McNaught. Later that day, STEREO-A would return similar observations. Comet C/2006 P1 -- also known as Comet McNaught, named for astronomer Robert McNaught, who discovered it in August 2006 -- was one of the brightest comets visible from Earth in the past 50 years. Throughout January 2007, the comet fanned across the Southern Hemisphere's sky, so bright it was visible to the naked eye even during the day. McNaught belongs to a rarefied group of comets, dubbed the Great Comets and known for their exceptional brightness. Setting McNaught apart further still from its peers, however, was its highly structured tail, composed of many distinct dust bands called striae, or striations, that stretched more than 100 million miles behind the comet, longer than the distance between Earth and the Sun. One month later, in February 2007, an ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA spacecraft called Ulysses would encounter the comet's long tail. "McNaught was a huge deal when it came because it was so ridiculously bright and beautiful in the sky," Battams said. "It had these striae -- dusty fingers that extended across a huge expanse of the sky. Structurally, it's one of the most beautiful comets we've seen for decades." How exactly the tail broke up in this manner, scientists didn't know. It called to mind reports of another storied comet from long ago: the Great Comet of 1744, which was said to have dramatically fanned out in six tails over the horizon, a phenomenon astronomers then couldn't explain. By untangling the mystery of McNaught's tail, scientists hoped to learn something new about the nature of comets -- and solve two cosmic mysteries in one. A key difference between studying comets in 1744 and 2007 is, of course, our ability to do so from space. In addition to STEREO's serendipitous sighting, another mission, ESA/NASA's SOHO -- the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory -- made regular observations as McNaught flew by the Sun. Researchers hoped these images might contain their answers. Now, years later, Oliver Price, a planetary science Ph.D. student at University College London's Mullard Space Science Laboratory in the United Kingdom, has developed a new image-processing technique to mine through the wealth of data. Price's findings -- summarized in a recently published Icarus paper -- offer the first observations of striations forming, and an unexpected revelation about the Sun's effect on comet dust. advertisement Comets are cosmic crumbs of frozen gas, rock and dust left over from the formation of our solar system 4.6 billion years ago -- and so they may contain important clues about our solar system's early history. Those clues are unlocked, as if from a time capsule, every time a comet's elliptical orbit brings it close to the Sun. Intense heat vaporizes the frozen gases and releases the dust within, which streams behind the comet, forming two distinct tails: an ion tail carried by the solar wind -- the constant flow of charged particles from the Sun -- and a dust tail. Understanding how dust behaves in the tail -- how it fragments and clumps together -- can teach scientists a great deal about similar processes that formed dust into asteroids, moons and even planets all those billions of years ago. Appearing as one of the biggest and most structurally complex comets in recent history, McNaught was a particularly good subject for this type of study. Its brightness and high dust production made it much easier to resolve the evolution of fine structures in its dust tail. Price began his study focusing on something the scientists couldn't explain. "My supervisor and I noticed weird goings-on in the images of these striations, a disruption in the otherwise clean lines," he said. "I set out to investigate what might have happened to create this weird effect." The rift seemed to be located at the heliospheric current sheet, a boundary where the magnetic orientation, or polarity, of the electrified solar wind changes directions. This puzzled scientists because while they have long known a comet's ion tail is affected by the solar wind, they had never seen the solar wind impact dust tails before. Dust in McNaught's tail -- roughly the size of cigarette smoke -- is too heavy, the scientists thought, for the solar wind to push around. On the other hand, an ion tail's miniscule, electrically charged ions and electrons easily sail along the solar wind. But it was difficult to tell exactly what was going on with McNaught's dust, and where, because at roughly 60 miles per second, the comet was rapidly traveling in and out of STEREO and SOHO's view. advertisement "We got really good data sets with this comet, but they were from different cameras on different spacecraft, which are all in different places," Price said. "I was looking for a way to bring it all together to get a complete picture of what's happening in the tail." His solution was a novel image-processing technique that compiles all the data from different spacecraft using a simulation of the tail, where the location of each tiny speck of dust is mapped by solar conditions and physical characteristics like its size and age, or how long it'd been since it'd flown off the head, or coma, of the comet. The end result is what Price dubbed a temporal map, which layers information from all the images taken at any given moment, allowing him to follow the dust's movements. The temporal maps meant Price could watch the striations form over time. His videos, which cover the span of two weeks, are the first to track the formation and evolution of these structures, showing how dust fragments topple off the comet head and collapse into long striations. But the researchers were most excited to find that Price's maps made it easier to explain the strange effect that drew their attention to the data in the first place. Indeed, the current sheet was the culprit behind the disruptions in the dust tail, breaking up each striation's smooth, distinct lines. For the two days it took the full length of the comet to traverse the current sheet, whenever dust encountered the changing magnetic conditions there, it was jolted out of position, as if crossing some cosmic speed bump. "It's like the striation's feathers are ruffled when it crosses the current sheet," University College London planetary scientist Geraint Jones said. "If you picture a wing with lots of feathers, as the wing crosses the sheet, lighter ends of the feathers get bent out of shape. For us, this is strong evidence that the dust is electrically charged, and that the solar wind is affecting the motion of that dust." Scientists have long known the solar wind affects charged dust; missions like Galileo Cassini, and Ulysses watched it move electrically charged dust through the space near Jupiter and Saturn. But it was a surprise for them to see the solar wind affect larger dust grains like those in McNaught's tail -- about 100 times bigger than the dust seen ejected from around Jupiter and Saturn -- because they're that much heavier for the solar wind to push around. With this study, scientists gain new insights into long-held mysteries. The work sheds light on the nature of striated comet tails from the past and provides a crucial lens for studying other comets in the future. But it also opens a new line of questioning: What role did the Sun have in our solar system's formation and early history? "Now that we see the solar wind changed the position of dust grains in McNaught's tail, we can ask: Could it have been the case that early on in the solar system's history, the solar wind played a role in organizing ancient dust as well?" Jones said. After photos surfaced of staff at an Idaho elementary school dressed in Halloween costumes as Mexicans and a border wall bearing the slogan Make America Great Again, the employees responsible wont be returning to their classrooms on Monday. At a special school board meeting called on Saturday morning, Middleton school district Superintendent Josh Middleton said that the 14 staff members at Middleton Heights Elementary School who were involved in the incident had been placed on paid administrative leave, the Associated Press reports. The announcement comes after pictures of the school employees in costume, originally posted to the districts Facebook page on Thursday, circulated on social media. In one picture, six educators are dressed in patriotic outfitsthe Statue of Liberty, a bald eagle, and red, white, and blue clothingholding sections of a prop brick wall with the words Make America Great Again written across the panels. Another photo features seven staff members dressed as Mexicans, wearing sombreros, ponchos, and fake moustaches and carrying maracas. The pictures have since been removed, though screenshots remain online . As of Saturday, the districts entire Facebook page has been taken down. Teachers and others in the education community fiercely criticized the costume decision on Twitter and Facebook, calling it racist and harmful to the students at the school. There is no apology that can make this acceptable. ... These are not educators we need in our lives, wrote Melissa Tirado, an English-as-a-new-language teacher in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., on Twitter . Teachers may explicitly teach students subjects, but they implicitly instill the values and beliefs of the locality and country, wrote Jose Luis Vilson, a middle school math teacher in New York City, also on Twitter . When we see racist teachers dressing up as Mexicans and walls, imagine how marginalized peoples feel in those school walls. About 13 percent of the study body at the Idaho school is Hispanic, according to Idaho Ed Trends . The Idaho teachers union issued a statement calling the incident disturbing and inappropriate, and offering assistance in providing diversity and cultural competency training for district employees. Both the ACLU of Idaho and PODER of Idaho , an organization that advocates on behalf of DACA recipients and undocumented youth in the state, also condemned the costumes. Since the 2016 presidential election, students in schools across the country have invoked the border wall to taunt their Latino classmates. This summer, Education Week analyzed nearly 500 incidents of hate and bias in schools . Among the most commonly reported: Students chanting variations of build the wall at Latino peers . Middleton, the Idaho districts superintendent, said he was deeply troubled by his staff members actions in a video posted to the districts Facebook on Friday, before the page was taken offline. Calling the costumes insensitive and inappropriate, he said that he believed them to be a result of poor judgment rather than malicious intent. We are better than this, he said in the video. We embrace all students. We have a responsibility to teach and reach all students, period. Screenshot via Facebook. Sullivan said be believes the citys east side area will only become more attractive for businesses given its proximity to the eventual expansion of the Elgin-OHare Expressway (from Shales Parkway south to Route 20) and to East Chicago Street, which leads to northern access points not far from Interstate 90. That makes for easy access to OHare International Airport, the burgeoning Rockford business corridor developing there and businesses in Wisconsin, he said. Since arriving on the island in mid-August, theyve endured two other storms, with one knocking out power for a day. This time, its estimated that between 400 to 700 of the islands power lines were blown down and that electricity would be out for several months. There is no expected date when running water notoriously undrinkable even before the storm may return, Travis said. Striking Marriott workers have reached an agreement in Oakland but they will still be banging the drums in San Francisco as the strike moves into its second month. There was some significant progress in talks on the national level on key items like job security this week, and since then we have arrived at a settlement in Oakland, but there is still more to be worked out, with San Francisco hotels, said Unite Here Local 2 President Anand Singh. Ty Hudson, with the East Bays Unite Here Local 2850, declined to go into details of the Oakland deal, but said the new contract would allow people to make a living in the extremely expensive Bay Area. Hotel workers earn about $43,000 a year and pay just $10 a month for health care benefits for themselves and their families. Strike pay for the Oakland workers was $300 a week. Singh said the next round of talks for San Francisco strikers has been set for Nov. 12 and 13. Its going to take a little longer here, Singh said of the San Francisco strike. But we are committed, we are on the line and we are keeping strong. Nearly 2,500 hotel workers walked off their jobs at seven San Francisco Marriott Hotels early last month. An additional 500 workers went out in Oakland and San Jose. For the past four weeks, starting at 7 in the morning, strikers have filled downtown San Francisco with the sound of banging drums and chanting megaphones often aimed up at the hotel rooms. But while the strikers made their presence known on the streets, the citys busy fall convention season rolled on without any major cancellations. We had the busiest fall we have ever had in fact, 2019 is shaping up to be the busiest year we have ever had, San Francisco Travel Association Executive Director Joe DAllesandro said. Unlike the 2004 lockout by hotels that put 4,000 maids, bellhops, cooks and other hourly wage earners on the streets and had Mayor Gavin Newsom walking a picket line the current strike appears to have had little impact at City Hall. The Board of Supervisors held a hearing Friday, which Marriott declined to attend. Mayor London Breed called for Marriott to negotiate a settlement as well. 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. Marriott did not immediately return our calls seeking comment. The hope is that this will get settled and everyone can go back to work, DAllesandro said. Until then, the drums will continue to sound. San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross normally appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX-TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call 415-777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross Forget the wall. President Trump has found a way to make the border armed and dangerous without having to build his monument to ignorance. Trump has been talking about building a wall on the Mexican border ever since he got into the presidential race, but he has yet to make any real progress. He stopped pretending hed make Mexico pay for it and demanded that Congress pony up $25 billion in U.S. taxpayer money for the job. His followers didnt seem to notice the switcheroo. Lawmakers, however, were largely unenthusiastic. Now, thanks to a ragtag caravan of refugees in Mexico whom Trump and his enablers portray as a disease-infested horde of gangbangers and terrorists, our president has found a way to militarize the border without having to bother with congressional permission. Trump has dispatched 5,200 troops to the border and is threatening to send another 10,000. On Thursday, he unilaterally decreed that the rules of engagement would include allowing soldiers to shoot if someone throws a rock, although he backtracked a bit the next day and said they wont have to fire. Its easy to see how this could create a disastrous situation for soldiers and migrants alike, not to mention Americas reputation in the eyes of the world. Not that Trump cares. He knows a good issue when he see one. And like it or not, polls show that a majority of Americans want stronger borders. Trump also knows that Democrats are at a loss about what to do with the caravan if, in fact, it ever reaches the U.S. Of course, with the migrants hundreds of miles from the border, that wont happen till Thanksgiving at the earliest. By then the midterms will be long over, and Trump will have made his point. Breakfast of champions: It was quite a show the other day at the Brown Institutes annual breakfast at the Fairmont, hosted by yours truly and featuring the two candidates for governor. Democrat Gavin Newsom and Republican John Cox both delivered serious-minded speeches to the crowd of 1,000 union leaders, lobbyists, developers and elected officials, each of whom contributed $100 to help San Francisco State interns in the institutes fellowship program. Cox ripped into the level of poverty in California and our terrible roads. He even earned brief applause when he questioned the idea of safe injection centers, saying, I dont know if I would want my child going to a safe injection center. Id rather work on them not taking drugs in the first place. Cox did his best to get the San Francisco crowd to warm to him, though he stepped on a banana peel when he referred to Charlotte Shultz as Charlene. Newsom played the optimist, taking off his jacket, rolling up his sleeves and talking up the states economic boom. Note to Gavin: If youre going to play it like Bobby Kennedy, without a jacket, make sure your shirt fits. Free food: Join me and my friend John Konstin on election day at Johns Grill. Im greeting, John is feeding, for free. Come one and all! This year key lime pie is being added to the menu, so at least we voters will get a just dessert after all of the noise weve had to put up with during the campaign. In box: At least 10 pieces of campaign literature have landed in my mailbox every day for the past two weeks. Did I read them all? Of course not. Who has the time? Movie time: A Star is Born. Ive seen two other versions of this movie over the years. For my money, the star of this latest remake, Lady Gaga, has it all over Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland. Bradley Cooper does an equally good job as the alcoholic, drug-addicted rocker whos heading over the hill. Worth seeing. 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. Big Mac: Willie McCovey was one of the most comfortable people I have ever known. He was a barbershop guy, with a Southern accent that got deeper every year. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. At the opening of what was then Pac Bell Park, the Three Willies were invited to share in the ceremony of throwing out the first pitch. As we were headed to the mound, McCovey said, Watch out for Mays. Hes such a showboat that hell make a point of outdoing us, so think of something. Sure enough, Willie Mays opened by firing a strike across the plate. McCovey answered by lobbing a slow, arcing, devil-may-care rainbow to the catcher. Then it was my turn. I bent over and rolled my pitch across the grass. Mays was clearly annoyed. McCovey burst out laughing and said, You did it! Like I said, a barbershop guy. One you hope to sit next to. Want to sound off? Email: wbrown@sfchronicle.com A temporary hotel worker at San Franciscos Marriott Marquis said she was fired after speaking to The Chronicle about her claim of unpaid wages. Maria Calles, a Salinas resident, said she was fired Thursday by Marriott contractor Environmental Service Partners, which hired temporary cleaners to replace striking hotel workers. The Marriott strike has spread to eight U.S. cities and is in its fifth week in San Francisco, with workers demanding higher pay and safer working conditions. The Chronicle reported on Thursday that Calles said she had not been paid for three days of work. California law prohibits employers from firing or retaliating against an employee after he or she made a written or oral complaint that he or she is owed unpaid wages. Calles is the second Marriott Marquis worker this week to say they were fired by Environmental Service Partners, a Hayward firm. Another worker, who gave his name as Carmelo, has filed a federal charge alleging that he was fired on Tuesday after speaking to a union organizer before his shift. Carmelo and Calles have both alleged unpaid wages. Calles said she lined up at 2 a.m. in Salinas on Thursday to board a bus that transports workers to the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco. A supervisor named Veronica told her she could no longer work at the Marriott Marquis, Calles said. Calles spoke to The Chronicle on Tuesday during a lunch break outside the Marriott Marquis. Carmelo said Calles was one of more than a dozen workers who havent been paid on time. When Veronica came to the line and took my name, she told me that I couldnt work anymore. I asked why, and she said because I took my lunch break to speak with reporters, Calles said in Spanish. I told her, How is this possible? This is unjust. I was speaking with my friend Carmelo, and if I knew that I couldnt go out during my lunch break, I wouldnt have she said. Veronica told me she didnt know, those were her orders. They fired me unjustly, and I have the right to speak, she said. Theyre trying to intimidate me. Environmental Service Partners has not responded to The Chronicles inquiries about alleged labor violations since Wednesday. On Friday, a woman who answered the companys phone said she wasnt authorized to speak and said the company would respond later. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes We suggest you contact ESP with any concerns about their pay or employment practices, Marriott said. Separately on Friday, San Franciscos Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on the strike. Around 1,000 hotel workers who are members of Unite Here Local 2 attended the meeting. Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson declined an invitation to speak at the hearing, said Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who said she was insulted by the Marriott officials decision not to show up. While Mr. Sorenson was unable to attend, he did send a thorough response to Supervisor Ronen on the current negotiations in San Francisco. We do not negotiate in the press and therefore will not be commenting on the specifics, the company said. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Susana Guerrero contributed to this report. Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi urged Mayor London Breed on Friday to reject an option to transfer inmates from the citys decaying jail at the Hall of Justice to Alameda County. In a letter to the mayor, Adachi wrote that if inmates are taken from San Franciscos County Jail No. 4 to jails in Alameda County, they would have less access to their families, legal representation, programs, and health care, among other challenges. My staff and I visit clients at County Jail No. 4 on a daily basis, and can see for ourselves how inadequate and potentially dangerous that facility is, Adachi wrote. But, the option of transferring our clients to Alameda County is much worse. Breed has not said whether she supports the idea of transferring inmates out of San Francisco. The Mayors view is that its important that people who are in custody are in safe and sanitary conditions and to achieve that goal we need to consider all options, her spokesman, Jeff Cretan said. Adachi is the latest official to weigh in on the citys growing dilemma on what to do with the more than 300 inmates behind bars in the seismically-unsound and outdated jail on the top floor of 850 Bryant St. The jail has a linear layout with cells on either side of long corridors where inmates eat, sleep, shower and use the toilet. The jail has had problems with pests and broken pipes have caused sewage leaks in some cells. Sheriff Vicki Hennessy proposed transferring inmates to Alameda County as a desperate option to solving the jail troubles, but acknowledged the logistical nightmare and other problems that would come along with such a plan. Three years ago, the Board of Supervisors rejected a plan to build a new facility to house the inmates in County Jail No. 4 and lost an $80 million grant from the state that would have help pay for the project. City leaders instead vowed to lower the jail population by exploring alternatives to incarceration. Short-term jail stays have decreased thanks to programs by the Sheriffs Department, public defenders office, district attorneys office and a landmark bail reform ruling by the state court of appeals. But even as more pretrial inmates have been released in recent years, the jails population has not decreased. Most inmates in San Franciscos jails are awaiting trial for violent crimes or other serious felonies and do not qualify for pretrial release. The jails population has even recently increased to 1,330 people after declining for more than five years. 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. San Francisco must now find a solution to housing the inmates at County Jail No. 4 or keep them put as other city agencies and workers move out of the building next year. Hennessy has also proposed renovating the dorm-style lower-security County Jail No. 6 in San Bruno to avoid having to ship inmates off to the other side of the bay. Shes spoken to architects and is working with contractors on a plan, but city leaders have no plan to finance the project. Some leaders like Adachi and district attorney George Gascon have pointed to mass incarceration as the driving force behind the citys jail troubles and continue to push against any plans for a new facility. We need to stop dealing with poverty and public health problems by throwing people in jail, Adachi wrote in his letter to Breed. Neither building a new jail nor moving people to a substandard jail in another county will solve these problems. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky A California law that sought to stop the Trump administration from selling off federal lands in the state to miners, oil drillers and developers is an unconstitutional intrusion on the governments authority to manage its own property, a judge has ruled. The legislation, SB50 by Sen. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, took effect this year. Environmental groups pressed for it after President Trumps appointees at the Interior Department and Environmental Protection Agency signaled plans to open more federal land to private development. The federal government owns 46 million acres of land in California, including Point Reyes National Seashore and Yosemite National Park. Under SB50, any proposed sale of federal land or mineral rights in California would be referred to the State Lands Commission, which could choose to purchase the land itself, arrange another buyer or approve the sale. But U.S. District Judge William Shubb of Sacramento said the state cannot interfere with the federal governments authority over its own lands. SB50 unconstitutionally directly regulates the federal government with respect to the federal public lands managed by its agencies, Shubb said in a ruling late last week that bars the state from enforcing the law. He said it trespasses on the federal governments ability to convey land to whomever it wants. State lawyers argued that government-owned lands are entitled to greater legal protection than ordinary private property because they have been preserved for the public benefit. But Shubb said the lands quality was linked to their federal status and could not be used to justify state regulation. He also noted that the 1850 federal law that established California as a state specified that its lawmakers shall never interfere with the primary disposal of the public lands within its limits. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who sued the state in April, said the ruling was a firm rejection of Californias assertion that, by legislation, it could dictate how and when the federal government sells federal land. The Trump administration has also sued California over its sanctuary laws, which limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agents. Another federal judge in Sacramento upheld the main provisions of those laws in July but halted enforcement of a law penalizing employers who allow immigration agents into their workplaces. In another suit, also filed in Sacramento, the Trump administration is challenging Californias net neutrality law, which requires internet carriers to treat all content providers equally. The Federal Communications Commission had enacted a nationwide net neutrality rule during President Barack Obamas administration, but it was repealed this year by a newly constituted FCC led by a Trump appointee. The state has put its law on hold while a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., considers a lawsuit by California and other states over the FCCs action. Garrison Frost, California spokesman for the Audubon Society, which supported SB50, said the law hadnt been enforced yet, and he was disappointed but not surprised that Shubb had struck it down. 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. Were experiencing some pretty serious threats to public lands and national monuments, Frost said. We certainly hope that public lands can be considered sacred and well protected in California. There was no immediate comment from the State Lands Commission. California could challenge the ruling in a federal appeals court. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko If you happen to be driving or walking down Third Street in San Franciscos Dogpatch neighborhood this weekend, listening to podcasts and worrying about the state of the country, make sure you look up when you pass 22nd Street. At the corner youll see an unusual blue billboard. Its decorated with an alien spaceship, a diverse group of human faces, and a mysterious suggestion that the 20th century return in peace. The billboard, designed by William Scott of Oaklands Creative Growth Art Center, may startle you out of your feelings of political rage for a moment and thats the point. Its part of one of the largest public art projects in U.S. history: the 50 State Initiative, which includes artist-designed billboards in every state in the union. For Freedoms, the super PAC that sponsored it, has an unusual political mission, bringing creativity to civic participation and direct action. Just in time for the midterms. For Freedoms was founded in 2016 by two artists, Hank Willis Thomas and Eric Gottesman. Thomas, 42, has a special relationship with San Francisco he attended California College of the Arts, which is leading For Freedoms 50 State Initiative in the Bay Area. Last week, he was in town participating in some of the town halls, student talks and art exhibitions that make up For Freedoms daunting slate of national programming. I stopped by CCAs Hubbell Street galleries where theres a For Freedoms-sponsored exhibit of Bay Area artists working along the themes of creative community engagement to talk to him about the political discourse, art versus politics and the Bay Areas art scene. For Freedoms started out as a humorous conversation between two friends, Thomas told me. A friend of his had suggested he run for a U.S. Senate seat in New York. Thomas declined (laughing, as he remembers), but the suggestion gave him an idea. What if artists had their own political super PAC? How might their creativity affect the political discourse? It turned out that artists all over the country were thinking about the same things, which is how For Freedoms grew so fast in such a short amount of time. Local artists have helped to develop the programming in their own communities, and their ideas about what creative civic engagement looks like are as varied as they are. At the Gibbes Art Museum in South Carolina, for example, visitors were encouraged to design lawn signs. Two artists, Jenny Polak and Regin Igloria, are walking from Chicago to Gary, Ind., to draw attention to deportations. We didnt come into any community and tell any of the artists what to think or how to make connections between their practices and the politics of the area, said For Freedoms program manager, Emma Nuzzo. The connections were already there. We just provided a framework, an organizing principle. Thomas said he sees the overarching mission of For Freedoms as being about bringing more nuance into a political discussion thats been overrun by simplistic rhetoric and false advertising. While the politics of most artists can be assumed to lean to the left, the point is not to encourage turnout for a single political party. I spoke to one donor, and she told me she was to the right of Attila the Hun, but she loved what we were doing, Thomas said. The purpose is to challenge the accepted ways of thinking in our political discourse. Its about making space for nuance. The Bay Area has proved to be a particularly enthusiastic partner for Thomas. There have been exhibitions, talks, educational events and programming at local institutions ranging from the Oakland Museum of California to the Whitney Modern Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in Los Gatos. Thomas said that when he went looking for places to host For Freedoms events, the Bay Area was his first port of call. The Bay Area has this incredible history of artists taking their work from the studio to the street, Thomas said. And because CCA has this history of encouraging artistic practices that are engaged with the context of community and politics, they made sense to me as a natural partner. As for CCA, the institution saw helping For Freedoms as an opportunity to connect the Bay Areas art community around the idea of civic participation. We thought, if we cant hit this thing out of the ballpark in the Bay Area, what other part of the United States can? said Jaime Austin, CCAs director of exhibitions and public programming. In his talks with CCA students, Thomas has spoken to them about the importance of continuing their political engagement after the midterms. If youre not ready to think about life after Tuesday, Nov. 6, yet, thats OK. Just know that theres a super PAC of artists roaming the country, reimagining the world of politics. All they want is for you to vote. Caille Millner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cmillner@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@caillemillner President Trump has put on a surreality show in the run-up to the congressional elections, promising a mystery middle-class tax cut with no basis in fact, deploying military personnel against desperate migrants still 900 miles from the United States, and vowing to end constitutionally enshrined birthright citizenship a threat so dubious as to provoke a rare spat with Paul Ryan, the usually pliant House speaker. As misleading as all these maneuvers have been, they accurately depict the government that Americans can effectively ratify or reject on Tuesday. Give Trump credit for letting the voters know what theyre about to vote for or against: deception, division and disdain for the rule of law. Republicans have a formidable advantage in the Senate, where most of the seats up for election are held by Democrats, several in the hostile territory of deep-red states. But Trumps GOP faces inevitable losses in the House, where it holds almost all of the most competitive seats. If Republicans nevertheless cling to a majority by losing fewer than 23 seats in the lower chamber, the president will be emboldened by two more years of limp legislative leadership. Ryan, for instance, was understated even in disagreeing with the president Tuesday. The speaker noted (correctly) that an executive order cannot undo the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to those born in the United States, before hastening to emphasize his concurrence with the White Houses hard line on illegal immigration (a gross understatement of Trumps broadly and aggressively anti-immigrant stance). Underscoring how seldom and unwelcome such expressions of congressional independence are, Trump responded by publicly ridiculing Ryan, who, he said on Twitter, knows nothing about the issue and should be focusing on holding the Majority. If Ryan and the Republicans dont retain that majority, likely making Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaker again, Trump will have more to object to than a politely phrased lesson in constitutional law. Deficit-financed tax cuts, real or imagined, would face scrutiny. Instead of pretending to protect the Affordable Care Act for political advantage, the majority might actually do so. House committees currently preoccupied with undermining Special Counsel Robert Mueller would turn their attention to the administration, which has provided no shortage of occasions for oversight. And impeachment, a virtual impossibility under Republican rule, would become a potential response to Muellers findings. The presidents attempts to prevent all that by fomenting fear and rage among his core supporters have been accompanied by dark illustrations of the worst possible consequences. An avid Trump supporter was charged on Oct. 25 with mailing at least 15 pipe bombs to prominent presidential antagonists. The next day, a man who subscribed to conspiracy theories surrounding the migrant caravan killed 11 worshipers at a Pittsburgh synagogue. After an awkward attempt to play the presidential role of unifying the public following the massacre, Trump reverted to inflaming divisions with renewed vigor. His domination of media coverage and departure from long-honored norms have helped complete the upending of the conventional wisdom that congressional elections are largely local affairs with national implications. The president who called himself a nationalist at a recent rally has nationalized the election. Pretend Im on the ballot, he is telling his fans. That is not the message many Republican House candidates might have chosen: Polls show that a majority of voters disapprove of Trumps performance and generally prefer Democratic candidates for Congress. Thanks to gerrymandering and other structural advantages, however, Republicans could lose the overall vote by a substantial margin and lose seats without losing power. That is, if voters dont deliver a resounding enough defeat of the president and his enablers on Tuesday, Trump could once again win without winning. What would be lost is an invaluable chance to correct the countrys wayward course. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. Hirt shared how they would see them at family gatherings every Thanksgiving and remembered them as full of love. She said she had been angry since the attacks and that was reflected in her prepared remarks, which she strayed from based on the emotion in the service. When Tony Page went to San Francisco City Hall to deliver his mail-in ballot for the midterm elections, he was taking part in the most basic form of political participation. But while he could mostly blend in with other voters in the basement polling center, the 41-year-old Page is different in one respect: Hes been living on the streets for months. I think a lot of people feel like they dont have a voice, Page said. I figure, I need to do the opposite of that. I need to find some hope. Page arrived at the polls with a group of Tenderloin residents who marched from the neighborhoods Boeddeker Park to City Hall to vote. Skywatchers, a performance art group for Tenderloin residents, organized the procession with the nonprofit Glide Foundation to encourage community members to cast their ballots and speak their truth on the issues which affect them most. Its about inspiring people, Page said. It felt good. Page arrived in San Francisco seven months ago after leaving Seattle and an abusive partner. He spent time on the 311 Shelter List before getting a bed at the Dolores Street Community Services shelter in the Mission District, though he still spends his days in the Tenderloin. In August, Page began taking classes at Glides leadership academy, where he heard about the march to City Hall. Before then, he said, he wasnt sure he would be eligible to vote. Glide and Skywatchers joint project reflects a broader effort from advocacy groups to encourage political engagement among the citys homeless population of more than 7,000 often the centerpiece of political debate and propositions but consistently underrepresented among the electorate. Page said most people he knows on the streets dont cast ballots. A lot of people in my community, they dont believe they have a voice, he said. A lot of us fear that ... our votes dont matter. Depressed turnout is pervasive among lower-income groups. An August report from the nonprofit Public Policy Institute of California found that only 46 percent of eligible Californians who made less than $40,000 annually were registered to vote, almost 30 points below those who bring home $80,000 and above. Nationally, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that just over 30 percent of people in families making $30,000 a year or less voted in the 2014 midterm elections. Its not an accident that theyre turning out at lower rates, said Clara Pinsky, a program manager at Skywatchers. The system has sort of beaten them back from showing up so many times. She added, This is a historically disenfranchised community. ... Thats why were trying to do so much. In 1985, California courts removed a major legal barrier keeping homeless people from the polls, ruling that homeless people may register to vote at any location they identify as the place they spend most of their time. Officials may use public parks and street intersections as a substitute for a traditional residence to establish a voters precinct. Still, advocates say, those living on the streets confront a series of hurdles on their path to the polls, starting with their own assumption that they need a roof over their heads to qualify. A lot of people think that because they dont have an address that they cant vote, said Jesse Jackson, an organizer for Tenderloin Votes, a community association that promotes political engagement. We have to convince people that, in fact, there are ways of getting around that. There are also practical obstacles for people who have to travel everywhere with their possessions in tow even to a polling place. Its really hard for someone who has to bring all of their belongings, their whole life, and bring it with them to come vote, Pinsky said. And day-to-day survival tends to be a greater priority than studying ballot measures or figuring out where to vote. Getting them involved in the political process is challenging, said Joe Wilson, executive director of Hospitality House. The shelter hosts a year-round weekly political discussion group for people in the Tenderloin and Mid-Market neighborhoods. When youre struggling to put food on the table ... a roof over your head ... those things have to take priority over everything else, Wilson said. But more insidious, advocates say, is a broader feeling of isolation among homeless people. The feeling of not being a full person ... that conditioning to be like, We dont matter, its hard to overcome, Ben Lintschinger of Glide said during the walk to City Hall. Pushed to the edges of the political process, many in the homeless population have no electoral say on governmental programs that single out their community. This paradox is accentuated this year by Proposition C, the most contested measure on the San Francisco ballot, which would tax large companies to help pay for homeless programs. Public debate over Prop. C has been dominated by a pair of billionaires Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who says businesses have to help solve the citys homelessness problem, and Twitter boss Jack Dorsey, who says the tax is unfairly skewed against financial outfits such as his small-business payments company Square. But Wilson said the people who show up at Tenderloin Votes weekly gatherings are intensely interested in it as well. It comes up a lot. ... People are really excited about it, Wilson said. I think people feel like theres a real possibility that it will pass and theres a real possibility that poor people will have a future in this city. Page hopes this will translate into political participation and votes. With our community, were at a time where we need to stand for something, he said. Our votes do count. Holly Honderich is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: holly.honderich@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hollyhonderich San Francisco Mayor London Breed broke her silence on Californias latest water war Friday, saying she wouldnt support a state river restoration plan that would mean giving up some of the citys pristine Hetch Hetchy water. In addition to her unexpected announcement, Breed vetoed a resolution passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors earlier this week that offered the citys blessing for the little-known, but far-reaching state initiative. The citys now-conflicting positions on the matter, which are unlikely to be resolved before the State Water Board takes up its plan to protect degraded rivers and threatened salmon, underscores the emerging divide at City Hall over how much environmental concerns should interfere with Bay Area water supplies. The Bay-Delta Plan calls for limiting the draws of cities and farms from Californias waterways to prevent what the state sees as an impending collapse of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The estuary is the hub of the states river flows and an ecological hot spot. The State Water Resources Control Board is scheduled to vote on the plan Wednesday. We all want the same outcome for the Bay-Delta a healthy ecosystem that both supports fish and wildlife and provides reliable water delivery, Breed said in a statement. But it is deeply irresponsible for San Francisco to take a position that would jeopardize our water supply. Supervisor Aaron Peskin authored the now-vetoed resolution in support of the Bay-Delta Plan amid worries by environmental groups that the citys Water Department was impeding efforts to revive Californias river system. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission has aligned with Central Valley farm groups and their allies in the Trump administration to create a powerful bloc in opposition to the plan. While state leaders, environmentalists and fishing groups contend that cities and farms need to make sacrifices to save Californias rivers, opponents of the restoration effort say the proposal by the State Water Resources Control Board goes too far. The SFPUC, which relies on the Tuolumne River high in the mountains of Yosemite National Park for most of its water, claims that the Bay-Delta Plan would necessitate water rationing of up to 40 percent during dry spells. Officials also expect higher rates for customers as the agency invests money into developing new water sources, like desalination. The impacts would go beyond the city to the more than two dozen Bay Area communities that buy their water from San Francisco, officials say. On Thursday, SFPUC General Manager Harlan Kelly wrote a letter to the Board of Supervisors, calling the boards resolution counterproductive to efforts by his agency to protect city water in closed-door talks with the state. Breed agreed with Kelly, saying the Public Utilities Commission should not be handicapped by environmental concerns. We must keep every alternative available, including legal options to protect the citys interests in the event that the negotiations fail, she said in her statement. 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. Several supervisors said Friday that they were reconsidering their position on this weeks resolution after hearing from the Public Utilities Commission. Peskin, however, remained convinced that supporting the states restoration effort was the right thing to do. Frankly, vetoing this resolution just makes San Francisco look like its house is not in order and, quite frankly, makes the city look a little goofy, he said. Besides, I think weve already sent our message to the State Water Board. San Franciscos position on the Bay-Delta Plan has been watched closely by those on all sides of the debate, but its likely to play a limited role in the states final decision. While State Water Board officials have said they would like to have city support for their plan and they continue to work behind the scenes to get it, they also have said they intend to take action next week. Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander Authorities searched Saturday for a 33-year-old mother from San Jose who allegedly abducted her two children the day before and appeared to be driving toward Colorado. Officers responded about 5:20 p.m. Friday for a welfare check at Emma Prusch Farm Park, at 647 King Road, said Sgt. Enrique Garcia, a spokesman for San Jose police. The incident began during a supervised visit with Child Protective Services and Diana Moreira, the mother from San Jose, her 1-year-old son, Alexander Penaloza, and her 11-year-old daughter, Priscilla Penaloza, Garcia said. A social worker took Priscilla to the bathroom and when the two returned, Moreira and her son were gone. While the social worker was looking for the two, Priscilla went missing, Garcia said. Both children are believed to be with the suspect, who is possibly heading to Colorado Springs in a gray 2012 Mini Cooper with California license plate 6UWL251, Garcia said. Moreira is wanted on a felony warrant for kidnapping, Garcia said. Moreira, who also goes by the name Diana Moreira-Del Rio, is 5 feet, 4 inches tall, 120 pounds, and has brown hair and eyes. She was wearing a black tank top and black leggings with colored stripes. Her daughter is 4 feet 7 inches tall, 80 pounds, and has light brown and blond hair with pink tips. Priscilla was wearing a green jacket with fur on the hood and black Adidas pants. Her son is about 1 feet and 8 inches tall and 24 pounds. Alexander has black hair, and was wearing a gray puffy coat, blue jeans and black sneakers. The California Highway Patrol has issued an amber alert, Garcia said Saturday. Anyone with information can call 911 or contact Detective Sgt. Carlton Sheppard of the San Jose Police Departments Missing Persons Unit at 408-277-4786. For anonymous tips, call Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani Authorities searched Saturday for a 33-year-old mother from San Jose who allegedly abducted her two children the day before and appeared to be driving toward Colorado. Officers responded about 5:20 p.m. Friday for a welfare check at Emma Prusch Farm Park, at 647 King Road, said Sgt. Enrique Garcia, a spokesman for San Jose police. The incident began during a supervised visit with Child Protective Services and Diana Moreira, the mother from San Jose, her 1-year-old son, Alexander Penaloza, and her 11-year-old daughter, Priscilla Penaloza, Garcia said. A social worker took Priscilla to the bathroom and when the two returned, Moreira and her son were gone. While the social worker was looking for the two, Priscilla went missing, Garcia said. Both children are believed to be with the suspect, who is possibly heading to Colorado Springs in a gray 2012 Mini Cooper with California license plate 6UWL251, Garcia said. Moreira is wanted on a felony warrant for kidnapping, Garcia said. Moreira, who also goes by the name Diana Moreira-Del Rio, is 5 feet, 4 inches tall, 120 pounds, and has brown hair and eyes. She was wearing a black tank top and black leggings with colored stripes. Her daughter is 4 feet 7 inches tall, 80 pounds, and has light brown and blond hair with pink tips. Priscilla was wearing a green jacket with fur on the hood and black Adidas pants. Her son is about 1 feet and 8 inches tall and 24 pounds. Alexander has black hair, and was wearing a gray puffy coat, blue jeans and black sneakers. An amber alert hasnt been issued because the California Highway Patrol said it didnt meet their criteria since the children werent in imminent danger, Garcia said. Anyone with information can call 911 or contact Detective Sgt. Carlton Sheppard of the San Jose Police Departments Missing Persons Unit at 408-277-4786. For anonymous tips, call Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani Ice cream can resist, too. And if there's anyone who understands the confluence between politics and culture including dessert it is Favianna Rodriguez. The Oakland-based artist and activist has a new canvas to display her work: a limited-batch Ben & Jerry's pint, called Pecan Resist (formerly known as New York Super Fudge Chunk). Launched Tuesday, the flavor is Ben & Jerry's nutty, fudgey response to the Trump Administration. "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," the company said in a press release. All of these issues, the release said, are integral to the company's 40-year-long social mission. The promotional campaign for the flavor a chocolate ice cream base with pecans, walnuts, fudge chunks and chocolate-covered almonds highlights four social justice groups, including Color of Change, Honor the Earth, Women's March and Neta. Each organization will receive a $25,000 donation from Ben & Jerry's. Rodriguez, 39, was a natural choice to design the pint and campaign graphics for the Resist-themed flavor. The child of Peruvian immigrants, Rodriguez incorporates political themes ranging from immigration and climate change to gender and economic justice into her vibrant artworks, which are heavily influenced by traditional Latin American printmaking techniques. "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 in a statement. In addition to her art practice, Rodriguez runs Culture Strike, a nonprofit that empowers artists to advocate for immigrant rights, racial justice and fighting climate change. She also travels much of the year, zig-zagging across the country to colleges and foundations to lecture on the importance of incorporating social justice into art. An Oakland native, Rodriguez works out of a West Oakland studio and lives in her parents' former Fruitvale home, which she purchased after a fundraising campaign. "I put out a call and said, 'Hey, I want to buy this house because my parents are selling it,'" Rodriguez told The San Francisco Chronicle in an August profile. "In three days my fans bought like $35,000 worth of my art." The ice cream project seems a natural extension of her multi-disciplinary career "Like any artist, I have to do other things," she told The Chronicle. Designing a Ben & Jerry's pint easily falls into the "other things" category. "My biggest gift as an artist is being able to self-define and create my own story," she said in the interview. You can read the full profile here. Rodriguez traveled to Washington D.C. to unveil the flavor alongside Ben & Jerry's founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. The flavor is available in participating Scoop Shops and online. Ben & Jerry's has long incorporated social justice messages into its ice cream branding. In 2009, the company temporarily renamed its Chubby Hubby flavor to Hubby Hubby to celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage in Vermont. Two years ago, the company launched EmpowerMint to promote voting rights. Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@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. When choosing a job, you might not research the chances of getting killed while at work, but the information is available for those interested in finding out. Every year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles this information across a range of industries and occupations. In 2016 alone, there were 5,160 on-the-job deaths in the U.S., or about 3.6 per 100,000 people in full-time jobs with regular hours. PARKLAND, Fla. Nine months after 17 classmates and teachers were gunned down at their Florida school, Parkland students are facing the moment theyve been anticipating with marches, school walkouts and voter-registration events throughout the country: their first election day. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student activists set their sights on the 4 million U.S. citizens turning 18 this year. Theyre hoping to counteract the voter apathy thats especially prevalent among young people during midterm elections. Many of the activists, now household names like David Hogg, postponed college plans to mobilize young voters. Many of them support gun reform, in the name of their fallen classmates. It is kind of the culmination of everything weve been working for, said senior Jaclyn Corin, one of the founders of the March for Our Lives group. This is truly the moment that young people are going to make the difference in this country. Corin, who voted along with her dad at an early polling site on her 18th birthday, recently visited a half-dozen cities in just a handful of days, getting up at 3 a.m. to board planes. It has been a whirlwind for the students, with celebrity support from Oprah Winfrey to Kim Kardashian, a Time magazine cover, late-night TV spots and book deals but all of it misses their main target unless it motivates young people to cast ballots. At a University of Central Florida event during the final week of election campaigning, Stoneman Douglas graduate and current UCF student Bradley Thornton escorted fellow students to the campus early voting site. UCF student Tiffany McKelton said she wouldnt have voted if the Parkland activists hadnt shown up on campus. I actually did it because of them, said McKelton, a psychology major from West Palm Beach. In the past months theyve boarded countless buses and planes, passed out T shirts, and hosted barbecues and dance parties on college campuses around the U.S. Thornton said talking things through often does the trick. I cant tell you how many conversations Ive had that were like, Ah, Im not interested ... and through just a simple, really nice cordial conversation, they get this magical inspiration to vote, Thornton said. The 30-and-younger crowd is more likely to vote in this years midterms than in the past. Forty percent say theyll vote, compared with just 26 percent in 2014, according to a poll by Institute of Politics at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government. Theyre being pushed, in part, by a strong disapproval of President Trump. Kelli Kennedy and Mike Schneider are Associated Press writers. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. The man who shot two women to death and wounded five other people at a Florida yoga studio before killing himself was a brooding military veteran who railed at women and blacks in a series of videos. The shooting Friday at an upscale shopping plaza jolted the state capital, and police said they were still searching for a motive that led to the deaths of a Florida State University student Maura Binkley, 21, and a well-known local doctor, Nancy Van Vessem, 61, who was a member of the school faculty. Charles Krupa/Associated Press BOSTON A trial alleging racial bias in Harvard Universitys admissions system has presented two starkly different images of the Ivy League school. One side depicts a Harvard that plays racial favorites, lowering the admission bar for certain races and raising it for others, to the detriment of Asian Americans. The other side paints a Harvard that gives a slight edge to some minorities in the pursuit of diversity, but only those who would likely be admitted anyway. The thing that resonates with me then and now as I see the things that are happening across this room is we know better ... but knowing better and doing better are two distinct things ... We have to do better. President Xi Jinping expressed deep sorrow on Friday over the passing of renowned Hong Kong martial arts novelist Louis Cha Leung-yung and extended condolences to his family, according to a release by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. File photo of Louis Cha, better known by his pen name Jin Yong. [Photo provided To China Daily] Cha, better known by his pen name Jin Yong, died on Tuesday at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital at age 94. He was also a journalist and scholar. On Friday night, the office's director, Wang Zhimin, went to Cha's home in Hong Kong and relayed Xi's condolences and tributes from other central government leaders to Cha's wife, Lin Leyi, according to a statement from the office. Joining the tributes were Premier Li Keqiang, Vice-Premier Han Zheng, Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan, Head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Huang Kunming, former premier Zhu Rongji, former premier Wen Jiabao and former chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhang Dejiang. The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council also expressed condolences. A gala concert titled "China meets West" was held Friday evening at the Palais des Nations, the headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, attracting more than 1,000 diplomats, international organization officials and local audience. Musicians from the China National Opera House take a curtain call after the concert "China meets West" in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 2, 2018. A gala concert titled "China meets West" was held Friday evening at the Palais des Nations, the headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, attracting more than 1,000 diplomats, international organization officials and local audience. [Photo/Xinhua] The concert, jointly sponsored by the Permanent Mission of China to the UN in Geneva and the UN headquarters in Geneva, was performed by some 60 artists from the China National Opera House, together with a few local European artists. The nearly 20 music works being performed during the concert include arias from famous operas, Chinese and western piano and violin pieces, and famous folk songs from China, Italy, Russia and some other countries. Yu Jianhua, the Permanent Representative of China to the UN Office at Geneva, said after the concert that Chinese and Western musicians have teamed up to perform Chinese and Western classics, reflecting the openness and tolerance of Chinese culture and the mutual understanding of civilizations of all countries. "This concert also shows the excellent situation of the harmonious development of China's socialist spiritual civilization and material civilization since the reform and opening up, the blending and cultural prosperity of all ethnic groups," he noted. The year 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the China's reform and opening-up. Zhao Yuan, the general art director and conductor of the concert, said that in this concert, such famous Chinese songs like "My Motherland" "On the Field of Hope" were warmly received by the audience, showing that culture is the best messenger, and music is the bridge among hearts from different nations. "I believe this concert will definitely leave an important page in the hearts of many audience," Zhao said. SANTA ROSA (BCN) Four members of the animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere were arraigned this morning on felony and misdemeanor counts in connection with protests at a poultry processing facility in Petaluma in September and a Petaluma egg farm in May. Berkeley area residents Cassandra King, 20, Wayne Hsiung, 37, Priya Sawhney, 29, and Almira Tanner, 31, delayed entering pleas until Oct. 30 to the 12-count complaint filed Tuesday in Sonoma County Superior Court. All four are out of custody. They were among around 60 people who were arrested at a protest Sept. 29 at McCoy's Poultry Services in the 100 block of Jewett Road and booked in the Sonoma County jail for burglary, conspiracy and trespassing. Most posted $2,000 bail and were released when the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office on Oct. 2 said it had not made a decision on filing charges. Hsiung, King, Sawhney amd Tanner are charged with misdemeanor trespassing, unlawful assembly and petty theft, and felony conspiracy second-degree burglary and felony grand theft of domestic fowl. Some of the charges also apply to a protest at Sunrise Farms in the 300 block of Liberty Road in Petaluma on May 29. One activist was charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly attacking a farm employee and a farm owner, a charge the activists deny. They said rather a farm employee attacked one of the activists and added that they have video footage to support their assertion. The activists also said farm owners levied physical and verbal abuse against them, including the use of homophobic slurs. Direct Action Everywhere characterizes the protest and alleged theft of the chickens as a last resort mission to rescue sick and starving birds. After the arraignment today, Hsiung said the demonstrations at the poultry facilities were in the spirit of non-violence, "but the system ignored it." "Animal safety and cruelty are the issues. There's a lot of money behind these farms. Petaluma Poultry is one of the largest in the nation. They have immense political power," Hsiung said. Defense attorney Izaak Schwaiger said this morning his clients did what they did because they thought it was right. In October, Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch said, "If people have concerns about commercial farming practices there are avenues available to voice those concerns short of committing criminal acts." The activists said they are prohibited from being within 100 feet of any Sonoma County farm that the group has investigated. 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) Family and friends of the boys and men fatally shot by San Francisco police transformed the steps of San Francisco City Hall today into a Dia De Los Muertos altar and ceremony. The families gathered for Dia De Los Muertos -- the annual Mexican holiday in which families show honor, love and respect for their dead - and were accompanied by friends and members of the community, including San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen, to remember those killed by police. Many family members and friends spoke of their dead loved ones, their grief and of their hopes that the city would show them greater respect. Others expressed hope that justice would be gained for those killed by police and that the officers who killed their loved ones would be held accountable for their actions. Ronen described "the killing of young men and women of color that happens everyday in this country" as an epidemic. She also called for more to be done to hold San Francisco police officers accountable for their actions, saying that the "accountability mechanism" is not working and that the city is also not adequately supporting families traumatized by police killings. Families, community members and advocates remembered the lives and deaths of some of those who were killed by the San Francisco Police Department, including Idriss Stelley who was killed in 2001; Alex Nieto who was killed in 2014; Amilcar Perez Lopez who was killed in 2015; Luis Gongora Pat who was killed in 2016 and Jesus Adolfo Delgado Duarte who was killed in March of this year. "We need to make sure that after the killing of a person, we do enough to support families," Ronen said. Adriana Camarena, with the group Justice for Luis Gongora Pat, said that services available to victims of violence are typically not made available to families whose loved ones are killed by the San Francisco Police Department. Victor Torres, the brother of 19-year-old Jesus Adolfo Delgado Duarte, who was killed when officers fired nearly 100 rounds at him in March, said his family has still not seen the autopsy report. "We remember those who were killed by the San Francisco Police Department," Torres said, adding that his family has not only been mourning the death of Jesus but that they have also had to endure disrespect from the San Francisco Police Department and the San Francisco medical examiner's office since the shooting occurred. Torres said that since his brother's death he has been traveling to Sacramento to advocate for legislation that aims to bring greater transparency to police departments. He said the recent passage of Senate Bill 1421, which will allow some officer misconduct records to be a matter of public record in certain circumstances, was a huge win. He hopes to use it to get more information and see whether the officers who shot his brother have histories of misconduct. Torres also said his family is working to file a civil complaint against the city and the officers who shot his brother. Mesha Irizarry, the mother of Idriss Stelley who was killed by police in 2001, also attended the Dia De Los Muertos event today. After settling a lawsuit with the city and county of San Francisco and the San Francisco Police Department, Irizarry founded the Idriss Stelley Foundation to provide support to families whose loved ones have been disabled or killed by law enforcement officers. Irizarry described her experience of dealing with police in the city, saying, "First they come for our loved ones...then we are ignored, we are mocked, met with scorn...then they come for our dignity." 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. SANTA CLARA (BCN) A Campbell man died in a solo-vehicle crash into a power pole Thursday morning in Santa Clara, police and the county medical examiner's office said. Francis Carpenito, 45, died and power was knocked out to 2,722 Silicon Valley Power customers as a result of the crash at 10:18 a.m. on San Tomas Expressway just north of El Camino Real. Carpenito was the only person in the vehicle. Power went out in southwestern Santa Clara. Power was restored to about 2,000 customers by 11:42 a.m. and the balance of the customers was expected to have power by Thursday night. Three city facilities were affected by the power outage. Central Park Library at 2635 Homestead Road was without power until 11:50 a.m. The library serves as an early voting center. The Community Recreation Center at 969 Kiely Blvd. was without power briefly. Additionally, late morning swim activities at the International Swim Center at 2625 Patricia Drive were canceled for safety and health reasons but were expected to resume once power was restored. 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) A Lebanese American Oakland City Council candidate said today that his campaign signs have been vandalized with swastikas and other messages. Joseph Tanios, who is one of six candidates running for the District 4 seat being vacated by Annie Campbell-Washington, said in a news release, "Swastikas and other messages of hate have been painted on my campaign signs. It is disgusting." Tanios said he is "saddened and outraged" by the swastikas, particularly in the wake of the recent fatal shooting of 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. "I do not know why I am being targeted," he said. "I have not received any communications explaining why I was targeted." But he said that he wouldn't be stopped by the vandalism. "I will not be held hostage to hate, bigotry and racism. I am proud to be Lebanese American citizen." He said, "We must not allow these faceless, cowardly vandals to degrade the election process and our democratic principles. For each sign they steal, I will put up new signs. I will not bow down to these cowards." Tanios said the swastikas don't represent the values of Oakland or District 4 and praised Oakland for being "one of the most diverse cities in the nation." He said, "This is the city I have chosen to live for 24 years and raise my two daughters. This is the reason I chose to run for council member. I wanted to give back to the city that has given me so much." District 4 includes the Montclair, Piedmont Pines, Dimond and Laurel Heights neighborhoods. Oakland Marriott hotel workers ratified a contract today and will end their strike Saturday, union officials said. Union workers with Unite Here Local 2850 announced the agreement on Twitter at 7 p.m. The workers are employed at the Oakland Marriott City Center at 1001 Broadway. Marriott workers in San Francisco are still on strike. Marriott workers have been striking in other cities too. Union officials said workers are demanding that they get paid enough by Marriott so they don't have to work more than one job. Workers are making other demands too. 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) Prominent elected officials in California and San Francisco held a ribbon-cutting today to celebrate hundreds of new affordable apartments that are ready for tenants in the Bayview neighborhood. House Leader Nancy Pelosi and San Francisco Mayor London Breed were among those celebrating the redevelopment of the Alice Griffith Apartments, a project that's been in the works for a decade. There are now 306 new affordable units at Alice Griffith, and 90 percent of the complex's old residents are moving into the new building, according to a news release from the mayor's office. "As someone who grew up in public housing and can remember the conditions we lived in at the time, I have been committed to seeing this project through to completion," Breed said in a statement. The city of San Francisco received a $30.5 million federal grant for the project in 2011. It was one of five similar projects in the nation that received the grant. Construction was approved in 2014, and ground was broken on the project a little more than a year later. The new building was built near the old apartments so that tenants weren't displaced during construction. "Revitalizing public housing and building new affordable housing are essential to tackling the housing crisis in our city - and to preserving the diverse, vibrant communities that make San Francisco what it is," Pelosi said in a statement. The project isn't quite done - workers are still building 19 homes for Alice Griffith residents who haven't moved out of the old complex yet. And they still have to build 11 affordable homes for new tenants, according to city officials. Some of the units are affordable while others are market rate. "Many residents wondered if the housing would ever happen for us," Fala Satele, president of the Alice Griffith Tenants Association, said in a statement. "We have lived and persevered through challenging and stressful times. And now that it is finally here, many of us are filled with gratitude over our new homes." 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. President Xi Jinping has reassured the country's private sector with pledges of substantial policy support including tax cuts and easier financing to crank up a vital engine of the world's second largest economy. In a headline-making speech at a symposium Thursday, Xi reaffirmed "unswerving" support for the development of private enterprises "toward a broader stage" and said difficulties facing the private sector "will surely be solved through development." A historic symposium The authorities often invite private business owners to such symposiums to listen to concerns, exchange opinions and discuss targeted policies. Still, here it is considered rare due to its high-profile participants and profound implications. The gathering brought together senior officials, leading entrepreneurs and bankers. Above all, it was the first symposium on private businesses presided over by Xi since late 2012 and culminated in a series of Xi's commitment of support for the private sector. It's not hard to explain such special attention: private businesses are vital and in need of help. A look at the statistics would show that the non-public sector accounts for 80 percent of employment, 70 percent of technological innovations, 60 percent of economic output and 50 percent of tax revenue. "The private sector's contributions are undeniable for the country to be able to make miraculous achievements in economic development," Xi said in his speech during the two-hour dialogue. As growth uncertainties have been on the rise, downward pressures have increased and companies have been facing more difficulties. The symposium was held in time to chart the course for greater policy support. "It's an unprecedented meeting with great importance," said Chang Zhaohua, vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, after attending the symposium. "We have been greatly encouraged by his determination to help us solve our problems concerning funding, market access and transformation," Chang told China Business Times. Stance unchanged Addressing entrepreneurs at the meeting, Xi did not shy away from market concerns about China's stance on private businesses, pledging unwavering effort to "encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector." "We hold the meeting today to draw on collective wisdom, enhance confidence, and maintain and reinforce the sound trend of private economy," Xi said. From financing barriers to relatively hefty taxes, a raft of problems that private businesses encounter were discussed and tackled. Shandong Hetong Information Technology, a Jinan-based tech firm, has been plagued by high receivables in deals with big state firms and government agencies, a difficulty cited by Hetong's chairman Geng Zhe but shared by many other small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). "The problem needs high attention, government departments and state firms can not just leave bills unpaid," Xi said. "Local governments defaulting on their payments also can be blacklisted. The central authority supports you in demanding the payment and will help you sue them if they still defer payment." Xi called those issues obstacles in the process of development and growing pains for the country, which will definitely be solved through development. Future brightened A string of measures were unveiled at the symposium to offer private businesses an assured future. Business burdens will be eased, with substantial tax cuts; financing for private firms will no longer be hard and costly; a level playing field will be built and improved; policies will be more effective with solid implementation; the relationship between government and business will be cordial and clean; entrepreneurs' property and safety will be ensured. "We are reassured. As long as there is policy certainty, we can proceed with confidence, work without distractions and get over difficulties," said Liu Jiren, board chairman of Neusoft, a Shenyang-based IT company. Earlier this week the World Bank ranked China as a top-50 economy in the world for ease of doing business, due to a record number of reforms carried out last year. "China has made rapid progress in improving its business climate for domestic SMEs in the past year. The progress signals the value the government places on nurturing entrepreneurship and private enterprises," said Bert Hofman, World Bank country director for China. Liu Yi, chairman of Anhui ActBlue, said: "Engaged in exhaust gas treatment, we are fully confident in the future of the industry and our company. The company will continue to innovate and strive for greater growth amid a national drive to quality development." A fire at an East Oakland homeless camp that's been plagued by a series of problems didn't injure anyone but destroyed 15 to 20 dwellings there, an Oakland fire official said. The fire occurred Friday afternoon. The fire was reported at East 12th Street and 23rd Avenue at 12:28 p.m. Friday and was controlled at 1:13 p.m., according to Oakland fire Capt. Chris Foley. The dwellings that were destroyed included tents and wooden lean-tos, according to Foley. Oakland fire officials and the American Red Cross were working to make shelter arrangements for people who had been displaced by the blaze, Foley said. A second suspicious package addressed to California billionaire Tom Steyer was intercepted Thursday night after one was recovered at a mail facility in Burlingame last week, FBI officials said. FBI officials made the announcement Friday. The packages have been linked to Cesar Sayoc, a Florida man who was arrested on Oct. 26 for allegedly mailing out explosive materials to former President Barack Obama, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the news network CNN and others. The FBI wrote on Twitter late Friday morning that the package intercepted Thursday was "similar in appearance to the others" and was addressed to Steyer, a former hedge fund manager who has spearheaded a campaign calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. The other targets in the attempted mail bombings have also been critical of Trump. Four members of the animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere have been arraigned on felony and misdemeanor counts in connection with protests at a poultry processing facility in Petaluma in September and a Petaluma egg farm in May. The arraignment was held Friday morning. Bay Area residents Cassandra King, 20, Wayne Hsiung, 37, Priya Sawhney, 29, and Almira Tanner, 31, delayed entering pleas until Oct. 30 to the 12-count complaint filed Tuesday in Sonoma County Superior Court. All four are out of custody. They were among around 60 people who were arrested at a protest Sept. 29 at McCoy's Poultry Services in the 100 block of Jewett Road and booked in the Sonoma County jail for burglary, conspiracy and trespassing. San Francisco city leaders held a special hearing at City Hall as a strike by thousands of Marriott workers demanding better pay and working conditions entered its second month. The hearing was Friday. The union representing the Marriott workers on strike in San Francisco, Unite Here Local 2, said over 2,500 workers are on strike in San Francisco and that nationally, nearly 8,000 Marriott hotel workers are on strike in eight different cities. Hundreds of workers marched to City Hall to attend the special hearing called for by San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen. Ronen invited Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson to attend the hearing, but he declined the invitation. A Marriott spokesperson said Sorenson was unable to attend. Oakland Marriott workers ratified an agreement Friday and will end their strike today, according to Unite Here Local 2850, which represents the workers. Vallejo police officers shot and injured a suspect who opened fire on police after a pursuit that ended in Oakland Thursday afternoon, police said. Police provided the details Friday. Capt. John Whitney said officers were investigating "serious criminal threats" when they tried to contact a suspect in Vallejo. The suspect fled, and officers chased the person around 30 miles south to 22nd Street and International Boulevard in Oakland. Police said the suspect then opened fire and officers "returned fire." According to police, the suspect was struck several times and was taken into custody and treated at a hospital. Police didn't say today what condition the suspect is in and didn't identify the person. 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) San Francisco city leaders held a special hearing at City Hall today as a strike by thousands of Marriott workers demanding better pay and working conditions entered its second month. The union representing the Marriott workers on strike in San Francisco, Unite Here Local 2, said over 2,500 workers are on strike in San Francisco and that nationally, nearly 8,000 Marriott hotel workers are on strike in eight different cities. Hundreds of workers marched to City Hall to attend the special hearing called for by San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen. Ronen invited Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson to attend the hearing, but he declined the invitation. A Marriott spokesperson said Sorenson was unable to attend. A Marriott spokesperson wrote via email today that "while we respect our associates' rights to voice their opinions and participate in demonstrations and this work stoppage, we are disappointed that Unite Here has chosen to resort to a strike. We can tell you that we remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair contract for all parties." For Salimah Ubaka, of San Lorenzo, the strike is her first and she says it's been exciting, but it's also depleted her savings. She said she's even missed a car payment for the first time and that her credit has taken a hit as a result. Ubaka, 37, has worked as a housekeeper at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco for six years and says she's worried that Marriott will reduce her hours to part-time, which will cause her to lose the health insurance she gets through her employment there. She said her husband and 15-year-old son are also on her health insurance and could lose their coverage as well if her hours fall below full-time. "We're asking to be a little more comfortable," she said. "It's still going to be a struggle. We want it to be a tiny bit more comfortable of a struggle." Ubaka said she is trying to understand why a company that makes so much money is trying to nickel-and-dime workers. "I guess the more money you get, the more greedy you get," Ubaka said. "When you get to a certain level in life, you just fuel your power." Supervisor Ronen described the strike as the "biggest strike in any industry in a generation" and expressed her support for the workers, whom she described as "heroes." She also expressed her disappointment with Marriott for not sending a representative to the hearing. Anand Singh, president of Unite Here Local 2, told city leaders and Marriott workers attending the special hearing this afternoon that the strike is not just about Marriott, but about how large corporations everywhere treat their workers. "If the Marriott corporation, worth $49 billion, is not going to step up, then what will other companies do?" Singh said. "It has an impact on the entire industry. An impact on all working people and all people in the city." Singh described Marriott as "the largest hotel corporation in the history of the world" and said that as such it is an industry leader with a unique position to set a standard across the industry. He also mentioned that Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson received $13 million in compensation in 2017. For 33-year-old Alvonda Meyers, a single mother of three, who has worked as a housekeeper at the Marriott Marquis for four years, hearing about the multi-million dollar executive compensation and the multi-billion dollar value of the company left her indignant. "How much money do you need?" she wanted to ask Marriott executives. Meyers said these days she's living in a below-market-rate unit and taking it all one day at a time, but back in 2011 she and her eldest son were living in different homeless shelters. Meyer said her new car just got towed because it wasn't registered. She said she couldn't afford to register it and now she can't afford to get it out. "Why are they being so stingy?" Meyer said. "We made them that money." The next negotiation between the union and Marriott is scheduled for Nov. 12. Oakland Marriott workers ratified an agreement today and will end their strike Saturday, according to Unite Here Local 2850, which represents the workers. 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 JOSE (BCN) Police in San Jose this morning said a felony warrant for kidnapping has been issued for the woman suspected in the abduction Friday of her two children. Diana Moreira, 33, could be headed to Colorado Springs in a gray 2012 Mini Cooper, according to the San Jose Police Department. On Friday at 5:22 p.m., officers responded to a welfare check at Emma Prusch Farm Park at 647 S. King Road. Police said Moreira was with her 1-year-old son, 11-year-old daughter and a Child Protective Services social worker for a supervised visit with the children. The social worker took the 11-year-old daughter to the restroom, and when she came out, the mother was gone with the 1-year-old son. While the social worker was looking for the mother and son, the daughter also went missing. Police said they believe both children are with their mother. Moreira is described as Hispanic, 5 feet 4 inches tall, 120 pounds, with a medium build and with brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a black tank top and black leggings with neon stripes. Police have identified the victims as Priscilla and Alexander Penaloza. Priscilla Penaloza is described as Hispanic with light brown/blond with pink tips, 4 feet 7 inches tall and 80 pounds. She was wearing a green jacket with fur on its hood and black Adidas pants. Alexander Penaloza is described as Hispanic with black hair, 201/2 inches tall and about 24 pounds. He was wearing a gray puffy coat, blue jeans and black vans. Moreira is belived to be driving a gray 2012 Mini Cooper with CA license plate 6UWL251 Anyone with information on this parental abduction is asked to call 911 or the police department's robbery unit at (408) 277-4166. 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. The race among China's major express couriers, such as ZTO Express, YTO Express and Yunda Express, is likely to escalate as the annual Double-11 (Nov. 11) online shopping spree approaches. Since its inception in 2009, organizers of the Double-11 shopping festival chose the special day, known as China's Singles' Day, to stage the nationwide shopping extravaganza. After all, one way to help people temporarily forget their singlehood is to let them participate in a frenetic shopping festival by offering them numerous discounts and coupons. Transactions in this event have been growing for eight years straight, with the leading business-to-consumer (B2C) platform Tmall.com netting 168.2 billion yuan (US$24.16 billion) on Nov. 11 last year, up 39 percent year on year. However, while customers indulged in a sea of discounted products and purchased them with a simple click, many were annoyed by delays in deliveries. "The shopping experience at the Double-11 festival is getting better and better. However, last year when a franchise delivery outlet in our neighborhood went bankrupt, our parcels did not reach us. They did not arrive even a month after our order. When we enquired with the delivery company, they said they didn't know where the parcels were," complained Sun Chaoru, a resident from Beijing's Chaoyang District. "This year, since online transactions during the Double-11 shopping festival are likely to reach a new record high, express delivery services, especially tail-end courier services, will be tested," said Sun Kang, deputy director of the China Express Association. To better prepare for the massive size of orders and improve the accuracy of last mile delivery, many express couriers have begun to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as Cloud Video Surveillance and Routing Algorithms to improve the efficiency of deliveries. According to Li Qiang, a technician in charge of warehousing, shipping and distribution at the Cainiao Network, the logistics industry in China has more than 1,000 distribution centers, 180,000 delivery outlets and more than one million video monitoring cameras. Cainiao Network is the logistics unit of Alibaba Group, which was founded by Jack Ma Yun, the renowned Chinese billionaire. Extending their partnership with major express firms in China such as ZTO and YTO, as well as Deppon Express which is headquartered in Shanghai, Cainiao rolled out its Cloud Video Surveillance System on Sept. 26 with its logistics partners. "Previously, we used human labor to find out whether parking lots were available and whether there was traffic congestion. Now video cameras can replace all these manual monitoring efforts, they can recognize things that are going wrong and send signals of abnormal circumstances to the center where people can be dispatched to tackle the problems," said Ding Junzhe, senior supervisor of the Operation and Research and Development Center of Deppon Express. By doing so, according to Ding, internal efficiency has increased by 15 percent. In addition, routing algorithms, which have been increasingly deployed in the logistics industry, have shown encouraging development. "The logistics market in China is the largest in the world," said Hu Haoyuan, a technician in charge of AI warehousing and traffic routing algorithms at Cainiao. "With a huge number of vehicles and personnel involved, a major breakthrough in routing algorithms enables shortcuts in delivery routes and can definitely create more efficiencies," he explained. Meanwhile, delivery services are also growing their business and partnerships in overseas markets. At the end of September, YTO announced a partnership with Zhejiang Sea Port, Ningbo Zhoushan Port and DP World to build the company's third overseas logistics center in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Cainiao has established nearly 50 overseas storehouses, including many in Japan, New Zealand and the United States. It's little wonder then that a resident surnamed Ru from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, was surprised at the speed of the delivery of her parcel from abroad. "It is so amazing and completely beyond my imagination," said Ru, who received her parcel 33 minutes and 15 seconds later after her order was confirmed. According to Sun, every Double-11 festival tests the last mile service of the domestic logistics industry. "It's expected that after being tested this year, express couriers are likely to offer more solutions in last mile delivery services, not just for the Double-11 sales this year or the next, but for an indefinite future to come," the deputy director said. Italian companies are heading to Shanghai for the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) trade fair with high expectations, trade representatives have said. The CIIE, which will run from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10, was first announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in May 2017 in a bid to give firm support to trade liberalization and economic globalization and actively open the Chinese market to the world. "Our expectations are to develop relationships with Chinese importers and distributors, while service companies aim to meet Chinese operators and develop joint projects," Marco Bettin, the director of operations of the Italy-China Foundation and secretary-general of the Italy-China Chamber of Commerce, told Xinhua. Along with the Italian Association of Foreign Trade (AICE), these two bodies are acting upon request from China's Ministry of Commerce as the main intermediary agents for Italian small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) and the CIIE. "There will be hundreds of thousands of Chinese importers from all over China," Bettin added, describing the CIIE as "a huge opportunity" and "an absolutely privileged point of departure" for Italian SMEs. This is important because China's growing middle class is spread across thousands of urban centers: while multinationals concentrate their business in China's 40 largest cities (so-called first- and second-tier cities), the country has over 600 third- and fourth-tier cities and thousands of fifth- and sixth-tier cities, according to the 2018 report on China by CeSIF, a think tank of the Italy-China Foundation. For example, China has more than 140 cities with over one million inhabitants, compared to 17 such cities in the European Union (EU), 15 in Russia, and 9 in the United States. This makes China an ideal destination with "enormous potential of a market that is still to be engaged" for foreign companies, according to the CeSIF report. From a marketing standpoint, in 2005, a company had to be present in 60 Chinese cities to reach 80 percent of the Chinese middle class. This number grew to 160 cities by 2014 and is projected to increase to more than 200 cities by 2020, the report said. "This extends the potential market for consumer goods by an enormous amount," said the CeSIF report. By the same token, this also means that exporters face new challenges "in terms of knowledge of the market, the products they offer, distribution, and competition." According to Bettin, about 18 Italian SMEs from three main sectors including fashion, food and wine, and services will participate in the CIIE, which represents "an extremely important opportunity for them to do market research." "It will be a chance for our SMEs to experience direct contact with China and to identify the market potential there," said Bettin, adding that "if this first edition goes well, we expect to bring many more Italian companies to the next edition, and we hope that the CIIE will become a reference point for our SMEs in years to come." "The Chinese market is essential for Italy's companies, no matter how big or small they are," Bettin said. Based on final 2017 data from China's General Administration of Customs cited by the CeSIF report, Chinese exports to the EU totalled 372.04 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 9.7-percent increase over the previous year, while EU exports to China increased 17.7 percent, reaching 244.87 billion U.S. dollars. In the same year, Italy imported Chinese goods worth 29.17 billion U.S. dollars, increasing 10.5 percent over 2016, and exported goods worth 20.42 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 22.2 percent, a record high since 2014. This was also the best growth rate among all the EU countries and the ninth highest on a global level, outstripping France, Britain, the Netherlands and Germany, according to CeSIF. The CIIE is hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai municipal government, in partnership with the World Trade Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The 12th National Women's Congress (NWC) concluded in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. "The cause of our country's women has made unprecedented historic achievements, which fully demonstrates the gracefulness of 'half the sky' in contemporary times," said Vice Premier Sun Chunlan at the closing ceremony. She urged promotion of implementing fundamental state policies such as the equality of men and women, as well as settling of problems such as employment discrimination in order to facilitate women in devoting themselves to innovation and entrepreneurship. Shen Yueyue, the newly re-elected president of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), presided over and addressed the closing ceremony, calling for strengthening family construction and striving to realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. The city of Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, will hold an international conference focusing on various aspects of giant pandas between Nov. 7 and 11, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding said Friday. Hosted by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and governments of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, the International Conference for the Giant Panda Conservation and Breeding will see high-level governmental officials and representatives from over 10 embassies in China. Experts from foreign giant panda breeding cooperating organizations including the U.S. National Zoological Park and Berlin Zoo, scholars from domestic and overseas universities and institutions and representatives from China's panda reserves and zoos will attend the conference. A wide range of topics including the protection and breeding of pandas, disease prevention and control, panda's internal secretion, panda's return to the wild, the protection of panda's companion animals and ecological environments will be discussed at the conference. Chinese and foreign scholars are also expected to share their academic achievements and exchange ideas in the field of giant pandas. Sichuan has the largest population of giant pandas in China. At the end of 2015, it had 1,387 wild pandas and 364 captive pandas, accounting for 74 percent and 86 percent of the national total, respectively. MINYA, Egypt Hundreds of Egyptian Christians attended a funeral service Saturday after seven people were killed in an ambush by Islamic State militants of buses carrying pilgrims to a remote desert monastery. The service at Prince Tadros church in the central city of Minya was held amid tight security. Minyas top cleric, Anba Makarios, led prayers over a row of six white coffins, all victims from the same family. A separate funeral was held for the seventh victim, a bus driver. Relatives of the victims cried and held each other for support. A list of the victims names released by the church said a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were among the dead. Nineteen were wounded in the attack, according to the church. Aida Shehata, who was shot in her legs, said masked men opened fire on three buses from different directions. Two of the buses were able to speed away and reach the monastery, but the militants stopped the third one and killed the driver and six of the passengers, including her husband and his brother. The driver tried to go to the monastery but they (the militants) were faster, Shehata told a Coptic TV network. An Islamic State affiliate based in the restive northern Sinai Peninsula claimed the attack, calling it revenge for the imprisonment of our chaste sisters, without elaborating. Islamic State has repeatedly attacked Egypts Christians as punishment for their support of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who led the militarys 2013 ouster of an elected but divisive Islamist president. The group has claimed responsibility for a string of deadly attacks on Christians dating back to December 2016. Samy Magdy and Hamza Hendawi are Associated Press writers. DONAJI, Mexico As President Trump ramps up his anti-migrant rhetoric ahead of Tuesdays midterm elections, exhausted Central Americans walking across Mexico in hopes of reaching the United States say they are mostly perplexed and dismayed by his threats, which they perceive as exaggerated. Trump has spent the final days of the campaign hammering the issue as he tries to energize Republican voters, and his favorite target has been the migrant caravan of almost 4,000 people that is still more than 800 miles away from the nearest U.S. border. Smaller groups are following behind it. Trumps recent statements include that he plans to sign an order that could lead to the detention of migrants crossing the southern border, and barring anyone caught crossing illegally from claiming asylum. Both propositions are legally dubious. While some migrants have clashed with Mexican police at a bridge on the Guatemala border, most of those traveling with the caravans have been peaceful and say they are fleeing violence and poverty at home. Marta Cuellos, a 40-year-old from Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital, said she owned a cantina back home but left because she could no longer make rent and was being harassed by police. She persuaded her 35-year-old sister to join her on the trip, and said the only thing they want is work and a better life in the United States. Its her second attempt. She first crossed into the U.S. seven years ago but was deported last year. Selvin Maldonado, a 25-year-old from Copan, Honduras, said he left his wife and baby daughter at home in search of a better living to support his children. He took his 5-year-old son, Dennys, with him. What Trump said is stupid, Maldonado said while walking to the town of Donaji. I dont want to attack police, because my concern is my son. The migrants also were also turned off by the presidents characterization of the slow-moving caravan and the smaller ones after as invasion. Trump has proposed detaining migrants in huge tent cities at the border. We are not killers, said Stephany Lopez, a 21-year-old Salvadoran with the first caravan. We just want to work for a few years, and after that he can deport us if he wants. Lopez noted that the presidents mother, who was born in Scotland, was an immigrant. He should think of us as equals. Immigrants have built that country, she said. Sonia Perez D. is an Associated Press writer. SEOUL North Korea has warned it could revive a state policy aimed at strengthening its nuclear arsenal if the United States does not lift economic sanctions against the country. The statement released by the Foreign Ministry said North Korea could bring back its pyongjin policy of simultaneously advancing its nuclear force and economic development if the United States doesnt change its stance. The North stopped short of threatening to abandon ongoing nuclear negotiations with Washington. Still, it accused Washington of derailing commitments made by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Trump at their June summit in Singapore to work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. It was the first time the North said it could potentially resume weapons tests and other development activities since Kim signaled a new state policy in April. In an interview with Fox News on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he plans to talk this week with his North Korean counterpart, apparently referring to senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol. Pompeo did not provide the location and date for the meeting, which will likely be focused on persuading North Korea to take firmer steps toward denuclearization and setting up a second summit between their leaders. A lot of work remains, but Im confident that we will keep the economic pressure in place until such time as Chairman Kim fulfills the commitment he made to President Trump back in June in Singapore, Pompeo said. The North Korean Foreign Ministry statement, released under the name of the director of the ministrys Institute for American Studies, said the improvement of relations and sanctions is incompatible. The U.S. thinks that its oft-repeated sanctions and pressure leads to denuclearization. We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea, it said. Following a series of provocative nuclear and missile tests last year, Kim shifted to diplomacy when he met with Trump between three summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who lobbied hard to revive nuclear diplomacy. However, the North has been playing hardball since the summits, insisting that sanctions should be lifted before any progress in nuclear talks, which fueled doubts about whether Kim would ever deal away a nuclear program he may see as his strongest guarantee of survival. Kim Tong-Hyung is an Associated Press writer. CAIRO The regional chief of the U.N. childrens agency said Saturday that Yemeni authorities are making it difficult to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid and warned that impeding relief efforts could plunge the country into famine. Geert Cappelaere told the Associated Press in an interview from Yemen that recent U.S. calls for a cease-fire are imperative to ending the nearly four-year war, which pits a Saudi-led coalition against Iran-aligned rebels known as Houthis. He visited the Red Sea port city of Hodeida and the rebel-held capital, Sanaa, over the past two days as clashes and air strikes intensified. He said both the internationally-recognized Yemeni government and Houthi rebels are not enabling us to do our work as fast as we should. Cappelaere said he cant bring the best nutrition experts to the country because of delays in granting visas and aid agencies face bureaucratic impediments that delay the importation of supplies. Most aid agencies operate in Houthi-held areas where they face movement restrictions. The rebels manipulate aid distribution by providing lists of beneficiaries and sometimes divert aid to their supporters. Cappelaeres visit came shortly after the United States called for the cease-fire within 30 days. He said the situation is deteriorating, with millions unable to meet their basic needs. Yemen has been at war since March 2015, when Houthis occupied northern Yemen, forcing the government into exile. Since then, a Saudi-led coalition supporting the government has blockaded the rebel-held north and waged a devastating air campaign. The U.S. has sold billions of dollars worth of arms to Saudi Arabia and provides logistical and other support to the coalition. An end to the conflict is ... a much-needed step but it needs to be complemented with investment and governance of this country that puts the interest of the people at the center and the interest of the children at the core of politics, Cappelaere said. Three-quarters of Yemens 29 million people are food insecure, 1.8 million children suffer from malnutrition and 400,000 children under age 5 are at risk of death from starvation. Maggie Michael is an Associated Press writer. KABUL A U.S. service member was killed and another wounded when an Afghan commando opened fire on them on Saturday in Kabul, Afghan and U.S. officials said. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor was killed in the attack while serving with the states National Guard. It was the second such attack in less than two weeks. On Oct. 22, an Afghan commando opened fire on members of the U.S.-led NATO coalition in the western province of Herat, killing one and wounding two. Initial reports indicate the attacker was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, said Debra Richardson, a NATO spokeswoman in Kabul, the capital. The attacker was immediately killed by other Afghan forces. Richardson said a second U.S. service member, who was not identified, was wounded in the attack and was in stable condition. Insider attacks have long been a problem for forces in Afghanistan. At their peak in 2012, 61 coalition soldiers were killed by such attacks. The latest attack came as the U.S. military has retreated to a more cautious position after a widespread rumor about the killing of the powerful police chief of Kandahar province, which has created mistrust with Afghan allies. On Oct. 18, the chief, Gen. Abdul Raziq, was shot dead by a teenage Taliban infiltrator as he was walking out of a meeting with the top American and NATO commander, Gen. Austin Miller. Standing steps away, Miller survived a second round fired in the direction of the other dignitaries. As detailed in a New York Times report, a guard at the scene, who U.S. officials said they believed could have been a second infiltrator, shouted that the Americans had shot the Afghan general. It led to immediate tensions with Afghan forces that continue to cast a cloud over the relationship. Afghan and American forces clashed as the U.S. convoy was leaving the compound, with U.S. forces shooting one Afghan guard dead. The U.S. military has struggled to contain the disinformation, and senior Afghan officials have tried to quash the rumor. The concern peaked after an Afghan commando opened fire on coalition forces on Oct. 22 in the west of the country after what Afghan officials had said was a verbal clash over the killing of Raziq. Fahim Abed is a New York Times writer. Were highlighting some of the activities Staten Island students are engaged in -- both inside and outside the classroom. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Students from four Staten Island schools planted about 1,000 daffodil bulbs last month. The following school participated: PS 36, Annadale; PS 1, Tottenville; PS 6, Tottenville; and Bernstein Intermediate School (I.S. 7), Huguenot. The students were joined by Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore). The daffodils were distributed through a partnership between Borelli and New Yorkers for Parks -- which runs the Daffodil Project, an initiative created in the aftermath of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as a way to remember those lost. Its mornings like these when I feel proudest to be a New Yorker, said Borelli. Yellow is the color of remembrance, and each year New Yorkers from Tottenville to Throggs Neck are treated to the sight of millions of yellow daffodils thanks to the efforts of the New Yorkers for Parks, which has planted and distributed many millions of bulbs since they started this initiative in 2002. Borelli also thanked Gabriella Cappo of New Yorkers for Parks, and the principals of each participating school. We are so grateful to Councilmember Borelli for this opportunity to further enhance the beauty of our building and create a welcoming environment for our students as they arrive each day, said Dr. Nora de Rosa, principal of I.S. 7. Lynn Kelly, executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, said the students represent the next generation of open space stewards. By working with their fellow students and city leaders theyll learn that simple projects can improve their community in a big way, she added. As part of our education column, In Class, we are highlighting some of the activities Staten Island students are engaged in -- both inside and outside the classroom. Heres a look at some additional recent education-related happenings. MCKEE GETS UPGRADE Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School, St. George, will now have an upgraded and modernized carpentry department thanks to a capital grant from Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-North Shore). The lawmaker announced the $1 million capital grant, which will help provide the latest tools, machinery and workspaces. The grant is part of a program Titone is developing with the school in which students will work with local groups to plan and build items for the community. Career and technical education is an important option for students, said Titone. This grant will help ensure that they have every advantage to start careers in the building trades while at the same time strengthening ties to the neighborhoods they live in. McKee Principal Sharon Henry said Titone provided a new pathway for students to plan, build and design in the state-of-the-art carpentry program. This new funding will help our Seagulls to establish community connections as they seek to fulfill the McKee vision of College, Career, Life', she explained. CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION St. Patricks School celebrated its centennial last month. Five hundred parishioners, alumni, students and teachers attended a mass on Oct. 6 to celebrate the schools 100 years. The mass was celebrated by Bishop John OHara, pastor Msgr. Jeff Conway, former pastor Msgr. John McCarthy and the Rev. Victor Arenas. Following the mass, about 175 people attended a dinner at the Grand Plaza in Great Kills to honor the Sisters of St. Dorothy, which staffed the school from 1919 until July 2018. St. Patricks opened as a school in September 1919. The current St. Patricks School was built in 1959. An addition to the school was built in 1967. In 1989, a cafeteria, a new gym, auditorium, office space and additional classrooms were added. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is making another round of changes to the new Staten Island Express Bus Network based on commuter and bus operator feedback. On Friday, Borough President James Oddo and MTA New York City Transit President Andy Byford announced plans to restore some stops that were eliminated during the network redesign, add new routes, and tweak existing routes to match ridership demand. The changes are slated for November and January. "As C.S. Lewis once said, You cant go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. The end we want is an express bus system that is as efficient and reliable as possible and better than the one we had, Oddo said. The announcement followed a meeting between Oddo, Byford, Amalgamated Transit Unit Local 726, NYC Transit Officials and commuters. Byford said the changes are the latest in a long line of improvements -- iterative upgrades to the Staten Island express bus redesign that first launched in August. A major round of changes were implemented in October, including eliminating two lines and adding a new route, the SIM9. And just this week, the MTA announced the SIM23 and SIM24, operated by Academy Bus, will have a slight schedule modification and no longer use 42nd Street, with drop-off and pick-up moved back to 34th Street. CHANGES COMING IN NOVEMBER Beginning Nov. 5, seven bus stops will restore service that had been removed during the recent redesign: Spring Street/Greenwich Street (in Manhattan) Houston Street/Washington Street ( in Manhattan) Richmond Road/Edgar Place Richmond Avenue/Eton Place Arthur Kill Road/Corbin Street Forest Avenue/Hart Boulevard Hylan Boulevard/Bayview Avenue Oddo said in October that several old express bus stops would be restored but the MTA was unable to provide a timeline. The stops were initially removed to speed service but are being restored due to walking environment factors, street pavement and distances, and customer feedback, the MTA said in a statement. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is working with the MTA to restore an eighth stop at Richmond and Rockland Avenues. CHANGES COMING IN JANUARY The MTA plans to add one new peak-period and one new off-peak route to the network, plus make trip additions, route extensions, and other adjustments to meet ridership demand. The changes will take place mid-January and will include: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - - The 123rd precinct responded to a report of shots fired at 123 Barry St. in Rossville today at around 3 p.m. Results of the investigation are pending. According to the NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Public Information, the victim described the male perpetrator as being 6 feet tall, wearing blue jeans and a blue shirt. The victim said he fired two shots into the air, police said. The NYPD has not confirmed the incident and further information has not yet been released. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Judges arent often praised by criminal defendants. But on Friday, a Clifton man who had just been arraigned on grand-larceny charges had nothing but kind words for state Supreme Court Justice Stephen J. Rooney. Youre doing a great job, James Christian told the judge at the end of the proceeding. And Christian, 47, stood by his assessment even after several audience members chuckled in the courtroom. Why are you laughing? the defendant turned and asked as court officers escorted him to a side door toward a holding cell. Hes doing a great job. Christian was encouraged because the judge had listened when he insisted he didnt need to be examined by a psychologist and when he also complained about his housing while in custody. Im not 730 at all, Christian said, referring to the psychiatric exam courts can order defendants to undergo to determine their fitness to stand trial. I have a drug problem, Your Honor, said Christian. I told the officers that when they arrested me. Theres nothing wrong with me. Im not here to play games. No request was made on the record for a psychiatric exam, although Christian apparently was under the impression his lawyer might ask for one. The grand larceny charge stems from a Sept. 21 incident when Christian is accused of stealing tools valued at more than $1,500 from The Home Depot on Targee Street in Concord. According to a criminal complaint, the defendant entered the store around 10 a.m. and left without paying for the items. Christian was arrested just over two weeks later on Oct. 8 based on an investigation, which included a review of surveillance photo and still-photo images, said the complaint. Thats me. I did it to make money for crack, the complaint quotes Christian as telling cops. I was doing this for drugs crack and Ecstasy and cocaine. Besides fourth-degree grand larceny, the defendant is charged with fourth-degree stolen-property possession. Christian, who lives on the 200 block of Park Hill Avenue, pleaded not guilty to the felony charges. Rooney adjourned the case to Thursday. Attorney Maquita Moody stood in for Christians lawyer, Gregory C. Clarke, at the proceeding. Assistant District Attorney Arda Ozdinc is prosecuting the case. Kathmandu Airport Guide Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Kathmandu Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, youll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between. Kudos go to the night shift security guys who brought us the one and only rug from first class check-in and a blue tarp to cover the dust because they couldnt believe two women were willing to sleep on the floor at the airport in the middle of the night. a traveller KTM Airport Overview To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Kathmandu Airport (code: KTM). What to Expect Dont expect much from the two chaotic terminals at Kathmandu Airport. Travellers have reported slow, repetitive security queues, airport staff seeking handouts or bribes, and dirty bathrooms (bring tissues and hand sanitizer). Facilities are very basic, with a snack bar, restaurant, and a duty-free shop, though recent reviews warn against eating here. WiFi is supposedly free on the airside, but it can be tricky to access. For added comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for location and access information. Where to Sleep Sleeping overnight here is not permitted as the airport closes from 12:30AM until 6:30AM. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips. Covid-19 Update Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, all services and times listed below are subject to change. Some services and facilities may remain closed or operate with reduced hours. Airport tips and suggestions in this guide and elsewhere on the site were written before March 2020 and may no longer be valid. If you are planning to sleep in the public area of the terminal overnight, have a back-up plan! Weve heard from a few travellers at other airports and they were not permitted to stay overnight. Were not sure if that will apply to this airport, until a reader lets us know the current situation. We will start updating all of our guides in October 2021. To help us with this massive update, you can add or update information or write a review and submit photos and airport tips. For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Kathmandu Airport Guide. In this guide we may refer to locations as landside and airside. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europes Schengen Area, click here. Airport Hotels If sleeping in Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport does not appeal to you, there are several hotels near the airport. Summit Residency Check Rates Hotel Marinha Check Rates OYO 161 Ram Janaki Hotel Check Rates Weve only listed the hotels that have Tripadvisor reviews at the time of this update. To see more options in the $14-30/night range here is a list of hotels near Kathmandu Airport. It can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity. Airport Lounges Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket! Passes Executive Lounge Location: International Terminal, Landside, 2nd Floor. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass Lounge membership program. Airline Lounges If you are a First or Business Class traveller you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airlines website. Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge Location: International Terminal, Landside. Airport WiFi/Internet Free WiFi is available at Kathmandu Airport in the International Terminal. Connect to the Free_TIA_WorldLink_WIFI or TIA-Wifi-Departure networks. More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport ATMs / Cash Machines Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your banks fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: unknown. Currency Exchange Two currency exchange counters are available in the Arrivals lounge, and one full-service banking branch is available in the Departures lounge. Duty Free & Shopping One duty free shop in the International Terminal. At the time of this update, it is not known if there are any other shops available. Family Services Nursing rooms are available should you wish to breastfeed in privacy. Location: Airside (Departures) and Landside (Arrivals). Food & Drinks A snack shop is available on the ground floor and a restaurant is available on the first floor. Hours: unknown. Information Desk An Information Desk can be found Landside, near the Check-in Counter. Hours: unknown. A tourist information booth is also available on the ground level (English available). Luggage Storage & Lockers Not available. Luggage Trolleys Need a hand with your luggage? Luggage trolleys are available free of charge and can be found on the upper and lower levels before check-in and also in the baggage claim area. Luggage Wrapping Protect your bags by getting them covered in plastic wrap. Location: In front of Check-in Counter A. Medical Services Two medical clinics are available Kathmandu Medical College and Norvic. Location and hours: unknown. Mobile Charging Charging hubs are provided Landside and Airside. Each box charges up to 4 devices at once. Parking There are parking spots available in front of both the International and Domestic Terminal buildings. Post Office Location: International Terminal, Landside, Ground Floor. Rest Zones There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide. Showers Not available. Airport Hours The airport is closed from 12:30AM 6:30AM. Airlines Kathmandu airport is served by the following airlines: Air Arabia Air China Air India Bhutan Airlines Biman Bangladesh Airlines Buddha Air Cathay Dragon China Eastern Airlines China Southern Airlines Druk Air Etihad Airways flydubai Himalaya Airlines IndiGo Korean Air Malaysia Airlines Malindo Air Nepal Airlines Oman Air Qatar Airways Regent Airways SalamAir Saurya Airlines Shree Airlines Sichuan Airlines SilkAir Simrik Airlines Sita Air Summit Air Tara Air Thai Airways Thai Lion Air Tibet Airlines Turkish Airlines Yeti Airlines. Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport Buses If youre travelling light and on a really tight budget, you can take one of the local buses that stop at the airports front gate. Buses run infrequently and are often very crowded, so this should be your last option. Hotel Shuttles Some local hotels offer shuttle service to and from the airport. Contact your hotel of choice for availability and details. See Airport Hotels above. Taxis Prepaid taxis are available in the Arrivals Hall. Stop at the taxi booth to pay for your ride. You will receive a ticket to give to your driver before boarding the taxi. Outside of the terminal, more taxis are available, these cars have not meters so you will need to negotiate a fare with the driver before starting your journey. This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, are subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers and their web sites. We are not representatives of any of the above mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review. 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! "And in the end, all we have are the hours and the days, the minutes and the way we bear them" This is just one of the few scrappy lines that remained untouched in the second novel of acclaimed, best-selling author Inga Karlson. Most of the pages had been scorched in a warehouse fire when she'd reportedly died in New York in the 1930s, with the cause of the blaze still undetermined. Now nearly five decades later, Brisbane bookseller Caddie Walker she's 28, coincidentally the same age as Karlson upon death is at an exhibition to see these famous fragments of the charred book when she meets Rachel, an elderly woman who seems to know more about Karlson than all the legions of fans or historians who've pored over her life and her Pulitzer-winning work. Toni Jordan's fifth book is a literary thriller. Credit:James Penlidis To Caddie's astonishment Rachel offhandedly quotes the rest of that portentous sentence it's long been believed that only Karlson and her publisher (who also perished in the fire) knew the contents of The Days, The Minutes. This intriguing stranger becomes a pebble in Caddie's shoe as she becomes obsessed with finding Rachel and solving the mystery of her connection with the lost masterpiece. Toni Jordan's fifth book is a literary thriller that alternates between Caddie in Brisbane in the mid-1980s, and Rachel in Pennsylvania in 1928, and later, New York. There are plot twist aplenty and a killer ending. Within its meta-fictional framework of a novel about a novel, Jordan has great fun throwing together academics, booksellers and typesetters as Caddie tries to resurrect a cold case befuddled with conspiracy theories ("It's a book for booky people," she says). Consumers are circumventing Australian regulations to buy cheap melatonin from overseas where it can be obtained without a prescription. The high price and hassle of getting the sleep drug in Australia are driving many consumers to buy it from international websites that sell directly to Australian consumers without the oversight of the Therapeutic Goods Association, or from pharmacies on trips abroad to countries such as the United States where its sold over the counter. Melatonin is a synthetic version of the natural hormone that regulates sleepiness and in Australia its only sold with a prescription. Fairfax Media revealed last week there was a growing trend to use it for children. Many families Fairfax Media spoke to had melatonin prescribed for a child but turned to overseas suppliers because they couldn't afford the high price of buying it from a compounding pharmacy. Health experts warn there could be safety concerns with buying melatonin from overseas. Previous tests found significant quality and purity issues in 31 melatonin products sold over the counter in Canada. We have two children aged in their early 20s. We recognise that it will be hard for the kids to buy a home without some financial assistance. Were not in a position to give them each a large deposit but wondered if the following is a good strategy? We would give them small amounts of money each year, about $5000, with instructions that they must deposit this amount in their superannuation fund. Were aware of the First Home Super Saver Scheme and assume they would be able to withdraw the amounts we gift them to provide part of the deposit for a home. We can then be assured they wont be tempted to spend the gift on travel or other non-home related purchases! Is this a good strategy? The children earn about $40,000 a year and save none. S.O. The First Home Super Saver Scheme is complex with marginal tax benefits. Credit:Michele Ferguson For other readers, the First Home Super Saver Scheme or FHSS started in July 2018. It allows you to apply to the Tax Office for your super fund to release up to $15,000 of your voluntary contributions from any one financial year, up to a total of $30,000 contributions across all years. The withdrawal can consist of (i) your non-concessional (undeducted) contributions plus (ii) 85 per cent of your voluntary concessional (deductible) contributions, since these would have paid 15 per cent tax on entry, plus (iii) earnings on that money based on the 90-day bank bill rate plus three per cent, currently totaling around five per cent. We are warned by the Tax Office, don't sign your contract to purchase or construct your home until after the Tax Office has released the money or you may be liable to pay FHSS tax. It takes about a month for you to receive your money. Danielle Tattam's four-year-old daughter Charli-Rose has been going to preschool for the past two years and the little girl has enjoyed every minute of it. "She goes to Wiradjuri, at the University of Canberra, and she's been going there since she's been two," Ms Tattam said. Danielle Tattam and her 4 year old daughter Charli-Rose. Credit:Jamila Toderas "She's been to a few different childcare centres, and she loves it at Wiradjuri." While Ms Tattam attends classes and lectures at the university, Charli-Rose is taking part in classes of her own at the preschool on campus, and the single mother said it's given her daughter a head start before she starts school in 2020. The ACT State Emergency Service has responded to about 150 calls for help since 4pm on Friday, following a thunderstorm and winds so fierce part of the roof was ripped off an aircraft hangar. Seven ACT crews, assisted by five from NSW, worked through the majority of the calls overnight. A large hole is seen in the roof of RAAF 34 Squadron VIP hangar at Fairbairn after Friday afternoon's storm. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong The calls came mostly from the Tuggeranong region and generally involved fallen trees and branches, an Emergency Services Agency media release said on Saturday morning. ACT Fire and Rescue and Transport Canberra and City Services also helped to clear fallen trees and branches from roads. NSW homicide detectives will travel to Rio de Janeiro today to assist their Brazilian counterparts in mounting a prosecution case against the man accused of murdering Brazilian national Cecilia Haddad earlier this year. It will be the first time detectives from the NSW homicide squad have travelled to Brazil for the investigation into the mining executive's death, just over six months after Mario Marcelo Santoro allegedly strangled Ms Haddad, before dumping her body in the Lane Cove river. It will also be the first time Brazilian investigators have had access to evidence from the murder investigation in Sydney. On Sunday a police source confirmed the two investigators would be gathering "a few more statements" from Ms Haddad's family members in Brazil, before taking Brazilian police through their brief of evidence. Eryn Jean Norvill wasnt in court on Thursday, to hear the argument about her breast. Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush is suing The Daily Telegraph over stories claiming he behaved inappropriately towards a cast member while acting in King Lear at the Sydney Theatre Company in 2015-16. Eryn Jean Norvill and lawyer Leon Zwier arrive at the Federal Court on Friday. Credit:AAP Norvill did not speak to the Telegraph for its stories, but she was later named as the cast member. All Norvill did was tell company manager Annelies Crowe what she says happened to her, over a drink at an Annandale pub. She didnt want it relayed to Rush, but eventually it was, via the front page of a tabloid. The young actresss version is so heavily disputed that its easy to forget that it is a newspaper being sued, not Norvill, and it is a piece of journalism that is under attack, not her. A warning has been issued for locations across the Sutherland Shire after a child was diagnosed with the highly infectious virus measles. Westfield Miranda, Sylvania Heights Community Club and, Sutherland Hospital Emergency Department and Sydney Children's Hospital Emergency Department are those identified by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District as locations attended by the child while infectious. Dr Vicky Sheppeard warns that measles can affect children and adults alike. In an alert released on Saturday, the district's Public Health Unit warned people who have recently been at any of the locations to watch for any measles symptoms and consult their GP immediately if any are found. "Symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body," said Dr Catherine Bateman-Steel, Acting Director Public Health, South Eastern Local Health District. NSW police and crime agencies are preparing to use a new national facial recognition system to rapidly match pictures of people captured on CCTV with their drivers licence photo, to detect criminals and identity theft. Under new laws the federal and state governments will be able to access data and photos from passports, driver licences, and visas for a national facial recognition system called the National Facial Biometric Matching Capability The Department of Home Affairs has been compiling the database for what is known as The Capability". Unlike the controversial My Health Record, people cant opt out of their details being included in the system. A road in Xiangyang, China equipped with facial recognition technology, displays photos of jaywalkers alongside their name and identification number. Credit:New York Times The NSW Government has allocated $52.6 million over four years to support The Capability. The NSW Minister for Counter-Terrorism David Elliott said it would enable authorities to quickly identify a person of interest to help keep the community safe." The industrial arts block of a high school in northern Wollongong has been destroyed after it was engulfed by a suspicious fire early on Saturday morning. Emergency services arrived at Corrimal High School around 5am on Saturday to find the school well alight with flames that could be seen from suburbs away. The blaze which engulfed a building at Corrimal High School early on Saturday. Credit:Ryan Park It is understood eight fire trucks responded to the inferno and had it under control within 20 minutes of arriving. A roof has collapsed and six classrooms containing computers, metal work and wood work were destroyed in the blaze, which firefighters are still working to extinguish. An Annerley man has been charged with murder after a man was killed when a fight broke out in Brisbane's south. The Meadowbrook man was fatally stabbed in his neck while getting out of a car after arguing with the neighbour during a ride home from a party. It's understood the men had been at a fundraising event before going to a party in Slacks Creek, where a brawl reportedly broke out. Police said the quarrel between the two men happened just before 2am in Loganlea on Sunday. Its serious business making people laugh, and Tim Ferguson should know hes been doing it for decades, both as a solo comedian and as part of the musical comedy outfit the Doug Anthony Allstars. He lectures in narrative comedy and screenwriting overseas, has directed and written movies and sitcoms, not to mention a book on writing comedy, all on top of his own successful stage career. Tim Ferguson is bound for Perth to teach us how to write comedy. Credit:Mark Rogers So with such a wealth of experience behind him, who better to teach West Australian comics how to draw a guffaw out of a crowd? Ferguson is touring Australia in November and December to host a two-day masterclass on how to write comedy, and as he explains to Fairfax Media, theres more to it than just writing jokes. Police will spend the weekend clearing an industrial property in Bayswater before forensic officers move in to search for signs of missing WA mother Rebecca Delalande, who has not been seen in almost two decades. For 17 years, Ms Delalandes family thought she had taken off to the eastern states, having fallen in with the wrong crowd. Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Stephen speaks to media on Saturday. Inset: Rebecca Delalande. Her mother, Doreena Kunoth, told reporters on Wednesday she assumed Ms Delalande had gotten mixed up with some bad people, leaving an adoptive family to care for her young son. Police only this week appealed for information on her disappearance, which was discovered while detectives were investigating an unrelated case in late 2017 in which she could have been a witness. That is a massive existential challenge ... [akin to] a comet heading to the earth. He said some modelling showed a worst-case scenario a small but real risk of the Earth losing the capacity to regulate its own temperature through biological processes, resulting in temperatures soaring to even 250 degrees Celsius and an atmosphere of mostly carbon dioxide, a planet unable to support human life. A polar bear climbs out of the water in the Franklin Strait in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The Arctic is suffering dramatic loss of sea ice. Credit:AP The world had now breached the threshold of 410 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The last time the world was at 350ppm was in 1988. The goal now had to be 280ppm. The world needed to reduce its emissions 150 per cent, and 2050 was a target too far away. It would only get people worrying about it in 2049, he said. By 2020 we have to reach the peak of emissions ... that is a massive challenge. It has to start today or yesterday. Professor Droege said this was achievable, but only with 100 per cent renewable energy in the system all over the world. This was both possible and economically sensible, but policy support was coming in unpredictable global waves. At the moment there was a slowing of support, and no country had reached the Paris accord targets (in fact, a recent report from a German based researcher showed that if the WA government approves gas fracking and all WAs potential unconventional gas reserves were fracked, this would blow Australias entire carbon budget under the Paris Agreement three times over). This problem is only solvable in a democratic way, by voting, Professor Droege said. What we need is to unleash the innovation drive at all levels. Professor Droege described places all over Europe that had managed radical change, upgrading existing urban areas on large scales. The city of Berlin was 100 per cent renewable. In Spain a whole bioregion had transitioned to 100 per cent wind-farm power in just 10 years. Frankfurt and Munich ran city-wide renewable neighbourhood programs. Paris and New York City were developing similar programs. Freiburg, Germany, ran a cooperatively-managed social housing project with its own shared electric car fleet. A technician monitors the eastern German electricity transmission grid in Berlin. Germany has declared the ambitious goal of 80 per cent renewable energy by 2050. Credit:Sean Gallup The USAs Rocky Mountain Institute had proposed a business model for making entire districts renewable through new technologies and efficiency improvements. And the Kalkbreite co-op in Zurich, built from prefabricated panels, created a cooperative communal living space, with commercial and shared public spaces, in one district sitting atop a tram depot. A seven-year exercise in Hamburg, Europes largest river island, had seen the area transformed with solar houses, a building cladded in algae that could be used for bioenergy, a power plant generating biogas from grass clippings and human waste, and an old Nazi bunker repurposed as a storage tank for solar hot water that supplied a whole neighbourhood The planners GIS modelling indicated it would be 100 per cent renewable energy powered, with zero carbon emissions, by 2030. Crucially, all projects were commissioned through a competitive process and builder partnerships. It is the business model makes these projects possible ... the certainty of return, PRofeesor Droege said. Business models need to be propagated. This needs to be the standard for new development. Energy is everywhere; the opportunity is to look at the city as an energy landscape. The future is somewhere else. But despite ambitious plans to increase renewables overall, Germany's energy sources remained only 30 per cent renewable. There was still 40 per cent coal in the mix, as well as nuclear power. Germany had begun a conversation now to discuss the future of a coal power plant near Berlin (a similar scale as WAs Collie stations), holding consultations to form a vision for when the 45-year-old mine reached the end of its life. Rather than a Where will the coal come from them, you bastards? there were members of the coal community, the locals, the environment groups, all thinking ahead to how the landscape might one day look, how it could become a carbon sequestering opportunity, he said. Professor Droege said Australian cooperative research had significance beyond pure research. Renewable technology had advanced exponentially and was on the cusp of global realisation but incumbent industries and interests were holding it back. Were creating a world of incubators to bring technologies to markets. But we need more than markets, we need governments to step aside and open the floodgates to innovation, he said. A cultural transformation can only come from the bottom up but leaders need to recognise the groundswell. Refugee doctors have called on federal election candidate Brian Owler to place medical ethics above Labor party politics and take a stand to get all asylum seekers off Nauru, as the former AMA president prepares to battle for the seat of Bennelong. Dr Barri Phatarfod, the founder of Doctors For Refugees, called on Professor Owler to place the Hippocratic Oath sworn by all medical practitioners, and enshrining the principle of doing no harm ahead of political considerations. "We'd like to see him adhere to the principles he promoted while AMA president, and not be cowed down by the Labor political machine," she said. Labor candidate for Bennelong, Brian Owler, is under pressure on asylum seekers. Credit:Paul Braven Professor Owler, who was parachuted into the race over the preselected candidate last Tuesday, was a vocal advocate for asylum seekers during his time running the peak medical body. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is desperately trying to take the heat out of the issue of overcrowding in Sydney by calling for a cut in overseas migration. She would do better to focus on areas where she has some control. Ms Berejiklian has announced a review led by former Canberra mandarin Peter Shergold to develop a population policy for the state. But the problem is that migration is a Federal issue over which Ms Berejiklian has no say. As John Howard used to say, the Federal government decides who comes to Australia and the circumstances in which they come. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has promoted an infrastructure boom in NSW. Credit:Peter Rae The Shergold review may well do good work, but at best its function will be to provide ammunition to Ms Berejiklian as she lobbies the Federal government to change its policies. Ms Berejiklian wants a council of Australian governments meeting to discuss the issue but she faces a very tight timetable with a Federal election due by May and her own job on the line at the state election in March. Overheard on the Hill Its said that one shouldnt feed the trolls, but here we are again laying out a banquet feast twice in one week. On Wednesday, WAtoday reported on the anonymous Twitter troll 'WA Politics Tip Line', who is targeting politicians and their staff by airing the unsubstantiated speculation that usually stays where it belongs, on the Parliament House rumour mill. Swan Hills MP Jess Shaw's name keeps coming up when it comes to possible ministerial replacements. She is pictured here with Premier Mark McGowan. But one pair of tweets caught our eye and has been the subject of more phone calls to this desk than any other this week. I dont think he told her during the show because she left in a hurry but no more that that." The Ukrainian model had strutted the catwalk twice in Kathy Heyndels designs that night. She was changing into her third outfit of the evening, marking the opening of Greek Fashion Week at the CityLink Mall rooftop on Wednesday night, when her close friend and make up artist Prokopis Macrylakis rushed backstage. Athens: Viktoria Karyda was among friends and fans when her Australian husband was gunned down outside their posh multi-level villa south of Athens. Neighbours on Toias street would recall the only sound they heard that night to suggest something was amiss was not the sound of the six bullets unloaded on John Macris, but the sound of his wife and reality television star screaming as she arrived home, her husband dead on the street across from their plush villa. John Macris and Victoria Karyda on their wedding day in Mykonos. The next camera flashes the one-time Playboy model would see were those of the news media, as the reality that her husband was not only dead but his killing may have exposed a double, criminal, life crashed through. They were in love, as a family there were very, very close and very in love, recalls Togas, who designed Karydas wedding dress for her 2016 marriage to Macris on the party island of Mykonos. It was there Togas met John Macris. They met a second time in the street in Athens a few years later. Togas said he knew nothing of Macris's crimimal past: "He was very kind, he was very generous." Even if her husband had any sort of other job I dont believe she knew anything because she lived in her own world, she was in a cloud, that's what I believe because when you're in love you see everything in another way - in a beautiful way, I don't believe she knows anything." Blood stains on the road show how close to home John Macris was when he was shot by a gunman. Credit:Latika Bourke Sources said the 46-year old was shot numerous times after getting into his dark smart car parked outside his well-secured home on Troijas in Voula, a seaside suburb south of Athens. And police in Greece are planning to formally request the full details of Macris criminal record from Australian authorities through Interpol, although authorities are examining whether the Australians murder was part of a wider spate of hits being carried out by warring members of the Greek mafia. Athens: CCTV footage has revealed the chilling nature of the brutal execution of Sydney gangland identity John Macris in Athens. Footage taken from Macris surveillance cameras showed the gunman shot Macris through the right-hand passenger side window. As Macris struggled to escape from the car, the killer circled round the back of the car and shot Macris again when he reached the drivers side door. John Macris and his wife Victoria Karyda on their wedding day in Mykonos. Macris died at the scene, he was shot four times: in the belly, chest and shoulder blade. Police retrieved six bullet casings shot from a 9mm gun. As in Australia, guns are illegal in Greece. Drops of Macris' blood were seen on the footpath outside his home, where inside his mother was minding his two children - a young boy and girl. The murderer, still on the run, arrived at the scene on foot, wearing a baseball cap low across his face. He was about 1.7 metres tall. Police have seized footage from cameras installed outside not just Macris home but also those of his neighbours, in the quiet hillside residential street. Macris had been on his way to a reception marking the official opening of his new company 24/7 Security Services, an expansion of his My Services business which was less than three-months-old. While career officials in the federal government have continued to investigate wrongdoing at companies large and small, some of the top political appointees under Trump have led a philosophical shift in governing that favors big business and prioritizes the interests of individual investors. Many Republicans in regulatory and law enforcement roles have resisted corporate penalties, suggesting that they unfairly punish a company's shareholders for the misconduct of employees. Democratic appointees have more often maintained that shareholders wrongly benefit from ill-gotten gains, no matter who was responsible for them, and that tough penalties could deter future lawbreaking. If the balance tilted toward a heavier hand in corporate penalties under former President Barack Obama even as critics argued that his administration did not do enough to punish top bankers after the crisis it began to swing in the opposite direction under Trump, the data shows. With the exception of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, a small agency where a new enforcement director has presided over an uptick in penalties and a Trump-appointed chairman vowed "no pause" in enforcement, the new approach extends across the federal financial enforcement regime. Trump's pick to lead the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a federal banking regulator, is a former executive whose bank once faced an enforcement action, while Trump's leader of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, created by Congress during the Obama administration, initially instituted an informal freeze on new enforcement actions. The SEC, an independent agency composed of a bipartisan group of presidentially appointed commissioners, is less subject to political considerations. Still, Robert J. Jackson Jr., a Democratic commissioner at the SEC who is a former law professor and corporate lawyer, said the philosophy of Republican commissioners sent the wrong message. "We should be trying to deter management from committing fraud, not rewarding corporations when their lawyers cleverly mask bad deeds," he said. Robert Jackson Jr., a Democratic commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Credit:New York Times Former Republican officials have largely welcomed the change, though some are concerned that the Trump administration's softer approach toward banks could open the door to the sort of reckless Wall Street behavior that spurred the financial crisis, particularly as federal regulators ease some Obama-era rules adopted after the crisis. "The goal is really to instill in those who are regulated the illusion that the government is everywhere and looking over your shoulder," said Harvey Pitt, a Republican who was chairman of the SEC under President George W. Bush. "If you take away that threat, that could embolden some to keep breaking the law." Loading In a statement, the SEC disputed The Times' approach to assessing the agency's record. "The article's conclusion that enforcement of the federal securities laws has flagged rests on deeply flawed methodology," said Stephanie Avakian and Steven Peikin, the heads of enforcement. "As the thorough analysis in our annual report makes clear, the division of enforcement's performance, effectiveness and activity level during our tenure compares favorably with any period in the commission's history." Avakian and Peikin also highlighted their efforts to root out wrongdoing in virtual currencies, saying the agency had "emerged as a global leader in addressing misconduct relating to digital assets". In earlier speeches, Avakian and Peikin have said that the agency should be judged not by financial penalties alone, but by the overall impact of its cases. They have pointed to a recent action against Elon Musk, the Tesla co-founder accused of misleading investors with Twitter posts about taking the company private. The SEC has chalked up some of the decline in settlement sizes to recent Supreme Court rulings that effectively handcuffed the agency. The agency has also noted that it filed a flurry of cases toward the end of the government's fiscal year even while losing 10 per cent of its workers over the past two years. The Justice Department has said that the number of defendants prosecuted for white-collar crime has generally decreased since the second half of the Obama administration. In fiscal year 2018, the number rose slightly from the prior year but was still the second-lowest since 2004, and it includes many small-bore cases against individuals. The decline in corporate penalties from the Justice Department may partly reflect the Trump administration's heavier emphasis on immigration, violent crime and drugs. For two years in a row, the department has announced record-breaking prosecutions of health care fraud, much of which is related to the opioid crisis. "Attorney General Sessions has set clear goals for this department: reducing violent crime, homicides, opioid prescriptions and drug overdose deaths," said Steven Stafford, a department spokesman. "Under his leadership, we have begun to achieve all four of these goals by increasing violent crime and firearm prosecutions to all-time highs." He added, "There can be no doubt that this is a pro-law enforcement administration and Department of Justice." From snake oil to stock fraud When Jay Clayton, Trump's choice for chairman of the SEC, took the oath of office in May last year, he was surrounded by his family, his staff and the Supreme Court justice he had selected to swear him in: Anthony Kennedy. The presence of Kennedy, a moderate conservative, indicated that Clayton, a political independent, was not plotting a radical partisan revamping of the agency. But Clayton's remarks that day about job creation something not directly under the purview of the commission signalled a new emphasis on bolstering the economy rather than policing Wall Street. "The work of the SEC is fundamental to growing the economy, creating jobs and providing investors and entrepreneurs with a share of the American dream," he said in a statement that referred to keeping markets safe but made no mention of the agency's enforcement role. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport on Saturday. Credit:AP Weeks later, at a meeting with SEC employees, Clayton professed a willingness to scale back corporate penalties and announced a stepped-up focus on protecting "retail" investors, which has directed more of the agency's attention toward small fraudsters rather than big corporate players, according to a person who attended. The agency later abandoned some punitive Obama-era practices, such as requiring defendants in the most egregious cases to admit wrongdoing. "I think Clayton has a different focus," said J.Bradley Bennett, a partner at Baker Botts who is a Republican and a former head of enforcement at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a nongovernmental brokerage regulator. "His success metric is not enforcement fines or cases; it's the number of IPOs." As part of the analysis of SEC enforcement, The Times, in consultation with legal experts, identified every case the SEC filed between mid-May 2015 and September this year, reflecting back-to-back 20 month periods in the Obama and Trump presidencies. The analysis spanned 2158 cases and was intended to measure the real-time impact of the change in administrations in January 2017. In addition to charting a sharp drop in financial penalties of $US3.1 billion across all cases, the analysis shows that the SEC charged far fewer high-profile defendants under Trump, including less than half as many banks and 40 per cent fewer public companies. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is a horrible law, and it should be changed. Then real estate mogul Donald Trump in 2012 In May, the Securities Enforcement Empirical Database at New York University and Cornerstone Research reported a lag in cases against public companies. The data showed an uptick as the SEC's enforcement unit shifted into higher gear over the summer, and the SEC during the Trump era has penalided such prominent companies as Citigroup and Walgreens. But even with that surge, many of the SEC's cases underscored its focus on smaller defendants who defraud individual investors, according to experts who track the agency's doings. For example, actions soared in the 2018 fiscal year against fraudulent stock offerings and investment advisers accused of lying and stealing, said Gerald Hodgkins, a former senior SEC enforcement official who left the agency last December and is now a partner at Covington & Burling. One recent case targeted a Florida man who was purporting to sell snake oil pain relief drugs using cobra venom, to be precise but whose company, it turned out, had no snakes. 'No reason to fear prosecution' As the presidential campaign was drawing to a close in late 2016, lawyers for Walmart met with senior Justice Department officials in Washington to discuss a possible settlement. Shoppers unload groceries at a Walmart store in Mexico City. Credit:New York Times The department had spent four years investigating whether the retail giant had bribed government officials in Mexico and other countries, one of the biggest investigations ever under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The department wanted Walmart to pay penalties of about $600 million, according to people with knowledge of the meeting. A guilty plea was on the table for the company or one of its subsidiaries, and the SEC was pushing for a steep punishment, as well. Walmart bristled, and as the election came and went, the two sides continued to negotiate, leading Walmart to receive more favorable terms from the Justice Department. But at the tail end of the Obama administration, it became increasingly difficult to get Walmart's lawyers to schedule meetings, according to two people with knowledge of the negotiations, who spoke about the private discussions on the condition of anonymity. Walmart had reason to hope that the Trump administration might have a more open mind. After the Walmart bribery scandal first came to light in 2012, Trump, then a real estate mogul with international holdings, said it was unfair to expect a company like Walmart not to engage in bribery when doing business overseas. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, he said, was a "horrible law, and it should be changed." A person briefed on the matter said negotiations gained steam in the early months of the Trump administration. Although Walmart was negotiating with the same career officials as it had during the Obama administration, the company closed in on a more favorable deal. Negotiations stalled again, and to date, the case against Walmart has not been resolved, though an announcement could come soon, the person briefed said. The company has said publicly that it set aside $283 million to cover potential settlements. A Walmart spokesman said the company was "continuing discussions with the government agencies as we work to reach a solution." As part of the analyses of enforcement activity under Trump, Duke Law School and the Legal Data Lab at the University of Virginia School of Law analysed corporate criminal prosecutions at the Justice Department, which they track. Brandon Garrett, the Duke law professor who examined the data, identified a drop in the number of penalties under Trump when compared with the final 20 months of the Obama administration (a 72 per cent decline) and when compared with the first 20 months of the Obama presidency in 2009-10 (a 23 per cent decline). Garrett said he routinely spoke to corporate compliance officers who lamented how the drop had undercut efforts inside companies to allocate more resources to preventing misconduct. "There's no reason to fear prosecution for committing serious corporate crimes," he said. In March, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein declared that the Justice Department wanted to "avoid imposing penalties that disproportionately punish innocent employees, shareholders, customers and other stakeholders." He has also promised that the department would try to prevent multiple law enforcement agencies from "piling on" corporate fines. That approach was reflected in a number of recent cases against prominent defendants, including Societe Generale, in which the Justice Department gave the companies credit for penalties paid to other authorities. Under the Obama administration, the Justice Department's civil rights division poured resources into lending-discrimination cases, some involving the nation's biggest banks. In the last full year of the Obama administration, the department filed seven lawsuits alleging lending violations. The next year, the Trump administration filed one such lawsuit. And like Walmart on the criminal side, some targets of civil prosecutions welcomed the more business-friendly approach of the Trump administration. Barclays, under investigation by the Obama administration for selling the soured mortgage investments, had rejected the Justice Department's demands to pay almost $US7 billion, according to people with knowledge of the negotiations. The Obama administration had, in turn, filed a lawsuit against the company using the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act, a law that Republicans in Congress had tried to curtail. In March, Barclays settled for a much reduced penalty of $US2 billion, which the bank argued was in line with what other financial institutions had paid for similar conduct. RBS, similarly suspected of defrauding investors in mortgage-backed securities, was facing a criminal investigation from federal prosecutors in Boston, who had obtained records of bank employees discussing "garbage" loans and "rampant" fraud. The United States and Russia have arranged for banks to resolve a financial row over North Korean funds which has delayed Pyongyang's nuclear disarmament process, a news report said Sunday. South Korea's Yonhap news agency, quoting unnamed sources, said Russia agreed to help wire the controversial funds -- some 25 million US dollars -- frozen at a Macau bank since 2005 to North Korea via the US. "The US requested -- on condition that one of its banks play a role of relaying the money -- that Russia take the North Korean funds. Russia accepted it," an unnamed source told Yonhap. To make the money transfer possible, Washington also agreed to make "a temporary exception" to its ban on US banks' trades with the blacklisted Banco Delta Asia (BDA) in Macau, another source said. The US bank would remain unidentified, the source said adding that Wachovia Corp., once asked for help in the matter, was off the list. McMaster speaks to members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6444 in Georgetown about the states strong military and values. Bizarre, star-like objects that act like single, giant atoms may be hidden throughout the universe, and for the first time, researchers have shown how these strange quantum stars could form. If these objects do exist, they could help explain dark matter, the unknown stuff that emits no light and yet makes up 27 percent of the universe. They could also be behind bright, fast bursts of cosmic radio waves that have confounded astronomers and even stoked thoughts of alien civilizations. Unlike regular stars, these so-called axion stars (if they exist) do not shine. They're dark because they're made of hypothetical particles called axions, a primary candidate for dark matter. Different theories predict axions to have a wide range of masses, but overall, they're expected to be extremely light perhaps as tiny as 10 raised to the 31st power times lighter than a proton. [Strange Quarks and Muons, Oh, My! Nature's Tiniest Particles Dissected] Cold, dark stars Axions, if they do exist, would hardly interact with one another, but if gravity can coax them together, they could form a dense sphere with exotic properties unlike those of any other kind of star. That's because axions are bosons, a class of particles that includes particles of light, or photons. In quantum physics, particles have discrete amounts of energy, meaning the particles exist at particular energy levels. With bosons, multiple particles can be at the same energy level simultaneously, unlike a different class of particle called fermions, which include electrons and protons. In an axion star or, more generally, a boson star every axion would be at the lowest energy level, meaning that the entire star would have the same quantum behavior, as if it were a single, giant particle. Such an exotic object is also known as a Bose-Einstein condensate, a type of matter that physicists create in labs on Earth by cooling atoms to near absolute zero. In the lab, these condensates can also form superfluids, which flow without friction. Previously, some physicists said that the gravity between the featherweight axions would be too weak to corral the particles into a star, said study co-author Dmitry Levkov, a physicist at the Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Star formation in no time But new computer simulations, described on Oct. 12 in the journal Physical Review Letters, suggest that axion stars could indeed form quite readily, depending on the mass of the axion. For one relatively heavy axion, called a QCD axion, it might take 1 billion years for an axion star to form. (The QCD axion is a favorite candidate for dark matter among some physicists, because it could also solve a mystery related to the strong force, which holds atomic nuclei together.) For an extremely light axion about 100 quadrillion times lighter than the QCD axion and dubbed "fuzzy dark matter" it could take just 10 million years to build an axion star, Levkov told Live Science. "It's really interesting that just gravity can help you form Bose-Einstein condensates if given enough time and that time is less than the age of the universe," Bhupal Dev, a physicist at Washington University in St. Louis who wasn't involved in the research, told Live Science. Previous simulations started with smaller chunks of axion Bose-Einstein condensates, which then attracted one another via gravity to form axion stars, Levkov said. But in the new simulations, the researchers started with nothing but a gas of axions, and they found that a star formed all on its own. "We were very excited when we saw the Bose-Einstein star," Levkov said. Over time, such a star could continue to accumulate axions and grow. "It's nice work," said Sebastian Baum, a physicist at Stockholm University in Sweden who wasn't part of the study. "It's an important stepping stone in understanding the story of such objects and, in general, axion dark matter." If much of the dark matter is contained in these stars, Baum told Live Science, then axions could be rarer elsewhere and thus harder to find on Earth using detectors like the Axion Dark Matter Experiment at the University of Washington in Seattle. Axion stars could also produce detectable signals themselves. Axions can decay into photons, and a series of particle reactions from an axion star could produce detectable radiation. And if an axion star slammed into a neutron star, the collision could generate powerful blasts of radio-frequency radiation potentially explaining the mysterious fast-radio bursts that have perplexed astronomers. Over the last few years, astronomers have detected dozens of powerful cosmic radio signals of unknown origin, prompting a plethora of explanations, including the possibility that the beams were coming from alien civilizations. Originally published on Live Science. Astroscale's ELSA-d spacecraft, designed to demonstrate technologies to approach and capture orbital debris, is under development for launch in 2020. WASHINGTON Astroscale, a company developing technologies to capture and deorbit space debris, announced Oct. 31 it raised a $50 millionSeries D round that brings its total to date to $102 million. Astroscale, headquartered in Singapore but with its main research and development offices in Tokyo, said that its new round was led by Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) with participation from several other Japanese investors, including SBI Investment Company Ltd. and Mitsubishi Estate Company Ltd. INCJ, in a separate statement, said it was contributing up to $35 million in new funding, with $25.5 million of that provided now. [7 Wild Ways to Clean Up Space Junk] The company plans to use the funding to support several ongoing efforts, including the development of a technology demonstration satellite called ELSA-d. That spacecraft, scheduled for launch in early 2020 on a Soyuz rocket, will feature "target" and "chaser" satellites to demonstrate rendezvous and proximity operations. The target spacecraft is being built by British smallsat developer Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. under a contract announced last November. The funding will support scaling up an operations center Astroscale established in the United Kingdom in 2017 that also handles engineering, procurement and business development. Astroscale said it plans to establish an office in the United States in 2019. Astroscale was founded in 2013 and has raised four rounds of funding, most recently a $25 million Series C round in July 2017. Its first satellite, a technology demonstration smallsat called IDEA OSG intended to measure the density of orbital debris too small to track from the ground, was lost in a Soyuz launch failure last November. The company believes that, since its founding, theres been growing awareness of the problems posed by orbital debris, problems compounded by proposed megaconstellations of hundreds or thousands of communications satellites. Those megaconstellations, though, offer a business model for companies like Astroscale, who can offer services to remove defunct satellites. "Government officials and the private sector are now ready to support debris removal as a business," said Nobu Okada, founder and chief executive of Astroscale, in a statement. "This latest round of funding represents a strong vote of confidence in Astroscale's mission and will allow us to accelerate our position as the global market-leader in the field of debris removal." The funding round is the latest sign of growing Japanese interest in entrepreneurial space companies. Another company, lunar lander developer ispace, raised more than $90 million from Japanese investors last December. In March, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced plans to establish a fund valued at nearly $1 billion to support the development of space companies in the country. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. Bir Lehlu (SADR Liberated Territories), Nov 01, 2018 (SPS) -. The President of the Republic, Secretary General of Frente POLISARIO, Brahim Gali sent a message of congratulations to his Algerian counterpart, President Abdelaziz Buteflika on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of the glorious Algerian Revolution that is commemorated on the first of November each year. "On the eve of the celebrations for the Algerian people of the sixty-fourth anniversary of the Glorious Revolution of the First of November, I take this happy opportunity to convey to you, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Sahrawi Republic, our most sincere congratulations and best wishes of health and success ", affirms the Saharawi leader in his message to his Algerian counterpart. POLISARIO SG also thanked the Government and the people of Algeria for their historic and firm position of support for the just cause of the Saharawi people. Taking advantage of the fact that the Algerian sister nation will commemorate the Sixty-fourth Anniversary of the Algerian revolution, the Prime Minister, Mr. Mohamed Al-Wali Akeik and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, sent messages to their Algerian counterparts. SPS 125/090/TRA STAMFORD A federal agency has joined the Coast Guard in investigating a Stamford Harbor accident in which a drifting barge smashed a $1.5 million yacht. The National Transportation Safety Board has come to the conclusion that there may be wider safety implications around this incident, and they are undertaking a full investigation, Capt. Eric Knott, Stamfords state-appointed harbormaster, has told elected officials. In the Sept. 17 accident, a tug boat lost control of one of two barges loaded with sand and gravel that were being towed to an O&G Industries dock in the harbor. The barge struck the Sea Jay, a custom-built catamaran docked at the citys new boatyard, where it was being prepared for a yearlong trip through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific Ocean to the French Polynesian islands. The Sea Jay is a total loss, Knott said. The NTSB is by federal law empowered to investigate if they consider there might be public safety implications beyond the immediate cause of the accident, which appears to be one boat bumping into the other, Knott told members of the Board of Representatives Parks and Recreation Committee at their October meeting. So at the moment, we have two parallel federal-level investigations being undertaken into this accident, Knott said. The Coast Guard and the NTSB have both been in touch with me for various information, primarily because they know I predicted this would happen. Knott, along with members of the Stamford Harbor Management Commission, have said the new boatyard should not be built in the West Branch of the harbor. They advised the Zoning Board to reject the plan from developer Building and Land Technology, which in 2011 tore down the citys original boatyard in violation of a zoning agreement and state environmental regulations. Unlike the original boatyard, which was on a peninsula off Bateman Way, the new one off Southfield Avenue would be at a choke point in the narrow West Branch, increasingly busy with commercial and recreational traffic, they said at the time. But the Zoning Board approved a plan, and the new boatyard, along with a storage facility on Magee Avenue, opened over the summer. Its not clear what the NTSB is evaluating, Knott said. We need to be careful about speculating, he cautioned city representatives. The accident happened when a tug boat pushed the barges, one in front of the other, until they reached O&G, where the lead one had to be turned around in order to dock. It got loose. It seems quite clear that the tug operator made an error in judgment, Knott said. The NTSB makes safety recommendations and has no regulatory power to enforce anything, Knott said. But they can cause people a lot of embarrassment. The Coast Guard is lead investigator on the case, said Keith Holloway, media relations officer for the NTSB. If we have a determination on our end, we will issue it at the same time or after the Coast Guard, Holloway said. We usually take 12 to 18 months, so if the Coast Guard comes out earlier than that, we may not have a report ready yet. Coast Guard Lt. Rodion Mazin said the accident is still being investigated. The Coast Guard will share all findings with the NTSB, Mazin said. Knott said the Coast Guard can sanction any credentialed mariner who may have been at fault. Damian Ortelli, chairman of the harbor commission, said the NTSBs interest was piqued because they look into whether there is a larger public-safety concern. They came in because there may be a bigger thing here. The Sea Jay was in the federal channel, Ortelli said. Theres supposed to be a 20-foot setback from the dock to the channel. But the catamaran was 26 feet wide, so it was sticking into the channel. News of the crash was not a surprise, Ortelli said. It was an I told you so, he said. I was surprised, though, that it didnt even take a year for it to happen. The harbor is difficult because of its Y shape, he said. The channel is the stem, and it has two branches, East and West. The previous boatyard was where the Y divides. Youd come up the main channel and it was right there, he said. Now you have to go all the way up into the end, through a pinch point, with commercial and private facilities up and down both branches. There are 600 barge trips a year, Knott said. We get frequent bumps from tugs and barges, he said. It is not unknown for them to bump a dock. Knott said the city may at some point have to explain why it never required a navigational risk assessment before approving the new boatyard site. There is no law you have to have one, but if there is another incident, a lawyer could decide that the risk was so obvious that it should have been addressed, Knott said. It could make for civil litigation. If that were to happen, questions about the site are in the public record, Ortelli said. The harbor commission and harbormaster argued during meetings that, with close quarters and barge traffic coming through, it could be dangerous, he said. Now a federal agency may or may not conclude that this is an acceptable place for a boatyard. Well have to see where it goes. Knott agreed. Just because the NTSB has opened an investigation doesnt mean they will carry it through until the end, Knott said. They may reach a point where they see no benefit in carrying on. It would be unwise to speculate. acarella@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2296. President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden issued dueling warnings Saturday about the dire consequences of the other's party emerging from Tuesday's midterm elections with control of Congress. Appearing in Ohio, Biden asserted that Republicans want to strip insurance coverage from people with preexisting health conditions and "eviscerate" Medicare and Social Security, two of the country's popular entitlement programs. Biden also sought to frame the election as a referendum on Trump's leadership, relaying that foreign leaders with whom he continues to speak have been taken aback by many of the president's actions. "The very character of our country is on the ballot on Tuesday," Biden said in Parma Heights, Ohio, where he appeared alongside Democratic Senate and gubernatorial candidates. "Folks, all the world's looking." At a Montana rally a few hours later, Trump asserted that the real danger would be a takeover of Congress by "radical Democrats." "This election will decide whether we build on the extraordinary prosperity that we've achieved or whether we let the radical Democrats take control of Congress and take a giant wrecking ball to our economy and to the future of our nation," Trump said. He also accused Democratic leaders of pushing for "socialist" health care and wanting to "erase" U.S. borders and "invite caravan after caravan" of Central American migrants into the country. The president carried a similar message to Pensacola, Florida, where he seized on the troop mobilization at the border to argue that Republicans, not Democrats, were best able to keep citizens safe. "I watched that barbed wire being put down. Barbed wire," Trump told thousands of supporters at the airplane hangar rally. Referring to the migrants, he said: "We don't want that in our country. We're not going to have it in our country." The respective speeches came amid a final push by luminaries in both parties to drive up turnout for elections that will determine control of Congress, dozens of governorships and down-ballot races around the country. A day after acknowledging that Republicans could lose the House on Tuesday, Trump largely focused on Senate and gubernatorial races. Democrats need to net 23 seats to take the House and need to gain two seats to win the majority in the Senate, where the map is more favorable to Republicans. Trump's appearance in Montana was his fourth on behalf of Republican Matt Rosendale, who is seeking to knock off Sen. Jon Tester, D, there. Trump has trained his sights on Tester in part for his role in sinking Trump's nomination of Ronny Jackson to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs in April. Tester, ranking Democrat on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, released a list of allegations that portrayed a long history of professional misconduct by Jackson. "I've never forgotten it, and honestly, it's one of the reasons I've been here so much," Trump told his crowd. "Jon Tester tried to ruin him." At the rally, he also plugged the reelection of Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., who garnered national headlines for assaulting a reporter last year. "He is fantastic," Trump said of Gianforte, adding that he is "very respected in Washington." Upon leaving Belgrade, Montana, Trump headed to another rally in Florida, which also has a marquee Senate race this year. In Florida, Trump is also trying to bolster the fortunes of Republican gubernatorial hopeful Ron DeSantis, a candidate he endorsed during the GOP primary, who has been lagging in polls behind Democrat Andrew Gillum. If elected, Gillum would be the state's first black governor. At the Pensacola rally, Trump said Gillum is ill-equipped for the job. "I will say this: Andrew Gillum is not equipped to be your governor," Trump said. "He's just not equipped. It's not for him." Vice President Mike Pence, meanwhile, was dispatched to Wisconsin on Saturday to help the reelection bid of embattled Gov. Scott Walker, R, and will later join Trump in Florida. "This race is as close as it can be. It's a dead heat," Pence told a crowd in Hudson, Wisconsin, while wearing a navy blue jacket emblazoned with Walker's name. "Every vote counts." The flurry of activity comes on the heels of high-profile appearances Friday by former president Barack Obama and Trump, who has urged supporters to act as though his name is on the ballot Tuesday. Obama plans to be back on the trail Sunday, seeking to boost Democrats in Indiana. Underscoring Republican jitters about losing the House, a super PAC backed by House Republican leaders announced Saturday that it is coming to the aid of Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, who has represented his state's at-large congressional district since 1973. The Congressional Leadership Fund said it would conduct a "hyper-targeted" get-out-the-vote effort on Young's behalf to relay the message that the "extreme, liberal agenda" of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "would be a disaster for Alaska." Much of Trump's closing argument has centered on immigration, with the president casting Democrats as wanting to turn the nation into a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. During the Montana rally, Trump addressed criticism that he has talked more on immigration than the economy, which many Republicans consider to be the party's strongest argument ahead of the midterms. Trump pointed out correctly that he had addressed the economy earlier in his remarks, but he said there was only so much he could say about job reports and other positive indicators before losing his audience. "I can only go for four or five minutes with that stuff," Trump said, adding he also wants to talk about "problems we want to fix." During his remarks, he asserted that Democrats want to allow undocumented immigrants to vote because it will help their election prospects. "What do they really want? The right to vote," he said. "They figure that's the way they stay in office forever." Trump's campaign committee released a television ad on Friday focused on immigration. It features images of Luis Bracamontes, an undocumented immigrant who was convicted of killing two sheriff's deputies in California in 2014, and a migrant caravan moving through Mexico toward the U.S. border. "Stop the caravan. Vote Republican," the ad concludes. In a tweet, Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said the campaign was spending $1.5 million on the ad and complained that CNN was refusing to air it. The network responded with a statement Saturday: "CNN has made it abundantly clear in its editorial coverage that this ad is racist. When presented with an opportunity to be paid to take a version of this ad, we declined. Those are the facts." While flying between rallies Saturday, Trump sought to make immigration a wedge issue in the race for a Senate seat from Arizona. In a tweet, he said that Republican Rep. Martha McSally would provide "Border Security" and asserted her Democratic opponent, Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, whose name he misspelled, "doesn't even think about it." "If it were up to Sinema - drugs, crime and illegal traffic will be flowing into Arizona at an ever increasing pace." Trump wrote. "Vote for Martha!" In one of two rallies Friday, Trump acknowledged to a crowd in West Virginia that Republicans could lose control of the House but sounded optimistic about his party's prospects in the Senate. "We're doing really well in the Senate, but could happen," Trump said of losing the House. "And you know what you do? My whole life - you know what I say? Don't worry about it. I'll just figure it out." During a television interview Saturday, Pelosi said she is confident Democrats will win control of the House on Tuesday. "I speak from the ground. I've traveled all over the country," Pelosi said. "The enthusiasm is something that I've never seen before." Obama stumped Friday in Georgia for Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams, touting her as "the most experienced, the most qualified candidate in this race." That was a retort to Trump, who had called Abrams - who would be the nation's first black female governor - "not qualified." Abrams, who faces Republican Brian Kemp, Georgia's secretary of state, has been the beneficiary of a string of prominent visitors, including media mogul Oprah Winfrey. "I think it is a signal of how important Georgia is to America," Abrams said Saturday morning on MSNBC. While many of the same issues have driven midterm races across the country, a new ad from a Texas congressional race underscored how contours differ from contest to contest. Democrat MJ Hegar posted the ad Friday after opponent Rep. John Carter, R, compared their campaign to a war. In the ad, Hegar, who served three tours in Afghanistan as a combat search-and-rescue pilot, tells Carter: "Well, respectfully congressman, you don't know . . . about war." An expletive is bleeped out. - - - The Washington Post's Philip Rucker contributed to this report. This appeared online in Friday's Washington Post. The most important question in the case of Jamal Khashoggi is whether Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, will be held accountable for what his regime acknowledges was a premeditated act of murder. Much of the available evidence points to the prince. We cannot find a Middle East expert who believes the official story that the 15-member assassination team sent to Istanbul, including five probable members of the prince's security detail, was a rogue operation. Yet the regime is engaged in a determined stonewalling operation to protect the 33-year-old crown prince, who stands to inherit the throne from his father and become the absolute ruler of one of the world's largest oil producers, potentially for decades. He has the support of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sissi - another dictator who has killed peaceful opponents - and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Post reporting, Sissi and MNetanyahu have lobbied the White House not to punish Mohammed bin Salman. On the other side of the discussion is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is understandably outraged that Saudi Arabia would have used its consulate in Istanbul to slaughter a Post contributing columnist who was engaged to marry a Turkish citizen. In a Post op-ed posted online Friday, Erdogan rightly says that had the murder happened in Washington, U.S. officials would insist on getting "to the bottom" of what happened. Yet the Trump administration appears to be cooperating with Riyadh in protecting Mohammed bin Salman. It has not announced its conclusions about the murder, even though Turkish authorities shared their evidence - including an audio recording of Khashoggi's final moments - with CIA Director Gina Haspel. It has taken no punitive action, other than suspending travel privileges for the low-level suspects the Saudis have rounded up. Like the Saudi regime, the White House and State Department have gone silent about the Khashoggi case - in the evident hope that demands for justice will fade. Like his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts, Erdogan may have political reasons for his strong stance. His government is competing with that of Saudi Arabia for regional leadership. He is a supporter of Islamist political movements, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, that the Saudi and Egyptian regimes are trying to annihilate. The Post reported that Mohammed bin Salman falsely smeared Khashoggi as a Muslim Brotherhood militant in a call to the White House. In fact, the journalist's allegiances were to democracy and free expression: He argued that neither was possible in the Middle East without tolerance of peaceful Islamic political parties. Mohammed bin Salman's advocates argue that holding him accountable would risk turmoil. There is a fundamental illogic to this. The crown prince has already done much to destabilize the region, by leading a military intervention in Yemen, launching a boycott of Qatar and kidnapping the Lebanese prime minister. If he is allowed by the United States to get away with murdering a journalist inside a diplomatic facility in a NATO country, what will he be emboldened to do next - and what license will other dictators take, both in the Middle East and elsewhere? Those who seek genuine stability in the Middle East should be insisting that the truth about Jamal Khashoggi be disclosed - and that all who played a role in his murder be punished. Heres a look at candidates running for state office representing Stamford who responded to a Stamford Advocate survey: *incumbent +unopposed STATE SENATE DISTRICT 27 CARLO LEONE* DEMOCRAT Age:55 Occupation: Veterans Outreach/ The WorkPlace Experience: Former State Representative, former Stamford Zoning Board of Appeals, SPEF Advisory Board, Thumbelina Fund Advisor, Veterans Park Advisory Council Top issues: Smart fiscal discipline to balance state budget. Increase investment in transportation infrastructure. Continue education funding, construction for schools and children. Protect womens rights, issues. Support anti-violence efforts with commonsense reforms. Promote small business growth, innovation and technology. Protect consumer rights, affordable medicare, health care costs. Support, increase veterans benefits. Reduce opioid crisis statistics. Personal: Married, one child. GERALD BOSAK REPUBLICAN Age: 52 Occupation: Co-Owner Bosak Funeral Home Experience: Board of Finance; Board of Education Top issues: Creating jobs, improving the economy, cutting taxes, education Personal: N/A CORA SANTAGUIDA GREEN Age: 40 Occupation: Fresh Green Light Experience: Justice of the Peace; Co-chairwoman, Ballot Access Committee, Green Party of the United States Top issues: Our state's perilous economic situation is at the top of my list. I would push for a state public bank, legalization, and releasing incarcerated persons with charges related to these non-violent crimes. Personal: N/A DISTRICT 36 L. SCOTT FRANTZ* REPUBLICAN Age: 58 Occupation: Haebler Capital Experience: State Senate Top issues: The top issue the state faces is its weak economy, poor job growth performance and a dismal balance sheet. If we do not restore fiscal balance, our fixed costs will drown out nearly all of the funding for other areas such as education, environment, mental health, school safety and the opioid crisis. Personal: I have a wonderful wife, Icy, who is very active in the community and works tirelessly to help other people in need. I am fortunate to have three terrific boys, all in college, and a beautiful daughter in the seventh grade. ALEXANDRA "ALEX" BERGSTEIN DEMOCRAT Age: 51 Occupation: Doctoral candidate, Yale University Experience: Board chairwoman, Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center (2013-2016); Founder and president, The Parity Partnership; Board chairwoman, Greenwich Community Gardens; Board member Organic Voices/Just Label It; former director of Greening our Children; board member of Kids in Crisis and board member of Putnam Indian Field School. Top issues: I would seize the economic opportunities our incumbent is against and tackle the pension crisis head-on. Connecticut is in crisis because our leaders have failed us. I have REAL solutions to attract business and revenue that will lower our taxes and make our economy thrive. And Id defend our values! Personal: My husband Seth and I have been married for 23 years and have three children: William, 21, Max, 18, and Ellie, 14. And we love our Daisy, too! She's a Golden Retriever. STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 144 Caroline Simmons*+ DEMOCRAT Age: 32 Occupation: General Assembly Experience: State Representative, 2014-present; Board member, Women's Business Development Council; Member of the Southwest Connecticut Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence; Go Live Girl Mentor at Rippowam Middle School (2017). Top issues: I will work tirelessly to serve my constituents and work to support business growth and job creation, to fix our roads, to improve our schools, to get our fiscal house in order, to reduce student debt, to support seniors and veterans, to make Stamford more affordable and improve quality of life for all residents. Personal: My husband, Art Linares, and I were married in October 2017 and are blessed to be expecting our first baby this November. I am also the second oldest of five siblings: Sara Simmons Bartow, Julia Simmons Dresher, Nick Simmons and Cliff Simmons and the daughter of Steve and Eileen Simmons. DISTRICT 145 PATRICIA BILLIE MILLER * DEMOCRAT Age: 63 Occupation: Consultant Experience: Board of Representatives; Neighborhood Housing Services; Truglia Thumberlina Fund Advisory Board Top issues: Education will be my top issue to address if elected. Our state has made great strides in education reform and I would like to continue the work. As stated by Nelson Mandela, Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world. Personal: Married with two daughters and two grandsons FRITZ BLAU REPUBLICAN Did not respond DISTRICT 146 DAVID MICHEL DEMOCRAT Age: 44 Occupation: Self-employed, Eyes Of Steel LLC Experience: Involved in multiple efforts to protect public health and the environment. Organizing cleanups for five years in Stamford Top issues: I will fight for various aspects of social justice. I will be very engaged with public health, along the lines of air and water quality, oversight, enforcement. the public school system is short changed and this needs to stop, and raising the minimum wage. Personal: Married to Jenny Li and we live happily with our three rescue cats, Petit Minou, Petite Lune and Petite Misty DAN PANNONE REPUBLICAN Did not respond DISTRICT 147 ANZELMO GRAZIOSI REPUBLICAN Age: 46 Occupation: Attorney Experience: Stamford Board of Representatives, District 13; Former member of the Brennan Golf Commission; Former member of the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Cabinet; Former Deputy Mayor, City of Glen Cove, N.Y., former elected member of the Glen Cove City Council. Top issues: Tax burden on Connecticut residents are among the highest in the nation. Personal: I am married to Dr. Maria Violi, a lifelong Stamford resident. We are the parents of five children in the Stamford Public Schools system, Westover Elementary, Scofield Magnet and Westhill High School. MATT BLUMENTHAL DEMOCRAT Age: 32 Occupation: Trial attorney at Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, P.C. Experience: Board of Directors, Boys & Girls Club of Stamford; Judge Advocate, Springdale Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 9617); Board of Directors, Barth Syndrome Foundation. Top issues: Its time to get Connecticut moving again. That means upgrading our transportation infrastructure especially mass transit and the Stamford Transportation Center. It means investing in public education, including our vocational and technical schools and community colleges. We must do this and much more while standing up for our Connecticut values. Personal: I am the oldest of four children raised in a family that values public service. That drive took root with me at an early age. Growing up, I volunteered, serving those in need. Later, I became a U.S. Marine Infantry Officer, commanding a platoon in Afghanistan. As a law student and lawyer, I have served veterans and others fighting forces more powerful than themselves. DISTRICT 148 DANIEL J. FOX* DEMOCRAT Age: 42 Occupation: Attorney at Curtis Brinckerhoff & Barrett, P.C. Experience: Glenbrook Neighborhood Association; Cove Neighborhood Association; East Side Partnership; Cove Island Bird Sanctuary; Saint Maurice Parish; Connecticut General Assembly (Chairman, Government Administration & Elections Committee; Member, Judiciary Committee; Member, General Law Committee) Top issues: Constituent service and outreach are essential to effective representation and will remain a priority. I have a track record of working with my colleagues regardless of party affiliation to find solutions. Well need to continue working together to create jobs and employment opportunities for our residents and focus on Connecticuts economy. Personal: My wife Bridget and I have three children, Eleanor, 12, Tommy, 10, and Maura, 6. PHILIP BALESTRIERE REPUBLICAN Age: 59 Occupation: Self-employed Experience: Chairman of the ways and means committee of the Stamford RTC Top issues: The REPEAL candidate Personal: Two sons, one daughter and four grand kids. I t seems everyone has fallen for Lisbon, Portugals light-flooded capital where cobbled streets, glossy azulejo tiles, canary-yellow trams and seven steep hills provide plenty of Insta-ready beauty. Visitors come for the mix of old and new, for the architecture, the seafood and for the budget-conscious prices. AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado opened in March 2016 in a gold-plated location between the river and the historic centre. The 28-room boutique hotel is owned and managed by experienced Portuguese hoteliers who focus on top-flight service with an informal, personal touch wrapped up in an authentic Lisboa experience. Where is it? The location is pitch perfect, 25 minutes from the airport in an elegant and delightfully quiet square yet at the epicentre of city life. AlmaLusa is tucked into a corner of Praca do Municipio adjacent to the neoclassical City Hall and on the site of Lisbons former arsenal dating back to the days of the Voyages of Discovery. Theres no noise and no traffic directly outside the hotel yet walk two minutes from the hotel and you are on the mighty Tagus River. Five minutes the other way leads towards the historical centre and the shops, bars and restaurants of Baixa and Chiado, the beating heart of modern day Lisbon. Style AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado aims for authentic, understated Portuguese style with a surprising splash of British design. Wherever possible the hotel has used Portuguese goods: soaps, room scents and the outstanding linen on the beds yet they also have a passion for British designer Andrew Martins wallpaper, using it on feature walls in many rooms and corridors. The hotel is listed and original design features include shutters, large fireplaces in some rooms and wooden ceilings while the well-worn stone floor in the entrance hall dates back to the sixteenth century. Internal colours are mostly monochrome with majestic black high gloss doors to the bedrooms. Alma Lusa/Mason Rose Facilities Rooms all have tea and coffee-making facilities, Wi-Fi is excellent and bathrooms are generously stocked with toiletries. There is no gym or spa: this is a city hotel in a winning location and most guests will aim to spend the majority of time outside exploring. An intimate ground floor restaurant serves food throughout the day and the compact bar with tables inside and outside is well used by guests and locals alike. Staff are friendly and super-helpful, eager to advise on where to eat, what to see and the best day trips and outings. The hotel prides itself on its high level of customer service, something I tested out when I realised I had left a coat on the aeroplane. General Manager Sofia and her staff calmly took care of this for me, calling Lisbon airport and reuniting me with my coat within 24 hours. Extra curricular Outside Lisbon awaits, a new favourite weekend destination and theres plenty to keep visitors busy for two or three days. Almost everything in this compact city is within walking distance and when those vertiginous hills make your calves ache get a tram or a taxi: both are affordable. Head up to smart Principe Real or tourist central Chiado to eat the freshest seafood and local produce (top tips are Bairro de Avillez and Boubous run by ex-Londoners who worked at Zuma and Chiltern Firehouse). Shop in the pop-ups and boutiques of Chiado and Baixa, climb up through ancient Alfama to the Castle of St George for the very finest city views or catch a tram the tourist favourite is Number 28. Outside of the city popular daytrips include visits to the former royal palaces of Sintra, the surfing beaches at Cascais and the high headland at rugged Cabo da Roca, the most westerly part of mainland Europe. Alma Lusa/Mason Rose Food & Drink Delfina restaurant on the ground floor offers all-day dining with a selection of tapas and deli-style options. Breakfast is served there too, a well-displayed buffet (with cooked breakfasts to order) including traditional Portuguese pasteis de nata, mini egg custard tarts made in Lisbon for over 150 years. Which room? The 28 rooms are all different, some suites, some with small kitchenettes and some with an extra bed. The best overlook the beautiful (and quiet) square at the front of the hotel. Favourites include 15, a large wood-panelled suite and 21 with a dramatic fireplace. Alma Lusa/Mason Rose Best for... Guests come mainly from UK and USA, many on wine tours around Portugal. AlmaLusa would suit honeymooners, groups of friends on a city break and anyone looking for a top location in this newly dynamic and very safe - European capital. Price Rooms start from 195 a night including breakfast. November has a special rate for B&B of 157. Details B rexit secretary Dominic Raab has been slammed after a lightening visit to Northern Ireland, where he failed to meet with key business representatives and was accused of "running away" from a discussion with community leaders. The Tory minister arrived in Northern Ireland today for a one-day visit to various ports, and to meet with party chiefs. But he was quickly was called out for avoiding local MPs. Despite the fleeting trip, the leader of the DUP Arlene Foster revealed that the UK and EU are "close to a Brexit deal" after meeting with him. Reuters "Goodness, we have been here on a number of occasions and I hope we are close a deal that will work for Northern Ireland, that is what we want," she told reporters after meeting with Mr Raab today. But the Brexit secretary had taken flack earlier for not meeting with public representatives and local people during his first stop on the northern Irish tour - to Warrenpoint Port at Carlingford Lough, which forms part of the Irish border. South Down MP Chris Hazzard said he was not given the opportunity to engage with Mr Raab. Sinn Fein's Chris Hazzard, MP for South Down, slammed Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab for failing to meet community leaders during a fleeting trip to Northern Ireland today. / PA Wire/PA Images "I think this is the perfect illustration of the cynicism and the disrespect that the Tory government is showing towards the electorate here in South Down and Ireland in general when it comes to Brexit," said the Sinn Fein member. "We have some serious concerns around Brexit, the local community here are very anxious, the local business community are very anxious about what the next number of months and years is going to hold for them. "The fact we have yet again another Tory minister not providing an opportunity to meet and engage and listen to those concerns is absolutely unacceptable. "Dominic Raab is like a thief in the night coming in and out, not providing opportunity, not just me personally but the people I represent, and the media should have the opportunity to be able to ask the hard questions." Mr Raab is also believed to have met with senior officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland at Newry Station just a few miles from the Irish border. In a private engagement closed to media, Mr Raab met workers in the port. In a series of tightening deadlines, Mr Raab has claimed a Brexit deal will be done by mid November, following earlier claims negotiations must be completed by the ewnd of the month. SDLP South Down MLA Sinead Bradley said the visit meant Mr Raab had essentially "adopted the attitude of 'we will talk about you but not to you'." "It's absolutely disgraceful and must be called out," she added. Aodhan Connolly, a spokesman for retailers with then Northern Ireland Retail Consortium also slammed Mr Raab as he was not given the opportunity to meet. He said: "While we commend Mr Raab for visiting Northern Ireland, it is both frustrating and disappointing that he has chosen not to meet with the representative bodies from retail, manufacturing, hospitality, freight, food, and drink; the industries that will be affected most by Brexit. "Mr Raab must understand that Northern Ireland families are already at a disadvantage, with half the discretionary spending power of those in the rest of the UK. The result is any rises, from tariffs to red tape, will be felt exponentially more by the people of Northern Ireland. "Mr Raab's visit continues the cycle of ministers arriving in Northern Ireland for flying visits when what we need is meaningful engagement and understanding of how Brexit could affects our livelihoods and our lives." Democratic Unionist leader, Mrs Foster reiterated her party's opposition to any additional checks between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. A delegation from her party including North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds, MEP Diane Dodds and South Belfast MLA Christopher Stalford met Mr Raab at Stormont House on Friday afternoon. Speaking to the media afterwards, Mrs Foster said: "This is part of an ongoing range of meetings we have with Dominic. P aramedics have been left mystery gifts on their ambulances, telling them "you are awesome" with 10 to spend on coffee and doughnuts. London Ambulance Service crews have discovered the notes attached to their vehicles offering kind words of thanks. The latest package came in a clear plastic envelope with official markings of "documents enclosed". Healthcare workers said they were surprised when they discovered the envelopes contained a message of thanks. The note from a mystery sender said: You are awesome! "Saving lives everyday is a contribution to this country thats so enormous nothing could ever demonstrate the gratitude we all feel. "Thank you for your commitment, service and all that you do for all of us." "Coffee & Doughnuts are on us today." Enclosed was a 10 note. Walthamstow healthcare professional Stephen Hines commented on Twitter to say thanks for the messages. He said: "I don't know who is responsible for these, but it seems our ambulance crews are finding them attaches to vehicles. Thank you whoever you are!" Tony Holden, a specialist crew member with St John's Ambulance, added one of the charity's crews also received a message. A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: All our teams across the Service are passionate about helping Londoners in need. Each month more than 300 members of our staff are thanked in cards and letters of appreciation from the public. If someone would like to thank one of our teams or crews wed encourage them to get in touch via our website, over the phone or by email so we can ensure their message reaches the team. Last month, a person in Lincolnshire left a touching message and a 5 note after an ambulance blocked their driveway. The touching note left on the ambulance as paramedics treated a patient / East Midlands Ambulance Service/Facebook It read: You blocked my drive. But it doesnt matter because I wasnt going out anyway. Enjoy your day buy a coffee. However, ambulance services across the country have also come under attack from members of the public. An angry note left on the ambulance's windscreen as crews responded to an emergency / East Midlands Ambulance Service And on Sunday, a callous crook in Birmingham smashed into an ambulance and stole crew members possessions as they treated a sick patient. Man steals from ambulance while crew helps patient The crew had been tending to a patient inside a property when the thief struck. An iPhone was among the items taken. Meanwhile, attacks on London Ambulance Service staff rose to 477 in 2017-18, from 456 in 2016. Last month, a paramedic was attacked by a man while battling to save a girl who had collapsed in the street struggling to breathe. It happened in Willesden Green and the attacker stuck his finger up the paramedic's nose. In another attack, Sarah Ahmed forced medics to take refuge in their ambulance after they had tried to help her. She wrecked more than 10,000 of life-saving equipment, including a defibrillator, during the alcohol-fuelled rampage. B roadcaster Paul Gambaccini has spoken of the ordeal he endured after he was arrested over false accusations of sexual abuse. In November 2013, Mr Gambaccini was awoken at 4.38am by a team of eight Scotland Yard officers at his London flat who accused him of sexually abusing two underage boys in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were working for Operation Yewtree, set up in the wake of the revelations about paedophile Jimmy Savile. The police eventually dropped his case due to "insufficient evidence." Mr Gambaccini has now been awarded a five-figure payout and full apology over the false claims made against him. Mr Gambaccini always denied the claims, calling the case "completely fictitious". He spent a year on bail before the case was dropped. Payout: Paul Gambaccini / Getty Images In an interview with the Daily Mail, Mr Gambaccini told how his husband "saved his life" after the accusations were levelled at him. He told the paper: "I was too angry to cry" He added that organisations he had supported throughout his life like the Labour Party "ghosted" him. He also lashed out at the BBC. "There was no greater defender of the BBC than me," he said, "but they never tried to make it up to me after I was cleared". Dubbed the Professor of Pop, Gambaccini spoke after winning an undisclosed five-figure sum from prosecutors. The former BBC Radio One presenter was arrested in October 2013 over a claim he sexually assaulted two teenage boys as part of Operation Yewtree, set up in the wake of the revelations about paedophile Jimmy Savile. The 69-year-old, a regular fixture on the airwaves for decades, spent a year on bail before the case was dropped. He told the Daily Mail: "I was too angry to cry. Anger management is the big challenge." Speaking about his husband Christopher Sherwood, the New York native said: "He saved my life. I don't want to imagine what it would have been like not having a loving spouse through all of this." Confidentiality clauses in the agreement mean the amount paid to the Pick of the Pops presenter cannot be disclosed, sources said. He has previously described the episode as a celebrity "witch hunt", and has called for rape suspects to be given anonymity until charged. He said in 2015: "The man on the street is known to the people he has met in his life. The celebrity is known to the people he has met in his life, plus millions of others. "So when you invite the public to accuse a celebrity, you have a pool of people who include not only possibly people who have been abused, but many people to whom a celebrity may have satisfied an emotional need throughout the years even without knowing it. And this is precisely what has happened." He said he "wasn't surprised" to be accused, as he had previously spoken publicly about Jimmy Savile's crimes and was once pictured alongside him on a newspaper front page, creating an association in the public's mind. A CPS spokeswoman said: "We have reached an agreement without admission of liability". P rince Charles has showed of some of his smooth dance moves as he toured the West African country of Ghana with Camilla. On the second stop on their tour, Charles and Camilla arrived in Accra where they walked down a red carpet at the start of their five-day stay. High school students lined the roads from the airport waving flags to greet them. Charles then joined in with traditional Ghanaian dancers who celebrated the royal's arrival with a cultural display. Pictured in a grey suit and suave pair of sunglasses, Charles nodded his head in time with the traditional music as tribal dancers performed around him. Prior to the trip, Prince Charles said he was delighted to be returning to Ghana which he first visited more than 40 years ago. This is The Prince of Waless first visit to Commonwealth Nations after it was decided in April this year that he should succeed Her Majesty The Queen as the Head of the Commonwealth. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend an Art, Music, Dance and Youth Exhibition in Jamestown in Accra, Ghana / Getty Images The British royals began their West African tour in Gambia, a former colony that has rejoined the Commonwealth following the ouster of its longtime dictator. A gunman has killed two people and wounded five others at a yoga studio in Florida. The shooter, 40-year-old Scott Paul Beierle, then fatally shot himself, Tallahassee Police said. He had shot six people and pistol whipped another after walking into the studio, in a small shopping centre. Officers identified the two murder victims as Dr Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21. Police investigators work at the scene of the shooting at a yoga studio / Steve Cannon/AP Ms Van Vessem was chief medical director for Capital Health Plan, which provided affordable healthcare for the people of Tallahassee. Capital Health Plan said in a statement that she was a guiding, visionary force. It added: We all have been so blessed to have Nancy in our lives. Ms Binkley was a student at Florida State University. President John Thrasher said: To lose one of our students in this tragic and violent way is just devastating. Police at the scene of the shooting in Tallahassee / Tori Schneider/AP On Saturday, police urged anyone who saw something unusual around the time of the shooting on Friday night to come forward. Beierle acted alone. Police chief Michael DeLeo said: We're all very saddened and shocked by the events that occurred, but it's important people understand that there is no immediate threat outside of what has already occurred this evening. Erskin Wesson, 64, said he was eating dinner with his family at a restaurant below the yoga studio when they heard the gunshots above. Tallahassee police chief Michael DeLeo speaks to the press at the scene of the shooting / Steve Cannon/AP "We just heard: Pow, pow, pow, pow. Mr Wesson said. "It sounded like a limb falling on a tin roof and rolling." Melissa Hutchinson said she helped treat a "profusely" bleeding man who rushed into a bar after the incident. She said three people from the studio ran in. "It was a shocking moment something happened like this," she said. Two were killed and five injured at the yoga studio / Steve Cannon/AP City commissioner Scott Maddox was on the scene. He said on Facebook: "In my public service career I have had to be on some bad scenes. This is the worst. Please pray." Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum, who is the Democratic nominee for governor, broke off the campaign trail to return to Tallahassee. He earlier appeared at a campaign event with former President Barack Obama. Tallahassee's crime and murder rate has been an issue in the governor's race. Mr Gillum's opponent, Republican Ron DeSantis, calling the capital Florida's most crime-ridden city, a claim that is incorrect. A couple whose newborn baby died while they were on holiday in the Dominican Republic, leaving them stranded with unpaid medical bills, have flown home after friends raised 20,000. Chloe Sullivan, from Kent, was forced to rush to hospital last month while in the Caribbean country amid concerns about her unborn baby. She and her fiancee Michael Parrott, who were with their four-year-old daughter Esme, paid a deposit and told staff at the IMG Medical Centre that the rest would have to be covered by their insurance. According to a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds, doctors proceeded to perform an emergency C-section, despite the hospital reportedly being aware that the mother's insurance would not cover the full treatment. Baby Arlo was born but died the following day after suffering from respiratory problems. The couple were desperate to get home with Arlos body but the hospital took Miss Sullivans passport and insisted the couple pay $20,000 (16,000) in medical bills despite initially quoting $11,000 (8,400) for treatment, the page said. Staff reportedly even threatened to contact Interpol. The couple's friend Harry Cottam wrote on the page: Their hearts are broken and they just want to get home, however the hospital refused to let them leave until they paid the medical fee which had now increased to over $20,000. They physically do not have that kind of money nor can they access that easily. Chloe and Michael asked if they would allow them to pay in instalments and the hospital refused, keeping them in a room surrounded by security and police. Chloes four year old daughter was with them the whole time, I cant imagine how scared she must have felt. Miss Sullivan desperately reminded the hospital that the couple had told staff before any treatment that they could not pay, but the hospital responded with we saved your life, you should be grateful, the page said. A British embassy representative reportedly advised them to pay the bill and offered no other solution. The page added. They are in an impossible position. Their hearts are breaking and they cannot grieve for their baby boy. If anyone can help in any way at all they will be eternally grateful. They are so sorry to ask this of our friends and family. Within days, friends had banded together to raise the money for the couple, with the total now standing at 20,000. A later update on the page said the target had been reached and the family had been able to fly home. G ame of Thrones broadcaster HBO has accused US president Donald Trump of trademark infringement following his bizarre sanctions are coming movie poster tweet. Mr Trump posted the dramatic movie poster-style picture of himself, staring into the distance, in front of a title: Sanctions are coming, November 5. It was in the same font, and style, which HBO uses to promote Game of Thrones. It is a play on words on the famous Game of Thrones line "Winter is Coming," a theme which features regularly throughout the show's seven series. HBO hit back at Trump in a statement today: We were not aware of this messaging and would prefer our trademark not be misappropriated for political purposes. In a separate riposte, HBOs Twitter account also posted: How do you say trademark misuse in Dothraki? Dothkari is a language spoken in the shows fantasy universe. Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams wasnt in the mood, either, tweeting back to the president: Not today. Mr Trumps tweet was referring to Washington's decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran. On Monday, the US will reintroduce sanctions on Iran's vital oil sales and banking sectors. It is trying to force Iran to scrap its nuclear energy and ballistic missile programmes. T he lawyer of a Christian woman who spent eight years on death row after being falsely accused of blasphemy has fled Pakistan in fear for his life. Saif Mulook said he had to leave so he could continue to represent Asia Bibi, whose conviction was overturned by judges on Wednesday. Mr Mulook told the BBC earlier this week she would need to move to a Western country for her own safety. Several countries have offered her asylum, however Pakistan's government has capitulated after days of protests by hardline Islamists and blocked her from leaving the country. Pakistani Islamists struck a deal with the government that Bibi must not leave Pakistan until the Supreme Court's ruling is reviewed. EPA The deal led to an end to mass protests in the country Supporters of Pakistan's religious hardline party Jamiat Ulema Islam torch a poster of Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan / AFP/Getty Images Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri announced that authorities will now not allow Bibi to leave the country until the Supreme Court makes a final review of its verdict. A petition had already been filed for the review. Authorities place shipping containers to try and stop protesters from entering the capital / AP Bibi had been on death row since 2009 after an argument with a group of women. They were harvesting fruit when a row broke out about a bucket of water. The women said that because she had used a cup, they could no longer touch it, as her faith had made it unclean. Asia Bibi was told by the women that she should convert to Islam. She was alleged to have made offensive comments about the Prophet Muhammad in response. She was arrested following a police probe but the Supreme Court ruled the evidence against her was 'flimsy' A man eating tigress thought to have devoured 13 people has been shot dead in India. A 'sharp shooter' named Asgar Ali shot the tiger dead last night in India's Maharashtra state near the town of Yavatmal, police said. The death of the endangered animal sparked mass anger. The Bengal tiger is the national animal of India. The tiger, named Avni, had two cubs aged 10 months at the time of her death. India's Supreme Court ruled in September that the tiger, known officially as T1, could be shot on sight. "The forest officials initially tried to nab her alive. However, due to dense forest and darkness, they were unable to do so and finally a bullet was fired in which the tigress fell on the spot," an official said. "After she became motionless, forest officials went closer to her and later rushed her to a hospital in Nagpur, where she was declared dead." 150 people had been tracking the tiger for as long as three months. There have been protests across India by activists who believe the tiger had not killed any human beings. Bengaluru-based activist Prerana Chakraborty said the tiger is being wrongly labelled as a man-eater. Asked to describe Stoicism simply, The Stoic Emperor said: "Stoicism is about mastering what we can control and accepting what we cannot." The philosophy originated in the third century BC in Athens. A post describing it on the Daily Stoic website said: "The philosophy asserts that virtue (such as wisdom) is happiness and judgment should be based on behaviour, rather than words. "That we dont control and cannot rely on external events, only ourselves and our responses." Key figures are Marcus Aurelius, a former Roman emperor, Roman statesman and philosopher Seneca, as well as Greek slave turned philosopher Epictetus. T he funeral of the Leicester City owner who died in a helicopter crash outside the club's stadium is under way. The service for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha began today with members of the duty free billionaire's family arriving at the Wat Thepsirin Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Leicester City players are due to fly out to Bangkok for the funeral, which lasts seven days, straight after their match against Cardiff this afternoon. First team stars including Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel and captain Wes Morgan will travel to Thailand. Funeral of Leicester City owner in Bangkok 1 /17 Funeral of Leicester City owner in Bangkok Mourners from Thailand's elite arrives at the Wat Thepsirin Buddhist temple in Bangkok for the funeral ceremony of Leicester City's Thai owner AFP/Getty Images The service is going to last at least a week AFP/Getty Images Thai deputy prime minister and defence minister Prawit Wongsuwan attends the funeral AFP/Getty Images Thai business magnate and senior chairman of CP Group, Dhanin Chearavanont AFP/Getty Images Police General Somyot Poompanmoung, president of the Football Association of Thailand AFP/Getty Images Mourners attend the start of the funeral service REUTERS Police are posted at the Wat Thepsirin Buddhist temple in Bangkok AFP/Getty Images Mourners gathered at the temple in Bangkok from this morning to pay their respects to the Leicester City owner REUTERS Wat Thep Sirin Temple seen in the early morning, ahead of the funeral of Leicester City owner Thai businessman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha REUTERS A van carrying the body of the football club owner arrives at the temple ahead of his funeral REUTERS Relatives attend a procession with royal soldiers REUTERS Mr Srivaddhanaprabha died in a shocking helicopter crash last weekend REUTERS Royal soldiers attend a procession during the funeral for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha REUTERS Buddhist monks will take part in the service, which will last several days REUTERS Monks attend a procession with royal soldiers REUTERS Five people died in the shocking helicopter crash last weekend REUTERS Royal troops pictured at the temple in Bangkok, Thailand REUTERS Mr Vichai, 60, two members of staff, the pilot and his partner all died in a horrific helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium last Saturday. A black ford transit van at the Wat Thep Sirin Temple / REUTERS A black ford transit van and a procession of mourners arrived this morning at the temple ahead of his funeral. Seven days of mourning began with Buddhist bathing rituals. They will be followed by recitation ceremonies over the coming week. In keeping with Thai tradidition, a bathing rite ceremony will take place before the recitals. His funeral will last several days / REUTERS Mr Srivaddhanaprabha has also been granted royal sponsorship at his funeral, an honour granted to government officials and high-ranking members of Thai society. Thailand's Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan arrives for Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's funeral / REUTERS A small group of people with close links to Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's family attended a private gathering ahead of the official ceremony which starts this evening. Thai business magnate and senior chairman of CP Group, Dhanin Chearavanont, arrives for the funeral / AFP/Getty Images At the service, Buddhist monks will recite prayers from religious texts and afterwards the body will be kept for 100 days before a cremation at a later date. Somyot Poompanmoung, president of the Football Association of Thailand / AFP/Getty Images Speaking to Football Focus, Striker Jamie Vardy said: "The boss [Puel] gave us the option to do other things, whatever we felt best. "Everyone came to a unanimous decision, we get out there and make sure we prepare for an important game. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died in the crash last week / Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra "It was a tough decision [to play at Cardiff]. But knowing what Vichai would have wanted meant it was an easier decision to make. Buddhist monks will recite prayers from religious texts at the service / REUTERS "Every single player and staff member needed to play and wanted to play, and we need to make sure we do him proud on the pitch." Nursara Suknamai and Kavenporn Punpare were among the victims of the Leicester helicopter crash (Instagram ) / Instagram Earlier this week, Vichai's youngest son Aiyawatt posted on Instagram that his father had 'left me with a legacy to continue and I will do everything I can to carry on his big vision and dreams.' Helicopter crash victim Nursara Suknamai and Gareth Southgate (Instagram ) / Instagram The squad and staff will visit Thailand for about 36 hours before flying home. The four other victims of the crash were Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, both members of Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's staff, pilot Eric Swaffer and passenger Izabela Roza Lechowicz. You are here: World Flash Representatives from six Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) countries passed an initiative on Friday to enhance cooperation on water resources during a forum held in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province. The Kunming Initiative came at the conclusion of the first Mekong-Lancang Water Resources Cooperation Forum, which aims to facilitate dialogue on water policy, technology exchanges and experience sharing among LMC countries. The two-day forum discussed topics including sustainable development, utilization and protection of water resources, flood and drought management and knowledge sharing on trans-boundary river management. The initiative called for joint actions to tackle challenges facing the six countries, including the increasing demands for water, flood and drought, degradation of aquatic eco-system, water pollution and climate change. It said LMC countries will endeavor to deepen cooperation through policy dialogues, technical exchanges, experience sharing, joint research and capacity building to address water-related challenges. The initiative also called for more investment from member countries on the construction of water infrastructure and proposing capacity cooperation to make the countries more capable of coping with future water challenges and climate change risks. "Mekong countries and China are natural partners," said Tian Xuebin, vice minister of China's Ministry of Water Resources, calling for all-around cooperation on water resources toward sustainable development and common prosperity of the Lancang-Mekong River Basin. The initiative will strengthen cooperation and increase capacity for trans-boundary water resources management, contributing to all countries, especially in the area of flood and drought mitigation and management under climate change phenomena, according to Wijarn Simachaya, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand. The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation is a sub-regional cooperation mechanism jointly established by Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Originating from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China, the river is called the Lancang River in China and the Mekong River when it flows through the other five countries before emptying into the sea. Priority areas under the mechanism include connectivity, production capacity, cross-border economic cooperation, water resources, agriculture and poverty reduction. 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 The General Prosecutor's Office on Saturday published the criteria, conditions and documents requested by the Ministry of Justice for the procedure of appointment of Augustin Lazar as prosecutor general back in 2006. "After certain manipulative statements were made in the mass-media, we are showing what were the criteria, conditions and documents requested by the Ministry of Justice for the procedure of appointment in April 2016 of the prosecutor general to the top spot at the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice - which was a legal and transparent procedure," reads a release of the General Prosecutor's Office posted on the Website of the Public Ministry. The press release has been issued with two documents attached, an address dated in February 17 2016 of the Ministry of Justice sent to the General Prosecutor's Office, as well as the "Criteria and calendar for the recruitment procedure for filling in the position of general prosecutor at the Prosecutor' Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice," a document issued by the Ministry of Justice.In his address of February 17 2016, the Minister of Justice back then, Raluca Pruna, told First Deputy Prosecutor General Bogdan Licu to communicate to the prosecutors from the Public Minister that they had the opportunity to run for the office of general prosecutor.In the respective address there were also enumerated the documents necessary for the candidates: a CV and a letter of intent including a brief presentation of the candidates, details about his/her professional experience and qualities recommending him/her for the position. It was also mentioned the fact that the documents of the candidates had to be sent to the Ministry of Justice by email.The second document published on Saturday by the General Prosecutor's Office enumerated the criteria announced in 2016 by the Ministry of Justice for the candidates to general prosecutor. *Integrity criteria: objectivity and impartiality in exercising his/her duties, always relying on the law, without giving up in front of pressure, observing the standards of conduct according to the profession's dignity and honour, having high ethical standards and the capacity to make objective decisions, not being involved in any conflict that may contravene the public interest of carrying out justice or defending the general interests of the society. *Professionalism criteria: minimum 10-year experience as a judge or prosecutor; the "very good" score obtained at the most recent assessment; no disciplinary sanction in the past 3 years. *Criteria regarding the specific skills required by the position: capacity of organising the activity of the Public Ministry, for a good administration of justice; to have the vision of a manager, relevant professional experience, to be a good decision maker and responsible person, capacity to manage crisis situations, motivation, capacity of relating and communicating with others. The General Prosecutor's Office release came in response to the statements made by the Minister of Justice, Tudorel Toader, who several times stated that the candidacy file submitted by Augustin Lazar was incomplete, as the "very good" score for his most recent assessment was missing. The cooperation of Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece and Romania will make the European Union even stronger, Bulgarian Premier Boyko Borisov said on Friday in Varna at the summit of the four Balkan countries. This meeting format always pursues a common goal, (...) that of increasing transport, infrastructure, and digital connectivity in the European Union. (...) Our friendship is not targeted against the EU, but on the contrary, our cooperation will turn the EU even stronger, Boyko Borisov told a joint press conference delivered with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Romanian Premier Viorica Dancila and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was translated and released on the Romanian Government's Facebook page. In his turn, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that the Bulgaria - Serbia - Greece - Romania high-level meeting in Varna, that was also joined by the Israeli Premier, discussed energy connectivity, an aspect of utmost importance for the Balkans. He mentioned that the Timisoara - Pancevo highway was also a subject of talks, given the high importance of rail and road connectivity.Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras said that a joint declaration on transport will be signed following the meeting in Varna, setting out the steps and the calendar for carrying out highly important projects, specifically upgrading the Alexandroupolis - Burgas - Varna rail connection. The construction of a speedway from Alexandroupolis to the region of Maritsa was also discussed, and a working group will be set up to see to the fast implementation of these projects. Opportunities to invest in the regions energy security were also on the agenda of the summit talks, PM Tsipras said. Flash Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) called on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Beijing yesterday. Imran Khan recalled that Song's visit to Pakistan in October had cemented bilateral relationship and fostered greater mutual understanding. Pakistan attaches importance to relations with China, and was committed to enhancing cooperation across the board. The Prime Minister noted that the goodwill amongst the peoples of Pakistan and China provided firm basis for the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership for Shared Future. As the representatives of their respective nations, relations between the ruling parties in both countries were of paramount importance. Pakistan fully shared the IDCPC's mission of promoting people to people contacts, including exchanges between political parties, academia, media, youth, women and think tanks. These exchanges would ensure that the exceptional friendship between Pakistan and China endures from generation to generation. Song stated that the Prime Minister's first official visit to China since assuming office was in keeping with the time-honored traditions of the special friendship between Pakistan and China. He reaffirmed that the IDCPC would always play its role in strengthening Pakistan-China relations, which have always enjoyed a special place in China's international relations. In the wake of the sending of bomb-like devices of uncertain capability to prominent critics of US President Donald Trump and of a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue (both Trumps fault, of course) plus a migrant invasion approaching the US through Mexico there have been widespread calls for toning down harsh and divisive political rhetoric. Of course given the nature of the American media and other establishment voices, these demands predictably have been aimed almost entirely against Trump and his Deplorable supporters, almost never against the same establishment that unceasingly vilifies Trump and Middle American radicals as literally Hitler, all backed up by the evil White-Nationalist-in-Chief, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Those appealing for more civility and a return to polite discourse can save their breath. Its much, much too late for that. When Trump calls the establishment media the enemies of the people, thats because they together with their passive NPC drones and active Antifa enforcers are enemies, if by the people we mean the historic American nation. Trumps sin is that he calls them out for what they are. Trump didnt cause todays polarization, he only exacerbates it because he punches back. Good, may he continue to do so. Pining for a more well-mannered time in a country that belongs to another, long-gone era is futile. American politics is no longer about a narrow range of governing styles or competing economic interests. It is tribal. Todays tribes are defined in terms of affinity for or hostility to the founding American ethnos characterized by European, overwhelming British origin (a/k/a, white); Christian, mainly Protestant; and English-speaking, as augmented by members of other groups who have totally or partially assimilated to that ethnos or who at least identify with it (think of Mr. Hamadura in The Camp of the Saints). (Unfortunately we dont have a specific word for this core American ethnic identity to distinguish it from general references to the United States in a civic or geographic sense. (Russian, by contrast, makes a distinction between ethnic (russkiy) and civic/geographical (rossiiskiy).) Maybe we could adapt Frank Lloyd Wrights Usonian? Or Americaner, comparable to Afrikaner? Or Anglo-American?) Since the Left gave up on its original focus on industrial workers as the revolutionary class, the old bourgeois/proletarian dichotomy is out. Tribes now line up according to categories in a plural Cultural Marxist schematic of oppressor and victim pairings, with the latter claiming unlimited redress from the former. As the late Joe Sobran said, it takes a lot of clout to be a victim in America these days. The following is a helpful guide to whos who under the new dispensation: Category Oppressor Victim Sex Male Female Race White Person of Color (POC) Language English Non-English Religion Christian Non-Christian Sexual Orientation Cis/Straight LGBTQQIAPP+ Sovereign allegiance US citizen Non-US citizen Legal status Citizen/legal resident Illegal/Undocumented Criminality Law-abiding Offender Origin Native (Im)migrant Physical condition Able Disabled Economic Self-supporting Dependent In most of the above categories there are variations that can increase the intensity of oppressor or victim status. For example, certified victimhood in a recognized category confers extra points, like Black Lives Matter for race (it is racist to suggest that all lives matter) or a defined religious group marginalized by hate (mainly anti-Jewish oranti-Muslim, but not something like anti-Buddhist, anti-Rastafarian, or even anti-atheist or anti-Satanist because no one bothers about them; anti-Christian victimhood is an oxymoron because Christian is inherently an oppressive category). In addition, meeting the criteria for more than one category confers enhanced victimhood under a principle called intersectionality. In the same way, there are aggravating factors in oppressor categories, such as being a policeman (an enforcer of the structure of oppression regardless of the officers personal victim attributes, but worse if straight, white, Christian, etc.) or a member of a hate subculture (a Southerner whos not vocally self-loathing is a presumed Klan sympathizer; thus, a diabetic, unemployed, opioid-addicted Georgia cracker is an oppressor as the beneficiary of his white privilege and toxic masculinity, notwithstanding his socio-economic and health status). Like being Southern, living while genetically Russian is also an aggravating factor. Creatively shuffling these descriptors suggests an entertaining game like Mad Libs, or perhaps an endless series of jokes for which you could be fired if you told them at work: Two people walk into a bar. One is a Baptist, straight, male Virginia state trooper whose ancestors arrived at Jamestown. The other is a one-legged, genderqueer, Somali Dervish WIC recipient illegally in the US on an expired student visa. So the bartender says [insert your own punch line here]. While Patrick Buchanan is right that the level of domestic violence today is not up to what the US experienced in 1968, the depth of the existential divide is much greater. This is why its perfectly acceptable for a homosexual, black MSM news anchor to describe white men collectively as a terror threat, but when a straight white, female counterpart makes a clumsy but mild observation about ethnic role-playing its a firing offense. (Note that while female is an assigned victim category, white females can be gender traitors if they are seen as putting their racial privilege ahead of their second-class gender status; to remain victims in good standing and an allies of higher-caste victim groups they need to learn to just shut the f**k up when POC sisters with superior oppressed status are holding forth.) The victim side accuses its opponents of a litany of sins such as racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, etc., for which the solution is demographic and ideological replacement even while denying that the replacement is going onor intended. This is no longer ordinary political competition but (in an inversion of von Clausewitz attributed to Michel Foucault) politics as the continuation of war by other means. In its immediate application this war is a second American civil war, but it can have immense consequences for war on the international stage as well. To attain victory the forces of victimhood championed by the Democratic Party need to reclaim part of the apparatus of power they lost in Trumps unexpected 2016 win. (Actually, much of the apparatus in the Executive Branch remains in Democratic hands but is only of limited utility as a resistance under the superficial Trumpian occupation.) As this commentary appears it is expected that on November 6 the GOP will retain control of the US Senate but the House of Representatives will flip to the Democrats. Thats whats supposed to happen, just as Hillary Clinton was supposed to win the White House two years ago. How things will actually play out though is anybodys guess. But for the sake of discussion, if the expected scenario comes to pass the last chance Trumps election afforded to save what is left of the American nation is likely to come to an end. We can anticipate three results: Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tongan King Tupou VI exchanged congratulatory messages on Friday to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. In his message to King Tupou VI, Xi said that bilateral ties have grown continuously with the expansion of practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges over the past two decades. Xi said that he and King Tupou VI achieved important consensus on promoting bilateral exchanges and cooperation on a wide range of areas during the king's state visit to China in March this year, which outlined the direction for future bilateral ties. Xi said that he greatly values China-Tonga relations and is willing to make use of the opportunity of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and constantly scale new heights in the relationship, so as to better benefit the two peoples. In his congratulatory message to Xi, King Tupou VI said high-level exchanges between the two countries are robust, cooperation is expanding, and mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples are growing. The king also sent his wishes for China's prosperity and the well-being of the Chinese people. Beijings intellectual property-rights (IPR) practices, including patent infringement and the theft of proprietary technology and software, have been targeted by US President Donald Trump, who is using that issue to drive his trade war against China. And not just China. The United States is involved in efforts to force the world to respect IPR. But justice begins at home. It was the United States that started a sanctions war with Russia in an attempt to punish it for Ukraine, US election meddling, and other invented wrongdoings. Now it needs Russian weapons for its military, but cannot buy them legally as a result of its own policy. US foreign-military advisers, as well as Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel involved in clandestine operations, need the weapons for specific missions, and they want them promptly and in the quantities they need. How does the US solve this problem? It decides to manufacture these weapons domestically without any permission, agreements, licenses, or anything. It needs nothing of the sort. It believes that intellectual property (IP) rights should be respected everywhere in the world but the United States the country that gets what it wants while conveniently forgetting all the international rules and norms. This is a prime example of the egregious violation of Russias IPR by the United States. As the National Interest put it, So US Special Forces Command, which oversees Americas various commando units, has an idea: instead of buying Russian weapons, why not build their own? Thats why USSOCOM is asking US companies to come up with a plan to manufacture Russian and other foreign weapons. The goal is to develop an innovative domestic capability to produce fully functioning facsimiles of foreign-made weapons that are equal to or better than what is currently being produced internationally, according to the USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research proposal. Indeed, the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has hired contractors to build US-made analogs to Russia weapons: the 7.62x54mm PKM light machine gun and the 12.7x108mm NSV Utes heavy machine gun. Defense contractors in US-friendly countries, such as Ukraine and East European nations that once belonged to the Warsaw Treaty Organization, have a different reason for their inability to provide alternative sources. Producing the weapons in the US is the best way to solve all the problems related to logistics and supply chains. It guarantees the homogeneity of the parts. Naturally there is no talk of paying licensing fees or royalties to Rostec, the Russian State Corporation to Facilitate the Development, Production, and Export of Advanced Technological Industrial Products. And if the production goes well, why not sell the US-manufactured Russian weapons abroad, all the while lecturing other countries on the importance of respecting copyrights? Meaning American copyrights. The Drive cited SOCOMs 2017 contracting announcement, which stated, Foreign made weapons lack interchangeability and standardization which hinders field and depot level part replacement. It further explains that Developing a domestic production capability for foreign like weapons addresses these issues while being cost effective as well as strengthens the nations [sic] military-industrial complex, ensures a reliable and secure supply chain, and reduces acquisition lead times. One way to counter Russias legal claims and accusations of intellectual-property theft is to say that these guns only resemble PKMs and NSVs, but are not direct copies thereof! This prompts the question why cant Chinese producers or those accused by the US of IP theft in other countries do the same? This isnt stealing there are just a few occasional similarities, but its all homemade and there is nothing to worry about. Will the US accept such explanations? There are more examples. Kalashnikov USA, a Florida warehouse, is producing Made in America AK- 47 Kalashnikov automatic rifles. SOCOM also is seeking American companies to sign contracts to produce AK-47s and ammunition. Russian medium and heavy machine guns, as well as 14.5mm aircraft guns, are included in the this solicitation. Naturally, the Americans may want to produce the magnificent Kalashnikov AK-308 automatic rifle that was showcased at the Russian Army-2018 exhibition that took place in August. Indeed, the US-backed groups in Syria would attract less attention if they carried Russian, not American, arms. A lot of fighters in conflict-ridden countries are familiar with Russian weapons. Itll be much harder to see exactly who is behind them if theyre carrying Russian weapons. While the US imposes sanctions on China for legally buying Russian weapons, it is illegally producing them and its companies are encouraged to continue, with no threat of sanctions from the government. US National Security Adviser John Bolton was very kind to issue a warning on Oct. 31 at an Alexander Hamilton Society event that China is most likely stealing Russian intellectual property in order to sell copycat weapons systems for a lower price at some point in the future. Thank you for sharing this valuable information, Mr. Bolton! Just one little question to clarify, what is the US doing building Russian weapons illegally? We get it, Mr. Bolton, this is just another example of the pot calling the kettle black. So, the United States is blatantly violating Russian intellectual property rights. It could have done everything officially and bought a license, for instance, but it has not. This kind of behavior will inevitably tarnish the US reputation worldwide. But Washington is making an effort to get its hands on the best. This unseemly practice confirms the fact that Russia is the global leader in the production of weapons of unparalleled quality that are in high demand worldwide, including in the United States. This is the best advertisement for the Russian defense industry anyone could dream of. A September satellite photo shows what appear to be the four newly built Chinese H-6J heavy bombers. These are a new model and were apparently built for the Chinese Navy. The H-6J is similar to the cruise missile carrying H-6K used by the Chinese Air Force, which has about 110 H-6s compared to about 30 for the navy. The latest version of the H-6 can carry the 2.5 ton YJ-12 supersonic missile that can hit land targets or ships at sea. While China still builds H-6s it was also announced that the H-6 replacement, the H-20 existed in prototype form and was close (early 2019) to making its maiden flight. The H-20 looks a lot like the American B-2. The H-6J may have some new features like longer range or the ability to carry more YJ-12 missiles but not anything radically different. China prefers gradual improvements and has long been developing more capabilities for the H-6. At the end of 2017, a new variant was seen over the South China Sea. The new version was actually an old (2007-8) H-6G which was a bomber model modified to provide updated targeting information for cruise missiles. This involved installing lots of additional electronics inside the aircraft. The new H-6G was seen with two ECM (electronic countermeasure) pods carried under its wings. These pods had been seen, also in late 2017, fitted to the J-16 (a clone of the Russian Su-30MK2). Both are 34 ton fighter-bombers similar to the American F-15E. The Su-30MK2 can carry 8 tons of smart bombs and missiles. It can be refueled in the air and is equipped to operate over land and open water. The Chinese J-16 SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) electronic warfare aircraft is referred to as the J-16D and some are apparently going to operate from Chinese aircraft carriers. The H-6G is land-based and often seen operating in the West Pacific and the South China Sea. The appearance of the ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) H-6G might explain another unexplained H-6 development. In early 2017 there appeared at least one H-6K equipped with an aerial refueling probe. This really doesnt make much sense extending the range of the H-6K as this bomber was designed to carry long-range missiles (land attack and anti-ship). Extending H-6K range so it could reach targets in Hawaii or the American west coast doesnt make much sense as the risks of being detected and shot down along the way are too high. China did not say what its H-6K equipped with aerial refueling was going to do but an H-6 with aerial refueling capability did make sense for an H-6 equipped for electronic warfare. In any event, the H-6K, in general, appears to be largely a development project. Thats because since 2011 only about twenty H-6Ks have entered service and Chinese officials have said they want to develop a modern heavy bomber (H-20) but that takes time and tinkering with the H-6 has always been seen as an option if the government refused to pay for the major investment required for new heavy bomber design. But adding aerial refueling capability to the H-6G would make it a more useful ECM aircraft as these could jam enemy radars and communications quickly if one the H-6Gs just happened to be in the air at the time of a crisis. Until the H-6J the H-6K was the latest version of Chinas largest and most capable long-range bomber and is basically a much improved and modernized version of a 1950s Russian Tu-16. The K model has a modern (glass) cockpit that consists largely of five flat screen touch displays rather than the older array of many switches and small analog indicators. Photos on the Internet also showed that the H-6K had a new side entry door that could use a stair or a ladder. The H-6J apparently had the same modern features of the K model. The H-6K entered service in 2011 after several years of development. The H-6K uses more efficient Russian engines (D30KP2) that give it a range of about 3,500 kilometers without aerial refueling. Electronics are state-of-the-art and include a more powerful radar. The fuselage of the bomber has been reinforced with lighter, stronger, composite materials giving it longer range and greater carrying capacity. The rear facing 23mm autocannon has been replaced with electronic warfare equipment. The current H-6K was designed to carry six of the two-ton CJ-10A land-attack cruise missiles under its wings and one more in the bomb bay. These missiles appear to have a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, as they are similar to the older Russian Kh-55 (which could be armed with a nuclear warhead). The CJ-10A is sometimes described as a high-speed (2,500 kilometers an hour), solid fuel missile. But that type of missile is a short range (about 300 kilometers) anti-ship system. The CJ-10A appears to be more of a copy of the American Tomahawk (which uses a much slower jet engine). The CJ-10A can carry a nuclear warhead but usually does not. Armed with CJ-10A the H6K can attack American bases on Okinawa and Guam using air-launched cruise missiles. The YJ-12 missile appeared in 2015 and is more suited for attacking well defended warships at sea. The 2.5 ton YJ-12 is supersonic all the way to its target and has a max range of 400 kilometers. The YJ-12 can maneuver to evade interception as it approaches its target and carries several sensors for detecting the ship it was intended to hit (like a carrier and not a destroyer). The YJ-12 guidance system is resistant to jamming and regularly updated. Warhead weight is 200 kg (440 pounds) or 250 kg. There are export versions with lots of options but not the most modern electronics, which are reserved for the missiles used by the Chinese military. The H-6K can also carry up to eight anti-ship missiles, making it a threat to American carriers. This became obvious in late 2015 when Chinese media made much of a training exercise over the South China Sea featuring H-6Ks. In that November exercise, eight H-6Ks were seen more than a thousand kilometers out to sea and accompanied by electronic warfare aircraft. Four of the H-6Ks flew close to Okinawa and were photographed by Japanese aircraft. This was apparently an effort to demonstrate the Chinese capability to hit targets far from the Chinese mainland, especially American bases in Okinawa and Guam. This was but the latest effort to publicize the H-6K. Earlier China media heavily covered senior officials visiting airbases where the H-6K was shown off with journalists allowed to take close up photos of the aircraft, including the cockpit. Apparently, that publicity did not do the trick so the November flights were used for emphasis. There are about 140 H-6s in service (out of about 200 built). These are Chinese copies of the Russian Tu-16s (about 1,500 built). Although the Tu-16 design is over fifty years old, China has continued to rely on their H-6s as one of their principal bombers. The H-6 is a 78 ton aircraft with a crew of four and two engines. Most models can carry nine tons of bombs and missiles, with the new H-6K able to haul about 12 tons. Most H-6s carry the YJ-12, CJ-10A and C201 missiles, as well as bombs. It does not appear that China is planning on building a lot of H-6Ks, perhaps no more than thirty. The Russians kept their Tu-16s in service until the early 1990s, but China kept improving their H-6 copy. Thus the H-6K is a capable heavy bomber that may be around for another decade or two. Bay of Plenty You will be operating the Roller and also required to help out the team hands on. You will be working near Bayfair for a... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Beijing Friday. Xi welcomed Khan for paying an official visit to China and attending the first China International Import Expo. He hailed the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership as a special friendship shaped and developed during a long time of mutual support and close cooperation. Xi said the bilateral ties always stay vigorous and continue developing regardless of the changes in international situations or the two countries' domestic affairs. "China-Pakistan cooperation not only benefits both peoples but also contributes to regional and world peace, stability and development," Xi said. Xi appreciated Khan for repeatedly stressing that he would view the relations with China as a political cornerstone in Pakistan's foreign policy and would unswervingly promote the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Xi said China always views relations with Pakistan as a priority of diplomacy and supports Pakistan in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed support for Pakistan's new government in implementing its policies and promoting national development. "We'd like to work with Pakistan to strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future between the two countries." Xi said the two sides should deepen strategic communication, maintain regular visits and meetings between the two countries' leaders and enhance experience-sharing in the governance of a country. Proposing closer pragmatic cooperation and promotion in trade and investment, Xi called for consolidating the early results of CPEC and expanding CPEC to areas such as industrial parks and people's livelihood. He also said the two sides should boost people-to-people exchanges, strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation and increase coordination and communication on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Pakistan admires China's development achievements and hopes to learn from China's experience in development, poverty alleviation and anti-corruption, Khan said. "Pakistan-China friendship is deeply rooted in the mind of Pakistani people," Khan said, noting that Pakistan is devoted to furthering the relations with China and the construction of CPEC, so as to benefit the economic and social development of Pakistan. The Pakistani side is willing to reinforce communication and coordination in multilateral affairs with China, Khan added. Flash China is willing to promote bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges with the Dominican Republic, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Friday. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 2, 2018. Medina will attend the upcoming first China International Import Expo in Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua] Li made the remarks while meeting with the Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina, who is on a state visit to China and will attend the first China International Import Expo, which runs from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai. Li said the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Dominican Republic in May confirms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples and opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. Noting that the two countries' economies are highly complementary and that there is a huge potential for pragmatic cooperation, Li said the Chinese side supports its competent enterprises and financial institutions to deepen infrastructure construction cooperation with the Dominican Republic in areas such as electricity and transportation based on market rules and commercial principles. "China is willing to import more products from the Dominican Republic that are competitive and of high quality, and enhance bilateral trade exchanges," Li said, also hoping the two countries to expand people-to-people exchanges and tourism cooperation. For his part, Medina said Dominican Republic-China cooperation has yielded fruitful results since the two countries established diplomatic relations. "We welcome Chinese enterprises to invest and develop in the Dominican Republic," he said, adding that his country hopes to increase exports to China and deepen cooperation with China in electricity and other areas for greater mutual benefits. Updated with more events. SYRACUSE, NY -- This may be the last Syracuse Beer Week, at least in its current form, but that doesn't mean there's a shortage of events. Since 2008, 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. Starting today, Nov. 3, Syracuse Beer Week 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 has coordinated the events. So whether this is the last ride or not, here are some highlights. (This list will be updated with other info as it develops). Saturday, Nov. 3 -- 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 starting noon Nov. 3 at its tap room, 120 Wilkinson St. Look for the cans at local beer shops and some bars starting Monday. Monday, Nov. 5 -- Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub launches its all-week Beer & Bangers Fest, showcasing beer pairings with a different banger (Irish sausage) featured each day. -- World of Beer at Destiny USA hosts a Trivia Night Nov. 5 with Ithaca Beer Co. and Syracuse Trivia Company. Featured beers include Ithaca's Box of Hops "variants" and Cranbretty Sour Wheat Ale with Cranberries on tap. -- Pastabilities, 311 S. Franklin St., launches its all-week tap takeover featuring Southern Tier Brewing and Southern Tier Distilling. Runs though Friday. Tuesday, Nov. 6 -- Traditional annual release of Empire Barley Wine at the Empire Brewing Co., 120 Walton St. in Armory Square and the Empire Famr Brewery, off Route 13 in Cazenovia. There's also a 50 percent-off draft prices for anyone wearing an 'I voted' sticker. Note: The Armory Square brewpubs offers a special beer pairing menu all week. -- The Evergreen, 125 E. Water St. in Hanover Square, hosts a tap takeover with 20 of the top beers in Sheehan's portfolio on Nov. 6. Breweries include Middle Ages (Single Batch 29 & 30); New Belgium Wood Cellar Reserve Single Foeder plus five others); Magnify (Imagine the Summit DDH-DNEIPA); Decadent ( Ambrosia IPA); Maine Beer Co (Lunch IPA); Hudson Valley (Peach Silhouette); Cigar City (Marshal Zhukov Imperial Stout); Threes (Vliet Pilsner); Sand City ( Oops I Hopped My Pants IPA); Barrier (Oyster Stout Nitro); Sloop (Fantasy Nerd NEIPA); Common Roots (Blonde); Thin Man (Badger Assassin Sour); Graft Cider (Peaks and Valley Gose Cider). -- World of Beer at Destiny USA celebrates Election Day Nov. 6 with Willow Rock Brewing Company, and its re-launch of the historic Congress Beer. Also a chance to meet the Willow Rock brewers. Wednesday, Nov. 7 -- Sips & Nibbles, featuring food pairings with Middle Ages beers, starts at 6:30 Nov. 7 at Riley's Restaurant & Bar, 312 Park St. -- Great Lakes Brewing's Christmas Party -- with the annual release of the Cleveland brewery's seasonal Christmas Ale -- starts at 7 p.m. Nov. 7, at The Blue Tusk, 165 Walton St. in Armory Square. -- Kitty Hoynes hosts the first day of its Hop Fest 2018. It highlights eight to 10 beers not usually available in the Syracuse area: Sand City (N.Y.), J. Wakefield (Fla.), Solem Oath (Ill.), Fifty Fifty (Calif.), Sloop (N.Y.), Hudson Valley (N.Y.), Prison City (N.Y.), Magnify (N.J.), Barrier & KCBC (N.Y.), LIC (N.Y.), Common Roots (N.Y.), Foley Brothers (Vt.) Thursday, Nov. 8 - Kitty Hoynes Hop Fest, second day (see above) -- World of Beer hosts Cigar City Brewing Nov. 8 with Marshal Zhukov Russian Imperial Stout and Margarita Gose on tap. -- The Hops Spot, 116 Walton St. in Armory Square, hosts Thin Man Brewing of Buffalo, and founder Mike Shatzel, along with some special beer releases on Nov. 8. Starts at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9 -- The Blue Tusk hosts a "cider house" event all day Nov. 9, featuring rare, sour and aged ciders. -- Kitty Hoynes hosts Maine Beer Lunch (and maybe dinner), featuring beer from Maine Brewing Co. with Lobster Rolls and other lobster specials. Nov. 9 is also the annual "Black Friday" event, highlighting Guinness Stout and offering patrons a chance to win a trip to Ireland. Buck-a-shuck oysters from 3 p.m. until they're gone. -- The Evergreen in Hanover Square hosts a New York state beer night on Nov. 9. Breweries include Finback, Industrial Arts, Willow Rock, Stout Beard, Middle Ages, Sloop, Common Roots, Stoneyard, Barrier, and Nine Pin (cider). There's also a promotion with Southern Tier Distilling. -- The Hops Spot hosts beers from Collective Arts Brewing of Ontario from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 9. Beyond Beer Week 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. 14 with Prison City Pub & Brewery of Auburn; 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. Here's the official Syracuse Beer Week event poster: 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. For the past month, students in James Rada's Media Literacy class at Ithaca College have been out and about throughout Tompkins County to see, and hear, what's on the mind of voters in Central New York this election season. This is a story reported and told by students in the class. *** By Danielle Allentuck, Emily Chavez, Alyssa Curtis, Katie Jones and Morgan Kornfeind | Ithaca College Do political activism groups contribute to partisan politics? We asked several student activists at Ithaca College. Here's what we found. Tomas Garcia's mother is from Puerto Rico. His father -- who is not a U.S. citizen but is a permanent resident -- came from Cuba in his mid-twenties. Ryan King comes from a rural town in Rhode Island. His family never discussed politics and he had no interest in it until a high school history class. Norah AlJunaidi is the daughter of a Palestinian father and American mother. AlJunaidi was born in Saudi Arabia and moved to the United States when she was a toddler. Now a senior at Ithaca College, she has a passion for Palestinian rights. All three are involved in political activism groups. While these groups often provide a tight-knit community of individuals who share ideologies, they can also turn into echo chambers. According to the Pew Research Center, this can contribute to the political divide seen across the United States today. The young Democrat Tomas Garcia says he is close with his mother, but after watching her vote for President Donald Trump in 2016, the relationship has changed. "Usually, we have so many political debates," Garcia said. "Sometimes it's hard because it's in your family and I feel like the first time in the 2016 election there was such, I guess you can see, political division within the family. ... You could definitely say it was hard." Garcia is a sophomore politics major at Ithaca College. He is a member of IC Democrats and on the executive board of IC's chapter of Amnesty International. He said these groups have helped shape his outlook and given him a community to lean on. "I just feel like people need to realize that the biggest thing for us or to anybody who's in activism groups is that we're doing this for the better good and we want to bring awareness to certain problems," Garcia said. The Young American for Liberty Ryan King said a high school history teacher taught the class from a conservative viewpoint and that sparked his political interest. He said "stirring the pot" and playing devil's advocate is entertaining, and he enjoys discussing opposing viewpoints in class. For him, it makes class more exciting and it challenges others to consider the other side. "I've had some back and forth with some teachers," King said. "In some cases I sense a little bit of a reluctance to call on me because I'm going to take the discussion in a completely different direction." As a former member of IC Republicans and Young Americans for Liberty, he's interacted with people from a wide spectrum of political ideologies. King said being in activism groups has helped him become an educated and informed voter. But, he also says, they contribute to the hostile political environment. "I think activism groups do add to partisan politics in a very negative way," he said. "I think it's important for people to fight for what they believe in, but I do think that a lot of times people just like to resort to the same old political trench warfare." The Student for Justice in Palestine While Norah AlJunaidi's support for Palestine is strong, sometimes it can be difficult for her to express her views on Ithaca College's campus. The activist organization she is involved in, Students for Justice in Palestine, often receives backlash, including comments about anti-semitism. After flying the Palestinian flag on campus, organizations opposing Students for Justice in Palestine protested the act. AlJunaidi wants to be clear that she does not support violence against anyone, but that her heart and her vote will always go to supporting her heritage. "I still get really upset even though I'm kind of on the other side of it. I don't think that should happen to any group," AlJunaidi said. "But, I do think I can see where the Jewish people are coming from when they think the Palestinians fighting against them is anti-semitic because that does happen a lot here and Americans are big supporters of Israel." AlJunaidi said the goal of Students for Justice in Palestine is to not only educate people on major issues in the Middle East, but also to spread the word on what each candidate believes in and who supports their mission the best. "There are a lot of politicians, even liberal politicians, who don't support Palestine and will give a lot of money to Israel or take donations from organizations that support Israel," AlJunaidi said. "So that's something that I definitely look at now." Agreement? All three offered the same solutions in combatting partisan politics -- they said we need to strive to listen to people who have different opinions than you and to vote. "We have to vote," Garcia said. "That's the only way we are going to change things is to vote." To the Editor: While I understand your choice to endorse my respected opponent to serve another two-year term as our 129th District Assemblyman, I respectfully take issue with the hypocrisy in your explanation of your selection ("Editorial endorsements: Barclay, Finch, Stirpe and Magnarelli for NYS Assembly," Oct. 28, 2018). Your piece stated, "It's gratifying to see four (myself, Gail Tosh, Keith Batman and Nicholas Paro) earnest candidates challenging four long-serving Central New York legislators. They are forcing the incumbents to defend their records, and giving you an opportunity to cast a protest vote against the status quo." But in the very next paragraph, you stated, "We believe (they) do not deserve to be turned out just for the sake of change." I strongly take issue with your belief that my campaign is simply an opportunity for the voters in the 129th to cast a "protest vote" against the status quo. Two years ago, you lamented that voters were left with no choice because several incumbents had no opponent. Your recent piece went so far as to classify my respected opponent as, "the definition of the 'comfortable incumbent'. He's rarely been challenged in elections (note: he had no opponent in two of the previous three election cycles), which isn't a great thing." However, my issue with this perception of my campaign being a "protest vote" goes beyond the content of your opinion piece. My campaign has never been for the sake of being a "protest vote" -- my platform of "Commitment Over Complacency" states concrete issues that affect those I wish to represent in the 129th, such as economic development through tax reform and making our state more business friendly, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and defined term limits for all elected state-level officials; including the governor -- something I explained in our interview that you conveniently left out in your piece. While I appreciate your kind words applauding my dedication in taking on my respected opponent, it rings hollow when you look at the big picture of how my campaign has been covered -- actually not covered by local members of the Fourth Estate. When I conducted a press conference announcing my candidacy, you and the local media never showed. At another presser I conducted where I expounded upon the "culture of corruption" in Albany and the price we're paying for it, only Scott Willis of FM-88 and a member of Spectrum News showed up. Furthermore, I've taken my message to the people directly; neighborhood meetings and candidate forums, the Great New York State Fair and more. Aside from a few appearances, the local media has largely neglected their primary duty: to inform the public that there is more than one candidate running to represent the 129th District in the New York State Assembly. Unless things change in the attitude of the local media in how elections are covered, the issue of voter apathy will only get worse and the trust in outlets like The Post-Standard will continue to decline in favor of social media and alternative news outlets. Edward L. Ott Syracuse SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Over two days, a statewide teachers union spent $140 per minute to support a state Senate candidate in Central New York. His opponent, meanwhile, is reeling in gobs of money from pro-business groups and other interests. As Election Day nears, money continues to pour into the 50th Senate District race between Republican Robert Antonacci and Democrat John Mannion. Interest groups and political parties have spent more than $900,000 on the candidates over the past week, bringing the cost of the race thus far to nearly $3 million. The 50th district is one of a handful where pivotal elections could determine whether Republicans or Democrats control the state Senate. Both parties are campaigning furiously for the seat of Republican Sen. John DeFrancisco, who is retiring. Money is flowing into the race in two ways: direct contributions to the candidates, and ads or other expenditures paid for by groups that support candidates but don't coordinate with their campaigns. "This seat in particular could very well determine the balance of power in the state Senate,'' said Tim Dunn, communications director for the Upstate Jobs Party, which backs Antonacci. The party's independent expenditure group, Upstate Jobs Committee, spent $25,500 on Thursday for mailers and digital media supporting Antonacci, the Republican candidate. Mannion, the Democrat, is getting massive support from New York State United Teachers, a statewide union. On Thursday and Friday alone, the union's independent expenditure committee, Fighting for Our Future, spent $403,000 for pro-Mannion ads - a rate equivalent to $140 per minute. All told, the union group has spent more than $1 million on the candidate. That's in addition to NYSUT phone banks, which have already made more than 37,000 phone calls for Mannion, union officials said. Andy Pallotta, president of NYSUT, said the union will "spend what we need to spend'' to help Mannion, a high school biology teacher and union leader. Besides backing "one of our own,'' NYSUT sees the race as an opportunity to elect a representative friendly to the union's positions on school funding, teacher evaluations and other issues. Pallotta said NYSUT is bipartisan but tends to support Democrats more often than Republicans. DeFrancisco, who voted to increase charter school development, was a foe, Pallotta said. The union opposes DeFrancisco's endorsed candidate, Antonacci, too, he said. Dunn said the Upstate Jobs Party backs candidates who are expected to improve the business climate for entrepreneurs and small businesses. That includes Antonacci, the Onondaga County comptroller. The party is especially opposed to candidates including Mannion who support single-payer healthcare, something party members say would be "crippling'' to the economy, Dunn said. The Mannion-Antonacci race had already cost roughly $2 million as of last week. Since then, more than $900,000 in donations and independent expenditures have been recorded. The majority of that, roughly $647,000, has gone to Mannion. About $271,000 has gone to Antonacci. Besides NYSUT's Fighting for Our Future, the biggest contributors this week for Mannion include the NYS Senate Democratic Campaign Committee ($100,000); Airbnb's Stronger Neighborhoods PAC ($74,000); and Progress NYS, a labor group backed by liberal billionaire George Soros ($26,548). Antonacci's biggest contributions during the past week have come from Balance New York, a Republican-funded group ($150,735); the NY State Senate Republican Campaign Committee ($65,000); and the Upstate Jobs Committee ($25,557). Contact reporter Tim Knauss | email | Twitter | 315-470-3023 For the first time in 70 years, a sitting president visited Utica to stump for a local candidate. His son came, too, as did his press secretary and the Republican House speaker. CNN, C-SPAN, the Washington Post and The New York Times have each honed in on the area with dedicated coverage. Bowzer from Sha Na Na came to town. It's an unprecedented amount of attention for Upstate New York's 22nd Congressional District, where first-term Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is trying to fend off a challenge from Democratic state Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi. The 22nd district is home to three-quarters of a million people across eight counties, about one-third of whom voted in 2016. It stretches from the shores of Lake Ontario in Mexico to the Pennsylvania border and includes the cities of Rome, Utica and Binghamton. Partisan operatives have identified the economically stressed sliver of Upstate New York as critical to controlling Congress. To that end, they've flooded the area with negative television ads, mailers and strategists, desperate to swing the handful of undecided voters who will decide the victor. Meanwhile, the candidates are locked in a dead heat, clawing out the final days of a hard-fought election to win what promises to be one of America's narrowest contests on Tuesday. Who's running? Tenney, an attorney from New Hartford, was swept into office in 2016 along with a wave of support for Donald Trump. The president won the district by 16 points two years ago. Tenney took 46.5 percent of the vote, winning a three-way race against a Binghamton Democrat and a self-funded millionaire independent. Prior to Congress, she spent six years in the New York State Assembly, where she worked alongside Brindisi. Brindisi, who is from Utica, has served in the Assembly since 2012. He got his start as a school board member in Utica. He's making his first run for Congress. Both candidates met with reporters and editors at syracuse.com last month for an interview that was often prickly as each accused the other of distorting reality. Who's behind them? Tenney, who has long pitched herself as a political outsider, has turned to bigwigs in her party for support in this race. She said she's never had the support of her party or its resources until this year. In 2016, the Oneida County GOP did not back her. They're behind her this year, but she called their endorsement "lukewarm." "I'm not supported by the party insiders," she said. "All the party insiders have always lined up with someone else other than me." That changed this year, she said. In the last three months, President Donald Trump, Eric Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan and NRA President Oliver North have all come to the district to stump for Tenney. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is en route to the district Saturday morning. Brindisi, meanwhile, has mostly tried to round up support from locals. Two former Republican Congressmen from the area, Richard Hanna and Sherwood Boehlert, have both endorsed Brindisi. Brindisi said that speaks to his bipartisan record. Tenney dismissed them as party insiders. "These people have presided over the biggest decline in our region," she said. Brindisi also brought in Jon "Bowzer" Bauman of Sha Na Na fame to campaign with him about protecting social security. Bauman has traveled the nation in support of strengthening social security. The most-advertised race in America While Brindisi has out-raised and out-spent Tenney by about $1 million, each has benefited from support from nationwide political action committees. Outside groups have funneled nearly $14 million in the race, almost entirely on negative ads. That makes it the seventh most expensive race in America. Airtime in the 22nd district -- with its rural landscapes and small cities -- is cheaper than in many other markets. More ads, then, have been shown in the 22nd district than any other district in America, according to the Washington Post. Brindisi said money in politics is one of the biggest problems in Washington. He favors a Constitutional amendment that would overturn the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, as well as laws to increase transparency in campaign finance. Tenney doesn't support such an amendment, and said Brindisi is deceitful for saying he does, when he's benefited from political action committee money. "I think the court has spoken," Tenney said. "It's a first amendment right." The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Brindisi to its "Red to Blue" program earlier this year. That program promises extra support to about 60 Democratic candidates in districts the national party thinks it can flip. Despite all the money, the ads, the political appearances and the relentless campaigning from both camps, polls show voters' minds haven't changed. Brindisi and Tenney were locked in a dead heat in a Siena College poll conducted in mid-October. Brindisi polled at 46 percent, Tenney at 45 percent. Their numbers were nearly identical to a similar poll conducted in late August, where Brindisi led 46-44. That stagnation after so much spending is almost unheard of. Only 9 percent of voters were undecided as of two weeks ago, according to that poll. Each candidate is now fighting for those undecided voters and for independents, who gave an edge to Brindisi in the Siena poll. Trump territory? President Trump has loomed large in many Congressional districts, especially as Democrats seek to tie their opponents to his sometimes inflammatory rhetoric. In the 22nd, Trump has proved popular. He won there in 2016 with 55 percent of the vote, and the Siena poll shows a majority of voters approve of the job he's doing. Still, Trump's opponents in the area are energized and mobilized. When he visited Utica in August for a private event with Tenney, hundreds of demonstrators flooded Genesee Street for hours, chanting and carrying signs. Tenney has been one of Trump's most fervent supporters in Congress, boasting often of the benefits of the GOP tax cuts and occasionally adopting the president's brand of provocative politics. She said recently she has the president's ear, which allows her to advocate to him for policies that work in upstate New York. Her support for the president is paying dividends, she said. But she's not afraid to stand up to him when needed. She cites her efforts to restore community development block grant funding to the budget after Trump initially proposed cuts. "I don't love everything about the President and his personality, but you can't argue that the results aren't working," she said. Brindisi, meanwhile, is seeking to appeal to centrists by largely avoiding the kinds of attacks on Trump other Democrats have leveled. He's pitched himself as a bipartisan centrist -- someone who can work across the aisle and buck his party where warranted. He had, until recently, an A rating from the National Rifle Association and is quick to point out occasions when he's criticized Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Last year, for example, he hosted a state of the state with an empty chair representing the "invisible governor." He's focused his campaign on healthcare and his ability to work well with others, something he said his opponent doesn't do. Despite the bitter nature of the campaign and the onslaught of attacks and insults, Tenney and Brindisi recently said they're friendly outside of politics. When asked what each admires about the other, Tenney said Brindisi has a great sense of humor. After a heated debate, they're always able to walk out and shake hand. Brindisi agreed, and commended her for the work she's done to support Sherrill Manufacturing, the last flatware maker in the United States. "Claudia and I have had a good relationship over the years and we do joke a lot with each other," he said. It is election time in Syracuse again with politicians making campaign appearances and speeches hoping to get your vote. It is doubtful that any of today's office-seekers would have received the red carpet, rock star treatment that Col. Theodore Roosevelt got when he arrived by train to Syracuse on Oct. 27, 1898. "Roosevelt Takes Syracuse By Storm" was the headline in the Oct. 28, 1898 Syracuse Evening Herald. It is believed 8,000 people heard Roosevelt speak here. The hero of the just-concluded Spanish-American War, Roosevelt had been chosen to be the Republican nominee for governor in the state of New York. He was welcomed to Syracuse "as never was a gubernatorial candidate welcomed for." "From the moment of his arrival in Syracuse until he went to bed last night," the Syracuse Standard reported, "his visit was one continuous ovation." His Democratic opponent Augustus Van Wyck had campaigned in the city the day before. Here is what the Standard had to say about his visit: "The crowd saw in their candidate, whom about all saw for the first time, a man of rather over middle age and rather under medium size, with a thick black beard and slightly bald. He looked serious, very serious and continued to look very serious through his 20-minute speech." Five rows of seats had been reserved at the Alhambra for soldiers to sit during the speech. They did not come. When Van Wyck first got off his train he looked for a reception committee, which also failed to arrive. For Roosevelt, 200 of his supporters traveled to Auburn, just so they could accompany his train into Syracuse. More than a thousand people flooded into the New York Central depot for Roosevelt's train to arrive in the city a little after four in the afternoon. An impromptu parade was started after Roosevelt declined any transportation to the Yates Hotel at Washington and Montgomery streets, saying, "I walked in Cuba and I prefer to walk in Syracuse." He was joined by Syracuse University students, brass bands and cadets from the St. John's Military School dressed in full uniform. He walked at the head of the mob, the entire block filled with people, carrying his own bag. An advertisement in the Syracuse Standard invited Republicans and "good citizens" to the Alhambra on James Street for a campaign appearance by Theodore Roosevelt. His speech was heard by 5,000 people. At the Yates, the lobby and corridors were jammed. People surged around him hoping to shake his hand, but he begged off not wanting to miss anyone. (He may also have been in pain. He had complained about a sore hand, swollen from excessive hand-shaking, on the train to Syracuse.) The New York Sun newspaper said that Roosevelt and Van Wyck had both stayed at the Yates Hotel. The paper said no one knew that Van Wyck was staying there: "Democrats say that it is because he is so modest and unassuming...The unvarnished truth is nobody cared enough about him to find out where he was staying." Roosevelt's first appearance that evening was at a benefit for wounded soldiers and the widows and orphans of the Spanish-American War at the State Armory. The women of Syracuse had decorated the hall with flags and patriotic bunting. He made a short non-political speech dedicated to the American soldier and for the women who took care of the home front. When he finished, a man leaped up and called for "Cheers for Colonel Roosevelt!" Instantly, Roosevelt stepped to the edge of the stage and said: "No, join me in three cheers for the American soldier, volunteer and regular, and especially for him who had the hardest of all tasks, to watch and wait for the order that never came." "The cheers came with a roar that shook the Armory," the New York Sun said. The cheering gave him a chance to escape the scene and he was joined outside the Armory by the Greenway Guards, a local Republican marching club, which escorted him to the Alhambra, a roller-skating rink and auditorium on James Street. Five thousand people filled the auditorium. Every seat was taken, so people improvised. Men sat on the shoulders of other men, boys climbed up the arched trusses of the roof and faces peered in through every window. Syracuse Rough Rider Charles Mason Mitchell, and enthusiastic Roosevelt supporter, appeared on stage in his military uniform to introduce the Colonel. But few heard him, because the crowd, seeing the uniform, assumed Mitchell was Roosevelt and went wild. Roosevelt's speech touched on taxes, the state's canals and the influence of Tammany Hall on New York's politics. The day had been Roosevelt's 40th birthday and the Syracuse Standard said he was given the "greatest birthday celebration of his life." The paper said that more than 8,000 people had heard him speak, not counting the thousands who had crowded around him in the streets. (The city's population in the 1900 Census was roughly 108,000.) He would need every one of those votes come election day. Despite all the enthusiasm, Roosevelt beat Van Wyck by just 17,000 votes (49% to 47.7%), his support largely coming from Upstate New York. Roosevelt's progressive policies made him unpopular among Republican Party bosses and he was made President William McKinley's running mate in 1900. In 1901, following McKinley's assassination, he became the youngest president in United States history. This feature is a part of CNY Nostalgia, a section on syracuse.com. Send your ideas and curiosities to Johnathan Croyle: Share Skibsted Ideation, the company behind Biomega the Danish brand known for its high-end electric bicycles will launch its first 4-wheel Electric Vehicle (EV) at CIIE in Shanghai on November 5th. The concept car has been developed to take Biomegas principles of social innovation, design thinking and urban mobility and apply them to the automotive industry. Biomega bikes are each named with a three-letter abbreviation of a city that has inspired some elements of the design. In line with its bicycle predecessors, this car will be named SIN, after the contemporary urban sprawl of Singapore. Says Biomega founder Jens Martin Skibsted, co-chair of World Economic Forums think tank on entrepreneurship and vice-chair of design2innovate (the Danish Design Cluster): Weve been focused on urban mobility since the 90s. Biomega has always been about creating a paradigm shift in the way society imagines transportation. We feel that we are in an extremely strong position to design an EV that represents the frontier of the new mobility. The 4-door SIN CUV (crossover utility vehicle) is designed with 4 independent engines and 4 independent seats with extra legroom. Stripped back to maximize space, this EV uses minimal components and lightweight materials; its low weight improves its range, minimizing battery consumption. The car has been built using state-of-the-art lightweight composites, including a world-first use of modular carbon fibre for high volume automotive production. This innovative manufacturing process, carried out with partners in the UK and Germany, will ensure a low-cost, low-weight solution. The final production vehicle will be ready for the market in 2021-2023, with adjusted specifications, which may vary from those projected. Price will be approximately 20.000. Release Date 2021 2023 Max. Specifications Price: 20.000 Power in kW: 60 kW Power hp: 82 hp Max. Torque in Nm: 160 Nm Acceleration: 0 100 km/h: 13 s Top Speed in km/h: 130 km/h Battery capacity in kW/h: 20 kWh (14 + 6 kWh removable) Range in km: 160 km Battery weight: 200 kg Battery weight kg/kWh: 10kg / kWh Power consumption: 11 kWh /100 km Kerb weight: 950kg Structure: CFRP body shell structure with aluminum crossbeams Motors: 4 in-hub motors on external wheels Battery Pack: Main battery pack on floor + modular swapping battery system For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv Share this: Email Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Print Reddit Twitter Tumblr Pocket Like this: Like Loading... NASA's own inspector general concluded in a shocking report that the U.S. space agency has lost a number of relics due to poor record keeping. NASA Losing Space History Artifacts The items lost over the decades include items that flew to space and other historically-significant items. The reports say that the items were either misplaced or taken by former employees and contractors. One item, a prototype rover, turned up in a residential neighborhood in Alabama. It was only identified when an Air Force historian spotted it on sale. However, even when the owner was willing to send it back to the space agency, NASA did not seem interested. After four months of waiting for a call, the owner decided to sell the rover to a scrap metal company. "NASA officials subsequently offered to buy the rover, but the scrap yard owner refused and, realizing its historical value, sold the vehicle at auction for an undisclosed sum," the inspector general found. The U.S. space agency also lost an Apollo 11 lunar collection bag that contained lunar dust particles. The report revealed that the item was seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation from the home of a former chief executive from the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center. It was eventually sold in an auction for $1.8 million. NASA only learned that it has lost the bag when the purchaser asked to verify its authenticity in 2015. While the space agency requested to take possession of the item, a judged turned it down. In another instance, three command module hand controllers that were used to steer the Apollo 11 spacecraft were properly stored at the Johnson Space Center. However, an employee was told to throw it out so he, instead, sold them. NASA is still looking for the items three years later. The Apollo 11 was the mission that launched Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the surface of the moon for the first time in history. NASA's Record Keeping Should Improve The report by the Office of Inspector General said that while there have been improvements in the past couple of years, NASA "does not have adequate processes in place to identify or manage its heritage assets." It also offered recommendations to prevent any more loss including developing procedures for managing assets and revisiting loaning protocols. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Flash As Canada prepares to roll out a national carbon-pricing system next year, the country's environment and climate change minister highlighted China's pricing system on greenhouse gas emissions on Friday as she concluded her visit to China. "China has been and continues to be an essential partner in the fight against climate change as a large emitter and producer, but also with its commitment to reduce emissions and its ability to scale like no other country," Catherine McKenna told Canadian journalists in a teleconference from Beijing. "It is essential that we engage with China, and China is committed to climate action." During her Chinese visit, McKenna signed a memorandum of understanding on climate-change cooperation with Chinese Ecology and Environment Minister Li Ganjie. The pact builds on the Canada-China Joint Statement on Climate Change issued by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during Trudeau's visit to China last December. "Both of our countries understand that the environment is directly linked to our economies," said McKenna. "It impacts on businesses, farmers, fishers, tourism and people's lives." She credited China with strictly regulating sulphur-dioxide emissions, engaging in mass reforestation projects, investing in clean technologies and "protecting more of its nature." McKenna visited China's new and first giant panda national park, which covers more than 27,000 square kilometres, straddles three Chinese provinces (Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu) and, as she noted, is home to a unique ecosystem that also includes golden snub-nosed monkeys. The minister, who is also responsible for Parks Canada, said that Canada would assist China in developing a national park system, and referred to a twinning agreement recently reached between Giant Panda National Park and Canada's Jasper and Elk Island national parks, all of which serve "an important role in habitat protection and the conservation of iconic species," according to the Canadian government. For instance, in the late 19th century, plains bison were on the brink of extinction, but as a result of Canadian conservation efforts, the species is returning to the wild. In the latter part of the last century, giant pandas also faced extinction but their population is recovering due to Chinese conservation efforts. On climate change, McKenna said that she and her Chinese counterpart discussed how Canada and China could collaborate on reducing emissions, phasing out coal, combatting pollution and protecting nature. The conversation resulted in an agreement on pricing pollution, electric vehicles and clean technology. The Canadian environment minister said that China has yet to join the 28-nation Powering Past Coal Alliance that is promoting the global phase-out of coal power. "China knows that it needs to take action to tackle pollution from coal," said McKenna. "It is taking action, but it has to do more. Coal constitutes a large part of its electricity system." She added that China is making "historic investments in renewables," such as through the production and use of electric vehicles, of which the country accounts for two-thirds of the three million vehicles worldwide. "Like Canada, there's more work to do, and we have to make sure we're working together," McKenna said. For almost 100 years, researchers have been baffled as to how tiny, flightless birds made their way to an isolated island. The researchers of a new study now know how the birds got to the island and successfully colonized it. The Worlds Smallest Flightless Bird Inaccessible Island rails are the worlds smallest flightless birds, weighing in at just about 34 to 49 grams. But apart from the birds size and striking features, whats even more incredible about the tiny birds is that they live on an island aptly named Inaccessible Island, an isolated island in the middle of the southern Atlantic Ocean. It was in 1923 when British physician Percy Lowe of the British Museum first described the Inaccessible Island rail and gave it a separate Atlantisia genus, after the mythical island of Atlantis. Back then, he believed that the birds got to the island by walking to it via a foot bridge that had previously linked the island to Africa or South America. However, the real story of how the Inaccessible Island rails got to the island remained a mystery for nearly a hundred years. From South America Now, researchers of a new study published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution may have cracked the mystery. Researchers analyzed the DNA samples they collected from a male Inaccessible Island rail seven years ago and compared it to the DNA of its other relatives in other places such as Africa and South America. What they found was that its DNA was closest to its relatives in South America, the dot-winged crake, suggesting that is where they originally came from. By looking further into the differences between the DNA of the two species, the researchers also found that it would have taken 1.5 million years for the two birds to accumulate genetic changes, which could mean that the Inaccessible Island rails traveled to the island around that time. Bird Colonizers According to researchers, its possible that the birds got to the island either by flying or from floating debris, then the birds evolved to lose their ability to fly over the course of time since the island was abundant in food and free of predators. Evidently, this is not uncommon for birds in the rail species. In fact, at least 32 isolated, living rail species are less capable of flying, or have lost the ability to fly entirely. Today, while Inaccessible Island rails continue to thrive, efforts to prevent the accidental introduction of predators such as rats or cats are very important in keeping the species alive. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Catholic priest who ingratiated himself with the deaf community and who helped to open Catholic deaf centers in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans secretly preyed on children there during the 1960s and 1970s before he was removed as a priest, his victims recalled Friday as the Archdiocese of New Orleans released the names of 57 priests credibly accused of sexual abuse. The Rev. Gerard Jerry Howell was assigned to St. Pius X in Baton Rouge as well as eight churches across the New Orleans area before he was removed from ministry in 1980, according to records the Archdiocese of New Orleans released Friday. Howell was appointed director of the New Orleans deaf apostolate in 1967 and moved in 1978 to help establish the St. Francis de Sales deaf center in Baton Rouge. He was one of eight priests accused of sexual abuse on the list from the Archdiocese of New Orleans who had ministered in the Diocese of Baton Rouge over the last decade. Howell, who is still alive, could not be reached Friday. +5 Priests linked to Hope Haven orphanage, Shaw, Jesuit, Loyola on list of credibly accused Priests from the Salesian and Jesuit orders make up more than half of the Catholic order clergy that the Archdiocese of New Orleans believes s Howell could communicate with sign language, was known for his generosity in helping deaf people find jobs and even drew praise from high-profile politicians like former Gov. Edwin Edwards and former Rep. Lindy Boggs, according to a 1976 issue of Deaf American magazine. But behind closed doors, he manipulated children into believing nobody could love them and sexually abused them, according to two of his survivors who spoke Friday to The Advocate. Darlene Austin, who said she was abused as a child in New Orleans and who now lives in Baton Rouge, said Friday that she was thankful the Archdiocese of New Orleans had helped to connect her to therapy, but that it could have done more. There was still a tendency to sweep things under the rug and not admit to anything, Austin said. Having these names out there will definitely cause some people to start having memories and to say, 'Oh my God, thats what happened to me.' The Archdiocese of New Orleans is the first in the state to release the names of priests who are credibly accused of sexual abuse, but the Diocese of Baton Rouge is also examining its records and intends to release names of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse. Its unclear how many priests will appear on Baton Rouges list, as the Diocese of Baton Rouge was formed in 1961 and is far younger than New Orleans. 8 priests with ties to Baton Rouge area named in New Orleans' list of clergy accused of sex abuse Eight priests who spent time in Baton Rouge-area parishes were named in a ground-breaking list released by the Archdiocese of New Orleans on F In 2004, the Diocese of Baton Rouge reported that 10 diocesan priests and 13 priests from religious orders who served in Baton Rouge had been accused of sexual abuse. Late that year, the diocese settled a lawsuit with a man who said that the former Baton Rouge Bishop Joseph Sullivan abused him starting in 1975. Of the eight priests with Baton Rouge connections who appeared on the list published by the Archdiocese of New Orleans on Friday, half were accused of abuse during the time that the Diocese of Baton Rouge existed. Howell was among them. Lawrence Hecker who spent time at St. Mary in New Roads was accused of abuse in 1996 and removed from ministry in 2002. Malcolm Strassel, who was a priest at St. Agnes in Baton Rouge, died in 1987 but was accused of abuse in 2006. And John Weber, a priest who served in Assumption Parish and at St. Ann in Morganza, died in 2000 and was accused of abuse in 2005. The New Orleans records do not detail whether any of the abuse accusations were from a time when the priests served in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Strassel was accused of fondling the genitals of a boy while he was a priest at Our Lady of Lourdes in Uptown New Orleans from 1969 through 1971, according to court records. The Archdiocese of New Orleans settled claims against Strassel in 2009. The remaining priests named Friday served in Baton Rouge before the diocese was carved out. 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 Reveal of 57 New Orleans clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse a major step for Catholic officials New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond on Friday released the names of 57 former clergy members credibly accused of sexually abusing minors t John Franklin who was a priest in Ascension and Donaldsonville was accused of abuse in 1959, removed from ministry that year and his date of death is unknown. Michael Hurley who was a priest at St. Agnes in Baton Rouge was accused of abuse in 1945, left the archdiocese in 1955 and died in 2005. Ralph Lawrence who was a priest at St. Anthony in Baton Rouge was accused of abuse in 1935, took a leave of absence that year and died in 1992. The oldest case was Pierre Celestin Cambiaire. He was a priest at St. George in Baton Rouge and St. Joseph in Grosse Tete, and he was accused of abuse in 1917, removed from ministry the same year and died in 1955. The Diocese of Baton Rouge wants the list it will publish to be accurate and complete when released and to include the names of every priest who has served in the diocese who has been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors, the diocese said in a statement late Friday. It reiterated that Baton Rouge Bishop Michael Duca wants the diocese to be attentive to justice and show concern for victims. Other past Baton Rouge priests who have been accused of sexual abuse based on The Advocates archives and lawsuits against the Diocese include Christopher Springer, Daniel Lemoine and John Berube. As for Howell, his connection to the deaf community gave him access to many young children. The former St. Francis de Sales Catholic Center for the Deaf was located near the Louisiana School for the Deaf on Brightside Lane in Baton Rouge. Howells brother, Rodney, was also a priest who was accused of abuse before his death in 1993. +2 In major milestone, BR to release names of priests 'credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors' The head of the Diocese of Baton Rouge announced Tuesday he will release the names of clergy members who have been credibly accused of sexual Shari Bernius said Jerry Howell abused her when she was a child at Holy Trinity in New Orleans from the time she was around seven years old to age 12 or 13. Bernius said Howell would find a fault about each child to pick on, and for her, it was her weight. She still struggles with the way she views her weight now, but she said she tells herself that she cannot think that way or she will let Howell win the battle. He was very manipulative, he used our parents, their disability, to his advantage by gaining trust with them, Bernius remembered. And once he gained trust with them, he began to molest the children. I wasnt the only one, there were many children. Bernius remembered Jerry Howell leaving New Orleans, going years without seeing him, and then seeing him against at a babys christening when she was 19 years old. She saw him rub a little girl across the chest the way he used to do to her, and it emboldened her to approach to archdiocese about the abuse. It did not, however, affect her faith in God and her Catholicism. Bernius is now the administrator for the Deaf Action Center of Catholic Charities in New Orleans. She said shes happy that the archdiocese has released its list of names, and that she hopes it will help to begin the healing process. Its been harder for Austin to keep her trust in Catholic leadership. She said she still believes in God, but its hard for her to step into a Catholic church because of Howell's actions. I have no desire to see that man, she said. I just hope he rots in hell. A man wanted for first-degree murder in the killings of a Denham Springs couple found beaten to death this week was apprehended Saturday in Kentucky. Michael T. Collins was arrested in Scottsville, Kentucky, after a Crimestoppers tip indicated he was there, Denham Springs Police Chief Shannon Womack said. The Louisiana State Police Fugitive Task Force worked with Kentucky authorities to arrest the 45-year-old. Collins is currently in a Kentucky jail awaiting extradition to Louisiana, where he will be booked on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Eugene "Frank" Gurley, 72, and Patricia Gurley, 70, Womack said. The couple were found dead Tuesday in their company's building, National Pool Builders, Inc., located on Pete's Highway on the east side of Denham Springs. An autopsy found the couple died of blunt force injuries to the head. +10 Autopsy shows elderly Denham Springs couple died of blunt force injury to the head, police say An elderly Denham Springs couple found dead in their pool company building died of "blunt force injury to the head," according to a preliminar Collins had lived on the business' property in a trailer, neighbors said. He was originally from Tennessee but had been in Louisiana since at least 2016, court records show. 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 On Friday, results from tests performed by the Louisiana State Police crime lab linked Collins to the crime, Womack said, finding sufficient evidence key to Collins' arrest warrant. However, Womack would not say what type of evidence or lab results were found. Collins has a lengthy criminal record, including arrests on assault and burglary in Tennessee, and an incident in Denham Springs where he pleaded no contest to domestic abuse battery in 2016. +10 In killing of elderly couple in Denham Springs, police identify person of interest; man may have fled state A couple in their 70s were found dead Tuesday at their Denham Springs pool company and police have linked a man who had lived near the busines Police believe Collins fled the state in Frank Gurleys white 2016 Nissan Frontier pickup after the killings. They originally thought he was in Tennessee. Womack thanked "all the law enforcement from Louisiana to Kentucky" involved in Collins' apprehension. He praised the community for getting the word out about the search for Collins and noted the tip through the Crime Stoppers program that helped authorities find him. "Our prayers continue for the Gurley family and I ask you to keep them in yours as well," Womack said. The Gurleys were longtime Denham Springs residents, known by many for their kindness and pool business. Frank Gurley also taught for many years at Denham Springs High School and Denham Springs Junior High. For centuries, Louisianas Catholic Church has attracted devout followers drawn to the faith because it answers their search for truth. But truth has not always or even usually appeared to be the governing principle in the churchs handling of sexual abuse scandals among its leaders. Those abuse cases have been numerous not only in Louisiana but within the church across the world. Theyre a grave stain on a church that has done much good, and equally compromising have been the coverups, no doubt driven by a desire to preserve the churchs credibility. The church is now facing a reality that every large institution eventually does. Hiding misdeeds doesnt protect a public reputation; it corrodes it. The Catholic Church, which has proclaimed since its inception that sin has consequences, is today confronted with what the brutalization of innocent lives has wrought. Thats why a decision by church leaders in Louisiana to release the names of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse is welcome, though long overdue. On Friday, New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond released the names of dozens of clergy members implicated in abuse cases over several decades. Leaders of several other dioceses in Louisiana have promised to release their own lists. Aymond said the list has been given to the New Orleans district attorney and will be available to any other district attorney. The list released Friday includes 57 clergy who served in about 125 schools, parishes and other church-operated facilities within the Archdiocese of New Orleans which represents about a fourth of all such facilities that the archdiocese oversaw in the 1970s. It includes nearly three dozen clergy whose abuses do not appear to have been previously exposed. The process for releasing names relies on church-imposed standards of what constitutes a credible accusation. The archdiocese's list includes clergy who were accused and removed from ministry. The churchs history has included examples of abusers who weren't removed from ministry, just transferred to another location. Sadly, abuse within the church has also been perpetrated by workers who were not clergy. One case in point involved Jesuit High in New Orleans, where officials agreed in 2012 to a $450,000 settlement with Ricky Windmann, who grew up near the school and said a maintenance man named Peter Modica sexually abused him on campus multiple times. Different dioceses around the country have employed varying standards in disclosing the time and place where the alleged incidents of abuse occurred. The Vatican could advance reform by setting uniform reporting standards for such incidents across the church. Abuse victims deserve nothing less. They should be the top priority not the stature of those church leaders who looked the other way while criminal acts occurred on their watch. Aymond said he received many requests to release the names and many other requests not to release them. He made the right call in releasing the list, noting biblical teaching that "the truth will set you free." That spiritual admonition underscores a fundamental principle of civic life, too. Transparency about grave wrongdoing, however painful, is the best way to help victims, serve parishioners, and support the work of the many church clerics who have brought joy, rather than suffering, to the people they promised to serve. New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond on Friday released the names of 57 former clergy members credibly accused of sexually abusing minors the first such disclosure in the history of the Catholic Church in Louisiana. The list, released amid pressure from local Catholics and widespread demands for church transparency across the U.S., includes 34 clergy whose alleged abuses do not appear to have been previously exposed. According to Aymond, all 57 clergy were either removed from ministry as a result of the allegations or were already dead when the allegations arose. In all, the disgraced clergy served across a wide swath of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Alleged abusers worked at some time or another in about 125 schools, parishes and other church-operated facilities. That figure represents about 25 percent of all such facilities under the archdiocese in the 1970s, when the largest share of known clergy sex abuse took place. Many of the listed clergy served as modest parish priests or worked in local high schools while they allegedly preyed on children and young adults. But a select few were once pillars of the city. J. Donald Pearce served as president of Jesuit High School from 1965 to 1968 and was earlier a legendary disciplinarian at the school. It turns out he sexually abused minors in the 1960s, according to allegations the archdiocese deemed credible. The list was also provided to Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro's office, and it will be given to any other prosecutor who requests it, Aymond said in a letter accompanying the list's release. In an interview Friday, he said church officials "will totally cooperate in any way as law enforcement sees fit." The disclosure represents a major step for Catholic officials in New Orleans as they confront anew the worldwide scandal that reached a boil in Boston in 2002 and is roiling again, reignited by new allegations of cover-ups by national church leaders and the explosive Pennsylvania grand-jury report in July that detailed hundreds of cases of abuse in that state. In recent months, the scandal has led to the resignations of Cardinal Donald Wuerl and Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the current and former leaders of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Attorneys general in 18 states and the District of Columbia have started investigations into the church's handling of sexual abuse allegations. Meanwhile, Pope Francis has seen his popularity in the U.S. tumble over the past year due to his response to the crisis. Aymond said he hoped releasing the list would restore a trust that he acknowledged has been grievously damaged. "I would describe it as historic, bold and important pursuing justice, caring for victims and being transparent," Aymond said. I stand behind this list. Im totally convinced that its the right thing to do. And Im totally convinced that we have acted with honesty and integrity, he added. Im hoping through this that victims and survivors will find some healing that this has been publicly disclosed, that we have been transparent, were pursuing justice. The truth will set us free, as Jesus said." The archbishop's list includes former priests and deacons in the archdiocese and clergymen belonging to religious orders, such as the Jesuits and Redemptorists, who spent time in New Orleans' archdiocese. It does not include brothers, nuns, diocesan staff or lay employees of Catholic institutions. Can't see video below? Click here. At least 14 of the named priests remain alive, the list shows. The list includes 30 diocesan priests, two deacons and 25 priests in religious orders. Of the 25 religious-order priests, more than half belong to the Salesian and Jesuit orders, two of the most prominent orders in the archdiocese. The eight Salesians on the list all worked at Hope Haven and Madonna Manor, a pair of homes for troubled youth and orphans that was the site of a massive sex-abuse scandal dating to the 1970s. The result was a $5.2 million legal settlement paid out by the archdiocese in 2009. Two of those priests also had ties to Archbishop Shaw High School. Louis Cantero, a 66-year-old retired New Orleans cab driver, was among those who sued. Cantero said he suffered physical, sexual and emotional abuse at Madonna Manor as an 8- and 9-year-old in the late 1950s. For decades before news reports about abuse there surfaced in the mid-2000s, Cantero thought he was the only one who had suffered, he said. I really think what theyre doing is a good start in the right direction, he said. Its just the tip of the iceberg. Abuse with people in the Catholic Church goes back hundreds of years. The six Jesuit priests on the list had ties either to the order's venerable Mid-City high school or its Uptown university, Loyola. In addition to Pearce, the former Jesuit High principal, the list included Bernard Knoth, who was Loyola's president from 1995 to 2003, when he resigned after the church deemed credible an allegation against him from 1986. The New Orleans list includes at least a dozen priests who were dead when they were publicly accused of sexually abusing minors. The release of those names marks a significant shift in how the archdiocese has viewed its obligation to disclose previous child sex abuse in the clergy under guidelines laid out in 2002 by the U.S. Conference of Bishops. The archdiocese had long considered the names of deceased priests who were accused of child sex abuse as exempt from disclosure. Resigning or retiring from the priesthood in the wake of sexual-abuse allegations didn't spare disgraced clergy from appearing on the list. Aymond said the abuse allegations were substantiated against all 57 listed clergy, regardless of why they left. For each priest and deacon, the list includes information on the year an allegation was received, the estimated time period of the alleged abuse, the cleric's work history in the archdiocese, and if he's alive or dead. The earliest allegation from the list came in 1917, accusing Pierre Celestin Cambiaire of abuse sometime in the 1910s. Cambiaire, who held pastoral assignments in Cameron, Baton Rouge, Grosse Tete and Leonville, died in 1955. But that case is an outlier: The list does not include any allegations dating to the 1920s or 1930s, and there are only a few cases from the 1940s and 1950s. The alleged abuses reached a crescendo in the 1970s and 1980s. The most recent alleged abuses from the list occurred in the 1990s, leading to the removal of two priests: Michael Fraser, who held pastoral assignments in Pearl River, New Orleans and Marrero, and Patrick Sanders, who worked in Belle Chasse, New Orleans, Metairie, Reserve and Pointe a la Hache. Fraser was removed from ministry in 2004 based on allegations that the archdiocese received in 1998. Sanders was removed from ministry in 2005 following allegations he'd abused two teenage boys. He was never charged criminally, and parishioners came to his defense with a massive letter-writing campaign. Sanders is now a lawyer in private practice. Aymond acknowledged that records of abuse from earlier decades were likely to be less thorough, both because of changing mores and improvements in record-keeping. I think its important to note, as we have grown as human beings and professionals, our records are much more complete than they were in 1914, he said. Everything is in the file (now)." He also noted that child sex abuse was poorly understood. Pedophilia was not defined until the late 70s and early 80s; before that, it was seen as treatable," Aymond said. "It was seen as something that could be cured. And so in those days, it would not have been unusual to send a man to treatment. He would stay three or four months. He would then receive a letter and the bishop would receive a letter saying that he was fit for ministry; he was not a threat to children. Im not trying to blame the psychologists and psychiatrists, but I think thats a piece of the puzzle. Aymond said we assume that scenario played out in the New Orleans archdiocese, but we dont know, because those medical records arent contained in church files. Fridays release marks the first time a Louisiana diocese has published a roster of child sex abusers among its clergy. Nearly a third of U.S. dioceses have released similar lists, although the extent of the disclosures varies. In most cases involving religious-order priests, the archdiocese says it was notified of the allegations but that leaders of those orders were responsible for investigating and disciplining their priests. Five other religious-order priests on the list, including Knoth and fellow Jesuit Charley Coyle, were taken out of ministry based on allegations from elsewhere. Cornelius Carr, their fellow Jesuit, was first investigated for abuse years ago by New York-based officials of his order, but it's not clear how that allegation was resolved. His inclusion in Friday's list appears to date to an allegation that first surfaced in 2012, when a man named Richard Windmann accused Carr of abusing him while Carr taught at Jesuit High in New Orleans in the 1970s and Windmann was a boy living nearby. Order officials deemed the allegation credible and settled for $450,000. According to the archdiocese, a team of 10 men and women spent "an extended period of time" reviewing more than 2,400 paper files on all clergy who were living after 1950. Terry McKiernan, founder of the watchdog site bishop-accountability.org, praised the archdiocese for releasing a list with dozens of previously undisclosed names. But he questioned Aymonds decisions not to provide more detailed work histories and to keep hidden the number of accusers for each clergyman. There are a lot of new names, and thats a good thing, McKiernan said, before adding: If youre not complete in summarizing a priests assignments, then youre in a sense concealing information that is important in assessing the total risk involved with each of these men. Some dioceses that have released lists of accused clergy have included summaries of the accusations of sexual abuse. Many also have provided dates for when an accused clergyman served in various posts. Aymonds list includes each clerics pastoral assignments, but no dates for when they served at each post. One telltale sign of a priest in trouble is someone who transferred a lot and doesnt spend a lot of time in any parish, McKiernan said. The archdiocese has previously released the names of a handful of accused priests under protocols set up by the U.S. Conference of Bishops in 2002. In 2003, then-Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes also released a tally of allegations against archdiocesan clergy deemed credible over the previous 50 years, without names. The number at that time was 10, according to Hughes report. But the list released Friday shows that at the time, there were 19 archdiocesan clergy members who had been removed from the ministry or had left it after a credible abuse allegation since 1950. The reasons for the disparity are not clear; they could owe to Aymond and Hughes defining their terms differently. Friday's list also suggests at least one glaring violation of the new transparency protocols announced in 2002, which called for credible allegations against clergy after that date to be made public. The list shows that Thomas Gaspard Glasgow, who had at least seven pastoral assignments across the New Orleans area, was removed from ministry in 2008, a year after the archdiocese received an allegation about abuse in the late 1970s. Hughes made no announcement at the time. Aymond said Friday that he could not say why the church had been silent in that case. You certainly have an argument that they should have been released, Aymond said. They should have been. I cant really respond to why. What we do know is by this process were exposing everything. So if there were some mistakes and mishaps that happened in the past, now theyre clarified. At least four of the states six other dioceses are planning to release similar lists of disgraced priests and deacons in the coming weeks. Its unclear if bishops in those dioceses intend to follow the same guidelines as Aymond. The latest attempt at a full accounting of the scandal figures to come at a price for the archdiocese. It is likely to spur fresh allegations of abuse at the hands of the listed clerics, invite lawsuits and leave other survivors to question why their abusers were not named. It is also likely to exhume painful memories for survivors of clergy sex abuse while forcing parishioners to confront jarring new revelations about their former religious leaders. Aymond has faced intense pressure to try and restore trust among local parishioners amid new reports of stubborn secrecy in the church. Dozens of bishops across the country have released similar lists, lurching toward transparency as law-enforcement officials initiate investigations and high-profile church leaders have resigned. While state attorneys general have opened cases and issued subpoenas for church records, no such sprawling investigation appears to be on the near horizon in Louisiana. Attorney General Jeff Landry has ruled out a broad probe into the churchs handling of clergy sex abuse claims, though he expressed a willingness to help local law enforcement investigate specific complaints. McKiernan said he expects more victims to come forward after seeing their abuser's name on the list, with fresh lawsuits to follow. But the impact goes well beyond those survivors, he said, breeding a wider angst among parishioners. Sadly, there are many parents out there, they may never have really understood why their children had such a hard time, and theyre looking at this list, he said. There are just many, many sad stories encoded in this list. FULL LIST: Name: Claude P. Boudreaux Position: Jesuit priest, teacher Served: Jesuit High School in New Orleans (1976-1977; 1980-2005) Age: Died in 2016 at age 91 Ordained: 1955 Est. time of abuse: n/a Allegation received: 2005 Removed from Ministry: 2005 Details: Boudreaux was removed from ministry in 2005 after the Jesuit order received what it deemed to be a credible report of the sexual abuse of a minor from more than three decades before, according to The Times-Picayune. The Jesuits released few other details, citing the victims right to privacy. Boudreaux, a native of Houma, was sent to live in an undisclosed location for medical treatment. Afterwards, Boudreaux lived at the Ignatius Residence in New Orleans, according to his obituary. When that home closed in 2013, he relocated to the St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Name: George Brignac Position: Diocesan deacon, teacher Served: St. John Vianney Prep School; Cabrini High School; Our Lady of the Rosary Parish (1976-88); St. Francis Cabrini School; St. Louise de Marillace School in Arabi; St. Matthew the Apostle in River Ridge; lector at St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Metairie (2016-2018) Age: 83 Ordained: 1976 Est. time of abuse: Late 1970s, early 1980s Allegation received: 1977 Removed from Ministry: 1988 Details: Archbishop Gregory Aymond said he was utterly surprised and embarrassed in July 2018 when he found out that Brignac, who was removed from ministry in 1988, was serving as a lay lector at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Metairie. More than 10 boys have accused Brignac of molesting them, with the claims spanning many years and multiple parishes and schools across New Orleans. In 2018, the archdiocese paid more than $500,000 to an accuser who said he was raped by Brignac between 1979 and 1982, when the deacon was the co-director of the altar boy program at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish. A pair of plaintiffs have since filed similar lawsuits, and others have claims which are in process. Brignac declined comment when contacted recently. He previously told The Advocate he was attracted to children and admitted to touching young boys, though he said it wasnt for immoral purposes. Name: Paul Calamari Position: Diocesan priest Served: Our Lady of the Holy Rosary; Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse; St. Stanislaus School in Bay St. Louis, MS; St. Raphael; St. Rita; Holy Cross Church in Dover, DE; St. Mary of the Assumption in Hockemin, DE; St. Peter the Apostle in New Castle, DE; Archdiocese of New Orleans Age: 74 Ordained: 1980 Est. time of abuse: 1970s Allegation received: 2003 Removed from Ministry: 2003 Details: Calamari was accused of sexually abusing a minor before his ordination to the priesthood in 1980, according to The Times-Picayune. In addition to his service as a priest, he also spent time as the director of religious instruction for the archdiocese, the newspaper reported. He left the New Orleans area in 1997 for St. John Vianney Center in Pennsylvania, a psychiatric treatment facility for priests. Calamari had relocated to the Wilmington diocese in Delaware when he was removed from ministry in 2003. Church officials said they had received credible allegations against him. Public records suggest Calamari still lived in Delaware as of 2017. He couldnt be reached for comment. A Clarion Herald article recently listed Calamari as a retired priest. The archdiocese said that means Calamari may still be receiving his share of the pension plan if he contributed to it. Name: Dino Cinel Position: Diocesan priest, professor Served: St. Rita (in residence 1979-1988), professor at Tulane University Age: Died in 2018 at 76 Ordained: 1966 Est. time of abuse: Late 1980s Allegation received: 1988 Removed from Ministry: 1988; Laicized (secularized) in 2010 Details: A native of Italy, Cinel was living in the St. Rita rectory in 1988 when another priest discovered a cache of child pornography and videotapes of Cinel having sex with young men, according to media reports. When the discovery was made public two years later, it sparked a protracted legal battle and allegations that then-District Attorney Harry Connick Sr., a St. Rita parishioner, hobbled his offices efforts to prosecute the case. Connick denies improperly handling the matter. Cinel left the priesthood after the scandal broke, although he was not formally laicized, or stripped of his status as a member of the clergy, until 2010. Cinels life came to a violent end in Colombia in February 2018, when he was stabbed to death by an 18-year-old man who was also his lover. Name: Charles G. Charley Coyle Position: Jesuit priest Served: Center for Jesus the Lord (1980s); Jesuit High School (1960s); Holy Cross High School (1980s); St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Algiers; St. Cecilia Parish (in residence); St. Louise de Marillac in Arabi; St. Raphael; Tulane University Age: Died in 2015 at age 83 Ordained: 1965 Est. time of abuse: n/a Allegation received: n/a Removed from ministry: 2002 Details: Coyle was removed from ministry after being accused in a 2002 lawsuit of abusing two boys in the 1970s at Newton South High School outside Boston. At the time the allegations were made, Coyle worked and lived in New Orleans but was not attached to a parish. Coyle neither confirmed nor denied those claims, The Times-Picayune reported. Coyle worked at Jesuit in the 1960s. He also worked at St. Andrew the Apostle Church as well as at a spirituality center known as the Center for Jesus the Lord in the 1980s. Later, he lived at St. Cecilia Parish, serving as a chaplain at Holy Cross High School and Tulane University. He eventually served as a substitute for vacationing priests. He became the first known case in which a New Orleans priest was suspended following the abuse scandal in the Archdiocese of Boston in 2002. A second lawsuit filed in 2003 accused Coyle of sexually abusing a boy while Coyle was a seminarian in Baltimore, according to The Times-Picayune. Name: Michael Fraser Position: Diocesan priest Served: Sts. Peter and Paul in Pearl River; St. Raphael the Archangel; St. Rita Church; The Visitation of Our Lady in Marrero Age: 69 Ordained: 1975 Est. time of abuse: 1980s and 1990s Allegation received: 1998 Removed from Ministry: 2004 Details: Fraser was accused of abusing boys in the mid-1980s and in 1991 while at Sts. Peter and Paul, The Times-Picayune reported. Fraser was removed in 2004, after the archdiocese received the complaint with the accusations against Fraser from the mid-1980s. Fraser was the pastor at Visitation of Our Lady at the time. After his removal, a separate lawsuit which was settled accused him of abusing a boy at St. Raphael about 1983. He was among a group of priests removed from ministry following sexual abuse allegations who later sued Archbishop Alfred Hughes for defamation. He couldnt be reached for comment. Name: Patrick Keane Position: Diocesan priest Served: St. Catherine of Siena in Metairie; St. Mary Magdalen in Metairie Age: 70 Ordained: 1973 Est. time of abuse: 1980s Allegation received: 1994 Removed from ministry: 1995 Details: A man who identified himself publicly as Patrick Collins told church officials in 1994 that as a teenager hed been molested by Keane in the rectory of St. Mary Magdalen in the early 1980s, according to The Times-Picayune. Keane was an associate at St. Catherine of Siena at the time of the allegation. He was removed from ministry, left the priesthood, and admitted the abuse under oath in a 1999 deposition, according to a Times-Picayune story. A civil lawsuit involving the allegations was settled in 2003, records show. Attempts to contact him for comment were unsuccessful. Name: James Kilgour Position: Diocesan priest Served: *Our Lady of the Lake Church in Mandeville; St. Pius X Age: 72 Ordained: 1982 Est. time of abuse: 1980s Allegation received: 1987 Removed from Ministry: 1988 Details: Kilgour was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old altar boy in 1980 and 1981 at Our Lady of the Lake, according to The Times-Picayune. Three others were also accused of roles in the case. The archbishop did not list *Our Lady of the Lake as a work assignment, and Kilgour was not ordained until 1982. Kilgour was placed on leave in 1987, when a civil suit in the case was filed. He was working at St. Pius X at the time. He recently told The Advocate he did not return to the ministry. The suit was settled in April 1991, but Kilgour said he did not assume any responsibility for wrongdoing. Name: Gerard P. Kinane Position: Diocesan priest Served: St. Mark in Chalmette (1973-1978); Our Lady of the Lake in Grand Isle; St. Cecilia (in residence); St. Edward the Confessor in Metairie; St. Gabriel the Archangel; St. Henry; St. Hilary in Houma (1981-1985); St. Luke the Evangelist in Slidell (in residence 1999-2004); St. Marys Nativity in Raceland; Assumption Catholic Church in Jacksonville, FL; Mother Seton Catholic Church in Palm Springs, FL; St. John Catholic Church in Atlanta Beach, FL; St. Bernadette Church in Canadensis, PA Age: 73 Ordained: 1973 Est. time of abuse: 1970s and 1980s Allegation received: 1993 Removed from ministry: 2004 Details: A man came forward in 2004 to allege that Kinane sexually abused him in two incidents in 1973 and 1975 when he was a teenager and Kinane was an associate pastor at St. Mark, according to The Times-Picayune. One incident allegedly occurred in the church and another on a trip to the Honey Island Swamp near Slidell. The archbishops list, however, said the archdiocese received a complaint regarding Kinane in 1993. Kinane was eventually removed from ministry, but he continued to insist on his innocence in a defamation lawsuit against the archdiocese. The suit was dismissed in 2010. Kinane couldnt be reached for comment. Name: Bernard Knoth Position: Jesuit priest Served: Loyola University New Orleans Age: 69 Ordained: 1977 Est. time of abuse: n/a Allegation received: n/a Removed from ministry: Around 2003 Details: Knoth resigned as president of Loyola in 2003 after being accused of sexually abusing a student at Brebeuf Jesuit Prep in Indianapolis in 1986, according to The Times-Picayune. He denied wrongdoing, but the order deemed the allegation credible, and he was removed from ministry. He later entered private business in Florida. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis included him on a publicly released list of clergy who had been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor. Knoth recently told The Advocate, I still stand with what I said when I resigned from Loyola. (The allegation) was untrue. Name: Wesley Michael Landry Position: Diocesan priest Served: Christ the King in Gretna; Incarnate Word; St. Anthony in Gretna; St. Cecilia; St. Gabriel the Archangel; St. Joseph in Thibodaux; St. Leo the Great; St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Ordained: 1948 Est. time of abuse: Late 1950s Allegation received: 1993 Age: Died in 2002 at 78 Removed from ministry: 1993 Details: An accuser said Landry seduced him while he was an altar boy at Incarnate Word and continued a sexual relationship with him for 45 years, trading him money for sex, according to The Times-Picayune. Landry admitted to the relationship in 1993 and was removed from ministry. The archdiocese paid the accuser $7,000 that year for a release from liability, the Times-Picayune reported. Name: Richard Nowery Position: Holy Cross priest Served: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Age: Died in April 2018 at age 80 Ordained: 1968 Est. time of abuse: n/a Allegation received: n/a Removed from ministry: 2002 Details: Nowery was accused in 1986 of sexually abusing two boys in Austin, Texas, according to The Times-Picayune. He underwent treatment and came back to church where he recruited clergy but was restricted from unsupervised access to children. After the 2002 church abuse scandal in Boston, the archdiocese reviewed Nowery's personnel file and removed him from ministry. He was the pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Mid-City. His case demonstrates how church policy changed after the scandal erupted in 2002. Name: Joseph Pellettieri Position: Redemptorist priest Served: Notre Dame High School in Crowley; Ave Maria Retreat House in Crown Point Age: Died in 2018 at age 79 Ordained: 1965 Est. time of abuse: n/a Allegation received: n/a Removed from ministry: 2002 Details: According to The Times-Picayune, an unidentified man contacted church officials in April 2002 and reported being sexually abused by Pellettieri when the victim was a minor in 1967. At the time in question, Pellettieri was a teacher and principal at Notre Dame High School, and the boy was described as the son of a janitor. After the allegation, Archbishop Alfred Hughes suspended Pellettieri, who was running the Ave Maria Retreat House in Crown Point. Pellettieri had also worked in Wisconsin, Alexandria and Baton Rouge. It is not clear if the Redemptorist order acted similarly. A lawsuit against Pellettieri was later dismissed on grounds of statute of limitations. He couldnt be reached for comment. Name: Patrick B. Sanders Position: Diocesan priest Served: Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse; Resurrection of Our Lord; St. Angela Merici in Metairie; St. Frances Cabrini; St. Peter in Reserve; St. Thomas in Point-a-la-Hache Age: 55 Ordained: 1990 Est. time of abuse: 1990s Allegation received: 2004 Removed from ministry: 2005 Details: Sanders was sidelined from serving as a pastor in 2004 after two men came forward to report they were sexually abused as teenagers 11 years before, according to The Times-Picayune. In 2005, Archbishop Alfred Hughes announced that he had permanently removed Sanders from the priesthood after three hearing officers said they believed Sanders committed the abuse. At the time, he was the pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and well-liked by his congregation. Public records suggest Sanders has since become an attorney. He declined to comment but has previously denied wrongdoing. Name: John C. Sax Position: Diocesan priest Served: Resurrection; St. Cecilia; St. Clement of Rome in Metairie; St. Francis of Assisi (in residence); St. Gabriel the Archangel; St. Jerome in Kenner; St. John of the Cross (in residence); St. Louis Cathedral; St. Peter in Reserve, St. Raphael; St. Rita; St. John Vianney Villa (a Marrero retirement home for priests) Age: 70 Ordained: 1973 Est. time of abuse: 1980s Allegation received: 2000 Removed From Ministry: 2004 Details: Sax admitted he molested an altar boy repeatedly between 1980 and 1985 at St. Peters, according to The Times-Picayune. The victim approached another priest in 2000, disclosed the abuse and was put in touch with a therapist. The victim sued. Sax was placed on leave when the allegations were first reported. He was removed from ministry in 2004 and was reportedly living in an undisclosed location, according to The Times-Picayune. Sax had helped the archdiocese draft a sex-abuse policy some seven years before his accuser came forward, the newspaper reported. Sax, who held the title of monsignor, did not return a message seeking comment. Name: Vincent Feehan Position: Diocesan priest Served: Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse; St. Anselm in Madisonville; St. Catherine of Siena in Metairie; St. Francis Cabrini; *Our Lady of the Lake in Mandeville Age: Died in 2010 at age 64 Ordained: 1977 Est. time of abuse: Late 1970s, early 1980s Allegation received: 1987 Removed from Ministry: Took a voluntary leave of absence in 1987 Details: Feehan was one of four priests accused of abusing an Our Lady of the Lake altar boy in 1980 and 1981, according to The Times-Picayune. However, the archdiocese did not list *Our Lady of the Lake as one of Feehans work assignments. The civil suit against the clergy members was settled in 1991. Name: Gerard Jerry Howell Position: Diocesan priest Served: Holy Trinity; Mater Dolorosa; Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Westwego; Prince of Peace in Chalmette; St. Gerard; St. Henry; St. Lawrence the Martyr in Kenner; Sts. Peter and Paul; St. Piux X in Baton Rouge Age: 79 Ordained: 1964 Est. time of abuse: 1960s and 1970s Allegation received: 1978 Removed from Ministry: 1980 Details: Howell and his brother, Fr. Rodney Howell, were accused of molesting students, apparently at a Baton Rouge school for the deaf during the 1970s. Among their accusers were Shari Bernius of Chalmette and Darlene Austin of New Orleans, according to a 2003 story in The Times-Picayune. The allegations surfaced in 1992, at which time Fr. Jerry Howell denied them. The archbishops list does not include Fr. Rodney Howell. Name: Bernard Schmaltz Position: Diocesan priest Served: Anunziata in Houma; St. Clement of Rome in Metairie; St. Francis Xavier in Metairie; St. Gabriel the Archangel; St. Rose of Lima (in residence) Age: Died in 2010 at age 62 Ordained: 1973 Est. time of abuse: 1970s Allegation received: 1993 Removed from ministry: 1993 Details: In a 1992 lawsuit, a man identified as John Gianoli accused Schmaltz of sexually molesting him as an eighth-grade student at St. Clement of Rome while on a fishing trip to Slidell, as well as at a rectory during the 1973-1974 school year. A judge later ruled that Gianoli had waited too long to file his lawsuit. Schmaltz professed his innocence but resigned his post as pastor of St. Gabriel and was removed from ministry in 2003. He eventually embarked on a career selling real estate in Mississippi, according to his obituary in The Times-Picayune. Schmaltz also denied wrongdoing in the face of claims of abuse stemming from his earlier days in the priesthood in Houma. He filed a defamation lawsuit in 2004 against Archbishop Alfred Hughes, who discussed allegations against Schmaltz at a news conference. It was not clear how the lawsuit was resolved. Also in 2004, the Vatican ordered Schmaltz to stand a church trial. It is possible for an accused clergy member to clear his name in such a proceeding, but the church keeps the outcome secret. Name: Benjamin L. Wren Position: Jesuit priest Served: Community of John the Evangelist; Loyola University New Orleans Age: Died in 2006 at age 75 Ordained: 1961 Est. time of abuse: Late 1970s; early 1980s Allegation received: 2016 Removed from Ministry: Was deceased when allegation surfaced Details: Wren spent time at Jesuit high schools in New Orleans, Dallas and El Paso, Texas, before spending 35 years teaching Asian History and Zen classes at Loyola University in New Orleans. He left the priesthood in 1996 and married. Wren died 10 years later. In 2006, he was accused in a lawsuit of raping the granddaughter of a co-worker on Loyolas campus on hundreds of occasions over seven years beginning in 1978, when the girl was 5. The man many on Loyolas campus affectionately called Zen Ben Wren allegedly threatened the victim with death and damnation if she told anyone what he was doing. Loyola and church officials settled the case in July for what was described as a significant amount. Name: Cornelius Neil Carr Position: Jesuit priest Served: Provincial of Jesuits New York Province (1966); principal of McQuaid High School in Rochester, New York (1960-64); Jesuit High School (1976-1980); principal of St. Peters Prep in Jersey City, New Jersey; Archdiocese of Florida, 1981-2005 Age: Died about 2012 Ordained: 1951 Est. time of abuse: Late 1970s; early 1980s Allegation received: 2018 via media reports Removed from Ministry: n/a, but deceased at time of media reports Details: News reports in Florida and New York in 2006 said the Jesuit order was investigating Carr for allegations of child abuse. He was accused of walking in on janitor Peter Modica raping an adolescent boy at Jesuit High School in New Orleans in the 1970s, and joining in the abuse by masturbating. The school and order paid a $450,000 settlement after the alleged victim, Richard Windmann, filed suit. An audio recording captured Jesuits president at the time describing Windmanns claim as credible. Carr spent his last days at a Jesuit residence hall at Fordham University in the Bronx. Name: Gerald Prinz Position: Diocesan priest Served: St. Frances de Sales in Houma; St. Gregory Barbarigo in Houma Age: 79 Ordained: 1968 Est. time of abuse: 1970s Allegation received: 1995 Removed from Ministry: Resigned in 1990 Details: A 1995 lawsuit accused Prinz of abusing an underage boy in 1973 and 1978, who repressed the memory until 1994, according to The Times-Picayune. The lawsuit apparently was the first of its kind to survive challenges alleging that it was filed after a statute of limitations had lapsed, the newspaper said. The state Supreme Court ruled that the case could proceed to trial, but its disposition wasnt immediately clear. Prinz left the priesthood before the late 1980s and at one point was living in Metairie. Name: Ernest Faggioni Position: Salesian priest Served: Hope Haven orphanage in Marrero (1940-43, 1950-59, 1963-66); treasurer of Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero (1966-74); assistant pastor at St. John Bosco Church in Harvey (1988-2000), Salesian High School in New Rochelle, NY. Age: Died in 2006 at 88. Ordained: 1947 Est. time of abuse: 1950s; 1960s Allegation received: 2006 Removed from Ministry: n/a, but died the same year allegation received. Details: Faggioni was born in Sao Paolo, Brazil and served as a priest for 59 years. He is believed to be the subject of at least one claim that was part of a roughly $5.2 million settlement in 2009 related to abuse at the Hope Haven and Madonna Manor orphanages on the West Bank. There he worked as a teacher, principal and treasurer, according to his obituary. Name: August Kita Position: Salesian priest Age: Died in 2008 at age 77 Served: Hope Haven in Marrero; Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero (1962-1967) Ordained: 1960 Est. time of abuse: 1960s; 1970s Allegation received: 2006 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Kita was one of several men accused of abuse at the Hope Haven and Madonna Manor orphanages in Marrero, according to the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests. The archdiocese settled legal claims about abuse there for $5.2 million in 2009, but the specific allegations against Kita are unknown. Kita remained in good standing with the church and continued to have a long career in religious education and as a pastor in other states before his death in New York in 2008. Name: Malcolm Strassel Position: Diocesan priest, Monsignor Served: Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant; Our Lady of Lourdes; Sacred Heart in LaCombe; St. Agnes in Baton Rouge; St. Charles Borromeo in Destrehan; St. Joseph in Gretna; St. Mary Pamela in Raceland Age: Died in 1987 at age 79 Ordained: 1934 Est. time of abuse: Late 1960s; early 1970s Allegation received: 2006 Removed from Ministry: n/a, but died before 2006 allegation Details: A 2009 lawsuit accused Strassel of fondling a boy while working at Our Lady of Lourdes in Uptown between 1969 and 1971. The Archdiocese settled the lawsuit, the plaintiffs attorney said. The attorney alleged that the statute of limitations had not lapsed in the case because the traumatized victim had suppressed memory of the abuse and the church had worked to cover it up. Name: Carl Davidson Position: Diocesan priest Served: Annunciation; St. James Major; St. John Vianney Prep School; St. Raphael the Archangel; St. Theresa of the Child Jesus; musician and accompanist for St. Louis Cathedral boys choir Age: Died in 2007 at age 67 Ordained: 1964 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 Est. time of abuse: Early 1980s Allegation received: 1989 Removed from Ministry: 2002 Details: According to 2004 articles in the Times-Picayune, a man claimed Davidson tried to molest him years earlier when the victim was a boy. The accuser said he and a second victim went to the archdiocese in 2002 and complained, resulting in Davidsons removal and retirement from ministry. But, according to The Times-Picayune, that action wasnt publicly discussed until 2004, an apparent violation of guidelines to disclose such matters following the Boston scandal two years earlier. The archbishops list says the first allegation against Davidson was received in 1989. Name: Michael Farino Position: Diocesan priest Served: Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chalmette; St. Benilde in Metairie; St. Maurice Age: 75 or 76 Ordained: 1969 Est. time of abuse: 1970s and 1980s Allegation received: 1990 Removed from Ministry: 1990 Details: The archdiocese says Farino is alive and was accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1990, which led to his removal from ministry. Further details are unknown. Name: Timothy Gaspard Glasgow Position: Diocesan priest Served: Mater Dolorosa; St. Brigid; St. Gabriel; St. James Major; St. John the Baptist in Edgard; St. Philip the Apostle; St. Simon Peter Age: 79 or 80 Ordained: 1969 Est. time of abuse: Late 1970s Allegation received: 2007 Removed from Ministry: 2008 Details: The archdiocese says Glasgow is alive and was accused in 2007 of sexually abusing a minor the late 1970s, which led to his removal from ministry. Further details are unknown. Glasgow could not be reached for comment. Name: James Lockwood Position: Deacon Served: Center of Jesus the Lord; Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette Age: 85 Ordained: 1974 Est. time of abuse: Late 1970s Allegation received: 1978 Removed from Ministry: 1978 Details: The archdiocese said Lockwood is alive and was accused in 1978 of sexually abusing a minor, which led to his removal from ministry. Further details are unknown. He could not be reached for comment. Name: John Basty Position: Diocesan priest Served: St. Augustine; St. Charles Borromeo in Destrehan; Sts. Peter and Paul; St. Vincent de Paul Age: Died in 1956 at 73 or 74 Ordained: 1908 Est. time of abuse: 1940s Allegation received: 1946 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Basty admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the archdiocese. He laid the cornerstone and served as the pastor for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church from 1918-1949, which means he continued to serve after an abuse allegation was received. The parish school began educating students under his watch in 1929. Further details are unknown. Name: James Benedict Position: Diocesan priest Served: Mater Dolorosa Church; Our Lady of Lourdes; St. Augustine Church; St. Henry Church; Ursuline Convent and Ursuline Academy Age: Died in 1984 at 70 or 71 Ordained: 1939 Est. time of abuse: Late 1950s Allegation received: 2003 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Basty admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation are unknown, although it came nearly two decades after his death, the archdiocese said. Name: Pierre Celestin Cambiaire Position: Diocesan priest Served: Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cameron; St. George in Baton Rouge; St. Joseph in Grosse-Tete; St. Leon in Leonville Age: Died in 1955 at 83 or 84 Ordained: 1898 Est. time of abuse: Late 1910s Allegation received: 1917 Removed from Ministry: 1917 Details: Cambiaire admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1917 and was removed from ministry that same year, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation are unknown. Name: John Franklin Position: Diocesan priest of Savannah serving in New Orleans Served: Ascension in Donaldsonville; St. Gabriel Age: Born in 1925, date of death unknown Ordained: 1956 Est. time of abuse: Late 1950s Allegation received: 1959 Removed from Ministry: 1959 Details: Franklin admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1959 and was removed from ministry that same year, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation are unknown. The archdiocese says he is deceased. Name: Howard Hotard Position: Diocesan priest Served: Our Lady of Lourdes in Slidell; Sacred Heart Church in Lacombe; St. Catherine of Siena in Metairie; St. Charles Borromeo in Destrehan; St. Mary Pamela in Raceland; St. Matthias in New Orleans Age: Died in 2013 at 87 Ordained: 1955 Est. time of abuse: Early 1980s Allegation received: 1995 Removed from Ministry: 2002 Details: Hotard admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation are unknown. He continued to serve in the ministry for seven years after the allegation was received. Name: Michael Hurley Position: Diocesan priest Served: Immaculate Conception Church in Marrero; St. Agnes in Baton Rouge; St. Francis de Sales in Houma; St. Maurice; Sts. Peter and Paul Age: Died in 2005 at 89 or 90 Ordained: 1943 Est. time of abuse: 1940s Allegation received: 1945 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Hurley admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation are unknown. He left the archdiocese in 1955, although the archdiocese did not provide details on whether he was removed from ministry or went to another region at the time. Name: James Kircher Position: Diocesan priest of Jackson, Mississippi in residence in New Orleans Served: St. Julian Eymard in Algiers (in residence) Age: Died in 2007 at 76 Ordained: 1963 Est. time of abuse: 1970s Allegation received: 2010 Removed from Ministry: 1991 Details: Four men accused Kircher of abuse in the diocese of Jackson, Mississippi from the mid-1970s to 1984 in a 2002 lawsuit, according to press reports. A judge said in one order that the church hierarchy was involved in a cover-up of massive proportions. Another allegation of abuse in New Orleans was received in 2010, according to the archdiocese. Name: Ralph Lawrence Position: Diocesan priest Served: Mater Dolorosa; Our Lady of Good Harbor in Buras; Our Lady of Lourdes in Winnfield; Sacred Heart Church in Rayville; St. Anthony in Baton Rouge Age: Died in 1992 at 101 or 102 Ordained: 1916 Est. time of abuse: Early 1930s Allegation received: 1935 Removed from Ministry: Took a leave of absence in 1935 Details: Lawrence admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1935 and he took a leave of absence that same year, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation are unknown. Name: Gorham Joseph Putnam Position: Diocesan priest Served: St. Agnes in Jefferson; St. Andrew the Apostle; St. Francis de Sales; St. John the Baptist in Edgard; St. Rita Church Age: Died in 1993 at 63 or 64 Ordained: 1955 Est. time of abuse: Early 1950s Allegation received: 2002 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Putnam admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation are unknown. Name: John Seery Position: Diocesan priest Served: Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Westwego Age: Died in 2011 at 57 or 58 Ordained: 1976 Est. time of abuse: Late 1970s Allegation received: 1978 Removed from Ministry: Left the United States in 1978 Details: Seery admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation are unknown. Name: John Thomann Position: Diocesan priest Served: Our Lady of Lourdes; Our Lady of Prompt Succor; Resurrection of Our Lord; St. Charles Borromeo Church in Destrehan; St. Frances Cabrini; St. Henry; St. Joseph Church in Gretna; St. Joseph in Galliano; St. Leo the Great; St. Rose of Lima Church Age: Died in 1989 at 58 or 59 Ordained: 1958 Est. time of abuse: 1960s Allegation received: 1966 Removed from Ministry: 1967 Details: Thomann admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation are unknown. Name: John Weber Position: Diocesan priest Served: Assumption Parish in Plattenville; Holy Trinity; St. Ann in Morganza; St. Eloi in Theriot; St. Rita Age: Died in 2000 at 81 Ordained: 1945 Est. time of abuse: 1940s Allegation received: 2005 Removed from Ministry: Transferred to Diocese of Baton Rouge in 1961 Details: Weber admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation, which came after his death, are unknown. Name: Paul Avallone Position: Salesian priest Served: Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero; Hope Haven in Marrero Age: Died in 2008 at 86 Ordained: 1950 Est. time of abuse: Late 1950s, early 1960s Allegation received: 2011 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Avallone founded and oversaw Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero as principal from 1962 to 1968. Its not known whether he is accused of abusing a minor there or at Hope Haven, an orphanage that was the center of a large group of abuse allegations in the 1960s. The archdiocese said it received a notification of the allegation from his religious order in 2011. An obituary in the Times-Picayune said Avallone had an easy personality that gave rise to his nickname Papa. He died at the St. Vincent's Nursing Home in New Jersey. Name: Patrick Brady Position: Dominican priest Served: St. Anthony of Padua Age: Died in 1999, age unknown Ordained: Unknown Est. time of abuse: 1960s, 1970s Allegation received: 2002 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Brady was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Further details are unknown. Name: Stanislaus Ceglar Position: Dominican priest Served: Hope Haven in Marrero Age: Died in 1999, age unknown Ordained: Unknown Est. time of abuse: 1960s Allegation received: 2010 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Ceglar was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Hope Haven, an orphanage, was the site of a cluster of allegations made in the 2000s, although his name has not previously surfaced. Name: Paul Csik Position: Salesian priest Served: Hope Haven in Marrero Age: Died in 1970 at 71 or 72 Ordained: Unknown Est. time of abuse: 1960s Allegation received: 2010 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: A native of Hungary, Csik was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Hope Haven, an orphanage, was the site of a cluster of allegations made in the 2000s, although Csiks name had not previously surfaced. Csik served as superior in the 1960s, according to newspaper archives. Name: James Collery Position: Holy Ghost priest Served: St. Ann in Metairie Age: Died in 1987 at 66 or 67 Ordained: 1948 Est. time of abuse: Early 1980s Allegation received: 2013 Removed from Ministry: N/A Details: Collery was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Further details are unknown. Name: Jerome Ducote Position: Benedictine priest Served: St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict Age: Died in 2006 at 76 or 77 Ordained: 1954 Est. time of abuse: Early 1960s Allegation received: 2002 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Ducote was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Further details are unknown. Name: Anthony Esposito Position: Salesian priest Served: Hope Haven in Marrero Age: Unknown Ordained: 1954 Est. time of abuse: 1950s, 1960s Allegation received: 2006 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Esposito was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Hope Haven, an orphanage, was the site of a cluster of allegations made in the 2000s, although Espositos name had not previously surfaced. Name: Justin Faler Position: Benedictine priest Served: Annunciation in Bogalusa; St. Benedict in St. Benedict; St. Christopher in Metairie; St. Jane de Chantal in Abita Springs; St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict Age: Died in 1979 at 59 or 60 Ordained: 1945 Est. time of abuse: Late 1950s Allegation received: 2002 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Faler was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Further details are unknown. Name: Andrew Masters Position: Divine Word Missionaries Served: Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse; St. Augustine Age: Unknown Ordained: Unknown Est. time of abuse: Unknown Allegation received: 1993 Removed from Ministry: Unknown Details: Masters was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Further details, including whether he was removed from the ministry, are unknown. Name: Joseph Pankowski Position: Salesian priest Served: Hope Haven in Marrero Age: Died in 1981 at age 66 Ordained: Unknown Est. time of abuse: 1940s, 1950s Allegation received: 2006 Removed from Ministry: Unknown Details: Pankowski was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Hope Haven, an orphanage, was the site of a cluster of allegations made in the 2000s, although Pankowskis name had not previously surfaced. He died in Ramsey, New Jersey. Name: Alfred Pimple Position: Franciscan priest Served: St. Mary of the Angels; St. Patrick in Port Sulphur Age: Died in 1983 at 71 or 72 Ordained: 1938 Est. time of abuse: Late 1950s Allegation received: 1959 Removed from Ministry: Unknown Details: Pimple was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Further details are unknown. Name: William Miller Position: Redemptorist priest Served: St. Alphonsus Age: Died in 1972 at 75 or 76 Ordained: 1922 Est. time of abuse: Late 1940s Allegation received: 1946 Removed from Ministry: Unknown Details: Miller was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Further details are unknown. Name: Donald Pearce Position: Jesuit priest Served: Jesuit High School, New Orleans (1960-'68) Age: Died in 2016 at 90 or 91 Ordained: 1959 Est. time of abuse: 1960s Allegation received: 2003 Removed from Ministry: Unknown Details: Pearce, the president of Jesuit High School from 1965 to 1968, was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. The archdiocese said it received notification of the allegation from his order in 2010, seven years after it was made. Further details are unknown. Name: Alfred Sokol Position: Salesian priest Served: Hope Haven in Marrero Age: Died in 2004 at 92 or 93 Ordained: 1947 Est. time of abuse: 1960s, 1970s Allegation received: 2006 Removed from Ministry: n/a Details: Sokol, a New York native, was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Hope Haven, an orphanage, was the site of a cluster of allegations made in the 2000s, although Sokols name had not previously surfaced. An obituary said he served at Hope Haven from 1948 to 1950. He spent most of his career in New Jersey and died there. Name: Roger Temme Position: Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate priest Served: Ave Maria Retreat House in Lafitte; Our Lady of Guadalupe Age: Born in 1947 Ordained: 1976 Est. time of abuse: Late 1970s Allegation received: 1995 Removed from Ministry: Unknown Details: Temme was serving in the archdiocese at the time the abuse allegedly occurred. Further details are unknown. Temme, who has left the priesthood, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Name: Bryan Fontenot Position: Dominican priest Served: Xavier University in New Orleans Age: Born in 1953 Ordained: 1981 Est. time of abuse: Unknown Allegation received: Unknown Removed from Ministry: 2002 Details: Fontenot was serving in the archdiocese in 2002 when Archbishop Alfred Hughes removed him from ministry. However, the archdiocese said the abuse was not alleged to have occured in New Orleans. Name: Lawrence Hecker Position: Diocesan priest Served: Christ the King in Terrytown; Holy Family in Luling; Holy Rosary; Our Lady of Lourdes; St. Anthony in Luling; St. Bernadette in Houma; St. Charles Borromeo (in residence); St. Frances Cabrini; St. Francis Xavier in Metairie; St. Joseph in Gretna; St. Louise de Marillac in Arabi; St. Mary in New Roads; St. Theresa of Child Jesus Age: 86 or 87 Ordained: 1958 Est. time of abuse: Late 1960s, 1970s Allegation received: 1996 Removed from ministry: 2002 Details: The archdiocese said a credible accusation of abuse led to Hecker's removal from ministry in 2002. Further details are unknown. He could not be reached for immediate comment. The list of credibly accused clergy released on Friday by New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond includes one Jesuit priest whose alleged crimes in New Orleans were only unearthed in recent weeks. Cornelius "Neil" Carr, a priest assigned to Jesuit High School in the late 1970s, was investigated by his religious order for allegations of child abuse years ago in other areas of the U.S., according to news reports in 2006 in Florida and New York. But it was the decision by Richard Windmann -- who was allegedly abused as a boy by employees and clergy from Jesuit High School -- to publicly name Carr and his other alleged abusers that appears to have revealed Carr's history in New Orleans to local church officials. New Orleans clergy sex abuse crisis: List of accused; see letter from Archbishop Aymond Archbishop Gregory Aymond on Friday released the names of 30 diocesan priests, 25 religious order priests and two deacons who, in the last cen Aymond's list notes that Carr was brought to the attention of the archdiocese in 2018, via media reports. It was Windmann who earlier this year recounted to The Advocate his story of alleged abuse at the hands of Carr and Jesuit janitor Peter Modica. Windmann, who did not attend the school but lived nearby, accused Carr of walking in while Modica was sexually assaulting him at Jesuit High, and joining in the abuse rather than stopping it. The school and order paid a $450,000 settlement after Windmann confronted them about the situation. 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 Can't see video below? Click here. An audio recording captured Jesuits president at the time of the settlement describing Windmanns claim as credible. Carr served in several parts of the U.S. over his career, including the Jesuits' New York Province, McQuaid High School in Rochester, New York; St. Peters Prep in Jersey City, New Jersey; and the Archdiocese of Florida. He was at Jesuit High School in New Orleans from 1977 to 1980. Carr spent his last days at a Jesuit residence hall at Fordham University in the Bronx. Apple has giant revenues, profit margins that are the envy of corporations everywhere and a stock market value of $US1 trillion. Despite those obvious strengths, Apple told investors this week that it would stop reporting numbers central to understanding the performance of its biggest business: selling iPhones. The company said it would no longer disclose how many iPhones, iPads and Mac computers it sold each quarter. Without this data, investors will not be able to track the average selling price of iPhones, a crucial number for assessing whether consumers are balking at paying up for Apple's higher-priced phones. The decision, along with Apple's disappointing forecast for this quarter's sales, helped drive the company's stock price down more than 7 per cent Friday, a move that weighed on the wider stock market. Nobody told Lindy Lee when the installation of flung bronze she had embedded in the pavement on the steps of Paddy's Markets had been ripped up by workers contracted on the Sydney light rail construction project. It was only when the Chinese-Australian artist attended the site to install a stone sculpture as part of her Cloud Gate project between Hay Street and Thomas Street that she noticed the section of her carefully engineered artwork was no longer, the ground crudely covered by bitumen. Lindy Lee with another of her flung-bronze installations. Credit:Andrew Curtis Although news of the artwork's destruction broke this week when she happened to be in town to open an unrelated show, Ms Lee said the issue has been "plaguing" her for at least the last year. "Its not as if its sprung on me right now. Within a short time of that work being installed the light rail came in and destroyed it," she said. A four-wheel drive carrying a trailer, which rolled over and scattered machinery on the Bruce Highway caused extensive delays north of Brisbane on Saturday morning. Two lanes were blocked at Murrumba Downs while two more remained open for motorists while police are on the scene controlling traffic until the vehicle and trailer are towed away. Murrumba Downs crash forces lane closures on the Bruce Highway, Queensland. Credit:Twitter Emergency services responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash near the North Lakes ramp at 11am. A driver passing the area before emergency services arrived said a ute with a trailer, holding machinery including a concrete floor saw and a mini excavator, appeared to have been spun around and was facing oncoming traffic. An inquest into the mysterious death of a man 22 years ago has been reopened after new findings have come to light. Aquaculturist Jeffrey Lawrence Brooks was shot dead at a crayfish farm on Brisbane's outskirts. Queensland Attorney-General Yvette DAth has directed the State Coroner to reopen an inquest. Police ruled Mr Brooks had accidentally shot himself while removing a loaded gun from his car but two years later, a Coroner expressed doubts surrounding the death. Attorney-General Yvette DAth said after receiving legal advice, she had decided to direct the State Coroner to reopen the inquest into Mr Brooks' death on 13 March 1996. The markets are coming back to Subiaco and it's predicted they will bring an economic injection with them. Property developer Blackburne on Friday unveiled plans for a mixed-use development at the derelict 5500sqm Subiaco Pavilion Markets site on the corner of Rokeby and Roberts Roads. The development's ground level will feature permanent restaurants and room for up to 50 street market stalls. The site has sat dormant for more than a decade and has become an eyesore to locals and visitors alike who bemoan the cracking paint and boarded-up windows. Blackburne purchased the property for $25 million in July and want to build an apartment building with an indoor and outdoor public space on the ground level that has room for up to 50 street market stalls, a town square, 'pocket park' and permanent restaurants. In a small park, nestled among streets where the median property price is more than $4 million and the driveways are full of gleaming European marques, Bob Brown is rallying the troops. A dozen or so young volunteers are listening closely to the godfather of the Greens give his pep talk at Brookville Gardens in Toorak on a Saturday morning, as Siberian huskies and Portuguese water dogs chase tennis balls around them. After a few selfies, the emboldened congregation head off with binders in hand to knock on heavy wooden doors and press intercom buttons to win votes for Prahran MP Sam Hibbins at the Victorian state election. Former Greens leader Bob Brown with Prahran MP Sam Hibbins ahead of the upcoming state election. Credit:Tom Cowie Mr Hibbins was an unlikely winner in 2014, rising from third place on primary votes to snatch the seat from the Liberals on preferences. With a margin of just 277 votes, the Greens hope to cling on to Prahran and continue their march on other inner-city seats. The Coalition starts with a slight advantage. Victorias population growth is overwhelmingly in Labor and Green seats. At last count, Labor/Green seats on average had 5 per cent more voters than Coalition seats. In a close finish, the Coalition could win most seats even if Labor wins most votes. This election is still alive. This is where the Liberals and Nationals hope to win it. THE FRANKSTON LINE The Frankston rail line, from McKinnon to South Frankston, hosts the four seats that have decided the last two Victorian elections. In 2002 and 2006, they all voted Labor. But in 2010, they all swung to the Liberals, giving Ted Baillieu his one-seat majority. And in 2014, they all swung back to Labor, three of them by just a few hundred votes. They start with upwardly mobile Bentleigh (0.8 per cent), and bayside Mordialloc (2.1), but then theres battling Carrum (0.7) and at the bottom of the line, Frankston (0.5). Bentleighs suburbs these days are pretty well off; you can buy a good coffee there. But as you go down the line, the incomes get lower and the divorce rate higher. The Liberals reportedly see their best chances as Bentleigh and Carrum. They need to win big here to win the election. THE OUTER SUBURBAN FRINGE If the clash of inner and outer suburban cultures were as big as some claim, these seats would be heading the Liberals way. Tens of thousands of aspirational young families have moved into new outer suburbs, to do battle with bills and mortgages. But in the 2016 federal election, their votes shifted Labors way. Four marginal seats are in the north: Macedon (3.8), Sunbury (4.4), Yan Yean (3.7) and Eltham (2.7). Yan Yean alone has added 12,500 voters since 2014, and Labor has sandbagged it by building the Mernda rail line and duplicating Yan Yean Road. Its hard to see the Liberals breaking through here. Four are in the south-east: Cranbourne (2.4) has added 15,000 more voters since 2014, and both sides have committed lots of resources and promises to win it, Narre Warren North (4.6) and Narre Warren South (5.5). Monbulk (5.0) is probably out of reach. The Coalition must win one or two here to win government. INNER MELBOURNE In the inner suburbs, the momentum is to the Greens and the Liberals. North of the Yarra, the Greens now hold two of the four seats they have targeted from Labor Melbourne (2.4) and Northcote (5.6) and the bookies expect them to add Brunswick (2.2). If the Liberals issue an open ticket with no preferences, as threatened, the Greens could also take Richmond (1.9). The inner south has two three-cornered contests: Prahran (0.4) where the Greens squeezed home in 2010, and Albert Park (3.1). Labor is confident it can win back Prahran. Albert Park is now one of Melbournes richest areas: it will be a Liberal seat one day, but maybe not yet. GEELONG, BALLARAT AND BENDIGO Once safely Liberal, Victorias three biggest regional cities are now Labor strongholds, and are growing fast. The Liberals have a chance of making gains in Ballarat, where Labor MPs are retiring from Wendouree (5.8) and Buninyong (6.5). But its hard to see them winning Bellarine (4.9) or Geelong (6.0), or downing Transport Minister Jacinta Allan in Bendigo East (5.1). The closest battle in 2014 was in the one seat the Liberals won, South Barwon (Liberal, 2.9). It could be the close one again. RURAL/REGIONAL: COALITION v LABOR If the vote reflects the latest polls, the seats we will be watching on election night will be the country seats where the Coalition is defending its turf. Labor has its sights on retaking Ripon (0.8) around Ararat, the once safe Labor seat of Morwell (1.8), taken for the Nationals in 2006 by former footy star Russell Northe, the misnamed Eildon (3.8), whose voters are mostly on Melbournes north-east fringe, and the Westernport seat of Bass (4.6). Morwell could be anyones seat. Labor, Liberals and Nationals all have a chance, as might Northe if he stands again, and former senator Ricky Muir, standing for the Shooters party. RURAL/REGIONAL: COALITION v INDEPENDENTS The Greens are the thorn in Labors side, and independents are the threat to the Coalition. Cathy McGowans win in the federal seat of Indi in 2013 was followed in 2014 by Suzanna Sheed taking Shepparton from the Nationals (by 2.6 per cent). This time three McGowan campaign workers are standing: Jacqui Hawkins in Benambra (Liberal , 9.7), Tammy Atkins in Ovens Valley (Nationals, 16.6) against embattled MP Tim McCurdy, and Michelle Dunscombe in Eildon. Add former local councillor Ali Cupper, who got within cooee last time in Mildura (Nationals, 8.0), and country regions with good reason to be dissatisfied, and those safe Nationals seats in northern Victoria dont look so safe anymore. London: The husband of a Christian Pakistani woman who spent eight years on death row after being accused of blasphemy has asked Theresa May to grant the family asylum in Britain. And the lawyer for the woman has already fled the country, fearing for his safety. Pakistani protesters burn tyres while blocking a main road during a protest after a court decision to acquit the Christian of blasphemy charges. Credit:AP Christian Pakistani woman Asia Bibi has faced calls for her death amid widespread protests after she was acquitted of an allegation of insulting Islam's Prophet Muhammad. Her husband, Ashiq Masih, on Saturday called for the UK to grant Bibi's mother and their family refuge amid fears for their safety. Dutch entrepreneur Kees Mulder. Credit:SpaceLife Origins This heat-shielded, radiation-shielded, impact-shielded ball will spin around the Earth 480 kilometres up (a bit further than the International Space Station). Mulder says there are a few more technical problems to solve before he could claim to have a prototype, but insists that it would be less than a year between getting his funding sorted and launch day. Inside the first Ark (and as many subsequent Arks as the market can bear) would be 1000 "seeds of life", 750 sold for profit at prices starting around $US30,000 ($41,600) a pop (more if you want a custom-made app that tells you where the Ark is in real time), and 250, Mulder hopes, provided by the UN for a splash of diversity, so the sum total of humanity that survives planetary apocalypse wont be a few hundred grams of white ubercapitalist DNA. Of course it wont just be billionaires. There will be a heavy dose of the ultra-paranoid as well. In July Mulder visited a trade show for preppers in Salt Lake City: people who (in Mulders words) spend a lot of money and time preparing themselves for doomsday. He saw stands selling $US2 million bunkers in New Zealand. He saw hugely expensive filters that claimed to detoxify irradiated water from a post-nuclear war hellscape. He subtly ran his ideas past them over coffee. These guys were all warmed up, he says. The hardcore preppers are convinced that something will happen to the Earth. I dont need to convince them. I will only give them another method to give their heritage a longer life. The advertising material on the company website really hits this theme. What if humanity will not succeed in turning climate change, in preventing nuclear war, controlling autonomous AI machines, fresh water shortage and overpopulation? The only way to be sure, is preparing for the worst. The SpaceLife Ark protects your reproduction Seeds-of-Life cells in space for the increasing threats that may threaten human life on earth. Its prepper catnip and preppers are often quite well-off, Mulder says. For them spending $US30,000 is not the end of the world. I think he didnt intend the joke. But Mulders main targets are the seriously rich: an Ark tube irresistible to the billionaire who has everything. This may one day be all that is left of humanity. Credit:SpaceLife Origins His market research found such people were attracted to the idea of protecting their family name and heritage. They liked the idea that if the Earth was somehow destroyed, it would be their DNA that was collected by some spacecraft and taken to repopulate the planet, or some other one. For these guys [our prices are] not outrageous. The type of people Im targeting, they buy watches for $100,000, they buy cars for $500,000 and fly private planes for $10,000 an hour. Im not concerned about the market size because I dont need mass volume to have a sustainable business. If in the first three years I get 3000 customers worldwide I have an outrageous business. Hes put a hefty premium on the ticket price to fund his subsequent plan: Mission Lotus, a test-tube incubated human conception in space (pricetag $US250,000). That can be done by 2021, a year after Ark, he claims. And then theres the biggy, Mission Cradle, actual human childbirth in space (price TBA). This is the one that has received the biggest pushback since he went public last week. The ethics of sending a pregnant woman into space, through the g-forces of launch and literally not on the same planet as any maternity hospital, are fraught. Mulder admits he has not all the answers to the critics. But he says the Sierra Nevada corporation is developing a new space launch vehicle that promises g-forces safe for a pregnant woman, and theyd take other medical and practical precautions. Four women have volunteered already, he says. And part of the attraction for his customers, he says, is they are investing in the future. Sooner or later, if humanity is to survive, we have to work out how to get born in space. Mulder says he already has interest in Ark even though theyre not officially selling places until their funding is secured. One, whom he wont name, he says is a 40-year old Chinese billionaire, who sent an email a few days ago offering to fund the project, have his seed on the Ark and have the first space baby. Other expressions of interest came from the US (mostly), but also Britain, the Middle East, China, Iran and Russia. I ask Mulder how he can be sure this process will lead to a fine genetic representation of our species being launched into space. He frankly admits he wont rigorously control selection. If only criminals buy the seeds of life then we will have a pretty ugly Ark in space, he says. But he points out that all the tubes will be coded, so whoever puts this stuff to post-apocalyptic use will know what theyre messing with. I dont want to be the guy who says I do this only for mankind, Mulder says. Im a business guy. Dont portray a picture that Im Santa Claus. The order to kill Jamal Khashoggi "came from the highest levels of the Saudi government," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an opinion piece published on Friday by The Washington Post. Writing exactly one month after the disappearance of the dissident Saudi journalist, Erdogan urged that the "puppet masters" behind Khashoggi's killing be revealed and suggested that Saudi officials are engaging in stalling tactics and a cover-up. Turkey "has moved heaven and earth to shed light on all aspects of this case," Erdogan said, adding that the investigation has revealed that Khashoggi "was killed in cold blood by a death squad." The president said Turkish authorities know those individuals were part of a premeditated plan kill Khashoggi and leave. When a political neophyte called Barack Obama addressed the Democratic National Convention in July 2004, one of his major themes was partisan polarisation and tribalism. "There is not a liberal America and a conservative America," he intoned. "There is the United States of America. There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America there's the United States of America." It is tempting to blame the current occupant of the White House for the division and hatred on display across America in recent days, from accused mail bomber Cesar Sayoc to the massacre in a Pittsburgh synagogue and the shooting of two black people in Kentucky after their assailant had failed to gain entry to a church service. Having come into office vowing to end what he called "this American carnage" in one of the darkest inauguration speeches ever made, Donald Trump has instead been a leading source of vitriolic invective and conspiracist chatter, amplified by the megaphone of the presidency. Supporters wave to President Donald Trump as he leaves a campaign rally last week. Credit:AP Yet the US President did not create the ideological chasm that Obama referred to in 2004, nor did he preside over the congressional gridlock that marred both terms of Obama's administration. Trump may have enthusiastically attached himself to the "birther" movement that sought to delegitimise the nation's first black president as an essentially alien figure, but he didn't dream up that accusation. He is an ugly and aggressive symptom of what troubles Americans, but not its cause. When Florida senator Marco Rubio lamented "a society that has lost common sense", he came closer to the mark. Profound divisions over immigration and race, Prohibition and abortion are part of the United States' basic fabric. What has tempered them, more or less successfully from one era to the next, is the acknowledgement of wider political and social bonds. Toyota Camry and Highlander Get Nightshade Special Edition Both Nightshade Special Editions Will Be on Display at Los Angeles Auto Show DALLAS - November 3, 2018: Toyota is preempting the earlier sunset associated with the end of Daylight Savings Time this weekend by turning down the lights on two new Nightshade Special Editions. The 2019 Camry and Highlander will both get Nightshade Special Edition packages that offer sporty styling with black accents, guaranteed to stand out with the sun up or down. The Camry Nightshade Special Edition and the Highlander Nightshade Special Edition will both be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show and be available for purchase in 2019. Turning Even More Heads: Camry Nightshade The 2019 Camry, already known for its stylish exterior, adds the Nightshade Special Edition package to the SE grade on which its based to give a blacked-out look that is sure to turn heads. Black 18-inch wheels and a black spoiler highlight this special edition package. Additional exterior accents continue the theme in the form of black window molding, black mirror caps, a black shark fin, and black door handles, while black exterior Toyota emblems complete the Nightshades look. The Camry Nightshade Special Edition will be available at dealerships in 2019 in colors Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver, and Super White. Highlander Nightshade is Sexy and Sleek The Highlander Nightshade Special Edition makes the SE grade even sportier, adding black accents to its rear spoiler, shark fin antenna, exterior door handles, and mirror caps. Black 19-inch wheels, complete with black lug nuts, will match the black headlights and fog lamps. The Toyota emblems on the front and back will get the same treatment. The Highlander Nightshade Special Edition will be available this January in a limited run of 5,000 total units, available in Midnight Black Metallic, Predawn Gray Mica, Salsa Red Pearl, and Blizzard Pearl. The Camry and Highlander Nightshade Special Editions comes on the heels of the 4Runner Nightshade Special Edition announcement last month, which added the same black accents to its Limited grade. The 4Runner Nightshade Special Edition is available in select colors: Midnight black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Blizzard Pearl. Bill Clinton. Photo: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images for Starkey Hearin Bill Clinton had been a staple on the campaign trail in recent years, a huge draw for young Democratic candidates hoping to make a name for themselves. But this year, ahead of the midterms, the former president has been largely absent. This is because, as the New York Times reports, his history of sexual indiscretion has made many candidates see him as more of a liability than an asset. Im not sure that with all the issues he has, he could really be that helpful to the candidates, Tamika D. Mallory, one of the organizers of the Womens March, told the Times. It would do the Democratic Party well to have Bill Clinton focus on his humanitarian efforts. The issues Clinton has include a critical reexamination of his treatment of thenWhite House intern Monica Lewinsky, as well as the allegations of sexual assault against him. It was an abuse of power that shouldnt have happened, and if the Clintons cant accept that fact 20 years later, its hard to see how they can be part of the future of the Democratic Party, Democratic strategist Rebecca Kirszner Katz told the Times about the presidents relationship with Lewinsky. As Rebecca Traister wrote for the Cut in July, for the past 20 years, Clinton has been mostly exempt from having to answer questions about his role in the scandal (while at the same time, Traister notes, Lewinsky has been hounded about it constantly) because, despite his transgressions, he was still seen as an important resource for the Democratic party. Yes, many feminists defended Clinton against charges of harassment back in the 1990s, and that was in part because they felt they needed him, Traister writes, noting his signing of important legislating like the Family and Medical Leave Act, his appointment of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and his support of abortion rights. But while women like Lewinsky and Clintons wife, Hillary, were asked to answer for his answers, the president wasnt, really until now. And when he was faced, finally, with questions about the Lewinsky scandal, he seemed annoyed to have to revisit it. While promoting The President Is Missing, the thriller novel he co-wrote with James Patterson, Clinton said he did not feel he owed Lewinsky an apology, and that, even in light of the #MeToo movement, he does not think he would handle the situation any differently. And last month, Hillary Clinton said she didnt think her husbands relationship with Lewinsky was an abuse of power because Lewinsky was an adult. Hillary Clinton: Bill's affair with Monica Lewinsky wasn't an abuse of power because 'she was an adult'https://t.co/ZHS00Chwfw pic.twitter.com/ozCMXmAg9g New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) October 14, 2018 But although Clinton continues to deny any wrongdoing, young candidates are increasingly trying to distance themselves from him. As one woman told the Times at a fundraiser for a Democratic congressional candidate in Arkansas, she believes one Little Rock mayoral candidates recent praise of Clinton could cost him. I thought it was risky, Jenny Hopkins said. That might sink his campaign right there. U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-TX) campaigns at Gilbert Garza Park on Oct. 31, 2018, in San Antonio, Texas. A video released by undercover journalists with Project Veritas on Nov. 1 appears to show Beto campaign staffers misusing campaign funds to help Honduran migrants. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Beto ORourkes Self-Destructing Campaign Commentary If youve been following the various high-profile Senate and House races being contested in the midterm elections that are being held on Nov. 6, then James OKeefe is a name youll be quite familiar with. OKeefe is the founder and lead investigative reporter of Project Veritas, which specializes in hidden-camera videos that expose corruption. In a series of bombshell reports released in recent weeks, undercover journalists working for Project Veritas have shown Democrats running for office and their top campaign staffers confessing to all manner of political malfeasance. In just the past three weeks, Democratic candidates for office such as Tennessee Senate candidate Phil Bredesen, Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, Arizona Senate candidate Krysten Sinema, Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, and Virginia House candidate Abigail Spanberger, were the focus of highly damaging videos released by undercover Project Veritas journalists who were embedded within their campaigns. The videos show campaign staffersand, sometimes, the candidates themselveslying about their true beliefs on key issues, openly discussing how they have to obscure their progressive views, in order to trick voters into supporting them. And with its latest video expose, Project Veritas has uncovered potentially illegal activity, in addition to the usual politically motivated lies. On the night of Nov. 1, OKeefe posted a new video made by one of his undercover reporters that allegedly showed top staff members of the ORourke campaign discussing the use of donated campaign funds to aid recently arrived illegal migrants from Honduras, and hiding that revelation from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) by claiming the money went to fund campaign Halloween events and other expenses. Despite what one ORourke campaign staffer alleges in this latest hidden camera video, there are very strict laws about this kind of thing. Fundraising for one purpose and then spending the money on something else is the same sort of thing that got televangelist Jim Bakker sent to prison. Political campaigns make heavy use of fundraising via television commercials, radio ads, and other media. When an appeal is made to the public to send in donations, that donated money must be spent on what was promised. For any organization, whether a ministry or a political campaign, to take its donors money and use it for some other purpose, while actively hiding the bait-and-switch from its donors, raises a whole host of legal and ethical issues. ORourke has responded to the Project Veritas video by saying this was money donated to charity and hes going to make sure all relevant laws and disclosure forms are filled out accurately. Long-Term Planning Let me say here, having viewed all of the Project Veritas videos made inside the Bredesen, Heitkamp, McCaskill, Gillum, and now ORourke campaigns, that I am stunned at the level of preparation they reveal. While much of the media has focused on the videos themselves, and what the candidates and their staff are caught revealing on them, what intrigues me most of all is how carefully these video stings must have been set up. Nobody is going to make the kind of casual confessions you see being constantly made in these videos to some campaign staffer they barely know, who just joined the team a few weeks ago. That tells me the undercover reporters doing this hidden camera filming were embedded with these campaigns months ago. These arent people who just showed up at the campaign office to volunteer in September or early October. This took planning over a long time. In particular, with the ORourke video, theres no way these campaign staffers are talking to someone they didnt completely trust about cooking the books to hide what they were planning to do with donated campaign funds. While the other videos are just politically embarrassing exposesYeah, our candidate is super-duper liberal and we have to hide this from the voters and lie to them! and so onthe ORourke tape is very different. These staffers are discussing potential campaign-finance fraud. Somebody really, really got in there and was so completely embedded and trusted that the campaign staff felt completely comfortable discussing what could be illegal activity in front of them. If I was in a top Democrats campaign right now, Id be looking around very carefully and wondering who I can really trust and who might be a Project Veritas undercover journalist surreptitiously gathering evidence for a new report. I can only wondergiven the pace of his video releases over the past three weekswhat else OKeefe and Project Veritas might be dropping in the next few days. Brian Cates is a political pundit and writer based in South Texas and the author of Nobody Asked For My Opinion But Here It Is Anyway! Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Christians in Egypt Bury Their Dead After Attack MINYA, EgyptHundreds of Egyptian Coptic Christians gathered on Nov. 3, for a funeral service south of Cairo to bid farewell to six of seven people killed the previous day when militants ambushed three buses carrying pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery. The service at Prince Tadros church in the city of Minya was held amid tight security and presided over by Minyas top cleric, Anba Makarios. He and members of the congregation prayed and chanted over a row of six white coffins. Relatives of the victims cried and held each other for support. All but one of those killed were members of the same family, according to a list of the victims names released by the church, which said a boy and a girl, ages 15 and 12 respectively, were among the dead. A total of 19 were wounded in the attack, according to the Coptic Orthodox Church. The local ISIS group affiliate, which spearheads terrorists fighting security forces in Egypts Sinai Peninsula, claimed responsibility for the attack south of Cairo. It said the attack was revenge for the imprisonment by Egyptian authorities of our chaste sisters but did not elaborate. The ISIS affiliate claimed that 13 Christians were killed and another 18 wounded, but it was not immediately possible to independently verify the claim or reconcile the discrepancy in the number of dead and wounded given by the group and the church. The attack was likely to cast a dark shadow on one of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissis showpiecesthe World Youth Forumwhich opens Saturday in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The forum is drawing thousands of local and foreign youth to discuss a wide range of topics, with Egypts 63-year-old leader taking center stage. The ISIS terrorist group has repeatedly vowed to go after Egypts Christians as punishment for their support of el-Sissi. As defense minister, el-Sissi led the militarys 2013 ouster of an Islamist president, whose one-year rule proved divisive. The group has claimed responsibility for a string of deadly attacks on Christians dating back to December 2016. El-Sissi, who has made security among his top priorities since taking office in 2014, wrote on his Twitter account that Fridays attack was designed to harm the nations solid fabric and pledged to continue fighting terrorism. He later offered his condolences when he spoke by telephone with Pope Tawadros II, spiritual leader of Egypts Orthodox Christians and a close el-Sissi ally. In a somber message of his own, Tawadros said in a video clip released by the church that the latest attack would only make the Christians stronger. I think that this is a terrorist act which is targeting Egypt through playing the card of the Copts, said Begemy Nassem Nasr, priest of the church of St. Mary in Minya. We know that President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi is hosting the youth forum and they meant to embarrass him. Embarrassingly, Fridays attack is the second to target pilgrims heading to the St. Samuel the Confessor monastery in as many years, indicating that security measures put in place since then are either inadequate or have become lax. The previous attack in May 2017 left nearly 30 people dead. It was the latest in a string of ISIS assaults against Christians. Previous ones targeted churches packed with worshippers in Cairo, the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and Tanta in the Nile Delta north of the capital, leaving at least 100 people dead. The attacks led to tighter security around Christian places of worship and Church-linked facilities, where metal detectors and armed police are routinely deployed. They have also underlined the vulnerability of minority Christians in a country where many Muslims have since the 1970s grown religiously conservative and less tolerant of non-Muslims. The Interior Ministry, which oversees the police, said Fridays attackers used secondary dirt roads to reach the buses carrying the pilgrims, who were near the monastery at the time of the attack. Only pilgrims have been allowed on the main road leading to the monastery since last years attack. Some Christians in Minya said police negligence was partly to blame for the latest attack, arguing that they stopped providing armed escorts for pilgrims buses headed to the old monastery. They should have escorted them. They know it is dangerous to leave them alone on that road, said Youssef Attya, a 38-year-old health worker from Minya. The Interior Ministry said police were pursuing the attackers, who fled the scene. Egypts Christians, who account for some 10 percent of the countrys 100 million people, complain of discrimination in the Muslim majority country. Christian activists say the churchs alliance with el-Sissi has offered the ancient community a measure of protection but failed to end frequent acts of discrimination that boil over into violence against Christians, especially in rural Egypt. In Minya, the scene of Fridays attack, Christians constitute the highest percentage of the populationabout 35 percentof any Egyptian province. Its also in Minya where most acts of violence, like attacks on churches and Christian homes and businesses, take place. Christians there accuse the local police of being soft on Muslims who attack them and complain that, in their pursuit of keeping the peace between the two communities, they insist on resolving sectarian disputes through tribal-like reconciliation meetings rather than rule of law. By Samy Magdy and Hamza Hendawi Florida Teen Admits to Strangling Mother A 15-year-old from DeBary, Florida gave police a full and detailed confession in the strangling death of his mother. Gregory Logan Ramos told detectives from the Volusia County Sheriffs office that he strangled his mother, 46-year-old Gail Cleavenger in the familys home shortly after midnight on Nov. 2. Ramos then loaded his mothers body into a wheelbarrow and wheeled her out to her van. Ramos loaded his mothers corpse into the van and drove to the Daytona/Holly Hill area, where he planned to dump his mothers body. After changing his mind, he drove back to Debary. He buried his mothers corpse under a fire pit on the property of the River City Church in the early hours of Nov. 2. Attempted Cover-Up According to a report on the Volusia County Sheriffs website, Ramos then recruited a pair of friends, 17-year-old Dylan Ceglarek and Brian Porras, to help create a fake robbery scene at his home. The friends were juniors and seniors at University High School, Sheriff Michael Chitwood explained at a Nov. 2 press conference. The trio described themselves as best friends. Ramos called 911 after school on Nov. 2, claiming that his house had been robbed and his mother was missing. He further reported that his mothers van was parked in the driveway with its engine running. Detectives entered the family home at 3:52 p.m. But they soon realized that they were not looking at an act of random violence, but a staged scene. Detectives noticed that other parts of Ramos story didnt fit the evidence, Sheriff Chitwood explained. Things were just not adding up, he told the press conference. Things were amiss from the very beginning. After being interviewed by police, Ramos broke down and confessed to murdering his mother after a fight over his grades. Ramos had received a D in one class, which outraged his mother. His mother called her husband, who was away on business, at around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, to complain about Ramos grades. After the call she went to bed. Shortly after midnight on Nov.2, Ramos went into his mothers bedroom, woke her up, and strangled her to death. The case we worked tonight was one of the most disturbing and saddest I've seen in my career. I have a feeling this is a case we'll be hearing about for years to come. All our hearts break for this family. Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) November 3, 2018 A Tragedy Felt Deeply DeBary, Florida is a city of about 20,000 people about 25 miles southwest of Daytona Beach. Unlike the better-known coastal cities that attract vacationersand the people who prey on themDeBary is a relatively safe community, reporting a little more than half the number of violent crimes as Daytona Beach, annually. The murder of an ordinary working mother by her son hit home hard when the news was announced. In a post on Twitter, Sheriff Chitwood said, The case we worked tonight was one of the most disturbing and saddest Ive seen in my career. I have a feeling this is a case well be hearing about for years to come. All our hearts break for this family. Cleavengers husband was on a business trip to Seattle, Washington. When he returned home on Nov. 2, police had to tell him that his wife was missing. He lands and the next thing he knows the police are taking him to the police district to talk about your wife is missing, Sheriff Chitwood said. In a comment on the Volusia County Sheriffs Office YouTube page, Dawn Marie said, Gail was an outstanding mother, wife, friend, sister and citizen to all that knew her. She was kind to all. It is hard to make sense of it all. Her son was not violent in general but came under some influences. He was raised in a Christian loving household and was well on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. Gail was a blessing to all that knew her. I pray for her loving husband and family to be supported during this difficult time. From NTD News Third Migrant Caravan Crosses Into Mexico Without Opposition Three caravans of migrants, stretched out over 300 miles in Mexico, are all headed to the United States after the third entered Mexico on Nov. 2. Like the others, the caravan members illegally crossed the Suchiate River from Guatemala after Mexican authorities said people using the regular crossing, a bridge between the countries, would have to show passports and visas as is typical when entering a new country. Federal police officers were on the riverbanks but did not try to stop the migrants, reported The Associated Press. Unlike the first two caravans, most of the estimated 2,000 migrants in the third caravan are from El Salvador. The third migrant caravan left San Salvador on Oct. 26. That group of about 450 migrants chose to enter through the bridge crossing, stay in southern Mexico and apply for asylum while the others moved forward, Juan Bonilla, a spokesman for the caravan, told El Universal. Mexico offered migrants employment, education, and healthcare in late October if they stayed in Chiapas or Oaxaca. Echoing the first two caravans, the third group that left El Salvador on Oct. 28, said it did not want to apply for asylum in Mexico. We dont want to stay in Mexico, Luis Alberto Perdomo, 30, from Usulutan, El Salvador, told the Arizona Republic. Mexico is as bad as our country. Organizers claimed that Mexican authorities wanted to break up the caravan that had vowed to stick together. This is a strategy that the Mexican government is using to take us out in groups and disintegrate the caravan but that will not be possible since we all want to enter together, Ramon Torres, a spokesperson for the fourth caravan, told El Universal before the caravan crossed the river. Migrants chanted todos, todos, todos, or everyone, before crossing on Friday. Unprecedented Caravans Mexico is now faced with the unprecedented situation of having three caravans stretched out over 300 miles of highways in the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, reported the AP. The first, largest group of mainly Honduran migrants entered Mexico on Oct. 19. Its unclear how big each caravan is, as estimates have varied depending on the source. The first caravan was said to have peaked at around 8,500 and is now closer to 4,000 as some migrants chose to accept Mexicos offer for asylum while others requested to be deported back to their home, unable to endure the hard journey north. The second and third caravans are smaller, with each estimated between 1,000 and 2,000 migrants, but because of the close distances between them they could conceivably meet with each other or form one larger caravan in the coming days or weeks. However, the third caravan was considering milling about in southern Mexico for a spell to wait for more migrants that are either traveling through Guatemala or only recently left El Salvador. It was unclear how long the third caravan would linger while waiting for other migrants. From NTD News An illegal immigrant in Oregon was arrested on Oct. 30, 2018 for allegedly killing his wife seven months after being released by the local sheriff's office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said. (Clackamas County Sheriff's Office) Illegal Immigrant Oregon Officials Prevented From Being Deported Allegedly Killed Wife An illegal alien from Mexico is accused of murdering his wife in Oregon. Martin Gallo-Gallardo, 45, was charged with stabbing Coral Rodriguez-Lorenzo, 38, to death. After Gallo-Gallardo was arrested following the Oct. 28 killing, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials said theyd tried to deport him earlier this year but the Multnomah County Jail released him in March after a prior arrest for allegedly assaulting his wife. Its unfortunate that law enforcement agencies like the Multnomah County Jail refuse to work with ICE to promote public safety by holding criminals accountable and providing justice and closure for victims, the agency said in a statement obtained by KPTV. Sanctuary policies not only provide a refuge for illegal aliens, but they also shield criminal aliens who prey on people in their own and other communities. Despite placing an immigration detainer on Gallo-Gallardo, who is in America illegally, on March 6, the Multnomah County Jail released him on March 8. Multnomah County Sheriffs Office claimed that they never received the detainer, blaming a fax machine. Even if they had, they couldnt have held Gallo-Gallardo under state law, Sheriff Mike Reese said. That would have required a federal criminal arrest warrant signed by a judge, not a civil detainer. Gallo-Gallardo was released in March on bail, reported The Oregonian. His wife and daughter declined to cooperate with the police in the alleged assault case. Local police, corrections professionals, and the District Attorney did their best to hold this person accountable for his domestic violent assaultincluding taking the case to a grand jury. However, we were unable to hold him accountable without the cooperation of the victim, the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office stated. Officials said that Rodriguez-Lorenzos body was dumped in a ditch on Oct. 27 or Oct. 28 on Southeast Camp Nemanu Road near the Sandy River in the Bull Run/Sandy area. Unlike Multnomah County, other Oregon counties routinely work together with ICE when illegal immigrants are arrested for other crimes. Oregons 1987 sanctuary law prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using public resources to arrest people whose only violation of the law is being in the country without documentation. The state expanded the law in 2017 to forbid schools, courts, and other public agencies from sharing information with immigration authorities unless required to do so by federal law, reported the Daily Caller. Voters in the state have a chance to repeal the sanctuary law in the midterm elections by voting for Measure 105. From NTD.tv Irvine Issues Overlooked During City Council Election The Irvine City Council election in Southern California is gaining national attention for reasons unrelated to the candidates plans for the city. Among the 12 City Council candidates for two available seats, David Chey has been placed under the media spotlight. On Oct. 28, the Los Angeles Times published an article resurfacing old news about the candidate a week and a half before the election. The article rehashes a 2016 article saying that Chey enables his elderly mother to panhandle in Irvine and Laguna Beach by picking her up and dropping her off. Since the recent article was published, CBS, FOX, and other major media have covered the incidents. With only one week remaining before the election, the coverage has Irvine residents questioning if this is the issue voters should be focusing on. Shift in Focus Karen Jaffe, an writer for the resident-run, volunteer organization, Irvine Watchdog, said that there are larger issues in this election. She said she doesnt understand why Chey has become such a big issue in the election. I dont think its something that really needs to be a part of the election. Thats not a big deal to most Irvine voters. The issues that Jaffe thinks are a big deal for locals include the overdevelopment in Irvine without the accommodating infrastructure, which has led to terrible traffic problems and increased homelessness. Irvine is in Orange County, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles. It has population of 267,000. Other issues that need addressing according to Jaffe, include the citys decision to block Irvine residents from attending Land Trust Board meetings, which she says is a complete violation of the law. Realignment The issues Jaffe sites have not been mentioned most media stories covering the resurfaced incident. The Epoch Times reviewed six such articles, of which just one addressed issues other than Cheys personal life and there was scant mention of Cheys actual platform. In order to solve the traffic problem in Irvine, Chey said that his plan is to implement a voter approval of development. Residential units over 10,000 square feet would require approval of citizens of Irvine, he said during a live broadcast of the City Council Candidate Forum. In terms of Irvines future, Chey said he would like to focus upon not only just on economic growth, but the quality and the kind that empowers individuals. On Nov. 6, the decision will be made for both the future mayor and council members. For more information about the Irvine council and mayor candidates, visit Irvine Watchdogs website. James Polite, 26, was arrested on Nov. 2 after anti-Semitic messages found in a synagogue in Brooklyn, New York. (NYPD; Google Maps) Man Charged for Writing Kill All Jews in Synagogue, Likely Former Obama Canvasser A 26-year-old man was arrested on Nov. 2, after anti-semitic messages were found in a synagogue in Brooklyn, New York. James Polite was charged with four counts of criminal mischief as a hate crime and making graffiti. He was sent to a psychiatric hospital, WABC-TV reported. NYPD said that Polite entered the Union Temple, and wrote anti-Semitic statements in black marker throughout the building on Nov. 1. Theres no place for hate in NYC, the NYPD tweeted. Theres no place for hate in NYC. WANTED FOR AGGRAVATED HARASSMENT: On 11/1 at 8:30 pm, the suspect entered 17 Eastern Parkway (Union Temple) in #Brooklyn and wrote anti-Semitic statements in black marker throughout the building. Call @NYPDTips at #800577TIPS with any info. pic.twitter.com/8HHU0uupCP NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) November 2, 2018 The graffiti Polite allegedly left included Kill all Jews, Hitler, and some other horrible offensive messages. Union Temple administrator Ross Brady told the New York Daily News that the hate crime has spurred the house of worship to move ahead with most of its programs and services. Many people on social media pointed out that Polite was likely an ex-canvasser for former president Barack Obama. He wrote Kill all Jews in the synagogue. [He] was an Obama canvasser, big supporter of Alexandria Ocazio-Cortez and Kamala Harris, Daily Wire contributor Harry Khachatrian wrote in a Twitter post. He wrote "Kill all Jews" in the synagogue. Was an Obama canvasser, big supporter of Alexandria Ocazio-Cortez and Kamala Harris. Are we going to get any coverage on this from the media? Or did he have to be a Trump fan for that https://t.co/Pr01tRUV8S Harry Khachatrian (@Harry1T6) November 3, 2018 In a 2017 article, the New York Times profiled James Polite as a man who grew up in the foster care system, volunteered for Obamas presidential campaign, and once worked with Christine Quinn when she was the City Council Speaker. Quinn said she know the arrested Polite in a statement after the incident. I know this young man, she said. She denounced Polites actions as indefensible and inexcusable. Quinn also partly confirmed the guess on social media as she said the suspect grew up in and out of the foster system. According to NYPD, 290 hate crimes were committed in the city so far this year, around half of them being anti-Semitic cases. I am disgusted by the discovery of anti-Semitic graffiti at a house of worship in Brooklyn. At a time when the nation is still reeling from the attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, New Yorkers stand united with the Jewish community and against hate in all its forms. In New York, we have zero tolerance for discrimination in our laws or in our spirit, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement as he directed the Hate Crimes Task Force to investigate the incident. The disgusting rhetoric and heinous violence in this nation has reached a fever pitch and is ripping at the fabric of America, and it must stop. In New York, we have forged community through chords of commonality and we will always stand together against hate and discrimination, he added. Less than a week before the Brooklyn anti-Semitic incident, 11 people were killed in the Tree of Life Synagogue in Florida, on Oct. 27. Six others, including four officers, were injured in the incident. Robert Bowers, the 46-year-old suspect, walked into the synagogue yelling All Jews must die before he opened fire, the Epoch Times reported. Bowers pleaded non-guilty to all the charges after a grand jury issued a 44-count indictment charging him with murder, hate crimes, obstructing the practice of religion, and other crimes. He could be put on death row if convicted. From NTD News No-deal Brexit Risks Travel Chaos, Nightmare at Airports: IATA LONDONA no-deal Brexit could wreak chaos for travelers and a nightmare at airports, global airline industry body IATA warned, calling on British and European Union aviation authorities to put in place a plan to avoid such a worst-case scenario. Britain is set to leave the European Union on March 29, 2019, but with just over five months to go, Prime Minister Theresa May has yet to reach a withdrawal deal and both sides have stepped up preparations for the possibility there will not be one. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Oct. 24 that planning for a no-deal Brexit needed to move much faster to ensure planes can keep flying and safety and regulatory frameworks keep functioning whatever the new relationship between the pair after March 29. We predict chaos if nothing is done, IATA Director General Alexandre de Juniac told reporters via phone on Oct. 24. On April 1 it will be us, the airlines, who have to manage millions of passengers potentially grounded in airports unable to take a flight It will be a nightmare in European airports and UK airports, he warned. Separately, IATA released forecasts on Oct. 24 showing that airline passenger numbers could double to 8.2 billion in 2037, bolstered by strong demand in Asia, though protectionism risks curtailing growth. De Juniac said the trend toward restricting free trade, such as the introduction of recent tariffs, was weighing on the aviation industrys most recent forecast of 3.5 percent compound annual passenger growth rate over 20 years, down 0.1 percent from an earlier report. That small decline means 60 million fewer passengers over 20 years. On Brexit, de Juniac said that airlines were completely in the dark as to how to plan for what sort of flying rights, safety framework, and border management would exist if there is no deal due to a lack of transparency around the discussions. He said they needed certainty on these three critical issues. Flying rights to, from, and within the EU, as well as between the United States and Britain, are covered by EU-wide open skies agreements. But unlike with trade, where Britain would revert to World Trade Organization rules under a no-deal, there is no default fallback option for the aviation sector. A backstop contingency plan to keep planes flying after March must be published, and quickly, de Juniac said. The exclusion of the airline industry from EU-British discussions was exacerbating the potential for chaos, he warned, adding that IATA was ready to offer solutions if asked. The chief executive of Ryanair, one of Europes biggest airlines, has warned that if there is a no-deal Brexit, UK flights could be grounded for up to three weeks. IATA said it did not expect a scenario where all flights were grounded. As a short-term, emergency fall-back position, we understand that the EU and UK CAA have plans for a bare bones agreement to ensure at least a basic level of connectivity, IATA said in a study also published Oct. 24. But it warned that minimum connectivity could be as little as 5 percent of the current number of weekly flights between Britain and Spain. In Montreal, Airbus SE plane-making head Guillaume Faury told reporters on Oct. 24 the European company is working on priorities if there is no deal. For the moment, our focus is completely on managing the transition period and making sure there is no disruption, he said, he said. This uncertainty is, by the way, one of the most difficult stakes [involving Brexit]. By Sarah Young No More Cesspool: Philippines Welcomes Tourists to Boracay After Makeover BORACAY, PhilippinesThe Philippines reopened its top holiday island on Oct. 26, promising sustainable tourism and a greener environment as it welcomed back visitors after a six-month cleanup ordered by a president who had described it as a cesspool. Hundreds of excited tourists barred from Boracay since April trooped to a jetty that is the gateway of the 4-square-mile island, famed for its powdery white sands, turquoise waters, lively nightlife, and abundant water sports. We are lucky today to be here, so we have to enjoy and see what its like. Party, swim, and eat, and everything, French tourist Chris Balloug told Reuters upon disembarking. Filipino tourist Kat Ruiz said she was looking forward to a better island with a home-like atmosphere. Cabinet and local government officials unveiled a billboard-sized image of Boracays Puka Beach, before declaring the island officially open to all. In April, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Boracays closure after seeing a video of dirty water being piped to sea, a side-effect of decades of unregulated construction that overwhelmed a tiny sewerage system. We have already done the first phase, this is the rehabilitation, Environment Minister Roy Cimatu told a news conference. There is no more cesspool. Boracay attracted 2 million visitors last year and raked in $1 billion in revenue, but its environment suffered, with garbage pile-ups, rampant land encroachment, and narrow roads clogged with traffic emitting fumes. Now the island is reforming. Beach parties are banned, as is smoking and drinking. Its shoreline is free of vendors, masseuses, fire dancers, and watersports, while the scores of moored boats on the beach, a fixture in former years, must anchor elsewhere. Just 19,000 tourists are to be allowed on the island each day, with worker numbers also capped at 15,000. When we think about it, our problem is everybody wants to go to Boracay, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat told reporters. The government plans to extend its restoration beyond Boracay to tourist spots elsewhere in the archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, she said. Prior to the closure, authorities found about a third of the islands 600 to 700 resorts had no permits to operate. About 157 hotels offering 7,308 rooms were allowed to operate from Friday. The six-month closure saw authorities remove illegal sewage pipes, close or demolish unregistered hotels and widen roads, some of which work continues. Tourists were greeted by rubble, excavators, and partially-knocked down buildings flanking roads, but caught some glimpses of Boracays idyllic past. Manage your expectations, Romulo-Puyat added. The front is beautiful, the water is pristine and clear, but of course the roads are still being built. By Ronn Bautista Police Body Cam Shows Fatal Shooting After Suspect Held Gun to His Head Warning: Video contains potentially disturbing images The Milwaukee Police Department has released video of an officer-involved shooting that happened in August and is still under investigation. The video shows the fatal shooting of 48-year-old Mario Hobson by two officers after Hobson held a gun to his head and threatened to kill himself during a traffic stop. According to the Journal Sentinel, the incident began on the afternoon of August 13, when police officers pulled over a vehicle with Hobson on the passenger side. After the driver stopped and exited the car, Hobson climbed behind the wheel and drove away at a high speed, running into and knocking down an officer as he fled. Because the chase took place in a densely populated residential neighborhood, police could not catch up with the suspect. Hobson was able to elude the pursuing officers, and eventually the chase was terminated. Police said Hobson had outstanding warrants for domestic violence and a probation violation, and his family confirmed he was on the run, according to WISN. The Fatal Encounter Around 5 p.m. that same day, officers spotted an SUV with Mario Hobson sitting in the back seat. Police walked towards the vehicle and spoke with the driver and front-seat passenger, eventually ordering them out of the car. Another officer approached the car from behind and opened the rear drivers side door. When he did, Hobson stepped out, holding a gun to his head. Officers backed away while shouting to Hobson that he should drop the gun. On the video, officers can be heard calling Hobson by name, shouting Mario, Mario, drop the gun! When Hobson did not let go of the gun and turned toward the officers, two officers fired a total of six shots, killing Hobson. An individual armed with a firearm is extremely dangerous because he can start shooting at any moment in any direction, explained Milwaukee Police Captain Joseph McLin, head of the Homicide Unit, according to the Journal Sentinel. The suspects actions showed disregard for the officers lawful orders and forced the situation to its conclusion. Police Transparency Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales held a press conference on Nov. 1 explaining why the police were releasing the video. He began by pointing out that the incident was still under investigation, and the release of the video was meant to provide transparency to the public and was not intended to upset the family of Mario Hobson, nor the officers involved in the shooting. This was not an easy decision. This video was not created to embarrass or upset the members of the deceaseds family or the officers involved but because I am committed to improving community relations, Morales said at the press conference. Chief Morales said that he had been meeting with community leaders for the past eight months to try to implement standards and practices that protected the rights of all parties, while still keeping the public informed about important incidents affecting the communitys view of the police force. I am pleased to say that although we have a long way to go, we are making progress, Morales said. The 4-minute, 54-second video clip released by the police department shows only the first traffic stop, some of the chase, and the shooting itself. Chief Morales explained that no more could be released until the investigation was complete. Morales said the department had set a goal of releasing whatever portions of body camera videos were relevant to particular incidents within 45 days of that incident, whenever possible. From NTD.tv Watch Next: Former Miss World Canada and Human Rights Advocate Testifies at Inquiry into Human Organ Trafficking Crimes Anastasia Lin testifies at an Australian Parliamentary hearing on organ trafficking on June 8, 2018. Second Kavanaugh Accuser Referred to DOJ After Admitting She Lied A woman who claimed she was raped by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh later recanted her claim and admitted she lied. A letter signed by Jane Doe from Oceanside, California, was sent to Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and referred to by Harris staffers on Sept. 25. It contained highly detailed and graphic sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh, but the letter listed no return address, failed to provide any timeframe, and failed to provide a location apart from allegedly happening in a car, investigators noted. The United States Committee on the Judiciary investigated the claims made by the woman, who was revealed as Judy Munro-Leighton when she sent an email to the committee on Oct. 3 saying: I am Jane Doe from Oceanside CAKavanaugh raped me. She referred to the handwritten letter and included a typed version of the letter in the email. Committee investigators were able to determine that she is a left-wing activist, is decades older than Judge Kavanaugh, and lives in neither the Washington D.C. area nor California, but in Kentucky, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), head of the committee, said in a letter (pdf) sent to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray on Nov. 2. NEW: Another Kavanaugh accuser has been referred to law enforcement after admitting the graphic accusations she made to the committee were a ploy, done for attention, noting shes never even met Brett Kavanaugh. https://t.co/D398Ucv7iA pic.twitter.com/u8JHY46GTG Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) November 2, 2018 According to federal records, Munro-Leighton has donated hundreds of dollars to Democrats in the past two years. Shes been quoted in multiple publications as an anti-war activist, including The Nation. Investigators werent able to connect with the accuser until Nov. 1. She admitted that she hadnt been sexually assaulted by Kavanaugh. She said that she just wanted to get attention and that it was a tactic that was just a ploy. I was angry and I sent it out, she added. She claimed that she was not in fact Jane Doe but that she did send the letter to Harris, adding, I did that as a way to grab attention. Illegal Grassley told Sessions and Wray that the committee wants people to come forward with information relevant to its judicial nomination process. But when individuals intentionally mislead the committee, they divert committee resources during time-sensitive investigations and materially impede our work, Grassley said. Such acts are not only unfair; they are potentially illegal. It is illegal to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement. Potential violations of federal law include 18 U.S.C. 1001 (materially false statements) and 1505 (obstruction), according to the committee. Second Referral Grassley referred another one of the women who claimed to be assaulted by Kavanaugh to Sessions and Wray in late October, along with her attorney. Julie Swetnick, through her attorney, Michael Avenatti, accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct that allegedly took place in the 1980s. Her story of alleged gang rapes was referred to on the Senate floor by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who claimed they were credible. But Grassley said that Swetnicks allegation, which was detailed in a sworn statement to the committee, contained obvious contradictions. One contradiction was only made public by NBC after Grassley referred Swetnick to the Department of Justice. The network interviewed a woman who Avenatti claimed was a witness to the events described by Swetnick, but when contacted later the woman denied being a witness. From NTD.tv Second Suspect in Whitey Bulger Prison Killing Identified A second suspect in the prison killing of Whitey Bulger has been identified as a member of a notorious mafia. Paul DeCologero, 44, is believed to have assisted Fotios Freddy Geas, another organized crime figure in Massachusetts, savagely beat Bulger to death in his cell on Oct. 30, reported the Boston Globe. DeCologero, a member of a group called DeCologero Crew, headed by his uncle, is serving a 25-year sentence for racketeering and the conspiracy that led to the 1996 murder of 19-year-old Aislin Silva, which included members of the crew cutting up and disposing of the teens body. Geas, 51, is a Mafia hit man serving a life sentence for two murders. Both men hate informants because former partners in crime helped convict them. Bulger was outed as an FBI informant. Bulger, who was one of the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, was sentenced to two life terms in prison plus five years for 31 counts, including 11 murders, in 2013. He led a crime group known as the Winter Hill Gang. The criminal enterprise was involved in extortionboth of individuals and also businesses that they would target; murderfor anyone that got in their way; drug distribution; money laundering; and other violent acts, said Richard Teahan, supervisory special agent for the FBIs Boston Division, in a podcast. Prison Switch Jose Rojas, who represents workers at the Florida prison where Bulger was held before going to a federal penitentiary West Virginia, said the switch was like giving the mobster a death sentence. Bulger was beaten to death just hours after he arrived at the new prison BOP [Bureau of Prisons] Hazelton. Rojas told The Associated Press that someone dropped the ball when they decided to transfer Bulger. He said officials should have checked to ensure that Bulger wasnt being housed with any potential enemies. After the death, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) called for an investigation into the alleged appalling conditions that inmates are facing at the prison. Todays reports of another inmate death at Hazelton heighten the need for an IG [inspector general] investigation into the operations and prisoner conditions at this federal prison, Norton said in a statement. The two other killings at Hazelton earlier this year were of inmates from the District. Based on reports from my constituents who are housed at Hazelton and their relatives, there appears to be a serious shortage of staffing and other resources, leaving prisoners and guards vulnerable to attacks, the statement continued. From NTD.tv Tallahassee Yoga Studio Shooting: Victims and Gunman Identified The gunman and two people he killed at a Tallahassee, Florida yoga studio have been identified. The Nov. 2 shooting, which also left five others wounded, took place at Hot Yoga Tallahassee. The shooter killed himself after shooting six people and pistol-whipping another. He was identified by the Tallahassee Police Department as Scott Paul Beierle. The two victims who succumbed to their injuries were identified as Maura Binkley, 21, and Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, 61. Three of the victims were treated and released while two others are in the hospital in stable condition. Hearts Filled With Sorrow Van Vessem served as chief medical director for Capital Health Plan. As CHPs longtime chief medical director, Nancy has been a guiding, visionary force in our daily work to serve the wellness and health care needs of thousands of families in this community, the company said in a statement obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat. Her dedication, caring, leadership, humanity, and experience made her one of the most respected, inspiring, and accomplished medical professionals in the state and country. Our hearts are filled with sorrow and prayers for her family. We all have been so blessed to have Nancy in our lives, the statement continued. Both she and Binkley had ties to Florida State University. Shock and Grief There are no words to express the shock and grief we feel after learning of the deaths of Maura Binkley and Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, university President John Thrasher said in a statement. To lose one of our students and one of our faculty members in this tragic and violent way is just devastating to the Florida State University family. We feel this loss profoundly and we send our deepest sympathies to Mauras and Nancys loved ones while we pray for the recovery of those who were injured, he said. City Commissioner Scott Maddox said in a statement that he had visited the scene of the shooting. Have no words to express the sadness I feel. How do you make sense of a senseless act of evil, he wrote. We must continue to talk to our children. Be kind to one another. Be civil always and condemn those that spew hate. We can no longer ignore hatred. We must act and most of all we must pray, he continued. From NTD.tv Trump, at West Virginia Rally, Dismisses Manchins Vote to Back Kavanaugh HUNTINGTON, W.Va.President Donald Trump said Sen. Joe Manchins (D-W.Va.) vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh doesnt count, because the senator waited to back Trumps Supreme Court pick until after it was clear Republicans had enough votes. Joe will never be with us in terms of the vote, Trump said at a Nov. 2 rally in Huntington, West Virginia. Hell be with us in a lot of ways. Well go to dinner with him. Well take him out. Well like him. But hes never going to vote for us. Manchin earned praise from some Republicans for his vote to confirm Kavanaugh. But on the key procedural vote on Oct. 5, Manchin disappeared from the floor and only returned to cast his vote after Republicans already had enough to get Kavanaugh through. Trump described a conversation with the senator: I said, Joe, that doesnt count! Trumps snub strikes Manchin where it hurts, since the senator has tried to court Trump supporters in a state that the president carried by more than 40 points. Instead, Trump urged the state to support Republican candidate Patrick Morrisey instead. Patrick Morrisey Morrisey, the states attorney general, is running on a conservative platform backing Trumps agenda. He previously worked as a lobbyist in Washington, with several pharmaceutical firms among his clients, including Novartis, which has been partly blamed for the massive spread of prescription opioids. West Virginia has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. Morrisey said he never worked on opiate issues in the private sector, Politico reported. The RealClear Politics average of polls in the West Virginia race show Manchin with a lead of 8.7 percent, although Morrisey in recent days has had the momentum, closing the gap. Trump expressed confidence in Morrisey. If he ever voted against us, Ill come back here, Ill say, Were going to impeach him! Impeach. Were going to impeach Patrick, Trump said. Hell never do it. He loves the people too much. He loves your industry too much. He understands the state too well. Trump highlighted the importance of the race, saying it may decide the balance of power in the Senate. The whole country is watching the great state of West Virginia, he said. Its going to be a very exciting vote. Carol Miller In the House races, Trump stumped for West Virginia Republican Carol Miller, who leads in polls against Democrat Richard Ojeda for the 3rd District. The seat was vacated on Sept. 30 by Republican Evan Jenkins, who went on to become Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. Miller, a state legislator, has done a fantastic job, Trump said. Miller has closely aligned herself with Trump. You can count on me to put America first, fight for coal, grow our economy, protect Social Security and Medicare, embrace our veterans, and strengthen our borders, she said. Last Push Trump has been on a breakneck pre-election push, scheduling nine rallies in four daysthe last three on Nov. 5 in Cleveland; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. His comments about Manchin reflect a broader theme of warning against red-state Democrats, who seem willing to align with Trump in rhetoric, but, he says, wont give him the votes when the time comes to enact his agenda. A series of undercover videos by Project Veritas Action has revealed in recent weeks that a number of Democrats who portray themselves as moderate actually hold back on their more leftist views so as to not antagonize moderate voters. The candidates campaign staffers and close supporters have been caught as saying that some of the candidates policy stances cant be discussed publicly. What Makes Testing for Marijuana Impairment So Challenging? In a deadly crash last year, a 20-year-old pick-up truck driver from Texas crossed a double solid-yellow centerline, drove into oncoming traffic, and collided with a bus carrying 13 passengers. All but one of the passengers and the bus driver were killed in the collision, while the truck driver and the remaining passenger were seriously injured. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that the truck driver lost control of his vehicle because of impairment from marijuana and prescription drug use. This was not just one isolated incident. A recent study found that states with legalized recreational marijuana, specifically Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, had a combined 5.2 percent increase of car crashes per million vehicle registrations between 2012 and 2016, compared with neighboring states that didnt legalize marijuana. As marijuana becomes legal in more places, marijuana-impaired driving is also expected to rise. So far, nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana, while medical use of the drug is legal in those states plus 22 others. Many other U.S. states may follow suit. Lawmakers and police are now left battling against time to figure out how to combat this changing world of driving under the influence (DUI). Although law enforcement is trained to detect drivers who are impaired using behavioral indicators, there is still no reliable roadside test, like for alcohol. Science Behind Testing Still Hazy Currently, there is no accepted test to tell whether a driver is impaired, the extent of impairment (pdf), or what the drug is doing to a drivers brain. Scientists are working hard to find answers to these pressing questions. Dr. Richard Pleus, chief toxicologist at Intertox, a public health consulting and research firm, said the human body reacts to marijuana in a unique way. Pleus said the main difference between alcohol and marijuana is the way it is stored in the bodyalcohol can be dissolved in water and is easily expelled out of the body, while marijuana is absorbed in the bodys fat and released slowly in the blood. When things are stored in fat its harder for it to come out while the body will get rid of the alcohol quite quickly, he said. Moreover, Pleus said that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)the primary chemical in marijuana that causes impairmentcould stay in a persons blood for hours, days, and even weeks, depending on the dose, history of use, and method of consumption. This characteristic is one of the many reasons why it is so challenging to design a roadside test for the drug. Many of the common tests for marijuana used by police, like urine and saliva tests, can only screen for the presence of THC metabolitesby-products produced after THC is broken down in the bodybut cannot measure the level of these by-products in the blood. Pleus added that blood tests can accurately measure the amount of THC metabolites in the blood, but the tests are invasive, inconvenient, and time-consuming. Ive seen, for example, two hours or more between the time a person was stopped and the person actually getting a blood draw. Their blood concentration [of THC metabolites] would be much lower, he said. Another drawback with blood tests is that research shows theres a poor link between marijuana in the blood and whats going on in a persons brain. The blood level by itself doesnt really correlate well with the euphoria level that a person is feeling,Pleus said. These are the things that scientists are wrestling with. According to a 2017 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report (pdf), a persons high does not necessarily peak at a time when THC concentration in the blood is at or near its highest point. Peak THC level can occur when low impairment is measured, and high impairment can be measured when THC level is low, the report found. Despite the weak correlation between THC concentration in the blood and impairment, some states have set an amount of THC per milliliter of blood before a driver can be charged for DUI. For example, in Colorado (pdf) if a person has at least 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood, a court can infer that the person was impaired. Screening for Impairment With no blood alcohol concentration equivalent test and no accepted standard to measure impairment, police are only able to rely on screening methods and behavioral indicators to identify impaired drivers. A California Highway Patrol (CHP) spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email that some of the behavioral indicators include poor driving, signs and symptoms of impairment, and poor performance on field sobriety tests. The field sobriety tests, designed to mimic the mental skills needed for driving, include checking for involuntary jerking of the eyes, and testing whether the driver can divide their attention between a mental and physical task. If an officer suspects a driver may be under the influence of drugs, they can request assistance from a Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE)an officer with more advanced drug training. The DRE then conducts additional tests at the station like checking the persons blood pressure, pulse, and eyes under a variety of lighting conditions. A blood test would also be required. The officers observations, the DRE exam, and the blood test results would then be presented to the prosecutors office as evidence. Over the years, studies have shown researchers are divided over the reliability of the roadside field sobriety tests (FST) as the observations are based on the subjective judgment of an officer. In a 1994 study, a sample of police officers were shown video of subjects taking FSTs. The officers determined 46 percent of test subjects were legally intoxicated even though every single subject was completely sober. A 2013 study, however, found that for drug-impaired test subjects, they were more likely to show symptoms of uncontrolled jerking in the eyes and unbalanced physical movements compared to non-impaired test subjects. How Far Away Are Roadside Tests? Scientists are working hard to create a repeatable and reliable test to be used in conjunction with the behavioral indicators, which can be affected by human error. Some companies are looking at other methods to test for THC concentration other than blood, urine, or saliva. Hound Labs said in a statement they had developed one of the worlds first breathalyzers to measure THC in the breath from recent marijuana use. A spokesperson from Hound Labs told The Epoch Times via email that research has shown time is a more accurate indicator of marijuana impairment than the quantity of THC detected in the body. Breath is the only place in the body where THC remains for just a few hours after smoking, which makes it a much more useful indicator of recent use and possible impairment than any other THC drug test, the spokesperson said. However, Pleus said at this time there is still no accepted or standardized correlation with what is coming out of the breath after someone has smoked or eaten it. Right now theres not a good chemical [in the breath] that has been identified that can be reliable as a measure of THC in the blood, he said. After the horrific Texas crash, NTSBs chairman said in a statement, drug-impaired driving did not begin with this driver, and it will not end with him. In the age of marijuana legalization, a more reliable test and standard for measuring marijuana impairment are needed to reduce fatalities and ensure safer roads. BRIDGEPORT A city man who was arrested Friday is accused of sexually soliciting a 13-year-old who was a passenger on his bus route, an arrest affidavit said. Jose Manuel Santos, 36, of Bridgeport, was charged with transfer of obscene materials to a minor and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. The arrest affidavit filed by lead investigator Brendan P. Lundt, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent, said Santos and the teen victim exchanged text messages from Oct. 25 to Oct. 29. The teen told investigators Santos gave her a business card with his cellphone number on it and told her to text him, the affidavit said. He also allegedly told her he didnt want anyone to find out they were talking. On Oct. 29, the 13-year-old told school officials about the text messages with Santos, according to the affidavit. To protect the identity of the victim, investigators redacted specifics about what school the girl attends and where the bus route is. The only information provided was that the bus route was for a primary/middle school in Connecticut. Santos was a driver for Curtin Livery, a company that provides statewide transportation, including student transportation, disabled transportation and limo/town car transportation. When Santos supervisor at Curtin Livery found out about the accusations on Monday, he immediately suspended Santos, the affidavit said. When he pushed Santos on the accusations, Santos allegedly denied it. The supervisor told investigators that Santos is suspended until further notice. Authorities got access to the teens phone, though many of the text messages between her and Santos were deleted, when the girls mother provided it to the investigating agency. Preliminary analysis of the cell phone revealed a sexually explicit photo of Santos that Santos sent to the minor victim, and text messages from Santos, including a text message asking the minor victim to send him a sexually explicit photo of her, the Department of Justice said. Santos appeared in court in New Haven on Friday and has been detained. He faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison for the transfer of obscene materials charge. And on the enticement charge, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. It was unclear if those charges could be served concurrently. As winds whipped across the state Saturday, power lines and wires were ripped down, trees were uprooted out of saturated grounds, knocking out power to thousands. Starting Friday evening, rain poured down across the region, leaving some areas prone to flooding. Below is the most up-to-date information from the National Weather Service, local law enforcement agencies, utility companies and more. UPDATE: 7:30 A.M. SUNDAY Power has been restored to nearly the entire state. The town with the most outages is Bethel, where 82 customers are in the dark. Forty-nine outages are reported in Greenwich, while 30 outages are in Stamford, according to Eversource. Danbury, New Canaan, Bridgewater and Sherman have one outage each. United Illuminating is not reporting any outages. Overall, 219 customers are without power across the state. UPDATE: 10:15 P.M. A flood warning continues for the Still River in Brookfield until further notice, the NWS said. At 9 p.m. Saturday, the stage was at 13.4 feet. Flood stage for that river is 12.0 feet. Minor flooding is happening currently and expected to continue. The river is spected to continue rising to nearly 13.5 feet by 11 p.m., then it will start to fall. When the Still River reaches 14 feet is when roads and parking lots along the river begin to flood. And a flood warning is now in effect for the Housatonic River at Stevenson Dam until late Sunday night. At 9 p.m. Saturday, the stage was at 11.9 feet. Flood stage for this area of the Housatonic is 11 feet. There is minor flooding underway and expected to continue. The river is expected to fall below flood stage after 10 p.m. Sunday. Water levels start to reach the Maples are of Shelton at 11.5 feet. UPDATE: 10:10 P.M. - power outages A reminder when it comes to power outages... Sometimes the utility crews have to disconnect power to more customers to restore power to those who were initially without. If you see numbers in some towns or cities jumping up or down, thats likely the cause. United Illuminating is reporting 3 customers without power. Shelton: 1 Hamden: 1 New Haven: 1 Eversource is reporting 1,653 customers without power. Greenwich: 4 Redding: 44 Bethel: 4 New Fairfield: 4 Norwalk: 1 Westport: 85 Ridgefield: 34 Newtown: 46 New Milford: 169 Oxford: 58 Brookfield: 18 Wilton: 7 Weston: 51 Danbury: 27 Monroe: 10 UPDATE: 7:40 P.M. - power outages A reminder when it comes to power outages... Sometimes the utility crews have to disconnect power to more customers to restore power to those who were initially without. If you see numbers in some towns or cities jumping up or down, thats likely the cause. United Illuminating is reporting 702 customers without power. Shelton: 701 Hamden: 1 Eversource is reporting 4,573 customers without power. Greenwich: 4 New Canaan: 1 Redding: 42 Bethel: 4 New Fairfield: 4 Norwalk: 5 Westport: 127 Ridgefield: 34 Newtown: 57 New Milford: 205 Brookfield: 19 Wilton: 1 Weston: 27 Danbury: 201 Monroe: 14 UPDATE: 6:10 P.M. - power outages A reminder when it comes to power outages... Sometimes the utility crews have to disconnect power to more customers to restore power to those who were initially without. If you see numbers in some towns or cities jumping up or down, thats likely the cause. United Illuminating is reporting 838 customers without power. Ansonia: 1 Bridgeport: 10 Fairfield: 81 Hamden: 1 Orange: 40 Shelton: 701 Eversource is reporting 7,168 customers without power. Greenwich: 18 New Canaan: 4 Redding: 11 Bethel: 4 New Fairfield: 70 Norwalk: 6 Westport: 138 Ridgefield: 33 Newtown: 86 New Milford: 416 Brookfield: 19 Oxford: 58 Wilton: 2 Weston: 23 Danbury: 177 Monroe: 15 UPDATE: 5 P.M. WESTPORT Police said Post Road East from Imperial Avenue to Post Road West at Ludlow/Lincoln Street is slippery from rain and leaves. And Easton Road, near house number 3, is closed because of a tree down across the roadway. STAMFORD East Middle Patent Road has reopened to all traffic, police said. UPDATE: 4:25 P.M. - power outages United Illuminating is reporting 94 customers without power Saturday as of 4:25 p.m. Fairfield: 19 Milford: 12 Shelton: 4 Ansonia: 1 Bridgeport: 9 Orange: 36 West Haven: 11 Hamden: 1 Eversource is reporting 9,052 customers in the dark Saturday as of 4:25 p.m. Greenwich: 100 Stamford: 121 New Canaan: 161 Wilton: 15 Bethel: 2 Redding: 10 Westport: 100 Weston: 19 Ridgefield: 64 Danbury: 136 Darien: 10 Norwalk: 25 New Fairfield: 70 New Milford: 416 Monroe: 214 Brookfield: 18 Newtown: 242 Trumbull: 18 UPDATE: 4:20 P.M. - rainfall totals The National Weather Service published the following rainfall totals over the last 24 hours. New Fairfield: 2.78 Bethel: 2.08 Newtown: 2.51 Danbury (airport): 2.30 Ridgefield: 1.99 Naugatuck: 1.99 Waterbury (airport): 1.53 Meriden (airport): 1.24 Seymour: 1.17 Monroe: 1.12 Over in New York, some areas saw more rain than Connecticut, including Monroe in Orange County, N.Y., which saw 4.96 inches of rainfall. Rainfall totals in New Jersey fell in line with Connecticuts totals, hovering between 1 and 2 inches. UPDATE: 4:11 P.M. The wind advisory is no longer in effect; the NWS said it has been canceled. The winds will still reach gusts above 30 mph at times over the next few hours, then start to diminish through the mid- to late-evening. High pressure will continue to build in the region Saturday night, allowing for mainly clear skies and less winds. Temperatures are expected to drop Saturday night with lows between 30 and 40 degrees throughout the state. UPDATE: 4 P.M. BETHEL The towns Office of Emergency Management reported 2.08 inches of rain overnight. STAMFORD East Middle Patent Road is closed from Barn Hill Road to the N.Y. state line because of a tree down at 301 East Middle Patent Road, police said. UPDATE: 3:40 P.M. A wind advisory is in effect across Connecticut until 6 p.m. Saturday. The advisory was issued by the National Weather Service around 11 a.m. A flood warning remains in effect for the Still River in Brookfield until Saturday night no specific time was provided by the NWS. At 11 a.m. Saturday, the state was 13.6 feet, the NWS said. The flood stage for that river is 12 feet. Minor flooding expected in areas near the riverbank. It was forecast to continue to rise to near 13.7 feet by 1 p.m. Its expected to fall below flood stage after 7 p.m. Saturday. For the Still River in Brookfield, the NWS said, it takes the rivers stage to reach 14 feet before it begins to flood roads and parking lots. The Housatonic River at the Stevenson Dam remains under a flood warning as well. At 11 a.m., the river was measured at 11.9 feet, with flood stage at 11 feet, the NWS said. Minor flooding was expected. The river is expected to continue to fall below flood stage after 2 a.m. Sunday. At 11.5 feet, water from the Housatonic River at the Stevenson Dam starts to reach the Maples area of Shelton. UPDATE: 3:30 P.M. - power outages United Illuminating is reporting 204 customers without power Saturday as of 3:30 p.m. Fairfield: 19 Milford: 12 Shelton: 4 Ansonia: 1 Bridgeport: 9 Orange: 36 West Haven: 9 Woodbridge: 13 Hamden: 1 Eversource is reporting 9,424 customers in the dark Saturday as of 3:25 p.m. Greenwich: 143 Stamford: 119 New Canaan: 369 Wilton: 300 Westport: 12 Weston: 1 Ridgefield: 44 Danbury: 134 Darien: 10 Norwalk: 82 New Fairfield: 70 New Milford: 917 Monroe: 249 Brookfield: 1 Newtown: 316 Trumbull: 18 NORWALK At 4 a.m. on Sept. 10, 1996, Ginger Katzs dog climbed four flights of stairs and jumped onto her bed. Sunny woke her up from the best night of sleep shed had in five months. The night before, Katz son said, Mom, I want to see a doctor in the morning. I need to take care of my problem. Ian Eaccarino, 20, struggled with drug addiction for about seven years, and Katz said his desire to seek treatment is what helped her sleep that night. When Sunny woke her up, Katz thought nothing of it and she went back to bed until her morning run at 6 a.m. Right before she was about to leave, she heard Ians TV was louder than normal. She went into his room to check on him and realized why Sunny woke her. After they talked the night before, Ian went back to his room and did heroin and Valium, the name brand for the prescription drug diazepam. At the wake, we were telling people we were waiting for the toxicology report, but we knew, Katz said. People didnt ask, but Katz is convinced others thought he died by suicide. I knew the night before the funeral Id be addressing it and speaking out, she said. He was a good kid and I wasnt ashamed of him and I refused to bury him with a lie. Thats how she ends her Courage to Speak presentations to students in Connecticut and around the country. Kids never think he would die at the end of the presentation, she said. Kids internalize their pain and the whole philosophy is to share secrets and not keep pain inside. Courage to Speak Foundation is a nonprofit organization run by Katz, two of her staff and a few volunteers. She started by speaking at Norwalk High School, where Iam went to school almost two decades ago. She continued talking with students in Norwalk and expanded into other parts of Connecticut. Now, with the help of school psychologists, Yale School of Medicine psychiatry staff and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, she travels nationally to speak to students, parents, teachers and school leaders. She also crafted a drug prevention curriculum which is embedded into middle and high school health classes in Norwalk and around the country. To date, shes spoken in 87 Connecticut towns and 30 states, she said. When students leave her presentations, they understand the stigma and silence around drug addiction and they see the enabling from family members and friends, the desire to get help, relapses, and the overall progression of the disease, she said. One of the organizations goals is reaching out to parents through a course called Courage to Speak Courageous Parenting 101. It teaches parents how to keep their children safe by discussing refusal skills, knowing the signs of drug use and facts about marijuana and opioid use. Its typically a five-session course, but Katz condensed it to one session for an upcoming talk in Norwalk, Parenting Through the Opioid Crisis and Beyond, scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at West Rocks Middle School. Registration is required. Lois M. Snelson, a health teacher at Roton Middle School, said sixth-grade students read Sunnys Story, a book by Katz that tells Ians story from the dogs perspective. As part of her health class, Snelson said she introduces students to the intricacies of drug addiction and the concept of a gateway drug. Cigarettes and marijuana were gateway drugs in the past, but now prescription pills are, she said. The students in Snelsons sixth-grade class are also shown a real lung damaged by cigarette smoking, a hard-hitting lesson as visuals have the most impact, she said. The following school year, the students receive an in-person visit from Katz. She presents for an hour, allowing the seventh-grade students are finally able to put a face to the name, Snelson said. Some of the students Katz is now reaching out to are the children of Ians friends. If I can help anybody along the way, I will, so they dont have to suffer what Ive suffered, Katz said. As part of her talk with students, Katz details the chronology of her sons slide into opioid addiction. First it was cigarettes, then tobacco, then beer, then marijuana, Katz said. Freshman year of high school was when police found marijuana in Ians car. Around that time, his grades dropped, he was volatile and had a hard time getting up in the morning. This was unusual for him, Katz said, and so she decided to look around his room. She found nothing suspicious and decided a drug test would be better. It was awkward, she said. I didnt want to accuse Ian, but my job as a parent is to keep him safe. He took two drug tests, and both were clean. After he died, one of his friends told Katz the urine must have belonged to someone else and that no one in their circle of friends was clean. All through high school, however, Ians counselor maintained he wasnt on drugs. Not only did he fool us, but he fooled the counselor, Katz said. Still, Katz said, there were signs, like his car blowing up in the driveway his junior year and setting fire to a nearby tree. Then, in college, he got into an altercation that resulted in him needing 17 stitches. The dean at the University of Hartford gave him 100 hours of community service and once he completed 36, a resident manager told him that would suffice. Enabling perpetuates the disease of addiction, Katz said. Dont underestimate any drug use with your child because it does hijack the brain. When Ian died, Katz felt Americans needed education about drug addiction. Nobody was talking about it and she had to piece things together for herself. Following his death, Ians friends recounted his darkest secrets and Katz asked for records from the treatment center he attended. I was a sharp parent, but kids have secrets, she said, especially those with this disease. In order to share her sons story, Katz relies on financial support from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, a family night she hosts in April, and a race held in her sons name every August. Individual donations and occasional payments from presentations also help the organization, she said. Katz attributes her ability to heal to an Al-Anon course its name a take on Alcoholics Anonymous, but the program focuses on family and friends of users. In the course for parents, she learned a slogan: I didnt cause it, I couldnt cure it and I couldnt control it. That idea, Katz said, has helped her heal even though it still feels like Ian died yesterday. - 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." We need a meaningful strategy to address climate change, one which is substantial and pragmatic. I have been an active participant in the global energy and carbon markets for the past two decades as an analyst and portfolio manager. After 20 years in the private sector, I spent the last year at the Harvard Kennedy School studying public policy. I am now running for Congress from Connecticuts 4th Congressional District as the endorsed Republican and endorsed Independent Candidate. Climate change and global warming are real threats and require serious action by all nations. We must engage in tough diplomacy if we are serious about protecting our planet. While it is important for the United States to reduce its carbon emissions, the most significant action needs to be taken by countries and regions where emissions are growing at unsustainable rates. No amount of American action is relevant if we cannot persuade countries that are the worst polluters to make a material reduction. Lets look at the numbers so we can have an honest discussion. Rapid global economic growth has caused an astronomical increase in global carbon emissions. In 2000, the world emitted 25 billion tons of carbon dioxide mostly from burning fossil fuels for power and transportation. Last year, global carbon emissions were 38 billion. Annual increases of nearly 1 billion tons are now the norm. At this current growth rate, the world will be emitting nearly 45 billion tons of carbon by 2025. If we do nothing, and allow for this growth, the 2-degree global temperature increase will be inevitable. Scientists warn that with this temperature increase will come massive disruption in climate and our ecosystem. Rapidly developing countries such as China now emit two-thirds of all global emissions and are responsible for all of the global emission growth. Their carbon efficiency (emissions per unit GDP) is one-third that of the United States and other developed nations. In other words, a developing country emits three times of emissions per unit of GDP. Hence, no amount of U.S. reduction is sufficient to avert the threat of a two-degree warming. In 2000, the United States emitted 5.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide. In 2017, the United States emitted around 5 billion tons. During this 17-year period, our economy grew nearly 50 percent, and our overall carbon emission decreased by 10 percent. The United States has and continues to work toward increasing carbon efficiency through energy efficiency, through fossil fuel substitution from coal and oil to natural gas, and through other renewable power generation. The United States is doing its part to combat climate change. We can and should do more. But we do not need an international agreement to do this. The Paris Agreement promoted a sense of complacency and was a setup for drastic failure. The agreement provided for each participating country to make its own non-binding determination to reduce emissions. Multilateral examinations would be the only check. Under President Barace Obama, the U.S. administration committed to a 25 percent absolute cut by 2025. In comparison, the largest polluters (China, India, et al.) indicated they would start carbon reduction only after 2030 because they did not want to hamper their economic growth. The agreement would not address the inevitable two-degree warming, and additionally would let the largest polluters off the hook. If we are serious about climate change, and reducing carbon, we must ask every developing nation to freeze its emissions, as we continue to work to reduce our own. Climate change should not be a partisan issue we need real agents of change to drive the discussion forward. Unfortunately, Democrats have not only promoted the Paris Agreement as a real solution to Americans, they continue to push the narrative that Republicans and our current administration, by pulling out of the agreement, do not care about climate and do not care about our environment. Democrats have been dishonest about the agreements effectiveness and their approach has been a blatant attempt to use an important existential issue for political gain. A decade of soft peddling has done nothing but move us closer to danger. We need to convince our president to make climate change a priority and compel other countries to stop increasing their emissions. Leadership involves explaining tough choices to our citizens and to the entire world. I am running for the Congress to help drive solutions to our critical problems. Climate change is one of those difficult challenges. I want to drive an honest and pragmatic discussion beyond media sound bites. I want to work toward a real solution. Harry Arora is the Republican and Independent candidate for Congress from Connecticuts Fourth Congressional DistrictHe has an undergraduate electrical engineering degree from India, an MBA from the University of Texas, Austin and an MPA from Harvard University. Connecticut voters will set the state on a different path Tuesday, when they go to the polls to select a new governor, state government and congressional delegation. The race for governor has dominated headlines and airwaves, with television ads intensifying over the last few weeks and days. The battle centers on three candidates with little or no elected experience in a feisty debate over taxes, highway tolls and state spending. Along with electing a 36-member state Senate and 151-member state House, voters will decide under ticket races for comptroller, secretary of the state, treasurer and attorney general. And a new congressional delegation will be elected, along with one of the states two U.S. senators. The three men who want to be governor are Democrat Ned Lamont, Republican Bob Stefanowski and Richard Oz Griebel, a former Republican mounting an independent bid. Lamont, a 64-year-old Greenwich resident, is a cable TV and digital services entrepreneur and investor who inherited a Wall Street fortune. His running mate, Susan Bysiewicz, of Middletown, is a former secretary of the state. Stefanowski, 56, of Madison, is a consultant and former corporate executive at General Electric, UBS Investment Bank and a short-term loan company. His running mate, state Sen. Joe Markley, of Southington, is a longtime conservative voice in the Legislature who has largely been missing on the campaign trail. Griebel, a 69-year-old Hartford resident who unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination for governor in 2010, is a lawyer, former banker and the former director of a Hartford-area business organizationl. His running mate, Monte Frank, of Newtown, is a lawyer and a former Democrat in a fusion ticket that would have to buck a trend in low performance among third-party candidates. The latest polling has the race between Stefanowski and Lamont a toss-up, with the Republican slightly ahead in results that are within the margin of error. Griebel, in the single digits, trails far behind the major party candidates. Race for governor Stefanowski has positioned himself as an outsider in the mold of Republican President Donald Trump, whom he regularly praises in carefully controlled campaign stops. He has mainly focused on one issue repealing the 27-year-old personal income tax, which accounts for about half the $20 billion annual state budget. The Republican blames outgoing Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy for budget deficits and a business climate that is driving companies out of Connecticut. Lamont says he would provide tax relief by increasing the property tax credit on cars and homes to $400 million in annual benefits by his third year in office. He would also eliminate the small-but-annoying $250 business entity tax. I think its a false promise to tell you were going to eliminate the income tax, Lamont said recently. Griebel would tap the states emergency reserves, estimated to reach $2 billion by the time the new governor takes office, and defer pension contributions over the first two years to give the state some breathing room in the states fiscal woes. If it is not raining now financially, then I dont know what rain looks like, Griebel said recently. Lamont favors highway tolls on trucks only, while Stefanowski opposes tolls. Griebel favors a pilot program to test tolling on a limited basis. State offices Two Democrats Secretary of the State Denise Merrill and Comptroller Kevin Lembo are seeking to retain their jobs. Lembo is being challenged by Republican Kurt Miller, Seymours first selectman. Merrill is facing Republican Susan Chapman, the former first selectwoman of New Fairfield. For attorney general, voters will choose between Democrat William Tong, a six-term state representative from Stamford and Republican Sue Hatfield, a registered nurse and state prosecutor from Pomfret in her first statewide campaign. Attorney General George Jepsen, a Democrat, is not seeking re-election. In the treasurers race, Democrat Shawn Wooden, an attorney and former Hartford City Council president, is battling Republican Thad Gray, of Lakeville, a retired Wall Street fund manager. Treasurer Denise Nappier, a Democrat, is retiring after 20 years. Congress U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat, is running against Matthew Corey, a commercial window-washer from Manchester. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District, is facing Republican Harry Arora, a financial analyst and investment manager from Greenwich. In the 5th District, Democrat Jahana Hayes, a Waterbury resident and former National Teacher of the Year, is facing former Meriden Republican Mayor Many Santos, an engineer. U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st and an East Hartford resident, is being challenged by Republican Jennifer Nye of Manchester, a paralegal. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd and a Vernon resident is facing Republican Danny Postemski Jr. of Hampton. U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd and a New Haven resident is up against Angel Cadena of Shelton, a part-time truck driver. bcummings@ctpost.com Alec Baldwin was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault and harassment Friday after an argument over a New York City parking spot turned violent, according to police. A New York Police Department spokeswoman said a 49-year-old man was punched in the face, and that Baldwin was arrested shortly before 2 p.m. A representative for Baldwin declined to comment. Baldwin has had run-ins with the law before. In 2014, he was arrested in New York and issued a summons for disorderly conduct after riding his bike in the wrong direction. It came during a two-day crackdown on lessening traffic fatalities, and police at the time said Baldwin "became belligerent and argumentative with the officers." The actor then tweeted out the name and badge number of the arresting officer and called New York "a mismanaged carnival of stupidity that is desperate for revenue and anxious to criminalize behavior once thought benign." Baldwin has been back in the spotlight in large part thanks to his turn as President Donald Trump on "Saturday Night Live." His Trump impersonation has angered the president so much that Trump has aired his displeasure - which may be normal for Trump but represents a break from previous SNL presidential parody targets. "Just tried watching Saturday Night Live - unwatchable!" Trump tweeted in December 2016. "Totally biased, not funny and the Baldwin impersonation just can't get any worse. Sad." "Release your tax returns and I'll stop," Baldwin responded. "Ha." NBC News tweeted a video Friday afternoon in which a reporter notifies Trump of Baldwin's arrest. The president's reaction: "I wish him luck." The week of Oct. 29-Nov. 2 as seen through the lens of Telegraph photojournalist John Badman. 12 hours ago The Top 3 Large-Cap Stocks to Buy Under $100 Owning Quality Large-Cap Stocks Doesn't Have to Break The Bank There are certainly a lot of advantages associated with investing in large-cap stocks. These are companies with a market capitalization of over $10 billion and play a huge role in determining the overall direction and trend of the indexes. Read Article Diver dies in search for Indonesia jet crash dead INDONESIA: An Indonesian diver died while recovering body parts from the ill-fated Lion Air plane which crashed into the sea killing 189 people, an official said today (Nov 3). accidentsdeathdisasterstransport By AFP Saturday 3 November 2018, 03:03PM The Indonesian navy and members of a search and rescue team lift the wheels of the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT610 after they were recovered from the sea yesterday. Photo: Adek Berry / AFP Syachrul Anto, 48, who died yesterday (Nov 2), was part of the team searching for body parts and debris from the jet in the Java Sea. He was a volunteer with the Search and Rescue Agency, Isswarto, commander of the Indonesian navys search and rescue division, said. It is believed he died from decompression, he added. Anto had previously served in Palu which suffered from an earthquake and tsunami in September and also took part in the evacuation process of an AirAsia plane crash nearly four years ago. The Lion Air plane which plummeted Monday (Oct 29) was on route from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang city on Sumatra island. It plunged into the water just minutes after take off, killing everyone on board. Officials on Thursday (Nov 1) retrieved the Flight Data Recorder but are still searching for the second black box, the Cockpit Voice Recorder, which could answer the question as to why the brand new Boeing-737 MAX 8 crashed. The budget carriers admission that the doomed jet had a technical issue on a previous flight as well its abrupt fatal dive have raised questions about whether it had mechanical faults specific to the new model. At least 73 bags containing body parts have been retrieved from the waters so far but only four have been identified. Founded in 1999, Lion Air is a budget airline operating in Indonesia and in some parts of Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East. But it has been plagued by safety concerns and customer complaints over unreliable scheduling and poor service. The carrier 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. Guest Chef Evert Onderbeke at The Boathouse If you missed it, youll be disappointed to learn that across the month of October The Boathouse, Phuket hosted the Feastival of Indulgence. And yes, it was as delicious and decadent as it sounds. Dining By David Jacklin Saturday 3 November 2018, 11:00AM If you missed it, youll be disappointed to learn that across the month of October The Boathouse, Phuket hosted the Feastival of Indulgence. And yes, it was as delicious and decadent as it sounds. Unless youve got a Flux Capacitor, a DeLorean going at a steady 88mph and a spare 1.21 gigawatts youll just have to wait until next year. If you have absolutely no idea what Im talking about and believe I may still be under the influence of my indulgences see Back to the Future. One of the finale events of the Feastival was a five-course degustation menu presented by guest Chef Evert Onderbeke. The award-wining Belgian chefs signature is in combining his considerable skill in contemporary European cuisine with his travels and learnings across Asian flavours and regional ingredients. Chef Evert has brought his approach to much acclaim at Soleil Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur. Fortunately for us, Phuketians had the opportunity to sample his restaurants fare at The Boathouse, who exclusively invited him to the legendary restaurant for two nights on October 26-27. European cuisine is at the root of my skill and training, said Chef Evert, who started early at 15 years old in the industry which saw him mentored by two star Michelin Chef Roger Souvereyns. When I was young I travelled and fell in love with Asia. The feeling when you are here, the peoples way and the food. For Chef Evert the heart of his cooking is all about the flavours and old-style techniques of traditional French cuisine. Whats striking is how he then brings in Asian elements and ingredients that not only support but lift his creations. Across the five-course pairing menu were several inspired examples of precisely this artful skill. In the Seared Hokkaido Scallop, the sweet meat of the Japanese clam was balanced with an incredible Mentaiko butter. Mentaiko is made from the roe of the Pollock fish, and reduced as a butter it brought strong flavours of the sea to the supporting tagliatelle. The Grilled Lamb Loin was presented as a medley of taste sensations, with a cosmopolitan accompanying cast of lamb sweetbread wrapped in a Vietnamese nem, turnip, asparagus and a base which was infused with ras el hanout spices from North Africa, giving a Moroccan edge to the dishs composition. For the dessert Chef Evert reverted to his Belgian roots with a Dark Chocolate Cremeux. To say the supporting caramel ice-cream was salted would be an understatement, but this is much to my liking. A sprinkling of passion fruit crispy gave yet another dimension to the rich chocolate finale. If it sounds like a complex mixture of international flavours under the roof of one sitting, youd be hitting the mark. Its down to Chef Everts refined craft that the flavours make for an inimitable and considered coupling of Western cuisine with Eastern influences. The Boathouse, Phuket 182 Koktanode Road, Kata Beach, Phuket 83100, Thailand Tel: +66 76 330 015-7 Online: boathouse-phuket.com No irregularities found in latest Phuket IUU fishing inspection PHUKET: Officials from various Phuket government agencies joined together yesterday to carry out random inspections on fishing boats at Rassada Pier looking for cases of illegal employment, working conditions and human trafficking. crimemurdermarinemilitary By The Phuket News Saturday 3 November 2018, 12:29PM Officials carry out their inspections against IUU fishing in Phuket yesterday. Photo: PR Dept Officials carry out their inspections against IUU fishing in Phuket yesterday. Photo: PR Dept Officials carry out their inspections against IUU fishing in Phuket yesterday. Photo: PR Dept No irregularities were found during the course of the officials inspections. Capt Suthep Toim, commander of the Region 8 Marine Police, led officials to inspect Phukets fishing boats at Rassada Pier, and also one out at sea, at 3:30pm yesterday (Nov 2). The first boat to be inspected at Rassada Pier was the 108.5-ton Sirinamchok 8. On board officials found three mechanics, the captain, 26 Myanmar workers and one Cambodian. No irregularities were found. The next boat inspected was the 108.5-ton Ponprasert 111 at 4pm. There were 36 crews members on board including three mechanics, the captain and 32 Cambodians. Again, no irregularities were found. During the course of their inspections, officials repeated to business operators fishing labor laws, especially employment of fishermen, as the country looks to solve the problems of IUU fishing and human trafficking within the fishing industry. Phuket marine safety inspected ahead of high season PHUKET: Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana yesterday (Nov 2) led a team of officials to conduct safety checks on ferries and other tourist boats operating out of Chalong Pier as part of the annual safety drive ahead of the high season. transporttourismSafetymarine By The Phuket News Saturday 3 November 2018, 02:33PM Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana and his team carry out their inspection of Chalong Pier. Photo: PR Dept Governor Phakaphong carried out the inspection together with Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai and other officials yesterday afternoon. Chalong Pier was the first port of call for Governor Phakaphong and his team as it is the main departure point for many day trips going out to the popular islands in Phang Nga Bay and along the Andaman coast. Governor Phakaphong said, I have ordered officers responsible for the operations of all commercial piers in Phuket to seriously enforce safety in their areas of responsibility. We have also checked the licenses of the boat captains, papers of crew members, and that all boats have the safety equipment required in case of any emergency, he said. Over the years many tourists have come to Phuket but the supporting infrastructure is still insufficient. We need to continuously ensure we can fully accommodate for tourists as the industry is developing continuously. Officials must check in and check out all passengers and boats as they arrive and depart from the piers. I have also emphasised to staff that they comply strictly with safety laws, Gov Phakaphong added. Vichais body returns home for final farewell BANGKOK: The body of King Power and Leicester City football club chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha returned home to Thailand yesterday (Nov 2) for a royally sponsored funeral ceremony. accidentsdeathfootballtransport By Bangkok Post Saturday 3 November 2018, 09:48AM Buddhist monks lay tributes by a photograph of late Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha outside the King Power Stadium. Photo: Paul Ellis / AFP The bodies of his aide Kaveporn Punpare and employee Nusara Suknamai were expected to arrive today (Nov 3) on a Thai Airways International flight from London. Members of Vichais family accompanied his coffin home from Leicester on a private jet which arrived at Don Mueang airport yesterday afternoon. Waiting vehicles immediately took him to Wat Debsirindrawas. The bathing rite is scheduled for 5:30pm today. His Majesty the King has provided funeral water and bestowed an octagonal funerary urn. The other two people killed in the helicopter crash near the King Power Stadium last Saturday night (Oct 28) were pilot Eric Swaffer and passenger Izabela Roza Lechowicz. Mr Nusaras funeral ceremony will be held at Wat Permtharn in Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani province. Her family has prepared for the ceremony, starting with a merit-making ceremony on the seventh day following her death. Her mother, Samroeng, said she still could not come to terms with the loss of her daughter. She always brought things from Britain for the family, especially good snacks for me, she said at the temple. Read original story here. Winter Wonderland to honor Gordy Osthus this year, opens Nov. 26 This year, the Watertown Optimist Club dedicates the Winter Wonderland in honor of the man who helped create it - Gordon "Gordy" Osthus. Dutch packaging firm Schoeller Allibert Group BV is in talks to merge with Irish rival IPL Plastics Inc., according to people familiar with the matter. Schoeller Allibert, majority owned by an affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., has been in merger talks with IPL for several months, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. Discussions are ongoing and theres no certainty they will lead to a deal, they said. Representatives for Brookfield, IPL and Schoeller Allibert declined to comment. IPL jumped as much as 6.8 percent in Toronto Friday, before settling up 4.9 percent at C$10.70 at 9:32 a.m, giving the company a market value of about C$572 million ($437 million). IPL is based in Dublin but has an office in Montreal. Its shares have declined about 21 percent since its initial public offering in June, which raised C$178.2 million, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The company makes plastic containers for customers including Danone yogurts, according to its website. Brookfield Business Partners LP, Brookfields publicly traded private equity arm, agreed to acquire 75 percent of Hoofddorp-based Schoeller Allibert in January for about $234 million. That deal closed in May. EDMONTONAlberta has signed an agreement with the Piikani Nation to preserve Indigenous rights and culture in the Castle region. The agreement was made with respect to Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park, both spanning 1,050 kilometres in southern Alberta and defined by their mountainous landscape, rolling hills and meadows. Under the agreements terms, the Piikani Nation will be co-managing the parks with the Alberta government with the creation of a new management board that will be co-chaired by representatives from each group. The goal is to increase cultural practices for the Piikani on the land of the provincial parks, as well as to protect areas that are important to the Piikani Nation. A press release on Friday stated it is the first agreement of its kind in the province. We heard from First Nations that they often did not feel comfortable in our parks, said Shannon Phillips, Albertas environment minister, in the release. She added she hopes the agreement will foster a better relationship between the Piikani Nation and Alberta. For the Piikani, Chief Stanley Grier called it a historic day. Our Elders and our current generation can continue to exercise cultural practices and treaty rights important to who we are as a people, Grier said in the release, adding the agreement will allow the nation to express its history and traditional usage of the Castle region. The new management board for Castle Provincial Park will allow the Piikani to have input on hunting and harvesting protocols, the release said, as well as access to specific areas of importance to Piikani culture. They will also be able to provide consultations on cultural practices, such as sweat lodges, that take place on the parks land. Areas of economic development, like the creation of new retail spaces or guiding services, will also be co-managed by both the Piikani Nation and Alberta Parks. The Piikani will also provide input on the appropriate use of the Blackfoot language in the parks signage and naming. The agreement also ensures the parks staff will be trained on awareness of Indigenous rights and cultural practices with respect to the land, the release said. Alberta Minister of Indigenous Relations Richard Feehan said the creation of the new Castle Provincial Park management board signifies a step toward reconciliation between Indigenous people and the Alberta government. It will enrich and strengthen the planning, management and operation of the Castle parks, Feehan said in the release. While continuing our commitment to reconciliation and our respect for Indigenous heritage and traditional knowledge. Alongside the co-chairs from Alberta Parks and the Piikani Nation, up to six other members will be part of the parks new management board, including at least one Elder. The board will meet four times per year. Castle Provincial Park was established in January 2017, according to the province. More than $20 million was spent over four years toward its planning. Read more about: HALIFAXBefore her planned death earlier this week, a Halifax woman asked Canadian politicians to change the medically assisted dying law so that others like her might live out more days, and responses from Ottawa have been varied. Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould said the government had no plans to amend the two-year-old assisted dying law, but another Liberal parliamentarian said that wasnt the end of the story. Although the minister may say were not imagining any changes right now, I think we have to see what Canadians are thinking of, said Darren Fisher, MP for DartmouthCole Harbour. If Canadians are staunchly in favour of something, then thats our job to go out and try to advocate for those things on behalf of Canadians, he added. Read more: Thousands sharing, commenting on Audrey Parkers final public words Advocate dies peacefully after plea for changes to Canadas assisted-death law Fishers riding is one of four in the Halifax area where Audrey Parker lived until her death on Nov. 1. Parker, 57, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2016. When she decided to end her life she was in excruciating pain from tumours in her bones, and had recently learned that the cancer had spread to her brain lining. Since Canadas medically assisted dying law requires last-minute consent from the patient, Parker chose to go before her condition worsened further. If she could have made an advance request, she said she would have stayed until after Christmas. Parker made a public call for the government to amend the law to eliminate late-stage consent in situations like hers. Were not considering changing something in the legislation, Wilson-Raybould told reporters on Nov. 2. In an interview on the same day, Fisher said he felt differently. (My constituents) are basically saying that they support (Parker) and my personal view is Im supportive of it as well, he said. In Parkers final Facebook post she said the assisted dying law was poorly thought out, and asked the public to contact their MPs about changing it. Thousands have responded to Parkers post, many of them expressing support for her request. In addition to Fisher, the other three Halifax-area MPs were asked for interviews Friday. Geoff Regan and Darrell Samson did not respond to the request. Andy Fillmore responded with an emailed statement, saying in part: Many constituents have sent me emails containing (Parkers) final Facebook post, adding their own reflections. Its clear that she has left an impact on our community, and on the ongoing conversation related to medical assistance in dying. We know that medical assistance in dying is a deeply personal choice, and I believe it is important that Canadians have access to it if they choose. Fillmores email went to on to say that he looked forward to reading an upcoming report on the issue. When Ottawa first drafted the medically assisted dying law, it asked the Council of Canadian Academies a non-profit organization that operates on federal funding to review three unresolved issues, including advance requests. A report on that review is due to be tabled at the House of Commons by the end of this year. Fisher said the report would not offer recommendations, but rather a summary of the evidence of all the different perspectives. I do feel that we could have gone a little bit further on this and Im looking forward to seeing that report come in December, he said. Stephen McNeil, Nova Scotias Liberal premier, offered his respect to Parker in a statement after her death, calling her courageous. He otherwise left her request to the federal government. This debate will continue at the national level, and she will be a major voice in the conversation that Im sure Canadians are going to have. Halifax Mayor Mike Savage echoed McNeils response, saying in an interview Friday that he was impressed at her courage and tenacity, but that there was nothing he could do at a municipal level to address her plea. With files from Mitchell Kedrosky and The Canadian Press Read more about: CLARKES BEACH, N.L.Two workers were injured after a Newfoundland distillery exploded Friday morning in Clarkes Beach. In a Facebook post, The Newfoundland Distillery Company says an employee suffered burns and smoke inhalation and is in stable condition at the Health Sciences Centre in St. Johns. It says another was held for observation overnight at the Carbonear General Hospital. The company, which produces rum, gin, and other spirits, says there will be a full investigation into the cause of the incident, adding that the facility will remain closed until further notice. The distillery is also thanking first responders who all helped to ensure there were no further injuries and limit the level of damage. The Bay Roberts RCMP says numerous roads were closed down in the area on Friday. Police were forced to intervene as more than 1,500 protesters delayed the start of a Toronto debate featuring Steve Bannon, the former strategist who helped Donald Trump win the White House. At least three protesters rushed the door at The Munk Debate tonight to chain it shut. A melee ensued, and the police moved in, reported Toronto Star columnist Rosie DiManno, who was attending the event. Video posted on social media showed officers outside the downtown venue using batons to hold back the crowd, and police tweeted that 12 people had been arrested. Read more: Munk Debates blames technical error for wrong results in Bannon-Frum faceoff Opinon | Rosie DiManno: Bannon vs. Frum at Toronto debate generates sound and fury Opinion | Vinay Menon: Want to expose Steve Bannons dangerous ideas? Let him debate them The charges ranged from assault to trespassing and public mischief, Toronto police spokesperson Gary Long told the Star. He also said that two police officers suffered minor injuries. 1 officer hit with a stick, another punched in the face, police tweeted. Long said he isnt aware of any other injuries. Debate organizers explained the roughly half-hour delay by saying they anticipated protests and wanted to ensure everyone was safe. Bannon was eventually introduced to begin his defence of political populism against conservative commentator David Frum. In his opening statement, interrupted by a shouting protester, Bannon gave a nod to the protesters exercising their free speech rights before laying out his views. Society is on the verge of a revolution, Bannon said. Its not a question of whether populism is on the rise and whether populism is going to be the political future, Bannon said, prompting derisive laughter at times. The only question before us is it going to be populist nationalism or populist socialism. In his own opening statement, Frum said the new populism promoted by Bannon is a ``scam and a lie, saying so many populist leaders around the world, including Bannons former boss, U.S. President Donald Trump, are crooks. Does the kind of politics that Steve Bannon is speaking for and President Trump articulates, does that politics offer me anything? Frum said to audience applause. It offers you nothing. It does not care about you. It does not respect you. Bannon accused critics of populism, and its recent successes in several countries, of resorting to smear tactics. Critics who accuse Bannon of being a white supremacist wanted the debate scrapped. While the 90-minute event at a downtown auditorium was sold out, the theatre was barely half full at the scheduled start time. To ensure the debate went ahead, albeit late, members of the public were seated even after it began. Protesters circled Roy Thomson Hall on Friday night to let Bannon know he was persona non grata in Toronto. The demonstrators called out those who came to see the former Trump strategist and the organizers of the Munk Debates, charging they were helping him to spread the politics of hate and division. He hates Jews. He hates Blacks. He hates you because of the person you live with, whether you are a lesbian or gay, organizer Nigel Barriffe yelled into a microphone. He should be ashamed and he should never have platform in our great city, said Barriffe, president of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations. Bannon squared off against Conservative commentator David Frum, a senior editor at The Atlantic Magazine. They debated the resolution, Be it resolved, the future of western politics is populist, not liberal. Attendees were greeted by chants of shame on you as they stood in line. They were wanded and frisked by security guards as they entered the venue. Bannons controversial appearance attracted protesters from more than 40 social-justice organizations, including anti-poverty activists, unionists and defenders of immigrants and refugees. They carried banners and homemade signs with similar messages: Bannon = Hate, Say no to Islamaphobia, and Stop racism. Some signs carried messages like this one, taking aim at those who invited Bannon to Toronto: Munk Debates: Steve Bannon and David Frum to debate whether hate crimes are better than war crimes. There was a heavy police presence and organizers say 11 protesters were arrested. Speaker Anna Willats described Bannon and Frum as two right-wing warmongering peas in a pod and accused them of spreading neo-liberal and white nationalist ideas. We need to organize together to resist the racism and violence that result from the ideas theyre putting forward, said Willats, who is from the social justice group RadTO. She urged the public to make connections between Bannons rhetoric and increasing occurrences of racism, violence and oppression. The far-right is organizing and we need to stop it, Willats said. Speaker Cynthia Levine-Rasky paid tribute to the 11 worshippers who were killed by a gunman at a Pittsburgh synagogue a week ago. What happened on Oct. 27 affects all of us...everyone, our common humanity, she said. We stand together.... Our strength is standing together against the forces that aim to divide us, Levine-Rasky said. with files from The Canadian Press Read more about: They came by the busload, from various faiths, to form a ring of peace around a Toronto synagogue and show their support for the Jewish community, still hurting in the aftermath of the Pittsburgh tragedy. More than 300 people, including Muslims and Christians, joined hands Saturday to surround Holy Blossom Temple, the former place of worship for one of the victims in the Tree of Life synagogue shooting that left 11 people dead in Pittsburgh last week. Joyce Fienberg, 75, grew up at Holy Blossom Temple and was married there, according to a Facebook post by Rabbi Yael Splansky. We realize that people from all the other synagogues are grieving, especially at this synagogue because the Holy Blossom Temple lost one of their own, said Osman Khan, who led the Holy Blossom Temple demonstration. It resonated that much more with them. Read more: Pittsburgh synagogue suspect Bowers pleads not guilty to 44 federal charges Opinion | Dont ignore anti-Semitism. Its lethal Tree of Life Rabbi Myers says he saw a warm and personal side to Trump that surprised him Holy Blossom spokesperson Deanna Levy said the ring of peace was formed during Shabbat morning services and that prayers and speeches were also read. This was a moving act of human kindness from members of the Toronto community, she said. Similar gatherings, which were organized by numerous Muslim and interfaith groups, were held at seven synagogues across the Greater Toronto Area to show solidarity and generate discussion about hate crimes. A gunman had entered the Pittsburgh synagogue on Oct. 27 during a worship service and killed eight men and three women. Six people were also injured in the attack, including four police officers. Authorities say the suspect, 46-year-old Robert Gregory Bowers, told police all these Jews need to die. This hate is really scary, said Fatima Sajan, a development officer at the National Council of Canadian Muslims and leader of a group of several dozen people who came out to show their support at Temple Har Zion in Thornhill. Its not OK to be killed in the first place, but then to have it happen in your sanctuary where you worship is not OK, no matter who you are. The idea came out of a meeting on Monday where members of the religious organizations expressed a desire to support the Jewish community in the same way they had supported Muslims after the Quebec City mosque shooting in 2017. They came out and visited a few mosques and we were really touched by that, Sajan said. So we wanted to do the same and show our support. The groups are planning more demonstrations at different synagogues in the coming weeks. At the Pittsburgh synagogue, about 100 people gathered for what was called a healing service on Saturday morning. Former Tree of Life rabbi Chuck Diamond led a 45-minute service, featuring prayers, songs and poetry. With files from The Canadian Press MINYA, EGYPTHundreds of Egyptian Christians attended a funeral service Saturday after seven people were killed in an ambush by Daesh militants of buses carrying pilgrims to a remote desert monastery. The service at Prince Tadros church in the central city of Minya was held amid tight security. Minyas top cleric, Anba Makarios, led prayers over a row of six white coffins, all victims from the same family. A separate funeral was held for the seventh victim, a bus driver. Relatives of the victims cried and held each other for support. Some rested their heads on the coffins and wept. A list of the victims names released by the church said a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were among the dead. Nineteen were wounded in the attack, according to the church. Aida Shehata, who was shot in her legs, said masked men opened fire on three buses from different directions. Two of the buses were able to speed away and reach the monastery, but the militants stopped the third one and killed the driver and six of the passengers, including her husband and his brother. The driver tried to go to the monastery but they (the militants) were faster, Shehata told a Coptic TV network. An affiliate of Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL) based in the restive northern Sinai peninsula claimed the attack, calling it revenge for the imprisonment of our chaste sisters, without elaborating. The attack cast a shadow on one of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissis showpieces the World Youth Forum which opens Saturday in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The forum is drawing thousands of local and foreign youth to discuss a wide range of topics, with Egypts 63-year-old leader taking centre stage. In an apparent effort to keep the attack from overshadowing the start of the three-day conference, two state-owned newspapers ran front-page banner headlines about the forum. Akhbar al-Youm ran a large photo of el-Sissi cycling in Sharm el-Sheikh. Its reference to the attack lower down in the page made no mention of casualties. Daesh has repeatedly targeted Egypts Christians as punishment for their support of el-Sissi, who led the militarys 2013 ouster of an elected but divisive Islamist president. El-Sissi, who has made security among his top priorities since taking office in 2014, wrote on his Twitter account that Fridays attack was designed to harm the nations solid fabric and pledged to continue fighting terrorism. He later offered his condolences when he spoke by telephone with Pope Tawadros II, spiritual leader of Egypts Orthodox Christians and a close ally of the president. Begemy Nassem Nasr, the priest of the church of St. Mary in the central Egyptian city of Minya, near where the attack took place, suggested it was meant to embarrass el-Sissi as he hosted the youth forum. I think that this is a terrorist act which is targeting Egypt through playing the card of the Copts, he said. Fridays attack was the second to target pilgrims heading to the St. Samuel the Confessor monastery in as many years, indicating that security measures put in place since then are inadequate. The previous attack in May 2017 left nearly 30 people dead. Daesh has also targeted Christian churches with a series of suicide bombings since December 2016 that have killed scores of people. The attacks led to tighter security around Christian places of worship and Church-linked facilities, where metal detectors and armed police are routinely deployed. They have also underlined the vulnerability of minority Christians in the conservative, Muslim-majority country. The Interior Ministry, which oversees the police, said Fridays attackers used secondary dirt roads to reach the buses carrying the pilgrims, who were near the monastery at the time of the attack. Only pilgrims have been allowed on the main road leading to the monastery since last years attack. Some Christians in Minya said police negligence was partly to blame for the latest attack, saying they stopped providing armed escorts for pilgrims buses. They should have escorted them. They know it is dangerous to leave them alone on that road, said Youssef Attya, a 38-year-old health worker from Minya. The Interior Ministry said police were pursuing the attackers, who fled the scene. Egypts Christians, who account for some 10 per cent of the countrys 100 million people, have long complained of discrimination. Christian activists say the churchs alliance with el-Sissi has offered the ancient community a measure of protection, but sectarian violence still flares from time to time, especially in poorer and more rural areas. Christians make up some 35 per cent of the population in Minya, more than in any other governorate. The area has also seen the most acts of violence against Christians in recent years. Christians there accuse the local police of going easy on Muslim assailants, saying authorities prefer to resolve disputes through reconciliation rather than arresting and prosecuting those who commit crimes. Read more about: An Idaho superintendent has issued a public apology to students and their parents after staff at a public elementary school dressed up as Mexicans and the border wall for Halloween. The images began circulating on social media this week, and they depict more than a dozen adults dressed up in two groups at Middleton Heights Elementary School, a town of about 7,500 located 30 miles west of Boise. One group is dressed up as stereotypes of Mexicans, replete with maracas, ponchos, sombreros and fake moustaches. The other group is dressed as a wall plastered with the slogan Make America Great Again. I want to say we are better than this, Superintendent Josh Middleton said in a Facebook video Friday. We embrace all students. We have a responsibility to teach and reach all students period. Do I think that there was a malicious intent in this poor decision? No, I dont. Was there a poor judgement involved? Absolutely. And we now have to own those decisions. The story quickly took off on Friday evening, drawing coverage in national news media outlets. Angry reactions flooded the schools Facebook page. And social media responses were harsh. The fact that these elementary school teachers thought this would be OK demonstrates how much more cultural competence training is needed in education, Kevin Nadal, a psychology professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, wrote on Twitter. Middleton said that he had been alerted to the issue by a parent who expressed concern over the costumes and that he has since opened a district investigation into the matter. I was shown those photos and deeply troubled by the decision by our staff members to wear those costumes that are clearly insensitive and inappropriate, he said. Right now our time is going to be devoted to investigating those events and those poor decisions that were made. According to the Idaho Statesman, the photos were originally posted on the Middleton School Districts Facebook page with a caption reading, It was a great day to be a Heights Hawk! We celebrated our RESPECT character winners, single and double marathon runners. The Halloween incident is another data entry in the long list of controversial, racially insensitive or historically ignorant costumes that inevitably get trotted out every year. But this incident also struck at the heart of an emotional political debate over immigration that has only grown more bitter in recent days in the lead-up to Tuesdays elections, as U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of an immigrant invasion and released a misleading ad about immigrants that was widely criticized as racist. Twelve advocacy organizations including the ACLUs chapter in the state, sent a letter to the district expressing concern about the costumes, the Statesman reported. Regardless of the intent of a teachers actions in the classroom, we must focus on and give weight to the impact of such actions on the students who rely on teachers and other school officials for guidance and support throughout their educational experience, the ACLU of Idaho said in a statement. School districts, their staff and other agents have obligations under federal law, state law, and district policies to prevent and protect students, staff, and others from discrimination, bullying, intimidation, and harassment. The Idaho Commission of Human Rights, a state governing body, also weighed in on Friday night. Discrimination under these acts can occur when an employer or school allows a hostile environment to exist against persons because of their race, sex and national origin, the commission said in a statement, according to the Idaho Press. Simply because conduct takes place as a so-called joke does not excuse otherwise unlawful conduct. The school did not identify the staff members who wore the costumes. About 13 per cent of the students at the elementary school are Latino, according to data from Idaho Ed Trends. Read more about: VANCOUVEREvents overseas have likely never been cited so often in B.C. politics. The provinces electoral referendum ends Nov. 30. Both opponents and supporters of reform here have been quick to pounce on voting turmoil abroad as proof of their favoured system. Brazils election last Sunday of a far-right populist accused of fascist leanings is no different. First out the gate was the president of the No B.C. Proportional Representation Society, Bill Tieleman. Following Jair Bolsonaros victory in Brazil, Tieleman tweeted: Brazils system of government is notoriously dysfunctional ... The president is elected by a majority vote and faces a House of Deputies chosen by a very complex system of proportional representation. Advocates of B.C.s current electoral system have focused on raising the spectre of extremists gaining a foothold to power if voters opt to ditch first-past-the-post. In that system, members of the Legislative Assembly are elected by garnering the largest number, or plurality, of votes even if its not a majority. Previously, the rise of politicians widely labelled neo-Nazis in the parliaments of Germany and Scandinavian countries has been a talking point. An advertisement from Tielemans organization featured marching soldiers after footage of extremists rioting in Germany. So its no surprise Bolsonaros election as Brazils president last Sunday with 55 per cent of the ballots nearly 60 million votes would be the latest fodder for opponents of reform. Immediately, proportional representation supporters challenged Tielemans assertion that Brazils electoral system could be injected into B.C.s debate. Brazils president is not elected by proportional representation, tweeted Vancouver-based commenter and political science graduate Devon Rowcliff. Thanks for clarifying, Bill. Vancouver investigative journalist Bob Mackins Breaker.news also jumped into the fray, arguing: The president is elected by first-past-the-post. Only difference is the horse race lasts a little longer. And, like Europe, Brazils problems are more complex than simply blaming the proportional representation elections for lower offices. And in the provincial capital, CFAX radio host Adam Stirling got into the fight, noting on Twitter: Ultra far-right homophobic, sexist, militarist autocrat that just won Brazils election and he rose to power because he was elected SEVEN TIMES to a national congress that is chosen through open list proportional representation. Awkward. #prorep. So what exactly is true, if both sides electoral reform cheerleader Rowcliffe and first-past-the-post defenders Tieleman and Stirling see vindication in Brazils controversial elections? According to Latin America expert Michelle Bonner, a political science professor at the University of Victoria, neither side gets to score a point over Brazil. Bonner is currently researching a book on what she calls the rise of punitive populism across Latin America, a tough-on-crime conservatism fuelled by public fears of growing violence even while most countries violent crime rates decline. This is really an anomaly compared to previous elections in Brazil, which have generally produced centrist results, she said in a phone interview. Its more than anything the result of the huge corruption scandals in Brazil that have caught up almost all the political parties that made a candidate who had not been connected seem appealing. None of it has anything to do with their electoral system, and so much to do with political economy and other global changes happening. The elections just reflect those tensions happening already. Brazils presidential elections are in fact a majoritarian process whereby a candidate without more than 50 per cent of votes cast must survive multiple rounds of voting as losing candidates are dropped from the ballots. They have runoffs to make sure whoever wins in the end has over 50 per cent, Bonner explained. Thats common in most presidential elections around the world. Max Cameron, a political scientist at the University of B.C. and an electoral reform advocate himself, agreed that Brazils situation is hardly comparable to B.C.s. Brazilians were fed-up with corruption, cronyism and insecurity, he wrote in a Facebook post. Investigations into money laundering by Brazilian federal judge Sergio Fernando Moro implicated an astonishing number of politicians and business people. So far there have been at least 150 convictions, and it is estimated that one quarter of the congress is involved in the scandal. In an earlier interview, Cameron said that proportional representation is no more likely to produce extreme or unstable governments than first-past-the-post elections. Brazils presidential race requires an absolute majority vote through a two-round system, in which only the top two candidates proceed to a second round of voting. Its known as runoff voting and is used to elect the presidents of all Latin American countries, as well as France, Austria, Finland, India and Portugal. In Canada, such run-off ballot voting is actually used by most political parties to elect party leaders, including the Conservative Party of Canada which held 12 rounds of voting and elected Andrew Scheer leader, beating his rival Maxine Bernier by less than two per cent in the final round. The federal Liberals used run-off voting until recently, but in 2013 used a version of run-off voting with a single round that redistributes losing candidates votes to voters second choices, similar to the single-transferable vote. The B.C. Liberals who are campaigning aggressively against what they call the B.C. NDPs rigged referendum also use run-off balloting, with five rounds electing leader Andrew Wilkinson on Feb. 3 this year, beating rival Dianne Watts by double the percentage of votes, despite Round 1 giving him just over half her votes. Meanwhile, Brazils 513-member Chamber of Deputies, akin to Canadas House of Commons, uses open-list proportional representation, while Brazils 81-member Federal Senate uses a first-past-the-post system where the winner has the plurality, or most, votes. Bonner asks people to weigh competing claims about Brazils results against the same system being in place in nearby Chile, which has produced decades of relatively stable governments. They use proportional representation ... but so do most countries in Europe, she noted. Chile has had stable centrist coalition governments consistently since the return of electoral democracy. However, whether repeated series of coalition governments cobbled together from an ever-changing sea of political parties is desirable is a question up for debate in British Columbias referendum, since it is indisputable that first-past-the-post usually tends to favour one or two major parties and sidelines third parties. This is B.C.s third referendum on proportional representation, but the first to require only a simple majority to pass, rekindling reformers hopes of having legislature seats better reflect the popular vote. Although B.C.s independent chief electoral officer vetted and approved the ballot questions, opponents have criticized the referendum as rigged in favour of NDP and Green electoral success particularly since details of how to implement the alternative systems or riding boundaries will be decided by a committee of their government. Referendum voting packages must be received by Elections B.C. before 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, either by mail or in-person at Service B.C. centres. B.C.s ballot asks two questions: First, whether we should keep first-past-the-post voting or change to proportional representation; and second, to rank three proportional systems in order of preference: mixed member proportional, rural-urban proportional or dual member proportional. Voters can answer both questions or just one. Read more about: GODFREY The Swarovski Waterschool USA: Mississippi River is inviting the community to an upcoming premiere of a compelling new documentary, WATERSCHOOL, which brings to life the importance of empowering youth around the globe to become water ambassadors. Local efforts and issues are featured through the eyes of Swarovski Waterschool USA participant MyKeyla Hall, a former student of Lovejoy School in Brooklyn, Illinois, and through the experts at L&Cs National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, home of the only Swarovski Waterschool in North America. What an honor it has been for the students of Lovejoy School to work with the National Great River Research and Education Center in conjunction with the Swarvoski Water School Curriculum and Projects, said Vanae Chapman, 5th/6th grade teacher of Lovejoy School. We are so excited to premiere this film at our school. Please come out to join us as we celebrate being a part of such a tremendous experience. The film will be premiered at the Lovejoy Elementary School Gym in Brooklyn, Illinois, Thursday, Nov. 8 at 5:30 p.m. Popcorn will be served during the film, which will be followed by a Mostaccioli dinner and question/answer session. To RSVP for this free event, visit www.ngrrec.org/Swarovski_Waterschool. Other screenings will include: Friday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus in East St. Louis, Illinois Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 1 p.m. in Trimpe 141 on the Godfrey campus of Lewis and Clark Community College Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m. at the Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities Foundation in Edwardsville, Illinois. WATERSCHOOL is a documentary about six young women who attend Swarovski Waterschool in six different countries along six major rivers: USA (Mississippi), Brazil (Amazon), Austria (Danube), Uganda (Nile), India (Ganges), China (Yangtze). The film addresses different issues around water through the experiences of each young woman. I believe WATERSCHOOL focuses on a common resource that links us all together, Waterschool Educator Corrine OBrien said. The story of six inspiring young women, united by a vision of hope, can serve as a lesson for us all. The film was produced by graduate students at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Theater, Film and Television. We are proud to be able to showcase the work of the Swarovski Waterschool over the past 18 years in India, China, Uganda, South and North America, as well as Austria, in this documentary, created by graduate students from the UCLA school of Theater, Film and Television, said Nadja Swarovski, a member of Swarovski Executive Board. We hope that this beautiful work will provide insight into crucial topics relating to water, and inspiration to the audience to understand that each individual can play a big part in safeguarding the wellbeing of this planet. For those who cannot attend one of the screenings, WATERSCHOOL is now streaming on Netflix. Visit www.ngrrec.org/swarovski_waterschool to learn more. AUSTIN Voters lined up at polling places across Texas at dawn on Monday, the first day of early voting as an energized Democratic Party tries to take control of Congress, and as Republican voters respond to months of hype about a blue wave. Thousands of people queued up at one polling place in Houston hours before it opened. This is one of the most important elections of our lifetimes," said Cody Pogue, who arrived at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday to make sure he'd be one of the first people to cast a ballot for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke. A ten-minute drive away, hundreds of people gathered in chairs and beneath tents to await the arrival of President Donald Trump in Houston. He is rallying with Republican U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, whos seeking a second six-year term. "I just got out of bed and ran down here," said Lisa Brewer, one of the first to stake out a place Sunday night across from the 18,000-seat arena. "I didn't know people would be here right after me." The competitive U.S. Senate race is driving much of the excitement in Texas, where just a third of registered voters turned out for the last midterm election, in 2014. Democrats havent won statewide office in Texas since 1994. Ahead of the Nov. 6 election, voter registration in Texas spiked, reaching a record high of more than 15.7 million. From the primary until the final day of voter registration in October, roughly 400,000 people were added to the rolls, election records show. Democrats and Republicans turned out in droves during the March primary. More than one million Democrats cast a ballot, the highest turnout in a midterm since 2002. Similarly, Republican voters cast 1.5 million ballots for governor, the most since at least 1970. The Texas Secretary of States office wont release the first-day early voting numbers until Tuesday afternoon. Some voters in Bexar County faced delays and long lines Monday morning. At one polling location on the West Side of San Antonio at least 100 voters waited for more than an hour to cast a ballot and found poll workers were using just one laptop to verify voters registration. By 11 a.m. Monday in the Democrat stronghold of Travis County, more than 9,400 people had already voted in person, according to Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar Bruce Elfant. The county, which includes the city of Austin, also received some 10,700 ballots by mail. Officials in Travis County are still processing a late surge in voter registration applications and aim to finish the remaining 6,000 applications by the end of Monday, Elfant said. Texas is one of about a dozen states that dont offer online voter registration. Applications must be sent by mail before the deadline and it took several days for thousands to arrive to the Travis County office. Though not all voters appear on the rolls yet, those who have registered can still request a provisional ballot at the polls, Elfant said. Early voting is going smoothly and there have been no issues regarding provisional ballots as a result of the backlog in processing, Elfant said in a written statement. Elaine Ayala, Jeremy Wallace and Nicole Hensley contributed to this report. This is a developing story; check back for updates. amorris@express-news.net My Christian Century magazine has a recent feature on politics and the church, as the midterm elections approach. The sacred and the secular always interact, so perhaps the question is how best to do it in politics. Many try to keep a wall of separation between the political and the spiritual in church. In our time that wall is breached or lies in rubble like the Berlin Wall. I resist using a pulpit for partisan talks. I fully approve of churches using their space to offer a forum on candidates and issues of public import. Political consideration takes time and space for learning and reflection. Knee-jerk reactions are emotional reactions. Right now, we see how emotion curdles into acts of violence. If anything, churches can learn how to follow the Prince of Peace in the political arena. The media and the parties set the agenda for political statements in sacred space. I do hold with Karl Barth that one can preach with a newspaper in one hand and the bible in the other. We have become way too sensitive about even being exposed to debating points of view. In its stead, we demand conformity to our own ill-considered points of view and dismiss anything else. My resistance comes first on expertise. Pastors often have formidable Biblical interpretive skills. When they go off script it gives rise to amateur hour. I see little value in promoting a power point view of politics from the right or left in the pulpit. The biblical examples are too often flimsy. Indeed, we often do not present a Scripturally, theological, or even ethical view of value, but merely repeat talking points from reading on the internet, without attribution of sources. In other words, ideological bumper stickers are presented as religious dogma. Far too often, the clarion call of justice just happens to fit precisely with a pastors personal views, so that Scripture becomes a mirror far more than a pair of glasses to view our world. Second, when politics take a particular direction, pastors often become rigid and inflammatory in their statements. We call that being prophetic. Nuance and precision fly away in the face of denunciation. Indeed, we witness magic. Personal political stances transform into religious mandates from heaven. It is tempting to fulminate against those whom many folks in the pews dislike. It can be intoxicating to inveigh against those with whom one may disagree as immoral. Of course, we overestimate the persuasive power of a sermon, especially when it challenges ones own predilections. Like many politically engaged religious people, I took notice when President Obama cited Reinhold Niebuhr as an influence on his thought. Niebuhr went to Eden Seminary across the river, and he became the one of the foremost ethical thinkers of the middle of the 20th Century. Niebuhr fully held to a view that we are limited, fallen creatures. He was captivated by the idea of irony, that what we intend may well work out as its opposite. He thought that even our best intentions were stained by self-interest and hampered by blindness to consequences. In other words, the churches are part of the spreading of our current toxic brew in political culture. Judging from my Facebook feed, I see religious people on the left point their finger at the president for the spate of assassination attempts via mail bombs. On the right, I sense no moral fervor whatsoever on the issue. Since it is directed at political opponents, it does not fit the narrative of mere disagreement with the right as political persecution. God continues to be hard at work to seek transformation of our politics into making this world a fit place for human being to live. The churches can do far better at promoting that religious vision. David Crowley is former pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Alton. Carlcare ServiceLimited was established in Hong Kong in 2009 with an aim to provideprofessional service support to mobile phones and other electronic consumerproducts, and over the years has become a leading service brand for consumerelectronics in South East Asia, Middle East and Africa. Currently, Carlcare isproviding full service support for TECNO and Itel, two worldwide famous mobilephone brands. They say the right stationery can set the tone for a wedding. And while there are plenty of ways to get all the big day details out to guests, there is something really special about a unique wedding invite. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Wedding invitation by Keady Row | keadyrow.com Wedding invitation by Keady Row | keadyrow.com Wedding invitation by Keady Row | keadyrow.com Wedding invitation by Keady Row | keadyrow.com Wedding invitation by Keady Row | keadyrow.com Wedding invitation by Keady Row | keadyrow.com / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Wedding invitation by Keady Row | keadyrow.com Ireland is bursting with talented calligraphers, graphic designers and illustrators, all of whom can provide that extra striking element to the big day for those with a penchant for beautiful, story-telling design and fine materials. In no particular order (!) here are some of the best wedding invitation designers in the biz... 1. Keady Row After planning her own big day, graphic designer Natalie Duke became obsessed with all things weddings, and decided after her nuptials to pack in her agency job and set up stationery design company Keady Row. Specialising in typography and layout, Natalie's designs are clean and minimal, contemporary and elegant. "After working in the commercial design industry for five years, I wanted to create an opportunity for design conscious couples to access bespoke, high-end wedding stationery based on minimal, clean, distilled designs and with absolutely no templates," Natalie tells THEVOW.ie. "You dont need doilies and diamantes to make a lasting impression on your guests"" says Natalie. "The couples we work with are looking for something totally unique for their wedding. They appreciate the detail and see beauty in simplicity." For more information and ideas on prices, visit keadyrow.com/ 2. Dusty Boy Designs "Crafted with love, at home" is the tagline of Wexford husband and wife team Justin Campbell and Kate Rose Crean's Dusty Boy Design, and that's exactly what their sweet and stylish bespoke wedding stationery is. Video of the Day The passionate pair behind Wexford-based luxury lifestyle brand Dusty Boy have created unique wedding stationery for some of Ireland's most style-conscious couples, and count Pippa O'Connor and Angela Scanlon among their many fans. Dusty Boy were commissioned to design the invites, thank you cards, signage and wee confetti bags for Angela's wedding to her now-husband Roy Horgan back in 2014 - the prints of which the presenter has said she still has hanging in her home. One half of the Dusty duo - Kate - is also a hugely successful freelance make-up artist, and has worked on numerous magazine editorials as well as with celebrities and brides for years. She loves when a couple comes to them with inspiration from something more alternative, and loves the challenge of including something truly personal and special in designs. "A bride sent us a photo of a crockery collection belonging to her grandmother that she loved. We took elements of that and included it in the stationery as a nod to her grandmother who has passed away. That was a very special project." For more about Dusty Boy Designs and for a price guide visit dustyboydesigns.ie 3. Lilly Cinnamon Expand Close Wedding invitations by Lilly Cinnamon | lillycinnamon.com / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Wedding invitations by Lilly Cinnamon | lillycinnamon.com If beautiful, modern, striking stationery is on the cards for your big day, Lilly Cinnamon may just be your go-to designer. Run by West Cork-based Lilly and Lena O'Driscoll, Lilly Cinnamon comprises both a ready-to-order collection which includes a range of romantic hand-painted flowers, watercolours and whimsical woodland designs, and a bespoke, one-of-a-kind service for couples who wish to create something truly personal with their wedding stationery. Lilly is the head designer, and takes inspiration for her botanical motif illustrations the simplicity of the surrounding nature. Sophisticated fonts are central to the fine art style suites in their off-the-rack collections, which come in both intricate and more muted styles. Visit lillycinnamon.com for more information on pricing and other services. 4. Till Dawn Dear A true romantic, head designer of wedding stationery specialists Till Dawn Dear Kitty Moss cites "the trees, the moon and the stars" as the inspiration behind the collections which have won her numerous awards and seen her cement her position as one of the go-to Irish designers for magazines, hotel groups and some of the country's most design-focused brands. Kitty found herself in the world of weddings after being commissioned by a friend to design her wedding stationery suite and since then, she says, she's be lucky to work with "some of the coolest couples in town", putting their love story down on paper or capturing a particularly special moment in their lives for them to treasure forever. Expand Close Bespoke crest by Till Dawn Dear / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bespoke crest by Till Dawn Dear Kitty also specialises in creating contemporary family 'crests' encompassing the unique aspects of her couples' relationships, which can be integrated into wedding stationery or simply given as a special gift on the big day. For information on bespoke pricing head over to tilldawndear.net 5. Three Little Birds Three Little Birds Illustration is husband and wife team Neil and Deborah, who run the stationery business from their home studio in the Cavan countryside. The couple launched Three Little Birds in 2017, their passion for the lost art of handwritten notes and letters the driving force behind the concept. Deborah, a self-taught calligrapher and illustrator, takes her inspiration from her natural surrounding to create her watercolour and ink hand paintings and illustrations, while Neil's job involves converting his wife's original artwork into digital images. Three Little Birds offer a luxury bespoke service for wedding couples and provide all their information in their wedding stationery guide. For a price guide and more visit threelittlebirds.ie 6. Niamh Gillespie Print designer Niamh Gillespie honed her talent in London where she was in high demand for her bespoke prints which saw her commissioned by top designers such as Paul Smith, LK Bennett and Topshop. She eventually swapped the fast pace of the city for a studio by the sea back in Ireland, and it's from there that she continues creating her stunning artwork which include custom wall prints and of course, her beautiful wedding stationery. Designed and printed in Ireland, Niamh's collection includes a variety of unique designs from the colourful and abstract - where contemporary neon contrasts with black in some of the bolder iterations - to the traditionally inspired. For more information on Niamh's work visit niamhgillespiedesign.com. 7. Maggie Marley Donegal-based Maggie Marley is inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian design using it as the basis for her hyyge style stationery that's also thoroughly influenced by the romantic landscape of her native Donegal. Bold graphics, vintage colour, clean, elegant lines and clear finishes are the focus of Maggie's unmistakable collections which comprise everything from save the dates to confetti holders, menus, name tags and signage. Maggie can customise her designs, and also offers a bespoke service for clients looking for something a little bit different. Bespoke projects however are limited each year as she concentrates her efforts on creating high quality designs for clients using traditional craftsmanship such as letterpress and silk screen printing. For more on Maggie Marley's designs, plus information on pricing, visit maggiemarley.com 8. Gilded-lili Designed and printed in Ireland, Monesterevin-based Gilded Lili is a 'couture wedding invitation company' for busy couples or for those planning 'a wedding on a whim'. Helmed by graphic designer Catherine whose background is in press and textile print, Gilded Lili provides a straight-forward service for those looking for beautiful 'off the shelf' invites, ceremony booklet and evening invite designs that can be easily transferred to their own particular setup. Designs are timeless, elegant, simple and clean with some beautiful art deco styles in unexpected shades for those looking to create a sophisticated theme ahead of their big day. Catherine also provides a custom and bespoke service for those looking to be a little more hands on with their unique creations. For more visit gilded-lili.com 9. Cool & Co. "Consider us your personal design team," say husband and wife team Katie and Johnny Lynch of the very cool Cool & Co. Specialising in fun custom wedding stationery, Katie and Johnny provide everything from single simple invites to full suites including save the dates, menus, table plans, signage and everything in between. Off the shelf designs are available and Cool & Co. provides a full custom service for those looking for something extra personal for keepsakes. Designs are for the most part romantic, elegant, whimsical and evocative, with muted shades and negative space. Sprinkled into the collection include some bolder, more colourful designs for those looking for something that pops, while an art deco element is also present in a few gorgeously gilded statement styles. For more on Katie and Johnny's designs visit coolandcompany.ie 10. Little Ivory Weddings Expand Close Little Ivory Weddings | littleivoryweddings.com / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Little Ivory Weddings | littleivoryweddings.com Little Ivory Weddings is an online wedding stationery company run by talented Irish duo Gillian and Dave, who provide ready to order and bespoke wedding invitations and stationery. With a background in graphic design and illustration, Gillian and Dave work with couples to create incredible designs from scratch, as dreamt up by client and designer. To give couples an idea of what goes into a bespoke wedding card, Gillian often posts videos showing the evolution of her designs which can include sweet scenes such as the couple at their venue, which act as a particularly special keepsake long after the big day. For more visit littleivoryweddings.com Anoop Antony Scaria was exactly that: a ferryman. He took art, hospitality and music to many shores. But it had to start from one shore and that was Fort Kochi. I did not know much about him till he set up the pioneering Kashi Art Cafe. That was literally the beginning of art in Kochi. It gave the people in Keralastarved of venues to see, discuss and display arta platform. He and his wife, Dorry, would invite unknown artists to his cafe and provide them all the facilities to further their practice. It was shorn of any selfish motive and was the result of pure love for art. They gave them food, space and loving company. There was a well-concealed altruistic selflessness in Anoop. And he had a vision when he began Kashi. Anoop Antony Scarias Kashi Art Cafe was the beginning of art in Kochi But, Anoop was backstabbed by the very artist he promoted, and he and Dorry left Kashi. Now, Dorry and their two beautiful children have to survive his permanent absence. He is no more. The vision has come full circle. Kashi has taken a new avatar, but it is not quite the same. Nobody could match Anoops zest, energy and ability to make art possible in Kochi. But the success of Kashi spawned a number of galleries in Fort Kochi. One of the firsts that Anoop introduced to Kochi, and Kerala, was artist residencies. He set up a residency space and studio in Kakkathuruthu, a lovey island in Alappuzha district. Then, the Kashi Art Prize, which is being continued by the new owners of Kashi. There are many other things he started, one of which was the beach festival that has now taken the form of the Cochin Carnival. Then there was the tree festival during which he and his friends planted nearly 10,000 trees in Kochi. All of this happened before I got to know him. I first met Anoop in 2003 during my show De-Curating. We bonded immediately and that was the beginning of a long friendship. Anoop and I insistently sought each others constant company. The first time I worked with him was for a group show, Remembering Bhupen Khakhar. Then I went on to do many shows in Kashi, some my own and some curated by me. I prefer not to list them here because it is painful to remember all of them at this moment. I invited him to be a part of ARCO Madrid as a participating gallery when I curated the India Pavilion. I also did several other things with him, one of which was giving an advance to buy property in Kakkathuruthu on the recommendation of Anoop and Dorry. Now I see it as an ominous sign because I never went back there. The amazing and, of course, mouth-watering thing about Anoops and Dorrys hospitality was the food they served. It was not the food that they served to their customers, most of whom were tourists, in the cafe. It was homemade food that both the couple and their staff ate. When in Kochi we could never think of eating anywhere else. Sometimes, we went to Shala in Princess Street. What I cannot forget is meeting a lot of artists, through them, like Upendranath T.R. and K. Reghunathan. When Kochi became the art hub of Kerala, Anoopthe galleristturned out to be more interesting than the artists. He was not just a gallerist, but a friend to artists. Gifted with a great sense of humour, among other gifts such as his handsome Native American looks, Anoop never resisted a good laugh though he himself was the butt of many jokes. He used humour to navigate situations when things heated up between competing artists. Even when he was fatally ill and bedridden, that jovial quality never left him. But then all good things must come to an end. And the ferryman had to leave. editor@theweek.in The adage that failures can teach many lessons seems quite... During a routine technical check before the screening of his film, The Gold-Laden Sheep and the Sacred Mountain, at the Mumbai Film Festival, director Ridham Janve realised there was something wrong with the projection. The visuals appeared darker than what he had originally created. This was during the third screening of the film at the recently concluded festival. Janve, a 2011-graduate from the National Institute of Design, who gradually veered towards filmmaking, had only two options: to cancel the screening or go ahead with it as it is. He did not consider the first option at all, neither did he want to go ahead with the second option. Rather, he improvisedhe reduced the temperature in the auditorium to an extent where it became slightly chilly to add an effect and elevate experience of the audience as they watched his Gaddi-dialect movie, set in the Chambal and Kangra hills of Himachal Pradesh. Improvisation has been his mantra even during the making of the movie. Shooting in the hills came with its own challenges. There were some genuine problems, the most prominent being lack of resources like electricity to charge electronic devices. Carrying a generator to the high altitudes did not make sense because it would have come with its own cost and challenges. So, he turned to solar power. And then it rained, and the shoot had to be halted. At the centre of the film is an elderly shepherd Arjun (Bhedpal Arjun Pant) and his Nepali assistant (Lokendra Gurung). As much as the film is about the life of these two on the hills, focusing on their daily drill of taking the sheep and goats to graze and their banter, it also captures the folklore of the area. There is a plane crash in the region, followed by speculations of what may have happened to the people and the rumoured gold and silver the plane was loaded with. And then begins Arjun's adventurous journey. It was important for Janve to cast people from the area to bring out the simplistic elements in the story. While Lokendra, who organises trips in the area, was an easy find, it took him days to find the perfect person to fit the role of the shepherd Arjun. He had met almost every shepherd in the region, but could not find that one person in which he could see his character. The pastures where they take the herds to graze is up the hill, it is quite daunting to climb those. Plus, most of these places are a day apart from each other. Every time we decided that we need to go looking for a shepherd, it meant organising an extensive trek. There were times, we returned from half the way to the village, says Janve, who had met almost all the shepherds in the region except one. Finally, at the 'nag taal', a famous sacred spot atop the mountain, he saw someone standing across the lake. It was extremely quiet and meditative that day, he recalls. He realised that could be the shepherd he had not met. The man told him, Whatever you are here for, I am there for you. It was magical, Janve confesses, sitting at a cafe in the western suburbs of Mumbai along with his lead actors as they narrate the story from their point of view. Director Ridham Janve | via Facebook It was challenging to work with non-actors. But he could not imagine these characters being played by actors from elsewhere. We wanted to retain the sense of the mountain and its people who are completely devoted to the mountains, he says. Since these non-actors were completely unaware of how a camera works, there would be times during the shoot that the actors started talking to each other, giving them instructions. The spontaneity of the actors, at times, worked in the film's advantage, says Janve. The director did not know the Gaddi dialect either. It was only because of familiarity to the area because he had done many treks earlier that he understood the language pretty well. The genesis of the film happened long back when my friend, Akshay (also the writer of the film) and I were writing something totally different and looking for cheap places to stay. That is when we started going to the Gaddi villages, not ever thinking about making a film or about the people there. But we indulged in their stories and anecdotal information about their culture, Janve recalled in the question-answer session with the audience after the screening. During one of these treks, the two friends thought that a film could be made on the life of the Gaddis. They took two days to write a layout for the film. It was not a script, he says. But a treatment note of sorts. We kept the script open because we wanted to be open as we shot the film. The first cut of the film was finished in 2016, after which it became a part of the NFDCs Work In Progress Lab. The film was seen by some very prominent people there. They shared their experiences and suggestions with us, some of which we incorporated in the film. It was very beneficial because we got noticed. Prior to that, we had no idea who is going to watch the film. We just wanted to be free while making it with no pressure of a narrative or pace, or having to make it interesting. We didnt want to make any gimmicks in the film, we just wanted to stay true to what mountains are, he says. He then quotes Werner Herzog, Walk on foot, learn languages and a craft or trade that has nothing to do with cinema. Filmmaking like great literature must have experience of life at its foundation. The films of Werner Herzog, he says, have had a great influence on him as far as filmmaking style is concerned. And while we were attempting to make the film, his words were resonating, says Janve who is originally from Rajasthan and now lives in Goa. Janve, as he takes The Gold-Laden Sheep and the Sacred Mountain to film festivals, is still discovering his language of filmmaking by venturing into new genres and forms. One of his next projects would be set in his home state, Rajasthan, close to Udaipur. It is a psychological thriller, again with a lot of local people acting in it. But along with a few trained actors, too, this time, he says. A Pakistani radical Islamist political party, which was leading a nationwide protest against the acquittal of a Christian woman convicted for blasphemy, late Friday night called off its agitation following an agreement with the government that assured initiation of a legal process to place the woman on the exit control list that will prevent her from flying abroad, officials said. The government will also not oppose a review petition filed against the Supreme Court's judgement in the Asia Bibi blasphemy case, they said. The Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) has in turn apologised if it "hurt the sentiments or inconvenienced anyone without reason". Informing reporters that an agreement has been reached between the government and the TLP, Federal Religious Minister Noorul Haq Qadri said it was a good news for the people who have been suffering from the last three days due to the protests. Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. The apex court's judgement, which was pronounced last Wednesday, triggered protests across Pakistan with agitators led by Islamic political party Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and other groups blocking major highways and roads in different parts of the country. "As per the agreement, the government will immediately initiate a process to place the name of Asia Bibi on the no-fly list (exit control list)," an official said. The government has also promised to take appropriate legal action to redress any deaths that may have occurred during the protests against the verdict and to release all people picked up in connection with the agitation starting October 30. The agreement was signed in Lahore between Punjab Law Minister Basharat Raja and a three-member TLP group led by Pir Afzal. Soon after the signing of the agreement, TLP leader Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi announced the ending of the protests. "Pakistan is saved from bloodshed. It is the government's success that a breakthrough was made. We are happy that this matter has been resolved amicably," Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hasan Chohan said. During the three-day nationwide protests, several major roads in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and other cities were blocked. The education institutions were also closed in Punjab, while private schools were closed in Khyber-Pakhtukhwa provinces as well as in cities like Karachi and Islamabad. Many universities across Pakistan also announced cancellation of papers due to the ongoing tense situation. Business and trade activities were also badly affected and mobile phone and internet services also remained suspended in major cities. Over 50 policemen were also injured in Punjab on Friday during clashes with the protestors. According to a source in the government, Pakistan's military establishment has played a vital role in persuading the TLP to end the protest. Earlier in the day, Pakistani Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor told state-run channel PTV that a government team, including a representative of ISI was holding talks with the protestors. He said the Army had seen statements of protest leaders against the military but it was showing tolerance as its focus was on militancy and to get the country out of the security problems. The Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) said Thursday that the federal government does not plan to "put Asia Bibi's name on the exit control list (ECL) or [file an] appeal for a review against the apex court's verdict. It also said that the review petition was "filed by the concerned party, which has nothing to do with the government. Hormis Tharakan I joined the Indian Police Service in 1968. Unbeknown to us probationers, the Research and Analysis Wing was also formed the same year. Much later, possibly in early 1971, as an assistant superintendent of police in Palghat, I went to call on Kinattinkara Sankaran Nair, one of the two founding fathers of the new organisation. He was in town to visit his cousin, Babu Ramakrishnan. It was then that I was told that external intelligence was no longer part of the remit of the Intelligence Bureau. In 1976, I was called up to join the Cabinet Secretariat, a euphemism for the new external intelligence agency. I served the agency for 23 years, superannuating as its chief in January 2007. Working in the R&AW was an exhilarating experience. Ramji Kao was the officer handpicked by Indira Gandhi to set up the new organisation. He, in turn, chose Nair to be his deputy. The reasons for separating external and internal intelligence by creating a new agency are obscure. Kao, who would have been the right person to comment on it, has not left any papers which are traceable. Nair, in his memoirs The Rolling Stone that Gathered Moss, suggests that the defence ministrys complaints about the inadequacy of intelligence provided in the 1965 war might have been the reason. In any case, the practice in most western democracies was to separate internal and external intelligence. By the time the next war with Pakistan broke out, the new organisation had hit the ground running. Kao and Nair were two personalities totally different from each other. However, they got along splendidly and complemented each other. Kao was suave, perfectly turned out, highly religious, soft-spoken, a teetotaller and an introvert. Nair was tough and rough, and did not mince words. Though he had a great sense of humour, he did put the fear of God into his subordinates. The planner and the implementer together built up a great organisation in no time, overcoming apparently insurmountable difficulties. By the time I joined the organisation in 1976, it was deemed to be an honour to become a Kao-boy. I remember reporting to Kao in Room 115 of South Block. It was September, and Kao was in his white cottons. He scrutinised me from head to toe through his black-rimmed glasses and it was only thereafter that I was offered a seat. Nair walked in and told Kao about my background and my most recent posting as commissioner of police in Thiruvananthapuram. To my utter surprise Kao said he was aware of the good work I had done in Thiruvananthapuram. Later, a Keralite who was on Kaos personal staff told me that he had been asked to preserve a paper clipping on me that had appeared in a national newspaper sometime earlier. The news item was about a direction I had given as commissioner of police that at least one medical shop should be kept open every night to ensure round-the-clock availability of medicines. It seems Kaos mother died because a medicine which she required urgently was not available at night. I, along with a few other newcomers, had to undergo an orientation course lasting a few weeks before we were inducted into the organisation. On the day we completed our training, Nair came to address us. He asked us if we had assimilated all the dirty tricks we had been taught. We said yes. Then he told us, with the gravitas that he summoned whenever needed: You shall never use these tricks in pursuance of your personal needs. These are meant solely to be employed in the service of the nation. Operationally, there was no one to match Nair in the organisation. He commanded much respect internationally, too, in the shadowy world of spooks. An intelligence organisations importance varies with the degree of proximity that its chief enjoys with the prime minister. Kao was very close to Indira Gandhi, but Nair had to leave because he did not get along with her successor. There have been times since then when the relationship was close, and times when it was not so close. The national security architecture has undergone significant changes since the times of Kao and Nair. The revamp which took place after Kargil resulted in some of the responsibilities of the R&AW being taken away and given to newly created organisations. There have been personnel problems and issues of falling morale. The debate still continues as to whether there should be an exclusive method of recruitment into the R&AW, since it needs people with different capabilities than those required by ordinary civil servants. The focus of intelligence agencies is no longer merely on the military capabilities of perceived enemy nations. Terrorism per se has emerged as the biggest threat. New tactics need to be developed. New capabilities, too. Coordination has now been identified as the greatest need and challenge, especially in the fight against terrorism. There have been high moments and low, but there has never been a dull moment in the years that I spent in the R&AW. As a former chief, I would like the organisation that I once headed to be the best and the biggest. But the reality is that in the evolving national security architecture, with its emphasis on coordination, the R&AW is but a cog, though a very important cog. The quest, in this time and age, needs to be for excellence and not necessarily for primacy. Tharakan is a former R&AW chief. As he enters the last lap of his first term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is undertaking a quiet overhaul of the top echelons of Indias security establishment. In a series of moves that could change the character of governance, he is packing the security establishment with former and serving spymasters and generals. Within R&AW, which is celebrating its 50th year, the deadwood are being removed, and young and fresh minds hired. We get critical intelligence about what the Chinese or Pakistanis are up to from [overseas] stations.-R&AW officer The National Security Council Secretariat, a fief of former diplomats even when headed by former Intelligence Bureau chief M.K. Narayanan, is now packed with former and serving spymasters. Its budget has been upped 10 times from a paltry Rs33 crore in 2016-17 to Rs334 crore in 2017-18, and rules have been eased so as to make import of security equipment exempt from item-wise licence. In a signalling gesture, the Sardar Patel Bhavan on Parliament Street has been allotted to the exclusive use of the NSC Secretariat. Other offices in the buildingsuch as part of the cabinet secretariat, and the panchayati raj and statistics and programme implementation ministriesare moving out. In the new security regime, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, a former Intelligence Bureau chief, will be a virtual security czar with all security agencies and advisers reporting to him. He will be aided by four (earlier there was only one) deputy NSAsmost of them former spymastersplus a military adviser. Former R&AW chief Rajinder Khanna and Joint Intelligence Committee chairman R.N. Ravi, who is also the interlocutor for the Naga talks, have been made deputy NSAs. These posts were hitherto held by diplomats whenever the NSA was from the police. The other deputy NSA is Pankaj Saran, a former diplomat. Former Defence Intelligence Agency chief Lt Gen V.G. Khandare will be the new military adviser. With this, the JIC, which analyses intelligence data flowing from the R&AW, IB, Military Intelligence, Naval Intelligence and Air Intelligence, gets subsumed under the NSCS. The Strategic Policy Group, which had been non-functional since the early days of Manmohan Singhs second term, is being revived. It will have the chiefs of the armed forces, R&AW and IB, to make recommendations to the National Security Council. Its head will no longer be the cabinet secretary as had been the practice, but the NSAwho also heads the newly set up Defence Planning Committee and the refurbished National Security Advisory Board. The board has been pruned to four members, with P.S. Raghavan, former ambassador to Russia, as its chairman. He is aided by Lt Gen S.L. Narasimhan, a China expert who had commanded a corps on the Tibet border, former R&AW hand A.B. Mathur, and Bimal Patel, an academic. The next in line to go thus subsumed, sources say, will be the office of the principal scientific adviser, currently held by K. Vijay Raghavan under the cabinet secretariat. Another reform has been the creation of the post of the national cyber security coordinatorcurrently held by former Computer Emergency Response Team head Gulshan Raiwho reports to the prime minister. This office will also be made part of the NSCS. Former R&AW hand A.B. Mathur has been made the interlocutor with the ULFA; former IB chief Dineshwar Sharma is interlocutor on Jammu and Kashmir, and another ex-IB boss, Syed Asif Ibrahim, had been special envoy on counter-terrorism in the NSCS till lately. Former R&AW chief Alok Joshi (see interview) recently retired as head of the technical intelligence gathering agency National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO); he has been succeeded by another spymaster S.C. Jha. A former IB special director, Jha was Joshis deputy. It is beneficial to have a specialist on the job, said Ajit Lal, former JIC chief. As R&AW chief, Joshi was a consumer of intel gathered by the NTRO. When he became its chairman, he knew exactly what is expected of the NTRO by the IB or R&AW. Both R&AW and IB will have new chiefs in two monthsK. Ilango, who was station chief in Colombo and was accused by Mahinda Rajapaksa of having managed the 2015 presidential polls in favour of Maithripala Sirisena, is being tipped to head R&AW. All the same, the name of R&AW officer Samant Goel, who has been named in the FIR in the tussle within the CBI, has also been making rounds, as also of Subodh Jaiswal, who is currently Mumbai Police chief. Jaiswal had done a stint in R&AW and had got empanelled to hold a director-general post. In the IB, the front-runners are Arvind Kumar, a 1984 batch Assam cadre IPS officer currently posted as special director, and Maharashtra Police chief Dattatray Padsalgikar. Padsalgikar, who had a long stint in the IB, was to retire in August, but has been given a three-month extension which may be extended till December, when the incumbent Rajiv Jain retires. MEANWHILE within R&AW, which is celebrating its 50th year, the deadwood are being removed, and young and fresh minds hired. In the largest clean-up drive since the days of Morarji Desai, who sacked a third of his spies, the Modi regime has marked more than 70 senior and mid-level officers for compulsory retirement. The exercise, personally supervised by R&AW chief Anil Dhasmana since last year, will involve giving pink slips on grounds of non-performance and doubtful integrity. A dozen of those marked, four holding joint secretary rank, have been shown the secret door. If the sack of the 1970s was undertaken with a view to blunting R&AWs effectiveness by a prime minister who hated covert operations, the present exercise is being undertaken by a gung-ho prime minister who wants to make the agency leaner and sharper. As former R&AW special secretary Pratap Heblikar told THE WEEK, The years 2007-14 were the agencys worst with mediocre chiefs, political interference, nepotism and corruption ruling the roost. The period witnessed the demise of R&AW at the hands of a mafia. The period also witnessed a most shameful sex scandal when senior officer Nisha Priya Bhatia, who was working in R&AWs training pad in Gurugram, went to court seeking prosecution of the officers in R&AWs sexual harassment committee, which, in 2008, found no proof for her complaints. The government declared her a person of unsound mind, after she tried to immolate herself in front of the prime ministers office, but withdrew the statement after a court order. The Supreme Court recently issued notices to the R&AW chief and others. The Bhatia case was followed by former R&AW hand Major General V.K. Singhs revelation in a book about misuse of secret funds and corruption in equipment buyshe is now facing prosecution for revealing secrets. Then came former officer R.K. Yadavs book Mission R&AW which raised corruption and misconduct charges against several former chiefsparticularly Ashok Chaturvedi (2007-2009), who is alleged to have tormented Nisha Bhatia, and S.K. Tripathi (2011-2012) who, Yadav alleges, eroded the working culture of R&AW and made it an agency of municipality level. There was also the case of Brig Ujjal Dasgupta being linked to American spy Rosanna Minchew, and the recall of the Colombo station head who had been honey-trapped by a Chinese woman. The worst stink raised by Yadav is about two officers caught on spy camera in 2013, having sex in the office. The period also witnessed a series of setbacks and gaffes. The worst was when Pakistan pointed out that the R&AW-made list of wanted terrorists that India had handed over to it contained names of three men who were in Indian custody. India had to eat the humble pie when Pakistanis played the gracious victimthey played it down, apparently in return for an old favour. R&AW had earlier saved the life of president Pervez Musharraf with a timely warning about an assassination plot. Such courtesies are common in the world of spies (see story on page 58). There are those who argue that during the down period, R&AWs attention was on the east. As the 2009 fiasco over the Indo-Pak statement in Sharm-el Sheikh revealed, India had, as a matter of policy, scaled down operations in Pakistan. But, we got ULFA chief Arabinda Rajkhowa during this period, pointed out an Army officer who had liaised with R&AW in the east. Our boys [R&AW operatives] in Bangladesh worked on Rajkhowa to surrender to the Bangladesh Police, who handed him over to India. THE MAIN PROBLEM that is causing failures or setbacks in the western theatre, R&AW hands admit, is one of legacy. R&AW is facing a shortage of personnel; it needs 9,000 hands, but has only 7,500 to 8,000. The shortage is at the level of joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretariesabout 40 posts at these levels are vacant. There are few on the rolls who can speak Pashto, Khowar or Kohistani, the tribal tongues of Pakistans northwest. Moreover, an Islamophobic mindset that had gripped the security establishment has led to recruitment of too few Muslims. (Asif Ibrahim, who retired as IB chief last year, is Indias first Muslim spymaster.) The result is there are few who can be sent to Pakistan, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or Afghanistan. Pointed out former R&AW chief A.S. Dulat: I am a man from the IB, and I feel that nothing can replace human intelligence. The more, the better. Dulat had tried to recruit Muslimsespecially after the 1999 Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijack which took place during his termbut found a deep distrust even among instructors. They found it easier to teach Urdu to Sikhs and Hindus, groom them into Muslim aliases and launch them into Pakistan and PoK. The agency needs experts in Persian, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Urdu and Kashmiri, said Dulat. Islamophobia has also led to a mindset that discourages making use of double agents, a practice that all spy agencies have been following even through the years of classic Russo-American Cold War. I have seen officers reject the idea of a double agent, saying he works for the ISI or another hostile agency, said Dulat. I used to tell them that this was exactly why we needed him. We are not looking for angels. Indeed, there are bright boys and girls wanting to serve in intelligence jobs on short-term basis, but they are hampered by the fact that after serving the contract period, they cannot get even an experience certificate. Thus, the agency is forced to recruit, even for short terms, from the armed forces, police, post and telecom. There is a need to tap the talent which exists in the outside world and create some kind of a certification process for those hired on contract basis, said Joshi. Other countries have found ways of employing youngsters. We should look into them. The successes in the east also highlight the importance of humint. The agency has enough speakers (Hindus, Buddhists and Christians) of Bengali and the northeastern hill tongues who can penetrate the underground groups. But there are too few Muslims to do the same in the western theatre. WRANGLES over postings are another problem. Trying to be fair to all, bosses often post techies and crypto-experts to overseas action stations where they prove to be flops, while general duty operatives while away their time pushing files in the office. The foreign service, too, resists R&AW hands coming and occupying posts which they think are theirs, especially in friendly capitals. They ask what intelligence is to be gathered in Paris or Brussels, pointed out a R&AW officer. But we get critical intelligence about what the Chinese or Pakistanis are up to from these stations. The best example is how R&AW learnt of Pakistans Siachen plans in 1984 when it heard about a bulk order for snow-boots placed by Pakistan with a European manufacturer (see story on page 58). Moreover, stations like Vienna, Paris, London and Brussels are hubs of agents and double agents from all over the world who exchange tips for money or as favour. Broader policies followed by changing regimes also affect operations. What is required is a foreign policy that supports and takes forward the organisation, instead of tying its hands, said Sanjiv Tripathi, the longest serving R&AW chief. The MEA is handling that part of Kashmir which is occupied by Pakistan, and the home ministry is handling the part which is under India. But is it not a reality that the entire J&K, including PoK, is part of India? The population in PoK is also ours. R&AW should carry out psychological operations to expose this discrepancy through seminars, articles and discussions. Tripathi believes that Pakistans step-motherly treatment of its minorities, particularly the Pashtuns, Sindhis, Baluchis and Baltis, offers excellent ground for hosting Indian agents. However, very little is being done, except in PoK. There has been some energisation of the western theatre in the recent months. Though the Taliban and its myriad branches are still beyond its reach, R&AW is learnt to have penetrated the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. This has led to the recent successes in getting Indian hostages released, and even foiling of a major terror hit in Delhi last September. R&AW stumbled on the plot when it spotted a suspicious transfer of $50,000 from Dubai to Afghanistan. It tracked the recipient and nabbed him when he landed in Delhi. The dominance of the police service is a problem that has been plaguing the agency for decades. Non-police officers point out that due to their training and mannerisms, the police types stand out in crowds of diplomats and would be detected. R.N. Kaos idea was to make the R&AW a multi-disciplinary body with intake from various services, and not just police, said R. Banerji, former special secretary who headed a task force on intelligence reform in the IDSA, a think tank of the defence ministry. The exposure of financial and other scams in recent years has made many officers think that the agency needs parliamentary oversight, like in other democracies. This will ensure that they are covering all the charter of duties assigned to them, said Tripathi. It would also ensure proper coordination and prevent corruption from seeping in. Parliamentary oversight by no means would entail disclosure of operational details, assured Banerji. It would be only administrative oversight, making the agency answerable on fulfilling their charter of duties and utilising the resources in the right manner, he said. Heblikar agrees: There is need to remove the police leadership. R&AW should have parliamentary approval and be subject to parliamentary oversight. In 2011, Manish Tewari of the Congress had moved a private members bill for providing legal status to IB, R&AW and NTRO. The bill lapsed in 2012. All are agreed that R&AW has had more successes than setbacks. Dulat proudly recalled how ISI chief Asad Durrani told him: You people are better than us, you are more professional. Durrani also told him about how G.S. Bajpai, who was R&AW chief in 1991-92, had impressed him. I could sense this man was superior to me, Durrani told me, Dulat told THE WEEK.. As former chief Hormis Tharakan, who attempted the first clean-up after the Rabinder Singh and Ujjal Dasgupta episodes, pointed out, R&AW was created from scratch and went on to reach rare heights. An important factor in that rapid rise was the personality of the founding fathers and the rapport they enjoyed with the political leadership. I think R&AW has adapted itself to changing ground realities admirably. Hashim Qureshi hijacked an Indian Airlines plane in January 1971 to Lahore, sent the passengers by road to India, and blew up the plane. Since Pakistan foreign minister Z.A. Bhutto had met him during the hostage negotiations, India alleged that the Pakistan government was behind the hijack, and banned overflight by Pakistani aircraft over Indian territory. Pakistan denied the charge, tried Qureshi and sent him to jail. On his release in 1980, he fled to the Netherlands. When he returned to India in 2000, he was arrested. Now, human rights lawyers have contested that a person cannot be tried twice for the same offence. Qureshi is now in Srinagar; the case is pending. If the 1971 plane hijack was a R&AW operation, it was, perhaps, one of the best executed ones in the history of espionage. Sources say that R&AW had sent warnings ahead of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, but security agencies failed to act. Now, R.K. Yadav, a former R&AW officer, has said in his book Mission R&AW that Qureshi was a R&AW agent (Qureshi has denied it and sued Yadav), and that the whole hijack was stage-managed by R&AWs founder-boss R.N. Kao to find an excuse to ban overflight of Pakistani military cargo planes from West Pakistan to East Pakistan. The ban forced Pakistani pilots to fly all the way around the Indian peninsula via Sri Lanka, thus effectively choking Pakistani military logistic supplies. No wonder, the Indian Army had a walkover in the Bangladesh war 11 months later. If it was a R&AW operation, it was, perhaps, one of the best executed ones in the history of espionage. Earlier, both internal and external intelligence were handled by the Intelligence Bureau. When Indira Gandhi came to power in 1966 following Lal Bahadur Shastris death, she realised that there had been inadequacies in the IBs intelligence gathering during the 1965 war. So, she set up R&AW on September 21, 1968. As its head she chose Kao who had impressed Chinese Prime Minister Zhou Enlai with his probe into the crash of Air Indias Kashmir Princess in the South China Sea. Zhou was to travel in it with the delegates to the Bandung Conference of 1955, but had cancelled because of a sudden illness. R&AW played a stellar role in the 1971 war. It trained not only the guerilla force Mukti Bahini to sabotage the Pakistani armys communication lines and logistic depots, but also a more secret force called Kader Bahini. Its engineer-wizard Brig M.B.K. Nair found ways to penetrate the Pakistani army communication network. R&AWs next biggest political coup was the Sikkim operation. As the king (Chogyal), bewitched by his American wife, began to allow the CIA to operate from Sikkim, R&AW is said to have funded and encouraged a pro-democracy movement at the behest of Indira Gandhi. It led to an election, after which the legislature passed a resolution to merge Sikkim with India. The Bofors gun in action during the Kargil War | Arvind Jain By the mid-1970s, R&AW had gathered that Pakistan was developing nuclear bomb technology. Chemical analysis of hair samples collected from barber shops near Kahuta nuclear plant by R&AW agents revealed that Pakistan had been able to enrich uranium to weapon-grade. Similarly, an innocuous report about the Pakistan army having ordered thousands of snow-boots from a British firm led R&AW to conclude that it was planning an operation on Siachen. The timely warning helped the Army send a scout under Col Narendra Bull Kumar, and there followed a pre-emptive landing of a brigade atop Saltoro Ridge, from where Pakistan has not been able to dislodge them for the last 35 years. A similar report about Pakistan having ordered snow-boots from Austria was said to have been received in 1998, too, yet the analysts failed to read it as preparation for Kargil intrusion. R&AW came under a cloud when the Janata Party accused it of having snooped on opposition leaders during the Emergency. Kao denied the charge and left, followed four months later by his equally illustrious successor K. Sankaran Nair. It is said, prime minister Morarji Desai even told Pakistan ruler Zia-ul-Haq that he knew about Pakistans bomb programme. An alert Zia got the Kahuta neighbourhood swept, thus depriving R&AW of valuable information. The agency got back its spurs after the return of Indira in 1980. The third chief, N.F. Suntook, vanished with his wife on March 30, a day before he was to retire, leading to media reports that he had been a CIA agent and had defected to the US fearing exposure by his successor. A fortnight later he reappeared, and retired. He had gone to save Mauritius Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth from a CIA-inspired coup plot. That was the kind of reach that the agency had in its heyday. Neighbour trouble: LTTE members in north Sri Lanka in 2006 | Reuters In the 1980s, as the ISI started arming, funding and training Khalistani militants, R&AW set up two hit squads called CIT-X and CIT-J in a tit-for-tat operation. Using border smugglers as conduits for arms, they carried out blasts in Pakistani Punjab and Sindh. Finally, Jordanian Prince Hassan bin-Talal, a friend of India but married to a Pakistani, arranged a rendezvous in a Swiss town between the dreaded ISI boss Hamid Gul and R&AWs A.K. Verma. They made a peace deal. Despite having had assets in Pakistans northwest since the days of Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, aka Frontier Gandhi, R&AW kept a low profile in Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation in the 1980s. But, as the Soviet withdrawal became imminent, and a US-backed Pakistan was readying to take control of Afghanistan through the Mujahideen, R&AW undertook a highly intellectual operation. It got thousands of copies of Afghan history booksethno-histories of the Pathans by the likes of Sir Olaf Caroe, books on Sir Aurel Steins archaeological expeditions in the region and memoirs of the Anglo-Afghan warsprinted in Delhis Daryaganj, and got them distributed in Afghanistan, as well as in embassies and universities across Europe and America. The operation unnerved Pakistan; for the books suddenly reminded the Pathans and the world that the 100-year lease of the Pathan territories to British India by Afghanistan was ending by 1990, and that Afghanistan would be historically and legally justified in seeking return of the frontier region to Afghanistan. But as India, constrained by the economic crunch of the early 1990s, could not complement the academic operation, there was no attempt at wooing the Pathans with money or guns. So Pakistan, flush with American money and guns, launched the Taliban which finally ousted the India-friendly Najibullah regime from Kabul. R&AW and India failed to save him from being lynched and hanged from a Kabul lamppost. Hashim Qureshi in New Delhi in 2006 | PTI Such failures and setbacks have been several. Having handled the LTTE brilliantly during the Indira Gandhi days, R&AW failed in advising Rajiv Gandhi against his Indian Peace Keeping Force misadventure. It failed in warning about a coup in the Maldives, though R&AWs terrain knowledge helped the Indian military to launch a lightning operation to crush the coup. R&AW failed to warn about Pakistan armys Kargil bid in 1999, but made up for the loss of face by bugging Pakistani army chief Pervez Musharrafs secret phone talk from Beijing with his chief of staff in Rawalpindi. But in an act of misplaced bravado, the Indian foreign office boastfully played the tape before mediamuch against the advice of defence minister George Fernandesleading to compromise of R&AWs sources. As Pakistan began using Nepal as snooping grounds against India and for pumping fake rupees, R&AW launched aggressive countermeasures. Its station head in Nepal, Hormis Tharakan, got several ISI agents in Nepal exposed, and expelled. The biggest setbacks in terms of putting its own house in order were the discovery of K.V. Unnikrishnan, R&AWs Chennai office chief who was handling the LTTE, as a CIA agent, and the mysterious vanishing act and defection to the US of senior officer Rabinder Singh in 2004. Perhaps the biggest blow in recent times was the failure to warn about the 2008 Mumbai attacks; but sources say that R&AW had sent warnings, even hours before it, but the security agencies failed to act. And, perhaps, the biggest success in recent times is the management of the Sri Lankan elections, by which an India-friendly regime was established in Colombo. Alok Joshi BEING A SPY, Alok Joshi is a man of few words. Retired on September 18 as the chief of National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), Joshi is a 1976-batch IPS officer who held the post of R&AW chief, too, from 2012 to 2014. It was under Joshis charge that the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) of NTRO took off in a major way in 2015, to deal with cyber security threats. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, one day prior to his retirement, Joshi talked about the need for strengthening cyber surveillance techniques, the need for greater synergy between external and internal intelligence agencies and a lot more. Edited excerpts: What are some of the challenges faced by intelligence agencies today? In our immediate neighbourhood, China is using technical intelligence to gather strategic information for promoting its own strategic interests. Pakistan, on the other hand, is looking to gather tactical information. They are always scouting for information about field formations, troop movements and so on, because they are engaging us on the ground. Pakistani agencies are employing different ways and means to glean this information from us. To counter these threats, there needs to be greater synergy among various organisations, which can be best accomplished by having officers embedded in operational teams of different agencies. For example, Intelligence Bureau officers in R&AW and vice versa, as per requirements of a situation. This would also keep expectations from each other at a realistic level. China is using technical intelligence to gather strategic information for promoting its own strategic interests. Pakistan, on the other hand, is looking to gather tactical information.... To counter these threats, there needs to be greater synergy among various organisations. Another area we definitely need to work upon are cyber security issues. Today we have the national cyber security coordinator who is helping in bringing greater coordination at the agency level, but still there is a lot of room for developing greater synergy. You have served as R&AW chief before heading the NTRO. How well are these agencies equipped to tackle threats from social media? Operationally, we have become much more savvy. Also, because we are facing immediate threats from terror organisations like Islamic Statewhich is exploiting the cyber space to recruit vulnerable youthwe have also made ourselves technologically savvy to counter this. There are also processes within the security organisations to study the cyber behaviour of their personnel on social media. There are desks or cells within the intelligence agencies which keep a close tab on such activities. R&AW comes into play when any person within the government is in touch with persons outside the country. What are the latest technological interventions that have been made by the NTRO? The NTRO has set up a Centre for Artificial Intelligence to focus on developing AI-based solutions to detect anomalies in the behaviour of not only networks with reference to critical information infrastructure, but also of those using cyberspace for communication in sensitive sectors. Recently, there was a criticism about the NTRO making expensive purchases of equipment that were not really required. Your comments. Whenever someone tries to bring about certain changes to improve the system, there is resistance from some quarters. These are baseless allegations made by [those with] vested interests. There is a debate whether social media should be used by those in security forces. Most government officers and armed forces personnel do not go on social media using their own identities. So, it should be made mandatory that any new ID created by them on social media must be shared with the organisation concerned. This restriction must be accepted by government servants, because their job is sensitive. While visiting social media sites, especially dating sites, you have to be very sure since the webpages may resemble [the original site] but direct you somewhere else once you register. During your stint as R&AW chief, what kind of espionage attempts came to light? The cases that came to light those days were mostly phishing attempts on serving officers. As and when such cases came up, they were duly communicated to the agencies concerned. It was found that false IDs were created and the targets were largely contacted through Facebook. Upon investigation, it was found that the IP addresses were either from Pakistan or some proxy servers located in other countries. How does the adversary choose his target on social media? Intelligence agencies like the ISI are employing psychologists who scan social media and segment people of particular interests. A quick social profiling on the internet would give a fair idea of interests [of a target]. This is how they start engaging with a person. Anonymity and obfuscation of identities give them an edge. The vulnerability to be targeted, if you are part of the security establishment, is much higher. What has been the success of the NCIIPC so far in tackling cyber security threats? There was an urgent need to develop capabilities to protect critical sectors like power and energy, railways, telecom, transport, banking and finance from cyber threats. In the last three years, the NCIIPC has evolved from a handful of persons to having adequate bench strength. The existing bench strength is more reasonable though it needs quick ramp-up, looking at its mandate. The organisation is engaging with private as well as public sector companies, strategic and public enterprises on cyber security. It is liaising with the chief information security officers of these companies by training them, conducting mock drills and undertaking regular cyber-security audits. It is also drawing the necessary skillset to handle real-time threats. The NCIIPC also runs voluntary disclosure programmes for reporting any vulnerability in the critical sectors. What would be your suggestion to strengthen R&AW, which has completed 50 years? We need to revisit our recruitment rules to be able to engage with the young talent which does not have formal qualifications, but is willing to work with us. There is a need to tap this talent which exists, and create some kind of a certification processwith respect to technical fields like cybersecurity, cryptography, linguistic skills, imagery interpretation and geo-intelligencefor those who are hired on contract basis, so that it can help them later as proof of the work he or she has done in the organisation. This will help attract talent in the force. Other countries have found myriad ways of employing youngsters; it is time we also looked into it. New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) A new book brings together 25 industry executives, domain thought leaders and government officials to suggest ideas to address the country's economic and social challenges. Edited by NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, "The Path Ahead: Transformative Ideas for India" seeks to put forward transformative and innovative ideas to achieve the vision of helping India realise and capitalise upon its immense potential. With a foreword by John Chambers, chairman emeritus of Cisco Systems, and an epilogue by former chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian, the book is divided into four sections - Human Capital Development; Transforming Rural India; Towards Inclusive Growth and Prosperity; and Building Brand India. In his introduction, Kant highlights various government programmes and also some of the challenges. "In a world where geopolitical uncertainty and at times volatility is becoming more commonplace, global trade is frequently under threat as a consequence. A technological revolution in manufacturing and services in India is imminent but choosing the right reform for the right revolution will become a slightly more delicate process given the global environment and to ensure we keep step with the rest of the world," he writes. He also says that millions of Indians are entering the workforce annually with a continually major shift from rural to urban areas, and a burgeoning middle class with demands and expectations of quality health and education, further increasing the dependence on sustainable, viable and continuous growth. This, he says, is an ongoing challenge and "India is at a delicate juncture where the new generation of policymakers must take responsibility and initiative to adeptly work in tandem with industrialists, academicians and the common man to form impactful policies". According to Subramanian, despite coming a long way in moving forward on the reform and policy agenda, major challenges still lie ahead. Some of these challenges are creating jobs, increasing share of manufacturing in GDP, increasing exports growth, making banks capable of lending credit to the private sector, and providing inexpensive and quality education and healthcare to each and every Indian, he says. The book, published by Rupa, was conceptualised as a collaborative effort that borrows from the very essence of working in tandem to have meaningful discourses, says Kant. PTI ZMN RB RB Bengaluru, Nov 3 (PTI) Amid tight security, the maiden stage performance by Bollywood actor Sunny Leone in the city concluded without any hindrance. Police had tightened the security in and around the venue fearing that the members of a fringe group, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Yuva Sene (KRVYS), would disrupt the show. The pro-Kannada outfit had threatened to disrupt the event. Around 200 policemen in civil dress were deployed at the venue. The KRVYS, an offshoot of pro-Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, has been opposing the event for two reasons - first, the event would spoil the culture of Bengaluru and second, Sunny Leone was playing the lead role in a multi-lingual movie Veera Mahadevi, a period drama portraying a warrior. KRVYS state president R Harish said the agitation was called off as they had inputs that their rival group was planning to stage a parallel agitation only to defame them. "We wanted a peaceful agitation. Our intention was never to create a commotion. Hence we backed off," said Harish. The organisers had earlier planned to host the same event last year on December 31 night. However, it could not take place as the organisers had not obtained police permission. PTI GMS SMN Mumbai, Nov 3 (PTI) He may be a superstar for his fans and critics alike but as per actor Shah Rukh Khan, there are moments in his life when he feels like a "loser", something that only pushes him to work harder. "I feel like a loser over everything. I was with Aamir Khan the other day. And he asked me 'Why are you like this, Shah? Why do you think this way?' I got to know after talking that he was also thinking the same way. He wasn't asking me out of surprise, he wanted to know the answers for himself," Shah Rukh said on Friday at the trailer launch of his upcoming film "Zero". The 53-year-old superstar believes it is "always important to have lack of over confidence". "Over confidence is worse than feeling like a loser. I feel I work harder when I think I am not good enough. I always feel I'm not good enough. I sometimes joke that I don't know how to dance, I've five expressions but I genuinely believe them, that I'm not good at everything, so I've to work harder," he said. Shah Rukh plays the role of a vertically-challenged person in Aanand L Rai's film, which is set to be released on December 21. He said when he was shooting for the film there were moments of doubts which he believes every creative person experiences. "All of us had moments where we used to wonder if this is right, should we do this or not? There are so many issues actors and stars have, me the most. I'm insecure at times, overconfident at times, happy and extremely sad at times. "I'm happy with what I've done and I am happier and even sadder what I shouldn't have done and what has gone out of my hands, what is coming to my hands and all these things come together and make you feel loved when you do the right film." When asked how he deals with stress in his life, Shah Rukh said stress and anxiety will always be there at every stage in one's life. "There will be stress in life. I am 53 today and half my life is over, I am in a profession where every Friday life changes. Some of my films have done well, some have tanked. Some things have went well, some haven't. It does feel bad. Maybe out of 70 films of mine only 30 have worked. It is not that there is success rate. But at the end, everything goes well," he said. The "Jab Harry Met Sejal" actor said he usually spends his birthday meeting friends and fans. "One should not own anything. I don't own my birthday also. I don't get to be with family much. I usually have bath, meet friends, media and fans. It feels good that everyone loves me so much." PTI KKP JUR RB RB New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) Following are the top foreign stories at 1700 hours: FGN20 METOO-AKBAR-GOGOI-REAX Pallavi Gogoi says relationship with Akbar not consensual; vows to continue to speak truth Washington: US-based journalist Pallavi Gogoi, who has accused M J Akbar of raping her while working under him in India, has dismissed his claims that it was a "consensual relationship", saying a relationship based on "coercion and abuse of power" is not consensual. FGN18 NAIDU-ZIMBABWE Vice President Naidu reaches Zimbabwe, meets Indian community Harare: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said Saturday India was keen to strengthen its relations with Zimbabwe and sharing expertise with African countries as he began the second leg of his three-nation Africa visit from here. By Vilas Tokale FGN16 PAK-BLASPHEMY-LAWYER Fearing for life, Asia Bibi's lawyer flees Pak; requests govt to protect family Islamabad: The lawyer of Asia Bibi fled Pakistan early Saturday after fearing for his life amid countrywide protests by hundreds of radical Islamist hardliners against the acquittal of the Christian woman who was sentenced to death for committing blasphemy, media reports said.By Sajjad Hussain FGN15 CHINA-PAK China vows 'necessary support' to cash-strapped Pak as both countries ink 16 pacts Beijing: China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis, a top official here said Saturday as the two countries signed 16 agreements after Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang to boost their "all-weather" strategic ties. By K J M Varma FGN13 UN-LANKA-POLITICS UN chief urges Lankan prez to allow vote in Parliament 'as soon as possible' United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, urging President Maithripala Sirisena to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote "as soon as possible". By Yoshita Singh FGN10 US-OBAMA-LD CARAVAN Obama says sending troops to Mexican border is Trump's 'political stunt' Washington: Former US president Barack Obama has termed as "political stunt" his successor Donald Trump's move of sending troops to the Mexican border where thousands of "impoverished refugees" are waiting to enter America, saying this is not patriotism. By Lalit K Jha FGN9 US-TRUMP-IMMIGRATION Illegal immigration costs American taxpayers USD 100 bn a yr: Trump Washington: Illegal immigration costs American taxpayers USD 100 billion a year, President Donald Trump has said as he slammed the opposition Democratic party for advocating an open border policy facilitating an easy entry of illegal immigrants into the US.By Lalit K Jha FGN8 UN-INDIA-TERRORISM India at UN says terrorism most serious violation of human rights, emanating from beyond its borders United Nations: In a veiled attack on Pakistan, India at the UN said that terrorism is the most serious violation of human rights emanating from beyond its borders, urging the global community to take a resolute action against the menace in all its forms and manifestations.By Yoshita Singh FGN6 US-TRUMP-IRAN-DEAL Open to new deal with Iran: Trump Washington: US President Donald Trump has suggested he was open to a new comprehensive deal with Iran, saying that till then the toughest-ever sanctions on the Middle-East country that kicks off on Monday would continue. By Lalit K Jha FGN4 US-TRUMP-CHINA Trump confident of fair trade deal with China Washington: US President Donald Trump has exuded confidence of having a fair trade deal with China, warning further tariffs might follow it did not materialise. By Lalit K Jha FGN21 AFGHAN-US-ATTACK US soldier killed in 'apparent insider attack' in Kabul: NATO Kabul: One US soldier was killed and another wounded in an "apparent insider attack" in Kabul on Saturday, NATO said, in the latest such assault on international forces in Afghanistan.(AFP) RUP RUP Harare, Nov 3 (PTI) India and Zimbabwe on Saturday signed six signed agreements, including on mining, Information and communications technology (ICT), visa waiver and traditional medicine as Vice President Venkaiah Naidu met Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Kembo Mohadi and held wide-ranging talks here. Naidu arrived here Friday night on the second leg of his six-day three-nation tour to Africa, which aims at deepening Indias strategic cooperation with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi. During a delegation-level talks held between Naidu and his Zimbabwean counterpart, the two sides discussed on a wide range of areas, including defence, security, mining, capacity building, health and agriculture, the Vice President's office tweeted. "5 MoUs & one Action Plan on ICT were signed in areas ranging from Mining, Visa Waiver, Broadcasting & Culture etc," it further tweeted. Earlier in the day, Naidu also met Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa and recalled India's support to the African nation "even during period of isolation". The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation on all fronts. Mnangagwa expressed his happiness at Naidu visit soon after the general elections in Zimbabwe. Naidu also met Zimbabwe's Acting Foreign Minister S B Moyo. "A hectic day of bilateral meetings begins! VP @MVenkaiahNaidu received Acting Foreign Minister of #Zimbabwe, S.B Moyo. Both reiterated the strong political engagement and reaffirmed their desire to further strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted. Naidu is the the first high-ranking Indian Government official to visit Zimbabwe in 21 years. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had visited the African country in 1996. According to Indian Embassy in Harare, there are about 9,000 Zimbabweans of Indian origin, who are predominantly from the province of Gujarat. The expatriate Indian community in Zimbabwe is very small numbering around 500 members. Some of them are on long term business or work permits, while most are professionals engaged in IT, accountancy and banking sector. PTI SCY SCY SCY Beirut, Nov 3 (AFP) At least 14 civilians were killed Saturday in US-led coalition air strikes on the Islamic State group's last holdout in eastern Syria, a monitor said. "Fourteen civilians, including five children under the age of 18" were killed in the coalition air raids on the villages of Hajin, Sousa and Al-Shaafa in eastern Deir Ezzor province, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. (AFP) SCY SCY Indore, Nov 3 (PTI) BJP MP Anurag Thakur Saturday alleged Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was "pretending to be a religious person to deceive voters", adding that the Congress' "pretence" for "Hindu interests" made it clear that only those who talked of Hindus would rule the country. The ongoing campaign for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, slated for November 28, has seen the Congress projecting Gandhi as a 'Shiv bhakt' with the party chief offering prayers at several temples, including the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. "Rahul is pretending to be a religious person. The Congress did not remember 'janeu' (sacred thread worn by Hindus) in the last 70 years. But the Congress chief is now showing his thread to deceive voters," the Himachal MP, also the BJP's chief whip in Lok Sabha, said. "Congress used to talk about Hindu terrorism and saffron terrorism earlier. But Rahul is repeatedly visiting temples now. This has made one thing clear that those who talk about interests of Hindus would rule the country. But the Congress is only pretending to be bothered about Hindu interests," Thakur said. In reply to a question, the BJP MP from Hamirpur said, "Rahul alleges (liquor baron) Vijay Mallya, (diamantaires) Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi fled the country after taking loans worth thousands of crore rupees from Indian banks. But these businessmen were close to the Congress during the UPA regime". Speaking about alleged differences between senior Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia on ticket distribution, Thakur said the "battle" within the opposition party had led to its failure in projecting a CM face for the state. "The state Congress has been engaged in the battle of raja (Digvijaya) and maharaja (Scindia). It has even failed to decide about a chief ministerial face," the BJP leader said. The counting of votes for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls will be held on December 11. PTI HWP ADU MAS BNM SRY Ranchi, Nov 3 (PTI) A distressed Tej Pratap Yadav met his incarcerated father Lalu Prasad here on Saturday and reaffirmed that he stood by his decision to part ways with his wife barely six months after their marriage. A day after filing a divorce petition in a Patna civil court, Yadav, an RJD leader and former minister, travelled by road to Ranchi and met Prasad for over two hours at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) where he is lodged in custody in connection with fodder scam cases. Emerging from the meeting, Yadav told reporters, "I stand by my decision. A person can't live stiflingly (ghut ghut kar)". Yadav married Aishwarya Rai, daughter of former minister Chandrika Rai, on May 12 last in Patna. He, however, did not reveal what he talked about with his father, saying "we will discuss with our family members about it. But I remain firm on my decision of filing the divorce petition." To questions of journalists, he said, "I will tell whatever I have to say in the court when the matter will come up for hearing on (November) 29 and I don't feel like sharing it with you." Earlier in the day, a team of doctors checked Prasad and told reporters that everything is normal. A diabetic, Prasad is suffering from various ailments and is kept in paying ward of RIMS under supervision of doctors. After filing divorce complaint invoking Section 13 A of the Hindu Marriage Act under which either spouse can unilaterally seek divorce, Yadav on Friday evening itself had rushed to the Patna airport to fly to Ranchi to meet Prasad, but returned to the residence of his mother Rabri Devi on being persuaded by close family members. PTI PVR SNS SMN SMN Kolkata, Nov 3 (PTI) Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor Saturday alleged the trend of erecting statues and raising the issue of Ram temple at Ayodhya were attempts to distract the masses from "failures" of the BJP government at the Centre. He said the trend of erecting statues reminded him of the Roman empire when people where distracted from the oppression they faced through 'bread and circuses' (distribution of free food and staging of huge spectacles). "The issues of Statue of Unity, Ram temple, Ram statue at Ayodhya are distractions. I would urge the public of India to move away from these distractions and focus on the realities and lives of the Indians," the Congress MP said. "The reality is the Indian Aam Aadmi (common man) has been suffering for the last four and half years... This suits the agenda of the government that has failed to perform," he said. Tharoor's comment comes in the backdrop of plans to install a statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Sarayu river in Ayodhya. Joining the chorus for the construction of Ram temple in the Uttar Pradesh pilgrim town of Ayodhya, Union minister Vijay Goel had Friday said it should be done at the earliest through any means -- constitutional, legislative, judicial or community dialogue. The VHP and RSS have demanded an ordinance to acquire land for constructing the temple in Ayodhya. PTI PNT KK SRY Kolkata, Nov 3 (PTI) A delegation of Trinamool Congress leaders will visit Assam's Tinsukia district on Sunday to meet the family members of those who were killed by suspected militants, party sources said. Led by Derek O' Brien, the TMC parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha, the team will comprise the party's Lok Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haq and MLA Mahua Moitra. "The delegation will directly go to Dibrugarh and from there they will go to Tinsukia," a senior TMC leader said. Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five individuals, including three members of a family, near Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district on Thursday night. On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed anguish over the killings and said an "environment of violence" was prevailing in the country. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee demanded a court-monitored inquiry and called for the resignation of Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal over the incident. A TMC delegation of six MPs had gone to Silchar on August 2 to assess the situation in Assam in the wake of the publication of the complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) on July 30 but was stopped at the airport. They were not allowed to leave the airport and were sent back the next day. PTI PNT KK CK (Eds: Incorporating Tharoor's comments on Rahul Gandhi and related stories) Kolkata, Nov 3 (PTI) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Saturday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand". Tharoor had waded into a controversy at the Bangalore Literature Festival Sunday last by claiming that an unnamed RSS leader had compared Modi to "a scorpion sitting on a Shivling" and "you cannot remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a chappal either". A criminal defamation complaint had been filed against him in a Delhi court earlier in the day for his "scorpion" remark. Tharoor again took a swipe at the prime minister, calling him "a hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand saying I know all the answers". "Modi is a one-man government and everybody dancing to what he says," he said at an event organised by an industry body, adding India now has the "most centralised PMO" in history. "Every decision is taken by the PMO (prime minister's office). Every file has to be sent to the PMO for approval," he claimed. On the next parliamentary election, Tharoor said that there will be both pre-poll and post-poll alliances between the Congress and other opposition parties, but Congress president Rahul Gandhi "may not be" the prime ministerial face. The coming Lok Sabha election is important in that it will deny the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a second term in power, the Congress MP said. He said the decision on the prime ministerial face of the Congress alliance would be a collective one and "it may not be him (Gandhi). The Congress has a broader notion of a leader unlike the BJP. We had people like Pranab Mukherjee, P Chidambaram and others having tremendous track record". Gandhi is the unquestionable choice of Congress workers as their leader. "If free and fair elections are held among the Congress workers, Rahul Gandhi wins hands down," the Congress MP said. Continuing his criticism of the Modi government, Tharoor said, "We are having a top-down, over-centralised and inefficient government running the country and there is nothing positive in the Indian economy." "Demonetisation was a bad idea implemented badly and GST was a good idea implemented badly," Tharoor said. He said that the Indian stock is down across the globe. "The rupee was heading towards the 'Margdarshak Mandal' (a reference to a BJP panel comprising its elderly leaders)," he quipped and later clarified that the BJP panel had leaders above the age of 75. He said that communalism, cow vigilantism and mob lynching have been so extreme that India had never seen such "bizarre politics in the past". "There are damning statistics to prove that," he added. Tharoor, who was the minister of state for external affairs in the UPA government and is currently chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, said there was "total collapse of relations between India with other countries". "Nobody knows what is the coherent foreign relations policy with Pakistan, similarly with Nepal and Sri Lanka," he said. Tharoor regretted that Gandhi is being dubbed a 'Pappu' by some in the social media. "This is not fair and it is unjustified. Congress workers are really stitched to the Gandhi family and want their leader to be from there," he said. Regarding the Sabarimala temple controversy, Tharoor said, "These issues are being whipped up to distract attention from the real problems like oil price rise, Rafale deal, etc." Speaking at another programme, he alleged that the trend of erecting statues and raising the issue of Ram temple in Ayodhya were attempts to distract the masses from "failures" of the BJP government at the Centre. He said the trend of erecting statues reminded him of the Roman empire when people where distracted from the oppression they faced through 'bread and circuses' (distribution of free food and staging of huge spectacles). "The issues of Statue of Unity, Ram temple, Ram statue at Ayodhya are distractions. I would urge the public of India to move away from these distractions and focus on the realities and lives of the Indians," the Congress MP said. "The reality is the Indian Aam Aadmi (common man) has been suffering for the last four and half years... This suits the agenda of the government that has failed to perform," he said. Tharoor's comment comes in the backdrop of plans to install a statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Sarayu river in Ayodhya. Joining the chorus for the construction of Ram temple in the Uttar Pradesh pilgrim town of Ayodhya, Union minister Vijay Goel had Friday said it should be done at the earliest through any means -- constitutional, legislative, judicial or community dialogue. The VHP and the RSS have demanded an ordinance to acquire land for constructing the temple in Ayodhya. PTI DC PNT KK SMN SMN Kolkata, Nov 3 (PTI) Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday termed as "frivolous" the criminal defamation complaint filed by the BJP against him in a Delhi court and alleged that it was an attempt to "throttle the freedom of expression". Delhi BJP leader Rajeev Babbar filed the complaint against Tharoor's alleged "scorpion" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said his religious sentiments were hurt by the statement. Tharoor had stoked a fresh controversy Sunday while speaking at Bangalore Literature Festival, claiming that an unnamed RSS leader had compared Modi to "a scorpion sitting on a Shivling". The complaint, filed through advocate Neeraj, termed the statement as an "intolerable abuse" and "absolute vilification" of the faith of millions of people. Reacting to it, Tharoor told reporters, "The charges are frivolous ... If we start to stifle the right of the people to quote published material then where would our democracy head ?... Where is the freedom of expression ?" Asked whether he felt the criminal defamation suit against him "is an attempt to throttle his voice", Tharoor said, "Apparently it seems so". The complaint was filed under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code relating to defamation. The matter is likely to come up for hearing Saturday. PTI PNT KK RT Assam killings: Congress observe 'black day' in Bengal (Eds: correcting day in intro) Kolkata, Nov 3 (PTI) The Congress on Saturday observed 'black day' across West Bengal in protest against the killings of five Bengali-speaking people in Assam's Tinsukia district on Thursday. Several top state Congress leaders took out protest rallies in the city and accussed the BJP-led government in Assam of purusing divisive politics. "Both the Assam government and the central government should take steps to enusre safety and security of Bengalis living in Assam," state Congress president Somen Mitra demanded. Wearing black badges, Congress activists shouted slogans against the BJP and demanded that a proper inquiry be conducted into the killings. Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five individuals, including three members of a family, near Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district on Thursday night. PTI PNT NN NN NN NN Centre awards Assam Police for citizen services Guwahati, Nov 3 (PTI) The Union government has awarded the Assam Police for "good practices" under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), an e-governance project, an official release said Saturday. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also awarded Anil Kumar Jha, Special Director General (CID) of the force, for his outstanding contribution in implementing the project. The award was given for citizen centric service delivery, in which the state police has automated passport verification and Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) services using the online CCTNS, the release said. "Earlier, manual passport police verification used to take a considerable time, which has been reduced to a maximum of 21 days as per passport requirements. Similarly for PRC, the students need not submit the police verification separately now, which was delaying the entire process," it said. When contacted, Jha, who is the nodal officer to carry out the CCTNS project in Assam Police, said: "We have been working on for many years to successfully implement the project. We are happy to receive the award as it is a recognition of our hard work. It would be our endeavour to further improve our public delivery system through the CCTNS." The award was handed over to the Assam Police on October 30 during the two-day conference on "CCTNS--Good practices and Success Stories" organised by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) in New Delhi. Under the CCTNS, the force has recently launched a mobile application for ease of availability of services to the citizens, besides the existing online system. Assam Police had launched a Citizen Portal on January 1, 2016 and currently offers 10 types of services for the people, thereby bringing policing closer to the public. To extend the service, the police plans to launch within a year a digital platform for submission of time bound accident information report by police to Motor Accident Claim Tribunal (MACT) Court. PTI TR NN NN New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday while opposition parties were joining hands to protect their ruling dynasties, the BJP worked to change the country's destiny, as he dubbed some rivals as "lying machines who fire off lies like AK-47". Modi asked BJP workers not to be concerned with the alliance of opposition parties, saying people do not accept them and even "hate" them for their negative works, refusal to recognise the country's good works and "abuses and insults" for the Army. His comments targeting the alliance of opposition parties came after a BJP worker sought his response during a video interaction on the coming together of "anti-national" forces like the communists and Congress whenever he takes a step to "protect" Indian values. Responding to another question in the interaction with party workers of five Lok Sabha constituencies, he accused the opposition of telling lies against his government and said people now had many means to find correct information. "Some leaders are like lying machines. Whenever they open their mouths, they fire off lies like AK 47," he said, asking Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to unmask their lies by taking correct information to the masses. Modi made a reference to a WhatsApp post in which, he said, media persons found that people attending a recent opposition's protests had little idea about the reasons for which they were raising slogans against him. They became a laughing stock, he said. Some opposition leaders give many different figures in a day, Modi said. However, he said, people know the truth and if a party worker speaks to 100 persons his confidence will grow many times. Though the prime minister did not name any rival, the BJP has been taking on Congress president Rahul Gandhi for allegedly citing different figures related to the Rafale deal, described as a scam by him. In a reference to his and the BJP-led state governments, Modi said while they were working to change the country's destiny, the opposition was concerned about its ruling dynasties. Opposition parties are coming together as their leaders wanted to leave behind something for their sons, he said. They fear what will happen to 200-500 dynasties if the BJP remains in power for five to 10 more years, Modi said, adding that these families have had a tight hold over the country since its independence. "Due to this concern and to protect their dynasties, they have come together. They are concerned that they should leave something behind for their progenies," Modi said. He was apparently referring to growing attempts among opposition parties like the Congress, the Left and many regional outfits to put up a united fight against the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Modi also asked party workers to stay updated with latest information about his government's works through his app and publicise it among the masses. They should also compare the his government's works with the previous dispensations as people tend to forget about the past, he said. Referring to the big jump India saw in its ease of doing business ranking and a slew of measures announced by him for the micro, small and medium enterprises, Modi said a "virtuous cycle" had begun and that India's potential was now leading to performance and progress. It will then lead to higher potential, better performance and more progress, he said. India's rankling in the ease of doing business had jumped to 77 from 142, and it was a recognition the country's development and reforms, the prime minister said. PTI KR KR ANB ANB Srinagar, Nov 3 (PTI) The family of Ahtesham Bilal Sofi, the 17-year-old Sharda University student who reportedly has joined the Islamic State Jammu Kashmir (ISJK), Saturday appealed to militants to have "mercy on us" and let him return home. Ahtesham's father Bilal Ahmad Sofi made the appeal in a video message that is being shared widely on social media. Bilal said his son was the "only male heir of an extended family" and asked the militant to allow him return home. "Have mercy on us and let him return. Allah will have mercy on you," he said. Ahtesham, a resident of Khanyar locality in downtown Srinagar, was a first-year graduation student at the university at Greater Noida. He went missing on October 28 after he left the varsity with official permission to go to Delhi, days after he was mistakenly roughed up during a scuffle between Indian and Afghan students in the campus. Later, pictures on social media showed Ahtesham dressed in a black outfit and claimed he had joined the ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. "Your paradise is your parents, you are the only hope of 12 family members. Did you forget that this house has seen four deaths in the last two years," said Bilal in the fervent appeal with tears streaming down his face. The mother of the teenager also pleaded and begged her only son to return home as she wept inconsolably next to her husband. Following Ahtesham's disappearance, a missing complaint was registered at the Knowledge Park police station in Greater Noida as well as at Khanyar police station in Srinagar. PTI MIJ AQS AQS Amritsar, Nov 3 (PTI) A woman employee of a Punjab government-run cooperative federation has alleged sexual harassment by her senior, who has subsequently been suspended, officials said Saturday. In written complaints to the head of the state women commission and the Amritsar police commissioner, the woman, working in the Markfed office here, alleged sexual harassment by the district manager, Kulwinder Singh Randhawa. Randhawa denied all allegations levelled by the woman and said it was "a deep-rooted conspiracy" against him. The woman alleged that Randhawa pulled her cheeks, forcibly kissed her and threatened her with transfer to another district if she raised her voice. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Lakhbir Singh said a special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted to look into the complaint and it will led by a woman police officer. The entire female staff of the Markfed office in Amritsar stood by her and supported her claims, said the police officer. In a statement in Chandigarh, Markfed managing director Varun Roojam said Randhawa has been suspended over sexual harassment charges. A committee has been formed by Markfed for carrying out a comprehensive probe into the matter, he said. PTI JMS VSD SMN New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) Minister of State Hardeep Singh Puri Saturday spoke on the importance of sustainable development goals (SDGs) to combat the perils of climate change. "The situation in our cities is getting worse day by day. We have to ensure we have a carbon neutral footprint to combat the perils of climate change," Puri was quoted as saying at the 'Climate Jamboree', a youth mobilisation campaign for achieving a climate neutral lifestyle and showcasing sustainability, according to a statement. SDGs, otherwise known as global goals, are an universal call of action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity. "It is time for a global accelerator movement towards a de-carbonised world, and youth are going to be the agents of change to drive and mitigate climate change," he said. Participating at the event, writer and lyricist Prasoon Joshi said, "The modern development that we see especially in western countries has led to many distortions and therefore we need a holistic development model which is sustainable and can cater to the future generations." PTI UZM UZM IND IND Raipur, Nov 3 (PTI) Lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan said Saturday that the Rafale fighter jet deal involves both financial corruption and compromise with national security, unlike the Bofors scam. Addressing a press conference here, Bhushan said, "Not only corruption was committed but national security has also been compromised (with the Rafale deal)...Bofors scandal was a Rs 64-crore commission scam, but there was no issue of compromise with national security. In Rafale scam, there is commission scam of Rs 20,000 crore in which national security has (also) been compromised." He was asked whether the Rafale issue is comparable to the alleged scam in the purchase of Bofors howitzers during the Rajiv Gandhi government's tenure in 1980s. Bhushan, along with former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, has moved the Supreme Court seeking a CBI probe into the Rafale deal. The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the Centre for pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets India is buying from France in a sealed cover within 10 days in response to PILs. PTI TKP KRK SMN SMN SMN Srinagar, Nov 3 (PTI) An unidentified militant was killed in a brief gun battle with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Saturday, police said. Security personnel launched a cordon and search operation in the Khudpora area of Shopian following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter as militants opened fire upon the personnel who then retaliated. One militant was killed, the official said, adding that incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, were recovered from the scene of the encounter. PTI MIJ IJT Jaipur, Nov 3 (PTI) The Anti-Terrorism Squad of Rajasthan Police seized unaccounted cash worth Rs 1.2 crore, 2 kg gold and 2 quintals of silver from a consignment inside a train at Jaipur junction Saturday night. The consignment was found in the Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express. "Following a tip-off about the hawala money in a parcel, a team of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in coordination with the railway authorities and Government Railway Police (GRP) searched the parcel. "They found Rs 1.2 crore cash, gold biscuits weighing 2 kg and 2 quintals of silver in raw form," ADG (ATS and SOG) Umesh Mishra told PTI. He said the income tax authorities have been informed about the matter and they were probing the source and destination of the consignment. PTI SDA SRY New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Saturday took out a protest march to seek justice for the families of those killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The march, led by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, started from Gurudwara Pratapganj and ended outside Parliament Street police station. The Akali Dal has been seeking justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which a large number of Sikhs were killed in the national capital and in other parts of the country in the aftermath of former prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. PTI SKC KJ Maoists set earthmovers ablaze in Hazaribagh Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), Nov 3 (PTI) Armed Maoists set ablaze five earthmovers engaged in road construction in Hazaribagh district Saturday, a senior police officer said. The extremists raided the camp office of a construction company engaged in the construction of roads in Ekilsara village in Hazaribagh district and set the earthmovers ablaze at around 7 pm, Deputy Inspector General of Police (North Chhota Nagpur Range) Pankaj Kamboj said. The DIG said that the NTPCs coal mining project authorities of Barkagaon provided the vehicles and equipment to the construction company to lift soil and level the roads. PTI CORR PVR JM JM New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) A Delhi court on Saturday dismissed the bail application of Manoj Prasad, an alleged middleman arrested in connection with bribery allegations involving the agency's Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Special CBI judge Santosh Snehi Mann denied bail to Prasad saying it was not a fit stage to grant him relief. The agency had opposed the application saying that the accused was an influential person and if released on bail, he may tamper with the ongoing probe and flee from justice. In his bail application, Manoj Prasad had said he was not required for the custodial interrogation and no purpose will be served by keeping him in further custody. Manoj Prasad, arrested on October 17, is currently in judicial custody. The court had on October 31 granted bail to co-accused and CBI's DSP Devender Kumar after the agency did not oppose his bail petition. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered an FIR against Rakesh Asthana and others on a written complaint of businessman Sathish Sana on October 15. Besides Rakesh Asthana, Manoj Prasad and Devender Kumar, another alleged middleman Somesh Prasad has also been named as an accused in the case The FIR had alleged that Devender Kumar, being the Investigating Officer (IO) in the case against meat exporter Moin Qureshi, was repeatedly calling the complainant to the CBI office to harass him and compel him to pay a bribe of Rs five crore for getting a clean chit in the case. The complaint had also alleged that a part of the bribe was paid by Sathish Sana. PTI UK RT Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 3 (PTI) The Opposition Congress in Kerala Saturday demanded a probe into the nepotism charge against Minister for Local Administration, K T Jaleel. The Muslim Youth League alleged Friday that Adeeb K T, a cousin of Jaleel, was appointed general manager in Kerala State Minorities Development Finance Corporation, flouting rules. Adeeb was serving as manager of a private bank when the appointment was made. "The allegation that the minister's cousin was appointed in the corporation after making changes in the education qualification required for the post, is serious. "Jaleel's Facebook post saying his cousin was forced to take up the post as no one with the requisite qualification turned up creates doubts," Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala said Saturday. He said the Facebook post of Jaleel, justifying the appointment, amounts to confession. However, Jaleel dismissed the charge as baseless. "It was to appoint a person from a reputed financial institution. The corporation advertised for the post with MBA or B.Tech with PGDBA/CS/CA/ICWAI and three years' experience as the criteria. Seven people had applied for the post out of which three appeared for interview. "And those three did not have the requisite qualification," Jaleel said clarifying his stand in a Facebook post. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Mullappally Ramachandran warned the government of legal consequences if a probe was not initiated into the matter. "The eligibility criteria was changed without even intimating the board of directors of the corporation in order to recruit his relative," Ramachandran alleged. He also alleged that relatives of any CPI(M) leader can get plum posts in this government. Jaleel is the second minister of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government being caught in the nepotism row. In October 2016, just five months after coming to power, then Industries minister E P Jayarajan had to resign on a similar charge. However, Jayarajan was reinstated as a minister in August this year. PTI RRT UD APR APR ABH ABH TRS govt let down Muslims on promise of 12 pc reservation Hyderabad, Nov 3 (PTI): The TRS government in Telangana has let down Muslims on its promise of 12 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, state Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy alleged here Saturday. "He (TRS president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao) dragged the issue for four years and now he has stopped talking about it. Have you ever found any truth in KCR's talk? KCR's promise on 12 per cent Muslim quota (for backward sections among Muslims) was nothing but a tactic to cheat the community. TRS never raised the issue at a higher level even once," he said, addressing a meeting of leaders of the Jamiatul Ulema-e-Hind, a party release said. Reddy alleged that there was a clandestine understanding between TRS and BJP, with the former supporting the saffron party's candidates in the elections for the offices of the President and Vice President. Congress has proposed an alliance with TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) forthe December 7 assembly elections in Telangana. PTI SJR APR APR APR Bikaner, Nov 3 (PTI) Senior BJP leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Saturday said the feedback of party workers would play a crucial role in selection of candidates for the assembly elections in Rajasthan. Shekhawat, who is heading the party's election management committee in the state, said the party's parliamentary committee will take finalise tickets. He said his committee was tasked to prepare a feedback report on winnable candidates. "The party workers' opinion and feedback will be considered before finalising the tickets," the union minister of state for agriculture told reporters here. He said the party has stated that the elections will be fought under the leadership of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. When asked whether sitting MPs would contest the elections, Shekhawat said if the party directed he or any other MP would contest the polls. Speaking on the Ram temple issue, Shekhawat said the issue was related to public sentiment and that the party was committed to construct the temple but the the Supreme Court's decision would be most important. PTI CORR SDA IND IND City firms come and go but Rothschild is forever. The merchant bank has already gifted France its president in the shape of Emmanuel Macron, a protege of recent chairman David de Rothschild. Now it is to supply the next chair of Barclays in veteran dealmaker Nigel Higgins. The choice of Higgins should be a support to chief executive Jes Staley as he battles to preserve Barclays's credentials as Europe's leading investment bank in the face of unwanted attentions from activist investor Ed Bramson of Sherborne. Support: Nigel Higgins should be a support to Barclays' chief executive Jes Staley (pictured) One trusts the choice of a City grandee will turn out a little better than the last chairman from the Square Mile, Marcus Agius, who honourably stepped down after the Libor fixing scandal. There is no escaping the fact that although the latest departing chairman John McFarlane has steadied the ship, extravagant promises to triple the share price never materialised. The bank's progress has been challenged by its past including the US sub-prime mortgage fines and the shadow of the Middle East fund raising a decade ago. Criminal charges have been dropped against the bank, but former bosses including patrician chief executive John Varley still face trial. Staley's focus on strengthening the investment bank was reinforced by a robust third quarter, demonstrating the bank is still a force in the debt markets where it has long had expertise. It also has been involved in some of the most high profile M&A, including advice to Sky during the bid battle between Comcast and 21st Century Fox. The Lehman inheritance in the US means it has a much bigger footprint on Wall Street and beyond than European counterparts Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse. Pulling back Barclays from this field of play, leaving British and global clients with little choice but the big American houses, would be a mistake as the City braces for the post-Brexit era. Admittedly Bramson delivered for his investors at Electra and F&C. There is no disputing that with Barclays shares selling at a 30 per cent discount to book value, there is still much repair work to be done. Barclays needs to be more than just another utility bank such as Lloyds and RBS. It is a great pity that Sherborne's City backers, which include Aviva Investors, Columbia Threadneedle and Fidelity Worldwide Investors, continue to back Bramson rather than a 300-year-old bank with a name that still carries weight globally. With Higgins in place Sherborne's august crew of backers should tell Bramson to sling his hook. Culture vultures Goldman Sachs is another investment bank that has conquered the world, counting among its alumni governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, European Central Bank president, Mario Draghi, and US Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin. But Goldman's efforts to clean up its culture post financial crisis, first under Lloyd Blankfein and now under new dance-music loving chairman David Solomon, have hit trouble. The decision by US prosecutors to launch criminal charges against two former Goldman Sachs bankers and Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho is a reputational blow. Goldman's former Asia partner Tim Leissner has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money and to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices, and forfeited $43.7m. Colleague Roger Ng has been arrested in Malaysia and extradition is being sought. The co-head of Asia investment banking Andrea Vella has been suspended. Goldman collected $600m in fees for its work in three bond offerings for the Malaysian entity 1MDB which raised $6.5 billion in 2012 and 2013. Some of the money ended up in Van Gogh paintings, Beverly Hills properties and, fittingly, the movie The Wolf Of Wall Street. Until now the Malaysian scandal has been under the radar largely because it was in a country where corruption is not unknown. Now the Feds are involved no one can be sure how bloody it may get. Sinking feeling It hasn't been a great week for the digital giants. Facebook disappointed investors with sub-octane growth. Google staff went on strike over the alleged failure to deal with sexual harassment. And Apple fans look to be less than delighted with surging prices for new devices. Closer to home Philip Hammond is breaking ranks with the EU by devising a UK digital tax. The tech rally is fizzling with the stock market values of the eight biggest firms down 21 per cent or $900 billion since September. Yikes. Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. R.K. writes: The contactless chip on my ageing NatWest debit card was not working, so I ordered a replacement. A few days later the card arrived with an expiry date of June 2021 and the bank ordered me to destroy the old card which I did. Soon afterwards though, NatWest sent me another card with an expiry date of July 2021 and again ordered me to destroy the existing card, which I did. I then went to Heathrow to fly to Thailand for five weeks, but when I tried to buy goods at the airport my new card was declined. I rang NatWest and was told the new card had been cancelled, but I could rectify this at one of its branches. My holiday was a disaster and I had to contact people weekly to send me money via Western Union. Crisis: The reader was forced to have money wired out to him in Bangkok It is easy now to look back and see what has happened. Your first card no longer worked properly. The second card replaced the first. But the first card was about to expire, so NatWest was already geared up to issue the third card as its replacement. When NatWest sent you the third card it intended you to destroy the first card, overlooking the fact that you had already cut up the first card and so would destroy the second card instead. Simple when you work it out like this. The consequences for you were less simple, though. When you called the bank from Heathrow, you got through to an adviser with just five minutes to spare before your flight. He could do nothing to help. Luckily, you had paid in advance for your first three nights in Bangkok and you had some cash. But when this ran low you were forced to use your mobile phone to call home and get people to send you money regularly that you could collect in cash from Western Union in Thailand. NatWest has told me that staff did realise you would not need the third debit card as you were already using the second card. They cancelled the third card, but it was still sent to you almost a fortnight later, with instructions to destroy the card you already had. The bank has now offered to compensate you with a payment of 600 which you have accepted. This is made up of 150 for your mobile phone calls, 200 to cover Western Union money transfer charges, and 250 for the inconvenience. In future, I am sure you will try using any replacement cards just to make sure they work before you cut up your existing cards and risk getting stuck in Bangkok without a baht to your name. TSB called in the police when all I wanted was to withdraw my money P.T. writes: I went into the TSB branch in Broad Street, Reading, to draw some cash. I was kept sitting in the assistant manager's office for about an hour after already producing my debit card and my passport. Then four police officers turned up and circled me and my wife. They started questioning why I wanted my money. I did not answer. I simply walked out, telling TSB I was going to transfer my account to a bank across the road. I am 86, served in the RAF, and am an atomic bomb veteran. I asked myself why I risked my own life to give these idiots a secure one. Sign of the times: It cannot be normal to call the police every time an 86-year-old customer wants to withdraw their own money Your experience is a classic example of what can go badly wrong when a bank reckons it is acting for the best but fails to be sufficiently diplomatic and tactful. It cannot be normal to call the police every time an 86-year-old customer wants to withdraw their own money, so I asked TSB what made this occasion suspicious. The bank told me you had already made one large withdrawal about a month earlier. This time you asked for an even larger sum, 8,000 in cash. You made a joke about keeping it 'under the bed', bank staff say. All the big banks have asked their staff to watch out for large cash withdrawals by elderly customers who might be victims of 'financial grooming' by relatives, carers, or the sort of gangs that knock on your door and tell you about a loose slate on your roof but then demand thousands of pounds for fixing it. When staff suspect this, they notify the police. It is unfortunate that on the day you were at the TSB branch, four officers turned up rather than the typical pair. This made it look like official overkill. In fact, two of the officers were trainees, learning on the job. TSB has told me it is really sorry you were unhappy at what took place. A spokesman said: 'Protecting our customers from fraud is our number one priority.' Branch staff followed correct procedures, he added. I do understand why you were upset and angered. But having seen the other side of the coin where senior citizens are cheated, I have to say that I also appreciate why the bank staff did what they did. I have been billed for four years gas...do I have to pay? Ms S.C. writes: In November 2014, I decided to change from Npower to Green Star Energy. I then changed my mind and went back to Npower before the switch was complete. In 2015, I realised I was not receiving gas bills. I checked with Npower which said I was with Green Star. So I checked with Green Star and was told I was with Npower. As a result, I have not paid for my gas since the end of 2014. Surely I cannot be made to pay now? I askedboth companies to look into this, and Npower told me it had a record of your switch to Green Star, but no record of any request to scrap this and keep supplying your home with gas. Worryingly though, while I was in discussions with Green Star, it sent you a bill for 1,248, based on an estimate. Green Star failed to produce calculations I requested to show how it reached this figure, but it appears to have ignored the rule that a customer can only be billed for a maximum of one years arrears. When this rule was applied, the bill plummeted to just 332. Green Star has also offered 100 in compensation, cutting the bill to just 232. It says it will spread the cost of collecting this, if that would help you. Diamond trio with 'Towie' link jailed Three men who ran a boiler room selling vastly overpriced diamonds as an investment have been jailed after cheating customers out of 415,000. The trio were caught after City of London Police officers went to Reco Commodities LLP on King William Street following genuine reports of a burglary. They found notes about victims and scripts showing how to trick investors. Aaron Fay, 32, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for conspiracy to defraud. Also convicted were Martin Ball, 30, and Sudhir Singh Kundi, 39, both jailed for three and a half years. Given a ban: Aaron Fay, right, and Towie's Dan Edgar In addition Fay has been banned from acting as a company director for 15 years. His partners at Reco Commodities Mark Cooney and former reality TV figure Dan Edgar of The Only Way Is Essex were not prosecuted but have been banned from holding directorships for 14 years and 13 years respectively. Police say some victims were on a 'sucker list' held by Kundi who had dealt with them before. In 2013 he was disqualified from running any limited company for five years, following his role as boss of UKLI Limited, a scam land investment company. As long ago as 2003, I warned that all UKLI's investors were likely to get for their money was a patch of expensive grass. The company raked in 69 million from 4,500 victims before it was shut down in 2008. Export expert: Baroness Fairhead Rona whoooooo?' the Groucho Club's polo-necked barflies unisoned when Rona Fairhead was first announced as BBC chairman. When the opportunity to oversee our national broadcaster became available back in 2015, the former Financial Times chief executive's name wasn't exactly the first on everyone's lips. The plum posting had previously been the preserve of media bigwigs (Lord Grade) silky New Labour apparatchiks (Sir Michael Lyons) or piggy public-sector troughers (Lord Patten). Fairhead was an unknown element, which made cossetted Corporation lifers jittery. As a career businesswoman, there were fears she might try to apply a bit of private-sector sanity on the Beeb's profligate spending culture. Worse still, her husband Tom, a private equity boss, had served as a Conservative councillor and the couple were said to be friendly with George Osborne, leading to suspicions she might also have been gasp! a filthy Tory. She certainly looked like one. In her cream skirt suits and chunky pearls, she could have stepped from Tatler's society pages circa Princess Di's power-dressing period. It was Fairhead's first proper public-sector role, and the steely mother-of-three appears to have developed a taste for it. Rona, or Baroness Fairhead as she now is, serves as the Government's export minister, an unpaid position requiring her to beat the drum for British business around the world. Over the past year, she's racked up more air miles than Phileas Fogg. Good job aviation happens to be one of her hobbies. A member of Bournemouth flying club, she was about to requalify as a pilot until Downing Street offered her the job last September. Raised in the North East as the daughter of a maths teacher and an atomic physicist, it was perhaps inevitable Fairhead would become the class swot. She was head girl at the fee-paying Yarm School before gaining a double first in Law at Cambridge, where she coxed rowing eights. Her first job was in boring management consultancy at Bain. A stint at Morgan Stanley followed before joining Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier, hence the passion for planes. In 1996 she returned to the North East after joining chemical giant ICI as vice president. Six years later she was offered a finance director role at Financial Times publisher Pearson. She formed a double act with its charismatic chief, Dame Marjorie Scardino, who appointed her chief executive of the FT in 2006. As well as a rumoured 3m pay package, her offices were said to be so lavishly decorated that chippy underlings dubbed her Rona Overhead. But when Dame Marjorie retired in 2012, Fairhead was passed over in favour of the younger John Fallon. She chose not hang around, departing months later with a 1m payoff. Fairhead wasn't the first choice for the BBC role. David Cameron tried to attract Lord Coe, who was still basking in the success of the London Olympics. But the former athlete presciently saw it as an oily chalice. Auntie was still tottering from the Jimmy Savile scandal, as well as the Newsnight/Lord McAlpine controversy. With a seemingly gilded life spent between a 4m home in London's Holland Park and weekend cottage on Berkshire's Highclere Castle estate, why Fairhead wanted the job is anyone's guess. Seen as a metropolitan Cameron stooge, there were immediate attempts to unseat her. When it emerged she'd been a 500,000 director of HSBC when its Swiss arm was dogged by alleged tax avoidance, Labour's finger wagger-in-chief Margaret Hodge demanded her resignation. Phew! Once nanny Hodge wades in with jowly indignation, you know you're probably safe. Fairhead stood down last year when Theresa May ignominiously asked her reapply for her job, preferring to accept a peerage and work in the Trade department instead. If her torrid BBC experience has toughened her resolve, perhaps we should be grateful. The hot-to-trot Baroness is currently busy trying to secure as many trade deals as possible as we prepare to exit the European Union. If she can tie up a few before March, we'll be remembering her name for a long while yet. British Airways' owner IAG has taken a bullish bet on post-Brexit Britain, promising to invest an extra 440m every year in the airline. Some have aired fears over the airline industry's future after the UK leaves the EU, but IAG's boss Willie Walsh has brushed aside most concerns. He has raised the firm's annual spend to 2.3 billion saying he was not 'afraid to make investments'. In a presentation to investors, Walsh added that he not given up on buying long-haul budget carrier Norwegian even though it rebuffed two of his takeover offers earlier this year. Walsh said: 'We continue to watch, we continue to have an interest, but as I've said before the interest wanes over time and we'll wait and see.' Just last week, when IAG revealed stalling profits as fuel costs soared, Walsh took the chance to praise Norwegian over a financing deal it had agreed. But the Irishman had more surprises in store as he confirmed that Qatar Airways, IAG's biggest investor with 21.5 per cent of the company, could walk away from the Oneworld airline alliance. The alliance co-operates to offer rewards for frequent travellers, such as flyer miles, flight upgrades and access to travel lounges. Qatar Airways' chief executive Akbar Al Baker had already threatened to quit Oneworld over tensions with American Airlines, but Walsh's reference is the first independent confirmation that he was serious. IAG itself is focusing on increasing profits, from a target of 5.7 billion per year over the last three years to 6.3 billion over the next five years. Gerald Khoo, an analyst at Liberum, said it was 'positive that the targets have gone up despite a tougher fuel cost environment', but that there may be investor scepticism as to whether IAG can actually deliver on the goals. After a turbulent day, shares edged down by 0.6 per cent, or 3.8p, to 614.2p. Troubled software firm Sage managed to pull up its depressed share price slightly, making the surprise announcement that it would promote its chief financial officer to chief executive. Steve Hare had been running the company since Stephen Kelly was ousted in August, following dismal results and lack of progress in Sage's recovery plans. He has been on the board as chief financial officer since 2014. City sources had speculated that the lack of a leader at Sage, combined with its shabby share price, could leave the business vulnerable to a hostile takeover or an approach from an activist investor. Sage's chairman, Donald Brydon, said that though the company searched for external candidates with the 'experience, vision and deep knowledge' needed, 'it very quickly became clear that Hare is the right person to lead Sage'. Investors reacted positively to the appointment, as shares jumped 2.7 per cent, or 14.6p, to 564.6p. Analyst Martin O'Sullivan at Shore Capital said: 'Sage is now unlikely to make any radical departures from the current strategy, as some had speculated, as Mr Hare has been central to the current direction of travel. We believe the current strategy will continue to bear fruit.' Sage, which makes accounting software for businesses, is attempting to move to a model where it charges customers a subscription rather than a one-off fee. Despite Sage's gains, the FTSE 100 slipped 0.3 per cent, or 20.5 points, to 7094.1. Sterling maintained most of Thursday's gains, following reports that the UK was nearing a Brexit deal with the EU. It was trading at around $1.296 at the close. On the FTSE 250, TP Icap the world's largest interdealer broker climbed 2.5 per cent, or 7.3p, to 295.7p as it announced it was scooping up US energy broker Axiom. There is not enough analysis data for Carpetright. 4.0 Community Rank Outperform Votes Carpetright has received 247 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Carpetright has received 164 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Carpetright has received 60.10% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Carpetright and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe CPR will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe CPR will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Schenectady There's likely some apprehension here this weekend in the wake of General Electric's weak third quarter earnings report. Newly appointed CEO H. Lawrence Culp Jr. focused on Schenectady-based GE Power's poor financial performance during an earnings call last week and said the headquarters operation would be reorganized. Details are few. "I can guess some people are a little bit itchy," said Hugh Johnson, chairman, chief investment officer and founder of Hugh Johnson Advisors in Albany. But he added that Culp, who previously headed Danaher Corp., is the right person for the challenging job that awaits. "Our analysts have spent time with Danaher. We own the stock," said Johnson. "We like very much what he did at Danaher." Schenectady was where General Electric got its start more than 150 years ago. Through that period it has created, and in some cases spun off, businesses ranging from light bulbs and power generation equipment to locomotives, household appliances and wind turbines. GE continues to have a significant presence in the Capital Region, with 5,000 employees, a spokesman said Friday. In addition to its manufacturing operations, where it produces steam turbines and generators, GE also monitors and services wind turbines, and has some corporate operations, all in Schenectady. Its Global Research Center in nearby Niskayuna serves the entire company, as well as providing research on topics ranging from cybersecurity, additive manufacturing and aviation to health care and nuclear plant safety. The laboratories employ 1,500 people, including 1,000 scientists, engineers and other researchers, 600 of them with Ph.Ds. A manufacturing plant at the Rensselaer Technology Park, part of GE's health care business, produces digital mammography equipment. Even as uncertainty surrounds the headquarters operation, GE continues to hire locally. Indeed.com, for example, listed 118 job openings at the end of last week for positions in the Schenectady area. But the outlook for the GE Power headquarters is cloudy. In addition to reorganizing GE Power into two units a gas life cycles unit that combines products and services, and a unit that includes steam, grid, nuclear and power conversion businesses the move will "effectively eliminat(e) the Power headquarter structure," Culp said during Tuesday's earnings call. GE has said it plans to cut $2 billion in structural costs, much of it at GE Power. Demand isn't expected to immediately improve. "The business is confronting weak industry demand and overcapacity that are partly related to a shift toward renewable energy," according to a credit downgrade issued Friday from Fitch Ratings. (Fitch is a unit of Hearst, which publishes the Times Union.) Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "GE is reorganizing and restructuring the business although a turnaround could be slow," Fitch added in the report that downgraded GE and GE Capital to BBB+ from A, with a stable outlook. The rating is three levels above non-investment grade. "GE has a sound liquidity position, including cash and operating credit lines," a GE spokesman told the Times Union Friday afternoon. The downgrade is manageable and we are prepared for it. We remain committed to strengthening the balance sheet including deleveraging." And the company continues to pursue new technologies, particularly at the headquarters of its Global Research unit in Niskayuna. Additive manufacturing, a technology that's already producing fuel nozzles for the new LEAP jet engine, is a focus at the Niskayuna laboratories. The new engine is produced by CFM International, a joint venture of General Electric and France's Safran Aircraft Engines. Demand for the LEAP engines has helped buoy results at GE Aviation, where equipment orders were up 82 percent from year earlier levels, said Jamie S. Miller, GE's senior vice president and chief financial officer. Other initiatives cover artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and something called digital twins, software representations of equipment and other assets that can be used to optimize performance and improve results. Research into ceramics and other advanced materials resulted in a $33 million contract announced last week from the U.S. Department of Energy that seeks to make nuclear fuel rods safer and better able to withstand the loss of coolant. GE is working with the Los Alamos, Oak Ridge and Idaho National Laboratories, while Global Nuclear Fuels, Exelon and Southern Nuclear are conducting field studies. As for GE's long-term outlook? "I have no idea what's going to happen," said Johnson. "But we admire what Culp has done. "GE is going to become a better company," Johnson added. "But it's not going to happen quickly." eanderson@timesunion.com 518-454-5323 HEALTH CARE YOUTHISME Warren Wexelman, a practicing cardiologist for more than 30 years, was appointed medical director. Wexelman is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the New York City area and previously served as associate chief medical officer at Maimonides Medical Center, where he was the founding director of the cardiac rehabilitation and exercise program. NONPROFITS NEW YORK INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR Robert Fernandez was named interim president and CEO. Fernandez joined in 2000 as general counsel and chief compliance officer and later served as chief legal officer. PROFESSIONS CPL Michael Yamin joined the electrical engineering team. Yamin, who previously served as a mechanical drafter at SMRT, will assist with the design and drafting of electrical power systems, including lighting and fire alarm systems. Timothy O'Donoghue, PE, joined the civil engineering team. O'Donoghue will focus on planning, site development and utility design for storm water, sewerage and water main projects. REAL ESTATE PROPERTY PRO REALTY GROUP INC. Geoffrey Parker joined as a licensed real estate agent in the real estate sales and property management divisions. SERVICES PIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC. Kate Engert joined as an event and meeting coordinator in the education and conference department. Engert previously served as the director of communications at Twist and Flip Gymnastics. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. PRESTIGE HOSPITALITY GROUP Christine M. Hood joined as regional hospitality sales director. Hood has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality field. LEVERPOINT MANAGEMENT LLC Marc Ross joined as a senior accountant. Ross previously served as a senior property accountant at Carrow Real Estate Services LLC. Zoey Zhu joined as a staff accountant. Zhu previously served as an accounting assistant at Nhan & Company LLC. Malorie Maneen joined as an AP clerk. Maneen previously served as a customer service representative/head teller at Ballston Spa National Bank Corp. Renzo Alarcon joined as a senior accountant. Renzo previously served as a senior accountant/supervisor at the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Jennifer Patterson ALBANY - Democratic voters in the Capital Region are hoping to flip the traditional midterm election script on Tuesday. While Republican-leaning voters traditionally see their share of the electorate increase when the presidential race isn't on the ballot, the writing on the wall indicates Democratic candidates locally and across the state will benefit from unusually high levels of enthusiasm from their supporters. New voter enrollment data, requests for absentee ballots, campaign fundraising, grassroots movements and polling signal an engaged Democratic electorate. "(President Donald) Trump did us a favor. He energized people," said Phil Markham, a Working Families Party activist from West Sand Lake. The 2016 presidential race was a transformative experience for Dianne Hobden, a Democrat from Canaan, who spent the night crying on the phone with a friend after the results came in. After the shock of Trump's victory wore off, she decided to volunteer in local elections for the first time. "I wanted to do something to change things," she said. It was a similar political awakening for Jennifer Porter, a Democrat from Stephentown, who joined a local chapter of the "Indivisible" group, a national left-leaning activist network that emerged in 2017. Despite voting regularly, she is helping rally other voters for the first time, which she regrets not doing during President Barack Obama's administration. Amy Standaert, a Republican from Clifton Park, said she recognized similarities with the enthusiasm on the left to the creation of the tea party on the right, which exploded onto the political landscape in response to Obama's 2008 election. She said a driving factor in both cases was "fear" of the new presidents and their policies, and blamed political rhetoric for exacerbating people's concerns. "Unfortunately, fear gets people out to vote," she said. But Standaert doesn't think election turnout will be an uneven on Tuesday. "I think both sides are motivated and energized to come out," she said. In the 19th Congressional District, almost three-quarters of likely voters have "a lot" of interest in the race, according to a Monmouth University poll. At least 81 percent of Democratic voters have had a high level of interest since September, while the amount of interested Republicans has increased from 63 percent to 79 percent during this time. The most apathy about the race is from undecided voters. Enthusiasm gap Based on the voter turnout for special elections since 2016 and the local elections in 2017, there has been growing anticipation of a surge of Democratic voters for the general elections. The likelihood of a national "Blue Wave" is generally considered a foregone conclusion, and there are indications that it is going to pack a punch when it hits locally. Democratic turnout in the Capital Region for the state's primaries in September was up 64 percent from four years ago. In April's special elections, Democratic candidates for Capital Region Assembly seats drastically outperformed previous attempts to win those races. Democrats have a 20-point edge in enthusiasm over Republicans from parts of Albany and Schenectady counties, according to private polling from this summer. By comparison, the level of interest between the two parties was practically even in polling two years earlier, and Republicans had a 10-point advantage in 2014. Based on Hobden's interactions with Democrats on the campaign trail, she said, "I've never seen such enthusiasm." In Columbia County, the difference in excitement is evident in the absentee ballot requests, with the number of ballots issued to Democrats growing by 172 percent since 2014, and 42 percent above the mark in 2016, a presidential election year, which typically sees much higher voter turnout than midterm elections. By comparison, the number of ballots issued to Republicans is 17 percent higher than 2014, and 20 percent less than 2016. Columbia County Democratic Committee Chair Keith Kanaga attributed the Democratic edge to increased voter enrollment, as well as people being "very geared up" for the elections. Democrats made up a plurality of the new voters in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties since November 2016. Additionally, the number of active Democratic voters in this region increased by 1.2 percent since April, and the GOP number decreased by 0.1 percent. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Issues Aside from Trump, health care has been the motivating issue for Democrats across the country, and the Capital Region is no different. In the 19th Congressional District, 56 percent of Democrats identified it as their top priority, and this is being played out in the recurring campaign ad attacks on GOP incumbent John Faso for his vote to replace Obamacare. On the other side of the aisle, though, only 15 percent of Republicans feel health care is a top priority, according to a Monmouth University poll. Standaert, the Clifton Park Republican, said Republicans are talking about health care, but not to the same degree as 2010, when the issue captivated her attention. When knocking on doors this campaign season, she said the economy is the top issue she hears about. A plurality of Republican voters in the 19th Congressional District, 34 percent, identified immigration as their biggest concern. "I think immigration is a huge deal," Standaert said. "That's why Trump won." Unique to the conversation surrounding Faso's re-election bid are the rap lyrics of Democratic challenger Antonio Delgado, which have been the focal point of polarizing television advertisements that have run incessantly for months. Despite the aim of the advertisements, to make Delgado seem out of touch with the district, more voters feel like he shares their values than Faso, according to the Monmouth poll. Monmouth poll director Patrick Murray said the "attacks haven't changed the overall trajectory of the race." The political dialogue in the Capital Region shifts to corruption and state taxes when voters contemplate state races, according to private polling from Republicans and Democrats. Creating jobs, state aid for education, and property taxes are also recurring priorities in these polls. And despite Gov. Andrew Cuomo being on the top of the ticket for Democrats, Hobden said the two-term incumbent doesn't come up when talking to local voters. Because of the governor's unpopularity in the region, though, he is a recurring figure in local print, television and social media advertisements from Republican candidates hoping to link him to their Democratic opponents. Ultimately, the presidential results from 2016 will be the dominating factor on Tuesday, as the party out of the White House gets a bump during that first mid-term election. "This is a referendum on the president," Standaert said. David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87 Albany Albany's Veterans Day Parade is Monday, Nov. 12, starting at 11 a.m. rolling out from the corner of Central Avenue and Ontario Street. Vietnam War veteran Gene Loparco of "Operation: Please Remember Me" is looking for volunteers to march in the parade carrying one of 153 American flags down Central and Washington Avenue. "Each flag honors 10 of our own (military personnel) from the Capital Region," Loparco said. Just meet him at 10 a.m. at the parking lot on the corner of Central Avenue and Partridge Street to get a flag. The parade move east on Central then continues east on Washington Avenue to Hawk Street, east of the state Capitol. The reviewing stand is situated on the steps of the State Education Building. TROY A defense attorney said District Attorney Joel E. Abelove used a grand jury subpoena to go after a defendants telephone records before a special prosecutor was appointed to investigate a criminal complaint filed by a female employee in Abeloves office. Rebecca Bauscher, a former Albany County prosecutor, was appointed in July to investigate a June 24 incident in which John Batchelor, a Lyft driver, is accused of dropping the woman off at her Troy home, then entering the residence and forcibly touching her. My client is being accused of doing something by an employee of the district attorneys office that he didnt do, said Shane Hug, who represents Batchelor. Hug said within days of Batchelors arrest, an assistant district attorney obtained a grand jury subpoena to get phone records involving his client from Lyft. Batchelor, 39, drove the woman from a party elsewhere in Rensselaer County to her residence. Batchelor, who lives in Albany County, was arraigned in Troy City Court on a felony count of second-degree burglary and a misdemeanor count of forcible touching. The case was transferred to county court. The Times Union is withholding the identity of the woman due to the nature of the alleged crime. Hug said he demanded that a special prosecutor be named given that one of Abeloves employees had filed the complaint. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Abelove said that his office acted ethically and properly in filing an application to have a special prosecutor named. Through a spokesman, he declined Friday to address Hugs accusations saying that a special prosecutor now had the case. County Court Judge Jennifer Sober on July 16 appointed Bauscher to handle the case. Bauscher did not respond to a request for comment. There has been no additional paperwork recorded in the case docket since her appointment. Hug said he is not aware that a grand jury has begun reviewing the alleged incident. Abelove, a Republican, is running for re-election to a second four-year term as district attorney against Democratic candidate Mary Pat Donnelly, a former East Greenbush town judge, in Tuesday's election. COLONIE Motel owner. Undercover FBI informant. Sibling to a fabulously wealthy Pakistani real estate mogul. Loudonville resident whose home somehow managed to increase in value after nearly burning to the ground. And now: proprietor of a Saratoga County limousine company at the center of the nation's worst transportation disaster in almost a decade. Who is Shahed Hussain, really? Less than a month after the Oct. 6 Schoharie County crash that killed 20 people, the owner of the Wilton-based Prestige Limousine remains a very hard man to pin down. And it's even harder to understand the complex web of business and real estate deals that have sustained him for decades and have allowed him to travel frequently between the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia despite the claim that he lacks his own bank account. One transaction in particular, the 2006 sale of his Loudonville home to a mysterious buyer, was especially beneficial, netting him a substantial profit. While Hussain's son Nauman, 28, was charged with one count of criminally negligent homicide four days after the calamity, Hussain has been in his native Pakistan, where he is reportedly receiving medical treatment and recovering from surgery a few months back. And there is no indication that Hussain is returning anytime soon. The tendency to disappear for months at a time is a recurring theme in the more than two decades that Hussain has been living in the Capital Region and operating a variety of cash-generating businesses, ranging from gas stations and supermarkets to a motel and the limousine company. Travel abroad Hussain who has also gone by the name Malik has said in court that he routinely has traveled to Dubai, London and Pakistan on business. He accomplished all of this while raising a family and serving for at least a decade as an undercover informant for the FBI, a job that required his participation as the federal government's star witness in two high-profile terrorism trials. Times Union file Hussain's life as a federal informant began in 2002 after he was arrested in an FBI sting that caught him working with a DMV employee to obtain drivers licenses for immigrants through the use of false identities. He quickly started working as an undercover informant, wearing a wire when needed, and helped to net more arrests in the DMV scam scandal and a heroin drug ring. But beneath his secret work for the FBI and his purported international business connections, there are even more questions that have been raised about Hussain's past, such as why he sought asylum here in the mid-1990s, and whether he was actually working on behalf of a foreign government. Attorneys representing defendants in the two terrorism cases would often question him about his past, raising doubts about when he really entered the country and the truthfulness of his asylum claims. MORE STORIES: Timesunion.com/schohariecrash During court testimony in the terrorism trials and a civil case that Hussain brought against the Saratoga County Water Authority during his time as a motel owner, he claimed to be part of a wealthy Pakistani family that owned a construction business. He claimed to be the brother of Malik Riaz Hussain, a billionaire Pakistani real estate magnate who founded a sprawling company called Bahria Town. Hussain also testified that he is a close family friend and a onetime neighbor of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Like many details of his life, it's a claim that raises many questions: Hussain is believed to have grown up in Pakistan's northern Punjab province, while Bhutto grew up in Karachi on the Indian Ocean to the south. The details of Hussain's life in the U.S. are even murkier and much harder to ascertain, due primarily to his deft use of the legal system and often mysterious sources of cash that have kept him in business despite decades of legal woes including criminal charges, bankruptcy and civil litigation. Mysterious fire Hussain and his now-deceased wife, Yasmeen Begum, were also involved in a mysterious real estate transaction in 2006 involving their Loudonville home, which was gutted in a 2003 fire. Hussain and his wife bought the historic Queen Anne-style house along Loudon Road in 1998 for $90,000. After the fire, Hussain obtained building permits and hired contractors to do work on the house, according to town of Colonie records. But the house never passed inspection, and the town refused to issue a certificate of occupancy after deeming it unsafe. The house was uninhabitable, and town building inspectors threatened legal action if something wasn't done. But in the summer of 2006, Hussain was bailed out of his problem: An out-of-town buyer swooped in and purchased the unfinished house for a whopping $450,000 more than $300,000 above the former home's market value before the fire. The half-rebuilt house, which changed hands twice more since the sale, was torn down in 2010 by the current property owners. Not even the town historian objected to the demolition, saying it "no longer resembled" the original structure. The lot remains vacant to this day. FBI connections The year after the fire, Hussain relocated his family to Memphis, Tenn., for "security" reasons related to his FBI work. He used the windfall from the 2006 home sale to buy the run-down Hideaway Motel in Saratoga County upon his return to the Capital Region the same year. The family renamed the property the Crest Inn Suites & Cottages in 2009. Hussain and his wife had never operated a motel before. Hussain used it as the business address for his limousine venture, which he launched in 2012 under the name Prestige Limousine and Chauffeur Service. Meanwhile, the new owner of Hussain's former Loudonville home quickly became an enigma as well. According to the deed and mortgage documents, the purchaser was a man named Sajid Rehan. He never lived in the home, which quickly fell into foreclosure before being sold at auction in July 2009 at a steep discount to Well Fargo Bank. Realtor.com Throughout the process, Rehan could not be located by the mortgage company, or by the investigators hired to try and serve him with court papers notifying him that he was in danger of losing his home. An investigation by the Times Union could not locate Rehan, either. The Memphis, Tenn., apartment given as Rehan's address on the 2006 deed to the Loudonville home is the same one that had been used to incorporate a supermarket business that Shahed Hussain and his wife ran while they were living in Tennessee from late 2004 to early 2006. During their time in Tennessee, the FBI reimbursed the couple for their relocation expenses as well as their rent. The FBI will not comment on any of the details of Hussain's business or personal transactions, although there is no indication from any court testimony or other public documents that the bureau was involved in any of them. "The FBI does not confirm or deny the identity of our sources," Sarah Ruane, a spokeswoman for the FBI's Albany field office, said in a statement after the Times Union provided the FBI with copies of court documents from the foreclosure case. "Sources and informants are tremendously important to the bureau and we go to extensive lengths to protect their identities." Hussain, however, had been identified as a federal informant in multiple courtroom proceedings. Mortgage Lenders Network USA, the Connecticut subprime mortgage company that had financed the August 2006 purchase of the Loudonville home, filed for bankruptcy only months later, becoming one of the largest casualties of the housing collapse that would sweep the nation in 2008. Wells Fargo, which was the trustee of the mortgage-backed securities that contained the note on the Loudonville home, filed a foreclosure lawsuit against Rehan in state Supreme Court in Albany in June 2007. A bank spokesman declined to comment. None of the investigators or attorneys hired to track Rehan down by the bank had any success, including Daniel Centi, an Albany attorney who was appointed by the court to act as a "guardian" in the case since Rehan couldn't be located. When Centi visited the site of the Hussain's former home at 456 Loudon Road in early 2008 as part of his search, he discovered that the unfinished house had been abandoned, apparently for a long time. A small bulldozer was still on the site, but a neighbor told him he hadn't seen anyone at the property since the previous year. While foreclosures happen all the time, and sometimes the owners skip town, this case was different, especially since Loudonville is the type of upscale suburb where people don't just vanish into thin air. "I remember thinking at the time that it was a little stranger than usual," he said last week. "That wasn't a bad neighborhood. That's why I think it was a little unusual." Another investigator hired to find Rehan also checked the Memphis apartment listed on the deed, to no avail. That investigator did uncover that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles had issued a Class "E" drivers license, typically used by taxi drivers, to someone named Sajid Rehan who claimed to have a Long Island address. The license was surrendered in Tennessee in December 2006. A DMV spokeswoman declined to comment. When the Times Union visited the Central Islip home listed on the license, the owner of the house, who has lived there since buying it in 2002, said he never heard of Rehan. A major headache Even before the Loudonville house was sold to a buyer that appeared not to exist, it was a major headache for town officials. Documents on file with the town of Colonie's building department show that town inspectors had repeatedly warned Hussain after the fire that the Loudon Road home was a public safety hazard, and that no one should be living in the house until construction was complete. Although Hussain had let his homeowners insurance policy lapse before the blaze, the bank that held the mortgage, Ocwen Federal Bank, had a $225,000 "forced placed" insurance policy on the house that was used to pay off the mortgage. The Hussains were given the balance of the insurance payout, around $83,000 that they intended to use to rebuild the house. Hussain has testified in court that a unnamed contractor made off with some of that, although there is no documentation to confirm that. Hussain hired Paul Zostant, a local carpenter and contractor, to help oversee some of the work being done on the Loudonville home in December 2005. Zostant also acted as a liaison with building inspectors. In a letter to the town, Zostant found dozens of issues with the reconstruction and noted that parts of the home were "structurally unsound." A previous contractor doing the work, he said, had taken the building permit off the house and wouldn't return it. When contacted by the Times Union this week, Zostant said he will never forget working for Hussain. "I recall going to the Home Depot for materials with him," Zostant recalled. "He always had a wad of hundreds that would make a high roller in Vegas envious." Zostant said he was surprised by the shoddy work that had been done on the site, and how Hussain was able to keep building inspectors at bay. "If you have any information in regards to his whereabouts, he still owes me back wages," Zostant said. A June 2006 police report by the Colonie police department said that Hussain's two sons had been found using the residence and had been bringing friends over despite the fact that the building lacked a certificate of occupancy or working lighting. Town files also show that Colonie building inspectors also repeatedly threatened legal action against Hussain and his wife in letters to them, even after the sale of the home to Rehan in 2006. Ted DeLucia, who was chief residential building inspector for the town at that time but now is in private practice, said he doesn't recall efforts to locate Rehan, or whether anyone had met the mysterious buyer in person. "It doesn't ring a bell to me," DeLucia said. When Hussain has gotten in trouble with building inspectors and others, he has reportedly used his status as an FBI informant to his advantage. Mark Mykins, a building inspector for the town of Wilton, was asked during a 2011 deposition in the civil case Hussain brought against the water authority if Hussain ever tried to "intimidate" him during his visits to the motel by saying he was working for the FBI. "I don't know if he tried to intimidate me," Mykins testified. "He did mention that he was an informant for the FBI." Hussain was also going by the name "Mike Begum" at the time, testimony in the same case shows. Ruane, the FBI spokeswoman, declined to comment on Hussain's alleged comments. It's unclear if they were made while he was assisting on active criminal cases. "While I cannot speak to the process of how informants are handled specifically, I can say that the FBI's use of undercover operations and informants is done in accordance with strict guidelines and in close coordination with the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney Offices," she said. Limousine business Hussain, while using the Route 9 motel for his limousine business, at one point prompted town officials to accuse him of parking his limos on the property sometimes on the grass without a special permit. He told the town zoning board of appeals in 2013 that he had previously kept the vehicles at a property on Albany Shaker Road in Latham. Zoning board members wouldn't give him permission to run the limo business from the motel, and suggested he go back to keeping them in Latham. Prestige didn't acquire the stretch Excursion until 2016, according to vehicle ownership report. A Google Earth image taken on July 29, 2017 shows what appears to be the Excursion and two other stretch limos parked at a warehouse off Weibel Avenue in Saratoga Springs. The site is near where the state DOT did several spot inspections on Prestige's vehicles earlier this year, when the agency ordered the Excursion off the road until the brakes and other safety issues were fixed. The owner of the warehouse property could not immediately be reached for comment. The motel business was never a money-maker, Hussain has testified in multiple cases, and his wife and older son Shahyer were responsible for running it due to his frequent trips abroad, although his wife grew sick in later years. In his 2011 civil deposition, Shahed Hussain testified his wife was out of the country getting medical treatment. Hussain has never revealed what he does on his business trips abroad, although he admitted during questioning as a witness the criminal trial involving the so-called Newburgh Four that the FBI paid for his travel for a trip that included a visit to a militant training camp in Pakistan to and a visit to a mosque in London. During his own 2011 testimony in the Saratoga County civil lawsuit which was ultimately dismissed Hussain testified that he was being supported financially by his wealthy brother and had access to a family trust fund whenever he needed cash. Hussain often registered property in his wife's name and said he had the power of attorney for her. He would on occasion also use her last name to identify himself. In 2010, he took his wife off the deed of the motel and replaced her with Malik Riaz Hussain, the founder of Bahria Town, the Pakistani real estate conglomerate. Hussain testified in the civil case that the move was made because his brother had been helping pay the motel's expenses, including the mortgage. It has, however, never been established that Hussain is the brother of Malik Riaz Hussain, although photos appearing on social media earlier this year which could not be independently verified show Hussain in Pakistan with a high-level executive from Bahria Town, along with other government officials from the Punjab province. Bahria Town officials have not responded to multiple requests for comment, and attempts to reach Shahed Hussain directly and the people he appears with in photographs have been unsuccessful. Hussain was also accused earlier this year by professional boxer Amir Khan of failing to repay tens of thousands of dollars he claimed to have given Hussain after meeting him at the Islamabad home of Malik Riaz Hussain. Khan said Shahed Hussain told him he was the brother of the wealthy businessman, and that he would repay the money as soon as he could. Khan said the two met up in London to discuss repayment, but Hussain asked for even more money at the time. Family ties? Court documents reviewed by the Times Union suggest it was the brother of Hussain's wife Yasmeen providing Hussain and his family with financial assistance over the years. Yasmeen died in 2013. The wife's brother, Naeem Malik Hussain of Montreal, offered to provide a $68,000 loan to Hussain and his wife after they filed for bankruptcy in 2003. He also gave $100,000 to Shahyer Hussain, the older of the couple's two sons, in 2014 to purchase a Cohoes rental property, although Shahyer claims it was a loan to make improvements. In a lawsuit filed against Shahyer in Albany County seeking the money back, Naeem Malik claimed to have "aided in raising" Shahyer, who goes by the name Haris. The case is still pending. Ryan Manley, an Albany lawyer representing Shahyer, did not return a call seeking comment. "I have continuously made good faith efforts to resolve the matter amicably with Uncle Naeem as this has caused much dissension and turmoil among our family," Shahyer said in a 2017 affidavit. "I was in and out of the country attending to an ill family member that is very close to me." Shahyer did not name the family member, although he said he had been in Dubai. Manley recently wrote the judge overseeing the case that his client cannot be deposed "due to current complex issues involving my client and his family." That's an apparent reference to the limo crash and the criminal charge against his brother, Nauman Hussain, who has pleaded not guilty and is being represented by Albany attorney Lee Kindlon. In comments to the Times Union, Naeem Malik said that Shahed Hussain isn't who he claims to be in court testimony. He isn't the brother of Malik Riaz Hussain, the billionaire, and he didn't grow up with Bhutto, he said. "I think the FBI should stop protecting him and let me have my day in court," Naeem Malik said. Chris Churchill, Mike Goodwin and Robert Gavin contributed to this report. Web presentation by Joyce Bassett Read more: timesunion.com/schohariecrash [November 02, 2018] CAMPING WORLD SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Camping World Holdings, Inc. - CWH NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until December 18, 2018 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Camping World Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CWH), if they purchased the Companys Class A shares between March 8, 2017 and August 7, 2018, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Get Help Camping World investors should visit us at https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-camping-world-holdings-inc-securities-litigation or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Camping World and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On August 7, 2018, the Company disclosed a wide range of disappointing results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 including a decline in same-store revenue, adjusted EBITDA 9% below guidance, a continuing decline in its adjusted EBITDA margin of 250 basis points year-over-year, and additional complications with its Gander Mountain Co. operations. On this news, the price of Camping Worlds Class A shares plummeted 14%, to close at $19.04 per share on August 8, 2018. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com . [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 02, 2018] CAMPBELL SOUP SHAREHOLDER ALERT: ClaimsFiler Reminds Investors with Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Campbell Soup Company - CPB ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until November 27, 2018 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Campbell Soup Company (NYSE: CPB), if they purchased the Company's shares between August 31, 2017 and May 17, 2018, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Get Help Campbell Soup investors should visit us at https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-campbell-soup-company-securities-litigation-1 or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discus your legal options. About the Lawsuit Campbell and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On May 18, 2018, the Company disclosed disappointing financial results, for the third straight quarter, including the poor performance of its Campbell Fresh division that forced it to take a $619 million pre-tax non-cash impairment charge, a $19 million quarterly loss for the division, further revisions to its fiscal year 2018 earnings guidance, and that the Company's CEO was stepping down immediately. On this news, the price of Campbell's shares plummeted over 12% to close at $34.37 per share on May 18, 2018. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181102005630/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] I'm one of those people who spent years threatening to quit using Facebook, often in posts on Facebook. Then, this past Sunday night, I made it official, and set my account to be permanently deleted. Not only has Facebook become increasingly creepy, announcing a Portal smart device that will track your calls for ads, but the company (and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg) has lost my trust via a series of unsettling moves. Here's why I finally hit delete, and why I'm not looking back. Two-Factor Authentication Abused While I've been bored with Facebook for years the last-straw that started me down this path came while I was reading the tech news during a recent vacation (yes, I'm always on). I almost exploded with anger upon reading that Facebook used phone numbers submitted for the two-factor-authentication security process for its own ad-targeting. I've written multiple articles telling people to use two-factor authentication security options, and the fact that Facebook would abuse this trust felt obscene. A response from Facebook instilled zero confidence, as the company stated, "We use the information people provide to offer a better, more personalized experience on Facebook, including ads We are clear about how we use the information we collect." That basically says, "It's your fault for trusting us." MORE: How to Check If You Were Part of Facebook's Data Breach But that was one month before I actually deleted my account, as I was on vacation and didn't want to burn those hours on Facebook. So, I backburnered this plot for another day. Also, this terrible abuse of personal information is just the latest example of Facebook's terrible security posture. A recent breach affected around 30 million accounts, which is yet another sign that the company's mistakes are hurting its users. Video Lies Lead to Lost Jobs As someone who works in media, I've watched as countless friends were affected by a strategy commonly called "Pivot to Video," which Facebook practically drove with its emphasis on Facebook Live content (which Tom's Guide does publish). The pivot to video hurt plenty of folks as it incentivized outlets to fire writers and hire video-content creators. Unfortunately, this virtual gold rush got worse, as video wasn't the giant geyser of profit many had thought. A new lawsuit, published in mid-October, slammed Facebook for knowingly inflating its video-audience numbers, which gave publishers that false sense of urgency to fire writers and hire video producers. How fake were those numbers? The suit, filed by a group of small advertisers in a California federal court in 2016, notes discrepancies of anywhere from 150 percent to 900 percent. Yes, the Cambridge Analytica scandal got all the headlines, but as someone whose account wasn't affected by that scandal, that didn't exactly hit me where it hurt. But this move reminded me of countless instances of offices sacking their writers, for fortunes that didn't exist. An Out-of-Touch CEO Why am I so willing to believe companies that attack Facebook? While Mark Zuckerberg is incredibly smart about things that benefit his bottom line, he seems completely inept when it comes to how humans interact. Remember that time he compared weeding out hate speech to food companies trying to control the amount of dust in chickens? That wasn't my first sign that the Facebook CEO was asleep at the wheel, but I chuckled as I wrote that article, wondering if his software was faltering because of a buggy update patch. MORE: How to Stop Facebook From Sharing Your Data And then, in an interview at Recode, Zuckerberg took his weird ways of thinking too far, supporting the act of posting insanely incorrect opinions because you believe in them. Specifically, he voluntarily brought up the Holocaust: Zuckerberg tried to distance himself from the original statement ("I personally find Holocaust denial deeply offensive, and I absolutely didn't intend to defend the intent of people who deny that."), but if he thinks his idealism is anything other than incredibly naive, he's wrong. Quitting (with a Catch) Recently, I bought a new phone, and when I was setting it up from scratch (to test how many apps I truly need), I realized I was in no rush to get Facebook or Messenger on the phone. I could solve any issues related to those apps on the desktop, and they could always wait until I was back at a computer. Of course, there was one exception: that one friend who prefers to communicate with Facebook Messenger. I texted him, before I made any decisions, and asked if there was another way to reach out to him. He then gave me his WhatsAapp number (his actual phone number), to which I groaned. I knew in this moment that while I could get rid of my Facebook account, that I couldn't elude the overarching corporate reach of Facebook Inc., which owns WhatsApp and Instagram, two apps that still have value: the former for texting international friends, and the latter for still being fun to use. How I Deleted My Facebook Fun fact, the second Google Search suggestion for "how to delete" is "How to Delete Facebook" (right behind how to delete Google Search history). I didn't need to search those instructions, though, as I wrote our "How to Delete Your Facebook Account" story back in March, during the height of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Before I followed my own instructions, though, I posted a note explaining these sentiments on Facebook, noting that my account will dissolve, as if erased by Thanos at the end of Avengers: Infinity War, at the end of the weekend. MORE: How to Stop Facebook Messenger from Logging Calls and Texts Next, I asked for a download of my whole Facebook account, and then opened up the Events section of Facebook, and navigated to the Birthdays section, to note down every single friend's birthday that I wanted to remember. At the end of the weekend, as promised, I finished the instructions from my how-to story. During the days that followed, though, I've noticed an odd side effect: whenever I open a web browser, I instinctually click Command+N, type F and hit enter, the series of keystrokes I used to perform to open Facebook. Now, that just opens the Facebook sign-in page, which I close after chuckling at this symptom of my own lingering addiction. Kansas City Blaze Today Facility for people with special needs catches fire According to the fire department, everyone was able to get out safely. Artsy Last Quarter The Art of (Autumn) With the end of fall nearing, it seemed only appropriate that we feature a few of the stunning images we've collected this autumn. Wildcat Tragedy: She Thought It Was Tonsillitis And Then It Killed Her Kansas State University rower dies from rare bacterial infection A top-tier college athlete's sudden death on Saturday has shaken the rowing community. Golden Ghetto Voting Starts Now Early voting locations open Saturday in Johnson County, Kansas JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. -- These places will be open Saturday to handle early voting in the 2018 election. Only one location, the Johnson County Election Office in Olathe, will be open on Monday. No sites will be open on Sunday. Show-Me Fishy Missouri Trout fishing coming soon for Missouri anglers Department staff have stocked more than 70,000 rainbow trout in urban-area lakes around the state for winter trout fishing Kansas City Loves Street Merch Mahomes merchandise is big business It may be too late to get your hands on Patrick Mahomes merchandise at a reasonable price. Katie Calls It First Alert: Rain showers likely later Saturday More rain will return to Kansas City later Saturday. In between the rains, it should be a pretty seasonable day with highs in the 60s. Sunday will be cooler but... Hottieis a cosplay queen of the Internets and right now she inspires this quick look at online culture that enjoys the spirit of Halloween all year long:Closer to home, these news links have captured our attention:And this is thefor right now . . . In Red-Leaning Kansas, Democrat's Target Isn't on Ballot (and It's Not Trump) Laura Kelly, the Democrat running for governor against Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, has focused on Sam c, an unpopular ex-governor. Whilst we still maintain that. . . Here's a bit of national media campaigning for this Democratic Party contender who is branding by way of blandness . . . Which many Kansans welcome and find comforting. Checkit: Trash Debt Roulette Michael Bushnell Northeast News Listening to Curtis Whiters, the owner of Stewart's Hauling explain how six of his company's commercial [...] Essential community journalism here from the Northeast News gets elbows deep into the story of dumpers who caused quite a strain this week. Thankfully, the newspaper grits its teeth and pushes ahead with the story. Read more: Fire damages post office at City Center Square Saturday afternoon The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the cause of the blaze. The service is finally back up and running but only after some disappointment for more than a few of KC's 25-million tourists we welcomeor some such. Checkit: Olathe PD finds man in animal cruelty case, investigation goes on UPDATE: Olathe PD say they have identified and contacted a man as part of an investigation into animal cruelty.---The Olathe Police Department released a statement asking for assistance in identifying a man in connection with an animal cruelty investigation. A question of canine ethics earns more concern and debate among locals than the hard times endured by most of the hobos freezing to death out on the streets right now . . . Take a look: sanjiv@tribunemail.com Washington, November 2 The US has agreed to temporarily allow eight jurisdictions to continue buying Iranian oil after it re-imposes crippling sanctions on Tehran on November 5, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday. The US had told various countries, including India, to cut oil imports from the Persian Gulf nation to zero by November 4 or face sanctions. The US is to issue temporary exemption to eight jurisdictions from Iranian sanctions, recognising their significant reduction in imports of oil from Iran. The names of the jurisdictions would be released on Monday, Pompeo said. India is willing to restrict its monthly purchase to 1.25 million tonnes or 15 million tonnes in a year, down from 22.6 million tonnes bought in 2017-18 financial year, sources in New Delhi said. In May, US President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the 2015 landmark nuclear Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) terming it as disastrous. Under the Obama-era deal, involving five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany, Iran agreed to stop its nuclear programme in exchange of relief from economic sanctions. After the US withdrawal from the deal, Trump signed fresh sanctions against Iran and warned countries against any cooperation with Tehran on its controversial nuclear weapons programme. The US is in the midst of an internal process to consider significant reduction exceptions for individual countries, but that is only on a case-by-case basis, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Paladino said on Thursday. PTI Temporary measure sanjiv@tribunemail.com Vijay C Roy Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 2 Punjab will have one of the seven centres of excellence for artificial intelligence at the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Mohali, which will also offer services related to data analytics, audio visual graphics and Internet of Things (IoT). The Centre of Excellence (CoE) will be created with the support of the state government in the startup hub at Mohali. The proposed centre will cater to all teething needs of new ventures, STPI-Mohali Additional Director Ajay P Shrivastava said. The decision has been taken after STPI Director General Omkar Rai expressed interest in setting up one such centre near Chandigarh recently. The centre will cater to startups, researchers, faculties and budding entrepreneurs working in these areas. It will undertake state-of-the-art research projects, develop testing facilities and laboratories for advanced algorithms, application and methods in aid of data analytics and allied areas. It will also offer highly focused courses on AI, data analytics, AVG and IoT to the students and entrepreneurs. It will help in developing application platforms from specific skill development programmes based on industrial needs. The STPI, a Central government undertaking, provides regulatory support to all IT export units. Currently, there are 140 units registered with the STPI, Mohali. In 2017-18, the software exports were to the tune of Rs 4,300 crore compared to Rs 3,876 crore in 2016-17. In February this year, Minister for IT and Electronics Ravi Shankar Prasad had announced seven CoEs in the country. The Mohali Centre for Excellence will be one of them. The other centres that have been finalised are Chennai for fintech, Bhubaneshwar for augmented reality, Gurugram for IoT related to agriculture, Lucknow for medical electronics and another for electronics in Bengaluru. Experts say the focus of the STPI is on the development of tier-II and tier-III cities as potential centres of excellence. With rising costs in tier-I cities, moving to tier-II and tier-III cities has become essential to maintain competitiveness of the industry. The setting up of the CoE will address the issues of the industry. The STPIs Mohali incubation facility was inaugurated in 2016. Built at a cost of Rs 60 crore, the new facility is spread over nearly 1.40 lakh sq ft of built-up space and is touted as the countrys largest incubation facility. Recently, an MoU has been signed between the Odisha government, STPI and IIT Bhubaneswar for setting up a similar incubator for virtual and augmented reality. editorial@tribune.com Ramkrishan Upadhyay Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 3 The common mans household budget is set to get disturbed as bread manufacturers in the region have increased the price of bread by Rs 5. Sources said all major bread manufacturing companies increased the rates in the last few days. A brown bread that was priced at Rs 30 earlier now comes at Rs 35. A medium-size bread, which was available for Rs 25, is now being sold for Rs 30.The price of sandwich bread has been hiked from Rs 40 to Rs 45. Similarly, the price of bun too has been enhanced by Rs 5. It is now sold at Rs 15. Sources said the hike in the price of refined flour and other items forced the manufactures to jack up the price. Sunita, a housewife, said her family ate bread in breakfast every day, adding that the record increase in its price would upset her budget. Meanwhile, the price of flour is also set to rise by Rs 2 per kg. Sunil Gupta, general secretary of the Chakki Owners Association, Chandigarh, said there was shortage of wheat in the market and hence its price had increased. If the shortage continues in the coming week, the price of flour is likely to shoot up from Rs 26 per kg to Rs 28 per kg. Vinod Mittal, president of Chandigarh Roller Flour Mills Association, said wheat was not available in the open market. The price of the wheat supplied by the FCI rose by Rs 2 per kg in the last two months. The government should intervene as the prices will further increase in case the shortage continues, he added. Meanwhile, the prices of all types of spices have increased from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per kg in the past one week. Soon, pay more for mutton too harinder@tribunemail.com Shashi Pal Jain Kharar, November 2 Ranjit Singh (48) and his wife Manjeet Kaur (45) were buried alive when the roof of a room in their kutcha house at Jhanjheri village collapsed in the wee hours of today. The victims were sleeping at the time of the incident. Villagers said Ranjit Singh was a labourer. The couple are survived by two daughters, who are married, and three sons. The couple had slept last night in one room, while their son Harmit Singh (18) was sleeping in the adjacent room. The villagers said the roof of another room in the house had collapsed during rain three months ago. They said one of the daughters of the couple resided in the same village near their house, while one of their sons had gone for duty. After the incident, a large number of villagers gathered at the spot and the bodies were recovered from the debris. Kharar SDM Vinod Bansal and SHO of the Kharar Sadar police station Bhagwant Singh visited the spot and sent the bodies to the Civil Hospital, Kharar, for a postmortem. Kharar MLA Kanwar Sandhu also visited the spot and met the bereaved family. The incident has exposed the tall claims made by politicians that grants have been given to poor people to repair their kutcha houses. This family did not receive any grant even for the roof of the room that had collapsed during the rain recently, claimed a villager. He said the family had also not received any grant under the MGNREGA scheme. Tarun, who is looking after the MGNREGA scheme in the BDOs office at Kharar, confirmed that no grant had been given to the family for the purpose till date. The SDM said he would recommend the case to the Chief Minister for compensation to the family. Asked why the family was not given compensation for the roof collapse that took place three months ago, he said he would conduct an inquiry into the matter and the guilty would be punished. The Majat police have initiated proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC. editorial@tribune.com Satinder Pal Singh Dera Bassi, November 2 The Dera Bassi police today registered a case against the management of the firm, Hindustan Electrodes, in connection with the death of two of its employees, who reportedly inhaled toxic gas released from a septic tank while opening its lid at Dera Bassi here on Thursday morning. On a statement of the family members of the deceased, the police have registered a case under Section 304-A of the IPC at the Dera Bassi police station. It has been learnt that talks between the victims kin and the owner of the manufacturing unit for a settlement were held this morning and subsequently they called to the Dera Bassi police station. However, sources said the kin and the firm management failed to reach a compromise following which a case was registered against the firm. Charanjit Singh, owner of Hindustan Electrodes, said in his personal capacity, he was ready to shoulder the responsibility of all four daughters of the deceased, Munna Prasad. He said he was ready to extend all required financial help, including funds required for their education, but they did not agree. Asked whether safety equipment was provided to the employees, Charanjit Singh said he was not in the company at the time of an incident. He said employees of his firm had been provided safety kits, but at times they chose not to wear these of their own will. Yesterday, two employees of the firm Gurdiyal Singh and Munna Parsad were asphyxiated while trying to open the lid of a septic tank on the premises of the firm. Another employee, Ranjit Singh, is admitted to the PGI. Narinder Kumar, ASI, Dera Bassi, said the postmortem of the deceased would be conducted tomorrow at the Civil Hospital, Dera Bassi. He said a case had been registered and a probe into the matter was on. editorial@tribune.com New Delhi, November 2 The Delhi High Court on Friday declined to grant interim bail to the in-laws of a flight attendant, who had allegedly committed suicide in July this year, to be with their family on the occasion of Diwali. Justice Mukta Gupta issued notice to the Delhi Police on the bail petitions of the in-laws, who had surrendered yesterday, and asked the agency to file a status report. No interim relief, not possible, the Judge said and listed the bail pleas for further hearing on November 16. Flight attendant Anissia Batras parents-in-law RS Singhvi and Sushma Singhvi had approached the High Court after their bail applications were rejected by a trial court yesterday. Anissia (39), wife of Mayank Singhvi, worked with a German airline. She had allegedly jumped from the terrace of her house in Panchsheel Park in South Delhi on July 13. Mayank rushed her to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead. Mayank, who was married to Anissia for over two years, was arrested on July 16. Anissias family had alleged that her husband used to physically abuse her and often demanded money. The family claimed before the trial court that it was not a suicide, but murder. Senior advocates AM Singhvi and Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the victims in-laws, said they were not living with their son and daughter-in-law and had no role in the alleged offence. The counsel orally prayed for interim bail for a week for RS Singhvi and Sushma Singhvi to be with their family on the occasion of Diwali and said the couple would surrender thereafter. The counsel said the couple was elderly and the woman has to undergo breast cancer surgery in January. When the advocate said two chargesheets have already been filed and no investigation was required at this stage and they had fully cooperated with the probe agency, the court said, That is okay, but there is something called seriousness of the offence. The couple, who was yesterday sent to one-day police custody, was remanded to judicial custody by a trial court today, the counsel said. Mayanks parents were earlier denied anticipatory bail by the High Court. Before jumping off the terrace, Anissia had sent a message to her husband that she would kill herself, the police had said earlier. Mayank, a software engineer in Gurugram, had told the police that they had regular fights due to compatibility issues. They had an argument on the day of the incident as well, following which she jumped from the terrace, the police had said. The victims family had also given a complaint to the police on June 27, stating that if anything happened to their daughter, Mayank would be responsible, the police had said. PTI editorial@tribune.com Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 3 The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered a fair investigation by the Chandigarh Police into a rape case, allegedly involving their own Sub-Inspector Naveen Kumar Phogat. Dismissed from service, Phogat was booked on the allegation of raping a 26-year-old Mumbai-based model. Taking up his petition filed against the UT of Chandigarh, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other respondents through counsel Abhinav Gupta, Justice Fateh Deep Singh asserted: In the interest of justice and to ensure that there remains no misgiving in the mind of the petitioner, official respondents are directed to ensure that the subject matter of the present FIR is investigated fairly in accordance with law Justice Fateh Deep Singh also directed the official respondents to ensure that a representation submitted by Phogat for a transparent investigation into the matter was duly considered. The Bench, at the same time, clarified that the order would not come in way of the authorities to proceed against the petitioner regarding any allegations whatsoever that might have come up till date. A case of rape by a public servant after taking advantage of his official position was registered against Phogat on October 17 at the Sector 31 police station under Section 376 (2) of the Indian Penal Code. Gupta submitted that the FIR against Phogat was an aftermath of ill will with some other police officers arising out of investigations in two other FIRs. The Bench asserted that there were direct allegations levelled by the prosecutrix against the petitioner, who at the given point of time happened to be one of the officials assisting in the investigation of the case. As such, the arguments sought to be raised by the counsel regarding ill will with the official respondents did not bear any semblance. But the directions were being issued to the official respondents in the interest of justice and to ensure that there remained no misgiving in the mind of the petitioner. Phogat has all along been accusing his superior officers of attempts to frame him in the rape case. He also submitted a representation before the DGP of the UT for a transparent probe. Phogat has also been claiming that his dismissal was in violation of the service rules and his fundamental rights. Phogat alleges frame-up Dismissed Sub-Inspector Naveen Kumar Phogat has all along been accusing his superior officers of attempts to frame him in the rape case. He also submitted a representation before the DGP of the UT for a transparent probe. editorial@tribune.com Bhartesh Singh Thakur Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 3 The Panjab University (PU) Senate today unanimously decided to terminate the services of Dr Devinder Preet Singh of Dr HS Judge Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital for molesting and sexually harassing women students. The PU Committee Against Sexual Harassment (PUCASH) had recommended a major penalty against him in its May 25 report. But the Senate, which is the punishing authority, had not met since then. Today, Senator Dr Ameer Sultana, who is a member of PUCASH, pleaded for taking up the case of dismissal of Dr Devinder Preet Singh three times. Otherwise, it would have been missed as there were a number of agenda items to be discussed. Senator and Dean of Arts Prof Pam Rajput then proposed his dismissal on a condition that he would not get job anywhere else. The Senate approved the harshest punishment available in the PU calendar unanimously. This is the second such case in the PU this year where a teacher has been dismissed for repeatedly sexually harassing students. Earlier, Komal Singh, an assistant professor of the Department of Public Administration, was dismissed on May 27. However, he was given an option of seeking a job outside the PU. Many senators had come out in his support. When PUCASH asked Dr Devinder Preet Singh whether he had sent any obscene or inappropriate images via WhatsApp to any girl student, he said he might have forwarded it on account of an inadvertent lapse as he had a touchscreen phone and he receives obscene images on a WhatsApp group named dirty doctors. He had also sent you are beautiful text messages to some girl students. The report, accessed by Chandigarh Tribune, shows the senior lecturer at PUs dental institute pleaded guilty before the committee. In response to all the complaints and queries put forward to me by the committee, I want to offer an unconditional apology to my dear students and will take care that I do not repeat them, Dr Devinder Preet submitted. He refused to cross-examine any of the complainants. Other complaints In one of the complaints, the committee found that Dr Devinder Preet Singh held the hands of an intern from behind, engulfing her. The PUCASH was not satisfied with the respondents explanation regarding holding a glove and simulating milking of a cow and commenting tumhara dudh aisey nikalta hai, says the report in case of another complaint. He remained silent on the issue of touching the badge on the chest of a girl student which was regarded by the student as an inappropriate touch. In another complaint, he inappropriately touched the stomach of a girl student. One of the students had complained, Dr Devinder Preet has been sending me vulgar messages of whose copy/screenshots have already been submitted. He used to send me pornographic videos and message me late at night, which was very absurd. When I used to be alone at home, he used to send me messages that he wants to come to my place. He used to ask me out for lunch and also send me cake, teddy with a heart holding in hands on my birthday which was very embarrassing receiving it from a faculty member at that post. One girl quoted an incident where he made a comment about penetration in front of her male friend. Another student complained that the Dr Devinder Preet used to ask whom they were dating when they were posted at the Department of Orthodontics in January. He went to the Public Health Dentistry and told the students there, Yeh kaisa batch bheja hai, wahan toh sari ladkian committed hai, koi fun nahi. A student complained that in February when she was alone in the OPD, the dentist asked, Kaun hai boyfriend (Who is your boyfriend? Kisi ke saath toh hogi (You must be with someone). She had to call her friend to save her. Primary complaint The PUCASH noted that it was clear that Dr Devinder Preet Singh had physically touched the prime complainant, a tribal student, inappropriately on her chest on the pretext of examining her. The matter had come to light in March. He did so in full knowledge of his lack of qualification for the same and awareness of the guidelines of the Medical Council of India that a male doctor can examine a female patient only in the presence of her relative or a female staff member, reads the report. After the case of tribal student, a number of women students came forward with complaints. editorial@tribune.com Ishrat S Banwait Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 3 On the direction of the Supreme Court, the Chandigarh Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has ordered commencement of liquidation of James Hotel Limited, Sector 17. The decision came in the matter of Punjab National Bank, which had originally moved the tribunal under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The resolution professional has served a final notice to the promoters of the hotel to vacate the premises. This has been done in pursuance of the SC order which reads, ... it is necessary to evict the appellants (promoters) once the winding up process actually commences. The NCLT order, which came on October 17, reads, The Liquidator shall file his preliminary report within 75 days and regular progress reports as per Rule 15 of the Liquidation Process Regulations-2016 every fortnight thereafter. Advocate Vikas Garg said the promoters, by not vacating the hotel premises even after liquidation which means winding up has begun, were defying the apex courts orders. However, HS Arora, one of the promoters, said the order was being misconstrued. Winding up starts once the liquidation is completed and the liquidator is hand in glove with the other party, he alleged. The other promoter Ajmer Singh Bhullar could not be contacted. It was stated that the company passed certain resolutions by way of which the share application money was converted into debt and close to Rs 1 crore was withdrawn. The original application under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code had added that even after the resolution process commenced, the duo continued to live in the hotel for free. However, the promoters moved the High Court and were granted a stay on the final order while the Supreme Court had ordered a stay on insolvency proceedings. Timeline August 2014: Punjab National Bank issues notice for default of loan to James Hotel August 26, 2016: Banks seal James Hotel after high drama April 27, 2017: Application filed under Section 7 of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code against James Hotel December 21, 2017: HC stays final order in insolvency case August 2018: National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) orders eviction of promoters from the hotel premises September 25: Supreme Court vacates stay, allows NCLT to commence liquidation October 17: NCLT orders commencement of liquidation Pravin B Sharan Pravin B Sharan Former Regional Manager, National insurance Co Ltd Navjot Sidhu, in his first statement, declared the unimaginably horrific train accident at Joda Phatak, Amritsar, as "Parmatma ka prakop" (act of God). When no one appeared to take this argument, he was quick to make another statement of blaming the Railways. He argued when trains even stop to save a single cow on the track, why that DMU did not stop despite a mob on the track and why that "laddoo wali train" was travelling at the speed of 100 km on that fateful day. No one, it seems, was willing to buy even this line of argument. Then Sidhu made another statement, announcing that he would adopt all children who had lost their parents in the accident. He did not clarify whether he would legally adopt the children or only act as their guide and provide them financial support. But with this talk, Sidhu brought attention to the important issue of economic compensation to the victims. The Chief Minister of Punjab had already announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the dead and free-of-cost treatment along with Rs 50,000 for the injured. Though Sidhu's announcement is laudable, the question is can we as a society leave such children to an individual's charity? Is it not the right of the victims to get just and proper compensation for accidents not caused by carelessness solely of the victims? Unfortunately, India does not have proper legislation to address the issue. Different rules for different accidents We have different rules for different types of accidents. And most rules are woefully outdated. 1The Railway Act puts the maximum compensation at Rs 4 lakh. If compensation cases are filed before the Railway Tribunal, the Railways oppose any compensation, arguing that the victims were trespassers on the railway tracks. Already, the department has issued statements declaring the Amritsar victims as trespassers on the tracks. Even if the Railways argument is rejected, the maximum that a victim would get is Rs 4 lakh, which cannot be just and proper compensation even for the poorest in todays times. 2There is another related rule called the Public Liability Insurance Act. It was enacted not in the eighteenth century but in 1991, in the aftermath of the Bhopal gas tragedy, which puts the maximum compensation for death caused by an accident involving hazardous substance at Rs 25,000. The two Acts only show how out of sync with reality our laws on compensation are. 3The compensation cases from the Joda Phatak, Amritsar, train accident can be filed under the Common Law/Indian Fatal Accidents Act of 1857. Though there are no maximum limits for compensation under these two rules, litigation under these two laws is so rare and related issues so unclear that this option hardly appears to be a good one. 4The Motor Vehicles Acts provisions for compensation are worth looking at. The most dynamic legislation from the compensation point of view is the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. If death takes place on a public road in a motor vehicle accident anywhere in the country, the compensation for the death of anyone between the ages of 18 and 60 years will not be less than Rs 10 lakh. If the current trend is analysed, even Rs 10 lakh appears to be on the conservative side. Comparatively, the Rs 5-lakh compensation for death announced by the CM appears to be grossly inadequate. The Rs 50,000 announced for injured persons without taking the extent of injury into account appears to be meagre. If a professional driver loses one foot or leg in a motor vehicle accident, he can expect a compensation of a minimum Rs 15 lakh under the MV Act. Model Act for compensation cases Motor accident cases are decided under the MV Act of 1988 in the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT). As far as compensation for death and injury is concerned, the Act can be described as a model piece of legislation. The Act has helped rebuild the lives of lakhs of road accident victims by providing appropriate financial compensation. Claimants are not required to pay any court fee to file a claim before the MACT. There is a big army of advocates to help the victims in every court, including the subordinate courts. The biggest grievance against the MACTs is the inordinate delay. Conscious of this grievance, many MACTs these days are able to pass judgments in less than a year. Moreover, the mechanism of lok adalats is also there to expedite the compensation cases. This is a time-tested compensation law and the judiciary has interpreted almost all related provisions for compensation. Many factors are taken into account for the calculation of compensation. They include loss of income, future prospects, number of dependent persons, pain and suffering, cost of treatment, loss of companionship, loss of love and affection etc. Loss of income is calculated on the basis of age, present income and a multiplier factor which is well defined and given in the Act itself. Similarly, standard numerical values and standard templates for future prospects, pain and suffering, loss of companionship and other factors have been developed over the years. Despite the delay and inefficiency, MACTs remain the best bet to determine and award compensation in accident cases. If compensation cases from the Amritsar train accident are filed before the MACT, all six parties concerned will be involved. The six parties are the organisers of Ravana Dahan, the owner of the venue, that is the Amritsar Municipal Corporation, the Indian Railways, the district administration and police of Amritsar and the state of Punjab. Based on the claims and counter-claims of these parties, the MACT can find out who was responsible for the accident. If more than one party is found responsible, then the percentage of the responsibility of every single party so that each party pays compensation in the ratio of the percentage of the responsibility can be found. However, the problem here is that MACTs are authorised to hear only the motor accident cases and they cannot entertain any case where a motor vehicle is not involved. Then what is the way out for the family members of the 59 who died and the 75 who got injured in the accident on October 19 at Joda Phatak, Amritsar? The best course to follow under the circumstances is to make the compensation provisions of the MV Act, 1988 applicable for the Amritsar accident also. In any case, there is no justification for different amounts of compensation for the victims of different types of accident. The principles of compensation, legally speaking, are the same for whether the death has been caused by a motor vehicle or a train or hazardous goods. Therefore, a law should be enacted, which may be called the Accident Compensation Act, applicable for all accidents and the MACT empowered to hear all such cases. Till we are not able to pass a suitable law to empower the MACTs to hear compensation cases arising from the Amritsar train accident, the government can bring an ordinance to this effect. If this ordinance is passed, it will be the true tribute to those who lost their lives in the Amritsar train accident. This will also show a clear path for payment of compensation to the victims of all kinds of accidents in future. Navjot Sidhu is well advised to demand this ordinance if he is truly concerned about the victims. Lt-Gen Harwant Singh (Retd) Lt-Gen Harwant Singh (Retd) Former deputy chief of Army staff A FORMER Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, Admiral Arun Prakash, in an article highlighted that 70 per cent of the Armys budget goes towards revenue expenditure. He misses the point that revenue expenditure is high because the budget itself is small. If it were to be 3 per cent of GDP (as proposed by the Parliamentary Committee of Defence), this percentage would perhaps come down to 40, or less, of the Armys budget. What he fails to point out is that civil employees account for 25 per cent of the strength of the defence forces, but their pay and pension bill accounts for nearly 35 per cent of the defence budget. This is one component of the MoD, which is overdue for a drastic cut in strength. With the clubbing of the pension bill, this percentage has gone up. The Armys strength is related to the security environment, the terrain and undecided borders, both in J&K and along Tibet. At the same time, whatever be the scale of the defence budget (as part of GDP), the size of the officer cadre is very large and the pay and pension bills will always impact it, more so, and if, NFFU is granted to the defence services officers. This motivated the Army Headquarters to propose an increase in the percentage of Short Service Commission (SSC) officers, but the terms of employment are neither here nor there. This arrangement releases an officer, at the age of 34-37 years, with no alternative employment. The proposal of one-year training on release, in some odd skill, amounts to nothing and would not qualify him for any worthwhile job in the civil market. Any review of the officer cadre must (i) reduce the pay and pension bill of the Army, (ii) improve career progression of regular officer cadre, (iii) make SSC cadre attractive and (iv) maintain operational efficiency. A review of the cadre involves working out the ratio between regular and short service cadre and rank structure of various appointments. The Ajai Vikram (AV) Committee (2001) recommended a ratio of 1:1.1 between regular and SSC officers, as against the present ratio of 4:1. Many of the committees recommendations stand stalled. Though the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had approved a reduction in regular cadre a decade back, the proposal was not properly implemented. The major flaw is that short service is for 10 years and extendable to 14, with no commitment for re-employment of those released from service. In addition at 14 years, the officer will be holding the rank of Lt Col and little else, making it difficult for him to fit into the civil market, and that by itself will impact the pride within the service, because the rank of Lt Col is highly regarded in military service. While in the civil services, higher appointments have substantially increased over a period of time, this was not possible in the case of the Army without upsetting the command structure. The AV Committee did just that by upgrading appointments of the company commander from Major to Lt Col, which merely downgraded this rank. Similarly, some earlier committees made inappropriate recommendations and the Army Headquarters accepted these without applying its mind and relating to the ground realities. The first such committee recommended disbanding stretcher-bearer companies with mountain divisions, contending that in future helicopters will lift casualties. Helicopters cannot lift these casualties, spread as they would be, along steep slopes and enemys forward defence line. And what of the weather? In Kargil, the bulk of attacking battalions manpower got committed to evacuating casualties. It takes minimum eight persons to evacuate one casualty in the high mountains. The same has been the case related to the disbandment of animal transport companies, where now offensive operations get confined to road axis, which invariably are strongly defended. For SSC, better material can only be attracted when their resettlement is appropriate and assured. For this, the released officer should be young enough to take up a second career. Therefore, his service with the military has to be of appropriate duration, so that he is useful for the military and equally young to find a place in a suitable second career. In the past, a number of committees have looked into re-organising the Army, essentially to cut cost and reduce the teeth-to-tail ratio. However, the MoD has been cherry-picking only those recommendations that conform to its plans. Thus many of the recommendations of the AV Committee, and more recently those of the Sheketkar Committee have been left out. Most recommendations are inter-linked and cherry-picking breaks the link and leads to disruptions, voids and complications. However in the present case, the recommended period of service for SSC officers is five and a half years, where the first six months are for initial intensive training. Thereafter, during the first year of service, an officer needs to do a composite course of three months related to the arm/service of the officer. His annual leave should be restricted to a month in a year. On release from the military, some percentage should be absorbed in the civil services, some in the Central and state police and bulk of them given reserved vacancies in IITs, IIMs, medical, law and engineering colleges, as well as the militarys own technical institutions. Those selected for further education should be given 50 per cent of the last pay drawn for the period they served. To start with, the ratio between regular commission and SSC officers could be 60:40 to eventually change to 40:60. Those who wish to altogether opt out should be given lump-sum monetary grant and those who join the civil services/police to carry forward their seniority. harinder@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 2 The Delhi government today announced that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would inaugurate the state of art Signature Bridge which would be thrown open for the people on November 4 in the capital. The bridge is the idea of ex-CM Sheila Dikshit who got the proposal of the bridge passed in the assembly in her last tenure. Deputy CM Manish Sisodia today conducted the final inspection of the bridge. He was accompanied by SC/ST welfare minister Rajendra Pal Gautam, senior leader Dilip Pandey, MLAs: Chaudhary Fateh Singh, Sanjeev Jha, Shri Dutt Sharma, Haji Mohammad Israq Khan and Pankaj Puskar, general manager (DTTDC) C. Arvind, chief engineer Shishir Bansal and other senior officers. Inspecting the bridge, Sisodia said that the bridge as the new landmark of New Delhi, would connect Wazirabad across the river Yamuna to the inner city. The western and eastern approaches to bridge will connect the nearby areas like Timarpur, Nehru Vihar, Wazirabad, Aruna Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar on Ring Road to Bhajanpura on Mangal Pandey Marg. The distance between two sides of the bridge will be reduced from 45 minutes to just 10 minutes saving the pollution to environment, travel time and fuel. The eastern side and western side approaches as well as a dedicated cycle track have been completed long back and have already been opened to traffic in phases. Thus, the components of overall project that are independent of bridge are already in use by the public. The main bridge (cable-stayed) over river Yamuna is also completed now to take the traffic and will be dedicated to public immediately after its inauguration. The boomerang shaped pylon consists of two inclined columns, which are rigidly connected to the driving lanes and bend mid-way. The upper portion of the pylon anchors the backstay cables as well as the main-span cables are arranged in a harp like manner. The top of the pylon is created by a 22 m high steel-glass structure, which will provide a panoramic view of the city. CM violates protocol by not inviting local MP Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said that the government has violated the protocol by not inviting him for the inauguration ceremony. Tiwari claimed that he struggled for its completion, sat on hunger strike at Khajuri Khas and by not inviting him in the inauguration ceremony even though he is the MP of the area, the CM has violated the protocol. He said that the bridges idea was conceived by ex-MLA Sahab Singh Chauhan and ex-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Tiwari said that in 2014, he was elected as an MP and a meeting was held on this bridge between late Chauhan and Karawal Nagars ex- MLA Mohan Singh Bist. When he was told that the company engaged for the project had left the work, the budget had increased to Rs 1,100 crore and Rs 33 crore were needed to restart the work, the central government allotted the amount despite the President rule here. shalender@tribune.com THE air quality in Delhi and the NCR is on the descent again this year, in spite of a bunch of measures ahead of Diwali, when pollution will have hit saturation point. Last year, the air quality index of the Capital fell in the very poor category. The latest data by the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research reveals the levels this year are no better. While stubble burning is, undoubtedly, one of the several factors affecting a marginal 9 per cent of PM2.5 pollution it is unlikely to impact the air quality significantly due to the low wind magnitude. The reasons are localised, meteorological as well as regional. And so, when Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal blames Punjab squarely for Delhis poor air, he is shooting in the dark, more so since the state is not contiguous to the Capital. Haryanas contribution, meanwhile, is dismissed as limited. Air pollution in India kills over a million people annually. In Delhi, it damages the lungs of over 2 million children. When it is recognised that pollution peaks at this time, collaborative efforts are required, in time, to prevent it from happening. Instead, alarm bells go off when things come to a head, and frenetic orders are bellowed: all construction activities, including civil, are put on hold; stone crushers and dust-generating plants are shut; the transport department and traffic police machinery comes together; MC resumes night patrol to thwart burning of garbage; dust-sweeping machines start moving; vehicles are deployed to sprinkle water on roads. This is not all. A challan drive ensues. Mr Kejriwal needs to first show diligence in fixing the local components. Environment Minister Harsh Vardhans call for an aggressive plan to combat pollution was met with a placid indifference none of the environment ministers of the four states around Delhi attended the critical meeting. Officials filled in for the ministers, reflecting their flippant approach to the matter. The Environment Protection Control Authority, set up by the Supreme Court, is also consulting state governments. Unless all come together to make it a concerted through-the-year political priority, the measures will be sterile, rendering the least relief. shalender@tribune.com THE surging winds of Hindutva are sending regional parties into a search for new partners. The Congress-style cooperative federalism and regional federalism of the Akali Dal or the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) no longer has the emotive appeal when pitted against the siren song of Hindutva. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidus reachout to the Congress marks an end to the slogans of linguistic pride and sub-nationalism that encouraged a significant support structure of the agrarian communities getting weaned away from the Congress. The meeting between Naidu and Congress president Rahul Gandhi was on the cards ever since both sides struck an alliance in Telengana where both had come a cropper. It was logical to extend this alliance to the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh where the ruling Telugu Desam can no longer bank on the regional idiom of Telugu self-respect as an emotive force against the winds of Hindutva, combined with other regional factions. The Congress-TDP plus mahagathbandhan has the limited agenda of keeping the BJP at bay but the message will resonate across the Hindi heartland where regional parties are still playing hard to get with the Congress. Both the new-found partners are, of course, blithely overlooking the history of sustained animosity that helped in caste and class mobilisation and polarisation against each other. Now that the enemy of Hindutva lurks at the gates, the TDP has proven to be prescient. That Chandrababu Naidu, once convener of the United Front, has made up with an ebbing existentialist enemy to keep an emerging one away is bound to be factored in the political calculations of its regional counterparts in the Hindi heartland. Though the necessity of political crutches will be projected as a political virtue, the country also needs an air of hope and positive anticipation as we go into the next elections. The Congress and its other potential allies also need to frame an implementable and credible agenda for the future to elevate such alliances from the current marriages of convenience they seem to be. harinder@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service Hisar, November 3 In a twist in the property dispute between the relatives of former Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal, a civil court has dismissed the suit filed by his granddaughter, former MP Shruti Choudhary, against her grandmother Vidya Devi, uncle Ranbir Singh Mahendra and four aunts. Shruti, daughter of Congress leader Kiran Choudhary, had challenged Bansi Lals registered will. Advocate Avinash Sardana said the court of Civil Judge (Junior Division) Ashutosh allowed the counter-claim filed by the late Vidya Devi. In her suit filed on August 24, 2006, Shruti had alleged that the registered will of Bansi Lal dated July 19, 2005 was false. She presented an unregistered will dated June 6, 2004 claiming it to be the joint will of Bansi Lal and his late son Surender Singh (Shrutis father). According to this will, Shruti was the owner of all the property of Bansi Lal and Surender Singh. However, as per the registered will of Bansi Lal, his wife Vidya Devi was to be the owner of all his property after his death. He had also willed that Vidya Devi or her legal heirs were free to set up a trust and use the property to make a memorial or use the same for purposes of public utility. After the demise of Bansi Lal on March 28, 2006, his wife became the owner of his properties. She formed a trust by the name of Ch Bansi Lal Memorial Trust and included those family members whom she wished to include as trustees. She donated all the property to the trust instead of giving it to her legal heirs. She became the chairperson of the trust. Shruti had filed a suit to challenge this will. Vidya Devi had contested Shrutis civil suit and filed a counter-claim that the trust was in fact in possession of the properties of Bansi Lal, including his kothi at Bhiwani and other properties that she had donated to the trust. After Vidya Devi passed away on February 10, 2009, her daughter-in-law Nirmal Kanta succeeded her as the chairperson of the trust. harinder@tribunemail.com Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 3 Supporters of Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala, who, along with his brother Digvijay Singh, was expelled from the Indian National Lok Dal on Friday, will assemble at his Delhi residence on November 5 where his father Ajay Singh Chautala will announce the future course of action. A day after INLD patriarch Om Prakash Chautala expelled his grandsons for anti-party activities, Dushyants supporters on Saturday launched a campaign for mobilising a large number of INLD workers in Delhi on November 5. Ajay Singh, who along with his father, is serving a jail term in the JBT recruitment scam, is to come out of Tihar Jail on November 5 on parole for 14 days. On Saturday morning, Dushyants media managers announced that his supporters would assemble at Sangharsh Sthal, the samadhi of Dushyants great-grandfather and party founder Chaudhary Devi Lal, but the programme was changed by the evening. We had to change it as it would have created confusion among workers, as some would have assembled at Sangharsh Sthal and others at the house, said a media manager. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Yamunanagar, November 2 Dr Abdul Majid, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ), District Courts, Yamunanagar, granted conditional bail to former Haryana Minister Subhash Chaudhry and his wife in a cheating case of Rs 36 lakh. The ASJ asked them to deposit over Rs 86 lakh (Rs 36 lakh and bank interest on this amount) up to November 12, fixed as the next date for hearing the case. Subhash Chaudhry and his wife Kusam Rani had moved bail applications before this court a few days ago. Chaudhry was elected MLA from the Jagadhri Assembly constituency of Yamunanagar district on the ticket of the Haryana Vikas Party in 1996 and was made Minister of State for Environment. Later, he was elected MLA from this Assembly segment on the Congress ticket in 2005. On the complaint of Rajbir Singh, branch manager, Co-operative Bank at Odhri village of Yamunanagar district, a case was registered against Ex-minister Subhash Chaudhry, his wife Kusam Rani, his brother Ashok Kumar and his political adviser Deep Chand in connection with two cheating cases of Rs 71 lakh - one case of Rs 36 lakh and the other case of Rs 35 lakh. They were booked under various sections of the IPC at the Buria police station on October 15. Rajbir Singh, in his complaint to the police, had alleged that an agreement was prepared in the name of Kusam Rani to purchase 32 kanal land in Odhri village. She got Rs 36 lakh loan against this agreement from Cooperative Bank, Odhri, on July 20, 2009. The other agreement was made in the name of Deep Chand to purchase 48 kanals in Odhri village and he got Rs 35 lakh loan from the said bank on September 9, 2010. He alleged that as per the agreements, in both cases the land was shown chahi (cultivable and which can be irrigated) but the land was in fact gairmumkin chow (uncultivable). Sources said the bank couldnt sanction loan against garimumkin chow land as there was no income from such land to repay the loan. He further said that after obtaining the loan, no one of the four persons paid the loan amount to the bank. He alleged, Ashok Kumar had been chairman of the board of directors of the complainant bank from June 1, 2007, to January 18, 2012, and his brother Subhash Chaudhry was minister. They were having influence and they in furtherance of their common intention had forged documents and got the two loans sanctioned. According to information, the ASJ on Friday granted conditional bail to Subhash Chaudhry and his wife as they filed bail applications. But, Ashok Kumar and Deep Chand are yet to file their bail applications. They are mainly accused in Rs 35 lakh loan. Branch manager filed complaint in cases On the complaint of Rajbir Singh, branch manager, Co-operative Bank at Odhri village of Yamunanagar district, a case was registered against Ex-minister Subhash Chaudhry, his wife Kusam Rani, his brother Ashok Kumar and his political adviser Deep Chand in connection with two cheating cases of Rs 71 lakh one case of Rs 36 lakh and the other case of Rs 35 lakh. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Yamunanagar, November 3 Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar said the INLD had already a negligible political existence in the state politics and now the ongoing family feud and a probable split would push it to a situation where the party would lose all of its remaining support base. Seeing the BJP behind the INLD crisis, Tanwar said the ruling party would create the C team for itself as the present INLD was already a B team of the BJP. I think the BJP is behind the fiasco of the INLD, said Ashok Tanwar while speaking to mediapersons at Thada Sahib Gurdwara at Joriyon in Yamunanagar on Saturday. Tanwar slammed the BJP on the issues of illegal mining, condition of roads and deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Roads in Yamunanagar district have turned into potholes following illegal mining and overloaded vehicles. But, the government is doing nothing to control this, said Tanwar. He claimed that the Congress was united and all party workers and leaders were working to strengthen the party. Congress leader Bhupinder Rana, Satpal Kaushik, Kehar Singh Jhanda, Suresh Dhanda, Mahavir Khurdi and other leaders were present on the occasion. editorial@tribune.com Sumedha Sharma Tribune News Service Gurugram, November 2 A diptheria scare continues to grip the Mewat region with 23 deaths and 92 suspected cases having been reported so far in the past three months. Given that all deceased were aged below the age of 14 years, the effects of poor immunisation record in the district came to the fore. As per record, only 55 per cent children in the district were fully immunised while 25 per cent were partially vaccinated and around 20 percent not given any vaccination. Contrary to the general perception, residents were to be blamed for the menace as a majority had refused vaccination citing religious reasons or believing rumours of vaccine rendering boys impotent. Over 100 teams are working on immunisation. We take help of religious leaders and sarpanches, but people still resist. We are rebuked and even threatened with complaints of crime against women if we try to persist, said Dr Lokveer, immunisation head in the district. The district has taken up BCG and oral immunisation, but is not ready for other vaccines. They think that these are a move to check the Muslim population, a rumour being spread on social media. The profiles of the deceased highlight the fact that not taking the vaccine killed them, he said. In the last one year, over 20 complaints of attack on immunisation teams was made to the police, which were eventually amicably resolved. The teams had highlighted stiff and armed resistance in Devla Nangli, Wazidpur, Maalab, Shankar Kherli, Baadli, Tihana and a few other villages. Despite efforts of religious leaders and the administration, people were adamant. We have 150 teams going from door to door checking ailing children. We are equipped, but people need to come to us. They bring the patient at the last moment. Announcements are made after mosque prayers, but people resist. We have made considerable improvement in three years, said Dr Rajiv Batish, CMO. Mewat had at poor immunisation record of 13 per cent at the time of the launch of Mission Indradhanush. It improved to 21 per cent in the first three months and stood at 55 per cent at present. editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent Sonepat, November 2 Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday announced that the government would bring a new policy for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by January 31 and its draft plan was almost complete. He was addressing representatives of the MSMEs support and outreach programme at the DCR University of Science and Technology in Murthal. Organised by the Department of Financial Services of the Union Ministry of Finance, the programme was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through video-conferencing. Listing steps taken for promoting MSMEs, Khattar said the industry in general and MSMEs in particular were the nucleus of the economy, playing a significant role in providing transformed material to consumers. Explaining introduction of cluster culture in the industrial sector for promoting MSMEs, he said these units contributed to 80 per cent of employment and 40 per cent of exports. Referring to issues raised by the Sonepat Industrial Association, he said demands like power connections and loan limit hike would be met at the earliest. Sonepat MP Ramesh Kaushik and Women and Child Development Minister Kavita Jain highlighted the importance of the Sonepat area for promoting industry. Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner for Industries Devender Singh listed incentives provided for promoting MSMEs and asked entrepreneurs for their suggestions. editorial@tribune.com Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 3 With the air quality index in Delhi and NCR still hovering between very poor and severe, questions are being asked whether it is really correct to attribute this to stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab? During a recent visit to Chandigarh, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal blamed Punjab for the conditions in the national capital, but he absolved Haryana, the state his party is eyeing for 2019 elections. Haryana Chief Secretary Depinder Singh Dhesi, too, claimed that barely 1 per cent of farmers in the state had burnt their paddy stubble and hence it could not have caused any adverse impact on air quality in the NCR. Satellite data from September 25 to November 2 shows that 24,428 active fire locations were recorded in Punjab during this period in comparison to 29,182 fire locations witnessed during the corresponding period last year. In Haryana, 5,273 active fire locations were recorded on satellite this year against 7,014 incidents during the corresponding period last year. While both the states showed a declining trend in paddy stubble burning, the high incidents in Punjab can be attributed to its higher acreage of paddy paddy was grown on nearly 30 lakh hectares in Punjab this year against the acreage of 13 lakh hectares in Haryana. With average landholding in Haryana being 2.23 hectares and that in Punjab 3.95 hectares, barely 5,273 out of 5.65 lakh-odd farmers in Haryana and 24,428 out of 7.60 lakh farmers in Punjab appear to have burnt their paddy stubble this time which is too small to cause any big air pollution. Dr Mahabir Jaglan, Department of Geography, Kurukshetra University, said that it was factually and scientifically erroneous to attribute high level of air pollution in Delhi to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana in the beginning of winter. Stubble burning in the vicinity of the NCR can aggravate the situation in terms of increasing the concentration by about 10 per cent or so but it is not the genesis of the problem. And stubble burning in far off regions such as Punjab has certainly no tele-connection with Delhi air pollution as it is sought to be by some people, he said. Dr Jaglan added that imagine if northwesterly winds drift the pollutants emanating from stubble burning in Punjab toward Delhi then air quality over Haryana too would be as bad as Delhi. Moreover, same wind should also drift away Delhi polluted air towards southeast or east. Settling of cool air along surface due to radiative cooling and lack of perceptible rise and horizontal movement of air allows the pollutants of in situ origin in Delhi to settle along surface in dangerous proportion and cause severe air pollution, he said. However, westerly and northwesterly winds of Western Disturbances break the temperature inversion intermittently and help reducing the air pollution level in Delhi. The forthcoming Western Disturbance may provide some relief to Delhites, he added. editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent UNA, November 3 While the Haroli BJP unit, led by Ram Kumar, newly appointed vice-chairman of the HP Small Industries Development Corporation, claims to have made elaborate arrangements for Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakurs visit to the segment scheduled for Sunday, the Congress today staged a protest at the newly constructed bridge over the Swan near Haroli. Congress protesters, led by block president Vinod Kumar Bittoo, alleged that the bridge, connecting Rampur village near Una with Haroli was funded and constructed during the Congress regime. The bridge, opened four months ago, was abruptly closed a few days ago by the PWD authorities in the garb of conducting load bearing tests. The Congress workers said since the inauguration of the bridge had been included in the Chief Ministers programme for November 4, the PWD authorities had put the public at discomfort by closing the bridge. They alleged that the authorities and the BJP were so eager to get the CMs name on the inauguration stone that they even overlooked that the bridge railings were still without paint. A press note said the CM would reach Una on a two-day visit to Haroli and Chintpurni on Sunday. In Haroli, the CM would lay the foundation stones or inaugurate public works. Thakur would lay the foundation stones for the upgrade of Gurplah to Gondpur road, a bridge in Bathari village, a drinking water scheme in Palkwah village and irrigation scheme for six villages. The CM would also dedicate to the public the Haroli-Rampur bridge over the Swan on which Rs 33 crore had been spent, besides inaugurating two bridges over the tributaries. He would address a public meeting in Palkwah, the native village of Ram Kumar. editorial@tribune.com Lalit Mohan Tribune News Service Dharamsala, November 2 With the National Green Tribunal (NGT) quashing permissions granted to stone crushers operating within 100 metres of the water bodies and rivers, about 70 per cent stone crushers in Kangra district face closure. Sources in the mining department told The Tribune that there were 90 stone crushers in Kangra district. Out of these, about 67 were operating in Nurpur subdivision. More than 70 per cent out them are located within a distance of 100 metres from the water bodies. A majority of the stone crushers in Kangra district are located in Nurpur and Indora subdivisions. Both the subdivisions border Pathankot district of Punjab. The stone crushers are located either in Chakki riverbed or Beas riverbed. An official of the Mining Department, while speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that earlier the stone crushers were allowed to operate near non-perennial rivulets. However, the tribunal has now directed that all stone crushers within 100 metres of the water bodies perennial or non-perennial should be banned. This would lead to closure of more than 70 percent stone crushers in Kangra district. He said the state government would now have to form committees to carry out the process of closure of stone crushers lying within 100 metres from the water bodies. The NGT has directed the concerned authorities to take action and file a report within two months. BJP MLA from Nurpur, Rakesh Pathania, who had been raising voice against illegal mining, has welcomed the NGT decision. Illegal mining had damaged the ecology of the area. The farmers had been protesting illegal mining using JCB by the mining mafia in the border areas of the state. I hope that now with the NGT order the menace would end, he said. The Chaki and Beas riverbeds in Kangra district were notorious for illegal mining. Despite the fact that the police and mining department registered hundreds of cases of illegal mining, the menace continued due to huge profits generated. Some the leading politicians of both the ruling and the Opposition parties had stakes in the mining business. Illegal mining had led to collapse of main road bridge over river Chaki connecting Pathankot district with Kangra. The railway bridge over Chaki, many water schemes and the Indian Air Force station were also threatened due to illegal mining. editorial@tribune.com Amir Karim Tantray Tribune News Service Jammu, November 3 Even though it is yet to be ascertained who killed BJP state secretary Anil Parihar and his brother in Kishtwar, the incident has brought the focus back to militancy in the area. The police have said militancy was one of the angles being probed by the special investigation team (SIT) formed in the case. It is after seven years that militancy is re-emerging in Doda and Kishtwar, where seven to eight militants are active and more are being pushed in from the Kashmir valley. According to intelligence agencies, these active militants are mostly locals and are on a mission to revive militancy in the region. We have inputs that seven to eight militants are active in both Doda and Kishtwar districts. So far, they have been underground and no major activity has been reported, but their presence is a major cause of concern, an intelligence source told The Tribune. The last militant activity was witnessed in September 2015, when two special police officers (SPOs) deserted the police and joined the Hizbul Mujahideen in Doda district. Within a month of their joining, they were killed in an encounter. In June 2011, two Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants were killed in an encounter. After 2011, the state government had unofficially declared the two districts militancy-free, but a strong vigil was being kept on the activities of suspected persons having links with militant outfits. This year, two youths from Doda district Abid Hussain Butt of Sazan village and MBA passout Haroon Abbas Wani of Ghat village joined the LeT and the Hizbul Mujahideen. While Butt was killed within 25 days of his joining, Wani is still active. After the death of militant commander Burhan Wani in 2016, the new age militancy started emerging in the Kashmir valley, the impact of which is now visible in Doda and Kishtwar districts also. Militant outfits are trying to use these militants to attract more youths and revive militancy in the region. To help these militants, there are chances that more ultras will be pushed into these areas from the Valley, the intelligence source added. Declared militancy-free in 2011 June 2011: Two LeT militants killed; Doda and Kishtwar declared militancy-free September 2015: Last encounter in Doda; two SPOs-turned-militants killed July 2018: A youth from Sazan Doda joins the LeT September 2018: An MBA passout in Doda joins the Hizbul Mujahideen editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Jammu, November 2 Worried about the security of their families due to the revival of militancy in Kishtwar, fear-stricken members of the minority community on Friday allegedly heckled senior BJP leaders for adopting casual approach in dealing with the worsening situation in the region. Enraged over the killing of Anil Parihar, BJP leader, and Ajeet Parihar, his brother, members of the minority community raised slogans against the BJP leadership for making them sitting ducks. Reports said soon after the cremation of Parihar brothers, an angry mob comprising a large number of women trooped towards BJP leaders who were returning after attending the last rites of the deceased. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who is Lok Sabha member from the area, was gheroed by the angry mob, an eye witness told The Tribune over the phone from Kishtwar. The enraged mob posed many uncomfortable questions to the minister and alleged that after the 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the BJP leadership had virtually abandoned the minority community of the region. Residents of Kishtwar have a reason to corner BJP leaders as for the first time in 2014, it had won the Assembly elections from the Kishtwar seat. Similarly, members of the minority community had voted overwhelmingly for the BJP candidate in the Lok Sabha polls also. Targeting leaders of the minority community has started once again to force migration, said the eyewitness quoting the mob. People alleged that the BJP leadership had betrayed the minority community, he said. The police faced tough time rescuing BJP leaders from the mob, which wanted adequate security for the members of the minority community to revive the shattered confidence. Ultimately, the Union minister and other BJP leaders were whisked away from the cremation ground by security men. amansharma@tribunemail.com Srinagar, November 3 The family of Ahtesham Bilal Sofi, the 17-year-old Sharda University student who reportedly has joined the Islamic State Jammu Kashmir (ISJK), on Saturday appealed to militants to have "mercy on us" and let him return home. Ahtesham's father Bilal Ahmad Sofi made the appeal in a video message that is being shared widely on social media. Bilal said his son was the "only male heir of an extended family" and asked the militant to allow him return home. "Have mercy on us and let him return. Allah will have mercy on you," he said. Ahtesham, a resident of Khanyar locality in downtown Srinagar, was a first-year graduation student at the university at Greater Noida. He went missing on October 28 after he left the varsity with official permission to go to Delhi, days after he was mistakenly roughed up during a scuffle between Indian and Afghan students in the campus. Later, pictures on social media showed Ahtesham dressed in a black outfit and claimed he had joined the ISJK, an outfit influenced by ISIS ideology. "Your paradise is your parents, you are the only hope of 12 family members. Did you forget that this house has seen four deaths in the last two years," said Bilal in the fervent appeal with tears streaming down his face. The mother of the teenager also pleaded and begged her only son to return home as she wept inconsolably next to her husband. Following Ahtesham's disappearance, a missing complaint was registered at the Knowledge Park police station in Greater Noida as well as at Khanyar police station in Srinagar. - PTI editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Jammu, November 2 Protests erupted across the Jammu region on Friday against the targeted killings of BJP leader Anil Parihar and his brother Ajeet Parihar in Kishtwar town on Thursday night. The protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the killers while condemning the attack as a bid to disturb communal harmony and peace in the region. The work in courts was suspended following the strike call given by the J&K High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA), Jammu, while students of Jammu University and Government Maulana Azad Memorial Postgraduate College boycotted their classes to protest the killings. Raising slogans against the state government, students blocked the busy Bikram Chowk in Jammu city and disrupted normal traffic. Leaders of the BJP also held demonstrations at the district level to protest the brutal killings of their state secretary and his brother. Led by senior party leaders, hundreds of protesters marched from Pt. Premnath Dogra Bhawan to Kacchi Chawni in Jammu city to protest the killings. They also burned the effigy of Pakistan and the militants backed by it. The protesters raised slogans against Pakistan and denounced the cowardly act of militants in Kishtwar. They urged the Centre to launch a counter offensive to wipe out militancy from the state and ensure the safety of political workers. The protest was organised by the BJPs youth wing led by its state president Vikas Choudhary. In Kathua town, BJP activists assembled at Shaheedi Chowk and held a demonstration to register their anger against the killings. The newly elected councillors led by district president Prem Nath Dogra raised slogans against Pakistan and demanded stern action against the culprits. In Rajouri, BJP, Bajrang Dal and VHP activists held separate demonstrations at Tehsil Chowk and Jawahar Nagar and burnt the effigy of Pakistan. On the strike call of JKHCBA, Jammu, work remained suspended in all courts. The protesting members of the Bar Association condemned the ongoing anti-national activities in the state. Addressing the protesters, JKHCBA president BS Slathia urged the Prime Minister and the J&K Governor to take stern action against such subversive elements to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the state. This incident should be investigated by a specialized outfit like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to punish the culprits responsible for the cowardly act, Slathia said. The Bar leaders also appealed to the Centre and Governor to strengthen the village defence committees (VDCs) in the region. In Doda, Bhaderwah and Thatri towns, local people led by leaders of various political parties also held demonstrations and condemned the killings. They demanded a thorough probe into the incident, saying that it was an attempt to sabotage peace in the region. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 2 A newly recruited militant was killed in a brief gunfight in north Kashmirs Kupwara district late on Thursday, the police said. The militant identified as Naseer Ahmad Teli of Armpora, Sopore, was killed in the neighbouring Handwara area when security forces noticed suspicious movement at Sagipora village around 10 pm. When the forces challenged him, he opened fire triggering a brief gunfight which led to his killing, a police officer said. Sources said one of his associate managed to flee from the area. The body of the slain militant, who was associated with Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen, was handed over to his family for burial. The police said Teli had gone missing on November 3 and his picture had appeared on the social media announcing his joining militant ranks. The encounter triggered clashes at some places in Sopore. Meanwhile a tragedy was averted in south Kashmir when security forces detected and defused an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing around 5 kg along the Shopian-Pulwama road. The IED was detected by the security forces at Nikas village in Pulwama. In another incident, a local Al-Badr militant was arrested in the Handwara area on Friday. The police said Sajad Ahmed Dar of Pulwama was arrested at a checkpoint set by the forces. editorial@tribune.com Rifat Mohidin Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 2 Ehtisham Bilal, the 18-year-old student who went missing from Sharda University in Noida on October 28, has reportedly joined militant outfit Islamic State (IS)-Kashmir chapter. This was revealed after his picture and audio surfaced on the social media on Friday. Police officials, who did not rule out the possibility, said they were verifying the authenticity of the content that appeared on the social media. We also saw the picture, but we are still verifying it, a senior police official said. A day ago, the teenagers family, which lives in Khanyar, gathered at Srinagars Press Colony and appealed to Governor Satya Pal Malik to help them in tracing him. The parents of the boy have been shattered by his mysterious disappearance and have held a series of protests appealing to the authorities to find him. In the picture, the boy is seen wearing black clothes and turban and his code name appears as Abu Muhammad Al-Inghamasi, where he pledges allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. This is a message to all who consider jihad as a way of fighting, a voice is heard saying in the six-minute audio message. Our blood is not white. We will give you tears of blood. I was looking into the eyes of those kufaar (non-Muslims) when they attacked me in groups like dogs. I felt I had delayed being part of jihad for long. But not anymore, it says. Ehtisham was pursuing BSc in radiology and imaging technology at Sharda University. His family said on October 4, he was beaten up by some students on the campus, which turned into a controversy after a video went viral. The boys family refused to talk about the message released by the militant outfit. editorial@tribune.com Ranjit Thakur Doda, November 3 The administration on Saturday relaxed curfew in Kishtwar town in a phased manner after a high-level meeting of officials. Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Rajinder Gupta said, The SIT is investigating the case but its too early to disclose anything. Some people are being interrogated. While the curfew was lifted in Doda town at 10 am, a two-hour relaxation was given at Bhaderwah town by the administration between 4 and 6 pm. Adviser to Governor K Vijay Kumar held a meeting with top officials and reviewed the situation in the district. Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma, District Development Commissioner Angrez Singh Rana, Inspector General of Police SD Singh, senior officials, political leaders and prominent citizens attended the meeting. The Deputy Commissioner said, We had divided Kishtwar into four sectors and relaxed the curfew accordingly. Relaxation was given in Sectors 1 and 3 from 2.30 pm to 3:30 pm while in Sectors 2 and 4, the curfew was relaxed from 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm. No incident of violence was reported from anywhere during the period. We have given relief to people so that they can collect essential commodities of daily use. Kishtwar MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma, while speaking to mediapersons, said, Its a security failure and there is no doubt about it. We demand a high-level inquiry from the National Investigation Agency. Since the past few months, recruitment of militants and underground workers started here and the attack on BJP leaders was a result of their frustration. The investigation is going on swiftly and the eyewitnesses have also given some information, he added. Hizb posters call for poll boycott in Doda Doda: Posters of the Hizbul Mujahideen have surfaced in Doda district threatening people not to contest the upcoming panchayat elections. The posters surfaced in the upper reaches of Dandal and Gurmul areas of Kashtighar tehsil in Doda, the police said. Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, Shabir Malik said, "Some posters were found in Gurmul, Dandal and some other areas of Kashtigar. We are ascertaining the authenticity of the posters. We are not in a position to say anything now as the matter is being investigated with the help of experts." Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner, Doda, Anshul Garg and SP Vinay Kumar visited Kashtigar and held a public meeting. OC editorial@tribune.com Rifat Mohidin Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 3 Irfana Jan, mother of 18-year-old Ehtisham Bilal, is in shock. According to social media posts, her son has joined the Islamic State unit of Kashmir. On Thursday, his family members had made an moving appeal to the authorities to trace the missing teenager. After knowing that Ehtisham has joined militancy, his father, mother and other family members have made an emotional appeal to him to return. They have also pleaded separatist leaders to bring him back. I appeal to everyone to please return me my Ehtisham, the ailing mother of the boy can be seen saying in a video released on Saturday. She also made an appeal to top militant commander Zakir Musa to send her son home. I appeal to Zakir Musa with folded hands to send Ehtisham back. He is our only son. Who will take care of us and his sisters? I beg you, please send him back to us, she said. In the past too, mothers of youths who joined militancy have made emotional appeals to them to return home. The family is living in a hope of his return. "I have listened to your audio message. I am worried and shocked. You talk about Islam and Iman, but you have forgotten about the heaven. According to Islam, heaven lies under the feet of the mother, and the father is the door to heaven," said Bilal Ahmed Sofi, his father, adding, "Islam warns against disobedience to parents. Ehtisham did not you think for a second what his sisters would do, said his mother. His father is a heart patient. Who will look after him? I appeal to Zakir Musa to send my son back. May god protect you. I appeal to all militant outfits to help me get my son back. I also appeal to Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq and Yasin Malik, she pleaded. She warned her son that they all will die if he didnt return. Ehtisham, I am telling you to come home or all of us will die. Come home, kill us all and then go wherever you want to go, the mother said. The 18-year-old disappeared from Sharda University in Noida on September 28 and a day ago, his audio message and a picture in black outfit emerged on social media, wherein he claimed he had joined the IS. His family said on October 4, he was beaten up by some students on the university campus, which turned into a controversy after a video went viral. shriaya.dutta@tribuneindia.com Seoul, November 3 Actress Angelina Jolie's oldest child Maddox is getting ready to leave the house as the actress took the 17-year-old on a university tour, here. The mother of six, 43, travelled to South Korea on an official visit as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) Special Envoy and she made sure to set aside time for her 17-year-old son Maddox to visit university campuses, reports people.com. The teenager has spent time studying the Korean language and is interested in studying in the country. This is his first visit to a campus. While there, Jolie stepped out alongside her 14-year-old son Pax while Maddox rested before embarking on his tour. Jolie shares her six children, including Shiloh, 12; Zahara, 13; and 10-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox with ex Brad Pitt. IANS shriaya.dutta@tribuneindia.com New Delhi, November 3 He may have started his career with films such as "Iqbal" and "Dil Dosti Etc" but Shreyas Talpade seems to have found a niche in comedy, a genre he really enjoys. The actor said though there are drawbacks of being attached to a particular genre, he has no plans to move away from comedy. "I don't want to move away from comedy. People interpret that if I take up some serious roles, I won't do comedy. That is not the case. I am often asked about not doing films like 'Iqbal'. But comedy is something that I really enjoy and I can never get bored of it," Talpade told PTI in an interview. Stereotyping is also a form of acceptance, said Talpade. "When you become a little more popular in a particular genre, then you automatically start getting roles that belong to that genre. Typecasting is bound to happen. You do films like 'Golmaal' which is watched by the entire country and if your character gets popular, then it's quite obvious that people relate you with comedy," he said. He has become a regular on big-budget comedy dramas but Talpade said there was a time when he lost such films because he had the image of a serious actor. The actor is currently doing web series "Baby Come Naa", which streams on ALT Balaji streaming platform. Talpade admitted that the show's title is a bit suggestive. "The title is a little suggestive, naughty. The series is also a little naughty. It is essentially a light-hearted comedy with certain moments which are naughty. But it is naughty, not vulgar. There's a very thin line between naughtiness and vulgarity so we've tried to maintain that line." The actor said people demonise the content that they cannot watch with their families but they do want to view it. "Research shows that usually the content that people look down upon, these kind of content is the most watched. So they'll watch it the most, but then criticize it saying 'What is this?' "For example, films like 'Masti' and 'Grand Masti' crossed Rs 100 crore but when their trailers came out, people had the same reaction. But people go and watch these movies and we're shocked that they crossed Rs 100 crore." "Baby Come Naa" also features Kiku Sharda, Shefali Jariwala, Chunky Pandey and Mansi Scott. PTI Surjit Singh Flora Surjit Singh Flora DIWALI is one of the largest and most popular festivals in India. My appeal to all is: Be a Santa Claus this Diwali! Indians have a habit of spending a lot on festivals, especially on crackers on Diwali. It is a total waste of money, and creates noise and air pollution. It is also sometimes a source of water pollution. The money we spend on fireworks should be given to the poor in the form of food and clothes. Fireworks and oil lamps also cause damage. Many houses even get burnt down. Today, we are causing damage to others. Is this the spirit of Diwali? These days the fireworks arent what they used to be. They are now basically explosives, and there has been a lot of mishandling of crackers across the global. Medical research in recent years is finding evidence that burning crackers causes pollution that may lead to diseases like cancer, asthma and TB. More among us are becoming victims of such diseases. Also, the tonnes of stuff we buy! Stuff we never use after the first time, stuff we get bored of. Instead of piling it up for one more year, donate it to someone in need. We know the significance Diwali holds for the Hindus. Sikhs express their happiness by lighting a lamp, and on Diwali, Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Guru, reached Amritsar by releasing 52 prisoners from Gwalior Fort. Guru Sahib was disbanded by Mughal emperor Jahangir in the fort of Gwalior. Buddhists and Jains also celebrate Diwali. In fact, the festival today has come to be recognised as a truly global festival. It is celebrated in every city, every town and every village, but the glory of the city of Amritsar is different. The Diwali of Amritsar is visible. Millions of people come here to celebrate the day. In Canada, Hindu and Sikh communities celebrate it, promoting cross-religious goodwill. In 2003, Diwali was celebrated for the first time in the White House and was officially recognised by the US Congress in 2007. President Obama joined in at the 2009 Diwali celebrations in the White House. San Antonios annual Diwali in Texas has seen up to a lakh celebrants. Let us all agree to celebrate Diwali without pollution and spend the money thus saved on social projects. Give money to the hungry and clothes to the needy. Buy books for poor students. Pay a students education fee for a year, so he/she doesnt have to drop out of school due to financial difficulties. Our little bit may help fight hunger, lack of access to education or medical care. With our support, our communities will get better access to education, one-to-one support and growth opportunities, confidence, courage and life skills. In giving we beget peace, calmness and happiness. shalender@tribune.com Islamabad, November 2 Maulana Samiul Haq, a former Pakistani Senator more widely known as the Father of Taliban, was stabbed to death on Friday while resting in his room in Rawalpindi city, his family said. The influential religious leaders son Maulana Hamidul Haq said his father's driver had gone out. On his return, he saw that Maulana Sami was sprawled on his bed in a pool of blood. He was no longer alive. The news of Maulana Samis death comes at a time when religio-political parties are protesting the Supreme Courts acquittal of a Christian woman in a blasphemy case. According to Hamidul, Maulana Sami, a close ally of Prime Minister Imran Khan, was unable to take part in the protest against the woman's acquittal due to road blockades and had returned home. He was stabbed multiple times, he said. Maulana Samis driver and bodyguard had both left the room for some 15 minutes when he was stabbed. Maulana Sami, said to be years old, headed the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwas Akora Khattak area. He was a Senator between March 1991 and March 1994. He was elected on an Islami Jamhoori Itehad ticket. Last month, a high-level delegation from Afghanistan called on Maulana Sami at Darul Uloom Haqqania and urged him to play a role in resolving the Afghan crisis. IANS Was Aligned with PTI Maulana Sami headed the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwas Akora Khattak area. He was a Senator between March 1991 and March 1994. He was elected on an Islami Jamhoori Itehad ticket. He was aligned with the now ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the July 25 poll. harinder@tribunemail.com Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, November 3 Avni, the man-eating tigress who is alleged to have killed 13 persons, was shot dead in Maharashtras Yavatmal district last night, the state police said on Saturday. The announcement was greeted with cheers by people living in the vicinity of the forest frequented by the tigress. Social media showed people bursting fire crackers and smearing themselves with colours after forest officials announced the killing of the big cat. The police said the tigress was shot by sharp shooter Asghar Ali of the Hyderabad royal family. She is survived by her two cubs, who are 10 months old. Officials are searching for the cubs, which would be relocated to a sanctuary, sources said. The tigress, known officially as T1, was ordered to be shot at sight by the Supreme Court, which dismissed the petition of animal rights activists last month. Earlier this month, animal lovers in the cities took to social media in order to get the state government to capture the tigress alive. shalender@tribune.com Doda/Jammu, November 2 Even as the Army on Friday conducted flag march in the main towns of Kishtwar and Doda districts, a special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted under Kishtwar Additional Superintendent of Police Parbeet Singh to probe the killing of BJP state secretary Anil Parihar and his brother Ajit. Two personal security officers (PSOs) of the deceased leader, who were not with him during the attack, are being questioned, sources said. The Parihar brothers were shot at point-blank range while returning home from their shop, 300 metres away, on Thursday night. The killings triggered angry demonstrations in Kishtwar district and elsewhere. Kishtwar, Doda, Bhaderwah, Thathri and other areas observed a shutdown. Additional Army personnel have been sent to Kishtwar. Jammu Zone IG SDS Jamwal is monitoring the situation, Dilbag Singh, state DGP, said. The attackers will be booked soon. Hundreds of people from all communities paid their last respects as the mortal remains of the brothers were consigned to flames. TNS rchopra@tribunemail.com Gaya, November 3 The body of an Australian citizen was found hanging from a tree in Bodh Gaya town of Bihars Gaya district on Saturday, a senior police official said. Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar said the body had been identified as that of Heath Allan (33), a resident of Westmead, a suburb of Sydney. The incident came to light when locals noticed it while passing through Rajapur area on Saturday morning. They informed the police. The police claimed that a suicide note was found. The note mentions a phone number and a request that Heaths sister be informed about the death. The body has been sent to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya, for post-mortem, he added. PTI monicakchauhan@gmail.com New Delhi, November 3 A Delhi court has discharged two people in a case of rape and recording a video of the incident, noting that documentary and scientific evidence ruled out the allegations. Additional Sessions Judge Anu Grover Baliga granted relief to a Haryana resident, accused of rape, and his cousin, who had allegedly recorded video of the act, after their counsel pointed out the call detail records of the accused and other evidence in the case. Advocate Amit Sahni, appearing for the accused, had submitted before the court that scientific evidence proved the allegations wrong and that no purpose would be served by continuing the proceedings any further in the case. He added that the main accused was not even present in the national capital on the date of incident as he was attending physical examination for the post of constable in Haryana. The counsel also pointed out that the FIR in the case was lodged after a long delay and the complainant has refused to undergo medical examination. The court was also told by police that after inquiries it had emerged that the complainant and her husband "were in the habit of filing false complaints". The court discharged the accused, saying that in view of the evidence in the case, "there is no grave suspicion arising against the accused persons to frame charge against them". The police had not arrested the accused during the probe. The complainant had claimed that the accused had raped her after giving her an intoxicant in July, 2016 in Dhaula Kuan area and his cousin had a made video of the act when her husband was lodged in Tihar central jail in a theft case. PTI shalender@tribune.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 2 Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that French jet maker Dassault Aviation paid kickbacks to Indian industrialist Anil Ambani who bagged the offset contract in the 36 Rafale aircraft deal in April 2015. Addressing his sixth press conference on the matter at AICC headquarters, Gandhi said Dassault CEO claims Ambani got the offset contract because he had the land for the company but "he lied". "It turns out Dassault invested Rs 284 crore in Anil Ambani's company worth Rs 8.30 lakh valuation. It was with this money that Ambani bought the land needed for the company. Dassault CEO is lying and the question is why he paid this amount to a loss making firm? This is the first tranche of kickbacks given to Anil Ambani by Dassault and this is clear as day," Gandhi alleged. On a query about the government saying everything is above board in the deal, Gandhi said HAL had more land than Ambani but was sidelined. He asked why. "Ambani bought land with the money Dassault gave him. Why is Dassault CEO lying? Who is he protecting? There is only one person he is protecting and that is PM Narendra Modi. This is clear cut 100 per cent open and shut case of corruption. Rs 284 crore has gone into Ambani's account for absolutely no logical reason other than a kickback," Gandhi said, adding that the PM "cannot survive an inquiry in the matter which was why the CBI chief was removed as he was looking at these papers". He reiterated the demand of a joint parliamentary committee probe into the deal. "Modi is terrified. Rafale is open and shut case and one of partnership between Modi and Ambani. Fact is Ambani didn't pay for the land Dassault did. The CBI chief was looking at these papers. It is obvious that there is enough material in the public domain to nail Modi and the CBI chief was removed," said Gandhi. On the question of SC asking for pricing details of the jet, Gandhi said the French President had told him privately that pricing was not covered by a secret pact. "I keep saying Rafale is an open and shut case of corruption because the deal was negotiated for a decade. Modi personally, not ex-Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, changed everything," Gandhi added. amansharma@tribunemail.com KV Prasad Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 3 With India continuing to expand its engagement with Africa, a continent where China has already made deep inroads, New Delhi announced plans to set up a mission in Equatorial Guinea, the fourth largest supplier of natural gas to India. Marking a new phase in the bilateral relations Ambassador Manuel Mbela Bama Ndong, hosted a first reception since the country on the West-Central coast, set up its embassy here. Besides members of diplomatic corps, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vijay Thakur Singh was present on the occasion to convey greetings on the 50th anniversary of its Independence, said, "I am proud to say that India has been one of the countries, who is with you." India's exports to Equatorial Guinea include food products, cereals, meat, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and apparel while it imports oil and gas, timber with opportunities existing in the form of processing of coconut, cocoa, coffee, rubber, palm, groundnut oil and others. The bilateral trade during 2016-17 stood at $810 million with the balance of trade heavily in favour of the African country. Celebrating the 50th year of his country's Independence, Ambassador Ndong on Friday said relations between Equatorial Guinea and India were being strengthened day by day with cooperation in multiple sectors ranging from telecommunications to agriculture. The Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, he said, was using resources from hydrocarbons to invest in infrastructure and human resources to expand agriculture, fishing, air transport, education, telecommunications, tourism industries in Equatorial Guinea, welcoming foreign investors. Ever since India hosted the Africa Summit in 2015, New Delhi has sharply increased its interaction with countries in the continent with the President, Vice President and the Prime Minister travelling to some 27 countries in the continent. President Kovind paid a visit to Equatorial Guinea this year and was conferred with the country's highest civilian award. This was preceded by the visit of Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo who took part in the first International Solar Alliance Summit in March this year. harinder@tribunemail.com KV Prasad Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 3 With India continuing to expand its engagement with Africa, a continent where China has already made deep inroads, New Delhi announced plans to set up a mission in Equatorial Guinea, the fourth largest supplier of natural gas to India. Marking a new phase in the bilateral relations, Ambassador Manuel Mbela Bama Ndong hosted a first reception since the country on the West-Central coast set up its embassy here. Besides members of diplomatic corps, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vijay Thakur Singh was present on the occasion to convey greetings on the 50th anniversary of its independence. He said: I am proud to say that India has been one of the countries that are with you. Indias exports to Equatorial Guinea include food products, cereals, meat, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and apparel while it imports oil and gas, timber with opportunities existing in the form of processing of coconut, cocoa, coffee, rubber, palm, groundnut oil and others. The bilateral trade during 2016-17 stood at $810 million with the balance of trade heavily in favour of the African country. Celebrating the 50th year of his countrys independence, Ambassador Ndong on Friday said relations between Equatorial Guinea and India were being strengthened day by day with cooperation in multiple sectors ranging from telecommunications to agriculture. The Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, he said, was using resources from hydrocarbons to invest in infrastructure and human resources to expand agriculture, fishing, air transport, education, telecommunications and tourism industries, welcoming foreign investors. Ever since India hosted the Africa Summit in 2015, New Delhi has sharply increased its interaction with African countries with the President, Vice-President and the Prime Minister travelling to some 27 countries in the continent. President Ram Nath Kovind paid a visit to Equatorial Guinea this year and was conferred with the countrys highest civilian award. This was preceded by the visit of Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo who took part in the first International Solar Alliance Summit in March this year. In addition, India is planning to open missions in the next five years by adding at least 18 to existing 27 embassies/high commissions in the continent. shalender@tribune.com Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, November 2 The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday warned of a 1992-type mass agitation to push for a grand Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. Speaking to the media at Uttan on Mumbais outskirts after a three-day RSS national executive meeting, general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi said it was time that Ram Mandir was built. Joshi, along with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, met BJP president Amit Shah earlier in the day. People are within their right to seek a law for construction of Ram Mandir. But it is the governments privilege to decide when to bring in the law, he said. Responding to a query, he stressed, We have already waited for too long. We cannot wait forever. If necessary, we will launch a jan andolan (mass agitation). He also hit out at the Supreme Court, which is hearing the title dispute on the land where the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid stands, for refusing urgent hearing. Since the matter was listed for October 29, we felt the Hindus would get good news before Diwali. But the top court deferred the hearing, saying it had other priorities... It is a matter of pain and anguish that an issue which Hindus consider their faith and sentiment is not on the priority list of the court... Hindus are feeling insulted, Joshi claimed. A three-judge Bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, had said an appropriate Bench would decide the future course of hearing in January on the appeals filed against the Allahabad High Court verdict in the Ayodhya case. We have our own priorities. Whether the matter will be heard in January, February or March, the appropriate Bench will decide, it had said when Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and advocate CS Vaidyanathan, appearing for Uttar Pradesh and deity Ramlalla, sought early listing of the appeals. shalender@tribune.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 2 The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the CBIs petition challenging the Delhi High Courts 2005 verdict discharging all accused, including London-based businessmen Hinduja brothers, in the Rs 64-crore Bofors pay-off case. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, however, said the CBI could raise all grounds in the appeal against the same HC verdict filed by advocate Ajay Agrawal. The SC has already admitted Agrawals petition. Agrawal had lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election to then Congress chief Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareilly. The Bench turned down the CBIs request to condone the 13-year delay in filing the appeal against the 2005 Delhi HC verdict. The appeal was filed on February 2 this year. The SC said it was not convinced with the grounds cited by the CBI for condoning more than 4,500 days delay in filing the appeal. Attorney General KK Venugopal wanted the court to clarify that the dismissal of CBIs appeal would not come in the way of agency in carrying out a probe into the case, but the Bench didnt say anything on this in its order. The HC in its 2005 judgment had quashed all charges against the three Hinduja brothers SP Hinduja, GP Hinduja and PP Hinduja and others under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI filed its appeal after the October 2017 interview of private detective Michael Hershman, who alleged that the then Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress government had sabotaged his investigation. It had said further investigation was necessary in view of revelations in Hershmans interviews. Before the 2005 verdict of Justice RS Sodhi (since retired), another judge of the Delhi High Court, retired Justice JD Kapoor, had on February 4, 2004, exonerated Rajiv Gandhi in the case and directed the framing of forgery charge under Section 465 of the IPC against Bofors company. The Rs 1,437-crore deal between India and Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors for the supply of 400 units of 155 mm Howitzer guns for the Army was entered into on March 24, 1986. Swedish Radio on April 16, 1987, had claimed that the company had paid bribes to top Indian politicians and defence personnel. The CBI on January 22, 1990, had registered the FIR for alleged offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery under the IPC and other sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Martin Ardbo, then president of AB Bofors, alleged middleman Win Chadda and the Hinduja brothers. The first chargesheet in the case was filed on October 22, 1999, against Chadda, Ottavio Quattrocchi, then defence secretary SK Bhatnagar, Ardbo and Bofors. A supplementary chargesheet named Hinduja brothers as accused on October 9, 2000. Chadha and Bhatnagar are dead. Quattrocchi, discharged by a Delhi court on March 4, 2011, died later. shalender@tribune.com Manas Dasgupta Ahmedabad, November 2 The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh is planning to erect a huge statue of Lord Ram on the banks of River Saryu in Ayodhya to soften the hardliners demanding the Narendra Modi government bring an act immediately for the construction of the Ram temple. While UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remained tight-lipped on a question when would be the temple constructed in Ayodhya, some BJP leaders accompanying him spilled the beans about his governments plans on the issue. The UP CM was in Gujarat on Friday and accompanied by his Gujarat counterpart Vijay Rupani visited Kevadiya Colony to see the worlds tallest statue, the 182-metre high Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister on Wednesday. While eulogising Modis vision in creating a statue befitting to the tallest man in Indian politics, Yogi left the media conference the moment he was asked about the construction of the Ram temple as was being demanded by the RSS. I will announce issues connected with Lord Ram only in Ayodhya and not here, Yogi said. However, some BJP leaders accompanying him, who claimed to be privy to discussion on the issue, said the announcement about the Ram statue was expected to be made by Yogi on Diwali. The statue is expected to be about 100 metre tall and would be set up on the banks of River Saryu and like the Sardar statue would also have a museum and other facilities to attract tourists. This, the BJP leaders hoped, would soften the hardening attitude of the Hindutva organisations getting frustrated over inaction of the Modi government in fulfilling his 2014 poll promise. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 2 On an average, at least 12 persons died daily in Punjab in 2017, states the Report on Punjab road accidents and traffic-2017 that was released by the Director General of Police Suresh Arora here on Friday. Compiled by Sharad Satya Chauhan (ADGP, Traffic) and traffic adviser Navdeep Asija, it stated that the state had witnessed the sharpest decline of 12.1 per cent road fatalities observed in the state last year. The trend was against the rising trends seen over the last few years. Chauhan said 2.25 per cent of the countrys population lived in Punjab. Its share in the total road accident deaths was varying, from 3.3 to 3.5 per cent of road accident deaths in India in the last five years. About 60-67 per cent of the total road fatalities occurred on national and state highways, both comprising 5.4 per cent of the total road length in Punjab. Five cities of Punjab Ludhiana, Patiala, Amritsar, Bathinda, Mohali and Jalandhar alone contributed 15 per cent of the deaths of the total road fatalities in Punjab, he added. Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson for the Punjab Police said the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH) released such a booklet at the national level annually but Punjab compiled its traffic report separately to analyse road safety arrangements. He added that the Supreme Court Committee for monitoring road safety had also appreciated this fact. He informed that this book would be circulated to all DCs/ CoP/SSPs to analyse road safety and accident scenarios. The ADGP, Traffic, said the number of fatalities per million population of Punjab was 148 against the national average of 119. Three districts of Punjab , Rupnagar, SAS Nagar and Fatehgarh Sahib, ranked first, second and third, respectively, where the rate of fatal road accidental deaths was almost double than the states average. In 2017, 18 districts out of 22 reported a decrease in road fatalities. The exceptions were Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Fazilka and Tarn Taran. A continuous decline in road fatalities was observed in all 12 months of 2017, as compared to the data of 2016, he added. rchopra@tribunemail.com New Delhi, November 3 The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety will probe the Amritsar tragedy in which 60 Dussehra revellers were mowed down by a passing train, the Indian Railways has said, nearly two weeks after it had ruled out any investigation into the tragedy. A day after the accident on October 19, the railways had termed it a case of trespassing. The probe will begin on Sunday (November 4), according to a notification issued by the Northern Railway. Through the notification, the railways has invited people who have information regarding the accident to depose before the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), Sailesh Pathak, on the premises of the Railway Mechanical Workshop, Amritsar. It will continue till November 5. Despite refusing a CRS probe earlier, in a statement on Friday, the railways, however, said since the CCRS could conduct an inquiry even in those cases where it is not mandatory as per law and rules, it would do the same in this case as well. It said the accident had become a matter of great public discourse, especially raising concerns about the safety of people trespassing on railway tracks. Gurjeet Singh Aujla, MP from Amritsar, met Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal and personally handed over his letter dated October 23 and requested for an inquiry by Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) in this incident. The Ministry of Railways has considered this request and other facts, circumstances and legal provisions, the railways said. It said according to law, it is not mandatory to conduct an inquiry by Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety in such cases, but it is not impermissible either. Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, Lucknow, has ordered a statutory inquiry into the circumstances that led to the accident, the railways said, adding that prima facie the transporter did not appear to be responsible for the accident. The Commission of Railway Safety, working under the administrative control of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, deals with matters pertaining to safety of rail travel and train operation. It is charged with statutory functions as laid down in the Railways Act (1989), which are of an inspectorial, investigatory and advisory nature. Sixty people were crushed to death by a train coming from Jalandhar on October 19, when they were watching an effigy of Ravana being burnt at a ground near the railway tracks at Joda Phatak. The railways had washed its hands of the matter, saying it had not been intimated about the Dussehra event in advance and had pointed out that the spectators on the tracks were trespassers. It had neither ordered a probe nor paid any compensation in the case. Days after the accident, the railway board and Manoj Sinha, the minister of state for railways, had termed the tragedy a case of trespassing. PTI editorial@tribune.com Rajmeet Singh Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 2 Punjab Advocate General (AG) Atul Nanda has recommended to the state government to register an FIR in connection with the disappearance of a file pertaining to an inquiry into the regularisation of services of 33 daily-wagers by IFS officer Harsh Kumar. The file had disappeared from the heavily guarded Chief Ministers Office (CMO) here in April. The AG, basing his view on the findings of an internal probe by the CMO, has termed the matter as serious. The probe by Superintendent of Police Balwant Kaur, posted in the CMO, has already indicted the IFS officer in the inquiry. On October 29, Dr Roshan Sunkaria, Additional Chief Secretary (Forests), forwarded AGs recommendation to the CMO, where the file would be dealt with once Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh returns from abroad. Without divulging details, Dr Sunkaria said action was being initiated in the case. On April 12, 1985-batch IFS officer Kumar had visited the office of Amrit Kaur Gill, Additional Principal Secretary to the CM from where the file went missing to submit an explanation on regularising the jobs of daily-wagers. He was among those questioned as part of an inquiry into the missing file. The government has already re-prepared the file. Kumar claimed he was being targeted for unearthing a fraud by senior officials in the Forest Department. In a recent reply to the CMO, he named his colleague TK Bahera, Conservator of Forests (Research), Hoshiarpur for taking away the controversial file. Bahera refused to be drawn into the controversy. Kumar based his statement on an affidavit filed by a staffer of the department, Deepak Singh, who is among the 33 daily-wagers whose has been provided with a regular job. Kumar has said that in April, Gurmail Singh, then posted as a driver in the forest research circle, Hoshiarpur, had managed to get the file. Deepak Singh, in his affidavit, has said Gurmail Singh, who met him in a Sector-82 gurdwara, had shown him the file after collecting it from the main Civil Secretariat and would deliver it to Bahera. Incidentally, Gurmail Singh died while in service on August 28. The government is expected to inquire into the contents of the affidavit filed by Deepak Singh. amansharma@tribunemail.com New Delhi, November 3 Attempts are being made through external linkages to revive insurgency in Punjab and if early action is not taken, it will be too late, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said here on Saturday. He was addressing a seminar on Changing Contours of Internal Security in India: Trends and Responses organised by defence think-tank CLAWS (Centre for Land and Warfare Studies). Gen Rawat is its patron. He also said that attempts were being made, again through external linkages and external abetment, to revive insurgency in Assam. Punjab has been peaceful but because of these external linkages, attempts again are being made to revive insurgency in the state, he said, adding that we have to be very careful. Punjab saw one of the worst phases of insurgencies in the 1980s during the pro-Khalistan movement. Former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prakash Singh also highlighted the issue, while referring to a recent pro-Khalistan rally in the UK. Internal security is one of the biggest problems in the country, but the question is why we have not been able to find a solution, because it has external linkages, Gen Rawat said. Asserting that insurgency cannot be dealt with military force, he pitched for adopting an approach in which all agencies, the government, civil administration, military and the police, work in an integrated manner. The resolution of the Naga insurgency can be a forerunner to the Manipur insurgency situation. There are some linkages between the two. But if that resolution does not satisfy Manipuris, then the insurgency in that state will take a different turn, the Chief of Army Staff said. TNS/PTI editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Bathinda, November 2 Activists of the BKU Ekta Sidhupur today resorted to road blockade on the Bathinda-Amritsar highway to stage a protest against the tardy procurement of paddy while also seeking relaxation in moisture content limit. Talking to The Tribune, BKU Ekta Sidhupur leader Baldev Singh Sandoha blamed the state government for the plight of the paddy farmers today. The state government didnt allow the farmers to sow paddy on time this year and delayed the sowing operation by around 20 days, which led to the delay in harvesting. Besides, the sudden spell of rainfall in September-end only added to the farmers woes, he said. According to him, high moisture content in paddy has led to a glut in the grain markets across the region. He alleged that the farmers were being fleeced on account of high moisture in their paddy through a nexus between rice shellers, arhtiyas, Mandi Board and purchase agencies. The union activists also blocked the Rama Mandi-Rampura road at Mandi Kalan in support of their demands. Sandoha said their road blockade on the Bathinda-Amritsar highway would continue till their demands were met. He said the government should step in and announce relaxation in moisture limit. However, Deputy Commissioner Praneet said they had resolved the farmers issues at Mandi Kalan and Rampura, though he was not aware about their protest on the Bathinda-Amritsar highway. He said paddy procurement was being done as per the norms, which allowed them to procure paddy having only up to 17 per cent moisture content. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 3 Issuing notice of motion for November 12, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed the operation of an order passed by Ludhiana Special Judge on October 25 permitting the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to inspect the court file in the Ludhiana City Centre case. The stay order and the notice to the Enforcement Directorate by Justice Inderjit Singh came on a petition filed by Delhi-based Chetan Gupta. He had moved the High Court demanding a stay on the order allowing ED inspection, among other things. Appearing for the petitioner, counsel Karambir Singh Nalwa argued before the Bench that the Enforcement Directorate was not even a party in the case and could not be allowed to inspect the case file. The case was between the Punjab Vigilance Bureau and the accused in the case. The Vigilance Bureau, on August 19 last year, had filed a closure report before the court concerned claiming that there was no scam at all and that proof was not found against Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, his son Raninder Singh and others following reinvestigation. The petitioner had moved the court after the Special Court in Ludhiana, on October 25, permitted the Enforcement Directorate to inspect the case file. The High Court order on Friday came a day before the inspection was scheduled to be carried out. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Amritsar, November 3 The woman who had accused AIG Randhir Singh Uppal of sexually harassing her has now given a written statement to the local police stating that she does not want any action against the officer. Confirming the development, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Lakhbir Singh said they had stopped looking for the AIG after the victim gave her fresh statement on Thursday. He, however, said despite the development, it would not be easy to quash the case against the AIG as they had got the victims statement recorded before the court. Earlier on September 28, Uppal and his aides Parminder Singh and Jaskaran Singh were booked on the charges of rape, sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. They were booked following a probe by IG (Crime) Vibhu Raj. The police had even issued a lookout circular against him on September 30. A student of a local law college, the woman had accused the AIG, posted in Chandigarh, of sexually harassing her for several months. The officer had refuted the allegations, while pointing out that the girls mother was known to him and her family urged him to keep a watch on her as she had fallen in bad company. He said he used to call her up and ask her to mend her ways. The victim, on the other hand, had handed over his recorded phone calls with her to the media and the police. editorial@tribune.com Sumeer Singh Tribune News Service Bathinda, November 3 A day after the Education Department transferred 16 teachers from Bathinda to Tarn Taran, parents of students along with members of the Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha locked five government primary schools and carried out protest rallies at 12 villages across the district. Parents and members of various panchayats extended support to the protesting teachers, who came out in large numbers against the transfers. The protesters gathered outside the schools and raised slogans against the state government. They rued that the government had transferred teachers despite their good performance. The protesters reached outside the schools in the morning and locked the entrance gate of government primary schools at Gehri Devi Nagar, Gulabgarh, Raike Kalan, Kotli Sabo and Bhagi Bandar villages. Rallies were also held at seven other government schools from where teachers were transferred on Friday. Talking to The Tribune, Delal Singh, chairman of the management committee of primary school, Gehri Devi Nagar, said: The studies of more than 200 students got affected. The parents are demanding rollback of the transfers. Villagers say that the government must have a strong basis for shifting teachers who are doing well. Resham Singh, district convener, Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha, said: We are getting support from parents and panchayats. We have given a call for a protest outside mini-secretariat on Sunday, where members of farm unions and parents will join us. We will also ghreao finance minister Manpreet Singh Badals office. Our primary demands are the cancellation of transfer orders and regularisation of jobs of 5,178 master cadre and SSA/RMSA teachers without any pay cut, he added. Teachers demand regular jobs editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Patiala, November 2 A widow from Ghanaur has claimed threat to her life and children after she pressed charges of rape and cheating against SAD leader Harvinder Singh Harpalpur (in pic). The police on Thursday registered an FIR pertaining to rape, cheating and conspiracy against Harpalpur. He is a nephew of MP Prem Singh Chandumajra and cousin of MLA from Sanaur Harinderpal Singh Chandumajra. The victim has alleged the accused is threatening her. As per the FIR, the 40-year-old victim, who is uneducated and got 13 bighas of land in Ghanaur village after the death of her husband, wanted to get the land transferred to her. Former sarpanch of Baghora village Jasvir Singh and Harpalpur took my thumb impression on some documents on the pretext of getting my work done, reads the FIR. Once I gave the documents with my thumb impression to them, they asked for sexual favours to get the work done. When I denied their offer, they refused to return my documents, following which I accepted the demand, the victim alleged. Harpalpur termed the allegations baseless and politically motivated. editorial@tribune.com Tribune Reporters Chandigarh/Abohar, Nov 3 Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Saturday ordered the transfer of two teachers of a government school in Fazilka district, pending an inquiry, after some girl students alleged in a video clip that they had been made to strip in a classroom. He has directed Secretary, Education, Krishan Kumar to monitor the investigation into the incident and submit a report by Monday. The incident took place on Wednesday, when a female teacher of Government Middle School (Girls), Kundal village, found sanitary pads dumped in the toilet. She allegedly took along students of Class VIII to another classroom, where some girls were forced to strip so as to find out the erring ones. Parents of these students said they spoke to head teacher Kuldeep Kaur the next day, but she expressed ignorance of the matter. Kuldeep Kaur has been shifted to Government Senior Secondary School, Balluana village, while science teacher Jyoti Chugh has been transferred to Government Senior Secondary School, Khuikhera village. A probe has been initiated on the order of Deputy Commissioner Manpreet Singh. SDM Poonam Singh, Sadar police station incharge Angrej Singh, womens police cell incharge Sunita Rani and Dr Shelly Arora visited Kundal village on Saturday. The SDM talked to students, their parents and the school staff. The inquiry panel comprises DEOKulwant Singh; Child Development Project Officer Gita Rani; and Bindu Arora, Principal of Government Senior Secondary School (Girls), Abohar. Row over sanitary pads The incident took place on Wednesday, when a female teacher of Government Middle School (Girls), Kundal village, found sanitary pads dumped in the toilet. She allegedly took along students of Class VIII to another classroom, where some girls were forced to strip so as to find out the erring ones. Parents of these girls said they spoke to the head teacher the next day, but she expressed ignorance of the matter. editorial@tribune.com Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 3 The state government is likely to continue with last years State-Advised Price (SAP) of sugarcane, apparently under pressure from private sugar mills owned by influential politicians. The cane crushing season is expected to start in the next two weeks and the mills have even refused to pay the last years SAP. The seven private sugar mills have announced that they will not pay a single rupee more than the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Rs 255 per quintal of cane. They say if the government insists on giving SAP to the growers, it would itself have to pay the differential price between FRP and the SAP (Rs 55 per quintal), as was done three years ago. The mills have still not cleared dues to farmers for cane crushed in 2017-18. Together, these mills owe Rs 227.31 crore to the growers with Phagwara-based mill, owned by Akali Dal leader Jarnail Singh Wahid, on the top (Rs 55.59 crore); followed by Mukerian mill, owned by UP politician DP Yadav, (Rs 55.38 crore) and the Buttar Sevian mill, owned by family of Congress MLA Rana Gurjit Singh, (Rs 41.69 crore). The Kiri Afgana mill, which was in the eye of a storm after molasses leak in the Beas, too has dues worth Rs 40.73 crore pending towards cane growers. The only private mill that has cleared all its dues is the one owned by the Oswal group. The nine cooperative sugar mills have Rs 217.68 crore dues towards cane growers, which are being released in a time-bound manner. The millers claim that with the sugar prices having fallen from Rs 3,600 per quintal earlier this year to Rs 3,000 per quintal and that they are in loss and cant afford to clear the dues or buy cane at higher SAP. On the other hand, government officers insist that the retail sugar prices are between Rs 3,400 and Rs 3,500 per quintal. They allege that the private mills are trying to arm-twist the government since these have 70 per cent of the cane-crushing capacity. However, with the states fiscal health remaining precarious, the government is unlikely to bear the differential price (between FRP and SAP). It has thus recommended that this year there be no increase in SAP. The recommendation has been sent by the Agriculture Department to the CMO. It is recommended that cane growers get Rs 310 per quintal for early maturing variety; Rs 300 per quintal for mid variety; and Rs 295 per quintal for late maturing variety. A final decision on this is expected to be taken next week. What millers claim Sugar prices have fallen from Rs 3,600 per quintal to Rs 3,000. They say they are incurring losses and cant afford to clear cane growers previous dues or buy cane at higher State-Advised Price (SAP). Officials differ singhking99@yahoo.com Pankaj K.Deo Deepawali, the festival of lights, rekindles the reminiscences of Delhi during the reign of the last emperor of Hindustan, Bahadur Shah Zafar, who sat on the throne in the twilight years of the Mughal dynasty. The city of Delhi has an innate quality of integrating all those who come to live within its boundaries. The culture, faith, and architecture of all who came to the city from places afar got amalgamated and gave rise to a syncretic culture. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal monarch, was an epitome of this syncretic culture or the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, as it had come to be known by the 19th century when he ruled. Deepawali has a special relationship with Delhi, which is located on the bank of the Yamuna. The river, called Yami in Hindu mythology, happens to be the twin sister of Yama, the god of death. On Dhanteras before Deepawali, Hindus keep a lamp burning throughout the night to pay obeisance to Yama, the Lord of Death. The last emperor, too, paid his obeisance to Yama on Deepawali as long as he ruled from the Red Fort. The Rang Mahal inside the Red Fort was the epicenter of the royal celebrations of Deepawali, the festival of lights or Jashn-e-Chiraghan, as it was called. This part of the fort was specially lit and decorated with earthen lamps, chandeliers, metallic lamp stands and pedestal chandeliers. Upper-class gentry and affluent businessmen of the Chandni Chowk would not only illuminate their havelis and stately mansions with earthen lamps, but also place diyas on the banks of the canal that ran through the middle of the Chandni Chowk. Huge swathes of luminescence trembled on the water as countless diyas floated in the stream. Sikhs at Gurdwara Sisganj provided oil, whereas Muslims supplied cotton for the lamps to illuminate the entire stretch of Chandni Chowk till Fatehpuri. By the time Zafar sat on the throne, the writ of the Mughal emperor ran only inside the Red Fort, as the British Resident in Delhi controlled everything, including succession. However, like a true King of Delhi and its motley population, Zafar celebrated both Hindu and Muslim festivals, including Deepawali, with all the pomp and gaiety due to a Badshah inside his Qila-e-Mubarak, or the Red Fort as we call it. Dilli Ka Aakhiri Deedar, written by Syed Wazir Hasan Dehlvi, which has been translated into English by Rana Safvi, mentions that the fort was illuminated with earthen lamps during Deepawali. The royal children made mud houses, which were filled with puffed rice and sweetmeats, and lamps were lit in front of those tiny houses. Ramlila during Dasehra was already an established tradition in Delhi by the time Zafar ascended the throne. The Purabiya soldiers, who were earlier employed in the Mughal army, continued to stage Ramlila even after they joined the company Bahadur's army. However, the contribution by the Fort continued, and Zafar was always excited about the aatishbaazi or firework, the material for which was procured from the Paiwalan bazar near Jama Masjid. The inmates of the Red Fort watched the firework during Deepawali and Ramlila from the turrets. An emperor only in name, Zafar lived off a pension from the British who had virtually taken over the governance of the whole of Hindustan. The last emperor was fully aware of his status and hence utilised his time composing poems in Urdu and hosting mushairas or poetry recital sessions in the Red Fort or outside. As was customary, the emperor's compositions were read out before others. The poetry sessions oftentimes included recitals by virtuosos of Urdu poetry, such as Zauq and Mirza Ghalib, and continued till the wee hours of the morning. Zafar was himself skilled in poetry and patronised countless poets such as Zauq, Ghalib, and Momin. Both Zauq and Ghalib served as the poet laureate in his court. Another festival that Zafar and his court participated with fervor was the annual event Phoolwalon Ki Sair held after monsoon at Bakhtiyar Kaki's tomb at Mehrauli. All his courtiers and family members would travel to Mehrauli from the Red Fort. Badshah would stay with his entourage at the Zafar Mahal, which was the last building constructed by a Mughal in Delhi. Muslims offered floral coverings and fans at Bakhtiyar Kaki's dargah, whereas Hindus offered floral canopies and fans at Yogmaya temple during this festival. Phoolwalon Ki Sair, a festival unique to Delhi, is still celebrated and draws huge participation from all communities. The advent of the British caused a tectonic shift in the power structure of India in the 19th century. The existence of the Mughals and their nobility in Delhi was based on a feudal system, which secured for them a life endowed with leisure, cultural affluence and socio-political privileges. The colonial power replaced the old system of governance with one of their own and slowly pulled the rug from under the feet of the old nobility. The turning point came in 1857 when the last Mughal emperor was exiled to Burma after the first war of independence. One may say that burning earthen lamps in honor of Yama did grant the last emperor a long life, but a life full of agony and ignominy in exile at Rangoon it was. Zafar, the exiled poet, captures his anguish of not getting his final resting place in his motherland, beautifully in verse: Kitnaa hai bad naseeb Zafar, dafn key liye do gaz zamin bhi na mili kuu-e-yaar mein. Shahzad Raza Shahzad Raza Apetty argument between Muslim and Christian village simpletons in 2009 exposed the inherent flaws within Pakistans system. Not only did it cost the life of liberal-secular Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, it gave the extremists yet another hero and a tomb to worship. In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan exonerated Asia Bibi, the same Christian woman, from blasphemy charges by setting aside the verdict of high court, which had upheld her death sentence awarded to her by a sessions court. Out of personal grudge, her neighbour had accused Asia Bibi of using blasphemous language against Prophet Mohammed. Whether Asia Bibi was innocent or had actually committed the crime, she has been languishing in jail for the past nine years. The judgment stirred unrest throughout the country. The fanatics, primarily belonging to Tehrik Labaik Pakistan (TLP), a religio-political party, choked the country for three days. In a televised address, Prime Minister Imran Khan had warned of stern action by the state. And then he left for China to seek financial assistance leaving the matter to be dealt by his associates. Meanwhile, a prominent religio-political leader Maulana Samiul Haq was murdered. His followers could not travel to attend his funeral because all major arteries were chocked by the protestors. While the TLP is a right-wing Barelavi outfit, the slain Samiul Haq represented the more radical Deobandi segment. Both the government and the TLP realised an imminent Barelvi-Deoband clash. The government team thought it absolutely necessary to strike a bargain with the protestors at whatever the cost and the written agreement was diametrically opposite to what Imran Khan had announced in his speech. Under the agreement, the government promised to place Asia Bibi on the Exit Control List so that she could not leave Pakistan. It also agreed to release all TLP workers while the TLP apologised to the people if any inconvenience was caused to the public during its protest. This apology was a slap on the face of state institutions and a big disappointment for millions of peaceful Pakistanis. It once again cemented the notion that violent mobs could get away with anything. Would that apology bring back those who were dead? Would it compensate those who had lost their property? Would it erase the torment that the people endured during the traffic jams? The TLP got prominence last year with a three-week sit-in at Islamabads main entry point. After the civil government failed to resolve the crisis, the army got the matter resolved. A senior general was also seen distributing money among the protesters. Leveraging its new-found power, the TLP bagged over 20 lakh votes in the 2018 polls much more than the traditional religious parties. Over the past decade intolerance has spiked in Pakistan. People with different ideological opinions were not acceptable. They were killed, forced to leave the country or not allowed to return to their motherland. Benazir Bhutto, Salman Taseer, Shahbaz Bhatti, Bashir Bilous, Haroon Bilaour, etc. were just a few of the prominent victims. Several lawyers were assassinated because they had publically opposed the misuse of blasphemy law. People thought the government of Imran Khan would try to revive the good old liberal values of the Pakistani society. Their hopes were shattered after the government withdrew the nomination of Atif Mian, a prominent Pakistani-American economist, from an advisory council. The only crime Atif Mian committed was that he was born in an Ahmadi family. The writer is an Islamabad-based journalist SreevalsanThiyyadi For the liberals, theres a trap in the Sabarimala verdict even as it ensures gender equality. Despite the progressive tone, the Supreme Courts invalidation of a 1965 law that restricted the entry of women in Keralas Sabarimala temple mutes a strand of heterogeneity in Hinduism. Diversity, crusaders of egalitarianism constantly remind, is a key feature of the countrys majority religion. The September 28 judgment has triggered gender-centric public discussion around the temple like never before. The bar on women of the 10-50 age bracket in the hill-shrine was legally reiterated in 1991, courtesy a verdict of the Kerala High Court that upheld the age-old observance. Its another matter that the restriction possibly began only in the 1950s, after reconstruction of the forest shrine following a fire at the start of that decade. Yet, perception about Sabarimalas particularly chaste Ayyappa (Naishthika brahmachari, who avoids women) overshadows the ethos around the deity who has devotees across the Dravidian states. Bearded Sabarimala pilgrims sporting black clothes and raising saranam slogans define the crowds on Kerala-bound trains and buses from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh during the December-January mandalam pilgrimage. The temple is otherwise open only around the start of every Malayalam month. For now, Malayalis are the most vocal among the indignant. Middle-aged Pushpa Ayyappan, a semi-literate maid from Vandiperiyar in Idukki adjoining Pathanamthitta district where Sabarimala is situated, says, Swami will never permit young women near Him, however hard they try. Biju Jayaraj, who works in California and has been living in the US for the past 23 years, says he deplores the court verdict the same way if it had banned beef in Kerala. Parvathi Ramesh, who lives in the Gulf, prefers activists not to be overzealous, but wonders how anyone can insist that only believers among the women can visit Sabarimala. According to writer K Sugathakumari, the recent events in Sabarimala pain her as a devotee as much as a nature lover. You are playing politics around a holy place, bemoans the 84-year-old poet, once known for her Congress leaning. When the Pamba river (by the temple) overflowed in the (August) floods, one thought the lord got a reprieve. Sabarimala is no place for violence or bloodshed. The reference to the crimson body fluid comes in the context of clashes the rugged pathways to Sabarimala saw for five days from October 17 when it customarily opened ahead of the Thulammonth. It could also be suggestive of menstruation the period when women generally avoid visiting temples. That way, attempts by activists such as Rehana Fathima and Kavitha Jakkal to enter the Sabarimala with police protection (and hence governmental patronage) triggered anger among Hindus, especially women. They should better have fought for the security of common women, who still cant walk alone on our roads after sunset, says Saritha Varma, who was part of a Ready to Wait campaign two years ago in support of the Sabarimala tradition. Ayyappa devotee Unnikrisshnan Namboothiri wonders why a regime that never thought of services for the aged to reach Sabarimala was now keen to guard non-believer women seeking to enter the shrine. A renewed show of contempt the Leftists have for erstwhile kings is also hurting several devotees. Among them is journalist Rathi Narayanan, who says members of the Pandalam royal family that has enjoyed a historical connection with Sabarimala, are actually living in unenviable conditions and merit no ridicule. Political observer A Jayasankar blames Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans arrogance and stubbornness for precipitating the situation. Had he promptly called an all-party meeting seeking consensus, most Hindus wouldnt have revolted like they are doing today, the Kochiite lawyer says. Crucial farmer unions meet on Sunday to decide on agitation course; MSP issue in focus now Gather in large numbers at protest sites on first anniversar... editorial@tribune.com Dr Rommel Tickoo Humans have always strived to find cure for various diseases caused by pathogens. Soon, medical practitioners and researchers also realised that if finding a cure was important, preventing the disease altogether was even better. Prevention of infection is one of the most crucial aspects of medical science and it takes into account many factors, ranging from surroundings, climate, quality of air and water and management of a patients health. Patients head to a hospital to get their health issues sorted. However, at times, hospitals do more damage than benefit. If hygiene standards arent maintained, they become a source of infections. Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) afflicts a patient during the process of care in a hospital. The health issue is not present at the time of admission. It incubates only after the treatment has begun inside the hospital premises. HAIs are a global concern and can affect patients in a hospital setting where they receive care. At times, these start showing signs even after the discharge of the patient. Prevention and control methods HAI prevention can be achieved through simple and effective strategies: Data collection and analysis: The first and crucial step is collection and analysis of the data of the surveillance done by infection preventionists. It helps understand the risks and infections prevailing in the hospital. Targeted surveillance is the best way to safeguard hospitals. Choosing certain areas where there could be a high risk of healthcare-associated infections is the way to go about. Develop action plan: The next step is data communication and developing action plans with the staff. It is important that the hospital management must have a multi-disciplinary team or in-house infection-control committee for better management. Staff education and accountability: Regular training of all the staff members of the hospital should be conducted. Medical officers, doctors, nurses and ward boys must be trained and made aware of hospital acquired infections. Workshops are important to maintain the hospital waste management (HWM) at the best possible level. For a hospital, it is imperative to put infection-control mechanisms in effect to safeguard the staff, doctors, visitors as well as the patients. Strict and detailed instructions should be issues to the entire staff about handling a new patient, admission, medicines, waste disposal and visiting hours of family. Basic hygiene practices: Washing hands and maintaining cleanliness can go a long way in preventing various infections. In case of an existing disease, the patient should be kept in a controlled environment with limited interaction with the outside atmosphere. If a patient suffers from a contagious disease, the hospital must protect visitors from catching the disease. At the same time, it is important to give safety guidelines to staff. No healthcare facility can be immune to infections, but with comprehensive guidelines and strict sanitary practices, the number of infection cases can be reduced effectively. Implementation of policies and action plans, education and constant vigilance along with dedicated staff efforts help keep the facility infection free. The writer is associate director, internal medicine, Max Hospital, Saket editorial@tribune.com Bindu Gopal Rao As a frontrunner in conserving heritage and culture, Udaipurs royal family has been working towards the cause through the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), which was established in 1969. At the fourth edition of the World Living Heritage Festival 2018, the focus was on how heritage and culture could be conserved. For this, the trust has been holding several events aimed at reviving and revitalising arts, crafts and traditions. Heritage today has come to a stage where it is recognised and accepted as a brand. We need to engage with the younger generation to make heritage relevant in the present times. It is a question of drawing the heritage and culture out and presenting it in a way everyone understands, says Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, 76th custodian of the House of Mewar. Custodians of culture At the City Palace, Udaipur, which houses the museum that is open to the public, regular events like Holika dahan, a traditional festival held on the first day of Holi, Kartik Poornima and Ashwa Poojan, the tradition of praying to the royal horses, are held by the royal families. There is only one family of swordsmith or sikligars that is currently restoring swords in the armoury by using traditional methods. The palace also showcases traditional textiles like dabu printing, an indigo-resist block-printing technique from Akola, khari printing, a tinsel-printing technique from Udaipur, and embroidery techniques like danke ka kaam (metal plate embroidery), also from Udaipur. Likewise, Maharani Raseshwari Rajya Laxmi and her family from the royal family of Jaisalmer are leaving no stone unturned to ensure their heritage is preserved. In 1992, Maharawal Brijraj Singh revived the colourful Gangaur Festival, which is integral to the history of Rajasthan and has a special place in the local folklore. Processions and religious traditions are of much interest to tourists, especially in Jaisalmer where the Maharawal escorts Goddess Parvati on horseback, followed by procession from the fort to the Gadisar lake. Since its revival, there has been an increase in tourism during this period. In 1992, he made efforts to revive the Dasehra festival. Rajput heads from all villages attend the ceremonies. In 1998, the Maharawal started the Jaisalmer Foundation Day to highlight the day when Maharawal Jaisal founded the Jaisalmer Fort in 1156 AD. At the ceremony, awards are given for excellence in multiple fields, says Maharani Raseshwari. The Girdhar Smark Dharmath Trust of the royal family maintains many temples in and around the fort. Yuvraj Chaitanya Raj Singh has been organising music festivals. Local musicians (Mangniyars), who have their roots in Jaisalmer but are famous internationally, perform here. Taking the legacy forward The next generation has successfully taken over the mantle and is ensuring that heritage comes first. Princesses Mrinalika and Akshita M Bhanj Deo, the second and third daughters of Praveen Chandra Bhanjdeo, 47th ruler of the Bhanja dynasty, which was formed in the erstwhile princely state of Mayurbhanj, now part of Odisha, are taking their legacy forward. We recently renovated our 200-year-old palace in Odisha called the Belgadia Palace, where we have introduced sustainable and purposeful travel. A certain part of the funds received by the palace will be used to promote and preserve community-led organisations in the theme of education, health, arts and culture/architecture, which were patronised by my ancestors. My sister and I are strong promoters of dying arts like chhau (martial arts dance form performed by paikas, the class that were the warriors of the Bhanja Dynasty) and dokra (earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to human civilisation) and black stone carving (made famous by the Konark Sun Temple). We are trying to promote tourism wherein people can visit tribal families which still practice these arts. This will also help instil a sense of pride among the younger generations so they can practice these dying arts and also help them build confidence that these arts can bring sustainable livelihoods in their lives, says Princess Akshita. Project Chhauni is an NGO that was started by the family to introduce younger generations to Chhau and has performed in national festivals. The royal family is closely associated with them and helps them in promoting this Unesco heritage art. And the tradition continues The Mysore royal family has kept the annual Dasehra festivities, including the procession called Jumboo Savari, alive over the years. The tradition that is close to 408 years old dates back to 15th century Vijayanagara Empire kingdom. An idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, weighting about 750 kg, is placed on a golden pedestal that is carried by a decorated elephant after it is worshipped by the royal family. The royal darbar tradition continues with the royal sword placed on the golden throne too. vinaymishra188@gmail.com KS Tomar President of Indian National Congress Rahul Gandhis strategy to make his party a formidable force in Himachal in view of 2019 parliamentary poll will primarily depend upon the outcome of Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Mizoram. Secondly, the Congress will play a significant role in stitching up the mahagathbandhan, if it fairs well in these polls. Otherwise, it may be forced to wait for another Lok Sabha poll in 2024. The BJP already has twin advantages NDA government at the Centre and partys governments in over two-third states in the country. BJP does not have dearth of resources to contest parliamentary elections, whereas the Congress is at the receiving end. Anti-incumbency factor coupled with caste equations has given a ray of hope to the Congress to capture power in the state Assembly poll, where voting will be held in the November this year. But the BJP derives real organisational strength from the RSS, which had started the formulation of election strategy a year in advance. Hence, it is extremely difficult for the Opposition to match this skill and commitment. It is the irony of circumstances, that uncertainty has gripped HP Congress due to constant speculative reports in the media about the change of current president Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who has completed his tenure of five years. But the change of PCC chief should not be seen in isolation, as some other states including Haryana, Delhi, Punjab and Maharashtra are sailing in the same boat and the high command may replace the state heads in one go. Former chief minister of Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hoodas group is up in arms against Rahul Gandhis protege Ashok Tanwars faction, which has created a piquant situation in the state. Hooda and Tanwar groups are holding separate rallies and open infighting is damaging the party. Congress in Himachal, too, is facing an identical situation, where former CM Virbahdara Singh and his group, including Congress legislature party leader Mukesh Agnihotri, are demanding the removal of Sukhu, who is being backed by the rival group in Congress. Contrary to expectations, Rajni Patil, AICC general secretary in-charge of Himachal Pradesh, kept the suspense about the change of PCC chief intact, when she said it was the authority and domain of the high command to throw light on the issue. She had inherited the mess in the state Congress, which was left unresolved by her predecessor Sushil Kumar Shinde, who had failed to unite the warring groups. The high command had taken a tough stand prior to Assembly elections in November 2017 in Himachal and refused to succumb to the pressure of former CM Virbhadra Singh, who wanted the removal of Sukhu. The Assembly elections were fought by the party which did not have any synergy with its own government. Both adopted different paths which gave an additional advantage to the BJP thereby ensuring its victory. Now, speculations about the change of PCC chief have created uncertainty, which may prove dangerous, especially if the high command does not clarify its stand on the issue. It has a negative impact on the psyche of workers in the state. A few names are being discussed in some newspapers though none is authentic so far. CLP leader Agnihotri is from Una (new areas), hence the political compulsion to ensure regional balance may weigh heavily in favour of a senior Congress leader, who hails from old Himachal. The aspirants for the post include Kuldeep Rathore, who has been successful in garnering support of maximum senior leaders in the party and belongs to Shimla district. Another contender is Harshvardhan Singh Chauhan, who is a five-time MLA from Sirmaur district. Congress Working Committee member Asha Kumari belongs to Chamba and has delivered positive results as the in-charge of Punjab. Political observers feel that the high command may try to appease every faction, hence there are chances of appointing two to three working presidents, who can be assigned various tasks. Patil has already submitted her report to Rahul Gandhi, who may take decision after consulting senior leaders in Delhi. In case Sukhu is replaced, then he may be adjusted in the AICC. The supporters of Sukhu claim that he has done a lot to strengthen the party and he did not bow before the dictate of former CM Virbhadra Singh which was possible due to the support of the high command. Observers opine that it is mandatory for the AICC president to remove the uncertainty about the change of guard in Himachal, so that leaders and workers could focus on 2019 elections. Otherwise, the fallout is bound to be serious, which has been witnessed in the state Assembly polls in 2017. Now, the ball is in Rahul Gandhis court and changes seem to be imminent in Punjab, HP, Delhi, Haryana and Mumbai. It will be an uphill task for the BJP to retain all four Lok Sabha seats in HP especially when there seems to be no visible Modi wave in 2019 parliamentary poll. What experts say It is mandatory for the AICC president to remove the uncertainty about the change of guard in Himachal, so that leaders and workers could focus on 2019 elections. Otherwise, the fallout is bound to be serious, which has been witnessed in the state Assembly polls in 2017 (Writer is a senior journalist. Views are personal) sanjiv@tribunemail.com Kabul, November 3 One US soldier was killed and another wounded in an apparent insider attack in Kabul on Saturday, NATO said, in the latest such assault on international forces in Afghanistan. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the third so-called green-on-blue attack in less than three weeks that have rattled foreign troops tasked with training and assisting the war-torn countrys military. The Taliban claimed two similar attacks in the western province of Herat on October 22 and the southern province of Kandahar on October 18. General Scott Miller, the top NATO and US commander in Afghanistan, narrowly escaped the latter attack that killed a powerful police chief. Initial reports indicate the attacker was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, NATOs Resolute Support mission said in a statement. The attacker was killed by other Afghan forces, it added. The latest green-on-blue attack-in which Afghan forces turn their weapons on international soldiers with whom they are working-takes the number of US soldiers to die in Afghanistan this year to eight. The wounded American soldier was flown to Bagram Airfield north of the Afghan capital where he was receiving medical treatment. He was in a stable condition. An investigation into the incident was under way, the statement said. AFP rchopra@tribunemail.com Miami, November 3 A gunman killed two people and injured several others at a yoga studio in Floridas state capital Tallahassee on Friday before apparently taking his own life, the local police chief said. About 5.47 pm the Tallahassee Police Department responded...in reference to a shooting, police chief Michael DeLeo said at a press conference. Upon arriving on scene, the officers found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders transported five people to a nearby hospital, with two later succumbing to their wounds, DeLeo said. One of the victims was pistol-whipped, police said. There are indications that several people inside fought back and tried to not only save themselves but other people, which is a testament to their courage, DeLeo said. The shooting appeared to be the act of a single person, with no further threat to the community perceived at this time, according to the police chief. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is currently running for governor of Florida and cut short a campaign event to return to the city, tweeted: Im deeply appreciative of law enforcements quick response to the shooting at the yoga facility in Tallahassee. No act of gun violence is acceptable. Im in close communication with law enforcement officials and will be returning to Tallahassee tonight. AFP sanjiv@tribunemail.com Beijing, November 3 China said it will provide the necessary support to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis, expand CPEC projects as the two countries signed 16 agreements on Saturday after talks between Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang to boost their all-weather strategic ties. Imran is here on his maiden visit to China as the two countries grapple to iron out differences over the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Islamabad approaching friendly nations to avoid a tough IMF bailout package. At his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, Imran in a candid admission said unfortunately, our country is going through a low point at the moment with two very big deficits, a fiscal deficit and a current account deficit. Li, who held a ceremonial welcome for Imran, said we have a high-level of political trust and close cooperation in all fields. Pakistan has always been regarded as a foreign policy priority by China. Thanking Li, Imran said: the relationship between the two countries has deepened since then because the CPEC in 2013 was just an idea. Now it is on the ground. And it has caught the imagination of the people of Pakistan. Pakistan sees China as a great opportunity to progress, attract investment, he said. Once a CPEC critic during the previous Nawaz Sharif government, Imran said: the CPEC gives us an opportunity to raise our standard of living, growth rate. You will see the difference because a lot has happened since 2013. After he became Prime Minister, China had agreed to address his concerns to build more projects with focus on the western region of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The CPEC has also become a major irritant in India-China relations with New Delhi voicing its opposition to the infrastructure project as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Yangon, November 3 Myanmar voters cast their ballot in a small but key by-election on Saturday, a rare local test of support for embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyis party more than halfway through her time in office. Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) swept to power in 2015 in a landslide victory ending decades of military rule. But her tenure has been marred by a failure to speak up for Rohingya Muslims driven out of the country by the army and stumbling peace talks with insurgent groups in lawless border areas. A mere 13 positions are in play in the countrys second by-election since the national poll three years ago, but they are spread out across the country and include parliamentary and regional assembly seats. Some two-dozen parties are in the mix and 69 candidates are taking part. At one polling station in Yangon;s Tamwe township residents showed support for Suu Kyi while acknowledging some of the criticism. I voted NLD this morning, Maung Maung, 34, a software engineer who lives in Tamwe, told AFP. I was a strong supporter of the NLD for years but during the years when NLD took power, there were some failures that they are working on, he added, without going into detail. Aye Soe, a 52-year-old street vendor, expressed full-throated backing. I will support her until I die, she said. Initial results are expected to be announced on Sunday. Nobel Laureate Suu Kyis reputation at home is more secure than it is abroad, where her image as a rights icon has been shattered by the Rohingya crisis. More than 7,20,000 from the stateless Muslim minority have fled to Bangladesh since a military crackdown in August 2017. Huddled in crowded camps, they have recounted stories of murder, rape and villages burned to the ground. Myanmar has denied almost all of the allegations, saying soldiers were defending themselves against Rohingya militants. UN investigators have called for the situation to be referred to the International Criminal Court and for senior members of the Tatmadaw, as the armed forces are known, to be investigated on genocide charges. AFP ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Washington: NASAs pioneering Dawn spacecraft, which orbited the two largest objects in the asteroid belt, has run out of fuel, ending a historic 11-year mission that unravelled many mysteries of our solar system. The $467 million Dawn mission, launched in 2007 to study the protoplanet Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres, missed scheduled communications sessions with NASAs Deep Space Network on October 31 and November 1, NASA said in a statement. Dawn was launched in 2007 on a journey that put about 6.9 billion km on its odometer. PTI Khashoggi was dangerous Islamist: Saudi Crown Prince Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi as a dangerous Islamist in a phone call with President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and National Security Adviser John Bolton, The Washington Post reported. In the call, which occurred before the Kingdom publicly acknowledged Khashoggis death, the Crown Prince urged Kushner and Bolton to preserve the US-Saudi alliance and said the journalist was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, a group long opposed by Bolton and other senior Trump officials, informed sources told The Post on Thursday. IANS sanjiv@tribunemail.com INDIANAPOLIS/MIAMI, Nov 3 Former US President Barack Obama warned on Friday against rhetoric he said was meant to sow fear as he campaigned in support of Democratic candidates while President Donald Trump hammered a hardline anti-immigration message to energise Republicans. In a packed day of campaigning ahead of Tuesdays congressional midterm elections, Trump continued a blitz of rallies urging voters to keep his Republican Party in control of Congress, while Democrats appeared to notch a win in their efforts to halt the spread of misinformation online. Twitter Inc said it had deleted more than 10,000 automated accounts posting messages that discouraged people from voting in Tuesdays elections and wrongly appeared to be from Democrats, after the party flagged the misleading tweets to the social media company. The removals took place in late September and early October. Meanwhile, Hollywood bigwigs Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt have urged people to register their vote in the upcoming US midterm polls. In a video message released on Friday by NowThis News, the two actors talked about the importance of voting in November 6 elections. Obama hit on a common theme of Democratic campaigns, defending his signature 2010 healthcare law, while urging Americans not to embrace hostility and division in politics. Opinion polls and non-partisan forecasters generally show Democrats with strong chances of winning 23 additional seats and taking a majority in the House of Representatives, which they could use to launch investigations into Trumps administration and block his legislative agenda. Interest in the election has been unusually high in a year when Congress but not the White House is at stake, according to early voting tallies. Reuters Sending troops to Mexican border is a political stunt ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Beijing, November 2 China on Friday reportedly agreed to provide $6 billion in aid to Pakistan, which is going through a low point, to minimise the cash-strapped countrys dependence on an IMF bailout package as Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Imran, who is here on his maiden visit, met Xi in the Great Hall of People where the two leaders also held one-on-one meeting besides delegation-level talks, Pakistani media reports said. Pakistan is expected to receive $6 billion economic package from China during the visit, Geo TV quoted sources as saying. A loan of $1.5 billion is also expected to be offered, along with an additional package of $3 billion for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the report said. The loan and the investments were reportedly part of the $6 billion package. However, there was no immediate official comment from Beijing on the report. At his meeting with Xi, Imran said: My party (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf) has only been in power for two months. Unfortunately, we have inherited a very difficult economic situation. Xi told Imran that he highly valued the two countrys relations, reaffirming they were all-weather friends. Earlier Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, told Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a separate meeting that China would not let Pakistan down. The Chinese side will continue to provide support and help to the best of its ability for Pakistans economic and social development and national construction, Chinas Foreign Ministry cited Wang as saying. Chinas expected assistance is the second $6 billion package which Imran has managed to obtain in the last few weeks as Pakistan reeled under severe financial crisis. During his visit to Saudi Arabia last month, Riyadh committed $6 billion funding which included $3 billion deferred payment for oil imports. Finance Minister Asad Umar, who is accompanying Imran, said Pakistans strategy was to seek loans from multiple sources instead of asking the IMF alone to plug the entire gap in the countrys financing needs. PTI ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Islamabad, November 2 The release of a Christian woman who was acquitted after being sentenced to death for committing blasphemy has been delayed after talks between Pakistan government and radical Islamists hardliners have completely failed. Asia Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. A Twitter account associated with Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi has claimed that the talks with the government have completely failed, Dawn news reported. Rizvi also asked for complete shut down on Friday after talks were failed. Bibi plans to leave Pakistan, her family was quoted as saying. She remained at an undisclosed location on Thursday where she was being held for security reasons. PTI Army warns Islamist hardliners ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Colombo, November 2 In a boost for newly-appointed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, a lawmaker from the main Tamil party defected to the premiers side and was made a minister on Friday even as President Maithripala Sirisena agreed to summon Parliament on November 7 for a floor test to end the political turmoil. Rajapaksa claims he now has enough numbers to prove his majority and at least five of ousted premier Ranil Wickremasinghes men have defected to his side. The current suspension of Parliament is seen as key to Rajapaksa negotiating for enough defections. Rajapaksa was further bolstered by the defection of TNA MP S Vilenthiriyan from the eastern district of Batticaloa, who was made the deputy minister of eastern development. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Islamabad, November 3 The funeral prayers of top Pakistani cleric Maulana Samiul Haq, also known as the godfather of Taliban, will be held on Saturday at his native Akora Khattak town in the north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Haq, 82, was stabbed to death by unidentified attackers at his residence in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Friday. According to an FIR lodged at a police station in Rawalpindi, the attack took place at 6.45 pm (local time) and the octogenarian leader was stabbed 12 times in the stomach, chest, forehead and ears. The funeral prayer would be held at Akora Khattak in Nowshehra district of Kyber-Pakhtunkhwa where the provincial government had declared a day of mourning, officials said. Elaborate security measures have been taken for the last rites of the cleric as several high-profile leaders are expected to attend it. There are reports that envoys of Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar will also attend the funeral prayer. Haq was the head of the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak. The seminary is dubbed in the western media as University of Jihad as several top Afghan and Pakistani Taliban leaders studied there, including Mullah Omar who had received an honorary doctorate from the seminary. He was also chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) religo-political party and was elected twice as a member of parliament. So far, no outfit has claimed responsibility for the killing. A probe had been launched to nab the assailants who apparently escaped on a motorbike, police said. PTI THE Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) is calling on the Government to consider an extension on the submission of the property tax forms beyond November 30, 2021. The CRBC, in a statement yesterday, said there can be criminal liabilities or a penalty if these forms are not filed by November 30, hence, Government is urged to consider the request to extend the deadline as an urgent matter. Deborah De Labastide pours her genuine love for the Yuletide season into her popular ponche-de-creme blends, pastelles and black cake. De Labastides self-branded Debs Exquisite Island Drinks line is a must-get for visitors at the annual Christmas upmarket at Lions Cultural Centre in Port of Spain. 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. The pre-election splurge by the PNM-led Tobago House of Assembly (THA) draws attention to constitutional loopholes that should be addressed. Here is an administration which went in with a comfortable majority for the election which was held in January this year and came out in a dead heat with the challenger party. Depends on how far you want to drive then ride the train. Stamford has a lot of parking available, New Haven is also an option (click on the town names on the map for parking info. Some of the smaller towns have limited parking or are permit only.) Edited: 3 years ago Hi there, I'm hoping you can help me out with the last part of our itinerary for our Vietnamese family vacation this December-January. We are all set on the first part of the vacation (Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An and Da Nang, fly to Can Tho), but from there it gets a bit less clear :) We will be able to leave Can Tho on December 27 and fly out from HCMC on January 7. We could like to see the Fairy Stream and the Dunes in Mui Ne (sounds like a 6-7 hour ride from Can Tho) and we thought that a few days in Da Lat would also be very beautiful and a change of scenery. We were thinking of one of the following: Option 1: Leave Can Tho, arrive HCMC on Dec 27, stay for a day (possibly in an area closer to the Cu Chi tunnels and then we can do that tour), then on Dec 29, leave for Mui Ne. Stay there for a couple of days then take the bus or find a driver to Da Lat (we have a flight back to SGN from Da Lat on January 4, and then we'll have all of the 5th-6th to check out HCMC). Option 2: Go all the way from Can Tho to Mui Ne, spend longer there and in Da Lat, then keep same flight back on the 4th. On the 4th (after arrival), 5th and 6th, check out the market, the Cu Chi tunnels and museums in HCMC before leaving. We are sort of leaning towards option 1 because it breaks up the driving a bit (and we have two little kids on the trip)..but how much time will we want for Mui Ne and Da Lat? (we like walking, exploring, checking out the usual tourist attractions, finding great food, views, bridges and towers, etc.). What are your recommendations? Also, is it possible to hire a driver for these drives (Can Tho to either HCMC or to Mui Ne, and then Mui Ne to Da Lat)? We have 7 adults and two children in our group, and if we can minimize the travel time and perhaps get a personalized experience, that would be great too. Thanks very much - I look forward to your thoughts. I don't know why this is so hard for us to decide on this part :) UGG PS: the reason we are backtracking is that we originally had our flight to Can Tho because we were going to go to Phu Quoc but then the (adult) kids decided they would rather go to Da Lat (and Mui Ne) instead but didn't want to forfeit their flights...so we have kind of lost some of our travel time efficiency. I am in the midst of planning my first trip to Japan 2.5 weeks from now and a bit overwhelmed. Below is my rough itinerary, we unfortunately must fly in and out of Tokyo. Day 1 - Land spend night in Tokyo Day 2 - Tokyo Day 3 - train to Hakone, spend day and night there Day 4 - Train to Kyoto spend day and night there Day 5 - Kyoto Day 6 - Kyoto with trips to Nara and Osaka Day 7 - Kyoto trip to Kobe Day 8 - Tokyo Day 9 - Tokyo Day 10 - Tokyo Day 11 - Tokyo My questions are: Do you think there is time to squeeze in Hiroshima? Should I spend one less day in Tokyo and more in Kyoto for day trips? In Hakone is there somewhere to drop our bags off at the train station? What is the best site to buy the JR Pass and when should I activate it for this itinerary? Sorry for all the questions, just looking for some guidence. Hi, I am planning to do a 1 day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo and return back at night on Dec 5. I would have liked to stay at Kyoto itself but since i have already done the hotel booking I would need to return back to Tokyo in the night. Below is the itinerary I have planned. Please suggest/comment on this. Will be starting early morning from tokyo and taking the Shinkansen. This is my plan : Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) -> Tofukuji temple -> Fushimi Inari -> Kiyomizu temple -> Maruyama Park -> Kodaiji Temple -> Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka, Higashiyama From kiyomizu temple i am looking to walk around the Higashiyama area, heard matcha ice-creams are popular in this region. In the night will be returning to tokyo using the Shinkansen again. Apart from JR Pass for the JR routes like Inari, do i need to buy any pass? Is this trip doable? Looking forward to suggestions, Thanks in advance. -:- 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. We havent booked anything just yet, but will start with flights in the next few weeks. This is our proposed itinerary for late May early June 2019. I was wondering if anyone had comments or tips that might improve our trip. It will only be my husband and I, mid-30s. This will be our first trip to Japan. We like to have a good mix of city and country, art, nature, architecture, history and culture. The more we research Japan, the more places we want to go to, but we dont like to be rushed so had to cut off places even though everywhere looks amazing! Day 1 land in Tokyo late afternoon (very likely Narita). Well just check-in at our undecided hotel, have supper near-by, and then crash from jetlag. Day 2 & 3 tour Tokyo (and try to get over the jetlag!) Day 4 head to Hakone, explore the area, then late afternoon and night at a nice Ryokan (well be celebrating our 10th anniversary) Day 5 Morning at the Ryokan, then explore the area some more. Either stay a second night in a more reasonably-priced hotel in the area, or head to Kyoto right away. Days 6 to 11 Kyoto/Osaka/Nara. We plan on choosing a hotel in Kyoto, as we feel well enjoy it more than Osaka, and visit other places from there. Well probably also go to Himeji Castle on one of those days, undecided if well go to Hiroshima Days 12&13 Kanazawa Days 14 to 19 back to Tokyo, these days will include a day-trip to Nikko for sure, maybe Kamakura as well. Day 20 fly back home :-( We will most likely get a 14-day JR Pass, based on the pass calculator it'll either be worth it or close-call, so we figured it would be easier to get it for convenience. Well either activate it on our arrival day to use it for the airport transport to Tokyo, or start when we leave for Hakone and be able to use it for day trips outside of Tokyo toward the end of the trip. Well also use luggage forwarding between Tokyo and Kyoto and will tour Hakone and Kanazawa with smaller bags. So, any comments or words of wisdom? Booked a surprise trip for my boyfriend from 12th Feb to 16th Feb. Booked a hotel in Times Square. Putting together a loose itinerary.... So far Ive booked tickets to see Kool and The Gang on the 15th on Staten Island. Ill give him the tickets for his birthday in a couple of weeks so he will see the venue then! Thats all Ive confirmed so far. Ive no idea on what show to book. Hamilton. Forget it! Its so expensive! I loved Wicked in London so thats a possibility. Would like it to be about the choice of the actual theatre for architecture and ambience as much as the show itself. Any suggestions. Hes been to Moulin Rouge in Paris before and liked that. Want to book one in advance. Can always do another and pick up tickets from the TKTS stand when we are there. Nicks tickets were so much money so thats out. Would like to do something a bit slushy for the 14th. Hudson River cruise? Stroll in Central Park. I know itll be very cold but wondered if hiring cycle bikes would be a nice idea. Appreciate any ideas. Other than that the normal Statue of Liberty, TOTR, ESB, Grand Central Station, Ground Zero....City Pass looks like it will cover most of them? He LOVES motorbikes. Are there any cool places I should take him motorbike themed? Thank you :) We are traveling to NYC for Thanksgiving with relatives and to visit my daughter who lives in Brooklyn. For this trip, want to explore the "Immigrant Experience". After doing some genealogy research, we discovered that our relatives are from Ireland, (we always thought they were from England), and so we want to include some Irish Bars/Restaurants as well. Here is what we have so far: Tuesday, Nov. 20th, arrive in New York at noon, drop off luggage at hotel (Even Hotel in Brooklyn). It seems as though we would have to transfer subway trains a few times, and with luggage that will be difficult, so is there a cost difference if we go by Taxi vs. Uber? That afternoon, we plan to explore Brooklyn, but looking for suggestions on where to go. Wednesday, November 21st. We have tickets for the SOL Crown tour at 0900, followed by the Ellis Island Hard Hat tour at 11:30. Was thinking about exploring the Financial District afterwards, and stopping by the WTC Memorial, but with so many options, would like some bar/restaurant suggestions along the Irish or Immigrant theme We will not be dressed up to go anywhere fancy. That evening, we plan on going to the UWS to see the balloons being staged for the Macy's Parade the following day. Thursday, November 22nd. We are starting the day with the Turkey Trot in Prospect Park. Not sure what to do that afternoon, because I am having a hard time figuring out what will be open on the holiday. If the weather is nice, we were thinking about walking the Brooklyn Bridge, checking out the graffiti art in Williamsburg, etc. I am not sure what to do if the weather is horrible. We also want to go to an Asian or Dim Sum restaurant for dinner, just for grins. Would appreciate any recommendations for that. We will have Subway passes, so location is not a big deal. Friday, November 23rd: We have tickets to the Tenement Museum / Irish Outsiders tour at 10:15, followed by a Lower East Walking tour at 11:30. We were thinking about stopping at Russ and Daughters for Lox and Bagels prior to the Tenement Museum. I am looking for suggestions on what to do the rest of the day. Friday evening, we are thinking about finding a Jazz Club. Any suggestions on where to go? Will we need reservations? Saturday, November 24th: We have all day before our flights home. I was thinking about a docent led tour of the NYPL at 10:00am, and then perhaps browsing the Christmas store front displays and the Bryant Park Christmas Market, but would be open to almost anything. We will need to head back to Brooklyn by 3pm to pick up our luggage and get to LGA by 5pm for our 7pm flight. Suggestions are welcome! Thanks! - The student refused to queue to be served at the school cafeteria - He attacked the student leader and hit him with a metal bar on the head when he tried to calm him down - Hungry students who were on the queue descended on the learner with blows and kicks A student from Kilimambogo Vocational Training Institute has been left fighting for his life at Thika Level Five Hospital after he was given a dog's beating by colleagues for refusing to queue in the school cafeteria. The student thought he was the most hungry in the school and demanded he be served first without lining up. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: 65-year-old Kibwezi village administrator threatens to kill Class 8 pupil after sleeping with her In a report by Citizen TV, a scuffle ensued at the cafeteria when the institution's student leader tried to intervene to calm down the hungry learner. The learner is said to have descended on the student leader and hit him on the head with a metallic object. READ ALSO:Teachers' Service Commission deregisters 71 male teachers for preying on female students The act prompted other students on the queue to retaliate and attack their colleague with blows and kicks leaving him seriously injured. Confirming the incident, Yatta OCS Gikunda Mbaya said the student was treated at Kithimani Health Facility before being transferred to Thika Level Five Hospital for further medication. 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.co.ke - The FBI released a list of Kenyan prominent personalities who allegedly took part in the illegal drug trafficking business - The hints came barely a week after Ibrahim and Baktash Akasha pleaded guilty to six counts of drug trafficking before a US court - The list included four High Court Judges and former Justice Minister - Others are two serving governors from Coast and North Eastern region and a former governor from Central Kenya Just few days after two Akasha brothers, Baktash and Ibrahim pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in a New York court, trouble seems to be simmering up for prominent Kenyan personalities. The two siblings who were accused of orchestrating deals of a dreaded drug syndicate which supplied the narcotics to US and Kenya pleaded guilty to six counts of drug trafficking and corruption on Wednesday, October 24. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Uzee umeanza kumlemea Raila? Tazama alivyohangaika kwenye 'gym' The Two Akashas, Ibrahim and Baktash pleaded guilty to six counts of drug trafficking and could face life sentencing. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Ruto sends a warning to druglords and women in Kilifi TUKO.co.ke has established that the move to accept the charges by the two Akashas who could be jailed for life on Saturday, February 2, 2019 by the US court has opened up a can of worms for prominent Kenyan politicians, businessmen, judges and senior police officers. The FBI has now released a list of prominent Kenyan personalities who could be arrested and prosecuted for similar charges after it was established they were part of the syndicate. The sleuths hinted they would be coming for the following Kenyans who are listed in their documentation of key suspects that should face trial; 1. Four High Court judges 2. Two serving governors, one from Coastal and another one from North Eastern region 3. A former governor from Central Kenya 4. Prominent Nairobi businessman 5. Former Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister 6. Former senior police boss 7. Serving MP from Mt Kenya 8. Former MP from North Eastern 9. Renowned rights' activist from Coastal Kenya According to the FBI the rights' activist had already been mentioned in another drug trafficking case by a South African based businessman who could have worked together. Fatuma Akasha, mother of Ibrahim and Baktash Akasha who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. Photo: The Star Source: UGC READ ALSO: Federation of Women lawyers puts authorities to task over rise in teenage pregnancies As earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke, the Akashas were arrested in Mombasa in January 2017 and later flown to US and put under custody of US Drug Enforcement Agency personnel. Besides facing life sentence in February the Akashas would lose nine 9 lucrative houses in Coastal Kenya, high end vehicles, and assets valued at over KSh 20 billion in accordance with law which dictates the State must seize all gains of convicts found guilty of drug trafficking. 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 - The five judges will start hearing the case as from Monday, November 5 - Case against Mwilu was filed by DPP who accused accused DCJ of illegal transactions with Imperial Bank of Kenya - DPP's lawyers led by Attorney General will appear before the five judges for mention of the case Chief Justice David Maraga has named five judges who are set to determine the fate of his embattled deputy Philomena Mwilu. Justices Hellen Omondi, Mumbi Ngugi, Francis Tuiyott, William Musyoka and Chacha Mwita are set to hear Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji's case against the DCJ. READ ALSO: List of prominent Kenyan personalities on radar of FBI for drug trafficking DCJ Philomena Mwilu was arrested on Tuesday, August 28, at the premises of the Supreme Court in Nairobi for alleged involvement in corruption dealings. Photo: UGC Source: Facebook READ ALSO: A view inside William Rutos prestigious official residence Justice Omondi sits in Eldoret, Mumbi at Kericho High Court, Tuiyott is a Commercial Court judge and Musyoka sits at the Milimani Law Courts on family cases, as reported by the Standard. Justice Mwita sits at the Constitutional Division Court in Milimani and had issued temporary orders stopping criminal proceedings against Mwilu until the case she had filed at the High Court was heard and determined. Mwita ruled the matter be heard and determined by a tribunal as the criminal proceedings against a sitting judge had not been heard before a court since promulgation of the Constitution 2010. READ ALSO: Federation of Women lawyers puts authorities to task over rise in teenage pregnancies Although the present case can be heard by a single judge, the issues that are to be determined would have a material bearing on the independence of the Judiciary, ruled Justice Mwita. On Monday, November 5, DPP's lawyers led by Attorney General Paul Kihara will kick off a major legal battle when they shall appear before the five judges for a mention of the case. READ ALSO: TUKO videos: 5 nightmare medical surgeries, why Jacque Maribe and not fiance Jowie got bail Mwilu was arrested on Tuesday, August 28, at the premises of the Supreme Court in Nairobi for alleged involvement in corruption dealings. The DCJ was accused of illegal transactions with Imperial Bank of Kenya which led to the collapse of the bank in 2015. 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.co.ke - The doctors examination report indicated the needles were lodges in the chest, abdomens and on both hands - Traumatized Tabitha Wairimu came back to Dandora after disappearing for years - Her friends thought she had gone mad as she could not speak properly and had a memory lapse - Wairimu does not know any of her relatives as she has been living in the streets A 29-year-old woman from Dandora estate in Nairobi has left doctors in shock after finding eight needles lodged in her body. Traumatized Tabitha Wairimu could not explain how the foreign objects got into her body and had no idea how long they have been in the body. READ ALSO: List of prominent Kenyan personalities on radar of FBI for drug trafficking Doctors examination report indicated eight needles on the abdomen, both hands and on the chest of Tabitha Wairimu. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Health Ministry dismisses claims just concluded Polio vaccination is deadly to children following social media outrage A Friday, November 2, X-ray report indicated the needles were on her chest, both hands and abdomen. "In total they were eight of them with two on both hands, two others on the abdomen and the others were on her chest," said a doctor Peter Gichangi. Gichangi said the objects might have been inserted into the woman's body knowingly although the motive remains unclear. READ ALSO: Maraga appoints 5 judges to determine fate of DCJ Philomena Mwilu Wairimu got her friends worried when she came back to Dandora with a memory lapse and speech impairment after going missing for years. She could not trace any of her family members and she only talked of how she was raped, abused and left to die in Mlolongo. According to her, she grew up under the care of a step-mother before she started living on the streets. READ ALSO: Federation of Women lawyers puts authorities to task over rise in teenage pregnancies She said she got married to a man who she does know his whereabouts as he fled to Tanzania and left her. " The case is more of psychological, the patient needs to be taken through a lot of counseling and then maybe her situation explained with the family for the needles to be removed," added Gichangi. After the doctor's examination, the poor Wairimu, a staunch church member resorted to prayers and divine intervention to help her overcome the pain she undergoing. 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 Newspaper Residents of Eastleigh estate, Nairobi are up in arms with land lords whom they accuse of hiking and charging unreasonably exorbitant rent with no mercy. On Saturday, November 3, a notice on rent increment was plastered in one apartment reminding tenants to take note of the changes in which a single room will be available at KSh 23,000 from KSh 18,000. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Eastleigh mother's car and children disappear after quarrel with landlord READ ALSO: Gangsters raid Eastleigh shop, kill businessman In the same breath, those living in two-bedroomed houses will have to part with a cool KSh 50,000 a month or ship out. The hapless complainants who are mostly college students and low income earners are now crying out loud and demanding something should be done before a mass exodus is witnessed. In their submissions, they accuse the greedy landlords of driving the poor out of Eastleigh. However lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi argues rent is subject to market forces in a free enterprise model like Kenya and anyone unable to pay should quietly move out. "A rent equilibrium is reached when the minds of the landlord and tenant meet. No third party has any role to play. But If Eastleigh has become expensive, move further to the East," he tweeted. Here are sample reactions. 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. Joseph Irungu and Jacque Maribe in court over the murder of Monica Kimani - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko Gone are the days when Kenyan youths would seat back, relax and wait for employment to drop to them like manna from heaven. Due to the high rate of unemployment in Kenya, most youths have found themselves creating self-employment in a bid to put food on the table. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: 16 common responses most Kenyans give when asked for money by friends and relatives READ ALSO: 19 super hilarious memes from the #UnakufaChallenge that have got Kenyans on the floor with laughter Among them is a Ruiru based musician Lusher Paulo Njeri who also doubles up as a smokie seller. Lusher, unlike your ordinary smokie seller has managed to attract more customers thanks to his dress code while at his office. READ ALSO: Ex-Kilifi MP Gideon Mung'aro buys Prado for musician who campaigned for him The young musician hits his business spot dressed in suits every time he is running. Hygiene, sophistication and above all a welcoming smile seem to be Lusher's strongholds judging with countless comments about him seen by TUKO.co.ke on social media. READ ALSO: Gracious Amani who dazzled the world with Alicia Keys' song finally releases much-anticipated collabo with Pitson According to Lusher, his decision to wear suits to his smokies business is inspired by the respect he has for his office, a place that gives him his daily bread. TUKO.co.ke has learnt that Lusher, who could be the only one man in Africa who sells smokies wearing a suit has not only managed to get more customers but also inspired many who are impressed by his zeal and of course, his style. 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.co.ke Days after Kenyan women sent the internet into a frenzy with a collection of different sizes and shapes of their dairies in exchange of KSh 20,000, turns out it was a scam. While the ladies were meant to believe the cleavage challenge was to raise breast cancer awareness, turns out it was just for fun and there was no money being given out. According to the winner of the best rack parade, Phenny Awiti, the brain child behind the challenge, Zack Opondo, confirmed to her it was just for fun. READ ALSO: Judge describes Jacque Maribes lover as 'male slay queen' The ladies were meant to believe the cleavage challenge was to raise breast cancer awareness, but it turns out it was just for fun. Source: Depositphotos READ ALSO: 17 hilarious questions most Kenyans wish they could pose to Jacque Maribe In a Facebook post seen by TUKO.co.ke Saturday, November 3, Awiti revealed she was only awarded KSh 3,000 to acknowledge her and for her children's upkeep in relation to her struggles. "So after the win, I was called by Zack, and instructed that the challenge was just for fun, but he will send me KSh. 3,000 to acknowledge me and my babies' upkeep. I rode on it," wrote Awiti. Awiti went on to explain why she shared a screen grab of M-pesa transaction showing she had received the KSh 20,000 promised at the beginning of the challenge only to pull it down down few minutes later. READ ALSO: Kenyan women parade their cleavages on Facebook after man offers 20k to the best "I was given an M-pesa message that read KSh 20,000 and something ( I forgot), and Zack clearly gave me an option of updating it on my wall or not. I remember updating the screen shot on my wall, but only after some 4 minutes and pulled it down," she narrated. To prove the entire challenge was a scum to take advantage of women on social media, telecommunication giant Safaricom confirmed the message was invalid. According to Awiti, the revelation was not to be shared by public in any way but she could not bear the guilt of hiding the truth from her followers who had immensely voted for her to win the money. READ ALSO: Tanzanian politician wants Diamond Platinumz banned and arrested over raunchy videos "I also confirm that I was told that this was just for fun, after winning the challenge, and in no way, was I to break the news to you guys, if other participants never did," she added. While it is said the best of games are those played without any rules or conditions, the challenge came with no terms and conditions other than no push up bras and the ladies headed to the call. Although the best rack won the required likes by many, men noted sampling their next meals on the comment section had an entertained day. 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 opposition leader had initially claimed victory before the official results of the election were released - He was then denounced by the government as an outlaw - The leader has now called for vote recounts while urging international communities to step in - He however noted he will accept the outcome of the re-count Less than a fortnight after Cameroons incumbent Paul Biya was declared for the seventh time, the countrys opposition now has called for an independent recount of the votes. The opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, who came came second behind Biya, posted the appeal online in a video late on Friday, November 2. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Magufuli moves hearts with humble past, claims he had no suit or rings for his wedding The opposition leader claimed the count was marred by widespread fraud. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Three arrested for attempting to grab Uhuru Kenyatta's official residence in Eldoret According to reports by Cameroon media, he called for an independent, international committee accepted by both sides to carry out the recount and vowed to abide by its conclusions. The opposition leader who has since been denounced by the government for claiming victory before the official results claimed the count was marred by widespread fraud. "We will never accept the results proclaimed by a biased Constitutional Council," he said, adding that he would campaign peacefully against the official result. READ ALSO: First photo of Migori Woman Rep healing in hospital emerge 5 days after grisly road accident The 85-year-old politician was declared winner in the hotly contested election which was characterised by low voter turnout. Source: UGC Kamto, a 64-year-old lawyer and leader of the Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon (MRC), called on other opposition leaders to join his campaign. Kamto was among seven other candidates seeking to unseat Biya, who is Africas longest ruling president and second globally, spanning 36 years. The 85-year-old politician was declared winner in the hotly contested election which was reportedly characterised by low voter turnout and violence. READ ALSO: Health Ministry dismisses claims just concluded Polio vaccination is deadly to children following social media outrage According to Cameroon's Constitutional Council, the incumbent won 71.3% of the total votes cast in the October 7, 2018, General Election and was therefore validly elected as per the country's law. The announcement followed a spate of protests and violence in different parts of the country as some of the presidential candidates challenged the poll results. Although most of Biya's past election victories were by a landslide, his regimes have been facing harsh criticisms, especially from human rights watchdogs. 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.co.ke Germany and Poland consider that Ukraine should remain a transit country for Russian gas, as this is important for its security. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said this during a joint press conference with Head of the Council of Ministers of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki in Warsaw on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. We also have a common goal - Ukraine should remain an important gas transit country, since this is also an element of Ukraines security, Merkel said. The chancellor, who had visited Kyiv the day before, informed the Polish colleagues about the results of negotiations with the Ukrainian authorities. Merkel stressed that the views of Germany and Poland coincided in evaluating the actions of Russia, as well as the situation in Ukraine. On the one hand, Ukraine has improved the situation in the field of democratization and combating corruption, and on the other hand, there has been poor progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements or the situation in the Sea of Azov, the chancellor emphasized. She noted that Germany paid considerable attention to energy security issues. Consequently, Berlin will speed up its plans to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal as Europes largest economy seeks to diversify its energy supply. As reported, the 15th Polish-German intergovernmental consultations led by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were held in Warsaw on Friday, November 2. ish Hungarian Ambassador Erno Keskeny has completed his term in Ukraine. "Ambassador of Hungary to Ukraine Erno Keskeny has completed his term. Despite the recent turbulence in bilateral relations, the ambassador professionally fulfilled his duties and tried to seek a compromise," Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar wrote on Facebook. As a reminder, on October 4, Ambassador Erno Keskeny was handed a note saying that the Hungarian consul in the town of Berehove in Zakarpattia region was declared persona non grata and in connection with the activities incompatible with the status of a consular officer and that he must leave Ukraine within 72 hours. Hungary also decided to expel a Ukrainian diplomat. On October 6, the Hungarian consul left the territory of Ukraine. In turn, Ukrainian diplomat left Hungary. ish In the framework of the official visit of President Petro Poroshenko to Turkey, a number of bilateral documents have been signed. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a "Joint Statement Following the Seventh Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council between Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey". According to the press service of the head of state, a memorandum was signed between Ukraines State Concern Ukroboronprom and Turkeys State Agency for Defense Industry on mutual bank guarantees. The document was signed by Director General of Ukroboronprom Pavlo Bukin and President of the Defense Industry of the Republic of Turkey Ismail Demir. The memorandum defines the terms of fulfillment of contractual obligations between Ukroboronprom and the State Agency for Defense Industry of the Republic of Turkey, in particular, in the context of regulating the procedure for obtaining bank guarantees necessary for the implementation of projects in the field of defense industry. The document stipulates the parties' agreements on the implementation of contracts in the defense industry without the need for bank guarantees if the amount is less than $10 million. The agreement on the development of cooperation between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Turkey was signed by First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv and President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency Serdar Cam. The agreement will create the legal basis for the establishment of the Office for Program Coordination in Ukraine with a view to developing fruitful cooperation in the economic and social spheres between the two governments. Particular attention will be paid to technical and financial cooperation projects (programs) aimed at developing educational infrastructure, social services, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing sectors of the states, as well as raising the level of institutionalization in the public administration. Turkey's position on non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia remains unchanged, as well as the support for the Crimean Tatar people. As for the situation in eastern Ukraine, it must be resolved by diplomatic and peaceful means. President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this at a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko following the results of the meeting in Istanbul on Saturday, November 3, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. "We had an opportunity to consider regional issues. Please believe that our position is to support the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and political unity of Ukraine. We have once again stressed that we have never recognized and will not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea and we will continue to protect the rights and interests of the Crimean Tatars - both those who remained in Crimea and those who were forced to leave the region. I want to thank once again for providing support for the Crimean Tatars," the Turkish president stressed. Erdogan also expressed hope that the situation in eastern Ukraine would be resolved by diplomatic and peaceful means. "We want those clashes in eastern Ukraine that are going on now to be completed and resolved in the framework of international law by diplomatic, peaceful means," he added. As reported, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko is on an official visit to Turkey on November 3-4. ish President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has invited President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan to join the initiative of deploying a UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas. The Ukrainian president said this during a joint press conference with the Turkish president in Istanbul on Saturday, November 3, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. "I invited the President [Erdogan] to intensify our dialogue, including by supporting the decision to deploy peacekeepers in accordance with the UN mandate. We trust Turkey and we will be happy to see Turkey participate in peace-building in Donbas through its peacekeeping mission as part of the UN," Poroshenko noted. As reported, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko is on an official visit to Turkey on November 3-4. ish Saakashvili is currently exiled in the Netherlands. Leader of the Movement of New Forces Party in Ukraine, ex-Governor of Ukraine's Odesa region and ex-President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili has said he wants to go back to Georgia. In an exclusive interview to Euronews, he said Russia had hacked his e-mail and was trying to meddle in Georgia's election. Saakashvili, head of state when Tbilisi went to war with Moscow a decade ago, is currently exiled in the Netherlands. Read alsoExit polls contradictory in Georgia presidential vote media But with his ally Grigol Vashadze the frontrunner to win Georgia's presidential run-off, the door has opened for Saakashvili's return. The 50-year-old's homecoming would be controversial after his conviction-in-absentia and six-year jail term for abuse of power. Saakashvili, currently stateless after giving up his Georgian nationality and being stripped of his Ukrainian passport, said the trial was politically-motivated. Vashadze, who represents the United National Movement party founded by Saakashvili, won 37.7% of votes in the first round of Georgia's presidential election last month, narrowly behind ruling party candidate Salome Zurabishvili. But third-placed David Bakradze who got around 11% of the votes has pledged his support for Vashadze in the run-off vote, which will happen before December 1 and see the 60-year-old go head-to-head with Zurabishvili. Patriarch Bartholomew said it was a historic moment and a great day for bilateral relations and for the whole Orthodoxy. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew have signed an agreement on cooperation and interaction between Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Following the meeting in Istanbul, Patriarch Bartholomew said it was a historic moment and a great day for bilateral relations and for the whole Orthodoxy, an UNIAN correspondent reports. As UNIAN reported earlier, on October 11, following a meeting of the Synod, a decision was announced, stating that the Ecumenical Patriarchate proceeds to granting autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine. In addition, the legal binding of the Synod's letter of 1686 was abolished, thus taking the Kyiv Metropolis from under Moscow's canonical jurisdiction. Also, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP) Filaret and head of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) Makariy were reinstated in their canonical status. On October 12, the UOC-KP urged the hierarchs of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) to prepare for a special unification council. There have been no Ukrainian army casualties in the past day. Russian-led forces mounted 22 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, in the last 24 hours. "No casualties among Ukrainian troops have been reported in the past day. According to intelligence reports, one occupier was wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said in an update on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on November 3, 2018. Read alsoOSCE SMM's drone comes under fire in Russian-occupied Donbas again Russian occupation forces opened aimed fire from grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns and small arms to attack the defenders of the towns of Avdiyivka, Maryinka and Krasnohorivka, and the villages of Stanytsia Luhanska, Pisky, Bohdanivka, Starohnativka, Pavlopil (with the use of 82mm mortars), Hnutove, Vodiane, Lebedynske, and Shyrokyne. Another provocation was also recorded near the disengagement area in Stanytsia Luhanska, where the occupiers opened fire on the Ukrainian positions, using grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms. "Since Saturday midnight, Russian-led forces have attacked the Ukrainian positions near Shyrokyne, using heavy machine guns and small arms. No heavy weapons have been used. No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported since the start of the day," reads the report. (@rukhshanmir) The Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, in cooperation with the Department of Economic Development in Ajman, organised the "Hayyakom" initiative to welcome the new members of companies and factories operating in the emirate and to enhance the direct communication with them. AJMAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 03rd Nov, 2018) The Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, in cooperation with the Department of Economic Development in Ajman, organised the "Hayyakom" initiative to welcome the new members of companies and factories operating in the emirate and to enhance the direct communication with them. Present at the meeting were Abdullah Saeed Al Nuaimi, board Member of Ajman Chamber, Salem Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Ajman Chamber, Nasser Al Dhafri, Executive Director of Planning and Support Division, Mohammed Al Janahi, Executive Director of Investment and Business Development Division, at Ajman Chamber, Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Hamdan Al Nuaimi, Director of Licensing Department at DED-Ajman, Ahmed Khair Al Balushi, Director of Customer Relations Department at DED-Ajman, and a number of government officials and representatives of companies and institutions in the emirate. Held at Fairmont Hotel-Ajman, the meeting began with a film highlighting the vision, mission and objectives of the Ajman Chamber, as well as the most important activities that it carries out to serve its members and employees. This was followed by a speech delivered by Abdullah Saeed Al Nuaimi, where he said "Your joining the economic system in the emirate of Ajman absolutely contributes to boosting the development process. You are our priority and we will always strive to provide a conducive climate to ensure the growth and sustainability of your business. Your suggestions and opinions are of interest and appreciation, thus we are keen to keep in touch with you. We strive to find solutions to various challenges and remove the obstacles in cooperation with our partners of Federal and local departments." The Ajman Chamber is always keen to provide its members with the best services and privileges, which is reflected in its role to boost the business community. It organises specialised exhibitions, participates in various major exhibitions inside and outside the country, launches initiatives supporting the business community in general, and builds partnerships and agreements with many local and the international public and private sectors to provide value-added services to the members. Ajman Chamber is the link between its members and various government entities, he added. Ahmed Kheir Al Baloushi said, "The DED-Ajman derives its objectives and vision from the directives of the wise leadership and vision of the emirate which is in line with the vision of the UAE." He pointed out that the department is keen to diversify its services and turn them into smart and digital services to enhance the emirates economic competitiveness to attract investors through the various components owned by the emirate. He also praised the cooperation and integration of roles among the various government departments concerned with economic affairs in Ajman. Also, Abdullah Al Nuaimi briefed the attendees on the services offered to the members, such as certificates of origin, attestation, legal services, commercial mediation, debt collection, along with the services provided by Ajman Centre for Conciliation and Commercial Arbitration. He also introduced the workgroups, stressing the keenness of the chamber to enhance its direct communication with the members and the concerned departments to identify the challenges and obstacles that can be avoided in order to increase the sustainability and development of the business. Marwan Hareb pointed to the role played by the chamber in promoting business and investment development through seminars gathering investors and businessmen, as well as participating in international economic exhibitions and events. It also provides information, economic studies and statistics for its investors and traders. Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Hamdan Al Nuaimi briefed the audience on the services offered by the DED-Ajman, such as the licencing and permit services, starting your business, immediate licence, automatic renewal and electronic services, Tawseel, and instant chat, in addition to the intellectual property protection services. (@rukhshanmir) The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, AGFE, has announced the launch of a new programme to empower Emirati youth aged between 15 and 25 years old to make successful transitions from school to university and from university to the job market. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 03rd Nov, 2018) The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, AGFE, has announced the launch of a new programme to empower Emirati youth aged between 15 and 25 years old to make successful transitions from school to university and from university to the job market. Al Ghurair Young Thinkers Programme, YTP, is the first technology-based solution in the Arab world to help young Emiratis prepare for university and jobs of the future. According to a press statement, the programme helps young Emiratis gain awareness about future industries and job markets, as well as develop the necessary skills required by top employers. It is fully funded by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education. The Foundation has been working with experts at Arizona State University for 1.5 years to design and deliver the Young Thinkers Programme to suit the needs of Emirati youth. The programme is offered to the youth on a fully digital, web-based platform, with a mobile app version for Android and iOS that employs gamification techniques to encourage engagement. Commenting on the programme launch, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, AGFE Chairman, said, "As part of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Educations initiatives in the UAE, we are committed to offering young Emiratis access to the latest innovations in university- and career-readiness. With education as one of the main priorities in the UAEs National Agenda, we are confident that the Al Ghurair Young Thinkers Programme will support efforts to build national human capital that is capable of coping with change across different economic sectors, internalising the attitude of competitiveness and success and building the future that the Founding Father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan aspired to. " Reiterating that it is essential for all stakeholders to join efforts in supporting a generation of Emiratis equipped for the future with the right skills, Al Ghurair added, "We welcome the close partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and hope it will invite new thinking on the innovative possibilities in public and private sector collaboration." The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education signed a MoU with the UAEs Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation where the two sides will work together to help support Emirati youth transition from studies to employment. The partnership will also see the organisation of workshops, forums, information sessions, high-level discussions and training courses throughout the country. Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, praised the Abdullah Al Ghurair Foundation for Educations new programme for Emirati youth and its commitment to developing the skills they need to succeed in the labour market. According to Maysa Jalbout, CEO of the Foundation, the Young Thinkers Programme utilises three Primary mechanisms to prepare youth for university and work. These mechanisms include the planning tools introducing students to work trends in the UAE job market, the digital courses to nourish skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world, and 'Success Advisors' who understand youth needs and aspirations and interact with them to answer any questions they have, she explained. In the first 72 hours of its launch, over 2,000 young Emiratis have registered with the Programme. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 03rd Nov, 2018) Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC, has strengthened its position as MEASAs number one FinTech hub and one of the worlds top 10 FinTech hubs with a series of landmark agreements between FinTech Hive at DIFC and global Fintech accelerators. FinTech Hive at DIFC, the first and largest financial technology accelerator in the MEASA region, has signed more than 10 significant Memoranda of Understanding, MoU, with leading FinTech institutions around the world. These include Accentures global FinTech Innovation Labs in New York, London and Hong Kong, iE5 in London, SuperCharger in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, LATTICE80 in London and Singapore, DICE FinTech Ace in Mumbai, Finance Innovation and Le Swave in Paris, B-Hive in Brussels, Holland FinTech and Bahrain Fintech Bay. As part of the MoUs, FinTech Hive and the institutions will share knowledge and explore opportunities to facilitate global FinTech access to and from the MEASA, foster a venture capital ecosystem in the region and promote their innovation programmes across each global market. Raja Al Mazrouei, Executive Vice President, FinTech Hive at DIFC, said, "These exciting MoUs signal DIFCs commitment to global FinTech outreach and re-emphasise our ambition to shape the future of finance. They will promote knowledge sharing and enable innovative businesses to operate even more seamlessly between Dubai and the world. These collaborations will also benefit startups, entrepreneurs and large established entities by enhancing access to investment, unlocking business opportunities and engaging new audiences and innovative products or ideas." In its 2018 programme, FinTech Hive brought together a larger pool of 22 startups, which doubled from 11 in 2017. It has also tripled its commitment to FinTech by expanding the programme to include InsurTech, RegTech and Islamic FinTech. FinTech Hive continues to lead the regions efforts in providing an enabling environment for innovative solutions to contribute to the development of the financial services industry, in line with Dubai Plan 2021 and DIFCs 2024 Strategy. DIFC hosts an integrated ecosystem that offers holistic support to FinTech firms. This includes cost-effective licensing and dedicated workspace within the DIFC as well as regulatory support through the Dubai Financial Services Authority Innovation Testing Licence where qualifying FinTech firms can apply for, if needed, in order to develop and test their concepts from within the Centre. The Centre has also dedicated a US$100 million FinTech fund to accelerate the development of financial technology in the region. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, has strongly condemned the terrorist act that targeted a bus carrying Egyptian citizens in the Menya Government, in southern Egypt, which killed seven people and injured many others. JEDDAH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 03rd Nov, 2018) The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, has strongly condemned the terrorist act that targeted a bus carrying Egyptian citizens in the Menya Government, in southern Egypt, which killed seven people and injured many others. "Such a cowardly terrorist act would only bind the Egyptian people together and boost their unity toward combating terrorism, which contradicts the core teachings of islam and all other religions and targets innocent civilians," OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen said in a press statement. He also reiterated the OIC's firm and principled stand against all forms of terrorism. (@FahadShabbir) Chairman of the Tajik State Committee for National Security Saimumin Yatimov, has received UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan and Non- resident Ambassador to Tajikstan, Dr Mohamed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, in the presence of Rashid Ali Al Mehrezi, UAE Military Attache to Kazakhstan. DUSHANBE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 03rd Nov, 2018) Chairman of the Tajik State Committee for National Security Saimumin Yatimov, has received UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan and Non- resident Ambassador to Tajikstan, Dr Mohamed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, in the presence of Rashid Ali Al Mehrezi, UAE Military Attache to Kazakhstan. They reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them in the security field. Yatimov expressed his desire to exchange security and policing expertise with competent authorities in the UAE. He also wished that this would result in strengthening efforts to control and contain all forms of crime. Al Jaber expressed his happiness at the level of relations between the two countries, while noting the role played by the National Security Committee to achieve security and stability in Tajikistan. UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan and Non - resident Ambassador to Tajikstan, Dr. Mohamed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, met Director of the Agency on the State Materials Reserve of Tajikistan, Nurmahmad Ahmadzoda. DUSHANBE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 03rd Nov, 2018) UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan and Non - resident Ambassador to Tajikstan, Dr. Mohamed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, met Director of the Agency on the State Materials Reserve of Tajikistan, Nurmahmad Ahmadzoda. They reviewed the relations between the two friendly countries, and the UAE diplomat presented financial support worth US$272,000 provided by the Mohamed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment to the agency. Nurmahmad extended his country's appreciation to the UAE in general and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment in particular for the continuous support, hailing the UAE aid model and the assistance consistently provided by the country across the world. (@ChaudhryMAli88) UNITED NATIONS, Nov 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Nov, 2018 ) :United Nations Secretary-General Antnio Guterres Friday called on the Yemeni warring parties and the international community to "halt the senseless cycle of violence" in Yemen and "reach a political settlement". "International humanitarian law has been flouted repeatedly," Guterres told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York. Since 2015, access to basic services and sources of income has become increasingly challenging and, today, three quarters of the entire Yemeni population 22 million women, children and men find themselves dependent on some form of humanitarian assistance to survive. "This is not a natural disaster. It is man-made. Yemen today stands on a precipice," said the UN chief. According to humanitarian agencies working on the ground, the massive scale of humanitarian need has turned Yemen into the world's worst crisis in decades. Cholera is endemic, and famine is looming. "On the humanitarian side, the situation is desperate," said Mr. Guterres, but "on the political side," he noted, "there are signs of hope". "The international community has a real opportunity to halt the senseless cycle of violence and to prevent an imminent catastrophe," he stated. The Secretary-General called for several steps to be taken urgently: an immediate cessation of hostilities, especially in densely populated areas; clearance without restrictions for essential imports such as food and fuel; and ensuring humanitarian access to civilians. He said efforts to kick-start the economy by stabilising the exchange rate of the Yemeni Rial; and paying the salaries and pensions of public servants were also essential; alongside additional funding from the international community for the humanitarian response. "I welcome the strong, constructive engagement from many Member States in recent days joining their voices to the UN's repeated appeals for a cessation of hostilities and supporting my Special Envoy's efforts," said the UN chief, who also welcomed the warring parties' expression of readiness to engage in peace consultations. "There is now an opportunity for peace in Yemen," he concluded, urging the parties to "overcome obstacles and resolve differences through dialogue at UN-facilitated consultations" in November. (@ChaudhryMAli88) A cell to monitor and stop electricity theft has been established at Deputy Commissioner office, here on Saturday. MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Nov, 2018 ) :A cell to monitor and stop electricity theft has been established at Deputy Commissioner office, here on Saturday. The cell was comprised of MEPCO and officers of district Administration which would launch comprehensive crackdown against electricity pilferers. Additional Deputy Commissioner Malik Muhammad Shafique has been deputed as focal person. The citizens have been instructed to contact 061-4500964 for registration of complaints. Deputy Commissioner Mudassar Riaz informed that the cases would be registered at tehsil level who found involved in electricity theft. (@FahadShabbir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Oct, 2018 ) :Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday expressed his concern over lack of unity and continued conflicts among the Muslim countries and lamented the humanitarian crisis being faced by the people of Yemen. He was talking to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Dr Javad Zarif, who called on him, PM Office media wing in a press release said. The prime minister offered his personal mediation to help resolve the crisis in Yemen, if all the parties concerned agreed to this mediation. During the meeting, bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed. The visiting Iranian minister conveyed personal greetings and commitment of President Hassan Rouhani to work closely with Prime Minister Imran Khan for further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Reciprocating President Rouhani's message, Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated his desire to further strengthen the political and economic relations with Iran. The prime minister said improving relations with all the neighbouring countries was one of his government's key foreign policy priorities. He conveyed his best wishes for the leadership and the people of Iran. The Iranian foreign minister was on an official visit to Islamabad. The US sanctions on Iran were aimed at slowing down Tehran's economic growth, but on the contrary, had resulted in the nation's self-sufficiency, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) The US sanctions on Iran were aimed at slowing down Tehran's economic growth, but on the contrary, had resulted in the nation's self-sufficiency, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday. "The U.S.'s goal in imposing sanctions is to paralyze and prevent the growth of national economy; but it resulted in a movement towards self-sufficiency in Iran. The Iranian nation used to import everything for years, now it has developed a habit of producing everything," Khamenei wrote on Twitter. The supreme leader went on to note that the global power of Washington was declining, while even the liberal democracy was "disgraced" after being exposed by US President Donald Trump and the Republican party. "The challenge between the U.S. and Iran has lasted for 40 years so far and the U.S. has made various efforts against us: military, economic and media warfare. There's a key fact here: in this 40-year challenge, the defeated is the U.S. and the victorious is the Islamic Republic," Khamenei added. In May, Trump announced Washington's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement and consequent reinstatement of sanctions that had previously been lifted under the nuclear deal. Washington re-introduced a first round of sanctions against Iran in August. The second round of sanctions, targeting Iran's oil sector, is set to take effect on November 5. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov have agreed to hold one more meeting before the end of the year, the co-chairs of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group said on Friday in a joint statement. YEREVAN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov have agreed to hold one more meeting before the end of the year, the co-chairs of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group said on Friday in a joint statement. Earlier in the day, Igor Popov, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair from Russia, said that Mnatsakanyan and Mammadyarov might meet on the sidelines of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Milan in December, "The Foreign Ministers [of Armenia and Azerbaijan] agreed to meet again before the end of the year. The Co-Chairs will soon travel to Vienna to brief the OSCE Permanent Council and the members of the Minsk Group," the statement, released following the co-chairs' visits to the region, read. The visit aimed at discussing the results of Mnatsakanyan's and Mammadyarov's previous meeting, held on the sidelines of the Commonwealth of Independent States summit in Dushanbe in September, and at planning next steps regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. "In their meetings with the Co-Chairs, the leaders in both capitals confirmed that the level of violence has fallen significantly since they reaffirmed in Dushanbe their commitment to reduce tensions ... The Co-Chairs welcomed these developments, commended the sides for implementing constructive measures in good faith, and expressed support for the leaders' readiness to continue their dialogue," the statement read on. The co-chairs emphasized the importance of "sustaining a climate of trust" for negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. Nagorno-Karabakh, an Azerbaijani region with predominantly Armenian population, proclaimed its independence in 1991, prompting a military conflict, which still remains unsettled. In early April 2016, tensions between Azerbaijani and Nagorno-Karabakh forces escalated, resulting in multiple casualties. Sporadic clashes continue even though the sides promptly agreed to a ceasefire. The OSCE has been mediating talks on the status of the region since 1992. Three people were killed in a fire that broke out Saturday morning in a cafe here, the country's Ministry of Emergency said. BAKU, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Nov, 2018 ) :Three people were killed in a fire that broke out Saturday morning in a cafe here, the country's Ministry of Emergency said. Emergency and firefighting crews found three bodies at the scene, two of whom were young men and one still unidentified, the ministry said in a statement. The three are believed to have died of smoke inhalation when the cafe, situated in the basement of a four-storey residential building, was engulfed in flames. The fire has already been put out and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which damaged part of the cafe. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Crimean Human Rights Commissioner Lyudmila Lubina told Sputnik Saturday that she had called on the Ukrainian authorities to exchange Vladimir Gorbenko, the captain of the Crimea-registered Nord vessel detained in Ukraine, for Victor Novitsky, the chief of the Ukrainian YaMK-041 boat arrested in Crimea. SIMFEROPOL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) Crimean Human Rights Commissioner Lyudmila Lubina told Sputnik Saturday that she had called on the Ukrainian authorities to exchange Vladimir Gorbenko, the captain of the Crimea-registered Nord vessel detained in Ukraine, for Victor Novitsky, the chief of the Ukrainian YaMK-041 boat arrested in Crimea. The crews of the two vessels were exchanged on Tuesday. "Exchange [of Gorbenko for Novitsky] is possible, because they are not criminals, but workers who have just wandered somewhere out of ignorance. But the problem is that the procedural statuses of the two captains are slightly different. The case of captain Gorbenko has been submitted to the court, which has to deliver a verdict . .. The case of Novitsky is at the stage of investigation," the ombudswoman said. Lubina said that the swap would be a fair and humane move. "We are calling [on Ukraine] to close the case in order to be able to exchange these people, just as we did with the Nord crew," the ombudswoman said. The Ukrainian Border Guard Service detained Nord with its 10-person crew in neutral waters of the Azov Sea in late March. In early April, Gorbenko was arrested for violation of entry and exit procedures to be promptly released on bail but he faced poaching charges shortly afterward. YaMK-041 was detained off the Crimean coast in late May on suspicions of illegal fishing. Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Yuri Khachaturov was dismissed on Friday at the request of Armenia, while his deputy, Valery Semerikov, became acting head of the organization, the CSTO said in a statement. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd November, 2018) Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Yuri Khachaturov was dismissed on Friday at the request of Armenia , while his deputy, Valery Semerikov, became acting head of the organization, the CSTO said in a statement. In July, Khachaturov was charged with overthrowing the country's constitutional order during the 2008 opposition rallies. According to media reports, Khachaturov was the commander of the Yerevan garrison and participated in suppressing the protests. The next day, a court in Yerevan released the CSTO head on bail. On Thursday, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian said that Yerevan was likely to recall Khachaturov from the post of the CSTO secretary-general. "In line with the established order, the procedure of early dismissal of representative of the Republic of Armenia Yuri Khachaturov from the post of secretary-general of the Collective Security Treaty Organization initiated by the Armenian side has been completed. The decision of the CSTO Collective Security Council released Khachaturov from the post of the organization's secretary-general," the statement said. CSTO deputy head Valery Semerikov has become the acting chair of the organization, the statement added. CSTO is an international alliance focused on military cooperation. The list of full members includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. Khachaturov has been the secretary general of the organization since May last year. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) A delegation of the lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, will start on Saturday its visit to the Iranian capital of Tehran. During their visit, which will last until November 7, the lawmakers are going to discuss ways of countering new challenges and threats via legal regulation. The aim of the visit is to exchange related experience. Iran is willing to cooperate with the Danish security services on the investigation into the allegations that Iranian intelligence officers were plotting an assassination on the Danish soil, Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) Iran is willing to cooperate with the Danish security services on the investigation into the allegations that Iranian intelligence officers were plotting an assassination on the Danish soil, Iran 's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif held phone talks with Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen. "In the phone conversation between Zarif and his Danish counterpart, the two sides exchanged views on a recent anti-Iran claim by the Danish police with regards to a terrorist operation in Denmark ... Zarif also said Tehran stands ready to work with Danish security authorities to shed light on the conspiracy and reveal the reality," the statement read. Zarif dismissed Denmark's accusations as "baseless" and noted that Israel was trying to harm Tehran's relations with the EU countries in order to scrap Brussels' attempts to preserve the Iran nuclear deal. "Meanwhile, Zarif reminded his opposite number of the Danish government's responsibility to hunt for and apprehend members of the terrorist group who confessed to being involved in a recent terror attack in the Iranian city of Ahvaz," the ministry added. 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. The Danish foreign minister reportedly said that the covert operation by the Iranian intelligence would trigger Copenhagen to impose new sanctions against Tehran. 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 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. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Saturday that he had signed with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople an agreement on cooperation between Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchate KIEV (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Saturday that he had signed with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople an agreement on cooperation between Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. "Today is a historic day. We have signed with His Eminence an agreement on cooperation and collaboration between Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchate," the president tweeted. In October, the Synod of the Constantinople Patriarchate announced that it would proceed to granting independence to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, which is currently split into three major churches the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate, the non-canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kiev Patriarchate (UOC-KP), which was created after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the so-called Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. The synod's decision has been welcomed by Poroshenko, who seeks to establish a single independent church in the country. On October 8, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church decided to completely "break the Eucharistic communion" with the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Moscow Patriarchate called Constantinople's decision the "legalization of schism," saying that it would have catastrophic consequences and would affect millions of Christians in Ukraine and other countries. The Moscow-affiliated Ukrainian Orthodox Church said that the synod's decision was a hostile act, interfering with the Ukrainian church's affairs, and threatened the Constantinople patriarch with anathema. (@FahadShabbir) A total of 1,428 Syrian refugees have returned to their home country from neighboring states over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for the Reception, Allocation and Accommodation of Refugees said on Saturday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) A total of 1,428 Syrian refugees have returned to their home country from neighboring states over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for the Reception, Allocation and Accommodation of Refugees said on Saturday. "Over the past day, in total 1,428 people returned to the Syrian Arab Republic from the territory of foreign states: 871 people (261 women and 444 children) left Lebanon for Syria via the Jaydet-Yabus and Talkalakh CPs [crossing points], and 557 people (167 women and 284 children) from Jordan via the Nasib CP," the center said in its daily bulletin. The UN Refugee Agency's data indicated that there were still over six million registered Syrian refugees seeking asylum across 45 states. The center added that 262 internally displaced persons (IDF) returned to their homes in Eastern Ghouta, as well as in Deir ez-Zor and Damascus provinces. As the Syrian government has won back vast territories that had been controlled by militants during the civil war, it is now focused on rebuilding Syria for the actively repatriating refugees. Moscow, along with Turkey and Iran, is a guarantor of the ceasefire in Syria, while it also assists Damascus by providing humanitarian assistance to civilians. Russia and Germany will sign a road map to promote academic partnership later in November or at the beginning of December, Mikhail Shvydkoy, the special representative of the Russian president for international cultural cooperation, said on Saturday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) Russia and Germany will sign a road map to promote academic partnership later in November or at the beginning of December , Mikhail Shvydkoy, the special representative of the Russian president for international cultural cooperation, said on Saturday. Shvydkoy was speaking at the third three-day youth forum of the Potsdam Meetings, which opened in Moscow on Friday. "Soon, I think, in November or at the beginning of December, a road map for academic partnership for 10 years will be signed between Russia and Germany. It will open tremendous opportunities for young scientists [who wish] to start working together," Shvydkoy said at the forum. He also expressed hope that the Russian and German culture ministers would declare a cross-cultural year between the two countries during the OSCE Ministerial Council, set to take place on December 6-7 in Milan. ANTALYA (Turkey) (UrduPoint news / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) The current level of cooperation between Moscow and Ankara in various areas, including the political dialogue, is unprecedented, Russian Ambassador to Turkey Alexei Erkhov told Sputnik. "The Russian-Turkish cooperation is developing by leaps and bounds. We can observe unprecedented development in all the areas including the political dialogue. It is not only limited by the meetings of the presidents. It is a structured mechanism which includes regular checking if we are on the same page, regular consultations and making joint decisions," Erkhov said on the sidelines of the Russian-Turkish Public Forum in Antalya on Friday. The ambassador noted successful bilateral cooperation on the situation in Syria. Moreover, the diplomat noted the improvement of relations in trade and economy, adding that bilateral trade grew by around 35 percent in 2017 and kept increasing. Russia had lifted almost all restrictions on the exports of Turkish agricultural products, including tomatoes, Erkhov pointed out. The diplomat also recalled successful joint energy projects, including the Akkuyu nuclear power plant and the Turk Stream natural gas pipeline. Russian-Turkish relations deteriorated after the downing of a Russian aircraft flying on an anti-terror mission to Syria by Turkey. Moscow responded to the move by introducing restrictions on activities of Turkish organizations in Russia and banning a number of food imports from the middle Eastern country. In 2016, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in stage-by-stage restoration of ties. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Russian military police have ensured safety of the UN humanitarian convoy that proceeded from Damascus to the Rukban refugee camp located near the US At-Tanf base in Syria, the head of the Russian Center for Syrian reconciliation said on Saturday DAMASCUS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) The Russian military police have ensured safety of the UN humanitarian convoy that proceeded from Damascus to the Rukban refugee camp located near the US At-Tanf base in Syria, the head of the Russian Center for Syrian reconciliation said on Saturday. On Friday, the US Central Command alleged that Russia had refused to support the convoy. "On our part, we have fulfilled all tasks on ensuring the safety of the humanitarian convoy," Lt. Gen. Vladimir Savchenko said. The Russian military escorted the convoy to the 34-mile security zone around At-Tanf. Three Russian helicopters assisted in ensuring the mission's safety, the official added. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Syrian Armed Forces on Saturday repelled a militant attempt to attack the country's army positions 35 kilometers (21 miles) north from the city of Hama, at the border with the northwestern province of Idlib, the Syrian national broadcaster reported. BEIRUT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) The Syrian Armed Forces on Saturday repelled a militant attempt to attack the country's army positions 35 kilometers (21 miles) north from the city of Hama, at the border with the northwestern province of Idlib , the Syrian national broadcaster reported. Militants from Jaysh al-Izza group had been moving toward the territories controlled by the Syrian army from the al-Lataminah village in Hama until they were located by the security forces, according to the broadcaster. Half of the militants were killed, while those remaining found shelter in the border settlements, the broadcaster reported. The demilitarized zone was agreed upon by the Russian and Turkish presidents in September. Syria's armed opposition groups were allowed to leave the buffer zone in Syria's northwest. The Nusra Front and the Islamic State terrorist groups (both outlawed in Russia) are not part of the deal. The Russian Defense Ministry's center for Syrian reconciliation warned on Monday that militants were plotting a chemical weapons attack in the Idlib buffer zone to blame it on the Syrian government. (@FahadShabbir) Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that President Donald Trump has "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser from renewing sanctions on the Islamic republic. Tehran, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Nov, 2018 ) :Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that President Donald Trump has "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser from renewing sanctions on the Islamic republic. "This new US president... has disgraced the remnant of America's prestige and that of liberal democracy. America's hard power, that is to say their economic and military power, is declining too," he said on his Persian Twitter account, quoting a speech in Tehran. A defiant Khamenei dismissed the renewed US sanctions -- including an oil embargo -- that take effect on Monday. "The challenge between the US and Iran has lasted for 40 years so far and the US has made various efforts against us: military, economic and media warfare," he said. "There's a key fact here: in this 40-year challenge, the defeated is the US and the victorious is the Islamic republic."Trump announced in May he was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Iran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme. Washington says it wants a new deal with Iran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Tehran. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ANTALYA (Turkey) (UrduPoint news / Sputnik - 03rd November, 2018) The current level of cooperation between Moscow and Ankara in various areas, including the political dialogue, is unprecedented, Russian Ambassador to Turkey Alexei Erkhov told Sputnik. "The Russian-Turkish cooperation is developing by leaps and bounds. We can observe unprecedented development in all the areas including the political dialogue. It is not only limited by the meetings of the presidents. It is a structured mechanism which includes regular checking if we are on the same page, regular consultations and making joint decisions," Erkhov said on the sidelines of the Russian-Turkish Public Forum in Antalya on Friday. The ambassador noted successful bilateral cooperation on the situation in Syria. Moreover, the diplomat noted the improvement of relations in trade and economy, adding that bilateral trade grew by around 35 percent in 2017 and kept increasing. Russia had lifted almost all restrictions on the exports of Turkish agricultural products, including tomatoes, Erkhov pointed out. The diplomat also recalled successful joint energy projects, including the Akkuyu nuclear power plant and the Turk Stream natural gas pipeline. The ambassador noted that Moscow and Ankara were working on visa liberalization for some categories of Turkish citizens arriving in Russia. "I do not want to make early forecasts but I hope that the issue of the entrance to Russia of the so-called special or service passport holders will be resolved in the near future. In Turkey, such passports are issued mainly for the employees of diplomatic missions, up to the level of deputy foreign ministers, as well as athletes, researchers, culture and art specialists. This is a very big step," Erkhov pointed out. Speaking about claims that the tourists flow from Turkey to Russia had decreased over the past years, the ambassador recalled that before 2010, a bilateral agreement on mutual trips between Russia and Turkey had been in place. The deal lifted visa requirements for specific categories of Turkish citizens, including tourists, but these rules were often used by businesspeople, students and other people who claimed they were tourists but came to Russia for other purposes, Erkhov suggested, noting that the number of these people coming to Russia had fallen since then. Russian-Turkish relations deteriorated after the downing of a Russian aircraft flying on an anti-terror mission to Syria by Turkey. Moscow responded to the move by introducing restrictions on activities of Turkish organizations in Russia and banning a number of food imports from the middle Eastern country. In 2016, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in stage-by-stage restoration of ties. MONTEVIDEO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 04th November, 2018) Uruguayan Vice President Lucia Topolansky told Sputnik on Sunday that she welcomed the possibility of an agreement between Russia and the Southern Common Market, commonly known as Mercosur. "Uruguay has been cooperating with Russia for many years ... I believe that this cooperation is important not only for our country, but for the region as well, and an agreement between Russia and Mercosur would be wonderful," Topolansky told Sputnik. She went on to say that the possibility of Russia and Mercosur signing an agreement should not be ruled out, adding that that the more opportunities of cooperation there were, the better the situation would be. "The biggest Mercosur member states sometimes have such possibilities that the littlest ones do not have ... We should understand that we can't neglect any prospect," Topolansky added. She went on to say that Russia's "incredible grandeur" could mean many opportunities for Uruguay. The Russian-Uruguayan trade made over $156.5 million in 2017. Mercosur is a South American trade organization, which aims to promote free trade, and the movement of goods, people and capital throughout the territories of its member states. (@ChaudhryMAli88) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 04th November, 2018) The US State Department said in a statement on Saturday that it recognized the role of Russia in resolving the issue of delivery of UN humanitarian aid to the Rukban camp located near the US At-Tanf base in Syria. The Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Syrian Reconciliation said earlier in the day that Russian military police had ensured the safety of the UN humanitarian convoy moving from Damascus to Rukban camp for internally displaced persons. On Friday, the US Central Command alleged that Russia had refused to support the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the encampment. "We welcome the news that the UN is finally able to begin delivering aid to the Rukban encampment from Damascus . .. We also recognize Russia's role in persuading the regime to finally comply with the UN Security Council's authorizations for the delivery of cross-line humanitarian aid by issuing the administrative approvals required for this convoy to move," the statement read. Washington also hopes Moscow will "use its influence" with the Syrian authorities to address the lack of humanitarian access "across much of Syria," the statement added. Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, the spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry, said earlier this week that the delivery of humanitarian aid, planned for October 27, had been thwarted due to the threat of attack in the US-controlled zone. US President Donald Trump - seen here at a rally in Missouri on Nov 1, 2018 - will keep up a frantic pace of campaigning around the country until the eve of the midterm elections. (Photo: AFP/Saul Loeb) Trump flew to West Virginia to host a campaign rally to ahead of another one in Indiana, then more on the weekend and Monday. Less than 24 hours earlier, he was in Missouri. "It will be a very exciting five days," Trump said at the White House before departing on the Marine One helicopter. Trump said his Republicans are in a good position ahead of Tuesday's midterm congressional elections, particularly with new employment figures out showing the economy booming. But polls point to the Democrats capturing at least the House of Representatives, threatening Trump with the spectre of an opposition finally able to block policies and dig into his highly opaque personal finances. US midterm elections. (Graphic: AFP/Gillian Handyside) The campaign trail on Friday also saw arguably the one Democrat able to match Trump's sheer media star power - his predecessor in the White House Barack Obama. Obama, employing his trademark oratorical flourishes, spoke in Florida, where Democrats and Republicans are locked in a series of tight races, telling supporters to "cut through the lies, block out the noise." "Out of this political darkness, I see a great awakening of citizenship all across the country," Obama said. CELEBRATION AND FEAR Trump, who has brought an unprecedented brand of populism and confrontational politics to the White House, clearly enjoys a fight. Friday's job figures gave him a golden opportunity to crow over what he near daily claims to be the world's "hottest economy." "Wow! The U.S. added 250,000 Jobs in October - and this was despite the hurricanes," Trump heralded in a typically high-energy tweet. "Unemployment at 3.7%. Wages UP! These are incredible numbers. Keep it going, Vote Republican!" Equally good news for Trump and his bid to spread that elusive voter feelgood factor was that wages appear to be strengthening - a sign that average Americans may be enjoying the fruits of economic growth. He also signalled that a budding trade war with China - which he says will force Beijing to drop what Washington has long considered unfair barriers and theft of intellectual property - will end with "a very good deal." "We are getting much closer to doing something," he said. SCORCHED EARTH But if on one hand the president touts the United States as a land of plenty, with jobs for all, on the other he's doing everything possible to stir fear and loathing. Democrats are forecast to capture the House of Representatives in the Nov 6 midterm elections, threatening Donald Trump with the specter of an opposition finally able to block policies and dig into his highly opaque personal finances. (Photo: AFP/Saul Loeb) Even as illegal immigration dips to a quarter of what it was in 2000, Trump claims that the country literally faces an "invasion" of Central Americans. He has ordered regular army troops to the US-Mexican border, announced "tent cities" to detain people demanding political asylum and claimed power to scrap the right to citizenship for anyone born on US soil - until now considered protected by the US Constitution. Referring to a group of a few thousand impoverished Central Americans currently trying to walk to the United States through Mexico, Trump says the nation could be "overwhelmed." On Thursday, he said that soldiers would respond to migrants throwing stones as if they were attacking with firearms - suggesting that deadly force would be used. He pulled back Friday, saying US troops "won't have to fire." Another eye-catching moment has been Trump's tweet of a campaign ad starring a clip of a real-life illegal immigrant named Luis Bracamontes, who killed two sheriff's deputies in California in 2014 then laughingly bragged about the murders in court. The ad, seeking to underline Trump's repeated argument that the Democrats will encourage hardened criminals into the country, says Democrats allowed Bracamontes to enter the US and "Democrats let him stay." The Sacramento Bee newspaper in California reported, however, that records show the cop killer was deported before sneaking back into the country - under Republican President George W Bush. The winners of Vietnam Listed Company Awards 2018 The winners of the Vietnam Listed Company Awards (VLCA) 2018 have been announced yesterday evening in Ho Chi Minh City. The award ceremony welcomed the attendance of senior leaders from Vietnams State Securities Commission, the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE), Vietnam Securities Depository, and representatives from 200 listed companies, securities brokerages, investment funds, and other financial institutions in the stock market. The VLCA traces its roots back to the Vietnam Annual Report Awards, which has accompanied the growth of Vietnams capital market and listed firms since 2008. The Awards are jointly organised by VIR, HNX, and HOSE, with support from Dragon Capital Group. The awards this year recorded positive changes in terms of the voting criteria, as well as the general quality of sustainability reports and corporate governance standards. For the first time ever, the VLCA classified participants into three groups based on their market capitalisation (large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap). By doing this, small-to medium-sized companies were also given the opportunity to compete and shine at the awards. The Organising Committee and Selection Panel of Vietnam Listed Company Awards 2018 To improve the quality of participants, the Selection Panel only selected 440 companies in the VNX-Allshare Index, instead of welcoming all listed businesses on HNX and HOSE like in previous years. The 2018 edition is also the first time that the VLCA developed an in-depth scorecard for corporate governance, based on the Corporate Governance Scorecard by the OECD and Vietnamese laws. Based on the results of this years awards, the Organising Committee will release a detailed report about the current state of corporate governance at listed Vietnamese companies. For this section, the Organising Committee has invited independent third-party judges who have experience in implementing corporate governance standards in the ASEAN region. The Sustainability Reporting Awards also continued this year, with 10 businesses writing a separate report on their environmental and social responsibilities. Le Hai Tra, acting chairman of HOSE and head of the Organising Committee and the Selection Panel, said that the VLCA aspires to improve the standards of annual reporting in Vietnam, especially as the country looks to raise capital from abroad. Looking forward, the Organising Committee and the Selection Panel said that there is a lot of work to be done on corporate governance in Vietnam, as one-fourth of participants this year still scored below average on this section. Vietnam Listed Company Awards kicks off 2018 edition Vietnam Listed Company Awards announced its 2018 season today, with greater emphasis on corporate governance and a new classification system for the winners. Annual Report Awards honour 2017 winners Vietnam Annual Report Awards have unveiled the top reports of its 2017 edition. Annual Report Awards celebrates immense improvements The 9th Vietnam Annual Report Awards Ceremony honours its 50 winners today at the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange. Vinfast's first electric motorcycle model The first model is named Klara and will be offered in two formats. Vinfast expects to start marketing these products on November 17. The firm expects to issue seven electric motorcycle models next year. The factory has a capacity of 250,000 units per year in the first phase and will be expanded to produce 500,000 units in the second phase. Besides, Vinfast plans to increase the total capacity of the factory to 1 million units per year. The vehicles can cover 80 kilometres on a full charge at an average 30 kilometres per hour. Their maximum speed will be around 50 kilometres per hour. Vinfast is looking for distributors across the country. Besides, Vinfast and PV Oil signed a business co-operation agreement between the two companies. This cooperation aims to increase efficiency and develop the market share of petroleum and non-petroleum services, especially to catch up with the trend of electric cars in the coming time, by working together and utilising each others respective strengths. The factory has a capacity of 250,000 units per year in the first phase and will be expanded to produce 500,000 units in the second phase. Besides, Vinfast plans to increase the total capacity of the factory to 1 million units per year. Accordingly, the two sides will deploy charging points for electric vehicles at PV Oils petroleum stations and authorised agents of PVOIL; invest in building, expanding, and trading non-petroleum services (convenience stores and automobile repair stations, among others) at PV Oils petroleum stations; co-operate in building and trading petroleum stations in Vingroups urban centres and industrial parks; as well as prioritise the use of products and services of each party (PV Oil Easy, PV Oil Mobile, VinMec, VinSchool, VinHomes). Besides, Vinfast is looking for other partners to expand its network of electric vehicle charging points. Previously in October 2017, the representatives of Vingroup and Bosch Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking an important milestone between the two parties, according to information published on Vingroups website. According to the MoU, Bosch Vietnam will supply parts and components to Vinfasts automobiles. Besides, it will advise and support Vinfast to implement software for motorcycles and automobiles as well as business management. Listen in as top Washington journalists discuss the tightening race between Democrat and Republican candidates for the midterm elections. The election will decide which party controls Congress. Join moderator Michael Williams of CBS Radio, Philippe Gelie of Le Figaro and Emily Tamkin with BuzzFeed News as they discuss these and other stories on Issues in the News. A recent report from the UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) paints a rather gloomy picture of planet Earths future. Rick Pantaleo and his guest, Peter Frumhoff from the Union of Concerned Scientists, discuss the report and its possible implications on the Science Edition of Press Conference USA. Migrants from Central America are traveling through Mexico in hopes of being granted asylum in the United States. President Trump has vowed to take steps that would prevent them from entering the US illegally. Hans von Spakovsky from the Heritage Foundation and Luca DallOglio from the International Organization for Migration join host Rick Pantaleo on Encounter for a discussion on issues concerning mass migration. Indonesian officials say a diver has died while recovering body parts from the wreckage of Lion Air Flight JT-610 that crashed into the Java Sea just minutes after taking off Monday from Jakarta. Syachrul Anto, 48, an Indonesian national, died Friday. Officials say he may have died from decompression issues. Anto had recently helped in the recovery efforts in Palu, which experienced an earthquake and tsunami in September. He also took part in the evacuation process of an Air Asia plane crash nearly four years ago. A very noble hero, is how Yosep Safrudin described his friend Anto in a Facebook post. One black box found Indonesian navy divers have recovered one of the so-called black boxes from the wreckage, which contain crucial information on the planes brief flight. Divers recovered the flight data recorder Thursday. They are still searching for the cockpit voice recorder. The crash is the first involving the Boeing 737 MAX 8, a new fuel-efficient version of the legendary passenger jet. Indonesias transport ministry has ordered an inspection of all new 737 MAX 8 jets. Lion Air has ordered 50 of the new planes at a cost of $6.2 billion. Earlier problem Lion Air Chief Edward Sirait told reporters that the ill-fated plane, which had only been in service for two months, suffered a technical problem during a flight from the resort island of Bali to Jakarta the night before, but it was resolved according to procedure. The ministry has suspended Lion Airs technical director and technicians who cleared the plane to fly. All 189 passengers and crew were killed in the crash. Indonesias fast-growing aviation sector has acquired a reputation of poor safety oversight. The countrys airlines have previously been banned from operating in the United States and the European Union. A federal judge in Boston heard closing arguments Friday in a highly publicized lawsuit alleging that elite Harvard discriminates against Asian-Americans. Much of the spotlight has been on affluent Chinese-Americans with stellar academic scores who say the college rejects Asians in favor of lesser-qualified applicants. They say factoring in race hurts Asian-Americans. But others in the Asian community say that a race-blind process relying solely on academic scores would also hurt Asian-Americans. Southeast Asians, for example, who largely came over as refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, are underrepresented in higher education. The narrative right now is very focused on a very specific segment within the Asian-American community that does not represent the larger Asian-American community, said Quyen Dinh, executive director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center. The center signed on to a friend of the court brief by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, siding with Harvards use of what the university calls a holistic review of an applicant. The case brought by Students for Fair Admissions could wind up before a newly reconstituted and more conservative U.S. Supreme Court, which only narrowly re-affirmed the use of race in college admissions two years ago. Here are some of the issues surrounding Asian-Americans and affirmative action: Who are Asian-Americans? There are at least 18 million people in the U.S. who are of Asian descent from about 20 countries. Asian-Americans are about 6 percent of the U.S. population, but make up nearly 23 percent of this years freshman class at Harvard, 22 percent of the same class at Princeton, and are the fastest growing minority in the country. Chinese-Americans are the largest sub-group with at least 4.3 million people, followed by Indian-Americans at 4 million and Filipino-Americans at 3 million. Chinese started migrating to the country in the 19th century as labor for the growing West. More recent waves include refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as highly skilled workers from China and India. The term Asian-American was coined by young civil rights activists marching alongside Latinos and African Americans for social justice in the 1960s. Ellen D. Wu, a history professor and director of the Asian American Studies Program at Indiana University in Bloomington, says that political identity has now evolved largely into a demographic designation for a very diverse group. What is the Asian American Coalition for Education? Students for Fair Admissions filed the lawsuit against Harvard in 2014. Actively supporting it is the Asian American Coalition for Education, which filed federal complaints in 2015 alleging discrimination. The coalitions president is Yukong Zhao, a corporate strategist who immigrated to the U.S. from China in 1992 to pursue a masters degree in business. Zhao is part of a new generation of wealthier Chinese immigrants who are active on social media and opposed to affirmative action. Conservative strategist Edward Blum, who is president of Students for Fair Admissions, was behind the last affirmative action admissions case, which accused the University of Texas of discriminating against white students. Blum lost that case at the U.S. Supreme Court. Does affirmative action help or hurt Asian-Americans? Depends on whom you ask. Julie J. Park, author of Race on Campus: Debunking Myths with Data and past consultant to Harvard in the lawsuit, says underrepresented Asians such as Cambodians and Hmong can get a boost from a review that goes beyond test scores. The same goes for lower-income Asian-Americans whose grades may not reflect their potential. Park also says colleges want students with different backgrounds so Asian-Americans may be more coveted in fields or colleges with few Asians. It depends on the situation. Students for Fair Admissions, on the other hand, argues the system in place at Harvard puts unfair weight on race, primarily at the expense of academically talented Asian-Americans. It also alleges that Harvard intentionally uses a vague personal rating to reject Asian-American applicants in favor of students from other racial backgrounds. Supporters of affirmative action say its possible that Harvard is biased against Asian-Americans, but that doesnt mean race-conscious policies should be scrapped. Why are Asians called the model minority? The stereotype of Asian-Americans as hard-working, educated and free of societal problems started in the 1960s. Wu, the history professor, says it was a way for whites to establish a racial order that was defined, most importantly, by not being black. Asian-Americans were also responsible for perpetuating the myth, she said, adding that the consequences of that have long functioned to justify anti-black racism and anti-black policies. Is there any truth to the model minority myth? Overall, the numbers look good for Asian-Americans. Their household median income is $83,000, compared with $60,000 for the U.S. More than 50 percent have a bachelors degree or higher, compared with 32 percent for the country, according to the 2017 American Community Survey put out by the U.S. Census Bureau. But there are large disparities within the group. For example, while 75 percent of Indians held a bachelors degree or higher, only 16 percent of Laotians and 20 percent of Cambodians had done so. Among Chinese, the figure is 55 percent. Indian households have the highest median income at $114,000 while at the other end are Burmese households, at $40,000. About 6 percent of Filipino individuals live in poverty, compared with 21 percent of Nepalese and 31 percent of Burmese. Turkey's president says Donald Trump has promised to review possible U.S. measures against a Turkish bank for evading sanctions on Iran. Speaking Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave details about a phone conversation he had with Trump on Thursday as strained relations between the two countries ease following Turkey's release of a jailed American pastor. Erdogan said he raised the issue of the state-owned Halkbank, which had an executive charged in New York for taking part in a scheme to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran. Turkey maintains Halkbank did not violate the sanctions. Erdogan said Trump "said he would immediately instruct his ministers about this." It was not clear what Trump could do. They also discussed joint military patrols in Manbij in northern Syria. Erdogan said he would meet with Trump in France next weekend. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says the Central American migration caravan wending its way through Mexico toward the United States is an annual event and poses no threat. U.S. President Donald Trump calls the migrant caravan moving toward the United States' southern border an invasion, a view the International Organization for Migration does not share. IOM spokesman Joel Millman told VOA the caravan is not an emergency. He said it is a normal annual event that has been going on for more than a decade. The next point I would make is that they are nowhere near the border yet, so it is a little bit difficult to respond to hypotheticals. You know, is it an invasion? They are hundreds of miles away. I have never heard, generally, anyone thinking this was a threat to civil peace in these annual events, Millman said. Among the thousands of migrants from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are asylum seekers fleeing persecution and violence. Under international law, countries are obliged to grant them access to their territory and offer them international protection. Trump is sending more than 8,000 troops to the southern border with Mexico to keep asylum seekers from entering the U.S. Millman said barriers and militarized borders tend not to deter border crossings, but rather support criminal organizations profiting off the misery of separate people. We know from the rising number of deaths on borders around the world what militarization means to the individuals who are crossing and the risks they are adding and the dangers. And, we know that it feeds the profits of the smugglers. So, we oppose it for many reasons and this would be no exception. Militarizing the border is not something we are ever in favor of, Millman said. While most of the migrants are continuing their relentless march toward the United States, many are dropping out of the caravan. The U.N. migration agency says exhaustion and the challenges ahead are causing many migrants to voluntarily accept offers from Mexico and Honduras to help them return home. Brexit is undermining Northern Ireland's hard-won peace by creating tensions between Catholic and Protestant communities, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Saturday, even as hopes rose for a solution to the Irish border problem that has deadlocked negotiations. "Brexit has undermined the Good Friday Agreement" the 1998 peace deal that ended three decades of violence in Northern Ireland "and it is fraying relationships between Britain and Ireland," Varadkar said. "Anything that pulls the two communities apart in Northern Ireland undermines the Good Friday Agreement, and anything that pulls Britain and Ireland apart undermines that relationship," he told Ireland's RTE radio. Negotiations between Britain and the European Union over Britain's departure from the bloc have stalled over the issue of the border between EU member Ireland and the U.K.'s Northern Ireland. Both sides agree there must be no customs posts or other barriers that could disrupt businesses and residents or undermine Northern Ireland's peace. But they haven't agreed on how to guarantee that and Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29. The border impasse has heightened fears that the U.K. might crash out of the EU without a deal on divorce terms and future relations, leading to chaos at ports and economic turmoil. The EU has proposed keeping Northern Ireland inside a customs union with the bloc to remove the need for border checks on the island. But Britain's Conservative government and its Northern Irish ally, the Democratic Unionist Party, won't accept that because it would mean customs and regulatory checks between Northern Ireland and the rest of the U.K. Britain wants instead to keep the whole U.K. in an EU customs union, but only temporarily. Although there has been no outward sign of a Brexit breakthrough, Irish and British officials say they are increasingly optimistic that a solution can be found. After meeting Friday with Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney in Dublin, British Prime Minister Theresa May's deputy, David Lidington, said negotiators were "very close" to an agreement. Coveney agreed there had been "a lot of progress." "I think it is possible to get a deal in November," he said. North Korea has warned it could revive a state policy aimed at strengthening its nuclear arsenal if the United States does not lift economic sanctions against the country. The statement released by the Foreign Ministry Friday evening came amid a sense of unease between Washington and Seoul over the use of sanctions and pressure to get the North to relinquish its nuclear program. The ministry said North Korea could bring back its pyongjin policy of simultaneously advancing its nuclear force and economic development if the United States doesnt change its stance. Pompeo talks next week The North stopped short of threatening to abandon the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States. But it accused Washington of derailing commitments made by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump at their June summit in Singapore to work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, without describing how and when it would occur. In an interview with Fox News Sean Hannity on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he plans to talk next week with his North Korean counterpart, apparently referring to senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol. Pompeo did not provide the location and date for the meeting, which will likely be focused on persuading North Korea to take firmer steps toward denuclearization and setting up a second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un. A lot of work remains, but Im confident that we will keep the economic pressure in place until such time as Chairman Kim fulfills the commitment he made to President Trump back in June in Singapore, Pompeo said. Sanctions vs better relations The North Korean Foreign Ministry statement, released under the name of the director of the ministrys Institute for American Studies, said the improvement of relations and sanctions is incompatible. The U.S. thinks that its oft-repeated sanctions and pressure leads to denuclearization. We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea, it said. The ministry described the lifting of U.S.-led sanctions as corresponding action to the Norths proactive and good-will measures, apparently referring to its unilateral suspension of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and closure of a nuclear testing ground. Following a series of provocative nuclear and missile tests last year, Kim shifted to diplomacy when he met with Trump between three summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who lobbied hard to revive nuclear diplomacy between Washington and Seoul. However, the North has been playing hardball since the summitry, insisting that sanctions should be lifted before any progress in nuclear talks, which fueled doubts on whether Kim would ever deal away a nuclear program he may see as his strongest guarantee of survival. Ahead of his first summit with Moon in April, Kim said the country should shift its focus to economic development as the pyongjin policy had achieved a great victory. He also declared that the North would stop nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North dismantled its nuclear testing ground in May, but didnt invite experts to observe and verify the event. Fridays statement marked the first time the North said it could potentially resume weapons tests and other development activities since Kim signaled a new state policy in April. If the U.S. keeps behaving arrogantly without showing any change in its stand, while failing to properly understand our repeated demand, the DPRK may add one thing to the state policy for directing all efforts to the economic construction adopted in April and as a result, the word pyongjin may appear again, the statement said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Pyongjin means dual advancement. Moon: engagement crucial Moon has described inter-Korean engagement as crucial to resolving the nuclear standoff. A large number of South Korean CEOs accompanied Moon in his September visit to Pyongyang, when he and Kim agreed to normalize operations at a jointly run factory park and resume South Korean visitors travel to the North when possible, voicing optimism the international sanctions could end and allow such projects. But South Koreas enthusiasm for engagement with its rival has also created discomfort in the United States amid growing concerns that the North is dragging its feet with its promise to denuclearize.South Korea last month walked back on a proposal to lift some of its unilateral sanctions against North Korea to create diplomatic space following Trumps blunt retort that Seoul could do nothing without Washingtons approval. Native American tribal leaders, conservationists, wildlife managers and buffalo producers are exploring the cultural and economic benefits of restoring buffalo known scientifically as bison to tribal lands and beyond. They are addressing the issue at the first annual Tribal Buffalo Conservation Summit, a three-day event in Denver, Colorado culminating on November 3, National Bison Day. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, tens of millions of bison grazed and stampeded across America's Great Plains in herds that could stretch 160 kilometers (100 miles) end-to-end. The huge animals were crucial to the lives and economies of Plains tribes, providing shelter, food, clothing, weapons, tools and even children's playthings. Tribes revered the animal as a gift from the Creator, and it was--and remains--central to their spiritual beliefs. During the latter half of the 19th Century, as part of its strategy to subjugate tribes, the U.S. Army slaughtered buffalo by the millions, and by 1900, fewer than 100 animals remained. About two dozen buffalo found a haven in Yellowstone National Park, where they have been protected and roamed freely ever since. "The history of Native American people and buffalo is very similar in that we both now live on remnants of our former vast territoriesbuffalo in parks and refuges and Native Americans on reservations," said Jason Baldes, bison consultant for the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming and tribal buffalo coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation's tribal partnerships program. "After the atrocities suffered by Native American people through federal policy, we finally have the ability to finally return buffalo back to our communities," Baldes said. "It's really a way to help us heal." Today, about a half million buffalo live in the U.S. and Canada. Most are not genetically pure, having been cross-bred with cattle, so they are classified as livestock, not wildlife. However, a genetically pure herd of about 5,000 bison roams freely throughout Yellowstone National Park. More than 60 tribes comprise the Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council and today manage a collective herd of more than 20,000 buffaloamong them: The Eastern Shoshone Tribe has partnered with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to restore 20 buffalo to the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming with the goal of expanding the herd to more than 1,000. The Blackfeet Nation in northern Montana launched a buffalo restoration program in 2016, releasing 88 buffalo from a historic herd from Elk Island National Park in Alberta, Canada. The A'aninin and Nakoda tribes reintroduced 31 buffalo to the Fort Peck Reservation in north-central Montana in 1977. The herd now numbers more than 600 head, and with the help of the national non-profit conservation organization Defenders of Wildlife (DOW), the tribes have reintroduced genetically pure wild buffalo from Yellowstone. The Assiniboine and Sioux tribes in 2000 purchased 100 buffalo from the Fort Belknap tribes and with help from the NWF and DOW, secured an additional 200 genetically pure Yellowstone buffalo in 2012; their arrival was documented in the video below. These projects are a beginning, said Baldes, and tribes are a long way from restoring the herds of the past. "The challenges are overcoming the assimilationist and colonialist mindset that restoring the buffalo is contrary to progress," he said. "At Wind River, we are working on a process to manage buffalo as wildlife, and that's extremely difficult because for some reason we're stuck in a paradigm of belief that we have to manage buffalo like cattlehaving them fenced in and doing roundups, ear tagging and vaccinations." Not 1860 anymore' Baldes envisions expanding buffalo habitat from tribal to public lands, a prospect that makes western cattle and sheep ranchers shudder. "We certainly understand past cultural connections to bison grazing and the fact that there is an industry burgeoning around bison now," said Ethan Lane, executive director of federal lands at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. "But the reality is that a 1,000- or 2,000-pound (450- or 900-kilograms) grazing animal needs to be managed in that environment, and the idea that you are just going to roam free without any management is just not realistic. He cites fears about the transmission of brucellosis, an infectious bacterial disease that can decimate sheep and cattle herds. Ranchers also worry that wild-roaming buffalo could exhaust grazing and water resources. "Our antennae really go up when we see these pushes to pursue an idealistic, fence-free roaming bison herd. It's simply not 1860 anymore, and you can't go into these things with blinders on." At this week's summit, tribes and leaders from the NWF, DOW and the World Wildlife Fund will discuss the spiritual and cultural benefits of restoring buffalo, share management success stories, and address ranchers' environmental concerns. "The story of buffalo is not unique to Native Americans," said Baldes. "The buffalo has been designated America's national animal and is important to all Americans. We have to begin thinking about making room and allowing buffalo to be buffalo." Four U.N. specialized agencies warn that many parts of Asia and the Pacific suffer from alarmingly high levels of malnutrition and hunger. This is the first time the Food and Agriculture Organization, the U.N. Childrens Fund, the World Food Program and the World Health Organization have issued a joint report, which calls for urgent action to reverse the situation. The report finds efforts to reduce malnutrition and hunger have come to a virtual standstill in Asia and the Pacific. Unless greater effort is made to tackle this situation, it warns prospects for economic and social development in the region will be at serious risk. As of now, the U.N. agencies say many parts of Asia and the Pacific will not reach the U.N. sustainable goal of ending all forms of malnutrition and achieving zero hunger by 2030. The United Nations reports 821 million people globally suffer from hunger. World Food Program spokesman Herve Verhoosel said 62 percent of that number, or 509 million people, are in the Asia-Pacific region, with children, in particular, bearing the biggest burden. Verhoosel said 79 million children, or one in every four under age five, suffer from stunting, and 34 million children are wasting. He says 12 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, which increases their risk of death. The report notes climate-related disasters are rising in the region, having a detrimental impact on agriculture. Loss of crops, it says, results in more hunger, more loss of nutrition and loss of livelihood. According to the report, climate-related losses in Asia between 2005 and 2015 amounted to a staggering $48 billion. Authors of the report say countries in the region must adapt agriculture so it's more resilient to extreme climate events, and to mitigate the damage from climate change. Fears that Middle Eastern terrorists affiliated with Islamic State (IS) are trying to sneak into the United States from Mexico appear to be overblown. U.S. counterterror officials tell VOA while they do have concerns about vulnerabilities along the southern border with Mexico, IS does not appear to have terrorist operatives embedded among the migrants making their way north. "We do not see any evidence that ISIS or other Sunni terrorist groups are trying to infiltrate the southern U.S. border," a senior counterterrorism official told VOA on condition of anonymity. The official used an acronym for the militant group. The counterterrorism official did not address Shiite terror groups, like Iran-backed Hezbollah. U.S. intelligence officials have long warned of Hezbollah operatives in Central and South America connected to the trade of illegal drugs and weapons. When asked just over a week ago if Middle Eastern terrorists were part of the migrant caravans, U.S. President Donald Trump implied there were. "You're going to find MS-13, you're going to find Middle Eastern, you're going to find everything," he told reporters. A day later Trump admitted, "There's no proof of anything," but insisted, "There could very well be." "I think there's a very good chance you have people in there," he added. U.S. homeland security officials have said they arrest or stop, on average, about 10 terrorists a day from entering the country, though they have not specified how many try to cross over from Mexico. In recent days, Trump and other senior administration officials have sought to stoke fears, warning the caravans pose an imminent danger. "It's like an invasion," the president said Thursday. "We have no choice. ... We will defend our border." On Friday, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said some of the people in the caravans were "quite violent." "By the time we're talking about Molotov cocktails and use of firearms, it's my duty to ensure our officers and agents are secure," Nielsen said. "When I met with my counterparts in one of the countries in the region recently, they were very concerned because they had missing children," she added. "There were kidnappings." Nielsen's comments appeared to build on fears raised in a statement from DHS late Thursday that said that more than 270 individuals in the caravans have criminal histories, including gang members convicted of violent assaults and sexual abuse. The statement also pointed to public statements by Mexican and Guatemalan authorities who claim unidentified individuals have been paying or forcing women and children to the front of the caravans to use as human shields. On Friday, Nielsen suggested as many as 15,000 people were now part of caravans moving north toward the U.S. border with Mexico. But most estimates put the number at closer to 3,500 and shrinking. It will most likely take weeks before the first of the caravans reaches the U.S. border. Asked about the potential for fighting to break out at the border, especially with the addition of active-duty military troops in a supporting role, Nielsen said border guards and agents would defend themselves. "We have over 800 instances last year where they were attacked by those coming across the border," she said. "Our rules of engagement are transparent and clear and posted online." Patience among 4,000 Central American migrants appeared to be wearing thin Saturday as exhausted members of the caravan journeying toward the United States openly disagreed with organizers who are shepherding the group through southern Mexico. Several thousand migrants opted to rest in Veracruz in the towns of Juan Rodriguez Clara and Isla, which are about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from their previous rest stop in Sayula. Another contingent splintered off by hitchhiking rides and walking to Tierra Blanca, Veracruz, which lies about 80 extra miles (128 kilometers) to the north. Many said they no longer had faith in those organizing the large group after confusion broke out regarding buses that would have taken migrants on a route to Mexico City. On Friday, tensions rose after Veracruz Gov. Miguel Angel Yunes reneged on a brief offer to provide transportation, saying that it would not be correct to send the migrants because Mexico City's water system was undergoing maintenance and 7 million of its people would be without water over the weekend. In the lapse between his decisions, organizers told members of the caravan that buses would indeed be available, causing some migrants to go to sleep with the impression that they should wake up early to stake out a place in line. Human rights activist Ernesto Castaneda said there's still a possibility that bulk transportation will be arranged Saturday. But as migrants struggle with exhaustion, blisters, sickness and swollen feet hundreds of miles from the closest U.S. border, tempers flared within their ranks. People are mad and confused,'' said Saira Cabrera, 36, traveling with her husband and two children aged 7 and 13. Gerardo Perez, 20, said he was tired. They're playing with our dignity. If you could have only seen the people's happiness last night when they told us that we were going by bus and today we're not,'' he said. Will unity last? It remained to be seen if the group would stick together and continue employing the strength in numbers strategy that has enabled them to mobilize through Mexico and inspire subsequent migrant caravans to try their luck. On Friday, another caravan, this time from El Salvador, waded over the Suchiate River into Mexico, bringing 1,000 to 1,500 people who want to reach the U.S. border. That caravan initially tried to cross the bridge between Guatemala and Mexico, but Mexican authorities told them they would have to show passports and visas and enter in groups of 50 for processing. The Salvadorans opted instead to wade across a shallow stretch of the river to enter Mexico. Police in the vicinity did not try to stop the migrants, who later walked along a highway toward the nearest large city, Tapachula. Mexico is now faced with the unprecedented situation of having three caravans stretched out over 300 miles (500 kilometers) of highways in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz, with a total of more than 6,000 migrants. The first, largest group of mainly Honduran migrants entered Mexico on Oct. 19. The caravan has shrunk to fewer than 4,000 migrants, although it has become difficult to give exact numbers as migrants advance toward small towns any way they can. Other groups Another caravan, also of about 1,000 to 1,500 people, entered Mexico earlier this week and is now in Mapastepec, Chiapas. That group includes Hondurans, Salvadorans and some Guatemalans. In addition, the government identified a smaller group of 300 Central American migrants walking farther ahead, in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz. Mexican officials appeared conflicted over whether to help or hinder their journeys. In the smaller caravans, immigration agents and police have at times detained migrants. There has also been pressure on the main caravan, with federal police pulling over freight trucks and forcing migrants off, saying that clinging to the tops or sides of the trucks was dangerous. But several mayors have rolled out the welcome mat for migrants who reached their towns, arranging for food and campsites. Mexico's Interior Department says nearly 3,000 of the migrants in the first caravan have applied for refuge in Mexico and hundreds more have returned home. With or without the government's help, uncertainty awaits. Troops deployed President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. troops to the Mexican border in response to the caravans. More than 8,000 active-duty troops have been told to deploy to Texas, Arizona and California. Trump plans to sign an order next week that could lead to the large-scale detention of migrants crossing the southern border and bar anyone caught crossing illegally from claiming asylum. Though some migrants clashed with Mexican police at a bridge on the Guatemala border, they have repeatedly denied coming with any ill intentions, saying they're fleeing poverty and violence. "We aren't killers," said Stephany Lopez, a 21-year-old Salvadoran with the first caravan. For the first time an underwater robot is to be used to plant baby coral to parts of Australia's Great Barrier Reef damaged by mass bleaching, as scientists plan to collect hundreds of millions of coral spawn off the Queensland city of Cairns in the coming weeks. Most coral reproduce through spawning, where eggs and sperm are pushed into the water at the same time. In northern Australia, researchers are preparing to harvest this mass release of coral spawn on the Great Barrier Reef. They will be reared into baby corals in floating enclosures. Then they will be delivered as so-called larval clouds to Vlasoff Reef about an hours sailing from Cairns by a semi-autonomous robot. Professor Peter Harrison, the director of the Marine Ecology Research Center at Southern Cross University, said science is giving a nature a helping hand. What we are trying to do now is compensate for the loss of corals that would normally provide enough larvae for the system to naturally heal, Harrison said. Large areas of Australia's Great Barrier Reef have been damaged by severe bleaching - or loss of the algae that gives coral its color. The bleaching is caused by rising water temperatures and made worse by climate change. The experiment on Vlasoff reef, which was badly affected by the mass bleaching, will be coordinated by divers, who will guide the spawn-spreading robot, known as the LarvalBot. Professor Matthew Dunbabin from the Queensland University of Technology says time is of essence. In future projects we are hoping that we can start to do that more autonomously, but this is very new and we are up against the clock in terms of trying to get this in the field as quick as possible to make sure that we can have a reef to preserve, Dunbabin said. A coral reef is made up of millions of tiny animals called coral polyps. The reefs are critical ecosystems, and provide a home for at least a quarter of all marine species. The Great Barrier Reef is about the same size as Italy or Japan. Thirty species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises have been recorded along the reef. It faces a range of threats, from climate change and overfishing, to the run-off of pollution from farms, to coral-eating crown of thorns starfish. With just days to go until the U.S. midterm elections, there are growing fears that Russia's efforts to undermine U.S. democracy extend far beyond the polls on Nov. 6 or the presidential election in 2020. Defense and security officials worry that as part of Moscow's plan to sow division and discord, it is trying to conquer the U.S. military not with bullets or missiles but with tweets and memes. The tactic is an outgrowth of Russia's overarching strategy to find seams within U.S. society where distrust or anger exist and widen those divisions with targeted messaging. In the case of the U.S. military, according to current and former U.S. and Western officials, the Kremlin's aim is likely to establish what is known as reflexive control. By seeding U.S. troops with the right type of disinformation, they say, Russia can predispose them to make choices or decisions that are favorable for Moscow. The exact extent to which U.S. military personnel have been targeted or swayed is unclear. VOA spoke with multiple defense and security officials, all of whom declined to comment on the nature or scope of Russia's military-oriented influence operations. Still, almost all of the officials admitted Russia's targeting of U.S. military personnel with influence operations, and the way it is being done, is a concern. "We know it goes on," said Ed Wilson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy. "That's why we've amped up and increased the attention that we're paying. "We're taking a renewed look at how we train and educate the broader force," he said, noting that efforts go beyond just the military to the Defense Department's partner agencies. The former commanding general for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, Army Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, described the need to educate and shield troops from disinformation campaigns as a matter of "force protection." "It doesn't matter if it's a physical force or an information force," Funk said. "Are you concerned about it? Of course. Do you have to have campaigns where you inform your soldiers of those kinds of things that happen? Sure." Reflexive control Officials and experts say Russia's use of influence operations to target the U.S. armed forces should come as no surprise. Russian President Vladimir Putin has tested the approach, using social media especially, in places like Ukraine, and since then it has become an ever more critical part of Russia's overarching strategy. "There's nothing new with Russia or the Soviet Union wanting to have that degree of influence," Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, told an audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in September. "This is really kind of something that is in Putin's DNA as a former KGB agent." U.S. officials have been aware of the effort for some time. At least as far back as March 2017, a Defense Information School presentation to Army public affairs officers identified disinformation on social media as a high-risk problem, capable of eroding "trust and confidence" in the ranks as well as in the Army as a whole. But much of the military's focus in dealing with social media, at least from what has been shared publicly, has concentrated on scams targeting military personnel, or on inappropriate or even unlawful behavior. Some top U.S. officials have tried to downplay the dangers of Russia's influence operation, saying in some ways the threat posed to U.S. troops is no different from the threat to anyone else. "Like all Americans, we have to be alert to the people who would try to manipulate an election in the information age, when there's so many feeds coming in to everybody," Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said when asked about the threat in August. "Certainly, we pay attention to that," Mattis said. "But it's part of the larger domain of protecting America." Already working? Experts worry that simply treating the Russian influence operations targeting the military as an American problem and not a military problem has left the U.S. military vulnerable to Russia's social media onslaught. "U.S. military personnel and veterans it is the uncovered stone in the Russian influence effort that no one is really taking enough of an interest in," said Clint Watts, a former FBI special agent and now a senior fellow at George Washington University's Center for Cyber and Homeland Security. And Watts, who has testified before Congress on Russian influence operations, thinks the Russians have already made considerable headway. "At the enlisted ranks in the U.S. military, Russia won over a huge base of support in this country that still continues on today," he said. Some of the early Russian success could be traced back to the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, when their push to sway the election in favor of then-candidate Donald Trump, amplifying messages like "America First" and his tough talk on terrorism, may have resonated with rank-and-file members of the military. A May 2016 unscientific survey by the Military Times found "Donald Trump emerged as active-duty service members' preference to become the next U.S. president, topping Hillary Clinton by more than a 2-to-1 margin." More recent polling by Military Times and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University suggests opinions may be changing. More than 70 percent of troops surveyed said Russia was a significant threat, an increase of 18 percent from the previous year. Yet experts and former officials say there is evidence to suggest Russian influence operations targeting U.S. military personnel and their families have continued unabated. "Whether that's Facebook, Twitter and others, we're seeing where it [Russia] is focusing on identifying affinity groups," said Heather Conley, a former deputy assistant secretary of state during the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. Now a senior vice president for Europe, Eurasia and the Arctic at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Conley says the military is just one of several such groups in Russia's sights, such as law enforcement and religious organizations. "These unwittingly are being used to promote disinformation and malign influence," she said. "It starts identifying the key voices within these broader groups." Phony military ties At least in part, Russia has been trying to reach out to those voices on platforms like Twitter, using fake accounts purporting to be those of Americans with ties to the military. In Twitter's latest release of accounts linked to Russia's Internet Research Agency (on Oct. 17), at least 39 had user descriptions promoting links to the military. Some gained little to no traction, like one that described the user as "Fighting to *Make America Great Again* strong #military supporter. Combat #Vet ????#OORAH Ret. #Frogman ???? #Sheepdog #Patriot ???? Follow me," which did not attract a single follower. Others did better, getting hundreds of followers. One Russian account, describing the user as a "Proud AMERICAN, wife, mother, conservative, served my country in USMC," had more than 2,000 followers. "We certainly are still seeing a lot of the accounts that we're looking at that continue to have what seemed to be clear military connections," Bret Schafer, a social media analyst for the German Marshall Fund of the United States' Alliance for Securing Democracy, told VOA. Schafer, along with his colleagues, have been studying Russia's outreach on social media to U.S. military personnel and their families. He said the use of terms like "veteran" or "Navy mom" is not unusual. "You'll see a lot of banners on Twitter, the account pictures that will be kind of non-identifiable in terms of a specific person, but a member of the military or just some sort of graphic that connotes that person is part of the military or a family member," he said. Still, Schafer said it is difficult to determine just how much Russia has managed to penetrate the U.S. military community, whether on Twitter or other social media platforms, like Facebook. "My guess is a lot of this probably would be happening more in closed Facebook groups in which there are many with the military, and frankly, nobody has any idea what's really happening for those groups, because of course Facebook doesn't share those with researchers," he said. Isolated community And there are worries that the U.S. military may be especially vulnerable as officials admit the defense community's connection to the rest of the country is as weak as it has been in a long time. "My concern is the broader isolation from the community we serve, and that's a discussion [in Congress] as well," Army Secretary Mark Esper said during a breakfast forum in August. "On the Army staff alone, you look at any number of the senior leaders, I think they all have at least one son or daughter, if not more, who are army officers or who are serving." "We've become more segmented," said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. "I'm very concerned about that." Reed, like Esper, downplayed concerns that the problem is one the Russians could exploit. "I can't think of an institution that's more committed to America, one America and one that's governed by the Constitution, than the military," he said recently. US allies already targeted by Moscow But U.S. allies say there is reason to worry as they have seen Russia use disinformation to repeatedly target their forces. "We have seen attempts to erode trust within the alliance," NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu told VOA by email. NATO's Strategic Communications Center of Excellence in Latvia, working with the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, has seen several large-scale disinformation campaigns and also smaller-scale attacks targeting NATO's enhanced forward presence in the Baltics. "Our personnel get guidance and instruction regarding misinformation and information security as part of their pre-deployment training and their arrival process in order to increase their resilience," according to Maj. Mark Peebles with NATO's Task Force Latvia Headquarters. "They are aware that it's out there and are advised to maintain a critical eye to what they see on social media," he said. The British, too, have seen indications that Russia and others may be trying to cause dissent in the ranks. "Quite a few senior commanders, increasingly, I see now, having had evidence of false Facebook websites coming up routinely in their names," said Lt. Gen. Nick Pope, British army deputy chief of the general staff, describing efforts to take the fake pages down as "whack a rat." "The fact is that our potential adversaries, hostile agencies, are using cybercrime, if you call it that, as a mechanism now to try to unhinge reliable, evidence-based platforms," he said. Scientists across the world have set an ambitious goal for themselves: to sequence the genome of every known life form on Earth within the next decade. The Earth BioGenome Project, launched this week in London, is attempting to map the entire DNA of every known animal, plant, fungus and protozoan on the planet, roughly 1.5 million species. Scientists say the project rivals in importance the Human Genome Project, which took 13 years to map the human genetic code. That project was completed in 2003. Contributions from around world The new project will rely on scientists contributing data from around the world, with the largest pledge so far coming from Britains Wellcome Sanger Institute, which says it will map 66,000 species. The institute was also a large contributor to the Human Genome Project. The cost of the massive project is estimated to be $4.7 billion, which will come from charities and governments around the world. Scientists say the result of the grand-scale project would be a huge resource for researchers that could offer insights into a range of topics, including a better understanding of evolution, the development of diseases, and insight into the aging process. Researchers also hope the information could help in efforts to conserve threatened species by better understanding how life forms can adapt to changes. Why not sequence everything? Project member and evolutionary geneticist Jenny Graves of La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia told Nature, Variation is the fount of all genetic knowledge. The more variation you have the better so why not sequence everything? she said. Supporters of the project say the initiative will help to coordinate the efforts of researchers from around the world and will ensure that all life forms are sequenced and not just those that have previously drawn interest. They say the project will also set standards for the collection of samples, the sequencing of data and for sharing information. Proponents say such standards are essential for making sure the final data is useful to scientists everywhere. Scientists say part of the appeal of the project is that they dont fully know what the results will lead to. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected a request by President Donald Trumps administration to halt a trial set to begin Monday that will test the legality of the governments contentious decision to ask people taking part in the 2020 national census whether they are citizens. The justices announced the action in a one-sentence order. Three conservative justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch said they would have granted the request to delay the trial. Trumps new appointee to the nine-member court, Brett Kavanaugh, did not state publicly how he voted on the matter. The decision helps the 18 states challenging the census citizenship question because an indefinite postponement of the trial could have made it impossible to resolve the dispute before census forms are printed starting next year. The administration had argued that there should be no trial until the justices rule on a fight over evidence. That dispute includes whether Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, whose department oversees the U.S. Census Bureau, should be forced to answer questions under oath about his motivations for the politically charged decision. Opponents of the citizenship question have said it would deter people in immigrant communities from participating in the census, disproportionately affecting Democratic-leaning states electoral representation and federal funding by undercounting the number of residents. The trial, in federal court in New York City, was scheduled in a pair of lawsuits. The first, spearheaded by Democratic officials, was brought by 18 states as well as a number of cities and counties. The other one was filed by several immigrant rights groups that accused the administration of discrimination against non-white immigrants. The administration, in explaining the addition of the question to the census form, has said more precise citizenship data is needed to better enforce a voting rights law in order to protect minorities. American military officials say a member of the Utah National Guard has been killed in an apparent insider attack' in the capital of Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class Debra Richardson, a Resolute Support spokeswoman, said Saturday in a statement that another U.S. service member was wounded in the attack. A statement from a spokeswoman for the NATO-led Operation Resolute Support says the attacker was a member of the Afghan security forces and that initial reports indicate the assailant was immediately killed by other Afghan forces. The two U.S. service members were medically evacuated to Bagram Airfield, where the wounded service member is undergoing medical treatment and is in stable condition, it said. The incident is under investigation. The Utah National Guard has identified the service member killed as a member of the Guard. The Guard member's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The United States and South Korea have agreed to launch a joint working group to coordinate their North Korea sanctions, a move that reflects Washingtons attempt to bridge the allies diverging approaches to denuclearizing the Kim regime, experts said. The two governments agreed on establishing a new working group that would further strengthen our close coordination on our diplomacy, on our denuclearization efforts, on sanctions implementations, and inter-Korean cooperation that comply with the United Nations sanctions, Robert Palladino, the State Departments deputy spokesperson, said. So this is an additional step that were taking that Special Representative (Stephen) Biegun and his team will be leading, Palladino said. The announcement Tuesday came hours after Biegun returned from Seoul, where he discussed diplomatic efforts to achieve the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, Palladino added. The agreement for a joint working group comes as the denuclearization efforts of Washington and Seoul are increasingly at cross-purposes. Sanctions pressure Washington has been keeping sanctions pressure on North Korea as it engages in diplomacy, while Seoul has been prioritizing improving inter-Korean ties through joint economic activities that could violate sanctions, which concerns Washington. Obviously, coordination has been a problem this year, said Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The working group reflects concern in the U.S. that [Seoul] is getting too far out in front. I hope this provides a systematic way to manage differences. Robert Manning, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, welcomed the formation of the new working group that he expects would keep inter-Korean activities in balance with the objective of denuclearization. I commend the administration on this much-needed initiative, Manning said. There have been two separate tracks of diplomacy toward North Korea: North-South reconciliation and cooperation, and U.S.-North Korea denuclearization talks. So this working group is aimed at keeping both sets of negotiations closely linked so that the North-South efforts do not get too far ahead of denuclearization efforts. Scott Synder, director of the Program on U.S. Korea Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, points out that the need for a working group has been apparent since the Pyongyang summit. After signing military agreements aimed at reducing tensions and agreeing to pursue inter-Korean economic projects at the Pyongyang summit in September, Seoul and Pyongyang heightened their calls for sanctions relief. Synder said Seouls overtures and relaxation of tensions with North Korea should be accompanied by clear communication and effective coordination as related to sanctions. Manning criticized South Korean President Moon Jae-ins initiative in advancing inter-Korean economic ties that counter international sanctions. President Moon has begun to bump up against the limits of North-South cooperation that are inconsistent with U.N. Security Council sanctions, Manning said. There will be limits There will be limits to what the consultative group can achieve,said Troy Stangarone, senior director of the Korea Economic Institute, unless Washington and Seoul have a common approach to North Korea that entails an agreed [upon] set of objectives. According to Joshua Stanton, a Washington-based attorney who helped draft the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act in 2016, getting back on the same page will require Washington and Seoul to come to a common understanding of sanctions. Its very clear to me that the two governments are pursuing policies that are not only poorly coordinated, but they are directly conflicting with each other, Stanton said. William Newcomb, a former U.S. Treasury official who was on the U.N. Security Councils Panel of Experts on North Korea, said Washington should clarify the applicability of U.S. sanctions to Seoul through the working group and advise it to deflect too-hasty impulses to seek sanctions relief for North Korea. He added, At this stage, [it is] impossible to tell if it will be a consequential player or not. While keeping the dialogue open and engaging with Pyongyang, Washington has been calling for Seoul to maintain pressure on North Korea. During a radio interview Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, Ill speak with my counterpart next week. And then we do have the intention of President [Donald] Trump and Chairman Kim [Jong Un] getting together before too long, hopefully early in the next year, he said. On Thursday, on another radio show, Pompeo said, President Trumps been clear. The economic sanctions will not be lifted until such time as we have had the capacity to verify that they have eliminated their nuclear program. Stanton said South Korea has been undermining the U.S. policy of maintaining sanction pressures on Pyongyang as it seeks economic development with the North. The whole point of U.S. policy is that North Korea has to choose between economic development and nuclear weapons, Stanton said. North Korea has the Byongjin policy, which is that we can have both. Pyongyangs Byongjin policy, set forth in 2016 by North Korean leader Kim, aims to develop nuclear weapons and the economy simultaneously. Stanton continued, The South Koreans seem to be taking the North Korean side here by saying, Were going to give you economic development while we pretend to demand that you denuclearize.And what South Korea is essentially doing is undermining that pressure and, therefore, undermining the U.S. policy. In September, the U.S. Treasury Department made calls to seven South Korean banks, raising concerns about their plans to open branches in North Korea. According to South Koreas Financial Services Commission, the Treasury Department said it was deeply concerned about Seouls possible financial cooperation with the North during the call. Financial dealings The Treasurys calls triggered widespread speculation that the U.S. might consider taking action because of South Koreas possible financial dealings with North Korea. South Korean banks have been preparing to take advantage of financial opportunities in Pyongyang since inter-Korean relations began thawing earlier this year. The Treasury Department, however, said its direct calls to South Korean banks were routine interactions that should not be taken as a signal for a future sanctions action, in an email message sent to VOAs Korean Service this week. While we do not speculate on possible sanctions violations or comment on prospective actions, routine interactions should not be misinterpreted as telegraphing a future sanctions action, a Treasury spokesperson said in the email. Newcomb said, Treasury was acting prudently to forestall having to take formal action against the [South Korean] banks should they have proceeded with plans to connect with [North Korea] in violation of sanctions. Should any [South Korean] banks nonetheless open a branch in [North Korea], it would be in flagrant violation of U.N. sanctions. Stanton said the consequence of violating sanctions regulations include steep civil penalties and the loss of access to corresponding banks in the United States. The latter, he said, would destroy a bank or turn the bank into a small neighborhood bank instead of an international bank. U.N. sanctions prohibit creating ventures in North Korea, including financial institutions, and helping Pyongyang gain access to the international financial system. The Treasury Departments Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an advisory Wednesday, calling for financial institutions to heighten compliance with U.N. and U.S. sanctions on North Korea. The sanctions ban them from engaging in all transactions involving North Korea. William Brown, a former U.S. intelligence official and a professor of North Korean economy at Georgetown University, said establishing a capitalistic banking system in North Korea first requires economic reform. Even if the nuclear issue is resolved and sanctions were removed, the fact remains North Koreas still highly socialist system cant deal with normal finances, Brown said. There are still tremendous obstacles before any kind of branch bank can be established in North Korea. Moon said Thursday that Kim will visit Seoul soon. Kims visit to South Korea will be the first by a North Korean leader. Also Thursday, a no fly-zone and ban on military drills near the demilitarized zone went into effect as agreed at the September inter-Korean summit. Washington and Seoul are considering whether to conduct joint military exercises next year, and the decision will be made by December. Paul Park contributed to this report, which originated with the VOA Korean Service. The arrival of more than a million Venezuelans fleeing a deep social and economic crisis in their country could lead to economic growth in Colombia, if the country takes the right steps to manage the migrant crisis, the World Bank said in a report released Friday. More than 2 million Venezuelans have emigrated amid food and medicine shortages and profound political divisions in their country, according to figures from the United Nations. Half have opted to live in Colombia, and many have arrived with only what they could carry. Providing migrants access to health care, utilities and education will cost Colombia between 0.26 percent and 0.41 percent of its gross domestic product this year, the report said, adding that the country must make medium-term investments to improve those services. But legalizing migrants, some of whom cross the two countries porous border without visas or other permissions, will help them find formal jobs and increase tax revenue and consumption, the report said. Despite short-term negative impacts, the evidence suggests that if adequate policy decisions are taken, migration has the potential to generate growth in Colombia, the report said. Colombian President Ivan Duque says Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro is a dictator, and he has promised to continue to accept migrants. Of the 1.03 million Venezuelans living in Colombia, more than half a million have visas or other legal permission, while 240,000 are in the process of acquiring temporary permission. The remaining 217,000 lack authorization to stay. About 3,000 migrants arrive in Colombia each day, and the government says 4 million could be living in the country by 2021, costing Colombia nearly $9 billion. The European Union, United Nations and the United States have given millions in aid money to help Colombia cope with the migrant influx. Maduro and other top officials of Venezuelas ruling Socialist Party have dismissed migration figures as stemming from politically motivated alarmism and fake news meant to justify foreign intervention in Venezuelas affairs. As U.S. voters prepare to head to the polls Tuesday, the election will also be a referendum on Facebook. In recent months, the social networking giant has beefed up scrutiny of what is posted on its site, looking for fake accounts, misinformation and hate speech, while encouraging people to go on Facebook to express their views. A lot of the work of content moderation for us begins with our company mission, which is to build community and bring the world closer together, Peter Stern, who works on product policy stakeholder engagement at Facebook, said at a recent event at St. Johns University in New York City. Facebook wants people to feel safe when they visit the site, Stern said. To that end, it is on track to hire 20,000 people to tackle safety and security on the platform. As part of its stepped-up effort, Facebook works with third-party fact-checkers and takes down misinformation that contributes to violence, according to a blog post by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebooks CEO. But most popular content, often dubbed viral, is frequently the most extreme. Facebook devalues posts it deems are incorrect, reducing their viralness, or future views, by 80 percent, Zuckerberg said. Disinformation campaigns Recently Facebook removed accounts followed by more than 1 million people that it said were linked to Iran but pretended to look like they were created by people in the U.S. Some were about the upcoming midterm elections. The firm also removed hundreds of American accounts that it said were spamming political misinformation. Still, Facebook is criticized for what at times appears to be flaws in its processes. Vice News recently posed as all 100 U.S. senators and bought fake political ads on the site. After approving them all, Facebook said it made a mistake. Politicians in Britain and Canada have asked Zuckerberg to testify on Facebooks role on spreading disinformation. I think they are really struggling and thats not surprising, because its a very hard problem, said Daphne Keller, who used to be on Googles legal team and is now with Stanford University. If you think about it, they get millions, billions of new posts a day, most of them some factual claim or sentiment that nobody has ever posted before, so to go through these and figure out which are misinformation, which are false, which are intending to affect an electoral outcome, that is a huge challenge, Keller said. There isnt a human team that can do that in the world, there isnt a machine that can do that in the world. Transparency While it has been purging its site of accounts that violate its policies, the company has also revealed more about how decisions are made in removing posts. In a 27-page document, Facebook described in detail what content it removes and why, and updated its appeals process. Stern, of Facebook, supports the companys efforts at transparency. Having a system that people view as legitimate and basically fair even when they dont agree with any individual decision that weve made is extremely important, he said. The stepped-up efforts to give users more clarity about the rules and the steps to challenge decisions are signs Facebook is moving in the right direction, Stanfords Keller said. We need to understand that it is built into the system that there will be a fair amount of failure and there needs to be appeals process and transparency to address that, she said. An Athens woman is facing a drug trafficking after authorities said they found illegal and prescription drugs in her home Thursday. Limestone County Sheriff's Office investigators said they found the drugs while searching the McLellan Street home of Brooke Lashaye Carroll, 35. Authorities said they found more than 36 grams of methamphetamine, 34 bars of Xanax, 14 hydrocodone pills, 1.7 grams of marijuana, digital scales, baggies and two counterfeit $100 bills. Carroll was charged with drug trafficking, two counts of drug possession, drug paraphernalia possession, second-degree marijuana possession and two counts of first-degree possession of a forged instrument. She was jailed on bonds totaling $17,000. A bond had not been set for the drug trafficking charge as of Friday afternoon. A Huntsville woman is trying to get answers as to who pulled her over on South Memorial Parkway Wednesday morning. "I'm not convinced he was impersonating an officer. I'm not convinced he is an officer. I'm scared. That's all I know," Brittany Laird said. The incident happened near the Martin Road overpass. Brittany Laird was driving to work when she was cut-off by a Chevrolet Impala with red and blue lights inside its back window. "I thought pulling over immediately was the right thing to do. I didn't know my rights as a civilian that I could slow down, contact 911 and go from there," Laird said. Laird described the man who got out of the car as irate, wearing a black polo that only had the word 'Police' on it and khaki pants. She said he had a gun on his waist band. "He cuts back in front of me, slams on his breaks again and I'm frustrated and upset," Laird said. "And I give him the bird. He slams on his breaks. The last time, turns his lights on, which are in the back, and immediately I'm like, 'oh my God. He's a cop.'" Laird said she isn't sure if the man who pulled her over is Huntsville Police, but she's reported the incident to the department and they are investigating it. Lieutenant Michael Johnson said the department doesn't think the person that pulled over Laird is one of their officers, but they aren't convinced the man is not an officer somewhere else. "This also could be a law enforcement officer that is not from our jurisdiction. We just don't know yet, and we are still investigating it right now," Johnson said. According to Huntsville Police, it's a Class C felony to impersonate a peace officer, and it carries a sentence of at least a year in jail. WAAY 31 reached out to police departments all over the Tennessee Valley. The only two we've heard back from so far that have unmarked impalas are Huntsville Police and Decatur Police. Decatur Police said their officer that drives the unmarked Impala was not in Huntsville Wednesday morning. The balance of power is at stake as we close in on the midterm elections. This weekend, Republicans and Democrats will be campaigning to either hold onto, or regain power in Congress. In Alabama's fifth congressional district, Democrat, Peter Joffrion, is giving Republican, Mo Brooks, a tough re-election. WAAY 31 talked to both candidates today about changes they expect to see after Tuesday's election. "I think we will see a lot of progress in terms of collaboration. You really have to have bipartisanship if you want legislation that is sustainable, and right now, there is no collaboration or cooperation," Joffrion said. "One of the first things I'll do is make sure I'm accessible to people in the district. " Republican, Mo Brooks, is running ads encouraging voters to say no to socialism. He has previously said he supports securing the border, rebuilding the military and repealing Obamacare. The latest Rasmussen poll has Alabama's fifth district leaning heavily republican on election day. WAAY 31 reached out to Congressman Brooks's campaign multiple times Friday, and they said he was campaigning in a different county and unavailable to go on camera. State and city museums open for free in Rome on 4 November. Italy's state-run museums and archaeological sites are open free of charge on Sunday 4 November 2018 as part of the Italian culture ministry's Domenica al Museo programme. In addition to Domenica al Museo, Rome's municipal-run museums are also free on 4 November - for residents of the capital - for information see Musei in Comune website. In July Rome introduced the 5 MIC card granting the capital's residents unlimited access to municipal museums for one year. The city announced recently that it has sold 30,000 cards. Full details of Domenica al Museo can be found on the Beni Culturali website while for comprehensive list of Rome's museums consult Wanted in Rome website. European stress tests show big banks coming through a theoretical financial crisis in better shape than in the last test two years ago. None of the 48 banks subjected to the exercise fell short of the capital yardstick used in earlier tests. The bar was cleared by all four Italian banks tested and by Deutsche Bank, which is trying to return to profit after three years of losses. This year's scenario run by the European Central Bank and the European Banking Authority involved a bigger shortfall in economic output than last time. At a conference in New York on Thursday, Amazon founder and chief executive Jeffrey P. Bezos told the crowd: Ultimately the decision will be made with intuition after gathering and studying a lot of data for a decision like that, as far as I know, the best way to make it is you collect as much data as you can, you immerse yourself in that data but then you make the decision with your heart. (Bezos owns The Washington Post.) Silverman, too, has forged a friendship with White, backing several of his bills. She also sought to help him make amends last spring after he was portrayed as an anti-Semite for suggesting that the Rothschild banking family controls the weather and for using his constituent fund to subsidize a Chicago event for the Nation of Islam where founder Louis Farrakhan railed against Jews. Silverman and Nadeau are the only two Jewish members on the council Nadeau called for Whites censure, Silverman did not. The year 2018 has been a particularly active one for students and young people in politics and civic action. In March, hundreds of thousands of students descended on Washington and cities across the country for the March for Our Lives rallies against gun violence. They voiced their anger and frustration with politics and leaders. They said they would no longer be ignored or remain voiceless when it came to issues, such as gun violence, that affect their lives every day. And they vowed to act. Jean Rosenthal, 90, was typically the second person to arrive at Tree of Life for Saturday services, but she felt ill last weekend and decided to skip. She said the outpouring of support from all corners of the community from refugees and Muslims and strangers was uplifting. But her heart ached over the loss of her friends. Services, she said was torture and she said she did not expect to see antipathy toward Jews end before her death. The D.C. Council is considering measures that could curtail the mayors power over the citys schools. The most drastic of the measures would call for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education to report to the elected State Board of Education instead of the mayor. Silverman said she is unsure if she will support the measure and is waiting for a public hearing to receive feedback from the community. Reeder said she is against the measure. I recognize that I likely benefited from affirmative action. I had a high GPA, but it was not the highest possible. I had a strong SAT score for my school, which was in a high-poverty, high-crime area, but it was not the perfect 1600 that was common at Stanford. The application I submitted had the word Sample stamped on the front of it. I was mortified about that at the time and included a Post-it note apologizing and explaining that it was the only application for the university in my guidance counselors office. She hadnt expected anyone to apply to any top-tier schools. 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 He was instrumental in putting Tibet at the center of U.S.-China relations, Bhuchung K. Tsering, vice president of the International Campaign for Tibet and a member of Mr. Gyaris negotiating team, said in an interview. I found that Mr. Lodi Gyari worked steadfastly to foster the aspirations of the Dalai Lama, and he was able to do that in ways I havent seen in others. On. Oct. 3, 1951, I arrived in Washington to join [the National Institutes of Health], then a population of barely 600 employees at Bethesda. In my pocket I had the home address of Isadore Baron, engineer of the Stone Straw Co. A friend had provided the address and he was the only person known to me in Washington. I recall a few details of our dinner together, namely that Mr. Stone had been a Union officer during the Civil War and had built a factory in Northeast. I left the dinner with a gift: a cardboard box of cellulose straws, each striped along its length with thin colored bands. Perhaps you may find a story here. That assumption, they said, resulted in the county overpaying because the property appeared to be far more valuable than it would have been with more limited development potential. Environmental activists had argued that the parcel where Snyder wanted to build the 11 homes could legally have only one. Other restrictions, the activists said, could have limited Snyder to as few as eight home sites total, rather than the full 28 he envisioned. Wexton voted to expand Medicaid in the state legislature. She said universal health care should be the goal, but wouldnt say how she would vote in Congress without first seeing a bill. She derided the GOP tax bill for repealing the individual mandate, which she said would increase premiums across the board. I think a lot of people are feeling like they dont have a voice in politics or a seat at the table, Stroman said. Especially with the president and what hes said and done, I think people just want to take their government back, and they want to have a say-so in whats going on. Thats why I think all this new energy is there around socialism. Some mismatches are triggered by variations in a name, such as a dropped hyphen, or because of data entry errors. Other people are flagged as potential noncitizens, often because the state drivers license database hasnt been updated to reflect their naturalization. Roughly 51,100 Georgians have been flagged as ineligible to vote because of such registration problems. In his first results, my brother had just 16 percent from Britain and 28 percent from western Europe. But that adds up to 44 percent, almost exactly the same 45 percent I got when I added my English plus western European percentages. And his 28 percent southern Europe matches my 29 percent southern Europe. He, however, has a surprise 8 percent Scandinavian, similar to my 8 percent Jewish. After the update, he was told he was 35 percent English, Welsh, northwestern Europe (19 percent more than before), 29 percent Italian, 12 percent Greek and Balkans, 11 percent Germanic European, 7 percent French, and 6 percent Irish and Scottish. Judging from his map, however, it looks as though the circles have expanded a bit and Scandinavia has been renamed Germanic Europe. Second, even if any of the migrants prove to be dangerous or cross the border illegally, it does not follow that this is a job for the U.S. military. Federal law-enforcement agencies for instance, the Border Patrol are surely up to the task. But more to the point, the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits the use of military personnel to enforce U.S. laws on American soil. To bypass Posse Comitatus, the Trump administration must establish that the migrants are a threat to national security. If the administration succeeds, it will set a precedent for the use of military force domestically to combat organized crime syndicates, street gangs or, perhaps, white supremacist groups all of which strike us as more violent and more threatening to national security and the rule of law. But combating them, too, is a matter for the police and prosecutors, not the military. Exactly two years ago, many Americans held their noses and voted for Donald Trump. Some were conservatives willing to tolerate his vulgar excesses in hopes of getting tax cuts, a repeal of Obamacare and a friendlier judiciary. Others had Clinton fatigue. Sure, they were concerned about Trumps words about Mexican rapists and what he liked to do to women but maybe those were just words. Maybe Trump could build a coalition across traditional party lines to get things done. The willingness to campaign on gun-control policies, including universal background checks and restrictions on military-style weapons, runs counter to past elections, when candidates feared the topic could isolate moderate voters or prompt reprisal from the NRA, whose spending is down about 68 percent since the 2014 midterm elections. Groups calling for gun-control measures have injected nearly $12 million into campaigns, the most they have spent in an election cycle since at least 2010. Trump and McConnell frequently talk on the phone, and the calls are often impromptu. The relationship between the two has improved dramatically since the health-care vote in July 2017 prompted an angry Mitch, get back to work tweet from Trump and the GOP establishment lost an otherwise winnable Senate seat in Alabama by nominating Roy Moore, who was accused by more than half a dozen women of pursuing them when they were teenagers. While it is certainly fair to criticize the policy decision to send more troops to the border, I worry about characterizing the mission the way that some have, said retired Gen. Carter Ham, head of the Association of the United States Army, which advocates for the services mission. The troops need to know that they have our support, whether we agree with the deployment or not. . . . I think this is one of the important lessons of Vietnam. The political environment shifted at about the same time the poll was taken, as the Senate considered Justice Brett M. Kavanaughs nomination to the Supreme Court. His confirmation has heightened fears among Democratic women, in particular, that their right to abortion could be in jeopardy if the high court reverses its 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that decriminalized abortion and sends the matter back to the states. Several conservative states have already restricted access to abortions. Christopher Whiteside MBE is Conservative County Councillor for the Egremont North and St Bees Division of Cumbria County Council. The division includes St Bees, Bigrigg, Wood End, Moor Row, part of the Mirehouse area of Whitehaven, and surrounding countryside. He is also Chairman of the North-West region of the voluntary wing of the Conservative party. Chris lives and works in Copeland with his wife and family. The fallout blasted far and wide, well beyond the few dozen members of the moderate Tuesday Group caucus who had been supportive of Waldens original stance. Prominent centrist Reps. Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.) and Fred Upton (R-Mich.), who negotiated the final details of the language on preexisting conditions, now find themselves in the fight of their political lives, under constant attack for their work with Meadows. In the capital, Islamabad, and other cities, calm returned Saturday after anti-blasphemy groups called off four days of massive street protests. Their leaders professed to be nonviolent lovers of the prophet Muhammad, but they exhorted angry crowds to block highways, set fires and throw stones. Some called for a military mutiny and the deaths of the justices who on Wednesday overturned the blasphemy conviction of Asia Bibi after she spent nine years in prison. If the U.S. keeps behaving arrogantly without showing any change in its stand, while failing to properly understand our repeated demand, the DPRK may add one thing to the state policy for directing all efforts to the economic construction adopted in April and as a result, the word pyongjin may appear again, the statement said, using the common abbreviation of North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. I show them the Koranic verses about the headscarf, and we discuss it and we see there is no clear rule that a woman or girl has to wear a headscarf, he said. Most of them think the Koran itself has no contradictions, and even that is wrong. There are many contradictions in the Koran. Since the USS Theodore Roosevelt headed to the Pacific in the spring, there has been no U.S. carrier group in the Middle East, the longest period in years in which there has not been at least one in the region. Officials point out that its not just the deterrent power of the carrier but the other ships, aircraft and assets it brings with it. Prince Turki al-Faisal, son of a former king and cousin of the crown prince, is a former Saudi intelligence chief and ambassador to both the United States and Britain, as well as a once-close associate of Khashoggis. Known as a pillar of the more moderate and internationally minded branch of the royal family, he rejected, in remarks last week to Post columnist David Ignatius, any suggestion that the kingdom might want to marginalize the ambitious Mohammed. The more criticism there is of the crown prince, the more popular he is in the kingdom, Turki said. The military has a lot of things that it needs to be doing these days, said Susanna Blume, a former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. Looking at estimates of the size of the caravan, you could ask the question as to whether this is the most appropriate use of U.S. active-duty forces. The militia just needs to stay where they are, said Metz, a Republican. We dont need fanatical people. We dont need anybody here with guns. Why do they have guns? I have dealt with illegals for 30 years, and all of them have been scared, asking for help. The militias need to stay up north where they belong. We have no use for them here. They might shoot someone or hurt someone. Insider attacks peaked in 2012 but have since declined steadily, with added vetting of Afghan recruits, extra guards accompanying foreign advisers, and the withdrawal of most foreign troops. However, there have been several such deadly attacks in the past two years, including some at the hands of highly trained Afghan commandos. If so, we'd better get busy. Because Leigh, who was an ANU economics professor before he entered Parliament, tested 481 industries in Australia. He and another ANU economist, Adam Triggs, applied a standard measure that says an industry is highly concentrated if the four biggest players control more than a third of the market. By that test, most sectors across the Australian economy are dominated by just a few firms. "Some sectors are particularly tightly controlled. In department stores, newspapers, banking, health insurance, supermarkets, domestic airlines, internet service providers, baby food and beer, the biggest four firms comprise more than 80 per cent of the market," Leigh said in his speech. The digital economy is no better. In some cases, companies are using new digital technologies to rob customers and cheat the law. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: Petrol firms are using big data analytics to collude on prices, using a single service station as their shared price signaller, Leigh says, drawing on a study of the Perth petrol market. "You no longer need to sit in smoke-filled rooms to fix prices - they are effectively colluding without breaking the law." Rod Sims, head of the consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, says that petrol is 2 cents to 5 cents a litre more expensive than it should be in some cities, yet also says there's nothing more he can do about it. And Leigh cites The Economist magazine on the biggest digitally based businesses in the Western world, the so-called FAANG firms of Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google: "There is now a kill zone," for competitors of these behemoths, "in which companies are either acquired or quashed." Illustration: Jim Pavlidis Credit: But it's the overall effect of market concentration that has had a shocking effect. Worldwide, corporate profit margins have risen inexorably over the last 40 years. But Australia is an extreme case of corporate profiteering, according to an international survey that Leigh quotes. In the 1980s, the average prices charged by publicly listed companies was not far above the cost of production, and stayed around that level till the late 1990s. Then profit margins exploded. Mark-ups soared to an average 40 per cent by the early 2000s, climbing to 50 per cent above cost by 2010. This trend then accelerated in the last few years. By 2016, listed companies in Australia were charging prices 60 per cent above their costs of production, according to the study of 70,000 firms in 134 countries by Jan De Loecker from Princeton and Jan Eeckhout from University College London. They found the same trend worldwide, but with the global average today at 50 per cent compared to Australia's 60 per cent profit margin. This finding seemed so outlandish that Andrew Leigh contacted the authors to check their results. The inescapable conclusion is that this is national exploitation on a systematic and rising scale. Says Leigh: "It's a massive transfer of wealth from consumers to producers." "If true, it's of considerable concern," says Allan Fels, the inaugural head of the ACCC and now a professor at the Melbourne Law School. "I'm inclined to believe it is true and it probably needs more research. It is a sign that we should be concerned about more vigorous enforcement" of competition law. How would a Shorten Labor government measure success in tackling this profiteering? "Bringing mark-ups down to 10 to 20 per cent would be much more reasonable," Leigh tells me. "It's not as if companies weren't making any profits in the 1990s", when margins were nowhere near as fat as today's. This evidence of weakening competition could also help explain two of the most important phenomena of our time - slow growth of wages and rising inequality. Leigh points to studies showing that the weaker competition gets between companies, the smaller the share of benefits that flows to the workers. You probably don't need a PhD in economics to figure out that a bigger concentration of corporate market muscle will aggravate inequality, but Leigh happens to have one and he puts it to good use in a survey of evidence. Andrew Leigh says Labor aims to increase competition. Credit:Elesa Kurtz The rising concentration of corporate power and profiteering is in line with Karl Marx's observations of capitalist economies. Marx might have been lousy at prescribing an alternative to capitalism, but he was an astute analyst of its workings. A century and a half ago Marx wrote of capitalism's natural tendency to monopoly. Which ends in the destruction of the market economy. So to save capitalism from itself, governments in market economies need to wage an unending vigil against the ever-present tendency for greater market concentration. Leigh intends to reinvigorate the effort in Australia, improving the treatment of consumers in the process and holding inequality at bay. Concentrated markets like those in Ozzigopoly are "bad for the economy and bad for democracy", says Leigh. What would Labor do exactly? Labor would toughen the test for companies that want to merge or buy other firms, although Leigh hasn't yet specified how exactly. Australia has too many mergers and too few start-ups, he argues. He also proposes to step up penalties for anti-competitive behaviour so that, instead of paying a flat fee which is like a parking fine to a big company, firms would have to pay a penalty based on 30 per cent of their sales multiplied by the number of years they were breaking the law, as in the European Union. It'd be capped at 10 per cent of total annual sales or $10 million per infringement. Loading And a Labor government would double the ACCC's budget for litigation so that it could more aggressively sue businesses. It would also increase its investigative powers. For small businesses afraid of taking court action against big ones, Labor would change the law to protect them from any court ordering that they pay not only their own legal bills but also those of their opponent in the event that they lose a case. Fels is broadly supportive of the Leigh inclinations, but he wants governments to go further. "It's obvious that Australia needs a divestiture law" to force companies to be broken up, as in the US. "It should be a sanction used when a company has acted illegally." This is what the Morrison government proposes for the power sector. Instead of applying to a single industry, however, Fels wants this available across the economy. And instead of the government's plan to put the break-up power into the hands of a minister, Fels says it should be put into the hands of the courts. But Leigh says that Labor would not bring in a divestiture power, for electricity or any other industry. It's going too far, he says. He says that Labor shouldn't be daunted by the prospect of taking a hard line against big business to force more competitiveness into the economy: "It's very much in the spirit of Whitlam and Keating as reforming Labor governments." Eight years ago, when cancer researcher Georgina Long began focusing her energy on immunotherapy in a bid to tackle melanoma, she had one clear goal - driving the cancer's death rate down to zero. Professor Long is the first to admit the goal was laughable. At the time, an advanced melanoma diagnosis was a death sentence, with patients given about nine months to live. Professor Georgina Long has been named Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year. Credit:Brook Mitchell But as a result of her work, the median survival rate has more than tripled and some patients have been given long-term control of their disease. "We're confident that in our lifetime we are going to achieve zero deaths," Professor Long, co-medical director of Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), said. A Central Asian people whose presence in the Tarim Basin dates to the 8th century, Uighurs have had an uneasy relationship with Chinese rule for 250 years, scholars say. On Tuesday, at a United Nations Human Rights Council review, China will be challenged to provide statistics on how many people are detained without charge, with a call for their immediate release. The Chinese government has rejected claims that up to one million of Xinjiang's 10 million Uighur Muslims are being held inside. It claims the buildings are education centres that teach the Chinese language to Turkic-speaking Uighurs, part of a campaign to "get rid of the environment and soil that breeds terrorism and religious extremism". In the past 18 months, hundreds of these buildings have spread rapidly across the desert towns of China's remote Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. "Everyone talks about their absolutely ruined dreams," says Sydney resident Ruqiya of anxiety levels among her fellow expatriates. They are the buildings in far western China that haunt the sleep of Uighur Australians. People go in and they don't come out. This resident hasn't heard of anyone getting out in the two years since the centres began operating. "They are so big because 40 per cent of the town is inside," explained a Turpan resident, when Fairfax Media travelled to Xinjiang to try to find out what was going on in China's westernmost region. In the ancient silk road oasis town of Turpan , the traditional architecture is yellow mud brick. The massive, modern white buildings in rows behind a high wall stand out. They are festooned with surveillance cameras. More are being constructed in an adjacent field. A re-education camp, officially known as vocational education and training centre, on the outskirts of Turpan City, Xinjiang. Credit:Fairfax Media And so the fear of those living abroad, like Ruqiya, is worsened by the unknown. Has her family been taken? What really is happening inside? Ruqiya (not her real name) hasn't spoken to her family in Xinjiang for 12 months. They won't take her calls, or respond on social media. Simply having a relative who lives in a foreign country is enough to cast suspicion on a Uighur and lead to detention. The region's ancient history is politically contested, but Uighurs are said to have embraced Islam in AD 934, forming a unique tradition that drew from travellers on the Silk Road. At each road intersection there is a large police kiosk, where a helmeted officer stands out front holding a large club or electric shock stick. More officers check Uighur people's cars and motorcycles at random. Even outside the centres, the Uighurs of Turpan appear to be under a lockdown imposed by the Chinese authorities. Few foreign journalists have been able to reach the centres and obtain photographs, as the Chinese government tries to blocks media access that it doesn't control. Many people sent inside have been caught with material on their mobile phones that is deemed "too Islamic" or unsafe, by police who use a device that can read Arabic and scans digital content, I am told. The inmates are allowed one phone call a week, and a visit from family every 15 days, under rules set by local authorities. A few hundred metres along the same road, there is another large centre. There are seven in Turpan alone. [The re-education centres] are so big because 40 per cent of the town is inside. Some older Uighur men and women gather on the street to chat in the late afternoon, the women displaying curly hair and calf-length skirts, the men clean-shaven. This is a major change, in a town where headscarfs were once common. Inside, there are no Uighur men of working age to be found among the stalls selling Turpan's prized sultanas and raisins. There are few seen on the streets outside, either. Where are they? Markets, a lively outdoor community affair when I visited a decade ago, now take place inside a cage. Heavy iron bars block off a dark, covered marketplace where entry is gained through a gauntlet of security officers and a walk-through scanner. Razor wire is standard on public buildings. Red billboards proclaim: "Resolutely implement the Xinjiang Strategy made by the Party Central Committee and comrade Xi Jinping, especially the target of social stability." Traffic is sparse, and goats wander along the road. But a convoy of a dozen black 4WDs and vans prowl the town daily, using flashing lights to maximum effect. ID cards are checked and facial recognition used when entering almost all public spaces in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. Credit:Fairfax Media A Uighur woman and a child sit under China's national flag and a CCTV camera in Urumqi, Xinjiang. Credit:Fairfax Media After interviewing a dozen Chinese public servants in Xinjiang who had been sent to live as "relatives" in Uighur homes, Byler says their work is surveillance. The Chinese are given instructions to take notes during week-long homestays and assess the Uighur family's loyalty to China. They are told to check whether there is a Koran in the house, or if Friday prayers and Ramadan fasting are observed. But China's crackdown on Islamic influence also reaches beyond the public sphere and into homes. Up to a million Chinese public servants in Xinjiang have been conscripted to stay in Uighur villages and spread secular values, says University of Washington anthropology lecturer Darren Byler. There are so many police, and so many surveillance cameras, that Xinjiang is surely the safest place in the world, another resident suggests grimly. To enter a Turpan restaurant and slurp the region's famed hand-pulled noodles, diners must pass through a scanner supervised by an armed officer. Waitresses wear red arm patches declaring they are security wardens as they wipe down tables. An anti-extremism law passed in 2017 banned face veils and "abnormal" beards, as well as using the concept of "halal" beyond food. Violating the ban on 15 "extreme behaviours" can get a Uighur sent to the centres. A group of older Turpan locals wait, in western dress, in front of a market. Credit:Fairfax Media And they pose the question: does the family know anyone abroad? As a test, it is suggested the Chinese guest offers their host family a beer, Byler wrote in the Asia Society's ChinaFile. Uighurs have told Fairfax Media they are distressed at the intrusion into family privacy. One widow must allow a Han Chinese man into her house to spend the night several times a month, said an Australian Uighur. "Sending a man to a widow's home this isn't even accepted in Han culture," she said. Until a few weeks ago, the Chinese government denied any "re-education centres" existed. But the scale of the building program, and the disappearance of tens of thousands of Uighurs, made this approach untenable. Breaking the official silence, Chinese state television broadcast a propaganda documentary on October 16 depicting the buildings as vocational training centres where Xinjiang's ethnic poor were being treated to free Mandarin language classes, instruction on national laws, and provided with work skills that would lead to a better life. The "trainees" were paid a basic income, and shown a "colourful life" with dancing competitions and sport. The next day, state newspapers carried thousands of words from Xinjiang's second-in-charge, chairman Shohrat Zakir, in which he said most "trainees" had reflected on their mistakes and seen the harm of religious extremism. The first of the "trainees" were expected to have sufficient skills to finish their "course" and receive certificates by the end of the year, he said. The world is watching and waiting. The minarets of the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar Mosque are reflected on nearby building. Taking pictures of mosques, government buildings, and police is prohibited in Urumqi, a local police officer tells us. Credit:Fairfax Media Although 90 per cent of the population in China is Han, almost half (46 per cent) of Xinjiang's population is Uighur. Han comprised only 6 per cent of Xinjiang's population in 1949, when Mao's communist China absorbed the short-lived East Turkestan Republic into neighbouring lands conquered by the Qing Dynasty. But a surge in Chinese migration has resulted in Han now almost equalling the Uighur population at 41 per cent. Over the past decade, Xinjiang has experienced a bitter cycle of government repression of Uighur culture including a 2006 ban on children entering mosques and eruptions of violence against Han Chinese. In 2009, riots in the capital Urumqi saw almost 200 people, most of them Han Chinese, killed. In 2013, terrorists from Xinjiang exploded a car in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. In 2014, the nation was shocked by a sword attack that killed 20 and injured 100 at a train station in Kunming in Yunnan province. As Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Xinjiang in 2014, a train station was bombed. A month later, 31 people died in a market bombing in Urumqi. A man stares at a heavily fenced and gated mosque in the Xinjiang capital, Urumqi. Credit:Fairfax Media The Syrian ambassador to China told media in 2016 that up to 5000 "Xinjiang jihadists" were fighting with Islamic State and militias in Syria. The Chinese government feared these fighters would bring their skills home. A new Communist Party boss, Chen Quanguo, was appointed to Xinjiang later that year. He had been recruited from Tibet. He appears to have ramped up the campaign against Islamic foreign influence to an unprecedented level. The impact of that campaign reaches far beyond southern towns such as Kashgar and Hotan, which are near the border with Pakistan and Afghanistan and considered hotspots for separatism and ethnic violence. Ordinary Uighur life has been disrupted across the entire province as the campaign reaches even "mild" eastern towns like Turpan, and Hami, which has had bilingual Chinese and Uighur education since Qing times. The University of Sydney's David Brophy, an expert in Uighur political history, says: "Turpan and Hami have never been treated the same way as the south of the Tarim Basin. Going as far back as the Qing Dynasty these oases were regarded as more loyal, and better integrated into the empire, than regions to the south." Brophy adds that Hami was the starting point of a major Uighur uprising in the 1930s that briefly led to the formation of the first East Turkestan Republic in Kashgar in 1933. Turpan was important "in the formation of a modern discourse of Uighur nationalism". Asked why Beijing would extend its crackdown to Turpan and Hami, Brophy suggests another reason these towns are sensitive: "Theyre both in strategic geographic locations, along major routes into and across Xinjiang." The Belt and Road Initiative, which links China to Europe via Xinjiang, could be a factor. Zakir, in his comments, emphasised that Xinjiang had been tasked with constructing "the core zone" of the new Silk Road. And Turpan and Hami are the major stops on Xinjiang's new high-speed rail line. Tourists on camels at the Flaming Mountains in Turpan. Credit:Fairfax Media The high-speed train glides through the desert at 300 kilometres an hour. The landscape is stunning snow-dusted mountains rising up from a moon-crater surface. Wind carves the black desert soil like a sculptor. At Hami, on the eastern edge of Xinjiang, passengers alight and push tickets into automatic gates. The door swiftly opens. A false dawn. Within minutes of stepping out of the station, the dragnet descends. Half a dozen police in bulletproof vests stand at the bottom of the train station stairs. Behind them, a heavy metal fence and SWAT police shed. They are looking for Uighurs and foreigners. An old Uighur man in a traditional cloth cap is picked out and asked for his identity card and papers that permit him to travel here. He is guided to a makeshift police station the size of a shipping container, where a flow chart on the wall clearly shows the process for ethnic profiling. Han Chinese will hasten through an X-ray scanner to enter Hami, while Uighurs must be checked and checked and checked. The Uighur man says he is visiting his son. But he must prove it, and is told to call the son. It takes 45 minutes before the police are satisfied and he can enter the town. The police routine is repeated over and over as high-speed trains pull into Hami. But they are mostly carrying Han Chinese, with less than a dozen Uighurs. When Fairfax Media is spotted by police we are likewise taken into a police station. After three hours there, we are escorted into Hami by security and propaganda officials offering to show a neon-lit "model" Uighur culture street built two years earlier. National flags hung on the walls of a model village in Hami City, Xinjiang. Credit:Fairfax Media The officials have been assigned to stop the foreign journalist from seeing anything more. But this is impossible. There are police kiosks with flashing lights every few hundred metres along the main road, and a roadblock demanding identity cards from minorities or foreigners. Petrol stations are enclosed by razor wire. To fill up, a car must first pull into a police checkpoint, open the boot, and all occupants leave the car as it is searched. The rapidly expanded police presence has come at a massive cost. Local government tender documents show a 15,000-square-metre police skills training centre was built in Hami in December at a cost of 55 million yuan ($11.1 million). A special forces training base built in March cost 12 million yuan. Xinjiang's total public security budget reached 57.9 billion yuan last year, soaring 93 per cent in 12 months, as thousands of roadside police kiosks were erected and auxillary police recruited. The typical cost of building a "vocational education and training centre" is 40 million yuan, with each surveillance system an extra 3.8 million yuan. A surveillance camera at the famous Emin Minaret in Turpan, Xinjiang. Credit:Fairfax Media A Hami town official said the only response he could give on the vocational training centres was to refer to what was published by state media. This week, China's government-controlled newspapers published scores of interviews with smiling "trainees", including women who had reportedly escaped abusive marriages and Islamic extremism. La Trobe University's James Leibold says the propaganda, including the video broadcast on state television, gives an "aspirational view of what vocational education/ 'transformation through education should look like". The intent is clear: the rewiring of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities. James Leibold "There is likely a great variation of methods and conditions inside these camps, with some more benign and vocationally focused, and others more coercive and poorly run," he says. "Regardless, the intent is clear: the rewiring of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in the image of the Han majority. Recent tours by senior Party leaders certainly signal a desire to normalise and standardise this thought and behaviour control process, and possibly transform it into a long-term strategy." In the capital Urumqi on Friday, mosques are open for prayer, but it is mostly older Uighur men and women who arrive at 2pm and pass through security scanners and police checks to enter. Within 100 metres of one mosque, but out of view, a dozen paramilitaries with machine guns stand at alert inside a police kiosk. Police who force Fairfax Media to delete photographs outside the mosque scold that foreigners don't understand. "There hasn't been a terrorist incident in 20 months." Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Out here on the prairie, they call it Iowa nice. The phrase describes the stereotypical Iowan: friendly, unfailingly polite, ready to help strangers and eager to avoid conflict. It's an image locals in the Midwest have embraced, and for a long time Kristina Castaneda did too. Then the 2016 election happened. She decided she'd had enough of agreeing to disagree. In my life I've always tried to make people comfortable but now I realise that sometimes people should be uncomfortable, Castaneda, 42, says at a cafe in downtown Dubuque, a city that sits at the intersection of Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. There are family members, friends I don't talk to anymore and that's OK. Right now for me everything is political. Castaneda is a middle-school art teacher and mother-of-two. But, with her leather jacket and nose ring, she looks more punk than her biographical shorthand would suggest. Advertisement At the time of the last election, she was convinced America was moving inexorably towards a more progressive future. After all, same-sex marriage had been legalised, the first black president was in power and Hillary Clinton seemed destined to succeed him. The day after the election I was teaching and could barely function, she says. At lunch, when the kids left, I shut the door and sobbed. I realised I had been sleepwalking." Magnifying the shock was the fact that Dubuque County, which had supported every Democratic presidential nominee since 1960, voted for Trump. Previously, Castaneda's political involvement started and ended with voting. Now she is a member of Dubuque Indivisible, one of the 6000 estimated groups that sprang up to resist Trump's agenda. She has joined Moms Demand Action, a group dedicated to reducing gun violence. She is a member of a local group supporting refugees, and has become an active member of the Democratic Party. The last election," she says, got my ass involved. Kristina Castaneda: "The last election got my ass involved." Credit:Erich Schroeder Advertisement Castaneda is part of the cohort that Harvard sociologist Theda Skocpol says has experienced the most profound political transformation in the Trump era: college-educated, middle-aged women living in the suburbs. Many of these women attended the Women's March in Washington DC after Trump's inauguration and then took on leadership roles in the grassroots resistance to Trump. Loading Far from the bluest strongholds, a huge demographic swathe of forgotten Americans is remaking politics, Skocpol wrote this year in Democracy: A Journal of Ideas. The surge of female activism reflects the unprecedented gender chasm that has opened up in American politics since Trump's election. An October poll by Quinnipiac University found that Trump has a net approval rating of plus four percentage points among men and negative 25 among women. Advertisement If the Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives on November 6, it will be because female voters decided to send Trump a message: you don't represent us. Dubuque County, Iowa. Credit:Erich Schroeder Driving around Iowa, you see golden rows of corn swaying in green fields. Silver silos standing like spaceships ready to launch. It's late harvest season, and flakes of snow are already in the air. This state has more pivot counties" areas that voted for Obama in 2012 before flipping to Trump than anywhere else in the country. But the people here don't match the stereotypical image of a Trump convert: the retrenched coal miner, the car manufacturing worker whose job got shipped to China, the disgruntled victim of globalisation. The unemployment rate has been among the lowest in the country for the past decade and currently sits at 2.9 per cent. Advertisement In Dubuque, a city of 58,000 people by the Mississippi River, the narrative is not one of decay but revitalisation. Downtown Dubuque, Iowa. Credit:Erich Schroeder Dozens of the downtown buildings are covered in extravagantly covered murals. Brazen Open Kitchen, a restaurant whose menu includes duck tacos and dan dan noodles, is booked out many nights. Monk's Kaffe Pub, a bar and coffee shop that would not be out of place in hipster Brooklyn, receives the highest compliment possible from a visiting Israeli tourist: The best coffee I've had since I was in Melbourne. Speaking to voters like Dave Grothe, a former electrician and army veteran, suggests Trump's success here had more to do with culture than economics. This country is changing way too fast, Grothe, 69, says while eating breakfast with his wife at the Sunshine Family Restaurant, a diner in Dubuque. He voted Democrat most of his life, including for Obama in 2008. But he feels the party abandoned people like him. This country is becoming Mexico North. The Democrats want Hispanics here for their votes. Joey Fautsch and her husband Lou have breakfast at the Sunshine Restaurant in Dubuque. Credit:Erich Schroeder Advertisement The Westport Police Department, in conjunction with Stop & Shop stores, will be hosting a Holiday Food Drive. All donations will directly support the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, which provides vital services to men, women, and children dealing with hunger and homelessness. All food service programs at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission are provided free of charge to anyone who is hungry, regardless of age, gender, national origin, ethnic background, religion, or socioeconomic group. Donations will provide a hot meal to someone who otherwise would go without food. The mission provides more than 550,000 meals each year through their mobile kitchen distributions, Great Thanksgiving Project, daily pantry bags and meals served in their dining room. Westport police officers will accept nonperishable food items, as well as cash donations in front the Stop & Shop store at 1790 Post Road East, on Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, visit bridgeportrescuemission.org. Small works art show on Nov. 17 Established artists from New York and Connecticut have been invited to create pieces for Axel Interiors Small Works Show. The works will all measure near 100 square inches, and each will sell for $300. The works include minimalist plein air paintings, still-life studies, colorful acrylic paintings, essentialist studies of New England houses, macro views of flowers, shoreline paintings, encaustic abstracts, urban landscapes, textural abstract collages, and black-and-white monotype gems of local nature. The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Nov. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Axel Interiors, 33 North Ave., Norwalk. The show will run until Jan. 12. Refreshments will be served. Local Westport artists featured in the show include Jen Greely and Katherine Ross. Homes with Hope shelter awarded $15K grant The Bacharach Community, Homes with Hopes emergency shelter for homeless mothers and their children, has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Near & Far Aid. This funding illustrates the two organizations mutual efforts to improve the lives of those living in poverty in Fairfield County. The grant will be used to help support the professional, individualized support services provided to each family both during their stay in the shelter, and to help them maintain their housing once theyve moved on. Families come to the Bacharach Community from the greater Fairfield County community. They are all struggling with economic issues, and many, also face challenges with mental illness, substance abuse, medical issues or domestic violence. Near & Far Aid is an all-volunteer fundraising and fund granting organization, dedicated to eliminating the causes and effects of poverty in Fairfield County. Since 2000, Near & Far Aid has granted more than $15 million to the areas best nonprofit agencies and programs who further their mission. Museum professional wins excellence award A Westport museum professional has won an award in the New England Museum Associations fifth annual Excellence Awards competition. Ramin Ganeshram, executive director of the Westport Historical Society, won the Excellence Award for curating Remembered: The History of African Americans, an exhibit that rectifies misperceptions about those who founded and built Westport and towns like it throughout New England. Westport Public Schools incorporated the exhibit into their eighth- and 10th-grade curricula for the 2018-19 school year. Additionally, Ganeshram has led a comprehensive effort to make WHS an inclusive community hub and initiated the memorialization of the enslaved people of Wesport in the towns brick walk. This award is a testament to Ramins passion, commitment, and vision in her work for and with New Englands museums. Her work makes us better as museum professionals and as a field, said NEMA Executive Director Dan Yaeger in announcing the honor. We are proud to acknowledge her accomplishments as an outstanding example of leadership and service to our colleagues, visitors, and community partners. The NEMA Excellence Award competition recognizes individual members for excellence in museum practice, whether theyre behind-the-scenes or on the front lines, the unsung heroes or the superstars. Nominated by their peers, nominees represent a range of a practices, acts of outreach, kind deeds, and sustained commitments to going above and beyond, regardless of job description. This year, NEMA received 20 nominations for museum workers across New England, all of whom have achieved exceptional accomplishments in the field. Winners will be recognized at the 100th Annual NEMA Conference in Stamford on Nov. 7-9. Staples players presents Legally Blonde The Musical An award-winning show based on the movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and a catchy score, this show is co-directed by Staples High School alumni David Roth and Kerry Long. A cast of 73 will appear in six performances from Nov. 9-17. When Elle Woods boyfriend Warner gets into Harvard Law and promptly dumps her, the bubbly blonde is determined to charm her way into the prestigious school and get him back. The humor of the film and show, the fun music, and the large number of interesting roles are what originally drew us to the piece, Roth said. Since we started working on it, we are very excited about what the show has to say about empowering women. It is a great show to do during the #MeToo Movement. Georgia Wright and Camille Foisie share the role of Elle, while Sam Mandelbaum and Max Hermann share the role of Warner. Performances will take place at the Staples High School Auditorium, 70 North Ave. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, and $15 for seniors (matinee only). Tickets may be purchased online at StaplesPlayers.com or in the lobby 30 minutes prior to performances, subject to availability. Heres a look at Board of Education candidates who responded to a Stamford Advocate survey: 3 open seats * incumbent MIKE ALTAMURA* REPUBLICAN Age: 54 Occupation: Insurance representative High school: Stamford High School College: University of Connecticut Post-grad degree: None Did you attend Stamford Public Schools? Yes Do you have children in Stamford Public Schools or who were previously enrolled in Stamford Public Schools? Yes, all four of my children attended elementary, middle and high school in the SPS. My youngest graduated SHS in June 2017. Do you have family employed by the district? Yes, my wife is a teacher. She has been with the district for 20-plus years. Experience: Board of Education since 2015. Member of the Exchange Club of Stamford. Member of UNICO of Stamford. Top issues: To provide a safe and healthy environment to our students and staff. I have been a strong advocate and will continue to be a watchdog for our buildings to make sure that are buildings are secure and parents feel comfortable having their children in our schools. I will continue to be the eyes and ears of our parents and taxpayers and to make sure that the maintenance of our buildings takes a 100 percent turn for the better. I will also recommend that the Board of Education be more involved and takes a closer look at the maintenance contracts we issue to them. I have already voiced my opinion several times with the board on and off record about the performance of our current maintenance company. Why are you running? I would like to volunteer my time for the next three years to bring to conclusion some of the plans that we started. FRANK CERASOLI* REPUBLICAN Age: 53 Occupation: Chief Reserving Actuary - Reinsurance Do you have children in Stamford Public Schools or who were previously enrolled in Stamford Public Schools? Yes, three children. The youngest graduated this past June. Do you have family employed by the district? No High school: Monsignor McClancy High School College: St. Josephs College Post-grad degree: None Did you attend Stamford Public Schools? No Experience: Member of Stamford Board of Education (2018-present) Member of Stamford Board of Representatives (2009-2017) Board of Directors, Stamford Museum and Nature Center (2017-present) Top issues: It's impossible to narrow the many factors impacting our schools down to one issue. Safety/health are always primary, but other hugely important issues include equal access to quality education for all, maintaining/improving school infrastructures, supporting our teachers, and closing the achievement gap. Setting up the right policies/budgets to allow all this to move forward is key. Why are you running? I have been a resident of Stamford for 23 years (I work at a local reinsurance company) and have raised three children through Stamford Public Schools. All are finding success in their post-SPS endeavors. I serve on the Stamford Board of Education and have served on the Stamford Board of Representatives. I feel that all this, taken together, gives me a well-rounded perspective to tackle the many issues facing the Stamford Public Schools system. I have long felt that getting all our kids educated is the key to lifting our community as a whole. Please allow me to continue to serve in this role, as I have for the past nine months. JOHN CARLO GALLUP DEMOCRAT Did not respond to the survey DAVID MANNIS* DEMOCRAT Age: 71 Occupation: Retired government relations executive High school: Manhasset High School (N.Y.) College: Yale University Post-grad degree: University of Pennsylvania Law School Did you attend Stamford Public Schools? No Do you have children in Stamford Public Schools or who were previously enrolled in Stamford Public Schools? No Do you have family employed by the district? No Experience: Member, Stamford BOE; Stamford Democratic City Committee; Bartlett Arboretum Top issues: When I was elected to the Board of Education three years ago, the school district was in turmoil; there was extensive media coverage of a high-profile instance of criminal conduct by a teacher, administrators were departing and acrimonious board meetings were a normal occurrence. My top priority then and now is to serve our children as an unbiased, hard-working and professional member of the board, helping provide all our students with the knowledge and confidence to fulfill their potential. The boards record over the past three years provides evidence of important positive achievements. I am proud to be a part of these achievements but appreciate there is much more to be done and very much hope to be part of that effort in the years ahead. Why are you running? I am seeking re-election to the Stamford Board of Education because of my belief in the power of education not only to transform individuals but to improve our larger community. With some 16,000 students, 2,000 employees and 21 schools, the Stamford school district brings together a diverse student body, their caring parents, teachers, para-educators, administrators, bus drivers, custodians, and many others. Despite our size and complexity, we are a learning community, sharing responsibility, accountability, and working together to make possible a great future for our youth. I believe we have a great story to tell about our schools. Because of our diversity, our children learn how to listen, to be empathetic, caring human beings. Our schools learning community strengthens our childrens understanding of the world in which they live and is preparing them with the education and skills to work and be good citizens. The size and breadth of our student body requires us to be adaptable, skillful and thoughtful. The challenges are considerable and are acknowledged by all of us. But they are not barriers to our success. Like our city, our kids are resilient, resourceful and hard working. Because of the Stamford communitys hard work and determination, The City That Works is one of the great stories in our beleaguered state. Im not always this optimistic, but as I visit schools or attend meetings, I see many examples that confirm my belief that we can be, as a school district and as a city, a successful learning community. JACKIE PIOLI DEMOCRAT Age: 40 Occupation: Family advocate High school: Greenwich High School College: Norwalk Community College Post-grad degree: N/A Did you attend Stamford Public Schools? No Do you have children in Stamford Public Schools or who were previously enrolled in Stamford Public Schools? Yes Do you have family employed by the district? No Experience: Stamford Coalition of Parents Expecting Success: parent liaison; Waterside School: PTA member and class parent 2010-2015; Waterside School Parent Alumni Class of 2015; Parent Leadership Training Institute graduate 2017; Parent See graduate 2018; Stamford Public Schools Citizen's Budget Advisory Committee 2017-18; Stamford Public Schools Advisory Committee for Visioning and Strategic Planning 2017-18; Stamford Public Schools Embracing Family and Community committee 2017-18; Rippowam Behavior Management Committee 2017-18; Stamford PLTI alumni organization; Volunteer for the secondary schools SRBI pilot program; Stamford Youth Foundation Cheer Volunteer-Rippowam Raptors Top issues: Our public schools are graduating students with skill sets that vary widely from one building to another. I will focus on ensuring our graduates meet baseline expectations for basic skills by working to standardize curriculums and access to resources across all SPS facilities. Why are you running? I believe that my background affords me a hands-on knowledge of what actually goes on in our schools, as opposed to the filtered version that is generally provided to the Board of Education. The current board includes members that are reticent to engage directly with parents, students and teachers, thus they do not have the clarity of perception that my ground-level involvement affords me. MICHAEL SCHMIDT GREEN PARTY Did not respond to survey Schmidt replaced Rolf Maurer on the ballot in September, according to Maurer. Its about getting the Government to wake up or there wont be any farming families Wexford IFA to attend protest march in Dublin Seven years ago, three of the largest farm-equipment companies in North America said they were close to introducing technology that would allow farmers to use driverless tractors pulling grain carts during the harvest. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Seven years ago, three of the largest farm-equipment companies in North America said they were close to introducing technology that would allow farmers to use driverless tractors pulling grain carts during the harvest. Today, no such product is widely available, and no near-term promises are being made by John Deere, Case IH or Kinze Manufacturing. "Autonomous systems are a proven concept and are usable in the ag industry," said Phil Jennings, service manager at Williamsburg, Iowa-based Kinze. "But at this point, its truly a matter of timing to find the right balance of use case and cost." Driverless tractors have long been on the cusp, but they are still not widely used, bogged down by safety concerns, legal obstacles, the difficulties of offering technical support to a large number of farmers using a single product and lingering doubts about the business case. The technology exists. Tractors are already self-steering. A farmer in Indiana built an automated system that he operates with a PlayStation controller, and the major tractor manufacturers have all developed some type of autonomous tractor. Representatives of John Deere and Case IH did not respond to requests for comment. At the Farm Progress Show in August, the nations largest farm trade show, one of the exhibitors was SmartAg, an Iowa startup that is commercializing a system that allows a farmer, from a combine, to summon an autonomous tractor pulling a grain cart. The product, called AutoCart, costs about US$40,000. Colin Hurd, the founder of SmartAg, said transferring harvested grain from the combine to a grain cart is one of the key bottlenecks in farming. Its tough to find someone to drive that extra tractor. Some kids come back from college to help. Retired neighbours drive the tractor. Spouses take days off from work. "The challenge is that if theyre operating for even 20 per cent of the harvest season without a grain cart operator, theyre losing an incredible amount of money," Hurd said. "Every time the combine fills up, theyve got to go drive it to the edge of the field and dump it. So it slows down the entire harvest process. Youre also going to burn more fuel because that combine keeps running that whole time, and every engine hour you put on that combine also reduces its value significantly. Its a $500,000 machine sometimes, so every hour you put on that combine sucks a lot of value out of it." Two or three extra days of harvest can also mean two or three days less of tillage before the ground freezes. A field that was tilled in the fall warms up faster in the spring, so fall tillage is critical. "If they dont get that done in time, especially in Minnesota, that delays planting," Hurd said. "Theres a ton of data that shows if you delay planting, you get less yield." AutoCart consists of software and hardware that allows the farmer to summon a tractor pulling a grain cart, and allows the tractor to drive itself into position alongside the combine and stay there as the combine keeps moving and empties grain into the cart. It also includes sensors that can spot obstacles and people and avoid them. The system works with John Deere 8000 series tractors. Five AutoCarts have been installed. Ten dealers have signed up to sell the system, including one in Fargo, N.D. For farmers, the idea is intriguing, said Zach Rada, a farm business management instructor at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minn. "Its one less person to pay. Its one less person to find," Rada said. "Its a labour issue as much as anything." Kyler Laird, a corn and soybean farmer in northwest Indiana, posted a video two years ago of an automated tractor system he made. He nudges the tractor into place with a PlayStation controller, and then locks it to a path and speed. His system doesnt have the self-driving capability of the AutoCart, but it was impressive enough to draw the attention of people across the industry. Laird said the challenge is to create a product thats user-friendly for farmers who want to be able to use it once a year without having to think too hard about it. "Its one thing to make something for a factory floor, where people are coming in and theyre doing the same thing every day," Laird said. "Farmers expect to pull the tractor out of the shed when its time to harvest, and that grain cart needs to be ready to go." SmartAg is staffing up to provide service to customers who buy its product, and that will be the biggest challenge, said Laird and Stuart Birrell, a professor of agricultural engineering at Iowa State University. "It is much easier to develop the system than the substantial resources needed for technical support if it becomes a product," Birrell said. Birrell predicted that SmartAg will most likely be acquired by one of the big manufacturers, or its technology will be licensed to them. "While small-venture firms can move very quickly, I would not bet on them against the larger OEMs (original equipment manufacturers)," Birrell said. "The OEMs have much larger resources and effectively control the information on both the tractor and combine that is needed to co-ordinate the cart and combine." Hurd said SmartAg "fully intends" to launch AutoCart commercially in 2019, and he hopes to introduce a second product that would enable tractors to till fields autonomously. Star Tribune When you are as dependent on exports as Canadian farmers, the ability to weather volatile markets has to be part of the business plan. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion When you are as dependent on exports as Canadian farmers, the ability to weather volatile markets has to be part of the business plan. The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), says Canada exports half of the beef and cattle produced, 70 per cent of its soybeans, 70 per cent of its pork production, 75 per cent of the wheat, 90 per cent of its canola and 95 per cent of its pulses. That export focus, a function of productivity gains and Canadas relatively small population, is much higher than many of its major competitors. The U.S., with approximately 10 times the population, exports only about 20 per cent of its agricultural production. Mexico is a major exporter of vegetables and fruits, but a net importer of major grains, meat and livestock. However, because the U.S. markets are the global price setter for trade in agricultural commodities, U.S. President Donald Trumps meddlesome approach to rewriting trade deals has far-reaching effects. In fact, trade tensions have defined agricultural markets in 2018, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) said in a report released this week. The actions and reactions have affected prices, but also the flow of trade. For example, the U.S. price of soybeans dropped from US$10.40 per bushel to US$8.42 per bushel over a period of 17 weeks this past summer due to the imposition of tariffs and counter tariffs against major trading partners. Chinese import tariffs diverted global trade flows of hogs, corn and other commodities for all traders, not just the U.S. "Chinas tariff on U.S. soybeans in June affected U.S. producers directly, but it also hammered the price that many soybean producers received, including Canadas. Chinese and Mexican tariffs on U.S. pork exports tapered demand for the U.S. product and weakened hog prices in North America," the FCC said. Canadian hog prices have dipped to well below break-even prices. FCC analysts looked back over a 30-year period to assess how periods of volatility have affected demand for Canadian agricultural commodities. It found it can cause short-term declines in demand. But for commodities such as canola and wheat, in which Canada holds major global market share, those effects are more muted than for soybeans, beef, cattle and pork. Despite short-term impacts, the long-term trends show that Canadas exports of those commodities have steadily grown over the past three decades. That trend should continue as Canada continues to diversify its trading relationships with deals such as the newly ratified Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). CAFTA predicts that deal could increase Canadas agri-food exports by up to $2 billion annually. The scene south of the border is less positive. While Trumps posturing has won him bragging rights and cheap cheers at the podium, its not paying off in Americas heartland. The Farm Foundation, an independent U.S. think tank, commissioned a team of Purdue University economists to analyze the benefits of the new USMCA (aka NAFTA 2) against the cost of retaliatory tariffs imposed on U.S. exports as a result of his hit on aluminum and steel. They concluded the effects of those responses along with the Chinese tariffs on U.S. soybeans far overshadow any gains for U.S. farmers under the USMCA. Assuming it is ratified, USMCA could expand U.S. agricultural exports by approximately US$450 million. However, "the retaliatory tariffs implemented by Canada and Mexico on U.S. agricultural exports will reverse the modest export gains from USMCA a decline of US$1.77 billion rather than a gain of US$450 million," they say. The effects multiply. "In the broadest possible context, with all measures and counter measures, U.S. agricultural exports will decline by around US$8 billion similar in size to withdrawing from NAFTA. These negative trade impacts will be reflected in lower incomes for U.S. farmers, reduced land returns and labour displacement." Plus, the U.S. taxpayers are in the process of paying US$12 billion in compensation to farmers and there was more aid promised as of this week. Its crazy, which is exactly why Canadian farmers are well advised to assume volatility will prevail in the days, months and possibly years ahead. Laura Rance is editorial director at Glacier FarmMedia. She can be reached at 204-792-4382 or lrance@farmmedia.com FARGO, N.D. Heidi Heitkamp is standing onstage at a campaign rally in front of a bus newly adorned with a giant picture of her face. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FARGO, N.D. Heidi Heitkamp is standing onstage at a campaign rally in front of a bus newly adorned with a giant picture of her face. The U.S. senator, a first-term Democrat fighting for re-election in a solidly Republican state, is trailing in the polls. She's about to embark on a five-day bus tour across North Dakota to get out the vote. At the kickoff rally at Fargos air museum Thursday, Heitkamp tells the crowd of several hundred that with their help, she can close the gap and win the election in the final days. "A lot of pundits, they've written us off. They don't think we can do it. What do you think?" Heitkamp asks supporters, who reply by chanting, "Yes, we can." She introduces the event's main attraction, calling him a "great friend." He's there to stump for her, a big name who can potentially pique the interest of undecided or uninterested voters as Heitkamp sets out on the 3,200-kilometre trek called "Bring it home, Heidi." The crowd erupts. He joins Heitkamp onstage and hugs her. A man in the crowd yells, "Give 'em hell, Joe." Sen. Heidi Heitkamp and former U.S. vice president Joe Biden during a rally Thursday. (Michael Vosburg / Fargo Forum) Its one of the smallest states in the union, but it has been one of the biggest stories of the midterm elections. The U.S. Senate race in North Dakota, a sparsely populated Prairie state with the fourth-fewest residents in the country, has been one of the contests to watch in a midterm campaign that is unprecedented in terms of national attention and spending. The Democrats are seeking to take control of both chambers of Congress, and losing Heitkamp's seat would greatly reduce their chances of seizing the Senate. The importance of midterms in America Midterm elections dont get as much attention as presidential races but can greatly affect the balance of power in Washington and across the United States. click to read more Midterm elections dont get as much attention as presidential races but can greatly affect the balance of power in Washington and across the United States. Federally, the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate are up for grabs every two years on the first Tuesday in November, with every other election occurring at the midpoint of a presidents four-year term. Senators serve six-year terms, and their elections are staggered. Most of the nations 50 governors are elected in the midterms, and many elections for state legislatures and local offices are also held. The commander-in-chiefs party nearly always loses seats in both houses of Congress in the midterms. Voters drawn to popular presidential candidates are often less interested when theyre not on the ballot, and frustration with the status quo can motivate people to vote against the party of the incumbent president. A party must win 218 seats for majority control of the lower chamber, the House of Representatives. Fifty or 51 seats are needed to control the Senate, depending on which party the vice-president who casts tie-breaking votes belongs to. In Tuesdays midterms, all 435 seats in the House and 35 seats in the Senate (including two special elections for vacant seats) are up for grabs. The Republican party controls both chambers, and the Democrats would have to gain 23 seats to win the House and two to control the Senate. The Democrats are favoured to win the lower chamber but face a tougher challenge in the upper chamber, where they are defending 26 seats compared with the GOPs nine. Kelly Armstrong, a member of the state senate and the GOP candidate for North Dakota's lone seat in the House of Representatives, led Democratic opponent Mac Schneider by a wide margin in the most recent poll. The winner will succeed Rep. Kevin Cramer, who is running for the U.S. Senate. On a state level, both chambers of North Dakota's legislature are being voted on, along with other positions and ballot measures. One measure would legalize recreational marijuana for people 21 and older and create a process to expunge criminal records for people convicted of cannabis crimes. The measure doesn't set a limit for how much pot you can possess or grow at home. Close Six years ago, when Heitkamp was elected to the upper chamber, she trailed in the polls but ended up winning by a slim margin, and the GOP has been eyeing her seat ever since. Interest in this midterm battle intensified last month after Heitkamp said she was voting against confirming Brett Kavanaugh, who was accused of sexual misconduct, to the U.S. Supreme Court. She appeared on 60 Minutes. A state law requiring voters to show identification that lists their address, seen by many as targeting Native Americans living on reserves, has also drawn national media attention. Late in the campaign, in the two weeks after Heitkamp announced she was voting against President Donald Trumps nominee for the nations highest court, she collected a staggering US$12.5 million, mostly through small online donations from out-of-state residents. Heitkamp, who was politically vulnerable long before the Kavanaugh vote, trails her opponent, Congressman Kevin Cramer, by nine per cent in the latest poll. Incumbent Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp trails her Republican challenger Kevin Cramer by nine per cent in the latest poll. (Bruce Crummy / The Associated Press files) She had to apologize for a newspaper ad, crafted as an open letter to Cramer, that named women as victims of sexual assault and abuse. The campaign did not have all the women's permission, and some weren't victims. There was talk Trump might hold another rally for Cramer in the final weeks before Tuesday's midterms. The congressman told The Associated Press he would have loved that, but, "The perception is this race doesn't need his resources." "I told Heidi a year ago I'd campaign for or against her, whichever would help the most," Joe Biden jokes as he takes the stage. The former vice-president and U.S. senator's voice is hoarse from stumping for Democratic candidates across the country. Exactly one week earlier, authorities found two pipe bomb packages addressed to him, one of 15 allegedly mailed by a Florida man to Democratic politicians and prominent critics of Trump. Speaking for nearly 45 minutes, Biden talks about "the forces of hate" that terrorized Americans in the past week. He mentions the mail bombs, the fatal shooting of two black people at a Kentucky grocery store and the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, where 11 worshippers were killed. Former U.S. vice-president Joe Biden takes a photo with supporters at a rally for Sen. Heidi Heitkamp in Fargo Thursday. (Adam Treusch / Winnipeg Free Press) "I know that sometimes it feels these days like anger and hatred and viciousness are going to overwhelm us. But it's up to our leaders to reset the tone, to dial the temperature down, to restore some dignity to our national dialogue," Biden says, echoing previous stump speeches and avoiding mentioning Trump. Like Heitkamp, Biden says voting Republican would jeopardize health care and social security, and that Trump's trade wars and tariffs are hurting farmers. Biden says Tuesday's election is unique. "We all know in our gut, and I mean this sincerely, there's something different about this year's election. Not just Heidi's, but across the country. This is bigger than politics. I think the very character of America is on the ballot this year," he says. "I really believe we're in a battle for America's soul." Despite an appeal to "restore dignity to the political discourse," Biden later jokingly suggests a muscular union leader who introduced Heitkamp should show Cramer "a threshold of pain." He is referring to remarks Cramer made this summer about having to be patient amid a trade war. After his speech, Biden greets supporters, posing for countless photos and taking many selfies himself. He answers only one journalist's question, when a Free Press reporter asks what he thinks about the Trump administration's dealings with Canada. He smiles, posing for another photograph, then turns to the reporter and pats him on the shoulder. "I'm a great fan of the prime minister and his father before him. I knew him," he says, then walks away. After the rally, Heitkamp tells a group of reporters she likes Biden's "contemplative" appeal for civility. "After you've experienced having two pipe bombs sent to you, I think that you might step back and say, 'Let's reduce the rhetoric, let's talk about what's important in, maybe, a calmer way," she says. "By all measures, if you've heard Joe Biden speak before, this was a pretty calm lacking in fiery language speech." Heitkamp, who co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to nullify steel and aluminum tariffs the Trump administration has imposed on Canadian products, tells the Free Press she will "continue to fight" tariffs if re-elected. "Canada clearly is our ally, clearly is our largest trading partner, and that cross-border trade traffic is critical to our success, and Manitoba and Saskatchewan's success," she says. Elisabeth Wilson, a graduate student at North Dakota State University who attended the rally, says she thinks Heitkamp can beat Cramer. "There are so many people who dont vote in this country, and theres always a chance when you inspire those people," she says. Steve Rodvold of Fargo says he was thrilled to see Biden. "I think he was a great senator, he was a great vice-president and, who knows, maybe hell be running for president as well," Rodvold says. Biden, who ran for president in 1988 and 2008, mulled running in 2016 and hasn't ruled out running in 2020. If he ran and was elected, he'd be the oldest president to take office, at 78. U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Senate candidate Kevin Cramer during a fundraiser in Fargo, N.D., in September during his second visit to the city to campaign for Cramer. (Susan Walsh / The Associated Press files) Before Thursday's rally, North Dakota Republican party spokesman Jake Wilkins said the event wouldn't sway anyone. "Joe Biden won't be able to make North Dakota voters forget Heitkamps anti-North Dakota record," he said in a statement. Trump has stumped for Cramer at two events in Fargo a rally in June and a fundraiser in September. This week, Donald Trump Jr. held a rally with Cramer in Williston, in the far northwest corner of the state. The president's eldest child has been urging the base to vote even though his father is not on the ballot. Trump Jr. also spoke at a Cramer fundraiser and at a petroleum conference in Fargo in September. *** Fewer people vote in midterm elections, but the turnout for early voting is up in North Dakota compared with the 2014 midterms. As of Friday, the number of people who cast early ballots is more than a third of the total number of votes cast in 2014. Outside the early polling station at the Alerus Centre in Grand Forks, retiree DeWayne Janzen, 78, says he voted for Heitkamp. "I voted Republican last time, but Im not happy with whats going on in Washington," he says. "I dont like the way Trump lies and his rhetoric. I just dont like it. Its dangerous." University of North Dakota Prof. Robert (Bo) Wood said the contest between Cramer and Heitkamp is unusual. "Everybody, including both of these candidates and the president, has made this a referendum on his presidency," he said. "Ive never seen a midterm like this. It feels much more like a presidential race in North Dakota this time than a normal midterm." adam.treusch@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @adamtreusch 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. Employment is key to helping reduce poverty among Indigenous youth, and its where the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council is doing groundbreaking work with a consortium of 12 employers in the city. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Employment is key to helping reduce poverty among Indigenous youth, and its where the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council is doing groundbreaking work with a consortium of 12 employers in the city. The council, a United Way initiative, created the employer consortium as part of its TRC 92: Youth Employment action plan. Inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions call to action No. 92, it asks the corporate sector to ensure equitable access to job opportunities to Indigenous youth and educate staff on the history of Indigenous Peoples. The project is bringing together the local business community, organizations training Indigenous youth for the workforce and Indigenous youth seeking jobs, as well as encouraging education in workplaces on Indigenous Peoples history in Canada. "The goal is to connect the employers with these community agencies and the youth that theyre working with, to build connections and relationships that will lead to not only greater understanding of the realities for the youth as theyre seeking to enter the job market, but also some opportunities for employment," executive director Pam Sveinson said. Still in its first year, the action plan aims to eventually have Indigenous youth workers placed in the employer consortiums workplaces. "When we look at it through a poverty lens at the (council), we really felt that those that had the biggest bridge to get across were the Indigenous youth. Its going to take collaboration, breaking down barriers and a relationship and understanding on both sides," said Dave Angus, the employer consortiums lead and president of the Johnston Group. "What Im getting a sense of in the corporate community is there is a very strong will to act... Its these companies actually putting a stake in the ground and saying, Were going to be an employer of choice for the Indigenous community and particularly for Indigenous youth." Kevin Lamoureux, the University of Winnipeg associate vice-president of Indigenous affairs, who consults with the council, said the project is providing important opportunities to engage Indigenous youth and to educate the business leaders on the importance of reconciliation and cultural awareness. "This is good for everybody, and the United Way is well aware of this," Lamoureux said. "If we are able to create equity, it adds to our (gross domestic product), it closes the employment gap, it provides an opportunity for a broader employee base to engage with non-traditional customers and clientele. "This is really an opportunity for business to really flourish in partnership with First Nations people." Nicole Stewart of Payworks, one of the employer consortium members, said being part of the project is allowing the company to educate its workplace and be a more welcoming space for Indigenous youth workers. "Being part of the consortium is just uber valuable. Its something that I can do and pay it forward to my workplace and share what Im learning," said Stewart, director of human resources for Payworks. She said she has arranged for cultural awareness training later this month for the Payworks executive team, as part of their quarterly meetings in Winnipeg. "That will give us some awareness of the impact and legacy of the residential schools, break some myths about the Indigenous population and provide some perspective on what it means to engage Indigenous youth in our workforce," Stewart said. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca BRANDON Closing arguments were delivered in court Friday, ending the three-day trial for Rae Elene Deutscher, who is accused of neglecting her elderly mother while she was in her care to the point it endangered her life. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. BRANDON Closing arguments were delivered in court Friday, ending the three-day trial for Rae Elene Deutscher, who is accused of neglecting her elderly mother while she was in her care to the point it endangered her life. The Crown argued Deutscher failed her mother by not seeking medical attention as soon as she knew her mother was injured. Failure to get help was a criminal act, the Crown said. The defence argued that while Deutschers care of her mother was controversial, it was not criminal, as there was no evidence her actions, or lack thereof, endangered her mothers life. Deutscher is charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life to her mother, Elene Collins. Justice Scott Abel reserved his decision on a verdict. Collins had been living with Deutscher in Brandon for a little more than a year when family members became concerned about her quality of care. On Nov. 26, 2014, Deutschers daughter asked police to perform a wellness check when she learned Collins had been lying on the floor of a basement bathroom. Officers found her on the floor unresponsive, bruised and swollen. Collins was also found to have two brain bleeds, as well as a number of rib fractures that were at different stages of healing. Collins, 96, died in Brandon Regional Health Centre approximately a month later. "We have objective members of the community we have doctors, police, family members; theyre all horrified at the condition of Elene Collins when she attends at the hospital. She should have been taken to a doctor, the hospital or any medical professional after her first fall," Crown attorney Deidre Badcock said. "The lack of care that was given to her when she had these falls the fact that she was left to languish for a period of time on a bathroom floor, suggests that this is an endangerment to her life because otherwise, she is healthy." Deutscher wanted to do her own treatment on Collins, Badcock said, believing she could provide better treatment with holistic medicine and all-natural methods than a doctor could. Defence lawyer Andrew Synyshyn argued criminal liability would only apply if Deutschers actions had endangered Collins life or caused permanent injuries, adding there was no evidence that was the case. "This is an emotional case, at times, the evidence was gut-wrenching, and its difficult to hear sometimes about what Ms. Collins looked like. We are all sons and daughters, we all have grandmothers and elderly relatives for whom we all want the best," Synyshyn said. "But the courts job is to separate the emotion from the evidence the Crown has not proved beyond a reasonable doubt that (Deutschers) actions or lack of actions endangered (Collins) health." Brandon Sun The entire cohort of doctors responsible for operating Manitoba's Lifeflight program seems poised to quit should the government privatize its air ambulance services. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The entire cohort of doctors responsible for operating Manitoba's Lifeflight program seems poised to quit should the government privatize its air ambulance services. The Free Press obtained a copy of an Oct. 20 letter sent to Health Minister Cameron Friesen, which outlines the concerns of the 16 doctors. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Life Flight vehicle near building at 900 Ferry Rd. The seventeen doctors responsible for the province's Lifeflight program have penned a strongly-worded letter to the health minister criticizing the government's RFP looking to privatize the air ambulance service and are threatening to quit if it happens. The letter offers four main critiques of the Tory governments plan to privatize Lifeflight, and emphasizes -- in bold lettering -- in its conclusion: "We, the medical staff of Lifeflight Manitoba air ambulance, wish to make it clear that we are not prepared to work in an environment that provides substandard patient care and increases risk to patients and providers." In July, the Manitoba government took a step towards privatizing air services, publishing a request for proposals, so companies can bid on the contracts to operate Lifeflight and the provinces fire-fighting water bombers. Its unclear if the contracts have yet been awarded. Lifeflight is a 24-hour air ambulance service, and its medical staff perform between 400 and 500 trips per year. Staff care for critically ill or injured Manitobans in areas outside a 200-kilometre radius of Winnipeg. Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler has previously doubled down on the provinces drive to privatize, despite critics calling the move unsafe and pointing out gravel runways in various rural and northern community airports would prevent commercially-licensed planes from landing. In the letter, the doctors voiced similar objections and noted that -- under a public model -- Lifeflight has operated incident-free for 33 years. "When our service provider switches from a publicly owned entity to private industry, there will invariably be pressure on crews to take risks for the sake of maintaining profit margins. Our program was built on the understanding that we would be supported by a publicly owned platform, where crew and patient safety was always the utmost priority," the group wrote. "Our main concern first and foremost is for the safety of care providers and patients who will be flying on these aircraft. Privatization removes an invaluable safeguard from our program and leaves us all with serious concerns that have not been addressed." The doctors also alleged: "The willful acceptance of slower transport times for critical care patients in remote northern communities creates two tiers of care in Manitoba: one for the north and one for the south." The Lifeflight team asked for a "priority" meeting with Friesen nearly two weeks ago. It hasn't happened yet. Dr. Renate Singh, who directs the Lifeflight program, said her cohort didn't want to conduct interviews with media before sitting down with the minister, so as to give him time to respond to its concerns. The Free Press asked for an interview with Friesen, but received a statement by email instead. "We are working to maintain a vital health service that achieves good value for Manitobans, an effort the previous government failed to ever mount," Friesen wrote. "Our government is interested in hearing from these physicians and look forward to reassuring them that we would never take a step that compromises the level of service Lifeflight offers in any way," he added, noting his office plans to reach out and schedule a meeting early next week. Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew said the government ought to heed the Lifeflight doctors warning. "These are highly-trained physicians, theyre specialists in a variety of areas and theyre raising the alarm here," Kinew said. "If youve got the experts telling you that privatization is going to hurt health care, then, as a government, I think youve got to listen and reconsider the plans." jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @_jessbu OTTAWA Provincial NDP Leader Wab Kinew says hell be asking the Manitoba government to keep an eye on the companies that have stepped in to replace Greyhound, in case those firms hit the brakes. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Provincial NDP Leader Wab Kinew says hell be asking the Manitoba government to keep an eye on the companies that have stepped in to replace Greyhound, in case those firms hit the brakes. Every single previous Greyhound route operated in Manitoba has been filled by six companies, with some offering routes that had been abandoned six years ago. The Saskatchewan government closed its public intercity bus service last year, leaving 10 companies vying to replace it, but only two hit the road, and only on the most profitable routes. "Just because an announcement is made on Day 1; it doesnt mean that the follow up is there and that the bus service continues to reach communities," said Kinew. "It is going to take monitoring and continued vigilance to make sure that these communicates are actually being served." Wednesday marked Greyhounds last day of service between British Columbia and northwest Ontario (except for its Seattle-Vancouver route). That day, the federal Liberals announced a two-year cost-share program for routes not yet filled by the private sector, which would have Ottawa and each province share the cost of any subsidy. Transport Canada told the Free Press this funding can also be used for any routes the private sector has taken on but abandoned within that two-year period, with spokeswoman Julie Leroux writing this applies "in the event that new gaps emerge." Greyhound Canada schedules from June 24 the last update before the firm announced its pullout two weeks later show theres the same number of weekly return trips between Winnipeg and both Kenora and Regina, as well as from Thompson to Cross Lake and to Gillam. Thompson has seen a boost, from seven Winnipeg return trips to 13 per week, soon to be 16. The Pas has gone from no Winnipeg buses to arrivals and departures each weekday. However, Flin Flon will only get three buses per week from Winnipeg, instead of the six Greyhound served. Free Press readers have noted the new services dont all reach the same standard. For example, the Rider Express service from Calgary stops along the Trans-Canada Highway for its Brandon stop, and "Winnipeg" passengers are delivered to the Flying J gas station in Headingley, which is not served by public transit. Other companies stop downtown, or near the Health Sciences Centre. For its part, Transport Canada said its "accelerating regulatory approval processes" for Greyhound replacements, though the regulator noted most of that falls under provincial jurisdiction. "All efforts are being made to encourage the seamless and successful entry of new operators," Leroux wrote. "The situation is still very fluid and difficult to predict, as the timing of when these services will materialize will vary." dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca A 15-year-old Winnipeg boy has been charged with attempted murder and two men, aged 18 and 22, are facing assault and weapons charges stemming from Fridays 12-hour standoff at a Gilbert Park residence. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A 15-year-old Winnipeg boy has been charged with attempted murder and two men, aged 18 and 22, are facing assault and weapons charges stemming from Fridays 12-hour standoff at a Gilbert Park residence. At a news conference Saturday, Winnipeg police said the teens attempted murder charge is in connection with the shooting of a 23-year-old woman, in an alleged robbery attempt at a suite inside a building in the 400 block of Flora Street around 2 a.m., prior to the standoff. Const. Jay Murray said a sawed-off shotgun, believed to be the weapon used to shoot the woman, was later seized inside a home in the 100 block of Chudley Street and obvious attempts had been made to hide it. "None of the individuals who were arrested lived there (in the Chudley Street residence)," Murray said. He said the chain of events was started by an alleged plan to rob the woman who was shot. "One of the suspects knew the female. These three were at this party and they made the decision to rob this female. They leave the party, they go together, try to commit the robbery, theyre not successful but they did seriously hurt her and they returned to the party. It was two different investigations going on at the same time... at some point, those two investigations converged together and it was determined that they were related." The woman is in stable condition. "They are serious injuries and she will have some permanent injuries as a result of this incident," Murray said. There were 13 people inside the Chudley Street residence when the standoff began around 4:20 a.m., including boys and girls in their early to mid-teens. Murray said police arrived at the residence after a report a firearm was possibly discharged with several people inside the home, including a child. Earlier Friday morning, police said three suspects broke into the Flora Avenue building and demanded to be let into a suite. Police say the 15-year old suspect, who cant be named, fired the shotgun through the door, hitting the woman and seriously injuring her in the upper body. The suspects ran away and returned to the Chudley Street homes party, where one of the suspects got into an argument with another man and allegedly pointed the shotgun at him. A male surrenders at a police standoff at 123 Chudley St, in Winnipeg on Friday. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) When police arrived, two males, including one of the suspects, left the building and were arrested. One of the two remaining suspects inside the home allegedly threatened four youths who tried to leave the home. The two suspects and the other occupants were taken into custody when police were able to end the standoff around 4:50 p.m. using negotiation tactics and tossing pepper-spray canisters through a window. Murray praised the efforts of officers and commended the public on respecting the boundaries set by police to secure the area. "When we first arrive on scene at something like this, our primary concern is to lock down that area. Then our attention turns to the suite thats involved," Murray said. "They are very stressful incidents. It might not seem like a whole lot is going on for long periods of time, but you have a number of officers who are trained to focus and react at a moments notice." Murray said at least 25 police units were involved, including the tactical support, crisis negotiation, K9 teams and the armoured vehicle response unit. There was no estimate available of how many officers were involved. He said it wasnt known why the suspects remained inside for so long, but the fact that two had outstanding arrest warrants against them were likely factors. "Im not sure what they were thinking, but at a point like this, in a house like this, its best to just come out and face the music," Murray said, noting the residence was known to police. In addition to attempted murder, the 15-year-old is facing nine other charges, including robbery, multiple firearms- and weapons-related charges and failing to comply with a sentence. Edward Kenneth Munroe, 18, of Winnipeg, has been charged with aggravated assault and nine other offences related to robbery, firearms and weapons. Lonny Lee Chudrick, 22, of Winnipeg, is also facing an aggravated assault charge and four counts of forcible confinement. He is also charged with seven other firearms- and weapons-related charges. Two other boys, aged 13 and 16, who were inside Chudley Street home were arrested on outstanding charges of no-contact orders not related to the standoff. All five people are being held in custody. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca Search the web with the words unattended and children and ready yourself for the horror show. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Search the web with the words "unattended" and "children" and ready yourself for the horror show. Child dies in bathtub after being left alone by drug-addled dad. Cocaine-infused mom charged with leaving her five kids alone so she could score more dope. Infants and toddlers abandoned by neglectful parents in cars outside Walmart. We dont have to go far to confirm our worst fears when it comes to unattended children. As these stories remind us, kids who do not receive proper care and supervision face grave danger. And yet, these stories are statistically the exception rather than the rule; children are safer now than ever before. There are fewer child abductions and disappearances, and fewer deaths from traffic collisions, bike accidents and childhood diseases. The conflict between perceptions and the reality of the threat against children came into focus recently in Winnipeg when a Wolseley mother revealed she had received a visit from a Child and Family Services (CFS) worker, responding to a complaint that she had left her children unattended. Katharina Nuss had allowed her seven-year-old and three-year-old children to walk from their home to a nearby bakery on their own as a "confidence building" exercise. The two children were never out of Nusss sight, and were well-known to the bakery owners. Even so, an anonymous member of the public called CFS. In a visit with a CFS social worker, Nuss was reminded that provincial law requires any child under 12 to be properly supervised by an adult. Nuss was understandably outraged that anyone, particularly a social worker, would suggest that she had made a bad decision by allowing her children to walk half a block on their own. The hard and fast rule about children under 12, Nuss has argued, is arbitrary and unfair to the point where it punishes otherwise good parents. "As parents, we should be able to exercise our judgment when it comes to their cues of readiness, rather than our fear of CFS," Nuss said. The story kicked off a city-wide debate about whether we have become too protective, too alarmist in assessing the overall state of child welfare. This story resonated with many people, including the Indigenous community, which has argued, and rightly so, that the CFS system has been much too quick to punish parents and apprehend children. The idea that we have become a society of alarmists is certainly borne out in the aforementioned data about the actual threat level for children, but also in social science, which has dug deep into the way we view an unattended child. In short, we are overly judgmental about other parents and entirely unjust in the way we apply that judgment. There have been many studies that have substantiated the concern that Western societies are, on the whole, too alarmist and quick to judge parents and the way they care for their children. One seminal 2016 study done by psychologists at the University of California showed that because of our often irrational "moral intuitions," we are extremely bad at assessing the actual threat posed to children left unattended, and profoundly unfair in how we view the obligations of mothers and fathers. For example, study participants were much more likely to reach a "negative moral judgment" of a mother than of a father in the exact same scenario. And despite the fact that all genuinely unattended children face the same level of threat, we are more likely to see a greater threat when parents leave their children unattended on purpose (left in a car while running an errand) than inadvertently (wandered off on their own). In other words, the average member of the general public is not equipped, either professionally or intellectually, to provide an accurate assessment of the actual threat against an unattended child. That certainly supports much of what Nuss said in the wake of her brush with CFS. However, that is only part of the equation here. These studies only deal with the way we perceive threats, not the actual threat level that may be present. And its important to remember that in the child-welfare system, social workers are not living in the world of perceived threat. The threats they see on a daily basis are clear and present. The people who work in "the system," as its called, have a front-row seat to a wide array of atrocities committed against children, most often by the people who are supposed to nurture and protect them. These range from the errors of omission neglectful behaviour, for lack of a better term to acts of evil and unspeakable violence. Daphne Penrose, Manitobas childrens advocate, said she sympathizes greatly with Nuss and other well-meaning parents who, often through no fault of their own, are confronted by a social worker asking awkward questions. However, its important for all parents to understand that the simple act of asking questions is not, in and of itself, evidence of any parental failure. In fact, the decision that social workers made to close the file on Nuss is confirmation that the system does not believe there is any risk to Nusss children, Penrose added. Penrose noted, however, that the child-welfare system is anchored in the principle that all possible and perceived threats must be investigated. Without a more thorough investigation, it is impossible to know whether children are really in danger or to use the most recent example they are engaged in parent-sponsored activities to build independence. Although this mother felt wrongly accused by the social worker who visited her, the fact of the matter is that the protocols used by CFS to investigate complaints from the public about a threat to an individual child reveal many genuine cases of neglect and abuse. Penrose was adamant that the call made by the anonymous bystander and the follow-up visits by social workers, just like the one experienced by Nuss, are among the biggest reasons children are safer today than ever before. "Those concerned citizens who have made calls to us have saved a lot of lives," she added. Although genuinely good parents may bristle at a visit from a social worker, the laws and the protocols that led to that visit were created to pre-emptively identify as many cases of genuine neglect and abuse as possible. Put another way: the CFS system does not respond to anonymous complaints from the public because it believes everything they say. Rather, those visits are based on the premise that it is impossible to assess the risk faced by a child without a face-to-face meeting with parents to see conditions first-hand. In fact, in our collective pursuit of a safer world for all children, there is an argument to be made that the occasional visit from a social worker is a small price to pay. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca TALLINN, Estonia The waters of Tallinn Bay off the shore of Estonias capital are usually teeming with boats. But on a recent summer day, the boats stayed huddled near shore as a military diver slipped beneath the surface of the bay. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/11/2018 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TALLINN, Estonia The waters of Tallinn Bay off the shore of Estonias capital are usually teeming with boats. But on a recent summer day, the boats stayed huddled near shore as a military diver slipped beneath the surface of the bay. After a 90-second descent through opaque green water, Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Imre Alljarv halted next to a tubular black object a Second World War-era mine containing enough explosives to sink one of the cruise ships that frequently pass by. He placed explosive charges of his own around the mine, then headed back up toward the sunlight. A few minutes later, Alljarv set off his charges, turning the mine into a plume of water, sediment and metal that rocketed into the air and released a pungent smell. One down, 80,000 or so to go. Thats roughly how many mines are still floating in the Baltic Sea. "Its unbelievable how many mines there still are," said Cmdr. Peeter Ivask, the head of Estonias navy. "Our mission here will last decades." Mines and bombs from the Second World War also litter other bodies of water, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. But the only European states that have systematically attempted to clear the rusting weapons are those around the Baltic. After the Second World War, the Allies decided to dump 300,000 tonnes of munitions into the ocean, which appeared to be the safest and most easily accessible disposal ground. But some of the weapons including landmines containing mustard gas were simply dropped into the Baltic and North seas rather than being taken to faraway dump sites. The result is a particularly dangerous stretch of water. Three Dutch fishermen were killed in 2005 after they accidentally reeled in a Second World War American bomb, which then exploded. In August, 2,000 people were evacuated from the Polish resort city of Kolobrzeg after three bombs were discovered in the nearby bay. And throughout the Baltic Sea, fishermen are banned from accessing waters where the density of mines is so high that clearing the seabed is too expensive. The waters near Baltic ports were especially common targets during the war and still pose the biggest risks today. Many mines are too close to shore to be destroyed on the spot; authorities must move them farther away, a dangerous prospect, before they can be detonated. No area of the Baltic is more heavily mined than the waters near Tallinn. During the Second World War, the city was the gateway to St. Petersburg then called Leningrad and the Soviet Unions Baltic Fleet. The Estonian government estimates there are up to 50,000 mines hidden in the seabed nearby. The Estonian navys primary peacetime mission consists of cleaning up what the Germans and Russians left behind. But it has only three small mine-hunting vessels for the task and merely 300 sailors in the entire force. "Sometimes, when we have U.S. destroyers visiting the bay, there are more American soldiers on board than our country has sailors," said 2nd Lt. Karl Baumeister, a navy spokesman. Divers such as Alljarv have to complete years of training and then attend a specialized course for mine-clearance missions in neighbouring Latvia. As soon as training is completed, new divers are almost immediately deployed. "Many American divers with the same training might go 10 or even 20 years without ever seeing a real mine underwater," Alljarv said. By his estimate, he has defused about 50 mines in his 13 years on the job. The Estonian navy also has remote-controlled vehicles that can investigate and detonate mines. But Alljarv prefers to head to the bottom himself, even though conditions in the Baltic Sea are rarely ideal. Visibility is sometimes no more than a few inches, especially as the sea heats up during the summer. "Usually we work as if we were blindfolded," Alljarv said. Even though the mines remain a potentially fatal threat, dealing with them daily has helped him shake off some of his initial fears. "Im not really nervous anymore. I actually think theyre exciting," Alljarv said. Others share his enthusiasm. During an annual countermining operation that brings together many Baltic and western European navies, theres an unofficial competition to see who can clear the most ordnance from the water. These days, Baumeister said, the Germans are usually winning. Washington Post Since moving to Florida in 2007, Paul Cauchi has voted in person in his Miami-Dade county precinct. But this year, after the county made a big push for vote-by-mail, he decided to give it a try. He labored over the lengthy ballot stuffed with amendments, then, as he recalls, carefully signed the envelope and sent it in. But when he went on the countys online voter information portal earlier this week to ensure that his ballot had been counted, he discovered an error message: his signature either didnt match the version on record with the county, or he had failed to sign the envelope at all. I felt really frustrated by it, and disappointed, he told Mother Jones . This is probably happening to other people. I felt really frustrated by it, and disappointed. Florida is one of a handful of states with a signature-matching law . Such laws require that the signature on the envelope of an absentee ballot match the signature on file with county election officials. In a state with razor tight races for governor, US Senate, and many House of Representatives seats, absentee ballots rejected over signature issues could prove greater than the candidates margins of victory. Signature problems affect voters of all of all parties and demographics, but data shows young and minority voters, as well as registered Democrats more broadly, are more likely to have their ballots rejected. While Florida counties are required to notify and provide voters with signature problems a chance to correct them before Election Day, county procedures vary widely, and the same demographic groups are less likely to be given an opportunity to fix any error. In Florida, each countys three-member canvassing board decides whether a signature matches. Theres no expert or standard, says Daniel Smith, the head of the political science department at the University of Florida. Its in the eye of the beholder. As of Thursday morning, 15,765 absentee ballots had been rejected due to a signature issue, according to data reported by Florida counties and made available to Smith, who has long studied the issue. Of those, 12,261 have no signature and 3,504 have some other signature error, including mismatches. 15,765 absentee ballots have been rejected due to a signature issue. Two percent of absentee ballots cast by voters ages 18-29 had problems, according to Smiths latest 2018 data, compared to less than half a percent for voters 65 years and older. Votes sent in by African Americans accounted for just 8 percent of overall absentee ballots, but made up 17 percent of absentee ballots set aside with a signature issue. Overall, absentee ballots from registered Democrats were about about five percentage points more likely to have signature issues. This year is not an outlier. Floridas signature law had a disproportionate impact on young and minority voters in 2012 and 2016 as well. Earlier this year, Smith conducted an analysis of the issue in those election cycles for the Florida ACLU. In 2012, he found nearly 24,000 absentee ballots were rejected under the law. In 2016, the number rose to nearly 28,000. That year, voters under the age of 30 cast just 9.2 percent of absentee ballots, but accounted for 30.8 percent of all rejected mail ballots. Minority and younger voters were less likely to cure the problems with their ballot than older and white voters. In recent years, federal courts have taken issue with signature matching laws around the country. Last month, a federal judge in Georgia blocked election officials from rejecting ballots with mismatched signatures without giving the voter an opportunity to fix the problem. The order came after Gwinnett County, just outside of Atlanta, posted absentee ballot rejection rates of just 2.5 percent for white voters, but nearly 15 percent for Asian Americans and 8 percent for African Americans. In August, a federal judge struck down a New Hampshire signature law; in March, a federal judge in California ruled the state must give voters a chance to correct signature errors before rejecting a ballot. On the eve of the 2016 election, a federal court ordered Florida to give absentee voters judged to have provided a mismatched signature an opportunity to prove their identity and have their ballot counted. Federal Judge Mark Walker wrote that the state had In 2016, around 1 percent of mail-in ballots were rejected statewide, but in Miami-Dade, the states most populous and diverse county, the rate was nearly 2 percent. categorically disenfranchised thousands of voters arguably for no reason other than they have poor handwriting or their handwriting has changed over time. In 2017, the legislature codified the requirement, giving affected voters until the day before the election to submit a signed affidavit and a copy of their ID in order to have their ballot counted. (No remedy is available for absentee ballots with signature issues that arrive on Election Day.) But the law offered no detail on how counties should notify voters with ballot signature problems, and the secretary of state has not issued any protocols. As a result, a voters odds of having their rejected ballot ultimately counted largely depend on what county they live in. Voters odds of having their rejected ballot ultimately counted largely depend on what county they live in. When Smith was preparing his study for the ACLU, he asked supervisors in all 67 counties about the procedures they used to notify voters. The responses showed drastically varying levels of effort. In some smaller counties, election officials will attempt to find phone numbers or email addresses, or even visit homes or send Facebook messages. Other counties simply mail a notice, which may not be received before the deadline. Some counties told Smith that they viewed listing the ballots issue on a website as providing sufficient notification under the law. If an affected voter in those counties didnt think or wasnt able to check the status of their mail-in-ballot online, they would never know that it had been rejected. This may be what happened to Cauchi, who only found out his ballot was hung up after consulting his countys elections website. He says its possible he will receive a notice in the mail, but as of Thursday, he had not, and because he was traveling this week, he says a notice might not have helped clue him in in time to send an affidavit. Miami-Dade county election officials did not respond to Mother Jones requests about their notification policies. Paul Lux, the election supervisor in Okaloosa County and president of the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections, described the extraordinary lengths his county goes to to notify people with rejected ballots. Earlier this week, a staffer drove to the home of a voter who had failed to sign his ballot with the affidavit as well as a machine to photocopy his ID. To Lux, putting the information on a website doesnt seem sufficient to fulfill the states notification requirement. I certainly do not feel that is what the law currently calls for, he said. Reaching out to them, making contact, is different than just posting on your website, in my opinion. (A spokesperson in the Florida Secretary of States office did not have an answer to whether such a policy would satisfy the law.) Ironically, absentee ballot racial disparities seemed to worsen after the notification requirement went into place in October 2016. Rather than lower overall rejection rates, Smith found young and minority voters were more likely to have their ballot rejected under the new regime. White voters, however, were even less likely to have their absentee ballot rejected. The reason isnt entirely clear, but one possibility is that minority and younger voters are concentrated in larger counties without the resources to do aggressive outreach. After finding out that something was wrong with his ballot, Cauchi submitted an affidavit and a copy of his drivers license to Miami-Dade election officials. On Friday, the notice that his ballot had a signature error had been removed from the website. He assumes that means his vote has been counted. Whats unclear is how many other Floridians will not even realize there is a problem with their vote, only have their ballots thrown out. iShares Core High Dividend ETF's stock was trading at $77.92 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, HDV shares have increased by 24.7% and is now trading at $97.20. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF's stock was trading at $43.15 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, AOR shares have increased by 33.0% and is now trading at $57.40. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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. 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. Bausch Health Companies Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets a range of pharmaceutical, medical device, and over-the-counter (OTC) products primarily in the therapeutic areas of eye health, gastroenterology, and dermatology. The company operates through four segments: Bausch + Lomb/International, Salix, Ortho Dermatologics, and Diversified Products. The Bausch + Lomb/International segment offers products with a focus on the vision care, surgical, and consumer and ophthalmology Rx products in the United States; and Solta products, branded and generic pharmaceutical products, OTC products, and medical device products, and Bausch + Lomb products in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. The Salix segment provides gastroenterology products in the United States. The Ortho Dermatologics segment offers dermatological products in the United States; and Solta medical aesthetic devices internationally. The Diversified Products segment provides pharmaceutical products in the areas of neurology and other therapeutic classes, as well as generic and dentistry products in the United States. The company was formerly known as Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. and changed its name to Bausch Health Companies Inc. in July 2018. Bausch Health Companies Inc. is headquartered in Laval, Canada. Read More Guess?, Inc. engages in designing, marketing, distributing and licensing of contemporary apparel and accessories for men, women and children that reflect the American lifestyle and European fashion sensibilities. It operates through the following segments: Americas Retail, Americas Wholesale, Europe, Asia, and Licensing. The Americas Retail segment includes the Company's retail and e-Commerce operations in North and Central America and its retail operations in South America. The Americas Wholesale segment consists of the Company's wholesale operations in the Americas. The Europe segment comprises the Company's retail, e-commerce and wholesale operations in Europe and the Middle East. The Asia segment refers to the Company's retail, e-commerce and wholesale operations in Asia and the Pacific. The Licensing segment includes the worldwide licensing operations of the Company. The company was founded by Paul Marciano and Maurice Marciano in 1981 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Hyatt Hotels: CHANCELLOR STREET CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION INC., GLENDALE HOTEL PROPERTIES L.L.C., HT-SEATTLE HOLDINGS LLC, 1379919 ALBERTA INC., 319168 ONTARIO LIMITED, 3385434 CANADA INC., ADMINISTRACION DE PERSONAL ANDARES S. DE R.L. DE C.V., AIC HOLDING CO., AIRPORT PLAZA ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, AIRPORT PLAZA HOTEL LLC, AIRPORT PLAZA OFFICE BUILDING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, AMERISUITES FRANCHISING L.L.C., ARANCIA LIMITED, ARUBA BEACHFRONT RESORTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, ARUBA BEACHFRONT RESORTS N.V., ASIA HOSPITALITY INC., ASIA HOSPITALITY INVESTORS B.V., ASIAN HOTEL N.V., ATRIUM HOTEL L.L.C., AUSTIN RESORT BEVERAGE LLC, AmeriSuites Hotel, BAKU HOTEL COMPANY - AZERI, BAKU HOTEL COMPANY - CAYMAN, BASTROP MARKETING L.L.C., BAY II INVESTOR INC., BELLEVUE ASSOCIATES, BH PLAZA LLC, BRE/AMERISUITES PROPERTIES L.L.C., BRE/AMERISUITES TXNC GP L.L.C., BRE/AMERISUITES TXNC PROPERTIES L.P., BURVAN HOTEL ASSOCIATES, CAL-HARBOR SO. PIER URBAN RENEWAL ASSOCIATES L.P., CELAYA RESORTS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., CHESAPEAKE COMMUNITIES LLC, CHESAPEAKE RESORT LLC, CIUDAD DEL CARMEN DIAMANTE RESORT S. DE R.L. DE C.V, COAST BEACH L.L.C., COMPAGNIE HOTELIERE DE LAGON BLEU, CPM SEATTLE HOTELS L.L.C., CRW INVESTMENT LLC, CTR INTEREST HOLDCO INC., DALLAS REGENCY LLC, DENVER DOWNTOWN HOTEL PARTNERS LLC, DESARROLLADORA HOTELERA ACUEDUCTO S. DE R.L. DE C.V., DH BEVERAGE LLC, DIAMANTE RESORT LA PAZ S. DE R.L. DE C.V., DISTRICT HOTEL PARTNERS LLC, EXHALE ENTERPRISES GIFT SERVICES COMPANY, EXHALE ENTERPRISES II L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES III INC., EXHALE ENTERPRISES IV L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES V L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES VIII INC., EXHALE ENTERPRISES X INC., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XII L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XIV L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XIX L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XV L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XV TCI LTD., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XVI L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XVII L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XVIII L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XX L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XXI INC., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XXIV L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XXV L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XXVI L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XXVII L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XXVIII L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XXXI L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XXXII L.L.C., EXHALE ENTERPRISES XXXIII INC., FAN PIER L.L.C., FAR EAST HOTELS INC., G.E.H. PROPERTIES LIMITED, GAINEY DRIVE ASSOCIATES, GALAXY AEROSPACE COMPANY LLC, GHE HOLDINGS LIMITED, GRAND HYATT BERLIN GMBH, GRAND HYATT DFW BEVERAGE LLC, GRAND HYATT SAN ANTONIO L.L.C., GRAND HYATT SF L.L.C., GRAND RIVERWALK BEVERAGE LLC, GRAND TORONTO CORP., GRAND TORONTO VENTURE L.P., GREENWICH HOTEL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, H.E. ATLANTA CENTENNIAL PARK HOLDINGS L.L.C., H.E. AUSTIN L.L.C., H.E. BERMUDA L.L.C., H.E. CAP CANA L.L.C., H.E. DRISKILL LLC, H.E. GRAND CYPRESS L.L.C., H.E. IRVINE L.L.C., H.E. KANSAS CITY L.L.C., H.E. LENOX L.L.C., H.E. NASHVILLE L.L.C., H.E. NEWPORT L.L.C., H.E. ORLANDO L.L.C., H.E. PHILADELPHIA HC HOLDINGS L.L.C., H.E. PHILADELPHIA HC HOTEL L.L.C., H.E. PHILADELPHIA HC PARKING L.L.C., H.E. PHILADELPHIA HC RETAIL L.L.C., H.E. PHILADELPHIA SANSOM L.L.C., H.E. PORTLAND HC L.L.C., H.E. PORTLAND L.L.C., H.E. PROPERTIES HOLDING L.L.C., H.E. PROPERTIES L.L.C., H.E. SAN ANTONIO I L.L.C., H.E. SAN ANTONIO L.L.C., H.E. TUCSON HOLDINGS L.L.C., H.E. TUCSON JV HOLDINGS L.L.C., H.E. TUCSON JV L.L.C., H.E. TUCSON OWNER L.L.C., HAPP INVESTOR LTD., HARBORSIDE HOTEL LLC, HARBORSIDE LAND LLC, HC PORTLAND JV HOLDINGS L.L.C., HC ROYAL PALMS L.L.C., HCV CINCINNATI HOTEL L.L.C., HE ORLANDO HOTEL LLC, HGP (TRAVEL) LIMITED, HH NASHVILLE HOLDINGS L.L.C., HH NASHVILLE JV HOLDINGS L.L.C., HH PORTLAND L.L.C., HHMA BURLINGTON BEVERAGE L.L.C., HI HOLDINGS (SWITZERLAND) GMBH, HI HOLDINGS BAJA B.V., HI HOLDINGS BRAZIL S.A.R.L., HI HOLDINGS CELAYA B.V., HI HOLDINGS CIUDAD DEL CARMEN B.V., HI HOLDINGS CYPRUS LIMITED, HI HOLDINGS CYPRUS-INDIA LIMITED, HI HOLDINGS GUADALAJARA B.V., HI HOLDINGS HP CABO B.V., HI HOLDINGS HP TIJUANA HOTEL B.V., HI HOLDINGS KYOTO CO., HI HOLDINGS LA PAZ B.V., HI HOLDINGS LATIN AMERICA B.V., HI HOLDINGS NETHERLANDS B.V., HI HOLDINGS PLAYA B.V., HI HOLDINGS RIO S.A.R.L., HI HOLDINGS RIVIERA MAYA B.V., HI HOLDINGS VIENNA S.A.R.L., HI HOLDINGS ZURICH S.A.R.L., HI HOTEL ADVISORY SERVICES GMBH, HI HOTEL INVESTORS CYPRUS LIMITED, HIHCL AMSTERDAM B.V., HIHCL HP AMSTERDAM AIRPORT B.V., HIHCL HR AMSTERDAM B.V., HILP HOTEL SERVICE PROVIDER LLC, HOTEL AM BELVEDERE HOLDING GMBH, HOTEL AM BELVEDERE HOLDING GMBH & CO KG, HOTEL INVESTMENTS HOLDING CO LLC, HOTEL INVESTMENTS L.L.C., HOTEL INVESTORS I INC., HOTEL INVESTORS II INC., HOTEL PROJECT SYSTEMS PTE LTD, HOTEL SERVICES CIUDAD DEL CARMEN S. DE R.L. DE C.V., HOTELS CS CELAYA S. DE R.L. DE C.V., HP ATLANTA CENTENNIAL PARK JV LLC, HP AUSTIN L.L.C., HP BEVERAGE DALLAS DFW AIRPORT LLC, HP BEVERAGE SUGAR LAND LLC, HP BOSTON HOLDINGS L.L.C., HP GLENDALE JV HOLDINGS L.L.C., HP GLENDALE L.L.C., HP INDIA HOLDINGS LIMITED, HP LAS VEGAS BEVERAGE L.L.C., HP M STREET L.L.C., HP ROUTE 46 TEXAS LLC, HP SAN FRANCISCO L.L.C., HP SAN JUAN L.L.C., HP TEN TEXAS LLC, HPHH ATLANTA L.L.C., HPHH DENVER L.L.C., HPHH SAN JOSE JV HOLDINGS L.L.C., HPHH SAN JOSE L.L.C., HQ CHESAPEAKE LLC, HR LOST PINES RESORT LLC, HR MC HOTEL COMPANY S. DE R.L. DE C.V., HR MC SERVICES II S. DE R.L. DE C.V., HR MC SERVICES S. DE R.L. DE C.V., HRHC LLC, HT- WAILEA LLC, HT-AVENDRA GROUP HOLDINGS L.L.C., HT-AVENDRA L.L.C., HT-CHESAPEAKE COMMUNITIES INC., HT-CHESAPEAKE RESORT INC., HT-HOTEL EQUITIES INC., HT-HUNTINGTON BEACH INC., HT-JERSEY PIER INC., HT-JERSEY PIER L.P., HT-JERSEY PIER LLC, HT-LONG BEACH L.L.C., HT-MIAMI BEACH L.L.C., HT-PARK 57 INC., HT-SEATTLE LLC, HT-SIERRA L.L.C., HT-VANCOUVER INC., HTLB L.L.C., HTS - NS L.L.C., HTS - NY L.L.C., HTS-ASPEN L.L.C., HTS-BC INC., HTS-INVESTMENT L L.C., HTSF L.L.C., HTW BEVERAGE LLC, HY LONG BEACH HOTEL LLC, HYATT (BARBADOS) CORPORATION, HYATT (JAPAN) CO. LTD., HYATT (THAILAND) LIMITED, HYATT ARUBA N.V., HYATT ASIA PACIFIC HOLDINGS LIMITED, HYATT AUSTRALIA HOTEL MANAGEMENT PTY LIMITED, HYATT AUSTRIA GMBH, HYATT BEACH FRONT N.V., HYATT BORNEO MANAGEMENT SERVICES LIMITED, HYATT BRITANNIA CORPORATION LTD., HYATT CC OFFICE CORP., HYATT CHAIN SERVICES LIMITED, HYATT CRYSTAL CITY LLC., HYATT CURACAO N.V., HYATT DISASTER RELIEF FUND, HYATT DO BRASIL PARTICIPACOES LTDA, HYATT EQUITIES L.L.C., HYATT FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES INC., HYATT FRANCHISING CANADA CORP., HYATT FRANCHISING L.L.C., HYATT FRANCHISING LATIN AMERICA L.L.C., HYATT FULFILLMENT OF MARYLAND INC., HYATT GLOBAL SERVICES INC., HYATT GTLD L.L.C., HYATT HOC INC., HYATT HOLDINGS (UK) LIMITED, HYATT HOSPITALITY SERVICES L.L.C., HYATT HOTEL MANAGEMENT LIMITED, HYATT HOTELS CONSULTANCY SERVICES ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED, HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION OF KANSAS, HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION OF MARYLAND, HYATT HOTELS FOUNDATION, HYATT HOTELS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, HYATT HOTELS OF CANADA INC., HYATT HOTELS OF FLORIDA INC., HYATT HOTELS OF PUERTO RICO INC., HYATT HOUSE CANADA INC., HYATT HOUSE FRANCHISING L.L.C., HYATT HOUSE HOTEL HOLDING COMPANY L.L.C., HYATT INDIA CONSULTANCY PRIVATE LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL (ASIA) LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL (EUROPE AFRICA MIDDLE EAST) LLC, HYATT INTERNATIONAL - JAPAN LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL - SOUTHWEST ASIA LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL -ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL -SEA (PTE) LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, HYATT INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS CO., HYATT INTERNATIONAL HOTEL MANAGEMENT (BEIJING) CO. LTD., HYATT INTERNATIONAL MILAN L.L.C., HYATT INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (BEIJING) CO. LTD., HYATT INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL SERVICES INC., HYATT JV HOLDINGS L.L.C., HYATT LACSA SERVICES INC., HYATT LOUISIANA L.L.C., HYATT MAINZ GMBH, HYATT MARKETING SERVICES INC., HYATT MARKETING SERVICES NIGERIA COMPANY LIMITED, HYATT MINNEAPOLIS LLC, HYATT MINORITY INVESTMENTS INC., HYATT MSS L.L.C., HYATT NORTH AMERICA MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC., HYATT OF AUSTRALIA LIMITED, HYATT OF BAJA S. DE R.L. DE C.V., HYATT OF CHINA LIMITED, HYATT OF FRANCE S.A.R.L., HYATT OF GUAM LIMITED, HYATT OF ITALY S.R.L., HYATT OF LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN L.L.C., HYATT OF LATIN AMERICA S.A. DE C.V., HYATT OF MACAU LIMITED, HYATT OF MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., HYATT OF PHILIPPINES LIMITED, HYATT PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS L.L.C., HYATT PLACE ANNE ARUNDEL BEVERAGE INC., HYATT PLACE CANADA CORPORATION, HYATT PLACE FRANCHISING L.L.C., HYATT PLACE OF MARYLAND INC., HYATT REGENCY COLOGNE GMBH, HYATT REGENCY CORPORATION PTY. LIMITED, HYATT SERVICES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED, HYATT SERVICES CANADA INC., HYATT SERVICES CARIBBEAN L.L.C., HYATT SERVICES GMBH, HYATT SERVICES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, HYATT SHARED SERVICE CENTER L.L.C., HYATT TRINIDAD LIMITED, HYCANADA INC., HYCARD INC., HYSTAR L.L.C., Hyatt Corporation, INFORMATION SERVICES LIMITED, INTERNATIONAL RESERVATIONS LIMITED, JOINT VENTURE ITALKYR CLOSED JOINT STOCK COMPANY, JUNIPER HOTELS PRIVATE LIMITED, KSA MANAGEMENT INC., KYOTO HOLDING CO., LHR-PARTNERS LTD., LORING PARK ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, LOST PINES BEVERAGE LLC, MACAE PARTNERS S.A.R.L., MAHIMA HOLDINGS PRIVATE LIMITED, MARION RESERVATION CENTER L.L.C., MEXICO CITY HOTEL INVESTMENTS B.V., MILAN HOTEL INVESTMENTS B.V., MIRAVAL ARIZONA GUARANTOR LLC, MIRAVAL GROUP LLC, MIRAVAL RESORT ARIZONA HOLDINGS LLC, MIRAVAL RESORT ARIZONA LLC, MIRAVAL RESORT ARIZONA OPERATING CO. INC., MIRAVAL RESORT TUCSON LLC, MONROE MR HOLDINGS I LLC, MONROE MR HOLDINGS II LLC, MONROE MR HOLDINGS III LLC, MONROE MR HOLDINGS LLC, MONROE MR HOLDINGS TRUST, MRG ATX BEVERAGE HOLDINGS LLC, MRG ATX HOLDINGS II LLC, MRG ATX HOLDINGS LLC, MRG ATX INVESTMENT LLC, MRG ATX MANAGEMENT I LLC, MRG ATX MANAGEMENT II LLC, MRG ATX OPERATIONS LLC, MRG CRW HOLDINGS LLC, MRG CRW MANAGEMENT I LLC, MRG CRW MANAGEMENT II LLC, MRG CRW OPERATIONS LLC, MUNICH OPCO GMBH, Miraval Resort, OASIS LUXURY RENTALS INCORPORATED, PARIS HOTEL COMPANY B.V., PARK HYATT HAMBURG GMBH, PARK HYATT HOTEL GMBH, PARK HYATT WATER TOWER ASSOCIATES L.L.C., PH NEW YORK L.L.C., PHMC RESIDENCIAS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., POLK SMITH REGENCY LLC, PT HYATT INDONESIA, PVD INVESTMENT COMPANY S.A.R.L., Peabody Hotels & Resort, RCG PROPERTIES LLC, REGENCY BEVERAGE COMPANY LLC, REGENCY RIVERWALK BEVERAGE LLC, RESERVATIONS CENTER L.L.C., RIO JV PARTNERS PARTICIPACOES LTDA., RIO PRETO PARTNERS HOTEIS LTDA., RIO PRETO PARTNERS S.A.R.L., ROSEMONT PROJECT MANAGEMENT L.L.C., ROUTE 46 MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES CORP., RUNWAY HOLDING L.L.C., RUNWAY L.L.C., SAO PAULO INVESTMENT COMPANY INC., SAO PAULO INVESTORS LIMITED, SASIH, SDI EQUITIES INVESTOR L.L.C., SDI INC., SDI SECURITIES 11 LLC, SDI SECURITIES 6 LLC, SELECT HOTELS GROUP L.L.C., SELECT JV HOLDINGS L.L.C., SEOUL MIRAMAR CORPORATION, SERVICIOS DE HOTELERIA SAN JOSE S. DE R.L. DE C.V., SERVICIOS HOTELEROS LA PAZ S. DE R.L. DE C.V., SETTLEMENT INVESTORS INC., SHG PUERTO RICO INC., SIERRA HEALTHSTYLES LLC, SJC DESARROLLOS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., SKS CORP. N.V., SMC HOTELS B.V., SOROCABA PARTNERS HOTEIS LTDA, SOROCABA PARTNERS S.A.R.L., STANHOPE L.L.C., STARHILL LORING PARK L.L.C., SUGAR LAND/HP LLC, THE GREAT EASTERN HOTEL COMPANY LIMITED, THE GREAT EASTERN HOTEL HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED, TIJUANA PARTNERS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., TR MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT LLC, TUCSON VILLAS HOLDINGS LLC, TUCSON VILLAS LLC, TWO SEAS HOLDINGS LIMITED, Two Roads Hospitality, WAILEA HOTEL & BEACH RESORT L.L.C., WAILEA HOTEL HOLDINGS L.L.C., WAILEA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION L.L.C., WAILEA RESORT VILLAS HOLDINGS L.L.C., WAILEA RESORT VILLAS L.L.C., WEST END RESIDENCES L.L.C., XENIA ASSURANCE COMPANY INC., XENIA ASSURANCE COMPANY OF ILLINOIS, ZURICH ESCHERWIESE HOTEL GMBH, and ZURICH HOTEL INVESTMENTS B.V.. Baker Hughes, a GE company provides integrated oilfield products, services, and digital solutions worldwide. Its Oilfield Services segment offers drilling, wireline, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention services; and drilling and completions fluids, completions tools and systems, wellbore intervention tools and services, artificial lift systems, pressure pumping systems, and oilfield and industrial chemicals for integrated oil and natural gas, and oilfield service companies. The company's Oilfield Equipment segment designs and manufactures products and services, including pressure control equipment and services, subsea production systems and services, drilling equipment, and flexible pipeline systems; and onshore and offshore drilling and production systems, and equipment for floating production platforms, as well as provides a range of services related to onshore and offshore drilling activities. Its Turbomachinery & Process Solutions segment provides equipment and related services for mechanical-drive, compression, and power-generation applications across the oil and gas industry, as well as products and services to serve the downstream segments of industry. Its product portfolio includes drivers, compressors, and turnkey solutions; and pumps, valves, and compressed natural gas and small-scale liquefied natural gas solutions. This segment serves upstream, midstream, onshore and offshore, industrial, engineering, procurement, and construction companies. The company's Digital Solutions segment provides sensor-based measurement, non-destructive testing and inspection, turbine, generator and plant controls, and condition monitoring, as well as pipeline integrity solutions for a range of industries, including oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, metals, and transportation. It serves through direct and indirect channels. The company is based in Houston, Texas. Baker Hughes, a GE company is a subsidiary of General Electric Company. 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 BNP Paribas SA provides a range of banking and financial services in France and internationally. It operates through two divisions, Retail Banking and Services, and Corporate and Institutional Banking. The company offers long-term corporate vehicle leasing, and rental and other financing solutions; and digital banking and investment services, cash management, and factoring services to corporate clients, as well as wealth management services. It also provides credit solutions for individuals under the Cetelem, Cofinoga, Findomestic, AlphaCredit, and Opel Vauxhall brands; savings and protection solutions, including insuring individuals, and their personal projects and assets; and asset management, private banking, and real estate services. In addition, the company offers global market services, including investment, hedging, financing, research, and market intellingence across asset classes; security services comprising clearing, custody, and asset and fund services, as well as corporate trust, and market and financing services; and corporate trade and treasury, debt financing, specialized financing, strategic advisory, mergers and acquisition, and equity capital market services for institutional and corporate clients. The company was formerly known as Banque Nationale de Paris and changed its name to BNP Paribas SA in May 2000. BNP Paribas SA was founded in 1848 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of SK Telecom Co.,Ltd: ADT CAPS Co. Ltd., ADT Caps, Atlas Investment, CAPSTEC Co. Ltd., Cyworld, DongGuan Iriver Electronics Co. Ltd., Dreamus Company, Eleven Street Co. Ltd., FSK L&S (Hungary) Co. Ltd., FSK L&S (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., FSK L&S Co. Ltd., FSK L&S Vietnam Company Limited, Hana Card, Hanaro Telecom, Happy Hanool Co. Ltd., Home & Service Co. Ltd., ID Quantique, Id Quantique LLC, Incross Co. Ltd., Infra Communications Co. Ltd., Iriver China Co. Ltd., Iriver Enterprise Ltd., K-net Culture and Contents Venture Fund, Korea Thrunet, LG HelloVision, Life & Security Holdings Co. Ltd., Life Design Company Inc., Mindknock Co. Ltd., Onestore Co. Ltd., PS&Marketing Co. Ltd., Panasia Semiconductor Materials LLC, Quantum Innovation Fund I, SK Broadband, SK Broadband Co. Ltd., SK Communications Co. Ltd., SK Global Healthcare Business Group Ltd., SK Infosec Co. Ltd., SK M&Service Co. Ltd., SK O&S Co. Ltd., SK Planet Co. Ltd., SK Planet Global Holdings Pte. Ltd., SK Planet Japan K. K., SK Telecom China Fund I L.P., SK Telecom China Holdings Co. Ltd., SK Telecom Innovation Fund L.P., SK Telecom TMT Investment Corp., SK Telink Co. Ltd., SK stoa Co. Ltd., SK telecom Japan Inc., SKP America LLC, SKT Americas Inc., SKinfosec Information Technology (wuxi) Co. Ltd., Service Ace Co. Ltd., Service Top Co. Ltd., Shopkick, Tbroad Nowon Broadcasting Co. Ltd., YTK Investment Ltd., iRiver Ltd, and id Quantique Ltd.. There is not enough analysis data for John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III. 5.0 Community Rank Outperform Votes John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III has received 281 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III has received 61 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III has received 82.16% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe HPS will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe HPS will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next The following companies are subsidiares of Crown: Adularia Inversiones 2010 S.L., Angleboard Sweden AB, Bates Cargo-Pak ApS, Butimove, CMB Machinery and Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CROWN AP (Thailand) Company Limited, CROWN Aerosols & Promotional Nederland, CROWN Aerosols Italia Srl, CROWN Aerosols Nederland BV, CROWN Aerosols UK Limited, CROWN Americas LLC, CROWN Arabia Can Company Ltd, CROWN Asia Pacific Holdings Pte. Ltd., CROWN Asia Pacific Investments (T) Limited, CROWN Bevcan Espana S.L., CROWN Bevcan France SAS, CROWN Bevcan Slovakia s.r.o., CROWN Bevcan Turkiye Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, CROWN Bevcan and Closures (Thailand) Company Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans (Cambodia) Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans (Dong Nai) Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Beijing Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Changchun Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Danang Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Hangzhou Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Hanoi Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Heshan Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Hong Kong Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Huizhou Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Malaysia Sdn Bhd, CROWN Beverage Cans Nanning Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Putian Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Saigon Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Shanghai Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Sihanoukville Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Singapore Pte. Ltd., CROWN Beverage Cans Ziyang Limited, CROWN Beverage Packaging LLC, CROWN Beverage Packaging Puerto Rico Inc., CROWN Cans Ghana Limited, CROWN China Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, CROWN Commercial Belgium BVBA, CROWN Commercial France SAS, CROWN Commercial Germany GmbH & Co. KG, CROWN Commercial Hungary Kft, CROWN Commercial Netherlands B.V., CROWN Commercial Vermogensverwaltung GmbH, CROWN Cork & Seal USA Inc., CROWN Embalagens Metalicas da Amazonia S.A., CROWN Emballage France SAS, CROWN Emirates Company Limited, CROWN Envases Mexico S.A. de C.V., CROWN Famosa S.A. de C.V., CROWN Food Packaging (Thailand) Public Company Limited, CROWN Foodcan (Hat Yai) Company Limited, CROWN Foodcan (Nakhon Pathom) Company Limited, CROWN Foodcan Germany GmbH, CROWN Foodcan GmbH, CROWN Imballaggi Italia Srl, CROWN Imgallaggi Italia Srl, CROWN Italy Finance srl, CROWN Khmer Beverage Cans Limited, CROWN Maghreb Can, CROWN Magyarorszag Csomagoloipari KFT, CROWN Metal Packaging Canada Inc., CROWN Metal Packaging Canada LP, CROWN Middle East Can Co. Ltd., CROWN Packaging (Barbados) Limited, CROWN Packaging Holdings LLC, CROWN Packaging Investment (H.K.) Limited, CROWN Packaging Ireland Ltd, CROWN Packaging Jamaica Limited, CROWN Packaging Polska Sp.z.o.o., CROWN Packaging Technology Inc., CROWN Packaging Trinidad Limited, CROWN Packaging UK Limited, CROWN Promotional Packaging UK Ltd, CROWN SIEM, CROWN Senegal, CROWN Societe Malgache d'Emballages Metalliques, CROWN Speciality Packaging BV, CROWN Speciality Packaging Investment Pte. Ltd., CROWN Specialty Packaging UK Ltd, CROWN TCP Beverage Cans Company Limited, CROWN Verpakking Belgie NV, CROWN Verpakking Nederland B.V., Caretex Asia Ltd., CarnaudMetalbox Engineering Ltd, CarnaudMetalbox Food South Africa (Pty) Limited, CarnaudMetalbox Group UK Limited, CarnaudMetalbox Overeseas Limited, CarnaudMetalbox Overseas Limited, Cierres Hermeticos S.A. DE C.V., Constar International, Crown Americas Capital Corp., Crown Americas Capital Corp. II, Crown Americas Capital Corp. III, Crown Americas Capital Corp. IV, Crown Americas Capital Corp. V, Crown Americas Capital Corp. VI, Crown Brasil Holdings Ltda., Crown Canadian Holdings ULC, Crown Closures Spain S.L., Crown Colombiana S.A., Crown Comercial de Envases S.L., Crown Commercial Italy Srl, Crown Commercial Polska Sp. z.o.o., Crown Consultants Inc., Crown Cork & Seal Company (DE) LLC, Crown Cork & Seal Company Inc., Crown Cork & Seal Deutschland Holdings GmbH, Crown Cork & Seal Receivables (DE) Corporation, Crown Cork & Seal de Portugal Embalagens S.A., Crown Cork Kuban, Crown Cork and Seal Receivables II LLC, Crown Developpement SAS, Crown European Holdings, Crown Food Espana S.A.U., Crown Foodcan Turkey Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Crown Hellas Can Packaging SA, Crown Heshan Trading Company Limited, Crown Holdings Italia Srl, Crown Holdings Spain S.L., Crown International Holdings B.V., Crown International Holdings Inc., Crown Luxembourg Holdings, Crown Mexican Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., Crown Overseas Investments B.V., Crown Packaging Commercial UK Limited, Crown Packaging Distribution UK Limited, Crown Packaging European Division GmbH, Crown Packaging European Division Services SAS, Crown Packaging European Holdings GmbH, Crown Packaging Lux I S.a.r.l., Crown Packaging Lux II S.a.r.l., Crown Packaging Lux III S.a.r.l., Crown Packaging Manufacturing UK Limited, Crown Packaging Maroc, Crown Receivables III, Crown Services Iberia, Crown UK Holdings Limited, Crownway Insurance Company, Dacro B.V., EMPAQUE, Fabricas Monterrey S.A. de C.V., Form Koruyucu Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Foshan Continental Can Co. Limited, Foshan Crown Easy-Opening End Co. Limited, Glass & Silice S.A. DE C.V., Globoplastt s.r.o., Gunther S.A.S., Haloila Bulgaria EOOD, Interstrap B.V., Josef Kihlberg AB, Kiwiplan GmbH, Kiwiplan Inc, Lachenmeier ApS, Liljendals Bruk AB, Litec France S.A.S., Mezger Heftsysteme GmbH, Mima Films S.a.r.l., Mima Films Sprl, Mima Packaging Systems S.A.S., Mivisa, Nordic S.A.S., Norsk Signode AS, Oy M. Haloila AB, PT CROWN Beverage Cans Indonesia, Package Design and Manufacturing, Prolatamex S.A. DE C.V., Quandel Verpackungs- und Foerdertechnik GmbH, SMB Schwede Maschinenbau GmbH, SMP Schwede Maschinenbau Weischlitz GmbH, SPG Denmark, SPG France Holdings SAS, SPG Germany Service Management GmbH, SPG Industrial Packaging S.a.r.l, SPG Netherlands B.V., SPG Packaging Ireland Limited, SPG Packaging Systems GmbH, SPG Packaging UK Ltd, Scybele S.A.S., Shippers Europe S.p.r.l., Signode BVBA, Signode Brasileira Ltda, Signode Hong Kong Limited, Signode Industrial Group, Signode Industrial Group AB, Signode Industrial Group Colombia S.A.S., Signode Industrial Group GmbH, Signode Industrial Group Holdings Lux S.a.r.l., Signode Industrial Group Holdings US Inc, Signode Industrial Group Lux S.A., Signode Industrial Group Mexico, Signode Industrial Group Sweden AB, Signode International Holdings LLC, Signode International IP Holdings LLC, Signode International Investment LLC, Signode Kabushiki Kaisha, Signode Korea Inc, Signode NZ Limited, Signode Netherlands B.V., Signode Packaging (Qingdao) Co., Signode Packaging (Shanghai) Co., Signode Packaging Espana S.L., Signode Packaging Group (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Signode Packaging Group Australia Pty Ltd, Signode Packaging Group Canada ULC, Signode Packaging Group NZ, Signode Packaging Systems Limited, Signode Pickling Holding LLC, Signode Polska sp. Z.o.o., Signode Singapore Pte. Ltd., Signode Sweden Holdings AB, Signode System GmbH, Signode System Packaging GmbH & Co. KG, Signode Systems (Thailand) Ltd., Signode US IP Holdings LLC, Silice De Veracruz S.A. DE C. V., Silice Del Istmo S.A. DE C.V., Silices De Veracruz, Societe Civile Immobiliere Rousseau-Ivry, Societe Civile Immobiliere des Baquets, Societe de Participations CarnaudMetalbox, Stopak India Pvt. Ltd, Strapex Austria GmbH, Strapex Embalagem L.d.a., Strapex Holdings Limited, Strapex S.A.S., Strapex Srl, Superior Investments Holdings Pte. Ltd., Superior Multi-Packaging Limited, TopFrame LLC, V.A.C. B.V., Vichisa S.A. de C.V., and Warehouse Automation Iberia S.L.. Drax Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and supply of electricity in the United Kingdom. The company operates through three segments: Generation, Customers, and, Pellet Production. It produces low carbon and renewable electricity; and provides system support services to the electricity grid. The company owns and operates Drax Power Station that produces electricity from biomass and coal with an installed capacity of 3,906 megawatts (MW) located in Selby, North Yorkshire; Cruachan Power Station, a pumped hydro storage station, with an installed capacity of 440 MW located in Argyll and Bute, western Scotland; and Lanark and Galloway hydro-electric power stations with an installed capacity of 126 MW located in southwest Scotland. It also owns and operates combined cycle gas turbine power stations, including Damhead Creek power station with an installed capacity of 805 MW; Rye House power station with an installed capacity of 715 MW; Shoreham power station with an installed capacity of 420 MW; and Blackburn power station with an installed capacity of 60 MW located in England. In addition, the company owns and operates Daldowie fuel plant that processes sludge from a wastewater treatment plant and converts it into dry and low-odour fuel pellets. Further, it manufactures and sells compressed wood pellets for use in electricity production; supplies and manages electricity and gas for large industrial and commercial sector customers, as well as small businesses; and provides debt recovery services. Drax Group plc was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Selby, the United Kingdom. Read More JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company. It provides financial and investment banking services. The firm offers a range of investment banking products and services in all capital markets, including advising on corporate strategy and structure, capital raising in equity and debt markets, risk management, market making in cash securities and derivative instruments, and brokerage and research. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking, Corporate and Investment Bank, Commercial Banking, and Asset and Wealth Management. The Consumer and Community Banking segment serves consumers and businesses through personal service at bank branches and through automated teller machine, online, mobile, and telephone banking. The Corporate and Investment Bank segment offers a suite of investment banking, market-making, prime brokerage, and treasury and securities products and services to a global client base of corporations, investors, financial institutions, government and municipal entities. The Commercial Banking segment delivers services to U.S. and its multinational clients, including corporations, municipalities, financial institutions, and non profit Read More Ensign Energy Services Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides oilfield services to the crude oil and natural gas industries in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company offers shallow, intermediate, and deep well drilling, as well as specialized drilling services, including horizontal, underbalanced, horizontal re-entry, and slant drilling for steam assisted gravity drainage applications; and equipment and other services. It also provides coring and oil sands drilling services to the mining, and oil and natural gas industries; directional drilling and related services for conventional and horizontal drilling applications; shallow to deep well services, such as completions, abandonments, production, workovers, and bottom hole pump changes for oil and natural gas producers; and interactive pressure drilling services with self-contained systems comprising nitrogen generation and compression equipment, and surface control systems. In addition, the company rents drill strings, loaders, tanks, pumps, rig mattings, blow-out preventers, waste bins, and wastewater treatment equipment for the drilling and completions segments of the oilfield industry. Further, the company offers transportation services. As of December 31, 2020, it operated a fleet of 271 land drilling rigs, 21 specialty coring rigs, and 99 well servicing rigs. The company was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Global Brass and Copper Holdings, Inc. converts, fabricates, processes, and distributes specialized non-ferrous products in the United States, the Asia Pacific, and Mexico. It operates in three segments: Olin Brass, Chase Brass, and A.J. Oster. The Olin Brass segment manufactures, fabricates, and converts specialized copper and brass sheets, strips, foils, tubes, and fabricated products; and rerolls and forms other alloys, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum. The Chase Brass segment manufactures and supplies brass rods in round, hexagonal, and other shapes. The A.J. Oster segment processes and distributes copper, brass, and aluminum sheets, strips, and coated products. The company sells its products to the building and housing, automotive, electronics/electrical components, munitions, coinage, transportation, and industrial machinery and equipment markets under the Olin Brass, Chase Brass, A.J. Oster, Green Dot, and Eco Brass brands through its direct mill sales, distribution network, and third-party distributors. Global Brass and Copper Holdings, Inc. was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois. Read More 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 Greencoat UK Wind PLC specializes in renewables infrastructure investments in energy, wind generation assets and onshore and offshore wind farm projects with a capacity of over 10 megawatt. For offshore wind farms, the fund seeks to invest 40% of the Gross Asset Value at acquisition and where a utility company retains an equity interest for a lock-up period. The fund ensures that the total of short-term acquisition financing and long-term debt is between zero and 40% of Gross Asset Value at any time, with average total debt being between 20% and 30% in the longer term. It prefers to invest in projects and assets based in the United Kingdom. The fund seeks to acquire 100%, majority, or minority interests in individual wind farms. Read More GTT Communications, Inc. provides cloud networking services to multinational enterprises, carriers, and government customers in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers wide area networking, such as software-defined wide area networking, multiprotocol label switching, and virtual private LAN service; high bandwidth-Internet connectivity and IP transit, as well as broadband and wireless Internet access services; managed equipment and security services; and unified communication services consisting of session initiation protocol trunking, cloud unified communication service, and traditional analog voice. It also provides transport services, such as Ethernet services that enable to design network equipment; and video transport services to support broadcast quality transmission of live events, sports entertainment, and news to media and entertainment industry. In addition, the company offers infrastructure services enabling transport of high volume data between data centers, enterprise office locations, and media hubs; wavelength services to deliver scalable high-performance optical connectivity; colocation, turnkey, duct, and dark fiber services; advanced solutions, including security, hybrid cloud, database, and application management Its IP network consists of approximately 600 points of presence. GTT Communications, Inc. markets its products and services through a network of direct sales force and indirect sales channels. The company was formerly known as Global Telecom & Technology, Inc. and changed its name to GTT Communications, Inc. in January 2014. GTT Communications, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Danaher: AB SCIEX, AB Sciex Germany GmbH, AB Sciex LLC, AB Sciex LP, AB Sciex Pte Ltd., Accu-Sort Systems, Acme Cleveland Corporation, Advanced Vision Technology, American Precision Industries, Applied Biosystems, Applitek NV, Aquatic Infomatics ULC, Aquatic Informatics, Armstrong Tools, BC Distribution BV, Beckman Coulter, Beckman Coulter Australia Pty Ltd, Beckman Coulter Biotechnology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter Biyomedikal Urunler Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited [irketi], Beckman Coulter Canada LP, Beckman Coulter Commercial Enterprise (China) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter France S.A.S., Beckman Coulter G.m.b.H., Beckman Coulter Genomics Inc., Beckman Coulter Hong Kong Limited, Beckman Coulter Inc., Beckman Coulter India Private Limited, Beckman Coulter International SA, Beckman Coulter International Shanghai Trading Co., Beckman Coulter Ireland Inc., Beckman Coulter K.K., Beckman Coulter Korea Ltd., Beckman Coulter Laboratory Systems (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter Limited Liability Company, Beckman Coulter Mishima KK, Beckman Coulter Nederland B.V., Beckman Coulter Nippon GK, Beckman Coulter S.L.U., Beckman Coulter Saudi Arabia Co.Ltd., Beckman Coulter Srl, Beckman Coulter Taiwan Inc., Beckman Coulter United Kingdom Limited, Beckman Coulter de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Beckman Coulter do Brasil Ltda., Beckman Finance ApS, Beckman Holdings Ltd., BioTector Analytical Systems Ltd, Biosafe S.A., Blue Software LLC, Cepheid, Cepheid AB, Cepheid Europe SAS, Cepheid GmbH, Cepheid HBDC SAS, Cepheid UK Ltd., ChemTreat, ChemTreat Inc., ChemTreat International Inc., Cispus Hong Kong Holding Limited, Cytiva, Cytiva BioProcess R&D AB, Cytiva Biotechnology (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Cytiva Biotechnology (Hang Zhou) Co. Ltd., Cytiva Europe GmbH, Cytiva Sweden AB, Cytiva Sweden Holding AB, DH Europe Finance II Sarl, DH Europe Finance Sarl, DH Holding Italia SRL, DH Japan Finance Sarl, DH Life Sciences LLC, DH Netherlands BV, DH Technologies Development Pte Ltd., DHKAB Company AB, DTIL Ireland Holdings Ltd., Danaher (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Danaher Hong Kong Limited, Danaher Medical ApS, Delta Consolidated Industries, Devicore Medical Products Inc., Easco Hand Tools, Esko, Esko BV, Esko Finance BV, Esko Graphics BV, Esko Software BV, FHAB Company AB, Fluke, G. Lufft Mess- und Regeltechnik GmbH, GE Biopharma, Gelman Sciences Inc., Gendex, Genetix Group, Gilbarco Veeder Root, Gilzoni Ltd., Global Life Sciences Solutions Austria GmbH & Co. KG, Global Life Sciences Solutions Germany GmbH, Global Life Sciences Solutions Korea Ltd., Global Life Sciences Solutions Manufacturing UK Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions New Zealand, Global Life Sciences Solutions Operations UK Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLC, Global Life Sciences Technologies (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Global Life Sciences Technologies Japan KK, Hach Company, Hach Lange Finance GmbH, Hach Lange GmbH, Hach Lange Sarl, Hach Sales & Services Canada LP, Hach Ultra Japan KK, Hach Water Quality Analytical Instru. (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., HemoCue AB, HyClone Laboratories LLC, Hybritech Incorporated, Hyclone Life Sciences Solutions India Private Limited, IDBS Group, IRIS International, Imaging Sciences International, Immunotech SAS, Immunotech Sro, Intabio LLC, Integrated DNA Technologies, Integrated DNA Technologies BVBA, Integrated DNA Technologies Inc., Integrated DNA Technologies Pte. Ltd., Iris International Inc., Joslyn Holding Company LLC, KVHG GmbH, KaVo, KaVo Kerr, Kaltenbach & Voigt, Keithley Instruments, Kipp & Zonen BV, Kollmorgen, Labcyte Inc., Laetus, Leica Biosystems Imaging Inc., Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd, Leica Biosystems Newcastle Limited, Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH, Leica Biosystems Richmond Inc., Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte Limited, Leica Microsystems, Leica Microsystems (UK) Limited, Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH, Leica Microsystems Cambridge Limited, Leica Microsystems IR GmbH, Leica Microsystems Inc., Leica Microsystems Limited, Leica Microsystems Ltd. Shanghai, Leica Mikrosysteme Vertrieb GmbH, Life Sciences Holdings France SAS*, Lifschultz Industries, Linx Printing Technologies, Linx Printing Technologies Limited, MDS Analytical Technologies, Marconi Data Systems, McCrometer Inc., Microtest, Molecular Devices, Molecular Devices (Austria) GmbH, Molecular Devices LLC, Navman Wireless, Navman Wireless OEM Solutions, Nihon Pall Ltd., Nihon Pall Manufacturing Limited, Nobel Biocare, OTT Hydromet Corp, Pall, Pall (Canada) ULC, Pall (China) Co. Ltd., Pall (Schweiz) GmbH, Pall Aeropower Corporation, Pall Artelis BVBA, Pall Asia Holdings Inc., Pall Australia Pty. Ltd., Pall Austria Filter Ges.m.b.h, Pall Corporation, Pall Europe Limited, Pall Filtersystems GmbH, Pall Filtration Pte. Ltd., Pall Filtration and Separations Group Inc., Pall France SAS, Pall GmbH, Pall India Pvt. Ltd., Pall International Sarl, Pall Italia Srl, Pall Korea Ltd., Pall Life Sciences Belgium BV, Pall Life Sciences Puerto Rico LLC, Pall Manufacturing UK Limited, Pall Medistad BV, Pall Netherlands BV Irish Branch, Pall Technology UK Limited, PaloDEX, Pantone LLC, Pelton & Crane, Phenomenex, Phenomenex Inc., Precision NanoSystems, QHC Ireland Finance Limited, Radiometer, Radiometer Basel AG, Radiometer K.K., Radiometer Medical ApS, Radiometer Medical Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Radiometer Turku Oy, Raytek, Reytek Corporation, SH Switzerland Finance Sarl, Sea-Bird Electronics Inc., SenDx Medical Inc., Shanghai AB Sciex Analytical Instrument Trading Co. Ltd., Sutron, Sybron Dental Specialties, TCIL Ireland Finance Ltd., Tektronix, Thomson Industries, Tianjin Bonna-Agela Technologies Co. Ltd., Trojan Technologies, Trojan Technologies Group ULC, VSS Monitoring, Videojet Do Brasil Comercio de Equipamentos Para Codificacao Industrial Ltda., Videojet Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Videojet Technologies Europe B.V., Videojet Technologies Inc., Viridor Waste Management Limited, Vision Systems Limited, Willett International, X-Ray Optical Systems Inc., X-Rite, X-Rite Europe GmbH, X-Rite Incorporated, X-Rite Switzerland GmbH, XOS, Yukon Hong Kong Holding Limited, and Zhuhai S.E.Z. Videojet Electronics Ltd.. SPDR Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Bond ETF's stock reverse split before market open on Monday, May 6th 2019. The 1-3 reverse split was announced on Wednesday, March 13th 2019. The number of shares owned by shareholders was adjusted after the closing bell on Friday, May 3rd 2019. An investor that had 100 shares of SPDR Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Bond ETF stock prior to the reverse split would have 33 shares after the split. iStar, Inc. is a real estate investment trust company, which engages in financing, investing, and development of real estate and related projects. It operates through the following business segments: Real Estate Finance, Net Lease, Operating Properties, Land and Development, and Corporate and Other. The Real Estate Finance segment includes all of the activities of the company related to senior and mezzanine real estate loans and real estate related securities. The Net Lease segment comprises activities of the company and operations related to the ownership of properties generally leased to single corporate tenants. The Operating Properties segment focuses in the activities and operations related to its commercial and residential properties. The Land and Development segment refers to the developable land portfolio of the company. The Corporate and Other segment represents all the corporate level and unallocated items, joint venture, and strategic investments, which are not included in the other reportable segments. The company was founded by Jay Sugarman in 1993 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Read More 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 There is not enough analysis data for Just Eat. 5.0 Community Rank Outperform Votes Just Eat has received 946 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Just Eat has received 249 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Just Eat has received 79.16% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Just Eat and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe JE will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe JE will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. engages in the management of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. It operates through the following segments: Asset Management, Real Estate, Renewable Power, Infrastructure, Private Equity, Residential Development, and Corporate Activities. The Asset Management segment includes the management of its listed partnerships, private funds and public securities. The Real Estate segment is comprised of the ownership, operation and development of core office, core retail, LP investments and other properties. The Renewable Power segment encompasses the ownership, operation and development of hydroelectric, wind, solar, storage and other power generating facilities. The Infrastructure segment consists of the ownership, operation and development of utilities, transport, energy, data infrastructure and sustainable resource assets. The Private Equity segment refers to the broad range of industries, and is mostly focused on business services, infrastructure services and industrials. The Residential Development segment represents homebuilding, condominium development and land development. The Corporate Activiti Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Marsh & McLennan Companies: 8WORKS INC., 8WORKS LTD, A. Constantinidi & CIA. S.C., A.C.N. 000 951 146 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 001 572 961 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 076 935 683 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 102 322 574 Pty Limited, ACE Insurance Agents Limited, ACE Insurance Consultants Limited, ACE Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Limited, AD Corretora de Seguros, AFCO Premium Acceptance Inc., AFCO Premium Credit LLC, Access Equity Enhanced Fund GP LLC, Admiral Holdings Limited, Agnew Higgins Pickering & Co. (Bermuda) Ltd, Aldgate Investments Limited, Aldgate Trustees Ltd, Alexander Forbes Group Holdings Limited, Alpha Consultants Limited, Alta SA, Altius Real Assets (GP) LLC, Amal Insurance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), Anda Insurance Agencies Pte Ltd, AssetVal Pty Ltd, Assur Conseils Marsh S.A., Assurance Capital Corporation, Assurance Services Corporation, Australian Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Australian World Underwriters Pty Ltd., BBPS Limited, Barney & Barney Orange County LLC, Beaumonts (Leeds) Limited (in liquidation), Beaumonts Insurance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), Beaumonts Insurance Services Limited, Beneficios Integrales Oportunos SA, Benefitfocus Inc., Blue Marble Micro Limited, Blue Marble Microinsurance Inc., Bluefin, Bluefin Insurance Group Limited, Bluefin Insurance Services Limited, Boulder Claims LLC, Bowring (Bermuda) Investments Ltd., Bowring Marine Limited, Bowring Marsh (Bermuda) Ltd., Bowring Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited, Bowring Marsh Asia Pte. Ltd., Bowring Marsh Corretora de Resseguros Ltda., Bowring Marsh Limited, Broderick Piller Pty Ltd, Broker 2 Broker Limited, BuildPay LLC, Burke Ford Trustees (Leicester) Limited, C.T. Bowring Limited, CMC-Belgibo NV, CPRM Limited, CPSG Partners LLC, Carpenter Marsh Fac Chile Corredores de Reaseguros Limitada, Carpenter Marsh Fac Colombia Corredores de Reaseguros S.A., Carpenter Marsh Fac Peru Corredores de Reaseguros S.A.C., Carpenter Marsh Fac Re LLC, Carpenter Turner Cyprus Ltd, Carpenter Turner S.A., Cascade International Holdings C.V., Cascade Regional Holdings Limited, Central Insurance Services Limited, Charter Risk Management Services LLC, Chartwell Healthcare Limited, Chronos Insurance Brokers Pty Limited, Claims and Recovery Management (Australia) Pty Limited, Clark Thomson Insurance Brokers Limited, Client Provide Limited, Colombian Insurance Broking Wholesale Limited, Consultores 2020 C.A., Cronin & Co Insurance Services Limited, DVA - Deutsche Verkehrs-Assekuranz-Vermittlungs GmbH, Dawson Insurance, DeLima Marsh S.A. - Los Corredores de Seguros S.A., Dovetail Insurance Corp., Dovetail Insurance Corp., Dovetail Managing General Agency Corporation, Dovetail Technology Service India Private Limited, Draw Connect Limited, Draw Create Limited, Draw Group London Limited, Eagle & Crown Limited, Echelon Australia Pty Limited, Echelon Claims Consultants Sdn Bhd, Echelon New Zealand Limited, EnBW Versicherungs Vermittlung GmbH, Encompass Insurance Agency Pty Ltd., English Pension Trustees Limited, Epsilon (US) Insurance Company, Epsilon Insurance Company Ltd., Eustis Insurance & Benefits, Evolution Management Ltd, Exchange Insurance Services Limited (in liquidation), Exmoor Management Company Limited, Faulkner & Flynn LLC, Freedom Trust Services Limited, GC Genesis LLC, GCube Insurance Services Inc, GCube Underwriting Limited, Gama Consultores Associados Ltda., Gem Insurance Company Limited, Global Premium Finance Company, GrECo International Holding AG, Gracechurch Trustees Limited, Gresham Pension Trustees Limited, Group Promoters Pty Limited, Guy Carpenter & Cia (Mexico) S.A. de C.V., Guy Carpenter & Cia. S.A., Guy Carpenter & Co. Labuan Ltd., Guy Carpenter & Company AB, Guy Carpenter & Company Corredores de Reaseguros Limitada, Guy Carpenter & Company Corretora de Resseguros Ltda., Guy Carpenter & Company GmbH, Guy Carpenter & Company LLC, Guy Carpenter & Company Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Ltd./Guy Carpenter & Compagnie Ltee, Guy Carpenter & Company Participacoes Ltda., Guy Carpenter & Company Peru Corredores de Reaseguros S.A., Guy Carpenter & Company Private Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Proprietary Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Pty. Ltd., Guy Carpenter & Company S.A., Guy Carpenter & Company S.A. (Uruguay), Guy Carpenter & Company S.A.S., Guy Carpenter & Company S.r.l., Guy Carpenter (Middle East) Limited, Guy Carpenter Bermuda Ltd., Guy Carpenter Broking Inc., Guy Carpenter Colombia Corredores de Reaseguros Ltda., Guy Carpenter Insurance Brokers (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Guy Carpenter Japan Inc., Guy Carpenter Mexico Intermediario de Reaseguro S.A. de C.V., Guy Carpenter Reasurans Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, HAPIP GP 2009 LLC, HAPIP GP LLC, HSBC Insurance Brokers International (Abu Dhabi) LLC (in liquidation), Hamilton Bond Limited, Hansen International Limited, Hayward Aviation Limited, INSIA Europe SE, INSIA SK s.r.o., INSIA a.s., INSURANCE BROKERS OF NIGERIA LIMITED, IRC Asia Insurance Brokers Limited, InSolutions Limited, Industrial Risks Protection Consultants, Ingeseg S. A., Ingeseg S.A., Insbrokers Ltda., InsurTech Alliance LLC, Insure Direct (Brokers) LLC, Insure Direct (Brokers) LLC [BAHRAIN BRANCH], Insure Direct - Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited, International Catastrophe Insurance Managers LLC, International Loss Control Services Limited, International Risk Consultants (Asia) Limited, Invercol Limited, Irish Pensions Trust Limited, Isosceles Insurance (Barbados) Limited, Isosceles Insurance Company Limited, Isosceles Insurance Ltd, Isosceles PCC Limited, J&H Marsh & McLennan Limited, J.W. Terrill Benefit Administrators Inc., JI Holdings Limited, JIB Group Holdings Limited, JIB Group Limited, JIB Holdings (Pacific) Limited, JIB Overseas Holdings Limited, JIB UK Holdings Limited, JL Marine Insurance-Brokers GmbH & Co. KG, JLM Verwaltungs GmbH, JLT (Insurance Brokers) Limited, JLT Actuaries and Consultants Limited, JLT Advisory Limited, JLT Affinity Colombia Solutions SAS, JLT Agencies Limited, JLT Asesorias Ltda, JLT Asia Holdings BV, JLT Asia Shared Services Sdn Bhd, JLT Belgibo, JLT Benefit Consultants Limited, JLT Benefit Solutions Limited, JLT Benefit Solutions SA (Pty) Ltd, JLT Bermuda Ltd, JLT Brasil Holdings Participacoes Ltd, JLT Chile Holdings SpA, JLT Colombia Retail Limited, JLT Colombia Wholesale Limited, JLT Consultants & Actuaries Limited, JLT EB Holdings Limited, JLT EB Services Limited, JLT Employee Benefits Holding Company (PTY) LTD, JLT Employee Benefits SA (Pty) Ltd, JLT Financial Planning Limited, JLT France Holdings, JLT Group Services Pty Limited, JLT Holdings (Barbados) Ltd, JLT Holdings (NZ) Limited, JLT Independent Insurance Brokers Private Limited, JLT Insurance Agencies Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited ( Shanghai Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited (Beijing Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited (Guangzhou Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Ireland Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers SA, JLT Insurance Group Holdings Ltd, JLT Insurance Management Malta Limited, JLT Intellectual Property Limited, JLT Intellectual Property [UK Branch], JLT Interactive Pte. Ltd., JLT Investment Management Limited, JLT LATAM (Southern Cone) Wholesale Limited, JLT Latin American Holdings Limited, JLT Life Assurance Brokers Limited, JLT Management Services Limited, JLT Marine (Pty) Ltd, JLT Mexico Holdings Limited, JLT Mexico Intermediario de Reaseguro S.A. de C.V., JLT Netherlands BV, JLT Norway AS, JLT PLA, JLT Pension Trustees Limited, JLT Pensions Administration Holdings Limited, JLT Pensions Administration Limited, JLT Peru Reinsurance Solutions Limited, JLT Peru Retail Limited, JLT Peru Wholesale Limited, JLT QFM Services Limited, JLT RE Brasil Administracao e Corretagem de Resseguros Ltda, JLT Re (French Branch), JLT Re (Northern Europe) AB, JLT Re Argentina Corredores de Reaseguros S.A.U., JLT Re Labuan Limited, JLT Re Limited, JLT Re Pty Ltd, JLT Reinsurance Brokers GmbH, JLT Reinsurance Brokers Limited, JLT Reinsurance Brokers Limited [French Branch], JLT Risk Management Limited, JLT Risk Solutions AB, JLT Risk Solutions AB Branch - Germany, JLT SA IB Holdings Company (Pty) Limited, JLT SCK Affinity Administracao e Corretora de Seguros Ltda., JLT SCK Corretora e Administradora de Seguros, JLT Secretaries Limited, JLT Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerlii A.., JLT Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., JLT Specialty France, JLT Specialty Insurance Broker A/S, JLT Specialty Limited, JLT Specialty Limited [DUBAI BRANCH], JLT Specialty Pte. Ltd., JLT Towner Insurance Management (Anguilla) Limited, JLT Trust Services (Barbados) Ltd, JLT Trustees (Southern) Limited, JLT Trustees Limited, JLT UK Investment Holdings Limited, JLT Vantage Risk and Benefit Consulting Private Limited, JLT Wealth Management Limited, JLT do Brasil Corretagem de Seguros Ltda, JLTPCS Holdings Pte. Ltd., JMIB Holdings BV, JSL Securities Inc., Japan Affinity Marketing Inc., Jardine IBR Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson (Proprietary) Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Asia Pte Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Australia Pty Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Canada Inc, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc, Jardine Lloyd Thompson India Private Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson India Private Limited (UK Branch Office), Jardine Lloyd Thompson Insurance Consultants Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Inc., Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ireland Holdings Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ireland Unlimited Company, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Korea Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited [Macao Branch], Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS (Dubai) Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS Pte Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS SA, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Private Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Sdn Bhd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Valencia y Iragorri Corredores de Seguros SA, Jardine Pension Trustees Ireland Limited, Jardine Risk Consulting Co. Limited, Jardine ShunTak Insurance Brokers Limited, Jardine ShunTak Insurance Brokers Limited [Macao Branch], Jardines PF- Consultoria Em Gestao De Risco Limitada, Jelf, Jelf Commercial Finance Limited, Jelf Financial Planning Limited, Jelf Insurance Brokers Limited, Jelf Limited, Jelf Risk Management Limited, Jelf Wellbeing Limited, John Lampier & Son Ltd, Johnson & Higgins (Bermuda) Limited, Johnson & Higgins Limited, KESSLER & CO AG, Kepler Associates Limited, Kessler & Co Inc., Kessler Consulting Inc., Kessler Prevoyance Inc., Key Underwriting Pty Limited, Kroll, Lambert Brothers Holdings Limited, Lambert Brothers Insurance Brokers (Employee Benefits) Limited, Lambert Brothers Insurance Brokers (Hong Kong) Ltd, Laterlife.com Limited (in liquidation), Lavaretus Underwriting AB, Lavaretus Underwriting AB (BRANCH - Denmark), Libra Insurance Services Limited (in liquidation), Lloyd & Partners Limited, Local Government Insurance Brokers Pty Limited, Lomond Macdonald Limited, Lynch Insurance Brokers Limited, M&M Vehicle L.P., M.P. Bolshaw and Company Limited, MAG JLT SpA, MERCER ALTERNATIVES LIMITED, MM Risk Services Pty Ltd (for dissolution), MMA Mid-Atlantic Employee LLC, MMA Securities LLC, MMB Consultores S.A., MMC (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd., MMC 28 State Street Holdings Inc., MMC Borrower LLC, MMC Brazilian Holdings B.V., MMC Capital Inc., MMC Cascade Regional Holdings LLC, MMC FINANCE (EUROPE) LIMITED, MMC FINANCE HOLDINGS LTD, MMC Finance (Australia) Limited, MMC Finance (Singapore) Limited, MMC France Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., MMC GP III Inc., MMC Group Services sp. z o.o., MMC Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, MMC Holdings (New Zealand) ULC, MMC Holdings (UK) Limited, MMC International Finance (Barbados) SRL, MMC International Holdings LLC, MMC International Limited, MMC International Treasury Centre Limited, MMC Middle East Holdings Limited, MMC Poland Holdings B.V., MMC Realty Inc., MMC Regional Asia Holdings B.V., MMC Regional Caribbean Holdings Ltd., MMC Regional Europe Holdings B.V., MMC Regional LATAM Holdings B.V., MMC Securities (Europe) Limited, MMC Securities LLC, MMC Treasury Holdings (UK) Limited, MMC UK Group Limited, MMC UK Pension Fund Trustee Limited, MMOW Limited, MMRC LLC, MOW Holding LLC, MPIP III GP LLC, MPIP IV GP LLC, MPIP V GP LLC, MPIP VI GP LLC, Mangrove Insurance Europe PCC Limited, Mangrove Insurance Solutions PCC, Mangrove Insurance Solutions PCC Limited, Manoel Management Services Ltd, Marchant McKechnie Insurance Brokers Limited, Marine Aviation & General (London) Limited, Marsh & McLennan (PNG) Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agencies AS, Marsh & McLennan Agencies Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agency A/S, Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, Marsh & McLennan Agency Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agency Pty Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Argentina SA Corredores de Reaseguros, Marsh & McLennan Colombia S.A., Marsh & McLennan Companies Acquisition Funding Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies Acquisition Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies Asia Pacific Treasury Center Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies BVBA/SPRL, Marsh & McLennan Companies Finance Center (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies France S.A.S., Marsh & McLennan Companies Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc., Marsh & McLennan Companies Regional Holdings S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies Services B.V., Marsh & McLennan Companies UK Limited, Marsh & McLennan Europe S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan GP I Inc., Marsh & McLennan Global Broking (Bermuda) Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Holding GmbH, Marsh & McLennan Holdings (Canada) ULC, Marsh & McLennan Holdings Inc., Marsh & McLennan Incorporated (for dissolution), Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Holdings II, Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Holdings S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Limited, Marsh & McLennan Insurance Services Limited, Marsh & McLennan Ireland Limited, Marsh & McLennan Management Services (Bermuda) Limited, Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Servicios S.A. De C.V., Marsh & McLennan Shared Services Canada Limited, Marsh & McLennan Shared Services Corporation, Marsh (Bahrain) Company SPC, Marsh (Beijing) Risk Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Marsh (China) Insurance Brokers Co. Ltd., Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited, Marsh (Insurance Brokers) LLP, Marsh (Insurance Services) Limited, Marsh (Malawi) Limited, Marsh (Middle East) Limited, Marsh (Namibia) (Proprietary) Limited, Marsh (Pty) Ltd, Marsh (Risk Consulting) LLP, Marsh (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Marsh A/S, Marsh AB, Marsh AG, Marsh AS, Marsh Advantage Insurance Holdings Pty Ltd, Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd., Marsh Africa (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Argentina S.R.L., Marsh Associates (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Austria G.m.b.H., Marsh Aviation Insurance Broking Pty Ltd (for dissolution), Marsh B.V., Marsh Botswana (Proprietary) Limited, Marsh Brockman y Schuh Agente de Seguros y de Fianzas S.A. de C.V., Marsh Broker Japan Inc., Marsh Broker de Asigurare-Reasigurare S.R.L., Marsh Brokers (Hong Kong) Limited, Marsh Brokers Limited, Marsh Canada Limited/Marsh Canada Limitee, Marsh Company Management Services Cayman Ltd., Marsh Compensation Technologies Administration (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Corporate Services (Barbados) Limited, Marsh Corporate Services Isle of Man Ltd, Marsh Corporate Services Limited, Marsh Corporate Services Malta Limited, Marsh Corretora de Seguros Ltda., Marsh EOOD, Marsh Egypt LLC, Marsh Emirates Consultancy LLC, Marsh Emirates Insurance Brokerage LLC, Marsh Employee Benefits Limited, Marsh Employee Benefits Zimbabwe (Private) Ltd, Marsh Eurofinance B.V., Marsh Europe S.A., Marsh FJC International Insurance Brokers Limited, Marsh For Insurance Services S.A.E., Marsh Franco Acra S.A., Marsh GSC Servicos e Administracao de Seguros Ltda., Marsh GmbH, Marsh Holding AB, Marsh Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Marsh India Insurance Brokers Private Limited, Marsh Insurance & Investments LLC, Marsh Insurance Brokers, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Macao) Limited, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Private) Limited, Marsh Insurance Brokers AO, Marsh Insurance Brokers Limited, Marsh Insurance Consulting Saudi Arabia (in liquidation), Marsh Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers LLC, Marsh Intermediaries Inc., Marsh International Broking Holdings Limited, Marsh International Holdings II Inc., Marsh International Holdings Inc., Marsh Investment B.V., Marsh Ireland Brokers Limited, Marsh Ireland Brokers Limited (UK Branch), Marsh Ireland Holdings Limited, Marsh Israel (1999) Ltd., Marsh Israel (Holdings) Ltd., Marsh Israel Consultants Ltd., Marsh Israel Insurance Agency Ltd., Marsh Israel International Brokers Ltd. (in liquidation), Marsh JCS Inc., Marsh Japan Inc., Marsh Kft., Marsh Kindlustusmaakler AS, Marsh Korea Inc., Marsh LLC, Marsh LLC Insurance Brokers, Marsh LLC [Ukraine], Marsh Lda., Marsh Limited, Marsh Limited [Fiji], Marsh Limited [New Zealand], Marsh Limited [PNG], Marsh Ltd. [Wisconsin], Marsh Management Services (Bahamas) Ltd., Marsh Management Services (Barbados) Limited, Marsh Management Services (Bermuda) Ltd., Marsh Management Services (Dublin) Limited, Marsh Management Services (Labuan) Limited, Marsh Management Services (MENA) Limited, Marsh Management Services (USVI) Ltd., Marsh Management Services Cayman Ltd., Marsh Management Services Guernsey Limited, Marsh Management Services Inc., Marsh Management Services Isle of Man Limited, Marsh Management Services Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Marsh Management Services Malta Limited, Marsh Management Services Singapore Pte. Ltd., Marsh Management Services Sweden AB, Marsh Marine & Energy AB, Marsh Marine Nederland B.V., Marsh Medical Consulting GmbH, Marsh Mercer Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Marsh Nest Inc., Marsh Oman LLC, Marsh Oy, Marsh PB Co. Ltd., Marsh Philippines Inc., Marsh Privat A.I.E., Marsh Private Client Life Insurance Services, Marsh Pty. Ltd., Marsh Qatar LLC, Marsh RE S.A.C. Corredores de Reaseguros, Marsh Rehder Consultoria S.A. (MRC), Marsh Rehder S.A. Corredores de Seguros, Marsh Resolutions Pty Limited, Marsh Risk Consulting B.V., Marsh Risk Consulting Limitada, Marsh Risk Consulting Ltda., Marsh Risk Consulting S.L., Marsh Risk Consulting Services S.r.L., Marsh Risk and Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd, Marsh S.A. Corredores De Seguros, Marsh S.A. Mediadores de Seguros, Marsh S.A.S., Marsh S.p.A., Marsh SA [Argentina], Marsh SA [Belgium], Marsh SA [Luxembourg], Marsh SA [Uruguay], Marsh SIA, Marsh Saldana Inc., Marsh Saudi Arabia Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers, Marsh Secretarial Services Limited, Marsh Semusa S.A., Marsh Services Limited, Marsh Services Spolka z.o.o., Marsh Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, Marsh Spolka z.o.o., Marsh Szolgaltato Kft., Marsh Takaful Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Marsh Treasury Services (Dublin) Limited (in liquidation), Marsh Treasury Services Limited, Marsh Tunisia S.a.r.l., Marsh UK Limited, Marsh USA (India) Inc., Marsh USA Borrower LLC, Marsh USA Inc., Marsh Uganda Limited, Marsh Venezuela C.A. Sociedad de Corretaje de Seguros, Marsh Vietnam Insurance Broking Company Ltd, Marsh Zambia Limited, Marsh Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited, Marsh d.o.o. Beograd, Marsh d.o.o. za posredovanje u osiguranju, Marsh for Insurance Services - Jordan, Marsh i-Connect (Pty) Ltd, Marsh s.r.o., Matthiessen Assurans AB, Mercer (Argentina) S.A., Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer (Austria) GmbH, Mercer (Belgium) SA-NV, Mercer (Canada) Limited/Mercer (Canada) Limitee, Mercer (China) Limited, Mercer (Colombia) Ltda., Mercer (Danmark) A/S, Mercer (Finland) OY, Mercer (France) SAS, Mercer (Hong Kong) Limited, Mercer (Ireland) Limited, Mercer (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Mercer (N.Z.) Limited, Mercer (Nederland) B.V., Mercer (Norge) AS, Mercer (Polska) Sp.z o.o., Mercer (Portugal) Lda, Mercer (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer (Sweden) AB, Mercer (Taiwan) Ltd., Mercer (Thailand) Ltd., Mercer (US) Inc., Mercer Administration Services (Australia) Pty Limited, Mercer Africa Limited, Mercer Agente de Seguros S.A. de C.V., Mercer Asesores de Seguros S.A., Mercer Asesores es Inversion Independientes S.A. de C.V., Mercer Broking Ltd., Mercer Career Unipessoal Lda, Mercer Consultation (Quebec) Ltee., Mercer Consulting (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Consulting (Chile) Limitada, Mercer Consulting (France) SAS, Mercer Consulting (India) Private Limited, Mercer Consulting B.V., Mercer Consulting Group Inc., Mercer Consulting Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Mercer Consulting Limited, Mercer Consulting Middle East Limited, Mercer Consulting S.L.U., Mercer Consulting Venezuela C.A., Mercer Corredores de Seguros Limitada, Mercer Corretora de Seguros Ltda, Mercer Danismanlik Anonim Sirketi, Mercer Deutschland GmbH, Mercer Employee Benefits - Medicacao de Seguros Unipessoal Lda., Mercer Employee Benefits Limited, Mercer Financial Advice (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Financial Services Limited, Mercer Financial Services Limited liability company, Mercer Financial Services Middle East Limited, Mercer Global Investments Europe Limited, Mercer Global Investments Management Limited, Mercer HR Consulting Borrower LLC, Mercer HR Services LLC, Mercer Health & Benefits (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC, Mercer Health & Benefits LLC, Mercer Holdings Inc., Mercer Holdings Inc. [Philippines], Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltda, Mercer Human Resource Consulting S.A. de C.V., Mercer ICC Limited, Mercer Investment Consulting Limited, Mercer Investment Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mercer Investment Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer Investments (Australia) Limited, Mercer Investments (Hong Kong) Limited, Mercer Investments (Japan) Ltd, Mercer Investments (New Zealand) Limited, Mercer Investments LLC, Mercer Ireland Holdings Limited, Mercer Italia Srl Socio Unico, Mercer Japan Ltd., Mercer Korea Co. Ltd., Mercer LLC, Mercer Limited, Mercer MC Consulting Borrower LLC, Mercer Master Trustees Limited, Mercer Mauritius Ltd., Mercer Oliver Wyman Holding B.V., Mercer Outsourcing (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Outsourcing S.L.U., Mercer Pensionsfonds AG, Mercer Pensionsraadgivning A/S, Mercer Philippines Inc., Mercer Private Investment Partners IV General Partner S.a.r.l., Mercer Private Markets AG, Mercer Private Markets Advisers (US) AG, Mercer Services Poland Sp. z.o.o., Mercer Sigorta Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, Mercer South Africa (Pty) Limited, Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited, Mercer Switzerland Inc., Mercer System Services LLC, Mercer Technology Acquisitions Limited, Mercer Treuhand GmbH, Mercer Trust Company LLC, Mercer Trustees Limited, Mercer WorkforcePro LLC, Mercury Insurance Services Pty Ltd, Moola Systems Limited, Mountlodge Limited, Muir Beddal (Zimbabwe) Limited, NERA Australia Pty. Ltd., NERA Economic Consulting GmbH, NERA Economic Consulting Limited, NERA S.R.L., NERA SAS, NERA UK Limited, NERA do Brasil Ltda. (for dissolution), National Economic Research Associates Inc., NetComp Insurance Corp., Neuburger Noble Lowndes GmbH, Normandy Reinsurance Company Limited, Northern Alliance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), OWL Marine Insurance-Brokers GmbH & Co.KG, OWL Marine Verwaltungs GmbH, Oliver Wyman (Bermuda) Limited, Oliver Wyman (Hong Kong) Limited, Oliver Wyman AB, Oliver Wyman AG, Oliver Wyman Actuarial Consulting Inc., Oliver Wyman B.V., Oliver Wyman Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd, Oliver Wyman Consultoria em Estrategia de Negocios Ltda., Oliver Wyman Energy Consulting Limited, Oliver Wyman FZ-LLC, Oliver Wyman Group KK, Oliver Wyman Inc., Oliver Wyman LLC, Oliver Wyman Limited, Oliver Wyman Limited Liability Company, Oliver Wyman Limited/Oliver Wyman limitee, Oliver Wyman Ltd., Oliver Wyman Pte. Ltd., Oliver Wyman Pty. Ltd., Oliver Wyman S. de R.L. de C.V., Oliver Wyman S.A.S., Oliver Wyman S.L., Oliver Wyman S.r.l., Oliver Wyman SNC, Oliver Wyman SPRL/BVBA, Oliver Wyman Sdn. Bhd., Oliver Wyman Services Limited, Oliver Wyman Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Oliver Wyman sp. z o.o., Omega Indemnity (Bermuda) Limited, Organizacion Brockman y Schuh S.A. de C.V., Osbornes Insurances Oxford Limited (in liquidation), PFT Limited, PI Indemnity Company Designated Activity Company, PT JLT Reinsurance Brokers, PT Jardine Lloyd Thompson, PT Marsh Indonesia, PT Marsh Reinsurance Brokers Indonesia, PT Mercer Indonesia, PT Nexus Asia Pacific, PT Oliver Wyman Indonesia, PT Quantum Computing Services, PT Quantum Investments, PT Quantum Support Services, Pallas Marsh Servicos Ltda., Pavilion Alternatives Group (Singapore) PTE. Ltd, Pavilion Financial Corporation Holdings UK Limited, Pavilion U.S. Investments Holdco LLC, Pension Trustees Limited, Pensionsservice Benefit Network Sverige AB, Perils AG, Personal Pension Trustees Limited, Pet Animal Welfare Scheme Limited, Portsoken Trustees (No. 2) Limited, Portsoken Trustees Limited, Potomac Insurance Managers Inc., Premier Pension Trustees Limited, Premium Services Australia Pty Limited, Professional Claims Handling Limited (in liquidation), Profund Solutions Limited, Promerit AG, Promerit Hungary Kft, Promerit Schweiz AG, Pymetrics Inc., R G Ford Brokers Limited, R R B Beratungsgesellschaft fuer Altersversorgung mbh, R. Mees & Zoonen Holdings B.V., Renewable Energy Loss Adjusters LLC, Renewable Energy Loss Adjusters Limited, Resource Benefit Associates, Rightpath Reinsurance SPC Ltd., Risk Management Australia Pty Limited, Rivers Group Limited, Rockefeller Risk Advisors Inc., Rutherfoord International Inc., SAFCAR-Marsh, SBJ Holdings Limited, SCIB (Bermuda) Limited, SCM Global Real Estate Select GP LLC, SCM Infrastructure General Partner S.a r.l., SCM International Private Equity Select III GP LLC, SCM LT General Partner S.a.r.l., SCM PE General Partner S.a.r.l., SCM PE II GP Ltd., SCM PE II Scotland GP Ltd, SCM Strategic Capital Management (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., SICAR Marsh S.a.r.l., SME Insurance Services Limited, Sail Insurance Company Limited, Scalene Re Ltd, Seabury & Smith Borrower LLC, Seabury & Smith LLC, Secure Limited, Sedgwick (Holdings) Pty. Limited, Sedgwick Consulting Group Limited, Sedgwick Dineen Group Limited, Sedgwick Financial Services Limited, Sedgwick Forbes Middle East Limited, Sedgwick Group, Sedgwick Group (Australia) Pty. Limited, Sedgwick Group (Bermuda) Limited, Sedgwick Group (Zimbabwe) Limited, Sedgwick Group Limited, Sedgwick Internationaal B.V., Sedgwick Limited, Sedgwick Management Services (Barbados) Limited, Sedgwick Management Services (Singapore) Pte Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes (UK) Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Group Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Limited, Sedgwick Overseas Investments Limited, Sedgwick Private Limited, Sedgwick Re Asia Pacific (Consultants) Pte Ltd (for dissolution), Sedgwick Trustees Limited, Sedgwick UK Risk Services Limited, Sedgwick Ulster Pension Trustees Limited, Settlement Trustees Limited, Shanghai Mercer Insurance Brokers Company Ltd., Shorewest Insurance Associates LLC, Sirota Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Sirota Consulting UK Limited, Smith Long Term Disability Management Group Inc., Societe d'Assurances et de Participation Guian SA, Software Underwriting Systems Limited (in liquidation), Southern Marine & Aviation Inc., Southern Marine & Aviation Underwriters Inc., Sudzucker Versicherungs-Vermittlungs GmbH, Sumitomo Life Insurance Agency America Inc., Sylvite Financial Services, TBX Solutions Limited, Talent Tech Labs LLC, The Benefit Express Holdings Limited, The Benefit Express Limited, The Carpenter Management Corporation, The Insurance Partnership Holdings Limited, The Insurance Partnership Services Limited, The Positive Ageing Company Limited, The Purple Partnership Limited, The Recovre Group Pty Ltd, Thomsons Online Benefits (HK) Ltd., Thomsons Online Benefits Inc., Thomsons Online Benefits Limited, Thomsons Online Benefits Pte Ltd., Thomsons Online Benefits S.R.L, Torrent Government Contracting Services LLC, Torrent Insurance Services LLC, Torrent Technologies, Torrent Technologies Inc., Tower Hill Limited, Tower Place Developments (West) Limited, Tower Place Developments Limited, U.T.E. AMG, U.T.E. Marsh - Caja Castilla La Mancha Junta de Comunidades, U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Reus (in liquidation), U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Reus 2012, U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Vila-Seca 2010, UAD BB Marsh Lietuva, Vezina & Associes Inc., Vezina Assurances Inc., Victor Insurance Europe B.V., Victor Insurance Holdings Inc., Victor Insurance Italia S.r.l., Victor Insurance Managers Inc., Victor Insurance Managers Inc./Gestionnaires d'assurance Victor inc., Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. (Bermuda) Ltd., Victor O. Schinnerer & Company Limited, Victoria Hall Company Limited, Wellnz Limited, William M. Mercer (Canada) Limited/William M. Mercer (Canada) Limitee, William M. Mercer AB, William M. Mercer Comercio Consultoria e Servicos Ltda., Wortham Insurance & Risk Management, everBe SAS, and realright GmbH. USG Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells building materials worldwide. The company's Gypsum division manufactures and markets gypsum and related products to construct walls and ceilings of residential, nonresidential, and institutional buildings; and agricultural and industrial customers. This segment offers gypsum wallboards and compound portfolios, as well as corner beads, joint tapes, and plasters under the USG Sheetrock brand; glass mat sheathing portfolios under the Securock brand; construction plaster products under the Red Top, Imperial, Diamond, and Supremo brands; and lightweight gypsum panels under the USG Sheetrock brand, as well as ultralight panels, USG Sheetrock brand ecosmart panels, and industrial gypsum. Its Performance Materials division manufactures and markets products for interior and exterior building applications of residential and nonresidential buildings, as well as industrial applications. This segment provides cement boards, backer boards, shower systems, performance floorings, air barrier systems, roof board portfolios, and structural panels under the USG Durock, Fiberock, Levelrock, Securock, ExoAir, Securock, and USG brands. The company's Ceilings division manufactures and markets ceiling tiles under the Radar, Eclipse, Mars, and Halcyon brands; ceiling grids under the Donn, DX, Fineline, Centricitee, and Identitee DXI brands; specialty ceilings under the Curvatura, Compasso, Radians, Illusions, Multiples, Runways, Barz, Planx, Mirra, Corniche, Wallforms, and Parti brands; and acoustical drywall ceilings under the Ensemble brand. Its USG Boral Building Products division manufactures, distributes, and sells building products, mines raw gypsum, and sells natural and synthetic gypsum under the USG Boral Sheetrock, USG Boral NextGen, Elephant, Jayaboard, Durock, and Donn DX brands. The company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Read More New York Police Department(NEW YORK) -- Tala and Rotana Farea, the sisters from Saudi Arabia whose bodies were found taped together in New York City's Hudson River last week, were said to have preferred suicide over returning to their home country, according to police. Dermot Shea, chief of detectives for the New York City Police Department, said "sources" in Virginia, where the Farea sisters had previously been living, informed investigators that the two women had been in the United States for two to three years and would "rather inflict harm on themselves and commit suicide than return to Saudi Arabia." "Everything that weve seen thus far is pointing to something other than a crime taking place," Shea told reporters at a news conference Friday afternoon. "But were not ruling anything out." Detectives believe the women may have applied for asylum in the United States after alleging that they were victims of abuse, Shea said. The medical examiner's office will ultimately determine the causes of death as the investigation continues. A witness told police he saw the women in a park on West 158th Street in Upper Manhattan on the morning of Oct. 24, while he was out exercising. They were sitting about 30 feet apart with their heads in their hands and appeared to be praying, the witness said. The bodies of Tala Farea, 16, and Rotana Farea, 22, were seen floating along the Hudson River that afternoon, police said. The sisters, whose bodies were loosely bound together with duct tape, were found lying on rocks near the river, fully-clothed, both wearing black jackets with fur trim and black leggings. There were no obvious signs of trauma, and detectives believe the women were alive when they entered the water, according to police. Their bodies are believed to have washed ashore with the tide and stayed when it went out, police said. NYPD detectives are checking to see if any surveillance cameras captured the moment Tala and Rotana Farea entered the river. They are also trying to determine whether either of them had met with any counselors or therapists in recent weeks, two police sources told ABC News. The Royal Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in New York confirmed in a statement Tuesday that the Farea sisters were students accompanying their brother in Washington, D.C. Police investigators have traveled to Virginia, where they conducted various interviews with relatives and other associates of the Farea sisters to learn more about them. Shea has said those interviews are "unraveling" what was going on in the women's lives before their mysterious deaths. Tala and Rotana Farea were, for a time, living with family in Fairfax, Virginia, but the relatives hadn't seen them since Nov. 30, 2017, according to Shea. After raising allegations of abuse, the sisters were placed in a domestic violence shelter in Virginia in December 2017. They went missing from that facility on Aug. 24, which was the last time they were both seen in Virginia, Shea said. Through mostly electronic evidence, such as credit card transactions and ATM withdrawals, detectives have determined that Tala and Rotana Farea used various transportation to travel from Fairfax to Washington, D.C., then to Philadelphia and on to New York City, where they arrived on Sept. 1. Investigators are reviewing hotel and restaurant records, surveillance footage, electronic statements as well as eyewitness accounts to determine what the sisters were doing and where they were staying in New York City between Sept. 1 and Oct. 24, when their bodies were discovered in the Hudson River. It appears the sisters stayed at a number of "high-end" hotels, ordered at least two meals a day and went shopping, Shea said. Surveillance video recorded just a week before they were found dead shows the pair looking to be in good health and not in any distress. However, their credit card was "maxed out," according to Shea. "There is a strong possibility here," Shea said, "that money was running out." Anyone with information about the Farea sisters is urged to call the New York City Police Department's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics. Nufarm Limited, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells crop protection solutions and seed technologies in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and North America. The company's protection solutions include herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides that help growers protect crops against weeds, pests, and disease. It also provides seed treatment products for the protection and treatment of damage caused by insects, fungus, and disease; and distributes sunflower, sorghum, and canola seeds. Nufarm Limited was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Laverton North, Australia. Read More There is not enough analysis data for PetroQuest Energy. 4.1 Community Rank Outperform Votes PetroQuest Energy has received 28 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes PetroQuest Energy has received 17 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment PetroQuest Energy has received 62.22% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about PetroQuest Energy and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe PQUE will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe PQUE will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Red Hat, Inc. provides open source software solutions to develop and offer operating system, virtualization, management, middleware, cloud, mobile, and storage technologies to various enterprises worldwide. It offers infrastructure-related solutions, such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, an operating system platform that runs on hardware for use in hybrid cloud environments; Red Hat Satellite, a system management offering that helps to deploy, scale, and manage in hybrid cloud environments; and Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization, a software solution that allows customers to utilize and manage a common hardware infrastructure to run multiple operating systems and applications. The company offers application development-related and other technology solutions, such as Red Hat JBoss Middleware, a solution for developing, deploying, and managing applications; integrating applications, data, and devices; and automating business processes in hybrid cloud environments; The company's application development-related and other technology solutions also includes Red Hat cloud offerings, a software solution that enables customers to build and manage various cloud computing environments; Red Hat Mobile, a software development platform that enables customers to develop, integrate, deploy, and manage mobile applications for enterprises; and Red Hat Storage, a software solution that enables customers to manage large, unstructured, or semi-structured data in hybrid cloud environments. It also provides consulting, support, and training services; and realtime operating system, distributed computing, directory services, and user authentication. Red Hat, Inc. has collaboration with Juniper Networks Expand to provide a unified solution for enterprises designed to manage and run applications and services. The company was formerly known as Red Hat Software, Inc. and changed its name to Red Hat, Inc. in June 1999. Red Hat, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Read More SGL Carbon SE engages in the manufacture and sale of carbon fiber and specialty graphite products in Germany, rest of Europe, the United States, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Australia. The company operates in two segments, Composites-Fibers & Materials; and Graphite Materials & Systems. It offers products for automotive industries, including body and main parts; body shell components; carbon-ceramic brake discs; battery solutions; friction materials; chassis components; gas diffusion layers and bipolar plates; vanes and rotors; sealing materials; bearing and mechanical seals; commuter discs and carbon brushes; and miscellaneous products, as well as materials for temperature management. The company also provides composite components that include prepregs and semi-finished textile fiber products for secondary structural components, which comprise floor panels, partition walls, and water/wastewater systems for aerospace industry; fuel cells for energy conversion, as well as for passenger cars and trains or ferries for zero emission mobile applications; and carbon fibers and semi-finished products based on glass and carbon fibers primarily developed for the production of rotor blades. In addition, it offers isostatic graphite to produce compound semiconductor layers; silicon carbide coatings for semiconductor production; and heat exchangers, columns, quenchers, pumps, and pipings, as well as sealing materials for process technology. SGL Carbon SE was founded in 1878 and is headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany. 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 Lennar: 360 Developers LLC, Alliance Financial Services Inc., Ann Arundel Farms Ltd., Aquaterra Utilities Inc., Arbor Mill Veteran Project 2018 LLC, Asbury Woods L.L.C., Astoria Options LLC, Autumn Creek Development Ltd., Aylon LLC, Azusa Associates LLC, B2 Milpitas LLC, BB Investment Holdings LLC, BCI Properties LLC, BMR Communities LLC, BMR Construction Inc., BMTD LLC, BPH I LLC, Bainebridge 249 LLC, Bay Colony Expansion 369 Ltd., Bellagio Lennar LLC, Belle Meade LEN Holdings LLC, Belle Meade Partners LLC, Black Mountain Ranch LLC, Blue Horizons Estates LLC, Bonterra Lennar LLC, Bramalea California Inc., Bressi Gardenlane LLC, Breton Park Lennar LLC, CAP IL 1 LLC, CL Ventures LLC, CML INACTIVE LLC, CML-MO HAF LLC, CML-MO HAF PARKING LLC, CP Block 6aS LLC, CP Block 8aS LLC, CP Block 9aS LLC, CP Center Apartments LLC, CP Center Garage LLC, CP Red Oak Partners Ltd., CP Vertical Development Co. 1 LLC, CP/HPS Development Co. GP LLC, CP/HPS Development Co.-C LLC, CPFE LLC, CPHP Development LLC, CalAtlantic Financial Services Inc., CalAtlantic Group, CalAtlantic Group Inc., CalAtlantic Homes of Arizona Inc., CalAtlantic Homes of Georgia Inc., CalAtlantic Homes of Texas Inc., CalAtlantic Homes of Washington Inc., CalAtlantic Mortgage Inc., CalAtlantic National Title Solutions LLC, CalAtlantic Title Agency LLC, CalAtlantic Title Group LLC, CalAtlantic Title Inc., CalAtlantic Title LLC, CalAtlantic Title of Maryland Inc., Camarillo Village Park LLC, Cambria L.L.C., Candlestick Retail Member LLC, Cardiovascular Medical Specialists LLC, Carolina Blue LLC, Carson 175 LLC, Cary Woods LLC, Casa Marina Development LLC, Central Park West Holdings LLC, Cherrytree II LLC, Club Bonterra Lennar LLC, Coco Palm 82 LLC, Colonial Heritage LLC, Columbia National Risk Retention Group Inc., Commonwealth Incentive Fee LLC, Concord Station LLP, Coventry L.L.C., Creekside Crossing L.L.C., Crest at Fondren Investor LLC, DBJ Holdings LLC, DCA Financial LLC, DTC Holdings of Florida LLC, Darcy-Joliet L.L.C., Durrell 33 LLC, EL Ventures LLC, EV LLC, Eagle Bend Commercial LLC, Eagle Home Mortgage LLC, Estates Seven LLC, Evergreen Village LLC, F&R QVI Home Investments USA LLC, FLORDADE LLC, Faria Preserve LLC, Fidelity Guaranty and Acceptance Corp., Fidelity Land LLC, Fox-Maple Associates LLC, Friendswood Development Company LLC, GDI MANAGER LLC, Garco Investments LLC, Greystone Construction Inc., Greystone Homes of Nevada Inc., Greystone Nevada Holdings LLC, Greystone Nevada LLC, Greywall Club L.L.C., HCC Investors LLC, HPS Development Co. LP, HPS Vertical Development Co. LLC, HPS Vertical Development Co.-B LP, HPS Vertical Development Co.-D/E LLC, HPS1 Block 1 LLC, HPS1 Block 48-1A LLC, HPS1 Block 48-1B LLC, HPS1 Block 48-2A LLC, HPS1 Block 48-2B LLC, HPS1 Block 48-3A LLC, HPS1 Block 48-3B LLC, HPS1 Block 50 LLC, HPS1 Block 51 LLC, HPS1 Block 52 LLC, HPS1 Block 53 LLC, HPS1 Block 54 LLC, HPS1 Block 55 LLC, HPS1 Block 56/57 LLC, HSP Arizona Inc., HTC Golf Club LLC, Hammocks Lennar LLC, Harbor Highlands Group LLC, Harveston LLC, Haverton L.L.C., Heathcote Commons LLC, Heritage Pkwy East Holdings LLC, Heritage of Auburn Hills L.L.C., Hewitts Landing Trustee LLC, Hingham Properties LLC, Huntley Venture L.L.C., Inactive Companies LLC, Independence L.L.C., Independence Orlando LLC, Isles at Bayshore Club LLC, KMC Real Estate Investors LLC, Kendall Hammocks Commercial LLC, Kentuckiana Medical Center LLC, Kingman Lennar LLC, LB/L Duc III Antioch 330 LLC, LCD Asante LLC, LCI Downtown Doral Investor LLC, LCI North DeKalb Investor GP LLC, LCI North DeKalb Investor LP LLC, LEN - Belle Meade LLC, LEN - OBS Windemere LLC, LEN - Palm Vista LLC, LEN BPT Investor LLC, LEN Mirada Investor LLC, LEN Notarize Investor LLC, LEN OT Holdings LLC, LEN Paradise Cable LLC, LEN Paradise Operating LLC, LEN-CG South LLC, LEN-Cypress Mill LLC, LEN-Ryan 1 LLC, LEN-Touchstone LLC, LENH I LLC, LENNAR HOMES OF TENNESSEE LLC, LFS Holding Company LLC, LH Eastwind LLC, LHI Renaissance LLC, LMC 10th & Acoma Holdings LP, LMC 144th and Grant Investor LLC, LMC 2401 Blake Street Holdings LLC, LMC 2401 Blake Street Investor LLC, LMC 360 Acoma Holdings LP, LMC 410 S Wabash Holdings LLC, LMC 808 Gateway Holdings LLC, LMC 808 Gateway Investor LLC, LMC 8th Avenue Apartment Investor LLC, LMC 990 Bannock Holdings LLC, LMC Axis Westminster Holdings LLC, LMC Axis Westminster Investor LLC, LMC Berry Hill Lofts Holdings LLC, LMC Berry Hill Lofts Investor LLC, LMC Block 42 Holdings LLC, LMC Build to Core III Investor LLC, LMC Build to Core III LLC, LMC Burnside Holdings LLC, LMC Burnside Investor LLC, LMC Chandler and McClintock Holdings LLC, LMC Charlestowne Holdings LLC, LMC Charlotte Ballpark Developer LLC, LMC Cityville Oak Park Holdings LLC, LMC Cityville Oak Park Investor LLC, LMC Cobalt Holdings LLC, LMC Costa Mesa Holdings LP, LMC Crest at Park West Holdings LP, LMC Denver Gateway I Investor LLC, LMC Denver Gateway II Holdings LLC, LMC Development LLC, LMC Downtown Doral South Holdings LLC, LMC Durham Gateway Holdings LP, LMC Evans School Holdings LLC, LMC Gateway Investor LLC, LMC Gateway Venture LLC, LMC Gilman Square Investor LLC, LMC Horton Street Holdings LLC, LMC Huntington Crossing Holdings LLC, LMC Inactive Companies LLC, LMC Lakeside Holdings LP, LMC Leya Holdings LLC, LMC Living Illinois LLC, LMC Living Inc., LMC Living LLC, LMC Living TRS LP, LMC Millenia Investor II LLC, LMC NE Minneapolis Lot 2 Holdings LLC, LMC New Bern Investor LLC, LMC North Park Holdings LP, LMC Parkfield Holdings LLC, LMC Parkfield Investor LLC, LMC Righters Ferry Holdings LLC, LMC River North Holdings LLC, LMC Spring Street Investor LLC, LMC Stonewall Station Investor LLC, LMC Triangle Square Investor LLC, LMC Venture Developer LLC, LMC Verbena Holdings LLC, LMC West Loop Investor LLC, LMCFX Investor LLC, LMCPNW Marymoor Holdings LLC, LMI - Jacksonville Investor LLC, LMI - South Kings Development Investor LLC, LMI - West Seattle Holdings LLC, LMI - West Seattle Investor LLC, LMI - West Seattle LLC, LMI Cell Tower Investors LLC, LMI City Walk Investor LLC, LMI Collegedale Investor LLC, LMI Collegedale LLC, LMI Contractors LLC, LMI Glencoe Dallas Investor LLC, LMI Lakes West Covina Investor LLC, LMI Largo Park Investor LLC, LMI Las Colinas Station LLC, LMI Naperville Investor LLC, LMI Pacific Tower LLC, LMI Park Central Two LLC, LMI Peachtree Corners Investor LLC, LMI Peachtree Corners LLC, LMI-JC Developer LLC, LMI-JC LLC, LMV 1640 Broadway REIT-DC LP, LMV 1701 Ballard REIT-DC LP, LMV 19H REIT-DC LP, LMV 2026 Madison REIT-DC LP, LMV 85 South Union REIT-DC LP, LMV ATown REIT-DC LP, LMV Annapolis REIT-DC LP, LMV Apache Terrace REIT-DC LP, LMV Block 42 REIT-DC LP, LMV Bloomington REIT-DC LP, LMV Bolingbrook REIT-DC LP (DE), LMV Central at McDowell REIT-DC LP, LMV East Village I REIT-DC LP, LMV Edina REIT-DC LP, LMV Fremont WS I REIT-DC LP, LMV Glisan REIT-DC LP, LMV Grand Bay REIT-DC LP, LMV II Grand Bay Pod V Holdings LP, LMV II Kierland Holdings LP, LMV II NoMo Holdings LP, LMV II Venture Developer LLC, LMV II Wynwood Holdings LP, LMV Kirkland REIT-DC LP, LMV Little Italy REIT-DC LP, LMV M Tower REIT-DC LP, LMV Millenia II REIT-DC LP, LMV Milpitas REIT-DC LP, LMV NE Minneapolis REIT-DC LP, LMV Oak Park REIT-DC LP, LMV One20Fourth REIT-DC LP, LMV QR Build to Core Manager LLC, LMV Rio Bravo REIT-DC LP, LMV Scottsdale Quarter REIT-DC LP, LMV Tysons REIT-DC LP, LMV Vallagio III REIT-DC LP, LMV Victory Block G REIT-DC LP, LMV Warren Street REIT-DC LP, LNC Communities II LLC, LNC Communities IV LLC, LNC Communities V LLC, LNC Communities VI LLC, LNC Communities VII LLC, LNC Communities VIII LLC, LNC Pennsylvania Realty Inc., LNC at Meadowbrook LLC, LNC at Ravenna LLC, LS College Park LLC, LS Terracina LLC, LV Opendoor Investor LLC, LV Opendoor JV LLC, LW D'Andrea LLC, Lagoon Valley Residential LLC, Lakelands at Easton L.L.C., Legends Club LLC, Legends Golf Club LLC, Len - Little Harbor LLC, Len FW Investor LLC, Len Paradise LLC, Len-Angeline LLC, Len-Hawks Point LLC, Len-Land LLC, Len-Land West LLC, Len-MN LLC, Len-Verandahs LLP, LenCom LLC, LenFive LLC, LenFive Opco GP LLC, LenFive Sub III LLC, LenFive Sub LLC, LenFive Sub Opco GP LLC, Lenalto CMBS LLC, Lencraft LLC, Lennar Aircraft I LLC, Lennar Arizona Construction Inc., Lennar Arizona Inc., Lennar Associates Management Holding Company, Lennar Associates Management LLC, Lennar Avenue One LLC, Lennar Berkeley LLC, Lennar Bevard LLC, Lennar Bridges LLC, Lennar Buffington Colorado Crossing L.P., Lennar Buffington Zachary Scott L.P., Lennar Carolinas LLC, Lennar Central Park LLC, Lennar Central Region Sweep Inc., Lennar Chicago Inc., Lennar Cobra LLC, Lennar Colgate Urban Renewal Development LLC, Lennar Colorado LLC, Lennar Colorado Minerals LLC, Lennar Commercial LLC, Lennar Communities Development Inc., Lennar Communities Inc., Lennar Communities Nevada LLC, Lennar Communities of Chicago L.L.C., Lennar Concord LLC, Lennar Construction Inc., Lennar Cory Road LLC, Lennar Courts LLC, Lennar Developers Inc., Lennar Ewing LLC, Lennar Financial Services LLC, Lennar Flamingo LLC, Lennar Fresno Inc., Lennar Gardens LLC, Lennar Georgia Inc., Lennar Greer Ranch Venture LLC, Lennar Heritage Fields LLC, Lennar Hingham Holdings LLC, Lennar Hingham JV LLC, Lennar Homes Holding LLC, Lennar Homes LLC, Lennar Homes NJ LLC, Lennar Homes of Arizona Inc., Lennar Homes of California Inc., Lennar Homes of Indiana Inc., Lennar Homes of Texas Land and Construction Ltd., Lennar Homes of Texas Sales and Marketing Ltd., Lennar Homes of Utah Inc., Lennar International Holding LLC, Lennar International LLC, Lennar Lakeside Investor LLC, Lennar Layton LLC, Lennar Living LLC, Lennar Lytle LLC, Lennar MF Holdings LLC, Lennar MPA LLC, Lennar MPA WIP LLC, Lennar Mare Island LLC, Lennar Marina A Funding LLC, Lennar Massachusetts Properties Inc., Lennar Middletown LLC, Lennar Monmouth Redevelopers LLC, Lennar Multifamily BTC Venture GP LLC, Lennar Multifamily BTC Venture GP Subsidiary LLC, Lennar Multifamily BTC Venture GP Victory Block G Mezz LLC, Lennar Multifamily BTC Venture II GP LLC, Lennar Multifamily BTC Venture II GP Subsidiary LLC, Lennar Multifamily BTC Venture II LP LLC, Lennar Multifamily BTC Venture II Manager LLC, Lennar Multifamily BTC Venture LP LLC, Lennar Multifamily BTC Venture Manager LLC, Lennar Multifamily Builders LLC, Lennar Multifamily Communities LLC, Lennar Multifamily Venture DC LP, Lennar New Jersey Holdings LLC, Lennar New Jersey Properties Inc., Lennar New York LLC, Lennar Northeast Properties LLC, Lennar Northwest Inc., Lennar OHB LLC, Lennar PI Acquisition LLC, Lennar PI Property Acquisition LLC, Lennar PIS Management Company LLC, Lennar Pacific Inc., Lennar Pacific Properties Inc., Lennar Pacific Properties Management Inc., Lennar Plumsted Urban Renewal LLC, Lennar Point LLC, Lennar QR Build to Core GP LLC, Lennar QR Build to Core LP LLC, Lennar Realty Inc., Lennar Reno LLC, Lennar Riverwalk LLC, Lennar Sacramento Inc., Lennar Sales Corp., Lennar Sierra Sunrise LLC, Lennar Spencer's Crossing LLC, Lennar Sun Ridge LLC, Lennar Texas Holding LLC, Lennar Ventures LLC, Lennar West Valley LLC, Lennar Winncrest LLC, Lennar at Franklin LLC, Lennar at Jackson LLC, Lennar at Marlboro 79 LLC, Lennar at Monroe LLC, Lennar.com Inc., Longleaf Acquisition LLC, Lori Gardens Associates II LLC, Lori Gardens Associates III LLC, Lori Gardens Associates L.L.C., Lorton Station LLC, Lyons Lennar Farms LLC, Madrona Ridge L.L.C., Madrona Village L.L.C., Madrona Village Mews L.L.C., Majestic Woods LLC, Maple and Broadway Holdings LLC, Menifee Development LLC, Mid-County Utilities Inc., Miralago West Lennar LLC, Mission Viejo 12S Venture LP, Mission Viejo Holdings Inc., Motomic Diagnostics LLC, Multibank 2009-1 CML-ADC Venture LLC, Multibank 2009-1 RES-ADC Venture LLC, NC Properties I LLC, NC Properties II LLC, North American Asset Development LLC, Northbridge L.L.C., OHC/Ascot Belle Meade LLC, One SR L.P., PD-Len Boca Raton LLC, PG Properties Holding LLC, POMAC LLC, PT Metro LLC, Pace Drive Holdings LLC, Palm Gardens At Doral Clubhouse LLC, Palm Gardens at Doral LLC, Palm Springs Classic LLC, Palm Vista Preserve LLC, Patuxent Infrastructure Inc., Pioneer Meadows Development LLC, Pioneer Meadows Investments LLC, Plaza Condominium Ventures LLC, Portside Marina Developers L.L.C., Portside SM Associates L.L.C., Portside SM Holdings L.L.C., Portside Shipyard Developers L.L.C., Prestonfield L.L.C., Quail Roost Lennar LLC, RCCF GP II LLC, RCCF GP III LLC, RCCF GP IV LLC, RCCF GP LLC, RES-FL EIGHT LLC, RES-FL SEVEN LLC, RES-FL VISION ONE LLC, RES-FL VISION TWO LLC, RES-GA CASCADE LLC, RES-GA DIAMOND MEADOWS LLC, RES-GA KAP LLC, RES-GA SOUTHERN PLANTATION LLC, RES-GA THIRTEEN LLC, RES-GA TWELVE LLC, RES-GA WEST LLC, RES-IL ONE LLC, RES-NC ONE LLC, RES-PA LSJ LLC, RES-PA POM LLC, RES-TX BOULEVARD LLC, RH Insurance Company Inc., RH MOA BBCMS 2017-C1 LLC, RH MOA CF 2017-C8 LLC, RH MOA LLC, RH MOA U 2017-C4 LLC, RH MOA U 2017-C6 LLC, RIAL 2014-LT5 CLASS B LLC, RIAL 2014-LT5 LLC, RL BB FINANCIAL LLC, RL BB INACTIVE LLC, RL BB-AL LLC, RL BB-FL ALHI LLC, RL BB-GA LLC, RL BB-GA RMH LLC, RL BB-IL LLC, RL BB-IN AA LLC, RL BB-IN KRE LLC, RL BB-IN KRE OP LLC, RL BB-IN KRE RE LLC, RL BB-MS LLC, RL BB-NC LLC, RL BB-OH LLC, RL BB-SC BROOKSA LLC, RL BB-SC CLR II LLC, RL BB-SC CLR III LLC, RL BB-SC CLR IV LLC, RL BB-SC CLR LLC, RL BB-SC CRRC LLC, RL BB-SC RACEDAY LLC, RL BB-TN BRISTOL LLC, RL BB-TN LLC, RL BB-TN RACEDAY TOWER LLC, RL BB-TX LLC, RL BB-WV LLC, RL CMBS Holdings LLC, RL CML 2009-1 Investments LLC, RL REGI ARKANSAS LLC, RL REGI Alabama LLC, RL REGI FINANCIAL LLC, RL REGI Florida LLC, RL REGI GEORGIA LLC, RL REGI INACTIVE LLC, RL REGI KANSAS LLC, RL REGI MISSISSIPPI LLC, RL REGI MISSOURI LLC, RL REGI NORTH CAROLINA LLC, RL REGI SOUTH CAROLINA LLC, RL REGI TENNESSEE LLC, RL REGI VIRGINIA LLC, RL REGI-AL HP LLC, RL REGI-AL VRC LLC, RL REGI-FL CRC LLC, RL REGI-FL ESH LLC, RL REGI-FL FT. PIERCE LLC, RL REGI-FL GDL LLC, RL REGI-FL ITALIA LLC, RL REGI-FL MRED LLC, RL REGI-FL RDI LLC, RL REGI-FL SARASOTA LLC, RL REGI-FL TPL LLC, RL REGI-FL VARC LLC, RL REGI-GA DRAD LLC, RL REGI-GA HAY DB LLC, RL REGI-GA MHU LLC, RL REGI-GA MPD LLC, RL REGI-GA RLR LLC, RL REGI-MO GMB LLC, RL REGI-MO MOSCOW MILLS LLC, RL REGI-MS Double H LLC, RL REGI-MS OCEAN SPRINGS LLC, RL REGI-NC CIL LLC, RL REGI-NC LITTLE WING LLC, RL REGI-NC MLD LLC, RL REGI-NC Mland LLC, RL REGI-NC RALEIGH LLC, RL REGI-NC SUGARM LLC, RL REGI-NM LLC, RL REGI-SC CTL LLC, RL REGI-SC LAKE E LLC, RL REGI-SC TDG LLC, RL REGI-SC TIG LLC, RL REGI-TN OAK LLC, RL REGI-TN SEVIERVILLE LLC, RL RES 2009-1 Investments LLC, RMF Alliance LLC, RMF Commercial LLC, RMF PR New York LLC, RMF Partner LLC, RMF SUB 1 LLC, RMF SUB 2 LLC, RMF SUB 3 LLC, RMF SUB 4 LLC, RMF SUB 5 LLC, RMV LLC, Raintree Village II L.L.C., Raintree Village L.L.C., Ral-Len BM LLC, Ral-Len LLC, Rannel Capital WeWork Series D LLC, Rannel Holdings LLC, Rannel Interests LLC, Rannel Investments LLC, Rannel Mortgage Investments LLC, Rannel Proprietary Investments LLC, Renaissance Joint Venture, Reserve @ Pleasant Grove II LLC, Reserve @ Pleasant Grove LLC, Reserve at River Park LLC, Reserve at South Harrison LLC, Rialto Commercial Mortgage Securities LLC, Rialto Credit Partnership GP LLC, Rialto Mezz Partners GP LLC, Rialto Mortgage Finance LLC, Rialto Partners GP II LLC, Rialto Partners GP III - Debt LLC, Rialto Partners GP III - Property LLC, Rialto Partners GP LLC, Rialto RSSF GP LLC, Riverwalk at Lago Mar LLC, Rocking Horse Minerals LLC, Rutenberg Homes Inc. (Florida), Rutenberg Homes of Texas Inc., Rye Hill Company LLC, Ryland Homes Nevada Holdings LLC, Ryland Homes Nevada LLC, Ryland Homes of California Inc., S. Florida Construction II LLC, S. Florida Construction III LLC, S. Florida Construction LLC, SC 521 Indian Land Reserve LLC, SC 521 Indian Land Reserve South LLC, SPIC CPCO Inc., SPIC CPDB Inc., SPIC CPRB Inc., SPIC Del Sur LLC, SPIC Dublin LLC, SPIC Mesa LLC, SPIC NC Fremont LLC, SPIC Otay LLC, SPIC Springs LLC, San Felipe Indemnity Co. Ltd., San Lucia LLC, San Simeon Lennar LLC, Schulz Ranch Developers LLC, Seminole/70th LLC, Siena at Old Orchard L.L.C., Sierra Vista Communities LLC, Silver Springs Lennar LLC, South Development LLC, Southbank Holding LLC, Spanish Springs Development LLC, St. Charles Active Adult Community LLC, St. Charles Community LLC, Standard Pacific 1 Inc., Standard Pacific Investment Corp., Standard Pacific of Colorado Inc., Standard Pacific of Florida, Standard Pacific of Florida GP Inc., Standard Pacific of Las Vegas Inc., Standard Pacific of Orange County Inc., Standard Pacific of Tampa GP, Standard Pacific of Tampa GP Inc., Standard Pacific of Tonner Hills LLC, Standard Pacific of Walnut Hills Inc., Standard Pacific of the Carolinas LLC, Stoney Holdings LLC, Storey Lake Club LLC, Storey Park Club LLC, Strategic Holdings Inc., Strategic Technologies LLC, Summerfield Venture L.L.C., SunStreet Energy Group LLC, SunStreet Manager LLC, TCO QVI LLC, TICD Hold Co. LLC, TIH Hold Co. LLC, Talega Associates LLC, Temecula Valley LLC, Terra Division LLC, Terra/Winding Creek LLC, The Baywinds Land Trust, The Bridges Club at Rancho Santa Fe Inc., The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe Sales Company Inc., The LNC Northeast Group Inc., The Oasis Club at LEN-CG South LLC, The Preserve at Coconut Creek LLC, The Vistas Club at LEN-CG South LLC, Titlezoom Company, Treasure Island Holdings LLC, Treasure Island Member LLC, Treviso Holding LLC, Two Lakes Lennar LLC, U.S. Home Corporation, U.S. Home Realty Inc., U.S. Home of Arizona Construction Co., U.S. Insurors Inc., U.S.H. Realty Inc., UAMC Holding Company LLC, UB 2018C14 MOA LLC, USH - Flag LLC, USH Equity Corporation, USH LEE LLC, USH Leasing II LLC, USH Leasing LLC, UST Lennar HW Scala SF Joint Venture, VII Crown Farm Investor LLC, Venetian Lennar LLC, Vineyard Land LLC, Vineyard Point 2009 LLC, Vista Palms Clubhouse LLC, WCI Communities, WCI Communities Inc., WCI Communities LLC, WCI Towers Northeast USA Inc., WCI Westshore LLC, WCP LLC, WIP Lennar OHB LLC, Waterview at Hanover LLC, West Lake Village LLC, West Seattle Project X LLC, West Van Buren L.L.C., Westchase Inc., Westchase Ltd., Westfield Homes USA Inc., White Course Lennar LLC, Wild Plum JV LLC, Willowbrook Investors LLC, Winncrest Natomas LLC, Woodbridge Multifamily Developer I LLC, Wright Farm L.L.C., and YLRichards4Acres 2015 LLC. The following companies are subsidiares of Aptiv: A.E. Enterprises LLC, APTIVPORT SERVICES S.A., Alambrados y Circuitos Electricos S. de R.L. de C.V., Antaya Technologies, Antaya Technologies Asia Ltd., Antaya Technologies Corp., Aptiv (China) Holding Company Limited, Aptiv (China) Technology Company Limited, Aptiv (Shanghai) International Management Company Ltd., Aptiv (UK) Holdings Limited, Aptiv Asia Pacific Holdings (UK) LLP, Aptiv China Holdings (US) LLC, Aptiv Components (Shanghai) Company Limited, Aptiv Components India Private Ltd., Aptiv Connection Systems (Nantong) Ltd., Aptiv Connection Systems (Shanghai) Ltd., Aptiv Connection Systems Holding Deutschland GmbH, Aptiv Connection Systems Holding Hong Kong Limited, Aptiv Connection Systems Holdings (US) LLC, Aptiv Connection Systems Hungary Kft, Aptiv Connection Systems India Private Limited, Aptiv Connection Systems Korea LLC, Aptiv Connection Systems Services Austria GmbH, Aptiv Connection Systems Services Italia S.P.A., Aptiv Connection Systems Services Japan Ltd., Aptiv Contract Services Ciudad Juarez S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Contract Services Matamoros S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Contract Services Noreste S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Contract Services Nuevo Laredo S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Contract Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Contract Services Sweden AB, Aptiv Contract Services Tamaulipas S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Contract Services Tijuana S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Contract Services Zacatecas S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Contract Services d.o.o. Leskovac, Aptiv Contract Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Corporation, Aptiv Electrical Centers (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Aptiv Electronics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Aptiv European Holdings (UK) Limited, Aptiv Financial Holdings (UK) LLP, Aptiv Financial Investment Services (UK) Limited, Aptiv Financial Management LLC, Aptiv Financial Services (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Aptiv Financial Services (UK) Limited, Aptiv Global Financial Services (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Aptiv Global Financing Limited, Aptiv Global Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Aptiv Global Holdings (UK) Limited, Aptiv Global Holdings 2 (Luxembourg) S.ar.l, Aptiv Global Holdings Limited, Aptiv Global Investments UK LLP, Aptiv Global Investments UK LLP Luxembourg Branch, Aptiv Global Operations Limited, Aptiv Global Real Estate Services (US) LLC, Aptiv Holdfi (UK) Limited, Aptiv Holding Company LLC, Aptiv Holdings (Austria) GmbH, Aptiv Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Aptiv Holdings (UK) Limited, Aptiv Holdings (US) LLC, Aptiv Holdings Asia Pacific (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Aptiv Holdings Deutschland GmbH, Aptiv Holdings France SAS, Aptiv Holdings Limited, Aptiv Holdings Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Holdings US Limited, Aptiv International Company LLC, Aptiv International Financial Services (UK) LLP, Aptiv International Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Aptiv International Holdings (UK) LLP, Aptiv International Holdings (US) LLC, Aptiv International Holdings 2 (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Aptiv International Holdings UK Two LLP, Aptiv International Operations Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Aptiv International Services Company LLC, Aptiv Korea LLC, Aptiv Latin America Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Aptiv Latin America Holdings (UK) LLP, Aptiv Luxembourg Financial Services S.a r.l., Aptiv Luxembourg Holdings (UK) Limited, Aptiv Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Aptiv Malta Holdings Limited, Aptiv Manufactura e Servicos de Distribuicao Ltda., Aptiv Manufacturing Management Services S.a r.l., Aptiv Medical Systems LLC, Aptiv Mexican Holdings (US) LLC, Aptiv Mobility Services Austria MAT GmbH, Aptiv Mobility Services Deutschland GmbH, Aptiv Mobility Services Japan Ltd., Aptiv Mobility Services d.o.o. Novi Sad, Aptiv Properties Management Services (US) LLC, Aptiv S&P Mobility Services Spain S.L., Aptiv S&P Solutions Holdings (Spain) S.L., Aptiv Safety & Mobility Services Singapore Pte. Ltd., Aptiv Safety Services Deutschland GmbH, Aptiv Services 2 France SAS, Aptiv Services 2 US Inc., Aptiv Services 3 (US) LLC, Aptiv Services 4 US LLC, Aptiv Services 5 US LLC, Aptiv Services Austria GPD. GmbH & Co KG, Aptiv Services Belgium N.V., Aptiv Services Czech s.r.o., Aptiv Services Deutschland GmbH, Aptiv Services Honduras S. de R.L. de C.V., Aptiv Services Hungary Kft., Aptiv Services Italia S.r.l., Aptiv Services Macedonia DOOEL Skopje, Aptiv Services Netherlands B.V., Aptiv Services Poland S.A., Aptiv Services Tunisia Sarl, Aptiv Services UK Limited, Aptiv Services US LLC, Aptiv Services Ukraine LLC, Aptiv Technologies Limited, Aptiv Technology Services & Solutions S.R.L., Aptiv Trade Management Services (US) LLC, Aptiv Turkey Teknoloji Hizmetleri Limited Sirketi, Aptiv UK Pension Trustees Limited, Aptiv US Operations Holdings LLC, Aptiv US Services General Partnership, Arcomex S.A. de C.V., Arneses Electricos Automotrices S.A. de C.V., Auburn Enterprises LLC, Autoensambles y Logistica S.A. de C.V., Cablena S.L., Centro Tecnico Herramental S. de R.L. de C.V., Control Tec LLC, Control-Tec LLC, Cordaflex Espana S.A., Cordaflex S.A. de C.V., Daehan Electronics Yantai Co. Ltd., Delphi Automotive Systems Maroc S.A., Delphi Connection Systems Morocco S.A.S., Delphi Packard Kenitra S.A., Delphi Packard Meknes, Delphi Packard Moldova Noua S.R.L., Delphi Packard Tanger SA, Falmat Inc., Gabocom Ltd, Gabocom Sarl, Gabriel de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Harwich Holding GmbH, Harwich Holdings LLC, Harwich Holdings SAS, HellermannTyton (Proprietary) Limited, HellermannTyton (Wuxi) Electrical Accessories Company Limited, HellermannTyton AB, HellermannTyton AB Branch Office, HellermannTyton AS, HellermannTyton Alpha S.a r.l., HellermannTyton Australia Pty Ltd, HellermannTyton BV, HellermannTyton Beta S.a r.l., HellermannTyton Canada Inc., HellermannTyton Co. Ltd, HellermannTyton Corporation, HellermannTyton Data Limited, HellermannTyton Engineering GmbH, HellermannTyton Espana SL, HellermannTyton Finance PLC, HellermannTyton GmbH (Austria), HellermannTyton GmbH (Germany), HellermannTyton Group PLC, HellermannTyton Holdings AB, HellermannTyton Holdings Limited, HellermannTyton Kft, HellermannTyton Limited, HellermannTyton Limited Branch Office, HellermannTyton Ltda, HellermannTyton Manufacturas S. de R.L. de C.V., HellermannTyton Maroc S.ar.l., HellermannTyton OOO, HellermannTyton Private Limited, HellermannTyton Pte Limited, HellermannTyton Rohvel SL, HellermannTyton S. de R.L. de C.V., HellermannTyton SAS, HellermannTyton Services GmbH, HellermannTyton Services SARL AU, HellermannTyton Srl, HellermannTyton YH, HellermannTyton sp. z.o.o., Hellermanntyton Group, Hellermanntyton Morocco SARL AU, Inmobiliaria Marlis S.A., Inmuebles Wagon S.A., Interessengemeinschaft fur Rundfunkschutzrechte GmbH, Interessengemeinschaft fur Rundfunkschutzrechte GmbH Schutzrechtsverwertung & Co. KG, KUM Co. Ltd., KUM LLC, KUMAP Co. Ltd., Movimento (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Movimento Europe GmbH, Movimento Group, Movimento Group AB, Movimento Inc., Movimento International S. de R.L. de C.V., Noteco Comercio e Participacoes Ltda., On-Site Limited, Ottomatika, Ottomatika Inc., PT Aptiv Components Indonesia, Phoenix Assets Holdings Ltd., Pipe Holding GmbH, Potio Holding GmbH, ProSTEP Produktions Technologie AG, Productos Delco de Chihuahua S. de R.L. de C.V., PureDepth, PureDepth Inc., PureDepth Incorporated Limited, PureDepth Limited, Rebafin GmbH, Rio Bravo Electricos S. de R.L. de C.V., Staeng Limited, Tyson Intermediate Holdco Corp., Tyson Upper Intermediate Holdco Corp., Unterstutzungsgesellschaft mbH Delphi Deutschland, Unwired Holdings Inc., Unwired Technology, WF Global (BVI) Limited, WF Global (HK) Limited, Winchester Holding Inc., Winchester Interconnect, Winchester Interconnect (M) Sdn. Bhd., Winchester Interconnect (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Winchester Interconnect (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Winchester Interconnect CM Corporation, Winchester Interconnect Cable Assemblies LLC, Winchester Interconnect Corporation, Winchester Interconnect Hermetics LLC, Winchester Interconnect RF Corporation, Winchester Interconnect Ruggedized Corporation, YanCheng SeMyung Electronics Co. Ltd., gabo Systemtechnik, gabo Systemtechnik GmbH, nuTonomy, nuTonomy Asia Pte. Ltd., and nuTonomy Inc.. The following companies are subsidiares of Procter & Gamble: "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, Agile Pursuits, Agile Pursuits Franchising, Arbora, Arbora & Ausonia, Arborinvest, Billie, Braun (Shanghai) Co., Braun GmbH, Braun-Gillette Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, Celtic Insurance Company, Compania Procter & Gamble Mexico, Compania Quimica S.A., Corporativo Procter & Gamble, Cosmetic Products Pty. Ltd., Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., Eurocos Cosmetic GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Fater S.p.A., Fountain Square Music Publishing Co., Gillette (China) Ltd., Gillette (Shanghai) Ltd., Gillette Aesop Ltd., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette Canada Holdings, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Gruppe Deutschland GmbH & Co. oHG, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Nova Scotia Company, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Poland S.A., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay, Giorgio Beverly Hills Inc., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, LLC "Procter & Gamble Novomoskovsk", LLL "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", Laboratorios Vicks, Liberty Street Music Publishing Company, Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', Limited Liability Company with foreign investments Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, New Chapter, New Chapter Canada Inc., Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G Prestige Service GmbH, P&G South African Trading (Pty.) Ltd., PGT Health Care (Zhejiang) Limited, PGT Healthcare LLP, PPI ZAO, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Procter & Gamble (Chengdu) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (East Africa) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Egypt) Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble (Enterprise Fund) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Health & Beauty Care) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Jiangsu) Ltd. China, Procter & Gamble (L&CP) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble (Manufacturing) Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble (Shanghai) International Trade Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Acquisition GmbH, Procter & Gamble Administration GmbH, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chile , Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Commercial de Cuba S.A., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent (Beijing) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deuttschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing (Philippines) Inc., Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company (Europe) BVBA, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana, Procter & Gamble Europe SA, Procter & Gamble Export Operations SARL, Procter & Gamble Exportadora e Importadora Ltda., Procter & Gamble Exports, Procter & Gamble Fabricacao e Comercio Ltda., Procter & Gamble Far East, Procter & Gamble Finance (U.K.) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Procter & Gamble Hellas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holdings (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership (KKT), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings, Procter & Gamble Indochina Limited Company, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama, Procter & Gamble International Operations Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Investment Company (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment GmbH, Procter & Gamble Italia, Procter & Gamble Japan K.K., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea, Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble Lanka Private Ltd. Sri Lanka, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Marketing and Services doo, Procter & Gamble Maroc SA, Procter & Gamble Mataro, Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Investments B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Nordic, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan (Private) Limited, Procter & Gamble Partnership LLP, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals France SAS, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo, Procter & Gamble Product Supply (U.K.) Limited U.K., Procter & Gamble Production GmbH, Procter & Gamble Productions, Procter & Gamble Productos de Consumo, Procter & Gamble RHD, Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services BVBA, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Satis ve Dagitim Ltd. Sti., Procter & Gamble Seine S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services (Switzerland) SA, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Share Incentive Plan Trustee Ltd., Procter & Gamble South America Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. (Ltd.), Procter & Gamble Sports and Social Club Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology (Beijing) Co., Procter & Gamble Trading (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Verwaltungs GmbH, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil S/A, Procter & Gamble do Brazil, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Redmond Products, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Richardson-Vicks do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica Ltda, Riverfront Music Publishing Co., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Scannon S.A.S., Series Acquisition B.V., Shulton, Surfac S.R.L., Sycamore Productions, TAOS - FL, TAOS Retail, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving - FL, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble GBS Company, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon (Shanghai) Academy, Vidal Sassoon Co., WEBA Betriebsrenten-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Walker & Company Brands, and iMFLUX Inc.. 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. GlaxoSmithKline Plc is a healthcare company, which engages in the research, development, and manufacture of pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. It operates through the following segments: Pharmaceuticals; Pharmaceuticals R&D; Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare. The Pharmaceuticals segment focuses on developing medicines in respiratory and infectious diseases, oncology, and immuno-inflammation. The Pharmaceuticals R&D segment focuses on science related to the immune system, the use of human genetics and advanced technologies, and is driven by the multiplier effect of Science x Technology x Culture. The Vaccines segment produces pediatric and adult vaccines to prevent a range of infectious diseases including, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, typhoid, influenza, and bacterial meningitis. The Consumer Healthcare segment develops and markets brands in the oral health, pain relief, respiratory, nutrition and gastro intestinal, and skin health categories. The company was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Middlesex, the United Kingdom. Read More United Technologies Corporation provides technology products and services to building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. Its Otis segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; and offers modernization products to upgrade elevators and escalators, as well as maintenance and repair services. The company's Carrier segment provides heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation products, solutions, and services for commercial, government, infrastructure, residential, and refrigeration and transportation applications. This segment also offers building services, including audit, design, installation, system integration, repair, maintenance, and monitoring. Its Pratt & Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation markets; and provides aftermarket maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as fleet management services. The company's Collins Aerospace Systems segment provides electric power generation, power management, and distribution systems; air data and aircraft sensing systems; engine control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems; engine components; environmental control systems; fire and ice detection, and protection systems; propeller systems; engine nacelle systems; aircraft lighting, seating, and cargo systems; actuation and landing systems; space products and subsystems; avionics systems; flight controls, communications, navigation, oxygen, and training systems; food and beverage preparation, and storage and galley systems; and lavatory and wastewater management systems. The company offers its services through manufacturers' representatives, distributors, wholesalers, dealers, retail outlets, and sales representatives, as well as directly to customers. United Technologies Corporation was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut. 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.. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. is an international offshore energy company. It focuses on subsea construction, maintenance and salvage services to the offshore natural gas and oil industry. The firm also provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry, with a focus on well intervention and robotics operations. The company operates through three segments: Well Intervention, Robotics and Production Facilities. The Well Intervention segment offers vessels and related equipment that are used to perform well intervention services primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and North Sea regions. The Robotics segment involves four chartered vessels and also includes ROVs, trenchers and ROVDrills designed to complement offshore construction and well intervention services. The Production Facilities segment includes its investment in the Helix Producer I and Kommandor LLC. Helix Energy Solutions Group was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Houston, TX. Read More Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. provides marine transportation, oil production, storage, long-distance towing and offshore installation, and maintenance and safety services for the oil industry. It operates in six segments: Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO); Shuttle Tanker; Floating Storage and Off-Take (FSO); Unit for Maintenance and Safety (UMS); Towage and Offshore Installation Vessels; and Conventional Tanker. The company serves customers in offshore oil regions of the North Sea, Brazil, and the East Coast of Canada. As at December 31, 2018, it had a fleet of 35 shuttle tankers, 2 chartered-in vessels, 1 HiLoad dynamic positioning unit, 8 FPSO units, 6 FSO units, 10 long-distance towage and offshore installation vessels, 1 UMS, and 2 chartered-in conventional oil tankers. Teekay Offshore GP L.L.C. serves as the general partner of Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. The company was founded in 2006 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda. Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. is a subsidiary of Brookfield TK TOLP L.P. Read More EVRAZ Plc is a holding company, which engages in the production and distribution of steel, vanadium, and coal products. It operates through the following segments: Steel, Steel North America, Coal, and Other Operations. The Steel segment offers steel and related products; vanadium products; extraction of vanadium ore; and iron ore mining. The Steel North America segment produces steel and related products in the US and Canada. The Coal segment covers coal mining and enrichment. The Other Operations segment consists of energy-generating, shipping, and railway transportation firms. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Wells Fargo & Co. is a diversified, community-based financial services company. It is engaged in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance. It firm operates through the following segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, Wealth & Investment Management, and Other. The Community Banking segment offers complete line of diversified financial products and services for consumers and small businesses including checking and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, and automobile, student, and small business lending. The Wholesale Banking segment provides financial solutions to businesses across the United States and globally. The Wealth and Investment Management segment includes personalized wealth management, investment and retirement products and services to clients across U.S. based businesses. The Other segment refers to the products of WIM customers served through community banking distribution channels. The company was founded by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo on March 18, 1852 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. 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. The following companies are subsidiares of World Fuel Services: AHT Services LLC, ANY-G B.V., ANY-G Services B.V., AVCARD Holding Company (BVI) Ltd., AVCARD Services (BVI) Ltd., Advance Petroleum LLC, Air Petro Corp., Alta Fuels Llc, Alta Transportation LLC, Altitude Ventures Holding Inc., Amelia Holding AB, Amsterdam Software B.V., Ascent Aviation Group Inc., Associated Petroleum Products, Associated Petroleum Products Inc, Avinode AB, Avinode Aktiebolag, Avinode Group AB, Avinode Inc., Baseops International Inc., Bergen Energi AB, Bunkerfuels, CarterEnergy Corporation, Casa Petro S.R.L., Chrome Club Inc., Colt Aviation Holdings LLC, Colt International, Colt International Europe SARL, Colt International LLC, Colt International das Americas Servicos de Aviacao Ltda., Colt Risk Management Services LLC, Ecuacentair Cia. Ltda., Energie-Tankdienstgesellschaft Bremen mbH, Falmouth Oil Services Limited, Falmouth Petroleum Limited, Gib Oil Limited, Hellenic Aviation Fuel Company S.A., Henty Oil Limited, Henty Shipping Services Limited, Indianhead Oil, JCP Brazil LLC, K T M Inc., KTM Inc, Kinect Consulting LLC, Kinect Energy AS, Kinect Energy Denmark A/S, Kinect Energy France Sarl, Kinect Energy Germany GmbH, Kinect Energy Green Services AS, Kinect Energy Hungary Kft, Kinect Energy Inc., Kinect Energy Markets AS, Kinect Energy Netherlands B.V., Kinect Energy Pty Limited, Kinect Energy Spot AS, Kinect Energy Sweden AB, Kinect Energy UK Limited, LFO Holdings Limited, Lakeside Oil Company Inc, Linton Fuel Oils Limited, MH Aviation Services (Pty) Ltd., MS Europe B.V., MS Lebanon LLC., MS Technology Solutions Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, MSTS Consorzio, MSTS Holding LLC, MSTS Payments LLC, Marine Energy, Multi Service Aero B.V., Multi Service Comercio S. de R.L. de C.V., Multi Service Egypt, Multi Service Holding B.V., Multi Service Middle East FZ-LLC, Multi Service Pre Paid Solutions B.V., Multi Service Private Label B.V., Multi Service Pty Limited, Multi Service Singapore PTE. LTD., Multi Service Technology Solutions, Multi Service Technology Solutions Inc., Multi Service Technology Solutions Inc. / Jordan LLC, Multi Service US Holding LLC, NCS Fuel IQ Limited, NCS UK Holding Co. Limited, NCS US Inc., Nature Port Reception Facilities Limited, Nordic Camp Supply ApS, Nordic Camp Supply B.V., Nordic Camp Supply Estonia OU, Norse Bunker AS, Oil Shipping (Bunkering) B.V., Oil Shipping Korea Limited, Orchard (Holdings) UK Limited, Orchard Energy Limited, PAPCO Inc., PAX Distribution LLC, PT Oil Shipping Trans Indonesia, PT Servicios de Guatemala Limitada, Papco, PayNode AB, Pester Marketing Company, Petro Air Corp, PetroServicios de Costa Rica S.R.L., Petromundo Internacional S.R.L., Redline Oil Services Limited, Resource Recovery of America Inc., SchedAero Inc., Schedaero AB, Servicios Auxiliares de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Servicios Ecuatorianos de Energia-Secsa CIA. LTDA, Servicios WFSE Ecuador C.L., Servicios de Combustible Atlanticos S.R.L, Shell Oil Gibraltar, South Minnesota Lubes, TGS Petroleum Inc, TM Hawkins Brazil LLC, Tamlyn Shipping Limited, Tank and Marine Engineering Limited, Texor Petroleum Company, The Hiller Group Incorporated, The Lubricant Company Limited, Tobras Distribuidora de Combustiveis Ltda., Tramp Group Limited, Tramp Holdings Limited, Tramp Oil & Marine (Argentina) S.R.L., Tramp Oil & Marine (Chile) Limitada, Tramp Oil & Marine Limited, Tramp Oil (Brasil) Ltda., Tramp Oil Germany GmbH, Tramp Oil-Schiffahrts-und Handelsgesellschaft mbH & Co., Trans-Tec Mundial S.R.L., U.S. Energy Engineering Inc., U.S. Energy Services Inc., UVair fuel business, WF Lubricants S.L., WFL (UK) II Limited, WFL (UK) Limited, WFL Mozambique LDA, WFS & J Company Limited, WFS (Guam) Limited, WFS Agencia de Naves Limitada, WFS Commercial Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., WFS Danish Holding Company I ApS, WFS Danish Holding Partnership K/S, WFS UK Holding Company II Limited, WFS UK Holding Company III Limited, WFS UK Holding Partnership II LP, WFS UK Holding Partnership III LP, WFS UK Holding Partnership LP, WFS US Holding Company I LLC, WFS US Holding Company II LLC, WFS US Holding Company III LLC, WFS US Holding Company IV LLC, WFS US Holding Company IX LLC, WFS US Holding Company V LLC, WFS US Holding Company VI LLC, WFS US Holding Company VII LLC, WFS US Holding Company VIII LLC, WFS US Holding Company X LLC, Watson Petroleum, Western Aviation Products LLC, Western Petroleum Company, Wilhelmsen Marine Fuels (WMF), World Fuel CX LLC, World Fuel Capital Limited, World Fuel Cayman Holding Company I, World Fuel Cayman Holding Company III, World Fuel Cayman Holding Company IV, World Fuel Cayman Holding Company V, World Fuel Commodities Services (Ireland) Limited, World Fuel Gas and Power Limited, World Fuel PG Trading Limited, World Fuel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd, World Fuel Services (Bahamas) LLC, World Fuel Services (Costa Rica) Limitada, World Fuel Services (Denmark) ApS, World Fuel Services (Hong Kong) Limited, World Fuel Services (KG) LLC, World Fuel Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., World Fuel Services (New Zealand) Limited, World Fuel Services (Panama) Limited Liability Company Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, World Fuel Services (Singapore) II Pte. Ltd., World Fuel Services (Singapore) Pte Ltd, World Fuel Services (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, World Fuel Services (Taiwan) Limited, World Fuel Services (Uruguay) S.A., World Fuel Services Argentina S.R.L., World Fuel Services Aviation Limited, World Fuel Services Belgium BVBA, World Fuel Services CZ s.r.o., World Fuel Services Canada ULC, World Fuel Services Chile Limitada, World Fuel Services Company LLC, World Fuel Services Corporate Aviation Support Services Inc., World Fuel Services Europe Ltd., World Fuel Services European Holding Company I Ltd., World Fuel Services Finance Company S.a.r.L., World Fuel Services France SAS, World Fuel Services Inc., World Fuel Services International (Panama) LLC, World Fuel Services Italy S.r.L., World Fuel Services Japan G.K., World Fuel Services Kenya Limited, World Fuel Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., World Fuel Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited, World Fuel Services Peru S.R.L., World Fuel Services Private Limited, World Fuel Services Regulatory Holdings LLC, World Fuel Services Trading DMCC, World Fuel Services Turkey Petrol Urunleri Dagitim Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, World Fuel Singapore Holding Company I Pte Ltd, World Fuel Singapore Holding Company II Pte Ltd, and Yacht Fuel Services Limited. MOHAWK, N.Y.- State Police arrested 28 year old Joseph W. Palmieri, from Mohawk, NY for Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors 1st degree, Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. An investigation by State Police Computer Crime Unit began after images consistent with child pornography were uploaded by Palmieri to a social media platform. State Police were assisted by members of the Child Advocacy Center of Herkimer County. Palmieri was arraigned in the town of German Flatts Court and was remanded to the Herkimer County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000.00 cash or $40,000.00 bond. He is scheduled back in the town of German Flatts Court on November 5, 2018 at 3:30 PM. NEW INFORMATION- Officials with the Utica Police department arrested and charged a man in connection to the shooting that happened at 109 Clinton Place Friday afternoon. Police arrested and charged Herman Jefferson, 44, of Utica with Assault 2nd (F) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (F). Additional charges may be considered. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UTICA- Officials with the Utica Police Department confirmed a male was shot in the leg at 109 Clinton place on Friday afternoon. Police said at 2:30 p.m. on Friday there was an argument between two males at the residence and one male was shot in the leg and transported to St. Elizabeth. The suspect was identified on scene and arrested and will be charged. NEW INFORMATION- Utica Police located the suspect they believe to be involved in a shooting at 912 Saratoga Street. Police said the suspect is a 16-year-old juvenile whose name and charges will not be released. According to police, the 16-year-old shot a 30-year-old man in the leg. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UTICA- Utica Police confirmed a male was shot in the leg on Saratoga Street Friday night. Police said a male was shot once in the thigh and was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing. Canastota, N.Y. - White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was supposed to be in Canastota Saturday morning at Congresswoman Claudia Tenney's 'Get Out The Vote' event, but due to inclement weather at the Syracuse International Airport, her plane have to be diverted to JFK in New York City. Tenney supporter Neil Nirelli of Canastota says the last minute diversion didn't dampen the spirits of Tenney's supporters, especially since the crowd of about 200 got to see and hear Huckabee Sanders via Skype, "The atmosphere was great, everybody was high, everybody liked what was going on and I love her. And when she announced that she couldn't appear I didnt see anybody, nobody was really disappointed, they really wanted to see her but we were glad that we got to see her on Skype." The event was held at CFR Paving in Canastota. Tenney likes to hold her rallies at small businesses because she says those are her roots. She and her family have owned a small business for decades. Huckabee Sanders told the crowd that Tenney is devoted to her district, "All of you have come out today and I am incredibly amazed at the sheer number of individuals that were there to come out and support her. She has somebody that is so dedicated and so willing to work for you and your district." Tenney says you may also be hearing from President Trump in the next two days as he has recorded a robocall for her. Tenney also emphasized to her supporters that this is a Get Out The Vote rally, "This is a really important election. And we just want to make sure that you understand that weve got to get our voters out. If we get our voters out, were going to win this race, probably save the House. The seat is one of the most important, everyones watching it." Huckabee Sanders did drive up from New York City to the Binghamton area to join Tenney at her afternoon Get Out The Vote rally in Endicott. MIAMI COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) Indiana State Troopers gathered Friday afternoon with the family and friends of a fallen comrade. A dedication ceremony for the Trooper Robert Lather Memorial Mile brought together different generations of troopers and the late trooper's loved ones. Trooper Lather was killed in an automobile accident in Miami County on July 6th, 1982 and his memorial mile will take the 174 to 175 mile markers on U.S 31. Sergeant Tony Slocum spoke about how important it is that the family of the fallen trooper was able to be a part of the ceremony. And how Trooper Lather's memory will not be forgotten. We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never repay, but at least today we can perpetuate his memory when thousands upon thousands of people drive down U.S. 31, said Slocum. Trooper Lather was the 28th Indiana State Police officer to die in the line of duty, and his memorial is the next step in remembering those that have fallen. PERU, Ind. (WLFI) There may be several months until Spring but poppies have begun to bloom in the Miami County Courthouse lawn in Peru. The poppies, which have been handmade and painted, will be placed by various community organizations to honor all of the fifteen-hundred-plus World War One veterans with ties to Miami County. Local schools kicked the poppy planting off by sending groups of students to begin the week-long installation project. Project manager, Alexandira Blong, spoke about the importance of the community coming together to create what will be the largest community art installation to happen for the county. We are a military based community, and veterans all over the world need to be celebrated for their service, said Blong. See the completely decorated courthouse lawn at 25 N Broadway in Peru during the Miami County Armistice Day celebration on November 10th. Second Moscow conference on Afghanistan settlement will take place in the Russian capital on Nov. 9, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has decided to send a delegation of the countrys Highest Council of Peace, a statement by the ministry said. It said a delegation of the Talibans political office in Doha will also take part in the meeting. Invitations have also been sent to the U.S., Pakistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the statement added. The meeting will be held on the level of the deputy foreign ministers and special envoys, it said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will address the participants before the meeting. Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 News 12 @ 6 oclock / NBC 26 at 7 AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Come rain or shine, or slippery floor voters are turning out to the polls in record fashion. Ann Black said she felt her vote was necessary, "Well, I just recently started voting and I felt like I just had to. Some say its never been easier. "Very easy and smooth this is probably the best experience I have had in my day," said Clayton Huntley. Others, like Riyoko Tsukinata, came with headphones and her fiance. I am visually impaired, its kind of difficult, she tells News 12. But some voters are concerned their pending status as registered Georgia voters will keep them from weighing in. "If your status is pending it simply means that something hasn't matched up, said Lynn Bailey, Elections Director, Richmond County. The elections director in Richmond county says a pending status is rarely ever a damning as it seems. For 99% of them that can be solved by bringing your photo ID, she says. There are; more than 3,000 Georgia voters who are left on pending after being inaccurately flagged as non-citizens. A new court order filed today in the case against Republican candidate for governor and current secretary of state Brian Kemp says county elections officials now have to let those people vote if they show proof of citizenship when they arrive at the polls. Georgians voting in a race at a dead heat are unsurprisingly in agreement on one thing. "Get off your tail and come in here to vote because it is very important and your vote is needed, Ann Black says. "Get up off of it and vote." Its a great idea to read the ballot before heading out to cast your vote. There are a lot of questions and the wording can be confusing. Voters can visit the My Voter page and study it first. The board of Elections says they will send you a copy of the sample ballot too if you are not able to find it. US National Security Adviser John Bolton announced an escalation of US sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela during a bellicose speech delivered in Miami on Thursday to an invitation-only audience of right-wing exiles and Republican functionaries. Boltons speech on the Trump administrations policy toward Latin America amounted to a demand for regime change in Cuba and Venezuela, as well as Nicaragua, and a naked assertion of US dominance over the hemisphere, with repeated statements concerning behavior that Washington would not tolerate on the part of countries to the south of the US border. Coming just five days before the US midterm elections, the speech was unquestionably part of the Trump administrations drive to turn out its base, which in Florida includes Cuban exile organizations that have been based in Miami since the 1959 revolution that overthrew the US-backed dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. While Boltons bombastic rhetoric was no doubt intended to throw out red meat to his reactionary audience, it also provided a genuine expression of Washingtons increasingly aggressive and militaristic policy toward Latin America. He labelled Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua the Troika of Tyranny, a deliberate imitation of George W. Bushs axis of evil rhetoric that was employed during the launching of protracted and continuing US wars in the Middle East. He continued, declaring that this triangle of terror is the cause of immense human suffering, the impetus of enormous regional instability, and the genesis of a sordid cradle of communism in the Western hemisphere. He vowed that the so-called troika had met its match in the Trump administration, which would no longer appease dictators and despots near our shores. He vowed that they would meet their demise, that their day of reckoning awaits and that Washington looked forward to watching each corner of the triangle fall. Bolton called upon the rest of the hemisphere to look to the north, look to our flag for its inspiration, presenting the United States as the champion of human rights and the rule of law. The absurdity of this pretense was made plain by a speech delivered by Trump just hours after Boltons address in which the US president vowed to violate US and international law by imposing a blanket denial of asylum against Central American refugees and threatening to have US troops shoot down immigrant men, women and children on the US-Mexican border. The most significant of the new sanctions announced in Boltons speech was a measure aimed at impeding Venezuelas exports of gold, which have become an important source of foreign exchange for the countrys crisis-ridden economy. US officials claim that Venezuela has exported some 20 tons of gold to Turkey, a NATO ally with which Washington has come into increasing conflict. Caracas and the government of China also recently signed an agreement to develop what the Venezuelan government termed a strategic alliance to develop the countrys gold mining sector. The gold sanctions announcement claims that by evading other US sanctions aimed at strangling the Venezuelan economy, the countrys trade in gold involves deceptive practices and corruption. Significantly, it adds that the measure can be extended to any other sector of the economy on the same basis, opening the door to the rapid implementation of a US embargo against Venezuelan oil, which accounts for roughly 98 percent of the countrys export earnings. Also announced was a new set of sanctions against Cuba targeting some two dozen economic entities allegedly tied to the countrys military, which has extensive economic holdings. This is in addition to some 180 Cuban entities targeted by the Trump administration last year. Bolton delivered his speech on the same day that the United Nations General Assembly condemned the 58-year-old US economic blockade against Cuba, with 189 countries voting for the resolution and only two the United States and Israel voting against. In a question-and-answer period after the speech, Bolton indicated that the Trump administration is considering implementation of a section of the 1996 anti-Cuba Helms-Burton Law, allowing Cuban exiles in the US to file lawsuits in federal courts against companies doing business involving properties that were expropriated in the wake of the 1959 revolution. The measure has been routinely waived for over two decades because of its extra-territorial reach. As part of its America First global trade war policy, it appears that the Trump White House may break with this practice, leading to a direct conflict between Washington and its leading trade partners, including Canada and the European Union, which both have extensive investments in Cuba. While no new sanctions were announced against Nicaragua, Bolton advanced the same kind of charges and demands for regime change leveled against Cuba and Venezuela, vowing that the government of President Daniel Ortega will feel the full weight of Americas robust sanctions regime, with measures coming in the very near future. Until now, Washington has exhibited a certain ambivalence toward the government of the Sandinista leader, who returned to power in 2007 on the basis of an economic program geared to the interests of Nicaraguan and foreign capital. Amid all of the denunciations and threats, Bolton pointed to a supposed bright spot in the Americas, the election last month in Brazil of the fascistic former army captain Jair Bolsonaro, who has celebrated the countrys former military dictatorship and its regime of torture and threatened that his political opponents would have to choose between jail and exile. Bolton described Bolsonaro as a likeminded leader, whose election was one of the positive signs for the future of the region, demonstrating a growing regional commitment to free market principles and open, transparent and accountable governance. Among Bolsonaros attractions for the US administration aside for the affinity between the fascistic views of Trump and those of the Brazilian president-elect is the latter's vow to pursue a policy aligned with that of Washington and against the influence of China in the hemisphere. During the Brazilian election campaign, he denounced Beijing for attempting to buy Brazil and even made a provocative trip to Taiwan last February in an affront to the one China policy recognized by Brazil since the 1970s. Behind all the posturing about human rights and the refusal to tolerate despots, US policy in Latin America is driven ever more openly by its strategic conflict with China, whose influence has steadily grown in a region long regarded by US imperialism as its own backyard. Once again, US officials are invoking the Monroe Doctrine and Washingtons supposed right to intervene to prevent outside powers from poaching on countries it regards as semi-colonies. The Trump administration in September recalled its ambassadors from El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and Panama and threatened to cut off aid over the decisions by the governments of these countries to break with Taiwan which had cemented ties with previous anti-communist dictatorships -- and establish relations with Beijing. Even so, as Bolton was making his speech in Miami, the presidents of both El Salvador and the Dominican Republic were in Beijing meeting with President Xi and other top officials. China and Panama announced on the same day that Panama City would host a China-Latin America Caribbean Business Summit next year, focused on promoting economic-commercial cooperation between the two regions. To the extent that the influence of Chinas trade and investment challenges that of the US, Washington will respond with increasing provocations and militarism. Notable in Boltons speech was his repeated denunciations of communism and socialism, and his insistence that the economic and social catastrophe in Venezuelaa country where finance capital has only strengthened its grip over the economy over the past 20 years and the government is run largely by the militaryis an example of socialism implemented effectively. Underlying this reactionary rhetoric is the fear within the US ruling class that the desperate conditions being created by the crisis of capitalism is producing a new revolutionary challenge from the Latin American working class. US President Donald Trump has started to manoeuvre in preparation for a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G20 summit at the end of the month. The aim is either to extract major concessions from China or, failing that, create the best conditions for pressing ahead with trade war measures. On Thursday, Trump had what he described as a long and very good conversation with Xi. He told the press that things were moving along nicely, suggesting that there was progress in resolving the trade conflict. Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, told the Wall Street Journal that there was a thaw and relations and communications are resuming at the presidential level. This was followed by a report on Bloomberg TV that Trump had directed key cabinet members to have their staff draw up an agreement to bring about at least something of a ceasefire in the trade conflict. The basic position of the US is that there will be no meaningful discussions at the G20 unless China sets out concrete responses to its demands, above all on the key questions of intellectual property safeguards and state subsidies, which Washington claims are market distorting. So far, the Chinese have failed to respond. This is for two reasons: they fear that any negotiating position they put forward will simply be used by the US to extract further concessions, and they consider the US demand that Beijing pull back on industrial development to be totally unacceptable and not subject to negotiation. The prospect of some easing in the US position initially lifted both US and Asian stock markets. Major corporations are fearful that the further intensification of trade war, including the threat by Trump to impose tariffs on all Chinese goods coming into the US, will have significant consequences on both costs and the organisation of global supply chains. However, Wall Street took a dive yesterday, partly in response to a statement by Kudlow pouring cold water on any breakthrough on a US-China agreement. Theres no massive move to deal with China, he told the business channel CNBC. There was merely a normal run-through of things weve already put together and normal preparation. He added, Were not on the cusp of a deal. Given the attitude of the US towards any deal with China, especially the events of May when Trump scrapped an agreement that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said had put the trade war on hold, there was already considerable scepticism about the prospects for a meaningful agreement even before Kudlows remarks. Speaking to Bloomberg on the possibility of a broad deal, Michael Every, head of Asia financial markets research at Rabobank in Hong Kong, said: I dont buy the story for a second. This seems a perfect way to ensure equities rally into election day [Tuesday], put Xi in a box in terms of what is expected of him, and then have someone to blame when the deal then falls through. Rather than pointing to an easing of the US stance, the telephone discussion with Xi on Thursday was initiated by Trump under conditions where its basic position is hardening. Hours before the conversation, federal prosecutors laid out charges they are bringing against the Chinese state-owned high-tech firm Fujian Jinhua. The move by prosecutors came in the wake of a decision by the Commerce Department to ban US firms from dealings with Fujian on national security grounds. Fujian, backed by $5.7 billion in state funds, has been set up to develop a world class semiconductor industry in China and lessen the countrys dependence on the import of foreign components. But at this stage, Fujian still depends on US chips and the Commerce Department ban has dealt it a crippling blow. The Justice Department is charging that Fujian stole trade secrets from Micron, a US semiconductor manufacturer. The indictment also names United Microelectronics, a Taiwan-based chipmaker, in what Attorney General Jeff Sessions said was brazen scheme to steal secrets worth up to $8.75 billion. The move against Fujian is part of a broader offensive by the Trump administration against alleged Chinese spying and other activities. According to the Wall Street Journal, Sessions indicated that a new working group of Justice Department officials, including the top federal prosecutors from districts in California, Texas and other states, would increase law-enforcement engagement with US universities, where the Justice Department contends that Chinese Communist party initiatives target technology and threaten academic freedom. The underlying US agenda at the forthcoming discussions between Trump and Xi is indicated by the manner in which the talks are being organised. Overall responsibility on the US side is not in the hands of a cabinet member in charge of economic matters, such as Treasury Secretary Mnuchin or Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, but instead has been given to National Security Adviser John Bolton. Bolton, together with other hard-liners in the administration, including White House economic adviser Peter Navarro and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, consider that the essential issue is not to reach a deal with China on the trade imbalance, but rather to prevent Beijing from undertaking its own development of high-tech industries, which could threaten the economic and military supremacy of the US. The attitude of these key figures was indicated in a Wall Street Journal article on Thursday. Citing US officials, the article said Lighthizer had been arguing that the time was not ripe for negotiations because China had not yet felt the full brunt of the US tariffs imposed so far. In other words, the essential US strategy is to inflict more pain on the Chinese economy, already experiencing its lowest growth rate since the financial crisis of 2008-2009 amid significant concerns over rising debt, and open up cracks within the Xi regime that will enable the US to extract significant concessions. August 6, 1890, Auburn, New York: William Kemmler, 30, a vegetable peddler in the slums of Buffalo, was the first person in the US to die by electrocution. He was convicted and sentenced to death for murdering his girlfriend with a hatchet following a drinking binge. After Kemmler was strapped into the electric chair, 1,000 volts of AC current were passed for 17 seconds through the electrodes attached to his skull. This rendered him unconscious but failed to stop his heart and breathing. After the attending physicians confirmed that Kemmler was still alive, one cried out: Have the current turned on again, quick, no delay, but the generator needed time to recharge. After a delay, the prisoner received a 2,000-volt AC shock that killed him. According to witnesses, blood vessels under Kemmlers skin ruptured and bled and areas around the electrodes on his head singed. Saliva dripped down his beard as he grasped for air. The smell of burnt flesh filled the room. Both witnesses and a sheriff fled the execution chamber in horror. The procedure lasted about eight minutes. May 9, 1947 , Angola, Louisiana: Willie Lucky Francis was convicted of the murder of pharmacist Andrew Thomas in St. Martinville. Francis was a 16-year-old with a stutter at the time of the murder. Despite two questionable confessions and incompetent legal counsel, he was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. On May 3, 1946, Francis survived his first meeting with Gruesome Gertie, as the electric chair was known at the infamous Angola State Penitentiary. The executioners, an intoxicated prison guard and an inmate, had improperly set up the chair, botching the wiring. Francis reportedly cried out from behind his leather hood, Take it off! Take it off! Let me breathe! and Im n-n-not dying! Governor Jimmie Davis ordered the teenager returned to the chair six days later. The US Supreme Court rejected Francis appeal that subjecting him to another execution would constitute cruel and unusual punishment as prohibited by the Eighth Amendment to the US Constitution. The court held that accidents happen for which no man is to blame. Francis was returned to the chair on May 9, 1947. This time it achieved the goal of death. November 1, 2018, Nashville, Tennessee: Edmund Zagorski, 63, was put to death for shooting two men and slitting their throats during a drug deal He was the first person in Tennessee since 2007 to be executed in the electric chair, known as Old Smokey. Asked if he had any last words, the prisoner cried out: Lets roll! A reporter who witnessed the execution said Zagorski occasionally smiled as he was strapped down, a sponge was placed on his head, and his face was shrouded. Witnesses said he clenched his fists as the electricity was applied and his body appeared to rise, but he did not move once the execution was over. A desperate effort to maintain the death penalty What did these three condemned prisoners have in common? All were killed by having their bodies strapped to the electric chair and dealt a lethal current of electricity. And the US Supreme Court refused to stop each of their executions. In William Kemmlers case in 1890, the first execution by electric chair in the US, the high court ruled that electrocution substantially reduced risks of pain or a lingering death when compared to execution by hanging. Had Kemmler survived the gruesome eight-minute execution, he would have strongly disagreed with the justices opinion. As it turned out, the more modern method of electrocution did not appear to reduce the inmates suffering. Willie Lucky Francis failed to die after his executionerswho according to witness affidavits were so drunk it would have been impossible for them to know what they were doingdid not apply the proper jolt of electricity. After this botched execution, attorney Bertrand DeBlanc took on his case. The young lawyer was actually best friends with the victim in the case, Andrew Thomas, and the white citizens of the small Cajun town were not pleased. DeBlanc argued before the Supreme court that his clients Fifth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment rights had been violated. Among those rights violated were equal protection under the law, double jeopardy (being brought to the execution chamber twice), and cruel and unusual punishment (as evidenced by the failed execution). The court rejected Francis appeal. Justice Felix Frankfurter characterized Francis ordeal in the electric chair as an innocent misadventure. The court wrote in its decision that accidents happen for which no man is to blame, and that such an accident, with no suggestion of malevolence, did not violate the Constitution. In rejecting the last-minute appeal, the court noted the grave nature of the new allegations and encouraged the lawyers to pursue the matter in state court. But Louisiana executed Francis the next day before the case could be pursued. Because Francis case never made it back to the Supreme Court, the ruling has stood as precedent. In a 2008 case before the high court, Kentucky death row inmates Ralph Base and Thomas Bowling argued that their executions by lethal injection would constitute cruel and unusual punishment. They said that Kentuckys three-drug cocktail used for lethal injection carried an unnecessary risk of inflicting pain during their execution. The Supreme Court upheld Kentuckys method of lethal injection as constitutional by a 7-2 vote. Chief Justice Roberts echoed Justice Frankfurters views more than six decades earlier, writing in the plurality opinion that Louisianas first attempt at executing Francis was an isolated mishap, which, while regrettable, does not suggest cruelty. Justice Clarence Thomas, concurring in the judgment, also referred to the Francis case, writing: No one suggested that Louisiana was required to implement additional safeguards or alternative procedures in order to reduce the risk of a second malfunction. More significantly, Thomas wrote, The Eighth Amendments prohibition on the inflict[ion] of cruel and unusual punishments must be understood in light of the historical practices that led the Framers to include it in the Bill of Rights, but that it is clear that the Eighth Amendment does not prohibit the death penalty. He went on to write that the amendment was meant to prohibit the most horrid modes of torture. The implication was that the death penalty, carried out in a civilized way, such as by lethal injection, does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment. In the Edmund Zagorski case, the Supreme Court on Thursday denied a request for a stay. Zagorski was one of 33 inmates who filed a lawsuit claiming that the drug cocktail used in lethal injections caused the condemned to suffer. In their request for a stay by the high court, Zagorskis attorneys had argued that it was unconstitutional to force him to choose between the electric chair and lethal injection. The request was rejected. In dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that Zagorskis decision to opt for the electric chair, which is allowed in Tennessee for inmates whose crimes occurred before 1999, was not because he thought that it was a humane way to die, but because he thought that the three-drug cocktail that Tennessee had planned to use was even worse. She added, Given what most people think of the electric chair, its hard to imagine a more striking testament to the legitimate fears raised by the lethal-injection drugs that Tennessee uses. The Supreme Court has never ruled execution by the electric chair or by lethal injection to be unconstitutional. While it has ruled that execution for crimes committed as a juvenile and execution of the mentally impaired is unconstitutional, it has time and again upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty itself. In so doing, it defends the ultimate retribution to be utilized by the ruling class, in the face of opposition by the vast majority of the industrialized world and growing resistance to the barbaric practice within the US itself. The consistent upholding of the death penalty by the high courtwhether by lethal injection, electrocution, hanging, firing squad or some newly devised humane methodis a measure of the value of such brutal punishments for the ruling elite, to be used against the working class as it strikes back against growing social inequality and attacks on its basic social rights. The Republic of Ireland voted last week to remove the word blasphemous from article 40.6.1 of its constitution, five months after the countrys voters agreed to liberalise abortion laws. Although no-one has been prosecuted for blasphemy since 1885, the decision, supported in every single electoral constituency, underscores the failing grip of the Catholic Church and a left and liberalising sentiment among broad layers of the population. Some 65 percent of voters voted to remove the offence of blasphemy from the constitution, almost the same as Mays vote for abortion reform and slightly higher than the 62 percent who supported same sex marriage in 2015. Even Donegal, the only constituency to reject removal of the anti-abortion Eighth Amendment from the constitution, and Roscommon-South Leitrim, which opposed same-sex marriage in 2015, voted in line with the rest of the country. On the same day, Michael D. Higgins was elected as Irish president for a second seven-year term. Higgins, who claims to be a socialist, won 56 percent of the vote for the largely ceremonial role, compared with 39 percent in 2011. His run for a second seven-year term was supported by both Leo Varadkars Fine Gael governing party and the main opposition party, Fianna Fail. Fianna Fail have been propping up Varadkars minority government under a confidence and supply agreement for the past two and a half years. The two-party duopoly has facilitated a vast transfer of wealth from the working class to the top 10 percent in society. The Irish Labour Party, which was reduced to just seven seats in the 2016 general election, also backed Higgins, who is a former Labour TD (member of parliament). With the candidate of all the main parties a nominal socialist, the most striking feature of the election was the degree of political alienation among working people. The turnout of 44 percent was the lowest recorded of any election in Ireland since the foundation of the state. Higgins, portrayed as a national treasure, with a Miggle D. Giggles laughing stuffed toy being sold in aid of charity this Christmas, won a record 822,566 first preference votes. However, only 1,473,900 people voted out of a possible 3,401,681. No doubt, the turnout would have been lower still without the poll to remove blasphemy as an offence. Growing political alienation is rooted in rising social inequality and hardship for the working class. The Irish economy went into meltdown in 2009 when the Fianna Fail government bailed out the banks to the tune of 64 billion. Since then, the share of wealth owned by the ruling elite responsible for the catastrophe has been increasing dramatically. The top 10 percent of the countrys richest households holds 53.8 percent of the national wealth, while the poorest 20 percent of households now owe more than they own. Emergency accommodation figures for September show that there are now collectively 9,698 homeless people in Ireland. The number of homeless children is now 3,829. There has been a steady increase in the adult figures as well, to 5,869. Last month 88 more families entered emergency accommodation. There are now 800,000 people living in poverty, one in six of the population and 700,000 on healthcare waiting lists. During the crash property prices collapsed, builders went bust and construction workers left the country. As the state went bankrupt, it cut funding for social housing and for the past 10 years no social housing was built at all. Higgins, in contrast, will join the ranks of the very wealthy. As president he will receive 250,000 [$US285,000] annual salary, plus another 300,000 as a special unaudited allowance. While the greatest shift in the election was to none of the above, the poll saw the surprise emergence of a right-wing candidate, Peter Casey, a millionaire and television dragon investor from the Irish version of the BBCs Dragons Den. Casey is an admirer of US President Donald Trump, and advocate of close relations with the United States and has previously expressed support for Ireland leaving the European Union (EU) along with the UK. Over the course of his campaign, Casey repeatedly attacked welfare claimants, while claiming to speak for the average working family of John and Mary with two kids. Casey also attacked Travellers. Commenting on a dispute between Tipperary county council and local Travelling families who refused to take accommodation because there were no facilities for their horses, he accused them of camping on other peoples land and complained, This is great for my property value now that Ive got three dozen caravans down the road. Travellers have long been the subject of discrimination in Ireland and suffer multiple forms of deprivation. Traveller women are five times more likely to commit suicide than the general population and live on average, 11.5 years less. Just 13 percent of Travellers complete secondary education and just one percent make it to university. Caseys other comments drew less media attention, but were of a piece with his attempt to mobilise support in the upper layers of the petty bourgeoisie and in more socially backward rural areas on an anti-working-class platform. Besides attacking welfare claimants, he called for the re-introduction of water charges, which were the target of widespread protests by workers in recent years. He also opposed liberal abortion laws. Casey was originally predicted to get just one percent of the vote, but secured 23.3 percent, or 342,727 votes. His vote was lower in urban centres and higher in both rural areas and among older voters. With the combined vote of the other right-wing candidates at just 14.5 percent, his success was duly notedwith Donegal Fianna Fail asking him to join their party and the right-wing tax cutting, anti-abortion Renua Ireland offering him their partys leadership. Casey has offered to either become the leader of Fianna Fail or set up a New Fianna Fail. The media is likewise urging a shift rightwards as its preferred response, with the Irish Times telling all politicians to get real and insisting on the need for a more mature and realistic discussion about politics and the choices facing policymakers and avoiding raising false expectations. Sinn Feins inability to sustain its pretence of representing a left alternative to the major parties was the other significant feature of the election. Its candidate, Liadh Ni Riada, is currently a member of the European parliament. Ni Riada secured a disastrous 93,987 or 6.4 percent of the vote, compared with 243,030 and 13.7 percent garnered by the late Martin McGuinness in 2011. Sinn Fein haemorrhaged votes to both Higgins and Casey, with the Irish Independent commenting, Once proud outsiders who mopped up a fair few protest votes themselves, as Sinn Fein get closer to real power in Dublins Leinster House, they are becoming more a part of the establishment against which they have traditionally railed. The collapse of Sinn Fein and the Labour Party, and their eclipse by the right-winger Casey, underscores the urgent need for a genuine party of the working class in Ireland to prosecute a determined struggle for socialism against all factions of the Irish elite. The Socialist Equality Group in Ireland is seeking to build this party, as a section of the International Committee of the Fourth International. The Trump administration has responded to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisenas October 26 political coup and the subsequent political crisis by seeking to ensure that the turmoil not impact US geo-strategic operations against China. Sirisena unconstitutionally removed Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and replaced him with former President Mahinda Rajapakse. The US ruling elite was hostile to Rajapakse because of his pro-Chinese stand and backed Sirisena to oust him in the 2015 presidential election. Washington is concerned that if Rajapakse were to consolidate his hold on power in the bitter infighting against Wickremesinghe, it would seriously affect its carefully cultivated military and political relations with Colombo. After dismissing Wickremesinghe, Sirisena prorogued the parliament until November 16 to allow Rajapakse, via various horse-trading deals, to garner support from additional MPs and challenge Wickremesinghes claims to have majority parliamentary support. At a media briefing on Wednesday, US journalists repeatedly questioned US State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino about the Trump administrations attitude to the political situation in Sri Lanka. One correspondent asked whether the US still considered Wickremesinghe the legitimate prime minister of Sri Lanka. Was his ouster unconstitutional and a coup and did it require US action, the reporter asked. Palladino provided no direct answers to these questions. He said, however: The United States believes the determination should be made in accordance with Sri Lankan law and due process. So again, we call on the president in consultation with the speaker, to reconvene parliament immediately and to allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfill their responsibility to affirm who will lead their government. And we urge all sides to uphold the law and to respect due process. This has been the US State Departments refrain since the beginning of the crisis and is similar to Wickremesinghes stance. The sacked prime minister has called for parliament to be recalled so he can show he has a majority and continue in office. Another correspondent asked about Chinas role and noted that at least one member of parliament in Sri Lanka has accused Beijing of contributing to the ouster of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe. One journalist referred to previous remarks made by Palladino about Washingtons concern about creeping Chinese influence in Latin America. This [Sri Lanka] is a case where you have a similar situation, or at least allegations of a similar situation, the reporter asserted. What is the [US] embassy in Colombo doing? An Associated Press (AP) article about the media briefing, published in the New York Times on October 31, said: The political upheaval and challenges to the democratic process could endanger improvements in US-Sri Lanka relations since Rajapakse lost power in elections in 2015 For the past three years, as Sri Lanka has had a fragile unity government, the US has expanded relations that were curtailed during the later years of Rajapakses rule, including renewed military cooperation. Since 2015, the US Asia-Pacific Command has developed close relations with the Sri Lankan military, trained Sri Lankan soldiers, established a marine unit, invited the military for joint exercises and sent warships to the Indian Ocean island. Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, told AP that if Rajapakses appointment as prime minister were allowed to stand, it would pose a grave challenge to US engagement with that government. Leahy said Rajapakse ran the government as a criminal enterprise, making sweetheart deals with China, persecuting the Tamil minority and wrongly imprisoning political opponents and journalists. Washingtons concerns have nothing to do with defending democracy, due process or the Sri Lankan constitution. The US is concerned that the political gains it made in ousting Rajapakse and installing Sirisena as president will be weakened and its geo-strategic operations against China undermined. Sirisena and Wickremesinghe now blame each other for violating good governance and democratic principles. But in 2015, Sirisena joined hands with Wickremesinghe and former President Chandrika Kumaratunga in a conspiracy orchestrated in Washington to remove Rajapakse. Successive Washington administrations backed Rajapakses renewed war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from mid-2006 until 2009, in which tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were killed. The US turned a blind eye to the Rajapakse governments anti-democratic methods and abuses of human rights. Both Sirisena, as a senior minister in Rajapakses cabinet, and Wickremesinghe, in the opposition, were enthusiastic supporters of the brutal war. Washington began criticising Rajapakse only after he developed close relations with Beijing and China emerged as the main supplier of weapons and funds to his government during the final months of the war. India, determined to advance its interests in the region, backed Washingtons moves against China. The US then presented a series of resolutions in the UN Human Rights Council calling for an investigation of the Rajapakse regimes abuse of human rights during the war against the LTTE. These resolutions sought to pressure Colombo into distancing itself from Beijing. When Rajapakse maintained his relations with China, Washington moved to oust him. Deep-seated hostility among working people, the rural poor and the Tamil masses against Rajapakses anti-democratic rule was exploited by Sirisena, Wickremesinghe and others, with the backing of pseudo-left organisations such as the Nava Sama Samaja Party, the trade unions and academics, who provided the political operation with a democratic garb. Claims by Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, who now stand in hostile camps, to be defending democracy are a complete fraud and are exposed by their role in the 2015 regime-change operation. Rajapakse, who once vehemently denounced Sirisena, is now allied with him. While these sections of the Sri Lankan ruling elite furiously denounce each other, they all defend the interests of big business and international finance capital, and will, as in the past, brutally suppress the struggles of the working class and the poor for social equality and genuine democratic rights. The author also recommends: Fight for a socialist solution to the political crisis in Sri Lanka [31 October 2018] From the jungles of Myanmar to the streets of Hong Kong, police throughout Asia are fighting a war against methamphetamine. By many indications, they're losing. Asia China Controlled substances Crime, law enforcement and corrections Crimes against persons Criminal offenses Drug crimes Drug Enforcement Administration Drugs and society East Asia Embargoes and sanctions Government and public administration Government bodies and offices Hong Kong Human rights Human rights violations Human trafficking International relations International relations and national security Myanmar North America Public finance Slavery Society Southeast Asia Treasury departments United States United Wa State Army US Department of Justice US Department of the Treasury US federal departments and agencies US federal government Business, economy and trade Company activities and management Company structure and ownership Australia Heroin Illegal drugs Laos Methamphetamine Oceania Government support of business Special economic zones Law enforcement Casinos Gambling Leisure and lifestyle Amusements and gaming The Americas Continents and regions Government departments and authorities Government organizations - US Public finance agencies and treasuries Organized crime Armed forces Military Banking, finance and investments Financial markets and investing Misc organizations Health and medical Substance abuse Drug policy Diseases and disorders Neurological disorders and injuries Demand for both crystal meth and yaba, tablets that typically contain a mixture of meth and caffeine, is skyrocketing. Production is increasing at an unprecedented clip, and so is the body count. Leaders in places like Bangladesh and the Philippines are waging deadly drug wars that have cost thousands of lives. But this isn't "Breaking Bad" -- meth isn't just used by the poor and the downtrodden. Meth no longer discriminates in Asia; it has become the dominant drug of choice across the region, irrespective of class, age or gender, according to Jeremy Douglas, who is in charge of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) southeast Asia operations. In a career spanning 16 years, Douglas said he's never seen demand like this. "No situation is exactly comparable, but this is off the charts," he said. Experts say the boom is due to a serendipitous combination of domestic and geopolitical issues that have aligned to the benefit of the region's drug gangs. The majority of meth production is happening deep inside the jungles of the Golden Triangle, a lawless area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Experts say it's easy to conceal drug production there and move it on at short notice. Drug runners, meanwhile, are exploiting new roads and infrastructure being built as part of an ambitious, trillion-dollar Chinese initiative to connect markets across the globe, using the flow of people and licit goods to mask drug trafficking. And the profits, likely worth hundreds of millions of dollars, are being laundered via intricate international schemes, often using front companies in countries where lax oversight makes it easy to hide money. "It's a perfect storm in terms of the production of methamphetamine," says John Coyne, a former head of strategic intelligence at the Australian Federal Police who now works on border security issues at the Australia Strategic Policy Institute. "It's pushing Southeast Asia into what could be in time a methamphetamine epidemic." Production A large portion of meth seized throughout the Asia Pacific region has been traced to Myanmar's northern Shan State, where militias and warlords reign supreme. Perhaps the most prominent is the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and its political wing, the United Wa State Party (UWSP). The two have waged a years-long struggle for autonomy for the ethnic Wa population, people who share a common language as well as cultural and historic ties with their neighbors in China's southern Yunnan province. Shan State boasts a compelling combination of a good poppy-growing climate and a dearth of law enforcement. For years, the Golden Triangle was the source of the majority of the world's illegal heroin and opium. Authorities in the West have long accused the UWSA and UWSP of funding their armed struggle against the Myanmar central government with the profits from drug production. The UWSA is believed to boast around 30,000 fighters. Verifying either claim is incredibly difficult. Northern Shan State is one of the hardest places in the world to access; some joke it's easier to get into North Korea. The UWSA granted journalists a rare visit to the region in 2016, during which time they denied allegations of narcotics trafficking. Official numbers appeared to lend credence to the claim that the UWSA is no longer producing heroin, at least at first glance. Golden Triangle heroin production and distribution has been on the decline, according to numbers from the United Nations. Authorities warn that's likely because the big players have ditched heroin in favor of a new, cheaper to produce alternative: methamphetamine. "There's a lot of evidence coming together from across the region pointing back to the same groups, pointing back to the same locations," said Douglas with the UNODC. The UWSA's decision to get into the meth game, experts say, is partly a response to market forces, but it's also motivated by profit and ease of production. Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug. It's made in a lab using chemicals and doesn't require drug makers to cultivate organic crops, such as poppies, as is the case with heroin. These labs can be covered by a tarp or moved on short notice. You can't do that with a poppy field. Distribution Once the meth is made, the next challenge is transportation. The Golden Triangle was for years one of the most impoverished and underdeveloped places on the planet, but that's changing thanks to China's One Belt One Road initiative -- a massive infrastructure development project intended to help connect global, predominately developing economies. Beijing has big plans in Myanmar, where it has spent billions to connect China's landlocked Yunnan province to port cities in South and Southeast Asia. Laos and Thailand have seen similar investments. An unintended side affect of these infrastructure improvements is that they've made it easier for meth traffickers to transport product from deep inside Shan State to the rest of Southeast Asia, Coyne said. "What you've got is a large, legitimate trade of people, goods, etc., flowing out of Myanmar and Laos in which you can hide your drugs," said Coyne. Meth from northern Shan State in both crystal and pill form has been found as far away as Japan, New Zealand and Australia. A record 1.04 billion Australian dollars ($800 million) worth of meth, believed to have originated in Shan State, was found by police in Western Australia in December. This year, authorities have conducted dozens of meth seizures in Thailand, China, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia. Shockingly, it only took five months for seizures in Malaysia and Myanmar to surpass the 2017 totals, according to Douglas. While those busts could mean law enforcement is winning its fight against traffickers, it also shows the sheer quantity of meth being moved. Coyne warns of another possibility -- that meth producers have gone into overproduction, which drives down the per unit cost of making drugs, which in turn makes it easier for dealers to live with these massive busts. "They can afford to lose larger quantities and still make profits," he said. Laundering All that money has to go somewhere, and law enforcement say drug dealers are using intricate financial networks to hide their ill-gotten gains. The most prominent -- at least publicly -- is the case of the Zhao Wei, a gambling magnate accused by the US government of using his casino in Laos to help the UWSA launder proceeds from the sale of meth. Casinos are used for laundering because they involve so much cash trading hands, but Zhao has the added benefit of operating inside what Douglas at the UNODC calls a "criminal mini-state." "It operates like his personal fiefdom," Douglas said. Zhao has reportedly negotiated a 99-year lease with the Lao government to operate what's known as the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. The zone lies along the Mekong River that flows between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. At its center sits the Kings Romans casino. Zhao's agreement with the Lao government allows his business to operate under its own set of unique laws, rules and regulations. The only areas in which Zhao defers to the central government are on matters related to the military, the judiciary, and Lao foreign policy, Zhao told Chinese state media in 2011. The system is ostensibly designed to help attract foreign investors into the special economic zone. However, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Zhao and the casino in January, alleging that Zhao uses the lax regulation to help facilitate "the storage and distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, and other narcotics for illicit networks, including the United Wa State Army, operating in neighboring Burma." Zhao has persistently maintained that the accusations leveled against him are "groundless." "The US government's unilateral sanctions on other countries and regions is unreasonable and ridiculous behavior and for other purposes. Such behavior has created profound misunderstanding for the world community thus causing unnecessary concern for a number of investors and visitors," he said in February, shortly after the Treasury Department ruling, according to Lao state media. "The Kings Romans Group's investment and development strictly complies with the law and signed agreements. There are neither reasons nor motivations for us to run illegal businesses. On the contrary, we have cooperated with the government of Laos to prevent and combat strictly illegal acts." The Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment did not respond to CNN's request for comment, and the US Drug Enforcement Agency declined CNN's request for an interview for this story "due to some ongoing activity related to the case." Cashflow The US Treasury Department, which did not respond to CNN's request for comment for this story, alleges that a key cog in Zhao's operation sits thousands of miles away from his casino in the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. That cog is a company called Kings Romans International (HK) Co., Limited. It and Zhao were both sanctioned by the Treasury Department in January of this year. According to records from the US Treasury Department and the Hong Kong Corporate Registry, the business is housed in a spartan office tower called Wu Chung House nestled in a commercial part of the city's busy Wan Chai district, a fast gentrifying red light district still famous for its seedy bars. The Treasury did not specify what exactly goes on in the office. Hong Kong, however, maintains a reputation as a notorious hub for moving dirty money, with authorities in the city openly acknowledging the problem. "Our competitive advantages here -- namely, free flows of capital, people, goods and information; well established legal system; sophisticated market infrastructure; and advanced professional services -- also make our market attractive for criminals seeking to hide or move funds or evade financial sanctions," Arthur Yuen, the deputy chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), said in April, during a speech at a conference sponsored by the Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialists. The Kings Romans office is supposed to be located at the end of a dimly lit hallway on the 36th floor of Wu Chung House, according to public records, but there was no sign of it when CNN visited. The building's directory shows that a company called Shuen Wai Holding Limited uses the office space. Real estate records confirm that Shuen Wai is the property's owner. Shuen Wai and Kings Romans share more than just an address, however. Shuen Wai and one of its two company directors were sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in 2008 amid allegations that the office was a key part of the financial network used by the UWSA to launder profits from drug sales. "It makes total sense that the UWSA would be operating out of Hong Kong. They have a long history of mixing illicit with legal activities ... and Hong Kong is the perfect place to do that for them," said Evan Rees, an analyst at the intelligence firm Stratfor. Down the dark hallway at the office's entrance, Shuen Wai is the only business that's visible. Its name is displayed in shiny block letters above an empty secretary's desk. It was decorated with ornate wooden sculptures and marble floors, but with half the lights off and no one in sight. The fact that the business was highly visible was a surprise to some of the sanctions experts CNN spoke with about the case. "They usually at least make an effort to repaint the sign, even if it is the same address and same cast of characters in front of you," said Peter Harrell, a sanctions expert at the Center for New American Security who previously served as deputy assistant secretary for counter threat finance and sanctions in the State Department's Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs. "Operating 10 years without changing the name, that's pretty brazen." When CNN rang the doorbell at the office, a middle-aged, bespectacled man answered. He said the company was previously involved in the jade trade but now works in funeral services. He refused to give CNN his name, but said he had been an account manager at the company for 20 years, during which time he has known the two individuals currently listed as Shuen Wai's co-directors. He said the duo are based in mainland China and only come to Hong Kong a few times a year, a couple days at a time. He agreed to pass on a message to them from CNN -- which they did not respond to -- and then retreated back into the office. When CNN called back a couple days later, the individual said the couple was not willing to speak to CNN. When asked about the Wu Chung House connections, the UN's Douglas stressed that each case is different and the age of a specific holding company was not something he could comment on. "That said, if the holding company has been a front for drug trafficking for 10 years it is pretty serious and concerning, and authorities should be investigating," said Douglas. "If links are found and organized crime activities are confirmed then there should be some serious actions taken, and questions will need to be asked about how a front company has been able to run for so long in the open in Hong Kong." Hong Kong authorities declined to comment when asked about the case. The US Navy has had 18 unsafe or unprofessional encounters with Chinese military forces in the Pacific since 2016, according to US military statistics obtained by CNN. "We have found records of 19 unsafe and/or unprofessional interactions with China and Russia since 2016 (18 with China and one with Russia)," Cmdr. Nate Christensen, a spokesman for the US Pacific Fleet, told CNN. Armed forces Asia Beijing Business and industry sectors Business, economy and trade China Continents and regions Donald Trump East Asia Government and public administration Government bodies and offices Government organizations - US Marine transportation Marine vessels Military Military vessels North America Oceans and Seas (by name) Physical locations Political Figures - US Politics South China Sea The Americas Transportation and warehousing United States US Department of Defense US federal departments and agencies US federal government US Navy White House James Mattis A US official familiar with the statistics told CNN that 2017, the first year of the Trump administration, saw the most unsafe and or unprofessional encounters with Chinese forces during the period. At least three of those incidents took place in February, May and July of that year and involved Chinese fighter jets making what the US considered to be "unsafe" intercepts of Navy surveillance planes. While the 18 recorded incidents only involved US naval forces, the Air Force has also had at least one such encounter during this period. "Our continued presence in the region highlights our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and demonstrates that the US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," Christensen added. The US Navy told CNN that, in comparison, there were 50 unsafe or unprofessional encounters with Iranian military forces since 2016, with 36 that year, 14 last year and none in 2018. US and Iranian naval forces tend to operate in relatively narrow stretches of water, such as the Strait of Hormuz, increasing their frequency of close contact. The Navy averages hundreds of air and sea operations annually in the South China Sea, East China Sea, Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan, and officials say they take such unsafe interactions seriously. "Make no mistake, the safety of our forces is paramount, and any time there is an unsafe and/or unprofessional incident, we are concerned," a US Navy official told CNN. "To address these incidents, the US responds through appropriate diplomatic and military channels." The relative frequency of such interactions raises the possibility of a collision or clash that could spark a crisis or even a conflict between the two major powers. In 2001, a collision between a US surveillance plane and a Chinese jet fighter led to a major diplomatic crisis between Washington and Beijing. The most recent encounter with China took place last month while the Navy destroyer USS Decatur was sailing within 12 miles of two of the Spratly Islands as part of what the US calls a "freedom of navigation operation." During that operation, a Chinese destroyer came within 45 yards of the US warship, forcing it to maneuver to avoid a collision. The US labeled the Chinese warship's actions unsafe and unprofessional, while Beijing said the US was threatening the safety and sovereignty of China. Tensions over militarization of islands Secretary of Defense James Mattis is expected to meet Friday with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Wei Fenghe, in Washington. Mattis has sought to cooperate with Beijing were possible while also pushing back on what the US sees as China's militarization of the South China Sea. "We will cooperate where we can," Mattis said Monday at an event at the US Institute for Peace, while adding the US "will confront them where we must, for example, freedom of navigation in international waters and that sort of thing." The US has ramped up its criticism of China's militarization of islands in the South China Sea, emphasizing that the US military will continue to operate in that area to contest what the US views as Beijing's excessive claims. "What we don't want to do is reward aggressive behavior like you saw with the Decatur incident by modifying our behavior," Joe Felter, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for South and Southeast Asia, told reporters last month while Mattis was traveling in the region. "That's just not going happen," he added. "We're going to continue to exercise our rights under international law and encourage all our partners to do the same." Mattis said at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting in Singapore last month following a meeting with Wei: "China's militarization of the South China Sea and aggressive action in international waters destabilizes the region and threatens shared efforts to promote security." The US regularly sails vessels and flies aircraft in the South China Sea, but Beijing is particularly sensitive about the operations when they come near areas where the Chinese government has built islands and established military facilities on disputed maritime features. Chinese warships will often shadow US vessels operating in the area, as they did last month while two US Navy ships were transiting the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese military also kept a close eye on a recent joint US-Japan military exercise involving over 50,000 US and Japanese personnel, US-China tensions have risen in recent weeks, with President Donald Trump accusing China of interfering in November's midterm elections and the countries embroiled in a high-profile trade dispute. But on Friday Trump told reporters he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the two leaders wanted to work towards a trade deal and also discussed North Korea. The Trump administration also recently sanctioned Beijing over its purchase of Russian weapons systems. BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - A Prentiss County Electric lineman who died on the job last spring was honored Friday. Jamie Guin was electrocuted back in April trying to restore power. Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley presented a resolution to Guin's widow Anna Kate and their twin daughters. "He loved anything with tree cutting and tractors," said Anna Kate Guin. "He loved his job as a lineman and helping others." Guin spent 13 years with the company and died on April 4 trying to restore power on Highway 30. "Too many times we don't consider and think enough about the sacrifice and the danger that our utility workers go into," added Presley. The resolution was presented on behalf of the Public Service Commissioners Office and the state. By Joe Skipper and Sharon Bernstein MIAMI (Reuters) - Republican U.S. President Donald Trump and his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama were set to sketch out sharply contrasting visions of the nation's future on Friday in bids to stir voter enthusiasm ahead of elections that will determine control of Congress. In the run-up to Tuesday voting, Trump has hammered relentlessly on his hard-line immigration theme in his frequent rallies supporting Republican candidates, painting a grim and sometimes misleading impression of his rivals' political goals. Obama, who is due to campaign for African-American gubernatorial candidates in two Southern states, has decried the "politics of division." Obama appears first, in Miami with gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, who faces former congressman Ron DeSantis, a strong Trump backer, and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, who is being challenged by the outgoing governor, Rick Scott. A Reuters/Ipsos/UVA Center for Politics poll this week showed both Democrats leading with voter enthusiasm for Gillum, the young and liberal Tallahassee mayor, appearing to help Nelson and other Democratic candidates on the ballot. Trump is set to back Republican challengers to incumbent Democratic U.S. senators in West Virginia and Indiana, states he won in the 2016 presidential election. Opinion polls and non-partisan forecasters generally show Democrats as having strong chances of winning 23 additional seats and taking a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, which they could use to launch investigations into Trump's administration and block his legislative agenda. Republicans are generally expected to retain control of the U.S. Senate, whose powers include confirming Trump's nominations to lifetime seats on the Supreme Court. Interest in the vote has been unusually high for a year when Congress but not the White House is at stake, according to early voting tallies. More than 27 states have recorded more early votes at this point in the campaign than they did in all of 2014, according to The Election Project at the University of Florida, which tracks early turnout. Story continues Texas had already recorded more votes than it did in all of 2014, including Election Day, the group said. After Miami, Obama will head to Georgia to campaign for Stacey Abrams, a former state legislator aiming to become the United State's first black female governor. Obama's challenge will be motivating the diverse coalition of voters who elected him in 2008 and 2012 but failed to turn out in as large numbers in 2016, said Patrick Hickey, a professor of political science at West Virginia University. "Hillary Clinton lost because the Obama coalition didn't show up at the polls he's trying to mobilize folks who like him and trust him in Georgia and Florida," Hickey said. In West Virginia, Trump will campaign for a third time with Patrick Morrisey, who aims to unseat Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. Two new polls this week showed Manchin's once-comfortable lead over Morrisey dwindling to 5 percentage points, which the Democrat's supporters blame in part on Trump's repeated visits. "I know Trump coming so often is making an impact," said Jim Hoyt, chairman of the Morgan County Democratic Party in northeast West Virginia. Like other Democrats in the state, he still expects Manchin to win. Trump also will go to Indiana to appear on behalf of Mike Braun, who is trying to replace Joe Donnelly in the Senate. For all Reuters election coverage, click: https://www.reuters.com/politics/election2018 (Reporting by Joe Skipper in Miami and Sharon Bernstein in Sacramento, California, additional reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Writing by Scott Malone; Editing by Bill Trott) Terrified passengers bust out bus windows after the driver allegedly took them on a nightmare ride in California. The passengers thought they were headed to a spooky event on Thursday at the legendary ship the Queen Mary in Long Beach. They were promised a night of fear, but they say what happened on that bus was much scarier than they could have ever expected. Thirty passengers were picked up at the Aquarium of the Pacific parking lot for what was supposed to be a 10-minute ride to the ship. Instead, the driver drove them in the opposite direction. Passenger Lee Piatelli told Inside Edition, It's like the bus from hell! People started asking the driver, Hey, what's going on? What's happening? Where are we going? No answer! No communication from the driver whatsoever, he claimed. One passenger was recorded pleading with the driver stop: Open the door! Open the door! You're not listening! The bus was still moving when passengers started climbing out of the windows to escape. We were in the middle of an intersection. People started kicking open the windows and trying to leave the bus out the windows. The guy kept trying to drive forward, Piatelli said. Piatelli showed Inside Edition the video he shot as the desperate passengers escaped. They're trying to tell him to stop, You got to stop right now. The police are on their way! he said of what was going on in the video. The driver of the bus was taken into custody but released Friday. Police said they believe he may have become disoriented and couldn't find his way back to the ship. RELATED STORIES School Bus Driver Finds 7-Year-Old Boy Dead of Hit-and-Run at Bus Stop 9-Year-Old Girl Died Trying to Shield Twin Brothers From Oncoming Car, Uncle Says School Bus Carried Away by Floodwaters After Driver Appears to Ignore Warnings Related Articles: Californias expanded production tax incentive program has resulted in nearly $6 billion in in-state spending over the past three years, a report released Friday showed. The California Film Commission asserted in the report that the Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0 has led to sustained growth in retaining and attracting in-state production. The $6 billion figure was generated from $815 million in tax credits. Californias credit covers up to 25% of in-state production costs, which is not as lucrative as other locations but is aimed at putting the brakes on runaway production. The $6 billion figure includes $2.25 billion in qualified wages and $1.89 billion in qualified vendor expenditures, along with $1.85 billion in other expenditures that do not qualify for tax credits. Collectively, productions that have been allocated tax credits under Program 2.0 are on track to employ more than 18,000 cast and 29,000 crew members, according to the report. Todays report shows that Program 2.0 is working over the long-term to create high-quality production jobs and increase production spending in California, said California Film Commission executive director Amy Lemisch. While our tax credit is far more targeted than most, it does precisely what it was designed to do by keeping us competitive and reminding the industry that California has everything needed to provide the best value. The report showed a 15.6% increase in hours worked in-state by below-the-line crew members in 2017 compared to 2014 (the year before Program 2.0 began). The report also showed that during year three of Program 2.0, California attracted five additional big-budget films (Call of the Wild, Captain Marvel, Ford v. Ferrari, Island Plaza and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). To date, the expanded tax credit has attracted a total of 10 big-budget films. During the third year, California attracted two additional relocating TV series (NBCs Timeless from Vancouver, and Amazon Studios Sneaky Pete from New York). To date, the expanded tax credit program has gained a total of 15 relocating TV series from across the U.S. and Canada. Story continues The report comes four months after California Gov. Jerry Brown signed an extension of Californias production tax credit program for five years beyond its 2020 expiration with $1.6 billion in credits. The program was more than tripled in size in 2014 to $330 million annually to compete effectively with incentives in New York and Georgia. The program is overseen by the California Film Commission, which selects the TV and movie projects to qualify partly based on the number of jobs created. The commission announced on July 23 that Margot Robbies Harley Quinn spinoff, Birds of Prey, would receive a $12.6 million tax credit for filming in California. Birds of Prey, a Warner Bros. movie, received the largest allocation of 19 films totaling $52.2 million. Related stories India's Zee Making Push Into English-Language Genre Film Production (EXCLUSIVE) 'Star Trek Fleet Command' Brings Trek Univerise to Mobile in November AFM: XYZ Boards Bradley Liew's 'Motel Acacia' (EXCLUSIVE) Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! The Gateway Pundit moved to suspend its relationship with Jacob Wohl on Thursday after the right-wing writer took part in a lengthy spectacle aimed to discredit special counsel Robert Mueller with an unfounded #MeToo accusation. Website chief Jim Hoft buried the announcement in a post updating his readers on the scandal and seemingly conceding that his website had been had. On Thursday, the Gateway Pundit suspended our relationship with Jacob, wrote Hoft. We need to collect more information on this explosive situation. We are not afraid to take chances as you well know but we want to also be careful and accurate. Also Read: Newsmax Host Linked to Effort to Pay Women for 'False Claims' of Misconduct Against Robert Mueller After once promoting the story as a major scoop, Hoft said he had edited the websites original report to reflect new uncertainty in the case. After investigating the initial reports out earlier this week we edited our original report and then removed the original article(s) pending investigation, he said. Hoft later made a statement to TheWrap, saying: We have not been contacted by the FBI. Jacob is a very bright young man. We also have questions and are investigating. On Thursday, Wohl, along with lobbyist Jack Burkman, held a press conference detailing the allegation even after a woman the pair said was ready to publicly accuse Mueller dropped out at the last minute. We went through every meticulous detail of her allegation, we cross-referenced it with public records, we joined historical societies to get some of those records, said Wohl insisting on the legitimacy of the claim. She is a gal who has an illustrious background and she is not politically oriented. Much of the conference, however, was dedicated to rebutting reporting earlier this week that Burkman and Wohl had conspired to pay a woman $20,000 in exchange for the allegations as part of a scheme to discredit the special counsel findings in its investigation of collusion between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia. Story continues The allegations of paying a woman are false, said Burkman in an earlier tweet in advance of Thursdays presser. The left is trying to defend Mueller against sex assault allegations so they attack me in desperation. The establishment media knows that Mueller may go down over this they want to deflect attention. The allegations of paying a woman are false. The left is trying to defend Mueller against sex assault allegations so they attack me in desperation. The establishment media knows that Mueller may go down over thisthey want to deflect attention. Jack Burkman (@Jack_Burkman) October 30, 2018 The plot was broadly uncovered after the office of the special counsel referred the matter to the FBI and alerted the media. 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 spokesperson for Muellers office told TheWrap earlier this week. The FBI declined to comment. Read original story Far-Right Gateway Pundit Writer Suspended for Role in Unfounded #MeToo Accusation Against Robert Mueller At TheWrap A Missouri man who spent almost a decade in prison for brutally shaking his six-week old son in 1998 was indicted for murder this week after his son, now 20, died of related complications, PEOPLE confirms. Olin Shane Tannery, 39, pleaded not guilty Friday to second-degree murder in the death of Dominic Jordan Pittsenbarger, who died on April 13, 2018. Tannery was taken into custody Wednesday, one day after he was indicted by a Clay County grand jury. He is being held in custody on a $500,000 bond. Tannery pleaded guilty in August 1999 to attempted first-degree assault for the Feb. 20, 1998 attack on Dominick, who was then six-weeks old. He received a 13-year sentence and was released from prison in 2007, according to the Kansas City Star. According to an Excelsior Springs Police Department probable cause statement obtained by PEOPLE, Dominick was taken to Childrens Mercy Hospital after being shaken. He suffered rib fractures, a compression fracture of a vertebra, subdural bleeding and serious head injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome. At the time, Tannery told police that he shook the boy because he couldnt get him to be quiet. He then picked up the victim, squeezed him very hard, shook him very hard, then threw him down, the police statement said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Dominick survived and was diagnosed with severe retinal bleeding with severe permanent brain damage. He was later adopted by Wendell Pittsenbarger. I love that boy and still miss him dearly, Pittsenbarger told the Kansas City Star after his death. I think about him all of the time. In his obituary, Dominick was described as a 2017 graduate of Smithville High School who enjoyed wheeling around the house in his wheelchair, shooting baskets, playing with fire trucks, watching Sesame Street and going to school. Tannerys next court appearance is scheduled for November 20. It's hard to not get drunk on Obama nostalgia, even for us cynics. On Friday, President Obama spoke to a crowd in Miami, Florida to help get out the vote for Democratic Senator Bill Nelson and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum. After being heckled, President Obama gently chided the crowd in classic Dad manner for cursing in front of the "kids." SEE ALSO: Adorable girl who marveled at Michelle Obama's portrait dressed as it for Halloween "Don't curse in front of kids, come on," President Obama told the hecklers. "This is what I look forward to, is having a few hecklers to get me back in the mood." "Don't curse in front of kids, come on," former Pres. Barack Obama tells a heckler in Miami, Florida. "This is what I look forward to, is having a few hecklers to get me back in the mood," he jokes. https://t.co/oE0zczjPDRpic.twitter.com/gNCLWSRCkd ABC News (@ABC) November 2, 2018 It was a kind, delightfully normal response, especially compared to Trump, who prefers inciting violence to dad jokes. Trump, remember, once suggested he'd like to punch a protestor in the face. That's a wee bit different from suggesting that the protestor "not curse in front of kids." Obama then added: "Here's the deal: If you support the other candidates, then you should go support the other candidates. Don't be here. One of the things I never understood was why, if you're supporting the other guy, you come to my rally." Obama responds to hecklers: "Here's the deal: If you support the other candidates, then you should go support the other candidates. Don't be here. One of the things I never understood was why, if you're supporting the other guy, you come to my rally." (via Politico) pic.twitter.com/YvGF0heOGx Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) November 2, 2018 Kinda makes our broken little hearts sing. A former Florida high school teacher is charged with unlawful sexual activity after two female students one 16, the other 17 each learned the teacher was allegedly having sex with the other one, and then together told the teachers wife, according to a report by the school board in Duval County. The boards administrative findings, obtained by Jacksonville TV stations WJXT and WJXX, revealed that both of the teen girls were students at Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach when the alleged incidents occurred between 2015 and 2017. The girls told police they had sex multiple times with teacher Corey French at his home and at the school. According to the school board report, the two teens, who both have since graduated, learned of the overlap when they were brought together by a friend in whom each had confided. One of the girls had nixed plans to go to college in the hope that French would leave his wife, according to the school board report. Each girl alleged hed confessed his love to them, and one said he talked about traveling with her to Alaska or Colorado. After the girls went to Frenchs wife with photos and texts to back up their allegations, according to the school boards administrative report, the wife told district officials, who then launched their investigation. French, 30, was arrested in September on two felony counts of unlawful sexual activity, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office stated in a Facebook post. French denies having sexual relationships with the girls, according to WJXX. He is maintaining his innocence across the board, said Melinda Patterson, Frenchs attorney. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. In March of 2018, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office received information from the Duval County School Board Police Department in reference to a possible sex crime, according to the agency. The Special Assault Unit began an investigation into the complaint that a Fletcher High School teacher, Corey French, had been previously involved in sexual relationships with two former students. Story continues It was revealed that both victims had consensual sexual relations with French while he was an active teacher employed at Fletcher High School between the years of 2015 and 2017, alleges the sheriffs office. The school district learned on March 19 of this year that French, who taught science, was involved in an alleged inappropriate sexual relationship involving one or more students, and he was immediately pulled from his classroom responsibility and assigned to a temporary role with no student contact, the district said in a statement to WJAX. French resigned on May 2 upon notification of the districts recommendation of termination, according to the district, which referred the matter to the state Department of Educations Office of Professional Practices. French is free on bond and has pleaded not guilty to the allegations. PEOPLEs calls to the school district were not immediately returned. According to the district statement, Frenchs wife, Alexandra French, a kindergarten teacher in the district, was arrested in a related matter on a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest without violence. Police said she tried to stop them when they tried to arrest her husband. Both of the Frenches pleaded not guilty to resisting arrest charges on Oct. 24, reports WJXX. Patterson, the attorney for the couple, said they were innocent of that allegation. Bria Smith and Jaclyn Corin, two teens that have become prominent voices in the March For Our Lives movement, were honored Friday at TheWraps Power Womens Summit in Los Angeles with the Voice of the Future Award. Smith, who lives in inner city Milwaukee, has devoted herself to building support networks for kids and teens who live in neighborhoods marred daily by gun violence. Corin, a survivor of the Parkland High School shooting last year, helped organize the March For Our Lives movement in the days following the shooting, including arranging for several busloads full of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students and faculty to travel to Tallahassee to push the Florida State Legislature to pass gun control legislation. Also Read: David Oyelowo Has a Solution for Men Who Say There's No #MeToo Redemption (Video) Jackie and I are honored to be an accepting an award of such eloquence and such significant value, Smith said. It reflects the vision generations of past women activists have been pushing for. We have an obligation to create platforms for women across the country no matter their age, color, or experience. Conversation builds bridges, and understanding helps us cross them. Smith and Corin will join other March For Our Lives activists at a rally in Orange County this weekend, aiming to rally voters prior to this Tuesdays midterm elections. Corin says that their organization has registered over 50,000 people to vote. Over the summer, my friends and I from Parkland traveled to over 100 cities across the nation, Corin said. Weve had conversations with other gun violence survivors and other community leaders, and Bria was one of the people who spoke in Milwaukee and we asked her, Want to come on a bus with us?' Also Read: ESPN's Julie Foudy Says Women in Sports Need to Follow Billie Jean King's Lead on Better Pay Smith and Corin spoke about how personally rewarding the March For Our Lives tour has been for them, as they encourage Americas youth to make their voices heard. Understanding different perspectives and amplifying each voice is what creates the strongest unified front, Smith said, with Corin adding that young women might be historically repressed by gender classification, they can find the power within themselves to make a difference in their communities, in their country, and in their world. Read original story Teen March for Our Lives Activists Honored at TheWraps Power Womens Summit: Conversation Builds Bridges At TheWrap Thousands of Google employees around the world walked off the job briefly on Thursday to protest the companys handling of sexual harassment in recent years. Employees everywhere from New York and California to Singapore and London took to the streets with signs and chants around 11 a.m. (in local time zones) demanding change following a New York Times report last week, which revealed that Google paid million dollar exit packages to male executives accused of misconduct. Time is up on sexual harassment! organizer Vicki Tardif Holland shouted at a protest in Cambridge, Massachusetts, surrounded by about 300 people, according to the Associated Press. Time is up on systemic racism. Time is up on abuses of power. Enough is enough! Hundreds gathered around the world with signs boasting poignant messages, including: What do I do at Google? I work hard every day so the company can afford $90,000,000 payouts to execs who sexually harass my co-workers. Google employees everywhere were outraged after the Times revealed Andy Rubin, creator of the Android mobile software, left Google with a $90 million payout from the company after Google determined that a sexual misconduct claim against him was credible. The New York Times story contains numerous inaccuracies about my employment at Google and wild exaggerations about my compensation, Rubin said in a statement in response to the Times article. Specifically, I never coerced a woman to have sex in a hotel room. These false allegations are part of a smear campaign by my ex-wife to disparage me during a divorce and custody battle. In a statement to PEOPLE, Google officials expressed their support for the employees, noting that Google has evolved as a company. Obviously its been a difficult time. This anger and frustration within the company, we all feel it. I feel it too. At Google we set a very, very high bar and we clearly didnt live up to our expectations, officials said in the statement. And which is why we felt it was important to express our support for the employees today. And the first step you take in these things is to acknowledge and apologize for past actions, for the pain they caused. We sincerely did that to the company. Story continues But, for the employees, the protest is a long time coming. Its just unfair that the women who are being attacked have to speak to the people above them in order to get change to happen, Taylor Reifurth, a freelance editor at Google, told CNN. Because sometimes their abusers are the ones above them and in charge of promoting them or in charge of their jobs. Its a lose-lose situation. Photos supposedly of the protest showed large groups of people at Googles Zurich, Tokyo, Berlin and Singapore offices, CNN reported. Meanwhile, a group of Google employees was seen walking out of the companys headquarters in London. Were walking out in support of those whove been harassed anywhere in the workplace, and to ensure that perpetrators are not rewarded and are not protected, Sam Dutton, a Google developer advocate, told CNN. In the wake of the initial report, Google revealed that it had fired 48 people for sexual harassment in the past two years and none of them received an exit package, according to the Times. The protest comes just weeks after McDonalds employees in 10 cities organized a strike to highlight the companys handling of sexual harassment claims. And the walkout follows the headline-making #MeToo movement. Sewing needles found inside Twizzlers Halloween candy prompt Massachusetts police to alert residents originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Police are warning residents of a coastal community in Massachusetts to inspect Halloween candy after needles were found inside Twizzlers. The morning after Halloween in the quiet town of Marshfield, some 30 miles from Boston, parents discovered what are believed to be sewing needles in two packages of Twizzlers that their child had collected while trick-or-treating in the neighborhood Wednesday night, police said. "This was supposed to be a night that was fun for the children," Marshfield Police Chief Phillip Tavares said at a press conference Thursday. "Anyone caught giving out candy contaminated with injury-causing substances faces five years in state prison." The parents told police the needles were inside the twisted licorice candies and that there didn't appear to be any puncture holes on the packaging. "Anything's possible at this point, so we're actively investigating where exactly were the needles put into the candy," Tavares told reporters. Important warning We are investigating two packages of Twizzlers Twists that contained sowing needles inside the candy. The candy was received last night in the Brant Rock Area. Advised to throw away Twizzlers and inspect all other candy. pic.twitter.com/qsS1tN0GKL Marshfield Police Department (@Marshfield_PD) November 1, 2018 (MORE: Parents sickened after Halloween candy tests positive for meth in Oregon) A spokesperson for The Hershey Company, which manufactures Twizzlers, said its products are made "with the highest food safety and quality standards in the industry," including the use of metal detectors. "Unfortunately, product tampering is a serious issue this time of year, which is why it is so important for parents to be vigilant and examine their children's candy," the spokesperson, Jeff Beckman, told ABC News in an emailed statement Friday. "At The Hershey Company, quality and safety are our top priorities. We manufacture our products with the highest food safety and quality standards in the industry. This includes a strict quality and safety program that utilizes metal detectors, visual inspections and a variety of other techniques to ensure our products are safe to consume when they leave our facilities." Sisters found dead in Hudson River preferred suicide over returning to Saudi Arabia: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Tala and Rotana Farea, the sisters from Saudi Arabia whose bodies were found taped together in New York City's Hudson River last week, were said to have preferred suicide over returning to their home country, according to police. Dermot Shea, chief of detectives for the New York City Police Department, said "sources" in Virginia, where the Farea sisters had previously been living, informed investigators that the two women had been in the United States for two to three years and would "rather inflict harm on themselves and commit suicide than return to Saudi Arabia." "Everything that weve seen thus far is pointing to something other than a crime taking place," Shea told reporters at a news conference Friday afternoon. "But were not ruling anything out." Detectives believe the women may have applied for asylum in the United States after alleging that they were victims of abuse, Shea said. The medical examiner's office will ultimately determine the causes of death as the investigation continues. (MORE: Saudi sisters found dead in Hudson River were in NYC for nearly 2 months, police say) PHOTO: Tala Farea and Rotana Farea are seen in these undated photos released by the New York Police Department. (NYPD) A witness told police he saw the women in a park on West 158th Street in Upper Manhattan on the morning of Oct. 24, while he was out exercising. They were sitting about 30 feet apart with their heads in their hands and appeared to be praying, the witness said. The bodies of Tala Farea, 16, and Rotana Farea, 22, were seen floating along the Hudson River that afternoon, police said. The sisters, whose bodies were loosely bound together with duct tape, were found lying on rocks near the river, fully-clothed, both wearing black jackets with fur trim and black leggings. There were no obvious signs of trauma, and detectives believe the women were alive when they entered the water, according to police. Story continues Their bodies are believed to have washed ashore with the tide and stayed when it went out, police said. NYPD detectives are checking to see if any surveillance cameras captured the moment Tala and Rotana Farea entered the river. They are also trying to determine whether either of them had met with any counselors or therapists in recent weeks, two police sources told ABC News. (MORE: Detectives begin 'unraveling' mysterious deaths of Saudi sisters found bound with tape in New York City's Hudson River) PHOTO: The bodies of two women were found washed up from the Hudson River off the Upper West Side in New York, Oct. 24, 2018. (WABC) The Royal Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in New York confirmed in a statement Tuesday that the Farea sisters were students accompanying their brother in Washington, D.C. Police investigators have traveled to Virginia, where they conducted various interviews with relatives and other associates of the Farea sisters to learn more about them. Shea has said those interviews are "unraveling" what was going on in the women's lives before their mysterious deaths. Tala and Rotana Farea were, for a time, living with family in Fairfax, Virginia, but the relatives hadn't seen them since Nov. 30, 2017, according to Shea. After raising allegations of abuse, the sisters were placed in a domestic violence shelter in Virginia in December 2017. They went missing from that facility on Aug. 24, which was the last time they were both seen in Virginia, Shea said. (MORE: Police identify sisters found dead and bound together in New York City's Hudson River) PHOTO: Police sketches of the two women found taped together in the Hudson River on Oct. 24, 2018. (New York Police Department) Through mostly electronic evidence, such as credit card transactions and ATM withdrawals, detectives have determined that Tala and Rotana Farea used various transportation to travel from Fairfax to Washington, D.C., then to Philadelphia and on to New York City, where they arrived on Sept. 1. Investigators are reviewing hotel and restaurant records, surveillance footage, electronic statements as well as eyewitness accounts to determine what the sisters were doing and where they were staying in New York City between Sept. 1 and Oct. 24, when their bodies were discovered in the Hudson River. It appears the sisters stayed at a number of "high-end" hotels, ordered at least two meals a day and went shopping, Shea said. Surveillance video recorded just a week before they were found dead shows the pair looking to be in good health and not in any distress. However, their credit card was "maxed out," according to Shea. "There is a strong possibility here," Shea said, "that money was running out." Anyone with information about the Farea sisters is urged to call the New York City Police Department's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. ABC News' Kaelyn Forde and Emily Shapiro contributed to this report. via jolibee.com We Americans love our McDonald's. In fact, in the second it took you to read that sentence, the fast-food chain sold more than 75 hamburgers. So when a newcomer hits the block and claims to be the next Mickey D's, you know we're all ears. That newcomer is Jollibee, a fast-food chain some people are calling the McDonald's of the Philippines. The restaurant sells everything from fried chicken to Filipino desserts, although its signature dish is the "Chickenjoy," a piece of fried chicken with a side of spaghetti, smothered in tomato sauce and topped with hotdog slices and ground beef. If you're thinking that's something you'd like to dig your fork into, you're in luck. The chain is planning an "aggressive" expansion in America over the coming years, Jollibee Food Corporation North America's vice president Maribeth Dela Cruz told Business Insider. If the name Jollibee sounds familiar, that's probably because it is. The restuarant already has 38 stores in the United States. Its most recent location opened October 27, 2018, in Manhattan. Jollibee also has 1,289 locations globally and has become a cult favorite in many countries. Don't miss these 12 fast food "facts" that are actually false. When Jollibee opened its first store in the U.K., some fans camped out for as many as 18 hours to get a taste of its unique dishes. More than 1,000 others waited for hours on a line that zigged and zagged around the block. Jollibees arrival is definitely on par with the level of happiness when I graduated, got my first job, got engaged, got married, had my kids," Mars El Brogy, one of the many native Filipinos who waited on line in the U.K, told thesun.co.uk. "This is huge. Check out the 15 oldest restaurant chains in America. American Jollibees expect to bring in a high number of Filipinos, too. "It's not just the products they used to enjoy when they were back home," Cruz told Business Insider. "It's really the experience of bringing them back to happy memories of being with their family and celebrating moments and milestones in their lives back in the Philippines." And since Americans are some of the world's biggest consumers of fast food, we have no doubt the chain will get the rest of the country on board in no time. Want to learn more about the industry? These are the 33 things your fast-food worker won't tell you. Carolyne Roehms Autiobiography-cum-Art Book Delves into the Exuberant Life of A True New York Style Icon Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli I caught up with Carolyne Roehm in her high-ceilinged eyrie in Sutton Place filled with ravishing portraits by Vigee Lebrun, Van Dyck, Winterhalter, et al, set against chocolate brown velvet walls framed by powdery white neoclassical pilastersa room of gleaming mahogany, giltwood, gesso, damask, and flowers. Over coffee and miniature pumpkin muffins, we discussed her sumptuous new tome, Carolyne Roehm: Design & Style: A Constant Thread (Rizzoli). The book amplifies Roehms existing 12-volume library of lavishly illustrated coffee table books with a wry autobiographical narrative. Weaving images from her fashion career with those of the flowers that are her passionsome of them depicted in her own charming botanical watercolorsas well as her own layered interiors and impactful entertaining mise en scenes, Roehm makes a case for her holistic vision of beauty. Roehms autobiography reads like a tale by Edith Wharton. Jane Smith was born to educators in Kirksville, Missouri, an unlikely setting for the woman who would one day conquer New York society. Or perhaps not. At the age of six, Jane made her first fashion purchase: a rhinestone tiara from a Sears catalogue. We never had to worry about her, said her mother, Elaine Bresee. She intended to be quite perfect. She arrived in Manhattan at 22, fresh out of Washington University in St. Louis with 600 dollars, five suitcases of ladylike clothes, sugar-starched petticoats, and a dream of fashion. On the advice of a beau, she dropped Jane and adopted her given first name of Carolyne. She began her fashion career designing polyester womens sportswear for Sears, but found her vocation (and a drop in salary) as a fit model and assistant to her fashion hero Oscar de la Renta, who responded to her Kay Kendall looks and personal style (he described her as superb) and who eventually became something of a Svengali to her. She became like my own daughter, de la Renta once confided. She married Axel Roehm, scion of a German bio-pharmaceutical company, but he didnt want her to work, so the marriage didnt either, and Roehm eventually returned from housewifery in Darmstadt to Seventh Avenue to design de la Rentas Miss O line. Soon after, she met the financier Henry Kravis, famed for engineering the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco. In 1985, Kravis invested in Roehms own-name fashion brand, which became synonymous with her svelte good looks and glamorous lifestyleespecially when de la Rentas right-hand man suggested that she appear in her own ads. This she did, photographed by Victor Skrebneski in some of the Kravises seven spectacular houses (as well as those filled with swagger portraits by Sargent and Winterhalter in Connecticut and Manhattan, there were properties in Vail, Santo Domingo, and a Southampton house on Shinnecock Bay with 18th century Portuguese tiles decorated in collaboration with Robert Denning and Vincent Fourcade). Everywhere, as Vogue noted, there were rich, painterly arrangements like Dutch still lives of glorious flowers. Story continues She and Kravis eventually wed, and with her second marriage Roehm became rooted in the topsoil of Manhattan's Nouvelle Society, as The Washington Post noted. Womens Wear Dailys fearsome John Fairchild dubbed her a Social Cyclone, and she certainly juggled it alland morebuoyed by a household staff of 55 (and 75 in her fashion business). In 1990, Georgina Howell caught up with the indefatigable Roehm for an eight-page profile in Vogue and discovered her riding her dressage horses at Weatherstone, the Kraviss storied 18th century house in Connecticut; practicing Chopin nocturnes; taking lessons in French, cooking, wine, and music; exercising; working on four collections a year and a fistful of licenses; chairing galas for the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Ballet and the New York Public Library, among many others; and diligently fulfilling her duties as president of the CFDA. In this role she was about to embark (with co-chairs Donna Karan and Anna Wintour) on the first Seventh on Sale with a mission to raise a million dollars for HIV/AIDS research and care at just the moment when the pandemic was eviscerating the fashion community. With all of this, she never shouts or forgets staff birthdays, noted Howell. Her presents, of course, were always spectacularly presented by Roehm herself, who elevated gift-wrapping to a fine art. In the early 90s, Roehms marriage came to an end, and she shuttered her eponymous fashion house. Post-divorce, however, Roehm translated her creativity into other areas. She started a mail-order line of more accessibly priced clothes and accessories, and went to Paris and studied with Henri Moulie of the famed florist Moulie-Savart, where I caught up with her in 1996, arranging glorious bouquets of flowers (gathered at dawn from Rungis) in an apartment that she had prettily decorated with great drifts of floral-sprigged silk taffetas like the billowing skirts in Marie-Antoinettes garde-robe. Roehm was not letting the grass grow under her feet: She had recently been to Oxford to study Shakespeare and attended classes at Manhattans International Center of Photography; she was taking a computer course, continuing with her piano lessons, studying drawing, learning cookery at the Ritz, and spending her days stripping thorns from rose stems and wrapping clay pots in laurel. She couldnt have been happier. For me, Roehm confided, arranging flowers is exactly the same as designing clothes. I love an exuberance of color and texture. Roehm shows no signs of slowing down, recently renovating a house in Charleston, a city she loves for its continued embrace of prettiness. In some ways, Roehms trip down memory lane for this book was cathartic: As soon as the manuscript was dispatched to the printers, she collected together most of those tearsheet images of her glittering former lives and put them through the shredder. Looking backand moving onbeautifully. Unlike many members of Congress, Abby Finkenauer doesnt own a home. She cant afford to buy a new car, so she drives a 10-year old Chevy. Thats because instead of making car payments, she puts about $300 a month toward paying off the $20,000 of student debt shes still carrying from college. Shes 29, a first-generation college graduate, and the Democratic nominee for Congress from Iowas 1st district, running to unseat GOP Representative Rod Blum. And for her, the student debt problem is both personal and political, something she hopes to address if her campaign is successful. Theres a whole generation of folks that are around my age or who are not doing as well as our parents did, Finkenauer says at a coffee shop in Dubuque before an event with former Vice President Joe Biden. Debt has kept her and her cohort from buying houses and cars, putting down roots, and participating fully in the economy. Everything is getting delayed right now and, and not because of necessarily folks want it to be, but just the economic reality of it, she says. Americans carry roughly $1.5 trillion in student debt, and about 70% of college graduates leave college with student loans to pay off (the average debt load for a bachelors degree was a little over $30,000 in 2016). But most of those people carrying that debt are recent college graduates, and most of the people who are making debt policy are not. Finkenauer says that massive debt burden is one of the critical economic problems of the 21st century, and most politicians are ignoring it. These are the types of issues that just arent being talked about in D.C., she says. There are not a lot of people sitting around thinking about student loans. Its mind blowing, she says, that young people cant refinance their loans the way families can refinance their mortgages. Blum, who has represented Iowas 1st district since 2015, describes himself as a tea party Republican and was endorsed by Trump in a rally in Iowa and on Twitter. He is 63. Story continues If shes elected next week, Finkenauer will be one of a new cohort of young Democratic representatives who are likely to significantly lower the median age in the Congress. Shell join Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (also 29) and several other young women candidates running tough races this year, including Katie Hill in California (31) and Lauren Underwood in Illinois (32). Thats why Finkenauers campaign is so unusual. Young people are carrying more debt than ever at a time when its more expensive than ever to run for office. Candidates without deep pockets or wealthy connections have a hard time mounting a real campaign, and rich candidates who can self-fund have an advantage over candidates who have to ask for cash. But Finkenauer, who was raised by a union pipefitter-welder and a school secretary, has managed to raise nearly $4 million, overwhelmingly from individual contributions. Iowas first district voted for Obama and then Trump, and handily re-elected Rod Blum in 2016. But the nonpartisan Cook Political Report now has the district leaning Democratic, with some polls showing Finkenauer with a solid lead. If youd told me two years ago that youd have a Democrat running as a challenger raising that amount of money for an Iowa congressional seat, I dont think I would have believed you, says Des Moines attorney and Democratic strategist Grant Woodard. I continue to be blown away by her fundraising numbers. Most of the young women running for Congress this year are new to politics. But Finkenauer has served as a state representative from the Dubuque area since 2015. One of the first bills she introduced was a measure to use employer tax credits to help Iowa students refinance their loans. It didnt pass, and Finkenauer says that a party leader told her it was the first student loan bill hed ever seen in the Iowa state legislature. At least it was an idea, she says. It just again shows what differences we will hopefully be able to make once there are different people sitting at the tables making the decisions. Like most Democrats running in Republican-held districts, Finkenauer spends most of her time talking about kitchen-table issues like protecting health care coverage, creating jobs, and protecting labor unions. But her economic message is tinged with a generational insight that many of her older colleagues ignore. Implicit in her arguments is a message of hope: not just that Iowans can get better jobs, but that young Iowans who left to go to college might be able to come home and put down roots where they grew up. We tend to skew older than most states in terms of the age of our population, says Woodard. But continually in Iowa, particularly in rural Iowa, were always asking ourselves how we keep young people here. Its not just a jobs problem, she says; its that student loans have interrupted the American Dream. Her classmates want to be able to buy a house to live next to mom and dad and their grandparents and have the kind of life like they had growing up in Iowa. People do want to come back home, she says. But can you have a job that pays enough to be able to pay off the loans at the same time? Supporters at a Finkenauer rally said her youth is an asset. She knows what its like to go into debt for a degree that were told we have to have, says Olivia Calvin, 18, who is studying math and environmental science at Coe College. She was happy to cast her first-ever vote for somebody whos actually going to be alive in 2030, to see the [environmental] projections. Older supporters talked about Finkenauers working class roots and her familiarity with rural issues. Shes in a position to be balanced between Iowas manufacturing and rural sides, says Les Bailey, a 71-year old retired welder. Id like to see the torch passed. Survivor of Florida yoga studio shooting thanks man who confronted killer: 'He saved my life' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A man who took on a rampaging gunman who killed two people and wounded four others at a Florida yoga studio says he grabbed the first makeshift weapon he could find and sprang into action when the attacker's gun appeared to jam. Joshua Quick is being praised by police and survivors of Friday's shooting in Tallahassee, who say his intervention gave them enough time to escape. Quick said he grabbed a vacuum cleaner that was in the studio and confronted alleged gunman Scott Paul Beierle. "The gun stopped firing, I don't know if it jammed or what. So I used that opportunity to hit him over the head with it [the vacuum]," Quick told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Sunday. Beierle pistol-whipped Quick, who was left with bruises and scratches over this left eye and nose from the confrontation. Quick said he fell to the floor but got back up and went after the alleged killer again. "I jumped up as quickly as I could, ran back over and the next thing I know I'm grabbing a broom, you know, anything I can and I hit him again," Quick said. PHOTO: A gunman opened fire at a yoga studio in Tallahasse, Florida, on Nov. 2, 2018. Two people were killed and the shooter committed suicide, police said. (WTXL) By the time police arrived, Beierle was dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said. Daniela Garcia Albalat, who was shot in the thigh during the incident, told "GMA" that Quick saved her life and the lives of others. "Thanks to him I was able to try to rush out of the door. I was slipping, I was dripping blood everywhere because I got shot through my thigh," Albalat said. "I want to thank that guy from the bottom of my heart because he saved my life." The shooting broke out about 6 p.m. Friday at the Hot Yoga Tallahassee studio. Tallahassee police said Beierle entered the studio posing as a customer then removed a gun from a duffle bag and started shooting without warning. Story continues Killed were Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, 41, a member of the faculty at Florida State University College of Medicine, and Maura Binkley, a 21-year-old Florida State student, police said. "Several people fought back and tried not only to save themselves, but other people, which is a testament to the courage of the people who don't just turn and run but the strength of our community and the spirit of those people trying to help and save and protect others," Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo said at a press conference Friday night. PHOTO: Scott Paul Beierle is seen in this Leon County Sheriff's Office booking photo. (Leon County Sheriff's Office/AP) Police are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting. Investigators said Beierle apparently had no prior connection to the yoga class and that he lived in Deltona, Florida, about 250 miles from Tallahassee. Beierle had been employed as a substitute teacher with the Volusia County, Florida, School District until May 25, when he was accused of misconduct at a middle school, officials said. "He was immediately let go," Kelly Schultz, a school district spokeswoman, told ABC affiliate station WFTV in Orlando. Schultz said Beierle had been issued a teaching certificate in July 2015 by the Florida Department of Education and that he passed all federal and criminal background checks. He was hired by the Volusia County School District in January 2017. Beierle had served in the U.S. Army from 2008 to 2010, according to military records. Prior to enlisting in the Army, Beierle taught English and social studies at a high school in Fort Meade, Maryland, said Bob Mosier, spokesman for the Anne Arundel Public School District in Maryland. Court records show Beierle had several run-ins with police. He was charged in 2016 with battery after he allegedly slapped and grabbed a woman's buttocks at an apartment complex swimming pool, according to records. The charges were eventually dismissed after Beierle complied with conditions of a deferred prosecution agreement. (MORE: Parkland survivors vote for 1st time, months after massacre) Beierle was also charged with battery in 2012 when he was accused of grabbing another woman's rear in a Florida State University campus dining hall, records show. Beierle denied grabbing the woman, according to an FSU police report. (MORE: Trump says coverage of the protesters at synagogue shooting was 'fake') Florida State University president John Thrasher expressed condolences to the victims' families in a statement. "There are no words to express the shock and grief we feel after learning of the deaths of Maura Binkley and Dr. Nancy Van Vessem," Thrasher said. "To lose one of our students and one of our faculty members in this tragic and violent way is just devastating to the FSU family. We feel this loss profoundly and we send our deepest sympathies to Maura's and Nancy's loved ones while we pray for the recovery of those who were injured." Van Vessem was also the chief medical director at Capital Health Plan. "Our Capital Health Plan family is deeply shocked and saddened about the tragic loss of our beloved friend and colleague, Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, among the other victims of this terrible incident," CHP said in a statement. "Nancy has been a guiding light, visionary force in our daily work to serve the wellness and health care needs of thousands of families in this community. "Her dedication, caring, leadership, humanity, and experience made her one of the most respected, accomplished medical professionals in the state and country," the statement continued. "Our hearts are filled with sorrow and prayers for her family. We all have been so blessed to have Nancy in our lives." Binkley's father, Jeff Binkley, told ABC News that his daughter planned to be a teacher. "Maura truly lived a life really devoted to peace, love [and] caring for others," Jeff Binkley said. The other victims in the shooting suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at hospitals, officials said. As our community continues to mourn the tragic loss of Dr. Nancy Van Vessem and Maura Binkley we invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life service tomorrow from 3pm - 5pm at Goodwood Museum to remember those youve loved and lost. #TallyStrong https://t.co/aDEsQuAx8k Tallahassee Memorial (@TMHFORLIFE) November 3, 2018 (MORE: Orlando marks solemn 2-year anniversary of Pulse nightclub massacre) Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is the Democratic candidate for Florida governor, was campaigning in Miami with former President Barack Obama earlier in the day Friday and returned to his home city to visit the two hospitalized victims that night. "Both were in surprisingly encouraging spirits," Gillum said at a campaign rally in Orlando on Saturday. "There was one victim in particular that pulled me in close and said, 'I'm expecting you to do something about this gun violence.'" Gillum has touted his opposition to the National Rifle Association throughout his campaign and favors increased gun control measures. "The memories of Pulse nightclub still reside with all of us. We know the story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas," Gillum said, referring to previous mass shootings in the Sunshine State. "We know the kind of gun violence that pervades too many of our neighborhoods, too many of our communities every day of the week." ABC News' Cherise Rudy, Louise Simpson, Ben Stein, Morgan Winsor and Elyna Carden contributed to this report. MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexican authorities say four people have been slain at a funeral home in the troubled southern state of Guerrero. A statement from Guerrero security spokesman Roberto Alvarez says the armed assailants stormed the funeral home around midday Friday in the city of Iguala. Alvarez says the attack was believed to be related to an incident the previous day in which three other people were killed. The four funeral home victims had gone there to identify a relative slain Thursday. Guerrero is a hotbed of drug production, trafficking and warring gangs. Iguala is the city where 43 rural teachers' college students were abducted by police in 2014 and presumably handed over to a cartel and killed. Active duty military forces arrived in southern Arizona from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on Wednesday, October 31, to await the arrival of asylum seekers still hundreds of miles away from the US border. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called the migrants an invasion and has said that as many as 15,000 active duty troops may be sent to the southern borders. The Mexican government has estimated 4,000 people, mostly women and children, are on their way and has said those numbers are shrinking. Another group of about 1,300 left San Salvador in El Salvador on Wednesday. The migrants plan to seek asylum at ports of entry into the United States. Credit: Thomas Williams via Storyful Oxygen The brutal murder of a nine-year-old girl in 1959 has finally been solved, marking an end to one of Washington states oldest cold cases. Candice Candy Rogers disappeared while selling Camp Fire Mints a fundraiser for the Camp Fire Girls, a Girl Scout-like organization in her Spokane neighborhood on March 6, 1959, according to a press release issued by the Spokane City Police Department. Searchers found boxes of mints strewn along the street; it was the only indication of which direction s Actor Alec Baldwin has been arrested after allegedly punching a man after arguing about a parking spot, according to the New York City Police Department. Baldwin was arrested about 2 p.m. Friday near 28 E. 10th St. in Manhattans West Village and is being held at the NYPDs Sixth Precinct. Assault charges are pending, police say. A police spokesperson did not know if the victim was seriously injured in the incident. Baldwin was arrested in May 2014 after allegedly arguing with police about riding his bike the wrong way down Fifth Avenue. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Baldwins recurring portrayal of him on Saturday Night Live, and called the show unfunny and boring. Last month, Baldwin called on the public to overthrow Trumps administration. After learning about Baldwins arrest Friday, Trump reportedly told journalists, I wish him luck. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Sri Lanka's president on Friday to allow parliament to vote on the appointment of a prime minister to end a political crisis in the Indian Ocean nation. Guterres spoke by phone with President Maithripala Sirisena, who set off the crisis when he sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with former authoritarian president Mahinda Rajapakse. The UN chief told Sirisena that he was following developments in Sri Lanka "with concern," and "urged the president to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow the parliament to vote as soon as possible," a UN statement said. Guterres offered United Nations help to broker a dialogue between all the parties. Sri Lanka's speaker has summoned parliament to meet next week in defiance of the president who has suspended the assembly until November 16. Wickremesinghe has refused to accept the dismissal and has remained bunkered at the prime minister's official residence for the past week. The United States has also called on the president to reconvene parliament. CNNs Anderson Cooper tore into President Donald Trump for making stuff up during his address on immigration from the White House on Thursday. I mean, it could be funny if it was just some pundit on a Fox morning show making stuff up, but this is the president making stuff up, said the Anderson Cooper 360 host. Cooper mocked Trumps claim about being pretty good at estimating crowd size with regards to guessing the number of people in the migrant caravan traveling through Mexico toward the U.S. border. Of all the claims for this president to make, do we really need to get into the whole crowd size thing with this president? I mean, do we? Cooper asked. Just google Trump inauguration crowd size and lets just leave it there. Cooper also shot down Trumps claims on asylum seekers missing court dates, his fearmongering about the caravan being an invasion, his suggestion that Middle-Eastern terrorists were amid the group, and his administrations progress on the U.S.-Mexico border wall. Check out the clip here: .@andersoncooper: Pres. Trump claims he's pretty good at estimating crowd size? Out of all the claims for this President to make, do we really need to get into the crowd size thing? Just Google 'trump inauguration crowd size' and let's leave it there. https://t.co/UzkM54IiXH pic.twitter.com/oJkWjcsxyj Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) November 2, 2018 Related Coverage Twitter Taunts 'Gaslighter' Kellyanne Conway Over 'Facts First' Praise Of Fox News Jim Carrey Gives 'Monster' Donald Trump A Terrifying Halloween Makeover 'The Daily Show' Turns Fox News Migrant Caravan Coverage Into One Scary Movie Jimmy Fallon's Fake Donald Trump Makes Hilarious Mess Of Midterms Message Story continues Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Minya (Egypt) (AFP) - Angry Coptic Christians on Saturday buried relatives shot dead on a bus carrying pilgrims south of the Egyptian capital, as security was tightened after the second such jihadist attack on the country's main religious minority in as many years. The Islamic State (IS) group said it was behind Friday's attack, which killed seven Christians returning from a visit to the desert cemetery of Saint Samuel that was also targeted in 2017. A security source said another seven people were wounded in the shootings near the central Egyptian city of Minya. Under heavy guard by masked security personnel on Saturday, hundreds of angry Copts gathered in and around Minya's Prince Tadros church from dawn for the funeral of six victims. The seventh victim, an Anglican, was buried Friday evening in a village outside Minya. After Saturday's prayers, the bodies were carried out in white coffins bearing wreaths of white flowers, amid shouts of "with our souls, with our blood, we will defend the cross!" They were being buried in a nearby Coptic cemetery. "We will not forget the promises of officials, including the president of the republic, that the criminals will be punished," Bishop Makarios of Minya said in an address to mourners. Members of the crowd, however, booed as he thanked security officials. Many Copts accuse authorities of not doing enough to protect them, following a string of attacks that have killed over 100 members of their community since 2011. The authorities launched an inquiry into the latest attack and on Saturday announced a compensation package of 100,000 pounds ($5,500) to each victim, as well as a monthly stipend of 1,500 pounds. - Fear of further attacks - Dozens of victims' family members had waited throughout Friday night outside Minya's main hospital to receive the bodies for burial. An elderly woman wept for her dead son and wailed as she sat on the ground outside the hospital morgue. Story continues "He was the best child... I'll never see him again," she said. Security forces remained on alert outside the hospital for fear of further attacks, while roads were blocked to the scene of the shooting. A Coptic cleric, asking not to be named, told AFP around 24 people had escaped the attack unharmed and spent the night at a nearby village church. - 'What do they want?' - "Should I carry a gun with me when I go to pray or when I'm at home? Because I could die if I go to church," said Michel, a 23-year-old Copt whose neighbour was killed in the attack. He said three of the victims had been siblings. "What do these terrorists want? Do they want us to hate Muslims?" On Saturday, a burned-out four-wheel-drive truck, which witnesses said had been used by a group of militants in white galabiya gowns, stood near the site of the attack. Residents had attacked the car and handed two of its occupants to security forces, they said. As Egypt's Christians reeled from the latest attack, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called Coptic Pope Tawadros II to offer his condolences and led a minute of silence at a youth forum. Copts, a Christian minority that make up 10 percent of Egypt's 97 million people, have in recent years been repeatedly targeted by IS jihadists. In May 2017, masked gunmen ordered Christians travelling to Saint Samuel to get off their buses and recant their faith. The group refused and were shot one by one, leaving 28 people dead in the IS-claimed attack. IS also killed more than 40 people in twin church bombings in April 2017, and an IS gunman last December killed nine people in an attack on a church in a south Cairo suburb. Egypt's army launched a major offensive in February 2018 against IS in the Sinai Peninsula, where the group has waged a deadly insurgency since the fall of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, killing hundreds of soldiers and policemen. The military offensive -- Dubbed "Sinai 2018" -- has killed more than 450 jihadists, according to an army estimate, with around 30 soldiers killed. "This latest attack shows that the anti-ISIS (IS) campaign has not yet succeeded in Egypt, despite obvious efforts by the authorities to tackle it in different parts of the country," said H. A. Hellyer, senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council and the Royal United Services Institute in London. Copts have long complained of discrimination in Egypt and IS is not the only group to have launched sectarian attacks against the community. An Australian nun who angered President Rodrigo Duterte departed the Philippines on Saturday following a lengthy legal fight against the government's efforts to expel her. Sister Patricia Fox was escorted to the airport by about 200 human rights activists who praised her years of service in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation and condemned the administration for forcing her to leave. "Duterte, expel him, Sister Pat, bring her back," some of the rallyists chanted. Fox -- who has spent almost three decades working with Philippine labourers, farmers and urban poor -- said she was leaving with sadness but urged her sympathisers to continue helping the disadvantaged. "I hope (Duterte) listens to the voice of the little people, not just the military, not just the businessmen, but the farmers, the workers, the tribal folk," she said in a pre-departure press conference. Fox apparently angered the fiery president by joining a fact-finding mission in April to investigate alleged abuses against farmers, including killings and evictions by soldiers fighting guerrillas in the southern Philippines. She was arrested briefly on charges of violating her visa's terms against activism and the slow turning wheels of the Philippine bureaucracy began moving to strip her of her papers. Immigration authorities earlier this week refused to extend her tourist visa and ordered the 71-year-old out by Saturday. She decided to return to Australia rather than risk being forcibly removed. The country's Catholic leadership, which counts about 80 percent of Filipinos as followers, bemoaned her scheduled departure, saying "Sister Patricia Foxs deportation is a blow to the missionary spirit of the church". "The faith she proclaims is not detrimental to the life of Filipinos. In fact, it is a source of hope and consolation to our suffering countrymen," said Father Jerome Secillano, executive director of the bishops' media affairs office. Story continues However Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo said: "The departure of Sister Patricia Fox is a timely reminder to all foreigners who stay or sojourn in this country that they are not entitled to all the rights and privileges granted to the citizens of the Philippines". Church figures have previously criticised Duterte's policies particularly his signature anti-drug campaign that the government has left almost 5,000 people dead since Duterte took office in 2016. Human rights groups charge that the actual death toll is about five times that total. Duterte in turn has deeply resented criticism from the Church, particularly outsiders, attacking Fox and others in a speech in June, saying "those foreigners who have no reason to meddle, they come here, those sons of whores, you priests... you nuns". This story is no longer being updated. For the latest forecast information on Hurricane Michael, consult this story. Tropical Storm Michael is expected to strengthen and will put the northeastern Gulf coast of the United States at risk for a landfalling hurricane around the middle of this week. Tropical Depression 14 strengthened into Michael off the shore of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on Sunday. Michael is expected to strengthen further into a Category 2 hurricane prior to making landfall along the Florida Panhandle or perhaps around the Alabama Panhandle. Florida's Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in northwestern Florida ahead of the storm. Michael track 10.8 AM Before reaching the Gulf of Mexico, Michael will bring a threat of flooding rain around the northwestern Caribbean. After landfall, the flood danger will spread over more of the southeastern United States and potentially into the mid-Atlantic and New England later this week. Heavy rain threat in the northwestern Caribbean, central America "Through Monday, flooding rain is expected across far eastern portions of the Yucatan Peninsula and far western Cuba," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Mike Doll. Wind gusts capable of causing local power outages and minor damage to structures can also threaten these areas as Michael churns northward and strengthens. Static Michael Caribb Localized downpours may also target the rest of Cuba, Jamaica and Hispaniola into at least Monday. This includes in Haiti where recovery efforts from a deadly earthquake are ongoing. Moisture streaming in from the Pacific toward Michael can trigger widespread flooding and mudslides in El Salvador and southern Guatemala through early this week. Michael to strike northeastern Gulf coast around midweek After emerging into the southern Gulf of Mexico on Monday, Doll anticipates that Michael will track through the central Gulf of Mexico into Tuesday. Seas will build across the Gulf of Mexico early this week as the storm churns northward, creating dangers for swimmers and boaters well in advance of the storm. Story continues The largest swells and greatest hazards can be anticipated over the eastern and central Gulf of Mexico, but seas can still turn rough along the Texas coastline and at southeastern U.S. Atlantic beaches by midweek. SE Monday Oct 7 As the seas build, showers and thunderstorms, some of which will be heavy, can also increase across the Florida Peninsula, southern Georgia and northern Gulf coast into Tuesday. The combination of localized downpours and lightning can disrupt storm preparations in and around the Florida Panhandle. Rain and wind are expected to ramp up across the northeastern Gulf coast as Michael makes landfall at midweek. The exact track of the storm will determine whether the heaviest rain and zone of damaging winds focus more toward Alabama or the eastern Florida Panhandle around Wednesday into Thursday. Michael Impacts 10.8 AM There is also a risk of storm surge flooding and isolated tornadoes near and east of where Michael makes landfall. Residents in Pensacola, Panama City, Apalachicola, Tallahassee and Cross City, Florida, as well as Dothan, Alabama, are urged to stock up on key essentials, such as non-perishable food, bottled water, medicines and items needed to protect property from damage. Those in Mobile, Alabama, should closely monitor the progress of Michael. SEE ALSO: Leslie finally shows signs of movement in Atlantic Ocean Resilient North Carolina farmers face substantial recovery after Florence left billions in damage Sergio to eye western Mexico, southwestern US with flooding downpours late this week Be sure to keep cell phones fully charged and gas tanks filled. Flight cancellations, as well as school closures and business shutdowns can be anticipated. Those living in communities at risk for storm surge flooding should have a plan in place in case evacuation orders are given. Download the free AccuWeather app to stay up-to-date on the latest advisories on Michael and weather hazards for your area. Flood risk to expand across southern, eastern US later this week The risk of damaging winds will gradually lessen after Michael makes landfall, but flooding rain can continue to expand across the South later this week. Flooding may also threaten the mid-Atlantic and perhaps southern New England. Michael can deliver a swath of 4-8 inches of rain from the Florida Panhandle into a part of the Carolinas later this week. There can be an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 12 inches, mainly across the southern half of this zone. Such rain can rapidly lead to flooding in low-lying, urban and poor drainage areas. Streams and small rivers can overflow their banks and flood neighboring land and communities. Runoff may lead to eventual rises on larger rivers. Michael late week 10.8 AM Officials may be forced to close roads or bridges that become flooded or damaged by the flooding. Remember never to drive or walk through flooded roads. Areas hit hard by Florence may face disruptions to ongoing cleanup efforts or renewed flooding depending on the track of the storm. If heavy rain unfolds in the southern Appalachians, mudslides can be triggered. The risk of flooding may become more severe and life-threatening if the storm stalls or moves very slowly over the Deep South-one scenario that AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring. The track of Michael and the speed of another non-tropical storm advancing into the East will determine the flood danger for the northeastern U.S. late this week. Forecaster Challenge News Story Banner Where do you think Michael will make landfall? Play Forecaster Challenge and predict today. Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - It was a busy first week for Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, who showed his determination to roll out his conservative agenda on crime, corruption and the economy -- and sparked more than one controversy. Here is a rundown of what the far-right former army captain, who takes office on January 1, has been up to since Sunday's election. - Conservative cabinet - Bolsonaro, who wants to slash the number of ministries from 29 to 15, has announced five cabinet picks so far, mostly political outsiders. Aides say 80 percent of the cabinet is already lined up. -- Ultra-free market economist Paulo Guedes will head a "super ministry" combining the finance, planning, industry and trade portfolios. -- Bolsonaro's military academy instructor, General Augusto Heleno, will be defense minister. -- Astronaut Marcos Pontes, the first Brazilian in space, will be science minister. -- Crusading anti-corruption judge Sergio Moro will be justice minister. -- Seeking to balance the political inexperience of the rest, veteran lawmaker Onyx Lorenzoni will be chief of staff. Bolsonaro has gotten bogged down in controversy and backpedaling as he forms his government. The president-elect's solution to all things economic is to put business world hero Guedes in charge -- but some warn his new "super ministry" is so big it will be "impossible to manage," as financial newspaper Valor put it. Meanwhile, Moro -- who sent leftist ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to jail -- has drawn criticism from some for his decision to enter politics in a far-right government. "Moro has irreversibly compromised his independence as a judge," said Brazil's leading newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo. And after repeatedly flip-flopping, Bolsonaro backed off his decision to merge the agriculture and environment ministries, which critics said would sell out Brazil's natural resources to his agrobusiness backers. Story continues - Hardline policies - After dodging the loaded issue of pension reform late in the campaign, Bolsonaro confirmed he would attack Brazil's "monster deficit" by overhauling its bloated retirement system. The markets are demanding reform, but it is a political minefield. The retirement age in Brazil can be as low as 50 for women and 55 for men. "If we try to change it to 65, there's a good chance we'll fail. So we'll aim for 62," Bolsonaro said. It remains to be seen whether he can get meaningful reform through Congress, where his party will not have a majority. Bolsonaro also doubled down on his vow to relax gun control laws so "good people" can take justice into their own hands. Criminals, he said, "will be held responsible, either before the law or by being taken down." His future defense minister meanwhile backed a plan to use snipers to shoot armed suspects, even when officers' lives are not in danger. - Diplomatic turn - Ditching the "south-south" diplomacy of ex-president Lula, Bolsonaro wants closer ties with the United States. He will make his first foreign trips to Chile, the US and Israel -- countries that "share our worldview," said Lorenzoni. Following in the footsteps of President Donald Trump, whom he admires, Bolsonaro confirmed Thursday he would move Brazil's embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, defying the Palestinians and international consensus. He also cozied up to Italy's far-right Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who warmly congratulated him on his victory and asked him to extradite "red terrorist" Cesare Battisti. The far-left ex-militant, who was convicted of murder in absentia in Italy, was granted refuge in Brazil under Lula. Bolsonaro's son Eduardo, a lawmaker, tweeted back to Salvini: "The gift is on the way." - Testy media relations - Bolsonaro was accused of attacking the independent media in his first days. Speaking after the election, he declared his commitment to the free press -- then immediately said of hard-hitting Folha, Brazil's biggest daily: "That newspaper is finished." "As far as I'm concerned, media that behave disgracefully will not get federal government (advertising) money," he said, apparently angered by Folha's reports on allegations he violated campaign finance laws and misused public funds. International press freedom groups condemned his statements. - Breaking the mold - Bolsonaro's communications strategy -- or lack of it -- is like no other president's in Brazilian history. He gave three separate victory speeches Sunday night: twice on Facebook and once on TV, after praying with his wife on camera. He has made some of his most important policy announcements on social media. Other key announcements have been made by advisors in front of his house or that of wealthy backer Paulo Marinho, favorite meeting spots for his inner circle. Noumea (AFP) - Islanders on the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia on Sunday rejected independence in a referendum that revealed weaker-than-expected support for Paris in the resource-rich and strategic outpost. On the final count, 56.4 percent of people rejected the proposition that New Caledonia -- some 18,000 kilometres (11,000 miles) from the French mainland -- become independent. Turnout was high at 80.63 percent. President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "immense pride that we have taken this historic step together" in an address to the nation, adding it was "a sign of confidence in the French republic, in its future and its values." The island is home to a quarter of the world's known supplies of nickel -- a vital electronics component -- and is a foothold for France in the Pacific where China is gaining influence. But the winning margin in New Caledonia, sometimes referred to in France as "the pebble", might cause some concern in Paris, as well as in Australia which has been alarmed by Beijing's designs in the Pacific and its investment in island nations. Polls beforehand had forecast an emphatic 63-75 percent of New Caledonians would vote "no" when asked if the archipelago should "attain full sovereignty and become independent". Under a 1998 deal called the Noumea Accord to devolve powers to the territory, two further votes on independence can be held by 2022 -- a right independence leaders look set to invoke. "We're a short step away from victory and there are still two votes to come," Alosio Sako, head of the separatist movement FLNKS, said after the results were announced. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe arrived on the island Monday where he will meet political forces on both sides of the independence vote to discuss the future of the territory. - Balancing China in the Pacific? - As well as being home to French troops and being a source of nickel, the territory gives France a large, exclusive economic zone in the Pacific and rich fishing resources. Story continues Macron visited island in May but largely stayed clear of the campaign. However, he has raised concerns over increasing Chinese influence in the Pacific, where Beijing has invested heavily in Vanuatu, a territory which broke from France and Britain in 1980. Accusing the US of "turning its back on the region in recent months", Macron said China was "building its hegemony step by step" -- suggesting an independent New Caledonia could be Beijing's next target. During visits to New Delhi and Canberra since taking power last year, Macron has talked up France's Pacific presence to propose an axis of democratic Asian maritime powers that would include India and Australia. - Ethnic tensions - There were fears that the referendum in New Caledonia could inflame tensions between indigenous Kanak people, who tend to favour independence, and the white population which has settled since France annexed the islands in 1853. Several cars were burned and a couple of incidents of stone-throwing were reported late Sunday, local authorities said, but the vote was otherwise peaceful. Tensions in New Caledonia boiled over into ethnic strife in the 1980s which claimed more than 70 lives. That led to the 1998 Noumea Accord which paved the way for a steady devolution of powers, as well as Sunday's referendum and possibly two others before 2022. In recent years, France has faced protests and calls for independence in several of its overseas territories, which are a legacy of the country's colonial history and are sometimes dubbed "the confetti of the French empire". French Guiana in South America and the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte have been rocked by major protests over living standards and perceived neglect. Closer to home, the Paris government also faces renewed calls for independence from nationalists on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, which have been rebuffed by Macron. Separatists had urged Kanak voters to choose self-determination for Kanaky, their name for New Caledonia, and throw off the shackles of the "colonial" authorities in Paris. The Kanak community is economically disadvantaged compared with the white population and plagued by high school dropout rates, chronic unemployment and poor housing conditions. But indigenous people make up less than 50 percent of the electorate and some Kanaks back staying part of France, not least due to the 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) the French state hands to the islands every year. Going it alone, "I'm not sure we have all the assets we'd need to succeed," said Marc Gnipate, a 62-year-old pensioner. burs-adp/ecl/amu Cairo (AFP) - The Islamic State group's latest deadly attack in Egypt shows it still has the ability to launch bloody strikes in the country despite pressure from a military offensive in the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt's army has since February waged a major operation dubbed "Sinai 2018" aimed at neutralising jihadists in the desert region. But after several months of calm, IS on Friday claimed an attack in central Egypt that killed six Coptic Christian pilgrims and one Anglican worshipper. Gunmen opened fire on the devotees as they headed home on a bus from the Saint Samuel monastery in Minya province south of the Egyptian capital. "At a time when IS is weakened in the Sinai, it is trying to launch operations elsewhere in Egypt," said Mustapha Kamel al-Sayyid, political science professor at Cairo University. Copts, a Christian minority that make up 10 percent of Egypt's 97 million people, have been repeatedly targeted by IS in recent years. And Minya province, said Sayyed, provides "fertile ground" for jihadist operations. The latest attack was preceded by a nearby assault in May 2017 also claimed by IS, when masked gunmen ordered Christians travelling to Saint Samuel to get off buses and recant their faith. The pilgrims refused and were shot one by one, leaving 28 people dead. "The Islamists are rooted in central and upper Egypt, particularly in Minya and Asyut -- it is not difficult for IS to recruit in this region," said Sayyed. The jihadists' goal is to show that "Egypt is not stable, even as (President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi) tries to give this impression," he added. Another expert said it was clear IS is far from defeated in Egypt. "This latest attack shows that the anti-ISIS campaign has not yet succeeded in Egypt, despite obvious efforts by the authorities to tackle it in different parts of the country," said H.A. Hellyer, senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council and the Royal United Services institute in London. Story continues Since December 2016, jihadist attacks in Egypt have left more than 100 Christians dead. - 'Massive problem' - Hellyer said the latest assault "shows that the wider issue of sectarianism being instrumentalised to support certain parts of radical extremist opposition continues to be a massive problem". Since Egypt's military toppled Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, extremists have regularly attacked security forces, killing hundreds of police officers and soldiers. The Egyptian Ansar Beit al-Maqdis group pledged allegiance to IS in 2014, gaining expertise and logistical support from the international jihadist group, which once controlled a self-styled "caliphate" in parts of Iraq and Syria. The jihadists soon ramped up their attacks on civilians, planting a bomb on a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers from a south Sinai resort in 2015, killing all 224 people on board. In response to the uptick in attacks -- and under the guise of tackling terrorism -- Sisi has repressed all forms of Islamist opposition, crushing secular dissent along the way. In late November 2017, Sisi gave his security forces three months to re-establish order in the Sinai after an attack against a mosque that killed more than 300 in the peninsula's north. But nearly a year after that ultimatum -- and nine months after the military offensive began -- the jihadist insurgency in the Sinai remains alive. Friday's attack in Minya province showed that IS can still hit hard outside the peninsula, despite retaining only a few hundred or so increasingly squeezed fighters in Egypt, according to experts. The army said in October it had killed more than 450 jihadists since the start of the Sinai operation, while the regime says it has lost around 30 soldiers. Press access to the areas affected by military operations is entirely cut off, making it hard to corroborate what is happening on the ground. Rights groups regularly denounce what they call a failure by the state to provide for populations in the operational zone -- accusations the authorities deny. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) New details about the crashed Lion Air jet's previous flight cast more doubt on the Indonesian airline's claim to have fixed technical problems, as hundreds of personnel searched the sea for a fifth day Friday for victims and the plane's fuselage. The brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane plunged into the Java Sea early Monday, just minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Herson, head of the Bali-Nusa Tenggara Airport Authority, said the pilot on the plane's previous flight on Sunday from Bali requested to return to the airport not long after takeoff but then reported the problem had been resolved. Several passengers have described the problem as a terrifying loss of altitude. Lion Air, a budget carrier that is the biggest domestic airline in Indonesia, has said the unspecified problem was fixed after Sunday's flight, but the fatal flight's pilots also made a "return to base" request not long after takeoff. "Shortly after requesting RTB, the pilot then contacted the control tower again to inform that the plane had run normally and would not return" to Bali's Ngurah Rai airport on Sunday, Herson, who uses a single name, told The Associated Press. "The captain said the problem was resolved and he decided to continue the trip to Jakarta." Data from flight-tracking websites show both flights had highly erratic speed and altitude after takeoff, though confirmation is required from data recorded by the aircraft's "black box" flight recorders. Indonesia's Tempo news website published a minute-by-minute summary of what it said were the conversations between air traffic control and the pilots of Monday's fatal flight, who reported a "flight control problem" and were unsure of their altitude. Asked about the accuracy of the report, National Transportation Safety Committee deputy head Haryo Satmiko said it had "similarities" with the information received "legally" by investigators. Story continues Officials displayed one of the jet's two flight recorders at a news conference Thursday evening, later confirmed to be the flight data recorder, and said they would immediately attempt to download information and begin an analysis. But progress has been hampered by the black box not being fully intact and it needs special handling to ensure its data survive, a process that is continuing, according to the National Transport Safety Committee. It said the "crash-survivable memory unit" was opened and washed and some of its wiring will need to be replaced and a new shell provided from Lion Air to enable a download of data. "In principle, all data we have obtained, including flight data and air navigation, and also from other sources we find that there have indeed been problems" with the plane, Satmiko said. "We will prove more technical problems with data recorded in the black box." Satmiko said investigators had already contacted the pilot of the plane's Sunday flight. The problems with it were "just as it circulates on media and social media," he said, referring to accounts of passengers. One of them, Diah Mardani, told a television program earlier this week that after takeoff "the plane suddenly fell, then rose, then fell again harder and shook." "All the passengers started shouting, 'God is Great,'" she said. "The atmosphere was very tense." She said she was traveling with a group of more than 50 colleagues and many were crying with relief after landing in Jakarta. A team from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board including Boeing experts has joined the Indonesian investigation. Indonesian investigators will also travel to the U.S. to meet with the designers of the new-generation Boeing jet. Hundreds of personnel and dozens of vessels including specialized ships with sonar and other detection technology are involved in the search effort in seas northeast of Jakarta. Four ping locators which are lowered into the sea to listen for the black box's signal are now being used to locate the cockpit voice recorder after an additional unit was contributed by the U.S. More than 60 body bags containing human remains have been sent to police medical experts for identification since the search began, but as of Thursday only one victim has been identified and buried. Families of those on board have offered their DNA for testing. Television stations broadcast video of aircraft debris on the seafloor including a plane wheel. Avi Riyanto, director of airworthiness at the transport ministry, said it is closely monitoring flights of other Boeing 737 MAX planes in Indonesia. "The currently operating Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft have been inspected and we will continue to monitor and supervise closely, day by day, and if it is found to be significant we will do another inspection and ground them if needed." The Lion Air crash is the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since 1997, when 234 people died on a Garuda flight near Medan. In December 2014, an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea, 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 is one of Indonesia's youngest airlines but has grown rapidly, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. It has been expanding aggressively in Southeast Asia, a fast-growing region of more than 600 million people. President Donald Trump made the comments during a speech at Columbia Regional Airport in Missouri - AP President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he plans to sign an order next week that could lead to the large-scale detention of migrants crossing the southern border and bar anyone caught crossing illegally from claiming asylum - two legally dubious proposals that mark his latest election-season barrage against illegal immigration. Mr Trump also said he had told the US military mobilising at the southwest border that if US troops face rock-throwing migrants, they should react as though the rocks were "rifles." "This is an invasion," Mr Trump declared, as he has previously on a subject that has been shown to resonate strongly with his base of Republican supporters. He made his comments at the White House in a rambling, campaign-style speech that was billed as a response to caravans of migrants traveling slowly by foot toward the US border. But Mr Trump offered few details on how exactly he planned to overhaul an asylum system he claimed was plagued by "endemic abuse" that he said "makes a mockery of our immigration system." The president was speaking at the rally in support of US Senate candidate Josh Hawley Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images North America US immigration laws make clear that migrants seeking asylum may do so either at or between border crossings. But Mr Trump said he would limit that to official crossing points. The US does not have the space at the border to manage the large-scale detention of migrants, with most facilities at capacity. Mr Trump said the government would erect "massive tents" instead. The announcement marked Mr Trump's latest attempt to keep the issue of immigration front and centre in the final stretch before next Tuesday's elections. The president has spent the waning days of the campaign hammering the issue at every occasion as he tries to energise Republican voters using the same playbook that helped him to power in 2016. He brought up immigration issues several times during a political rally Thursday night in Columbia, Missouri. He railed against "birth tourism," where mothers from abroad travel to America to have babies so they will automatically be U.S. citizens. And he denounced "chain migration," where these new citizens then bring in their extended families into the country. Story continues "You come into the country - you're like two months old ... and you're gonna bring 'em all - your aunts and uncles and grandfathers and lots of people," he said. Illegal immigration affects the lives of all Americans. Illegal Immigration hurts American workers, burdens American taxpayers, undermines public safety, and places enormous strain on local schools, hospitals and communities...https://t.co/eN1IqPNBJY Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2018 The president announced Wednesday that he was considering deploying up to 15,000 troops to the US-Mexican border in response to the caravans - roughly double the number the Pentagon said it currently plans for a mission that has been criticised as unnecessary, considering the caravans remain hundreds of miles away. He said on Thursday that he was "not going to put up with" any sort of violence directed at those US forces, warning the military would fight back. "When they throw rocks like they did at the Mexico military and police, I say consider it a rifle," he said. The exact rules for the use of force by military police and other soldiers who will be operating near the border have not been disclosed, but in all cases troops have the right of self-defense. Still, Mark Hertling, a retired Army general, wrote on Twitter after Mr Trump's speech that no military officer would allow a soldier to shoot an individual throwing a rock. "It would be an unlawful order," he wrote, citing the Law of Land Warfare. Mr Trump said Thursday that, under his order, any migrants who do enter the country would be housed in "massive tent cities" he plans to build while their cases are processed. "We're going to catch, we're not going to release," he said. Under current protocol, many asylum seekers are released while their cases make their way through backlogged courts - a process that can take years. Critics said the speech seemed mostly designed to scare, with no specifics on what mechanisms Mr Trump intended to use to push through his desired changes. FWIW, there is no leader in the military - Officer or NCO - who would allow a soldier to shoot at an individual throwing a rock. They know that violates the rules of engagement, the law of land warfare & the values those in the military believe. It would be an unlawful order. Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) November 1, 2018 Administration officials told The AP that Mr Trump intends to invoke the same authority he used to push through his controversial travel ban. "He's really trying to scare the American public into thinking these are thousands of dangerous thugs," said Greg Chen, of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. "It's a classic strategy that goes back to 19th century nativist thinking." Mr Trump and other administration officials have long said those seeking asylum should come through legal ports of entry. But many migrants are unaware of that guidance, and official border crossings have grown increasingly clogged. Immigration officials have turned away asylum-seekers at border crossings because of overcrowding, telling them to return at a later date. Backlogs have become especially bad in recent months at crossings in California, Arizona and Texas, with people generally waiting five weeks to try to claim asylum at San Diego's main crossing and sleeping out in the open for days at a time. Our men and women in uniform are better trained, better equipped, and better led so they meet any threat with confidence. A wasteful deployment of over-stretched Soldiers and Marines would be made much worse if they use force disproportional to the threat they face. They wont. GEN(R) Marty Dempsey (@Martin_Dempsey) November 1, 2018 Migrants who cross illegally are generally arrested and often seek asylum or some other form of protection. Claims have spiked in recent years, and there is currently a backlog of more than 800,000 cases pending in immigration court. Administration officials have railed against what they say are loopholes designed to encourage people, especially from Central America, to come to the US and claim asylum. The US fielded more than 330,000 asylum claims in 2017, nearly double the number two years earlier and surpassing Germany as highest in the world. Generally, only about 20 percent of applicants are approved. But it remains unclear how many people currently en route to the US will even make it to the border. There are currently four caravans. The main group of about 4,000 migrants - down from its estimated peak of more than 7,000 - remains in southern Mexico, hundreds of miles from the border. A second, smaller group of 1,000 or so is more than 200 miles behind the first. A third band of about 500 from El Salvador has made it to Guatemala, and a fourth group of about 700 set out from the Salvadoran capital on Wednesday. Members of the Central American caravan cram into the back of a truck in Juchitan de Zaragoze, Mexico as they head for the US border Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images South America Similar caravans have gathered regularly over the years and have generally dwindled by the time they reach the southern border. And most have passed largely unnoticed. Mr Trump has nonetheless mounted an enormous show of force in response to their movement - coinciding with elections that will determine which party controls Congress. The first 100 active duty troops arrived at the border in McAllen, Texas, on Thursday - part of the "more than 7,000" troops the Pentagon said the military were sending to support Customs and Border Protection agents. "These illegal caravans will not be allowed into the United States and they should turn back now because they're wasting their time," Mr Trump said on Thursday. Notably, he said his executive order would come next week, which means it could be after Election Day. The president has rejected the idea he has been "fearmongering" and using the issue for political purposes, and instead on Thursday he blamed Democrats for the "incompetent, very, very stupid laws that we have." He noted at one point, "Women want security." Mr Trump also tweeted a video Wednesday alleging, without evidence, that Democrats were responsible for allowing a homicidal immigrant into the US. Many pointed out that the video was reminiscent of the infamous "Willie Horton" ad used against Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis in 1988 and condemned as racist. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may have just arrived home from their royal tour, but not before passing the baton to Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who recently arrived in The Gambia to begin their own overseas tour of West Africa. And of course, Camilla didn't disappoint with her first outfit choice, just like Meghan opting to wear a beautifully tailored dress coat and trousers for their first engagements, which included an official welcome and a traditional cultural performance at the Coco Ocean Hotel. Camilla's beautiful outfit featured luxurious gold embroidery, and she teamed it with a neutral clutch bag and wedge heels. camilla-outfit-gambia Camilla looked beautiful in head-to-toe neutrals The Duchess looked suitably glowing for the special occasion, looking radiant in natural makeup and a pretty rose-pink lip she wore her hair in her signature flicked-out blowdry and teamed the look with drop-pearl earrings. Husband Prince Charles looked dapper, too, choosing a navy double-breasted suit and a pretty floral buttonhole for his arrival. MORE: Prince Charles and Camilla reveal their favourite TV show are you a fan too? Loading the player... The royal couple will spend nine days in The Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria, first celebrating The Gambia's return into the Commonwealth in February. In the country, the pair will attend joint engagements as well as separating for solo ones, with the Duchess visiting to a school to meet young people aspiring to enter The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, and the Prince of Wales heading to see the work of the Medical Research Centre, which is a faculty of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. MORE: Prince Charles shows off photo of all three grandchildren taken from Prince Louis' christening Ahead of their visit, Charles and Camilla recently held a special reception at Buckingham Palace to meet dozens of the UK's famous faces of West African heritage. Wearing a gorgeous deep purple skirt suit, it's no wonder Camilla chose such fabulous tailoring since the likes of British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, rapper Tinie Tempah and men's fashion designer Ozwald Boateng were all in attendance. More of the same please, Camilla! The Hague (AFP) - Dutch prosecutors said Friday they had not managed to establish how a Bosnian Croat war criminal got the poison he used in his courtroom suicide in front of UN judges. The conclusion came almost a year after 72-year-old Bosnian Croat commander Slobodan Praljak swallowed potassium cyanide at an appeal hearing of the former Yugoslavia war crimes court in The Hague. The hearing was being broadcast live around the world at the time. "The investigation has not shown in what way and at what point in time Mr Praljak had obtained the potassium cyanide he used," the Dutch public prosecution service said. "No criminal offences were established," it added in a statement. Praljak, in a last show of defiance against the now-shuttered International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), took the poison from a small brown bottle on November 29 last year. Moments before, UN judges had upheld his 20-year jail term for war crimes committed during Bosnia's bloody 1992-1995 war. Praljak died some two hours later of heart failure at a Hague-based hospital. It was one of the most dramatic days at the tribunal, set up in 1993 to prosecute those responsible for war crimes committed during the bloody 1990s Balkans wars. Investigators said Friday they believed Praljak "had been considering suicide for some time. "For instance, he had already had his items packed for shipment to Croatia and said goodbye to people on several occasions." Detectives also found a suicide note after his death in which he told his family he decided "a long time ago" that he would end his life should he lose the appeal in his case. "It can't be excluded that Praljak already had the poison in his possession for a (very) long time," the prosecutors' office said. "Potassium cyanide can be stored in its dry form and suicide only requires a very small quantity. "In this context, it isn't strange that the importation or storage of the substance wasn't noticed," it said. Praljak, who worked in film and theatre before joining the military, remains a hero to many Croats despite his conviction. Croatian news reports said he was buried at a private funeral in Zagreb some 10 days after his death. Until the turn of the millennium, only one person had been convicted under the World War I-era Espionage Act for disclosing government secrets to the press. President Clinton pardoned that man, Samuel Loring Morison, in 2001, precisely because his prosecution was so irregular. As Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan said in support of the pardon, Morison was, then, the only one convicted of an activity which has become a routine aspect of government life: leaking information to the press in order to bring pressure to bear on a policy question. Today, Senator Moynihans concern seems quaint. President Obama, in his eight years in office, prosecuted 11 government employees for leaks. President Trump, in his first 21 months, prosecuted five, and secured guilty pleas in three. In August, Reality Winner, the first Trump leak defendant, received the longest sentence ever in such a case: 63 months in prison. Just this past month saw a plea (James Wolfe), a sentencing (Terry Albury, who received the second longest sentence of 48 months), and a new prosecution (Natalie Edwards). The normalization of what used to be extraordinarytreating a reporters source as a spyraises a number of discomforting facts, of deepening relevance to the state of press freedom in America. First, the explosion of Espionage Act leak cases over just the last decade is aberrational as a matter of history. Morison was the first such case in 1984 (there were four attempted prosecutions prior to Morison, including the Pentagon Papers case, but no convictions under the spying law). There was one more in 2005, when a Pentagon analyst and two lobbyists with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee were prosecuted for sharing information about Iran, though that case also fell apart and wasnt really about the media anyway. In 2009, however, the dam broke with an FBI linguist named Shamai Leibowitz, who was successfully prosecuted for sharing information with a blogger. In the following nine years, prosecutors brought 15 more cases, almost all of which have now resulted in convictions or pleas. So, not only did President Obama prosecute more leakers than all other presidents combined, but, with the exception of his immediate predecessor, President Trump has himself prosecuted more leakers than all other presidencies combined. Story continues This uptick in leak prosecutions isnt because there are more leaks. Quite the contrary: anecdotally, sources today are often less willing to talk, probably because of the crackdown. Official Washington has been leaking like a sieve since the founding of the country. To give just two examples, in the 19th century the Senate used to lock reporters in committee rooms until they disclosed their sources (with no success). And the history of the 1970s could not have been written without leaks, from Deep Throat to the Pentagon Papers. Second, the punishments in these cases are becoming progressively more severe. Until Reality Winners five- and Alburys four-year sentences, only three defendants had received a sentence of more than two years, and many received no prison time at all. President Obama commuted the most severe sentencethe 35 years handed down by a military court to Chelsea Manningto time-served shortly before leaving office (citing its severity as a reason for mercy). Third, selective enforcementwhere top-level officials leak with impunity, but low-level employees go to jail for yearsis an acute concern. CIA director David Petraeus, who shared code-word intelligence and the names of secret assets with his mistress, received probation. Marine General James Cartwright lied to investigators about leaking information about arguably the most consequential cyber-attack in history, and was pardoned. Finally, fourth, were getting used to all of this. For much of American history, law enforcement recognized and internalized the sensitivity of investigating reporters and their sources. The Department of Justice, for instance, has guidelines that govern when and how it can investigate the media, which were strengthened to protect the press under Attorney General Holder after the Obama administration was criticized for its treatment of leaks. By contrast, Attorney General Jeff Sessions now trumpets the new get tough on leaks posture, even giving a prominent speech in August 2017 heralding a tripling of leaks cases. All this, then, raises the question of why leak prosecutions are becoming so routine. Its likely a mix of factors. Modern technology produces more digital breadcrumbs, which can be analyzed in more detail and with greater speed, and the government has broad legal authority to compel telecommunications or internet companies to hand them over. Further, insider threat programs that monitor access to classified information are now well established across government. And the more the courts approve of treating sources like spies, the more the Justice Department feels empowered to do so, exacerbating the problem. This trend arent just a threat to the publics right to know. Sources are drying up, sure, and the store of public knowledge about government affairs is shrinking. Thats bad. But the only thing really stopping law enforcement from prosecuting journalists for publishing secret government information, rather than their sources for providing it, are democratic norms and the fear that the publics collective head will explode when it finds out (and maybe the Constitution, but thats a thin reed). As these leak cases become workaday, that check of mass opprobrium becomes less meaningful. While theres a temptation to make too much of the presidents enemy of the people rhetoric about the press, theres also a corresponding urge to make too little of it. While it might be theater, and while the president himself might not really mean it, its a historical fact that no other president has gone to this length to demonize the press. Couple that with a legal avenue to criminally target reporters for doing their jobs, and were sidling up to a line that, once crossed, puts the one occupation named and protected in the Constitution in a place of peril it has never been before. Donald Trump has chosen audiences carefully during his mid-terms blitz The creators of Game Of Thrones have issues a warning to President Donald Trump after he used HBO imagery to announce sanctions on Iran. Trump tweeted a picture of himself in front of an icy-effect grey background, with sanctions are coming in Game OF Thrones style font. The slogan is a play on arguably the shows most famous lines Winter is coming. His tweet refers to the US reinstating sanctions against Iran, which were previously removed under the 2015 nuclear deal. HBO said: We were not aware of this messaging and would prefer our trademark not be misappropriated for political purposes. How do you say trademark misuse in Dothraki? HBO (@HBO) November 2, 2018 Meanwhile, the companys Twitter account posted: How do you say trademark misuse in Dothraki? In Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms, Dothraki is a languages spoken by a ferocious tribe of warriors. Two of the shows cast also made their distain known. Sophie Turner who plays Queen in the North Sansa Stark tweeted; Ew in response to President Trumps post. Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark, retweeted Trumps post and wrote: Not today. Many people have been quick to point out that the background of Trumps picture appears to emulate the evil Night King, a powerful but terrifying character. The Night King commands an army of undead warriors determined to cross an enormous wall, built to shut outsiders out. The White House has confirmed it is to reinstate all previous US sanctions on Iran that were removed under the 2015 nuclear deal. Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota appeared to endorse Thursday a Facebook ad, paid for by her state party, which threatened the states hunters with the loss of their out-of-state hunting licenses in neighboring states should they vote in the midterms on Tuesday. Asked about the ad by a reporter, Heitkamp, who is locked in a tight race for reelection with Republican representative Josh Hawley, said it is really important that people understand the consequences of voting. The ad, which was paid for by the North Dakota Democratic-Non-Partisan League, cautioned sportsmen that, If you vote in North Dakota, you may forfeit hunting licenses you have in other states. If you want to keep your out-of-state hunting licenses, you may not want to vote in North Dakota. When asked about that claim, Heitkamp insisted it was true. Voting means you are a resident, it means you pay taxes here, it means that if you want a residential hunting license in Minnesota, it means youre not going to get that, if you vote here, she said. The ad, which was verified by Facebook and categorized as a political ad, links to a page entitled Hunter Alerts containing a number of logos but no further information regarding the potential loss of hunting licenses. North Dakota officials, including the secretary of state and licensing manager for the Department of Game and Fish, have said they are unaware of any relationship between hunting licenses and voting. North Dakota Democrats have accused Republicans of suppressing Native American votes in the state by requiring that all voters, including those who live on a reservation, provide a valid address to prove their in-state residency. Heitkamp, who has spoken out against so-called voter-suppression efforts, donated $3 million to the North Dakota Democratic-NPL through her campaign, some portion of which appears to have financed the Facebook ad. Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen backed increased militarization, and laughed off a question about Trumps family separation policy Kirstjen Nielsen, the Department of Homeland Security secretary, defended the Trump administrations plan to increase border militarization Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images The homeland security secretary, Kirstjen Nielsen, defended the militarization of the US border on Friday, the morning after Donald Trump delivered an inflammatory, often factually incorrect, speech on immigration. At a meeting hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Nielsen was asked repeatedly about how her immigration enforcement agencies would carry out the potentially unconstitutional plans Trump outlined without detail, including a suggestion that soldiers would fire at people throwing rocks near the US-Mexico border. Her responses, while more articulate than the presidents, perpetuated the administrations fear-mongering narrative about immigration and specifically targeted the caravan heading to the border from Honduras that has become a political pawn ahead of the midterm elections. The challenge with the caravan is its a very amorphous concept, you dont get a ticket to the caravan, its not a membership program, Nielsen said. The caravan has traveled 1,000km (621 miles) from San Pedro Sula in Honduras and has shrunk from 7,000 people to 4,000 halfway through its journey to the border. Travelers, many of whom are families seeking safety by traveling in a group instead of making the trek alone, complain of illness, sunburn and exhaustion. Previous caravans traveling from Central America have dwindled from thousands to hundreds of people by the time they reach the border. And the majority of people in them apply for asylum. To explain why the government might send 15,000 troops to the border, instead of relying on existing homeland security department resources, Nielsen said if the caravan members took trains or buses, they could be at the border in days and if they continued on foot, it could be at least a month until they arrive. No, we do not have the capacity, capability to address that type of flow, she said. Story continues When asked whether she agreed with the presidents claim that an invasion was coming north, Nielsen described second and third waves of people migrating to Mexico, claiming they have been violent. By the time were talking about molotov cocktails and use of firearms, its my duty to make sure our officers and agents are secure, she said. There is a second group of 300 people from El Salvador and a third group that confronted police at the Guatemala-Mexico border on Sunday. Some threw rocks and glass bottles and local first responders told Reuters that 26-year-old Henry Adalid was killed by a rubber bullet. The Mexican government denied that officers were armed. In general, mass migrations are dangerous for the migrants themselves, Nielsen said. It needs to be safe, it needs to be orderly. Nielsens defense of increased border militarization comes amid two years of efforts by the Trump administration to restrict immigration to the US, including by targeting the asylum and refugee process. In June, the attorney general, Jeff Sessions, ordered US immigration courts to stop granting asylum to victims of domestic abuse and gang violence. In August 2017, the Trump administration announced it shut down the Central American Minors (Cam) program, which allowed people lawfully in the US to apply for refugee resettlement or temporary immigration status for their children or other eligible family members. It has also shrunk refugee admissions to a record low making it more difficult for people to apply for refuge from their home country instead of pursuing a case at the border. Though Nielsen met on Friday morning to discuss election security, the crowd of consultants, professors and not-for-profit workers questioned her instead on the administrations immigration policies for nearly all of the 30 minutes allotted for a question and answer period. There were also protesters gathered outside each entrance to the Upper East Side building, carrying signs calling for the release of asylum seekers and showing closeup images of the ankle monitors used to track detained migrants waiting to face immigration court. One guest questioned Nielsen on Trumps family separation policy, which allowed for mass separations of migrant children from their parents before Trump ended the policy amid public outcry. What were you thinking when you announced that policy without having a tracking system? asked Nina Gardner, a lecturer at Georgetown University. Gardner said luggage was treated with more respect than separated immigrant families. Nielsen laughed the question off. Gap (France) (AFP) - Prosecutors in France on Friday said they had dropped legal proceedings against a man who rescued a Nigerian migrant about to give birth on the Franco-Italian border in freezing weather, citing "humanitarian immunity". Benoit Ducos, a volunteer helping migrants coming across the border, found the Nigerian family -- a couple and their two children -- and two others who had carried the woman, who was eight-and-a-half months pregnant, during their trek through the snowy terrain. Ducos and another volunteer decided to drive the woman to hospital in the nearby town of Briancon, with her contractions beginning during the journey. The baby was born by caesarean section later that night. The authorities opened an investigation into whether Ducos had assisted the entry and movement of an illegal alien. After inquiries into the "circumstances in which the help was given", however, the public prosecutor's office decided to take no further action. In a statement released on Friday, local public prosecutor Raphael Balland explained that for the offence of assisting entry the charge had been insufficiently specific as the investigation failed to determine if Ducos took part "directly or indirectly in organising the illegal journey from the border of these people in particularly perilous conditions". For the offence of helping them on their journey, the magistrate had invoked "humanitarian immunity" given the absence of any payment and the dangerous weather conditions, in particular for the pregnancy woman", the statement added. Officials at Middleton Heights Elementary School in Middleton, Idaho, have apologized for staff wearing offensive Halloween costumes, saying there was no malicious intent behind the costumes. Teachers and staff members there dressed up as Mexicans and President Trumps proposed border wall, complete with a Make America Great Again message. The teachers were photographed wearing stereotypical Mexican costumes, which featured sombreros, fake mustaches and ponchos. Others were dressed as brick walls. According to the Idaho Statesman, photos of the teachers were posted to the Middleton School Districts Facebook page with the caption It was a great day to be a Heights Hawk! We celebrated our RESPECT character winners, single and double marathon runners. The school came under fire when photos of the costumes, which were quickly shared online and sparked outrage, went viral last week. Many claimed the costumes were offensive. The Idaho Statesman reports that 12 Idaho-based advocacy groups and nonprofits, including the ACLU of Idaho and Immigrant Justice Idaho, sent a letter to the districts superintendent on Friday expressing concerns over the costumes. The intent or misjudgments of the individuals involved does not undo the trauma experienced by students, families and communities, the letter said. The impact on these students does not stay only with them but has lasting effects beyond the school or classroom. We believe the school and classrooms have now become hostile environments that are not conducive to the education of the students. In a Facebook video, Superintendent Josh Middleton of the Middleton School District, issued an apology on Friday, saying he was deeply troubled by his staffs insensitive and inappropriate costume choices. Do I think there was a malicious intent in this poor decision? No, I dont, Middleton said. Was there a poor judgment involved? Absolutely. We are better than this, we embrace all students, he said. We have a responsibility to teach and reach all students period. Rival Asian giants India and China are anxiously watching the constitutional conflict between contending prime ministers in Sri Lanka to see whose interests get the upper hand in their own strategic battle. It is the second time in barely a month that the Indian Ocean has become a battleground between the powers, after the Maldives' hotly disputed presidential election saw the eviction of a pro-Chinese leader. Both may be minnows compared to the two giant neighbours that loom over it to the north. But they sit on the key sea trade and oil routes from Asia to the Middle East and Europe making them vital strategic interests for the rival powers. New Delhi and Beijing insist that they are watching from outside the political ring as Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe slugs it out with Mahinda Rajapakse, the island's former authoritarian leader named to take over by the president. But the stakes are high. "With parliament suspended and all the political trickery between the two sides, the growing tensions are a worry for India and China," said an Asian diplomat in Colombo. China was quick to deny an accusation by a lawmaker from Wickremesinghe's party this week that it was paying for Rajapakse's attempts to win over rival deputies. "Groundless and irresponsible," said a frosty Chinese embassy statement in response to the allegations. The constitutional crisis pits two very different characters against each other. Wickremesinghe is a soft-spoken reformist technocrat and free market proponent seen as wary of China's often one-sided economic deals and less suspicious of India. Rajapakse is a seasoned political bruiser, deeply charismatic but tainted by an authoritarian decade in power that culminated in a ruthless military campaign against Tamil Tiger rebels which ended a decades long civil war but killed some 40,000 civilians and saw widespread atrocities. He was also much closer to Beijing -- billions of dollars of Chinese investment flowed into Sri Lankan infrastructure during his administration ranging from roads and ports to land reclamation in Colombo. Story continues - Tightrope act - Maithripala Sirisena, the final key character in Sri Lanka's current political crisis trinity, vowed to change all that when he beat Rajapakse in a 2015 presidential election and put Wickremesinghe in charge of the government. That should have encouraged India, which is desperate to stop China expanding its economic and military footprint in the Indian Ocean and other backyard states such as Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. But Wickremesinghe found the battle against Sri Lanka's huge foreign debt too much. Last year his government gave a 99-year lease on the Hambantota deep-sea port to China because it was unable to repay Beijing's loans for the $1.4-billion project. It was forced to deny US claims that China could set up a military base at the port. India -- a modest investor in power and railway projects in the north of the country -- is meanwhile in talks to run Hambantota airport, another white-elephant project built with Chinese loans under Rajapakse. The airport and port deals have not been good for China's image. Both projects have been held up by critics as an example of how China's global largesse often comes with onerous repayment strings attached. Delhi has turned on the charm with its own deals while in 2015 Narendra Modi became the first Indian premier to do a standalone visit to the island in 28 years, with a second visit two years later. Many analysts see Sri Lanka riding a tightrope between India and China no matter who wins the power struggle in Colombo. "They have been pulled into a perverse relationship with the Asian giants that none of the political parties can rectify easily," Samir Saran, president of the Observer Research Foundation think-tank in New Delhi, told AFP. "Rajapakse definitely favoured Chinese investment and there was a move away from it after he left, but it still wasn't a complete break from China. It was more a move towards neutrality," added Madhu Bhalla, a former East Asian department head at the Delhi University. "In its struggle with China for influence in Sri Lanka, the Indian government will not be pleased if Mahinda Rajapakse establishes himself in power," said Alan Keenan, a Sri Lanka specialist for the International Crisis Group. "But already before the latest crisis, India and Rajapakse had been mending fences, as Rajapakse and his new party appeared increasingly likely to return to power (through elections) by late 2019 or early 2020." Guo Xuetang, director of the South Asian and Indian Ocean Research Center at Shanghai University, said "small countries" like Sri Lanka and the Maldives do not want to be anyone's client state anyway. "They do not want to be controlled by China, nor by India," he added. Whether Sri Lanka chooses India or China in the future will be a "balance of interests," said the specialist. By Tabita Diela PANGKAL PINANG, Indonesia (Reuters) - As Indonesia struggles to determine why an airliner crashed this week with the loss of all 189 people on board, there is nowhere the impact of its second-worst air disaster has been felt as deeply as the sleepy, palm-fringed Bangka-Belitung islands. Lion Air flight JT610, an almost new Boeing 737 MAX 8, was en route from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang, center of the Bangka-Belitung tin-mining region, on Monday when it crashed into the sea soon after take-off. "Bangka-Belitung has never suffered from a crash like this before," said Krisna Wiryawan, head of the city's tax office. Seven of his 92 employees were on the doomed flight. "We're feeling deeply hurt," said Wiryawan, speaking at his desk at the slightly shabby, red-tiled tax building, with rows of flowers carrying condolence messages lined up outside. Indonesian flags on government offices in Pangkal Pinang were at half-mast this week to honor the victims. The tax office suffered disproportionate losses since many of its workers commute from Jakarta, and Wiryawan himself said he often took that flight. Staff regularly used Lion or other budget airlines, rather than the national carrier, Garuda, for cost reasons, particularly if using personal expenses, said Wiryawan. According to data compiled by state insurer Jasa Raharja, out of 189 people on board flight JT610, at least 45 were residents of these islands of 1.4 million inhabitants that rely on mining, agriculture, fishing and a small tourism sector. Indonesia is the world's biggest tin exporter thanks to the rich seams of ore in the Bangka-Belitung islands, though this has come at a price with unregulated mining scarring parts of the islands with a lunar landscape of craters. Still, the industry is a major employer and has drawn in workers from across Indonesia to the islands, off the east coast of Sumatra island, about half way between Jakarta and Singapore. Four employees of state tin miner PT Timah and three employees of a Timah subsidiary, were on the plane. LAST MESSAGE Company secretary Amin Haris Sugiarto said Timah had been hoping for a miracle and their employees could be found. Timah has sent an emergency response team, including a doctor and paramedics, to Jakarta to help the families of their staff. Lion Air has flown about 100 family members of the missing to Jakarta and the airport in Pangkal Pinang is preparing for the remains of victims to be flown back. Search and rescue teams have only found body parts from the missing plane. In the town of Sungai Liat, about 40 km (25 miles) from Pangkal Pinang, relatives of a couple who were on board the plane with their 15-month-old daughter sought comfort by reciting verses from the Koran in a tent set up outside the family home. Wita Seriani, a dentist, and her husband Rizal Gilang Perkasa Sanusi Putra, who worked at the state power company, had just celebrated their second wedding anniversary. Family members had gone to Jakarta to give DNA samples to help with identification, but Seriani's mother, Susmawati, had remained behind. "It's all fate," she said, speaking softly. Susmawati said her daughter had sent her a message 20 minutes before the flight took off from Jakarta, so that her father could pick them up at the airport. "Mom, tell dad we're on board the plane," the message read. (Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Robert Birsel) MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (AP) An Iowa father on trial for the gruesome death of his infant son blamed the baby's mother from the stand Friday. Zachary Paul Koehn, 29, said under questioning from his attorney that he had entrusted care of 4-month-old Sterling Koehn to the baby's mother, the Courier reported . "I put my trust in the wrong person," Koehn said repeatedly. He also pointed to the 70 to 80 hours a week he worked as a truck driver, while the baby's mother, Cheyanne Harris, did not work outside the home. But under cross-examination from the prosecutor, Koehn conceded he took better care of his dog than he did of the baby. He also admitted to being a longtime meth user and providing Harris with meth, as well. Koehn is on trial for murder and child endangerment in the August 2017 death of the baby. The infant was found dead in a maggot-infested diaper and baby swing, weighing only a few ounces more than his birth weight. An autopsy showed the baby died of malnutrition, dehydration and an E. coli infection caused after he was left in a soiled diaper for up to two weeks. Harris is also charged and faces a separate trial at a later date. Koehn's trial was moved from Chickasaw County to Henry County to counter pretrial publicity in the case. ___ Information from: Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, http://www.wcfcourier.com Tehran (AFP) - Working from their small offices in Stockholm, analysts at a new watchdog that monitors global oil shipments have been run ragged by Iran's efforts to skirt US sanctions this month. In late October, every single one of Iran's vessels "went dark", switching off their transponders to avoid international tracking systems -- a first since TankerTrackers.com began operating in 2016. The ships can now only be tracked manually using satellite imagery. "It's the first time I've seen a blanket black-out. It's very unique," co-founder Samir Madani told AFP. It is part of efforts by Iran and its customers to keep oil flowing ahead of a new US embargo set to hit on Monday. "Iran has around 30 vessels in the Gulf area, so the past 10 days have been very tricky, but it hasn't slowed us down. We are keeping watch visually," added co-founder Lisa Ward. Huge improvements in commercially available satellite imagery in recent years have allowed firms like TankerTrackers to watch the progress of vessels on a daily basis, where once images would have come only once a week or more. Iran hopes less transparency will allow it to keep selling oil after November 5 when the United States reimposes the last set of sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, which Washington abandoned in May. But Joel Hancock, from analysis firm Natixis, said this did not mean their sales would necessarily remain high. "The main issue with tanker trackers is they are tracking exports, maybe not sales," he told AFP, adding that the ships could just be moving oil to storage facilities in China or elsewhere. Another method -- used during the last sanctions period between 2010 and 2015 -- is to keep oil on huge tankers off the Gulf Coast. TankerTrackers says there are currently six vessels, with a total of 11 million barrels of capacity, parked offshore as floating storage containers -- freeing up port capacity and allowing for quick deliveries. Story continues - 'Dead in the water' - Although precise figures are rarely available in the notoriously opaque oil market, most analysts say Iran's exports dropped from around 2.5 million barrels per day in April to roughly 1.6 million in October. Countries with close security and trade ties with the US were quick to cut their purchases -- South Korea went almost straight to zero, with Japan and much of Europe close behind. Although the European Union has vowed to create a "special purpose vehicle" (SPV) to protect companies buying oil, analysts see little chance that firms will risk US penalties by using it. "The SPV is currently dead in the water. It can't handle oil in any serious volume," said Henry Rome, a specialist on Iran sanctions for the Washington-based Eurasia Group consultancy. The US granted waivers to eight countries but only on condition they make substantial cuts to their purchases. But the trickiest customers for the US in its "maximum pressure" campaign are the biggest buyers, India and China. China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, has been surprisingly willing to play ball with sanctions so far, in part because it has bigger fish to fry in the form of its ongoing trade war with Washington. During the last sanctions period, China funnelled almost all its Iranian transactions through the Bank of Kunlun, controlled by Chinese state energy group CNPC, which was sanctioned by the US in 2012 but shielded the rest of the sector from penalties. "Kunlun was a sacrificial lamb in the past... but Chinese banks appear to have realised the immense risk and are a lot more cautious," said Rome. Unconfirmed reports suggested this month that the Bank of Kunlun was quietly halting transactions with Iran. But China is likely to seek new paths to keep the oil flowing, according to Rome. "It looks like they'll open another channel, maybe another bank, and keep importing sizeable amounts, but there's still a lot to work out," he said. India, another major buyer, will also be looking for mechanisms as they did during the last sanctions period. "The difference last time was that sanctions were phased in gradually over a long period," said Rome. "There's a certain panic this time that they are being required to make very substantial reductions immediately, and also that banking systems are much more intertwined than in the past." Even if Iran can continue to sneak oil out of its ports, it will find it difficult to get the cash into its accounts. "Iran is a formidable adversary, well practised in different techniques to keep selling oil and muddle the data, but that won't be a panacea for everything," said Rome. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday hailed US leader Donald Trump for reimposing sanctions against mutual foe Iran, ahead of a fresh round of penalties set to kick in Monday. "Thank you, President Trump, for this historic move. The sanctions are indeed coming," Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office. "For years I've been calling for sanctions to be fully reimposed against Iran's murderous terrorist regime, which threatens the entire world." Trump announced in May he was withdrawing the US from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Tehran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme. On Friday, Washington confirmed it was going ahead with a second round of sanctions set to take effect on Monday. Netanyahu said the effect of the first round of sanctions reintroduced in August "were already being felt". "The riyal has plummeted, Iran's economy is depressed and the results are evident," he said. The European Union, France, Britain and Germany -- all signatories to the 2015 deal with Iran -- have condemned the US move to renew its sanctions on Iran. Washington says it wants a new deal with Tehran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Iran. Ankara (AFP) - Troops from Turkey and the United States launched joint patrols in the northern Syrian city of Manbij on Thursday, the Turkish defence minister said, part of a bid to ease tensions between the NATO allies. "The joint patrol in Manbij between Turkish armed forces and the US began today at 3.53pm (1253 GMT)," Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told lawmakers, according to state-run news agency Anadolu. The city is controlled by the US-backed Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, which Turkey considers a terrorist group. The patrol took place around the Sajur River that divides Manbij and the region of Jarabulus, which was captured by Turkish-backed Syrian rebels from the Islamic State group in 2016 during Ankara's first offensive in northern Syria. Manbij was captured from IS by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an umbrella group dominated by the YPG. Ankara has repeatedly threatened to attack the city and earlier this week President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey had completed preparations for a new operation to "destroy" the YPG in northern Syria. There are US forces in the Sunni Arab-majority Manbij -- which lies just 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of the Turkish border -- and Washington has been closely working with the YPG in the fight against IS. The US support of the Kurdish militia has strained relations with Turkey. Ankara says the YPG is an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a bloody insurgency in Turkey since 1984 with the goal of forming an independent Kurdish state. The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Turkey, the US and the European Union. Earlier this year, Turkey and the US agreed the YPG militia would withdraw from Manbij. As part of the roadmap, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at the time said the agreement would ensure the YPG leaves Manbij, then Turkey and the US would work together to establish a local security structure and decide who will govern the city. Defence minister Akar warned earlier Thursday that "the terror group (YPG) will be buried in the trenches it has dug". Photo: Shutterstock.com Stemming from the case of a firefighter who claimed he developed cancer from on-the-job exposure to carcinogens, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has clarified the evidentiary standards for alleging an occupational disease in a workers' compensation case. The court's multifaceted and, at times, divided rulingone that generated three concurring and dissenting opinionsreversed a ruling of the Commonwealth Court holding that plaintiff Scott Sladek did not prove his cancer was the result of his employment as a Philadelphia firefighter. In doing so the justices held that the workers' compensation statute allows admissibility of epidemiological evidence, Justice Christine Donohue wrote in the court's opinion. "The provision only requires the claimant to establish a general causative link between the claimants type of cancer and a Group 1 carcinogen. In other words, the claimant must produce evidence that it is possible that the carcinogen in question caused the type of cancer with which the claimant is afflicted. It does not require the claimant to prove that the identified Group 1 carcinogen actually caused claimants cancer," Donohue said. In the firefighting arena, Donohue said, "epidemiological evidence is clearly relevant and useful in demonstrating general causation. Epidemiology deals with, inter alia, the identification of potentially causative associations in various populations between possible causative agents and the resulting incidence of particular diseases and seeks to generalize those results. In so doing, epidemiology may provide 'useful information as to whether there is a relationship between an agent and a disease and, when properly interpreted, can provide insight into whether the agent can cause the disease.' In response to Donohue's opinion, three justices issued their own concurring and dissenting opinions. Chief Justice Thomas Saylor dissented with the majority's reasoning in the case but concurred with its decision to remand for further proceedings. "In all events, on the arguments presently before the court, I would not dilute the Commonwealth Courts holding requiring some showing, by a firefighter-claimant, that the type of cancer could have been caused by Group 1 carcinogens to which the claimant was exposed at work, while at the same time foreclosing employers from demonstrating that this type of cancer is incapable of having been caused by relevant workplace exposure," Saylor said. Justice David Wecht also wrote a concurring and dissenting opinion. "In sum, I would hold that: (1) occupational disease claimants can satisfy Subsection 108(r) by showing that they suffer from a kind of cancer that is caused by a Group 1 carcinogen; and (2) an expert-epidemiologists general causation testimony may constitute substantial competent evidence that a firefighters cancer was not caused by the occupation of firefighting," Wecht said. And lastly, Justice Sallie Mundy also separately concurred and dissented with the ruling. "Based on the foregoing, I would hold: 1) Sladek met his burden of establishing an occupational disease under 108(r), and was thus entitled to the presumption of Section 301(e) that his malignant melanoma was caused by his employment as a firefighter; and 2) the general causation evidence in the nature of expert testimony on epidemiology offered by the city was insufficient to rebut the presumption of benefits to Sladek," Mundy said. Sladek was represented Michael Dryden of Willig, Williams & Davidson. "It was a good day for firefighters," Dryden said of the majority's decision. "The Supreme Court's decision provided a fairer standard for firefighters diagnosed with cancer to pursue compensation." He added, "Their decision is in line with the intent of the General Assembly." A woman who made graphic allegations against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh has admitted to investigators that she fabricated them to get attention. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley has referred Judy Munro-Leighton to the Justice Departement and FBI for investigation into potentially materially false statements and obstruction. The Committee is grateful to citizens who come forward with relevant information in good faith, even if they are not one hundred percent sure about what they know, Grassley wrote in his letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. But when individuals intentionally mislead the Committee, they divert Committee resources during time-sensitive investigations and materially impede our work. On September 25, Jane Doe from Oceanside, California sent an anonymous letter to Senator Kamala Harris alleging that the then-nominee for Supreme Court and his friend raped her several times each in the back of a car. Details were sparse, such as the time frame and location of the alleged attack. The whole thing is ridiculous, Kavanaugh said when questioned the next day by committee investigators about the allegation. The whole thing is just a crock, farce, wrong, didnt happen, not anything close. Later on October 3, Judy Munro-Leighton emailed the committee claiming to be the Jane Doe of the letter and said she was sharing with you the story of the night that Brett Kavanaugh and his friend sexually assaulted and raped me in his car, calling it a vicious assault. I refuse to allow Donald J. Trump to use me or my story as an ugly chant at one of his Republican rallies, Munro-Leighton wrote. I know that Jane Doe will get no media attention, but I am deathly afraid of revealing any information about myself or my family. Story continues Investigators located Munro-Leighton living in Kentucky, not California, and discovered that she is a left-wing activist decades older than Judge Kavanaugh. She admitted to investigators that her story was a tactic and that was just a ploy. No, no, no. I did that as a way to grab attention, she told investigators. I am not Jane Doe . . . but I did read Jane Does letter. I read the transcript of the call to your Committee. . . . I saw it online. It was news. I was angry, and I sent it out, she said of her email to the committee describing the allegations. Oh, Lord no, she responded on whether she has ever met Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh was confirmed as Associate Justice on the Supreme Court on October 6. During his acrimonious confirmation process, multiple women came forward with accusations of sexual assault against him. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified to the Judiciary Committee that Kavanaugh pinned her to a bed and attempted to rape her at a party when they were both in high school. However, several on-the-fence senators, including Democrat Joe Manchin and Republican Susan Collins, sealed the slim majority in Kavanaughs favor with their votes to confirm him, citing a lack of hard evidence supporting the accusations against him. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) The Latest on former Vice President Joe Biden (all times local): 8:50 p.m. Former Vice President Joe Biden has made a campaign stop in Iowa, where he bemoaned the tone of Trump-era politics and gave a preview of how he might take on the Republican president should he seek the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. In Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, Biden said, "It's our leaders who need to set the tone and dial down the temperature and restore some dignity to our national dialogue." Biden was on a trip across the Midwest campaigning for Democrats in states that President Donald Trump carried in 2016. He stopped in Wisconsin earlier on Tuesday. Referencing the violence of last week that included the synagogue shootings and a wave of pipe bombs, Biden thundered, "What the hell is happening to us? Our children are listening!" ___ 2:25 p.m. Former Vice President Joe Biden is back on the campaign trail, this time stumping for Democratic candidates in Wisconsin and Iowa. He blasted the "forces of hate that have terrorized our fellow Americans for their political beliefs, the color of their skin or their religion" during a speech Tuesday morning in Wisconsin. His return to Iowa later Tuesday is certain to fuel speculation about whether he'll launch a presidential bid. He's not expected to make an announcement until after the midterms, but some Iowa Democratic activists say his message could resonate amid concerns about the nation's heated political rhetoric. Biden has long been an unsparing critic of Trump's moral leadership. Campaigning in Nevada this month, he said American values are "being shredded by a president who is all about himself." BOSTON (AP) The Latest on the killing of Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger (all times local): 4:19 p.m. A prison workers' union official says sending Boston crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger to a troubled federal penitentiary in West Virginia was like giving him a "death sentence." Jose Rojas represents workers at the Florida prison where Bulger was held before going to West Virginia. Rojas said Friday that someone "dropped the ball" when they decided to transfer him to USP Hazelton. Bulger was beaten to death hours after he arrived at the prison. Authorities say two Massachusetts mobsters are suspects in Bulger's killing. Workers at Hazelton and advocates have been sounding the alarm for years about dangerous conditions due to understaffing. Rojas says officials should have checked to ensure that Bulger wasn't being housed with any potential enemies. Other former prison workers have also questioned why Bulger was placed in Hazelton's general population instead of a more secure setting. ___ 2:45 p.m. A law enforcement official says a second inmate under suspicion in Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger's prison killing is a Massachusetts man convicted of conspiring to kill a teenager to keep her from talking to police. The official who was briefed on the investigation said Friday that 44-year-old Paul J. DeCologero is a suspect in Bulger's death Tuesday at a West Virginia prison. The official insisted on anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case. DeCologero is the second Massachusetts mobster suspected in Bulger's beating. The FBI has declined to comment. Authorities have said only that Bulger's death is being investigated as a homicide. Attorney Jeanne Kempthorne previously represented DeCologero and said she has a "hard time seeing a motive" for him to kill Bulger. ___ Associated Press writer Denise Lavoie reported from Richmond, Virginia. George Washington understood the stakes. As the first of everything, Washington wrote, whatever he did, substantially as well as stylistically, would serve to establish a precedent. In 1790, the first full year of Washingtons presidency, John Adams captured the cultural as well as the political significance of the office, writing: His person, countenance, character, and actions, are made the daily contemplation and conversation of the whole people. Adams great rival Thomas Jefferson agreed. In a government like ours, Jefferson wrote, it is the duty of the Chief-magistrate, in order to enable himself to do all the good which his station requires, to endeavor, by all honorable means, to unite in himself the confidence of the whole people. On the eve of the two-year anniversary of the election of the 45th President, its clear that Donald Trump has no compelling interest in leading what the founders thought of as the whole people. Washington created the framework for the office, and most (though not all) of his successors understood, as Harry Truman put it, that you cant divide the country up into sections and you cant encourage peoples prejudices. You have to appeal to peoples best instincts, not their worst ones. Today, words like Trumans seem to come from the remotest of eras. In the wake of the attempted mail bombings of a wide range of those whom Trump has frequently targeted, including former Presidents, the fatal shooting of two African Americans in a grocery store in Kentucky and the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue, many Americans are asking a tragically now familiar question: What can we do in an era of rising white supremacy when we have a President who not only refuses to curb his sulfurous rhetoric but who threatens, as he recently did, to tone it up? We now know as surely as anything is knowable in human affairs that Trump is determined to be a force for division, not for unity. He has no apparent interest in rising to the historical moment. To him, the presidency seems to be a reality showa lark in which narcissism and nationalism are inextricably intertwined. The President, Woodrow Wilson once observed, is at liberty, both in law and conscience, to be as big a man as he can. Story continues Or, as we are seeing now, as small. So the national task is this: How can the country find a reasonable equilibrium of temperament that will check and balance the climate of division on which Trump thrives? Given the centrality of the presidency in much of our history, its a difficult question but an essential one, and much turns on whether we can find a compelling answer. My own view is that we must attempt, insofar as possible, to focus our civic energy not on the Presidents heart and mindthose seem a lost causebut on our own. The nature of a republic is shaped by the mysterious and complicated interplay between the leaders and the led, and experience and philosophy teach us that popular governments often mirror as much as they mold who we are. An uncomfortable thought for many of us, but candor compels us to confront it. Though Trump is a novel President, he representsindeed embodiesancient and perennial forces of political, racial and cultural fear. Yes, America is the nation that produced Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. Its also the nation that pursued and perpetuated enslavement and institutionalized racism to such a prolonged degree that it took a Tubman and a King to bring about a measure of justice. And justice takes a long time to comeand when it comes, its difficult to hold on to. Still, as Frederick Douglass said, I know of no soil better adapted to the growth of reform than American soil. That a republic is the sum of its parts is an insight with deep roots. Machiavelli, discoursing on these matters, the 17th century English theorist and politician Algernon Sidney wrote, finds virtue to be so essentially necessary to the establishment and preservation of liberty, that he thinks it impossible for a corrupted people to set up a good government, or for a tyranny to be introduced, if they be virtuous. Three hundred years and an American republic later, Truman was blunter. The country has to awaken every now and then to the fact that the people are responsible for the government they get, the 33rd President observed. And when they elect a man to the presidency who doesnt take care of the job, theyve got nobody to blame but themselves. The best historical analogy to our current moment offers little reassurance. In the presidency of Andrew Johnson the nation faced a crisis over whether it would heed the implications of the Union victory in the Civil War. After Lincolns assassination, Johnson fought a prolonged rearguard action against equality, vetoing key Reconstruction legislation and opposing the 14th Amendment. White men alone must manage the South, Johnson said, and he issued what the historian Eric Foner has called probably the most blatantly racist pronouncement ever to appear in an official state paper of an American President, asserting that blacks were incapable of self-government. No independent government of any form has ever been successful in their hands, Johnson wrote in his 1867 annual message. On the contrary, wherever they have been left to their own devices they have shown a constant tendency to relapse into barbarism. He attacked Congress relentlessly, sowed fears of conspiracy and cast himself as a victim of evil forces. Johnsons Trump-like defiance of norms did not create racism, of course, but it did affirm it. And the capitulation of the governing class in 1877giving Republican Rutherford B. Hayes the presidency in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South Carolina and Louisiana statehousesmeant Jim Crow would endure for nearly a century. White House senior advisers Jarod Kushner and Ivanka Trump speak with Rabbi Jeffrey Myers as President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump pay their respects outside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30. So is Trump the harbinger of a new dark age? Not if We the People engage fully and consistently in the arena. The demographic and cultural trends that will continue to produce a more diverse America are irreversible. Andrew Johnson governed a vastly majority-white nation; Trump is more likely the end of something, not the beginning. But only if the people force the issue and endure. Cold comfort? Perhaps, but its just about all we haveand just about what weve always had. One thing I believe profoundly: We make our own history, Eleanor Roosevelt wrote shortly before her 1962 death. The course of history is directed by the choices we make and our choices grow out of the ideas, the beliefs, the values, the dreams of the people. It is not so much the powerful leaders that determine our destiny as the much more powerful influence of the combined voice of the people themselves. After his own single term as President, John Adams wrote that the people ought to consider the Presidents office as the indispensable guardian of their rights, adding: The people cannot be too careful in the choice of their Presidents. History and experience suggest that, in moments where care fails, we must undertake the duties of guardianship ourselves. We are living in just such a moment. Meacham is the author of The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels On a recent episode of Yahoo Finances live morning show, Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary said he would never touch a marijuana stock because its a Schedule 1 narcotic a designation that not even cocaine has in the U.S. (its Schedule II). And most institutional investors are also proceeding with caution with marijuana investments, whether due to the volatility of public cannabis companies or the illegal status of marijuana under federal law, as U.S. and Canadian exchanges list more weed companies. However, its highly unlikely that individual investors will face criminal charges over putting their money in weed stocks, several lawyers told Yahoo Finance. People stand in line to get into MedMen, one of the two Los Angeles area pot shops that began selling marijuana for recreational use under the new California marijuana law today, on January 2, 2018 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) I dont think anybody should lose any sleep investing in weed Its true that investing in marijuana companies technically comes with a legal risk, even for retail investors with no connection to pot companies other than owning shares in them. But that legal risk is largely theoretical and remote, according to Christopher Barry, who chairs the Canada practice group at Manhattan-based law firm Dorsey & Whitney. Two main types of publicly listed weed companies have cropped up: Those doing business in the U.S. and trading on Canadian exchanges, and those trading on U.S. exchanges but only doing business in Canada (where recreational marijuana is now legal). Investing in the marijuana companies merely doing business in Canada carries even less legal risk than the first type of company, according to Barry. He noted the Canadian pot company Tilray (TLRY), while working on its IPO in the U.S., hired investment banks that apparently werent too concerned about the illegality of pot in the U.S. I dont think anybody should lose any sleep at all over investing in those companies for legal reasons, Barry said. Whether the stock goes up or down is a different question altogether. Those have been and may continue to be volatile investments. Tilrays stock soared and then dropped quickly after its summer IPO and has since stabilized. (Photo: Yahoo Finance) That assurance likely wouldnt convince a wary investor like OLeary, who in a follow-up interview with Yahoo Finance this week reiterated that he has no interest in investing in marijuana companies until the U.S. government has removed it from its list of Schedule 1 narcotics and its no longer illegal under federal law. Story continues This is a personal risk assessment, said OLeary, a Canadian venture-capital investor who co-founded OLeary Funds and SoftKey. I will not take that chance even if its .01%. He added: It doesnt mean that others shouldnt. Im not telling others what to do. Im looking at the facts. The facts are this is an illegal substance. Conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substances Act Technically, investors who put their money in marijuana companies are conspiring to violate the Controlled Substances Act, which regulates the manufacture and distribution of certain substances. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Other Schedule 1 drugs include heroin, peyote, and LSD. While nine states have legalized recreational weed, the federal government says pot is illegal even for medicinal purposes. A bag of marijuana being prepared for sale sits next to a money jar at BotanaCare in Northglenn, Colorado, on December 31, 2013. As an investor in marijuana stocks, you are technically funding an enterprise thats illegal under U.S. law. You have liability for that, even as an investor, Hilary Bricken, an attorney who writes a weekly column on marijuana policy on Above the Law, told Yahoo Finance. Thats part of the reason institutional investors have stayed away from marijuana investments, she noted, as they dont want to expose their clients to that risk. Retail investors are also breaking the law by buying pot stocks, technically. But, Bricken says, I dont see the federal government pursuing individual investors. Quite simply, she said, the feds have lower-hanging fruit to prosecute when it comes to drug crimes. Unless investors own a significant stake in a company, theres little or no risk of prosecution, according to Dean Heizer, the chief legal strategist and executive director of Colorado marijuana dispensary LivWell. Its a theoretical exposure, he noted. Ill give you that. In reality, even marijuana companies themselves that operate in states where its legal probably wont be prosecuted if theyre complying with states laws even though U.S. attorneys could technically do so. As Bricken wrote in Above the Law, such prosecutions are not likely at the top of their list given the political toxicity of punishing state-sanctioned, voter-approved marijuana businesses. (Photo: Lokal_Profil/Wikipedia) (Photo: Wikipedia) For OReilly, the Shark Tank judge, its simply not worth any risk to invest in a company that sells a substance thats illegal under U.S. law and he points out that hes not alone. Theres a lot of excitement about cannabis, he told Yahoo Finance in the follow-up interview, but the truth is a majority of investors wont touch it. Regardless of its legality under federal law, the buzz over weed isnt likely to die down anytime soon. Four more states have ballot initiatives during next weeks midterm elections that could legalize marijuana for recreational or medical purposes. See also: The business of weed banking is veiled in secrecy Erin Fuchs is deputy managing editor at Yahoo Finance. Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and reddit. VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) The Lithuanian capital has unveiled pedestrian crossing signals featuring women to mark the 100th anniversary of female suffrage. Vilnius mayor Remigjjus Simasius switched on the first 14 lights Friday the centenary of the day when Lithuania's Constitution was changed in 1918, allowing women the right to vote. Lithuania became one of the first European countries to do so. The Baltic country's foreign minister, Linas Linkevicius, tweeted that "modern society does not exist without fully empowered women, yet globally all of us are still halfway on this journey." Money was always going to be central to these midterms. With control of congress at stake and with it perhaps the future of Donald Trump there was no doubt that dollars would flow. The non-partisan Centre for Responsive Politics, projects more than $5.2bn will be burned through this election cycle, making it the most expensive midterm by some margin. With a handful of days to go, $4.7bn has been spent by candidates, parties or Political Action Committees (PACs). The centre estimates Democrats will spend $2.53bn and Republicans $2.19bn. Independents and other parties will spend $460m. The significance of this election is clear. But whether its a blue wave or a red wave, one thing is certain: a wave of money is surging towards election day, much of it coming from the wealthiest donors targeting this years most competitive races, says Sheila Krumholz, the centres executive director. For the Democrats, the toughest piece of the puzzle has been using that money to connect its deep blue pools of support on either coast, with the less densely concentrated numbers in the heartland. It hopes to win races in seats long considered safe Republican turf. Illinois congresswoman Cheri Bustos wants to be that bridge. Bustos, whose district includes the city of Peoria, the name of which has entered American culture as a shorthand for mainstream ordinariness, says issues there are as equally relevant to the supporters of progressives such as New Yorks Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as they are to those of Paul Davis, the son of an elementary school teacher who is contesting the Kansas 2nd. Were focused in Peoria on the same kind of things folks in New York City or Chicago or LA are focused on, which is to make sure people can do well by their families, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees (DCCC) chair of so-called heartland engagement tells The Independent. She adds: What we hear all across this country is that health care costs too much. Theyre concerned if they have a child with cerebral palsy theyre not going to be able to get health insurance. They want us to do more about raising peoples wages. Story continues The Democratic Party has long struggled over how progressive its platform and message should be, an often bitter fight that most recently erupted in the 2016 primary race between Hillary Clintons support for incremental change and Bernie Sanders more radical vision. In a system in which only two parties have a realistic chance of winning a national seat, along with a handful of independents, those parties are obliged to try and have broad arms. Bustos says the Democrats have an image problem but can overcome this by engaging directly with people. In 2016, Clinton was criticised for spending too little time addressing concerns of working class voters, especially in places such as the midwest, some of whom previously voted for Barack Obama, but decided that year to vote for Donald Trump and his promise to make America great again. Bustos, one of just 12 Democrats who won in districts where Trump beat Clinton, said no special skills were were required to engage with voters in parts of the nation often derisively referred to as the flyover states. It takes hard work and going to towns that might just have 300 people or 800 people, and listening to those folks, says the 57-year-old. And make sure, whatever it is people at home have shared, that we come back out to Washington and write legislation that relates the needs at home, and vote for legislation that reflects the needs at at home. Lots at stake Political commentators frequently describe upcoming elections as being unusually crucial. Yet, there is wide agreement a lot is at stake on 6 November. Voter enthusiasm is high, and turnout, usually much less in midterms than in presidential elections, is likely to be big. With the White House and both houses of congress in the hands of Republicans, Democrats are desperate for a win. Their best chance is the House of Representatives, where they need to flip 23 seats, and which is where any impeachment proceeding against Trump would start. The political analysis website FiveThirtyEight believes the Democrats have a six out of seven (84.6 per cent) chance of taking the house, and the Republicans just a one out of seven chance of holding it (15.4 per cent). It gives an opposite prediction for the senate, suggesting Republicans have a six out of seven chance of retaining it. Mike Fraoili, a veteran Democratic strategist said he could not see how, Republicans could hold on to the house. I believe voters out there believe they want a check on president Donald Trump, he says. The most important factor in ensuring a victory was getting people to vote everybody from millennials to seniors and everybody in between. PAC Man Jeb Fain is a spokesman for the House Majority Political Action Committee, which is closely associated with minority leader Nancy Pelosi and which raises and spends millions of dollars on candidates across the country. Mr Fain declined to say how much it expected to spend in 2018, but said it expected to exceed the roughly $50m it spent two years ago. PACs are supposed to enforce a firewall between their fundraising and particular candidates. In reality that is sometimes not the case. Fain said his organisation determined which races to spend on, and which issues to highlight. Yet his message was similar to that of Bustos and other mainstream Democrats. Our messaging has been remarkably consistent. We have been focused on healthcare and taxes going back a year-and-a-halfThat is what the Democrats have been focused on. The Republicans have been doing a lot of personal stuff and nasty stuff and I think it shows a degree of desperation. The DCCCs GOP equivalent, the Republican National Congressional Committee, failed to respond to requests to talk about the campaign. Matt Fleming, a spokesman for the California Republican Party, said he was confident of holding onto seats such as those in Orange County, that Democrats were spending huge sums on to try and flip. Holding every seat in the state is important if we are going to have any chance of stopping the Democrats radical, expensive agenda, he says. The battle for the US House of Representatives, 2018 (The Independent) Wave of women Analysts believe 2018 could see a record number of women elected to congress perhaps more than 100 with almost all the new faces coming from the Democrats. Huge sums have been spent on races such as the Minnesota 2nd, where Democratic Angie Craig is seeking to oust Republican Jason Lewis. Democrat Stacey Abrams is the first African American woman nominated by a major party for a governorship race. She is competing in Georgia with a progressive platform. Ayanna Pressley is set to be the first black woman elected to congress from Massachusetts after winning the Democratic primary. Since then, she has run unopposed. A major funder and supporter of Democratic women is the group EMILYs List. They are confident of taking back the house. We really believe we have a lot of opportunity in the House of Representatives to make sure we add a historic number of Democratic women, says president Stephanie Schriock. The house also needs to be in Democratic hands so we can hold this Trump administration accountable. Away from the mainstream Democratic organisations, smaller groups have also been spending to try and ensure candidates that support a progressive platform, such as a $15 minimum wage, are elected. Justice Democrats, established by people who worked in the 2016 Sanders campaign, endorsed and supported almost 80 candidates. Of those, 26 have made it to the election on Tuesday. The candidates all share a commitment to a progressive platform that includes Medicare for All, investment in renewable energy and the scrapping of ICE, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement that it describes as a state-funded terror group that regularly violates basic human rights. Spokeswoman Nasim Thompson says all its candidates represent both authenticity and a positive message. She said the party establishments had created a vacuum for groups that wanted to back candidates more in touch with voters. Among its candidates are New Yorks Ocasio-Cortez, and Ilhan Omar, who is contesting the Minnesota 5th and would become one of the first Muslim women elected to congress if she wins. (Another Muslim woman, Rashida Tlaib, is tipped to win Michigans 13th.) We see it as a difference between the bottom and top, more than right and left, she says. Bustos, who tries to spend as much time as possible talking to people, at grocery stores and workplaces, will campaign to join the Democratic leadership team as assistant Democratic leader if the party wins next week. She and other Democratic leaders have faced grassroots criticism for not supporting more progressive candidates. Some have criticised Pelosi for not pushing for the impeachment of Trump, after the leadership decided such a tactic could backfire. Asked about such criticism, Bustos says: Wherever you are on the Democratic spectrum, we have a lot more in common than we have differences. In todays politics news: Dems poised to pick up six in Pennsylvania; Bill Clinton persona non grata; early voting surpasses 2014 Barack Obama campaigns for the Democrats in Florida. Photograph: Larry Marano/Rex/Shutterstock Good evening, Im Ben Jacobs with the latest from Washington and beyond. If youre not already receiving the midterms minute by email, sign up. Pennsylvania key for Democrats Democrats are poised to pick up as many as six seats in Pennsylvania after redistricting reversed a Republican gerrymander and a slate of weak GOP statewide candidates have failed to appeal to swing voters. Does this mean the blue wall is being rebuilt? It certainly bolsters Democratic hopes of winning a key state that Trump narrowly won in 2016, particularly as Democrats are poised toperform strongly in suburban areas outside Philadelphia. Does this have long-term consequences? Incumbent governor Tom Wolf is likely to win easily which means Pennsylvania Democrats can prevent a similar gerrymander in 2020 even if the GOP retains control of the state legislature. The result is likely to make Democratic congressional gains last into the next decade. Bill who? Bill Clnton is no longer an in-demand surrogate on the campaign trail. Clinton is making only a handful of appearances in the midterms, a stark change from his once constant presence on the campaign trail for embattled Democrats. Is this #MeToo-related? Yes, the baggage of scandals from the 1990s looks entirely different in the modern era. Clinton already faced diminished status on the campaign trail in 2016 during his wifes unsuccessful bid for the White House. Early voting soaring In 17 states already, early voting has surpassed tallies from the 2014 midterms including key swing states like Florida and Nevada. Does this mean turnout will increase? It seems likely as 2014 had the lowest turnout for any midterm election in over a half century and its a sign of increased interest this time around. Are these new voters? Some are. However, early voting has increased in every election and many of the ballots cast are from regular votes who are simply showing up at the polls earlier. Story continues Poll of the day A new poll from Alaska Survey Research has Democrat Alyse Galvin ahead of Don Young, the longest-serving member of the House, by a margin of 49-48. Can Democrats win? Unlikely. Alaska is notoriously the most difficult state in the nation to poll and Young, first elected in 1973, is the longest-serving member of Congress for a reason. However, Young has only won his past two races with just over 50% of the vote. Ad of the day Republican Steve King is finally on the air only days before the election with an ad that he has recycled from his 2014 campaign. King, who represents a safe Republican seat in western Iowa, has been plunged into controversy for his repeated racially charged statements including support for a racist fringe candidate for mayor of Toronto. Recently a slew of top Republicans have renounced him. Is he in trouble? Although King is likely to narrowly pull out a victory due to the Republican lean of the district and the significant number of early votes that have been cast, its likely to be a single-digit race against Democrat JD Scholten. Thousands of refugees and migrants from Central America are walking and hitchhiking northwards through Mexico, with Donald Trump walking back his suggestion that any migrants found throwing stones at the US border could be shot by the military. In addition to this original group, more than 1,000 migrants in a second caravan that forced its way across the river from Guatemala have begun arriving in the southern Mexico city of Tapachula. President Trump made clear Thursday he will do everything in his power to stop them, dispatching extra troops, threatening to shut border entirely and saying in an afternoon press conference the military would consider rocks thrown at active troops "firearms". He later said that no migrants would be shot by the American military, but that anyone throwing rocks would be arrested. The issue is being amplified by the president with less than a week before the midterm elections, and various sources have implied or stated without proof that Democrats and progressive donors are somehow funding the caravan that is composed of individuals and families fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries in Central America. Others, including Mr Trump, have claimed again, without proof that the caravan includes "Middle Easterners". The president also indicated that he has no proof that Middle Easterners are in the caravan. While numerous news outlets and watchdog groups have tried and failed to find proof for those claims and none has been provided Republicans clearly see a winning strategy in trying to tie Democrats to the caravan. In the contentious Texas Senate race, for example, Senator Ted Cruz has attacked his Democratic opponent, Congressman Beto O'Rourke, and claimed that his campaign has been funding the migrant caravan. That statement was not substantiated with evidence that any of that financial support has occurred. To see how the day unfolded, follow our live blog below. Please allow a moment for the live blog to load. NEW ORLEANS (AP) The Archdiocese of New Orleans released a list Friday of 57 priests and other clergy it says faced credible child sex abuse allegations, the first such list to be released in Louisiana. Those under archdiocesan control have been removed from the clergy or are dead, Archbishop Gregory Aymond wrote in a pastoral letter released with the list on the archdiocesan website. The list named 20 as priests of religious orders which were responsible for investigating the allegations. "This entire list has been given to the Orleans Parish District Attorney and will be made available to any other District Attorney," Aymond wrote. The Catholic Church is reeling from a grand jury report released in August that estimated hundreds of priests in Pennsylvania molested more than 1,000 children since the 1940s. Louisiana is the state where the first widely reported case of clergy sex abuse became public in the 1980s. Gilbert Gauthe, a priest in the Diocese of Lafayette, pleaded guilty in 1985 to abusing 11 boys but testified that he had molested dozens. The diocese is currently compiling its own list, which will be released once the research is completed, Blue Rolfes, spokeswoman for the Lafayette Diocese, wrote in an email. The Archdiocese of New Orleans covers the city and seven nearby civil parishes. Aymond said he had received many calls and emails both for and against releasing the list, which he said was created by reviewing files of 2,432 priests who had served in the archdiocese since the 1950s. "I believe it is the right thing to do in order to foster the healing of victims, in a spirit of transparency, and in the pursuit of justice," he wrote, adding, "Jesus reminds us, 'The truth will set you free.'" The archdiocese's list includes where each man served and the estimated years during which the abuse occurred. Alleged abuses by 23 priests and deacons had made the news, but those by the other 34 clergymen apparently had not, The New Orleans Advocate reported . It said the list did not include brothers, nuns, diocesan staff or lay employees of Catholic institutions. Story continues News outlets said eight priests in the Salesian order had worked at Hope Haven, a home for troubled youth. In 2009, the archdiocese agreed to a $5.2 million legal settlement to lawsuits alleging physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Aymond wrote that more than 10 people, including staff and outside legal professionals, reviewed the files. "For priests with accusations received after their death, additional people reviewed the file to ensure accuracy to the extent that is possible after death," he wrote. According to Aymond, the number of "substantiated" cases has dropped significantly since 2002, when the U.S. Conference of Bishops created a charter requiring every U.S. diocese to protect children from abuse. "Most of the accusations are from incidents that occurred decades ago, even as long as 70 years ago," Aymond wrote. "There has not been a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor committed in well over a decade by a member of the clergy in ministry in the Archdiocese of New Orleans." He also invited people to come forward if they have allegations about someone not on the list. "For our sins of the past, we ask for your forgiveness and the mercy of God," Aymond wrote. "Our sin is public and it calls us as church leaders to repentance in order that our church can experience renewal." In recent months, authorities in at least a dozen states have opened investigations, and federal prosecutors have launched an unprecedented statewide probe in Pennsylvania. Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro released a statement saying, "As always, we stand ready to evaluate for possible prosecution any cases brought to us after investigations are completed by the New Orleans Police Department." Washington (AFP) - More than 7,000 US soldiers will be pre-positioned in states bordering Mexico by the end of the weekend, a military spokesman said Friday. The pre-positioning -- part of what President Donald Trump has cast as efforts to counter "dangerous" would-be immigrants moving through Mexico toward the US border -- will be completed two days ahead of midterm elections in which the president has sought to make immigration a key issue. The figure of more than 7,000 American troops corresponds to what has previously been announced: that 5,239 active duty soldiers will join 2,100 members of the National Guard already deployed, said Michael Kucharek, a spokesman for the US military's Northern Command. The troops will be placed on main military bases in California, Arizona and Texas, but their final deployment has yet to be determined, Kucharek said. According to a Pentagon official who spoke on condition of anonymity, a thousand soldiers had already arrived Friday in McAllen, Texas, on the border with Mexico. Trump has said that as many as 15,000 US military personnel could be sent to the border, but these forces will likely be limited to support activities as they are legally barred from conducting law enforcement operations in the United States. Trump has nonetheless warned that they could open fire if migrants throw rocks at them. In the wake of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, many in the Jewish community have invoked the language of tikkun olam in their response to this tragedy. These Hebrew words are typically translated as repair the world, or mend the world, or as those who knew one of the victims that day put it when describing his work with refugees, heal the world. The phrase tikkun olam, as it has been used especially by American Jews who identify as socially and politically progressive, expresses the conviction that the world is in urgent need of being set right. The notion that the world is in need of being fixed is often regarded as a central teaching of Jewish religious tradition. But what are the origins of this expression, and what has it come to mean to different people and groups in the Jewish community and even beyond? Variations on the expression tikkun olam have a long and complex history in Jewish tradition. One of the best known and most important of these variations is found in an ancient Hebrew prayer known as Aleynu, in which we find the phrase le-taken olam be-malchut shaddai, typically translated as when the world shall be perfected under the reign of the Almighty. In its original setting this prayer intended the eradication of idolatry, but its language, as noted below, has become grist for the contemporary concept of tikkun olam. Another highly significant traditional source for this concept originates in Jewish mystical tradition. Isaac Luria, the leading figure in the great Kabbalistic community in the Galilee, in the village of Safed in the 16th century, taught his disciples not only to perfect their souls by way of moral purification, but also to perfect the cosmos as a whole, a cosmos believed to have become shattered, especially by way of human transgression. Even though many today invoke Lurianic ideas of tikkun as the basis for a commitment to perfecting the world, Lurias conception is actually far more esoteric than it is political or social. Still, the two have something critically important in common: the conviction that it is the responsibility of human beings to act in such a way as to fix a broken world. Story continues Whatever its origins, tikkun olam has taken powerful hold in many quarters of the Jewish community over the past several decades. Indeed, it is a ubiquitous expression to the extent that it has come to be regarded as a central feature of what it means to be a Jew in our times even though that ubiquity is a product of only the last half-century. Shlomo Bardin, a highly influential Jewish educator and founder of the Brandeis Camp Institute in California, was among the first to invoke the language of tikkun olam in the United States, as early as the 1950s. Bardin radically re-interpreted the Aleynu prayer, mentioned above, to refer to the obligation of Jews to work for a more perfect world. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter The American Jewish World Service, the leading American Jewish organization dedicated to doing the work of social justice, speaks of its own history in terms of thirty years of tikkun olam, and as the core value that has inspired its extraordinary work to realize human rights and end poverty in the developing world. Mazon, the most important Jewish organization working to alleviate hunger in this country and elsewhere, was likewise inspired by this conception. These and numerous other Jewish organizations seek to relieve the suffering of all people in need, regardless of religion, ethnicity or nationality. That is to say, they are universalistic in their humanitarian commitments. We know that the accused perpetrator of the violence at the Tree of Life Synagogue was furious at HIAS, an organization whose early mission was to rescue and protect Jewish refugees in Europe hence its original name, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. But for a long time now HIAS has sought to aid and protect refugees wherever and whoever they are. As Mark Hetfield, president of HIAS, has said: HIAS was founded in 1881 to welcome refugees because they were Jewish. Today, HIAS welcome refugees because we are Jewish. Ironically, this very universal posture, oriented towards all those in need, has been a source of some controversy within the Jewish community. Some believe that the primary obligation of Jews is to fellow Jews, and, even more, that the notion of tikkun olam as a universal concept is actually a distortion of Jewish values. On the other hand, those who advocate an approach to social, economic, political and environmental justice that does not limit its concerns to fellow Jews, argue that it is precisely the centuries-old ethical values of Jewish religious tradition that make concern for all people imperative. In this view, tikkun olam is ultimately a stand-in for a rich tradition of concern for the vulnerable, the powerless and the marginalized. Such a view, according to this perspective, is as old as Israelite religion. Thus, according to the Torah, it is our obligation not only to love our neighbor, that is, a fellow Israelite, but the stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. The mantra of tikkun olam has not only permeated a vast portion of Jewry, but a measure of its wider cultural influence can be seen in its use by so many others as well. In a Passover greeting to American Jews, President Barack Obama wrote, together, we can continue the hard but awesome work of tikkun olam, and do our part to repair the world. And Pittsburghs own Mr. Rogers, in the aftermath of 9/11, likewise turned to the phrase. There may be different opinions about invoking the language of tikkun olam, some of whose greatest proponents themselves believe that it has been overused, and employed in so many different ways and for so many different agendas, as to render its use less meaningful and powerful than it once was. But in light of the current American moment, rife with dangerous social and political hostilities, it seems hard to argue with a resolve to take personal responsibility for creating a more just world, for alleviating human suffering, and for fixing a world in need of so much healing. Historians explain how the past informs the present Lawrence Fine is Professor Emeritus of Religion and Jewish Studies at Mount Holyoke College. His books include Physician of the Soul, Healer of the Cosmos: Isaac Luria and His Kabbalistic Fellowship. Washington (AFP) - With memories of the week-old Pittsburgh synagogue shooting still fresh in the US, more than 200 members of the Tree of Life congregation came together for the first Shabbat service since the deadly assault. Eleven people died when a gunman burst in on October 27 and opened fire at the synagogue known for its tradition of openness, tolerance and respect. The gathering at sundown Friday -- much larger than on a typical Friday -- took place in the Rodef Shalom synagogue in the nearby Shadyside neighborhood, a temporary home to the Tree of Life congregation, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Tree of Life rabbi Jeffrey Myers, a survivor of the shooting, on Saturday described the agony of the past week, but also the determination of his congregation -- and of Pittsburgh -- to remain strong. After 97-year-old Rose Mallinger on Friday became the final victim laid to rest, Myers told CNN that he sat down and "cried like a baby. I couldn't stop." "This is the last funeral, and every time I do one, for me, when I chant the memorial prayer, it takes a piece of my soul away. "I have no more left to give. My tank is empty." - 'We'll be back' - Asked what message he had conveyed Friday to his congregants, he said, "I don't believe God lets this stuff happen. Humans have a choice. This person made this choice." Robert Bowers, who was arrested at the shooting scene, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal charges of killing 11 people and wounding six others, including four police officers. Some of the charges carry the death penalty. Congregants are working meticulously -- and with the respect demanded by Jewish tradition -- to clean and restore the Tree of Life building. "It is a horror," Myers said. "It is worse than any sci-fi film, because it is real. It is not phony Hollywood." Asked by CNN if he could stand to return to the building, Myers said, "Yeah, we're going to do whatever is the necessary work." Story continues He vowed: "We'll be back." The rabbi said he took hope in the "outpouring of the community -- the sheer immensity of love. It gives me hope, because it reminds me there are so many good people, and this gives me strength to say hate will never win." One congregant, Kris Kepler, who missed last Saturday's service because he was ill, spoke to the Post-Gazette of the importance of Friday's service. The preceding days, he said, had "been nothing but funerals and sadness and pain and anguish... "It felt really good to be with my Tree of Life family" again. Police said a pair of Saudi-born sisters who were found dead and duct taped together alongside the Hudson River last week were previously found praying loudly at a nearby park, and expressed that they would rather commit suicide than return to Saudi Arabia. Authorities initially believed the sisters, 16-year-old Tala Farea and 22-year-old Rotan Ferea, committed suicide by jumping from the nearby George Washington Bridge, but further investigation revealed no signs of trauma that would indicate such a plunge, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said at a Friday press conference. Their bodies were found on the Hudson River shoreline on Oct. 24. According to Shea, an eyewitness contacted detectives and told police he was haunted by what he saw. Police said an eyewitness saw who he believed to be the Ferea sisters at around 7 a.m. on Oct. 24 in Riverside Park in Manhattan. Police said that, according to the witness, the two women were sitting 30 feet apart with their heads in their hands and making loud noises described as praying. Police said they have credible sources that say the sisters expressed they would rather commit suicide than return to Saudi Arabia. Shea also added that the duct tape was not binding them tightly together but more like keeping them together. Authorities are still awaiting results from the medical examiners office to determine the cause of the sisters deaths, but said it is credible that the sisters entered the water alive. At this point in time, everything weve seen thus far leads to something other than a crime taking place, but were not ruling it out. Shea said. Shea said further investigation established that the sisters family had not seen the pair since they went missing on Nov. 30, 2017. After they were located by authorities in December 2017, they were placed into a Virginia facility similar to a domestic violence center. Police said the sisters went on to live in the Virginia facility due to abuse allegations until August of this year, when they went missing again. Police said the sisters family did not have any contact with the girls while they stayed in the facility. Police said reports of abuse by the mother, father and brother against the sisters have been brought to the attention of the NYPD, but have not been corroborated. Story continues Shea said investigators were able to confirm through Uber records that the sisters traveled for most of August until they arrived in New York City on Sept. 1. Authorities said that they were able to determine through credit card records that, from Sept. 1 until they were discovered on Oct. 24, the sisters stayed in high-end hotels and shopped in New York City. The sisters also ordered takeout food multiple times a day until the credit card, belonging to 22-year-old Rotan, was maxed out. Shea said police also relied on surveillance footage from up to six days before their bodies were found, which showed the sisters together alone and in good health, showing no sign of distress. Police said the sisters were only in the U.S. for two to three years, but would not confirm if their parents lived in the U.S. or what kind of abuse claims were raised. NYPD officials confirmed that the sisters applied for asylum in the U.S., but they did not elaborate. The sisters did, police said, reference the allegations of abuse when applying. Shea said police believe the girls were afraid of being deported while living in Virginia. There are still gaps to fill in, Shea said of the investigation. This is a tragedy all the way around, we want to get justice for the victims. Authorities said they are continuing their investigation in part by examining electronic evidence, and are exploring all angles. President Donald Trump said Thursday that asylum seekers must arrive at official ports of entry in order to make their claims a departure from current U.S. law that legal experts tell TIME is very likely to be challenged. My administration is finalizing a plan to end the rampant abuse of our asylum system, Trump said in a speech about immigration. Under this plan, the illegal aliens will no longer get a free pass into our country by lodging meritless claims in seeking asylum. Instead, migrants seeking asylum will have to present themselves lawfully at a port of entry. The president did not release details of his proposal, but said he would announce an executive order about immigration next week. He also said he would detain migrants, including those seeking asylum, in tent cities near the border. Earlier in the week, the administration said it would send thousands of troops to the border; on Thursday, Trump said these troops could treat migrants who throw rocks as if they were using firearms. Those who choose to break our laws and enter illegally will no longer be able to use meritless claims to gain automatic admission into our country. We will hold them for a long time if necessary, Trump said. His comments came just days before the midterm elections, and seemed designed to excite his base as a group of Central American migrants makes their way through Mexico toward the southern U.S. border. In the weeks leading up to the election, the president and his inner circle have frequently raised concerns about the caravan. While Trump made frequent references to the caravan during his speech Thursday and said he wanted to stop people who violently overrun the border legal experts said his proposal could potentially violate both U.S. and international law. The U.S. laws are quite clear on what has to happen when somebody presents at the southern border seeking asylum protection, and there isnt really any way that an executive action can change the process, says Denise Gilman, director of the Immigration Clinic at University of Texas Law School. Story continues Under U.S. law, any foreign national who is in the U.S. or who arrives in the U.S. whether or not at a designated port of arrival may apply for asylum. The presidents idea to limit asylum seekers to those who have arrived at designated ports of entry could particularly impact those in the most dangerous circumstances, noted Geoffrey Hoffman, director of University of Houston Law Centers Immigration Clinic. Many times the asylum applicants are specifically those types of people who have been forced to flee and therefore they will not be able to avail themselves of the normal processes in their home countries, Hoffman tells TIME. The U.S. has also signed the U.N.s Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, which means it cannot return a refugee to a country where their life would be threatened on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. Gilman says shes confident the presidents actions would be challenged in court immediately, and that she expected federal courts would invalidate changes to the asylum procedure. But she expressed concern about what would happen to those seeking asylum in the meantime. For at least for a matter of days, if not longer, there will be very extreme harm for asylum seekers, she warns. The Trump administration has already made some changes regarding who can apply for asylum this year. In June, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said that victims of domestic and gang violence would no longer qualify for asylum. With the new plan, the president says he wants people to apply legally but will detain them while they wait for asylum hearings. However, there is precedent for similar actions at the border being struck down, according to Elora Mukherjee, director of Columbia Law Schools Immigrant Rights Clinic. In 2014, when there was an increase in families crossing the countrys border, the Obama administration detained families who were waiting on asylum claims. But when the administration was sued, the courts issued a preliminary injunction and forced the administration to change course. In that case, the Obama administration had submitted evidence from senior officials from the Department of Homeland Security claiming that these mothers and children were national security risks, says Mukherjee. And the federal court said No, this is absurd. What youre trying to do is deter future asylum seekers by detaining these asylum seekers and promising they would be rapidly deported to their home countries. And that rationale has been held impermissible. When Leah Vukmir, a Republican state legislator in Wisconsin, set out to run for the U.S. Senate this year, she first had to win a tough GOP primary. To do so, like many other Republicans, she hugged President Donald Trump as tightly as possible, pledging loyalty and parroting Trumps hard-line positions on issues like immigration. Once Vukmir won the primary, Democrats braced for the Big Pivot. Its campaign strategy 101: in purple states, youd expect Republican nominees to tack toward the middle in the general election, gently distancing themselves from the unpopular President to appeal to independent voters. There would be a little tap dance about how they generally supported him but didnt always agree with his decisions, or disapproved of some rhetoric even as they cheered the strength of the economy. Thats not what Vukmir did. Im pleased with how the President is doing, she told TIME in an interview on a recent evening here on the campus of Marquette University, where shed just finished speaking to a small group of College Republicans. I just got asked this question in a debate, and I gave him an A. Trumps main shortcoming, she said, was not enough Republican support in the Senate to do things like repeal the Affordable Care Act. Vukmir is not alone. Instead of the Big Pivot, Republican Senate candidates across the country have stapled themselves to Trump, for better or worse. Its a testament to the way Trump has remade the GOP in his image that his party has, with few exceptions, gone all-in on the President. But will it work? In some places, being pro-Trump makes sense. There are 10 Democratic incumbents up for reelection in states Trump won in 2016, and half of them represent states that went for Trump by at least 18 percentage points over Hillary Clinton: Missouri, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia. But the other five Democrats in Trump Country represent battlegrounds that narrowly went red: Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Michiganand Wisconsin, which went for Trump by less than 1 point. These are the states that won Trump the presidency, but theyre also places where his popularity today is middling at best. In these states, hugging the President is a political gamble. Candidates like Vukmir are betting that Trumps gravitational pull on the party base is too powerful to resist. Story continues For the most part, it looks like a losing bet. Vukmirs opponent, Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin, is ahead by double digits in nearly every recent poll. Its a similar story in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Florida is still a toss-up, but the Democratic incumbent, Bill Nelson, holds a narrow lead over Governor Rick Scott, an early Trump backer who bounded onstage with the President at a rally Oct. 31. These are states that never had a Trump majority, where because of the dynamics in 2016 he could win with 48% of the vote, and the President is not as popular in these states as he was two years ago, said Liam Donovan, a D.C.-based GOP strategist. And none of these [Republican] candidates are running against Hillary Clinton. Thanks to the electoral geography of 2018, Republicans may retain or even pick up seats in the Senate even if Democrats win a national landslide and retake the House of Representatives. But the bigger implications go beyond the midterms. What does it say about Trump and Trumpism that the states that won him the presidency appear poised to reject candidates whove followed his example? Pro-Trump strategists like White House adviser Stephen Miller and former campaign chief Steve Bannon believe Trumps brand of nationalismwith its America First ethos, racially charged appeals and intense emphasis on stopping immigrationappeals powerfully to Rust Belt voters, particularly rural whites, in a way the old Reaganite doctrine didnt. Trumpism, they argued, would cement GOP dominance in the heartland. This years Rust Belt Senate races arent exactly validating that idea. Wisconsin has a long tradition of mavericky politicians, but Vukmirs messaging is, Im going to be a complete Trump loyalist,' said Charlie Sykes, a Never Trump conservative whose Milwaukee-based talk radio show once helped drive the states rightward political marchbefore Trumps victory split him from his party. Its an odd choice, and I dont feel that its a winning strategy in 2018 in Wisconsin. The President has succeeded in reshaping the Republican Party into what his critics regard as a cult. But in doing so, those critics say, he may be driving it into the ground. In her speech at Marquette, Vukmir started by telling the students how much she pitied them for having to deal with the current climate of political correctness on campus. She insisted Republicans would protect the health care of people with preexisting medical conditions, despite Democrats claims to the contrary, and assailed Baldwin for supporting socialized medicine, which she said would destroy seniors coverage. She literally is taking Granny and throwing her off the cliff, Vukmir said. Shes dismantling Medicare, and no one is picking up on it. In the interview, Vukmir called immigration and health care the most important issues this year. She vowed to support the construction of a border wall and decried chain migration even as she recalled helping her Greek immigrant aunts and uncles study for their citizenship tests. Vukmirs current persona is a Big Pivot in its own right. Back in 2016, when she backed Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Senator Marco Rubio for president, Vukmir called Trump offensive to everyone. Now she dodges questions about his divisive statements and insulting tweets. She backs Trumps insistence that the special counsel investigation is a partisan charade. They just continue to try to find ways to bring this President down, she said, and I think its time to move on. A socially conservative nurse from suburban Milwaukee, Vukmir got her start in politics as a school-choice activist, then joined Governor Scott Walkers mission of steering the state to the right. She was elected to the state Assembly in 2002 and moved up to the state Senate, where she serves as the assistant majority leader, in 2011. She serves on the board of the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, a national group that pushes conservative state legislation. Vukmir cut her teeth, in other words, in the conservative movement of Walker and House Speaker Paul Ryan. Ive known her for more than 20 years, and Im amazed at her transformation, said Sykes, who was an early mentor. It was on his show that Vukmir made the offensive to everyone comment. Shes gone full Trump in a very crude, harsh way. Its really surprising. But maybe its a sign of the times that she feels she has to campaign that way. Earlier this year, Sykes recalls, Vukmir tweeted a depiction of her opponent alongside the 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, calling Baldwin a member of Team Terrorists. I texted her, saying you need to get rid of whatever staffer did this, but she never responded, and that was our last communication, Sykes said. Im afraid the reason is it wasnt a staffer. Rather than apologize, Vukmir defended the graphic. If anything, her campaign has gotten more slashing, not less: on Nov. 2, she put out a press release noting that Baldwin would be campaigning with Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Pocohantas Warren. One theory for the GOP fields pro-Trump bent is that its not a political pose: these candidates simply share the Presidents nativist attitudes and conspiratorial mindset, even if they were once loyal to a different brand of conservatism. Thats certainly the case for Pennsylvania Senate nominee Lou Barletta, a congressman who first made a name as an anti-immigration small-town mayor, long before Trump entered the political fray. And it seems to be the case for the Republican rank and file, who support Trump more strongly than they have any previous GOP president, despite his scandal-ridden tenure. Still, its a rare politician who cant bring herself to triangulate rhetorically if doing so seems like the right political play. It could be that theyre terrified to draw the Presidents ire. But Republican incumbents in many swing congressional districts have vocally criticized him, in hopes anti-Trump independent voters will see them as more than mere yes-men. Gubernatorial candidates like Walkerwhose electoral hopes appear substantially better than Vukmirshave tacked to the center and avoid mentioning Trump whenever possible. Another possible reason for the Senate strategy is that it represents the only chance for candidates like Vukmir, conventional wisdom be damned. This theory holds that, in a nationalized election where Democratic voters are energized and independents have soured on the GOP, Republicans only hope is to get more of their own dispirited voters riled up. And Trump is the best tool for that. You can try to make a case for how youre different, but the Whole Foods moms are too pissed off to listen, Donovan said. To many political professionals, this years election looks like a mirror image of 2010, when another angry grassroots movement (the Tea Party) rose up in reaction to a polarizing first-term president (Barack Obama). In 2010, candidates from Obamas partyincluding senators in states like Indiana, Pennsylvania and Wisconsintried to run away from him, refusing to appear with the President or discouraging him from campaigning in their states. They lost anyway. Democrats ceded the House in a massive wave in 2010, but narrowly held onto the Senate. One Democrat who hung on to win that year was Harry Reid of Nevada, then the majority leader, who welcomed Obama to his state and focused on juicing Democratic base turnout. If theres a political strategy lesson from 2010, it might be that running away from an unpopular President doesnt work. Baldwin may appear safe now. But it was hardly inevitable. Right-wing interest groups began airing television ads against her shortly after Trump was inaugurated, spending more than $13 million to dent her image long before Republicans even had a candidatethe largest amount spent against any Democrat in that period. As a former congresswoman from ultra-liberal Madison with a solidly left-wing voting record, Baldwina hard-working but not particularly high-profile senatorlooked vulnerable to Republicans. But the incumbent has solidified her position by taking a different approach than the challenger. While Vukmir runs as Trumps mini-me, Baldwin isnt trying to be the face of the anti-Trump Resistance. Instead, shes the one moving toward the middle, championing her bipartisan bona fides and her work on issues affecting the rural areas that swung from Obama to Trump, like opioids and dairy tariffs. Indeed, Baldwin cant seem to get more than a couple of sentences into any topic without finding a way to mention the dairy industry, which faces a crisis exacerbated by Canadian trade duties. On a recent night in Portage, a small town north of Madison, Baldwin showed up at the local Democratic headquarters, a musty storefront festooned with candidate signs and American flags. She got up to speak after a young field organizer and a first-time woman candidate, a former teacher in a long-shot state legislative race. But Baldwins message focused on taxes, super PACs and especially healthcare, hammering, as Vukmir had done, on the issue of preexisting conditions. She barely mentioned Trump, the man most responsible for the current political climate. In an interview, Baldwin marveled at the increased turnout shes seen at Democratic gatherings in all parts of the state this year, testament to the partys grassroots enthusiasm. But Wisconsinites, she said, arent looking for a senator who simply resists Trump at every turn. She touted Trumps support for an issue shes worked on, Buy America legislation, and noted shed met with the President when many of her colleagues were boycotting him. If the President is putting forward ideas that help Wisconsinites, my constituents want a senator whos going to fight for Wisconsinites, she said. We can work together. It was the kind of hedged message you might expect to hear from a Republican candidate. But this year its the Democrats making the pivot. By Denis Pinchuk and Andrew Osborn MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia is close to agreeing a 38-million-euro loan to Cuba to help it buy Russian-made arms, a deputy finance minister said on Friday, after President Vladimir Putin met Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Moscow. Russia's Kommersant newspaper had previously reported that Moscow planned to grant Cuba a loan of more than $50 million to allow it to buy Russian hardware such as tanks, armored vehicles and possibly military helicopters. Under Putin, Russia has sought to revive relations and deepen its influence in Latin America, particularly with countries wary of U.S. influence such as Cuba where friendly ties with Moscow date back to the Soviet era. Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak said a Cuban military delegation would visit Russia in two weeks when he expected a loan-for-hardware deal to be signed. Russian news agencies reported that Cuban Defence Minister General Leopoldo Cintra Frias would be part of the delegation. "Work (on the loan) is continuing," Storchak told reporters after Putin's talks with Cuba's president. "Nobody has refused anyone anything. There is such a theme and there is such a loan. It's just that there are some parts of it which have yet to be agreed. ... The Cubans plan to visit with a professional delegation and I think that we will sign the agreement during their trip," said Storchak, saying he expected that to be in two weeks. Kommersant had cited an unnamed source in Russia's military-industrial complex as saying that Cuba was looking to modernize Russian equipment it already operates and to acquire new hardware too. Another source told the newspaper he believed the Cubans were also interested in buying light arms from Russia. RUSSIAN OFFER OF HELP Putin told a news conference with the Cuban president that Russia would build a ground station in Cuba that would allow the island nation to tap into Russia's Glonass global navigation satellite system, Moscow's answer to the GPS system. He said Moscow was ready to help Cuba modernize its infrastructure too, including its rail network. Diaz-Canel, on his first official visit to Russia since taking office, invited Putin to visit Cuba next year. In a joint statement after their talks, the two men called on the United States to reconsider its intention to withdraw from a Cold War-era nuclear arms treaty, saying the move would be detrimental for international security. Washington has said it wants to quit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces arms treaty and has accused Russia of violating it, something Moscow denies. The joint statement also criticized U.S. foreign policy, what it called Washington's interference in the affairs of other countries, and the practice of using sanctions to try to destabilize other nations. (Additional reporting by Maxim Rodionov; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Richard Balmforth) Riyadh (AFP) - Saudi authorities have released the brother of billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal after nearly a year in detention, family members said Saturday, as the kingdom faces international pressure over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder. The release of Prince Khalid bin Talal was confirmed by at least three relatives on Twitter, with photos shared of him kissing and embracing his son who has been in a coma for years. "Thank god for your safety," his niece Princess Reem bint Al-Waleed tweeted, posting additional pictures of the released prince with other relatives. The government has not offered any public explanation for his arrest or the conditions of his release. The Wall Street Journal reported that he was detained for 11 months for criticising the biggest crackdown on the kingdom's elite last November that saw dozens of princes, officials and tycoons detained at Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton hotel. The government labelled it a corruption crackdown, but critics said it was an attempt by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman -- heir to the Saudi throne -- to sideline his potential rivals and consolidate power. Prince Al-Waleed, dubbed the Warren Buffett of Saudi Arabia, was among those rounded up and was released in early January after an undisclosed financial agreement with the government. It appeared similar to deals that authorities struck with most other detainees in exchange for their freedom. Prince Khalid's release comes as the kingdom faces international outrage over the killing of Khashoggi inside its consulate in Istanbul on October 2. It is widely seen as the worst diplomatic crisis facing the kingdom since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said the order to murder Khashoggi came from "the highest levels" of the Saudi government, without directly naming the crown prince. The government now appears keen to shore up internal royal family support to defuse the crisis. Story continues Authorities could also potentially release other elites still in detention, including former Riyadh governor Prince Turki bin Abdullah and billionaire businessman Mohammed al-Amoudi, The Wall Street Journal reported. "The killing of Jamal Khashoggi has left the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its weakest diplomatic position since the horrific terror attacks of September 11," Ali Shihabi, head of the pro-Saudi Arabia Foundation think tank, wrote in a report published on Friday. "In the aftermath of the understandable global outrage at the Khashoggi murder, something will clearly have to give." Shihabi called for the release of "women activists and other moderate critics of the government" who have been detained in Prince Mohammed's widely condemned crackdown on dissent in recent months. Most people who allege that they were sexually abused by Catholic priests are telling the truth. The record that has accrued over decades of investigation by the Church itself is clear on that point, though only if you accept an evidentiary standard thats too low for most cases to result in conviction or make it to trial at all in a criminal or even civil court. So what does William McSwain hope to accomplish? McSwain, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, last month asked the U.S. bishops to preserve their files on sex-abuse complaints. On the same day, October 9, he sent to each of Pennsylvanias eight dioceses a subpoena for any records that might shed light on alleged sexual abuse by clergy or on efforts by diocesan officials to cover it up. He seeks records dating back only to 2001, even though the great bulk of cases for which the Church is still under the spotlight relate to sexual misconduct that is alleged to have occurred well before then, mostly in the 1960s through the 1980s. Moreover, for federal prosecution of the sexual abuse of anyone under 18, no statute of limitations applies during the victims lifetime. Why then did McSwain not subpoena relevant records from the 20th century as well? No doubt he realizes better than most of us do that earlier cases would be hard to prosecute. The likelihood of discovering evidence to corroborate a victims testimony diminishes with time. Frederick Thieman, a veteran of the board that reviews abuse cases for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, is a former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. I doubt a lot of cases would have made it into the courtroom, he told a reporter for the newspaper of the Pittsburgh diocese in September, referring to the grand-jury report (July 2018) on sexual abuse in six of Pennsylvanias Catholic dioceses. Certainly not a criminal court. Quite likely not even a civil court. The standard of evidence in a criminal case would be proof beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, the claimant would have to show a preponderance of evidence against the accused. On diocesan review boards, however, members are satisfied with semblance of truth, which the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops defines as meaning that an allegation is not manifestly false or frivolous. Its a lower standard than what prosecutors would need to meet in a court of law. Thieman elaborated on his experience with the review board in Pittsburgh: Story continues The priests had dedicated a lifetime to ministry and almost always denied the accusations. . . . We struggled to make sure we believed that there was credibility to the allegation. In the vast majority of cases we did find that there was credibility. . . . The cases were extremely difficult in the sense that there were oftentimes complicated factual situations. Cases were often many years old and peoples memories were understandably not as precise as they might have been. The effort was made to get to the truth and not be a court of law. So the standards for evidence that we applied were relatively loose. . . . Evidence [hearsay, for example, and hearsay on hearsay] that would not have been permitted or may not have been permitted in a court of law was permitted into the review. It was personally embarrassing for a lot of these victims to testify, Thieman added. Their accounts were sad, sometimes tragic, and very troubling. From 1987 to 1995, Patrick J. Schiltz, now a federal judge, represented Catholic dioceses and non-Catholic churches in more than 500 lawsuits involving accusations of sexual abuse by clergy. Writing in Commonweal in 2003, Schiltz corroborated some of Thiemans observations: I have spent hundreds of hours talking with victims of clergy sexual abuse some who were suing my clients, some who were helping my clients to rid themselves of abusive pastors, and some who just wanted to help me to advise my clients better. Listening to victims describe their pain can be unbearable. I cannot imagine how much worse it must be to experience that pain. I take a back seat to no one in my loathing of clergy sexual abuse. Fewer than ten of those cases in which he served as a defense attorney for the accused were based on false accusations, Schiltz has estimated. Thats less than 2 percent and consistent with the findings of the first John Jay report (2004), commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Often accusations that are credible even in the opinion of legal experts such as Schiltz and Thieman are not actionable, however, for three reasons: The statute of limitations has kicked in. (It often does, as victims tend to be slow to come forward.) Or the evidence that the victim can produce doesnt suffice in his capacity as a layman concerned for the Church, a lawyer might find an accusation credible and damning but still conclude that he would be unable to prosecute the case successfully in court. Finally, many cases dont meet the legal definition of sexual abuse, sometimes because the victim has attained (if only barely) the age of consent. In many cases the offense would be more accurately described as sexual misconduct e.g., inappropriate touching or seductive sexual advances for which we would want a bishop to discipline or sideline priests even though they broke no civil or criminal law. We should bear these complications in mind when distributing our indignation among accusers and accused. In the case of allegations against men who are not Catholic priests, we may be quick to chastise an accuser who comes forward without corroborating evidence. The nature of sexual offenses, though, is such that often the only evidence that anyone could ever produce is the victims testimony, as I came to appreciate better in the course of researching the Church scandals. Today, Catholic bishops and laypeople as well as the general public are more inclined than they were decades ago to believe someone who says he was sexually abused by a priest. Our wrath at the priests themselves needs no explanation. Our wrath at the bishops? Its not always fair. Many did appear less concerned to prevent abuse than to hide it. But others may have only been exercising what they considered a healthy and necessary skepticism too much skepticism, we now think, but most of us were more skeptical about such accusations back then. Schiltz criticized media for distorting the Church scandals in two respects. That was 15 years ago, but his objections still apply today. First, he noted, casual consumers of the news were prone to assume that a spike in reporting on sexual abuse in the Church meant that the problem was raging at the moment reporters and editors failed to convey adequately the historical nature of their revelations. Then, in reporting that a bishop neglected to contact law enforcement or remove accused priests from ministry, the press left the impression that he was derelict, although in most cases he had sought and followed expert advice, which often consisted of reassurances that an offending priest would not repeat if he was put on the disabled list and sent away for psychological treatment for a few weeks. That counsel was later discredited but at the time was consistent with what were considered best practices. In most cases in which a bishop decided to permit a priest accused of abuse to remain in ministry, the bishop was relying on the advice of a psychologist, Schiltz explained. That psychologist told the bishop either that the priest likely did not commit abuse or that, although the priest did commit abuse, his problem was now under control. On countless occasions, psychologists gave bishops terrible advice about abusive priests and, of course, this bad advice led to terrible consequences for victims and the broader church. . . . Suppose you have a cough. You go to your doctor, and the doctor tells you that you have nothing to worry about. Later, you learn that you have throat cancer, and you should have been receiving chemotherapy all along. In this situation, we would be angry with the doctor, not with you. After all, the doctor is the expert, and you can hardly be blamed for relying on what the expert told you. Bishops, too, often consulted experts sometimes the most respected and experienced experts in the nation. Bishops, too, were often told that they had nothing to worry about. Bishops, too, relied on that advice to their detriment. Yet the media have consistently blamed bishops for following bad advice, rather than the experts for giving the bad advice. Against that background, the outrage over Pope Franciss handling of the scandals in their various eruptions during his pontificate strikes me as exaggerated, based either on too little information about the historical picture or on willful blindness to the changed and changing attitudes of Catholics, churchmen and laypeople alike, toward accusations of sexual abuse by priests. Jorge Mario Bergoglio was ordained in 1969 and, as many of his critics are quick to note, appears to live in that era still, at least much of the time. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, he declined to meet with survivors and missed a Vatican deadline for drawing up plans to prevent further abuse, dragging his feet on the issue when the rest of the Church had begun moving forward. Franciss handling of the scandals in Chile the past few years illustrates the problem of elderly bishops and cardinals who are stuck in, or reflexively revert to, what was the common wisdom when they were assuming positions of authority in the Church in the second half of the 20th century. In 2015, Francis appointed Juan de la Cruz Barros Madrid bishop of Osorno, Chile. Barros was a close associate of Fernando Karadima, a notorious priest whom the Vatican had sent into retirement in 2011 after concluding from an internal investigation that he had sexually abused minors. Barros was a protege of Karadimas and widely regarded as his ally. Members of Chiles legislature, most of them from the Socialist party, signed a petition against Barross appointment, and protesters descended on his ordination ceremony, embarrassing the Church. Later that year in Rome, Francis told Jaime Coiro, a spokesman for the Chilean bishops conference, that the Church in Chile had lost its head and that politicians had judged Barros with no proof whatsoever. Think with the head, Francis said to Coiro. Dont be led around by the nose by these leftists. That was three years ago. Francis sounded the same note when asked about Barros last January in northern Chile. The day someone brings me proof against Bishop Barros, then I will talk, he snapped. But there is not one single piece of evidence. It is all slander. Is that clear? On the plane back to Rome, Francis attempted an apology to abuse victims but ended up implying that their testimony didnt qualify as evidence. Someone who accuses insistently without evidence, this is calumny, he said, reiterating his belief in Barross innocence. For Franciss critics, the offense underlying his appointment of Barros was the conduct of Karadima, the priest whom the bishop was accused of having protected. In 2010, Karadima had been tried in a Chilean court of law. It dismissed his case after seven months, concluding that the evidence against him was insufficient. The Vatican found evidence sufficient for defrocking him, however, after conducting its own investigation the following year. Although Francis never gainsaid the investigations finding, his subsequent behavior in the Barros matter demonstrates the degree to which his instinct is closer to that of civil authorities today and of bishops and Vatican officials generations ago to insist on higher standards of evidence than most people, the Churchs friends as well as its critics, now consider appropriate in such cases. The sustained uproar over the Barros appointment led eventually to another investigation by the Vatican. Its report was never published, but in media accounts it was characterized as implicating pretty much Chiles entire episcopate. In April of this year, Francis publicly apologized for being so slow to believe the victims. Soon afterward all the Chilean bishops submitted their resignations. Our hunger for justice may lead us to cheer the news that the scandals here in the United States are now being investigated by the feds in the office of William McSwain, the U.S. attorney in Philadelphia, and by state attorneys general from coast to coast, but their effectiveness is limited we want it to be. We want the justice system to observe high evidentiary standards, statutes of limitations, and the strictest definitions of the criminality that can be prosecuted. We want our courts of law to follow the principle that it is better that ten guilty men escape than that one innocent man suffer. But thats no guidance for the Church, which must face an innocent man who already suffers and whose number is multiplied by thousands. Can the Church honor their grievances without risking the defamation of an innocent priest? No. Should the Church take that risk? Many would say that its morally obligated to do so. What the American justice system can deliver to the Church at this point is primarily a message: that the wider world takes the sex-abuse scandals with utmost seriousness, although the Church got that message quite some time ago. The institution of procedures stipulated in the Dallas charter (2002) means that any new complaint filed with a diocese now goes straight to law enforcement, which almost always reports back that it cant pursue the case, either because a statute of limitations has gone into effect or because not enough evidence could be found to prove or disprove the accusation. The case then goes to the diocesan review board, whose deliberations are informed by lawyers, private investigators, and other experts. Its final recommendation to the bishop may of necessity, if corroborating evidence is scant be based largely on its assessment of the accusers credibility. You would not be wrong to worry that it could be unfair to the accused, but then watch a few minutes of this panel discussion among four survivors of clerical sex abuse in Pennsylvania. What is the Church supposed to tell them? Pictures or it didnt happen? A longtime friend whos well informed on the Church scandals I reached out to him for his insight while writing this piece just told me that he was abused by a member of a religious order many years ago, shortly after his 18th birthday. The older man had been grooming him for months. My friend was blessed, and cursed, with a kind of holy innocence. It prevented him from recognizing the danger before it was too late. For years afterward, he wondered what was wrong with him that he had let himself walk into such a situation. Then stories similar to his began to show up in the news, and finally he put the concept of sexual abuse to his own experience. Eventually he reported it to Church authorities, asking for no compensation, only the hope that his coming forward would make the wrong he suffered a little less likely to be repeated on others. He later served on a review board. New York (AFP) - In mid-November, a company called Rocket Lab will try to send six small satellites into orbit around Earth -- a fairly banal undertaking, save for the size of the launch rocket. It is only 17 meters (56 feet) tall and 1.2 meters (four feet) in diameter. And if all goes well, the US company will send up more than one of its Electron rockets every month in 2019. Rocket Lab, which was created in 2006, completed a successful test flight in January and is expected this month to be the first of a new generation of companies to declare itself operational in the so-called "small launch industry." The launch window opens on November 11. Barring a mishap, or another delay after a months-long technical setback, the rocket will blast off from the world's first private orbital launch range in Mahia, New Zealand. Like Rocket Lab, dozens of start-up companies are developing rockets adapted to send small, micro or nanosatellites -- which weigh anything from a few kilos to a few hundred kilos (pounds) -- into space. It's a whole new chapter for the "New Space Race," the latest industry revolution begun about a decade ago and based on private, not public, innovation -- especially in the United States. Rocket Lab's creation has a black carbon composite fuselage with "Electron" emblazoned on the side in white lettering. Its engine is produced by a 3D printer in California, a move that helped cut costs, the company's chief financial officer Adam Spice told AFP. Launching from New Zealand also has its advantages over traditional sites in Florida or California: there are not nearly as many planes in the air. "If you've got no air traffic to clear, we have the ability to launch more frequently than any other place in the planet," Spice noted. The company has six Electron rockets in production, and is estimating it will carry out 16 launches next year. - 'A lot more flexibility' - Story continues Rocket Lab's plans are not going to be cheap -- relatively, its rocket is expensive on a per-kilo basis. But it's holding out the prospect of frequent launches that would help resolve the current backlog. Nowadays, companies that want to put a small satellite into space are only offered spare space in a rocket launched by SpaceX or Arianespace, which are primarily reserved for bigger, costlier satellites. The two-stage Falcon 9 operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX is 70 meters tall (more than four times bigger than the Electron) and can carry 23 tons of cargo into space (as opposed to a maximum of 250 kilos for the Electron). But small rockets should help reduce launch wait times from 18-24 months or more, at the bigger companies, to a mere six months. Customers are ready to pay for the speedy service: the going rate at Rocket Lab is about $40,000 a kilo, as compared with $3,000 a kilo at SpaceX. "What you have with the small launch vehicles is you get a lot more flexibility," said Rob Coneybeer, an investor in Vector, one of Rocket Lab's competitors. Other companies in the small rocket sector include Virgin Orbit, Stratolaunch, and Australia-based Gilmour. Chad Anderson, the CEO of the Space Angels investment network, says there are about 180 companies working on small rockets. But, he told AFP, there are only about a dozen worldwide that actually have hardware. And even fewer have the necessary funding. "Maybe there's like half a dozen that are really credible at this moment," the investor said. - Numerous applications - The success of those half-dozen firms will help define how fast the New Space Race shakes out. In 2009, when SpaceX sent its first satellite into orbit, there were about a dozen private space companies, according to Anderson. Today, there are more than 375 such firms, which have raised more than $16 billion in funding. The applications for the technology are numerous -- first of all, in telecommunications, and then in Earth observation, according to participants in the second Space Summit organized by The Economist in New York on Thursday. Obtaining more precise images of Earth, more frequently, would be something companies in multiple sectors would want, from defense to farming, insurance and finance. Such satellites could help facilitate everything from repairing gas pipelines to assessing flood damage, for example. SpaceKnow is already using them to count parked cars at Disney World in Florida or the number of swimming pools in Brazil, as well as to observe activity at 6,000 factories in China. Such data is scooped up by clients on Wall Street, who use it as a new kind of economic indicator. For all of these services to be accommodated, more satellites need to be in orbit, and thus more rockets need to be launched. Nearly a decade after the creation of SpaceX, the path to space is getting wider. The son and daughter of a candidate for Missouris state legislature have a message for the public dont vote for their dad. After Steve West clinched the nomination for Missouri House District 15 in June, news emerged of homophobic, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic and racist rhetoric he released on his radio show and website, according to the Kansas City Star. Emily and Andy West reached out to the Star to oppose her fathers candidacy this week. Emily West said she decided to speak out against her fathers candidacy after she noticed that the community was littered with his campaign posters. A lot of his views are just very out there, she said. Hes made multiple comments that are racist and homophobic and how he doesnt like the Jews. ICYMI: Steve West is running as a Republican for a seat in the Missouri House representing Gladstone and a part of Kansas City, North. His son and daughter are publicly urging voters not to elect him. https://t.co/i7eiGfFDQs #MoLeg #MoGov via @judylthomas Jason Hancock (@J_Hancock) October 31, 2018 Her brother, Andy West, also told the Star that he is concerned that electing his father would legitimize him. My dads a fanatic. He must be stopped, Andy West said. His ideology is pure hatred. Its totally insane. Steve West denied being anti-Semitic in an interview with the Star on Sunday. He said that his children are biased against him because of his ex-wifes influence. I subscribe to our Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal, he said. West had said on his radio show, The Hard Truth with Jack Justice, on Oct. 15 that he feels that he thinks the alliance with Israel has been giving us gay marriage, pornography, abortion. This is how they corrupt a Christian nation, because they are an anti-Christ people, West said. West did not immediately respond to a request for comment from TIME. Colombo (AFP) - Attempts to win over MP defectors intensified in Sri Lanka's constitutional crisis Saturday amid growing pressure to let the suspended parliament hold a vote on the two rivals who each claim to be prime minister. Ousted premier Ranil Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his sacking by President Maithripala Sirisena, who named former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse in his place. Rajapakse has eaten into Wickremesinghe's majority amid warnings from pro-democracy and anti-corruption groups about the tactics being used. A member of Wickremesinghe's United National Party, S.B. Nawinna, became the latest to defect and was rewarded with the cultural affairs portfolio in Rajapakse's government. A deputy from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) party also switched sides and was made a deputy minister. "We are expecting a few more defections on Saturday," a source close to President Sirisena said. At least three more deputies from the TNA, which has 16 in the 225-member parliament, are expected to go over to the Rajapakse. - Decisive support - The TNA has still said it will back a motion against Rajapakse that the UNP has submitted to be taken up when parliament does reconvene. The TNA called Rajapakse's appointment on October 26 "unconstitutional and illegal." A statement from the party added that the alliance had "decided to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion against Rajapakse." Tamil support is decisive for Wickremesinghe -- who has remained bunkered in the official prime minister's residence since his sacking, seeking to bolster his numbers in the assembly. According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 100. Most of the 22 remaining MPs, including the TNA, are likely to oppose Rajapakse, observers said. Huge amounts are reportedly being offered to defectors. A UNP stalwart, Range Bandara, said this week he was offered $2.8 million to cross over and support Rajapakse. Story continues The minority Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) party, which has seven lawmakers, said its members had also rejected offers to join the Sirisena-Rajapakse camp. A pro-democracy movement urged MPs not to sell their votes and undermine the will of the people. "We appeal to you not to allow parliament to be put up for sale. You have a responsibility to prevent Sri Lanka from being plunged further into a moral and ethical political abyss," the Movement for Democracy said. It expressed alarm at ministerial positions being given for changing political loyalties. "We demand a stop to this culture of buying and selling votes," the group said. The Transparency International anti-graft watchdog highlighted the country's Bribery Act which made accepting and offering inducements a jailable offence. The president suspended parliament for 20 days until November 16 after sacking Wickremesinghe, in a move to put off a parliamentary vote that would have gone against his choice for prime minister. - Parliament opening doubtful - Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has called a meeting for next Wednesday. But the president's spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said he did still does not expect parliament to open before November 16. Rajapakse loyalists are arranging a mass rally on Monday near the parliament complex to support to what the local media has dubbed a "constitutional coup." Rights groups as well as Western nations have urged Sirisena to summon parliament to end the crisis. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has joined the international calls for Sirisena to reinstate parliament. Guterres told Sirisena he was following the Sri Lanka crisis "with concern," and "urged the president to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow the parliament to vote as soon as possible," a UN statement said. Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Subaru and Toyota say they will recall 400,000 vehicles worldwide for potential engine issues that could lead to a car stalling or losing power. The problem is with four-cylinder engines found in the 2012 to 2014 Subaru Impreza, 2013 XV Crosstrek, and 2013 BRZ. This also affects the Scion FR-S, a BRZ clone sold by Toyotas now-defunct Scion brand. According to Subaru, news about the issue spread before paperwork could be filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some details about the recall remain thin because the safety agency has not completed its review. Heres What We Know Subaru says 140,249 vehicles will be recalled in the U.S., and Toyota says this problem affects about 25,000 cars here. Toyota told Consumer Reports in an email that engine valve springs may fracture, which may cause an abnormal noise or engine malfunction in the affected cars. There is the possibility that the engine could stall while driving and not restart, raising the risk of a crash. A Subaru spokesman told CR that there is a low risk of the engine problem occurring and that the automaker is recalling the entire population of vehicles that could possibly be affected out of an abundance of caution. The company estimates that about 0.1 percent of the recalled models will experience the problem. The automaker says it is not aware of any crashes related to this issue. Subaru says that vehicles built after May 2013 are not affected by this recall. The company expects to start notifying customers about the recall later in November, while Toyota says it will send letters to owners toward the end of December. NHTSA has not posted related communications or notices yet to its safercar.gov website. The Details Vehicles recalled: About 165,000 cars and SUVs, including: 2012 to 2014 Subaru Impreza sedan 2012 to 2013 Subaru Impreza hatchback 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek SUV 2013 Subaru BRZ coupe 2013 Scion FR-S coupe The problem: Subaru says a valve spring fracture in a very small number of vehicles could lead to engine noise, malfunction, or, in a worst-case scenario, an engine stalling. Story continues The fix: Dealerships will inspect and replace the valve springs at no cost to consumers. How to contact the manufacturer: Subaru: 800-782-2783. Toyota: 800-331-4331. NHTSA campaign number: Not available yet. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright 2018, Consumer Reports, Inc. Beto ORourke, left, and Ted Cruz. (Photos: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) DALLAS When Beto ORourke wrapped up his day here late Friday, rallying supporters in what he noted was the aptly named Opportunity Park, his voice was hoarse and scratchy, and there were bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. It was the Democratic Senate hopefuls sixth public event of the day his 70th in two weeks a breakneck pace that has taken him thousands of miles all over the state in his uphill bid to become the first Democrat elected statewide in Texas in 24 years. But entering the final weekend of Texass closely watched Senate race, in which polls suggest he has cut Sen. Ted Cruzs lead to 5 percentage points or less, ORourke seemed frustrated by his human limitations, his inability to be everywhere he needed to be, to personally reach the shrinking pool of undecided voters in far-flung regions of the state who could very well decide the outcome of the election. Theres not enough time, ORourke said a few days ago. We couldnt have started this race early enough, driven harder enough, gone to enough places to reach everyone we need to reach. But we are working hard. Were trying. Theres no time for rest. The ultimate test of whether the three-term congressman from El Paso succeeds in his quest to unseat Cruz, a one-term tea party Republican looking for another six years in Washington, is likely to come down to who can win the battle on the ground. And the two candidates have taken different approaches. Bolstered by the record-breaking $47 million in campaign contributions hes raised since July, ORourke has bet big on what he regularly describes as the largest grassroots field operation ever for a Texas Democrat, mostly overseen by unpaid volunteers. As of Friday, the campaign was operating more than 750 of what it describes as pop-up offices, volunteer-managed campaign outposts in all of the states 254 counties. Some outposts are in offices, while others are housed in private homes. All are being used as staging areas to deploy supporters on get-out-the-vote efforts, even on the dusty back roads of rural Texas, where residents rarely vote. Story continues The strategy is intended to build on the organic support that ORourke generated in the early days of his Senate bid. Aides to his sparsely staffed campaign were surprised to find out that individual supporters, including in strongly conservative cities like Amarillo and Longview, had taken it upon themselves to open up campaign offices on the candidates behalf. The supporters, known among ORourke aides as the super-volunteers, often didnt coordinate with the campaign first, forcing staffers to scramble to make sure they were in compliance with federal election laws. Democratic Senate candidate Rep. Beto ORourke talks to supporters during a campaign rally at Opportunity Park on Nov. 2, 2018 in Dallas. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) In Longview, an East Texas town where Republicans have coasted to easy victories for decades, ORourke has attracted crowds upward of 1,000 people in recent visits, a reception that the congressmans aides back in El Paso have credited to efforts by local volunteers. And in the final weeks of the campaign, they have sought to expand that strategy across the state, investing money in campaign gear and signs and picking up the tab for office rent while hiring more field staff to help supplement what they say is still a volunteer-led effort driven by old-fashioned door-knocking and word of mouth about where they should go to win votes. While ORourkes team has the voter files from elections past in Texas and the names and contacts of hundreds of thousands of voters who have turned out to his events over the last 1 1/2 years, its hard to tell how much use they are making of that data. Decisions seem to be based more on the size and enthusiasm of the crowds they draw. An aide pointed to cities like Amarillo and Wichita Falls, strongly Republican cities where ORourke has attracted hundreds of people to events in recent weeks. Maybe those cities arent winnable outright, an aide said, but peeling off just enough votes to add to expected victories in cities like Houston, San Antonio and Austin could be a game changer. In the last two weeks, ORourke has reportedly been spending upward of $1 million a day on campaign ads running statewide. Asked earlier this week how much hed invested in the ground game, ORourke simply replied, A lot. Since formally launching its get-out-the-vote effort in early October, the ORourke campaign said volunteers had made more than 8.7 million phone calls on his behalf and knocked on more than 1 million doors. And we may knock on another million before this is all over, ORourke said earlier this week. Texas, with a population of around 28 million, has about 7.4 million households, according to census data. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz speaks during a rally on Nov. 2, 2018, in Athens, Texas. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Cruz, on the other hand, said Friday that he had just 18 paid field staffers devoted to his ground game efforts. Instead, he has largely outsourced the effort to the campaign of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has invested nearly $20 million in a sophisticated data-driven voter targeting operation that sends campaign workers exactly where they need to go to woo potential voters, including conservative Democrats who they believe can be won over. Abbott, who is expected to easily win reelection, committed last year to helping the rest of the Republican ticket. According to the governors campaign, Abbott has deployed over 125,000 field workers across the state, plus thousands more who have stepped up to volunteer in the final days of the election. And theyve spoken to more than 3 million voters, going door-to-door in areas like the Rio Grande Valley, a heavily Hispanic region of Texas where they believe they can turn out conservative Latinos to vote Republican. The decision to hand over control of the field to Abbott has freed up money for Cruz, who has struggled to match ORourkes record-breaking fundraising. But it also means the Republican senator has less control over his strategy. And while Abbotts workers are canvassing for the entire Republican slate, their primary mission is to drive up the vote for the governor, who is rumored to have aspirations for national office. Its not entirely clear how strongly they are making the case for Cruz. At a campaign stop in Fort Worth on Friday, Cruz lamented that his ground operation was smaller than ORourkes although he did not mention the work that Abbott and his team are doing on his behalf. Thats what money does, he said, telling supporters that Hollywood liberals and liberals all over this country were sending campaign checks to his opponent. People wait in line at a Dallas polling station on Nov. 2, 2018, the last day of early voting in Texas in the 2018 midterm elections. (Photo: Mike Segar/Reuters) There are signs the ground game by both sides is having an effect, although its unclear which side is benefitting more. As of Friday morning, more than 4.3 million Texans had already voted early in the states 30 largest counties, where turnout levels have surpassed those in 2014, the last midterm election year. In areas around Dallas and Fort Worth, a region both campaigns believe could very well decide the outcome of the race, early voting numbers were on pace to match the 2016 presidential race, a striking of level of enthusiasm in a state where less than half of registered voters on average turn out to the polls. In the final three days before Election Day, Cruz is spending his time on a bus tour that will take him from Houston to the Rio Grande Valley to Dallas and back to the suburbs of Houston, a region that used to be strongly Republican but is now a battleground. While Cruz is known for shaking the hand of every last supporter who attends his events, he has spent little time canvassing for votes. But on Saturday, ORourke was spending hours going door-to-door around Dallas, accompanied by his wife, Amy, and their three kids, and joining volunteers who have already been working on his behalf. To go to someones door, human being to human being, without any kind of digital interface, eyeball to eyeball can be a little bit strange in 2018, can feel a little bit weird, may be a little bit awkward, Ill just warn you. But the connection that you make is more powerful than any overproduced TV ad or slick mailer that could come into your mailbox, more than anything we could post on Facebook or some smart tweet that you could retweet on your feed, ORourke recently told a group of volunteers as they prepared to go canvass in south Dallas. Though we have some great literature for you to take if you just, in your own words, from your own perspective, tell them why you took the time this Saturday morning to show up at their door. There will be nothing more powerful. _____ Read more Yahoo News midterms coverage: JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Thousands of conservative Muslims protested in the Indonesian capital on Friday about the burning of an Islamic flag, sparking criticism from the government's top security minister that the country was in mourning after a plane crash and back-to-back natural disasters. Waving black flags bearing the Islamic declaration of faith, several thousand demonstrators, many wearing white Islamic robes, filled a major thoroughfare in Jakarta after Friday prayers. It was the biggest of scattered protests since last month after a flag linked to a banned Islamic group was burned by members of the country's largest mainstream religious organization. Video of members of Nahdlatul Ulama's youth-wing militia burning the Hizbut Tahrir flag has led to allegations of blasphemy because it was emblazoned with the Islamic declaration of faith. Hizbut Tahrir, which seeks a global caliphate, has been banned by the Indonesian government as a threat to national unity. Shortly before meeting with protest leaders, Indonesia's top security minister, Wiranto, said police had been "neutral and professional" in their response to the flag burning incident. Blasphemy against any of the officially recognized faiths in Muslim-majority Indonesia is a criminal offense though prosecutions overwhelmingly target religious minorities. Wiranto, who uses a single name, emphasized that Indonesia is dealing with the aftermath of a plane crash earlier this week that killed 189 people and earthquakes and a tsunami that claimed thousands of lives. "The government will not ban the protest," he said. "But they must not force their will, make people afraid or disturb public order," he said. "Moreover, our nation is currently in mourning after a series of disasters and a plane crash. They should help create peace, even the international community gives a lot of sympathy, empathy and assistance." Religious and ethnic tensions are likely to rise in Indonesia as April's presidential election nears. President Joko Widodo has chosen a conservative cleric as his running mate to head off criticism he's insufficiently Islamic. A protest was also staged Friday in Garut, West Java province, where the flag was torched after hard-liners allegedly infiltrated an event organized by Nahdlatul Ulama's youth wing. Indonesia's moderate reputation was undermined last year when Jakarta's minority Christian governor was imprisoned for blasphemy following street protests against him that drew hundreds of thousands. NORTH OGDEN, Utah (AP) The mayor of a Utah city was killed during an attack in Afghanistan while he was serving with the state's National Guard, the Salt Lake Tribune and other media reported. North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor died Saturday in an apparent "insider attack" in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, the Tribune reported. Another U.S. service member is being treated for wounds sustained in the attack, American military officials said. The Utah National Guard has identified the service member killed as a member of the Guard. The Guard member's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. MANILA, Philippines (AP) An Australian nun who angered the Philippine president by joining anti-government protests used her final hours in the country to call on Filipinos to unite and fight human rights abuses. Sister Patricia Anne Fox left the Philippines for Australia on Saturday night. The Bureau of Immigration ordered her deported in July, put her on a blacklist and then downgraded her missionary visa to a temporary visitor's visa, which expired Saturday. President Rodrigo Duterte has bristled at criticism of his leadership, particularly by foreigners like Fox, who he says have no right to meddle in Philippine domestic affairs. NOUMEA, New Caledonia (AP) Voters in New Caledonia are deciding whether the French territory in the South Pacific should break free from the European country that claimed it in the mid-19th century. The polls opened Sunday morning in a referendum that's a milestone in the process of the archipelago's three-decade-long decolonization one that will help define New Caledonia's future as an independent country or as a continuing part of France. More than 174,000 registered voters are invited to answer the question: "Do you want New Caledonia to gain full sovereignty and become independent?" Observers expect a majority to favor remaining a part of France, based on opinion polls and previous election results. Story continues BEIJING (AP) Facing a blizzard of trade complaints, China is throwing an "open for business" import fair hosted by President Xi Jinping to rebrand itself as a welcoming market and positive global force. More than 3,000 companies from 130 countries selling everything from Egyptian dates to factory machinery are attending the China International Import Expo , opening Monday in the commercial hub of Shanghai. Its VIP guest list includes prime ministers and other leaders from Russia, Pakistan and Vietnam. The United States, fighting a tariff war with Beijing, has no plans to send a high-level envoy. Xi's government is emphasizing the promise of China's growing consumer market to help defuse complaints Beijing abuses the global trading system by reneging on promises to open its industries. BEIJING (AP) Authorities in China say at least 14 people have been killed and 27 injured in a highway pile-up. The accident Saturday night happened after a heavy truck lost control and crashed into a line of vehicles waiting at a toll station in the northwestern province of Gansu. Last week, 15 people were killed after a bus to plunged off a high bridge into China's Yangtze River in the western city of Chongqing. In that previous crash, an eight-second surveillance video released by police showed the driver and a passenger arguing and grappling with each other in the moments before the bus suddenly veered across oncoming traffic and off the bridge. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korea has warned it could revive a state policy aimed at strengthening its nuclear arsenal if the United States does not lift economic sanctions against the country. The statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Friday evening said North Korea could bring back its "pyongjin" policy of simultaneously advancing its nuclear force and economic development if the United States doesn't change its stance. The North sopped short of threatening to abandon ongoing nuclear negotiations with Washington. Still, it accused Washington of derailing commitments made by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump at their June summit in Singapore to work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Divers reported seeing the fuselage and engines of the crashed Lion Air jet on the seafloor and a ping locator has detected a signal that may be from the cockpit voice recorder, Indonesia's search and rescue chief said Saturday. Speaking on the sixth day of the search, Muhammad Syaugi said that two engines and more landing gear had been found. The plane crashed in waters 30 meters (98 feet) deep but strong currents have hampered the search. "I haven't seen it myself but I got information from some divers that they have seen the fuselage," he said at a news conference at a Jakarta port where body bags, debris and passenger belongings are first taken. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) An ethnic minority Tamil party in Sri Lanka said Saturday that it will support a no-confidence motion to be brought against the country's former strongman whose controversial appointment as prime minister has plunged the country into a political crisis. The Tamil National Alliance's announcement comes as divergent political parties in Parliament try to thwart Mahinda Rajapaksa from strengthening his position as prime minister. The party said in its statement that Rajapaksa's appointment and President Maithripala Sirisena's suspension of Parliament was undemocratic. In the statement, the party accused Rajapaksa's government of offering money and ministerial posts to "induce" opposition lawmakers to cross over. BEIJING (AP) Close ally China said Saturday it was willing to offer assistance to Pakistan to help it weather its current fiscal woes but that terms of such aid are still being discussed. That followed a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Pakistan's newly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan, who met the previous day with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Pakistan's growing fiscal crisis has raised questions about its ability to repay Chinese loans granted as part of Beiing's "Belt and Road" infrastructure initiative. Pakistan has taken out billions of dollars in loans from China in recent years, the terms of which remain largely undisclosed. ISLAMABAD (AP) The lawyer for a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy charges after spending eight years on death row in Pakistan has fled the country, fearing for his safety, her brother said Saturday. James Masih said Asia Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Malook, left Pakistan, without providing further details. Malook's phone was switched off. Pakistan's top court acquitted Bibi on Wednesday and ordered her release in a move that infuriated the country's hard-line Islamists, who have held nationwide protests demanding her execution. The government reached deal with the Islamists overnight in which it agreed to impose a travel ban on Bibi while the case is reviewed. train Photo: Bigstock Rail transportation company Trinity Industries Inc. has announced the completion of its infrastructure-related businesses' spinoff alongside a number of executive appointments, including a new chief legal officer. Following the creation of spinoff Arcosa Inc., Dallas-based Trinity on Thursday named Sarah Teachout its new CLO and senior vice president. Teachout has been with Trinity since 2015 as vice president and deputy general counsel. Prior to Trinity, she was a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Haynes and Boone. She earned her J.D. at Harvard. Teachout was part of the company's legal team when Trinity won Texas Lawyer's 2018 Legal Department of the Year for their work with outside counsel to overturn a more than $663 million False Claims Act judgment against the company. She told Texas Lawyer earlier this year that the legal department had about 12 lawyers at the time. Sarah Teachout. Trinity's then-chief legal officer and senior vice president Theis Rice told Texas Lawyer earlier this year that Teachout managed both the in-house lawyers and outside counsel for the case, United States ex rel. Harman v. Trinity Industries, and handled strategic planning. Following the spinoff, Rice is keeping his SVP title but going from CLO to chief compliance officer. Trinity's CEO, CIO, CTO and CFO will all also stay on post-spinoff, in the same role. "I am very pleased with this strong team of Trinity leaders," said Trinity chief executive officer Timothy Wallace in a press release. "Each leader exemplifies our core values of flexibility, collaboration, and dedication to excellence, and I look forward to working with them as we pursue the companys bright future." Former Trinity associate general counsel and corporate secretary Bryan Stevenson is the CLO of spinoff Arcosa, which is also Dallas-based. Read More: Legal Department of the Year 2018: Trinity Industries Inc. American Lawyer Industry Award Finalists: Innovation, Mentorship and More Donald Trump has accused the media of creating violence with their questions, as he was asked whether his rhetoric was exacerbating tensions in the country. Saying it was no longer his plan for US troops to shoot stone-throwing Central American migrants a threat he had made a day earlier the president claimed if the media reported more fairly on him, there would be fewer incidents of violence. Referring to a ABC News/Washington Post poll that suggested half of registered voters believed the president was encouraging politically motivated violence by his language, a journalist asked the president about the report. Youre creating violence by your question, the president responded, pointing at the reporter with his finger. The fake news is creating violence. The president make his remarks as he left the White House for campaign rallies in West Virginia and Indiana. They came after anxious weeks in which the US has been stunned by the shooting dead of 11 people people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, the killing of two African Americans in a grocery store, and the revelation that an ardent supporter of the president had been detained for allegedly mailing pipe bombs to critics of the president. Opponents of Mr Trump have said his language, especially the tone and rhetoric he has used towards migrants and would-be immigrants, has helped create an atmosphere in which political violence is more likely to take place. The ABC News/Washington Post poll that while more than half of registered voters believed Mr Trump was helping create violence, just 20 per cent believed he was acting to discourage it. Around 15 per cent believed the media was creating violence. Mr Trump on Friday reversed his threat to have US troops shoot stone-throwing migrants. They wont have to fire. What I dont want is I dont want these people throwing rocks, Mr Trump told reporters outside the White House. If they do that with us, theyre going to be arrested for a long time. Story continues Mr Trump has hardened his stance on immigration, and specifically against the caravan of migrants, ahead of next weeks congressional elections, in which his Republican Party seeks to maintain control of both chambers. On Monday, the Pentagon said it had deployed more than 5,200 troops to the border after Mr Trump said on Twitter he was sending the military to face off against the migrant caravan, a group of men, women and children travelling through Mexico as they flee violence and poverty in Central America. US officials say Washington to make the move next week, reversing Obama-era decision A gas flare on an oil production platform in the Soroush oil fields is seen alongside an Iranian flag in the Persian Gulf, Iran. Photograph: Raheb Homavandi/Reuters Senior US officials have warned that Washington will next week reimpose all sanctions on Iran that were lifted by the Obama administration after the 2015 nuclear agreement. Donald Trump, since breaking that deal in May, has vowed to cut off Iranian oil revenue completely, and oil exporters and tankers will be among 700 companies, individuals, vessels and aircraft that will be added to a US sanctions blacklist on Monday. The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, said that eight jurisdictions would be granted temporary waivers after Mondays sanctions deadline, but only on the understanding that they would stop or drastically reduce oil imports in the coming weeks. Pompeo did not name the countries to be exempted, except to say that the European Union was not among them. He did not say whether individual European countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain might be granted waivers. Money from sales to the exempted countries would be kept in accounts outside Iran, and could only be spent on humanitarian supplies or approved goods. A joint statement from the EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, and the foreign and finance ministers of the UK, France and Germany said it deeply regretted the re-imposition of US sanctions. We have committed to work on the preservation and maintenance of effective financial channels with Iran, and the continuation of Irans export of oil and gas, it said. Mahmoud Sadeghi, an Iranian politician, said the move would further unite the Iranian nation against the threat of Trumps bullying tactics. The US treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, also announced that Swift, the private financial messaging service that allows banks to communicate securely, would also be subject to sanctions. We have advised Swift that it must disconnect any Iranian financial institution that we designate as soon as technically feasible to avoid sanctions exposure, Mnuchin said. Story continues Pompeo said on Friday that the sanctions were aimed at depriving the regime of the revenues that it uses to spread death and destruction around the world. He told reporters: Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran to permanently abandon its well-documented outlaw activities and behave as a normal country. Pompeo pointed to Iranian missile development and its involvement in conflicts across the Middle East, as well support for terrorism and assassinations of dissidents in Europe. The administration has insisted that the sanctions were aimed at changing Tehrans behaviour rather than regime change. Pompeo said: Every effort is aimed at giving the Iranian people the government that they not only want but deserve. Since May, when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Irans crude oil exports have dropped by about a third, or about a million barrels a day, a far deeper impact than had generally been expected. Back in May, many of us thought that the Trump administration would get a reduction of 500,000 barrels a day. Reducing is bigger than we would have predicted, said Peter Harrell, a former senior state department official involved with sanctions and now a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security thinktank. Harrell said the administration was concerned not to drive up the oil price with its sanctions against Iran. He added it was pacing its actions to cut off the flow of crude oil according to the pace of additional supply of oil expected to come on the market from Russia, the US and Saudi Arabia early next year. Pompeo said that, despite the waivers expected to be granted on Monday, the Trump administration was still focused on eliminating Iranian oil revenue altogether. We expect to issue some temporary allotments to eight jurisdictions but only because they have demonstrated significant reductions in crude oil and cooperation on many other fronts and have made important moves to getting to zero crude oil importation, the secretary of state said. These negotiations are still ongoing. Tehran (AFP) - Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that President Donald Trump has "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser from renewing sanctions on the Islamic republic. "This new US president... has disgraced the remnant of America's prestige and that of liberal democracy. America's hard power, that is to say their economic and military power, is declining too," he said on his Persian Twitter account, quoting a speech in Tehran. A defiant Khamenei dismissed the renewed US sanctions -- including an oil embargo -- that take effect on Monday. "The challenge between the US and Iran has lasted for 40 years so far and the US has made various efforts against us: military, economic and media warfare," he said. "There's a key fact here: in this 40-year challenge, the defeated is the US and the victorious is the Islamic republic." Trump announced in May he was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Iran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme. Washington says it wants a new deal with Iran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Tehran. SHANGHAI (AFP) - European ambassadors and foreign business lobbies are calling on China to introduce bold and concrete market reforms at a Shanghai trade fair next week that the government touts as proof of its commitment to opening up. President Xi Jinping on Monday formally kicks off the week-long China International Import Expo (CIIE), which will gather more than 3,000 foreign businesses from 130 countries seeking to sell their products in Chinas market. Xi has raised expectations by saying it will be unlike any trade fair staged in the country and help reduce the massive trading surpluses it runs with other countries such as the United States. In a phone call with Donald Trump on Thursday, Xi told the US President the expo shows Chinas willingness to increase imports and open further, according to an account by Chinese state media. But trading partners and foreign firms remain sceptical, saying China continually backtracks on promises. The EU Chamber of Commerce in China urged leaders to move beyond rhetoric in a position paper released Friday. The reform deficit has already sparked serious tensions with Chinas major trading partners, so it is imperative that the government makes a concerted effort to address the issue at all levels, it said. Foreign government and business groups complain over preferential treatment accorded to Chinese firms, requirements that foreign companies form joint ventures with Chinese enterprises, forced technology transfer, intellectual property violations and restrictive red tape. Trump has targeted such complaints in his escalating trade battle with China that has seen both sides impose tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods. It remains unknown whether China will unveil any substantive measures next week to address the long-standing complaints. The French and German ambassadors to Beijing said in a commentary published in Chinese media on Thursday that the expo was an opportunity to level the playing field. French Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert and Germanys Clemens von Goetze wrote that the time was right, with China nearing next months 40th anniversary of its historic shift toward economic reforms, urging Beijing to give that effort fresh impetus. China is pivoting from an economic model dominated by export manufacturing and investment toward one based increasingly on domestic consumer demand, and the expo purports to welcome more foreign imports. The United States last week said it will not send high-level representation to the expo, instead calling on China to end its unfair trade practices. Kenneth Jarrett, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, said the association wants the expo to be an event with lasting consequences. Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump has postponed a trip to meet with his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque, officials said Friday. The American leader was supposed to arrive in Bogota after the November 30-December 1 G20 meeting in Buenos Aires, but the White House said his "schedule will not allow him to travel to Colombia later this month." "Colombia is one of our closest partners in Latin America and the two countries cooperate on counternarcotics, regional security and mutual economic prosperity," the statement added. It said Trump "looks forward to future opportunities to engage," following talks with Duque on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September. The meeting had been initially set for December 2. The Colombian foreign ministry said the change was simply due to Trump's "modified" travel plans in Latin America. Colombia and the United States have historically had a close relationship, with the US government providing millions of dollars in aid to combat drug trafficking and guerrillas. Both Duque and Trump have been harshly critical of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's leftist regime. Duque, who like Trump is a conservative, took office in August succeeding Juan Manuel Santos. Donald Trump has said the US could send up to 15,000 troops to the border with Mexico, as the president hardens his stance against a caravan of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Central America. The number is significantly higher than US defence officials have disclosed. Initially, the Pentagon said it was deploying more than 5,200 troops to the border, but on Wednesday it said more than 7,000 would support the department of homeland security along the border. If 15,000 troops are drawn into the effort, it would mean there would be more US troops on the border with Mexico than there are in Afghanistan, which has become America's longest conflict. "As far as the caravan is concerned, our military is out ... We'll go up to anywhere between 10 and 15,000 military personnel, on top of Border Patrol, ICE and everybody else at the border," Mr Trump told reporters at the White House. He did not say how many of those 15,000 would be National Guard personnel. There are already 2,100 National Guard forces at the border, sent after a previous request by Mr Trump in April. They are authorised to go up to 4,000. Several groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have accused Mr Trump of politicizing the military ahead of next week's congressional elections with his plans to use active military personnel to buttress border patrol efforts. Mr Trump has sought to use immigration as an issue to motivate Republican voters ahead of the 6 November elections, where Republicans will seek to maintain control of both congressional chambers. As a presidential candidate before the US election in 2016, Mr Trump promised to harden immigration laws and build a wall along the southern border with Mexico, but implementation of his signature campaign promise has been slow. A caravan of Central American migrants estimated to number at least 3,500 people left Honduras in mid-October and is now in southern Mexico on its way to the US border. Story continues Before Mr Trump's comments, US defence secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday rejected criticism that deploying thousands of troops to the border with Mexico was a political stunt. "The support that we provide to the secretary for homeland security is practical support based on the request from the commissioner of customs and border police, so we don't do stunts in this department," Mr Mattis said after a meeting with his South Korean counterpart at the Pentagon. Republican lawmakers and other Trump supporters have applauded the deployment. But critics argue Mr Trump has manufactured a crisis to drive Republican voters to the polls. "The move to send 5,200 active duty troops to the southern border is a craven political stunt that sets a bad precedent and is arguably an abuse of power," said Kelly Magsamen, a former senior Pentagon official who is currently with the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank. Mr Trump's decision to call in the military appears to be a departure from past practice. In recent years, such operations have been carried out by National Guard forces, largely part-time military members often called upon to respond to domestic emergencies. A US official told Reuters that as of Wednesday the Pentagon had identified more than 7,000 active-duty troops, which included about 2,000 on standby, that could be deployed to the border with Mexico if needed. Many basic questions remained unanswered days after the Pentagon announcement, including the scope of the mission as well as the Pentagon's assessment of any threat posed by arriving migrants. Additional reporting by Reuters WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States is finalizing a plan to deny asylum to people who enter the country outside legal ports of entry, as he hardens his stance against a caravan of migrants traveling from Central America. "Migrants seeking asylum will have to present themselves lawfully at a port of entry," Trump told reporters at the White House. "Those who choose to break our laws and enter illegally will no longer be able to use meritless claims to gain automatic admission into our country," he added. He did not provide details on whether the plan would apply only to people traveling in the caravans or to anyone seeking to enter the country. The Immigration and Nationality Act says any immigrant in the United States can apply for asylum, whether or not the immigrant entered the country through a designated port of entry. Trump insisted to reporters the asylum plan would be legal. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Writing by Makini Brice; Editing by James Dalgleish and Phil Berlowitz) By Jeff Mason and Maria Caspani BELGRADE, Mont./ATLANTA (Reuters) - President Donald Trump touted U.S. economic growth and painted a grim picture on immigration in rallies with Republican candidates before Tuesday's elections as Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden urged voters to reject division. In the latest injection of racial tensions into the campaigns, a wave of automated calls using racist and anti-Semitic language went out to voters in Georgia, where a Democratic candidate is vying to become the first black female governor in the United States. Control of both houses of the U.S. Congress, currently dominated by Republicans, and 36 governors' offices will be at stake when Americans vote on Tuesday. Interest has been unusually high for a non-presidential election year, with early voting running well ahead of past cycles. Opinion polls and nonpartisan forecasters generally show Democrats with a strong chance of taking the 23 additional seats they would need for a majority in the House of Representatives, which they could use to launch investigations into Trump's administration and block his legislative agenda. Republicans are favored to retain control of the Senate, whose powers include confirming Trump's nominations to lifetime seats on the Supreme Court. "America is booming. Republicans passed a massive tax cut for working families and we will soon follow it up with another 10 percent tax cut for the middle class," Trump said, standing in a Belgrade, Montana, airfield with Air Force One as a backdrop. Last December, Trump signed into law the largest tax overhaul since the 1980s, which slashed the corporate rate to 21 percent from 35 percent and temporarily reduced the tax burden for most individuals as well. The appearance was intended to boost the campaign of Matt Rosendale, the Republican state auditor challenging Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Tester. Trump called out Tester for his vote against his most recent Supreme Court nominee, saying "what he did was terrible." Republicans in many competitive suburban districts have tried to focus their campaign messages on the robust economic growth, though in his campaign appearances Trump has also focused on his hard-line immigration stance as he looks to stem the illegal and legal flow of people into the United States. "The Democrats want to invite caravan after caravan to flood your communities, depleting our resources and flooding our nation," Trump told the Montana crowd. "We don't want that." Biden campaigned in Ohio on Saturday in support of Democrats U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray. "We're in a battle for America's soul," Biden, his voice faint and scratchy, told a crowd at a high school south of Cleveland. "We Democrats have to make it clear who we are. We choose hope over fear, we choose unity over division, we choose our allies over our enemies and we choose truth over lies." RACIST ROBOCALLS A wave of robocalls using racist language went out in Georgia in recent days apparently targeted at undermining the campaign of former state lawmaker Stacey Abrams, who is running to become the first black female governor in the United States, according to her and her rival's campaign. The calls impersonated media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who earlier this week campaigned with Abrams, and also featured anti-Semitic language, according to audio of the call heard by Reuters. Both Abrams and her rival, Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, denounced the calls, with the Republican calling them "absolutely disgusting." "It just shows the desperation," said Ivory Watts, a 36-year-old activist who formerly lived in Georgia who received one of the calls. The issue of voter suppression has been central to the race in Georgia, where Kemp is the state's top election overseer. Two federal courts on Friday issued rulings ordering the state to allow some 3,000 naturalized U.S. citizens to vote in Tuesday's elections and prevent the state from throwing out some absentee ballots. A similarly racist round of calls went out in August in Florida, targeting Democratic candidate Andre Gillum, who is black. As of Friday night, almost 32.4 million people had cast ballots early across the United States, according to The Election Project at the University of Florida, which tracks turnout. That is up more than 50 percent from the 20.5 million early votes cast in all of 2014, the last federal election when the White House was not at stake. Trump on Friday appeared in West Virginia with Patrick Morrisey, who is seeking to unseat Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. They marked his third campaign appearance in West Virginia and fourth in Montana. In Florida, Trump is due to campaign for Governor Rick Scott, who is trying to unseat Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, and U.S. Representative Ron DeSantis, who is running for governor against Democratic Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. (For a graphic on 'Can Democrats regain control of the House?' click https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-ELECTION-BLUEWAVE/010080J912P/index.html) (For a graphic on 'battleground states' click https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-ELECTION-TOSSUP-SEATS/010080SV1K9/index.html) For all Reuters election coverage, click: https://www.reuters.com/politics/election2018 (Additional reporting by Sharon Bernstein in Sacramento, California, writing by Scott Malone; Editing by James Dalgleish and Grant McCool) By Susan Heavey and David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and China are not close to a deal to resolve their trade differences, the White House's top economic adviser said on Friday, adding that he was less optimistic than previously that such an agreement would come together. National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said on CNBC television that U.S. President Donald Trump, contrary to a report by Bloomberg, has not asked his cabinet to draw up terms of a China trade deal as he prepares to meet at the end of this month with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kudlow said the meeting between Trump and Xi, at the G20 summit in Argentina, was "definite" and would include discussions on trade. He added that Trump "could pull the trigger" on additional tariffs on Chinese imports, depending on how talks go. "There's no mass movement, there's no huge thing. We're not on the cusp of a deal," Kudlow told CNBC. He added that the administration had not seen any new offer from China. Asked if Trump had told his cabinet to draw up a deal with China, Kudlow said, "no, not specifically," adding that the Trump administration had already made its demands known to Beijing. Preparations for the Trump-Xi meeting in Buenos Aires were "a normal, routine run-through of things that we've already put together," he added. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Trade Representative's office declined to comment on the Bloomberg report, while the Treasury Department did not respond to queries about it. Hopes that the world's two largest economies would begin to resolve their bitter trade fight lifted global stock markets on Thursday after Trump and Xi spoke by telephone that day and expressed optimism about their forthcoming meeting. U.S. stocks were down about 1 percent on Friday afternoon after rising earlier, pulled into negative territory by Apple Inc's disappointing profit forecast, with Kudlow's comments extending declines. Trump administration officials have said U.S.-China trade talks cannot resume until Beijing outlines specific actions it would take to meet U.S. demands for sweeping changes to policies on technology transfers, industrial subsidies and market access. The two countries have imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods and Trump has threatened to extend the tariffs to the remainder of China's $500 billion-plus exports to the United States if the disputes cannot be resolved. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and David Lawder; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Steve Orlofsky) Washington (AFP) - The US Army has punished six members of the armed forces for their roles in a 2017 mission in Niger that resulted in the ambush deaths of four Americans and four allied Nigerien troops, The New York Times reported Saturday. The ambush occurred on October 4, 2017 as a unit of 11 American special forces soldiers and 30 Nigerien troops, returning from a village near the Malian border, were overrun by scores of extremist fighters. An investigative report released by the Pentagon in May said that while US soldiers had fought bravely and four "died with honor," they had not been properly prepared for the mission. Investigators cited "individual, organizational and institutional failures." Those being disciplined, the Times said Saturday, include Captain Mike Perozeni, the leader of the Green Beret team, as well as his second in command, a master sergeant whose name has been withheld. The paper said a letter of reprimand to Perozeni cited the insufficient training and a lack of mission rehearsals. The two senior officers who approved the mission and oversaw the ill-fated operation were not reprimanded, according to the newspaper. "As a result of the Niger 15-6 investigation report, Secretary Mattis directed US Africa Command, US Special Operations Command, Department of the Army and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness to conduct a comprehensive review of procedures, policies and training programs and report back to him with a plan of action and corrective measures," said Commander Candice Tresch, a Pentagon spokeswoman. "Secretary Mattis received those reports by the 120-day deadline and is conducting a thorough review of the findings." The Defense Department has been tight-lipped about the nature of the mission in Niger -- the existence of which surprised many Americans. The Times account said Perozeni's Green Beret unit, Team 3212, had headed toward the Niger-Mali border in pursuit of an Islamic State group leader named Doundoun Cheffou. Story continues After intelligence located him, an operation was planned against the leader's camp by a helicopter-borne team of American commandos and Nigerien troops, along with Team 3212. But bad weather led to the helicopter mission being canceled. Team 3212 proceeded to the now-empty campsite. It was ambushed by some 50 heavily armed Islamic State fighters while returning to its outpost. The ambush claimed the largest loss of American lives in combat in Africa since the 1993 "Black Hawk Down" incident in Somalia. It also touched off debate about the presence of the 800 American troops in Niger and the larger purpose of the US military in Africa. General Thomas Waldhauser, head of Africa Command, said in May that US forces had since become "far more prudent" in their missions and had beefed up their firepower. Soldiers from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, arrived at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, on November 2, to await the arrival of asylum seekers still hundreds of miles away from the US border. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called the migrants an invasion and has said that as many as 15,000 active duty troops may be sent to the southern borders. Organizers estimated that 4,000 people, on their way to the US border, reached Matias Romero, Oaxaca on November 1. Another group of about 1,300 left San Salvador in El Salvador on Wednesday. The migrants plan to seek asylum at ports of entry into the United States. Credit: SSG Frances Ariele L Tejada via Storyful US troops dispatched by Donald Trump to the US-Mexico border have started erecting fences and laying out razor wire, a purported defence against Central American migrants, but which have been dismissed as a political stunt on the eve of midterm elections. Images from the US border town of Hidalgo, Texas, located on the banks of the Rio Grande, show armed soldiers normally based at Fort Riley, Kansas, erecting fences and laying rolls of wire close to the site of the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge. The troops the first of an anticipated 7,000-strong deployment were from the 97th Military Police Battalion, according to a Getty photographer. Mr Trump has in recent days vowed to send thousands of troops south to help secure the border against what he has termed a possible invasion of migrants from countries such as El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, all of which suffer from chronic levels of violence and grinding poverty. The controversial deployment is one of several ways the president has been seizing on the issue of illegal immigration in what has widely been seen as an attempt to energise and motivate supporters ahead of election day. At one point this week, Mr Trump threatened to order US troops to shoot any migrants who threw stones at soldiers, something he subsequently moved away from. Yet he tweeted: This is an invasion of our country and our military is waiting for you! Maj Mark Lazane, a spokesman for US Northern Command, confirmed on Saturday that 3,500 troops had so far been dispatched as part of what has been termed Operation Faithful Patriot, and that more were due to be deployed. He said of that number, 1,100 had been sent to California, 170 to Arizona and 2,250 to Texas. He said not all the troops were taking up positions directly on the border, but were mustering in military bases. Asked how long the troops would be there, he said: We are supporting this operation with United States Border Patrol and responding to their request. It is up to them when they decide were done. Story continues U.S. Army troops, part of Operation Faithful Patriot arrived to the U.S. border with Mexico, deployed by President Trump ahead of midterms. Soldiers spread out barbed wire along the Rio Grande in south Texas. #immigration #border #caravanamigrante #undocumented #army pic.twitter.com/PVD6YIbCvk John Moore (@jbmoorephoto) November 2, 2018 Those associated with the migrants, which is currently in three sections, said the troops deployment to the border was nothing more than politics. Speaking from Mexico, Irineo Mujica, president of the group Pueblos Sin Fronteras, which has organised previous marches for migrants but has said it is not behind the current ones, told The Independent its definitely a political stunt. Its for political reasons. He is doing this to get votes, said Mr Mujica, who lives in San Diego. He knows that if he wants to solve the problem of migration, he needs to make sure people have no need to migrate. The decision to send troops to the border has triggered debate, not just among politicians but within the ranks of the military. CNN said that when the Pentagon first received a request from the Department of Homeland Security to provide a reserve force that could provide crowd and traffic control and protect border officials, it was turned down. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prevents the military carrying out law and order duties unless there is no other alternative. Defence secretary James Mattis did, however, agree to the request to send troops to support the work of border agents. Even so, some former military have voiced doubts and concerns about the deployment. The military has all of a sudden been placed in a highly politicised environment regarding immigration, former lieutenant general David Barno, who commanded US forces in Afghanistan, told The Washington Post. Former general Colin Powell, who served as both secretary of state and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said: I see no threat requiring this kind of deployment. Martin Dempsey, another former general and one-time JSC chairman, said on Twitter, the border operation was a wasteful deployment of over-stretched soldiers and marines. Harare (AFP) - Children entering a hut in a suburb of Zimbabwe's capital gaze in wonder at objects foreign to them -- ancient farm tools, pottery, even the grass roof and reed mats on which they are asked to sit. A bespectacled elderly woman claps her hands to get their attention and tells them gripping tales with words and songs about animals, folklore and supernatural beings. Hatifari Munongi, a poet, storyteller and retired schoolteacher, has built a replica traditional homestead at her property in the suburb of Marlborough in Harare. She was inspired to set up the miniature village after chatting with local children. "I would ask a child about 'nhodo' and they would stare at me with a blank face," she told AFP, referring to a game of counting pebbles in and out of a small pit in the ground, which was beloved by generations of Zimbabweans. "It was all foreign to them. For me that was not a good sign," she said, explaining how it spurred her "to do something to rescue our disappearing culture and traditions". So Munongi, 80, used savings from her teaching career to build the homestead as a repository for indigenous knowledge and the country's rich cultural heritage. - Teaching about a lost lifestyle - Finished last year, its circular walls and grass roof stick out among the surrounding modern brick and tile-roofed houses. Inside she teaches children about a lifestyle that is either already lost or increasingly under threat due to rapid urbanisation that has seen Harare's population boom from 615,000 in 1980 to well over two million today. "The idea was to give urban children an idea of how African people lived before and now," Munongi told AFP. "Children in urban areas did not know a lot of things. This place is open for early childhood classes, primary school, secondary school, college and university students. There is a lot for them to learn." Adults pay $3 and children $1 to visit the homestead, which consists of the round hut, a cattle pen and a rabbit run. Story continues There is also a simple replica of a traditional men's court -- stools and logs arranged in a circle for men to discuss village business around a fire. On a clay platform inside the hut are artefacts including a hatchet, a club, a spear, a sword, a bow and arrows next to a cowhide drum, shakers, the marimba and other traditional music instruments. Shelves along the walls display plates and other kitchen utensils neatly arranged above a set of pots. Munongi, known as "gogo" (grandmother) by visitors, is something of a celebrity in Zimbabwe after she gained a degree in sociology, gender and development studies in 2016 at the age of 78. Next she hopes to host cultural events such as traditional marriage ceremonies where the groom's representatives negotiate the bride price with her family. "I would like to urge all young children to visit," said Tafadzwa Mawire, 10. "They have an opportunity to eat roasted maize, they will play traditional games and listen to folk stories told by a grandmother." Hundreds of children have already visited Munongi's project and she hopes that it will become part of every young Harare resident's education. Her granddaughter Vimbai Gudza, a 23-year-old with a biochemistry degree, helps out at the project as she searches for a job in Zimbabwe, where the economy has been in the doldrums for 20 years. - 'So nostalgic' - "There are things I couldn't do before that I now can do, for example pounding grain into flour with a pestle and mortar," she said, demonstrating her new skills. "As someone who grew up in town, participating in the activities at the village is a learning experience as well for me." Project assistant Chipo Mautsire, who grew up in the rural district of Masvingo, uses her experience to winnow grain. "Having grown up in a village myself I know what village life is like," Mautsire said. "There are many things children of today don't know about like the fact that a child should kneel when greeting elders." Munongi's niece Viola Rupiza was awestruck when she arrived home from a 14-year stint in Britain and visited her aunt's village-in-the-city. "I was so impressed. The village is so real. It reminded me of our visits to the rural home. It was so nostalgic," she said. The United National Party (UNP) today said the decision made by the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to appoint its MP Dinesh Gunawardane as the Leader of House was illegal. In a statement, MP Gayantha Karunathilake said the approval of the majority is needed to make any appointment in Parliament. The announcement of appointing a certain individual from a minority party is against the democracy and also the tradition of parliament, he said. Fifth-round pick Marquez Valdes-Scantling is ready to make a splash (AP) NFC North injury news takes top billing as we do our Week 9 status check. Settle in, settlers. Geronimo Allison (groin) is listed as doubtful; forget him for the Sunday nighter at New England. Marquez Valdes-Scantling becomes a legitimate WR2/WR3 play in Allisons absence; heck, MVS might be ahead of a healthy Allison at this point. Dalvin Cook (hamstring) is expected to see some work against Detroit, though hell be on a snap count. Cook is nothing but a desperation play, but perhaps his presence takes Latavius Murray down a few notches. Either way, the Lions defense has been a sieve this year, burned by the run (5.1 YPC) and the pass (114.2 rating). [Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings] Stefon Diggs (ribs) had a limited week of practice and is no sure thing against Detroit. On Saturday the Vikings promoted Chad Beebe off the practice quad, which could speak to concern over Diggs. Check back before kickoff Sunday. The Seahawks were careful with Chris Carson (hip) all week, but hes expected to play against the Chargers. The Patriots have their team photograph on the injury report, spotlighted by Rob Gronkowski (back/ankle), Sony Michel (knee), Julian Edelman (ankle), Josh Gordon (hamstring), and Cordarrelle Patterson (neck). Michel had a limited week of practice and is the iffiest of the group. Tyreek Hill (groin) had a full practice Wednesday and Friday, so deploy as usual. The Browns pass defense has been surprisingly stout all year (77.1 rating, 7.0 YPA, 12 TDs, 13 INTs), but the Chiefs passing game is bankable against everyone. The Rams took Cooper Kupp (knee) off the injury report, so hes good to go at New Orleans. Melvin Gordon (hamstring) had a full practice Friday, though the Chargers are still calling him questionable for the late game at Seattle. Gordon didnt play Week 7; the Chargers are coming off their bye. Keke Coutee (hamstring) had a limited week and wont play at Denver. The Texans might prefer a two-week approach, hoping for a healthy Coutee after the Week 10 bye. Story continues Matt Bryant (hamstring) isnt ready to return, so Giorgio Tavecchio remains the fill-in kicker. Mohamed Sanu (hip) had a limited week but is expected to play at Washington. Royce Freeman (ankle) had a limited week and is a game-time decision for the Texans game. Phillip Lindsay figures to be the primary back, with Devontae Booker sprinkling in. The Jets are hoping to get Quincy Enunwa (ankle) and Robby Anderson (ankle) back in Week 10. Theyre longshots at best to play at Miami. Kenny Stills (groin) did some work Friday, not that hes someone you want to play this week. QB Brock Osweiler remains the starter for at least two more weeks. Theo Riddick (knee) is ready to return to the Lions, good timing with Golden Tate out of town. Riddick and Tate dont play the same position, of course, but Riddick could theoretically soak up some of the short passes that Tate would normally command. Allen Robinson (groin) had a partial practice Friday after missing the two previous days. Find a safer option. With Robinson compromised, and perhaps out again, it opens some targets for Anthony Miller or Taylor Gabriel at Buffalo. Alex Collins (foot) logged a full practice Friday, setting him up for the showdown against Pittsburgh. Antonio Callaway (ankle) missed all of Fridays practice, so forget him against the Chiefs. The Browns might get Rashard Higgins (knee) back, however. Ronald Jones (hamstring) is week-to-week, pumping up the fantasy value of Peyton Barber, Torrey Smith (knee) is out for another week, pushing D.J. Moore into our plans. The give-it-up Buccaneers are on the other side. Corey Davis (hamstring) has been limited most of the week; well see what we learn in the Saturday practice. Tennessee plays Monday at Dallas. Chris Thompson (rib) and Jamison Crowder (ankle) have been ruled out and remain week-to-week. Paul Richardson (shoulder/knee) is hoping to go. Josh Allen (elbow) was back at practice Friday, though he remains week-to-week. He will not dress Sunday against Chicago. Follow Scott Pianowski on Twitter Hollywood, romance novels, picture-perfect depictions of relationships on social media: Its all-too-easy to believe in soulmates. But while nearly two-thirds of American adults believe in them, according to a 2017 Monmouth University poll, psychology professor Gary W. Lewandowski Jr. says the term soulmate can be dangerous. It can connote perfectionism and perfection in relationships is essentially unattainable. If you believe in soulmates, then you are less likely to work through [problems] because this person was supposed to be perfect and everything was supposed to be easy, he says. But being able to confront conflict as a couple is imperative to growing a healthy relationship, he adds. When people are searching for their soulmate, they can end up on a never-ending quest, says Ramani Durvasula, a psychologist based in California. If you believe in soulmates, its easy to think that you need someone else to complete you. But a relationship should always be an enhancement, rather than a necessity, she says. Instead of looking for the one, start searching for a relationship that is more realistic, honest and healthy. Here, experts explain how to do it. Make a list Jotting down the qualities youre looking for in someone can help you hone in on the right partner, says Durvasula. Looking for particular qualities instead of a vague idea like a soulmate allows you to be more specific about what you want. Try writing down the traits that are most important to you. It can cause you to take a step back and say is this really me? Or is this someone else?' says Durvasula. The process can become an exercise of self-exploration, she says. Focus more on personality traits and ideologies which generally matter more than factors such as where someone works or what their interests are, she says. Durvasula notes qualities like kindness, compassion, consistency, loyalty and openness as examples of the kinds of traits to jot down. Story continues Then, add objective traits like a persons ethnicity or religion to your list if they are integral to your search for a partner, she says. Check back with your list not just once you find a partner, but as your relationship progresses, Lewandowski says. This way you can keep track of how your partner stacks up to the characteristics you were looking for. Get the latest career, relationship and wellness advice to enrich your life: sign up for TIMEs Living newsletter. Observe the relationships around you Looking to those closest to you is the best way to find realistic and honest relationship goals, according to Durvasula. A relationship doesnt happen on Instagram, she says. Seek out a variety of real-life couples you know well friends or family and ask yourself what qualities you admire in those relationships. Try to pick up on the negatives, too, Lewandowski adds. If you dont like the way one partner is always putting another down, make a mental note of that. And if youre close enough with someone ask the person what makes his or her relationship work (or, if someone is divorced, what ultimately caused it to end). I think we always want to ask people in happy relationships, but the real gold is in the people whose relationships ended at high stakes, says Durvasula. Lewandowski says that figuring out ways to emulate the positives and avoid some of the negatives can help you realize what you do and dont want. Prioritize yourself Being in a committed, healthy relationship starts with focusing on yourself. Sometimes I worry that when a person is on the search for a soulmate they are trying to fill an emptiness inside of them, says Durvasula. Spending time working on yourself whether thats in your career, personal life or simply who you are as a person can prime you for a relationship, she says, noting that the best time to find someone is when youre 100% content with who you are. Being with someone else wont fill that void, no matter how great the person is, she says. Already in a relationship? Focus on growing both individually and as a couple, Lewandowski says. If you love to run, dont stop signing up for races just because youre in a relationship and encourage your partner to follow his or her passions, too. Then, try to participate in activities you enjoy doing together. You want someone who values your growth as an individual and as a couple since both are crucial components of a healthy partnership, says Durvasula. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) today said it will vote in support of the No-Confidence Motion to be brought against the Government headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa. In a statement, the TNA said Mr.Rajapaksas appointment as the Prime Minister was unconstitutional and illegal. Remaining neutral in such a situation, would pave the way for achieving an undemocratic end by force, it said. The TNA said according to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the President does not possess the authority to remove a Prime Minister who is in office. Such authority that vested in the President previously was specifically repealed by the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. In these circumstances the Gazette notification declaring that the Prime Minister had been removed and another Prime Minister appointed are unconstitutional and illegal, it said. It said the TNA also considers the Presidents decision to prorogue Parliament as undemocratic and in violation of Parliamentary Supremacy. After having declared as Prime Minister a Member who does not command the confidence of Parliament, this had been done in order to create delay and prevent such Member from having to prove a majority in Parliament. The TNA strongly condemns and opposes the undemocratic efforts to use such delay to bribe MPs with both money and Ministerial posts to induce them to cross over in order to fraudulently obtain a majority in Parliament. We strongly oppose and condemn TNA MP S. Viyalendran being a part of this conspiracy. Necessary action will be taken against him immediately, the party said. When I was three years old, my family and I emigrated from Russia to Israel, and despite the cerebral palsy that I have been dealing with my whole life, I was still able to enlist in the IDF. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Like many other Israelis, I havent been able to experience Israel from a different perspective, an objective one. However, one month ago, just before the end of my military service, I got the opportunity as a soldier to join a group from Saint Petersburg as part of Taglit-Birthright Israel. As a person with disabilities, that moment, as well as the journey itself, was accompanied by a special feeling of great pride. When I was born, my parents were told by the doctors that even if I do survive, I will not be able to have a normal and independent life, I will never be accepted to a normal school and will never be able to have a regular social life and subsequently will never fit in. Liza Spector and her Taglit group That is why the moment I was standing in front of my peers, wearing in my IDF uniform, with them looking at me as an equal and watching me with admiration was a unique moment, full of pride. It gave me, for the first time in a long time, the feeling that Im in the right place at the right time. I was an integral part of something big and importantexactly as I am. I found myself standing in a circle, taking part in a Shehecheyanu ceremony on the Jerusalem boardwalk, singing classic Israeli songs and dancing nonstop. The ceremony was new to them, as well as to me. Still, there was a familiar feel to it. What excited me was the fact that the contagious energy didnt skip anyone and everyone took part in the activity, each and every one in their individual way. The circle we created represented for me the essence of what its like to be an Israelithe authenticity, the happiness, the love and the feeling of togetherness that was stronger than words... being connected to people who were supposed to feel like strangers, from places I knew nothing about. As someone who has grown up with Sabras (people born in Israel) from a young age, I havent had the chance to know my Russian-speaking peers either in Israel or abroad. For me, it was the first significant unmediated encounter with a group like this. Liza Spector and her Taglit group My time with the group had taught me about the Jewish reality abroad, as well as about their daily life. Many talk about the disconnect between the Jews in Israel and Jews in the rest of the world. However, the time we spent together taught me how much we have in common. Just as I got to know them, they also got to know us through me. It was a special experience to be an unofficial ambassador of Israelto present the reality of this country and to add meaning to the issues close to my heart. Those of us who were Israelis talked about our IDF the uniforms, explaining that the military makes uniforms that are 100 percent veganfor those who choose to observe such a lifestyle, as well as uniforms that are accessible for soldiers with disabilities. Those from foreign countries were shocked to hear that, but also admired the IDFs efforts, and I couldnt be happier that I have the honor to serve, to help educate and show people those achievements through my eyes. There arent many experiences in this world, and it doesnt matter who you are, that allow you to feel in such a short period of time that you are an integral and equal part of something so big. When people talk about Taglit, we mostly think about what it means for those from abroad and what they take from that experience. Maybe it is no less important what we, as Israelis, take from it. Sometimes, when we look at ourselves through their eyes, we can truly be reminded of our part in this circle. Female politicians made history this week in Israel with a record of at least 11 women chosen to head cities and local councils across the country, five more than in the previous municipal elections. Six additional female candidates will contest run-off votes in other councils and towns, where no candidate managed to reach the 40 percent threshold. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Elections were held in 251 authorities, among them 54 regional councils, 122 local councils and 75 municipalities across Israel. The number of women running for mayor and municipal council seats increased significantly: 72 women ran in total, compared to 41 five years earlier. Female politicians running for municipal elections (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) Many are attributing the increase to legislation passed in 2014 that encourages greater female representation. Co-sponsored by parliamentarians Aliza Lavie (Yesh Atid), Yifat Kariv (Yesh Atid) and Haneen Zoabi (Balad), the law rewards municipal parties whose elected representatives are at least one-third female with an additional 15% in government funding. We saw a much greater female presence these elections in the candidate lists of those running for mayor and also in local councils. Its clear that this law helped; weve said for a while that 2018 would be the beginning of the revolution," Lavie said. We knew that if wanted to see a change soon, we needed to penalize those who dont encourage womens advancement, the parliamentarian continued. Its absurd that at the national level in parliament, we have one-third female representation and that this number is so much lower at the municipal level," she stressed. Aliza Lavie (Photo: Oren Aharoni) Though the full effects of the law have yet to be determined, Lavie believes the initiative caused a major spike in the number of women who ran across the board. The fact that these women put themselves out there as candidates is revolutionary in itself and paves the way for others to follow in the future, she asserted. Out of roughly 6.6 million eligible voters, more than 60% cast a ballota 10% increase in turnout over 2013a development some ascribe to another new law that gave workers the day off to vote. Despite the boost in female representation and the record number elected, only about 10% of the total candidates were women. While 57 vied for mayoral offices, 665 men did the same; in local councils 14 women ran versus 119 men; and as regards the more numerous municipal seats, 3,975 women ran as opposed to 13,478 men. Labor Party candidate Dr. Einat Kalisch Rotem made history by winning in the northern city of Haifa, becoming the citys first female mayor as well as the first-ever Israeli woman to lead a major metropolitan area. Dr. Einat Kalisch Rotem (Photo: Haim beHaifa Spokesperson) Another huge upset took place in Beit Shemesh, where religious-Zionist candidate Dr. Aliza Bloch was victorious by just a few hundred votes over incumbent Moshe Abutbul. Located close to Jerusalem, the result was surprising given the citys large ultra-Orthodox population that has made headlines in recent years over attempts to enforce modesty rules and gender-segregated seating on public buses. Female candidates also made strides in other places, with Tal Ohana becoming the first woman to lead the southern city of Yeruham. Meanwhile, Miriam Feirberg-Ikar, who has held office for the past 20 years in Netanya, was re-elected for a fifth term despite facing an ongoing graft probe. Dr. Aliza Bloch (Photo: Yoav Dudkevitch) Aida Touma-Sliman, a member of the Israeli parliament for the Joint Arab List who is also chair of the Committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality, believes the results point to a significant change in public perception of women in local politics. I believe women have had a shift in consciousness and see that they can shatter the glass ceiling, she asserted, noting that Arab women were beginning to step up to the plate as well. In these elections, there was a significant improvement in (Arab) womens participation. Tal Ohana The lawmakerwho also founded the Women Against Violence Association which aims to advance the status of women in Israels Arab sectornevertheless conceded that conservative socio-cultural norms in Arab towns and villages mean that political opportunities for women remain relatively limited. In the Arab sector, people are often elected based on their families or other kinds of tribal connections, Touma-Sliman affirmed. But I think women in general wishing to enter (local politics) also face financial challenges. They are not encouraged to get involved at the municipal level. Though Lavie and Touma-Sliman agree that the election results are encouraging for women, Dr. Ofer Kenig, a Research Fellow in the Political Reform Program at the Israel Democracy Institute, contends that there is much room for improvement. Miriam Feirberg-Ikar (Photo: Yair Sagi) This number still (represents) a very, very small share of the 251 local authorities in Israel, he stressed. Were talking about 5 or 6% of all mayors who are female. It may be a good sign, but its only the start of a long process and hopefully the success of (these) women could pave the way for more to enter the scene. If we look at local politics in particular the perception is that it is kind of a jungle, aggressive and masculine, Dr. Kenig concluded. Amira Oron Beyond the local level, female politicians achieved two other milestones. The Israeli parliament will soon have a record 36 female lawmakers (out of 120), when Osnat Mark (Likud) replaces Jackie Levy (Likud), who was elected as mayor of Beit Shean. Finally, Amira Oron was named ambassador to Egypt, the first woman to hold the position since the two countries established full diplomatic relations in 1979. Oron will be the second woman to serve as an Israeli envoy to an Arab country, following Einat Schleins appointment as ambassador to Jordan in 2015. Article written by Maya Margit Reprinted with permission from The Media Line http://www.themedialine.org/ All acts of terror are abhorrent. Declarations and threats against Hamas, however, are not particularly effective, especially when it comes to acts of violence carried out by desperate and radicalized young people, encouraged by bad actors who are immune to Israeli, Palestinian, and international public opinion. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter What is required instead is a commitment on the part of the State of Israel to long-term strategy and bottom-up, high-impact, sustainable solutions for Gaza, not just declarations. I believe that the current violence, which impacts my Israeli friends in the Gaza border region and my Palestinian friends in Gaza, as well as our shared natural resources, will only be reduced by long-term solutions, which make life in Gaza livable. Gazan family eats dinner in the dark because of power shortage (Photo: AFP) With three to four hours a day of electricity; 95 percent of the water undrinkable according to WHO standards; raw sewage pouring into the streets and the sea from wastewater treatment plants that are not functioning; no hospital services or waste removal services; schools that barely function; and unemployment among young people in Gaza at 60 percent, there will always be a ready supply of hopeless, angry, young people, prepared to attack Israel with balloons, kites, and new ways we have not yet imagined, even at the risk losing of their own lives. Residents of Gaza need drinking water, water for agriculture, and a reliable source of electricity in order to run their households (refrigeration, light, laundry, communication technologies etc.) and operate wastewater treatment plants, hospitals, schools, and basic services. Residents of Gaza need jobs in order to feed their families. Young people in Gaza need hope in order to stop showing up at the border on Fridays, ready to sacrifice themselves because they have nothing else to lose. Clashes on the Gaza border (Photo: AFP) Thanks to modern science and technology, we have means to provide water and electricity even to remote dry areas like the Arava desert, where I live. There is no technical reason why the almost 2 million residents of Gaza dont have these basic services. The only reason is political, but we cannot let politics or even terror get in the way of supplying the people of Gaza with basic humanitarian services. Not if we want to stop the cycle of violence. There has been no stronger voice for solving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza despite the ongoing violence, than that of the Israeli Defense Forces. High-ranking officers in the IDF have been outspoken in their support for solving the water, wastewater, and energy scarcity problems in Gaza. There are Israelis and Palestinians with the technical knowhow and experience ready to provide Gazans with drinkable water, water for agriculture, wastewater treatment and reuse facilities, and reliable sources of energy from the sun. What is lacking is not the knowhow but the political will. Declarations are not enough. The Israeli government must make a strategic commitment to solving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as it did when confronted with missiles and tunnels, for the threat of a large neighboring population living without hope is just as great. David Lehrer is the director of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies. Irans strategic computer and infrastructure networks reportedly fell under an extensive and powerful cyber-attack in the last several days, according to Israeli news reports on Wednesday. Analysts believe this attack is far more potent than the Stuxnet virus, which hit Iranian networks in 2011. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Gholam Reza Jalali, head of Irans civil defense agency, told media outlets on Sunday that the government successfully neutralized a new generation of Stuxnet which consisted of several parts and was trying to enter our systems. Gholam Reza Jalali The Iranians, however, did not reveal the extent of its damage. Israel, considered the Islamic republics archenemy, has been silent on the matter. Eyal Wachsman, CEO of Israeli cyber-security company Cymulate, told The Media Line that Iran has physically attacked civilian and military targets worldwide with bombs and guns, and in recent years, has taken the fight to the cyber world. The US and Israel, masters of cyber warfare, are believed to have been behind counterattacks against Iran in the past, including the Stuxnet virus, Wachsman said. That virus sabotaged Irans nuclear enrichment efforts by speeding up and damaging its centrifuges. In 2012, the Flame virus was deployed targeting Irans computer networks that collect intelligence, and Duqu 2.0 was used in 2015 during the nuclear talks. There were presumably additional attacks which have received little to no attention, Wachsman continued. After US sanctions against Iran come into full force on November 5, Iran could feel cornered, and therefore might unleash a very severe cyber-attack, forcing the US and Israel to retaliate at the same level or possibly higher. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani The latest attack on Irans networks comes on the backdrop of two earlier security-related developments involving the Islamic republic. A few hours before the attack, the Mossad helped Danish officials thwart an Iranian murder plot against three anti-regime Iranian dissidents living in Denmark. Two days before that, Iranian officials acknowledged that Iranian President Hassan Rouhanis mobile phone had been bugged by unknown hackers, the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency reported. In response to the bugging, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged defense officials to step up counter-intelligence efforts against the enemys complex practices, according to a report on Iranian state TV. He also urged security bodies to confront infiltration through scientific, accurate, and up-to-date action. On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif sent out a tweet citing the recent sequence of events, claiming Israel was behind it. Incredible series of coincidences. Or, a simple chronology of a Mossad program to kill the JCPOA? he wrote, referring to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran nuclear deal. Asaf Romirowsky, a Middle East historian and Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, told The Media Line that in the last few months Israeli intelligence was able to unearth 100,000 documents regarding Irans nuclear ambitions. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif (Photo: Reuters) The operation to infiltrate Iranian intelligence was part of ongoing attempts to prove what Iran has been doing despite its rhetoric of cooperation with European powers, which are trying to salvage the nuclear deal, Romirowsky explained. The Israelis showcasing their intelligence was key, because all along the debateespecially when it comes to American foreign policy toward Israelwas that Iran was not doing things under the table. But the Israelis uncovered actual data that proved the opposite. It was part of the tactic to show the world what Irans true intentions were. The latest attack in the cyber warfare taking place in the region is part of an effort to calm the region by whatever means necessary, Romirowsky concluded. Israel fiercely opposed the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, claiming that it was Irans way of arriving at a nuclear bomb through cooperative means. Last May, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord and began reimposing economic sanctions on Tehran. Netanyahu shows satellite images of precision missiles facility (Photo: AFP) As Iran and European powers work to salvage the deal, Israeli officials claim that Tehran is still pursuing aggressive policies through covert operations. Earlier this year, the Mossad claimed to have extracted a vast archive of documents from Tehran that details Irans nuclear ambitions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed some findings from the stolen achieve at the UN General Assembly meeting in New York last September. He used graphics to pinpoint covert nuclear facilities inside Iran, Syria and Lebanon. What Iran hides, Israel will find, Netanyahu said during his address to the assembly. Article written by Terrance J. Mintner Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday the United States had failed to reassert its domination of Iran since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the US-backed Shah, state television reported. "America's goal has been to reestablish the domination it had (before 1979) but it has failed. America has been defeated by the Islamic Republic over the past 40 years," it quoted Khamenei as saying in a meeting with thousands of students. President Maithripala Sirisena is reported to have told the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Central Committee that he had the required number of MPs to form a stable government. The SLFP CC with the President in the chair met on Wednesday for the first time after the swearing-in of the new Prime Minister. The President asked the members to cooperate with him to form a stable government. The SLFP has decided to hold its executive committee and all island committee on November 8. The all island committee is the body which ratifies the decisions taken by the CC. The President said the SLFP constitution would be amended to incorporate two more provisions including the one to establish a politburo for decision making on crucial matters. A party spokesman said the politburo would be a body parallel to the CC and that it would only consist of top level leaders. (Kelum Bandara) The Hamas-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar published Saturday an initial draft of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, including ten provisions, with every provision constituting a condition for the next one. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The clauses of the draft are as follows: Gaza border riots (Photo: Reuters) 1. Hamas will restrain the riots along the Gaza border fence, punishing protesters violating the terror organization's orders. 2. Cessation of Monday's weekly demonstrationsincluding the flotillas embarking from Gaza towards the strip's naval border with Israelin northern Gaza near Kibbutz Zikim. 3. The continuation of the "March of Return" campaign in its non-violent manner form until the end of the year. 4. Egypt will work to lift 70 percent of the siege imposed on Gaza until the complete termination of the riots. 5. Gaza's fishing zone will increase up to 14 nautical miles. 6. The strip's crossings will open permanently, and 5,000 Gazans under the age of 40 will be granted work permits allowing them to be employed in Israel. Gaza border crossings (Photo: AFP) The work permits will be granted only after the Palestinian Authority pays 80 percents of the salaries of Gaza's government workers, and agrees that Qatar pays the salaries of Hamas officials. 7. Egypt will work to implement the prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel, on which currently negotiations talks are not being held. 8. A calm of at least three years on the Gaza border under international supervision under the auspices of the United Nations and Russia. 9. A permanent opening of the Rafah crossing and additional crossings for transferring goods into Gaza in order to support the strip's power station and infrastructures. 10. Launching projects meant to provide 30,000 work places for universities graduates in Gaza. The draft is yet to be finalized, since both sides are still holding negotiations talks. On Saturday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met in Sharm el-Sheikh as part of Egypt's efforts to forge a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. Neither of the sides elaborated what was achieved in the meeting. However, according to Palestinian sources, al-Sisi attempted to prevent possibles obstacles the Palestinian president might set to curb the ceasefire deal, which the Palestinian Authority is not a part of. On Friday, amid the talks held to achieve calm on the Gaza border fence, merely several hundreds of demonstrators took part in the riots in five locations along the security fence. Security forces were deployed along the border, and at times tear gas was used against the rioters. Meanwhile, since Friday afternoon, fires caused by incendiary balloons have not erupted across the Gaza border communities. Egyptian intelligence officials, who are investing efforts in mediating between Israel and Hamas, arrived at one of the demonstrations sites to closely examine whether the violence is decreasing along the security fence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that restoring the economic sanctions against Iran, is a "historic" move made by US President Donald Trump. "Thank you President Trump for this historic initiative, the sanctions are really coming," said Netanyahu in a statement. "For years now, I have called for sanctions to be fully imposed against the deadly and murderous Iranian regime that threatens the entire world," he added. "The effects of the initial sanctions (imposed by Washington) are already being felt, the rial is weakening, the Iranian economy is slumping and the results are obvious," he concluded. 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. The Collective of Actors and Actresses Black denounced the "invisibility" and "lack of ethics of the theatre" "The actors black can not settle with paper folk or with Othello, they have to aspire to a Hamlet", claimed director David Selvas "Belize is a black man, openly gay, who likes cross-dressing (dressing as women) and who also works as a nurse... it is extremely liberal in its politics." Thus describes Tony Kushner one of the main characters of Angels in America, the nurse who is in charge of Roy M. Cohn, the lawyer, arch-conservative that he was the right hand of senator McCarthy, Nixon, and Reagan, homosexual confessed, with a double life and ended up dying of AIDS in 1986 (although he said that it was a disease of the liver). For Belize, black and gay shemale, attends to Roy Cohn, who goes on a wheelchair. However, in the version that premiered last Thursday at the Teatre Lliure, Belize is played by an actor white, Quim Avila. And the Collective of Actors and Actresses Black Barcelona complaint "whitening" of the character and the "invisible" racial in a video that has already gone viral. In his open letter published on YouTube, the group of actors he regrets the "lack of ethical responsibility" of the Teatre Lliure, which is not in the template of your Kompanyia Jove to any actor not caucasian. "The actors and actresses are not white hardly have space in the fictions if not for these roles [of ethnic minorities], in which they put specifically that the actor or actress should be black, gypsy, moorish...", criticized in his manifesto. And that is the debate that the play's director, David Selvas, has wanted to highlight with its mount. "We knew there would be controversy, although maybe not so much. But it is good to happen to ponder why a company of a public theatre, in the year 2018, it has no actor racialized" says Jungles. The director has never wanted to make invisible to the collective, rather it has been revealed that deficiency. In his staging, when it appears the actor Quim Avila as Belize, is exposed to the public the lack of interpreters in african-americans: "In the Kompanyia there is no black actor. The theatre has to be a reflection of the society. We will work so that this does not re-pass". And is made on a screen of seven by five metres. When Quim Avila you were offered the role of Belize expressed its discomfort with interpreting a character black. "I proposed to do a casting and I said I would do but I would choose the actor who best could interpret the character, off white, black, or pakistani," explains Rainforests, that from the beginning was clear that it would put the focus on the lack of an interpreter on the color of the company. "I have a daughter with black. And I am well aware of the racism that we still have in this society. It is funny but at the press conference and in all the interviews that I have done, no journalist (which, by the way, they were all white), I have wondered why an actor, white played the role of a black. Sometimes we have racism inside without realizing it. And the actors black can not settle with paper folk or with Othello, because the rest will be for whites. They have to aspire to a Hamlet or an Ophelia," claims Forests. Josep Maria Flotats in an essay from 1996 with the actor Alexis Valdes. the controversy of The 96 with Josep Maria Flotats In 1996, Angels in America, also generated a strong controversy at Barcelona, although for quite different purposes. The director Josep Maria Flotats decided to launch the National Theatre of Catalonia (TNC) with a radical work of Braodway, which dealt with contemporary issues and then even more thorny and critical. But from the Catalan conservative and the pujol was not seen with good eyes to pick that one piece and not a classic Catalan (that were scheduled throughout the year). Or, at the very least, a work of authorship Catalan. By the way, then it was the cuban Alexis Valdes who played in Belize. the worst time of The Lliure Since the resignation of Lluis Pasqual, the Teatre Lliure passes through one of its worst moments. If nothing changes, the project of the Kompanyia Jove will end this season. Its continuity depends mainly on the sponsorship of the Banc Sabadell and the will of the new director or principal who quit chosen the public tender is expected in the first half of 2019. In this period of interim, the assistant director Clara Rodriguez, and the deputy to the artistic direction of Aurora Rosales are responsible for ensuring the continuity of the programming. The members of the Kompanyia will make the roles of 'Angels of America' until the month of December and will return in may of 2019 for the replacement 'The temps that estiguem junts', as it was scheduled. But already do not prepare any new work. When you submit your resignation, Pasqual cancelled the work which he himself was going to direct 'The dream of life' and that it was going to be interpreted by members of the Kompanyia. The work itself can be seen at the Spanish Theatre (there Pasqual has not cancelled the engagement), but with a cast formed by actors not linked to the Lliure, among which stand out Esther Bellver, Antonio Medina or Emma Vilarasau. The Lliure is going through a period of re-foundation, in which to reformulate their statutes and the composition of the Board of trustees. A Working Committee is preparing a report to analyze how should be the theater in the next decade. According to the criteria of Updated Date: 03 November 2018, 19:00 Learn more 1 Wall Street analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for Premier Oil in the last twelve months. There are currently 1 hold rating for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street analysts is that investors should "hold" Premier Oil stock. A hold rating indicates that analysts believe investors should maintain any existing positions they have in PMO, but not buy additional shares or sell existing shares. View analyst ratings for Premier Oil or view top-rated stocks. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA, formerly Gamesa Corporacion Tecnologica SA, is a Spain-based company engaged in the renewable energy equipment manufacture. The Company specializes in the promotion and development of wind farms, as well as the engineering, design, production and sale of wind turbines. Its activities are divided into two business segments: Wind Turbines and Operation and maintenance (O&M). The Wind Turbines division offers wind turbines for various pitch and speed technology, as well as provides development, construction and sale of energy plants. The O&M division is responsible for the management, monitoring and maintenance of wind farms. In addition, through Gamesa Electric, the Company develops electronic equipment, such as power station inverters, electrical system components, motors and generators, as well as drives and converters. It operates through numerous subsidiaries in Spain, Brazil, Mexico, India, China and the United States, among others. Read More The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall have finally touched based in Ghana to begin their historic visit. The British Royals arrived in the West African country on Friday and they will be spending five days. They were greeted at the Kotoko International Airport by Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Ocquaye. British Royals' arrival (Photo credit: Twitter) Source: Twitter READ ALSO: John Dumelo reveals plans to legalize wee if he becomes president of Ghana Following their arrival they were taken to the Jubilee House to meet President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo. Prince Charles of Wales first visited Ghana since 1977. The duo will be touring some parts of Accra and Kumasi before leaving for Nigeria on Tuesday morning. The British Royals at the Jubilee House with President Akufo-Addo (Photo credit: British High Commission) Source: UGC READ ALSO: General Mosquito calls for the investigation of Kweku Baako over Anas video The main reason for the visit is to strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and the United Kingdom and would highlight key themes within the Commonwealth of Nations. The two nations have a long standing history dating as far back as pre-independence. On Saturday, the British Royal will call on the Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia palace. The British Royals at the Jubilee House (Photo credit: British High Commission) Source: UGC They will also make a trip to the Christianborg Castle which was previously owned by the British READ ALSO: Nana Appiah Mensah fires back at Deputy Minister over Menzgold comments Read 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 Newspaper - A client of the defunct DKM Microfinance, Eric Adjei, has threatened to curse President Akufo-Addo - According to him, he is yet to retrieve his locked up money - The Deputy Information Minister, Pius Enam Hadzide, has however revealed that about 90% of the DKM clients have been paid A client of DKM Microfinance, Eric Adjei, has threatened to ensure that President Akufo-Addo is cursed just like Former President John Mahama was cursed. According to a report by rainbowradioonline.com, Adjei stated that President Akufo-Addo had failed to honour promises made to DKM clients prior to the 2016 elections. He revealed that years after the scandal became public, he is yet to receive his locked up money from the defunct company. READ ALSO: Efia Odo puts her 'tonga' on display Adjei added that the people of the Brong Ahafo Region were informed that Mahama and his wife were behind the scandal. "The NPP told us it was Mahama and his wife who were behind the fraud, and so we should vote for them, so they will retrieve our monies for us. But when the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta was vetted, he told the committee it was not part of their manifesto and so they will not pay," he said. He went on to say that it was strange that those behind DKM are yet to be arrested and prosecuted. He further noted that the matter is yet to be resolved, as nothing has been done apart from efforts made during the Mahama administration to retrieve their monies. The Deputy Minister of Information, Pius Enam Hadzide, meanwhile indicated that 90% of the customers have been paid their monies through the official liquidator. READ ALSO: Sarkodie pleads for Wendy Shay over her "dumb" question Yenkasa Kumasi: What is the Biggest Challenge Confronting the People of Kumasi? 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 - Aggrieved clients of First Allied Savings and Loans company in Kumasi, have dared the Central Bank to kill them - According to them, they will hit the streets to demand their monies on Monday, November 5, 2018 - They also expressed their disappointment in President Akufo-Addo for the financial crises in Ghana Some aggrieved clients of the First Allied Savings and Loans company in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, have demanded their locked up monies. According to a report by rainbowradioonline.com, they thronged the Adum branch of the company and asked that their monies be paid to them. Led by a man named Stephen, they reportedly stated that no one can stop them from staging a protest. Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana Source: Supplied Source: UGC READ ALSO: We will curse Akufo-Addo just as we cursed Mahama - DKM customers They added that they are not scared, and it only gunshots that will stop them from carrying out their intent on Monday, November 5, 2018. They argued that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) authorized the company to operate and as such they are justified if they stage a protest. Stephen disclosed that together with other protestors, they will storm BoGs premises and prevent the staff there from working. He revealed that he has over GHc200,000 locked up in the company and as such he is unable to import items and conduct his business activities. He stated that a client of the company passed away after she stayed at the Roman Ridge branch of the company for four days after efforts to demand her money proved futile. Stephen also expressed disappointment in President Akufo-Addo for failing to deal with the financial crisis in the country. "We will punish him in 2020 for making us feel disappointed in voting for him and his party, he added. The Ashanti regional minister, Simon Osei Mensah, has however said the petition he received from some aggrieved customers would be sent to the economic management team for redress. READ ALSO: Bride pushes groom away as he tries to kiss her (Video) Ghana News Today: KNUST Vice-Chancellor Asked to Step Aside | Yen.com.gh Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now! Source: Yen A worried social media user has taken to the internet to share a situation he felt was becoming a problem for him in his relationship. According to the social media user, his girlfriend always appeared very attractive in town but her looks at home was always a put off for him since according to him, she looked 'ugly' behind closed doors. In recounting his 'story', the man claimed that his girlfriend's make up was always on point anytime she had to step out but she went back to 'factory settings' when she arrived at home. Make up brushes. Credit: Supplied Source: UGC READ ALSO: 'Sakawa' boy alleged to have used slay queen Charlotte Woodey for 'juju' speaks He added that the situation had become so unbearable that he was not turned on by her looks and sometimes had to even kick her out of bed. In a Facebook post, the man wanted to find out if he was dating his grandmother since 'his lady' looked unattractive at home when she took off her wig and wiped her make up. He pleaded with her to appear pretty for him at home the same way she looked stunning anytime she was going to town. The social media user hinted that the continuity of their relationship rested on the lady and was counting on her to be cooperative. His post on Facebook read, "My girlfriend looks fine outside the house but indoors she looks so ugly. Now am thinking why are girls so fake and whats the point? Am not enjoying the beauty. Outside the house makeup, full 12-inch contour, eyelash, nails, wigs and all that. Inside the house no makeup, no wig. READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan's wife sings Nero X's 'Yawa Dey' in new video Her hair is chop off in front, she will now wear big Bubu, Inside the house, I dont even want to touch her at all. Sometimes when I wake up I use my leg to kick her for no reason. Thats how I feel. But outside she will look so fine. Does this happen to me alone? At this rate, I wont marry this girl. She said looking good indoor is expensive and she cant wear the wigs with the heat and all. Can anyone relate? Let me know if am dating my grandmother. Let me know. Some night when she rubs powder. Jesus! I feel like am caged In. Am I not important enough to look fine for inside the house?" he wrote. In a related development, a landlord took his tenants by surprise after he printed some 'strict' rules and regulations for living in his house. Among many other 'laws', the house owner gave times for opening and closing the main gate. He also cautioned tenants against having more than one boyfriend or girlfriend. READ ALSO: DKM customers threaten to curse Akufo-Addo over payments Xandy Kamel Interview on Star Gist: 'Benedicta Gafah Has No Womb' Xandy Drops Bombshell| #Yencomgh 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 social media user, Belinda Agyei claiming to be the school mate of Zylofon Media actress, Benedicta Gafah, has reacted to an interview in which the actress spoke about her life Abeiku Santana. Benedicta Gafah, who was speaking in an interview on the 'Atuu' show with host Abeiku Santana, indicated that she had her basic education in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra and went on to have her secondary education in Kumasi. Belinda Agyei, Gafah's alleged school mate, however took to social media to claim that the statement made by the actress was false. READ ALSO: My girlfriend looks beautiful outside but ugly at home - Social media user shares bizarre story According to Belinda, Gafah had her basic education in the Brong Ahafo region and not in Greater Accra. To substantiate her claim, Belinda indicated that Gafah was intelligent and was a prefect in the school. The internet user added their school were present and mourned with the actress when her dad died years ago. Belinda then went on to admonish Benedicta Gafah to be proud of her past and stop lying to the general public about who she was. Belinda took to YouTube to rubbish Benedicta's claim. Her post read, You were such an intelligent and brilliant girl in school but when I hear you say I attended junior high school in Accra and Kumasi makes me sad. Credit: Ghanaweb.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: Gifty Gyan hires top Ghanaian lawyer Yoni Kulendi to battle Asamoah Gyan in court You were once the girls prefect of my former school in B/A and should never be ashamed of your past. We mourn with you, your brothers and sisters when your dad passed away." "So dear is high time you let people know who you really are and stop throwing dust in our eyes, the post read. The Zylofon Media signee, in the wide-ranging interview, threw light on her life and shared the story behind her rise to fame with the interviewer. Not too long ago, YEN.com.gh reported that actress Xandy Kamel, had alleged that Benedicta Gafah was noted for dating married men. In an exclusive interview on Star Gist with YEN TV, Xandy Kamel leveled more allegations against Gafah including how she got married secretly and how she removed her womb. It is no secret that Xandy and Gafah used to be friends but have fallen out some time now. Within the time of their fall out, Xandy is also on record to have accused Gafah of using 'juju' to take her shine while they were friends. READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyans wife sings Kuami Eugenes Wish me well in exciting video Watch: Ghana News Today: KNUST Vice-Chancellor Asked to Step Aside | 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 - President Akufo-Addo has stated that his administration is working to eradicate the mess left by the John Mahama administration - He therefore tasked his ministers to work hard so that they could give a good account of themselves when the time comes - He passed these comments during the swearing in of seven new ministers who have been approved by parliament President Akufo-Addo has asserted that his administrations competence is gradually eradicating Former President John Mahamas incompetence. According to a report by rainbowradioonline, he said that his government is doing its best, so that it can give a good account of itself when the time comes. President Akufo-Addo passed the comments during the swearing in of seven new ministers whose nominations were approved by parliament. READ ALSO: We will curse Akufo-Addo just as we cursed Mahama - DKM customers He took the opportunity to admonish his ministers to work hard so that the promises made to Ghanaians are materialized. We have to work together so that the things that we told the Ghanaian people that got them to give us their confidence and trust we can deliver them. Weve delivered some; there are still others to go. But if we all continue to work hard and keep our eyes on the ball, Im very confident that when the 4 years are over we will be able to give a good account of ourselves to the people of Ghana, he added. The ministers, who were sworn were Kojo Oppong Nkrumah as the Information Minister; Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Evans Opoku Bobie; Gender Minister, Cynthia Morrison; Upper East Regional Minister, Paulina Abayage; two other Deputy Ministers, for Eastern Region, Samuel Nuetey Ayertey and for the Brong Ahafo Region, Martin Oti Gyarko. READ ALSO: Gifty Gyan hires top lawyer to battle Asamoah Gyan in court Yenkasa Kumasi: What is the Biggest Challenge Confronting the People of Kumasi? Use the comments section below to share your views on this story. Do you have a story to share or you have information for us? Get featured on YEN.com.gh. Message us on Facebook or Instagram Source: Yen Information available to YEN.com.gh suggests that the leader of the Voice of the Lord Evangelical Church, Apostle Samuel Dadzie, has been dismissed by the church. According to a report by MyNewsGH.com, Apostle Dadzie was fired by the national hierarchy of the church following a series of financial scandals that have rocked the church. YEN.com.gh understands that Apostle Dadzie contracted a loan of GHc1.5 million from OmniBank Ghana Limited without the approval of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the church. Source: MyNewsGH.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: Our competence is clearing Mahama's mess - Akufo-Addo He also allegedly failed to reveal to the NEC how the loan was put to use. Between January to September 2018, workers outstanding salaries was GH89,400.00 with 2017 outstanding salaries being GH44,217.00 as the church is currently bankrupt due to misappropriation of funds by Apostle Samuel Dadzie. Source: MyNewsGH.com Source: UGC He is also alleged to have credited building materials which has accumulated to a huge sum of debt for the church. The church currently owes Fasco Timbers an amount of GH35,000.00, 12 packets of roofing sheets to Aduamoah and Odumase branches of the church at a cost of GH7,100.00 and GHC 4,500.00 worth of fuel cost credited from Total 4 filling station in Koforidua. Source: MyNewsGH.com Source: UGC Following his dismissal, he established his own church taking away about 90% of members which has left his former church struggling. When reached for his comments, he failed to confirm or deny but promised to make public his version of the accusations leveled against him at the appropriate time. READ ALSO: We will curse Akufo-Addo just as we cursed Mahama - DKM clients Yenkasa Kumasi: What is the Biggest Challenge Confronting the People of Kumasi? YEN is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via Instagram or on YENs official Facebook page. Source: Yen.com.gh - The Deputy Minister of Communications, George Andah, has been involved in an accident - His vehicle reportedly collided with a tipper truck in the Awutu Senya constituency - He has been rushed to the 37 Military Hospital for treatment The Deputy Minister of Communications, George Andah, has been reportedly rushed to the 37 Military Hospital after sustaining injuries in an accident. Reports say his vehicle collided with a tipper truck in the Awutu Senya constituency, which he represents in parliament. YEN.com.gh understands that four other persons, including his driver, a police guard and the driver of the tipper truck, also sustained injuries in the accident, which occurred at a curve at Awutu-Loye. George Andah, Deputy Minister of Communications Source: ultimatefmonline.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: 90% of church members 'vanish' with pastor after GHc1.5 million Omnibank loan causes chaos (Photos) All the victims are in a critical condition and are being treated under emergency care. Andah was in the constituency to attend a number of social functions, most of which were funerals. They were transported to the St. Gregory Hospital at Kasoa, where a helicopter was called in to airlift the injured to Accra for attention. READ ALSO: We will curse Akufo-Addo just as we cursed Mahama - DKM customers Xandy Kamel Interview on Star Gist: 'Benedicta Gafah Has No Womb' Xandy Drops Bombshell| #Yencomgh 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 A Magistrate Court in the Asokore-Manpong Municipality of the Ashanti region has remanded a 21-year-old Akwasi Yeaboa Abel into prison custody for his involvement in the violent protest that rocked the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). According to a report sighted by YEN.com.gh on Starrfmonline.com, Yeboah who is not a student of the University was picked by the police during the Students Representative Council-led demonstration against student brutality on the Universitys campus on October 22. School authorities claimed that the demonstration led to the destruction of properties estimated around GH1.7 million including vehicles, CCTV cameras, laptops, computers, among others. Credit: Supplied Source: UGC READ ALSO: Video: Top entertainers, celebs storm DJ Mensah's 'All White' party Police search on Yeboah, a shoemaker based in Asafo, a suburb of Kumasi, dressed in female artificial hair after his arrest, retrieved a knife from his pocket. Deputy Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Corporal Prince Dogbatse, speaking in an interview with Ultimate FM said Yeboah has officially been charged with two different offenses including rioting with a weapon and carrying an offensive weapon after he confessed not being a student of KNUST. The suspect who was remanded into prison custody by the Asokore-Mampong Magistrate Court is expected to reappear before the court on November 12. READ ALSO: Minister flown to Accra after a car crash Meanwhile, the 21 students who were arrested in connection to the demonstration have been granted bail to cooperate with police investigation without interference. The suspects, according to sources, were hired by faceless politicians to cause havoc in the supposed peaceful demonstration. The student body decided to boycott classes on Monday, October 22, 2018 as a way of registering their displeasure with happenings on campus. However, Vice Chancellor of the school Professor Kwasi Obiri Danso, in a broadcast text message to all students, called on them to disregard the decision to boycott their lectures. Students of the school however defied the warning and went on rampage in the school leading to the destruction of property and later the indefinite closure until matters were resolved. READ ALSO: Photo: Social media user and alleged mate of Benedicta Gafah claims actress lied about her education Ghana News Today: KNUST Vice-Chancellor Asked to Step Aside | 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 (CNN) These days, you can customize your car, your house and your clothes. So why not your favorite sweet? Just when we thought KitKat mania couldn't go any farther, Nestle opened a made-to-order chocolate shop this October at Namba Station, in the Chuo ward of Osaka, on Japan's Honshu island. The premium KitKat Chocolatory isn't just any chocolate shop that you would travel to see. Inside, you can build the KitKat of your dreams and watch it harden before your eyes thanks to a blast of liquid nitrogen. Place your order Like a Willy Wonka Factory for KitKats, guests can use a touchscreen pad to make their dream candy, choosing from five types of chocolate for the base. The chocolate options include basics such as milk chocolate alongside wild card flavors such as matcha or a strawberry-flavored white chocolate. The nine toppings are marshmallow, pineapple, cranberry, mango, green raisin, almond, cashew, macadamia and shredded coconut. Each bar will set you back about US$6-9. Can't decide? Try the chef's selection, where the chocolatier suggests the perfect toppings to pair with your base chocolate of choice -- just like a wine pairing at a posh restaurant. For example, If you love matcha chocolate the chef might recommend marshmallow, cranberry and coconut as toppings. There's even an ultra-luxe "all topping" version where you can try all nine garnishes on offer. That's the priciest possible menu item at 2,050 ($18). You're invited to "Have a Break' and enjoy your KitKat in the store, but you can also pack them up as souvenirs. Liquid nitrogen certainly looks dramatic, but it has also become increasingly popular around the world as a way to "flash-freeze" ice cream on the spot -- and make cool Instagram videos at the same time. More than 300 flavors Originally introduced in 1935, KitKats are essentially chocolate-covered wafers. Though first launched in London by Rowntree's confectionery, they're now produced by Nestle, a Swiss company, in the UK and HB Reese Candy Company in the US. In the US, one of KitKat's most successful jingles was "Give Me a Break," with the sound of the two pieces of the bar breaking down the center to make it easier to eat. These sweet treats made their way Japan in 2000, where the market ushered in quirky new variants. There are now more than 300 varieties, including cheesecake, wasabi, green tea, sushi, and yuzu. The brand also collaborated with Sanrio on a special Hello Kitty KitKat collection in 2006. And Nestle intends to keep adding to its flavor roster: An all-natural pink KitKat made from "ruby" cocoa beans was released in 2018. One reason behind the candy's eternal popularity in Japan is that in the Japanese language "KitKat" sounds similar to "kito kato," which means "to surely win." This story was first published on CNN.com, "Custom KitKat shop opens in Japan." By Town Hall , Nov. 1, 2018 We're just days away from the 2018 midterm elections and races around the country are coming down to the wire. In Arizona, Republican Congresswoman Martha McSally has been battling far left activist and Democrat Congresswoman Kysten Sinema. For months, polling has been tight with Sinema slightly ahead. With just days left before voters make their final decision, new polling shows McSally has the edge. 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 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 3) Prince Harry just gave the public a sneak peek of wife Meghan Markle's adorable baby bump, which was taken during the royal couple's recent Pacific tour. The Duke of Sussex, through the Kensington Palace's official Instagram account, posted a photo of Markle cradling her bump during a walk through the forests of New Zealand. Prince Harry thanked the countries they visited, saying he and the Duchess felt very "inspired" following the trip. "It has been a privilege to meet so many friendly Kiwis, Australia, Fiji, Tonga and NZ," Prince Harry captioned the photo on Friday. "We leave feeling inspired and reminded of how every single one of us can make a difference," he added. The royal couple announced they were expecting a child at the start of the tour, where they paid visits to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. 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Close to 4 million people have flocked to the cemeteries in Manila, according to National Capital Region Police Chief PDir. Guillermo Eleazar. "Our record last year is 3.6 million," Eleazar told CNN Philippines. He said the bulk of the almost 4 million people appeared on November 1st. However, he expects people to continue visiting their loved ones who passed until November 5. "We still have our skeletal deployment in some of the cemeteries here in Metro Manila," Eleazar said. The Metro Manila police chief also clarified there were only a few untoward incidents, such as a man caught possessing a firearm outside a Marikina cemetery, and two incidents of suspects trying to bring in marijuana to cemeteries. "This is because of the strict inspection that we have conducted," he said. "We didn't allow the bringing of some items, itong mga [these] intoxicating liquor, then gambling paraphernalia, and bladed weapon as well as cigarettes and loudspeakers." Around 5,000 Metro Manila police were deployed in the past two days, but Eleazar said they brought the number of personnel down to 300, as some of the cemeteries and columbaries are now closed. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 3) Sister Patricia Fox left a final message for President Rodrigo Duterte before leaving the country Saturday. The embattled Australian nun, who was ordered to fly out following the denial of her request for visa extension, said she hopes the chief executive will listen to the voices of ordinary people. "Sana nakikinig siya sa daing ng mga maliit na tao," Fox said, speaking to supporters during a thanksgiving mass the morning before her departure. [Translation: I hope he's listening to the voices and complaints of ordinary citizens.] Speaking in broken Tagalog, the 71-year-old nun was overcome with emotions as she prepared to leave the country she has considered her "real home" after 27 years. "Aalis ako nang malungkot pero masaya (I will leave sad but happy)," she pronounced. During the speech, she told her supporters to "not stop fighting against injustice," which she said was done to her by the current administration. Sister Patricia Fox bids farewell to supporters before leaving PH | #NewsroomWeekend https://t.co/cKZed2yj2L pic.twitter.com/KWM3aySg0g CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) November 3, 2018 The Justice Department on Wednesday confirmed the Bureau of Immigration (BI) did not allow Fox to stay in the country any longer, as it earlier downgraded her missionary visa to a temporary visitor's visa. Fox was detained in April for attending protest rallies. The BI said Fox's participation violated the conditions of her stay, but her lawyers argue that fighting for the rights of minorities is part of her missionary work. Fox's camp also maintains the gatherings she attended were not anti-government in nature. Her legal counsel added the missionary intends to come back to the Philippines "as soon as President Rodrigo Duterte is out of power" and when the national government already "recognizes missionary and human rights work." Fox arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 5 p.m. Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Saturday said Fox's participation in rallies was "undeniable" and that the missionary therefore violated the conditions of her stay under the law. In a statement, Panelo noted that the nun's departure should serve as a reminder to all foreigners residing in the country that they are "not entitled to all the rights and privileges, including the absolute exercise of political rights inherently exclusive" to Filipino citizens. 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 3) China said on Thursday it has begun operating weather monitoring stations in the artificial islands in the South China Sea. "These projects are designed to observe the maritime, hydrological, meteorological conditions and air qualities, and provide such services as maritime warning and forecast, tsunami alert, weather forecast, air quality forecast, and disaster prevention and relief," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said in a press conference on November 1. Lu stressed that China's constructions on the reefs aim to provide "public goods and services" to the countries in the region. "This is what we primarily wanted to achieve when we started these works on the islands and reefs in the South China Sea, and it is also a solemn pledge China has made to countries in the region and to the international community," he said. China's neighboring countries, including some Southeast Asian nations such as the Philippines, have called out China's reclamation and militarization of islands in the global waterway. Beijing has since asserted its rights over most of the region through a nine-dash line claim, amid ongoing territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. A legally-binding Code of Conduct (COC) between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states and China is in the works, but Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. hinted that ongoing negotiations may not produce it. The COC outlines what claimant countries can and cannot do in the disputed region. However, during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the Philippines this month, he said despite the sea row, Beijing will not be a threat to the Philippines. READ: DFA chief: 'Perhaps,' there will be no legally-binding South China Sea code of conduct The Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission approved a new redistricting map on Thursday, setting a new political landscape for the next decade. The case could be repeated : Bonn man Mehmet Y. back from custody in Bulgaria Bonn The man from Bonn, of Turkish origin, talks about his arrest and the nightmare that Mehmet Y. has experienced in Bulgaria since the beginning of September. 93 wanted persons have been identified so far in NRW. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken It was a nightmare that Mehmet Y. had experienced in Bulgaria since the beginning of September. Instead of going on holiday there, the 44-year-old innocent man spent seven weeks in pre-trial detention and house arrest. His constant companion was the fear of being extradited to Turkey because President Recep Tayyip Erdogan considers him a terrorist and has been searching for him internationally for years. But Y. didn't know that when he flew to the Black Sea with his wife. The Bonn native of Turkish origin has been home for almost two weeks now. He and his wife Gulsen (31) look relieved, but also a little tired, when they sit next to each other on the sofa in their living room and drink tea. The fear is still very present. Mehmet Y. doesn't want to travel any more in the near future. In response to a GA request, the NRW Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the international search for the 44-year-old has been deleted from Interpol's database. Nevertheless, the couple does not feel safe. "There were policemen here who wanted to know how my husband was treated in Bulgaria. And they said he better not leave the country now," she says. Even if the so-called Red Notice no longer exists, there are other tools to search through Interpol. It all began on September 2, when the couple travelled to Bulgaria looking forward to nine days' holiday. At the passport control in Varna somebody said: "We are looking for you". Policemen led Mehmet Y. away. He is interrogated, has to give fingerprints and finds himself a few hours later in a cell in the basement of the airport. He spends two nights there, gets two croissants and half a litre of water to eat and drink in three days. The police tell him that he will be brought before the magistrate within 24 hours and extradited to Turkey. But then he is first transferred to a prison in custody. He has a thin mattress covered with mould and blood stains. "I stood motionless in the cell for minutes. Turkish media report on the case: "Long-sought terrorist arrested, news stories read. A photo is shown, but it does not show Mehmet Y., but another man with a beard and a round belly in handcuffs. After a court hearing and the presentation of documents which were sent from Germany and which confirm that Mehmet Y. came to Germany as a refugee in the 1990s, he is allowed to leave prison and is placed under house arrest in the hotel where he wanted to go on holiday. He has the feeling of being harassed by the Bulgarian police, with passport checks in front of all other hotel guests. This is unpleasant for him. At some point he no longer leaves the hotel room. Erdogan's visit to Cologne the couple watch on television. "That was bitter," says Gulsen. While the Turkish president detained her husband in Bulgaria, he received a state banquet in Germany. On October 10, the Bulgarian court finally acquits the man from Bonn. And again and again the couple asks themselves the question: Why didn't anyone warn us? The Federal Republic of Germany knew that Mehmet Y. was wanted. Twice, in 2009 and 2012, a request for extradition by Turkey was rejected by Germany. And since a similar case of the Cologne author Dogan Akhanl, who was arrested in Spain in 2017, the Ministry of the Interior in NRW has been informing some of those affected - but only about searches over the past five years. Mehmet Y.'s was older. Upon request, the Ministry informs that from 2013 to September 13, 2018 a total of 93 searches by Turkey in NRW have been identified. 19 people were warned. Some had partly moved away, others had not yet been decided whether domestic proceedings would be initiated. Theoretically, Mehmet Y.'s case can be repeated if there are more innocent people among the remaining, according to our legal system. Mehmet Y. was also only wanted because he took part in demonstrations as a student in the 1990s. In total, the deprivation of liberty cost the couple 8,000 euros, including hotel costs up to the time of their release. Now they are at least hoping for compensation. Saint Martin celebrations : Event week also for non-Christians in Beuel Beuel The UNESCO organisation declared the Rhine traditions intangible world heritage. In Beuel, the organisers of the Martins week offer events for non-Christians too. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken The decision taken in October by the world cultural organisation UNESCO to officially recognise the tradition of Saint Martin in the region between the Rhine, Meuse and Eifel foothills as an intangible cultural heritage of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, gives the Beuel-Mitte Martins Committee a boost in its efforts to revitalise the Martinsfest in the district. With the invitation to a Martins week from November 4 to 11, the volunteers want to promote this tradition. This Sunday starts with a family service, which Father Wilfried Evertz will hold from 11.15 am in the Sankt Josef church, Hermannstrae, in memory of Saint Martin of Tours, whose 1,700th birthday the Catholic Church celebrated two years ago. "Building on the Christian reference of St. Martin's Day, the Martin's message - sharing unites - embodies a common culture of togetherness, tolerance and respect for people of all denominations and, above all, has an important social significance today. We want to open St. Martin's Day to all people who are not Christians," explained Stephan Kern, Chairman of the Martin Committee. The highlight of Martin's Week on Thursday, 8 November will be the large Martin's procession in Beuel's inner city. "In close cooperation with the Johannes Nepomuk Church Community Foundation, we have been performing a St. Martin's play for two years to bring the story back to life," said Kern. The foundation sponsors technology, lighting and Weckmann bags with the Martins story written on the back. "Volunteers will pack about 3,500 alarm clocks in bags next week," says Friedhelm Kruth of the Nepomuk Foundation. The Martinsspiel will be performed from 6.15pm by class 6d of the Kardinal-Frings-Gymnasium in the stadium, Ringstrae. The Martins Committee and the Nepomuk Foundation want to intensify their cooperation. Thus, projects are planned which express the idea of the Martin customs "sharing unites confessions" over the calendar year. Mark Wilson/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump says that U.S. military personnel dont have to fire at migrants if they throw rocks as they attempt to cross the border, walking back comments Thursday where he seemed to threaten force against alleged unruly members of the approaching caravan. Asked on Thursday whether the troops he's ordered to the border might fire on migrants, Trump initially told reporters, Theyre throwing rocks viciously and violently. They want to throw rocks at our military, our military is going to fight back we will consider that a firearm. Reporters pressed Trump on Friday to explain the rules of engagement between U.S. military personnel and a migrant caravan traveling through Mexico. They don't have to fire, Trump said during a gaggle with reporters on the South Lawn as he left the Oval Office to embark on a campaign swing through West Virginia and Indiana. What I don't want is -- I don't want these people throwing rocks. What they did to the Mexican military is a disgrace, the president continued. They hit them with rocks. Some were very seriously injured and they are throwing rocks in their face. They do that with us, they're going to be arrested, there's going to be problems. I didn't say shoot. I didn't say shoot. But they do that with us, they're going to be arrested for a long time. We will arrest them. While Trump has relied on his tough immigration rhetoric to whip supporters into a frenzy at dozens of campaign stops, the president worked to shift his final campaign message to the tremendous economy, just four days before next weeks critical midterm elections. I will say that we had tremendous job numbers today, Trump boasted, pointing at record-low unemployment and strong wage growth. It was just released 250,000 new jobs created in the month of October. That was shocking for a lot of people. That was a tremendous number by any standard. While Trump has relied on his tough immigration rhetoric to whip supporters into a frenzy at dozens of campaign stops, the president worked to shift his final campaign message to the tremendous economy, just four days before next weeks critical midterm elections. I will say that we had tremendous job numbers today, Trump boasted, pointing at record-low unemployment and strong wage growth. It was just released 250,000 new jobs created in the month of October. That was shocking for a lot of people. That was a tremendous number by any standard. But the majority of questions that Trump fielded Friday centered around immigration. After signaling that he will sign an executive order to end birthright citizenship in the United States, Trump said the controversy will be decided by the Supreme Court. The election results could potentially hamstring Trumps presidency if Democrats seize the House or Senate, splitting up the Republican grip on power in the nation's capital, but Trump said sure he could work with Rep. Nancy Pelosi if she is elected speaker, including on immigration reform. The problem is, it's a stupid [immigration] system, and it doesn't work and the Democrats and the Republicans could change it immediately. We could do it in one day, Trump predicted. We could have it fixed, but the Democrats don't want to do it because they're playing politics. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Germany-Based Man, Murphy Idahosa, Banished For Disrespecting the Oba of Benin (Video) kacylee at 3-11-2018 08:53 PM (3 years ago) (f) A Nigerian man based in Germany, identified as Murphy Idahosa, has been banished from the Benin Kingdom for disrespecting the Oba of Benin. A Nigerian man based in Germany, identified as Murphy Idahosa, has been banished from the Benin Kingdom for disrespecting the Oba of Benin. In the video currently making rounds on social media, Eddie can be seen wearing only short as he was escorted outside the palace. Watch video below; In the video currently making rounds on social media, Eddie can be seen wearing only short as he was escorted outside the palace.Watch video below; Video not supported. Post Reply I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 3-11-2018 08:53 PM (3 years ago) | Addicted Hero kaposky at 3-11-2018 09:42 PM (3 years ago) (m) FOOLS, ANIMAL AND PRIMITIVE HUMAN BEINGS EVERYWHERE. NA UNA OBA CREATED THE BENIN LAND ABI. FOOLS Posted: at 3-11-2018 09:42 PM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac FOOLS, ANIMAL AND PRIMITIVE HUMAN BEINGS EVERYWHERE. NA UNA OBA CREATED THE BENIN LAND ABI. FOOLS Reply edithehio at 3-11-2018 09:43 PM (3 years ago) (f) At last, his name is Edwin Idahosa, this same man came out 4 llyrs ago and confess on a live video that he slept with his twin brother's wife, nobody dose anything about it, he started doing live videos on Facebook,he insulted our great king, I'm sure the rest will learn from this,I just pray for his innocent children, all this useless and jobless Edo people on Facebook talking rubbish on live video, look at how Edwin Idahosa end up,he calls himself social media president , I'm still laughing,they cheese him out with only boxer Posted: at 3-11-2018 09:43 PM (3 years ago) | Upcoming At last, his name is Edwin Idahosa, this same man came out 4 llyrs ago and confess on a live video that he slept with his twin brother's wife, nobody dose anything about it, he started doing live videos on Facebook,he insulted our great king, I'm sure the rest will learn from this,I just pray for his innocent children, all this useless and jobless Edo people on Facebook talking rubbish on live video, look at how Edwin Idahosa end up,he calls himself social media president , I'm still laughing,they cheese him out with only boxer Reply favourita at 3-11-2018 11:13 PM (3 years ago) (f) Wey dem he useless and jobless follower on fb ???D idiot fellows Posted: at 3-11-2018 11:13 PM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac Wey dem he useless and jobless follower on fb ???Didiot fellows Reply ezzygill at 3-11-2018 11:31 PM (3 years ago) (m) Quote from: kaposky on 3-11-2018 09:42 PM FOOLS, ANIMAL AND PRIMITIVE HUMAN BEINGS EVERYWHERE. NA UNA OBA CREATED THE BENIN LAND ABI. FOOLS Kaposky, pls do not comment on things you know nothing about. I believe if you have king in your place you will not be so drunk to be insulting him for know reasons.THE EDO LAND BELONG TO THE OBA NOBODY NOT EVEN YOU CAN DISPUTE THAT. Posted: at 3-11-2018 11:31 PM (3 years ago) | Newbie Kaposky, pls do not comment on things you know nothing about. I believe if you have king in your place you will not be so drunk to be insulting him for know reasons.THE EDO LAND BELONG TO THE OBANOBODY NOT EVEN YOU CAN DISPUTE THAT. Reply DJZeewhy at 4-11-2018 06:54 AM (3 years ago) (m) Check Posted: at 4-11-2018 06:54 AM (3 years ago) | Upcoming Check www.9jakoloNG.com for more Information Reply Markeve at 4-11-2018 09:06 AM (3 years ago) (f) Quote from: edithehio on 3-11-2018 09:43 PM At last, his name is Edwin Idahosa, this same man came out 4 llyrs ago and confess on a live video that he slept with his twin brother's wife, nobody dose anything about it, he started doing live videos on Facebook,he insulted our great king, I'm sure the rest will learn from this,I just pray for his innocent children, all this useless and jobless Edo people on Facebook taking rubbish on live video, look at how Edwin Idahosa end up,he calls himself social media president , I'm still laughing,they cheese him out with only boxer nor b small tin oooooo social media president as he claim so this is how u choose to bring shame to ur wife isoken and ur entire family i guess ur father inlaw Bob-Izua whom u and ur wife insulted some time ago will be very happy about this new development and will be laughing back at u and ur wife now Eddie Murphy hide urself if u come back to Germany just mind ur business and stop punk nosing into people's affair a word is a enough for the wise,u don't insult the place and go free never. Posted: at 4-11-2018 09:06 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac nor b small tin oooooo social media president as he claim so this is how u choose to bring shame to ur wife isoken and ur entire family i guess ur father inlaw Bob-Izua whom u and ur wife insulted some time ago will be very happy about this new development and will be laughing back at u and ur wife now Eddie Murphy hide urself if u come back to Germany just mind ur business and stop punk nosing into people's affair a word is a enough for the wise,u don't insult the place and go free never. Reply Govtech Fund, one of the only investment firms focused solely on government-serving tech startups, announced a partnership today with early-stage venture capital outfit Sunstone Technology Ventures to seek investment opportunities in Europe, according to a news release.The San Francisco-based Govtech Fund and Sunstone Technology, which has offices in Copenhagen, Paris and Berlin, collectively manage more than $500 million U.S.Since launching in 2014, Govtech Fund has invested in 19 startups through two $25 million funds, the second of which became active in June . These startups have made tech for all manner of government operations, from law enforcement and parking to foster care, bond issuance, food safety and pensions. According to the statement, companies in Govtech Funds portfolio have raised more than $300 million from firms like First Found Capital, Lowercase Capital, Bezos Expeditions, General Catalyst and Khosla Ventures, and led to more than 20,000 relationships with government agencies.Sunstone Technology Ventures Managing Partner Jimmy Fussing Nielsen cited these numbers in explaining why his firm joined with Govtech Fund, as their goal was to partner with the market leader in the govtech market.Sunstone Technology has backed more than 80 founding teams across various industries since the firms inception in 2007. These include U.S.-partnered international companies Prezi, Neo4j and Seriously.Govtech Fund founder and managing partner Ron Bouganim said his firm is thrilled about the partnerships new European initiatives."Governments around the world spend over $400 billion a year on government technology solutions," he said in the statement. "There is an exciting new global wave of startups leveraging the cloud, software-as-a-service and mobile technologies coming to market, achieving venture backable growth rates, that are singularly focused on modernizing the operations of government. (TNS) The Suffolk police department is now the largest in New York to implement technology that lets cellphone customers send a text message to a 911 call center during an emergency, county officials said Thursday.At a news conference in Yaphank, County Executive Steve Bellone and police department brass touted the "text-to-911" program as a potential lifesaving technological advance.Bellone said the program could prove vital during a domestic violence or active shooter situation when it is not safe to make a voice call. He pointed to Saturday's massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue that left 11 worshipers dead."It may not be possible for somebody to make a call under those circumstances" Bellone said. "The ability to text during those emergency situations could mean the difference between life and death."The technology also allows hearing- and speech-impaired individuals to easily contact 911 during a medical event, Suffolk Police Chief of Department Stuart Cameron said. In the past, the hearing- and speech-impaired had to use a TTY telecommunication device to reach police but those systems are typically fixed in private homes."This will level the playing field and give them access to emergency assistance," Cameron said, noting that in locations where cell service is sparse, text messages will occasionally go through, even if voice calls do not.The Suffolk program officially began in late July, but Cameron said the department wanted to ensure the system was operating successfully with cellphone carriers.An estimated 80 percent of 911 calls in the United States now come from smartphones, according to the National 911 Program, which is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Emergency Medical Services.The Suffolk program, funded through a surcharge on cellphone users, had an initial price tag of $72,000 and an annual cost of $49,500, Cameron said.The system is simple to use but has its technological limitations, Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said.For example, during an emergency situation, any individual in Suffolk with a cellphone can simply text "911" and convey the nature of the emergency and their exact location. The cellphone user would then receive an automated response indicating the text was received.The 911 text, Hart said, will be routed to one of the county's 12 emergency call centers. An emergency communications operator will then respond by text message and dispatch assistance to the location, she said.But Hart said the system cannot yet accept group texts, photos or videos. Individuals should also not use abbreviations, symbols or emojis in their texts."Messages should be brief and concise," Hart said.Those individuals who can make a voice call to 911 should continue do so, officials said, noting that text messages can lead to slower correspondence and delay an emergency response."Call if you can and text if you can't," Cameron said.In total, nearly 1,500 emergency call centers about a quarter of all locations nationwide have systems to accept text messages, according to data collected by the Federal Communications Commission. The figure was about 650 two years earlier.A total of 15 of New York State's 62 counties have implemented the technology including Erie, Monroe, Rockland, Schenectady and Oneida, FCC data shows.Last year, two New Yorkers with disabilities including a woman from Babylon who were unable communicate with 911 operators by telephone, filed a federal lawsuit accusing local governments of discrimination by denying them direct access to emergency services.The suit, filed in the Eastern District in Central Islip, asked a federal judge to order Suffolk, Nassau and New York City to implement text-to-911 technology. That case is still pending.Nassau plans to roll out a new phone system with text-to-911 capabilities in the coming months, said Det. Vincent Garcia, a police spokesman.New York City pledged last year to implement a text-to-911 process for its vast 911 system during the first quarter of 2018. But the city's program has yet to get online. Stephanie Raphael, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, which is overseeing the text-to-911 project, said she could not provide a new timeline for the rollout. (TNS) Marin County is joining with more than 20 cities and counties across the U.S. in a legal challenge to new federal policy on the rollout of the next-generation wireless network known as 5G.The decision was announced by the Board of Supervisors after a closed-session meeting on Tuesday.We have heard considerable concern from members of the community about the Federal Communication Commissions proposed rules around deployment of 5G and the industry-centric regulations the agency is propounding, said Damon Connolly, president of the Board of Supervisors.New rules approved by the FCC on Sept. 26 could effectively give telecom companies millions of dollars in financial breaks by limiting how much local jurisdictions can charge in access fees for 5G antennas.The rules also set strict timelines for granting approvals for antennas, requiring cities and counties to act on applications for deployments on existing structures within 60 days. Applications for entirely new installations must be acted on within 90 days.We are focusing on the FCC exceeding its statutory authority and unlawfully encroaching on local authority in attempting to accelerate the shot clocks and limit local fees, said Marin County Counsel Brian Washington.Several coalitions have formed, led by different law firms, to file the legal challenges. Marins action is being handled by Spiegel & McDiarmid, based in Washington, D.C. The town of Fairfax is part of a different coalition that includes the city and county of Los Angeles and the city of San Jose; that action is being handled by Best Best & Krieger, based in Walnut Creek.There are now six appeals pending on the legality of the FCCs Sept. 26 small cell order, said Gerard Lederer, a telecommunications lawyer at Best Best & Krieger. The issues are the same and at some point we assume the court will consolidate the matters.The primary selling point of the 5G technology is speed; supporters say it will provide download speeds to mobile devices faster than what many Americans receive on their home Internet connections.In a report issued before the new rules were adopted, FCC staff stated 5G can enable increased competition for a range of services including broadband support new health care and Internet of Things applications, speed the transition to life-saving connected car technologies, and create jobs.One of the factors stoking public concern is that wireless companies installing 5G antennas say the devices need to be clustered closer together, every several hundred feet, to broadcast short-range signals. The FCC staff report estimated that wireless providers will invest $275 billion over the next decade in next-generation wireless infrastructure deployments.The new rules will limit, however, how much local jurisdictions can charge in access fees for the antenna installations. Under the FCCs new policy, local jurisdictions will be allowed to charge no more than $270 per year per cell site in access fees.In a September letter to the FCC, Connolly wrote, We disagree with the FCCs interpretation of fair and reasonable compensation as meaning approximately $270 per small cell site. Many cities, towns and counties in California already have worked to negotiate fair deals with wireless providers.The Marin General Services Authority, a joint powers authority whose members include Marin County and all of the countys municipalities, owns 15,000 to 16,000 street light poles in Marin, about 75 percent of the total number of poles in the county.Michael Frank, the authoritys executive officer, said that about 18 months ago the authority negotiated contracts with Verizon Wireless and Mobilitie, a telecommunications infrastructure company working on behalf of Sprint, for access fees. Verizon paid a one-time fee of $20,000 and agreed to pay access fees of $1,000 per pole annually. Mobilitie paid a one-time fee of $15,000 and agreed to pay access fees of $1,200 per pole annually.Before the companies can begin installing antennas, however, municipalities must issue approvals and so far none have, Frank said.Jean Bonander, executive officer at the Marin Telecommunications Agency, said she is also concerned that the new rules will give wireless companies a competitive advantage over cable companies, which will be stuck paying much higher access fees.For several weeks now, Marin residents concerned about the potential proliferation of antennas in their neighborhoods have been showing up at Board of Supervisors meetings imploring the supervisors to block the coming wave of installations.Residents arent concerned about access fees. Theyre worried about potential health risks from increased proximity to radio frequency emissions.Wireless companies maintain that emissions at levels mandated by the FCC do not pose health concerns, but critics insist they have studies that show otherwise.The Telecommunications Act of 1996 prevents local jurisdictions from enacting regulatory actions based directly or indirectly on the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions.Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Ross and Fairfax have all recently adopted ordinances limiting the installation of new antennas in areas zoned residential. Officials in Alaska's Denali National Park spend the majority of their $125,000 budget for monitoring wolves on technology and software . Their efforts are part of a 32-year research project by the National Park Service on wolves, one of the most important species in their ecosystem.The team in Denali uses GPS collars to track the wolves locations, which update every four hours to maintain battery life. Among many other things like tracking hunting patterns, the data from the collars can tell the biologists when its safe to go retrieve footage from their cameras inside the wolf dens. Housed inside tough weatherproof casings, the cameras have motion and heat sensors so they know when to take pictures of the wolves in their natural habitat.The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem learned the hard way just how key wolves are when they were eradicated in the 1920s. The entire ecosystem was thrown off balance, and not in a good way, and is only now beginning to recover since wolves were reintroduced in the 1990s. The efforts of the NPS in Denali and other places are important to preventing this from happening again. Governments are more digitally connected than ever before, making them more effective and constituent-friendly but also increasing their vulnerability to cyber attacks. Because a growing number of high-profile cybersecurity breaches involve trusted insiders or compromised network credentials, organizations are moving toward a zero-trust security approach to safeguard valuable data and systems. Do I Hear South Sudan And Sudan Melting Into One? "We dance to his tunes as if Abyei, Panthou and other areas in between have finally felt the breeze of peace blowing from the North". Asks Raphael Abiem Do I hear Rumors of South Sudan and Sudan embracing so hard as to be mistaken for one? I thought only Abyei were South Sudans Isac, minus Gods timely intercession, but to hear faint voices sounding the alarm that reunification is a gathering momentum, numbs my heart, not when John Garang is not here to ensure we are not on the table but around it. But if things are brewing underneath the festive season suggesting not only Abyei is strapped in a leash and pulled north to the service of the Master, the crafty Omer H. Al Bashir, but the entire country, then this is not the peace we should dance to. I am by no means questioning our preparedness as South Sudanese to embrace one another in peace, although I remain circumspect of Al Bashirs intentions until he can prove he has what it takes to bring peace to his own and to settle the disputes at the borders with South Sudan. But why does the world seem to have believed him? Al Bashir has the aptitude to keep up appearances enough to convince South Sudan he has peace to offer. This is despite the fact that his country is no less gasping for peace and in the throes of desperation due to long, negative publicity which include accusations of massive, systematic and systematic human rights violations and the tendency of his system to drift compulsively towards policies that have oftentimes landed the country in infamy. Yet, Al Bashir never lost perspective that one day he will pull a surprising peace card, which would catapult him to the league of the peace loving. South Sudan offered him the opportunity to prove he can deliver on peace. For those who propose South Sudan should reciprocate by offering to mediate peace in the Sudan, I say South Sudan does not have such confidence, certainly not the daring to face the world with duplicity adorned as a stance deserving of adulation. Besides, Al Bashir is aware South Sudan does not have such leverage. He knows his theatrics would not have worked but for the fact that South Sudans reputation has hit rock-bottom among nation states. No matter how low grade his peace theatrics may be, no on-going efforts to have peace generating within South Sudan ever could compare, not even the famed national dialogue. Thus, Al Bashir is able to look South Sudan right in the eye and pontificate a St-Paul-like staturemarching once as a relentless persecutor, Soul, the other, the worrier for peace the Author if Act of Apostles St Paul was. All, including South Sudans high centers of learning, have been taken in by Al Bashirs elaborate peace show. South Sudan nods approving as if Al Bashir has ceased violence in the Blue Nile, Nuba Mountains, Darfur among other devastated regions. We dance to his tunes as if Abyei, Panthou and other areas in between have finally felt the breeze of peace blowing from the North. And the world unquestioningly dawns the elusive peace weave Al Bashir has span and, Lo, business as usual. How does South Sudan hope to call things by their names? From where does South Sudan master the courage and the temerity to call Al Bashirs attention to instability in his own country? None whatsoever, not when the values that drove the struggle right to independence, have fizzled out and replaced by a riveting sense of guilt for the harm we chose to inflict on ourselves. The helpless state South Sudan has fallen into justifies the moral superiority Al Bashir has assumed. After all, he is the architect of the peace South Sudan is now celebrating. South Sudan has no moral standing to ask why Al Bashir cannot offer peace to his own people. But where does charity begin if not within the household? If that is the truth, there is reason to believe Al Bashir is not being charitable with South Sudan but cold heartedly calculating. That South Sudan is bereft of means and standing to reciprocate, is a given. But when I recall speeches during the peace celebrations, particularly the one delivered by Juba University Vice Chancellor touting Al Bashirs history of peace, I cannot help but wonder at his courage. One of the wonders of his speech was ability to peak out notes packed with peace nuggets from what is a towering landfill of serious human rights violations, the background and hallmark of Al Bashirs rule since 1989. Letter From The Global Coalition Of Advocates For South Sudan "The proposed deployment of Ugandan (UPDM) and Sudanese forces (SAF) in the South Sudan territory in key security sensitive locations and in training of the national armed and organised forces, compromises national sovereignty; this mandate should be specified and authorised by the UN SC..." Date: 22nd October 2018. Subject: The revitalization of the Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan Extended Letter addressed to the undermentioned by the Global Coalition of Advocacy for South Sudan (GCASS) representing the united voices of the South Sudanese people in the diaspora and friends of South Sudan. Address to: Salva Kiir Mayardit; Incumbent President of the TGNU Political leaders in the Incumbent TGNU Dr Riek Machar Dhurgeon; Chairman SPLA/M-IO Hon. Gabriel Changson Chang; Interim Chairman SSOA Other opposition parties Civil Society and Concerned Citizens Faith Based Organisations South Sudan Community leaders Copy to: IGAD Special envoy IGAD Council of Ministers (commission) AU Special Envoy UN Special envoy UNMISS EU Special envoy Troika Chris Trott; Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Marise Payne Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs China- The Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Russia- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Japan- The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Dear: Sirs 1. Introduction 1.1. About US: The Global Coalition of Advocates for South Sudan (GCASS) represents the united voices of South Sudanese Diaspora and their friends in the United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, Canada, United States of America and around the Globe. GCASS advocates for ending the conflict, rebuilding mutual relations among divided communities and promoting good governance, social justice, democracy, freedom of expression, human rights protection and rule of law in South Sudan. 1.2. Purpose of the Letter: The signed peace agreement on the Revitalization of the Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in Addis Ababa Ethiopia and appending the Khartoum declaration should be encouraging news to all South Sudanese. GCASS applauds the government of South Sudan, opposition leaders, regional authorities, Troika, the AU and UN for making this possible. This letter, seeks to highlight the plight of South Sudanese, who have lost faith in their leaders in implementing peace agreements. The majority of our people feel, leaders from both governing and opposition parties are unsympathetic to their situation, hence demands the negotiating parties and guarantors to ensure this agreement is implemented to the satisfaction of the citizens and South Sudan people. The South Sudanese leaders from all backgrounds and the citizens, should deal with the challenges of the implementation of the R-ARCSS with great fortitude and urgency; 2. Our Observations and Concerns 2.1. The South Sudanese people are grateful to IGAD, AU, UNSC and the Troika, for their rapid intervention in the senseless armed conflict in South Sudan, and for helping to resolve the conflicts through peaceful negotiation. We are encouraged by your efforts, the leaders from all sides to continuously agree to resolve issues amicably, please dont let the people down this time. 2.2. The responsibility of all heinous acts to the citizens and the country lies solely with the elected representatives in the legislative assemblies at all levels of governments at the states and national, for failing to contain the conflict at the earliest. We are at the moment very concerned the COHA signed in Addis Ababa in December 2017 and in Khartoum in June 2018, are frequently violated, putting the security and life of citizens under constant danger; this is unacceptable to all South Sudanese people. 2.3. The breakdown of the August 2015 peace agreement signed in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, the ARCSS, led to escalating insecurity, atrocities, large population displacement, and economic crisis. Below are highlight of our further observations; a) Nearly three years after the signing of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) in August 2015, the signatory parties to the agreement, failed to implement the agreement. b) Although there was a clear mandate by the IGAD head of states for the HLRF to be inclusive, some armed & unarmed groups including the South Sudanese communities in the diaspora, were inadequately represented at the HLRF. C) Concern for the lack of security, safety and protection of all citizens, from all divides, during the peace implementation process. The South Sudanese Citizens are not yet assured particularly by the two principal leaders President Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar, and including the IGAD leadership as the guarantor. The people expect them to stand on the same platform announcing publicly their total commitment to the peace agreement signed in August 2018, and that there will be no return to armed conflict; and stating that any group who violates the COHA and promoting violent conflicts should be immediately held accountable and brought before a court of law to be tried for war crime; the IGAD should fairly and firmly enforce the mandate. d) Trust and confidence in the political parties and the agreement is low. Some groups are opposed to the agreement or have serious reservations because of past experiences, especially the July 2016 resumed armed conflict in Juba; this left a bitter pill to swallow. Lack of fair representation, inclusion and participation in the peace negotiation and decision making process, and the exclusion of some opposition parties who were not satisfied with the signed agreement, may seriously undermine the peace agreement; therefore these concerns should be instantly, truthfully and fairly resolved; e) The lack of proper control and accountability mechanisms in security, governance and reform; there should be an independent adjudicator made of an expert panel to act as an ombudsman to the whole implementation process; this will provide trust and confidence to the R-ARCIS. f) The proposed deployment of Ugandan (UPDM) and Sudanese forces (SAF) in the South Sudan territory in key security sensitive locations and in training of the national armed and organised forces, compromises national sovereignty; this mandate should be specified and authorised by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and under its supervision; g) Transparency on the cost of the implementation, including cost of running the revised TGoNU, reform program, sources of funding, cost effectiveness and accountability mechanism of public finances. We are concerned that these factors have not been considered in the decision making during the peace negotiations; we would like to see the cost analysis and prove of affordability to assure the people of the effective peace implementation, this we believe will establish confidence in the people of South Sudan. 3. Our Expectations a) We call upon the incumbent TGoNU and all the opposition parties to this agreement to put the interest of South Sudanese people first by honouring this agreement in good faith. This agreement must be a vehicle in which South Sudanese leaders with the people of South Sudan people can be able to meet the basic aspirations (e.g. Justice, Freedom and Equality) of all South Sudanese. GCASS calls upon all the parties to provide security to all South Sudanese citizens who want to return to normal life in their ancestral lands; this means the COHA must be sincerely and faithfully observed as agreed, this must be a priority goal that can be measured. b) We urge the main parties the incumbent government, the SPLM-IO and other opposition groups, to lead South Sudanese people responsibly, and reach out to other opposition groups who have not signed the final agreement to ensure that nobody is left out in the national dialogue and peace building. 4. Our Appeal We, echo the aspiration shared by the people of South Sudan, believing a just peace is the only viable option. Similarly, we have been greatly encouraged by the commitments made by all stakeholders to pursue peace building. There are a number of issues to be resolved and some key principles to adhere, to improve the chances of lasting peace; including upholding all parties to the peace agreement individually and collectively responsible "uniting for peace" and nation building, therefore we: 4.1. Appeal to everybody concerned, to work together & fully cooperate to ensure the prevalence of peace; be fully mindful of your moral, constitutional and legally shared responsibilities & duties. Parties excluded in the peace agreement must be brought back to continue searching peacefully for a sustainable, inclusive and just peace. 4.2. Plead for all your compassion and natural goodness to commit and deliver an accountable leadership, peace, ceasefire, equality, justice and giving freedom, self-dignity, and respect for humanity to the people of South Sudan, to fully realize their potential and freedom, not just hope. 4.3. Pledge with you to actively and genuinely support, promote and implement a just and inclusive peace this time round; not use it to regroup and consolidate power to yourself, your group and associates, the return of power to the people must begin now; 4.4. Request for meaningful participation of, and reinforce actions from the diaspora, women and youth in the peace building process and decision making; 4.5. Urgently petition all the warring parties and supporters to stop the war and hostile propaganda adding fuel to violence and hatred; doing so will protect the peace agreement and millions of civilian lives in South Sudan. 4.6. Demand unrestricted access for humanitarian services to the needy people, repression of critics and press freedom to cease, and all crimes should be fairly and timely investigated; 4.7. Greatly encourage all to embrace, support and join forces to revitalise the transitional justice mechanism for the benefit of truth, justice, reconciliation and healing in South Sudan. There cannot be lasting peace without accountability, faith and truth. 4.8. An enlarged government is a mockery to the suffering people who are in need of basic services and protection; there is no justification for voluminous government that will only provide resources and opportunities to the only few privileged elites; 4.9. Petition you to continue exerting genuine efforts and determination to address legitimate local grievances, inclusive and responsible governance, meaningful federalism; stopping violence and oppression that South Sudanese experience daily to allow all internally displaced persons to return to their ancestral land. Legitimate local grievances and conflicts are synonymous to the success of any agreement, and cannot be assumed resolved just because conflict in the centre is managed. 4.10. Other Mechanisms for alternative conflict resolution should be encouraged and developed, other than resolving conflicts by violence and rebellions. Recommend that traditional methods of conflict resolutions should be respected and given highest authority; the council of state should adapt this role, and should represent the image of all the ethnic tribes and representatives of highly skilled and experienced personnel; 5. Our Role The members of GCASS, welcome with humble appreciation the 2018 R-ARCSS, we shall endeavour to step up and play our role through leadership in our respective regions and around the globe through: 5.1. Organising positive information transmission mechanisms to inform the public and help in campaigning against negative publicities and propaganda against peace. 5.2. We (GCASS) shall endeavour to organise the South Sudanese communities in the diaspora, to engage in the peace agreement implementation, actively participate and be involved in the reconciliation, peace and nation building. 5.3. Help in the implementation process and promoting collective responsibility in ensuring the peace agreement is successfully implemented, and to the satisfaction of the citizens. 5.4. Lobby the support of our host countries, friends and charitable organisations, to help in the rehabilitation of returnees and rebuilding of the South Sudan Communities in the country. 5.5. Work with the government of South Sudan and all parties on pre-and post-implementation matters, to ensure the diaspora contribution is utilised effectively. 5.6. Act as the peoples check for an inclusive and fair implementation of the agreement; 6. Conclusion a) While armed rebellion has been experienced, peaceful rebellion can be a useful way to seek change. The armed conflict in South Sudan is a hindrance and destruction to the country and its people, it must stop immediately; the warring parties must adhere to their commitment to implementing the signed agreement in earnest and good spirit. b) It is critical the parties to the conflict should take this agreement as a baseline and compromise to start the journey towards peace, reconciliation, social & economic rehabilitation and development. Just peace is the only viable option for sustainable co-existence and democratic governance but bad peace is a recipe for destruction. c) We are grateful for the continuous effort in search for sustainable, meaningful peace in South Sudan. We recognise the Khartoum declaration as a mere power sharing agreement, though disappointed, it is positive steps towards concessions or business enterprise the government, the opposition and others are willing to make to resolve the ongoing conflict. Its exclusivity and lack of transparency was stark. However, we must not miss the opportunity to address fundamental political, core security and constitutional issues in South Sudan; the details should come in the implementation of the agreement where every citizen should effectively and truthfully participate and be honestly involved. d) We demand our leaders to lead responsibly, uncompromisingly, sincerely, in good spirit and put their difference aside, to concentrate on common goals for the sake of the people and the national unity. e) We would like to see some key measurable indicators such as total cessation of hostilities and commitment demonstrating honesty, determination, and progress of the leaders in the implementation of the agreement signed in August 2018 in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. f) We do highly appreciate ALL your cooperation to consider the issues outlined in this letter, and we look forward to your honest response and invite engagement to discuss further areas of importance and cooperation with your esteem offices. Contact: Benjamin Avelino; email; btavelino@gmail.com As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. 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. The supporters stayed until the sun went down Friday night. Caccaviello's Team Holds Final Standout as Election Day Approaches Caccaviello supporters stand on every corner of the busy intersection. PITTSFIELD, Mass. Amanda Hamilton didn't personally know William Catalano but she knew the family. She said she knows Catalano's father very well and refers to the Catalanos as family friends. Her father, Tim Hamilton, said the two families grew up together. Catalano was recently killed and they want justice. They believe if Paul Caccaviello wins the district attorney race, justice will come. Caccaviello is currently seeking election as a write-in for district attorney and on Friday the Hamiltons introduced themselves and asked if they could hold a sign during a standout the campaign organized to rally support. "Paul has the experience to get him the justice he needs whereas Andrea Harrington doesn't have the experience and personal knowledge of it. We just feel like Paul needs everyone's full support to get justice for the Catalano family," Amanda Hamilton said. Caccaviello currently serves as the district attorney after being appointed to the job when former District Attorney David Capeless retired early to allow him to run as the incumbent. Caccaviello sought the Democratic nomination for the seat but was defeated by Harrington. But Caccaviello isn't going quietly into the night as he's rallied support for a write-in bid. "After that primary, a lot of folks approached me to consider doing this. It is a family decision to do this and speaking to folks, we decided it is the right thing to do," Caccaviello said. "Since we made the decision those please consider turned to thank you for giving us an opportunity to vote." The Hamiltons had supported Caccaviello in the primary and after the Catalano incident, they became more active in pushing for Caccaviello. "People are concerned about what is going on around here. There are murders going on. Are you going to let somebody handle that case that has no experience?" Tim Hamilton said. "There is nothing that replaces experience in my eyes. There is no replacement for experience." Caccaviello has placed an emphasis on his time in the office, comparing it to Harringtons. He boasts of more than 5,000 cases, convictions vicious criminals, and work in all levels of prosecuting. "To me, it is a no-brainer. The guy has 30 years in the DA's office, 14 years as the first assistant, he's a good, honorable man. I think the county needs him. We need that strong prosecuting experience," Ward 7 Councilor Anthony Simonelli said. Bianca Chessa is a hairdresser and she's been talking to her clients all the time about the district attorney's race. On Friday her hands were holding up the other end of the sign Caccaviello was holding at the corner of West Housatonic Street and Center Street. "I feel like he is trustworthy and I like that he is running as a non-partisan candidate because that is what I think a DA should be," Chessa said. Chessa said she got particularly active in politics because so few of her fellow millennials do. Caccaviello says he is happy with the amount of support he's gotten. "Given the climate of things, it is really important for millennials to actually get out and have our faces seen. I'm trying to represent my demographic. I think young people really need to get out and make our voices heard, be seen in the community," she said. She also has an addict in her family, so the criminal justice system, victim advocacy, and ensuring people in the justice system are being in the right place to get what they need hit close to home. Voters head to the polls on Tuesday to make a decision. Friday's standout was the last one for the Caccaviello camp before election day, but it isn't the end of the work. "We'll continue to work hard all weekend. You can't be complacent in that. We've got to continue to work hard, canvassing, calling, we'll be out and about," Caccaviello said. Write-in campaigns are seldom successful but Caccaviello's isn't like most of the others. He already had a core group of supporters from his run in the primary and he's worked to expand his reach beyond those who vote in Democratic primaries. "With this one, it is the enthusiasm and support from all walks of political life Republicans, Democrats, unenrolled that we're feeling a lot of and it is a good feeling," Caccaviello said. For all of those at the standout, the biggest sticking point for them is his history in the office. "The DA's position is such an important position in the judicial system and you need somebody that's been there, done that, knows what to do. I think there are nine inmates at the county jail awaiting trial for murder ... you need some experience and I just don't think Andrea bring it," Simonelli said. "She's nice. I've met her. I don't think there is anything wrong with her. But I just don't think she is the right fit for this position." Simonelli believes Caccaviello sometimes get blames for things Capeless did or for crimes he couldn't have prevented. Simonelli says it he gets frustrated when he sees alleged violent criminals get let out on bail, but that's something that would have to change in the Legislature, not the district attorney's office. "If you have a problem with Capeless, that's Capeless. This is a whole different guy. Just because you don't like something Capeless did, you can't hang it on Paul," Simonelli said. He said some of the concepts proposed by Harrington are already being done. The former teacher remembers meeting with representatives from the district attorney's office often to discuss youth offenders and outreach programs. He said it is already being done. As the days tick by, Caccaviello said he is feeling good as the race enters the final stretch. "We're feeling good. We're feeling really good. The contact with voters and the energy not just in our campaign but when we go and meet people has been through the roof but you never want to take anything for granted," he said. By Paul Edwards November 02, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Lewis Carroll knew nonsense. He pretty much invented the verse version. We, who live in a country in which nonsense defines national behavior, are effectively blind to that reality, judging by our universal acceptance of it. Weve been force-fed bullshit by ruling elites forever and, though bullshit is not nonsense, its the perfect cover for it. Nonsense, by definition, has no rational basis and makes no sense. Bullshit, in contrast, is often coherent and plausible and disseminated by authority it has caused Americans to embrace reams of pernicious nonsense immeasurably ruinous to them. Goebbels assertion that the Big Lie, repeated and robustly defended, could enlist a people against itself was proven for us by Reagans morning in America and Obamas hope and change hustles, classics of bullshit, that enabled the infliction of much sanctimonious idiocy on H.L.s Booboisie. Carrolls masterwork--The Jabberwocky--opens with this couplet: Twas Brillig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimbel in the wabe. All mimsy were the Borogoves, and the mome raths outgrabe. Given where we are today, to paraphrase Reagan, its Brillig in America. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter This has much to do with the Buffoon-in-Chief, yes, but his is only a part, and not the most grievous, in the complex of existential idiocy under which Americans ignorantly labor. To take the greatest, most odious examples of the screaming nonsense that encumbers us, start with whats laughingly referred to by the Cognoscenti as monetary policy, viz.: 1. Congress must borrow from somewhere the money it spends and rake it back in taxes to pay for services. Perfect nonsense. Relentless bullshit persuaded us this is so. It is not. Congress creates money from nothing because its empowered to do so, taxes arent collected but are written off to diminish the extant money supply, and they pay for absolutely nothing. 2. Social Security and Medicare will go broke very soon if we dont cut them because payroll taxes wont pay their increasing cost. Purest nonsense. Congress could sustain and augment them forever if it would, without increasing taxes since taxes dont pay for them. The will of Congress determines which programs are funded and which are not. It has always lavished money on elite financial entities with the closest ties to it through baldfaced bribery. That group does not include The American People. 3. The world is full of nations that are evil, while we are not, and one of them is always determined to attack, invade and destroy us, so we must spend money that could make our education, health care, infrastructure, and natural environment the envy of the world, on war and preparing for it. Utter nonsense. No nation since 1812, has had any such intention. A roaring torrent of bullshit from our owners has enabled the poisonous Military/Industrial/Congressional Complex--Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Northrup Grumman--and our coddled, stupidly generalled, over-teched military monstrosity to extract the life from us. These are just the prime examples of the sick nonsense that rules us. Carrolls Jabberwocky had a hero and a triumphant, victorious ending. In our moral paralysis, we cant look to heroes because their existence is another bullshit story that masks the nonsense weve been persuaded to live in. What may resonate for us with the jolly madness of it, though, is that we have our own Jabberwock, our own hideous, ghastly monster, that lives by devouring us with the claws that catch and the jaws that bite, regardless of how brainlessly unaware of it we continue to be. It is that tiny upper echelon of the Capitalist Cabal that owns and operates our criminal government like a Mafia racket. It is that vicious, diabolical, unelected cadre of warlocks, ghouls and vampires that, using scientifically tested, academically ponderous, legally impenetrable glossalalia, creates and disseminates the vast compendium of bullshit and mythology that enslaves and dehumanizes our citizenry, and lives, like a parasite, a remora, a metastatic cancer, on the blood and flesh of its own country. Is redemption possible? What can be done? What must we do to save ourselves, our children, our future, cry the good, honorable, innocent ones, who feel the dark truth and are horrified by it. Another of Americas bullshit mantras is that all problems have rational solutions. Our Jabberwock will devour us unless we destroy it. Theres no instruction manual for that. Paul Edwards is a writer and film-maker in Montana. He can be reached at: hgmnude@bresnan.net Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here. Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy By Jonathan Cook November 02, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - With Jair Bolsonaros victory in Brazils presidential election at the weekend, the doom-mongers among western elites are out in force once again. His success, like Donald Trumps, has confirmed a long-held prejudice: that the people cannot be trusted; that, when empowered, they behave like a mob driven by primitive urges; that the unwashed masses now threaten to bring down the carefully constructed walls of civilisation. The guardians of the status quo refused to learn the lesson of Trumps election, and so it will be with Bolsonaro. Rather than engaging the intellectual faculties they claim as their exclusive preserve, western analysts and experts are again averting their gaze from anything that might help them understand what has driven our supposed democracies into the dark places inhabited by the new demagogues. Instead, as ever, the blame is being laid squarely at the door of social media. Social media and fake news are apparently the reasons Bolsonaro won at the ballot box. Without the gatekeepers in place to limit access to the free press itself the plaything of billionaires and global corporations, with brands and a bottom line to protect the rabble has supposedly been freed to give expression to their innate bigotry. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Here is Simon Jenkins, a veteran British gatekeeper a former editor of the Times of London who now writes a column in the Guardian pontificating on Bolsonaro: The lesson for champions of open democracy is glaring. Its values cannot be taken for granted. When debate is no longer through regulated media, courts and institutions, politics will default to the mob. Social media once hailed as an agent of global concord has become the purveyor of falsity, anger and hatred. Its algorithms polarise opinion. Its pseudo-information drives argument to the extremes. This is now the default consensus of the corporate media, whether in its rightwing incarnations or of the variety posing on the liberal-left end of the spectrum like the Guardian. The people are stupid, and we need to be protected from their base instincts. Social media, it is claimed, has unleashed humanitys id. Selling plutocracy There is a kind of truth in Jenkins argument, even if it is not the one he intended. Social media did indeed liberate ordinary people. For the first time in modern history, they were not simply the recipients of official, sanctioned information. They were not only spoken down to by their betters, they could answer back and not always as deferentially as the media class expected. Clinging to their old privileges, Jenkins and his ilk are rightly unnerved. They have much to lose. But that also means they are far from dispassionate observers of the current political scene. They are deeply invested in the status quo, in the existing power structures that have kept them well-paid courtiers of the corporations that dominate the planet. Bolsonaro, like Trump, is not a disruption of the current neoliberal order; he is an intensification or escalation of its worst impulses. He is its logical conclusion. The plutocrats who run our societies need figureheads, behind whom they can conceal their unaccountable power. Until now they preferred the slickest salespeople, ones who could sell wars as humanitarian intervention rather than profit-driven exercises in death and destruction; the unsustainable plunder of natural resources as economic growth; the massive accumulation of wealth, stashed in offshore tax havens, as the fair outcome of a free market; the bailouts funded by ordinary taxpayers to stem economic crises they had engineered as necessary austerity; and so on. A smooth-tongued Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton were the favoured salespeople, especially in an age when the elites had persuaded us of a self-serving argument: that ghetto-like identities based on colour or gender mattered far more than class. It was divide-and-rule dressed up as empowerment. The polarisation now bewailed by Jenkins was in truth stoked and rationalised by the very corporate media he so faithfully serves. Fear of the domino effect Despite their professed concern, the plutocrats and their media spokespeople much prefer a far-right populist like Trump or Bolsonaro to a populist leader of the genuine left. They prefer the social divisions fuelled by neo-fascists like Bolsonaro, divisions that protect their wealth and privilege, over the unifying message of a socialist who wants to curtail class privilege, the real basis of the elites power. The true left whether in Brazil, Venezuela, Britain or the US does not control the police or military, the financial sector, the oil industries, the arms manufacturers, or the corporate media. It was these very industries and institutions that smoothed the path to power for Bolsonaro in Brazil, Viktor Orban in Hungary, and Trump in the US. Former socialist leaders like Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva or Hugo Chavez in Venezuela were bound to fail not so much because of their flaws as individuals but because powerful interests rejected their right to rule. These socialists never had control over the key levers of power, the key resources. Their efforts were sabotaged from within and without from the moment of their election. Local elites in Latin America are tied umbilically to US elites, who in turn are determined to make sure any socialist experiment in their backyard fails as a way to prevent a much-feared domino effect, one that might seed socialism closer to home. The media, the financial elites, the armed forces were never servants of the socialist governments that have been struggling to reform Latin America. The corporate world has no interest either in building proper housing in place of slums or in dragging the masses out of the kind of poverty that fuels the drug gangs that Bolsonaro claims he will crush through more violence. Bolsonaro will not face any of the institutional obstacles Lula da Silva or Chavez needed to overcome. No one in power will stand in his way as he institutes his reforms. No one will stop him creaming off Brazils wealth for his corporate friends. As in Pinochets Chile, Bolsonaro can rest assured that his kind of neo-fascism will live in easy harmony with neoliberalism. Immune system If you want to understand the depth of the self-deception of Jenkins and other media gatekeepers, contrast Bolsonaros political ascent to that of Jeremy Corbyn, the modest social democratic leader of Britains Labour party. Those like Jenkins who lament the role of social media they mean you, the public in promoting leaders like Bolsonaro are also the media chorus who have been wounding Corbyn day after day, blow by blow, for three years since he accidentally slipped past safeguards intended by party bureacrats to keep someone like him from power. The supposedly liberal Guardian has been leading that assault. Like the rightwing media, it has shown its absolute determination to stop Corbyn at all costs, using any pretext. Within days of Corbyns election to the Labour leadership, the Times newspaper the voice of the British establishment published an article quoting a general, whom it refused to name, warning that the British armys commanders had agreed they would sabotage a Corbyn government. The general strongly hinted that there would be a military coup first. We are not supposed to reach the point where such threats tearing away the facade of western democracy ever need to be implemented. Our pretend democracies were created with immune systems whose defences are marshalled to eliminate a threat like Corbyn much earlier. Once he moved closer to power, however, the rightwing corporate media was forced to deploy the standard tropes used against a left leader: that he was incompetent, unpatriotic, even treasonous. But just as the human body has different immune cells to increase its chances of success, the corporate media has faux-liberal-left agents like the Guardian to complement the rights defences. The Guardian sought to wound Corbyn through identity politics, the modern lefts Achilles heel. An endless stream of confected crises about anti-semitism were intended to erode the hard-earned credit Corbyn had accumulated over decades for his anti-racism work. Slash-and-burn politics Why is Corbyn so dangerous? Because he supports the right of workers to a dignified life, because he refuses to accept the might of the corporations, because he implies that a different way of organising our societies is possible. It is a modest, even timid programme he articulates, but even so it is far too radical either for the plutocratic class that rules over us or for the corporate media that serves as its propaganda arm. The truth ignored by Jenkins and these corporate stenographers is that if you keep sabotaging the programmes of a Chavez, a Lula da Silva, a Corbyn or a Bernie Sanders, then you get a Bolsonaro, a Trump, an Orban. It is not that the masses are a menace to democracy. It is rather that a growing proportion of voters understand that a global corporate elite has rigged the system to accrue for itself ever greater riches. It is not social media that is polarising our societies. It is rather that the determination of the elites to pillage the planet until it has no more assets to strip has fuelled resentment and destroyed hope. It is not fake news that is unleashing the baser instincts of the lower orders. Rather, it is the frustration of those who feel that change is impossible, that no one in power is listening or cares. Social media has empowered ordinary people. It has shown them that they cannot trust their leaders, that power trumps justice, that the elites enrichment requires their poverty. They have concluded that, if the rich can engage in slash-and-burn politics against the planet, our only refuge, they can engage in slash-and-burn politics against the global elite. Are they choosing wisely in electing a Trump or Bolsonaro? No. But the liberal guardians of the status quo are in no position to judge them. For decades, all parts of the corporate media have helped to undermine a genuine left that could have offered real solutions, that could have taken on and beaten the right, that could have offered a moral compass to a confused, desperate and disillusioned public. Jenkins wants to lecture the masses about their depraved choices while he and his paper steer them away from any politician who cares about their welfare, who fights for a fairer society, who prioritises mending what is broken. The western elites will decry Bolsonaro in the forlorn and cynical hope of shoring up their credentials as guardians of the existing, supposedly moral order. But they engineered him. Bolsonaro is their monster. Jonathan Cook is a Nazareth- based journalist and winner of the Martha Gellhorn Special Prize for Journalism https://www.jonathan-cook.net/ Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here. ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy Another Proud Day For Western "Civilization " Yemen Girl Who Turned Worlds Eyes to Famine Is Dead By Declan Walsh Amal Hussain, who died at age 7. My heart is broken, her mother said. CreditCreditTyler Hicks/The New York Times November 02, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - CAIRO A haunted look in the eyes of Amal Hussain, an emaciated 7-year-old lying silently on a hospital bed in northern Yemen, seemed to sum up the dire circumstances of her war-torn country. A searing portrait of the starving girl published in The New York Times last week drew an impassioned response from readers. They expressed heartbreak. They offered money for her family. They wrote in to ask if she was getting better. On Thursday, Amals family said she had died at a ragged refugee camp four miles from the hospital. My heart is broken, said her mother, Mariam Ali, who wept during a phone interview. Amal was always smiling. Now Im worried for my other children. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Riveting images of malnourished Yemenis like Amal one of 1.8 million severely malnourished children in Yemen have put a human face to fears that a catastrophic man-made famine could engulf the country in the coming months. The United Nations warns that the number of Yemenis relying on emergency rations, eight million, could soon rise to 14 million. Thats about half Yemens population. Aid workers and now political leaders are calling for a cessation of hostilities, as well as emergency measures to revive the battered economy of Yemen, where soaring food prices have pushed millions to the brink. On a trip to Yemen to see the toll the war has taken, we found Amal at a health center in Aslam, 90 miles northwest of the capital, Sana. She was lying on a bed with her mother. Nurses fed her every two hours with milk, but she was vomiting regularly and suffered from diarrhea. Dr. Mekkia Mahdi, the doctor in charge, sat by her bed, stroking her hair. She tugged on the flaccid skin of Amals stick-like arms. Look, she said. No meat. Only bones. Amals mother was also sick, recovering from a bout of dengue fever that she had most likely contracted from mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water in their camp. Saudi airstrikes had forced Amals family to flee their home in the mountains three years ago. The family was originally from Saada, a province on the border with Saudi Arabia that has borne the brunt of at least 18,000 Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen since 2015. Saada is also the homeland of the Houthi rebels who control northern Yemen, and are seen by the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, as a proxy for rival Iran. The geopolitics of the war seemed distant, however, in the hushed hunger wards in Aslam. Amal is Arabic for hope, and some readers expressed hope that the graphic image of her distress could help galvanize attention on a war in which tens of thousands of civilians have died from violence, hunger or disease. Last year, Yemen suffered the largest cholera epidemic in modern times, with over a million cases. This article was originally published by " NYT " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here. ==See Also== It's Been Over a Year Since MSNBC Has Mentioned US War in Yemen UK government 'has blood on its hands' over Yemen but poll shows 42% of British public do not know war exists Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. By Margaret Kimberley November 02, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The casual, endemic and racist violence that characterizes American behavior at home and abroad cannot be laid at the doorstep of the current buffoon in the White House. The most prevalent racially motivated murders are carried out by police across the country. Within the past week very disturbing and violent events took place in quick succession across the country. Two black people were shot to death in a Louisville, Kentucky supermarket. The white shooter made it clear that his goal was to kill black people when he said, Whites dont shoot whites, as he was apprehended. No sooner had this crime occurred than a Florida man was arrested and charged with sending explosive devices to Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, George Soros, Maxine Waters, and Eric Holder among others. One day later a shooting at a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania synagogue left 11 people dead. The unnamed suspect in all of these cases is Donald Trump. The bombing suspect made clear his love for the 45thpresident. He was described by his attorney as a previously apolitical man who nonetheless found a father in Donald Trump. The Louisville killing is the latest in a long line carried out by white racists. Anti-black violence is as old as white settlement on this continent. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The bombing suspect was described as a previously apolitical man who nonetheless found a father in Donald Trump. Analysis of these recent incidents must be made very carefully. Trump differs from his predecessors mostly by tearing away the veneer of humanity and civility from a system which is relentlessly brutal. But the facade keeps many would be terrorists from carrying out their sick fantasies. There are people who keep their hatred to themselves until they know that they may be given some cover and acceptance. Hatred expressed by a president emboldens people who might not ordinarily act upon their racist impulses. It is very dangerous for these hidden haters to think they can come out of their closets. At the same time we cannot forget that a racist shooter succeeded in entering a black church in Charleston, South Carolina and killing 9 people in 2015 when Barack Obama was president. The most prevalent racially motivated murders are carried out by police across the country when they kill an average of 300 black people every year. Anti-black violence is as old as white settlement on this continent. It is a mistake to see Trump as a singular evil in American history. He is also not an anomaly among world leaders. An avowed fascist just won a presidential race in Brazil. White supremacists march openly in European countries like Ukraine where the Obama administration helped to overthrow an elected president and install Nazis among the new leadership. Fascism is carried out daily not only by the police but by the neoliberal state and by the military as it carries out a war of terror all over the world. The current moment is perilous and requires serious analysis. Trump is the low hanging fruit in any discussion of racism and other forms of bigotry. But the country cannot be given a pass and allowed to behave as if all was well until he was elected.White people cannot play innocent and black people cant relax when the day comes that he is out office. White supremacists march openly in Ukraine where the Obama administration helped install Nazis. If Trump can be connected to all of these incidents it should be with the knowledge that the entire country is suffering from a terrible sickness that few want to confront. Americans prefer to think well of themselves and their nation and treat any information contradicting that belief as an inconvenience to be avoided at all costs. There were hate crimes before Donald Trump ran for president and most of them werent carried out by individuals. Most of them are still sanctioned by the state. The crazed Trump lover may have tried to send bombs to Obama and Clinton but they sent bombs to Libya and destroyed a nation that still suffers from their terrorist acts. They are quite literally guilty of committing hate crimes, along with other NATO leaders and their predecessors in high places. The fact that they know how to express diplomatic niceties is no reason to see them as being on our side as we fight to defeat fascism at home and around the world. Their enablers cannot be given a pass either. When we fight to make war and peace a political issue we are derided as purists and spoilers who ought to be quiet and allow imperialism to take place without hindrance. The people who join in the chorus of denunciation should not be allowed to wring their hands when dead bodies appear within our borders too. There were hate crimes before Donald Trump ran for president, most of them sanctioned by the state. If they want to denounce Trump they had an excellent opportunity recently. Trump announced that the United States was withdrawing unilaterally from the INF missile treaty with Russia. This decision quite literally puts the world closer to nuclear war. But the liberal Trump haters have had very little to say about a policy change which quite literally endangers all life on the planet. The numbers of people who realize the danger and speak against this action is miniscule, unlike the near unanimous condemnation of racist gun men and the would be mail bomber. We always lived in a very dangerous nation. Trump makes it more difficult to be in denial. But we must fight against the crowd which averts its eyes until a racist buffoon enters the White House. There is nothing new about American terrorism. It can be found in high and low places regardless of presidential civility or lack thereof. Margaret Kimberleys Freedom Rider column appears weekly in BAR, and is widely reprinted elsewhere. She maintains a frequently updated blog as well at http://freedomrider.blogspot.com . Ms. Kimberley lives in New York City, and can be reached via e-Mail at Margaret.Kimberley(at)BlackAgendaReport.com. This article was originally published by " BAR " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here. ==See Also== Torturers' confessions: He recalled how he attached wires to their genitals and shocked them with electricity, how he tore off a man's testicles with a rope. Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy Updated November 06, 2018 to include final 2 episodes of Aljazeera Documentary - Scroll Down To View November 02, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The Electronic Intifada has obtained a complete copy of The Lobby USA, a four-part undercover investigation by Al Jazeera into Israels covert influence campaign in the United States. It is today publishing the first two episodes. The Paris-based Orient XXI has published the same episodes with French subtitles. The film was made by Al Jazeera during 2016 and was completed in October 2017. But it was censored after Qatar, the gas-rich Gulf emirate that funds Al Jazeera, came under intense Israel lobby pressure not to air the film. Although Al Jazeeras director-general claimed last month that there were outstanding legal issues with the film, his assertions have been flatly contradicted by his own journalists. In March, The Electronic Intifada was the first to report on any of the films specific content. We followed this in August by publishing the first extract of the film, and shortly after Max Blumenthal at the Grayzone Project released others. Since then, The Electronic Intifada has released three other extracts, and several other journalists have watched the entire film and written about it including Alain Gresh and Antony Loewenstein. Now The Electronic Intifada can reveal for the first time that it has obtained all four parts of the film. You can watch the all 4 parts in the video embeds below. To get unprecedented access to the Israel lobbys inner workings, undercover reporter Tony posed as a pro-Israel volunteer in Washington. The resulting film exposes the efforts of Israel and its lobbyists to spy on, smear and intimidate US citizens who support Palestinian human rights, especially BDS the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. It shows that Israels semi-covert black-ops government agency, the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, is operating this effort in collusion with an extensive network of US-based organizations. These include the Israel on Campus Coalition, The Israel Project and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Censored by Qatar The film was suppressed after the government of Qatar came under intense pressure not to release it ironically from the very same lobby whose influence and antics the film exposes. Clayton Swisher, Al Jazeeras head of investigations, revealed in an article for The Forward in March that Al Jazeera had sent more than 70 letters to individuals and organizations who appear in or are discussed in the film, providing them with an opportunity to respond. Only three did so. Instead, pro-Israel groups have endeavored to suppress the film that exposes the lobbys activities. In April, Al Jazeeras management was forced to deny a claim by the hard-right Zionist Organization of America that the film had been canceled altogether. In June, The Electronic Intifada learned that a high level source in Doha had said the films indefinite delay was due to national security concerns of the Qatari government. Covert action As revealed in a clip published by The Electronic Intifada earlier this week, the film shows Julia Reifkind then an Israeli embassy employee describing her typical work day as mainly gathering intel, reporting back to Israel to report back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Strategic Affairs. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter She discusses the Israeli government giving our support to front groups in that behind-the-scenes way. Reifkind also admits to using fake Facebook profiles to infiltrate the circles of Palestine solidarity activists on campus. The film also reveals that US-based groups coordinate their efforts directly with the Israeli government, particularly its Ministry of Strategic Affairs. Run by a former military intelligence officer, the ministry is in charge of Israels global campaign of covert sabotage targeting the BDS movement. The film shows footage of the very same ex-military intelligence officer, Sima Vaknin-Gil, claiming to have mapped Palestinian rights activism globally. Not just the United States, not just campuses, but campuses and intersectionality and labor unions and churches. She promises to use this data for offense activity against Palestine activists. Jacob Baime, executive director of the Israel on Campus Coalition, claims in the undercover footage that his organization uses corporate level, enterprise-grade social media intelligence software to gather lists of Palestine-related student events on campus, generally within about 30 seconds or less of them being posted online. Baime also admits on hidden camera that his group coordinates with the Israeli Ministry of Strategic Affairs. Baime states that his researchers issue early warning alerts to our partners including Israeli ministries. Baimes colleague Ian Hersh admits in the film to adding Israels Ministry of Strategic Affairs to our operations and intelligence brief. Psychological warfare Baime describes how his group has used anonymous websites to target activists. With the anti-Israel people, whats most effective, what weve found at least in the last year, is you do the opposition research, put up some anonymous website, and then put up targeted Facebook ads, Baime explains in part three of the film. Canary Mission is a good example, he states. Its psychological warfare. The film names, for the first time, convicted tax evader Adam Milstein as the multimillionaire funder and mastermind of Canary Mission an anonymous smear site targeting student activists. The Electronic Intifada revealed this in a clip in August. Eric Gallagher, then fundraising director for The Israel Project, is seen in the undercover footage admitting that Adam Milstein, hes the guy who funds Canary Mission. Milstein also funds The Israel Project, Gallagher states. Gallagher says that when he was working for AIPAC, Washingtons most powerful Israel lobby group, I was literally emailing back and forth with [Adam Milstein] while he was in jail. Despite not replying to Al Jazeeras request for comment, Milstein denied that he and his family foundation are funders of Canary Mission on the same day The Electronic Intifada published the clip. Since then, Josh Nathan-Kazis of The Forward has identified several other groups in the US who fund Canary Mission. Suppressed film In March, The Electronic Intifada published the first details of what is in the film. We reported that it showed Sima Vaknin-Gil claiming to have leading neoconservative think tank the Foundation for Defense of Democracies working for her ministry. The undercover footage shows Vaknin-Gil claiming that We have FDD. We have others working on projects including data gathering, information analysis, working on activist organizations, money trail. This is something that only a country, with its resources, can do the best. As noted in part one of the documentary, the existence of the film and the identity of the undercover reporter became known after footage he had shot for it was used in Al Jazeeras The Lobby about Israels covert influence campaign in the UK aired in early 2017. Since then, Israel lobbyists have heavily pressured Qatar to prevent the US film from airing. Foreign agent Clayton Swisher, Al Jazeeras head of investigations, first confirmed in October 2017 that the network had run an undercover reporter in the US Israel lobby at the same time as in the UK. Swisher promised the film would be released very soon, but it never came out. Multiple Israel lobby sources told Israels Haaretz newspaper in February that they had received assurances from Qatari leaders late last year that the documentary would not be aired. Qatar denied this, but the paper stood by its story. Swishers op-ed in The Forward was his first public comment on the matter since he had announced the documentary. In it, he refutes Israel lobby allegations about the film and expresses frustration that Al Jazeera had not aired it, apparently due to outside pressure. Several pro-Israel lawmakers in Washington have piled on more pressure by pushing the Department of Justice to force Al Jazeera to register as a foreign agent under a counterespionage law dating from the 1930s. The Israel lobby goes to Doha While the film was delayed, a wave of prominent pro-Israel figures visited Qatar at the invitation of its ruler, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. They have included some of the most right-wing and extreme figures among Israels defenders in the US, such as Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz and Morton Klein, the head of the Zionist Organization of America. Swisher wrote in The Forward that he ran into Dershowitz at a Doha restaurant during one of these visits, and invited the professor to a private viewing of the film. I have no problem with any of the secret filming, Swisher says Dershowitz told him afterwards. And I can even see this being broadcast on PBS the US public broadcaster. Yet it appears that Israel lobby efforts to quash the film were successful until now. This article was originally published by "Electronic Intifada" - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here. ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy November 02, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Andrei Belousov, deputy director of the Russian Foreign Ministrys Department of Nonproliferation and Arms Control, has recently made an important statement which I shall quote in full and then provide a translation. Original Russian text: , . , , . , , , , . . . , , : , Translation: Recently at a meeting the United States stated that Russia is preparing for war. Yes, Russia is preparing for war, I can confirm it. Yes, we are preparing to defend our homeland, our territorial integrity, our principles, our values, our people. We are preparing for such a war. But there is a major difference between us and the United States. Linguistically, this difference is just in one word, in both Russian and English: Russia is preparing for war while the United States is preparing a war (emphasis added). We are so used to western diplomats and politicians saying more or less anything and everything (as the joke goes: when do you know that a politician is lying? When his lips move) that many of us stopped paying attention to what is being said. If tomorrow Trump or some Congressperson goes on national TV and declares read my lips up is down, dry is wet and yes means no most of us will just ignore it. The truth is that being exposed to that constant stream of empty, bombastic and always dishonest statements makes most of us immune to verbal warnings, even when they come from non-western political figures. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter It is, therefore, crucial to fully realize that Russian official and diplomats carefully measure every word they say and that when they repeat over and over again that Russia is ready for war, they actually and truly mean it! Of course, there have been those in the West who fully saw this danger and have been warning about it for years, I especially think of Prof. Stephen Cohen and Paul Craig Roberts here. And I have been warning about this for four years now, beginning with the article Obama just made things much, much worse in the Ukraine now Russia is ready for war posted on March 1st, 2014, followed by many more articles with the same warning since (see The Russian response to a double declaration of war on September 27th, 2014; Did Russia just gently threaten the USA? on November 12th, 2015; Debunking popular cliches about modern warfare on May 19th, 2016; How Russia is preparing for WWIII on May 26, 2016; A Russian warning on June 1st 2016; Assessing the Russian Military as an Instrument of Power on August 25th, 2016; Progress report on the US-Russian war on December 1st, 2017; What price will mankind have to pay for the collapse of the Empire? on April 13th, 2018; Each click brings us one step closer to the bang! on April 20th, 2018). But for all our efforts, we have been voices crying in the wilderness which is hardly surprising since even Putins blunt warning during his March 1st speech to the Russian Federal Assembly was quickly dismissed as posturing and quickly forgotten. This is why two weeks following that historical speech I compared Russia to a peaceful rattlesnake (yes, they are peaceful creatures!) desperately trying to warn a drunk idiot to back-off but to no avail: the drunk idiot just boastfully declares hold my beer and watch this and tries to grab the snake. I concluded by saying that: May, Trump, Macron and Merkel, of course, but also their sycophantic presstitutes and the herds of zombified followers all believe in their invulnerability and superiority. The terrifying truth is that these folks have NO IDEA whom they are dealing with nor do they understand the consequences of pushing Russia too hard. Oh, in theory they do (yeah, yeah, Napoleon, Hitler, we know!). But in their guts, they feel safe, superior and just cant conceive that they can die, and their entire society can just disappear. Sadly, since then things have only gotten worse. This is why a clearly disgusted and frustrated Putin recently declared that Any aggressor should know that retribution will be inevitable and he will be destroyed. And since we will be the victims of his aggression, we will be going to heaven as martyrs. They will simply croak and wont even have time to repent, Needless to say, the western ziomedia interpreted this warning as a sign of Russian aggression, not as a desperate attempt to wake up a delusional and infinitely arrogant Empire. By the way something very similar has been happening between the USA and China with an increasing number of Chinese officials publicly declaring that the Chinese armed forces need to prepare for war (here is just the latest such warning). Sadly, the Chinese warnings are as ignored and as dismissed as the Russian ones. And that is truly frightening. At least during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the entire world press was reporting about the confrontation minute by minute, and everybody knew that the danger of war was very real. In contrast today, hardly anybody gives the possibility of war much thought. In fact, the leaders of the AngloZionist Empire seem to be dead set on multiplying their provocations against Russia ranging from holding major military exercises right at the Russian border to giving the most prestigious EU human right prize to a convicted terrorist (the Poles, always so helpful, even suggested that Sentsov ought to be given the Nobel!). The EU also failed to notice the Ukronazi acts of piracy in the Sea of Azov but instead, condemned Russia for strictly enforcing her legal right to retaliate for the Ukronazi actions. Such a level of hypocrisy is disgusting, of course. But it is also very, very dangerous. Frankly, considering the fantastic and genuinely heroic efforts of Putin and Xi to avoid a major (nuclear) war with the Empire, I would suggest that they, not convicted terrorists, be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize (but I am not holding my breath here)! In sharp contrast to the western corporate media, the Russian media has been discussing the possibility of war with the US/NATO on a daily basis, and the discussion always revolves around the question are they really crazy enough to actually attack us even though that would mean their certain destruction?!. In fairness to the Russians, seeing folks like Nikki Haley or John Bolton, the question of are they crazy? is a logical one. But I think that it is also possibly misleading. Here is why: While clearly some Neocons are truly batshit crazy, most are not. Stupid, ignorant, arrogant, hateful and evil yes. But not necessarily insane. And for that reason, I dont think that the AngloZionist leaders will stumble into a war against Russia as a result of their insanity. Besides, while US politicians are, indeed, amazingly stupid and ignorant, there are enough men in the US armed forces who remember the warning of Field Marshal and Viscount of Alamein Bernard Montgomery who famously declared to the House of Lords: Rule 1, on page 1 of the book of war, is: Do not march on Moscow. Various people have tried it, Napoleon and Hitler, and it is no good. That is the first rule. I do not know whether your Lordships will know Rule 2 of war. It is: Do not go fighting with your land armies in China. It is a vast country, with no clearly defined objectives. Most senior US military commanders must realize that war against Russia and/or China is a suicidal proposition. But while the insanity of western leaders is unlikely to cause a war, I am afraid that their despair might. Think of it: right now the USA is engaged in two parallel processes: on the one hand the USA is involved in sanctions and economic wars against most of the planet while on the other hand, the USA is withdrawing from one major international treaty after another (including arms control treaties). Ask yourself a simple question: is this the behavior of a country which is weak or strong? What does this full-spectrum policy of confrontation and self-isolation (because that is what withdrawing from so many agreements and treaties does: isolate the USA) mean? Does it signal the actions of a confident and strong power or one which is desperate and lashes out on all levels? As this short post by Larchmonter445 reminds us, the current batch of US leaders are first and foremost *losers* and while they are still doing a pretty good job of window-dressing and flag-waving, it is becoming increasingly impossible to hide the magnitude of the multi-level slow-motion collapse of the AngloZionist Empire. I suppose that the band playing on the deck of the Titanic also played louder and louder, but the outcome of the show was never in doubt. The same is happening here and therein lies an enormous danger: the harder it becomes to conceal the magnitude of the unfolding disaster, the more the Empire lashes out, making the situation even worse which then makes it even harder to conceal the magnitude of the disaster. The Empire in general, and the USA specifically, is literally cracking on all levels and there is absolutely no reasonable and halfway viable way to reverse this trend because the one and only solution for the USA to survive is to give up the Empire and become a normal country something US leaders are not even willing to contemplate. The Neocons, especially, seem to have a quasi-religious belief (or maybe it is just an uncontrolled knee-jerk reaction) that when one of their putative clever plans fail, the correct solution is to double-down. They seem to have fully internalized the German aphorism wenn es mit Gewalt nicht geht, dann geht es mit mehr Gewalt! (if violence cant fix it, then even more violence will), forgetting that this belief did Germany no good against Russia. As for the general western public, it has been successfully turned into what I call ideological drones: brainwashed automatons who will wave their (Chinese made) flags to cope with any residual cognitive dissonance. When their certitudes finally come crashing down, they will also lash out at everything and everybody in abject despair and impotent rage. Right now the USA and the global West (aka the AngloZionist Empire) are on a direct collision course with Russia (and probably China too). Right now, I see very few signs that anybody in the western elites is able (or willing) to admit that at the end of that road there is war and the destruction of the USA (and possibly much of Europe). Right now, the leaders of the Empire appear to be firmly locked into what the French call the fuite en avant (which can roughly be translated as flight forward, or headlong rush, panic-induced compulsion to further exacerbate a crisis or calamity or even unconscious mechanism that causes a person to throw himself/herself into a dreaded danger). I suppose that there is a sad and tragic irony in the fact that the result of the US elites constantly conjuring up some completely imaginary Russian interventions (in the USA and elsewhere) might eventually result in a very real Russia intervention, in the form of devastating missile strikes, but this is hardly a consolation. How likely is that to change in the foreseeable future? Not very likely, I am afraid. Will Putin and Xi be able to avert the looming war with the West? Maybe. But with each passing day bringing only further escalations and provocations from the global West their task is becoming harder and harder. So far all the Russian and Chinese warnings have fallen on deaf ears and, frankly, I dont believe that more warnings will do any good. This might be the time for Russia and China to begin pushing back seriously. Everything else has failed, at least so far. The Essential Saker II: Civilizational Choices and Geopolitics / The Russian challenge to the hegemony of the AngloZionist Empire Order Now This article was originally published by " Unz Review " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here. ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy Trump brags he's authorized the troops deployed to the border to shoot anyone holding rocks. November 02, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - B ack when I thought I knew something about politics, and back when I thought I knew something about this country, I believed that, if a President of the United States made regular appearances as an utterly fact-free monster, it largely would be accidental. That was before 2016, when we discovered that a president* could get elected because he was an utterly fact-free monster. That was before 2016, when we learned that 40 years of a political party's constructing an utterly fact-free monster could be such a successful project. On Thursday, the president* gave another completely non-political talk on his favorite among the things about which he knows less than nothing: immigration. It was entirely about scaring old white people that MS-13 is coming to dominate the town council and order them all to be eaten to celebrate some foreign holidayand he, alone, can save them. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Before we pay this performance the several seconds of attention it deserves, we should note another triumph for local journalism: The Sacramento Bee leaves the president*'s racist cartoon of a campaign ad as a smoking pile of meat in the breakdown lane. This likely will have no impact on anything but it's important to keep a careful historical record in advance of the president*'s going off into the haunted places of his mind again, the way he did Thursday afternoon. This was perhaps the darkest of the many dark corners. "I will tell you, anybody throwing stones, rocks, like they did to Mexico and the Mexican military, Mexican police, where they badly hurt police and soldiers of Mexico, we will consider that a firearm. They want to throw rocks at our military, our military fights back. We'll consider and I told them consider it a rifle. When they throw rocks like they did at the Mexico military and police, I say consider it a rifle." The only thing that stops a bad guy with a rock is a good guy with an M4 carbine. There are already reports that paramilitaries are gathering down at the border in anticipation of a turkey shoot. I suspect fire control will not be a priority. I suspect the president* doesn't care. He's rooting for a bloodbath. Monstrous. This article was originally published by " Esquire " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here. ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy President Muhammadu Buhari was on Friday presented with an attestation certificate by the West African Examination Council(WAEC). The President, who was apparently excited about it, couldnt hold back his Joy as he informed Nigerians about it. In his statement on Friday, the President revealed that he sat for the exam in 1961. He said in the statement that it was impossible for him to have become a Nigerian military officer without it. Buhari, also revealed that the late Shehu Musa Yar adua was his classmate. See statement below Today I received the attestation and confirmation of my 1961 West African School Certificate (WASC) Examination result, from the Registrar of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). It was also an opportunity for me to thank WAEC for upholding its integrity over the years. As a Nigerian military officer, it would have been impossible for me to have attended the Defence Services Staff College in India in 1973, and, after that in 1979 the United States Army War College, had I not sat for the WASC examinations, which I did in 1961. The late General Shehu Musa YarAdua was my classmate. We spent close to nine years in boarding school, at primary and secondary levels. And from there, after our WASC, we moved to join the Army, where we had to take a military examination as one of the requirements. President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday received his attestation certificate from the West African Examination Council(WAEC), which has now sparked national debate. While some supporters of the president, have maintained that, it was impossible for Buhari, a retired military officer, critics maintain the president never sat for the said examination. However, former spokesman to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe has published an exclusive history, by LT. Col. Idris Bako (Rtd) on Buharis certificate saga. Read below: EXCLUSIVE: BUHARI HISTORICAL CERTIFICATE SAGA BY: LT. Col. Idris Bako (Rtd) (NA Regular Course II Set) I want to re-state categorically that Buhari has NO VERIFIABLE CERTIFICATE anywhere in the world. 1. WAEC/CAMBRIDGE GCE: Buhari did not sit for the Cambridge examination in 1961 as his names (Muhammadu, Mohammed or Mohamed Buhari) is not in the UK Examination bodys List of candidates names from 1960-1962 2. His name(s) is also NOT on WAEC candidates names in both Ghana and Nigeria Offices from 1960-1962. Any attempt by Buhari or his agents to present any document to INEC representing WACE or GCE certificate may constitute an Offence.(FORGERY, PERJURY PENDING) 3. CERTIFICATE/ARMY RECRUITMENT: Buhari presented no certificate to the Nigerian Army in 1961 when Late Ahmadu Bello conscripted him from his School (Still In session) to join the Army, as he has none. The only paperwork came from his school principal, stating that, 4. , I consider that he (Buhari) will pass west African school certificate, with credit in English, Maths and three other subjects. This letter is self-explanatory. You cannot pass an examination you never sat for. 5. NIGERIA DEFENCE ACADEMY (NDA): Buhari did not attend the NDA as claimed. He attended Royal Military Forces Training College (RMFTC) for months (End of 1961 to the beginning of 1962) for normal Army recruitment and physical fitness training 6. This is not a certification programme. RMFTC was renamed NDA (established on the 5th of February 1964), and regular courses were introduced thereon. 7. UK MILITARY TRAINING: Buhari attended the Aldershot based, Mons Officer Cadet School. No Certificate was issued to Buhari, as he passed no examination for the short period he was in the UK in 1963. Cadet School information collaborates this. 8. DEFENCE SERVICE STAFF COLLEGE, WILLINGTON, INDIA: As usual, Buhari attended the staff college and did not sit for their examinations. The Defence Services Staff College, Willington does not issue a certificate of attendance to its attendee in 1974. 9. US WAR COLLEGE: Buhari left this College in 1980. He has in his Wikipedia page that he was offered a Master Degree in the same college in 1980. 10. THE US War college have confirmed that they started their Master program in the year 2000 and there is no way Buhari would have gotten a Masters degree in that college in 1980. Again, no certificate was issued to him. Veritable facts THE ABOVE WAS COPIED FROM A POST ON MY FB WALL. IT DID NOT IRIGINATE FROM ME. 20 Likes17 Comments19 Shares National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has refused why the party refused to submit Governor Rochas Okorochas son-in-law as the partys governorship candidate. According to Oshiomhole, the party submitted the name of Hope Uzondima, senator representing Imo west, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its governorship candidate in Imo. The former Edo state governor said this was to done in a bid, to continually uphold the truth in the interest of the party and its members in Imo. The former labour leader said while speaking with newsmen at the headquarters of the party in Abuja. Oshiomhole said Governor Okorocha, was trying to use the party instruments to build a political dynasty, which he wouldnt allow. In his words Governor Rochas Okorocha, the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, is a beneficiary of the court process, we rescued him. The primary conducted by my predecessor completely swept governor Okorocha out of the system-from ward, local government to the state. What I am not able to do for governor Okorocha is to assist him with the instrument of the APC to help him to build a political dynasty. We have prepared the name of senator Hope Uzodinma and submitted it to the INEC. If Governor Rochas chose to relocate to the Villa and use the grounds of villa to try to intimidate me to create a dynasty, I wont accept it. I will uphold the truth in the best interest of the APC members and indeed of the APC people in Imo state. The truth does not require a supporters club to stand, it has its own legs, and it can stand. Vanguard Imo APC battle: Even Oshiomole cant stop my mandate Nwosu Former Chief of staff to Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, Mr. Uche Nwosu, yesterday said the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomole, cannot stop his 2019 governorship candidature for APC, in the state. The Nation The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has ordered his Intelligence Response Team(IRT), led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari to fish out the killers of the traditional ruler of Adara community in Kaduna, Dr. Maiwada Galadima.Galadima, a first class monarch was gruesomely murdered, after he was kidnapped alongside his wife and several others by a gang of armed men, on the Kachia- Kaduna Highway. ThisDay President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, in Abuja received the attestation and confirmation of his West African School Certificate(WASC) Examination result issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in 1961. There has been controversy over the presidents secondary school certificate for several years. In a swift reaction. Guardian President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said his administration has ensured even distribution of political appointments to reflect diverse interests across the country, regardless of the voting patterns of the 2015 presidential elections. The Sun Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has assigned portfolios to the 26 new commissioners and members of the State Executive Council swore-in on Friday . Daily Times Ahead of the 2019 general election and its governorship tickets, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams. Daily Trust Imo state Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has accused the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of deceiving him and the party in the state when he supposedly cancelled the October 1 governorship primary in the state and set up a new one. Reacting to the announcement of the submission of Leadership The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Friday, said the controversy concerning President Muhammadu Buharis school certificate is embarrassing and felt a sense of duty to produce and deliver to him a confirmation and attestation of his results, in form of a duplicate certificate. Tribune AS political parties struggled last night to meet the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of lists of governorship and House of Assembly candidates for next years general election. The largest single-year increase of anti-Semitic incidents was recorded in 2017, according to the Anti-Defamation League. (jta.org) iStock/Thinkstock(OSLO, Norway) -- NATO has held its largest military exercises since the end of the Cold War. Called Trident Juncture, the war games are being held over two weeks in Norway and involve 50,000 troops, 10,000 vehicles, 250 aircraft and 65 ships from 31 nations. NATO officials say that the defensive exercises are not directed at any country in particular, but it is clear the intended audience is Russia. With tensions high with Moscow following its invasion of Crimea four years ago, confrontations in Syria and over Russian meddling in U.S. and European elections, the exercises are a show of force intended to demonstrate the alliances ability to deter Russia. Russia has responded by calling the exercises anti-Russia. It announced it would hold its own missile drills in international waters off Norways coast, close to where the exercises are being held. The country already held the biggest war games in its history back in September. Among the troops taking part are 7,500 U.S. Marines. The Marines shipped hundreds of tons of tanks, armored vehicles and aircraft to Norway for the exercise. A rotating force of 300 Marines has been carrying out winter training in Norway since 2017, and this year the country requested that number be more than doubled to 700 in 2019. The U.S. also maintains a small number of armored vehicles and other equipment stored in caves in Norway, which the Marines made use of during Trident Juncture. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. This AP photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump at a midterm election campaign rally in Columbia, Missouri, Thursday. AP-Yonhap WASHINGTON U.S. President Donald Trump remained optimistic about the prospects for North Korea's denuclearization, citing the regime's invitation of outside inspectors to its nuclear and missile sites. Speaking Thursday at a midterm election campaign rally in Missouri, Trump mentioned that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has committed to allowing international inspectors to survey the Punggye-ri nuclear testing site and the missile engine testing facility in Dongchang-ri. The North has taken steps to dismantle both facilities, but has still fallen short of U.S. demands for complete and verifiable denuclearization. "If you read the papers today, it came out to the surprise of a lot of people not a surprise to me that they don't mind having people come over, the experts, and check the sites," Trump said. "We're doing well," he added, listing a series of goodwill actions by Pyongyang, including the return of U.S. prisoners and remains of American soldiers from the 1950-53 Korean War. Trump said he had a "great talk" with Chinese President Xi Jinping about North Korea, including what he alluded to as the reduction of Chinese trade across the border with the North. "The border is holding. And they've been honorable. And they're doing what they said they were going to do," Trump said. North Korea is under tight international economic sanctions for its nuclear weapons program, and the U.S. has vowed not to lift them until it denuclearizes. "We haven't taken sanctions off," Trump said. "And hopefully, we'll be able to when we're down the road. We want to take the sanctions off. We want North Korea to be very successful." Trump boasted of his "very good" relationship with Kim. "We are getting to a point where they really want to do something," he said. "And we're not going to have to worry about millions of lives being lost and nuclear weapons going up all over the place and flying over Japan and everybody else." Trump is expected to hold a second summit with Kim early next year, following the first summit in Singapore in June that produced a statement committing the North to work toward "complete" denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in exchange for security guarantees from the U.S. "Let me tell you, we would be in a nuclear war right now if the right person didn't come along," Trump said. "So we're doing well. We're doing well." (Yonhap) The country's top Air Force commander will soon visit the United States to discuss the two countries' alliance and ways to boost defense cooperation, Air Force officials said Saturday. Gen. Lee Wang-keun, the Air Force chief of staff, will start an eight-day visit to the United States, Sunday, having received a formal invitation from his U.S. counterpart, Gen. David L. Goldfein. During his trip, Lee will visit the headquarters of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Northern Command and meet with their chiefs to discuss the South Korea-U.S. alliance and touch on issues promoting partnerships. In addition, he will pay his respects to fallen soldiers at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Lee also plans to go to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona to check on the F-35 stealth fighter jet project, which South Korea is buying, and give a pep talk to South Korean pilots and engineers who are receiving training at the U.S. base. In addition, he will receive the Legion of Merit from the U.S. government for his contribution to the alliance, the officials said. (Yonhap) This file photo, taken Sept. 4, 2018, shows Gen. Lee Wang-keun, South Korea's Air Force chief of staff, at a seminar in Seoul. (Yonhap) This file photo, taken Sept. 4, 2018, shows Gen. Lee Wang-keun, South Korea's Air Force chief of staff, at a seminar in Seoul. (Yonhap) By Mark Peterson My recent visit to Sacheon village in Uiseong County of North Gyeongsang Province left me thinking about the traditional Korean village today. I wrote last time about Sacheon throwing all its efforts into becoming internationally known as a "storyteller's" village as a way to both promote storytelling as an art form and revive a dying village in the process. This visit to a traditional village, and a night in an ondol room, sleeping on mats on the floor, brought back to me many pleasant memories. I've spent many years on an ondol floor. And after living in Korea in traditional, and semi-traditional homes (meaning "hanok" and more modern homes still with heated floors), I have moved to America, but returned from time to time (six times in all) to live in traditional villages, what today are often referred to as hanok villages. I've also spent more than 20 nights, one at a time, in Buddhist temples, so-called "templestay," with student groups and teacher groups. The six trips with students were spring term "study abroad" experiences where we stayed in a hanok village and slept on ondol floors. "Hanok" has become a term. We used to just say traditional house, or Korean house, or old-fashioned house, or use the Korean term "giwa-jip" literally, a tiled-roof house. But these days in English and Korean we use the Korean word hanok, literally "Korean house." Now, in Korea it's become fashionable to spend a night or two at a traditional Korean house; they call it the "hanok chehom" the hanok experience. The six student groups I led stayed twice in Yangdong, a yangban village on the outskirts of Gyeongju, in 1999 and in 2001. There, it was so unusual for a group to stay in a hanok village that KBS made a documentary about it it's now on YouTube with the tile, "Mark Peterson's Summer School." Subsequently, I led student groups to stay at the hanok village inside Yeongnam University in 2004, and at Gimhae Hanok Village (associated with Inje University) in 2007, 2009 and 2011. I've been doing the hanok chehom before they started calling it, hanok chehom. Traditional Korean villages are getting "on board" with the idea of promoting the beauty and tradition of the hanok. Sacheon is going to try storytelling as its logo, its pony to ride, its hope for salvation. If they tried to apply for UNESCO recognition, they might get their dream to come true; but their dream might become a nightmare. Hahoe Village has been irredeemably transformed by tourism; it can be argued that it is not the same place it once was. To some it's a dream that has become a nightmare. In Yangdong, the year they were applying for UNESCO status, I happened to be in the village and was invited to a meeting with the village elders where they discussed whether they were going to go ahead with the application or not. The experts from outside the village that were there to help them write the application a huge pile of documentation, more than 500 pages asked them at one point if they really wanted to do this. And warned them that the village would be changed forever if UNESCO accepted their application. The village elders seemed somewhat hesitant, but felt they owed it to their ancestors to seek glory the glory would go to the ancestors, the founders of the village, in the view of the village elders. Well, Yangdong's dream came true, in some senses, but some think it is a nightmare. The place is overrun with tourists. It was saved from oblivion, but now it's a completely different village, unlike anything it could have foreseen. Sacheon's dream is to become the center for storytelling in Korea. That might be better than going the UNESCO route? It will give it new life; people might move in, the school might be revived, and it might survive as a village. Sacheon could apply for UNESCO status. It would give them the salvation they are looking for, but it will change the village into something unrecognizable. The storytelling center might be a better alternative, a more modest attempt at bringing the village into the present. Their plans are big: they want festivals, a training center and a school for children to learn storytelling as an art, as a skill. They anticipate achieving international recognition. And it's entirely reasonable. There are similar storytelling centers in other countries why shouldn't there be one here? Mark Peterson (markpeterson@byu.edu) is professor emeritus of Korean, Asian and Near Eastern languages at Brigham Young University in Utah. By David Tizzard I have a confession to make. I often spend time on the internet, procrastinating horribly while scrolling through Twitter or Facebook when I should be reading books or writing articles. I'm terribly lazy sometimes because of it. However, frequent readers of online articles and forums will no doubt have noticed that what follows are many replies and comments that focus on the identity of the person that has written the piece. The ideas contained within are sometimes dismissed out of hand purely because they come from someone of a certain racial background, ethnicity, or even gender. Not only are they dismissed, they are often outright ignored and instead replaced with meaningless abuse with a certain Sarah Jeong-esque quality. The charges come forward with certain vitriol, "How can you really understand this? You are a foreigner?", "So many men!", "More Western imperialism." "Here comes a white trying to explain it." You may add in the various emoticons and internetisms most prevalently seen: "smh" seems rather popular these days. Not only does it appear rather distasteful, it is concerning to imagine what it might be like were the identities of the people in these various situations described be reversed. I do not deny that racism and sexism exist in our society. And wherever that may be pointed out in individual and specific cases, I will not only happily decry them, but also work toward eradicating them as best I might be able. But to demark everything of a certain type as sexist, racist or privileged, without actually engaging the ideas, is to do harm to those that do actually experience it, for it lessens the social awareness. If everything is racist, then real racism actually becomes harder to see. Yet what are the goals of such behavior? When one responds purely in terms of identity, it seems often to be with the objective of shutting down discourse and conversation. A standpoint position that deems one person is quite simply unable to comprehend the other's experience. It also promotes the idea that some comments are violent or offensive and should not be heard, specifically those with which we disagree for ideological or political reasons. After all, if people are unable to understand the other's perspective, where are we then? If we can't engage with other people's ideas respectfully and rationally, what comes next? Willfully ignoring each other? Hitting each other with clubs? That's generally not a road we should be heading anywhere near. Men are often decried for merely having the temerity to write articles on certain subjects or attend panels. Should one of these latter concepts be composed entirely of men, they are labeled "manels." A neologism and portmanteau used by people gleefully without perhaps considering the consequences of its wider proliferation. In doing so, these commentators acknowledge that it does not matter what ideas people might have. The primary concern is that of their gender. Were there fewer men and more women, that would seemingly be a far more acceptable solution. The first principle in these instances seems to be one that calls for equality of outcome rather than equality of opportunity. Moreover, it doesn't seem to recognize that this will not necessarily generate a greater diversity of ideas of perspectives. Indeed, it might instead produce a homogenization of thoughts the very opposite of that which is apparently desired. And that seems to be a growing danger in the echo chambers of confirmation bias and social media virtue signaling. Every person that thinks the same, talks to each other. When people encounter an idea they don't like, rather than engage it, they often just shout some meaningless labels at it: Mansplaining, Republican nonsense, Western bias, white privilege, and so on. During an interview with Dr Stephanie Coontz of Evergreen State College on gender equality, she explained to me that there will be never an equilibrium or perfect state achieved in society. For as soon as we solve one problem, we will inadvertently create others. Thus, making panels to simply artificially induce an equal balance of men and women is not actually going to solve the world. She then proceeded to explain to me that we should be looking at the actual process itself. Focusing on the way in which we move toward solutions, rather than the destinations themselves. It is not necessarily our utopian goals concerning gender and identity, but how we live with each other and how we progress toward things. It is in that process of acting things out with others in society that the utopia is actually found in the democratic and rational journey. Quite simply, it is how we do things rather than what we believe. We are meant to believe different things. We are meant to work toward different goals. We are meant to hold different ideas. But at the cornerstone of all of this should be a respect for the sovereignty of the individual. This is the very opposite of a collective identity, label or dogma that seems to be more and more visible. In fascist states, people are punished for the crimes of their family members living and dead. In fascist states, people are punished for skin color or race. In fascist states, people are punished for gender. In fascist states, people are punished for their political beliefs. In states based on competence and democracy, ones that afford an equality of opportunity to all without exception, we are seen as an individual and any of the identifying labels are pushed aside. To paraphrase a chap that seems to have been forgotten in much of all this, we are judged on the content of our characters and ideas. And "White Men Can't Jump" is a jolly good movie. David Tizzard (datizzard@swu.ac.kr) is an assistant professor at Seoul Women's University. Welcome! Im L.A. Times books editor Carolyn Kellogg with this weeks newsletter. THE BIG STORY Many still think of Jonathan Lethem as a New York writer (for the Brooklyn-set bestsellers Motherless Brooklyn and The Fortress of Solitude), but hes been in Southern California for eight years. He discusses some of the tension between the two places and why, in his new book, The Feral Detective, hes chosen to look east toward Upland, Mt. Baldy and the desert, instead of west to the beaches and Hollywood with writer Ivy Pochoda, whom he took on a tour of his new obsession. Read the story. Jonathan Lethems new novel is The Feral Detective. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Advertisement THE BIG REVIEW Antarctica called, in turn, Ernest Shackleton, Henry Worsley and David Grann. Grann stuck to the paper trail, however, in writing The White Darkness, his new novella-length nonfiction book about Worsley, a contemporary explorer who fought the blizzards and below-freezing temperatures at the end of the earth. In Worsleys adventures, Colin Dickey explains, he sought to to pierce the veneer of outside things. Read our review. Henry Worsley in Antarctica (Sebastian Copeland) BESTSELLERS Debuting at No. 3 on the fiction list is Unsheltered, the new novel by Barbara Kingsolver. Its the story of a middle-class family on the financial brink after the 2008 Recession, interwoven with that of a family a century before who lived in the same neighborhood, facing its own challenges. Debuting at No. 1 on the nonfiction list is The Library Book by Susan Orlean. The book explores the mystery of the 1986 fire that destroyed or damaged a million books at L.A.s Central Library, as well as celebrating the institution itself and in general. You can find all the books on our bestseller lists here. Susan Orlean at the Central Library in downtown L.A. Her latest, The Library Book, tops our bestseller list. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) MORE IN BOOKS Tana Frenchs new thriller, The Witch Elm, is riveting, writes Steph Cha in our review. On Halloween, the Library of Congress hosted a live, cover-to-cover reading of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein. The archived video can be found here. At a remote station in Antarctica, a Russian scientist allegedly stabbed a colleague because he kept revealing the ends of the books the scientist was reading. (The victim will survive; the scientist has returned to Russia and been arrested). Bob Drogin reviews the new book Rampage: MacArthur, Yamashita and the Battle of Manila by James M. Scott. Drogin, who was the Times bureau chief in Manila from 1989 to 1993, writes, history has somehow overlooked the catastrophic battle for Manila, but Scotts book is powerful narrative history, one almost too painful to read in places but impossible to put down. Children in Manila in 1945, in the aftermath of a protracted battle and other horrors. (AFP/Getty Images) Thanks for reading! carolyn.kellogg@latimes.com @paperhaus Amazon has held advanced discussions about the possibility of opening its highly sought-after second headquarters in the Crystal City area of Arlington, Va., including how quickly it would move employees there and which buildings it would occupy, according to people close to the process. The discussions were more detailed than those the company has had regarding other locations in northern Virginia and some other cities nationally, adding to speculation that the site in Arlington County is a front-runner to land the online retail giants second North American headquarters and its 50,000 jobs. The company is so close to making its choice that Crystal Citys top real estate developer, JBG Smith, has pulled some of its buildings off the leasing market and officials in the area have discussed how to make an announcement to the public this month, following the midterm elections, according to public and private-sector officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The company, which has sought to keep the final stages of its selection process confidential, may be having similar discussions with other finalists, a list of 20 metro areas that includes Los Angeles. Advertisement Two people close to the process said that if Crystal City was selected, Amazon was likely to move an initial group of several hundred employees into two dated office buildings that have been targeted for redevelopment but could be readied for occupancy by JBG Smith in nine months or less. The bid also includes sites in Potomac Yard, in Alexandria. Theres a lot of activity, one individual close to the process said. The person added that people seem really positive, and they seem pretty confident. ... What we dont know, maybe there are two or three other sites, and theyre doing the same thing. At a conference in New York on Thursday, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos told the crowd: Ultimately the decision will be made with intuition after gathering and studying a lot of data for a decision like that, as far as I know, the best way to make it is you collect as much data as you can, you immerse yourself in that data but then you make the decision with your heart. (Bezos also owns The Washington Post) Spokesmen for Amazon and JBG Smith declined to comment, as did Arlington County Board Chair Katie Cristol. After launching a reality show-like sweepstakes for a second home in late 2017, Amazon has effectively shut down disclosures about the search in the past nine months. Twenty finalist cities many of which have spent considerable time and money pursuing the company have little information about where they stand, according to officials in four other finalist jurisdictions. The city of Los Angeles has offered three sites to Amazon: two downtown and one at Warner Center in Woodland Hills. And officials with the nonprofit Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. have said the areas bid includes six other sites. Earlier this year, Amazon executives in Southern California were said to be in talks with local officials, but many think that the region is at a disadvantage as it is on the West Coast, like Amazons existing headquarters in Seattle. Washington-area leaders believe the project is theirs to lose. Crystal City, with easy transit access, proximity to Reagan National Airport, and ready-to-occupy office buildings, has long been considered a strong contender. The District and Montgomery County, Md., also are among the 20 finalists. Betting sites give northern Virginia the most likely odds of landing the project, and stock analysts have sweetened their view of JBG Smith owner of most of Crystal City as Amazons announcement has approached. Analysts at Stifel Nicolaus recently upgraded the company from Sell to Hold and say just the possibility that Amazon chooses Crystal City has added four or five dollars to the companys stock price. In the Washington area, the anticipation is growing as hints filter out that Amazon is in the final stages of making a decision. The company tentatively considered making an announcement by the end of October but has now put it off until November, according to individuals close to the process. There also are concerns about the potential pressure Amazon could place on the regions already steep housing prices, congested roads and yawning divide between its wealthy and low-income residents. When Bezos spoke at an Economic Club of Washington event in September, more than a dozen protesters occupied the sidewalk outside, and civic groups sometimes joined by union activists have raised concerns about what the addition of such a fast-growing company would mean for the regions schools, roads and housing prices. Even without Amazon, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has estimated that the region needs to add 235,000 housing units by 2025 to keep pace with expected job growth. Amazons arrival could push the goal to around 267,000 by 2026, according to a recent analysis by the Urban Institute. Right now the region is only on pace to add about 170,000 new units by then, and the shortage threatens to exacerbate inequality. Whether Amazon comes or not we have a challenge there, said Peter Tatian of the Urban Institute. The economic growth that has been going on has been benefiting some people and causing problems for others. Amazon says it plans to make $5 billion in capital investments alone in the city it chooses, and that its headquarters injected an additional $38 billion into the local economy in Seattle, generating an additional $1.40 for every dollar the company spent. But its growth has led to fissures between the company and Seattle. Homelessness in the city has escalated, and Amazon vowed to cancel some of its expansion plans if the city passed a new tax on big businesses to raise money to address the problem. Bezos and the company have made several recent announcements that could soften Amazons public image as it moves to open H2Q. Now the worlds wealthiest person, Bezos announced in September that he would donate $2 billion of his own money to support groups battling homelessness in the United States and create a network of preschools in underserved communities. I dont think its a coincidence that one of those issue was homelessness, said Joe Parilla, a Brookings Institution fellow. I think you can draw a pretty clear link between the debate that is unfolding in a lot of these tech hubs and how this gives a little bit of cover to Amazon as it is investing in these hot markets. In October after bearing months of criticism from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) over its treatment of workers Amazon announced it would raise its minimum wage for all employees to $15 per hour. But the companys request for secrecy has kept a potentially thorny discussion, about how much states and cities should be willing to offer the company for its jobs, in the background. Few of the public subsidies being offered to Amazon from states, cities and counties for the project have been made public, which some analysts say could result in blowback from taxpayers if they are announced as fait accompli. Maryland has offered an incentive package worth an estimated $8.5 billion, while the Newark, N.J., subsidies are estimated at $7 billion. On Wednesday, a judge in Allegheny County, Pa., ordered the release of Pittsburghs proposal after a legal fight with a local television station. The decision is expected to be appealed. I would question why cities werent more forthcoming [with their proposals], and I suspect its because there would have been some pushback to what the cities were offering, said Heidi Learner, chief economist for the advisory firm Savills Studley. From the publics perspective the question is what is the city hiding or why shouldnt they share how [those proposals] would actually lead to more tax revenue down the line? In addition to tax breaks, some cities have offered to build or expand roads, transit, data networks or airports if Amazon arrives. Parilla of Brookings said its preferable to maximize the broader benefit of these investments as much as possible. He also doesnt think it makes sense for Amazon, a $816-billion company, to press a city or state for an enormous subsidy package that could cut into money for other services. My sense is that Amazon doesnt want to repeat some of the antagonism in Seattle, Parilla said. Its not great for the brand to be viewed as oblivious to the existing economic and racial inequities in the city where its going to invest. The ultimate decision is likely to rest with Bezos. He has a history of showing independence in such matters, such as when he needed a headquarters for the Washington Post shortly after he purchased it. The preferred choice among Post executives and consultants was a planned office building near Union Station, which they touted to Bezos during a tour of potential locations. That site was the favorite until Bezos weighed in, and chose a downtown building. Now that Bezos is nearing a decision on the far more consequential HQ2 search, Washington-area leaders are hoping he does not throw another curveball. Los Angeles Times staff writer Laurence Darmiento contributed to this article. The worlds most famous stock picker showed a growing appetite for equities in the third quarter including a rare move to buy his own firms shares. Now, Octobers market slide opens the door for Warren Buffett to finally make a dent in his giant pile of cash. Berkshire Hathaway Inc.s chairman poured more money into stock purchases last quarter than he has in over four years. Buffett also spent $928 million on share buybacks during a few weeks in August, a move hes typically spurned. While the repurchases amounted to less than 1% of the companys cash, they set a new precedent. Its really important in terms of a signaling effect, Jim Shanahan, an analyst at Edward Jones, said in a phone interview. What theyve demonstrated is a willingness to use cash to buy back the stock if it reaches a value that they believe is less than intrinsic value. The 88-year-old investor has been facing a conundrum. Hes long preferred to use Berkshires cash to hunt for large deals or snap up stocks in companies such as Apple Inc. and Coca-Cola Co. While its still a goal to have one or more huge acquisitions, hes bemoaned that prices for many businesses have reached all-time highs. Thats left him struggling to put to work a cash pile thats topped $100 billion in the past five quarters. Advertisement Too much cash is a high-class problem, and one made possible by well-performing operations across the conglomerates swath of energy, railroad and retail businesses. A rebound in the companys insurance unit led to operating profit doubling to $6.88 billion in the third quarter, according to the companys earnings report released Saturday. But sitting on such a large stack of cash has led to pressure from investors to use it or give it back to shareholders through buybacks and dividends. If this were any company that he owned, he wouldnt be able to understand why they arent buying a ton of stock back, Bill Smead, whose Smead Capital Management oversees $2.2 billion including Berkshire shares, said in a phone interview. Berkshires board acknowledged that pressure in July with a loosened repurchase policy, allowing Buffett and Vice Chairman Charlie Munger to buy back stock whenever they felt the shares were below intrinsic value. The previous policy limited them to purchasing stock only when the price was below a 20% premium to book value. Buffett repurchased $1.2 billion from the estate of a long-time shareholder in 2012, but hes detailed to shareholders how he prefers to find other uses for that money unless prices make sense. During his annual meeting in May, Buffett said he would prefer share buybacks to a special dividend. Now, the worst month for U.S. stocks in seven years has made several of his favorite companies significantly cheaper. Shares of Apple, Berkshires top holding, have dropped 8.1% since the end of September, while Bank of America Corp. has slumped 5.3% in that time period. Fear in the market creates prices that make me want to shovel out the money as fast as I can, Buffett said in August in an interview with Bloomberg Televisions David Westin. But weve been shoveling out money anyway. Despite prices that have thwarted any major deals, Buffett has found stocks he likes. He purchased $12.6 billion of equity securities on a net basis during the third quarter, the most in more than four years. A regulatory filing indicated Berkshire added billions to its stake in Bank of America in the third quarter, continuing a trend from the second quarter of adding to positions in financial stocks. The market declines have also left Berkshires shares below the price at which Buffett bought them back, leading some investors to think he could accelerate the buybacks despite his feelings about them and dwarf the third quarters total in the final three months of the year. Its close to one of the last things he wants to be doing, said Steven Check, president of Check Capital Management, which oversees $1.5 billion including investments in Berkshire. Hes avoided it pretty well for 50-plus years. When a rich couple splits, divorce attorney Lowell Sucherman gets blunt. Look, Ive been doing this for 50 years, he says early in the negotiations. I know how this case is going to come out within a few dollars. Find a fair way to settle quickly, he says, and you can save enough in legal fees to send your kid to college. Or you can fight tooth and nail, he adds, and Ill send my grandchildren to college. His warnings work only some of the time. This year, some estranged spouses have a more powerful incentive than ever to call a truce: President Trumps 2017 tax overhaul eliminates the deduction for alimony payments for divorces finalized starting in 2019. For many wealthy couples, reaching a deal by Dec. 31 could mean tens of thousands of dollars in tax savings every year. Thats pushing more of them to follow Suchermans advice and cooperate as the deadline nears. Divorce often means war for the top 1%. The richer you are, the more homes, possessions, investments and businesses there are to fight over. In a single-income family, the non-earning spouse can be worried about being cheated by the earning spouse. The result is often expensive negotiations that stretch on for years as each party tries to inflict maximum damage on the other. Advertisement Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, is typically paid by the higher-earning spouse for a period of time after a divorce. For decades, the payers of alimony have been able to deduct the payments on their tax returns. Receivers of alimony, meanwhile, were required to report the money as taxable income. The tax overhaul reverses that arrangement, denying the tax deduction to alimony payers while making alimony tax-free to those who receive it. Because the payers of alimony are almost always in a higher tax bracket than their exes, the new rules will mean less after-tax money to go around. Were trying to get everybody divorced in 2018 who can be divorced in 2018, said Linda Ravdin, an attorney at Pasternak & Fidis in Bethesda, Md. She said that after finishing a trial in a complex divorce case recently, she urged the judge to render his decision this year. Michael Stutman, a partner at Stutman, Stutman & Lichtenstein in Manhattan, said hes seeing more feuding couples open to negotiation as the alimony deduction deadline looms. When youve got people pretty close to an agreement, the specter of losing that benefit is pushing people together, he said. Stutman is handling a divorce for a real estate mogul, and its taking a long time for two skilled forensic accountants to untangle the familys holdings. The couple is beside themselves with how long its taking, he said. Grease the skids The old system of allowing for alimony deductions sometimes served as a way to grease the skids for a deal and make the payments less painful, said Peter Walzer of Walzer Melcher, a law firm in Los Angeles. Now the threat of losing the deduction is accelerating the process. Walzer said one of his clients got a call from her husband, urging her to speed up the proceedings after he learned about the tax law change. Previously he had been the one slowing down the divorce, Walzer said. Even spouses who havent started divorce proceedings are wondering if they should rush to get a deal done before the year ends. Sucherman, who works at San Francisco-based Sucherman Insalaco, said hes getting inquiries from potential clients whom he called very wealthy Silicon Valley people wondering if they should be rushing to divorce court because of the rule change. In most cases, he said, they arent even separated yet. For couples just starting proceedings now, ending a marriage by Dec. 31 will be difficult and even more so if theyre wealthy. It can take months, at a minimum, to just catalog and appraise possessions. Until thats done, many spouses wont even start negotiations. The process can stretch for months and even years, especially since there are many ways to bog down a divorce such as turning in intentionally sloppy and incomplete paperwork. Still, there may be a workaround. If a settlement agreement, which often includes alimony terms, is reached by the end of this year, many divorce lawyers said, that would probably be sufficient to still get the alimony tax break. But that isnt airtight, and there could be issues if the agreement is altered in the future. The Internal Revenue Service hasnt issued any guidance on the alimony tax change, but some answers could come in the bluebook, Congress official handbook explaining the law, expected to be released this year. An IRS spokeswoman declined to comment. Paperwork crush The difference between getting a divorce finalized this year and waiting until later is significant, especially among people with high incomes. A chief executive living in New York City who is divorcing a stay-at-home mom would pay about $35,000 in child support for their two young kids. If he makes $1 million a year and agrees to pay her $360,000 in alimony, the 2019 rule change could cost them about $23,000 annually in higher taxes, according to an analysis by Chris Chen of Insight Financial Strategists, a firm specializing in post-divorce financial planning. If he earns $4 million and pays her $500,000 in alimony, the added cost because of the tax change rises to $35,500 a year, Chen said. The end of the year typically tends to be a busy time for divorces. For emotional and financial reasons, people in the midst of a divorce are often eager to finalize their splits before the holidays, Ravdin said. Many are eager to start the new year single again. Being divorced on Dec. 31 also means tax returns can be filed as a single person. The alimony change puts even more year-end pressure on divorce lawyers, judges and clerks. Its not clear whether courthouses will be able to handle the extra crush of paperwork. Just to be safe, lawyers are getting paperwork in as soon as possible. Theyre going to have a hard time processing all these judgments, Walzer said. Steverman writes for Bloomberg. When it came to reconciling a sibling design feud, YouTube influencer Alisha Marie called upon her friend and interior designer Sharrah Stevens to find a compromise. Alisha Marie and her sister Ashley, with whom she shares her five-bedroom, five-bathroom house in Los Angeles, wanted help blending their opposing styles in their new home office. Ashley likes a more rustic look and I like glam, girly and Midcentury Modern, said Alisha Marie, 25. Sharrah really did a great job at capturing Ashleys style as well as mine and making it work. Alisha Maries favorite color, millennial pink, is subdued by a palette of clean white with hints of black. Raw elements such as the hardwood floors and metal-and-wood bookshelves balance how bright and girly this room can look, especially having pink chairs, she said. Advertisement The results exceeded expectations and even inspired a change of heart in Alisha Marie: I definitely think my sisters influence rubbed off on me and I love that we have a whole bunch of different styles. 1 / 4 YouTube influencer Alisha Marie in the favorite room of her Los Angeles home, her home office. (Jesse Goddard / For The Times) 2 / 4 Raw elements such as the hardwood floors and metal-and-wood bookshelves balance how bright and girly this room can look, Alisha Marie says. (Jesse Goddard / For The Times) 3 / 4 One of the things that Alisha Marie wanted to keep from the old room was this giant calendar. (Jesse Goddard / For The Times) 4 / 4 Its a multi-purpose room; Im constantly filming stuff in here, vlogging and editing, Alisha Marie says. But I didnt want it to feel like just an office. I wanted it to be cute where I could have friends over and people could chill. (Jesse Goddard / For The Times) Why is this your favorite room? I literally live in here. Ill wake up, get my coffee, come in here and get work done. It really affects your mood and helps you work better when you are in a space that you like. And I love that its an open plan and that the desks are against the wall. Main use for this space? Its a multi-purpose room; Im constantly filming stuff in here, vlogging and editing. But I didnt want it to feel like just an office. I wanted it to be cute where I could have friends over and people could chill. What are some of the main things changed in the redecoration? This used to be our dining room and it felt like wasted space because we usually just eat on the couch or bar stools. The only drastic thing we changed was adding all the wood paneling on the wall, which I really love. It added so much texture. Tell me about this massive calendar. When we moved offices that was one of the things that I wanted to keep from the old room because I loved it so much. It takes up a lot of space, which is great. We had it last year and re-ordered it. Where did you get these fabulous chairs? Theyre from West Elm. I love how this blush color looks with the white. You definitely have to add a few more pillows to be propped up, but I really like how it made the room different. Whats your most prized possession in here? The old cameras, they were my great-grandpas. Growing up, my dad always had them on the top shelf and my sister and I couldnt play with them because they were super-fragile. I was always obsessed with them and how they worked, so it was cool when my dad gave them to me. Favorite memory in here? Seeing the space for the first time when Sharrah decorated it. We filmed our reactions and it was such a fun moment because we had talked about it for so long. I literally screamed. I never thought my space could look like this. hotproperty@latimes.com Six desiccated humanoids hover suspended in darkened space, heads bowed and staring blankly into handheld smartphones, in a grim but captivating installation by sculptor Danial Nord. The innards of both body and phone blink with a purplish-blue light, while a low, rumbling noise surges in the room. The growl is punctuated by an occasional nursery school song tapped out on what sounds like a xylophone, Twilight Zone-style. The figures in Cloud Nine, Nords solo exhibition at the Torrance Art Museum, describe archetypes businessman, mom, alien, soldier, angel, illegal immigrant. They were fabricated from sand-cast sheets of clear polycarbonate. Silica is a compound in sand, and it contains the material integral to current computer processors. Humanoid and electronic device are composed of the same stuff. Danial Nord, Cloud Nine (detail), 2018, mixed media (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times) Advertisement Danial Nord, Clud Nine (detail), 2018, mixed media (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times) Embedded within them are bits of barbed wire, driftwood, plastic bottles and other crumpled flotsam that Nord gathered washed up along the Southern California shoreline perhaps at Silicon Beach, home to L.A.s tech industry. The ensemble recalls those freaky prehistoric fish that crawled out of the sea 400 million years ago, beginning the evolutionary chain that brought us here. What looks like the end, given all the decay and dilapidation, might be just the beginning. Nord has wired his sculptures, which hang limply from the ceiling, with a video feed reprocessed from social and mass media. The digital umbilical cord transforms the data into bilious color, which resonates most gloomily with the apparent corpse of an infant laid at the mothers hobbled feet. Gnawing ambiguity is what makes Nords spectacle work. Whether the growling nausea produced by the transmission is traveling from the media device to the body or the other way around is impossible to see. Either way, the humanoids are the agents of their own ruin. The installations topicality is hard to miss. Torrance Art Museum, 3320 Civic Center Drive, (310) 618-6388, through Nov. 10. Closed Sunday and Monday. torranceartmuseum.com christopher.knight@latimes.com Twitter: @KnightLAT christopher.knight@latimes.com @KnightLAT Recently, a gleaming white monorail car blazed over the Los Angeles River at the Spring Street bridge. Materializing via augmented and virtual reality technology, the artwork is invisible to the naked eye accessible only on the artist-made app 4th wall, which is free to download on a smartphone. For the record: A previous version of this story misstated the age of Beatriz Cortez as 28, she is 47. The digital drawing kicks off Defining Line, a series of more than eight immersive artworks opening to the public on Nov. 4. Placed at distinct points along the L.A. River, the works deal with urban redevelopment, environmental issues, untold Native histories and patterns of gentrification. Conceived by artist Nancy Baker Cahill as a public art project, the artworks resist easy categorization as site-specific installations that make use of augmented and virtual reality technology. While researching transit systems that were proposed but never implemented, the co-curator and artist Debra Scacco, 42, uncovered an archival drawing from 1954 of a monorail system that would bisect the city. She resurrected the sketch as a digital drawing, visible in daylight and at night. Beatriz Cortez, Bowtie Project, Placed at distinct points along the L.A. river, the works deal with urban redevelopment, environmental issues, untold Native histories, and patterns of gentrification. (Beatriz Cortez / Beatriz Cortez) Advertisement Theres a reason why highways are placed where they are, why trains run above or below ground in certain places, Scacco explains. I want more than anyone for L.A. to be more connected, but we have to address that theres human impact to these infrastructure projects. If she were to create a physical iteration of the piece, Scacco would need to raise significant funding, hire a large team, and navigate a series of bureaucratic challenges. (In comparison, a 2016 public art project of sculptural works and projects in and nearby the L.A. River was made possible by a million-dollar award from Bloombergs philanthropic arm.) But the VR project was more approachable. Were really activating sites along the river that people wouldnt think of as sites of cultural significance, Cahill says, and asking them to think about histories that have been untold. Unlike physical artworks, installing virtual artworks leaves no carbon footprint. The artist Beatriz Cortez, 47, installed twin sculptures at the Hammer Museum and in Glassell Park. Tzolkin, a steel pyramid that reimagines an ancient Mayan agricultural calendar, will be removed from its site at Bowtie project on the L.A. river in the coming weeks, but its virtual counterpart will live on in the app. According to Cortez, working in virtual reality allowed her to consider warped chronologies and simultaneity. In another iteration, Cortez placed Tzolkin in Parque Viveros, Mexico, marking the site where, in May 2018, Claudia Gomez Gonzalez was killed by a U.S. Border Patrol Agent while attempting to cross the Rio Grande river. There are so few large works by women artists in public space, Cortez says, so this project also empowered a wider range of local artists to collaborate. Nova Jiang, Cartographer. (Nova Jiang / Nova Jiang) To me, the L.A. river is an important symbol of the way the industrialization of Los Angeles has destroyed the environment and many of our homes, Cortez, who lives in Highland Park, says. She created the work with pedestrians, both people and animals, in mind. We all have concrete backyards instead of green areas. In addition to Scacco and Cortezs projects there are works by social historians and artists, including Carolina Caycedo, Andrea Chung, Nova Jiang, Star Montana, Gala Porras-Kim, and Tongva elder Julia Bogany and her great granddaughter Marissa Bogany. Its a subversive project, Cahill explains. It doesnt rely on permissions from institutions or on the institutions themselves. It exists outside of that. Her vision to work outside conventional art spaces resonated with this particular group of artists. I want the work that I make to move very far beyond gallery walls, Scacco says. Defining Line is an extension of Coordinates, a worldwide project that includes site-specific virtual works at the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, and along the U.S./Mexico border in Tijuana. As Cahill explains, a piece that might mean one thing in a white cube, will mean something entirely different over the Rio Grande or Liberty Island. On Sept. 28, the day after Christine Blasey Ford testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Cahill placed a provocative drawing of a twisted female torso on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court with the all-caps text, UNPROTECTED. I really interpret the body as a site of struggle and resistance, Cahill says. So Ive been seeking an immersive experience for the viewer. I want to provoke an empathic, embodied reaction. Our democracy is unprotected and under siege, she continues. And I think our bodies are under siege. She has installed virtual works in Las Vegas, at the site of the October 2017 shootings, and scattered throughout Los Angeles. In installing artworks on government sites, but virtually, she circumvents legal ramifications. Im not interested in bureaucracy, she explains. Im interested in action. And theres an urgency to this moment. We have a crisis going on. While virtual art has sometimes elicited eye rolling reactions from art critics and curators, projects like Cahills 4th Wall show that the medium can apply the language of fine art to new media with subversive ends. The artist highlights that if VR/AR technology continues to enable hyper-violent, militaristic, or pornographic [images], we allow it to be dominated by themes that dont contribute thoughtfully to culture, Cahill explains. As artists, if we dont offer dynamic, thought-provoking alternatives, we cede that territory to commercial entities, likely unconcerned with the cultural consequences of their actions. Opens Nov. 4, 4thwallapp.org. For iPhone 6s or higher, Android devices with ARCore, and iPads. These are interesting times to be a gift giver. In some ways, purchasing presents has never been easier. Last year my husband and I knocked out nearly eight nights of Hanukkah gifts for our two sons in less than two hours in front of the computer. Fortunately, my 7- and 10-year old are not particularly discerning about where their Lego sets and video games come from. But finding a special, meaningful gift for adult friends and family poses more of a challenge. In a time when the Internet allows so many people to easily get whatever they want whenever they want it, what can the gift giver offer that is unique and exciting? Advertisement Im a writer, so I may be biased, but Id argue that the best gifts are those that come with a backstory. If you bring a bottle of wine to my house, I will thank you very much. If you bring a bottle of wine that came from a little vineyard in Ojai you fell in love with the last time your sister was in town, I will still thank you, but I will feel something else: honored that you chose to share this particular bottle with me. The gift is elevated by your story. Last year I brought 1-pound bags of Semolina Artisanal Pasta to every dinner party I attended. The pasta is handmade by my neighbor Leah, who lives just a few houses up the street from me. Not only is her pasta especially delicious, but gifting it to my friends allowed me to share a piece of my quirky and creative neighborhood with them. If you receive it as a gift from me I might mention that Ive seen her pasta drier up close and personal and which shapes of pasta she told me are hardest to make. Gift as learning moment. GIFT GUIDE: Gift shopping? No problem just fill in the blanks I have another neighbor, also named Leah, who lives just a few houses away in the other direction. Down the street Leah, as my husband and I call her, is a costume designer and stylist who also designs childrens clothes. Her Chaboukie label started off simply with a line of baby leggings but over the past few years the enterprise has grown to include onesies, coats, dresses and tops. The clothes are not cheap, but to me, they are worth the extra cash. Theyre all made in Northeast L.A., where I live, which means the environmental footprint of this particular present is low no shipping from Vietnam or China. Gift with a side helping of eco friendliness. But perhaps the Leahs on your block dont make things. If thats the case, how do you set out to find a gift with a backstory? Buying locally is a great way to start. My friend Emily, a letterpress printer and graphic design professor, thinks local gifts are more meaningful than those purchased at big-box stores because of their specificity. I think of my Chinese students, who often bring me back gifts from when they go home, she said. They are almost always a product from their city, like a regional tea, or a carved ornament made of a type of wood that just grows in a particular area. A gift like this serves as a sort of introduction, Emily said. A way to meet the places that her students come from. Gift as ambassador. For some people, a gift without a story is a gift not worth buying. A few weeks ago, the public elementary school in my neighborhood hosted a crafts fair that featured artisans from the area. Pauline Wolstencroft, a Los Angeles ceramicist who makes bright graphic plates and hanging discs, was assigned a booth across from the lemonade stand where I was volunteering. After staring longingly at her wares all morning, my friend Elizabeth finally broke down and walked over to purchase a plate. As Elizabeth mused over which one to buy, the artist said that she always sells a lot at this particular crafts fair, where the clientele are her neighbors and the parents of her childrens friends. Here the backstory of her ceramics is built right in a mom at my kids school made this plate! When she goes to makers fairs up in San Francisco, however, shes frequently asked about her personal journey how she was trained as a painter, became a librarian, and now carves out time for pottery between working a day job and raising three kids. People come up to me and say, Whats your story? she said. Thats how important a narrative is to them. Later in the day, I spoke with Linda Hsiao, another local ceramicist who runs the company Knotwork LA. She had many beautiful items arranged on her table, but I was eyeing a small creamer in the shape of a bird as a gift for my sister. The artisan told me she began her career as an industrial designer making mass market objects, but over time she grew worried that the items she was producing were destined to become landfill. So she decided to switch gears. In 2014 she helped found Arroyo General in Highland Park, which sold a wide range of locally made products, including produce grown in the neighborhood. The store was initially designed as a two-month pop up, but it did so well that it remained open throughout the end of 2015. Now, however, she is focused on producing ceramics in her studio in Highland Park. I bought the creamer. Gift as a way of supporting a talented, local artist. In case all this talk of locally produced artisan wares is beginning to feel a bit holier than thou, let me be clear: I am not here to judge. I know that you, and I, may very well end up at the mall or a big box store or, even more likely, doing our last-minute shopping online as the holidays draw closer. But until then, you might keep your eyes open for gifts of small works of art created right here, in our wonderfully diverse and creative city. Farmers markets are a good place to look, so are pop ups, crafts fairs and neighborhood boutiques. And dont forget the value of word of mouth. We do each other a nice turn when we share these makers and their stories with friends. It adds to the rich fabric and joy of life in Los Angeles. As Linda wrapped up the bird creamer for me, we talked about the value of supporting the people who live around us, and the satisfaction you get from knowing that your money is going to the person who invested their own time in making a particular object -- be it food, clothes, or incense burners. Then she invited me to tour her studio, any time Id like. Of course I plan to take her up on it. Just imagine the story Ill be able to tell. Two years into the Donald Trump experience, with midterm elections coming up this week, political fault lines deeper than the San Andreas and political rhetoric flaring like a California wildfire, I got into my car and drove to Temecula. That was the deal I made last year with Dana Martin, proud Trump supporter, and Im a man of my word. Two years running, we met at a Dennys in Redondo Beach, a two-man exercise in political civility. Martin had written in 2016 to tell me he was canceling his subscription to The Times because he thought we were out to destroy Trump. Thank God for Fox News, he said. At Dennys, I learned that Martin, a hardware salesman, supported reasonable gun control, and gay marriage, and believed in a womans right to choose, and was quite fond of his Latina daughter-in-law, who recently delivered Martins first grandchild. Advertisement All right, I thought. Hes not such a bad guy. But why Trump? Martin liked the Donald on the economy, taxes, trade, tariffs and immigration. DECISION CALIFORNIA: Full coverage of 2018 elections It occurred to both of us that if we were going to meet a third time to share our political differences, we might need something stronger than coffee. So for Round 3, we decided on lunch in the heart of Temecula Valley grape country, at Avensole Winery, 10 minutes from where Martin lives. Martin and I caught up on family stuff, his job and our love of vino, which we proved by ordering large glasses of the stuff. We were dragging things out a bit because in a twist on our routine, we were going to be joined by Danas wife, Cheryl, whom Id heard a lot about but had not met. Cheryl retired from the retail industry and volunteers at an Assistance League thrift shop. When she arrived, the first thing she did, before joining in the wine consumption, was proudly show off photos of her Latina granddaughter. And the Martins said they worry about the environment and about climate change, which their president has called a hoax, especially after they traveled to Glacier Bay and saw a bunch of melted ice. So I know what youre thinking. Have the Martins finally dumped Trump? No. They still love him, for the most part. Some of the things he says, I cringe, said Dana. But Dana says the economy is humming, unemployment is low, and he attributes that to Trumps policies. I think hes been good for giving American companies parity in the marketplace and I give him high marks for that, said Dana. I like what hes doing with immigration, he added. Its a problem and I believe were a proud nation that opens its arms to immigrants because were all immigrants. But you know, were a land of laws, so weve got to have legal immigration. Cheryl took it a step further. I believe we need to build a wall. Lets give jobs to people who are already here, she said. I love that our country is diverse, but I grew up in Santa Ana and, OK, Santa Ana High was horrible the last two years because of immigration. Half my class left our high school and people were being extorted by gangs. I have some strong feelings about all that and how it ruined our schools. On the economy, I think weve got big problems and deeply entrenched disparity despite the strong stock market and a growth in jobs. The problems developed over many years on the watch of politicians of both stripes, due largely to the growth of a global economy in a changed world. When I asked Dana what Trumps tariffs have done to the hardware industry, he said some American companies that manufacture overseas are beginning to raise prices on their products. So hows that good for us? Dana said he believes it will lead to the rise of new companies that manufacture locally and compete globally. In our industry, people are hiring, people are expanding. Business is good, he said. Even if we stipulated that Trump is good for business, why are the Martins and other proud conservatives willing to forgive and forget so many of his worst qualities? All politicians make empty promises, but central to Trumps campaign for president was the claim that wed all have better and cheaper healthcare, and he said making it happen would be easy. When does that start, and what about the millions who are losing their insurance? Trump has vilified our own intelligence agencies and fawned over Russian leader Vladimir Putin during the campaign-meddling investigation despite more than 100 criminal counts against three companies and 32 people many of them Trump buddies. And conservatives love him? This is a man who insisted Barack Obama was from Africa, insulted the intelligence of black people including LeBron James and U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, refers to brown immigration as an infestation, had an affair with a porn star, she says, paid her hush money and then called her Horseface, which isnt entirely surprising because he attacked both Carly Fiorina and Sen. Ted Cruzs wife for their looks. And was it appropriate for Trump to mock a woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted by a Supreme Court nominee but didnt remember every detail of the encounter? You dont need to go to a rally and say what he did, but it was true, Cheryl said. In the same week, Trump promised a middle-class tax cut that didnt happen, made wildly false claims about the Central American caravan, acted as if all those brown-skinned people were coming to rape and pillage, claimed Californians were rioting over immigration policy and insisted the media were the fake news enemies of the people. Even if we were trying, we couldnt match Trump for lies. The Washington Post has documented 5,000 cases of false or misleading statements by Trump in less than two years in office. Cheryl said she hadnt heard all of that, but believes the media definitely hasnt been honest and is definitely out to get Trump. The waiter asked if we wanted more wine. Being at a vineyard, I wondered if we could order by the barrel. California may be bluer than any other state, and its leading the charge against Trump. But where the state is red, its as red as Oklahoma or Texas. And that doesnt mean that the Martins or anyone else who likes what Trump is doing, especially on the economy, shares his worst qualities. The Martins strike me as people who live in a great country that did not prosper, to their thinking, with Democratic leadership and policies. They wanted change, and theyve gotten some, if not all, of what they were hoping for, warts and all. As we aired our different perspectives, Dana and Cheryl noted that theres a divide in their family, too, that models the national schism. Cheryl has twin brothers, and they described one as way left and the other as way right. They suggested I talk to both of them, so I did. Her brother Brian, who lives in Idaho, told me hes a libertarian, and he sounded mixed on Trump. I think hes keeping his promises, Brian said. I mean, like fixing taxes, fixing trade, those types of things. Working on immigration issues. I think all of those are positive. But Brian, a career firefighter, said hes not a Trump man. I think hes a little crass, he said. His brother David, a Southern California chiropractor, told me he was a conservative Christian and registered Republican who changed his thinking in part after his son came out as gay. In order to substantiate their belief system, he said of the right, you almost have to cave in to conspiracy theories, deny the science of global climate change, and anything in the world that goes wrong, for them, its George Soros fault. None of it makes a lot of sense. He said he thinks the right is holding the country hostage for electing a black man. And Obama makes for a curious conservative target, David said, given that he was a great father, a great husband. The right pretty much said he was Satan, and then theyve got the grabber who has multiple affairs with porn stars and hes the coming Messiah. Theres a disconnect. David said he couldnt really explain the political views of his sister and brother-in-law, other than to say they watch Fox News all the time. But he said he enjoys their company, loves them both, and loves his twin brother, too. Which I think is a pretty good note on which to close out my third encounter with the Martin family, whose civility in the face of deep differences inspires the question: Cant we all just get along? Probably not, but we can all go to the polls to make our voices heard. The Avensole wine was a big hit, by the way. But next year, we may need whiskey, and heres hoping David and Brian can join the party. Get more of Steve Lopezs work and follow him on Twitter @LATstevelopez Undercover officers tailing a high-ranking Los Angeles Police Department official witnessed him apparently engaging in sexual activity in a parking lot with a female subordinate, sources with knowledge of the investigation said. The official, Assistant Chief Jorge Villegas, retired suddenly after the surveillance operation caught him engaging in conduct that sources said may have violated the departments policy against sexual relationships with lower-ranking officers and also may have ran afoul of a criminal statute prohibiting lewd conduct in public places. Villegas, a 29-year LAPD veteran, was one of three assistant chiefs who reported directly to Chief Michel Moore. Villegas did not respond to messages seeking comment. Moore, who became chief in June, declined to comment. Advertisement A longtime ally of Moore, Villegas was in charge of the office of support services, where he oversaw budget, training, recruitment and other behind-the-scenes aspects of the 10,000-member police force. Steve Soboroff, president of the citys civilian Police Commission, said he received an anonymous letter last month accusing Villegas of misconduct. Soboroff has declined to detail the alleged misconduct but said he referred the letter for further investigation. The surveillance of Villegas is believed to have begun before Soboroff received the letter. On Oct. 23, commission members were presented with Villegas retirement papers. Villegas left a bar with the woman and got into a car with her, according to several sources. The undercover officers then witnessed the pair engaging in what appeared to be sexual activity, the sources said. The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case. Villegas had already been looking to leave the LAPD. He was one of five semifinalists in a nationwide search this year for chief of the Seattle Police Department. Several senior LAPD officials said Villegas told them he was departing to work on a family business venture. His retirement is supposed to take effect by the end of the year, LAPD spokesman Josh Rubenstein said. The sudden retirement will prove costly to Villegas. He enrolled in the citys controversial Deferred Retirement Option Plan, better known by the acronym DROP, in 2015 and stood to gain nearly $1 million in additional pension funds had he stayed on the job through 2020. DROP pays Los Angeles police officers and firefighters their salaries and pensions simultaneously during the last five years of their careers. By retiring early, Villegas will forfeit nearly half of that money. The LAPD has a long-enshrined policy that requires superiors and subordinates in the same chain of command to avoid potential conflicts. The policy notes that when such situations develop, the employees involved must immediately notify their commanding officer. Under California law, lewd conduct in a public place is a misdemeanor. Inside a vehicle, there must be a likelihood that the activities can be seen by onlookers. The surveillance of Villegas was conducted by the LAPDs highly secretive Special Operations Division, which, among other duties, conducts internal affairs investigations of police officers suspected of criminal activity. In 2009, Villegas filed for divorce from his wife, a sergeant in the LAPDs Robbery-Homicide Division. The divorce was never finalized, and court filings make no mention of any alleged improprieties by Villegas. The two are still married. Times staff writer James Queally contributed to this report. cindy.chang@latimes.com richard.winton@latimes.com Trailed by protesters shouting shame and denouncing vigilantism, Long Beach citizen patrols marched before dawn Friday through the Belmont Shore neighborhood, protesting what participants called a criminal element in the oceanfront communitys growing homeless encampments. While Long Beach police were supportive, city officials had discouraged the event. The city has an extensive response to address homelessness, said Teresa Chandler, Long Beach Community Services Bureau manager. We dont recommend [patrols] as the best method of education. National homeless advocates warned that Long Beach social media posts to take back the neighborhood and make a show of force could trigger harassment and even violence against vulnerable people. Four men sleeping outdoors were beaten to death in Santa Monica and Los Angeles in September in what police called a spate of attacks targeting the regions burgeoning homeless population. Advertisement But Barry Vince, who spearheaded the event, said that although he has great compassion for homeless people, the police need help reining in a criminal fringe that steals kids bikes, breaks into homes and leaves syringes and needles in the streets. What changed for me is the safety of our homes and our families is now in question, said Vince, a lifelong Belmont Shore resident and owner of a high-tech staffing company. We want to let them know were here, were compassionate, but were also angry. Shortly after 5 a.m., dozens of Long Beach residents set out on foot and bikes past gleaming boutiques, coffee shops and a beachfront municipal pool, with protesters half a block back chanting, Whose streets? Our streets. Chase Grant, 20, who has been living on the streets for seven months, collects recyclables in Belmont Shore, where residents blaming crime on the homeless population went on an early morning patrol march Friday. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Catherine Miller, a 59-year-old Naples resident who joined the patrol, said homeless people had gotten too comfortable in the community. They should get help, but they know police wont do anything, and they dont care if theyre lying on someones patio furniture, she said. Only a few homeless people were spotted sleeping at bus stops or in shop alcoves along 2nd Street, and neither the patrol nor the protesters tried to wake or engage them. Vince said he dropped plans to educate people camping on the beach about alternative shelter and services out of concern that the mob scene would scare the crap out of them. One resident, incensed at being awakened before daybreak by chanting protesters, came out of his apartment yelling homophobic and obscene slurs, and turned a hose on a man with a camera. No other disturbances were reported. The protesters, organized by Democratic Socialists of Americas Long Beach chapter and other leftist groups, said residents real intention was to drive out homeless people displaced by high rents. They dont care about the unhoused, said Doug Kauffman, 30, a hospital administration worker and member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Kauffman said people who joined the patrol called the protesters Antifa thugs paid by George Soros, an alt-right trope that is considered by Democrats and others an anti-Semitic slur. Antifa, an anti-fascist movement, was not involved in organizing the protest, Kauffman said. A homeless man sitting on a bus bench as the patrol broke up said the event had terrified him, but it was unclear whether his fear stemmed from the marchers or fliers the protesters circulated warning of a dangerous neighborhood group bent on intimidating homeless people. Protesters march on the beach in Belmont Shore to oppose the predawn homeless patrol. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) It upset me that a group of people that might hate me because I am disabled would come out here, John De Rosa said, starting to cry. I was imagining it like the Nazis sweeping me away to a shelter or something. Half a block away, a triathlete zipping up his wetsuit for a morning swim said his bag was stolen recently, presumably by a homeless person. They even stole my towel, he said. People who helped organize the patrol on social media posted comments suggesting bringing body bags and dogs that bite to the event, and saying that most homeless people were no better than rats. National homeless advocates said the messages and patrol were part of a worrying new trend of cyberbullying and vigilantism against homeless people. This year, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty asked the California attorney general to investigate possible civil rights violations by online groups and citizen patrols in southern Humboldt County and the west San Fernando Valley. Often these online groups and citizen patrol groups that are walking the streets and communicating about homeless population are disparaging at best to downright threatening at worst, said senior attorney Tristia Bauman. Vince said the social media posts were unfortunate and strayed far from the patrols intent. Thats the problem with social media: dumb remarks, he said. Vince said he hesitated to call the inaugural patrol a complete success, because of the protests. There was more noise than I anticipated, he said, but everybody has different opinions and thats what makes it cool. Vince plans to continue the patrols weekly. Our point is clear: Were here to protect our community, he said. Other Long Beach neighborhoods, including Bixby Park, have begun online discussions about starting their own citizen patrols, Kauffman said. gholland@latimes.com Twitter: @geholland On Friday, 50 years to the day after 25-year-old Navy pilot Michael C. Emmett died, his two brothers and the nephews he never knew visited the remote desert site in San Diego County where his supersonic fighter jet crashed in 1968. They climbed up a desert wash in the North Pinyon Mountains of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to where much of the wreckage has sat untouched for decades. At 12:17 p.m., the moment the crash occurred, they held a memorial service, read a poem, hugged and cried, and placed a memory jar in the cockpit. The jar contained an American flag, and details about their brother, the crash and their visit that day. We wanted to honor Mike, but we really wanted to celebrate him, brother John Emmett, 60, said. Advertisement He did what he loved to do. Whatever he set out to do, he did. This was supposed to be just one step in his life. He had big plans to go on and do so many things. On Nov. 2, 1968, Emmett, who was based at Miramar Naval Air Station, was practicing combat tactics over the desert with an instructor observing from another jet. The accident report said he was highly rated and highly aggressive, as a fighter pilot should be, said G. Pat Macha, the founder of Project Remembrance, a group that locates aircraft wreckage in California and helps family members connect to those sites when asked. He was flying a Vought F-8 Crusader, which was the hottest thing the Navy had at the time, Macha said. The instructor-leader said he observed Michaels airplane in a spin at 10,000 feet and he called out Eject! Eject! Eject! and there was no response. The report speculated the pilot might have been struggling to recover from the spin or he might have been unconscious. When he struck the ground, he was vertical and the wreckage blew down the draw, Macha said. Emmetts body was recovered and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. John Emmett, who was 11 when his brother died, remembers the car pulling up to the familys home in Lake Charles, La., to deliver the news. He remembers his mothers emotional reaction. He said were she still alive today she wouldnt have come along. It would have been way too difficult for her, he said. As with so many plane crashes from years gone by, before GPS was able to pinpoint every location, after his remains were removed, the exact spot where Michael Emmetts plane went down was lost over time. Then, in 2015, a hiker came across a strange piece of equipment on a mountain in an area well off any trail. Macha, who has spent decades collecting information about California crashes, saw the photo of the equipment and recognized it as coming from a jet. He and members of his Project Remembrance team went to the area and found wreckage scattered all across the mountain. When they came to the cockpit, and saw the ejector seat still intact, they knew it was the scene of a fatality. Project Remembrance documents everything and makes videos of their finds. They do not reach out to families, but if they are contacted they will do their very best to help them find closure. John Emmett said he had spent the past three years looking on the internet for information about his brothers crash and six months ago came upon Machas video. He began to cry, he said. Macha cries as well. What his remembrance group does touches him and the other members deeply. Were all here because we respect those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf, Macha told the nine members of the Emmett family that had flown in from Northern California to visit the site together. The key word is respect. When we are asked, we are proud and honored to be with you and to support you. Robert Emmett, 70, who was 19 and away at college when his brother died, said seeing the wreckage and reviewing photos and documents with his family the night before was emotionally intense. For myself and my brother, it was time to reconnect and talk about those things we havent talked about in a long time, he said. It brought back so many memories that had been suppressed over the last 50 years. The way we remember, Mike was funny, intelligent, a risk-taking guy. Everything we saw today kind of encapsulated that. The family was accompanied up the mountain Friday by nine members of the Remembrance team, all retirees from different backgrounds military, law enforcement, airline pilots, education, park rangers. The most touching aspect that all of us feel is the respect that the Remembrance team places on these events, John Emmett said. Pat and his emotion, his tears showing respect for the pilots, the loss of life, and the feeling for the families. Its closure to us. It really is. Jones writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com A group of people who want Californians to elect a slate of conservative candidates in this weeks midterm election plan to assemble at the state Capitol on Sunday a gathering that has prompted a call for a response from a Sacramento-based anti-fascist group. In a description of the Turn California Red rally on Facebook, event planners lambasted Democratic politicians, saying they had made California unlivable for normal citizens. Organizers plan to assemble at the capitol at noon. Lets show these Democrat politicians that we are no longer silent and their seats are no longer safe, the planners wrote. By Saturday afternoon, about 150 people had posted on the Facebook event page that they planned to attend. The group has a permit for up to 500 people, according to a website of the California Highway Patrol, whose Capitol Protection Section has jurisdiction over the Capitol grounds. Advertisement An anti-fascist organization called Antifa Sacramento alerted its members on Facebook to the rally, warning that the far-right is descending. The anti-fascist group asked people to distribute warning fliers and to attend the rally so long as they felt capable of intervening in the event of street harassment or attacks. Officials in Sacramento will be on high-alert Sunday. The CHP declined to say what extra security measures they might have taken in anticipation of the rally. During the summer of 2016, a neo-Nazi rally at the Capitol escalated into a bloody brawl as white nationalists and skinheads clashed with counter-protesters, including some anti-fascists. Seven people were stabbed during the fight and the Capitol was locked down with staffers and tourists inside. Prosecutors ultimately filed criminal charges against supporters of the anti-fascist group and a man with ties to a white nationalist group. marisa.gerber@latimes.com For more news from the Los Angeles County courts, follow me on Twitter: @marisagerber UPDATES: 11:10 a.m.: This article includes more information from the California Highway Patrol. 9:40 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4: This article was updated with new information from organizers of Sundays rally. This article was originally posted at 1:05 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. On Tuesday, voters will decide who should take over one of the most powerful law enforcement jobs in the nation, in a contest that few may even realize appears on the crowded Los Angeles County ballot. The race for sheriff could be historic. It pits the establishment incumbent against a lesser-funded political upstart in a battle that was never supposed to be this close. Sheriff Jim McDonnell has been forced to catch up after running a tepid campaign before the primary, when retired Sheriffs Lt. Alex Villanueva stunned observers by knocking him into a runoff. If Villanueva wins, hell become the first person to unseat a living L.A. County sheriff in more than 100 years. Advertisement The Spanish-speaking Democrat says hes the progressive choice who will kick immigration agents out of the jails, support alternatives to incarceration and expel corrupt officials he says have lingered from the previous administration promises that earned him endorsements from an immigrants rights group and the county Democratic Party. We will not allow our jails to be a pipeline to deportation, Villanueva said at a recent forum. McDonnell says hes made significant improvements, such as curbing jail violence and boosting mental healthcare behind bars, and that he has far more experience at the highest levels of law enforcement. The former Republican, now an independent, says he wants to focus on policies, not partisanship. Im very proud of what we as a team in the Sheriffs Department have been able to do for the past four years. Weve been able to reform a department that was seriously in trouble, to be able to put us on a track to restore trust in our community, McDonnell said at an event last month. But the race doesnt break down into neat policy themes. Villanueva, who calls himself a reformer, has criticized one of McDonnells best-publicized reform efforts: trying to give the district attorneys office names on the Brady List, a confidential department roster of about 300 deputies with histories of misconduct. Villanueva, who says hes been the victim of unjust discipline, has called the roster a fake list compiled from retaliatory investigations. That echoes the sentiment expressed by the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, the rank-and-file union that sued McDonnell to block disclosure and has given at least $1.32 million to an outside group supporting Villanueva. Villanueva says he would start a truth and reconciliation process to analyze whether the list is accurate. Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell greets a Thai Town resident during a campaign stop at Thailand Plaza in Los Angeles. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) McDonnell, calling himself a progressive police leader, initially opposed SB 54, the sanctuary state law that limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. McDonnell had argued it would not allow for inmates to be transferred to immigration authorities and could lead to more immigration enforcement in the community. He agreed to the final bill that allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to use office space in one of the jails a stance thats drawn ire from immigrants rights advocates. Villanueva said he would not let ICE agents step inside the jails, but would march [inmates] out ourselves and give them to ICE, a comment some have interpreted as signifying an even more direct cooperation with immigration authorities. In many ways, Villanueva may be the perfect foil for McDonnell. He is department-bred, having served three decades in the tan-and-green uniform but never rising to the upper ranks. The U.S. Air Force veteran is supported by state Sen. Kevin de Leon and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, but raised only $156,000, with his supporters most centered in eastern parts of the county and around La Habra Heights, where he lives. McDonnell, 59, brought in $1.2 million, with the highest concentrations of his donors in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Beverly Hills. Hes also backed by an additional $954,000 from an outside group and counts Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey among his endorsers. He started as an outsider with high-level credentials from the Los Angeles and Long Beach police departments, and won in 2014 vowing to overhaul the troubled Sheriffs Department. McDonnells tough stance on discipline, however, has riled many of his employees. Villanueva, 55, has acknowledged that he was suspended for 5 days and again for 10 days in the early 2000s for allegedly failing to timely report derogatory statements made by another employee. He said the claims were bogus and were retaliation for vocalizing his belief that the department discriminated against Latino deputies. He said the discipline was wiped from his record as part of a settlement he reached after suing the department. Later, in 2012, a black custody assistant sued the department and Villanueva, claiming that after a fire drill, Villanueva referred to him as a knuckle dragger, which the deputy perceived to be a racial slur. Villanueva denied making the comment and said there was no finding of wrongdoing. The county paid $10,000 to settle the case. An attorney for the deputy, Dwayne Perry, confirmed there was no misconduct finding but declined to comment further. Villanueva admits he took the lieutenants test four times before being elevated to that rank. The Professional Peace Officers Assn., a union representing about 6,000 department employees including sergeants and lieutenants, has said Villanuevas inexperience in high-level management is proof hes not fit to lead. That union has spent at least $750,000 to support McDonnell. The other deputy union, Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, announced Thursday that 82% of its members responding to a recent poll expressed no confidence in McDonnell, in large part due to criticism over his handling of a chronic deputy shortage. About a quarter of polled members responded to the survey, a participation rate that the union says is high. Both unions have said that morale is low and deputies are exhausted from overtime. Whoever is chosen to run one of the nations largest law enforcement agencies will have to confront the ongoing struggle to recruit more deputies onto the 9,400-member force. The job also involves managing a $3-billion budget that pays for the nations largest jail system,18,000 staff members and police services for 42 cities and the sprawling jurisdiction of unincorporated L.A. County. The department may be infamous to most Angelenos as the center of a jail abuse scandal that resulted in the conviction of former Sheriff Lee Baca. But it has suffered other recent controversies, including allegations of racial profiling, claims of sexual abuse at the womens jail and reports of secret societies of tattooed deputies that glorify excessive force. Most voters, though, may not care about the specifics. Political experts say that like other local nonpartisan races, the sheriffs election may hinge on the information that appears directly on the ballot: name and job title. Even people who are really educated and active are really largely confused about whats happening on the ballot, said Jessica Levinson, a Loyola Law School professor who teaches election law. She said that dynamic will help McDonnell, since voters are more comfortable picking the person whos already listed as having the job of sheriff. Latino turnout could be key. Villanueva, who has Puerto Rican and Polish-American heritage, was most strongly supported in the June primary by voters in heavily Latino areas like Southeast Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and Pomona, according to a Times analysis. More Latinos are expected to vote in the upcoming election than in any midterm in L.A. County history due to the growing size of the Latino population, said Matt Barreto, a UCLA political science professor who also runs Latino Decisions, a polling and research firm. In nonpartisan elections in L.A. County, [Latinos] have very strong support for Spanish-surname candidates or Latino candidates because there is a sense they will provide better representation for the community, Barreto said. Still, whites make up the largest racial voting bloc and tend to vote for white politicians, a factor that helps McDonnell, said Fernando Guerra, a political science professor at Loyola Marymount University. Whatever the outcome, some experts say its clear the nature of the sheriffs race has changed. What was once a long-held, easily reelected position may now be a more competitive job. A national push for criminal justice reform has meant candidates may no longer be able to rely on a singular tough-on-crime narrative. In the past it was easy to win on being a crime-fighter, said Guerra. But now its much more nuanced: We want you to be against crime, but we also want you to be a reformer, and we dont want as many people in jail and prison. Times staff writers Maloy Moore and Matt Stiles contributed to this report. maya.lau@latimes.com Twitter: @mayalau Not long ago, Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, was considered a lionhearted champion of civil liberties and government transparency. In 2007, he helped expose human rights abuses at Guantanamo Bay. In 2009, Amnesty International gave Assange one of its Media Awards for exposing a police massacre in Kenya. In 2010, he was Time magazine readers choice for Person of the Year. In 2011, he won the Martha Gellhorn Prize for Journalism. An article in Forbes in 2012 likened him to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and called his detractors cowards. In 2013, he won the Yoko Ono Lennon Courage Award for the Arts. In fact, before Assange was known for his romance with the Kremlin, and his shady contacts with scurvy Trumpites like Roger Stone and Donald Trump Jr., he was a punk idol, a hacker god. For years, he seemed like an opener of governments who could disinfect the Earth with the sunlight of his tech virtuosity and his eccentric radiance. Advertisement Its possible that the Assange still captivates the imagination of enough romantic anarchists that hell slip the knot of public condemnation once again. But, like many online high-fliers of the aughts, Assange lacked a moral imagination equal to his skills as a technologist. Instead he soared along a Byronic heartthrob to budding anarchists on that eras mandate: Do it for the lulz. Over the past decade, the lulz the laughs have curdled. When it synced with investigative journalism, exposing the Pentagons sometimes grave misconduct in Afghanistan, Iraq and Cuba, that was one thing. But to hook up with Russian oligarchs and military intelligence to embarrass one American political candidate on behalf of another thats not lulz. Thats deputizing yourself to an actual authoritarian regime, the kind that a hacker like Assange used to be committed to exposing. Its not that Assange broke bad. Its that he was never doing any of this on principle. He was driven by snickers and spite. The expose of Assange as washed up and sold out also spells the end of the old bacchanal on the internet, when its back offices and seedy speakeasies were a happy home for pranksters and poltergeists. These guys were young; they were heedless; and they mostly wanted to show they could pick any lock, pull down anyones pants and make the girls cry. Whether they were villains or heroes only depended on who was doing the crying. In 2008, when Assange was the new toast of the left, he published email obtained by a 4chan hacker from then-vice presidential nominee Sarah Palins personal Yahoo account. The hacker might as well have rummaged through Palins fridge or sock drawer. The email, like old socks, was entirely forgettable. After Assange later leaked diplomatic cables, Palin called him an anti-American operative with blood on his hands. But Palins anger at Assange cooled in 2016 when WikiLeaks published what turned out to be Russian-hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta, Hillary Clintons campaign chairman. Palin did a 180 and apologized to Assange. Important information, she said in a blog post, that finally opened peoples eyes to democrat candidates and operatives was that Podestas risotto recipe? would not have been exposed were it not for Julian Assange. Assange used to say his caches of documents were just dry facts and evidentiary exhibits. Journalists and everyone else could make of them what they would. Its not just dry facts when you cherry-pick from mostly banal documents like the DNC, Palin and Podesta emails for max innuendo. Or when you time your revelations down to the minute for max partisan impact. On Oct. 7, 2016, precisely one hour after Trump could be heard on an Access Hollywood tape announcing his policy of arbitrarily mauling womens crotches, WikiLeaks dropped the Russian-hacked Podesta emails, and conned the media into taking them seriously. It was a signal example of the moral flexibility and bothsidesism that plagues us to this day. And its not just dry facts when you apparently collaborate in all this with intensely interested parties: a hostile foreign power, Russia; and Trump buddy Roger Stone, high priest of political dirty tricks. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute Assanges hosts at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London have had enough of him. Recently, they laid down some house rules mostly about unpaid bills, bathroom cleanliness and kitty litter management and Assange responded by taking them to court for mistreating him. Perhaps neither the pro-Russian, anti-centrist American left nor the pro-Russian, anti-centrist American right will stand by Assange much longer. Or will they? Its always possible that the Assange still captivates the imagination of enough romantic anarchists that hell slip the knot of public condemnation once again. In topsy-turvy times, far left and far right seem to agree: Anyone who storms American institutions is a boon to either cause. That sentence wouldnt have parsed to our grandparents. Even today, it sounds like nonsense from 4chan. But its not. Twitter:@page88 Californians love their fuel-burning, climate-trashing cars so much that the states effort to eliminate much of its carbon footprint may hit a major roadblock because of greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles. Perhaps thats why Proposition 6, which would repeal the states 12-cent gas increase and other vehicle fees generating billions of dollars annually to shore up Californias roads and other transportation infrastructure, is projected by polling to lose in Tuesdays election. But if you read letters sent to the L.A. Times, you get a different picture, at least as far as voter enthusiasm is concerned. In fact, the debate on Proposition 6 among our letter writers has seemed immune to efforts by gas-tax supporters including The Times Editorial Board to debunk misleading assertions that state lawmakers have raided or otherwise misappropriated funds intended exclusively to fix roads. Personally, Ive likened this apparent enthusiasm gap and I really mean apparent, given that this is based solely on my observation to what filmmaker Michael Moore observed about Michigan voters before the 2016 election. Polls then indicated Hillary Clinton was headed to the White House, but Moores on-the-ground observations of overheated rhetoric and the proliferation of Donald Trump lawn signs in his home state prompted him to warn that voters were far more excited about the Republican. Similarly, from my limited vantage point, I can say that Proposition 6 is the animating issue driving some voters to the polls. What that means for the outcome Tuesday is anyones guess. Advertisement Beverly Hills resident Arnie Sklar says the state has plenty of gas-tax money already: It has been pointed out that a replacement source of funds for fixing transportation infrastructure has not been identified if Proposition 6 passes. There has long been sales and excise taxes on gasoline. That would be a replacement source, unless all gas tax money has been spent on road and bridge repair. Common sense tells me if all gas tax money had all been used this way, the people opposed to Proposition 6 would be touting it. I can only conclude that gas tax money has been diverted to other uses and not replenished. Furthermore, everyone has glossed over the actual words of the gas tax law: The money is used for transportation, which can be defined broadly to include far more than roads and bridges. Stephen Wampler of Tracy, Calif., ties Proposition 6 to a host of other ills: As a native Californian, I remember when this state had the finest highway system in the world, first-rate public schools and reservoirs that provided adequate water supplies. Today, after many years of Democratic Party and union control, California is no longer a golden state. Our roads are terrible, and we now have the second-highest gas tax in the country. Politicians siphon off road money for other spending. Californias electricity rates are the fifth-highest in the nation, and we now have the highest effective poverty rate. If you would like to make a dent in these problems, you should vote for Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox and vote yes on Proposition 6. Its time for a change. Warren Larson of Sunland believes those who focus on the gas tax miss the point of Proposition 6: The bias of The Times Editorial Board has never been clearer than in its no on Proposition 6 endorsement. It reads like a press release from Gov. Jerry Browns office and misses the point of the proposition entirely. The importance of the proposition has little to do with the unfair 12-cent gas tax increase and everything to do with the tax being imposed from Sacramento with no voter input. The state has always had plenty of money to maintain our travel infrastructure but no desire to do so. Its as if public employee pensions are the kind of spending that politicians favor since they get a personal return in the form of votes. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Voters across the country have been crowding into polling places and mailing in ballots in numbers rarely seen in an off-year election, pointing toward a possible record turnout for Tuesdays contest and leaving operatives from across the political spectrum trying to read tea leaves to figure out what it means. In some states, more people are on track to cast ballots in early voting than in the entire election in 2014. In Texas, one such state, hundreds of thousands of new voters have already participated. Democrats hope that surge indicates that their Senate candidate, Beto ORourke, may be succeeding in mobilizing a crucial demographic. But Republicans are also energized, turning out in larger numbers than Democrats so far in Florida, for example, where a cliffhanger of a race for governor features a Trump acolyte competing against an unabashed progressive who would be the states first African American governor. The picture in California so far is more status quo. The state has at least a half dozen hotly contested congressional districts, which could play a big role in whether Democrats take back a majority in the House. But in the rest of the state, the lack of a close race at the top of ticket is holding down turnout, said Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data, which compiles voter data in the state. Advertisement California was one of the countrys pioneers in widespread early voting, and at this point, a large majority of voters get their ballots in the mail and either send them back or drop them at a polling station. Some 3 million ballots had been cast in the state by Friday. Nationwide, as early voting was coming to a close in many states on Friday, more than 30 million ballots had already been cast. Turnout is hitting a pace closer to whats typically seen in presidential elections. It has the potential to be the highest in an off-year election since 1966. When you look at some of these states, the numbers are eye-popping, said Michael McDonald, a political science professor at the University of Florida and one of the countrys leading experts on voting patterns. Midterm elections typically draw far fewer voters than presidential contests. In 2016, about 60% of voting-eligible Americans cast ballots, according to McDonalds compilations of state data. In 2014, only 37% voted the lowest turnout in years. The trends so far indicate that close to half of those eligible will vote this time, McDonald estimates. Because Democrats rely heavily on the votes of younger people and minorities, who are less consistent in their voting than are older whites, their candidates usually benefit from a higher turnout. As a result, Democrats hope that the numbers so far point to their much-ballyhooed blue wave, but they are reluctant to say as much. Misinterpretation of early voting trends in 2016 helped land a lot of egg on a lot of faces after Donald Trumps surprise victory. Early voting figures can easily mislead. States release a trove of data about who the voters are information on their party affiliations, voting history, age and so on. But no one knows for which candidate those voters cast a ballot. Nor can anyone be sure whether people who vote early are simply the same voters who would have otherwise shown up on Tuesday. In Texas, both ORourke and incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz suggested the states huge early turnout would boost their campaigns. Texas is still a deeply conservative place, and more voters coming to the polls can only mean more support for him, Cruz suggested in a CBS 60 Minutes segment released Friday. ORourke said much the same on the show: The more people who show up, the better we do. The results Tuesday will reveal who is right. But one thing is clear: The numbers already are Texas-sized. If current trends hold, some 3 million more people will vote this year in Texas than did during the last midterm, in 2014, said Tom Bonier, CEO of TargetSmart, a Democratic data firm closely tracking early voting. Thats amazing, Bonier said. The state is also drawing first-time voters to the polls. Already, Bonier said, more than 300,000 people who were eligible to vote in the 2016 presidential election but did not show up that year have cast ballots in Texas. Texas is leading the way by a long shot in first-time voting, Bonier said. It is not nearly as much a factor in other states. In Californias seven most competitive districts all currently held by Republicans registered GOP voters have returned ballots at a slightly higher clip than registered Democrats. Of the approximately 530,000 ballots returned, almost 193,000 came from registered Republicans, compared with 177,000 from registered Democrats, according to Political Data. How that translates into votes, however, remains a big question. Democrats expect to pick up votes in suburban districts from a significant number of Republicans whose party affiliation does not signal loyalty or approval of President Trump. Turnout is trending highest in the four competitive House districts in Orange County and north Los Angeles County. And there has been an uptick in younger, independent voters in coastal counties who didnt participate in the primary. Thats likely a good sign for Democrats, Mitchell said. Such voters tend to be progressive. California is not the only state where younger voters are hitting the polls in force. In Georgia, voters younger than 30 have been casting early ballots at quadruple the rate they did in 2014. In Texas and Nevada, voting by young people is up five fold. The rate is triple in Arizona, according to TargetSmart. In Nevada, Democrats have built a small but persistent statewide lead in early votes, said Jon Ralston of the Nevada Independent, who closely tracks the states vote. Some bellwether districts in the Midwest also have provided encouraging signs for Democrats. One is Iowas 1st Congressional District, located in a swing region where voting analysts first started to notice a migration toward the GOP as early ballots were cast during the 2016 campaign. Now, registered Democrats are showing back up in force. The party balance is 10 points more favorable to the Democrats than it was at this point in 2016, McDonald said. These are huge changes, McDonald said. It signals enthusiasm among Democrats and that Republicans are not as engaged in these key swing districts they will need. The shift evident in early voting patterns in such districts could have broader implications for several competitive governors races in the Midwest, where Democrats are mounting strong challenges in states currently controlled by Republicans, McDonald added. But he noted that in other parts of the country, Republicans are making a strong showing of their own. In Florida, for example, registered Republicans continued to edge out Democrats in early voting through Friday. The trend is consistent with Floridas early voting patterns from past years, and Democratic vote counters point out that the GOP advantage has shrunk compared with 2014. Overall, the most either side can tell is what has consistently been true of Florida since 2000: The statewide contests are likely to be very close. Halper reported from Washington, Sweedler from Los Angeles. The latest look at the Trump administration and the rest of Washington More stories from Evan Halper evan.halper@latimes.com | Twitter: @evanhalper maya.sweedler@latimes.com | Twitter: @mayasweedler After months of sparring with President Trump and offering honey-tongued campaign promises to combat poverty, unaffordable housing costs and the states other deep-rooted ills, Democrat Gavin Newsom is ending his campaign for governor with a heightened focus on the youngest Californians. The two-term lieutenant governor has vowed to expand and improve early childhood education programs along with prenatal and child care proposed investments with broad support among California voters and little political risk. Newsom is using the message as the closing argument of his front-running campaign for governor, a strong sign that it would be among his top priorities if he is victorious Tuesday. Republican challenger John Cox, the son of a Chicago public school teacher, has criticized Newsom for proposing policies that he says rely too heavily on government funding. Instead, Cox says, the next governor should work to make California more affordable, which would allow families to pay for preschool and child care of their choosing. Newsom has made other pledges to enact a first-of-its-kind single-payer healthcare system covering all Californians and to stem the states growing homelessness crisis, two policy agenda items that would also be heavy lifts in Sacramento. Advertisement Coverage of California politics While Newsom has praised Gov. Jerry Browns fiscal discipline and success in pulling the state from the depths of the recession, he has sought to distinguish himself from the governor in the closing days of the election, promising that he would offer a much bolder social and economic agenda if elected. Were going to do things differently. Were going to be more aggressive on the housing issue, more aggressive on the homeless issue, more aggressive on early childhood education, Newsom said. Jerry Brown was the right person at the right time. Were in a different time in our states history, a different time in our nations history. I think were very well equipped to take the baton. But dont expect to see a spending spree, Newsom said. The Democrat noted this week that, while mayor of San Francisco, he reined in spending by the Board of Supervisors, describing himself as the proverbial adult in the room when it came to fiscal restraint. Still, as mayor Newsom implemented universal preschool and universal healthcare during the recession, when the city cut hundreds of millions of dollars from other programs. What [Newsom would] do is yet to be seen, said state Sen. Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), chair of the powerful Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. Hell have to go through the transition from campaign speak to governing in really short order, and hell have a lot of pressing issues. Before being elected to the Senate, Mitchell headed one of Californias largest child development organizations, Crystal Stairs, and she praised Newsom for putting children and families at the top of his agenda. In the past she has criticized Gov. Jerry Brown for not doing enough to alleviate poverty and to address the needs of Californias most vulnerable, even after the states economy and revenues rebounded following the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Nine-month-old children on waiting lists for state-subsidized day care wont get a do-over, she said. People are suffering today, Mitchell said. I think we know the answers. Its just if we have the political will to, as Nike says, just do it. The first indicator of a new governors commitment could come as early as January, when a state budget must be submitted to the Legislature, Mitchell said. Cox, a wealthy real estate investor from Rancho Santa Fe, has said on the campaign trail that teachers should be paid like rock stars and has been a strong proponent of giving parents the choice of sending their children to charter schools. But he has been mostly silent about early childhood education programs, which focus on students before they enter kindergarten. The Republican said that rather than government spending directly on child-care programs, the next governor should enact policies that will put more money in families pockets, including reducing housing costs and repealing last years gas tax increase. The Newsom prescription is to keep the cost of housing really, really high and then hell have government come along and give ... people little handouts for a better day care, Cox said. Thats not my prescription. My prescription is to build truly affordable housing so that people can afford their life and then they can have the resources to be able to pay for their own day care and choose their own day care. Newsom insists he has the will to press forward with his plans to expand early childhood education in California, and he says he is undaunted by the many other compelling needs facing the state. He has not yet specified how much his plans would cost or how hed pay for them. Its a question of what you value, Newsom told reporters Wednesday after he handed out Halloween candy to children at Sacramentos Penleigh Child Development Center. Stanford education professor Deborah Stipek said research has shown that early brain development in young children, especially during the first three years of life, is pivotal not only to their success in school but also to their overall well-being and prospects in life. That includes lifting children and their families from a life of poverty, substantially decreasing their chances of ending up in prison and improving their physical and mental health. Stipek was among the lead researchers on a study that found California children enter kindergarten far less prepared for school than their national peers, a learning deficit that they never make up. If California wants to improve student achievement in schools, it needs to invest much more in infant and toddler care, preschool, early childhood education and parenting skills, the report said. When I first moved to California, it was basically the model state for early childhood education, Stipek said. While California has declined in its investment [in] children from 0 to 5, other states have substantially increased their investment and passed us. The research brief recommended streamlining state oversight of the convoluted network of federal, state and local programs that fund and administer early childhood education, including programs such as Head Start, state-sponsored preschool, transitional kindergarten, nurse home visits for pregnant mothers and special education. The state also needs higher standards and pay for preschool teachers and child-care providers, according to the report. Newsom proposes establishing universal preschool, programs for pre-kindergarten children available to all families, and expanding family leave for parents to care for a newborn. The most important investment we can make to address the issue of systemic poverty, address the issue of criminal justice reform, is to begin at the beginning. Invest in prenatal care, early Head Start, nurse home visits, preschool, Newsom said in his closing statement of a Bay Area gubernatorial forum in early October. Democratic Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon created a special bipartisan commission to assess Californias early education needs, calling the issue one of the priorities of his political life. MORE: Poll shows Newsom with a commanding lead over Cox in final weeks before Californians select their next governor He said the California Legislature set aside more than $500 million two years ago for early childhood education programs in the state. But that failed to make up for the $1.2 billion in cuts to those programs in the decade before that. Making up that gap and improving the quality of those programs cannot be done on the cheap, Rendon said. Its fairly expensive if youre going to do it right, said Rendon, who before being elected to the Assembly headed an organization to help prepare children for kindergarten. The payoff is usually a decade or two down the road when kids are graduating high school and college, when they are suffering much lower obesity rates than they were before. Conway Collis, co-chairman of a state task force on lifting families and children out of poverty, said providing affordable, quality child care is essential. Collis said he has met with Newsom several times over the years and has always been impressed with the Democrats command of the issue and dedication to combating poverty in California. The reality is that California has the most children and the highest percentage of children in poverty as any other state in the country, Collis said. So whenever we feel good about ourselves as a progressive state, remember that we allowed that to continue. Times staff writer Dakota Smith contributed to this report. phil.willon@latimes.com Twitter: @philwillon After spending half a century with Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, orthopedic nurse Phyllis DAmbra said she doesnt plan to slow down anytime soon. DAmbra, a Burbank resident, recently celebrated her 50-year anniversary with the renowned medical facility, where her entire career has been dedicated to childrens orthopedics. However, DAmbra said that area of healthcare was not her first choice. Graduating from Los Angeles Harbor College with a degree in nursing in 1968, the San Pedro native said she knew she wanted to work with children and also knew she wanted to avoid orthopedics. I was really afraid of it, DAmbra said. In nursing school, I was taking care of elderly patients who were screaming and yelling. I didnt think I could handle that. Because she wanted to help children, she was recommended to become a nurse at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. However, the only positions open at the facility at that time were in the orthopedic department for the surgical unit. But it really turned out to be sort of a wonderful thing, DAmbra said. I really loved working with the kids, and I realized taking care of kids was much more different that taking care of adults. I just fell in love with it. DAmbra became involved in preventive care that focused on the spine. Since 1979, she and a team of nurses have gone to various schools in L.A. County to conduct scoliosis screenings on students. Throughout her 50 years in orthopedics at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, she has helped foster growth and change in the facility. While research and medicine have helped patients heal faster, DAmbra said a major health element that has improved vastly at the hospital has been helping families and patients understand their conditions and what needs to be done in order to get better. We recognized that family is the center part of our care in the patient, and all the physicians recognize that as well, she said. Were taking a child that may have a spine thats not straight, a foot thats not straight or a hip thats dislocated, but were not just looking at that. Were looking at the entire family component because you cant put a child through something unless everybody understands what the situation is, what the surgery is going to entail and what the recovery is. DAmbra said when she started, doctors would just tell the child and their parents that surgery needed to be performed, and physicians did not bother to help families understand the possible complications and outcomes, which left patients confused and scared. It was a different time back then, DAmbra said. You did whatever the doctor told you to do, and nobody ever questioned them, but thats not what happens now. As she saw patients and their families becoming more respected and taken care of mentally, DAmbra said it compelled her to stay in orthopedics. Her influence extends outside of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Aside from mentoring nurses at the hospital, DAmbra teaches nursing at both UCLA and Los Angeles Pierce College. She said she gets excited whenever she sees the next batch of enthusiastic student nurses. At the same time, DAmbra said she is amazed at the progress in medicine and new techniques being taught to nursing students. I wish I was 20 years old again, so I could do this all over, DAmbra said. With 50 years in the bag, DAmbra said she wants to continue helping new nurses understand that patient care does not begin and end with the patient and that it involves the patients family. It took me a lot of years to learn that, she said. We can hang IVs, we can monitor everything and do all that, but theres a body lying there that has a lot of emotions and a lot of physical needs and a family thats trying to cope with all of it. Thats the whole complement to what we need to learn, and thats something I need to pass on. anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com Twitter: @acocarpio Newport Beachs American Legion Yacht Club has sued its partner Legion post for reportedly suspending the club and padlocking its boats in what the club calls a hostile takeover of an independent organization. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Orange County Superior Court, accuses Newport Harbor Post 291 and its 15 officers of breach of contract, trespassing, conversion of property and interference in connection with the yacht clubs suspension in September. The club seeks reversal of the lockout and unspecified damages. The suspension means the club can have no meetings, events or other activities on post property, including the marina. That resulted in calling off the annual Sail for the Visually Impaired one of the clubs hallmark events, which it had planned for October plus ceasing use of the four club-owned boats and canceling reciprocal agreements with other yacht clubs. At the time of the suspension, post Cmdr. Doug Nye told members that the club had violated the veterans organizations national rules. Douglas Green, commodore for the club, said in a September update to members that it was a bylaws dispute regarding the five rules of subsidiary corporations. Green and the lawsuit argue that the American Legion Yacht Club is legally a separate and distinct entity, not a subordinate subsidiary, and cannot be unilaterally controlled, as the suit claims Post 291 is trying to do. The Post 291 executive board wrote new bylaws, passed them and just told us we had to accept them as a program of the post, Green said in a statement. However, we are more than a program. We have been a partner for over 50 years, not only promoting yachting activities for our military veteran members and their families but also extending this spirit for service and love for the sea through our many civic activities in the greater Newport Beach and Southern California communities. An attorney for Post 291 did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The club, known for being the worlds only American Legion yacht club, claims more than 950 dues-paying members around the world. It is one of about a half-dozen yacht clubs in Newport Beach and has been a local fixture since 1966. The clubs headquarters, shared with Post 291 at 215 15th St., is easily recognizable from the water because of the many American flags along its dock. The suit says the post, as an American Legion Yacht Club partner, allowed the club to use its buildings, including the Hut clubhouse, boat slips, a mooring and other storage areas. In turn, the club says it has paid advance use fees and improved and maintained the facilities at its expense, including an estimated $115,000 just on fees and upkeep for the Hut. The American Legion Yacht Clubs two sailboats are locked together at the clubs docks outside the Post 291 headquarters in Newport Beach. (Courtesy of American Legion Yacht Club) Green told members that the clubs board doesnt intend to defy the rules but wont follow new rules until they are incorporated by a member vote, as required by bylaws the club approved in 2006. The club also is concerned about the condition of its vessels a 40-foot motor yacht, two roughly 20-foot sailboats and a 13-foot runabout because members cannot access them for maintenance. The docked sailboats have been lashed together with heavy cables affixed with padlocks. The runabout is in dry storage. Green said the lawsuit is a sad and unfortunate turn of events, and an action we only took when we had no other alternative. Our club and members have rights and assets, and we cannot stand by and permit another corporation to attempt to just take these assets from us and force control as they see fit, he said. hillary.davis@latimes.com Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD With the Costa Mesa City Council race firmly in the home stretch, several candidates have been able to tap into sizable war chests they built during their campaigns, according to recent filings. The disclosures, which cover Sept. 23 through Oct. 20, show that most candidates had five-figure sums in the bank money that could prove useful as they make their final appeals to voters ahead of Tuesdays election. This year, residents citywide will cast ballots for mayor, while those living in council districts 3, 4 and 5 will elect council members. Here is the campaign finance activity for the most recent filing period and the calendar year. All numbers are rounded to the nearest dollar: Mayor Katrina Foley Contributions received this period: $26,368 Contributions received this calendar year: $138,780 Expenditures made this period: $32,690 Expenditures made this calendar year: $91,283 Beginning cash balance: $52,187 Ending cash balance: $42,246 Significant contributions for Foley included $4,000 from the Council of Iron Workers and $2,500 from the International Union of Operating Engineers. Sandy Genis Contributions received this period: $22,662 Contributions received this calendar year: $27,959 Expenditures made this period: None listed Expenditures made this calendar year: None listed Beginning cash balance: $3,504 Ending cash balance: $16,025 Most of Genis reported contributions this period $20,000 came from one source: John Saunders, who is listed as working for a property management and investment firm called Saunders Properties. District 3 Includes College Park, Mesa del Mar and a portion of the upper Eastside Brett Eckles Contributions received this period: $6,084 Contributions received this calendar year: $18,822 Expenditures made this period: $8,349 Expenditures made this calendar year: $11,256 Beginning cash balance: $13,571 Ending cash balance: $11,306 Andrea Marr Contributions received this period: $7,420 Contributions received this calendar year: $31,148 Expenditures made this period: $10,537 Expenditures made this calendar year: $26,808 Beginning cash balance: $15,186 Ending cash balance: $12,069 Eckles total was buoyed by a $4,500 contribution from Irvine-based Fieldstead & Co., while Marrs largest donation during the last filing period was $1,000 from the Laborers International Union of North America Local 652. District 4 Dense Westside pocket south of the Fairview Developmental Center, ranging from Harbor Boulevard west to Monrovia Avenue and south to West 17th Street Steve Chan Contributions received this period: $0 Contributions received this calendar year: $1,283 Expenditures made this period: $206 Expenditures made this calendar year: $957 Beginning cash balance: $532 Ending cash balance: $326 Manuel Chavez Contributions received this period: $4,595 Contributions received this calendar year: $21,566 Expenditures made this period: $9,713 Expenditures made this calendar year: $18,578 Beginning cash balance: $11,162 Ending cash balance: $2,987 About half of Chavezs fundraising amount consisted of non-monetary contributions from the Costa Mesa Firefighters Assn. Local 1465 PAC labeled for campaign literature, online advertising and consulting. He also received $500 from the Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties PAC and Tom Arnold. Michelle Figueredo-Wilson Contributions received this period: $5,736 Contributions received this calendar year: $22,786 Expenditures made this period: $5,201 Expenditures made this calendar year: $10,912 Beginning cash balance: $11,339 Ending cash balance: $11,874 Figueredo-Wilson received a $4,500 contribution from Fieldstead & Co. and reported four $249 donations attributed to a marijuana business called Se7enLeaf. District 5 Wraps around District 4, taking in downtown and the remainder of the Westside Allan Mansoor Contributions received this period: $12,321 Contributions received this calendar year: $36,515 Expenditures made this period: $7,839 Expenditures made this calendar year: $16,046 Beginning cash balance: $36,611 Ending cash balance: $41,993 Along with a $4,500 contribution from Fieldstead & Co., Mansoor received $2,500 from the Lincoln Club of Orange County State PAC. Arlis Reynolds Contributions received this period: $9,512 Contributions received this calendar year: $48,831 Expenditures made this period: $8,485 Expenditures made this calendar year: $22,475 Beginning cash balance: $29,247 Ending cash balance: $26,556 Reynolds biggest donors were Lorellen Green, a physician with CareMore Health who gave $1,000, and the District Council of Iron Workers PAC, which gave $750. Rebecca Trahan Contributions received this period: $1,700 Contributions received this calendar year: $7,822 Expenditures made this period: $2,589 Expenditures made this calendar year: $7,927 Beginning cash balance: $784 Ending cash balance: $195 Aside from a $100 donation, all of Trahans contributions during the latest filing period were from herself. luke.money@latimes.com Twitter @LukeMMoney Julia Lupton recalls being shocked in high school that one of her classes was devoted to only one author William Shakespeare. It began really in grad school when I decided to write my dissertation on Shakespeare, Lupton said. Then I got more and more kind of committed to teaching about Shakespeare, writing about Shakespeare, thinking about Shakespeare Now a UC Irvine professor, she has devoted the bulk of her career to researching and sharing his works on and off campus. Lupton, 54, earned her Ph.D. in Renaissance studies from Yale in 1989, the same year she began her first and only post-doctoral job: UCI English professor. Now an associate dean of research in the School of Humanities, Lupton has been involved in several programs that keep Shakespeare thriving in Orange County. As co-director of the UCI Shakespeare Center, she organizes seminars and lectures for the colleges New Swan Shakespeare Festival, which features a popup, reduced-sized replica of Londons Globe Theatre each summer. She also hosts free workshops for middle and high school teachers, runs a countywide series of book clubs that read Shakespeare works aloud and helped create The Hamlet Trial, which blended aspects of law and humanities into an interactive lecture. Humanities Dean Tyrus Miller said Lupton leads hundreds of events each year, describing her passion for the bard as infectious. I am continually inspired by her tireless energy for sharing the pleasures and wisdom of the humanities with the wide world outside the university, Miller said. Perhaps most notably on campus, Lupton directs Illuminations, a program founded by Chancellor Howard Gillman, which has funded about 400 arts and culture events for more than 20,000 students and community members, according to UCI. As director of our Illuminations program, she brings some of the most renowned authors, artists, performers and more to campus to engage with the campus and the public, Gillman said. She truly demonstrates the power and potential of partnerships between the university and the community. None of these off-campus engagements have diminished Luptons lectures, at least according to students. Justine Wang, who graduated from UCI in 2012 with an English degree, considers Lupton a favorite instructor. Shes so enthusiastic about the subject matter and occasionally slips in her own special brand of quirky humor throughout the class, Wang said. Even though Shakespeares works have been talked about and done in so many classes, Ive truly never had a better experience learning about the classic bards works than when I was in Luptons class. One online and largely anonymous barometer backs up the sentiment. Her reviews on Rate My Professors are laudatory. Lupton, a Guggenheim and Learned Societies fellow, has authored and co-authored five books on Shakespeare. She and her identical twin sister, graphic designer Ellen Lupton, have written two design books together on all-together different subjects: DIY Kids and Design Your Life: The Pleasures and Perils of Everyday Things. The professors current book project, Shakespeares Virtues, explores the different qualities of personhood that are put to the test in Shakespeares plays and positive attributes like courage, hope, trust, wisdom and endurance. We live in a very negative moment, and people are so polarized, but we can think about these areas of humanity and say, Look, dont we agree that empathy counts? Lupton said. I want to do a service project, not just a book. charity.lindsey@latimes.com Twitter @CharityNLindsey The seawall at the center of a fight between the state and a pair of Laguna Beach homeowners is still standing after the owners of the oceanfront mansion sued the California Coastal Commission over its hefty sanctions for what the agency says is an unauthorized, beach-threatening structure. The commission voted unanimously in August to impose a $1-million fine and order homeowners Jeffrey and Tracy Katz to tear down the seawall protecting 11 Lagunita Drive from the oceans waves. The demolition deadline would have passed in October, but an Orange County Superior Court judge stayed the punishments while the lawsuit is pending. The suit, filed in August after the commissions decision, alleges inverse condemnation and seeks damages of at least $25 million, the estimated market value of the home. The Katzes argue that they had performed city-approved minor repair and maintenance to an investment property work not significant enough to trigger a commission requirement to remove the wall if the home were to have a major remodel. The Coastal Commission began demanding that the Katzes cease work on the home in April 2017, three months after the city granted permits through its Local Coastal Plan, a commission-granted authority. Thereafter, the commissions enforcement staff waged a campaign, ordering removal of the seawall, despite obvious risks to the residence, and threatening seawall forfeiture, millions of dollars in penalties and ultimate destruction or impairment of the remodeled residence based on an utterly indefensible reading of city and commission standards, according to the Katzes complaint. The commission, the arbiter of coastal development across California, said its action was necessary. [The Katzes] cannot demonstrate that a stay of the commissions cease-and-desist order is not against the public interest, it said in response to the suit. Indeed, the commission found the order and penalty were required to protect the public, including public access and impacts on coastal resources. The commission bolstered its reply with five letters from the public supporting enforcement and noted that several people spoke at the August meeting in favor of punishing the Katzes. The commission wanted to send a message with swift punishment to deter future violations by the Katzes and others who might be inclined to ignore either the requirements for permits for development or conditions on their permits intended to minimize impacts on the public, including impacts on public beaches, it said. The case is set to go to trial in June. The seawall at 11 Lagunita as it appeared in 2015, before the homes remodel. (File Photo) The roughly 5,000-square-foot house, which backs up to Victoria Beach, was built in 1952. Previous owners built the 11-foot-tall and 80-foot-long seawall in 2005 as an emergency measure. The wall was meant to be temporary and its permit lapsed. The home went into foreclosure. Another previous owner backed away from major remodeling plans in 2014 after the commission pushed back, in part because of the seawall. The next year, shortly before the Katzes bought the house, the commission ruled the seawall could be reinforced as long as the house which was built before the California Coastal Act set standards for coastal development was generally unchanged. If the owners wanted a major remodel, the wall would have to come down, the commission said. The commission, by way of Laguna Beachs Local Coastal Plan, defines a major remodel as increasing square footage by 50% or demolishing and/or reconstructing at least 50% of the home. The Katzes say they tore down only 9.8% of the exterior walls and 3.5% of the combined floor and roof structural systems. The Katzes say they are hamstrung from selling or renting out the house while they battle the Coastal Commission. The home is worth about $25 million, or $70,000 per month. The Coastal Commission takes a dim view of seawalls on the beach. Staff members say the walls protect private property at the expense of natural sand flow and access to public beaches. In this case, commission staff says, 18 dump trucks worth of sand is trapped behind the wall, unable to nourish the beach. The lawsuit says the work did not add square footage, height or stories and did not expand the footprint or convert storage space into living space. Rather, it says, it was a minor remodel over existing framing on a house that stood on artificial fill, not sand. hillary.davis@latimes.com Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD Four alleged members of a Huntington Beach-based white supremacist group were indicted on federal charges Thursday. A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging the Southern California residents with planning and engaging in riots at political rallies across California and out of state, according to the U.S. attorneys office. The four defendants are Robert Rundo, 28, of Huntington Beach, who authorities say is a founding member of the Rise Above Movement; Robert Boman, 25, of Torrance; Tyler Laube, 22, of Redondo Beach and Aaron Eason, 38, of Anza. The indictment charges them with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and includes detailed accounts of 47 acts by RAM members or affiliates. It also accuses them of using interstate travel or commerce to organize, promote or participate in a riot. The court documents enumerate social media posts and other communications that allegedly described the groups training plans and goals and boasted about its activities, including provoking and participating in violent confrontations at political rallies. According to the indictment, the four conspired to engage in recruitment of RAM members, coordinating and participating in hand-to-hand and other combat training, traveling to political rallies to attack protesters and other persons, and publishing photographs and videos of violent acts to recruit other members for future events, the U.S. attorneys office said. Members of RAM attended a March 2017 rally in Huntington Beach where Rundo, Boman and Laube are alleged to have assaulted people. Soon after the event, court documents say, Boman shared a link on social media to an article on the Daily Stormer, a neo-Nazi website and message board, titled Trumpenkriegers Physically Remove Antifa Homos in Huntington Beach, along with the comment, We did it fam. Boman also is alleged to have posted a photo showing himself, Rundo, Laube and other RAM members at the rally with the comment, Hail victory and the alt-reich. Text messages describing preparations to attend an April 2017 rally in Berkeley stated plans of leaving in the morning, drive fast hit it hard and skip town. Leading up to the rally, text messages among RAM members and affiliates included references to hand to hand and formation fighting training as well as shield and stick training, documents say. Rundo, Boman and Eason are alleged to have assaulted people attending the rally, according to court papers. One co-conspirator referred to the groups combative tactics as total Aryan victory, according to court papers. At a June 2017 rally in San Bernardino, RAM members allegedly confronted people attending the event and smashed the windows of cars. Days later, a person identified as a co-conspirator sent a message to someone identified in court papers as an associate saying, We smashed some antifa as they were leaving. The associate responded, If it wasnt for the white nationalists, nothing would ever get done. In December, Rundo posted a promotional video for the organization that the indictment says showed him, Boman, Laube and other RAM members assaulting people at the rallies in Huntington Beach and Berkeley, along with images of RAM members in combat training. In April, according to the indictment, Rundo and other RAM members traveled to Germany, Ukraine and Italy, where they engaged in combat training with members of European white supremacist organizations. Rundo was arrested Oct. 21 at Los Angeles International Airport, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. Laube and Boman were arrested Oct. 24. Prosecutors said at a court hearing Oct. 24 that Rundo had taken several trips abroad, including one to Mexico. He was picked up in Central America before he was taken into custody at LAX. Eason surrendered to the FBI on Sunday. All four defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this month, beginning with Rundo on Nov. 9, the U.S. attorneys office said. julia.sclafani@latimes.com Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as we get to lots of things at Churchill Downs and Santa Anita and a handicapping lesson from Rob Henie . Before we get to the Breeders Cup, apologies are in order for getting the Friday newsletter out late. Sometimes we have technical problems and thats what happened. Thanks to all of you who emailed me asking where it was. Good to know we are part of your daily routine. OK, on to Day 1 of the Breeders Cup. (Forgive any typos as the hands are shaking from being in the coldest 40 degrees Ive been in for a while.) Juvenile Turf Sprint : Bulletin shot out of the gate and was never headed in winning the 5 furlong race by 2 lengths. The turf course was listed as good but the two days of rain may have affected the ability of some horses to make up ground making it easy for Bulletin to win. He paid $10.60 to win. Chelsea Cloisters was second and So Perfect was third. Fantastic way to start, said winning trainer Todd Pletcher . He broke really well and was sharp. He took it to them the whole way. It was a big race. We wanted to leave there running. He finished up nicely. Javier Castellano was the winning jockey. Juvenile Fillies Turf : Remember what we said about getting the lead in Fridays turf races? Well, Newspaperofrecord went to front and stayed there to win the one-mile race by 6 3/4 lengths. Only in this case, it was clear Newspaperofrecord was the best horse. He paid $3.20 to win. East was second and Stellar Agent was third. It was trainer Chad Browns third straight win in this race. I got a perfect trip, said winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr . She broke good and pulled me to the lead. I just held her together and she relaxed. When I asked her, she exploded for home. It was the easiest Breeders Cup I ever won. (Note to readers: The filly didnt actually explode, otherwise the tone of this newsletter would be much different. The filly is fine.) Juvenile Fillies : Trainer Simon Callaghan had called Bellafina the best filly hes ever trained. On Friday, there were three better than her. Jaywalk won her fourth in a row in a gate-to-wire performance. The winning margin was 5 1/2. Bellafina had no excuses sitting off a fast pace but when Flavien Prat asked her in the stretch she really had nothing to give. Jaywalk paid $13.00 to win for trainer John Servis and jockey Joel Rosario . Restless Rider was second and Vibrance, for trainer Mike McCarthy , was third. There were two other Southern California horses in the race, Splashy Kisses (eighth) and Reflect (ninth). I had a good trip, but she never did feel quite right, Prat said. She wasnt running smooth. I dont know if she didnt like the track or if it was an off day. Callaghan was also searching for answers. She broke a little flat footed and the rider had to use her a little bit early, Callaghan said. After that she had a pretty good trip but it just did not seem to happen today. Its hard to know [about the surface]. It is the first time she has run over this sort of track. Juvenile Turf : This race made you feel like you were back in California with an interminably long inquiry after Line of Duty bumped Uncle Benny in deep stretch. It was the first Breeders race where the speed didnt hold up. He won by a half-length and paid $9.00 to win. Its lovely to be here, said winning trainer Charlie Appleby . [Jockey] William [ Buick ] gave him a great ride. He managed to get him wide and come with a clear run. Its great for the team and especially [owner] Sheik Mohammad . Juvenile : It was a great run by Game Winner to take this 1 1/16-mile race. He got off slow, had to run wide and the got bumped in the stretch, but he managed to win by 2 lengths. Now, its true that the top six horses in the Breeders Cup Juvenile futures pool didnt run in this race. But its hard to imagine Game Winner not beating most of all of them with his gritty performance on Friday. Game Winner paid $4.00 to win for trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Joel Rosario . Talk about a rough trip, Baffert said. I was glad Joel was patient with him. I felt a lot of pressure coming here because I really thought a lot of this colt. I know he is a really good horse. He showed it today. He was much the best. Heres our weekly contribution from Rob Henie of the WCHR (West Coast Handicapping Report) and the ECHR (East Coast Handicapping Report). The thinking is if you can know and understand the strategies, it will make you a better handicapper. This is an optional claimer at five furlongs. Much of the wagering menu Saturday, focuses on horizontal wagers, leaving us to find the most logical contenders, whether it be a single, or two, three, four runners to secure a race, keeping the wager alive. One of our favorite angles in certain races, is to use contrary running styles, especially if only wanting to go two deep. With this mentality, were seeking to find the sharpest runner from two points on the track, on the front end, and then, the most extreme opposite, a deep closer, in case things fall apart on the front end. Well start with top selection NAUGHTY SOPHIE (#1) . We always preach the benefits of main-track speed moved to the turf course, where 22.2 splits become 21.2, over a surface which produces conveyor belt effects. Heres super feed trainer Peter Miller , moving this filly from on the main track, to on the turf, with apprentice Heriberto Figueroa up, all signs pointing to a very strong front effort try, despite facing better, as nothing evens the playing field better than a distance and/or style which caters to the supposed lesser horse. NINE POINT NINE (#4) has been freshened by Vladimir Cerin , and despite the fact she can be claimed today, following not being eligible to be claimed in prior races, its fine. Its when a horse runs well not able to be claimed, and then next time out is offered for a tag, when the outlook becomes a bit dimmer. With this one, she hasnt been finishing, thus, the need for weaker, a healthy drop. So, weve got a fresh horse in November, fitting super-class wise, back sprinting over a turf course shes shown a liking for. Look for an off the pace try today, giving us two different points on the track to capture this event. The Breeders Cup didnt have the only Juvenile race on Friday. At Santa Anita they unsealed $200,000 for the Golden State Juvenile Fillies for Cal-breds going seven furlongs. The winner was Give Me a Hint, who should have given bettors plenty of hints by winning her last two races by a combined 15 lengths. The filly drew the rail and jockey Evin Roman kept her in fourth with about three furlongs to go. Then he angled her out and went four-wide at the top of the stretch and then breezed to a 2 1/4-length win. She paid $13.20, $5.80 and $4.00. Mucho Unusual was second and Hotitude was third. He relaxed beautifully for me, Blanc told Mike Willman of Santa Anita. I asked him to pick it up midway around the far turn and he responded nicely. Petes guys told me this horse comes to play and he sure did. You got to get there early as live racing starts at 10:30 a.m. They have to do that to get the 11 races in. There are four turf races and two stakes, in addition to betting all the Breeders Cup races. But before we get to the races, I have to comment on the brilliant shell game that Santa Anita is playing with their Rainbow Pick Six jackpot. The track has guaranteed a $2 million pay day on Saturday. The thinking is the purse will lure more betters and it will also lure more combinations and the chance of a single winning ticket is even less. Santa Anita doesnt want anyone to hit the single ticket on Saturday. All of which will lead to a massive last day mandatory payout that will bring in a gazillion dollars because every bettor knows that almost all their bets will be overlays. If you like horizontal betting, you would be a fool not to take a big shot on a mandatory payout day. This worked terrifically at Gulfstream in their Winter meet and track officials are trying to find the same magic here. To be clear, Im not saying there is anything wrong with this, in fact, its very smart. So, Im kind of hoping it goes to the last day so we can see how much additional revenue can be gained. The big stakes race on Saturday is the $200,000 Golden State Juvenile for Cal-bred 2-year-olds going seven furlongs. Your 8-5 favorite is Cruel Intention for Baffert and Roman. He won his only race by 5 lengths. Second favorite is Galilean, at 9-5, for Jerry Hollendorfer and Rafael Bejarano . Galilean won the Los Alamitos Barretts Juvenile by a neck. Post is about 4:30 p.m. The other stakes is the $100,000 Sen. Ken Maddy Stakes for fillies and mares going 6 furlongs down the hillside turf course. Storm the Hill is the 7-2 favorite. Hes only one for seven this year but is four of six lifetime at Santa Anita, including winning the Wilshire Stakes in June. Sharp filly from the Peter Miller stable has rattled off two straight while showing improved ability to relax early. She should again get first run on likely pacesetter Go On Mary and be in the right spot turning for home. Tab for the hat trick. He is the speed of the field and gets a rider upgrade from inexperienced Gerardo Vera to accomplished veteran Christian Aragon . In his last third-place try at this 870-yard distance, he dueled for the lead until lugging out badly midway on the turn. He doesnt face many speed foes in this field and has won 40 percent of his 10 starts this year. Always looking to add more subscribers to this newsletter. Cant beat the price. If you like it, tell someone. If you dont like it, then youre probably not reading this. Either way, send to a friend and just have them click here and sign up . Remember, its free, and all we need is your email, nothing more. Santa Anita Charts Results for Friday, November 2. Copyright 2018 by Equibase Company. Reproduction prohibited. Santa Anita, Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California. 20th day of a 22-day meet. Clear & Firm FIRST RACE. 1 Mile Turf. Purse: $51,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $40,000. Time 23.51 47.32 1:10.93 1:22.47 1:34.33 Pgm Horse Wt PP St Str Fin Jockey $1 5 Dreams of Valor 123 5 1 11 11 12 13 12 Maldonado 17.20 4 Cimpl Man 125 4 7 4hd 41 41 2hd 2nk Desormeaux 1.30 7 Red King 121 7 5 6 7 61 4 3 Franco 7.80 8 Bellerin 123 8 2 31 31 2hd 31 41 Cruz 42.90 2 Icy Street 123 2 6 71 6hd 5hd 5hd 5ns Bejarano 6.80 6 Avalanche 118 6 8 8 8 8 71 62 Espinoza 3.70 3 Fabozzi 125 3 4 52 51 7 8 72 Pereira 4.60 1 Adorned 123 1 3 2hd 2hd 3 6hd 8 Hernandez 15.60 5 DREAMS OF VALOR 36.40 13.40 9.40 4 CIMPL MAN 3.40 2.80 7 RED KING 6.00 $1 EXACTA (5-4) $43.50 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-4-7-8) $189.47 50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-4-7) $155.65 $1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (5-4-7-8-2) Carryover $980 WinnerDreams of Valor Ch.g.4 by Majestic Warrior out of Dreamingly, by Giant's Causeway. Bred by Whisper Hill Farm, LLC (KY). Trainer: Craig Dollase. Owner: Masino Racing Stable. Mutuel Pool $224,623 Exacta Pool $118,172 Superfecta Pool $46,154 Trifecta Pool $79,263 X-5 Super High Five Pool $1,285. ClaimedCimpl Man by Peter Walski. Trainer: Charles Treece. Scratchednone. DREAMS OF VALOR sped to the early lead, angled in and set all the pace along the inside, kicked away under urging in the stretch and proved best. CIMPL MAN stalked inside then off the rail nearing and on the second turn, was three deep leaving that turn and into the stretch, drifted in some and held second. RED KING chased outside a rival then between foes on the backstretch and second turn, split rivals again in the stretch and was edged for the place. BELLERIN three deep into the first turn, stalked outside a rival then between foes into the stretch, drifted inward in deep stretch and was outfinished for a minor award. ICY STREET saved ground stalking the pace, came out a bit into the stretch, split horses in midstretch, angled in then steadied in tight off heels a sixteenth out and was outfinished. AVALANCHE chased outside a rival then three deep on the backstretch, angled in on the second turn, got through inside in the stretch then took an awkward step in tight off heels a sixteenth out and lacked the needed rally. FABOZZI close up stalking the pace outside a rival then three deep leaving the backstretch and on the second turn and into the stretch and did not rally. ADORNED stalked a bit off the rail then inside leaving the second turn and into the stretch, was between horses in midstretch and weakened in the final furlong. SECOND RACE. 5 Furlongs. Purse: $18,000. Maiden Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000. Time 21.92 45.75 58.74 Pgm Horse Wt PP St 3/16 3/8 Str Fin Jockey $1 9 Z Z Tiger 120 8 2 12 14 15 14 Fuentes 2.30 4 One Upper 120 4 6 52 42 31 22 Jimenez 3.60 1 Mi Pajarito 115 1 4 2hd 21 21 33 Figueroa 16.50 2 Social Etiquette 115 2 3 31 3hd 43 42 Espinoza 7.40 3 Grey Tsunami 120 3 7 8 8 8 51 Sanchez 76.50 6 Desired Edge 120 5 8 71 61 61 6 Pereira 1.50 7 Dislitleaglecanfly 120 6 5 6hd 73 71 71 Cruz 26.70 8 Charming Alexis 120 7 1 4hd 51 5 8 Pedroza 14.80 9 Z Z TIGER 6.60 3.80 2.80 4 ONE UPPER 4.60 3.20 1 MI PAJARITO 6.20 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (5-9) $112.20 $1 EXACTA (9-4) $13.10 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (9-4-1-2) $34.01 50-CENT TRIFECTA (9-4-1) $39.00 $1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (9-4-1-2-3) Carryover $2,837 WinnerZ Z Tiger B.f.3 by Smiling Tiger out of Chanceofalifetime, by Pentelicus. Bred by Martin Bach (CA). Trainer: Jeff Bonde. Owner: Bonde, Jeff and Russell, Jerome. Mutuel Pool $193,696 Daily Double Pool $39,461 Exacta Pool $117,054 Superfecta Pool $55,207 Trifecta Pool $86,007 X-5 Super High Five Pool $2,434. ClaimedDesired Edge by Firsthome Thoroughbreds and Daniels, Phil. Trainer: Adam Kitchingman. ScratchedCali Eagle. Z Z TIGER had speed three deep then inched away, angled in and set the pace off the rail, drew away under urging in the stretch then was under a hold late. ONE UPPER broke out a bit, stalked off the rail then a bit off the fence on the turn, came out in the stretch and gained the place. MI PAJARITO saved ground stalking the winner, came a bit off the rail in the stretch and bested the others. SOCIAL ETIQUETTE had speed between horses then stalked outside a rival, continued off the rail leaving the turn and three deep into the stretch and weakened. GREY TSUNAMI settled a bit off the rail then inside on the backstretch and turn and into the stretch, came out some in upper stretch and improved position. DESIRED EDGE steadied when squeezed back at the start, chased three deep, continued outside on the turn and three wide into the stretch and did not rally. DISLITLEAGLECANFLY broke in onto a rival, chased between horses then off the rail, angled in on the turn and lacked a further response. CHARMING ALEXIS stalked outside, dropped back on the turn, came three wide into the stretch and had little left for the drive. THIRD RACE. About 6 Furlongs Turf. Purse: $26,000. Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $25,000-$22,500. Time 21.67 43.89 1:06.60 1:12.87 Pgm Horse Wt PP St Str Fin Jockey $1 7 No Wine Untasted 120 6 2 11 1 11 11 Pedroza 4.90 9 Spectacular Move 120 8 1 31 22 22 21 Mn Garcia 3.20 3 Halo Darlin 125 3 5 4hd 31 33 32 Elliott 1.50 8 My Audubon 123 7 8 8 8 51 41 Franco 35.30 1 Tink's Twirl 125 1 7 73 72 73 51 Maldonado 4.10 5 Ashley's Charms 125 5 6 61 4 41 63 Bejarano 9.80 2 Pulpitinthesky 122 2 3 5 5hd 6hd 75 Pereira 17.40 4 Asem 120 4 4 2hd 61 8 8 Martinez 65.30 7 NO WINE UNTASTED 11.80 5.40 3.40 9 SPECTACULAR MOVE 4.20 2.80 3 HALO DARLIN 2.20 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (9-7) $47.80 $1 EXACTA (7-9) $29.70 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (7-9-3-8) $62.65 $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (7-9-3-8-1) $2,515.50 50-CENT TRIFECTA (7-9-3) $42.05 WinnerNo Wine Untasted B.f.3 by The Factor out of Magic Madison, by Ghostly Minister. Bred by Art DeNio (KY). Trainer: J. Eric Kruljac. Owner: John Sondereker. Mutuel Pool $241,693 Daily Double Pool $15,746 Exacta Pool $140,929 Superfecta Pool $73,169 Super High Five Pool $6,173 Trifecta Pool $99,537. ClaimedHalo Darlin by La Russo, Corey, Martin, Craig and Yamamoto, Gregory. Trainer: Rafael Becerra. ScratchedDon'teatmycookies. 50-Cent Pick Three (5-9-7) paid $284.35. Pick Three Pool $45,697. NO WINE UNTASTED sped to the early lead, set the pace off the rail then angled in, responded when challenged leaving the hill, inched away again under urging in the stretch and gamely prevailed. SPECTACULAR MOVE stalked outside then four wide and three deep, bid outside the winner leaving the hill and into the stretch, could not match that one in the final furlong but bested the others. HALO DARLIN close up stalking the pace between horses then inside leaving the hill, came a bit off the rail in the stretch and held third. MY AUDUBON broke a bit slowly, settled off the rail then angled in leaving the hill and improved position inside in the stretch. TINK'S TWIRL also broke a bit slowly, settled inside, came out nearing the dirt crossing and four wide into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. ASHLEY'S CHARMS stalked between horses then three deep leaving the hill, angled in alongside a rival into the stretch and weakened. PULPITINTHESKY pulled her way along inside stalking the pace, continued to tug along the rail leaving the hill and weakened in the drive. ASEM stalked off the rail then between horses, was in tight between foes midway on the hill, came out three wide into the stretch and had little left for the drive. Rail on hill at 14 feet. FOURTH RACE. 5 Furlongs. Purse: $30,000. Maiden Claiming. Fillies. 2 year olds. Claiming Prices $50,000-$40,000. Time 22.06 46.85 1:00.08 1:07.19 Pgm Horse Wt PP St 3/8 Str Fin Jockey $1 7 Blew by You 115 7 7 74 6hd 55 1 Fuentes 53.10 4 Imminent 120 4 1 34 35 11 21 Pedroza 4.10 6 Athleisure 122 6 6 61 52 41 33 Conner 13.70 8 Spicy Curry 120 8 2 5hd 75 62 4 Cruz 9.50 2 Gracie Belle 122 2 4 1hd 1hd 32 51 Sanchez 7.20 3 Superhotamolly 115 3 5 2 21 2 66 Figueroa 0.90 1 La Sabalera 117 1 9 9 8hd 8hd 72 Espinoza 24.10 5 Reds Sacred Appeal 122 5 8 81 9 9 8 Pena 14.10 9 Derby Royalty 122 9 3 41 4hd 72 9 Maldonado 15.20 7 BLEW BY YOU 108.20 46.00 20.00 4 IMMINENT 4.80 3.40 6 ATHLEISURE 7.00 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (7-7) $1,538.80 $1 EXACTA (7-4) $395.40 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (7-4-6-8) $2,585.58 50-CENT TRIFECTA (7-4-6) $1,985.65 $1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (7-4-6-8-2) Carryover $1,664 WinnerBlew by You Dbb.f.2 by Empire Way out of Alpine Echo, by Swiss Yodeler. Bred by Heinz H. Steinmann (CA). Trainer: Daniel Dunham. Owner: Huntertown Farm LLC and Westmore Thoroughbreds, LLC. Mutuel Pool $265,522 Daily Double Pool $21,161 Exacta Pool $182,620 Superfecta Pool $78,069 Trifecta Pool $122,546 X-5 Super High Five Pool $2,182. Scratchednone. 50-Cent Pick Three (9-7-7) paid $1,188.05. Pick Three Pool $21,804. BLEW BY YOU settled off the rail, drifted in some in upper stretch, came out in midstretch and four wide a sixteenth out, rallied under left handed urging to get up in the late stages. IMMINENT pressed the pace three deep then stalked off the rail on the turn, re-bid three wide into the stretch to gain the lead, inched away and drifted inward in midstretch and was caught late. ATHLEISURE angled in and saved ground chasing the pace to the stretch, split rivals past midstretch and picked up the show. SPICY CURRY chased between horses then off the rail on the turn, came three wide into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. GRACIE BELLE went up inside to duel for the lead, battled along the rail on the turn and into the stretch and weakened in the final furlong. SUPERHOTAMOLLY had good early speed and dueled between horses then outside a rival on the turn, battled between foes again into the stretch and also weakened in the final furlong. LA SABALERA hopped then broke inward and slowly and saved ground throughout to no avail. REDS SACRED APPEAL broke a bit slowly, settled just off the rail then outside a rival on the turn and was not a threat. DERBY ROYALTY chased three deep then outside a rival on the turn, angled in a bit off the rail into the stretch and weakened. FIFTH RACE. 1 Mile Turf. Purse: $25,000. Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $25,000. Time 22.59 46.40 1:10.98 1:23.21 1:35.47 Pgm Horse Wt PP St Str Fin Jockey $1 2 Quinnie 120 2 2 3hd 31 23 1 11 Bejarano 2.90 1 Miss Unusual 120 1 3 1 11 1 28 25 Franco 3.10 10 Copper Fever 118 10 7 71 82 62 41 3 Figueroa 1.30 7 Married by Now 123 7 8 94 6hd 3hd 3hd 41 Roman 15.00 3 Peachy 120 3 10 51 5 51 51 5 Cruz 15.90 6 Lethal Legacy 123 6 5 8 96 94 61 66 Quinonez 28.10 8 Lookingforthewire 123 8 6 4hd 4 41 73 7 Vergara, Jr. 109.10 5 Minister'smistress 120 5 9 6 7hd 7hd 84 82 Pereira 77.80 9 Summer Down Now 120 9 4 10 10 10 10 93 Elliott 100.30 4 Just Kathy 115 4 1 21 2hd 8 9 10 Espinoza 12.30 2 QUINNIE 7.80 3.60 2.60 1 MISS UNUSUAL 4.40 3.00 10 COPPER FEVER 2.20 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (7-2) $950.00 $1 EXACTA (2-1) $16.90 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (2-1-10-7) $22.28 $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (2-1-10-7-3) $1,134.60 50-CENT TRIFECTA (2-1-10) $22.55 WinnerQuinnie B.f.3 by English Channel out of Q T Shae, by Unusual Heat. Bred by Mark Devereaux, Scott Gross & Mark Gross (CA). Trainer: Carla Gaines. Owner: Devereaux, Mark and Gross, Scott. Mutuel Pool $281,027 Daily Double Pool $24,943 Exacta Pool $155,745 Superfecta Pool $76,047 Super High Five Pool $3,411 Trifecta Pool $112,972. ClaimedMiss Unusual by Joseph P. Morey, Jr. Revocable Trust. Trainer: William Morey. ClaimedCopper Fever by Freeman, Keenan and Cassie. Trainer: Craig Dollase. Scratchednone. 50-Cent Pick Three (7-7-2) paid $1,543.60. Pick Three Pool $50,347. 50-Cent Pick Four (9-7-7-2) 18 tickets with 4 correct paid $6,073.50. Pick Four Pool $143,249. 50-Cent Pick Five (5-9-7-7-2) 2 tickets with 5 correct paid $162,758.30. Pick Five Pool $378,512. QUINNIE stalked inside, bid alongside the runner-up leaving the second turn, took a short lead nearing midstretch and inched away late under urging. MISS UNUSUAL had good early speed and dueled inside then inched away on the backstretch, fought back inside leaving the second turn then a bit off the rail in the stretch and could not quite match the winner late. COPPER FEVER four wide into the first turn, angled in and chased inside, came out off heels then split horses on the second turn, angled three wide into the stretch and outfinished a foe for third. MARRIED BY NOW chased outside, went four wide leaving the backstretch and on the second turn, came three wide into the stretch and was outkicked for the show. PEACHY between horses early, stalked just off the inside then outside a rival on the second turn was in a bit tight a quarter mile out, came out into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. LETHAL LEGACY angled in and saved ground chasing the pace, split horses leaving the second turn, continued along the rail in the stretch and could not offer the necessary late kick. LOOKINGFORTHEWIRE four wide on the first turn, stalked three deep, angled in leaving the second turn, came out in upper stretch and weakened. MINISTER'SMISTRESS pulled between horses and steadied in tight on the first turn, stalked outside a rival then three deep to the stretch and also weakened. SUMMER DOWN NOW four wide into the first turn, angled in and saved ground off the pace, came out into the stretch and did not rally. JUST KATHY pressed the pace outside the runner-up then stalked outside the winner, dropped back inside on the second turn and gave way. SIXTH RACE. 6 Furlongs. Purse: $32,000. Starter Optional Claiming. Fillies. 2 year olds. Claiming Price $40,000. Time 21.92 45.49 1:12.77 1:20.17 Pgm Horse Wt PP St Str Fin Jockey $1 3 All Tea All Shade 120 3 7 7 7 52 12 Roman 13.50 5 Diosa 120 5 3 1 11 14 2nk Ceballos 2.80 7 Secret Maneuver 120 7 4 6hd 62 41 31 Bejarano 3.00 2 Bam Bams Lil River 120 2 1 3hd 3hd 2hd 41 Franco 3.20 4 Vegas Strong Baby 115 4 6 53 41 31 518 Espinoza 3.00 6 Plan B 120 6 5 21 22 65 67 Cruz 36.50 1 Six Pack Gal 120 1 2 4hd 51 7 7 Pedroza 9.60 3 ALL TEA ALL SHADE 29.00 8.40 4.60 5 DIOSA 4.80 3.80 7 SECRET MANEUVER 3.00 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (2-3) $199.80 $1 EXACTA (3-5) $71.20 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (3-5-7-2) $108.43 $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (3-5-7-2-4) $2,674.10 50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-5-7) $130.65 WinnerAll Tea All Shade Dbb.f.2 by Merit Man out of Why So Serious, by Whywhywhy. Bred by Schroeder Farms LLC (CA). Trainer: Robert B. Hess, Jr.. Owner: Schroeder Farms LLC. Mutuel Pool $302,302 Daily Double Pool $20,266 Exacta Pool $162,106 Superfecta Pool $62,285 Super High Five Pool $3,506 Trifecta Pool $109,049. Scratchednone. 50-Cent Pick Three (7-2-3) paid $1,486.20. Pick Three Pool $45,827. ALL TEA ALL SHADE dropped back and angled in to save ground off the pace, went outside a rival leaving the turn, came out into the stretch, angled back to the inside in midstretch and rallied under urging along the fence to gain the lead in deep stretch and won clear. DIOSA had good early speed and set a pressured pace just off the inside, inched away and angled in on the turn, kicked clear off the rail into the stretch, shortened stride in deep stretch and just held second. SECRET MANEUVER settled outside then alongside a rival, came out four wide into the stretch, drifted in late and was edged for the place. BAM BAMS LIL RIVER stalked between horses then a bit off the rail on the turn and into the stretch and lacked a rally. VEGAS STRONG BABY stalked three deep then outside a rival on the turn, came three wide into the stretch and could not summon the necessary response. PLAN B pressed the pace outside the runner-up then stalked a bit off the rail on the turn, angled in leaving the turn, drifted in through the drive and gave way. SIX PACK GAL saved ground stalking the pace, dropped back on the turn, came out in the stretch and had nothing left for the drive. SEVENTH RACE. 1 Mile Turf. Purse: $70,000. 'Lure Stakes'. 3 year olds and up. Time 23.46 46.69 1:10.01 1:21.64 1:33.59 Pgm Horse Wt PP St Str Fin Jockey $1 8 Kencumin 121 7 4 21 21 21 21 1 Blanc 5.00 1 Kenjisstorm 121 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 Bejarano 3.80 4 Alert Bay 125 3 2 41 41 3hd 3hd 3hd Hernandez 2.20 9 Le Ken 121 8 7 61 5hd 61 5 4 Conner 19.80 6 Chicago Style 121 5 8 8 7hd 73 75 5 Coa 8.70 3 Secretary At War 121 2 3 5 61 5hd 61 6hd Quinonez 9.70 7 Threefiveindia 121 6 5 3 3hd 41 41 76 Pereira 9.70 5 Colonist 121 4 6 7hd 8 8 8 8 Franco 5.00 8 KENCUMIN (FR) 12.00 6.00 3.60 1 KENJISSTORM 5.00 3.60 4 ALERT BAY 2.40 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-8) $322.80 $1 EXACTA (8-1) $32.30 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (8-1-4-9) $72.26 50-CENT TRIFECTA (8-1-4) $47.75 $1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (8-1-4-9-6) Carryover $1,219 WinnerKencumin (FR) Ch.c.4 by Kendargent (FR) out of Cumin, by Fusaichi Pegasus. Bred by Marcello Randelli & Sonja Banziger (FR). Trainer: Peter Eurton. Owner: C R K Stable LLC. Mutuel Pool $359,278 Daily Double Pool $29,268 Exacta Pool $160,463 Superfecta Pool $63,033 Trifecta Pool $101,022 X-5 Super High Five Pool $1,599. ScratchedHe Will. 50-Cent Pick Three (2-3-8) paid $304.75. Pick Three Pool $36,367. KENCUMIN (FR) pressed the pace outside the runner-up throughout, battled under left handed urging to gain the lead in deep stretch and gamely prevailed. KENJISSTORM sped to the early lead, set a pressured pace inside, fought back along the rail through the stretch and continued gamely to the wire. ALERT BAY stalked outside a rival, came out into the stretch and finished willingly. LE KEN (ARG) chased three deep then outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch and also found his best stride late. CHICAGO STYLE settled outside a rival chasing the pace then inside leaving the second turn, came out in upper stretch and was outfinished. SECRETARY AT WAR saved ground stalking the pace, came out a bit leaving the second turn and into the stretch and could not quite summon the needed late kick. THREEFIVEINDIA pulled his way along to stalk the pace a bit off the rail then inside to the stretch, came out some in upper stretch and also could not offer the necessary late response. COLONIST stalked the pace inside, steadied sharply in tight into the second turn to drop back and weakened. EIGHTH RACE. 7 Furlongs. Purse: $200,000. 'Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes'. Fillies. 2 year olds. Time 22.27 45.73 1:12.22 1:26.45 Pgm Horse Wt PP St Str Fin Jockey $1 1 Give Me a Hint 122 1 9 5hd 51 44 12 Roman 5.60 9 Mucho Unusual 122 9 2 2 2hd 3 2 Franco 1.30 5 Hotitude 122 5 3 31 31 11 32 Pedroza 25.10 7 Creative Instinct 122 7 4 1hd 1hd 2hd 4 Figueroa 3.60 3 Dichotomy 122 3 6 7hd 7 61 53 Conner 56.10 8 Time for Suzzie 122 8 1 61 6hd 71 61 Maldonado 93.20 6 Apache Princess 122 6 5 4hd 4hd 5hd 7hd Desormeaux 11.10 4 Naughty Tiger 122 4 7 9 9 8hd 81 Fuentes 27.10 2 Start the Show 122 2 8 83 83 9 9 Bejarano 3.70 1 GIVE ME A HINT 13.20 5.80 4.00 9 MUCHO UNUSUAL 3.00 2.40 5 HOTITUDE 8.80 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (8-1) $99.80 $1 EXACTA (1-9) $19.60 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (1-9-5-7) $64.32 50-CENT TRIFECTA (1-9-5) $107.05 $1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (1-9-5-7-3) Carryover $8,155 WinnerGive Me a Hint B.f.2 by Merit Man out of Hint of Promise (GB), by Beat Hollow (GB). Bred by Schroeder Farms LLC, Welton Manfield &Robert Hess (CA). Trainer: Robert B. Hess, Jr.. Owner: Schroeder Farms LLC and Mansfield, Welton. Mutuel Pool $436,607 Daily Double Pool $25,907 Exacta Pool $230,403 Superfecta Pool $120,904 Trifecta Pool $165,783 X-5 Super High Five Pool $9,087. Scratchednone. 50-Cent Pick Three (3-8-1) paid $248.15. Pick Three Pool $49,146. GIVE ME A HINT bobbled at the start, was sent inside then stalked a bit off the rail, came out leaving the turn and four wide into the stretch, rallied under urging to gain the lead outside a rival a sixteenth out and proved best. MUCHO UNUSUAL dueled three deep to the stretch then came back outside a rival for the place. HOTITUDE had good early speed and dueled inside, inched away in midstretch, could not match the winner in the final sixteenth and was edged late for second. CREATIVE INSTINCT dueled between horses, fought back into the stretch and weakened late. DICHOTOMY stalked outside a rival then between horses on the turn and lacked the needed rally. TIME FOR SUZZIE close up stalking the pace outside then three deep to the stretch and weakened. APACHE PRINCESS was in a good position stalking the pace between horses then outside the winner or off the rail on the turn, came four wide into the stretch and also weakened. NAUGHTY TIGER settled off the pace inside, came around a rail into the stretch and did not rally. START THE SHOW stalked a bit off the rail then inside, dropped back into the stretch and weakened. NINTH RACE. 5 Furlongs. Purse: $18,000. Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $12,500. Time 22.01 46.41 59.08 1:05.68 Pgm Horse Wt PP St 3/8 Str Fin Jockey $1 4 Downside Up 118 4 6 71 71 2hd 11 Payeras 6.90 3 Schulace 120 3 3 1hd 1hd 1 2nk Quinonez 21.60 10 American Currency 115 8 2 32 31 32 31 Figueroa 1.80 12 Latitude 123 10 9 83 84 4hd 41 Franco 7.50 1 Royal Seeker 116 1 8 10 9 93 5nk Fuentes 82.00 11 Katzumoto 120 9 1 63 61 5hd 61 Pedroza 22.30 2 Kopitar 123 2 5 5hd 5 6 72 Roman 3.20 5 Quad 120 5 4 4hd 41 7 81 Cruz 18.70 6 Spirit World 123 6 10 9 10 10 96 Sanchez 115.50 7 From the Distance 120 7 7 2 2 8hd 10 Maldonado 4.10 4 DOWNSIDE UP 15.80 7.20 4.80 3 SCHULACE 19.40 11.80 10 AMERICAN CURRENCY 3.20 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (1-4) $131.40 $1 EXACTA (4-3) $146.50 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (4-3-10-12) $422.78 50-CENT TRIFECTA (4-3-10) $401.30 $1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (4-3-10-12-1) Carryover $15,625 $2 CONSOLATION DOUBLE (1-9) $13.40 WinnerDownside Up B.g.4 by Empire Way out of Downhill Diva, by Swiss Yodeler. Bred by Dr. Mikel C. Harrington & Patricia O.Harrington (KY). Trainer: Patricia Harrington. Owner: Old School Farms, Harrington, P., Heeg, V., Morrow, N. and Willoughby, S.. Mutuel Pool $349,043 Daily Double Pool $36,774 Exacta Pool $185,204 Superfecta Pool $82,478 Trifecta Pool $116,978 X-5 Super High Five Pool $9,787. ClaimedAmerican Currency by Rafael DeLeon. Trainer: Rafael DeLeon. ScratchedIsee It in Hiseyes, Tap Tap Boom. 50-Cent Pick Three (8-1-4) paid $183.30. Pick Three Pool $34,211. 50-Cent Consolation Pick Three (8-1-9) paid $16.25. DOWNSIDE UP saved ground chasing the pace, advanced inside leaving the turn and into the stretch, bid along the rail in midstretch, gained the lead under urging, inched away and held. SCHULACE had good early speed and dueled inside, came a bit off the rail into the stretch, was between foes in midstretch and held second. AMERICAN CURRENCY prompted the pace three deep, continued three wide in midstretch and was edged for the place. LATITUDE settled off the rail, angled in leaving the backstretch, split horses four wide into the stretch and bested the others. ROYAL SEEKER saved ground off the pace, cut the corner into the stretch and improved position inside. KATZUMOTO stalked three deep then outside on the turn, came five wide into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. KOPITAR stalked inside then a bit off the rail, was outside the winner leaving the turn and did not rally. QUAD broke out a bit, stalked between horses then off the rail on the turn, came three deep into the stretch and weakened. SPIRIT WORLD steadied when crowded at the start, settled outside a rival to the stretch and was not a threat. FROM THE DISTANCE dueled between horses, battled between foes on the turn and into the stretch and had little left in the final furlong. TENTH RACE. About 6 Furlongs Turf. Purse: $50,000. Maiden Special Weight. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Time 21.65 44.12 1:07.69 1:13.83 Pgm Horse Wt PP St Str Fin Jockey $1 9 Drop the Mic 120 8 9 9hd 91 4hd 1ns Franco 13.20 8 Paprika 120 7 8 71 51 21 21 Desormeaux 1.80 7 Smoovie 120 6 3 41 41 32 32 Roman 2.40 2 Smiling Annie 120 2 6 3hd 1 11 4 Pereira 5.60 3 South Boot Shirley 120 3 1 5hd 71 5 51 Hernandez 9.50 1 Envy 115 1 10 10 10 9 6 Figueroa 19.30 10 Awesome Amanda 120 9 7 6 6 7 71 Conner 26.00 4 Encountress 120 4 5 2hd 21 61 82 Elliott 74.30 6 Zillinda 118 5 4 84 81 10 91 Espinoza 7.90 11 Grandma Gertrude 120 10 2 1hd 3hd 82 10 Fuentes 79.30 9 DROP THE MIC 28.40 11.40 6.00 8 PAPRIKA 3.40 2.40 7 SMOOVIE 2.80 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (4-9) $173.60 $1 EXACTA (9-8) $45.20 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (9-8-7-2) $68.35 $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (9-8-7-2-3) $3,253.30 50-CENT TRIFECTA (9-8-7) $73.15 WinnerDrop the Mic Dbb.f.3 by Acclamation out of Celebration, by Poteen. Bred by Old English Rancho (CA). Trainer: Philip D'Amato. Owner: The Ellwood Johnston Trust, Hilvers, Mary and Hilvers, Peter. Mutuel Pool $375,708 Daily Double Pool $97,666 Exacta Pool $228,412 Superfecta Pool $116,708 Super High Five Pool $34,947 Trifecta Pool $160,922. ScratchedGone Skyward, Into Rissa, Irish Lassie. 50-Cent Pick Three (1-4-9) paid $366.95. Pick Three Pool $192,081. 50-Cent Consolation Pick Three (1-9-9) paid $29.80. 50-Cent Pick Four (8-1-4-9) 122 tickets with 4 correct paid $2,619.35. Pick Four Pool $417,655. 50-Cent Pick Five (3-8-1-4-9) 4 tickets with 5 correct paid $61,051.30. Pick Five Pool $319,976. 20-Cent Pick Six Jackpot (2-3-8-1-4-9) 3 tickets with 6 correct paid $54,328.12. Pick Six Jackpot Pool $305,092. Pick Six Jackpot Carryover $1,062,830. DROP THE MIC settled outside a rival, came three deep into the stretch and rallied under left handed urging to get up in the final stride. PAPRIKA stalked between horses then a bit off the rail into the stretch, bid outside a rival to gain the lead in deep stretch, inched away and just failed to hold off the winner. SMOOVIE dueled three deep between horses then stalked off the rail leaving the hill, came out four wide into the stretch and went on willingly late. SMILING ANNIE went up inside to duel for the lead, inched clear in the stretch, fought back in deep stretch and weakened late. SOUTH BOOT SHIRLEY saved ground chasing the pace, came a bit off the rail in the stretch and lacked the needed rally. ENVY broke in and a bit slowly, saved ground off the pace to the stretch and improved position inside. AWESOME AMANDA stalked outside then three deep, angled in outside a rival into the stretch and did not rally. ENCOUNTRESS dueled between horses then outside a rival leaving the hill and weakened in the stretch. ZILLINDA settled off the rail then inside, came out a bit into the stretch and lacked a rally. GRANDMA GERTRUDE pressed the pace four wide then stalked outside leaving the hill, came out five wide into the stretch, drifted in some in the drive and weakened. Rail on hill at 14 feet. Once a month for the past year, 72-year-old Kazuhiko Futagawa has sat at a coffee shop a few blocks from where his father was reduced to ashes when the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb in the waning days of World War II. The Social Book Cafe is tucked away on the second floor of a nondescript office and apartment building near downtown. It has just a handful of tables, providing an intimacy that leads to hushed conversations and quiet reflection. The cafe accepts reservations, but most visitors drop in unannounced. It was an American family that sat down at his table in October, eager for a history lesson. Judi and Syd Saperstein, born just after World War II, were at the tail end of a visit with their son, stationed at nearby Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. Advertisement The couple had enjoyed learning about Japanese culture over the past few weeks and planned to visit the Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the legacy of the bombing, later that day. But first, they stopped by the coffee shop for an interaction that would personalize the experience. For while they had known about the attack on Hiroshima where an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 people were killed instantly and tens of thousands more died from the effects of radiation from the time they were in elementary school, Futagawa and his family had actually lived it. Futagawa is one of the youngest of the hibakusha: survivors of the atomic bomb. Now, he is one of 18 hibakusha who lead a series of one-on-one talks that have taken place three times monthly since the cafe opened last year. Two of the sessions are held in Japanese and the third in English for the many foreigners who now visit the reconstituted Japanese city. Futagawa, who still lives in Hiroshima, began his talk with the American baby boomers by detailing the events of that day 73 years ago. His 13-year-old sister, along with his father, perished immediately, he said, when the Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb at 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 6, 1945. Both had probably just arrived at work when the uranium bomb known as Little Boy was deployed. The next day, his mother, two months pregnant, began a frustrating search for her husband and her daughter, the oldest of three. Day after day, she checked the simmering rubble, the riverbanks and a nearby island where thousands of the injured had been taken. Kazuhiko Futagawa looks at a medical booklet that shows he is entitled to free healthcare, since he is a survivor of the atomic bomb. While his mother never spoke of the horrors of that day, he doesnt want the narrative of the survivors to die with them. (Mary Beth Gahan / For The Times) Their bodies were never found. So she did her best to forget. Eight months later, on April 6, Kazuhiko Futagawa was born. Judi Saperstein pointed to Syd and said, September 1946. Then to herself: February 1947. Futagawas eyes widened and he smiled. Oh really? Same generation. The Sapersteins grew up hiding under desks during air raid drills and learning about nuclear weapons testing in Nevada. We knew it was serious business, Judi Saperstein said. Futagawa, on the other hand, said he wasnt told his familys story about the bomb or the fate of his father and sister until he was well into adulthood. Futagawa is classified as a survivor because he was in utero at the time of the blast. His mother, who died in 2000, never shared the story of that day with him, he said. That task eventually fell to his aunt and cousin when he was in his 30s. Just four years ago, his remaining sister was going through a chest of drawers that had belonged to their mother. Deep in the back of one of the drawers was a green blouse wrapped in rice paper. When Futagawa saw it, he felt pain and regret. It was a school uniform identical to the one his deceased sister would have been wearing when she went to work in a factory the morning of the bombing. Why would my mother keep this uniform? he wondered at the time. Why didnt she talk about anything? Now he thinks he understands. This tiny blouse shows everything about the bombing that caused unspeakable human suffering, Futagawa told his visitors as he showed them a picture of it. The shirt was all his mother had left of her daughter. She couldnt talk about that day because her grief was too deep. So she hid it away. Futagawa pulled out a purple booklet and passed it around the table. It was a medical book that entitled hibakusha to receive free healthcare. Futagawa applied for it when he was 36; his mother never had. He explained that he found out later that she didnt want her children to experience prejudice and discrimination as survivors. That surprised Judi Saperstein. They were the ones who were harmed, she said. Syd Saperstein didnt understand either. What was the stigma? he asked. Radiation exposure. Plus, a society that wanted to forget what happened on both sides of the war. To explain further, Futagawa told a story about how NHK, Japans public broadcasting organization, wanted to interview him several years ago. His wife advised against it because she feared their grandsons would see it and know he was a hibakusha. Recently, though, as Futagawa has seen survivors succumb to old age and illnesses stemming from radiation exposure, he worries the narrative of that day will die with them. We mustnt let the cruel lessons of the A-bomb and war fade with the passage of time, he said. And so once a month, he sits at the coffee shop and waits for anyone who will listen to his story. Gahan is a special correspondent. North Korea has warned that it could revive a state policy aimed at strengthening its nuclear arsenal if the United States does not lift economic sanctions against the country. The statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Friday evening said North Korea could bring back its pyongjin policy of simultaneously advancing its nuclear force and economic development if the United States doesnt change its stance. The North stopped short of threatening to abandon ongoing nuclear negotiations with Washington. Still, it accused Washington of derailing commitments made by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Trump at their June summit in Singapore to work toward a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. It was the first time the North said it could potentially resume weapons tests and other development activities since Kim signaled a new state policy in April. In an interview with Fox News Sean Hannity on Friday, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo said he plans to talk next week with his North Korean counterpart, apparently referring to senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol. Pompeo did not provide the location and date for the meeting, which will probably be focused on persuading North Korea to take firmer steps toward denuclearization and setting up a second summit between their leaders. Advertisement A lot of work remains, but Im confident that we will keep the economic pressure in place until such time as Chairman Kim fulfills the commitment he made to President Trump back in June in Singapore, Pompeo said. The North Korean Foreign Ministry statement, released under the name of the director of the ministrys Institute for American Studies, said the improvement of relations and sanctions is incompatible. The U.S. thinks that its oft-repeated sanctions and pressure leads to denuclearization. We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea, it said. The ministry described the lifting of U.S.-led sanctions as a corresponding action to the Norths proactive and goodwill measures, apparently referring to its unilateral suspension of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and closure of a nuclear testing ground. Following a series of provocative nuclear and missile tests last year, Kim shifted to diplomacy when he met with Trump between three summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who lobbied hard to revive nuclear diplomacy. However, the North has been playing hardball since the summits, insisting that sanctions should be lifted before any progress in nuclear talks, which fueled doubts about whether Kim would ever deal away a nuclear program he may see as his strongest guarantee of survival. Ahead of his first summit with Moon in April, Kim said the country should shift its focus to economic development as the pyongjin policy had achieved a great victory. He also declared that the North would stop nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North dismantled its nuclear testing ground in May, but didnt invite experts to observe and verify the event. If the U.S. keeps behaving arrogantly without showing any change in its stand, while failing to properly understand our repeated demand, the DPRK may add one thing to the state policy for directing all efforts to the economic construction adopted in April and as a result, the word pyongjin may appear again, Fridays statement said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Pyongjin means dual advancement. Moon has described inter-Korean engagement as crucial to resolving the nuclear standoff. A large number of top South Korean business executives accompanied Moon in his September visit to Pyongyang, when he and Kim agreed to normalize operations at a jointly run factory park and resume South Korean visitors travel to the North when possible, voicing optimism the international sanctions could end and allow such projects. But South Koreas enthusiasm for engagement with its rival has also created discomfort in the United States amid growing concerns that the North is dragging its feet with its promise to denuclearize. South Korea last month walked back on a proposal to lift some of its unilateral sanctions against North Korea to create diplomatic space following Trumps blunt retort that Seoul could do nothing without Washingtons approval. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2018 > Telangana caretaker CM K. Chandrasekhara Rao IMPRESSIONS As Chief Ministers go, K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) is in a class of his own. He is known as an effective speaker and he is a good tactician. These were factors in the success of his mission to carve Telangana out of the original Andhra Pradesh. His decision to dissolve the Assembly and go for an early test at the hustings was a smart move from his point of view. He is a man of ability and therefore, if he wins, he can do much good for the country. To do that, however, he must pay attention to at least three areas where a new approach will be essential. The first is the I-Me-Myself style in which he handles his party, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti. He is the boss of course, but flaunting bossdom reduces ones stature. He doesnt really consult anyone in the party. Advancing the election was an example of this. No one knew what he was planning. Without even waiting for an election notification, he announced 105 candidates, to their surprise. Some may interpret this as a strategic master-stroke in that he struck before the Opposition parties had time to realise what was happening. But the cost of such tactics is high. When all decisions are handed down from the Abode of Shiva as it were, discontent is inevitable across the board. Protests did rise this time from a few of his followers. Critics from other parties described him as a monarch, autocrat and despot. The second area where KCR would benefit from a new approach is his habit of extending his religious beliefs into the public domain. As Chief Minister, he boycotted the States administrative headquarters, where the Chief Ministers Office is situated, for reasons of vaastu and improper designs in terms of setbacks and exit points. He built a new vaastu-compliant home-cum-secretariat structure sprawling over one-lakh square feet of living space on a nine-acre estate costing Rs 36 crores. There is nothing wrong in having faith in vaastu or fixing programmes as per astrological rules. But the States treasury cannot be used to foot the expenses when a Chief Minister desires to fulfil his vow and present gold ornaments to various gods. KCR travelled with his family in helicopters and chartered flights to make his offerings. In Tirumala alone, the gold offered was worth Rs 5 crores. He said, of course, that all expenses were met from his personal funds and bank loans. The third area where KCR should have second thoughts is the language he uses. He recently described Rahul Gandhi as the countrys biggest buffoon. He called Chandrababu Naidu a lizard, said that Naidu had a thiefs look and was neechaa neechamaina (meanest of the meanest) Chief Minister in the country. He said his party would drag Sonia Gandhi to bazaar. And so on and on. Such remarks do get cheap applause from street crowds. But KCR should ponder over the fact that his abuse of Sonia Gandhi met with disapproval from his own rank-and-file. He is a man who holds a constitutional position. In our constitutional system, even enemies call one another The honourable inside the legislature. By observing the basic rules of decency in public discourse, a leader will only enhance his stature. Likewise, abandonment of decency will only diminish him. There is something almost visceral about KCRs hatred of Andhra Pradesh. He was once quoted as saying that he didnt want to be associated with anything that had an Andhra lineage. This is like one of the conjoined twins saying that he doesnt want to touch the other. Not all KCRs oratorical powers and temple offerings can nullify geography. In fact he should be grateful for what he has already got. Nizams Hyderabad comprised a piece of Maharashtra (Marathwada), a piece of Karnataka (still known as Hyderabad Karnataka) and a piece of Teluguland called Telangana. Only Telangana succeeded in becoming a State on its own. A wise leader will rejoice in this and collaborate with the conjoined twin. The Scottish independence movement has been a powerful one for decades. There is a separate Scottish Government headed by a First Minister. But when a referendum took place four years ago, 55 per cent of the population voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. Geography prevailed. KCR will become a greater leader if he realises that he has only two optionseither to accept the geographical reality and cooperate with his neighbours or prove that Tolstoy was right when he said: The state is a conspiracy. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2018 > National Security Adviser Sermonises on National Governance by Gautam Sen Indias National Security Adviser (NSA), Ajit Doval, has given a clarion call for a strong and decisive government for at least ten years, while delivering the latest Sarder Patel Memorial Lecture entitled Dream India : 2030. The NSA has rationalised his advocacy on grounds of national consolidation, economic growth and international stature. This is unexceptional. However, the NSA, in the course of his lecture, has also dwelt on many issues like requirement of a strong government, against a multi-party-based government which he has forecast as weak and indecisive, incapable of taking hard decisions in national interest, and contrastingly on the requirement of an assertive international policy, etc. The NSA has gone on to advise against so-called false narratives, disinformation campaigns which extensively damage the nation and democracy, and the need to avoid erosion of law for political gain. Furthermore, the NSA has predicted that India would be the third largest economic power in the world by 2030, inter-alia opining that the economic woes of the present and the weakening of the Indian rupee are transient phenomena, and the impact of rising oil prices would be short-lived and the need for our citizens to put up with the present sacrifices for our future well-being. The NSA has also stated that 100 per cent defence technology is being obtained which does not appear to be factual. All the points made by Doval would have been alright if the NSA was functioning as the political mouthpiece of the present NDA regime even while delivering his oration eulogising the greatness of one of our national stalwarts whose efforts to consolidate Indias polity and nationhood need no emphasis. The officer would have done well if he had spoken on the present security perspective, national and international, which actually is his domain; and the factors which impinge on it in a more wholesome and comprehensive manner encompassing different or rather various facets of the national narratives on a myriad of issues affecting our people at large. It would also have been in the fitness of things if the NSA would have spoken on how the type of hard-line approach he is advocating would lead to optimum outcomes in the international sphere in support of Indias national interests. The NSA could have further highlighted the outcomes of Indias foreign policy in the peripheral context, and to what extent the present governments policies and actions are impacting our immediate and distant milieu. Doval has just not touched on the huge socio-economic factors, the inequities, the extreme postures on many social, cultural and economic issues, which are jeopardising national cohesiveness. The lecture, unfortunately, does not have the people of this nation as its centricity. Maoism, Naxalism, fissiparous tendencies, externally inspired and promoted violence have to be dealt with firmly from the security perspective. In this respect, there can be no two opinions. However, their underlying causes have to be perforce obviated. The NSA did not seem to have anything substantive to mention on this aspect. Animosities and differences among castes, communities and people professing different creeds, bedeviling the country at present, have to be controlled by the state and a national narrative built up towards this end, as part of national unity and consolidation efforts. The NSA is either unconcerned on this critical need owing to the political compulsions of his government, or is not consciously convinced on this need which would be regrettable to say the least. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in whose memory the NSA was delivering the commemorative lecture, was fully conscious of the above-referred needs throughout his lifetime. Finally, Dovals opinion on the negativities of multi-party governance vis-a-vis a strong, single-party rule and that too for a decade, cannot but be regarded as a political statement and, as has been termed by a large section of our media, a reflection of the ruling dispensations fear of a prospective multi-party government. The remarks are so inapposite for a national lecture, considering its skewed approach and parti-cularly because, there is nothing on record to show that Sardar Patel, in whose memory the NSA was lecturing, had ever opined as such during his lifetime or in the nascent days of our independent life. It would have been redeeming if the NSA had suggested that, notwithstanding a multi-party government coming to power, the essentials of maintaining the rule of law and the authority of the state, be considered as prerequisites for democratic governance and be not lost sight of, while the state works towards alleviation of economic deprivation and inequities in many areas. Moreover, there are factual inaccuracies in the memorial speech. For example, the observation on 100 per cent transfer of technology for defence, is not understandable and on the face of it, inaccurate. The statement on oil prices declining in the near future, is also not sustainable on fundamental international economic trends. A substantial content of our defence related technology continues to be obtained under license from foreign sources. It will be a gross controversion of facts to claim that for our entire defence systems, whatever we need from the technology transfer angle, is being obtained. Are there no areas where, further foreign technology is needed? It however could be that the NSA was trying to take credit for reduced political or strategic constraints in obtaining foreign technology for defence manufacture in India as compared to that one or two decades before. As regards oil prices, the trends indicate that, they would remain at a high threshold for quite some time. The efforts of Crown Prince Salman of Saudi Arabia, one of the most crucial international oil producers, is geared in that direction. US President Trumphs efforts with the Crown Prince seem directed towards supporting the Saudi efforts to undermine Iranian and Venezualan efforts to get back to the international oil market and influence prices at a lower band than at present. In other words, there is nothing in the horizon to show that the financial impact of Indias oil needs will be alleviated in the near future. Doval would have done better to enlighten the country on the status of the two strategic oil reserves in the country under execution in Odisha and Rajasthan respectively, and the political strategy vis-a-vis our importer countries in matters of obtaining, on a long-term assured basis, petroleum and petro products and commodities under more economic arrangements to improve our current account balance. The content of the latest Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture, raises a question on the utility of such august platforms towards building and upholding a national ethos and promoting a national consensus in a democratic spirit. The moot point is whether the platform should be allowed to become a means of propagating a political line in harmony with that of the ruling dispensation. The author is a retired IDAS officer who has served in senior appointments with the Government of India and two State governments. The views expressed here are personal. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2018 > Sacrifice at the Altar of Development TRIBUTE by Medha Patkar and Sandeep Pandey The legendary Professor Guru Das Agrawal, who got promoted from a Lecturer directly to Professor at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology at Kanpur after having finished his Ph.D from the University of California at Berkeley in two years and laid the foundation of Indias anti-pollution regimen as the first Member-Secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board, ultimately failed to convince the government about his viewpoint on rejuvenation of river Ganga and had to pay for this with his life. He died on October 11, 2018 after 112 days of fasting on lemon water and honey, the last three days of which were without any water at all. It may be intriguing why the government, which rode to power on a Hindutva agenda, did not listen to a Hindu saint, which he had become in 2011, at the age of 79 years, on an issue of ecological and religious significance of Ganga, which was at the core of the Prime Ministers election campaign. Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand, as Professor G.D. Agrawal was now known, had put forward a draft for the National River Ganga-ji (Conservation and Management) Act in 2012. The government came up with The National River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Bill in 2017 and updated it in 2018. The two draft Bills, however, differed in their basic perspectives. During his sixth and last fast, he wrote to PM Narendra Modi on August 5, 2018 that whereas the National Environmental Appellate Authority of the previous Manmohan Singh Government had suspended the Lohari Nagpala hydroelectric project, even after some construction was over, on his clearly articulated demands and declared a length of over hundred kilometres of Bhagirathi from Gangotri to Uttarkashi as an Eco-Sensitive Zone, which means no destructive activity could take place there, the present government had not done a thing for conservation of Ganga even after four-and-a-half years of being in power. He repeated his four demands which he had intimated to the PM before going on fast: (1) the draft prepared by him along with Advocate M.C. Mehta and Paritosh Tyagi, among others, be placed before and passed by Parliament; (2) all under construction and proposed hydroelectric projects on streams directly flowing into Ganga in the upper reaches, downstream and its tributaries be scrapped with immediate effect; (3) all mining and deforestation activities be banned in the Ganga basin; and (4) form the Ganga Bhakt Parishad to work to protect the interest of Ganga. He never heard from the PM till his death, even though during his fifth fast in 2013 Rajnath Singh as the then Bharatiya Janata Party President had promised to him that all his demands related to Ganga would be met when the Narendra Modi Government will come to power. Professor Agrawal wanted Ganga to be declared a national symbol. His main emphasis was on conservation of Ganga in its natural pristine glory, unobstructed natural flow, which he called as Aviral, and unpolluted water quality, which he described as Nirmal. He also wanted a ban on discharge of any untreated or treated sewage or industrial effluents into Ganga, incineration of any kind of solid waste, setting up of any units discharging pollutants, deforestation, illegal stone quarrying and sand mining, river-front development structures and chemicals or hazardous substances to be used in its vicinity. These have become necessary if any river is to be protected against destruction and degradation. It is important to know that Professor G.D. Agrawals important learnings emerged from his engineering experience with the Rihand dam while working for the Uttar Pradesh State Irrigation Department. As a true scientist, Professor Agrawal precisely defined Aviral to mean minimum environmental/ecological flow at every place, including the downstream of each dam, and at all times with universal bed, lateral, open-to-air, longitudinal and temporal connectivities. He believed that to preserve the unique qualities of the waters of Ganga, that is, non-putrefying, disease-destroying, health-enhancing and pollution-destroying, it was necessary to ensure its Aviral flow. Similarly, Nirmal doesnt merely mean meeting the standards on water quality related to pH (measure of acidity or alkalinity), Dissolved Oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Dissolved Solids, Free Chlorine and Total Chlorine or water treated by the Reverse Osmosis process and Ultraviolet rays. The special self-cleaning property of Ganga, he concluded scientifically, is because of the presence of bacteriophages, coliform-destroying capabilities, large amounts of exo-cellular polymers coming from trees present in the Himalayan uplands, unique mix of heavy and radioactive metals, ultra-fine silt or micro nucleii in the water. Essentially it is the rocks, sediment, vegetation, including medicinal plants or ecology of the upper region, that contributes to the special property of Ganga described as Nirmal. Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Water Resources, River Basin Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, is known to have publicly said that he understands the concept of Nirmal but not that of Aviral. It is quite obvious that accepting Professor Agrawals concept of Aviral would disallow construction of any more dams. Another view emanating from the ruling BJP Government is that they dont care about the country, religion or its people but are only interested in Development. Development which is clearly corporate-driven and, as is now established, yields sufficient kickbacks to fund the next electoral cycle of the political party in power. Hence even though a senior functionary of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, who tried to mediate, said he agreed theoretically with Professor G.D. Agrawals vision on Ganga, the compulsions of realpolitik sealed the fate of Professor G.D. Agrawal and by extension that of Ganga. This threat will loom large on the life and livelihood of the people living in other river valleys too. Professor Agrawal also fasted five times during the United Progressive Alliance regime. However, he never faced a threat to his life. The only time he fasted during the National Democratic Alliance Governments tenure it proved fatal for him. This also demonstrates that the NDAs development paradigm is not sensitive to socio-cultural issues, including religion, or environmental issues, in spite of the PM having won a United Nations award, and is more brazenly pro-corporate and less humane under the present government. The vacuum created by Professor G.D. Agrawals demise seems to be almost unfillable. Where is another strong voice for Ganga? To many religious-minded persons Professor G.D. Agrawal appeared to be in the mould of the mythological figure Bhagirath, almost single-handedly taking up the cause of Ganga. A true condolence to him would be to brace ourselves for the fight against governments which believe in the concept of development with attendant destruction of nature, corporations which implement such misplaced and misgoverned ideas of governments, contractors plundering natural resources including sand from the river bed and catchmentall three insensitive to human beings in the name of development. The fight for conservation of Ganga is far from over. The chief priest of Matre Sadan, the ashram in Haridwar Professor Agrawal chose as his fast-site, Swami Shivanand, has warned Narendra Modi that after Swami Sanand he and his disciples will ensure that the chain of fasting doesnt break. One Swami Gopal Das had also begun fasting soon after Swami Sanand started his fast on June 22, 2018. Earlier Swami Nigmanand, also associated with Matre Sadan, laid down his life in 2011 on the 115th day of his fast, which is alleged to be a murder at the behest of a mining mafia associated with the then ruling BJP Government in Uttarakhand. How many more lives will be sacrificed at the altar of development? Medha Patkar is a renowned crusader against large dams that cause massive displacement of people. She can be contacted at e-mail: medha.narmada[at]gmail.com; while Sandeep Pandey, noted social activist and Magsaysay awardee, is the Vice-President of the Socialist Party (India). He can be contacted at e-mail: ashaashram[at]yahoo.com Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2018 > On 105th birth anniversary of Nikhil Chakravartty on November 3, 2018 - (...) Former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao was to have released the book India-Pakistan: Themes Beyond BordersSelections from Nikhil Chakravarttys Writings (published by Konark Publishers Pvt. Ltd.) at the meeting held in New Delhi on November 3, 2003 to mark N.C.s ninetieth birth anniversary, but could not do so as he was indisposed. So he sent the following letter to the Mainstream editor and Secretary of the Nikhil Chakravartty Memorial Foundation, which was read out at the meeting. We are reproducing this letter and a few tributes to N.C. (published after his death) on the occasion of his 105th birth anniversary on November 3, 2018. Nikhilda: Some Nostalgic Reflections by P.V. Narasimha Rao https://www.mainstreamweekly.net/article1736.html Kuldip Nayar, who passed away two-and-a-half months ago on August 23, 2018, was a close journalist friend of N.C. Both were in the front ranks of those media personalities who fought the Emergency regime (1975-77). The following piece he wrote for Mainstream that came out on November 2, 2013 marking N.C.s birth centenary the next day. Nikhil A Legend by Kuldip Nayar http://www.mainstreamweekly.net/article4561.html My Father by Sumit Chakravartty The following tribute was read out at the gathering at Raja Rammohan Roy Memorial Hall (Brahmo Samaj-Delhi) on July 5, 1998 to pay homage to Nikhil Chakravartty who passed away eight days earlier on June 27, 1998. It is indeed difficult to say anything about ones father at this point of time when one has yet to overcome the enormity of the grief that has overtaken ones mind following his demise. And yet I am fully conscious of the need to do so at this gathering. His bio-sketch, by now, has been well publicised. Yet it would bear repetition to present the following: Born November 3, 1913 in Silchar (now in Assam) he had his school education at Hindu School, Calcutta (1925-29), and college education in Presidency College, Calcutta (1929-35). He graduated with History Honours in 1933 and stood First Class First in MA (History) in 1935. Thereafter he went to Oxford where he studied in Merton College (1936-39) and in Oxford Universitys Honours School in Modern History (1939). On his return to India he taught Modern History in Calcutta Universitys Post-Graduate Department (1940-44) before plunging into activist journalism as a special correspondent with the Communist Party organ Peoples War (1944-46) and Peoples Age (1946-48), Before that he married Renu Roy in 1942 and I was born in 1945. After serving a stint in the underground as an important communist functionary from 1948, he worked in Crossroads (1952-55) and New Age (1955-57). He then set up a feature news service, India Press Agency or IPA, and in 1959 shot into prominence with a report in the IPA on the activities of the then Prime Ministers PA, M.O. Mathai, that rocked Parliament forcing Mathai to resign. In 1962 he founded the current affairs weekly Mainstream and served as its editor from 1967 to 1992. Subsequently he became its Editorial Adviser. In 1975-77 he played a vital role in defence of press freedom during the Emergency; later in the eighties he alongwith other senior journalists fought doggedly against the Anti-Defamation Bill sought to be introduced in Parliament by the then Union Government and compelled the government to withdraw the legislation. He was a member, Press Commission (1978-80), the Chairman, NAMEDIA Conference (December 1983), Chairman, NAMEDIA Foundation (media foundation of the non-aligned) since 1984 till his death. He was the President, Editors Guild of India (1990-92) and a member of the National Integration Council for sometime. He was a member of the Indo-US Subcommission on Education, Culture and Media (1985-89). In 1990 he politely declined the Padma Bhushan Award conferred on him by the National Front Government with a dignified letter to the then President pointing out that a journalist carrying out his professional obligations should not appear to be close to any government and/or any political establishment. A member of the Communist Party for forty years (1938-78), he was not associated with any political organisation thereafter. In November 1997 he was appointed the Chairman of the Prasar Bharati Board that was entrusted with the task to oversee and ensure genuine autonomy for the offical media. A reputed columnist, he wrote for several national and regional newspapers across the country. He has been described as one of the of the most well-informed journalists and commentators who perhaps had the widest possible contacts in political and administrative circles. He had a facile pen and wrote incisive reports in the forties on the Bengal famine, resistance to communalism in Calcutta, anti-imperialist upsurge in Bengal, remarkable mass awakening at the dawn of independence on August 15, 1947. Subsequently his outspoken denunciation of the Emergency regime in the seventies made him immensely popular among all segments of the public yearning for restoration of democratic rights and civil liberties. All these are well-known. However, what is not so well known, presumably because of his self-effacing nature, is that in 1946 he was briefly arrested, charged with having leaked out valauble information to the public on the British authorities secret plan to crush the national movement just before independence (known as Operation Asylum). He was also accused of laying his hands on a British conspiracy to send troops to South-East Asia (including Vietnam) without the knowledge of the Interim Governments Defence Minister. My first recollection of my father was when he came out of underground in November 1951. I was then six years old. Since that time it has been a highly rewarding and intimate asso-ciation with him. He was instrumental in moulding my character and shaping my professional life. My debt of gratitude to him is naturally immeasurable. So many incidents come flooding in my memorythe rays of the setting sun falling on his forehead while travelling in a train in my childhood (incidentally my first acquaintance with the sound of the steam engine that left a deep impress in my mind was with him), our not-so-infrequent trips to the mountains where he always found peace and solace, and our visits abroad to the UK and the former USSR. In the field of journalism I have had the privilege of seeing from close quarters his method of functioning. He was a prolific and fast writer and, as has been underscored, with an eye for details. In his writings he never repeated himself. But more than that what struck me most was his wide and diverse contacts. He has been described as an introvert alone in a crowd. What needs to be underlined is that he was never a recluse, alienated from the public. All along he maintained livewire connections with a wide variety of people subscribing to different shades of opinion. That equipped him with an uncanny sense of predicting events apart from being a mine of information. He always called himself a reporter. He did have the finest attributes of a reporter, and despite airing his own views in commentaries and editorials never discarded fairness in reporting or tampered with facts. His fidelity to facts was extraordinary. And he knew what to report and what not to reportalways preserving the confidence reposed in him by his interlocutors. He had viewed the entire political specturm in pre- and post-independence India with the eyes of a concerned citizeninvolved yet detached. That gave him a unique perspective and won him credibility from his readers. His sense of history also contributed to his writings. He was a wonderful conversationalist and enjoyed travelling. He was also a connoisseur of good food and was gifted with a remarkable sense of humour with the ability to laugh at oneself. That is why he was shorn of any malice, pettiness, bitterness or rancour. A democrat of the core, he could never countenance any infringement on civil liberties and thus revolted against the slightest manifestation of authoritarianism as during the Emergency. At the same time he could not remain silent before perpetration of injustice or oppression. He was thus unhesitant in condemning the excesses by the security forces whether in Kashmir or the North-East, without in any way losing his bearing from the national standpoint. In fact attempts to throttle legitimate struggles of the dispossessed and the deprived, regardless of who led those struggles, always evoked indignation in him just as he sympathised with the underdog without equivocation. He was thus able to comprehend without difficulty the basic causes that led to the collapse of the statist socialist structures in Eastern Europe. He was also able to comprehend the necessity to improve Indias ties with all its neighbours including Pakistan and strained every nerve to strengthen Indo-Pak friendship at the peoples level. No wonder that his death is now being widely mourned in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Fiercely independent in his thinking and actions, he was simultaneously conscious of the forces at work to destablise India, and was thus not just wary of but assailed outright the external elements seeking to disintegrate the country. In fact he was a genuine nationalist secular democrat striving to bring about fundamental transformation of society with the purpose of betterment of the teeming millions living and working conditions. It needs to be highlighted here that Nikhil Chakravarttys character, outlook and approach to life were shaped by his upbringing. He was the eldest son of Prof Narendra Nath and Sailaja Chakravartty, both devout Brahmos. When Prof Narendra Nath, who taught English in Calcutta, became a Brahmo he was initially ostracised by his family in Barisal but never wavered in his conviction. He was a man of principle like his father-in-law, Raj Chandra Chaudhuri, who had swam the Surma river in Sylhet to discard the sacred thread and join the Brahmo Samaj. Whoever has closely interacted with my father has been struck by his generosity. He was not in the least attached to his possessions including property. But he considered his books to be his most precious possession. Now that Nikhil Chakravartty has gone forever it is impossible for me to reconcile to the new reality of his absence. Only with your deepest sympathies can I hope to bear this tragic loss even as I am convinced that the void left by his demise can never be filled. I am pro-foundly indebted to all of you, including those who have sent moving messages at our bereave-ment, for standing by us at our hour of grief; words fail to express my gratitude to all of you. However, let me conclude on a different note. When he came to stay in Delhi in the early fifties my father had in his drawing-room a portrait of the famous Czechoslovak journalist Julius Fucik who was killed by the Nazis in occupied Czechoslovakia in 1942. Below the portraint one read Fuciks unforgettable words: We have lived for joy, for joy we went into battle and for it we are now dying. Therefore never let grief be linked with our name. I am reminded of those words now that he is no more. Despite the intense sorrow that has engulfed all of us today, I too dare say that grief should never be linked with the name of Nikhil Chakravartty whose entire lifetill his last momentswas a celebration of humanity and the indomitable human spirit. [carried in Mainstream, July 11, 1998] The one who stood for all mankind (Lines for Nikhilda) Mankind was one single nation Quran Surah 2 Albaqarah In the ever-growing emptiness called life Among nuclear displays and mounting despair That threaten to end the human race There was one gentle poll of light South Asia filled the scope of your mind You were one who stood up for all mankind At the Wagah border, I walked by your side A candle for friendship was held in your hand Your eyes scanned the land far beyond the divide Where friends lit candles and nurtured the flame Knitting all parts of Asia in one single bind You were one who stood up for all mankind. Some sun-filled mornings, I sat by your side When you spoke of matters beyond mornings news Of the sweep of history, of death and of birth Of civilisations; and your journeys within and without In Persia, South Africa great wisdomyou find You were one who stood up for all mankind. I recall your last visit on Moharrums 10th day We sat down in sadness in the room of my prayer Did I then see Gods hand as if held over your head The man for whom sacred were all faiths and rites But the highest to humanity a place you assigned You were one who stood up for all mankind. And now that this world is so sadly reduced The visionarys gone, none to knit the divide None to heal the fresh wounds of fracture and fissure None to teach us that still hope in man must abide But we must move on, now your precept will shine You were one who stood up for all mankind. June 29, 1998 Syeda Saiyidain Hameed [Published in Mainstream (June 4, 1998)] Conscience-keeper of Civil Society Nikhil Chakravartty, Indian journalist, died in Delhi on June 27, aged 84. He was born in Silchar on November 3, 1913. Gentle yet combative, Nikhil Chakravartty was one of the most celebrated and respected names in Indian journalism. He was a courageous and independent columnist whose uncluttered style and great integrity won him an audience much larger than that normally associated with a Left-wing writer. At the time of his death he was also Chairman of the Board of the Prasar Bharati Corporation, Indias recently established autonomous public broadcaster. Nikhil Chakravartty was the son of Narendra Nath, a Professor of English in Calcutta. After graduating from the citys respected Presidency College he went to Merton College, Oxford. There he was drawn to Marxism, an ideology to which he was to retain a lifelong but non-dogmatic attachment. The Spanish Civil War and Cham-berlains policy of appeasementreality of Indias colonial bondagefuelled the passion of Indian students in Britain at the time and pushed many of them towards the exciting certitudes of Left-wing politics. Among Chakravarttys comrades at Oxford, Jyoti Basu and Indrajit Gupta continue to be important Communist leaders in India today. Upon his return to India in 1939, Chakravartty taught History at Calcutta University. In 1942, he married Renu Roy, whom he had known since Oxford. A year later, he became a full-time activist of the Communist Party of India (CPI), functioning mainly as the Bengal correspondent of the partys newspaper, Peoples War. As a journalist he soon made his mark. His searing reports of the Bengal famine, which claimed the lives of more than two million people, and of the Tebhaga peasant movement, were read avidly across the country. In 1946, he was arrested for writing about Operation Asylum, which was a secret British plan to overwhelm the Indian struggle for independence. In 1948, the CPI was proscribed following the adoption of the insurrectionary Zhdanov Line. Chakravartty went underground but when the party subsequently shifted gear he surfaced again. In the countrys first general elections in 1952 his wife was elected to Parliament on a CPI ticket. Moving to Delhi, Chakravartty continued to work for the party newspaper, by now called New Age, eventually becoming its Editor. It was during this time that he began to disagree with some of the CPIs stands, notably its support for Khruschchev over the 1956 events in Hungary. In 1962 he publicly criticised Pravda for failing to condemn China during the Sino-Indian border war. Like many others, however, he chose to remain within the party and it was not until 1978 that he formally parted company. The final straw was the CPIs support for the state of Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi between 1975 and 1977. In 1962 he launched a weekly magazine, Mainstream. Under his editorship, It became an influential platform for serious discussion of national and international affairs and helped to mould the attitudes and sensibilities of a generation. Though Left-leaning, Mainstream opened its columns to a variety of contributors in a non-partisan manner. His editorials were pithy and pulled no punches. During the Emer-gency, when censorship became the norm, Chakravartty constantly fell foul of the government. If the censors forbade an article, he would print a blank space. When that too was disallowed, he would carry allegorical poems by Tagore celebrating freedom. Finally, when the authorities issued an ultimatum, he preferred temporarily to close down the magazine rather than submit to their demands. As a campaigning journalist, Chakravartty had the rare ability to criticise those in power without sounding rancorous or vindictive. Despite his sharp attacks on Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, he was never denied access to the highest levels of government. For all his proximity to P.V. Narasimha Rao, the Congress Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996, Chakravarttys columns remained as incisive as ever. More than as an analyst, however, it is as the conscience-keeper of civil society that Chakravartty will most fondly be remembered. He was a staunch defender of human rights and spoke out against the marginalisation of the poor caused by economic liberalisation. He was also a passionate advocate of good relations between India and Pakistan. Humble and disarming, Chakravartty was always ready to advise anyone who approached him, from ministers and senior bureaucrats down to young cub reporters looking for a break. His humanism was a matter of instinct, his sense of judgement keenly balanced and his devotion to the freedom of the press absolute and unyielding. His wife predeceased him in 1994. He is survived by a son, who is also a journalist. (Courtesy: The Times (London) [carried in Mainstream, September 5, 1998] Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2018 > Dire Threat to Peace: A New Nuclear Arms Race Has Begun by Mikhail Gorbachev Over 30 years ago, President Ronald Reagan and I signed in Washington the United States-Soviet Treaty on the elimination of intermediate- and shorter-range missiles. For the first time in history, two classes of nuclear weapons were to be eliminated and destroyed. This was a first step. It was followed in 1991 by the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which the Soviet Union signed with President George H.W. Bush, our agreement on radical cuts in tactical nuclear arms, and the New Start Treaty, signed by the Presidents of Russia and the United States in 2010. There are still too many nuclear weapons in the world, but the American and Russian arsenals are now a fraction of what they were during the Cold War. At the Nuclear Nonproli-feration Review Conference in 2015, Russia and the United States reported to the international community that 85 per cent of those arsenals had been decommissioned and, for the most part, destroyed. Today, this tremendous accomplishment, of which our two nations can be rightfully proud, is in jeopardy. President Trump announced last week the United States plan to withdraw from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty and his countrys intention to build up nuclear arms. I am being asked whether I feel bitter watching the demise of what I worked so hard to achieve. But this is not a personal matter. Much more is at stake. A new arms race has been announced. The INF Treaty is not the first victim of the militarisation of world affairs. In 2002, the United States withdrew from the Antiballistic Missile Treaty; this year, from the Iran nuclear deal. Military expenditures have soared to astronomical levels and keep rising. As a pretext for the withdrawal from the INF Treaty, the United States invoked Russias alleged violations of some of the treatys provisions. Russia has raised similar concerns regarding American compliance, at the same time proposing to discuss the issues at the negotiating table to find a mutually acceptable solution. But over the past few years, the United States has been avoiding such discussion. I think it is now clear why. With enough political will, any problems of compliance with the existing treaties could be resolved. But as we have seen during the past two years, the President of the United States has a very different purpose in mind. It is to release the United States from any obligations, any constraints, and not just regarding nuclear missiles. The United States has in effect taken the initiative in destroying the entire system of international treaties and accords that served as the underlying foundation for peace and security following World War II. Yet I am convinced that those who hope to benefit from a global free-for-all are deeply mistaken. There will be no winner in a war of all against allparticularly if it ends in a nuclear war. And that is a possibility that cannot be ruled out. An unrelenting arms race, international tensions, hostility and universal mistrust will only increase the risk. Is it too late to return to dialogue and negotiations? I dont want to lose hope. I hope that Russia will take a firm but balanced stand. I hope that Americas allies will, upon sober reflection, refuse to be launchpads for new American missiles. I hope the United Nations, and particularly members of its Security Council, vested by the United Nations Charter with primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, will take responsible action. Faced with this dire threat to peace, we are not helpless. We must not resign, we must not surrender. (October 25, 2018) (Courtesy: New York Times) [This article was translated by Pavel Palazhchenko from the Russian.A version of this article appeared in print on October 26, 2018, on page A25 of the New York edition of NYT] Mikhail Gorbachev is the former President of the Soviet Union. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2018 > Sri Lanka: Let Parliament Express Its Will by Mohan K. Tikku It has been a time of great political uncertainty in Sri Lanka since Friday (October 26) when President Mathripala Sirisena announced the appointment of former President Mahinda Rajapakse as the new Prime Minister of the island-nation. He did this after summarily sacking incumbent Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe from the post. Under the Sri Lankan Constitution, the President as the executive head of state and government enjoys untrammelled powers that even exceed those of the French or American presidencies. It is not the Presidents powers that are in question here. It is the propriety of appointing someone who had been trounced in the 2015 election leading to Sirisena himself becoming the President. That election had been seen by many as an opportunity to open a new chapter in the history of Sri Lankan democracy. That was after the country had been through a lacerating war against the LTTE, accompanied by muscular governance and widespread rights violations, particularly affecting the Tamil civilians. So, one would be entitled to see President Sirisenas latest decision as a bit of a turnaround. The most obvious thing after the announcement of the Presidents decision would have been to summon Parliament and have the new Prime Minister confirmed in his office. But Sirisena could not afford to do that. The elephant in the room was the fact that Wickramasinghes United National Party was still the single largest party in the House. If the President had expected that Ranil Wickramasinghe would start losing support after he lost his job, this has not happenedat least not in the first few days. Wickaramsinghe has continued to enjoy the support of the 106 ruling party members in the House. In fact, some of the smaller parties have backed the majority United National Party in seeking a course correction. Altogether, a total of 126 members (that makes it a clear majority in the 225-member House) have demanded that the Parliament, which had been suspended till November 16 by the President, be summoned immediately to test if the newly appointed Prime Minister enjoyed majority support in the House. This constitutional conundrum has been further complicated by the fact that the Parliament Speaker, Karu Jayasuriya, has fully backed Wickramasinghe. That leaves Sri Lanka with two claimants to the Prime Ministers post. Wickramasinghe has sought to demonstrate his support base by organising rallies in protest against the presidential decision. Speakers at some of the rallies have threatened violence if a prime ministerial nominee was thrust on the country from above by displacing the one duly elected. Despite the fact that Wickramasinghe at present seems to have the numbers on his side, it may be a mistake to underestimate the talents of his rival. For one thing, Rajapakse is no quitter. He has already started inducting some UNP members into the new Cabinet. During his previous tenure as the President, Rajapakse had at one time appointed every Member of Parliament on his side as a Minister. At one point, it had become difficult to find enough ministerial designations for all of them. There even were instances when more than one Minister carried the same designation. That was his way of ensuring that his flock remained intact. At that time, Rajapakse had somewhat cynically remarked that it did not cost the government too much to appoint another Minister. All it took was a higher pay packet, a bigger car and a few other perks. All very affordable. Few people in Sri Lanka are as adept at manipulating the system to ones advantage as Rajapakse. Moreover, he enjoys a degree of goodwill among the armed forces and the police. He is someone who is seen as a bit of a war hero by the forces. They in turn had enjoyed a lot of leeway in civilian administration during his presidency. Equally predictably, Rajapakse is known to be in the good books of the Chinese. After all, it was during his presidency that the Chinese enlarged their Sri Lankan footprint all the way from Hambantota seaport to the Matale airport and much besides. It was quite understandable, therefore, that the Chinese rushed to welcome the appointment of the new Prime Minister. On his part, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse has promised early elections to the nine Provincial Councils, followed by parliamentary elections at a later datewhich in any case are due in early 2020. But most political parties see the elections as a ruse to shift attention away from the immediate constitutional crisis. Ranil Wickramasinghe, on the other hand, has sought to enlarge the debate by committing himself to constitutional reform. That involves changing the presidential system and replacing it with the Westminster style parliamentary system. There is nothing unique about this demand as several of his predecessors too have made such commitments in the past, only to dump them later. Many Sri Lankans see the current presidential constitutional system as the main source of flawed functioning of Sri Lankan democracy. If the crisis persists, it is likely to affect the working of the democratic institutions in Sri Lanka. The other big losers in this game would be the Tamils. They have been hoping that their long-pending grievances would be addressed by Colombo. Despite umpteen promises, successive governments have dithered on delivering on them. These relate to devolution of powers to the Tamil majority northern and eastern provinces, and rendering justice to the Tamil victims of the war. The Sri Lankan Government has already been under some pressure from the international community, as well as the United Nations, to ensure that some accountability is introduced and justice done to the people whose human and other rights were violated in the course of winning the war against the Tamil Tigers. To many observers of the Sri Lankan scene, these developments are not good news for the working of democratic institutions in the island-nation. To them, it seems a pity that all this should be happening in a country that has had the longest experience, historically, of working the democratic institutions in the South Asian region. As the recent developments in neighbouring Maldives have demonstrated, the affirmation of the will of the people should be the ultimate litmus test and the way out of a sticky situation. In the Sri Lankan case, this could be done best by letting Parliament express its will through a vote when the suspension of Parliament ends on November 16. That, probably, may be one way out of the constitutional quagmire that Sri Lanka currently finds itself in. Journalist and author, Mohan K. Tikku has served as a foreign correspondent in Sri Lanka. After the Fall: Sri Lanka in Victory and War (OUP) is his most recent book on the subject. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2018 > Justice At Last! COMMENTARY After more than 31 years justice has at long last been delivered in the 1987 Hashimpura massacre of 42 Muslim men who were shot dead in cold blood by policemen belonging to the UP Provincial Armed Constabulary. What is noteworthy is that the Delhi High Court has overturned the trial courts acquittal of the policemen in 2015 and 16 of them have been sentenced to life term in prison. This is quite a departure from what has become the norm over the years thereby perpetuating the reprehensible culture of impunity. Communal and mob violence, chacterised by lynchings, can be curbed only if this culture of impunity is brought to an end. It is in this context that the Delhi High Courts judgement on the Hashimpura massacre is most welcome as it sets a positive precedent. But that is not all. As The Times of India editorially avers, It (the verdict) is also a warning to State goverments, such as the UP Government, which encourage the police to be trigger-happy. The judgement, even if it is belated, has the potential to disprove the old adage: Justice Delayed is Justice Denied. Or has it? November 1 Observer Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2018 > Foremost Task before us Today EDITORIAL As the air quality in the Capital touches severe levels with a toxic haze hanging over Delhi with citizens residing in the National Capital Region experiencing burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, October 31an important landmark in our historyhas passed off silently across the nation. This year the date marked the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who, as the first Union Home Minister of independent India, played such a pivotal role in consolidating the countrys unity in our first years of freedom by merging the princely states into the Indian Union through his persistent, painstaking and steadfast efforts characterised by undiminished zeal. In this context special mention needs to be made of his prompt action to integrate Nizams Hyderabad into India thereby frustrating the possibility of the latters unilateral declaration of independence that could have sown the seeds of divided Indias second vivisection in the near future. But to contemporary Indians brought up in an independent state, the real significance of October 31 is linked to the gruesome assassination of Indira Gandhi, the third Prime Minister of this nation since 1947. With the advantage of hindsight it can now be safely concluded that even though she was killed by her Sikh bodyguards incensed over the Operation Bluestar at Amritsars Golden Temple four-and-a-half months before October 31, 1984, the real motive behind the assassination was to weaken Indias unity and destroy its cohesion so that it was incapable of playing a major role in world affairs. In fact Indira Gandhi was well aware of such a sinister plot by foreign powers, notably the US which, through its infamous secret service, the CIA, was determined to liquidate her. As she told Cuban President Fidel Castro in India in 1973, on learning the tragic news of Chilean head of state Salvador Allendes assassination by the US authorities, that she herself was the target of a similar conspiracy hatched by Washington to cut short her life. Yet the elements seeking to bring about her departure from the scene could not eventually succeed in their nefarious design to dismember India. A day before her death, addressing a massive public rally in Odisha she had prophetically declared that if she died in harness every drop of blood in my body will be dedicated to reinforcing the countrys unity. That is actually what happened notwithstanding the fratricidal violence that rocked the country following her demise. Indira Gandhi, as the founder of this periodical wrote after her passing, died as she livedtaking danger as her constant companion.... hers was a career crowded with events of unmitigated severity as well as unalloyed glory. Few were her moments of repose, for she... went among the largest segment of Indias ... millions covering the length and breadth of this far- flung country. It was an endless odyssey no other leader of her times has undertaken. Sardar Patel was legitimately described as the iron man of India due to his contribution in strengthening national unity brooking no resistance whatsoever. Precisely for that very reason, by widening the meanings of democracy and indepen-dence in South Asia through the liberation of the East Pakistani populace from West Pakistani exploitation and the birth of Bangladesh, Indira Gandhi became known as the iron lady of India. Except for the brief spell of the Emergency, Indira Gandhis governance of India was punctuated by her untiring striving to defend and promote our multireligious identity and pluralist culture that today regrettably is being attacked by petty individuals holding high offices they hardly deserve. Indeed the clock is being sought to be feverishly turned backwards by the coming to power since 2014 of a dispensation which aims to undermine both our pluralist ethos and communal harmony prejudiced as it is against the minorities, primarily the Muslims and Christians, who are feeling most insecure in present-day India. Headed by PM Narendra Modi, the dispensation may make a bid to invoke the slogan of national cohesion having constructed a huge Statue of Unity dedicated to Sardar Patel on the banks of the Narmada but in effect it is straining every nerve to dismantle every institution built under the inspiration of the Sardar to highlight our inherent unity in diversity. Elements at the Centre and in the States belonging to the ruling party are coming in conflict with the Apex Court of the land both on the issue of womens entry into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala and the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya. The judiciary has also come within their line of fire for having sought the details of the Rafale deal with France pulling apart the veil of secrecy deliberately raised to conceal the magnitude of the financial transaction involved. The manner of the Central Governments handling of the CBI and RBI is giving due weightage to the Oppositions charge that major institutions are under attack under the Modi raj. The Yogi Adityanath Government in UP is on a name-changing spree transforming the iconic city of Allahabad into Prayagraj while Mughalsarai has been renamed after Deen Dayal Upadhyay. Thus all signs of Muslim rule are being discarded as per the norms of Hindutva. At the same time one should not be oblivious of the vicious attacks launched by the so-called fringe elements in the Hindutva camp, who really comprise the mainstream of the Hindu communalists, on reputed rationalists, writers and journalists that resulted in the cold-blooded murders of Narendra Dabholkar, M.M. Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Gauri Lankesh. At this very moment Left-wing intellectuals are also under the scanner of the Right-wing government which has branded them as urban Naxalites. Simultaneously mob violence continues to take the lives of innocent Muslims, Dalits and fearless activists holding aloft the banner of free speech. Those now in power at the Centre and in various States are hell-bent on unveiling an out-and-out fascist regime in case they can return to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Hence it is imperative to foil their ulterior designs through secular democratic unity of the public at large that alone can defeat them at the hustings. It is a genuine life and death struggle for us all if we are to protect our Constitution and preserve the idea of India bequeathed to us by our revered freedom fighters. We need to remove the toxic haze hanging over us and restore the life-giving sunlight which is lately shrouded by the haze. This is the foremost task before us to ensure that the India we fought for and cherish since the dawn of our independence is not corroded as a consequence of the depredations of those who are intent on defiling and changing it beyond recognition. November 1 S.C. Kottayam : The owner of Kunnattukalathil jewelry and finance group, who was arrested recently for cheating investors was found dead near the premises of a hospital in Kottayam on Saturday. The incident occurred about 8.30 AM on Saturday. According to the reports, KV Vishwanathan ( 68 ), jumped from the fourth floor of a hospital building, where he was undergoing treatment. He was arrested after hundreds of the clients alleged fraudulence against the company. Istanbul : The Saudi government operatives dissolved Journalist Jamal Khashoggi's body after murdering and dismembering him, an adviser to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogen said. We now see that it wasnt just cut up (the Saudi suspects) got rid of the body by dissolving it, Yasin Aktay, an adviser to Recep Tayyip Erdogan and an official in Turkeys ruling party, told the newspaper Hurriyet on Friday. The remarks represented the first official statement from a Turkish authority about what allegedly happened to Khashoggi''s body. However, the forensic experts questioned the theory, as they pointed out that disposing of a body using acid can take months. The Journalist's body has still not been found a month after his disappearance on 2 October, when he entered the consulate to obtain marriage papers while his fiance Hatice Cengiz, waited outside. The government could bring a law for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya even when the dispute is before the Supreme Court, as there have been instances of the court's decisions being scuttled legislative process, former Supreme Court judge Jasti Chelameswar said Friday. His comments came when the clamour for the enactment of a law to pave the way for construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya was growing within the Sangh Parivar. Justice (retired) Chelameswar was speaking at an interactive session hosted by the All India Professionals Congress, an organisation affiliated to the Congress party. Earlier this year, Justice Chelameswar was among the four senior judges of the Supreme Court who went public with their objections about the then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra's style of functioning. When asked at Friday's programme whether Parliament can pass a law for Ram temple while the matter is in the Supreme Court, Chelameswar said it could happen. "Legally if it can happen (or not) is one aspect. Whether it will happen (or not) is another. I'm aware of instances that happened in the past where decisions of the Supreme Court were scuttled by the legislative process," he said. He cited the example where the Karnataka Assembly passed a law to overturn the SC order on the Cauvery water dispute, and another similar instance related to inter-state water dispute between Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. "The nation should have opened up to these things much earlier... This (a law on Ram temple) is possible as we did not stop it then," he said. PTI Should You Sell Your Stocks Before Tuesdays Big Elections? Are you prepared for Tuesday? Its going to be a crucial day for the stock market. As you likely know from the lawn signs dotting American neighborhoods, midterm elections take place this Tuesday. If the polls are correct, President Trump and Republicans are in big trouble According to statistical analysis firm FiveThirtyEight, theres an 85% chance Democrats will seize control of the House of Representatives from Republicans. This is causing bigtime anxiety for investors whove enjoyed the 28% stock market rally since Trump took office. No matter what you think of Trump, his reign as president has been great for stocks. But as the election has drawn closer, the market has fallen apart. Yesterday the S&P 500 closed out October for a 7% monthly dropnearly its worst month since the financial crisis! Im going to tell you exactly how to be invested ahead of Tuesdays big elections. But before I continue, a warning Few topics stir emotion in America like politics. Many perfectly reasonable people lose the ability to think straight when they hear the name Trump. Politics and investing do not mix. Superinvestor Warren Buffet often says If you mix politics and investing, youre making a big mistake. So lets steer clear of opinion and emotion. Instead, I want to focus solely on the facts that are relevant to you as an investor. As youll see, you dont need to waste even one second worrying about which party will win on Tuesday. My team went back and studied every midterm election since the Second World War. I was surprised by what we found. It turns out theres a shockingly easy way to predict whether stocks will rise or fall after a midterm election. And it has nothing to do with predicting in advance which party will win. Heres what we found Since 1946, there have been 18 midterm elections. US stocks have climbed higher in the next 12 months after every single one. Every single one. Thats 18 for 18! Ill repeat it because this is so important: For each of the past 18 midterms, stocks have ALWAYS climbed higher a year later. Always. Weve had every possible political combination in the past 72 years. Republican president with Democratic Congress. Democratic president with Republican Congress. Republican president and Congress. Democratic president and Congress. The market climbed higher every time. And stocks dont just grind higher after a midterm election. They often surge Since 1946, stocks have jumped an average of 17% in the year after a midterm. And if you measure from the yearly midterm lows, the results are even better. From their lows, stocks jumped an average of 32% over the next 12 months. For perspective, thats more than double the average performance for stocks in all years. Were also entering the third year of a presidential term, which is historically the strongest year for stocks. Take a look at this chart. You can see that the performance of stocks in the third year of a presidential term beats all other years by a long shot: The facts are clear but why do markets behave this way with such remarkable consistency? Glance up at the chart above once more and youll notice the second year of the presidential cycle is typically the worst for stocks. Thats the year were in right nowthe year when midterms occur. Theres one last important point you should know. Leading up to midterms, US stocks typically perform poorly. From January to October in midterm years, they drop an average of roughly 1%. In all other years stocks rise roughly 7% in that timeframe. Think of midterm elections like a thick fog covering markets. They obscure what the political situation will look like in the near future. Unable to see whats coming, investors get nervous and act cautiously. Just as they would slow down while driving a car through a thick fog. Once the election concludes and the fog clears, investors regain confidence and the market gets back on track. 2018 is following this script to a T. For all the markets gyrations in the past few weeks, the S&P is roughly flat year to date. If we stay on script, we should expect the market to surge in November after the uncertainty of the elections is behind us. Knowing all this, now is your chance to take advantage of the markets pre-election jitters. If youve been reading the RiskHedge Report, you know I practice disruption investing. I identify and invest in companies that are disrupting industries and inventing the future. Often, these stocks can hand us big gains of 3x, 4x, 5x our money or more. This stock market pullback is our chance to get in on great disruptive businesses at much cheaper prices than we could a few weeks ago. Today I want to highlight your opportunity to buy Google (GOOG) at a great price. Ive called Google one of the ultimate disruptors, because its like an octopus with tentacles in many disruptive sectors. As you surely know, Google has an effective monopoly on the internet search market. For every 100 searches performed, 92 of them flow through Google. And this year itll earn over $100 billion from selling internet ads on its search pages. But this is only scratching the surface. Google also owns YouTube, which my research shows could be a $150 billion company on its own. It also owns Waymo, the worlds leading self-driving car company. As I explained recently, it will launch a fully driverless ride-sharing service in Arizona later this year. Underneath it all, Google is super-profitable. In the latest quarter it increased its net profit margin to 27.2%. Meaning for every $100 in sales, it can reinvest $27 into growing its disruptive businesses. A few weeks ago, I recommended you wait to buy Google until it pulled back to near $1,050/share. Today we have our chance. As I type its trading for about $1,070/share close enough for me to pull the trigger. Im buying Google here and I plan to hold for at least two years. Thats all for today. What do you think Are you worried about the stock market pullback? Or do you see it as an opportunity? Write me at stephen@riskhedge.com. Stephen McBride Chief Analyst, RiskHedge By Stephen McBride http://www.riskhedge.com 2018 Copyright Stephen McBride - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. John Chambers isnt just another overnight success story who is ready to talk about his golden-paved path to the executive suite. Growing up dyslexic in West Virginia, he worked hard to overcome personal challenges and rise to the top position at Cisco Systems, where he transformed a router company into one of the biggest tech operations in the world. Chambers, who now runs JC2 Ventures, shares his hard-won life and business lessons in his new book, Connecting the Dots: Lessons for Leadership in a Startup World. He joined the [email protected] radio show on SiriusXM to talk about what defines success. Listen to the full podcast http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/connecting-the-dots/?utm_source=kw_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2018-11-01 Amazon.com has held advanced discussions about the possibility of opening its highly sought-after second headquarters in Crystal City, including how quickly it would move employees there, which buildings it would occupy and how an announcement about the move would be made to the public, according to people close to the process. By Jonathan OConnell and Robert McCartney https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/amazon-in-advanced-talks-about-putting-hq2-in-northern-virginia-those-close-to-process-say/2018/11/02/9be831d6-d7c0-11e8-aeb7-ddcad4a0a54e_story.html?utm_term=.4df89465b23e MERIDEN City resident Ryan Holley is alleging undercover police officers in the citys Crime Suppression Unit racially profiled him during an incident last month that ended with Holley, armed at the time, being shot and wounded by three officers in a CVS parking lot. Holley, who is black, also believes the undercover officers unnecessarily escalated the situation by not identifying themselves as police while closely following Holleys car in an unmarked vehicle for several miles. Police Chief Jeffry Cossette called the claim ridiculous and said the situation was severely escalated when officers observed a gun discharge in Holleys vehicle. He also expressed confidence that the officers, whom he didnt name, will be cleared of any wrongdoing. Five officers in an unmarked SUV began following Holley on Oct. 18 about 10:20 p.m. sometime after Holley picked up his co-worker Michael Thurman, also black, in front of St. Joseph Church on Goodwill Avenue on his way to work at LaserShips courier facility on Research Parkway. Police havent yet specified why they began following Holleys 1999 Buick Century. Holley, a registered gun owner with no criminal history, has not been charged since the incident. Police followed Holleys car for several miles beginning on West Main Street and onto Lewis Avenue, Interstate 691 and Route 15, where Holley exited onto East Main Street and pulled into the parking lot of the CVS Pharmacy. Officers noticed a gun discharge in Holleys car while following him. Holley said he accidentally discharged his gun in his hand while driving after he pulled it out of his glove compartment because he feared for his safety. Thurman also said the gun discharged accidentally. Three officers shot Holley in the parking after Holley exited his vehicle with his registered firearm in his hand. Holley said he wasnt ready to engage in a firefight with anybody when he got out of the car, but wanted to protect himself. Holley was shot in his right hand and wrist area and in the left elbow. I saw him go down and thought he was dead, said Thurman who initially remained in Holleys car before being removed by police. Holley was treated at Hartford Hospital and is still unable to work at his job as a freight coordinator at LaserShip because of his injuries. Holley doesnt question why police shot him given the circumstances, but questions why police began following me in the first place and why they did not identify themselves as police sooner. Everybody keeps asking me, What were they following you for? Listen, I dont have the answer to that, Holley said in his first interview since the incident. .Ill say it was racially profiling because thats all I can say. Holley said that had police initially identified themselves, I would have pulled over and put my hands up and that would have been it. Thurman corroborated Holleys account of what happened in a separate interview this week. The question is why (police) started following us in the first place, and why they didn't say who they were until they started shooting at us, said Thurman. It was just two black guys going to work. What other reason would they say they were following us for? Thurman said. Did they think there was a drug deal going on? But nobody gave us a reason for why they started following us in the first place and why they didn't announce who they were. I thought it was a threat Thurman said Holley began picking him up in front of the church on his way to work five nights a week about two months ago after Thurmans car broke down. Thurman thought the driver inside the unmarked SUV was having road rage because they were speeding and driving erratically around Holleys car. I dont understand why the officers didnt indicate they were police. Its so weird, Holleys girlfriend, Ashley Peterson said. Even after you heard a gunshot go off inside the car, why didnt you identify yourself? ...This whole situation doesnt make any sense and didnt have to happen. It was all for no reason, Peterson said. And I don't give a damn, they were racially profiling. City Manager Tim Coon, who in his previous job was in charge of the training curriculum for all municipal police officers in Connecticut, deferred comment on the incident to Cossette but said the officers' actions are something to be analyzed to determine if policies were followed. Cossette said officers began following Holley as part of an observation or an investigation, but declined to elaborate because state police are investigating the incident at the direction of the New Haven States Attorneys Office. The states attorneys office did not return a request for comment. Any charges against Holley would be filed by the state attorneys office, Cossette said. Cossette said there was no justification for Holley to discharge his gun, though he acknowledged that officers did not identify themselves to Holley until they arrived at the CVS parking lot. Holley said when his gun accidentally discharged the shot went through his front windshield, in the opposite direction of the unmarked police vehicle, which was trailing behind Holleys car on the drivers side at the time. I had it in my hand and when I grabbed the wheel, it went off, Holley said, which Thurman later corroborated. My coworker will tell you that was an accident. I did not mean for that to happen. Holley, who moved to Connecticut in 2010, said he grew up around gang violence in places like Oakland, California, and Chicago, so his instinct was to protect himself while being harassed by someone I didnt know while going to work. I thought it was a threat, he said. I dont know who they are. They have super dark tints...theyre not identifying themselves as police. Holley decided to get off the East Main Street exit on Route 15, instead of driving to his work on Research Parkway, because he wanted to pull off in a well-lit area. Holley said the SUV police were driving did not have lights or a siren, which Cossette confirmed, and had tinted windows so he couldnt see the officers inside wearing vests with police across the front. Holley became rattled when officers pulled up along the drivers side and flashed a light into Holleys car, which blinded him and caused him to swerve. Im registered, Im protecting myself. Thats what it came down to in my mind, Holley said about his decision to pull his gun out, adding he had never discharged his gun since becoming a registered owner in 2012. Once officers observed the discharge inside Holleys car, their first priority became to make the area safe and they didnt have time to wait for a marked police car to assist, Cossette said. If a marked unit isnt available, then they're going to act accordingly as far as stopping the threat and containing the threat, Cossette said. The officers were placed on administrative assignment following the shooting. Cossette said two of the officers, who did not fire shots at Holley, have returned to normal duty. Cossette declined to name the officers because the case is still under investigation. Cossette couldnt say whether officers tried to call in Holleys license plate, which would have indicated that Holley was a registered gun owner. What do I have to hide? Crime Suppression Unit officers drive unmarked vehicles and wear vests with police shown in the front, Cossette said. The unit is a part of the departments detective division and is responsible for all street robberies, narcotics, prostitution, and vice-related crimes, according to the departments website. Members of this unit receive specialized training in the use of confidential informants, interview and interrogation, evidence collection, and surveillance, the website says. This is a hybrid unit where veteran detectives and younger patrol officers work together to combat narcotics trafficking Since its inception in 2005, the Crime Suppression Unit has made several hundred narcotics and prostitution arrests and seized several hundred thousand dollars in cash and property from the sale of illegal drugs. Holley and Peterson said Holley is lucky to be alive and that the shooting could have been avoided. My story is always going to be the police versus me, so they going to rock with the police no matter what, Holley said. But they were wrong, period. You should have identified to us that you were police from the beginning because I have nothing to hide If I knew it was the police, Im a registered gun owner. What do I have to hide? Im going to work with my coworker. Holley said not being able to work his job at LaserShip since the incident has been hard on him because he helps support his girlfriend and their 6-year-old son, who has special needs. Holley has thought about filing a civil suit against police, but said he has had a hard time finding legal representation. Holleys experience marks the second time in the last several months an interaction between undercover city officers and the public has drawn concerns. In August, the father of a city man arrested following a pursuit with undercover officers driving an unmarked vehicle, reached out to the Record-Journal claiming his son did not know the armed undercover officers were police, causing him to flee. Harold Williams, the father of 30-year-old Cinque Williams, said his son drove away from undercover officers on the evening of July 26 after the officers ordered Cinque Williams out of a car he just entered. Before Williams entered the car, officers checked the license plate of the vehicle because it was illegally parked and discovered the plate had been reported stolen. Harold Williams said the car was purchased and registered but had been previously stolen from his son in Hartford earlier this year. When officers approached Cinque Williams to order him out of the car, he did not see the police vests on the plainclothes officers and saw one of the men holding a weapon. So he drove off, not knowing they were police, Harold Williams said. At one point in the pursuit, Williams accelerated toward a police cruiser that an officer had just stepped out of, according to a police report. The officer jumped back into the passenger seat and Williams struck the passenger side of the cruiser with the car, the report said. Harold Williams said his son denies accelerating toward the cruiser. Williams was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with an officer, attempt to assault an officer, attempt to commit first-degree assault, failure to drive in proper lane, failure to obey stop sign, reckless driving, and disobeying the signal of an officer. That case is pending. mzabierek@record-journal.com 203-317-2279 Twitter: @MatthewZabierek